Chương 114: Chapter 114
Ace strolled through the lush greenery of the park, his steps unhurried as he took in the vibrant sights around him. The bright sun cast a warm glow over the sprawling landscape, where families gathered for picnics, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and joggers maintained a steady pace along the winding paths.
The gentle breeze carried the aroma of freshly grilled burgers and the laughter of children at play. Ace paused for a moment, allowing the tranquil atmosphere to wash over him. It was a welcomed respite from the constant demands of his work and the looming threat of the Sentinels.
As he continued his leisurely walk, Ace couldn't help but notice the carefree joy that permeated the park. A group of young children chased each other through the grass, their shrieks of delight echoing through the air. Nearby, a family spread out a checkered blanket, unpacking an array of delectable-looking dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas.
Couples strolled by, their arms intertwined as they gazed into each other's eyes, oblivious to the world around them. Ace couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at the effortless connection they shared, a luxury he had yet to experience in his own life.
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught his eye, and he turned to see a jogger stride past, their muscles rippling beneath their skin as they maintained a steady pace. Ace couldn't help but admire the dedication and discipline required to keep such a vigorous routine, a testament to the human spirit's resilience.
As he continued his meandering journey, Ace found himself drawn to a group of musicians gathered near a fountain, their instruments creating a soothing melody that drifted through the air. He paused, allowing the music to wash over him, the tension in his shoulders gradually easing as he listened.
Ace sat on a nearby bench and saw the view of the small lake. The still waters reflected the lush greenery that surrounded it, creating a serene and calming atmosphere.
"This is a good day," Ace said to himself, his voice barely above a whisper as he took in the tranquil scene.
A sudden movement caught his eye, and Ace turned to see a squirrel, its fluffy tail twitching with curiosity, climb onto the bench beside him. The squirrel tilted its head, its bright eyes fixed on Ace, as if silently asking for attention.
Ace couldn't help but smile at the sight of the adorable creature. Reaching out, he gently ran his fingers through the squirrel's soft fur, eliciting a content chirp from the small animal. The squirrel leaned into his touch, its bushy tail swishing back and forth in approval.
Ace looked at the squirrel with a warm smile. "Are you here for some pets, little guy?" he asked softly.
The squirrel let out a series of high-pitched chirps, its tail twitching excitedly. Ace chuckled and gently ran his fingers along the squirrel's soft belly, eliciting more delighted sounds from the small creature.
"You seem to be enjoying this," Ace murmured, his touch becoming more soothing as he brushed the squirrel's fluffy tail. The squirrel leaned into his hand, its eyes closing in contentment.
While Ace was playing with the squirrel, he heard a woman call out to the squirrel. "Tippy! There you are."
Ace turned his head to see a young woman approaching, her casual attire consisting of a t-shirt with a sleeveless jean jacket and a pair of well-worn jeans. Her reddish-brown hair was pulled back in a braided ponytail, and she moved with a graceful, almost bouncing stride.
As the woman neared, the squirrel, whom Ace now realized was named Tippy, scurried off the bench and scampered towards her, its fluffy tail held high. The woman scooped up the squirrel, cradling it in her arms as she cooed softly.
"There you are, you little troublemaker," she said, her voice warm and affectionate. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
Tippy chittered excitedly, its tiny paws reaching up to gently pat the woman's face. Ace couldn't help but smile at the endearing scene, captivated by the woman's easy rapport with the squirrel.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take your friend," Ace said, rising from the bench. "He seemed quite content to keep me company for a little while."
The woman turned to face him, her hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, it's no trouble at all! Tippy has a tendency to wander off and make new friends." She chuckled, her expression warm and inviting.
Ace felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him as he studied the woman's features. There was something about her that seemed almost familiar, though he couldn't quite place it.
"I'm Doreen, by the way," she said, extending her free hand towards Ace. "And this little one is Tippy-Toe, my trusty sidekick."
"It's nice to meet you, Doreen," Ace replied, shaking her hand. "I'm Ace."
As their hands touched, Ace couldn't help but feel a subtle tingle of energy, a sensation he couldn't quite explain. He brushed it off, attributing it to the pleasant interaction with the friendly woman and her adorable squirrel companion.
"Well, Ace, it seems Tippy has taken a liking to you," Doreen said, her smile widening. "I hope you don't mind if we join you for a bit. I'd love to hear more about what you two have been up to."
Ace gestured to the bench, inviting Doreen to sit. "Not at all," he said, settling back down. "I'd be happy to have you both join me."
Doreen sat on the bench beside Ace with Tippy on her lap. The squirrel snuggled contentedly against her, its fluffy tail twitching with each stroke of Doreen's hand.
"So, Ace, which school do you go to?" Doreen asked, her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I attend Midtown High," Ace replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Doreen's face lit up with delight. "That's where I go too!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "I can't believe we go to the same school and haven't met before."
Ace chuckled, surprised by Doreen's enthusiasm. "It is a rather large school," he said. "But I'm glad we've had the chance to meet now."
Tippy chittered in agreement, as if echoing Ace's sentiment. Doreen giggled and gently scratched the squirrel's chin, eliciting a contented sigh from the small creature.
"Well, Ace, now that we know we're fellow Midtown students, we'll have to stick together," Doreen said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who knows, maybe we'll even have some classes together."
Ace nodded, intrigued by the prospect of getting to know Doreen better. "I'd like that," he said, his voice warm and sincere.
Tippy suddenly perked up, its ears twitching as it turned its gaze towards a nearby tree. With a quick leap, the squirrel scampered off Doreen's lap and bounded up the trunk, disappearing into the lush foliage.
"Looks like Tippy's found a new adventure to explore," Doreen said, shaking her head fondly. "That squirrel has more energy than I do sometimes."
Ace chuckled, his eyes following the squirrel's path. "It's impressive how quickly they can move," he remarked, admiring Tippy's agility.
Doreen nodded in agreement. "Tippy's been my partner in crime for years. We've had some pretty wild adventures together." She paused, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Maybe you can join us for a few of them, Ace."
Ace raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Doreen's suggestion. "I'd be more than happy to," he said, his own smile widening.
The two continued their conversation, their laughter and friendly banter filling the air as they discovered the common ground they shared as fellow Midtown High students. Ace couldn't help but feel a growing sense of excitement at the prospect of getting to know Doreen better, his initial impression of her only deepening as they exchanged stories and shared their mutual love for the playful Tippy-Toe.
The peaceful tranquility of the park was suddenly shattered by a shrill scream. Ace and Doreen's heads snapped towards the sound, their eyes immediately locking onto a frantic elderly woman clutching her purse as a hooded figure sprinted away with it.
Without hesitation, Doreen sprang into action, her agile form propelling her forward in pursuit of the thief. Ace watched, momentarily stunned by the woman's swift reaction, before quickly rising from the bench to join the chase.
Doreen's feet barely seemed to touch the ground as she bounded across the grass, her movements a blur of fluid grace. "Stop!" she yelled, her voice commanding and unwavering.
The thief glanced over his shoulder, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the determined young woman hot on his heels. Panic flickered across his face, and he pumped his legs harder, weaving through the startled onlookers.
Ace followed close behind, his enhanced speed and agility allowing him to close the gap. He could see the desperation etched on the thief's features as he desperately tried to escape.
Doreen's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on the fleeing figure. With a sudden burst of speed, she launched herself into the air, her body twisting and contorting as she sailed over a park bench. She landed with a graceful thud, her feet barely touching the ground before she resumed her pursuit.
The thief cursed under his breath, his eyes darting left and right as he searched for a way to shake off his determined pursuers. He ducked around a group of joggers, only to find Doreen closing in on him once more, her expression unwavering.
Ace matched Doreen's pace, his muscles rippling with each stride. He could see the panic in the thief's eyes, the realization that he was no match for the two young heroes.
As the thief rounded a corner, he caught sight of a small alleyway and made a desperate lunge towards it, clutching the stolen purse tightly. Doreen, anticipating his move, surged forward, her body twisting and turning as she navigated the narrow space.
The thief glanced back, his face twisted with frustration. "Damn it, just leave me alone!" he shouted, his voice laced with desperation.
Doreen's eyes narrowed as the thief darted into the alleyway, clutching the stolen purse tightly. Without hesitation, she reached into her pocket and pulled Tippy-Toe, her loyal squirrel companion.
"Go get him, Tippy!" Doreen commanded, her voice laced with determination.
Tippy chittered excitedly, its bushy tail twitching with anticipation. The squirrel launched itself from Doreen's hand, its tiny claws outstretched as it hurtled towards the fleeing thief.
The thief, his focus solely on his escape, failed to notice the squirrel streaking towards him until it was too late. Tippy landed squarely on the man's face, its sharp teeth sinking into his skin as it scurried across his features, eliciting a panicked scream from the thief.
Caught off guard, the thief stumbled, his hands flailing as he tried to pry the determined squirrel from his face. Doreen seized the opportunity, her lithe form propelling her forward with a powerful leap.
Twisting her body in midair, Doreen extended her leg, her boot colliding with the thief's chest in a devastating dropkick. The force of the impact sent the thief hurtling backward, his body crashing against the alley wall with a dull thud.
The stolen purse slipped from the thief's grasp, tumbling to the ground as he collapsed, unconscious. Tippy-Toe scampered off his face, its small form unharmed, and scurried back to Doreen, chittering excitedly.
Doreen landed gracefully, her eyes scanning the thief's prone form with a mix of satisfaction and concern. She knelt down, retrieving the purse and handing it to the grateful elderly woman who had been the victim of the theft.
"Thank you, dear," the woman said, her voice trembling with relief. "You're a true hero."
Doreen offered the woman a warm smile. "It's my pleasure," she replied, her gaze drifting back to the unconscious thief.
Ace, who had been close on the thief's heels, arrived at the scene, his eyes widening at the sight of the defeated criminal. He approached Doreen, his expression a mix of awe and admiration.
"That was incredible," Ace said, his voice tinged with respect. "I've never seen anyone move like that."
Doreen chuckled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Well, Ace, it seems we make a pretty good team," she said, her hand gently stroking Tippy's soft fur.
Ace watched in awe as Doreen effortlessly took down the would-be thief, her agility and skill on full display. "That was all you," he said, his voice laced with admiration. "I was just trying to keep up."
Doreen felt a faint blush creep across her cheeks at Ace's praise. "Well, I couldn't have done it without Tippy-Toe's help," she said, gently scratching the squirrel's chin. The small creature chittered in agreement, its fluffy tail swishing back and forth.
"Still, that was quite a display," Ace said, his eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation. "You've clearly got some impressive moves."
Doreen smiled, her confidence buoyed by Ace's words. "Well, we make a pretty good team, don't we?" she said, her voice playful.
Ace nodded in agreement. "You do," he said, his own smile widening. "Say, Doreen, would you like to hang out again sometime? I'd love to get to know you better."
Doreen's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'd love that!" she exclaimed. "Do you play any instruments, by the way? I happen to play the bass, and I'm always looking for new musical collaborators."
Ace chuckled, his expression brightening. "As a matter of fact, I do play an instrument," he said. "I'm part of a band that's performing at the school dance. Would you be interested in joining us?"
Doreen's face broke into a wide grin. "Are you kidding? I'd be thrilled to join your band!" she said, her enthusiasm palpable.
Ace reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Here, let me give you my number," he said, handing the device to Doreen.
Doreen quickly entered her contact information, her fingers dancing across the screen with practiced ease. "There, all set!" she said, handing the phone back to Ace.
"Excellent," Ace said, pocketing his phone. "Say, how about we grab some hot dogs to celebrate our newfound partnership?"
Doreen's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Sounds perfect!" she said, her gaze shifting to the unconscious thief. "Just let me make sure this guy is taken care of first."
Ace nodded, watching as Doreen approached the elderly woman and assured her that the authorities were on their way. He couldn't help but feel a growing sense of excitement at the prospect of getting to know Doreen better, both as a potential bandmate and a new friend.
As Doreen returned to his side, Ace gestured towards the park's exit. "Shall we?" he said, his voice warm and inviting.
Doreen beamed, her hand gently brushing against Ace's as they set off in search of the nearest hot dog vendor, their laughter and friendly banter filling the air around them.
***
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