A Leave of Absence

by greenhorn001

Aria Israel returns to her Australian homeland in the city of Melborne where she takes a leave from her position onboard the Dreadnaught, a BC-303 class starship. However, when she returns home from being gone for ten years, things are not as they seem anymore. She struggles to reconnect with her family, but its not easy.

4. Chapter 4: Resolution

Location: NID Regional Branch, Canberra ACT (Australian Capital Territory), New South Wales
Time: 9 AM, June 29th, 2009

It was that time. Aria continued to sit in the chair in her service dress blues. Her service hat was resting on her lap as she continued leaning forward in the chair waiting. The officer who escorted her into the classified building had her sign a few things for security stuff and to wait until they were ready for her. She started chewing her thumbnail again trying to relieve her nervous pressure and energy from her system. Her long, blond hair was tied tightly behind her in a bun. A small, wheeled travel suitcase was parked next to her. She flashbacked to the farm for a minute still thinking about Bindi and Liam.

It was five in the morning. Aria had taken her run an hour ago when she woke up. Bindi was already away and she had left early, so Aria took the responsibility for cooking a bit for Liam. She cooked the same mean he loved eating every day. Breakfast steak, cheese and omelet wrapped in a tortilla with orange juice and buttered toast on the side. She watched Liam for a bit while he ate his meal. Liam looked up for a moment looking at her with a smile. Aria smiled back as she stroked Liam's hair.

Moving forward for a kiss, Aria stood up and turned to leave. Liam asked, "Where are you going?"

Aria let out a sigh and responded, "To change into my uniform. I have an appointment in Canberra that I can't miss."

Liam asked another question, "Can I come with you?"

Aria looked at him sadly and shook her head responding, "Oh sweethart, I really wish you could but you can't. It is something I have to do myself."

Liam continued to look at her as he drank his orange juice before asking another question not understanding, "Why?"

Aria approached him and took his hand as he got up from his seat. She hugged him for a bit and kissed him again as she stroked his face. Liam kept his arm around Aria to keep her close as she gave him another answer, "Sweethart, it is only for a day. I will be back by early afternoon. I have to do this alone. I love you, okay? I really do."

Liam nodded responding, "Okay. I love you too. Thanks for cooking me breakfast."

Liam watched her turn and leave the room. He still couldn't understand why she must face this appointment alone when she knows he got her back always.

Aria looked up for a minute from chewing her thumbnail. She continued to watch people pass her as they went about their jobs. She still couldn't help thinking of what she should say and what they will have for her. She knows she is in trouble, so she doesn't know how deep she might be in. For the past six minutes she had still been waiting, she was wondering what they were doing now.

The scene flashed back again. It said 5:30 on the clock. Aria was in the front of the mirror dressed in her service dress blues. Her hair was still down as she would leave that for later to keep her hair breathing. On her wrist, she still had her leather bound ivory shell band around just for luck. After touching up her dress, she took her hat, picked up her travel suitcase on her bed and walked out of her room.

On the bottom of the stairs, Liam was waiting for her. Aria smiled gently as he took her hand a bit with her asking, "How do I look?"

"Professional. Are you sure you don't want me to come," Liam responded asking. After when she shook her head silently, Liam spoke again, "Okay. Good luck."

Aria smiled as she let out an exhale of breathe responding, "Thank you, sweetie. I need it."

After when she kissed him on the lips, she opened the door and closed it leaving the house. She went to her red GTS and opened the side door to place her suitcase in. The travel suitcase contained her clothing items and some air sealed plastic bags to fold her uniform inside. Closing the door, she opened her driver side, entered placing her cap on the passenger seat and started the car. Taking out an envelope from her pocket, she sorted it to find her one way flight ticket to Canberra. The NID paid for her flight, but not the return flight. She would have to handle that herself.

"Ma'am," a young voice spoke as Aria looked up to see a young officer looking at her. He continued, "Ma'am, they are ready for you. If you will follow me."

"Alright," Aria nodded a bit nervously as she got up, placed her hat on her side, grabbed the handle on her travel suitcase to pull it along and followed the young man.

The man asked a question as they continued walking, "You signed the confidentiality agreement, correct?"

Aria nodded, "Yes. In triplicate."

He continued, "Okay, well you will see an agent on duty, Agent Malcolm Brewster. He will run you through the info, your actions and your penalty."

Aria nodded again as she managed to avoid biting her thumbnail again, "Okay."

He sensed that she was nervous so he turned to her and responded offering his support, "You have nothing to worry, Ma'am. Just take a deep breath and focus. It will be quick."

Aria spoke nodding, "Thank you."

Another officer approached them as they turned to him. He looked a little more mature and seemed serious. He responded, "Thank you agent. I will take her the rest of the way."

Aria gulped. This was the man who picked her up at the airport. The young man saluted and left her side leaving her for his superior officer. The man continued to scowl at Aria as if he was angry about something.

As Aria continued walking along the Melbourne Airport pulling along her travel suitcase, she carried her flight ticket looking for her flight. She would have to purchase another flight ticket back home. Right now, she had no reason for heading back home yet. She wanted time alone from her family and Liam. Soon as she found the area, she showed her ticket to the flight attended and boarded the plane.

A few minutes later as the plane took off, Aria continued looking out the window watching her home from a distance. She started chewing her thumbnail again to relieve pressure. An hour later as the plane landed with her getting out with her suitcase and to the front, one of the agent in black uniform approached her. He asked, "Lieutenant Israel?"

She nodded and he responded showing her the way, "Come with me, Lieutenant."

She gulped hearing his tone. He was angry about something and didn't like her. He also had no need to introduce himself to her. She quickly followed him not wanting to start another incident.

As both Aria and the same agent stopped before the door, he opened it and waited for Aria to enter. Aria placed her service hat on and continued pulling her travel case. He let out an angry growl as her as she passed walking along the empty hall filled with chairs. A few people were in the center of the room surrounding a table. Soon as they reached the yellow line, the man stopped her and spoke with distaste in his tone, "Wait here, Lieutenant."

Aria gulped and obeyed as the agent approached the table. He moved passed the group of people and whispered to the agent seated. The seated agent spoke as the other agents dispersed leaving the room. When the Agent looked at her, Aria took it as it was okay to approach. He responded, pointing at a chair, "Please be seated, Lieutenant."

Aria responded saluting, "Yes, sir."

The man sat down next to Malcolm as Aria approached her chair sitting down. Malcolm responded as he grasped his hand together, "If you will forgive me for not standing, Lieutenant, you are here to answer for your actions against two of our officers. I am Agent Malcolm Brewster. You may know Agent Todd Crowe."

Aria gulped as she looked at Crowe. He can't be the brother of the man she beat up. The situation certainly looked worse now than before. She immediately looked back at Malcolm as he continued, "His brother and a fellow agent were being treated at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for the past few days for injuries sustained by you. He is understandably angry at you and wants me to punish you harshly. I am within my right to do so. However, because of your brother, Agent Israel, and his words I am here to give my ear to listen to what you have to say. He is already in trouble for his part and is being investigated. He took full responsibility for setting you on this path and asks that I hear you. Every word for word. So speak plain, or be silent and be judged for your actions."

Aria gulped again and stood responding, "Thank you sir."

As Malcolm waved at her a bit letting her know she is at ease, she spaced her feet and placed her arms on her back as she spoke choosing her words carefully, "I regret what I have done. There are not enough apologies I can find that will resolve this incident. It should not have happened. I should have been more reasonable as an officer of the navy. I have embarrassed my rank, my position and my honor by acting childish, foolish and disrespectful. You are within every right to punish me, so I ask you to please forgive me. It will not happen again. Ever. Please give me a light sentence and I promise you I will respect and obey your rules. I promise you on my oath as an officer of the navy and a human being."

Crowe continued to growl lightly, but Malcolm touched his shoulder to back him up a bit as he responded to her, "Your brother was vocal. He said it was his fault and asked me to not punish you more harshly than he is right now. I looked over your records and your bio so I must say it's clean. Your service record is solid with a few report for a few recommendations for your commendations on your service to the navy. There is nothing more than a punishment I am willing to give you other than a slap in the wrist. I, however will send your file to the SGC and ask them to recommend you for any punishment they will give you. All I ask is that you don't do this sort of thing again and we will watch you to make sure you keep your promise. You may be dismissed."

Aria smiled a bit as she nodded saluting, "Thank you for listening, sir. I will not disappoint you."

As Aria continued walking out with her suitcase, Crowe turned to Malcolm a bit exasperated, "Sir, I think you should have punished her severely. She did more than hurt my brother. He embarrassed him and hurt his pride."

Malcom looked at him with a tired expression as he responded, "He will have to get over it. Just watch her but don't do anything to compromise your promise to the NID. Dismissed agent."

Aria blew a sigh as she closed the door and headed to the restroom to change. She entered the restroom as a woman exited. A few moments later of changing into her gray tank top, her short cargo pants and straightening out her curled blonde hair. She folded her uniform carefully into the air sealed bags as it instantly pressed her uniform. She placed it back into her case as she took out her small kit bag.

She washed her face a bit and placed her small leather bound ivory necklace around it. She took her time to paint her nails dark blue. After letting it air out, she took her suitcase and left the bathroom. After a few moments of walking a bit through the building, she exited and jogged down the steps.

She continued walking until a voice called her name as she stopped, "Aria."

Aria turned and gasped seeing Teal staring at her. He seemed a little bit calmer or maybe passive. She found her words and asked, "Teal?"

Lachlan stared at her for a few moments and let out a sigh as he spoke inviting her, "Walk with me."

It was warm outside as it was around 10 AM. Aria continued following Teal warily as she started chewing her thumbnail again getting her nervous pressure back. With Teal, it was up to Aria to either expect the expected or the unexpected.

Location: Near the National Carillon, Canberra ACT, New South Wales, Australia.
Time: 10:15 AM

It was cool outside with a bit of a breeze. Aria continued to chew on her periwinkle coated thumbnail as she followed side by side with Teal. She was nervous and tense, so she was trying to relieve pressure again. A while ago when they crossed Lake Burley Griffin via the Kings Avenue, Teal parked his navy blue HSV Commodore GTS in the parking lot of The Boat House by the Lake. From there, they walked a bit toward the National Carillon. Teal had been quiet for a while for the past five minutes just enjoying the company of his sister.

Aria's hair continued to sway in the cool breeze as she continued to feel the warmth of the lake. She looked at the lake watching a sail boat pass under the bridge. As they passed the Grevilla Park, Teal cleared his throat as he finally asked after a long silence, "How are you feeling right now?"

Aria looked at him as she continued chewing her thumbnail. She responded, "Umm, I don't know. Nervous."

"Why," Teal looked back at her for a brief moment in his stocky tone asking her again.

Aria shrugged as she kept her meter distance from her brother behind her, "I don't know, Teal. What do you want me to be? Happy? Joyful? Scared? From my observations in your actions toward me, I do not know if I can trust you again."

Teal let out a sigh and nodded, "You're absolutely right, but you have no reason to be. What does your training say? How do you feel toward me? What feelings should you portray? Should you be more confident or should you remain nervous? As far as I am concerned right now, this isn't an awkward situation. We are just having a walk toward one of the few of the best national attraction. You should feel calm. Aren't you? Just by walking with me?"

Aria looked around and let out a sigh shaking her head, "Teal…"

Teal turned and stopped as he responded, "No, you listen to me. You have no reason to be nervous or scared. The point of this walk was to get you calm and not thinking about me. We need to talk, but not while you are like this. Remember your training and walk with me. Come closer to me."

Aria let out a sigh as Teal turned around and continued his walk. She looked down, closed her eyes, inhaled and exhaled her nervous energy. Opening her eyes, she jogged a bit to join him. Teal turned his head briefly satisfied that she was walking a little closer to him now. He kept his focus forward and asked again, "How are you feeling right now?"

Aria responded again, "I am good. It is a beautiful day outside in the park. How are you?"

Teal nodded and responded, "I am just fine, Aria. I realize I was harsh on you the other day. I was wrong. When you stayed over at Belinda's house, I realized the sincerity of your tone and I began to regret trying to push you away."

Aria let out a sigh as she smiled looking at the lake again. She kept her walking tempo with Teal as she responded, "It is okay, Teal. I'm sorry I never stayed in touch."

Teal let out another sigh and stopped her as he turned to ask her, "Now why is that so hard?"

Aria looked at him confused as she asked, "Excuse me?"

He shook his head and touched her shoulder responding, "What I mean is why you didn't stay in touch? I knew the reason and you knew I am NID. Why didn't you keep in touch with me?"

Aria shrugged with another sigh, "I was scared Teal, okay. I wasn't sure how to talk to you anymore so I just ran. Here's another question for you Teal. Why didn't you try to keep in touch with me?"

He stared at her for a bit thinking. Letting go of her shoulder he turned away and kept walking. Aria caught up with him still looking at him. She asked again, "Teal, tell me. I deserve to know."

Teal let out a sigh and shrugged, "I was busy. Bogged down I'd never thought to try."

Aria let out an annoyed growl as she grabbed Teal on the arm and turned him around to face her. She responded, "And yet, you find it in yourself to be mad at me? It's now my turn to be mad. Why all the verbal abuse? What have I done to deserve them other than being unavailable? It seems to me that we are both at fault here, don't you agree?"

Teal responded touching her hand to remove it from his shoulder, "I was wrong, okay. It was wrong for me not to contact you. They wouldn't let me."

He turned away and continued walking. Aria shook her head and ran up to catch up matching his quicker steps. She spoke, "We're only human, Teal. I hope you realize that."

Teal continued to be silent and Aria continued walking with him toward Aspen Island where the tall building was located. A few moments later, as they went under the bridge and along the walking trail, they started hearing the bells from the National Canberra. Aria smiled a little and responded, "They sound pretty. I haven't heard it in a long time."

Teal responded as they stopped before a banister viewing the tall building, "They do have a calming effect do they?"

"Heh, yeah," Aria responded taking her position next to Teal as she leaned against the banister. Teal turned to her and asked, "How is Liam and Belinda's farm?"

Aria spoke, "They are fine, Teal. Never better. I'm with Liam right now."

Teal responded a little surprised, "Really? Cause when you left for training, you kinda left him moody and depressed."

Aria let out a sigh as she looked down, "I know, Teal. Truthfully, he scared me off."

Teal was now curious as he asked, "What did he do?"

Aria continued to sigh as she closed her eyes asking, "Do you swear you won't tell Noah or Tally?"

Teal offered his hand as he nodded, "I swear on my honor as an NID agent."

Aria responded touching her leather bound ivory necklace, "He, ah uhh, proposed."

Teal was wide eyed in surprise and responded a little amused at Liam's choice, "Really? I can understand why you ran. You never really were a settle down and get married type. You were the one on the move constantly and focused on your objectives that all other things will have to wait. Did you say anything to him or did you just ran away."

Aria shrugged not responding. Teal offered his hand on her back for comfort. He asked again, "So, what about now? Am I to say some inspiring words at your wedding?"

Aria shook her head and laughed a little, "Heh, no Teal. He apologized and I'm giving him another chance but I will never marry. Not for the rest of my life. For as long as I am strong and constantly active, but I don't know. I still love Liam, because he is so sweet and kind, but marry him? I don't think I can. I don't know."

Aria continued looking at the building feeling sad. The bells were giving her comfort but they were making her sad. Teal studied her for a bit feeling her sadness. He responded taking her shoulder turning her around. Aria looked at him and he let out a sigh as he offered his arm. They embraced as Aria tucked her arms into Teal's chest and rested her chin on his shoulder. They hugged for a bit as Teal responded, "You will be fine, Aria. You were always the strongest in the family. You will figure it out and when you do. Know this. I will always have your side, no matter what."

Aria whimpered a little as a tear drop threatened to fall from her eyes. She wiped it off on his shoulder and kissed him on the cheek hugging him closer, "Thanks Teal. It scares me that we fight and I tire of fighting, okay. I don't want us to. Not anymore."

She was feeling better and calmer again just by hugging her big brother. He moved her back staring at her. She responded with a smile, "You were the reason I started martial arts. Judo, Taekwondo, Kickboxing. Every class I go it's with you. Every time I watch you, I try to surpass you to get better than you. You were my big brother and it was all I could do to keep up with you. I never wanted to lose sight of you because I wanted you to come with me when I joined the Navy."

Teal nodded and took her hand as they continued their walk across the bridge into Aspen Island where the National Carillon was located. The bells continued to ring, but Aria never felt happier than she was in the company of her brother.

Location: The Deck at Regatta Point, Canberra ACT, New South Wales, Australia.
Time: Around Noon

Aria and Teal were seated together on the deck of the café. They looked more comfortable sitting with each other. A large serving of fish and chips were in front of them as they continued to share it along with two sparking water glasses. Aria looked up and across the deck toward the lake. She had her sunglasses on to protect herself from the glare of the sun.

Teal took a drink from his water before clearing his throat getting her attention. He spoke with a question, "So, you flying back to Melbourne today?"

Aria wrinkled her nose with humor as she shook her head responding, "Nope. I'm planning to stay at a hotel. Why? Do you want me to go back home already?"

Teal shook his head and responded, "No, that wasn't what I was asking. What I mean is. What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

Aria blew a sigh and shrugged as she picked up her fries and dipped it into ketchup before plopping it into her mouth. She responded, "I don't know. I planned to get myself lost and wander a bit. You can feel free to join if you aren't too busy."

As Aria looked at the stray ketchup on her thumb near her periwinkle coated nail, she placed her thumb into her mouth lick off the condiment as Teal continued, "I was thinking we can walk around for as long as our legs can take and explore a bit. See good stuff around the capital before heading back to the car. Maybe even have dinner near the lake. Just the two of us."

That put a smile on Aria's lips as she nodded responding, "That sounds awesome. Just be careful it doesn't sound like we are having a mushy getaway."

Teal grunted a bit at her teasing as he continued, "As for a place to stay, you can stay over in my apartment for the night. I have a spare room."

Aria continued to smile and responded as she grabbed his hand to squeeze it, "Thank you, Teal. I was afraid I was going to have to spend the night alone."

Teal nodded as he took his hand back and reached for his pocket. He pulled out a small hip flask and placed it on the table in front of her. Aria looked at it curiously for a bit as she took it studying it. It had on an intricate design with a symbol of the Bush on it. Teal took a minute to respond, "Do you remember the day when you finished training? You had this all your life from the moment dad gave this to you for your sixteenth birthday."

As she thought for a moment, nostalgia hit her as she cooed remembering turning it to the bottom to see her initials, "Oooh, I remember this. You kept it?"

Teal nodded, "Yes. When you gave it to dad to keep it, he was disappointed but he understood your reasons regarding using this for your service. It was against regulations. So he kept it neatly wrapped in cloth and kept it sealed in a container for you until you returned. It was yours and he wanted you to keep it. I thought I would give it back to you, that is, if you still want it."

Aria cooed again as she moved closer to her brother and hugged him responding, "Yes I do. Thank you, Teal. That means a lot to me."

Teal nodded and hugged her close as she kissed him on the cheek. As Aria placed the flask inside her boot, someone came over and cleared the table. Teal paid for the lunch and they both got up leaving the deck. It stayed warm and breezy all afternoon as they continued walking around the capitol exploring. Teal took her to see some buildings around the lake including attractions and memorials. They stopped by a few stores and they shopped for a bit.

It was well over six hours they spent for the better part of the afternoon before they walked back to the car near the Boat House restaurant. The sun was going down. Teal took out a small, rectangular box and carried it with him. Aria looked at it curiously as it looked a bit heavy. They stopped inside the building before the host as Teal responded showing his I.D, "Lachlan Israel. I'm here with my sister. I called ahead for a reservation outside on the patio."

The host looked over the list for a bit and nodded as he offered his hand along with a two menus. He led them outside and showed them to a table on the patio overlooking the lake. The lake continued to shimmer at the evening light. The breeze continued on cooling Aria as they took their seats. The host left so they can read over the menu to get what they wanted.

As Aria looked over the menu, Teal took out his small box and opened it. He pulled up a bottle of Bundaberg rum. Aria watched him and raised her eyebrows curiously. Teal looked at her for a bit and opened the bottle. As he placed the glass upright from the bottom, he poured it filling it about a third of the glass. He closed the bottle tight and placed it on the side as he took the glasses.

Teal looked at her and handed her the glass as he responded clinking her glass, "For dad and for your coming back from service. Hope you stay longer."

Aria let out a giggle as she nodded taking a sip from her rum. She placed it back down as the service waitress came for their first of the four course meal which was the appetizers. Teal had called ahead six hours ago while they were walking around and reserved their seat while telling them what they wanted for their four course meal.

It was getting a bit darker as the lights on the patio continued to burn bright. They took their time to enjoy their meal and just sit there not talking but enjoy their moment of being together as siblings. Their bottle of rum was kept tight and closed after their third small glasses each. They continued drinking their sparkling water they asked for to wash away the alcoholism or the taste of rum. When they reached their last course of meal which was desserts, Aria groaned in a bit of pain as she was full.

She smiled at her brother as he took the last of his cake and plopped it into his mouth. Chocolate was left on the left of his mouth as he missed it when he was dabbing with his napkin. Bending forward and touching his chin, she got his attention as she spoke, "Hey, you missed something."

She wiped the smudge off and smiled at him. He nodded with his thanks and let out a sigh leaning back at his chair. Aria continued to look at him smiling with affection. She took his hand and squeezed it as he looked at her for a bit. Sitting up, he responded as he reached for her hip flask in her boot and took it out. As he placed it on the table, he took out the rum and started to open it responding, "You know what? That hip flask of yours seems empty with a little rum, what do you think?"

Aria gigged as she held the flask while he poured a bit into it filling it up. She took a sip from it a closed it tight before stuffing it into her boot. Teal closed the bottle tightly, placed it in the box and responded by handing it to her, "Keep this. I brought it for you to use. Use it wisely."

Aria giggled again as she responded, "Thank you Teal. I'll try. Honest!"

Teal nodded with a light smile, "Good enough for me. Want to walk for a bit by the lake?"

Aria let out an exhausted sigh before responding, "Oh, Teal. As nice as that sounds, I am burned out. I ate too much and I am getting sleepy."

Teal smiled a little again as he waved over a server, "Fair enough. I'll pay and get us out of here in a bit."

Soon as he paid, Aria grabbed Teal's hand and walked close to him as he led her around the building back toward Teal's Commodore GTS. She continued carrying her rum box close to her to keep it safe. As he pulled out the car and moved onto the highway back to the apartment, he looked at Aria. She had already fallen asleep.

Teal took the time to find his apartment, park and get out as he went around opening Aria's side. Gently, he pulled her out and carried her toward the house. She wasn't that big and Teal was big and strong enough to carry his own sister. While sleepy, Aria had taken her chance to wrap her arms around Teal to keep close to his warmth. Teal unlocked the door and entered bringing her inside gently before locking the door behind him.

Soon as he came up the stairs and reached a spare room he had in his apartment, he laid his sister gently into bed. He removed her boots and her socks as well as her cargo shorts before placing the cover over her. Teal continued to watch her silently before turning off the light and leaving her to her dreams closing the door.

Location: Teal's Apartment, Canberra ACT, New South Wales, Australia
Time: June 30th, 4:30 AM (04:30 Hours)

It was still a bit dark as it was early in the morning. There was a bit of a cool breeze as Aria continued to lean on the banister of Teal's porch. On her right thumb, she continued to tap her thumb ring on the metal subconsciously. Her hair was a bit damp bit still drying off from her previous shower after her thirty minute run outside of the apartment. She continued to watch the capital of Australia slowly wake up from her slumber.

Teal entered the porch and approached his sister as he placed his hands on her shoulders. He started massaging it as she moaned in comfort. Coming closer as he rested his hand on the banister looking out into the capital, he spoke, "Morning. Did you have a good run?"

Aria moaned as she laid her head against his chest and stroked his cheek responding, "Yes I did, thank you. Did you sleep well?"

Teal nodded as Aria kissed him on the cheek. He let go of Aria and rested beside her as she watched him for a bit. He spoke again, "We should head back to Macedon. You do not need a flight home because we can take the longer scenic route if you want."

Aria smiled and nodded responding, "That would be awesome, Teal. I would like that very much."

Teal spoke, "Alright. If we leave now, we can eat breakfast on the way and we will be back at Macedon by evening. I was thinking we can stop by Belinda's farm that is if she wants for us to eat there. I haven't seen her in a long time."

Aria nodded taking out her cell phone, "Alright that sounds fine. I will call Bindi later to let her know."

"Okay, meet you in the car in a bit," Teal responded leaving her side.

As the dark blue HSV Commodore GTS continued to remain stationary but turned on in the driveway of Teal's apartment, Aria was looking at the map set on her brother's touchscreen. It said 05:00 hours on the small, rectangular section above the screen. She thought for a minute as Teal continued to wait patiently for her to make up her mind. He spoke asking a question, "Are we ready now?"

The lines on her forehead creased slightly as she shook her head, "No. Not yet. Teal, umm, I changed my mind. I don't want to drive back to Macedon."

Teal let out a sigh as he responded still trying to be patient, "Where do you want to go?"

Aria looked at him wondering, "You sure you don't mind? I can…"

Teal shook his head waving her off, "No its fine. I'm good for the next few days if you want to go somewhere else."

Aria nodded and continued touching the screen studying the virtual map. She spoke, "I just want to visit this friend I hadn't seen in a long time. I forget where she lives now, but it's near Cowra I think."

"Who," Teal wondered as Aria looked up for a bit and responded, "Hayley Taylor. You know her."

Teal thought to himself for a bit before responding, "Huh? That buff, muscular girlfriend of yours? Who calls herself Hulk Hailey?"

Aria nodded rolling her eyes, "Yup, that's her. Although she's not my girlfriend. She's my best mate."

Teal made a grunt as he rolled his eyes back at her humorously, "Right."

"Anyways," Aria made a sigh as she peeled back the map a bit and pointed, "We'll if I know her and she owes a bar of hers somewhere around south of Gulgong near Cowra. It's been nearly ten years since she joined the navy with me on the base. She would keep her bar running for that long and it should still be there. That's what I would do too if I were her. She is a very strong and passionate woman."

Teal let out a sigh and nodded, "Okay, that would take us five hours to get there. You sure you want to go there instead of heading back to Macedon?"

"Positive," Aria nodded as Teal pulled the GTS out of the driveway and started headed north out of the capital city.

After about five hours of driving across the highway passing Yass, Cowra, and Wellington among other towns and cities, Teal drove the dark-blue GTS into the town limit of Gulgong. He drove around a bit while Aria gave him some directions of where he should turn to. She studied the map on the touchscreen gps.

Teal turned to her for a brief moment asking, "What is this bar called again?"

Aria thought for a bit and responded, "The Aussie Hulk."

Teal made a light, short laugh that closely resembled a cough as he inquired with almost a hint of humor, "No, really?"

Aria looked at him and smirked as she responded, "Yes. Careful you don't insult her bar. She will kick you out, but not before smashing you to bits. Like I said, she is strongly passionate, stubborn and quick to anger. Just don't piss her off and you'll be just fine."

Soon as they found the bar they were looking for, Teal drove into the driveway parking lot as he nodded, "Noted. Want me to come in?"

Aria nodded and smiled as she responded, "Sure. But if you cross her, you're on your own."

As he parked his GTS and turned off the engine, he looked at her and nodded, "Roger."

They both headed for the door and entered the bar. It was big and filled with patrons. Aria looked around a bit looking for her friend. Several bar patrons looked at the newcomer with distaste as they had never seen them before or around town. Teal spoke with a question, "Where should we sit?"

Aria looked at him and nodded toward the center of the building, "Go sit in the bar. I will be with you a second. I think I found her."

Teal nodded and walked away from her as Aria walked a different direction. Some patrons were looking at her up and down probably digesting her pretty hot image in their head. She gave them a scowl and ignored them as she pushed through a large crown surrounding a medium sized table. Letting out a smirk, she found Hayley arm wrestling a large, muscular man with some twenty two inches biceps. Hayley was as strong and big as him with her own twenty inch biceps. It was huge and she scowled back at the man cursing silently under her breath. He was a bit strong for her.

Sweat dripped down from Hayley's brow and across her sixteen inch scar across her face. Her sixteen inch gash was slit across from the top right of her head diagonal across her nose nearly missing her left eye and ended on the bottom left of her jaw. It was an old injury she sustained from the past when she was eighteen. Her dark blond hair was medium to small sized and kept in a short ponytail behind her.

As Hayley kept her hand on her challenger's strong hand to hold tightly, their other hands were pressed against each other in a fit of strength. Her challenger seemed to be winning as Hayley fought to keep fighting back his hand. A moment later as Aria continued to watch, Hayley's challenger bashed her hand against the table as she cursed loudly in a fit of controlled rage, "Dammit!"

As she bash her closed fist on the table, her challenger raised his fist in triumph as the crowd erupted in cheers. As he got up and gathered his winnings, the fuming two hundred pound heavyweight female drank out of her beer in a huge gulp from her glass. Aria responded in a mocking tone as she smirked, "Hey ugly! Getting lame at your age, eh?"

The patrons around them let out a gasp and tensed as Hayley let out a snort of anger with a snarl. Her muscles rose expanded a bit noticeably as she clenched her hand on the glass shattering it. Feeling blood and pain from her glass, she let out a roar grabbing an half full Australian beer bottle, getting up and turned to Aria tossing the beer in a rage to her side as it broke into smithereens. Aria kept her strong stance as she continued to stare into Hayley's angry cold scowl with coolness.

Letting out a bare of her teeth and a snarl, Hayley marched toward her and grabbed her throat as she kept close to her face to face. She asked with anger, "What did you just say?"

Aria responded again coolly as she grabbed her wrist, "What, are you deaf, Hale? I just said you are getting lame."

The people backed up to give them a room as Hayley let out a roar increasing her grip on Aria's throat. Grabbing her chest, she lifted her as Aria started choking struggling with her arm power and was tossed across briefly before crashing onto a table. Hayley let out another roar as she pumped her arms yelling at her cursing, "See my might and power before you. I ain't called Hulk for nothing, you arsehole! I will make you pay in blood!"

The pure blooded Aussie 'she' Hulk continued to breathe heavily with anger and rage keeping her fists tight and her twenty inches biceps large and thick as she continued to scowl at Aria while she groaned a bit in pain rolling on the table.

Location: The Aussie Hulk pub, Gulgong, New South Wales, Australia
Time: 11 AM (11:00 hours)

As Teal found his place on the stool next to the bar. The bartender came over and Teal spoke ordering a beer. He took out a glass jug and poured a liter of beer in it before sliding it toward him. He picked up his beer and drank it. As he exhaled in satisfaction, a loud noise before him caused him to turn. He smirked as he noticed Aria already making trouble. It was just like old times.

Taking his beer, he walked over to see an angry full blooded muscular heavily tattooed female over a fallen Aria who crashed in the table. He smirked silently to himself as he drank a little of his beer muttering inaudibly knowing that she is part deaf, "You always had a memory loss, didn't you Hayley? Don't you recognize your own friend?"

Aria groaned in pain as she turned over on the table. It didn't break under her because she wasn't heavy. Hayley continued breathing in anger as she walked over to her and grabbed her bringing her up harshly. Taking her fist, she rammed a punch but Aria ducked and dealt a low knee thrust against her chest pushing her back. She turned again thrusting her back again. Hayley shrugged her off with a grunt and countered with her punch again. Aria ducked and dealt her several more of her harsh punches and jabs on her chest and her face. Hayley stood her ground as she snarled baring her teeth while cracking her neck and massive broad shoulder muscles. She clenched her fists cracking it. Her nose started to bleed but she hardly felt it. A strand of her blond hair fell covering half of her angry dark eyes.

Backing a bit, Aria groaned as she rubbed her sore hands, "Oh Hale, did you just get more tougher than the last I saw you?"

Hayley let out another insulted growl as she shouted, "Do not call me Hale! Only one is allowed to call me Hale!"

She blindly charged at her with a shoulder block lifting her. Aria quickly grabbed her body and twisted around her as she wrapped her legs around her head in a headlock. Hayley grunted painfully as Aria twisted with her entire body down bringing down the big wrestler with ease banging her onto the floor cracking the hardwood a bit while grabbing her arm in her signature move keeping her pinned down.

Hayley grunted in annoyance and let out a roar struggling to get free. Aria pushed her head back as she continued pulling at her arm and squeezing against her throat with her legs to calm her down. Soon, Hayley's anger was cooled and lessened as she couldn't pull herself free from the veteran fighter's grip. She quickly tapped her arm and Aria let go as Hayley continued to breathe heavily trying to get back her breath. Aria knelt before her as she flipped her hair up and smirked smiling at her.

Hayley stared at her closely and let out a little gasp, "I haven't felt that strength in years. No one else but…you? Is that you Bruiser?"

Aria nodded laughing as she offered her hand, "Ah, huh. The one and only. I see you kept up pretty well yourself, Hale."

Hayley's expression immediately changed to joy as she let out a fit of laughter accepting her hand. The patrons calmed and dispersed as Aria brought her. Hayley was hoisted to her feet and they both grabbed their heads as they moved for a quick kiss on the lips for a brief moment. Hayley let go with a grunt and grabbed her by the waist with her signature bear hug. Aria was suddenly hugged harshly by a powerful wrestler. Aria grunted with discomfort with her bear hug as the Aussie she hulk lifted her a bit, "Ah, Hale. Ease up or you're gonna squeeze my lights out."

Hayley placed her back down and let out another laugh offering her hand, "What again? Where you've been, love? You back from service already?"

Aria accepted her hand as she nodded, "For a bit, yeah. Thought I'd make a detour and stop by. I've been in Melbourne for a while."

Hale smiled at her long time mate as she wrapped her arm around Aria squeezing her against her body harshly while leading her toward the bar, "Sounds good, love. Been missing you something terrible. It's been ten years you know!"

Aria nodded wrapping her around Hale. Slowly she moved her hand down to her butt with a snigger. Hale smirked and moved her hand down to Aria's butt and slapped it. Aria instantly grabbed it and retorted, "Hey, what did I tell you about touching my butt? I'll break your arm!"

As quickly as Hayley changed her demeanor of being threatened, she let out a snarl flipping Aria's arm around and locked it behind her back as she grabbed her throat with her arm. She pressed her against her shoulder muscle as she spat venomously, "You dare threaten me, bruiser? Let's see how you do then. Break my grip if you can!"

Aria gasped in pain as Hayley locked her in painfully and continued to strangle her. She rammed her elbow against her chest, but it bounded as Hayley's chest was too tough for her. Hale let out a growl as she pulled her back more causing Aria to make strangled noises trying to fight back. After about thirty seconds of holding her in, Hale dropped her down and tossed her harshly against the bar cackling out loud.

She pumped her twenty inch biceps again and let out another shout, "You can't hope to defeat the Aussie Hulk, love. I am just way too strong for you!"

As Aria hit the bar harshly, she groaned as she spat blood onto the floor. Teal immediately went to her side and tried to help her onto the stool, "You alright?"

"Ugh," Aria groaned and pushed him away harshly as she helped herself onto the bar, "I'm fine. Stop touching me."

As Hayley approached Aria and looked at her with pity, she tossed her a damp towel. She turned to Teal, banged on the bar before him and snapped, "Hey! Stop touching my girl!"

Aria groaned again taking the towel to wipe the blood off her mouth. She grabbed Hayley on the arm and bicep muscles as she grabbed hers looking at her. She spoke shaking her head, "Hold on Hale. It's okay. That's my brother."

Hayley looked at her and then looked at him surprised as she exclaimed, "Teal! Is that you?"

Teal smirked as he offered his hand responding, "I see your hearing and memory improved a bit."

Hayley scoffed and grabbed his hand in respect responding, "Hey you, smart mouth. My hearing and memory is fine. It's just not what it used to be!"

"Uh, huh," Teal nodded humorously as he took another drink of his beer.

Hayley rolled her eyes as she filled his glass and turned to her mate, "So, love? How long you've been back?"

Aria shrugged as she drank from her glass filled with beer, "Been almost a week now. You still in the Navy?"

Hayley shrugged with a grunt as she started cleaning the bar, "I'm on reserved for now. Not sure when I would be shipped out."

Aria studied the tattooed design on her body and responded, "I know the feeling, mate. I just hate waiting sometimes, ya know. When there's a war on out there and you're sitting here doing nothing, you start feeling agitated and irritated."

Hayley blew another sigh as she nodded looking down onto her hand. She fiddled with the ring on her finger as she thought for a bit. Aria let out a slight gasp as she grabbed her hand and responded, "You're married! Who's the lucky girl?"

Hayley smiled a bit letting out a short laugh, "Heh, wouldn't you like to know, love?"

Aria cooed a bit as she responded, "Don't I always? You're my best mate, Hale. If something wonderful happens to my best mate, be it winning a championship or having something good happen in a bad day, I gotta know. Tell me!"

Hayley smirked at her as she took her hand back and responded jerking her head up, "You want to wrestle for it?"

Aria let out an exasperated sigh as she rolled her eyes, "Hale, you and me know that we'd tie in a wrestling match. Tell me! Wait, I know! It's that girl that stalked you for a couple years when you were sixteen at that time."

"Heh," Hayley shook her head, "That girl was sorely disappointed when I half strangled her into a post. She went to the hospital that day. Nah, she was much too weak for my taste. No. It's someone else. Although you will be surprised on who it is."

Aria let out another heavy sigh and growled with annoyance as she half shouted, "Come on, Hale! Do not make me beg or repeat. Who?!"

Hayley rolled her eyes and moved closer to her ear as she whispered, "Baby Assassin."

Aria was wide eyed and half shoved her back while slamming her hand on the bar as she spat, "You are lying to me! There is no way you are with her! Noomi Stång was your mortal enemy. From Scandinavia!"

"Heh," Hale spoke again smiling, "Aye she was. We kept tying every time we fought. It was relentless until one day we finally tight the knot."

At that last bit of a joke, Hale laughed out loud. Aria let out a sigh as she shook her head remembering her, "I remember Baby Assassin. Only fourteen inch biceps and she was a pretty impressive wrestler and fighter even for a bad, spoiled girl. She even looked like Meghan Fox and was confused with the American native spoiled brat. Not like she wasn't spoiled, because she is."

Hale let out a snarl as she slammed her fist down getting her attention, "Hey! She's my girl! Don't you talk down her like that! I can spoil her however much I damn well want! Besides, my girl has seventeen inch biceps last I look. And she still looks so damned hot with that fine curve, her strong legs and that arse. I'm just so damned proud of her. From Scandinavia my arse! If only every girl in heaven looked like her, I'd die a happy girl."

Aria snorted laughed a little at her comment. She took another sip of her beer and let out a sigh thinking of something else to say. When she found it, she asked it, "So, I see you still have the Aussie Hulk pub open. How's business?"

Hayley grunted as she picked up her glass and started cleaning it. She responded with a scoff, "Can't really say, love. Time's been tough, but I manage. Noomi helps me around and she's been really sweet. She won't take shit and have been breaking down on people hard especially those who don't pay for their funds. She kinda acts more like my right hand actually and makes sure people follow my rules to the letter. These rules may be harsh, but it's what I've been growned up with. Me ol'man didn't whip me for nothing, love. Even when he passed away, he died just right before whipping me into the ground with his cane harshly. I never liked him, but I respected him so I kept his rules to heart."

Hale let out another sigh as she placed the glass back down and rested her hands on the bar leaning toward Aria. She blew a puff of air into her nose as she asked, "So, you need a place to stay? Not only do I keep this place open, but I also own a nice little inn and a museum."

Aria gasped a little and responded, "A museum?"

She nodded, "Aye love. A museum. Of Aussie fighters of the past, both men and women famous and not well known but still good enough to be in the museum. Noomi runs that building, so if you need a bed, she's the one to look for. That is. If you need some place to stay for the night."

Aria nodded, "That would be sweet, thank you Hale!"

Hayley shrugged and backed a bit, "No problem love. Just lemme give her a call and let her know you're coming so that she can reserve a room for both you and Teal for a night. It's only a walk from here."

Aria let out a sigh as she responded again while bumping her fist as she walked away, "Thanks so much again. I owe you."

Teal had been silent for a while not wanting to interrupt their conversation. He continued to enjoy their company as he continued eating his meal.

Location: Outside of the Aussie Hulk pub, Gulgong, New South Wales, Australia
Time: 1 PM (13:00 hours)

After spending a bit in the bar eating lunch and drinking beer, both Teal and Aria continued walking outside toward Teal's GTS. It was getting a bit cold outside. Aria walked a bit passed the GTS and into a spot of gravel in the center of the parking lot. Bending down, she turned over a few small pebbles and smirked seeing some specks of blood stained into it. She had a little memory train for a moment.

Teal joined her side and asked, "What is it?"

Aria sighed as she tossed the pebble away and stood responding, "I briefly remember this place. It was here that I fought matches. I remember spilling blood and winning constantly without fail. Hale was the referee as she was responsible for managing the private fights. She always had my side no matter what the other fighter did or was not supposed to do. She always had her secret crush on me and kept constantly trying to make a move or hitting on me. If they disobeyed, she'd get all upset and give them a bloody nose. I was always referred to the fighters as her girl as if she'd owed me and she wouldn't let anyone bad mouthed me because if they did, she would beat the shit out of them and tossed them out crumbled into a ball."

Teal let out a sigh as he nodded, "She sounds like a violent woman."

Aria responded, "Aye she was. I blame her violent upbringing. Her father was never a patient human being. Then again, it was her violent upbringing that brought out who she is now and she is still so damned proud of her own darkness."

Teal asked again as they walked back to the car, "So, tell me. What is her set of rules that she has in there again?"

Aria made a light puff of air from her stomach into the air as she responded, "Well, she has five set of rules that she made it easy to remember. Number one is the most important of them all," she continued as she turned to Teal and stared into him responding in a cold tone, "Do not piss off the hulk."

Teal nodded with a gulp, "Ah. Easy to remember indeed."

Aria responded as they entered the car, "Yup. She modified it from her father's original set of rules. Actually, the top four was her own fathers. The fifth was of her own making. Anyways, her father was a well renowned Aussie bodybuilder of his own time. He wasn't a wrestler. He was just a strongman with the dream of owning a bar of his own with his own set of rules. This bar had been around for as long as the early 1930s as he inherited it from his grandfather and changed the name to the Aussie Hulk pub. From there, he created his own set of rules with that one being the top. Hayley just simply took his rules to heart and modified it to suit her own means."

Teal turned on the car, but let it continue to run as he thought to himself. He had another question and asked, "What exactly her father did to her that made her like this?"

Aria gulped and blew another heavy sigh responding, "Now that is quite a story. I got her drunk one time and she gave me her entire sob story about her father beating her up and how her upbringing was so violent that she had to get herself stronger to prevent herself from being beat down. He hated her as he wanted a son. A first born son to take over his business. When he discovered it was a girl as his first born, he'd leave the doctor and his wife hanging when he stormed out in a fury. Since then, it started Hayley's own harsh upbringing. He wanted a son, not a daughter. He had demanded a son from her. Because of that, Hayley's mother feared the worse. When Hayley was born, it was not of joy but of horror especially when the doctor said the baby was a girl. When her mother was let go of the hospital leaving Hayley to the care of the nurses, it was said she had wandered into the Bush out of sadness and fear for her husband. For the next several days she had vanished until a month later she turned up in the middle of a ravine dead and torn apart by animals. The diagnosis turned up in the evidence being no foul play and named her death as to being set upon by animals and mauled to death. Her father was convicted, but since there were no evidence leading him to the crime and no witnesses, the judge overruled it and it was turned down. The law had no choice by to pass on Hayley to her father's care,"

Aria swallowed a bit continued her story, "Since then, he'd abuse her while raising her. Hayley was raised to despise him and she grew up working on her muscles so that she can feel the brunt of his abuse and remain stronger. Later, she believed that he was somehow responsible for her mother's death. But because of no evidence, no one believed her. She had to move on regardless. One time during his abuse on her, he'd cut her face. He lied to the hospital staff saying it was an accident and he paid the fine for it. She was in extreme pain after that. When her father died when she turned eighteen, he cursed her name and scorned her with a deft strike across her lip. It was painful to Hayley, but she knew and she'd changed. Since then after taking over the bar because the will said that to whoever is the eldest of the family will inherent the bar, she had been taking care of it according to his wishes and kept his original rules to heart and soul."

She looked at him a smiled weakly as she responded, "Like I said before, she is a very passionate woman and if someone insults her family in front of her, she will not take it lightly and she will bring pain harshly that is equal the amount of pain she received from her own father. That is why that whoever she brands as her girl like me and several others, she will defend her honor if possible. Secretly, I loathed being branded her girl but I really had no choice. If I denied her, she will be offended and will respond in kind no matter of our friendship as best mates. She will feel betrayed and she is slow to forgive others. So I had to be really careful around her. Because of her passion, she is also easily jealous if someone gets a hand on her girl as well."

Teal nodded and responded, "Noted. I will be more careful around her. So, what about the other four rules?"

Aria continued, "So yeah with number one being do not piss off the Hulk. The second is always pay your bar tab on time no matter what. If you are late or if you complain about it, then you will answer for it. Secondly is do not whine or complain about the service. If you don't like it, the bar tender will ask you to leave. If you fight or argue, the owner will come over and kindly in his or her own way shove you out of the bar. Thirdly is do not pick a fight with the bar owner. As it is more likely the bar owner will be stronger than you and you will be left riddled with bruises and the knowledge that the owner is the strong person made in the image of the Hulk, be it male or female. Those rules, as I said before, is modified just so Hayley would be satisfied with it. The fifth and final rule is of her own making. Do no piss off her girls or you will face the full brunt of the bar owner's rage. It is all signed under her name Hulk Hailey of the Aussie Hulk pub and nailed on the front of the entrance just so all can see it and fear the name that is the Aussie She-hulk."

As the car pulled up in front of the inn, they exited the car and entered through the building. A dark haired, blue eyed buff woman looked up from the counter and smiled as she beckoned them forward with her finger. Looking closely, she noticed that Noomi had a small bruise on the side of her eye, but she kept her face clear of any pain she have had from the bruise.

Aria felt a cool, casual ease from the former Scandinavian hardcore and harsh female wrestler. She remembered her being cold and rude as well as spoiled as a brat can be. This dark haired woman was different from her.

As Aria approached the desk, Noomi walked around the table and continued to smile as she offered her strong arms. She responded giving Aria a casual, but strong hug, "Aria, Hale told me you were coming. I couldn't wait and I went ahead to give you a room available."

Aria smiled and responded as Noomi stroked her blond hair, "Noomi. I see you changed."

Noomi nodded and responded as she flexed her seventeen inch biceps, "My betrothal to Hale changed me for the better. Because of her harsh training and her love of me, she had transformed me to be a better woman than I was before. I am still colder and harsher than she is, but she trained me to be more in control of my hatred for others. It was through her harsh training that I am stronger. I still like you and any friend of yours is my friend as well for as long as you are part of the family that grew up with Hale. As Hale's girls, we are no longer enemies and we are stronger because of that."

Noomi turned to Teal and tossed him the key as she responded, "Teal is it? I remember you briefly. Here are the keys for the apartment. I will need to drag her from you for a moment, sweetie. It will not be for long."

Teal looked at Aria and Aria turned and nodded, "It is okay, Teal. I need time for a bit with her."

Teal shrugged as he sighed and headed off to find the room. Aria turned and smiled at her friendliness, "It is nice to see to you again and not as enemies, Noomi. If you don't mind my asking, how exactly did you and Hale become together?"

Noomi smiled as she laughed a little placing her thick arms around her shoulder after flipping her long, dark hair out of the way. She slowly led Aria toward a doorway that was joined to another building that was the museum, "I don't mind, darling. It is quite the story. As Hale was well known as a lesbian and so harshly defended her reason for being. She would hurt others if they teased her for being who she is. As for me, believe it or not Aria, but I was secretly lesbian. I had a secret crush on her."

Aria gulped and turned to her responding, "No way! I always saw you hanging around men and enjoying their company. You even stripped in front of them."

Noomi let out a slight snarl of disgust and responded coldly, "I despised men all my life. They are the most disgusting creatures to ever roam the earth ever since the creation of man. They were all always so violent and treated women as second citizens. They treated women like dirt and they still do no matter where I went. I had to display myself as such and abhorred it throughout the remainder of my life. It was hell for me and I walked it, but I survived. When I first saw Hale when I emigrated here during my early teen, it was love at first sight. I looked at her and I knew it when I saw her as my love, but because of where I came from and how I came to me, she saw me as a threat and treated me as such. When I first came to challenge the rankings of men and woman and rose up, she challenged me on the first day and destroyed me. Humiliated me in front of others. That hurt me so bad that I had to find a way to retaliate. When I did, it changed me and her in a big way."

Aria spoke with a question, "How so?"

Noomi shrugged as they stopped before the doorway into the other building, "When she discovered my crush on her, she was angry and tossed me down. Whipped me so bad that she broke my jaw. Then she ran from me. After that blow, I still chased after her. Even went to stalking her across the Bush. When we finally confronted, she rammed her shotgun against my chin and reminded me of her coldness toward me. Because I was her hated enemy and her threat, she wanted me to be truthful and honest about my feelings for her. I chose my words carefully and spoke it, but she still didn't believe me. She kicked me off and bashed me hard with her shotgun onto the ground. As she aimed with her shotgun against my face, I stared back at her through the barrel of her gun."

Noomi gulped as she continued, "I'd stared her down so brave, but secretly inside I was terrified of her. I knew of her struggles against her father and I pitied her. I hated her father as I still hated all men who would treat their woman that way. After seeing that I wouldn't back down, she threatened me again and fired off a warning shot next to my ear. I felt the pain of the recoil of her shotgun but I still chased after her. Eventually, she gave in and told me that she would have to train me to get better. I let her do this and because of that I am stronger for it. We finally just shared the ring and promised to love each other for the rest of our lives. We'd share a bed, we'd share meal times and we'd share money. We'd share everything and she let me do as I will as long as it meets her requirements."

Aria responded, "Whoa. That sounds harsh. I apologize for how she treated you."

Noomi smiled as she shrugged still pulling her close and moved along into the museum, "Ah, its fine. I still loved her no matter what."

As they stopped before a portrait of a fighter, Aria turned back to her and noticed her bruise again. She touched it and Noomi winced as Aria gasped responded, "Oh, I'm sorry. What happened?"

Noomi shrugged waving her off, "Ah, its nothing. Just a little accident. So, would you like a tour?"

Aria nodded smiling, "Sure why not? I would love a tour."

Noomi turned to the portrait in front of them and started her tour of the museum, "When the museum was founded by Hale, she put all her efforts into making it work. She had painstakingly put together a hall of memory for all male and female fighters all through history both dead and alive."

Aria continued to listen as Noomi continued holding her and leading her along.

Meanwhile, Hayley had entered the building in search for Aria. She wanted to see her and talk with her for a bit. As she approached the desk, she turned to her side and let out a snort of anger seeing Noomi holding Aria close to her. She didn't think Noomi would be so willing to keep close to Aria. Because of that, she was feeling another emotion that surfaced. Jealously. Letting out a puff of hot breath from her mouth, she flexed her arms as her muscles expanded a bit while she clenched her fists, she slowly followed both Aria and Noomi silently.