A/N: These next two are the short continuations I mentioned when midway through The Cave of Two Lawyers. For those of you that haven't read the story, I'd suggest either reading it or skipping these next two, because otherwise they'll go way over your head.
By the way, I have been suffering from some writer's block as far as these drabbles concern. So if any of you guys have any suggestions, I would be more than glad to hear them!
"You're dreamin'! The Steel Samurai is so much better than the Jammin' Ninja!"
"Nu-uh! The Jammin' Ninja is the best! He can fight AND he can sing!"
Gumshoe was arguing with the young redheaded girl on his shoulders. They'd been travelling through the caverns for about an hour and a half at this point, and Gumshoe was certain they would find the exit soon.
"Mr. Gummy, look!" Athena cried, pointing forward. Ahead of them, flashing blue and red lights were casting light on the cave walls. The young girl's ears were also picking up the voices of many other people. And among them…
"I can hear mommy!" She cried.
"Is that so, pal? Well we shouldn't keep her waitin'!" With that, Gumshoe shifted into overdrive and rushed toward the exit, Athena giggling all the way.
The two emerged from the cave to a round of cheers as the rescue crews and bystanders looked on, realizing that the young girl that had caused such a panic was safe.
"Athena!" Metis Cykes rushed out of the crowd and toward the burly detective.
"Mommy!" Athena cried as she hopped down from Gumshoe's shoulders and was immediately enveloped in a hug from her mother.
"Oh, Athena. You had me so worried." Metis said, pulling off her lab coat and wrapping it around her daughter.
Athena looked at the ground. "I'm sorry, mommy. I just wanted to see the secrets of the universe with Uncle Yuri." She then turned around and grabbed Gumshoe's hand. "But I made a new friend, mommy!"
Metis smiled at her daughter and stood to greet Gumshoe. "Is that so? And what's this new friend's name?"
Gumshoe smiled at the woman. "Name's Gumshoe, pal! Dick Gumshoe!" He said with a salute.
"Well, Mr. Gumshoe, I can't thank you enough for finding my daughter." She wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "You have my eternal gratitude."
The burly man stood there frozen for a moment before Metis pulled away and turned her attention back to Athena, grabbing her hand. "Come now, Athena. Let's get you home."
Suddenly, an older man burst from the crowd and rushed forward. "Athena!"
"Huh?" Athena turned in the direction of the voice to see Yuri Cosmos, his hand wrapped in gauze, rushing toward her. "Uncle Yuri!"
Before Cosmos could reach the young girl, Metis stepped between them and glared daggers at the man, freezing him in place. "That's far enough, Director."
"M-Metis… I-I'm sorry. I just wanted to-" The aging director tripped over his words.
"I believe you've done quite enough for one day, director. And I would appreciate it if you would keep your distance from my daughter from now on." Metis said before turning around and pulling Athena along, heading back to the bus that had brought them to the nature preserve.
Director Cosmos looked on sadly as the Cykes walked away from him, Athena glancing over her shoulder every now and again.