A/N: I don't think the story plot was clear the first time I posted this, so I tweaked it a bit to see if it makes a little more sense.

Anyways, read on.

Tonight's the night.

The alchemist paced hurriedly through the Stockade. He, Skabb, and Tinkor had just finished cleaning the weapons in the courtyard, and they were now free for the day.

Thorne exited the Stockade, and soon entered the castle. He was on his way to the lab, and the warrior had asked one of his friends to meet him there.

This coming night had come as a surprise. He didn't think that his sister would actually say yes. Her answer had made Thorne seriously question her sanity. Nevertheless, she had said yes, and he had to be prepared.

Thorne made it to his lab's door. He pushed it open, stepped inside, then slammed the door shut.

"Ballista! Did you get the equipment?"

Thorne had asked Ballista for help for this night. She had been through this kind of stuff so many times before. She'd know how to deal with the situation.

The huntress turned around to the alchemist and nodded. "Yep. Binoculars and walkie-talkies." She walked over to Thorne and handed him a black walkie-talkie. "And I've got my Splatbow handy."

The huntress patted her weapon affectionately. Thorne nodded.

"Okay. Meet me next to the Defenders' Douse at 6:30 sharp."

Ballista nodded. "Got'cha."

"Don't be late," Thorne warned.

***

"Can you see them?"

"Hang on, let me adjust this..."

Ballista and Thorne were overlooking the land in front of the castle. They were hidden in the dark, watching intensely. After the huntress adjusted her binoculars a bit, she peered through them again. She nodded.

"Yes."

Thorne leaned one hand on the wall. "What are they doing?"

"Just talking."

Thorne nodded, then glanced up at the moon. The summer night was warm, but a breeze kept it from being too warm. It was a nice night.

Another minute passed.

"What are they doing now?" the alchemist asked.

"Still talking...No wait, wait..." The huntress turned to Thorne. "They're moving out."

Thorne nodded, then brought out a pair of sunglasses. He handed them to the blonde archer. "Here."

Ballista took them and put them on. In return, she placed a gray fedora hat on top of Thorne's head. "Ready?"

Thorne gripped his walkie-talkie. "Let's roll."

With that, the two Defenders set out. Unbeknownst to the Australian bird and blue ninja, Ballista and Thorne planned to follow them all night on their first date.

A/N: Go to the YTV Splatalot website and look at the pictures. There's one with Thorne wearing a fedora hat. Er, at least, I think it's a fedora hat. Anyways, it's awesome.