Continued adventures at Diantha, Don and Nora's home.

Don nods. "At least one, they were mostly wiped out but there was one under the city thats free now"

  Diantha blinked, and said {{Wow.  That's somehow just wrong.}}

Don nods. "It is, and they're not like in those books the teenage girls are fond of, they're ruthless living for the hunt intoxicated by their powe believing themselves superior to 'normal humans'"

  Diantha's headshake was clear, and she said {{I would not have thought being an undead, bloodsucking monster was ROMANTIC.  For that matter, Andy sort of comes across weird, Daddy.  But, I think he's different.  When do you want me to meet this nanny prospect?}}

"Well a LOT of girls disagree with you. As for the nanny they didn't say, Painter said he'd pass the message along."

  Diantha nodded, and said {{I WOULD like a psychic teacher, Daddy.}}

"I think it would be good for you to get more of a handle on them as long as you approve and she isn't creeped out by your grampa?"

  Diantha's reply was immediate.  {{Grampa's not creepy.  He's protective and grumpy.}}

"Hey if the world passed you by while you were stuck in a hole you'd be grumpy too, feel like Rip van friggin Winkle"

  Diantha replied {{I can see why that might make you grumpy.}}

>>>from the Dragon and The Tiger

Victoria soon arrived with Andy close to where the Van Diemen house was.

"Shall we?"

  Andy chuckled, and morphed himself into his human form as he walked Vic up to the front door of Van Diemien House.  Then he rang the doorbell.

Victoria stood next to Andy. She had only met Don in passing, so she didn't know him very well yet.

  He answered the door after checking to see who it was.  He opened it with a curious expression.

Victoria looked at Andy, then at Don.

"Um...hi.....Dragon Fist sent us....for the maps."

  Don nodded, and said "Come on in.  It may take a little bit to get them done, there's nothing official printed . . . but I have a good memory."

"Muy bueno," Victoria said as she entered into the spacious home.

  Diantha greeted them all with a squeal and a wave.  Her adorable little form dressed in a pink fleece sleeper that had hearts printed all over it.

The usually stoic and serious Victoria smiled at the darling little girl that squealed her greeting.

"Ay Que Linda!" she said as Diantha greeted them.

  Don smiled, and said "Meet the absolute charmer in the family, Diantha.  She's an adorable little thing, isn't she?"

"Oh she is! She is!" Victoria almost squealed in delight. "Um...can I hold her?" she asked softly.

  {{Yes you may.  I like being cuddled.}}  Diantha grinned at Vic, gleeful to have another person she could talk to without scaring them.

Victoria then focused herself.

"I will be glad to cuddle with you, Muchachita. My name is Victoria, if you already didn't know. I'm a Magic girl..."

  Diantha giggled, and said {{I love cuddles.  And you feel nice.  Andy does too, but he's got a furry-scaly-hot feel too... not bad, but definitely not like anyone else I'm around.}}

Victoria extended her arms out to the young Diantha.

"You are so adorable! Maybe we should ask your Dad some time if he'll let you hang out with us...even if for a short while..."

  Diantha replied with a giggle {{All you have to do is come here and visit, you know.  I'm always available for playdates!}}

That got a chuckle out of Victoria.

"As long as it's OK with your Dad, I'll make the time to come by and visit," she replied mentally, taking the young girl gently in her arms.

  {{Daddy doesn't mind heroes.  He doesn't like villains.  And you're nice.}}

"Thank you..." Victoria said, grinning at this adorable little girl, and rocking her gently.

  Don was sketching something out on a piece of paper, listening to Victoria with a smile.

Victoria gently rocked young Diantha, making cooing noises at her, very much enjoying the young girl's company, and grateful that Diantha was enjoying hers as well.

  Don smiled, and said "Diantha's a sweet young lady, as long as she likes you.  She can be a terror if she doesn't.  I have some of the tunnels beneath Weston mapped here for you ... "

"Excellent, Senor Derring, thank you. This will be a big help in hopefully finding and rooting out those things," Victoria replied as she continued to play with Diantha.

  Don nodded, and said "I wish David remembered more about it, but he doesn't.  That's the big guy with the family resemblance who's pretending to be part of the paneling right now."

Victoria briefly glanced where Don had pointed out the "paneling man."

"Thank you again, Mr. Derring," she replied to him. She then took one last opportunity to look down at Diantha and smile lovingly at the child. She then handed her back to her father.

"Your daughter is an amazing little girl, sir. I hope that you are ok with me seeing her again."

  Don nodded, and said "Yeah, you're welcome to visit.  Lucas generally doesn't refer people to me that would hurt her.  Be careful.  There are other things locked up down there, or supposed to be, and they're liable to be loose."

  The other man, who looked a lot like an older version of Don, nodded and said "Yeah, and some of them are not nice."

"We will...and thank you," Victoria replied as she waved at Diantha, grinning at her.

She then looked towards Andy. "You ready?"

  He held his hand out to Vic, and said softly "I am always ready for you."

"Then let's be off then. You want to handle the travel arrangements?" she asked, taking a last look at Diantha and Don.

  Andy chuckled, and said "Always."

  Diantha sent {{Come back and visit soon!}}

Victoria waved at Diantha and Don once more.

"I will muchachita...I promise..."

She then held out her hand to Andy. "Let's go...we have the map...or at least a good portion of it anyway."

  Andy took her hand, and teleported them.  To the cliffs once more!

------->> Cliffs

Don had spent  the last two months splitting his time between Vigilantism and his family. CUrrently he was just coming in from his morning run.

Jack and Penny had moved into the Van DIemien house With Penny taking Duties as Diantha's Nanny. Jack came along and was sorta acting as bodyguard to Diantha and Penny even getting some combat lessons from Hunter. HE even convinced them to let them share a room though Mr Derring didn't seem convinced that they weren't doing anything in there. Jack had taken to joining Mr. Derring on his morning exercises and followed in shortly after.

After the timeskip

With Hunter's permission, Ju-Long would stop by and help Penny with her training on how to see like he did. It seemed the young lady was making very good progress, so much so that her blindness was becoming more of a strength than a weakness.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes Jack went to find Penny, eventually finding her sitting in the conservatory with Diantha a sad smile on her face. taking a seat next to her he reaches into his pocket and produces a penny placing it in her hand. "For your thoughts, usual market price."

  Penny giggled, and said softly "I've been listening to so much wedding planning.  I don't think I'll ever get to do something like that.  Not being who and what I am."  She had caught his hand, holding the penny between their palms as she spoke, and not letting go.

Ju-Long could hear Penny and Jack talking. He smiled. Penny was done learning for the day, so he silently began to make his exit, misting away from the Van Diemen house.

To ??????????????

"Yeah, seems like a lot of work though. Kinda glad its not something I'll have to deal with at least for a while." He was a little surprised that she'd thought of getting married at all though that was a common fantasy for most girls.

  Penny asked softly "Would you, if you found the right girl?  One who made your heart melt and your pulse race?  Or do you want a girl who you can share all your secrets with?"  She still held onto his hand, but her expression had turned . . . wistful?

Jack looked at Penny a little curious as to where this conversation was headed. He stayed quiet a moment thinking it over before saying. "I wouldn't be opposed to marriage maybe a couple kids in the future.As for which one I preffered, can't it be both?" Inwardly he knew this would probably never happen. He couldn't find another girl no one would compare to Penny. And he doubted any girl would be okay with him acting as protector to another girl. But as long as he could be around her, he was content.

  She knew where he was, and since she was sitting on a bench, she just leaned over, eys closed, and cuddled her cheek into his shoulder.  She asked in a whisper "Will you tell me if you find her?  No matter what, no matter who she is?"

Jack stopped uncertain of what to say after a few moments of silence he said quietly. " Why do you want to know? Are you worried about me running off? I'm not going anywhere Penny"

  She cuddled closer, still with her cheek pressed into his chest, and asked "Do you think she'll like me, when you find her?  Will she understand?  Do you think . . . do you think she will be able to know how much I need you?"  She was cuddled tightly against him now, which told him this was something that worried her immensely.

"Penny, if she doesn't understand you then she's not someone I want to be with. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep that promise. Keeping you safe is whats important to me everything else comes second." Leaning in close he whispered in her ear. "I'm not going anywhere."

  She hugged him tightly, and nodded her assent.  Hugging him hard enough to make it impossible to move much.

  Diantha, who had figured out how to roll onto her belly from her back, and was regarding them with those intense eyes, chipped in her two cents.  {{Uncle Jack, do me a huge favor?  KISS HER!!!}}

At Diantha's 'suggestion' Jack immediately went beet red. "I don't uhh, think thats approriate Diantha." THough truth be told he wanted to, badly but if he did....would she just start screaming reminded of all the men from the builders facility? Or would she think he was just like them? He shakes his head a bit trying to clear his thoughts.

  Diantha blew him a raspberry, and said almost crossly {{Uncle Jack, I'm an empath.  If you're going to shove your emotions up my nose, then I'll give you advice.  Like it or not.  She's terrified of you loving someone else you know.}}

Jack stayed quiet as he mulled over Diantha's advice. Terrified of him loving someone else? But if she was so scared, then did that mean? No it couldn't, could it? Looking down he asked quietly. "Penny, can I ask you something?"

  Penny, still cuddled tightly against his chest, nodded.  She said "You can always ask me anything."

"Do you ever see yourself, finding someone like that?" He spoke softly the words threatening to get stuck in his throat. He held his breath as he waited for her to respond.

  She hugged him, and said softly "I already know who my heart wants.  That much of the future, I know.  The question is will they want me?"  She cuddled all the harder against him, biting her lip hard enough, a little bead of blood welled.  All that long black hair falling forward enough to cover her face.

Jack remained quiet again. If she was terrified of him loving someone else, and she already knew who her heart belonged to. Could she mean? "Does he know how you feel?" Who could she be meaning? IT couldn't be him...could it?

  Her voice was very small, and soft.  "I haven't said anything.  Sometimes, you want something so bad, and you know if you reach too fast, if you don't let it come, or not, you crash and burn instead of flying."

Jack could feel his heart beating at a thousand miles per hour. What she said and what Diantha said they seemed to point to one conclusion. But what if he was wrong? But he couldn't stop himself from asking."Penny....Is it..." He stopped almost unable to finish the sentence due to sheer nervousness. "Me?"

  She sucked in a breath, and he felt her hug him tighter, her face still hidden by her hair, and she whispered, an answer so soft he almost couldn't catch it.  "Yes."  Could feel her tremble, afraid he might not take her answer well, but hoping.  Praying.  Loving.

"Oh Penny, I'm so sorry." Jack took her head in his hands so she was 'looking at him' Slowly gently, he leaned forward wrapping his arms around her as he leaned in for a quick gentle kiss. "I love you too, Penny I loved you since I carried you out of that facility. I- didn't think you did, didn't even think you could feel the same way. God I was so stupid. I'm sorry."

  When he kissed her, she slid her hand up, to hold him close, that hand sliding over his cheek and threading into his hair, and he heard her whisper in his mind.  She so rarely did it, but he knew she didn't want to break this kiss.  {{You know.  You know what happened, and you can still love me back.  Still hold me close, and know that I feel safe, and protected.  And know you would never hurt me, not that way.  I love you, Jack.  I love you so very much, and I was so scared you wouldn't want me.  Because I know I'm broken, in so many ways, but I can love.  And I do love you.}}  He could feel it too, as the image, faded with time, but still so very precious to her, came, the soft flutter of the ebony and sapphire, shimmering color as the wings of that butterfly moved, dancing in the golden sunshine.  The only real memories she could claim as her own, that she'd EVER held onto, for as long as he'd known her.  And that were from her own eyes.

Jack Just held her for a moment Understanding how significant this was for her. How precious this was to her and to be the one she shared it with. He was speechless. "I'm sorry Penny, I've been a damned fool, I was so scared of you getting hurt again, so scared of it being my fault."

  Still leaning her head against his own, she said softly "You're here, Jack.  With me.  And now we both know that fear is the only thing that's been standing between us.  May I . . . .forge a link?  So you're never not with me then?"  A mindlink, she meant.  A bond, one that nobody could prevent, except perhaps the Builder, who knew how to block her gifts, and would let him know if she needed him even faster.  And let her know where he was, so she would never be 'alone' again unless the Builder got hold of her again.

Jack smiled at her question a nigh unbreakable bond between them was actually appealing to him. "Go ahead Penny, I uh, don't have to do anything do I?"

  She smiled, an expression like a ray of sunshine on a dark, cloudy winter day, and said s"All you really have to do, is let me do all the work, and hold me tight."  She put both hands on his cheeks, her eyes staring unseeing into his own, and he felt her doing something, could feel the 'bridge' forming between their minds.  She anchored it in their emotions, things that were so deep, they ran to the most powerful parts of their minds, and he could FEEL her.  Feel how happy she was, without even trying to guess.  And sensed, she could feel how happy he was that she could love him.  She said softly "I wish we knew  . . . how old I am.  So that when I turn 18 . . . .we could plan our own wedding like Don and Nora."

Jack couldn't help but smile as he felt the link being created. He could feel her see into her as easily as she could see into him. When she mentioned getting married his cheeks flushed a dark red. "It might be a little soon for that. But someday, Penny, I would be overjoyed to have you as my wife."

  She actually giggled.  And said "When I'm old enough, Jack.  I don't know if I'm fourteen or sixteen.  I really don't know.  But I do know, the important part, is that I'll never be without you again.  And if you really need me, I am with you."  She hugged him, smiling as she leaned on his chest.  Happy.  And he could feel, lying quiescent in her mind, but there, a reservoir of psychic power that made what he usually saw her use look weak.

He held her close not ruining the moment with words. He merely let his emotions flow over to her, his joy, his relief, like a weight he hadn't even known was there had just been lifted off his shoulders.

Diantha said dryly (they both heard her this time {{It's about time.  Now.  Don't you ever let go of her, Jack.  She's not going to let go of you, after all!}}

  Penny blushed, and giggled, and said softly "Yes, little mother.  And my nightmares should stop making you wake up now, if Jack has to sneak off to the bathroom at night."  Because she'd know where he was, and still be held close, mind to mind, in a way nobody else could hold her.

Jack couldn't help but laugh at Dianthas comment. "Wasn't planning on letting go." {{Not Ever}}

  Penny giggled, and hugged him, answering back {{Good.  I was terrified you'd fall for some other girl, and I'd have to live with a broken heart for the rest of my life.  You know I wasn't reading you, but I am now.  Mindlinks sorta leave the empathy always working on each other.  You'll know if I'm upset, or whatever, and vice versa.  Neither of us will be alone again.}}

{{And I was so scared of hurting you leaving you worse off, and having to live with that. Good a beautiful girl like you should never be alone}}

  Her smile was beautiful, and she hugged him, holding him close.  "I won't be now, Jack.  I have you, and we'll alwys have each other now.  I can hold you close from anywhere with the mindlink."

  Nora came padding in, and smiled to see Jack and Penny cuddled together.  She asked "How are you two doing?  Ready to eat lunch?"

Jack started as Nora spoke not noticing her come in. "We're doin good. Some lunch'd be great thanks."

A thought popped into Penny's head. The thought pattern of someone familiar to her. During their training, Ju-Long had learned to communicate with Penny both verbally and non-verbally.

"Remember Penny...I am not far away. If you need me, just let me know."

  She answered Ju-Long back with a bubbliness he'd never felt before, happiness radiating through her mental voice.  {{I am very happy right now.  He loves me too!!}}  She nodded to Nora, and said "Yes please.  Let me grab Diantha, she was getting time to work her muscles while I waited here with Jack."

Jack slowly untangled from Penny standing up praying that he didn't have anything on his face to indicate to Nora that the Nanny and the Bodyguard were 'all up ons' in front of her baby.

  Nora laughed, and lifted Diantha off the blanket, then handed her gently to Penny.  Even as the little girl cooed and grabbed at them both.  She said "Looks like Diantha has been having fun.  Follow me, and we can all have lunch, since Don is home.  You two are awfully happy right now, did you get some good news?"

"Ummm well, kind of?" Jack vaugely replied not sure how to explain, we just confessed our feelings to eachother and starting snogging in front of your 5 month old.

  Diantha said pertly to Jack {{I TOLD you to kiss the girl.  Jeeze, how hard is it to follow directions!!}}

"Your gonna be one of those princess types that love tellin people what to do aren't ya?" Jack teased Diantha as he turned to follow Nora.

  She giggled, and said brightly {{Only when it will make them happy instead of sad.  You both radiate much nicer feelings now.  I have to work to keep other people out if my head still, you know.  Although it does help me sense people meaning me harm.}}

"Well I'm sure that'll get easier as you get bigger." Taking Penny's hand in his own he followed Nora towards the Kitchen.

David and Don are in the kitchen David appears to be in the middle of some kind of war story. "So I swallow MachineSmiths transmitter and me and Ethan go into the local town so we can get recognized and captured right. So Ethan being Ethan suggests we go drinking and start a ruckus-" He stopped as he sees Nora enter with Diantha. "Maybe I should finish this later this story isn't exactly g-rated."

  Diantha held her hands it in the universal 'pick me up' gesture, and said {{Why is it all the good stories aren't fit for my ears?}}

David Smiled taking Diantha from Penny. "One of the less fun parts of bein little unfortunately. Don't worry Grandpa can tell you the story when your older."

  Penny smiled, and said "She operates on a higher age level than she looks.  Her mind soaks up information like a sponge, and she can't help that she is already mentally functioning at roughly six or seven years old.  I keep very tight shields up at all times for that reason, since hers are tissue paper, and anything very strong will draw her telepathic senses like a bug Zapper draws bugs."

"That story is still inappropriate, for a seven year old." David said matter of factly while Don chuckled to himself.

  Diantha asked {{Tell me a story, please Grampa??}}

"What kind of story do you want to hear?" He asked Diantha bouncing her a little in his arms.

  She giggled, and begged {{Tell me one of your adventures, please??  I love to hear the stories you and Daddy can tell . . . }}

While David was busy recounting one of his adventures to Diantha, Jack led Penny to the table Holding out her seat so she could sit down no trouble. ONce she was seated he would take two plates grabbing two portions, a rather small one for Penny, and a larger one for himself. He places the plate in front of her before sitting down next to her.

  Penny smiled, and said softly "Thank you, Jack.  You always take such good care of me."  She caught one of his hands, and squeezed.  She told Nora softly "Jack and I are going to be together for the rest of our lives.  There is too much that we have been through together to not continue to share our lives."

Jack returned the squeeze to Penny's hand leaning over and giving her a light kiss on the cheek. Don took a plate for himself taking his seat at the head of the table. "Just be sure you 'behave' in front of Diantha."

  Penny said almost serenely "That won't be an issue for a while, Mister Derring.  Some things are still far, far too fresh in my memories to contemplate going there.  The worst she might see, is a kiss.  And you aren't above a few of those in front of her."

"Just makin sure, it needed to be vocalized regardless." Hunter replied as he began eating.

  Penny smiled, and said "I promise, nothing but kisses and cuddles and all in clothes, Mister Derring."  She held Jack's hand though, smiling.

David had Diantha in his arms and was currently recounting a tale. "So me and the samurai are squaring off, him with the legendary sword Masamune, Me with nothing but a machete. We both stand there circling eachother both analyzing the other when at almost the same moment we charge."

  Diantha was listening raptly, and she asked, with glee {{Did you beat him, Grampa??  Did you beat him?}}

"I was gettin to that part. So we go on for a few minutes exchanging strikes and parries when all of a sudden his sword slices my machete in half. As I'm staring dumbfounded he strikes me with the blunt end of his blade. As I'm gripping my head in pain he lifts his sword and says. 'You fought with honor but-' this is where I sink the remaining half of my machete into his leg."

  Diantha gently patted his head, and said {{Sounds like one big owwie.  Did he surrender after that?}}

"Samurai don't believe in surrender honey something I kinda admired about the guy.  No when he saw that I had likely crippled him permanently he took his life, with his own sword. I brought the sword back to headquarters and we kept it under lock and key after that."

  She frowned, and said {{Why don't they?  Can't they learn from a defeat, and then grow stronger afterward?}}

"Its their belief that once they have failed they have brought shame and dishonor upon themself an their family. There is no way to recover from dishonor."

  She hugged him, and said {{I'm glad you don't have any dumb ideas like that!}}

"It may sound dumb to you but its a very important part of their culture. ITs how their raised its a very critical belief that you must do all you can to honor your family name. And this particular man claimed to have decsended from from the legendary swordsmith who had crafted his sword hundreds of years ago"

  She screwed her face up, and asked {{How many of them can go undefeated?  Don't they get beat when they begin learning how?}}

"A swordsman practices for at least a decade before they enter combat and years before they even touch their first real sword."

  Diantha asked {{Why?  Tell me more, please grandpa?}}

"The why samurai culture is what it is is a very long and complicated story that I don't know all the details of. You could ask Ethan I think he spent some time there during the late 1700s"

  Diantha nodded, then mentally reached, calling {{EEeeeeeethaaaaaaaaaan!!}}

{{Could whomever is screaming in my brain please stop. I'm rather busy at the moment.}}

  {{But Grampa said to ask you about Samurais.  Can you tell me all about them?}}

{{I'll stop by sometime and tell you sometime right now I'm up to my ears in confidential documents. I wonder if the ancient Egyptians called it papyrus work?}}

  {{Okay.  Oh, and Jack and Penny followed directions, and I got him to kiss the girl.}}

{{Ummm, Good job then.}}

  Diantha giggled, and announced to Grandpa {{Ethan says I did good getting Jack and Penny to follow directions.}}

Jack merely nodded at Don. "Yes sir." He smiled at Penny as he had to eat with one hand, which was a challenge to say the least. {{You think you could get off nanny duty long enough to go tell the others the good news}}

  Penny nodded, and said to Jack {{I can sure try, love.}}  She asked Don and Nora "Would we have some free time tomorrow?  So we can talk to the other New Age Defenders?"

Don shrugged looking to Nora. "I don't have any plans till after dark."

  Nora smiled and said "You two take the daylight hours off, and be back here by dark.  Other than that, you can run and do as you please."

Jack finished his food clearing away both his and Penny's dishes. "Thank you." He held his hand out to Penny "Shall we be off then? You want to go to the hq or the gysbourne place?"

  Penny smiled, and said "Everyone hangs out at the Gysbourne place when they're not in costume, so let;s hit Ozzy's place up.  Perhaps Oswald can give us some insight on other things."

He smiled at her leading her outside before taking her into his arms and bouncing off.

>>TO GYSBOURNE MANOR>>

  Meg landed the two of them at the front of the Van Diemien house, and sent to Jack {{Okay, come out and see the pretty dress I got for Penny.}}

Jack stepped out of the house dressed in a polo shirt and khaki pants. As he sees Penny he stops in his tracks his jaw dropping. He stood there dumbfounded for a few moments before he uttered. "Wow."

  Penny smiled, and said "You really like it, love?  It looks as good as Meg said?"

"You look absolutely stunning Penny. In fact I feel severely underdressed at the moment, I should probably change. I didn't realize how formal an affair this was. Where are we going?"  He closed the distance between them wrapping her in a hug. "You did this all for me?"

  Penny nodded, and said softly "Meg said she wanted me to have a chance to shine, for you.  Took me to Paris, and got me this outfit.  It's mine to keep, she says.  She said it's a butterfly dress.  Is it really pretty, worthy of your best and brightest smile?"

"Bought you this outfit. In paris?" Jack looked uncomfortable as he tried to calculate the price for a parisian dress in his head and only came up with 'a lot'. "You look absolutely gorgeous. And you are always worthy of my brightest smile."

  Penny nodded, and said softly "Meg said that I look about the right age to be going to a Prom.  And that every girl should get at least two days in her life to shine as the princess of the ball.  I don't go to school, so I can't go to Prom, but we can go out tonight, and celebrate."  She caught his hands, and said softly "Jack, I can tell, Meg doesn't want money.  She's doing this because she can, and she wants to, and it is so sweet of her to give us a chance to do things that we wouldn't otherwise get.  To go out and be just Jack and Penny.  Not Seer and Rebound, but Jack and Penny, and be us and in love and alive and free."

"You certainly look like a princess. Meg, we can never thank you enough." He smiled as she took his hands lifting her right hand to his mouth so he could kiss it. "A night as Jack and Penny Pride."

  Penny smiled, and hugged him as she whispered "Yes.  As Jack and Penny Pride.  I want to dance with you, and feel like your fairytale princess, Jack.  The princess you saved from the evil Sorceror, and now you get to spend Happily Ever After with me."

"And I will gladly be your prince charming. Though I can't guarantee I'll be much of a dancer." He said with a grin.

  Penny giggled, and kissed him, then whispered "I love you, Jack Pride.  Tonight is for US."  She hugged him, and as she did, Otello brought out his tuxedo jacket, and asked him politely "Would you like a few moments to change into your tux before the car takes you both to Shogun's Steak and Sushi?"

"I love you too, Penny Pride." Jack nodded at Otello. "I'll be right back." He returned to the house emerging a bit longer than it should have taken later. He was now dressed in a black tux with a silver vest and tie combination, his long hair having been pulled up into a ponytail. Stepping up to Penny he offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

  Penny slid her hands around his arm, and said softly "My handsome prince, you sweep me off my feet."  She did tug him down to kiss her, and Meg smiled and snapped a picture of them with a digital camera.  Then she let him lead her to the limo that Meg had sent for them, and stepped inside.

--------->> Shogun's Steak and Sushi

Don was watching the two leave through the window one arm around Nora. "Now doesn't that just make your heart melt?" He asked his fiancee as he pulled her close. "Ya know, I'm going to have to break the news to the Legacy soon. I wonder how they'll react.." He was referring to something they'd discussed at length, his retirement from superheroing.

  Nora kissed him, and said softly "You know, we should have Diantha make the most of tonight.  We can all camp out in the family room, and since I know the carpet is good and clean, we can all cuddle."

"Sounds like a good idea. I can set up some blankets out and we could keep her between us. She does prefer sleeping with us to alone. She doesn't have those nightmare fits when we're within touching distance."

  Nora laughed, and said "You cuddle Diantha, and I will lay out the blankets and pillows.  She needs lots of cuddles from you, Don."

"Right then. Orders received." He said with a smile as he went to retrieve his daughter from his father. "Hey babygirl, You, Mommy-Nora and I are gonna be sleeping in the family room tonight. Sound good to you?"

  She cooed, and he heard {{I like that idea.  Then maybe the memories won't come sneaking up on me.}}  What that meant, he had no idea, but it was ominous enough.

Don took his daughter into his arms smiling at her. "Daddy's always here for you little one, remember that.' He bounced her a little as the two of them headed into the family room waving at David as they exited.

  Diantha cuddled into his chest.  {{You should cuddle me up every night.  Until the memories stop trying to sneak up on me and bite me in the night.}}

"Daddy will be spending nights at home much more often soon. Its just a matter of telling your aunts and uncle." He said as they walked into the family room. "What memories?"

  She peeped up at him, and he heard very, very softly {{Of Mommy dying. . . .}}

"Oh Diantha." He said as he held her up kissing her on the forehead. "Daddy misses mommy too. She didn't deserve what happened to her..because of me." He held her against his chest tightly. "But Daddy's not going anywhere. He's all done doing dangerous stuff, he has something to lose now."

  Diantha cuddled closer, and whispered {{Mommy said I needed you.  She knew I wasn't a normal baby.  She knew the first time she held me, and I grabbed her and held on with everything I had.  She said to me then "Diantha.  You're like your Daddy, and you need him.  I have to get you to him."  And she started looking for you.}} 

"And Daddy needed you. He just didn't know it." He moved over to the collection of dvds and held Diantha in front of the childrens movies. "Now do you want to watch a movie tonight, or would you prefer a story?"

  She held still for several moments, then said {{I can't quite get my eyes to focus straight on things so I can try to read yet.  So tell me a story.  Please?}}  She wrapped her hands around his thumbs, still feeling tiny and delicate, although surprisingly strong.

He smiled as he brought her over to the couch and sat down waiting for Nora to return with Bedding. "Okay, what kind of story do you want. Real or made up?"

  {{A real one, Daddy.}}  She cuddled into his chest, smiling as she did.

  Nora came padding in, and began to layer the floor in soft fleece blankets.  She said "Toss me the couch pillows.  I can line the sleeping area with them."

Don picked up the pillows with one arm holding Diantha in the other and tossed the pillows gently to Nora. "Any requests?"

  Diantha giggled, and said {{Tell me how you met the Guardian of the Earth?}}

"Excel? Well, Uncle Zeke had just found the Destinies diaries and Marcus had managed to translate them from the code Doctor Destiny had written them in. In the diaries was the location of the Guardian of the earth Excel, who was being held in an old folks home with his memories locked away. So Daddy, Yuri, Friday, Auntie Lena, Uncle Lucas, and Marcus went to the old folks home to find him. When we got there two of Brain's henchmen were waiting. A teleporting ninja called ghostwolf, and a nasty fellow we tangled with before by the name of flamethrower. His powers were obvious. While Daddy was searching the hall he got jumped by ghostwolf. He bounced around a lot trying to stab Daddy but Daddy had his special amulet that let him react faster, so when he teleported behind me I grabbed him by the shoulders and tossed his head into the fire alarm setting it off. Daddy came back to join the others in Excel's room where once we unlocked his memories returned to who he once was big and rugged looking and dressed in fatigues. He gave us a speech and we each absorbed part of his power then we left to find Brain."

   Diantha asked, thoughtfully {{So do you still have that power, or is it gone now?}}  She sounded terribly curious now.

"Its gone, It only lasted 24 hours, long enough for us to find and beat Brain. Daddy would be alot different if he still had that power. No Excelsior has it now. We were just borrowing it so we could stop the bad guy."

  She looked up at him, and touched his cheek, her pupils dilating.  {{No, it's not ALL gone.  There's still a spark in you, Daddy.  There always will be.  You're touched.}}

Don chuckled. "Anything else Daddy doesn't know about he should be made aware of?"

  She blinked, looking up at him, and smiled, her face angelically cute.  {{You're just who I need most.}}

"Some would disagree with you. Like your mothers father, though I hesitate to call him your grandfather. Hell Social services would have a field day with my office alone."

  She calmly smiled, and said simply {{They would not take me from you.  No.  I won't play nice with anyone who tries that, Daddy.  I am still learning tricks . . . and Penny's got one that's a real bitch.}}

Suddenly the air in the room shimmered and three easily recognizable though mildly see through figures appeared in the living room. In the center was Marcus and on either side of him were Ellen and Jessica the two dead women from hunters past. Those he still blamed himself for. "Hello Don." They said almost in unison.

  Nora gasped, and said softly "Oh my.  Don, I do believe . . .we have guests?  Visitors?"

"Visitors is right. From the great beyond." He stood still holding Diantha. "Whats going on? Why are you three here?"

  Ellen smiled, and said softly "My love, I am so glad that you didn't lose yourself in pain and rage.  I really, really am.  I'm proud of you.  Of what you've done, and what you have chosen to do.  And I'm glad you didn't refuse Nora.  She promised me she'd love you if I died."

  Jessica smiled, and said softly "You take good care of our little girl.  She's all I can give you, Don.  Don't let the social services take her, ever.  They couldn't handle her.  I couldn't.  She needs you.  Her Daddy.  She needs your guidance and love."

Don tried to fight it but he couldn't help it. Tears started ftreely running down his cheeks. His voice sounded choked when he finally spoke up. "I- I'm so sorry. Both of you.  I gambled with your lives, and you both paid the price.'   he looked away wiping at the tears with one hand. "So sorry."

  Ellen's hand passed through Diantha's, and she said softly "I love you, Don.  You've done so much good.  And now look at this beautiful little girl.  She needs you.  And I want you to never, ever forget the good parts.  I'm glad you're finally listening to what I wanted to tell you so long ago."

  Jessica touched Diantha's cheek, and whispered softly "Don, she's happy.  Don't get lost in the hunting and forget how much she really DOES need you.  And you didn't kill me.  The disease got too far for me to survive, unless I'd have chosen not to have her.  You think I would kill the only child I'd ever have?  She's worth the world to me.  Take good care of her."

"I-thank you. I still love you, both of you. I know. And I won't be hunting anymore. I'm done. Before I had nothing to lose. Now I have so much." He bounced Diantha again holding her close.

  Ellen smiled, and said "Thank you, Don.  Thank you for listening. And thank you for choosing to live, and give her everything."

  Jessica nodded, and said softly "Teach her everything.  You're a great man, even if you don't think so.  I was so happy when I found out I was pregnant.  And then, they found the cancer.  I could only fight it, if I didn't want her.  And I couldn't hurt her.  She's ours.  So I chose life for her.  Because I knew you'd keep her safe.  Love her.  And teach her right."

Don was still crying as he looked at both of them. "Thank you both, for everything. Both in life and death. I was lost before but now I've found my way back."

  They both kissed him, then Diantha.  Nora stood beside him, smiling at the three ghosts as she said softly "Thank you for loving him so much too."

  Ellen smiled, and said softly "Take good care of him.  He occasionally needs a kick in the butt."

  Jessica nodded, and added "I think Diantha will keep him on the mostly straight and narrow now."  She winked, and stepped back beside Marcus, as Ellen did the same on the other side.

Smiling the appartion took the two ghostly women by the hand. "I believe our work here is done. Have a happy life all of you." And with that they dissapeared. As the three vanished they all heard. "Mommy loves you Diantha, be a good girl for Daddy."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:49, Wed 16 May 2012.

  Diantha looked up at Don, and he heard {{You know, I am glad she didn't hurt much, but I will always miss Mommy.}}

"I know sweetie. Daddy will too, but Daddy will always be here for you and Mommy will be watching over you." He turned to Nora looking at her with concern. "Are you okay? That can be pretty wierd for those not used to that sort of thing."

  Nora nodded, and hugged them both.  She said softly "I'll be okay.  I am glad to know Ellen still wants us together.  I miss her."

"Me too. Me too." Don replied holding them both tight. "I think we could all use some cuddle time about now."

  Diantha cuddled into Don's chest, and said softly {{We have each other though.  That's a good thing.}}

"A very good thing" Hunter told his daughter as he laid her down on the bedding on the floor between Nora and himself.

  Diantha promptly rolled herself right over into Don's chest, cuddling.  Nora giggled, and bracketed Diantha, so that she was doubly cuddled, and said "Cuddle time indeed."

"I love you both so much. I'll be at home at night more often after my careeer change. Not to mention its a lot safer."

  Nora smiled, and asked "So what's the next career of choice, love?"

"Well the state DOES need a new senator still. Figure I might be able to do more good from inside the system."

  Nora smiled, and kissed him before she said "Looks like we can see if you can deal with all the muck shoveling in politics!"

"Be a different sort of battle altogether. When Marcus came to visit me when I was in prison, before we stopped those kidnappers that had you, he told me I had 'battles of a different sort, in front of me. Then when future Diantha came to warn us she mentioned me getting 'assasinated in office.' I think this is what I was meant to do. Parahumanity needs an activist, one that isn't an insane millitant."

  Nora kissed him, and whispered "I love you.  I don't want to have you assassinated."

He smiled as he kissed her back. "Neither do I. But if the time traveler looking to kill us is any indication, the future isn't set in stone. I love you too. Both of you."

  Nora asked him "Think I'll make a good Senator's wife?"

"You will be the pinnacle of senators wifedom. All the other senators are going to be jealous because their wives don't compare."

  Diantha asked, almost plaintively {{Does this mean I can't let anyone know I'm a para, or they all freak and accuse us of mind controlling?}}

"Might be best to keep that among friends and family, at least till you learn to talk with your mouth."

  She sighed, and said {{Gonna have to work on that.  You know, that really does suck, Daddy.}}

"I know baby but theres not a lot we can do about it...And watch your language."

  She wrinkled her nose at him, and said {{Why?  It's not like I'm going to say anything you haven't heard before.  Or that I haven't heard before.  And I wasn't using bad language.  Sucks is a verb.  According to what Mom thought, anyway.  I learned a lot.  From her.  From you.  I soak it up.  Can't really help it.}}  She stuck her hand on his cheek, and leaned forward, giving him a sloppy baby kiss (and at her age, that's pretty incredible) and saying {{Get ready to put up with me doing a LOT of grumping.}}

"You also said 'bitch' earlier. And its not proper for a girl your age to be saying those sorts of things.." He glanced over to NOra. "Little help here?"

  Nora said "One, I'm not hearing most of what she's saying, Don.  She's developing really FINE telepathic control.  So I haven't been hearing half of the discussion.  But yes, it DOES sound like she needs to watch her language.  Take into account, she's had Penny and Jack to soak knowledge up from too."  She tapped Diantha's nose, and added "Ladies watch their language.  You can't be a hoyden if you want your Daddy to be a successful Senator."

Don looked at Diantha. "What you don't want Mommy Nora hearing what you have to say?"

  Diantha blushed.  Then she switched to 'limited broadband'.  {{Penny's been teaching me to be very specific.  Habit now.  I direct my thoughts ONLY to the person I'm talking to, so that I'm not freaking out the 'normies'.}}

"That makes sense. Just try to remember Mommy-Nora likes to be included. Now would you like another story before bed? Seeing as we had some excitement after the last one?"

  Diantha considered, and said {{Tell me how you decided to become Hunter, and not just be Don?}}

"That's a long story. Daddy joined the military at age 18, and served for years eventually joining army special forces. Till one day there was an op. We were assaulting a terrorist hideout. When we entered the building one of them was hiding under the table, he attacked Daddy with a knife, one of Daddy's squadmates got him off but not before he got a good cut on Daddy's left eye. Daddy was honorably discharged, and went home to Ellen. Daddy, had trouble adjusting. HE spent his nights wandering the streets and everywhere he looked there was crime and injustice. One night, he decided to do something about it. He put on some urban camouflage grabbed some weapons and took to the streets."

  She patted his chest, and said {{You have a lot of old ouchies here.  Do they ever go away, or do you just sort of let them scab over and move on?}}

"No they never go away. Not completely. That's how they are."

  Diantha leaned forward, and gave him a sloppy baby kiss, then cuddled against his chest.

Don beamed at his daughter. "Such a kind caring little girl you are. I love you."

  Diantha snuggled a little closer, closing her eyes, and he heard a tiny baby snore.

Don smiled glancing over at Nora. "We're really lucky you know."

  Nora snuggled close, and asked "How do you think we're lucky, Don?"

"Well just look at this little bundle of joy between us and how can you not think us lucky?" He leaned over kissing her. "And we have eachother."

  Nora smiled, and said softly "I totally agree.  You're lucky you have us, we're lucky we have you, and you and I are both blessed Jessica gave Diantha to us.  She's so beautiful, and she gave her own life up to give Diantha her chance to live.  We are so lucky to have her."

"You think they'll understand? The Legacy? That I have to leave them?"

  Nora smiled, and said "I am sure they will, Don.  All they have to do, is look at Diantha, and they will know why.  Until we're married, and I legally adopt her, I have no legal ground to stand on as her mother, and if something happened to you first, well, she'd have nobody.  And she REALLY needs you.  You're her father.  The one person left alive in this world who can understand, anticipate, and meet all of her needs as she grows.  She's a para, and a treasure."

'I know. Its gonna be hard though, I've been fighting so long, its going to be strange stopping."

  Nora laughed, and kissed him, then whispered softly "Don, my love, who said you were stopping fighting?  You're just changing your battlefield.  You were fighting a war against parahuman criminals face to face.  Now, if you want to enter politics, you enter the war of ideologies.  You can show people that parahumans can be law abiding citizens.  You're a known hero.  Use it.  Show people how much you can do when you enter the fray with the same limitations a normal human does."  Very sound, strategic advice.  It WAS a war of ideology, and he could win it.  He was the Hunter.  He could hunt that victory too!

>>>>>>>>>>>From The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>

Lucas arrived at the Van Diemen House, trying to mentally piece together what Don wanted to talk with the Legacy about. There wasn't much of a Legacy anymore, it was mostly just he and Mirage aside from Hunter.

Approaching the house, he knocked on the door.

Don opened the door. "C'mon in Lucas." He led his friend down the hall and into the living room where Nora waited with Diantha.

"Thanks Don," Lucas said as he entered the house. He waved at Nora and Diantha as he took a seat.

"I sent a message to Mirage and Psyche. They should hopefully be along soon."

  Nora smiled,  and asked him "Did you want anything to drink, Lucas?  I have coffee, soda, harder things like apple cider . . . "

Lucas smiled and replied "Soda works fine for me, Nora. Thanks."

  Nora chuckled, and got Lucas a soda.  Which happened to be 7-Up, and an icy cold one at that.  She asked "How are you doing, Lucas?"

"I"m fine Nora...been busy, but I'm doing all right," Lucas replied, accepting the offered soda. "How are you guys doing?"

"We're doing good, real good. Which is really the reason your here."

  Nora smiled, and said "We're doing pretty well.  We've got a bit of an announcement for the Legacy, and after that, we're joining everyone out at Megaira's for the barbecue."

"Barbecue? Yes I heard a little something about that," Lucas said. "It sounds like a very important announcement...I think the last time we gathered together like this was outside Above And Beyond."

Lucas looked lost in thought, just for a moment, then turned back to Nora, Diantha, and Don and smiled.

  Lady Psyche arrived, although she was rather buried with work at the moment, but this was worthy of stopping in.  She strolled in and gave everyone a look that reflected her curiosity.

Lucas nodded at Katy as she walked in, then looked to the window expectantly for the Lady In Red. He smiled for a moment, knowing what a "grand entrance" she had to make.

Thin tendrils of crimson smoke swirled about Nora and Diantha before it swept towards Lucas, coalescing into Mirage.   Dressed in a long chinese dress of a brighter red than the hue of her trademark smoke and her long auburn hair tied up in an intricate knot at the back of her head, she sat on the arm of the chair nearest to Lucas, her legs crossed.  As much as she wanted to have a visit with Diantha, she knew better than to disturb a sleeping child.

"Nora.  Don.  How are you two doing?"  She asked pleasantly as she held out a bottle towards them.  It was an imported bottle of wine, the sort that five star restaurants served to their most valued guests.  "I brought a little something for you.  For later perhaps.  Lucas.  Katy.  It's nice to see you."

"Everyones here? Good. THen I can get this over with. I'm retiring, as in I'm hanging up the mask. It was all well and good before but now, now I can't run around every night risking my life, I have too much to lose. So I'm officially here announcing the retirement of Hunter he's no longer needed."

"Mirage..good to see you.." Lucas said, acknowledging the femme fatale with a smile meant for her.

Lucas looked briefly surprised at Don's announcement but he smiled. A development like this was only natural.

"I was wondering when you were going to announce this. You have a family now, Don. I applaud your decision....though I hope we can come to you for your insight every once in a while."

"I'll be here when you need me Lucas, just don't expect me to do anything dangerous. And I expect to see you here when you can manage at least to visit, Diantha needs her aunts and uncle. And we'll be seeing all of you at the wedding."

"Don't worry..I will make the time to visit," Lucas said. "And...I will also be at the wedding. It will be a grand occassion, I'm sure."

He looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Don...I know you as the person who is constantly on the move, so I do have to ask: since you will no longer be The Hunter, what does the next stage of your life hold for you?"

  Diantha yawned, and stretched, and opened her eyes, then grinned as she spotted her Aunts and Uncle.  {{Daddy's going to have his hands full of me.  And Mommy-Nora.}}

"Actually I thought I might try my hand at politics." Don told Lucas with a smile. "Different battlefield sure but a battlefield all the same."

Lucas smiled back at Diantha as she seemed to wake back up. He then turned to Don after he made his announcement.

"Politics huh? Interesting...it's a different kind of battlefield, but one I'm sure that you will progress through very easily."

Dons announcement did not surprise Mirage.  He had already cut back on his Hunter activities so his retirement was only to be expected.  Expected and completely understandable.

"Well, it's a good thing that I brought something to toast with.  Nora dear, where are your wine glasses?"

  Nora chuckled, and said "I generally keep them in the china cupboard in the dining room, but this calls for the good crystal set that's in the locked cabinet in the kitchen."

"An occassion like this does indeed deserve a toast," Lucas said. Once Nora had gathered the exquisite collection of glasses, he then stood up holding his glass after the wine was put in.

"A toast then....to good friends, to new beginnings...and to continued success..."

Mirage raised her own glass.

"Here.  Here."  She joined in with Lucas' toast.

Don raised his glass as well. "Here here." And joined in the toast.

  Nora raised her glass, and smiled as Diantha cooed and waved a fist vigorously.

Lucas took a small sip of his wine before setting the glass down, pleased that the toast was well-received. It was a thought that occurred at the spur of the moment, but it was a very appropriate thought.

Good friends...(with a certain member of the Legacy, even more)..new beginnings...and continued success.

Hunter leaned back smiling at those present as he wrapped an arm around Nora. Well that went about as well as it could have. Suddenly his phone rang. "Hello? Rick whats going on? RIght now?" He grabbed the remote and turned on the t.v. flipping it to local news just in time to see Rehabs declaration. "Damnit I knew that guy was going to be trouble."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Sun 03 June 2012.

Lucas smiled, pleased that this announcement had gone over so well with everyone.

That is, until the phone call was received. And they all saw the broadcast. Lucas looked visibly troubled at this turn of events.

"This is not good. The line has been drawn in the sand."

"Damn right the lines been drawn. You realize how people are going to react to this? The government? One word. Badly. Damnit why couldn't this have happened AFTER I ran for senator? At least then I could be of some use."

"Unfortunately, a lot of times we don't pick the battles, my friend. The battles, most of the time, pick us," Lucas said solemnly.

He didn't like this, but Rehab was forcing the hands of the government and anyone else who came into conflict with him. And Dragon Fist was registered with the government...the only thing they didn't have was HOW he acquired his powers, or the source where they came from.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Mon 04 June 2012.

PM

In reply to Justice (msg #257):

PM

PM

PM

In reply to Dragon Fist (msg #256):

"The political fallout will be huge. People are going to be terrified they'll demand action. They'll be a kneejerk reaction and then this jerkoff, is going to retaliate."

"And it's going to put all of us right in the middle...The Legacy, the New Age Defenders, and any other Paras out there," Lucas said, frowning.

"This is probably my cynical mind at work Don, but do you think that there might be someone in the shadows pulling all of the strings behind all of this? Someone who is intentionally playing Paras against everyone for their own benefit?"

"Its possible I suppose, but it seems more likely to me that this is just racial tension. People have been on edge since Konnish, we almost lost the world, and this time it didn't happen in the shadows, people noticed. Not to mention the death of the senator during the incident. There are bigots out there Lucas, plenty of them we have a new breed of humanity popping up that can throw cars and shoot lasers out of their eyes. People are scared."
This message was last updated by the player at 14:44, Mon 04 June 2012.

"People are scared, yes....then that fear will turn to hatred. We need to stop this before it really gets out of hand."

"I was kind of expecting this to be honest. We became celebrities when we went public it was only a matter of time before the excitement wore off it was a big factor in me going into politics. I was hoping I could use my position to help smooth things over but it came to a head much faster than I thought.  You do, I'm sticking to my decision. I'll help all I can from behind the scenes but I mean it I'm not putting on that mask again."

  Diantha held her arms out, her little hands doing the 'open close open close' that was the universal 'pick me up please' in baby-speak.  {{If I can help any, let me know too.  I CAN relay messages you guys send on the mindworms, you know.}}

"Don't worry...putting the mask back on was not an expectation, Don," Lucas said. "You've earned a chance at a whole new life, and any help that you can provide from behind the scenes would be immensely appreciated."

Lucas then stood up, putting his glass down. "Aside from this, I'm happy for you, Don...all of you...Nora...Diantha. You, like me, have had your own fair share of Hell on Earth, and you've got each other. Pretty good foundation, I'd say."

Mirage watched Rehabs announcement quietly, her expression serious.  She didn't think that the New Para Army leader was a bad guy, just a little over zealous at times.  He was like anyone looking to protect those that he cared about, only this was not the way to do it.

Which was kind of a funny thought from a woman who went out looking for people to beat down on a nightly basis.  But Mirage was not the sort to go looking for publicity.  Let someone else talk to camera's and reporters.  She was perfectly content to remain shadowy and unhindered by public opinion.

She turned back to the others wearing a friendly smile.  "Don't worry about this, Don.  There's always going to be someone crying vengeance and causing trouble.  You just focus your attention on the two ladies in your life.  They're far more important than the latest troublemaker."

"I know Mirage, I just hope you guys can handle this. This is going to have consequences, big ones."

"I know it will, Don," Lucas said. "We'll be prepared for it....one way or the other. This is just another hurdle that we have to cross, and we'll beat this just like we've beaten everything else."

"Handle things?  Don have you forgotten who it is that you're talking to?"  Mirage said with a confident smile.  "If there's people who deserve to be..."

Mirage was about to say 'Beaten Down' but she glanced over at Diantha.  She probably should be setting a better example in front of the child.

"...who need to be straightened out, then Lucas, Katy and I are just the sort to give them a stern talking to.  A very stern talking to.  The...talking...is the easy part.  Cleaning up afterwards, that's the mess that we'll leave to the politicians."

"It wasn't the 'straightening out' I was talking about Mirage. The people your trying to protect are going to become your enemies. It was one thing when the public didn't know we existed and we had to stick to the shadows, but now they'll be scared of you and who knows what they'll do."

"Whatever happens, I know that I have no choice but to face it. But I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Lucas said. "I heard that our Defender friends are having a barbecue right now, and while I know it would probably mean a lot to stop by, with all of what's happening, I'm not sure if I will have the time."

  Diantha asked {{Oh, can we please all stop by?  I like seeing my friends, the Defenders.  Please?  They like you guys too!!}}

Lucas sighed for a moment, then smiled at the little bundle of Derring joy.

"I suppose it would be all right. Just make sure Mom and Dad are okay with it too."

The driver pulled up to the house and Don stepped out of the car offering Nora his hand.

  Nora took his hand, her other hand cradling Diantha against her chest.  She told Don softly, as Penny slid across the seat to get out behind her "There are no words to express how very happy I am to be Mrs. Derring now, you know."

"You deserve it." He told her with a smile as he pulled her close for a kiss "You saved my life Nora, this is the least I could do"

  Nora smiled, and tugged him in close to give him a hot kiss.  Letting it break, she laughed to see Diantha had collected a grip on his tux, and he couldn't get very far back without collecting Diantha.

Don met that kiss one hand holding the back of her head. As the kiss broke he laughed when he saw Diantha firmly attached. He held out his arms to Nora to take Diantha. "Somebody knows exactly what she wants"

  Nora laughed, and handed Diantha over, telling him "Of course she does.  What little girl doesn't want to share in the joy on a happy day in her Step-Momma and Daddy's lives?"

"I can't think of any." He said with a smile as he bounced Diantha a couple times. "Lets head out back make sure everything got set up right."

  Nora nodded, and leaned against him as they headed toward the back yard.

Our Church of the Holy Father, Weston Chapter ---->

  Matt didn't want to take forever, and hitching a ride with people he knew less than even Fiona knew them would feel awkward (Plus he's take up actual seat space unlike the girl sporting the tiny dragon look).  Roof hopping was out, but fortunately Matt had a less over the top method of transport.

  Bicycle!... Okay so maybe a guy in a proper wedding guest tuxedo riding a bike wasn't entirely subtle.  But it sure beat alternatives.

EDIT: So embarrassing.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:59, Mon 29 Oct 2012.

--> From Church

Most of the people here seemed to know which way to go, so Fiona just ended up following the motorcade to the luxurious estate. Once there, she was suitably impressed - she had never been inside a house as lavishly furnished and decorated as this one. Not even the Kattakara estate could compete with this. The little dragon flew this way and that, curiously looking around the house, though she stayed near where the other guests were hanging around.

In reply to Eleanor Van Diemien (msg # 283):

Don led Nora to the huge backyard. Out back the caterers  had been busy under the watchful eye of Otello. Tables and chairs decorated the lawn as well as a stage where the band was setting up.

  Nora smiled, and kissed Don as they got to the back yard, which made Diantha giggle, and he heard in his head {{Daddy, if you want, you can hand me off to Penny and Jack so you two can go dance.}}

  More mundane benefits to Matt's recent skillset.  You never had to worry about your shoes dirtying up expensive floors if they party went indoors.

  Matt parked his bike, and wandered on over to the tiny dragon.  "I think you may want to go back to opposable thumbs for the snack lineup.  Or I could grab you a plate of something if you felt like sticking with the look I guess."

The tiny dragon seemed to smile as she floated and fluttered in midair. "Main reason I'm in this shape is because I didn't have anything to wear. The invitation came as a bit of a surprise, and scales seemed less inappropriate than a shirt and jeans. This way I'm adding a bit of an exotic touch, too."

Ozzy arrived with another couple of cameras in tow, having managed to take out a couple who'd been trying to 'head the motorcade off at the pass' to get some good shots in transit. After hearing just who Mrs. Derring's lawyer was, Ozzy was going to make damn sure that he got every last camera he could. That way, maybe the obstinate fool would be able to see just the kind of good he could do. Granted, they were only nosy cameramen. But had they been mercernaries of darker intentions? Ozzy had been taking this job seriously before, but now he was giving it his one hundred and ten percent.

As the band finished up Don handed Diantha off to Penny before taking Noras hand. "Mrs. Derring may I have this dance?" He led her by the hand to the cleared out area in front of the stage.

  Clarissa was accompanying, and she was playing extra eyes and ears to spot more.  She had spotted a couple more, instantly relaying the information to Ozzy so he could sneak up on them and confiscate their cameras.  She sent {{Camera at two oclock, he's trying to use a telephoto from one of the neighbor's trees, love.}}

Lucas soon arrived at the reception, still dressed in his tux, but visibly more relaxed now that the ceremony was over. He then nodded at Ozzy as he walked up, looking for the punch and/or cake that was there.

  Nora kissed Don, and said "Absolutely, my love.  I am SO happy!!"

  There was a buffet set up with everything, from hors de oveurs, to shrimp scampi and caviar, as well as the more prosaic veggie trays, but there was also a true steak dinner for all their guests.

In reply to Clarissa Gysbourne (msg # 292):

Ozzy waved at Lucas as he passed by, thinking, {{I see him, love. On my way to the intruder now. Heh, I wonder if these idiots will get the idea and leave if I take out enough of the competition? Then again, less pictures released means each is worth more... so who knows?"

With that, Ozzy headed for the neighbors' yard, scanning the trees nonchalantly, trying not to give away the fact that he was after the hidden cameraman.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

  Clarissa gave him the visual she had, and answered {{Okay.  He's getting ready to snap a shot of them dancing, which isn't scandalous, but we don't want them getting ANY unapproved photos.}}

  The newsie had clambered up a good twenty feet into the tree, and had a belt around his waist that was also wrapped around the tree.  He had a long telephoto lens and was aiming it between the leaves at Nora and Don.

Ozzy fired a wad of paint at the camera lens, hoping to blind it so the cameraman couldn't get his shot. He then called up to the man, "Hey there. You got two options, buddy. Option one, you give me your camera and any film or data cards you have on you and leave. Or, option two, I can kick your ass, TAKE your shit, and then call the cops on you for trespassing on private property. You're not leaving this place with any pictures you have, one way or the other."

  The cameraman looked down at Ozzy, and swore.  Then he said "I am NOT giving up my shots!!  Go take a hike!"

Lucas nodded back at Ozzy, then observed him as he went into a verbal altercation with the cameraman. He continued to watch, ready to jump in if needed, but otherwise stayed back, drinking punch.

Ozzy grinned, rolling his neck and shoulders from side to side to loosen up a bit as he said, "All righty, then! The painful way it is! I hope you've got good insurance, you're gonna need it!"

With that, he reached up and shot a 'grapple line' of paint up, pulling himself up to the cameraman's level and forming a paint knife in his other hand, reaching out to try and slash at the cameraman's anchor, hoping to dislodge him from the tree.

  The dude let out a yell as the belt holding him to the tree parted beautifully for Ozzy, and he went down fast.  He hit a couple branches on the way down, and one of them snagged the cameras around his neck (he had three of them) and yanked them off of him.

Ozzy tried to catch the guy before he went down, but missed.

He cringed a bit as the guy hit a couple branches going down, and then let out a sigh of relief as the cameras came off of his neck. When the guy landed, Ozzy got down and checked him, to make sure he was alive.

"Whoops! Well, let that be a lesson to you. Don't climb other peoples' trees and try to take pictures when you're not wanted to be taking pictures." he said with a small grin.

  The guy moaned, and said "I hate you.  I'm gonna sue your ass off!"  The cameras dangled above the dude's head, out of reach, and he looked to have a broken leg, (no more tree climbing for a while!) but otherwise, he was okay.  The wind was definitely knocked out of him though.

Don led Nora over to the dance space as the band began to play amd pulled her close and began to dance.

  Nora cuddled up to him, leaning her head on his shoulder as she cuddled up to him, kissing his throat as they danced.

Ozzy grinned and said, "I'm event security, asshat, and you didn't leave when I told you to. You had no right to be here, and you're tresspassing on private property. Come at me, bro."

Ozzy retrieved the cameras with a grin before tossing them to Lucas, who was watching, and then grabbing the cameraman up and carrying him off the premises... assuming the jerk wasn't going to try and beat him up.

  The movement of picking him up made the idiot yelp, turn white, and pass out.  A nice broken leg could take the fight out of ANYONE.

Lucas caught the cameras with amazing ease, giving his pupil a proud grin at how he dispensed with the "party peepers."

  "That's fair I guess, can't say I wasn't self conscious about my own looks at this event Fiona."  Thank goodness used goods could become new goods in Matt's case, saved a lot.

  He managed to refrain from facepalming as his awareness tracked the paparazzi panic.  At the very least the camera man had... Uh... professional pride?  Privacy was great but he still felt kind of bad for they guy being hospitalized and losing expensive equipment for taking not-even-scandalous pictures.

  'Peter Parker wouldn't last five minutes in this town' he thought to himself.

He held her tight swaying back and forth enjoying the feel of her in his arms. "This is your reward, my thank you for bringing me back from the brink, for showing love still existed."

  Nora hugged him, and said "You know I've loved you for as long as I've known you.  I loved Ellen like my own sister, and I never would have taken you from her for anything, but I promised her, if ANYTHING happened to her, I'd take care of you, and give you everything I could.  Because we both love you, Don.  We both always have.  And you heard her, she wants us to be together, and when we all die, we'll still be together, but it will be all three of us."

Ozzy, once the guy was off of the property, thought to Meg, {{Hey, Meggers, I got an optional one for you. One of the cameramen who isn't supposed to be here was in a tree. I cut him loose, but missed the catch, and now he's got a broken leg. I say serves him right, since, you know, he wasn't supposed to be here. But if you want to fix him, I figured you should have the option.}}

And with that, Ozzy sent an image to Meg of where the guy was before chaining him down with paint and wandering off to see if he could find any more camera-toting snoops.

  She wandered over, and while the fellow was out, she set the leg using magnetics, and then laid her hand lightly on him to heal him as she told Ozzy {{We'll leave this idiot wondering what the HELL happened to him.}}

Ozzy smiled and said, "Thanks, Megs. How are you? Are you enjoying the reception?"

  Meg smiled, and said "I am, actually.  I'm still waiting to give Don and Nora their wedding present from me."

Ozzy grinned and said, "Awesome. Heh, Clarissa and I got them something, too, of course. And Nora said something about giving us our 'proper wedding gift'. From what she implied, I think they bought us a car. Which was nice of them, if totally unnecessary. But, hey, you know what they say about looking gift horses in the mouth."

  Meg giggled, and said "Mine isn't going to be something quite so . . . physical, but it WILL be very much something they notice."

Lucas saw the happy couple dancing, and smiled. He had never thought Don for the loving type, but love apparently did change a lot of people, mostly for the better.

His own track record however, spoke for itself. Two of the women he loved had died, both under malevolent circumstances, and inwardly he still cursed himself for that. He had heard tales of Champions finding the one to complete them, but for himself, that dream seemed to be a fairytale.

He continued to drink his punch, and determined that he would leave after dinner, at least. To be here for his friends, since they had all been there for him.

Ozzy grinned and said, "Oh yeah? Fountain of youthing them, then? Hehe. Awesome. Though I doubt Hunter will be taking up the cape again, if you know what I mean. Being younger again wouldn't magically make his new family vanish, after all."

He then chuckled and added, "Which is one of the practical upshots of Clarissa having magic. This way, no matter which one of us they go after, they'll be dealing with a deadly mutant mage with a mindlink to another deadly mutant mage. And a miniature dragon to boot."

  Megaira nodded, and said softly "Giving them both the youth and energy to deal with the little girl they have now."

In reply to Eleanor Van Diemien (msg # 311):

He continued dancing with her. "You saved my life Nora the least I could do was give you what you always wanted. I loved Ellen with all my heart. When I couldn't save her it destroyed me inside. I would've drank myself to death were it not for Jessica. And I would've bled to death on some street were it not for you."

  Smiling, Nora said softly "Oh, you don't owe it ALL to me.  There's someone else here you owe a lot to, and you never expected HER.  Diantha loves you dearly too, Don.  You never knew she was coming until her Mama came with her, wanting her to be with us because she knew she belonged with people who could love her, and help her be the best she can be, not misunderstood."

In reply to Megaira Kattakara (msg # 320):

Ozzy snarked, "Given that said child is currently about as intelligent as my little sister, I would imagine so. While you won't have to worry about her thinking that steak knives look tasty, or that it would be fun to stick things into a light socket, there will be other things to worry about, I'm sure."

  Meg nodded, and said "Yeah, things like telpathy, teleportation, and maybe some of her father's other powers too?  I have the feeling they'll need the extra energy to deal with her."

Ozzy raised an eyebrow and asked, "Whoahwhoahwhoah, did you just say father's powers? I didn't think Don HAD powers. I thought he was just a badass normal. You know, not para, but with a lot of training and some cool gear. Like Batman, or Hawkeye."

"There's a lot more to Donald Derring than meets the eye," Lucas said as he walked up to Meg and Ozzy. "But rest assured...no matter the rough exterior he has...he's a genuine human being underneath. And this has been a day long coming for him, not to mention deserved."

  Meg tilted one eyebrow, and said "He may not even realize he HAS them.  Not all powers are physical, or even external.  Sometimes, they are all in the mind."

Ozzy grinned and said,"Whatever. Not like it much matters. It's like you said, Lucas. Powers or no, he's earned his rest, and this day has been a long time coming. Anyway, I better get back on patrol."

  Meg nodded, and said "Indeed.  That's why I figure he needs to be able to keep up with Diantha.  No matter HOW energetic she gets."

"She's already proven to be a great child," Lucas added. "I'm sure there will be the normal parent/child head-butting but I believe they will get through that just fine."

"I think any abilities Don might have would be my fault." David mentioned as he approached the group. "I'm David, Don's Father."

In reply to Eleanor Van Diemien (msg # 322):

"I didn't even know she existed before her mama showed up. But your right I owe it to both of you. I love you, both of you, so much."

In reply to Matt Matthews (msg # 309):

Fiona wasn't a great conversationalist, especially when faced with topics such as what to wear. "Come on, let's get a bite to eat," she said to Matt after a moment of silence, and started fluttering buffet-wards.

  Meg smiled, and offered David her hand as she said "A pleasure to meet you.  So, are you planning to be one of the good guys, or just going to be 'Grandpa' to Diantha?  And you're right, your biofield and Don's look very similar."

"A pleasure to make your acquantince, David," Lucas said, nodding at the older gentleman.

"Likewise. Oh I don't think I'll be fighting any crime. I was being bodyguard but now that Don'll be around more I might need something to occupy my time."

  Meg glanced both ways, then grinned, and (as she hadn't yet let go of David's hand, she let her power flow.  She said brightly "You mean aside from being Grandpa to keep up with Diantha and any OTHER grandchildren you might wind up with?"  She gave him, with a grin, his youth, so that HE looked around 24 at the oldest.

David twitched as Megs power flowed through him unexpectedly. Within seconds wrinkles dissapeared gray hair turned blonde, scars and callousses dissapeared softening his features. "Oh wow. Kinda wished you warned me. But yeah besides that. Thinking about writing my memoirs or maybe jpining the dpa as a trainer or something."

Lucas chuckled.

"OH yes she's very good at that. But she means well. With the energy that young Diantha has, you will need every ounce if vitality you can get."

  Meg grinned, and said "Not only that, it means HOPEFULLY, by the end of the day, I can sleep IN for once instead of being up EARLY to begin burning off the levels of energy my body naturally generates.  THIS is what my body generates FOR, and you can feel what sort of power that is.  Don and Nora get this too, and they don't know it, YET.  It is a surprise present."

  Matt followed along, not much of a better conversationalist.  But at least he wasn't the one suggesting snacks to a person who can't eat.  So in your FACE!... We're sorry, we feel terrible now.

  "Want me to grab a plate for you, or you just going to switch back to opposable Thumbs while you eat?"

Ozzy smiled as people started gathering, and gave them all a small wave as he said, "I'd love to stay and chat, but unfortunately, duty calls."

With that, he turned and started to patrol again, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. You never knew where the "news"hounds would try to hide, after all.

  Clarissa brought Ozzy a plate that was already 'ready' for munching on the go, and gave him a kiss as she handed it to him, telling him "No reason you have to miss on the steak dinner, love."

"I'm sure they'll appreciate that," Lucas said, smiling. He then looked around, seeing that dinner was about to served.

"If you both will excuse me.." he said, then walking to find a seat.

In reply to Matt Matthews (msg # 341):

"I'm liking this form for now. But that's alright." Showing surprising strength in her little forelimbs, Fiona grabbed a plate and piled up a varied assortment of food on it. With her full plate, she then started looking around for empty spots for herself and Matt.

OOC: Anyone who wants to chat with the little dragon is welcome to wave her over :)

Ozzy returned the kiss, before taking the plate and saying, "Thanks, love. Heh, you're always spoiling me."

He took a bite of the steak before asking, "So have you been enjoying the festivities? I wish I could be in there with you, but I gotta work, you know? I just hope I can get 'em all. Even if Michael's a jerk, if a bunch of this stuff gets out, he'll be bogged down in work for weeks. And Michaela always hates it when he's too busy for her for a while."

  She grinned, and said "I'm doing good, love.  I'm spotting, as you well know.  If I see anyone with a camera other than an INVITED GUEST, I'll flash you an image of them.  GODS you're so damn sexy as yourself, love.  Always have a very special place in my heart, for your humanself.  And your big green studly self.  Hell, you're all mine, and I love you any way you are."  She tugged him close for another kiss, then whispered "For your sister's sake, kick every last one of their asses."

Ozzy smiled and said, "I'll admit, I do prefer your own sexy humanself, love. But your catgirlself is sexy, too, and either way you prefer, you're still you, and that's what really matters to me. I guess I just like the original best. After all, that's the face of yours that's got most of my best memories attached. The first time we met, when you approached me at the mall, our first date, our first kiss, our first time together... everything but our wedding, really. And you were a catgirl-self, then."

He then smiled and replied, "And I will, love. For my little sister."

  She grinned, and gave him another kiss before she let him head off to patrol for more cameramen.  He heard in his head {{I'm SO glad I got a mindlink to you for a mutation.  THAT doesn't go away when I shift myself back, and I'm SO GLAD.  By the way, one of the staff said one of the guys in catering uniforms looks kinda fishy.  Do you want me to pry, or do you?}}

Ozzy grinned and said, "Oh, that one? I can go ahead and take care of him, sure. I figured he'd be the last to try and leave, since he thought he was well hidden. He just didn't think someone had thought to infiltrate the paparazzi as a countermeasure."

{{I mean, really, disguising yourself as staff to get in? How obvious can you get? Oldest trick in the book.}} he thought with no small amount of irony in his 'voice' as he kissed her once more before heading off to deal with the infiltrator.

Bill and Darren were at the assortment of food piling their plates with food dressed in matching suits. As they finished making their way through the line they looked acroos the tables before spotting Matt  and dragon Fiona and walking towards them. "Hey guys, how's it going ? Enjoy the wedding? I did but I'm a sucker for this romantic stuff. I watch far too many romantic comedies."

  Darren grinned, and said "I'm not much better, Bill.  I like the way you make a great pillow to lean on."

Fiona put her plate down on the nearest table and simply sat down next to it; at her current size, it was more expedient to sit on the table rather than on a chair. "Well, to be honest, I don't know the bride and groom personally, so it didn't do that much for me. But apparently I was invited. So hey, free food!" She started munching on a few meatballs that seemed a bit large for the housecat-sized dragon, but it looked like she could put away quite a bit.

"Well I don't know the bride personally but I've fought alongside Hunter a couple times. He may be a little intense, but he's good people. Plus I know the story behind it and that just warms your heart. I'm surprised I didn't cry."

  Darren grinned, and asked him "Did you want to tell the story to her, love?  I bet she'd like to hear it."

Fiona paused her meal and looked up at Bill with a smile. "I'd love to hear it, if you don't mind."

  Darren nodded, and said "He's GOOD at storytelling.  Trust me."

"Well the first thing you need to know is this isn't the first time Don's been married. Nora actually introduced him to his first wife, Ellen. They were all friends as teenagers. They got married right before Don joined the marines.  Don got an eye injury and an honorable discharge in an op in afghanistan. He was sent home and became Hunter shortly afterwards. Ellen got taken by a kidnapping ring Hunter was tracking and when he tried to rescue her, she was killed. He was later pulled out of a deep depression by a hacker named Jessica, Dianthas mom. Jessica helped him fight crime and they slept together regularly Hunter was still grieving and Jessica had a hero crush on him. She was later sent into the witness protection program after some thugs tracked her down. Hunter kept fighting crime and joined the legacy but he kept getting darker and more angry. The police arrested him for the murders as hunter that he later got pardoned for and even broke out of prison. Once the pardon went through his first job as Hunter was saving Noras life. She showed up at his condo a couple days later and invited him to dinner. It was there that she told him that she loved him, his wife knew it, and had her promise to anchor his heart in the light. Dianthas mother showed up later that day with Diantha saying she wqs dying of cancer. Don and Nora took her and Don proposed on Christmas."

Fiona listened with rapt attention, even pausing her meal to listen to Excelsior's story. When he was finished, she looked deep in thought. "Wow... the guy's been through quite a lot. A lot of men would have gone insane from all of that."

  Darren nodded, and said "Yeah.  Don's a very strong person.  But I think Nora and Diantha REALLY do help him a lot.  He certainly seems pretty happy to have them now."

Fiona nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think so too. He seems genuinely happy now. Even if peace and quiet is a rare commodity in this town."

  Darren grinned, and said "Oh yeah.  Just wait until you get a good meeting with Bella.  I STILL have some trouble believing that she's Bill and I's daughter from the future."

Fiona did a little spit-take at that. That was... unexpected. "Your... from the future? Um... how does that even work?"

"I'm kinda hazy on the details but she was cloned from both our dna by Meg round 2018 or so. Somehow another time traveller did something to erase her timeline and she has time travel powers so she tried to stop it but didn't make it in time." He looked down at his plate. "It still eats at her losing her whole timeline. She should be around here somewhere with her ex-supervillain boyfriend,"

  Darren said thoughtfully "I'm not sure 'cloned' is the right term.  Maybe more 'test tube conception and gengineered'.  But yeah, SHE is from the future.  We're from the now."

"Wow." Fiona exhaled softly. "That's pretty heavy. At least she's more or less safe here with you guys, right?"

  Bella padded over, dressed in an elegant blue dress that clung to her figure and left NO doubts she was a dancer or a gymnast of some sort.  She gave Darren and then Bill kisses on the cheeks as she said brightly "Heya Dads.  Aaron and I are floating around, but we DID make it.  Thought I'd steal kisses while Aaron's snagging his plate."  At six-four, she was clearly Ex's daughter, but with Darren's coloring.  Gorgeous, and she looked about their age.

Bill looked up at his daughter giving her a smile. "Hey there sweetheart. We were just explaining your unique circumstances to Fiona. How you doing? Did you actually get Aaron to dress up? He's not wearing that leather jacket he always has on does he?"

  She rolled her eyes, and said "Dad, I happen to LIKE his leather jacket.  But he's in a dress shirt and slacks.  I told him ONE of us dressing up is plenty, and just HOW often do you see me in actual dresses?"  Which was, so far, this was the first time.

"Of course this doesn't mean I wouldn't be more comfortable in that jacket a t-shirt and jeans, but your daughter can be persuasive." He said with a grin as he approached holding two plates, one for him, one for Bella.  He kissed Bellas cheek before asking' "Are we sitting here or somewhere else?"

  Bella grinned, and kissed him back, then said "Here will work, if you're good with it, love.  You know I've always got a seat if we're running out of chairs."

"I'm good with wherever as long as I sit with you. You know I don't know most of the people here as well as you. Though I make the one request of not sitting with any snobby society types."

  Bella grinned, and then sat, pulling Aaron down onto her lap effortlessly.  Fiona and her parents did NOT count as snobby society types.

Bill smiled as his daughter sat down scooping a portion of mashed potatoes onto his fork and offering it to Darren. "So Fiona, did you decide whether your joining the team?"

In reply to Bella Masters (msg # 373):

Aaron had no objections to being in Bellas lap and kissed her cheek again as he set the plates down in front of them. "Good choice"

  Darren took that bite, and offered Bill a bite of his steak.

  "Food looks great, even if I can't partake.  Wedding was wonderful and I hope things go well for the recently married."

  Exposition of the bride and groom's past made Matt really hope it went better the second time around.  "Sounds like you're on the right track of 'don't think about it too hard and just care about them' regarding Bella then."

  OOC: Enough snow and wind to stick to everything sideways inch thick... Then it's gone the next day WHY DID I SHOVEL!?  Still, we lucked out up here with nothing but some light inconvenience.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Fri 16 Nov 2012.