(( Excellent. I already started writing one story for all my lot. I'll get it posted up here as soon as I actually get it finished. ))
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
A Very Ravenswing Christmas
Being a Tale of the Goings On of Ravenswing's Characters During the Holiday Season
---
Mid-Wales, in Snowdonia, near Dolgoch, December 24th 2008, 21:05.
Something about the sound outside made Dafydd look up in time to see Amy frown. "There's something wrong outside," she said. "Anger... fear."
Dafydd folded his copy of the Radio Times (there hadn't been much worth watching anyway) and stood up, looking around for his boots. "I'll go take a look," he said. The boots were followed by a thick, waxed cotton coat and the cap he had taken to wearing, and then he picked up his stick, which happened to be about as long as a dai-katana, and walked out into the little porch, closing the inner door behind him before opening the outer one. Old stone cottages were glorious when warm, but letting the cold in could be fatal.
Thick cloud hung over head, low in the sky, but at least it was not raining and the temperature had stayed above freezing. Still, he planted his stick ahead of him as he headed out to the nearest field where the sheep were penned. It would not do to end up on his rump due to some patch of ice that had managed to hold on. He crossed the yard carefully and stopped at the fence, looking out into the inky blackness. "Should've brought some night goggles," he muttered to himself, and then the wind shifted slightly and he turned his head. It was a sweet, slightly metallic smell he knew quite well, and now that his eyes were adjusting to the dark and he knew where to look, he spotted the source immediately. Vaulting the fence, he ran toward the stricken animal.
Getting closer, he could see that there was no hope for this one. Whatever had hit it had ripped its throat wide open and then gorged on the entrails. It was typical of a predatory kill, but there was no sign of the predator, and there were very few things in the Welsh mountains that were up to doing that to a fully grown ewe. Almost automatically, Dafydd's mind worked through the spells which made War Crow what he was. His metabolism increased, his senses heightened. His grip shifted on the stick he was holding as he scanned around. When he moved, it was blindingly quickly, and he stopped beside another fallen sheep. This one was still breathing, a huge, clawed rent in its side. "Aww, damn," he growled, looking around again for the attacker.
It came out of the darkness on his left like a ghost. Eight feet in height, a double row of gleaming teeth doing more to reveal its presence than the jet black fur it was clad in. An enormous, clawed paw swung at him and he flicked his stick up to parry the blow, rolling right to gain distance and lifting easily to his feet. The creature growled and Dafydd growled back, baring his own teeth. It took this as the challenge it was and howled as it launched itself forward. A bolt of black netherworld energy slammed into the creature's side, enveloping the beast in coils of shadow. It stopped, stumbled, and throw a paw in Dafydd's general direction which missed wildly. Dafydd's arms raised up over his head and came down again, slamming his stick into the creature's muzzle. There was a yelp of pain, and the creature ran off in the direction of the hills.
Amy was at Dafydd's side a second later, checking him for wounds. "It didn't even come close, lass," he said as she fussed, "but yonder sheep'll need seeing to. Think y'can patch it up."
"Carry it to the kitchen," Amy said, frowning at the fallen animal. "I can take care of the wound, but it'll need looking after. There are some internal injuries."
Dafydd nodded and picked up the animal, which protested this loudly. Amy winced at the animal's pain. "I'll have to leave her with you," he said as he started toward the gate into the field, "that thing needs hunting down before it comes back, or attacks someone else."
Amy nodded, unhappy about it, but knowing there would be nothing she could say to persuade him otherwise. It was not how she had planned to spend Christmas Eve, but it was not the worst way she had spent it either.
---
Founders Falls, 22:15.
Everything was packed, clothes, presents, bikini. Everything for a trip to an island in the southern hemisphere which, Anastasia was most pleased to note, was in its summer. All that was needed now was a drive over to Skyway and a quick trip through a portal to Zorielle's private getaway.
Anna smiled, picking up a picture from the bedside table. It showed a man holding a small child, a girl. "I do still miss you," she said to the photograph, and then she put it down, picked up her bags, and headed for the door.
---
The Barrington Club, London, 22:45.
The staff at the Barrington Club held their annual Christmas party on the eve of the big day itself. A skeleton crew was kept in place, generally of the same few people who did not really like parties, and Barker, who liked parties, but also liked serving drinks. Besides which, the bar area was what they used to party in, with the tables moved into a storage room to make way for dancing. People you barely ever saw were there now, drinking, eating, and laughing with the other staff, and the one or two invited members.
It was Samantha's first ever Christmas as a member of staff, and she was sticking close to Jason. Partially because she hardly knew anyone, having spent much of her tenure in the Archive below ground, and partially because she was very much planning to get very tipsy, suggest she was unfit to get home, and end up sleeping with him. Christmas was the one time of the year she tended to regret that her considerable love of mouldy old books had resulted in her having no one to go home to. Even before she had joined the Club, she had spent much of her time on work, and had never really bothered with a social life. Now, with all the fascinations and distractions of the Archive... Well, Jason had had to come down and drag her up to the party. He had found her engrossed in translating a twelfth century Latin scroll she had located detailing the rise to power of a warlord in the Middle East.
Right now, Jason was talking to a small group of staff who Samantha vaguely recognised as having something to do with food preparation. There was a lot of laughing, mostly at the expense of members with odd dietary requirements who were not there to defend their peculiar eating habits. Jason laughed with them, and then said something about doing the rounds, and moved on. Samantha followed, drink in hand, grinning at the other members of staff as she did so. She would never remember all the names.
"You look a little tired," she commented in the gap between groups. "I saw Ms Ewers was in the Club yesterday..."
"Yes," Jason chuckled wryly, "it was a long night, though I admit the time seemed to pass too quickly."
"She's... quite something. You seem rather fond of her."
Jason stopped and turned to look at the young librarian. "Was that a hint of jealousy I heard in your voice, my dear Sam?" A grin tweaked at the corners of his mouth and she slapped him on the arm before replying.
"No! It's just... A man your age, it must be tiring." She realised that she was entirely failing to keep a straight face, which entirely spoiled the effect.
Jason looked at her shrewdly. "Well, how about you finish your drink, and then we'll go find out how tiring it is."
She blinked at him. He was one for long words and flowery speech, a passion gained through long centuries of education and courtly conversation, and yet he could be very, very direct when the mood took him. She grinned brightly. "I think I could live with that," she said.
---
King's Row, 23:59.
Seven's internal chronometer registered the coming of midnight with its usual accuracy. It was synchronised to the time pulse of the city's teleportation grid, which in turn was synchronised to the heartless beat of three atomic clocks. As the date changed, Seven registered nothing more than the passing of another day, but somewhere, someone let off fireworks marking the start of Christmas Day. Her socialisation software informed her that this was a habit which had become far more common since the turn of the millennium, and that it would be customary to wish people 'Happy Holidays' on this day.
There was also an image. A small girl gleefully opening brightly wrapped parcels to discover that one contained a child-size replica of a PPD uniform.
The sound of a car exploding pulled Seven from her contemplation of the child. Some people, it seemed, were taking the fireworks idea a little too far. Launching herself from a crouch into a long, high jump, Seven went about her duties.
---
Mid-Wales, December 25th, 00:23.
It had taken Dafydd more than three hours to track the wolf down to a lair at the base of a small hill. To him, it looked like the creature he had seen would never manage to squeeze through the crack in the rock there, but apparently it had since he found a tuft of black fur on the rough rock. He was thankful that he had changed into his 'working' costume before coming out. It was padded and lightly armoured, and it avoided him scraping good clothes as he squeezed through.
The cave opened out slightly into a narrow tunnel, and Dafydd edge forward, senses on full alert.
He heard it before a saw it. A growl, and the slight echo he picked up, making him realise the cave entrance had widened into something more roomy. He gauged the size of the chamber from the sound and moved to his right, stepping sideways, keeping himself facing the source of the growl. His sword was pointed at where he was fairly sure the wolf-thing was standing, ready to strike or parry as required. His heart was racing, adrenaline filling him with energy. This was why he actually did this kind of things these days: the rush. Still...
"Hey look, boyo," he said, "it's Christmas by now and I'm not really feeling like gutting a werewolf on Christmas Day. So, how about you give me some really good excuse not to, like transforming back into a frightened teenager or something?" There was no reply. "Go on... what'd'you say?"
The creature lunged forward, both arms raised. Dafydd slashed down across its chest, a light stroke designed only to halt its movement, which it accomplished, then he stepped left, spun, and brought his Impervium katana around in a shining arc which opened the creature up from its left hip to it right shoulder. The wolf-thing dropped to its knees, looking slightly confused. Dafydd's sword sliced neatly through its neck.
The farm boy, turned hero, turned business man and hobby farmer wiped his sword clean on the beast's fur and looked at it a little sadly. "Well, suit yourself," he said, and headed back out of the cave the way he had come in.
---
Vigilance Tower, Skyway City, 00:30.
Claudia Chandris sat in her room with the lights off, her chin resting on her knees, arms wrapped around her shins. She had thought of stopping by the refectory where she heard sounds of laughter, but the other students hated her, she knew it, and the thought of what Nitoichi or, worse, Annette might do to her if she decided to start playing had made her scurry on to the lifts instead.
She hated Christmas. Among her presents on for eleventh Christmas Day had been an injection which had put her in a comma for three days and left her with the ability to read minds. Her father had given her the injection, saying, "Merry Christmas, Claudia," as he did it. This success after years of failure had only caused him to redouble his efforts. She shuddered and began rocking slowly back and forth.
Claudia really hated Christmas.
---
Mid-Wales, 01:30.
The sheep was trying quite hard to eat a tea towel when Dafydd walked into the kitchen of the farmhouse. Amy was asleep, her head resting on her arms on the big, oak table which formed the centrepiece of the room. He smiled, walked over, and kissed her on the head.
"Hmm? Whu?" she mumbled, her eyes opening and her head lifting up. "Oh, you're back. Did you get it?"
"Aye, it shouldn't be botherin' anyone again," he replied. "Merry Christmas," he added, grinning.
Amy smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Merry Christmas," she said.
The ewe continued to try to eat its tea towel.
---
Unity Tower, 08:50.
Annette's eyes flickered open and there was the traditional moment of not being quite sure she was awake, before her mind settled and she smiled. She was still cuddled up against Linda's back, one arm looped around the blonde's body. The sensation of warm skin against warm skin was a nice one to wake up to.
Merry Christmas, Ni's voice said from somewhere in her head. Merry Christmas, she thought back. Have we forgotten anything about today? No, I've been checking, it's all ready. So I can stay here in bed all warm and cuddled up? Why d'you think I made sure we were before you woke? You think of everything.
She would have to get up shortly. Well, maybe in an hour. She would go over to Galaxy and see Nate. It would not take long, he was always happy to see her, but also perfectly happy when she left and he could go back to eating turkey and watching cartoons. There were presents to open, of course. Then she would take Linda over to the Club where she had more presents, and a full British Christmas dinner being prepared for them. Then she would give Linda her final present of the day, which would involve a locked bedroom door. She smiled and snuggled up to her lover. It was going to be a good day.
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
[u]Cindersnap - 2358 St John's Church, Steel Canyon, Christmas Eve.[u]
The hero known as Cindersnap, leader of the New Vigilants, member of the Unity Vigil, actor, teen icon, object of fangirl adoration, [censored] teen role model and so on was dressed in his Sunday finest, a stylish black suit with white shirtas he walked down the aisle, arm in arm with his boyfriend.
Robert Judge, son of ultra conservative televangalist extreme Christian TV personality Gary Judge, was dressed in dark grey, with a light grey shirt and dark tie, and was quite happy to follow on Ryan's arm, his head resting against his shoulder.
It had taken Robert quite a fair bit of searching to find a church that was open to their choice of relationship, but Reverend Adams had soon become quite a close friend to the pair, with them coming to help out with the church in their free time. The Reverend himself smiled as they headed to sit at the pews.
The blond and brunette pair sat side by side as they attended Midnight Mass for the first time together, and Ryan's first in many years. The blond haired hero had lapsed in his faith after a series of accidents bereft him of his family, and it was only now with Rob's help he was finding God again.
His hand had slipped into his boyfriends, holding it gently as they sang the hymns and listened to the Reverend speak on the importance of family, of friends, and of faith in the Lord Almighty at the darkest time of the year. To be good unto others and to offer kindness and hope. Ryan's work with the New Vigilants and as a hero in his own right was doing just that.
Robert was smiling for the first time in years of Midnight Mass. Free from his more conservative family, the liberal young Christian didn't have to listen to denounciations of 'sinners' and the creeping decay of morality and faith. He was in a place where people cared for one another as it was the good thing to do, the right thing to do, and the Christian thing to do. A church that reflected the changing times, that taught the Bible in an interpretation closer to his own of being good and kind and loving more important than who you loved or what you ate or shaved or grew in your garden.
"You okay?" Ryan whispered into Rob's ear, just before the closing hymn was due to start.
"No, Ryan..." Robert whispered back before smiling, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm great."
"And now for our final hymn, if you would all rise to sing 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'."
Hand in hand, the pair rose up from their seats, joining in with the others in the church.
"Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!""
-----------------------------------------
It was later on in the evening. Outside the large house belonging to Gary Judge in the suburban outskirts of Founder's Falls, Ryan Andrew's Unity Puma idled, the advanced energy powered engine not even making a sound as the black and orange car waited.
Inside, Ryan was sharing quite a passionate kiss with Robert, their coats and jackets on the back seat as they embraced on the middle seat in the front of the car.
"Dinner, movie, church, cafe?" Robert grinned, taking a long breah as they broke the kiss. "You sure know how to treat a guy, Ryan."
"What can I say? I know what us guys like. Steak, hats, sport, and women.... wait, scratch some of them." Ryan grinned, before sighing as he pulled Robert in close again. "I can understand spending time with your family this Christmas, and I know your dad's not exactly my biggest fan... still, we'll see each other on Saturday, right?"
"Absolutely, Ryan." Robert replied with a serious expression, his hands going to cover his boyfriend's. "We can open our presents, have our own little Christmas dinner... emphisis on the little, otherwise we might explode, and just chill out."
"Sounds like a plan to me. I'll TiVo us anything that's good." He said, running his fingers through Rob's dark hair. "And I'll call tomorrow, of course, and be waiting for yours. Assuming the New Vigilants don't wrap me in tinsel for a laugh."
"I'm sure they'll be fine, and besides, you've got a busy day tomorrow, you should get some rest soon." Rob smiled, kissing him again. "Thanks for this.."
"No, thank you... go on, get to bed and sleep well, hun. Give your family my regards if you think it wouldn't cause them to recoil in horror." Ryan poked a finger into Robert's stomach, chuckling away.
"I will, night Ryan, take care and drive safely. Text me when you get home." The young man said, slipping out of the car after retrieving his belongings.
"Always do. Puma, set mode middle drive." Ryan said, the high tech car's steering wheel and dashboard sliding across to sit in the middle of the car. He watched and waved as his partner went towards his house and disappeared in the front door, before the engine hummed with life as he pulled away.
"BODICIA, Cindersnap calling in, anything that needs a hero's attention?"
"All through the city, not a criminal is stirring, not even the Cullinary Killer. I believe he may be reducing a sauce though." The AI's feminine voice replied over the car speakers.
"Alright, turning in for the night... see you bright and early tomorrow morning, BODICIA. First New Vigilant's Christmas... it's going to be hell on earth."
"I cannot wait." BODICIA remarked dryly, as Ryan's car sped off across Argosy Highway, the AI's voice replaced by some of Ryan's favourite holiday tunes.
Rolando Island, Christmas Eve. 11:15pm
Ellie hummed softly to herself, smiling happily as stood in the kitchen, pouring 4 glasses of mulled wine. Her soft fluffy pink dressing gown hung loosely about her shoulders as she poured the drinks, then walked over to the fridge for some snacks.
Several minutes later, the tray prepared, she glances up at the ceiling, her eyes automatically shifting focus until the glittering forms her her loves aura's became visible, clustered close together in her enormous bed. The brighter glow of the large plasma screen TV almost overwhelmed their aura's, but a slight alteration of her focus banished it's jarring glow until the soft glittering of the girls was once more filling the room.
Sighing happily to herself, Ellie shifted her vision back to normal and lifted the tray, humming "Jingle Bells" as she headed back upstairs.
************************************************** **********
Unity Tower Medical Unit - Room 3. Christmas Morning, 7am
Cara sat quietly by her mothers bed, listening quietly to the soft beep of the monitoring equipment. Her mother lay quiet in the bed, as always; her vacant eyes staring up at the ceiling and a small trickle of saliva shining on her chin.
Slowly, Cara sat up and took a tissue from a box on the bedside cabinet, then wiped her mothers mouth gently. "I dunno mom, always with the drool. You'll end up getting sore lips if you keep doing that you know..."
Cara sat back again, then leaned down to the floor and picked up a small, carefully wrapped box in golden paper. "I got you a present, mom. Want me to open it?"
She listened for a moment, before smiling and carrying on; her mother didn't respond. "Okay, sure thing mom." Carefully, she began to unwrap it, then standing up, showed her mom the contents. "See mom? It's a little crystal figure of me! If you look close, you can see my face and everything, it's just what I look like when I use my ice form! I thought you'd like it to remind you of me when I'm not visiting. Isn't it neat?"
She turned the figurine slowly, showing it to her unresponsive mom from every angle, then carefully set it on the side.
"I'll leave it right here mom, where you can look at it whenever you want, okay?"
Cara smiled sandly, then leaned over to give her mother a hug, and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Merry Christmas mom. Don't worry about getting me anything, 'kay? You can do it when you're feeling a little better. I have to get going now, there's a big Christmas breakfast and stuff going on with all the other students."
Cara patted her mothers bedclothes straight, the gave her another kiss on the cheek before turning and heading to the door. As she opened it, she turned back, a hint of tears at the corner of her eyes. "Love you mom."
A moment later, she was gone and the room was quiet once more.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Unity Tower, 9:24am
Danny slowly squirmed himself awake, coughing quietly as he jolted from his snoring.
He tilted his head to look across at Soaring Horizon, laid on top of his outstretched arm, her long frame curled up and facing his way in a deep, happy sleep.
Smiling to himself, he stared up at the ceiling and sighed a long, contented sigh. He was looking forward to a nearly perfect Christmas. One spent lounging about, eating lots of food, then retreating back to spend a long happy night cuddled in his new love's arms.
He sighed happily once more, casting a glance over to the present tucked away in his bookcase: something he'd had made up especially for H.
Can't wait to see your face when you open it... he thought to himself, eyelids slowly falling back into place.
--------------------------------------------
An apartment, Kings Row. 7:47am.
Lee "Lucky" Luckett slammed a hand down on to his alarm clock with alarming speed.
Rubbing a hand furiously over his eyes as he sat up, he let out an early morning groan. His mouth opened in a huge yawn as he stretched his arms, eyes flickering in pain as the morning sun streamed through his groggy curtains into his face.
He kicked the covers off him, sliding from his makeshift sleeping-bag bed and over to his only other posession: A small, worn cardboard box.
Lifting open the lids, he smiled down into it, sliding his hands in before lifting out his hero outfit, the black and lime green instantly recognisable.
Cocking his head to one side, he grinned weakly, admiring what he held in his hands for a few long seconds before he let out a deep sigh.
"Christmas Day...business as usual."
He stepped to his feet and began donning his second skin.
@Crius
Bassai, Canadian Kid, Alruna, Kahi
Mistress Rad, Culpeo, Ms. Demeanor, Celsius
If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do. Let's go to work.
Heroing, the three lab Bunnies had come to the conclusion one day, was not something you stopped once you started. Every little thing became an exercise towards it. Making breakfast became a test of organization and timing and going to the shops had you always looking out for that one mugger or shady character, there was many a test throughout the day they had said, just waiting to catch you off guard.
An so after failing the Being aware of your surroundings test we now drop in on two lab bunnies who were working out how to get a third, Christmas wrapped bunny free. Usually theyd have no problems cutting the thin plastic, but a hasty decision to make Leas presents wrapping extra strong to give her a little fun opening it had backfired rather spectacularly taking them a full minute to burn even a tiny hole so the wrapped up bunny could breathe.
In our own time said the slightly laboured and muffled voice of the wrapping bound Bunny. Not like we have another twenty peoples worth of presents to finish
We cant think of a dissolvent one of the pondering bunnies thought out loud Its stuck fast, youll just have to heat up and burn your way out.
Rocking from side to side the wrapped bunny manages to wriggle up to a sitting position, fingers and toes waggling loose through the plastic as she slowly burns her way free. Fine she says, Well while this sorts itself out, lets review.
The Hologram card for Sara is tested and ready, shell finally get to see the nineteen of us sing Merry Christmas, well
. Eighteen, Tanya just stood to the side and I suppose its only seventeen as Marie more sort of mumbled.
And the five overseas sang it in Japanese continued the other Bunny But regardless, its done and enveloped. Hope she likes it as much as the prototype energy suit.
Mouth now blue and free of the entangling plastic the sitting bunny nods and moves on Twilighter we got Rock Band, hopefully we can all play that later. If anyone is up for singing again
And Schro gets an old laptop with the stabilizer so it wont get lost when he fades in and out. Hopefully he wont just use it for porn. Carried on a Bunny leaning down to lever at the gaps in the plastic forming, the other free Bunny looping her arms around her waist and heaving.
Gnnn
no thats stuck tight. Once we get Leas body spray wrapped well only have the rest of the clones left to finish breathing heavily the tugging bunny sat pushing her glasses back up her nose. The three had had trouble finding Lea something that wasnt embarrassing to give, instead deciding theyd make something and so the comfort spray was their answer. Diffusing into a thin membrane when sprayed over the body it helped trap heat in and as a bonus kept dirt and smells out of hair or fur. It wasnt the showiest present theyd thought of, but it was the most practical once theyd found that a lot of jobs didnt happen in very clean or fragrant places.
You know a free bunny said watching the squirming Bunny on the floor We could always wrap a bow on and give that to Lea as a present instead?
Dont say that said the trapped one, rolling in circles and bumping off the walls in an extra effort to get free Else well have to give her the whole set
Eventually the Bunny got free, but they all agreed it would have been a nice present.
12:30 in the afternoon, the 25th December
The problem with coming from a different world was that few times things matched, even mid-winter festivities. It wasn't that Lea was unaware of the custom since it figured so proeminently in this society, it was just bit of a stopper on what exactly could be a gift that would be pleasing and useful while being special and not a every day thing.
Except for Alex, her present was getting the Black Cats thing rolling over the Isles even if had meant geting the whole Flambeux business out of the way first to ease the cat's conscience, bless Cy's stealthyness skills.
With the help of her nose and matching the personalities of the ten clones left in her home she had gone to shops that mixed perfumes to get them all something apropriate. All but four of the remaining clones had a small box of chocolates to go with it and festive cards.
It wasn't terribly original but though friendly with them all only four were she truly acquainted with.
Those four were Sara and the three lab bunnies. To those each had their perfume, only the bunnies had three matching ones, and all four had two cards. A get out of jail (Lea so rarely took a no) and a get in jail (that one was easy to figure and a good way for those shy moments).
It was her kitten that made her scratch her head. What to give to someone who built what she wanted to have?
The gift nagged her from the box she had stashed it under the bed of one of the un-used apartments in a different building from another city block (even so she was sure the kitten would find it before the time came to open it).
Fortunatly she was distracted by the scents of food. Their luck that one of the clone sister by the name of Marie actually enjoyed fiddling with the pans and feeding them all. Even if at first it had been enjoyment more on her behalf than the others eating it there is truth that one can't go wrong if one does what one likes and her skills with food had grown to stomach rumbling levels at their mere scent.
The terribly petite cat-woman sauntered to the large meeting room where a large electronic tree had been set and lots of lights twinkled merrily above an enormous table that could sustain all of those that had come.
For one who hated to be alone there was no better sight than a sea of smiles and raised glasses.
Rising a glass of her own pressed to her hand, Lea spoke above the cheerful din, "A merrrry Chrrristmas thing to you all, childrrrren! Mmay we have mmany morrre togetherrr and all in good health!"
Leah Anima had thought long and hard about what to give all her friends for christmas, in the end she had decided to give pies to all of them and, for Lea, a small amount of the fine diamond powder she carried with her everywhere. Red had got a small ammunition teleportation device created by SERAPH. Catz had gotten a small necklace made from the metal of her home world, which her armour was also made of. Twilighter, poor Leah had decided to wrap herself up, failed miserably and was now sitting on the floor near the appartment door, a big red and white winged gift with a card for Twili on it, Leah was getting hungry by now, maybe she should of brought a pie of two with her...
----
Flashpoint was at home, with her mother and father, giggling, telling them ofthe NV and of her new girlfriend Amy, she was also enjoying a lot of drink and a large turky dinner, a couple of their family friends around and constantly Flash's thoughts wanderd to her impedning Christmas with Amy which she looked forward too, and hopefully Amy in a maid costume... Well she can hope right?
---
A-076, or Lauren, the clone of Catz was, unfortunatly, spending it just like any other day, using the internet and her books to study for her start at University, sighing she flicked her tail and waited for someone to call, which she doubt anyone would, ever since she had met her 'parent' Lauren had felt misplaced and nothing but baggage, left to one side and only called for when needed, which she rarely was, she contemplated asking Ty to direct her to one of the clones he knew that could help her with this feeling...
[Union Roleplayers]Kiken: Tick the off in your Observer Book of Lesbians
[Union Roleplayers]Nitro v. IV: we need a perma-man feature
[Union Roleplayers]Nitro v. IV: I'd trust you more if you did it in front of me
Gotta love dem dere RolePlayers
Frederick "Headliner" Jones stood at the back of the Roman Catholic church, dressed in one of his custom suits. His hair was neatly styled and his beard carefully trimmed.
"And also with you." He said quietly, joining with the rest of the congregation in their response to the priest.
Every Christmas he couldn't help but feel a little like Scrooge. Not for any lack of Christmas spirit, not at all. It was his favourite time of year. There was almost nothing better than dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out gifts to the kids who needed them most. No, he felt a little like Scrooge because he was always drawn to contemplate Christmas past, present and future.
Where had he been before this? At home, opening presents under the tree with his family. Alone, when times were hard, eating cold spaggeti from the tin. With a terrible smile plastered across his face, kicking down doors. Full of hope for better things, an engagement ring in his pocket.
And now? Now he was in church. Standing at the back because he didn't want to cause a stir, as the sight of him by a crowd could still do, though sometimes the reactions were more positive these days. And also because he couldn't fit himself onto the benches anyway, not without crushing them. Full of more hope than ever, but with no engagement ring in pocket or on finger.
And he wondered where he would be a year from now. Five years, ten years. All he asked for was that even then he had hope.
"Amen." He murmured alongside everyone else.
11pm the 24th of December
What had started out as merely a jest had become something close to an obsession, it had occured while Twilighter had been in her new crime fighting persona, that of the ally of justice Awesometastic Girl, discussions had occurred regarding how similar jolly old Saint Nick and the dastardly tyrant Lord Recluse were in their monitoring of people world wide. The idea took root in a mind fertile with youthful imaginings and thus had begun the obsession, the vines of obsession had born fruit.
Are you really sure this is right Mistress? the soft voice of the demon blade Mister sword, filled the girls head.
You mean the clock? she asked back, a mouth full of components kept her reply silent.
The obsession had meant the construction of her presents had been delayed, currently she was building a clock, a special clock indeed. There had been incidents, involving the labs and the daily occurrence of 'bunny time', bunny time could strike at any moment indeed it could strike several times in one day and so Twilighter was building a clock, a joint present for the three lab bunnies, detecting the certain changes in body temperature and thus differing pressures within the lab environment it would then change from displaying the actual time to displaying a message of warning.
Not the clock Mistress the blade was as patient as the metal it was made from
The enhanced stealth system for Sis? she mused around a mouthful of clockwork.
No Mistress though I wonder if you are being entirely honest in your intentions the sword answered
You mean the chemical cancellation effect? That's totally just to help her, it'll stop poisons and drugs Twili mumbled rather defensively.
Mistress are you sure it is right to build such defensive devices to catch this holiday Saint? the sword questioned her
Sure minmetic webs, photophasic fields and quantum flux negators aren't that bad she mumbled knowing what the next objection would be
You have powered them with universes, the very birth energies of other realities the swords voice was exasperated
Twilighter frowned, scratching her forehead with the point of a screw driver.
It worked didn't it? I hope Momma likes her present
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
25th December, 11:00ish, somewhere in the Shard
For the contraptions known as the Serabots, actually waking their Creator up brought up major theological issues. While typically Her sleep was brief, a combination of celebratory mulled wine and an insistence that She celebrated with a serious lay-in had led to the five senior robots launching into a debate about when exactly She should be woken.
This had led, five hours later, to #4 gingerly opening the door to one of the staterooms off the main hall and trying not to consider the implications of waking up one's god. That said, seeing one's god sprawled out on the bed, wearing an XL t-shirt, head hanging over the side and snoring away might adversely affect the faith of those less firm in their commitments. Now, however, came the delicate task of actually waking Her up. While #2 had advocated simply ringing a bell, #'s 1, 3 and 5 had been fans of the direct approach. Sighing inwardly, it decided to go with the majority vote and risk it's life by waking her manually. Slinking over to the side of the bed, it poked her on the shoulder and leapt into a corner of the room to cower. After five minutes of no divine wrath, it was forced to come to the conclusion that more dramatic events would be required to awaken Her.
Twenty minutes later, after spending 20 seconds prodding Her shoulder, 10 minutes cowering and the rest of the time fretting, it finally decided to enact plan B. It shuffled over towards Her and decided the best thing to do was to yank Her halo and see what happened.
30 seconds later
Just down the corridor, the rest of the robots were slightly less than surprised to hear a loud yell followed by a rather louder thunderclap and the sound of metal clattering. They were, however, rather more surprised when Sera kicked the door open and began chasing them, waving #4's right arm and yelling incoherent threats.
Talos' Statue, Talos Island, 09:45
For Apercu, Christmas wasn't exactly what it used to be. She'd found the decoration and celebrations far too demoralising only a few hours into Christmas Eve and had decided that she needed a break.She'd been almost tempted to head back to Lea's place, but figured the atmosphere there would be a little too saccharine for her. So, here she was, reading a book on the suit's HUD and hiding well out of sight of anyone or anything who'd disturb her.
Maybe she'd consider it a present? After a moment or two, she decided to work out how much having a day off was actually going to cost her.
In your dreams, I'll still be there with all the days that never came.
And I'll be just a story.
That's ok, we're all stories in the end...
((Post one, post all, good friends! Fill this thread with yuletide tidbits of characters doing what they do!))
[u]BODICIA - Unity Base, 2345 Christmas Eve[u]
"Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Towers, not a creature was stirring, not even a-" BODICIA's voice cut off from speaking to herself as she directed part of her conciousness at the Vigilance Tower lobby. "Tabby, do not even -think- of sneaking out to climb the tree."
"Showrry!" The girlcat said, stopping her prowling.
"So you should be. Now, off to your room." BODICIA directed, one of the nighttime lights brightening to direct her to the elevator.
"Me bored tho!" Tabby complained, wadering towards it.
"Go to sleep then."
"Can't, too cite-ed!"
"Excited, yet bored. What a combination. How about a compromise then?" BODICIA said, before holding back a sigh as Tabby looked up at the ceiling with a confused, questioning expression.
"Go back to your room and watch something on your Personal Terminal, and I'll send up some chicken, ... 'parcel mice' and whatever else I can direct one of the Vigilants to-"
BODICIA trailed off, watching Tabby eagerly scamper towards the elevator with a big, toothy grin on her face.
"Some people are easy to please..."
Settling down again, her focus returned to the small Alsatian puppy on her lap, her chrome fingers slowly stroking over the young dog's fur. Noodles was sleeping, enjoying the warm metal of BODICIA's thigh against his belly. Idling processes in her mind began their sweep of the towers once more, noting the vital signs in people's rooms, the full security camera feed, the feed from all the Vigilants in the tower.
A group of Unity Vigil members were in their cafeteria, drinking mulled wine and laughing away as they feasted on equal helpings of friendship and festive foods. She pondered on joining them, but... tonight the AI felt like being alone (save for her puppy).
"I just do not understand them at times, Noodles." She lamented, letting the hours while away with her mind focused on all her pressing and not so pressing concerns and duties. She noted some people waking up at various early times in Vigilance Tower, keeping an eye on their vitals. Some went back to bed, others decided to surf the internet or watch TV, or both in some cases thanks to Picture in Picture. She noted a few students sneaking back to their own rooms after a late night out. Or time in another students room.
Leaning back into her throne, fiber optics hanging down to connect to her back, the AI felt like smiling. "Never a boring day with humans..." She said out loud, before Coldplay's Viva la Vida came across several of her audio channels, streamed directly from online. BODICIA settled in for the night shift to continue, bound by duty and necessity to continue her tasks.
"A merry christmas to all, I suppose." Was whispered quietly across all the comms channels.
SUPPORT - IT'S NOT JUST A GROUPING OF ATs
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More Than a Game
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