Amber picked up the left over dishes at one of the tables. She loved working at Chase's Place and often stayed after hours to help out. Picking up the few cents that were left on a table as a tip, she watched as Falcone strolled in. Amber shuddered slightly remembering all the stories about him that she had heard from Jake and Dak. Falcone quietly took to a table with some of his friends. "It's rock bottom," he muttered to them. Amber wondered what that meant, but was distracted as Lestat walked in. Lestat carried a large, oddly shaped suitcase and wore a hawaiian shirt with huge sunglasses. Lestat smiled, ignoring the odd looks about his appearance and quickly spotted Amber. "THERE YOU ARE!!!" Lestat yelled. Amber screamed and took off running, Lestat chasing her. Lestat quickly picked her up and swung her around. "My beautiful little Amber!!!" "Fuck off or I'll tell my sister..." Amber warned. Lestat dropped her. "You wouldn't!" Amber laughed as Lestat turned pale. "So shrimpy, where's your druggie boyfriend's master? I got a word for L'Orange." Amber glared at Lestat with her hands on her hips. "Jake is not a druggie... he's straight edge..." Lestat rolled his eyes. "You think that." Lestat turned around to see a table with Randall, Chase, Hector, Jake, Dak, and Duke. "No Arimis," Lestat muttered. Lestat knew Arimis very well because he was a high ranking master in the Guild, but Lestat kept his distance. "L'Orange, turn your ass around and say HI!" Duke spun around to see Lestat. "Nice threads," Duke replied with a smirk on his face. Dak and Jake watched with delight; Lestat and Duke were very good friends and they joked around nonstop when hanging out. "Very funny Dumb Ass, now drag your lazy carc-ASS over here!" Lestat challenged. "Oh yeah?" "Yeah." By now Duke and Lestat stood less than a foot apart. Duke was taller than Lestat, but Lestat still managed to look imposing enough. "So, what are ya gonna do, stand around here, punk?!" Duke tried hard not to laugh. Lestat turned grim. "Duke... this is important." Duke's face immediately turned to concern. "What? What's wrong?" Lestat pulled an object out of his suitcase. "You haven't had your guitar lesson yet!!!" Duke's face turned completely blank. "What?" "You heard me, guitar lesson!" Duke stepped back. "Oh no, no, no, no, NO! You are not going to teach me how to play guitar." Duke crossed his arms defiantly although staring at the guitar. Lestat smiled, advancing a step towards Duke, "You think that now, yo Jakey!" Jake looked up suprised as Lestat yelled out to him. "Don't just stand there like a complete dumbass, get your lazy ass over here!" "What is it with you and the word 'ass'?" Duke asked sarcastically. Lestat smiled, ignoring him, and pointed to the empty metal garbage cans. Duke watched, slightly confused. Jake walked over to the cans and flipped some over. Sitting on one, he grabbed two spoons and looked back towards Lestat. Lestat smiled and also turned over another garbage can and sat on it. Lestat quickly reved up a tune and Jake lightly hit the cans, making a background drum beat. A crowd began circling around the two as they played. Lestat changed his beat, increasing the volume drastically. Jake spun his hand back and grabbed a few of the cooking pots off of the counter, making an immitation drum set. Duke stood fascinated; he'd always had a liking for guitar, but he quit his lessons when he was declared leader of the BOTB. Lestat turned towards Duke, "C'mon Duke, play." "No!" Lestat smiled and began singing along, looking around the room at all the girls, "Well I guess it would be nice if I could touch your body. I know not everybody's gotta body like ME!!! BUt I gotta think twi-ice, before I give my heart away and I know all the games ya play cuz I played them too..." By now a large crowd had entered Chase's Place. Chase smiled with delight as people began ordering food. "Before this river becomes an ocean, it's time to pick my heart up off the floor.. Well I need some time off without devotion, wanna play with you sometime baby, well I'm... I'm showing you that door!!!" Lestat continued. He stoped singing and looked over at Duke, "Picked this song up from a blind guy sitting on the corner of Main...really knows his stuff." Duke began to let out a small smile. Lestat was a ham whenever it came to making a scene or a spectacle of himself and it was nice to see his apprentice taking some time off for once in his life. "You gotta have FAITH!" Duke laughed as the crowd grew wild with Lestat's yelling. Jake, unable to control himself, hit a long drumroll beat and continued, "Baby, I know your askin' me to stay..." Jake changed his voice, immitating an annoying girl, "Say pweese, pweese, please don't go away cuz you'll give me the blues..." Chase ran back and forth through the tables handing out orders and collecting money. Everything was going perfectly according to plan... Silence. Duke turned around, wondering what caused the change of attitude. Four of the thugs from Tekisi stood in the doorway. Even Lestat was silenced as they walked in. Amber, who had been running orders, managed to squeeze through some of the ducks to see what's going on. The smallest member walked straight towards Lestat and Jake. "It's rock bottom, ain't it?" He lashed out his hand, knocking Jake and the garbage cans over and sending Lestat's guitar to the ground. "You better watch your ground, Xander Riviero... cuz it's rock bottom and you know it." Duke quickly stepped in, "Cut that out." The boy glared up at him, "Yeah? And who do you think you are to push me around?" Duke folded his arms menacingly, "Duke L'Orange." The young man drew back, the fear apparent on his face, "And this is my favorite club so you'd better back off before I lose my sense of humor." Duke hissed. The boy grudgingly handed Lestat back his guitar and walked off to another table. The crowd quickly dissipated. Chase sighed with relief, it felt good to have friends in high places. "Sorry Man." Duke muttered to Lestat, walking back to his table. Lestat sighed and put his guitar away, "Well Jake," he said sadly, "I ALMOST got him to forget who he was. C'mon Kid." They both put the garbage cans back in place and walked off to the table. Lestat walked slowly behind Jake when he felt a tug at his shirt. Quickly he turned around to face Amber. "What's rock bottom?" Amber quietly asked, tilting her head to the side. Lestat turned pale as Amber asked him the question. He leaned forward, firmly grabbing her shoulders. "Don't you ever, EVER ask that, EVER again!!!" Amber pulled back, fear stricken. "But Lestat... I... I just wanted to know what..." "Don't EVER!" Lestat pushed Amber back and stormed off towards the table. Amber's knees shook; she never saw Lestat act like this before. She turned back to her job, knees still shaking. "SERVICE PLEASE!" Amber quickly jogged towards the table, freezing as she reached it. It was Falcone's table and with him were the four thugs that riled up Lestat and Jake. Amber walked forward. "Um, Welcome to Chase's Place, hangout of the BOTB, can I take your order?" Falcone looked towards Amber, "Yes, that's why we called for service... now, bring us five Amstel lites, burgers, and fries." The smallest thug looked towards Amber. Amber remembered him as the troublemaker of the bunch. "And you to go." Amber turned red as the table laughed. She turned around to tell Chase her order and the small one slapped her ass. Amber spun around. "What the fuck was that for?!" The ducks looked at each other and laughed. Amber glared as she turned back towards the counter. Jake was waiting there. "Hey babes," Jake smiled. "Hey," Amber looked down as she took the order on a tray. Jake looked at her, "Something I did?" "No, the kid in Tekisi..." Jake looked up pale. "No...no... Amber, stay away from them... STAY AWAY!!!" Amber jumped back. "But why-" "Just stay away from the Kid." Jake looked at Amber with concern. "Does this have anything to do with Ro... I mean, uh, R-O-C-B-O-T-I-N?" Jake looked at Amber puzzled. "Rocbotin?" He asked. "Damn it, if I could only spell Rock Bottom then I could ask..." Jake spun around angered. Amber gulped. "What did you say?" Amber backed away from Jake slightly. "Jake, I uh, didn't mean to say..." Jake grabbed Amber's arm and shoved her to the ground. He lifted his hand and slapped her face. Amber struggled to get away from his grasp but couldn't. Jake suddenly stopped. He looked at Amber and sighed. "Sorry, I'm not being myself lately. Look, just DON'T say that!" Jake walked towards the table as Lestat turned around to leave. The two conversed a second and then both headed out the door. Amber put a hand to her neck; she was in pain. Picking up the orders again she headed back to the table. "It's about time," Falcone complained, biting into his hamburger. Amber shrugged and turned back to her chores. "Hey wait a second... I remember you." Amber turned around and looked at one of the thugs. Amber tilted her head to the side. "Me?" "Yeah you, you're still short..." "Sir, I'm afraid you must be mistaken." Amber turned around to leave as the duck stood up. "No, I know who you are... you're the Lady Smuggler's little sister." Falcone looked up and stared at Amber. She went pale, "What?" Amber whispered hoarsely. The guy nodded, "Yeah, I remember. Was a year or two back now...Saul wanted the Lady Smuggler's property, and he'd happened to overhear the Three Musketeers talkin' 'bout how she'd just found out she had a little sister. So, we kidnapped you and ambushed her...didn't work though." Amber shook her head and walked off quickly saying, "I think you're mistaken, Sir." Falcone watched Amber walk off. He noticed the change in attitude... was it possible? A traitor to one's own kind, or a spy? Falcone leaned across the table, snapping in front of the other duck's face. "You! You there! How do you know that girl?" "Well, the boss sent us out to kidnap her since she's the Lady Smuggler's little sister and all..." The duck droned on and on as Falcone let out a smile. Quickly excusing himself from the table, he walked back to the BOTB and went directly to his room. The room was dark and dreary, with a desk in a corner along with several file cabinets and a bed. Falcone quickly sat down at his desk, pulling open the cabinets. Maps and profiles of almost all the known thieves on Puck World and Tralus lay inside. He paused looking at one particular profile. "The idiot? Hmm, suits the guy well," Falcone shuffled past the profile until he found another one. "Perfect." It was the young duck he had sat with earlier. "Edward... son of Barrett Solo... notorious for slyness..." he mumbled, reading the profile. Nodding his head, he stuffed the paper into his pocket. His low ranking was just about to jump up in history..."Amber?" Amber cringed as she heard a voice call her name. "Hey, what's wrong, Short Stuff?" Amber relaxed visibly as she recognized Duke's voice. "I'd tell you, but you'd probably slap me." She murmured, turning around to face him. Duke laughed, "Slap you? I don't hit waitresses. What gave you an idea like that?" "Well, Jake did, and Lestat nearly did..." "They what?!" Duke exclaimed angrily. He put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll have a talk with those two, you know it's not like them to hit people. What the hell did you say to upset them?" Amber shrugged, bracing herself to be hit, "I- I just asked them what rock bottom was." Duke nodded, "Well, that makes a little more sense, but slapping you for it..." "Duke?" Amber asked gently. "Yeah, Short Stuff?" "Please, what IS rock bottom??" Duke sighed, sitting down, "Well, it's a superstition, I guess...a theory about how all thieves become thieves." "And they slapped me for that?" she murmured quietly. Duke smiled warmly, "It's a bit more complicated than that, and I'm not really sure how to explain it more deeply than that, but if it makes you feel any better, I don't think it's entirely true. Lestat and Jake are just getting worked up about nothing. Don't worry, Short Stuff, I'll set them straight." "Thanks Duke." she said with a smile, hugging him. "Hey, c'mon now." Duke said shoving her away, "You're ruining my image over here!" Amber shrugged her shoulders and quickly ran off to continue working. Duke narrowed his eyes... it was disturbing that Amber was questioning rock bottom...from the little he knew about it, rock bottom was quite dangerous. Duke quickly decided that it was more important to straighten out Jake and Lestat...they could probably do her more damage than an ancient myth like rock bottom. Falcone scanned Chase's Place. He sighed, glancing at his pocket watch one more time. "He should have been here by now," he muttered. Finally, the young boy from Tekisi walked in. Falcone smiled and walked towards him. "You're late, Ed." "I came to make bargains... not appointements," he spit back. Falcone shook his head, "Testy, aren't we? Listen, back to business..." Falcone pointed across the room to one of the waitresses. "Amber Lorraine VanDrake... nab her." Ed began to laugh. "You want me to kidnap a scrawny little bitch like that? Forget it! I'm not wasting my time." "Very well, if you're not intrested in money...this could make you famous if you pulled it off." Falcone said slowly. "Man, just shut the fuck up!" Falcone shrugged, beginning to walk off, "Very well then, I understand. Besides, I couldn't expect you to know who she really was anyway. Or perhaps I should say who her...relations...are." Ed was silent. Falcone smiled, knowing that he had Ed intrested. "Relations?" He questioned. "What would you say if I told you that this 'scrawny little bitch' was the Lady Smuggler's half-sister?" Silence. Ed stared at Amber in amazement. "The Lady Smuggler's sister?" "No, half-sister. Pay attention...we can black mail her for working here. And now, the best part of all... she happens to be dating DeCharmante." Ed turned back to Falcone. "L'Orange's apprentice?" "The one and only." "What's in it for you?" Ed asked again. "I want more profiles and floorplans... from Tralus," Falcone quietly said. Ed looked at him disgusted. "Aren't you from there? Why the hell do you need more?!" "I want those profiles and maps or I tell the others about the REAL reason Riviero made it impossible for you to ever be a level above apprentice." Ed glared at Falcone. After shooting civillians during a robbery, Master Riviero put a red card on his stature... meaning that he was never allowed to be claimed a master by anyone. Ed hated him for that and made it very clear to him after finding out that Xander Riviero was NOT dead, but alive under the name Lestat. "I'm in, but only under one more condition." "What?" "Riviero's extermination." Amber sighed picking up remains of a sloppy table. The events occuring over the past few days were overwhelming and very disturbing. Lestat and Jake weren't themselves at all. Lestat was very cold and angry while Jake kept to himself. Amber was even more stressed as she noticed Jake's increasing cough and occasional twitch. "Hey Missy, would ya mind giving us some service over here?" Amber turned around back to her work. She gasped realizing it was the same party from the previous day. The youngest duck flicked back his brown hair. "Um, welcome to Chase's Place, can I take your order?" The boy looked at Amber quietly. "Burgers and cokes all around." "That'll be 8 bucks." The boy nodded his head taking the bill. He quickly scribbled on the receipt and handed the tablet back to Amber. "DeCharmante was smoking up the past four days at the junkyard behind Riviero's shop." Amber froze petrified. 'That WOULD explain the change...' she wondered. She noticed Jake walk in across the room coughing. "It cant be true, he quit..." Jake walked towards Amber, stumbling slightly. "Hey Amby," he said, lightly kissing her cheek. Amber closed her eyes; there was more than just smoke on his breath. She focused her gaze back to the table where the boy who watching her. 'Who was he?' Jake noticed Amber's distraction. He soon realized what she was looking at. Quickly he pulled Amber to the side. "Amber," he hissed, "Didn't I tell you to stay away from them?!" Amber shrank back slightly, "I was just taking orders..." "I don't fucking care, stay away from that guy." He motioned toward the younger one. "But I need to take orders..." "Why don't you just shut up for a second and listen to me for once, dammit!" Jake began coughing with this outburst. Amber backed up away from him as he tried to catch his breath. Finally he looked up at Amber, "Stay away from them." Jake turned around and walked out. Amber sighed looking down. She felt a tap on her neck. Spinning around she noticed the boy. "Shhh, this way," he whispered. Amber looked at the clock; her shift ended an hour ago. Holding her breath, and hoping Jake wouldn't see her, she quickly followed him out of Chase's Place and into the street. As soon as they were out of Chase's Place, the boy held out his hand. Amber cautiously looked at it. Jake had warned her that this boy was a threat, but lately Jake had been pushy and demanding. Amber thought momentarily; Jake never approved of anything that she did. Besides, this could be a new adventure... Amber shyly smiled, taking his hand. Kindly, he smiled back at her. Immediately, they took off running. Amber didn't know where they were going or what they were doing, but she didn't care anymore. The two ran a full speed through the streets and alleys, dodging cars and jumping over garbage cans. Finally, he led Amber up a fire escape to the top of a building. Once at the top, the boy stopped. He turned to face Amber. "What's your name?" He asked. "Amber." she whispered. "Beautiful. Just beautiful," he murmered, "my name's Ed." Amber looked at him, the name sounded so farmiliar, but she couldn't place it. He looked at Amber sympathetically. "Pardon my behavior yesterday, I have trouble dealing with peer pressure... I assure you that it wasn't an act of harassement... now on to business, and why you're here." Amber walked closer. "I'm listening." "I'm looking for a partner in the business... you have real potential." Amber gaped in awe. "You want ME? Me, little old teenage dirtbag to be your partner?" The boy smiled at her. "I can see what you're worth...unlike some other, less understanding people." "But they don't want me to..." "You don't understand. It's already Rock Bottom, we're already there... me and you combined, this team would win!" Amber looked at him. "You know what Rock Bottom is?" Ed looked at her, "Yeah... why?" "What is it?" The boy gasped, "You mean they haven't even bothered to tell you?" Amber sadly shook her head. He looked kindly into her eyes. "I've got an awful lot of explaining to do..." Amber stepped closer to Ed. "You're actually gonna tell me? I cant believe this! Some one FINALLY Trusts me!" Ed stepped forward to Amber sliding his hands around her waist and into her back pockets of her jeans. He pulled her close to him. "Yeah, but do you trust me?" Amber looked up at Ed. There was something in his eyes that she wasn't sure about. She didn't know if it was good or bad, but then again Jake's eyes were often cloudy and pale. Amber smiled, "I trust you... partner." Jake rubbed his forehead...his withdrawal had never gotten this bad before. 'Maybe Randall has an extra pack of cigarettes on him...' Jake wondered. Walking into Chase's Place, he noticed that everyone seemed more melancholy than usual. Chase was quietly cleaning the counter. Jake walked up to the other side. "Hey Chase, what's cooking?" Chase gravely looked down. "Jake, I'm afraid I have some bad news..." Jake looked up curiously, "What? Did the guild raise their percentage fee?" Chase sighed, "Jake, I think your girlfriend's gone loony. Amber disappeared late last night. She left a note saying that she was taking a leave of absence to find herself... she said she's changing her name to June." Jake's eyes widened. "You... you cant be serious. 'June'?" Chase put a hand on Jake's shoulder, "She said she couldn't take the stress of a job anymore... and was going to the place where the flowers don't grow." Jake put his head in his hands. "Amber," he whispered. A loud bang was heard as Lestat barged into Chase's Place. Spotting Jake, he froze. "JAKE! THE BASTARD GOT TO HER!!!" Jake turned away from Lestat depressed. "Yeah, and she joined the cult." Lestat looked at Jake concerned. "No she didn't..." Jake turned back to Lestat. "What?" Lestat took in a deep breath. "One of my... uh, former apprentices got to her..." Jake stepped closer. "What do you mean?" Lestat looked Jake squarely in the eye. "Ed got her into Tekisi... he started telling her about Rock Bottom." Jake froze looking at Lestat. Immediately Jake took off running out of the club. Lestat chased after him. Jake was running faster than ever... if Amber went to a life of crime because of him he didn't want to be a part of life at all. Jake continued running until he lost Lestat. Making sure he was alone he pulled out his saber. Looking at his wrist he remembered Amber the first time they met... and he had corrupted her. Determined, he slit his wrist. Jake felt his head spin... it was thrilling. Jake reached in his pocket for a joint. It'd be his last one. Taking it in, Jake relaxed. Everything was going according to plan, no Amber, no life, no suffering, no more pain. Jake collapsed and looked up in the sky. "The world could have been such a beautiful place..." Jake felt his body floating up. He smiled feeling the warmth and light associated with the high from drugs. He could fly. Seeing the bright lights above him he reached out to it. Suddenly, a ripping pain pulled through his stomach. He looked below him to see a blazing fire. A man stood in the midst of it...pulling him down. "NOOOOO!" Jake screamed struggling to get away. The man pulled him lower into the flames. Jake noticed that a girl stood beside him. Jake looked down at her. "AMBER!" He yelled, seeing her face. Her clothes were torn and she held a gun. She looked like she was enjoying Jake's pain. Jake cringed, struggling against the man's pull. Jake realized that it was Ed. "Ed," Jake whispered, "What'd you do to her?" "She's part of me... she signed the book..." "Amber!" "Her name isn't Amber, this is Quick Silver." Jake let out a scream feeling the fire surround him. "SAVE ME!" He yelled to the sky. Suddenly a hand reached down to him. He reached up to it. It seemed too far away. Finally, he grabbed it. Looking up at the hand, he gasped. It was Lestat. "Never imagined me in a halo up here, huh kid?" Jake opened his eyes slowly. Lestat blurred into focus above him. Lestat's eyes were red and watery, it was obvious that he had been crying. "Jake, Jakey, come on man snap out of it... why'd you have to do this to me? Why?" Jake blinked. He tried to speak but nothing came out. Finally he choked out, "Quick Silver... Amber... all in one... thank you Lestat." Lestat looked down at Jake with suprise before hugging Jake. "Oh Jake, don't you ever, and I mean EVER FUCKING do that to me again! I was worried sick about you... Jake, we'll get her back. We'll get her back." Jake looked at Lestat, "But Duke? Lestat, you can't tell him... I'm begging you! I'll get a restraint, he won't let me go on heists, I won't be able to keep my status, I wont be able to be next-in-sucession, I..." Lestat silenced Jake quickly, "Jake, there's a lot about me that you don't know about; there's a lot that no one knows about me. You're not the only guy who's knocked himself out over a girl or a mistake..." Jake looked at Lestat questioningly. Lestat sighed before holding out his arms to Jake. "These scratches are from cuts... the few tatooes are to cover up some of the more severe marks... I can't let you make the mistake that I almost made." Jake almost began to cry at the realization that Lestat, who appeared to be so strong, was actually depressed. "Hey Jakey, come on... we can get her back. I promise, we will." Amber sighed, looking out the window. She didn't like lying to Chase and really didn't feel comfortable taking off like that, but Ed assured her that this was the correct descision. Amber looked up as she heard Ed enter the room. She bit her lower lip trying not to laugh as Ed walked out in a ridiculous smuggling outfit. They ALL looked completely ridiculous on him: way out of proportion. Ed looked at himself in a mirror, smiling. "Hey Quick Silver, what do you think?" Amber supressed a laugh, "Um, I'm not that fond of the color on you... how about I help you find something that suits you..." "I'm wearing this." Amber held up her hands in a form of agreement. "Alright Ed, whatever you say." Ed looked at Amber, "Now we need to get you an outfit." Amber's eyes widened. "My OWN outfit? Groovy!" Ed smiled, "And uh, as a matter of fact, I picked something up for you." Amber's mouth dropped open, 'Oh shit! Clown central, here I come.' she thought. Ed held out a packaged box. Amber opened it and gasped. It was a slim, black jump suit with silver streaks on it. It was casual, but looked awesome. "Ed, thanks!" "Why don't you try it on, to see if it fits." Amber nodded her head and turned to go into the next room. "Quick Silver, you don't need to do that... We're way past that." Amber looked at Ed confused. "We are?" Ed walked to Amber resting his hands on her shoulders. Amber took in a deep breath. "Ed, I don't know about..." Ed silenced her as he kissed her sliding his hands over her shirt. Amber pulled back, "Ed, no I can't... Jake!" "Jake used you! He lied to you, he probably fucked dozens girls when you weren't looking. Why the hell do you go for a druggie and not me?!?!" Ed slammed Amber into the wall and held a gun up to her head, "Change into your other outfit now." Lestat rebandaged Jake's arm. "That'll keep you set for awhile... might I suggest long sleeve shirts?" "I'm just gonna keep my jacket on." Lestat nodded approvingly, "That's the first right thing you've done all day." Amber stood in the corner of the room hunched over... she was beginning to rethink her alliance with Tekisi. Ed put a hand on her shoulder which she shook away. "There, now that wasn't so bad was it?" Amber kept her back to Ed. Ed sighed again, "Listen, this is the only way that we can be close... we need to trust each other with everything and do everything together... It's teamwork." Amber still didn't reply to Ed. Ed sighed once more but then brightened, "Come on Quick Silver, you know we can't be arguing before our big heist tonight." "Heist?" Ed smiled evily, he knew that he had Amber hooked. "Yeah, you heard me... didn't Barrett tell... oh yeah, you were sulking around in here." Amber looked at Ed questioningly, "You guys are taking me on a heist?" "Not Tekisi... me." Amber let out a small smile; she had been wanting to go on a heist for the longest time. Amber loaded up her gun and looked at Ed, "So from here on out it's us two?" "Tonight's the first heist for me and you..." "Us," Amber interrupted but quickly covered her mouth. "What?" "Uh, me and you... it should be us..." Ed looked at Amber oddly. "Uh, right, well next week's heist might be just you." Amber gasped, "I get to go solo?!" Ed nodded his head, "If everything goes according to plan." "Oh, I can't believe it! This is great!!!" Amber ran into the next room to grab her saber. Ed laughed, "Tonight starts your smuggling debut, and in one week's time the police will have you." At midnight Amber stood next to the huge museum. "Damn," she whispered, "We're gonna sneak in there?" "No, I'm covering for you while you go in." Amber smiled putting a black streak under her left eye. "Quick Silver's ready to rock and roll." Without giving it a second thought, Amber dashed through the front doors of the museum. Casting glances around her, she made her way to her target. A small diamond jewel embedded in a necklace guarded closely in the center of the room. Amber shook her head; she was hoping for something larger. Quickly, she disabled the alarms and pocketed the diamond. Triumphantly, she turned to walk out the door only to come face to face with another smuggler. "What the fuck?!?!" The girl yelled staring. "THAT WAS MY ASSIGNMENT THAT YOU JUST TOOK!!!" Amber backed up, "I... I'm sorry I didn't know... but I was assigned to get this rock." "That "rock" costs about $275,000!!!" Amber stepped back as the girl yelled. Suddenly the girl pulled out a saber. Amber looked at her, "You gotta be kidding... right?" Amber pulled out a saber as the girl prepared for combat. The two clashed sabers together. Amber glared into the girl's eyes and knocked the saber out of the girl's hand. "No offense, but this is 'My Turf' and I suggest you leave." The girl looked up, stuttering, "Who are you?" Amber smiled throwing a look over her shoulder as she walked out, "People call me Quick Silver." Ed smiled as he saw Amber. "Well? Did you get it?" He asked. Amber pulled out the diamond. Ed smiled, "Congratulations Quick Silver... now, take credit for your work." Amber looked up at one of the walls outside the museum. Quickly, she took out her saber and carved into the marble on the side of it in Script: "Quick Silver". "Hey, why don't you head back to the base to tell the others about the rock, hmmm?" Ed suggested. Amber nodded her head taking off into the night. Ed shook his head laughing, "Idiot of a child. Such a disgrace to be related to the Lady Smuggler." "Did she buy it?" Ed turned around to face the girl. "You were brilliant... the miserable lout actually believed that she beat some one in a match!" Ed complimented, "Lucretia you really are a DeCoy." Jake and Lestat walked into Chase's Place quietly. The atmosphere was depressing without Amber running and smiling as she took orders. Lestat noticed Duke in the corner reading a newspaper. Motioning for Jake to be silent, Lestat ran up full speed and jumped in Duke's Lap throwing his arms around Duke's shoulders. "MY HERO!!!" "AHHHHHHH!" Duke shoved Lestat on the floor who was laughing hysterically. "OKAY, OKAY, I'M SORRY MY GORGEOUS HUNKA-BUNKA... whatcha reading?" Lestat stopped his act to peer at the newspaper's heading: "Jewel Stolen; Quick Silver's Pride." "It's weird, some new gang formed or sumthin'... started robbing with clear get-a-ways... really weird shit." Duke explained. Lestat's knees shook and he nodded his head, "I'll bet." Turning away from Duke he looked at Jake. Jake was shaking uncontrollably and his pupils were expanding. Lestat mouthed, "Get Out" and the two immediately ran out the door. Duke turned and watched them run out. "Hey Chase, have you noticed Jake and Lestat hanging out a lot these days?" "Well, Lestat acts kinda queer so maybe he convinced Jake to..." "Chase! Cut that out!" "Sorry, it just seemed kinda... ya know secretive." Duke leaned his head to the side, "Something isn't right about this... any of this." "Tell me about it," Chase nodded his head as he moved behind the bar where Duke was sitting to clean, "I've had to do so much more work without that kid helping me." Duke nodded his head sadly, "Yea, I miss Amber... poor Jake, maybe Lestat's comforting him about that loss." Chase nodded his head in agreement while he wiped a rag through an empty glass, "Well you know, those kids grow up some days and all of a sudden come and go... you can't get too attached otherwise it's not healthy." Duke looked at Chase with suprise, "What do you mean?" "Like, if you get attached to every single person that works for you, what happens when they want to move on, you have to fire them, or they just decide it's too much or move? You cant get too attached to those around you otherwise you end up screwing yourself up." Duke leaned forward across the table, "Can't get too attached? But don't you miss Amber?" "Yea, sure, she was a decent kid but others'll come and others'll go and if she leaves to screw up her life in a cult, it's her own damn fault." Duke couldn't believe Chase's words; it didn't seem real. He cast a look toward the door where Jake and Lestat just left. Jake was troubled and often caused problems but Duke couldn't get rid of him let alone forget about him. He was a special kid. Duke wondered how Jake could get along without Amber's stability. Hopefully, it wouldn't be back to the drawing board with Jake. "Hey Duke," Chase got Duke's attention from being distracted. "Hmm?" "What do you think would happen if Lestat temporarily was a worker here?" Duke jerked forward spilling his bottle of Coke. "What the... Chase are you on crack?! What would ever make you think of hiring LESTAT out of ALL DUCKS to work here?!" Chase shrugged his shoulders, "Amber was happy and perky and customers loved her... Lestat's happy and perky so maybe customers would like him... besides, you know how all the girls watch him." Duke shook his head; he couldn't believe how Chase could let go of things so easily but maybe it was a part of life to forget and move on. It was a depressing theory, but what if it was true? Duke shook his head in digust; he was different than Chase and the last thing he'd ever do would be to forget a friend. Lestat and Jake ran through the streets full speed dodging the racing trafic. Jake's heart was pounding; they had to find out if it was true. Getting to the scene of the crime, Lestat and Jake froze. Lestat walked up to the wall and ran his fingers over the engraving. "Quick Silver," Jake whispered, "my dream... it came true... she turned to the Devil and a life of evil and I'm destined to spend all eternity in hell instead of going to heaven where your gonna be and where I'd wanna be and..." Jake talked a mile a minute as he began shaking and hyperventilating. Lestat grabbed Jake's shoulders and shook them. "Jake, Jakey, Snap outta it!!! Me as an Angel would never happen and... JAKE STOP IT WITH THAT BREATHING YOU'RE STARTING TO SCARE ME!!!" Lestat yelled as Jake's breathing became faster and raspier as he hyperventilated even more. Jake coughed almost collapsing but Lestat firmly held him up. Letting out sobs Jake let his body grow weak and allowed Lestat to hug him. "Come on Jakey, listen, it's not you... it's not your fault... You're not the only one who's messed up about a girl. I, too, was a guy like you a few years ago and I loved this girl... but no matter what I did she never could fall inlove with me and I could never explain how I felt to her... Jake, Amber's not gone. We will find her somehow! Believe me!" Jake wiped his bloodshot eyes and looked into Lestat's yellow eyes. "But... she's already turned to crime... what if they catch her? What if she knows about Rock Bottom? She'll be hooked..." "Jake, please try to trust me... I put my life on the line. I'll give my all to get Amber back to you... you have to try and trust some one; try to trust me." Jake looked to the ground, "No one's ever tried to help me with anything before... I've always been on my own and on the whole like it. I ruined this though and I cant back-track my mistakes as depressing as this might be... I need your help now and I'll make it up to you someday." Lestat shook his head, "No, more like I owe it to you kid." Jake looked at Lestat tilting his head to the side, "What? How?" Lestat let out a weak smile, "Only by seeing a rebellious guy that WASN'T me risk his life to save ducks... when you went out alone to stop such a terrible man as Exar..." Lestat's voice trailed off, "It made me realize how I needed to face the duck race... not to mention... my father." "I understand Lestat," Jake said. Lestat looked at the engraving once more on the wall, "I know she's with Tekisi... and heard that Ed got her... so we better map out the area and track her down and what the hell are you doing?" Lestat watched as Jake kneeled on the ground picking up a small piece of glass. "It's part of the Diamond of Lassir... it's part of a ten jem collection and it's the fourth jem. They could be heading out to find the Ruby from Penuswuala which is the recorded fifth jem of the collection... It's located in the Los Tenerio Museum of Rocks up in Lone Bridge." Lestat whistled, "Damn Jake, Duke taught you well." Jake turned to Lestat, "Obviously I didn't learn enough if I lost Amber." Amber looked around her new settings. She was in one of the warm regions of Puck World with no snow. Amber liked this region; the warmth felt good on her feathers. Walking up to the museum doors, she stepped in. It was broad daylight and she felt that if she got a look in plain sight of her target, she would be able to run a smoother heist, especially since this would be her first time going solo. The museum was beautiful on the inside, a pleasing sight. Murals covered the walls with painted horses of all colors. It was relaxing to see such beauty. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned around. Ed stood there. "What do you think you're doing?" "I was checking the place out, so it'd go smoother... the artwork is really beautiful here isn't it?" Ed looked Amber squarely in the eyes, "You don't run off without telling your superiors. What if we had work for you? Hmmmm? What would happen then?" Amber stepped back, "Geez, sorry." Ed shook his head, "Nevermind. Just go watch your stupid horses... you might as well when you have a chance." "What do you mean?" Amber asked as Ed began walking away, "I can always see this exhibit." "That's what you think," Ed muttered under his breath. Amber watched quietly. Something wasn't right about this... She shrugged her shoulders, continueing to walk through the museum. Ed watched Amber as he hid behind one of the walls. He would have to work fast. He ran down one of the streets toward a payphone. Picking it up, he dialed a number and muffled his voice. "Hello?" Hearing the answer, Ed began. "Quick Silver's hitting your heist tonight, you might wanna cut her off..." "Hey, who the fuck is this..." Click. Ed dialed another number. "You've reached the Police Departement..." "Yeah, we got a break in tonight... I'm informing you now before it's too late." After ten minutes, Ed hung up the phone. It was entrapment. As soon as Jake saw Cool Shoes, he took off running toward it. He jumped into a seat and stared straight ahead. Noticing Lestat standing outside of the door, he looked up. "What?" he asked, slightly irritated. "Outta my seat." Jake realized that he was sitting in the driver's seat of "Cool Shoes". Jake was used to driving because he hotwired so many cars that he forgot that this was a big oops. As quickly as possible, he jumped into the passenger's seat. "Much better," Lestat opened the door and sat down, pulling on a seat belt. "Jake, put on a seat belt." "Whoa, you mean the great Lestat Xander Riviero tells me to wear a seat belt? Ya know, you might wanna be polite and ask or something, people'll treat you better that way." Lestat rolled his eyes, "Attention all Passengers, Please fasten your safety belts now!" Jake nodded his head, "See, that works a helluva lot better with your people skills... if you keep up this rate then you might actually get some..." Jake reached down to grab the end of his seatbelt and noticed a red button. "Hey Lestat what's AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Jake yelled as he was thrown backwards into the seat as the car sped off. It must have been atleast 280 mph. Jake slid his hand down the side, pulling his seatbelt on. Lestat faced him and laughed, "Oh Jacob, for such a perfectionist and genius, you're really stupid about common sense... That was known as the little red button... NEVER PRESS THE LITTLE RED BUTTON!!!" "THEN WHY DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE RED BUTTON?" Jake shot back at Lestat. "I dunno, I got a kick out of it whenever I would torment my apprentices." The two continued at a slightly slower pace, only this time with Jake's hands folded neatly together. "Hey Jake, mind doing me a favor?" "What?" "Turn on the radio." Lestat laughed as Jake glared. "Which button?" He waved his hand over the front controls; there were hundreds of them. "I swear, Lestat, I'm gonna kick your ass just as soon as we save Amber..." Jake's voice trailed off as he said her name. He hoped to God that it wasn't too late. Lestat noticed Jake's silence and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, come on, relax kid... she'll be okay?" "But what if she's not?" Lestat shrugged his shoulders trying not to think about it, "I dunno, turn Gay or something." Jake looked blankly ahead of him; the only thing he could focus on was saving Amber. Amber pulled on the black outfit. She was starting to like her job and felt more liked than when she was at the BOTB as a waitress. "Besides, Jake couldn't have liked me that much," Amber muttered, convinced that she was used somehow. "Well, Gotta get to work." She walked to the museum and entered at the exact point that Ed told her to. The museum looked strange late at night, some of the statues almost appeared to be in the form of ducks! Amber continued, not noticing the set of eyes on her. Jake and Lestat held their breath as they inched slowly behind her. Amber smiled spotting her target; the Ruby from Penuswuala. It was small, but she imagined it's great value. She slowly unscrewed the bolts holding it's glass case together. After twenty minutes, she pulled it off. Taking a piece of gum out, she rested it on the stand so that when she removed the ruby the alarm would not sound. It was now in her hand. The glimmer and redness of the ruby flickered in her silver eyes. Suddenly, she felt warm air on the back of her neck... eerie air. Hands reached out from behind and grabbed her. "Hey!" She squeled, swinging her leg around to trip her opponent. She pulled away and into a defense stance. Fortunately, her opponent was around her height. She lunged at the duck, who quickly dodged her aim. The two combatted fiercely with Amber landing on her back. The other duck gazed at her. "What happened to you, Amber?" Amber froze. "My name is Quick Silver." "You're name is Amber. Amber Lorraine VanDrake." The duck stood still. Amber's heart beat quickened. She desperately tried to see the figure's details, but it was too dark. "Who are you?" She whispered harshly, "what do you want from me?" The duck shook slightly. Amber soon realized that there was another duck standing behind the first one. "Amb, come on, we've come to take you home." "But I am home," Amber's voice began to shake. Those voices sounded so farmilliar but she couldn't place them in the dark. Suddenly, the one she fought with kneeled next to her. "Amber, it's me... Jake." Amber looked at the silouette above her. "Lies!" She screamed. "You never loved me, you son of a Bitch! I hate you!" Jake trembled looking down at her. "What have they done to you?" "I'm Happy!!! I finally get to show what I'm worth!" Jake trembled. "Amber... I was scared to death about you... I was scared shitless and I never get scared..." "Well it's not like you'd ever care enough to cry about me," Amber spat out frantically thinking of excuses. Jake trembled above her. Amber noticed another figure walk behind Jake. "Come on Jake, if she's not going to take your advice you might as well move on..." Amber strained her eyes to see; the voice was so farmilliar. "I cant leave her, I love her..." "Jake, get a fucking grip." Amber's eyes began adjusting, "Lestat?" The second figure looked at her. Jake stared at Amber and began shaking. "Damn you," Jake said, his voice shaking. "You're so innocent and that's why I love you so very much and now they've captured their minds... I've failed." Jake put his head in his hands as he sobbed. Amber stared blankly not sure what to do. Lestat glared at her, "Look at what you did to him." Amber's face was pale and she felt sick to her stomach. "Jake," she whispered. "FREEZE! YOU'RE UNDER ARREST!!!" Amber, Lestat, and Jake looked up to see Police blocking the exit. "SHIT!" Lestat yelled. "Come on, we're getting the fuck outta here!" Amber and Lestat ran toward the window but Jake stayed kneeled on the ground. "Come on Jake, cut the Crap and GET OUT!!!" Jake shook his head, "It's my fault and my blame!" "AND IT'S MY FUNERAL WHEN DUKE FINDS OUT I ASSISTED YOU AS A MINOR!!!" Lestat yelled. "Jake, please, I love you! Do it for me!" Jake looked at Amber and at the advancing guards. In one bound he was at the Window and in one sweep the three leapt out into the streets below. After three miles the three stopped. Jake rushed at Amber embracing her, "Oh God I love you! I thought I killed you!" Lestat rolled his eyes, "Alright, alright, break it up you two." Amber reluctantly looked at Lestat, "I shouldn't have listened to Ed..." Lestat nodded his head gravely, "Listen Amber, I'd just glad you're back... always remember that one learns from their mentors and in imitation can pull themselves away from reason... I have already seen this happen." "How?" Lestat turned his back to Amber and Jake, "Ed was my Apprentice." Amber and Jake watched him disapear into the dark. The two looked at each other. "So, it's Quick silver now, huh Amb?" Jake asked. She smiled wrapping her arms around his neck, "Call me Amber." Their lips embraced as the stars shot out over the lonely night... little did they notice the set of eyes on them. "I will have my Revenge, Master Riviero," Ed whispered slinking off into the misty night. *** END FINALLY ***
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