Chapter 1: Miscalculations

At last, the Taipan completed its hop, jumping out of the Ethernet and back to normal space. Trevor, however, wasn't all that happy about it.

I can't freaking feel my legs!! he screamed mentally. Quickly, he began to search for the New Atlantis. He was glad that it didn't take long. It appeared on both radar and active radar detection. Reacting as quickly as he could, he locked onto it and slammed on his throttle, and the sheer speed it reached made him smile. Most fighters (even the top Lylatian fighters) could only reach speeds of around mach seven, maybe eight at best. Oh, how Trevor loved his machine, watching the galaxy streak by at twelve times the speed of sound. It would still take a good deal of time to reach the ship, however. And that fact, made Trevor very unhappy.

***

"Um..." Boomer started, "Well, I guess that could be him. Never seen anything like that before..." Indeed, she hadn't. Even the advanced, full databases of the New Atlantis could not explain the sudden burst of unknown energy. The radar then detected a single ship, about fighter sized, in the same area of the burst where there was none before. "Has to be him," she said, picking up on a radar lock, "Are you ready Mariko?"

"I am. Wish me luck." The Knightfall launched from the New Atlantis, heading for the planet below. Not long after, she was followed by Shade and Wolf in their respective craft.

"She waits in the cafe, he meets her there, and all we have to do is make the trip extremely difficult for him," Ariel said, smiling almost evilly.

"That's about it," Boomer said, rising from her post, "I'm heading out now too."

"Have fun." Several minutes later, the Shockwave launched. Ariel sat and waited, looking on with amazement. She had seen some fast moving fighters in her life, Shade's ship Iriah included, but the speed at which this one was moving was ludicrous. She would be waiting around maybe half an hour before she could contact him, maybe less depending on the equipment he had...

"..yea, if you can hear this, give me permission to land." Ariel was shocked.

"Wha-you can contact us already?" She asked what she thought was the proper channel.

"Yes," came back the reply, "Give me permission to land. I can't freaking feel my legs."

Ariel laughed loudly. "Sorry, but who is this?"

"If you aren't Miyamoto, Mariko, you don't need to know."

"Ah, our wayward Slayer. She's waiting for you on the planet's surface. Would you like the location?"

Damn, she's smarter than I was hoping, Trevor thought to himself. "Well, that would be helpful. Please, send them to me." Chuckling, Ariel transmitted the location of the cafe, although the directions would take him on a more round-about route...right past the rest of the Dolphins! Clearly unaware of what was awaiting him, the Slayer headed for the landing area at what seemed to be his top speed. Maybe he really couldn't feel his legs...

***

Cleared to land, Trevor did and climbed out of the Taipan, collapsing on the ground. "Pins and needles! Pins and needles!" he screamed.

A distance away, Boomer watched him through binoculars. "He's a Knight Slayer? He sure doesn't look it..."

"Nevermind that Gray," Wolf half stated, half ordered over her com-link, "Did he take the bait?"

"It would appear so. He is presently stumbling more or less towards you, Shade."

"Excellent," the Knight said grimly, ready with his task...which was really nothing more than shoving some bricks onto the Slayer when he walked past. Thinking on it, it really didn't seem all that elaborate, and since he was a Slayer, he would more likely than not avoid any injury. Well, this was the plan, and Shade did want to see exactly how good his opponent was, so why not?

"Here he comes, Shay," Boomer said after a couple minutes, "Get ready."

Shade was ready, and from Boomer's earlier description, he now saw the Slayer. He looked dangerous-ish, dressed entirely in black, wearing a log coat. Shade saw him stop, and stand there.

Something is not right, Trevor thought to himself. Cautiously, he began walking forward again, all of his senses on overdrive. He was hearing and smelling things he normally would not, using his sixth sense to detect danger, anything that could possibly be of aid. After several meters, nothing had happened, and he began to relax just a little bi-JUMP!! Trevor dove to the side, just in time to avoid some bricks that had fallen. Planting his hand on the ground, he purposely botched his landing so that he tumbled along the ground. It would look less suspicious than if he landed on his feet. People stared and gaped, and several asked if he was all right. Trevor feigned shock, and after a few seconds, turned to them, waiting a bit more longer, and then frantically that he was fine. To them, it looked as though he had seen the bricks at the last minute and jumped aside.

"Well, that was disappointing," Shade said to himself. Mariko probably had nothing to worry about if that was all this Slayer was.

Trevor looked at his directions again, and then turned to one of the bystanders, an elderly mule. "Sir, what's the quickest route to this cafe? I'm supposed to meet someone there in about five minutes," he said, not completely lying.

"Oh, just go that way, and turn left at the next large intersection, and it'll be right there," was the reply.

Trevor checked his directions, which told a very different story. Not bad, Miyamoto. Not bad at all. "Thank you sir." With that Trevor was off and running.

"He's doing what?!" Wolf screamed. Trevor was going a different route than they had told him, and unfortunately, it would take him straight to the cafe, bypassing the Dolphins in the process, all because he asked for directions.

"It's kind of funny, really," Boomer piped up, not sounding all that amused, "All this work and he asks for directions."

Wolf was not in the mood. "Shut up Gray..."

Chapter 2: The First Date (???)

Mariko was surprised. The Slayer had managed to arrive almost 30 minutes early, at least, it had to be the Slayer, since he walked right over to her and sat down. "You're early..." she said, stating the obvious.

"That was a really mean trick, having your pals drop bricks on me like that," he sneered, speaking fluent Imperial.

"Well, I didn't explicitly tell them to drop bricks on you. I just told them to slow you down in whatever fashion they deemed reasonable. I really should stop leaving orders like that open-ended..."

"Yes, you should. Have you ordered yet?"

Mariko was surprised again. "You mean like, ordered food?" she asked.

"Yes! If I'm going to meet you in a cafe, then I expect to have something to eat."

Great, Mariko thought, He'll probably try to intimidate my by ordering raw eggs and bourbon. After a short while, a waitress noticed them

"Would either of you to see out lunch menu?" she asked.

The Slayer was quicker. "No thanks, I'd just like five spring rolls and some Ceylon tea."

That was a surprise. "Anything for you madam?" "Oh, just some brussels sprouts with mustard and Jasmine tea."

"Alright, you're order will be ready in a few minutes. I'll bring your tea while you're waiting."

"Brussels sprouts and mustard?" Trevor asked.

They had both started to use Imperial now. "So sue me, it sounded good," was the reply, "And you're the tough guy, you're supposed to have raw squirrel meat and whiskey."

"Somehow, that doesn't sound very appetizing..."

Mariko couldn't help but laugh at that. "Well, you certainly aren't what I was expecting. Slayers always seemed like the, 'Kill 'em All, Take No Prisoners' type."

"Yea, that's a pretty common stereotype," Trevor stated, "But think about it. Where would that actually get us?"

"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't Slayers kill Knights?"

Trevor shot a sidelong glance at her, eyes hidden behind his dark shades. "Yes, we do, but not all Knights."

That was another surprise. "Please tell me what exactly they do then, because I have clearly been misinformed," Mariko replied.

"Well..." Trevor acted quickly, making a small diagram using a salt shaker and several packets of sugar, "It works like this: This is Knight society as we know it." He placed the sugar packets in a line. "And this is a Slayer." He placed the salt shaker next to the line. "As you can see, everything is well ordered, and the Slayer has nothing to do."

"Right," Mariko said.

"Ideal situation. Now, this is a Rogue," Trevor pulled one of the sugar packets out of the line and placed it on the side, "Obviously disruptive to the order of things." Mariko nodded. "So, our Slayer goes into action, and tells this trouble-maker to go back in line." Using the salt shaker, he pushed the sugar packet back in line, and then pulled out another one. "This is a Knight whose goal is to kill as many Rogues as possible. Now, normally, we don't worry too much about that, but this particular Knight is causing more damage than they're preventing. You've probably met some Knights like that."

"Unfortunately, I've met a couple."

"Yea. Well, our Slayer comes along and tells them to stop, because they're more a danger than a savior. Unfortunately, this particular Knight is stubborn, and they won't listen. Well, this is where we earn our 'fame'." Using the salt shaker, he knocked the stray sugar packet aside. "And that's the way it is."

Mariko absorbed the new learning, taking a sip of the tea which had just arrived. "So, you don't actually kill Knights, but rather, you remove threats to the public and to other Knights," she reiterated.

"That's the idea, yes," Trevor said, taking a sip of his own tea.

"That's quite different from what I was told, Mr. Makino."

Trevor feigned a look of hurt. "Oh, so you've heard that name, eh? Well, that's merely the name my ship is registered under, and the name I give to people when I don't want to be known," he said.

Mariko looked at him quizzically, asking, "May I have your real name then?"

"Well, I see no harm in it. My real name is Trevor Lee," he replied.

"Then it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lee."

Unlike previous encounters with Knights, Trevor was enjoying this one. Mariko was polite, she listened to him, allowed herself to be listened to, and as a bonus, she was easier on the eyes than many of the more masculine Knights he had met (and more so than some of the females as well!). What he liked best though was that she had an opened mind, and it certainly appeared that they were fast friends. At least, until Trevor brought up the subject of the Gauntlet. Once he did that, it went downhill.

"I'm sorry, Trevor," Mariko spat, slightly annoyed, "But this is not something I'm willing to give to someone I just met and for that matter, someone who's true intentions are unknown, despite what you say. I'm sorry, but...I at least know that I can control it. I'm just not comfortable giving it away."

Trevor sighed heavily, afraid this would happen. "Well, I respect your reasoning Mariko, but my feelings are that the Gauntlet is too dangerous and unpredictable for anyone to have. So, come on, just let me throw it into a volcano, or better yet, let's do it together."

Mariko just shook her head. Trevor sighed again. "That's really too bad, because you see, now I have to take it from you using force, which is really something I'd rather not do."

"You might as well. I'm think that many of the things I've heard about Slayers are true."

Trevor glared at her. "That hurt more than you can imagine," he hissed.

"I don't quite see why," Mariko responded, obviously angry, "Out of all Knights, Slayers are the most untrustworthy and chaotic. That's something to think about."

"No Mariko. Out of all Knights, Slayers have the highest rate of suicide. That is something to think about. Meet on the roof of this building in five minutes, we'll settle this then." That said, Trevor stood up and slinked to the back of the cafe, climbing the stairs to the roof.

Highest rate of suicide? Mariko repeated Trevor's words in her mind. Why? Pushing the thought aside, she followed Trevor to the roof, and remembered the one reason she disliked this planet. Rain storms appeared as suddenly as a breeze did, and one was rapidly brewing, small drops of water already touching the ground. Trevor was in the center of the roof, looking up. "Trying to find something?" Mariko asked him.

"I was hoping to see the sky, and you should have been too," Trevor said, slowly turning to face her, saber in hand, "This could very well be the last time either of us will see it."

Chapter 3: Blood Rain

"That's not the most optimistic outlook, Trevor," Mariko said.

"There are times when optimism is a handicap."

"Only to you." With his free hand, Trevor removed his sunglasses and tossed them aside, causing Mariko to gasp. His irises were a brilliant green, and she saw now why he had seemed vaguely familiar. If his hair were a different color, he would look just like... She stopped there. She didn't need to be distracted.

The rain fell harder, becoming a full storm, sending people on the streets below running for protection from it.

"Please Mariko, we don't have to do this," Trevor pleaded, "Just give me the Gauntlet." Finally, Mariko could stand it no longer. At her command, the Gauntlet was there. Trevor gaped. Then he remembered she had been wearing a bracelet earlier. "That's a neat trick, Mariko. You had it right there the entire time, and I never knew," Trevor commended.

"The Gauntlet is part of me, Trevor. You'll have to kill me before you can take it," was the reply.

"I don't have to kill you Mariko. If you won't give it up, then I'm going to try to remove your arm."

Both Knights activated their sabers, and the rain continued to fall. Already, their fur was matted to their faces. Trevor's hair, once held up in spikes, clung to his forehead, unable to stand up any longer. Steam and fog rose as the water was evaporated by their weapons. Having nothing else to hold them back, both charged at one another, sabers slashing when they were at arms length.

Trevor was faster, and this was not hard to notice. As soon as his saber deflected Mariko's, it seemed to be swinging at her again. Contorting her body and defending, she barely avoided Trevor's attack and prepared to strike again. Somehow, he had gotten alongside her, slashing towards her shoulder in an attempt to free the Gauntlet from her possession. But he was not expecting it to strike back. A metallic tendril lanced forth and knocked his saber aside, while two more attempt to damage him. The first was easy to avoid, but they both moved with such speed, that he only barely avoided the second. The one which had deflected his attack tried its luck, and he slashed at it, knocking it away but not destroying it. Reacting with speed that was unnatural, even for a Knight, he put distance between himself and Mariko, boots splashing in newly formed puddles of water. They circled, sizing up the situation.

The rain fell harder, and Trevor saw how he could win. Raising his saber, he charged again. He spun his weapon in a figure eight, deflecting a saber attack and one of the tendrils. A second attempted to trip him, but found nothing as he leaped into the air to avoid it. Expertly, he performed a double kick, kicking away another tendril and hitting Mariko squarely in the nose with his size twelve soles. She was knocked backwards in a spray of crimson, stumbling and falling, but she rolled onto her feet and recovered quickly. Blood ran steadily from her nose, and Trevor was sure he had broken it. That was the distraction he needed.

Lightning flashed, followed closely by thunder.

Trevor charged yet again, and when Mariko expected a strike, Trevor instead deactivated his saber and threw it into the air, jumping after it. He punched aside another tendril, which should have hurt more than anything, and stunned Mariko by doing a hand plant on her head and using it to further his leap. Snatching his saber, he reactivated the blade and slashed downward...

{Behind!} screamed a voice, and before Trevor could react, Mariko smashed the Gauntlet into his face with a spinning backhand. He was knocked back and spun, but proved his great agility by landing on his feet. Mariko was already running straight at him, eyes full of rage. Skillfully, he deflected two saber attacks, and barely ducked a tendril. A second tendril struck his muzzle, and he felt the blunt power behind it, but was unfazed. He launched an assault of his own, a combination of slashes, feet, and fists. He batted aside tendrils and sabers, and avoided them by paper-thin margins. Mariko could swear that he released his grip on his saber once or twice, catching it with his other hand in elaborate parries. He found an opening, and struck...

{Left leg!} He saber was blocked, Mariko's own guided by the voice. A tendril struck him, and it must have been bladed, because he could feel it rend the flesh of his flank, but aside that, he did not notice it. He slashed again. {Chest, from the right!} A tendril blocked his saber this, applying enough force to spin Trevor around. Wasting none of his momentum, his fist shot out. {Face!} The hand with the Gauntlet knocked the fist aside and then struck, catching Trevor squarely in the eye. Mariko kicked with all her might, knocking the breath from his lungs. Trevor tried to counter-attack, but again the voice alerted Mariko and her saber protected her from his. With momentum to spare, Mariko spun and hit Trevor with another backhand. The extra power from the Gauntlet sent the fox flying through the air and crashing into the roof. He slide in the rain water, and rolled before coming to a rest. After only a moment, he was on his feet again, and held his left palm downward, and dropped to the floor, putting all his weight on it.

CRAK!

Mariko winced and looked on, pained by the sound of Trevor's shoulder popping back into the socket. In an instant, he was standing on his feet, and exhaled sharply before turning to face her, removing his coat. Lightning flashed again, and Mariko realized three important pieces of information. The first was the Trevor had a second saber, and as soon as he called the other back to his hand, he activated them both. The second was that there were four or five buckles on his coat, right where his shoulder were. Mariko knew they may have been for show, but also that they would have restricted his arm movements greatly. With increased movement range and another weapon, he would no doubt be at least twice as lethal. Thirdly, and most terrifying, was that Mariko only had a broken nose, which hurt like nothing else. Trevor, on the other hand, had sustained horrendous injuries. Blood oozed from the corner of his mouth, and also from a huge gash in his left flank, at least it had. Through what appeared to be sheer force of will, the bleeding had stopped. His eye was trying to swell shut, but he prevented it by the same miracle of virtue. But worst of all was that he was not in the least bit bother or hindered by his injuries, and just looked enraged. Mariko had just made the most horrifying discovery she had in a long time. Trevor Lee was totally immune to pain, and was he pissed off. For brief moment, she heard a thought from Trevor, one that he had not hidden from her, and it worried her more than anything she had ever heard about Slayers.

Mariko tried to stay above fear when she heard Trevor's furious roar before he launched himself at her with supernatural quickness. An attempt to toss him aside with her powers, yielded nothing, he was immune to them as well, it seemed. With no options left, she gave her own battle cry and lunged at him. Sabers collided, and then sabers and tendrils, sabers and flesh, tendrils and flesh, flesh and flesh. They had pulled out all the stops. Mariko tried to push Trevor away with her tendrils, but he was too fast, pushing by them and attacking her furiously, once even smashing her busted nose with a headbutt. He managed several other cuts on her body, and she on his. Before long, it looked as though their outfits would fall apart, but that was not bothering Mariko. She had her responsibility to protect her child at all costs, even if she had to kill Trevor.

In his rage, he left an opening. Tendrils knocked both sabers aside, and Mariko cut into his torso. Though seemingly unhurt, he was stunned, and she swung with the Gauntlet, catching him squarely on the jaw. Trevor was sent back ten feet, spitting blood and collapsing on the ground. The water was already swirled with blood, and only became redder. Mariko struggled to hold herself up, having spent so much energy, while Trevor simply refused to quit. Her concentration shattered, it was clear his wounds were bothering him now, but he tried to bear the pain, pushing himself back onto his feet. His fur was stained with blood, and he activated the one saber he held. Mariko was worried, unsure of all that had happened. She placed a hand on her stomach, making sure that her baby had received no injuries in the combat, an action which seemed to puzzle Trevor.

"What are you doing? I never once managed to strike your mid-section," he shouted at her, one hand to his chest, which was throbbing painfully now. Again, the blood staunched.

"You might as well know, since you'll want to keep your list of victims up to date!" Mariko screamed, "I'm pregnant."

Trevor looked as though he had been struck by lightning. His saber deactivated as it clattered to the ground, while Trevor himself feel to his knees, staring in disbelief. His gaze turned downward, and Mariko sensed an emotion from him she would never, ever had expected: self-loathing. Confused, she delved into his mind, where barriers no longer existed, and saw the answer to what she was to think so hard about.

She saw Trevor saving communities from the attacks of Rogue Knights, and then she saw them cursing at their savior, demanding he begone, some even attacking him. No thankfulness at all. And he just walked away and ignored them, regardless of how hurt he was. She saw Knights condemning him for killing Knights who had not gone Rogue, condemning him for what she now knew was his job. Condemning him for protecting people from unseen danger. And he just walked away and ignored them, regardless of how hurt he was. She saw no one trusting him, not even other Slayers. She saw a complete lack of friends and trustees. She saw what loneliness truly was, and saw nights where Trevor was so upset and forlorn that he cried himself to sleep. And, she saw that he had attacked a pregnant woman. Gauntlet or not, he had severely and willfully violated his own morale code. Mariko stopped there, as she could take no more. She knew that Trevor was crying right now, unable to do anything else, and she was on the verge of tears herself, after what she had seen. Without probing any further, she knew that right now, more than anything, Trevor wanted to die and be forgotten. And as much as she didn't want to, as much as she wanted to stay ignorant and be free of this burden, she knew now why Slayers had the highest rate of suicide among Knights. Faced with what they were faced with, she could see herself finding few options left.

Tears streaming down her own face, she ignored her pain and ran. She couldn't help herself. She had to let Trevor know that everything was all right. After everything he had been through, her life seemed like a cakewalk. Reaching him at last, she practically fell down onto her knees. Trevor looked up at her, meeting her gaze. She could see the lifetime of emotional hurt and frustration, and he could see someone who finally understood. Unable to hold back, Mariko reached out and gave him the biggest, most comforting hug she could manage, and Trevor let everything out. He could not remember ever crying so hard, finally releasing literally years of repressed anguish. Mariko talked to him softly, trying to calm him down, and it seemed to be soothing her more than him. She half except the downpour of rain to end at any moment, but it continued through the rest of the day.

Her com-link beeped from her pocket, but she ignored it for now. Her nose was hurting more than anything else before, but she ignored it for now. Trevor was finally quieting, and in fact, had fallen asleep, and Mariko leaned against the nearby "wall" that surrounded the roof. She allowed Trevor's head to rest on her unhurt shoulder, and he did not seem like he would move anytime soon.

{He isss ssstill a Ssslayer,} the Gauntlet hissed to Mariko, {He may yet try to kill you.} "I know," Mariko said back to it, "And I'll take the risk. I'm not sure I'll have the heart to fight him again." Content in her resolution, Mariko finally answered the beeping communication, as the rain continued to fall.

Epilogue: 'Til Death Due Us Part

"Now, you're sure?"

"I'm fine, Shade. Relax," Mariko said. She appreciated concern from her friends, but this was ridiculous. "I'm flying the Knightfall back, aren't I?" It didn't seem to convince him.

"Hey, Mari," Wolf said, jumping in (she still couldn't get used to him addressing her by an actual name), "Whatever happened to that Slayer guy?"

"Well, Wolf," Mariko started, "We reached something of an understanding, so I don't think he'll bother us much anymore." Wolf just shrugged, and continued flying. They had stayed over the night so that a doctor could look at Mariko's nose, and with a couple hours, it was reset and ready to heal. It would no doubt take several weeks, but it would eventually be good as new. Receiving landing information from Delphi, Boomer pulled away from formation and docked. A minute later, Mariko did the same.

When Mariko was climbing out of her fighter, she spied Boomer staring at something. That something happened to be a fighter that hadn't been there the night before. "Boomer, what..." she began.

"This is that Slayer's ship. He's onboard somewhere," Boomer said, beginning to panic, "We've got to find him before he kills someone."

Mariko tried to object, but Boomer was already off and running, gun in hand. Sighing, she walked after her. Trevor didn't seem like the type to hold a grudge, and even so, he likely wouldn't hurt any of her friends unless he felt it was absolutely necessary. "Delphi, there may be someone onboard who is not registered as a crew member. Could you locate him for us?" Mariko asked the ship's computer. "Of course. This unknown guest, listed as Trevor Lee, is currently in the dining hall chatting with Ariel," was the reply. Boomer froze, and the bolted in the direction Delphi had indicated. Mariko sighed and shook her head. Well, this may require some explaining...

Boomer charged into the dining hall, which was really more of a room than a hall, and there was both Ariel and the Slayer. It looked like they had been enjoying tea until she had rushed in. "Well, at least we know you're here," Ariel said, placing her cup down, "Trevor, this is Beatrice Gray. Boomer, this is Trevor Lee."

The fox placed his cup down and rose at once, extending a paw. "A pleasure," he said. Slightly at a loss for words, Boomer absently shook his paw and sat down with the two. "Kin to William Gray?"

That was s surprise. "You, you've heard about my brother?" she asked, slightly disbelieving.

"Who hasn't heard about William Gray, the fearless commander who led his soldiers into battle against impossible odds and won?...well, that's what the rumors say, at least," Trevor said.

"No, that's pretty much correct." At second glance, Boomer saw that he wore bloodied bandages under his coat instead of shirt.

After a little small talk, Mariko finally arrived with the lagging Shade and Wolf, who seemed convinced that they should be rushing to the aid of their women, and thusly, entered with weapons drawn. After a few seconds of stunned silence, Wolf holstered his gun and cautiously walked over to the trio. He looked at Ariel, and then to Trevor, and then back to Ariel.

"Trevor," said the Slayer, extending his paw.

Wolf looked at Trevor's face, and then his paw, and his face again before shaking it. "Wolf," he said, "What's going on?"

"Well, it seems that Mr. Lee is inquiring about a job, and possibly membership," Ariel stated.

Everyone looked at Trevor again, and after a few seconds, he spoke. "I can cook, I can fly, I can fight, I have a huge debt to pay off, and I can keep an eye on everything while everyone else is away, and if Brick Man here gets out of line, POW!" He punched his fist into his palm.

Wolf moved over to Trevor and put a hand on his shoulder, facing the rest of the Black Dolphins. "I like 'im!" the lupine stated proudly.

And so, the debate began. Shade was completely against having Trevor around, Wolf was all for it because he knew Shade wasn't, Mariko thought he would be an asset to the team, Boomer wasn't quite trusting, Ariel was willing to "try him out," and Trevor wanted more tea, but was too polite to interrupt their discussion. Finally, Boomer was convinced after Trevor answered some questions, and Shade was heavily persuaded by Boomer, but it was decided that they would give Trevor a month. If he proved useful, he could stay. If not, he had to leave. If he caused trouble, he would be shot and shoved out the airlock. They were all assured they wouldn't have to go through that endeavor. With that, it was set about getting Trevor a room, while he prepared to head back to his hideout to get important things, like clothes and his toothbrush. However, Mariko had one more question, and caught him in the hanger.

"There's more to this than you told us back there, Trevor," she said, "You're also staying because of the Gauntlet."

Trevor shot her a look of shock. "Mariko, I'm offended. I am not staying because of some weapon of such powerful it could control the fate of the universe!" he said firmly.

"Then why?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.

Taking a deep breath and removing his glasses, he looked in her eyes. "I'm staying because of you, Mariko. I'm staying because you are my best friend. You are my only friend," he admitted.

Mariko looked slightly embarrassed. "Sorry for jumping to conclusions, Trevor," she said, looking down.

"Don't be. I may be staying because of you, but having the Gauntlet where I can make sure nothing happens to it is a nice bonus. Can you blame me for being slightly pragmatic?" he asked, shooting her a big, dopey grin.

"I guess not," Mariko said, and before either of them was consciously aware of it, they were in the middle of a hug.

"Thanks for being my friend, Mari," Trevor said.

"Wait," she said, breaking off the hug, "If you're staying because of me, I will assume you'll try to stick with me as long as you can. Just how long to you plan on that being?"

"If I have my way, 'til death do us part," he replied, "I spent eight years of my life in complete loneliness, Mariko. I don't ever want to go back to that."

"If that's the case, do you want me to help you move?" "Thanks, but I'd like the secret location of my lair to remain just that."

"Then get your ass back here as soon as you can," Mariko said, turning to leave so Trevor could get going.

"Count on it," he said. After a few minutes, the Taipan left the New Atlantis for parts unknown, and Mariko hoped that in but a few days, it would be back. After all, she might now have someone more willing to learn how to change diapers.