.Chapter twenty-four.

Once back inside, I decided to ask Monza about this Augie character.

"Uh, Monza," I said.

"Yes," Monza responded.

"Who's this Augie guy that you're supposed to take me too when we get back to the home world?"

"You over heard Cloak and I."

"Yes."

"Well, Augie is an old friend of Cloak's and seeing as you resigned from Zanramon's employment…"

"Whoa! Rewind! When did I resign?"

"Cloak didn't tell you that either?"

"What?"

"He owes me so-o much after this."

"Monza, what's going on?"

"Cloak resigned you from Zanramon's employment and got you a job at a restaurant that belongs to his friend, Augie."

I just groaned and rubbed my eyes with my hand, not entirely sure how to take this.

"Cloak just didn't want you near Zanramon for too much longer," explained Monza.

"Ahh, that makes sense now," I nodded.

"We'll be heading home within the next few days too."

"Okay."

A few days later, Monza, the All-stars, Burn, Bruno, and myself left Mr. T, Mrs. T and Zanner and headed back to the home world.

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Once back on the home world, Zap and Monza escorted me through to this Augie's place. It was quite a quaint little place, and Augie wasn't too bad of a chap either.

"Make sure you take care of her, Augie," said Monza, as he pushed me towards Augie.

"Will do, Monza," smiled Augie; he was only about 6' tall, orange in colouration, and had a brown marking on his beak in the shape of a moustache.

"Where will she be staying?" asked Zap.

"She'll be staying with me and my wife here," replied Augie.

"You live here?"

"Yes. Now, if you'll excuse us; I must get back to work and to introducing Cal here to her new career."

"Yes sir," chorused Monza and Zap.

"Take care, Cal," smiled Zap.

"Will do, Zap," I smiled back, as I gave him a hug goodbye.

"We'll be coming to check up on you," smiled Monza.

"Looking forward to it," I smiled back, giving him a hug goodbye too.

"Come on, my dear, let's get you acquainted with some of your new work colleagues," said Augie, as he put a hand on my back and began to lead me inside.

I just nodded and waved back at Monza and Zap before they left.

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Once inside, the first beings I saw besides Augie were two charming young Triceratons; they were dressed in waiter's outfits. The one winked at me and the other just waved; I just waved back. Augie must have noticed me waving to them because he signalled to someone and they were the ones who came over.

"Boys, this is Cal. Cal this is Carix and Darix; they're fraternal twins," said Augie.

"Pleased to meet you, boys," I smiled.

"Pleasures all ours, babe," smirked Darix, as he took my hand in his and kissed it; he was about 6'2" and a reddish colour like Zanramon.

"Darix! Sorry about him, Miss; my brother tends to have way too much luck with the ladies so he sometimes forgets how to treat them with respect," apologised Carix, as he pushed Darix back some; he was also 6'2" and a typical Triceraton orange.

"Don't worry about it," I smiled.

"Yeah, she's taken anyway," smiled Augie.

"By who?" asked Darix, in a slightly disappointed tone.

I just giggled at his response.

"A good friend of mine, Cloak, and I won't allow anyone to poach her from him; understand?" asked Augie.

"Yes sir," chorused the twins.

"I'll leave you in the care of the twins, Cal; I must get back to helping my wife."

"Yes sir," I smiled, as the twins moved to stand either side of me.

Augie nodded at me, gave the twins each a stern look, and then went to help his wife.

"I suppose the boss will want us to get you into uniform," said Carix.

I heard Darix chuckle next to me.

"Correction, I'll get you your uniform and Darix will be getting back to work," said Carix, as he took hold of my shoulders and began to steer me towards the back of the shop.

"Come on, bro…," started Darix, as he began to follow us.

"Get back to work; I can take care of Cal by myself."

"Yeah, but doesn't mean you have to; besides, since when do you get off telling me what to do?"

"Since I'm older than you."

"By less than a trigon!"

"I'm technically older than you and that's that. Now, please…"

Darix just gave Carix a look and folded his arms over his chest.

"(Sighs irritably) Behave yourself then," said Carix, as he continued to steer me towards the back of the shop.

Darix's face brightened at hearing that and began to follow us again.

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Once in the back, Carix left me with Darix for a trigon or so to retrieve my uniform.

"So, you're Cloak's gal," commented Darix.

"That's right," I replied.

He nodded.

"Just remember, if things don't work out between you two I'm available," he said with a smile.

"And you will be for the rest of your existence if you carry on like that," commented Carix, as he walked back up to us with my uniform draped over his arms.

Darix just pulled a tongue at his brother and Carix just gave him a, 'that's so-o mature' look.

"Here's your uniform; you can try it on in here," said Carix, as he handed me my uniform and showed me to a small room.

"Thanks," I smiled, as I walked in and closed the door behind me.

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After insuring that the door was closed properly, I set about changing. I pulled my uniform out and was slightly horrified at what I saw. Fortunately, it wasn't the texture or the colour; black and white definitely can't be horrifying. Unfortunately, it was the actual design and style of the clothes; the top was a short sleeve, v-neck in black, then there was a somewhat lacy apron in white, and finally there was a knee high black skirt. It was the skirt that got my goat; I'm one of those girls who doesn't wear skirts or dresses and now my uniform consisted of one. I cringed as soon as I laid eyes on the uniform, but put it on anyway; I didn't look too bad, but I wasn't a happy camper.

"You okay in there?" asked Carix through the door.

"Depends on your definition of the word," I replied.

"Still conscious."

"Yeah, I'm great then."

"How do you like the uniform?"

"No comment."

"That bad huh?"

As I opened the door he got a bit of a fright and jumped back a pace or so.

"'Bad' doesn't even begin to describe how much I don't like it," I said, as I walked out carrying my old clothes over my arm.

Darix just whistled and looked me over quickly.

"I don't know what you're complaining about; I think you look great," he smirked.

"Ignore him," said Carix, as he moved into Darix's line of view.

Darix just gave his brother a displeased look.

"Good luck; you begin in one trigon," said Carix, as he handed me a notepad, pencil, and booklet.

"What?" I squeaked; I didn't know if I would be able to do the job properly seeing as I had no idea as to what I was going to be doing.

"Read the booklet; it'll tell you what you need to know. Darix and I will be on call if you need us; just come to the door over there and signal for us to come to you."

"Okay. Thanks."

Carix just nodded and smiled at me before escorting his brother back into the main shop.

I began to read the booklet as soon as they had started to walk off; I was so glad that Zanramon had taught me how to read Triceratonese now.

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When the trigon was up, I had a basic understanding of what was expected of me and went out into the main shop to do what I was supposed to. Fortunately, the place wasn't too busy and the day ended rather quickly. Augie showed me through to where I would be staying and introduced me to his wife, Nissa; she's very nice. I also met several of the other waitresses (yes, I'm a waitress at this restaurant) and discovered that Carix and Darix are the only waiters here; Darix was quite well known and liked by the waitresses, but Carix was a little distant from them and seemed to be somewhat disliked by them as well. The first few weeks of work were quite uneventful, but then came the one day I wish had never happened.

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I was busy seeing to the various tables I had been assigned, when one of the other waitresses approached me.

"Cal," she called.

"Hmm?" I responded.

"Mind clearing up table five for me?"

"Sure, no problem." With that I headed over to table five; it wasn't in my jurisdiction, but I didn't mind helping out.

Fortunately, the place wasn't too busy, it was near closing time and the table wasn't too messy just a glass and the customer.

"May I?" I asked, as I came up to the table.

The customer had a newspaper up in front of his face so I couldn't see what he looked like. He just nodded and waved a hand at me as if he were the Prime Leader or something.

"Thanks, sir," I smiled politely, as I removed the glass and walked back to the kitchen. I heard the paper come down from the customer's face after that, but I didn't turn to see what he looked like.

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Just before the restaurant closed, Augie went to remove the customer whose table I had cleared; I stayed close at hand in case he needed help.

"Cal," called Augie.

"Sir," I replied.

Augie signalled to me to come over to him and the customer.

"Sir," I said, as I began to approach them.

The customer chuckled as I approached.

"You are still too formal, Cal," said an all too familiar voice.

"Zanramon?" I asked, as I stopped next to Augie and recognised the Prime Leader.

"You do remember me," he smiled.

"How could I forget?"

"How are you?"

"Fine thanks."

"I'll leave you two alone. Cal, lock up when you're done, 'ey," said Augie, as he began to leave.

"Sir," I nodded, not really wanting to be left alone with Zanramon.

"I'll tell Carix and Darix to keep their eyes on you two at all times," whispered Augie into my ear before he left.

"Thanks sir."

Augie just nodded at me and then at Zanramon, after which he left us.

"So, how long have you been here?" asked Zanramon.
"A few weeks," I replied.

"Sit down, my dear, we're no longer employer employee."

I just nodded and sat down somewhat gingerly on the seat opposite him.

"You know that resignation note you sent me was something of a heart breaker, my dear," he said.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said.

"Why did you leave? I thought you were quite content working for me."

"I was."

"Then why leave?"

"Well, uh…"

"That new beau of yours?" I could hear in his voice that he wouldn't be pleased if I said so.

"Sorta perhaps; I don't know."

He just nodded, leaned back in his chair and put his fingers together while he willed himself into keeping his cool.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. How are things going with your new boyfriend?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"They were going well, but…"

"Do I hear a past tense and a 'but' in this sentence?"

"You didn't let me finish; everything has been going well, but then he was sent off to protect the home world, so I haven't seen him for a past few weeks."

"Has he called you?"

"No."

"Mmm, how about a letter?"

"No."

"I see." Zanramon chuckled.

"What?" I asked.

"Oh nothing to worry your pretty little head over, my darling. This chap of yours, what's his name?"

I didn't know what to do now; if I said it was Cloak there's a good chance that things could get a bit difficult for him, but if I didn't I would be lying.

"Cal," came Carix's voice from the back.

I breathed a silent sigh of relief.

"Yes?" I asked, as I turned my head to see him.
"You're kinda needed over here."

"Right. I'm sorry about his, Zanramon."
Zanramon just shrugged.

"It's business; besides, I had better get going home too," he smiled, as he stood up with me.

"Right," I nodded.

"I'll see you soon, I hope."

"Perhaps."

Zanramon just smiled at me and then took his leave, while I went to see what Carix wanted.

"Yes?" I asked, as I got to him.

"Just an act to get Zanramon to leave you alone," he smiled.

"Thanks." With that I gave him a hug around his neck.

"Uh… what are you doing?"

"Giving you a hug, duh."

"And me?" asked Darix.

"What did you do?"

"I haven't flirted with you all day!"

I looked at Carix.

"If you don't I'll be getting an earful for the rest of my days," smiled Carix.

I just sighed, walked over to Darix and gave him a hug too.

"You sure you still want Cloak? I mean… I'm here," he suggested.

"No thanks," I said sternly, pushing him away and backing up myself.

"Come on, bro, let's go. See you in the morning, Cal," smiled Carix.

"See you in the morning, boys," I smiled back, as they began to leave.

They waved back before exiting and then I went about the job of locking up.

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The next morning, I was busy cleaning the tables while Augie was busy with some paper work. Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Someone here at this time?" I asked myself, as I began to head for the door.

"Cal," hissed Augie, as he came out of his office.

I turned to look at him and he signalled for me to stay where I was while he went to the door.

"Who goes there?" Augie asked.

"Prime Leader Zanramon," came the reply.

Augie opened the door a jar, but then opened it fully.

"Sorry about that, sir, but you can never be too careful," Augie apologised.

"Of course," smiled Zanramon, as he walked in.

I decided that now would be a good time to leave and began to try a discreet exit.

"What brings you here at this time, sir?" asked Augie, as I made it to the back room and decided to hide in it.

"I came to have a word with one of your waitresses if that's not too much of a problem," replied Zanramon; I could still hear them from my hiding place.

"Well, most of them aren't here this early, sir."

"I know, but I also know that the one I want to talk to lives with you and your wife."

"Oh."

"Yes. Cal's her name; mind if I…"

"I suppose not, sir; I'll retrieve her for you."

"Thanks."

Then I heard Augie's footsteps approaching the back room and then I felt the door being opened into me; I moved away to allow Augie in.

"Zanramon wants a word with you," he said.

I just cringed.

"I know, but don't worry Carix and Darix will be in soon and I'll have them keep an eye on you two," said Augie.

"Thanks sir," I smiled weakly, as I made my way out and to Zanramon.

"Morning, sir," I smiled, as I walked up to Zanramon.

"Cal," he smiled back.

"What brings you hear at such an early hour?"

"Take a guess."

I thought for a moment, but really didn't want to say what I thought the reason was.

"I give up," I replied.

"You," he smiled.

"Sir, that's… very flattering, but why?"

"Ever since you left I've been trying to find you to try to get you back."

"I'm very sorry, sir, but I'm quite happy here."

Zanramon just smiled at me.

"Sir?" I asked, knowing that he was up to something.

"You and your 'sirs'," he smiled.

I just rolled my eyes.

"When do you get off of work?" he asked.

"Five, why?" I asked.

"Meet me in the alley behind the restaurant then; okay?"

"Sure, but why?"

"You'll see." With that Zanramon put a hand on my cheek and stroked it gently before leaving.

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Once he had disappeared, Augie came out of his office.

"What did he want?" he asked bluntly.

"I… don't actually know, but I do know that he's up to something," I replied.

"Hmm, that's not good; especially seeing as it's Zanramon that we're talking about."

"Tell me about it."

"Well, don't worry about it now; we'll take this one step at a time." Augie put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile.

"Thanks, Augie."

Augie just smiled again and patted my shoulder as he began to walk back to his office.

It wasn't long after that that Carix and Darix arrived at work and I explained the situation to them; it was better to tell them straight out instead of hiding it from them because they always weaselled the info out of me one way or another.

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Later that day, while cleaning up some dishes, I over heard some of the other waitresses swooning over something or other; against my better judgement I went over to have a look at what they were going gaga over.

"What are you looking at?" I asked cautiously; I'm not a huge favourite to them.

"If you must know, it's a collection of pictures of some of the…," started one of them coldly; she was a tall, light brown Triceraton.

"Cutest guys in the army!" squeaked another; she was a bit shorter than the first and a light orange in colour.

"Really? Who's the 'hotty of the cycle' then?" I asked.

They all just looked at me a bit surprised.

"What?" I asked.

"Since when do you know those terms?" asked the light brown one.

"Well, you aren't so different from earth girls in that respect."

They just nodded at the explanation.

"So?" I asked.

"This guy," said the light brown one, as she moved aside to let me see a picture of a Triceraton in the magazine they were looking at; he definitely had good looks. He was about 6'2" tall, seemed to be in his early twenties, was a dirty orange in colour and wore a pilot's uniform with the sleeves ripped off; take a guess who it is.

"Uh, what's his name?" I asked, trying to ascertain if it was Cloak or not because this guy looked an awful lot like him.

"Cloak Enigma Titanium," they all sighed in unison.

"Is he taken?"

"Not that we know of, but then again we've only known of his existence for the past day or so," replied the light brown one.

"I see."

"But from what we've read the chances are highly unlikely."

"Oh."

"Yeah, says that he isn't exactly the type who's incredibly interested in dating."

/If only they knew,/ I thought to myself. I didn't want to say anything about Cloak and I because of their obvious interest in him and their disfavour of me already; the last thing I needed was for them to hate me any more because of my going out with Cloak.

"Does it say anything about when the soldiers will be coming back to their families?" I asked.

"Nah," they chorused.

"Right." With that I went about my business.

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The day went by all too fast for me and soon it was six o'clock, the time I had agreed to meet up with Zanramon 'round back.

"We'll be right here if you need us," said Carix, as he and Darix walked behind me to the back door.

"Thanks guys; just stay out of sight please, at least until something happens where I need you assistance," I said.

"Example?" asked Darix.

"I… I really don't know. Carix, you're a good judge of situations; you decide when to move and when not to."

"Okay."

"And me?" asked Darix.

"Just listen to Carix," I smiled.

Darix just gave me a look and then another look to his brother.

"You wanna offend the lady and lose any chances you have with her by not listening?" grinned Carix.

Darix just narrowed his eyes at his brother, but left it at that. I had told them to wait behind the door so that they would be out of sight, but right in earshot. I breathed in a calming breath before putting my hand on the handle, but just as I did that I felt a hand on my shoulder; I turned my head to see who it was and found that it was Carix.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"No, just… be careful out there; okay?" he asked with a smile.

I just smiled and nodded back.

"It's the back alley! Not a battle ground!" exclaimed Darix.

"Keep it down," growled Carix, as he let go of my shoulder and I walked out into the back alley. I looked around a bit to see if Zanramon was there yet and soon discovered that he was being fashionably late.

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Fortunately, it wasn't long before he did show up.

"Sorry about the delay, my dear, but I had some business to deal with," apologised Zanramon, as he walked up to me.

"No problem," I smiled.

"You look beautiful this evening."

"Thanks; now, what did you want?"

"I want you to come back to work for me."

"S-i-r."

"Don't 'sir' me, my darling, I…"

"And please don't call me 'darling'!" I clasped my hands to my mouth as soon as I realised that I had yelled at the Prime Leader; Zanramon just looked at me in surprise.

"Did you just…," he started.

"Sorry," I apologized.

"Just watch your mouth."

"Yes sir."

"Look, I like you; you know that full well…"

"Yes sir."

"And I want you back in my life, my love."

"I'm sorry, sir, but that's impossible."

"Impossible or improbable?"

"Im-poss-i-ble; I'm in love with someone else. I'm very sorry, Zanramon, but that's the truth and I can't betray him."

"I still don't know who you're dating. My best bet is that it's Cloak, but I'm still not one-hundred percent certain."

"That's just a piece of information that you'll have to discover the hard way, sir."

Zanramon thought for a moment and then walked up to me.

"Cal, please reconsider my offer; if you would like to come…," started Zanramon.

"Leave," I said plainly.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Leave."

"My darling, I'm not sure I understand…"

"Leave, as in move it; I don't want to see you again until my male friend has returned from his station."

"You're tempted then?" Zanramon was just starting to annoy me now; I wasn't in the best mental state as it was, being separated from Cloak and all.

"Please leave," I said sternly.

"Okay, okay. The soldiers should be back from their stations soon; we've almost defeated our enemies. I look forward to seeing you again, my dear," smirked Zanramon, as he turned and headed back the way he had come.

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Once he was out of earshot I was able to express my irritability in a way I thought just.

"Ooh! That man!" I growled, as I clenched my fists and stamped one foot.

"You okay?" asked Carix, as he and Darix came out from their hiding place.

"Yeah; just annoyed is all."

"Well, looks like he won't be bothering you for a while."

"I'm not too sure about that, he's not known to give up very easily."

Carix just put his hands on my shoulders and gently rubbed them to calm me down a bit.

"Thanks," I smiled, as I put a hand on his.

"Come on; let's get you back inside."

I just nodded and began to lead the way back inside.