The Defenders Renewed (Group Thread Open To All)

[Wolfias]

Adam/Greywolf. Refueling a Shifter.

"Okay guys, why not take ten, grab a drink and chill, and we'll resume training when the others arrive?" Avery announced to the new recruits." Turning from watching the trio of Runner, Improv and Kid Crux. Adam hears Avery suggest take ten for a drink, this wasn't enough time to eat enough to meet the caloric needs of shifting and fighting.

But he'd give it a damned good try that's for sure, he bolts from the training area dodging and brushing carefully past people in front of him. Adam reaches the Mess Hall and heads directly into the Kitchen, taking the freeze dried foods he craved from several Freezers. He put the items into the Microwave two Dbl bacon Cheeseburgers, a large meat lovers Pizza, a big serving of Zucchini Parmesan along with garlic Rolls. Having just enough time to go and quickly get himself wash up.

Adam ran to the Men's Room, unfortunately he wasn't alone as he quickly washes the dust from his torso. Drying his hands and torso using the blower then combing his hair out with his fingers and brush it back with them. Now pulling a handful paper towels wetting them thoroughly except for a few, unfastens his leather pants and pulls them down enough to wash sand from intimate places. Pulls his pants up zips snapping the button buckling his belt to hold his low rise pants up. Washes and dries his hands again to rush back into the Kitchen, deftly avoids others that entered the Mess Hall getting there the Microwaves ding.

Takes the food from the Microwave placing it on two trays and carries both to a table that's nearby and takes a seat. Grabbing a burger it was devoured quickly in a few bites. Doubling up pizza slices like John Travolta in Dance Fever, the two slices eaten in about four bites only to be repeated four more times. Unwrapping the plastic sealed plastiware gets a garlic roll, the plastic fork to dig into the Zucchini Parmesan. Alternates a roll to dip into the sauce and a bite of one of his favorite foods it in 3 minutes flat. He slows down to take a long sip of a protein loaded tropical fruit Smoothie. A thunderous belch escapes to echo through the dinning area.

*Grey mutters you can use the belched Dragon breath as a weapon* -Adam sighs patting his full belly. I guess you're going to say if I get sick it's a bio weapon too? Best be careful not to blow chunks on anyone - *I would have to take the odds against you Adam, Grey rumbles a deep chuckles grinning wolfishly* Grey rumbles in the back of Adam's mind. *You better run* Taking off from the counter Adam ran barefoot out of the Mess Hall, the halls had people coming and going as it was a running/obstacle course to get back to the training area in time. Slowing just enough not to burst through the doors of the training area, Adam enters casually sipping his Smoothie pulls a roll of fruit flavored candy coated Tums from his right front pants pocket. Pops a couple into his mouth turning slowly to look around the training area, realizing only a select few get to enter here. I may be the least experienced Rookie, but Uncle Jamison always said I picked things up fast.

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx

If Lynx noticed a rise in the ambient air temperature, she made no indication of it. Instead she embraced Peter before she answered him. "I was abducted by a fairly powerful entity who calls herself Erotisi. I would call her a malevolent being, in that she assigned me math homework as soon as she returned me to our base." Lynx gave Peter a thumbnail sketch of everything that happened, leaving out the more lurid details of Erotisi's molestation.

"Apparently she wasn't satisfied with interfacing with me," Lynx continued. "She had some pretty impressive 'interaction' with a hereto undiscovered superheroine down on Earth. One that Gregory is going to go meet even as we speak." Lynx couldn't help but smile at Gregory's reaction to the physical beauty of the superheroine in question. "But I'm all right Peter. Especially since the team I was forced to abandon made it back in one piece, and completed its mission successfully at that. But now..." she shrugged. "I had my brain rifled through effortlessly, something even the oft vaunted Jane couldn't do. We have an entity named Caliban that I feel I am this close to understanding his true nature, but I have a terrible foreboding that every minute I don't crack that particular enigma could cost one or more of my friends their lives. And this Erotisi being, I have no idea if she's giving us clues or just muddying the waters." Lynx lowered her gaze and shook her head. "I solve puzzles and come up with tricks to get us out of trouble, Peter. It's what I do. Or what I used to do." She gave her old friend a wan smile. "Now, I can't help but think that I might be of more use to this world if I just stayed at my research station in Antarctica."

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Avery shook her head at Makoto's words. Her heart ached at her friend's apologies. The sight of the beautiful woman with tears falling from her violet eyes made Avery want to hug her again, but she held back, not wanting to overwhelm her.

"You don't need to apologize to me. Not now, and not for this," Avery said, voice full of conviction. "It sounds like you've been so scared for so long. I'm glad to have you back Makoto. Male, female... It's you, and that's what matters to me. You're still clever and strong and brave and kind and so many things that make you wonderful! I'm just sorry I couldn't help before you died, that you got sucked into that darkness alone." Now Avery herself was struggling to keep her iwn memories and emotions at bay.

Avery remembered standing by, watching Makoto's downward spiral, and being unable to do a thing to help. It had broken her heart. And then, when Makoto had been murdered... It was another regret that had eaten away at her soul.

"Your secret is safe with me, friend. And so are you."

 

[silvertongue217]

Training Area

COMMANDER POV

When Avery pulled Makoto to the side John made no move to follow them. Instead he smiled pleased that the two were having a discussion they had long been in need of. Only he so far knew the truth about her and who she was. He had argued against it when she told him and made him promise. They were all a family here he had reminded her over and over again and it didnt matter how she came back only that she was back.

Still she had been hesitant and so John had insisted she at least tell Avery. If Siren was going to be his partners (and he meant that in both a professional and romantic way) then she needed to know.

After all if any one knew about secrets and their effect on relationships it was him.

"No not to much of a fuss" John said smiling and glancing over at Cloe "We were lucky in that he seemed uninterested in doing any actual fighting.... Care to follow me out onto the field? I could use the company as I get ready and pick up the spiders that were deactivated"

While the two talked every one else went on break leaving the field bare. John took the time to go over leaning down to send the spiders deactivated back to the shop for repairs before going over to the sparing line. He shrugged his shoulders letting his suit slither over his body as he prepared for his sparring match with Siren.

.............................

RUNNER POV

"Damn that was a good work out" Maya remarked hearing the end and stopping. Seconds later they were given the A okay to go take a break and get some food.

"I could use the recharge" Maya murmured feeling her heart beginning to slow down. With it came the pull and beginning of the crash. The first side effect was hunger A deep pit in his stomach that was crying out to be fed. If she was going to go another round she would need to eat and build her self back up.

"Imogen mind coming with me?" Maya asked going over to the attractive blonde and stretching "If I dont get some food in me my powers are going to crash... What do you say?" She asked unable to stop her self from blushing slightly at the intimate look at her powers.

..............................

THUNDERESS POV

"Now that was a fight!" Orror said unable to stop her self from grinning as the training team moved off the field.

"Fuck I got to get a piece of that!" Orror murmured as the pull of battle settled in her body. The warrior in her reveled in the idea of her trying her skills out on people like her with powers.Her battle maidens were handpicked and went above and beyond in combat with her.

but they were nine times out of ten no match for her and her powers.

"Are you prepared for battle sister?" Orror asked glancing over at her "And it is good to see you back Parkhala" Orror said glancing down at the tiger fondly. "Do not think I have forgotten about your..... episodes either as a matter of fact...."

Orror turned spotting the cat girl and the man she was talking to and bounding over with a leap.

"Greetings fellow defenders" She said slapping Peter hard enough on the back to send him jostling forward "It is a pleasure to meet you.... I could not help but overhear your talk and was wondering if my sister and I could borrow you Lynx for a moment" She said grinning at them both.

 

[silvertongue217]

Training Area

SPECTRE POV

David had just made it back on base when the PA announcement came on.

"Training time" David murmured a happy smile coming onto his face as he headed down to the training area. He knew he shouldnt be eager to use his powers again not when they only accelerated the process but he was feeling a bit of a high. The thought of going on a mission of sorts with the delightful doctor was some thing he had been hoping for, for a while. Even if she wasnt interested in him in THAT way (and even though he wished she was) being with some one who felt okay in the paranormal was a rare treat for him.

And one he would savor

He made a mental note to ask Lynx about the date after training. Either that or give it to Gregory and let him search the database.

Or perhaps Romeo could give him some clue

David entered just as every one was moving off the field he nodded at John letting him know he was back before moving over to the main group heading to get some refreshments.

"So how did training go?" David asked sliding up next to Romeo "Did you kick some ass?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Oh, thank goodness it went well." Cloe shivered at the thought of Caliban. In the grand scheme of things, he was one of the most horrifying enemies she could think of. Something about how cold and polite he was. With Jane, well, there was no doubt she was mad. But a killer who could fool people into thinking he was a gentleman? There was something much more sinister about that.

Cloe followed John eagerly, thankful for the reason to move away and do something. She watched the first few spiders he activated and sent for repairs and then she stepped over, copying his commands and helping him to send the little guys scuttling off. She had to commend Gregory on his efforts. As the little robots moved she could see that he had modelled them well after real spiders.

"The greenhouse was well kept. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Peter and I started planting some crops earlier. We should have some fresh vegetables for the team in no time," Cloe remarked. When she said Peter's name it was a striking reminder of their kissed, but she pushed that away. Focusing instead on her task with the spiders.

 

[Armphid]

Defender's Lunar Base, Training Room

Makoto didn't know what to say to that. Avery remained the most beautiful of them all; her spirit just shone and illuminated all around her. Rather than speak, she just stepped into the redhead and embraced her. She'd sensed the other woman had been holding back on hugging anyway.

After a few moments she stepped back with a smile on her pink lips, "Arigatou, Avery." She then sighed, "I feel like begging off training and going to bed. How can something so simple as talking make me feel so tired?"

She set a hand on the wall that had formed and it began to disassemble, though part of it remained to form a waist high basin that filled with water. "Some girls can look good after crying, I am not one of them, I have learned. Feel free to wash your face as well before I return this matter to it's previous state." Makoto dipped her hands into the cool water and bent down as she splashed it into her face. Twice more she did so before straightening up and taking a breath. "I feel...lighter now, having told you. Not as anxious or worried."

Makoto picked up the headpiece of her costume and tucked it under one arm, "Shall we rejoin the rest?"

 

[Zagreus_D]

In Transit: Training Arena to Mess Hall

Imogen/Improv POV

Imogen peeled of her gold mask and smiled happily at Maya. "I'd love to! I'm a little disappointed that Avery stopped the training when she did. I'm pretty sure we still could have taken them. I'm still working on perfecting large scale solid shield barriers. In theory I should be able to do them, but I have a hard time trusting myself to maintain something massive like that. You were very impressive in there! Both times!"

________
Romeo/Kid Crux POV

"We did alright," but Romeo was beaming with pride, not just at his own performance, but at the entire team, and that included Nibo. It was a good new trick that he'd learned, and he was also happy to know that he could be useful on the team without relying entirely on the lwa.

"How did your mission go? It sounds like everyone got back safely from both. You did the Caliban thing right?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Training Arena

When Avery felt the smaller woman's arms wrap around her, the tears fell more freely, but when they did they trickled over smiling lips. The fact that her old friend was there, alive, still boggled her mind.

Avery didn't blame Makoto for saying she was tired; secrets were a heavy burden to carry. Avery dashed away her tears with the back of her hand as she looked at Makoto. There were some parts of her that were so familiar. Her eyes, the shape of her face, her fantastic posture. Makoto was right when she said it may be different, seeing her as the same person, but Avery wasn't bothered by it. She believed what she had told Makoto; she was the same person inside. Avery cared little for people's packaging.

"Thank you for telling me, for trusting me," Avery said as she leaned over, splashing some of the water on her face and sighing as it hit her hot, tear-stained cheeks. "I honestly can't express just how happy I am that you're here. Now, let's get back before I turn into a blubbering mess. I should probably set up the arena for anyway."

When Avery returned to the arena, it was to see that more people had joined them, and that everyone was standing around chatting. It was good to see people getting to know one another or catching up. She found it inspiring to see the brave people who had flocked to the Defender's cause; old and new. She resisted the urge to join the discussions, to chat with her friends, instead walking to one of the small false houses from the urban environment and opening the door. Inside there were a number of wooden crates that they could use for a number of things. In this instance she began to place them in a semicircle on one side of the arena, opposite to the city, suburban and farm rural sectors.

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx and Wind Hunter

"Thank you for letting me bend your ear, Peter," Lynx smiled. Lynx and the tiger shared a look before Lynx turned her attention to the tall, mohawked woman standing in front of her.

"I don't think we've been formally introduced," Lynx said, offering her hand. "It's Orror, isn't it? And this is your sister Alya? What can I do for you two?"

 

[Wolfias]

The Teammates that were training with Adam and those after and the established Defenders were all talking amiably together. Oh he spoke with them, but it was little more than small talk as he hung out on the outer edges of the group. With plenty to say, well in my head anyway as Greywolf could attest to. For the life of him he just didn't know how to drag the words out of his mouth to have a normal talk.

At the least I learned a lot just by listening, with a comment thrown in now and again. If anyone would taken the opportunity to really get to know me, with my willingness to talk if I got started they might of had a tough time shutting me up. After a while Adam's frustration got the best of the young thirty year old. Walking off to the side enough to have enough room, loosens up lightly bouncing from foot to foot.

Going through a routine stretching regimen before getting serious with it. By then he shadow boxes and tosses in a couple Native American wrestling moves along with a little freestyle to finish his bit of a self absorbed warmup. Upper body glistening with sweat when called to shift he could much more easily. It wouldn't hurt as much this time as the last, brushing his sweat dampened hair back with his fingers.

He just hung out till whatever was going to happen next, Adam was ready to get going with it already. With a shy grin Adam he walks back to join the small group of trainees? Maybe and Kid Crux but after his performance I'm the Trainee. Adam felt better and more relaxed after working out some stress. Next time he'd do a quick workout then try to talk.

"Hey Kid Crux. Is it OK to call you that?" He didn't have to wait long. "Can I ask a question? I'm a good shot with Rifle and Compound Bow. But how did hit a groove like that? You took spiders out like crazy! I woke Greywolf to watch, Uh he's actually me only shifted into the 8'0" Wolf you may have seen. He hates those spiders, You, Runner and Improv made him grin. He really liked what your cover fire helped Runner and Improv to do their thing."

 

[silvertongue217]

Training Area

COMMANDER POV

"I am glad to hear that" John said turning to her and smiling as he got the last of the spiders back off to the lab that Gregory claimed as his turf "I tried to keep up with it as best I could but being a green thumb was never my forte still it would be nice to have vegetables again I have been porting back to earth to get supplies but well its no five star kitchen the most we have in their usually is whatever the spiders make!"

He chuckled at that noting that Avery was coming back "Ah if it isnt my leading lady" John said glancing back at her with a smile.

"So you and Peter....." John trailed off looking at her and raising an eye "Any thing to say?" He asked her nodding as Avery came back up and started placing crates at various areas of the training platform.

........................................

RUNNER POV

"I did alright" Maya said blushing with pleasure she opened her mouth to say more but before she could the man known as Adam rushed by her all but knocking them over and forcing Maya to pull Imogen out of the way.

"Watch where your going!" Maya shouted grumbling and shaking his head "But seriously I think we kicked some serious ass! I mean robot ass but ass none the less I look forward to seeing what you can do.... Er I mean in the field of course" She said blushing and picking at her short shorts.

"I need to fill up though for sure" Maya said taking her hand "Come on lets go see if that damn wolf left us any food! I need some protein bars at least!"

...........................................

SPECTRE POV

"Nah that was the commander" David said jerking his thumb "I did the Russian thing"

"It went well" David said glancing at every one walking and moving about the training area "We can talk about it later however I wanted to ask you-"

Before he could however the new trainee John said was named Adam came up. He was talking fast his excitement apparent. David laughed shaking his head at the wolf and turning to Romeo.

"I will ask you later" He said clapping the man on the back before turning and walking away. He saw Avery setting up boxes on the far edge and he walked over.

"Need a hand?" He asked smiling at her and reaching out to grab one.

...............................

THUNDERESS POV

"It is indeed" Orror said taking her hand and pumping it before gesturing at her sister to come forward.

"My sister has been having.... episodes for lack of a better term" Orror said smiling at her before turning to Lynx "I have heard many things about you and your smarts she has been speaking in Irish from what I can tell of it I however do not know enough about the language to guess at what she is saying"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Training Arena

~Cloe~

Cloe watched as John sent the last of the spiders scurrying. She fell into step beside him as they walked back towards centre. She heard what he said about Avery and bit her lip. Before, in the old days, everyone knew there was something going on between them but they had never been public about it. It was odd for her to hear John speak this way, she only hoped it meant Avery wasn't misplaced in her affections this time around. She was tempted to ask John what his intentions were towards her friend when he mentioned Peter. Cloe's cheeks tinged pink and her white blooms sprouted about her shoulders, tiny buds contrasting prettily with the brown-grey bark.

"Peter? What do you mean?" Cloe asked, looking straight ahead as her insides squirmed uncomfortably.

~ Avery ~

Avery looked up, seeing David come over.

"Thanks! That would be awesome!" She said, grinning at him. "I'm sorry we haven't had time to catch up since you got back. How are you? What have you been doing lately?" She asked, brushing some sand off her armour as they made their way back to the house for more crates.

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx and Wind Hunter

Lynx frowned as Orror described the episodes. The explanations could be anything from the mundane to the...not-so-mundane. Well, no reason to borrow trouble if you don't have any in the first place, Lynx thought to herself.

"Do you remember what you said, Alya? Do you actually speak Irish?" Lynx asked.

Alya shook her head no to both questions. Lynx produced a pen flashlight and then looked at Alya. "If I might?" Alya nodded her head. Alya shone the light into each of Alya's eyes while she held the human girl's chin.

"What I'd like to do is take her to our medical area," Lynx told Orror. "Just as a precaution. You said you recognized what she was speaking as Irish. I don't suppose you know what she said, or have a recording. Was it coherent, what she was saying, or gibberish?"

 

[Zagreus_D]

Trainee Break Time

Romeo/Kid Crux

Romeo smiled, he was genuinely surprised to be approached by the man with the impressive ability to turn into a wolf. He wondered about what David might want to ask him, but decided to let it go for now, and focused his attention on the big guy's questions. "Your name is Adam right? I guess you can call me Kid Crux, but I honestly prefer Romeo," he pronounced his name with the stress on the middle syllable (ro-May-oh), but growing up in Florida, he had grown so used to the American pronunciation that he rarely bothered to correct people if they got it wrong.

"The shooting thing is kind of a new trick. I mean I learned how to shoot a long time ago, but Nibo and the other lwa (low-uh) don't shoot. It's hard to describe what he did back there. Usually he just takes over, like a possession. Most of the time I'm aware of what my body is doing when Nibo takes over, but I have no control over it. That time I was in control, but Nibo was there too... it felt like... I don't know... like his thoughts got underneath mine. It felt like surfing almost. Like riding a wave of Nibo's awareness. I always knew that Nibo was faster than me, and somehow he boosted my perceptions... so I could see faster than before. Does any of that make sense?"

****

Imogen/Improv POV

"Oh be nice Maya," Imogen scolded playfully, then she added in a more thoughtful tone, "I think he might be having a hard time fitting in. I've felt like that before."

Gen followed Maya to the kitchen and began rifling through the refrigerator and cupboards. It looked like there were still substantial leftovers from breakfast. Gen started pulling out some of the more tempting looking bowls and plates. "Ah left overs... can't decided if they are my salvation or the bane of my existence! I'm not much of a cook. I've spent too much time on the road."

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter hadn't realized how long he'd been zoned out. He really meant to catch up with Lynx again, but there was so much coming at him that it was hard to process. Not only did they have one known being of seemingly extraplanar powers back on their radar again, but it seemed they had another show up out of no where and whisk Lynx away from the fight in Russia as well. It was not the sort of thing that gave him a lot of comfort. Still, it didn't explain why he drifted off mentally before Lynx left to speak with another new arrival.

Subconsciously, he must have been following Cloe around the room. He wanted to watch her, to get a read on her feelings before he talked to her again. Seeing her busy herself with helping the Commander didn't make him feel much better about their next conversation. John was a great leader on missions and dividing work among teams, but Peter did not have a lot of confidence in him helping with what he and Cloe had to deal with right now. Chewing his lip as he thought of what to do, he wound up standing like a goon and seemingly waiting for something to happen.

Looking around, he saw that Greg wasn't around, but his Spiders were. The skittering things were always seemingly underfoot everywhere in the station. Peter wasn't sure but by now, the small things had faded into the background of the activity on the station. Walking down to the training field, he saw a number of his bugs left still in a state of disarray. John and Cloe were still working through them all, but had had to test something since they left Russia. Looking down at his hand, he extended it toward one of the left over spiders. As he did, he held his small pack of trail mix in the other beside it. Concentrating on projecting a beam of heat at the spider, the metal of the small droid glowed orange from the small blast of energy. As it did, Peter looked at the snacks in his hand and saw the plastic bag they came in had melted to the food. "That's what I was afraid of..." he muttered to himself.

He turned sharply, curious if anyone saw that, and walked back to the group. Once he mingled back in, he found a convenient disposal bin and chucked his now ruined snacks into it. Leaning against the wall, he folded his arms, staring at the floor in thought.

 

[Wolfias]

Adam/Greywolf. A new friend?

"Your name is Adam right? I guess you can call me Kid Crux, but I honestly prefer Romeo" (ro-May-oh),

Adam couldn't help but grin as someone else sorta knew his name. "Yes, it's Adam." He listens with a slight smile as Romeo pronounced his name own for him. "Well you're in luck (Ro-may-oh. I prefer pronouncing names properly. I'm Navajo, you wouldn't believe the way people mispronounce our names. I have to admit though, some are not easy to say. Grey grumbles from the back of his mind. *Shut up and let our packmate talk* -Oh hush and go back to sleep- Adam gets annoyed as Grey corrected him. "Please continue."

"The shooting thing is kind of a new trick. I mean I learned how to shoot a long time ago, but Nibo and the other lwa (low-uh) don't shoot. Usually he just takes over, like a possession. Most of the time I'm aware of what my body is doing when Nibo takes over, but I have no control over it. That time I was in control, but Nibo was there too ... it felt like ... I don't know ... like his thoughts got underneath mine. It felt like surfing almost. Like riding a wave of Nibo's awareness. I always knew that Nibo was faster than me, and somehow he boosted my perceptions ... so I could see faster than before. Does any of that make sense?"

"Yeah it actually does make perfect sense ... when I'm along for the ride with Greywolf it's a real rush, always aware of what the others thinking independently it's wild. You and I are similar in some aspects, others ... not so much. But at home when either of us need run free, I'd shift and just enjoy the ride or I let him drive." Adam halts slightly as he said that he didn't know what to say next.

*Grey rumbles from the back of his mind. Don't stop now, see? He's kinda like us* Adam got it back together to continue "We're learning to work together and it's the first time to have team mates." He's clearly curious to know if Romeo and he were similar, but thinks he better back down a notch -Romeo is going to think I'm bat shit crazy - *Grey grumbles at Adam's neurosis. No he wont just be yourself!*

As he named the two spirits Nibo and lwa, and it's like a possession without control. Adam just had to ask. "It's a friendly possession to help others right?" Adam smiles at Romeo so he can speak freely. "I think Nibo begun to trust your decisions and just assisted you this time. Pausing a moment before offering this to Romeo. ''My Grandfather taught me at a early age to be a Shaman, how to control my inner wolf when it revealed himself. I can help you gain your spirits trust and share control with them ... If you really would like to learn more, that is." Looking around Adam has a feeling if things were going to happen it was going to anytime now. "I think they're about ready to pick teams and start capture the flag."

 

[silvertongue217]

Training Area

COMMANDER POV

"I just remember you two being close is all" John said watching her reaction and noting the way she DID react to his question. The commander was never the best socially but he did recognize enough to notice two people liking each other.

"And I hope you to grow even closer" John said hoping he wasnt being to forward or giving to much away. This was why he tried his best NOT to get to wrapped up in the social life of his team.

Because he was usually shit at not butting in

"How are your parents?" He asked changing the subject and noting that she seemed slightly uncomfortable "I havent talked to them in quite some time"

.................................

SPECTRE POV

"What have I been up to?" David asked laughing "besides dying?"

He immediately regretted it nine out of ten people did NOT like talking about death. Even more so when it was a personal person or a friend.

"Poor joke I know" David said to her catching her look "I just been doing the hero thing I couldnt stay away from it besides that traveling the world accomplishing my bucket list and keeping my self busy as much as I can.

......................................

THUNDERESS POV

"I did indeed" Orror said smiling happily "I made sure to memorize the words so that way I could figure out their meeting later"

Orror closed her eyes concentrating as she brought them to the forefront of her mind " Faoi gearradh mo ordog, rud olc a thagann ar an mbealach"

Orror opened them looking at Lynx "That is what she said if I remember correctly it is Irish however I do now know the language enough to say exactly what it is"

.........................

RUNNER POV

"I would just kill for some fucking protein bars" Maya murmured shaking her head at Imogens left over comment "remind me to cook for you then my mami said that cooking was the quickest way to any ones heart!"

Maya realized to late what she said and how it came off. She swore for putting her foot in her mouth and turned blushing furiously as she regarded her.

"Sorry" Maya said shaking her long black hair "Part of my powers seems to some how be putting my foot in my mouth and saying things before I can think"

She finally found the box of protein bars and pulled them down she took the whole box and came back over to her and the left overs.

"Ready to go back?" She asked her full lips turning into a small friendly smile.

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx and Wind Hunter

"By the pricking of my thumb, something wicked this way come," Lynx translated. She gave Orror and Alya a smile. "I've spent some time in the Gaeltachtaí," Lynx offered by way of (what she thought was an) explanation. "The line itself comes from the fourth act of the Shakespearean play Macbeth, though it can trace its roots to the Irish mythological hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, whom legend says could bite his thumb to access the knowledge of the Salmon of Wisdom. Well, it's a bit more complicated than that."

Alya just listened with wide eyes.

Lynx sighed. "We actually had someone here who might have had 'first hand' knowledge of legendary Irish figures. Well, we'll work on that angle later. For now, I'd like to run a few scans on you, Alya, assuming that's okay with your sister and your companion?" Lynx asked, looking at Orror and the tiger.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Training Arena

Cloe

Cloe had to stop herself from freezing in shock when John spoke. Even he could tell that she was attracted to Peter? She respected the Chief, but he wasn't really that clued in when it came to social issues. She had to say that she hoped the same as him, but was starting to doubt that she had made the right decision in telling Peter about her feelings. And kissing him.

When John changed the topic Cloe breathed a sigh of relief.

"Yes, they're going well. Their research is progressing admirably, though I have just come off a six month stint in the Amazon, so I didn't have as much of a chance to catch up with them as I would have liked," She said, eyes darting to where Peter was standing (rather pensively) before looking back at John. She noticed Avery and David setting up for training and hoped that it wasn't too far off. She needed a good distraction.




Avery

Avery shook her head at David's comment.

"Sometimes you either have to laugh or you'll cry. I've heard that there is scientific evidence proving that laughter increases resilience."

Avery placed the last of the crates and brushed her dusty hands off on her thighs.

"Well, I for one am glad to see that you are still around and to have you back. It is good to have the old team getting back together," Avery said as she and David made their way over to where John and Cloe were talking. "Just... if you ever want to talk, know that I am here for you." She said to David quietly before they rejoined the others.

"So, seating is arranged. We should be good to go when everyone gets back," Avery said to John with a bright smile.

 

[Armphid]

Defenders Lunar Base - Training Dome

Makoto did not follow Avery over fully but paused at the edge of the forest area of the training dome. Her violet eyes swept over the group there and she smiled a bit wistfully. It was so like and yet unlike how it had been before. The familiarity was pleasant but there was a bitter edge to it. There were those who weren't there and never would be again. And those her heart wished to reconnect with but her head knew better.

She sat down on a convenient stump to watch the other Defenders from that near distance. Part of it was that she was shy. But she was also leery of Natura and Lynx. Spectre too, though the big concern there was him possessing her and learning the truth. But he wouldn't just do that; he was too ethical about his powers. Lynx was so clever, probably smarter than she was, which stung Makoto's pride more than a little. But being so clever, she was afraid that Lynx would somehow figure out the secret. Deductions, Sherlock style, leading her to the truth. Cloe...Makoto didn't think she could but she was irrationally afraid that the nature empowered beauty would just "know" somehow. She was also sure Cloe would find Makoto offensive. She was all about natural order and balance. Makoto was trans and that was natural but having the body you were born with rebuilt into your ideal version of it by sub-molecular machines? Not natural. Not even a little.

Peter, she had never known well. They had been friendly but not really friends. Plus, it looked like he had something else on his mind. Likely the powers he was demonstrating. Curious. Perhaps he would let her take some scans later.

The new people...well, she didn't know them. She was far more comfortable with herself now but still not exactly a social butterfly. And these were all powerful and beautiful people. They were intimidating, if she was honest.

So she sat and watched, observing and noting their interactions.

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx, Wind Hunter and Zuya

Not getting any objections, Lynx gave the Chief a heads up before taking Alya to the Base's Medical Center, but not before turning to Black Ant and giving Black Ant an enigmatic smile.

Zuya, meanwhile, was going through her stretches, wondering what it was going to be like working out with the Defenders, new and old alike.

 

[silvertongue217]

Training Area

COMMANDER POV

"Thats great" John said to her smiling as he finished stretching and noted two of the crew leaving. Lynx and Alya were making their way to the exit chatting amongst them selves as they did.

"Give me one minute Cloe" John said smiling at her and jogging over to where Avery and David were setting up the boxes.

"I think we should go ahead and start the skirmish" John told Avery as he stopped in front of her "The training guys have had enough of a break and I think every ones starting to get restless if thats okay with you of course"

"Every one please make your way back to the training area" John said speaking over the station wide intercom system "Training is set to begin in five minutes and any way not back has to answer to me"

...................................................

SPECTRE POV

"I guess I should say good luck" David said smirking in pleasure and nodding his head at Avery "Though if I recall you two were always even enough that it could be any ones game" He remarked laughing at that before moving over to the side lines. He moved between every one and stopped in the larger group folding his arms and leaning against the low hanging wall of the bleachers.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Training Arena

Avery grinned at John, rolling her eyes at the no-nonsense tone of his announcement. In the old days she was late for training on several ocassions, and she pitied anyone who dared be late today. Her eyes scanned the gathered heroes, with almost everyone back, and then she straightened, mentally preparing for the fight ahead. It had been a long, long time since she had gone head to head with John. She was looking forward to it, but she also knew that she would probably get her arse kicked; the only training she had really kept up with on her break was her flying. Despite any reservations she may have had Avery could already feel adrenaline starting to fire up in her veins.

"Ready whenever you are Chief," She said with a wink.

 

[Wolfias]

Training Area.

Adam slaps Romeo on the arm. "Told ya something's up!" Trotting of to the sidelines he didn't know who to stand beside. He would definitely avoid the two that didn't like him and guesses one of the Defenders wouldn't mind. Someone should really post a Roster of Defenders and trainee Defenders, so we could know who's who Adam thought. *Greywolf rumbles from the back of his mind. Yeah, need to know our Pack mates* +Adam replies Mhm...ya got that right+