nextgen_citizen:

Zoey loved birthdays and today there were three of them. Svalin, Halbjorn and Aridis all had their birthday on the same day and that day was today! They were three of her bestest friends and she made them each a present. She had her mom help with getting the frames for the picture of the Defenders that they had made and Zoey put the picture in each frame. Along with the photographs, she drew a picture of the Defenders for each of them.

She happily delivered her gifts.

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Anonymous Entries Accepted

team_mascot:

Zoey was half-watching her favorite show while she rubbed Zhelbar's belly. Zoey, Zhelbar, Spenser, Finnegan and Eyhvatr were all in the rec room stretched out on the floor and various pieces of furniture. The child, dogs and tiger could always be found here at this time of the day when Super Buddies was on.

Loud excited talking got her attention. She stopped rubbing Zhelbar's belly and focused on the television. Her eyes went wide and her chin fell as her mouth opened. When the commercial was over Zoey ran for the nearest phone.

She bounced as she waited for someone on the other end to pick up. "THEY MADE NEW SUPER BUDDIES AND NEW TOYS!" she shouted into the phone as soon as someone said hello. She didn't even wait to see if it was Scotty.

shield_maiden:

Svalin would admit that she wasn't the best at gift selection and gift giving unless the gifts happen to be weapons or armor. Those she could make herself and give to people, but her pregnancy prevented her from working the forge. Thankfully Svalin had some jewels and gold from her wedding gifts and Lady Sydney had helped her find a jewelry maker in the city.

The necklace was beautiful when it was done and Svalin hoped Vernique liked sapphires. She had almost went with rubies, but she thought the blue jewels were pretty and would look good on her wife.

She wrapped the necklace in a black velvet cloth and went to find her wife.

nextgen_misc:

Night had settled over the city of Los Angeles. A waning gibbous mood had risen and the light of the stars was blocked out by the thick smog that usually blanketed the city. The hours moved on and the city slowed down. Citizens were asleep in their beds and off to dreamland.

The same held true for the residents at 1800 Palos Verdes Drive.

They wouldn't stay asleep for long. Something stirred in the darkness outside.

brit_sorcerer:

There had been an invitation for Excalibur to attend a cookout with the Defenders for Independence Day. Quinn was a Brit by birth, but he had spent half of his life in New York. He considered himself a Yankee as well as a Brit.

When it was time he teleported all from Excalibur who wanted to go to the Defenders compound. Quinn was looking forward to a day in the sun, on the beach and watching girls in bikinis with a lot of good food on hand. Not to mention Asgardian mead. It would truly be a wonderful day.

They arrived in a flash right outside the gates to the compound. It was rude to arrive inside the gates and Quinn didn't feel like fighting. He was a lover, not a fighter.

team_mascot:

It was going to be the best day EVER! Ellie, Daniel, Scotty and she were going to spend the day with Starry Twilight! Zoey had barely been able to sleep last night and had been practically bouncing this morning. The time until they needed to be in the club seemed to drag, but eventually it was time!

She was practically bouncing in her seat as she waited for them to start.

nextgen_holiday:

"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be." -- Unknown

team_mascot:

Zoey didn't think about how Andy and Titan were two separate personalities or why they looked different from each other, all she did know was that it was their birthday. She made them each a card complete with lots of hearts, rainbows and glitter and had Mom take her shopping for a gift. She got Titan a deluxe set of Uno cards and a set of regular cards. He promised her he would teach her how to play poker. For Andy she got him a new leather belt Svalin had helped her make.

She left the items on the table in the main building where he would see them.

nextgen_misc:

The auditorium of the high school was crowded with various groups of teens, mostly girls, all there to win a day with Starry Twilight. The room was filled with a lot of giggling and squealing.

The band sat at a table in front of the stage and were the judges for the event. Their manager sat at the end of the table and looked bored out of their mind. Four bodyguards stood behind the band members and tried to keep enthusiastic fans from reaching the band.

A large screen was set up on the stage so the competitors could easily see it.

"Next up," the manager said as one group just finished. "Band number twenty." The manager sighed and put his chin in his hand. It was going to be a long day.

nextgen_misc:

It was the right thing to do. And Scotty could just stick with Daniel and let the girls do their thing.
Besides, he was a very good Rock Band keyboardist.
Scotty sighed and picked up the phone.
"May I speak to Zoey, please?"

dark_of_winter:

Sigurdur Hogunson returned to the Golden City the moment the messenger found him. The All-Father demanded his presence immediately and Sigurdur's mind raced with the implications. He was not a wise man, and therefore did not know why the Lord of Asgard needed him. Questions arose in his mind during his ride to Odin's hall, but no answers presented themselves.

He hoped that he had not displeased his lord and master.

He arrived at the hall and was admitted without further word. No one spoke to him, but their glances asked the same question that stuck in Sigurdur's mind.

Why? 

When he reached Odin's throne, Sigurdur stopped at a respectable distance and slammed his fist to his heart, taking a knee and kneeling before his liege.

"I, Sigurdur Hogunson, present myself to thee, my King. How may I serve Asgard this day?" he asks in greeting.

nextgen_holiday:

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty, quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul

team_mascot:

Zoey was always happy when there was going to be a party. The Asgardians didn't have an exact birthday, but it was sometime in the spring. So today they were going to celebrate the Asgardians' birthday. Zoey of course wanted a party with balloons, streamers, ice cream and cake, but Mom had said that they would be having dinner of their favorite foods and then cake. Not a regular birthday party.

Zoey did help Sarah and Malinda make and decorate the cake.

Dinner came and the Defenders gathered around the large dining room table.

"Happy birthday!" Zoey said and handed each one of them a card she had made herself. She went shopping with Mom and the two of them had gotten the Asgardians some clothes.

sydney_ashcroft:

Sydney had just enough time to run some errands before she had to pick Zoey up from school. It had been a busy day so far and Syd still had a lot of items on her To Do list. It seemed like her days just got busier and busier. One of these days she'd get the chance to take a real vacation. Her errands were complete and she headed toward Zoey's school to pick her up.

She drove along and sang along to the radio. Katy Perry's "Waking Up In Vegas" was on and quite catchy. Syd found that she rather liked it. The traffic light was green and Syd proceeded into the intersection.

She didn't see the pickup truck coming from her left, but it plowed into the side of her car. Glass broke and metal was pushed inward. Her car skidded across the intersection and slammed into another car. More glass broke and metal twisted. Another car hit hers and by now she was unconscious. She couldn't feel the broken bones that she suffered and she couldn't feel the blood running down her face and would have run into her eyes had she not been unconscious.

People gathered around and a few started to help the injured people in the vehicles. The man in the truck was unhurt and climbed out of the truck. He saw that his job was done and took off running down the street.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

Forty-five minutes later Mr. Cooleridge's assistant dialed Sydney's cellphone. When it went to voice mail she called the next number on the list belonging to Mr. Crittenden.

nextgen_misc:

Daniel, Zoey, Scotty, Ellie and Rufus had told Thor and Sif about what happened in Hel while Einmyria made sure they ate and rested. The Thunder God's face wore a scowl as the children told the tale and Sif's expression mirrored his. They left the kids with Eimyria and returned to Odin's great hall. A dark cloud loomed on the horizon and Asgard would prepare to face it.

The host of Asgard started preparations for a battle and the sons and daughters of Asgard on Migard would be called back.

word_of_law:

Avery brought Indian food to the mansion along with a couple of books on archaeology. He'd been trying to learn more about it lately so he could have conversations with Sydney, though he knew he'd never match her encyclopedic memory. Still, listening to her talk so passionately about her love of history was a big turn-on. He loved her and enjoyed seeing her happy.

Once inside, he picked out a bottle of wine for them, and brought the food to the table, then went to go find Sydney.

nextgen_asgard:

Hela ruled Hel and there was nothing that she didn't know about. Her latest amusement was leading a bunch of kids around. She wasn't sure exactly what her father's plan was, but dealing with the kids was entertaining her. It had been some time since she had entertainment such as this. She let them wander around her realm, tricking them with illusions and occasionally sending a minion after them. The kids were proving to be quite resourceful. The two little ones weren't scared and it intrigued her. The other three weren't either, but they were older. She eventually led them to the ice where the Destroyer was encased and put up an illusion to make it look like the two little ones were in the ice.

sydney_ashcroft:

Grace's birthday was on Thursday and Syd had made sure she they acknowledged the day, but they were saving the big party for Saturday. The Defenders as a team had gone out to dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse. When they returned home anyone who wanted to watch movies camped out in the living room.

Syd had the two chefs, Hugh and Malinda, make Grace's favorite food for dinner and her favorite cake for dinner on Saturday. When dinner was over, Syd and Zoey brought the cake out with the candles lit.

"Happy birthday to you...." they sang as they brought the cake to the table.

Syd ignored her own birthday.

team_mascot:

Zoey /loved/ visiting New York because it meant seeing Scotty. It was Valentine's Day and Mom and Dad had some auction thing to go to and that meant Mr. and Mrs. Vernard would be babysitting the two of them. Zoey had a card that she made for Scotty and the Super Buddies DVDs for him.

Mr. Vernard had given both of them a very specific set of rules about what they were allowed and not allowed to do. They didn't mean to cause trouble the last few times, but it just seemed like trouble found them. They didn't plan on all those things happening.

As it was they were in the living room playing with Scotty's Super Buddies DVDs and playing with his Super Buddies toys.

nextgen_holiday:


I arise from dreams of thee
In the first sweet sleep of night,
When the winds are breathing low,
And the stars are shining bright.
I arise from dreams of thee,
And a spirit in my feet
Hath led me -- who knows how?
To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint
On the dark, the silent stream--
And the Champak's odours
Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
The nightingale's complaint,
It dies upon her heart,
As I must on thine,
O belovèd as thou art!

O lift me from the grass!
I die! I faint! I fail!
Let thy love in kisses rain
On my lips and eyelids pale.
My cheek is cold and white, alas!
My heart beats loud and fast:
O press it to thine own again,
Where it will break at last!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

shield_maiden:

For Svalin getting two new weapons at the same time was like a kid getting toys at Christmas and not knowing which one to play with first. Vigfrior was one of the most perfect weapons Svalin had ever picked up. The sword was...well perfect. The grip fit her hand with perfections, the balance was unlike she had ever seen and it the ability to change into different weapons. Svalin no longer had to worry about carrying a small arsenal with her.

Then there was the Bat'leth. Her brother had done excellent work and she truly didn't deserve such a gift. Svalin had been practicing almost non-stop with the two weapons when she wasn't doing other chores around the compound. At first the Bat'leth felt clumsy and awkward, but Svalin was a warrior and she practiced religiously and took to weapons like no other. Now her movements were fluid, almost graceful and she knew she could now use the weapon in combat.

Maybe soon she would get her chance to use both weapons in combat.

She thought about Vernique as she went through her afternoon training routine. She had left a message with her inviting her out to visit for a few days. Svalin may have said something about wanting some new Migard clothes. If anything brought Vernique out, it would be the promise of shopping and the chance to dress Svalin up.

She hadn't heard back from Vernique, but she had used Sydney's phone because she didn't have one of her own. Though she knew Syndey would tell her if Vernique had called. That she was sure of.

She continued to go through her forms and Zoey mirrored her movements. She could tell the child had been practicing while she was away and had improved. After practice they would see to their horses and then Svalin promised Zoey she would take her swimming.

shield_maiden:

The view from the highest tower in Asgard was the same as she remembered it, but this time it didn't offer the calm and peace it usually did. Svalin's heart and mind were heavy and the beauty of the Golden Realm didn't offer the solace she had been seeking.

It was good to be home and good to be back in Asgard, but at the same time she was sad to be home. She'd probably never see Jon again. He had been right when he said they each had duties to see to and she would do hers. She just wished it didn't hurt so much.

Momone had been happy to see her return and Sif being Sif was proud Svalin had proved herself worthy and would take her proper place in Asgard. Momtwo had practically smothered here with TLC and had noticed she wasn't herself. Svalin had told her about Jon and the time spent with him. It got her a good dose of home cooking and a generous amount of mead. Nothing helped heartache than some TLC from Momtwo.

She swore Astrid and Eir had grown a few inches in the months Svalin had been gone. Skari had grown a lot. Soon he would be taller than Svalin, but she would still be able to kick his ass if needed.

Svalin had made a quick stop to pay respects to Lord Odin and Lady Frigga, but for the most part she kept to herself.

nextgen_misc:

The New Year was a time for sending out the old year and ringing in the new. It was always a time of partying and celebrating. This year it was time for a battle. The time and dimensionally displaced Avengers along with their possible future kids got ready for a battle with Kang and his forces.

The sun was just coming up over the city and on the new year.

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
+

Anonymous entries accepted.

nextgen_misc:

"George"'s time on Earth exposed him to a lot of different things of Earth culture. One of these things was Santa Claus. The idea of some man giving out presents to all the kids on one night a year was an interesting concept. There was no such thing on George's planet.

When George returned to his planet he told them all about Earth culture and Santa Claus. The fascination with Santa and getting presents prompted a small group of aliens to leave their planet and head to Earth. They arrived at the North Pole and promptly brought Santa aboard their ship.

Things were going well as they headed home with Santa, but trouble found them half way home. A ship of Symbiotes attacked and took their precious cargo. George managed to turn the ship around and headed back to Earth. There were people that could help.

Those people were Team Awesome.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

nextgen_holiday:

“We’re here outside the Four Seasons Hotel in New York where the who’s who is gathered tonight. Celebrities, royals and superheroes have all turned out for the annual Maria Stark Foundation Winter Charity event benefiting Toys for Tots.

It’s truly an all-star gala here tonight.

New York’s own princess, Anya Stark, was seen being escorted by what appears to be her new flame, actor Austin Cain. Her brother and currently second in line to the Russian throne, Mikhail Romanov, was seen entering the party with Lyta Worthington, heiress to Worthington Industries. Tony and Natasha Stark, parents of a new baby, are making their first public appearance since the birth of their son.

Mackenzie Rider, a prince of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, is escorting Ms. Andrea Denker of the Fantastic Four tonight. Kristoff Vernard, leader of the Fantastic Four, was seen in attendance with his wife Cassandra and their son Scotty. Vincent Amorason, heir to Latveria, arrived alongside his brother and was seen escorting a member of the Defenders, Asleif Thorsdottir. The rest of the Fantastic Four are here too with their dates, though Miss Valeria Richards is not in attendance. Franklin Richards is in attendance and is escorting one Miss Gill.

Los Angeles’ own superhero team, the Defenders are in attendance as well. Arriving with her team is Grace Danvers, daughter of Hollywood hunk Simon Williams and she is being escorted by teammate, Eiltin. The two Asgardian princesses and daughters of Thor, Asleif and Aridis, are also attending the festivities with their team.
Akilah Munore, the crown princess of Wakanda, is here tonight with her steady flame, Daniel Sherwood a member of the Young Avengers. The other Young Avengers are in attendance tonight with their dates, alongside the adult Avengers.

Donald Trump arrived with his wife and is one of many other famous faces to arrive. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Hugh Jackman, Jack Nicholson, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift are just a few celebrities who have made an appearance here tonight.

It’s truly a party of the who’s who and it’s all for a great cause.”

nextgen_holiday:

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." JFK

In America today is a day for being thankful for the things in people's lives. Today was a day to celebrate family, friends, prosperity and health with food, family and friends. It is a time to reflect on what is important us and to recognize the gratitude we hold for having those things in our lives.

team_mascot:

Zoey finally got to visit Scotty at /his/ house. Before Scotty had visited Zoey in California, but Zoey hadn't had the chance to visit Scotty's house until now. Mom had business in New York and Zoey had begged to go along. She liked New York (despite the broken arm she got the last time she was here) and wanted to see more of the city and more importantly see Scotty. Scotty even had a new little sister and Zoey wanted to meet her. Though it was a little disappointing that Miranda couldn't really play with them. Miranda was still cute and Zoey giggled every time she made little spit bubbles and cooed.

Zoey and Scotty had just finished watching Super Buddies again. Scotty loved the recent Fantastic Four episode and they had watched it twice. Scotty even had the super limited edition M.O.D.O.K. toy. Zoey would admit that the M.O.D.O.K. toy was cool. He talked and said silly things when you pushed the button on the back.

Zoey and Scotty were currently playing with the M.O.D.O.K. toy when the members of the Fantastic Four said they had to go out on a mission. Cassie was still here with Miranda and Daniel would be coming over to watch the two of them.

"That's a cool toy," Zoey said with giggles. "I'm going to ask my mom for one when I get home."

nextgen_holiday:

All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween as it has been come to be called, is a popular holiday with children and adults alike. It is a holiday that had its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain or Summer's End. Samhain celebrated the end of the "lighter half" of the year and the beginning of the "darker half".

On this evening the barriers between this world and the Otherworld were believed to be thin and the spirits, good and bad, of the dead could pass through. The spirits of the family's ancestors were welcomed in while evil and bad spirits were warded off by the wearing of masks and costumes. The costumes and masks disguised one as a harmful spirit and avoided harm from others.

It was also a harvest celebration and time to take stock of food stores for the winter. Livestock were slaughtered and the meat prepared for storage. It was the final harvest of the year and the crops were then stored for the winter. Celebrations included bonfires and tales of the family's ancestors.

It was a celebration of the dead and of the harvest.

Today we dress up in scary and not so scary costumes and masks and go door to door for candy or attend costume parties. It is a night for revelry, pranks and fun.

ng_divine_ones5:

A chasm opened in the front yard of the Defenders compound on Halloween. From which Eoghan walked out of with the baying of unseen hounds coming from around him.

Eoghan then walked slowly but purposely towards the front doors of the compound and rang the door bell. He was fairly certain that this is how things were done in the mortal realm to let people know they wanted to talk.

He hoped he could do this quickly Eoghan had a lot to do today Samhain was always busy for him.

nextgen_misc:

It started out as a normal day in Southern California, but it didn't stay normal. A convoy of tanks and military transports rolled down Palos Verdes Drive and stopped outside of 1800. They spread out along the road in front of the main building of the compound.

General Stihl climbed out of the transport and four heavily armed soldiers flanked him. He walked up to the gate and pressed the buzzer.

nextgen_holiday:

It was a perfect Southern California day. The sun was warm and bright and the water was nice and cool. Traditionally the large bbq pit would be fired up and food slow cooked over it all day, but today the Defenders went for something different. Two very large grills were carried down to the beach along with tables and all of the food. The Defenders' Labor Day celebration would be a beach party.

The volleyball net was strung up and the surf board were carried down. Two brand new jetskis were also purchased and taken down to the beach.

Massive amounts of food were prepared to satisfy godly appetites. A whole pig was set up over a pit and put on a spit, burgers, hot dogs, sausage, barbecued ribs, corn on the cob, pasta salad, salad and fruit salad were just some of the food available to eat. Soda, water, fruit juice and other beverages were on ice.

It was a day of rest and relaxations for those who put their lives on the line for others.

team_mascot:

Zoey was bouncing from the second she got up. Today was HER BIRTHDAY! She was turning seven today and seven was a big birthday. Or so she thought. She had been looking forward to this day ALL SUMMER! Birthdays were special and Mom said she could have a big party, minus the zombies and undead soldiers of course.

She zipped around all day, with the dogs following of course, and helped wherever she could. She helped Sarah make the cake, helped put up decorations and she helped arrange things on the table. She bounced the whole time. When Sarah told her to go get ready, Zoey raced up the stairs to get changed.

She raced down the stairs when she was ready.

It was FINALLY time for her party.

team_mascot:

Zoey would have a lot to write about when she did her "What I Did This Summer" report when school started. First there had been two new arrivals to the Defenders with Andy and Eiltin. Three if you counted Titan, who Zoey liked to call Big Green. Next came finding George and taking care of him. That lead to an adventure into space and beating Galactus.

Now it was a trip to Boston. Zoey loved taking trips and flying on airplanes, especially to places she never been before. Boston was a city she hadn't been to before and when Mom asked if she wanted to go, Zoey immediately said yes. Daddy had said he would show her around and she would get to meet her grandparents. Zoey never had grandparents before and thought it would be neat to meet them and get to know them.

The only downside was that she couldn't take George. She left him in her room and George assured her that he would be able to get his own food and take care of himself. Zoey didn't like leaving him, but she had no choice. She packed her own suitcase and backpack. She took clothes and some books to read on the plane. Her iPod and Nintendo DS were also put in her backpack.

Zoey read on the plane and also took a nap. They were in Boston in what seemed a short while. She started out the window as they were landing. The city looked pretty from the air and there was a lot of water. It was the Atlantic Ocean. Zoey had looked at the atlas before she left.

They collected their luggage and Zoey walked with her dad out of the airport. Holding his hand as was the rule when around a large number of people.

nextgen_adult:

In a flash a white a portal appeared in the middle of the defender’s front lawn. A moment later a large man in a dark blue cloak with red Celtic designs on it step through. He then confidently walked up to the main doors of the central building and knocked on them.

team_mascot:

Zoey was bored. Mom was on a conference call (she seemed to have a lot of those) and Zoey had to wait to go get ice cream with her like she promised. Zelbar and Spencer were in the kitchen because Sarah was cooking and they waited for her to drop some food. Eyhvatr was sleeping in a patch of sun not far from the pool. Her usual playmates were busy.

Zoey went to see who was around.

nextgen_cosmic:

Galactus was a cosmic being who needed to feed on the life forces of planets. Currently he was about to feast on a planet which was also the home of George, a small alien who had been residing on Earth. A small ship docked with Galactus' world ship, the crew intent on stopping Galactus from feeding on the planet.

sydney_ashcroft:

Last night hadn't gone exactly to plan, but it had been a wonderful night. The exhibit had been wonderful, dinner excellent and afterwards...Syd blushed at the thought. She had woke up this morning snuggled up next to a warm body and with a smile on her face.

She would have stayed in bed if she could, but an eight am meeting on the East Coast meant a five am meeting on the West Coast. Syd rolled out of bed at 4:30 and got dressed and caffeinated before her video conference with Mr. Stark. After the meeting she started a batch of blueberry muffins and scrambled up some eggs. Pancake batter was made and ready to be cooked when people filtered into the kitchen.

The residents and their guest would be waking up soon and it was best to be armed with food. She smiled at the thought of two dogs, a tiger and a kid jumping into bed with Avery.

nextgen_parent:

Lady Sif placed the two new swords for Aridis and Svalin on the table with the other items that were bound for Migard. Four new daggers, one for each, were also placed on the table. A new war hammer for Halbjorn was added along with a pouch containing common spell items. Added to the weapons were new clothes made by Einmyria and also various baked goods.

It was mid-summer and the kids, though they weren't really kids anymore, would receive gifts from their parents. Sif wasn't exactly the most maternal of women, but she did love her children and worried about them as any mother would. Even if she didn't bear some of them.

Now it was time to deliver the gifts.

"Skari!" she called.

team_mascot:

While Mom was out shopping Zoey played outside with the dogs and the tiger. She promised Sarah she would stay near the house and she was. Zoey giggled and threw two balls and watched the two dogs run after them. The tiger was stretched out on his back on the grass, soaking up the warm sunshine.

Zilbar and Spencer brought the tennis balls back and Zoey grabbed them from the two dogs. She threw them again and laughed as the two dogs chased them. The tiger watched them and yawned lazily. Zoey watched the dogs reach the balls and then ignored them. They ran off barking in another direction.

They were getting into something and Zoey had to make sure it wasn't bad for them. Mom gave her the talk about what dogs should and shouldn't eat.

Zoey ran over and froze when she saw a small blue thing with one eye. It looked like Bob from Monsters vs. Aliens sort of.

"Hi!"

It didn't answer.

"I'm Zoey!"

It blinked.

"Are you hungry?"

It wiggled.

Did that mean yes? It probably did. She was hungry and the blue blob probably was hungry too. "'Kay! I'll get you something to eat. Don't move!" She ran toward the house to grab a few snacks. The dogs followed her. A few minutes later she was back and offering the blob some cookies.

The blob took the cookies and quickly gobbled them up.

Zoey giggled. "I'm going to call you George!" Bob was already used in the movie. "You can come stay with me!" She reached out a hand to George.

nextgen_holiday:

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

shessomarvelous:

Bendy-timed to before a couple of days before Loki showed up

Grace fidgeted with the sleeves of her black robe. The gold tassel from her cap dangled in front of her face.

She was graduating from high-school. Sure, it wasn't the school that she had started out at, but she did it. She'd put in the hard work, and she'd soon have the diploma to prove it.

The speeches having been over and done with, Grace stood in line with the kids from her row to get her diploma. As long as she didn't trip, everything would be perfect. Dad and the Defenders were somewhere in the crowd. She'd even told Zoey to invite Avery along. Her Mom had flown in from Boston to see her daughter graduate.

Grace could feel her heartbeat start to speed up, as she got closer to the platform.

"Grace Elizabeth Danvers!" Her name was called out by the vice-principal and she walked across the stage, taking her diploma from the principal, a wide grin on her face.

When all the names had been called and all of the seniors had officially graduated, Grace tossed her cap into the air along with the rest of the students. Then, picking it up, she rushed off to find the Defenders and her Mom. Mom had booked a room at a local restaurant for them to have all of them to have a nice dinner.

sydney_ashcroft:

Thankfully Sydney had swapped important information with Avery when they were synchronizing their calendars and it had given Syd the head's up that Avery's birthday was coming up. She knew Zoey would want to give Avery something for his birthday. Zoey had made him a card and Sydney took her shopping.

Just what did one give someone one didn't know too well for their birthday?

Syd racked her brain to find something, then she remembered Avery liked music. So she suggested a guitar to Zoey and they went shopping to find one for him. Syd didn't know if he still played, but it was the only thing she could really think of. Zoey liked the idea and of course now wanted to take guitar lessons too.

The man at the shop had been so helpful. All guitars looked the same to Syd, so she relied on the sales clerk to help her. They found a nice acoustic guitar and wrapping it had been a task, but in the end they managed it.

With card, gift and a cake made by Sarah in hand, Syd and Zoey went over to Avery's house.

nextgen_asgard:

He appeared before the Defenders compound without fanfare or signal, without any of the usual lavish displays he attempted when wishing to make a point. Instead, it was simply as though he was not there one moment and there the next. His features--he would never be called handsome, though some might have called them regal--contorted slightly. Why was so much of Midgard so insufferably warm? A proper place was cold enough to freeze the marrow from unworthy bones.

Well, you know what they say. You can take the giant out of Jötunheimr, but you can't take Jötunheimr out of the giant. He resisted the urge to change the climate to something more to his liking.

He was not, technically, supposed to travel to Midgard these days. But when had he ever cared for the rules? Besides, who would deny him the opportunity to see his niece and grandchildren?

Loki, Lord of Lies, God of Mischief, adopted son of Odin, had come to Earth.

sydney_ashcroft:

Sydney hummed an upbeat tune while she cleaned and chopped carrots for a salad. The classes she taught today had gone very smoothly. She only had a few more weeks to go and she would have her masters in Ancient History. In the fall she'd be starting on her doctorate. Life was going very well for her and she was a happy woman.

She glanced at the clock. It was only four thirty. Zoey was in the rec room watching cartoons and Avery wouldn't be home for at least another hour. Which mean she still had time to think of something to make for dessert. She was thinking about brownies. There was plenty of time to make some and they would go great with the vanilla ice cream and topped with melted peanut butter.

The carrots were tossed in the bowl of salad and she toss the knife and cutting board into the sink. She glanced at the muted television. Huh. LA now had its own team of superheroes judging by the headlines. She didn't think San Francisco would get a team anytime soon. Which was fine in her book. They didn't need villains and heroes alike destroying parts of the city.

She grabbed a box of brownie mix from the cabinet and started collecting the items and ingredients she would need.

nextgen_holiday:

Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There's no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom. - Anonymous

team_mascot:

Zoey loved spring! It was her favorite season after summer. Though winter was good because winter had Christmas in it. Christmas was the best and this year she had met Santa Claus! She even drove his sleigh! But now it was spring. Spring meant a lot of good things and one of those things were the Asgardians birthday.

Zoey was a little confused about how they didn't know the actual day they were born and Mom couldn't really explain it either, but they were okay with just spring as their birthday. Birthdays meant parties and Zoey had decided that there HAD to be a party.

A party was her favorite thing right after Christmas. She LOVED parties and this would be the bestest birthday party ever!

She knew she couldn't do it alone so she went seeking help. Mom. Grace. Ohu. Any of them, or all would help her. They HAD to.

word_of_law:

Avery followed the directions from his GPS to the mansion, not sure what he was expecting. The place was huge, he knew, but what he could see from the gate was....epic. There really wasn't another world for it.

He'd called ahead to let Sydney and Zoey know he'd be coming, but he still wasn't sure what to expect when he pulled up to the front gate. He didn't see any dragons or, heavens forbid, any Mongolian Death Worms, but one never knew with these types, did they?

He just hoped Zoey was still interested in being around him even after all the awesome she was currently surrounded with.