Hehe…sorry for not updating on Christmas. My internet was whacko, then I got wrapped up in other things. It's a month late but…It's my birthday! :D
-(::)-
The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.
-Johnny Depp
-(::)-
Christmas is always exciting. Especially for young children. Parker still had no memories of her adult life and had barely uttered any words to anyone. Loki continued to bully her and Elizabeth continued to bully him. But when Christmas came, everyone was excited.
Several gifts were exchanged and thank you's were said. It came down to Tony's gifts and those were the most interesting. And his to Marie was the most shocking and yet the most cliché.
"Hey, Marie," Tony said. The five year old looked up at the billionaire. "I have a present, but I couldn't wrap it. You wanna come see it, or shall I go get it?" Marie thought for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, I'll bring it in in a sec." He left the living room and went to his bedroom. After a few minutes, Tony came out from the hallway. Marie's eyes went wide in excitement. She leapt to her feet with a grin on her face. Tony held an Aussie puppy in his arms.
"Uh…Tony?" said Clint. "Is that a dog?"
"No," he said sarcastically. "It's a bird." He set it down on the ground in front of Marie. It stepped forward cautiously and looked at the child. Marie smiled from ear to ear and kelt down to get closer to the dog's height. She scratched it by the ear and it stepped closer, seemingly grinning. It put it's two forepaws on her knees, getting closer to her. "Did you even do any research or think this through?" asked Bruce.
Tony shrugged. "Well I learned they're loyal, sociable, intelligent, good with kids, and – you've gotta admit – downright adorable. Yes I just said that word! Look at them!" he said, gesturing towards Marie and the small Australian Shepherd.
Everyone looked towards the two. The Aussie was now up on Marie's lap, attacking her face with fond licks. "What's his name?" Marie asked.
"You get to name him."
She looked like she'd just been offered a shopping spree in a candy shop. "Really?"
"Yep. He's your dog."
Marie held him close and scratched him. "Mm…Gladstone."
Both Lily and Elizabeth looked at Marie before exchanging worried glances. "Why Gladstone?" asked Lily.
Marie shrugged. "Seems fitting," she said. She continued to pet the puppy.
-(::)-
Marie rushed into the kitchen followed by her new puppy and pulled on Steve's shirt. He looked down at the five year old and smiled. "What is it?"
"Gladstone already knows his own name and how to stay!" she said excitedly. "Watch!" She turned to the dog. "Stay." Marie walked towards the doorway. She then turned back to the puppy. "Gladstone," the dog looked up, "come!"
The Aussie ran over to his owner and stood confidently by her side. Marie grinned up at Steve. "See?" she said proudly.
Steve smiled. "That's very good. Do you think you can teach him other tricks?" he asked. Marie nodded, bouncing up and down.
"Come on, Gladstone!" she said, rushing out of the room.
Once Marie had left, Lily stepped in. "Gladstone…" she mused. "Like the dog from Sherlock Holmes…" She shook her head and turned towards Steve. "I think some of her memories may be resurfacing. I'm fairly sure she's never even heard of Sherlock Holmes at this age and I doubt any normal five year old would name their dog Gladstone."
-(::)-
"Ms. Falda," said JARVIS. Lily looked up from her book. "I do believe there is disturbance in Ms. Pennie's, Ms. Kiehof's, and Mr. Lauefyson's room." Lily hurriedly scrambled to her feet.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"I do believe they gained a year's age overnight."
"Get Thor to Loki's room and Steve to Parker's," she ordered.
"Right away miss."
Lily hurried down the hall and came to a halt at Elizabeth's door. She knocked four times before walking in without a response. Her eyes landed upon Elizabeth and it was evident her friend had become a seven year old. The superhero, Wonder, was somewhat taller and her hair slightly longer. The silver streak was once again in her hair and this confused Lily greatly. None of the trio had gained their powers until they were all thirteen.
"Lily, I can fly and shape-shift again," she said frightfully.
"And that's bad because…?"
"That means Parker probably has her powers too. She doesn't have her memories. A little six year old girl waking up in a strange room with telekinesis and telepathy?" The blood in Lily's veins ran cold. "Not good!"
-(::)-
Steve knocked gently on Parker's door. "Marie?" he said. He waited a beat before slipping into the room with a creak of the wooden door. He looked in and saw little Parker struggling in her sheets. She popped her head up at the sound of the super soldier entering her bedroom. "Steve!" she cried out. "Why am I a little girl! What's going on!"
Tony: HALLELUJAH! No more kid minds!
Me: Mwahahahaha!
Tony: Why do I get the feeling you'll turn it around on me…
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**Would you be interested in seeing more of Gladstone? Please review and tell me your answer! ;D
****OOH! One more thing! I promise an exciting chapter next, so please stick with me! If you review you'll get a preview :D