As Time Goes On

by AnimeGoddess1599

I know! No new stories but this just came to me! Read if you dare! Rating will change later on.

1. Chapter 1

THIS STORY SHALL ALSO BE POSTED ON WATTPAD UNDER THE USERNAME ABBEHCAKES. SHE WAS CO-WRITER AND SHE'LL HAVE THIS STORY UP AS WELL IF YOU'D LIKE TO READ IT THERE.

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Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…

"He's such a beautiful baby boy, isn't he Vargas?"

The small baby cooed, blue eyes looking around in wonder before resting upon his mother, then his father.

Vargas smiled breathlessly. "Y-Yeah," he muttered, a bit nervous. "He's gonna be a handsome heartbreaker when he gets older."

"Just like his father," Lava said, smiling up at Vargas, though it was strained.

Vargas noticed immediately. "Lava, are you okay? How do you feel? Do you need the doctor?"

Lava chuckled, shifting the baby boy around in her arms. "Vargas, I want to name him Vincent."

Vargas kneeled beside her. "Lava, anything you want. I think Vincent is a great name."

Lava began to pant heavily. "Good," she stuttered. "G-good. A-a-and promise me you'll take g-good care of him."

Vargas gripped her shoulder. "Lava, you say that like you won't be around to watch him grow up. Are you leaving me?" Vargas asked, hoping that was the problem at hand.

"Vargas," Lava gasped. "You know I won't be around much longer-"

"Don't say that," Vargas ground out. "He'll grow up to be a strong, capable young boy, just like his father, but also be caring and compassionate- like his mother. And-"

Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep

"Vargas," Lava interrupted. "You and I both know that-" she took a sharp intake of breath. "I won't be around to see him grow. I-I don't think I-

Beep!Beep!Beep!Beep!

"Nurse!" Vargas shouted, feeling panic rise. "Nurse! Help!"

Three nurses and two doctors rushed into the room. One took the baby out of Lava's hands before he wild spasms she was having could hurt him.

"Lava!" Vargas shouted. "Lava, please! You have to survive this!"

"She's hemorrhaging!"

"Her heart rate is speeding too fast! It's already 145 over 65! We're losing her!"

"Quick! What's her blood type?! Maybe we can get a transfusion going-"

"It's O Negative!"

"We don't have any O Negative in stock!"

"Heart rate 156 over 65!"

"She's losing too much blood too fast! We're gonna lose her!"

Lava had the strength to give him one last look. "I-I l-l-l-love you," she coughed. "So m-much…Vargas," she whispered.

BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeep

Her body gave one last mighty jerk before it went still.

"LAVA!" Vargas screamed. "LAVA!"

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

One of the doctors sighed, looking at the clock. "Call it," he said regretfully.

"Time of death," a nurse choked out. "7:42 P.M."

"LAVA!" Vargas fell to his knees, staring at the blood coating the sheets, Lava's face twisted in pain, her eyes opened in pain.

"Vargas…Vargas…Vargas!"

---

"AHH!" Vargas' eyes shot open, his body cold with sweat. He sat up too fast, throwing off whoever was shaking him as his head swam.

"Jeez!" The person said, rising to their knees and brushing themselves off. "Don't scare me like that!"

Vargas looked over the bedside, seeing a young woman kneeling on the floor, rubbing her backside. She glared up at him. "Is that the thanks I get for waking you up?! Next time, I'll let your ass sleep through your alarm!"

Vargas got out of bed, helping the woman up. "Sorry Phoenix. I didn't mean to scare you like that," he said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I was just-

"Vincent's birth?" She guessed, giving him a sympathetic look.

Vargas nodded. "I miss her. I really miss her." He chuckled bitterly. "16 years and I can't get her outta my head."

Phoenix patted his shoulder. "No one asked you to forget about her. We just want you happy."

"I know," Vargas sighed. "It just hurts."

"No one said losing someone was easy," Phoenix said, sitting down beside him. "And no one said you can't talk about her every now and then; I know Vincent likes it." She smiled at him. "And he wants you happy too. He isn't asking you to forget his mother, he just wants his father happy after 18 years of loneliness."

Vargas smiled slightly. "I guess so."

Phoenix sat up. "Good. Now come on. I have breakfast ready downstairs and everyone is still eating. I saved you some," she winked.

Vargas smiled. "I'm gonna grab a shower and be down, okay?"

She smiled. "Alright. Don't be too long though, or you'll miss seeing them off to school." She gave his shoulder one last pat before she walked out, closing the door behind her. Vargas watched her go, willing his erratic heartbeat to slow down.

Back in the Old Days, the Days of Grand Gaia where heroes of legend ran the world and walked the earth, there was a battle with the Great Gods, who turned on humans. Heroes of all elements battled them fiercely, and though they won, every hero lost their life. However, the Gods, seeing how wrong they were, decided to pull their powers together to give them a chance at life. Those heroes were born again into the modern world, with all of their original powers, and had to learn to adjust to a new world of which they were familiar. And that's how we stumble upon our tale.

Back in the days of Grand Gaia, the hero of fire was known as Holy Flames Vargas. However, in the modern world, his name is Vargas Scott, and due to his love of swordplay, teaches a sword fighting class for young children. Knowing of his past since he was younger, Vargas hunted down his old rival Lava, who was also reborn into this time. However, the two set aside their differences and feel in love, getting married once they became of age, and having a son named Vincent. However, Lava died shortly after Vincent's birth, leaving Vargas heartbroken and alone. He wouldn't have gotten anywhere without Lava. Until fate had it that he would meet an inspiring young author named Phoenix.

---

~Flashback~

"Shh Vincent," Vargas tried, trying to calm the wailing infant down. It wasn't working, only seemed to make Vincent cry louder. He became red in the face as he screamed. "Vincent, please calm down," he said quietly, avoiding all the looks from the people in the café. Vargas had only tried to take Vincent out for some air and decided to stop at a café for something to eat. However, Vincent began to cry and wouldn't stop.

"Vincent," Vargas pleaded. "Shh."

"Can you hear, my cries? Can you see, my eyes? I am calling…out, to, you. Mm-mmm," a voice sang soothingly.

Vincent's cries soon reduced to whimpers, where he used a tiny fist to wipe his eyes. Vargas stared at the young waitress who sang, who was blushing nervously. "M-my mother used to sing that to me when I used to cry as a child. I-I figured it would work for this handsome little boy," she smiled at Vincent, who in turn smiled back. Vargas bounced Vincent in his lap. "Wow. Thank you…?"

"Phoenix," she supplied.

"Phoenix," he repeated, smiling. "I've seen you before, here right?"

She nodded, smiling. "Yeah. I've seen you come in here with your son before. I work here every day in the afternoons. You always get a soy latte with caramel drizzle and cinnamon, and a chocolate milk for the baby."

Vargas nodded. "Yeah. And you always scrape those chocolate flakes onto my latte and give Vincent a dinosaur straw."

She laughed. "Something for the kids I guess."

Vincent cooed, holding up his arms. Vargas gestured towards the seat next to him. "Would you like to sit and hold him? I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

"O-oh. I'm still on duty for another two hours." She smiled sheepishly. "Maybe some other time?"

Vincent pouted at being denied, crossing his chubby little arms. Vargas laughed. "I don't think he likes that idea."

"Phoenix!" A black haired woman shouted. "Get back here! I'm not finishing your shift for you!"

"Coming!" She yelled back. She smiled at Vargas. "I have to go. But I'll see you around sometime, okay? You too sweetheart," she said, blowing a kiss towards Vincent. "Bye…"

"Vargas."

"Vargas." She repeated, smiling. "Bye." She gave a little wave and walked back behind the counter.

---

~Flashback End~

Vincent looked up at the shower nozzle, smiling. Phoenix and he had met up time and time again, where they had learned a lot about each other. And she'd babysit Vincent for him when he needed her. They had grown close in that time, where Vargas had learned that Phoenix was an author of many famous fantasy novels, and that she lived with an artist who had done many wonderful paintings since her high school years. The two girls had been best friends since middle school and lived together in a large mansion. It was during that time that Vargas had told her about his past, and about Lava, and about what happened and where he was living: a dingy run-down place (he hadn't been working at his dojo at that point) which pissed her off.

---

~Flashback~

"What?!" Phoenix screeched. "You live where?!"

Vargas jumped. "I-It's in the residential district downtown and-

"I know where it is!" she shouted, crossing her arms. "Why are you and your son living there of all places?! Do you know how dangerous that is?! How much crime goes on down there?!"

"It's all I can afford right now," he tried.

"No. You will not continue living there if I have anything to say about that!" She whipped out her cellphone, dialing a number. "Sierra Arielle we have a problem."

"Yeah. That guy and his son, they live in the downtown residential zone."

"I know!"

"Yeah, I told him that, but he said that was all he could afford."

"Yeah, I know."

"Soo, can he live with us?"

"What?! Please?!"

"B-But-"

"Whoa! You've got that Uda-guy and his son are living with you! Why can't Vargas and his son live with us?!"

"Yeah…yeah. I know…okay, I will…yes. Of course I'll make dinner for the next month! We can't all survive on pasta for that long, seeing as though it's all you can make."

"Yeah, love you too bitch…yeah. Whatever. I'll bring him over soon, okay?"

"I don't know. In the next two weeks maybe?"

"Alright. Bye."

She turned back to Vargas who was obediently waiting for her to finish. "You're living with me and my roommate."

Vargas gaped. "B-But-"

"Let's start packing!" Phoenix declared.

---

~Flashback End~

For the last 16 years, Vargas had been living with Phoenix and her roommate Sierra Arielle, an artist. At first, Arielle was skeptical, but eventually went with it. Vincent could have left whenever he wanted, but was so comfortable he couldn't bear to leave them. And Vincent had mother figures around (though he told Vincent about Lava. He couldn't deny his son the truth.) and lived much more comfortably than Vargas could have given him in their condition before.

Chardonnay Phoenix Alejandra-Ramirez Brown was a lively young woman who was quiet at time with black hair that had auburn streaks and brown eyes. She was African American mixed with Spanish and was only about 5'8. She had written many fantasy novels that were best-sellers and made a fortune from it. She had a kind-heart unless you pissed her off, then you had to run like Cardes was on your tail. Although her real name was Chardonnay, she went by Phoenix, her middle name.

Sierra Arielle Armani-Laurenti Carter was an artist, Italian mixed with Caucasian. She had jet-black hair and a Kool-Aid red streak in the front. She had green eyes and was 5'9, only an inch taller than Chardonnay. She was a lively artist who sketched many different drawings of many different genres. She had a no-nonsense attitude, but was fun to be around once you got to know her. The only thing that really pissed her off was being called Sierra Arielle' she preferred Arielle only, but Phoenix would usually call her Sierra Arielle to piss her off or when she was mad at her.

Vargas quickly jumped out of his shower and pulled on some black sweatpants and a plain white-beater, forgoing socks. He exited his room, almost colliding with Arielle who rushed past, screaming for the others to wake up. Vargas chuckled, heading downstairs.

He was greeted to the sight of a myriad of teens sitting around a large dining room table, some reading or doing homework, or tossing a ball around. "Morning everyone," he greeted.

At the table, the teens all look up. "Hey Vargas!" Esther chirped.

"Hn," Elijah grunted.

"Sup," Jared nodded to him.

"Good morning," Jessabelle said politely.

"Good morning!" Conner greeted, waving.

"Hey," Sasha said, the only one not looking up from painting her nails.

"Hm," Robin mumbled, raising his glass in greeting.

"Hey dad!" Vincent called, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Vargas ruffled his son's hair, smiling. "Hey Vincent. Almost done?"

Vincent swiped an apple from the bowl on the table. "Just about," he replied, taking a large bite. "Phoenix left your plate in the microwave. Just heat it up."

"Alright. Go ahead and finish up so you can catch the bus."

"Okay dad."

Vincent was a splitting image of Vargas with the same hairstyle and voice, but Vincent had blue eyes, like his mother. Also like his father, he liked longswords and had control of flames, and wanted to continue the family practice, so he learned sword fighting from his father and had unconsciously performed his mother's moves from time to time. Vargas was enormously proud of that fact. It proved that somehow, Lava was still around, only a part of her in Vincent.

10 minutes later, Arielle was frantically drawing in her sketch pad while Phoenix cleaned up after the kids. "Alright everyone! Bus'll be here any minute. You gotta go before you miss it."

The kids all stood up, gathering books and putting supplies away into their bags, Jessabelle screeching when she saw spiders crawling out of hers, courtesy of Jared.

"Bye dad," Vincent said, giving his father a quick hug. "Bye Phoenix. Bye Arielle."

Arielle gave him a quick hug. Phoenix kissed his forehead and he walked out. The routine was the same for the rest of them, only Esther hugged back, Elijah ducked out of the hug and dodged the kiss, grunting in annoyance, Jared gagged and acted like he was too old for affection, Jessabelle hugged them all back, Sasha gave them all her own hug, squeezing Arielle too tightly and giving a big wet kiss to Phoenix's cheek, Robin accepted it all without returning any gestures, Eideolous grunted, and Conner returned the hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek in return.

Vargas rolled his eyes, digging into his food. All of them had far too different personalities, but that made them all special in their own way. "What's the plan for today?" He asked, taking a bite of toast.

Arielle sighed. "We're having some contractors over later, since Luther and Uda wrecked the patio two days ago. Then, I have to go down to the station and get Kuda out of custody."

"Again?" Vargas asked. "This is the third time this week!"

"I know," Arielle said, flicking her hair out of her eyes. "And then, I have to meet with my assistant about my next work." She gestured to the sketchpad. "Which isn't finished yet."

"Again?" Phoenix asked, popping Arielle on the back of the head. "Bae, you promised you'd finish it a week ago!"

"I know," Arielle said, pouting. "And I'm sorry. But I will have it finished today, alright bae?"

"I guess," Phoenix pouted.

"Oh bae! You look so cute when you pout!" Arielle gushed, pulling Phoenix into a hug, making Phoenix blush.

Vargas laughed at the two's antics. At first, with all the pet names and the two making crude remarks about each other's bodies and bedroom habits (*ahem* kinks), Vargas had originally though the two to be lesbians. However, Arielle smacked him and Phoenix laughed, explaining that they had always joked with each other like that. They had said it was just a thing between them, often calling each other 'bae' and labeling each other's body parts as to who it belonged to. There wasn't anything farther than that, just them toying with each other.

"Get off of me!" Phoenix huffed, pushing Arielle away. "You still need to finish your work!"

"Okay! Jeez!" Arielle exclaimed, sitting back down. "And you need to put some clothes on. I can't believe you walk around like that in front of children!" She said, thrusting her pencil at Phoenix, who had a habit of walking around with barely anything on. Unlike Arielle, who was in Batman sweatpants, a gray shirt and a black tight-fitting hoodie, Phoenix wore ridiculously short training shorts, a black training bra, and loose white shirt that hung off of both shoulders.

Phoenix rolled her eyes. "They go to high school and they aren't children anymore. I'm sure they've seen worse."

Arielle crossed her arms. "No one is allowed to gaze upon that huge and fabulous boo-tay but me."

Phoenix blushed. "My ass is not that big!"

"The hell it isn't!" Arielle yelled back. "Ask Vargas! He knows what I'm talking about!" Arielle grabbed Phoenix, still blushing, and turned her around, bending her over the table. "Don't you Vargas?" She asked, winking.

Vargas felt his face heat and couldn't stop himself from staring at the prize that was presented in front of him. "W-Well, I..um-I don't really think, I mean, I wouldn't-" he stumbled over his words, trying to stop himself from staring and swallowing the drool that threatened to drop. Arielle smirked at him, being much stronger than Phoenix and able to hold her down.

Vargas had been living with Sierra Arielle and Phoenix for 16 years, and for 10 of them, he had been in love with Phoenix. He couldn't help himself; he saw a bit of Lava in her, and though he wasn't trying to replace her because no one could ever replace Lava, Vargas couldn't help but fall in love with Phoenix. Phoenix was a protective person, worrying about others first before herself, and had taken him and his son in when they had no one else and put up with them for 16 long years. Though Vargas was prideful and didn't really like getting help from other people, Phoenix was as stubborn as he was and insisted on helping them. And even more, she was tough when need be and also knew when and when not to act wild in public. She was really everything he would like in a woman, and she made the most amazing cookies.

Unfortunately, there were three flaws in his plan to try and woo Phoenix.

The first was unfortunately, her job as a novelist. Phoenix hated to be disturbed when a stroke of inspiration hit her, and secluded herself when she was working on a chapter of one of her novels, kicking out anyone who ever tried to disturb her. Even Arielle got hit when she tried to talk with Phoenix during her inspired moments. Those happened often, so often that Vargas couldn't work up a time to try and woo her.

The second was Arielle and the teens. Though he loved his son and all of Vincent's friends, there was so much work that went into taking care of 8 children that Vargas could barely think of any other way to approach her. Almost everything they did had to do with one of them, whether it was getting them out of custody (Sasha mostly), taking them to their afterschool activities (Jared and Robin), helping them study and do schoolwork (Conner, Eideolous and Elijah), taking them shopping (Jessabelle and Esther), and doing so much he was surprised Phoenix hadn't lost her mind. Arielle was trying to help him, but it wasn't really working. Two years after he realized how he felt about Phoenix, Arielle had happened to find out and used it to her advantage. She had accidentally found out when it was her turn to wake everyone up and had stumbled upon Vargas having a very erotic dream about Phoenix. Now, every time Arielle would call in a favor, she'd remind him of that day. Though Arielle did try to help, her suggestions weren't really Vargas' style, so he usually declined.

"I spy with my little eye, a nice piece of ass callin' to me!" An obnoxious voice said loudly, making Vargas mentally groan. That was the third flaw in his plans. Inferno Beast Zegar, clad in black sweats and no shirt. Again.

It wasn't that Vargas didn't like Zegar; they'd fought together in the war against the gods in their past life and worked well together. And Zegar had a hard life as well, romance wise. Since he had become beast-like, Zegar usually want into heat like animals, causing him to want to breed and dominate. An unfortunate traveler was his victim who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Zegar couldn't help himself but use her in his mind's most carnal need. Pregnant and afraid, the woman pleaded with Zegar to at least take responsibility for what he did, and being a man of honor, Zegar accepted, being with the woman every step of the way. However, during the birth, the animal-like qualities of the twins began to tear the woman apart, causing the doctors to have to perform an emergency C-Section to save them. However, the mother did not survive, leaving Zegar with the guilt of it all. Vargas knows that Zegar can't control himself when his heat takes over his mind, and he'll end up hurting whoever is close by. And Vargas doesn't like him for that reason.

The other is that Zegar, like Vargas himself, is in love with Phoenix.

Vargas knew that this fact put Phoenix in danger because Zegar wasn't aware of what he did when he hurt someone in heat. And Vargas wasn't going to allow that to happen to Phoenix. That's the other reason why he needed to keep Zegar away from Phoenix. It was all to keep her safe.

Phoenix finally wrestled Arielle off of her, but not before Zegar smacked her ass. Phoenix then popped them both, Zegar even harder for hitting her ass. "Breakfast is on the stove. I have to go get Kuda out of custody before-"

"Right here," Kuda said, sliding open the patio door and slipping in. "Where's breakfast?"

"Kuda?!" Arielle screamed. "You were in custody for the night!"

Kuda grinned. "No, I was in custody for about 10 minutes, then I realized I had better things to do and busted out."

Kuda, not wanting to involve his son Elijah in the affairs and harsh reality of the assassin life, left Elijah at an orphanage when he was a baby. His wife had already left for the same reason. However, two years later, he and his wife met again and had one last night together. After finding she was pregnant, Kuda's wife was distraught to realize how many enemies she would have for carrying Kuda's child, so after Esther was born, Kuda was left with an infant daughter. Regretting what he had done to Elijah, Kuda vowed not to let the same happen to his daughter. Although he expresses how sorry he is, Kuda cannot seem to reach Elijah, who is dead set on protecting Esther from him. Kuda, not good with emotions, only argues with Elijah and doesn't seem to reach common ground with him.

Arielle crossed her arms. "What did you steal?"

"Nothing!" Kuda protested.

Arielle and Phoenix looked at each other. "Spread," they commanded at the same time.

Kuda sighed, placing his hands on his head and spreading his legs. Phoenix patted his arms and his torso while Arielle patted down his lower body, glaring up at him when she reached mid-calf. Pushing up his gay sweatpants, she pulled out a thin dagger embedded with many precious jewels. "Kuda!"

"…I didn't do it."

Phoenix snatched it out of her hands, holding it up to the light. "Kuda, this is the 1987 British Royal Protector's Dagger. Someone in Russia bought this for 2.8 billion dollars last year."

Vargas raised an eyebrow. "How'd you get to Russia in a night?"

Kuda grinned. "Russia came to me."

The three stared at him, making him sigh. "The ambassador who bought this was in town, and I sorta led him to a bar, got him wasted, and slipped it off of him. No harm done, right?"

Arielle smacked him with the blunt end of the dagger. "What do you mean 'no harm done'?! You stole a dagger from an important figure from Russia! If he finds out, he could have you killed!"

"In Soviet Russia, Ambassador no kill you, you kill Ambassador."

"That doesn't even make sense!"

Kuda grunted. "You don't make sense." He plopped down at the table, taking a banana from the fruit bowl.

Zegar chuckled. "Hah! Busted."

Kuda chucked the banana at Zegar, who unsheathed his claws and caught it on the middle one, disintegrating it in an instant. "Gotta be quicker than that!"

"Why you-"

"Good morning everyone!" Karl greeted cheerfully, walking into the kitchen.

"Hi Karl!" Arielle shouted, waving energetically.

"Hey Karl!" Phoenix grinned.

Karl smiled. "Something smells good. What's for breakfast?"

"Phoenix made pancakes, some French toast, bacon, and some eggs," Vargas answered, putting his dirty plate into the sink.

Karl grabbed a plate and filled it with pancakes. "Thank you-"Karl blushed, looking down at his feet. "Uh, Phoenix?"

"Yes?" Phoenix asked, hopping up onto the table.

"Um…you aren't wearing…you don't…I-I mean you're-you're not wearing pants," Karl stuttered out.

Phoenix lifted the hem of her shirt. "Yes I am. I'm wearing shorts."

"O-Oh…I apologize then. I thought you weren't in…um, y'know…that you didn't-"Karl's face was the same shade as a tomato.

"Oh Karl!" Phoenix grinned. "You're so cute when you're flustered!"

Karl blushed even harder.

Kuda, trying to take advantage of the situation, grabbed another banana and slowly crept out of the kitchen.

"Oh no you don't!" Phoenix yelled. "We aren't done with you!"

Kuda flinched, though he tried not to show it. "I was just going to-

"You were just going to find that Russian Ambassador and give him back his dagger that he paid for, that you happened to steal!"

Kuda frowned. "But-

"Now!" Phoenix shouted.

Kuda sighed, disappearing out the patio door. "I'll be back in two hours. One if he's still at the motel I left him at."

"Kuda!"

"I'm going!" He yelled back.

Karl frowned. "What happened this time?"

Arielle sighed. "Kuda decided to steal an expensive dagger from an ambassador from Russia and escaped custody last night."

"How?" Karl asked. "I thought the police constantly kept watch of the people they caught."

"They do," Arielle replied. "Kuda's just that good."

Karl shook his head, digging into his pancakes. "That man…"

"Oh yeah. I forgot." Phoenix pulled a letter from her bra. "This, is for you from the school. It's about Conner."

Karl blushed, probably because she just pulled it form her cleavage. "Conner? Is he in trouble?"

"Conner? In trouble?" Arielle laughed. "What could he have possibly done? Killed a butterfly?"

Phoenix laughed as well, shaking her head. "No, it's about an award. Conner won Student of the Month and he's been chosen for his leadership skills to go on a school trip to a conference about kindness and leadership and all that jazz." She smiled. "I went to one of those. It was fun."

Zegar snorted. "You were kind in high-school?"

Phoenix threw an apple at him, nailing him right in the head.

"Ow!"

"Yes I was kind! I was kind, a good leader, and in the Top 10 of my graduating class!" Phoenix said with crossed arms, huffing.

"…I wore Batman clothes and pajama pants often," Arielle said, grinning. "And I called my Chemistry teacher a fat whore in tenth grade, and told my 12th grade English teacher to hit a treadmill before he killed his wife putting all that weight on her when they have sex."

Zegar shook his head. "Oh Arielle."

Phoenix shook her head. "And a letter came in from Eva." She held up a light blue envelope. "May I?"

Karl nodded, though a bit tensely. "Go ahead."

"'Dear Karl,

'I'm happy to tell you that Jack got a job transfer and we'll now be living in the same city as you! I'll be able to see Conner and see my friends again! Isn't that great news?!'"

Zegar snorted again, chuckling into his glass. "Friends? We all hate her."

"Hell yeah we do!" Arielle shouted, raising her charcoal pencil into the air.

"'I'm really sorry about all that's happened, and Jack is too. I do regret that I neglected our son, and I want to know if it would be possible for me to have partial custody of Conner so that he can get to know his mother a little better. I do hope you'll agree and also put the past behind us. We were really good friends and I hope we can get back there soon.

Sincerely, Eva.'"

Karl slammed his hands down on the table and stood rapidly, knocking his chair over in the process. "What? She wants partial custody of Conner? Now of all times?"

"That whore!" Arielle shouted. "How dare she?! I say we find her, chop her into tiny pieces, make her into a stew, and feed it to Jack! …Then kill him too!"

Zegar pumped a fist into the air. "Yeah!"

"NO!" Phoenix yelled. "We let Karl decide what to do. It's the mother of his child after all." She picked up a lone knife from the table, tossing it up into the air and catching it. "If he wants her to disappear…" she picked up an apple and threw it, flicking the knife after it. In mid-air, the knife embedded itself in the center of the apple and stuck into the wall. The apple then broke down the middle and the two pieces fell to the floor. "Then she disappears," Phoenix finished, smirking.

"Damn woman! How'd you do that?!" Arielle yelled, eyes wide. "I wanna try it!"

"My gods that was hot," Zegar drooled. "Do it again!"

Vargas chuckled. "Calm your tits Phoenix. You don't need to murder innocent fruits."

Arielle picked up a butter knife, flicking her wrist but never flinging the knife. She lobbed it at the wall, but it hit the lamp instead and clattered to the floor. "Damn it! Lemme try again!" She ran into the kitchen, coming back with an assortment of knifes and started throwing fruit at the wall, sending the knives after them.

"You're wasting fruits you know," Vargas supplied. "What did they ever do to you?"

Arielle ignored him, throwing another fruit at the wall. Phoenix threw another knife that hit the unlucky orange that was the victim this time, embedding the knife and orange into the far wall.

"Damn Phoenix! How'd you do that?! You didn't even look!" Arielle marveled, staring at the orange.

Phoenix shrugged. "I took a tomahawk class in college."

"Why didn't I know about that?!" Arielle glared at Phoenix. "I thought we took almost the same classes!"

"Remember? You took that Claymation class, and I took my own."

Zegar's eyes had nearly popped out of his head. "You just keep getting hotter and hotter," he murmured, drooling more profoundly.

Karl was oddly quiet, staring at his pancakes. Arielle noticed this and tore her attention away from the knives. "Are you okay Karl?"

Karl dumbly shook his head. "I-I can't believe Eva suddenly thinks she can walk into Conner's life after this long. She didn't have an interest in him before, why now?"

Vargas knew the answer to that: Eva hadn't been able to get pregnant by Jack yet, and she really wanted a child, so she went to the next best thing: the child she already had.

Karl's son Conner is the son of Snow Queen Eva. Although Eva was engaged to marry her long-time lover and friend Jack, Jack had made her upset by spending too much time with Lucina. Eva was jealous that Jack would fall in love with Lucina (who had been in love with him), so to make Jack jealous right back, Eva got revenge by manipulating Karl into sleeping with her. However, Jack realized his mistake and gave Eva a heartfelt apology, which Eva accepted, and they got married soon after; Eva left Karl confused, upset and feeling used. Later, Eva found out that she was pregnant, but assumed it was Jack's child. But, when the baby was born, he looked just like Karl. Instead of being angry with Eva, Jack was angry with Karl and forced him to take Connor and raise him by himself; Eva gave up her parental rights to make Jack happy. Jack then swore that Karl was now his rival and didn't want him to come near Eva or himself with the name Jack gave Conner 'a mistake'. Karl was upset by the whole ordeal and tried to give Conner a normal childhood, but he was new to everything and had a hard time. Vargas, Sierra Arielle, Phoenix, and Uda met Karl when Conner was six-months old.

---

~Flashback~

"It's a pretty nice day out," Phoenix commented, laying out a blanket. "Not too hot, not too cloudy, and just the right amount of wind."

"And, no deadline!" Arielle shouted happily.

Phoenix shook her head. "Yeah. For once, you were on time."

Arielle rolled her eyes. "Where the food at? I'm hungry."

"Is all you think about food Arielle?" Phoenix asked, though she handed her a sandwich.

"Yup!" Arielle said happily, taking a huge bite.

"Let me rephrase that: do you think of anything other than food, coffee, bacon, Soul Eater, Death Note, Doctor Who, Tumblr, Supernatural, and Fairy Tail?"

Arielle chewed thoughtfully. "Uh…nope. That's about it!"

Vargas chuckled, setting Vincent out on the blanket. The baby got on all fours and crawled around, digging through the picnic basket. Vargas pulled out a teddy bear that Vincent loved and set it, along with a narwhal toy (how Arielle convinced him to get it, he didn't know) on the blanket. Vincent immediately crawled away from the basket and went over to his toys, hugging them both to his chest and looking up at his father happily.

Uda smiled a bit, setting his own son, Jared, down on the blanket as well. Jared crawled over to Vincent and plopped down with his arms crossed. Vincent smiled and held out his narwhal toy. Jared looked at it with a pout before knocking it out of Vincent's hands and snatching the teddy bear. Vincent sniffled, crawling over to his narwhal and holding it close.

Uda smirked. "Yeah! That's my boy! Take what you want!"

Arielle smacked him with her thermos of coffee. "Don't teach him that!"

Jared looked up innocently at his father and smiled. Uda smiled back.

"Ba-Bey-Bi-," Vincent was trying to say.

Vargas picked him up and set him in his lap. "What is it Vincent? What do you see?"

"B-Ba-Ba-Bee. Bay-bee. Ba-be. Baby!" Vincent squealed happily, pointing at a small little blue-haired boy standing on chubby legs. The other boy was looking at Vincent's narwhal. Vincent looked down at his toy before looking at the other boy and smiling, holding his toy out. The other baby smiled and waddled over to them, hands outstretched. Phoenix stood and went over to the baby, picking him up. "Well hi cutie! What're you doing here? Where's your mommy and daddy?"

The baby smiled up at her. "Daddy!" He said, twisting in her arms to point.

"Conner!"

They watched as a man with blue-hair jogged up to them. "Conner there you are! I swear, I turned away for one second…"

Conner giggled. "Daddy!" He held out his arms.

The man took his from Phoenix's arms and smiled. He then smiled at Phoenix. "Thank you so much! I turned for a second to grab his bottle and he was gone." He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just glad he didn't get too far."

Phoenix smiled. "New father?"

The man looked shocked. "How did you-"

"You have baby upchuck on your shirt, and some on your pants. You don't look like you've been getting any sleep at all, too much even for a new parent, and your overall aura excludes it."

The man looked down, blushing.

"You don't have a wife or girlfriend, do you?" Arielle guessed. "Did she leave you?"

He sighed. "She was never really with me to begin with."

"I'm Arielle," Arielle said, standing. "This is Phoenix," she pointed to the other woman. "And those two are-"

"Flame Legend Vargas and Crusher God Uda," the man said, smiling. "I personally know Vargas, but I've only heard stories of Uda. You may not recognize me without my armor. I used to be Ice Warrior Karl. But now, my name is Karl Vaike."

"Ah. Karl. It's good to see you my friend," Vargas said smiling. "How are you?"

"Do you want the truth? Not good. Conner's mother left after he was born, I couldn't finish school, and I don't live in the best of places."

"Come live with us then." Arielle said softly.

Karl looked up, shocked. "But-"

"You live someplace not fit for a child, you can't keep up a steady income because you didn't get to finish school, and you want the best for him. We understand it perfectly," Arielle explained.

"These two we're with were in the same situation. And we took them in as well," Phoenix said. "So c'mon. You live with us now."

Karl blushed. "But I-"

"Come with us," Arielle and Phoenix said at the same time.

Karl nodded slowly. "O-Okay."

---

~Flashback End~

Karl, though not as prideful as Vargas, Kuda, Zegar, Luther, or Uda, wasn't one to accept free help. So, while Phoenix and Arielle watched the kids so that the parents could go to school, Karl would be the handyman around the house, repairing and replacing things, and sometimes cooking when Phoenix or Arielle was unable to do it. Now, Karl worked at an insurance firm, and was well liked among the customers, who thought he was positively delightful. Karl was kind-hearted and noble, and though he never got too angry, Eva was a thorn in his side that sometimes tested his patience.

Karl sighed. "She's not getting Conner. I wish she wouldn't do this suddenly."

"If you want her gone," Phoenix picked up a spoon and lobbed it behind her, implanting it in the apple Arielle was about to eat. Said woman looked at the fruit in her hand that was impaled with a spoon. "Now you're doing spoons?! And without looking?! What kind of witchcraft do you use?!"

Phoenix grinned, getting up as the doorbell rang. "Dark magic," she winked.

Yanking open the door, Phoenix smiled. "Hey Frank."

Frank smiled. "Hiya Phoenix. Got a call saying the patio is wrecked and something is wrong with the deck?"

Phoenix nodded sadly. "Sorry. I know this is what? The fourth time you've been here this month?"

"It's actually sixth, but who's counting?" He joked.

"Hey Frank!" Arielle called, waving. "You got your work cut out for you!"

Frank raised an eyebrow. "So, the deck isn't in shambles and the awning isn't torn?"

Arielle grinned. "Well…"

Phoenix face-palmed. "I am so sorry about this Frank. You must get tired of coming here all the time."

Frank just smiled, making his way out to the patio. "Arielle and your crazy friends keep me and my boys in business, so by all means, keep it up."

Phoenix shook her head. "Well, the railing is busted everywhere, the deck has a giant hole in it, the stairs have disintegrated, the pool was on fire-"

"How was the pool on fire?" Frank asked.

Phoenix shook her head. "Don't. Just don't. And the awning is just horrible."

Frank shook his head, chuckling. "Things are never dull around here, are they?"

Phoenix nodded gravely. "Never. But you might get another call. Sasha's on her period and I haven't been able to get to the store for any chocolate."

"Yikes!" Frank winced. "You have my personal number though, so call me when you need me. And I don't mind at all; the wife loves to hear the stories about how your friends break your home time after time."

"How is she anyways?" Arielle asked. "How's the baby?"

"Good. Little tyke loves getting into everything. And the oldest one is about to have a birthday."

"Oh really?" Arielle said. "When?"

"In about a week," Frank answered, writing down the damages from the patio.

"We should stop by," Phoenix said.

"I'm sure he'd love that. But, no offense, don't bring your friends. My son's having a Batman party and-"

"We're coming." Arielle demanded, a true and true Batman lover. "And we're not bringing the misfits." She grabbed Frank's shirt. "Will Batman be there?"

Frank laughed. "We have a guy."

"PHOENIX! WE'RE GOING TO THAT PARTY!" Arielle shouted, running out of the room to mark a calendar.

"Party?" Zegar asked, poking his head out from the kitchen. "Who's having a party?"

"YOU'RE NOT INVITED!" Arielle shouted from the living room.

Zegar shrugged, but growled when he saw Frank. "What's he doing here?" He narrowed his eyes, baring his teeth.

Phoenix grabbed a spare pen from Frank's shirt. "May I?"

Frank nodded.

Phoenix flicked the pen at Zegar, nailing him in the chest. "Idiot! Frank is here to fix the deck and the patio since Luther and Uda ruined it!"

Zegar rubbed the sore spot. "Why does he always come though?"

"Because it's his job!"

"Why do you always pay him so much?!"

"With all the work he does for us, he deserves the extra tip!"

"Why tip someone who just fixes things?! What else can he do?!"

"You're getting on my nerves Zegar!"

"I'm nowhere near your nerves!"

"Screw you!"

"We can do it anywhere, anytime, any position!"

"…" Phoenix gaped at him, face red with a blush.

"…I mean it. Just let me know babe."

Arielle burst out laughing from the other room.

---

~Four Hours Later~

"Alright Phoenix. The awning is fixed, the patio repaired, and the deck still needs work, and unfortunately, I don't have the tools for it right now. And I don't have the things for the pool yet either. So how about I come back tomorrow let's say at about-"

CRASH!

"Ah! Dammit Luther!" They heard shouted from upstairs.

"Or I stay for a while longer and get a quote about the other damages?" Frank finished his earlier statement.

Phoenix sighed, rubbing her temples. "That would be best. Just, cover your ears."

Frank pulled out his earplugs and inserted them, smiling at Phoenix when he did.

Phoenix glared up the spiral staircase. "LUTHER! UDA! WHAT IN THE NAME OF CARDES WAS THAT?!"

"…nothing," two voices called down fearfully.

Arielle smirked. "Hey Phoenix?"

"Not now Arielle," Phoenix grumbled.

"But Phoenix-"

"Arielle, please no."

"Phoenix," Arielle said seriously. "I honestly think, that that was the toilet just now."

Phoenix gave Arielle a strange look. "Arielle, I doubt that was the toilet."

"Wanna bet?" Arielle asked, smile on her face. "Five bucks says that it was."

"Fine, but it wasn't-"

"DAMNIT LUTHER! I WAS USING THAT!"

"AND I WAS USING THE TOILET, YET YOU RUINED THAT!"

Phoenix sighed regretfully, sliding a five over to Arielle. "Shut up and don't say a word," Phoenix growled. Taking another breath, she crossed her arms. "LUTHER! UDA! YOU HAVE FIVE SECONDS TO GET DOWN HERE OR YOU BOTH ARE ON YARD DUTY AND CHORES FOR THE NEXT TWO MONTHS!"

Frank calmly pulled his earplugs out. "I'm going to need new earplugs," he murmured, staring down at the small rubbed stoppers. "Or you're just getting louder."

"With those two, you have to be assertive and-

CRASH!

Frank jumped back as a shower of glass rained down near him. Phoenix just shook her head, having jumped back, and Arielle laughed.

Luther and Uda, panting heavily, stood in front of her, looking a bit put out.

Phoenix began tapping her foot. "What happened?"

Uda pointed at Luther a bit childishly. "Luther decided to flush the toilet while I was in the shower!"

Uda, or Crusher God Uda, his old name, was the god of lighting who was banished from his high-standing point among the gods for committing a grave crime. Now, he was Uda Ryans, almost-normal guy. He often fought with Defiant God Luther in order to determine who between the two of them was the better god. Their battles though, always ended in a tie. Uda's wild heart was only calmed when he met Holy Ice Selena, who claimed to be in love with him no matter who he was or what he did in the past. And Uda loved Selena dearly. However, Uda was enraged and heartbroken when he caught Selena sleeping with Luther, who Selena was truly in love with. Luther and Uda, although they fought together often, had a tentative friendship with each other. Wanting revenge on Selena, and Luther as well, Uda slept with Selena's best friend, Lucina. But Uda didn't know that Lucina fell in love way too easily and was in love with him. Selena, who knew this fact quite clearly, became enraged with Uda for sleeping with Lucina, and Lucina for putting herself into a situation where her heart would be broken. Ud a was angry with Selena for lying to him and Luther for his betrayal. Uda doesn't want his son around Luther or his daughter, and tries his best to keep him away from her and fills his head with angry thoughts at Luther and his spawn, Jessabelle.

Known as Defiant God Luther, Luther was often a wild spirit, not one to know when enough was enough. He often got into a fight with Crusher Uda, fighting to prove who was the best, but their fights always ended in a tie; there was never a true victor. Hope of calming down came in the form of Holy Ice Selena, who had feelings for Luther. But, Uda had feelings for her, causing a bigger rift between the two gods. Luther was crushed when Selena claimed to love Uda, but she told Luther it was a lie and got together with him. This caused Uda to become enraged and sleep with Lucina, Selena's best friend. Knowing her friend fell in love too easily, Selena was angry with Uda, who was angry with her for lying. A bigger rift has formed between the two because of it, making them fight even more in each other's presences. Luther tried to keep his daughter away for Uda's son, fearing that Uda may use his daughter as a way to get back at him for what he did by making his own son Jared use Jessabelle like Luther used Selena.

Phoenix sighed irritably. "You two are unbelievable. The toilet is messed up because of you two. I don't even wanna know what happened now. And then the window?!"

"Well," Arielle started. "You did say that they only had five seconds to get down here from upstairs, so I can see why they-"

"Arielle, you had the next five seconds to shut up before I deck you in the tit."

"I'm back!" Kuda announced, jumping in through the window with a large bag slung over his shoulder.

Arielle sighed. "Kuda, what did you steal?"

Kuda twiddled his thumbs. "Remember how you two were bummed when Johnny Depp didn't answer the invitation to be in that screenplay you two co-oped on?"

"Did you steal Johnny Depp?!" Arielle screamed.

"Kuda, didn't the thing with Terrance Howard teach you anything?!" Phoenix shouted, hitting him over the head with a frying pan.

"Take him back now!" Arielle commanded. "…But get his personal number first!"

"Arielle!" Phoenix shouted.

---

~An Hour Later~

"We're home!" Sasha called into the house.

Vargas looked up as all the kids filed in, kicking off their shoes and hanging up their jackets. "You're home early. I thought school wasn't out for another-" he glanced at the clock. "-three hours."

Jared hopped over the back on the couch, plopping down. "We got released early because there was an accident in the science lab and dangerous chemicals were floating through all the air-vents. We had to evacuate."

Vargas raised an eyebrow. "How was there a chemical accident?"

"Well," Sasha twiddled her thumbs. "The guest scientist teacher wasn't paying attention and told us to mix some vinegar with baking soda and when we were done, she didn't have another lesson plan, so she let us watch her mix some chemicals, and mixed carbon and oxygen and forgot to do it in the fume hood."

"Doesn't carbon and oxygen make carbon monoxide? A poisonous gas that can kill someone?" Vargas asked, already dreading the answer.

"We didn't know that at first and the substitute told us it would be a good experiment," Conner explained.

"We were wearing our chemical safety masks though," Esther added helpfully. "So we didn't breath in the fumes."

"But until the school completely airs out, we can't be there for a while," Vincent finished.

Jessabelle sniffed the air. "Ooh, what's that smell? It smells really good!"

Vargas smiled. "Well, Arielle was whining about how Phoenix stopped making cookies, so Phoenix decided to make a huge batch of cookies for everyone."

"PHOENIX! ARE THE COOKIES DONE?!" Arielle shouted from upstairs. "I SMELL CHOCOLATE CHIPS!"

Phoenix came running down the stairs, bolting into the kitchen. "I'm taking them out now! Finish your next piece!"

Vargas watched Phoenix in a mixture of amusement and adoration. She moved confidently around the kitchen, pulling out six trays of cookies and setting them on the stove. Since no one could decide on one cookie flavor, Phoenix would end up making many: chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal and oatmeal raisin, macadamia, almond, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Except, cookies never lasted long in the mansion, so Phoenix would only make cookies one every two weeks, making an invisible limit on how many cookie they were allowed each day.

"Vargas, can you come in here a minute?" Phoenix called. "I can't reach the cookie jar!"

Vargas chuckled, going into the kitchen and seeing Phoenix struggle to grab the large Batman cookie jar (courtesy of Phoenix. She gave it to Arielle as a present when Arielle's first big piece of artwork blew up. Arielle decided that it was good to share with everyone, as long as no one broke it). He came up behind her and reached up, grabbing it from the highest shelf. Phoenix was pouting as he pulled the jar down. "Why do you put it so far up there?" Vargas asked.

"I keep it up there because Robin is the tallest and the only one who can reach up there. But since he doesn't like sweets all the much, I keep it there to keep the others from raiding it at night," Phoenix explained.

Vargas chuckled, settling his hands on either side of Phoenix's body. Phoenix was blushing at their close proximity. "V-Vargas?" She squeaked, cookie jar forgotten.

Vargas looked at Phoenix's lips, which were only a few inches away from his. He could smell her breath from here, a wonderful chocolate scent that told him that she had nibbled on a cookie. Her eyes were half-lidded and her lips were a tiny bit parted. All he had to do was lean down…

"Do I smell cookies? Are they finished or what?" Arielle asked loudly, coming into the kitchen. Vargas and Phoenix jumped away from each other, both blushing profusely. Arielle lifted an eyebrow. "Why are you two blushing and why are the kids home early?"

"You scared us and there was a dangerous chemical accident at the school," Vargas answered, trying to keep the anger out of his voice.

"Oh," Arielle said, swiping a chocolate chip cookie from the plate and taking a large bite. "Ah! Hot!"

Phoenix shook her head fondly. "What did you expect? I just took them from the oven."

Arielle was still fanning her mouth, making Vargas and Phoenix laugh. "Hey Vargas?" Phoenix asked once she chuckles died down.

"Hmm?"

"Can you call the kids in here for me while I fix them a snack? I wanna talk to them."

Vargas nodded. "Alright."

"Ah! Still hot!" Arielle shouted, making Vargas laugh as he went into the living room. The kids were all watching Soul Eater, except for Conner, who was doing his homework on the floor. "Will you guys all come into the kitchen? Phoenix wants to talk to all of you."

"I didn't do it!" Sasha shouted defensively.

"You aren't in trouble. She just needs to talk to you all," Vargas explained.

Robin paused the episode, and they all walked into the kitchen, where Arielle was still blowing her cookie and Phoenix had plates and drinks out. "Alright. Sugar cookies for Sasha, along with skim milk. Oatmeal for Jared and Gatorade. Chocolate chip for Jessabelle and some strawberry milk. Almond for Vincent and whole milk. Sugar for Eideolous with plain water. Oatmeal raisin for Elijah and some grape juice, macadamia for Esther and water. Peanut butter for Conner with chocolate milk and grapes for Robin along with a V8. Am I missing anyone?" Phoenix asked, giving the respective snack and drink to each teen.

Arielle raised her hand. "Um, hello? Coffee and chocolate chip for Arielle."

"Yeah, you aren't as important as they are," Phoenix said, sitting on the counter.

Arielle flipped her off, chomping off a large piece of cookie.

Phoenix rolled her eyes. "Now, no one is in trouble. I just have some news. You guys remember that business man you met when you were younger, Eze Richards? Well, his daughter had…an unfortunate accident, and Eze has nowhere else to send her."

"Why doesn't he just keep her with him?" Conner asked politely.

"Eze has the huge Richards Company and travels the world almost every day, and that isn't a suitable environment for a growing teenage girl. So, he asked us to take her in for him for a little bit."

"What about her mother?" Esther asked quietly.

Phoenix sighed. "Her parents are divorced, and the mother isn't allowed to see Secilia anymore, so legally, she can't take her in. One of the maids who raised Secilia knew us because of a business deal we helped Eze with, and we gave her out contact information after an unfortunate Grand Canyon situation that Arielle caused," an eye roll was directed to Arielle.

"What happened?" Vincent asked.

Phoenix pinched the bridge between her nose. "Arielle decided to scare us all by jumping over the railing of the tourist spot on the viewing platform into the Grand Canyon. If Kuda hadn't used his tail to grab her around the waist, Arielle would have been a pancake."

"Can we have pancakes for dinner?" Conner asked sweetly. The kid may have been borderline genius, but even he liked food, and was usually distracted by other things if he heard about anything culinary related. They all did.

Phoenix smiled. "Of course we can."

"Yay!"

"You're getting off track," Elijah reminded.

"Oh, right. Anyways, she asked if we would take her in until Eze got his affairs straightened out, and we agreed. So, in about a week, maybe two, Secilia will be living with us for a while, and I want you all to make her feel welcome. She's really sweet and has been through a lot, so please be nice to her." She looked at Sasha. "So no 'breaking in the new girl' Sasha, and Jared and Jessabelle, no fighting, alright?"

"No promises," Jared said.

"I'll try," Jessabelle said, glaring at Jared.

"Well, I guess," Sasha agreed.

"Good," Phoenix nodded. "Oh, and expect a visit from Maxwell and Cardes-"

"Where are my little darling babies at? Uncle Maxie's here!"

"Now actually," Phoenix said, rolling her eyes.

Creator Maxwell, as he was formerly called, was the God of Creation back in the days of Grand Gaia. However, to normal mortals, he was Maxwell Adams, the biggest man on the stock-market in the Adams Corporation worth 3.7 billion dollars. He was a genuinely good man, and openly gay. He had no qualms about it, even being one to embrace his feminie side. On Phoenix's 21st birthday, since Maxwell somehow knew she and Arielle would be intertwined the with heroes, he gave her an erotic novel collection, saying 'You never know,' and winking. On Arielle's 21st birthday, he got her Batman strippers, saying it was something they could all enjoy.

Maxwell waltzed into the room in an expensive Armani suit, his white hair in a long braid that reached mind-back while some strands touched his forehead. "Come give Uncle Maxie a hug!" He opened his arms.

The teens all ran to Maxwell, embracing him fondly. Once they were done, Phoenix and Arielle got hugs, and so did Vargas, though he was a little embarrassed to get one.

"Now now, what's this I hear about you two taking in Eze's daughter?" Maxwell asked as he sat down, taking a bite out of a sugar cookie. "Mmm! These are exquisite as always Phoenix. You must give me your recipe."

Phoenix blushed. "It's my mother's recipe. I'll write it down for you."

"How'd you know we were taking in Eze's daughter?" Arielle asked, idly drawing on the table with a wash board marker (where she got it, Phoenix never knew. Arielle had them everywhere!)."

"I know a lot darling," Maxwell answered, taking another bite of cookie. "And I must say, Emelia is torn up about the whole thing. She still misses Secilia. Would you two please send her a letter telling her what's going on?"

"Sure," Arielle answered, writing on the table.

Dear Emelia,

It's Arielle and Phoenix again. We have news on Secilia. Apparently, there was an accident where she was living, and she has nowhere to go since Eze has his business trips and doesn't want her exposed to that, so we're taking her in. Miss Pross sent us a picture of her, and we'll be glad to send a copy of it to you. Eze hasn't spoken much to us, but then again, only during his business balls-

Arielle giggled. "Business balls."

-do we (mostly Phoenix since I was banned from ever going to one of those again) ever see him. Secilia, last we heard from Miss Pross, wants to meet everyone since they were seven last they saw her. She's sound excited to see everyone again and meet Phoenix and I. We'll be picking her up about a week from now. We'll write you another letter when she gets here, and probably have her write you one. Keep in touch. Here's mine and Phoenix's personal number and email.

Me: 404-243-9786. XxArielleBatmanCarterxX

Phoenix: 404-957-9357. CrimsonPhoenixFire

Keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Sierra Arielle Armani-Laurenti Carter & Chardonnay Phoenix Alejandra-Ramirez Brown

"And, done!" Arielle announced proudly.

"…Why didn't you write it on paper?" Conner asked innocently. "Now you'll have to do it again."

"…Damn it," she grumbled.

Maxwell shook his head. "And Cardes likes you the best?"

"She's likeable once you get past her obvious insanity," Phoenix supplied helpfully.

"It's not insanity. It's mental hilariousness," Arielle protested.

"Can I some more grapes?" Robin asked, holding up his empty bowl.

Phoenix smiled. "Or course you can."

"Can I have another sugar cookie?" Sasha asked.

"Depends. How many did you have already?"

"Um…four?"

"No."

"Aw man!"

---

"Everyone, I need to talk with Phoenix and Arielle alone, so can you guys go into the living room?" Maxwell asked politely, swiping anther cookie. "It's very urgent."

Mumbles of consent met his ears as the teens filed out. Vargas, after Maxwell glared at him, silently followed. Once they were all out of earshot, Maxwell set his cookie down and stared at the two women. "Now that they're gone, answer me. How is everything with the magic?"

A year before the two had taken in Uda, their first guest, Maxwell had appeared and had told them that their destinies would become intertwined with the destinies of warriors who needed a break from fighting and death and the horrors they had seen. Maxwell had told them that they would also face their own share of horror, so Maxwell gifted them with magic: Light magic for protecting someone, and Dark magic to attack someone if need be. Light magic was easy to control, but Dark…

Arielle sighed. "Neither one of is has lost it again. But with Eva trying to get Conner and Eze ignoring his daughter, we might snap."

"Light magic is easy. All we have to do is focus really hard and we can manipulate that when need be," Phoenix added. "But I just hope I never lose it again. I don't even know who we are anymore."

When they lose control of their emotions, Phoenix and Arielle become far different people. Scolding one of the kids was one matter, but pure unadulterated rage was another. When Phoenix was angered past point of normality, she loses her kind-hearted personality and becomes a sadistic torture machine who can go inside someone's mind and pull their worst fears from them and make them reality. She can also make a void of space around a person and suffocate them and kill them is she pleases. Phoenix loses her kindness, and sometimes her sanity when intense feelings of anger consume her.

Arielle is the same way. When she becomes enraged, her power explodes. She's usually in complete control unless she gets as mad as Phoenix does when she loses it, and then she manipulate how her powers work. She can open empty voids and dark holes that can consume someone, or banish them to another dimension. Like Phoenix, she loses her sanity and her kindness and goes haywire. Her eyes also change, becoming a fiery red color that can draw a person in and make them a puppet of Arielle's control.

Maxwell sighed. "I was hoping things would progress more, but I guess not. It's good that you haven't lost it, and better that you have such an easy time, but I saw something that concerns me. Chardonnay," when people used her first name, it was serious business. "As your nickname phoenix implies, you do have a fiery heart. However, your heart might burn out, caught up in the conflict of two burning flames of passion, so bright, they'll not only burn you up, but burn themselves out. You need not feed the flames too hot, else you'll all be extinguished. And Arielle," he turned to the other woman. "Your heart will drown in the dark waters of your destiny. You need to try and float, else it will pull you under and consume you. You'll be swamped in it, unable to break free. And the two who pull you under may freeze or lose themselves in darkness."

Arielle and Phoenix looked at each other fearfully. Maxwell never joked around when it came to his prophecies. It was what led them to finding all the heroes stationed in the house, no matter how messed up they were.

---

~Flashback~

"Do you see him?!" Arielle called to Zegar as he peered into an alleyway.

Zegar growled, storming over to her. "No," he grumbled. "And I doubt Uda and Vargas have made any ground either."

"This is ridiculous," Arielle muttered. "Luther betrayed our trust and did something unforgivable, yet we have to help him out? Phoenix is a much better person than I am. I would have flat-out told Maxwell no."

"She must be," Zegar agreed shaking out his wet hair. "She was the one who froze his mind a year ago. Either she feels bad or she's doing this as a favor to Maxwell. And I highly doubt she did it out of her own kindness. There are some things even she can't forgive."

Arielle looked up at the pouring rain. "I don't know what goes through her head sometimes, but I think she's doing this for Maxwell. You saw how pissed she was at Luther back then. Probably finding out that he has a daughter who's got a severe fever right now and Luther becoming an alcoholic made her give in. I doubt this is just for Luther's sake."

The rain picked up, drenching them both. No one had time to dress properly or get umbrellas. Maxwell seemed pretty insistent that they go find Luther instead of wasting time dressing themselves. There was a possibility a young girl would die, and the father was killing himself slowly. Maxwell needed them to find Luther and his daughter before it became too late.

On the other side of town, Vargas put his jacket around Phoenix's shoulders, pulling her under the awning of a close flower shop. "Any luck?" He asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

If Phoenix was uncomfortable, she didn't say a word, only stepped closer. "No, but I know he's around here…I feel his energy source somewhere, I just can't pinpoint it in the rain. It's like a small fire that's dying out, and the rain is speeding that along." She shivered, pulling the jacket tighter around her, stepping even closer to him. "We need to find him. No one should be out in this weather, not even a child or an ignoramus like Luther. I only hope we can find him before it's too late."

A loud wail pierced the air, causing Phoenix and Vargas to jump slightly. Phoenix quickly took off in the direction of the sound, boots pounding on the pavement and throwing up puddles as she turned corner after corner, ducking into a dark alley behind a bar. Vargas had lost track of her at first, but had followed her pounding footsteps, using the sound to follow her. He too ended up in the alley, watching Phoenix stand over Luther. "You're pathetic," she was saying. "You drove away someone who loved you after you broke a friend's heart, and now you're drowning yourself in alcohol because your heart is broken. Payback is a bitch, isn't it?"

Luther took another sig from the bottle, slumping down even further. The child in his arms wailed again, and Luther shifted her so that she wasn't getting as pelted by the rain as he was. "She loved me," he slurred. "She really loved me, but I didn't know that at first." He took another swig, coughing up some of the liquid. It spilled down his bare chest and seeped into his daughter's blanket. "Then, when Jessabelle's two months old, she dumps the news that she needs space from me and that she can't handle raising a baby with me. And them," he gestured widely, the bottle flying from his hands. "She basically tells me that I'm gonna be a bad father. Can you believe her?! She leaves her child and I'm the bad father?!" The baby began to cry, face beet red with fever. Phoenix sighed and picked up the baby, meeting no resistance from Luther. Luther looked at Phoenix, who was feeling Jessabelle's forehead.

"Luther! The baby, Jessabelle, is burning up and she feels too light! Get up off your ass and come with us to the hospital! We are going now to check both of you, and then you're coming to live with Arielle and I!"

"But-"

"No buts! This is for your daughter's sake and for your own! If I hear any protest, I will force your ass to come with us! I may not like it, especially since what you did was horrible, but you and your daughter are wasting away and we can't let you two die."

Vargas hauled Luther to his feet. He wobbled a bit and nearly fell over, but he managed to keep his balance, if only slightly. "Now come on!" Phoenix demanded, wrapping Jessabelle in her arms and tucking her blanket tighter.

---

Maxwell had done what he did in order to protect the ones of the old age who were struggling and would find a home with people they could trust. If it wasn't for him, who knows what could happen.

~Three Hours Later~

"Dinner's finished!" Phoenix called, setting plates down onto the table. "Pick what kind you want!"

Like with cookies, Phoenix always ended up making different kinds of pancakes to feed everyone when they had pancakes for breakfast or for dinner since no one could decide what kind they really. She usually made chocolate chip, blueberry, strawberry, peanut butter, and banana pancakes.

"Ow! Damnit!" Arielle shouted.

"What?!" Phoenix panicked.

"I got pancake on my wrist!" She whined, shaking off her burnt wrist.

Phoenix shook her head. "Go get the TV set up. We got some Naruto to watch while we eat."

Arielle crossed her arms, pouting. "I know when I'm not wanted." She grabbed a plate of pancakes and walked into the living room.

Vargas hopped up onto the counter, grabbing a stack of strawberry pancakes. "What're you two about to watch?"

Phoenix just smiled, grabbing a stack of plain pancakes and following Arielle into the living room. "We're about to re-watch Naruto."

SLAM!

"You're re-watching Naruto without me!"

Arielle and Phoenix screamed as Cardes slammed into the room, angry. "You two," he breathed. "Were going to start without me?"

"…Yes?" Arielle said.

Cardes growled, quickly rushing into the kitchen, grabbing some pancakes, and plopped onto the couch. "I love this show! Maxwell won't let me watch it anymore."

Cardes, back in Grand Gaia, was known as Cardes the Malevolent. He only knew to destroy, the darkness in his heart fueling him with rage, making him unable to form a rational thought. He would just tear down and destroy. After his defeat, the darkness retreated, and Cardes was released. Being reborn, Cardes was now known as Cardes DeMal. Evolent , vice-president in Maxwell's company. He was also Maxwell's husband of 10 years. Maxwell was the one to break Cardes out of his lonely shell, reminding him of the wonders of the world around him. Cardes had been ever grateful to Maxwell for teaching him the wonders of the world, and that soon turned to adoration, which soon turned to love, which Maxwell returned. The two were as happy as could be together, glad they weren't stuck in that horrible shell of destruction they were once trapped in.

Cardes had white hair like Maxwell, only his eyes were goldish-bronze in color. His hair was long, falling to his shoulders, and he normally kept it loose and shaggy. Since he wasn't one for being in suits too often, he was normally in a grey pullover hoodie and worn jeans.

"Well sit down and shut up! The chuunin exams are here and Temari's about to fight TenTen!" Arielle exclaimed, taking a huge bite of pancake.

Vargas shook his head fondly. Arielle and Phoenix were still kids at heart, and that much wouldn't change.

---

~Later that night~

Arielle was making rounds for the night, checking in on the rooms of everyone to make sure they were getting any last minute homework out the way. She knew that Robin, Vincent, and Conner were with Phoenix to finish their Spanish homework (having a guarding that was part Hispanic had its perks), Elijah was watching TV in his room, Jared was playing a sports video game in his room, Esther was reading a book, Jessabelle was painting her nails, Sasha picking out her clothes for the next day, and Eideolous was talking to his father Rayden.

Rayden was a very serious warrior back during the time of the war with the gods, not one to show much expression. Rayden continued to be that way all the way into being reborn again. Ophelia, who loved him dearly, tried to get him to love her back, but Rayden, although he did love her, did not know how to express, especially since he wasn't one for affection. Being an incredible lightweight when it came to alcohol, Ophelia successfully gets Rayden drunk for one night with him where she can pretend that he can show he loves her. Nine months later, Eideolous was born a splitting image of his father. Ophelia couldn't deal with the fact that her somewhat lover, and now her son, wouldn't express that they needed her or loved her, and she began to get depressed. Suffering from post-partum, Ophelia killed herself when Edeiolous was four months old. Rayden, who was deeply in love with her and couldn't show it, cried his heart out when he stumbled upon Ophelia's cold, lifeless body, laying in the baby's room in a pool of her own blood...

Rayden had done everything he could to make sure that his son didn't turn out like him, but Eideolous was very serious by nature. He did in fact express his emotions, though because he was a bit challenged with it, it came off differently. Everyone still knew what signs to look for when Eideolous was trying to show an emotion.

Arielle checked all the rooms, finding all the teens preoccupied with their own activities, went to her own room, intending on finished her next piece before Phoenix got mad.

Vargas was making his way up to his room after helping Karl put the rest of the dishes away when he saw a sight that made him freeze.

That bastard Zegar had Phoenix pressed against the door to her room, lips against hers. Vargas's blood began to boil as he watched the bastard groping Phoenix's ass, her legs around his waist (Vargas guessed that Zegar did that on purpose. Phoenix was far too proper to do something like that in the hallway of all places) and arms gripping his shoulders. Zegar groaned, rubbing himself against Phoenix. Red in the face, they both pulled apart, Zegar smirking as he did.

"Zegar," Phoenix whispered, panting. "W-We shouldn't have done that."

"But you responded to it," Zegar said, rolling his hips. "Quite actively if I do say so myself."

Phoenix yelped as Zegar kissed her again, shoving his tongue down her throat. Phoenix's eyes soon fluttered shut, and Zegar opened his own, the red pupils glinting with barely concealed lust. He broke the kiss this time, and smirked at Phoenix, who was still blushing. "U-Uh, we shouldn't have-"

Zegar put a finger to her lips. "Relax babe," his grin turned predatory. "For now, I'll try to hold myself back from you but," he squeezed her ass again. "It'll be very hard," this was said with a slow hip roll. "Until next time."

Phoenix, still blushing, ducked inside her room, shutting the door. Once it was shut, Zegar turned, stalking over to Vargas and grabbing him by his collar. Slamming a hand over his mouth, Zegar dragged Vargas to his own room, throwing him onto the ground. Vargas glared up at him. "What in the name of Cardes was that?!"

Zegar smirked. "I'm just beginning to stake my claim. Enjoy the show?"

Vargas stood up, crossing his arms. "You're just taking advantage of her! Leave her alone!"

"Or what? I know you saw what happened. Phoenix didn't deny what happened, nor did she push me away. She was quiet involved in it in fact. She wants me and not you, so stay away."

Vargas turned his head, glowering. He didn't see it when Zegar snuck behind him, one arm around his neck. Vargas gasped. "What're you-"

Zegar's other hand snuck to Vargas's crotch, beginning to roughly massage it. "And I know you want me too. I see the look in your eyes when you watch me. You want me, but you want Phoenix. Now, I'll let you have the both of us if you admit that you want me and let me claim Phoenix first." The hand massaging his groin squeezed his ass, making him yelp. "I would however like to tap this fine ass right here, so you'd better choose quickly." This was said with a hard smack against his ass, Zegar giving his ear a rough lick.

Vargas ripped himself away from Zegar, panting. "You're such a pervert," he gasped out.

Zegar smirked. "But you love it. And so does Phoenix."

"I won't let you get to her and hurt her. Phoenix is precious to me-"

"As she is to me!" Zegar protested. "You think I don't care about her!"

"You'll just use her. And I don't want to see her hurt. So don't you dare lay another finger on her, and touch me again and I will kill you," Vargas growled, storming over to the door. He had taken one step out of the room when Zegar called, "But if you kill me, what will our precious Phoenix think of you then?"

Vargas slammed to door closed, not bothering to dignify Zegar with a response.

---

~A Week Later~

Running. Running. Run. That's all I knew to do. From who? No clue. All I knew was that if I stopped running he would get me and that's something I can never let happen. How long have I been running? My legs feel as if they are on fire. Is it day or night? I can never tell. All I know is I can never stop. If I stop, I die. And I can't let that happen.

Secilia James woke up in a pool of her own sweat. The covers and comforter of her bed had been kicked to the end of the bed and the pillows had found their way to the floor. She paused to catch her breath and looked over to the wall that had a clock hanging from it. It read 2:03 p.m. She sighed, swinging her feet onto the floor only to feel the vibrations of the moving train. A knock at the door pushed Secilia out of her stupor and made her stand, staggering to the door as the train hit a rough patch of track.

"Come in," she called to the figure at the door.

The door swung open with a loud creak, the old hinges squeaking as the door opened all the way, spilling afternoon light into the dark room. "Miss James you breakfast ...well I guess you could call it lunch, is ready" a voice said.

Secilia looked up to see her favorite person in the world, Miss Sarah Pross, her hand maid.

"Oh dear not the dream again, was it?" She looked at Secilia's disheveled look with a worried expression, placing a hand over her forehead.

"Third time this week. It's getting worse." Secilia explained as she stood to stretch her stiff muscles.

"Are you feeling okay love? You look like a ghost!" Miss Pross exclaimed.

Secilia looked into the mirror and wasn't surprised at what she saw. Her usual blonde curls were in tangles and her clothes were crinkled from dry sweat and from tossing and turning in her sleep. Her eyes were still wide and slightly crazed looking and her skin was as pale as a sheet. Ever since the accident she hasn't looked alive; she had looked like an empty shell, exactly how she felt.

---

~Flashback~

"MISS JAMES! PLEASE, YOU MUST WAKE UP!" A voice cried from above her.

Secilia's head was pounding and this voice wasn't helping her at all. She made a grunting noise and tried to move her arms but realized she had no control or feeling below her shoulders. She could feel her neck and her hair, which was plastered to her head with sweat. Her whole body was numb, unfeeling. Slowly Secilia opened her eyes to see two figures above her and a bright red light.

"Oh gods! I thought you were...never mind I need you to lie very still Secilia," the low voice croaked. She looked up to see Thomas, her loving butler, trying to lift something that looked really heavy.

It was easy to not move, seeing as she couldn't feel anything but her face.

"Where are we? Whaa..what's that l-l-light?" Secilia stuttered, coughing. Something thick was filling her mouth and thoart, setting her already burning lungs on fire. It was getting harder to breathe.

"It fire Miss James. The institute is on fire. Now please stop talking and save your strength." Rhe voice she knew as Miss Pross shook, her voice thick. Was she crying? Secilia couldn't tell.

Getting a better grip on the situation she now realized that an oak beam had fallen from the ceiling, capturing her under it in the process.

"M-m-mom?D-dad? Am I gonna..." She couldn't bring herself to say the words.

Miss Pross choked back tears. Knowing that these two people were the closest people she had as parents, she called them as such. "Of course not! Don't even think such things! Now you remember our trips out to the Garden of Eden, yes?" Thomas asked, panting with effort.

"Of course; that garden in France that never ends," Secilia smiled when she remembered that Miss Pross fell into the daisies and almost got the three of them kicked out. After they realized it was an honest mistake, they were able to roam freely, as long as they were more careful.

"Well, I want you to close your eyes and think of the moment you first saw the garden. All the wonder and beauty of the flowers. Soak it in once more." At this point, Thomas' voice was strained with effort. Secilia did as instructed and closed her eyes. She thought of the moment the rose bush pricked her finger and Miss Pross used her magic to heal her.

What she did not feel was her body being pulled from under the beam and now moved to the right, to safety. She opened her eyes to see that Miss Pross was helping Thomas up from the floor. Secilia smiled as she saw Thomas hug Miss Pross as if a long time had passed and they were old friends meeting again. The moment of bliss was short lived as a part of the roof came crashing down, aiming straight for the two. Before Secilia could scream Thomas had mustered up the last of his strength and pushed Miss Pross across the room. Secilia didn't see what happened next all she knew was she heard a scream that would never leave her nightmares...and it came from her own mouth. She saw Miss Pross's horrified look as Thomas disappeared under the roofing. She saw Thomas's regretful face, filled with sorrow and shock, as the debris fell, burying him under it. There was no way he could have survived.

Secilia blacked out.

A week later Secilia had woken up in the hospital to find that Miss Pross had healed her. During this time she also was given the bad news of Thomas. As she thought, by time rescue teams had made it and put out the fire, all which remained of Thomas was a charred body.

Secilia had to learn the hard way that not even magic can heal a broken heart.

---

~Flashback ends~

"Well, let's get you dressed then. We will be at the Sister's Mansion in about an hour," Miss Pross explained, opening the curtains in the room.

Secilia shook the memory from her thoughts and turned to the maid. "How did father know them again?" She asked as she started to get ready for a shower.

"Oh, how does your father know anyone? They were business partners of his and they kept in touch," Miss Pross said, handing her a towel. "Well, he knows one of them most of all, but he was the one to help both of their careers take off, so to repay him, they make appearances at his business meetings and parties."

"Really? Hmm," Secilia hummed as she walked over to her suit case and opened it up. She looked through it until she found the blue sun dress and black flats she was looking for. "Can you fix my hair once I'm dressed?" She asked Miss Pross.

"Of course dear, I'll be back in 20 minutes with your lunch. I'll do it then," she smiled at her and exited the room.

Secilia sighed and walked into the bathroom. She turned on the water in the shower and wait for it to warm up. She looked up at her reflection in the mirror. Even though her hair is a mess and her skin was really pale she still managed to look beautiful. She looked at her thin lips that had a natural bright red that made her look like she was always wearing lipstick. She had a piercing in her nose that wasn't really noticed by people unless you were uncomfortably close to Secilia. Her electric blue eyes had always made Secilia feel uneasy because they looked just like her fathers', who had a soul-piercing gaze.

Secilia didn't know a lot about her father except that he was one of the great gods and did not want to be a part of the human world, not at first. At the time, Secilia believed that her father ignored her because it reminded him that this is actual reality and he is not in the time of the Grand Gaia. However, her father had eventually adjusted and started his own company, the same company that tore their family apart.

Secilia knew even less of her mom only knowing that she tried to fight for custody of Secilia until she realized that Secilia had the same powers as her father. Known as Thunder Legend Eze, her father was known for attacking and almost killing a woman that he knew could defeat him. Her mom had helped him and his power grow to the legendary thunder power that was known all throughout Grand Gaia.

Knowing little of her two parents, Secilia still had the idea of that woman being her mother because at the age of two her mother just disappeared. She would get letters, but there was never a return address.

---

After a minute or two the water finally warmed up and Secilia jumped in. The shower was quick and before she knew it Secilia was dressed, fed and getting her hair dried by Miss Pross. "You're going to love the sisters. I've known them for some time know and they may seem weird at first, but they have the best intentions. "Miss Pross said, combing slightly calloused fingers through the blond locks.

"Tell me more about them." Secilia said as she took a swig of orange juice.

"Well as you already know, Miss Arielle is a famous artist that has many pieces hanging throughout museums everywhere. She is known for her insane ideas that she comes up with at random moments, "Miss Pross said as if she was remembering a fond memory.

"Like what?" Secilia asked, now curious.

Miss Pross chuckled to herself. "Okay. So, I was visiting them one night and at 2 a.m. Arielle comes bursting into my room talking about the Grand Canyon. Now please remember this was 5 years ago so I was only 25 years old and a bit confused at this point. She packs everyone into the private jet and we head to the Grand Canyon. While no one is looking she talks to Kuda, another guest staying at the house, about something. The next thing I know Arielle had jumped off the edge of the viewing platform! Before anyone can do anything Kuda's tail comes out of nowhere and grabs her by the waist. She comes swinging back up with tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. I've never seen Phoenix so angry and Arielle could do track after that I tell you! The way she and Kuda ran from Phoenix was Amazing!" By the end of the story both Secilia and Miss Pross were laughing.

"Seriously? She took everyone on a cross country trip just to scare the hell out of them?!"Secilia asked.

"Aha yes. That's Miss Arielle for you. You'll never get another human like her. The only person who can stand all of Arielle 24/7 is Miss Phoenix."

"What is she like?"Secilia asked. The name was ringing a bell in the back of her mind, but she couldn't place it.

"Oh, she is the sweetest lady you will ever meet. She has helped so many people, including the people she has invited to live with her and Arielle. She has over 50 fiction novels published in libraries all over and is working on a new book now. She is known for having fun but also knows when to be serious , unlike Miss Arielle who thinks the world is one big joke. I guess that's why they get along so well; Phoenix helps Arielle stay focused and Arielle gives Phoenix a laugh when she needs one." Miss Pross stated.

There was a loud whistle and a low groaning sound as the train started on the brakes.

"Oh my, it's been an hour already. Oh Secilia you look beautiful... Thomas loved this dress" Miss Pross said, voice breaking.

"I know; it's why I wore it."Secilia whispered.

Miss Pross made a crying sound and pulled Secilia into a crushing hug but she didn't mind. "Oh my dear look at you. All grown up." She pushed Secilia back to look her in the eyes. "Who said you could do that?"

Secilia laughed. "Life is just so unfair, hmm?"

Miss Pross laughed as well. "Yes my dear life is, but it is also beautiful just as you are"

"Oh, don't make me cry! I just finished my makeup!"Secilia exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.

The train finally came to a stop and the two girls left the compartment to step out onto the open train station.

---

~At the Sister's House~

"PHOENIX! WHERE ARE MY NICE PANTS!?" Arielle yelled over intercom.

"HOW SHOULD I KNOW?!" She yelled back, shuffling noises heard in the background.

"JUST TELL BE WHERE MY PANTS ARE WOMAN!"Arielle yelled again.

"I put them on top of the dryer Arielle. They got into my load by mistake!" She heard Robin yell from downstairs.

"Thanks Darling!" Arielle yelled back.

She ran down stairs and accidentally ran into someone at the end of the stairs. She looked up to see Uda smirking down at her. "Can I help you?" Arielle said lifting her eyebrow. "Oh no everything's good. I'm just enjoying the view," he grinned. "Oh, and just thought you'd like to know you don't have any pants on," he said, eyeing her up and down.

She scoffed "Well if you would get out me way" she said walking around him. "I could do something about that!"

"Bye Arielle!" He called after her.

She didn't have time to talk so she made a grunting noise and kept walking. Before she could get to the laundry room another person appeared in her way. Karl went to say something to her but stop abruptly when he saw the specific item she was missing.

"Uhhh... Arielle are you aware of your...situation?" Karl said, now blushing profusely.

Arielle chuckled. "You're so cute." She ruffled his hair and kept going.

As she finally got to the laundry room she opened the door to see Phoenix standing without a shirt on. Phoenix was usually without a shirt most times, but not when she had something to do.

"You too?" Arielle asked.

"Yuuup. I think I gave Zegar hope of life after death when he saw me this morning," she said while looking through clothes to find the perfect shirt. "He about died when I walked out me room. Didn't help that my bra wasn't properly on so my boobs were poking out a little bit and he about died of blood loss from his nosebleed."

"Well Uda is still a perv. And Karl is adorable." Arielle said, grabbing the pants off the dryer.

"Did he blush?" She asked, smirking.

"Of course," Arielle replied. "We both know he can't look at us when we aren't properly dressed."

Phoenix laughed at this "Ahhh, he's such a cutie."

---

After they finished getting dressed, Arielle called everyone down for breakfast. Phoenix made pancakes (again) but didn't have time to stay and eat.

"COME ON ZEGAR! WE'RE GONNA BE LATE!" Arielle yelled over the intercom.

"I'm comin' I'm comin'" Zegar grumbled, staggering into the room.

"Zegar... where's your shirt?" Arielle raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not wearing one," he answered simply.

"That's the point. Go put on a button up."

"BUTTON UPS ARE STUPID!"

"YOU'RE STUPID!"

"YOU DO KNOW I CLAWS ATTACHED TO MY HANDS ARIELLE!?"

"COME AT ME DOG!"

"OKAY! YOU TWO CHILL! ARIELLE GET YA ASS IN THE CAR AND ZEGAR, SHIRT NOW!" Phoenix yelled storming back into the house.

"Yes ma'am" he winked at Phoenix and headed back up stairs.

"Bloody idiot," Arielle grumbled to herself.

"Come on," Phoenix said, throwing her arm over Arielle shoulder.

"It's way too early for this" Arielle grumbled.

"It's for a good reason," Phoenix reminded.

---

~3 Hours Later: San Diego Train Station~

*Arielle's POV*

"ZEGAR! GIVE ME BACK MY SIGN!" I yelled at the blasted idiot running down the escalators.

"YOU LOOK STUPID HOLDING UP A SIGN! I'M HELPING YOU SOCIALLY!" he yelled back.

"YOU BOTH LOOK LIKE IDIOTS!" Screamed Phoenix from the top of the escalators. "NOW STOP MESSING AROUND!"

"GIMME MY SIGNNNNNN," I whined as Zegar held it above my head. I tried to grab it but the foot-and-a-half difference between us was too much.

"I love it when you throw yourself all over me. It's hot," he said. I could just hear the smirk in his words.

I scoffed and stomped on his foot. He immediately dropped the sign in favor of clutching his foot and I grabbed for it. "Good dog," I beamed.

"Why you-"

Suddenly we heard a clearing of someone's throat. I looked over to see Miss Pross giving me that judgmental look she always gave when she was irritated with me.

"PROSSY!" I shouted, knowing that that nickname angered her. I opened my arms for a hug but she ignored me, instead giving me a pointed look and said, "Hello Sierra Arielle."

I growled because she also knew I hated when people used my first name. Phoenix did it to piss me off and I hated it then.

"And uh...who is your friend?" She asked looking at Zegar catiously.

"Oh don't mind him. He's a homeless man who stole my sign," I took a step closer to her and whisper, "I think he has fleas."

This made Pross take a few steps back.

"ARIELLE" Zegar yelled "I. DO. NOT. HAVE. FLEAS."

I chuckled as Phoenix finally decided to show herself. "Oh hello Miss Pross and how are you today?" She asked politely.

I heard Zegar copy her in a baby voice and I laughed. Phoenix then decided to give us a death stare and if looks could kill…Eh. I'd have been six feet under a long time ago.

"How about you two go sit on that bench over there hmm?" She said. Even though she said it as a question we knew it was a demand.

"Fineee," we said in unison. I crossed my arms and plopped myself down on the bench.

"Psst..." Zegar whispered, poking me.

I ignored him, closing my eyes to try and get some lost sleep back.

"Pssssst!" The bastard did it again!

Still, I ignored him.

"Pssssssssssst!"

"WHAT?!" I yelled, opening my eyes to glare at Zegar. He had his DS in his hands.

"Mario Cart?" He smirked down at me.

"You're on," I grinned as I pulled out my limited edition Fairytail 3DS out. It paid to be a famous artist.

---

*Phoenix's POV*

As I talked with Miss Pross she updated me on the fire and Secilia losing Thomas, a man who was her father figure since her dad was a power hungry idiot. I swear, that man would probably try to work even if his own office was on fire. That's how much of an idiot he was. She also explained that Secilia was shy but loved art and cooking which was great. Now, Karl and I weren't the only ones who had to make dinner.

As we talked I explained the situation at home and she completely agreed with me that Secilia would fit right in. And she should have. When they were about 8, Eze had finally taken a day off to let her spend some time with the other kids. Secilia had really enjoyed herself and threw a massive fit when it was time to go. I figured since she had always been around business cods her whole life, interaction with kids her age would be good for her.

After ten minutes Arielle and Zegar joined us again as a blue eyed, blonde haired girl comes walking up to Miss Pross. "Everyone, this is Miss Secilia Nicole James." Miss Pross said.

A chorus of hellos rang from us, though Zegar's was more a grunt. Bastard.

"H-h-hi " she stuttered. I looked over her. She had very blonde hair that was the color of lightning. This made her eyes and lips really pop. She wasn't very tall, under 5'5 if I had to guess. She kept looking at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.

That would soon change.

"Well, this is where I must take my leave," Miss Pross stated, tears brimming in her eyes. She lifted Secilia's chin to look up at her. "I will see you in one week's time and don't you stop counting the minutes till I'm back."

"I'll be counting the seconds," she said, smiling up at the maid. "I love you," she whispered.

At this point Pross was teary eyed. She put Secilia into one of the most bone crushing hug I've ever seen.

"Goodbye love," she whispered, pushing a piece of Secilia's hair behind her ear.

At that moment I realized that this girl has lost everything and is now living with strangers.

'She must feel so lonely,' I thought.

As Miss Pross let her go, I told Zegar to grab her stuff. I let the three walk ahead before I pulled Pross aside. "I'm making you a promise now that no harm will come to that girl. I know you're iffy of mine and Arielle's living style and that's fine not many people can see how we work but we do and you know this but I just wanted you to know that I will protect her and I promise she will makes so many friends at that house from what you told me she seems like a sweet girl. So please don't worry." I took a breath because I had said that all in one go. Man, I could be a rapper. I could write, I loved to sing, and I loved music. Hmm…new career choice?

At first she just looked shocked but then she finally gave me a hug and said in a voice so low I almost didn't catch it. "Thank you."

I smiled and hugged her back.

---

~In the car on the way to the house~

~Secilia's POV~

I sat in the back of an expensive looking with this giant tanned man who kept looking at me as if I had something on my face. Apparently Phoenix noticed this because she yelled at him and he stopped, turning to stare out the window.

"So Secilia, are you nervous to meet the gang?" Arielle asked as she drew on the car window with an expo marker.

"Arielle, what did I say about marker in the car?" Phoenix grumbled, making a turn.

"I was asking Secilia a question!" Arielle protested. "Let her answer before you bitch at me for the markers. Secilia, I'll ask again: are you nervous to meet the gang?"

"A little," I answered shyly.

"Don't worry. We don't bite…all the time," the man with the claws said, smirking at me.

"Zegar..." Phoenix warned.

"I'm just saying, some of the boys, they go a little overboard when they- "

"We're here!" Arielle interrupted him.

I looked out the window to see a giant mansion that had the words "Sister's House" printed on the front gate in curvy lettering. The elaborate gates swung open slowly, and I was suddenly reminded on the castle from Sleeping Beauty, only it was a mansion.

"Wait, are you two…?"

"Oh no honey! It's just a saying the town came up with for us and it kinda just stuck so now we're known as the Sister's," Arielle explained.

"That's good, because my fantasy of having a threesome-" Zegar started, smirking.

"ZEGAR!" the sisters yelled at the same time. This made me laugh.

"Hey! The girls got a sense of humor," he said noting that I was chuckling.

"Honestly Zegar it's been less than two hours. Give her time to adjust to our way of life." Phoenix sighed.

"Did you just say "our way of life"?" Arielle asked incredulously. "What are we, nuns?"

"Now THAT is a fantasy. Nuns gone wild- "

"ZEGAR!" The two yelled again, both blushing.

I laughed again. I had a feeling that I was gonna like it here.

---

*3rd person POV*

As the four entered at the front gate Vargas beeped them in and met them at the door.

"Vargas, this is Secilia," Phoenix said.

"Hello. It's nice to meet you." He said shaking her hand.

"And you." Secilia said.

"Grab her stuff for her would ya Vargas?" Arielle said while throwing him the keys to her 1960 black Chevy Impala.

"Sure thing" he said, walking past the four, and glaring at Zegar who growled at him.

The four walked into the house and Phoenix made a call over the intercom."Secilia's here!"

"MY NEW LITTLE NIECE!" Secilia heard a voice call back.

"Oh boy." Phoenix groaned. " I forgot about him."

Arielle patted Secilia on the shoulder and said "Be brave." As she wondered up the twisted stares that seemed to never end.

---

*Secilia's POV *

I watched as a man in a very nice suit slid down the stairs and came running toward me. He hugged me and took a step back, chattering at about a mile a minute. "Oh look at you! You're gorgeous! I just LOVE your hair. I'm so jealous! Is that you're natural color? Oh it doesn't matter," he waved a hand dismissively. "CARDES COME LOOK AT OUR BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL!"

"Uhhh…" I looked to Phoenix for help.

"Okay um, Maxwell? Let her catch her breath for a second," Phoenix said leading me towards a dining room with a giant chandler.

"Oh of course. I'll come and visit you later when you're all settled in. Ta Ta!" He said while snapping his fingers and disappearing in a cloud of glittering smoke.

"Was that the legendary Creator Maxwell I've heard about all my life who was known as a fierce warrior?" I asked, baffled. Dad told me that he was one of the biggest threats to Grand Gaia, but he was…eccentric and a bit flamboyant.

"Mhmm " she said." And yes before you ask, yes he is gay and extremely open about it. Trust me, he'll have fun with you since he's in love with your hair."

"Oh...okay."

She rolled her eyes and grunted softly, walking back to the intercom. "When I said Secilia was here it meant come meet her not ignore me."

"We were giving Maxwell time with her first," A voice replied.

"Wise choice. Alright, come on down now." She walked back over to me and smiled. "Trust me we don't expect you to remember every ones name at first, so don't feel obligated to-" She was cut off by a crashing sound as two kids came running in the room. One had fiery red hair and the other had jet black hair.

"You two. Sit. "Phoenix pointed to some seats beside her.

"Yes ma'am!" The black haired girl joked, saluting.

Phoenix rolled her eyes and pointed at the black haired girl "This is Sasha. You know the man you were sitting by in the car? Yeah, this is his daughter and he has a boy around here somewhere." She then pointed to the red head. "And this is Vincent. You just met Vargas right? Well, this is his only son."

"Hey." Sasha said, uninterested. She began to pick at her nails, which were a shocking red color.

"You're hot," Vincent said, smirking at me.

I started blushing at this but Phoenix just yelled at him and hit him over the head. Three more entered the room and introduced themselves. "Hello my name is Robin and I see you have already met my sister." The tall boy who I had to look straight up to see smiled and offered his hand. I took it but instead of a handshake he kissed the back of my hand. This made me blush even more.

"I should have thought of that!" I heard Vincent say.

Smack! Phoenix hit him again, making Vincent pout and hold his head.

Robin ignored Vincent and went on, sitting beside Sasha. "These are my two good friends Esther and Eideolous," he said, gesturing to the two new guests. They both shook her hand and sat down beside Robin. Esther was very pretty she had lavender hair that was in a braid and glasses. Eideolous looked very muscular and scary. He just smiled slight at her and grabbed an apple from the bowl on the table, taking a small bite.

Phoenix was about to say something but before she could, we all heard a blood curdling scream come from Arielle.

"I'M GONNA KILL YOU TWO!"

Soon everyone was running up the stairs. Vincent grabbed my hand and pulled me towards and elevator. Wait, they had an elevator?! How did I not notice that at first?!

"You're not gonna want to miss this." He laughed. This made me smile.

---

*Arielle POV*

Upon entering my room I had found Uda and Luther fighting again but this time they had destroyed my painting that was due in less than 24 hours.

"WHAT THE HELL PEOPLE?! DOES MY ROOM LOOK LIKE A BOXING ARENA?!" I screamed at the two idiots staring at me dumbfounded. Before they could respond I threw them out the window using dark magic. Phoenix came bursting through the door.

"Okay, who the fuck- ohhhhh shit!" She was looking at me. "Arielle you need to calm down man. Your eyes!" She said, throwing me a mirror.

I looked at my reflection and saw that my eyes had changed from the silver color they usually are to a dark violet color with sparks of a light purple. This happened when I lost control of my emotions. It happens to me and Phoenix. When we are put in a situation that is not so comfortable we soon get this darkness that consumes us with rage and power that only the other can stop. There was only one time we both lost it at the same time. It was the day Uda first started living with us.

---

~Flashback~

Uda was on the verge of tear as Holy Ice Selena, now known a Selena Johnson, laid in his bed…naked…with another man. Not only was it another man but it was his sworn enemy, Luther, sitting there just smirking at him. He wrapped an arm around Selena's shoulder, none-too-subtly hinting the hickies littering her neck and shoulders. His love had betrayed him…with his enemy.

Before she could respond Uda rushed out looking for Arielle and Phoenix.

"ARIELLE! PHOENIX!" He cried out. His heart was broken, his mind in disarray. He rushed around the corner and smacked into someone. He looked down to see Arielle with worried look on her face.

"What happened? What's-"

"Uda!" Selena came running down the corridor.

Phoenix finally caught up with Arielle and helped her get up.

"No! You stay away from me!"Uda screamed at her.

"It's not what it looks like!" She said, looking as if she was a deer caught in head lights.

"What happened Uda?!" Arielle asked him, ignoring the hardly dressed woman in the hall.

Luther came swaggering down the hall in only boxers. "Sorry man, but I guess she likes a guy that can deliver," he said while smirking at the crushed Uda.

Before Uda could say anything, all anyone heard was Arielle saying "Oh."

The two girls eyes were now glowing different colors. Arielle's soft silver-plated eyes were now deep with a violet that almost looked the color of blood. These eyes bored into Selena and it made her feel as if somebody had shoved their hand through her chest. Phoenix's brown eyes that shined when she smiled were now replaced with the color of red that looked as if she could burn through you by just blinking. The woman was staring at Luther, by just doing this he was already on his knees, trying to breathe as if something was not along him oxygen. "Did you know in space there is no oxygen and if you were to attempt to breath the air in space, your head would expand and expand until finally: POP! Well, this won't be the same as that." Phoenix smiled down at Luther. A sadistic smirk found its way to her lips as she made a whip appear out of thin air. This whip was made of metal and was burning from Phoenix just touching it.

"How long have you lied...?" Arielle whispered angrily.

"I-I-I didn't want anyone to g-g-get hurt..." her voice trembled, her body shaking as Arielle advanced a step forward.

"That's not what I asked." Arielle said calmly. She then proceeded to use dark magic to pin Selena up to a wall by her neck. "I've never been in the state of rage before and trust me when I say I won't hold back. You've broken my best friend's heart and upset my family member. I have never been this mad so I don't know what I'll do. So the only advice I am giving you is to answer. The. Question." Arielle growled.

"3…years…" she said breathlessly. Arielle's hold on the once great warrior tightened. Her eyes were now a bright purple that seem to be coming out of her eyes like a purple fire. She was ready to crush Selena's throat when Uda stepped in front of her view.

"Arielle…you need to stop, " he said looking directly into her eyes. She looked at him confused. He had just had his heartbroken! Why would he want her to stop?

"No…No! No! I can't! No! She needs to pay for hurting you!" Arielle screamed. There were now tears of purple running down her pale cheek.

"The power! You're not ready for it! I don't know why Maxwell gave it to you if he knew it was uncontrollable, but believe me! It's too much! If you kill her it will consume you making it more powerful than you can believe! It'll consume you and overwhelm you until you can't stand it! Please...I can't lose you too." Uda was now draping off Arielle's side, too tired to stand on his own. Something he said must have gotten to Arielle because the next second they were both on the floor, tears spilling out her silver eyes as Selena tried to get away. Phoenix had done a number on Luther and was now shouting at the back of a retreating Selena.

"AND IF I EVER SEE YOU AGAIN I'LL LOCK YOU UP AND TORTURE YOU FOR YEARS ON END!" She screamed throwing pieces of a broken chair at the sobbing goddess. She was seconds away from going after her and finishing what Arielle started, but she still had a prick to deal with.

When Phoenix made it back to Luther, she hauled him up, wrapping her hands around his neck, and dragged him to the room he had just betrayed Uda in. Dragging him over to the window, she threw open the frame and held Luther out the open window, slamming his back against the sill. "I swear to you," she growled. "If you ever come back here, I will do worse then what I did to you just a few minutes ago." And with that, she threw him out the window of the four story house. He'd be fine; he used to be a god and he still had those powers. If a four story fall killed him, that was just pathetic. For a swift moment, it looked as if she was about to go after him but stopped and looked at the two crying on the floor. A motherly instinct kicked in and she was back to Phoenix the brown eyed girl. She wrapped her arms around the two and whispered." We will get through this. Not only was Selena your lover Uda, but she was mine and Arielle's friend and we trusted her." She knew this wasn't really helping so she just kept repeating "We'll get through this," over and over again.

How, she didn't know yet, but she'd figure it out.

---

~Flashback Ended~

I closed my eyes and breathed in and out. I thought of how the kids couldn't see me like this. I open my eyes again and noted the color was changing back.

"Sorry... sometimes those idiots just pissed me off," I said while taking another deep breath.

"I got you gurl." Phoenix grinned up at me." MAXWELL!"

"Oh no don't he'll think I did it." I pleaded.

"I told you I got you!" She said smiling.

Maxwell entered the room, looking around the room, spotting the mess on the floor.

Phoenix stood in front of me. "No, wait Maxwell. She didn't do this the two idiots Uda and Luther did this. They ruined her newest piece and I was wondering if…" she trailed off, but the meaning was clear.

"Oh well…" He looked over at me, and I probably looked like I was about to burst into tears. "I guess I shouldn't judge so fast! Sorry darling! Well, I can fix this up real quick!" He said smiling at me.

I returned the smile and watched as he put everything back together as if it was a puzzle. It just liked new! Like it wasn't scorched or torn, and was exactly as I had it before. Even though the painting wasn't exactly finished because I didn't sign it yet, but it was as if two assholes didn't destroy it.

"Thank you Maxxie!" I said cheerfully, throwing my arms around him in a tight hug.

"No problem babe," he smiled, at me, returning the hug. He turned and he was about to leave when he did a double take and looked into my eyes. He became very serious as he walked over to me a cupped my face. "You need to control your temper. Phoenix becomes sadistic when the power takes over but you...you could power a universe with the power behind your eyes. Or you could destroy it. Trust me when I say this: If you do not learn to control this power not even I nor Cardes can save you when it starts to control you."

After this he kissed me forehead and gave Phoenix a kiss on the cheek and then disappeared in a whoosh of glittering smoke, sending the sparkles all over the room.

I heard yelling from under my window and I looked over to Phoenix. She sighed, pinching the bridge between her nose. "Come on," she groaned.

We walked downstairs and out the backdoor to see Uda, struggling in the roses (which Phoenix and I planted) with Luther in a headlock. They both saw me and stopped fight immediately.

"SORRY! SORRY! SORRY!" they both yelled at the same time, beginning back away slowly.

I rolled my eyes and looked at the group outside who were cheering them on. Secilia, Vincent, Sasha, Elijah, Zegar and Cardes. Wait... CARDES?!.

"LOOK IT'S MY BAE CARDES!" I yelled running over to him. He laughed as he swung me around and put me down.

"Oh gods of creation, speak of the devil of destruction..."Phoenix mumbled.

"You're not still mad about the shampoo prank are you?" He said smirking in Phoenix's direction.

"MY HAIR WAS PINK FOR TWO WEEKS! I COULDN'T LEAVE THE HOUSE!" She yelled, waving her finger at him.

"Yeah, but it was funny," Cardes said, chuckling. This made me laugh. Phoenix didn't think it was funny, if her expression said anything about it. "It wasn't all that funny," she muttered.

"Well it kinda was..." Arielle grinned, twiddling her thumbs.

"ARIELLE!"

"I'm just sayin'…"

---

~Phoenix's POV~

About an hour later, after all the idiots calmed down, we decided to lounge out in the pool for a while. Of course, all the girls wore black t-shirts over their bathing suits; it was a rule Arielle and I (mostly me) thought up to keep the boys from making inappropriate gestures or getting the wrong ideas. It was also to stop pervs like Zegar (who protested heavily to the rule until Sasha began to develop as woman) and Uda (who was a generally good person when he wasn't fighting with Luther, and he was a perv for the sake of being pervy) from saying things about Arielle and I (who had more than enough development between for all the girls in the house) and to save us from smacking them. It was also a save for Karl, who would have probably died from all the blood rushing to his cheeks at the sight of one of us nearly naked.

Zegar was unfortunately, for him at least, whining about how since most of the teens were mature enough, it would be okay to wear two-pieces around them.

"For the last time Zegar, I'm not stripping off my t-shirt. There are kids around!" I yelled, a bit pissed.

"But Phoenix!" He whined again. "You never show any skin! The only hope I have is when your shirts mysteriously go missing or in the mornings, and you barely show anything then!"

"Let it go Zegar," I muttered, watching Secilia interact with everyone. So far, she was getting along nicely, though Sasha was trying to enlist her help in making trouble, Eideolous was making her a bit uncomfortable, though that was mainly because his height and expressive eyes said it all, Vincent was making her blush, and Conner was being the only normal one. I was surprised Secilia didn't remember any of them.

---

~Flashback~

(3rd Person)

"Eze!" Phoenix shouted, running over to the man and wrapping him in a large hug. "You finally tore yourself away from your work to come here!"

Eze grunted, softly shaking out of the hug. "You left almost about a hundred emails on my woek address and left about 20 voicemails about it. TO spare my secretary her sanity, I decided to come out."

Phoenix pouted. "You're no fun since you've been reborn. C'mon! Everyone is here with their kids and they're all having fun! Let Secilia join in!"

Eze sighed. "Miss Pross, her nanny, is getting her out the car now."

Phoenix crossed her arms, giving him a stern look. "Nanny? Why'd you hire a nanny?"

"Work has-"

"Work, work, work! That's all you ever talk about! We all came out here today to get away from work and relax, and you're telling me you can't do that? Not even for the sake of your daughter?"

Just then, Miss Pross, the green-eyed, raven-haired nanny, walked out to them, a small blonde child following her. "Here she is Mr. Richards."

Eze picked Secilia up, though he looked a bit uncomfortable with it. "Secilia, this is a friend of Daddy's. This is Phoenix. Say hi."

"H-Hi," she stuttered.

"Hi sweetie," Phoenix greeted. "Let me introduce you to the other kids. Would you like that?"

Secilia nodded slowly. "Yes please."

"Such a lady!" Phoenix cooed, taking her out of Eze's arms. "C'mon Eze. Everyone's waiting."

Eze grudgingly followed Phoenix, who led them all over to a secluded area by a large lake. One of the hugest picnic baskets ever was spread out across the grass, where the biggest buffet of food was at. At the edge of the blanket was an arrangement of children.

"Secilia," Phoenix began. "These are some of the kids of Daddy's friend. We have Sasha, Robin, Esther, Jared, Jessabelle, Eideolous, Vincent, and Conner."

"Hello," Secilia said shyly.

"Hi!" Sasha said energetically. "Come play with us!" She forcibly took Secilia's hand and led her over to the other children. When she was out of earshot, Phoenix made Eze sit down and shoved a plate of food in his hands.

It was silent for a moment, everyone staring at him, until Arielle got fed up. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Sh shouted, breaking the tense silence.

Eze jumped. "What're you-"

"You have a small daughter that you barely see, that she barely interacts with children her age, and you're just letting her meet everyone?! We've been friends for years Eze! You helped us start our careers, but you can't do us a favor by letting your daughter play with kids her own age?!"

"I-"

"Secilia already lost her mother and barely sees her father, and you mean to tell me you can't do us a solid and let her see her extended family?!" Phoenix ganged in on him too.

"Wait-"

Phoenix grabbed his shirt and pulled them nose-to-nose. "Listen to me Eze Richards! If you do spend at least nights or weekends with her, I will personally come and find you and disembowel you, do you understand?!"

"But my job-"

"Screw your job! What about your daughter?!"

"I'm trying!" Eze protested. "But I was more a fighter and a warrior before, and all I know now is business! I can't be the father Secilia needs because I don't know how!"

"So, instead of trying and spending time with her, you go off and leave her alone with strangers? That nanny probably knows more about her than you do," Phoenix said coldly.

"Phoenix," Vargas said gently. "That was harsh even for your standards."

"It's the truth!" Phoenix protested. She stared at Eze, chocolate brown eyes staring into electric blue. "Thunder Legend Eze you listen to me: spend more time with Secilia. If you don't, I don't know what could happen to her mentality."

---

~Flashback End~

That bastard didn't listen to me, and now look at where we were. Secilia was still nervous around everyone and probably still felt like a stranger.

I had an idea.

"Vargas! Karl!" I called sweetly. "Can you come inside and help me with something special?!"

Zegar perked up. "I'll-"

"No Zegar," I cut him off, following the two men into the house. "You just sit out there and look hot, alright?"

Zegar smirked, reclining on his chair. I rolled my eyes.

"What's up Phoenix?" Karl asked.

I smiled. "I want to throw a welcoming party for Secilia. Just a thing to let her know that she has a place here."

Karl nodded slowly. "She still does seem a little shy. I'm sure she would appreciate it."

I clapped my hands. "So you guys are on board? Yay!"

Karl chuckled. "Anything. Besides, after all the help you've given us, it's only fair we help you out as well."

"Good," I agreed. "Vargas?"

Vargas nodded, smiling at me. "I'm on board. It's a great idea."

I threw my arms around them both. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Vargas laughed. "Anything for you."

The two pulled back, still smiling. I had to smile back. "Okay, so will you two tell everyone about this right? Just, try not to let Secilia know what we're doing. I don't need her finding out. I want it to be a surprise."

"Of course," Karl agreed. "We'll make sure she doesn't know a word…And that Maxwell keeps his mouth shut," he added as an afterthought. "She'll never suspect a thing," Karl said, walking back to the pool.

I turned to Vargas, who was smiling fondly at me. "You never seem to take care of yourself, do you?"

I raised an eyebrow, tilting my head to the side. "Huh? I always take care of myself."

"You never rest," he said instead, taking a step forward and forcing me back against the counter. "You always give, always worry about someone else's needs, yet you never ask for anything in return."

"I-I just want everyone to be happy and content. I'll worry about myself when everyone is taken care of," I answered.

"And when will that be?" Vargas asked softly. "It's been 16 years, 18 counting the time since Uda's been here, and you've never worried about yourself! You passed out from exhaustion before and you fall asleep wherever you are when you're too tired to do anymore. You work yourself over trying to manage deadlines, coral the kids, keep Arielle from causing mischief, and you're still dealing with us even though we could have left years ago. You never made us leave or help you with anything, because you think you can handle it all. When will you take a break?"

I froze, staring into his eyes. I couldn't take a break, not when so much was going on. But…when did I take a break? When Arielle forced me of course, but I never really listened and still pushed myself. Even when I broke my leg breaking apart Luther and Uda when the kids were 7, I didn't rest like I was supposed to. When would I finally let someone else take care of me?

"When will you let someone take care of you?" Vargas asked, as if he heard my thoughts.

"I don't know," I whispered. "I don't know Vargas."

Vargas smiled softly. "Let someone else take care of you," he whispered, leaning down. "Let me be the one to take care of you this time."

For once, I let go of my worries as Vargas's lips closed over mine.

---

~Pool, 3rd Person POV~

Arielle smiled, slowly creeping out of the kitchen. Vargas was making progress with Phoenix, that was a start. But she also knew the problems with Zegar. Zegar loved her best friend, just like Vargas did. And Phoenix probably loved them both equally. After the last person Phoenix was with…Arielle didn't like to think about it. Phoenix deserved better, and she knew that both Zegar and Vargas could give her better, but which one? Could Phoenix even be with both or would she kill herself trying to pick between the two? They both loved her, and she loved them both, but she could only have one. And who would it be and how would the other cope? Arielle was scared the two would kill each other over her affection, or maybe even Phoenix. Was there even a way to solve this?

Arielle didn't know, but she would help her friend figure it out.

Somehow.