Hi everyone! I'd planned to have this chapter out yesterday, but there was a part I'd written that felt too heavy and I wasn't sure I wanted to include it. Thankfully, fanficrulez was able to help me figure out how to lighten things up.

In this chapter, you'll meet Sapphire's parents: Topaz and Dominique Hawthorne. Those guys belong to me! (Yes, it's normal to get Fast and Furious vibes from a character named Dom. Not sure why I chose that name, but just roll with it.)

I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

With the change I made, there's no warnings to worry about.

(Continued from Miscreants Chapter 32)

Leif gave his mate a long look. "Well, I was hoping to discuss this in private, but the plans are put in motion already."

"What plan is that?"

"The Donut Muncher was snooping around for information and may possibly know where the manor is and that Katsume is living there. If he tries to attack the manor, the kids or dogs might get hurt. So, I made mention of us getting married. Now the pig knows about it and hopefully will forget about the manor and go after us."

Many emotions flowed across Sapphire's face but then she bit her lip and nodded. "I don't like this, but i understand. There's been too much bloodshed at the manor already. If he was willing to hurt Katsume, there's no telling what else he would do if he found the place."

Lief softened his gaze as he regarded her. "I didn't expect the wedding to happen this soon, but it's the best alternative. We need to get out of the city without being questioned or detained. Being a married couple on our honeymoon, would help in that."

"And that nice after party we talked about?" Sapphire asked questioned. "I wanted the whole crew there for it!"

"We'll hold one once we're safely away. When we meet up with our friends, we'll have a small feast and do everything you had in mind."

Rook chose this moment to speak up. "So, do I get to be your best man?"

Leif looked up at him, having momentarily forgotten he was there. "Absolutely. I wouldn't pick anyone else…not even other members of the coven."

"And what were you thinking of for the location?" Conner asked from the corner of the room. He'd been sitting there quietly watching everyone, but now chose to speak up. Kira who sat on his lap smiled at them. "Are you going with a graveyard theme?"

Sapphire looked at them with raised brow. "A lot of people would assume that we'd head for the closest cemetery, But it's not my first choice. I'd planned on asking Kimberly for the use of her garden, but now it's too dangerous to hold it there. Not to mention that it's already being used for Melanie's wedding. We may have no choice."

Conner gave them an assessing look. "I may have another option."

Sapphire gave him a look full of hope. "What would that be?"

Conner looked at her and then at Kira. "I think its time to visit the convent. The holy sisters might be able to help us."

Leif gave them a look. "You know the nuns?"

Conner nodded. "Well, we did save them from thugs earlier this year. Maybe they can return the favor."

Silence settled heavily in the room for a few moments before a series of beeps went off. Connor was momentarily startled and then realized that the beeps were coming from the messenger bag at his feet. He'd temporarily forgotten it was there.

When Connor pulled the new tech out, he saw Leif and Sapphire and even Rook watching him with interest. Kira kissed his cheek and then got off his lap so he could do what needed to be done.

The gauntlet he pulled out had been a collaboration between Ethan and Billy and he'd promised to test it out. Again, with all the drama going on, he'd forgotten all about it.

Ethan had definitely helped design this communicator; it was a light weight gauntlet covered in leather with the Miscreant Logo on both sides. The skull on the side closest to him had two red buttons where the eye sockets were and the white 'ribs' that stood out against the black leather were meant to disguise the speakers, and on the top of the gauntlet was a reflective disc. On the underside were cords of black leather which held the two sides together.

Conner smiled at the gothic teen and handed it over to him. "This is a communicator prototype developed by Ethan and Billy. It has a stronger signal than most cellphones; I guess you've got your first call on it."

After Leif put it on, he touched the eye buttons on the side.

He looked even more shocked when a holographic image popped up. It was Adam.

"Frog Prince to Cold Stone. Can you hear me?"

Leif looked up at Conner. "This is a thing now? You have holographic technology?"

"We've had it for years now. Wolf Man developed it back in the 90's. But if you can put aside your astonishment. The Miscreants have had a call for help and are needed for a semi-urgent mission.

Leif looked at Sapphire and then back at the holographic image.

"Where? Do we need our gear for it?"

"It's at the Convent of the Secret Sisters. Don't worry about your gear, I already loaded it into the mobile shelter and I'm on my way to the hospital. Can you guys be down in the parking lot in the next 5 minutes?"

"Yeah, but we're a Miscreant down."

"We'll go as your back up." Conner said. "We were going to the convent anyway."

"Ok, I'll be right there. Get downstairs."

Conner got up and looked at Kira. "I guess we're up."

He looked at Jen and Taylor. "I'm guessing you've got this?"

"You bet. We'll keep an eye on Rook just in case the Donut Muncher tries anything."

Leif and Sapphire stood on either side of their friend's hospital bed.

"I hate that I'm gonna miss the action."Rook said with a frown.

Leif held out his hand. "Rest easy dude. We'll let you know what happened when we get back…and maybe we can bring you back some real food."

"I could use a really thick burger and salty fries."

Leif grinned. "Count on it."

"Go kick some ass."

Sapphire walked around the bed and accepted her mate's hand. "Let's roll out."

When they got to the parking lot. The refurbished SWAT van was waiting for them. The cops had done right by them and had wrapped the van in shiny black and a generic skull logo had been applied to both sides of the van and the team name had been written in a graffiti style font.

It looked cool, but it would look even more badass once Katsume drew their new logo. As soon as they got rid of the asshole chasing him, that is.

Leif swung the door open and saw Adam sitting in the driver's seat. He swiveled his chair around and looked at them. "You guys ready for this?"

The Convent

About 20 minutes later

The moment they pulled up, a nun, whom Conner immediately recognized as one of the women he and Kira had saved from the thugs at the Walmart waiting for them.

Cold Stone looked at his bride. "It's show time. They may be more at ease with a woman to speak to. I'll be your back up."

Nocturne stepped out of the van and heard her mate climb out behind her.

"I'm Nocturne and this is my mate, Cold Stone, "Did you call for help?"

"Yes, we did. A very pregnant mama dog was found in our back garden and she looks ready to deliver. She's resting on a blanket in the office."

They followed the older nun through the gates and into a very picturesque office. In the middle of the room, by the fireplace was a very antique looking desk. Behind it, sat a kindly but proper looking nun. The ring she wore on her finger let everyone know that she was the one in charge.

When they walked into the room, the older nun introduced them. "Ma'am, The Miscreants rescue group are here."

The older nun looked up at them at stood to her feet. "I'm so glad you could make it. What names do you go by?"

Sapphire gave her a small dip of her had. "I'm Nocturne and this is Cold Stone. How may we serve the holy sisters?"

The Madre gestured to the female pitbull laying by the fireplace. "She was seeking asylum with us and sleeping under a bench of our garden. We'd love to help her, but we don't have the funds to pay for the supplies she'd need or have access to veterinary care. I'm praying you can help this poor girl out."

Leif walked over to the spotted pitbull who wagged her tail and whined pitifully. Her belly was swollen with puppies, but she didn't look too sickly. Just very tired and pretty uncomfortable.

"It's okay, Momma. You're in good hands now."

When he got up and walked back over to the desk where Sapphire was already seated, he nodded. "If you want to keep her here, we have a veterinarian working with us and she does pro bono for charities. The supplies you need are stocked in our mobile shelter that's parked outside. Once the puppies are weaned, we can find them homes and get this mama spayed. This can be a happy ending for everyone."

Conner watched with interest as the nun that walked them in now sat on the small bench and the mother dog rested her snout on her lap.

"Well, I guess that settles it. The Madre said. If Sister Mable wants to take up the responsibility, then we'd accept any help you can give us."

"It's not a problem. Cold Stone answered as Nocturne got up from the chair and walked out the door. We'll just go get what you need."

When it was just the adults in the room. the Nun spoke up again. "How have you two been. It's been some months since we ran into you. We didn't know you were affiliated with The Miscreants."

Conner nodded. We've known them since before they became the miscreants. They're down half their group due to unforeseen circumstances. We were in the room when they got called in. Rescuing animals is their thing, we're just providing back up today.

"Sister Mable, did you know these people prior to today?"

"Yes, Mother. These are the two wonderful young people that saved us from the thugs and furthermore, they paid for our entire purchase and helped us load everything into the van. They're our heroes."

The nun stood to her feet. "We owe you a huge debt. How can we ever repay you?"

Conner looked at Kira and then at the sisters. "We do have a big favor to ask."

The Madre gave them a long look. "How big a favor?"

When Conner told them everything, the nun sat down heavily in her seat. "That's a lot to take in. How dangerous is this man?"

"As far as we can tell, he's acting on his own. We've already taken down his accomplices, he's an angry sloppy man who's all too aware of his own importance. All we need from you is to conduct this wedding and allow Cold Stone and Nocturne the use of your Chapel. The plan is to take this guy down before he can cause any more trouble. He's got a warrant for his arrest and he's way outside his jurisdiction. He can't do any real damage and he knows it, but he's definitely going to try to mess thing up, just out of spite. If the Great Power is with us, then we'll be able to end this thing and the Miscreants can come back and resume their lives and Paladin can finally be free of the terror he's under."

"We've taken a vow of nonviolence, so you'll be on your own…but we can at least help with the wedding. I'm assuming they have their license and permission from their parents?"

About 1PM

After getting the Holy Sisters everything, they needed for the Mama-To-Be, it was time to contact the parents and let them in on the plans.

They met up at a steak house and took up a corner booth. When Conner and Kira arrived, Alma was already there, having just closed up her shop for he night. Topaz and Dominique Hawthorne were already seated when Connor and Kira showed up with Leif and Sapphire.

Topaz was definitely Sapphire's mom; there was absolutely no doubting it. The same black hair, the same feminine curves they were even the same height. The only difference that Connor could see was their attire. Mrs Hawthorne dressed in an updated bohemian style of short peasant style skirt and top that showed off her shoulders. Around her neck was very pretty crystal that was elaborately bound with a simple leather brown cord. There was no doubt that there was something mystical about her, but he had a feeling that it was something only his fledgling shaman senses could feel.

Mr. Hawthorne was another story. It was oh so obvious that he was a Blue Collar that liked to work with his hands. As they shook hands, Connor could feel the calluses on his hands. Dom wore blue jeans and a black crew neck shirt under a red plaid shirt. He had rugged good looks and there was a toughness to his persona that made everyone take notice.

Once they were seated and the waiter came by to take drink and appetizer orders, Dom was the first one to speak up. "It's not everyday we get asked out to dinner by complete strangers. How about you let us in on what the special occasion is?"

Conner gave the table a cursory look and then did the same for his surroundings.

When he was sure no one was paying them anymind, he looked at the parents. "A lot happened today; Leif and Sapphire had to make a change to their plans. I'm only helping them to facilitate it."

"And who are you to them? Why are you helping them?" Topaz asked them with a look of cautious interest.

"I'm Connor True-Heart and this is my wife Kira." My best friend is Trent Fernandez and he's the mentor for the Miscreants."

"Dom, this is the man who's responsible for the boost of income for our group. They hired all of us for their wedding. They're good people."

"Bryce and Karen are my parents." Kira added.

Dom gave the both of them a look. "You could've led with that."

Connor chuckled. "It's been a long day. When I woke up this morning, I didn't expect to be called into watch over Rook or to help two of the miscreants with their wedding plans."

That caught all three parents off guard.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Topaz asked. "What does their wedding have to do with anything?"

"Mom, we have to move it up." Sapphire said. "You didn't want us traveling alone until after we're married. Well the Donut Muncher struck this morning and now we need to get out of the city. We're not safe anymore."

Alma gasped softly. "What happened? Are you guys okay?"

"We are…Rook isn't." Leif answered. "He's in the hospital with a big laceration and a possible concussion. He's being kept in there for observation overnight."

Dom narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. "What?"

The teens didn't mince words as they filled the parent in on what happened.

"So, you don't want to go before a judge for this?" Topaz asked. "I thought you didn't want a formal wedding."

"We didn't, but Mr. Trueheart has friends at the convent. They've offered to let us use their older chapel. It's very gothic and filled with candles and an old stained glass window. It's what I've wanted all along. I just didn't know how to get it. It'll still be a small ceremony but it's a step up from the courthouse."

"How did you swing that?" Dom asked. "Did the sisters owe you a favor or something?"

"Something like that." Kira answered. "Back at the beginning of the summer, the day of Kyle's 16th birthday, we saved them from some thugs that were trying to mug them. We took them out and my sweet husband even paid for their gardening supplies and helped them load it into their van. "

Connor gave her wry smile. "Yeah, but that was a group effort. It took the both of us to take those idiots down."

"You're trained fighters." Dom commented. "I shouldn't be surprised."

"We both learned from the same teacher. They run the dojo and sometimes we help out with the tumbling classes. It gives the both of us something to do when we're not being crazy love sick newlyweds...and of course preparing for our little Orca's arrival."

Dom cracked a smile at that and nodded. "We know how that is."

"So, Sapphire told us that you're a shaman?"

Connor nodded. "I'm in training, my dad is the real shaman. I've only just discovered my abilities. The night we did the cleansing ceremony was my first lesson. I realized for the first time that my gift was the ability to see the condition of living spirits…when I looked at Kira and saw for the first time, the spirit of our baby inside her. It was such a beautiful moment for me." As he said this, he smiled softly at his wife and kissed her forehead.

"Can you see mine?" Sapphire asked softly.

Connor gave her a look of soft surprise. "Only with your permission. I don't intrude on someone's privacy unless I suspect they're in trouble."

Sapphire quietly got out of her seat and stood before Connor who brought forth his ability. She had the usual amount of scarring that most people had, but there, in the area of her womb, he could see a bright spot surrounded by her own happy glow.

"I can see it. Congratulations!"

Leif pulled out his wallet and showed them all the sonogram picture. "We just heard the heartbeat today."

"Well I'd say this call for a celebration! Kira said with a grin. I'm ready for dessert!"

3:00 PM

Angel Grove Elementary School

Connor and Kira pulled up to the school and pulled into a parking spot up front.

"Hey, there." Said the voice of Ariel as she walked over to them from her own car. "I didn't know you were picking Kayla up today."

Connor nodded as Kira sat up straighter. "Yeah, we promised to take Kayla out shopping for her date this weekend."

Ariel grinned at that. "Just for the outing at the pumpkin patch?"

"She's her mother's daughter." Kira answered with a grin. "I've heard stories about her high school days. She had to have a new outfit to wear for every date with Tommy. I'm not the least bit surprised. Neither was Kimberly when we told her about her daughter's request."

"Oh that's adorable." Ariel said with a shake of her head and then paused. "Axel called me during his lunch break and asked about you guys. There's talk going around the school about that cop being corrupt and that he was asking around about the Miscreant's whereabouts. He was getting a bad feeling about that guy."

"He wasn't wrong." Connor answered her. "If you see that cop again, be careful. He's a predator that has no problem targeting women or even children."

That got her attention. "Thanks for telling me. I'll keep my guard up."

Connor nodded. "For the time being, keep your kids close, especially your daughter. Hopefully soon, he'll be in custody and we can all breathe easier."

When the final bell rang, they waited for the kids to walk out the door. When they did, Kira broke out into a smile.

There was Kayla holding hands with Jude and they both wore beaming smiles.

Just out of curiosity, Connor called on his shaman senses and looked at both kids. His jaw dropped just a little when he saw their spirits. They shined brightly as he expected. What he didn't expect was that their precious hearts were beating in sync with each other.

He kissed her cheek sweetly and both their hearts sped up just for a few moments and then went back to normal as he walked towards his mom's car.

Kayla walked towards them and swung her backpack into the back seat.

"Connor, Kira! You're here!"

"Of course, Little Ninja. We did promise a shopping day, didn't we?"

So, what do you guys think? I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and will leave a nice review for me, it helps me keep things going!

Mostly likely, this story will continue with the either My Kimberly/My Tommy or The Miscreants. I haven't decided yet.