Once the trio had made it back to Sam's apartment safely, they climbed in through the fire escape. Bass explained the whole incident with the power plant, which made Chaud pace.

"Something isn't right about your story." He said, still pacing, hands tucked into his pockets. "But I don't know what?"

Poking her brunette head around the corner, Sam piped up. "Well, I don't know, but I just finished a fantastic dinner for all of us! C'mon, it'll get cold eventually."

ProtoMan, who had been making sure Starfire wasn't harmed or mad at him in any way, smiled. Finally, he could see what humans found so fascinating about food!

Starfire bounded into the kitchen, taking a seat at the rectangular table that had one of the short ends pushed against the wall. "Awright! Let's dig in!"

Taking the seat across from her, Bass grinned. "Amen to that Starry. I'm starved!"

Sam gave him a look as she sat down next to Starfire. "Where'd you learn that?"

Shrugging, the purple haired youth swept his napkin into his lap. "I dunno, picked it up from humans I suppose."

Chuckling at the irony of this statement, Chaud lowered himself into a seat beside the Black Shadow.

ProtoMan sat at the head of the table and looked at the spread before him.

There was a beef roast, rolls, butter, salt, pepper, gravy, and a number of other good things. Sam started with the beef and passed it around. When everyone had taken what they wanted, light conversation was struck up.

"So, ShadowMan eh? Well, that proves he's here in this realm."

"That may be true Bass, but how do we know that wasn't just a hologram of him designed to scare the crap out of anyone who got near that factory? I wonder what's so special about it anyways."

"That's what I want to know Sam. It just doesn't make sense that ShadowMan would take the time to guard a century old power plant."

"Too true Chaud."

"Don't talk with your mouth full Oniichan!"

"Sorry…"

"Mmm, this is good Sam! What is it?"

"Uh, Proto, those would be croutons. They're meant for the salad."

"Oh. I knew that."

Excusing herself from the table quickly, Sam returned with a French silk pie. "Dessert is served!" She quipped, dividing the pie into slices.

Bass didn't hesitate and tucked right into his slice, making Starfire giggle. "I think we may have a chocolate lover here!" She laughed.

After making sure that his slice was edible, ProtoMan tried a slice and found that he liked the flavor. It was rich and smooth, yet had a light and flaky crust.

When the table was cleared, which involved a couple games of rock-paper-scissors, the five sat back to relax.

"Right!" Sam said, clapping her hands. "It's time for a tradition in my house to begin!"

The boys, with the exception of Chaud, were confused. "Tradition?" Bass questioned, licking his fork clean.

"Yes," Star remarked. "In Sam's house, it's our tradition that after we eat, we state what we're thankful for. Sort of like what we're glad to have at the end of the day."

The silver haired boy pushed a strand of hair out of his eyes. "What we're thankful for? Like what?"

Smiling gently, Sam turned her blue eyed gaze to Chaud. "Here, why don't you start us off Chaud and Proto will catch on."

Nodding, Chaud thought for a moment. "Today, I'm thankful that nobody was hurt by ShadowMan."

"I get it!" Exclaimed Bass. "My turn! I'm thankful for the people I have around me." He stated, leaning back in his chair.

Sam's face was lit up with a smile. "You're getting it! All right, today, I'm thankful for having all of you here in my world for the first time. You'll have a blast while this lasts."

Pondering for only a second, Star launched right into hers. "I'm grateful for the people who care about me. You guys rock!"

Finally, ProtoMan took his turn. "I'm thankful for the people who are here now, and unconditional love." His gaze fell on Starfire, who smiled. "We're all in this together and everything we've been through together in the past will come up to this point. Trust, friendship, caring, and bravery will all be essential for survival here. And no matter how much we fight, we all know that beneath it all nobody means the things we say." The silver haired Navi allowed his gaze to sweep around the table.

Chaud, his friend and operator, ready to back him at any given moment.

Bass, bold and somewhat reckless, but ready for anything that would threaten his friends. He would give back double what he got.

Starfire, so loving and trusting of those around her. She always had a smile on her face.

Sam, sweet and innocent. Her partnership with Starfire might not be perfect by any means, but that didn't mean their bond was any weaker.

"In short, I'm thankful for those of you around me and the bond we share."

Everyone smiled at the end, and deep down, they all knew that it was the truth.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Happy Thanksgiving! ProtoMan pretty much sums up what I'm thankful for, but I'll give my own list.

HydraMan, for being my first reviewer. I don't remember whether you reviewed Light In The Darkness or I reviewed Blades of Time, but at any rate, you've stuck with me, so thanks a ton.

SithKing Zero, the best Oniichan a girl could want. Yeah, you're a pest at times and scare the heck outta me others, but no matter what, there's only one you. I mean, who else am I gonna test drive my new chapters by?

Vulpix1000, even though I don't know you too well, you're still there. You've reviewed my Oniichan's stories, so that's something. I'm glad you decided to let me join your C2, so thanks a bunch for that.

Chise-sama, I don't know who else is as crazy as I am. You'd better get a move on that new story of yours or you'll have an angry mob of SithKing and I on your tail. WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE! But you're always so supportive and I look forward to releasing The Story, which we've co-authored together over the past two or three years.

Telith deserves a mention, even though she's not an author. She's always asking for news on the stories I write and offers her two cents worth. If you're reading this, you rock my socks. And yes, I am wearing socks. Plus, who's going to smoke pears and sniff peaches with me? ((Inside joke, you don't have to get it.))

My computer and the Internet for not crashing on me while trying to write this, although I can't say the same for my wireless mouse. It's possessed by a demon I tell ya!

Anyone who's reviewed in the past but hasn't reviewed now but still reads the stories. Thanks ever so much and please, review again! I love your opinions. And to my friend, Ace. He's given me an idea to include the lyrics for every song I've used in my stories in lyric format, so that will be a bonus chapter for when Blitz Chick is feeling lazy.

Dear heavens, I've just written the longest author note ever. But thanks everyone and happy thanksgiving!