Snippet #2381049

With a slight increase in pace the Rulers moved forward, Arthur still scanning the others who were approaching and waving to them; a group of four total adults and the same number of kids, at least one of which appeared his age, all seemingly pleasant. Course Arthur knew the Flynns, and their son Rayburn, fairly well. They were always coming over for dinner and such. Mom liked having Arabella drop by or going to the city and shopping together, and Dad was always interested in what Jamie had to say about the latest stories in the Human world… specifically things that were being seen as regular events but were really monsters behaving badly. But seeing the other group he had to think back a little ways to when they had last stopped by. According to Dad they kept a ‘low profile’ which was pretty common in the monster world. But as he looked at the various people from his dad’s stories of the old days a thought occurred to him, “Dad?”

“Hmm?”

“These guys were the people from all your stories about those fights in high school right?”

“That’s right.”

“So who’s the strongest?”

Desmond nearly tripped at that question, “Well, uh, son, that’s a difficult question to place. I mean it wasn’t really a competition we were in.” a diplomatic answer as Kalen chuckled to herself about the sudden outburst her boy had made. It was just like Arthur, always assessing, always curious, always decisive, and Desmond really shouldn’t have been caught off guard there.

“But aren’t you the strongest there is?” he asked again as he looked to the rather large man to the left of them (Aiden) and his wife with a slightly cocked head.

Before Desmond could tell his son a flat nope his loving wife intervened, “Why don’t you judge for yourself?”

Taking her at her word Arthur nodded and moved to the head of the trio as he reached into his collar and withdrew the necklace that hid beneath his shirt. The pendant was warm to the touch despite its steely construction, pulsing with a light beat in harmony with that of his own heart. A brilliantly intricate piece of jewelry. He grasp the pendant and closed his eyes for a moment, his Parents stopping behind him.

“Don’t overdo it now, Arthur.” His pops advised as he stood slightly back with Kalen, watching.

“I won’t.” he assured as he drew form the pendant a small droplet of power. His feet felt lighter as a small circle of air escaped from him, his sports coat blown back slightly as his bangs rose in the air a fraction of an inch. The wind however was minimal and died down after a single burst as his full weight returned to his feet. Opening his eyes he looked about again. A sparkle now rested within those deep green orbs, and with that small drop of power he viewed the world anew.

Looking about he saw each figure as little more than a silhouette, however the surrounding air that was typically boring in the normal spectrum, was on fire in every color of the rainbow. Glancing about he was astounded by what he saw, the kids had some huge aura’s of their own but those two monsters, Arabella and Aiden… they were a whole different thing all together. Heck, the two humans were extraordinary in their own right, each with an Aura as four times larger than any human he knew. By contrast when he looked over his shoulder his mom, Kalen, had no aura what so ever save a slight glowing trail emanating form where her eyes would be. And Desmond’s aura was barely larger than a human’s right now. Guess he’s keeping a low profile too…

He closed his eyes again as he stowed the pendant back in his shirt and began moving again with his parents. “So, what do you think? Have an answer yet?” his mom asked.

“No…” he commented back, “give me a hint?”

“No way, Sport, I’m having too much fun with this.” Desmond chuckled.

Kalen elbowed him lightly, though her strength almost pushed him over as they walked forward, at last meeting at the gate with the other couples. Having come from three directions the three families met simultaneously at the entrance to the school.

“Hello there strangers, I don’t suppose you’re here for the reunion party too?” Desmond said jovially as he and Kalen moved forward for the greetings. Desmond shaking Jamie’s and Aiden’s hands and Kalen pulling Amber and Arabella into a hug, whether or not they wanted it. Arthur, meanwhile, walked straight up to Rayburn.

“Sup, Blaze, how you been?” he asked as he presented his fist calmly in a more youthful greeting. Desmond always said name your children whatever you like, and their friends will call them whatever they want. Rayburn and Arthur knew one another well enough, but didn’t go to the same school. Perhaps a good thing since the young phoenix might torch the place on a whim. Lord knows Arthur had to fight that urge without magical powers. “School out for you too?”