Continued...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:37, Fri 24 June 2011.

  Jack gently caught her fingers, and slid his hand into hers, and she shivered, and asked in a small voice "Jack?"  And when his fingers tightened on hers, she flung her arms around him and sobbed against his chest.

Jeff looked on as Seer hugged Jack. These two deserved each other, and were crazy about each other, there was no doubt. Hopefully they could be strong for each other for whatever was coming next.

  Andy lightly put his hand on Icepick's shoulder, and Jeff heard a whisper in his mind.

Jeff nodded as Andy put his hand on his shoulder.

  Andy answered him with a nod, and he heard

Jeff gave a knowing nod to Andy, then looked back at Seer and Rebound.

  He merely held her, one hand stroking her hair, letting her hold tightly to him as he whispered "I will keep you safe.  They won't touch you.  Ever.  I promised."

Victoria looked on, with a slight mixture of happiness and sadness on her face.

"Those two need each other. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. They both complement each other well."

Ozzy sighed, and said softly to those waiting outside the room, "Frustrating, ain't it? Seeing those two like that, yet knowing that they're oblivious to how the other one feels."

He wondered silently if those two were ever going to get together. It was like a Rumiko Takahashi series come to life.

Oswald just smiled, glad that Penny had been brought out of her nightmare with very little damage. Best of all, no-one got hurt. The rest could be fixed or replaced.

  Darren said via worm-net to Icepick, Ozzy, and Vic {{Yeah.  See what I mean?  Those two really DO need each other, but they're like, blind to the facts.  So let's all work on a way to help them . . . }}

"Do you have any ideas, Darren? 'Cause, I mean, aside from gettin' em together, what else can we do?"

  {{They need a hand to see how deeply they feel for each other.  The pain blinds them both to the other things.}}

Victoria nodded.

  {{Gonna have to talk to them, and get them to talk to both each other, and someone else who can offer an unbiased opinion.}}

"Well..I did talk to Jack for a few moments. Its a matter of getting through both his and her fears."

:: pokes Ozzy ::

Ozzy replied, {{Question is, who? We've been shipping so hard that I think we hardly count as 'unbiased'. I mean, really. By now they probably both think we're seeing something in the other, even though it isn't there. I do have an idea, though. Maybe see if we can't get one of them to be candid about how they feel about the other in front of, say, a tape recorder?}}

"We're gonna have to be real subtle, Ozzy...if one of 'em picks up on the fact that we have some sort of recorder, they're gonna clam up.."

{{True, true. Still, I don't know of anyone who could be considered unbiased. Grandpa, maybe? I dunno.}}

Iris had gotten bored once Ozzy had left his experiements and went to go do some of her own. She poked her head into the room and smiled, "I didn't know we had company! You never tell me anything."

  Andy chuckled, and said "There's Iris.  You're a little ray of sunshine at the darkest moments.  You do realize this, right?"

Ozzy turned around, the frilly pink dress he was wearing swooshing a bit as he did.

"Hey, Sis. Sorry, I didn't know they were coming, either. First thing I heard was Penny screaming. Man, we're gonna need some serious caffeine tomorrow. Well, maybe you won't, Iris. Caffeine and you probably mix like high explosives and fire."

"I must apologize for bursting in on your quiet evening, but it looks like we were needed here," Victoria said. "It is good to see you Iris...now then, gentlemen, how do you suggest we pick an impartial judge for our two friends? All of us here are admittedly partial to them breaking down the walls and getting together."

"Like I said, I dunno. I don't know anyone who knows them and is impartial. Maybe talk to someone we know who's good at seeing the 'red strings of fate', so to speak, but doesn't know either of those two very well. Suggestions?" replied Ozzy quietly, hoping that the two people they were talking about wouldn't overhear.

"Oh, I shouldn't need caffine. I never sleep much. You guys are usually asleep by now though. There's something weird going on here." Iris looked pensive, then said, "Oh, right! Who are we partial to?" She frowned, squinting at Ozzy, "You've done something different with yourself. You look good. I suspect you would be recieved poorly should you go to school that way though."

Ozzy grinned, before whispering to Iris, "Yeah, probably. And it's not a who we're partial to so much as a what. We think that those two like each other, like in the boyfriend/girlfriend sense. Say, you're pretty good at being objective. Maybe you could do it? See how one really feels about the other?"

Iris frowned, "But I thought that Andy and Tori were already together." She whispered.

"Don't worry Iris...they are.." Jeff sent via the mindworm net. "It's Jack and Penny that we're trying to bring closer together.."

Iris nodded slowly, "Ooooh. Okay, I can play Pothos no problem. What is the plan?"

Jeff shrugged.

"Don't really have a plan. We could go with Ozzy's idea with the recorder, unless anyone has any suggestions."

Iris considered, then grinned. She began to whisper furiously, "Divide and conquer? Absence makes the heart grow fonder? That jazz? I can provide you with a small recording divice and you can take Jack to some boy-thing. Laser-tag? Paint-ball? Those were a lot of fun at the facility, but the boys always liked it a LOT more than the girls did. And I can get Penny to take me for an ice-cream. With them being seperate, it might be easier to get them to admit something. And as an added bonus, I get ice-cream!"

"I like the plan," Victoria said. "Have them engage in some relaxing and fun activities and loosen things up for them. That way, they're more inclined to not put up any superficial barriers."

"And I get ice-cream!" Iris persisted. She considered and added, "And you, 'Tori. Maybe we could go shopping for clothes, too. That's something boys don't like to do."

"And you get ice cream," Victoria said with a smile. "And I get clothes!"

  Andy nodded, then said softly to the two of them "You'll have to help Penny a lot.  Remember, she can't see.  She misses out on a lot because she can't see the clothing, can't tell you the fashions she likes.  So you'll have to help her with that.  And I shall have to see about acquiring some fundage for that . . . "

Iris looked disbelievingly at Andy, "Methinks you underestimate the girl's ability to shop, mon ami. Just because she can't see doesn't mean that she doesn't know what sort of clothing she likes." Iris grinned.

  Andy said "She can't see the colors though.  So you'll have to help.  Nor can she see them hanging on the racks.  That's what I mean."

"Perhaps..perhaps she can use one of us for her eyes? Can she use her mind's eye to see through ours?'

  Jack escorted Penny closer, and said "Someone mention shopping?  If you go, you'll have a handfull."

  Penny said "I don't know.  I don't remember what I do or don't like, other than butterflies."   Her voice was small, and soft, and they could still hear the rough edges from crying.

Iris nodded reaching to touch Penny on the arm, "Then we shall just have to go shopping and see, won't we?"

Jeff nodded at that, then turned to Jack.

"Hey Jack...how do you feel about going to the mall and maybe doing some Lazer Tag?"

"Well, hey, about time you found out then, right? Besides, you could probably use some new clothes anyway," said Ozzy, smiling.

Oswald nodded, "Indeed. It sounds like a reasonable idea to me. You might need a disguise though, Jack, though I could handle that easily."

  Jack gently touched Penny's cheek, and said softly "You do need some better clothes than you have.  Go with them, they won't let anyone get you.  And they can help you pick out things that look good.  I promise."

  Penny bit her lip, and said "Okay.  Be careful, Jack.  Be here when we get back."

Jeff smiled.

"Don't worry...you're in good hands Penny..and we will keep Jack safe. Enjoy yourself.."

'Sounds like it's settled then...you boys go have fun," Victoria said, grinning. She then turned to Iris, Candy, and Penny.

"So...shall we hit the mall, ladies?"

  Penny nodded, but she looked a little bit afraid.  Shopping involved crowds, and it was so easy to get lost in a crowd . . .

Iris nodded and ran upstairs, calling back, "I'll be right back!" When she returned, she handed a red MP3 player to Ozzy, "The Radio Shack is down near that side of the mall. Can you tell them that I need a new button for this? This one isn't triggering properly." She tapped a couple times lightly on the tiny button with a microphone etched into it, giving him a pointed look. She was sure that he knew what she was doing.

She had also gone to fetch her tricorder, which had an empty compartment where she could store her money, and had gotten out of her pajamas.

Into a cute white dress.

With wings.

As an after-thought, Iris gave Ozzy's pink dress another look and recommended, "You should probably change, too. I've got another set of angel wings, but you'll have to get your own white dress."

"Don't worry Penny..I will stay close to you," Victoria said reassuringly as they prepared to set out on their shopping adventure.

Ozzy shook his head, "Sorry, Iris, no can do. Everything's closed now, and I already promised Clarissa I'd go with her and her cousins to the Derrton Mall tomorrow, and I don't want you to have to go all the way out there to pick it back up."

He then handed Jeff the IPod, pointing out the button and saying, "Since you're going with them tomorrow, would you mind? They shouldn't need any money up front for repairs, so it should be fine."

"Gotcha covered," Jeff replied as he accepted the IPod. "Now...it's probably a good idea to disperse for now, and then get our stuff done in the morning."

Iris frowned pointedly at Ozzy. Apparently, he didn't understand. It was pretty pointed, and she was surprized that Jack hadn't understood. "Whatever." Iris said, deciding to simply text him as soon as they were seperate.

Ozzy looked confused, sending Iris a private mindworm message.

"Well...it seems like it's been a pretty active night," Victoria said. "If it's OK with everyone...I can keep Penny company."

"That sounds like a good idea, Miss Castillo. Assuming Penny doesn't mind. Now, Jack, are you headed back to your hotel? Unless you paid cash up front, I imagine that they might be somewhat irked if you did not show up in the morning to pay for the room. And still, you would need to collect what things you do have," said Oswald, smiling.

Ozzy yawned, before smirking, "Hope you guys have fun tomorrow. Wish I could go, but like I said, I've got a prior engagement. Clarissa's cousins are gonna go boyhunting-slash-shopping, and Clarissa wants me along for boyfriend duty. You know, as a packmule, and for 'just in case'."

Jeff couldn't help but chuckle.

"Clarissa's a good gal...she's had a lot of bad stuff happen to her. But you're good peoples...I think you'll do right by her."

He then turned to Candy.

"Looks like things might be winding down here, Candy. Anywhere you wanna go, or should we crash?"

  Candy nodded, and said "Let's crash, and do this in the morning."

The grin on Ozzy's spoke volumes as he nodded, "Oh, yeah. Clarissa's an awesome girl. I'm definitely a lucky guy. You guys'll have to meet her eventually, I know you'll like her. And, well, she kinda needs friends. Her old social circle more or less just abandoned her to her fate. Sort of a prodigal son kind of thing. It's sad, but at least it's over now."

Jeff chuckled, then turned to Candy.

"Hey...don't look now...but I think Ozzy is in looooooooooooove..."

Ozzy blushed bashfully and admitted, "Maybe a little. But, still, she was really fun to hang out with. We went to go see that new romantic film at the theater, and then we went for dinner at a little local cafe I knew close to the mall. The whole date went quite well."

  Candy smiled, and said "Judging by the blush, he REALLY likes her.  That's a good thing, she seems wild about you, Ozzy."

Jeff chuckled again. "You've got it bad Ozzy...but it sure sounds like she's an awesome girl. The crowd she was hanging out with in school wasn't doing her any favors."

He then turned again to Candy. 'So..where will we crash?"

"Yeah, she is. We've got a lot in common. I know some people might give her a bad rap for the mistakes she's made, but I figure I've got no right to judge. I mean, I'm far from perfect myself," he said with a grin, still blushing a bit.

  Meg smiled, and shook her head.

PM

  Meg giggled, and poked him teasingly in the ribs.

"We could probably crash at the HQ, Candy," Jeff said, the events of the night starting to catch up with him as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Thu 07 July 2011.

Ozzy grinned as he said, "Dude, you guys could crash here. After all, Candy's already got a space here, since she was staying with Megs when her apartment got smashed, and the rules around here are fairly consistent. And I can guarantee that breakfast here will be a heck of a lot better than what you'll get at HQ."

  Meg poked Ozzy in the ribs again, and told him fondly "In some ways, I sort of think you're the sort of little brother I always wanted and never had."

Ozzy chuckled and replied, "Heh, yeah. Still, lucky for you I'm past the 'annoying little brat' phase. That's one thing I haven't missed about living at home, was Michaela always trying to butt in on my privacy. Do you have any idea how hard it is to concentrate on learning a new spell when you've got a little kid banging on your door wanting you to come play barbies with her every two minutes? At least since my folks thought I was doing homework, I had a convenient excuse for not coming out."

Jeff chuckled, then looked towards Candy.

"Well...seems we've been given an invitation to stay at the Gysbourne place. It...it has been a big day. I'll see you in the morning," he said, kissing her on the cheek.

Victoria, seeing all the teenage chuckling and giggling going on, went upstairs to where Seer was.

"If it's OK with you, Penny...I'd like to stay by you for the rest of the night. Maybe help you sleep easier."

She smiled.

"You...you probably know a lot about me, don't you? Then you know that I'm a friend.."

PM

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Fri 08 July 2011.

As the heroes talked among themselves he listened and watched he was shocked they openly spoke of personal things like going to the mall and such they felt so secure in this manor they felt like they were untouchable probably. he had read the files on almost all of them from putting together news clips and from what he gathered from his other sources. These youngsters possessed great promise in being heroes giving him a run for his money. He was amused but all good fantasies come to an end and he had to do what was right. Letting children run around risking their lives when they had just begun them.
The shadows began to swirl and stretch in the corner of the room expanding and growing like an ooze engulfing the area around it as Shadow stepped out of the darkness he walked forward maybe five or more steps and stopped staring at the young heroes.
" Hello young ones its a pleasure to finally meet the youths running around saving the day." said the shadow his voice an echo in the room no hint to being male or female

  As soon as things began to swirl, Andy flat out growled, his frame turning to meet this new entity, although he didn't yet shift.  He didn't sense threat yet, but he didn't exactly approve of someone just appearing inside someone else's private residence.

Seeing Andy showing signs of hostility he didn't make any sudden movements. He kept his distance knowing his appearance in general along with his sudden arrival was rude but some times manners need to be pushed aside to make a point and deliver a message.
the shadows returned to normal to an extent they stopped swirling and seemed to reach out for Shadow as if wanting to be connected to him.
"Greetings and do not worry Andy Black i am not here for fighting nor am I an enemy I am here for two of your friends due to the fact they are in danger as are the rest of you... I fear you do not fully grasp the danger your in and please, please keep your egos down i do not wish an arguement." he said this in his polite voice that still echoed and shown no sign of male or female gender diversity

Jeff's hands began to ice over, but he didn't fully shift to his ice form.

"OK...Q&A time pal...who are you?"

The Shadows eyes shifted between Andy and Icepick he had seen these types of teenagers before and personally considered them more danger to themselves and others then doing any good.

"My name is Shadow I have come to this city in pursuit of a master mind but more so here to discuss what you teenagers plan to do. Any other questions i will gladly answer." he said this showing doing an open arm gesture as the shadows faded back to their proper posistion and held his hands up as to show he meant no hard

  Andy snorted, and said "Free advice.  Don't try and sneak up on me.  I have something like PTSD on steroids."

Seeing that they were not going to lower their weapons he didnt want to make them more prone to think of him as a bad guy due to his powers he appeared evil but these youths were acting according to his plan hostile weapons drawn guards up this slightly amused him.

"Call it what you would like Andy advice, suggestions, insults, or whatever you deem. I wouldnt call it free anything I do want something in return but what I want will wait till you decide what do you really want in this life time with what life you have left? I understand some of you have powers you cant mask or hide now i repeat what is it you teenagers plan on doing." he spoke this showing slightly more direction being a little more forward with them showing them in his own way respect by speaking to them as mature young adults

Jeff soon de-iced his hands, but was still intently looking at the stranger.

"OK Shadow, seems like ya have a story to tell about this mastermind character. As for the two..they're under our protection. You're here to help, I hope.."

Seeing icepick lower his ice claws he nodded at Icepicks response to what had said.
"Indeed young one  I am here to do more then help I have a goal and some allys on the way to assist me. I am here to speak to seer and rebound as well as all of you my story is not for the faint of heart nor is it at all happy. I would appreciate it if we could go to a place to sit down." he said this in a more direct manner seeing as what he considered to be the party leader as icepick to start making this meeting and his point of being here to get moving

  Andy hadn't raised any weapons to Shadow, merely turned to face him.  He certainly didn't look like the teenager his registration listed him as.  He said "There are at least three of us here who do not have 'short times' left to us.  But you might want to greet Oswald before we all sit down, since it's his house."  He spoke in a deep, bass voice but was polite.

Seeing the logic to this but the wording of what Andy said concerned him.

"Very well Andy i would like you to discuss later of course what you mean by short time left." he would turn to Oswald "Greetings Oswald its a lovely home you have and i do apologize for barging in on you."

Jeff relaxed somewhat, though his eyes didn't leave Shadow as he took a somewhat protective stance around Candy.

"All right...let's sit down then and talk this out.."

  Meg had been standing back, assessing the fellow, and she came a little closer as she answered.  "Andy and I are both nigh immortal.  The 'rest of our lives' will stretch out for hundreds, if not thousands of years."

Oswald harrumphed, positively fuming at this new intruder.

"How dare you! Disregarding the sanctity of my home! You are lucky I do not sense deception from you, young man, or you'd find yourself in the body of a goldfish! You teleporters need to learn to use the bloody door when entering a stranger's home. Once was tolerable, twice was pushing it, but you're the third and I'm putting my foot down! You will be allowed to discuss with us what you wish when I feel you've learned some manners," he said forcefully, before lifting his cane a short way and bringing it back down against the ground forcefully. There was a swirl of magical energy, and suddenly Leo found himself outside the house again, just in front of the front door.

While he would find himself free to teleport away, any attempts to regain entry through such methods would be blocked. However, the door knocker, an elegant lions' head with the knocker in its' mouth, and a pair of paws underneath to serve as the knocking surface. Suddenly, the door knocker reached up, pulled the knocker ring from its mouth, and sputtered.

"Pthoo! Ugh, I can't bloody speak with that thing in my mouth. Hrm. Now, then, down to business."

The lion cleared it's 'throat' regally, before asking in the most impressive voice a magical brass door knocker could muster, "Halt, stranger. Before Master Gysbourne you may see, you first must answer the Questions Three.
First! What is your name?

Second! What is your purpose here?

And third! Can this wait 'til morning? It's dreadfully late, after all.

Answer the questions truthfully, or the Master you shall not see."

In a blink he stared at the front door of the Manor he was very upset as the door rambled of something ripped off from a movie. He stared at the door he didnt want to speak to it nor was it any of this spellcasters business with what he needed. What he needed was not his to stop him. He glared at the door.
"Vile mage.... impeding my mission over 200 years i have not once liked spellcaster and their trickery my business was not his to interfer........but but it is his home i have no time for TRICKS." he spoke his voice a deathly echo

The darkness around him became dense and gathered as if being pulled towards Shadow his white eyes now red his anger was rising he hated fools who tampered in his affairs he was on a quest to save a youth and now he was forced to answer stupid child like questions.

He paced back and forth trying to calm down the shadows trailing behind him his figure more evil and darker then usually was. He stared at the door and new he could force his way in but that was the old him the new him was a kinder man he didnt want a pointless battle and had to answer the childs questions.
"My name is the Shadow I am here to speak with the New Age Defenders and alas no this can not wait till the morning time is by far against us." he said this in his most calm voice

The lion nodded, "Very well. You seem to be more in tune with your alias than whatever your given name is, so I'll allow it. Enter, and tread lightly. It is not wise to anger the Master."

With that, the door unlocked and swung open, the Gysbournes' butler Sirius standing behind it.

"Come in, Shadow. Master Gysbourne is waiting for you. Allow this one to show you the way,"  he said, before showing Shadow back to where the others were waiting.

"Now, was that so bad?" asked Oswald in an even, businesslike tone as Shade re-entered the room. "As for Seer and Rebound, they are not just under the protection of the New Age Defenders. They are under MY protection as well. And I would wager that I am older than your father's father's father, were he still alive. So, tell me, Shadow, what is this mastermind that you wish to warn us of?"

He was not here for the mage the mage was just a bothersome person with so much power that he was lazy and didnt use it people like this were the reason crimes went unpunished and why evil kept rising up.

"I am going to wait to speak to Seer and Rebound due to the fact I am here for the defenders not a wizard who has more power then all of the heroes in this city combined a man with your power could save the city and more so the world with a wave of his hand. I am going to leave i care not why you do not do something but instead have children do your work. I am already late for another meeting. Here me now defenders since your all ambitious and care not for what others think and believe your unbeatable and cant loose. I offer this stand down stay in this manor where it is safe. as for my news and information to give i say this....he likes to create weapons a man of evil." he said this with clear annoyance in his voice

He turned and walked away passing the butler and reaching the front door.
"I hope you heroes are ready but if you need a vacation to rethink how you want to live do so as for Meg and Black your welcome to join me we have much in common as for you wizard you sadden me but my words mean little to a man like you except i am brave enough to try and change and make justice come to light."

he would leave closing the door as he left the manor he was annoyed and wanted to wage battle and just end them and their foolish ways. He didnt wave nor do nothing but the shadows bent and formed a door and he walked through it and the darkness closed behind him
=left for shadows lair=
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Sat 09 July 2011.

"That... I oughta kick his ass!" said Ozzy, clenching a fist in rage, made all the more ridiculous by the frilly pink dress he wore.

Oswald put a hand on Ozzy's shoulder, "Do not concern yourself with him, Ozzy. He seems to underestimate you and your friends due to your age. He claims to be a hero. I call him a fool. Still, the information he gave us, limited as it was, was most helpful. Given what he told us, and his concern for Penny and Jack, I would wager that he was referencing the Builder. Which is not information at all, really. He has been a thorn in Weston's side for too long, now. However, this Shadow fellow might be able to draw him out. This may give us the opportunity we need to bring him to justice."

  Jack, with Penny asleep in his arms, said quietly "She's finally asleep.  Those nightmares are killer on her.  If I sneak off, or leave her alone, she'll wake up with the screaming horrors again.  Sorry, means you're sort of stuck with me again, mister Gysbourne.  She's so tough, but it's a fragile toughness that leaves me in awe of her sometimes."  He held her cradled against his chest, and they could see the way she had his shirt captured in her fist.

Oswald smiled, "It is not a problem, Jack. I will ensure that your hotel room is taken care of, and the rest of your belongings collected and brought here."

Oswald yawned sleepily, covering his mouth as he did to be polite. When he was finished, he said, "Now, if there is not going to be any more excitement this evening, I am old, and need my rest. Miss Castillo, were you finished speaking with me?"

  Rebound smiled, and said "Thanks.  Sorry to be a nuisance, we really don't mean to be."  He padded toward the room that was Penny's, her death-grip on his shirt evidence of why she wasn't sleeping alone.

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Gysbourne," Victoria replied.

She then turned to Jack and Penny.

"Get some rest, both of you. I can keep watch over you."

"You're both quite welcome. Now then, if you will all excuse me, I must retire for the evening. Good night," said Mr. Gysbourne, before heading off to the master bedroom.

Ozzy gave nods all around and said, "I'mma turn in myself, unless one of you guys needed me."

Jeff gave a wave to Ozzy as his friend was about to turn in. He then turned to Candy.

"See you in the morning, beautiful.." he said as he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

  Candy gave Jeff a kiss, and then padded into her room, where she snuggled into bed.

>>Timeskip>>

Ozzy had woken up early that morning, after a short but peaceful sleep that had been filled with some very pleasant dreams. After a shower and a change of clothes, Ozzy was downstairs cooking breakfast. Since Iris was generally so keen on helping, he'd made sure to leave some stuff for her to help with this time. He hadn't made quite so much, as he had a better idea of how much everyone would eat, and he didn't have Andy to worry about this time around.

Of course, given that it was well before nine A.M., he wouldn't be surprised if the others were still asleep. They'd all had a late night last night. In fact, the only reason he was awake enough to cook himself was the still hot mug of coffee on the kitchen counter, drained halfway already.

  Jack, with Penny on his arm, came down.  He had on pants and socks, but no shirt, and Penny was wearing some very worn, but still serviceable, jeans with butterflies painted on them, and a sweater with appliqued butterflies and flowers.  Her hair had been brushed, and he'd fixed it in a neat bun held on with a butterfly clasp.

Iris ran in from outside, wearing a brilliantly tye-died jogging suit. It was so bright that one could logically suspect that even Seer might be able to get an eyeful of that suit. She grinned, "I was running! I want to try out for track next year." She told Ozzy before setting into helping with breakfast.

Chuck had not had a late night. As a matter of fact, he had gone to bed early and had slept through all of the events of the evening before. Nonetheless, he slunk down the stairs looking very sleepy and wearing some of Ozzy's old pajama pants and one of Ozzy's brother's T-shirts. He was apparently eloquent in the morning since, when he saw Iris, he simply said, "Mwaaa?"

Jeff soon came out of slumber, wearing a short sleeve t shirt and sweat pants.

"Hey guys.." he said yawning as he entered the dining area.

  Seer turned, 'looking' in Iris' general direction, and she said "Are we going shopping today?"  She sounded rather nervous about this idea.

Iris nodded, "That's the plan, Stan! I'm so excited; I've never gotten to go shop for clothes with other girls before. Look, I promise I'll stay right with you and I'll pick you out the prettiest outfits and we'll bring you home looking like a PRINCESS!"

Victoria soon came down as well, her hair tied back in a ponytail, dressed in a navy blue sundress.

"Yes...shopping and good times are the name of the game today.."

"I'll have to change clothes. I can't go to the mall in this." Iris protested, running upstairs in a bright blur. She soon arrived back downstairs in the angel outfit again, complete with wings, "This is better."

Ozzy chuckled, "I think that would be cheating, Iris. As fast as you can run, you'd be better off going out for the Indy Five Hundred. Or at least NASCAR. A race car at least stands a chance of keeping up with you. An ordinary high schooler, not so much."

When he saw Jack and Penny come down, he gave them a nod of recognition. When Victoria came down, however, Ozzy paled.

"Oh, whoops. I didn't think you guys had stayed the night. Eh, whatever. I'll put some more breakfast on."

He then cracked a few more eggs, preparing to make an additional omelet for when a hungry Andy followed not far behind. He also put in some more sausage in another pan.

"The first wave will be ready in a sec, guys. I hope nobody recently converted to Judaism, 'cause I've got ham in the omelets and some pork sausage cooking. Of course, I could always use a different pan to do a meatless omelet. Iris, could you start toasting some more bread, please? Thanks."

Before Ozzy had finished the sentance requesting the toast, Iris had the bread in her hand and was standing at the toaster. She grinned as she started the toast cooking, pulling a chair over so that she could look down into the toaster and watch the bread.

  Andy came wandering down, stretching as he moved.  He told Ozzy "Fear not, I'm not the bottomless pit.  A nice mug of coffee, however, would do nicely."

"I have confidence in your breakfast-making skills," Victoria added with a smile.

"Gotcha covered, bro. How do you like your coffee?" he asked, as a paint tendril extended from his left arm, reaching towards a cabinet and grabbing a cup. He then used his left hand to pour Andy some coffee, before the tendril reached out and offered the mug of steaming black liquid to Andy.

He then grinned and said, "Thanks. Heh, with all the practice I'm getting, if all else fails I could probably open my own diner or something."

He then proceeded to portion out some plates, before paint-arms sat plates in front of everyone sitting at the table save for Chuck.

"Thanks for the help, Iris. Chuck, yours and mine are coming up, since we've got two unexpecteds. I figured since we're not guests, we'd get our plates last."

  Meg came padding in, her hair neatly done up and her attire an emerald green silk pantsuit.  She yawned as she sat down, and said "Please tell me you have hot oolong tea and honey, Ozzy?  I can make it if you haven't got it done, but I am so not ready to be up yet."  Her 'string' of ball bearings came zipping in at just below ceiling height to zip around the room like a demented, trackless roller coaster.

  Andy smiled as he said "As long as it's not trying to chew my arm off, however you feel like throwing it in the mug works.  Technically, it's all junk food to me now anyway."

"We have oolong. Grandpa likes tea, and generally prefers either Earl Grey or Oolong. Here, let me get it for you."

With that, he rifled through the cabinets for a bit with his paint-arms, switching his attention between them and his real arms. Soon, a tea bag and a mug of hot water to steep it in were set before Meg, along with a plate of food.

"Order up! Anything else?" he asked to all present, grinning.

  Penny asked, shyly "May I please have some milk?  I don't . . . have your kitchen memorized yet."  She sounded a bit apologetic for asking, but she didn't know her way around the kitchen, yet.  Once she did, some would have a hard time believing she couldn't see.

"Sure! Here you go," said Ozzy as paint arms got the milk and a glass, pouring Penny a glass of milk and setting it down in front of her, near her hands.

"There you go, Penny. Right in front of you. And... ooh! Tats says he and Clarissa are about to be head this way. Awesome! I better eat up, then. Here you go, Chuck," he said as he doled out a plate for Chuck and himself, then dug in. He kept his apron on, hoping to protect his outfit from any accidental dropped food. After all, Clarissa had specifically requested a muscle-shirt, and he'd picked out something that he was sure she'd like.

  Meg chuckled, and asked him "Are you going as packhorse, or scenery?  Looks like you dressed to catch some eyes there, Ozzy.  And where is Tats?"

Ozzy grinned, "Packhorse, I think. Two of Clarissa's cousins are going hunting for college boys at Derrton Mall today, and Clarissa wanted me along. But, of course, there's gonna be some shopping done.  I'm also there just in case some creep gets the wrong idea, and needs to be reminded of the fact that 'no means no'. I'm just wearing the muscle shirt because Clarissa requested it, and it's not that cold out. Fifty is nice weather, I think."

  Meg chuckled, and said "Well, do have some fun while you're out.  It's good to see someone's having some luck in the romance department."

Ozzy grinned, blushing a bit as he felt Clarissa slowly stroking Tats.

"Hee. I'm a lucky guy indeed. And don't worry, Megs, you'll find somebody. And not just because of the whole immortality thing, either."

  Meg half smiled, and said "So far, I wouldn't have any luck if it wasn't for bad luck.  So I'm not holding my breath."  She clearly was not sharing the opinion that she'd definitely find someone.

Ozzy chuckled and said, "You know, I felt the same way before I met Clarissa. Didn't think I'd find anybody, not for a while anyway. I gotta say, I've never been happier to be wrong."

  Outside, a powder pink and white car kitted out all in Hello Kitty pulled up to the front door, and three girls got out.  Clarissa, and her two cousins who were definitely in 'manhunting' wear.

Ozzy grinned and perked up as he got Tats' message, wolfing down the last of his plate and excusing himself quickly before running off to the front door. When he saw the powder pink Hello Kitty car, he grinned and wondered what Clarissa's cousins must've been like. The way they were dressed was somewhat disheartening, but he figured he'd live since he was getting time to spend with Clarissa.

As they approached the house, Ozzy opened the door, wearing an apron over a black muscle shirt and a pair of camo cargo pants, his usual black boots on his feet.

"Good morning, ladies! Welcome to Gysbourne Manor! The name's Ozzy. How are you? Have you three had breakfast yet? I could whip something up for you if you like, he said, before stepping out to meet them, wrapping his arms around Clarissa and giving her a quick, chaste kiss.

"Hey, babe. Good to see you again."

  Clarissa hugged him tightly, and said "Sexy.  Perfect.   Yes please on breakfast for me, anyway.  Can I beg toast and tea?"

  Her cousins smiled, clearly pleased to see his reaction to her, and one of them said "He's cute, Clar.  And he seems to be pretty determined to be yours.  That's good.  I swear I've seen him somewhere, but there's something . . . I don't know.  Off?  Missing?  But it looks like he makes you happy.  So all is good there."

  The other one walked around him, and gave his butt a pinch as she said "Cute!  I think he'll do you good.  Okay, mister Ozzy, you have my permission to date my cousin.  But you better not get her into trouble again!"  Clearly, her cousins cared about her, even if they were a bit predatory seeming.

Ozzy smiled and said, "Sure, Clarissa, no problems. Come in, come in. We were eating breakfast anyway."

When one cousin mentioned that she sort of recognized him, Ozzy shrugged, "Dunno. Maybe add more pimples and a limp? Other'n that, I can't really think of much."

He started to wonder if the press had gotten a picture of him without his mask on when the other cousin came up behind him and pinched his butt. He jumped a bit, looking surprised and saying, "Uh... thanks, I guess? Jesus, what is it with you girls and my ass? First Clarissa, now you... this isn't going to develop into a habit, is it? Anyway, no worries there. The only trouble I get into is trouble that's worth getting into, and I don't think Clarissa's going to be getting into that any time soon."

As he talked, he started leading them inside and towards the kitchen, wondering what the others' reactions would be.

Jeff had started eating, sitting next to Candy when he noticed Ozzy get up and get the door.

As he and the girls walked in, he looked up to see who the "cousins" were. He had seen Clarissa around school, so he was somewhat familiar with her.

"How are you guys?"

  Clarissa giggled, and leaned on him as she walked, and told him "You have a cute butt.  It's very pinchable."

Jeff leaned over and whispered in Candy's ear.

"And here they were giving us grief....now the shoe's on the other foot.."

Victoria shook her head slightly, and smiled as Clarissa walked in with Ozzy.

Ozzy wrapped an arm around Clarissa's waist as he grinned, "Guys, this is Clarissa, my girlfriend. And these are her two cousins. Clarissa, these are my friends. That's Jeff and his girlfriend Candy; that's Andy and Victoria; that's Jack and Penny; that's my adopted... still not sure whether they're technically siblings or an aunt and an uncle. Whatever. That's Chuck, and that's Iris. And that's Meg, another friend of mine. Now that we've all been introduced, I'mma get back to cooking."

With that, he led Clarissa to where he'd been sitting and pulled her chair out for her before proceeding to fix her some toast and tea.

  Clarissa waved, blushing a little, and took the seat.  She gave Ozzy a grin as she did.

  Her cousins had been checking the house out, and one of them asked "You got a hot tub here?  If you do, can we use it?  Spend an hour or so in there, then we can take off for Derrton."

Ozzy was nearly dumbstruck. He hadn't even done the whole grand tour bit before they'd taken the distraction. This was easy! Almost too easy.

"Yeah, sure. It's just a small one, though. Only fits one or two. Three if you wanna get really friendly. Grandma got it for her hydrotherapy. Lemme finish Clarissa's toast, and I'll show you where it is."

And, as promised, once her toast was done and he'd served it to her, he removed his apron and led them towards the little home gym that the Gysbournes kept, complete with a small hot-tub in one corner.

"You can even lock the door, just to be safe. I'll be right back with a couple of towels for you, too. And don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Clarissa for you."

Iris flitted around the kitchen in her angel outfit and startled when Ozzy's girlfriends walked in. She felt a somewhat universal 'younger sister' feeling that she ought to do something to embarass him, but shook it off in favor of breakfast. She waved when she was introduced, smiling adorably.
Her plate was piled high - she had laid claim to a small fruit-stall's worth of fruit because, unlike Andy, she was a bottomless pit. She grinned at Meg and told her matter of factly, "I'm Pothos."

  The one laughed, and said "Awesome.  As many people as you have here, it's not like you two are going to do anything you shouldn't."  As she spoke, she was peeling off the t-shirt, revealing an itty bitty pink bikini.  She said "Clarissa mentioned on the phone yesterday that her boyfriend lived in a freaking mansion.  We were hoping there'd be a hot tub.  Now, I'll tell YOU the plan.  You and Clarissa are going to be on your own in the mall, make sure the college guys know she's got a boyfriend.  I have her cell number, I'll call her when we're ready to all met at the food court to get ready to leave."

Ozzy nodded, "Yeah, she said you might, so I made sure it was prepped and ready to go. It hasn't been used in a while, so I figured might as well, right? And sounds like a plan to me. I have no problem making sure that those college boys know that she's taken. And don't be afraid to give a shout if either of you need some help with one that's getting too friendly. I have no problems with kicking some creep's ass if need be."

He then went off to get some towels, putting them inside the room for the two of them. After that, he went to go get the still lifeless dragon from his room, grinning broadly as he came back to the kitchen.

"Well, the distraction phase went better than I'd hoped for. Whenever you're ready, Clarissa."

  Clarissa giggled, and said "Now is good.  I'm a quick eater."  She bounced to her feet, and padded over, giving him a hug as she told the rest at the table "My cousins are hedonists.  They'll stay in the hot tub for probably an hour or two.  Don't worry about them!"  And grinned impishly at Ozzy.

  Meg chuckled, and said "I'll keep an ear on them, Ozzy.  If they emerge early, I can always dazzle them with magnetic ball bearing tricks."

Ozzy nodded, "Thanks, Megs. I know the tub's working, so they shouldn't be getting out too early. And the ritual shouldn't take a whole hour. Well, Clarissa, to the lab!"

With that, he showed her to the library, and opened up the secret staircase to the lab.

"Here it is. The secret magical workshop. C'mon down."

In the workshop, he cleared away the stuff from the experiments last night, and drew a rune-circle in paint on a countertop, placing the sleeping dragon within.

"All right, we're ready. So, which thumb would you prefer? Left or right? I just need a little blood," he asked, holding out his hand for her to squeeze with hers while he worked. With the other, a small blade formed with which to nick her when she was ready.

  She held both hands out to him, and said "Whichever's easier for you.  This will be so wild."

Jeff chuckled as he finished eating.

"Well....I hope Mr. Gysbourne isn't too sore about all the young people activity that's happening in his place."

Iris shook her head no, "I'm sure he's not; he's a nice sort of guy and doesn't mind having young people around. Something about keeping us off of the street or somesuch." Iris assured the others, "Though the maid keeps asking for more and more time off."

  Andy, who had managed to phase before said college girls got in, reappeared, and said "You know, that's the kind of woman that makes me want to hide.  Predatory and on the hunt.  Not to sound antisocial or anything, but I know I'm not the same skinny thing I used to be."  He still wasn't quite used to the way some girls reacted to his newer build.

Victoria chuckled as she briefly placed her hands over Andy.

"Don't worry yourself, Andy...I'm here to protect you...even if it is from hyperactive college girls.."

Ozzy smiled, "All right, now this is going to hurt just a bit."

He then nicked one of her thumbs, drawing just enough blood to use for the spell. Once that was done, he added the blood to the rune circle, putting a bit on the dragon, which almost instantaneously absorbed the blood.

Ozzy then started channeling the magics that would bring the dragon to life, the runes glowing with power as mana was channeled through them and into the dragon's form.

"This is the most important bit, Clarissa. Concentrate, hard, on an aspect of yourself, something you want to put into the dragon. I can make it move, but you're the one who has to give it a soul," he said, his eyes closed as he kept the magics flowing through the room.

  She closed her eyes, concentrating hard on the creative, intelligent, responsible part of herself.  Calling up memories, all her best traits.  How much she loved to do things like skating, and dancing, and hanging out with Ozzy.

She felt energy wash over her, copying that which she focused on and channeling it into the dragon. Soon, the glow stopped, and an interested Tats poked his head up for a better look at what was happening.

"Look, Clarissa, it worked. We did it," said Ozzy with a grin. And as she opened her eyes to look, the little dragon stirred.

  She smiled, and said "Hope I did it right!  I focused on what I think are the best parts of me, so we can hope for the best."  And held her hand out to the little dragon who was stirring.

The little dragon blinked, stretching out a bit from head to tail like a cat who'd just woken up from a particularly good nap, before sitting up straight and looking at Clarissa.

"Hello!" said the little dragon cheerfully, waving at Clarissa with a tiny clawed hand. She then giggled and said, "So, you're my mistress, right? I'm sure we're going to have a great time together! So, have you thought of a name for me yet? Or should I think of one for myself? Ooh, better yet, what's your names? That's important too!"

Ozzy grinned, "Yup, it worked. Good job, Clarissa."

  Clarissa grinned, and said "I'm Clarissa, the handsome little fellow here is Tats, and the handsome big fellow is Ozzy.  I was thinking you might be named Crystal Rose, or Wind Dancer.  Or you can pick a name that you prefer if you don't like either of those.  You're gorgeous."  Ozzy could hear absolute delight in her tones, and she snaked one arm around him to give him a tight hug.

"Oooh! Crystal Rose! I like that one. And thank you! I rather like the way I look, myself! You're very pretty yourself. So you're Clarissa, that's Tats, and that's Ozzy? Good to meet you all!" replied Crystal Rose, smiling as she hopped onto the hand that Clarissa was holding out, using her wings and tail for balance.

Tats smiled and said, "Well aren't you just a little ray of sunshine? Welcome to the world, Crystal. Good to have another dragon familiar here."

Ozzy just smiled and wrapped an arm around Clarissa as well, returning the hug and adding in a kiss on the cheek, before turning to Crystal Rose, "So, Crystal... do you mind us calling you Crystal? I set up the mind link and everything right, right? Would you mind testing it out for me?"

Crystal nodded, and thought for a moment, before Clarissa could hear Crystal's voice in her head.

  Ozzy got another tight squeeze as Clarissa giggled, and she thought back to Crystal Rose {{I hear you!  Ooohhh, this is so neat!  Ozzy is my boyfriend, and Tats is his familiar, so you will definitely want to get to know them well too.  Oh, you are incredible!}}  Aloud, she said softly "I am so happy to meet you, Crystal Rose.  Tats spent the night with me last night, so I sort of have a little glimmer of how wonderful it is to have a familiar.  I think he and I had a lot of fun.  What do you think, Ozzy?"

Ozzy smiled and said, "Oh, I definitely think you two are going to get along well. And I think it's time to test out something else."

With that, he gave Crystal Rose a long, tender stroke from her head down her long neck, to where it met her shoulder blades. Crystal Rose leaned into it, much like a cat might.

"Well, Clarissa? What do you think?" he asked with a grin on his face.

  Clarissa shivered, and grinned.  "Oh yeah.   That's working."  She giggled, and cuddled Crystal close, so that if she wanted, she could latch onto her sweater, or sit on her shoulder and check Tats out, or slide from her shoulder onto Ozzy's.

  Crystal Rose giggled, and said "Oooo that's nice.  I can already see the advantages of this!"  She padded higher, until she was on Clarissa's shoulder, beside Ozzy, and gave him a lick, then Clarissa a lick too.

Ozzy grinned, "And now you see why I like that so much. It's quite nice, for us and for our familiars."

He chuckled softly when Crystal Rose gave him a little lick, giving her another long, gentle stroke down her head and neck. Tats, feeling a bit left out, climbed up from his hiding spot and sat on Clarissa's other shoulder.

"Seems like you're all getting well acquainted. That's nice," he said from his new perch, snaking his head around to get a good look at Crystal Rose.

"Yes. It is nice. Though, I would like an explanation as to what you were thinking, bringing someone into my laboratory, Oswald. You know very well that there are dangerous things down here, and that I do not want anyone who isn't trained to be down here without me," came Oswald the Elder's stern voice from behind them.

"Heh... I was wondering when you'd show up, Grandpa," said Ozzy, grinning sheepishly.

  Clarissa blushed, and said "I told Ozzy I didn't want to get him in trouble . . ."  She petted Tats with the arm not around Ozzy, letting Ozzy pet Crystal.

Oswald replied in a calm, but firm tone, "Very admirable of you, Miss Clemmons, and if Oswald did not think it important enough, I doubt he would have taken this risk. He knew I would sense the magic needed to bring a construct to life, and knew I would not like it. So tell me, Oswald. Why?"

"Because I don't want her to be lonely. Because, even if something happens to me, or if for some stupid reason it doesn't work out between us, I don't want her to feel like she doesn't have anybody. And, well, I didn't think I'd have her over here again for a while, especially not a chance where the two of us could sneak down here without anyone else snooping behind us. So, Grandpa, what's my punishment? Am I gonna have to miss out on the trip?" asked Ozzy.

Oswald chuckled, "Oh, no. You're going. But you're going to carry every last bag. Even if it's something she could carry easily, you're carrying it. The same with her cousins. And when you get back? You're going hunting. I need a vampire. A 'live' vampire, insomuch as a vampire can ever be alive again. Preferably a vampire lord, if you can get one. We need to see if we can't find out where their headquarters is, and if we can't find Lord Vincent's hiding spot."

  Clarissa blushed, and asked "Does that mean I should hand my clutchpurse over too?  Since that's the punishment, to carry all the bags?"  As she asked, her hand was alternating strokes of Tats, and of Crystal Rose, who was peeking around her head to peer at Oswald, her tail gently curled around Clarissa's neck.  She bobbed her head, and asked him "Was it wrong to make me for Clarissa?"

"No, little one. It was not wrong to make you. My grandson did, however, do wrong in making you unsupervised. It is all right, however. You need not fear. You will not be unmade," said Oswald, his tone becoming a bit kinder as he leaned down a bit to look at the small dragon. He then turned to Clarissa and said, "If you are comfortable with him carrying your purse, then yes. It counts. If not, then he may be excused that one bag."

Ozzy grinned and said, "See? Told you it wouldn't be too bad. Granted, the whole 'capture a vampire alive' thing is a bit tougher than I was planning on, but eh. I can do it."

  Clarissa smiled, and promptly offered Ozzy her purse.  She said "Not like there's a lot in there, my parents don't give me much spending money.  Ten to cover something to eat, and a gift card to Shoebilee."

  Crysal purred, and stropped her head against Clarissa before she said "She does need me.  Ask Tats.  He spent last night with her.  I will be good.  And I can fly, so I can bring messages to Ozzy when she needs to get him fast."  She arched her wings, the lovely shades of them a clear testament to the work Ozzy had actually put into making her for Clarissa.

Ozzy chuckled as he took the purse, holding it as if to actually wear it, "Heh, all right. So, Clarissa, what do you think? Does it go with my eyes?"

Tats, however, nodded and said, "It's true though, sir. Clarissa really could use a companion like me."

Oswald nodded, "I do not doubt you. However, Oswald knows my rules, and chose to disobey them. There will be consequences, just as there would be had he broken a law. The government seldom cares why you did something. I have seen more people than I care to count go to jail because they were avenging or protecting people they cared about. Unfortunately, since they went about it in the wrong manner, the law worked against them, not with them."

  Clarissa giggled, and said "Maybe you're lucky my parents didn't expect me to buy much."

  Crystal snorted, and said "Your cousins will make up for it and then some.  Ozzy, you are lucky Tats can give you a good view of in front of you, or you'd be in danger of getting hurt carrying packages!!"

Ozzy chuckled, "Yeah, I figured they were the types. Meh, I'll live. Shall we head back upstairs? I'm sure the others might like to meet Crystal Rose, and we've still got a little time to kill before your cousins ought to be done."

Tats grinned and said, "I wonder how many people will notice me and flip out. It's not every day you see something like me at the mall."

  Clarissa giggled, and said "The flip out is going to be my parents, when they find out I got a 'tattoo'.  Of course, they will blame my cousins, who will tell them that they weren't told I couldn't get a tattoo, it's not on the list of 'don't let her's."

  Crystal giggled, and said "I will look lovely all spread out across your back."

Jeff looked around at the prolonged absence of Ozzy and Clarissa.

"Is it just me or have they been gone for a while?" he said, chuckling slightly.

  Candy laughed, and said "Like Oswald would let them do anything they should not ought to do?"

"Yeah Mr. G runs a tight ship," said Jeff, finishing up breakfast.

  Andy said "They're not misbehaving.  He gave her a present of some sort, but it has made her immensely pleased.  And there's another secondary emotive, like Tats now."

Victoria listened as the others talked. Wearing this sundress was very different than what she was accustomed to, but she knew it would put the other girls at ease.

Ozzy smiled and said, "Heh. Well, I'd be surprised if they didn't put a little blame on me, since I've got two full sleeves myself. Of course, they were kind of covered up last time. I figured that wasn't the best first impression to make, y'know?"

Oswald simply smirked, "Indeed. Of course, they are going to find out eventually. Hopefully it doesn't turn them against you. You're a fine young man, Oswald, even if you do tend to dress like a thug."

Tats grinned and said, "See, Ozzy? I keep telling you, but you never listen."

Ozzy just rolled his eyes and sighed, "I get it, you don't like the fact that I don't dress like I'm going to a funeral everday. Jeez, gimme a break, will you? C'mon, Clarissa, let's go introduce Crystal Rose to the rest of the gang before your cousins get ready to go."

With that, he stood up, offering his free arm to Clarissa as Tats clambered over onto his shoulders.

  She giggled, and said "I will point out, Mister Gysbourne, that at least he doesn't have the waist of his pants halfway to his knees, and walk like there's a large pile of smelly stuff hiding in the seat of them.  A LOT of the other boys DO."

  Crystal Rose chirruped, and said "Well, her parents know she likes dragons, but they might be a LITTLE unhappy about a 'tattoo' of one."

Oswald nodded, "I never understood that bit. If you're supposed to be some kind of criminal, why would you make it harder for yourself to run away from the authorities? Kids these days..."

Ozzy smirked and replied, "Heh, yeah. Real idiots, some of 'em. Who knows what'll be the fad, next. Who knows, maybe they'll just do away with pants altogether, and walk around in boxers, maybe with some briefs underneath. Call it the Xzibitionist look. Heh, yo dawg, I heard you like underwear, so I put briefs in your boxers, so you can walk around with your underwear showing while you walk around with your underwear showing."

Tats shuddered, "I really don't want to see that. Or think that. Ugh."

Ozzy chuckled, before he led Clarissa back up to the kitchen, a wide grin on his face.

"Hey, guys. Sorry for dashing off like that. I'd like you all to meet someone else. This is Crystal Rose, Clarissa's familiar," he said, indicating the little dragon that was currently wrapped around Clarissa's shoulders and neck.

Victoria arced an eyebrow at the presence of Clarissa's familiar.

"Nice work..."

"Makin' familiars? Oh it's all downhill now.." Jeff said chuckling. "Only kidding guys...looks like you did some good work there.."

  Clarissa giggled, and held her hand out, so Crystal could perch there and spread her wings wide, showing off her colors and how pretty she was.  Delicate and graceful and clearly with the sparkle of Clarissa's life to her too.

Victoria marvelled at the familiar that made its presence known to her.

Ozzy grinned sheepishly, "Thanks, guys. I'm glad you like the way she looks. It took some real effort, but I think you turned out well, Crystal Rose. Heh, maybe I should go into sculpting. At least that's recognized as art, not treated as a crime."

 Clarissa giggled, and Crystal Rose fluttered her wings, then swiveled her head, and dove under Clarissa's shirt, and became a tattoo on her back as the two cousins finally emerged from the hot tub.

Ozzy grinned as Tats quickly snaked down around Ozzy's shirt, becoming a tattoo as well. After all, since he'd put a fake Tats there, Tats didn't want to take the risk of not matching the fake's position perfectly.

"Hey, guys, what's up? Did you enjoy the hot tub? Ready to go? he asked, wondering if they'd seen anything.

  Her cousins were both toweling off, so hadn't seen a thing.  One of them said "Gods that is heavenly!!  Clarissa, we have got to do this more!"

Ozzy grinned, "Hey, glad you enjoyed it. Like I said, that hot tub hasn't seen use for a long time."

"By the by, ladies, do feel free to make Oswald here carry any and all parcels you purchase today. He's in a spot of trouble, and I believe in slightly more... practical punishments, if you will," said Oswald, giving them a short nod of acknowledgement.

  Clarissa said "I will add one clarification.  You two had better not go stuffing things into huge boxes just to make it awkward, because it is NOT okay if Ozzy can't see, and gets hurt from tripping and falling.  So keep your packages sensibly sized and not have them stuffed in outrageously outsized boxes and such."  She considered that a very reasonable and fair limitation.  And Oswald would probably admit, a wise one.

  Her cousins laughed, and one said "Well, he's going to get a workout then.  We're going shoe shopping, and then there's a couple boutiques to visit, and the jewelry store, and the Victoria's secret in the Derrton mall .  . . "

Ozzy shrugged, "I'll live. Lemme go get my bag, and I'll be ready to roll."

With that, he dashed off. A few minutes later, he returned with his messenger bag over his shoulder, the one Clarissa knew he kept the Tome in. He strode back to Clarissa's side and wrapped an arm around her waist, saying, "Ready when you are."

  Clarissa leaned into Ozzy, and followed as her cousin with the keys headed for the car, laughing.  Oh yes, this was going to be interesting.

Ozzy waved goodbye to his friends before following Clarissa's cousins out to the car, a grin on his face as he did. When they got to the car, he opened the door for Clarissa before getting in himself.

  Clarissa slid in, and leaned on him.  The back seat had three seat belts, all in powder pink, with little Hello Kitty clasps.  Clarissa leaned her head on his shoulder as her cousins both slid into the front, and started the car.

----->> Derrton Mall

Ozzy grinned, "Wow, you guys must've gotten a christmas card from Sanrio when you bought this thing."

Still, he buckled in and kept an arm around Clarissa, smiling blissfully the whole way.

>>To Derrton Mall>>

>>>from the Streets

As the car containing Ozzy and company drove away, a solitary figure was walking towards the manor. He could be seen wearing a blindfold, and walked up to the door.

Jeff chuckled as Ozzy and Clarissa left.

"We may need to find a new mage. The way Ozzy was looking, we may never see him again."

Victoria shook her head as she smiled at the younger Gysbournes predicament.

"I think he will be fine. Maybe even a little enlightened on how to shop."

Andy laughed, and said "Poor soul, he's a packhorse today!!"

Soon, a knock is heard at the door.

  Meg headed toward the door, planning to answer it for the butler.

The stranger cocked his head to the side slightly, smiling as his enhanced hearing picked up several young voices in the head. He then waited for Meg to open the door.

Jeff soon got up and followed as Meg answered the door, wondering if there was more trouble afoot.

  Meg opened the door, and said "Gysbourne residence, can I help you?"

The man seemed to smile for a moment, as if sensing something. He then looked towards Meg.

"Greetings. I'm here to see Mr. Gysbourne. He is an old acquaintance of mine. My name is Ju-Long Tian...I have been known as The Mist Dragon."

He then seemed to look upward for a moment, as if trying to get a better look.

"Are you perhaps related to Lin Kattakara?"

  Meg chuckled, and said "That would be Mom.  Come on in, he's around here somewhere."

Ju-Long nodded, then walked in after Meg, turning his head in different directions, but seeming able to finding his way around without any apparent issues.

  Meg came back in with him, then paused a second, unfocusing her eyes and using her ears.  Then she said "If you will take my elbow, I will take you to Oswald.  His house, so he gets to greet folks.  He's currently in the kitchen with the hordes."

Jeff noticed Meg offering an elbow to the blindfolded stranger, and went to sit back down. But he did still keep an eye on him.

Like an overprotective big brother.

Ju-Long could sense Jeff's presence around, and then as Meg had requested, linked her elbow with his arm.

"You have lots of young people with you. Keeps the soul young.."

  Meg laughed, and said "Hanging around with people close to my own age is good for me.  Mom says so."  She led the way carefully to the kitchen.

"Your Mother is one of the wisest people I have ever known," Ju-Long said sincerely. "And it seems that her daughter has inherited that same wisdom," he said with a growing smile on his lips.

  Meg blushed, and said "Mom is very wise.  But even she admits to fallibility.  She's certainly told me enough times that I was going to make her hair finally go white the rate I was going."

Ju-Long couldn't help but let out a good-natured chuckle.

"You have done immensely well...I can tell by your chi. It reminds me of a serene pond in the quiet of nature. A place where I can easily hear the birds...my own heartbeat...and even the praying mantis that travels to and fro.."

  She blushed again as they reached the kitchen, and she said "Your words are very kind.  Although I'm surprised I'm that calming just now.  I have serious energy burning needing to be done."

Ju-Long smiled, then moved his head around once again as they reached the kitchen. Sensing the ones who were there, he seemed somewhat at ease, though he looked briefly puzzled when he was facing Andy's direction, then faced them all once again.

"Greetings. I am Ju-Long Tian. The flare for dramatic names has not diminished in the decades, so you can also call me The Mist Dragon."

Jeff eyed the blindfolded stranger slightly warily.

"Well...if Meg vouches for you...then we're cool. My name's Jeff...Jeff Yoshida.."

  Andy nodded polite greetings, and said "Coffee or tea?"

Victoria recognized the rainments that the blind stranger wore. She rose to her feet, and immediately saluted him in the traditional Shaolin manner, then sat back down.

"I am Victoria Castillo...consider yourself welcome. Though you may want to speak to our host, Mr. Gysbourne."

Ju-Long again moved his head slightly, as if to get a better vantage point of the two, even though he was blind. He then nodded to Andy, and saluted Victoria.

"Tea would be most welcome, thank you."

  Andy smiled, and shifted his coffee mug over to his tail, holding it easily as he padded to the cupboard, his muscular form still graceful and frighteningly silent as he moved.  Snagging a mug, he filled it with water, then snagged the teabags, and held the mug for several moments.  His glasses sliding down a hair, as what looked like purple lightning crawled over the cup and his hand for a second, and then he sat the boiling mug on the table with the teabag beside it, and said "I'll let you put the teabag in and let it sit long enough to make tea to your taste."  Then he sat back down, his tail parking his coffee first, then disappearing behind him once more.

Ju-Long looked slightly puzzled, and took a sniff. The water was boiled, seemingly. And it would certainly suffice.

He then took the tea bag and put into the now boiled water. "Thanks friend.." he said to Andy.

He then seemed to focus his gaze on all those were present.

"No doubt you are wondering why I am here. I assure you that my purpose here is benevolent in nature."

There was a sincerity that could be heard in his voice, as if truth were a tangible object. And a quiet resolve could be heard within that voice.

  A soft voice came from behind him.  "You can't see either.  But you don't see the future."  Moving slowly, one hand gliding carefully along the counter to lead her around, Penny came in, her 'gaze' seemingly aimed at the floor about four feet in front of her.

Oswald smiled and nodded, "Ah, Ju-Long, my old friend! It is nice of you to drop by. Tell me, what brings you to my doorstep? I am afraid you just missed my grandson, Ozzy."

Ju-Long turned around, his attention now drawn to the young voice who spoke behind him.

"Hello Penny...though it seems that we do not know each other, we are kindred spirits. My name is Ju-Long Tian...The Mist Dragon....though you may very well know that already, and also why I have come. And I cannot see...at least not as how others would interpret...but I see in many other ways.."

That same quiet resolve was still in his voice, in his own way letting her know that she was in the presence of a friend.

He then turned to Oswald.

"Oswald...it has been a long time. As for why I am here, this young lady brings me here. I also felt the need to come and see you, old friend. We have a lot to talk about."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Mon 18 July 2011.

"You know man...call me crazy...but I think you're on the level.." Jeff said, still slightly uneasy but seeming to become warmer to the blind stranger.

"He is a Shaolin Priest," Victoria said quietly. "His lips may not be moist...but they speak the truth. And I believe that he's here to assist Penny...though I am unsure as to how you will do that, Shaolin.."

"Indeed we do, old friend. I am glad to see you, I had begun to worry I would not see you again in this life. So, what do you wish to talk about? For you to come such a long way, it must certainly be of importance," said Oswald, his expression becoming somewhat grave.

Ju-Long noted Victoria's question.

"I can help Penny see in ways that she may have never imagined using some of the skills that I've been taught."

He then turned to Oswald.

"No doubt you are wondering about the blindfold as I did not have it or need the last time I saw you."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:03, Mon 18 July 2011.

Oswald nodded, "It is an interesting addition. Was it willing, or did tragedy befall you in some way, Ju-Long?"

Ju-Long turned away for a moment.

"Tragedy befell me.." he said, the pain evident in his voice.

"The year was 1938, in China and I was serving as the Champion of Light. A man appeared to need assistance in searching for a shrine as he roamed the countryside, and I offered my assistance. We went into what appeared to be an underground cavern, which housed several ancient statues and artifacts. Written in ancient Mandarin was a warning: "Steal from this place and you will be scarred for the rest of your days." Alas, the warning came too late. In an explosion of mystic energy, the stranger appeared to draw in what appeared to be life energy unto himself, and as a result of the mystical backlash, I was blinded. The same force that he observed also empowered me with the ability to see other's chi...their lifeforce. But...because I helped this man acquire forbidden mystical power...unwitting or not...my sight was not restored...and my status as Champion was then passed on to the man who would then become The Golden Dragon. So...though I may live in darkness....I can see others' chi. I've found out who the stranger was who caused my downfall."

He paused for a moment.

"Darius Lecarde."

  Penny was listening carefully, and she moved slowly to sit at the table, having finally let Jack go upstairs so he could get his shirt, shoes and socks.  She gave Andy a half-smile when he gently caught her hand, and guided her silently to a chair, then pushed it in for her once she sat.

Oswald considered for a moment, before sighing.

"That man is indeed a cancer on this world, one which needs to be excised. It is most regrettable that he caused you to lose your status as the Champion of Light. However, I do think you will be pleased to know that your most recent successor, Weston's own Dragon Fist, wears the mantle quite well. He is a most honorable man, with a strong sense of justice. You may also be pleased to learn that LeCarde was bested quite easily by a young wizard who was maybe one-twentieth of his age. Either he's slipping, or he underestimated my grandson quite a lot. Oswald's... unconventional tactics might have had something to do with that."

"It's good to know that the mantle has passed to someone who has taken the tenets to heart," Ju-Long replied.

"As for Lecarde, I'm sure it must have incensed him to be bested by someone so young. Truly your grandson is an extraordinary person if he was able to best him as easily as he has."

He looked down for a moment.

"For nearly 60 years, I have been consumed with the thought of revenge on Lecarde. And I have had to do some hard thinking to get myself out of that mindset...and to also remember the principles that were taught to me in the Shaolin Temple. Helping Penny is the first step I have taken...and I would be grateful if she accepts my offer to assist.."

Oswald nodded slowly, "Hmm... Well, Penny, I can certainly vouch for his trustworthiness. However, the decision is still up to you. Will you accept Ju-Long's teaching, Penny? I can assure you it will likely be most beneficial."

  She tilted her head, and said softly "You know I am a strong psychic, right?  I would be glad to learn, but I must tell you, there are risks.  I have been mindwiped, at least once, if not more.  It has not lessened my psychic abilities, and some of them can be very dangerous.  As long as the risks are clear, and you enter this fully informed, then I am willing to learn anything I can."

Ju-Long tilted his head and smiled.

"All I ask is for a mind to learn. No more...no less. And I have seen powerful psychics before. Believe me when I say that it will be an honor to train you. I have pain of my own young one. Perhaps we will help each other."

  She nodded, and 'glanced' toward Oswald, and said simply "I don't want to hurt anyone.  But I know I COULD.  If I do it by accident, I will be very sorry, but I can't stop accidents.  I want to get better.  I want to be strong enough to do what needs to be done, not just standing behind Jack and letting him take the punches alone for both of us."

"I also have the capability of hurting others as well, dear one," Ju-Long replied. "But I know how to use the strength I have to defend those who are defenseless, and protect those who are without protection. Strength...with purpose and control. And in this we can use our gifts to help others.."

  She nodded, and said "Will we need anything special to train?  Victoria and Meg and Iris wanted to take me shopping today, to help me get a few more things to wear."

"No, we will not.." Ju-Long replied, now becoming more comfortable in the presence of Penny. "And as for your shopping trip...if you prefer to go now, I can wait. Or if you prefer to start now...I am here."

  She looked down, blushing, and said softly "I am afraid I need to do some shopping, because . . . . I have not got many clothes.  Being homless will do that."  Clearly, she was embarrassed to have admitted as much, but was not being too proud.

Ju-Long stepped closer to her, and gave her a soft hug. Something he had not done in many many years. In many ways, this young girl reminded him of Su-Lin, a young girl he knew from his years at the Shaolin Temple. Before it was destroyed.

"Young one...I have been homeless myself...I have watched the Temple I lived in for many years destroyed, and wandered the land of China for many years. Believe me when I say that I understand...plus you could use the company of others. So go on...go shopping...have a good time with the people who are going with you. I shall remain here and prepare for our training."

  She bobbed her head, and said softly "I thank you.  I truly do."

Ju-Long smiled. It seemed like a rare sight on the long-lived Shaolin Priest.

"Go on...enjoy yourself and have a good time with your friends. I will remain here, if that is all right with Mr. Gysbourne."

  Meg smiled, and said "Are we all ready to go shopping?"

Iris nodded, laurels bobbing, and slipped her hand into Penny's, "Let's go get ice-cream, then." She told the girls, waving to Chuck as she left.

Chuck acknowledged Iris, then sighed. They never got to do anything fun anymore. Iris was always out doing superheroing and Chuck was always home studying with Oswald. It was completely backwards! He would try to hang out with Ozzy, but Ozzy had that girlfriend of his. Chuck chewed his food, trying not to look miserable.

"I think we are," Victoria added. "Now then...um...who's driving?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah...and we have to take care of Ozzy's Ipod.." Jeff said to the guys present. (Andy and Jack)

  Rebound sighed, and said "So, who all is dragging me off?  Jeff, Andy, you coming Chuck?"

Chuck looked up hopefully, "Going to where? Is it something I can do?"

  Andy nodded, and said "Yeah, we're taking Jack shopping.  You're more than welcome to come with us, Chuck."

"C'mon Chuck...it'll be good to get outta the house, at least for a bit.."

"Of course, my friend. I have no problems with you staying. And, Chuck, unless you have some aversion to laser tag, I have no problems with you going." replied Oswald, smiling. It was good to see that Chuck might be getting out of the house. As socially awkward as he was, going on an outing with some male friends around his age wouldn't be a bad idea.

"Thank you," Ju-Long replied gratefully. "I believe that Penny and I may be able to help each other. If you have just a small room where I can rest my head for the next few days while I train Penny, I would be grateful."

Chuck nodded and jumped up, overturning what was left of his OJ. He immediately fetched a paper towel, but jabbered while he was cleaning, "Laser tag, really? Will we all get to be on the same team? I want to be on your team. I've never played laser tag before. Well, I have kinda, but that was just using Iris' laser pointer and wasn't really 'tag' per say. Did you know that it started as a military training program? Did you know that they got the idea from Star Trek phasers? Which style are we going to play?"

The questions were fired off quickly without leaving much room for answers until Chuck finally had to stop talking and breathe in.

"You can use Oswald's room. Chuck, just so you know, Oswald will be sleeping on a cot in your room. Does that sound all right?" asked Oswald.

Ju-Long nodded at Oswald. "That sounds fine. Thank you, my friend for your hospitality...and for the opportunity to assist. I do not want to inconvenience anyone, least of all your grandson."

He nodded to the others as they were leaving, then went into the back area and began to go through a series of workouts, as he went about centering both his mind and his body for the task ahead.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Wed 20 July 2011.

Chuck nodded, a piece of toast stuck into his mouth. He was used to sleeping two to a room at the Home. At one foster home he was at, they stacked five of them in two bunk beds. He had only stayed there two nights because on the second night, the other boys let him know very violently that they weren't fond of his presence. At least he knew who Ozzy was and knew that Ozzy was not particularly likely to beat him up like the rest of his roommates. Probably. At least, Ozzy had never given him any reason to think that he was going to be beat up.

"Does Ozzy talk in his sleep? Does Ozzy walk in his sleep? Ozzy doesn't do magic in his sleep, does he? Does he do magic in my sleep?"

There was a small chance that Ozzy may be more likely to disagree with this arrangement than Chuck.

"I do not believe so, Chuck. And, Ju-Long, he is somewhat 'in the doghouse' as we say. He won't mind too much, though. It's not like he generally spends a lot of time in there, anyway. That boy is always on the go," said Oswald, chuckling.

"I'll honestly be surprised if he doesn't end up touring the globe for a few years like I did."

  Meg smiled, and said to Oswald "I'm fairly sure he knows Mom too, so if you wanted to invite her over for tea, she'd probably enjoy that."

As Meg and Oswald were conversing, Ju-Long walked back in to the house, his heightened hearing could pick up a little of their conversation. He smiled.

"Your grandson holds great promise, Oswald. And as for your mother coming for tea, Meg, I think it would be nice to see her again. Lin always had a great gift for unique insight."

Iris looked shiftily between Meg and the newcomer. She frowned, then added her own question into Chuck's barage, "Meg... is he like... you know, us?"

Oswald smiled, "It would be nice to see Lin again. I'll get in touch with her, then. Give me a moment."

With that, he concentrated for a moment, shooting Lin a magical message informing her that Ju-Long was here, and that she and her husband (if he wished to come) were invited for tea. More or less the magical equivalent of a text message.

  Several moments later, they all heard the doorknocker.

Oswald answered the door himself this time, knowing that his butler was probably still asleep after the late night he'd had last night. His staff were all hard-working people, and he knew they needed their rest.

Lin smiled, with Demetrius on her arm, and said "Greetings, Oswald.  Thought we'd take you up on that invitation.  May we come in please?"

Oswald smiled, ushering them both inside and taking their coats if they liked, "Of course, of course. Come in. You know you're welcome here, Lin. And Demetrius, a pleasure to see you again. The two of you have raised a wonderful daughter, I must say. It was unfortunate that her apartment was destroyed like it was, but she has been a pleasure to have over. Come, Ju-Long is waiting. I believe you remember Ju-Long, yes?"

  Lin chuckled, and said "I do.  He will most assuredly recall me.  You know I'm in and out of Shangri-La now.  Doesn't affect me, with the aging delays it gives to Mortals.  Demetrius hasn't been there, but he could go too, being another Immortal now that he's Awakened."  She waved to Iris and the others, smiling.

  Demetrious, clearly of Greek descent, was tall, and had midnight blue eyes, obviously where Megairia got her own.  He was looking around, and said pleasantly "You have a lovely home, mister Gysbourne.  Remind me before I leave, and I'll lightning-proof it."

Ju-Long could hear the unique voice of Lin, and soon came out to greet them.

Giving a traditional Shaolin salute to both Lin and Demetrius, he then looked towards them.

"Greetings to both of you. Lin, it is good to hear your voice again."

Oswald smiled and said, "That would be appreciated. While my wards have been sufficient, I imagine no wizard's wards could take the place of the influence of one such as yourself."

He offered each of them a seat before taking one himself. Then, with a wave of his hand, the kitchen came to life, as it began preparing tea and some light snacks for the group, as if it were staffed by an army of invisible chefs.

Ju-Long waited until everyone else sat down before sitting down himself, watching their chi outlines so he could get an idea as to where the chairs were.

  Lin laid her hand on a chair, and said "Chair here for you, my hand is on the back.  To your right will be Demetrius, then myself, and Oswald."

Ju-Long nodded, then went to where Lin guided him, seeing the chi outlines of the rest of them as he sat down.

"Thank you," he said softly as he sat down.

Iris squinted as the adults came into the room. One must be blind like Penny. Speaking of Penny...

Iris tugged on Penny's hand, "Come on, lets GO! I'll drive. No, wait, there's too many for my wagon."

  Penny nodded, and said "You lead the way, just don't run me into anything."

Iris nodded, "Yeah, I wouldn't run you into anything. That'd be horribly rude. Mr. Gysbourne, can we borrow the car? I promise that I won't drive it." She began leading the girl-group out of the kitchen and towards the garage.

As an afterthought, Iris added, "I promise I won't make any improvements, either."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Fri 22 July 2011.

  Megaira waved, and followed Penny and Iris, smiling as she went.

"Come on guys, time to get moving," Jeff said, motioning for the guys in the group to head out as well.

Chuck grinned and began clinking the dirty dishes into the sink with satisfaction. He ran upstairs and changed out of his Spongebob pajamas. He came downstairs while he was pulling a transformers T-shirt on his scrawny body and had his sneakers and socks in one hands. He hurried after the guys, grinning and almost scampering.

Oswald chuckled, "Yes, yes. You can borrow the car, girls. Boys, will you be needing a lift yourselves? I could provide transportation for you myself if need be."

"If you can.." Jeff replied.

"Though I wouldn't want you to duck out on your friends here."

"Not at all. I'll have you over there in a snap. Just call when you're ready to come back home, boys. That is what telephones are for, after all. Farewell!" said Oswald, waving his hand and chanting a spell. Suddenly, the four boys disappeared in flashes of light, appearing near their destination.

Iris helped Penny get into the car, then looked at the other girls, "Well, which of you drives?"

In reply to Iris (msg #280):

Vctoria shrugged as she looked at her travelling companions.

"Looks like it'll be me. Let's go ladies.."

Jeff, Chuck, Andy, Jack (and whomever else we might have missed)

>>>>>>>>To The Mall>>>>>>>>>>

Iris grinned and nodded, climbing in the back seat on the other side of Penny. She pointed out at the windshield and called, "That way!"

Then she made a funny face and climbed half into the front seat to trigger the garage door opener and called again, "That way!"

Victoria soon had the girls on their way, even with Iris' directions.

Ju-Long allowed himself a small smile.

"I bet those young people keep you on your toes, Oswald."

Oswald chuckled, "Well, they do. Still, it helps when you can see the future. Besides, they're all good kids, so they're not too much trouble."

  Lin chuckled, and said "And they have the best healer on earth available if anything DOES go wrong.  Megaira's gifts in that category are phenomenal."

Oswald chuckled, "Indeed, another reason I'm glad she's over here. Iris loves to experiment, but unfortunately she's a mite careless sometimes. The foster home had to make a specific rule about 'no explosions or fire'. Still, she's a very sweet girl. I just have to keep a particularly close eye on her sometimes. And some of Chuck's attempts at magic, well... he's getting the hang of it, it seems. And I know magic has a steep learning curve, but with his 'handicaps', Chuck is, well... I know he's trying, but I think he could try harder if he'd just get over his fears of hard mental work."

"It is now as it was back then...there are unique challenges everywhere," Ju-Long replied. "But it sounds as if things are kept in order, which is good."

 Lin laughed, and said "Even at my age, people preferred to be lazy if they could when I was a girl, and they still do now.  Not much change there."

"I saw that in life outside of the Shaolin Temple myself," Ju-Long added. "Inside the temple was a completely different story, though, where everyone worked according to their ability. But they still worked regardless."

Oswald chuckled, looking a bit wistful as he replied "I can agree with that. Though I may not be as long-lived as you, Lin, people have been looking for ways to get out of working for as long as I can remember. It's why I'm glad young Oswald is not afraid to get his hands dirty doing a little hard work. I've tried to make sure my family does not end up feeling entitled, and I seem to have accomplished that, at least."

Oswald chuckled, looking a bit wistful as he replied "I can agree with that. Though I may not be as long-lived as you, Lin, people have been looking for ways to get out of working for as long as I can remember. It's why I'm glad young Oswald is not afraid to get his hands dirty doing a little hard work. I've tried to make sure my family does not end up feeling entitled, and I seem to have accomplished that, at least."

  Lin nodded, and said "I managed to teach Megaira a good work ethic.  Of course, some of what she would LIKE to do, she can't, because sheer numbers would overwhelm her if she did it. Her healing cannot be generally known, or everyone who has an illness will be begging and pleading for her touch immediately!!"

"Your daughter has grown into an exceptional young woman. I believe that she will do great things in her lifetime," Ju-Long added.

Ju-Long took a sip of his tea, then turned towards Oswald, then to Lin and Demetrius.

"Not much goes beneath your notice. You probably know why I'm here. I've been trying to take the path beyond vengeance, and I'm going to train Penny to hopefully be able to see how I see."

He then bowed his head. "I have learned that vengeance is like a water vessel with a hole. It brings nothing but the promise of emptiness."

Oswald sipped his tea, nodding sagely before replying, "Indeed, though the unjust cannot go unpunished. After all, all the kind words and wisdom in the world cannot stop a tyrant's greed, or the hunger of the living dead. There is, I believe, something to be said for standing up and fighting when the time is right. Of course, there is equal value in laying down your arms when the danger has passed. After all, a life of hatred and paranoia is not much of a life at all."

"You speak eloquently as always, old friend," Ju-Long replied. "And if and when I happen to face Lecarde again, it will not be for revenge's sake. It will be because he is more than likely planning something evil and we may be the only means of stopping him."

He turned in Lin's direction and smiled. "I don't think I ever thanked you, Lin, for your assistance with my condition. If it wasn't for the time you granted me to train in Shangri-La to hone my newfound chi sight, things for me would be a lot more difficult. Thank you.."

Oswald chuckled, "Indeed. My silver tongue has served me well over the years. I do owe my successful law practice to it, and to my second sight of course. Some might call it cheating, but I always preferred to think of it as using my unique talents to best execute my given role. After all, I can't go around getting criminals off the hook and say I'm upholding justice, now can I? Nor could I let the innocent suffer punishment which they are not due."

  Lin waved her hand, and said "You are a good man.  But you are a MAN, so you will make mistakes.  You did not know who it was, so you did as a GOOD man should, and tried to help.  You know Shangri-La is open to you always.  It is also open to Oni, even though he is a Champion of Darkness now.  Shangri-La is to maintain the balance, after all."

Ju-Long nodded. The ancient sorceress had a wise perspective not shared by a lot of people, even himself. Compared to his 300+ years of life, she had the wisdom of the ages. And he was grateful for that wisdom.

He took a sip of his tea and then set his cup down gently.

"It is unfortunate what happened with Vi-Han. A direct descendant of the Han dynasty turned to evil. Very sad.."

  Lin shook her head, and said "What happened to his family was a tragedy.  He chose to take the mantle of the Dark Champion, because he still wanted to serve the Balance but could no longer hold the Light within his heart.  There NEEDS to be a balance.  He is serving the Dark, for without Dark, there can be no light.  Without sadness, there is no joy, and without pain, there is no understanding of how good it feels to NOT hurt."

Ju-Long nodded at that.

"Balance must be maintained...otherwise we will fall into chaos. And I am grateful to be able to do some good for the young lady, Penny. I had heard of her plight while in Shangri-La, and I have been yearning for several decades to make a difference. I still do wield the power that I had as Champion, and I have heard that there are forces that have been arrayed against her, so I can protect and defend her when necessary."

Oswald chuckled and said, "It seems we'll be working together again, then. Penny has been staying here for the past few days, under my watch. It has been quite tumultuous, with her nightmares causing her such distress."

"Yes, old friend. We will be working together again. Something I have missed these past few decades, but happy to be doing so again," Ju-Long replied, a slight smile crossing his face.

"With luck...and training....Penny will be able to see as I see...perhaps even better."

  Lin said quietly "She needs the guidance you offer, Ju-Long.  She has been long treated poorly by those who should have protected her, and now that someone finally stepped forward, those who have been in the wrong are pissed off at them."

"It pleases me immensely to know that I will make a big difference in her life," Ju-Long replied.

Oswald nodded, "Indeed. Hopefully with your training she'll be able to do a little more for herself. I feel sorry for Jack, having to do all he does. Poor boy's about to explode from frustration sometimes, it feels like. And a young man helping a young lady bathe just isn't proper. Luckily we've had Megaira, Candy, and Iris around to help with that, as well as the maid."

Ju-Long nodded in acknowledgement of Oswald's statement. "Yes...I could see how the young ones will keep all of those around them young as well. It's contagious...but in a good way."

  Lin said thoughtfully "Might not be proper, but the facts are, given her psychic talents, if she's frightened by someone, she could hurt someone, even by accident.  I have done a small amount of looking, and the frightening thing is, yes, she's been mindwiped.  She did it to herself.  What happened to drive her to do that?  I don't know, but it must have been something pretty horrible for a young lady to have been through.  Horrible enough to wipe her own mind."

"That, I can answer. The Builder experimented on her, and he and his goons gang-raped her on occasion. That much I know. I have not looked far into the past just yet, there is too much going on in the present to get distracted. However, given the Builder's actions against Jack's family, I fear any search for Penny's parents would be fruitless, though she may have other family. However, for her own safety, it is best she remain here for the time being, where the New Age Defenders as well as myself can watch over her," said Oswald, looking quite disheartened. Even the little he knew was terrible, and he could only imagine what else she must have been through.

Ju-Long cringed slightly at Oswald's explanation. Injustices like this had been heard of, especially after the destruction of the Shaolin Temple.

"She will also have me as well as a defender, protector, teacher...and friend. This....Builder...whoever he is...sounds like some of the evils I have faced when I was the Champion of Light. Though I no longer have the title, I still have a lot of the power I wielded when I served. And if need be, I will put that power to use to protect Penny."

He rolled up his sleeves, showing both of them the tattoos on his arms: the dragon on the left arm, and the tiger on the right.

"These are the markings of a Shaolin Priest. When I completed the tests necessary to become a Priest, I took an oath to help those in need. As a Priest, I was trained in the necessary fighting arts to defend those who couldn't defend themselves, but to temper that fighting knowledge with the wisdom necessary to know when and when not to fight. Penny is in dire need...and I will help her."

  Lin said quietly "Indications are that she's been mindwiped multiple times.  I'm venturing a guess  that she did it to herself."

Ju-Long nodded. "To forget oneself...or to have something so bad happen that one would want to forget oneself...is unimaginable. Seeing what I've seen in my three hundred years of life...the destruction of the Shaolin Temple...the deaths of people that I called friends and brothers and sisters...even my most recent experience with Lecard...there are times I would like to forget. But...those experiences also made me stronger. And I hope to be able to pass on some of that strength to Penny."

Ju-Long finished his tea, then put his head up, tilting it first in the direction of Oswald, then at Lin.

"There are forces in this world who will try to use the girl for their own purposes. I'm sure that you are more than aware of this, my friends."

He then stood up out of his chair, and rose slowly.

"If you both will excuse me, I must prepare myself both physically and mentally for Penny's training, and for what lies ahead. Thank you both for your belief in me. I will strive to be worthy of that belief."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:13, Mon 08 Aug 2011.

  Lin smiled, and said "By all means, Ju-Long.  Penny will need you.  And most likely, Oswald and I as well."

Ju-Long nodded in the general direction of Lin, Demetrius, and Oswald, then went to the back portion of Oswald's place.

Once outside, he then knelt down in a meditative stance, and began to breathe slowly as he started to focus his mental and physical faculties for the task ahead. Which was helping Penny, and to him that was of the utmost importance.

Once he had completed meditating, Ju-Long then set about learning the lay of the land. In this case, Oswald's backyard. Coming up with an image in his mind using his enhanced senses of touch, he was then able to space out an area that he could use for both meditating and for training Penny. After doing this, he concentrated, now becoming a fine mist as he levitated briefly, getting a feel for his abilities once again. He had a feeling that they may be needed soon.

He could see the chi of the various things outside: the trees, the grass. It was a unique sight to behold, in spite of him not being able to see normally.

Now, bringing himself out of mist form, he once again sat down, taking in the serenity of the surrounding area.

A knock is soon heard at Oswald's door.

The Gysbournes' butler, Sirius Wooster, opens the door a smidge, the chain still on the door.

"Yes? Hello? Can I help you?" he asks politely, "Pardon the chain, madam, but we've had some rather dangerous visitors of late, and I have not been instructed to wait on anyone's arrival."

The young dark-haired woman smiled at the butler.

"Hello there. My name is Renee Lancaster, and I was wondering if I could talk with Mr. Gysbourne for a brief moment about two young people he has helped recently. I represent someone who is also interested in helping them, and maybe we can form an undestanding as to how to help them if and when the need arises."

The butler nodded, closing the door for a moment to undo the chain and opening it up for Renee, waving her in.

"Master Gysbourne was hosting some friends, the last I saw him. Hold on one moment, Miss Lancaster, and I will announce you."

With that, Sirius went back to inform Mr. Gysbourne of Renee's presence. Soon, Sirius returned, escortin Renee to where Mr. Gysbourne was waiting.

"So, Sirius tells me that you're here about Jack and Penny. And that you represent parties who would also wish to help them. Tell me, Miss Lancaster, who do you represent, and what do you bring to the table?" he asked in a businesslike tone, his hands folded in front of him and his eyes analyzing her face and body-language for hints of deception.

Renee smiled a professional smile at Oswald, then looked slightly worried as she began to explain.

"Well...as for what I bring to the table...I have powers and abilities that can help with any opposition that they might encounter. And as for the interested parties....why none other than the famous attorney, Leo Black. Leo and I have been friends and associates for a long time, and he enlisted the help of both myself and one other. But....Leo has some things in his life...things that have overtaken him, so he's doing all he can for the kids. The fear he has though...is that he may not be....um, around to help them as much as he likes due to those circumstances. Which is why he asked me to come to you, Mr. Gysbourne. We've been trying to gather evidence against The Builder, but as I said, Mr. Black fears that he may not have much time left."