'Holiday' Special #7: James' Birthday

Everyone has their own birthday traditions. Some people prefer to spend the day in private contemplation, perhaps with a glass of wine. Most enjoy the company of friends and family, with food and presents. Year after year of fighting had left James with a special appreciation for the later.

[New Quest Alert: Happy Birthday!]]

[Enjoy your birthday with you friends!]

[Reward: 10,000,000 XP and a day with friends]

[Failure: Unnecessary moping]

[Accept?]

[Yes] [No]

No sooner did he push the button than Taylor approached. "What are you looking so serious about?" She handed him a cup. "It's your birthday! All of us are here today! Stop worrying about the world and join us!"

All was a good word for it. Almost every parahuman peer James had ever befriended was at the party, along with a few he never quite settled things with. Sure there were some divisions between former enemies, but no one was making anything of it.

The Undersiders had taken up residence by the food table. Brian yelped in an unexpected manner as Aisha took his tray of finger foods away and gave it to a surprised Alec. Both guys gave Lisa the stink-eye for laughing at them before registering their vanishing teammates' presence. Rachel simply ignored her noisier comrades as she snuck all the most desirable (and expensive) slices of meat under the table.

The Wards were mostly lingering near the punch bowl, ostensibly to guard it from tampering. Carlos suddenly freezing was the first hint that Dennis was trying something. Dean managed to dodge in time and snatched a flask from the jokester. Chris nearly caught Missy off-guard with a Tinkertech container hidden in his watch, but she bent the flow around and dumped the contents on his head. Just as the more mature Wards were patting themselves on the back, a bolt splashed into the bowl and sprayed rum out. Sophia saluted from the rafters.

The dance floor was dominated by the Travelers. Krouse and Noelle were close dancing, still addicted to being able to touch again. Luke and Oliver looked lost as Jess and Marissa swayed and swirled around them. The girls didn't seem particular about who they were dancing with at any given moment, just enjoying the chance to move.

New Wave was spread all over the warehouse. Eric was trying to work his way into the dancing, focusing his attentions on Jess, all while failing to notice Elle sneaking up on him. In a corner, Crystal and Vicky were competing to see who could get the biggest blush out of Theo. Judging by the state of the poor kid, he'd pass out before they satisfied their competitive drives. The opposite corner held Amy, Lily, and Sabah, whispering and giggling secretively.

Even a few people James couldn't recall by civilian name had showed up. He was fairly certain the cage dancers were Circus and Browbeat. The DJ could only be Rune, given how the vinyl disks floated around her.

The party was perfect. James spent hours enjoying the party. He ate the spectacular food Taylor had [Cooked]. He drank with heroes and villains alike, laughing and sharing stories. He danced with every girl at the party. He caught up with old friends.

As the day came to a close, James said goodbye to each guest, one at a time. Instead of leaving though, they all lined up and smiled at him as the goofy grin slowly slid from his face.

"It's time to go now, James." Taylor leaned close, insistently. "It's been a wonderful day, but it's time to get back to work."

"I know." James gazed once more at his gathered friends. "I'll miss you."

[Quest Complete!]

"[ID Escape]" And James was alone in an empty warehouse.

Author's Note: I'm sorry to anyone expecting another light-hearted holiday. I had two ideas, and this one wouldn't have the same impact if it showed up later in the story.