Grant nodded, "I apologize but being frozen, burnt, and electrocuted takes it out of a person." He motioned to him and started to walk but felt a tug on his pantleg, looking down to see Emma. He smiled and bent down to her level and smiled, "I can get really big and tall. As powerful as an infected. Also I can do this." He reached out to Drake, his hand starting to streak purple and blue as he set a hand on the boy's arm, nulling his powers completely. He could only hold it for a few moments but it was enough of an example, "What's your powers?"

Trent shrugged, "Maybe we caon pick something up on the way home. We have a few people who owe us and they're bound to have something."

"Oh I know Grant.... I was just going to mess around by myself is all." Drake let his voice trail off as he saw the little girl. She was too cute and he couldn't keep the smile off of his face. When he watched Grant's hand change color he fought the urge to step back. Instantly, when the man touched him Drake felt his body retreat back to a normal temperature. "What the?" he mumbled just as the man pulled his hand back.

Emma just grinned as she watched and when Grant spoke to her she began bouncing from one foot to another. "What can i do? I can do everything and anything!" She flung her arms out wide. Then her smile faded and she hung her head a bit. "I was the one that accidentally shot the rock at that man." She pointed to Rik. "But it was only the second time i used Jared's power, i still have to figure it out." she kicked at the dirt with one of her old sneakers.

Molly nodded. "True. Do you think we should go ask Grant if we could stop by one of them? I mean if i try to make something it'll be a while, and everyone's probably hungry after that work out." her head turned to grants direction.

Rik had wobbled over to the little girl when she had pointed to him. So it was her who hit him with the rock? He chuckled as he found something to lean on close to them. "So it was you? Well, I can forgive that then." Rik said, giving Emma a wink and a smile. "Grant, I'm going to head back, if that's alright." Rik said to him, pushing himself up off his leaning post. He wanted to get back to Sarah, so they could go on their walk. He wanted to walk off his wounds before then too, and sitting around wasn't going to help him either.

Rik couldn't help but smile, same as Drake, around Emma. She surely was a light that could brighten up anyone's day. He was amazed at Grant's powers, being able to null someone's powers completely. Rik wondered what Emma meant about her being able to do everything and anything.

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Jared watched as Emma walked over to the two men. He felt a pang of loneliness when she left him. He was going to have to get used to her not needing him as much anymore. The thought still made him a little sad, though. With his hands empty of Emma, he shoved them into his pockets and walked quietly over to where she was with the three other men. Sometimes, Jared thought he needed her more than she needed him. Jared smiled softly when he reached her again, she always did brighten up his day.

"Emma's a copycat. By merely touching you, she can take a bit of your power and use it like it was her own." Jared explained as he stood behind Emma.

The air became slightly cooler when Lilly came near her, but Diva didn't mind. It actually felt nice after getting hot and sweaty, plus the whole emptying the contents of her stomach had raised her temperature a few degrees. It wouldn't compare to Drake in the slightest, but it was hot for Diva and only made her feel worse.

"My left side." Diva said as she flung her braid back behind her shoulder, raising her shirt so that she and Lilly could have a better idea of just where it was. There was already purpling skin from earlier, rung around by flaming red skin, on her lower two ribs and stretched to some of her abdomen. It was a little weird to see the area pulsing white when blood went through, but that was the extent at the moment. Diva knew it would bruise more by the end of the day as she pulled her shirt back down, "Eh, it's not too bad. Could be worse."

Grant chuckled at Drake's reaction but turned back to Emma, "Oh, I would bet you can!" He returned almost as excitedly, "I'll bet you can't do what I can though!" He told her. He was pretty sure if she tried taking his nulling powers she'd take nothing. As Rik spoke of going back he shook his head, "You have to take at least one person with you. No one's at their best after fighting Rich."

Trent thought a moment before nodding, "Probably, if we just leave it'll worry him." He moved to the group over by Grant and waited a moment to be noticed. When he was he got approval to pick up dinner and started out, "Of course we could all have salad if Richard's up for it." He suggested on his way out with her.

Lilly nodded and instead of twisting her hand around trying to get the palm of it over her bruise, the freezer stood on her opposite side from the bruise and crossed her arm behind her like they were long time friends. "If you get too cold, let me know. I'm not good at lessening how cold I am." She warned as she waited for Grant to start moving towards the exit and follow him.

Emma looked up at Rik as he came over. "Sorry." She mumbled, her toe still boring a hole in the dirt. When she heard Jared behind her she whirled around held her arms up to him in the universal sign to pick her up. Once the man lifted her up she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Drake backed up a bit as more gathered, he didn't want to smoke them out too much. He shoved his hands into his pockets as he fought the urge to scratch his chest again. He just waited for Grant to lead his mis-matched family back. He would be stuck out side for a bit anyway until Lily could come back and cool him down enough to come inside.

Molly scowled and stuck out her tongue at Trent. "I am all for salad, but got to have something else." She smiled at him. "And if we are going on to stable ground i could give walking a shot as long as you hold my hand." Her cheeks flushed a bit even though she knew full well it didn't matter."

Grant glanced up at the sky as he heard thunder and frowned. He hadn't noticed the angry dark clouds blow in while they fought, that made it an urgent thing to get home, "Alright, kids, let's go. It's about to rain." He said, picking up his pace out of the arena and towards home. He didn't want to get caught out in the rain because storms were rare around the area so when they did blow in they were strong and dangerous.

Trent glanced up at the sky then down at Molly, "Oh maybe for a little while, it's going to rain soon though so we need to hurry."

Molly frowned as she clung to Trent. She had noticed the drop in temperature dropping and the wind picking up, but she couldn't see the sky. Although she knew how bad the storms could get, it wouldn't take much for the storm winds to knock her over and send her flying if she didn't have a stable anchor. Good thing she had Trent.

Emma's grip on Jared's neck tightened as the thunder sounded and a small startled cry came from her. "I don't like thunder." She mumbled to the man holding her before she hugged him tighter.

Drake looked up at the sky. He wouldn't mind the rain. It'd cool him off a bit until he could get inside. Besides, maybe it'd save him from trying to shower later. That'd be rather difficult considering his situation.

"Eeep!" Was all that came out of Diva's mouth when the feeling of ice pressing against her clothing shot through to her skin. Her skin immediately erupted into goosebumps from the sudden change in temperature, but it felt marvelous on her bruise. A sigh of relief came quickly after her little outburst, Diva trying to keep her walking stride in check so that she didn't bowl Lilly over, "No, it feels really good, Lilly. Thanks a lot; I owe you one.

"Hey, Rich!" She called out, grinning, "I want a rematch after my bruise patches up."

The storm clouds above made Diva have no questions about why Grant wanted to get them home soon. You never wanted to be caught out in the middle of the wasteland when one of them came in, rare as they were. Whenever you caught sight of one of the blackish purple, angry-looking clouds, you sped for the nearest piece of shelter. No one was safe, including Infected, and it wasn't surprising to hear about a death or a missing person after one of the storms passed.

"I hope nothing gets blown off the house this time." Diva commented, her eyes continually glancing skyward to gauge just how the fast the storm was coming in and whether they would make back inside in time.

It wasn't long before Trent was back to level ground, "I'm setting you down now." He warned so she wouldn't think he was dropping her. When he'd made sure she had her balance he took her hand and began leading her to a food vendor, "So what do you think we should get for them?"

Lilly laughed ad Diva's reaction though it wasn't an uncommon one. "Yeah, repay me by being more careful." She said, staring at the sky nervously, "Oh, I hope it doesn't start raining before we get home." She'd freeze to the ground.

Grant walked quickly so they were soon home and thankfully it hadn't begun to rain yet as he opened the door, nearly stepping on a small leg that was spread out near the door. He stopped short, almost completely blocking the doorway but he stopped from laughing. He looked down at Sarah, sprawled out across the floor with her mouth just slightly opened. It was a sight he'd never seen. She'd mentioned once that since she broke she'd slept with her back in a corner curled up. Her face, when she slept, held all the innocence of an eleven year old. Yes, eleven. He noticed she looked a couple years older as she slept, she looked taller too. The large man turned around to the crowd behind him, "Shh, Sarah is sleeping."

Molly clung to Trent's arm as he walked with her. It was nice to stretch her legs, and nice to also hold on to him again. no matter how much she did it always felt nice. "I'm not sure what haven't we had in a while?" she asked looking up at Trent.

Drake stayed at the back of the pack while they walked back to the house. He kept a few paces away to keep them from heating up.

Emma squirmed in Jared's arms as they approached the house. when he finally set her down she wanted to run into the house and explore it, every nook and cranny. She hadn't even heard Grant's warning. The little girl rushed into the room, her small foot catching on something sending her crashing to the floor on her face. The only problem was that the impact, shook Emma's concentration and now her arm was in full contact with Sarah's on the floor.

Rik nodded at Grant when he said he couldn't leave unless he went with another person. He bit back the urge to frown at the idea of waiting any longer than he had to. He looked back at Emma with a smile when she told him sorry again. "Don't worry about it, Emma. I'm hard headed." He said, knocking his head with his fist. Rik looked up at the sky when he heard the thunder. He frowned, realizing why he was still amped up. "I gotta get inside soon. I'm liked a beacon for lightening." He said, looking to Grant.


As they reached the house, Rik was more than relieved. When he entered, he found Sarah sprawled out on the floor like a little kid who had fallen asleep while playing. His cheeks grew hot as he looked at her. She looked older, even slightly. He bit the inside of his lip to keep from laughing. He moved away from the sight, which was way too cute for words, and headed down to the bathroom to clean up.

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Jared rubbed Emma's back after picking her up and hearing the thunder. "It'll be ok, Emma." He said. He smiled at Rik's attempted to make Emma feel better about hitting him with that rock. He looked up at the sky, worry coming over his face. He was relived when Grant said it was time to go. He happily followed the large man to wherever their new home was.

Jared had set the squirmy Emma down when they reached the house. When he saw the sleeping girl who looked to be around 11 years old, Jared smiled. At least there was someone closer to Emma's age for her to play with. Jared rushed over to Emma when she fell over top of the sleeping girl. "Careful, Emma." He whispered.

Trent shrugged, "Oh, I don't know, you're really good at giving us variety." He said, looking around but he spotted a meat stand that seemed different than the rest, "Oh, looks like-"

"Venison." The man interrupted, Trent nodded, "You owe Grant, right?" The man nodded and Trent smiled, "Alright then." After working out a deal he had some of the venison and started leading Molly back, "This way we can have meat. It cooks a little faster than normal meat."

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The first pleasant dream in years and it was cut short, soured by a vision. "And how did you sleep last night?" Grant was asking a little girl who sat on his knee, bouncing her a little while she watched him, frowning at the two. Molly was cooking as the smell of breakfast wafted over to them. A feeling of faint jealousy filled her, almost as if she felt like she'd been replaced and she jerked up with a delayed cry. She stared at the group around her then at the girl who was still touching her and struggled to her feet, eyes wide. She realized what'd woken her and she rubbed her face with a soft groan. She'd had enough of her powers for today. She didn't realize it but her eyes scanned the faces of the crowd for Rik and seemed disappointed when he wasn't there, she'd fallen asleep waiting for him to get back.

Molly simply clung to Trent as he went about getting their food. She let him make all the deals but she smiled when he was done. Venison had its own unique flavor. IT'd be a nice switch.

Emma rolled away from the girl and into Jared as he hunched down next to her. She suddenly felt exhausted, no energy was left in her tiny body. First thing she did was look to the other girl. "You aren't ten are you. Youare older... like the rest." Her voice showed her disappointment but then she looked over at Grant. She rubbed at her arm where she had touched the girl and absorbed her power. The vision, Emma looked so happy on his knee. "Who exactly are you?" she asked looking up to the big man, her eyes begged to know the truth

Rik came back from the bathroom, clean but bruised, to find that Sarah was awake and Emma asking Grant who he was. He cocked an eyebrow at the scene and went to Sarah's side. "Have a nice nap, did you?" He asked her, giving her a soft and bright smile. He looked back to Emma, Jared and Grant. "What's going on?" He whispered to Sarah, wondering why Emma seemed a bit sluggish than before.

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Jared frowned at Emma. She seemed slower, like she had less energy than she normally did. He looked at the girl who had woken up. He scratched his head, trying to figure out what Emma meant when she said that the girl wasn't 10 years old. "What?" He let escape as he stared at Sarah for a moment. His attention snapped back to Emma when she question Grant about who he really was. "Emma? What's wrong?" He asked, worried.

Sarah nodded in answer to his first question but added, "The best one in years." She moved to stand closer to him, "Emma... I think she tripped over me. She touched me." She looked at the girl as she asked questions about her, "No, I'm not ten. Sorry." She looked up at Rik then back to the girl as she asked Grant a question.'

Grant frowned momentarily when the girl asked him who he was but before he could really think he blurted, "I think I might be your dad." he said softly, pointing to her necklace, "There's a lot of things that make me think so."

Emma froze when she heard him. "No." She said simply as she started to shake her head. But for some reason, in the back of her mind, she knew it was true. She knew that Grant was her father. "No." She said again as tears began to prick the corners of her eyes. "If you were my dad you would have been there!" Her tiny voice cracked she tried to shout at him. "You should have been there when mommy died!" tears dripped down her cheeks as she drew her knees up to herself, her weakened body trembling under more stress. Emma looked up at the bag man towering over her. "If you were my dad i wouldn't have been alone!" she tried to sniff back tears but it was useless.

How could he have left her? Left her and mommy alone? He should have been there, been there for her when she was growing up. He should have been there to keep her safe from all the others that used to beat on her.

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Drake couldn't exactly see what was going on, but boy could he hear it. The girl was Grant's daughter? Well she was lucky then that she had a father that would understand and not try to kill her. But if he was her dad, where was her mom and what had happened between them?

Grant sighed and knelt to her level, "I wanted to be there, I did but Roselen left one day without saying anything. I was out getting supplies to fix the roof and I got caught by an infected. When I came home she was gone. I looked everywhere." He said as he set his hands on her shoulders, "I didn't even know why she left and I didn't know about you. Now I know she left because of you. I looked for her for four years. I was looking for her when I found Richard." He took his hands from her shoulders and held them out, "But I promise, now that you're here you'll never be alone."

Emma sniffled as she looked up at him and listened to him talk. She could hear the sincerity in his voice and knew that he meant ever word he said. Sitting still, more tears dripped down her cheeks. Then after a moment, she leaned forward. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in him as she cried. Emma believed him and for some reason she just wanted to be held by him. Her tiny arms tightened around him as she continued to cry. It had been a long time since she had cried about her mom, but now she had found her dad, it was like that flood of emotions couldn't be stopped. "Dad... daddy." She mumbled, barely audible, into his shirt.

As the girl cried and wrapped her arms around Grant Sarah took a step back from them, bumping into someone. She looked up to see Richard who smiled at her and moved to the side so she could get to the door. He knew how much she hated crying and needed air. Once outside she looked at Drake then sat on the ground near him to keep warm. She looked at him again after a moment of awkward silence. Being around Rik was making her want to be a better person and try speaking to others more and she wondered if she should apologize for screaming earlier.

Grant rocked back on his heels and beyond to his rump as Emma leaned towards him and he pulled her to sit in his lap, holding her. "I'm here." He said it only once and very quietly. He heard Richard clear his throat and turned to the others, "Alright, get inside, let's leave them be."

Drake blinked a few times as he saw Sarah come outside and sit next to her. His mind flashed back to earlier when she had screamed at him and ran from the room. He didn't know what she had seen but he felt like maybe he had done something wrong although what, he didn't know. The more he thought about it the more he realized that Sarah hadn't really said anything to him, at all. Had he come off the wrong way? He couldn't resist the urge to scratch his scar. "S-so, uh..." he ran a hand over his hair. "you f-feeling better Sarah?" He asked unsure of if he would actually get an answer.

Emma curled herself up in Grant's lap as he held on to her. It was comforting to be in his arms and to sit with him. She was still crying, Grant's shoulder now getting thoroughly wet under her face. "promise you wont' leave?" she mumbled. But the vision she had scene had killed all the energy she normally had. Her grip on him began to loosen as her body forced her to sleep and recover. It wasn't long until she was completely out in his arms.

Sarah glanced up at him as he spoke and she wrapped her arms around her torso, "A little. I'm sorry I screamed at you. Sometimes I do that when I see someone in an especially bad vision. Normally I go to town for a few days after something like that too." She'd just told him something she hadn't told anyone else in the entire time she'd lived here but it felt a little better to let someone know where she goes to hide even if it was just a general location.

Grant nodded in answer to her but when she'd fallen asleep he stood, carrying her with him as he moved to the cushions he'd slept on last night. He didn't set her down though but glanced into the kitchen, "When someone gets dinner together would someone bring me some?"

Trent had walked quietly back home and once there he smiled at Molly and led her up the stairs, giving Drake and Sarah an odd look. He wondered where Lilly was but seeing the young woman with Diva he nodded, "We're home." He said to Molly, proud she'd been able to walk all the way back with her without falling. "Let's go fix dinner."

Drake scratched his chest again. "Oh you don't need to apologize, i bet i can be kind of scary some times." He tried to joke, but he had no idea how true it could be when he got really mad. When he heard her comment about going to twon. "You know, i under stand wanting to get away, but, you got plenty of people here that care about you. You don't' really need to hide." He sat himself down on the dirt and looked at his bare calloused feet. He idly wondered what shoes felt like, he couldn't really remember. Then he glanced back to her. "You know i have a lot of respect for you. I mean dealing with my power is a pain, but its not too bad. I don't know if i could ever handle what you go through." He glanced up and gave Trent a nod as Trent and Molly walked passed.

Molly was grinning when they got home. She had managed to walk pretty steadily the whole time. But the smile faded, something was going on at the house but she wasn't too sure, it wasn't bad, just drama.Ignoring the thought, she looked around and saw Trent and Sarah and then Grant and Emma. When she heard Trent speak she smiled. She could hear the approval in Trent's voice as they entered the house. "Yeah lets get this started." she gave his hand a squeeze as they headed into the kitchen.

Rik watched the scene unfolding before him with shocked amazement as it came out that Grant had a daughter. He smiled softly as father and daughter reconnected. He noticed that Sarah left the room and went outside, he soon followed after her. He leaned against the outside of the house, looking up at the angry looking sky as Sarah and Drake chatted. Rik didn't want to interrupt them, but he wondered if Sarah still wanted to go for that walk.

Rik's body was humming with energy. Storms like this one always amped him way up. He made sure to keep his distance from the others, he didn't want to fry anyone out. When he was this amped up, his body's natural healing sped up a great deal. He was so charged that the cold didn't effect him at all.

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Jared backed away from Emma and Grant as it came out that she was his daughter. He smiled a bit sadly, knowing that she won't need him as much anymore. He'll still hang around, being here older brother if she needed him. He retreated to the kitchen to see if anyone needed his help. As he passed Grant and Emma, he paused. "I'll bring you some when it's finished." He said before continuing to the kitchen.

"Um..do..you need any help in here?" Jared asked softly of Molly and Trent who were already busy making dinner.

Sarah sighed as Drake spoke, "I had my reasons for leaving." She said and stood, giving a small wave. She didn't want him to think he'd upset her but the wind was starting to blow harder and she knew that meant Rik and she had less time for their walk. She walked over to him and looked up, "Can we still take our walk?" Her hands knotted together in front of her. She could feel he was more charged than before but it didn't bother her, it wouldn't stop her from staying close.

"Thanks." Trent heard Grant call and glanced back at Jared's question, "I'm not sure. I'm just learning. Molly?" He looked down at her, "Is there something he can do?"