Here we go, more insanity in the place the Brotherhood calls home. I don't own Dimitri or the Brotherhood of Guardians; both are copyright to Archie.


Spectre walked along the halls of Haven, enjoying the peace and quiet for a change. He knew it wouldn't last long, it never did, but he was going to enjoy it while it did. He hummed to himself a little, relishing the quiet when the sound of a doorbell broke it. Spectre paused briefly, slightly confused. Haven didn't have doorbells. Haven was hidden, a secret to the rest of the world. No one would ever expect anyone to come calling here.

Must be my imagination. Spectre shrugged and continued walking when he heard the same sound again. This time he was certain he hadn't heard things. As he was pondering the issue, the doorbell sounded again. What in the name of Edmund? How could Haven come to possess a doorbell? It's not something that would have come with, it would have had to have been installed. Then it dawned on him.

Oh Locke. Spectre called out for his grandson with the sweetest mental voice he could muster. He could feel Locke tense up.

Yes Grandfather? Locke knew that Spectre calling for one in such a manner always bode ill.

Locke, since when did Haven possess a doorbell?

About a week ago, why?

Because it's ringing.

Really? I didn't think anyone would use it. Locke sounded quite pleased, and this only served to annoy Spectre.

Might I inquire as to why you installed a doorbell?

I was bored.

Spectre slapped his forehead with his hand. Locke must have been extremely bored to have installed something so ludicrous in Haven. Next time you're bored Grandson, look for me. I'll find you something constructive to do.

Yes Grandfather came Locke's meek reply.

The doorbell sounded again, earning a groan from Spectre. He might as well go and see who it was. Knowing his luck, he'd probably find Athair playing with it and a chance to beat the hyperactive echidna was always something he looked forward to.

The doorbell sounded a couple more times as Spectre approached. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he growled. Spectre opened the door, not all prepared for what greeted him on the other side.

"Spectre!" cried an overjoyed Dimitri. "Come give me a hug!"

Spectre slammed the door shut instantly, whirling around as he did so, leaving him with his back against the door, his eyes wide with terror. What the hell was Dimitri doing here? Maybe he was imagining things. It was still early enough in the morning; maybe his brain wasn't fully awake yet.

Maybe I'm still dreaming. Maybe Sojourner's playing one of his jokes again.

From the corner of his eye, he caught a long object leaning against the wall. Athair's walking stick, which he claimed to have lost a few days ago. Well, since it was here, he might as well use it. He grabbed the stick and opened the door slightly, sticking out only his head and his right arm, stick in hand. Dimitri grinned at him; a grin that turned quickly into a look of confusion, and then annoyance as Spectre began poking him with the stick.

"Yes, I'm real. Now put that away!" Dimitri demanded. Spectre remained where he was, not sure what exactly he should do.

"Just checking," Spectre replied. He lowered the stick but kept it ready, just in case. "What do you want?"

"I was wondering when you were going to ask that," Dimitri said with a sigh. "My grandchildren are driving me insane. I need to get out of there and I have nowhere to go. Then I remembered my darling nephews and decided that I can move in with you."

Dimitri smiled, obviously pleased with his idea. Spectre gawked at him. Dimitri, live in Haven with them? As if Spectre didn't have enough to deal with. Why must his life always be such a mess? Why him, he mused as he hung his and sighed.

"Well?" Dimitri asked, his luggage in his hand.

"Go away," Spectre replied. He promptly shut the door, laying the stick by the wall afterwards. He was on his way back inside when the doorbell rang again. Spectre sighed, walked back, and opened the door. "What?"

"Come on, you're not being fair," Dimitri whined. "You know what it's like to have some insane relatives. Don't wish you could move away from them? Let me live with you, please."

"No," came Spectre's curt reply, and he promptly shut the door. He walked away, grumbling slightly, when the bell rang again. Spectre grimaced but kept walking. It rang again, and again, and again. Spectre shook in fury for a few seconds before stomping back to the door, the bell ringing the whole time.

"I said go away!" Spectre shouted after opening the door again.

"I brought food," Dimitri said, holding up a plate of cookies, his eyes taking on a pleading look. Spectre stared at him for a couple seconds before shutting the door in his face again. He took only a few steps away when he suddenly turned around and opened the door again.

"What kind of cookies are those?" he asked to a now happy looking Dimitri.

"Oh, all kinds. I have oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, sugar cookies," Dimitri replied, pointing out each kind on the plate.

"Hmm… I always did like oatmeal raisin," Spectre replied. He snatched the plate from Dimitri's hands and closed the door again. He picked up a cookie and bite into it, relishing the taste. As he took another bite a blur ran by him, taking the plate of cookies with as it passed.

"Cookies!" Athair's excited voice rang. He danced around, balancing the plate of cookies on his head. Spectre watched in resigned amusement for a couple seconds before returning to his own cookie. After another couple of seconds, the doorbell rang again.

Locke!

The younger male's mental cringe was felt and Spectre knew he'd be on his way down. He intended to give Locke a piece of his mind once his grandson arrived. His other grandson was still dancing around and Spectre gave him a disapproving look, which Athair knew was a warning to tone it down. He smiled meekly and Spectre pointed down the hall. No words were needed, Athair knew he was to go the kitchen, now. Athair skipped down the hall, the plate now in his hands.

"You better share those!" Spectre shouted after him.

"Oh, cookies," Locke's voice said. Spectre waited and a few second later, Locke came down the hall, nibbling on a cookie. The doorbell rang again and Spectre rolled his eyes.

"Locke," Spectre said sweetly, wrapping and arm around Locke's shoulder. "If you ever install something in Haven out of boredom again, I'll kill you."

Locke gulped. "Yes Grandfather." The bell rang yet again. "Who is that?"

"Go and see for yourself Grandson," Spectre said, giving Locke a push towards the door.

Locke blinked at Spectre for a couple of minutes before turning to go answer the door. He wished he hadn't the second he saw who was standing on the other side.

"Locke!" Dimitri cried, opening his arms wide. Locke screamed and shut door as he whirled around, leaving him with his back against it. He locked eyes with Spectre for a few seconds, silently asking if he just saw what he thought he did. Spectre gave a slight nod and smile. Locke then noticed Athair's cane. He picked it up, opened the door, and began poking Dimitri with it.

"Quit that," Dimitri growled. "No wonder you never get any visitors. Your hospitality leaves much to be desired."

"What are you doing here?" Locke asked, more fear than annoyance in his voice. Dimitri sighed theatrically and slapped his forehead with his hands.

"He wants to move in with us," Spectre said from behind Locke.

"What?" Locke squeaked. He immediately shut the door, turning to face his grandfather. "You're kidding, right?"

"I wish I was Locke, I truly do, but that is exactly why he's here."

The doorbell rang again. This time it kept going, as if Dimitri didn't bother taking his finger off the button. Spectre gave Locke a quick glare and a mental kick. You're uninstalling that thing as soon as possible and don't you ever put in anything like that again or you'll be extremely sorry. Locke lowered his head apologetically. Spectre opened the door, ready to give Dimitri a piece of his mind. Before he could get a word out, Dimitri was on his knees, hugging Spectre around his.

"Please, I beg of you. Let me m live with you! I have nowhere else to go. Please!" Dimitri began tearing up as he looked at Spectre, his eyes begging for understanding.

"Oh get up," Spectre huffed. "Have you no dignity?"

"Not when I face the prospect of sleeping out in the cold or facing my hideous grandchildren again," Dimitri replied, his bottom lip trembling.

Spectre sighed. He looked so pathetic it wasn't even funny. He was tempted to kick Dimitri to the far end of the island but something inside him made him change his mind. Why not let him stay? It would be an interesting few days if nothing else and it would give him a chance to study and learn about his enemy. And then there was the fact that his presence would drives his sons absolutely wild. He couldn't pass that up.

"Very well Dimitri, you can stay with us for a little while."

"What?" Locke cried.

"Oh thank you Spectre!" Dimitri cried. He wrapped Spectre in a hug and gave the black echidna a big kiss on the cheek. Spectre sputtered and immediately wiped away at the spot once he had been released. He was about to say something to Dimitri but his uncle's attention was focused upon Locke, whom was leaning against the far wall, fear on his face.

"Come here Locke," Dimitri said, holding his arms wide. Locke remained frozen in place, shaking his head back and forth furiously. Dimitri growled and motioned with his hand for Locke to approach him. "I said come here." Locke shook his head again. "Now."

"No way, uh-uh, not happening," Locke replied.

"Get over here now," Dimitri insisted. Spectre watched quietly, waiting to see where this was going to go.

"I don't want to," Locke whined. "The last time you touched me it resulted in one of the wildest days of my life."

"But you enjoyed it."

"Yes, but…"

"Stop your whining and get over here," Dimitri said. He was slowly losing his temper. Locke shook his head again. "Damn it, get over here and give your uncle a hug and a kiss right now!"

Locke screamed and ran down the halls with Dimitri right on his heels.


Sabre sat at the surveillance monitors, bored out of his mind. He didn't know how Locke could stand to be at them so much, regardless of what he was watching. It was a wonder the boy's eyes hadn't given out on him yet. He was about to switch the monitors to something that might be worth watching when he heard his son's voice coming down the hall.

"Father, save me!"

Sabre sighed. What did my son do to piss off Thunderhawk this time? He got up and quickly exited the room, turning towards the direction he heard the voice come from. What he saw coming was the last thing he expected. His son was running for his life, he had expected that much, but it was Dimitri who was right on his tail.

"Locke, get down!" Sabre cried as he released a burst of chaos energy. Locke immediately complied, falling flat to the ground as the blast went over him and nailed Dimitri straight on. Dimitri fell to the floor with a grunt. Sabre ran forward and grabbed Locke, running over him with his eyes to check for any damage.

"Are you all right Locke, what happened? Did he hurt you?" Sabre asked with concern. The concern mounted when Locke wrapped his arms around his father tightly, obviously not wanting to let go.

"Please protect me," Locke said, his voice wavering.

"It's all right, I'm here," Sabre replied. He patting Locke's back, giving a heated glare to the echidna on the ground.

Dimitri groaned and sat up, rubbing his head. "Is this how you greet all of your relatives?"

"What did you do to my son?" Sabre growled.

"I just wanted a hug and kiss. Is that too much to ask?" Dimitri exclaimed.

"You wanted what?" Sabre replied, completely shocked.

"He's living with us for a few days," Spectre said. Sabre looked past Dimitri to see his dark grandfather coming down the hall, looking rather calm and carrying a suitcase as well.

"He's living here?" Sabre said, so completely shocked by the news that he forgot he was holding a shaking Locke in his arms.

"Father, let go, you're squeezing me," Locke said, struggling a little in his father's arms. Sabre said nothing verbally, he only responded by squeezing Locke tighter.

"Sabre," Spectre said, his tone amused. "You're going to crush Locke if you squeeze any harder." Sabre did not respond.

Dimitri was on his feet now, growling. "I want hugs and kisses from my nephews and I'm going to get them if it kills me." He walked forward and seized Sabre and Locke. Sabre tightened his grip on Locke, who was now buried in his father's arms. Both looked at Dimitri in fear as he hugged them both before planting large kisses on their cheeks.

"That's better," Dimitri said, releasing them. Neither male responded for several seconds, as the absurdity of the scenario was still sinking in. Once it had, they separated, both of them now rubbing their cheeks, groaning in protest.

"What is it?" Dimitri asked. "Is it my breath? Do I need a mint? I'm not diseased am I?"

"Would like it if one of us came up and hugged and kissed you?" Locke asked, still grumbling.

"It'd be nice," Dimitri grumbled, crossing his arms.

By now the rest of the Brotherhood had come running, having heard Locke's cry for help, all three frozen in place at the sight of their enemy within their home. Thunderhawk reacted first and prepared to attack when Spectre got in front of Dimitri, holding his hand out in a stopping gesture. Thunderhawk was taken aback by his father's unusual action, as was Sojourner and Athair.

"He's living with us for a few days," Spectre said, wanting to get the explanation out before any of them opened their mouths. "I expect everyone here to behave himself accordingly."

No one said anything in response. All they could do was blink in shock. Spectre must have lost it completely if he was allowing this to happen. After a couple more seconds of silence, the room erupted in torrent of protests.

"He can't stay here!"

"He's our enemy! He's trying to learn our secrets!"

"He's using mind control on you, isn't he?"

"I think you've completely lost your mind!"

"This is going to be fun!"

Everyone turned to face Athair, who was looking rather excited. Before any of them could lay into him though, Dimitri raced forward and enveloped Athair in a huge hug, which the brown-furred echidna returned all too gladly.

"Finally, someone to love me!" Dimitri cried, looking as though he was on the verge of tears.

"I love you Uncle Dimitri!" Athair replied. "And we're going to have so much fun. We can share stories, and sing karaoke, bake, and get into all kinds of trouble."

Dimitri and Athair locked hands and began dancing around. Spectre groaned and buried his face in his hands. Slight pangs of regret were beginning to tug at him. He looked up to see that his other four sons were fixing him with very heated glares. Spectre could only smile and shrug helplessly in response.


"I'm telling you it's poisoned!" Thunderhawk bellowed. He was sitting in his chair looking extremely grumpy, having not been able to sleep last night. No one could, not with Dimitri and Athair running around pretending to haunt the halls.

"Just shut up and eat," Spectre replied. His eyes were bloodshot.

Sojourner was half asleep over his glass of orange juice and Sabre was already nodding off at the table. Only Locke seemed partially awake but he barely slept much anyway. Spectre couldn't believe Athair and Dimitri were so perky after running around all night but knowing Athair everything remotely filled with sugar had to be missing from the pantries.

"It is not poisoned!" Dimitri growled, shaking the spatula at Thunderhawk. "Look at Athair, he's eating them without any ill effects."

"Athair's stomach is a different scenario all of it's own," Sojourner mumbled.

"None of you are leaving until you eat my pancakes and that's final," Dimitri said, crossing his arms and giving his nephews his best glare.

Everyone exchanged glances, save for Athair who was eating hungrily. It was either fight and remain in the kitchen for the next several days or stuff the food down. Reluctantly they all picked up their forks.


"It was an accident Grandfather! How many time must I tell you that?"

Locke the echidna stood in place, hands on hips, glowering at his lavender grandfather, who was giving him just as heated a glare back. Thunderhawk held a machine in his hands, another one of Locke's little inventions, that the elder crushed in a fit of fury.

"We don't need machines to vacuum our fur Locke," Thunderhawk growled. "It's not like we have fleas. Why can't you invent anything useful?"

"I do, but what good is being an inventor if I can't be a little creative once in a while?"

"Bah, you only build this crap because you have nothing better to do," Thunderhawk replied, shaking his fist. "I think it's time we gave you something to work on. Hell, we might as well send you back out onto the island to guard it with your son, since you can't seem to make yourself useful around here."

"I'm plenty useful around here," Locke said, grumbling. He crossed his arms and looked off to the side, not wanting to even look at his grandfather.

"Of course you are, always on surveillance or in your lab. What do you do on surveillance that doesn't constitute as stalking?" Thunderhawk rumbled. Locke gasped in shock and turned a surprised face to him. "Don't act innocent. We all know you can't stop peeking in on your ex every once in a while. It's pathetic, you know that?"

Locke growled slightly and turned away. He was sorely tempted to give his obnoxious grandfather a punch in the snout but he knew doing so would result in a week's worth of misery for him. Listening to Thunderhawk complain every once in a while was bad enough but having him on his case on a constant basis was going to drive Locke to suicide. He didn't need Thunderhawk layering him with projects or anything he felt was "for the betterment" of his person.

"Look at me when I talk to you Locke," Thunderhawk snapped. He reached forward, grabbed Locke under the chin and turned his face to meet his own. "And don't give me any attitude. You obviously are in sore need of discipline. Have you no respect for your elders?"

"Have you no respect for anyone other than yourself?" Locke retorted.

"Don't sass me boy. You obviously need to be retrained."

"Look who's talking," Locke muttered. Thunderhawk's face darkened and he moved to slap some sense into his disrespectful grandchild when a voice stopped him.

"Hey, that's no way to show love and support for one's own!"

Both men looked towards the door to see Dimitri running in. He quickly moved between the two men and pushed them apart. Locke actually was grateful for his uncle's appearance this once. Anything to get away from Thunderhawk.

"This is between me and Locke," Thunderhawk said angrily. "And don't give me any business about love and support. I bet you beat your own grandchildren senseless."

"Only when I have to," Dimitri admitted.

"Just stay out of this. Don't you have more havoc to wreck with Athair or something?"

"Athair's with Spectre right now, so I thought I'd see how the rest of my nephews were doing. Obviously I'm needed here."

"You're not needed or wanted here," Thunderhawk growled. Dimitri narrowed his eyes, returning Thunderhawk's glare.

"I think the one who needs some discipline around here is you," Dimitri said, rolling up his sleeves.

"I dare you to try it," Thunderhawk challenged as he took on a fighting stance. Locke watched from a distance, having stepped back the second Dimitri's attitude began changing.

"I'll see it done!" Dimitri replied.

Before Thunderhawk could blink, Dimitri seized his arm and pulled him forward. Thunderhawk stumbled forward and Dimitri had him under his arm a second later. Locke stepped back another couple of paces, surprised by Dimitri's action. He had expected a fist fight of some kind, but not this and he, as well as his grandfather, was not prepared for what came next.

"I'll show you discipline," Dimitri said as he began spanking Thunderhawk. The lavender male protested loudly and began squirming to free himself. He stopped momentarily when he heard snickering nearby. Locke was fighting to hold back his laughter and Thunderhawk glowered at him. As soon as he could get his hands on him…

"Let me go you sick freak!" Thunderhawk bellowed. He renewed his struggle but Dimitri held him firmly.

"Not until you learn some respect yourself!" Dimitri replied.

Dimitri continued to punish Thunderhawk, who yelled in protest while Locke stood by, thoroughly enjoying his grandfather's humiliation. If only the rest of the Brotherhood could be here to see this. He was about to call them when Spectre walked into the room. He froze, looking at the scenario in front of him, an eyebrow raised.

"Father, help me!" Thunderhawk cried. Part of him was dying of embarrassment but the desire to get away from Dimitri was stronger.

"Help you? I don't see anything wrong," Spectre replied. His voice was level, but a hint of a smirk could be seen on his face. Spectre promptly turned and walked out of the room, the action sending Locke into a fit of laughter.

"Shut up!" Thunderhawk snapped before turning his head to shout at the door Spectre just left through. "Get back here and defend my dignity! What kind of Father are you?"

"Apparently a good one," Dimitri said.

"No one asked you," Thunderhawk snarled.

Dimitri gave him a few more slaps before releasing him. Unprepared to be released, he fell to the floor on his face, earning more laughs from Locke. Dimitri grinned down at him, looking quite pleased himself. Thunderhawk glared at his grandson, resisting the urge to kill him on the spot, along with his impudent uncle. He couldn't remember the last time he took such a blow to his pride.

After a couple seconds, Thunderhawk stood and brushed himself off, trying to maintain a lofty expression. His grooming complete, he walked over and grabbed Locke by the front of his robes and lifted the male into the air. Locke gulped and stopped laughing immediately as he was brought nose to nose with his infuriated grandfather.

"If you ever, ever, mention this to anyone," Thunderhawk growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I'll kill you."

"Yes Grandfather," Locke replied in his most appeasing tone. Thunderhawk dropped him and stalked out of the room.

"He needs to lighten up," Dimitri muttered. Locke smirked and turned to face his savior.

"It'll never happen. Thanks for the memory. I intend to relish that one."

Dimitri grinned. "My pleasure."


"I can't take any more of this," Sabre moaned. He had his head on the table, buried in his arms.

Dimitri and Athair were in the recreation room, singing karaoke, very bad karaoke, and everyone else was at their wits end. This scenario had been happening the past several nights and each echidna never wished to hear another note again. Thunderhawk had locked himself up in his room and everyone thought he was keeping himself there in an attempt to preserve his sanity. Locke knew better but kept his mouth shut, even thought he badly wanted to share his grandfather's humiliation with his father and Sojourner.

"Maybe I should go lock myself in my room. At the very least I might keep myself from killing my grandson." Sojourner had his hands over his ears, grimacing with each badly sung note.

"Look at it this way, at least Dimitri's not trying to kill us," Spectre replied. He seemed rather peaceful, which was very unusual for him, given his notoriously bad temper. Locke couldn't help but feel he was up to no good but decided not to spend too much time on the idea.

"You're being awfully calm about this Grandfather Spectre," Sabre said suspiciously. "Shouldn't you be rampaging through the halls screaming for heads to roll by now?"

"Sabre, Sabre, Sabre," Spectre chided gently. "Losing my temper on such a constant basis isn't good for my health. I'd like to live for another one hundred years if possible."

"Since when do you control your temper?" Sojourner replied. He was giving Spectre a suspicious look as well.

"Does it matter?" Spectre asked. He winced briefly t a particularly high note, but returned to his happy state a second later.

"I think we're looking at full blown denial here," Locke said.

"I think you're right son," Sabre said. He sighed and buried his head in his arms again.

"Would anyone miss me if I committed suicide right here and now?" Sojourner asked.

"And who do we leave your collection to after you go?" Locke asked. Sojourner grumbled and slid down in his chair.

"Could at least make them go a soundproof room?" Sabre begged. He gave Spectre a pleading look.

"We don't have a soundproof room," Spectre replied, wishing now that one existed.

"Can I make one?" Locke asked.

"No," Spectre replied, receiving a hurt look from Locke. "With everything you've been inventing lately, I shudder to think what would go into that room."

"Thank for the vote of confidence Grandfather," Locke replied, sulking in his chair.

"And I thought it was bad when they were using the shuttles as bumper cars," Sabre moaned.

"At least Dimitri wasn't in your room making a mess of things. My lab is a complete wreck." Locke made a slight whimper.

"At least cleaning it will keep you busy for the next week," Sojourner replied.

"Oh sure, like you don't have anything to do," Locke retorted. Sojourner colored slightly. He knew what Locke was referring to and he gave Locke a mildly reproachful look.

Suddenly a wave of ferocity was felt coming in their direction. The intensity of it even quieted the voices down the hall. Everyone looked towards the door and two seconds later Thunderhawk appeared, looking like he was ready to kill. The singing began again in earnest.

"This is all your fault," Thunderhawk said, growling deeply. He fixed a heated glare upon Spectre, who seemed unfazed by Thunderhawk's temper.

"Mellow out will you," Locke said. He couldn't help but grin and Thunderhawk knew what about. He turned angry eyes on his grandchild, the warning to keep silent all to plain in his eyes.

"Really now Thunderhawk, calm down," Spectre said. His mild tone did nothing to calm the lavender echidna's nerves. "We're all suffering. You need to learn how to let things slide off your back."

"This coming from the king of grudge holders," Thunderhawk muttered. He took a seat at the table, keeping his distance from his relatives.

"We're not going to bite," Sojourner said.

"Don't mind him, he's still pouting from having Dimitri get the better of him." Locke smirked again. Thunderhawk snarled and pounded the table with his fist, shooting Locke furious glare.

"What are you talking about?" Sabre asked.

"Dimitri gave my son a good spanking a couple days ago," Spectre said with a slight chuckle.

Thunderhawk colored and moved to strangle his father but Spectre put an end to that with a quick wave of his hand. A small burst of chaos energy surrounded Thunderhawk and knocked him back into his chair, holding him in place for several seconds before fading. Thunderhawk glared at his father but didn't bother to make another move.

"Are you serious?" Sojourner cried. "Dimitri, spanked… you? You, of all echidnas?" Sojourner's laughter echoed in the room and soon everyone was joining in.

"It was one of the greatest things I ever saw," Locke said.

"Oh come now Grandfather," Sabre said, trying to keep a calm attitude despite the fact he was laughing as loudly as the rest of his relatives. "We've all had our embarrassing moments. You'll get over it."

"Finally, something to throw in your face," Sojourner said. Tears were streaming down his face.

Thunderhawk said nothing. He glowered darkly at his father and sons, images of painfully deaths running through his mind. Spectre got up and walked over to him and patted him on the shoulder once he was in arms length. The younger male grumbled and pulled away. Spectre made a light tsking sound before patting him on the head.

"It serves you right," Spectre whispered. "Next time stop fretting over little things and stop bullying Locke while you're at it."

"Go away," Thunderhawk said, pouting, as laughter continued to ring throughout the room.


Howls of rage echoed throughout Haven. It was early morning and the entire Brotherhood was awakened by the sudden noise. Quickly they gathered at the source, Dimitri, who was watching something on the surveillance monitors.

"Dimitri, what's going on?" Spectre asked grumpily. He hated being woken up in the morning any earlier than he had to be.

"My grandchildren, that's what's going on. With me not there to reign them in, they've taken over the Legion and made a mess of things!"

The Brotherhood gathered around the monitors. Things definitely seemed out of sorts. Most of the men and women in the Legion were dressed rather provocatively, many of them showing parts that were better left to the imagination. Many of the buildings had been burned or shot at and the Echidna Security Team was seen all over the place.

"What happened?" Locke asked.

"Well, first off it seems Moritori tried to recruit people for the Legion again," Dimitri grumbled. "I'm all for it but he has to go make some wild announcement in Echidnapolis, as usual, and next thing we know, we've being invaded by the EST. It never fails, this happens every time! Do you have any idea how long it takes to clear them out and erase their memories of our location?" Everyone looked at Dimitri and shook their heads, not one of them knowing what to say.

"And what about the clothes?" Sojourner asked, eyeing some of the more attractive women.

"Lien-Da's doing. Her taste in clothing leaves much to be desired. This is why I encourage nudity. My people can't work when they're dressed to distract like that! And if I find Moritori messing with any of my women again…"

The Brotherhood exchanged looks.

"That does it," Dimitri said, standing up. "I enjoyed my time with you nephews, but it appears I have to return home and fix things, again."

"That's perfectly all right," Spectre replied, fighting the urge to fall to the floor and praise the gods. "We enjoyed your company but I think it's time you took care of your grandchildren before they ruin everything you worked so hard to build." The rest of the Brotherhood nodded encouragingly, all of them eager to get rid of Dimitri.

"I better get going before the EST brings my city to the ground." Dimitri turned and gave everyone hugs. "It's been fun; come by and visit me sometime."

"Oh, right, sure," Spectre sputtered. Locke and Athair offered equally semi-heartfelt agreements.

Dimitri sped out of the room, leaving very confused but also relieved relatives behind him. Athair let out a sigh of relief and fell to the ground on his knees. Spectre gave him a sympathetic smile while everyone else stood around, breathing easier themselves. After a few minutes Dimitri ran by, giving them a quick wave as he passed, which they returned all too gladly. Locke was in the surveillance chair and a few moments later they witnessed Dimitri leaving the compound.

"Thank you Aurora," Thunderhawk said.

"I hope we never have to do that again," Sabre said. He leaned against the chair.

"Are you well Athair?" Spectre asked. The brown-furred echidna had fallen over and was now lying on his back on the floor, looking extremely relieved himself.

"What's with you?" Sojourner asked, staring at his grandson. "I thought you enjoyed his company."

"I was just being friendly," Athair replied. "But he's a hand full. I never imagined that even he could be so hyper." Everyone, save for Spectre, stared at Athair in surprise. Since when was he ever worn out?

"I never thought I'd see the day when someone could wear Athair out," Thunderhawk mumbled in amazement.

"I just did what he wanted to keep him from causing us trouble. Besides, none of you ever play with me." Athair crossed his arms.

"You mean to tell me that all your running around was just you trying to keep Dimitri happy?" Sabre asked.

"Mostly," Athair admitted. "I figure he'd remember my kindness and be less likely to kill me later on. And besides, Grandfather Spectre asked me to keep him busy. As long as Dimitri was happy, he could watch him."

Everyone turned their attention to Spectre, looking for answers. He glanced at each on of his sons, surprised they didn't figure out what he was up to. Spectre shook his head, wondering what he was going to do with his children.

"Oh come on," Spectre said with a sigh. "You don't think I would have allowed Dimitrito stay unless I was going to use it to our advantage. I was studying his personality, looking for weaknesses."

"And what did you find Father?" Thunderhawk asked, slightly annoyed.

"That Dimitri is insane beyond measure," Spectre said with another sigh. "How the hell we haven't beaten him by now is beyond me."

"Probably because we're no better," Sabre mumbled. Spectre shot him a look and Sabre explained. "Well, look at how we function a majority of the time. You can't say things around here are sane."

"He has a point," Locke said.

"It's a miracle all of echidna civilization hasn't fallen apart yet," Sojourner muttered.

"I know, I know," Spectre replied. "Aurora help us all."