A Double Take of Revenge
Part 2: Confusion and Chaos

Cosmo was in the computer room running tests on the new electron microscope given to him by Professor Surge a few weeks ago, the result of helping the professor with an experiment on using solar cells to help power the Surge Battery.
"Man, this is awesome!" he exclaimed happily. "I never thought seeing the skin of an apple so close up on this thing could ever look like this."
The holographic dodecahedron which was Angel's movable form then appeared. "This microscope could be of help to us."
"Yeah, we could solve a case days before Friedrichs gets through with the paperwork!"
The teenage hacker then adjusted the microscope to see the sample magnified 500 times. "Wow! So many particles, so little time."
At the front door of the Magic Express, Ace was about to enter when he placed his hand to the identification device.
"Access denied," said the female voice.
He looked angrily at the device. "That's what you think, you stupid machine," he whispered as he took out a small device from his inside pocket. He attached it to the identifier and punched a special code.
A few seconds later, the computer said, "Access granted. Welcome back, Ace."
"Thank you, Angel," he said upon entering. "Thank you very much."
Looking around, Ace noticed very little change in the atmosphere of the Express. "Looks just like it did the last time I was here."
Going through the kitchen, though, he noticed there were more pots and pans around, and something simmering on the stove. "What? The Magician can cook? Oh, man. That's something I didn't think about. Man, being in prison with no television sure hasn't helped me."
Cosmo then entered the kitchen and saw Ace without the ginger root. "Dude, where's the ginger you were supposed to get for Angie?"
"Ginger? Angie?"
"Yeah. You said you were gonna get the ginger root for Angie to cook the ginger shrimp scaloppini tomorrow."
"Oh, oh, the ginger. The store didn't have any this morning. They said they'll have some more…by next week."
"Hmm, that's odd. The grocery store normally has new ginger root come in today. I guess the shipment got delayed or something."
"Yes, that's what the produce manager told me." He then sniffled in his nose.
"You spent too long in the cold areas of the store, right?"
"Yeah, I did. I, um, just wanted to try to check the expiration dates of all those meats and the milk. I'm not skilled in that part yet."
"Cool."
Just then, Zina came into the kitchen. Noticing Ace, though, she suddenly started growling in anger.
"Hey, Zina, chill. It's only Ace."
The panther pounced on the Magician, but he playfully took the matter. He laughed heartily as he reached into his pocket and took a small dart. Planting it on the bottom of Zina's front right paw, Zina suddenly stopped as the poison took effect. "It's okay, girl. I don't mind having some fun."
Zina soon stepped back and sat down calmly on the floor.
"Well," said Cosmo, "Angie's gonna have to wait to make that shrimp scaloppini till next time."
"It certainly seems that way," Ace added. Who's Angie? Cooper's new girlfriend? "So, what's for lunch?"
"Probably leftovers. After all, Angie's busy helping to build that house for the low-income family."
What did he do? Get married or something? I'm going to have to watch myself for the time being. "She gets a kick out of helping others, doesn't she?"
"Yeah, dude. She'll be back at about 7 or so. Only thing is, I won't get to eat a hamburger from her. She spent last night gettin' the meat ready to serve the volunteers, and I know they're looking so forward to the food."
"Well, um, I guess I'll head back to the practice room for a little more practice."
"Hey, cool, Ace. I'm gonna head over to the arcade. I've been getting rumors about a new game…for your feet to use! I've gotta give that a try."
"Sure thing, Cosmo. Just, don't wear yourself down."
The experienced hacker then left the Express for the arcade, leaving the imposter the perfect opportunity. "That brat figured me out before, but not this time."
He then went into the computer room and started working on the system. "Okay, Angel, you're going to listen to me…and only me." Ace then typed in encrypted information that would be tough for even Cosmo to break the code.
Zina entered the room and calmly lay on the floor, still falling into the effects of the poison dart.
"That's a good girl," he said wickedly. "You just lie there and relax while I make certain I'm the only Ace Cooper left in town."
In about a minute or so, the imposter finished the code. "There. Angel, can you recognize me?"
"Yes, Ace."
"Good. I won't have to worry about the real Cooper anymore. He'll be dead in that dumpster."

Meanwhile, Darlena Lowland walked through the streets of Electro City, her mind totally focused on finding Ace and his home, the Magic Express.
"Where is that miserable home of his?" she whispered angrily. "I want Cooper's head for what he did to me a couple of years ago. I was supposed to be an apprentice to him, but he chose that loser Angela Jacobs instead. When I do find the Express, I'll finish Cooper, Jacobs, and all their friends and then destroy the Magic Express. I—no, wait. I could have use for the Magic Express when they're all dead. I may as well use it for myself."
As she passed by one alley, two young men noticed her beautiful looks.
"A girl that pretty's gotta have some money," one said.
"Yeah, let's tail her."
The two boys started following Darlena around town, waiting for a perfect opportunity to strike and rob her.
A few blocks down, Darlena herself had a good idea she was being followed. "Those two lame brains have been tailing me. What do they think they're gonna get from me? Money? Well…I'll show those losers."
She then walked into another alley and stopped right at the dead end.
The two crooks followed her and felt they had her surrounded.
"Well, well," said the second young thief. "Why'd you walk into this lonely spot for?"
She looked at them and said, "Because I knew you two blockheads were trailing me for a little while."
The first criminal looked at her and said, "Ooh, you look so pretty. Now, why don't you fork over the jewelry and dough you've got on you?"
"Gentlemen, I don't have any money or jewelry on me at all. I just have the clothes I'm wearing."
"How can you have a beautiful dress and not have any money on you?"
Her eyes turning evil, Darlena simply replied, "Don't you know we magicians can do anything?" She soon put her hands forward and made the two criminals float upward.
The two boys screamed like girls.
"I don't believe it!" the first one shouted. "She's a magician herself!"
"That's right, loser! I am a magician, but I'm more dangerous than any other!" Her anger caused the pair to float further upward and all over the area. "I didn't come here to Electro City to play games with the likes of you idiots. My sole purpose is to find and kill Ace Cooper the Magician once and for all, and I will not let jerks like you stand in my way!"
When she was through, she dumped the pair into two trash cans. "Maybe that'll teach you not to mess with me…ever!" She then walked out of the alley with her nose in the air. "Typical scum," she whispered. "I've got more important things to do, like getting rid of the Magician."
When the two criminals got themselves out of the trash cans a few minutes later, they ran to find the nearest police officer.
"Help, help, please," said one of them in a frantic tone.
"Calm down, son," the officer stated. "What's going on?"
"Take us to jail, please. We tried to rob a lady, but she made us float in the air!"
"Oh, sure, another Angela Jacobs." He handcuffed both individuals and read them their rights. "Come on, gentlemen. A nice trip behind bars may get you two straightened up."

Captain Friedrichs was finishing papers on the previous night's robberies by several criminals. "Boy, what a time for Vega and Miss LeSage to take the day off. But…they are helping to build that home for the low-income family, and they did plan this for a long time. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on them…not today, anyway."
Just then he heard his phone ring. "Yes?" he spoke into the intercom.
"Sir, you have a phone call from the warden of the prison."
"Please, put him through."
As soon as the connection was established, the warden on the other end spoke first. "Captain Friedrichs?"
"Warden Millsford. What can I do for you?"
"I've got some rather disturbing news for you. That man who looks exactly like Ace Cooper. He escaped from prison last night."
"What!? He managed to escape? How?"
"He fooled the guards into thinking he was sick and then took the uniform of one of them. He took the costume and cane and made his way out with the keys. We're also missing two medicines from our infirmary."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he's here in Electro City trying to get revenge on the real Ace Cooper with the medications. I'll notify all officers immediately on the matter."
"Okay. Considering his nature, you should consider him armed and extremely dangerous."
"Very well. I'll get an all-points bulletin out on the imposter at once." After disconnecting the line, Friedrichs mumbled, "Wonderful, that's all I need…a second Ace Cooper all over again."
He then pressed a button on his panel. "Attention all officers. Ace Cooper's imposter double has escaped from prison and may be here in Electro City. Be on guard, as he is considered armed and very dangerous."

At the construction site of the home, all were enjoying their individual jobs.
Lt. Vega worked on the roof of the home while Angela Jacobs and Ms. LeSage worked on putting the nails on the side of the house. Victor Raven was on the ground helping to put the concrete mix together properly.
Angie, standing on top of the ladder, was carefully hammering the nails, making sure she would not hit her finger. "It's been a while since I've done this," she said happily to Ms. LeSage.
"Don't worry, once you get the hang of it again, it'll be second nature to you."
"I guess you're right. Thanks."
Ms. LeSage smiled at the female magician and then returned to doing her work.
As Angie concentrated on putting the next nail into the wood, she suddenly heard a very weak voice within her mind. Angie…help…me.
She gasped at whose voice she heard. "Ace," she whispered. The sudden straightening caused her to begin losing her balance. "Uh-oh, I can't hang on!"
The female magician unexpectedly started falling from the ladder, but Victor reacted quickly enough to run and catch her before she hit the ground.
Angie opened her eyes and found herself in Victor's arms. "Whew," she said in relief. "Thanks, Victor. Man, I'm so embarrassed."
"Now why would you be embarrassed?" he asked jokingly.
"I'm supposed to be a magician, and I can't even maintain my balance." She blushed in a cherry color.
Victor's tone then became serious. "Angie, what happened? It's not like you to just lose your balance like that."
Ms. LeSage then came up. "I have to agree with him. You're not the type who just falls off by accident. You had a good footing on the ladder."
"Well, um, I'm not sure," the female magician tried to respond. Oh, no. Victor, Miss LeSage, and Vega are the only three people here who know about my psychic bond with Ace. If I say something here, I'm gonna have bigger problems.
Vega soon came down from the roof. "Hey, what's going on?"
"I lost my balance," Angie answered with her face going inward.
The lieutenant had known her long enough to understand when something was wrong by her facial reactions.
Just then, the person in charge of the homebuilding project came up with a concerned look. "Is everyone all right?"
"It's okay," said Victor. "Angie just lost her balance. She probably looked down and got some acrophobia out of it."
"Just to play it safe, why don't you let her rest in the tent for a little while."
"I think," Vega stated, "that's a good idea. We'll stay with her to make sure she's all right."
As soon as the four were in the tent, Vega kneeled down to Angie, who sat on the side of the cot. "Okay, Angie, it's just the four of us here. What's really going on? You couldn't have lost your balance without getting some kind of feeling about Ace."
"Yeah…you're right, Vega. I heard Ace…calling for help. He's in danger; I can feel it." She closed her eyes and focused her heart to locate Ace. I heard your call, kindred brother. I know you need help. Where are you, Ace?
She heard the weak response. Angie…help…me. Feeling very weak. Been…poisoned by double. Please…help me.
Angie concentrated further to see if she could locate Ace. The poison's effects on Ace, though, clouded the image, making her unable to see just where he was. "It's no good. All I got was 'poisoned by double.' What does that mean?"
"Who knows?" said a confused Ms. LeSage.
Just then, Vega's radio went off. "Yes?"
"Vega, it's Friedrichs. I know it's your day off and all, but I have something important to tell you. The Ace Cooper imposter escaped from prison last night and may be here in Electro City."
"That miserable excuse who caused all the trouble before? You're kidding!"
"Not this time, Lieutenant. I want you to remain vigilant and keep a close lookout for either the real Cooper or the phoney one."
"I'm on it, Captain." After turning off the radio, he suddenly looked at the other three. "Poisoned by double…that's it! Ace was poisoned by the man who looks exactly like him."
Angie felt a little perplexed. "Huh? I don't understand."
Victor explained the story. "A few years ago, a man who looked exactly like Ace came to town and created a lot of chaos. I mean, he caused trouble for Paparazzo, Mona, Cosmo—"
"And myself," added Vega. "It was amazing just how much he remembered, especially when he brought up the old Richie Valenti caper. I'll have to explain that story later, but right now we need to concentrate on finding both Aces. Angie, your link can help us find the real Ace."
"So…there's someone out there who looks exactly like Ace, while the real one could be dying somewhere." Angie's face showed her true concern.
Victor sat next to her and said, "Don't worry, Angie. We'll find Ace safe and sound, that's a promise."
"He's right," said Vega. "It's all going to depend on the strength of your link with Ace. I know you can find him, and we'll go with you so when he is found, we'll get him somewhere safe."
Angie felt reassured, since she felt Vega to be a father figure after knowing him for over three years. "Thanks, Vega. That means a lot to me."
"So," said Victor, "are you feeling up for it?"
"Yes, I am," she answered with determination. "We've got to find Ace and help him quickly."
"Wait a minute," interrupted Ms. LeSage, "how do we get out of here?"
Victor thought it over. "Um, Angie, I think you're due for an allergy attack from all the dust around here, aren't you?"
Angie smirked, understanding the idea perfectly.
Moments later, the four of them came back out of the tent, with Angie's head leaning at Victor's shoulder.
The person in charge became very worried. "Angie, are you all right?"
"I'm sorry," she answered with her nose running, "I think the dust is getting to me. It's been so long since I've done this, I guess I haven't readjusted myself to working with the dust."
"Aw, and we were looking forward to the hamburgers, too."
Just then, singer Nesh Divine, who was also assisting in the project, walked up. "Don't worry. I'll take over the hamburger duties. Since Angie already has the meat set up, all I have to do is grill them. It'll be fine."
Angie smiled at the young singer. "Thanks, Nesh. How can I repay you?"
"Could you maybe perform your magic at a future show for me?"
"We'll talk about it when I'm better. Fair?"
"Cool. Take care of yourself, Angie."
"Thanks. Victor's gonna take me home."
Vega then added, "Miss LeSage and I have to report to headquarters. A dangerous prisoner escaped last night, and Friedrichs wants me on top of the case."
The supervisor said, "I understand. It's part of the job of being a lieutenant in the police department. Can you describe the prisoner?"
"How should I say this, um…it's the Ace Cooper imposter."
"I remember him," said Nesh angrily. "We'll keep our eyes open for that creep. If I find him first, I'm gonna—"
"Whoa, Nesh," said Victor. "Leave it to Ace, Angie, and Vega. That guy may not be able to do magic, but he's dangerous still."
"Yeah. Good luck, guys."
In a matter of minutes, all four took off in two cars: Victor and Angie in his car, and Vega and LeSage in the classic.
As soon as they were out of range, Victor said, "Okay, Angie, we're clear."
She came out of her slumped state and sat up straight. "Thanks for the cover, Victor."
"No problem, Angie. A service project is a wonderful thing, but right now a friend's life is at stake."
"Right. I've got to locate Ace before it's too late for him." She closed her eyes and reached down into her heart. "Magic Force within my heart, please help me locate my kindred brother. He's in terrible danger and needs help fast."
As her power radiated in a light-blue aura around her, she started hearing that dark voice again. So, you're friend's in danger, huh? You're going to think about his life before you want to consider the fact your life is in danger also?
Please, don't interfere right now, Angie thought to the dark voice. Ace could be dying somewhere. I can't—I won't let him die. I can't deal with you at the moment. Try to understand.
Oh, I understand all right. You still want to keep me buried away. Well, fine. I'll let you find your kindred brother, but don't expect me to keep this inner truce for too long.
The darkness within her left her alone to concentrate on finding Ace. "Victor, get ready to turn when I tell you."
"Just give me the directions, and I'll lead you to him." Angie's first love was also concerned because he understood just how closely shared was the friendship of both magicians.

At her house along the coast, Mona Malone stood at the balcony taking in the calm sea air. "Ah, it's so pretty outside today. Of course, I can't wait to try the ginger shrimp scaloppini tomorrow at the Express. Angie's culinary skills are so phenomenal, I wonder why she doesn't like to start a restaurant or a cooking show. It'd be nice if I get a call—"
Her sentence was interrupted by the ringing of her own telephone. "Well, speak of the devil. It's either Ace or Dad. I'm gonna guess it's Ace."
After going inside, she answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi, Mona."
She smiled. "Ace, what a pleasant surprise."
"So, how are you?"
"I'm fine this morning. I don't have to perform at the Croesus tonight, so I'm wide open for anything today."
"That's great! Um, would you like to meet me at Keaton Park for lunch?"
"I'd love to. Angie cooking something special?"
At his end, Ace hesitated greatly. Wait a minute…she knows this "Angie," too? Just who is she? I'd better play along with this. "Um, I'm not so—"
"No, wait, I forgot. Angie won't be cooking anything today because she's helping with that homebuilding project. Oh, well, maybe we can go to one of the sidewalk cafés there for lunch."
Whew, got out of that mess. "Right. What's the best one out there right now?"
Mona felt somewhat surprised. "Ace, don't you know? We always eat at the Rosary. What's the matter with you? You forgot?"
"Oh, um, sorry, Mona. My mind's been a bit too focused on something."
"Like the show you've got next week? Yeah, knowing you, you tend to get too much into your work." She giggled heartily. "It's okay, Ace. When it comes to me and music, I can do the same thing, too. So, what time do you want to meet at the Rosary?"
"Around noon sound all right?"
"Perfect. I'll see you there…Magician."
"Yeah, I'll…see you." He quickly hung up the telephone. "Well, looks like I have a lunch date, and not a lot of time to pull this off." He decided to take off on the Magic Bike and try to find something special for Mona. "I need to find the nearest ring store. At last, I have a chance to make it with Mona!"

Angie continued using her heart bond to locate her very ill kindred brother. Guided by her heart, she led directions for Victor and Vega to take in their cars.
Upon passing one alley, though, she had felt something. "Wait, Victor, stop. Go back to that alley again. I'm getting the strongest feeling from there."
Signaling Vega to back up, Victor reversed his car and stopped at a dark and rather lonely alley. "Is this the right one?"
"Yes," Angie answered slowly. "This is where I am getting the strongest emanations." She stepped out of the car and entered the alley. "Ace is somewhere close. I can sense his presence."
Vega, LeSage, and Victor all looked at each other.
"Are Angie's powers that strong?" Victor questioned.
"Yes," Ms. LeSage answered, "and her powers will keep getting stronger."
And possibly more dangerous, Victor thought gravely. I'm not sure Vega and Miss LeSage even know about Angie's inner struggle with her soul right now.
Walking around the alley, Angie could not shake the feeling Ace was so close she could almost touch him.
She then came up to a dumpster large enough to hold an average-sized person. Placing her hand on the dumpster, she suddenly felt a horrible pain. "AHHHHHH!"
"Angie!" Victor shouted as he tried to come up to her.
Vega held him back. "No, Victor, don't. It's just a side effect of her telemetric ability."
"Oh. You mean when she touches something, it makes her react this way?"
"Not all the time. Some cases are gentle images, but this case has created a terrible 'flare' of images, which means something bad has happened."
In her mind Angie saw what appeared to be two Ace Coopers, with one carrying the other.
"This shall be your final resting place, Cooper. A nice garbage dumpster, where you belong. Now your name, your money, and your life belong to me."
"I see one of the Aces being thrown into the garbage. The other one has closed the lid on it, and is now saying, 'Now, back to the Magic Express to take it over again.'"
She had seen more than enough. "Ace is here!" She stepped back and extended her arms forward. Summoning her magic, she began glowing again in her light-blue aura.
The dumpster lid opened, and someone slowly floated out of the dumpster.
Vega was shocked. "Ace!"
Angie carefully levitated Ace down onto the ground. After allowing him to land softly, she quickly came up to him and held his left hand. "Kindred brother," she said softly, "I am here. Please answer me."
He struggled to get his eyes open, but when he managed to do so, Ace noticed who was standing over him. "Angie…you found me. How? My mind was—"
"Shh," Angie whispered. "You're hurt, and you're weak." She closed her eyes and felt the pain within her kindred brother's soul. "You've been poisoned by someone who looks exactly like you, right?"
"Y-Yes. He must have…escaped from prison just to…get even with me for what I did to him a couple of years ago."
"Victor and Vega told me the story. Someone is going to any dirty length possible to put an end to you, but we're not going to let that happen."
She then turned to her friends. "Is there any place we can take Ace and get a doctor for him?"
"We can't take him to the hospital," said Vega. "That'll cause a media blitz."
Ms. LeSage added, "We can't use either my apartment or the lieutenant's because they're too high up."
"Maybe," Angie said, "we can take him to Mona's house. I'll contact her and see what we can do." She then used her wrist communicator to get in touch with the singer. "Mona, this is Angie. Are you there?"
Back at her place, Mona was freshening herself when she heard her communicator beeping. Quickly grabbing it, she answered. "Yes?"
"Mona, it's Angie. Listen, um, is it all right if we have Ace spend some time over at your place? He's really sick."
"How can he be sick? I just got a call from him a few minutes ago, and he's supposed to meet me for lunch at the Rosary in Keaton Park. What happened?"
"Well, from what I've been able to make out, Ace was apparently poisoned by someone who looks exactly like him."
"That can't be…that imposter is in prison, isn't he?"
Vega then spoke. "Not anymore, I'm afraid. He escaped last night."
Mona could not believe what had happened. "Oh, my God! Then, the person who just called me was…the imposter! I'm gonna wring his neck!"
"No, Mona, don't. He's considered armed and very dangerous."
"Hmm, it may not be a good idea to get him over here, then. That imposter is supposed to pick me up at 12 noon, making this even more dangerous."
Victor then spoke up. "Can I make a suggestion?"
Angie nodded with her answer.
"How about we drop him off at my father's home? It's not too far from here, and Ace could sleep comfortably on the couch. I can also call our family doctor and see if he can help Ace."
Angie liked the plan. "Okay, Victor, let's go for it." She then spoke into her watch again. "Mona, stay with the double as long as you can, and see if you can get any clues as to what the poison is."
"Don't worry, Angie. I'll stay with him long enough so I don't miss a thing. I'll keep him busy while you get the real Ace somewhere safe."
"Thanks, Mona. Just be careful yourself."
"I will." She then ended the connection. "She's right. I have to be very careful. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to propose to me again. I'll play along for a while, and then I'll go to Bob Raven's home. I just hope Ace will be all right." Mona returned to freshening herself up for her date with the imposter. "I'll give that imposter a good time, but he'll be exposed soon enough, that's a promise."
Back at the scene, Victor questioned, "We know where to take Ace, but how do we get him into the car? If we try moving him ourselves, it could cause the poison to spread."
Angie stood up and said, "I'll take care of this part." She took a couple of steps back, closed her eyes, and put her arms out to the sides.
Her aura emanating again, she began to carefully lift Ace and move him gently towards the car.
Victor was amazed by Angie's abilities. Her magic is so heartfelt, he thought. She cares for the safety and welfare of those closest to her, just like she did for me back at that rock formation. I wonder, though, how she'll be able to deal with the darkness within herself. I may need to tell Vega and Miss LeSage the truth about what Angie's seriously going through.
Getting Ace to land gently in the car, she turned to the others. "He's in. Let's get him out of here before there's more trouble."
She and Victor got to his car while Vega and LeSage got back into Vega's car to get Ace safely to Victor's home…before it could be too late for the Magician.

Darlena Lowland had wandered through many of Electro City streets in hopes to find the Magic Express…and kill everyone inside it. "How in the world can I miss a two-car bullet train!? It's too big not to be seen! I'll find that home of Cooper's."
Upon coming through a tunnel, she happened to see the two cars with the distinctive letter "M" on the side. "Bingo! I knew I'd find that Magician's home. Now to see if Mr. Cooper will answer the door for me."
She ran up to the door and asked the computer, "Is Ace Cooper home?"
"No, he is currently on his way to see Mona Malone for lunch."
"Ah, Cooper's girlfriend. Fine. I'll wait here until that loser comes back. Then, he'll be sorry."
Darlena then went pacing around the area, waiting, hoping, itching for the one chance to get even with the Magician, who helped put her away a couple of years ago for trying to kill him and his friends.

Mona came outside the fence of her home to wait for Ace to arrive. She already knew this was not the real Ace, though, thanks to the conversation with Angie, Victor, and Vega. I don't know what he'll do yet, but until I have enough info, I'd better not do anything stupid and just play along with him.
Ace arrived at her home on his Magic Bike. "Hi, Mona. You ready?"
"You bet," she said, putting her acting to work. "I'm starving." Hopping in the back, she added, "Let's go."
"Right. To the Rosary in Keaton Park."
About 10 minutes later, they arrived at the Rosary Café in the park and started eating lunch.
"So, how's your day been, Mona?"
"It's been quite uneventful. I mean, I don't have a concert for the next week at the Croesus, so I'm just resting and taking in the sea air."
Rubbing his nose, Ace smiled. "It's been boring today, huh? Well, I think I can change that." He stood up and took something out of his pocket: a red case. He then kneeled down to Mona and opened the case.
Mona acted very excited. "No…you're kidding!"
"No, Mona, I'm not. You've been there for me all these years, through the best and worst of times, good and bad, thick and thin. Mona Malone, I want to make magic with you for the rest of my life. Will you…marry me?"
She thought it over. "I think I…will. Yes, I'll marry you."
He then placed the one-karat diamond ring on her finger. "I love you, Mona."
"I love you, too." When pigs fly, jerk! You'll pay for what you've done to my true love. "How long do you want to keep this before we tie the knot?"
"How about a year or two, or is that too much?"
Mona shook her head. "No, I think that's a perfect time frame." A perfect time frame to get you back in prison for the rest of your life, loser. I'll do what it takes to put you away forever, so you'll never harm anyone again. "Ace, is it okay if I spend the rest of the day enjoying my engagement by myself?"
"Of course you can, Mona. I'm gonna head back to the Express anyhow to make sure I'm ready for the show next Wednesday."
"Ace, the show is next Thursday, not next Wednesday. Boy, you've been really forgetful today."
"I'm sorry. I guess I've made myself hyper over this new engagement."
"I understand, Ace. Take it easy on the way home."
"Thanks, Mona." He then kissed her on the lips. "I'll see you later." He then got up and walked to the Magic Bike.
As he took off, he waved at Mona and blew her another kiss.
The moment Ace was out of range, she quickly took the ring off. "Stupid jerk! He doesn't even kiss like the real Ace Cooper." She considered throwing it away, but then said, "No, wait. I wonder if someone else could use this ring."
She then found a young man who was apparently practicing for his own proposal. "Excuse me, but do you need an engagement ring?"
"I want to get one for my girlfriend, but they're so expensive."
"Here, you can have this one."
The young man was shocked at the fact it was a one-karat diamond. "You're…you're just giving this to me? Do I owe you anything?"
"No, you don't need to pay me. I'm in no need of this ring. Give this to your girlfriend with all your true love."
He took the ring from Mona, appreciating it for far more than the monetary value. "Thank you, Miss. I won't forget your act of kindness."
Mona smiled as she knew he was right. Just then, her immediate concern focused back to the her real love. "I'd better head over to the Raven home to see if I can help Ace somehow."

Ace came through the tunnel on the Magic Bike ready to enter his home when a blinding light suddenly threw him off the turbocycle. "What the—?"
"Hello, Cooper," said the voice of a rather angry young woman. "Did you ever think you'd see me again?"
He looked up at the young woman. Is that Angie? The young lady everybody's talking about? "Wait, who are you?"
"Who am I? You don't know who I am? Either you have amnesia, or you're acting like a hell of a liar! I've come for revenge, Cooper, and you're not going to weasel your way out of this nightmare this time!"
"No, wait, please," he begged as he sniffled at his nose again. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much trouble I caused." This girl may be of help to me. I'll put her to good use for a while, but I don't want her to stick around for too long, since the fame and fortune will be mine. "Listen, it's obvious how talented you are…Angie, so—"
"Angie!? I am not Angela Jacobs! I am Darlena Lowland! I'm far better than that loser Angela—"
"Hold on." Ace slowly stood up from the crash. "How about I let you join me? Will that help?"
"You trying to pull some trick on me or something?"
"No, it's no trick. I'll let you join me." I still don't know who this girl Angela Jacobs is, though. I guess I'll just have to wing it with this girl Lowland and watch my back.
Darlena found herself very surprised. "Well, okay, Cooper. I'm glad you see things my way. Say, is that hacker friend of yours home?"
"Hacker? Oh, you mean Cosmo. No, he went to try out a new video game. Something about using feet instead of hands."
"Typical. He's still addicted to those video games. You're seriously taking me in?"
"Yes, Miss Lowland, I am. Please, come in and feel welcome." At least for a little while, my friend.