DIANA
  BECOMING A GIANT
 
  Snore23
  9/1/2013
     
 
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.]
     
 

Table of Contents
  Chapter 1 2
  A Costume For the Ball 2
 
 

Chapter 1
A Costume For the Ball
 
 
 
 
  Diana arched her back to work out the kinks. As she rubbed her knuckles tiredly up and down she peered up at the clock that hung just above the office door. 3:42 in the afternoon. She’d been working, what was it now? Five hours? Maybe six hours now without a break? She tried to think of when she had gotten to work, but her mind wasn’t working with her. Wait, she had gotten to work at nine that morning, so it was almost seven hours now! Diana felt practically faint.
  She looked at her boss, John Alsomberger. He was a friendly fellow who ran the office a bit like she imagined Santa Clause would run his toy factory. These days though, with the critiques coming and the possibility that their branch could be shut down to save money, he was taking everyone to task, making them stay late to check paperwork and ensure all files were in order on top of their normal assignments. The extra hours were becoming a personal nightmare for Diana. Not only did she have papers to file at the end of the day, but she also had her homework for her classes waiting for her each night at home.
  Speaking of that, I’ve got to listen to that lecture again tonight so I can get ready for that test Monday. Thank goodness I’m taking my classes online this quarter, or I’d never be able to balance both.
  The growl of her stomach reminded her of her original intent, and she cleared her throat noisily. John looked up from the papers he was sorting.
  “John, it’s getting a little late. How about I take a break and get everyone some sandwiches?”
  He looked up and blinked. “Great Scott! Is that the time?! Yes, yes. Get a wiggle on girl! We need to get through the “F’s” tonight, and as much of the “G” as we can.”
  “Sure thing, John.” Diana laughed. She got up and shut off the screen to her office computer. As she grabbed her coat and walked out the door she heard a chorus of cheers follow her.
 
  A sharp wind blew down the nearly deserted street when Diana left the sandwich shop. The large bag with the sandwich shop logo swung crazily as she walked, occasionally hitting her legs and rebounding. She lifted the bag slightly higher to try and protect the sandwiches.
  As she came to the end of the street and turned onto the boulevard, she kept a wary eye on her surroundings. The cold October weather was keeping a lot of people indoors, and the streets were nearly deserted on this side of town. Unfortunately, they weren’t deserted enough.
  A sharp squeal to the right attracted her attention, and she spied the opening to a narrow alley that connected to the street. Hurrying, she plastered herself to the cold brick wall of the building at the mouth and peered in.
  Three gang members were surrounding a girl dressed in the rough costume of a streetwalker. Unlike the others Diana had seen before, this one clearly was not looking forward to this encounter. She was pressed as far back against a dumpster as she could go, hands held in front of her defensively.
  “Please! Leave me alone!” her voice cracked at the high notes, reinforcing Diana’s forming opinion that she was far too young to be out on the street.
  “Come on baby.” One of the toughs leered. He had a red hat cocked to the side. “I’m sure you can…accommodate all of us.”
  “Yeah.” His buddy backed up. He had about a week’s worth of stubble on his chin and greasy brown hair.
  “No! Go away!” desperation filled her voice as she suddenly bolted.
  Like ravenous wolves on a springing deer, the three toughs grabbed her arms and threw her onto the ground, tearing at the top and trying to rip the shirt up but hitting each other more often than their target.
  “Stop!” Diana’s voice cracked like a whip, making the quartet jump and look up. Diana pointed to her left hand that held a cell phone, her fingers hovering above the “talk” button. She thrust it towards them threateningly. “I’ve got 9-1-1 already dialed. I can have them here in seconds. You need to get out of here, now.”
  Red hat snarled at her, but jerked his head towards the other side of the alley, and they got up. Facing Diana, they eased back while Diana kept her finger next to the keypad. Finally, they reached the far side and disappeared.
  Diana slumped, stabbing her finger to the other side of the phone. A second later, the warm “welcome” screen and the familiar start-up music of her carrier sounded.
  Pocketing the phone, she looked down on the street walker that was staring up at her, makeup smeared by tear tracks and her shirt torn in several places. She could see a black bra partially pulled down through one of the tears, exposing the girl’s tiny chest. It was clear that the girl was still too stunned to be of any use, either for herself or anyone else.
  Kneeling next to her, Diana dusted her off. At the same time she surreptiously fixed the bra and shirt to return the girl’s dignity. Finished, she stood and offered her hand to help the other up. The girl clasped the hand and got shakily to her feet.
  “Th-thank you.” She looked at Diana with teary eyes as she let out a shaky breath.
  “You’re welcome.” Diana said encouragingly. “Let’s go get you cleaned up a bit.”
  The girl pulled slightly away. “NO! I can’t leave my corner.” She said desperately.
  “Don’t worry. I’m sure the corner won’t miss you if you’re gone a little while.” Diana said soothingly. She wanted to get the girl back to the office before those toughs got back. She kept peering around her carefully, but the alley was deserted except for them.
  “Please. I-I haven’t earned anything yet. I-I can’t go back empty handed.”
  “Oh, that’s all right. I’m sure we can work something out.” Diana told her. “But those three goons might come back, and we sure don’t want to be caught out here alone again!”
  “N-no, you’re r-right.”
  “Well, then. Come on.”
  Diane grabbed her hand and led her to the front of the alley. At the mouth of the alley, she snagged the sandwich bag from where she had dropped it and hurried down the street back to the center.
 
  At the Red Cross Center, Diana handed the bemused John the bag of sandwiches to distribute while she took the quaking girl back to the medical center. Her best friend Belle was looking at some reports when they came in.
  “Hey Diana. What’cha got there?”
  “Hey Belle. I’ve got a young girl who was just attacked by three men in an alleyway.”
  “WHAT!” Her friend rocketed from her chair and was beside both of them in an instant. The girl shrunk back in terror, but Belle already had a firm grip on her arm and led her gently to the medical table in the exam room next door. Making her swing her legs up, she kept a running chatter going, alternating between calming her patient and scolding Diana for leaping in without looking.
  “-and what were you thinking?! You could have been hurt, or killed or worse! You’ve got to think these things through before you jump in.” She listened to the heartbeat.
  “I seem to remember you jumping in the middle of a group of people getting into a fight and cleaning their clocks.” Diana pointed out as she sat in one of the two chairs.
  Belle paused. “That was different.” She insisted. “I knew I could handle them. You don’t even have any training! And you never raised a fist to anyone! You’re a pacifist for cryin’ out loud! Pleading with those guys wouldn’t have worked, ya know!”
  “That’s why I threatened them instead.” Diana said sweetly. Belle turned to her in surprise, almost forgetting to take the thermometer out of the walker’s mouth.
  “You did what?”
  “You heard me.” Diana felt a smile tugging upwards at her mouth. “I threatened them.”
  “With what?” Belle was eyeing her hundred-and-ten pound frame with clear doubt.
  “With my phone.” Diana grinned. “I simply told them I had nine-one-one dialed and was about to call. They backed off and ran back up the alley.”
  Belle whistled. “That took guts.” She commented.” But as long as you both are all right.”
  “I’m fine, but that’s why we’re here. I didn’t like the way she –“ Diana paused as she realized she didn’t even know her name.
  “I’m so sorry.” She looked at the walker. “But I just realized, I never got your name.”
  “Crystal.” The girl said shyly.
  “Hi Crystal. I’m Diana.”
  “And I’m Belle.”
  “It’s real nice oto meet you.” Diana finished with a smile. She looks so young. I’m sure she shouldn’t be out on the streets, or away from her parents yet. I wonder how I can help?
  “Perhaps you would like to spend the night here? We’ve got plenty of beds and a good hot meal in the morning.” She offered aloud.
  Crystal shook her head hesitantly. “Thank you very much for your kindness, but if I don’t get some money, then they’ll throw me out onto the street.”
  “Who will?”
  “The guy I’m renting my room from. HE wants his money up front by tomorrow, or I’m out.” She hugged her knees. “I can’t go back onto the streets. Not again.” She whispered, not really looking at the other two in the room.
  Diana and Belle looked at each other. Diana thoughtful, Belle resigned. “You know, Crystal.” Diana spoke aloud. “We’ve been thinking of getting some more help here at the center. It’s starting wages, but it should be more than enough to help you make your rent money.” She smiled encouragingly.
  “Really?” Crystal looked up at her with round eyes. Diana wanted to laugh, she looked so comical!
  “Really. Let me get you some clothes to replace what you’re wearing and we can get you the job afterwards, OK?”
  “Okay.” Crystal whispered. Diana stood up to leave, but was unprepared for Crystal to throw her arms around her and sob into her shoulder. She recovered quickly and held the other woman gently until she finished.
  As Crystal finally leaned back and dabbed at her eyes, Diana patted her shoulder and slipped out to find her some clothes and let Belle finish her examination. She knew her friend would insist on Crystal at least having a quick shower and a wash to get rid of that smeared makeup and clean the smell. The poor thing must have been without water for some time.
  As she grabbed a set of clothes from the small gift shop the center had for the tourists that occasioned by, she stopped by the register and rang up the purchases. Pulling out her wallet, she swiped her card and filled out the receipt.
  On her way out, she saw John back in the office. It would be better to have it out with him now then wait until Crystal was standing next to them, she figured. She didn’t want to show Crystal how desperate the center was already.
  “John, can I speak with you for a couple of minutes?”
  “Sure. I’m just going over these last figures, and I think I might have found us a tax-deduction.”
  “Excellent.” Diana enthused. She waited for him to close the door to his office before launching into her idea to help Crystal.
  “You want me to what?” John didn’t shout, he sounded more resigned than anything.
  “You heard me. That poor girl has turned to prostitution to pay her rent! Surely we can help her get back on her feet, maybe provide some good references for her future career.” Diana insisted.
  “Diana, even if I wanted too, the Center is barely afloat as it is. You and a couple of others are all I can really afford. If it wasn’t for those college courses that have helpers and interns rotating through us, we’d be sunk as it is.”
  “Well, you can still hire Crystal.” Diana said firmly. “I’ve been pretty much volunteering my time here; my parents give me enough money for my college anyway. Just say that I’ve gone from a full employee to a volunteer and hire Crystal on as a full-time employee. Maybe in the lobby or helping file papers. That will help us be ready for future audits.”
  “That could work, but are you sure you want to give up your paycheck for someone you don’t even know?” John asked.
  “She needs our help John. This is the best way we can do that, by giving her a job.” Diana said firmly.
  “You’re crazy, you know that? All right. On a temporary basis, we can give her a job and move you to a volunteer status. Hopefully, this audit will prove that we are still good for staying open, and I can hire you back on in a couple of months. Now, go tell our new employee that I want to see her in my office. Now.”
  “Thanks John. I’m sure you won’t regret this.” Diana waved as she walked out. As the door closed behind her, she caught John mutter;
  “I sure hope your faith is justified, Diana. For your sake.”
  To be sure, Diana wasn’t one-hundred percent positive, but was fairly certain. She had a good feeling about this girl. And besides, her conscience wouldn’t have let her start such a life as that without at least trying to help.
  Back in the examination room, Crystal was dressed solely in a white hospital gown and was shivering slightly as Belle wrote something down on her clipboard. They both looked up as Diana entered.
  “And how’s our patient today?” She spoke jovially as she set the clothes next to Crystal.
  “Not bad.” Belle answered while Crystal hugged the clean clothes against her body like a starving dog with a bone. “Definitely a little malnourished, limited hygiene and some lice. We’ve taken care of those, and with appropriate food and rest she should be good as new.”
  “Excellent.” Diana enthused. She turned to Crystal. “I’ve already spoken with John. You can start immediately. When we’re done here, go see him, and he’ll get you sorted into your position, Okay?”
  “Okay.” She whispered. She seemed stunned at what had happened to her. Diana found herself unsurprised at this; not everybody could have had the day she did and still be sane!
  I should probably leave her alone for now. Have some time to sort things out. I hope she won’t need an advance for that rent she owes! Diana wondered what she could do about that, but couldn’t figure out a solution that would help both parties. She didn’t want to seem, as her friend Belle would say, a sucker; but neither did she want to see the girl go back to the streets out of desperation. She would have to have a talk with Belle and John and see what they could think of. If it came to that, she thought fiercely. With the fact that she had a good, reputable job, she would undoubtedly have some leverage to stay where she was at. It was a slim hope, but one Diana clung too.
  She was roused from her thoughts by a tap on her shoulder. Blinking, she looked around to find Crystal already gone, the gown neatly folded on the edge of the table, and Belle looking at her impatiently.
  “Hello?!” she reached forward and tapped her again. “Earth to Diana? Why are you still here?”
  “Sorry Belle. I guess I got wrapped up in my thoughts.”
  “Let me guess; you were wondering what else you could do to help that kid out, right?”
  “Well…yeah. I was.”
  “You can stop right there. You’ve already done far more than enough to help her. You need to back off and let her stand on her own two feet now.” Belle spoke firmly as she finished straightening the office.
  Diana hesitated for just a moment, but decided that Belle might have a point. She could be mothering a bit much. Aloud, she said; “I suppose you’re right Belle. She’s got a job now, a better one, and she should be able to afford her rent in just a couple of weeks. Or at least, a down payment.”
  “Yeah.” Belle agreed with an eye roll. “Perhaps. Depends on the guy renting the place, I suppose. But that is not our problem.” She continued firmly, seeing Diana open her mouth. “I don’t want to hear it, Diana. There’s so much going on in our lives right now that we can’t help every Tom, Dick and Sally that comes to us. If they’re coming for the organization, that’s something else, but personally?” she shook her head. She almost seemed to be groping for words to say.
  Diana took pity on her and spoke first. “I understand, Belle. I really do. But what else was I supposed to do?”
  Belle groaned. “You did exactly what I probably would have done.” She admitted ruefully. “Except for the part of securing her the job. I would have pointed her in the direction, but made her get it on her own.” She added defiantly.
  Diana rolled her eyes and gave her a look. Belle shook her head and remained stubbornly steadfast. Diana knew better though, Belle probably would have had her working with a paycheck already in her pocket by now if she had been in charge.
  She started when Diana snapped her fingers.
  “I just remembered something.” Belle explained. “We have a big Halloween party thing coming up. Huge shindig at the local High School Gymnasium; lots of contributors and bigwigs. The boss wants you to give a speech.”
  “A speech?” Diana squealed. She hated speaking to people, especially big noisy ones that expected her to be all calm and professional and not sweating like a pig and wondering if she should make a run for the window or door!
  “Yeah. Something to make the investors willing to keep bringing the money in. Says you’ve got natural talent for it.”
  “How does puking in front of everyone count as natural talent for speaking?” Diana mopped her forehead.
  Belle laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think that will go over too well. You’ll be fine though. Trust me, the old adage about imagining everyone in their underwear works. Especially if you imagine the men in thong briefs and the women in-“
  “Oh, my God! Belle! I can’t believe you just said that.” Diana covered her ears and growled in mock ferocity at her friend. Belle just laughed at her. She turned towards the door with Crystal’s chart still in her hand when she paused.
  Diana lowered her hands to listen. “One more thing. Because it’s Halloween, John wants everyone to be in a costume for the event.”
  Diana groaned. “Belle, I haven’t dressed up for Halloween since my early teens. I don’t even have a costume that will fit anymore!”
  “I guess you’ll have to get one then. Need me to loan you some money?”
  Sigh. “No. My parents gave me a credit card a while back. I’ll just charge to that. I’ll have to do it after work tonight though; Halloween is the day after tomorrow, isn’t it?”
  “That’s right. I wouldn’t worry about it though; there should be plenty of time if you leave now. Most shops don’t close for another hour.”
  “You’re right. I’ll tell John.” Diana agreed.
  “Don’t forget what I said, and don’t get distracted by helping out with something last minute. You need to get that stuff done now, or you’ll forget.”
  “Yes, mom.”
  “And don’t call me that!”
 
  Diana found John in his office. Crystal was nowhere in sight, and Diana assumed that she had been given her first assignment. Just to be sure, she asked first.
  “I’ve given her to Rachel for training.” He spoke easily as he reclined in his chair and stared at the computer screen in front of him. “She should be up to par here pretty quick.”
  “I hope so. Anyway, that’s not what I’m here to talk to you about. I’ve just found out that I’m supposed to give a speech at the event on Saturday?!”
  “Yeah. Didn’t you get the memo?” John looked up from his computer in surprise.
  “No, I didn’t.” Diana huffed. She wondered briefly whether that memo had fallen into her shred box or his, suspecting the latter. He had hit delete on his memo’s in the past and forgotten to check that they were sent. John was clearly remembering those incidents as well, for his face was very red.
  “Um, yeah. Well, it shouldn’t be that bad. It’s not even a real speech.”
  “What kind of speech is it, then? A pep talk?”
  “Something like that. Look, it’s just a little get together for the folks that supply us money. All you have to do is smile, where something sexy as hell, and make sure the donations keep coming in. If they don’t, then the center closes and we’re all out of a job.”
  Diana hesitated with her retort that she was not anyone’s eye candy. If things were really that bad, and she had no evidence to contradict, then John had to be getting pretty desperate. Diana didn’t feel that she qualified as “sexy as hell”, and said as much. John laughed.
  “Diana, you’re five-six with long blond hair, a perfect face and a model’s body. Trust me, you’ll do fine.”
  Diana shook her head. “Why is it all men want in a girl is her looks?” she asked mournfully.
  “Because deep down we’re all cave-men savages looking for our next mate. You’ve gotten plenty of offers before, and really the pep-talk is a good idea to make the investors feel good about coming. Just were some nice costume and we’ll be fine.”
  Diana sighed. “And that brings us to point two. I don’t have any costume at home. I haven’t been trick or treating in years.”
  John looked surprised. “Fine.” He finally said equitably. “No problem. Look, with that new help I’ve got plenty of people to mind the office. Go out and find yourself a good costume afore the stores close.” He dismissed her with a wave of her hand.
  “Sure thing boss.” Diana muttered as the door swung close behind her. “Just pick something sexy so people stare at my chest and ignore my words. Wonderful.”
  She grabbed her coat and her purse from under her desk, switched off her machine, and sallied forth into the slowly darkening street.
 
  Diana walked downheartedly from the warm lights of the Sears store. They hadn’t a single costume she liked and would attract the kind of attention John desperately needed. She absolutely refused to wear the skimpy nurse or latex suit that would have had her worrying that the outfit would fall off if she breathed hard. Those kinds of things are for those who have no self-respect at all. Yet I can’t keep searching for a costume that suits me AND will please John and those ingrates of donors.
  A brightly colored sandwich board caught her eye. Written across it in bold letters was the store name: ENCHANTED THREADS, and underneath: Where the costumes are so real, it’s just like magic!
  Just like magic huh? Catchy title, I suppose. We’ll see if it lives up to its claim, though. Diana felt a smile curve her lips as she turned down the small alley the sign indicated. About halfway down there was a small awning set over a door and another sandwich board.
  Entering the door, she heard the tinkling of a bell. The packed room had costumes of every shape and description, on everything from space men, to ballerinas, to monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Racks of hanging costumes lined the floor while the walls were crowded with displays and shelves. Strangely, there were no other signs advertising any sales or offering the best deals. Instead, old-fashioned bronze signs stood in front, offering one price per row.
  A thumping noise made her turn, and she saw an elderly man with a ram’s head cane making his way over to her. She didn’t want to inconvenience him, so she hurried over.
  “Greetings.” He spoke in a slightly raspy voice, thin and frail.
  “Hello. I’m Diana.” Diana offered her hand, which he took with a surprising firmness. He pointed to his nametag that read: ROLAND
  “How can I help you today?” he asked with a warm smile. Something about him made her thing of her grandfather, and she relaxed.
  “I’m looking for a nice costume for a Halloween event that I have to attend.” She told him. “It’s got to be something I would wear, but something sexy to keep John happy and the investors onboard.”
  “And do you always do what this John wants?”
  “Well, no. But it’s very important.” Diana stammered in response to his searching gaze. “You see, the shelter has hit some hard times, and if the investors don’t stay on, we’ll close. The homeless won’t have anyone to turn to, and neither will those in need of help. We’ve got to stay open, and if it means one night of embarrassment, well…” she trailed off, heat suffusing her cheeks.
  “I see. But have you thought of going the other way? Sometimes elegant and regal attract far more attention, with better results for all. You look just like a princess, you know. Well, if you’re sure, then I might have something in the back that is guaranteed to get you noticed.”
  He turned and began moving slowly away. Diana reached out to help him, but thought better of it. He was probably sensitive and didn’t want to show weakness in front of anybody, the proud fool. Just like her grandfather, and she felt very warm at the memory of his loving arms and happy laugh.
  Oddly, it did not take Roland long to come back. He held in one hand a set of stilts shaped like legs. He went to the counter with a nod in her direction. She came over to see what exactly he had brought.
  To her surprise, the stilts looked exactly like a real pair of legs. Even the toes at the end of the bare foot seemed real. They would add about two feet of height, she estimated. It was then she noticed the costume itself, and gasped.
  The costume was similar to a two-piece bikini. There was a long strip of cloth that she took for the top, and the bottom was a long skirt that would hug her hips and flow down almost to the calves of the stilts when she was wearing them. What really got her attention however, was the fact that the fur seemed real. Hesitantly, she reached out and brushed her hand across them. It was real alright. The thought of the poor animals that had to have been skinned for this made her pull back.
  Roland must have guessed, for he chuckled and shook his head slightly. “Looks pretty real doesn’t it? It’s actually a new type of false fur made from cloth. Similar to those faux fur wraps that people are so fond of wearing these days.”
  Diana frowned. “Are you sure? It feels so real…”
  “And why shouldn’t it? That’s what the best costumes are supposed to feel like, costumes so real that they don’t seem like costumes. And you haven’t even noticed the final touches yet.” He pointed to a pair of bracelets that Diana hadn’t noticed.
  They were made of metal, and traveled from her wrists halfway to her elbow. The designs etched on the metal were long flowing lines that seemed almost liquid in movements, and filled with a strange blue material that shone in the dim light a pale blue. There was a large sapphire set in the top of each bracelet, and a metal clasp underneath. Something was written on them, but they were in a strange runic alphabet that she hadn’t seen before. Of course, it was probably just made up for the costume but Diana thought them a nice touch.
  “What is it?” she asked softly, staring down on the costume.
  “Why, a giantess costume.” Roland’s voice told her equally softly. “It’s designed to give you the look you want, and be surprisingly warm and comfortable to wear on even the chilliest of nights. It will change your life.”
  “How much?” Diana asked fearfully. It was nice, and would satisfy John and the others, even though she wished there had been something to cover her stomach.
  Roland didn’t answer right away, reaching out and brushing some imaginary piece of lint from the skirt. “It’s been here so long,” he whispered, “Waiting for the right person to come and take it. I’ll let you have it for a song. Sixty-five dollars.”
  “Sold!” Diana gasped before the crazy old man could change his mind. She immediately felt bad for taking advantage of his generosity and tried to apologize.
  “I mean, I’m sorry. I don’t want any charity. I’ll pay the full price.”
  “Sixty-five.” Roland said firmly. “And remember, there’s no returns.”
  Diana frowned. “What if it doesn’t fit?”
  “Oh, it will fit. It’s a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.” Roland smiled at her. “I can assure you it will fit you fine.”
  Diana paid the money and Roland rang it up on his register. The machine beeped contentedly and he handed back her card. Roland carefully bagged the costume and handed it over.
  “There’s a fitting room over there if you want to try it on.” He suggested.
  “Thanks. I think I will, just to make sure.” Diana smiled. “Thank you. For everything.”
  “You’re most welcome, young lady. Do try to have fun at that party. You’ll make a giant impression, I’m sure.”
  “Heh, I suppose you’re right.” Diana agreed. She walked back to the fitting room and left Roland sitting on a small stool he had set up behind there. What an interesting old man. He’s quite the character. Diana closed the door firmly behind her, and laid the costume on the provided shelf so she could wriggle out of her clothes.
  Slipping out of her shoes, she slid off her jeans and carefully folded them. Then she took off her shirt and set it neatly next to them. She looked down at her black bra and debated for a minute before sighing and taking it of as well. I want to see how it looks on me, and I can’t do that with my straps sticking up. Oh, well. There’s no one to see me around here anyway. She giggled at the thought while her nipples tightened pleasantly in the cooler air of the dressing room. Picking up the long strip of cloth, she bound herself and tied it in a tight knot. To her surprise, her upper body warmed almost immediately, as if she had slid on a warm sweater.
  “Huh.” She said aloud. However, she wasn’t going to argue.
  Putting on the skirt, she let the material pool down around her feet while she secured it with the hooks on the back. The skirt was warm and draped around her legs like the softest blanket. You know, for being nearly indecent, this costume is surprisingly warm!
  Finished with the easy part, Diana sat down and hiked the skirt up as far as it would go. Reaching over for the leg-stilts, she slid them on and found that they were almost like boots, easy to get on, and yet nearly skin tight when she had them all the way.
  Standing up, she let the skirt fall and found it went almost down to the midpoint of her calf…well, the midpoint of the stilt’s calf. It was surprisingly comfortable. And now, for the final touch. She reached over and grabbed the bracelets. They snapped easily shut on her arm, warming quickly to her flesh.
  “Okay, I’ve got to admit, this is pretty cool.” Diana gave herself a little twirl in the mirror to see everything. I’m surprised at the balance on these things. I expected it would take me a few minutes to adjust, and yet I feel like I’ve been walking on them my entire life.
  A stomach cramp gave her pause. Huh. Guess I must be hungry. I’ll need to get going then. She reached for the bracelet to take it off.
  Fire raced along her veins and along suddenly sensitive nerve endings. Muscles clenched tight and released, and molten lava settled in her belly. Diana screamed at the sensations, hunching over as she felt sudden pressure on her head. There was a noise like thunder, a roaring din in her ear and dust stinging her eye on top of the pain she was already experiencing. She opened her mouth to scream again, but the pain was gone, dying away almost as soon as it had begun. Only the echoes of it remained.
  Diana trembled, feeling dizzy and achy all over. She was also a little scared. She was just starting to wonder what had happened when she opened her eyes. She stared, unable to comprehend what she was seeing.
  A flat grey wall with tiny dots in it was just in front of her, ending just above her eye-level. From her vantage point, she could see tiny radio antennas and dishes sitting there. Who would make antennas that small, and why would they bother putting them up on a wall anyway? Dianna stared at the wall confused. She shifted forward to get a better look when she heard a crunching noise and looked down.
  Her leg was in the middle of a huge whole in the roof of the tiny building she was standing in. Her other stood in the alley that she had walked down to get to the costume shop. Diana stared numbly. From her height, she could easily see the chips of plaster raining down. And something else.
  Diana’s face blanked as the wispy piece of fabric came wafting up from the hole around her leg. It stretched itself in front of her, no bigger than a slip of paper from a Chinese fortune cookie. She squinted as she read the words:
  NO RETURNS
  Diana began to tremble, but for an entirely different reason. What on earth was she going to do now?