They made their way through countless winding tunnels before finally coming to a ladder leading to the world above. Nadine made sure Jon went first before following him up. The two emerged from a manhole in a back alley somewhere. Buildings stretched upwards on all sides, giving those below no more than a glimpse of sky.
"Back so soon, Kitty? And with baggage, I see," a voice remarked wryly from behind Jon's back. When he turned around, his jaw dropped a second time that night. There stood a girl dressed in a ludicrous outfit complete with leather corset and satin skirt. Heeled boots added several inches to her height and a small hat perched saucily on her purple streaked hair.
As with Nadine, Jon recognized her from school. Even though the girl was a few years younger, he could never mistake his sister's best friend. "Athena!"
The Goth girl's mouth quirked. "Jon. Isn't this a surprise. What brings you out here this evening?"
"I was kidnapped by a vampire and taken here," answered Jon, giving her the same story he gave Nadine.
"Hm, so my readings were right. There was a vampire around this area, though I didn't know he'd taken a prisoner. Well, at least you're safe now."
"He has a clamp on his leg," said Nadine as she hoisted the lid back onto the manhole. "It's too rusted for me to pick. Can you get it off him?"
Athena widened her eyes in mock surprise. "Is Kitty actually asking me for help? With magic? It's truly a miracle."
Not amused, Nadine rolled her own eyes in response. "Just do it."
"Fine," Athena acquiesced, though her amusement remained. Crouching down, she studied the restraint on Jon's leg.
"And I keep telling you to stop calling me Kitty," Nadine grumbled.
"Why do you call her Kitty?" Jon asked while Athena got to work.
"Because it annoys her," Athena replied flatly. "Also, it's the catsuit."
"Stealth gear," Nadine corrected with an exasperation that hinted at many past repetitions of the discussion.
Athena shared a look with Jon before mouthing "catsuit" and returning to her task.
For his part, Jon had to agree with her. The main part of Nadine's outfit really did look like a catsuit, showing the full outline of her slight frame. Lightweight armor plating here and there provided some added protection, but she clearly favored flexibility over toughness. Over that, she wore a short, dark gray jacket retrofitted with more pockets than anyone could hope to see in one garment. Probably where she carried that stake, Jon thought.
By now, Athena seemed to have finished her work, which consisted of a few gestures and mumbled syllables. Sitting back, she snapped her fingers. Instantly, the clamp opened and fell to the ground with a clunk.
Jon had to keep himself from staring. Who could have guessed his sister's companion had such abilities? "Uh, thanks. Now will someone please tell me what's going on here? I mean, it's great you saved me from a vampire and all, but what's this all about? Who are you guys?"
Athena stepped back and gestured to the other girl. "I'll leave that explanation to Nadine here."
"Me?"
"You're the senior member here, so it's your job. Besides, it's more fun for me this way."
"Insufferable witch," Nadine grumbled.
"That's me, Kitty-cat."
Placing herself in front of Jon, Nadine nervously brushed unseen dust off her sleeves. Avoiding eye contact, she blurted out, "You see, Jon
