"Fat Chance!" Ryoko shot back quietly, still smiling however, Tenchi noted starring."This is soooo weird!" He wondered quietly. "Usually by this time ...n the morning, they've had two fights at least!" He continued to consider, amazed as the princess moved over to where Hero still knelt."Rise." Ayeka told him softly, falling easily into a practiced formality. "This is 'Our' home and 'We' do not stand on such lofty formalities here good sir!" With equality practiced ease Hero 'rose' delighting. The devil, the one on my right shoulder, clapped.“Come in, Michael. My daughter should be here shortly.”Natalia had a bottle of wine open and it was easy to accept her offer of a glass. We settled ourselves in the front room.“Is Monsieur M in, Natalia?”She smiled. My imagination decided it was a feral smile.“He’s out of town until next Wednesday, Michael. He’s in the U.S., in fact. Another business trip.”That didn’t seem to require an answer, especially since the mood in the room to me changed. Who could resist looking and flashing their lights, sounding their car/truck horns waving as I sped by. So much for the highway I took a few back roads then up though the mountains slowing down and waving to the hikers as I passed. As the sun lowered in the horizon I pulled into a scenic overlook got out and view the terrain. As I was returning to the car a voice shouted out “Hi”. Turning to see hiker in his early to mid 40’s walking to me. “Hi” I said tossing back my long hair then leaned. Too little and he could punish me for trying to get off too easily. Too much and I could be confined to bed for a few days. Taking a deep breath I replied. “Twenty lashes, Master. If that meet your approval, Sir.” Nothing was said for a moment. I hoped I hadn’t sold my punishment short. Master had an amused look on his face. “Well, I would have thought ten, but if you insist on twenty then so be it. Are you ready?” Picking up the cane he swished it through the air. It hissed angrily,.