Cyroa

Words became rather cumbersome and completely unnecessary for a little while as he happily lost himself in her presence. It was unimaginably wonderful to hold her in his arms (without all that weird energy sparkling; he'd have to ask about that later). "It's something of a long story. The short version is that there were people in grave danger and I helped them. And got caught up in something...sizable. I was a kinda of prisoner for a time. More like a glorified food source really. But I'm back now." He gave her a squeeze, holding her tightly. "And I've no intention of going anywhere for quite some time," he said happily.

Dark Star hadn't been home long. And after an extend period of re-acquainting with his fiance, he was out and about again. Zipping across the Earth and near-Earth space didn't really take him long. And there was was so much to catch up on as well. For example, there were quite a few new heroes around. Like those two over there. He altered his trajectory and course a few dozen miles to drop down to their altitude. Zipping along slightly in front of them, he matched their speed and course as he looked at them. "Good morning. I hope I am not intruding. I happened to notice you cruising along and thought I might introduce myself," he said casually. The fact that they were traveling at accelerated speeds or that he was flying backwards or appeared to be 'standing' while he did so didn't seem to matter much to him. "I am Dark Star."

He saw Erin's expression, reading it easily and not blaming her for the doubt. He had up and vanished almost overnight without a word to them. He'd have to make some apologies for that even though there was little he could have changed about it. "Wander, Midnight," he said, deferring to their code names. "Nice to see you both," he said honestly, not feeling a twinge of jealously, remorse or longing. It had taken awhile to get there though. He looked down and smiled at Alex as she backed up to her fiance. "Congratulations you two! I was wondering if it was going to be a sooner or later thing. Sorry I missed the engagement party." He nodded in understanding. "I knew you'd do well Alex. Glad to hear it's coming along. And yes, Alex is right. As usual," he said with chuckle. "I'm back to stay. And yeah, this is where you guys were, so this is where I came. I haven't seen you guys in years," he said with a half shrug. "Time dilation in various realities and the Void can be seriously annoying sometimes," he said by way of explanation.

Dark Star nodded. "Of course," he said, waving in farewell. "Interesting fellow," he said absently before turning to Stesha. Even as she transported them away, he started concentrating, focusing on solidifying like he never had before. It might not actually have been a matter of life or death, but it certainly seemed that way at the moment. Stepping out of the flower, Derrick matched her expression with one of his own. He didn't have layers to take off thankfully, just the simple clothes he tended to wear on the rare occasions when he was Derrick. He waited patiently as she got rid of the winter gear before moving forward and wrapping his arms around her tightly. "Much better," he said with a contented sigh.

He nodded at the man. "Fortunate indeed. I am acutely aware of how luck I am to have found her." He chuckled. "Thank you. I've been away from Earth many times, for longer than this. However, this was the first time I really had a reason to a want come home after being away for months." He looked between them. "Did you need to go somewhere? I can open a portal to anywhere for you. As long as it is on this plane of existence, that is," he added with a light chuckle. He looked back to his love and respond to her question with a simple heartfelt word, packing it with all the emotion he could. "Definitely."

Dark Star blinked his white eyes as he realized, or rather remembered, that they weren't alone. He floated down to a more conversational level and looked at the man. "I must apologize. I did not intend to be rude. I am usually far more polite than this. It has just been quite some time since I've seen here. Obviously, I've missed her a great deal." He bowed to the man to make up for his earlier rudeness. "Harrier, it is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Freedom City."

Gah! Alex, easy! I have NO IDEA what you're trying to tell me...except maybe give me a migraine. Slow it down a bit...like 1000 times slower, he thought with a bit of humor...and the beginnings of a massive headache. James had missed the bouncy and exuberant telepath. And while she was trying to fill him on what happened these last several months, it wasn't hard for her to pick up a little on him as well. For James, it had been considerably longer than 4 months. He kept clapping for the others along with the rest of the crowd, his smile growing as well. It didn't look like they had changed much. Trevor still seemed suspicious and a little reserved. Alex was practically bursting at the seems. Erin was trying to hide from the spotlight. Mike still looked big enough to move the whole palace. Mark was practically soaking up the heroing. He clasped Mark's hand with a grin. "Good to see you too Mark. Looking good. So, what invasion or world ending event did you guys do to get invited here," he asked with a chuckle. The chuckle was cut short by the large huge from the small Alex. "Good to see you too Alex." He returned the hug and looked at everyone. "Good to see you all. I missed you guys. So....Nice party you've got going here," he said with a smile.

"You will never loose me. Never. No matter what happens, I'll come back for you," he returned, just as quietly. "This just took a little longer than anticipated," he said sadly. He gave her a gentle little squeeze, still a bit concerned about the energy crackling between them. "No, I'm home. There are some things that still need addressing but they can wait. For now, I'm home. It's been too long since I've seen you. The galaxy can wait a while." He held her quietly for a long moment. They could wait more than a little while as far as he was concerned at the moment. With Stesha in his arms (even in this weird state), the galaxy could definitely wait.

James shook the man's hand with a smile. "Nice to see you again. You and yourselves are remarkably consistent you know." He chuckled at the man's reference to the ladies and would have responded. However, the announcement of his friends entrance cut him short. He turned with the crowd to watch them enter. He clapped and cheered along with everyone else. James, despite his social tendencies, wasn't one to hog the spotlight. Which was rather obvious considering his multiple 'jobs', now that he thought about it. His friends though...They deserved it. He clapped, whistled and cheered as the spotlight shone on the heroes of Young Freedom. His friends.

Dark Star was shocked, downright surprised when she didn't pass right through him. Or rather he would have been if he wasn't so grateful just to be able to hold her. The crackling of energies was an annoying distraction and a little weird but worth it. He made sure to keep his own energies contained as much as he could as he wrapped his arms around her and help her tightly for a long moment. "Shh," he whispered softly, brushing her hair as gently as he could. It was amazing it wasn't all standing straight up given the energy. "I'm home Love. I'm back." He brushed one cheek lightly, smiling despite not having a face. "That's all that matters." He completely forgot about the other person for a little while. He normally wasn't such a rude fellow but at the moment, the only thing that mattered was Stesha. He'd have to apologize later of course. Once he remembered to. "I missed you too. More than words can describe."

And.....I'm back! (Will be a little slow to start but I'm alive and here at least!)

A small ripple formed in high orbit above planet Earth; a small wormhole to those knowledgable in such things. On the other side of the 'doorway', space wasn't so much black as a barrage of colors from the crashing nebulas there. Floating through the apperature was a humanoid figure. He was not solid, just a 'void' of blackness in space. His body seemed to absorb light and energies from around him. Despite having no face beyond his glowing white eyes, there was a distinct sense of a smile on his empty face. Looking down on the glowing blue jewel, he marvelled for a while. Just a little while. Maybe a half a second before his need to see a particular individual practically overwhelmed him. Besides an all to brief day or so a few months ago, Dark Star had been away for many month. Many more than he wanted though it couldn't be helped. It might as well have been an eternity considering he was away from the most important being in the universe, at least to him. He looked down at the Earth and let his senses extend. Searching the entire planet for one particular signature might have taken him a little while. However, Freedom City was a much smaller area to search and a far more likely place anyway. It took just a moment, though her signature seemed a tiny bit off somehow, before he found her. He'd know her anywhere. The instant he 'found' her, he flickered in place. He went from motionless to top speed in an instant, blurring down towards her. While he wanted to do nothing more than become solid and wrap his arms around her, that option would have to wait. He saw she was with...a civilain? Wait, no...the fellow's signature was very off and oddly familiar in some way. However, since she seemed to be talking peacefully with the man, there was no cause for alarm. Sadly, it also meant he had to stay as Dark Star for now. A mere second or two since 'finding' her from space he approached, pulling to an immediate stop just outside of conversation range. Polite as always, he looked them over. "Excuse me. I hope I am not interrupting?"

The young man was dressed to the nines in a exquisitely tailored tux that looked like it cost more than most people made in a year. A tux can make anyone look good. But on this young man it was just a small addition the overall package. He was almost too charming, too handsome. Standing in a palace, schmoozing with the rich, famous (and gorgeous) was a natural as breathing it seemed. The tux was just window dressing. James was all smiles and was happily chatting with various guests. He knew the others were here, somewhere, just not exactly where. But he knew they would be at this ball. It was why he was here after all. The party, while nice and all, was just a party. He could go to pretty much any party, anywhere, 'anywhen' that he wanted. There was only one reason to be 'here'. He was here for his friends. He hadn't seen them in...too long. A lot had happened since then. Probably had to them as well. Swapping stories should prove rather interesting he was sure. He was looking forward to it, to hanging with them again. But until they showed up, he'd have to enjoy the party and entertain all the lovely guests as best he could. How would he ever find the strength to soldier on...oh, right. He grinned happily and dove, metaphorically speaking, back into the party while he absently kept an eye (and heightened senses) out for his friends.

Dark Star The Good Earth Triumphant Meetings Hellion Kill A Man

My apologies to everyone who has been waiting on me. I know I said I was going to be back a few days ago. It just hasn't worked that way. For the record, my wife, my daughter and I are alive and healthy. Its the rest of the world around us that's gone to hell and/or circling the drain. I will try and return here as soon as I can but it looks like that might be a bit longer still. I just don't have the time or the creative energies to play. For those who know the me/the chars, feel free to auto them. I trust ya. Just tell me what happened when I get back. Again, sorry about this. It isn't my choice. I miss you guys and the RP. Later

James gave a wry smile. This was a rather touchy and odd girl. Still he'd come this far; he could wait a few more minutes. "You're welcome," he said with a nod and a smile. He waited patiently, learning against the pole of the local streetlight to wait. He'd give her a few minutes, waiting patiently. Then it was back to work he supposed. He'd done his 'good deed' here.

using this w/ power attack: Strike 12 (Extras: Penetrating x3; PFs: Accurate x3, Affects Insubstantial 2) [20PP] link with Drain Toughness 8 (Extra: Affects Objects) [16PP] (The Black Blade) power attack (1d20+5=8) yeah, I'll HP to reroll that hp to reroll (1d20+5=15)

James blinked in surprise. Centurion? James didn't impress easy. Far from it. But like...damn. A tiny little spark, buried way down, of hero worship popped up and it caused him to charge in with the others. It overrode his innate distrust and paranoia over Superior's words. He summoned the Blade his hand, swinging at the downed villain without pause. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, we got the point. Hope you do too!"

James gave a wry smile. "The Fens aren't all that safe. Muggers are not the major concern. I've got a few friends who like to hang out down here, 'patrolling' and the like." He took a final look around before returning his gave to her. "Well, it was nice meeting you. Hope those opportunities pan out for you," he said. "If you need something, drop me a line. I'll wait till you're walking in a bit before vanishing, but unless you need me for anything else..." he said, letting it hang.

James chuckled. "What? You don't like sushi and party crashers? For shame," he said with a smile. He looked over at her with a raised brow. "You going to be alright?" He looked around at the people and the junk on the beach. "You untie them. I'm going to hop over to their boat, put a call in. Back in a moment," he said disappearing. An instant later, he was on the bridge of their ship, working with the radio. Divine walked towards the huddled captives, all watching with wide eyes. A mix of awe and fear, with just a dash of lust despite her bruised form was common in them all.

James glanced at the map, looking at the intersection she pointed out. "Alrighty then." He took her hand with a nod. A moment later they vanished from the restaurant. They suddenly appeared on the corner of a much dirtier part of the city. James looked around. He didn't come down this way much. Only when there was some catastrophe of problem he had to deal with. "Well, here we are. Will you be alright from her," he asked her, turning to face her once more.

James nodded and grinned at Dead Head's arrival. "Hey DH! How's it going," he said in greeting to his teammate. James wasn't surprised in the least at the comedic corpse's entrance. It certainly fit his style. James just chuckled and shook his head in amusement. Of course the next arrival's entrance was foolish to the point of suicidal. Flames sprung to his hand in an instant only to be quickly dispersed as he recognized the Claremont student. He shook his head and frowned. "Why exactly haven't I banished this idiot yet," he muttered half to himself wondering. Elder Beings and their taint had no place here.

James stood of to one side as Trevor hugged her. There was a long moment when he wondered if that contact was going to send Trevor flying but apparently all was well. Or at least not causing her to snap. Bonus. But beyond a glance, he said or did nothing. It wasn't his place to get in the middle of them and he'd already said similar words to her already. Still, there were some unpleasant twinges seeing her upset...and Trevor with her. He shook his head and looked to Mark. "So, you're ok?" He summoed fired to his hand, letting it bath along his armor as he healed himself of the bruised bones from Erin's hit. "We need to get to the others and stop these clowns."

James shook his head. "I'm pretty sure she's gone. Trevor took care of her I think. She surprised us. Next time we'll be ready. She won't do that again." He looked at her for a long moment, despite her trying to look at anything but him. "Besides, I told you once I'd never leave you in a place like this. And I never will. Now lets get out of this place."

James stopped moving as she backed up. At least she was talking again. "Medea messed with your head. The darkness and such was Trevor. He knocked your senses out and misted the place up. I put you here. It was the safest and best option to stop you from taking us out. Sorry," he says with a little shrug. "This? It's the Void. The emptiness between realities I suppose you could say. Well, a small island in it anyway." He looked around at the emptiness. "So, ready to come home," he said with a half smile.