Originally posted August 13, 2010
((The forum RP that I started with part 5 was still going on when I decided to post this bit. For me, it wrapped up the story and allowed me to move on to other things.))
Paz set the heavy washing tray full of dishes on the counter. She looked around the kitchen, checking to see if she had missed anything. The clock on the wall ticked towards 6:00 am. Just over 24 hours. It had been a long time since she put in a 24 work day. She sighed in exhaustion and reached behind her waist to untie the long apron she had used to cover her expensive dress.
"Well, sensei," she said to her chef. "I think we're done here. Ottsukaresama." The portly Japanese man grinned and pointed behind her. "Maybe there is one more thing, I think," he said.
Paz turned her head to see Chance leaning in the kitchen doorframe. Eddie stood just behind and slightly to one side, a boyish grin on his face. Her young boss cradled a large white box in his hands, decorated with a wide red ribbon and bow. "Just because the two of you come baring presents, Jefe, does not mean the dining areas should be less than spotless."
The blonde restaurateur offered a lopsided smile. "The dining areas are fully sterilized, Paz. I'm pretty sure the tables could be used for surgery. I sent the crew home. It's just us left. Besides, the present is from all three of us." Paz caught Chef Takeru nodding in the corner of her eye. She warily approached Chance and accepted the gift.
"It's just a small thing," he told her. "Thank you." She nodded as she took it too a counter. Her hands worked the bow as Chance spoke behind her. "I saw what you did the other day with The Maniacs. Xavier has made it to work everyday since without any trouble."
Paz lifted an eyebrow to look at her young boss. "You saw? I did not notice you." Chef Takeru chuckled. "You wouldn't," Chance answered, "and you won't, not without some more training." She turned her head back to the box, feeling the direction of the conversation.
Lifting the cover revealed a yellow and brown garment, a two piece combination of striped fabric, pairs of gloves and boots, a stylish visor, scabbards for her swords. "Just remember," Chance chimed, "they aren't tights. It's an experimental ballistic weave." The men in the room laughed quietly.
Paz lifted each item from the box, examining them in turn. The tights felt light yet durable. The boots folded at the knee, like a pirate's. "Eddie will help with the paperwork if you want to register," Chance continued. "I have some gadgets and other items that will make things safer for you. I can certainly use an extra hand out there. If you're interested, that is."
Moments passed in silence as Paz held up the visor. "Once you learn what you can do," she mused, "it would be difficult to do anything less." Chance smiled and nodded in the beats of quiet that followed then asked, "Have you thought of a name?"
"El Alacran," she answered with a wink for Chef Takeru. "The Scorpion."
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