Razzle Dazzle(closed)

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall thought about it. Dazzle had never been one to actually go in for the whole rule the world thing. She had been a straight crook. A genius thief to be sure, but a thief all the same. She had started small and then had gotten progressively bigger and more brazen as she realized that no one was able to stop her.

"So what now for you then? I doubt that a smart woman like you could just sit idle for so long, you would go stir crazy. You must have something in mind to keep yourself busy. After all you are young, Rich and beautiful. In this day and age that makes the world your oyster."

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"Why, Recall, flattery will get you everywhere," Dazzle answered, batting her eyelashes dramatically before continuing. "I have everything I need and want. I suppose I could go into your line of work, but then someone would probably want me to return everything I've already stolen. Plus, what if I saw something I really, really wanted? Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?" Dazzle tapped her lips thoughtfully with her forefinger. "I could become a consultant. Keep my hand in the game without actually being in it. That's what I'll do," she said excitedly. "I'll start my own consulting business. What do you think, Recall? Would you hire me?" She asked, batting her eyelashes at him again.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall chuckled. "Nope sorry Dazzle. I know your nature too well. You are addicted to the thrill of it all. You could hardly care about the money any more, for you it is the challenge of the thing. I bet you right now I could have you back in the game within five minutes and it won't even involve you stealing anything of monetary value."

Recall thought about his last statement for a second and then opened his mouth again. "Actually it could make you a lot of money if you sold it to the right people but that would be up to you." He could see the interest in her eyes. "So what do you say Dazzle, care to wager that I couldn't or are you strong enough to stay retired?"

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"You have something devious in mind," Dazzle said with a smirk, wagging her forefinger at him. "But you definitely have my attention," she added.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall smiled at her and edged a little closer. "Very well then, first let us discuss terms. Obviously what I am proposing is very big so it will take you awhile, but it won't be physical work so no involving BoomBaby, you have to do this one all by yourself. Go back to your roots and rely on your own skills again. You will have a whole month to complete your mission. I think that should prove enough time for you, but at any time you can leave a message at this number," he told her handing over the standard Justice Society hotline number," and call the hunt over."

He smiled wickedly at her. "Now as to your target, well that is simple, it is me. Oh I don't want you to try to kill me or capture me or anything silly like that. No I want to see if you are as good as you think you are. I want you to do the one thing that every supervillian wants to do, find out the civilian identity of the hero chasing them."

 

[GypsyGirl84]

A look of shock and disbelief appeared on Dazzle's face. "I've never wanted to know your secret identity," Dazzle stated emphatically, standing up. "I've never wanted to learn the secret identity of any hero who's chased me, and that includes Wrecking Tom, who's a real asshole (Author's note: wRECking TOM). Unlike me, I assumed you had people to protect. Anyway, you and I have always had an honest relationship. Me breaking the law, you trying to capture me for doing so."

Dazzle stared out at the ocean for awhile before adding, "Marie will have a refill for your coffee shortly." With that, Dazzle disappeared. From the main house, a lone figure could be seen approaching the veranda, carrying a coffee pot.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall wondered if he had miscalculated. He did not know her identity. He did however know how she had come to be Dazzle and that she used to be a thief called Slink before. That was as far as his knowledge went and as far as he wished to take it. He like her only wanted to know about her powers he guessed and how best to defeat her. He had thought of her as a worthy adversary and one to be captured, but she was wrong about one thing. He also had another motive for chasing her all these years.

It had only started later in their battles as they had both matured but he had started to see her not just as a thief and a person to capture but also as a woman. The more he had researched her condition and powers the more he began to see how she must be a lonely person. Never able to be touched by anyone else and though she was surrounded by things and people she was still all alone. The fact that she was maturing into a very good looking woman had nothing to do with it. Okay maybe it did, and it was so hard for a superhero to meet women that she was the only constant woman in his life. their battles began to feel like dates, even their barbs began to get personal but not into the realm of bad insults but more ones you would trade with a friend. One day he had admitted it to himself, he had fallen in love with Dazzle and didn't know what to do about it.

As Marie filled his coffee cup he sighed and looked at her recently vacated chair. "Is your Mistress truly happy here Marie? Maybe I shouldn't be here after all."

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Marie filled Recall's cup silently. She then took a seat across from Recall.

"She's a good woman to work for," Marie said simply. "Many of the staff have been with her since she first came to the island as a teenager. She remembers names, families, birthdays. She is a quick learner and is willing to listen. She treats the staff as persons, not fixtures. This is a rare trait for anyone with wealth, regardless of the means in which they accumulated that wealth."

Marie stared down at her hands before adding, "I believe she is happy, but that she could be happier."

Marie stood up and asked, "Will there be anything else, sir?"

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall smiled at her. "No thank you Marie. I believe you have answered the question I needed. Thank you for that. Oh and by the way, this coffee is truly excellent."

He watched as she walked away then turned his attention back to the beauty before him. he sipped his coffee as he watched the sun getting higher and the waves washed into the beach. Oh he could see why she chose to live here. It was a truly idyllic spot and one he could fall in love with.

He finished his coffee and then leaned back in his chair waiting for Dazzle to return. He would wait all day if needs be. He was a patient man, His parents had taught him that.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

It was noon when she returned. She popped back in wearing a light purple bikini top and a matching sari wrapped around her hips. She has two glasses of pink lemonade in her hands . She plopped one on the table unceremoniously and took a seat across from Recall.

"Staying for lunch?" she asked in a cool tone. "It's usually a very informal fare."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Oh yes, he had upset her. He sighed as he picked up the glass and took a sip. "I am sorry if I have upset you Dazzle, I really didn't mean too. I thought this would be a good challenge for you that had nothing to do with stealing.I guess I was wrong. Perhaps I should think up something else, but you will have to give me a little time. It took me a while to think up that challenge."

He smiled at her, "Of course that will allow me to stay here for a little longer if you don't mind which will be nice. Getting to spend some more time with you would be nice."

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle gave Recall the full force of her glare. "I am not a child who has to be kept entertained and distracted, Recall, and I am certainly not one of THEM!," she said with a tone of brewing anger. "I make no claim to sainthood, but I steal jewels. I don't steal people's savings, I don't try to rule their lives, and I don't try to ruin the lives of people whose singular fault is trying to stop my larceny."

Dazzle stood up, and her dazzle cloud grew a little brighter. "You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. I---" Dazzle paused, getting control of her temper. "You may even continue your crime fighting, as long as you do so away from this island. But never compare me to the rest of them again. Luncheon will be served buffet style in the main dining room," she added abruptly, before again disappearing.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Damn he had really made her angry now. He wasn't really sure why she was so angry. After all he had asked her to try to find out who he was, but he guessed that was still the same to her. Damn it he was going to have to admit the truth to her then. He hadn't wanted to but it seemed that it was the only way he might be able to salvage this. He really did not want her angry at him, after all he did want to date the woman after all.

He walked slowly towards the main dining hall wondering just how he was going to apologize to her and how he was going to confess to her. He better have a few powers ready just in case.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

The big table in the main dining room was set up as a buffet table, and the room was full of adults and children, eating, talking, laughing and having a good time. Dazzle was in the corner, putting on a mini-pyrotechnics display for a group of small children.

When Recall walked in the room, all the noise stopped, as every set of eyes focused on him. The eyes weren't friendly.

Dazzle popped beside him, a forced smile plastered on her face. "For those of you who don't recognize my intrepid friend, this is Recall. And he is my friend, so please make him welcome."

A little girl, no more than four, wondered up to Recall and bent her head back, her gaze unfaltering. "My Mom and Dad work for Miss Dazzle and we live with her and she gave me a birthday party last Saturday because I turned four and I go to kindergarten next year but I wouldn't be going but Miss Dazzle built us a school, because only the rich people have nice schools and the tourists don't care and are you going to take her away and tear down our school?"

"Of course not, Darla," Dazzle replied, going down on one knee, while looking up at Recall. "Recall is a very good man. He helps little girls like you and me all the time." Darla continued looking up at Recall, unconvinced.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall looked down at the little girl then got down on one knee and picked her up putting her on his other knee.

"Well let me see. I am here to visit Miss Dazzle and as far as I know she hasn't commited any crimes here has she," he asked looking around. "In fact I hear she is one of the best people on this island. Now why would I want to take her away from here. As for tearing down schools and other buildings I would never do that. I am supposed to be the good guy and that is against the good guy code." He leaned down and whispered half loudly, "You should see the book they give us to read, it is huge and full of things we have to do and things we are not allowed to do."

He smiled at her then looked around then back at her." But do you know the most important rule? It is to never make a little child cry. So I will not be taking Miss Dazzle away now will I, because that will make you cry. But Now I have to make you happy, so how can I do that?" He rubbed his chin in thought and then held up his finger and smiled. "How about going for a little flight."

He picked the girl up in his arms and then floated up towards the ceiling and then flew around the room slowly. He had known Dazzle was well liked down here but he had not known just how much she had changed the lives of the people. He was starting to think she was a modern day Robin Hood.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Darla was giggling as Recall set her down. "He gives flying hugs, Miss Dazzle," Darla laughed. "But I bet you'd give better hugs," Darla quickly added before running back to her friends.

Dazzle just smiled st the little girl before turning back to Recall. "You know the rule about superhero pony rides, don't you?" she asked, pointing at the line of kids forming behind him. "You have to give one to everybody."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall laughed and bowed to Dazzle. "I am at your command My Lady, but perhaps afterwards you can do as young Darla suggested and give them all hugs. Yes yes I know about the Dazzle field but if you are quick I can help you with that."

So saying he picked up the next child and began flying around the room. By the look of the line he was going to be a busy man before he could eat his lunch.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle opened her mouth, closed it, opened it again, closed it, and then found a corner to retreat to. Her staff instinctively knew to let their mistress brood in private, as the subdued spirit the luncheon had taken after Recall's appearance started disappearing.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

It took Recall half an hour to fly all the children once around the room. He was surprised at how calmly they waited in line with no pushing and shoving, but they all laughed with glee when he got them in the air and then took off to play with their friends once he had set them down.

As he placed the last child on the ground, (a seven year old girl who had wrapped her arms around his throat so tightly he thought he would pass out and screamed with glee so loudly he was sure he would not hear right for at least half the day) he looked around at the room.

The children were now looking at him not with anger but with smiles. The adults although still guarded no longer looked ready to lynch him on the spot and the mood seemed a whole lot better than when he had walked in. He was surprised that such a simple thing could have done so much.

He walked over to the table and made himself a quick roll and then looked for Dazzle. It took him a minute to see her sitting all alone in a corner. Walking over he stood with his back to the wall next to her but not crowding her.

"Your staff is very loyal to you, it tells me a lot about you. As does the fact that all the children love you. Yet here you sit in the corner and I am thinking it is all my fault. I am sorry for the inconvenience I have caused you. I will leave right after lunch. It has been a pleasure to meet the real you Dazzle."

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle held up a hand and shook her head. "No, you're fine. I'm just...thinking," she said with a wan smile. "And perhaps this is a good thing, you and I talking. Who knows?" she shrugged. "Anyway, grab yourself some lunch first," she said with a laugh. "i'm sure you've worked up an appetite. And these kids will undoubtedly be expecting you back for a repeat performance in the very near future."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall smiled, "So is that an invitation to come back again? I will have to take you up on that. Besides your right, I don't think the kids will be happy if their favorite flying horse doesn't come back again," he chuckled.

He walked over to her and squatted in front of her. "Seriously though Dazzle if you ever do want some time to just touch someone I believe I can help you with that. Believe it or not I do know how lonely it gets even when you are surrounded by people, although I think you have it a lot tougher than me." He grinned sheepishly at her. 'You know when you are not trying to half kill me you are a remarkably lovely woman."

He left her sitting there and made his way over to the table to get himself a decent meal. He was actually hungry and he would need the reserves to fly back to his apartment.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle kept a smile on her face, but deep inside she began feeling morose. Because the truth of it was, she really did want to be able to touch people, even if it was only for a few seconds a day. But it just wasn't possible. She didn't quite understand how some of Recall's powers worked, but she was fairly sure he couldn't infinitely redo whatever he did that allowed him to kiss her on the cheek. And even if he could, Dazzle wasn't going to allow herself to get addicted on what Recall was pushing. Because that's what it would be. Dazzle was sure that Recall was offering what he was offering with the best of intentions, but he'd still be a pusher, and she'd be his addict.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall finished his lunch and after saying goodbye to the kids and the staff he made his way back to Dazzle. He wondered why she had not moved but he just figured it was because it was of him and he better get out of here quickly. He was going to waste a power to do so but his mother would never forgive him if he didn't say thank you to his host before leaving.

"Well it seems I may have overstayed my welcome, but it has been a delight to meet you dear Dazzle. I guess I won't be seeing much of you anymore and as much as you may not believe it, that does fill me with sorrow. I always enjoyed seeing your cute...Ahh I mean matching wits with you." he finished blushing.

"I best be off but if you ever wish to chat just use that number and ask for me by name. They will forward your call."

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Looking down at her bikini clad breasts, Dazzle looked up at Recall and grinned. "I always thought they were magnificent, not cute," she chuckled wickedly. "Or are you referring to what I'm sitting on?" she added with a wink. A business card appeared out of the air and into her hand. "And you're always welcome here for Sunday lunch. The children would never forgive me if I didn't invite you," she laughed. "And this is my personal phone number. In case you ever need my consulting advice," she added, handing him the card.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall took the card and placed it in a hidden pocket in his suit then gave her a low bow. "Well tell the kids I might see them for a Sunday lunch sometime I am not so busy. You are not the only criminal there is and you know how they are. Oh sorry you are out of the game I apologize for that but you know what I mean. They just don't give you a moments rest."

He smiled at her then using a dimension door power he created a path directly from her house to a street in Liberty city and walked through.Then just before it closed he stuck his head back through," Actually I was referring to your face you know," he blushed again, then he pulled it back and the door sealed itself and he was gone.