The next day, we found ourselves relaxing in her home, basking in the comfort of each other's company. It was there that Diane revealed her secret base hidden within her home, showing me her trust.
As we delved deeper into the conversation, I was astounded by her vast knowledge of the criminal underworld, particularly concerning a notorious crime boss known as "Tyrant." The same guy who I bumped into.
There's even my name "Shadow Stalker" Of course, she doesn't know, Then an idea came to mind, Curiosity piqued, and I couldn't help but ask, "What do you know about Shadow Stalker?" Diane turned to me, her eyes wide with intrigue. "Let me tell you what I've gathered," she began, her voice tinged with excitement.
"Shadow Stalker is a tough bounty hunter," she explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Clad in a violet jacket, they possess hands fitted with metallic enhancements, allowing them to scale walls effortlessly. Their helmet, adorned with a distinctive red line, acts as a visor, aiding in their pursuit of targets."
"Do you like Shadow Stalker?" I asked her, Diane's eyes widened slightly, her expression thoughtful as she considered her response.
"Well," she began, her voice tinged with intrigue, "Shadow Stalker is an enigmatic figure. Their skills as a bounty hunter are unparalleled, and their dedication to justice is admirable. But, at the same time, their methods can be ruthless and uncompromising."
She paused for a moment as if reflecting on her words before continuing, "I suppose you could say I have a fascination with Shadow Stalker. Something is captivating about their mysterious persona, the way they operate in the shadows, always one step ahead. But whether I like them or not, that remains a question mark."
"You asked me this last time," I began, my voice filled with curiosity. "If you ever saw his or her face, what would you say?"
Diane's gaze softened as she pondered my question, her eyes searching mine for a hint of understanding. "If I ever saw the face behind the mask of Shadow Stalker," she replied, her voice laced with a mix of wonder and anticipation, "I think I would be struck by a combination of awe and intrigue."
She continued, "To witness the person beneath the shadow, to glimpse the human behind the legend, it would be a moment of revelation. I would be compelled to understand their motivations, their past, and the essence of who they truly are."
"But," she interjected, "still, following in Shadow Stalker's footsteps, he remains unknown. He's been gone for around 8 years, and I've left it at that. I theorized that he died or retired." I whispered, almost to myself, "I retired for good." But Diane didn't seem to hear my confession, swiftly shifting the topic. "Anyways! Today is the Gala," she exclaimed, excitement lacing her voice. "What are you going to wear this time?"
Caught off guard by the sudden change in conversation, I replied honestly, "That, I don't know." Diane pulled me closer, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Good to hear," she said, her tone teasing. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation at her response.