ic The Pirate Cove (IC)

[Thevshi]

Midtown
Freedom City, New Jersey
Friday January 10, 2025. 7:30 PM

 

Lynn Conners guided the grey BMW iX electric SUV she was driving through the somewhat busy Friday night traffic of Midtown. The blonde teen was thankful that the snow that had fallen earlier in the week was gone from the streets, even as traces of it could be seen around the city. Inside the vehicle with her were Jack Davydov, Owen Akerlund and Kadene Estime, the four teens out on a double date for the evening.

 

"This would have been so much quicker if we had a flying car." Lynn stated with a hint of a smile. "Could have avoided all this traffic and been there already." 

 

Even as the teenage speedster spoke, she pulled into the parking garage located a couple of blocks from the seafood restaurant where the four teens had a reservation for dinner. With the night air still a bit below freezing, Lynn was dressed for the weather, wearing a pair of dark, form fitting jeans, a soft red sweater and a pair of warm boots. She had a winter jacket as well, but it was folded up on the console beside her for the moment, as the inside of the SUV was a comfortable temperature.

 

Overall, the blonde teen had seemed in a generally better mood so far this evening that was normal. After the Freedom League’s Holiday Party, Claremont's winter break had begun. While Lynn's adopted parents and brother had gone to England for the holidays, Lynn had gone with her maternal grandparents from this timeline on a ski trip to the Italian Alps and then down to Venice to spend some time with them. With classes having started back up earlier this week, this was her and Jack's first outing after they decided to start dating (as opposed to having just gone on some dates back in the fall), so there was certainly amount of excitement and nervous energy behind the blonde’s outwardly collected demeanor.
 

[Lone_Star]

Prime Mover

 

"Definitely agree with you there, but sometimes it's okay to just pretend we aren't superheroes for a bit." Owen said with a small smile. He was sitting in the back next to Kadene, and glanced over at her for the tenth time since he got in the car. He was on top of the world. A double date with two of his good friends from school, including his best bro, Jack. Not to mention his beautiful date - Owen gently squeezed her hand as if to check if it was a dream. After working up the courage to ask her out at the Christmas party, their impending date had been a source of both dread and excitement for a few weeks now, but everything felt very relaxed now that he was here. He blushed a little thinking about her quick kiss: his first ever. 

 

Owen was dressed in pleated grey slacks, a long-sleeve blue buttoned shirt, and a dark grey sweater over that. He also wore his favorite pair of fleece-lined boots, which were slightly worn, but broken in very comfortably. "Do you all eat a lot of seafood? We got some up in Badger's Bluff, but my town was pretty well land-locked. Although we did get some fresh perch and walleye from Lake Winsatek...made for a good fish fry. I just went back to see my folks last week, actually." He paused for a moment, looking out the window. It wasn't easy to go back home, not after he had been gone for several months. Everyone was happy to see him, and he caught up with some friends from his old school, but the journey home was bittersweet at best. Having made such close ties with his community, it felt harder to come back to Freedom City after his winter break than it felt leaving in the first place. But there were new adventures to be had here, and he was okay with that.

[EternalPhoenix]

Stormchild

 

"My winds could have carried it. Does that count?" Kadene was uncharacteristically snappish. She didn't like automobiles of any variety, and it had taken Owen promising to help her tear the "wretched mechanical beast" apart if it misbehaved (he knew that it wouldn't, obviously, not being alive) to get her inside of it. Everyone in the car knew of her discomfort from that minor scene, and hopefully wouldn't hold her frayed temperament against her.

 

She had not been sharing Owen's dread and excitement about the date. Part of that was that she'd been gone all winter break, at sea. The Luckstorm Pirates had sailed south for their break in search of warmer weather, and returned (characteristically enough) at the last possible minute. So yes, about a week after agreeing to date him, she disappeared for two more. But of course, he too had gone away. So it evened out. He took her hand. She remembered his promise, and decided to be a little nicer. "Owen, I'm from a port town on an island in what you call the Caribbean. And I spent a year sailing under pirate colors. I guarantee I've eaten more seafood than the three of you combined." This last was said with a smile and that familiar teasing lilt to her vision. A challenge to prove her wrong. 

[Jack]

Jack shifted his massive frame in the passenger seat, feeling like a bear trying to squeeze into a shoebox despite the SUV's generous proportions. His knees nearly touched the dashboard even with the seat pushed all the way back. The cold outside didn't bother him - his connection to the polar bear spirit kept him naturally warm - but he wore a sleeveless hoodie anyway over his bare chest and shorts for appearances.

 

He twisted sideways, attempting to find a more comfortable position. His hand brushed against Lynn's thigh as he adjusted, sending a slight chill through the fabric of her jeans from his naturally cold touch. He let his fingers linger a second longer then proper for an accident before letting his hand rest on the center console between them, close enough to feel her warmth.

 

Catching Lynn's eye, he gave her a knowing smile, his white hair falling slightly over one eye. The bear spirit inside him rumbled contentedly, picking up on his happiness at being near her. The cramped space seemed less confining with Lynn beside him, her presence making everything feel more right somehow.

 

Jack couldn't help stealing glances at Lynn as she navigated the BMW through traffic. The weeks apart during winter break had felt longer than he'd expected. Sure, phone calls helped, but they weren't the same as being able to catch her scent or feel the warmth of her presence next to him. His bear spirit had grown restless during their separation, pacing in his mind like a caged animal.

 

The time at home with his parents had been... complicated. His mother's careful questions about school always seemed to dance around the topic of his powers. His father's proud smiles felt tinged with something else when Jack accidentally frosted over a glass at dinner. They loved him - he never doubted that - but sometimes their eyes held shadows of the son they'd had before the bear spirit changed him forever. He hadn't mentioned Lynn to them yet. The thought of explaining how he met her, about Claremont, about everything that came with being a superhero... it was easier to keep that part of his life separate.

 

Thank god for Owen and their gym sessions. Between sets of weights that would have broken normal equipment, they'd commiserated about missing their girlfriends. Owen understood what it was like having someone special away at sea, even if Kadene's absence had been for different reasons than Lynn's European trip. There was something comforting about having a best friend who got it - both the superhero stuff and the relationship stuff.

 

The bear spirit rumbled contentedly as Lynn's familiar scent filled the car. Whatever complications existed with his family, right now none of that mattered. He was exactly where he wanted to be.

 

Jack let out a deep chuckle, his broad shoulders shaking slightly. "Is definitely faster than walking, Zaya Moy." He turned his head toward Lynn, his white hair falling across his face again. "And having beautiful girlfriend with nice car makes it even better, da? Could get used to being driven places." He flashes her a playful smile.

 

The bear spirit inside him purred contentedly at Lynn's closeness, making it hard to focus on anything else. But he forced himself to twist around in the cramped passenger seat, shooting Owen an exaggerated look of disbelief. The movement made his knees bump against the dashboard again.

 

"You serious, solnyshko? Asking polar bear if he eats seafood?" Jack's thick Russian accent carried his amusement. "You have not lived until you catch leaping salmon with teeth! Is true test of fishing skill." 

 

The memory of his first successful catch flooded back - the icy spray of the river, the flash of silver scales, the primal satisfaction as his jaws snapped shut. The bear spirit stirred excitedly at the recalled taste. Jack had to consciously dial back the frost starting to form around his fingers where they rested near Lynn's leg.

 

He couldn't help grinning at Owen's expression. "What, you think bears only eat berries? Is good protein! Although..." He wrinkled his nose. "Restaurant probably frowns on catching own fish at table..." he pretends to be very sad at this thought before laughing again.

 

 

[Thevshi]

Slipstream

 

Lynn glanced in the rearview mirror at Kadene when she made her somewhat snappy comment about carrying the SUV with wind. "Well, I suppose it would." The blonde teen replied, feeling a bit sympathetic about the other teen’s unease in the vehicle. "But Owen's right, it can be nice to just be 'normal' for a bit from time to time." She added. 

 

She then felt a chill in her right thigh as Jack's hand brushed against her and she could feel the slight chill through her jeans. She had a slight smile at his touch, even as Jack let it linger longer than just the initial inadvertent contact.

 

As Jack talked about the benefits of having a girlfriend with a nice car, the blonde teen blushed slightly, both from Jack’s compliments and from his use his pet name for her. While it was very endearing, it was also rather new, something he had just started during some of the phone calls while she was in Italy and since school had started back up. "Well, the BMW is pretty much always on campus, though Lawrence sometimes uses it as well." She said, managing a casual shrug.

 

Lynn pulled the vehicle into a parking space in the building as Owen had asked them if they ate a lot of seafood. "Well, growing up in my timeline's version of Freedom City, I had seafood somewhat regularly, as well as on some trips to tropical islands, but I do doubt I have had it anywhere near as often as Kadene." She replied before grinning slightly as Jack started talking about catching salmon with his teeth. "Yeah…I don't think that would go over too well." She responded to his rather rhetorical question.

 

Turning off the SUV, Lynn grabbed her coat as she exited the vehicle and waited for the others to do so as well. She moved over next to Jack as he exited can came around the vehicle, taking one his massive hands as she did.
 

[Lone_Star]

6 hours ago, EternalPhoenix said:

Stormchild

 

"My winds could have carried it. Does that count?" Kadene was uncharacteristically snappish. She didn't like automobiles of any variety, and it had taken Owen promising to help her tear the "wretched mechanical beast" apart if it misbehaved (he knew that it wouldn't, obviously, not being alive) to get her inside of it. Everyone in the car knew of her discomfort from that minor scene, and hopefully wouldn't hold her frayed temperament against her.

 

She had not been sharing Owen's dread and excitement about the date. Part of that was that she'd been gone all winter break, at sea. The Luckstorm Pirates had sailed south for their break in search of warmer weather, and returned (characteristically enough) at the last possible minute. So yes, about a week after agreeing to date him, she disappeared for two more. But of course, he too had gone away. So it evened out. He took her hand. She remembered his promise, and decided to be a little nicer. "Owen, I'm from a port town on an island in what you call the Caribbean. And I spent a year sailing under pirate colors. I guarantee I've eaten more seafood than the three of you combined." This last was said with a smile and that familiar teasing lilt to her vision. A challenge to prove her wrong. 

 

Prime Mover

 

Owen knew better than to comfort her when she was upset, her reasons for feeling that way were valid, and she was not the kind of young lady that needed reassurance. This was a new world for her, after all, so he understood her tension being in a strange vehicle. Owen felt very much the same way when her brother took him out to sea with her a few months back. 

 

He smiled when she took his hand, and moved in for a quick peck on the cheek, if she seemed amenable to it. "Hah, hadn't thought about it that way. Bet you really get some fresh seafood out there! And I don't know about you, but I can put away some crab legs," Owen said, patting his stomach. 

 

5 hours ago, Jack said:

"You serious, solnyshko? Asking polar bear if he eats seafood?" Jack's thick Russian accent carried his amusement. "You have not lived until you catch leaping salmon with teeth! Is true test of fishing skill." 

 

The memory of his first successful catch flooded back - the icy spray of the river, the flash of silver scales, the primal satisfaction as his jaws snapped shut. The bear spirit stirred excitedly at the recalled taste. Jack had to consciously dial back the frost starting to form around his fingers where they rested near Lynn's leg.

 

He couldn't help grinning at Owen's expression. "What, you think bears only eat berries? Is good protein! Although..." He wrinkled his nose. "Restaurant probably frowns on catching own fish at table..." he pretends to be very sad at this thought before laughing again.

 

 

 

He felt a little foolish asking the two of them if they ate seafood, but it was a good way to defuse the tension in the car. "That's...a good point. Haven't tried that either, but I'll take yer word for it." Getting to know Jack, he realized that knowing some Russian would be helpful, as the young man peppered his speech with phrases from his home country. Solnyshko...sunshine? Oh! That's nice. 

 

"Well, we can't all be... sil'nyy kak medved, can we?" Owen said haltingly. Privately, he had been saving that phrase for a while now, but his Midwestern tongue couldn't quite get around some of the syllables. Well, he tried. 

 

3 hours ago, Thevshi said:

Slipstream

 

Lynn glanced in the rearview mirror at Kadene when she made her somewhat snappy comment about carrying the SUV with wind. "Well, I suppose it would." The blonde teen replied, feeling a bit sympathetic about the other teen’s unease in the vehicle. "But Owen's right, it can be nice to just be 'normal' for a bit from time to time." She added. 

 

She then felt a chill in her right thigh as Jack's hand brushed against her and she could feel the slight chill through her jeans. She had a slight smile at his touch, even as Jack let it linger longer than just the initial inadvertent contact.

 

As Jack talked about the benefits of having a girlfriend with a nice car, the blonde teen blushed slightly, both from Jack’s compliments and from his use his pet name for her. While it was very endearing, it was also rather new, something he had just started during some of the phone calls while she was in Italy and since school had started back up. "Well, the BMW is pretty much always on campus, though Lawrence sometimes uses it as well." She said, managing a casual shrug.

 

Lynn pulled the vehicle into a parking space in the building as Owen had asked them if they ate a lot of seafood. "Well, growing up in my timeline's version of Freedom City, I had seafood somewhat regularly, as well as on some trips to tropical islands, but I do doubt I have had it anywhere near as often as Kadene." She replied before grinning slightly as Jack started talking about catching salmon with his teeth. "Yeah…I don't think that would go over too well." She responded to his rather rhetorical question.

 

Turning off the SUV, Lynn grabbed her coat as she exited the vehicle and waited for the others to do so as well. She moved over next to Jack as he exited can came around the vehicle, taking one his massive hands as she did.
 

 

"I think it just feels normal to be hanging out with friends again," Owen said candidly in response to Lynn. "You know, I have really had a tough time adjusting to life in Freedom City, but you guys have really helped me feel settled. It's a second home now." 

 

"But I do hope this place has good seafood, I didn't look at any reviews or anything. But it'll be nice to finally have that double date we talked about," Owen said as he stepped out of the car. He looked ahead at Lynn and Jack and saw them clasp hands, and he made eye contact to Kadene and held out his hand for her if she wanted to. This was their first date after all, and he didn't want to push any boundaries or make her feel uncomfortable in any way. Not that he felt like he could, it was more often the other way around! 

[Jack]

Jack's deep laugh echoed through the parking garage at Owen's attempt at Russian. The words came out a bit mangled, but the effort warmed Jack's heart. Few of his American friends had tried learning any Russian phrases beyond "da" and "nyet."

 

"Not bad, not bad at all!" Jack's massive shoulders shook with mirth. "Though maybe need little practice on pronunciation, da? But is good point - why we never skip arm day at gym!" 

 

He flexed his free arm playfully, careful not to let his excitement trigger any frost. The bear spirit rumbled contentedly inside him, pleased by both the companionship and the mention of training. Working out with Owen had become one of his favorite parts of the school week - it was nice having a lifting partner who could handle the specially reinforced weights without breaking them.

 

"Though maybe ve get strong enough soon, will need find new gym!" He shot Owen a conspiratorial grin, remembering the last bench press they'd accidentally warped. The school's maintenance staff had not been especially happy that day.

 

Jack felt Lynn's delicate fingers slip into his massive palm, her hand practically disappearing in his grip. He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze, careful as always to control his strength. The bear spirit inside him purred contentedly as he slid his arm around her shoulders, drawing her against his side. Even through his sleeveless hoodie, he could feel her warmth contrasting with his naturally cool temperature.

 

"Is nice having normal date, da?" He grinned down at Lynn tucked under his arm. "Maybe if ve stop fighting monsters every time ve try to eat, you not dump me!" His deep laugh echoed through the parking garage, though a tiny voice in the back of his mind whispered that he wouldn't blame her if she did. Being with him wasn't exactly peaceful.

 

Before anyone could respond, his stomach let out a thunderous growl that seemed to shake the concrete pillars around them. Jack's cheeks flushed slightly pink against his tan skin. "Bear spirit very hungry," he said with a sheepish smile, patting his flat stomach with his free hand. "Maybe ve talk more over food?"

 

The spirit rumbled in agreement, sending a pleasant warmth through Jack's chest. These moments - just being a normal teenager with his girlfriend and friends - meant more to him than any superhero battle. Though he'd never admit it out loud, he treasured every peaceful minute he got to spend with Lynn.

 

 

[EternalPhoenix]

Stormchild

 

Kadene had bolted out of the SUV like it was on fire. And everyone was finally able to get a good look at her. While she was dressed as femininely piratical as usual (with some furs and leather as a concession to the cold), something was different. It was the material. Not old, well worn fabric. This was virtually new or otherwise very well preserved. She stretched gracefully while eyeing the vehicle. Her "normal" was not even close to the same as theirs. And she wasn't her smooth tongued brother. 

 

"Normal? Is this what this is for the three of you?" The implication being that it very much wasn't for her. It was said only questioningly. She was suddenly very homesick, and felt very out of place. Fortunately, with her back to all three her emotions were quite hidden. "Being on land by itself isn't...wasn't...normal for us. Several weeks at sea, mebbe wan dock'd." She twitched, ceasing her idly reminiscing. She'd lapsed into an interesting patois for a second there. "There was this floating restaurant by the coast of what you call France." She looked back at the three, recomposed. "Great food, and whenever someone couldn't pay, a free show as the Fighting Cooks beat them senseless and threw them out. The Head Chef used to be a pirate."

[Thevshi]

Slipstream

 

It was not exactly surprising that Kadene had been one of first (and certainly the quickest) to get out of the SUV once it stopped. Lynn could sympathize with the other teen at least on some level, both were from different timelines/dimensions, but at least Lynn’s was very close to Prime, where Kadene's was very different in a number of ways. Of course, the similarity with Lynn’s timeline often brought painful reminders or other memories along with familiarity.

 

The blonde teen was relaxed as Jack put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer, looking back to Owen thanked them for helping him feel more at home in Freedom City. "I am glad it has helped Owen." She replied. "I know the connections I have been making since the start of the school year, and before," she gently squeezed Jack's hand that was resting on her shoulder, "have helped me a lot as well."

 

Lynn then looked back up to Jack as he joked hoping to have a normal evening so she would not dump him. The sixteen-year-old gave her boyfriend a small grin. "Or maybe I won't be dumping you for the very reason that we can go and fight monsters or supervillains and then just get back to a date, without having to make excuses. My mom used to tell me stories about how having a secret identity played havoc on her romantic life." Even as she spoke, the blonde speedster felt a cold emptiness inside, but tried to focus past it, focusing on Jack’s presence to help distract her.

 

As the three made their way out of the parking garage and out onto the street, Lynn looked back to Kadene as she asked about whether this was considered 'normal.' "Well, it is what most teenagers would consider normal in many parts of the world." She replied. 
 

[Lone_Star]

On 1/6/2025 at 5:36 PM, Jack said:

Jack's deep laugh echoed through the parking garage at Owen's attempt at Russian. The words came out a bit mangled, but the effort warmed Jack's heart. Few of his American friends had tried learning any Russian phrases beyond "da" and "nyet."

 

"Not bad, not bad at all!" Jack's massive shoulders shook with mirth. "Though maybe need little practice on pronunciation, da? But is good point - why we never skip arm day at gym!" 

 

He flexed his free arm playfully, careful not to let his excitement trigger any frost. The bear spirit rumbled contentedly inside him, pleased by both the companionship and the mention of training. Working out with Owen had become one of his favorite parts of the school week - it was nice having a lifting partner who could handle the specially reinforced weights without breaking them.

 

"Though maybe ve get strong enough soon, will need find new gym!" He shot Owen a conspiratorial grin, remembering the last bench press they'd accidentally warped. The school's maintenance staff had not been especially happy that day.

 

Prime Mover

 

"Ah, well, y'know...we're just two young guys learning how to use our powers! I told Coach we could bend the bench press back, but he wasn't too happy about that. I'd love to have you help me with my pronunciation - after all, you learned English which is hard enough!" Owen had enjoyed working out with Jack, even though he was much, much stronger than he by leaps and bounds, he was still glad to have his help. Even if his powers didn't make him stronger, lessons at Claremont taught Owen that you had to be ready, no matter what, and if he lost his powers, he would be in big trouble. Besides, having a nice physique wasn't a bad side effect, he thought as he glanced over at his pretty date. 

 

On 1/7/2025 at 11:11 AM, EternalPhoenix said:

Stormchild

 

Kadene had bolted out of the SUV like it was on fire. And everyone was finally able to get a good look at her. While she was dressed as femininely piratical as usual (with some furs and leather as a concession to the cold), something was different. It was the material. Not old, well worn fabric. This was virtually new or otherwise very well preserved. She stretched gracefully while eyeing the vehicle. Her "normal" was not even close to the same as theirs. And she wasn't her smooth tongued brother. 

 

"Normal? Is this what this is for the three of you?" The implication being that it very much wasn't for her. It was said only questioningly. She was suddenly very homesick, and felt very out of place. Fortunately, with her back to all three her emotions were quite hidden. "Being on land by itself isn't...wasn't...normal for us. Several weeks at sea, mebbe wan dock'd." She twitched, ceasing her idly reminiscing. She'd lapsed into an interesting patois for a second there. "There was this floating restaurant by the coast of what you call France." She looked back at the three, recomposed. "Great food, and whenever someone couldn't pay, a free show as the Fighting Cooks beat them senseless and threw them out. The Head Chef used to be a pirate."

 

Owen walked over to her, and softly lay his hand on her shoulder, hoping that he could help her feel better. He couldn't imagine how strange this world must be for Kadene, but he at least hoped to be a source of comfort to her, "It is. But...maybe for our second double date we could sail together?" He looked over at Lynn and Jack, hoping they would chime in. It was too soon to say how this date would go, much less plan another one already, but maybe thoughts of sailing would get her mind off her discomfort. 

 

"That restaurant, that...sounds about right for your world, from what you and Riel have told me."

 

On 1/7/2025 at 2:57 PM, Thevshi said:

The blonde teen was relaxed as Jack put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer, looking back to Owen thanked them for helping him feel more at home in Freedom City. "I am glad it has helped Owen." She replied. "I know the connections I have been making since the start of the school year, and before," she gently squeezed Jack's hand that was resting on her shoulder, "have helped me a lot as well."

 

Lynn then looked back up to Jack as he joked hoping to have a normal evening so she would not dump him. The sixteen-year-old gave her boyfriend a small grin. "Or maybe I won't be dumping you for the very reason that we can go and fight monsters or supervillains and then just get back to a date, without having to make excuses. My mom used to tell me stories about how having a secret identity played havoc on her romantic life." Even as she spoke, the blonde speedster felt a cold emptiness inside, but tried to focus past it, focusing on Jack’s presence to help distract her.

 

As the three made their way out of the parking garage and out onto the street, Lynn looked back to Kadene as she asked about whether this was considered 'normal.' "Well, it is what most teenagers would consider normal in many parts of the world." She replied. 
 

 

Owen smiled back at Lynn. She was good people. Her and Jack seemed to get along really well, too. He had heard a lot about Lynn, all good things from Jack when they hit the gym together, and though he had seen her here at there, it was his first time really getting to know her. "I think we're all a little unusual. Not in a bad way, a-course, it's just that every superhero comes from their own situation, their own circumstances that led 'em to choosing this life. It's not for everyone." 

 

He paused, realizing that he might be getting a bit too introspective. "But hey, at least us all being supers means we don't have to make excuses on dates, like you said. Let's hope we don't have to fight a giant crab monster or nothin' at the restaurant!" he said, half-joking. As many superheroes as there were in Freedom City, there seemed to be monster or villain attacks to handle all the time! 

[Jack]

Jack's chest rumbled with warm laughter as he extended his massive fist toward Owen for a friendly fist bump. "Da, would be happy to teach! Maybe we start with proper toast - very important in Russian culture." He grinned, remembering his grandfather's insistence that a proper toast could make even the cheapest vodka taste like the finest spirits.

 

The bear spirit inside him stirred contentedly at the thought of sharing something so personal with a friend. Few people had shown genuine interest in learning his native tongue beyond the basics. The fact that Owen wanted to learn more touched something deep in Jack's soul.

 

"First lesson - pronunciation very important. Is not just words, is feeling behind them." He tapped his chest with his free hand, while keeping his other arm wrapped protectively around Lynn. "Like when you say 'Na Zdorovie' - must come from here, with passion! Otherwise just empty sounds."

 

The memory of his first awkward attempts at English made him chuckle. He'd mangled the pronunciation so badly his teachers had nearly given up hope. But he'd persevered, driven by the same determination that helped him master his ice powers. "Trust me, anything harder than learning English? At least Russian alphabet makes sense!" His massive shoulders shook with mirth as he remembered some particularly confusing English lessons.

 

Jack puts a hand up to his mouth and lowers his voice to a playful, but loud whisper, as if he was going to relay a secret, but everyone could still hear him. "Da and can teach you some phrases for Kadene…" He chuckled heartily and gave Lynn a loving squeeze. He looked down at her, returning her grin with equal passion.

 

Jack bent down, carefully pressing his lips to Lynn's forehead in a gentle kiss. The bear spirit inside him purred contentedly at the contact, but he kept his natural cold carefully in check. The last thing he wanted was to accidentally frost her hair.

 

"If what you say true about fighting monsters on dates..." He grinned down at her, losing himself for a moment in her bright eyes. "Then I hope Owen right about giant crab monster attacking restaurant!"

 

His deep blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he held her gaze, a content smile playing across his features. The simple joy of having her tucked against his side made his heart swell. After a moment, he couldn't help adding with a rumbling chuckle, "Would make great date - we fight monster, then have crab legs after!"

 

His booming laugh echoed through the street as he appreciated his own joke, the sound carrying hints of his natural Russian accent. The bear spirit shared his amusement, sending warm ripples of joy through his chest. These were the moments he treasured most - just being able to try and make Lynn smile, to share simple jokes and hold her close without worrying about secret identities or hidden powers.

 

 

[EternalPhoenix]

Stormchild

 

Owen was interested in learning languages? Kadene put her hand on his and gave a grateful squeeze. In truth she didn't know what else to do. Matters of lust she was familiar with. Romance, not so much. "Riel and I don't speak...you called it Russian, I think? But we do know many tongues. Most people in Paralogue speak what you call French. But there is also..." She thought for a moment. "Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch." English was obviously on the list too and did not need to be stated. 

 

She strode forward faster than the rest. There was a reason. The inch of air between her and the ground. She did not appear to be entirely aware she'd technically started flying. She whirled around, stepping backwards. She'd understood something important. "The three of you didn't want to get your powers. They're an obstacle to your normalcy." She waved off any objections. "Maybe you do want them now, if only to be heroes and help people. I don't know and you can tell me later. My point is, if you never got your powers you wouldn't be here. You'd be at home, probably, being normal." Important to note here that she doesn't know Lynn's story and isn't being intentionally insensitive. "I would. I have powers because I sought them out. I wanted them so I could be a stronger pirate. But if I couldn't have gotten them I'd have still gone to sea. I'd still have encountered that fog. I'd still have ended up here."

 

She paused, suddenly unsure of where she was going with this. Oh, right. "So...a nice quiet dinner with a kind man and another couple isn't really my style, even though I'm trying it out tonight. I'd rather have the fight with the giant crab." She grinned roguishly. "My powers didn't take my original life from me. They gave me more power to live as I chose. And I think yours can do the same for you, if you change the way you think about them." She turned around, and her feet touched the ground again. Her voice was barely audible, like she was talking to herself. "Normal's just a state of mind anyway..."

[Thevshi]

Slipstream

 

Lynn could not help but smile as Owen and Jack talked about their exercising together and Owen trying to learn Russian, to which Kadene chimed in about the languages she and her brother knew, which were quite a few. "I speak pretty good German and Italian." The blonde teen stated. "Though, I mainly learned them because so many composers spoke one of those two, and many important notations or treatise on their works are in one or the other." But as she spoke, the sixteen-year-old realized she should probably make the effort to learn at least some Russian as well.

 

And then Kadene went into her thoughts about how powers had changed what was normal for each of them. Lynn had been about to respond to the initial idea, but Kadene had put up her hand as she continued talking. When the other girl mentioned what each of them would likely be doing without their powers, Lynn's smile vanished, and Jack felt her tense up. The blonde teen took a deep breath, as she reminded herself that Kadene likely did not know about her past, she had not meant anything.

 

"If not for my powers, I would be dead, along with the rest of my timeline." Lynn replied, taking another deep breath and relaxing at least somewhat. Glancing around to make sure the sidewalk was still empty except for the four of them, she continued. "But…having powers and the rest of it, that has always been part of my 'normal.' I was born into this life, both of my parents had powers and were superheroes. My mom was a member of the Freedom League as Velocity in my timeline, just like the version of her here. Even so, we tried to not let having powers be our entire life and allow ourselves to enjoy things that didn’t require them."

 

"Your world…sounds very different. I am not sure I know enough to truly understand, but I can see how it would give you a different perspective."
 

[Jack]

Jack's brow furrowed as he processed Kadene's words about powers and normalcy. The concept felt foreign to him - imagining life without his abilities. Even before the polar bear attack that had changed everything, he'd been born with shamanic abilities passed down through generations of his family.

 

The bear spirit stirred inside him, a constant companion that had become as natural as breathing. Without it, would he still spend endless summers in Siberia? Would his connection to nature be different? The thoughts swirled like snow in a storm.

 

But those musings scattered when he felt Lynn tense beside him. His arm tightened protectively around her shoulders as memories of their conversations about her lost timeline flashed through his mind. The pain she carried, the family she'd lost - it wasn't something anyone could truly understand without living it. His fingers gently brushed against her side, the subtle water in the Air swirling imperceptibly as he let his magic draw some of the tension out of Lynn and into himself in an attempt to help her with the bad memories. He immediately felt his heart race a bit faster with a myriad of his earlier thoughts swirling in his mind, and he let out a breath slowly.

 

Pride swelled in his chest as Lynn responded to Kadene with grace and patience, explaining her perspective without anger despite the unintentional hurt. Her strength amazed him daily. She didn't just survive her losses - she fought to build something new while honoring what came before.

 

"Milaya speaks truth," Jack rumbled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Lynn's temple. His voice carried warmth despite his naturally cold aura. "Powers not always choice. Sometimes they choose us. But what matters is what we do with them, da?"

 

He looked down at Lynn, his blue eyes full of admiration. She embodied that truth better than anyone he knew. Every day she chose to keep moving forward, to help others, to build connections in this new timeline - even when it hurt.

 

Jack shifted his weight, the memories of his past stirring like autumn leaves in the wind. "I vas born vith powers too, but very different then. Shaman powers, from family line." The weight of ancestral magic felt distant now, like trying to recall a dream upon waking.

 

His mind drifted back to that fateful day in the Siberian wilderness - the searing pain, the bitter cold, the massive bear that had ended his old life. His chest tightened as phantom pain traced along his glowing scars. He shook his head, dispelling the dark memories before they could take hold.

 

"If bear had not killed me... if dedushka had not brought me back..." He trailed off, his massive frame tensing as another thought intruded. "Parents probably vish I was normal son interested in mundane things. Instead they got monster bear son vith ice powers." The words felt heavy on his tongue, carrying the weight of disappointed looks and worried whispers he'd seen pass between his mother and father.

 

But then he felt Lynn's warmth against his side, and the tension melted away like spring snow. He'd made peace with his new path, even if it wasn't the one his family had hoped for. The bear spirit rumbled contentedly inside him, as much a part of him now as his own heartbeat.

 

Jack looked down at Lynn, his blue eyes softening as he smiled. "But if vas still just normal boring Vanya, vould never have met best voman in vorld." He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, his natural cold carefully controlled so as not to chill her. "So vho am I to complain." 

 

He laughed at himself and looked at Kadene with a nod of approval. "I agree tho, alvays best to chart yous own course. If ve is not living how ve choose is ve really living…?"

 

 

[Lone_Star]

Prime Mover

 

Owen smiled as Kadene gently squeezed his hand, and Owen gently kissed the top of her forehead. "Well, maybe you could teach me a little French, mon cheri?" he said, waggling his eyebrows.

 

His moment of levity ended quickly as his friends each spoke about how they gained their powers, and how it affected their lives. Kadene was happy she gained her powers, as it made her a better pirate. Lynn's entire timeline was wiped out, her powers being the only reason she was alive, and her powers were always a part of her normal. And Jack's comment about how his parents probably wished he was normal...his heart went out to all three of them. 

 

"Lynn, I can't imagine how horrible that must have been. Can't say much else other than we're all here for you, and for what it's worth, we're darn glad you're here." Owen smiled at the three of them. "That took a lot of guts to share. All a' you. I agree with you, Jack...if you're not living how you choose, you're not really living, are you? However we got here, whatever led to our powers...we're superheroes, and that's what matters now." 

 

"Huh, guess I should tell you how I got my powers! I've done a fair bit of research into my condition, and it seems I was born with a superpower mutation, a pretty rare one, too. The odds of me having powers and neither of my parents being superhuman was...well, I don't remember the exact odds, but they were pretty low. About the time I accidentally blew up the family tractor with my kinetic powers was when my second mutation emerged. I started understanding science, mathematics, an' engineering at a way higher level than was bein' taught to me at school. Geez, I guess I'm sort of a super-scientist too, weird huh?" 

 

"Guess I was born under a lucky star, 'cuz my folks never had too much of a problem with it. Bit of an adjustment, fer sure, but they just want me to be happy. That's why movin' all the way to Freedom City was so tough fer me, but like I said, it's you guys that make it feel like a second home." 

[EternalPhoenix]

Stormchild

 

Kadene's face fell at Lynn's tragic backstory, and she literally flew to hug her. On the side opposite to Jack, because that guy was huge. "Je ne voulais pas te faire de mal. Je suis désolé." She'd reverted to French out of shock and sincerity. Her tone of voice carried her meaning if her words couldn't be understood. She was actually crying out of sheer sympathy. She sniffled a little, beginning to calm down. "Yes, it is very different. I don't know what I would do if it was all gone. All my dreams turned to dust on the wind. How awful for you."

 

She did not tackle hug Jack upon his revelations. She remained clung onto Lynn. Though shock was etched as much into her features as before, along with some genuine horror. She knew what a bear was. She knew how they killed, and why. With claws and fangs, to eat. And like most predators, they only cared if the prey was immobilized. "Killed by a bear..." She shuddered, the horrifying nature of such a death rippling through her. The shudders made her release Lynn. She didn't bat an eyelash about his return from the dead. Magic could do many things. There were rumors of Dreamer's Fruits that could grant immortality, and considering how many different ones there were it seemed totally believable. "You are as favored by Fortune as my brother to be alive and healthy, Jack."

 

Then it was Owen's turn. And, well...there was a measure of luck in his life as well. Sheltered, yes. Small town country boy, also yes. She stepped away from the group, her back looking surprisingly vulnerable. She had many things to say to Riel, but he was not here. It made her lonely. "I was wrong about many things." She was enunciating slowly and carefully. "I am sorry." Right when she appeared to have nothing else to say. "But I was right about one thing. We were right about one thing. You had parents. People to take care of you. Until everything went wrong. Or didn't, for Owen. Riel and I...the orphanage shut down when we were 5. Everything we have, we had to take for ourselves. Aquivan does not have electricity. There are none of your cars. No phones. No...whatever this 'internet' is. No buildings so tall it makes our heads spin."

 

She turned-whipped, really-back around, full of emotions she didn't entirely understand at the moment. Sympathy, envy, sadness, anger, and a mess of others. "I set out to sea for freedom and adventure, yes, but also to escape. The other choices were all shackles. The prison cell. The apprentice contract. The marriage ring. Not that anyone but a madam would take a girl for an apprenticeship." Oh yes, definitely angry. "We decided together. We stole a boat together. We raised our Jolly Roger together. To pillage and plunder! To the Luckstorm Pirates!"

 

She subsided a little. "Aye, we sailed for a year before that fog brought us here. Ragnar, Second Mate and werebear. Viv, Third Mate and bomber. William, Quartermaster and our best shot. Aye, we had enough adventure for a dozen crews. Now we're here. Shackled to this City of Irony. Can't fight, we'd lose badly. Can't run, we'd be caught easily. Can only cooperate and wait. Got to make the best of it, Cap'n says. We will get back, Cap'n says. Aye, Captain. We won't do any of the things we set out to sea to do, on pain of godlike beings beating us into the nearest prison cell." She turned back around. It wasn't bitterness, but frustration in her words. "Perhaps that's unfair. Riel might care. I don't. The heroes of your world are the jailers who keep us from being who we are, and the saviors who will get us home again." Left unstated was the twins attending Claremont, aka Hero School. The intent behind that should be rather obvious. Rebellious children should learn how to behave in civilized society. Or whatever the optimistic version of that cynical statement is.

[Thevshi]

Slipstream

 

Lynn's tension faded at Jack's efforts to comfort her as she talked about her home timeline. But she was caught off guard as Kadene suddenly flew over to give her hug and started crying in sympathy. The other girl's emotional response had not at all been what the blonde teen had expected, causing her to tear up slightly as well. "Thank you Owen." She managed to respond to the other teen boy as Kadene continued to hug her.

 

"It..has been difficult." Lynn responded to Kadene. "It has been over eight months since I arrived in this time, and I have been fortunate enough to have an opportunity to continue at least one of my dreams, earning a spot on a youth orchestra. And…I have found new dreams," she said as she glanced up at Jack with a small smile. “Not to mention having been fortunate to find many new friends." She then added, looking at Kadene and Owen.

 

The blonde teen's expression grew serious again as Jack talked about how he gained his current powers. Of course, Jack had told Lynn about his experience before, so she was not surprised by the information like the others.

 

Owen at least did not have some terrible experience or tragedy as he explained the apparent origin of his powers. Lynn had certainly known a few students at the Nicholson school in her timeline that similarly had developed superpowers independent of any family history of such powers.

 

When Kadene moved away and apologized to them, Lynn wanted to respond, but stopped as the other girl continued. The blonde teen listened to what Kadene had to say, noting the emotions that seemed to play across her face as she did so. When the pirate girl finished, Lynn walked over toward her. "There is no need to apologize Kadene." She said as she gave the other girl a small hug in return.

 

"Thank you for sharing as well. As I said, your world is very different, and I believe I understand it a bit better now. Though, there is still a lot to consider in what you said and likely much more that I still don't know." Taking a step back, she remained focused on the other girl. "I believe the heroes and scientists of this world will find you, your brother and your crew a way home, it may just take awhile."
 

[Jack]

Jack watched as Kadene flew to embrace Lynn, his heart warming at the genuine emotion pouring from the pirate girl. Her tears and rapid French showed a depth of empathy he hadn't expected. Despite her rough exterior and talk of plunder, she clearly had a good heart. That mattered more to him than any background or profession.

 

When she shuddered at the mention of his bear attack, Jack instinctively touched several of his glowing scars on his giant arms. "Da, vas not good way to go," he rumbled softly. But her words about fortune's favor rang true - his grandfather's shamanic powers and the bear spirit had given him a second chance at life.

 

Owen's story brought a wide grin to Jack's face. No tragedy, no drama - just a farm boy accidentally blowing up a tractor and discovering he was smarter than anyone expected. It felt refreshingly simple compared to the rest of their origins.

 

"Hell da!" Jack exclaimed, extending his massive fist toward Owen for a bump. "Ve are all superheroes now, no matter how ve got here." He loved how his best friend could always cut through the heavy stuff with his straightforward perspective. Owen's powers might have come easily, but he used them to help others just like the rest of them. That's what counted in Jack's mind.

 

The temperature around Jack warmed slightly as his mood lifted. Owen's story about his supportive parents reminded him that while his own family struggled with his changes, they still loved him. And now he had this weird, wonderful found family of heroes too - a speedster girlfriend, a genius best friend, and even a pirate who cried in French. Life had strange ways of working out.

 

Jack listened to Kadene's words about growing up without parents, his chest tightening with understanding. Though his path had been different, he knew something of having to stand on his own two feet early in life. His summers in Siberia with dedushka had taught him self-reliance, how to live off the land far from modern comforts.

 

"Is like being caged bird," he said softly, his Russian accent thickening with emotion. "Having freedom, then losing it. I understand this feeling." 

 

As Lynn moved to comfort Kadene, Jack followed, placing his massive hand gently on the pirate girl's shoulder. Despite his intimidating size, his touch was careful, almost delicate. The bear spirit within him recognized another wild soul trapped by circumstance.

 

"Ve may not know vhat future brings," he rumbled, "but you have us as weird found family here now. Until ve find way to get you home, I vill fight giant crab monsters by your side." A small grin tugged at his lips. "Maybe even dedushka knows someone vith right magic to help. He has many... how you say... connections in old country."

 

The cold aura that usually surrounded him warmed slightly, his innate ice powers responding to his genuine desire to help. Jack knew what it was like to feel trapped between two worlds - his old life and his new reality as an icy werebear. Perhaps that's why Kadene's frustration struck such a chord with him.

 

 

[Lone_Star]

Prime Mover

 

Owen's heart went out to each of them, and he could not help but wipe a tear from his eyes. He angrily ground his fists into the corner of his eyes, frustrated with his emotions. "Ah, geez. Sorry, you guys, I just...you've opened up so much, and you all have so much tragedy in your lives, and here I am with loving parents an' all." He accepted Jack's fist bump with a smile, glad to know his bro had his back. 

 

He knew Kadene needed a moment, too. "Whatever I can do to help you get home, Kadene, I will. I'll study hard and learn all the super-science I can to contribute. You're a great gal, but I know you're ready to get back to your homeworld. And that's okay." Owen knew that one day, his roomie and his now-girlfriend would leave Freedom City forever. But after their heartfelt talk at Pizano's Pizza, he knew he needed to cherish every moment he could with the Luckstorm Pirates. Though selfishly, and he felt terrible for even thinking it, Owen hoped they could stay a little longer.

 

Owen smiled as Lynn addressed him and Kadene as her friends. "I think that's all we can do, Lynn. Try our best to do good with the circumstances and abilities we've been given. We're definitely in the right place to learn, though, and I'm grateful to have such awesome super-friends as you guys." Owen shed a few more tears, and he laughed a little as he wiped them away. "Geez, I guess I'm a bit emotional today."

 

Owen's stomach rumbled as Jack mentioned. "Huh, don't know why talking about giant crab monsters makes me hungry. Maybe we should head inside?"