As I looked around the inside of the derelict Moon base I couldn't help but sigh, it was nearly as empty and lifeless inside as it was on the outside. I had decided to come here to relieve my boredom and to see the sights. My quest to the moon had gone just as I had feared, sadly I didn't find any evidence of a magical kingdom. I was alone, and for now I would have to suck it up and deal.
As I explored the base the muted sound of my footsteps traveled up my legs to my auditory senses. The only sounds that I could detect were the noises that traveled though my own body, and it was hard to ignore that I was still breathing despite the lack of air. It was a little odd having two sets of memories regarding space travel. With my Saturn memories I knew that I was literally being sustained and protected by magic, but it was still surreal. I was both having a new experience and not, micro-gravity was fun, but; no pun intended hard vacuum sucked.
For now I tried to focus on where I was, and the Moon base was sadly very bland. I noted that there was still some power as I saw lights working, although quite a few were flickering eerily. I could see why space sci-fi horror was so scary. The dim lighting and lack of sound combined with the sense of isolation created a very oppressive feeling. I wouldn't say the situation overly worried me, but I was on edge enough that I would likely nuke the entire moon if I saw a xenomorph.
There seemed to be a ring of corridors around the big dome that would have acted as the self contained biosphere. It looked like they didn't have too much longer until this place could have been more than a lifeless shell, it seemed a shame they abandoned the idea. Sure the tinker in charge went crazy, but you would think they would be able to do something with this place. The exposed wires and scattered tools promised a project with so much promise. Instead the place was left useless, empty and creepy.
The most interesting thing that I found was what looked to be a command center, complete with dozens of monitors and blinking lights. I poked around for a bit but all of the monitors looked to be running some dinosaur tech DOS prompt. The only code I could remember that might work only started a few old-school games, and I didn't feel like looking through any of the binders still in the command room.
A brief fantasy flickered through my mind of declaring this place as my fortress of solitude, but that was sad and depressing. It was like when I was a little girl, and I built the coolest snow-fort ever. I played hero, determined to defend the fort from all evil doers. However, in the end I was left cold, lonely and hungry, eventually abandoning the fort to go back home. It had been a long day for me, I was tired and hungry and this place didn't have any space snacks.
I didn't want to go home, but I didn't have a way to magic up food so my options were limited. That thought brought up other decisions, what to do once I got back. From the interactions earlier in the day my identity was well known, so living a normal life was going to be hard. Could I even have a life when I would have to die to kill another Endbringer, did I even want to fight anymore? Sure, I knew that I was supposed to be a defender of the star system, but my power was a last resort. Also, I wasn't completely recovered from whatever had brought me back. My magic still felt a little weak, I didn't think that I could even use my final power if I wanted to. Honestly it was probably for the best, I had been foolish with my powers before.
Looking back with the clarity of both memories I'm surprised I didn't destroy half a continent, even if I was holding back it was only thanks to Leviathan's multidimensional nature that saved the eastern seaboard. If I really had to use my final power I could only hope the Simugh was out on some planetoid nobody liked. I decided that whatever happened I would play it by ear. I wouldn't solve anything being overly worried. I felt a bit jaded and didn't feel like doing any hero-ing right away, so I wouldn't rush into anything.
Taking a deep breath I tried to center myself before releasing it explosively. Drawing upon my magic I reached my senses out to the earth, this would be a lot more precise if I could get a better fix on where Brockton Bay was. I had a vague memory of one of the other guardians taking care of the finer details of teleportation, but I should be able to get the general area. "Planetary Teleport!" I chanted, letting my magic suffuse me, pulling me back... home.
I appeared in a quick flash of light, and immediately surveyed around my surroundings. If my shaky memory was correct, I think I had landed on the top a building somewhere near the business sector downtown. The last trace of the sun was sinking over the horizon, and scattered lights showed the inside of several nearby office buildings. Taking a moment to think I recalled that my house should be north of here, so with a few steps I was off jumping between buildings. A light ache slowly filled my heart as my leisurely pace brought me closer home; I didn't know what to expect once I got there.
My path was interrupted as I needed to cross the street and I wasn't confident leaping the full way, so I moved toward an intersection. I hopped down and landed on top of the metal pole holding the traffic lights, and ran across the metal cross section. I almost lost my balance when a loud screeching noise sounded from below me, but I caught myself and jumped away. Glancing back I saw that a car passing though the intersection seemed to have spun out after it had slammed on its breaks, and was now blocking the intersection but nobody seemed to be hurt. A part of me wanted to make sure everyone was alright, but I quickly suppressed that urge. I reminded myself that it wasn't my problem, it wasn't my job to fix traffic accidents. My job, my purpose for being was a much more grim affair.
Slowly the buildings became a bit smaller, transitioning from cold high-rises into a scattered amalgamation of homes and private businesses. I was so busy readying myself for the confrontation that I would have when I got home that I didn't notice someone approaching from above and behind me.
"Hey Saturn!" Someone called and I jumped, spinning my weapon around, blade readied toward a flying girl in white.
"Uh hi." She greeted again. She wasn't attacking so I nodded.
"Hello." I responded, not lowering my weapon. She wasn't wearing a mask, and I knew that was important. My memory was still fuzzy and I couldn't remember her name, so I guessed. "Glory Girl?"
"Do you see a skirt and tiara?" She scoffed apparently taken back by my guess, before twitching. "Uh- well, beside yours I guess."
"Excuse me." I apologized reflexively. Saturn's ingrained manners were second nature to her, and I found it was nearly instinctive to me as well. Taking a breath I tried to relax while explaining the situation. "I am having issues remembering things, I did not wish to offend you. You try being dead for a while and your memories coming out unscathed. I don't even know how long I was dead."
"Oh- um, yeah, I guess that's pretty harsh. Uh, you were dead for nearly a month." She muttered before she seem shake herself and floated down, settling on the roof a comfortable distance away. "I'm Laserdream or if you want, you can call me Crystal, Glory Girl is my cousin."
I lowered my weapon and gave a short curtsy, before stopping myself. "Princess Sa- uh, you can call me Taylor." I sighed, rubbing my forehead.
"Oh wow, that Princess thing wasn't a joke, wait sorry! I'm not trying to make fun of you!" She quickly apologized, waving off her rudeness. "It's just really odd, I didn't mean to- Sorry, I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through."
"Yeah." I muttered and turned to leave. "I'm still figuring it out."
"Wait!" She yelped. "Uh, where are you going?"
"Home." I answered without turning around, before a thought struck me. "At least, I think this is the direction my home is in."
"Uh, yeah I think it is, but you don't want to go there." She muttered uncertainly.
"Why not?" I asked annoyed and slightly concerned. "I've had a very bad day, I'm tired and hungry. I have to go home and see my father and figure out if I'm grounded for the rest of this lifetime!"
"Oh well, I was in a hero meeting and your dad isn't around, he was on vacation." Laserdream said. "So if you're hungry why don't we go out to eat, there's a restaurant row not too far away. In fact there's this great pizza place nearby."
"I don't have any money." I sighed. "My magic costume is lacking in pockets."
"My treat, I insist!" Crystal interjected.
I was about to decline when my stomach rumbled traitorously. "I guess I am quite hungry." A blush colored my cheeks.
"The pizza place offers private room for capes, so we wont be gawked at."
"That would be appreciated, thank you."
"Alright then follow me." She smiled, and hovered away slowly, leaving me to follow.
It was a bit morosely that I complied, having to quicken my previous pace to keep up with her uninterrupted flight. As she flew she constantly looked back as though checking to make sure I was following. It didn't take long for us to reach a section that was lined with restaurants along either side of the roadway. Crystal descended, landing near a building colored in the red, white and green of the Italian flag.
"Here, this place is run by this guy named Antonio." The New Wave cape said as I jogged up. "He's like one of the most stereotypical Italian guy alive, pretty sure he plays it up a bit though."
She pushed the door open, the sound of the bell ringing loudly as she entered.
"Mamma mia, if it isn't the fantisimo Laserdream. What-a brings you into my store-" I heard him greet her brightly, but as soon as I stepped in behind her his voice sputtered to a stop and he continued in a much more subtle accent. "Cazzo, Saturn!?"
Looking around the establishment it was fairly compact, but could still seat dozens of patrons. There was an open view into the kitchen where a few chefs worked dough around several brick ovens. All movement and noise stopped when Antonio said my name. There were a few patrons sitting around the tables, they all had wide eyes and a few had pieces of pizza inches from their mouths. The first person to make any noise was a small boy uttering "Wow!" He was missing one front tooth and tried to wiggle out of his booster seat before his father grabbed him. The family had two little girls that looked to be twins that also wouldn't sit idly by, as they too called out my name. A faint smile tugged my lips, I didn't want attention but I couldn't blame them.
"Uh, can we have a private room?" Crystal whispered.
"Y-yes of course." Antonio uttered, bustling out from behind the barricade around the kitchen. Whispers broke through the silence and one patron pulled out a phone to click a photo before we made it into the back. The chef dusted some flour off of his hands as he opened up a door with a stained glass middle. Inside was a long polished wood table, that I guessed was for meetings, or parties.
"I heard some rumors but-" Antonio started solemnly, before he stopped and cleared his throat. His face brightened and he continued in the thick Italian accent that I had heard before I had entered. "It's-a good to see you back Saturn, mia mamma would be so proud that you chose to visit my restaurant. I make-a you the best-a pizza. You sit and relax, I make-a sure no-one bother you."
He left and soon after the door closed some rapid yelling in Italian could be heard filtering through the door.
"Sorry, I should have tried to see if we could have come in a back door or something, I guess I'm a bit star-struck too." Laserdream sighed, sinking into a chair. "Don't worry he will keep his word, it's not wise to mess with a bunch of Italian guys that spend half the day punching dough."
"I supposed I could see that logic." I agreed, sitting down and pulled a nearby chair closer so I could prop my glaive on it. There was a few moments of silence as we settled in.
"That weapon is pretty cool, can I see it?" Crystal asked gesturing to the Silence Glaive.
"No!" I yelped, snatching up the weapon. It took me a second to pull back from my jerk reaction. "Sorry, its just- watch."
Setting my weapon that my blade faced up I grabbed a paper napkin from a basket and held it over its sharp edge. Dropping the napkin it fluttered down, landing on the blade and continuing as though it didn't encounter any resistance. The napkin fluttered down to the floor landing into two cut pieces.
"Whoa." Laserdream uttered.
"It's dangerous for more than it's sharpness, and only I can do this." I said placing my palm on the blade and drawing it across in a way that should have cut, however after opening my hand I showed that my palm was fine.
"Oh? Is the weapon Manton limited?" Crystal questioned.
"No. It's only safe for me." I answered, vaguely remembering what that term meant.
"That's... neat." She said hesitantly.
"Not necessarily the word I would use." I muttered setting my glaive back against the chair. We spent a few minutes in silence before I thought of something that I wanted to know about. "Your family is New Wave right?"
"Yeah, well my family, and aunt, uncle and cousins." She answered, an uncertain look appearing on her face.
"How do you live a normal life with, you know everything." I asked honestly wanting to know, especially since I didn't know what I was going to do with myself. As a princess I had been somewhat separate from the rest of society. I was well respected for my position as ruler of Saturn, and also because of subtle fear of my power. It was slightly lonely at times but I didn't have to worry about my privacy being intruded upon. People would greet me if I was in public, but I was never crowded.
"Well normal isn't really something I would say we have." Laserdream shrugged. "For the most part people understand if you shake your head and wave them off. I mean sure, there's the type that get too enthusiastic at seeing us, or wont leave, but people with any sense don't want to get on our bad side. It also helps that my Aunt Carol is a lawyer so she keeps a lot of the crazies away, anything else with other capes the unwritten rules usually cover."
"Unwritten rules?" I questioned.
"Oh crap, you don't know about those?"
"Fighting Leviathan was the first time I went out. I didn't get much of a chance to learn anything after that."
"Oh yeah." She said sheepishly. "Well I guess I should get you up to speed. The basic rules are no exposing the secret identities of any cape, although I guess that applies less to you and I. What does help is that you aren't supposed to fight outside of costumes, no attacking a cape's family, and avoid killing. The unwritten rules are honestly guidelines that keep our line of work from becoming a full on bloodbath, the problem is that not everyone follows them."
"So what happens to those that break the rules?"
"Well it depends on what rule was broken. They're all sorta enforced internally on a case by case basis." She replied. "For example if someone kills another cape it's not uncommon that they will find themselves falling victim to a lethal accident. If you've killed another cape in the past, usually nobody holds back afterwards. There's also this big thing about reputation and back room shady business. So since you're not supposed to hurt innocents and a villain does on purpose, they often wont be able to do any business with any other cape. It's why crazy groups like The Fallen don't have a home base, nobody wants to deal with them."
I listened intently nodding at her explanation before a thought occurred to me. "They're the group that worships Endbringers, do you think I would need to worry about them?"
"I don't know, you did kill one of their gods, but I'm not sure if they're brave or dumb enough to pick a fight with you." Crystal answered with a half laugh. "Not to freak you out, but there's a group of people calling you a goddess. Although I don't think you have to worry, the majority are just some net trolls."
"They are arguably correct." I mutter, thinking on Saturn's memories. Many of the people of the Silver Millennium had called the royalty goddesses, and with our powers it wasn't hard to see why. Then the thought occurred to me that I hadn't thought on. I was still having problems with both sets of memories, but I felt like Saturn had lived centuries. If I was her, and she was me, was I immortal?
"What?!" She uttered apparently hearing me.
"What might you call someone who can destroy planets, and apparently has a hard time staying dead?"
"Oh." She blinked. "Well when you put it that way, yeah, I guess I can see why some crazies would say that. If you don't mind me asking, do you know how you came back?"
"I don't mind, but thank you for asking." I was starting to like Crystal, she was polite but still in a friendly way. She was older than, me but not by too much that it felt odd. It vaguely reminded me of dealing with the other planetary princesses, and it made my heart ache a little. "I don't know how I came back, it's been quite strange."
"That's probably the understatement of the year." Crystal laughed. "I don't have any clue how I would handle what you're going through. I fly around and shoot lasers, I don't have to worry about sacrificing myself to become the incarnation of Death. If it's worth anything; thank you, thank you so very much! You might not know it on account of being dead for nearly a month, but you've saved this city in more ways than one. My family has been fighting for years now, and the villains were slowly winning. When you chose to fight Leviathan you saved so many capes, and they were revitalized because of your sacrifice. Even without the help from the visiting indie capes, us locals have been fighting better than I can ever remember. It was getting too risky to go on patrols in more dangerous parts of the city, so we stopped going out to help as much; and it just got to all of us. My uncle has been depressed for years, just sitting in front of the TV sorta wasting away. But ever since Leviathan he's been going out almost every day, and its pulled him out of his funk. If there's anything that I can do to thank you just ask."
I was taken back by her heartfelt thanks. I hadn't thought about what my actions might have wrought for the heroes. I was still unsure what I was going to do with my second life, but I felt better; lighter. "You're already helping, thank you."
She smiled and we began to talk about some of the things that had changed in the city. Telling me about some of the fights she had been involved in recently, or how Leviathan's death had kick started a huge demand for shipping. The city had worked out some contract with a ship breaking company to deal with the Ship Graveyard. The company thought that they could refurbish the hull plating and beams to make new ships. They likely wouldn't be the best ships, but the world didn't need the best ships, it just wanted any ships.
We were interrupted when Antonio came back holding a large pizza in each hand. He was followed in by another two men one who was holding two more pizzas, and another with three pitchers held in each hand. "Scusate signore, I didn't want to interrupt so I brought you several pizzas and all the drinks we offer. I have a pepperoni, cheese, meat-lovers, and a special creation I call The Caligula, it's a little crazy; crazy good."
That joke presented in his thick accent was able to put a smile on my face and my stomach rumbled again upon smelling the delicious scents from the food. The chefs were quick in setting up all the food, and I appreciated their skill as the moved around each other setting everything for our convenience. I was remaindered of my previous retainers, skilled, swift and professional. They soon left us to eat, even as parts of myself warred as to how to eat pizza. I wanted to just pick up a piece and eat it, just like Crystal was already doing. However, it felt wrong to eat pizza with gloves on, and I didn't want to take them off; not that I really could.
In the end I fell back on pulling a knife and fork from a nearby basket and set a napkin on my lap. I knew that my gloves wouldn't get oils on them, but it was like trying to fight against years of training that demanded I eat properly. The pizza was delicious, I didn't know if it was simply very good pizza or my taste buds were overstimulated from their first taste of food.
Even though I knew my actions were odd Laserdream didn't say anything as we ate. The Caligula was strange, with cherries as one of the toppings, but I enjoyed it none the less. After eating we sat back enjoying full bellies and taking a moment to relax.
"So, what are you planning on doing now?" Laserdream asked.
"I suppose I will go home, like I originally planned." I shrugged. "Even if my father isn't there, I don't have anywhere else to go."
"You could come over to our house if you wanted." She offered. "I know you can take care of yourself, but it would be safer if you had a family of capes surrounding you. Also, not to pressure you or anything but I gotta offer you a place in New Wave. You already don't wear a mask, so we can help you with all the things that involves. We have experience with that, like with my cousin Amy or Panacea, she always has trouble with people bothering her because of her powers. If you want some help or just wanna hang out, all you gotta do is ask. I might not always be around, but I have two cousins around your age that can at least relate with you somewhat."
"Thank you, again." I smiled. "I don't know how long it will be before my dad comes back, but I really want to see my room again. I don't know how to really describe it, I want to see and feel like I'm really here."
"Oh- oh yeah." She muttered, dropping us into a state of awkwardness again.
I was just finishing up a glass of iced tea when someone knocked on the door. It was a little odd because Antonio hadn't knocked, and I placed a hand on my glaive.
"Hmm, I was wondering if someone would show up." Crystal whispered, before calling out. "Who is it?"
"Alexandria and Legend." A strong feminine voice answered.
"Well this is over my non-existant pay grade." Laserdream sighed, and gestured to me. "It's whatever you want."
"Come in." I called not knowing what else to do. The door opened and two people I could recall seeing the images of many times walked in.
It was almost by reflex that I stood up to give the visitors a curtsy. It was natural, they were both leaders and powerful individuals, they deserved the show of respect. "Greetings Alexandria, Legend I hope you are well today." The two gave the other a glance, and I blushed realizing my actions. I sat back down without saying anything else to embarrass myself.
"We're fine. The more important question is how are you?" Legend asked, his voiced filled with concern.
I took a moment to think about my response before I answered. "I am better than I was before, returning to my planet was helpful."
"Your planet?" Alexandria asked in a curious tone.
"Yes, it's my planet." I stated matter-of-factly. I could tell that they were skeptical but a part of me felt like I needed to hammer in my claim. "I know it might sound odd, but I am Princess Saturn, Sovereign of the planet Saturn. I fear that the details are complicated, but it's my planet."
The two members of the Triumvirate paused for a moment looking at each other however it was Laserdream that spoke next. "Complicated or not, you were the first person there after all. If you want to claim it as yours, I don't think anyone can really argue."
She shrugged and looked at Alexandria and Legend then quickly grabbed another piece of pizza, and took a bite to separate herself from the conversation.
"Yes, I guess so." Alexandria muttered. "How is Titan by the way? You weren't hurt were you?"
"It was quite cold, but my magic protected me."
"Magic eh, looks like we have another Myrddin." Legend chuckled.
"Oh yes, the wizard! I didn't think about him." My memory informed me about him. "Is there anyway I would be able to meet with him?"
"Are you a fan?" Alexandra asked, it bothered me that I couldn't see her face. She seemed to be studying me and without seeing her face I couldn't get a good read on her in return.
"Not particularly, I would say that you were my favorite cape." I answered. "However, it would just be nice to meet with a wise-man."
"That could probably be arranged at some time." Legend smiled. "If you wanted we could arrange a tour of the rig, and Protectorate building. I'm sure that there's a few heroes that would like meet you as well."
"Oh yes. That would be agreeable."
The two capes glanced at each other and Alexandria turned to Crystal. "Laserdream would you mind leaving us for a bit?"
"Oh, yeah I guess-" She started, but I spoke before she moved to stand.
"I would prefer that she stay!" I stated crisply. "She invited me here, and it would be extremely rude for her to leave. If you have business with me, then you may arrange a meeting to discuss it at a later time."
As I spoke my mind seemed to be pulling me in two different directions. I knew these were two of the most powerful people of the planet, and I should listen to them. However, my sense of decorum demanded that protocol be followed, and I didn't feel like dealing with any cape business tonight.
"I have had a very long day, and I wish to return home. It's been too long, and I want to see my house again."
The two glanced at each other and I saw Alexandria nod fractionally.
"Yes, I can understand. Do you need a ride home?" Legend asked.
"No, thank you." I replied standing up. "I will be able to get home by myself."
The two older capes nodded in understanding and smiled at me. "I suppose if its alright we will see you tomorrow, your father is on his way back from his vacation and should be back sometime around then."
I stiffened slightly but did my best not to show it. My eyes glanced at Laserdream who was finishing the piece of pizza she had grabbed. "That sounds agreeable, thank you. Perhaps Crystal might share some of this delicious pizza with you, it would be a shame for it to go to waste. However, I am finished and I believe I will take my leave. Crystal, thank you for the meal and your company, I will consider your offer about New Wave. Have a good evening." I turned and was please to notice that the two Triumvirate members send a studying glance at the older girl. I didn't expect I would join any hero group anytime soon, but it was best to keep my options open.
I excused myself with a quick curtsy, and stepped toward the door between Legend and Alexandria. Leaving the restaurant I was sure to thank Antonio on my way out. It was completely dark as I continued my trek back home. Jumping back to the rooftops I sensed that I was being watched. Scanning the area I couldn't see anyone, so I decided to try and shake any pursuers just in case. Picking up my pace I avoided simply running along rooftops. Instead I jumped from roofs and into alleys, and bouncing down narrow paths between buildings. I smiled as I moved through the city enjoying the freedom granted to me by my magical enhanced body. I had never been able to do this when I was simply Taylor. Yes, I had been able to run faster and jump higher, but I had been too scared to really push my power. With Saturn's memories I was moving with a fluidity that I hadn't possessed before, and I loved it.
It was only after I reflexively sliced through a near invisible cloths-line did I slow down. Feeling very embarrassed I stopped and quietly jumped to a nearby roof. I had cover a lot of ground and hadn't really noticed it, the business buildings had been left behind and now I wasn't too far from home. If I was correct it was only a few blocks away, so I jumped back down to street level where I deciding to use the sidewalk. I moved at a more subdued pace, not really pushing myself, but was still fast enough that my hair streamed behind me.
It was only a few minutes later when the sight of my home brought a smile to my face. Slowing to a walk I looked around, the feeling of being watched had left but I wanted to make sure. The street looked normal as far as I could recall, the only thing that caught my attention was an inconspicuous white van seemed to have that under-cover movie feel. It could be nothing but I wouldn't put it past the PRT to have a few agents watching my house to ensure nobody looted it for stuff they could sell on ebay. With the thought of my old underwear being hocked online, the idea of guards didn't bother me. As long as they didn't come into my house they could keep the creeps and cultists away as much as they wanted.
Going up to the walkway I noticed that the front step that had been rotted had been replaced. For something so little it caused my heart to clench, forcing me to question why I had come. Was it right for me to be here? Was I still the same girl that had left to fight Leviathan expecting to die and never come back? Was my dad really my dad, if I was a mix of Saturn and Taylor? Would he accept the changes that had occurred now that I had returned from the grave? I couldn't answer those questions and I knew nothing would change if I froze up.
Sighing, I hardened my resolve and walked up the steps. Climbing onto the banister I pushed myself up so that I could reach the gutter. My gloved fingers felt a small box that was magnetized in place. It was out of sight and if you didn't know it was there it shouldn't be found. Pulling it down I opened it to find an extra house key. Stepping down I slipped it into the lock and twisted, a wave of relief washed through me as the deadbolt clicked open. The worries that the locks had been changed weren't true. This was right, my memories were correct, I was home.
Quickly replaced the key and box I opened the door. Nostalgia almost overwhelmed me as the familiar smell of the house filled my nose. My beloved castle was either long gone or hadn't existed, but here was still the home one of my halves had always known. A burden I didn't know I was carrying fell off me as I locked the door and ran a hand across the nearby wall.
"The distinguished Saturn returns at last. I have been waiting much longer than I had wished, and I am not a patient man." A deep accented voice rumbled from the middle of the living room, and yanked me away from my rumination. I gasped slightly as I brought the Silence Glaive up defensively. It was dark inside, the only light was filtering in from the orange toned streetlights outside. However I was able to make out the outline of a broad shouldered man sitting on the couch only three steps away. "I used up the last of my favors to make this meeting possible, I will not have that be for nothing."
Reaching over I flicked on a light and was glad that the house's electricity hadn't been shut off. Sitting on my couch was a man wearing a metallic dragon mask, his arms were crossed over his tattooed chest.
"Lung." I stated with a half growl, not lowing my weapon a millimeter. "What are you doing in my home?"
"At this moment I am here to talk." He rumbled, the muscles of his arms bulging. "My plans could change after that."
I was very angry that he was here, but didn't wish to start a fight in my own home. I knew he was dangerous; however, for the moment he wasn't hostile. Begrudgingly, I remembered my manners; while I wouldn't call him a welcome guest he was here now, so I was technically a hostess.
"Very well, would you like some tea while we talk." I asked, keeping my tone as neutral as possible.
He seemed to relax slightly. "Yes. Green tea if you have it." He answered, a predatory grin evident in his tone.