"We'll be back soon, no going out!" Lawrence said sternly to Jade as he grabbed his javelin. The nine year old nodded with puffy black hair looking up at the blond man.

"I know already." She said.

'And make sure you kids are asleep no later than eleven.' Paula added to her daughter as she strapped her quiver on then two hunting knives, she had short black hair. She gave the boy a look. 'All of you.'

Eric merely grinned and Jade nodded again. 'Yes and no sweets."

"You listen to Jade, you hear?" Joar told his son, a few paces away.

'And Eric?" Seven year old Cameron made a face. His skin was a gray and he had piercing ice blue eyes.

Joar gave Eric a glance and dropped his voice. 'No, Jade. Remember last time?"

"Yes." Cam sighed.

'And careful with Artemis. She's younger than you!"

'I know, I won't hurt her.' He said earnestly and turned from his father to the blond five year old. She was hugging her mother's leg.

'Why you have to go again?" she pouted, her grey eyes sad.

'So we can have money sweetie. Don't you want food and nice clothes?'

She shook her head. "I want you guys. And your toys!" she smiled pointing at her mother's bow.

Lawrence smiled. 'Don't worry baby girl you will, but not till you're much older."

She frowned. "Fine."

Her father gave a chuckle then scooped her up.

She gave a squeal, "Daddy!"

He tossed her up then caught her. "Ha-ha!" he then hugged her and gave her a kiss. "I'll see you later baby. Listen to Jade.' He said as he set her down.

"I will." She said smiling at her sister.

Her sister smiled back then hugged her father. "Take care, we'll be back soon. Watch your sister and the others."

"I know! I will!" she said peevishly but hugged him none the less. She then hugged her mother.

"Take care you two!" her mother said then murmured that she loved them in Vietnamese. They answered in the same tongue.

"You behave to, Eric." Lawrence said to the young boy.

He nodded. 'I will, sir."

Paula smiled as she ruffled his head.

"Bye Uncle J!" Artemis said.

Joar smiled as he hugged her. "Bye Arty, Jade. See you soon."

"Take care of Arty for me young man.' Lawrence told Cam.

He looked up wide eyed and nodded earnestly, "I will sir."

Paula smiled and hugged him.

He pulled down the mask, she added the paint and he added his cuffs. Then it was Sportsmaster, Huntress and Icicle, disappearing into the night. They were in the outskirts of Detroit, a small Shadow safe house as they underwent an operation. It was small with a few halls and rooms for them.

Eric had gone with them since he was currently being watched by the two Shadow assassins for training potentiality. He was close to Jade but not as close as Cam was to Artemis.

"Do you want to draw?" Cam asked Artemis.

She smiled and took his hand. "Okay! I got the new colors, they look shiny!"

"TV?" Jade asked as they went to another room.

'Sure.' Eric said as they went to the couch.

Unknown area

He had watched closely, bidding his time. He didn't just want revenge, he wanted trophies. And what better trophies than living. He called her forth.

Her hair was almost white, the twelve year olds eyes were a red. She stood in a yellow plaid skirt and red over coat with a chain hanging in the side to a pocket.

"Time seems to strike. Hurry my child, you're late!" he let out a crazed laugh that showed his stained teeth. "Go and fetch the children, with your voice! Or they may be late for the tea party!"