Fan Fiction: Crossovers
Can't Get You Outta My Head

  Stephen had been subtly following Khan around the club, not letting anything slip. Khan had left the bar, and slowly circled the club also, stopping every now and then, to speak to a waiter. Khan had now moved from the bar, to the dance floor, wandering around the edge, to the elaborate staircase, which led to the second restaurant floor, composed of private booths. Stephen had countered each move. He kept himself on the opposite side of the room, at all times, watching for any sign of Khan's usual honor guard of Mongol warriors. Khan never went anywhere around them, but they would definitely not fit in here, and Khan did not expect to face his arch-foe. As far as Stephen could tell, Khan was alone.

  Khan had finally grinned at his enemy, and gave a pointed look at the second floor, and then back to Stephen.

  Stephen nodded. He understood. Khan wanted to talk.

  Stopping briefly to pluck another martini, and tip the waiter, Stephen quickly made his way up the staircase. There were about a dozen private booths on the top floor, used for customers who had wanted privacy, as the Cobalt Club was often used for business discussions and one-on-one meetings. The booths were not like small rooms, but rather small three sided cubicles, with no doors, walls that went to the ceiling, and a large window in the third wall, overlooking the band, tables, and the dance floor. Stephen had used them before, several times, and even had a private booth reserved.

  "In here Ying Ko." Khan's voice drifted from Stephen's personal booth. A quick glance over his shoulder, to make sure he was not being followed, and he entered the privacy of the small room.

  Khan was enjoying a meal, and a glass of wine. Stephen set down his martini, and sat across from Khan, with his back to the wall, and a clear view of the door. "Nice suit." Said Stephen.

  "Thank you." Khan said, and then, his voice a little tighter, he continued. "It covers some of the worse burn scars from our last encounter."

  Stephen gave a small grin of victory. "I guess it was too much to hope for that you died in the explosion."

  Khan looked defiant. "Nice to see you too. Incidentally, the Filet mignon is excellent."

  "They make it good here. Same with olives for that matter." Stephen answered, popping the olive from his martini into his mouth. "In town long?"

  "That's entirely up to your lady friend: The blonde who just left. I go where she goes."

  Stephen laughed. "She isn't your type."

  Khan wasn't the least bit phased. "Not yours either. You think she's a vindictive witch; she's not at all popular with the family. What's the matter? You don't like having relationships you can't control?"

  Stephen gave a curious frown. "She told you all this?"

  "Unnecessary. I can see it in your mind. You're like reading a book."

  Stephen growled. "You know, we Cranston's are getting supremely tired of hearing that."

  Conversation stalled, and Stephen and Khan regarded each other. Two professional, experienced, motivated combatants, drawing up the battle lines. Silence stretched, until Stephen spoke. "So. How long have you been in the lending business?"

  Khan laughed, and gladly filled in the details. "I use it as a front for getting favors. There are a million places to get money in this world when you can read minds. But I found something far more valuable when she came in my door. An Un-awakened projector! Fairly strong one too; and now one that owes me money."

  The Shadow's mocking laugh answered him. "Take my word for it Khan, she isn't worth it. You're playing with fire when you hang around her. Take it from someone who knows. Stay away from that one."

  "Spoken like a true ex-boyfriend. What will you do if I decide not to?" Khan said.

  Stephen gave his most sinister smile. "I might let you have her."

  Khan raised an eyebrow. "She really did get to you didn't she? Anyway. You're bluffing."

  "I never bluff." The Shadow's growl answered.

  "You are this time. Because you know what she could do when she awakens, so you won't let me wield that kind of power."

  Stephen said nothing.

  Khan gave a wistful grin. "I couldn't believe it when you walked in. Of all people, she runs to the legendary Ying Ko for help. Is that a coincidence, or does she know?"

  Stephen sat just a little straighter. "Does that matter?"

  Khan's smile was infuriating. "Ah, so she doesn't. Would you like to tell her, or should I?"

  Stephen rubbed his temples for the thirtieth time that day. "And it was starting out as such a nice quiet weekend." He looked at Khan again. "My grandfather should have killed yours when he had the shot. I suppose its up to me to end the Khan family line now."

  Khan laughed. "You're family's arrogance lives on I see."

  "Confidence, not arrogance. Let me give you another piece of advice: Run and hide. She has asked me for help, and ordinarily, I would refuse. Ordinarily, I would send flowers to her loan shark. But now that I find that YOU are her mysterious benefactor; I suddenly have more incentive to do the right thing. Stay in my town, and you have to deal with me. So once again, RUN AND HIDE."

  Stephen stood up, preparing to leave, when Khan's voice stopped him. "Ying Ko. Do not think that this is a conversation. I am giving you an ultimatum. Leave me to my business. You do not truly care for this woman; you are using her to get to me, nothing more. Continue those tactics, and there will be dire consequences. For I know your secret. And I know her secret. And secrets are dangerous things. You must be careful whom you share them with...lest they be exposed!"

  Stephen turned back to Khan. "You've been practising that speech haven't you? It was very well delivered. By the way, just in case you're wondering. The moment you said: Like reading a book, was the moment I decided to tear you apart."

  "We shall see." Declared Khan, and suddenly, he pulled a gun!

  On pure reflex, Stephen grabbed the barrel with his left hand, hammered Khan's wrist with his right, and turned the gun with his left simultaneously. Within the blink of an eye, Khan's gun was in Stephen's hand, pointed back at him.

  Just long enough for Khan to vanish completely. Stephen watched the walls for telltale shadows, and spoke aloud. "Invisibility is MY trademark Khan. Why don't we step outside and settle this the old fashioned way?"

  "All in due time." Khan's voice answered, swirling about like The Shadow's usually did. "We will meet again Ying Ko. I respect no man's territory."

  Stephen settled back into the chair, and sipped at his martini. He was lost in thought, until something gripped his shoulder.

  Once again on reflex, Stephen grabbed the hand on his shoulder and pulled it back behind the man's back, forcing him against the wall. "Stephen it's me!" said the man.

  Stephen let him go. It was Peter. "Sorry about that. Where's Diane?"

  Peter rubbed his shoulder and gave a quick glance to see if anyone had been watching. "She's at the manor. I left her with Victor."

  Stephen gaped. "You left them ALONE? Are you insane?"

  Stephen angrily strode for the door, and Peter followed. "So I take it the discussion with Khan went well?"

  Stephen snorted. "I now have to protect her from Khan AND my Uncle."

  "Now you want to protect her? What the hell is going on?"

  By this time they were outside, and Moe's cab had pulled up. "I'll explain on the way."