The Facility had been doing quite well, better than they had ever dreamed. The Blade Faction has been growing quite substantially. Many of the children from the Black Rock Orphanage School for Exceptional Youth's, under the watchful eye of Ismalena, had cultivated a generation of students with quite powerful abilities. Several students graduating every year would choose to funnel into the Blade Faction, at least at first. Occasionally one would move on and sometimes they would choose to pursue other endeavours straight out of school instead. A good number of talented kids remained though, bolstering their numbers greatly.
Vorden had adopted a much more docile life since the birth of his son. He had remained an instructor, finding a great deal of fulfillment and joy in teaching. Surprisingly, he truly had a knack for the profession as well. He had moved on from the military though. Instead choosing to teach at a regular academy that was much closer to the Blade compound, now he could take a more active role within the family and prepare the coming generations of Blade family ability users.
Vorden had just finished setting the table for dinner after ensuring that Borden was on task. Seeing Jade in the kitchen, preparing the meal he found himself smiling wide yet again. He watched his lovely wife for a moment, as she took a spoon full of whatever it was she had simmering on the stove, and tasted it.
Jade carefully blew on the spoon first, trying to cool it down before carefully placing it in her mouth. She chewed momentarily before groaning rather loudly and allowing her head to lull back. He chuckled as he walked further into the kitchen towards her. Greatly enjoying her work Jade did a little excited wiggle and didn't notice Vorden walking up behind her.
As his hands slid around her waist she jumped slightly startled. Then realizing who it was she sighed relieved and leaned her head back to rest on his chest. Vorden planted a sweet kiss on her temple and just held her for a brief second.
Then the modest country cottage shuddered gently, sending a soft tremor rippling through the old wooden floorboards and causing the neatly stacked porcelain dishes to chime melodiously. Vorden paused, hands still holding Jade by the hops, and he glanced knowingly at her. Her warm eyes sparkled with a quiet excitement mirrored perfectly in his own. They shared a brief smile, their silent anticipation crackling pleasantly in the air between them.
"They're here! They're here!" Borden's high, lilting voice erupted from down the hallway, his tiny feet thundering energetically across the rustic oak floor. He emerged, blond locks freshly dampened from hurried taming, bounding toward the door as if propelled by pure joy.
Vorden moved swiftly, catching up just in time to lay his hand gently atop his son's shoulder as they reached the door together. With a soft creak, it swung open and they spilled out onto the porch, the golden rays of evening sunlight pouring across their faces, setting Borden's fair hair aglow like spun gold.
Jade appeared at their side a moment later, resting a gentle hand atop the rounded swell of her abdomen. She exhaled softly, her breath mingling with the fragrant breeze that whispered through the field. Her chestnut hair, loosely braided, caught the sunlight as well, shining with soft amber highlights as she stepped close to her husband and son.
Ahead, the sky was tinged with streaks of violet and rose, painted gracefully around the descending vessel. Its sleek silhouette glistened as it maneuvered gently downward, engines humming soothingly, thrusters casting a gentle glow on the swaying grasses below. It settled neatly onto the makeshift landing area, its metallic hull catching and reflecting the beauty of the twilight sky.
Borden could hardly contain himself, bouncing on his tiptoes, small fists clenching with excitement. Jade laughed softly, a melodic sound that danced warmly around them.
"Alright, little man, careful now," Vorden said gently, his voice rich with amusement as he tightened his grip just slightly, more precaution than restraint. He cast a quick, affectionate glance toward Jade, whose face radiated with an almost ethereal serenity, despite the excitement.
"It's been too long," she whispered softly, eyes fixed lovingly. The hum of the transporter had faded into a gentle silence as the door slid open.
The sun was setting, as it dipped down low, threatening to fall from the sky it painted the world with strokes of amber and lilac. "Definitely." Vorden agreed, his voice equally tender as the first familiar figure emerged from the shadowed interior of the vessel, stepping into the golden embrace of the setting sun.
Stepping into that soft twilight glow was Raten, his fierce eyes were still bright but something gentler was there now too—a warmth untouched by the chaos of his past.
Immediately behind him, like his shadow, followed a tiny little girl, all rosy cheeks and giggles, her strawberry blonde curls bouncing with every confident step. She walked out with her head held high and shoulders back. She looked confident and self assured, while not yet even old enough to know what the 'self' was.
The beautiful little girl, stopped by Raten's side and glanced up at him, beaming; Raten chuckled deeply, the rumble pleasant and paternal, and with practiced ease he lifted her high to perch atop his broad shoulders.
Cassidy emerged last, her smile radiant, her steps graceful and unhurried. She caught Jade's eye and waved, a silent greeting that held years of friendship and shared journeys within it.
From across the yard, young Borden shrieked with delight—"Uncle Raten!"—then bolted forward, arms wide and laughter unrestrained. He launched himself at Raten, wrapping tiny arms around him, bouncing with pure excitement before immediately challenging his uncle to an arm wrestling match. Raten laughed, playful bravado lighting his eyes as he assured his eager nephew they'd settle the match shortly.
Behind them, the transport doors gently hissed closed. Raten waved at his brother, and the tiny group walked together towards the house.