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>> "Common people rent limousines? What a strange occurrence. I always buy them…Besides the Imperial series, standard or limousine is a classic between classics…But what could know about limousines a user of public transport? Or you were dreaming about that, sleepyhead?" "[/i]

Akshay had to smirk at the young princess’ statement. She really was sticking to this role of being a wealthy young woman, wasn’t she? Though he did not doubt that she really had the attitude, the young man had been scammed too many times by other kids to thinking that they were from money and wanted to have everything they could get their little mitts on in his comic store. Normally what happened was that he would run their “debit card” and the “stolen” sign would come up, or he would give them the keypad to have them punch in their pin and, amused, would sit there as they punched every random key they could think of.

It can be rather fun, sometimes.

But this girl was grading way too much on his nerves already. The sheer attitude that she was giving him, mixed with that bratty persona, just made him want to get her OUT of his store. She may have had angelic features when he woke up, but now she was just turning into a nightmare.

A smirk had fluttered across his face as he at the look she gave him when he had mentioned that he could give her a discount if she really needed it. Maybe she was just a spoiled child that thought she actually had more money than she was really privy to? That was always a possibility. After all, how many tweens actually run around with a debit card on their person that was not stolen?

>> "Discount?”

He nodded in a very helpful manner. The look on her face was absolutely adorable.

>> “Surely your boss would not care if I pay twice its value…And neither will want to know that his marvel employee was not only sleeping during work but also refused to close a very substantial sale."

A look of terror filled his wide eyes! It was the look of a young employee who really didn’t want to get in trouble with their boss. It told of a poor life, a life that depended on the income of a single job that could not be lost otherwise where would rent, food, and medicine come from! Akshay looked downcast, defeated as he stared at his counter.

And he meekly nodded his head.

“Y-You’re right. Umm…L-Let me call my boss…to confirm the sale,” he said as he picked up the phone from his desk and sighed as he punched in a phone number. His lower lip quivered, he looked on the verge of tears as he lifted the phone to his ear and heard the first ring…

Simultaneously, in his pocket, his own cell phone began to sing out with the theme song from the Spectacular Man TV show…Littleville. As the music pierced through the air, Akshay, still holding one phone to his ear, picked out the cell phone from his pocket, hit the “Answer” button on the touch screen and lifted it to his ear. Immediately the fear and sadness that was once there…vanished.

“Um, yes, is Mr. Malik, the owner of the Umber Ant and boss of the One Comic to Rule Them All story, available?” he asked himself, still talking into both phones. “OH, well speaking! How my I help you?” he replied. “You see…someone…someone wants to get me into trouble…and…” He chuckled heartily. “Hohoho! Don’t worry son! Your job will always be safe so long as I’m boss!” He then perked up and grinned. “Oh! THANK YOU, sir!!”

He would have continued but he was fairly certainly that the young girl had had enough of his display. He just smirked with an innocent grin as he hung up both phones, setting one on the cradle and stuffing the other one into his pocket. Once that was done, he turned his gaze back to the little princess and shrugged.

“Sorry, kid,” he said in an apologetic tone. “Frankly, I don’t care. The miniature gets me more business just leaving it in the display case, than actually selling it for double. On top of that, I own it, AND I currently run the store.” he then beamed wide and happily. It was obviously that he was not a man that took bullying lightly. “Now, if you would like to make a purchase, that’s fine. But…only if you apologize and say ‘please’. Then I’ll gladly help ya!”

Akshay should have known better than to keep wearing his costumes when he went out. After the last few times, it only got him into more trouble. Unfortunately today was a necessity. He had to be in costume. The One Comic to Rule Them All comic store was having another of their promotional days so he needed to be dressed and ready to play the part of the superhero. It was the owner’s idea to put on skits whenever there were promotional days so Akshay and the rest of the employees had to agree. So, even though he was still feeling a little off about wearing the costume out in public, Akshay knew that he could never say no to a good skit.

So, today he had to dress up as one of his other favorite characters… Captain Bolt!! A superhero inspired by Roman Gods and Goddess, Captain Bolt possessed so many abilities that it seemed nearly impossible to be defeated! Some said he was over-powered, but the truth was that Captain Bolt only possessed his abilities whenever he held his breath! Otherwise, he was just a normal human. Nope! Akshay had definitely respect for Captina Bolt and it would show in his performance today.

Standing outside the comic shop, in his chest costume with the bellowing white cape, he laughed heartily as he waved at passing children and fellow comic shoppers. Soon a crowd had gathered, among them other people dressed in bad costumes, or monsters (including two awesome looking slug costumes), and various other outfits. But Akshay paid them little attention. As he waved and chuckled along in his acting, he suddenly turned his head as he sensed danger.

“Watch out, citizens! It’s the vile M.O.L.O.K.!!” he shouted and pointed valiantly.

From the alley that led to the back of the store, his friend and co-worker, Jean, stumbled out in his overbearingly huge costume. But he didn’t complain; he acted the part to the best of his ability, pretending to “hover” over and cackle manically.

“You’re end is HERE, Captain Bolt! Taste Mental Rays of DOOM!!”

The skit went on from there. Akshay pretended to be hit and fell to his knees. The crowd gasped and cheered as he moved back onto his feet, grinning and dusting himself off as if it meant absolutely nothing. He then took in a deep breath and charged into the fray. Due to hidden LEDs and a soundeffect remote hidden in his belt, Akshay sounded and looked as if he were punching with the power of thunder and lightning, as well as sent M.O.L.O.K. staggering back in his overly large costume. But Jean managed to keep up his role by screeching in pain and attempting to fight back. The skit battle went on for another minute or so before Akshay finally managed to subdue Jean and stood triumphantly before a cheering and ecstatic crowd.

Captain Bolt had won the day!! And the hearts of the those gathered! Especially two slug costumed individuals who chattered back and forth about how they needed someone as powerful as Captain Bolt…not realizing the difference between reality and special effects…



Akshay, numbly, found himself standing next to two other people, his mind blankly staring ahead as he watched a pair of large slugs slither up towards them. Oddly enough, Akshay was not disturbed by this image, instead, he seemed to be waiting around, almost willing the pair of them to give him an order or command of some kind. Why would he think something like that? Why would he wait for orders? Maybe the better question was…why WOULDN’T he wait for orders?

One blink…another blink…and Akshay Malik, still dressed in his Captain Bolt costume from when the two slugs jumped him after he closed up the shop, stood with his fists resting against his waist, and waited. They would give their commands soon enough and he would be only all that much more eager to carry them out.

>> "You all have been brought here for a very important mission! My kind... our kind…is being tortured and eradicated right this very moment, all over the world... and this evil, vile building, is one of the culprits!"

>> "Our mission today is to make sure no more vile deeds are done with the product that this factory produces. We will raze this building to the ground, if we have to!"

Akshay felt his heart swell up with pride! He had been chosen for a special mission! Normally the young wordsmith was terrified of such things, but something pulsating on the back of his neck, beneath the collar of his costume, urged him on to feel pride and bravery! Happy to be chosen amongst all the people in the city, Akshay turned and looked around the interior of the factory they were standing in. It certainly looked evil enough. Maybe it was the lair of some wily supervillain? Well, whatever! Justice needed to be done! And he was the scrawning, Indian teen that could do it!

Or so the pulsating throb on his neck told him! A pulsating throb of awesomesauce!

Akshay, unable to contain his honor, stepped forward and once again reclaimed his heroic pose.

“I shall not let you two down!!” he announced. “You can count on Akshay Malik to always bring white hot cattle brand of justice to the smelly cow behind of evil!”

One slug glanced at the other and whispered.

“I thought he said his name was Captain Bolt?”

The other shrugged. “Secret identity, maybe?”

Akshay didn’t hear them. He was too busy grunting and squeaking as he struggled to grab a hold of a brick in the wall and trying to pull it loose with the intention of bringing the whole building down. Justice will be served!

Akshay was not a stupid man. Unfortunately, in his line of work, even though it was just as a counter jockey at a comic store, he knew the tricks that a lot of kids loved to throw at him. A young child, holding out a debit or a credit card at him, claiming that he was rich beyond wildest dreams, it was a classic scam. Usually the cards tended to either be stolen from a stranger, from mom and dad, or had actually been issued to them under fraudulent means. Either way, this was not a scenario that the young wordsmith was alien to.

Now, one glance at the young lady before him, and it was obvious that she must have come from some wealth, but as to how much, he simply could not say. Still, that did not mean that the young princess could not have just dressed up in her Sunday finest and showed up at the shop, attempting to scam him. It was a surprise that this act was not being carried on by a boy. That tended to be the usual suspect.

Today was just full of surprises.

>> "I am touched by your concern, but it also insults me and my family."

He arched a brow. If she were playing a part, she was definitely playing it through to a fault. She had not let that image drop in the least; she must have been a pro at this. But Akshay was not one to ever let his guard down; nor did he take insulting tones of voices from little prima donnas.

But none of that showed on his face. Instead the young shopkeep kept on his usual, calm demeanor and simply watched as the young lady proceeded to motion to a car that was parked outside the shop.

>> "Do you see the white limousine parked there? Is mine."

“Ah,” he said, in a thoroughly unimpressed manner. Might as well have some fun with her. “Couldn’t afford to rent the Rolls Royce Phandom Limousine, I see.” he said with a shrug. “It’s okay. Not everyone is meant for the high life.” He sighed a little as he turned his gaze back to her. “Unfortunately, though, this,” he said as he placed his hand on the Umber Ant, the rarest in the those that he showed her, “Is not for sale at this moment. It requires the owner’s permission. He had simply given to the store as a display piece. There’s price tag, yes, but only if he approves the person buying. Sadly, he left strict instructions to not just sell it to anyone.” He then nodded to the rest of the items. “But the rest are for sale, I can even give you a discount if you require it.”

He beamed. And he beamed innocently.

Akshay could not believe that the day had come. He actually was bouncing as he moved his way up the line, holding his very own copy of the premiere issue of The Green Wasp! He had been giggling madly the whole time. The Green Wasp was a radio program character from back in the 30s before it finally made the popularity on TV thanks to the show from the 60s. But Akshay was a fan of the classics and he always would be. What was exciting about this comic premiere was that this was the first issue of The Green Wasp, written by the grandson of one of the radio program’s original writers! It was going to be a total throwback; completely awesome and needed little other explanation.

To celebrate this momentous event, Akshay, like many of the character’s fans, dressed up for the role. Yes, Akshay Malik had spent a fair amount of money getting the exact right suit, mask, and hat to match the character of The Green Wasp!

He adjusted his mask as he peered over the shoulder of the person in front of him. The writer of the comic was all smiles and jokes as he signed autographs and reveled in the attention and praise that was being heaped upon him. Akshay could only watch him with wonderment as he took another step closer to his goal.

Then…his phone rang. Akshay ignored it. He doubted it was anyone important. Emerald was going to be out of town for a couple days, the comic shop was well taken care of, and he was pretty much in the home free! At most the call was probably a solicitor so he didn’t want to waste his ti—

“Next!”

Akshay squeaked as he rushed forward. He tried not to gush but it was hard when you were talking to the descendent of one of the greatest radio program writers! Before long, his comic was signed and he was an absolutely happy camper! He turned, adjusted his mask, and decided that he would wait around. Maybe the writer would let him chat with him for a bit. One never knew until they tried.

But before he could think too long about the possibility, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was only a single buzz. That could only mean that he had a voicemail. Brow arched curiously, Akshay fished his phone out of his pocket and immediately listened to the voice on the other end of the line…

>> "I..sorta need your help, Bunch of poachers were out here, used big bear traps and my left hand is stuck, I think it's broken and it keeps bleeding everywhere. I'm at the Finger Lakes National Park and the path I took, you'll be able to find it believe me. Please come soon and bring clothes too, I'm sorta naked."[/color]



The time that raced by was an absolute blur. Akshay had no idea how but somehow, after he listened to the message, he had managed to leave the signing, race back to his apartment on his ducati, grab some clothes, and once again race through the streets of New York. The man was practically a blur as he had done all of this and he was more than certain he had broken a law or two as he raced through the streets. But if sirens rang, Akshay didn’t catch a single one of them. So, either they never happened or he was simply able to out race them all.

All that mattered, to his mind right now, was that Emerald was in danger and she had asked for his help. The whole way to Finger Lakes Nation Park, Akshay kicked himself for not answering that call. He really should have known better. Emerald was in pain, she sounded like it, and it probably would have helped, however little, to actually hear the sound of his voice. But Akshay could not dwell on it being his fault for too long. His thoughts were more preoccupied on whether or not she was okay.

Racing through the highway and making his way to the National Park, Akshay tried not to let thoughts of Emerald’s current predicament flood into his head. She had to be okay. He would find her in time.

Once he reached the park, Akshay had dismounted his bike and practically ran into the woods. Still wearing his Green Wasp, Akshay nibbled on his bottom lip nervously as he began to scour the tall trees for any sight of her.

“Emerald!!” he screamed. “EEEEEEEMMMMMMMM!!!!” he paused to listen close…unfortunately he had no responses. So he pushed on…until he found the clearings that that she had referenced to on his phone. “Whoa…” was all he could say.

Akshay began to follow the trail of broken trees and upturned stones. As he did so, the young wordsmith was actually still perplexed by his behavior. So much time with Emerald. This probably had to be the longest, healthy relationship that he had ever taken part in. Emerald was absolutely perfect for him. She grinned at all of his bad jokes, she loved his art, and he definitely enjoyed spending his time with her. Even though things had yet to reach a real physical level yet, he was more than patient. Eventually Emerald would feel comfortable with it. It just took time…

But he couldn’t think about that now. Rushing down the pathway, he adjusted the strap of his backpack that had whatever clothes he had been able to grab from his home. He needed to get to Emerald and he needed to get there…

He paused. Up a short climb, he found a cave. Judging by how cool it was outside, if Emerald was going to hide anywhere to recuperate, it had to be there. So, Akshay made a beeline for it, hoping against hope that he we was right.

“Emerald!!!!” he bellowed as he crept closer to the cave. “Emerald! Give me a sign!! Where are you!?” he yelled and made straight for the cave.

Please be there, please be there, please be there!!

OH WOW! Thank you SO much! These are just awesome! Excellent job Darcy! *quickly adds to his randomizer!*

Akshay sighed as he cast another glance at all the figurines. He truly loved them all, especially because he himself had ordered a majority of those in stalk. But, thankfully, most of those he tended to order doubles of so that he could take one or two home to paint on his own free time. Painting these models could be some of the most relaxing pastimes that he took ever took part in. It was practically zen giving life to these little miniatures.

A glance back to the “little princess” as he waited for an answer, he found that she too had become rather lost in the beauty of them. She may have been bratty, but at least she knew how to appreciate something as magical as these miniatures could be. Sure they were used rather cheaply in role playing games, and sometimes they were coveted for the wrong reasons, but they had a majesty about them, a history woven into a culture that expanded through time, that Akshay had learned to appreciate over the years.

It seemed now, that Celeste was beginning to gain some of that appreciation. And that was something that the young wordsmith could definitely appreciate.

Finally, it seemed that she blinked and returned to reality.

>> "Very satisfied. I would like to buy them all."

Now, there were two things that shocked the young comic shop worker: 1) the fact that she wanted ALL the figures. Even though the Umber Ant was the rarest in the collection AND the most expense, and 2) (probably the most shocking) was the tone of her voice. From it had slipped the regal, demanding demeanor that she had once possessed. It was almost…respectful. The wordsmith really did not know how to take this course of action.

He was rather confused. But once it began to wane, he noticed that a debit card was being handed out to him. How old was this kid? And she had a debit card? Gently he took it from her hand.

>> “I doesn´t matter if they repeat but could you add more standard units?...Add 20% more for the problems."

“Um, sure, I’ll…just double what’s there…” he said as he knelt down and began to rummage for some of the rest of the more common miniatures he had in stalk.

He found a box he was looking for and brought it up to the counter. From it he produced several more sets of miniatures. These consisted of a variety of beasts, heroes, and monsters that, again were very well detailed. Once he had set those up for her approval, he glanced at the Umber Ant again. It was such a magnificent piece, and of course he had no problems selling it but, damn, it was expense. How was this girl going to really pay for it all? Did…she really come from money?

If figured he may as well warm her, just to be safe.

“You, do know that this will be quite expensive?” he said. Especially considering the healthy bonus he was going to give himself when she said to add the 20%. “The Umber Ant here, alone, is going to be at least $1000 because of its rarity. I’m only making sure you know what you’re getting into.” he explained. The last thing he wanted was for some angry parents, who lost their entire savings, to be marching into his store and demand a refund.