A light flickered above, briefly showing the tall, grinning form of Black Hat. Like an idiot, Muggs shakily aimed his gun at him. Black Hat simply shook his head with a tsk as he snapped his fingers. Muggs cried out in pain as both his wrists suddenly twisted around with a sickening crack, forcing him to drop the gun.

"As I said," Black Hat growled, turning his one, glowing red eye towards Juarez, "release my partner, or else your partner's legs are next!"

Nodding frantically, Juarez let go of Lita. Despite her hands being cuffed behind her back, she raced over to Black Hat, crying tears of joy. His arms opened welcomingly.

"Cariño!" she whispered, nestling her head into his chest.

"My apologies for taking so long, darling," Black Hat said, turning the cuffs to dust as he held her close. "The traffic was murder."

As she returned his embrace, Lita wondered why he was being so affectionate in front of these civilians. Hugging her and running his claws through her hair was one thing, but calling her "his partner" and "darling" loud enough for them to hear? She didn't mind it, but it was curious after months of him insisting they keep their relationship on the downlow.

"I don't know if you've heard, gentlemen," Black Hat said, angling Lita away from the cops, "but I don't take kindly to those who mishandle what is mine!"

Feeling his body begin to transform around her, Lita looked over at the terrified people. Muggs was on the floor, cradling his broken wrists. Juarez had his arm shielding Donna, who were both shaking.

"Wait!" Lita said, touching Black Hat's cheek. "Don't hurt them!"

His eye stopped glowing as he looked down at her in confusion.

"Hold on a moment!" Donna cried. "Your boyfriend is Black Hat?!"

"Yeah," Lita said with a small laugh. "I may have left out that little detail." She turned back to Black Hat. "Donna here was just trying to help me. Look!" She held up her hands. "She even tended to my wounds and gave me food and let me use her phone to call you! She only called the police cuz she thought I was in danger! You shouldn't punish her for that!"

Black Hat glanced sideways at Juarez. "And the policemen?"

"Well…" Lita looked at them in contemplation. "Honestly, they were kind of thinking of handing me over to you anyway, and they technically didn't hurt me. And I think you did enough with that guy's hands there."

"Uh-huh!" Mugs whimpered with a nod.

"They still had you cuffed," Black Hat said through his teeth.

"Please, mi amor?" Lita said with a pout, gently turning his face towards her. "Save your anger for the people who kidnapped me, will you?"

He inhaled sharply as her other hand ran teasingly along the buttons of his vest. Oh, he had missed her touch! She was honestly amazed he was acting so vulnerable with people watching. Had something changed while she was away?

"Well…" Black Hat smiled fondly as he took her hand off his cheek. "If you say so, my dear." He looked back at Donna and Juarez. "You have done my Lita a great service. For that, you shall be rewarded."

A snap of his fingers caused two black briefcases to appear in Donna's and Juarez's hands. They looked down at their gifts questioningly.

"As I said, I never go back on my promises," Black Hat said, glancing sideways at Lita.

Donna was the first to open her briefcase. Her jaw dropped at the wads of cash packed neatly inside!

"But I…?" she shook her head. "What?"

"You were all aware of the reward, weren't you?" Black Hat said gesturing towards them. "Well, here you are! Five million pesos each!" He turned to Juarez, who was dumbfounded. "Feel free to check their authenticity! Counterfeiting's not particularly my style."

"Hey!" Muggs cried. "What about me?!"

Ignoring him, Black Hat started leading Lita out the door. "For my Lita's sake, I won't kill any of you, but if you even attempt to follow us," he said, his eye turning red again, "I just might change my mind."

Lita pointed to Muggs. "Feel free to call an ambulance for him, though!"

In truth, she didn't care what happened to Muggs. If his partner split the money with him, so be it. But in her opinion, a cop willing to trade his suspect in for money didn't deserve a reward.

As the couple stepped out, Black Hat waved his claw to fix the massive hole he'd made in the wall. The hearse was parked outside. The door opened automatically and Lita slid in, followed by her lover.

"Home, please," Black Hat told the car as he shut the door.

Once they started moving, Lita and Black Hat immediately threw their arms back around each other. More tears fell from her eyes as she pressed her lips to his. Black Hat didn't object, but ran his ungloved claws all over her and inhaled her lovely scent, as if to make sure she was really there.

"Oh, Lita," he muttered against her mouth. "My Adelita."

"Cyrus!" Lita breathed, breaking the kiss so that she could bury her face in his chest. "I was starting to think I'd never see you again! I was so scared! I didn't…I didn't think—"

"Shh, shh," Black Hat whispered, combing his claw through her hair. "It's alright now, my darling. I'm here."

But as he took in the sight of her, he finally noticed the small cuts on her arms, as well as the bandages on her hands and shoulder. Pulling away slightly, he saw the enormous bruise on her cheek.

"But what…what's happened to you?" His blood boiled in fury. "Who hurt you?!"

As cute as it was seeing him act all overprotective, recalling what she'd been through caused Lita to hang her head in shame.

"It was…Paulo," she said. "Oh, Cyrus, I feel so stupid! When he came to my house raving about taking me somewhere safe, I didn't think he'd have chloroform on him!"

"So it was him." Black Hat gritted his teeth together. "We all thought he had something to do with your disappearance!"

"How did you even know I was missing?"

"It was Flug and Dr. Espinosa who figured it out, actually. But never mind that." He lightly touched her bruise. "Did Paulo do this to you?"

Lita then went on to explain everything that had happened. From Paulo kidnapping her, to his so-called heroic associates, to her escape, to her arriving at the diner. Black Hat listened quietly, trying to contain the anger that grew with every word.

"And that's when you came in," Lita said, leaning back into her seat as she finished.

"You did all that?" Black Hat asked in amazement. "Cut yourself free, knock out one of your captors, sneak out of the house and hike your way through the woods, all on your own?"

She nodded. "Well, to be honest, if White-Eye hadn't had that change of heart at the last minute, I wouldn't have gotten out of there alive."

"White-Eye?" He muttered under his breath. "So there is another one."

"You know her?" Lita asked.

"I knew her mother. And her grandfather." He closed his claw over his monocle. "And every single White-Eye before her."

"She told me you slaughtered them. And that one of them took your eye."

"I should've known that last one had a child hidden somewhere." Black Hat huffed. "But I'll deal with her later." He took Lita's hands in hers. "This is my fault. I shouldn't have let you out of my sight!"

"Cyrus," she said, touched by his passionate tone, "you couldn't have predicted this. And hey, I escaped, didn't I?"

"You shouldn't have had a reason to escape from anything!" He shook his head. "I would've checked on you sooner, but I thought you would've needed space after our disagreement and your father's passing! I could've stopped—"

She silenced him with a peck on the lips. "If that's the reason, you did nothing wrong. We can't change what happened, but look on the bright side. We're together again, aren't we?"

Running his thumbs over her bandages, he muttered, "Yes. Yes, we are." One claw rose to her face. "Oh, mi amor, how I've missed you."

He kissed her again, pulling her closer. Lita moaned in agreement, hooking her arm around his neck. But when his claw touched her thigh, she stiffened in alarm.

"What's the matter?" he asked, breaking the kiss.

"Nothing," Lita said, glancing down at his claw on her thigh. "I mean…"

Her uneasiness confused him. He was certain he hadn't done anything to upset her this time. He knew she had gone through a lot, but why would she be upset over him kissing her?

"I, uh…" She gently removed his claw from her thigh. "It's not that I don't…I mean…" She closed her eyes. "I might need a little time before we can—"

"Are you still angry with me?" Black Hat asked worriedly.

"No! It has nothing to do with you, but…"

As she began shaking under his touch, Black Hat's eye widened as he came to a revolting conclusion.

"Did…?" He retracted his other claw from her face. "Did that Paulo…touch you?"

Lita tightened her legs together. "He…he tried to…but I kicked him. But he…he did…kiss me and…"

She glanced down at her lap. Scowling, Black Hat snarled in disgust.

"I'll kill him!"

"I won't stop you," Lita muttered. "I know…how much you missed the two of us…" She gestured between them. "But…it's still fresh in my memory, and…I don't wanna be thinking about…"

He folded his claws onto his lap. "I understand, my dear. I won't touch you again until you're ready."

Lita's heart swelled at how considerate he was being. He had really come a long way since they'd first met.

Suddenly, the hearse pulled to a stop. "Destination cannot be reached."

"What the devil?" Black Hat rolled down the window and poked his head out.

Lita looked out the other window and saw that there was a pile of flaming cars blocking the road. In the distance, she could hear sirens, and see costumed villains throwing debris all around, causing fires and waving around weapons of all sorts.

"So, uh," Lita said, turning to her partner, "what exactly happened while I was gone?"

"I may have," Black Hat said, clearing his throat, "put out a reward for your safe return."

"That explains things." She jumped as a flaming mailbox landed close to the window. "Donna mentioned there were villains tearing up the streets looking for me. But those cops said something about me…being your 'girl?'"

"Oh. That." He pulled on the collar of his shirt. "Well, in my haste to locate you, I may have also…broadcasted the news of your disappearance to the entire island and…declared my undying love for you?"

Lita blinked. "But…I thought you wanted to keep our relationship under wraps? For my own safety?"

"Yes, but…well, you were already missing and…" He met her gaze. "I figured the best way to protect you was to let everyone know how much you mean to me and…how far I would go for you." He chuckled darkly. "More importantly, that I would incinerate anyone who would dare harm you." He frowned. "You're not…upset, are you?"

"That you finally admitted to the whole world that you love me and would do anything to protect me?" Smiling, she took his claw. "Cyrus, how could I be upset about that?"

She was leaning forward when a crash from outside reminded them both of the chaos surrounding them.

"Though you've already found me," she said, glancing nervously outside. "Don't you think you should get these guys to stop before they sink the island?"

Normally, Black Hat would've stood back and let the chaos unfold. However, Lita had a point. If he left these out-of-control villains to their own devices, there'd be nothing left for him to rule over. Besides, he could never deny a request from his beloved, especially now that he had her back.

Telling a bunch of money-crazed, bloodthirsty villains to stop, on the other hand, was not a simple task. But he had an idea of how he could get their attention.

"Well, darling," Black Hat said, opening side door, "it looks like we'll be walking the rest of the way."

As he got out, Lita asked, "Wouldn't it be quicker if you just teleported us the—HERE?!"

She cried out as she was suddenly lifted into his arms. Slamming the door with his foot, Black Hat began carrying Lita bridal-style down the street.

"Q-Querido," she said, throwing her arms around his neck to keep herself from falling. "This…this isn't necessary! I'm capable of walking by myself, you know!"

"I'm aware," Black Hat said softly, keeping his gaze ahead. "You'll see. This way's more efficient."

"Efficient how?! When you can snap your fingers and take us to—?"

"Just look around you, my dear."

Quieting down, Lita did as she was told. On the other side of the street, a big, burly man in a black ski mask was about to bash in a car with a club. As soon as he caught sight of the couple, he dropped the club behind him. Then Lita saw a masked villain holding a police officer by the shirt. Upon seeing Black Hat, he set the officer gently down.

All around them, criminals were ceasing their illegal activities and staring at the couple with their mouths agape. Some of them whispered to each other, and Lita could only guess what they were saying. She looked up at the demon, who was sending warning glares in every direction.

Then she understood her lover's reasoning. This was his way of stopping the carnage, by letting all the villains see that he had found Lita. But also, by carrying her in such a fashion, Black Hat was making a statement. That the woman in his arms was his, and that he didn't care what anyone else thought! His one eye dared for anyone to take her from him!

He wanted everyone to know that Lita was more than just a henchgirl or a plaything. More importantly, he wanted Lita to know that he was serious about this relationship. There would be no more hiding for them. She was his choice. If anyone had a problem with that, he would see to it that they were put out of their misery.

Lita should've been put off by this possessive behavior. And yet, she couldn't help but be touched that he was finally being open about his feelings. Not just to her, but to the whole world! To think he had risked his credibility, his reputation, his business, just so he could get her back.

Feeling safe for the first time in days, Lita rested her head on his shoulder, and the two of them remained in comfortable silence the rest of the way home.

The minute Black Hat stepped through the door with Lita in his arms, they were bombarded by everyone else.

"What the hell happened?!" Dementia cried.

"Where does it hurt?!" Flug demanded, glancing at her bandages.

"Bruh-huh!" 5.0.5. exclaimed, opening his arms in preparation for a group hug.

"GET BACK, YOU PARASITES!" Black Hat shouted, his booming voice sending them backward. "Can't you see she's been through enough?!"

"It's okay, dear," Lita said, smiling from his defensive display. "I'm glad to see you all again, and I promise I'll answer all your questions soon, but right now I'm really tired."

"And you should rest at once," Black Hat said. "Flug, send Dr. Espinosa to Lita's room! She has injuries that need tending to!"

When Andi arrived in Lita's room, Black Hat insisted upon staying by his beloved's side. Andi allowed it, since Lita's injuries weren't life-threatening and he promised he wouldn't be too much of a distraction. Donna had done a good job bandaging the hands, and it seemed Lita's captors hadn't been so cruel as to leave her shoulder wound to get infected. As she did her work, Andi explained how she and Flug had uncovered the truth about Paulo. Lita was absolutely horrified.

"So…it wasn't the cancer that killed my papi, but…Paulo?"

"I'm afraid so," Andi said with a sad nod. "We think it was so you could get out of your contract early. Once your dad was gone, Paulo took the opportunity to get you out of town."

Lita balled up her bedsheets in her hand. "I should've done more than just knock him out! Kidnapping me was one thing, but to think he'd actually…to my papi!" Tears came to her eyes. "Papi trusted him! Treated him like his own son!"

"I know, my love," Black Hat said, taking her hand in his claws. "I swear I'll see that you are avenged."

"Avenged." Lita's fury slowly turned into fear. "Black Hat, there's…something I forgot to mention."

She glanced sideways at Andi, who quickly got the message.
"Don't worry, I'm almost finished," she said, clipping the bandage on Lita's shoulder. "Do you think you'll need me staying here a few more days?"

Lita shrugged. "I mean…it's not as serious as when I was shot, but—"

"Oh, don't be so stubborn, my dear!" Black Hat exclaimed suddenly. "After all, we ought to make sure nothing else is amiss! It would be prudent if we had Dr. Espinosa remain a couple more days!" He flashed the redhead a toothy grin. "I'm certain Dr. Flug would be elated by the idea!"

Blushing, Andi pushed her glasses up her nose. "Well, err…if you insist, Mr. Black Hat."

"That'll be all, for now." He waved her off. "Why don't you go find Flug and he'll fix you up some breakfast?"

Embarrassed to show her reddening face, Andi rushed out of the room. Lita raised an eyebrow at her partner.

"What was that all about?"

"It seems Flug and his old flame have decided to…reconnect," Black Hat said, sounding like a proud father.

Her eyes widened. "And you're okay with that?"

"Why not?" He slowly lifted her hand. "I've recently discovered that there are certain…benefits for a villain to have a lover."

As he gently kissed her bandaged knuckles, Lita giggled. "Always knew you were a romantic at heart." Then she frowned. "But Cyrus, there's something important I have to tell you. About that ninja, White-Eye."

"Ah, yes," Black Hat growled, covering his monocle. "In hindsight, she and those other two were the heroes Metauro hired me to take care of. If I had paid attention to what he'd been saying sooner—"

"Never mind that now. But White-Eye, she…she read my mind somehow. And when she mentioned this sai that belonged to her family, I…" She winced. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but think it!"

The demon's expression darkened. "She saw me show it to you."

She nodded. "I'm so sorry. You trusted me with your greatest secret, and I let her see!"

"You had no way of knowing her abilities," he said, stroking her hand assuredly. "I should've told you more of the Order of the White Eye. I didn't, because I thought I'd wiped them all out. The last one was so young I hadn't even considered the thought that she'd have a child."

"But the thing is she caught me when I was in the middle of escaping, but she let me go." Lita looked up at the canopy of her bed. "She said she didn't want you to come after her or her 'brothers.' Captain Current and Sir Voltage, I mean. I want to repay her for helping me, but if she knows about the sai—"

"I can always move it somewhere safer." Black Hat cupped her cheek. "For your sake, I will not eliminate her just yet."

"You sure?" Lita shook her head. "Cyrus, I couldn't ask you to put yourself at risk for—"

"She aided in your escape. I can give her this much lenience. However, should she decide to confront me, you realize I will have no choice?"

She nodded in understanding, amazed by how compromising he was being.

"And what of the others?" Black Hat asked. "How lenient would you like me to be with them?"

Lita took a moment to think about it. "I'm not mad at Captain Current and Sir Voltage. I don't think they even wanted to kidnap me in the first place. Knowing Paulo, he probably blackmailed them like he did me. But Paulo…"

Her voice caught in her throat as she began to shake. "I…I can never forgive him for what he did! What he did to me, what he did to my father!" Her hand flew to her lips as she recalled his forceful kiss. "I…I never…I never felt so helpless in my entire life!"

"Shh, shh," Black Hat said, taking her into a soothing embrace. "He can't harm you anymore, my love. Not while I'm here." He carefully laid her back. "You just rest up and let me take care of it."

Lita locked gaze with him as he pulled the covers over her. "What are you gonna do?"

Chuckling, he kissed her forehead. "You'll see."

Once Lita had fallen asleep, Black Hat quietly stepped out of her bedroom. He nearly jumped when he discovered Flug, Dementia and 5.0.5. waiting outside. The bear held a "Welcome Home" cake.

"H-How is she?" Flug asked.

"She's resting," Black Hat said bluntly. "She's not in an emotional state to be taking visitors at the moment." He glanced at 5.0.5. "Or cake."

The bear moaned sadly, his flower drooping.

"Where are the goons who took her?!" Dementia demanded, pounding her fists together. "Tell me where they are so I'll clobber 'em!"

"Quiet!" Black Hat hissed, glancing back at Lita's door. "Actually, I'm glad you're all here. I have a very important task for you three."

They went into his office to discuss the matter. Black Hat then relayed what Lita had told him about the heroes who'd assisted in kidnapping her. He left out the details regarding the magical sai, and White-Eye being the descendent of the one who'd taken his eye. But he described all the heroes' powers so that his crew could be prepared.

"Aren't these the same heroes Metauro—?" Flug started to say.

"Yes, yes!" Black Hat barked angrily. "Thank you for stating the obvious, Flug!"

"So, you want us to take these guys out?" Dementia asked, jumping up and down excitedly. "Oh, goodie, goodie! I've always wanted to fight a kunoichi!"

Flug raised an eyebrow. "A what?"

"Female ninja! Duh!" She huffed. "Don't ya watch anime, doc?"

"Don't take them out quite yet," Black Hat said.

They all looked at him in confusion.

"But boss," Flug said, "didn't you want to punish Lita's kidnappers?"

"Yes." Sighing, Black Hat placed his claws behind his back as he began pacing. "However, since White-Eye assisted in Lita's escape, Lita requested that I leave the three heroes be for the time being." He gritted his teeth. "I do not like the idea either, but I…cannot refuse her."

"Wow." Dementia blinked. "That girl's really made ya a wuss, hasn't she?"

Flug elbowed her in the ribs. Black Hat chose to ignore her comment.

"That Paulo Blanco, however," he said, swishing around to face his minions, "she has no sympathy for. As you know, that man orchestrated the death of her father in order to liberate Lita from her contract." He flexed his claws as his frustration grew. "Not only did he take her against her will, but he had the audacity to…to…have his way with her!"

That got everyone's attention.

"He did what?!" Flug and Dementia cried simultaneously.

"Lita managed to stop his attempts," Black Hat seethed, "but he sought to…defile her! My Lita!"

There were very few things that could motivate all four of them at once. For a long time, one of those things had been Lita. Their comrade, their friend, their family. And like Black Hat, while Flug and Dementia were not opposed to evil, they were not fans of sexual assault!

"Why that jerky…jerk-face!" Dementia pounded her fists together. "When I get my hands on him, I'll tear him limb from limb! And eat those limbs! And let him watch!"

"I'll cut open his stomach," Flug said, clenching his fingers in a claw-like manner, "and let him know how it feels to have someone play around with his body without his permission!"

"Bruh!" 5.0.5. shouted, throwing his arms in the air. This translated to, "I'll give him undercooked pasta!"

"So we're all in agreement, then," Black Hat said, his tone slightly approving. "The man must die."

"You want us to go," Flug said, taking out a ray gun, "take care of him, sir?"

"Not quite yet." He held up his claw. "Bring him here first. Alive. Remember, ignore the others, unless they should prevent you from reaching your target."

The three of them saluted. Even Dementia looked quite serious.

"Inform me once you have him in custody," Black Hat said, his coat swishing as started towards the exit.

"You're not coming with us, sir?" Flug asked.

The demon stopped. "Someone has to remain here with Lita."

As much as he wanted to personally take care of Paulo, after almost losing Lita, Black Hat wasn't quite ready to leave her side for too long. He didn't admit this, but his minions understood. Revenge wasn't the priority, Lita was.

Besides, he didn't think he could abide by her request not to kill the three heroes if he went along.

I know some of you were upset by the death of Ricardo. I really didn't want to kill him, but I realized it was necessary for Lita's character arc. That she needed to learn to separate herself from her father and become her own person.

I know this is short, but I wanted to leave the fluff in here and the...well, you'll see.