Where the Suburban people live

Bill Flew the rest of the way home as he could not get over it, the words of the police captain ringing in his ears. Landing a block away he walked the rest of the way home till he reached his house. Using his key he entered the dark house before making his way inside. Heading immediately to his computer he booted it up checked a few things on the net, opened Yahoo and pulled up an emulator. As soon as he got on he sent a message to Icepick92.
Hey

Icepick91: This is Hero Kid, right? First off, my bad...that cop jumped my case pretty bad. Shook me up a bit.

Omniverse42: Yeah, You can call me Excelsior. And its no big deal he just had a stick up his ass.

Icepick91: Glad to meet you Excelsior. As you probably know...I go by the name Icepick. Yeah, I was feelin' pretty bummed out by the Captain's speech. Thanks for sticking up for me. So now what? Do we team up like Marvel Team-Up or something?

Omniverse42: I dunno, the tons already got the legacy, maybe e should seek em out see what they have to say. Or we could just do our own thing.

Icepick91: Both of those are really good ideas. I dunno though...the Legacy are kinda...well you know...older. That Dragon Fist guy seems like he's a hardass. Same with Hunter. Maybe we also should look for kids that are...like us....I heard about some young girl helping out with that Leech dude at the mall. Maybe like a Legacy 2.0 or something?

Omniverse42: that sounds like a good idea, question is how are we gonna find and contact these other "hero kids"? We pretty much found eachother by accident.

Icepick91: I dunno man...we'll probably have to find 'em by accident. Maybe there might be some cute girl Paras. That would totally rock! Anyhow...I don't think we really wanna advertise, but maybe have like a little ad on the bulletin board at Weston High? I'm just sproutin' ideas, unless you have any good suggestions...

Omniverse 42:/shrug I dunno I don't think a bulletn board would be agood idea it'd be too obvious who we were. and not many would take us seriously.

Icepick91: Maybe we should wait things out for now...see if anyone else shows up. We'll do the solo thing for a while...hopefully the SCU won't have a wild hair up their ass LOL. So, um...as far as your powers go...you said that you just got 'em?

Omniverse42: Sounds like a plan. Yeah I just got them today in fact, its uh kind of a wierd story.

Icepick91: sounds like quite the story. I only received mine pretty recently too. You probably just need some practice with your powers...

Omniverse42: I guess. GLad I can turn em on and off.

Icepick91: Yeah, that's always a good thing. I have to be careful when I use mine. The occassional flash-freeze has my parents wonder...and my Dad can get pretty peeved when something doesn't work quite right.

I guess we'll just have to be on the lookout for our Teen Paras then. Legacy is cool, but I'm sure that they can't handle everything. And for that matter, Weston high probably has its fair share of stuff to deal with.

Omniverse42: Sounds like a plan. Should we meet up or naything or should we stay split up till we find some more teen heroes?

Icepick91: Let's meet up incognito at a public spot..maybe the mall or something. Hopefully I can convince my sister not to rat me out. Then again, I've got some goods on her too, so it shouldn't be a problem. Sound good?

Omniverse42: When do you think? Makes me glad I'm an only child.

Icepick91: Well, she's cool, but she can be a real pain in the ass. I can be there in about an hour...

Omniverse42: alright meet ya there. I'll be wearing a superman blet buckle and a shirt talking about gravity. Peace
And with that he logged off. Leaving his computer he went to the fridge to write a note on the dry Erase board that he was out. Instead of flying he walked to the bus stop and waited for it to come.

Icepick91: All right, see you then...

Signing off...

Bill was surfing th enet when he found out. Registration? What is this Marvel? he thought to himself. Signing on to yahoo he checks if any of the others are online.

Icepick91 is online...

Any heroes out there? :)

Omniverse42: did you hear?!?!?!?!!?!111

Both Icepick91 and Omniverse42 get a group chat invite from WriterDude40. They would recognize the screen name as Ozzy's.

WriterDude40:Wassup with you two? Man, I think we may or may not have another prospective member. Jeff, remember my sis' friend? Apparently she's some kind of mad scientist or something. Seems safe enough, though.

IcePick91: Yeah I did. What in the blue hell is goin' on? That is some crazy stuff man...

Bill opens the chat
OMniverse42:Did you guys watch the news tonight?

IcePick91: Not much WriterDude....another member..cool! And yeah I heard the news...what the hell?!

WriterDude40: Yeah, man, some crazy shit for real. ****in' registration act! Man, if every wizard has to sign up... they're more or less pissing on, like, hundreds of years of my people's traditions, here! What the **** are we supposed to do? If we sign up, we'll get swarmed 'cause everyone will be wanting some kind of wand-waving magical quick fix to every little problem, but if we don't, then we have to worry about Big Brother!

Of course, Big Brother is watching us, anyway, so no big deal there. Now they can just openly do something about us if we don't comply.

Icepick91: I dunno guys..this is some really crazy stuff. Like the whole damn world's been turned upside down...of course if you think WE'RE up a shit creek, just imagine the Legacy. I wonder how they're gonna react to this? Besides how in the hell did a law get passed that quickly? Usually they take forever in the Congress and the House...

Omniverse42:I dunno guys, what if they send like, capekillers after us or soemthing if we don't register? Like deadpool did during civil war? And speaking of the Legacy what are THEY gonna do about it?

Icepick91: Damn....this is some crazy shit...Hell...in Civil War..they had everything planned..the Prison in the Negative Zone...the Capekillers..everything. What I wouldn't give to know what the Legacy thinks about this...

WriterDude40: They passed it quick 'cause they all know they'll get mucho votero offa this... not to mention the fact that every one of their 'major contributors' with any kind of interest in paras probably made sure that their senator/rep voted the way they wanted. Fuggin' politicians, man. They criminalize my art, they criminalize my magic... the **** am I going to need to be licensed, registered, and paying a fee for next, huh?

On both of their screens, Ozzy's little status message changed to '**** the system!'

Omniverse42:Ummm gusy? The voice wants us to know that a guardian serves the will of the people not his own selfish interests.

IcePick91: OK...I'll buy that...will of the people. But with this thing..how can we be sure if we're serving the will of the people...or the government?

Omniverse42: Oh god its like my grandfather is inside my head. But I want to know what the consequences will be if we DON"T register? Are they going to send agents and other supers after us? and the what? PUt us in camps? Study what makes us tick?

A new user popped into the chatroom, with an easily traceable IP address to a Weston University computer lab.

Mathlete21: Concerned about the legality of SRA. Any word of judicial appeal? This thing _can't_ be legal.

Omniverse42:The question is what can be done about it, its the law now I don't think any of us has the money to hire a lawyer and aren't we just as bad as the guys we stop if we're out breakin gthe law?

IcePick91: This is so confusing. The stuff that I can do...just came to me...without any question or manual or anything. Some of us are just trying to do the right thing instead of going out and being a supervillain. And it seems like we're scrutinized even for doing that.

It didn't take Zeke nearly as long as he thought it would to search through everything.  He had to hand it to himself, he could be thorough but at the same time he could make a quick cliffnote for himself as well.  With everything that was happening he needed a little time to just get his mind straight.  He'd figure things out with the team tomorrow, after his first lesson.  With the news of the registartion act though, well it seemed like something that might be the buzz.  Going upstairs to his little apartment in the slums, with better security in place this time around!  He logs into his computer.  When he stumbles across the chat they're in however, there's no IP address, not even a signal showing it's from any outside source.  For all intents and purposes the screen name is just that.  A screen name in the chat.

Decepticon396:  Heh, for people worried about the act, you sure do pick a weird place for talking about it.  Don't worry, got us screened though.  So you're wondering what Legacy thinks?  Can't talk for the rest of the crew, but I'm giving some thought to signing up.  Then again, not much choice...  showing up in the White House without any disguise on and a criminal record will do that I guess.  Guess this world's really going to hell when a sarcastic paranoid guy like myself is alright with registering.  Come on, it's not the comics.  Trust me.  Been doing this for a long time.  And paras have probably been around longer than you thought.  Course if you're hearing voices, I guess that isn't a surprise for you, Omni.

Mathlete21: There's just no way SRA is constitutional.  Can't we sic the ACLU on this?
Mathlete21: Legacy?  No joke?  Crap.

IcePick91: Dude...while it sounds cool and everything...what if the SRA is just a hidden means of trying to get access to our abilities...and duplicating 'em? What if America wants to create the perfect soldier before everyone else...using stuff they get from us?

Mathlete21: I'm not one for conspiracy theories, Icepick, but if there's one thing the government has a track record for, it's taking resources and weaponizing them.  I don't want to be drafted, and I don't want my talents used as a cog in any military-industrial machine.
Mathlete21: The SRA is kinda vague in terms of what registration means, btw.
Mathlete21: Maybe it's just not publicly released, but there's no telling who keeps your personal registry, and who has access.  Homeland Security, the FBI, ATF, the local authorities.  If they become a matter of public record accessible through Freedom of Information it could spell the end of capes, though.
Mathlete21: And anti-para sentiment will grow when they're living not-so-secretly in your neighborhood.  Trust.  Normals like to put their heroes on pedestals so they can take pot-shots at them and watch them fall.

Laughter...  LOUD laughter crackles through the speakers of each of their chosen laptops and computers.

Decepticon396:  Man, not to burst your bubble...  but the government have had their hands in this shit for a long time.  Easily 70 years and possibly more.  Hell we would have lost World War Two if it wasn't for the group that was put together.  As for perfect soldiers..  meh..  I'm sure tanks and missles are still cheaper than making someone like Dr. Manhattan or someone that needs to spend years learning how to use their new abilities.  Besides, they tried to make a super soldier.  That didn't turn out too well.  I'm still not entirely sure where that went wrong.  His memories are still rattling around in my head but can't quite get my thoughts around them.  Anyway, yeah.  I think you're reading too far into this.  As for it being constitutional, so far it's just being treated like a handgun or driver's license.  Next you'll be saying you shouldn't need a driver's license to drive a car.  Really I think mostly what it is, is to save face with the voters.  And yeah, I'm with the Legacy.  Probably havn't heard of me though.  I go by Hotwire.

IcePick91: Holy sh--Damn...Decepticon...you're with the Legacy? Dude, it's like a real honor, man. I didn't realize....wow..damn. And Mathlete, that is some serious implications...I mean, some of us have families that don't wanna get dragged into this stuff.

Mathlete21: @Decepticon: Cool that you're w/ Legacy!  Are you guys hiring? j/k
Mathlete21: The SRA seems less like a drivers license and more like sex offenders' registration.  Unlike sex offenders registry, it's like paras are being criminalized for things beyond our control, and when most of us are good citizens.  Mark my words:
Mathlete21: If the SRA registry is available via FoIA, innocent folks who happen to have para talents will get lynched.
Mathlete21: Burning witches is what the normals do.

((Edit: colorized text.))
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Tue 22 Dec 2009.

WriterDude40: Well, the lawyer thing isn't as much of a problem. I know at least one lawyer who isn't going to like this one little bit, and I'm sure he knows others. Like I said, they're pissing on hundreds of years of my people's traditions here.

As far as the rest of it goes... I'm more worried about some kind of public-access 'This is where the paras in your neighborhood live, and this is the powers they have', like they do with sex offenders. Certain people I know would get swarmed with people wanting them to fix all their problems, and there's at least one guy I know who'd get a torch-and-pitchfork mob at his door. His particular brand of magic isn't very popular, and even though he doesn't abuse it, they'd be so scared that he would, or that he is and they don't even realize it 'cause he's got them so horribly mind-screwed. Not to mention just about ANY of my people living in the Southeast. If they're going to burn Harry Potter books, just imagine what they'll do when they find out there's actual frickin' wizards among them. It'll be Salem all over again.

Decepticon396: Yeah, sorta agaisnt my will.  Believe me all in all I'd rather have just been sitting on the sidelines.  Got myself a nice little mechanic shop and none of this would have been my problem.  Seeing what happened a few months ago in...  Idaho.  And what happened in Manhattan well I just can't do that.  And we definetly aren't too high and mighty about ourselves not to appreciate some help. :)  And definetly see your point there, Mathlete and WriterDude, if they can find out where people live and what they do, random public... that isn't too cool.  If it's just another beauracratic need then don't see the big deal.  And if someone doesn't want to register, probably a good idea to just not be caught.  I'm sure there are plenty of people out there with ways to escape.  Plus, if it gets too rough here.  You can always move to Canada.

IcePick91: If you know a lawyer, WriterDude, we definitely need to have some stuff clarified with this. That way we can find out what all it entails and how it's going to affect us. I really REALLY don't want to have to leave this place. I've been here all my life, and I just don't wanna uproot my entire life here.

Mathlete21: @Ice, @Decept: Not that it'll happen like this, but I'd feel more comfortable if the SRA fell under the CDC or the National Institutes of Health.  While they'd still require registry and would monitor info, that information would be sealed as personal medical data and never available to the public.
Mathlete21: @WriterDude: Wait...magic?  You're kidding right?  Holy crap!
Mathlete21: Actually though, that presents an interesting legal challenge.
Mathlete21: Feel free to correct me, @WD, but magic isn't something you're normally born with, not like a mutant power, anyway.  There's an element that's learned. I dunno if it's legal for them to make you register, since it's not a "power".
Mathlete21: OTOH, some states require karate black belts to register their hands--a trained skill--as a deadly weapon.  Not arguing for/against here, just putting out ideas for the room.

WriterDude40: What, run away and leave my persecuted bretheren behind? No way, man. And, yeah, Icepick, I know lawyers. They will definitely be looking into this, and they'll let me know what the deal is with this thing.

So, Decepticon, you say you're Legacy? How do you think your crew will feel if, say, a bunch of teenagers with good intentions started helping out around the city? If you want an example of our work, I believe the six-o-clock news had some good footage of the fight in Manhattan.

Mathlete21: @WD40: Wait, you're teens?  Wow.  How is being para in high school?  I suspect there's no Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters yet.
Mathlete21: I mostly work solo.  I have a day job and go to school, so I don't really have *time* to play superhero as much as I'd like.  Still, I try.

This message was deleted by a game moderator at 15:46, Tue 22 Dec 2009.

Decepticon396: I'm pretty sure most of us will be happy for the help, though admittedly Hunter will probably take some warming up to.  Just don't kill anyone, get close to killing anyone or break a hubcap off a car.  All in all though, he's a good guy.  Hell treat him right and he'll do right by you.  He and I went through a lot.  And as for Manhattan, good job.  Was hoping to speak with someone that was there.  The destruction and effects remind me about the guy I was talking about earlier.  Did he happen to give you a name?  I wouldn't put it past the government trying their mistake a second time.  The man I knew that did that kind of damage before called himself Paragon.  And magic is a mixed skill, from what little I've seen of Enigma.  Yeah you need to be born with it, but it takes a lot of learning, too.  And no problem, just get me a list of your names and I'll put in a word for ya.  All in all, Dragonfist isn't too bad.  Just too much of a boyscout for my tastes.  WAY too comic book theatrical type too.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Tue 22 Dec 2009.

IcePick91: Being a para in high school is different...it definitely makes for interesting happenings though. Did you guys hear about the ice puddle incident last month? LOL

@Decepticon: It would be cool if maybe you could put in a good word for us with the Legacy. I heard that Dragon dude is kind of a stick in the mud :D

*from previous lurker status*
Rainbowgurl: *shrugs* I don't think it's a big deal.
Rainbowgirl: Of course, they already have so much paperwork on me that it's not like they'd get anything new out of some registration. So I don't think anything would change for me.
Rainbowgirl: Actually, I think I'm probably already registered. I should check on that.

Mathlete21: Anyone have word as to when the SRA info is being made public?  I mean the actual law and registration paperwork.  Before any of us sign anything, we ought to run through it with the proverbial fine tooth comb.

WriterDude40: Yeah, there's a learning element to magic, but it's kind of like, 'If I learn it, I can control it, and I am therefore safe. If I don't learn to control it, bad things will happen.' Either in the form of 'random weird shit' like what happened at the start of the Harry Potter books, or a big, bad magi-splosion that kills the mage and everyone around them. Not pretty, which is why all wizards are duty bound to train any un-trained wizards they may happen upon. If you don't, and our people find out? Majorly Bad Stuff happens to you. Like, Soviet Russia 'KGB comes in the night and makes you disappear' kind of Majorly Bad Stuff. And they WILL find out.

So, basically, I'm born with it, 'cause there is a genetically predictable element to this. Like, my family has had wizards in it for, like, forever. I think Grandpa said we can trace it back to, like, the Arthurian age or something. My ancestors were swappin' potion recipes with Merlin.

Of course, there are some 'random' mages, either from families who've been nothing but... we call them 'skips', but I think the H.P. term you all would know would be 'squibs', for generations, so we kinda marked them off 'the list'. Or there's the ones where the random magical forces of the universe pick a random fetus and go 'O hai, u can haz majick.' Those are always fun, but Fate usually conspires to have them meet up with a mentor.

Also: Hi, Rainbowgurl.

IcePick91: @Rainbowgurl: Hi there :)

@Decepticon: Yeah I guess nobody's perfect but as long as Dragon's cool...then I'm cool. I just wanna do my part, y'know?

So...I think we've got us a plan. Let's go over this SRA with a fine-toothed comb...have the lawyers look for anything 'fishy'...I think we can figure this thing out guys.

Decepticon396: I can see what I can find out.  Don't see myself getting much sleep so I might as well surf in the net tonight.  Basically the equivalent for me anymore.

His name flickers for a moment on each screen.

Decepticon396: Will stick around though, too.  That way as I find stuff, can let you know about it.  Going to read through the minutes of congress with the act being written up as well.  Might not be bad to see what didn't make it into the act more so that what did, after all.  Be a good way to see what the congressmen and women were thinking when they wrote this up.

Mathlete21: That presents another interesting argument, @WD40.  Is the SRA designed to register potential, or intent?  What if one of your cousins is born with the potential, but decides to become a CPA instead?  Are they still required to register?  Seems like a slippery slope.
Mathlete21: Another argument: What about non-powered vigilantes and the SRA?  Not to continue using the funny books as a resource, but a real-life Hawkeye would represent a much greater "threat" than the cousin I just made up for @WD40.  But because he doesn't have any powers--nevermind that he has a crazy arsenal and the skills to take down a bunch of paras--he doesn't have to register.  Strikes me as weird.

Icepick91: Hey guys, I think we're forgetting somebody. You know that one really cool gal...Meg...I don't think she has a computer but it would be cool to get her thoughts on this whole thing. Maybe the Decepticon might be able to 'acquire' some stuff for her :D

WriterDude40: Yeah. The Torch-and-pitchfork guy I mentioned earlier? He's an Enchanter. He can mess with peoples' minds, but he's so weak that it's only, like, subtle stuff. Like, he can't make you do anything you wouldn't normally do anyway. Mostly he just uses it to get people to chill out and tip their servers when he's playing at a bar. It actually makes McHaggis's bearable XD.

And yeah, this thing seems kind of loophole-ridden for guys like Batman. Hell, isn't Hunter like that? He's got crazy batshit insane weaponry and the ninja training to use them, but no actual superpowers?

Mathlete21: @Decept: If Legacy is ever holding tryouts, LMK.  I'm doing some good on my own, but I'm sure I'd be able to do even better with additional resources and people backing me up.

Decepticon396:  Sure, I can get her something.  *ahem*  As I'm sure you all know, doing this certainly doesn't pay the bills so if she doesn't mind not asking where the stuff came from, I can get her some stuff.  Small time stuff but I've been kindof busy.  I'm pretty sure I have a laptop and a router.  Can get her all set up with an account.  For something this serious...  where can I meet you?  I can have it set up for her in about ten minutes.

WriterDude40:@Icepick: You know not everyone knows who Meg is, right? also, I'm on it. Familiar for the win.

IcePick91: @WriterDude...I know, but I figured those of us in our clique would know. Don't worry...I'll be there too for moral support :)

Decepticon396: And as for Legacy holding try outs, we could always use a little help.  Actually..  you guys may be able to help us out.  All of you.  Let me run it by the team.  We're working on something just now and a little switch up might be just what this situation needs.  Really, I don't see us rejecting anyone unless you're out to kill'em all, kill'em again and screw the reasons for doing it.  We pretty much joined as a hodge podge and got tossed into a serious situation.  For the record, the other members named us.  Bleh.  Way too comic book wannabe if you ask me.  But whatever.

Mathlete21: @Decept: Laugh all you want, but it's the capes + spandex that'll do paras the best solid in terms of equal treatment under the law.  When they do flashy power stuff + beat up the bad guys, great, so long as the photo ops make them look cool, and they get the right PR staff to make us all look good. 
Mathlete21: Also: PR can translate into marketing their brand, another move towards normalizing us.  Sounds weird, yeah, but kids will buy SuperGuy's lunch box and identify with him, making him less scary than the para who lives down the block who's all secret-y and ashamed and waiting for his neighbors to come for him w/ pitchforks + torches.
Mathlete21: A pleasant side-effect of an effective superhero brand: revenue.  How do ya think those super-secret bases and Bat-copters and lawyers against the SRA get paid for? 

WriterDude40: Yeah, I hear ya Mathlete. Brand name copyrighting could be good. Let's just hope nobody makes and BAMF noises, yeah?

Rainbowgurl: I can ask Dr. F to look into it, too. This kind of thing is right up his alley. He's pretty nosy, but it seems to be pretty curiosity-driven. He's a really great guy when he's not asking complicated questions, like do you have to concentrate to turn it on. I mean, seriously dude, concentrate on what?!
Rainbowgurl: Chuck says hi & bye. I told him to come back later.

IcePick91: Looks like some good stuff here, guys. For now, I'm feeling a little better now that we might have some legal gurus looking into the SRA and giving us the 411 on it.

WriterDude40: Yeah, this may or may not be the huge-ass fustercluck some of us are making it out to be. I mean, they don't say, "ZOMG, this dude owns guns", do they?

Meg, since her name has been used already, says that she feels much the same as we do. She doesn't want people beating down her door wanting her to 'fix' them, and she doesn't want to be privatized and commercialized, either. She's also against witch hunts, which is a good thing.

Decepticon396:  Alright, so she doesn't need a laptop then?  Really, I don't mind.  Some old school hacking would be a welcome change just about now.  Or... Ew....  she isn't one of those types that technology doesn't agree with, is she?  That'd really suck if she is.  I'm only as strong as whatever I manage to 'rig' at the moment.  And if it's price she's worried about, don't.  I'm a digital jedi.  Any documents you need forged, especially in this digital world we live in, I'm your man.  Always fun to have it so 'the man' is chasing his own tail through all the beauracracy he's created.  And yeah, don't want that to be public knowledge either.  Part of the fun is people thinking a technopath isn't a threat.  Heh.

Rainbowgurl: Well, I think we're supposed to stay secret. That's what everyone tells me least ways.
Rainbowgurl: And even if the government just wants to keep tabs on you like they would on a gun-owner, they don't want your secret out. I mean, it would make you act differently and ruin any observational data they hoped to get.
Rainbowgurl: Of course, just knowing that Big Brother is watching you will change your behavior. Anthropological research techniques make a big deal out of that.

WriterDude40: Well, my Chinese Dragon Tattoo familiar is currently using our telepathic link to relay messages back and forth, so if she could eventually acquire a laptop somehow, that would make things much simpler. I don't think it's power issues so much as money issues at this point in time, but you never know.

Decepticon396: Chinese dragon tattoo familiar?  Cool.  Well like I said, I have an extra laptop and a router I wouldn't mind getting out of my inventory.  Wouldn't take me long to get her hooked up.  Probably take me longer to get to her place than it would take me to set everything up for her.  And I can set something up for her price wise since that's the problem.  Even if it's something that she wants done legally, that's no problem at all.  Ask her and let me know what she says, please.  Not like I'm doing anything else tonight.

WriterDude40: 10-4. Once again, familiar telepathic link ftw.

Decepticon396: And she's definetly going to want to see this!  Got a link for the sight.  Looks like the FBI is in on it.  And identity won't be public knowledge.  Still I'm looking through the minutes of the votes and meetings for writing this act up.

WriterDude40: Yeah? Nifty. I'mma check it out and... holy shit on a sammich, that actually looks kinda nifty. I'm not in this for money or anything, but it'd be nice to have a nine-to-five I like while I'm waiting for my art to sell.

I wonder if they're accepting sixteen-year-olds.

IcePick91: Well...I took a quick look at the Act...and it doesn't seem to be that bad. Hmmmm...maybe we were jumping the gun a little bit.

Rainbowgurl: Wow, okay, that doesn't sound so bad. So long as we are covered under the civil rights acts preventing discrimination. I mean, jobs have been lost over less.
Rainbowgurl: I can see there being a legal issue or something with emerging powers. Not to say anything mean about the facility, but being cooped up SUCKS. And a youth with emerging powers and unprepared parents... well, that could constitute a risk to ones self or others.
Rainbowgurl: *mutters*

WriterDude40:Arright, Decepticon, come on over! We're at the Derring Condominiums. I'll meet you downstairs and show you the way. I'll be wearing a black hoodie with an Autobot head on the front, green camo cargos, and a pair of black steel-toes, all right?

Decepticon396: Sounds good sounds good.  I'll have the laptop and router in a small duffle bag.  Wearing a black windbreaker, black hat and some khakis.  Carrying a clipboard with a small stack of papers on it.  Make sure to comment on the problem your friend is having with their internet service.  Will be there soon.

Decepticon396 has left chat

WriterDude40:Arright, I'm out. Later, dudes and dudette.

*WriterDude40 has left chat*

IcePick91: All right time to meet and greet...but I'll be on a little bit later.

IcePick91 signing off...

rainbowgurl: *feels lonely*
rainbowgurl: I'm going to check on Chuck and see what it was he was up to. Check in later!
rainbowgurl has left chat
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Wed 23 Dec 2009.

Darren was having a ball. He didn't think his first party would be like this! Well first, real party, with beer and people being crazy. He hadn't even gotten a beer yet, heck he had just got here but the people everywhere, man it was intoxicating. He turned hearing his name by the pool. It wasJack the guy who's house it was, he had been surprised when he'd been invited but he couldn't pass up the invitation. He smiled as Jack waveed him over, patted him on the back, and then suddenly. He was falling righ tinto the pool, he could hear the others laughing. He tried to get up, but someone was holding him down. THEY BROUGHT ME HERE JUST TO MAKE FUN OF ME!? He should have known it wasn't a surprise yet all  he could feel was rage, rage pushed back the panic and all he could think about was making them pay. When suddenly, he wasn't drowning anymore, he wasn't even in the water anymore, he WAS the water. How was he doing this? How did he stay togetheer? He concentrated on his self, how he looked and suddenly he could feel hisself coming together, solidifying and then he stood standing on top of the water with everyone staring in awe and disbelief. "You just wanted to make fun of me? Have some fun with me?" He could hear someone shout,"He's a freak" and he couldn't help but smile, he was a freak allright, but a freak with the power to make them pay. HE stretched out his arms which turned to water and suddenly went flying at Jack slamming him against the wall.

Bill had been trying to sleep since his dad made him turn off the computer. But he just couldn't he wasn't sure if it was excitement, or the new super powers but as soon as his dad was asleep he was out flying. He just couldn't get enough of it, and there was supposed to be a party at Jack's house. Him and Darren had been invited but Bill's dad said no, but Darren was going anyway. Maybe if he stopped by as Excelsior he could get some publicity or something, that'd be nice, to hear people cheering asking for-He stopped in midair as  he neared Jacks house. Did I just see what I think I saw HE used his vision to zoom in seeing  something made of water blasting Jack! Without a second thought Excelsior dived at the water thing and went right through it!

>>>From Pawn Broker>>>

So wait. You want me to become a superhero? ME? I'm in high school! Besides, I can't fight!

You have the initiative, morality, and skills necessary. It is these which I saw in you, and it is for those which I chose you.

Skills? I do ballet! That's not gonna help me beat up someone that can break steel!

The mental argument had continued much the same for the past few hours, Kat's thoughts quick and angered, but the mask's ever kind and level. She paced around her empty home, the strange artifact in her hand. She looked it over again; if the thing really was hundreds of years old, as it claimed, it certainly carried its age well. For all its fantastic stories, it didn't have a single scratch or dent.

Simply give it a try, Katherine. What is there to lose?

Um, my life? I'm not gonna go out and get myself killed just 'cause some freaky mask thing told me to!

The mask chuckled. Let me assure you, I will use all my power to prevent that from happening. If you simply listen to my commands, you will be untouched in the field of battle.

There you go, about the fighting again! I already told you, I can't!

No, but you can dance. You would be surprised how similar they are to the trained eye. They are called the martial arts for a reason, Katherine.

Kat sighed as she snapped her cell phone shut. It had been almost a week since Clarissa had shown up at ballet practice, and now she wasn't even picking up her phone... Kat bit her lip in worry.

Your friend is missing.

Well no shit, I didn't need you to tell me that. And how many times have I told you to shut up?

With a sigh, she slipped the mask into her purse and headed out the door. With someone missing, she thought, it would be best to check the seediest place in town: Sutra's.

>>> To Sutra's Apartments >>>

Approaching the home of the Thomas family as Bill Masters he reaches up a hand and knocks on the door.

Mrs. Thomas opens the door. "BIll what are you doing here?Sorry but we havne't heard anything yet, Darrens still missing..."

Bill shakes his head. "I'm afraid I have some news for you in that regard and its all bad." Ex goes on to explain his meeting swith Darren without revealing his identity as Excelsior and saying he witnessed Darrren Helping take down a supervillain when he was evaporated."

"Oh" She says trying hard to fight back tears but eventually giving upp and letting them flow. "I'- thank you Bill for telling us...You...were a good friend to my son.. If only he hadn't gone... I'm sorry do you want to come in?"

He shakes his head crying himself. "No thank you...I should be getting home...I'm...so sorry..." He said as he turned and haeded home.

Bill got home and flipped on the net the voice in his head had been sirprisingly quiet, was it leaving him to greave or was it afraid that he'd ask about what his enemy had said? Turning on his computer he went to the net flipping through a couple different things before standing up and pacing his room. Darren was gone now and it was his fault Darren wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for him and HE couldn't move fast enough to take the blow himself. He should've seen that coming. He flopped on his bed wishing he could fall into the deep recesses of sleep and lost his pain for a while Sitting back up he picke dout his cell phone and began flipping through it. He couldn't call any of his regular friends they couldn't know who he was, who he really was. Ozzy would still be with MIrage, Jeff was probably asleep by now. MR. Eskin was having issues and he didn't really want to talk to him or Iris that much Iris was too young and Mr. Eskin would probably think some kind of counselin gwoul dbe the answer like mos adults of trauma He didn't need th etherapy after his mom died and he didn't need more now. There was one person left on that list. and Honestly he felt a little intimidated by her, though  that was how he usually felt by pretty girls. WIth a sigh and a swallow to straighten his voice he dialed Meg

Bill transformed into Excelsior and flew out the window not even thinking to leave a note.

>>TO LEGacy Headquarters>>

>>FROM LEGACY HEADQUARTERS>>
Ex arrives at home comin gin through the window and flops on his bed turning back into bill and bursting into tears.

As he finishes crying he sits up not having any more tears to cry. he goes to the computer and turns it back on flipping through a few thingws. His foot taps he has trouble staying still or focusing on anything. He checked the clock. Dad would be home soon, what would he tell him? Maybe...Maybe being a superhero wasn't such a great idea after all.

Deciding he didn't want to be here when his Dad got home Ex headed out the window and flew straight up unsure where else to go. He just didn't know what to do. Stopping he floated for a while. He couldn't go see Meg again..Maybe he could talk to Jeff, of course he couldn't tel him everyhting, he wasn't evne sure why he told Meg that last tidbit.. But guys tend to be more uptight about that thing. He began flying slowly towards Derring condominiums

>>TO DERRING CONDOS>>

After a  long talk with his father Bill Headed up stairs to clean up. The end result of the talk wasn't too bad, he just needed to periodically check in with ihs dad when he was out of the house and let him know when he left. Stepping out of the shower now clean and garbage free he got dressed and looked through his phone. Flipping through it he figured near everyone would be at school except for mayb Meg.. but he didn't want to bother her again. MOving downstairs he informs his dad he's going for a quick fly and He'll give him a call in a few hours.
>>ROOFTOPS>>

Bill and Darren get off th ebus a little ways away from the master home. They slowly make their way there holding hands the whole time. Bill was dreading this meetin gbut he knew deep down there was no avoiding it for long.Bill takes out his key and opens the door befor eyelling into the house. "Dad? You home?"

  Darren had taken a deep breath, and he gave Bill's hand a tight squeeze.  He smiled at his beloved, and said softly "Here goes.  Good luck!!  We both need it."

"In the kitchen BIll!" Bills father called from further down the hallway.

Still holding Darren's hand Bill makes his way into the kitchen. "Dad I have something to tell you"

Mr. Masters was a tht estove cooking something. "Sure Bill whats-" He stops mid sentence as he sees Darren alive and well. "Darren how did you?" He stopped again as his eyes focuse don both boys holding hands.

Bill swallowed hard. "Dad- Darren survived being turned to steam, We found eachother yesterday and,.... Dad we're in love I love him and he loves me, Dad, I'm gay."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:02, Mon 28 June 2010.

  Darren nodded, even as he gave Bill's hand a squeeze, and he added quietly "I love your son, Mister Masters.  I was willing to sacrifice myself to keep him alive, but it ended up I didn't die, just got a little . . . steamed."

Mr Masters stands their for aminute befor the father turns back to the stove turning his back to his son. In  abarely audible whisper he says. "Take your things and go

"Dad-I... Okay." WIthout another word Bill heads upstairs to his room. he takes out a large duffel bag a gym bag and a backpack and begins filling htem with as much of his things as he can. TH eimportant stuff at least Some of his comic book collection certain action figures and posters his xbox and laptop clothes and hygiene products. Tears stream down his cheeks as he does this fighting back sobs.

  Darren looked at Mr. Masters, and said softly "It's your loss, Mister Masters.  Because your son is a very fine person, and your refusal to accept us will cost you.  I wish you well, in your loneliness."  Then he went upstairs, following Bill, and wrapped Bill in a hug as he kissed his temple, and said quietly "Love, he's not got his head on straight.  You and I do.  Love is always better than hate!"

"I- I know" BIll says in between sobs stopping to put a hand on Darrens arm before returning to packing. "It- It still hurts."   Standing he looked at the bags before shifting to Excelsior he  easily lifting the bags and turning to Darren. The mask hid any tears bu the still had trouble to keep from sobbing. "I...I think we should..head back to Megs place for now We'll find out what she watns to do with us when her mom brings her back but I'm guesing we'll probably have to get jobs and a place of our own.."

  Darren nodded, and gave him a hug, then asked "Mind if I hitch a ride along, since I don't fly?"  He picked up some more items, the game system, the games, sticking them in some plastic bags.  He packed about anything he could lay his hands on and wrap in a bag, then shifted to his water-form, picking the stuff up and holding onto it, then winding himself around Excelsior so that they were festooned with Bill's stuff.

"No problem love." OPening the window the two of them headed out. Ex flew slowly stopping to watch the home he'd known sinc ehe was a child, the one he'd never return to.

>>TO Derring Condos.>>

Ex landed a little way away from Darren's parents house. Shifting back to Bill the two walked the rest of the way and rang the door bell.

  He looked at Bill, and said quietly "So, be prepared for severe freaking out.   David's going to be his usual prick-self too.  Dad and Mom?  They may not take us so well."  He paused on the porch, squeezing Bill's hand, and knocked.

  The door was answered by his Mom, who let out a piercing shriek and immediately began to cry.

" I know this is upsetting Mrs. Reaves, but well Darren and I have some..things to tell you." Still holding Darren's hand Bill reaches out to put a comforting hand on Darren's Mom's shoulder.

  Darren's Mom swept them both into a hug, still crying, so happy that her baby boy was alive!!

  Until his older brother asked "Are you FAGS??"

Bill waas a little surprised by the hug but a smile came across his face, mayb ethings were going to turn out okay.. Until David had to open his mouth. "Eloquent as ever David." Was all he could think of to say, when in doubt fall back on sarcasm.

  Darren sighed, and said "David, go get bent.  Be glad I'm NOT dead."

  His Mom said "DAV-ID!  Go to your room!!"  Then she hugged Bill and Darren again, and asked softly "What happened?  We thought you died?"



  Darren said "Umm.  I got evaporated  . . . and it took me a bit to put myself back together . . . "

Bill nodded. "He got zapped with some kind of lazer like I told you before." Bill added confirming Darren's story.

  She shook her head, and said "Darren, how did you end up with super powers anyway?"

  He shrugged, and said "Doesn't matter, does it?  I have them.  And . . . . I survived being evaporated, frozen, melted and scattered."  He shot Bill a smile, adding "And Bill found me again."

BIll smiled back at darren. "I think its more like, we found eachother."

  She gasped, and said "How can anyone survive all of that?  Bill, what happened to him?"  She clearly did not believe her son was a super, really.

  Darren sighed, and said "I just  . . . did.  I can't explain exactly how I do it, Mom.  I just do.  I'm a real wet blanket for anyone who wants to do crime now."  He had escorted Bill in, and while his Mom was hugging them, he liquesced his arm, and reached around the corner, into the kitchen and collected two cold Cokes.

"Thats what happened Mrs. Reaves theres really not much else for me to add..." As Darren passed him the coke Bill replied with a"Thank you" and opened it taking a drink.

  Darren smiled at Bill, replying "Welcome.  Mom, it's kinda weird, but I can't change being a parahuman.  I am now."

  His Mom touched his cheek, then looked at Bill, and asked him "You know what your father is saying?  He's saying he threw you out.  Did he?  And if he did, why?"

Bill looked down at the mention of his father. IT hurt something terrible to be rejected by someone who'd cared for you your whole life. "He did, and he did because I'm" Bill squeezed Darren's hand for support doing his best to fight back the tears. "I'm gay."

  Darren did one better, and wrapped his arm around Bill, giving him a hug of support.

  His Mom's eyes widened, and she said softly "Bill, are you sure?"

  Then Darren interrupted her with a firm, quiet statement.  "Yes Mom, we're both sure.  And we make a very GOOD couple.  Good partners.  We make each other happy."

Billsmiled at Darren glad to have his support. "Yes MR.s Reaves WE're sure."

  David said "OH my GOD my brother's a freakin' FAG!!!  I'm gonna kill him!!"  And came at them, swinging.

  Darren shifted position, turning to water, and caught his older brother's fist in his chest, keeping him from actually hitting, and he said (he sounded a bit waterlogged) "No, David, you're not.  Because I'm not taking your shit anymore.  And you're not going to give Bill any shit either."  And pushed his brother's arm out, sending him flying a good four feet back. Turning to flesh a moment later.

  His mother just stared in shock.

Bill was ready to swithc as  David came at them when Darren handled it. Looking to Darren's mother Bill rubbed one hand behind his head. "Sorry, Mrs. Reaves..." Was all he could think to say.

  Mrs. Reaves sat down.  Hard.  Her hands shook a little, and she looked at Bill as she asked "He . . . he just . . . he really . . . "

  Darren sighed, and gave Bill a hug as he said quietly "Well, so far I'm batting 1000 for how I guessed they'd react."

Bill smiled at darren wrapping his arms around him. "At least its not as bad as my dad right?" Bill whispered in Darrens' ear.

  Darren nodded, and hugged Bill again, admitting "I got no good guesses on how Dad will take it, other than 'poorly'.  At best!!"

  And winced when he heard the door slam outside . . .

Bill tunred as the door slammed bracing himself for a meeting with Mr. Reaves. Mrs. Reaves wasn't taking things TOO well but at least she wasnt' angry...

  "Darren Reaves!!  WHERE in the HELL have you been, young man??!"

:Remember when I came by Mr. Reaves? To tell you the bad news? Well I wasn't lying. Darren REally did get zapped by a super villian, but he survived..."

  Darren shot Bill a smile, and said "Bill's not jerking your chain, Dad.  See?"  He went all watery once more, then 'dropped' his humanshape to coil around Bill, flattening out then seeping over Bill's form like a second skin.  Leaving his Dad gaping in shock.

Bill offered a smile To Darrens dad. "I know its hard to take in Mr. Reaves but its the truth."

  He slowly shifted back to his humanshape, his chin on Bill's shoulder, arms around his waist, and finally turned from water to flesh.  "And we're a duo, Dad."

  His Dad sighed, and said quietly "You can't stay here and do that type of thing.  You just can't, Darren.  You can visit, but you can't live under my roof and indulge in such Ungodly behavior."

  Which elicited a shrug, and Darren said "So I won't live here.  I've been managing.  Hell, I could live in the reservoir!"

Bill looks at Darren to gauge his reaction before turning to the family. "Alright sir, we'll leave you to enjoy the rest of your night." And with that Bill headed for the door.

  Darren stayed with Bill, and cheated, skipping in front of Bill and turning watery, so that Bill walked right into him, and he wrapped right around Bill, giving him an all-over, gentle hug.  {{Hurts, but at least he said I could visit.  I'll probably stick to the times when Mom's home alone.  Love, we want to ask about maybe an apartment in the Condos?  Or have you got an idea?}}

  The house was (thankfully) empty, but the neighbors saw someone breaking into the place.  So they called the cops.  They didn't expect the person to come out in ten minutes, and then the house EXPLODED into flames!!

>>>>>>>>From The Rooftops>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist was very thankful for the recent "upgrade". Now instead of gliding, the wings he had been gifted with could actually fly, getting him to the scene of trouble a lot quicker.

He remembered reading about the arson that happened here in the suburbs. Landing at the site of the burnt out building, he began to investigate it using his newfound senses. Hoping to find something that would give him an idea of WHO was responsible.

There didn't appear to be any clues. Whoever did this was good. REALLY good. They were also very good at not leaving any traces of their work at all.

After spending some time searching, Dragon Fist got to his feet, and flew back to the city proper to check the other two locations where the arsons had taken place.

>>>>>>>>>>to The Streets>>>>>>>>>>

  The fellow with the black clothing and mask on entered the house.  He'd broken the glass panes, and reached in to unlock it, and then walked in, seemingly unworried about police coming.  When he walked out, five minutes later, he was smiling.  He reached the sidewalk, turned around, and the house exploded into flames that roared four stories high, far above the roof of the two story home.

>>>>>>From The Streets>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist flew in, quickly as he could, as he found the site of the four story fire.

First thing he did was to use his chi sense, and see if anyone was trapped inside.

  The house was empty, nobody living within it.  Nor were there any dead bodies that (would have been) cooling, had it not been merrily burning like someone had SOAKED the place in gasoline!

Dragon Fist then turned his "chi sense" around the area, seeing if there were any signatures that might "off" somehow. Hopefully detecting the person that might be responsible for this. After all, it certainly seemed like a Para might be responsible...possibly a pyrokinetic...

  A man in solid black stood on the sidewalk, watching the fire with an almost orgasmic expression on his face, eyes fiercely bright.  Watching the flames.

Dragon Fist then took to the air, his wings granting him speed he hadn't had before.

"You there! Stop!"

  The fellow hadn't moved, and made no effort TO move yet.  Simply watching the flames dance . . .

Dragon Fist grabbed the man and held him up.

"You! Why did you start the fire? You're lucky that no one was inside that building!"

  The man turned to look at him, and while he looked nothing like Flamethrower, he FELT like the same man.  And his eyes held a frightful gleam as he said "Dragon Fist.  You should know that the past will always come back to haunt you . . . "

Dragon Fist shuddered. All of a sudden the past came back to him in a flash of a second.

His determination to stop him. Which ended in his death..inadvertent as it was...at Dragon Fist's hands.

"You...you were at peace...you said so yourself....why have you come back?"

  The fellow in front of him slowly toppled forward as his eyes rolled back in his head, and unless Dragon Fist caught him, he fell over in a dead faint.

Dragon Fist caught the body of the man.

"Flamethrower...James....say something..."

   The man's eyes fluttered, and he winced like he had a major migraine before he said "I don't know who the hell you think I am, but I'm not James.  I'm Lyle Metzenbaum.  Where am I and how the hell did I get here?"

"You...you...I don't know, Mr. Metzenbaum..."

Dragon Fist looked at the man. It seemed that the presence of James Cullen...Flamethrower...was gone. But where could he have gotten to?

His eyes glowing, he once again searched through the chi signatures, looking for Flamethrower.

  There was no trace of James Cullen, the Flamethrower, anymore.  He was nowhere to be seen.  Nowhere in the area.  But it had FELT just like him. . . .

Dragon Fist frowned under his helmet. If Flamethrower was somehow back, this city was in a lot of trouble.

He would need help with this. Perhaps help that only a Mage...or a Sorceress...could provide.

  Behind him, the flames on the house had settled down to normal, but the fire department was fighting with it valiantly.

Dragon Fist went back and did what he could to help with the fire. He was hoping that the new armor wouldn't scare the firefighters.

  He got some funny looks, but since he was helping, they didn't complain.  One of them finally asked "You don't look like the Legacy members, but you act like one.  Which one are you?"

"Dragon Fist," he replied to them. "I've....gone through some changes lately. But for the better, I assure you."

  The firefighter looked him up and down, and said "Yeah.  You can say that again.  You look a lot different!"

Dragon Fist nodded at the firefighter, then took a look at the scene.

"Do you need any more help or do you guys have it from here?"

  The firefighter said "I think we have it.  Thank you for helping.  Got any ideas on how and who started it?"

"I've got an idea or two...but you probably wouldn't believe me..."

  He said "Whatever you want to tell me.  But the fire marshall and arson investigators will have to look into it too."

Dragon Fist sighed. He knew he was going to get a look of uncertainty from the fireman.

"I believe that it's the work of a pyrokinetic...but this person can, I believe, jump into different people's bodies, and use his power through them. Which, to me, might suggest that they no longer have a physical form."

  The fireman blinked, and said "Sounds like a para problem.  That's your specialty, and the SCU's specialty."

Dragon Fist nodded. He knew of one person who might be able to help him. An inside man in the SCU. Detective Esteban Martinez.

And he took to the air and flew towards the police station.

>>>>>>>>>>To Weston PD>>>>>>>>>>>

-->> From New Age Defenders' HQ

  Andy kited across the air, his wings spread wide and letting him glide in silence.  His Mom should be on her way home from a half day of work . . . if he caught her at the right time, he could talk to her without her seeing him. He spotted the perfect spot, and landed in the place he'd wanted.  Crouching, he waited for his Mom to get within earshot before he rumbled "I'm sorry I've been out of touch, Mom.  Grandpa threw me out.  I didn't run away.  And I didn't die.  I can't die anymore, I can only be killed, and nothing human can do it."

  She'd spun, looking around in frightened hope, then listened, still a little bewildered because she couldn't see him.  "Andravian, where are you?  Why won't you step out where I can see you?"

  "Because I'm afraid of how you'll react when you do see me, Mom.  I don't look the same anymore.  Sound pretty close, but I look different.  And . . . I know why Dad never came home.  It's a long, crazy story, but he died his Mortal Death saving another man's family, getting him away from a very repressive government.  Got himself blown up to get a family across enemy lines.  But he loves you.  He will for as long as he exists.  He's just not allowed to come back now.  I could, because I didn't die first."

  His mother frowned, and said softly "Let me see you, Andravian."

  He sighed, and dropped down, landing lightly, wings flared, prepared for a scream.  She gasped, and then stepped closer, her hands touching his face.  She looked at him as he straightened, and she cupped his face in both hands as she kissed his forehead, and whispered softly "My god, Andy, who did this to you?  Who tortured you and hurt you this much, that you have been transformed?"

  He leaned one cheek into her hand, those abyssal flame eyes closing, and said in a whispered rumble "I was born Damned, mother.  Grandfather was right about that much, there never was a hope of me going to heaven like he and grandma and you.  I am what you see, I just put a humanskin on, because your blood gives it to me."  He wrapped his mother in a hug, laying his cheek gently against the top of her head, those wings wrapping delicately around her.
  She leaned against him, and said softly "I never knew . . . .I'm sorry, Andy.  What will happen to you now?"
  He gently stroked her hair, and said softly "I do my work as a hero, because I know what will happen if the ones with evil hearts run unchecked, Mom.  You need to get a place of your own.  Get a better job, get out, and stop worrying.  I'm a sturdy fellow now, pretty difficult to get rid of."
  She leaned back, looking up at him, and said sadly "Andy . . . you deserve better."
  He kissed her forehead, and said softly "Mom, I love you, but what I deserve and what I get have no relation to each other.  I've done ten years in Hell.  I survived it.  And I'm still me.  I'm not going to let being Damned turn me into a raging asshole.  I refused to be one of those when I thought I was human, so I'm not going to be one now that I just look mostly human part time."  He unwrapped her, and stood back, at arm's length, letting her get a good look at him.  She put her hand on his cheek again, and said softly "My poor baby boy, I want you to keep in touch.  And I hope you have good friends."
  He rumbled a laugh, and asked "Want a lift home?"
  His mom shook her head, and said "I'd better walk, Dad would get the shotgun after you."
  "Wouldn't be the first time.  I'll watch you then, from above."  He kissed her cheek again, and then snapped those wings out and down, soaring upward in a rush of air.
  His mother watched him, and shook her head, a bittersweet expression on her face.

>>>from Sutra apartments

Victoria ported in just as the conversation was commencing. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. His mother?! It looked like the potential Andy possessed was still there. But she had to be sure.

Casting a spell that made her invisible, she then continued to follow him.

  He glided along, following the woman he'd named Mother, as she made her way to a painfully neat house and headed inside, pausing to look back, and up.  He circled twice, then kited upward.  She waved, then went inside.  Leaving him to glide away, and perch on the roof of a cathedral, one wing wrapped around him, the other folded behind him.

Time to put it out there...

Black Jaguar materialized behind Andy.

"Hey..." she said softly. "I think it's time that we talked..."

  His form morphed as he looked up, and then he looked as human as he got, albeit with shades.  He asked "What can I do for you, Miss Castillo?  I don't bite, unless you ask for it, or your name is cheeseburger."

Black Jaguar sighed as Andy faced her.

"Look...there are forces that are both concerned for your welfare and those that seek to destroy. As hard as it might be to believe, I am one of the former...one of the ones concerned for your welfare. I see that you survived your ordeal and yet you do not retain any of the demonic taint that usually is so prevalent amongst the denizens of the Lower Planes. You possess a good heart in spite of being through such an ordeal, and I must know how you've done this. Because if it happened with you, it can happen with others. And...there are other reasons..."

  Andy sat up and turned, so that he faced her instead of regarding her upside down from his back.  He said "I'm not sure of all the exact details myself, but I know a couple things.  I am what I was born.  I got to meet my father, and talk to him, while I spent that 10 years in Hell.  Apparently my particular Demonic bloodline, is only Demons because our far distant forefathers loved mankind too much to completely abandon them as God commanded, and instead stayed with them, making them Fallen."  The black motorcycle boots braced him as he sat on the roof, talking quietly, his voice a deep rumble.  "I made a choice, Miss Castillo.  My physical body was possessed by a Major Demon, and I could, somewhat, read his mind.  He planned to make Hell on earth.  I had a choice, try and fight to stay here on earth, maybe leaving him loose, or let my friends Seal me into Hell.  One life is a small sacrifice.  So, I told them to do it.  There was a bomb earlier at Awesome Mart.  Iris located it, but nobody else could have gotten there in time to pick it up and get it gone.  I grabbed it and 'ported it up to about 40000 feet.  And it blew me to shreds.  I got better.  Good and evil are choices.  I may be Damned, but I don't have to be evil.  I've done things I'm not proud of.  I've done things I don't think I'll EVER tell anyone about.  But the options, were to lay down and let someone else kill me, or survive by any means.  And there were no innocents where I was, so the choices were pretty clear.  At least, to me.  I'm not a person to lay down and die for anyone.  I refused to be what they wanted in Hell, because I don't want to be.  I like being a person that other people can say 'he's a nice guy', and mean it."

The Black Jaguar stepped closer to Andy. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions, Andy. But I can see into your soul....and what I see there is not a demon's soul. I see someone who is willing to fight the uphill battle...to make the hard choices...and to struggle for the greater good...in spite of what his heritage makes him out to be."

She paused for a moment.

"I must confess....that this is also somewhat of a personal errand too. I am not sure if you are familiar with Adri....she is the one who taught me both how to fight and also taught me the arts of the Wizard. Anyway, she told me that she saw a vision. Of one who would escape from the Infernal Depths....that he would be an Outcast Savior."

  He arched an eyebrow, and said "Do you have any more details than that?  It certainly makes me curious."  He flipped his shades up, out of the way, so that he could see her without looking through dark gray tinted material to look at her.  His deep purple eyes seeming to float in a blackness within his eye-sockets.  It looked weird, very weird.  He said quietly "Yeah, I'm refusing to accept the 'stereotype' of Damned meaning evil bastard.  I have abilities.  There are people out there that do not.  Means, in MY books, it's up to me to use those abilities to try and help people who can't do what I can.  Hell, if I felt like it, I could stop eating human food now, but I don't want to.  I enjoy human food, and I can still fuel myself on it.  Tell me about an Outcast Savior."

She chuckled for a moment.

"If you find anything out about Adri....she is ALWAYS very mysterious. I believe that she has the gift of foresight, and that she knows something more than what she is telling me. Then again, most teachers are like that. She coined the phrase Outcast Savior as one who, despite his lineage and despite what others might think about him, would fight for who is right. You...seem to qualify for this role. Adri also said...that I....being in my position as Defender of the Realm...would need a Guardian...a Protector of Great Power..."

  He tilted his head, and said "Hrmm.  Sounds interesting.  What all does being a guardian entail, Miss Castillo?  While I CAN read minds, I prefer to keep my mental fingers to myself unless so invited, so that's going to need some expansion in the detail area.  And how great a power do you need?  Because some types of power aren't good, nice, or fun to acquire."

Black Jaguar gestured with her hands...and the Jaguar "attire" disappeared, leaving the visage of Victoria, wearing a sleeveless leather top, pants and boots. She also wore a necklace with a talisman of a jaguar head attached to it.

"What does being a Guardian entail? Well...from what Adri has informed me, being a Guardian means full-time protection of their charge from any and all threats that come against The Protector of The Realm...among those include threats from both within this dimension and outside of it as well. As for the power...it would be a great power...but also would depend on the wielder of that power, and if their heart was pure."

  Andy nodded, and said "Would something like that preclude helping my friends, the New Age Defenders out?  They ARE my friends, and it's not right to abandon your friends either.  It is something I have to think carefully about."  His head tilted, and he held perfectly still, not even breathing.  Seeming to listen to something she couldn't hear, so perceive.

"No...no it would not...for in my mind, it would be wrong to keep you away from the world only to protect me. Besides, it appears you have a very talented young mage within that group. I....don't do team-ups...as their agendas and mine are two different things."

She then turned and looked off in the distance.

"Think about it carefully Andy...being my protector will put you against dangers that are too horrible for mortal man to imagine. It's my responsibility to defend our realm against those dangers. This decision is yours and yours alone, and I certainly do not want to force you to do anything that you don't want to do. I...also must apologize for not being as cordial as I should have been. A person in my position has to portray a certain attitude...which sometimes gives people the wrong impression about me."

  He nodded, and said "Yeah, well, spend ten years in Hell, you see a lot.  Don't scream."  He blurred to Demonform and caught her arm, then 'ported them both, parking her in a shadowy spot by the mausoleum, as he then ported himself atop the building to see what was making the poor woman inside scream.  Talons digging into the stone for purchase, he saw the Demon inhabiting the corpse within, and growled.

"Damnit..."

Victoria then teleported inside to the mausoleum, eldritch power tingling at her fingertips.

  The demon-possessed corpse lunged for her, dropping the mauled woman, wanting her power, and Andy dropped from the roof to the doorway, emitting a snarl that got it's head to snap around.  Hissing, it stopped, one clawed, bony hand prepared to claw at her, the other up defensively.

  Andy snarled again, and made a clear 'come and get me' motion at it.

Victoria had faced things like this before. Her action was almost on instinct as she threw up an eldritch ball of force, hoping to push it back towards Andy.

  The Deon turned to lunge at her, and her forceball slammed into it, smashing it toward Andy.  He pounced it with a snarl, and those wicked talons punched straight in, catching hold of the Demon itself, and ripping it free. Then he vanished from her sight, taking the demon, and leaving the smashed and now holed corpse there, as well as the terrified, injured woman.

Victoria went and consoled the woman, and touched her with finger.

"This won't help you forget, but it will make remembering easier."

She then looked around for Andy, using her magical senses to track him.

  Andy was winging his way back, and he was the ONLY Demon she could sense.  The other one was completely gone.  Nor was there any sign of a gate or spell. He landed lightly outside, then morphed before he stepped inside, and asked Vic in a deep rumble "She going to be okay, or do we need to get her to a hospital?"

Victoria nodded and replied, "She will at least need to be checked out."

  He nodded, and asked "Are you 'porting, or am I?"  The woman jumped at that deep rumble, and let out a small, frightened shriek, looking wildly at Andy.

"I've got it.."

Victoria teleported with her, and within a minute she was back.

"She's taken care of.."

  Andy nodded, and said "That gets that then.  Are you planning to hang around Weston for a while?"

"It was originally for a short time..but things have changed..I have a small place at the Sutra Apartments."

  Andy nodded, and said "I can imagine.  Looks like someone's pets are getting loose, which means I'm going to be stalking them.  I don't think it will offend you if I say that I'm the only Demon I consider permitted to roam Weston?"

"As long as its you, I can live with that. But know that I will be keeping my eye on you."

  Andy nodded, and said "Yeah, I know.  You will, brother Joshua will, everybody and their BROTHER will keep an eye on me."  He shook his head, and turned to walk away, his shoulders slumping a little.

Victoria called out to Andy and said, "They watch you because they feel that they must. I watch...because I want to..I believe in you Andy, and I want to see you succeed."

  He waved a hand in a 'yeah, right' motion, his slow strides still eating ground.  Watching me.  Everyone's 'watching me'.  What do they think, I'm hiding something now?  No.  I am not.  I am what I AM.  I can't help that.  All I can do is choose how to face each day, each decision, each thing in my life.  He reached the cemetery gate, and leaned on the brick wall there, rubbing his temple, head rather down.

Victoria ran towards Andy and put her hand on his arm.

"Wait..look, I didn't mean to be a downer to you. I care about you Andy. My time as a Magic User has..well..dulled my instincts. I..um..would like to try again, if that's all right with you."

  He said quietly, his voice a soft, deep rumble "I may be Demon by blood, Miss Castillo, but my heart is human.  I hurt just as much as anyone else does when words wound.  And I was already raw because I wasn't sure my mother would accept what I am.  Her father shot me after my first transformation.  It's not something I wanted, or dreamed of having.  It's a legacy through a bloodline I never wanted, and I'm STUCK with it."  He made a fist, and she heard a wet, thick sound before he flattened that hand, revealing punctures straight through the flesh, black blood welling there.  "Like it or not, this is my reality.  I won't even get to finish high school, nor can I try for a 'normal life' again."  He held that hand out, and black blood dripped to the ground as the wounds sealed shut, healing without scar.  He let her watch the trickle of one drop as it flowed down his arm, india-ink-black against the bronze of his skin, until it met his leather vest and seemed to soak into it.

"Victoria..my name is Victoria.."

She looked at him for a moment intently.

"Look..there's something I need to say. My teacher..like I said, I believe she has the gift of foresight. She saw us..both of us..defending this realm side by side. I believe in doing what I can to make that vision a reality. I know that it can happen."

  He said softly "All I really ask then, Victoria, is that you treat me like a person.  Not some 'thing' that crawled out of a hole in the wall, or out of a pit of slime in the nether-realms, but as someone that's had a BITCH of a time, and would like, very much, to do normal things.  Eat normal food, and try and keep the city I grew up in, and the people I love, as safe as I can."

"You got it," replied Victoria, a determined look on her face.

"I didn't mean to come down so hard on you, Andy. I'm sorry."

  He nodded, then patted his pockets, and pulled out his wallet.  He peeked inside, and asked "Do you like to roller skate?"

"Never tried it before, but there's a first time for everything.."

  Andy chuckled, and fished out a twenty, then shoved his wallet back into a pocket.  Then he offered her his elbow, and said "Then you are cordially invited to laugh your ass off as I try to remember how to do something I don't think I've done in fifteen years."

Victoria took his arm.

"Well...the laughing part is mutual, as I've never done it before. Tomes and scrolls...I can deal with. Roller skates may be a different story."

  That actually got a chuckle.  "Roller skating is easy compared to fighting Demons, Victoria.  Although with Demons, you just need the right opposing force to throw at them.  With roller skates, all you have to fear is gravity and inertia."  He guided her along the sidewalk to the rollerama, and paid their admissions and skate rentals.  The clerk was frustrated when he had no idea what boot size he took anymore, and he said to the man "I don't know, give me the banana boat skates!"

"I'm going to take your word for it, Andy," Victoria replied. Inside, she couldn't help but wonder what she was getting into. She had NEVER roller skated before.

  Andy smiled, and took the 'banana boat' skates into the bathroom.  A moment later he came gliding out on what looked like mutant motorcycle boots on wheels, and handed the banana boat skates back.  He then rolled over to her, and said "Guess it's sort of like riding a bike.  Learn it, and never forget.  Don't worry, I'll catch you if you try to fall."

"OK.." Victoria said, somewhat reluctantly. She then fit on her skates, and then began to attempt to skate.

It was an awkward position and she found herself off balance, which was not normal for her.

  Andy caught her hands, and pulled her effortlessly to her feet.  He asked "Want to lean on the wall and watch me?  If you don't want to move, tilt your foot and rest your weight on the toestops.  If I still have my old skill, I can even skate backwards a little.  If aerial skill translates?  I'll be a killer on the dancefloor."

Victoria nodded as Andy helped her to her feet.

"I'll watch you for now..."

  He glanced backward, and slowly moved, tugging her to the waist-height wall around the skating floor, and put one of her hands there.  He said "I make no promises you'll find it easy, but it isn't as hard as it looks, I assure you."  Then he spun, and moved down to an entrance onto the floor.  Annie Lennox's Love Song For the Vampire was playing, and he moved out into the floor, shockingly graceful for such a huge man.

Victoria laughed, and showed an unusual side from what Andy had seen. She was smiling and clapping as he made his graceful entrance.

  He smiled back, a truly charming expression on him, if one ignored the fact that he was wearing mirrored sunglasses in a darkened roller skating rink.  He did a couple laps of straight skating, not even very fast, when Neon Trees, Animal DJs From Mars Extended Remix came on.  And then he got wild, and began to dance on wheels.  Spinning around backwards as he moved, then forwards, a jump-spin, generally having fun.  There were almost no other people there, being the night before Christmas Eve and all.

Victoria continued to watch, shaking her head and laughing as Andy put on his show.

  He skated up to the wall where she was, and held his hand out to Vic. "Come on, take my hands.  I'll tow you around, and I won't let you fall."

Victoria took his hand and did what she could to follow his lead.

  He towed her gently, his grasp as delicate as a feather on her fingers, and led her, moving backwards himself, around the rink, carefully.  He asked her "Are you relaxing?  Does it feel fun?"

Victoria nodded, absolutely enjoying this.

"Damn...it's been years since I've done anything like this..."

  He grinned, and said "Me too, but it's a lot of fun."  He spun himself around, so that he was holding her hands from behind her, and she was against his chest as he moved them.  He was sinuously graceful, and so very warm against her back.

Victoria continued to enjoy the skating lesson, visibly happy for the first time in a long time.

Damn...Adri is gonna kill me...

  Andy continued to move them, and he rumbled in her ear, his breath warm "Do you like roller skating, Victoria?"

"I do now.." Victoria replied excitedly.

  He rumbled a laugh, and wrapped one arm around her waist, then said "Don't be afraid."  And did a leaping SPIN, with her held to him by her waist!  He was incredibly strong, more than any human should be, even with his musculature, and he moved her as though she weighed nothing at all.

"I'm not afraid...not with you around..."

 That got a smile, and she could feel his blush, the heat of his cheeks tangible.  He said softly "I never want to scare anyone who is not doing wrong."

Victoria chuckled as they continued the skating lesson.

  He leaned down, and his breath warmed her throat and ear as he whispered "You just shift your weight from foot to foot, like this . . . "

"Um...OK..." Victoria said, her cheeks beginning to redden.

  He slid his hand down, moving it so that he had one hand on each hip, and moved her hips in time with his own, which left her VERY aware of where his zipper was.  He spoke against her ear.  "It's not hard, and if you want to brake, you use your toestops or drag your off-skate sideways.  Ready to try and move on your own, or do you want to lean on me a little longer?"

"Well...after being around such a skilled teacher..I think I've got the hang of it..." Victoria said, doing all she could to keep the blush out of her cheeks.

  He rumbled, a soft sound she felt more than heard, and said softly "I love to skate.   It makes all the irrelevant stuff go away, and it's just you, and your body, and the floor.  Music, if you listen to it, and making yourself move.  Very much like flying, but it doesn't scare anyone."  Still pressed against her with that deliciously warm, sexy body.

Victoria could feel Andy's body against hers.

"Let's have a seat, OK? This has been fun..."

  He smiled, and skated her through an exit, and over to a table to let her sit down, handing her expertly into the booth before he gave her a bow, and said "I shall do a few more laps."  He backed up, spun, and skated off like an eagle in flight, soaring around and once more onto the floor.  And then he began to really speed, clearly testing his limits.

Victoria nodded at him and smiled as he made those laps around. She was now being assailed by sensations that she had thought long dead ever since her training began.

Adri....you sly devil you...go search for the Demon Knight...Reaaaaaaaaaal subtle...

  Andy was skating and dancing, as they played DJ Kicken's Happy Together remake, managing to do Netherlands Jumpen style dancing on WHEELS as the music played!  Displaying uncanny agility, flexibility, and a sense of balance that was insanely good.

Victoria sat back and smiled as Andy showed his amazing skating prowess. Truly it had been a long time since she had allowed herself to do anything like this.

  Andy clearly would have been a hell of a dancer, irregardless of build, had anyone given him training.  She could tell he was adapting aerial maneuvers to the wheeled mode on the fly, and he skated up with a grin to lean on the wall and ask her "I forgot to ask if you were hungry, Victoria.  Pizza or a soda or anything?"

"Pizza is good yeah...if they have any kind of fruit punch I'll take that too.."

  Andy nodded, and fished his wallet out and skated over to the food counter, coming back with a large pepperoni pizza and a huge fruit-punch-slush.  He said "Probably not exactly what you wanted, but close."

"It was very nice....gracias Andy," Victoria replied as she accepted the pizza and fruit slush.

  He smiled, and said "You eat first, what you don't want, I'll polish off.  You wouldn't believe how much I can eat nowdays."

Victoria smiled as she took her hand, and with the precision of an "Iron Chef", broke it in half and gave the other piece to Andy.

"Half for you...half for me..."

  He shook his head, and said "Eat your fill, Victoria.  I had something earlier, as you well know.  I don't think anyone else will get any macaroni salad or tuna salad."  He did not mention what else he'd eaten.

"All right then," Victoria said as she began eating.

"So...now that you've had the chance to help me lighten up, what do you think of Victoria Castillo now?"

  He chuckled, that deep rumble of his, and said "When you remember you're human, you're fun."  His hand lightly brushed her hair out of her face, the smooth backs of his nails brushing delicately along her temple as he tucked that hair behind her ear, and he added softly "And you're beautiful.  I think you might be lonely too, but that may be part of your job, keeping all the normal, unsuspecting peple safe and out of harm's way."

Victoria closed her eyes slightly at the touch. Contact like this was not usually warranted, but Andy was a lonely soul. Not unlike herself. Still, best to take things slowly.

"You are beautiful as well....but let's take things one step at a time. It appears that we both have responsibilities...but I can assure you that I would like to both work with you...and yes, engage in activities such as this. This has been a very nice night...and somehow I have the feeling that Adri would like you too."

  He half smiled, and said "I'll happily go skating with you any time you have nothing pressing.  But calling me beautiful is like saying horsecrap smells like roses.  I know better."  He straightened, and said "You eat, and when you've had as much pizza as you like, flag me down, and I'll polish the rest off.  I'm going to go terrorize the skate-rink." With that, he spun and glided toward the skate-rink floor.

Victoria smiled as he went back to the skating rink. She began to think to herself, possibly forgetting that Andy did have some telepathic ability.

I can help him....I can be the guiding light for him...and in turn, he can be my Protector...but...he hasn't faced what I've faced...the Elder Evils...the Forgotten Ones....my mission is VERY dangerous....should I even ask him to take that risk?

Shaking her head, she finished up her half of the pizza, then whistled in Andy's direction, flagging him down to finish the rest.

   He came gliding back, and neatly folded himself into the bench opposite.  He gave her a wry grin, and tugged at a piece, then rumbled and extended a talon to re-slice them all before he took a bite of one, apparently unconcerned by the fact that it was still hot too.  His teeth were human looking, but they went through that pizza like it was made of butter, and they were hot knives.

Victoria sat back as Andy ate, and then looked around.

"I may have to ask Adri if she can set up a true Sanctum for me here...one where I can bring all of the talismans and artifacts I have. Something tells me that this Weston City is going to get very interesting as time progresses."

  Andy asked her thoughtfully "Maybe you should ask her if she already has one here."

"At this stage of the game, it would NOT surprise me if she did have one here."

  He rumbled a laugh, and said "She must be a very surprising woman."

"From the moment I met her...even up until now...she has done nothing but surprise me..."

  He arched his eyebrows, and asked "So what is your teacher like?  Is she an old lady, or a young one?  Or is she ageless an a mistress of mystery?"

Victoria couldn't help but chuckle for a moment.

"The third one... an ageless mistress of mystery...a redhead with the temper to match...firm but fair..."

  He cocked his head, and asked "Is she human?  Or is she something else?  You do have me curious, Victoria.  I should mention, I don't have a fixed address anymore, so I'm just sort of . . . around.  Most likely, you'll catch me hanging out on rooftops a lot.  I blend in well with the gargoyles, so it's a good spot to catch naps."

"There's a lot to Adri that even I don't know. The only thing I do know is that she works to keep bad things out of our dimension...though she has mentioned being bonded with something...something else..."

  He cocked an eyebrow, and said "Well, sounds like she wears a white hat, any way you call it."  He smiled, and imitated putting on a western hat.  Then he said quietly "I suppose I shall have to ask a tremendous favor of you."

Victoria leaned in closer.

"Um...what favor is that?"

  He met her eyes, and asked "Teach me how to braid my hair?"

"You only have to ask," Victoria replied softly.

  He smiled, and said "It seems to be permanently this length, no matter how much I hack it off now, so I need to do something more than just letting it hang loose.  I don't get a beard, or a mustache, never have.  But long, straight, blue-black silky stuff I got in abundance."  Many girls would kill to have such gorgeous black locks!

"Wow..you do have some long hair.." Victoria said. Even her hair couldn't get this long..not for a few years.

  He nodded, and said "Yeah.  And no matter how much I hack it off, every time I shift, there it is again, down to my ass."  He tugged the length of his hair over his shoulder, so she could see it.  Yes, indeed, it was long.  Definitely good for braiding too!!

Victoria looked at his hair.

"Well, looks like we have some work to do, don't we?"

  "Got to do something with it to keep it out of my face."  He flipped the ends at her, the pizza box getting folded up with his other hand as he spoke.

"Don't worry, we can get you fixed up."

  He smiled, and said "Thank you.  I know, probably feels weird to get asked to teach a guy to braid hair."

Victoria then chuckled slightly, and replied, "Don't worry...I'm sure that there are a lot of guys who might need some help like that. The question is..when is your first appointment?"

  A wry smile accompanied his soft "As soon as possible?  It snags."  Then he tilted his head, and sighed as he said "After I get done with another mess.  New Age Defenders and Legacy business, I guess.  You go turn your skates in and meet me outside, you won't be able to miss me."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Thu 04 Nov 2010.

Victoria nodded. "It seems that Weston is ever crazy is it not?"

She then went and turned in the skates, and then met him outside.

  He was waiting, shades on the top of his head, and eyes distant looking.  He offered her his hand, and said "They can grump later, right now, you're my guest."  And once her hand touched his own, he ported them both.

Painter appeared in the 'Burbs, looking around a bit to get his bearings before heading towards the address that the phone book had listed Clarissa's parents under. Hopefully, they'd be a bit receptive to Painter's 'alternative methods'. Whenhe found the address, he knocked on the door, hoping they were home.

 A woman who had obviously just been crying opened the door her eyes widening when she saw a superhero on her doorstep. "C-can I help you?"

"Yes ma'am. I'm here about your daughter. I've been sent by Masks, Inc. to search for her. The short version is, I've got an ally who can find people and things that nobody else can. They've 'seen' your daughter, and she is still alive, though she's in a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, in order to pinpoint her location, they'll need to borrow something of hers to get a connection to her. Anything will work, as long as it's a personal item of hers. Maybe a favorite shirt, or something along those lines? If I can get something like that, then you just might have her home in time for Christmas." said Painter. Hopefully her family would be cooperative.

The woman looked vixibly relieved at the news that her daughter was indded relieved. "Of course, anything to find my baby" She leads him inside to the girls room. "This si her room you should be able to find something here."

Painter took something that seemed suitable, maybe a shirt that was hung in a prominent place, or even her diary if he could find one. He didn't want to spend too long searching, though. With each passing moment, there was a chance that Clarissa could O.D., or that her 'friends' who were giving her drugs were going to want to get their money's worth out of her.

Pianter finds a a neclace hung up in a prominetn place that seems suitable.

Painter grabbed the necklace, thanked Clarissa's mother again for her time, and left the home. He then returned to the point where he'd appeared, his grandfather 'porting to his side. Once Oswald had the necklace, he cast his spell over it, using the connection between Clarissa and her necklace to target the spell.

Sure enough the spell worked eventually leading Ozzy to a somewhat beat up looking house.

Bill and Darren got off the bus a little way from the house and headed up the front steps and knocked on the door.

  Erica opened the door and said "Bill!  Darren, come in."  And pressed a happy kiss to Bill's cheek.  Darren got a warm smile and a handshake, and she said "Your father's in the living room, he's got an apology to make."

'Oh okay" BIll replied as he moved into the living room. "Dad?"

  Bill's Dad had looked better.  He was clearly suffering from one heck of a hangover, and he looked rather haggard.  He looked at Bill, and then down, and said quietly, his cheeks flaming red.  "I . . . I'm sorry . . . William . . . I judged . . . harshly where it was not my place.  Forgive me, please?"

BIll moved forward to hug his dad if he allowed it. "Of course I do Dad, I know it wasn't easy raising me on your own, but everythings gonna be jsut fine now."

  Mr. Masters hugged his son, and said softly "I love you, William.  I don't approve of your choice of mates, but Erica told me I can either deal with it, or accept losing you forever.  I . . . . I can't lose you."


  Darren blushed, and sort of shuffled his feet.

BIll was a little disapointed his dad still didn't approve but it was a step at laest. "Thank you Dad."

  Darren said "Umm.  We brought dessert . . . some fruit jello salad stuff?"

Bill steps back from hisDad moving over to Darren's side. "yeah someone left it on our doorstep so we thought it'd be better than showing up empty handed."

  Erica smiled, and said "You're such a thoughtful soul, Bill.  Put it in the fridge and we can eat and open presents."

"Okay." Bill said as he picked up the cooler and moved to the kitchen placing hte dessert carefully in the fridge.

  Smiling at her son, Erica began to set the plates out for dinner.  Four place settings, and she had an enormous smile on her face.

After the dessert was in the fridge Bill began helping his mom set the table.

  Erica kissed Bill on the cheek, and said softly "Give me time, I'll get your father to understand.  He just has far too much Baptist in his head right now."

"I know Mom it doesn't make it any easeir though." HIm and Darren had been best friends long before they'd been Lovers he was almost family and now  that their relationship had taken a new turn neither boy's family seemed very happy about it.

 She shrugged, and said softly "Most people don't know, don't understand, that all love is sacred in God's eyes.  As long as it IS love, and not desire for power over another, it is sacred and therefor good in his eyes.  Be it man and woman, or woman and woman, or man and man.  You love him, Bill.  I'm hardly one to condemn anyone."

Bill nods. "I know mom, and thank you I don't know what would've happened between us if you hadn't come back."

  She smiled, and hugged him, then whispered "Just promise me you'll remember to keep your door locked so I don't walk in on you two in the middle of things again.  I love you dearly, but I don't want to see my little boy all grown up and naked!"

BIll chuckled. "of course mom, but. He looks over his shoulder towards hte living room. "Darren can't go hom his Dad's the same way and, well I like living togehter and..." He trailed off htough it was obvious where he was going.

  She said "You two live together.  You love, and you have that apartment!  I don't know how that got accomplished, but it gives you both a place you can just be yourselves, and be accepted as you are.  And you can enjoy doing what young lovers do.  I just don't want to walk in on you doing it!  So, keep your door locked."  Clearly, she approved very much of Darren.

BIll hugged his mom. "Thanks mom, you have no idea how mcuh this means to me. I love you."

  She kissed his cheek, and said "I love you too, Bill.  That's why I don't mind at all that you have a boyfriend.  You're such a good soul, and so is he."

Bill just grinned and finished setting the table his dad might still have issues with him and Darren but things looked like they were gonna be okay with his Mom here quietly he asked. "Mom does Dad know? HOw you got back I mean?"

  She shook her head no, and said quietly "I really am not sure he could take that.  So I haven't told him everything.  Just that . . . for a while . . . I'm back."

BIll nodded He found it wierd that his dad just sorta accepted his mom being back from the dead but he wouldn't question it if something happend to Darren and he came back, he'd jsut be glad to have him back. "So uhh, whats for dinner?"

  She smiled, and said "Roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry dressing, a veggie tray, rolls, and a few other things.  I went all out."

"Wow mom you really did. YOu need help getting it all on the table I DO have superstrenght."

  She chuckled, and said "If you want to help, I'd be delighted.  I don't have enough hands for it all!!"  She'd baked them a 24 pound turkey, and it smelled divine.  Oh yes, this was going to be a HUGE meal!!

BIll shifted to Ex just so he could show off and carry the turkey one handed. ONce everything was at the table he shifted back and sat next to Darren at the table.

  Erica laughed, and told him "You are so sweet, Bill.  I love you so much.  Now let's feed you two growing young men!!"

  Darren gave him a hot kiss when he got to the table, and said "I see you showing off those sexy muscles for your mom.  Telling her how lucky you are I caught you first?"

BIll returned the kiss though he glanced over at his Dad to see how he was reacting. "Thats right."

  Darren grinned as Bill's Dad sort of looked down at his hands, then said quietly "Let us pray and give thanks for the blessings which we have received!"

When his Dad started talking about praying BIll glanced at Darren before taking his and and the hadn of his mother and bowed his head.

  After an intensely thankful prayer, Bill's Dad said "Let us eat and be merry together."  And gestured to Bill to carve the first slice off the bird.

  Darren smiled, and patted Bill's leg, glad to see his love's family together again.

Bill stands takes the knife and begins carving up the bird albeit a little clumsily.

  Erica fixed a plate for her husband, then kissed Bill on the cheek and whispered in his ear "You make me SO PROUD, Bill!!"

Bill smiled widely at his mothers words as he dug into his plate.

  Darren followed suit, and they all ate very well.  When they had finished the main course, Erica chased them into the living room, saying "Presents, THEN Dessert!  I've missed so many Christmases, I can't wait any longer!!"

  Darren parked on the love seat, and tugged at Bill to sit with him.

BIll didn't need prodding to sit down next to Darren waiting for his mom to begin the presents processions.

  Erica handed out the first round of presents.  Bill got a handsome suit to wear for formal occasions, and Darren got a matching one.

"Ooo thanks mom.' He places the suit to the side careful not to wrinkle it.

 She smiled, and said softly "If it still fits when you two turn 18, I thought maybe you could wear it for your civil union, or whichever they're calling it by then."

BIll had to stop his jaw from dropping. Was his mom suggesting he get married? He glanced to Darren to guage his reaction though Bill was smiling widely, "I'd like nothing more."

  Darren smiled, and said softly "That would be wonderful.  Only question is, who throws the bouquet?"

BIll laughed at Darrens remark. "Maybe we'll throw it together."

  Erica kissed Bill's cheek, and told him "I'd tell you to do it now, but I don't know if you'd be able to get Darren's family to sign the papers to do it."

BIll nodded. "I doubt it, but I'm in no hurry. I don't need a piece of paper to tell us that we love eachother."

  Erica chuckled, and said "That's not the purpose of a marriage.  The purpose of a marriage, is to tell EVERYONE ELSE to keep their mitts off your man!"  She handed Bill another present, and one to Mr. Masters, and one to Darren.

BIll chuckled. "Yeah they'd better." Turning to the new present Bill began tearing it open.

  Darren blushed, and then blinked at the silk boxers in his present.

  Bill got a set of Kama Sutra oils and silk boxers.

BIll blushed even deeper than Darren did at the boxers and oils. "Wow um, thanks mom."

  She smiled, and said "I considered the edible underwear, but I thought those might be a bit much.  Now, one more round of presents."  She handed them each a fairly large box.

Bill put the oils and underwer to the side glad his mother didn't go with the edible underwer the oils were awkward enough. Taking the rather large Box Ex removed the wrapping and opened it.

  Inside Bill's box was a selection of casual clothing and several gift cards.

  Darren's box held similar items, along with a little card.  He read it and blushed before he stuck it in the box.

"Wow mum you really went all out. Suprised you got all this shopping done in only a couple days."

  She smiled, and said softly "I love 24 hour stores.  They let you shop at any hour."

"yeah they're great. SO waht now dessert?" BIll was awful stuffed but he watned to try the mystery dessert.

  Erica nodded, and said "Yes.  Let's try your possessed brand dessert, it looked rather tasty."

Bill got up and fetched the desert from the fridge.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:31, Sat 13 Nov 2010.

  Darren fetched spoons for all, and said "Okay, lets see what this possessed raspberry stuff tastes like."