As if Things Weren't Complicated Enough

Somewhere in a deserted warehouse there were a loyal group of followers awaiting instruction. "Listen to me my agents of Cobra," Cobra Commander hissed on the monitor. "I want you to kidnap Dylan Hunter. The ransom we will get from him will fill our coffers immensely. Do not fail me."

"Yes Cobra Commander," The Cobra head agent nodded. "We will do as you command."

************************************************************************

Somewhere in Washington D.C.:

"Senator Kelly you have a dinner appointment tomorrow with Senator Helmsley," Senator Kelly's secretary informed him. "He's made reservations at New York's finest restaurant L'ane Riche for seven."

"That will be fine," Kelly nodded. "A nice quiet dinner is just what I need after a hard week."

************************************************************************

"Okay Dylan I've set up your date for tomorrow," Mac told him. "I still think you're making a big mistake!"

"Just tell me where I'm taking her Mac," Dylan said.

"I made reservations at this fancy restaurant in New York City," Mac said. "L'ane Riche. Be there by seven. The press sure will!"

************************************************************************

"Loyal followers of the Friends of Humanity!" A tall man wearing jeans and a T-shirt shouted. "We've just learned from one of our contacts that Dylan Hunter, the big movie star has chosen a mutant to date!" He pointed to the picture of Kitty on the viewscreen. "This mutant as a matter of fact, Kitty Pryde, AKA Shadowcat. One of Xavier's trained devils!"

"NO!" One woman shouted.

"Say it's not true!" Another screamed.

"It is true!" The FOH troop leader told them.

"Well it's obvious that the mutie witch put some kind of spell on him!" A teen girl stood up. "Stole that date from a human girl!"

"Wouldn't put it past 'em," Another woman snapped.

"The fact is Dylan Hunter is a traitor to our species!" The FOH troop leader growled. "And our group has been given orders to make an example of them!"

************************************************************************

Back at the Institute:

"I can't believe how you botched that up Lance!" Tabitha groaned as she, Amara, Peter and Lance walked down the halls.

"Hey at least he was doing something to break it up!" Peter snapped. Then he stopped in his tracks. "What did I just say?"

"I know I can't believe it either," Lance remarked.

"Looks like we're on our own if we want to snag Dylan Amara," Tabitha sighed. "Because the brainless boys here are no help at all."

"Oh that," Amara said. "Well…I don't really care about that anymore."

"Say what?" Tabitha asked.

"Did I really just defend Avalanche just now?" Peter said in a dazed voice.

"Well I saw this really cute assistant director and we started talking," Amara grinned. "And I think he likes me!"

"What about Dylan?" Tabitha asked.

"What about Dylan," Amara waved. "Kitty can have him! This guy's way cuter!"

"What do you mean you've changed your mind?" Tabitha yelled. "We had this all planned!"

"Yeah well we can still use the plan," Amara said. "Just on a different guy. What? Is Kitty the only one to switch to one guy over another?"

"You have a point," Tabitha shrugged. "Let's roll."

"Oh brother," Lance groaned. "I think I'm gonna go home and try to wash away the stench of failure."

"I can't believe things are so bad I am going to Avalanche for support," Peter groaned as they left. He went to his room and found a surprise on his bed. "YOU!"

"Hello brother," Illyana grinned. "I thought I'd surprise you!"

"Snowflake!" Peter picked her up. "What brings you here from Limbo?"

"Not what, who," S'ym, her personal demon bodyguard chuckled.

"Quiet you!" Illyana glared at him. "So brother I take it things are interesting around here? What with a big star like Dylan Hunter shooting a movie here…"

"How did you know about that?" Peter asked.

"Hello? Sorceress? Crystal balls?" S'ym said. "Any of that ring a bell? She checks up on you from time to time. Not to mention watch movies with certain hunky actors in it."

"I did not hear you complaining when I allowed you to watch that Paris Hilton thing," Illyana hissed.

"I liked The Simple Life," S'ym confessed.

"Don't worry brother I'll help you!" Illyana told him.

"Help?" Peter blinked.

"I will personally ensure that Dylan Hunter no longer has any interest in Kitty," She grinned. "Once he meets me. Then you can pursue her."

"While she pursues him," S'ym remarked.

Illyana had a look in her eye. "Soon Dylan will be mine."

"Oh boy…" Peter groaned. "Here we go…"

Next: The Date with Destiny! Or should I say Date with Disaster?