If the Shoe Fits… Part 7
The time had arrived to meet the officers at the amphitheatre. Ken and Jinpei entered cautiously…the hair on the back of their necks prickled. It felt like a trap. Joe and Ryu waited in the wings, hidden from view, but poised and ready to strike.
As they approached the stage, two men in police uniforms greeted them.
"Good work, my friends, this will surely make heroes of both of you. I'm Sergeant West." He reached out to shake hands with them.
"…And I'm Officer Cullen…nice to meet you…Can we take a look?" The other man also shook hands with them. Jinpei opened the top of the sack and the Officer took a peek inside. "That's her, alright…what did you do…knock her out?"
Jinpei nodded. "My big brother did."
Ken spoke up. "We found her hiding in an alley. I had to chase her down …"
"Well, you've certainly earned your reward."Sergeant West waved a hand toward the stage. "Boys, what do we have for our two 'heroes'?"Suddenly, a circle of Galactor soldiers surrounded them, pointing guns in their faces.
"We can't have witnesses, boys, I'm sure you'll understand. This girl is a member of the Science Ninja Team… not really wanted by the Utoland Police, but by us…" The sergeant ripped off his disguise to reveal a swirling purple cape.
Ken played dumb. "Who are you?"
"We are Galactor…and I am Lord Katse…" The Jackal replied.
"Aw, man, we turned in a member of the Science Ninja Team? But didn't she rob the banks?" Jinpei played his part well.
"No, you fool…" Katse snapped his fingers and a woman who looked exactly like Jun stepped out onto the stage. "I am the Master of Disguise…she is a perfect match, is she not?"
"Now, I must bid you farewell…" Katse looked around at his men and gave one final order. "Dispose of them!"
Immediately, feather shuriken flew into the air, knocking down several goons. Joe appeared, running toward the group of goons at full speed.
Ryu picked up one soldier and threw him into the rest of the group. The Galactor minions were dropping like flies.
"Infernal Ninja Team!" Katse shook his fist, grabbed the burlap sack and then rapidly turned on his heels and fled the scene.
In the midst of the confusion, Ken and Jinpei pretended to run away scared, only to transmute into birdstyle once they were out of sight and return quickly to join the fight.
Jinpei helped take out more goons, while Ken aimed for the "Jun imposter" on stage.
Back in Danya, Jun felt an indescribable inner peace. She meditated, thinking about the loss of her place on the team, and concentrating on her purpose in life.
She became so relaxed while staying with Madiana, that she didn't notice someone had followed her to her getaway in the Himalayas.
A man watched her meditate in the garden, following her every move. He had seen her riding her motorcycle out of town, and recognized her as the fugitive they had been looking for. He hadn't been able to contact his superiors; it seemed their communication had been blocked.
Ever since, he remained in the shadows… watching and waiting for his next move.