Anamchara had never thought that hed be asked to be in Minuets wedding party as a thank you for finding Minerva. Misonon was also quite shocked. But they had both discovered that what Minuet wanted, Minuet eventually got. And through the weeks of searching, they had both grown quite friendly with Minuet. They had agreed to both be in their Nova forms for the ceremony and switch to human form for the reception. Both of which were quite beautiful. The cathedral had been full and the crowd outside had been watching on a television screen. It apparently wasnt often that two Heroes of The City were married.
The reception was considerably smaller and by invitation only. Both Anamchara and Misonon, of course, were invited. It was here that Anamchara finally met the lady that had brought him to Paragon City. Minuet had invited several IST members, Windy Day, Major Thibor Sawchyk and Lt. Colonel Camille Hoyle had come as the IST contingent. Anamchara was pleased when he finally found them seated at the same table as Morgan Mac Hine and Bella Fuego. He knew Morgan and Morgan would be polite and make introductions. Morgan did indeed make introductions and Anamchara finally met Windy Day.
A pleasure to meet you. Was all he was able to say when he was finally standing in front of her. She watched him strangely for a moment as he tried to think of something else to say.
Yeah, nice to meet you too. She turned away for a moment as a man sat down in the seat next to her and set a drink in front of her. Thank you Alan. The human part of Anamchara stopped breathing. Adma took over.
Hi. Im Anamchara, nice to meet you. He said to the new person.
Alan Lawrence. Alan shook his hand and turned back to Windy.
*Shes already seeing someone Adma. What do I do?*
*Be friendly. We will discuss it after.*
Anamchara turned back to Major Sawchyk to find the man had an odd look on his face. As if hed noticed something that no one else had. But he said nothing. I look forward to working with you all later. He saw Misonon looking at him strangely from her place with some of Minuets other friends and he excused himself from the IST table, and stepped outside the reception hall to have a quiet chat in his mixed up brain.
Misonon unfortunately joined him. I can tell something is bothering you Anamchara. We were too close for too long. Spill it. There in a quiet area of the reception area, while the party continued, Anamchara told his oldest friend what had brought him to Paragon City, a woman. Misonon only smiled. Isnt that what brought you to my side at one time? You may have changed hosts Adma, but what humans call your heart has not changed at all. The two old friends smiled and Anamchara gave in to a very human urge and gave his old friend a hug.
What did I do without you old friend?
Im sure your life was a lot less interesting. So, you need a plan. First step I think Anamchara, is for you to join IST.
He stared at her a long time before slowly starting to nod. First thing Monday morning I will be at the IST offices. Now, that weve settled that bit, theyve started the dancing, we will need to be present shortly. Anamchara stood and presented his arm to Misonon. May I escort you lady? Misonon laughed and took his arm.
Monday morning, 0800 hours found Anamchara at the IST Paragon City offices. A nice little office building in Steel Canyon with a nice view of one of the water reservoirs that passed for a lake. Anamchara had no doubt the building was highly customized with a firing range, gymnasium, and assorted other things youd never see in a regular office building outside of Paragon City anyway. He had gotten as far as Major Thibor Sawchyk to be interviewed as a possible recruit.
The Major didnt quite glare at the young man in front of him, but it also wasnt a friendly inviting smile either; unless you considered a snake smiling at a mouse friendly. So, why is wanting to join IST?
*Tell him everything Patrick.* Adma suggested.
For obvious reasons. IST has a good reputation. Youll see from my reference letters that I am capable of handling
Stop. Is not real reason. Would guess Windy is reason. Am not wrong I think. He gave what could only be called a wolfish grin.
*Tell him Patrick.* Adma pleaded.
Anamchara sat up and looked at Thibor right in the eyes. I saw Windy Day on a talk show a few months ago and knew I had to meet her. And no, Im not some obsessed stalker type. Ive been here almost two months and I havent tried to meet her yet. The first time I had even gotten close to her was at the wedding.
Where met Alan. Anamchara stiffed. Where is problem. Romance not reason to join IST.
Anamchara waited. Thibor said nothing else. Understood then. Thank you for your time. He went to rise, but the Major stood first and placed his hand on Anamcharas shoulder.
First is testing physical standards. He opened his office door and signalled to a young oriental woman sitting at a desk just outside. Naoko, is getting Anamchara set up to take physical exam and endurance tests. The Major turned to Anamchara. Is meeting you in gymnasium when done with paperwork.
The IST gymnasium had been built with an observation area. There was currently no one in it except for one excited and inquisitive young Japanese woman. About halfway through Anamcharas endurance tests, a second woman joined Naoko in the gallery. Hey, I thought we were going shopping? What are you doing here?
New recruit. She pointed down to the gym floor where Anamchara looked like he was preparing to wrestle Thibor.
Windy looked down in the gym and saw Thibor with someone she vaguely recognized. Hey, I think I met him at the wedding. Whats his name?
Anamchara.
Yeah, thats him. I wondered about his name.
It apparently means Soul Friend in old Irish. Kind of fits. Hes a Kheld partnership.
Really? Windy edged closer to look down again. In less then 5 minutes she had turned back to Naoko. Lets go shopping. Im buying lunch.
Thibor watched the two women leave. Is noticing Windy is here?
Anamchara, dressed in an IST issue t-shirt and shorts, bent over hands on knees and breathing hard answered, No, too busy dodging you.
Is good. Thibor went to clap him on the shoulder but once again Anamchara dodged. Thibor took no notice. Is being Kheld partner yes?
Yes. He was still breathing heavily.
Why is not using Kheld partnership for attack and defence?
Anamchara looked up and gave Thibor a wolfish grin. Secret Weapon. Thibor returned the grin and moved in to attack. Anamchara shifted to Nova form and slipped out of the way.
Is only making moving target now. Thibor's body exploded outward as he assumed his wolfen form. Muscles shifted like Volkswagens parking as he threw a hundred pound free weight at him, then another. Anamchara aimed carefully and let out one bolt, hitting Thibor in the chest and knocking him backwards. Anamchara moved in for the kill switching back to human form and whipping a knife out to hold to Thibors throat.
Is good secret weapon. Is knowing Windy is watching?
Is not caring at this point. Youre doing that to distract me.
Is good. Thibors jaws snapped the blade of the knife off at the hilt. He spat it on the floor. Next time bring silver. Evaluation over. Is meeting in briefing room to discuss.
Anamchara backed away slowly, waiting for Thibor to get up before giving a small bow and heading to the change rooms. When he was out of sight, Thibor looked up to where Lieutenant Colonel Camille Hoyle was seated in the gallery. She walked over to the railing and leaned over.
I should think that he shall do rather nicely. Her prim British accent didnt quite carry as far as Thibors voice did in the gym. And we are so woefully understaffed here, that it would be champion if we had another field agent.
Is true. Thibor smiled broadly, he picked up the weights he tossed earlier and dropped them back in the racks. Speaking of free time, is having at least half an hour before next briefing.
Major! Cammy blushed, the colour reaching the tips of her ears. I should remind that you that we are both on duty at this moment.
You should. Thibor agreed, nodding sagely. Is question, are you going to?
Yes. We are both on duty at this moment. Cammy assumed a parade rest stance and glared at her aide de camp. But we are off duty at six this evening, barring any unreasonable crisis. We can take dinner together, and discuss this further then.
Affirmative. Thibor smiled and saluted sharply.
Anamchara sat in the briefing room and waited. Hed left the door open so anyone could walk in. Lt.Col. Hoyle was the one who walked in, followed by Major Sawchyk. The Major shut the door and held a chair out for the Colonel. He stood behind her as she slid a sheet of paper across the table to Anamchara.
Windy Day, Naoko Yoshida and Kyoko Yamashiro aka QB Kitsune sat at a little beach side bistro in Talos, munching on appetizers as they waited for their sandwiches to be brought to them. Windy turned to Naoko. So, how are you and Simon doing? Her voice was very suggestive, as if she wanted all the juicy details.
Naoko smiled and grabbed another jalapeno popper. Hes coming along nicely. Were heading up to Ottawa next weekend; Im meeting his grandparents.
Oh wow! Windy turned to Kyoko, And you and Glaive? Kyoko gave a vulpine smile but said nothing. Windy sighed and grabbed a mozzarella stick before slumping back into her chair. I hate you both. The statement was made in friendship and all three of them laughed at it.
Things not going good with Alan? Kyoko asked as Naoko nabbed another popper.
Things arent going at all. Hes fun but theres just no spark. You know? I mean, I see you two with Simon and Glaive and its just, they worship the ground you walk on. How could I settle for anything less?
Speedway is always first to volunteer when he sees you on the register. Naokos gulped half her iced tea. Windy snorted, almost getting her soft drink up her nose. Well, at least he has a nice butt.
Cant argue with that. Kyoko agreed.
Naoko! Kyoko! What would Simon and Glaive think if they heard you talking like that? Windy feigned outrage.
Hey! I can look! They all laughed. No really, what about Speedy?
Hes fun to be with but, hes Speedy. She paused trying to find the right words. She let out a strange snort then started laughing. Its Speedway, everything is over too fast.
The three women all let out shrieks of amazement and uproarious laughter. Windy was almost ashamed shed said it, almost. Speedway would understand. Hed have a good laugh about it himself. She hoped.
When they had all calmed down, and were served their sandwiches, Naoko spoke around a mouthful of toxically hot capicollo ham and provolone. What about the new recruit, Anamchara? Windy actually blushed a little bit. She tried to cover it by grabbing a bite of food. Nothing could distract Naoko. Oooo, youre blushing. Naoko bounced up and down on her chair. I thought you were watching him with interest this morning in the gym.
Kyoko halted the conversation for a moment. New Recruit? What did I miss? Tell me tell me!
Windy rolled her eyes as her two friends discussed Anamchara. They paused only when the waiter came by to ask if they needed anything else, then continued right along. Windy let them talk. Her thoughts had turned inward. Alan was really nice and she enjoyed being with him, but he was a good friend. That was it. Like shed said, there was no spark.
Right Windy? She brought her head up from her sandwich mid-bite and looked at her friends with the I have no idea what you just said to me look. Naoko and Kyoko laughed.
None of them realized that the older lady at the table next to them was listening in on their conversation.
The reception was considerably smaller and by invitation only. Both Anamchara and Misonon, of course, were invited. It was here that Anamchara finally met the lady that had brought him to Paragon City. Minuet had invited several IST members, Windy Day, Major Thibor Sawchyk and Lt. Colonel Camille Hoyle had come as the IST contingent. Anamchara was pleased when he finally found them seated at the same table as Morgan Mac Hine and Bella Fuego. He knew Morgan and Morgan would be polite and make introductions. Morgan did indeed make introductions and Anamchara finally met Windy Day.
A pleasure to meet you. Was all he was able to say when he was finally standing in front of her. She watched him strangely for a moment as he tried to think of something else to say.
Yeah, nice to meet you too. She turned away for a moment as a man sat down in the seat next to her and set a drink in front of her. Thank you Alan. The human part of Anamchara stopped breathing. Adma took over.
Hi. Im Anamchara, nice to meet you. He said to the new person.
Alan Lawrence. Alan shook his hand and turned back to Windy.
*Shes already seeing someone Adma. What do I do?*
*Be friendly. We will discuss it after.*
Anamchara turned back to Major Sawchyk to find the man had an odd look on his face. As if hed noticed something that no one else had. But he said nothing. I look forward to working with you all later. He saw Misonon looking at him strangely from her place with some of Minuets other friends and he excused himself from the IST table, and stepped outside the reception hall to have a quiet chat in his mixed up brain.
Misonon unfortunately joined him. I can tell something is bothering you Anamchara. We were too close for too long. Spill it. There in a quiet area of the reception area, while the party continued, Anamchara told his oldest friend what had brought him to Paragon City, a woman. Misonon only smiled. Isnt that what brought you to my side at one time? You may have changed hosts Adma, but what humans call your heart has not changed at all. The two old friends smiled and Anamchara gave in to a very human urge and gave his old friend a hug.
What did I do without you old friend?
Im sure your life was a lot less interesting. So, you need a plan. First step I think Anamchara, is for you to join IST.
He stared at her a long time before slowly starting to nod. First thing Monday morning I will be at the IST offices. Now, that weve settled that bit, theyve started the dancing, we will need to be present shortly. Anamchara stood and presented his arm to Misonon. May I escort you lady? Misonon laughed and took his arm.
Monday morning, 0800 hours found Anamchara at the IST Paragon City offices. A nice little office building in Steel Canyon with a nice view of one of the water reservoirs that passed for a lake. Anamchara had no doubt the building was highly customized with a firing range, gymnasium, and assorted other things youd never see in a regular office building outside of Paragon City anyway. He had gotten as far as Major Thibor Sawchyk to be interviewed as a possible recruit.
The Major didnt quite glare at the young man in front of him, but it also wasnt a friendly inviting smile either; unless you considered a snake smiling at a mouse friendly. So, why is wanting to join IST?
*Tell him everything Patrick.* Adma suggested.
For obvious reasons. IST has a good reputation. Youll see from my reference letters that I am capable of handling
Stop. Is not real reason. Would guess Windy is reason. Am not wrong I think. He gave what could only be called a wolfish grin.
*Tell him Patrick.* Adma pleaded.
Anamchara sat up and looked at Thibor right in the eyes. I saw Windy Day on a talk show a few months ago and knew I had to meet her. And no, Im not some obsessed stalker type. Ive been here almost two months and I havent tried to meet her yet. The first time I had even gotten close to her was at the wedding.
Where met Alan. Anamchara stiffed. Where is problem. Romance not reason to join IST.
Anamchara waited. Thibor said nothing else. Understood then. Thank you for your time. He went to rise, but the Major stood first and placed his hand on Anamcharas shoulder.
First is testing physical standards. He opened his office door and signalled to a young oriental woman sitting at a desk just outside. Naoko, is getting Anamchara set up to take physical exam and endurance tests. The Major turned to Anamchara. Is meeting you in gymnasium when done with paperwork.
The IST gymnasium had been built with an observation area. There was currently no one in it except for one excited and inquisitive young Japanese woman. About halfway through Anamcharas endurance tests, a second woman joined Naoko in the gallery. Hey, I thought we were going shopping? What are you doing here?
New recruit. She pointed down to the gym floor where Anamchara looked like he was preparing to wrestle Thibor.
Windy looked down in the gym and saw Thibor with someone she vaguely recognized. Hey, I think I met him at the wedding. Whats his name?
Anamchara.
Yeah, thats him. I wondered about his name.
It apparently means Soul Friend in old Irish. Kind of fits. Hes a Kheld partnership.
Really? Windy edged closer to look down again. In less then 5 minutes she had turned back to Naoko. Lets go shopping. Im buying lunch.
Thibor watched the two women leave. Is noticing Windy is here?
Anamchara, dressed in an IST issue t-shirt and shorts, bent over hands on knees and breathing hard answered, No, too busy dodging you.
Is good. Thibor went to clap him on the shoulder but once again Anamchara dodged. Thibor took no notice. Is being Kheld partner yes?
Yes. He was still breathing heavily.
Why is not using Kheld partnership for attack and defence?
Anamchara looked up and gave Thibor a wolfish grin. Secret Weapon. Thibor returned the grin and moved in to attack. Anamchara shifted to Nova form and slipped out of the way.
Is only making moving target now. Thibor's body exploded outward as he assumed his wolfen form. Muscles shifted like Volkswagens parking as he threw a hundred pound free weight at him, then another. Anamchara aimed carefully and let out one bolt, hitting Thibor in the chest and knocking him backwards. Anamchara moved in for the kill switching back to human form and whipping a knife out to hold to Thibors throat.
Is good secret weapon. Is knowing Windy is watching?
Is not caring at this point. Youre doing that to distract me.
Is good. Thibors jaws snapped the blade of the knife off at the hilt. He spat it on the floor. Next time bring silver. Evaluation over. Is meeting in briefing room to discuss.
Anamchara backed away slowly, waiting for Thibor to get up before giving a small bow and heading to the change rooms. When he was out of sight, Thibor looked up to where Lieutenant Colonel Camille Hoyle was seated in the gallery. She walked over to the railing and leaned over.
I should think that he shall do rather nicely. Her prim British accent didnt quite carry as far as Thibors voice did in the gym. And we are so woefully understaffed here, that it would be champion if we had another field agent.
Is true. Thibor smiled broadly, he picked up the weights he tossed earlier and dropped them back in the racks. Speaking of free time, is having at least half an hour before next briefing.
Major! Cammy blushed, the colour reaching the tips of her ears. I should remind that you that we are both on duty at this moment.
You should. Thibor agreed, nodding sagely. Is question, are you going to?
Yes. We are both on duty at this moment. Cammy assumed a parade rest stance and glared at her aide de camp. But we are off duty at six this evening, barring any unreasonable crisis. We can take dinner together, and discuss this further then.
Affirmative. Thibor smiled and saluted sharply.
Anamchara sat in the briefing room and waited. Hed left the door open so anyone could walk in. Lt.Col. Hoyle was the one who walked in, followed by Major Sawchyk. The Major shut the door and held a chair out for the Colonel. He stood behind her as she slid a sheet of paper across the table to Anamchara.
Windy Day, Naoko Yoshida and Kyoko Yamashiro aka QB Kitsune sat at a little beach side bistro in Talos, munching on appetizers as they waited for their sandwiches to be brought to them. Windy turned to Naoko. So, how are you and Simon doing? Her voice was very suggestive, as if she wanted all the juicy details.
Naoko smiled and grabbed another jalapeno popper. Hes coming along nicely. Were heading up to Ottawa next weekend; Im meeting his grandparents.
Oh wow! Windy turned to Kyoko, And you and Glaive? Kyoko gave a vulpine smile but said nothing. Windy sighed and grabbed a mozzarella stick before slumping back into her chair. I hate you both. The statement was made in friendship and all three of them laughed at it.
Things not going good with Alan? Kyoko asked as Naoko nabbed another popper.
Things arent going at all. Hes fun but theres just no spark. You know? I mean, I see you two with Simon and Glaive and its just, they worship the ground you walk on. How could I settle for anything less?
Speedway is always first to volunteer when he sees you on the register. Naokos gulped half her iced tea. Windy snorted, almost getting her soft drink up her nose. Well, at least he has a nice butt.
Cant argue with that. Kyoko agreed.
Naoko! Kyoko! What would Simon and Glaive think if they heard you talking like that? Windy feigned outrage.
Hey! I can look! They all laughed. No really, what about Speedy?
Hes fun to be with but, hes Speedy. She paused trying to find the right words. She let out a strange snort then started laughing. Its Speedway, everything is over too fast.
The three women all let out shrieks of amazement and uproarious laughter. Windy was almost ashamed shed said it, almost. Speedway would understand. Hed have a good laugh about it himself. She hoped.
When they had all calmed down, and were served their sandwiches, Naoko spoke around a mouthful of toxically hot capicollo ham and provolone. What about the new recruit, Anamchara? Windy actually blushed a little bit. She tried to cover it by grabbing a bite of food. Nothing could distract Naoko. Oooo, youre blushing. Naoko bounced up and down on her chair. I thought you were watching him with interest this morning in the gym.
Kyoko halted the conversation for a moment. New Recruit? What did I miss? Tell me tell me!
Windy rolled her eyes as her two friends discussed Anamchara. They paused only when the waiter came by to ask if they needed anything else, then continued right along. Windy let them talk. Her thoughts had turned inward. Alan was really nice and she enjoyed being with him, but he was a good friend. That was it. Like shed said, there was no spark.
Right Windy? She brought her head up from her sandwich mid-bite and looked at her friends with the I have no idea what you just said to me look. Naoko and Kyoko laughed.
None of them realized that the older lady at the table next to them was listening in on their conversation.