The lights in the warehouse flared into life and Sportacus had to narrow his eyes against the sudden brightness. Once his eyes adjusted to the change in light he looked around him and could see the now four members of the Shadow gang. He could see one of them rifling through a sack as if trying to find something and the others just stood back and watched impatiently.

After a few more minutes of rummaging in the sack the man pulled out: a bunch of bananas, a bunch of grapes and some bread. The other men struggled over the food like a pack of hungry wolves each trying to get more than their fair share. Aurora looked on with a bored countenance as if she'd seen the same thing over and over again.

With obvious impatience Aurora stepped forward and in between the men to break up the squabble and handed out equal shares of the food to everyone. Some food was even laid aside for Sportacus which he found surprising.

Once Aurora had eaten her share of the food she brought Sportacus' share over to him, "What do you want to eat first? I'm going to feed you because we can't afford to loosen those ropes, I'm sure you understand."

Sportacus nodded, he had no choice but to cooperate for now. "Can I have some grapes please?"

Aurora smiled pleasantly obviously unused to manners. Carefully she plucked the remaining grapes from the bunch and put them in Sportacus' mouth one by one. Once Sportacus had finished the grapes he asked for a banana. He was fed with a care he didn't expect to receive especially from someone like Aurora but it was welcome. He could feel the energy from the fruit revive his tired limbs and he felt much better, it wasn't enough for him to attempt to escape just yet but it would do for now.

Kit paced the kitchen impatiently trying to work out a plan for getting Sportacus back. He knew exactly what the Shadows had intended to do by kidnapping Sportacus and knew that either way he'd have to walk into their trap. He didn't want to involve anyone but couldn't rescue Sportacus on his own. Five against one were odds he didn't enjoy and had learnt from experience that it was best to have back up.

The others watched Kit pacing and knew what he was trying to do. As Kit knew the Shadows and knew them well any rescue effort would have to be led by him and they awaited his decision. Eventually Kit stopped pacing and everyone gave him their full attention.

"Here's what I've come up with. I and Ché go. I keep the shadows busy while Ché grabs Sportacus and runs. We get in quick and out quick and worry about other stuff later." Kit explained.

Ché nodded, "sounds like a good plan amigo. How do you plan to keep five people and two dogs busy?"

"I'm the master of diversions. A few tricks here and there, no problem." Kit smiled feeling confident he could keep the Shadows occupied for at least thirty seconds.

"I'm coming with you." Robyn said re-entering the room.

Kit shook his head, "no you're not. Too dangerous. I'm not getting you involved."

"I am involved and you need me. There are at least thirty warehouses on Crazytown harbour and I can tell you exactly which one but I have to be there. You also need to know where everyone is before you go charging into an ambush." Robyn argued.

"She's right. Two people against seven are still dangerous odds. If two of you handle the diversion instead of one it makes my job a lot easier." Ché stated siding with Robyn.

Kit shook his head and sighed, "Ok. You can come but if things get ugly you get out straight away and do as you're told this time."

Robyn smiled faintly.

Calming down a little Kit turned to Robyn again, "how are you feeling anyway?"

"Better. When do we leave?"

"Let me get some bits and pieces out of my bag which we'll need and then we can go," Kit replied.

Ché clapped his hands together and sat up a little more, "great. I'll fire up the airship and I warn you two there better not be melted wax all over my floor."

Saying this Kit smiled cheekily and went to grab the things he'd mentioned from his bag whilst Ché crawled out of the front door to make his way back to his airship. Kit returned seconds later with his whole bag, he explained his hands would be too full if he didn't bring it. With a farewell to everyone and wishes of good luck Kit and Robyn set off on their rescue attempt.

Once everyone was in the airship and it was underway Kit spoke, "I better give you the low down on the members of the gang so you know what to look out for. First we have Aurora. Bit of a fruit cake, doesn't play nice and doesn't play fair. Secondly we have Meat Head, the one who tried to knife me. Six foot seven inches of solid muscle and not much more besides. Not very big in the brain department and easy to distract. Next we have The Surgeon. He tends to be the medic of the group and one of the most dangerous. He knows where to hit and make it hurt so watch your back with him. Blade comes next, likes to have his way with the women even when the women don't want it. He's quite an old man but don't let it fool you; he's faster, stronger and smarter than he looks. Finally we have Tick. Tick is a flea ridden, moth eaten mad man who tends to take a fancy to human meat if you get my meaning. You can't miss him and will know him the minute you see him."

"Sounds like a nice bunch of people," Ché commented whilst flying the airship.

Kit snorted, "Yeah they are. All completely mad but there you go. You've already met one of the dogs, Snatch, but there's another that I mentioned before. This dog is called Cuddles. Don't ask me why a killer dog is called Cuddles because I don't know. Both dogs put together are bad news. Both are capable of ripping a person to pieces and I can't stress to you enough the necessity to not fall over because they will have you for dinner."

Robyn and Ché both nodded. Kit couldn't think of anything else to say that would be of any use and he and Robyn had agreed not to make any plans for the diversion until they knew what the situation was.

Aurora had gone back over to the other Shadows leaving Sportacus alone but guarded by the two Dobermans. Sportacus had the sneaky suspicion that his captors knew what sports candy did for him and were making sure he didn't try anything rash. He felt apprehensive about his fate and what would happen if Kit did come to rescue him. He recalled what Aurora had said and knew that if Kit came they'd both die. Sportacus also knew that if Kit didn't come he would be killed and wished fervently that if he did try to escape he'd get out in piece.

Sportacus watched as an obscure looking man ambled awkwardly towards him. The man looked disgustingly dirty and had little black dots jumping all over him which Sportacus found to be fleas when the man got closer. Muscling in between the sleeping dogs the man got down on all fours and placed himself very closely to Sportacus and inspected him. Sportacus had to hold his breath when the dirty man came near him as his breath smelt rancid and the rest of him didn't smell much better either.

The dirty man sniffed Sportacus all around his head and pulled off Sportacus' cap to smell underneath that to just as a dog would. Obviously satisfied that Sportacus smelt alright he stuck out an unusually pointed tongue and licked Sportacus' face.

"This is a good one Aurora. A very good one. Tastes good. Let me have him." The man laughed excitedly.

Aurora stood up, "Tick leave him alone. Do all that when he's dead. You can have Kitten too."

Tick shook his head violently, "he won't come. Kitten won't come. Too scared. Let me have him now! Let me have him now!"

"Wait!" Aurora shouted loudly, "We'll give Kitten one more hour. If he doesn't come by then you can have him."

"NO! I WANT HIM NOW!" Tick bellowed and in his frustration hit Sportacus squarely across the face.

Aurora wouldn't stand for this and looking at Tick sympathetically spoke slowly so he'd understand her better, "First we had six members, now five and in a few moments we'll have one less. You disobey me Tick and this is the last time you'll ever do it."

Tick looked terrified, he knew what was coming.

"Snatch. Cuddles. Fetch." Aurora spoke the three fatal words with deliberate slowness and kept her eyes fixed on Tick's the whole time.

Tick tried to get up but was too slow. In an instant the two dogs leapt upon him and dragged him away from Sportacus before ripping into their prey.

In seconds the man that had been Tick was no more than a bloody pulp. He hadn't even had time to cry out before his life ended.