"Putting in some overtime tonight, Sgt. James?"

"You might say that, Captain Stacy." George Stacy took a drag as he looked upon James and some of his boys gearing up as if they were going to war. "The warrant for Manny 'The Fish' Cardona finally came down." Stacy hummed as he looked at them still.

"Lot of Hardware for one lonely dope pusher," Stacy commented as he looked to James who gave him a look. "You expecting to run into someone else?"

"Let's just say we want to be ready for anything Captain." James then stood up while Stacy gave him a blank stare. "If the vigilante has the same idea about haulin' in Cardona, we'll be wai-"

"Whatever 'crimes' the Fox Ninja may or may not have committed, none are Capital, Sgt James," Gordon advised with narrowed eyes. Maybe Thomas James wasn't the perfect choice. He's even more hyper than he realized, and he truly hates the Fox Ninja. It's becoming a crusade for him, and fanatics are dangerous. Worst of all, linked with Minaka Hiroto, his brawn and energy will have a brain. "No shooting." James gave him a look and Stacy could almost see the steam from his ears.

"C'mon men. Let's roll."

Stacy watched them leave and he sighed as he headed down the hallway, returning to his office. As he opened the door he heard, "Don't worry, Stacy." The Captain looked surprised to see the outline of the subject of conversation just a moment ago standing beside his window, looking over the city. "They won't run into me or the Fish." Stacy closed the door behind him as he got a good look at the person before him.

For bottoms, he is wearing black army pants with flat black ankle high boots. Around the waist is a dark orange sash with extra length hanging. For the top half is a black skin tight dry fit shirt that stops just a few inches past the elbows, almost like a baseball shirt. From the end of the sleeve is black spiked forearm protectors, with black gloves; on the shoulders is orange pads that blended in very well with the suit. For the face, Stacy could see the shirt had a face mask that would cover the lower part of the man's face. And on top is a porcelain fox mask, though it is silver with orange lines. Stacy also took note of the wild mane of dark blood red hair with two bangs that framed the side of the mask. Lastly strapped to his back, Stacy could see what looked to be a Katana.

"Fox Ninja…"

"Kitsune," the ninja corrected the Captain was still a bit stunned by the dangerous red eyes. Hearing his voice, Stacy couldn't exactly tell if the man sounded young or not, but it was definitely male. Kitsune? That is what he's calling himself? He would have to see what that is. Sounds Japanese. "Fish, he's in hiding. Hasn't been to his home since your men interfered at the warehouse. No one has."

"They interfered?" Stacy questioned and he felt as if Kitsune was giving him a dry look.

"If I'd been left alone, Manny the Fish would be in your jail right now," Kitsune muttered as he looked out the window again. "Handicapped. But in your jail. I could have tracked him afterward, but it would be too much of a hassle."

"Ever thought that maybe you would be dead instead?" Stacy questioned with Kitsune not even giving a response, but he didn't seem bothered by Stacy's words. "Instead of keeping round the clock surveillance on Cardona's house."

"No surveillance," Kitsune denied with a small smirk under his mask. "This is a new age of technology Captain. I planted a recorder inside. The tape's blank. Not so much as the jiggle of a doorknob." Stacy hummed as he sat down at his desk with a sigh.

"You're something, you are." Kitsune didn't respond, he just gazed at the Captain, waiting for him to go on. "I'm in the hot seat because of you, ya know? My jobs on the line with this Task Force, and I won't lose it."

"Trust me, Cap, that is something I don't want happening either," Kitsune assured with Stacy looking at him with a raised brow.

"All right. So we both want to clean up New York." Stacy admitted while Kitsune crossed his arms in thought. "But you're going about it the wrong way,"

"You really believe that Stacy?"

"That you're breaking the law? Of course! But…shit, you work."

"Then play it out," Kitsune advised. "Help me come to terms with the Police and the mayor."

"That Hiroto is getting close you know?" Kitsune once again didn't seem bothered by this. "I'll need some way to contact you, wherever you might be. How about a cell phone number?"

"No chance," Kitsune refused with Stacy grunting in thought. "Maybe a new age of technology, but I'm not stupid. No. Something that'll work at night and in the daytime. Something like…a signal." Stacy blinked as he gave him a look.

"You mean how Gordon signals Batman?" Kitsune simply moved towards the shadows and Stacy watched him as he heard the ninja chuckle.

"If that's how you want to put it, Captain."

And just like that, …he was alone.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you," Felicia smiled as she greeted her date at her door, who was admiring the dark blue strapless dress she was wearing that showed some cleavage and a bit of side boob. Her makeup was done just right and she had the right shoes and accessories to go with the dress. "You don't look bad yourself whiskers," Felicia winked as she eyed Naruto up and down as he had on a pair of nice jeans with a nice white button up shirt and boots.

"Shall we?" Naruto offered his arm and Felicia grinned as she nodded her head. Closing her door behind her, and locking it she grabbed Naruto's arm, holding it close to her as they headed down to the elevator. Felicia smiled as she took in Naruto's scent and felt herself getting turned on. As they reached the elevator, she turned to him and gave him an amused smile.

"A part of me felt you were going to stand me up," Felicia admitted with Naruto raising an amused brow. "You just seem like the type that flakes out on dates when it's time," she chuckled with Naruto giving his own chuckle as he caressed her cheek a bit and she leaned into his touch.

"Not when it's with beautiful ladies such as yourself," Naruto complimented and Felicia felt her cheeks flush a bit. Usually, such comments didn't get to her, as she learned how to ignore all compliments from men and close herself off from such advances. But with Naruto, she felt…perfectly safe with him. Her guard was down, and a part of her was freaking out. The other part didn't care and was happy to not be so on guard with such a wonderful person.

"You're such a charmer," Felicia giggled as she kissed his hand Naruto's smile widening a bit. "I don't remember you being so cute," Felicia teased with Naruto's smile only getting bigger which seemed impossible to her, while his eyes held mirth.

"Well, that's funny, because I've never forgotten how beautiful you were," Naruto complimented again making her cheeks red once more. He then whispered into her ear as they neared the bottom floor, "You look delectable in that dress sweetheart." Hearing him whisper those words in such a husky seductive tone made her almost swoon. Almost. Before she could say anything in response, the doors opened and Naruto pulled her along outside the lobby and into the waiting maroon Mustang GT. Opening the door for her, she slipped inside while he walked around to get in the driver seat. Revving up the engine, he smirked and pulled off.

"Quite the car choice," Felicia spoke up with Naruto glancing at her as she turned to him a bit. "I prefer mine more…sleek," she commented and Naruto nodded as he gave it some thought.

"Oh yeah, I do remember your little white Porche," Naruto brought up with Felicia smirking. "You trade that in or…"

"What? My baby? Of course not!" Felicia denied with a gasp. "I just make sure everything is running smoothly. And for your information, it's black now," she stuck her tongue at him with Naruto chuckling as he shook his head.

"Ain't nothing wrong with that."

"So how long have you been back?"

"A couple of weeks now," Felicia responded as she enjoyed her chicken alfredo parmesan and Naruto cut into his steak. "I would have visited you sooner, but I had some business to take care of, you know family stuff," she muttered a bit quietly. Naruto hummed in understanding as he took a sip of his water. "Also, I had to make sure I was staying around this time before I just walk back into your life," she shrugged.

"That would have been fine Licia," Naruto responded, missing the small blush on her cheeks as she enjoyed him shortening her name. No one besides Naruto had done that and she actually liked it. Usually, when someone did it, she told them to not do it again, because it annoyed her. She didn't like nicknames very much or shortening her name. One time in high school, this girl called her Fee-fee, and she punched the shit out of her. When guys try to shorten her name, it feels…creepy to her. But when Naruto did it, it sounded just right. She had no problem with it, and she never told him to stop, nor did she want him too. "We could have grabbed some drinks or something, you know catch up. I haven't seen you in almost…two years?"

"Yeah," Felicia said softly as she played with her food a bit, in thought. "It feels almost like ten years ya know?" Felicia chuckled humorlessly as she couldn't help but think about the reason she left. She needed to get away from this city, few bad memories that impacted her life forever. Naruto took note of the look in her eye as she gazed at her food and he decided to change the subject a bit.

"So where were all the amazing places you visited?" Naruto wondered with a smile and Felicia blinked, shaking her head a bit. She shouldn't be thinking of such unwanted memories when she should be trying to make new ones with her friend. Deciding to make herself perk up, Felicia smiled. She then began to regale him of her tales during her travels and the places she had been living. Before she left the state, she had stayed in different neighborhoods before moving to Washington, then to Florida, and she even stayed in Chicago for a bit which felt not too different from New York, only to move to Los Angeles.

The two shared laughs of her different encounters with different people and situations while they enjoyed their food and shared a bottle of wine. After feeling she had talked enough about herself, Felicia decided to switch the subject on Naruto. After sipping from her glass, she did just that, "What about you Mr. Charmer? Anything interesting in New York? Any fun in the life of Mr. Whirlpool?" Felicia teased while Naruto gave a chuckle.

"Well uh, nothing much really." He shrugged his shoulders, as he gave it some thought. "School and work. Pretty much it," Felicia hummed as she gave him a curious look.

"And how is work? I mean it seemed quite packed today," she mentioned with Naruto scratching his cheek as he shook his head.

"Nah, not really. Today was actually one of our slow days. It should pick up tomorrow though. Our highest traffic days are Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday," Naruto informed with Felicia becoming even more curious as to why. "Well, most of my customers are college students, some high school students, and a sprinkle of middle school students. Wednesday is our highest count for college because it's the middle of the week and they want to relax and have a cool place to study ya know? Monday is our highest count for high school…"

Felicia just held a smile as she listened to Naruto speak about his shop and how he does his best to connect with his customers, not even seeing them as customers but as his actual friends. She just found it quite amazing that there was such a person like Naruto who was open to pretty much anyone. From the stories he was telling her, it sounded to her as if he was quite the role model to the younger kids in middle school and high school, and quite the person to be friends with college students. She wished she had been friends with him during her freshman year, maybe then things would have been different.

"You're so cool," Felicia suddenly said which surprised Naruto a bit as he chewed on the last piece of his steak. He swallowed and gave a sheepish chuckle.

"Am I?"

"Yeah," Felicia nodded with a genuine smile. "You just…I don't know. You inspire such confidence and just have this great vibe about you. People usually try to pretend that they are such a great person…but they aren't. I mean…here you are. This Twenty-two-year old college student who owns his own business that is quite popular I might add, handsome as all hell, a nice car, and did I mention owns his own business?" Felicia threw in with Naruto looking somewhat sheepish, but a smile was on his lips as he listened. "Yet instead of being some egotistical jackass, you're this amazing caring funny cool guy who genuinely wants to help people. It's more than just cool Naruto, it's amazing actually."

"I'm just being me, Felicia."

"I know, which only makes it even better," Felicia grinned as she sat back a bit and pushed her hair behind her ear. "So…how's the social life?" Naruto gave a short laugh while Felicia just gazed at him in wonder. "Seriously Naruto! Besides school and work…"

"There's nothing else," Naruto answered honestly as he shifted in his seat a bit. "Just school and work. I mean I go to the bar sometimes but it's not a usual thing. I'll go catch a movie or something with some friends, but…" Naruto slowly shook his head. "No girlfriend or anything. This is actually the first time I've been on a date in a bit, to be honest," Naruto said with Felicia looking a bit surprised.

"Really? Something must be wrong with these girls out here then," Felicia chuckled causing Naruto to give his own mirthful chuckle. "I mean with someone as handsome as you, who makes good money, and has his shit together, you would think some pretty lady would try to make you their husband by now," Naruto coughed a bit as he shook his head.

"Husband?"

Felicia couldn't help but find amusement from Naruto's stupor as he cleared his throat. "Yeah husband. I mean you're still young, but some pretty lady better snatch you up soon!" She winked and Naruto gave a grumble in thought. "Maybe a pretty blond? Oh oh! I can actually see you with a redhead," Felicia grinned while Naruto gave a soft smile as he chuckled a bit.

"I uh, I actually knew this redhead a long time ago," Naruto said with Felicia perking up a bit. "She was very…strong, beautiful, and independent. She was…something you know?" Naruto smiled in thought before he shook his head. "But that was a long time ago and I'm here with someone just as amazing," Naruto focused back on Felicia who smiled softly. "What about you hmm? Surely you broke some poor guys heart moving place to place,"

"Nope!" Felicia denied shaking her head. "I mean, I've had guys try but my interests and my focus was elsewhere. Boys? Not it." Felicia shook her head, "And they still aren't. Now that I'm back in New York, I really just want to get my life on track again," Felicia shrugged as she finished her glass of wine, while Naruto looked interested. "I bought an apartment yesterday, I've also enrolled in classes again for next semester, now it's just looking for a job I guess." Felicia hummed in thought with Naruto smiling softly.

"Well, I'm happy you're going back to school. I was worried that you wouldn't," he threw in which somewhat surprised her a bit. "And if you need a job, I can hire you at the shop. Always could use a friendly face and helping hands. You know how to work a coffee maker and a blender right?"

"Yeah totally. But I don't know Naruto…comics and such aren't exactly my thing," Felicia chuckled sheepishly. Plus she wouldn't be able to stand being leered at all day every week by horny college students and even hornier teenagers. Today was enough, to be honest. Naruto hummed as he studied Felicia a bit before shrugging.

"You're right. You stuck out like a sore thumb today," this caused Felicia to pout as she crossed her arms.

"What was wrong with my outfit?"

"It wasn't your outfit Licia, it was your beauty," Naruto assured which threw her once again for some reason and she blushed before giggling. Not too long after, Naruto paid the bill and they began to leave with Felicia on Naruto's arm. Naruto helped her slide in the car then he himself got in and Naruto began to drive back to her hotel room. The two continued to laugh and talk for a bit for hours, even when they did reach the hotel. They simply sat in the parking lot listening to music and talking. It was only when Naruto saw how late it had gotten that he decided to get her back to her room. The two walked in peaceful silence back to her room.

However, despite the peacefulness, Felicia felt anxiety. She wanted to deny the reason she was feeling it, but she couldn't. She knew exactly why she was feeling it. This feeling of comfort, this feeling of safety, this familiar feeling…was exactly what she felt with Ryan before he…pushed her, crossing a line she wasn't willing to cross. She felt this exact same feeling with Ryan, and because her guard was down, he hurt her. Looking at Naruto, she felt that Naruto would never hurt her on purpose. But she also felt the same way about Ryan before he hurt her, and scarred her. What scared her even more, was the fact a part of her didn't want the night to end. A part of her wanted to invite Naruto inside, and lock the door behind them. A part of her wanted him inside of her. But she couldn't…because she was scared.

But she was even more scared that Naruto might…that he might…

"Well Felicia, I had a great time," Naruto smiled genuinely at Felicia, causing her to snap out of her thoughts and realized that they were at her room. She then looked at Naruto before giving a small smile with a nod, trying to hide her anxiety.

"I had an amazing time too, thank you for such a welcome back," Felicia smiled with Naruto nodding with a chuckle as he caressed her cheek. Once again she leaned into his touch, and wanted him to make a move…but at the same time scared that he would. Would he…ruin this? Would he ruin the image she painted of him just like Ryan ruined his? She didn't think she could handle that disappointment again. That pain. "Do…um, do you want to come in?" Felicia asked softly.

Naruto's eyes bore down on her, making her feel even more shy, having a hard time finding her voice. He then smiled softly before he leaned in and pressed his lips against her forehead. His lips lingered on her head for several long moments while Felicia was stunned. Pulling away he smiled even wider at her, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline your offer Licia. It's already late and I don't want to keep you up even longer," Naruto wished with Felicia still looking stunned. "But we can definitely talk and hang out later if you want," He offered with his foxy grin that made her heart soar.

"Y-yeah, that would be great." Felicia accepted with Naruto smiling as he then kissed her hand.

"Goodnight, Felicia." Naruto bid before he turned and began to walk down the hallway. Felicia watched him go and she bid him goodnight softly before walking into her room and closing the door behind her, locking it. Sliding down to the ground, she looked completely stunned.

"Wow."

"This is bullshit."

James growled as he and his boys headed to Headquarters with tired and very irritated expressions. That had done a stakeout all night at Fish's house, waiting for either Fish or the vigilante to show up. But neither of them did, which only ruined their moods because they had hoped…he had hoped to catch the punk off guard and give him what for, bring him to justice. But instead, he simply sat in that house looking like a fool. He didn't like looking like a fool.

"He ain't some 'supernatural creature' so if he seems like one, it only means he's getting inside help," the sergeant reasoned as he and his boys were walking up the steps. "Ninja or not, no one pulls off the…" they were all stopped and shocked when a bloody and unconscious Fish hung upside down in front of them, wrapped in some kind of wire. "…impossible."

"A peace offering," they heard and saw the Fox Ninja in all his glory, perfectly out in the daytime and there wasn't a shadow to hide in, in sight. "We're on the same side you know."

"It's him! Both of them!"

"You're under arrest, dammit!" James roared as he pulled out his shotgun and aimed it where Kitsune was standing, but he didn't look phased in the least bit, which only pissed James off.

"No Tom! Stacy said no shooting! Don't Tom!"

"Blast him!"

And blast they did…or at least they tried. Instead, once again, they received shuriken to their hands, though Kitsune didn't even seem to move. They screamed in pain, dropping their guns and by the time James looked up from the pain in his hand…Kitsune was gone.

"DAMN IT!"

"I hope he sees this…"

Stacy sighed softly as he placed the cloth on top of the light beacon. Looking at it, it was the symbol of a bat. Since Kitsune didn't have a symbol per say, he was simply going to use the symbol that both of them knew what it meant. Any comic fan knew of this symbol and what it meant. He just needed to flash it on for thirty seconds, any longer would be dangerous. So once the Bat was applied, he flicked on the light and the symbol of Batman shown in the night sky for a small sliver of time.

Then he turned right off. However, it was enough to get someone's attention…and it happened to be just the person he was looking for. "Clever," he heard and turned to see Kitsune standing on the edge of the building, with crossed arms. "Though unoriginal, but it'll work for now I suppose."

"Well, as far as you're concerned, I made a bad mistake drafting Thomas James for the Task Force."

"I noticed. My peace offering didn't work, I'm should feel offended."

"Hnh!" Stacy grunted as he turned to Kitsune with a soft glare. "It only made things worse! As you should have known it would."

"Perhaps. Maybe I was just trying to get under his skin. The guy is an asshole."

"Yes he is, and your tactic worked," Stacy stated with Kitsune not responding. "Now you are definitely a prime target for Thomas James. And don't make the mistake of selling him short as I did. He's dangerous, maybe verging on the psychotic." Kitsune, as usual, didn't seem bothered. "He hates you with all the guts he's got. And that's saying something. He's also getting suspicious that you're being tipped off."

"I've dealt with worse. Anything else?"

"Hell yeah! Plenty!" Stacy snapped, getting annoyed with Kitsune's seemingly careless attitude. "The whole thing is coming apart! Minaka Hiroto is in bed with the Mayor! Worse than that, he's definitely on the right track! And asking for all the right info to reach the finish line."

"No, he isn't." Kitsune denied with Stacy looking somewhat confused. "His diagnosis is a theory because he doesn't have facts. And he won't find any facts. I am what I am because I choose to be. He won't find what he's hunting for. So you can relax on that regard Captain," Kitsune tried to assure but Stacy didn't seem convinced. "As for Thomas James…he's not my problem and is too insignificant to become a problem for me. But since I do consider you an ally…any suggestions?"

Stacy sighed as he took the bat symbol off the light, shaking his head. "None," he muttered. "And this may have been the last warning I can give you." He said just as he turned his back. "You should…" turning back around he blinked to see that Kitsune was gone, not a trace of him. He then huffed and began to walk off.

"Damn ninja."

"Sergeant James…what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Hello Dr. Hiroto, I'm not interrupting something, am I?"

"Hm? Of course not. Please, come in, Sergeant." Minaka allowed James into his apartment, the man closing the door behind him. "Would you like some water Sergeant?" James gave a nod and Minaka poured him a glass of water, handing it to him. "Tell me, Sergeant, what brings you here?"

"These police records you requested. Thought I'd better deliver them personally," James said as he laid the files down on the table while the two sat. Minaka hummed quietly to himself, quite interested considering he had asked for them several hours ago. He had not received all of the records like he had asked for, but here was Thomas James, delivering them.

"About time," Minaka smirked a bit. "I realize the police department is a hidebound bureaucracy, but…"

"The department ain't that inefficient, doc." Hearing this made Minaka raise a brow as he looked over the files. "Those reports have been held back, suppressed by Captain George Stacy, head of the Task Force."

"I see…"

"Doc, with your connections to the mayor, we can bring Stacy down, then nail the vigilante once and for all!" James tried to reason while Minaka looked over the files quietly, but he was listening closely to the man.

"And perhaps, secure yourself a promotion in the process, Sergeant?" Hearing this, James simply took a sip of his water, which gave Minaka the answer he didn't speak aloud. "Still…it'd be your word against Stacy's."

"That means you won't help?"

"On the contrary, it simply means I have a better idea," Minaka grinned as he put the files away. "You're a big man, Sgt. Thomas James. And I doubt you're afraid of the dark." He then grinned even wider as he gazed at a curious Thomas James. "Tell me…" James perked up a bit as he felt mischief coming from Minaka, whose glasses gained a glint. "Are you as strong and as athletic as you look?"

"I am…but what are you getting at doc?"

"You see, I have an idea…a better idea that can finally solve this problem of the vigilante…"

"Really? Well um…" James then gave a yawn as he shook his head. "Well can you make it quick doc? Cause I'm beat and I didn't plan to stay too long."

"Oh? Perhaps then you'd like me to hypnotize you?"

"Huh? What for?"

"Why, just to help you relax sergeant, to refresh you."

"I don't know…" James muttered quietly. "Never much liked the idea of that hypnotism stuff."

"There are many misconceptions about hypnotism, but I assure you, it cannot force anyone to do anything counter to their true will or which violates their basic morality." Minaka tried to reason while James still looked unsure.

"I ain't afraid of that. It's just…"

"Oh come come Tom!" Minaka gave a disarming friendly smile as he stood. "Just lean back and get comfortable." He pushed a bit more and James leaned back with a soft sigh. "It'll help you focus on what I wish to tell you, that's all." James yawned but decided to give in a bit. "Now just imagine a soft pleasant light in the distance. Say the full moon on a warm summer's night. Just picture it in your mind and relax as you listen to the sound of my voice. Just my soft voice…and the moon."

James began to drift off a bit and Minaka paced around him a bit. "Are you still visualizing the moon, Tom?" James gave a slow nod, "A peaceful sight, isn't it? Almost enchanted."

"Yeah…big..silver."

"Are you relaxed now Tom? Able to concentrate better?"

"Y-yeah. Feels good."

"Excellent! Because we're getting close Tom. And you'll need to be in top shape. These police files you gave me, the ones Stacy tried to hold back…they've been very helpful Tom. As have your own investigations…particularly the lab analysis of the retrieved shuriken." Minaka told him with James humming while the doctor looked over the files, as he read it over once more. "The weight of these shurikens are incredibly light, however rather dense, which is due to the metal they are made from. A rare metal that is custom made and extremely expensive, Tom."

"Yeah?"

"Oh yes. The plus the man has to sleep sometime, so it's unlikely he has a day job."

"Then…he's some rich guy…"

"Very good Tom. But that's only one of the characteristics listed on the profile I've drawn up," Minaka went on as he showed the pictures to Tom. "There's much more to it. The Fox Ninja is an independently wealthy man over twenty and probably under thirty years of age, single, no doubt living alone, and probably a widower, his wife a victim of a brutal crime. He is also an accomplished athlete, at least on the collegiate or amateur level."

Handing top the files, Minaka began pacing around a bit. "There's just one problem Tom. The lack of any correlation between my profile and the police records of mugging and murder victims during the last five years. He's rich Tom, and probably paid them off," Minaka hummed in thought. "Whatever brutal incident spawned this Fox Ninja, it's been expunged from the records. He's above the law, Tom, and we must rise to the occasion. Confront him on his level. Fight fire, Tom, with fire."

"Yeah?"

"Stacy's helping him, Tom. So I need your help," Minaka smiled softly as he went to his closet. And you need mine. I've made something to help us, Tom. Something to help you…" he then turned to the interested Tom, showing him what was in his hands. "...help me." Tom gazed at it as Minaka approached him. "The Fox Ninja is the night. And we've got to cleanse the night Got to be the scourge of night."

"A costume?"

"There's strength in costumes, Tom. Dark power. Power enough to rid New York of the Fox Ninja forever!"

"But how do we find him?"

"I'll keep working on that Tom. But he'll come to us. If we can discredit him, prove he's nothing special by cleansing the night in general, Tom. By showing him up and breaking him down, psychologically, Tom." Minaka grinned while he handed the costume to Tom and began walking him out the door. Tom looked unsure still, but Minaka pushed him along. "Scourge the night Tom! Become more than him. Become our own myth. You can do it, Tom. You can do it. You're refreshed, at your peak, with a purpose."

"But the whole thing…seems crazy, Doc."

"Ah, but Tom, Tom, Tom. The Fox Ninja is crazy, isn't he?"

"Yeah…but I'm not the Fox Ninja…"

"Of course not, but if you just put your mind to it, you can be better." Hearing this resounded within James, as he gazed at the costume in thought as Minaka's words sounded through his repeatedly.

"Now go, Tom! Into the night!"