ic Holiday Cheer! [OPEN]

[Huckleberry]

Rot

 

"Oh hey. People here really dig stepping out of nowhere, huh? I know they can't help it. My mutations make me repulsive to people and animals. Pretty much everyone except robots. So, are you, like, a robot? The other robot likes cocoa." And Consuelo gestures at Eira. "But it looks like you run on, uh, alcohol." And the teen looks skeptically at Betsy's chosen drink. 

[Ecalsneerg]

Geckoman & Spellbound

 

7 hours ago, Poncho said:

Golden Star in his fancy, clean white suit and his golden shawl, brown hair and briwn eyes, projected an impressive level of confidence for a high school kid walking up to an established Superhero and his family in the middle of a holiday party. His voice didn't even waver, but he had a clear tone of respect and was unflinchingly polite as he spoke.

 

"Sir, Ma'am." He looked at the small child too and inclined his head politely, extending his hand to the adults. "You are the illustrious Geckoman right? I read the comics about you growing up, and I have a signed copy of Astounding Geckoman number 15 in my closet in a sleeve cover." He smiled and pointed to himself, Camren, and Vicki in turn. "I am Golden Star, this is La Puma Negra and Magic 8 Ball. We are students at Claremont. I apologize if I disturbed you, but I wanted to introduce ourselves; it is not often you get the chance to meet your heroes." Well, maybe for most people, but before the night was over he intended to meet as many of them as possible.

Liz stifled a laugh, disguising it as a cough behind her hand. Geckoman just looked a little taken aback, but rallied quickly with a winning smile. "Oh wow, Claremont? That takes me back. This is..." He paused and met Liz's eyes.

 

She stared blankly back for a second before rolling her eyes. "Kenzie, I'm not sure there's anyone who doesn't know your secret identity, mine was on CNN, and two thirds of us are dressed like normal human beings."

 

Geckoman turned back to the three. "Right. This is my long-term partner Liz, who is pretending she doesn't own a costume."

 

She inclined her head towards the kids, lingering on Magic 8-Ball. "Well, it was more in your colour palette than his."

 

Geckoman turned and gestured at his daughter, hiding behind her mother's legs a little. "This is our daughter, Cassie. And look, we're not really on the clock here, Chris is fine. Y'know, not... god, what do they use for my secret identity in the comics? I'm sure Grant's in there."

 

Liz shrugged her shoulders. "Issue 15's up in the bar, Big Jack got into that one." She turned to briefly talk towards the kids. "Big Jack is, or was, The Sledgehammer. It's not a bad one, good likeness of him. Mind you, the hammer's not actually magic, he's a meta, I think."

 

Cassie looked up at the three, with wide eyes and a slightly awed expression. "Do you get to go out and fight bad guys like my dad does?"

 

 

[Thunder King]

Crimson Tiger

 

Mali politely excused herself, and walked over towards Geckoman. She wanted to politely introduce herself to one of the old guard of Claremont, and one of the original members of Young Freedom. Not to mention one of the Interceptors, which, as a street level hero, were her favorite hero team.

 

She walked over and gave a smile.

"Hi, um, I'm Mali. I go by Crimson Tiger, um, out there. Sorry, sorry, I don't mean to be rude. I was on Young Freedom, too. After you. Actually, um, after me, the name stopped being used. I'm so sorry, I'm being awkward, and weird. That's not me, not normally."

[Poncho]

"In the comics, Geckoman's identity is Kelsey Charles Grant." Golden Star responded with a smile. "I will call you Chris if that is what you want, of course, I just did not want to assume." he said. He was comfortable when someone was asking him about things he knew, and he seemed to have at the least done something that made the hero impressed. He matched his level of casualness to Geckoman's; he wasn't quite as relaxed about it, but he loosened up significantly to try and be at about that level so that the conversation could continue without him looking too wound up. 

 

"In issue 15, The Sledgehammer, after another defeat by Geckoman, goes to Polar Sorcerer to juice up his hammer with some of the Sorcerer's terrible ice magic. This causes Geckoman's nose to get stopped up, weakening his super senses and threatening to finally take him down. But using a portable hairdryer, he warms himself up, unstops his nose, and successfully defeats The Sledgehammer, setting him up for a confrontation with the Polar Sorcerer a few issues later." he repeats, keeping himself from moving too much but clearly enjoying recounting the adventure. He turns his attention to Cassie's question next.

 

"I do. It's...rather strictly observed for now since I'm rather young, but I stop bad guys fairly often...get banged up doing it too." he smiled at that. "I'm not quite invincible, but I'm working on it."

 

When someone else came over and introduced herself, he politely paused and regarded her as well, putting his mind to what he knew about her as well but not butting in immediately.

[Tiffany Korta]

The Immutable Betsy Brooks

“I run on Cigarettes and Alcohol…” she paused before adding sheepishly “You probably had to be there, feel luck that I didn’t inherit my father’s tastes”

 

This grin showed off her sharpened canine, and a tip of the sunglasses to show the glow behind the eyes. She left off the part about that being the extent of her vampire powers.

 

“If it’s supernatural in nature I’d been naturally immune, though I’d be buggered if I could tell you the how’s and why’s. Though I have know enough people, and have enough favours that could be cashed in if you need a second opinion.”

[Gizmo]

Ghost Girl

 

The faint, far off sound of sleigh bells preceded a light dusting of snow falling atop the heads of Mali and the very much indoors group with which she was speaking just before a figure floated down through the ceiling with another in tow behind her. "Yay, made it!" The translucent blue woman swooped down to hover a meter or some off the floor and beam at the assembled revellers. Her oversized, fur-trimmed robe was a similarly see-through aquamarine, belted at the waist but hanging open and off of her shoulders enough to be decidedly party wear, while a matching wreath sat atop a loosely curled, asymmetrical bob. "Sorry, had to do a work thing last minute. Oh, Mals, you were so right about those boots on you, cuuute! Hi, new faces! I'm Kimber and ah! Look at the little sweetie, hello!" The poltergeist's attention hopped from her neighbour to the caped youth then quickly to the wide-eyed little girl.

 

"Erm..." the sixty-something year old man she was dragging through the air by the collar of his nightshirt cleared his throat awkwardly. He was translucent as well, though rendered in a full array of colours unlike his escort.

 

"Oh, right!" Kimber launched another meter or so into the air and waved the miserable looking man about as though he were weightless. "Ezekiel Parfum, behold! People having an actual good time because they like each other and aren't awful, union-busting baloney holes!" She gave him another shake for good measure, sending his bare feet bouncing around midair. "Mull that over for a bit, eh?" Dropping back down to a height better for conversing she added sotto voce, "Yeah, so the usual Ghost of Christmas Present had a family thing so I'm filling in? Don't worry, he's not going to remember specific faces or names or anything, just giving his astral projection here a spook, you know how it goes. Wow, they really went all out with the decorations!"

[Electra]

21 hours ago, Thevshi said:

"Fluer, I believe you know most everyone here," She then turned back to the group, "Grimalkin, Crimson Tiger. And of course Nightscale and Shadowborne, who were just asking about you." The speedster then indicated Mizuki, "and this is a new Claremont student, Torpedo Lass."

 

"Happy holidays!" Stesha greeted the group cheerfully. "It's so nice to see you all again, or for the first time. I'm Fleur de Joie, but you can call me Stesha if you like. This is my daughter Amaryllis and my son Basil." She smiled at the two she hadn't met yet, then turned her attention to Shadowborne when the young woman spoke to her.

 

"That was a scary night," she agreed wholeheartedly, "but fortunately I recovered pretty quickly. I'm sorry I haven't really been able to work with the students at Claremont since then, but I've been keeping busy." She laughed and gave Basil a little bounce on her hip. The toddler, who had been watching Velocity with considering eyes, suddenly gave the group a shy smile before burying his face in Stesha's shoulder. "I suppose you might have graduated since then, what have you been up to?"

 

Across the room she noticed Velocity's son walk in with his friends, all of them just a few years older than Ammy. Ammy noticed too, perking up a little at the possibility of a kid she knew, even if he was a high schooler.

[Brown Dynamite]

Glamazon

The holiday season was one of the few instances that youngest princess of the Atlantean monarchy's schedule lined up for both her worlds.  The base layer of her dress what a white garment that draped from her neckline and was cinched by a turquoise himation.  The himation was cinched at the top by a scythe like brooch, chosen in respect but not deference of Cronus, her grandfather as it was after all his season.

Thaelia had metallic possibly false orichalcum bracelets with visible scuffs and Atlantean carvings showing that at some point they had been hit by some sort of weaponry.  Armored pieces were the fashion choice of warrior nobility, much like her usual superhero attire this was very much a conscious choice.  But the matching tiara showed no such wear and tear.  Her feet were bare as the Atlantean demigoddess strode into Freedom Hall.  The cold weather being as warm as the hearth to her.

The often boisterous, hardly quiet woman took a long look around at the famous building.  And the source of many a tall tale around the family.  Upon seeing her friend and former classmate, the Atlantean was tempted to make an immediate beeline for Mali's direction.  But, she instead routed herself towards the conference room that housed the refreshments. Finally, opening her mouth with a loud yet jovial declaration, "The daughter of the seas shall now partake in the nectar of this assembly!"

[Thevshi]

Velocity

11 hours ago, Electra said:

Across the room she noticed Velocity's son walk in with his friends, all of them just a few years older than Ammy. Ammy noticed too, perking up a little at the possibility of a kid she knew, even if he was a high schooler.

 

Velocity gave Mali a little wave as she left the group to go join the one around Chris and his family. The speedster had thought of making her way over there as well, but held off for the moment given the crowd of Claremont students that had formed around him. Besides, it could get a bit awkward around the crowd for both her and Liz, given Velocity had once busted Liz back when they were both teenagers and Liz had still been a supervillain.

 

Like Stesha, the speedster saw her son arrive with his Claremont friends. While having a feeling of motherly pride, she also let out a soft sigh and looked at Lynn and Stesha. "I've been asked to keep my distance to start." She simply said before a small grin came. "Doesn't mean either of you have to."

 

Her phone then buzzed slightly and Velocity glanced down. "Hmm, looks like a small emergency with the caterer." She said before looking up at everyone. "Sorry, need to be off, hope to talk to you more later."
 

10 hours ago, Brown Dynamite said:

Glamazon
The often boisterous, hardly quiet woman took a long look around at the famous building.  And the source of many a tall tale around the family.  Upon seeing her friend and former classmate, the Atlantean was tempted to make an immediate beeline for Mali's direction.  But, she instead routed herself towards the conference room that housed the refreshments. Finally, opening her mouth with a loud yet jovial declaration, "The daughter of the seas shall now partake in the nectar of this assembly!"

 

At Thaelia's loud entrance, the speedster glanced over and then back to Stesha. "Once I get this cleared up, I will go greet our royal Atlantean guest." Pressing the screen of her phone, Velocity selected the next song, as Chuck Berry's Run Run Roudolph came over the speakers. And then she was gone in a yellow blur with a *WOOSH* of air at her rapid departure.

The yellow blur zig-zagged through the crowd, disappearing into one of the side rooms for a few moments. Then the speedster came zipping back out, moving over to come to a stop in front of Thaelia. When she appeared out of the blur, Velocity was holding two glasses of champagne. "Princess Thaelia, so wonderful to see you again. Welcome." The speedster said in greeting before offering one of the glasses. "Some champagne to start?"

[Spacefurry]

On 12/19/2023 at 4:41 AM, Fox said:

Gaian Knight / Tiamat

 

"Still!" She paused to laugh. "Just thought I'd let you know about the food, one non-human to another. I can eat about anything, too, but it was nice of them to think about it and all, and glad it got you outta the lab - promise the food's worth it."

 

Predator

 

Jean laughed as well.

“Well, I’m glad I extracted myself from my research as well. It certainly smell delicious, but I think I may find my way to the bar first. Something to ‘loosen up’ may be needed before the night is over.”

She chuckled as she glanced back towards the entrance. She gave a smile.

“There seems to be an abundance of young heroes abound. One can’t help but feel a mix of pride and regret at the sight. Ones that young should not need to place themselves in the line of fire.”

She sighed slightly.

“Of course, we can’t dismiss those young ones swayed be the easy abuse of power.”

 

She pauses a moment then looks back at Tiamat.

“I apologize, that’s a rather somber thought for such a joyful gathering.”

She gives the dragon a friendly smile.

“Don’t you usually accompany another? Gaian Knight, I believe the files refer to him. Don’t let me keep you from other commitments.” 

Edited December 21, 2023 by Spacefurry

[Fox]

Gaian Knight / Tiamat

 

"Ones that young can rarely be dissuaded from it," mused Tiamat, slipping into a slightly odd accent before snapping back to the present. "The Knight and I are not joined at the hip, but someone should find him and ensure he isn't being too boring at a party."

 

At her height, she could just see him somewhere across the room; the hat wasn't too distinct at this time of year, but one of those stone hands he'd been playing with would peak up over the crowd every so often. She needed to get him to put those away....

 

Tiamat offered a friendly wave before setting back off into the growing crowd. "Give us warning if you loosen up too much. I'll need to decide if I'm to end the drunken brawl, or be part of it."

[Dr Archeville]

Refreshments were to be expected at any sort of holiday celebration, and the League's party was no exception.  Since more heroes than not were of the age of majority, various alcoholic beverages were offered, at a long bar set near one wall.  Everything from simple beers and wines to complex cocktails were offered, the later being made by a six-and-a-half foot tall golden robot with glowing green optics.  This was not some kitchen-bot created by Daedalus, though -- this was Protectron, former mascot of The Lab and current defender of Emerald City!

 

Spoiler

Primary Goal: Salvation of Earth.

Secondary Goal: Preservation of dominant sapient organic, Homo sapiens (and related subspecies).

-- Current Objective: Monitor intake of intoxicants to ensure safety of all present.

Tertiary Goal: Preserve as much organic life as possible.

 

"I can offer you a variety of non-alcoholic 'mocktails'," Protectron was saying to one figure, "which offer comparable taste sensations without the deleterious inebriating effects produced by the consumption of ethanol."  Protectron prepared a drink while talking, a mix of ginger ale, pineapple juice, and white grape juice, served in a chilled champagne flute.

 

 

[MoonSimply]

Carmen

 

Carmen smiled, or at the least attempted to smile while standing next to Golden Star as he picked out whom their targets would be. Now, standing before them, Carmen partially regretted it as it turned into a sort of fan meet and greet between him and Geckoman. What she thought would be a tactical strike turned into some sort of weird meeting as she stared off into the distance, seeing the food table but not wanting to go out alone. So close but also so out of reach.

 

Push to come to shove, she didn't actually no whom Geckoman was to begin with, just smiling politely as social awkwardness struck again.

[Brown Dynamite]

Glamazon

Thaelia beamed with delight as her outstretched fingers took the offered glass from the famed speedster.  "Salutations!  I am always honored to walk the same halls that my kin once swore arms with.  Always a pleasure most grand to share in the bounty of the Hall of Freedom's tides."  The Glamazon's eyes could see through many a lie, illusion, or obstruction.  But they definitely could not visually keep up with the speed it took for Velocity to clear that distance on the surface.  Always an impressive sight to be on the other end of.

The translucent liquid wasn't long for this world as with the same lack of hesitation as she took the glass, Thaelia indulged herself.  Not that Thaelia was a lush, at least by her own measure.  But, Freedom Hall would have to dig pretty deep into its own coffers to leave her inebriated.   

[Avenger Assembled]

Angelic 

 

Angelic looked from Percy to Ghost Girl, then back again, hesitating just a moment before she took his arm. "Come! There's someone I want you to meet!" 

She was still hovering just a little when she reached Ghost Girl and her spectral prisoner, to which she gave hardly a glance before she introduced the man she was with. Percy Pepparkaka looked rather like a romance novel hero to Kimber's eye; his skin tan, his stubble faintly present, his brown hair tousled, his body firm beneath his well-tailored suit. He also smelled like gingerbread, had pointed ears, sparkled with a familiar magic, at least to Kimber's eyes, and his suit was red velvet lined with white fur, matching Eira's Christmas-themed version of her usual costume. 

 

After Eira's introductions "This is Percy Pepparkaka, he is an engineer visiting us from an Arctic magical community," Percy said in a warm, honeyed voice - "Charmed! I had no idea Angelic knew so many important people." He smiled at the sight of Basil, Cassie, and the other young children, and then gave Eira a knowing wink. 

Eira winked back with the look of someone with a secret, then said "His dimension only intersects with this dimension from American Thanksgiving to January 5, so we are trying to have a little time to explore. Magic," said the young woman with absolutely no magical resonance on her at all, no more so than any other piece of machinery, "it can be very inconvenient! Percy, this is my tant Kimber. You had to work tonight too, yes?" 

[Avenger Assembled]

At the bar, a woman in an ivory cat mask and black dress was sitting by herself. Protectron's powerful robot intellect had identified her as Copycat, a part-time heroine and former sidekick of the Raven's. She had headed straight for the bar and immediately ordered something strong. Oh great, the goddamned robot is judging me. She looked around. She'd talked with Fleur about how she'd be stopping by but not introducing herself; but none of the rest of the League had heard exactly about how the Patriot was going to be leaving the family, and the identity, home tonight. 

With a sigh, she said, "Fake drinks are never going to be as good as the real thing. How about just...hell, just a cold beer? Give me the best you've got." 

[Dr Archeville]

Horrorshow

 

"HONK!  ^HONK!  _HONK!  HONK!  ^HONK!  _HONK!" echoed through the second floor nursery, amidst giggles and squeals of delight.  The creature looked vaguely like a goose, with six heads and twelve wings, flapping and flopping before a group of engrossed children. 

 

"Fiiive golden rings," the six heads hissed, nearly simultaneously, and the goose bast's form stretched and warped, shifting into a legless, five headed, golden-scaled hydra.  Each head curled down to form a great hoop with its neck, then slowly rotated so all the children could see.  A few of the more adventurous toddlers reached out to grasp at the serpent's tail, or to wing from the loops of his coils, which the shapeshifter allowed, after some teasing avoidance.

 

"Four calling birdsss," the five heads hissed simultaneously, just before collapsing into a pile of noodles which coiled and reshaped itself into four common blackbirds.  On and on this went, the animals posing and playing with the children a bit, then merging and shifting into three French hens, then two turtle doves, and finally an Ent-like pear tree with a partridge perched atop it.

 

"Alright, kids," he said after shifting back to something more like his true form, though looking more plasticine-y than usual, "next verse is 'seven swans a-swimming'.  Now," he tapped his chin and looked to the children, "how should I make that different from the six geese a-laying?  Oh!,"  he snapped his fingers, then motioned the kids to back away a bit, "this one's going to require a bit of room..."  He then crouched down and wrapped his arms around his knees, then his body slowly widened and smoothed out, becoming a large tub filled with cherry jello-o, from which seven swans emerged.

[Thevshi]

Velocity

 

40 minutes ago, Brown Dynamite said:

Glamazon

Thaelia beamed with delight as her outstretched fingers took the offered glass from the famed speedster.  "Salutations!  I am always honored to walk the same halls that my kin once swore arms with.  Always a pleasure most grand to share in the bounty of the Hall of Freedom's tides."  The Glamazon's eyes could see through many a lie, illusion, or obstruction.  But they definitely could not visually keep up with the speed it took for Velocity to clear that distance on the surface.  Always an impressive sight to be on the other end of.

The translucent liquid wasn't long for this world as with the same lack of hesitation as she took the glass, Thaelia indulged herself.  Not that Thaelia was a lush, at least by her own measure.  But, Freedom Hall would have to dig pretty deep into its own coffers to leave her inebriated.   

 

The yellow clad speedster gave Thaelia a wide smile. "Well, we are always honored to have a visit from out Atlantean allies, most especially when it is a member of the royal family." Velocity responded as she downed her own champagne glass. She then continued chatting with the Atlantean princess. "Quite a large gathering so far tonight, including a sizeable number of Claremont students, as is often the case. I think at least one of your old classmates is here as well."

 

"As I am sure you will likely be wanting something a bit stronger, Protectron should be able to come up with something that suits you." She stated, indicating the golden robot that was acting a bartender for the event further into the lobby.

[Spacefurry]

Paper

 

Leon glanced over to the ruckus Davy’s was inciting as he entertained some of the children. He chuckled, watching the shapeshifter easily playing the fool when he’d seen the young man terrify grown men with the same ease.

 

As he watched the kids something tucked at him emotionally. He had been like that once. Full of life, without a care. Then he had spent years being juggled between foster homes, only to meet others that would become his family. 

Family he had become estranged from…

Leon tried to hide his somberness behind his hot cocoa as he took a sip.

[Nerdzul]

Luke saluted the newcomers with a bright smile and, when appropriate an enthusiastic handshake.

 

On 12/20/2023 at 4:30 AM, Electra said:

"That was a scary night," she agreed wholeheartedly, "but fortunately I recovered pretty quickly. I'm sorry I haven't really been able to work with the students at Claremont since then, but I've been keeping busy." She laughed and gave Basil a little bounce on her hip. The toddler, who had been watching Velocity with considering eyes, suddenly gave the group a shy smile before burying his face in Stesha's shoulder. "I suppose you might have graduated since then, what have you ba

 

 

"Yeah... It was f-" Language Luke. "I mean messed up. It's great to see you fine though... I mean..." He continued, joining Murine in her relief about the situation concluding for the best. 

 

"Merry Christmas, by the way. To you both... Hey... Nice to meet you..." He smiled softly at the toddler. 

 

On 12/19/2023 at 7:41 AM, The Sailor said:

"Mizuki if you will." She said. Not really latching on to the name, but then again... "But yeah... new person, old name. More given than taken."

 

"Luke here, aka Nightscale, friendly resident dragon" He introduced himself playfully. 

 

"First year at Claremont, right? How are things going there now that I have left?" He asked. "I mean, my bet is that it's much safer, but..." He teased, a smirk on his lips.

[Ecalsneerg]

On 12/20/2023 at 1:42 AM, Poncho said:

"In the comics, Geckoman's identity is Kelsey Charles Grant." Golden Star responded with a smile. "I will call you Chris if that is what you want, of course, I just did not want to assume." he said. He was comfortable when someone was asking him about things he knew, and he seemed to have at the least done something that made the hero impressed. He matched his level of casualness to Geckoman's; he wasn't quite as relaxed about it, but he loosened up significantly to try and be at about that level so that the conversation could continue without him looking too wound up. 

 

"In issue 15, The Sledgehammer, after another defeat by Geckoman, goes to Polar Sorcerer to juice up his hammer with some of the Sorcerer's terrible ice magic. This causes Geckoman's nose to get stopped up, weakening his super senses and threatening to finally take him down. But using a portable hairdryer, he warms himself up, unstops his nose, and successfully defeats The Sledgehammer, setting him up for a confrontation with the Polar Sorcerer a few issues later." he repeats, keeping himself from moving too much but clearly enjoying recounting the adventure. He turns his attention to Cassie's question next.

 

"I do. It's...rather strictly observed for now since I'm rather young, but I stop bad guys fairly often...get banged up doing it too." he smiled at that. "I'm not quite invincible, but I'm working on it."

 

When someone else came over and introduced herself, he politely paused and regarded her as well, putting his mind to what he knew about her as well but not butting in immediately.

On 12/20/2023 at 1:31 AM, Thunder King said:

Crimson Tiger

"Hi, um, I'm Mali. I go by Crimson Tiger, um, out there. Sorry, sorry, I don't mean to be rude. I was on Young Freedom, too. After you. Actually, um, after me, the name stopped being used. I'm so sorry, I'm being awkward, and weird. That's not me, not normally."

Geckoman & Spellbound

 

Cassie nodded seriously. "My dad gets banged up a lot too."

 

"Well, you know, it's not about being invincible, it's about taking the hits so they don't hurt someone else," Chris said hurriedly, turning to greet Mali. "Hi, no, I know who you are." He pulled her into a handshake and half-hug. "I think Edge keeps some kind of membership book somewhere." He turned his head back to Golden Boy, pointing back at Crimson Tiger. "It's about shaking the strict observation, kid." 

 

On 12/20/2023 at 2:23 AM, Gizmo said:

Ghost Girl

 

The faint, far off sound of sleigh bells preceded a light dusting of snow falling atop the heads of Mali and the very much indoors group with which she was speaking just before a figure floated down through the ceiling with another in tow behind her. "Yay, made it!" The translucent blue woman swooped down to hover a meter or some off the floor and beam at the assembled revellers. Her oversized, fur-trimmed robe was a similarly see-through aquamarine, belted at the waist but hanging open and off of her shoulders enough to be decidedly party wear, while a matching wreath sat atop a loosely curled, asymmetrical bob. "Sorry, had to do a work thing last minute. Oh, Mals, you were so right about those boots on you, cuuute! Hi, new faces! I'm Kimber and ah! Look at the little sweetie, hello!" The poltergeist's attention hopped from her neighbour to the caped youth then quickly to the wide-eyed little girl.

 

"Erm..." the sixty-something year old man she was dragging through the air by the collar of his nightshirt cleared his throat awkwardly. He was translucent as well, though rendered in a full array of colours unlike his escort.

 

"Oh, right!" Kimber launched another meter or so into the air and waved the miserable looking man about as though he were weightless. "Ezekiel Parfum, behold! People having an actual good time because they like each other and aren't awful, union-busting baloney holes!" She gave him another shake for good measure, sending his bare feet bouncing around midair. "Mull that over for a bit, eh?" Dropping back down to a height better for conversing she added sotto voce, "Yeah, so the usual Ghost of Christmas Present had a family thing so I'm filling in? Don't worry, he's not going to remember specific faces or names or anything, just giving his astral projection here a spook, you know how it goes. Wow, they really went all out with the decorations!"

It was a helluva display, Chris jumping slightly, Cassie staring up with dinner-plate eyes and Liz... looking impassively up at the whole thing. She took her daughter's hand firmly, sensing there was maybe just a bit too much going on for her at the moment and to get her to focus on one thing. "So, uh, Mali, right? This is our daughter, Cassie, and she's a big fan and do you want to say hi?"

 

"Uh... hello. It's nice to meet you," said the little girl shyly.

 

Geckoman looked up incredulously. "Wait, are we just skimming past the... Kimber, what's the etiquette here? Do we like, ignore the guy? Or is it more..." He cupped his hands over his mouth to shout to the beleaguered Ezekiel. "Be good this year! Buy a goose for an orphan or something, buddy!"

[Poncho]

A bunch of people had congregated around Geckoman, and that was maybe a little concerning. He didn't want to let his friends get overwhelmed with too many people, but this was also part of the conversation he genuinely was interested, especially with another member of Young Freedom here too.

 

"Shaking the strict observation, huh? ...I'll try to keep that in mind...Chris." He hesitated before saying that, because to him it was weird not to call the incredible Geckoman, well, Geckoman. But he had been asked. So he did so.

Then a ghost appeared in the hall and for a second he lost his composure and he pointed up at the ghost like he was the child, not Cassie.

 

"I KNEW ghosts were real! Sure I've never actually seen Lantern Jack but I KNEW he was real! Being a Superhero is incredible!" He slammed his fist into his palm in excitement with a giant, goofy grin on his face. "This is so cool. I've barely been a superhero for 3 months and I've met Velocity, Geckoman, Nevermore, and I've seen a real ghost! And that's not even the half of it." Then he realized he was probably being a bit too excited for this sort of event and had to calm himself down again. He went from an excited child back to where he was before -a younger schmoozing with much more established heroes- schooling his face into a more even look and a calmer tone of voice and acknowledged Crimson Tiger, but only after Cassie had gotten to talk to her.

 

"Crimson Tiger...you're a martial artist, right? I think Heroes like that are very impressive...I'd really like to learn how to fight myself, instead of just relying on my powers all the time. Do you take students, or something like that? I mean, if you don't mind me asking." he smiled politely. Then he asked even more questions because he really was just a font of infinite questions.

 

"You were both on Young Freedom at different times, but I don't think that team is active right now...how did it end up coming together? I know you didn't work on it on the same time, so I guess that's sort of asking you both." he admitted. "Or, what if someone wanted to restart it? I know it had quite a few different members and incarnations...it's kind of a hallowed name really."

[Thunder King]

Mali smiled to Cassie "Hello, Cassie. It's great to meet you. I always like meeting new people. It's a lot of fun." She smiled to the girl. Cute kid, she thought. She accepted the hug from Chris with grace, and a little awkwardness. "Edge would. If he's the kind of guy I've heard he is."

 

Then, turning to him, she remarked. "Zeke here looks like he has a punchable face. Though that'd probably screw with the whole redemption thing she's trying. Hope he learns."

 

Mali turned to Golden Star. "Actually, yeah, I've done quite a bit of teaching before. I have a full time student, he's a cousin of mine. I don't mind teaching the occasional lesson. In fact..."

 

She pulled a card from her pocket. "This is an email address that connects to Crimson Tiger. Talk to someone at the school, get permission for me to show up and work with you, and I'll teach you and some of your friends a few moves. Or just give them my card. Somebody there will remember me, and contact me about showing up a few times."

 

"Now, if you don't mind me, I've got an Atlantean princess to go greet. Love meeting you." She waved, and walked toward Thaelia.

 

"Thae! Long time no see!" She said with a laugh. "Still allergic to subtlety, huh?" She walked up and greeted her old friend with a grin. 

 

 

Edited December 22, 2023 by Thunder King

[RocketLord]

Spaceman

 

Parker had considered to offer Baz something to wear. His parents' tailor probably wouldn't mind trying to make something, especially not if paid well enough, but he had hesitated. He didn't want Baz to feel like he had to take handouts like that.

 

Parker isn't looking too comfortable about being there as they get out of the car, however. Sure, he's attended big parties before, it comes with his parents' position, but he has never liked it. Too many people, too much noise, and too many people that are just plain unlikeable. Maybe it will be better at a party full of super heroes.

 

He is dressed well, at least, in a tailored white suit, with a black dress shirt underneath and an almost, but not quite, golden tie, making the whole ensemble look almost like his uniform, though he has not worn it at Claremont yet.

 

"Do you guys see anyone we know yet?" 

 

So many well known heroes. Parker's not sure if he should really be here.

[The Sailor]

13 hours ago, Nerdzul said:

"Luke here, aka Nightscale, friendly resident dragon" He introduced himself playfully. 

 

"First year at Claremont, right? How are things going there now that I have left?" He asked. "I mean, my bet is that it's much safer, but..." He teased, a smirk on his lips.

 

Mizuki laughed. "I guess safe is relative, it's been a wild ride so far."

 

Then it dawned on her. "Wait... Claremont used to actually BE more dangerous?"

 

She quirked an eyebrow. This wasn't the news about her school she expected.