A fairly nice church, it has a cemetery outside it.

Hunter pulls into the church parking lot . Disarming himself as he enters the cemetary and moves through it untiol he stops in front of a grave.
Ellen Derring
1977 to 2008
Lived life with all her heart.
Removing his mask Don sits down in front of the grave. "Hi Elle. sorry I haven't been visiting as much, been busy saving the world, yeah me saving the world. BUt I wouldn't miss tonight for anything. The night I failed you"

Taking a look around first Hunter puts his mask back on  Before making his way to his motorcycle. When he reaches the parking lot, and he felt he was composed enough he took out his phone to dial Friday. "Friday, Its Don. You with Lucas, Mirage, Psyche and I uncovered something big at the docks."

Currently the Church of our Holy Father was filled to capacity for a joyous  and well talked about event. The Derring- Van Diemien Wedding. The dresscode was formal or costumed as paparazzi were no doubt looking to get into the former superhero's wedding with all the heroes that would be here. The Press and fans alike have gathered in a crowd outside. The ceremony had yet to start but the time was drawing near?

  Nora was all nerves, and she wore the gown she'd chosen.  The antique ivory shade was lovely on her, and she held Diantha up so the little girl could see it.  Diantha was dressed in pure white, and looked like a little cherub of adorableness.

Don was in another room fiddling with his tie for the umpteenth time. "I am nervous" He said to his best man. "Visibly so, when have you seen me nervous? I wasn't nervous before we fought Brain, both times."

OOC: I assume Andy and Vic let Lucas out to play...

"One would think we would be ready for things like this," Lucas said. "She loves you Don. You love her..this is a public declaration of that love. Just remember that she loves you through thick and thin."

"I almost wish some supervillain would come busting through the wall so I can work off some steam. Its all this waiting I can't deal with, I hate waiting, I need to be doing something." He started to pace a little.

"Not on your life," Katy said, ducking into the room, "My daughter and I are running interference. Not a chance a villain is getting anywhere within ten blocks of here." She paused, "Oh, and Eleanor's almost ready. Might be a good idea to take your places soon."

Ozzy, after going skating with Clarissa, changed into his disguise for the day, something that would let him hopefully infiltrate the ranks of the paparazzi. While Katy and Edge were running supervillain interference, Ozzy was trying to make sure nobody got any pictures that would be embarassing for Nora and Don (because those bastards would likely just LOVE to get some pictures that weren't intended to be seen). He was also, of course, keeping an eye out for anything else suspicious, just in case someone or something got past the other layers of security.

  Clarissa got to be one of the audience, and she actually went 'incognito' as well.  In her human guise, so that nobody knew she as a 'super' now.

Lucas nodded at Katy as she made her announcement, then put his hand on Don's shoulder.

"I'm honored that you chose me to be part of this, Don. It means a lot. Now then....let's go get you married yes?"

  The priest was headed up to the pulpit, and he laid his book out and looked at the gathered audience before he gave a look to the little pages who were playing 'communications' network for this important ceremony.

  Nora smiled as she hugged Diantha, whispering softly to her "I really am looking forward to being married to Don.  I've waited for him my whole life, Diantha.  And now the two of us have you too, and you need us both."

  Diantha giggled, and answered back {{Daddy needs you.  He needs me too.  And Grandpa is glad we're here as well.}}  She nodded once, then sent to Don {{Daddy, are you ready?  Mama-Nora's all ready, and she says I look like a little angel, so that must mean I'm ready too.}}

Don nodded to Lucas and Katy before he headed out into the church taking his spot next to the pulpit with Lucas next to him. He looked down the aisle. [[All set on this end sweetie]]

  Nora handed Diantha to Penny, who carried her out, and got ready to do the processional.  Then Nora told the page to go tell the priest they were ready, and headed out to walk up the aisle with David escorting.

Don watched the page come in and speak to the priest. This was it, the moment they'd been working toward for so long. He looked expectantly down the aisle.

Lucas also looked expectantly, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

  The first notes of the wedding processional began, and Penny carried Diantha out, letting the little girl flip flower petals all over the aisle as she carried her up, borrowing Jack's eyes as she did.  Then Nora started up the aisle, carrying her bouquet and looking positively stunning.  She smiled radiantly at Don as she walked up the aisle.

He smiled as she entered and suddenly in that moment she appeared in his fears were gone. His thoughts were only of how beautiful she looked and how without her he would be still be lost alone and angry.

  Nora stopped in front of him, on the dias, in front of the priest, and smiled, looking so very happy.  She took his hand.

He reached out taking her hand in his as he smiled warmly at her. He looked up at the priest waiting to begin.

Lucas looked on, smiling as he did, clearly happy that Nora and Don were taking this monumental step together.

  The priest began to give the sermon about love and marriage, and he asked the room at large "IS there any man here who has a valid and solid reason for these two to not be united in marriage?"

Silence echoed through the church hall.

  Nora smiled, and the priest smiled as well, then began the actual wedding vows.

Fiona, in the shape of an eastern dragon, was floating above the back benches so that she didn't block anybody's view. With a gentle smile, she watched as the couple exchanged their vows.

Don smiled at Nora as he half listened to the vows. She looked so beautiful in her dress it was worth not seeing her. He hoped he was worth the wait. Then came the important part as the priest spoke the words he smiled even wider as he said. "I do."

  Nora's voice carried clearly when she said her 'I do', and then the priest was saying that Don could kiss the bride.

Don wrapped his arms around Nora's shoulders pulling her close in a passionate embrace. When it broke but before he pulled away he whispered "This is my gift to you, my way of saying thank you for saving my life"

  Nora whispered back "I love you.  I always have, and I look so forward to spending the rest of my life with you, Don."  Then she kissed him again, and held him tightly.

Lucas looked at the happy couple and smiled, a tear trickling in his eye. Moments like this made life worth living...

"You just needed to be patient. I love you" He turned looking out at those assembled.

  She said simply "I would have waited for you for the rest of my life, if things had gone differently, love.  I'd have never hurt Ellen for the world, but she made me promise to take care of you if anything happened to her."

"Well be glad they turned out the way they did now lets get the rest taken ccare of so we can move on to the fun part."

  She laughed, and kissed him as she said "Otello should have everything ready."

"I'm so glad we have a mansion this is a lot of people."

  Nora giggled, and said "Yeah.  Don?  Feel like getting all the wedding pictures done now?"

"Yeah lets get those taken care of, photographer should be around here somewhere." Don looked amongst the crowd for the cameraman.

  Nora smiled as the fellow stepped forward, kneeling to take pictures of them standing together, and snapping one with the two of them, then snapping another with Nora holding Diantha and leaning against Don.  Diantha DID look like a little angel.

Don smiled for the pictures posing as requested. This was good, it felt..,right. This is how things were supposed to be."

  Diantha said happily {{Now you're both legally my parents.  And nobody can try to take me away from my FAMILY.}}

Lucas posed for pictures when called upon, then mingled with the other wedding guests until the groom called for him again.

Fiona the dragon had shrunk herself to the size of a housecat for the group photos. She didn't want to be the center of attention, after all. Once the photos were done, she mingled with the other guests, although she mostly stuck to the company of people she already knew.

In reply to Diantha Ellen Derring (msg # 41):

"Thats right baby girl the three of us, a family." He kissed his daughtee on her forehead. "You really do look like a little angel."

  Diantha cooed, and one little hand snagged hold of his suit and wouldn't let go.  Which made Nora laugh, and gently slide Diantha into his arms.  {{MY Daddy.  And my Mama-Nora.  And now we have Grampa-David too.  So there's four of us.}}

Ozzy came plodding up, still disguised as paparazzi, with a few cameras around his neck. He grinned and said, "Hey, guys! Congratulations. I wanted to at least poke my head in quickly. I better get back out there before I'm seen, though. Don't want to blow my cover! Oh, let me know if there's something in particular you want done with any cameras I confiscate, yeah?"

  Nora hugged Ozzy, and told him "Bring them by, we can see  if they got any good pictures."  She slid a paper into Ozzy's pocket, and whispered in addition "Make sure you and your wife both come to the reception, Ozzy."

Ozzy chuckled and said, "Oh, they TRIED. Just FYI, Nora, you may want to be more careful where you stand from now on, especially if you're expected to be someplace at a certain time. I found a guy who was pretty much using a sniper scope for a lens. It's a good thing all he had was a camera... and a good thing for him that it was ME who caught him, not Don. I think he was tryin' to get somethin' saucy for the Enquirer or something, if you know what I mean."

Don shook his head at Ozzy's story. "He is lucky that it wasn't me who caught him. It was bad enough when I was just rich now I'm a freaking celebrity."

  Nora blushed, and said "I think he's lucky YOU caught him then.  Because I have an excellent lawyer, and he's not the LEAST bit shy about suing photographers for invasion of privacy.  After all, I don't put my life on film like the Karsashians."

Ozzy smirked and replied, "I'll hold my tongue on what I think of your lawyer. This is your wedding day, I'm sure you don't want me going on curse-filled rants, especially not in front of Diantha."

  Nora laughed, and said "I don't retain him for being NICE.  He's supposed to make the idiots who think they have a right to take pictures of me without my consent in my own private home where my doings are none of their business!  I am not a Kardashian.  I do not live for the camera."

He grinned and said, "Hey, don't worry. I'm not going to hold it against you or anything. He's good, I'll admit that. I'm just not terribly fond of him, for reasons you well know."

  Nora smiled, and said "I DO understand, Ozzy.  Now, you're coming to the reception, right?  I do want you and Clarissa both to be there.  I did finally get a wedding present for the two of you.  Although you'll probably only use it sometimes, like now, when you're in, well, disguise.  Can you drive?"

Ozzy nodded, "Yup! I can drive. I haven't since I changed though, 'cause there's kinda no point when I can fly, like you said. MUCH less traffic up there! But I'll make sure to poke my head in. Clarissa's in the crowd watching, making sure nothing happens while I'm off hunting photographers that you two didn't actively invite... or any other nasties that decide to show up today."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Thu 18 Oct 2012.

Almost as if on Cue, Vaan materialized out of thin air, letting the folds of the Flow snap back into place. "That's my job," she said with simple finality, grinning as if she had just won a race, "And unless you wanna beat up some guy who stole a few Twinkies at the 7/11 on 29th, I'm afraid there's no bad guys here." For this special occasion, it looked like Vaan had blended pretty well. No combat boots, nor coats concealing an arsenal, but just simple jeans, a shirt, and a combat knife hidden in the small of her back were all Vaan deemed necessary...Besides, with telekinetics, you didn't really need much else. Not for normal bad guys, anyway. She certainly wasn't up to going through a pageant, but she seemed to be better adjusting to peaceful life.

Since she didn't really know the bride and groom, at least not personally, Fiona soon got a bit bored. She flew over to Meg and nuzzled her gently when she didn't seem occupied. "Seems like there are quite a lot of weddings going on around here," she said in an attempt to strike up a conversation. "Is that normal?"

Ozzy smirked  at Vaan and replied, "Naaah. I think I'll settle for a... umm... jerkwad cameramen who don't know that they're not supposed to be here."

He then held up the cameras around his neck, adding, "Besides, those guys drop better loot than the gas-station thieves, hehe."

  Meg was giggling softly over something she'd heard, and she told Fiona "Don and Nora are both very wealthy, so they're part of the city's elite socialites.  It also means their wedding is a huge social affair.  Most of us haven't had any weddings of late, and I'm not even sure Andy COULD get married in a church and all.  He keeps dabbing at his eyes, and he's got those shades on.  I'm thinking that bitter odor I keep catching is blood, but I haven't scented his in a while.  The only other wedding we've had is Ozzy and Clarissa, and they had a very surprise one, which is when we all met you.  Rather an impromptu affair, but it's working out very well for them.  I'm rather a wallflower myself, but I'm hanging around for Don and Nora.  Don was my landlord when I first moved to Weston, and Nora's a sweet lady.  Diantha, the little girl they're holding, is Don's daughter.  She's also an active para, which is why Penny is her Nanny."

Fiona gave Meg a slight smile and perched on her shoulder. "I guess I just feel a little out of place among the rich and beautiful. I do better with normal people. Well, as 'normal' as folks like us get. Is there anyone here I really, really should meet?"

  Meg shrugged, and said "I don't know, Fiona.  A lot of that just depends on what you want to do with yourself.  If you want to pursue heroing, then maybe you might want to meet some of the other heroes.  But if you don't want to be a hero, then you don't necessarily need to know who all is a hero, and who is not."

Lucas had spent most of his time meeting and greeting, and after covering the social circles a couple of different times, he was feeling a hankering to leave. But he needed to do something first.

And so he went looking for his one-time pupil Ozzy.

Ozzy was looking around when he noticed that Lucas was wandering, looking a bit anxious. Ozzy waved goodbye for now to the happy couple, before jogging over, grinning.

"Hey, Lucas! How are you? Good to see you out and about!" he said with a grin, wondering if Lucas would recognize his human-self still. He DID look different than he had before his transformation, but not much different from his mutant form.

Fiona frowned a little. "I'm not quite sure yet. It's a dangerous job, and a big responsibility... maybe I should talk to a few of them. It might help me make a decision."

  Meg shrugged, and said quietly "Remember, half the reason to have a secret ID is so that the bad guys can't go after the ones you love.  That's why I haven't been pointing folks out to you."

The ceremony had been beautiful, and Katy was more than honored to witness the two bound together. She had been exchanging thoughts with someone a few blocks away. She had to make sure a gift for the two of them was special, given the circumstances.

Normally, Psyche was VERY good at multi-tasking. Years of having to sort thoughts that weren't yours out of your head tended to develop the skill. But there were some thoughts, when charged with a powerful emotion, that just couldn't help but weed into her head. As a general rule, Psyche pretended not to notice, but there were some exceptions...like helping a fledgling para.

The police officer faded into view, a purple haze that nobody seemed to see the only telltale sign that she had teleported.

"It is," Katy said, her eyes on a compact as she looked at her face, 'touching' up her makeup, "A secret identity also means staying under the radar. Big dragon beating the crap outta thugs in the middle of the street? BIG no no. Taking them in the alleyway and showing them some manners? The proper way to do things." She paused, glancing at Meg, as if all of a sudden realizing she were there, "Oh, hey Meg. Who's your friend? And why does she have so much confusion over being a super?"

Fiona jumped a little as a girl suddenly appeared right in front of her. That was still something she was getting used to.

"Um, hi there," she said softly. "I think we've met before... although last time I was a bit bigger. I'm Fiona." At her current housecat size, she was much, much smaller than when she'd corralled the freshly transformed, berserking mutants. With her black scales and golden mane and frills, however, she was still recognizable.

In reply to Ozzy Gysbourne (msg # 63):

"Hello Ozzy. It's good to see you," Lucas smiled, seeing his friend and one-time pupil. "There's something I need to tell you. Do you have a minute or two?"

Ozzy nodded, and asked his mentor, "Yeah, I got time. I think I've gotten most of the intruders, anyway. So, what's up?"

Lucas smiled as he put his hand on Ozzy's shoulder.

"First of all, I wanted to give you my most sincere thanks for helping me with all of what's happened with me recently. There is no price tag on the help you and the others have provided me."

He paused for a moment, then continued. "I....I know you've had some problems with your Dad. I just wanted to tell that....in a way, I know what you're going through. I never told you what happened my Father and I, did you? Well...when I was seventeen, my brother and I were out practicing for his gymnastics meet when a couple of football players started making fun of us, and one of them struck Stevie. Well...I'd dealt with him, breaking his ribs, and my Dad threw me out. If Flip hadn't taken me in, who knows where I'd be now? Just recently, my Mom brought both of us together, and we made up. It wasn't an easy or immediate process but it did happen. The point I'm trying to make is this...your Father is far from perfect, I understand that, and he's obviously set in his ways. You don't have to accept what he believes, because you are your own man now. Just know that there may be one day where you two may be able to come to an understanding, and I hope that happens. You're a good man, Ozzy, and I hope that your Father sees that soon. It took my Father a long time to see that, hopefully he will too."

Ozzy smiled sadly and said, "Look, thanks for trying to help. Yeah, your Dad kind of hinted at the fact that you two had had a bit of something between you. But... I dunno. Who knows how long it'll take? Maybe being mutated at the rally has given him some perspective. I don't know, I haven't talked to him since."

With that, he smirked and said, "But I do know that what he's spewing is a bunch of crap. You don't have to tell me that. I never believed it for a second. Or did you think my cocky swagger was just a facade? Heck no. I'm awesome and I know it, and I'm probably one of the luckiest S.O.B.'s on the planet. I've got an amazing wife, and my family, especially those who aren't family by blood, is awesome as well. If Michael doesn't like me, eh. Whatever."

"You are awesome," Lucas said. "And your wife is a great woman to stand beside you. Take care of her as you would yourself, and love her to the best of your ability."

He sighed for a moment as he looked off into the distance.

"I don't know what's going to happen with all of this, but for today, I'm enjoying the fact that one of my good friends is getting married. Let's enjoy today, and we'll worry about tomorrow when it arrives. Thanks Ozzy..." Lucas told him, patting Ozzy on the back before looking to leave.

Ozzy smiled and replied, "No problem. And it's like they say, 'yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but right now is a gift. That's why it's called the present.' And yes, I just quoted a kids' movie. Deal with it."

Lucas chuckled at that. "Take care Ozzy, and give my best to Clarissa."

He then waved at Nora, Don and Diantha, and started to make for the door of the Church. He wasn't sure if he was going to the reception or not.

  Clarissa was blending into the crowd, and she told Lucas, as he moved past "Thank you.  And I hope you have a good day, and don't be a stranger, Ozzy is very fond of you."

"I won't Clarissa. And I'm sure you already knew this, but Ozzy thinks the world of you," he said with a smile.

  She grinned, and said "It's a wonderful feeling, having the man you love treasure you back.  So come over tomorrow night and have dinner with the rest of us nuts."

"Thanks for the invite, I will definitely do that. What time?"

  Clarissa smiled, and said "Come over at five?"

"I can do five," Lucas replied. "I look forward to seeing you guys again."

"How you holdin up Lucas rubbed shoulders with any of the rich folks yet?" Said Don from behind his best man,even in a suit and dress shoes he moved silent as a ghost.

Lucas turned around, and seeing Don, relaxed slightly. The man was amazing, even in a wedding tuxedo.

"Hey Don....yeah, I've been conversing with some of the rich folks here and there. Got caught up with Ozzy....this was a great ceremony. I'm happy for you...all of you...you, Nora, and Diantha.."

Don nodded. "No one pestered you about how you know me? You could've come as the other you you know." He looked around waving at a few. "Anyway we shoild be moving to the reception soon, its at our place. And thanks Lucas, I know lifes been tough for you lately but you'll be alright things'll start lookin up."

Lucas shrugged. "No...nobody wondered why I was here...and plus, I wanted people to see me...not the other me. And I appreciate the support, Don...it has been tough...dare I say it will get tougher...but with good friends like you and all the others, I'm confident I can make it."

  Diantha blurbled at him, and he heard quite clearly {{Come to the reception, Uncle Lucas.  You belong with us, your extended family on today, because we love you too.  Besides, Mama-Nora has a present for you too.}}

  On the one hand, being at a wedding of somebody he's pretty much only heard of was likely a step in the correct direction compared to his previous social habits.  On the other hand, he had a feeling his wedding gift on the pile would probably be the worst one.

  Well, unless somebody brought a coaster set.

  Matt had opted for the holographic Stock Photo Man look once more, though at least the Tux was real.  He wandered over to the collection the tiny dragon he had at least shared some conversation with in the past was with.  "Hi Fiona, Meg, Hanson... and everyone else so I don't keep going for a full minute with names."

  OOC: Hotdog toaster, and an IOU for a photographic memory drawing of the Church at the I Do moment. Whoo.

  Diantha spotted Matt, and mentally pounced.  {{Hello!!  You must be a friend of Daddy's.  I'm Diantha.  The little one in the white dress that's in Mama-Nora's arms.  It's a pleasure to meet another one of Daddy's friends.}}  One look at her would make it obvious why she talked telepathically.  No child her age could speak clearly.

In reply to Diantha Ellen Derring (msg # 85):

Lucas smiled at the young Diantha.

"I'm planning on it, and I'm glad to be a part of your Father getting married. It means a lot to everyone, and it was a very nice ceremony."

"Yeah we'll see you at the reception Lucas speaking of I should ask my wife when its time to switch venues. C'mon Diantha lets see if we can tear Mommy Nora away from socializing." With a wave to Lucas and a final. "See you at the reception" He headed off in search of Nora.

  Nora grinned at Don, and said "There you are.  The photographer's done with us, so you can go get the car or the chauffeur, whichever you decided to use today, and all of us can head for the house.  I told Jack and Penny that they'd be helping Othello and David keep track of Diantha while we went on a honeymoon."

He smiled at her. "I can do that if a certain someone would be willing to go to her stepmommy's arms to free up her Daddy's."

  Nora laughed, and took Diantha, who willingly let him hand her off, although she gave him a sloppy-baby kiss before she did.  She was getting far better motor control than MOST children her age, and he could tell she was going to be a 'prodigy' child.

Don smiled at and kissed both the special ladies in his life on the cheek. He then headed into the parking lot to find the chauffer smoking a ciggarrette in front of the car. Don gave him the five minute sign and the man nodded stubbing out the ciggarrette on the ground and getting in the car as Don headed back in the church.

  Nora met Don by the door, and gave him a deep kiss before she said "You are so damn sexy, Don.  I love you to bits."

"I'm looking forward to having you all to myself for two weeks in the barren wilderness." He told her as he gave her a kiss. "I love you, both of you" He kissed Dianthas forehead. "Time for the party now you ladies ready?"

  Nora nodded, and said "Yes we are, Don.  And I can hardly wait.  You'll have to cuddle up close all night long, every night.  I know, it'll feel so strange getting plenty of sleep!!"

He wrapped an arm around Nora's waist leading her down the steps to the car "I'll admit adjusting hasn't been easy that included. I keep waking up after four hours."

Lucas smiled, then exited the reception. He needed to head back to the dojo briefly, then get to the reception.

>>To Dragon and Tiger

  Nora laughed, and said "Well, when we  get back from our honeymoon, I'll let you keep that habit, just so you can check on Diantha, then come back to bed."

"Yes, I remember you. The dragon from the middle of the street." She recalled with a chuckle. She gave a nod to Meg, acknowledging the girl, before turning her attention back to the dragon. "So, you're thinking of being a hero?" Either she was listening in to the conversation, or she'd just read the girl's mind.

"Well... maybe." The little dragon danced in the air, never quite standing still; her movements seemed a lot more graceful and natural than they had a few days ago, though her size might be a factor in that too. "I'm not sure if I'm the person for it, though... you need a lot of courage for it, I guess, so you don't run screaming when things get dangerous. And it's a huge responsibility. When you go up against a villain, there's a lot riding on you succeeding. I'm not sure I could handle all that all the time."

  Meg nodded to Katy, but her thoughts were, if Katy peeked, on complicated mathematical formulae.

  A baby talking with their brain was certainly more impressive than a 19 year old talking with no mouth.  Of course along those lines Matt didn't have to put effort into keeping track of Fiona fluttering about...  Even if he had been facing her out of polite habit.

  "More of an acquaintance of an acquaintance at this point, but I've been trying to stop being as antisocial as I used to be so it's a start.  Nice to meet you Diantha, I'm Matt." He gives a wave hello to Diantha's mother considering she's right there holding the girl, after all.

  Nora smiled at Matt, and said "Diantha must be talking to you.  She's gotten MUCH better at keeping her conversations private since Penny took over as her nanny.  You're welcome to come on over to the reception, I would never bar any of Don's acquaintances from his night job as Hunter."

Don opened the car door for Nora before turning to the gathering. "Alright everyone time to move to the reception all those coming please head in an orderly fashiln to Van Diemien Mansion"

  Nora chuckled, and kissed Don before she let him hand her and Diantha into the car.  She waved Jack and Penny along, since they were sort of Diantha's nanny and bodyguard (although Jack was more Penny's bodyguard than Diantha's).

Jack followed Penny into the limo the two of them sat in the back seat next to Dianthas car seat.

Fiona quickly perked up and looked around, then back at Meg and Katy. "Do you know which way to go?" Not having lived here for long, she didn't know her way around all of Weston yet.

  Matt shrugs, "They got to learn their indoor voice sometime I guess."  He looks over to Fiona,  "I could give you directions, but it's probably easier if you hitch a ride with somebody.  Not like they'd even need an extra seat at your current size."

Don got in the limo last before saying to the driver. " To Home please Charles."

  Charles headed them home.

------------>> Van Diemien Mansion

Ozzy left not far behind the Derrings, following the paparazzi that were tailing the newlyweds.