princess_mutt:

They lay alone in the woods together. A flask of ginger ale sitting next to the radio upon which they were listening to the Rockies game. Moira'd long since learned enough to be quite vehement in her baseball fandom and was cheerfully excited at the impending victory.

butterflybullet:

She'd never really pictured this happening. Of course, she'd married off her dolls as a girl, but the idea of her wedding had always brought with it the idea of really settling down with one guy, which had never been much on her agenda. This, of course, was different. This was Svalin. And she loved Svalin, and honestly wanted to be there for her and be a family with her. And while there would be sacrifices involved, it wasn't the same as Really Settling Down. A platonic marriage that still came with a fancy party. Nothing wrong with that!

Her parents had been brought up to Asgard, along with the Avengers and the Defenders.

The first royal wedding in a generation was the Event of the Season, with quite a bit of bustle about it.

...And the dress was going to be perfect.

But first, Spa day with Mom and the Mothers-in-law --two of them. Oh gosh.

She hoped Svalin was okay.

anyastark:

Word about certain things spread fast in the cape community and Anya learned that Vernique and Svalin were getting married, in Asgard, and Svalin was expecting a baby. This of course meant one thing. There had to be a party to celebrate both things and Anya was the perfect one to throw it. Anya had known Vernique since forever and there had been many marathon shopping trips.

She sent invitations out to the female members of the X-Men, Champions, Avengers, West Coast Avengers, Defenders, X-Force, Alpha Flight, Excalibur, Fantastic Four, Sammy and Alice in SHIELD, Kelly and Melissa. It was also the first get together the Thunderbolts would be hosting.

The renovated firehouse in Cambridge was cleaned from top to bottom and supplies were laid in. Stephanie was given cart blanch on the menu and snacks. Anya and Molly went shopping for the drinks and for gifts for Vernique and Svalin. Since the crowd was very varied they got a wide selection of sodas, juices, beer and also picked up a lot of water. Anya even booked rooms at a nearby hotel just in case people didn't want to make the trip home that night. Anya had spoken to Irina and arranged for pick up of the various team members around the world.

Saturday rolled around and Anya was up at the crack of dawn double checking everything. Then she headed down to the lab until the first ladies arrived.

quitethecharmer:

Vincent's Asgardian self had remained at the Baxter Building while his mortal self had departed with Kristoff. He'd devised an, while perhaps not as intricate as he would have previously done, effective tracking spell and was identifying other affected individuals, in hopes of locating the original source.

It was going to take some time to cycle however, leaving Vincent uncomfortably alone with his thoughts. He'd gone to speak with Andrea, but had silently withdrawn after spotting her with Mac. It wasn't his place to try to comfort her, not anymore.

Oh yes, he so enjoyed having thought thought stirred up again.

After a fruitless attempt to try to busy himself with something in his work space, his eyes fall on his phone. He bites his lip in hesitation, then picks it up. "Dial Moira."

princess_mutt:

Muir Island had seen many large Christmas celebrations over the years, but this was one of the biggest. The building was warm in the cold North Scotland weather, and brimming with people.

Loretta Lynn's Christmas album was playing loudly. This was not an attempt to make any Kentucky guests feel extra-welcome, but simply because, as any of his stepgrandpuppies would happily explain, Sean was daft.

Moira happily clutched at Lucas as they came into the front atrium along with Cassidy and Izzy.

dream_catcher:

Lucas has been even busier than usual lately. Part of that is simply classes, getting finals done, and getting the academics in order. The second part is cooking - he's been a fairly steady presence around the kitchens, mostly cooking with stone ground flour and oats to make cookies - using preserves from his garden that he'd canned in season, the better to leave something behind for the other students as something of a Christmas present.
The last has been speaking with the spirits, wishing them well, and helping to spiritually ready the area for the coming season, thanking the spirits for the bounties of the past year and hoping the next would bring better times.

When prayers and meditation are done in the early hours, he does a little more cooking. This time there's more meat than he usually makes for himself, scrambling together ham, herbs and fresh spinach into extra-fluffy scrambled eggs, with a side of still-warm oatcakes.

By now, privacy isn't the biggest of concerns between them, so he brings the breakfast in bed directly to Moira and Danielle's door, knocking softly. It is still really early, after all.

princess_mutt:

The Hrimharisdottirs had been planning to do this in the daytime, when Danielle could talk, ever since they'd heard, but things kept coming up, so they were going to do it now, despite her form, while they could get to it.
They sought out Cassidy.

nextgen_holiday:

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

princess_mutt:

"I think that's the last of them," Danielle said quietly as her sister pulled another science textbook off a high shelf at the ESU bookstore. Danielle looked over the list of recommendations that Granny and Doctor McCoy had suggested she read, and confirmed that she was right about their thoroughness.

"All right," Moira said, the large stack balanced on one hand as they head towards the lady with the little machine at the counter. "You've got the card?"

"Aye."
Shopping was still so odd.

soothsayer:

He was in his office grading tests. Ezekiel had gotten used to working here. He no longer woke up at all hours to go solve crimes. He no longer had nightmares about dead people whose lives he hadn't saved or whose killers he just couldn't find. He was starting to find peace.

That peace was going to be interrupted. He answers the phone and his ex-wife is sobbing over the phone. "Mary. Jesus. Mary. Calm down sweetheart. What's wrong?"

She fell out of love with him. It wasn't the other way around. Though sometimes he wishes he fell out of love with her years before. It would have saved her so much trouble.

"It's our son. I don't know what happened. He hasn't come home from school Zeke," she confesses.

He freezes and almost drops the phone. "Mary. It's five o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. Why didn't you call me sooner? Why didn't you call one of the guys at the station? I know I left on a sour note but geezs my ex-partner loved James, Mary."

She sniffles and he wants to comfort her but this isn't about her or him. It's about their son. "I'm calling them. I'll come into the city and start lookin' myself."

He wants something else too. "I want to start seeing him again after this Mary. I... I missed him. I'll call you on my way in."

He hangs up his phone then sighs. He should bring someone with him. With his leg he isn't as spry as he used to be,. He also has a bad feeling about this so he gets up and starts looking around to find one of the older students or maybe Gabe to see if they'd be willing to go look with him. He normally wouldn't ask for help but it's his kid so all pride goes out the window.

princess_mutt:

They were finally back. Things had managed to get even more disastrous in their absence.
And Moira knew whom she most needed to see, with whom she most needed to talk.

He was very busy, initially, and she would not interrupt anything so entangled with people's health. But she waited for him outside the infirmary, until he was done.

shield_maiden:

They were gathered at the gates to the city at the foot of the newly repaired Bifrost Bridge. Tryggvi stood behind Svalin and pawed at the ground with a hoof. "Stop that," she said to her mount. He responded by headbutting her arm. Svalin new he was eager to go. He was always like this before a trip.

Svalin was not so eager to go. This would be the last time she saw her siblings for awhile. They would return to the Defenders and she would be going to the Avengers. Father's idea and Svalin had thought it a good one, but it didn't mean it would make this any easier.

She stood a little distance away from her siblings and waited for her chance to say goodbye to them and her parents. Father and the Mothers were saying their goodbyes to the other three.

Hrimhari, Lady Rahne, Moira and Danielle were a little ways off saying their goodbyes to each other.

Amorason stood off to one side.

shield_maiden:

Svalin walked the upper battlements. It was still a few hours before dawn and she couldn't sleep. A dream had woke her and she could not find sleep again so she walked the battlements. There were guards stationed at regular intervals and they nodded to the princess as she passed. Svalin returned their nods as she passed, but that was the extent of her acknowledgment.

Most of the other inhabitants of Asgard were asleep, most were passed out. Asgardians celebrated as hard as they fought. The celebration had been going for days and Svalin had tired of it after the first night. She didn't see the point of drinking excessively for days.

The wind was cold as it whipped over the battlements. A stray thought popped in her head that if she were on Migard, the wind would be warm and it would carry the smell of salt. She was loathe to admit it, but she did miss being on Migard a little. She had been studying Hellenic and Roman warfare tactics and she missed having the books nearby. She also missed chocolate, but that went without saying.

Svalin took a deep breath and stopped walking. She looked out over the city and into the night.

nextgen_asgard:

The Great Hall of Odin is awash with people and noise. The fallen heroes have been honored and it was now time to celebrate their victory. It was also time to celebrate the acts of courage and bravery in the heat of battle. Mead flowed freely and the tables were pregnant with food of all kinds.

Stories about the recent battle were exchanged as well as stories of previous battles. Songs passed down through time were sung as well as new ones.

The air was light and merry and it was a festive time in Asgard.

shield_maiden:

Odin's Great Hall was almost silent. The gathered crowd waited for Thor, current ruler of Asgard while Odin slept, to speak. They were gathered to honor their fallen warriors. The battle had cost many lives and it was only fitting and proper those lost lives were honored.

Svalin stood next the throne and next to her father as Princess of Asgard. She was uncomfortable standing in front of so many people and as the princess. She was a warrior born and had a warrior's heart, not some speech maker. Barking out orders or yelling battle cries were more her style and easier to do.

Her father looked at her and nodded once.

She swallowed against the lump in her throat and looked out at the assembled warriors, her people. It was so hard to stand before them and talk about the ones that she had failed. The ones that had died because of her actions and her disregard of her duty. By Odin's beard this was hard. Her hand shook and she nearly dropped the goblet of mead she held.

"When mine father said I wast to speak to all of thee today, I didst not know what I would say. I wast scared to stand before you all and speak for I art much better with sword and shield than with words." Her voice started out a little shaky, but got stronger the more she spoke.

"Today I doth not stand before you as a princess of Asgard nor as a warrior. Today I stand /with/ you as a daughter of Asgard and the words I now speak art from mine heart."

She took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Sons and daughters of Asgard, we art not here to celebrate victory with food and drink. We art not here to sing songs of our prowess in battle. We art /not/ here for us. Today we do not mourn the loss of our sisters and brothers, but today we honor them. We honor their strength, their bravery, their unparalleled courage, and their sacrifice for Asgard.

Mine father hath tried to teach me and mine siblings humility as his father had taught him, but naught hath made me more humble than to see our sisters and brothers standing up in battle against an enemy that outnumbered them. I wast deeply humbled to see them do their duty to Asgard and to pay the ultimate price for the home and people they loved."

Another deep breath to steady herself. Tears clouded her eyes and she blinked them back.

"We feel the painful loss of our fallen brothers and sisters, but we must take comfort in knowing that they art now in Valhalla with the honored slain. They hath been reunited with our brothers and sisters that hath fallen in battle before them. Take heart brothers and sisters, for one day we shall be reunited with them, whether it be in Valhalla to wait until the final days or at the end of times in the final battle when we once again fight side by side with our honored brothers and sisters.

Honor their memory and their sacrifice each day by celebrating and appreciating the life they have given you by giving theirs. We must not let them slip from our memories or our hearts."

She raised the goblet in her hand.

"Raise your drinks and voices to our honored fallen brothers and sisters and keep their memories alive until the end of times."

She looked out at the people before her and then a quick glance over at her father. "To our fallen brothers and sisters. May you rest well in Valhalla until we see all of thee again in the final battle."

Svalin poured a little of the mead on the floor as an offering and then took a long drink of mead.

nextgen_asgard:

An eerie calm fell over Asgard for a few brief moments. The forces of dark were outside of the shield over the city and were still. Inside the Asgardian warriors waited for the moment when the shield would come down and the battle would start. They were warriors, men and women, caught in an endless struggle against the dark forces that were camped outside the walls.

This would be another battle in an almost endless series of battles. Two forces locked in a constant struggle until the day the last battle came and all would be decided. Today was not the day of that last battle, but it was a day of battle.

The warriors inside the shield had taken up their proper places and waited for the shield to come down. The warriors armed with swords, shields, axes and other weapons were on foot and horseback. Beserkers waited to unleash uncontrolled fury upon their enemies. Magic users stood perched upon high battlements waiting to unleash their spells upon the enemy. Archers also lined the battlements, waiting to rain a storm of arrows upon their foes. Valkyries waited to take to the air to strike at their enemies from above. The battle commanders paced the upper battlements looking out at the forces, dark and light, below them.

Everything was still. Man, woman, horse and enemy. Not even a breeze blew.

The shield came down and chaos erupted.

circle_of_seven:

Asgard had seen a rare period of peace. That peace was about to be shattered. Dark forces gathered in a far corner of the realm. Trolls, dark elves and giants fathered their forces and prepared for an assault on the city and the cursed Asgardians.

Soon the city would fall and Asgard would be theirs to rule.

Alfun looked at the assembled troops and smiled. They would make a great distraction. Alfrun knew they wouldn’t succeed in defeating the Asgardians and taking the city. Countless times they have tried and failed. The Asgardians always won.
Until today. The troops were a distraction until the real weapon could be brought onto the battlefield. With the two, the Asgardians would fall. This would be their Ragnarok. The final battle for them.

Alfrun ran her fingers lovingly over the parchment. How very nice of that dwarf to give her this wonderful piece of parchment. With it she could bring about the downfall of Odin, Thor and the rest of Asgard. Then she, Alfun daughter of Eisa and granddaughter of Loki, would sit upon the throne of Asgard as queen.

“Send them!” she said. “I have to start the ritual.”

Treg grunted and then bellowed orders. The troops started moving.

dream_catcher:

Its been too long through the winter, and he knows Danielle has wanted to keep her promise to her body. Lucas also made a promise to Lyta. He's been extremely discrete about it, but made arrangements to borrow one of the vans to get out into more or less the literal middle of nowhere so Lyta can stretch her wings without any risk of being seen and the others can get some relaxation time in. He's invited Lyta, Moira and Danielle to invite along anyone they like and feel comfortable with, and who aren't going to mind the boy being along. Otherwise, he's kept it strictly between them.

He and the Hrimharisdottirs have been out this way before, but this is the first time anyone else has been invited along.

ng_independent:

"I have made my selections!" Empress declared to her assembled "court". "ColLECT thEM!" she ordered.

"Of course your majesty," a guard said with a deep bow.

"I want them dressed and ready to FIGHT as soon as poSSible!" She wanted to find her champion as soon as possible. There were fights to win. Respect to be gained. Blood to be spilled! All of it was for her personal gain. She relished in the power her fighters gave her. "Now GO!"

The guard bowed again and hurried off to obey her Empress' wishes.

An hour later all of the selected girls were teleported up to the ship and the brainwashing process began.

As soon as possible they would be put into the arena and would fight for their Empress' pleasure.

soothsayer:

He didn't like what had happened to the school. He had decided to go through with the outing anyways. This would be to help the students out. He had two vans ready to go with a third one if they had anyone else show up who wanted to get out. He has a clip board in one hand and a pen in the other.

Some people might notice that his shoes aren't normal sneakers. He had been wearing the ones that had a leg brace build in for one of his legs. Sometimes when he was more stressed out Ezekiel found it more difficult to use one leg so he had a brace for times like that. He didn't need a cane or anything, so long as he had a brace he would be fine.

He glances at his watch and leans against one of the vans. He would check off names and add any more to his lists. He had a feeling that there would be more people coming and he was prepared just in case. Good thing he had plenty of older students coming too.

dream_catcher:

The Marauders are gone. At least for now. They still haven't determined what that was all about, and right now, Lucas doesn't care. He's been hard at work ever since the attack, despite his own psychological scars, healing who he can. When the medical labs, Hank McCoy, and the other healer assured him they had things under control, he went to talk to Scott, and got permission to do the hardest task yet.
He sighs, setting down the pencil and reviewing the letter.

ng_marauders:

Penny stepped out of the cab and didn't look back to see if Winterkill and Breakneck were getting out. They would follow, of that she had no doubt. They had a mission to do. Penny smiled. They'd have fun doing it too.

Penny smiled more as she practically bounced up to the gate. Makeup covered the bruise she had because of that bastard breaking her nose. Anger bubbled up, but she pushed it back. She couldn't afford to let real emotions get the best of her. She had to play a part right now.

Smiling into the security camera, Penny pressed the buzzer.

nextgen_misc:

The skies were cleared and the cat-people seemed to be calming, if still nervous, as Elder Shadow addressed them.

"My people, we have been so very wrong. Look at the anguish and fear that has only been elevated in our attempts to protect ourselves and our world." He looks towards Lucas, before hurrying down the temple steps to tend to his wound personally, still addressing the others. "We cannot let the suffering and violation of one of our own blind us to the consequences of our actions. The Rituals will never be invoked, for they can only bring more pain and madness."

As he heals the wound, his tone becomes more personal. "Lucas Moonstar, Chris Pym, all members of the X-tribe.. we cannot offer enough apologies, and I give you mine personally. I will take whatever atonement you see fit to repent for the actions of my people's will and my own leadership."

soothsayer:

The newest staffer at Xavier's had been trying to figure out how to get to know the students better without scaring them off since his truth telling ability did tend to get in the way of things. That was when he thought back on the last weekend he had with his son no matter how much the kid seemed to hate him he at least had fun with his old man. Ezekiel smirks and taps his chin thoughtfully before setting up a sign up sheet to post in the recreation rooms.

Laser Tag!

Sign up for a night of laser tag and pizza. This is for fun guys. Any questions can be directed to Ezekiel Brooks. We'll be leaving at 5:30 expect to be back by 10 at the latest.

Ezekiel gives himself a proud mental pat on his back and then sets about correcting papers in a corner as h casually pretends to not notice if anyone looks at the sign up sheet.

little_gabriel:

The magic of the holidays was finally dying down, and Gabriel had started a solid relationship with Warren.  In fact, he had proposed to bring Warren and Lyta to Scotland to see Connor.  Something unexpected happened, though, after he informed Professor Xavier about the trip.  Gabriel got outside of the building to find that word had gotten out about the Scotland trip.  'Oh Jeez,' he thought. 

"At least I should have a nice flight today."

dream_catcher:

Between all the problems around the holidays, Lucas finally more or less ran himself ragged. Moira and her family have been wonderful at helping since the solstice, and he's put most of the weight he lost back on and he's been sleeping less, but still trying to take it easy.

And, of course, now the world is entering a World Cup year, which means the soccer is especially interesting, even if its not his main sport. At the moment, he's found himself a comfortable spot on the couch and a game on satellite, which he's watching with intent interest.

nextgen_misc:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Anonymous entries accepted.

wild_rose:

"That the best you got, you slimy scum-sucking uglies?  I've seen worse in my breakfast cere...."  The woman, clad in a brown and gold costume, a single bone spike protruding from the back of each hand, dropped out of the sky.  She looked around the grounds of the mansion in confusion, though also with recognition.

"What the flamin' heck...?"  She sniffed the air and found no signs of her teammates, nor of the N'garai they'd been fighting.  No trace at all.  Which was beyond strange.  Even if they'd finished the fight without her, it would take days, even weeks or more for a scent to vanish completely. 

She pulled her mask off.  "Don't tell me I missed the whole dang fight..."

nextgen_deviant:

The brides were clad in white and lined up in front of the altar. A semi-circle of priests stood behind the brides and were chanting. The magic in the air became more powerful as the priests chanted. A small circle appeared in the air before the brides and started to get bigger.

Standing behind the priests was a large group of deviants. They were witnessing the rebirth of their god into the mortal realm. It was an honor and privilege to be witness to this historic moment.

nextgen_misc:

At Elder Shadow's command, the honor guard threw themselves forward as the Ritual of Transformation began and the crowds pulled back. As light poured down from the cavern's ceiling onto the altar where Chris lay, each of the guard members chose an opponent.

nextgen_misc:

On the other side of a portal in the woods... there is a small empty cave, connected to a tunnel, descending deep into the earth. As the end of the tunnel comes closer, light grows brighter. The end of the tunnel opens into a cavern that seems simply too big to exist and not be known. The air is warm and humid, and there's light at the top of the cavern, like a miniature sun, but it doesn't burn the eyes to look at it. It seems to pulse and thrum with a gentle life of it's own, keeping life sustained here.

Those among the X-Men who have seen the Savage Land will feel much the same here. There are vast tracts of jungle, threaded through by areas of plain, with sandy shores along a huge lake that takes up it's own fair share of the cavern. At the center of the cave wall furthest from the tunnel's exit however, lies a village with dozens of huts, and smaller caves carved into the wall. These are all dwarfed by a ziggurat, rising up to an ornate platform. The base of the temple, and each ascending tier, are packed to the brim with bodies, arms and voices raised. Some are singing songs of celebration, some are arguing with one another. At the top however, lays Chris, still unconscious, body dressed in tribal finery that would leave her classified as indecent back in New York. Surrounding her are Elder Shadow and the honor guard that accompanied him.

By the time the X-Men could be within sight range of the individuals, the elder's voice rings out, magic carrying it to every mind in the cavern willing to listen. "My brothers and sisters, I speak to you, as ever, as the servant of your will! The spirits and our people's will have provided for us! We have brought the chosen one into our midst, and the time of alignment for the Ritual of Transformation is at hand. Although one of our kind was brutalized, and their blood perverted for the humans' science, we will not be like them. We will not rise and spill blood. We will make them as our own. They will hear nature's voices once again, and we will rise to live in peace with them!"

Another voice, that male with the moss and mud caked onto him, also carries, as if piggybacking on the magic the elder was using. "Even though there are those among us who feel the Ritual of Cleansing would be more justified, for the horrors the pink apes commit upon our mother... the greater voice of the people will be upheld.."

Elder Shadow wheels around, baring his teeth against the druid. "Cracked Claw, you are our most gifted life-weaver in three generations, and yet your mouth brings nothing but disasters and poison. You will stay your voice. The Ritual of Cleansing is an embarrassment in our people's history, and we will not speak of it."

"But Elder Shadow, they--"

The old male takes a hard step towards the younger, arching his back. "You wish to challenge my place as our people's guardian, kitten?" He does not yell, but his voice speaks with the force of a thundercloud, looking at Cracked Claw with shame and disappointment.

"...no, Elder Shadow. Your voice is the people's voice." His ears flatten, as he lowers his body towards the stones of the temple, before taking his place in a ring around the altar Chris is laid upon.

The elder turns his face out to the crowd. "If there are any who should speak against the great Transformation... now is the time to speak."

old_saint_nick:

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday, it's true, but it also has become increasingly secular. It is an opportunity for love, charity, and goodwill.

There is some debate within mystical circles if there is indeed such a creature as the embodiment of Christmas Giving known as Santa Claus. But whether or not there is such a being, the spirit of giving itself is very real, be it incarnated in a fat man in a red suit or not.

Throughout this small blue planet of Earth, people have brought trees into their homes, decorated them with lights and ornaments, and placed them in locations of honor. Stockings have been placed on the chimneys. And gifts have been placed under the tree.

Some are looking forward more to the receiving than the giving. But for many, it is the act of giving which warms them, which fills them with the holiday spirit.

Each person, in their own way, becomes a part of this spirit of giving. Each person, in their own way, becomes Santa Claus.

1407 Graymalkin Lane is well decorated, and snow covers the grounds. A massive tree stands in the mansion's living room, and ribbons or pine line stairwells or the walls. As for the X-Men themselves...

nextgen_deviant:

It was time to bring Set back into the world and bring about a new age for the Earth. Mammals would no longer be the dominant species and humans, those foul evolved apes, will be slaves once more. Slaves like they used to be before the accursed Celestials wiped out most of the deviants and lizard men.

The priests knew what needed to be done. One of the special deviants, those modified to better fight for Set, would accompany them and take the brides into custody. Teleporting was much easier now that Set’s influence in the world was getting stronger. The priests did it now with very little effort.

The priests teleported in near the brides, they were marked and easy to find now, and once they were alone, a small spell was cast and the bride went unconscious. The priest’s escort picked her up and the trio teleported back to Lemuria.
It had only taken a matter of moments to retrieve all seven brides.

Once they were back in Lemuria, the brides had been dressed in white dresses and cloaks and prepared for the coming of their lord Set. They were then arranged around the serpent crown and the ritual began.

nextgen_parent:

The Moonlight Flit, the private -- and very discreet -- plane of the Muir Island Research Center, started to touch down at the appropriate landing area at the Xavier Institute.

Danielle's tail was already wagging as several of them waited for the plane to open up.
And when their family comes out, there is some mutual pouncing.

"Mummy! Da!"
"My Stars," Hrimhari greets them enthusiastically, first hugging Moira tightly before shifting down to full-wolf form to nuzzle at Danielle.

The temporary neglect of others present is not intended to be a discourtesy, certainly.

nextgen_misc:

"They sense us, we have no more time to delay." The magus seated himself on the forest floor. Their numbers had gathered, and they were ready to retrieve the chosen one. The others would not let her go without a fight though. They would need to be isolated.

He reached a clawed hand into a deerskin pouch, retrieving a handful of small bones and scattering them across the circle he had seated himself in. He chanted under his breath, calling on not only the primal spirits, but the collective energy of his people. Slitted eyes came into focus, showing a youth of mind that the grayed fur around his face obscured.

"Scatter."

He, and those around the circle, vanished.

~~~

A wave of magical energy came towards the Xavier Institute like a tidal wave, a roar to those who could perceive it. It came through the walls and struck at Chris and those around her. They all vanished from sight, reappearing in various locations. They would each find an opponent waiting for them as well.

The invaders... well, there was no way around it, they looked like Chris. From ears to tail, they were built on the same model as her hybrid form. A mix of colors, ages, and body-types, but they were fighting a bunch of cat-people.

nextgen_misc:

"It is agreed then. The time is now."

A ring of faces nod agreement, each speaking one by one.

"They imprison one of our scouts and pervert our blood for their monsters."

"We only wish to live peacefully, and keep our own domain."

"They hunt and murder their own kind for skin color, powers, beliefs."

"We can make them better."

"One race. One people."

"There will be no bloodshed, only transformation."

The tallest of the group stands, holding up a totem. "The chosen one has already been found. She has the gift to make herself one of them with no aid from our magics. Her coat is the color of royalty. She will be the centerpiece of the Ritual of Transformation. For now, watch her. Take her to come among us when the time is right." The totem blazes to life, and two of the members of the group assume human form. Attendants step forward with clothes for them, and they depart.

"No bloodshed. Only transformation."

~~~~~

Two pairs of eyes follows Chris Grant-Pym as she walks through town with her friend.

nextgen_misc:

The city of London was seeing something straight out of a few horror films. A combination of a Romero zombie film and An American Werewolf in London, sort of. Zombies shambled and shuffled through the streets of London searching out delicious, juicy, squishy brains. Howls drifted up over the sounds of the city from North Surrey in the south to Enfield in the north part of the city. Werewolves and zombies littered the streets and the citizens rightfully locked themselves inside. Any civilian outside was considered fair game and prey to the monsters now roaming the city.

A seedy looking man stood outside of Lillywhites in Piccadilly Circus holding what looked to be a piece of very old parchment. He read the page and the unlucky citizens that happened to be passing by transformed into werewolves or zombies.

nextgen_holiday:

“We need to be more grateful. I think there is no true character without gratitude. It is one of the marks of a real strong character to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings. We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily associations, in the church, everywhere. It doesn't cost anything, and it is so easy to cultivate.” - Ezra Taft Benson

In America today is a day for being thankful for the things in people's lives. Today was a day to celebrate family, friends, prosperity and health with food, family and friends. It is a time to reflect on what is important us and to recognize the gratitude we hold for having those things in our lives.

mishaloganovich:

Getting inched back a little ways from a throne was a reason to celebrate. Though he would do his duty if it came to that, Mikhail's engagement was a little relief from the possibility sneaking up on him.

Misha celebrated by not going to Disneyland. Instead, he spent a few therapeutic hours at a favorite bar playing pool and chatting up the barmaid over plenty of beers. The party continued outside in the back when a couple of guys thought he might be drunk enough to roll and learned that alcohol didn't stop his muscle memory from kicking in or kicking back. The party ended an hour before dawn when he left the barmaid's place and returned to the Institute.

After a hot shower, he pulled on a pair of old shorts, shoved a dvd into the player and kicked back on his bed as the opening credits to a B horror movie began.

Still not sleeping. Still not using vodka as a sleeping aid. Still working the professor's program to make sure he wasn't a danger to his family.

Sleep would be good, though. The nights were pretty lonely and he didn't have enough to keep him occupied. His side of the family needed sleep and embraced the concept wholeheartedly. The sleep gene might be linked to the cooking gene. Maybe he should get a pet to keep him company.

Only a couple of hours until his next session with the professor. Then a workout to see if he could tire himself out enough to get a couple of hours sack time. He'd see who was around the training rooms to spar with and get a good, old-fashioned workout.

nextgen_media:

“We interrupt this regularly scheduled program to bring you breaking news from Times Square. An apparent bank robbery gone wrong has resulted in the deaths of at least eleven people at the 1515 Broadway branch of Bank of America. Witnesses report that a masked man entered the bank and held the patrons at gunpoint. The details of what happened next aren’t clear, but it appears the robbery was stopped when a mutant teenage boy lost control of his powers and killed everyone in the bank. The boy fled the scene and remains at large. If you see this boy please contact your local authorities immediately and do not approach him. He is considered extremely dangerous. “

“As you can see behind me, crews are still cleaning up the site and authorities have the area cordoned off and are prohibiting anyone from approaching the bank. Traffic is at a crawl through Times Square and police are suggesting that commuters seek alternate routes.”

“Anti-mutant demonstrators and pro-mutant demonstrators are already on the scene. Police are trying to keep the demonstrations peaceful, but tension is running high.”

princess_mutt:

Moira sat under a tree, staring at her arm and frowning. She shifted to half-form to see if the snake was still there under the fur whe nshe did. It was. A slight growl.

ng_purifiers:

Its all neatly organized and legal, they have the permits to speak, donors and supporters lined up to help legitimize the event, and plenty of television coverage. There's no direct association with any movement or politics - that would be improper, but the Church of Purity is high enough profile to get plenty of guests and coverage of their own, and the Reverand Butler is a rather sympathetic figure in many eyes, having spoken passionately on his cause ever since the deaths of his family. When the noise dies down, he begins to speak. His voice is quiet - he's not a fire and brimstone type, always noted for his soothing voice and long temper. The power of his words comes more through true conviction and personal charisma.

"First, I want to welcome you all here today. As a religious figure, politics is always something of a tricky subject to address appropriately, but I assure you, I am not speaking for or endorsing any candidate. Instead, friends, I am endorsing responsibility and accountability. The topic of registration for the parahuman, and especially mutant population has arisen again in the halls of power. Now I know, many people have pointed to the heroics of some of America's 'super beings' before, and noted that these events helped to table talk of a comprehensive registration act. I want to tell you about another hero. My oldest son served his country. He served overseas, putting his life on the line daily for God and country. He was a decorated veteran, specializing in urban security. As such, he was one of the brave soldiers asked to take on a dangerous assignment - providing peacekeeping services during the trial of Magneto as part of multi-national forces. Indeed, sworn statements from half a dozen attendees, including two of the court officers will attest that it was due to Jason Butler and his unit's services that day that their lives were spared when the trial came under attack by mutants identified only as Fenris. My son's services... my son's sacrifice. You see, he, and a dozen other peacekeepers, brave men and women all, died that day, caught in a conflict between forces they could not comprehend or hope to confront. And while he was credited with saving lives that day, as well all know,Magneto also fled the building afterwards. Its a story we've seen again and again... I am not asking you to unduly punish those born with these strange abilities... but to require them to be held accountable for their actions. Our brave policemen are given more and more restrictive rules in how they do their jobs. And many 'bad men' are freed each day for some lapse in procedure. Our soldiers and security overseas have been questioned and put on trial. And yet time and again, these X-Men, and Brotherhood, and whatever else these secret socieities call themselves defy authority, refuse to be held accountable for their actions, and hide behind code names and secrecy. And yet we hear time and again, they feel they're persecuted and put down... and maybe they are. But the road goes both ways, my friends. If America's mutant population truly wants equal rights... then let them come forth and say they are no better than the rest of us. That they are willing to accept that they are part of something greater... America, including its laws and restrictions. If they wish to style themselves heroes, people... I do not denigrate that noble intent... but let them act like heroes! Shadow vigilantes that we cannot discern from terrorists are not heroes. Those of noble intent... truly, I will stand beside. But so long as no one knows their names, they hold no one but themselves accountable for their actions, they hold themselves as a higher force than our soldiers and police... and so long as we cannot even know who among them was responsible for the deaths of many of our real heroes... how can they ask us to accept them?"

He pauses for a drink of water, nodding thanks to the stage hand, then turns back, the murmuring silenced. "Today, ladies and gentlemen, I stand behind and with the mutant population of America... let us give them equal rights. Let us make them a part of the society we hear so often they claim holds them apart. Let us support mutant registration, not to separate and destroy, but so that we have a means to make them a part of the process... so we can tell the heroes from the villains, so we can punish the guilty and thank the virtuous. People fear what they do not understand. Let mutants come forth from the shadows, and let us know them, not as Magneto, Brotherhood, Fenris, X-Men... but by names. Not merely to punish the guilty... so that perhaps before I die, I can know and confront my son's murderer... but so too that we can thank those who truly have the best for humanity in their hearts, and know them, and strive for true equality. If they truly wish equality with all other men and women, then first, friends, they must submit to the same authority the rest of us live under, that our police and soldiers account to. We cannot allow them to both claim they wish to be equals, be known as just another person, and allow them their cloak of mystery, letting them act without regard to law or accountability. Yes, my friends... today, I stand with what mutantkind has so long claimed they wished... I plead with you to support the registration act as is grows... that we can truly be equals."

_tsunami_:

When Moira had inquired about where she could get a new backpack and some new clothes, Cait saw it as a perfect opportunity to go into the city. They had been cooped up at Xavier's since the Mojoworld stuff and Cait felt like the walls were closing in on her. Even though she spent most of her time down by the lake when she wasn't a few miles down the road at class at the local community college.

It was time to get out and for some freedom.

Cait talked to Uncle Scott and had gotten permission before sending out a text to all the other girls at the mansion. Then she thought about it a minute and sent out a page to the boys. Might as well include them as well. The girls couldnt' be the only ones going stir crazy.

When the specified time arrived, she was waiting by one of the school vans. It was nice being one of the older students who had a driver's license at times.

nextgen_adult:

Dr. Moira Ann Kinross MacTaggert had been busy. Her primary research concern lately had of course been her granddaughter Danielle's condition.  Retrovirus-mediated therapy was looking like the best possible solution, but making <i>that</i> work with Danielle's physiology was going to be tricky. She'd need to see her again soon. Still, progress.

A telephone rang at the Xavier Institute.

_tsunami_:

The air was warm and the sun was bright making it a perfect day for a cookout to celebrate Labor Day. Classes would start on the 8th (for those going to college they started a week ago) and it was the last chance to kick back and cut loose before hitting the books.

At Xavier's Institute For Higher Learning tables had been placed out around the pool and the large grill fired up. Burgers, hot dogs, sausage, ribs, corn on the cob, pasta salad, salad and fruit salad were just some of the food available to eat. Soda, water, fruit juice and other beverages were on ice.

Cait had even gone as far as going into the woods yesterday and made some garum. It was a surprise for her brother, the twerp liked the stuff, and making it near the mansion was not an option. It was currently in a small container on the table.

She stood on the edge of the pool and made different water sculptures unpon request. Yes, once and awhile a sphere of water would "just happen" to get out of her control and soak someone.

dream_catcher:

Lucas studied the regulations carefully, and spoke a little with a couple of the more reasonable advisors. No, they really shouldn't be on a planned, unsupervised co-ed camping trip. But nothing is stopping them from both happening to go camping in similar locations on the same summer weekday. As such, Lucas has left a note for Moira on his plans to go camping, and where he'll be without officially inviting her.
He's packed enough food and supplies for two - with enough homemade oat cakes for four or five, at least, and headed deep into the woods, after informing Logan of his location so someone can check in if needed and no one will get too stuffy or worried about them going missing.

That all done, he's shed most of his clothing and traded it for his ceremonial garb, and begun crafting a new dream catcher, sitting cross-legged at the edge of a stream running through the woods, his supplies laid out around him.

princess_mutt:

Danielle was resting after another blood test. Vicki wasn't far from her if she needed anything.
There'd been a great deal going on, and Moira had several things on her mind, only some of which she wanted there.
So that afternoon she called up an old pal.

dream_catcher:

Lucas is usually the picture of self assurance. He doesn't seem to have 90 percent of the awkward of the typical teenage male. Learning a degree of mastery over telepathy and magic at the same time, while being fairly physically adept and active for his age has a way of helping. There's one thing that he hasn't got quite the same degree of confidence on though - girls. There just weren't many his age on the reservation, and he's had to spend a lot of time on his studies.

So its with an unusual bit of hesitance that he heads into the girls' wing and lounge during the day, when its proper to do so and all, obviously in search of someone or something.

ng_mojoforce:

It had been a long two weeks in New York, but in the end they had managed to get quite a few recruits for the new shows. Now that they were just about done here in New York, they'd be heading off to Los Angeles. There were always people looking to be the next big star in that town and recruiting should be easier.

The screening process was slow because the boss didn't want just anyone in the shows. He wanted people that would deliver action and most importantly ratings. Not your everyday ordinary Joe Schmoo off the street would do. The boss wanted people with charisma, or ones who could provide a lot of action. Mutants were great for the latter and they couldn't just come out and ask people if they were mutants. There was a battery of very specific questions and then a small "screen test" to see what they could do.

So far the boss had been pleased with the ones that had been found and sent back.

They had two more days here in New York and then it was off to Hollywood where the pickings would be better and easier. Sweepzweak couldn't wait to get to Hollywood where sun and beautiful women awaited.

princess_mutt:

Moira and Danielle were in their designated room. This needed to change. It was so...inside. Moira changed into the outfit she'd been provided that was shifting-appropriate. They stepped out of their room.