llv. The Mansion and The Morgan Residence. Homecoming

[dens_extra_pups]

((OOC Note: This log occurs before Easter, timeline wise.))



Sideswipe: *working in the kitchen with Elita, helping her prepare a beach picnic lunch for the students. Is quiet and relaxed, occasionally bopping slightly to the music on the stereo as he chops vegetables and slices meat and cheese*

Elita: *totally saw Sheldon peeking in here earlier, but now the young teen's done a vanishing act, so she's focused on lunch prep*

Sideswipe: *finished his chopping and slicing. Is now looking over the ingredients. Seeing nothing that he can further process, he looks to Elita for directions, dark eyes glinting softly with a hint of red light*

Elita: *finishes slicing the bread, looks over everything and nods* Looks good.

Sideswipe: *lifts brows* What do I do now? You said something about layered sandwich loaf. I don't know what that is.

Elita: I'll show you. *grabs the loaf pan, which she only recognizes because Legacy was making fresh bread the other day when she came in to nab some breakfast, and reaches for the bread slices* First, we take some bread and stick it in the bottom of the pan. Then we layer meat on top of that, with cheese on top of that, and veggies on top of the cheese. Then another layer of bread, and we start over with the layers.

Sideswipe: *watches and listens* Okay... what about mustard or mayo?

Chris: *snorts from where he's sitting and eating a giant flaxseed and black sesame enriched monkey bread with Sora at the table*

Sora: *headtilty, is studying the good nom. Has a sticky face and sticky hands, and has been poking bites at Papa Chris' mouth*

Elita: I think those go on the bread that goes on top of the veggies... *considering look for the condiments*

Sideswipe: *slight alarm* You mean you don't know?

Sora: *looks over at the alarm in Uncle Sideswipe's voice, expression going wary*

Chris: *points with his good arm to a cupboard* Books're there.

Elita: *will go get the cookbooks then*

Sora: *still a bit of a wary expression on her face*

Elita: *amused snerk when she sees that two of the cookbooks are all about sandwiches* Legacy's such a goober. I love that guy.

Sideswipe: *expression clears into a grin. Has an instinctive fondness for the gentle head cook*

Sora: *attention back on the sticky sweet nom. Nomph!*

Chris: *offers her a raisin. Has no idea what all these little seeds in the massive pile of bread bits are, but he likes the flavour they add to all the molasses drizzle and brown sugar and cinnamon*

Sora: *will study what Papa Chris is offering her before nomming on it*

Chris: *grins and leans over to try and lick a big splotch of drizzle off her cheek*

Sora: *squeak!*


meanwhile, outside


Optima: Oh! Oh no... *watches the little brown bunny with the long hair on its head and one lop ear shoot between her feet* I fail. Sorry, Ira.

Ira: I'll get it. *moving to try and catch the furry critter*

bunny: *has run back into the gazebo and is huddled under a bench, tiny nose barely daring to move*

Ira: *circling around and not making it obvious that he's moving toward the bunny*

Optima: *crouched and watching, unconsciously poised in her full coverage surfing suit as she prepares to try and block another escape*

bunny: *makes a squeak and tries to dash away again!*

Ira: *pounce*

bunny: *squeals as it feels fingers close around it!*

Optima: *gasps at the squeal*

Ira: *soothing sounds. Has caught the bunny and is holding it gently, but securely* Got it.

Optima: *straightens and walks over cautiously, her eyes wide under slightly tumbled blue hair* Is it hurt?

Ira: *checking the bunny over* No, probably just scared.

Optima: Awww. *slight smile as she sees the white markings on the little face and the nose, which is now wiggling at a happy rate* Do you think it's related to Ebenezer's bunny?

Ira: Might be. *will move to gently put the critter in Optima's hands*

Optima: *accepts the soft, warm little ball of fuzz, noting that its front paws are white also, and that the brown is the same wild rabbit grizzle as the bunny that Will and Ellie's big cat loves so carefully* *softly, as she kisses Ira on the cheek* Thank you.

Ira: *blinks and blushes. Will stammer something that sounds like "You're welcome." before turning his attention to checking for more bunnies*

Optima: *steps back, blushing at his reaction as she drops her attention to the little fuzzball in her hands* I'd better get this little guy in a nice quiet place.

Ira: *quietly* That's a girl...

Optima: Oh. Little girl, then. *smiles at him and turns toward the house, the short skirt she has buttoned over her surfing suit swinging softly with her movements*

Ira: *watches her go, a bit of a smile on his face*

Sunstreaker: *shoves through the hedge, wincing* I think there were only those two. *looks at Ira and grins slightly* Ai, you've got it bad.

Ira: *bit of a growl for Sunstreaker* *will head for the house*

Sunstreaker: What? *confused frown. Follows the older man* Hey, what are you growling at me for now?

Ira: *bit of a grouch going on now* For pointing out the obvious.

Sunstreaker: So? Sometimes it's nice to hear the obvious. *falls into step with Ira*

Ira: *rolls his eyes* *will go check on Chris and Sora*

Sunstreaker: *grumbles and heads off to check on kids. Wonders if he'll ever be able to befriend the Alpha as his instinct insists he should*

Chris: *sitting and watching as Sideswipe insists that a bit of buttery instant mashed potatoes needs to go on top of the sandwich loaf before slicing, because the kids will like frosting*

Sora: *busy licking sticky sweetness off of her fingers and looking far more innocent than she probably should*

Elita: *arguing that mashed potatoes are a side, not a topping*

Sideswipe: The kids'll like it! *already has the bowl and the potato flakes in it*

Ira: Mashed potato sandwiches are good.

Chris: Yup.

Sideswipe: *perks*

Elita: *raised brow look for the brothers* You two are so strange.

Sora: *checking to see if there're any more noms to feed to Papa Chris* *is looking for something not sweet. Has had her fill of that flavor type*

Sideswipe: You know, Elita, for someone who tries to be so out there, you're pretty square sometimes. *starts mixing up the taters, making them light and fluffy and nice*

Elita: *razz*

Chris: *offers Sora another monkey bread bit* *between them they've only eaten a third of the huge loaf, which was baked using the big stoneware mixing bowl as a pan*

Sora: *headshake*

Chris: *blinks, then looks at his brother* Ira, Sora wants something else.

Ira: *amused snerk, will see if Sideswipe will let him gank some of the mashed potatoes*

Sideswipe: Whoa. Shouldn't she wait for lunch? Are there rules about this? *glances to Elita uncertainly*

Elita: *soft chuckle* Most of it will probably get fed to Chris anyway... And with the way she's been putting food away lately...

Ira: *surprised as he realizes Sideswipe's been talkier than usual today*

Sideswipe: Okay, let me add more. I only made enough for the loaf. *grabs the flakes and goes to work* Do you have a bowl, 'Hide?

Ira: *will reach for a bowl from the cupboard*

Chris: *trying to clean a little Sora face again. Licked his sleeve and is wiping at her cheek*

Sora: *squeak, protesting in Swahili* *is holding still though*

Sideswipe: *looks over at the squeak while putting potatoes into Ira's bowl* Um. That's not how you do that.

Ira: *looks, snerk*

Elita: *headshake, will get Chris a washcloth*

Chris: *gruff thanks, and then tries again*

Sora: *more protesting, and an itty bitty pout* *doesn't think she needs face washin's, Papa Chris!*

Sideswipe: *grinning now as he offers the rest of the potatoes to Elita*

Elita: *amused headshake*

Optima: *peeks into the room* How's lunch coming? Oh. Sora, would you like me to help Papa Chris with that?

Sora: *gonna hide behind Papa Chris now! Still doesn't think she needs face washin's!*

Optima: *chuckles and reaches up into the cookbook cupboard* Should we use the wipes that smell like peppermint?

Sora: *peeek*

Chris: *pauses and watches at that*

Optima: Oh. We have the cupcake scented ones too. *shows the little girl the two packages*

Sora: *thinking hard now*

Chris: *thoughtfully* Peppermint smells kinda nice.

Sora: *points at the peppermint ones*

Optima: *puts the other package back into the cupboard, and then removes a wipe from the one she kept and offers that wipe to Sora*

Sora: *will reach for the wipe and smell it, making a soft, pleased sound*

Optima: *smiles as she closes the package* Can you wash away all the sugar before it dries and gets itchy or causes Lassie to kiss you?

Sora: 0_0 *gonna try to clean up now. Does not want Lassie kisses*

Sideswipe: *impressed grin for Optima* You're good.

Optima: *quizzical look as she puts the peppermint wipes away*

Elita: Sora wouldn't let Chris clean her up... *chuckles*

Optima: Ohhh. *slight smile for Chris, who has absently resumed munching on monkey bread*

Ira: *will bring the mashed potatoes over to Sora and Chris*

Sora: *perks and watches Uncle Ira set the bowl on the table. Will scoot over, wipe forgotten in her hand*

Optima: Let Papa Iron see your face, Sora?

Sora: *blink blink, looks to Uncle*

Ira: *gentle rumble as he moves to help the girl clean the rest of the sugar off*

Sideswipe: *chuckles at the cute expression on that slightly scrunched up little face*

Optima: Should I help you with your swim suit after you're done eating, Sora?

Sora: *bit of a wary look at the mention of the swim suit. Still not entirely sure about that thing, Aunty*

Optima: It looks like mine, except that the sleeves only go to your elbows and knees. *indicates her own garment* And you don't need to wear the skirt if you don't want to.

Sideswipe: ...That's a swim suit?

Sora: *still going to be wary of the strange garnment, Aunty. Is used to not wearing anything if she's gotta swim*

Optima: *just gives the little girl's shoulder a comforting squeeze as she turns to reply to Sideswipe. Is distracted by Ira's expression, however and touches his arm gently instead* What is it, Ira?

Ira: *voicing a concern he just realized* Do all the kids know how to swim?

Optima: Everyone but Bumblebee knows among the students.

Ira: *nod* Good. What about the staff?

Optima: Those of the staff who can't swim are smart enough to stay out of the water.

Ira: *nod* Good. *relaxing*

Sora: *attention going to the mashed 'taters, will soon be nomphing*

Optima: *blushes softly as she decides to tease Ira* Do you have a suit?

Chris: *snorts amusement as he eats*

Ira: *nods* I do.

Optima: *more blush, and some surprise* Really? *hadn't expected the old soldier to swim*

Ira: *nods* And so does Chris.

Optima: Oh... oh. Um... *looks down, overcome by blush*

Ira: We'd better hurry up and get ready.

Sora: *looks up from making another mashed 'tater ball*

Optima: Yes. *looks up* Elita, is lunch ready?

Elita: Yup. Even if Sora's still eating her snack. *amused glance towards the girl*

Optima: Alright. Everyone who isn't already dressed for the occasion better suit up. And Sideswipe, no butts.

Sideswipe: *happy grin* Don't worry, me and Sonny have 'em covered.

Optima: I hope so. *had been shocked when the two European raised men had shown her their swimsuits, and had asked them to buy ones with more coverage*

Sora: *is now licking the remains of mashed 'tater balls off of her hands*

Sideswipe: *out of the room, humming as he goes*

Elita: Everything's packed and ready to be hauled to the beach. *grins and heads off to get her own swimsuit on*

Optima: *sighs* You'd better get ready, Ira and Chris.

Chris: Am. *eat* Put it on this morning.

Ira: *snerk, will head off to don his swimsuit*

Rachel: *bustles in then, dressed in a fifties style sailor theme swimdress* Alright, Chris. Let's get you and your lunch to the beach.

Optima: *lifts her brows, and then looks at Sora to see if she'd like to come with her, or have Rachel help her with her suit*

Sora: *scoots a bit closer to Aunty, since she knows Mama Ray will take care of Papa Chris*

Optima: *smiles and reaches out her hands, offering to take the little girl onto her hip*

Sora: *reaches for Aunty*

Optima: *little girl on hip, and out the door, talking to her softly and marvelling at how pudgy she's becoming*


meanwhile, in Lance's room


Misty: *braiding soft, bright pink hair and grinning as she does so* Can't wait ta see you in a swimsuit.

Lance: *grinning as well as his hair gets braided* I'm looking forward to swimming. I miss doing that...

Misty: Yeah? *finishes the braid and carefully fastens the tie he gives her*

Lance: *nod* Yeah. Back home, the only time I didn't go swimming was if the weather was bad or the ocean was rough... Those usually happened at the same time though, so... *slight shrug and more grin as he glances over his shoulder* Can't wait to see you in a swimsuit too, Misty.

Misty: *wicked grin as she puts her hands on his shoulders* Bought one just fer you.

Lance: *more grin* Awesome. I get to swim with a pretty girl.

Misty: *grin widens, and then she's moving around him so that she can sit on him and try to steal a kiss*

Lance: *it's not stealing if he's giving, right?* *happy sounds*

Misty: *wondering just what she can get away with here, since all the staff seem to be distracted. But then she's startling and growling as Lance's phone rings* *sits up and says something unpleasant*

Lance: *scowling at his phone now, even as he reaches to see who has lousy timing* ... *brows up* It's my dad... *so surprised. Will answer* Hello?

Lance Senior: //Hello, son. How're you doing?// *sounds fake cheerful, like he does when he's getting ready to try and change Lance's mind about something*

Lance: *calmly* Hello, Father. I'm doing well. How are you doing?

Lance Senior: //We're doing good. Your mother's feeling better.// *pause* //We got your card.//

Lance: Oh, good. I was worried that it wouldn't arrive before you and Mother went on vacation. *waiting for what his father wants to "discuss" now*

Lance Senior: *shoots straight to the point now, like he used to do on the football field when he was young* //Son, how can you even think of doing something like that to your mother?//

Lance: *eyes narrow* I didn't want to upset her more than was necessary.

Lance Senior: //Then what are you doing something so lame brain for? You know how long she's dreamed of planning you the perfect wedding to a nice girl.//

Lance: *tone goes a bit cold, is starting to get a bit peeved with his father* Misty is a good woman, Father.

Lance Senior: //That's bull@&%$#@. I looked her up. She's nothing but a *deleted* thug.//

Lance: ... *quietly, coldly* She's worth at least ten of you, Father.

Lance Senior: *voice goes hard* //Don't marry that trash, Junior.//

Lance: *not saying anything. Just blew up his phone, is shaking with anger*

Misty: *sitting and watching him with one brow lifted* Need ta get up, Gorgeous?

Lance: *quietly* Yes. I need to take a walk.

Misty: *gets to her feet and steps out of the way, that brow still lifted*

Lance: *gets up, gives her a quick, gentle kiss, and then leaves the room*

Misty: *frowns as she goes to the window and watches the pink Jag roar down the driveway a few minutes later*


About two hours later, after lunch, and after some lessons on beach ecology, weather patterns, and geology...


Skyfire: *stands up over in the gentle water, a monofin mermaid fin and resin seashell bra wearing TC in his arms. Gentle shake to clear off water, and then looks over toward Skylar's sound of disbelief* Ach, zer you are, brozer.

TC: *big happy grin* Aren't you going to come play? You have a fin too.

Skylar: And get my wings wet? No way.

TC: Awww. But Sky says Poppa does it all the time. *looks around for Jacob and laughs out loud when she sees him putting on the deluxe lifelike black merman tail that a fangirl sent to Skylar years ago*

Skylar: His wings are waterproof, TC. Mine aren't.

Marty: *looks over from where she's standing and removing her 1900s style coverup* Oh no they're not. *laughs* He just doesn't mind getting wet.

Skylar: *scowl*

Optima: *dismissing kids to play in the gentle water, with instructions to stay near the staff and to play safe. Suddenly distracted as she notices Chris pull off his shirt and lay back on the sand in his swim trunks*

Elita: *also distracted. Muscles!*

Sora: *sticking close to Papa Chris for now* *and poking at her swimsuit*

Sheldon: *totally going to splash around and be carefully rowdy*

Mike: *will join his friend. Used to swim in the lake at home, and his prosthesis are water proof*

Chris: *notices surprised looks from the ladies and snorts* *to Optima* This isn't the chest you're supposedta be looking at. *closes eyes for nap*

Optima: *as Rachel shakes her head at her husband's bluntness she turns flaming red and turns hurriedly away to the water. Even in her confusion though part of her is wondering if Ira has finished with that hard to please metre reader who had demanded a path cleared to the metres*

Toku: *sleepily content in his dinghy and shallow pool near where Rachel and Chris are. Has one hand trailing over the side of the dinghy into the water, and is currently covered with blankets. Very glad and thankful that Perceptor was able to help him share in the beach day despite his life support equipment*

Rachel: *gives Toku a smile, then settles back on her beach towel and beach chair to read her book and let Chris admire her in her suit*

Chris: *admires wife a bit, then grins and naps with a little warm Sora using his chest for a pillow*

Calypso: *is that whooping in the rougher waters as she manages to get her wind surfer airborn over the crest of a massive wave*

Optima: *looks up at the whoop, and watches Calypso, Sky, and Will out there in the wild waters far from the shore. Can't help smiling as she realizes that she was right in suspecting that Will and Calypso would love to learn windsurfing*

Sky: *flies up in the air, her body board held in her arms as she looks for a good place to settle and once more ride the waves with her natural "sails". Is wearing a worn one piece racer suit and tattered cut off jeans*

William: *laughing as he catches a bit of air. Doesn't go as high as Calypso, but that doesn't matter to the doctor*

Rush: *busy rough-housing with Del near the shore, is trying to dunk his twin*

Optima: *can see that the backless surfsuits that the surfers are wearing were a good idea* *and then she ducks as Nessa flies over*

Nessa: *over to the two in the shallows* Hey, Rush. Wanna surf? *laughs and blinks her lights*

Rush: *gives Del a good shove that leaves the other soldier flailing and trying to get back to his feet* *grin* Sure!

Nessa: *lowers so that he can hop aboard* How well can you swim?

Rush: *as he moves to hop aboard* About as well as Caly.

Nessa: Great! *shoots out toward the fun water!*

Tomoe: *watches her go, and then looks back down at the man who is laying with his head in her lap. No swimsuit, just a comfortable and sweet looking little lilac sun dress and pretty sandals*

Legacy: *having a bit of a doze. Is comfortable in his Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. Didn't bother with shoes*

Tomoe: *gives him a gentle kiss on the forehead, and then resumes smoothing his hair as she watches the activity all around them*

Perceptor: *wearing his servo suit and standing waist deep in water as he holds Bea so that she can practise paddling. Happy praise for the young girl, and laughing admonishment as Sheldon and Mike splash him*

Ethan: *goes wading over to the smaller boys in his school issue suit, which is a larger version of Sora's. Is soon giving Bea a ride through the water as she holds on for all she's worth and laughs*

Jazz: *is that whoop as he suddenly goes tearing from the door to the water. SPLASH!*

Bryson: *startled yelp*

Prowl: *laughing muchly now as she follows Jazz inside* *makes sure she doesn't step on the sarong that is currently doubling as a skirt over her one-piece swimsuit*

Sonny: *pauses to watch Jazz from where he and his brother were racing out in the deeper part of the calm water in their leather loincloths, and then both brothers are moving to splash the happy blue-eyed lights and dazzle expert*

Jazz: *gleefully returns the favour!*

Skyfire: *holds up a wing to save the students from seeing his and his wife's PDA. Happy sound*

Skylar: *bemused expression, will head for the beach*

Ethan: *temporarily beached as he coughs up water and laughs* *looks up at Skylar, and then sits up* You're really not swimming, Mr. Jones?

Skylar: I don't like getting my wings wet. They get heavy if they get wet.

Ethan: *sympathy clear on his plain green face* Oh. That's too bad. *then jumps and looks toward a gleeful yell out in the rough part of the water* Wow! What's Miss Johnson doing?

Skylar: *looks* Sky's wind surfing... I think.

Ethan: *impressed* With her wings.

Skylar: *bit of a sulk going on now*

Elita: *has turned her attention from muscles to the water, is wading in and aiming splashes at Mike and Sheldon*

Jacob: *out in the calm deep with the Lambos and Jazz now. Happy old winged merman in swim goggles*

Ethan: *heads over to see what Jacob and the teachers/staff guys are doing. Tries to invite Bryson to come with*

Bryson: *rambling like nothing else now, and flailing a bit, sending water everywhere*

Optima: *turns as the door opens, and then watches as Mistfire comes in with Grimlock, Moonracer, and Swoop, noting that the two female Dinobots are wearing their school issue swimsuits, but that Grimlock's sturdy body is modestly covered by a pair of cut off pants. Also notes that Moonracer's cut the sleeves off her suit, and shortened the legs*

Grimlock: *sees the diving tower over there at the opposite end of the beach from where everyone else is* Me Grimlock BELLYFLOP!

Moonracer: *has a ball in her hands* I'll go play with Prowl and Jazz and those guys.

Grimlock: Okay, you Moonie have fun. *thunders toward the diving tower*

Optima: *looks down at Jackie and Blue as they come over to her* So you made it, hmm? *smiles at the rekids*

Blue: *shy little grin as he nods*

Swoop: *has found Toku and is making sure the teen is comfortable* *once she's done that, she'll get distracted by the waves* *will chase the waves as they retreat and skitter back as they advance*

Moonracer: *hopefully showing the guys and Prowl her ball*

Prowl: *nods and moves to get Jazz's attention*

Ira: *just came in, looks a bit worried about something*

Jackie: Hmmm. I kin swim pretty good. *goes running off toward where the adults are getting ready to play ball!*

Optima: *watches the young again engineer, her arm going around Blue's shoulders as she does. Hasn't noticed Ira yet*

Misty: *sullen look at Ira, and then wanders off to watch Grimlock flop*

Blue: *watching Grimlock and thinking that what the big hybrid is doing looks fun, but he's not sure he'd be able to swim to safety if he needed to*

Ira: *scanning the beach, is looking for a flash of pink. Frowns muchly when he realizes that Lance isn't amongst the kids or staff. Approaches Optima* We've got a problem.

Optima: *starts just slightly and turns toward him* What's wrong, Ira? Couldn't you get things to the metre reader's liking?

Ira: *headshake* Got that idiot to leave, but Lance isn't here.

Optima: *brows lift, and she does a quick scan of her own* There's Misty.

Ira: Lance isn't with her. And he's not in the water.

Optima: I see that. *frowns* Misty responds better to you. Could you ask her where he is?

Ira: *nod, moves to talk to the teen*

Misty: *moody scowling as she watches water shoot into the air after Grimlock's first dive. Doesn't seem to notice Ira approaching, but those who know her know how alert the muscular girl is*

Ira: Where's Lance? *cutting right to the point, is worried*

Misty: *shrugs without looking at him* Think 'e went home ta Daddy.

Ira: ... *frown* He should have said something to us before he left.

Misty: He's got an extra phone in the Jag. *still not looking away from Grimlock, who is roaring about his victory over the water*

Ira: ... What's that phone number?

Misty: *recites the number, which basically spells out "Im gorgeous"*

Ira: *nods and heads off to get a phone*

Perceptor: *as he passes* Is something amiss, Mr. Irons?

Ira: Lance took off.

Perceptor: Ah, what did he take off? *absently pats Bea's head as she hugs the leg of his servo suit*

Ira: He's not here.

Perceptor: Ah! I understand. *concern shows on his thin, pale face* You're going in search of the boy?

Ira: *nods, expression serious* Someone has to. *frown* Do you have a phone, Perceptor?

Perceptor: As a matter of fact, I do. *touches a spot on the arm of his suit and speaks a word, then offers the small speaker that rises up in response to the old soldier* It's a speaker model, I'm afraid.

Ira: *nod* Can you dial *recites Lance's alternate phone number*?

Perceptor: *quietly commands his suit's computer to do so, and then looks quickly toward a screech from Calypso* Oh dear me...

Calypso: *surfaces a few moments later in the calm water and cusses her board out*

Ira: *growls as Lance fails to pick up and the call goes to voicemail* Where the heck are you, Lance?

Perceptor: *distracted from Calypso by Ira's question. Taps a few keys on the little holo keyboard that he calls up, and then shows Ira the GPS tracker that has connected with the answering of the voice mail*

Ira: *nods, expression darkening as he realizes the teen's already put a lot of distance between himself and the school* I'll be back with the idiot. *heads over to Optima to report where Lance is now and where the teen might be heading*

Optima: *starts to say something, but then looks quickly to Perceptor as he exclaims*

Ira: *head snaps back to Perceptor* What happened?

Perceptor: Does Lance have one of the teleportation devices? *blinking and looking worried*

Ira: ... He shouldn't.

Perceptor: *picks Bea up and walks over to show Ira his display* He's now, and rather abruptly, in California.

Optima: *brows lift, and then her lips thin* Someone's lost their PINpoint. *and she doesn't think it was an accident*

Ira: *muttering things under his breath now*

Optima: *watches the dot as it stops* That's his parents' neighbourhood.

Ira: What is that idiot up to?

Optima: Did Misty say anything?

Ira: Just that he might be visiting his dad. *frowning*

Optima: Stephan, will you call Mrs. Morgan and ask her if everything's alright? *waits a moment, and then lifts her brows at Perceptor when he fails to answer to his given name*

Ira: *reaches over. Pokes a nerd*

Perceptor: Oh! Yes. My given name is Stephan... I hear it so seldom... *tells computer to close that call and trace and to connect to this number instead*

Optima: *bit of a wondering look for the scientist*

Hispanic lady: //Morgan residence. How may I help you?//

Perceptor: Hello, may I speak with Mrs. Morgan please?

Hispanic lady: //May I ask who is calling?//

Perceptor: This is Stephan Hawking, from the Pax School.

Hispanic lady: //Alright. I'll go get her. Is it okay if I place you on hold in the meantime?//

Perceptor: *pleasantly* I have no problem with that, Miss.

Hispanic lady: //It should only be a few minutes at most, sir. Thank you.// *will put the phone on hold*

Perceptor: *smiles at Bea, and then glances from Ira to Optima as he waits*

Ira: *frowning and trying to work out the logic behind Lance's actions*

Optima: *worried and wondering about Lance, and also wondering why Rachel is looking at Swoop like that, and if Grimlock's going to hurt himself with those belly flops*

quiet woman: *answers a very short while later* //H-hello?//

Perceptor: *pleasant and gentle* Hello, Mrs. Morgan? This is Professor Stephan Hawking, from Lance's school. How are you today?

Mrs. Morgan: //I-I'm doing f-fine... I-Is t-there a problem, P-Professor Hawking?//

Perceptor: Ah. I'm not certain. Do you know where your son is?

Mrs. Morgan: //Ah, y-yes... Y-You just m-missed him, though...//

Perceptor: Oh really? *surprise is clear in his voice*

Optima: *quick look to Ira*

Ira: *frowning to the point of scowling*

Mrs. Morgan: *sounding a bit more confident* //Y-Yes. He and his f-father had a b-bit of an arguement, and Lance left immediately afterwards.//

Perceptor: *softly* Oh dear.

Mrs. Morgan: *quietly* //Poor Lance w-was quite upset by w-what his f-father said... B-But he was r-right to be upset... I-I'm sure Misty i-is a w-wonderful girl.//

Perceptor: *perks* Can your telephone receive video feed?

Mrs. Morgan: //V-Video feed?// *sounds confused*

Perceptor: Ah. You're not using a cellular. Hmmm. *thinks quickly*

Mrs. Morgan: *can be heard asking "Lucia" to please bring a cell phone*

Lucia: *can be heard returning, will explain that she thinks a tablet would work better for looking at pictures*

Mrs. Morgan: *very quietly asking for help with using the piece of tech*

Perceptor: *offers a few pointers in the simple language that he uses with the youngest students*

Lucia: *also gently instructing Mrs. Morgan on how to use the tablet, her tone soothing and calm*

Mrs. Morgan: //A-Alright... I-I think it's ready...//

Perceptor: *gently* I'll be sending real life video feed. *touches a few spots on his holographic keyboard, and then turns toward Misty*

Misty: *standing with her hands in the pockets of her battered cargo pants, strong shoulders bowed as she scowls out toward the simulated sea. Buzzed hair is too short to be ruffled by the breeze, but the scarf that Lance gave to her is moving softly*

Mrs. Morgan: //I-Is that M-Misty?//

Perceptor: *softly* It is indeed. I suspect that Lance did not let her know the nature of his trip. *startles as an explosion comes from the speaker* Mrs. Morgan? Are you alright?

Mrs. Morgan: *shrieks and loses her grip on the tablet*

Lucia: *quick to catch the tablet and can be heard talking soothingly to Mrs. Morgan, even though it's clear she's a bit rattled too*

Perceptor: *distressed, and then exclaiming as Optima grabs his arm*

Optima: Mrs. Morgan? What happened? Do you need help?

Mrs. Morgan: *panicking badly*

Lucia: //Something just exploded outside. It... Mr. Morgan's car... It just blew up!//

Optima: I'll be right there! *lets go of Perceptor, gently shoves Blue away, and then grabs Ira's hand and hits the button on her waterproof teleporter*

Mrs. Morgan: *shrieks again and cowers under the table* *is a tiny wisp of a woman with pale blonde hair*

Lucia: *startled blurt of Spanish, is the equally tiny Hispanic woman over by the window*

Optima: *soothing sounds as she lets go of Ira's hand. Moves to crouch near Mrs. Morgan, but outside the woman's personal space*

Mrs. Morgan: *barely peeking, her blue eyes wide with fright*

Ira: *moving to see if Mr. Morgan needs help*

Optima: *offers Mrs. Morgan her hand, only startling slightly as Lance Sr. bursts into the room cursing*

Mrs. Morgan: *quail chicks behind Optima*

Lucia: *moving to fuss over Mr. Morgan*

Lance Sr: That scrawny little mutant freak blew up my new Humvee! Where's the *blankety blank* phone??

Mrs. Morgan: *quietly, jaw set with the same streak of stubbornness that Lance tends to exhibit at unexpected moments* Then maybe you shouldn't have left your toys laying about, dear.

Lucia: *trying very hard not to burst out laughing*

Ira: *amused snort*

Lance Sr: What the *bleep* are you talking about, Angel? Do you know what that stupid little *bleeper* is trying to do? *pause* And who the *bleep* are you people? What are you doing in my house?

Optima: *arm around Mrs. Morgan. Will let her explain if she wants*

Mrs. Morgan: *quietly* This is Miss Optima Pax, from the school. Sh-She came to m-make sure we were alright.

Ira: *moves to stand near Optima and Mrs. Morgan. Has a feeling the tiny blonde will be needing protection very shortly*

Lance Sr: *rugged face gets ugly* You know what I think of mutants in the house, Angel. *turns a belligerent look to Ira* Get out. And take your woman with you.

Mrs. Morgan: *eyes flash with a hint of anger* You got exactly what you deserved, Lance.

Lucia: *boggling at that*

Lance Sr: *whirls to glare at his wife incredulously* What the *bleep* did you say?

Optima: *instinctively shields the smaller woman with her body*

Ira: *moving to protect the three women in the room*

Mrs. Morgan: I-I heard what you called Misty. You deserved what you got. *starting to shake with the force of her anger, and possibly a bit of fear*

Lance Sr: *face gets even uglier* You know what that gold digging white trash *bleep's* after, and it ain't Junior's scrawny bod.

Mrs. Morgan: *quietly* The same thing you were after when you married me, Lance? *knows all about the business deal her father made with Lance Sr.'s father*

Lance Sr: What the *bleep* are you talking about, you stupid *bleep*? I married you because you got your stupid *bleeping bleep* knocked up. I didn't need your *bleeping* money! *is shouting now*

Lucia: *frowning muchly and wanting to move to pop Lance Sr. in the mouth, but the big bearded guy's not letting her*

Mrs. Morgan: *positively trembling now*

tablecloth: *bursts into flames*

Lance Sr: *bellows at Optima* You stupid *bleep*! Look what you did! Get out! Now!

Optima: *wide eyes. Teleports away, and takes Mrs. Morgan with her*

tablecloth: *still burnin', yo!*

Ira: *calls Lance Sr. something vile before bringing Lucia with him to the mansion*


back at the mansion, in the front foyer



Optima: *arms around Mrs. Morgan as she makes comforting sounds* You're safe now.

Mrs. Morgan: *having an all-out panic attack* *this is the first time in years that she's left the house without someone who knows about her agoraphobia*

Lucia: *is that string of frightened Spanish that's fast approaching*

Optima: *gently* Lucia is coming. Lucia is here. You're safe, Angel. You're safe.

Lucia: *hurrying over to Mrs. Morgan* We need to get near water, quick.

Optima: *brows up* Grab hold of me.

Lucia: *will do so, even as Ira heads off down the hall*

Optima: *brings Lucia and Angel down to the beach room*

Misty: *leaps four foot into the air with a curse, but then crouches and watches with scowling concern*

Rachel: *on her feet and heading over*

Perceptor: *just watching from where he's standing in the shallows with Bea, his concern very apparent*

Lucia: *gently coaxing Angel into a sitting position near the water's edge, paying no mind to the fact that the very shallowest parts of the water nearby are starting to bubble slightly*

Angel: *hiding and trembling as she tries to both calm down and regain control of her abilities*

Rachel: *over to the first aid kit, and then to Angel and offers the woman a soft blanket* It's fire proof. And I'm a doctor. And X gene positive.

Angel: *startled out of her panic attack, looks a bit lost now, but will quietly accept the blanket with a whispered "Thank you." before Lucia is moving to wrap it around her*

Lucia: *soothing murmurs in Spanish*

Grimlock: *is suddenly just there, his big shoulders hunched as he creeps close and offers a chocolate cookie left over from lunch* You, him Lance's mama? Him Lance like these cookies.

Rachel: *glances at Grimlock, but doesn't reprimand him* *to Mrs. Morgan* You're safe here.

Angel: *wide-eyed and a barely audible squeak at the sudden arrival, but with Lucia's gentle coaxing, she's hesitantly reaching for the offered cookie* L-Lance is my s-son.

Grimlock: *nods his big head as he gently gives her the treat* Her Mistfire say. Him Lance her Mistfire's squeeze.

Angel: *small nod* I-I'm glad.

Grimlock: *grins* You, Mama, should see him Lance blow *bleep* up in Danger Room.

Optima: *surprised expression as she hears that, looks at Rachel*

Rachel: *intent on her patient*

Angel: *looks just a bit more frightened now*

Grimlock: *sees this and thinks as fast as he can* Him getting good at protecting. *nod nod*

Optima: *even more surprised*

Angel: *slow nod, is starting to feel overwhelmed and dizzy*

Rachel: I think she's alright, Grimlock. Why don't you go back to Misty now?

Grimlock: *looks at Angel inquiringly* Mama done with me Grimlock?

Angel: *small nod* *quietly* Thank you for the cookie, Grimlock.

Grimlock: Me Grimlock glad you like. *stands and then wades out through the boiling water without even flinching*

Angel: *will try and focus on something that makes sense: trying the cookie* *hands are still shaking though*

Rachel: *quiet and calm* Would you like to go somewhere more quiet now? *glances toward the silent girl who is still crouched and watching a few feet away*

Angel: *small nod*

Lucia: *gently talking to her boss and offering to help the blonde to her feet*

Rachel: *stands and moves back* Just follow me. There's a room with a couch just a little way down the hall from this room.

Angel: *helped to her feet by Lucia, will think about the doctor's words later, once she's calmed down enough*

water: *starting to cool as Lucia helps Angel out of the room*

Rachel: *follows them and shows them the little quiet room that Optima installed for the kids to crash in after a strenuous play session in the Danger Rooms*

Angel: *soon curled up on the couch with Lucia smoothing her hair*

Rachel: *nods* If you need anything, there's an intercom by the door. Optima or I will hear it.

Angel: *small nod* *softly* Thank you.

Rachel: *slight smile* You're more than welcome. *out she goes, back to the beach*

Angel: *quiet for a few moments as she carefully and neatly eats the cookie that was given to her. Soft pleased sounds at the flavor* *very quietly* I see why Lance likes these cookies.

Lucia: *soft chuckle* I can go see if there are more.

Angel: *small nod, will move to sit up, blinking as she notices the fish on the flat screen TV on the wall facing the couch*

Lucia: *gentle shoulder pat, will go back to the room with the beach*

Misty: *standing outside the door to the little room. Turns her head and gives Lucia a quizzical but not unfriendly scowl when she comes out*

Lucia: Miss Angel was wondering whether there were more cookies. *small smile for the taller girl*

Misty: *nods* I'll go check. *jogs away, her movements full of latent strength*

Lucia: *reminded strongly of her older sisters and brothers*

Misty: *soon back* Gotta go upstairs. Justamo. *puts on speed and is gone around the corner*

Perceptor: *looks out of the Beach Room with concern* Is Mrs. Morgan feeling better?

Lucia: *nods* She was watching the fish. I came to get more cookies for her.

Perceptor: *relieved* Ah, I see. *curiosity lights his thin face* You are the lady who answered the telephone when I called the Morgan residence?

Lucia: *nods* Part of my job duties include answering the phone.

Perceptor: You are Mrs. Morgan's aid? *doesn't even think of "maid"*

Lucia: *nod* Her Personal Assistant. I was supposed to be the housekeeper, but Mrs. Morgan insisted on doing the housework herself. *small, fond smile at the memory of her first day*

Perceptor: She sounds like a pleasant person. *turns head as Misty returns, still moving with easy power*

Misty: *not even sweating as she offers the little food storage box of cookies* Brought the other chocolate kind too.

Lucia: *surprised expression is a go* Thank you. *will accept the offered box*

Misty: *slight frown toward the door* She wanna be alone?

Lucia: *headshake* I gotta get back to her... *will move to head for the room again*

Perceptor: *quietly* I believe that Misty was enquiring as to whether Mrs. Morgan would care for her company.

Lucia: *small smile* She'd like that. She was tellin' me the other day that she was glad Junior met a nice girl.

Misty: *grimaces as Perceptor smiles and steps back into the Beach Room* Junior?

Lucia: *nod, moves to hold the door open* Poor guy's named after his dad.

Misty: *as she steps cautiously into the room* So call 'im Scattershot.

Lucia: *blinks* Scattershot?

Angel: *slight start, was very distracted by the fish*

Misty: Yeah. Like 'is gift. *pauses and tries a smile for Mrs. Morgan, though she's really not sure how to look nice. Grimlock's the one that's good with shy people, not her*

Lucia: ... Huh. *will move to sit down next to Angel and offer her one of the cookies from the box*

Angel: *very quietly* What is his gift?

Misty: *slight smirk, but then thinks twice* Uh... it's kinda scary.

Angel: *small nod of understanding*

Lucia: *offers the box of cookies to Misty, trying to encourage conversation between her boss and her boss' son's girl*

Misty: *slight frown* Those're Mom's.

Angel: *quietly* I don't mind sharing.

Misty: *considers, but then takes one of the chocolate chunk peanut butter cookies and has a bite* Flax seed. *snerk*

Angel: *blinks a bit and looks, curious*

Misty: It's supposta make 'em good fer ya. *has another bite*

Angel: *quietly* Oh...

Misty: *looks over at the older and smaller woman* *gruffly* You alright? *wants to know what happened, but won't ask*

Angel: *quietly* I-I will be. *small nod*

Lucia: *gently, as she patpats Angel's knee* Yeah. Everything'll be okay.

Misty: *nods and has more cookie* Y'saw 'Shot?

Angel: *another small nod* Briefly...

Misty: He alright? *frowns despite herself*

Angel: *nod* Other than upset, yes...

Misty: *looks at her cookie* Not hard ta upset 'im.

Lucia: *thinking quick* Misty, right?

Misty: Yup. *looks up quizzically, her purple heather eyes studying Lucia*

Lucia: Later, can you show me around, so I can learn where all the doors are?

Misty: *brows lift slightly* Yer stayin'?

Lucia: *nod*

Angel: *bites her lip and nods*

Misty: *gets to her feet* Let's gitcha someplace better, then.

Angel: *hesitant and uncertain, but will get up and hug the fireproof blanket around her*

Lucia: *getting up as well* *makes sure to put the lid back on the cookie box*

Misty: *turns toward the door, but then remembers something she's seen Optima do and comes back to offer Angel her arm*

Angel: *glad for the offered arm, is still a bit shaky*

Misty: *slows her stride and leads the two women up to the main floor, and then via elevator to the second floor, where she brings them to a large two bed room way at the end of the student wing hallway* It's pretty quiet down here.

Angel: *quietly thanks Misty as she nods*

Lucia: *memorized the route, and also made note of the location of one of the main doors* Thanks, Misty. *smile*

Misty: *nod* Be right back. *off she goes again, once more running easily and lightly*

Lucia: *will talk quietly to Angel, reassuring her that things will work out, and that God will watch over her son*

Angel: *quietly* I know He will... He brought Misty into Scattershot's life, didn't He?

Lucia: *soft chuckle* Yeah, He did. *gentle shoulder patpat for her boss*

Misty: *is back! A bright pink soft doll with vinyl skin and a few spots of velcro on it in her arms* Here. *big grin as she holds it out to Angel*

Angel: *just a bit wide-eyed with surprise* *quietly, as she accepts the offered doll* Thank you, Misty.

Misty: *bit gruff* You ever see any'a that junk about other realities?

Angel: *small headshake* *quietly* T-This is the first time I-I've left the house s-since before Scattershot was born...

Misty: Oh. *frowns and thinks, then shrugs* Well, there's other realities. *nods to the doll* That's how 'Shot looks in some.

Angel: *blinks a bit and turns her attention to studying the doll*

Lucia: *soft chuckle* At least that one won't argue with her.

Angel: *quietly* Scattershot never argued with me. His father is another story.

Misty: *surprise on her face* Uh, yeah. I was gonna say, "He argues?". That guy's a suck.

Angel: *small nod* He's a good person. I'm just glad he found someone who loves him for who he is.

Misty: *can't help the slight leer that just happened* What's not to love? That punk's got lines.

Angel: *quiet now, as she remembers that it was Scattershot's father's looks that caught her attention first. Silently prays that Scattershot never becomes like Lance Sr.*

Lucia: *laughs and shakes her head with a smile*

Misty: And the way those big blue eyes stare inta mine... *absent smirrrrk* *yup, you see here just how uncivilized this girl really is*

Lucia: *amused* Chica, you got it baaad.

Misty: *refocuses. Smirk grows as she replies in Spanish* [Hard not ta, with the way his pants show off that sweet little butt.]

Lucia: *shrug* [Yeah, if you like pretty. He's definitely pretty, but not my type.]

Misty: *wickedness in the smirk* [Don't like pretty, Momma. Like that pretty. Can't wait ta get the papers so I kin squish it 'n cuddle it when I wanna.]

Lucia: *snerks* [Well, chick, you need someone ta do the legal stuff, 'n ya got two witnesses here. Angel'll witness, 'n so will I.]

Angel: *looking back and forth between Lucia and Misty, but not commenting. Heard her name in the Spanish*

Misty: *smirk fades* [He was just waitin' fer Mom 'n Dad ta send that dorky little reply card 'n say they were comin' ta the party.]

Lucia: *much scowl now* [His dad's a $#%$#%$#%$#. Would'a forbidden Angel from goin'... Prolly would'a fired me for goin', too.]

Misty: *surprise shows in those cool purplish grey eyes* What?

Lucia: *nod* [He's a controlling SOB.]

Misty: *darkness suddenly shows very clearly in her strong boned face, and in those eyes that hide so much*

Lucia: *quickly* [He's not worth doin' more time for, chica.] *knows Misty has been in jail for murder, because she was the one who had to do the research*

Misty: *shortly* ['Shot is.] *calm, quiet, deadly resolution. This is a hard girl from a hard past*

Lucia: [I mean it. That %$#$%$# isn't worth $%$#%. Best bet's leavin' him be, 'n livin' a happy life with Scattershot. That'll $%$#%$#%$# him off the worst, 'cause he won't be able to do anything about it.] *after a brief pause* Besides, 'Shot dealt with the idiot already.

Misty: *brow furrows slightly* [Whaddya mean?]

Lucia: *slightly wicked smirk* ['Shot blew Daddy Dearest's new Humvee to Hell and back.]

Misty: *eyes actually widen, and then the proud grin that follows is actually frightening in its fierceness* *long, drawn out curse word of admiration, relief, and surprise*

Lucia: *nod* [Scared the %%#$%#$ outta us when it went, too.]

Angel: *a bit wide-eyed now, is hugging the doll she was given and looking just a bit spooked by the expressions she's seen on Misty's face*

Misty: *expression suddenly blanks, and she looks quickly to Angel, and then backs away a few steps* *quiet and gruff* [Mom don't know what I did, does she?]

Lucia: *very small headshake* [No... 'N don't tell her before she's ready to know. Lotta stuff scares her anymore...] *a bit of a sad glint in her eyes now*

Misty: *very slight changes to her expression show that she has very little understanding of fear, and is puzzled by it* ['Shot useta be scared 'a his own *butt* too. Thought 'e was gonna croak when I brought 'im ta my old 'hood.]

Lucia: *small nod, will reach to gently patpat Angel's shoulder* [Give 'er time. She'll be able to handle things someday. I'm surprised she hasn't freaked out more than this though. Today's been interesting.]

Misty: *glances at Angel, and then absently reaches to show her how the doll can transform to a car* You guys need anythin' else?

Angel: *surprised by the transformation, will likely be fiddling with the doll for a little while now*

Lucia: Not right now, no. Thanks though. *will move to hold the door open for Angel*

Misty: Alright. I better go see what's goin' on. *glances at the watch Lance insisted on buying her* ...Punk's ben gone over an hour.

Lucia: He'll come back. *confident that the teen won't be much longer* He won't leave a good woman like you waiting.

Misty: *ironic little smirk as she turns to go* Good fer what?

Lucia: *as she gently ushers Angel into the room* You'd be surprised.

Angel: *quietly talking about the transforming doll even as the door closes behind her*

Lance: *tears down the hall a moment later. Lucia will hear his breathless, surprised shriek cut off abruptly*

Lucia: *makes sure Angel is laying down, then goes to make sure Lance isn't hurt*

Misty: *has Lance pinned to the wall, her arms inside his jacket as she kisses his brains out*

Lucia: *turns right around and goes back into the room*

Lance: *trying to make sure his arm doesn't get bumped too much* *came to check on his mother after someone told him she was here*

Misty: *breaks off for air, and then looks into those big blue eyes, seeing a new courage and maturity in them. Grins widely*

Lance: *quietly* Is Mom okay?

Misty: *smirk* Yeah. I gave 'er yer Scattershot doll.

Lance: *small smile* I bet she liked that. *nuzzles Misty's forehead* *softly* I can't go swimming right now...

Misty: *lifts eyebrows and holds him closer* I smell the ink.

Lance: *quietly* I don't care what my father says. You're worth at least ten of him, and you're a good person.

Misty: I know somebody that'd make 'im jes' vanish. *breathing in the scent of his hair now*

Lance: *very soft snerk* Then how would he learn that bullies get jack squat?

Misty: Zat important? *one hand rubbing his back under his jacket. Face still in his hair*

Lance: *as he cuddles* Means nobody'll do business with him ever again, 'n he won't have anyone who trusts him. Won't have anything to his name.

Misty: *brows lift* How ya gonna pull that off, Gorgeous?

Lance: *is that a smug look on his face* I called my mom's parents and told them how he was treating her. They've got good laywers on their side.

Misty: ...So his *butt*'s mud.

Lance: *nods* Yup. Pretty much.

Misty: *chuckle full of merciless satisfaction, and then a kiss to his temple before she lets go of him and steps back* Lessee.

Lance: *carefully shucking his jacket now* *and there, on his upper arm, is a piece of plastic wrap over the same mark Misty drew on him the time they went to Hell*

Misty: *eyes scanning his figure, which isn't quiet so slender as when they met. Then she spots the wrap and realizes what he's done. Eyes light slightly* On th' street that ink 'n this scarf'd make us official.

Lance: *quietly* Wish things could be that simple off the street, too.

Misty: We don't gotta wait no more. *scratches the side of her upper lip* Could do it now.

Lance: *and there's that little smile he does* We need the paperwork.

Misty: *pulls an envelope out of her hip pocket* Magnus got this in the Nexus. We kin do the local crap later.

Lance: *grin*

Misty: 'N Mom's friend already said they'd be two'a the witnesses. *lazy smirk*

Lance: ... Lucia's awesome. *more grin*

Misty: *gives him the envelope, and then grabs him by the front of the shirt and hauls him down the hall to his mother's room*


meanwhile, Beach Room


Optima: *has been on the phone with the authorities in charge of Lance's home town since returning to the mansion. Frowning as she speaks calmly and professionally* *is throwing official weight around a little*

Ira: *frowning as he listens to Optima's end of the conversation*

Optima: *finally hangs up with a sigh. Then glances at Ira as she turns to put her phone into the basket by the door*

Ira: Any trouble?

Optima: No. I don't think so. *sets phone down, and then looks toward the water, which is busy with happy students and staff. Jaw sets, and then she's running across the sand. Hits the water in a long low dive and slides smoothly under, then surfaces in a powerful leap that is followed by another and another as she heads for the waves*

Del: *is that surprised whoop, followed shortly by rowdy cheering*

Ira: *amused snerk, will take his shirt and jeans off and head for the water as well*

Elita: *distracted by more muscles. Ball bounces off her head, and she notcusses and throws it at Jazz's head*

Jazz: *laughing much*

Ira: *ignores the laughter as he swims out to the deeper water* *years of military training means he's fairly comfortable in the water, and it's reflected in his modified breast stroke. Is soon just shy of the waves*

Rachel: *watches him go, and then pats her husband* You'll be out there trying to drown him soon.

Chris: *snerk*

Toku: *just managed to shuck his blankets. Is sleeping peacefully, at least*

Rachel: *notices that* Don't worry about it, Elly. He's alright.

Elly: *small nod, returns her attention to helping Dianne splash at the edge of the little pool* *has baby in a suit that covers all of the newborn but her hands and head, and is herself wearing a cute retro style two piece sun suit*

Dianne: *happy coos*

Optima: *out to the heavy waves now, still swimming as she works off the adrenaline surge of the visit to Lance's house and the phone calls that followed* *she never used to respond like this. But she is a soldier now. Her body responds to conflict with fight*

Ira: *admires her even as he realizes that she's out here because of her body's new reactions to strife. Realizing just how much his training has changed her*

Optima: *swims under the massive waves, and then darts back up and swims against them, skimming smoothly past Will's wind surfer as her blue hair tosses and her muscles strain*

William: *startles and topples off his wind surfer* *wasn't expecting Optima to swim out this far*

Sky: *swoops down and snags her brother, strong wings beating* *shouts over the water roar* You alright?

William: *nods and points to Optima* She surprised me.

Sky: *looks and quirks her brows, then tosses her doubled braid back over her shoulder* Okay. Dropping you now.

William: *thumbs up, gets into as good of a dive position as he can*

Sky: *lets him go, right where a wave will fold over him and push him down*

William: *will surface a ways further in, and then swim after his wind surfer*

Calypso: *guiding her wind surfer towards shore. Is starting to feel the ache in her muscles and wants to just float for a little while*

Sky: *watches them both, and then buzzes Rush before diving to get her body board and resume playing for a bit longer*

Rush: *sends water after her, is having a good time*

Nessa: *laughs and shoots higher, just skimming the crest of a wave*

ball playing guys: *have Will's surfer, are sitting on it and having a ball as they tease him*

Prowl: *and then she's having to hold onto Jazz as William tries to tip the surfer*

Elita: *acks and tumbles off the surfer*

Jazz: Ahhh! Jake, get outta the road, I'm goin' down!

Jacob: *laughs and dives*

Jazz: *arms full of Prowl. Splash!*

Sonny and Swiper: *gleefully throwing water at Will*

Ethan: *just watching with a grin*

William: *splashes Sonny and Swiper before heading out toward the waves again*

Calypso: *will jump from her surfer, aimed for the water near the twins*

Sonny and Swiper: *laughter as they're washed toward shore, and then they turn and swim right back*

Jazz: *surfaces with Prowl sitting on his shoulders. Spits water and grins*

Prowl: *hanging on*

Calypso: *laughs and flips onto her back once she's surfaced*

Elita: *sputtering and plotting revenge*

Sonny: Hey, I'll bring the sail to shore, if you let us play with the board.

Swiper: *perks* King of the mountain!

Calypso: Jes' don' run int' anyone.

Jazz: Don' worry, Cally. The cops're on the job. *grins and winks, then pat pats Prowl's legs*

Prowl: *chuckles and gives Swiper a challenging look*

Swiper: *happy whoop*


Out in the waves


Optima: *so intent on fighting the water and calming herself down that she doesn't notice Ira till the waves have thrown her right into his arms*

Ira: *will fuss over her in his gruff way as he dives and lets the waves bring them to the calmer water*

Optima: *giving him a startled look as they surface*

Ira: Are you alright?

Optima: *slightly puzzled* I'm not hurt. I'm a strong swimmer.

Ira: *small nod, will fuss over her a bit more before letting her go*

Optima: *face pinks slightly, and then she's moving to shyly rest her hands against his chest and lay her head on his shoulder*

Ira: *arms around her waist, will hold her close*

Perceptor: *standing on the shore near where Bea is contentedly burying Bryson's legs in sand. Has a sad expression as he watches the couple out in the calm deep water, but after a moment he shakes it off and walks over to hunker his servo suit next to Calypso* Good afternoon.

Calypso: *small smile* 'Lo. *looks pretty content to be floating, Perceptor*

Perceptor: *quiet and uncertain* You made mention of introducing me to the water without the impediment of my servo suit.

Calypso: *moving to sit up* Aye. I did. 'Ave ye t'ought 'bout it t'en?

Perceptor: *resolutely keeping his eyes on the woman before him, who is becoming dearer to him daily despite his heart's first choice* *bit of a tiny, lopsided smile in return* I think it might be an enjoyable and educational experience. Only please have a care about the sand. My skin is extremely sensitive due to poor circulation and being sheltered for so long.

Calypso: *nod* *moves to stand up so she can help Perceptor out of his suit*

Perceptor: *bites his lip slightly to push down the feelings of panic that returning to helplessness always bring to him. Softly reminds himself that Calypso has only his best in mind, and that she has never failed him. Also reminds himself that he's not totally helpless anymore, though unable to move himself from place to place on his own*

Calypso: *gentle, soothing murmurs, is being very careful as she assists him* I've got yer six, Perceptor.

Perceptor: *soon in her arms and breathing deeply as he works on relaxing*

Bea: *paused to watch from where she's laying across her sand pile on Bryson's legs* *bit of worry as she makes sure that the teacher who spends so much time with her is okay*

Calypso: *will wait until Perceptor is more relaxed to gently lower him into the water*

Perceptor: *gasps and clings to her as best he can as he feels the touch of the water*

Calypso: *soothing sounds* Yer alright, Perceptor. I won't let ye sink. *means what she says, is gently supporting the scientist against her body, so he doesn't come into contact with the sand*

Perceptor: *deep breaths. Deeeep breaths* *quietly* Calypso, may I ask you a personal question?

Calypso: Hm?

Perceptor: *turns his head to look toward Bea and Bryson. Even more quietly* It is popular opinion here that you have a romantic interest in my person. Is this assumption erroneous?

Calypso: *blinks and blushes* Er... *and now she's stammering*

Perceptor: *alarmed and distressed at discomfiting her* Oh! Please do forgive me. I did not intend to...

Calypso: *quietly* Yer t'e first gent I've really taken a fancy t'... *is blushing muchly*

Perceptor: *loses his train of thought and sucks in his breath. Then squares his chin* *quiet again* Are you aware that I... harbour feelings for another?

Calypso: *small nod* *quietly* Aye.

Perceptor: *gives her a quizzical look, silently asking her to elucidate on her reply*

Calypso: *quiet as her attention goes out to the water* I'd 'ave t' be blind not t' notice ye fancy Optima.

Perceptor: *jaw tenses again as he closes his eyes*

Calypso: *softer* I might not be as pretty 'r as smart as t'e boss... But I's loyal. 'N I'd fight for ye.

Perceptor: *tears trickle from under his lids, running down past his ears to join the artificial ocean* I know that her affections are unavailable. *blinks and looks up at Calypso now* *softly* I am sorry. You are in no way a rebound, or a make do. I admire you greatly.

Calypso: *blushing a bit more as she nods* *quietly, changing the subject for now* 'Ow's t'e water?

Perceptor: *slight startle* Oh. Er... *turns his head slightly* The temperature is not unpleasant.

Calypso: *small smile* Good.

Perceptor: *quiet again* I am afraid that even extensive study has left me in no ways the wiser as to how to carry on a romantic relationship.

Calypso: *very soft snerk* T'en we c'n bot' learn as we go.

Perceptor: *brows lift slightly*

Mike: Miss Smith! Kiss him! *laughs himself right into the water, helped by Sheldon pushing him down*

Calypso: *BLUSH* *to Mike* Mind yer own business, b'y!

Rachel: Sheldon, let him up.

Sheldon: Awww... *will do so*

Mike: *surfaces, sputters, and then promptly sinks again as he looks at his science teacher and Calypso and resumes laughing*

Perceptor: *quizzical expression as he watches the two fourteen year olds*

Sheldon: *going to jump on Mike this time!*

Calypso: *so much blush*

Del: *coming to his sister's rescue*

Mike: *looks at Del, and then screams like a little girl and dives, swimming off like an otter*

Sheldon: *abandon ship! Will scamper for shore, laughing all the while*

Del: ... Okay then. *heads back out for the rougher water*

Perceptor: *quietly* I do not think that Mike's words were meant in a hostile or mocking manner. *isn't sure, but he thinks he's right*

Calypso: *quietly* Still ain't his business... *so much blush, it's even creeping into her hairline*

Perceptor: *hand moves slightly as his expression softens* Will you lift me so that I may embrace you in a comforting manner?

Calypso: Aye. *will carefully do so*

Perceptor: *head on her shoulder as he cuddles reassuringly to the best of his ability. Wishes he could move his arms without assistance*

Calypso: *very quiet humming as she cuddles and holds Perceptor close*

Rachel: *gentle hand on Calypso's back* I've spread out a towel over in the free space. Why don't you two lay down and have a bit of a rest? *yes, she thinks a bit of quiet talk and possibly snuggles will help them both*

Calypso: *very slight start* *glances to Perceptor, to see what he wants to do*

Perceptor: *softly* You do seem to be exhibiting some signs of fatigue.

Calypso: *small nod* *will carefully get to one knee so she can stand without letting go of Perceptor*

Perceptor: *moves as much as he can to help. Is only able to wriggle slightly in encouragement*

Calypso: *is soon back on her feet and moving to bring Perceptor to his exosuit*

Perceptor: *realizes where she's going* *quietly* I do not need the servo suit to rest.

Calypso: Alright... *will head for the towel*

Rachel: *has towel spread out nicely, and has added a couple inflatable pillows and another towel so Perceptor can be covered up. Is herself back by Chris again with a cuddly Sora in her lap quietly fussing about a dream*

Calypso: *makes sure Perceptor's laying entirely on the towel, will use the second one to cover him, and fuss over him a bit*

Perceptor: *and there's that shy little crooked smile again. It shows more strongly in his eyes than on his mouth*

Calypso: *once she's certain Perceptor is comfortable, she'll move to lay down onto her stomach, and rest her arms on one of the pillows*

Perceptor: *turns head to watch her, his eyes asking what he should do now*

Calypso: *once she's situated comfortably, she'll reach for his hand, intending to study it. Hands have always fascinated her for some reason*

Perceptor: *still watching in silence as his hand automatically closes around her fingers*

Calypso: *small smile, and a bit of a blush*

Del: *knows sister is still wet* -Yeah. Just kiss the guy already. Whoa! What the *bleeeep!* WILL, you...- *transmission garbles*

Calypso: *slight start, looks up*

Perceptor: *brows lift* Is something wrong?

Calypso: Will did somet'in' t' Del... *and that's not all, going by the blush, which has returned with a vengeance*

Perceptor: *totally puzzled by the blush* Ah. I see...

Calypso: *quieter* 'N Del suggested t'e same t'ing Mike did...

Perceptor: *feels his own blush starting as his breath catches* *very small* Oh.

Calypso: *still blushing* *quietly* Wouldn't be mindin' giv'n' t'at a try t'ough...

Perceptor: Ah. *blush deepens* I... have no objections.

Calypso: *more blush as she carefully leans over* *for all her rough and tumble nature, it's a very gentle and shy kiss that is given to Perceptor*

Perceptor: *returns the little butterfly kiss, and then ducks his head as best he can, though it's just a dipping of his chin. Is pleased, but is also wondering if he's going to burst a blood vessel from the blushing. And then he realizes that his hand has a firm grip on hers. Pleased surprise*

Calypso: *gentle forehead nuzzle, and a small, shy smile*

Perceptor: *slightly shaky but contented and amazed sigh* Yes. I can do this.

Calypso: *will scoot a bit closer, being careful not to move Perceptor off of the towel as she snuggles*

Perceptor: *turns his face toward her and closes his eyes as he does his best to reciprocate*

Calypso: *quiet, happy sigh as she relaxes into a light doze*

Perceptor: *soon follows her*

Jazz: *glances over from where he's sitting and holding a bruised toe. Grins and glances at Prowl* Caly'll be okay now.

Prowl: *looks, small smile as she nods* Yes, she will.

Jazz: *and then gives his toe a wrench that results in a very noticeable pop* Eouch! There we go. Now if Sonny keeps 'is hard head outta my way we can go play some more. *winks at his girlfriend and gives her that cheery grin*

Prowl: *startles at the pop* *laughs and gently shoves her boyfriend*

Rachel: *glances toward them, and then resumes helping Blue get sand out of his swimsuit*

Blue: *fidgeting muchly and rambling*

Rachel: I know. Try to hold still. And don't look at what Jacki's doing over at the diving tower. *wondering how Blue managed to get sand into this suit*

Jacki: *cannonball of doom aimed at Grimlock*

Blue: *wibble*

Toku: *just woke up*

Rachel: *lets Blue go and gets up to check on the snake boy* How are you feeling?

Toku: *quietly* Is there anything to eat?

Rachel: *one brow perks with surprise at the request, but she smiles* I can get you something. What do you feel like?

Toku: *quiet for a few moments while he thinks* Fish...

Rachel: *lifts brows, but then thinks of something. Looks around* Sheldon, can you bring me the bottle of miso soup from the fridge in the teacher's kitchen? Warm it in the microwave a few minutes first.

Sheldon: *nods and scoots to get it*

Toku: *quietly watching the goings on in the water*

Rachel: *goes to get a clean cup from the picnic basket, and then comes back to kneel in the shallow water by the dinghy and wait for Sheldon to get back* How are you feeling, Toku?

Toku: *quietly* A bit confused, and hungry... This isn't Hell.

Rachel: *shakes her head* No. This is the Pax school. Grimlock brought you here three days ago.

Toku: Oh... *bit of a frown as he thinks, only to get distracted as Sheldon returns with the miso soup*

Rachel: Thank you, Sheldon. *takes the bottle and empties it into the cup, then adds a bendy straw and offers the drinking end to Toku*

Toku: *drinks, and manages to only sputter a little bit*

Sheldon: *sticking close in case Rachel needs something else brought*

Rachel: *watching carefully* The flavour's alright?

Toku: *small, careful nod as he continues to drink*

Rachel: Good. *turns her head to smile at Sheldon* Are you having fun?

Sheldon: Yeah. *small smile, though it's clear he's worried about the snake boy*

Rachel: Good. *turns back to Toku to see how he's doing*

Toku: *just about finished with the cup's contents. Is hungrier than he thought he was when he woke up*

Rachel: *moves to take the straw from him* Wait a few minutes till you know you can take that much, alright?

Toku: *reluctantly lets the straw be taken from him* *small nod* H-hai.

Rachel: *takes the cup and sets it in the dinghy's cup holder, then smooths back the Japanese youth's hair* You're going to need to take it easy for awhile. Your body's fighting a pretty bad infection.

Toku: *surprised by that, but then he's realizing that explains all the equipment that's in the dinghy with him* *small nod* I see...

Rachel: *quietly* Is there someone that we should alert as to where you are?

Toku: *quietly* I was staying with my aunt and uncle... I don't know how they will react.

Rachel: Will you tell me their names?

Toku: *nod* Ana Nikada and Kyouichi Nikada.

Rachel: *brows lift* Is your mother's name Akane Hikari?

Toku: *nods*

Rachel: She's looking for you. *head turns to look for a staff member* Legacy?

Legacy: 'M up. *sitting up and rubbing at his eyes*

Rachel: Remember that news conference about the missing boy?

Legacy: *nod* I remember.

Rachel: This is the boy. *hand on Toku's shoulder*

Legacy: *small smile* Let's get his mother called, then.

Rachel: Will you do it? I'm watching his reaction to the lunch that he just drank.

Legacy: *nods and gets up to look for a phone* *will head for the box on the wall by the door, and he'll try to remember the number that was on the screen for any leads*

Tomoe: *watching him and waiting to see if he needs her for something*

Sheldon: *over to help Mr. Bates, remembers the number*

Legacy: *will gently ruffle Sheldon's hair as the youngster dials the number, and then he'll reach for the phone*

woman: //Hello, this is the Nikada residence. May I help you?//

Legacy: Hello, ma'am. My name is Legacy Bates, I'm with the Pax School. We've found Toku. He's safe.

woman: //The Pax school? What is that? Why hasn't he called us?//

Legacy: It's a school for gifted youth. As for why he hasn't called, he didn't have access to a phone, and he's been sleeping for the past few days.

woman: *worriedly* //Is he sick?//

Legacy: *gently* He's recovering his strength. The school's address is *gives the address*. We'll have someone at the gate to meet you.

woman: //I will be right there.// *slight trace of Japanese accent in her voice due to stress* //Tell him that Aunty is coming.//

Legacy: I'll tell him, Mrs. Nikada. Please drive safely.

woman: //Yes. Of course. Thank you, Mr. Bates.//

Legacy: See you soon. *hangs up*

Rachel: *gives him a quizzical look as he returns* Well?

Legacy: Mrs. Nikada's on her way here.

Toku: *very slight grin, though he does look a bit queasy now*

Rachel: *takes the stethoscope out of the other cup holder and has a listen to his belly*

Toku: *bit of a squirm, belly sounds like it's trying to digest the miso soup and having a little difficulty with the liquid*

Rachel: *looks around* Sheldon, will you bring me the enzyme tablets from the same place as you got the miso soup?

Sheldon: *nods and scampers once more*

Legacy: *quietly* I'd better go get shoes on, so I can be at the gate...

Tomoe: *comes over and offers husband the soft surf shoes that Magnus bought for him the other day*

Legacy: Thanks, Tomoe. *small smile as he moves to put the shoes on* Let's go wait for Mrs. Nikada.

Tomoe: *gives him that sweet, shy smile of hers as she reaches for his hand* Alright. *turns smile to Toku*

Toku: *bit of a blush*

Sheldon: *back with the enzyme tablets!*

Rachel: *thanks Sheldon and takes the bottle, then offers Toku two of the tiny tablets of concentrated papaya enzyme*

Toku: *quiet thanks, will work on taking the tablets*


upstairs and outside


Tomoe: *intent expression as she pokes her toes into a puddle left by the spring rain that just ended. Is surprised and pleased by how warm it is out here*

Legacy: *watching the road, and pondering getting a hair cut, since it is starting to warm up during the day*

Tomoe: *little laugh of surprise as a gregarious crow lands to talk to her*

Legacy: *looks and chuckles* Silly thing... We don't have any food for you right now.

crow: *chatters and talks, then says the word that one young human always yells at it* Shoo!

Tomoe: I thought he was a wild bird.

Legacy: *shrugs* It's hard to say. But he's learned a word, at least. *chuckle*

Tomoe: Crows don't learn very often. *watches the bird pause for a bath in a puddle*

Legacy: *soft chuckle* That's true... *glances to the road, wondering to himself what sort of woman Mrs. Nikada is*

Tomoe: Do the Nikadas live in New York City?

Legacy: I'm not sure. It's possible, and we could always ask Toku.

Tomoe: *peers through the gate, the warm breeze gently pushing her skirt against her legs* We should have asked, I suppose.

Legacy: Maybe. But I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

Tomoe: *smiles, and then she's distracted by green tips showing in a nearby flowerbed* *quietly* Del's lonely.

Legacy: *small nod* *quietly* I know. *quieter* He's not the only one, I've noticed.

Tomoe: *looks at him, her wide soft eyes asking a question*

Legacy: *quietly* For a little while, Calypso was, too. And I think Mr. Trach might be, when he's not busy trying to keep up with Raoul.

Tomoe: What about Elita and Magnus?

Legacy: Elita is too busy admiring all the muscles, and Magnus has a crush on someone.

Tomoe: Really? *surprised*

Legacy: *about to respond, flinches*

Tomoe: *hurries over to him, concerned* What happened?

Legacy: Skylar. Something happened to him... *worried, wants to go check, but knows he needs to wait up here for Mrs. Nikada*

Tomoe: *finger to her ear as she makes Elita's phone ring*

Elita: *answers on the third ring, is laughing* //Elita here.//

Tomoe: //Is Skylar alright, Elita?//

Elita: //Yeah, he's just soggy, now. Grimmy tossed him into the water.//

Tomoe: //Oh dear.// *brows go up*

Elita: //Sheldon muted the screechfest, so Dianne could sleep.// *sounds far too amused* //Skylar's ticked. Grimlock's telling him off for being a pain in the butt, and Skyfire's trying to distract the big guy so he can rescue the screechmonster.//

Tomoe: //I'll let Legacy know.// *sighs over the line* //Thanks for the update.//

Elita: //Now all we need's some popcorn!// *laughs and hangs up*

Tomoe: *turns toward her husband, hand dropping from the side of her head* Grimlock threw him in the water.

Legacy: ... *facepalm* Oh, goody.

Tomoe: *tells him the rest of the story*

Legacy: *sigh* That's going to be fun to deal with later.

Tomoe: *gentle small hands on his arm, and then a tug on his hand* Let's go sit in the gazebo while we wait.

Legacy: *small nod, will move to head for the gazebo*

Tomoe: *settles beside him when they reach the little summer house* Optima and Mr. Irons found another bunny here today.

Legacy: Awww. Where was it hiding?

Tomoe: Here. Mr. Irons chased it, and it kept coming to hide here under the benches. *leans against him companionably*

Legacy: ... I'd hide here too, if Mr. Irons was chasing me. *snuggle*

Tomoe: *lifts her head to give him a curious and quizzical look*

Legacy: He gets pretty single-minded sometimes.

Tomoe: So do you. *slight smile*

Legacy: *surprised* I do?

Tomoe: Mmmhmmm. *eyes dance*

Legacy: *sheepish expression is a go* Oh...

Tomoe: *little laugh and nuzzles her face against his arm* We love you for it.

Legacy: *still looking a bit sheepish* *quietly* I'm glad for that. *hug*

Tomoe: *cuddles close, multi hued green eyes closed with contentment as her long hair blows gently over his arm*

Legacy: *quietly content, even if things down in the beach room are getting a bit hectic*

Tomoe: *reaches over and presses the button on his blocker*

Legacy: *nuzzle* *softly* Thanks, Tomoe.

Tomoe: *opens eyes and smiles up at him* I'm here to take care of you.

Legacy: *small smile, golden eyes shining softly* I'm glad for that, and that Optima's sneaky. *quiet amusement in his expression*

Tomoe: *smile becomes a grin* She wishes that Del had someone like me or Nessa.

Legacy: *small nod* We can always look and see if there's anyone who would suit him.

Tomoe: What do you mean? *slender brows lift slightly*

Legacy: We could see if there's anyone on the secondhand page, or we could also put an ad in the singles section of the local paper? *innocent expression*

Tomoe: *hides her face and laughs* We don't get second hands very often, because we don't get ordered very often. Nessa was waiting there for a long time.

Legacy: ... Singles section it is.

Tomoe: We could wait too?

Legacy: *headshake* The sooner he has someone, the better.

Tomoe: *worried little line between her brows* Really?

Legacy: *nod* Even if spending all that money to make Rush happy pleased Del greatly, he's so lonely it hurts.

Tomoe: *winces and hugs husband, knowing that he's feeling the other man's pain*

Legacy: *leans into the hug, shutting his eyes and taking a deep breath* *isn't sure there's a girl in this reality who would be suitable for Del*

Tomoe: *softly* Why don't you take a rest? I'll wake you up when I hear the car coming.

Legacy: Alright... *will move to lay down on the bench*

Tomoe: *moves so that her legs form a pillow, gently rubs his shoulder with one tiny but strong hand as her hair drifts over him like a soft blanket of protection*

Legacy: *soon in a light doze, one foot twitching occasionally as he dreams*


some minutes later


Tomoe: *gently brushes his eyes with her hand to wake him*

Legacy: *soft sound* *groggily* 'M up...

Tomoe: *softly* They're coming.

Legacy: *will move to sit up and rub at his eyes*

Tomoe: *pulls her hair away and makes it lay properly down her back, then looks toward the driveway as a high end sedan stops at the gates. Slight look of concentration, and then the gates are swinging open*

Legacy: *will get up and move to approach the sedan, hoping he doesn't look like he's just woken up*

Ana Nikada: *is tall, and strongly built for a Japanese lady, and there is a worried frown on her face as she stops the sedan and then says something to someone in the back seat*

Legacy: *will offer to open the door for Mrs. Nikada*

Ana: *lifts her brows as she looks up at him, but then slips out of the car. The ease of her movements show that she's stronger than she looks*

Legacy: Welcome to the Pax School, Mrs. Nikada. *gentle smile*

Ana: Thank you. *quizzical look from him to Tomoe as she straightens*

Legacy: *more smile* My wife, Tomoe. We'll bring you to Toku.

Ana: *nods, and then holds out a hand toward the plain-looking blonde who has crept around the car to her side* My daughter Melissa. Who are you?

Legacy: My name is Legacy Bates. We spoke on the phone earlier.

Ana: Ah. Thank you, Mr. Bates. Could we go to Toku now?

Legacy: *nods* Let's go. *will move to head for the house, leading Tomoe along as she takes his hand*

Ana: *follows, the blonde close at her side*


down below


Rachel: *looks up as the door slides open. Is kneeling in the water with her arm over the side of Toku's dinghy*

Toku: *bit of movement as he tries to see what's going on*

Legacy: *explaining about what the Pax School's purpose is, will hold the door open for Mrs. Nikada*

Ana: *frowning at him intently as she listens to what he's saying* You mean this is a safe place for mutants?

Legacy: *nods* As well as being a place where they can learn to better control their abilities, without fear of persecution.

Toku: *just went pale with fright*

Ana: *has seen the boy in the little rubber boat now, and stopped short in her tracks. Expression is indecipherable*

Toku: *turning his head away slightly, is ashamed and afraid*

Tomoe: *slight frown for Ana*

Legacy: *starting to fret quietly* *can tell Toku's afraid, and has a good idea why, from his own experiences*

Ana: *finally, quietly, her voice controlled and seeming emotionless* I wish this place had existed twenty three years ago.

Tomoe: *brows lift with quizzical surprise*

Legacy: *blink blink, very surprised* O-oh?

Ana: *still that calm quietness* Yes. *slightly more loudly* Toku-kun, don't be afraid to show your face.

Melissa: *meanwhile wandering with timid curiosity toward the water, suddenly trips over a half buried sand pail and topples with a cry*

Skylar: *startles and then hurries to catch the blonde* Easy...

Melissa: *lays there in his arms and stares up at him with wide blue eyes that are full of adoration for a hero* You... you saved me.

Skylar: *blink, blink, blush* Er...

Melissa: *tremulous smile*

Skylar: *more blush* Hi?

Melissa: *blushes too, and then hides her face against his chest. Tiny snuggle*

Skylar: *blushing to the point his ears are red now* *will carefully carry the girl over to the beach lounger he'd claimed for himself, gently setting her down on it* Would you like something to drink? *not sure what to do here, he's never had a girl look at him like that before, not even his fangirls*

Melissa: *so much gratefulness and adoration in her thin face*

Skylar: *lost, will now do everything in his power to make her smile again*

Ana: *picking up Rachel's beach towel and offering it to Tomoe and the doctor* Will you hold this up for me?

Toku: *just starting to peek over the side of the dinghy again*

Rachel: *gently steers Legacy to the opposite side of the towel from Toku and Ana as she and Tomoe hold it up like a curtain*

Legacy: *will move to sit down nearby, with his back turned to the towel as well*

Ana: *starts stripping off her clothes* I'm going to show you something, Toku.

Tomoe: *brows up as she wonders what's going on*

Rachel: *notices the tattoos of rippling scales on Ana's back, belly, and arms as she removes her blouse* *brows also lift*

Toku: *wondering just what his aunt is going to show him*

Ana: *clothes in a neat pile at her feet, she looks her nephew in the eye. And then she puts a hand to her breast and rips her skin off*

Rachel: *understanding dawning*

Tomoe: Meep.

Toku: *startled obscenity that he shouldn't know*

Ana: *finishes husking away her skin and is left revealed... in a form that is no longer fully human. Those tattoos now accent the parts of her body that don't bear real scales, and thick black hair falls past her waist, which is where her body changes into that of an iridescently beautiful giant snake*

Rachel: *looks at Toku*

Toku: *slack-jawed with a mix of amazement, understanding, and relief. Is also starting to cry, though he hasn't noticed that yet*

Ana: *strong jaw firm as she looks at him squarely* My twin brother had it too. Only he never lived long enough to take on his true form.

Tomoe: *wibbling softly with sympathy, but holding her end of the towel steady*

Toku: *very quietly* H-he fell from the cliff... Mother told me that.

Ana: *quietly* He jumped. I was there when he went.

Toku: *stunned silent*

Ana: *lifts her chin, and then takes the towel and wraps it around herself* You are as you were created, Toku. Never be ashamed of that. And never let anyone tell you differently.

Toku: *very small nod, will reach up to wipe at the tears he just noticed*

Legacy: *without turning* It's okay to cry, if you need to, Toku.

Tomoe: *quietly* Legacy, look.

Legacy: *turns slightly and sees Ana, blinks* Oh... Huh.

Rachel: *calmly* Do you have any legends of a family curse?

Ana: *snorts* Nothing. But my family would have made such things not happen.

Toku: *small nod of agreement*

Ana: I'm the youngest daughter of a family of ancient linage and traditions. One of royal blood.

Legacy: ... *biting his lip to keep from saying something smart-aleky*

Ana: Since my sister has proven so successful, they don't really need me. But Toku is the only child of this generation. *presses lips together* I told my sister that her pride and traditions would lead her straight to...

Rachel: Careful, small jugs have large ears.

Ana: Sorry. *glances toward the little boy who is hovering nearby*

Sheldon: *innocent expression is a go*

Toku: *very soft sigh*

Ana: *tail starts to shrink as her face creases with concentration, and then her feet appear below the hem of the towel and the scales on her arms start to fall away* Stay here, Toku-kun. I'll let your mother know where you are.

Toku: *very small nod* *quietly* If she'll even accept me...

Ana: *quiet dignity as she accepts her underthings from Tomoe and slips them on* If she does not, then I and Hiro have a son.

Toku: *very slight wibble*

Tomoe: I thought your husband's name is Kyouichi.

Ana: *smiles* He's my Hiro.

Toku: *very soft snerk at Aunty's mush*

Ana: *now fully dressed, she drops the towel, and then looks down at the scales, and the snake skin that has dried to powder. Picks up the human skin* I've littered your beach.

Rachel: We have cleaning machines. Don't worry.

Legacy: *thinking muchly now, and planning out meals* *is also talking out loud as he plans*

Ana: I'll send meat for Toku's meals. He'll need more calcium too, though his scales won't have to be replaced as often as mine are.

Rachel: Oh, we have plenty.

Ana: *firmly* I wish to contribute.

Rachel: *looks around* Hmm. Looks like our boss is out to sea. *looks at Legacy for his verdict*

Legacy: Just tell me how well done to make things. And make sure Magnus knows, too. He's in charge of the groceries.

Ana: *will take leave of her nephew and tell him that she loves him, then say good bye to Rachel before she reaches for Legacy's arm with the thought of telling him all that he needs to know as she returns to her car*

Legacy: *will move to see Ana to the car, pausing to see if Melissa is coming as well*

Ana: *stops at the pause. Surprised expression* Moonshadow came inside? I hadn't heard her crying and thought she'd gone back to the car.

Melissa: *laying on the lounger, deep in conversation with a smitten looking Skylar*

Legacy: *small smile* She's safe. Skylar's got a strong protective streak.

Ana: *lets him go for a moment to go and talk to her daughter, then returns to Legacy* I'll send her things when I get home.

Legacy: Alright. ^_^ *already planning out how to make one of the rooms cozy for the girl* *is totally in his element now*

Rachel: *watches them go, and then looks over at Del's expression as he watches the last of his siblings find a heartmate*

Del: *expression unreadable. Will turn and head for deeper water*

Rachel: *goes and gets a cellphone, and then comes back and sits by Toku as she calls a certain prison and starts pulling strings to get a certain combative young woman released*

((Written with random_xtras))