Shadow me, Kitty

Movement II: The Soul Cages

Three doors down, Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus was talking to Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "I don't know what it is about Kitty, but there's something about her that drives me wild." "Da, I know what you mean." "I understand you used to be her lover. Would you care to give me any pointers?" "Well, comrade, Kitty would probably be very angry at me for telling you something like that." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes rolled his eyes at the speed of 2 inches per second (5.08 cm per second) at Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus. "Come on, Piotr." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes started. "This isn't just about my happiness, it's about that of Kitty as well." "I know that, comrade, but I don't know if I should. I will have to think about it." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes pleaded with him. "I really would be in your debt, and I think Kitty would as well, my friend." Colossus then dismissed him. "I said I must think about this, comrade." Colossus responded. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes agreed with him. "I understand. Thank you very much for your assistance." "You are welcome, comrade." "Well, if you need any help, just ask." "Da, I will." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was not pleased that Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus would not help him. Did the big Russian man still harbor feelings for Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat? Now that Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus knew about Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes's intentions, would he try to stop him? If there was some big confrontation, would he have to fight? How would Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat react to all of this? He just couldn't decide right now...

Inundated, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes went over to to the room of Kurt Wagner, alias Nightcrawler. "I understand you've lived with Kitty for awhile in England." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes started. "I really love her, and I want to know how to win her over." "That is not easy, mein freuynd. She has had several disasterous relationships in the past. In fact, she's sworn off of men for the time being." This made Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, slightly sad. "I gotta get her to like me. It's tearing me up on the inside." He started. "Well, I really don't know what to tell you." "Things with Kitty are very difficult indeed." "The best ones are always the hardest to get." "True, perhaps... but then again, this one could be out of your reach." "I can't stop thinking about her. She occupies my every thought ever since I first saw her. I need to have her loving." "You got it very bad, mien fraud. I dare say it sounds unhealthy." "I know, I know, it sounds bad, but I can't stop myself." "About the only advice I can give you is to be yourself. If Kitty wants you, she must want you for the real you." "I know that, but some information on how to win her over would really make my day." "Never having been her lover, I really could not advise you on that. Besides, what may work for me as a lover may not necessarily work for you." This made Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes's heart sink like a stone in mineral spirits. "Well, all right. I was thinking that since you've been with Kitty the longest, you'd know what she'd want in a man." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes exited the room. "I'm sorry I could not have been more help. I want to see Kitty happy as well." "So do I. I just wish it was me who was making her happy." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes exited the room to go back to the hallway.

There he ran into Professor Charles Xavier, who was moving his wheelchair to him. "Ah, Ralph. Your room is ready. You will be on the opposite side from Kitty that the Summers's are." This brightened his life no end. "You're... putting me next to Kitty?" He asked nervously. "Well, if you want, we can move you next to Elisabeth." "No, no, that's fine. I want to be next to Kitty." Professor Charles Xavier didn't need to use his vast telepathic powers to determine that something was afoot here. "I sense that you have feelings for her." He said. "I... I just don't know, Professor. See, when I first laid eyes on her, she overwhelmed me with her charm and her beauty. I don't see how any man could not be smitten by her looks." "Hmm... I admit she is pretty, but too young for me. I'm sure if you asked her, she would be honest in her feelings for you." "That's what I'm afraid of." "Fear is a powerful thing, I admit... but overcoming fear is a triumph in and of itself." "So you say. But what if she decides to reject me? What can I do then?" "Life is full of uncertainties. However, if you choose not to go for it, you will never know how happy either one of you could have been." "True, but if I go for it and she doesn't like me, what then?" "Then you find someone else." "But nobody else has her style, her gentle brown eyes. Her full rich, lips -" He then realized that he was about to say "That beg me to kiss them." But stopped short of that. "Relax, Ralph. I understand. I've been there too many times to count." "But unlike you, I can't just read a woman's mind to find out what she's thinking. How can I find that out? What can I do to see what she thinks about me?" "You simply had to ask." Summoning his vast mental powers, Professor Charles Xavier's mind reached out over a distance of about 500 feet (152.4 M) over to the mind of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. Professor Charles Xavier probed the mind of Katherine :Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "She seems to ambivilent about loving you. Part of her is struck deeply with love, while part of her says back off." "I wish she would love me." "Kitty's pretty hesitant about being in love with a man. She's had a few disasterous past relationships. She's been the technogeek of late, the one we go to with technical problems." "Interesting... I have a degree in electronics." "Well, this is something the two of you will have to work out amongst yourselves. I really cannot get inbulbed." "Thank you, Professor. You've done alot to help me out."

Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat, meanwhile, sought after advice from her friends as well, and first sought the resident telepath, Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke. "I understand your feelings for him" She stared. "I must admit I did feel a stirring in my own heart when I saw him. I can see why you feel so for him." This made Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat distressed; if Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke had the hots for him, how could she compete against that? "But I have read his mind and I know that he thinks you are beautiful as well." These words acted like lifting a ton of bricks off of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat's shoulders. "Oh, thank god. But how can I show him how I feel?" "Well, just simply be yourself. There is nobody else you should be." "Yes... well... I really do not known how to do that." "First of all, relax. If it's fated that you should date, things will happen. If not, it won't." "That doesn't help me any." "True, but you have to search what lies within you to find the truth." "That's the crux of the problem. I just can't find within me what I want." "Then we can't help you. You have to decide what you want first before you can go further with this." This made Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat very nervous. "I have to think about this." She said as she left the scene. Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke pondered the situation. Should she get involved? She harkened back to her own relationships; the ones with Warren Kenneth Worthington III, alias Angel/Archangel/Death, etc. Robert, the guy she met at Queen's college in Oxford while she was a model, and the like. They haven't turned out for the best either. She then realized that except for Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops and Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix that nobody who wears an X has ever had a great relationship... then she thought about her brother, Brian Braddock, alias Captain Britain. He's now married to Meggan, but they're having trouble having a child, and it's been a strain on thier relationship....

Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was walking down the pathway outside the X-Mansion. He was about 1000 feet (304.8 M) down the pathway again when suddenly he was ambushed. an short man, about 5'4" (1.62 M) in height, sporting a brown uniform with a hood on it, covering his black hair entered. The man also had six claws extending from his hands which were composed of the virtually indestructable metal known as adamantium. Each claw measured about 1 foot (30.48 cm) in length and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in width. He was known simply as Logan, alias the Wolverine. Logan, alias Wolverine stood about 8 inches (20.32 cm) away from Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, to whom stood fast in this attack. "What do you want?" "What makes you think I'm on your side?" "Professor Xavier wouldn't allow anyone he didn't trust to come this close to the mansion." Logan, alias Wolverine narrowed his eyes. "I want you to be careful." "About what?" "I've seen you givin' Kitty the eye. If you hurt her, you're gonna have to answer to me." "I assure you that my attentions with her are completely honorable. I love Kitty, and I would not want to harm her." "You'd better not. If you do, I'm gonna skewer you a love." "Do relax, please. Kitty is like a rare red rose that I want to nurture and help bloom into her full glory. I don't think that either one of us want to see her harmed." "Listen bub, I don't believe you for one moment. You stay away from Kitty now." "Geez, you are a grouch. I'm outta here." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes walked away from Logan, alias Wolverine. Logan, alias Wolverine started after Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, but a gentle hand on his shoulder stopped him. That hand belonged to Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix. Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix was wearing a green long-sleeve blouse and a blue miniskirt which came to just above her knees. She was also wearing gold stud earrings in her ears and a gold bracelet on her right wrist. "Logan, calm down. I've red his mind. He's telling the truth." "I still don't trust him. He doesn't smell right." "He may not seem right to you, but he is honest. Do you remember how we were suspicious of you when you first came to us?" "Yea, I remember. " Logan, alias Wolverine turned away from the scene. Without saying a wird, he slipped back into the woods. Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix simply stood there; after all, what else could she say to Logan, alias Wolverine? When he was angry, talking to him was akin to talking to a brick wall. He needed time to sort things out; a new person is always uneasily welcomed into the close-knight circle of friends known as the X-Men. Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix, went back into the mansion whereupon she encountered her husband, Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops. Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops was wearing a smart-looking royal blue polo shirt and tan crew pants. "Jean..." "I just talked to Logan. He seems pretty upset about out new member." "In all honesty, I have some reservations about him as well. I just don't see him fitting into the team the way Warren did." Of course, the man he was refering to was Warren Kenneth Worthington III, alias Angel, Death, and Archangel. "I know it's a stretch, Scott. Just give him time to fit in. I've read his mind, he seems to want to fit into this place." Of course, Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix didn't want to tell her husband, Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops that she had also noted his interest in Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "So you say. But he seems too undisciplined for this. I have a feeling that on our first mission, we're going to have to drag him back home hurt. Or worse." "He did handle himself well in practice. I think he can become a solid member of the team." "I don't know. I just need to see him in action against a real villain to be sure." Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix took Scott "Slim" Summers' hand in an attempt to reassure him that everything would turn out for the best. "I know it's hard, Scott. But you just have to take a leap of faith. Everything will turn out for the best." White the touch was reassuring to Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops, the words were not. "Alright, I'll trust your instincts... for now." "That’s all I ask of you, Scoot."

Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes at this time was trying to catch back up to Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. She was near the front gate of the X-Mansion, wandering around and brooding about what was going on. "Sure, he's cute, but does he want what I have?" She wondered. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes entered and got nervous. "Kitty" "Yea?" "Uh... hi." "Hi." "Do... you know when dinner is?" Both of them felt like they were walking on eggshells at this point. They were on pins and needles, treading on thin ice and completely unsure what to do, as they were completely afraid of messing things up. "Well, not really..." She hesitated. Would this cost her the chance to be his lover? Could this possibly be the one time thus could work out, and she's messing it up? It was something very drastic that she couldn't begin to comprehend the full ramifications thereof. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat couldn’t hide the fact that she was nervous. It felt like every nerve in her body, from the femoral nerve in her big toe to the top of her brain tissue in her crainium was being struck and pulled and pushed and prodded and stuck with needles and pins and sharp objects and overstimulated in every possible way at the same time. She didn’t know what to make of any of this. "Oh… that’s o.k." "Uh… right." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then uneasily walked away from Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. This made them very upset. What if he just blew his only chance to be her lover? What if the were never destined to be lovers? Why can’t he tell her the feelings he has for her? Why can’t they talk to each other? Everything seemed so frozen, barren as the Sarah desert. This really scared both of them, and neither one of them knew what to do? One thing was certain, however. Thinhs had to break soon, or else there would not be a relationship between the two of them...

Shortly thereafter, Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops and his wife, Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix were sitting next to each other in their shared room. "So what do you think of the new kid"? "He seems nice, but I can’t help but notice what his thoughts are fort Kitty." Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops was confused. "What do you mean by that?" "Well, he seems to have fallen in love with Kitty." "Really. I had not noticed." "Do you think we should interfere?" "I don’t know. If we do, and things turn out wrong, how will they think of us? Can we be sure that interfering is the right thing?" "I don’t know, and I don’t think anyone else has those answers either." "And what if we don’t interfere, and they end up being miserable? Should we just stand by and do nothing while we know that one of them loves the other and not worry about it? What if this starts affecting the team? What then?" "I don’t know, Scott. We need to put our heads together on this one. Love is never easy for someone who wears an X." "Yea, and don’t we know it." Jean-Grey Summers, alias Phoenix, gave a light smile to her husband, Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops. "Yea, but I think if a love affair can survive the death of both partners, and still be strong, it was meant to be." "I feel licky to have found you, Jean. I don’t know where I would be without you." At this point the two of them embraced each other in a romantic gesture. "It’s great to be with you too, Scott. I would hate to think were I would be without you." The two of them felt the warmth and embrace of people two in deep, romantic love with each other. They stared deeply into each other’s eyes; well, as close as could be permitted with Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops wearing a pair of glasses which dispersed his vastly powerful optic beams. He always enjoyed the gentle green of the eyes of Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix. They were eyes like a rich sea of desire he could loose himself upon, and stare into forever. Holding each other this close, it was plain to see why they were so deeply in love with each other and why they had married. They held each other so close one cold not insert a piece of paper between them. This, of course, allowed free movement of energies and flowing of the spirit between them. "Scott…" "Hush, Jean. Let’s just enjoy this moanment." Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops then kissed Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix. One could not begin to describe the energies that flowed between them; one could sense that these were truly two people involved in an intense act of passionate romance. They sucked face so much as to create a partial vacuum, the equivelant of 14.2137psi (98000 pascals, .999322 kg/cm, 735.06 Torr, and .967185 atmospheres.) When their lips finally parted after 3 minutes 29.4232211 seconds, Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops and Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix stared into each others eye’s deeply with the look of love. "We should get going." "Agreed." And with that, Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix and Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops left.

Just before dinner, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was sitting in the living room of the X-Mansion, reading a book. He was clad in a white polo shirt, blue jeans, and shoes. The book measured the standard 7 inches by 9 inches (17.78 cm by 22.86 cm.) It was entitled "How to Make a Woman Fall in Love with You." by Dr. Susan Sondspeen. In the introduction, she stated that women fall in love in four stages. In the first, they fall in love for animal attractions; hormonally driven love. In the second stage, women fall in love for money, the proverbial "I want my millionaire." thing. In stage three, women think that men are unable to fulfill their needs, and thus decide never to fall in love again. However, in stage four, women fall in love for love; they’ve gone through the musings, and realize that love can be a grand and divine experience insofar as one allows it to bee. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes wondered about this; what stage was Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat in? What if she was in stage three, and didn’t want to leave? What if she didn’t care about love? If she was in stage three, how could Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes move her into stage four? Would she want to go into stage four? It was a perplexing problem to which he had no real solution. Just then Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat entered. She was clad in a peasant red blouse and a denim miniskirt, with shoes. "What are you reading?" "Well, it’s a book called "How to Make a Woman Fall in Love with You" by Dr. Susan Sondspeen She’s been very helpful in understanding what a woman wants." "So I see…" "Just listen to what she says here. In the introduction, she stated that women fall in love in four stages. In the first, they fall in love for animal attractions; hormonally driven love. In the second stage, women fall in love for money, the proverbial "I want my millionaire." thing. In stage three, women think that men are unable to fulfill their needs, and thus decide never to fall in love again. However, in stage four, women fall in love for love; they’ve gone through the musings, and realize that love can be a grand and divine experience insofar as one allows it to bee." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat thought for a moment. "God, that’s me in a nutshell!" She thought when it came to love. Then she began to wonder: what stage was she in now, well, that was clear insofar as it was stage three; but should she jump to stage four with Ralph? Could she do this? If so, how? What if Ralph is the wrong man for her to do this with? What guarentee could she have that this would work out? Her past relationships weren’t exactly the best to pattern this relationship out of. Was she doomed to be bad with the opposite sex? Could she ever find the right manos to love? She had so many questions, and no answers to give them…. "Kitty? Are you alright?" Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes asked. "Uh… yea. sure." "Well, what do you think of that statement?" "It’s… interesting." "Do you feel that it accurately describles your experiences?" "Well, somewhat." "Really." "Yea." "I see." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then sat down in an overstuffed Louis XIV chair near Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. The two were aproximately 3.1 feet (94.488 cm) away from each other. "So what else does that book say?" "Well, I haven’t gotten very far into the book. I’ve been wanting to read it thuroughly." Of course, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes had the book only about an hour or so. He borrowed it from Professor Charles Xavier, who purchased it about 3 months and 4 days earlier. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes thought for a moment; should he go for her, and try to take her into his loving arms? Would she merely phase through him if he did this? "Kitty… I was wondering about something…" "Yes?" "Well, I was wondering… that is, do you… or could you possibly begin to…" His voice was cut short with Professor Charles Xavier entered. He rolled his wheelchair until he was about 3.1 feet (94.488 cm) away from Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes "So, are you feeling any better, Ralph?" "Yea, a little bit." "That’s good to hear. I want to talk to you along for awhile." "Alright, Professor, I’ll go." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then stood up and exited. While she did this, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes couldn’t take his eyes off of her. "Ralph, I am concerned about something." Professor Xavier started, breaking the train of thought of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Oh?" "Have your wounds heeled yet?" "Well, yea… almost." "That’s good to know. I want to get you back in the danger Room and training again. "I promise, when I’m ready, I’ll let you know." "Good. I want you back in actions as soon as possible." "I’m doing my best." "That’s all anyone can ask of you."

It took Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes 3 days, 19 hours, 21 minutes and 35.32251289 seconds to heal to heal. During that time, the X-Men went on a mission to defeat one of their common villains that crop up every so often, and handildly defeated them. With the team at full peak performance, the enemies went down like the proverbial lead weight in mineral spirits. While they were on the mission, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes continued to work out as best he could with his injuries. Fortunately, being well-conditions and having a high endurance rate, his rate of muscular atrophy was very low, less than about 1 gram per day (.035274 oz. per day.) At the end of this time, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes greeted the returning X-Men in the plane bay. He was clad in a pair of nice, sensable brown slacks and a blue polo shirt and shoes. "Well, how did it go?" "It went like clockwork. Everyone did everything right and nobody got hurt." "That’s good to know." The X-Men then filled into the War room for a debriefing. They sat approximately 9/10^ths of a foot (27.432 cm) away from each other, that is, except for Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix, and Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops. They sat about 5 ½ inches (13.97 cm) away from each other. The order that they sat in was thus (going in a clockwise fashion): Professor Charles Xavier, Ororo Munroe, alias Storm, Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus; Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke; Kurt Wagner, alias Nightcrawler; Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat; Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes; Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix, and Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops. Professor Charles Xavier was sitting in the war room already, waiting for the X-Men to enter the place. "Well done, my X-Men." Professor Charles Xavier announced dryly. "Everything went as planned, Professor. There were knot any problems." "That’s good to hear." They continued to talk some more. "Well, everything was routine, right?" "Yep." "Well, was there anything special about this time out?" "We did good, Professor. Nothing special here." "I see…" "Well, in that case, you should return to your normal duties." The X-Men (with the exception of Professor Charles Xavier) stood up and walked out of the room. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes followed Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat out of the room up the stairs and to the right down the hallway towards her room. He wanted to summon the courage with all his might to ask her out. He desparetely wanted to get close to her; to feel the warmth of her glowing radience; he yearned to hold her hands, and feel the softness of her satin-like skin; he desired nothing more than to kiss her on the lips once, if only once ever. However, silent fears engripped Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes with an iron fist. What if she said no? What if she didn’t really care about him? What could he do to get her to love him? Is it even possible for two people to find real love in this crazy world anymore? He then cowered into his room, and Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was oblivious to his intentions.

It was about 2 hours, 13.4 minutes later that Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was standing in the control room of the Danger room, feverishly working on the keyboards and controls of of the place. He had been secretly sneaking into the room late at night, and programming the computer for a special program of his. It took quite a bot of his time to hone the program to perfection. But tonight was special; he had just finished the program, and was testing it out. "Computer, switch to voice operation." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes said. "Confirmed." The computer spouted back in a nasal monotone. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then went down into the Danger room itself. "Computer, run program RalphKitty1.exe" He commanded. The room sprang to life with a single sofa. It was red in color, and measured 7.23 feet in length by 4.2 feet in heighth and 2.5 feet in depth (2.2037 M by 1.28016 M by .762 M.) It was moderately stuffed and comfortable when sat upon. Sitting at one side of the softa was Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat; or rather, it was a holographic image created by the computer. She was dressed in a pleasant white dress, moderately cut at the neckline, which came down to her elbows at the arms, and a moderately cut loose skirt. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes sat down next to her. "Kitty" He began. "Yes?" "What is it about you that makes me obsess over you? Why is it I want to be with you day and night? Why can’t I express these feelings towards you directly?" "Whoah, slow down, Ralph. Let’s take that one at a time." "Alright. Why do I keep obsessing over you?" "I think you feel I have a lot of what a woman has to offer. You have to admit that we strick a chord when we met." "Yea, that’s true. So why can’t I get you out of my mind?" "That’s a little tougher. You and I can work very well together, and you can’t help but wonder what if we were together." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then took the hand of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat; or rather, that of her holographic image. "I want to make this simulation as real as possible. How do you feel, holding my hand?" """Well Ralph, I feel ambigous towards this. While I like the feel of your strong, secure hands, I have to hesitate – I can’t help but fear that the bad things I’ve done in the past will come back to haunt me in love. I can’t help but fear that I am stuck in a pattern of having one bad relationship after another." "Klitty, I can’t help change the pass for you. I can’t right every wrong every man has done to you. But I can make love the caring, divine experience it was meant to be." "Ralph, this is just too confusing for me. I want to be sure that this time is difference – I want to know that love will be good this time." "I can’t guarantee that, Kitty. But I can guarantee that I’ll do my best to make you feel as wonderful as possible, to be there for you when you need me, to be away when you don’t want me around, and to chair your life in love and romance." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then took the hand of the virtual Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "Kitty, feel my hands, how do they feel to you?" "Well, they feel warm, they feel strong…" "But do they fell loving?" "Well… yes. Ralph, I like you, but I can’t bring myself to admit it." "Come on, Kitty. I love you too. I know we can be good together – you know it two. Please, just give me a change." "Well, alright. I know you really mean well, but I still want to take a wait and see attitude towards this." With that, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat put her arms around Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, then returned the favor and placed his arms carefully around Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "Thank you, you don’t know how much this means to me." "I really enjoy it too." They continued to hold each other for awhile.

However, in the control room, Jean-Grey Summers, alias Phoenix entered the place. She looked over the situation. "You know, Ralph isn’t half-bald". She thought. "I wouldn’t mind being Kitty down there and have him in my arms for a little…" She continued to must. "Yea, she’s pretty lucky to get a guy like that gaga over her." She then changed her direction of thoughts somewhat. "However, when I said I do to Scott, I mint it. I want to be in his arms forever." She then consoled herself. "Sure, Ralph’s cute, but he’s nothing compared to MY Scott. Ralph probably couldn’t please me like Scott does." She then looked over the controls, and realized the danger room was running the program. Confused, Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix chose to end the program. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then came crashing down unceremoniously upon the floor, falling 1.9 feet (57.912 cm) down to the floor. "UHGH!" Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, said as he crashed unceremoaniously to the floor. "What happened?" Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then stood up uneasily and looked around. He saw Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix in the controol room. They spoke to each other in the communications system. "Jean?" Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was confused. "Watts up?" "Why are you programming a virtual Kitty here?" "Well… erm… that’s kinda complicated." "Ralph, you know that she likes you. Why can’t you just admit your feelings to her!" "It’s not that simple, Jean. How long did it take you to admit that you were in love with Scott?" "Not that long. But I never made a program that turned Scott into some sex object." "That’s not how it was with me at all." "Oh really." "It’s true! I was just testing things out to see how receptive Kitty would be to my advanced." "Uh-huh. Yea. sure." "It’s true! Look, I would never do anything to harm Kitty. She is like a rare rose about to bloom. I wanted to make sure that I make my mistakes with the virtual Kitty before trying them out out on the real one. I needed to be sure that the real thing wouldn’t laugh or reject me. This was the best possible to see if she would let me date her before I actually asked her." "Uh-huh. So why were you kissing the virtual Kitty? I think you had created her just so you could have a little love slave." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was aghast. "Jean, read my mind. You know I’m telling the truth." "I don’t need to read your mind. I know you’re telling me a lie. I can’t believe you’d treat Kitty that badly." "He’s telling the truth, Jean." "What? Who said that?" Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix did an exact 180 degree turn from her previous position to find herself face-to-face with Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke. "Just read his mind, Jean. He is telling the truth." Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix then summoned her fast psychic powers and concentrated. She then realized that Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was telling the truth. "I don’t know what to yell you." "It’s alright, Jean. We all make mistakes." Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke then smiled slightly. "So are you ready for our workout, Ralph?" "Huh?" "We’re scheduled to be in the danger room in 5 minutes. Didn’t Professor Xavier tell you?" "Erm… well, if he did… I don’t remember it." Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke exited the control area of the danger room. Well, you’d better get ready, and fast." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then went out of the danger room and managed to enter an area where he could change into his uniform.

 Once he had changed his uniform, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes went back into the danger room where Elisabeth "Besty" Braddock, alias Psylocke waited. "I hope you’re ready for this." "Well, as ready as I’ll ever be." "Good. Jean, begin the program." With that, Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix pulled a lever and activated the danger room. The room sprang to life with various traps; they rotated among falling blocks which measured 2.5 feet square (76.2 cm square), small projectiles made of adamantium which measured about 8 inches (20.32 cm) in length. A third one that came about now and then was intermittent laser fire from various points. Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke used he vast psychotic powers to keep herself safe. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes once again summoned vast amounts of a powerful acid and used this aforementioned acid to protect himself. They fought this for about 3 minutes and 15.335 seconds. Then another trap emerged; killer robots emerged from the walls and advanced on our heroes. "Jeez, they really turned things up for us." "Just get rid of them!" Of course, Ralph Walls, alas Galoshes, and Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke did their best to fend of the traps. After the last robot was destroyed 11 minutes later, the traps stopped. "Well done, Ralph, Betsy." The voice from the controls of the danger room belonged to Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix. "Ralph, what’s going on between you and Kitty?" "Well… erm… I really wish I knew, Betsy. See, I really like her, but I get the feeling she doesn’t like me back." "Well, I think she likes you as well." "Do you now?" "Yes." "I see…" "Kitty has trouble expressing her feelings." "Really? I didn’t sense that from her." "You have to understand. She’s had some bad relationships in the past…" "Yea, that’s what I’ve heard." "If you love her, you must make the first move. She’s not going to give you any signs that she’s ready for this." "So how do I know I’m doing the right thing by going for her love?" "Because that’s what both of you want, deep down inside." "Alright, I’ll try to convince her to love me." "You can trust me on this." "I hope so." "I’m a telepath, remember? I can read her mind." "Thank you for not mentioning her while we were working out." "I was sorely tempted to. I know how you feel about her. I think the two of you can make a great, long lasting relationship." The two of them then exited the room safely, walking juxtaposed and about 11 inches (27.94 cm) apart. They were greeted outside the door by Professor Charles Xavier. Xavier was in his usual suit and tie. "Well done, Ralph. I see you are back in your old form." "I think I’m getting better, thanks to the train ing that you have provided. It’ll be just a matter of time before I’m a sold member of the team." "Agreed. Now, get cleaned up, Ralph."

It was about 3 hours, 17 minutes later when Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was seen brooding in his room. "Alright, Kitty likes me, at least that’s what Elisabeth said." He bemused. "But how should I let her know I like her too? Should I just come up to her and tell her? Should I be more subtitle? Should I try to find out what she wants from a man some more? Should I send her a flour or chocolates? What can I do?" Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then bemused his situation some more. "I need some kind of indicator to find out what would work best." So Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes decided that is what he should do. "But from whom should I get this information? There were several X-Men who could give an answer. Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix and Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock alias Psylocke and Professor Charles Xavier were all telepathic, and could easily probe the mind of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus was once her lover and could tell of things that he knew worked on her. Kurt Wagner, alias Nightcrawler had spent the most amount of time with her, so he would have an idea of what she would like. Then again, Scott "Slim" Summers, alias Cyclops and Ororo Munroe, alias Storm knew her well enough to hazard an educated guess. But would any of them help him out? Kurt Wagner, alias Nightcralwer seemed somewhat interested in Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. He weighed his options carefully; after about 4 days of consideration, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes decided not to consult the others, but rather, to strike out on his own, and do something for Katherine "Kitty" Pryde to win her over. He then decided to send her a single rose. He had read about the lore of roses, and how in nature, only the rose and the diamond were considered to have reached their evoutionary pinochle. He then poured over vast amounts of literature concerning roses; what they looked like, what their traditional functions were, ad infinitum. He looked over the pictures of roses he saw on the internet, from the variation Abraham Darby to Zéphirine Drouhin variation. He studied things for over 5 hours on the internet; In the end, he weighed his options carefully and chose the variation Mister Lincoln. He felt a dark red rose which was resistant to diseases would be the apple of Kitty’s eyes. He then placed the order with his Visa® credit card, and asked for overnight delivery. It cost him \\$18.75 (this includes tax and shipping) with the outfit he chose after careful consideration and shopping at several internet sites. Once the order was placed, he knew there was no going back. He also opted for the optional note attacked to the rose, and told of how he loved her; however, fear embraced him and he could not sign the card Ralph; instead, he chose to sign it "Your secret admirer." He regretted this decision, but then decided that it was for the breast. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes told nobody about this, however, Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix read his mind and found out about it. She decided it was optimal not to tell Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat that he had done this. Later on that evening, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then prepared himself for bed, and then went to sleep.

The next day, at around 2:23 p.m. (14:23 military time,) Kathrine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadwocat walked into her room to find a single red rose, variation Mister Lincoln in a glass vase. The rose measured about 2.9 inches (7.366 cm) across and the stem was 1.34 feet (40.832 cm) and the flower was fresh cut. The vase the flower was in measured about 11 inches (27.94 cm) in height and about 3 inches (7.62 cm) in width at the base. Attacked to this rose with a simple cotton thread that measured 5.2 inches (12.7 cm) in length which held a folded paper card to the rose. The card measured about 3 inches square (7.62 cm square.) Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was dressed in a pleasant blouse and a pair of blue jeans when she spotted the rose. "Wha…?" She wondered aloud. At this point Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix entered the room. "Kitty, you got something in a delivery today. I didn’t see what it was." "It was a rose, Jean." "Oh? So someone here seems to like you." "But who?" "Well, there is only one person who would want to do something like that to you." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then took the note attacked to the rose and read it. It read: "My dearest Kitty. Your eyes are like the finest Jaspar, your smile brightens my day no end. I cannot help but fall madly and completely in love with you every time I see you. I hope you feel the same way about me. To merely touch your heart for one moment would bring an utter fufillment to my life. I yearn and long to hold you close in my arms. Please, tell me that you live me too." It’s signed "You’re secret admirer." "You know who he is, even if you can’t admit it right now." "Ralph. It’s got to be Ralph." "Yes. So do you love him or not?" "Well, I want to love him, but something is holding me back." "What do you fear here?" "I don’t know. It’s just that if I do love him, I want thinks to work out between us." "They will work out, if you allow them to." "Will they? I can’t help but think about the past relationships I’ve had. Peter was supposed to be forever. Pete was supposed to be a long time. Niether lasted. I want my love to go on forever." "It can, if you just let it. Just look at Scott and my self. You have to admit Scott’s not the best person in the world to have a relationship with. Bit we make it work, because both of us care enough to take the time and energy to work out our problems. If we get angry with each other, we take the time to hash things out. In the end, it makes us a better couple." "I see…" "Well, I have to go. Just think about what I say, alright?" "I will." "You’ll make the right choice, Kitty. Trust your instincts and fallow your force." "I will." "Good."

Shortly after dinner, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes met Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "I can do this. I can tell her I love her." He thought. "I have to rust what Elisabeth told me." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat stopped in the hallway next to Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. They stood about 2.25 feet (68.58 cm) apart from each other. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was wearing a light blue shirt, brown slacks, and sensable shoes. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was attired in a pleasant pink dress, one-piece, with a loose short skirt that came about 1.4 inches (3.556 cm) above her knees. "Kitty, might I talk to you for a moment?" "Well, alright. What do you want, Ralph?" "I understand you got a rose today." "Yeah. Not easy to keep that a secret, is it?" "So what did you think of it?" "Well, it was nice…" "And?" "Well, there was a note attacked to it… I think someone here likes me." "Really." "I think it was sweat of him to send the flower." "You know who it is, don’t you?" "I have ideas…" "Come on, Ralph. Do it." He thought to himself. "You know she wants you. Go for it!" Finally, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes took the hands of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "I sent the flower. Kitty, I want to be your lover." "Ralph…" "Please, Kitty. I know I can make you happy. I want to make you happy. I want to be there for you through the hard times and the easy ones. I want to be the one who will give you a shoulder to cry on when things go bad, and give you a kiss of praise when things go well. I know I’m the man for you, Kitty. Please, say yes." "Ralph…" "I know things haven’t been the best for you in the past, but it’s time to break with that, and try something different. Something that you know will work. Something that will be a truly devine experience." There. It was out. Now she couldn’t deny that it was he whom she loved. "Ralph, I… like you too… but I just need some time to think this over. I can’t rush into this. I have to think about it." "Alright, I’ll let you think it over. But don’t take too long – I understand there are others who like me as well." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was lying, of course, but what he didn’t know was that Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat knew that Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke had shown some non-verbal interest in Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes.

That evening, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was getting ready for his bed. After donning clothes that tightly fitted his muscular, athletic frame neatly, he chose to pull the covers from the bed with his right hand (for he was right handed, after all) and enter the bed. After doing so, he pulled the sheets upon himself again and went to sleep. Into the arms of Morpheus he went, and again he had the same dream as he did three days before; being surrounded by dirt, and seeing a clear area in which "Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat stood in. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes approached her. "The time has come for you to derive." "I am ready, please, let me take your hand." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then took the hand of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. The scene suddenlty changed from being one of barren and dirty to one of a pleasant spring meadow. The grass was mostly Bermuda and St. Augustine, cut to measure 1.4 inches (3.556 cm) in length and well-manicured. In the area where Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes stood was a white bench with a back on it. This bench measured 5 feet (1.52 m) in length and was about 3 feet tall (91.44 cm) it was padded with cotton padding and covered in well-tanned white leather. Therefore, when both Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes and Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat sat down, both of them were comfortable. "I’m so glad you have chosen to accept this." "I hope things will work out. I’m by no means perfect, but I hope I’m perfect for you. "I like you just how you are. You don’t need to change for me. Although once we get serious with this relationship, we will grow and learn from each other. It’s all part of reaching for our higher purposes." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes put his left arm around Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. With his free right hand he held onto the left hand of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat stared deep into his voluminous brown eyes. Eyes which exuded an gentle warmth for her, something she could easily get lost inside. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then put her head upon Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes’ shoulder. "I feel so wonderful in your arms." "I agree. Nobody has ever made me feel the way you do." The two of them held each other close; so close one could not put a piece of paper between them. "I can’t believe how well we fit together. It’s like you were maid for me." "Yes… but just relax and savor this moment. I want to know just how it feels to lie within your arms, to feel the warmth of your body against mine, to saveor the energy of the life that passes beeftween us. It feels so good to be in your arms." The two of them held each other close, and felt the love between them. "I can’t believe this. I’ve long desired to be in your arms, and now here we are..." "Yes... well, this is only the beginning. We have a long and winding roast ahead of us if we are going to make this last." "I know, I know. We have to really get to know each other before we can really determine that things will work out between us." "It’s going to be difficult, I know. But I’m deter mined to make it work. I know it can work. I know how to love a woman correctly. I just need a woman who is willing to learn how to love a man correctly." "I’m more than willing to do that." "You’ve made me very happy." "Just savor this moment. I want to make this last." "There’s no place I want you to be than in my arms." "I think I can allow that a little longer." "I’m glad you think that way too." They continued to hold each other close until Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was woken up by the call of Professor Charles Xavier.

Neither one could describle how it felt. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat noticed that there was an intensity in the kiss of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes that she never felt with either Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus, and Peter "Pete" Wisdom. It made her heart flutter and her knees weak. She wanted to keep kissing him forever. She felt the tenderness of his lips on hers; how every nook and cranny of his lips seemed to perfectly fit hers; how being in his arms excited her further, pushering her down the corridors of pleasure nonstop and never slowing down. She couldn’t help but want more and more of his tender, lucky charms. She couldn’t help but want more and more; everything about him seemed designed to make her want this. Unfortunately, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes had to come up for air, so they parted lips, but kept holding each other close. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat let out a soft moan at about 3 decibels. "That was wonderful. I can’t believe that a simple kiss can be this good." "Well, we have plenty of time for more." With that, the two of them kissed asin. Again the passion that one could not begin to measure moved between them; they felt like they were amongst Gods at this point. Still they wanted to kiss forever, however, again they came up for air. "Oh dear, we’re going to have to stop this." "WHAT?! WHY?!" "I’m sorry, but your alarm is ringing." With that, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat woke up and grasped. She then looked around her room to see that it all was a dream. "Oh..." She muttered under her breath. She then pulled the sheet aside and stood up. After this, she headed into the shower to take a shower. After spending about an hour in the shower, she dreid off and dressed for the day. She chose to put on a pleasant, modest pink blouse which hugged her athletic frame tightly and a light blue dennim miniskirt which came down to about 2.4 inches (6.096 cm) above her knees. She also put on some sensable flat shoes. After this, she went outside to meet Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. Ralph was also exiting his room. He was wearing a light blue polo shirt and light brown slacks, with some white socks and shoes as well. "Good morning, Kitty." "Good morning." Both of them started to get very nervous at this point. "Would you like to join me for breakfast?" "Well... alright." "Come on, I’m starving." The two of them headed down to the ding area and breakfast. Once there, they gave their orders to Jeeves and sat down next to each other. "I had the strangest dream last night." "Really? So did I?" "I dreamed I was floating down a river, and then I came to a gazebo where you were." "Really. My dream had me in a sandstorm, and when I came out of it, there you were." Both of them thought deeply about what this could mean. Did this mean they really were made for each other? Did this mean they should step away from each other? What could this mean? They thought for a moment, keeping those thoughts to themselves. At that time Kurt Wagner, alias Nightcrawler entered the room. He was dressed in a pair of long brown pants and a bright yellow T-shirt, with purple shoes. Kurt Wagner, alias Nightcralwer gave his odor to Jeeves. "Say, did you know someone gave a rose to Kitty yesterday?" Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix said. "Really. I wonder who would do that." "So what did you think of it?" "It was interesting… I liked it…" "It’s got to be someone around here whom sent it." With that, a deftly silence fell upon the room like the proverbial sack of lead. After about 42.5534 seconds, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes spoke up. "I’m sure Kitty can handle everything." "Uh… right." "Well, don’t get too comfortable, Ralph. You’re going in the Danger Room, along with Peter." "I’ll be there, and ready, Professor." After breakfast, he then changed into his spare uniform (Since the first one was now dirty and being taken care of by the mansion’s staff) and proceeded to warm up and enter the danger room.

Once Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes had entered the danger room, Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus entered the room, also attired in his uniform. "So comrade, are you ready?" "Oh yes." "Well then, let’s go." Then in the control room Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat entered. She was still warring the same dress. Next to her was Professor Charles Xavier and Jean Grey-Summers, alias Phoenix. "Are you all ready now?" "As ready as I’ll ever be." "Good, then begin!" Once again the Danger room sprung to life with traps. This time, the first traps were a valley of laser fire brought forth by various lasers that appeared in the danger Room. Armoring up, Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus was able to use his armored form (which has been known to defect tank shells from 50 meters (164.02 ft) away.) to deflect the laser fire. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes used his agility to avoid the traps. In the control room, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat watched him perform his acrobatic movements with the grace of a swan. "I wish I could do that." She bemused. "I wish I was as graveful and as good as Ralph is." Thinking some more, she said to herself: "Why can’t I tell him I love him too? Look at him out there. Any woman would be crazy not to want to cuddle with that man. He’s so handsome and well-built… Maybe that’s it. I think he’s too perfect for me. After all, how could he ever possibly want someone like me? Sure, I have worked out a lot, and honed my body as best I can, but is that really good enough for him? I’m by no means perfect. Could someone that wonderful even come close to accepting my faults? I wish I knew…." Meanwhile, back in the danger room, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes and Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus had disposed of the lasers and now were fighting two large, menacing robots who were akin to Sentinels. Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus was bashing the robot away with his fists, while Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, was spraying the robots with his powerful acids. "So, comrade, I understand you have a thing for Katya." "Can you blame me? She’s really hot…. Wait, are you still wanting her back?" "Nyet, comrade. She seems to be taken with you." "Are you jealous that she seems to like me?" "A little… after all, we had been dating for a long time…" "I’m sorry, Peter." "Don’t be, comrade. It was inevitable that she fall in love with someone else." "Yea." "It will take me awhile to get over it." "I understand. I would feel hurt in your situation too." They continued to fight for about 18 minutes, and then tore the robots to pieces. "Program completed. Good job, everyone." The Danger Room then cleaned itself up, and returned to normal. "You do good, comrade. I think you will be a sold member of this team." "Thank you. I wish I was as skilled with my powers as you are yours." Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus then transformed from his armored form to his natural form. A visage of Professor Charles Xavier then appeared on the screen. "Well done, Ralph, Peter. Warm down and meet us in the wart room." So they went down to the war room, and met there. They sat down again in the same order and spacing as before. "Ralph, your powers are developing fine. I’m going to have you go out on the next mission." "Wow. Thank you, Professor." "But I still want you to train some more with the team. I think we won’t have much trouble for awhile." "Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way." "Your next training session will be with Ororo." "I see…" "It will be this afternoon. In the meantime, however, I suggest you keep fit with more training." " I will do that."

She then entered her vehicle, started it up, and drove it off the premises of the X-Mansion, and down Greymalkin lane, turning onto the freeway and down and on and on and on to the temple. Once she arrived there, she found Rabbi Steinberg there, taking his pet dauschund dog for a walk. The dog was about 2.6 feet (79.248 cm) long and 1.9 feet (59.912 cm) tall, and had a brown fur coat with white spots, and floopy ears. The Rabbit himself was dressed in a black Rabbi’s cloak and pants, with the traditional yarmulke and black hat. He was about 5 feet 4 inches (1.6256 M) tall, had gray hair, and brown eyes. He was standing there while his pet dauchsend was frolicing merrily. "Ah, you seem troubled, my child. Come, come, tell me your troubles." "Well Rabbi, there’s this guy I like, and he likes me too…" "I see…" "Well, the thing of it is, I want to ask him out for a date, I want to be his lover, but something is holding me back." "What’s holding you back? Is he already in love with someone else?" "No, no, nothing like that. It’s just that… well, I… erm, that is to say, I just… well, I don’t know what’s holding me back." "Then you should have no problem overcoming it." "Huh?" "I had a hard time telling my wife that I loved her. I think it was because I was just afraid of being committed to her… that if things didn’t work out, I would be stuck with her forever. But then I realized which things were really Important to me. It’s important to have a family. It’s important to settle down and be stable. You miss so much out of life when you don’t share yours with someone else." "I see." "I know how important it is to make the relationship worked. It’s very crucial that everyone be as happy as they can be in life. You know, a young man came to me earlier today and talked about a woman he was in love with, but he said she didn’t seem to love him back." "Oh? What did you tell him?" "He was very Adam Ant about dating her. I said he should talk to her family and see what they say." "Hmm… I see. Thank you, Rabbit." "No problem. I’ll see you Sunday, miss." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then went her mary way.

Later on, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was calling on the telephone. The phone itself was a traditional black affair, with a push-button setup. He had gotten the phone number to Carmen Pryde, the mother of Katherine "Pitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. Unfortunately, what he got was a busy signal when he dialed. Then Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat entered the room. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then immediately hung up the phone. "Ralph, who were you calling?" "Well, a friend. But he wasn’t at home now." "Oh." "Don’t worry about it, Kitty." "Right." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then took the hand of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "So how have you been?" "Well, alright." "Have you decided yet on things?" "Well, not really." "I think you like me too." "What makes you say that?" "You haven’t taken your hand away from mine." "Oh, that." "Yes, that." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then found herself very nervous. Sure, it felt good to hold the hand of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. But there was this little tiny part of her that wanted to pull away… She stood there, numb to the rest of the world. The only thing she could feel was the hand of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Ralph, I don’t dislike you, but it’s just that… well, I don’t know what it is." "Kitty, I will wait for you, but I cannot wait forever. I know this is an important decision for you. Something that will effect the wrest of your life. I’ll let you take your time. But my patients do have their limits." With that, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then let go of the hand of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. Just then Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes had a flash of inspiration. "What if one of the other telepathic ladies was blocking Kitty?" He thought to himself. "It can’t be Jean, because she’s married. I doubt Professor Xavier would do it, unless he was doing it to protect Kitty for something in his mind for something he sees as disasterous for this time. I think I’ll start with Elisabeth, though…" "I… gotta go." "Alright, Kitty. I understand." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then exited the room. She went down the hall and across the way and over towards Professor Charles Xavier. Sensing she was in dis dress, Professor Charles Xavier met her halfway. "You know, don’t you?" "Yes." "What can I do? I really want to love him, and I really want to find out what’s holding me back." "Then let’s go to cerebro." "Alright." They then went into the war room and approached Cerebro. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Professor Charles Xavier sat opposite each other in plastic chairs, at a distance of about 2 feet ( cm.) "Just relax, Kitty. Allow your mind to flow and allow me to enter your mind." "Alright." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat sat back and relaxed. "That’s good. Now just let your mind flaw…" The next thing she knew, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was once again floating down the riber on the gondola again. This time, however, Professor Charles Xavier was sitting right next to her. "It’s my dream again." "What dream?" "Well, there was a dream I’ve been having where I was floating down a river, and then I come to a stop in front of a pleasant spring meadow." Sure enough, they stopped at a pleasant spring meadow scene. At the end of that meadow was a pleasant white gazebo, as described before. Professor Charles Xavier and Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat stood up and walked out of the gondola, followed shortly thereafter by Professor Charles Xavier. "Professor? You’re walking here?" "This is not the real world, Kitty. I have the ability to walk in your mind." "Right. Well, in my dreams, at the gazebo is Ralph." "Let’s go then." So the two of them went together to the gazebo and looked around. Again there was a table and chairs, this time for three people. In one of those chairs, of course, sat Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. He was attired in a pleasant polo shirt and shorts and tennis shoes. "Come, please, sit down everyone." "Alright." Thus Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Professor Charles Xavier sat down in their respective chair and then Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes poured each of them a cup of tea. Professor Charles Xavier relaxed as he drank his tea. "Ralph, can you tell me something?" "What?" "What is holding Kitty back? There seems to be something that prevents her from saying yes to you." "Hmm… that’s a very good question, Professor." "A question that needs to be answered." "I’m afraid the only one who could tell you that is Kitty herself." He then took a sup of his tea. "Me? Why me?" "Because the only one holding you back is you." "I’m… the one… holding me back?" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde couldn’t believe what she heard. She had desparately hopped that it was someone else, maybe some telepathic influence that was effecting her mind. "Yes. Only you can bring this to fruit wishin’." "I- I don’t know what to say?" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was still in schlock over hearing this news. "Perhaps we should probe deeper into the recessed of your mind." Professor Xavier then stood up and looked around. "I believe you want to throw that lever there." Ralph Walks, alias Galoshes pointed to a lever in the ground. Professor Charles Xavier then went over to the lever and pulled him. "I can’t garantee where you’ll end up, though…" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Professor Charles Xavier went plummeting down.

"Professor! I’m scarred!" "Don’t be, Kitty. Think of being safe, and you will be. Professor Charles Xavier then psychicly manifested a parashute for himself, and Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat held onto him as they coated down to safety. Once there, however, they found themselves in the homme of Dr. Moira MacTaggert. "Muir island research center? But this place was destroyed!" "The physical place is gone, but your memory will keep it erect forever." "Uh… right." "Och, lassie, come on in now, you’ll catch yuirself a death of a fold." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat did a 139 degree turn to her right to find Dr. Moira MacTaggert there. Dr. MacTaggert was clad in an overcoat, tam o’shanter, and boots. "Lassie, I doughnut know what yuir doing out here, but come on in now, lassie." "Alright." The three of them, (Dr. Moira MacTaggert, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Professor Charles Xavier) entered the building. Dr. Moira MacTaggert then removed her coat to show she was wearing a pleasant Scottish bodice and a tartan skirt, the colors of which were traditional for the clan Kinross. "Moira, what’s going on here?" "Ah, Charles. Good ta see ye laddie. It’s been a long time since we talked." "Well, you’ve been somewhat dead, Moira." "Aye. A shame, I know." "But what we’re here for is Kitty." "What’s wrong, Kitty?" "Well, there’s this guy that I met, he’s really cute, but something is holding me back from loving him." "Aye?" "What can we do?" "Donnae ask me. Me love life hasn’t been the best. The answer is in Kitty." "But… I… don’t know what that’s about." "You do know what it is, sunshine." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat did a 145 degree turn to her left to see Peter "Pete" Wisdom there. "Pete…" "Kitty, you know what is keeping you back." "You." "No, not me. You." "Fear." "Fear of what?" "Fear of …. well, of… I don’t know." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat held her hand to her forehead to symbolize the headache she was feeling. "We made a breakthorough here. You need to rest, Kitty. We’re going to have to continue this later." With that, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat found herself back in the anger room, sitting next to Cerebro. "Professor, what am I afraid of?" "I don’t know, Kitty. That’s only something you can answer."

Nearby, Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke was in in the study. She wore a flowing green one –piece dress and shoes. The dress had short sleeves and a moderately cut neckline with a skirt that came down to knee level. "What do you want here?" She asked to the entering Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Elisabeth, I want to know something. Kitty wants to love me, but something is holding her back. Can you find out what it is?" "For you, anything." Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke then concentrated. "I can’t get into her mind right now, The Professor’s in there." "He’s trying to find out the same thing. " "Really. Interesting." "Yes." "That’s nice to hear that’s she’s trying herself." "Right." "Something wrong?" "Well, not really." "I don’t need telepathy to tell that you’re hiding something." "Well, I’ll be honest. I really wish I had a man like you, Ralph." "Well, my heart belongs to Kitty, but I’m sure there’s some man out there that’s right for you." "Yes. I just wish I didn’t have to wait forever to find him." "Well, if it’s any consolation, I’ve had to wait over 8 years to find Kitty." "That’s not rely helpful." "How about I have a cousin in KC who’s looking?" "If he looks like you, I might be interested." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then smiled slightly. "That’s what I thought you’d say. I don’t have a picture of him but I’ll give you his number." "Alright. But he’d better not be ugly." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then let out a slight laugh. "Oh he’s not. He looks alot like me. He’s an angle phile as well, so you should get a long way with him." Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke smiled slightly. "So you say." "Oh wait. I remember, he’s got his picture on his web site. Let’s check it out." He then went over to the network station and logged on. He visited the web site rwellington.50megs.com/shadow2.html , and showed her a picture of his cousin. "Hmm… not bad." Elisbeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke said. She noticed Ralph’s cousin’s features; his tanned white skin, his rich brown eyes, his well-chiseled chin, his aptly defined chest his athletic frame and the lake. "Hmm… not bad indeed." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes smiled. "I hope you to get together soon. He’s been looking for awhile too… although I should warn you, he’s something of a dreamer." "Right. The X-Men are al about dreams, Ralph." "Oh yea." "Well, I’d like to send him an e-mail." "Sure thing. There’s his address there." "Great!" Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes stepped away from the computer while Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke went in and typed out a e-mail to the cousin of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Hmm… I’d better send him an e-mail too about this." "Sure, you can when I’m Finnish." "Alright." So after Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock finished her e-mail, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then sent his cousin an e-mail detailing what had happened there.

Katherine "Kitty" Pryde was beside herself with worry. She couldn’t help but fear that what was preventing her from loving Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes would consume her. What was she so afraid of? What could possibly make her want to hesitate? Why in the world would she not want to wrap her loving arms around the hot body of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes? It was a perplexing problem for her. She wanted to be free of this guilt, of the pain, the anguish, and the strife. However, as one knows, being on planet earth is to suffer. Therefore, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was left alone to muse to herself. she was standing in her room, and holding Mr. Bots, as described above in her arms. "Mr. Bots, I don’t know what I’m going to do." "I want to love Ralph, I really do. But something is holding me bach. I can’t figure out what it is! Mr. Bots, do you know what it is?" She asked the stuffed cat Mr. Bots pleadingly, almost begging for the answer she herself couldn’t find. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat squeezed her stuffed cat Mr. Bots, applying 30 psi (2.10921 kg/cm, 208643 pascals, 1551.45 torr, or 2.04138 atmospheres) to it. "It’s tearing me apart. I want the answer, Mr. Bots! Why can’t I find it?! Where is it!?" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat started to cry. She produced 2.3 femtoliters (.000158697 drams) of tears. "Please don’t cry. I can’t stand to see someone I love cry." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat gasped in shook as she spun around in a 144 degree angle to her previous position and saw that Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was standing there. "Ralph." "Kitty." "Why does it hurt so muck to love? Why can’t love be a simple thing?" "I really couldn’t say. But I can tell you this, however: I love you deeply, and I know you love me as well. Whatever is holding you back shouldn’t be. You’re ready to leap out of your old mindscents and into something new. Something that could be wonderful and fufilling. But it can also be scary. It can also be a disaster. Well, I’ll do everything I can to make sure that it snot. I promise I’ll do everything possible to make this relationship last and be as fun and as caring as any relationship you’ve had before." "I really wish I knew what was going on, here." "Well, I hope this will give you something to think about." With that, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes placed his arms around Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and gave her a hug. However, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat used her phasing powers, and Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes ended up grabbing air. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat moved away from Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Ralph, please don’t force this issue. It just needs some time." "Alright, I understand. But you’d better make up your mind soon. I can’t wait forever." "You say that, I know…" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then ran her hand across the cheek of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Good things come to those who waist." "I know. And you’d better make it worthmy while." Nearby, about 4 rooms down, Professor Charles Xavier was talking to Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke. "Elisabeth, I have to ask you something." "What is it?" "Well, I was trying to find out why Kitty was n’t falling in love with Ralph." "You don’t think I had something to do with it, did you?" "Of course nut. But I was wondering weather or not you could sense something at work here… something only another woman could see." "Well, I really don’t know, Professor. I agree that something is at work here, but what it is, I don’t know." "Hmm… this is perplexing indeed. I really cannot figure out what is going on here." "I’m sure something will crip up soon." With that, Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke fell silent. Professor Charles Xavier didn’t know what to say either; He found everything so frustrating. After all, even telepathy rely can’t make a man understand the thoughts of a woman. Men have their thoughts, and women have theirs. They’ll always be diffidence. Anyway, Professor Charles Xavier said his goodbyes to Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke and left the rom.

The next morning, about 34 feet (10.3632 m) away and in another room, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes woke up to a bright spring day. It was April 31 this day, the outside temperature was about 72 degrees (22.2222 celsius, 295.372 kelvin, and 531.67 Rankine). He was clad in a nightshirt and shorts as he woke up. He bemused his situation. "You know, it would be really great if I could wake up in the morning and find Kitty in my arns. I really wish I could give her something to make her realize that life with me would be niece." He then took a shower and dressed into a white shirt and a pair of blue jeans and tennis shoes. Upon exiting the place, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes met up with Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. She was dressed in a light blue shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. Ralph Walls, alais Galoshes smiled upon seeing Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. "My, you look fletching today." "Thanks. You’re looking good too." They then walked down the stair and to the left and down the hallway and into the dining area. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat gave her usual order as described above to the butler Keeves and sat down. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes gave his odor to Jeeves as well and sat down. "Kitty…" "Not yet. I need more time." "Alright. I didn’t want to do this. But if you haven’t decided at the end of tomorrow, I’ll droop it forever." This made Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat worried. She knew he would be a good lover, but she couldn’t bring herself to find out just what it was that was keeping her from taking his athetic frame into her arms, and giving his large, broad and muscular chest a big jug. But it was something she had to find out for herself. It was a normal, routine breakfast that they had that day. After breakfast, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then asked Professor Charles Xavier. "Can we continue what we started last night?" "Alright. Come with me to the wart room." Together they proceeded to the war room, where they sat down juxtaposed to each other, about 1.5 feet (43.18 cm) apart. This time, however, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes entered behind them. "I want to be in on this too." "Ralph, I don’t know of that’s a good idea." "I think it is. See, this is not just about Kitty anymore. It’s about us all. I think this may be the start of something large here. Larger than anything I’ve ever seen before. It would probably be in your league, Professor." "Right." "Professor, let him stay. There can’t be any harm to it, right?" "Well, since you think it’s o.k., I’ll allow it." So they sat near each other, spaced about 1.5 feet (43.18 cm) apart. Professor Xavier asked that they join hands and concentrate. "Allow your thoughts to rome freely." "Alirght." The next thing they knew they were at the front gate of the X-Mansion. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat was standing there, wearing her old Ariel costume. Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes was nowhere to be found. Professor Charles Xavier was next to her, standing. "Professor, where’s Ralph?" "I don’t know, Kitty. But I think the answer to our problems is in there." He then opened the gate and entered the place. At the door, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat found it to be open. She entered the place to find Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes there, attired in his uniform. "Ralph…" "Kitty." "Ralph, what’s going on here?" "I don’t know, Professor." They looked around the place some more. "I think I should leave you two alone for awhile." With that, Professor Charles Xavier left the scene. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then got nervous as Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes came closer to her. "Kitty, you must confront this demon and slay it. You can defeet it." "Alright, Ralph, I – I love you." She then put her arms around Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, who returned her embrace. "Kitty, this is the happiest moment if my life." "It feels food to be in your arms, Ralph. I think I want to remain her for awhile."

Suddenly, the two were blown apart. They were knocked away from each other, and separated. "What happened?" "I don’t know." "They tried to embrace again, however, they found they were unable to do so. "What’s going on here? Why can’t we touch?" "I think you know the answer to that one." "What do you mean by that?" "The answer of why we aren’t in love is within you. Only you can pull it out out and use it." "Uh –" "Right." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat did a 132 degree turn to her left and found herself face-to-face with a classic X-Men group: Ororo Munroe, alias Storm, who was clad in a white mohawk, leather dress, and boots; Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus, who was also clad in his old uniform; Logan, alias Wolverine, who was clad in his old uniform; Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, alias Psylocke, who once again had her Caucasian features, and clad in a purple leotard of old; Longshot (whom has no alias), dressed in leather and sporting a haircut that belonged in Haircut 100; and Allison Blaire, alias Dazzler (or, if you prefer, the Disco Dazzler) whom was sporting her blue outfit of old. "Guys?" "Kitty, there’s a part of you that still hesistates. There is a read on for that." "But what is it?" "It is you." "Peter? What do you mean by that?" "Part of you is still in love with me, and with Pete. You must make piece with that part of you to move on." "Oh…" "Kitty, I’ll do everything I can to help you out. I want you to be happy, and that’s the best gift anyone can give somenoe else." "Thank you. I see now." With that, the X-Men vanished. All that was left was Katherine "Kitey" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Well, how can we maim peace with that part of you that still loves Peter and Pete?" "That’s a good question. I don’t know the answer to that right now." "Perhaps if you talked to Peter about this, things might improve." "Well, that’s an idea." Professor Charles Xavier then entered the place. "I have seen it all. You should stop now before this goes on too fart." Next thing they knew Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes were back in the War room with Professor Charles Xavier as they were before they went on their journey. "Well, we’ve made alot of progress here." "You should rest before continuing further." "Alright, it’s evening anyway, we should be getting to bred." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes stood up. "I’ll see you tomorrow." Professor Charles Xavier then left the room, turning the wheels on his wheelchair at the speed of about 3 miles per hour (4.82803 km per hour). Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat and Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes were alone in the war room. "You’ve been so good to me, Ralph. I don’t think I deserve a guy like you." "Sure you do, and I deserve a woman like you, Kitty." With that, Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes took the hands of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat. He felt her soft, satin-like skin, gently caressing her palms and rubbing the back of her hands with his tums. "Ralph…" "Kitty…" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat got very nervous, and closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly. "I should be getting to bed." With that, she phased through his hands and exited the room. "Damn." Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes thought. "I almost got through to her."

In her room about 1 minute 14 seconds later, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat got ready for bed. "I want to defeat this ogre." She bemused to her stuffed animals on the shelf. "I want Ralph, and he wants me. I have to find a way to talk things out to myself and convince myself that I need him." She had changed into a silk nightgown, cut low in the front and trailing down to about 2.4 inches (6.096 cm) above her sexy knees. "Welk, maybe if I sleep on this, I’ll find an answer." She thought as she pulled the covers back with her right hand and then entered the bed. Upon entering the bed, she drifted to sleep and into the arms of Morph. Slowly, her dream began to unfoal; she was in a scene of being on a starship, with Lockeed by her side. "Lockheed." "Kitty, come with me." The two went down the corridor which measured 8 feet by 5 feet (2.4384 M by 1.524 M). Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat did her best to keep up with the 3.28084 foot (1 m) Lockheed. "Lickheed! What’s so important here?" "You’ll see soon enough." They journied down the corridor for about 100 feet ( M) before coming to a large door. "Must get through door, but it’s locked." Lockheed said. "Take my hand, Lockheed." Together they phased through the door where they found Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus surrounded by several large sentinel-like robots which measured 7 feet in height. "PETER!" "We have to rescue him." "Lockheed, distract the robots." With that, Lockheed breathed fire on the robots, which was raised the temperature of them to about 490 degrees fahrenheit (254.444 degrees celcius, 527.594 degrees kelvin and 949.67 degrees ranke.) "Peter! Come with me!" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then grabbed the hands of Lockheed and Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus. With this she walked out of the room with them, phasing them through the robots and the door. After this, She let go of both Lockheed and Piotr "Peter" Rasputin, alias Colossus. "Peter, are you alright?" "Katya, I worry about you." "What?" "You are getting into something that is uncertain. At least with me, you know what to expect." "You’re… your’e the part of me that still loves Peter." "What are you talking about, Katya?" "I don’t want you anymore! I don’t need you! You’re not what I want in Live!" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then pushed Piotr "Peter" Rasputin through a window and out into space. "I want you out, and now!" She creamed. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then did a 94 degree turn to her left and was face-to face with Lockheed. "Well, one down, and one to go." "That was the easy one, Kitty." Lockheed then flew off. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then followed Lockheed down to another room where she had to phase through the door. In side she found Peter "Pete" Wisdom who was dressed in a sloppy suit and tie with a black coat and shoes and an eyepatch over his eyes. He also was smoking a cigarette. "Kitty! I’m glad to see you again, sunshine!" Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat then took the cigarette out of the mouth of Pete Wisdom and put it out on his arm. "Cigarettes kill, Pete. You shouldn’t smoke." "You’re sounding like bloody Moira here." "Sorry, but thinks just didn’t wok out between us. You’re more a free-wheeling, fun-loving, woman chaser type. That’s not what I need in my life. I need someone stable. I need Ralph, and not you." Peter "Pete" Wisdom was hocked at what he heard. "Kitty, you can’t just leave me like this." "Watch me now." With that, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat left the room and went back to Lockheed. "I’m free of them, I know I am." "You’re very close. Now, you must find the real you within you and without you." "What do you mean by that?" "The worst enemy is ahead of you; it is yourself." "Me? How could I be my own worst enemy?" "You know what I mean." "Erm.. No I don’t." "You want this to last, don’t you?" "Yea." "Well, then get rid of the preconceptions that you have about how this relationship should go. Then let yourself flow into the beggings of what life will let you have." "Alright, I’ll dote that." "Good. Now, it is time for you to return to the realm of the awake." With that, Lockheed vanished. "Lockheed?" "Kitty?" A voice came from seemingly nowhere. "Ralph?" She did a 146 degree turn to her left to find Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes standing there. He was dressed in his uniform. "Kitty. I’m glad you’ve chosed to come with me." "Ralph…" With that, Katherine "Kitty" Pryde approached Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes, then put her arms around him and pulled him close, applying 30 psi (2.10921 kg/cm, 206843 pascals, 1551.45 Torr, 2.01438 atmospheres, or 2.06843 bars). Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes then returned her embrace and held her close. "You are like a flour to me, eager to blossom in to a beautiful woman." "Ralph, I’m sorry I took so long to decide." "That’s not important, Kitty. What’s important is that you have decided to love me, and now we can build a long-lasting relationship." The two continued to hold each other close, close enough that one could not put a US dime between them. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde then let out a soft moan that registered about 3 decibels. "I love you, Kitty." "I love you too, Ralph." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat put her head on the broad, muscular shoulder of Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. "Hold me, Ralph. Hold me until the pain goes away." "I’d hold you forever if you wanted." "You’re so wonderful, Ralph. I know you’re the man for me now…" Then Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes pulled gently on the chin of Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat until she was face-to-face with him. "I know you’re the woman for me too." The two then kissed passionately.

Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat felt her heart skip a beat as their lips contacted. She felt an intents passion and pleasure she had never felt before. It was like something she had been missing all her life was coming home to her. She felt more whole now than she had ever felt before. She wanted to keep the kissing going forever. Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat felt weak in the knees as she felt the wholesome, full-bodies flavor of the rich, passionate kiss that she was getting from Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes. They kissed for a long while, then came up for air, parting lips. "Mmm… that was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before…" "I have to agree, darling. I hope we can keep this going for a long, long time." "I have no problem with that, sugar." Katherine "Kitty" Pryde, alias Shadowcat cuddled Ralph Walls, alias Galoshes for awhile. Then she woke up and found herself simileing. "Alright, today’s the day. I’m gonna tell Ralph I love him. And I know he’s going to want me too." She thought to herself. She then threw off her nightgown and took a shower, simileing all the time. "I’ve conquered my innner demands. They’re gone! I can love freely now." She took an hour to bathe, but after she did, she changed into a pleasant dress and shoes. It was a pink affair with a moderately cut neckline and a skirt that came to the knees. She then went out of the door and towards the dining room for breakfat, and into fate…