With the maturing, his rants and general unpleasantness had become a bit less legendary as they had been and as Don and Lucas speaks, he visibly calms faster than he would have in his recent youth.

"You're probably right, at least about him.  I may be just a little personally irked that I missed the fight with the aliens because of his tech just sitting there like a little pandora's rubix cube." He was about to make a comment but figured he shouldn't due to the kids being so close.  "The others, I just have what I've seen on the news and hearing about from the kids.  Miss Adventure and her friend, it's good to see them both back, I haven't seen or heard much about them over the past few years.  Disappeared about the same time I guess.  Wraith, if I knew who was behind that mask I might have some words for them.  Maybe they're just short but really it seems like they should be having juice boxes before nap time with those two, not risking their life out on the streets.  The War Angel?  She's awesome.  And also someone I do not want to speak poorly about in case she's in the smiting business of anyone and everyone and is also omnipresent somehow.  Speaking of smiting, I'm not sure if I should run up to Tech Knight screaming Lok'tar Ogar or making sure there isn't some heavy duty Heresy around him but, glad he's on our side.  Then there's Lifelight.  I'm glad she's shown up when she has.  I have a feeling if she would have been around during our adventures we may have corrupted her.  That or caused her to give up all hope on humanity.  And we can't forget about the guy that decided he needed to one up Sabin's suplexing a train."

The more he speaks of the other heroes, the more he calms down.  Scratching a few fingers against the back of his neck.

"Daystar though.  He came out of no where and..  the tech.  It's not so much that he has that tech, more that it exists.  Or shouldn't.  Grant it, living on this little blue rock my experience with tech is extremely limited.  Imagine though, that the universal constant of everything matter wise is 1's and 0's.  No matter what, 1 and 0 just being the basic and only building blocks of everything.  The equipment he has is made up of S's and T's.  It just, doesn't belong here.  Maybe he also just seems to be breaking the first rule I try to instill in the people I try to help.  This isn't a comic book.  That suit, the design.  The flying craft with a cloaking device.  Feels like the guy is trying to act out a movie and I'm not sure if it's a Snyder or Whedon production."

Don nodded at Lucas. "They're both paras and supersoldiers, training and discipline are key especially when dealing with the rages, though Diantha doesn't seem to have them. We've talked a little about when I was young, pretty sure I mentioned I got in my first fight at six and put three older boys in the hospital. That kept happening till I got sent to millitary school, thats when I learned to control the rage and abilities I inherited from my father."

Don turned to Zeke nodded about the guy who 'one upped suplexing a train'. "Sergeant Sinclair, I presented him with his medal of honor." Don thinks for a minute as the topic returns to Daystar. "Shouldn't exist why? Because it's too advanced? Technology has advanced a LOT since paras first started showing up, especially millitary tech. The brain bank has already been working on some cloaking tech, though mostly suits, and I'm pretty sure Malcolm made a cloaking ship in the fifties.

 As for the look, might just be a result of us being around so long, most of our suits were mainly functional, like regular clothes or combat gear with a twist, except for Enigma but you kinda expect a wizard to wear robes. But paras have been around over ten years now, kinda makes sense people would start going more for style, and Excelsior's costume is pretty comic-booky."

"I know my armor went through a bit of a change a while back," Lucas said. "The helm looks more like a metallic Dragon head, almost like when Excel enhanced our abilities when we had the final fight against Brain."

Lucas' thoughts began to get lost in the past, and he shook his head as he snapped himself back to the present. The way to get his mind away from the past was to focus on present-day issues. He then addressed Hunter and Zeke.

"So...this Daystar character. Do you think he's going to be trouble? I mean, he did help against the mummies, but there has to be something much larger at work. It almost feels like someone or something is pulling strings behind the scenes and playing some sort of demented game. But to what end?"

Zeke nods a little and gives an exasperated sigh as he finds himself agreeing with Don.

"The Tech easily is on par and within reason of what I should expect to find in our time but, there's still.  Something..."

He watches the children train, smiling a little.  He had attempted to learn bushido but the discipline needed for it never really took.  He still had the lightsaber he made, but it no longer functioned due to having to return the gem that was used as a focusing crystal.

A man can dream though.

When Lucas speaks of their fight with Brain, his eyes light up as he snaps his fingers.

"Don.  Lucas.  You're brilliant.  This has been bugging me for a while but I think I finally have a theory.  Sure, this guy may be on the level, but I got it."

Checking the pockets of his jacket he draws out a small device about the size of a fountain pen.  Pressing a few buttons the small sphere at the tip starts glowing a dull red, using it to draw a circle in the air, about the size of a quarter.  The charge placed on the molecules causing the circle to be visible.

"This represents our universe and this" drawing a large square around the circle, about two feet on each side "represents the boundaries of this reality.  Or Multi-verse.  Now there is an infinite number of universes within this Multi-verse.  Alternate timelines.  Parallel Dimensions.  Pocket Dimensions.  All kinds of little nooks and crannies, some we've had dealings with and others we have yet to discover.  Or more than likely, they have yet to discover us.  Just something my mind was open to when Excel ultra buffed us.  Just like Gravity, Momentum, Force, there are Laws and Rules that govern these different universes and they are relative universal constants affected by the different frequencies that their respective Universes vibrate at.  Now, the reason I say that the Tech Daystar has shouldn't exist is because."

As he speaks he fidgets with the device again, changing the light from red to purple.  Turning to face away from the red square, he draws a circle in the air again about the size of a quarter.

"This is the universe that Tech comes from.  It looks the same, effects the material the same.  But the material that makes the Tech.  That makes the craft and causes the equipment to function the way it does.  While it still reaches the same conclusion, it doesn't nescesarily follow the rules completely that our universe works on."

This causes his shoulders to drop just a little.

"So...  yeah.  Guess I jumped the gun on thinking the guy might have something going on.  But if someone is behind him, he may not even have any knowledge of it.  I mean..."

He looks between the purple circle and the red shapes representing their multi-verse.

"Something.. Cosmic.  Like we're talking Primordial Cosmic, sent him here.  And something that powerful to drop him in the middle of Weston City where his abilities and skills could have the most use, it's probably sentient, too.  Or it could be coincidence, Law of Common Attraction but I'm not one to believe in coincidence.  But I'd suggest talking to the guy about it.  Worst thing that happens is you need to drop kick him into Orbit.  Right?"

Zeke grins just a little bit too much at that thought.

"Can't really speak for anything behind Daystar, but Katy mentioned she won't be making our 'Legacy dinner' next weekend because that biker gang, The Dark Angels, got literally ripped limb from limb. Said they found decaying flesh at the scene. Might be connected to your mummies.

Speaking of next weekend you're free to join us Lucas, Nokomi* said she could make it, you still coming Zeke?"

Don frowned at the talk of multiverses. "Sure I remember our encounters with alternate universes, wasn't really paying attention to the tech though. If it's a cosmic power Lin would probably be your best bet, or Ethan. But that might be a tricky proposition after what happened between you and Meg*.  Maybe have Malcolm ask Ethan the next time they go out with my Dad*?"

*Nokomi is Stormwalker who joined the Legacy shortly before Mirages death, she is now depowered and teaching forensics at Weston U.

*Lin is Meg's mother, Lin and Ethan have a sibling like relationship, Meg calls Ethan "Uncle Ethan"

*Malcolm aka Machinesmith aka Zeke's surrogate father figure.

*Hunters Dad is Mr. Hurt, him, Ethan and Malcolm are the only surviving members of the Secret Defenders.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Sat 11 May 2019.

"Grand cosmic forces..." Lucas mused after hearing Zeke's interpretation of the multiverse. "It's not outside of the realm of possibility. I mean, look at me. I was killed and brought back to help keep the balance between the forces of Order and the forces of Chaos. There have always been two Champions....no more and no less. A Champion of Light, and a Champion of Darkness."

Lucas thought for a moment when Don presented his invitation. The dinner seemed like a nice . He was a little afraid of Katy, because she could almost see right through him, both as a friend and teammate, as well as through her abilities as the (former) Lady Psyche. Knowing she would not be there helped sway his next decision.

"Sure, I'll be there, Don. Just tell me what time is best to come, and I'll be there."

Zeke rubs his forehead slowly.

"We don't get paid nearly enough to deal with this...  stuff."  He grins and laughs a little as he moves to pat Lucas on the shoulder.

"Well, you don't.  I guess there are some perks to being retired.  And of course I'll be there for dinner, Don.  It's always good to see family."

He smiles over to the kids as they spar then looks back to the two.

Meg and him as far as he was concerned split amicably but there was that part of him that wondered how long an immortal could hold a grudge.  It had probably been a while since either of them had spoken to each other.

"Sounds like another job for our active member.  But, sounds like a lot on your plate as well.  If you need help in any of those avenues, just ask."

He was probably going to regret saying that.

Don chuckled at Zeke's comment. "I don't even get paid now, forewent my salary, lord knows between me and Nora I have enough money to last the rest of my life." He looked fondly on the children. "And for them to do whatever they want with their lives."

"I know what I'm going to do! I'm gonna be a hero like Daddy!" Donnie spoke up while blocking a kick from his sister.

"How are you gonna be like Daddy, you're not even that good with a bow, not as good as me anyway." Diantha replied as she backflipped away from her brothers counterstrike.

"Ok, maybe not just like Daddy. I guess you'll be like Daddy I'll be like Grandpa." Donnie replied as he launched a flying kick at his sister.

Diantha disappeared in a puff of purple smoke, causing her brother to hit thin air but quickly recovered with a roll. "I'm gonna be one like Auntie 'Lena"

Donnie grumbled as he got to his feet. "Hey! No powers!"

"We already are using our powers silly, I'm fast, you're strong, I got heightened senses, you got the 'enemy analyzing powers'."

"Diantha!" Don grumbled "No obvious powers, I don't want your brother using his shockwaves in here." He turned to Lucas. "I'm happy you'll be there Lucas, I'll let Nora know."

"Please give Nora my best, Don," Lucas replied. "Thank you to both of you for stopping by. And for bringing my surrogate niece and nephew, seeing them always gives me hope for the future."

Lucas ruffled his hair, looking down.

"I know that I'm not in a good place right now. But with your help, I can at least get started on the journey to get back to the right place. I only hope that I haven't burned too many bridges in my tangent of anger."

"That's what we call a loophole."  Zeke chuckles a little until he looks over towards Hunter.  "That you shouldn't use, listen to your Dad!"

He looks to Lucas then, giving a little nod.

"We have been building other bridges, but you had an ample supply of C4 it seems.  Glad you either finally ran out or got tired of setting it up."

He had almost forgot how this felt, he was so used to having to be that example for the people he was trying to help, here he could be his old self a bit.  And a smirk plays across his lips that hasn't for a while.

Don rolled his eyes at Zeke, but didn't say anything. Sometimes it was good for the kids to have that 'rebellious uncle' that Zeke represented, as long as he didn't openly contradict Don in front of them. He smiled at Lucas. "As long as you don't become me, I think you'll be alright. You remember how I was, and look at me now." He smiled fondly at the children.

Lucas let Zeke's comment about the C4 go unanswered. He knew that he had, in his own rash of anger, made life difficult, either directly or indirectly for those parahumans who were doing their best to work within the confines of the law.

"You have come a long way, Don. Perhaps, that gives me hope for the future. My future, as well as anyone else that I may come across."

He sighed for a moment.

"For the first time in a long time, I feel like all is starting to flow into perfect balance. Not quite there yet...but the journey has begun. Hopefully I can temper the justice I dispense with the appropriate amount of mercy."

(( Sorry for the extended Delay ))

It takes a little, but Zeke eventually comes back down to reality with a bit of an apologetic smile to Lucas.  He was hoping to get a little rise out of him, a response, something.  But perhaps the comment was in poor taste if not in trying to show him at the same time stuff was still very much the same between them.

"It's going to take time, but we're here for ya."

"I appreciate that," Lucas replied. "Seeing all of you again....has done a lot of good. More than you could possibly imagine."

He then looked outside the dojo window. "It will take time to get THEIR trust back though. The people of this city. Just recently, I found that the citizens of Weston were as scared of me as the hoodlums were. It was a little odd, being in that position."

Noticing that a considerable amount of time had passed, he turned back to his friends. "So...what now? Have any of our old enemies risen out of the ashes to torment us once again?"

Don nods. "You'll get there Lucas. Just keep your eyes on the prize." He shrugged at the mention of old enemies. "Not my world anymore, all I've got are political enemies and those are very different. That's up to you and the new generation to deal with now." He looked over at the children. "And one day... it'll be up to them."

"Well, from what I saw of the young heroes at the museum, they seem to handle themselves pretty good. A little overeager at times...but which one of us hasn't done that before?" Lucas mused.

He let out a small chuckle. "There was one newcomer though....hadn't seen him before. He seemed to be a bit...abrasive...but his intentions seemed in the right place. Who knows if he's just passing through, or if Weston has a new Agent Of The Night."

Don chuckled. "Well as the last, 'Agent of the Night' I say good. As much as we all vary we 'heroes' really fall into three types.  The moral, inspiring, speech giving types. The ones that make good people feel safe. Like you, Lucas. The charming, wisecracking kind, that make their comrades feel confident and at ease. Like you Zeke. And the intimidating, dark types, that make the bad guys feel afraid. Like me. All three together make this thing work."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Sun 04 Aug 2019.

"And with any luck, we'll be able to teach the next generation how it works, so they can follow along and perhaps even establish their own legacy," Lucas said. He briefly glanced over at Hunter's children. For a brief moment, he had envisioned having a child of his own, but the women he had known had issues. Both Friday and Mirage had issues that made concept of a family a distant one. Not to mention his own ragtag life.

"We need all three of those types of heroes. Because they all watch out for each other, and keep the balance and don't let the others veer off into a darker path. Which is what both you and Zeke are doing right now, and I'm grateful for it."

>>>>From the Weston Superhero Museum>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Lucas led Kevin back to the dojo.

"Welcome to the Dragon And Tiger," he said, unlocking the front door and entering in. Lucas gestured towards the wall, showing Kevin several pictures of both himself, his mentor and business partner Gene "Flip" Bowen (a middle-aged African American man shown wearing a charcoal gi), and his new business partner, Grace Wu (a middle-aged Chinese woman wearing a blue kung fu uniform).

"Looks like Grace has already left," Lucas said. "Can I get you something to drink? Tea? Coffee?"

Kevin looks over the room as well as the pictures that Lucas shows him.  Stepping in to the Dojo he takes his coat off and sets it neatly to the side.  He was serious about joining a Dojo and as such he sits down to remove his shoes and socks.  Street clothes would certainly be difficult to move in and improper attire for a true lesson, but it had been quite some time since he felt mats under his feet.

"Thanks, coffee will be great.  Hope you don't mind if I get just a little warm up in.  Get a feel for the room."

It wasn't with hostile intent, but there were the tale tell signs to someone familiar that he was taking in his newest surroundings.  Taking in and becoming aware of where exits were, any obstacles and just getting to the point that moving through the space would be as natural as breathing.

"That is perfectly fine," Lucas said as he went to the guestroom in the back to start the coffee. Other than the main front door, there was a emergency exit in the back, and Kevin could see what appeared to be an office in the back.

Lucas changed his attire, now in a t-shirt and workout pants, and was also barefoot. He came back with two smoking coffee cups, and handed one to Kevin. "I wasn't sure how you took your coffee, so I guessed as best as I could."

As Lucas starts the coffee, he moves towards the mats.  Stopping just shy of stepping on to them, he gives a bow in their direction.  Moving towards the center he starts in to a kata, one he is still doing when Lucas returns.

The kata is rather aggressive, designed to just imprint muscle memory to make the moves fluid and second nature.  There were the obvious strikes but there were also movements designed to set the opponents off balance.  A step beyond Judo's using the opponent's momentum against them, it was easy to picture a strike being deflected towards another invisible opponent.  Hearing Lucas's approach he stops and takes a slow breath before opening his eyes.  The impassive look on his face shifting to a smile as he accepts the cup.

"Thanks, and it's all good.  When you stay up late protecting the city and then have to be at work a few hours later, you learn to deal with whatever your co-workers have made and additives that have been left for ya.  Uber here is a nice change, but there are times I miss programming."

"Late nights are part of the job," Lucas said. "Couple that with long days and it can really take a toll on someone."

Lucas then took a sip of his coffee.

"Originally, when Flip and I started this school, we focused on the philosophy of Goju-Ryu Karate....combining the hard and soft aspects of the martial art. When Grace came on board, she brought some great experience....along with a great understanding of Kung-Fu. She taught me the Northern Shaolin style, and I've been doing my best to combine aspects of the two."

He then took another sip. "You looked like you were going through a decently advanced kata. What martial arts are you familiar with, Kevin?"

"Amen to that.  Every aspect of my life for the past few years has just been my training.  Keeping up the appearance with the secret identity, pushing myself through crime scenes and fights.  It was easy to get lost in all of that.  Not healthy, but easy."

He takes a drink of his coffee, nodding as Lucas explains the various Martial Arts taught at the Dojo.  Then it came to his.

"I am not really able to name any of them, really.  Growing up, my adoptive father was in the Air Force so there was always a self defense course that I could get involved in on base.  Mostly I gravitated towards Judo and Muay Thai.  My Mentor though..."

He takes another sip of his coffee, laughing a little to himself.

"That, is a bit complicated.  He traveled the world and for about a decade just focused and lived on mastering Martial Arts.  In some ways the stories about him do not do him justice.  Both the stories told here as well as whispered amongst the criminal element.  You probably have heard of him.  But first...  do you believe there is more to reality than what you can see?  What you know is real?

I was born on this Earth, but somehow I slipped through the cracks and wound up on a different Earth.  A different universe where my adoptive father found me."

His demeanor shifts a bit from stoic to just a little more upbeat.  Enough to keep this subject lite while at the same time still keeping a semi-serious tone.

Lifting his mug just a bit, before taking another drink.

"Maybe could use something a bit stronger than coffee.  Still, most of the people I have talked to at least take me at my word."

Lucas listened intently as Kevin began to talk of other realities and Earths. "Another Earth besides this one is not entirely unheard of. I have heard tales of other Earths coming into being due to the choices that are made...or not made. A few years ago, I would have been surprised to hear something like that. Now...not so much."

Lucas took another sip.

"You are talking to someone who is involved in a lot more than just crimefighting or The Legacy. The Museum....while well-meaning....doesn't tell the entire story. I am involved in an eternal war of Balance...a war between Light and Dark that has been going on since the beginning of Time. A war which claimed my predecessor....who is now the Champion of Darkness. Lin, I am sure, can tell you tons of stories even before I was given the mantle of Champion of Light."

Lucas chuckled for a moment. "It seems that there is no shortage of complications for people in our position."