tests of a new mother

[slayers_desire]

April and Jonathan went shopping today. The new mother decided to travel into Smallville to avoid the noise and confusion of Metropolis itself. And shopped at the flea market, and a couple of small-town places that she knew would provide approprate supplies at good prices.

Her best find of the day was a small wooden music box. It had an older tree feeling to it, which she particulary liked. And felt would be a good addition to the nursery.

Jonathan was tired when they returned home. So April placed him in the crib, and quietly took out the music box to gently play for him while he slept.

Two seconds after leaving the nursery, Jonathan started to cry with a piercing scream. Quickly, April returned to the nursery. She could feel that he was in pain... so gently she picked him up. And attempted to soothe him. She could not figure out why he was in such pain however.

And her first attempts to soothe him didn't work. Holding him, April left the nursery and headed into the living room to call Dr. Hamilton. Jonathan calmed slightly, but still whimpered.

Comments

[slayers_desire]

"No worries. We completely understand." Mykal laughs. Their twins might be used to crowds, but they were raised around a large community.

Jonathan snuggles into his mother's arms. Happy again.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"How are things here in the village?"

[slayers_desire]

"Quiet for the most part." Mykal is glad for that.

"But things don't feel right," said Sophie with a frown.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"In what way?" The villagers here have helped them out, maybe it's time to return the favor.

[slayers_desire]

"I don't really know, but something feels uneasy." Sophie shrugs her shoulders. She has felt it was her mother worries so hasn't mentioned it before to others, besides Mykal.

April pauses for a moment, listening to the whispers of the world around her. "Something is coming... I think it will affect your hunt."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Can you tell what kind of something?" It doesn't sound like something as big as the Darkness, but if it was as simple as a predator, that should be easily dealt with.

[slayers_desire]

"A predator. But I feel... a sense of a group of predators. Something dangerous..."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Predators often are." A group of vampires should have no problem dealing with one, especially if it's just an animal. This must be something more. "How can we help?"

[slayers_desire]

"The only predators we have dealt with in the past were... gryphons. Dangerous creatures. They almost caused a famine last time they attacked." Mykal is a little worried now.

"Yes... I think that is what I am sensing..." April hands over Jonathan to his father, before closing her eyes to concentrate further on her voices.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark takes the baby into his arms, holding him safe while April uses her abilities. Jonathan doesn't seem to notice any difference, just as content to be in his father's arms, and not paying any attention to the change in his mother's behavior.

[slayers_desire]

April concentrates for a while. "The Gryphon King is getting ready to attack soon. Right before the next hunt. They will attack at daylight."

"That is when we are weakest!" Mykal is worried.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

That's when I'm strongest. "When is your next hunt supposed to happen?"

[slayers_desire]

"In two weeks." Mykal answers. "It is our most important celebration."

Do you want me to offer on your behalf?

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Please. He feels like it might mean more, coming from her, a fellow vampire. He's accepted here but he's still an outsider.

[slayers_desire]

"Mykal... I believe that we can help. Clark is very comfortable in sunlight. And he could help protect your village, until the vampires awaken at the proper time to take over the job."

"We couldn't ask that..." Mykal protested.

"You didn't ask. We offer."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I would be honored to do my part in protecting your village," Clark adds sincerely. "You've done so much to help April and me. Let us do this for you."

[slayers_desire]

"It sounds like a deal to me," Mykal smiled in response. April is so proud of her husband. Stepping up to be a hero again, even in this world.

"Are you familiar with the Gryphon?" Sophie asks.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"In my world, they're mythical creatures, part lion and part eagle." He doesn't know if it's different here, and it's always better to be well-informed before facing a new adversary.

[slayers_desire]

"That is also true for the ones on our world. What makes them even more dangerous to us... is the fact they are masters of Fire magic." Mykal lifts his son into his arms. Sophie does the same for their daughter.

"Fire is deadly for vampires." April knows that from her own heritage.

"But not for Clark." Spike chuckles softly.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"It can be dangerous though, to an extent," Clark says cautiously. Regular fire, he can withstand without a problem. Magic is another matter. Though none of this changes his decision to stand in protection of the village. "Is the fire itself magical?"

[slayers_desire]

"As far as we know, the fire is magical." Nor Mykal, or his people, have tested the full extent of the Gryphon's abilities.

"I can handle the magic component." April would support her husband, no matter the risks to herself.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He nods at that. April's become quite good with shields lately, and with her as his support, he's sure that they can hold off the Gryphons as long as they need to. "They aren't the only ones with control over fire."

[slayers_desire]

"Fight fire with fire?" Sophie smiles at that thought. It would be one thing the vampires haven't tried yet.

"I am glad that we could help." April is glad they are able to help those who helped them so much.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"As well as some other tricks I have up my sleeve." Arctic breath should come in handy, as will his ability to fly.

"We'll leave Jonathan with a good babysitter when the time comes. He'll be safe at home." He rocks the baby slightly as he speaks, keeping him calm and happy.

[slayers_desire]

"That will be interesting." April has noted their son upset slightly around a crowd. She doesn't know how he will do the first time separated from his parents.