Welcome to Gaia! ::

She took a breath once the main scare was over. Her headache had returned but she pushed it back. Hearing their brother she would nod towards him for Arthur before heading the kitchen area. She was thankful it had some semblance of food and started putting something together for them.

Arthur didn't like this. If they had to run it would be harder to keep Ben close with those things. He had already looked about the layout in case they needed to run. He could never explain what it was but he knew Kiera felt it. They had to keep him safe no matter what. He vaguely remembered when they had arrived at the orphanage a man telling them to always stay together. They had never seen that man since but knew he wasn't their father. He always had the better memory of the three. As his sister went to the kitchen area he would take a seat beside Ben and look to the book he was holding. "That the book from the other day? Anything good in it? Want to show me?" He knew it wasn't much, but he remembered his brother's excitement when he had found it and figured it couldn't hurt.

she watched the hidden cameras amused that the hounds almost got one. though it was a close call. At least they knew they couldn't escape her home. She had too many guards for that and the main doors were locked. It wasn't like she'd left them completely, there was food and a bathroom, more that what her prisoners usually got. She turned seeing a dark figure and rose a brow. "I thought I didn't want to see you again?"

He entered the shadows, his armor black, almost infinitely so. He would smile seeing the children, the two older striking his attention the most. "My lord has been most gracious to you. He believes you have something he wants." He knew the children his master sought had been hidden in the mortal world, and had to be bound to stay so. "Are those two older ones twins? Are their eyes different colors?" He watched her nod and smiled through his dark helm. "Then keep them for now. We will soon come to collect them." With that his form would disappear from the mortal realm to seek his lord.

Arthur listened and looked over the book with him. It was weird, he swore he had heard this riddle before. "Well, what's that little picture next to it?" He looked a bit closer at it seeing what looked like a blue flower but wouldn't take the book back to get a better look. He was sure it was meant for Ben anyways. As he would look through pages he noticed another page and stopped him. "One can see forward, and one can see back, each is separate, yet never apart, and one is young and full of heart. These three you'll see are magic indeed, with adventures grand for all to see. By stars at night, and the sun by day, these three you'll see will light the way." He thought it was odd for a story and somewhat like a riddle in general. Seeing other pages some were rhymes and such others written like a journal and filled with images of goblins, unicorns, dragons and all sorts of oddities. "That's a pretty neat book, odd, but neat."

Kiera let Arthur calm their brother seeing them going through a book. she heard them as they spoke from it thinking on the riddle. "I swear we've heard that riddle before, but I can't remember." She felt pain in her eye and paused a moment holding it. She looked about after a moment glad they were too into that book to notice. Her headaches were getting worse the longer they stayed and couldn't wait to get to court tomorrow. She soon set some plates and called them over. "Dinner's ready, makeshift hamburger helper."

She watched the three as they went about off and on as she tended to her work. She noted the bid to buy out her company at any cost and had to laugh. "Oh Fox, calling daddy to make the bad woman go away? Unlikely it will work." She smiled as the day passed on and soon sundown, her favorite time of night. As the sun set, her form began to change to that of a gargoyle. She stretched her wings and soon went out for a night's glide. The children would be fine locked in their room.

She looked to her brother feeling bad almost.As he remarked about the food it almost went away. "Don't worry, I haven't poisoned you yet, I doubt I would start now." She ate with them feeling bad still as he spoke about the upcoming birthday. "Don't worry, one way or another we won't be here." She ate a few more bites before commenting once more. "After dinner pack and keep your suit out okay?" She waited for him to agree before finishing up her super and beginning to clean up. When Ben would eventually finish and go do to be told she noted Arthur helping her. "You know she's not going to let us go tomorrow right? I mean she hasn't even bothered to see us today." Her voice was low not wishing Ben to hear in the other room.

Arthur listened chuckling at the comment of her food. He looked to his sister at the mention of Ben's soon coming birthday. "Like she said, one way or another we won't be here." He finished up letting Ben head off before going to Kiera. He simply nodded having guessed that himself. "I've been coming up with plans. The dogs will be harder to get around, I may have to catch up with you both."

"I don't like this. and you know I don't when you play decoy." She finished looking to the door. "Just give the signal and we'll be running."

He looked to her a moment before sighing and heading to his room. "I will I will." With that he went to his room realizing he'd never unpacked and voted to see this suit they had gotten. Looking it over he was glad it wasn't stuffy, and reminded himself to thank Xanatos for this. Perhaps the guy wasn't so bad after all. He just hoped they were making the right choice to be with his family.

She stretched as the morning came sad her games were over for the night. She groaned a bit realizing she had court to go to. She looked in on the three seeing them sleeping bundled in their beds and smiled as she got dressed and headed out. Courts were never fun but she would arrive early and wait outside for them to call the meeting over the children.

She looked to Xanatos shrugging. "They seemed tired so I let them rest. Besides they are just children, I see no sense in wrapping them into such adult matters." She would play it off for the most part. She doubted the children would have planned anything anyways. She soon took a seat at one of the benches and waited still for court to open so they could get this over with.

Arthur was already up and dressed in his normal clothes. He turned seeing Ben and nodded. "I'm awake. Go get dressed in something comfortable, Kiera's waiting in the den for you. We'll change into our suits when we get to court. Don't want to dirty them now do we?" He smiled knowing it should give away they were up to something. "Make sure you bring your things with you." With that he patted his brother's shoulder and shoo'd him off. When he got his back he secured it and went to see Kiera. "I'm ready. As soon as I head out and get the attention of those hounds you take Ben and run. I know you two are decent at that." He gave a brief hug as she nodded. "Whatever you do, get to that payphone. If I'm not there.."

"I know, call and go without you." She had seen Ben leaving Arthur's room and waited. As he went over the plan once more she could only nod. "You had better not get torn by those things." With that she would wait till she saw Ben. "Okay Ben, as soon as we get the clear we're running. We have to move fast, and I know you can run fast. We're meeting up at a payphone and going to call that detective to give us a ride to court. We may be a bit late but fashionably late is always best." She would wait till she was sure he was good. He wasn't some little kid, he was almost an adult and had to treat him as one. When all was good she waited as Arthur opened the door quietly. He always had a knack for sleeping dogs. She stood before Ben just in case as Arthur slipped to about the middle of the yard. She gave a nod in return to his then watched as he whistled and took off at the first howling. Three dobermans gave chase and their window was open. "Come on Ben!" She took off looking in all directions as they reached the outer fence to the mansion and helped Ben up first. Then started her own climb. Once they were over she started through the streets and heading to the nearest phone booth they had seen on their way. Once there she made the call for Detective Maza. Now all they had to do was pray Arthur made it in time.

Arthur ran best he could and jumped the fence on his end. He'd pause only once feeling one catch his leg but would worry later. Once over he took a moment to assess himself before heading to where they had agreed to meet. He was glad seeing them just as the detective had arrived. "I'm here, I'm here."

Kiera was nervous, not that she would show. They had to be the strong ones for their brother. As the detective arrived she let Ben get into the car. She knew they had to go but waited a few minutes. She smiled as she saw him taking note of his leg as he got in.

Elisa had gotten the call, though half expected it from the kids. She soon headed out arriving in time to see the oldest boy join them. "Let me guess, she didn't bother to bring you when you three are also supposed to be present." She smiled a bit unsure if they're choice in Xanatos was a wise one or not. She drove them to the court house acting as a guard as they would change in the restrooms. Once out she smiled looking to them, even the girl, who'd normally look off, seemed to be going natural for this. "Well, guess you two really do look almost alike. Come on or we'll miss it." She then lead them into the courthouse quietly and took a seat in the back with them.

The judge had called court and was a little less than pleased the children in question were present. "All right, lets get this going. Ms. Destine, are the children not joining us today? This is a hearing for their well being."

She entered listening to the proceedings. As she was addressed however she would play it off as if it were for the better of the children to not be here. "They seemed so distraught over everything and were resting so well this morning I didn't have the heart to wake them to what, I'm sure your aware may be just a power play for Mr. Xanatos to assert himself for public standings." She would let the court continue on and drag out with the who was better plays. It didn't matter to her, she felt no threat that they would actually be taken.

He had stood beside his employer and listened letting them all discuss with the Judge the reasons why they were the better for the three. He turned though sensing them, even bound they could never hide from their own blood. He smiled a bit before turning back towards the judge. Before the ruling could be passed he spoke up. "Forgive my intrusion into this matter, but I do believe the children are here now. Since it is their fate, perhaps they should get a say in the matter?"

The judge had listened to each side. It sounded like a siblings quarrel. He was about to rule with Ms. Destine when Xanatos's associate spoke up and mentioned the children being there. "Very well lets hear what the children have to say."

Arthur stood feeling his sister's hand on his arm. "It's okay, Ben, let me and Kiera do the talking, unless there's something you feel needs to be said." He stood leading his siblings tot he front and catching the look of Ms. Destine as they passed. "Thank you your honor. Since Its something we have to live with it means a great deal you will hear us us. Since this started we've been told one thing then another. We were willing to give Ms. Destine a fair shot, but since the day before it felt wrong. We had spent the night at her home, she has provided an apartment like set up for us, but, until the other day we'd not seen or heard of her, and when we arrived, we still had not seen her till just now. We were up and very ready to come to court, I'm unsure as to why Ms. Destine had not brought us with her." He paused looking to the judge then letting his sister speak.

"Your honor, My brother and I as you're aware are eighteen, technically legal adults and should be out of the system now. It's not really us that concerns us but our brother Ben, who's almost sixteen. We understand we cannot take him with us should we move on our own if neither house wants us, but We need to be sure, wherever he does end up going, he feels safe and loved, and that we can still see him. Between both that wish to adopt us, we haven't felt the safety or love from Ms. Destine. Since we've met Mr. Xanatos, and his family we can feel a potential for a bond there, and he's already made it quite clear he doesn't wish to separate us. If you allow us to choose, or input our opinion, we would choose Mr. Xanatos."

The judge listened to all the sides though nothing showed in any records the threat to their lives. "Unless we can prove the safety of you three are in question, the original orders will still stand." He paused a moment looking to the floor where the twins stood and became curious. "Son, is there something you would care to share with me?" He pointed to the small red dots that seemed to be forming on the floor.

Arthur listened feeling upset and looked back to their brother a moment. When the judge questioned him he looked down, then back catching the look from his sister. He knew he should have wrapped it but figured it would be better if they didn't point it out. "Forgive me, I didn't have time to wrap my leg before coming here. We were in a bit of a rush when we realized no one was going to bring us here." He lifted his pant leg showing the bite and heard the breath from his sister. Had they not been in court he was sure she would have slugged him. "We wanted to walk here, but, our room was locked, the only other way out was the back door to the yard. Unfortunately, I don't believe the staff knew we were out there when the guard dogs came."

He looked to the boy's wound and called one of the officers. "See this boy's wound is tended to properly." He waited watching the boy try and play it off though it did disturb him slightly. "Ms. Destine, I understand you've lived on your own and adopted to have a family. However, has it not occurred to you that children typically will want to play outside?"

She listened hearing the judge begin to rule in her favor and smiled. That was until the judge called on the boy. She noted the bite and pretended that she was concerned. When addressed she seemed confused. "I do't understand, I had requested the staff keep the guard dogs in their pens while the children were around. It is possibly they forgot, but they will surely be dealt with."

"Your honor, If I may, we tried to go explore the yard when we had arrived, but the dogs were out then too. She had been clear with the dean that we were to arrive in the morning, I had spoken to one of the police detectives with my concerns in general, which is why we had arrived late. I take responsibility, since I'm sure she has a tight schedule to keep, and probably didn't realize we were there." She attempted sincere knowing it was really pouring salt in the wounds.

The judge considered the testimonies of both. "I must deliberate on this. Detective Maza, I see you're the one helping with the children's case yes? He watched her stand and nod. "Then come with me while I deliberate. We will return in a few minutes." He turned and headed to his office with the detective in tow. "Tell me your take on this. It's surprising considering your known dislikes of Xanatos that you are involved in this matter."

"Kiera came to me worried for her brothers. She made it quite clear they would run away as many times as needed not to live with Ms. Destine, even at the risk that they would be kicked out of the orphanage, while they're brother had to remain. I'm not a fan of Xanatos either, but he's done no wrong by these kids and had shown an interest." She handed him a report she'd been working on. "Also, While her adoption push was legal, there has been some incriminating evidence those of her company had started the troubles with the orphanage. At the moment all we have are employees that were fired the week before but it is still an active investigation."

The judge nodded looking over the file before asking her opinion of what was best for these three. Then would return to his courtroom. He would let them simmer a bit more before speaking out. "It has come to my opinion in light of recent events, and an open investigation into Ms. Destine's company, courtesy of detective Maza, that the safety of these children is in high question. As a result I am temporarily revoking the court decision for adoption from Ms. Destine and allowing a one month trial and probationary period with Mr. Xanatos." He hit his gavel though would continue. "Mr. Xanatos, I suggest you take this to heart. If anything happens within the next month, these children will be returned to the orphanage. Court is adjourned."

Kiera laughed turning to her younger brother and hugging him. They had one. It wasn't a big battle but her headache was already starting to fade.

Elisa watched Ms. destine leave before going to the children and Xanatos. "I hope you kids know what you're getting into." It was strange for a moment she swore she had met the twins prior to the events at the orphanage but couldn't remember. "You know I'm not a fan of you Xanatos, but these kids seem to be trusting you with their welfare, I don't recommend messing this up." Its all she would say though was slightly nervous for her friends knowing there may be three more in the world to know of them.

Arthur smiled as the court sided with them and took a breath. As Xanatos came over and questioned he nodded. "We're cool with it. We wouldn't have pulled out the stops if we didn't think this would be a good choice." He paused as the detective spoke up and thanked her before she left. "At least we're already packed, and um thanks again for the suits. Didn't think our normal street wear would get a good impression." He brought a hand to the back of his head a bit.

Kiera looked about as everything happened and seemed to swirl in her mind. "Her headache was going away once Ms. Destine had left though not completely. She was sure that woman wasn't finished whatever she had started. She for now would put it on the back burner before thanking again for the suits. "I'm sure there's work or something we can do to repay the debt of that." She looked to Ben who was beaming so figured their choice couldn't be all bad. "So, what happens now?"

He was pleased he wouldn't have to use magic to sway the judge. It was close and he knew he could, but was still under orders not to unless training Xanatos's son Alexander, which soon would include the children. "Perhaps we should celebrate at home Sir? I'm sure these three have been through a bit the last couple of days. The rooms have already been prepared the other day when the original paperwork went in." He noted Kiera a moment a bit more reserved though wasn't sure if it was from how they grew up, or the seal breaking. Either way, with the three in closer view, he could better prepare them for what was coming.