"Yo! Yo! Anyone hear of this?"

"Nick what are you even talking about?" Ginny grumbled as sat on the couch on her computer trying to type her paper while her friend bust into the shop. Nick looked to his red headed friend before catching sight of Naruto serving up two bowls of ramen and made his way to the counter.

"Yo Naruto! You got to hear this, turn up the news man…" Naruto glanced to Nick before he sighed and grabbed the remote and had the music turned down then turned up the T.V that was one the news. Everyone stopped what they were doing to see what was going on, wondering why Naruto had stopped the music for the news. The blond focused on it with a raised brow while Nick shook his head, "this is crazy bro."

"-new vigilante calling himself 'The Night-Scourge' struck twice in New York last night, first starting a brawl at the skeleton's closet, a so called 'Biker Bar' then attacking a man in his own bedroom less than an hour later.'" Naruto listened closely as he crossed his arms, paying even closer attention. "Although the mayor and police commissioner have yet to comment, Dr. Minaka Hiroto, consultant to the Mayor's Vigilante task Force, has called an early morning press conference where we take you now, live!"

"Last night, the City of New York suffered a series of dangerous and unacceptable outrages! Instigation to riot, assault and battery, coercion, illegal entry, arrests without warrants or due process of any kind! Massive violations of civil rights across the board!" Minaka ranted to the cameras. "As I have earlier and repeatedly predicted, this is what results from perverted vigilante example of the so called…Kitsune! Absolute Anarchy! We cannot tolerate any further Night Scourges! It must stop! Indeed if I were a twisted tormented soul like this Kitsune…I would surrender myself to someone like me for immediate treatment! Before any others get the idea of emulating his sick example! The Kitsune is a mad fox running wild in the streets! He must be stopped! He must be de-"

CLICK!

"Enough of that bullshit," everyone heard and looked to the one who turned it off, it wasn't even Naruto who had turned it off. It was the beautiful and smart Gwen Stacy, who held an annoyed expression. "They just let anyone hog the microphone," Gwen muttered while Naruto chuckled as he got back to work and she did as well, turning back on the music. As she helped clean the dishes she glanced to Naruto in thought. "What do you think?"

"What do you mean?"

"C'mon Naruto," Gwen smiled a bit catching his eye. "I know you usually try to stay out of conversations like this, but what do you think about Kitsune and this…Night scowl or whatever?" Naruto hummed as he gave an honest shrug in thought.

"I don't know really. I mean, I feel Kitsune is doing a good job keeping New York safe. Sure he can be a little harsh at times from what I seen, but this Night Scourge guy? Just seems like a groupie who wants the same spotlight," Naruto chuckled while Gwen laughed a bit. "What about you? What do you think?"

"Personally I think the idea of guy running around in pajamas is silly, but at the same time kind of cool. Almost like Batman, you know?" Gwen shrugged with Naruto humming in agreement. "I think he's cool. I just hope this Night Scourge guy is only temporary because he sounds…"

"Like a wannabe?"

"Exactly."

"She's gone. My daughter is gone."

Stacy had a frown on his face as he stood in the Mayor's office as he looked out the window over New York, smoking a cigar. "Kidnapped from her own room by a sick monster. Tiffany's gone, Stacy. God knows where, and I want her back…you hear me?" he turned to Stacy with a glare. "I'm the mayor. I run this city, and I want her back, you hear me?! So if your Vigilante Task Force doesn't succeed in nailing that Fox scum within five days Captain Stacy, you are off the Police Force for life! Now get out and do it!"

Stacy said nothing as he simply turned and left the office, heading back to his own office. He had a thoughtful expression on his face as he walked. Kitsune…he is innocent. He knows he is. But what can he do? It's a nightmare. Maybe the only way to end it is to get Kitsune into the light and prove he didn't do it? No way to keep Thomas James in the dark on this, so it's time to bite the bullet, and spit it out.

When he reached the precinct he saw the Sergeant at his desk…sleeping. He raised a brow at this. He then caught sight of the note, that said 'Keeping New York Clean- The Night Scourge.' It was another one, worse than the others. He found it strange because for the last nights, Kitsune hasn't been seen and yet when he has, he kidnapped the Mayor's teenage daughter. Something wasn't right with that. But if the perp isn't a Fox, James is willing to sleep through it.

But as he thought about it, why is he so tired these days? It hasn't been working nights this week. At least…not officially. Approaching the man's desk he looked at the papers he was sleeping on and pulled them from under him. His eyes studied them, and they narrowed. Copies of reports he's been holding from Minaka Hiroto. Data on all known sightings of Kitsune. Times and places. His methods. The few words' he's said and files on husband and wife murders going back twenty years now. He then took note of the scribble of numbers across the top of the sheet. Dialing those numbers, he heard…

"Dr. Minaka Hiroto's office. May I help you?"

"No…"

But James is helping Hiroto. Which he found strange considering Hiroto was supposed to operate through the mayor's office but he's done an end run to Thomas James to get his information and more. And hard to imagine a worse scenario. The 'Night Scourge' on a slaughter spree while police declare open season on Kitsune, with no way to stop it unless the mayor's daughter is found. Worst of all, now James and Hiroto are onto something and they know he's been holding back. Protecting Kitsune. And if the Fox goes down…

…he drowns too.

"Hey Pete, it's closing time…"

"Hm? Oh yeah sorry," Peter gave an apologetic frown as he closed his biology book and gave a stretch to see that night had indeed fallen. He then looked to his older friend who was currently making sure all the computers were turned off and the tables were clean and such. However his attention was given to the news, as it played a bit.

"And in three separate areas of New York last night, the mysterious new vigilante known as 'Night-Scourge' continued his savage rampage. Even though many of the victims are convicted felons, and all are at least suspected criminals, police spokesmen describe the assaults as 'Downright atrocities' " Peter frowned as he grabbed his backpack with a frown.

"Inspiration for the brutal attacks is being attributed to the Kitsune, currently sought for the kidnapping of Mayor Belasio's sixteen year old daughter, Tiffany. How long the present state of wanton lawlessness will continue, police are unable to predict."

"He didn't do it…"

"You say something Pete?" Peter looked to Naruto who was now closing down the registers and Peter gave a slow nod of his head.

"He didn't do it, well at least I don't think he did," Peter said with Naruto looking interested. "I mean, why would Kitsune want to kidnap the Mayor's daughter? This whole time since he's showed up, he's been helping people."

"Jonah Jameson doesn't think so," Naruto rolled his eyes with a chuckle though Peter shook his head.

"That guy is just a crock," Peter stated. "But seriously, all Kitsune has done is help people and stop crime. Unlike this other guy, he hasn't even killed one of his victims, yet this guy is not holding anything back you know? He has the power but…he's not using it responsibly," Peter frowned in thought and Naruto hummed. "Uncle Ben tells me all the time, that with great power comes great responsibility. And I feel that's what Kitsune is doing. I mean he's a ninja right?"

"Yeah, at least that what people claims he is," Naruto shrugged and Peter nodded his head.

"My point. Ninja's kill. They have that skillset. Yet not one death? Sure he beats the crap out criminals, but their criminals doing criminal activity, they need to get the crap beaten out of them," Peter reasoned. "But not one kill. I just wish Kitsune would prove to everyone that he didn't kidnap the mayor's daughter, and that he is way better than Night Scourge," Peter grumbled, "I mean what's he waiting for?"

"Maybe the right moment?"

"Yeah…but people are dying. They may be criminals, but they are still dying."

"You're fan huh?"

"Of Kitsune?"

"I didn't think it was Night Scourge."

"Uh, yeah, I am," Peter blushed a bit in embarassement. "The guy is really cool. Ninja's are cool! I wish…I wish I had the courage that he does," Peter softly. Naruto smiled to himself before he glanced to the clock.

"Well kid the fact that you're going home this late, knowing what your Aunt and Uncle are going to do to ya, shows plenty of courage." Naruto thumbed to the clock and Peter freaked out a bit. "It's a school night remember? Best get going Parker," Naruto advised and Peter was out that door in ten seconds flat. Naruto laughed a bit before he frowned a bit in thought and he glanced to the t.v in thought as he shut it off.

"Responsibility huh?"

"Nice getup…"

Minaka froze in his place then smirked as he turned to see his object of obsession, standing in the corner of the room, coming out of the shadows, his red eyes focused on him. "…but I believe mine is better." Kitsune commented as he referred to the ninja outfit Minaka was wearing, as well as a kabuki fox mask, but his was made out of plastic…a toy.

"So you've finally come to get the help you need hm, Kitsune?" Minaka taunted as he removed his mask to sip on his drink. "Have you come to hit me? Smash my face? Spill my blood?"

"You're the only one who needs help bub. Professional help."

"Precisely why I entered the profession!" Minaka grinned madly with Kitsune simply staring at him. "Now tell me, whose blood was spilled to create you, hm? Mother, father? Child? Brother, sister? Wife? Someone you loved but couldn't protect? Someone you couldn't save?"

"I didn't come here to discuss my origins, or yours."

"Then why did you feel a compulsion to enter the Lion's den?"

"Because I know you have the Mayor's daughter, and I know you have something to do with the Night Scourge. Is she still alive?" Kitsune questioned with Minaka chuckling as he nodded his head.

"Oh yes. Slightly bruised, but otherwise intact. But you won't be…once the police get their hands on you!" Minaka grinned as he leapt for his phone, but Kitsune didn't even move as Minaka reached the phone.

"Save it Dr. Hiroto." The two heard and saw Stacy along with an Officer barge in the room. The Officer blinked in surprise,

"Then the Kitsune wasn't the kidnapper?"

"Of course not Officer."

"I don't know, Captain. I'm still not too sure about him but…" The officer shrugged as he had his gun on Minaka. "Don't move. You're under arrest for the kidnapping of Tiffany Belasio," the officer told a surprised Minaka as he was handcuffed while Stacy moved towards Kitsune who handed him a recorder.

"What's this?"

"Additional confirmation can't hurt."

"No! I won! I can't lose! Not fair!" Minaka struggled with a growl. "I beat him! I beat the damn Fox!" Minaka growled while Kitsune had opened the bedroom were a half naked Tiffany was bonded to the railing of the bed.

"The mayor's daughter!" Stacy gasped a bit. "So she's been here? Right in Hiroto's apartment, probably ever since she was kidnapped."

"His mind didn't just snap now Stacy. He's been mad all along. And I was the trigger that set him off," Kitsune explained as he freed Tiffany from her binds and eased her to sleep mysteriously. "But he's still had help, which means it's not over yet. And you know who it is, don't you Stacy?" Kitsune turned to him and Stacy gave a slight nod. "That's why you agreed to my plan."

"Nyyaaahhrrrr!" they heard and went back to the living room to see the cop was injured, and Minaka was escaping. Kitsune narrowed his eyes as he took off towards Minaka. He followed the man, curious as to where he would go. He saw the man try to scale the brick wall and he managed too, but as he ran he was seen by the cops below

"It's him! The Fox!"

"Halt!"

"James said shoot to kill!"

"Stop or we'll shoot!"

Minaka didn't stop…

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

And they let loose.

Kitsune watched as Minaka fell back, falling into the river…nowhere to be seen. "They got him?" Stacy questioned as he caught up with Kitsune who nodded.

"Yeah. They thought he was me," Kitsune frowned as he then looked back to Stacy. "But it's still not over. Whoever helped him, he's the Night Scourge. I have an idea…but I don't want to assume. So who Stacy?" Kitsune wondered as he turned to the Captain who pulled out a rather decorative knife.

"Try Thomas James."

"Is…is that him?"

Thomas James looked out of his car as he saw a figure scaling a building and he narrowed his eyes to see it wasn't. No, the figure looked to be that of a woman, then it clicked to him. The Cat burglar! Now quite the jackpot, but she'll do. Getting out of the car, he put his mask on and headed up the building to meet her.

When he reached the top of the fire escape, the door opened and he greeted the woman with a kick, taking her by surprise and sending her back a bit. Night Scourge grinned under his mask as he eyed the Cat burglar up and down. It was certainly a woman, wearing a black leather skintight cat suit with white fur gloves, boots and a domino mask, she also had long wavy platinum blond silver hair. Very beautiful, and he couldn't help but admire her cleavage a bit. But still…

"Why crash the party, babe?" he smirked under his mask as he neared her. "When we can throw down right up here?" he questioned as he swung his sword down upon her, but she rolled over to dodge, then swept him off his feet with a kick.

"Because you're not wearing jewelry!" Night Scourge flipped back up and the two stood off against each other. "So you're Night Scourge eh? Got to say, not as impressive as Kitsune…"

"You're just a stupid Cat! What the hell do you know?!" Scourge insulted just as she struck at him with a kick and he grabbed her leg. Before she could counter again, he elbowed her leg, causing her to scream out a bit, then he elbowed her face. Picking her up he then threw her and she rolled to the ledge of the building. "Time to clean up the night, babe…" just as he was about to slice her, he was suddenly kicked in the face, sending him tumbling back.

"What do you know, it's the wannabe," Kitsune smirked as he stood protectively over the woman.

"You!"

"Me."

"Then you and the woman…the Cat burglar, you are partners!"

"Um…no?" Kitsune looked to the beautiful woman before he avoided a strike from Scourge, then punched him the face, then in the gut before a round kick to his face. Sending him reeling back, but he charged again and Kitsune easily avoided his strikes then kicked him in the face straight down the fire escape. Kitsune was about to go after him, but he avoided a strike to the head from behind, grabbing the woman's fist. "Ooh, what power."

"I don't need your help."

"Wasn't helping you, was trying to get to him," Kitsune's red eyes stared into her blues, the two glaring at each other. They then heard a car start and saw Scourge drive away. "Great…" Kitsune huffed as he released her fist then. "But you're welcome." Kitsune added and she scowled before trying to punch him again, but he dodged it and she threw a flurry of combination kicks and punches at him, which impressed him a bit. "You got power and speed, nice…"

"Never let the Black Cat cross your path Fox!" Black Cat then tried to claw him, but he deflected her attack, yet she swept him off his feet. "You might just get a bit of bad luck," She smirked but was surprised when she was brought down as well, due to Kitsune kicking her off her feet while he got back up.

"Lady I've dealt with bad luck since I was born!" Kitsune then dusted himself off as he looked at her while she laid on the ground with a huff. "Now give up. I really don't have much time for this you know," Kitsune muttered. "If you give up nicely, I won't tie you to pole and hang you upside down."

"Fine fine, I give…"

"Wait, really?" Kitsune blinked as she got up and dusted herself off.

"Yes really. Tonight was a bust the moment Scourge kicked me," she grumbled. "Besides, how could little me ever escape you ninja boy?" she smirked a bit with Kitsune narrowing his eyes a bit as she got close to him, biting her lip a bit. "You're stronger than I thought. Powerful." Black Cat put a hand against his chest, feeling his muscles underneath the shirt. "Hmm. I've always admired you, Foxy. You should see the scrapbook I keep just on you," she whispered as she lifted up his mask a bit.

"Hey hey, what are you doing?" he questioned as he grabbed her hands. And she giggled, while pulling down his face mask.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to unmask you," she winked. "I like the men in my life to be a little mysterious…"

"W-wait!"

But Black Cat didn't wait as she pressed her lips against his, and slipped her tongue inside to meet his. Kitsune paused before he gave into the kiss, enjoying it just as much as she was. She wrapped her arms around him while his arms wrapped around her waist and the two deepened the kiss, getting a full taste of the other. After several moments, she pulled away, licking her lips a bit. "I've got to go now love, but maybe we'll cross paths again," she winked as she headed towards the ledge of the roof. "After all, New York isn't as big as most believe." Giving a mock salute she jumped off the ledge, leaving a dazed Kitsune.

Lifting up his mask and lowering his fox mask, Kitsune turned away with a grumble.

"Women."

"M-made it! I'm here!"

"Who the?" several cops looked surprised to see Night Scourge rush into their precinct. As he looked a bit frantic.

"I can still do it! Still kill!"

"Hey isn't that…"

"It's him! The Night Scourge! FREEZE!"

"No!" Scourge yelled as he pulled down his mask revealing himself as Thomas James. "It's me! Tom James!"

"Hey…he is James…"

"He's both." They all heard and saw Kitsune coming from the shadows and they were confused. "He's Thomas James, and Thomas James is the Night Scourge," Kitsune informed calmly. "He also abducted the Mayor's daughter and framed me for the crime. As Captain George Stacy will confirm."

"Kitsune is here?!"

"Yes!" James roared as all guns were now pointed on Kitsune. "And he's guilty! A vigilante! Shoot to kill! The moon! Big! Silver! Relaxed! Better than him! I'm…"

"Car 23 to dispatcher, we hit the Fox Ninja! Body fell off the tri-sector bridge, send divers and backup search crews!" the radio signaled in.

"Finish him off! You're cops! Kill him!"

"You were just shot?" an officer asked.

"No."

"The man who framed him was shot," they heard and saw George Stacy walk in. "Wearing a counterfeit Ninja costume, Dr. Minaka Hiroto. Put your guns away, men. I'll take full responsibility." Stacy ordered. "Kitsune is guilty of nothing and the 'Night-Scourge' is hardly a threat at this-"

"I'll take that gun!" James snarled as he grabbed it from an officer and pointed it as Stacy. "You don't think so Captain Stacy?! You traitor! You helped him! You're made for morale! You're dead mea-"

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Kitsune watched as Thomas James was riddled with bullets, and he was dead before he even hit the ground. With a snort, Kitsune turned around, returning to the shadows with a quiet grumble.

"Not my problem."

"And Kitsune was instrumental in the rescue of my daughter?"

"He's the one who led us to Hiroto, sir."

"I see…" Belasio muttered in thought as he rubbed his chin in thought while Stacy stood across from him. "Well, about this Vigilante Task Force, Captain Stacy. While we certainly can't condone the actions of any vigilante, perhaps it might be more productive to concentrate our efforts on the real criminals hm?"

"I think I understand, Mr. Mayor."

"And one last thing Captain…" Belasio threw in as he shook hands with Stacy who looked curious. "Keep it up and one of these days you're liable to be appointed commissioner." He winked, with Stacy looking surprised but he nodded his head.

"Thank you sir."

Later that night he stood on the rooftop, and flashed the beacon before turning it off. He, however, felt a presence and spoke, "No sign of Hiroto's body. We dragged the river. Looks like he's dead, washed out to sea."

"Or just wounded, and on the run. Or in hiding."

"There is that possibility," Stacy shrugged as he took the symbol off the beacon. "Time will tell. But for now, the heats off." He then turned to Kitsune who stood against the wall with crossed arms. "You've made a good start in the coming to terms with the police and definitely with the mayor. But there'll always be cops who resent you, and I don't blame them."

"I don't care."

"And there's always be politicians dusting off the vigilante issue, every election season. Them I do blame."

"And I still don't care."

Stacy could only chuckle at Kitune's attitude. "Still, play your cards right and maybe we'll make it more open and permanent by painting a bat on this beacon…" he offered and Kitsune shook his head.

"This would be better, actually." Stacy raised a brow as a paper airplane floated by him and he grabbed it. He opened it to see there was some kind of symbol drawn it…it looked like a leaf? But he couldn't exactly tell.

"What is this? And what does it…" he then turned to see that Kitsune was nowhere in sight, which made his brow twitch. Now he needed a cigarette. That was going to get so annoying.

"Damn ninja."