SonicTheNinja

"Well Ann, I must ask do you feel any better now that you spent the day getting pampered?"Sebastien walked beside Ann with a smile on his face. The two had spent the day at The Lotus Spa as Sebastien had arranged it for her. Ann looked at the man with a slight blush appearing on her face as they walked down the path of the city's local park something Ann suggested they do. "Okay, so I'll admit it you were right Sebastien I needed a day to myself like that. I've been so busy that I just haven't had the time to take care of myself. Now, Uncle Jack drops this massive bombshell on me that he's selling Mom's Bar...I just don't know what I'm going to do."Ann sighed. "If you don't mind me making a suggestion why don't I just match whatever the price is? I don't mind buying it."Sebastien offered. "Sebastien I couldn't ask you to do that, we've still just met and I don't want something like that to put this friendship between us at risk. Sorry, it just...wouldn't feel right."Ann replied. Sebastien looked at Ann fuming secretly under his smile. "It's alright my dear," He lied. Ann was about to say something when her phone started to go off. She looked at Sebastien before answering it rather quickly. "Hello?... Yes, this is her guardian...wait what? No...no, It's okay I'll be right there."Ann said quickly hanging up. "Something the matter my dear?"He asked. "That was Dani's High School Principal, Dani got caught fighting in the halls with this girl that's been bullying her. They want to expel her...Sebastien, I'm so sorry I have to cut this short but I need to go if I'm lucky I can catch the bus."Ann said. "Ann, just calm down you'll get to her school a lot faster if you had a ride come now, we'll take my limo I can only pray to tell what is going through your niece's mind," Sebastien said taking Ann's hand and holding it into it as they began to walk down the park's path. He pressed on his earpiece. "Edgeworth, bring the limo to the park's south entrance."He spoke to his faithful butler. Dani sat in her seat her legs fidgeting nervously. The room was quite the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the clock on the wall ticking away rather slowly. Her right eye was bruised while sitting on the opposite side sat Paulina who to the entire school was The Queen B, she took great pride in bullying others and Dani was among those whom she loved to tease. Paulina sat across giving Dani a glare holding the bundle of tissues to her nose to stop it from bleeding. The door to Principal Lancer's office swung open as Ann came running in. "Dani!"Ann said about to approach her niece when Principal Lancer cleared his throat to which Ann froze in her spot. "It would seem that your niece was caught in yet another fight Mrs. Jones," Lancer spoke. "Dani is this true?"Ann asked. "She started it though! She was teasing me because of who my father is.."Dani looked at her aunt with eyes filled with sorrow. "She deserves it too! Her Padre caused so much pain for this city with his experiments."Paulina replied. "Be as it may that's no excuse to start punching someone, Miss Masters," Lancer said. "Now hold on, you mean to tell me that you're going to let this one get away with what she did?"Ann asked. "Her family are some of the city's biggest supporters. They helped rebuild half the city since the distraction that...experiment of your mothers caused."Lancer said in a cold tone. Ann felt her heart thump inside of her chest looking at the emotionless face of Principal Lancer ignoring the giggling from Paulina. "Be as it may that's no excuse for someone to tease another person regardless of who their father is," Sebastien called from behind. "S...S....Sebastien," Ann replied. "Forgive me, my dear Ann, I know I agreed to wait in my limo but I just had to see if your niece was alright," Sebastien said stepping forward into the room and placing a hand on Dani's shoulder. "Excuse me but I don't believe your Miss Masters guardian," Paulina said. "Correct, I'm not but I am someone that has become quite smitten with her Aunt and if there is any business she has with Dani that makes it my business."He looked at Dani smiling brightly. "Oh, big surprise your Aunt can't fight your battles for you so you have to get her boy toy to fight the battles for the two of you."Paulina rolled her eyes. "Excuse me!" "Boy-Toy?!"Ann said clenching her fists tightly before she looked at Dani once more than at Principal Lancer. "Come on Dani, we're going," Ann spoke in an angry tone. "Excuse me but I believe we are still talking about her punishment," Lancer said. "Excuse me? Punishment? Why should Dani be the one to get punished when Paulina here clearly stated she started it?."Ann snapped back. "Aunt Ann.."Dani pleaded. "No, this isn't right I'll take this up with the school board if I have to there's no way I'm going to let girls like her tease my niece and get away with it while Dani is the one being punished just because of Paulina's parents status you people make me sick thinking you can walk all over the ones who are less fortunate then you," Ann spoke beginning to walk to the door. "Dani, get your books from your locker and head out to the limo with Sebastien, I'll swing by your classroom and explain to your teacher that you're staying home until further notice," Ann said. "Until further notice or till you decide she should drop out of school like your sister Melissa," Lancer said under his breath. Ann froze suddenly in her spot clutching the doorknob with a hand. "Excuse me, what did you just say?"Ann said in an emotionless tone of voice. "I said that your sister was a dropout and it looks like her daughter is following in her footsteps," Lance said. "YOU DO NOT GET TO SPEAK OF MY SISTER LIKE THAT YOU BASTARD!"Ann screamed out in anger as she gripped the doorknob hard enough to rip the door off its hinges and threw it into the hallway. "CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU! DEFACING SCHOOL PROPERTY I SHOULD HAVE YOU CHARGED AND ARRESTED FOR THAT."Lancer screamed back at Ann. "DO IT, I dare you."Ann hissed ready to strike Principal Lancer in his face only she was stopped by Sebastien who placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's not worth it, my dear, he's not worth a moment of your time," Sebastien spoke as Ann began to feel the anger slipping away from her. "Dani, I suggest you get your books as your Aunt has asked, I'll send for Edgeworth he will assist you," Sebastien said. Dani nodded her head rather quickly slowly making her way out of the office and hurrying down the hallway. "As for you," Sebastien locked eyes on Paulina who by now was traumatized over what had happened. "I happen to know your father quite well, he works for the mayor like me, It would be such a shame if I were to tell him that his loving daughter turned out to be nothing more but a bully now would it?"Sebastien said. Paulina was about to speak when Sebastien cut her off. "If I ever catch you bullying Dani or anyone else again for that matter I can assure you young lady that I will personally make it so your father is out of a job and that comfortable lifestyle you've grown so fond of is taken out from underneath you so fast you won't know what hit you GOT IT!"Sebastien's eyes glowed a dark purple to Paulina which scared the living daylights out of her causing her to simply nod her head and whimper. He looked back at Principal Lancer clearing his throat. "I'll have my staff stop by later with a new door free of charge if you promise not to press charges against my dearest Ann here," Sebastien spoke again his eyes glowed a bright purple putting Lancer in a trance. "W...won't press charges," Lancer spoke in a monotone voice. "Principal Lancer?"Ann looked at the Man before Sebastien cleared his throat. "Ann, the school's about to end for the day didn't you say you wanted to speak to Dani's teacher?"Sebastien said. "Oh, shoot that's right can you take Dani back to your place Sebastien? I'll be fine I can catch a cab home."Ann replied. "Of course my dear," Sebastien spoke kissing Ann on her cheek. Ann quickly made her way out of the office. Sebastien gave Paulina a demonic glare as the girl "Eeped" and quickly ran out of the room. "Now then, since it's just the two of us, it's been a while since I've had a decent meal I can not tell you how famished I am right now."Sebastien's eyes glowed purple once again as his right hand started to change his nails grew sharper Lancer soon snapped out of his trance only to watch as Sebastien began to transform right in front of him. "N...No, please...get back...GET BACK YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"Lancer's screams fell on deaf ears as the wall behind him splattered with blood. ~~ "Come on Danny, it's new comic book day at the Androids Dungeon I wanna pick up the latest issue of Crash Nebula," Tucker said from his spot waiting in front of the elementary school the trio went to. "You go on ahead Tucker I wanna wait for Sam," Danny said. "You sure man?"Tucker asked as Danny nodded. "Yeah, after what happened at Wonder Mountain Dash and his buddies have been picking on her a lot more now so I wanna make sure she's okay....She doesn't look all that good Tucker I overheard my Mom and Dad talking..."Danny remained silent. Tucker noticing that there was something that was bugging his best friend walked over placing a hand on his shoulder. "Dude, you gotta tell her how you feel about her before it's too late," Tucker replied. Danny was about to reply to him when there came a noise from the bushes nearby the two. "Hu?"Both boys looked confused and Danny's curiosity got the better of him as he began to walk over to the bush. "Danny, come on it's probably a cat or something," Tucker said when he had little time to react as a long bright bubblegum pink arm stretched out from the bush grabbing Danny. "DANNY!"Tucker screamed out just as Sam was coming out from the school hearing the commotion. "TUCKER!"Danny screamed back trying to grab his friend's arm "Tucker what's going....DANNY!"Sam screamed out as another arm shot out this one grabbing Sam. "SAM!"Both boys cried out as Sam screamed being dragged back into the bush "Tucker, Tell my Mom get her to call The Crimson Rose!"Those were the last words Danny said being dragged into the bush leaving a horrified Tucker standing in his spot. "Don't worry my children....Mommy's here."The voice of the creature that had grabbed Danny and Sam spoke before carrying the two children off.

"Listen, I don't know who you are or what you're here for but we are going to destroy you," Hun announced eyes locked upon The Nightwatcher. "Is that so? Well, then you are welcome to try."The mysterious vigilante replied as they threw something up quickly into the eyes of Hun blinding him as one of their smoke pallets went off in his face. The Nightwatcher smirked under their breath moving at such speed that even Ann had to wonder how could this happen. This was her bust, not this other vigilante. She clenched her fists tightly as she stood in front of Hun who was still blind. "Listen, I don't know who you are or for that matter what you think you're doing in my city but New Tek already has a protector so why don't you just leave now before we have to settle this the hard way what do you say?"Ann asked. "Get out of my way."The Nightwatcher replied as Ann held her Tech-Bo, Cujo growling at her side. "I was trying to be nice you know but have it your way then," Ann spoke as she prepared to strike with her trusty weapon only to watch as within a blink of an eye The Nightwatcher vanished before they reappeared behind Ann kicking her down to the ground. "No, I'm trying to protect this city before disaster strikes so why don't you just run along and let a real person handle the situation."The Nightwatcher spoke turning their attention back to Hun and the rest of the Purple Dragons except for one thing. "They got away."The Nightwatcher said softly. "What! No!."Ann quickly ran to notice that the equipment the gang had was also gone. "Dammit, how could you let them get away like that!"Ann scolded. "Excuse me? I'm not the one who has an ego that caused this mess."The Nightwatcher replied scanning the area before walking over and holding out a hand over one of the footprints left behind. They began to scan it with their special tech gloves before turning back to Ann. "If you don't get your act together then everything and everyone you've ever loved and cared about will be gone. This isn't a game anymore Crimson Rose time to wake up and prove that you are this so-called hero."The Nightwatcher said reaching into their satchel and pulling out something looking at Ann one final time. "Word of advice, Watch yourself around Sebastien Powers, There's something about himself that he's not telling you."The Nightwatcher then crushed what she was holding in the palm of her hand before blowing a cloud of purple smoke directly at Ann's face which caused her to begin to feel rather drowsy. "W..what..no what do you mean don't trust Sebastien? What's going on why am I so....so....."Ann's body was slowly beginning to subcomb to the powder that was blown at her face. As her body slowly began to fall to the ground the last image she faintly saw was The Nightwatcher making their escape by walking into what could be described as a giant golden ring that quickly vanished without a trace. Her eyes grew heavy as she finally passed out drifting off into a deep slumber. Cujo nudged Ann with his head the best he could trying to get her to wake up but sadly it was no use. The Dog would let out a sad worried whimper before curling up beside her also drifting off to sleep. ".....Crim.....Ro...se....Are....you.....ok?....wake...up...Crimson Rose wake up!"Ace Heart's voice called from the darkness Ann's eyes slowly began to pray themselves open finding herself in Ace's arms. It would appear that Katie didn't wait long to call the cops to alert them of the break-in. Cujo had quickly vanished not wanting to stick around. The police were already busy at work two officers were placing the scientists she had stuck to the wall in handcuffs. "You okay?"Ace asked helping her up. "Yeah, I'm fine head's just a bit groggy...Hun and his gang broke in t...they stole Vlad's equipment. I had them until that freaken Nightwatcher showed up."The Crimson Rose spoke. Captain Ace looked at the vigilante staying silent after she mentioned The Nightwatcher. "Captain Heart?"She looked at him. "Listen if The Nightwatcher shows up again the next time you're dealing with something maybe it would be best to let her deal with it."Ace said. "WHAT! Captain Ace, you can't be serious! How could you even suggest that!"The Crimson Rose snapped. "Listen, while you were gone for all of last week The Nightwatcher kept the streets safe. We don't know much about them but what we do know is that they can work incredibly faster and they....This isn't me trying to be mean or anything but they can get the job done without the destruction."Ace spoke. Ann felt like her heart had been stabbed after that comment. Sure she got the job done but it usually resulted in something being destroyed. She took a deep breath walking past Ace. "New Tek City is under my protection, not The Nightwatchers but fine, I see how it is. The next time a psychopathic lunatic like Vlad Masters is around I'll just not bother helping let your new best friend deal with the problem instead. "The Crimson Rose spoke with anger in her voice. She gave Ace one last glare before she fired her grappling hook taking off through the skylight that was still broken. "That could have gone better."Ace Heart mumbled to himself as he began to assist the rest of his squad. ~~~ "Good Morning Aunty."Dani's voice called as Ann tiredly made her way into the massive kitchen area that Sebastien's Manor had. A few of the maids were already hard at work cooking breakfast for Ann under the orders of Sebastien of course. Ann also still had yet gone to bed seeing as how she had just arrived back at the Mansion. She spent an hour after leaving Ace searching for Cujo since she was a bit worried about him since the Dog had seemed to vanish without a trace. She did let Technus know about the canine and asked her to alert her if Cujo showed up again. Ann let out a loud frustrated groan escape her while she planted herself into one of the stools located at the kitchen bar. One of the maids quickly hurried over to Ann's spot placing down a glass of orange juice and a plate of breakfast. "I take it you had a rough night?"Dani asked between spoonfuls of her cereal while Donatello sat beside the girl happily munching away on his breakfast which was a large lettuce leaf. "Could say that yeah, Had a run-in with this Nightwatcher character and Captain Heart told me that the next time she shows up while I'm dealing with something I should let them deal with it. Can you believe that? After everything, I've done for this city. Everything I built up as The Crimson Rose is being treated like this."Ann sighed taking a bite of the toast from her plate. She angrily ripped off the piece. "Cheer up Aunty Ann, Things will get better," Dani replied once she finished drinking the leftover milk from her bowl. She grabbed her bagged lunch that another maid had presented her with making sure to thank her properly. "I don't know Dani, Lately it feels like with everything that's happened maybe The Crimson Rose should just vanish for a while and let Ann Jones try to have herself a normal life for once even if it's a few days," Ann said. "Well, hopefully, it won't be anytime soon, Diane called last night while you were out patrolling. She wanted to remind you that your date with Mr. Powers is coming up in just a few days."Dani added. "Dani please that I'm trying to forget about."Ann sighed she was of course joking which is why Dani chuckled a little bit before hearing the sounds of a car honking. "Oh there's my ride sorry Aunty I gotta get going bye Donatello."Dani blew the Turtle a small kiss before kissing Ann on her cheek. "Bye Sweetie have a good day today," Ann spoke to her watching as Dani ran off out of the kitchen. "What do you think I should do Donnie?"Ann asked her pet hearing him cry in response. She chuckled picking up the remains of the lettuce and ripping it just a bit before giving him a chunk. "Yeah, you like that Michealangelo isn't here to hog it for once hu?"Ann smiled. "Good morning my dearest Ann."Sebastien's voice boomed from behind Ann which caused her to freeze with embarrassment. "S.Sebastien...H...Hi....Please tell me you didn't just walk in hearing me talk to my Turtle."Ann said. "Alright, I won't but if I did walk in on you please allow me to say that I found that rather cute."Sebastien grinned at Ann taking his mug of freshly prepared coffee. "Thank you Yuiko."He called The Maid that gave him the coffee. Sebastien looked at Ann tilting his head for a minute and examining her. "Hmmm."He mumbled. "Is....there something wrong with me Sebastien?"Ann replied. "Oh, it's nothing major my dear it just looks like you haven't had the best sleep," Sebastien said. "Yeah.....you could say that," Ann told him. "Well, we simply can't have my guest face the day ahead still feeling incredibly tired. Please Ann give me a few minutes to make a quick phone call I promise you that you will like what I have in mind."Sebastien pulled out his phone from the pocket inside his suit already walking off. "Wait Sebastien come back you don't have to do anything. I was just thinking about going back to bed for a bit! Doctor Kintobor said I don't have to come back to work till next week."Ann called after him letting out a frustrated sigh as Sebastien was long gone. It was at this exact moment a familiar voice called out from behind Ann. "Ann?"The voice of someone she had been trying hard to ignore called out in a curious tone. It was her Uncle Jack. "U..Uncle Jack um...what brings you here?"Ann turned around to face him. "Ah...well your Aunt Maddie thought you and Dani would like a batch of her famous cornbread muffins," Jack said holding the basket up. "Oh...well um...t...thank you Uncle Jack...want some coffee?"Ann asked holding the fresh pot of coffee after she shooed out the maids that still lurked in the kitchen." "Sure."He smiled walking to the kitchen counter and accepting the mug from Ann standing across from her. He gently patted Donatello on his head who seemed happy that Jack was there. "So, is that all why you're here Unc?" Ann asked. "Okay, so you got me, I also wanted to see how you two were doing."Jack bumbled out. "Well, Dani just left for School and Sebastien went off to make some sort of phone call so I'm here eating my Breakfast and feeding Donnie, here as you can see" Ann replied. "I see,....T...That's good you know that you're taking care of your Mom's pet Turtle."Jack said. "Uncle Jack."Ann once again replied. "Ann, Please forgive me for what I said about The Crimson Rose, Jazz told me how she defended Danny and his friends against that Baxter kid...And Danny seems to be pretty happy that Sebastien allowed him to join him and The Crimson Rose on their date."Jack said. Ann fell silent hearing her Uncle speak she could tell that Jack's words meant something just from his tone. "God Ann, your temper...you remind me so much of my baby sis...She'd get mad like that at me too for saying something I probably shouldn't have said.....I just want to try and look out for you but I can see that you've already grown into a fine woman all on your own....You're all I have left of her Annie...I don't want to make the same mistake I did with Mellisa....I don't want to lose you too."Jack spoke. Ann stayed silent for about another minute or so before she spoke looking at her Uncle Jack. "Uncle Jack, I love you too," Ann replied. "I know you do kiddo, listen, Annie..your aunt and I were approached by someone a bit earlier," Jack said. "What do you mean?"Ann asked sitting upright just a bit. "They made us an offer on The Bar."Jack's words sliced through Ann's heart. "W...what."Ann felt numb. "We decided to sell The Bar Ann, I'm sorry but it's not working out there are just too many painful memories and a bar is no place to raise Danny," Jack said. Ann just sat in silence holding her mug tightly as Donatello looked at Ann with a worried look. "Annie?"Jack's voice called out as Ann "H...How could you...Mom trusted you...I trusted you....When we found out the bar was left in my name after Dad decided to just walk out you and Aunt Maddie promised me that you would help me look after the place...It's all I have left of Mom and now YOU WANT TO SELL THE PLACE?"Ann screamed. "Annie listen to me."Jack pleaded. "NO UNCLE JACK YOU LISTEN TO ME I TRUSTED YOU AND NOW YOU DECIDED TO STAB ME IN THE BACK?"Ann screamed in anger her hand beginning to tremble as the mug began to crack before she knew it the mug shattered in her hands the coffee and glass began to fall to the ground which caused her to scream in pain. "Ann?"Sebastien called from behind placing his phone back in his suit before he noticed Jack and then back at Ann noticing her hands bleeding. Sebastien quickly made his way over to Ann grabbing the first aid kit nearby and helping bandage the cuts on her hands. "Annie...a...are you okay?"Jack took one step closer to his sister's daughter only to find Ann flinching moving closer to Sebastien tears in her eyes. "Leave me alone," Ann said in a quiet voice. "Ann?"Jack placed a hand on her shoulder only she threw it off. "DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME? I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN JACK FENTON. YOU'RE THROWING EVERYTHING MY MOM EVER LOVED AND CARED ABOUT."Ann screamed at Jack before hearing the noises coming from Donatello who began to cry due to the yelling. "Oh, Donnie...baby I'm so sorry."Ann began to calm the turtle down. Jack stood in his spot in silence before looking at her. "Annie, please listen to me."Jack pleaded. "I believe she has asked you to leave. Don't make me call my security forces sir. You have upset dearest Ann here so perhaps it would be in your best interest to leave."Sebastien said in a calm voice. "You threatening me pal?"Jack glared. "Please sir you're not worth the time it would take to threaten. Now either you leave now or am I going to have to get mean?"Sebastien growled. Jack looked back at Ann who was cuddling Donatello. He let out a small sigh reaching into his pocket and pulling out the paper that he had brought Ann to look over that had the offer on it. Jack Fenton soon left without saying anything tears began to fall from his own eyes "Well, it would seem that I returned at a bad moment. Ann is everything alright? Did something happen between you and the person I assume is your Uncle?"Sebastien asked. "That Bar....it meant everything to my Mom....and now he wants to get rid of it," Ann said sniffling teardrops beginning to fall from her eye as she felt Sebastien place his arms around her comforting her. "Shh,...It's alright Ann, I'm here."Sebastien replied as Ann began to sob in Sebastien's warm embrace once he had gently placed Donatello on the table counter once again. "It's not far."Ann sobbed. "Yes, I agree my dear I can tell you need what I just arranged more than ever. Go and splash some water on your face and take Donatello back to his tank. I'm taking you to The Lotus Spa for a day of relaxation and pampering."Sebastien said. "The Lotus Spa? Sebastien that place is super luxurious I can't afford their prices."Ann said. "It's on me my dear after all I said you are my guest here and I take pride in making sure that my guests are properly well taken care of," Sebastien said placing a hand on Ann's cheek. "I....I don't know I have to pick Dani up from School later."Ann said. "Shh, don't worry I'll arrange a ride for her. Today is all about you my dearest Ann today you're going to be looked after for once."Sebastien stared at Ann whose mind slowly for some reason began to feel...weird. "All...about me," Ann said speaking in a trance as even her eye pupils clouded over for just a few minutes before she shook her head smiling brightly at Sebastien. "I'll be right back then."She replied kissing him on his cheek. She scooped Donatello up walking off feeling quite happy now all of a sudden. A dark sinister grin like before appeared on Sebastien's face as his pupils glowed with the same faint purple glow from before. "I just need her soul," Sebastien said

Ann quietly landed on the rooftop of Masters Tower. She had chosen to go through the broken window from her fight with Vlad quietly she made her way inside being careful not to touch anything that could contaminate the crime scene. The last thing she wanted to do was make things harder for Ace than they already were. She quietly crept to the door opening it up with a small creaking sound. She began to make her way down the hallway pressing down on her watch "Vicky."She whispered. "Yes Ma'am what can I do for you?"Vicky's voice boomed out as the AI appeared in front of her. "Shhhh keep it down," Ann whispered. "Oh? My apologies madam."Vicky whispered back as well as giving Ann a quick bow. "Don't worry about it, Look I need you to do a scan on the building for me," Ann said. "You want me to scan to see just how far The Purple Dragons are from reaching Masters's hidden laboratory?"Vicky said with a smile. "How did...you were listening in on my conversations again weren't you!"Ann hissed. "I was only doing what you had told me to do long ago Ma'am and that's to record your conversations with those you talk to just in case you need to play back something to help with a case."Vicky again smiled. "Of course, How could I have forgotten about that? Look would you just please scan for me?"Ann asked. "Of course Ma'am I live to serve you," Vicky replied as the A.I.'s eyes began to glow with a giant neon blue glow as bright lights shined out from her eyes beginning to move up and down scanning the building a few times before the light vanished. "I'm afraid that The Purple Dragons are already close to reaching the lab Ma'am however if you wish to catch up to them quickly."She spoke as Ann could hear the ding coming from an elevator door nearby. "According to the map of the building, this is the same elevator that Masters himself would take to reach the lab quickly if you'll give me a minute I can summon the elevator for you," Vicky said. "No time Vicky I'll just have to improvise," Ann replied beginning to run to the elevator cable and beginning to slide down it going deeper and deeper into the deep clutches of the tower. "Of course, I should have known you'd do things your way, Ma'am," Vicky said with a soft sigh before she vanished in a bright green light. Ann landed on the top of the elevator with a loud THUD. She quickly panicked hoping that the noise didn't attract anyone. She quickly began to open up the top hatch of the elevator jumping down onto the elevator itself. She quickly pulled the elevator's doors open now making her way into the main area of the lab. This place brought back memories for Ann since it was during one of her earliest adventures as The Crimson Rose while trying to dig up dirt on Vlad did she discover Dani. She closed her eyes remembering how afraid the shackled-up girl was when she entered the room afraid that It was Vlad ready to once again torment his daughter with his twisted experiments. She remembered taking Dani with her escaping the tower and giving Dani a life. It was still a secret she kept from her Aunt Maddie and Uncle Jack only Jazz was in on the situation since it was she who helped Vicky create the public records for Dani. She opened her eyes once she finished visiting memory lane. She looked around seeing that the lights in the place were still on. "Okay, if Vlad is gone why is this place still looking like it's running? Could he have had plans to keep this place operational if he was ever arrested? Did he know he was going to be arrested in the first place?"Ann wondered shaking these thoughts from her head as she then heard the sounds of what appeared to be whimpering. She noticed a door and as she made her way closer the whimpering got louder and louder. She slowly placed her hand on the doorknob twisting it as she slowly opened the door quietly doing her best to not bring any attention to herself. Standing in the distance in front of her were a group of scientists. "Well, it seems like with Vlad gone his minions are still working hope they're getting paid overtime for this," Ann whispered before firing her grappling hook and swinging up into the rafters above to watch just what was going on in the room. The Scientists huddled around a dog cage where a young mastiff pup was curled into a ball whimpering in fear as one stuck a needle filled with Master's ectoplasmic mutation serum into his body making him howl in pain and fear. "This injection should perfect our research for finally creating the strongest guard dogs in all of New Tek!"Said the scientist who had shot the pup who was now trembling as the serum began to fuse with his DNA causing his fur to change from a soft sand tan to a glowing ghostly green and triple in size. Ann's fists clenched tightly, experimenting on humans was one thing but doing it to animals was another thing. Ann was glad that Katie wasn't with her she would defiantly lose her cool considering she had been training to become a veterinarian before giving up to pursue her journalism career. But what she saw was enough to cause Ann to firmly clench her hands into fists. She leaped down from her spot landing behind the group slowly beginning to rise as she let her anger take over. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING TO THAT POOR DOG," Ann screamed with anger. The woman who Ann felt was the leader of the group quickly jumped back in surprise seeing Ann as the rest of her staff tried their best to calm the growing green dog. "How did you get in here?! This is a private building! Whatever! You need to get out of here now!" She shouted as the cage was torn to metal shreds the giant dog snarled and barked, its blazing red eyes filled with anger and rage as it spotted the humans in front of it as a threat. Ann ignored the woman's words walking past her and her scientists standing with her arms out looking at the dog. Remembering Katie's lessons on how to care for animals. "Hey there big guy, Look I know that you're upset and you probably wanna get back at these jerks for what they did to you but it's going to be fine. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you ever again you just have to trust me I'm not like them."Ann spoke in a kind voice. She reached into her pocket pulling out one of her cookies. She always kept a few on her in case of needing to make a quick escape from guard dogs or if she needed a snack. It was at this moment when from the corner of her eye that the group of scientists were trying to sneak away. They had hoped that the heroine would simply be too busy dealing with their latest project allowing them to escape. "Oh no, you don't! Did you think that I'm just going to let you get away?"Ann growled as she reached into her trusty utility belt pulling out a small round pink object of sorts before she simply flicked it at the group watching the round object begin to expand exploding quickly and trapping the scientists in a wad of what looked like pink bubble gum. "One of my Gum Bombs should do the trick and keep you jerks in place long enough for the police to arrive."She glared at them before turning back to look at the large dog that was still growling at his tormentors. "What do you think you're doing? Are you trying to reason with that thing? You're crazy!! That beast will tear you to shreds!" One of the scientists shouted as the dog continued to growl at her causing the scientist to cower more. "That is not a THING it's a dog one that you sickos decided to subject to who knows what and why? Because Masters told you to, is that it?"She spun around, eyes glaring more unleashing her inner Katie upon them. "We were only following orders."Another scientist spoke out, whimpering. "Oh is that so? Well, then I guess you won't mind if I follow orders of my own!."Ann seethed with rage as she walked over to the large chain that was connected to the dog's collar took out her Tech-Bo firing multiple blasts at the chain which caused the dog to cease its growling as it tilted his head to look at Ann who was beginning to work on breaking the chain. With a loud SNAP, the chain soon fell to the ground in two halves. Ann pulled her weapon away looking at the dog giving a smile. "You're free now boy," Ann said The Dog froze as he stared at Ann still growling lightly but they eventually became soft little whimpers. The Dog began to nudge his head into Ann's hands, his tongue soon sticking out as the anger the dog had inside began to slowly vanish thanks to this kind lady. Soon as he started to relax he began to shrink back to his usual size but unfortunately due to the serum, his fur stayed that eerie green colour. He happily wagged his tail and leaned against her legs as he covered her hand in slobber. "Alright boy settle down."She laughed picking up the dog while it kissed her. She finally offered the dog the cookie watching as it was quickly consumed after only two large bites. By now she had left the room with the dog in her arms. She stood in front of the door looking back at the group of scientists. "If I ever catch any of you experimenting on helpless animals again next time you won't be so lucky. Hopefully, some time in jail will make you think twice about doing so."Ann glared hearing the dog growl and bark in response almost as if it was trying to agree with Ann. She reached into her belt taking out two cans of spray paint creating a small rose with both cans before placing them back in her belt Ann soon placed the dog on the ground looking at it. "Now what do I do with you little guy? I obviously can't just leave you here by yourself. And who knows what will happen once, Ace and his Squad show you? I don't need you growing big and lashing out at them."Ann muttered as the Dog playfully began to tug at her cape pulling on it which caused a smile to crack across her face. She quickly scooped the dog up looking at the playful pup. "Well, I already have four pet turtles but one more pet isn't going to kill me plus Dani has been wanting a dog for some time now," Ann said as the Dog barked happily licking his new owner's nose before breaking free from her grip and vanishing in a swirl of green before reappearing this time floating beside Ann "Hu! You're just full of surprises aren't you little guy? Well, now that I think about it I'm gonna need to give you a name. I certainly can't just call you Ghost Dog 'cause that's a lame name."Ann said closing her eyes with thought. Her mind began to race back to a particular memory that Mellisa has shown both Ann and Melody one particular horror movie while Ann and Melody were extremely young. Her eyes opened up and she smiled at the dog. "I got it, The perfect name! I'll call you Cujo! Do you like that name boy?"Ann asked as Cujo the Ghost Dog happily barked licking Ann's face once again. "I guess I'll take that as a yes!"Ann began to laugh while being licked before long Cujo stopped vanishing again this time reappearing in front of Ann now big once again and boy was he growling. "Cujo what is it, boy?"Ann asked hearing a trio of voices. Cujo looked at Ann before vanishing once more. "Ah! Cujo where did you go? Okay, Ann just breathe and focus. You better make yourself scarce."She fired her grappling hook up at the rafters kneeling on one of the metal beams and looking down bellow "Hurry up you idiots the goods right this way just as he told us."The voice belonging to Hun the Purple Dragons leader barked at the rest of the group. "But boss are you sure we should be doing this?"One of the Dragons Members asked. "Look, I already told you, idiots, our mysterious benefactor is offering to pay us a mint if we can successfully nab the rest of Masters Ectoplasim Equipment," Hun said. "Mysterious Benefactor?"Ann muttered to herself leaning in a bit more. "Who exactly would want all of Vlad's equipment? That doesn't make any sense....Unless."Ann's eyes grew wide with fear. "Someone's trying to open up another portal to The Ghost Zone!"Ann said softly ready to pounce now that she figured out what The Purple Dragons were here for. She quickly dropped down landing successfully on top of one of the members. "Breaking into a place you guys don't belong at again Hun? Come on I thought you knew better since the last time we tangled I caught you guys trying to break into that pet store."The Crimson Rose announced heroically as she quickly jumped off the thug as the other members began to charge at her on Hub's orders. "Should have figured you'd show yourself sooner or later Crimson Rose. And I can assure you that after we make off with this score you'll never hear from us again."Hun replied joining in on the brawl and sending out one of his massive fists at Ann who quickly ducked. "Oh please, You've had way more chances than I've given most of my enemies to go straight. What do you need all of Vlad's equipment for hu? Who hired you? TELL ME!"Ann said as she began to brawl with the Dragons firing her grappling hook up into the air and moving out of the way as a member of the Dragons on each of her sides came running at her only to run smack dab into each other. "Grr, IDIOTS I'M SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS!"Hun screamed out as he slammed his fists to the ground causing a massive shake and nearly causing Ann to lose her footing but she was able to keep herself standing as she used her Tech-Bo to defend herself against the Purple Dragons. "Oh come on Hun don't tell me your getting mad that you're losing again!"The Crimson Rose grinned. "Not today Crimson Rose," Hun growled with anger as he grabbed the suitcase that one of the Dragons had been holding. He quickly ripped it open pulling out what looked like a large weapon of sorts a futuristic gun if you will. "It would seem that our mysterious benefactor's hunch about you intruding was right no matter though! they told us that this weapon would do the trick," Hun announced with glee in his voice turning the weapon on and firing three metal rings out that quickly before Ann was able to dodge opened up wrapping around Ann and keeping her chained up to the ground. "GAH! LET ME GO THIS INSTANT HUN!"The Crimson Rose yelled hearing Hun chuckle as he pressed a button on the gun which sent out a burst of electricity that surged through the rings electrocuting Ann in the process which of course caused her to scream in pain as Hun just laughed. "Finally, I've defeated The Crimson Rose," Hun replied before hearing the sounds of something growling behind him. He quickly turned around coming face to face with a very large Cujo who bared his teeth at Hun. "Cujo..."Ann was caught off by the return of the Ghost Dog as Cujo pounced directly on Hun drool and ectoplasmic slime dripped from his mouth as he grabbed the gun between his massive jaws crushing down on the weapon which deactivated the metal rings and freeing Ann who was still a bit weak from the shock she had received she could only watch as Hun and Cujo fought against each other however as the battle went on Cujo would begin to show signs of slowing down. His body began to shrink back to its normal pup size trying to scamper away as Hun grabbed him by his collar lifting the pup in front of him. "This is what I was scared of? Pathetic."Hun said tossing the dog at The Crimson Rose who quickly caught The Green Dog holding him. "Cujo are you okay boy?"Ann asked hearing Cujo whimper weakly but still having a bit of energy to be able to lick Ann's nose in response. "Good boy you did well."She said putting Cujo on the ground as the rest of the members began to recover from the brawl. "Well, it seems that for once we have you trapped Crimson Rose," Hun announced. The leader and the rest of The Purple Dragons began to laugh loudly pleased with what the group...well what Hun had accomplished when suddenly the sounds of glass breaking could be heard. The glass fell from above shattering into the ground as a figure dropped down from above. The figure in question was dressed in what looked to be some kind of brown armour. Their head was protected by a helmet preventing anyone from seeing who they were. "What the!"Krast one of the Purple Dragons looked shocked "Who the hell do you think you are!"Hun snapped sending a fist out only for the armoured person to grab it. "I'm The Nightwatcher."The mysterious person said twisting Hun's arm around. "Time to show you what a real Hero can do Crimson Rose."The masked figure said to the confused girl. "Great, just freaken great," Ann muttered feeling completely helpless.

After picking up a couple of slices of The Crimson Rose Special from The Run Of The Mill Pizzaria Ann made her way to a very familiar spot which was New Tek's Cemetery. She pushed open the creaking gate making her way in very slowly. She soon walked up to a large hill beginning to make her way up it before standing in front of a grave. "Hey Mom, I know it's been a while since I last came and saw you I'm sorry things have just been so busy with work and there's the situation about running the bar and my relationship problems," Ann said softly as she sat down near the tombstone that read Judith O'Neil Beloved: Beloved Mother and Wife. "Mind if I just sit here and enjoy my pizza and vent my frustrations Mom," Ann asked hearing the sounds of the wind blowing as leaves blew past her in response. "Thanks, Mom," Ann replied before she sat near her Mother's tombstone beginning to speak about recent events while she ate her pizza. "Then Sebastien just offers to let me recover at his Mansion completely out of the blue. There's something mysterious about him. I don't know what it is. Could I be falling in love with him? No that's crazy right Mom? I always thought it was going to be me and Katie. Part of me feels like I should try to repair our broken friendship but at the same time, I don't know...I trusted her and that article nearly destroyed everything that I've tried to do as The Crimson Rose. Mom, I'm so confused I don't know what I should do my heart feels like it's in a vice right now and with everything that's been happening the  vice tightens more and more."Ann softly spoke feeling a breeze blowing past her lifting her faintly up behind her. She remained silent for a minute before she finally replied. "Yeah,...Thanks, Mom."Ann said taking a bite of her third slice of pizza when her communicator went off she quickly accepted the incoming call. "Hello?"She said between bites of pizza. "Should have known you'd still be up, Let me guess patrolling the city now that you're free from the Hospital's clutches?"Katie's voice called out. "Oh, don't get me started Katie, I tell you sitting in that hospital bed was starting to drive me crazy," Ann replied. "Yeah, you're not known for sitting around and doing nothing."Katie giggled before she could hear Ann eating. "Lemme guess The usual from Run of The Mill?"She added. "Yep, just having a little snack and saying hi to Mom before calling it a night. Now, how come you're still up?"Ann asked. "Well, I'm still up cause I got to finish this article for the paper also calling you to let you know about an anonymous tip that I just received," Katie said. "What's the tip about?"Ann curiously asked. There was a brief moment of silence coming from Katie's end before she finally spoke. "The Purple Dragons are back in the city," Katie replied. Ann's heart froze nearly causing her to drop her slice of pizza. The Purple Dragons was a notorious group of thugs that once upon a time Ann's father Eric Jones used to belong to before he met Ann's Mother Judith who helped Eric turn his life around. "Where are they?"Ann said in a stern voice getting up from her spot holding her box of pizza and beginning to walk away from her Mother's tombstone and grave. "Ann, I don't know if your dad is part..."Katie said but was cut off by Ann. "Katie, tell me where they are! I don't care if Dad's with them or not but we both know that The Purple Dragons are bad news and if they are back in the city then that means they are after something. Now I need to find them and stop them before it's too late."Ann said. Katie again stayed silent taking a deep breath and holding her cell phone in her hand tightly with one hand petting her adorable white pet bunny Mr. Hops. "My source told me that they were last seen breaking into Masters Tower. Ann please me that The Police raided his building and confiscated all of his weird Ectoplasm gadgets and other creepy things."Katie said. "No, Ace told me that the police force is still fighting with Mayor Kintobor who's trying to claim that Vlad is still an innocent man," Ann replied. "Ann, if they get their hands on.."Katie said. "They won't I won't let them, I'll call you back once I've dealt with them. You can then call the police."Ann spoke looking back at her Mom's grave. "Alright just...be careful alright? You just got out of the hospital and....I don't wanna have to see you laying back in a hospital bed."Katie said. It was Ann's turn to finally stay silent for a bit before hearing Katie calling out. "Ann? Are you still there?"Katie asked. "Yeah," She finally responded. "Sorry, Katie but I gotta get going if I wanna catch them in the act...It...it was nice talking to you like this reminded me of how we used to work together like this before we split up," Ann said. "Y.Yeah, it was fun for me too...Okay, I better get going Dustin will be back soon don't want him catching his fiancé talking to her ex-girlfriend."Katie said. "Y.Yeah we wouldn't want that now would we?"Ann muttered softly doing her best to hide the pain in her voice before saying goodbye and hanging up on Katie. She took one last bite of the slice of pizza remaining quickly discarding the box in the properer spot before putting her communicator away. She then made her way back to her Mom's spot kissing her two fingers before placing them on the tombstone. "Sorry Mom, looks like I gotta go take care of Dad's old gang. I promise I won't hurt Hun much this time."She smiled softly before taking her Grappling Hook out and firing it onto a nearby gargoyle statue swinging herself out from the graveyard and to Masters Tower she went swinging.