When Cinderella Leaves(Alex,Will//Dylan)

They spent the entire afternoon scouring the shops for just the right dress. Alex didn’t really like any of them, feeling that they were much too revealing but both Nelly and Ran insisted that only a dress would do. They did give in and allow for a dress with complete back coverage; Alex didn’t want everybody gawking at her scarred back. After finally finding the “perfect” dress, they whisked the cowgirl away to a beauty salon to have something done with her hair. She didn’t see what all the fuss was about but by the time the stylist was done, even Alex had to admit that she liked the new look.

Before long the clock in the sitting room began to chime announcing that the hour had arrived for the “big date.” Nelly flitted around Alex, smoothing her dress, fluffing her hair, and adding just a “touch of make up to bring out your features.” The young girl remained silent during the ordeal, allowing the sweet lady to have fun. She knew that the proprietor had taken an emotional attachment to her, thinking of her more as a daughter than a guest. She really didn’t mind too much, it was kind of nice having a mother figure around again after all of these years.

“Hello!? Miss Nelly?” called Will from the kitchen; he always used the kitchen door out of habit from his deliveries.

Nelly bustled into the kitchen unable to hide her beaming smile. She had taken a position by the counter so that she could see Will’s first expression when the young girl made her appearance. Alex entered the familiar room as if the wind had carried her. The sunlight coming in through the windows silhouetted her slender frame giving her an ethereal glow. Nelly took her eyes off of the lovely vision to sneak a peak at Will who stood with his mouth hanging open. Feeling pleased with the results she gave herself a mental pat on the back.

“Wow!!” Uttered Will as he finally found his voice again, “You look beautiful.” Alex’s cheeks turned a bright red and she muttered a thanks. She felt way too done up but trusted Nelly’s judgment. Extending his arm the two young people left the house strolling arm in arm up the street. “I’ve got to pick up the car from a friend of mine; he just lives around the corner. I hope you don’t mind the walk.”

Alex smiled at the boy’s awkwardness but decided that she couldn’t stand feeling this uncomfortable with him all evening. Stopping in her tracks she turned to face Will who was looking at her baffled. “Look, Will, I know I look a little different but it’s still the same old me.” Hiking up her dress she revealed her black cowboy boots which brought a round of laughter from both of them. Having succeeded in breaking the ice, they continued on their walk behaving like the friends that they were.

It wasn’t long after acquiring the vehicle that Alex found herself standing in front of a large ornate building. She brought a shaking hand up to her throat as she forced herself to breath. Never had she seen such a lovely building, much less been inside of one. Reading the uncertainty on her face, Will gently took her hand in his and guided her through the large glass doors that had been opened for them.

Alex let out an audible gasp upon entering the lobby. Will stood still, allowing her to take in the beautiful Hotel Grande. The highly polished marbled floors reflected the light causing the place to literally sparkle. She watched the glass and gold elevators move up and down disappearing from view after the forth floor. She craned her neck to see the gold trimmed cathedral ceiling. “This is beautiful, Will.” The boy smiled, this was exactly the effect that he was hoping the place would have on her.

Placing her hand on his forearm, he escorted her to a room at the far end of the lobby where soft piano music issued forth. “Good evening.” Greeted the matre de, “Will there be only the two of you dining with us tonight.” Will confirmed this in an unnaturally deep voice and the two of them were quickly seated at a square cherry wood table in the middle of the room. Handing over the menu and reciting the soup and wine of the day, the tall gentleman left them alone.


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Dylan wasn’t surprised that a few of the idiots were late; he had actually calculated this into his plans. However, what he was not prepared for was a phone call from Riddles saying that he couldn’t guarantee that the cops wouldn’t show up. Dylan was more than ready to throw in the towel, after all he didn’t care about the neighborhood either way, but Riddles offered more money. Even Dylan had his price. He agreed to go along with the plan on one condition, that he would not be on sight, he would have to trust the hired thugs to follow through with the orders on their own – something he doubted they were capable of doing.

At a quarter to seven they left Red Lantern Alley heading for their intended target. Dylan shook his head in exasperation as he listened to the childish banter of the men. He knew without a doubt that none of them would live to see the rising of the sun.


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They hit the street like a pack of wild animals, screaming and shouting profanities, grabbing women on the sidewalk and harassing them, throwing rocks through store windows and bashing cars with bats. Pandemonium broke out in the peaceful neighborhood until Sam fired his rifle into the air catching the attention of the residents.

“Listen, this is what we have been training for,” his voice carried into the street as a throng of people gathered around for guidance. “Get your weapons, man your stations, and proceed as we have practiced.” With military precision, the crowd dispersed in order to prepare for battle. Nobody even noticed that Alex and Will were missing.