A Double Take of Revenge
The Conclusion: The Extreme Showdown

In the training room of the Magic Express, Darlena noticed a huge trunk. "Hmm, must be a part of Cooper's act next Wednesday. Maybe I could give this thing a try and see if I can get out of it. Only problem is, I can't find any volunteers to help me, and Cooper's busy on the comp. I still can't understand why he called me Angela Jacobs when he arrived home. And what's with the computer? He needs to be practicing for the show. Nah, maybe it's nothing."
The imposter Ace was in the main computer room finishing the reprogramming of Angel. "Now I'm in total control of Angel, and no one will be able to get past the defenses, period. At last, I'll be famous." Giving a rather evil grin, he let out a small snicker of victory. Just then, he realized the one other person who could learn about him. "Darlena," he whispered angrily. "I have to get her out of the Express. Fame and fortune are to be mine and mine alone. I will not share the wealth with anyone. The problem is how to get rid of her."
Meanwhile, Victor Raven and Angela Jacobs were on the way to the Magician's home to stop the imposter, hopefully with help from Darlena, who still did not have any idea about the phoney Ace.
Victor drove his car with Angie in the passenger seat. "Angie, you okay right now?" he asked.
The female magician answered, "Yeah…as okay as I could be. I wish I had an easier answer."
"I know. Something like this is risky, but like you said, we've got to take it, or Ace loses his life."
"That's the one thing I don't want happening. I'll risk my life to save his if need be."
"I understand. You'll do anything for those closest to you."
"Sorry if I've dragged you into this mess." Angie put her face down.
Victor held her hand. "Angie, don't blame yourself for what's happening. No one would have easily known the double and Darlena both escaping from prison. Thanks to the news, though, we've got a lot of information on both of them. We'll stop them both and save Ace. Just have confidence."
Victor's right, Angie, said the darker voice. You did get the info you needed about them, and you know they have invaded the Magic Express. Now it's entirely up to you to stop Darlena Lowland and the imposter posing as Ace Cooper. The nerve of that man, impersonating the best magician in the world just for the purpose of being rich.
No kidding, Angie responded. How dare he do something this low. I'll see to it he doesn't try this stupid stunt ever again.
You're very clever right now, trying so hard to keep your cool and remain focused on the situation. You will slip soon enough, though. And when that happens—
Please, don't remind me, okay? We are still under a truce right now, remember?
Okay, okay. No more pushing it.
I appreciate that.
Just one thing, though. How are you going to convince Darlena that Ace isn't Ace at all?
Simple…I tell her the truth.
If she doesn't believe you?
We'll just have to wait and see. There's not much more I can do at the moment.
Hmm, true. Very true. We'll have to play this by ear and let things fall as they may. How much longer before reaching the Magic Express?
About 10 minutes. Vega and the others will leave at that moment from the Raven home and get over to the Express. I just hope he can make the captain understand the gist of this wild situation.
If we both know Friedrichs, he'll be furious with the lieutenant. Typically stupid as usual.
Can't expect too much help from him, anyway.

At the Raven estate, Cosmo started growing very impatient. "Why does time have to go so slow right now? Angie and Victor may be in serious trouble right now, and there isn't a thing we can do!"
Miss LeSage tried to calm him down. "Take it easy, Cosmo. We're all losing patience over this, but it's Angie's plan. I think it will work. We just have to time it exactly right."
"Ten more minutes," said a nervous Mona. "I'm going to head to Vega's car to check on Ace."
"Sure thing, Mona, go ahead."
She went to see Ace, still asleep in the back of Vega's car and ready to go when it was time. Taking hold of his hand, she spoke sadly. "Ace, I know we've had ups and downs in our relationship, but…please…please don't die. My father may not be able to stand you, and I did shut you out for a long time after that horrible battle. What I want to say is…my heart is yours, and I truly love you, Ace Cooper. I…don't want to lose you now, not after all the struggles we've been through together. Most of us have had fractured family lives, but you never knew your parents at all. It's not fair to you. You are the one who has been there for me all these years. Please, you must pull through this. I have faith in you, and I love you." She then started shedding tears.
Inside the home, Vega found the nearest telephone and contacted his superior. "Captain, both fugitives are at the Magic Express. The real Ace Cooper is here and very sick."
"Are you certain about that, Vega?" asked Friedrichs. "How do you know the Ace with you isn't the imposter, and what about this Darlena Lowland character?"
"We have to go…on hunches right now."
"Hunches? Give me a break, Vega! I want you and LeSage back here at headquarters immediately!"
"Captain…if Ace doesn't get that antidote, he's a dead man!"
"He's always been trouble, so maybe it's better off."
Why you— Vega angrily thought. "You know, Friedrichs, if Cooper dies, you may get faced with a lawsuit from Sensa-News, since he is under contract with them."
That made the captain gulp with nerves. "A…a lawsuit? Oh, um, well, in that case, um, what do you want to do?"
"Send four police cars over to the Magic Express within one hour. By then, we hope both fugitives will be under control."
"Very well, Vega. I'll get the four sets of units over there in an hour. You'd…you'd better be right about this."
"Look, I'm leaving this in the hands of some capable individuals. Just relax."
"All right. It's your collar." Friedrichs turned on his intercom. "Attention. I want four units to be at the Magic Express in one hour. It is believed the two escaped prisoners are hiding out there."
"We'll be there in an hour," said one of the officers.
"It's done, Vega. Just, don't let them sue me."
"Don't worry, Captain. I'll make sure your reputation is safe." After hanging up the phone, he said to himself, "I can't believe he fell for that 'lawsuit' gag. He's so gullible."
Michael could not help in hearing about it. "Guess you pulled a fast one on ol' Friedrichs, huh?"
"Had to. With Ace's life on the line, you know how he is."
"Not the smartest, I know. I think it may be best for me to stay here at home for now. Just try to keep things under control around here."
"Good idea, Mike. After all, we don't need to be accompanied by constant jokes."
"Ha ha, very funny." Michael then left and went up to the balcony. Angie, Victor, please be careful. I don't want to lose two people I care about so much.
Vega then went out to the car and saw Mona holding Ace's hand. "Poor Mona. She still trusts him and loves him, even after everything they've been through together."
He calmly walked up to her. "You all right?"
"Trying, Vega, just trying right now."
"I just hope Angie's plan will work."
"It must work," Mona said with concern. "If it doesn't…"
Vega put his hand on her shoulder. "We've got to have faith," he said in reassurance. "Angie's a bright young woman. Her plan will work." I hope.

Back at the Express, Darlena started growing impatient with Ace spending too much time on the computer. She then left the practice room and stormed into the computer room. "Cooper? What are you still doing here? We need to get our practice in!"
He turned and faced her angrily. "You listen to me, Darlena. I am in charge of the Magic Express, and I won't have you telling me what to do in my own home! Go practice outside now!"
"No way, Cooper! If I'm going to be your apprentice, I need you to be helping me."
"Then you do as your told! Do I make myself clear!?" He then rubbed his nose and sniffled again.
"Yeah, whatever."
"Now, why don't you go get some fresh air outside, around the area of the Express?"
"Fine with me." Darlena left the room and eventually got out the door of the Magician's home to practice in the comfortable air. "Ahhh, it feels so good not to breathe the stench of prison air." She then started working on her magic.
Inside, though, the imposter watched her very closely. "I was hoping she'd finally get out of this place. Now to lock her out completely." He started programming the computer to make certain Darlena would not have access to the Magic Express ever again.
Minutes later, Victor parked his car four blocks away from the tunnel leading to the Express and quickly exited the vehicle with Angie.
"Okay," said the female magician, "now we just have to walk through the tunnel, and we'll get there."
"Right. You sure the defenses won't work when we're just walking around?"
"Well, according to Cosmo, Angel's supposed to have a failsafe system where she won't fire on unarmed individuals. If that double's fooled around with the system, though, it may be a different story." She then turned to Victor. "Listen, this is your last chance to turn back. If you decide to come with me, it's basically the point of no return."
"I'm willing to risk it. I'm going with you. Let's move because every second counts."
"Vega and the others should be leaving in the next four minutes. We'd better get things under way now, or the plan's going to fail."
"It won't fail. I know it'll work." I have to believe in the plan. I know she's trying to keep that darkness at bay, but…I just hope she'll be okay.
Angie continued walking forward with eyes of determination when she heard that darker voice again. You sure you're ready to face this?
I have to be. I'll do anything to save my friend.
Very well, but it won't be in easy waters.
Getting what is needed can be more of a challenge than some think at times. Now we have to be ready for anything.
The pair soon came up to the tunnel and were about to walk through when they suddenly found themselves being blasted by something.
"What's going on!?" Victor yelled.
Angie looked ahead and discovered someone was using magic against her and Victor. "She can do magic, too?"
When the smoke cleared, a rather angry young lady stared at them. "I don't know what you're doing here, Jacobs, but you're not going to take your job back! It's mine!" She then threw a fireball at the pair.
The fireball exploding in front of them, Angie and Victor suddenly found themselves flying backwards.
"Victor, take my hand!"
After doing so, Angie closed her eyes and concentrated to create a haze of blue light around her and Victor. She was able to land herself and him safely on the ground.
When the light disappeared, she noticed Victor breathing heavily. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah…just a little winded and shook up, but nothing's broken. How about you?"
"I'm in one piece."
Then, the pair found themselves facing the angry young lady.
"Smart, Jacobs, very smart. Using your powers to save yourself and—ooh, who is this handsome gentleman with you? Your boyfriend?"
"Like that's any of your business!" Angie responded angrily.
Using a more alluring voice, she said, "Why don't you go with a real magician instead of her?"
Victor was displeased with the idea. "Let's see…you're selfish, self-centered, way out of my age range, and most of all…completely immature!"
The young lady responded with rage. "I'll show you, jerk!" She then tried to direct another fireball directly at them.
Focusing on her own power, Angie created another barrier of light around the pair and shouted, "Not likely!"
The fireball disintegrated once it hit the light barrier.
"Hmm," said the young lady, "your powers seem to be getting stronger. However, you're now the former assistant to the greatest magician in the world."
Angie dropped the barrier and looked at this younger and more dangerous rival. "You seem to know a lot about me, but who are you?"
"Me? I am Darlena Lowland, the new right-hand girl to the Magician!"
Well, well, Angie thought, I get to face the person who almost killed us all in the Express two years ago. "So, Darlena, we finally meet face-to-face. Ace told me a lot about you, and what a jerk you were."
"I'd watch that mouth of yours, Jacobs! After all, you're no longer associated with Ace Cooper!" Darlena then started laughing uncontrollably.
Angie did not find this very amusing in the least. "Um, Darlena, are you sure that's really the Magician you're working with?"
The rival suddenly stopped laughing. "What do you mean by that? Of course that's Ace Cooper!"
"Do you honestly think it's him?"
"What is this, some sorta trick or something?"
Angie just crossed her arms. "If this is a trick, I'm not the person who's pulling it."
"What's going on, Jacobs!? You'd better tell me before I use magic on you!"
"Would you like the answer now, or would you rather have a duel here and maybe never get the truth?"
"The…truth? What is the truth?"
"I'll give it to you straight. That man in the Magic Express right now is not Ace Cooper."
"That's a lie, Jacobs! I know that's Cooper in there!"
"Really? Just think about it, Darlena, I—"
"No! I won't believe anything you say!"
Angie suddenly snapped at her. "If you want the truth about that guy, just shut up and listen!"
Darlena was surprised by her own tone of anger. "Okay, okay," she responded with slight fear. "I don't understand. Why do you think it's not Cooper in there?"
"Let me ask you a few questions. First, how often has Ace been talking about me?"
The rival thought for a few seconds before answering. "To tell you the truth…not very often. I mentioned your name and saw the photo of you and obviously your parents, but when I asked him about you, he acted like he didn't really know who you were. In fact, he thought I was you when I first confronted him."
"Okay. Second question: Did he ever recall anything about the confrontation you had with him before, like maybe where you fought him?"
"I did bring that up when I attacked him, but he never did say anything. I figured his first reaction was going to be anger, but he actually invited me to join him…this is getting really weird now."
"Seems that way. Now, next question: Has he been using any magic at all?"
"No…he hasn't. Even though I've only been with him for a few hours now, he's concentrating more on the computer than practicing for the show next Wednesday."
"Uh, Darlena, Ace's performance is next Thursday, not Wednesday."
"It is?"
"That's right."
"Hmm…there's something else, too. When I got upset with him for spending so long on the computer, he got really angry with me."
"I see. One more question: Does he appear to have a chronic case of the sniffles?"
"Yes, he does. He always seems to rub his nose. How come?"
"A side effect of the nose job. The man in the Express now is not Ace Cooper, but an exact look-a-like. He allowed you to stay in the Express for a little while, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's changing the entrance code again to have you locked out."
Darlena became very shocked. "What!?" she screamed. "Why would he do this to me?"
"He probably considers you as a threat to him. This man wants Ace's popularity, fame, and fortune all to himself. I've heard stories about what that double tried to do to him and Cosmo before, poisoning Ace and then almost sending Cosmo to a watery grave when he discovered the truth."
"Why that miserable jerk!" exclaimed Darlena. "How dare he do this to me! I'm gonna wring his neck!"
"Wait, Darlena. I have a better idea. I suggest for now we call a truce and confront the imposter in the Express itself."
The dangerous rogue still had bitter feelings for Angie but was even more infuriated that the man she thought was the Magician really was not. "Okay, we'll have the truce until the matter of the phoney's been resolved."
The two female magicians reluctantly shook hands.
When this is over, thought Darlena, I'm gonna get rid of Angela Jacobs, Cosmo, and the real Ace Cooper. Then, I'll be the big star from now on!
Angie thought to herself, This isn't going to be an easy alliance, but I must get the Express back in working order, since the rest of the group will be here in less than 20 minutes. Ace's life is depending on this plan.
Meanwhile, Vega and the others had left 10 minutes earlier, with Ace still in the back seat of Vega's car.
Despite his weakened condition, he could still hear his kindred sister's thoughts. I…have faith in you, Angie. You must have faith in yourself right now. Just be on your guard with Darlena, though.
I am, kindred brother. I'll watch my back. First things first, though. We have a double to stop.
Angie then looked at Victor. "Wait here for the others. They'll be here soon."
"I will. Just be careful."
"Count on it." She then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Angie and Darlena walked together towards the door of the Magic Express.
Upon reaching the front door, the computer said, "Please identify yourself by voice and fingerprint."
Angie said, "Give it a try, Darlena."
Placing her right hand on the fingerprint pad, she said, "I'm Darlena Lowland. Let me in."
"Access denied."
Darlena could not believe her ears. "What!? Denied!? I don't believe it, that guy double-crossed me!"
"May I try?"
"Probably won't let you in, either, Jacobs, but…go ahead."
Angel again said, "Please identify yourself."
Angie put her hand on the pad and said, "Angela Jacobs."
"Access granted. You may enter, Angie."
The door opened, much to Darlena's surprise. "How did you do that? Magic?"
"Nope. Thank Cosmo for setting up a failsafe system for myself. In case someone tampered with the Express's control center, he developed a system where I can get in by voice and fingerprint. No one can change that part of the system except Cosmo himself."
"Very clever, Jacobs. Now, let's take care of that imposter."
Both ladies entered the train.
"The imposter's still in the computer room?" Angie asked.
"Yeah. He's been there all afternoon."
"Good. Now to implement the next part of my plan."
Both of then went to the computer room and immediately found "Ace."
Angie started the conversation. "Hi, Ace, I'm back early."
He turned around suddenly and noticed. "What the—who the hell are you, and how did you get in here!?"
"I'm Angela Jacobs. Don't you know me, Ace? You allowed me to make the Magic Express my home over three years ago after Black Jack took my apartment. Now, don't we have a show to rehearse? Our show's at the Ring next Thursday, and we haven't practiced at all."
"Ace" shook his head. "No, we…don't have a performance coming up."
Darlena said, "I thought you said the show was next Wednesday, until she said it was on Thursday."
"She's right. Now, come on, Ace, we need to practice!" She grabbed his arm and then dragged him to the training room.
Darlena was a little mystified by Angie's strange actions. "Why is she trying to get him there? Maybe she knows something I don't." She then followed the two into the room.
"Ace" soon became very flustered. "Look, I don't know what kinda trick you're trying to pull, but—"
"We don't have time for games, Ace. We need to get prepared for the show next Thursday. Now, let's start with something simple." Angie soon created fireballs and started juggling them. "C'mon, Ace, the juggling part's in the act. Get with it!"
He suddenly became very nervous. "I, um, can't." He then rubbed his nose. "I have a bad cold."
"Oh," she said as the fireballs vanished, "you can't do it because you have a cold or because…you're not really Ace Cooper at all?"
He became extremely embittered. "How dare you say I'm not Ace Cooper!"
"If you are Ace, then answer this for me. You and Darlena Lowland here confronted each other before, but do you remember exactly where it took place?"
Darlena knew the answer right away yet discovered why Angie used that question. Of course, the real Ace Cooper could answer that in under two seconds. We confronted each other on that cliff about 10 miles away from the Party Carnival. I have to admit, Jacobs, that was a smart call.
He hesitated greatly in trying to come up with an answer to the question.
Angie started becoming impatient. "Well, I'm waiting, Ace. Do you remember or not?"
"I…don't remember," he said nervously. "I must have hit my head and got amnesia or something."
"Amnesia, huh? Okay, Mr. Magician, I guess you don't recall what the imposter Ace poisoned you with before."
"Sulfating acid and oxygenated arsenic," he quickly responded. He then realized he had blown his own cover. "Uh-oh."
"Gotcha, imposter! That's what you used to poison the real Ace before! He told me all about you and what you did to him. Besides, there's one thing he can do I know you can't."
Darlena smiled wickedly at the success of Angie's plan. She's more clever than I made her out to be. She tricked him into exposing himself.
"Oh," said the imposter, "and what's that?"
"This!" She went into a spin and shimmered in her light-blue aura. "Magic Force, reveal the power within!"
Both Darlena and the imposter were shocked. "She has the Magic Force, too!?" they shouted in unison.
In mere seconds Angie emerged in her special costume, one with the same colors as Ace's but with a dark-grey miniskirt and red tights for a more feminine look. The remainder of the outfit, though, was the same, right down to the insignia.
Angie then stared angrily at the imposter. "Now, creep, you'd better tell me what ingredients you used to poison Ace this time."
"We'll see about that, brat!" He then tried to throw one of his poison darts at Angie!
She quickly intercepted it with a stare of pure power and allowed it to float safely into her hand. "Nice try, pal, but Ace has taught me a lot in three years, including how magic can be a good defense mechanism. Now, are you going to tell me what you did, or am I going to have to force it out of you?"
"How can this be?" the imposter asked nervously. "How can two people possess this Magic Force?"
"I learned of my power when I was only seven years old, when I used it to save my father's life!"
Darlena was appalled. She…she's known about her power since she was a kid? Wait a sec, now it makes sense. She was probably scared of her powers because she was just a kid. Most people would have thought of her as a freak, so she kept her power hidden from everyone.
"For over 15 years I was frightened because I put other people's opinions over my own feelings. Ace was the one to help me understand my gift, and I am now proud I have this power! Now tell me what you've done to him, or you'll be sorry you messed with me!"
"Over my dead body, little girl!" He then tried to charge at Angie with his version of the Magic Cane. "You're going down!"
Angie then created four sharp metallic playing cards and threw them to pin his arms and legs against the wall. After making him stuck, she quickly approached him. "You'd better tell me right now what the composition of that poison." She suddenly made another sharp card appear in her right hand. "Otherwise, this card will be slashing your throat!"
His eyes widened in fear. Oh, God, she means it! "Okay, I'll tell you! It's sulfuric chloride and an arsenic compound mixed with sodium bicarbonate! Now, please, let me go!"
"Not before I do this!" She grabbed the imposter's tuft of white hair at the top of his head and slashed it off with the card! "Now you won't look like Ace Cooper ever again…which reminds me, just who are you anyway, and how do you know so much about Ace?"
"Like I'm telling you!"
"Oh, no?" She then put her hands into a circular motion and quickly hypnotized the double. "Now tell me, who are you?"
In a monotonous tone he answered, "My name is…Mark…Mark Willoughby."
"Okay, Mark. How do you know about Ace Cooper himself?"
"He and I grew up at the St. Johns Orphanage. We were both crooks as teenagers, but he got the chance to hit the big time with Mona Malone's father—"
"Black Jack," she interrupted. "I take it you were also jealous of him because Mona wanted him and not you."
"Yes, I was. Then, he became the superstar magician while I was stuck at a dead-end minimum wage job."
"I see. When did you get the plastic surgery done?"
"A few years ago, seeing this was my chance to get rid of him and take his place."
"And…if Ace died?"
"I would give up magic and keep the money all for myself."
"That's all I needed to know. Thank you very much, Mr. Willoughby."
Darlena was not surprised by his intentions yet felt surprised she had fallen for this trick. "I believed this nutcase was Ace Cooper?"
Instead of answering the question, Angie went up to the computer controls. "Darlena, keep an eye on him while I fix the computer. The real Ace will be here shortly."
"How do you know that?"
"It's how I planned this. The only thing that worried me was whether the imposter would get you out of the Express."
"Oh, I see. Anyway, will he still be hypnotized?"
"Yes, at least for an hour. Now, let me see if I can remember what Cosmo showed me to do to fix Angel." She went slowly, one button at a time, until she finally recalled the exact sequence. She then started hitting the buttons more furiously than before. "Angel, it's me, Angie. I know you would still recognize me, but do you recognize that man over there?"
"No," the AI answered. "That man is an intruder, as well as the young lady, Darlena Lowland."
Darlena snapped, "Why you miserable—"
"For now, Angel," Angie interrupted, "Darlena is not an intruder. No security measures on her please."
The rival was surprised. "You're actually…protecting me?"
"Only until this whole thing is over. Angel, give me Ace's current position."
"The way Vega is driving now, Ace and the others should be through the tunnel in less than three minutes."
"Very well." Angie then looked at the dart. "Angel, could you use this dart to create the antidote?"
"Yes, I can. Place it on my scanner, and I will calculate an antidote." Angel then noted something else. "My sensors are picking up Zina in Cosmo's workshop. She has also been poisoned."
"Probably by the same ingredients. Angel, make two samples of the antidote: One in a vial for Ace and one in a hypodermic needle for Zina. We'll have to inject her with it."
"Understood."
In less than 45 seconds, Angel created the antidote for both Ace and Zina.
Angie took both the needle and the vial. "Darlena, stay with the prisoner for the time being. I have to do Zina first and fast." She then turned her attention to the computer. "Angel, get the garage ready. I'm going to give Ace the antidote vial there as soon as they get in."
Angie then raced to Cosmo's workshop and found Zina very ill. "Oh, Zina," she said in horror as she ran up to the panther. "Don't worry, girl. I'll get you fixed up. This may hurt a little, though, okay?"
Zina moaned but in approval.
The female magician injected Zina at the upper part of her front right arm. "There you go. It needs about 30 seconds to start taking effect, but I don't want you leaving this room yet, okay?"
The panther, already beginning to feel better, nodded in agreement.
"Okay. Now to help Ace."
On her way to the garage, she checked on Darlena one last time. "How's he doing?"
"Still hypnotized."
"Good. Stay with him while I meet Ace and the others in the garage."
"Right." As soon as Angie was out of sight, Darlena made certain the imposter would get what he deserved by starting to kick him in the stomach. "You two-timing jerk! You pretend to be Ace Cooper and then double-cross me!"
Angie quickly entered the garage area, where Vega's car had just arrived with him, Ms. LeSage, and a very ill Ace.
Mona's car came just behind it, with her, and Cosmo coming out. Victor ran in right behind them.
Vega and Cosmo took Ace from the car and gently lay him on the ground.
Angie made sure he was comfortable. "Ace," she said calmly, "are you all right?"
"Not…really," he answered weakly.
"Don't worry, kindred brother. Angel made the antidote for you in vial form. I'm going to administer it now, but I should warn you it may not taste so good."
"That's…okay, Angie. Not all treatments are supposed…to taste good anyway."
Angie fed him the antidote through the mouth and allowed him to take it in one big gulp. She knew it would not work that quickly. "Give it about a minute, and he should start to recover, albeit not completely."
The serum started taking effect on the Magician within about 30 seconds, and when the full minute passed, he breathed easier and felt better. "Whew," he said in relief while slowly sitting up, "I didn't think I could get through that. Thanks, everyone, and especially you, Angie. Thanks for not giving up hope."
She hugged her mentor tightly. "I'll never lose hope when it comes to caring for my friends. They mean everything to me."
Mona then remembered, "What about the imposter?"
"Pinned to the wall with Darlena watching over him now. In fact, she's probably beating his butt for lying to her about not being Ace."
"Can't say I blame her," said Victor. "She wanted to be an apprentice so badly she blinded herself by thinking the imposter was really Ace. We'd better check on them before Darlena kills him."
Angie and Mona helped Ace to his feet, and all quickly went to the training room, where they noticed blood coming from the double's nose.
"That'll teach you…you will not do something like that ever again!" She then noticed all the others. "Oh, um, prisoner's secure, Jacobs."
"You sure did a number on him," Angie laughed. "When that hypnosis wears off, he'll wonder how he got that bloody nose. I wish you had saved some for me, though, 'cause I wanted to get him, too."
"You won't have to worry about that, Jacobs," Darlena said in a wicked tone, "because now it's your turn."
"I guess the truce is over," Angie said, her tone quickly turning serious. "If it's a duel you want, fine, but not in here. Let's settle this outside."
"Yeah, more room to duke it out with magic outdoors." Darlena then pushed and shoved her way through the crowd.
"Why that little brat!" Cosmo said angrily. "I oughtta—"
"Forget it, Cosmo," intervened Angie. "This is between Darlena and me. We've both faced Ace one-on-one before, but now we've got to deal with each other. Oh, and Ace…don't transfer any power to me this time. I have to try defeating her on my own."
"I understand, Angie. You want a fair fight. Get out there and show her what I've taught you."
Vega said, "I'll notify the four sets of units to get over here within 15 minutes."
Victor then came up to her and held her hands. "Angie, please be careful against her."
"I will, Victor, I promise." She then looked at Cosmo. "Zina's resting comfortably in your workshop room. She's been cured of the poison as well."
"Thanks, Ang. I owe you one."
"Nah, it's okay. Nothing is owed when done out of friendship."
She then walked outside the Express, where Darlena became impatient.
"What took you so long, Jacobs?"
"Had to make sure Ace was okay, let the authorities know about the imposter and—"
"And me? You were going to turn me in, too!? Well, I'm not heading back to prison, you lucky excuse of a magician!" She quickly created a serious of fireballs and threw them all at Angie.
The female apprentice closed her eyes and concentrated with her heart to create a barrier around herself, deflecting the fireballs away. May the power of my mother and father's love guide me through this battle, she thought calmly.
In her heart, she could feel her parents' unconditional love for her.
Use what Ace has taught you, her mother said to her. And, think of this quote: "The best offense is a good defense."
Thanks for the tip, Mom. I'll definitely keep that in mind.
Returning to the battle, she looked at Darlena with determination.
Darlena, however, was not impressed. "What's the matter, Jacobs? Don't want to fight me? Gonna stay in that little barrier all day?"
"No, I'm not staying all day." With a wave of her hand, the barrier vanished. "I'm wide open now, Darlena."
"Let's see you get away from a little tornado, loser!" The female rival conjured a small whirlwind and directed it towards Angie.
As Angie jumped skyward, the tornado followed her closely. Fortunately, she was able to channel her power to create a light blue ball. She then threw the ball at the tornado, entrapping the miniature cyclone within the ball. Another wave of her hands caused both to disappear.
Darlena growled in rage. "You've learned well, Jacobs, but I'll finish you now!" She then created more fireballs and threw them again.
Angie quickly summoned some steel playing cards and threw them at the fireballs, causing them to explode and create smoke around the area.
The rival let out a hacking cough and was unable to see anything. "Come out and fight, Jacobs! I'll get you!"
Angie suddenly appeared 10 feet in front of her. "I'm right here, Darlena. Catch me…if you can."
Creating sharp shards of ice, Darlena threw them at her, only for them to go right through her body without leaving a scratch! "What the—?"
"Come on, Darlena, you can do better than that."
Inside the Express, Ace was telepathically keeping an eye on his kindred sister. "She's doing very well, using her magic as a means of defense. I heard her mother speaking to her about the best offense being a good defense."
"Popular quote from sports," said Victor. "It can also apply to life itself and this situation."
"Angie's using everything I've taught her so far, which is helping against that jealous girl."
Outside, the smoke was still evident. "So, Jacobs, what did your father do when you saved him with your magic? Send you to the circus?"
That remark caused an inner rage from Angie. Why that little—! She quickly came up from behind her enemy. "Excuse me, Darlena," she said wickedly.
When Darlena turned around, Angie landed a right-hook punch on her face, forcing her to fall to the ground.
Knowing that punch would temporarily not allow Darlena to concentrate enough to use magic, Angie then grabbed her by the throat and started strangling her. "Don't you ever talk that way about my father again, jerk! I loved my father and my mother, and I won't allow anyone to put them down!" Her eyes started glowing in blue once more.
That's it, Angie! the dark voice stated fiendishly. Teach that witch a lesson. Kill her if you must so she will stop picking on you and your family!
She suddenly straightened and gasped at the mention of the word "kill." No…what am I doing? She let go of Darlena and let her fall to her knees. Finally, she summoned a whirlwind of her own to clear the smoke.
Just as the air around the area was cleaned up, the four police units arrived.
"Miss Jacobs," said one of the officers. "Where are they?"
"Here's Darlena Lowland. The other prisoner is pinned in the practice room. You'll be able to tell who's who this time."
"Thanks."
Soon, the police had both prisoners in handcuffs.
Amazingly, the hypnosis on Willoughby wore off just as he was handcuffed. "What…what happened? Hey, what's this!?"
"You're under arrest, pal," said Vega.
"But…I'm Ace Cooper!"
Angie said, "Not after what I did to your hair…Mark Willoughby."
Everyone gasped at the identity of the look-a-like.
"How did you know my real name?" he desperately wanted to know.
"Mark Willoughby," said Vega curiously. "I remember him from a long time ago. He was a small-time crook, just like Ace was as a teenager."
"Yes…I hypnotized him into revealing everything. He was extremely jealous of Ace's popularity, so he thought the way to quickly get rich was to take him out and steal the fame and fortune for himself. And now, without that little white tuft at the top, he doesn't look like Ace anymore."
"Good work, Angie."
Darlena was specially cuffed and injected with the special drug. She then looked at the group of friends. "That girl…is dangerous. She almost killed me!"
"Yeah, right," said another officer. "You're heading back to Ashland Prison, Miss Lowland. You won't be causing anymore trouble."
As she was escorted to the police car, she looked Angie and her friends. "I wouldn't hang around sweet little Jacobs if I were you. She is becoming very dangerous, and you may regret it later."
Everyone was puzzled by that comment…everyone but Ace. You're right about Angie becoming dangerous right now, but as long as she is my friend, I will not leave her side, and neither will those close to her.
Soon, the two escapees were escorted away from the Magic Express, and the chaos was finally over.
"Miss LeSage," said Vega, "we'll have to get back to headquarters to file the report."
"Of course, Lieutenant. We'll see you all later."
"I need to head home myself," Mona noted. "I'm just relieved the real Ace is all right now."
"I'm glad to be all right again. Now, go home and get some rest."
Victor then came up to Angie. "I'd better get home and check on Mike. Knowing him, he's probably worried sick about both of us right now."
"I agree. I'd better let him know by thought." Mike?
^Angie, I've been—^
I know, worried. Everything's fine, and Vic's on the way home.
^Thanks, Angie. I did feel something bad from you, though.^
Don't be surprised if Ace did, too. "Okay, Mike knows now."
"Thanks, Angie. Well, I'll see you later." He then kissed her on the cheek.
"Bye."
As soon as everyone left, only the four regular occupants of the Magic Express remained.
Ace said, "Angie, we need to talk alone…in the living room."
"Yeah," she said with her face going down. "I already know why, too."
Cosmo and Zina went to the workshop while Ace and Angie went in the living room.
Ace went straight to the point. "You were strangling Darlena but suddenly stopped when that darker voice said 'kill.' Did you even notice you were strangling her?"
"I didn't realize it until I heard that word. I just…lost it when she made fun of my father."
"That's understandable. You do love your family and friends, but what about yourself? Somehow, I still don't think you completely love yourself, especially the darker self."
"Marshall's been telling me I fear love, but how can that be? I do love myself, or…have I been lying to myself all this time?"
"I think that's what you've been doing to yourself without even realizing it. You want to believe you do love yourself, but you're going at it by trying to forget about those darker feelings of pain and anger. Those buried feelings are finally beginning to catch up with you."
"I don't know what to do!" she said in confusion. "I just…don't know."
"I'm afraid even I can't help you. Your fate lies in your own hands. You must be the one to face these darker feelings you've buried away. Not even magic will be of any help. I'm sorry, Angie."
"I just want this nightmare to end!" She tearfully ran to her room and locked the door.
Ace's face went down in sadness. "I'm trying so hard to help her," he said to himself. "It's like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and won't let go."
Sitting on her bed and still in tears, she shook her head. Why me? Why now?
Because it's time you accepted me, answered the darker voice. I'm a very important part of you, and you know it! I will have my way and get the recognition I deserve!
Her eyes glowing in angered blue again, she said, "Never…absolutely never. I'll keep fighting you, even if it means my own death."

THE END