The Halloween Thread:

[Cptdragon9]

Ashmire tried not to look, really he did, and when he did manage to tear his eyes away to look at her face once could almost hear the tendons behind the eyeball ripping with the effort. Once he did manage to get his mind on task, he realized that he was indeed in deep doo-doo with Star. He scrambled to his feet and turned to scurry after her.

As he was going, his body began to change. He ripped off his shirt and Kara could see fur quickly growing along Ash’s back, coming in blotches of white, black, and rusty red. Along with the fur sprouted two wings, even as he expanded, managing to shuck his pants before they could hang up on the talons growing from the redefining hindquarters. By the time he reached the swinging doors at the front of the bar, the transformation was complete as the furry calico dragon launched himself after Star, bleating after her. “I’m soooorrryyyyy!” he wailed, the roar/cry reverberating along the mountainside. He wasn’t as large as the ice dragon that had departed and it took quite an effort and a flurry of beating wings to catch up to his mate.

Brimstone sighed, then chuckled a bit. “Wonder how long before he worms his way back into her good graces,” he mused as he turned to pick up the scattered clothes. He then looked to Kara. At least He had the good sense not to stare. “You might prepare yourself. The kids are a bit rowdier than their parents. Expect bedlam, especially after they get ahold of the sugar.”

[Solem'cleavu]

Serenity just shrugged at Kara. "That may be true but since then you have made no less than 2 statements regarding your chest so suffice it to say that would draw renewed attention even if it wasn't intentional. Just saying that perhaps even in cases like Ashmire it would be best to not make any further statements about it. Majority of the males in the mutant clan are lost causes regarding such things anyway so your best bet would be to throw them down a mountain if they get too close."

[Power Girl]

"I do hope they will get back together again, Mr. Brimstone", stated Kara honestly. "I would hate to see them breakup because Ashmire has one flaw in his character.

If candy makes the kids rowdy and makes them to cause bedlam, perhaps we should not give them any until the party is over, sir."

She then turned to Serenity. "I will do my best not to say anything about them. Are you sure throwing them down the mountain side won't hurt them though?

I must admit a few changes in my personality since I arrived here. I seemed to have become more passive, civil and nicer in nature. Mind you I am a good person but I should be more aggressive and tougher in my behavior.

Can that portal I went through alter one behavior patterns?"

[Cptdragon9]

She then turned to Serenity. "I will do my best not to say anything about them. Are you sure throwing them down the mountain side won't hurt them though? <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">

Brimstone nodded in agreement with Serenity’s statement. “Yeah, you can’t hurt us too much. You should know by now that us muties heal pretty quick, which I suppose is a godsend fer Ash since he does have a tendency to get beat up. A lot. Trust me, a little tumble down the mountain probably’ll do ‘im some good.”

"I do hope they will get back together again, Mr. Brimstone", stated Kara honestly. "I would hate to see them breakup because Ashmire has one flaw in his character.”

" "Only one?” “ The incredulous look on the mutant’s face was indeed precious. “That brat ain’t been nothin’ but trouble since his shadow graced my doorstep! Star would probably be better beatin’ the pig-snot outta him before rollin’ his carcass down th’ hill.”

“If candy makes the kids rowdy and makes them to cause bedlam, perhaps we should not give them any until the party is over, sir."

Brimstone’s countenance brightened. Even a twinkle of mischief danced in his eyes. “Now what fun would there be in not indulging the children? It IS a party afterall!”

He now turned to the next project at hand; decorations. Finding them proved to be half the battle. It seemed that BS stored everything in the mountain. Every-thing. Every closet (and there were a lot of them) was stuffed to the gills in a mish mash of inventory, get somehow the mutant knew by a glance that what he was looking for was or wasn’t deep within the stuffed recesses. When he did find a likely candidate it took some coordination and at least one extra pair of hands to hold back the mass of boxes, bags and loose items so that he could fished about inside and grab ahold of what he was looking for, then ease the box out as if helping and elephant give birth.

Finally he had the whole assembly. Everything from plastic skeletons to flashing battery operated eyes to glow-in-the-dark decals to animated tombstones that sang in a cacophony once assembled in the dirt in front of the bar, to a cauldron that fountained clouds of dry ice.

Yep, all of it tacky.

He handed out the decorations to Kara and Serenity. “May as well pitch in. Here. Have fun. I gotta start on the cookies.” He dusted off his hands, wiped them on his jeans, then headed into the kitchen where more clattering and crashing occurred as he dug through the drawers looking for his cookie cutters.

[Power Girl]

Kara assisted Brimstone when he opened the various closets doors by placing her hands on the boxes so they wouldn't tumble down and fall all over him. She told him about the closet in the old radio program "Fibber McGee and Molly" where every time Fibber opened his closet to get an item, everything,including the kitchen sink, would fall on top of him.

Finally, when he got everything he needed to decorate for the Halloween Party, and told her and Serenity to put things up, she picked up some glowing eyes. "These would look pretty good in the corners of this tavern of Mr. Brimstone. I'll start them up there."

She flew up to do just that but came right back down. "There's a lot of cobwebs up there, Serenity. I'll get a broom and get them down first before I put any decorations up there."

She got a broom and flew it up there to start getting rid of the cobwebs all over the tavern. She almost just like a witch flying her broom while doing that.

[Star]

::Star roared to let Brimstone know they were back but lowered herself gently so the Colonel could dismount with honor. She lowered into what could be called a curtsy as he dismounted and then with a faint shimmer was back in he rhuman guise and holding Ashmire's clothing in her hand. She held it out for him to grab so he could change quickly before taking the colonel's arm and entering the in cooing and laughing as she flirted with the colonel. She gave Brimstone a cheshire cat grin as he would know fully well what she was up too as her brood came in behind her in a flurry of furry hides and claw marks upon the floor. Blue wa sin human guise when he entered as well wearing his military uniform as he took a seat at the bar and smiled at Brimstone.."Good evening grandpa! this place looks great!"... He watched as his siblings fought and snapped over candy and costumes and merely sighed...."I hope they wont always be like this.".... He merley shook his head while Star flirted with the Colonel and sent scathing glares at Ashmire.::::

[Cptdragon9]

Brimstone merely shook his head. Figures that Kara would be sweeping the cobwebs away instead of leaving them there to add to the ambiance of a Halloween themed party. She may not be the brightest bulb in the room, but he enjoyed having her around. She wasn't prone to violent mood swings that causing his sensitive mind to spasm and blood to shoot out of his nose. In fact there didn't seem to be a contradictory bone in her body. She was always helpful and cheerful. In his book, that went a long way.

He didn't bother to stop her from her task of cleaning out the corners. Instead he turned his attention to the other tacky ornaments in the box, most of which either glowed in the dark or moved with the help of "C" cell. He set all the toys out on one of his tables and began the meticulous task of changing out the batteries, bringing the talking ghouls, babbling witches and giggling tombstones to life.

Soon all the accoutrements were in place, even down to the caldron steeped with dry ice and fruit punch. Garlands crisscrossed the dance floor with a pumpkin disco ball slowly rotating overhead. Ghost cookies and bat-garnished cupcakes were laid out on plastic tombstone serving trays. Candy was strewn out everywhere. He even had the Monster Mash qued up in the jukebox.

He stood with his hands on his hips overlooking his domain before turning to the girls. "I'm gonna go change. I'll be back." Only then did he disappear to don his costume. He had just finished slipping into the coat when he heard Star bellow. His senses told him that she was in a giddy mood, full of mischief. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing so he ambled out to meet the mob…

Dressed as Hellboy

It was the optimal use of his trenchcoat, an item he didn't like being parted with and taking on the guise of Anung un Rama gave him the perfect opportunity to keep it. He'd managed to cover his face and arms in red, donned a pair of Styrofoam nubbed horns and a set of goggles, along with a spray painted Styrofoam Right Hand of Doom and devil's tail helped to complete the illusion. What wasn't an illusion was the Samaritan strapped to his waist. The gun was very much real. Clearly he wasn't taking any chances of being caught off guard this year.

He smiled to the kids, watching Bonnie lead the pack right into the piles of candy, the furry red dragon devouring every tidbit she could find, wrapper and all. Baby Shrike was already eyeing the flashing jukebox and it took a good nudge with a boot to get her to move on to something less expensive to gnaw on. He then turned to study Blue, noting that he'd stayed in Militant uniform. "Lookin' sharp," he nodded before turning to greet Star. He raised an eye as she saw that it was the Colonel escorting her and not Ash. In fact the whiney little mutant was bringing up the rear, grumbling as he was trying to tug on his pants. Even if BS wasn't an empath, he could tell that Ashmire was just fuming. At this point Brimstone could pretty much guess what was going on, especially with that cat-ate-the-canary smile Star had on her face. He inhaled a bit, drawing himself up to greet the Militant commander. "Colonel! I must say I'm surprised you came. Pleased, of course; but surprised."

"Oh I figured I was overdue for a visit. Besides my lieutenants have been trying to get me out of the barracks for some time now. This gave me the perfect excuse."

"I see. Pity you couldn't dress up."

"Oh.. just a moment." The Colonel uncoiled his arm from Star's to dig deep into the uniform's left pocket before fishing out what looked to be a comm. unit. That was until he placed it on his head:

A set of cat ears.

"Better?"

[Solem'cleavu]

In the end Seren just quirked a brow at the bit of ornamental goodies she was handed before she just put them back on the bar for Kara to set up. Taking her seat at the bar and drinking her water for a bit, that was until the others returned. As the others were running around she herself had gotten up off her stool. Making her way to the center of the room even as she quirked a brow at how Star was acting. "Star a lady should really be carrying herself with a bit more elegance and tact. At any rate Kara perhaps you should get down to ground level it's about time the necessary wards were placed. Brimstone you may wish to brace yourself as well."

Raising her arms up then as one hand was held straight out in front of her, palm facing up while her right arm was held outwards pointing to the side with the palm facing downward. Her robes beginning to flutter about her as the energy built up. Her eyes closed as she began the verse, almost like a song it had sounded.

"Holy spirits who serve the gods I call upon thee

In my name as the High Priestess of Vashtalia

blend your power with my own

So that we may deter those who may wish

harm upon those within our influence.

May Vashtalia's light scatter the darkness

and create a safe haven for those in our presence."

In the meantime a small bluish white sphere was forming within Serenity's hand and by the time she finished her chant she had brought her other hand around to hold the sphere on both sides before letting it drop. The result being a wide area magic circle spreading out from the center of the bar extending well past it's boundaries. Bathing the area in a soft bluish white light before everything returned to normal.

Letting her arms drop then as the priestess opened her eyes once more. "That should help keep any little surprises away."

[Cptdragon9]

Brimstone had seen Serenity winding up for her spell and quickly made his retreat, almost diving into the cellar before slamming the door behind him. Little spells he was almost okay with, but he didn't want to jeopardize the major ward she was weaving over the bar. It was going to be questionable as to if and how long the spell would hold. The bar itself wasn't exactly Del Marian- free as he had a major stash of commodities from his home world, enough to make him wonder just what would happen when the priestess tried to erect those wards.

He found himself holding his breath.

While BS had sensibly ducked and covered, Ashmire had been brooding too much to notice. As he glared at the Colonel, the spell snapped into place, causing something akin to a static charge to reverberate through the shotglass Ashmire was hording (the mutant having made a beeline to Brimstone's booze with the full intent of getting completely plastered). BS would have warned Ash that the glasses had come from a foundry in East, thus being of Del Marian decent, and might have even warned Ashmire; if he wasn't being such a turd.

The end result of all this? An electroshock that arched from the glass and into Ashmire's hand, causing his hair, pigtail and all, to stand straight up on end. He dropped the glass, letting it shatter on the hardwood floor (already becoming gouged as Bonnie and her kin dragged their nails across the surface) as the mutant stiffened before collapsing in a pile.

The Colonel had watched the whole even unfold with a bit of bemusement. Not that he'd actually wished anything harmful happen to Ashmire, but the whole scene had unfolded so comically that he couldn't help but smile. Besides he knew that the mutants were resilient. Ashmire would be conscious in no time and probably still just as obnoxious. He was curious however as to how Star would take it, seeing her mate zarked with a potent dose of residual magic. Would she remain calm and aloof, or would she finally stop her shenanigans and run to Ashmire's side?

As it was Brimstone cautiously opened the door from the cellar and called up from the basement. "Is it safe?" he asked.

[Star]

::Star howver wasnt looking at Ashmire she was gasping in open mouthed horror at her children who were squirming on the floor, even Blue had collapsed to the floor, the magic had zapped them as well, Star was almost to the point of hysterics....."My goodness! I forgot the children couldnt be around magic either, oh no! My babies!!!!!, she rushed forward and grabbed Bonnie and Shrike and knocking Brimstone out of the way exited the bar below, she then returned and grabbed Blue and Clyde and returned to whence she came, she had returned them to their rooms to rest and regenerate, she would only be able to find out how bad they had been zapped. She knew they would be alright but she hadnt expected them to react to magic so strongly... she knelt in the livingroom area and waited for the episode to pass, she had spent many nights doing just this when the kids had just been born. Her life had ceased being her own that day and had become centered around her family, and the thought of Ashmire possibly losing interest in her made her all the more afraid and she closed her arms around herself trying to ward off the chill creeping into her heart as she tried to stave off tears.::

[Power Girl]

Power Girl zoomed about the tavern putting up all the decorations in the right places according to Brimstone's instructions. She didn't need a ladder to put any of the orange and black Halloween garland, the jack of lantern disco ball or anything else since she could fly about the place. It didn't too long either since she used a bit of super speed to do everything.

Kara assisted Brimstone in bringing out his culinary delights from the kitchen. She did hope that he didn't mind her cleaning up the place up first since she was taught to be neat and tidy for any affairs for company that were coming over.

Of course, she knew she had to clean the place up after the party but she didn't mind. It was part of her duties as Brimstone's assistant.

When Serenity casted her spell, Kara was pretty darn sure that her employer didn't see a blur pass him before he could close the cellar door. She was pretty sure the spell wouldn't harm her but why take any chances.

When Brimstone left, she came up with him and glanced about to make sure it was safe. When she was sure it was, she raced upstairs to change into her costume at superspeed. The next instant later, she came down the stairs looking very different indeed. Kara looked like a twin of Xena, the Warrior Princess the same black hair, thanks to a wig, and an exact costume boots and weapons.

She noticed at once that Ashmire was on the floor. "Is he okay?", she asked in Xena tone of voice. "Does he need medical assistance?"

[Solem'cleavu]

Seren just sighed a bit before she went over and nudged Ashmire a bit with her foot. "He should be fine and for that matter so should Star's children." Making her way back to the bar then holding her glass out to Brimstone. "Brimstone it's safe now you big wuss now can I get another glass of water please?"

[Power Girl]

"Star's children were hurt during this spell?", queried Kara in a very concern voice. "I didn't know that. Maybe Star needs someone to assist her.

Please forgive me, Serenity, but I better see how she and her children are.

By the way, I will keep these earrings on from this point forward and I will stay close to you just in case."

With that being said, Kara went to trap door, which Star went down, and leapt straight down until she landed on the floor below. "Star, are you and your children okay", she asked as she followed Star's sobbing.

[Star]

::Star tured her face away from Kara not wanting anyone to witness her show of weakness... "Th..they w..w..will be fine, as you can hear tey are already complaining and throwing hissy fits. I just...need ..some time...alone. Please led the children back up for the party. I will be along ..shortly."...... Star had always seemed so strong minded and of steel will but she was female too and finding out that Ashmire was looking at other women made her feel inseucre and lacking somehow and the dragoness was known to be unkind to fools.:::

[Cptdragon9]

(funny, I always thought the kids would be a bit more resilient to magic since they are only half Del Marian mutant)

The Colonel had likewise rushed to the children's side, concerned that they were having such a violent reaction to the spell. He had assumed that their lineage might have been diluted enough to overcome the allergic reaction to magic, but that clearly was not the case. He only rocked back on his heels when Star snatched Blue from him, dragging them to the basement. It was dramatic enough that the Colonel would definitely bring it to Maurice's attention as clearly he would not want a repeat performance to occur should one of the local sorcerers that now visited the compound happen to weave a spell or two in the presence of the children. He would also speak with Serenity later to see if there was anything she could do to lessen the symptoms.

　

　

　

　

And clearly the mutant empath was in agreement. Brimstone had indeed emerged after it was safe, giving Serenity a wry face. "You try standin' still when yer skin's sparkling' like a gay vampire's. That stings. A lot apparently as the kids just demonstrated. We're gonna hafta work on that. Can't have them going into convulsions every time you raise a ward." He now dusted himself off and set about making sure that Serenity was well watered, handing her a glass even as he downed a glass himself, trying to settle his nerves. He turned to Kara and addressed her concerned. "Yeah, he'll be alright. As you can see, magic and mutants don't mix too well, but we bounce back okay. We're kinda resilient that way."

　

Ashmire had indeed "rebounded" and was sitting up on the floor when he saw Star come back into the living room, looking quite disheveled. That sight moved him to action, crawling across the floor (walking was still beyond him as he legs were still shaking) before dropping his head in her lap looking up at her with big puppy-dog eyes. "I'm sorry, Pumpkin. I'm such an ass. Please forgive me. Yer the only one for me, I swear."

Brimstone rolled his eyes at the melodrama before switching to the alcohol, pulling down a thick bottle with some unnamed horrid smelling liquid that he guzzled straight from the source.

[Power Girl]

Kara could easily hear sad voice of Star and her depression. She faced her and told her

truthfully. "Star, I will lead your children upstairs but I would like to tell you this first. Even though we just met, I am your friend. I also have no interest at all in Ashmire. He is a lot like other men who seems to attracted to gorgeous, busty young women. However, I truly believe he loves a lot.

He would never come after you if he didn't. Somehow too there must be some way to make you more attractive to him so he would stop looking at oother women.

Are there beauty parlors and dressmakers on this planet? I don't believe using magic to make you extremely beautiful would be a wise idea."

Power Girl then saw Ashmire crawling towards Star. "You see he does love you, Star. Look at him doing his best to come to you and pleading with you for forgiveness. He is iignoring me in my Xena costume."

[Solem'cleavu]

Serenity just coughed a bit hearing Kara's speech. "There isn't anything Star needs to do Kara. She is just fine the way she is it's Ashmire that needs the adjustment. Preferably in regular kicks to the head." Drinking her water some more at that point.

[Star]

::Star looked at Ashmire and then without any warning she punched him in the nose...."Ever look at someone else and hurt me again and I will tear out your liver and eat it!!.... understand my darling??"...... She glared at him as she used the heels of her hands to wipe away her tears as she hiccupped but managed to regain her composure, the children were milling around except for Blue who had already returned to the bar and was knocking the soot from being zapped off his uniform...."Damn! that hurt like a bitch!".. he rolled his shoulders around to throw off the feeling as he retook his seat next to the Colonel... he wasnt getting out of hand this evening.....

::Outside another roar heralded the return of Dante, Siren, and Junior. Dante came sliding through the door his golden eyes glowing.... "The party is here!!! Did you miss me Grandpappy!?.. Dante hopped over the bar and kissed Brimstone on the forehead.. I missed your hollering about the clawmarks on the floor too.".... He laughed as he took a seat next to his brother and looked the colonel over and then his brother in uniform... "Hey little brother, need another ass whipping to bring you down a peg??? Dante's eyes glowed with challenge knowing Blue would never back down to a challenge.

::Siren entered with her delicate Conan all smiles but at Dante;s shenanigans she walked over and smacked him upside the head...."Behave or I shall send you straight to bed young man!"... She gave him a quelling glance that had the young rex muttering about more damage to his special skull and when his nerve ending stopped tingleing he was going to introduce her to the ceiling... She rolled her eyes and returned to Junior's side sighing softly... "He needs meds I swear it my dear."::::

[Cptdragon9]

Ashmire Had seen Kara in the Xena outfit, but had made it a point to not look, even closing his right eye to keep the Amazonian visage out of view of temptation. He could not afford to be distracted now….

Until Star clocked him.

Most men probably would have taken offense, but then again Ashmire, much like his ilk, were not like most men. It was the female that was Alpha; she had every right to assert herself.

Everything was alright in the world once again. Once his face healed, that is.

　

The “children” now regarded Kara. First (as she would always be) was Bonnie. She looked like a dragon, mostly; with teeth and fangs and wings, but instead of scales she was evenly covered with a soft burnished red coat of fine fur. She had picked up a few more pounds since her schooling at the Militant compound had started, but she was still little bigger than a Great Dane in size and stature. She now slunk towards Kara, much like a suspicious cur as she tried to catch her scent. She paused for a moment then sniffed at the edge of the Xena skirting.

Paused again…

Then began wagging her tail in earnest.

Clyde was just behind his sister, larger in size and black in coloration; he seemed the extreme opposite of his sister, cowering behind her, letting her take the lead as he fretted in her shadow. The second Bonnie relaxed, so did he, happy that no trouble would occur.

Baby Shrike was the oddest looking of the three, looking as if she were made of metal and not any flesh at all. She seemed none the worse for wear and had in fact turned the mechanical looking head towards a rather tempting looking battered radio perched precariously on one of the storage shelves. A spidery-looking limb of metal and rivets extended from her side to knock the device from it’s perch and down to the ground where she began gnawing on it.

.

The Colonel smiled slightly as Blue took the seat next to him. He even rested a hand on the mutant cadet’s shoulder, just a small gesture that he was pleased that Blue was showing restraint.

　

Then another wave of children showed up. These were in human form at least and seemed a bit older in age. Dante with his golden eyes and hair was full of mischief even with fake blood dripping from the fake vampire fangs. The child’s mannerisms where reminiscent of a certain skirt chasing mutant psi that Kara would know from the DC universe. The second clearly was a kin of Star’s with her elegant bearing in the white flowing toga. The third, clearly miss matched in a barbarian costume was a delicate boy with lavender hair and eyes whom walked in step with the girl in the toga.

Clearly they were in puppy love.

The blond haired boy had come up to the child sitting with the Colonel clearly looking for a fight. The Colonel kept his hand on Blue’s shoulder but said nothing. In fact it was the girl in the toga that stepped up behind the antagonizing blond and whapped him hard.

　

Brimstone sighed. They were at it already. He reached into his slicker with the “smaller” hand and drew out a tiny little can of what looked to be bug spray, until he dressed the lever. A ear-splitting screech reverberated throughout the bar, causing everyone inside (I would assume) to clench their hands over their ears. Once the sound faded, he cleared his throat and turned to the collection of youngsters.

“Lemme get this straight right now. Anyone fighting, squabbling, or otherwise making a nuisance of him or herself will be sent to bed. Is that clear?”

[Solem'cleavu]

Serenity had put her hand to her ear as she was practically right next to Brimstone. "For the love of... could have at least given me some warning. I gave you fair warning before I cast that ward didn't I?" Yanking that canister from him before she made it vanish then she decided to add her own two cents to the matter. "Also please don't do anything that would force either myself or any other member of the Royal Court that may show up here to intervene. Trust me you would not like it."

[Power Girl]

When Kara observed Star punching Ashmire in the nose with her fist. "I guess that's what you call hard love", she muttered to herself.

The Kryptonian teenager then met Star's children but when she saw Baby Shrike some tears came to her eyes. Kara asked Star quietly. "What happened to the youngest? She seems to be a cyborg. Is she in pain at all?"

When Power Girl heard the extremely loud screech of the noise maker, she held her ears and what Brimstone said. "Sir, maybe you should go to bed now. That noise could cause a fight with you in it. You could at least give some kind of warning before you made it."

[Cptdragon9]

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"Also please don't do anything that would force either myself or any other member of the Royal Court that may show up here to intervene. Trust me you would not like it."

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"Yeah! You don't want Uncle Drac to git all pissy, do yas?" He almost snickered, wondering if the Vashtalian monarch would take offense to the new nickname. But then again he was the ipso-facto leader of the Del Marian mutants, even if the election was by way of abdication of the position, mainly by Brimstone himself.

He only wished that Drac would exert himself just a little every now and then and actually act like he was their intrepid leader, but then again if Drac tried to be a tyrant there was a good chance that none of the mutants would listen to him. Heck most of them don't listen to him now.

He turned to Seren at Kara. "Sorry 'bout the horn, but then again I had to git their attention. They're kids, ya know. Mutant ones at that. Which means thick-headed. I'm quite sure Seren c'n tall ya all about that wonderful trait of ours."

The Kryptonian teenager then met Star's children but when she saw Baby Shrike some tears came to her eyes. Kara asked Star quietly. "What happened to the youngest? She seems to be a cyborg. Is she in pain at all?"

"Nah, nah, nah," Brimstone grinned, knowing that their strange family was going to need some explaining. "She was actually hatched that way. That's… er… natural for her. Strike, honey. Come say hi to the nice lady."

Shrike swung her shiny metallic head about then titled it a bit to look at Kara in-depth in the true sense as one of her eyes telescoped out a good six inches before sucking back into her skull. She padded over, the metallic angles giving her a heftier build than the furry red dragon next to her. Unlike her sister, Shrike seemed quite mellow even as she continued to chew on the toaster lodged in her jaws.

Brimstone smiled before turning to Power Girl. "Here, lemme git the introductions outta the way. This is Baby Shrike. We have to call her that because there is an older version of herself roaming about here somewhere. Long story. Involves intra-dimensional time travel. Trust me, you don't wanna even start with that.

Anyhow, Baby Shrike here is kind of like a living Transformer. She can make her body turn into all kinds of things. Here, lemme show ya." He crouched down in from of the mechanical dragon. "Shrike, honey. Show Grampa how you make pretty music."

(just cannot find anything reptilian and metal.... and cute....)

It took a little prompting but then it seemed a light flicked on in her brain and she got up on all fours. Her side bubbled then two large disks rotated out from her flanks. Small Led lights began to twinkle and flicker as calliope music rumbled from her chest. She was all smiles.

Brimstone stood up and smile to Kara. "See? She's all kinds of fun at parties. Now next to her is Bonnie, our little scrapper. She might nip." Currently it didn't look like she was going to as she was wagging her tail furiously as she tried to nudge, then shove Baby Shrike out of the way so that she could get attention. Still glued to Bonnie furry red haunches was the larger black (scaled? Furred?) dragon. "And that one's Clyde. He's a little bashful." He now gestured towards the two boys standing over by the Colonel. "Those two kids squaring off by the Colonel there are Blue and Dante. Blue, as you can tell by his military uniform, is doing quite well with the Militants. The other one's Dante, a psi and was under the tutelage of the Rex until recently." He then looked back to Kara. "Uhm, I should warn you. He's taken up some of Tim's uhm, less than socially acceptable traits."

The empath drew solemn for just a few heartbeats as if there was something more hanging in the air on the subject, but then he gave a dismissive wave of his hand before launching back into his spiel. 'Those two boys plus these three dragons here are all from Ashmire's and Star's very first clutch. They're all brothers and sisters. Littermates even."

That had to be odd because nobody looked the same age, size, or species.

"Now the young lady in the toga is Siren. That's Star's sister, and the poor boy standing next to her is Junior. He's my grand-nephew. Maybe. Possibly. There's some debate about whether genetic material from the same pot constitutes being kin to somebody. Still, it doesn't matter. We love all the kids and pretty much raise the whole lot together under one clan until they strike out on their own to find a mentor to teach them the ways of the world.

"Now I should warn you that Junior don't talk well so he had a tendency to communicate via his talent. He's a telepath, a very strong one; so if you hear a voice in your head, don't think yer goin' crazy. It's just him. And it might not all be in words. It's usually involved more than one sensation, so you might see pictures and possible smell or even feel a few odd things. Here.. let's give ya a sample. Junior! Why don't you bring Siren over here and meet the new help?"

The delicate looking boy nodded then escorted Siren over to stand in front of "Hellboy" Grampa, whom continued with his hosting responsibilities (or warnings as he liked to think it) "Siren. Junior. This is Kara. She's gonna be helpin' me with the bar fer a while."

Junior turned, regarding the Kryptonian with soft violet eyes before dipping his head in a bow. The voice that floated in Kara's brain was just as gentle. <<Good evening, Miss Kara. I hope we haven't frightened you too much. My kin can be quite… erm… boisterous.>>

(I'm gonna hafta do a "kids" banner eventually)

[Star]

:Siren curtsied and said in a soft lilting voice...."Good evening Miss Kara, I hope we didnt scare you, this group tends to be a bit obnoxious. just knock their heads together, they will listen after that. She waved at the Colonel having met him at the castle. she then looked at Brimstone and said softly...."Junior flew here all by himself. He can fly now! isnt it grand!".. Siren was just so darn proud of her man, she just couldnt keep it to herself.:::

::Star fixed Ashmire up and then rejoined the group upstairs and upon seeing Dante she gave a growl and the boy running forward threw himself into his mother's arms....."MOMMA!!!!, Siren try to deep fry me with a fire spell! it was horrible she mgh have even scorched my wings."..... Star laughed as she ruffled the boys hair...."You deserved it and you know it.. do behave tonight son, I have had enough emotional turmoil without you adding to it."....Dante kicked at the floor with the toe of his boot before he nodded.."Yes ma"am, I will be good for you momma.".... Star smiled..."Good man, now run along and have fun.":::

[Power Girl]

"It is nice to meet you Junior and Siren", returned Kara with a smile. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you. May I get you something to eat or drink? I am suppose to help your grandfather out during this party. I am planning to sing some Earth Halloween songs that I know of.

I was considering to tell you some Halloween stories but I don't want to scare you."

[Star]

::Siren looked at Junior at Kara's words before she chuckled lightly.."Sorry Miss kara is just that with all that we have been through I dont think ther eis much that can scare us, also the children have already been though a few terrifying ordeals themselves.I would enjoy hearing one of your stories. She looked over at Star and waved at her sister who in turned bowed low before she moved to the opposite corner and proceeded to flip open a trunk of costumes for the children to rifle through and pick out what they wanted to be.... Star blew a kiss to the colonel so he wouldnt feel left out and Blue blushed bright red and covered his face with both hands....."she just didnt do that to my superior."... he was so embarressed he wanted to sink through the floorboards.:::