Holiday Special #6: New Years Eve
New Years Eve was cold in the northeast. Especially after the sun had set. But after a crazy year of fighting and training for the predicted apocalypse, James thought a little cold was an acceptable price for some peace and quiet. Of course, a high-level [Elemental Resistance] certainly helped with the winter chill.
James carefully stepped between the various figures gathered on the hillside just west of Brockton Bay, balancing a tray of hot cocoa and donut holes. He finally took a seat beside Taylor on a large picnic blanket. Amy and Victoria leaned over to grab their steaming drinks before he could set them down.
"I almost wish Lung would show up again," Taylor complained as she wrapped her fingers around the hot drink. "Or Sundancer. Or Genesis. Or Circus."
"What about L33t?" Amy suggested slyly.
"Not reliable enough, even at exploding," Victoria responded as if by rote. All four heroes took a moment to laugh about the only cape too unreliable to base even a 'Springtime for Hitler' plan on. Literally.
After the last few giggles faded James checked his phone. Just over a minute left.
Taylor noticed the movement. "Just about time?"
"Yep." He nodded.
"Are they doing it the same as last year?"
Victoria burst in before James had to reply, "Almost. They've made a few changes for the first time in years." He took advantage of Taylor's distraction to silently activate a few skills. Ten.
"Oh, right, Kayden is helping this year, isn't she?" Taylor nodded to herself as she contemplated the ex-neonazi's defection. "She'll fit in well." Six.
"Theo's been trying to ask Crystal out." Amy was clearly amused by the thought. "I'm not sure she's noticed with how busy she's been practicing for the big show."
Two. James stood up, smoothly if abruptly. "Go time. [Flight]." He launched into the over the crowds gathered for the New Wave New Year Lightshow. "[Dragon's Scales]." Blasts of light from four directions reflected of him as he spun over the field, a human disco ball.
"That," Victoria grinned in pride, "Is totally worth all 29 times he beat me before he earned the skillbook."
"Oh. Is that what you were doing together for the last few weeks?" Amy and Taylor blurted in unison as the highly choreographed display unfolded overhead.
"That, and practicing with his flight once he had it. What did you think we were doing?"
Both would adamantly insist later their silence was just because the show was that breathtaking.
Quest completed!
Author's Note: Was not planned at first, but each holiday special so far has involved a different possible team for James and Taylor. Their actual team will likely be revealed before the next one, which means this was timed perfectly.