Razzle Dazzle(closed)

[GypsyGirl84]

"Smartass," she muttered below her breath, but she couldn't help but grinning.

Standing up, she made the tiara she had stolen just the night before appear and shouted, "So who wants to watch a princess movie with me?" There were groans from the boys, but the girls immediately headed to the multimedia room.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Jason was busy at work and as Recall for the next few weeks. It seemed like every Villan was crawling out of the woodwork. Of course the more he caught and shipped off to the Vaults the easier the work got.

As Jason he was pouring over every scrap of information he could get on the Dazzle jewel he could find, which admittedly wasn't much. Talk about your super secret cults. Even after 1000's of years there still wasn't much on them. The only thing he had been able to glean was the stone was half sentient, it chose it's own host, and the previous host had been searching for something but had failed to find it and had died of what some described as loneliness.

Well he wasn't going to let that happen to Dazzle. There must be someway he could find out more about the bloody stone. It took him three days of pondering before the obvious answer hit him square between the eyes. Why not just ask it. It was half sentient, maybe it would answer. It was worth a shot and besides he had promised to see the kids again anyway.

He walked home passing a department store selling the latest Tinkerbell movie, and a couple of Superhero movies. He doubted she allowed the boys to watch too many of these but what the heck. He walked in and bought them and when he got home he called her up.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle hadn't been exactly sure what her life would be like "Post-supervillainess."

She had found it fuller than she thought it would be. In a weird, soccer Mom/PTA President sort of a way.

One of the things her staff had gotten her to do is begin taking online college courses. And she had gotten more involved in community affairs on the island. The ruling elite who had been happy to have her money in their banks were beginning to look askance at the supervillainess turned social activist.

There was even talk about officially reforming Dazzle. There was measure being debated in the European parliament about granting Dazzle a conditional pardon among the member nations for some of her past activities, and she had been invited to address that same august body (via webcam) about international insurance regulations.

When she got the call from Recall, she immediately knew who it was. Grinning, she answered, "Dazzle Consulting. We help you get the crime done and the superhero off your back. How may I address your call?"

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

He laughed. "Oh that is good. I know all about what you have been up to Dazzle you know. Sounds like you have been having fun, well of the busy kind. It sounds like you might even run for president or whatever it is down there. They keep changing their minds between President and Prime minister." He knew he was rambling so he focused and got to the point.

"I was wondering if that invitation was still open for a Sunday lunch. I have finally managed to clear up a lot of the crime and I think I can take some time off. However before you say yes I should warn you I do have an ulterior motive."

He grimaced knowing he was probably going to upset her but he hoped not to much.
"Okay Look you can beat me up and smack me around as much as you want but I have been doing a little research on your jewel. I know it can't be easy not being able to touch things, heck when my strength came in it took me months to learn how to control it and I couldn't really touch anything then and I found that hard enough. I'm not comparing us though okay. Look the thing is I found out your jewel is sort of sentient. I figure if that's the case you should be able to talk to it and maybe find out why it is not allowing you to touch things. I also have bits and pieces of an old legend to show you. So what do you say. Am I still invited? I do have gifts as well," he added in a sweet voice.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle remained silent for a long time, letting everything that Recall said sink in. Finally she gave a forced laugh.

"The presents better be for the kids. Because I finally returned the ducal crown, and I don't want any cheap knockoffs!" She paused for a second, then continued, "But I guess it's okay for you to come down and talk about...what you discovered," she added. "Lunch starts around noonish, but even before the buffet is set out, there's always snacks, so come whenever. I think Marie has the superpower of not ever needing sleep, so she always has coffee ready. I, on the other hand, am retired, so I can sleep as late as I want!" she emphasized with a laugh. "I'll see you Sunday," she added, before ending the call.

And then sat in her room silently, pondering possibilities, and reminding herself of the dangers of false hopes.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall wondered if he had put his foot in it again she was silent for so long. He was just waiting for the dial tone to start when he heard her laughter. Of course he was not fooled by it, he didn't know anyone that would have been fooled by that false laugh, but he got his invitation.

As she hung up he was sure she might be looking forward to his coming but not because of why. Well he could live with that. He really didn't want to get her hopes up anyway. he didn't even know if he could get the jewel to talk to her or what it would tell her. He only had rough bits and pieces of broken tablets that had been copied from the discovered tomb. He really wished he could get into the original. Then he had an ingenious idea. If this didn't work out quite the way they expected he had just thought of an amazing back up plan.

Of course it would have to wait for Sunday and that was two days away. Perhaps this time he should dress casual with just his mask. After all she didn't want to know his secret identity.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Dazzle picked up the house phone and was immediately answered by Marie.

Of course it was Marie who answered, Dazzle chuckled to herself. That was one of the woman's many superpowers, to always be there when Dazzle needed her the most.

"We're having a guest over on Sunday. Recall," Dazzle added, though she suspected that she didn't need to.

"Yes, Miss. I'll have a pot of coffee and some sticky buns set out for our guest, if he arrives prior to lunch. And a room prepared for him, should he decide to stay for a night or more. Anything else, Miss?"

"No, that'll be fine. Thank you, Marie."

Dazzle hung up the phone, and a single tear made its way down her cheek unbidden, as she thought about the first kiss she had ever had in her life, and how it would be, in all likelihood, the last.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall spent the next day wrapping up his research and printing out all the information he had, plus the pictures he had. He had to admit it wasn't much but he hoped it was enough to at least convince Dazzle to give what he had in mind a go. He still didn't quite know exactly why he was trying so hard for someone who had made it clear she didn't want anything to do with him, but really he guessed he was just that smitten.

The next day he did a quick morning patrol, making sure the city was safe then returned and took a shower and freshened himself up and got dressed in a neat but casual pair of shorts and shirt. It did look strange with his half mask on that covered his eyes and hair, but such was the price of a secret identity.

He grabbed his research, the gifts for the kids and the box of chocolates and flowers he had gotten for her. He had really splurged and got her white truffle chocolates. Then he teleported to the front door of her mansion. Now that he knew exactly where she lived he had several powers he could call upon to get to and from her place quickly.

He rang the bell and waited for either the butler or the ever present Marie to answer the door. He hoped it was Marie, he actually had a present for her too.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

It was indeed the seemingly omnipresent Marie who answered the door, a smile appearing on her face.

"Very good to see you, sir," she said, ushering him in. "The children have been asking after you. Miss Dazzle is still in preparation, but the Sunday luncheon has been set out. May I escort you to the dining hall?"

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

"Thank you very much Marie,that would be very nice. I hope the children wouldn't mind or perhaps I should say the Adults wouldn't mind, if I flew them around on the beach today? I have brought a little something that will make the job easier and will mean I can carry more of them at once."

He leaned in a little closer to her as they walked and whispered. "Actually it is mainly so I can get it done a little quicker. One at a time was making me a little dizzy," he smiled.

They had walked a little further when he smacked himself in the head. "Oh I forgot, I have bought you a little something. Your advice helped me a lot last time I was here and I am hoping it pays off today, although between you and me I am expecting to get tossed out on my rump," he smiled. "Here," he said handing her a thin embossed case he took out of a bag he had been carrying. "I suggest you be very careful when opening that. It is real and there are only four in the world."

Marie stopped and looked down at the case and then opened it. Inside was a silver and glass wand of delicate design that she could not fail to recognize, after all how many times had she seen it in those princess movies Dazzle was always watching.

Recall looked at her. "Well the way you run things around here and the way people talk about you, I figure you have to be the Fairy godmother so you better have your wand your majesty," he said bowing low. "Just don't tell Dazzle or she will steal it from you. Don't worry though I am working on a present for her. If she keeps me around that is," he grimaced as they started to walk towards the dining hall again.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"The children shall be informed that aeronautical excursion shall take place on the beach after they've eaten and had a chance to allow things to settle...and that no amount of negotiating or pleading on their part shall accelerate the timetable," Marie said with a smile.

"Thank you, sir," Marie said with a slight bow of her head, taking the wand. "And not to worry, I understand Miss Dazzle's appreciation of...shiny things...and shall take all necessary precautions," Marie added with the hint of mischief in her smile.

As they walked out into the dining hall, families had already arrived, and this time, both parents and children exhibited appreciation in Recall's presence. Perhaps it was memories of his prior visit, or the fact that their mistress had begun the process of being "officially" reformed. Whatever the reason, there was no hostility in the crowd like there was the last time.

"Help yourself to the table, sir," Marie instructed Recall. "Miss Dazzle will be down shortly. If you will excuse me, I have other duties to attend, and wands to hide." Bowing her head slightly, Marie took her leave. She had a few words with the parents already in the room, then left for other parts of the manor.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall smiled then started to mingle with both the parents and children making idle small talk. Like most of them he grabbed a small plate of food and nibbled on it as he did so, often refilling it as he made his way between one group and the next.

He was often assaulted by the kids wondering when he was going to take them flying again, but he told them all it was going to be after lunch had settled. Then of course he was told all about what they had done in school recently, and what miss Dazzle had built for them or was going to do or what film they were watching later. Of course the boys weren't to enthusiastic about that last one.

"Well maybe she will finally get some guys movies," he said trying to cheer them up.

"Oh she has some, not many, but even if she got more we still can't watch them because she loves the Princess ones too much. If we want to watch our movies we have to watch them on the small screen," one of the boys told him.

Hmm maybe his presents wouldn't go down as well as he hoped but he had tried. Speaking of presents he wondered where Dazzle was? Even using some of the Shrinkers special tech he really did need to give her, her presents pretty soon before they were ruined.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"What a bunch of little liars!" Dazzle laughed as she stepped through the entrance of the dining room. She was wearing a light blue sundress, arms and shoulders bare, that reached down to her knees. Her hair was loose, and there was just a hint of dazzles circling around her, that seemed to sparkle brighter when she laughed.

"Oh, Mr. Recall, we're so mistreated. Instead of watching our bloody, sweaty, scary movies on the big screen, we have to watch them on the not so big screen that only covers half the wall instead of all of it. We're soooooooo mistreated," she concluded, sticking her tongue out and crossing her eyes, which produced a chorus of giggles from the children.

"Stick around, Recall, and I'll make you cookies...from real live children!" she said with an attempt at a scary face, which just made the kids laugh harder. "Now you lot, scoot! Let me and Recall eat in peace, and then we'll all head down to the beach for Recall Airplane Services." The kids cheered and then headed to different parts of the room.

Dazzle held out a hand and a plate popped into it, and was quickly followed by different items from the buffet. "So have the munchkins let you actually sit down and eat in peace?" she asked with a smile, taking a seat.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall smiled as he sat down beside her, glad that his plate was still half full. "Well to be honest I was having so much fun talking to everyone that I hardly noticed that I hadn't had time to sit down yet."

He looked her up and down and was going to whistle when he thought better of it. "You know, I think I like you a whole lot better in casual wear Dazzle. You are a truly beautiful woman. It is no wonder everyone likes you. Smart, generous to a fault, beautiful, kind and loving, what is not to love," he said smiling.

He ate a little more and then reached into the small pouch at his waist. "Oh while we have a moments peace I thought I might give these to you." He pulled out the shrunk flowers and chocolates and then gave them a quick spray of the growth mist. "I hope you like them," He said handing them over after they had returned to their normal size.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"Look at that, you're making me get all girly again," Dazzle blushed as she took the presents. "And now I have to hide these, or Marie will get them. It's a game we play," she laughed, making the candies disappear. "She hides her shiny things from me, I hide my sweets from her."

Dazzle took the flowers and held them to her face, letting the petals caress her skin as she closed her eyes and smiled. She made them disappear after a minute, before turning her attention back to Recall. "They're in the kitchen so someone can put them in water. So before we discuss other matters, I've been thinking about you. Actually, about the secret identity challenge you gave me." Dazzle held up a hand before Recall could interrupt. "I don't want or need to know who you really are and if you ever want to take off the mask while your here, I guarantee you nobody is going to try to find out who you are. But if you ever need to put people who are important to you somewhere safe, or just give them a Caribbean vacation, Casa Dazzle is always open for business," she grinned.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Recall smiled and nodded. Actually his parents were both considering retirement soon so perhaps a vacation here with them would be nice. They were both well known in the defense department and had at one stage considered White house jobs and Pentagon jobs but had turned them down preferring to be out in the field and overseas doing the most good.

He thought that maybe someone like Dazzle may not know his face and may not have come across his parents before either. Well no time like the present then. "I believe I may take you up on that offer someday Dazzle but for now," he said reaching up and taking off his mask. He sighed as it came off. "Oh that is so much better. You wouldn't believe how much sweat and heat that thing generates down here. So what do you think now that you see the 'real' me?" he asked.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"Well, you may have to put it back on before you give the kiddos their flying lessons. Otherwise they're not going to believe it's you," Dazzle laughed. "And I think you have mask hair. But otherwise, you're not too bad a looking guy," she teased.

Dazzle felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. For a moment, it felt as if there was a normalcy to her life. She was bantering, almost flirting, with someone who was becoming a friend. She was in a room full of people who were family to her. She was something more than a retired jewel thief.

"And, as long as you don't practice your superheroing on the island, you have a room here anytime you want as well," Dazzle added with a warm smile.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

"I tell you what, I promise I will do no superheroing unless it is to save peoples lives. I just can't stand by if people are in danger, it is just not in my nature, but I will try to ignore any police sirens," he grinned.

He quickly reached up and tried to pat his hair into some semblance of order. He normally kept it military short but he had been very busy lately and it had grown out a little. "Better," he asked.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"Better," Dazzle agreed amiably.

"So, on this other matter that you brought to discuss," she continued, her face growing somber, "Perhaps this might be something we can discuss after your fans have been attended to?" The last was asked with a small upward tug on the right corner of her lips, as the children watched from a distance to see if their Sunday visitor had finished his lunch yet or not.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Jason tilted his head towards them but kept it in the shadows so they could not see his face. "Oh most definitely. We will need a little time to go over things and we wouldn't want them to be disappointed now would we," he chuckled.

As he stood up slipping his mask on he had a thought. "Say, you don't fly do you? How about a little spin yourself? With your Dazzle field and, I mean no disrespect here, height difference to me, we could play Peter Pan and Tinker Bell without any problems. The kids might love it, what do you say? We could do it right after I give them all a ride."

He looked down into her eyes and gave her his best puppy dog look.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

It took all of Dazzle's willpower not to jump up and down and shout "YES!" The thought of flying, of being held and touched while flying, was almost overwhelming.

Almost.

Instead, she gave Recall a small smile and replied, "You better save that particular parlor trick for another day. Never know when I might backslide into a life of crime. But I think it is time to head down to the beach for your fans!" she added with a laugh.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Oh well he had given it a shot, and he had seen that small gleam in her eyes before she had shot him down. That was enough for today, but it did give him enough hope for tomorrow.

He made his way down to the beach and already the kids were lined up ready for their flight. "Okay kids a change of plans for today." He saw their faces start to crumble and he hastened on. "Oh we are still flying so don't get upset, I promised you all that and I don't break promises," He smiled. "I just meant I am not taking you up one at a time."

He took the balloon basket out of his pocket and sprayed it, returning it to it's full size. "Okay let's see I think about six at a time should do it," He said smiling as the kids moved forward and he picked them up and put them inside. Then he looked and saw that some of them couldn't see over the edge. "Well this just won't do." Reaching into his pocket again he pulled out several big thick phone books he had shrunk and sprayed them. He had also made sure to get ones from all around the states so Dazzle couldn't tell exactly where he was from. If she didn't want to know he would play along.

He placed them in the bottom and now everyone could see. "Right now no leaning over or tipping the basket or the rides over," he warned. He picked up a central cable and flew up a little until the slack tightened up and then all four corners tightened, then the basket eased off the ground. Then he gently rose into the air until he was reasonably high up and began to fly around Dazzles house and the beach. The kids laughed in delight especially when he dived down near the water and then back up again. He took them for a five minute ride then came back. "Okay next lot," he smiled.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

Some of the parents were more than a little apprehensive at first, but Marie had reappeared among them, speaking a soft word here, a quiet sentence there. Whatever she said had done the trick, because soon the parents were pointing and laughing and having a general good time.

Even Dazzle was smiling, standing apart as she was. Maybe she wasn't completely a reformed superheroine in the making, but this being on the relative right side of the law

She watched Dazzle bring the basket down to the beach, and supervise another loading of children, and couldn't help but laugh at his polite management of the enthusiasm of all the children waiting for their turn.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

It took Recall almost an hour to fly everyone around, including a couple of the adults. It was not just the flying time, but the loading and the unloading and the thank yous and the cuddles. He had a great time though and it was a lot of fun. Finally it was over and Marie shepherded everyone back inside. As she walked close to him he whispered to her, "You know if you ever want a ride you only have to ask. I guess you can't let your guard down around everyone else but i am happy to take you up privately you know. Or perhaps you can convince Dazzle to take a ride so the both of you can have fun. Of course you can both pretend it's for the other one and I will never tell," he grinned.

He waited until everyone was inside before walking over to Dazzle. "So are you sure I can't convince you to take a ride. If not I could sure use a drink. Perhaps we could sit down and I could begin to tell you what I have learned about your little friend. Of course afterwards I have more presents. I just hope you don't have one yet," he grinned at her.

 

[GypsyGirl84]

"I''ll meet you down at the veranda," Dazzle replied. "Lemon squash," she added, as she suddenly disappeared.