The smells coming from the oven was warm and welcoming. Dad and Sable ran around the kitchen chopping veggies and stirring a number of other items on the stove. Sable, being the bossy little nine-year-old that she was, had insisted that she and dad wore puffy chef hats and aprons, though the hats we had her a little large for her small head. I had to stop myself from laughing at her constant shooting of the hat on her head, otherwise I would spill the pan on my head.

The reason as to why I had a pan full of hot oil on my head was a long one. My family would always get up early on the morning of the opening day of the camp, allowing us to prep food, and decorate (we used fresh flowers) so that everything would be in the best condition. A few years ago, though the number of participants in the camp had doubled, and our stove couldn't take the number of goodies we needed. So, dad balanced four pans on my sitting form, and cooked on top of me. I've played this role every year since.

Apparently, it was also very funny to look at. I heard someone snicker behind me, I turned toward it, seeing Shawnen drag Bucky down the stairs.

"Don't laugh, we needed an extra stove!" I said with a playful glare.

"Row! Don't move! You've got a pot of boiling oil on your head!" Dad shouted, as if this stuff was going to burn me.

I tried not to roll my eyes.


Me and Cari finished up the safety check on our cabins early, so dad ordered me to clean myself up. I was going to work with him on greeting our most important guest this year, and he wanted me to look my best.

Aunt Kate had help me plan an outfit for today. Being a former performer, she knew how to dress up. Finding a lovely bright blue, skirted body suit wasn't too hard, and with her sewing skills it was easy for her to customize it with different colored rhinestones. I didn't bother to put on makeup, the only kind I really liked using was stuff that went on the eyes, and I was going to wear a mask, so that wouldn't work. Speaking of a mask, I opened up my closet, finding my dresser, and then pulled out the third drawer from the bottom. Inside was a number of colorful masks. I plucked up one of the more honey-colored masks, this one with a dull leathery shine.

I closed my eyes. Placing it on my face, I adjusted it once or twice before finally opened up my eyes again and saw clearly. Those glasses that Bucky had once seen me wear weren't just for show. My eyes sight wasn't really the best, not that I was completely blind without specs, I could still see things close up relatively clearly. But forget anything over 15 feet away. I got my first pair of glasses at 14, and when I earned my mask, Dad bought a whole collection of different colored mask with special lenses in the eye holes.

I couldn't really style my hair in anyway with how short it was, and I was going to cut it later anyway. So, I merely pulled it back with a gold and white headband. I went earrings galore, using every piercing I had gotten over the years. Both of my ears were decorated completely differently (I rarely had matches), with the only exception being a pair of gold and blue loop butterfly earrings that hung from my ear lobe.

I was admiring myself in the large mirror in my room, when something set of my powers. Faintly I felt the waves of the wind being disrupted, like a quiet buzzing in the back of my mind. It wasn't from inside of the house, and it didn't feel like someone just walking around or breathing; it was too small, and grew much too quickly. No, I knew this was from the outside. Something large, and fast, cutting through the air…My eyes widened.

"Dad!" I called out as I ran back down stairs.

"What's going on Flare?" he looked up at me as I entered the living space, to which he and Uncle Nico were cleaning.

"SR- 77 Black Bird just entered air space," I said.

Dad's eyes bugged out, before he took a deep breath. Yep, we were not ready, "Alright, Nico help me set up. Row, go out and meet them, lead them over to the landing sight, you know the drill."

I nodded, before rushing out the door. I ran through the party field, shouting a hello to Taiga and giving him a thump's up, before a pressed a leg into the ground and taking to the sky. I felt the wind swell underneath me, pushing my body upward. My heart leaped up into my throat in a familiar jolt of an adrenaline, I laughed.

The wind whipped my hair and loose clothes. The ground below me was like a collector's module town, well technically it was a forest, but that was only a minor detail. Eventually the sight of a large black shuttle came into view, I smirked. I slinged underneath the belly of the plane before slipping up the side of it. No reason I can't have a little be a fun before I fly them in.

I got close the side, floating just above one of the plane's wings, right next to a window. I could see a young man sitting in the window seat. He was covered in blue fur with bright yellow eyes, but I didn't gawk at his appearance. I just focused on the best attribute about him: he wasn't paying attention to his window. With one knock, he turned to look at me, and his mouth dropped. I cracked a smile, when he started shouting to his fellow passengers, and then pressed his face against the glass.

Arrow?

And there was the magical voice in my head.

'Morning professor,' I thought back.

Morning Arrow, it's good to see you again.

'You haven't technically seen me, yet sir.'

Well, I'm looking forward to it.

I laughed.

I suppose you will be leading us to our landing site?

'Is there a difference in what I do each year?'

I suppose not.

With that I felt the mental link fade, and I returned to the task at hand. It was a simple task really, flying in front of the ship, giving them warnings to anything flying toward them, eventually leading them to an open area near the farmhouse.

Dad and Uncle Nico, exited the house as I landed. They gave some quick orders to the others, before walking up to me.

"Good job, Flare," Dad whispered to me.

I smiled in return. Our (Me, Dad, and Uncle Nico's) attention was drawn to the opening door of the newly landed super jet. The ramp gentle fell to the grassy ground, although with Taiga living on the property, we didn't need to worry about lawn damage that much. There was the subtle clanging sound of footsteps, as a crowd of Mutants, both young and old, descended down the ramp. One of them, the boy with the blur fur and yellow eyes, points to me.

"Look! Look! Zat is her! Zat is ze girl I saw! Look Kitty!" He yelled to a young brunette girl next to him.

"I see her Kurt!" The brunette said back to the blue boy, who was apparently named Kurt, "Still I don't think that she can, like, fly."

I smirked and floated about a foot off the ground, before calling out, "Oh, no, I can fly!"

The smug and shocked expression I received were worth it.

"Row," Dad chided.

I just returned to the ground and smiled.

A familiar voice began to chuckle, "Well, it's good to see that the children are getting off to a good start."

I looked over finding a familiar looking, man in a wheelchair, accompanied by the presence of three adults and a gaggle of children. The three adults included, a familiar dark-skinned woman with lightning white hair, whom I recognized as Storm, a tall pale man with dark, almost tinted blue, hair, Mr. Logan (I knew who he was, but found it odd as he usually didn't come too our programs), and finally a man I didn't recognize. He's powers were clearly animalistic, if the fangs, blue fur, and crouched stance were anything to go by, but he didn't frighten me. I had seen too many weird things.

"Charles!" Dad greeted, offering a handshake, "Good to see you."

"Good to see you, as well, Christin," The professor took dad's hand excitedly, before turning to Uncle Nico, "Afternoon, Nico, good to see you are doing well."

"Pleasure as always professor," Uncle Nico said, with a nod.

The Professor, then turned to me, a large smile on his face, "Arrow, my how you have grown."

"Yeah, she ain't little anymore," Dad said with pride.

The professor nodded, "Um Christin, I'm sure you remember the members of my faculty, Storm and Logan," he gestured towards the blue man, "And this is, our newest teacher, please meet Hank McCoy."

Dad offered a hand to the man, "Good to meet you, Hank."

"Nice to meet you in person Striker," Mr. McCoy said, eagerly taking dad hand.

Dad raised a brow at the name.

"Oh, Professor Xavier, told me that it was proper in your culture to refer to adults by their chosen name," Mr. McCoy quickly explained.

"Well, Charles, is correct in that fact. I just don't really have that many people be that formal with me," Dad said.

"You want formality, you should ask Uncle Nico," I squeaked.

"Arrow," Dad chided, with a light glare.

I shut my mouth.

"Well, while it is good to see you again Christin," Storm cut in, "Me and Hank, need to get the children to sign in, and you have a meeting with the processor and many other guests to greet afterward. Where is Kate?"

"Front of the house, good to see Ororo," Dad said, with a nod.

After a quick reunion with, Scott and Jean, Storm and Mr. McCoy, lead the rest of the Professor's students, and the Professor and Mr. Logan joined us inside. Dad stepped out for a second to ask Jenette for something, so I took a moment to ask if anyone wanted beverages. Mr. Logan tried to ask for a beer, but Dad didn't allow any kind of alcoholic drinks when there was this many kids on the property.

"You seem to be doing well," Dad said as he walked back in.

"Yes, those extra books you sent me on other matter users, I found them quite helpful," The professor stated, "Uh, now could you tell me what was so urgent that you phoned me about few weeks ago?"

"Yeah, and why did you want me to be here?" Mr. Logan asked.

"Logan?" Spoke a soft voice.

I looked to the side of the room. Bucky was standing there, his blue eyes misted, and his mouth gaping slightly. The expression on his face was a mix of recognition, disbelieve, sorrow, and joy.

"Kid?" Mr. logan said, his own face twisting in shock.

The next moments, I didn't really get to see, as dad was rushing us out the room, while Bucky ran up and hugged Mr. Logan. We were forced onto the back porch. I turned to dad.

"What?" I asked, "Mr. Logan knows Bucky?"

"Wait did you say Bucky?" The professor asked Dad, "As in the youngest member of the howling commandos?"

Dad nodded, "Yep, don't worry we didn't believe it at first either."

"How did you…?" The professor said.

"Found him half-frozen up north. Cold save him from the incident, though, kid still lost an arm. Thankfully Row, was able to stop the bleeding, and keep him warm enough, until we got him to a proper medic," Dad said.

"Certainly, a great discovery. Now I understand why you wanted Logan here. Poor boy must have lost everything," The professor said.

"Yeah, he took the captain's death hard," Dad said.

The professor nodded, "Well, I suppose we'll have to postpone our meeting for a little bit. I should get back to my students."

"I will accompany you professor," Uncle Nico said making himself known again.

"What you're not going to help us with the other important guests?" Dad said, in a playful tone.

"No, because that is your job, as the owner of the camp and as Clan Leader, not mine," Uncle Nico said.

"You like helping me," Dad said.

"Do I enjoy playing your babysitter? I don't believe so," Uncle Nico said.

Dad put a hand to his chest in mock hurt, "Babysitter, I don't need one of those."

"Then act like an adult and do your job!"

I worked very hard to keep myself from laughing.


Dad and I spent the rest of the afternoon greeting guests. One of the more, tedious jobs of being in charge. Not something I'll look forward too if Dad picks me to be his successor. I swallowed thickly, that if was more of a when then I liked. It wasn't uncommon for Clan leaders to chose their children to take over when they step down. They were the ideal choice, crafted and nurtured into the perfect heir by the hands of the leader.

Of course, that didn't mean there weren't strays. Like history had stated, dynasty fall and rise. Mine has been here since Nexus was first in construction, one can only wonder how long until we tumble.

I could never believe my father could be corrupted. He was a kind man at heart, and a strong one. He didn't turn to alcohol, or other women, when my mother passed. He turned to his children. We had all felt the pain of her loss, but that only brought us closer. Dad made sure that we knew that no matter what, he'd be in our corner. And we'd be the same.

With the thought of my mother's death, my hand subconsciously made its way up to the back of my neck. Dad quickly took notice, and put his hand on my shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. Sometimes, I didn't think I deserved a father as good as him.

"Are you okay?" Dad whispered to me.

I nodded.

"Christin!" I familiar voice pulled out attention.

I smiled at the woman, as she came into view. Her face was split in a large pearly smile; the aged yet, bright green eyes standing out from her caramel complexion. A wild fire of autumn curls adorning her head, and flowing down her back in bouncing waves. She wore a long, flowing periwinkle dress, with off the shoulder, long sleeves, that began a gradual flare at the elbow, meaning the ends of them were large, sweeping and open. The hem of the shirt, as the sleeves were, was lined with a strip of lighter blue, and came just below her ankles, showing the matching sandals she wore. As she grew closer the shimmering gemstones of her metals and crown.

Clan Leader Frost Mist. The Counseling's representative of the clan Mari'spara. She had won her place in society by right of Niche Claim. Though no one expected her too. She had been barely of age, when she claimed power. But when a single mother, of a child forced upon her unwillingly is back into a corner, they're pushed to do something drastic. Mari'spara wasn't a very strong clan at the time. The sections in Nexus that her clan had most claim too, were not in the best of shape before her reign came; poverty tended to be the norm. Frost Mist pulled her people together, brought back old traditions, and reopened the mines that the last leader abandoned in a stupid ploy for power. She restored the clan back to its former glory.

That's why she was now dripping in diamonds. Her people had been miners for the rare gemstones underneath Nexus soil for a long time. Most of her people had been energy users which allows them to mine and forge, weapons and jewelry. Only the finest of pieces would go to the woman who save them. And she wore them proudly.

"Lanora," Dad greeted, "It's good to see you."

"It's good to be here. This is one of the things I look forward too all year. Sometimes I still wish Junia was still small enough to participate," Frost Mist said, with the slightest hint of an Israeli accent in her voice.

"Mami," Junia said walking up to us, "I am no longer a child."

"I know you are an adult, but that doesn't stop me from reminiscing," Frost Mist said.

"I know how you feel. Row just got too big to fast," Dad chimed in.

Junia's eye sparkled, and he turned to me, "Speaking, of the lovely lady Arrow," He reached for my hand, and pressed a kiss on to my knuckles, "Pleasure to see you."

I felt my cheeks flush. I glanced towards the ground, and my free hand pulled a lock of my hair behind my ear. Of course, I didn't miss the looks Dad and Frost Mist were giving us. The possibility of a union between two clans would be a major factor if courtship became a reality (most of our interactions had only been slightly flirtatious, or play dates as children). Though, I had a feeling Dad was probably more focused on the possibility of grandchildren.

"Junia, my boy. Good to see you," Dad interjected, offering a hand shake.

"Same to you, Clan leader Striker," Junia said in return, taking the hand shake.

"Oh please, kiddo, you're old enough to call me Christin, and far too close to my daughter to be calling me by that title," Dad said.

"Dad," I fussed, lightly.

"So, Junia, you going to take up the offer of becoming one of the swim instructors here? A position is open for June because of Row's deployment," Dad said.

"I think I might," Junia said, "Always did love this place as a child, felt so magical. Might start helping make it magical for children of today."

"Oh, how sweet," Spoke a voice, that made the atmosphere suddenly tense.

My eyes immediately were drawn to a man approaching us. He looked in his 50s, yet his hair was still jet black. Dressed in a black jacket, slacks, and silver chains, that weren't really…covering much. But I understood his reasons for showing his pale scarred skin, and the tattoo snakes that seemed to move around on their own. His powers were of the rarer verity. Born with the ability to control the markings on his body. He could slip his will through shadows and slit the throat anyone he wished. Earning the name Shadow Serpent. Though he was more known around the house by his birth name, Alkeli.

Alkeli had also won his rank through Niche Claim. However, it wasn't exactly as noble as Frost Mist's ascension. The former Leader of the Antisha Clan death had happened underneath mysterious circumstances. As was the so-called Niche Claim Alkeli had won power in. Niche Claims had to be carefully planned out, and competitors are selected by actions recorded in files, and recommendations of the people of said clan. Alkeli had had neither. He specialized in assassinations, having a kill count of over 300 by the time he was 29, though it was rumored that not all of them were under orders. His reputation among his own people also wasn't what one would expect of a chosen leader either. There had been many other competitors who would've been more qualified than him, but all of them either disappeared, or dropped out. And none of which could've been investigated properly, as the Antisha Clan lived inland rather than on Nexus.

"Have you planned an engagement for these two yet?" Alkeli asked, "Because, if it doesn't, I'm sure my son would happily take your daughter as his bride, Striker. Elemental blood like her's would breed good descendants."

A chill went up my spine, and my stomach churned. Alkeli fathered two children; a daughter, Arai whom he had already named his successor, and a son, Jakola, who was about my age. Arai, had her father's animal like factor in her powers, while Jakola had the mental part. I was never close to either of them growing up; Arai was far older than me, and Jakola always gave me a bad feeling. The thought of marrying into this family…I…I didn't want to think about it.

Thankfully, Dad sensed my discomfort, and stepped in, "Blood matching? You know that practice was outlawed, long before Nexus was even discovered, Alkeli."

"Just because, some one believed it to be unjust, doesn't mean it didn't have its benefits," Alkeli sneered.

"Benefits?" Frost Mist raised a brow, "It tore our people apart. Went against everything our society believes in."

"Saphira, it was built to create powerful warriors. One day, our people might need them," Alkeli said.

"For what?" Frost Mist said.

"In the event of an invasion…" Alkeli said.

"Don't give us that bullshit," Dad said quickly, "We all know that you believe in taking action against the outside."

"I've told you a thousand times Striker, they will find us eventually. It's best we attack first, before we're made into fools," Alkeli spit.

"You speak as if it is our say whether the un-gifted live or die," Frost Mist said.

"Saphira is it not? They are mere mortals to us," Alkeli said.

"Yet, you are no god, Alkeli," Dad said, with a pointed glare.

"Maybe in your mind Christin, but day you will have to admit that our people have left the rest of humanity behind," Alkeli stated.

I cleared my throat, "Maybe this should be continued later?" I said cautiously, "Today is a celebration after all."

"Yes," Dad said quickly, "While I have been enjoying this chat, Me and Row have much to do."

"Of course, Christin, wonderful seeing you," Frost Mist said, before departing.

Alkeli didn't say anything. He just left. As silently as he arrived.


Evening came quick and soon the banquet was opened and dancing started. With it was the telling of the legend of the Lost Queen. Usually Dad, did this part, using his power to turn the simple child's story in to an immersive electrifying experience. But he asked me to do it this year. I had always wanted to do it as a young child, but I had bad stage fright at the time. With my deployment coming up, this could've been my last summer here. Dad must have realized that, so he finally asked me.

I practiced for the few weeks I had at home before I left. And to say that my effort didn't pay off would've been a lie. All of the scenes I had prepared flowed like rich river, and it was clear that the audience was please with my performance. Bucky especially was. So, I decided to treat myself to the offerings of the dessert table.

"You did wonderful Heiress," Spoke a familiar voice from behind.

I turned around and smiled, "Junia."

"Greetings Heiress," Junia said.

"Why do you call me that. Dad hasn't named me his successor, and it's just as likely that he'll choose one of my siblings."

"Possibly, but I still think you're the right choice."

"Why's that?" I asked, looking away hoping to hide my blush.

"Well, your powerful, dangerous, smart, and beautiful."

I was definitely blushing now, "Junia Arabel, if didn't know any better I'd say you were flirting with me."

"And what if I am?" He smirked.

I snorted, "You know this will attract attention, right?"

"I don't care. Arrow, I've liked you for a while now, and I know you feel the same…" He put his hand on my shoulder.

I pulled his hand off me gently, "Junia, after what happened…If you're caught with me, who know what your clan will think."

"I don't care Row. What happened was three years ago. You're leaving soon, I don't want to wait."

I didn't answer I only turned away. I couldn't ruin his life. The band suddenly shifted from a fast-paced song, to one with a fanatical tone. Gentle pulses of violin, and light pings of bells filled the air. Junia took my plate from me and placed it on the seat next to the one I was using.

He offered a hand, whispering, "Dance with me."

My heart skipped, and my stomach dropped. Dancing was a staple of mutant culture. It was collision of combat and music. There were many dances invented over the centuries. Some to honor those passed, some of celebration. However, those were all strictly group dances. The fate of many people brought together by emotion, music and culture. Dancing between two individuals… that was reserved for those in courtship, or spouses. He knew what he was asking of me.

And I didn't want to say no, "Are you sure?"

"Never more about anything else."

I took his hand.

The dance floor came quickly, and he step behind me, taking a hand and stretching it outward, before pulling me into a fast spin. I slowed myself, eventually stopping to face him as he spun in turn. His arm hooked around my hips, and sending me into another whirl of spins. I felt my hair and skirt flail out, as he grabbed my arm again to pull me out of the spins. Following his grasp, I let my top half fall, and the twisted back up again. Then he spun me once more.

We continued like this. Sharing spins, twists, and twirls. Feeling warmth safety and love in each other's arms. The world slowly faded away from me. All I could see was his face, his handsome face. All I could feel was his love, and all I could hear was the music that guided our steps. But it was all to soon, that the song came an end. And all the sounds of the party, returned, along with rest of the world. It was no longer just us. No longer just us, in each other's arms.

"Have dinner with me, when you return," he said breathlessly.

I nodded, and pressed my forehead onto his. A gesture of commitment and love. I accepted his offer of courtship.


The night soon came to an end. I spent the last hours, after all our camper went to their cabins, cleaning up the mess that the party left. Picking up trash, cleaning up the buffet tables, taking down the decorations, putting away the instruments, and putting out the torches.

"Row?" Dad called from the back porch as me and Aunt Kate were just finishing up.

Aunt Kate nodded at me to go. Saying she would finish up.

"What dad?" I asked.

He looked at me with a expression of mixed emotions: Pride, joy, but also sorrow and fear, "Come on kiddo, there's something I want to give you."

I followed him inside, up the stairs, and finally into the master bedroom. His and mom's room. I wish I could say it was extravagant with a king bed with a tent over it, silk tapestries, and furniture that looked more expensive than the house itself, but that wasn't the case. Mom and Dad liked to keep the room simple. The walls were a plain baige, with merely a messy double bed, a small nightstand, a mirror, two dressers (one for mom one for dad), a closet, and a door to a private bath. All of which was covered a small amount of clutter, that gave it a 'live-in' feeling.

Dad rummaged through the closet for a few moments, before pulling out a long thin case and placing it on the bed. The reddish wood was decorated with patterns of iridescent silvery metal, and sapphires, I knew what it was, before I opened it. The hinges were completely silent as I opened the case, revealing the two curved swords. The shining platinum metal resting against the soft black velvet interior.

I swallowed thickly, "Dad…"

He held up a hand stopping me, "I know how you feel about this."

"Dad these are yours."

He shook his head, "Not anymore."

"Dad I can't accept these."

"Arrow, for generations these blades have been passed down from elemental to elemental in our family. I cannot fight in the field for much longer. My work is here now. These blades were given to me by my father, and now it's my turn to give them to you."

I carefully picked up one to the swords. One palm gently cradling the blade, while the other had the hilt in its grasp: It fit perfectly in my hand, like it belonged there. I had heard the story of these blades. Crafted in the beginning of our line, before the reign of the Lost Queen. The outside was made of pure vibranium, its edges refined until sharp and deadly. But that was only the start of these blades. The metal wasn't the same as the vibranium that we traded with the wakandians for. It was found on the original island, the homeland, our capital, and it was the only of its kind. Regular vibranium could channel and store kinetic energy, but this vibranium…it could channel elemental energy.

I removed my hand from the blade. Only holding the hilt. Taking a deep shuttering breath, I focused, digging deep to pool my powers into my hand, and then flow into the sword. The curved blade erupted into golden and bronze flames. I stared in wonder and fear. How easily the action came to me; it felt right, like I was supposed to hold this blade. And I didn't know how to feel about that.

I looked to Dad, he was smiling, "I have been waiting to give you these since the moment your gifts manifested."

"Are you sure?"

"It's your birthright kiddo," He turned back to the closet, "But this is the only thing we wanted to you have."

He turned back around, a jacket in his hands. A very familiar, jacket. I put the sword down, and gently took the jack into my hands. It was made out of a leather like fabric, colored in dark navy, with a high caller that was lined with white. I knew this jacket. It had been mom's; she had worn it when she had met Dad in the field. The material still as strong and sturdy as it had been back then. I could feel my eyes start to mist. I couldn't…not after…

"She'd want you to have it, Row," Dad spoke up as if reading my mind.

"Dad..." I tried to say.

He embraced me in a warm hug, and shushed me, "Your mother, had sew that jacket together herself when she was your age, and she knew from the moment you were born, no matter what your powers ended up being, that you would wear this after she was gone."

I started to cry, and returned the hug.

"Stay safe out there, and come home," Dad whispered, I could tell by his voice he was weeping too, "I'm going to miss you so much, Flare."

"I'm going to miss you too, Baba."


A/N:

GOD! This took me too long! Drivers ed sucks! And job interviews, I needed a break. SO, this weekend it was strictly, fanfiction writing and baking cookies.

I'm sorry to everyone waiting that this was an Arrow chapter, I know a lot of you folks are here for Bucky, but I just needed to this for her. Little bit more insight into what's going on, on her side.