"Ring the Bell"

Guardian Angels

Last Time:

New recruits invaded the Hollywood precinct and G.U.E.S.T. The day for the Angels was spent getting the newbies ready for work in the field. Saipia also began to scout for new members for her team. Already interested in two of the recruits she chose to train, the third she chose to teach him some descipline. Unfortunately, he turned out to be dirty and ended up sending the other two to the hospital, forcing Saipia to teach him a lesson the hard way. Now, with all the new Genoid officers reviewed and Jack's return only a week away, Saipia and the others prepare for some major changes.

Episode 13: "Ring the Bell"

Deep within the Dark Side of the city, a fight unlike any other began. It was a fight that was so against the law, it was held in the darkest of shadows. It wasn't to the death, but you got more points if you killed your opponent in the most gruesome way possible. There were no rules and anything was possible. Like this match. The first fighter was a tall, fat human man who laughed as he cocked his gun. Outside the steal cage, money exchanged hands like candy as bets were made. The other opponent was someone no one had expected. Especially Erica who hovered around the back as she gathered information. Evan "Cowboy Jack" Taylor stood across from the man in a well worn cowboy outfit complete with chaps, hat, spurs, vest and even a little sheriff badge. "So, sheriff, you going to arrest me, or are you going to die?" asked the man.

"Well, seeing as we're already in a cell. I figured I might just kill you," commented the hyena.

"Idiot," scoffed Erica. "The boss sure isn't going to like this one bit. He'd be better off getting himself killed here."

"You know Jack, Miss?" asked one of the spectators.

"Unfortunately. I think I'll stay just to see how this turns out and make sure he doesn't die. I'm going to be a little late for dinner, but this is something I can't pass up," replied the leopard. "And while I'm here..." She dug into her pocket for her wallet and pulled it out. From it, she took a a couple hundred dollars and handed them to the dealer. "This much on the cowboy to win."

"Are you sure, lady? I mean, the Sergeant's got a gun. It's going to be hard to defeat him," commented the dealer.

"I'm aware of the odds. But, I it isn't wise to underestimate Jack," Erica replied.

The dealer gave her a weird look and shrugged, taking the money just as the fight started. The Sergeant leveled is gun at Jack and fired. The bullet zipped by the Genoid and planted itself in a spectator's head. "That's why you don't stand up front," muttered Erica.

As the human emptied his gun, Jack barely moved. "You should make sure your gun fires straight before you use it. Even I could tell that sight was off by a few feet," commented Jack as he slowly approached the human. "It would appear that your title is ironic."

Before the human could even speak, Jack latched onto his throat, burying his claws into his flesh. It was one of his signature moves. Turning around to the crowd, he promptly tossed the man in the air before slamming him to the ground as hard as he could, causing his claws to sink even further into his throat. To assure his victory, he quickly jabbed one of his spurs into the man's neck.

"Good. He won. This battle, at least. Now, I should get going," Erica commented as she collected the couple thousand dollars she had just won.

"Nice win, lady. Too bad that will be Jack's last win," remarked the human dealer.

"What do you mean by that?" asked the undercover cop.

"The runner of this fighting ring doesn't like it when someone wins this much. He's already made arrangements for Jack's traumatic death. Of course, it'll be a fight to see, however," replied the dealer.

Erica didn't like that news, but alerting Jack could possibly blow her cover, so she simply nodded in agreement before stuffing the money she'd won in her pocket and heading towards the exit. As she got in her truck she heaved a heavy sigh. "Saipia is going to be extremely pissed with you, Jack. This would be the reason why she put you on suspension. Speaking of Saipia, though. I'm late."

* * *

Erica thought it was best to break the news of Jack's activities while they were at work. And, as the leopard entered Saipia's office, she prepared herself for her boss's reaction. But, she found the blue wolf in a surprisingly good mood. She had been looking over the new recruit's files again, meticulously going over her notes on all of them. Of the three spots she had open for her team, she had found at least one recruit she wanted. It would not be easy to find someone worthy enough to be called Guardian Angel. "Ah. Erica. It's good to see you. What brings you into my office today?"

Erica shut the door behind her and the pain in her heart increased. She hated to be the one to ruin the commander's mood. "I went down to the Dark Side last night to gather some info on the Fatal Fighting ring there and I discovered that Jack has been participating."

That did catch Saipia off guard and nicked a nerve deep within her. "Dammit! I take he's been winning, though."

"Yes. But that, apparently, is a problem. It would appear that if you win too often in the FFR, you die. The operator of the ring has already laid out the plans for Jack's death," replied Erica as she took a seat in front of the desk.

Saipia punched the top of her steal desk, putting a dent in it. "That pathetic bastard. And he wonders why I put him on suspension. However, I didn't give him some time off to die."

"Well, we were already planning on busting the fighting rings anyway," Erica replied.

"Yes, but I was having a lot more intel than we have and having to save one of our own is slightly embarrassing," retorted the wolf.

"True. And I'm have tempted to just let him get himself killed, but that would be neglecting my duties as a police officer. I agree that it would be better to bust this ring under better circumstances, but look at it this way: you can write it off as Jack doing some intelligence gathering for you and his cover simply got blown. That way, it won't be nearly as embarrassing," Erica suggested.

"I guess that's true. And not a bad idea. However, I do NOT, under any circumstances want the others to know about this. Especially James. Got it?" ordered the commander.

Erica slowly smiled at that. "Yeah. James would have a fit if she knew what you were planning. Far more than if she knew about what Jack got himself into. And the only reason why you're pissed about it and why you're about to risk your neck for him is because..."

"Oh, kiss my furry blue ass, Erica. So I love him. I love you, as well," spat the commander.

"Ah. And you might end up being stuck with me. However, you love him far more. Compared to him, I'm just a sex toy. Which, I don't mind at all," Erica replied and the two shared a laugh.

"I don't know, Erica," sighed Saipia. "There was a time when I would have simply left Jack out to die and just taken you up as my girlfriend full time."

"But, there was also a time when you wouldn't have given Jack the time of day, as well," Erica replied and the blue wolf just rolled her eyes at her friend.

* * *

Saipia toiled over the implications of what she was about to do as toyed with her food. It wasn't fighting off countless people that bugged her, it was her feelings for Jack. Feelings that were very new to her, yet very familiar. Here sister easily picked on her distress. "Well, some thing's definitely eating you since you're not eating your food."

The younger wolf laughed at the comment. "Yeah. You could say that, couldn't you. It certainly has nothing to do with your cooking."

"It better not. Is this about a mission?" Gjai asked as she ate her sausage stroganoff.

"No. Well...sorta. You remember Evan Taylor, right?" Saipia said, now in her natural white fur.

"Yeah. He's a bit of a jackass, but I hear he's a pretty good cop," Gjai replied.

"Yeah. Well, it seems he's gotten himself in trouble with one of those underground to-the-death fighting rings in the Dark Side. And, the cop in me has no hesitation about going in and rescuing him. But, neither does the rest of me. I mean, there should be something inside me that wants to simply leave him there to get himself killed, but I don't feel that," Saipia explained as she leaned back in her chair.

Gjai smiled at that. "You're in love with him, huh? Well, if you ask my opinion, you could do WAY better than that idiot. I personally don't trust him. And you probably should have some sort of voice in the back of your head that wants to leave him for dead. But, you're not only a cop, but a good wolf, as well."

"But, he's the first man I've ever loved, Gjai. And I've dated a lot of guys," defended Saipia.

"Well, I would be careful, Sai. I don't want to see you get your heart broken again. Last time, you starved yourself almost to death. And, my dear, if that bastard hurts you, he'll have me to deal with personally, and you know very well what I'm capable of," Gjai warned. "Now eat your dinner."

Saipia laughed. "Yes, mother. You know, you've always been sorta of a smart-ass."

Gjai shrugged. "What can I say. I am the oldest."

The two shared one final laugh before finishing their meal.

* * *

Jack had already convinced himself he was going to die. News about what the Fight Club owner had planned for him had spread like wildfire. It had taught the hyena that there were no secrets in the Dark Side. In fact, the only thing that people seemed to stay quiet about was Saipia and her Guardian Angels. One thing was for sure, however, Saipia had definitely left her mark on the little burg. But, the Angels had also left their mark. Apparently, news of everything they did was slurped up by everyone. So much information was spread that he was sure everyone knew exactly who he was, which just made the situation he now found himself in worse.

The hyena sighed and stared into his cowboy hate while he waited for the match to start. He had only joined this league to gather information about it for his boss. Despite her orders to take time off, Jack was never one to just sit around and do nothing. Now, though, he wished he had taken her advise. He truly did love Saipia and as he remembered her and all the time he spent with her, tears began to flow from his eyes.

Never one to cry, the tears just made him angry and irritated at himself. "Damn, Evan, what the hell have you gotten yourself into. Now, you're going to die without seeing her again. Without telling her that you're sorry nor saying goodbye."

"Hey, Jack, you've got three minutes," said his bookie, who entered only to give him that information.

Swallowing his tears, Jack stood to his feet and put his hat on his head. He then slipped on his fighting gloves before simply staring at a locker in front of him. "Well, God, if there was ever a time for you to prove that miracles still happen, I guess, now would be excellent."

Beyond the doors, there was a sudden roar from the gathering crowd. Something was happening, and Jack was truly intrigued. Slowly, he approached the door of the locker room and opened it. When he exited, he saw a white female wolf dressed in nothing more than a sports bra and tight shorts strutting through the crowd. Accompanying her and dressed just as much, was a leopard that looked familiar, but Jack couldn't quite remember why.

"Hey boys, we heard there was a hot fight going around and we're here to make you an offer. Fight us. If you can defeat us, you can not only kill him, but have your way with us. However, if we win, you have to not only let Jack go, but turn yourselves over to the cops," The white wolf said and the familiar voice caused Jack to smile.

"I wouldn't do it, fellas. You should just let the cowboy go and carry on with your lives," commented a female African Wild Dog dressed in a long gown who propped herself against a wall. Saipia smiled at the woman.

"And why the hell should we trust a whore like you, Rozzie?" the owner of the club asked.

"Because, if you don't, you'll all just die. That wolf there is far more than she appears," replied a female gazelle who stood close to Rozzie dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a t-shirt.

"And it's hard to kill a ghost," Rozzie added.

"But they're just women. As are you, Rozz and Miti. I think a hundred guys can handle two little girls," commented one of the men.

Rozzie glanced at Saipia a moment. "Whatever, guys. You just won't be able to come crying to us afterward. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've never been able to stand the sight of blood."

"You sure you two don't want to stay. I mean, I can handle these idiots in my sleep, but any help would certainly be appreciated," Saipia offered.

"That's alright. However, I do have to question if your mother would appreciate that outfit of yours...Saipia Jones," replied Rozzie as the two women slipped out of the basement and into the night.

Saipai laughed as the crowd looked at her in amazement. "That dirty bitch. She's definitely not getting a Christmas card."

"You know those two?" Erica asked.

Saipia nodded. "Call them ghosts from a past life. Anyways, now that these guys know who we are, we'll have to work harder. Or, at least, I'll have to. Your job, my dear, is to get Jack out of here. And don't worry about me or getting out of the Dark Side with your lives. I suspect there will be a lot of old friends keeping an eye out."

Erica smiled. "Yes, ma'am. Just be sure to kick some ass for me."

"Saipia Jones? There is no way you can be Saipia Jones. She wouldn't dare show her face around here again," the club owner spat.

"And why the hell is that? Any success you've had in the past in beating me has been complete luck. Besides, if I'm standing here before you know, think about what that means, you morons. Now, you're stupidity is starting to give me a headache, so, either we can start this fight, or you can be smart about it and let us go," Sapia spat while Erica went about her mission.

"Oh, you're on, bitch. Kill her boys. Rip her apart," said the leader as Saipia approached the ring.

One of the fighters entered the ring and charged at Saipia while her back was to him. Effortlessly, the white wolf grabbed the human's right hand and assisted him forward as her left foot swept his legs from under him. As the man began to fall forward, Saipia let go of his hand and wrapped her arms around his head. When he finally landed with a thud in front of her, she quickly snapped his neck, causing the rest of the fighters to pause a moment. "Damn, she just killed him. But, she's a cop," one of them commented.

"Actually, for now, I'm just a ghost. And I don't plan on leaving any evidence that I was ever here, so, if you're done talking. Let's play, shall we," Saipia corrected as she pushed the dead man from the ring.

The next to challenge her was a man with a gun. "You have to keep in mind that in this fight club, there are no rules and it's to the death."

"I know. But, you have to keep in mind, I have a lot of little secrets that you will all take to your graves," Saipia replied and easily dodged the first bullet fired and approached the group.

* * *

As Jack and Erica finally arrived at Erica's truck, they were both a surprised to find the streets completely empty and her vehicle completely intact. "I never thought I would say this, but I actually prefer the busy sidewalks," Jack commented.

Erica smiled. "I know what you mean."

It was then, however, that a tall tigress in a deep red pair of jeans, a dark purple shirt and a olive green, hooded robe that buttoned up in the front approached them, stepping out from the shadows of an alleyway. She smiled approvingly as she quickly inspected them. "Captain Erica Martin and Officer Jack Taylor. I'm glad you two are still alive. You both mean so much to Saipia."

"How do you know our names?" Erica asked.

"And, furthermore, who the hell are you?" Jack added.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," she responded. "Phrasing your questions that way, Evan, will never get your old rank back. However, if you must know, my name is Lyst. But, most people call me 'Prophetess' because I that is what I am."

Jack scoffed. "You can predict the future?" he asked.

"Yes. In fact, Everything that's happening now, I saw in a dream about a year ago. And that is why these streets are so empty. Normally, I wouldn't come out in the open like this, but I did have make sure you both were alright, and give you both messages.

"Erica, Saipia is going to need your love and support in the next few years more than anything. If I were you, I would do what I can to never leave her side. Many Angels will fall and some will never be heard from again, but, you Erica. Never leave their ranks. Even when you're offered positions that would take you away from them, you must turn them down. Without you, my young leopard friend, Saipia's strength will crumble. And if Saipia falls, this world is doomed.

"Jack, the road you walk down leads only to your own demise. Saipia loves you blindly, and you also love her. Forget everything else and pursue her. It will keep you out of trouble and if you do, I promise you will eventually get her all to yourself. However, if you do not pursue her and continue with your plans, not only will you lose her, but you will break her heart. It is this that will ultimately bring about your death, as she has a lot of friends who won't hesitate to kill you if you hurt her," said Lyst.

"Wait, why do I have to support Sai?" Erica asked quickly.

"Because, my dear, she loves you very much. A lot more than she will ever admit to. You remind her of an old friend of hers and the reason why you became a cop and the original reason why she became one are the same. But, she has wandered far from that goal. And every time she looks at you, she is reminded of that fact. But it makes her stronger. It's driving her back to her fundamentals," explained the tigress.

Jack didn't say anything and by the time Erica had asked her question, he had gotten in the truck. Lyst was very aware of this and her heart sank as she looked at him. "Jack, please trust me. She is extremely close to being yours. If you need proof my words are true. Ask her out tonight. Don't give up her."

"I'd do as she says, Evan. If you do break Saipia's heart and she herself doesn't kill you, you know I would. And if you got away from me, you'd have to answer to her siblings and you can't forget about James and Liv and countless other people," Erica replied as she got behind the wheel.

Jack still said nothing while the two women just glared at him. "You know, Evan, the only reason why she's down there risking her life it to save your sorry ass. By all means, she had every right to leave you there to die, but she didn't. And the chief doesn't even know about this. As far as everyone else knows, Saipia and I are off on patrol. Saipia does love you, Evan. She's even been talking about letting you in on every single one of her little secrets."

"What secrets?" Jack asked.

Erica shook her head as she started her truck's engine. "There is no way I can even begin to tell you how many secrets she has. She does have a lot, though."

Lyst laughed. "She'll be revealing them to everyone soon of her own accord. She's growing old and her desire to keep herself hidden is waning. And, it's getting harder for her to keep them, anyway. And once one is revealed, she'll have to reveal the rest, as well. The Fifteen are getting ready to come out of hiding. And their return will change the world forever."

"The Fifteen? What are you talking about, you old hag?" Evan spat.

"Old?" Lyst questioned before laughing again. "I do suppose I am old, now. I do not feel old, though. But, by Fifteen, I am referring to the original Fifteen Genoids created by Dr. Ira Strovich. The ones that started the whole Genoid race."

Erica shook her head while Evan struggled to get his head around that. "That's impossible. Those guys would be in their sixties and seventies by now. There's no way any of them are still alive. And, if they somehow are, there's no way they could do anything to change the world."

"Ah, but by merely proving that they're still alive, The Fifteen will make a lot of people question the past. And every single one of the Fifteen has a little secret that Dr. Ira programmed into them from the very beginning. And then there are the ones who don't have their original bodies anymore," defended the tiger.

"Anyways, we had better get back to the precinct. Saipia said she'd catch up to us later," Erica interrupted.

"Yes, she does have some business to take care of. But I promise she'll be home in time for dinner," Lyst replied and slipped back into the shadows as Erica eased the truck from it's parking spot.

* * *

"So, you two met Tess, huh?" Saipia asked after Erica filled her in on everything that happened even mentioning what Lyst had said.

"Tess?" Erica replied.

The now blue wolf smiled and laughed at her own name for the tigress. "It's a nickname I use for her. It's short for Prophetess."

"Sounds like you know her quite well," commented the leopard.

"Yeah. Better than you know. And, as always, everything she said is completely accurate. I do value your opinion and company more than anything else and you not only remind me of an old friend, but of myself when I was younger. However, despite my love for Jack, I don't think I'll be pursuing that path for much longer. I don't want to get my heart broken again and it doesn't seem like he's all that interested. I don't know what he's planning, but whatever it is, it doesn't sound very smart," said the commander as she busied herself with playing mahjong on the computer that sat on her desk.

Erica sighed at that and took a seat on the couch that sat against the wall. "I don't know, Sai. I mean, I love you, and all, but I don't know if I'm up for sticking with you indefinitely."

Saipia laughed. "You make it sound like Tess asked you to marry me. Don't worry about that, though. I don't think I'll ever be married to a woman."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. I'm perfectly happy staying single for the rest of my life. It's just...I don't know. She did make it seem like she wanted me to move in with you or something. I don't know if I want to be your babysitter. And I don't know if I can refuse a big promotion if it was offered to me," said the cat.

Saipia smiled and stood from her seat. Slowly, she walked over to her friend and took her by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "Don't you worry about the future and the details. And, while not at work, I can take care of myself, but, just keep in mind you'll probably be the first one I call if I need anything. But, for now, there is only one thing you need to do for me," with that Saipia kissed Erica passionately on the lips.

"I think I can guess what that is, but I don't think it would be wise to do that, now. I'm sure the chief wouldn't be too happy to have to pay for the cleaning bill," Erica replied.

The two shared a laugh. "Well, how about I take you out to dinner tonight. And isn't Max's birthday today?" Saipia suggested.

"It is, but you can still take me out. However, he would appreciate a present if you got him one," said Erica.

"I'm sure he would. Maybe I'll even get you one, as well. After all, there is one piece of information that Tess didn't mention. Despite what you say, I know you don't like me running after Jack. But, I do appreciate you supporting my relationship with him," Saipia replied.

"Hey, it's not like I want to marry you myself. The guy's just a jackass. You deserve someone better," Erica defended while Saipia laughed.

"Someone like you, huh?" the wolf commented.

The two shared another kiss before Saipia let her leopard girlfriend wrap her arms around her. And hold her tightly for a moment.