Part 82: My Life; Present, Past and Future

To my friends I am known as Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa. To my teammates I am known as Shadowcobra. To my enemies…

Well, I've been called a lot of different names by them; some insulting, others ludicrous, and a few which just plain hurt.

My friends, despite me considering them as such, don't know much about me or my past. What they know is what I've allowed them to know. There are things about me I do not feel comfortable sharing, especially with those closest to me.

What could I say to defend myself? I've done a lot of terrible things in my life that I feel regret for doing. There are things I want to take back but know I couldn't.

My first day of school, an Earth school, had not been pleasant. The kids saw me as a freak and didn't dare to approach me. Those who did approach me sought to make my life miserable.

They paid the price. I wreaked havoc on the school. To put it mildly, imagine that scene from "The Exorcist" and you have a pretty good idea of what I did with my powers.

The dark power from my father flowed through my veins…my mother's holy power flowed through my veins too…but which was I? Was I dark or light? Was I both or neither?

Such questions could drive a normal person insane. Fortunately or unfortunately (whichever way you like to look at it), I was anything but normal. My life was pretty much a void of dark depression. Face it. Having dark powers like mine didn't win me many friends.

Since normal schools were out of the question, I was sent to the Deathtron Academy at a young age. I was only 8 years old and from then on I learnt several very important lessons:

Survival of the fittest.

Do whatever it takes to get the job done.

And don't take slag from anybody.

I learnt these from a teacher of mine. Someone I looked up to. His name was Crackdown.

It was just one of days, really. I was being mocked for being an Earthling and the only reason I got into the Academy was because of my father. I didn't have any friends. Not that I wanted to. Instead, I just focused on my studies. The Deathtron Curriculum was more advanced and challenging compared to those of a simple Earth school. However, things like hierarchy never changed.

One day it got so bad that I ran, crying. I sat in the corner and that was when he spoke to me.

"Hey, kid. Are you okay?" he asked me. I looked up and saw one of the many Deathtrons that worked as instructors here. He was known as Crackdown. To be honest, all the staff went by a codename. His armor was green with black tribal markings. Of course, this armor was directly attached to his body. Nearly all of his body had been replaced by machinery and so he was a cyborg. The only organic part was his head, which was completely bald and he had red eyes. The left one was mechanical and had a scar there. He also had dark goatee. His skin was a pale color too and he had the same tribal tattoo markings on his face. The Deathtron symbol was on his chest.

"Oh, it's you, Mr. Crackdown," I spoke timidly, wiping away tears. He looked me over and sighed.

"The other cadets giving you trouble?" he asked. I nodded. "And you just ran away crying?"

"What else was I supposed to do?" I responded.

"What else? You're a Deathtron! And Deathtrons don't take slag from nobody!"

I blinked. "Don't take slag from nobody?"

He smiled. "You're young, kid, but even so you gotta show them whose boss. I've heard about you. You're one really smart kid. From what I can tell you'll be out of here pretty early and may even end up on the Secret Police."

"The Secret Police?" I asked aloud. He shushed me and leaned down to whisper.

"It's called the Secret Police for a reason, kid." He winked at me. "OK, so, you're being bullied?"

"Not exactly," I said. "I can hear what they're thinking. I didn't care but then I realized they hated me."

Crackdown sighed. "So, they hate you. Heck, I don't particularly like any of my fellow instructors either. I can barely tolerate them sometimes."

I smiled a bit.

"Listen, kid," he spoke, giving me advice, "Don't take slag from them. If they even think it, show them whose boss. You deserve as much respect as anybody. Doesn't matter which planet or galaxy you came from. Be proud of what you are and what you do. Do some damage if you have to so you can give them a clear message. Remember to NOT take slag from nobody."

I stood up straight and saluted, "Thank you, Sir, Mr. Crackdown, Sir."

He ruffled my hair and said, "Now, get back in there and show them who's boss!"

"Yes, sir!"

Thus, I let loose. Sure, I got into trouble and traumatized a few students, but now they had another valid reason to avoid me. It was now of fear rather than hate or disgust. Now they respected me out of fear. Back then I enjoyed it.

Nobody gave me slag. I wasn't going to take it. If they were going to dish it out, I was going to give it back, with interest!

I even managed to survive the toughest test of all. It was gnown as "The Gauntlet". 100 of us were put into a chamber and instructed to fight until only one man was left standing. I walked out after many hours, with injuries that had been inflicted on me but they were nothing compared to the injuries I inflicted upon the other 99 inside.

A few years later I graduated. With my exceptional scores and being first in my class I was immediately promoted to the rank of Captain. Months later, I was promoted to the rank of Commander. That was only because I exposed the previous commander of being corrupt, power hungry and totally unworthy of his rank. I don't know what happened to him but I bet it was unpleasant. Fat bastard deserved it.

I wasn't just any Commander. I was Commander of my own division in the Deathtron Secret Police. My team's job was to track down the worst Deathtron criminals and traitors and bring them to justice. We were at peace with the Sabretrons and wanted to start afresh, despite our less than savory reputation.

I remembered Crackdown's words when I busted this one criminal. I was in my Deathtron Armor, which was themed after a snake, a king cobra to be precise. My codename was Shadowcobra.

This criminal used to be a student in the Academy but was expelled for trying to kill one of the instructors. His codename was Tantrum if I was not mistaken and was prone to fits of rage. He was a humanoid bull, like a Minotaur, but decked in powerful armor. He was wanted for evading arrest and killing several officers. Thus, I made it my mission to track him down.

That was when I met him again.

I entered the cargo bay to find my man had already been taken down. His horns were missing. Standing over his immobile form was someone I hadn't seen in years.

"Crackdown!" I exclaimed and he stared at me. He was as I remembered him, save the armor on his arms and legs didn't seem to match with each other. He still had his goatee but now had spiked shoulder armor. I watched as his left hand turned back from a chainsaw. In place of his right hand was a hook. He gave me a smile as I took off my helmet. He recognized me instantly, giving me a fond smile.

"Well, my boy," he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"Coming after him, but it seems that's not necessary anymore, Mr. Crackdown," I spoke. I saw that Tantrum's horns were in his hand. "So, why did you take his horns?"

"There are trophies, really," stated Crackdown. "I just love collecting trophies."

I gave him a look. Something was off about him. "Mr. Crackdown, you just disappeared from the Academy. What happened to you?"

"Let's just say I found a better business opportunity. He walked into the light and my eyes widened when I saw that his Deathtron symbol has scratch marks running over it. From the looks of things they were self inflicted. Only Deathtrons who denounced themselves did that.

"Mr. Crackdown…" I spoke up, realizing what was going on. "You're a…"

"I'm a bounty hunter now, kid," Crackdown said. "I love teaching, I really did, but this is my true calling. That's why I left the Academy and the Secret Police. Too many rules that held me back."

"What are you going to do to Tantrum?" I asked.

"Oh, turn him over to someone, collect my bounty, then move on to my next job," he shrugged. "Hey, you can even come with me. Maybe we can be partners." When he meant 'someone', I knew he wasn't talking about the Deathtron Secret Police or anyone in association. In this world, if you had enough credits, you could issue a bounty on anyone.

I shook my head, apologizing, "Sorry, but you won't be collecting your bounty. Tantrum is coming with me."

"Sure, you can do that," said Crackdown. "But you gotta go through me."

I put on my helmet and glared at him with a deep frown. "That sounds like a challenge, Crackdown."

"So, let's see if a kid like you can stop me."

"I don't take slag from anybody, Crackdown, not even you," I hissed.

We charged at one another.

I had the power and skill but Crackdown had the experience. I lost, he delivered Tantrum, and then he was gone.

It was a blow to my honor. I was a Commander within the Deathtron Secret Police force and was beaten by a bounty hunter.

As much as I admired him, he was a traitor to the Deathtrons for turning into a bounty hunter. He was a traitor to justice.

One day I was going to bring him down and bring him in.

Aside from Crackdown, there was another Deathtron I knew who left a not so positive impression on me. His name was Swindler and he was as trustworthy as a pedophile you left your children with.

The first time I met him was during a raid. Swindler was known as an arms dealer and often bought weapon cheap or stole them, modified them, and then sold them at a higher price to the highest bidder. It was a lucrative business, especially during big wars. With the war over, Swindler had to turn towards other business opportunities, most likely renegades who wanted to restart the whole war.

I had a few officers with me and one rookie fresh out of the Academy. He looked up to me. As far as I can remember his name was Bloodhound and he had sharp senses. However, he was also very eager to prove himself.

We arrived when Swindler was setting up another deal to sell some performance enhancement chemicals he managed to procure for himself. The drug was called 'BERSERKER' since those who took it, even at small doses, would turn into a raging berserker. It increased the adrenaline levels and gave the user strength. However, taking so much of it caused irreparable damage to the brain. Those who survived ended up as mindless vegetables. It was a fate worse than death.

Though it was a drug, the term 'chemical weapon' would be more accurate. Regardless, it had to be recovered before it fell into the wrong hands. Plus Swindler needed to be taken in before he did anymore damage.

I was trying to set up a plan but Bloodhound was too eager and charged in, disobeying my orders. I chased after him. Soon, I heard gunfire. When I found him, Swindler was standing over him. From the empty look in Bloodhound's face and the pool of blood he was lying in, I knew I was too late.

Swindler escaped by creating a smoke cloud as a diversion. He left his merchandise behind and fled. I left carrying Bloodhound's body.

He was my responsibility. I felt guilt and sorrow. He was so young and so eager to prove himself. Well, at least he died in action.

After that I left and returned to Earth to stay with my family. The rest, as you know, is history.

It wouldn't be years later until I met Swindler again.

Swindler laid low for a few years before he resurfaced, this time on Earth. He was selling stolen Deathtron weaponry to gangs. The ones he sold them were cheap while the expensive ones were saved for more wealthy clients. Of course, the gangs wanted more and robbed banks and jewelry stores to pay Swindler for bigger and better weapons.

This time he was in Jump City and after gaining some parts he had built himself a 'Clock Down' device. It functioned on similar principles as the Clock Up system and as usual he was trying to sell it to Slade of all people.

Swindler was a smooth talker. He tried to butter Slade up with compliments, saying things like, "You got quite the reputation here, Slade. A criminal mastermind plus you look great by the way."

Slade was unimpressed but listened to Swindler anyway. He also asked how Swindler got the frequency to call him and all Swindler said was he got it from a friend of a friend.

Copycat didn't trust him one bit. Good for her.

Swindler explained, "This device here can slow down anything. I'm talking about the perfect weapon to shutdown your enemies for good. They won't be able to move or do anything and be stuck in a state of complete suspended animation. They will be like statues. A fate worse than death, don't you agree? It affects anything and anyone within a set radius and you are safe from it by wearing a special wrist band. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?"

Before Swindler could close the deal, Raven and I ambushed him. Despite the weapons he had on him, he wasn't much of a challenge against the two of us working together. Soon, he was stunned and cuffed.

Swindler immediately recognized me. "Oh, it's you," Swindler said.

"You know this creep?" asked Raven, referring to the Deaththron she and I had caught.

"His name's Swindler," I stated, "He's an illegal arms dealer wanted in several galaxies and star systems. He buys weapons cheap, modifies them, and then sells them to anyone who's willing to pay big credits. Sometimes he just steals the weapons or even trades them. He's wanted for terrorism and rumor has it that in a war between two tribes of the same planet he's been selling weapons to both sides, prolonging the conflict."

"Hey, I'm an entrepreneur," the purple-eyed Deathtron said. "I make deals. War just provides me with the opportunity."

"You also destroy the lives of innocents," I responded coldly. "The Deathtron Secret Police has been hunting you down for years for trading Deathtron technology, illegally I might add."

"Hey, business is business. A guy like me needs to make ends meet, y'know? I mean, your company's selling Deathtron tech too. Why should you hog the business?"

I clarified, "Smart Brain reverse engineers Deathtron technology into products the public can use. We do not mass produce weapons for military purposes."

"But you do manufacture weapons," Swindler retorted. "That stun blast you used on me is Deathtronian tech if I remember. A stasis blaster, right? Plus these cuffs are Deathtron tech too. They are negating my powers and weapons."

"Well, we had to use them since you're dangerous," Raven spoke. "You're an arms dealer."

"Which is why you're going to be shipped off to a prison asteroid where people like you are kept," I coldly stated.

"Oh, come on! Can't we make a deal?" Swindler whined.

"You're a smooth talker, Swindler, but I'm not buying."

Swindler grumbled.

"So, how did you end up on this side of the galaxy?" I questioned.

Swindler answered, "Well, if you must know, a mutual bounty hunting friend of ours told me of the great business I could get here. For a dirtball it sure has a great location."

I scowled at hearing about Crackdown who was a former member of the Deathtron Secret Police turned bounty hunter. "He's no friend of mine." No, he wasn't a friend. He was once my mentor.

"Well, he's got some fond memories of you," Swindler taunted.

I knocked him out with a telepathic blast. I didn't want to hear anymore from his poisoned mouth.

Months later, the Titans received a visit. It was someone I hadn't thought I would see again after a very long time. It was after we managed to capture Warp after he went on a crime spree using his future technology. After what'd happened before, during a fight with the Titans, he could no longer return to the future. He was stuck here in this time period and was trying to find a way to fix his technology.

"Long time no see, kid," spoke the person. He was humanoid and bald with tribal tattoos on his face. He was decked out in a suit of hi-tech armor. It was mainly green and black with tribal markings. His right hand was a hook while his left hand, which could transform into a chainsaw, had sharp clawed fingers. He had an artificial eye fitted where his left eye should be. Also, on his chest was a Deathtron symbol, though there were slash marks over it to mark that he was no longer aligned with the Deathtrons.

"Crackdown," I hissed.

"Wait, Shadow," Robin spoke up. "You know this guy?"

"His name is…" Shadowcobra began.

"I'm Crackdown," spoke the former Deathtron. "I'm a bounty hunter and this creep here is one of my bounties." He placed a foot on Warp's back to emphasize his point.

"I never thought you'd be interested in Earth criminals," I spoke up, the scowl on my face never leaving. "You were always after more infamous intergalactic criminals." Blackfire had a bounty on her. Luckily I was able to solve that problem.

"Hey, I'm here on Earth and needed the currency," defended Crackdown. "Now, if you don't mind, I'll be taking my bounty and cashing in. Don't worry, though. I'm taking him to the local authorities."

"Hold it," Robin spoke up. "You're not taking him anywhere." He was reaching to his utility belt.

"I never asked your permission," Crackdown spoke, aiming his hook at Robin.

"Robin, just let him go," I said in defeat.

"But-" Robin tried to protest.

I reminded, "As long as the criminal goes to prison that's all that matters."

Crackdown smirked, "I knew I could count on you, kid. I taught you well."

Everyone looked at me. Crackdown gave me a salute before grabbing Warp and dragging him away to claim his bounty.

Later, at the Tower, I explained everything about my relationship with Crackdown.

"Crackdown used to be an instructor at the Deathtron Academy," I explained. "He was tough but he earned everyone's respect. Of course he disappeared for a few years and when he turned up again he was a bounty hunter. He doesn't even consider himself a Deathtron anymore."

"OK, so, he's a good guy?" Beast Boy asked hopefully.

"Not exactly the words I'd use to describe him," I replied. "He's the type of person who often delivers his bounty in the former if the bounty states "Dead or Alive". Not only does he receive huge payments, but he enjoys taking personal items of the criminals he captures as trophies."

"So, he took something from Warp?" Robin asked, worried. Crackdown didn't seem all that trustworthy.

"Well, he just keeps them as trophies," I defended. "He would most likely frame it and mount it on a wall or put it up on his trophy case." I've seen his trophies in the past when he offered to show me. "But, let's just say he's just as bad as the criminals he goes after. I would be careful dealing with him. After all, he taught me to do whatever it takes to get the job done."

We didn't encounter Crackdown again, though. However, I have a feeling we'd be seeing him again soon. I only hope it was under better circumstances.

Present Time…NEO AZARATH…

Walking down memory lane always manages to calm me down. Thinking back on my past reminded me of how much I've changed through the years. Today, another change was about to occur…I needed to be really calm for this. I couldn't feel any anxiety.

Because…

Because…

I can't believe it myself, but…

But…

(Sigh…)

I was getting married. Luckily, it was to Raven. Still, it wasn't by choice that I was marrying her today. Her mother, Arella, unfortunately found out about our affair. We were clearly in love but I then learnt that all Azarathean women had to remain virgins before marriage. It was law. Failure to abide by that law was punishable by…

Let's just say that for a society of pacifists, they had a lot of creative ideas for capital punishment.

With rules, however, there were loopholes and the only way to solve his problem was via marriage. This was the reason why I was dressed in a white robe with a hood pulled down. This was how Azaratheans would wed. It would be held at a temple where monks and nuns would chant. The monks would chant for the groom while the nuns would chant for the bride. The one to perform the ceremony would be the high priestess, dubbed Azar.

I remembered seeing that scowl on Raven's mother's face. It was one of contempt and if I knew better she was holding back the urge to strangle me for defiling her daughter. If I could only read her mind to know what she was thinking. Of course, Azaratheans had strong mental shields that came with years of practice.

As Pluto would say, I was royally screwed. Best be a man and suck it up.

I was escorted to the temple with monks flanking me, carrying candles. I pulled my hood up to hide my face. I entered the massive temple, which was golden and beautiful with stained glass windows. There was a bed of white flowers and doves flying in the air.

How there were doves and no livestock would forever escape me. Then again, doves were used to carry messages in Azarath. Each family had at least one dove to carry messages. Therefore, doves served a great purpose here.

He just hoped it wasn't wedding invitation. Raven was heavily affected by this change and he could sense her distress. She didn't feel like she was ready but she didn't have much of a choice.

I entered the temple. There were benches lined up in two rows creating a path in the middle towards the altar. There stood Raven since I recognized her aura. She too was in a white robe and had her hood down, allowing her long violet hair to fall down like a curtain. I swallowed and strode forward.

There stood Azar, clad in gold and not white, and with graying hair in a bun. She had both a gentle yet firm expression fixed on her face. From how Raven had described her, she had fond memories of her former teacher.

I pulled down my hood and looked up. I glanced at Raven who had her head down.

"Now, we shall commence the ceremony," spoke Azar, "But first, the parents of both parties shall stand beside them."

I saw Arella coming up to stand next to Raven. I frowned. My parents weren't-

"Ichi-chan!" a familiar female voice called.

I blinked. 'What the deuce?'

I turned towards the temple doors to see my mother, running at full speed, with that look on her face and…oh no…

She immediately grabbed me and pulled me into a suffocating hug. As much as I loved this woman, I needed to tell her to realize her own strength.

She put me down and I could finally breathe. She was dressed in a pink business suit, her favorite color, with long flowing skirt. Her hair was done up in a stylish bun.

"Mother, what are you doing here?" I asked, "How did you get here?"

"Oh, your father arranged that," she spoke and there I saw the man I dreaded to see. I would be in so much trouble about this. I was getting married while I was so young. This may not look good in his eyes. He was dressed in his best suit, all black, and with that serious expression on him.

He looked down at me and I met his eyes, nervously. What was he going to say? What was he going to do? I saw that the monks and nuns hadn't acted or done anything. Raven was shocked but Arella and Azar hadn't done or said anything in alarm.

Something was up…even pacifists would've reacted somehow.

"So, getting married, son?" my father, Ichiro, said. His face was strictly neutral. I was definitely in for it.

"Yes, father," I said, bowing. I felt extremely tense, waiting for him to react in some negative way towards what was happening.

"Aren't you a little young?"

"I am, but…"

He sighed.

He spoke to Arella, "Angela, did you scare my son into marriage?"

I blinked.

Angela?

Wasn't that Raven's mother's real name?

Arella smiled and said, "Well, he did bed my daughter and they are already engaged. I might as well help move things along."

"Oh, Angela-chan! You're still as funny as ever!" my mother giggled.

Just what was going on?

Even Raven was confused.

"Alright, time out!" I exclaimed, "Can anybody please explain to me what is going on?"

I finally got the story. About 20 years ago or so, my parents were friends with Arella who back then was known as Angela Roth. Angela came from an abusive family and got in with the wrong crowd. The wrong crowd happened to be Trigon's worshippers who wanted to sacrifice her to the demon lord. Trigon came, raped her, and impregnated her, before slinking back to his dimension.

My parents rescued her and brought her to Azarath. She was eternally grateful to them.

When Trigon attacked Azarath, my father and mother helped the survivors escape into a new dimension to rebuild their society, dubbing it Neo Azarath. They even made sure Raven reached Earth safely.

That about summed it up.

"You know each other?" I asked after they told the story.

"Yes," Arella nodded.

"So, you've known about me all this time?" I asked, looking straight at Arella.

"Well, why shouldn't I?" she asked. "I did help deliver you."

My eyes widened and I shouted, "WHAT!?"

"Mother!" Raven exclaimed, "You delivered him?"

"She also helped deliver your sister and brother," Ichiro explained. "She's also your godmother."

As out of character it would be to react in such a way, I did just that.

It was only appropriate.

I fainted.

I woke up to see Raven hovering over me. I said to her, "I had the strangest dream…"

"That we were getting married, then your parents came, and you found out my mom delivered you and was your godmother?" she inquired.

I blinked. "How did you…?" Oh God. I looked down at myself. I was still in the white robe, lying on the floor. "It's all true, isn't it?"

"Yup," she nodded as she helped me up, "Who would've thought that my mom delivered you."

"And that she was my godmother," I added. I looked towards Raven, "That would mean you're my god-sister."

She blanched. "Please…don't say that when we're about to be married."

"So we still have to go through with it?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," she nodded. "It's easy, really."

I sighed, "Let's just get this over with."

Strangely enough, I was both nervous and excited at the same time.

The ceremony started again, this time with my parents by my side. Both Raven and I were holding candles as Azar produced a candle with a flame on it.

"Light your candles," she instructed and we did as told, lighting our candles with the small flame of hers. "Now, recite your vows."

"I, Raven, daughter of Arella, take thee to be my husband under the eyes of Azar. We shall be united forever more, to care for one another, be together in sickness or in health, till death separates us and until death reunites us again."

"I, Ichijyo, son of Keiko and Ichiro, take thee to be my wife under the eyes of Azar. We shall be united forever more, to care for one another, be together in sickness or in health, till death separates us and until death reunites us again."

My mother began to tear up and my father sighed. "Keiko, must you really?" he asked her. Weddings were joyous occasions to be sure, but…crying?

"I can't help it. I always cry at weddings," she said as she wiped her tears away. My father made a quiet sigh before he continued watching the ceremony.

My mother and father were as different as day and night…but I guess that's what makes them compatible, oddly enough.

I turned to look at Raven and then exchanged our candles before blowing them out. Then, we touched foreheads. My hair had been combed so that my Mark of Sin was visible as it touched against her chakra jewel. She looked at me softly and I returned it with a loving gaze. We then separated, turned towards Azar, and bowed.

She spoke, "Now, I dub you, husband and wife."

For some reason, hearing those words made me incredibly happy.

Then my mother swept me and my new wife in a bone breaking hug, squealing, "MY SON IS ALL GROWN UP!!"

My father palmed his face as I groaned, telling my mother to release us. Arella then walked towards me, face stern. She spoke, "I hope you can take care of my daughter, Ichijyo."

"I shall, madam," I answered.

She smiled, "Call me Arella. You're family now."

"Of course, Arella."

Her stern expression returned and she spoke into my mind, 'If you hurt my daughter, godson or not, I will hunt you down and turn you into a eunuch!' It was threat and one she was serious with.

I paled further and my pupils dilated. I gave her a nod and returned her message which she took. She seemed satisfied with my answer, but that promise was still echoing in her eyes.

Raven and I were later taken to a room where we would spend the night together for the first time as husband and wife. The bed looked soft and comfortable and the sheets were made of silk. Scented candles were also placed around the room to promote a relaxing atmosphere and provided some dim lighting as well. It felt strangely romantic too.

Raven sat on the bed, looking at her hands. I sat down too.

"This day has been weird," she said to me.

"Tell me about it," I returned. "Now we're married."

She stared at her engagement ring, "And we didn't even have the right rings."

"About that," I said, taking out a box. She stared at it.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"My parents brought it along and slipped it into my hands after the wedding." I handed the small velvet box over to her. "Open it."

She did and gasped as she saw two gold bands with stones on them. One stone was violet while the other was black. "Are these…?"

"Our wedding rings," I finished. I took the box back and took out the ring with the violet stone on it. She shakily took out the one with the black stone. I put the box aside. "Your hand, my beautiful blackbird."

She extended her hand to me and I slipped on the ring, "With this ring, I thee wed." I then gave her my hand and she slipped on the second ring.

"With this ring, I thee wed," she repeated, looking at me with eyes watering. She then pushed me onto the bed and began to kiss me with all it was worth.

We've been through a lot, a whole lot, things people our age could only imagine in their best dreams or worst nightmares.

She pulled her lips away from mine, cheeks flushed and then I saw a look in her eyes I recognized whenever we were about to make love.

"Can I tell you something?" she asked, tracing circles on my chest.

"Sure," I nodded slightly.

"I'm not wearing anything under this robe."

That instantly put a smile on my face, despite my flushed cheeks.

To Be Continued…

Swindler's Bio: Swindler is a well known arms dealer with little conscience. He is responsible for prolonging several wars. He doesn't care if anyone gets hurt as long as he can make a profit. He'd even sell his own mother for the right price. He's also heavily armed with weapons he keeps for personal use. His armor can generate a shield that is capable of deflecting the most powerful of blasts. He is also equipped with an arm mounted cannon that shoots a devastating energy blast. His armor is lime green and purple with the Deathtron symbol on his shoulder and he wears a helmet with a purple visor. He is more or less a coward without all his weapons and proves to be more of a businessman rather than a fighter. His "best friend" is Crackdown, a Deathtron Bounty Hunter whom he also provides with weapons and upgrades and Crackdown provides him with possible business opportunities.

Crackdown's Bio: Crackdown will hunt after any bounty worthwhile. The Deathtron Secret Police let him do his business since he delivers criminals they issue bounties on. Swindler is just an unscrupulous business man. If I know Slade he might be interested in making deals. Swindler is all about the money. Any currency would do. He could even trade weapons and maybe some exotic items. Copycat has little trust for ppl like him since Swindle has his eye on her armor and her Excel System. I mean, he's the type of guy who would sell anything if the price was right and buy stuff cheap so he can sell it at double the price. He's smart but arrogant as heck.

Crackdown is kinda the guy who delivers a criminal dead or alive, mostly the former than the latter. He and Shadowcobra went after the same target once and well...it didn't end pretty. Crackdown has most of his body parts replaced and modified with advanced cybernetics so he has mismatched body parts and armor. He also has interchangeable parts. Also has a habit of collecting 'trophies' from his 'victims'. A memento if you will.