celticsorcerer1

(Toronto, Ontario, May 2014) Danny Masterton awoke before his boyfriend, Rian McKeen, and sleepily grabbed the phone charging closest to him. Turning on the home screen, he quickly realized that he had mistakenly grabbed Rian’s phone. Not the first time that had happened. But instead of putting it back, Danny stared at the text message from Sean O’Cullen that was plastered across the screen. The twins are here. Kellan Jin and Lin Saoirse were born Saturday at 9:40 am. Danny quickly and vigorously shook Rian awake. “Danny? Wuzzgoin’ on?” Rian asked groggily. Wordlessly, Danny passed Rian the phone. Rian rubbed his eyes and read the text message. Like a light being switched on, all of Rian’s fatigue vanished. He looked up from the phone, his eyes wide. “Rian? You okay?” Danny asked. “Pack a suitcase… we’re going to Cape Breton.” — Priya and Makwa Deere were feeding their 1 ½-year-old daughter, Aponi her favorite breakfast, mashed avocados, when Priya’s phone rang. She answered it and thinly smiled when Sean’s face appeared onscreen. “Good morning, Sean.” “Hey, brother!” Makwa called. He ruffled his daughter’s curly hair. “Say hi to your Uncle Sean, sweet pea.” “Unca San!” Aponi gurgled. Priya ran a hand through her hair. “Is everything alright? You don’t usually call this early.” Sean only smiled before switching to his phone’s rear camera, showing his babies cuddled up asleep in their bassinet. Priya nearly dropped her phone. “Great Yogsathoth… they’re here…” “Yup… meet Kellan and Lin. Your godchildren.” Sean said gently. Makwa smiled wide. “Omigosh, they’re so cute… hi, you two…” Aponi looked curiously at the screen. “Babies? I see?” Sean turned the phone and smiled at his “niece”. “You’ll meet them soon, Aponi, I promise.” “How’s Mei doing?” Makwa asked. “Still fatigued and healing. But she’s over the moon about being a mother. No matter how she’s feeling at the moment, the minute she holds the twins, all she cares about is them.” Priya nodded. “Welcome to motherhood, sister,” she looked over at her husband. “Honey, do you have vacation time coming up?” Makwa thought about it. “I do,” he smiled. “Sean, would it be alright if we stopped by?” “By all means, please, stop by. Meet the twins,” Sean replied. “But I can’t promise they’ll be awake. They are little snoozers.” — Abby Park sat across from Jeff MacArthur, Carolyn Mackenzie, and the other guest of The Morning Show, Akira Akaya, a pop star from Japan who was quickly garnering fame. Abby smiled at them. “Thank you so much for having me on the show.” Carolyn smiled back. “Well, your makeup brand, Shine, is not only sweeping the nation, it’s selling like hotcakes worldwide!” Jeff nodded. “Everyone, from the young woman buying her first eyeshadow to drag queens on parade is using it! What’s your secret?” Abby laughed. “All-natural ingredients, my desire for everyone to be accepted, just as I was among my friends, and being a licensed beautician.” Akira smiled and nodded their head. “You are…amazing, Abby Park. Your makeup is wonderful. I use mascara and blush myself. It makes my natural look pop.” Abby smiled. “That’s what it’s for. I’m happy you’re satisfied with-!” Abby stopped suddenly as her phone rang. “Oh, my apologies. Let me silence-!” She trailed off a second time as she read the text from her bestie, Priya Deere. O’Cullen twins born. Going to Nova Scotia to meet them. You in? Abby lowered her hand and looked apologetically at the hosts. “I’m sorry, but my best friends just had their babies…” Akira’s eyes widened. “You are serious? You must be so excited! Omedetō!” “Well? Go, girl!” Carolyn prompted. Nodding her thanks, Abby raced off the set, texting her friend Miriam Mendelsohn. Get Jackie! We’re all heading to Cape Breton! The twins are here! — (Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia) Sean poked his head into the bedroom, where Mei was feeding the twins. “Hello, wife.” Meilin Lee-O’Cullen smiled wearily. Her long hair was unkempt and frizzy and there were dark circles under her eyes. And yet, there was nothing but love in her warm brown eyes. “Hey… would you mind burping Lin? You burped Kellan last time. I want both twins to get equal attention from us.” “With pleasure,” Sean sat at his wife’s side and gently took his daughter in his arms. “Hey, little Lin-Lin… Daddy’s gotcha…” he gently kissed her cheek before gently patting her back. Lin yawned and opened her eyes, two pools of brown, inquisitive and curious. Mei smiled as she gently patted Kellan. “She’s going to be smart, like me,” Kellan cooed, then burped. Lin burped a moment later. Sean chuckled and kissed Lin’s brow. “I love you so much,” he leaned over and kissed Kellan’s cheek. “I love you so much,” he smiled at Mei, his beautiful wife, the person he gave his word to love forever. “And you…I love you so much…” “I know, my Seannie Boy,” Mei gently kissed him. “12 years and still, you make me love you more every day.” “That’s the adventure,” Sean cradled Lin. “And what an adventure it’ll be.” At that moment, the doorbell rang. Sean looked at his wife inquisitively. “Were you expecting anyone?” Mei shook her head. “Could be a neighbor needing to borrow something.” “True… be right back.” After handing Lin to Mei, Sean walked into the den and answered the front door. “Hey, Brother,” Makwa smiled, Priya at his side with Aponi in her arms. “Surprise.” Sean looked behind his fellow parents and proceeded to drop his jaw. All of his friends were standing on his gravel driveway, a legion of taxis peeling out. “A Tiarna Dean Trocaire…surprise indeed… um, come on in…everyone. Make yourselves comfortable in the den.” As Sean stepped aside and let his friends in, each of them expressed their congratulations. Miriam, Abby, and Jackie hugged him tight. Bringing up the rear was Rian and Danny. Rian hugged Sean extra hard. “You didn't expect us to wait forever to meet the twins, did you, Big Brother?” Sean chuckled. “Not forever…maybe just until Mei and I had gotten some real sleep.” Makwa made a buzzer noise. “Sleep is now forfeit, O’Cullen! You wake on the babies’ time.” “At least for the first few months,” Priya followed. “But, I promise, it’s worth it.” “Hey, I’m not complaining,” Sean countered. “I’ll just let Mei know what’s up.” As Sean walked into the hallway, Danny looked around at the cabin. “Cozy. Reminds me of where my dad grew up.” Rian raised an eyebrow. “Your dad was born in a log cabin?” “So he says. He just doesn’t remember exactly where.” Danny shrugged. — Sean poked his head into the bedroom. Mei was walking around the room, the twins snoozing on the bed. “Hey. Getting that blood flowing?” Mei nodded. “My journey to lose this baby weight starts today. I heard it takes 6 months to a year.” Sean smiled. “Why don’t you ask Priya? She and the others are in the den.” Mei raised an eyebrow. “When you say others…?” “Everyone is here. They surprised us.” “Are you serious?” Mei gasped. “I am,” Sean replied. Mei shook her head. “They could have at least called first…” Sean chuckled softly as he walked into the room and gently scooped up the twins. “In Catholicism, we would say this is God’s plan. At least this way, everyone’s together to meet the newest members of our big extended family.” The twins snoozed in their father’s arms. Mei sighed. “Well, they’re here… and I’m in maternity sweatpants and an extra-large sweater.” “And you’re still the most gorgeous woman in all of Canada.” Sean grinned. Mei chuckled and kissed her husband’s cheek. “Flattery will get you everywhere.” Mei carefully made her way to the den, Sean behind her, carrying the twins. When the throng saw her, Abby and Miriam immediately went to her side and helped her over to the sofa. “Hey, girl. How’re you doing?” Miriam asked gently. “Taking it a day at a time,” Mei admitted. She looked over at Sean, who was introducing the twins to the others. She smiled. “Sean’s been such a big help. If I ever had doubts that he was my soul mate, they’re gone now. Look at him. He’s such a good dad.” Abby beamed. “And your babies are so cute! What are their names again?” “Our son’s name is Kellan Jin, after his grandfathers. Our daughter is Lin Saoirse,” Sean said as he walked over and sat next to his wife. Lin cooed and looked around at all the new faces. Kellan just nuzzled into his father’s shoulder. “Aww, don’t be like that, little guy,” Miriam prompted. “We’re nice people, I promise.” “It’s not you, Mir,” Mei assured her. “Kellan is just a little shy. Like Sean was, according to his folks.” Danny smiled. “The shy guys are usually the most loyal. You gotta work hard for their trust, but once you got it, you got it,” he nudged Rian. “Isn’t that right?” Rian laughed. “So, who’s the shy one here? You walked up to me.” “Yeah, but you asked me out.” Danny countered. Rian shrugged. “Touché.” “But Lin here loves new people,” Sean gently transferred Lin to Abby, who happily held her. “You are so precious, Lin… I’ll bet you’ll look adorable when you get your panda.” Abby gushed. Jackie looked over at Mei and Sean. “That’s right. Lin will inherit the panda when she…comes of age. And Kellan…” Sean nodded. “The Hound has a new host. But don’t worry, he won’t transform for a few years. The Hound only comes out if an O’Cullen really gets mad. No tantrum will unleash it.” “So how does it feel to not have to hold back your anger anymore?” Makwa asked. Sean shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you. I’ve been so happy these past couple of days,” he gently kissed Kellan’s brow. “I would do anything for my babies.” “Welcome to parenthood.” Priya smiled as she gently transferred Lin into Aponi’s lap. Aponi waved. “Hi, baby. Love you.” “Awww….” Everybody gushed. Lin cooed, gently reached up, and booped Aponi’s nose. Aponi giggled. “Baby Silly!” Mei began to tear up. “That’s just so sweet…they’re best friends already…” Her besties hugged her. Sean looked down at Kellan. “Don’t worry, lad. You’ll warm up to ‘em.” Kellan just yawned.

(Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, May 2014) Sean O’ Cullen looked over at his wife, Mei. The two were sitting on the shore of the Mira River, not far from the cabin they called home most of the year. Mei was heavily pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. They were due any day now. Mei had let her red hair grow out and was now wearing it in a ponytail. She wore a red sundress that had been specially made for her by a top maternity clothing company. She had put on some weight during the nine months, but Sean smiled lovingly all the same. “You’re beautiful.” Mei smiled back. “I don't think I’ll ever get tired of hearing you say that, Sean. Even if I don't quite believe it at the moment.” Sean shook his head. “Are you calling me a liar, honey?” “No, of course not,” Mei sighed. “I just…I’ve gained so much weight, my feet are so puffy I can’t wear shoes, and I feel so awkward like this isn't my body.” “But it is your body, my darling,” Sean smiled as he cupped a hand under Mei’s

(Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mid-October 2013) Rian McKeen laughed as he walked out of the locker room. The young Dallas Star had just led his team to a shutout win, 5-0 against the Minnesota Wild. For a rookie in his second professional season, the 20-year-old Canadian was certainly earning his keep. One of his teammates gave him an affectionate noogie. “Great job out there, McKeen. We’d invite you out to celebrate the win, but you’re still too young.” Rian laughed. “Ah, no worries. I’ll celebrate in my own way. See you in the morning for practice?” “Like you need it, hotshot.” As Rian made his way to his car, a beautifully refurbished 2005 Shelby Mustang that was as blue as his old Oilers sweater, he called his old friend Sean O’Cullen. “Hey, big brother. Just thought I’d check in.” Sean yawned. “Hey, Rian. Sorry, I haven’t been getting much sleep. I’ve been really stressing lately.” Roan rolled his eyes. “Sean, Mei’s only 2 months preggo.” “With twins, Rian! Twins! A boy and a girl! We’re going to have to raise a Hound and a Panda!” Sean countered. “So? You’re going to be wonderful parents. You know how to raise a Hound because you are one. Mei knows how to raise a Panda because she is one. Together, you two will raise two amazing kids, who, by the way, the gang and I will happily and willfully spoil,” Rian grinned. “Now, get some sleep. And, hey, we’re playing the Maple Leafs in a couple weeks. If you and the missus want tickets, you know I can make it happen. Skybox, even.” Sean laughed. “If that’s what I gotta do to hang out with you, then okay. I’ll talk it over with Mei.” “Ok, let me know ASAP.” Rian replied. “I will. Good luck on the ice, bro.” Rian hung up and pocketed his phone. “Twins…damn, big bro… talk about having your hands full.” Behind him, someone cleared their throat. “Sorry, but you wouldn’t happen to be Rian McKeen, would you?” Roan sighed as he turned around. “I’m not looking to get traded, no matter the…” he stopped mid-sentence. Standing opposite him was a lanky young man, just about his height, maybe a little taller in a thick white winter jacket, black snow pants, gray boots, and a red toque. His blue eyes sparkled with humor as he held out a game puck and gold-colored Sharpie. “I’m a big fan. Could I possibly bug you for an autograph?” Rian noted the local accent in the fan’s voice. “You’re a local, yet you want my autograph? I just creamed your home team.” The fan shrugged. “Hey, man, that’s the game. Besides, you’re the rookie sensation. Your John Hancock could be worth millions someday.” He smiled cheekily. Roan laughed. “You know what? Fair,” he took the puck and the Sharpie. “What’s your name?” “Danny Masterton.” Rian frowned. “Masterton? Like… Bill Masterton?” Danny nodded. “He was my great-uncle.” Roan smiled. “So, would you say hockey’s in your blood?” Danny shrugged. “Watching it, anyway. Grandpa forbade any of us from playing. As a kid, I was more upset about it, but now that I’ve come into my own as an astronomy geek, I’m cool with just watching the pros do it.” Rian chuckled. “You’d fit in with my friends back home.” “Oh, yeah, you’re from Canada, right? Must be cold.” Danny teased. Rian suppressed a groan. Did everyone in the States think that Canada was a land of eternal winter? Suddenly, an idea came to him. “Forgive me, Makwa…” he whispered before adopting a somber look and speaking in a low, monotone voice. “Yes…Canada…it’s a hostile, frozen wasteland. Each day, my good friend Makwa and I would build an igloo… to protect ourselves.” Danny laughed heartily. Rian couldn’t help but smile. He liked this American’s laugh. Danny took the signed hockey puck. “Alright, you win that round,” he smiled. “It was great to meet you. Good luck with the rest of the season.” He turned to leave. Rian bit his lower lip as his mind raced. He wanted to get to know Danny. Something about him just… attracted Rian. Was this how Sean felt when he met Mei? Or Makwa when he met Priya? But on the other hand, Rian knew that the States weren’t as open about LGBTQ+ rights as Canada was. Back home, being gay wasn’t a big deal. You realized who you liked, you told your most trusted friend, and they helped you break the news to the others. When Rian told Sean, the first thing the guy did was hi-five him. When Rian told the rest of the group, Miriam and Jackie, who were not only out and proud, but had been happily dating for three years, hugged him tight and assured him that if he had any questions, they would be there for him. Returning to the present, Rian took a deep breath. “Danny, wait!” Danny turned around. “What’s up?” Rian blushed and nearly clammed up. But he forced himself to look at Danny. “Are you…busy the week of Thanksgiving? American Thanksgiving, that is.” Danny shook his head. “Not particularly. My parents will probably go over to my perfect older sister’s place… she’s a Harvard grad who’s busy trying to make partner. They won’t even notice I’m not there. Why?” “W-well… I, um… I have a game against the old home team, the Maple Leafs that Friday… if you…wanted, I could… get you a ticket. And…pay your airfare.” Danny blinked. “Are…are you serious? You’d do that?” Rian nodded. “Yeah… why not?” Danny beamed. “I knew there was a reason I rooted for you, McKeen,” he grabbed Rian’s hand and scrawled a phone number across it. “You might want to write that down somewhere before you wash it.” Rian chuckled. “Cliche, but welcome. I’ll call you tomorrow after practice. Deal?” “Deal,” Danny smiled before turning and leaving. Rian watched him go, a dopey grin on his face. — Early the next morning, as Rian and his teammates geared up, Rob Thomas, a Left Wing with a penchant for knocking other players into the boards (cleanly and legally. He was a brute, not a Goon), noticed the gold marker on Rian’s hand. “Hey, Rookie, what’s that mess on your paw?” Roan looked at his hand and blushed, realizing that he’d forgotten to wash it off. “Um… the number of…someone I met after the game last night…” The locker room broke into a chorus of “Ooooooh…” Rob grinned. “It wasn’t a pretty little lady was it?” Rian shook his head. “N-no… it was just a fan. An astronomy geek. He wanted me to sign a game puck.” Team Captain Jamie Benn raised an eyebrow. “I remember giving a fan a puck last night. Lanky guy. Dark hair, neat up front, party in the back,” he smiled at his fellow Canadian. “Come to think of it, Rookie, you assisted me with that goal.” Rain blushed. “I remember, Captain.” At that moment, Head Coach Lindy Ruff walked into the locker room. “Alright, guys, on the ice, pronto! Gotta make sure you’re still in top form against the Maple Leafs!” As the team filed out, Jamie hung back and put a hand on Rian’s shoulder. “Hey, kid, don't be afraid of who you are, you got me? Politics and prejudice have no place in our sport. Anyone gives you grief, you tell me.” Rian blushed. “Jeez, Captain, am I that easy to read?” Jamie grinned. “Fans don't write their phone numbers on players’ hands. And players don't forget to wash off the number of someone they want to hang with.” —Toronto Ontario, Black Friday (In America)— Danny Masterton walked out of Pearson International Airport and quickly zipped his jacket up to his nose as the frigid Canadian winter slapped him full in the face. “Yup…it’s cold.” he muttered. Walking out to the pickup zone, he noticed a placard with his name on it being held by a man with curly blonde hair in a green fur-lined coat. Danny walked over. “And you are?” “Name’s Sean O’Cullen. I'm one of Rian’ closest pals. Since my wife and I were also given skybox seats to tonight’s game, Toque asked us to be your escorts.” Danny raised an eyebrow. “Toque?” Sean laughed. “Rian’s childhood nickname. When we met him, he was a quiet little nine-year-old all wrapped up in a huge Oilers sweater and toque. Think Kenny from South Park if he was Canadian and born in Edmonton.” Danny laughed as Sean put his suitcase in the trunk. “You’re pulling my leg.” “I have pictures and 5 years of stories. I am not pulling your leg.” Sean replied. Danny got in the back seat behind the driver seat. The passenger’s seat was occupied by a pregnant redhead who smiled warmly. “You must be Danny. I’m Mei.” “Pleasure to meet you,” Danny nodded to Mei’s swollen belly. “Boy or girl?” “Both,” Mei gently rubbed her belly. “Twins.” Danny whistled. “You’re going to have your hands full.” “Oh, you have no idea, American.” Sean laughed. “For your information, I have Canadian ancestry,” Danny countered. “My great-uncle was Bill Masterton.” “No kidding?” Sean grinned. “No wonder Rian took to you.” — Danny looked around one of the skybox suites at Scotiabank Arena, his mouth slightly agape. “I could only dream of seeing the inside of one of these.” Sean shrugged. “I’d be just as happy in the cheap seats. I'm not much for extravagance.” Mei giggled as she eased herself beside her husband. “He was raised in a cabin on the Mira.” Danny nodded approvingly. “The simple life. I respect that. But, c’mon, you gotta admit, a little extravagance isn't bad.” Sean rolled his eyes. “Compared to Cape Breton, just living in Toronto is an extravagance.” “Try living in Minnesota.” Danny fired back. “Touche,” Sean smiled. “So, how long are you staying in town?” “Just a week. Rian said he wanted to show me around in between practices.” Danny replied. Mei looked at him knowingly. “All that for a fan?” Danny blushed. “Yeah, of course. Why else?” The O’Cullens smiled at each other. — When the game started, both Danny and Sean were on the edge of their seats. Mei, on the other hand, spent the game either on her phone, texting her best friends, or softly talking to the twins. “It’ll be fine if either of you grow up liking hockey, my dears. Just don't expect Mama to take you to any games. Leave that to Dada or your uncles.” Sean smiled and gently rubbed his wife’s belly. “They’ll support the Eagles above all, like true Cape Bretoners.” Danny hardly took notice of the banter between husband and wife. His eyes were glued to the game. Specifically to #51 on the Stars. Rian was a demon on the ice. When the Stars had the puck, he either defended it from the opposing team, earning assists, or he attempted to score with his trademark snapshot. By the end of the first period, the Stars were up 3-0. Sean stood and stretched. “I'm grabbing some snacks. Mei, want something?” Mei pulled a disgusted face. “I can't stomach greasy food anymore. Just a cup of ice water, please. Extra ice.” “As you wish, my love,” Sean turned to Danny. “What about you? My treat.” Danny shook his head. “I’m good. I can never eat at a game. I get too focused on the action.” “The action?” Sean chuckled. “Or my little brother?” Danny’s cheeks burned. “So what?” “Hey, there’s no shame if you like Rian. It’s pretty clear he sees something in you,” Sean smiled fondly. “Rian wasn't the easiest kid to get a read on at first because of his…selective muteness, but from day one, he was a good pal. He didn't say much, but you always knew where you stood with him,” he took a deep breath. “And when I was at the absolute lowest point that I could ever be, he was there.” “So… if I wanted to…ask him out…?” Danny managed. “Go for it. If he doesn't beat you there.” Sean affirmed. — At game’s end, the Stars had won 5-1 (the Maple Leafs scored early in the third period thanks to a power play after Jamie Benn was penalized for a stick infraction). Sean, Mei, and Danny waited outside the stadium for Rian. Danny was suddenly feeling nervous. Watching Rian on TV or from the other side of the glass was one thing. It had taken a lot just to talk to him and ask for his autograph. But admitting to his celebrity crush that he was actually smitten? Danny swallowed hard. “I don’t think I can do this…” “Yes, you can,” Mei encouraged. “It’s natural to have butterflies in your stomach. It means that you really like Rian.” Sean nodded. “Mei and I took forever to admit we had feelings for each other,” he wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulders and kissed her temple. “And you wouldn’t believe the hurdles we had to clear to get there.” “Hey, O’Cullen, don’t scare him away!” Rian teased as he walked up to his friends. He nodded to Mei. “How’re you holding up, Mei?” Mei sighed. “I can’t eat my favorite foods, I’m gaining weight like it’s the newest fad, and my back and feet are killing me!” she brightened. “But, hey, great game out there!” Sean smiled and hugged his wife. “You’re still the most beautiful woman in all of Canada.” Mei rested her head on Sean’s shoulder. “You’re my anchor, Seannie Boy.” Sean looked at the two young men. “I’ll get her home. Danny, it’s been nice meeting you. Don’t be a stranger. Rian, I said it once, I’ll say it again, I’m glad you never played against the Eagles in your CHL days.” When the couple left, Rian chuckled. “I actually did face the Eagles a time or two when I was the newbie on the London Knights. I just don’t have the heart to tell him.” Danny chuckled. “You’re a better little brother than most. If I ever got one up on Jazzlyn, you better believe I’d’ve thrown it in her face.” Rian frowned. “Danny… are things really that bad with your family?” Danny looked down at his boots. “I… guess not. I just feel like I got the short end of the stick. I mean, Dad was a jock who made a breakthrough discovery in pharmaceutical science, Mom, a cheerleader who is a published psychologist, my sister’s a friggin’ genius and an up-and-coming lawyer… and then you got me, the space geek who barely made it through high school because bullies and jerks made my life hell and made it hard to study in peace, who refused to go to college on my parents’ dime. Forgive me if I want to make my own way and be my own man.” Rian stepped closer. “Hey, I admire that. It tells me that you don’t let anyone tell you who you’re meant to be,” he smiled. “You’re dedicated to your path in life. Just like your great-uncle was dedicated to the game.” Danny looked at Rian and smiled. “I suppose that’s true. I mean, I always enjoyed hockey… but ever since a certain speed demon got drafted to the Stars, I’ve had even more reason to watch.” Rian blushed and looked away. “Danny, come on, there are better players to watch.” Danny gently lifted Rian’s eyes, bright blue eyes meeting their mirror image. “Maybe, but I bet none are as cute.” Rian blushed hard. “Y-you really think so?” Danny nodded. “Y-yes. I know you’re a hotshot rookie hockey player…” Rian chuckled. “And yet here we are. So, wanna go back to my hotel room?” Danny smiled. “Let’s.”

(Toronto, Ontario, August 2013) I’m going to throw up! This wasn’t usually the first thought that Meilin Lee O’Cullen entertained when she woke up in the mornings, but as she made a beeline for the bathroom one late summer’s morning, it was the only thing on her mind. Once she had rid her stomach of its contents, she felt her forehead. No fever. And she’d had her father’s wonderful xiaolongbao for dinner last night, so it couldn’t have been something she ate. Mei sighed. “Why couldn’t this have happened yesterday morning, when I was saying my goodbyes to Sean?” Was it a bug back in Cape Breton? Mei made her way back to her bedroom and called her husband. “Morning, babe. Miss me already?” Sean asked when he picked up. “Sean, how are you feeling?” Mei asked. “Um… fit as a fiddle. I’m about to head to work. Why? Are you okay?” Sean asked back. “Well, I just threw up… but other than that, I don’t feel too bad. Is there a bug going around the island?” Mei inquired. “Not to

5-year-old Nicodema Parceda smiled as she and her best friend Annalise Noceda-Hadley climbed to the top of the play structure. “Behold! We, the nieces of the great King Clawthorne, claim this kingdom as our own!” “Bow before us!” Annalise followed. Roan Parceda, Lieutenant of the Boiling Guard, chuckled as he watched his daughter and Titandaughter play. “Oh, great, Uncle King taught them Demon of the Mountain...” Dobbin Hadley nodded. “I think it’s sweet that he's taking an active role in our kids' lives. Especially when I’m swamped with grading papers and Amity’s busy with a project. As great a stay-at-home mom as Luz is, no witch is an island.” “It takes a village,” Roan agreed. “But, hey, being busy is what makes these days off worth it.” “Very true.” Dobbin concurred. “Brianna Blackthorn, you get back here this instant!” A familiar voice suddenly screeched. Roan sighed. “Just one day off… that’s all I wanted…” Dobbin held up a hand. “Stand down, brother. Let someone

(Toronto, Canada, Autumn 2002) Northern Secondary School. Sean O’Cullen smirked as he walked through the doors for the first time. “You’re a high school Freshman now, O’Cullen. You’ll have to fight for your respect all over again.” Sean suddenly felt two arms wrap around his middle, followed by a kiss on his cheek. “Or you can just snuggle with me after school. I’ll give you more respect and love than you can manage.” Sean smiled. “Meilin Lee, you drive a hard bargain,” he turned to face the girl he loved most. As usual, she had a warm smile on her face and a look of true love in her brown eyes. Her white panda ears and red tail were on full display, a look that Sean loved dearly. He gently ran a hand through Mei’s short red hair. “Maybe we can head to Trinity Bellwoods after school. I know we go there a lot-.” Mei giggled. “Hey, I’m not complaining. Anywhere is perfect as long as you’re there.” Sean blushed and looked away. “Aw, Mei, c’mon…you know you saying stuff like

Kelly Chen was at a party. She’d been invited by one of the jocks. It was a celebration of the Varsity team (which one, Kelly couldn’t care less about) winning the big game. Because of course, it was. Kelly tucked a strand of her long black hair behind her ear as she stood on the back porch, away from the loud party inside. A jock had handed her a red solo cup full of beer. How they’d gotten their hands on alcohol when no one was even close to the drinking age was anyone’s guess. Kelly was popular. Her Dad was a business magnate who owned a chain of Nepalese-Chinese fusion restaurants across the country. The chefs were all at the top of their fields. Her mother was a celebrity chef. It was her Nepali recipes that put Phūla-Huā (literally Flower-Flower in Napali and Mandarin respectably) on the map. As the Phulā-Huā heiress (as the media loved to label her), Kelly was wont for nothing. The finest clothes, the best schools, the most expensive amenities, all was hers for the

4 teens from different walks of life. 1 orphaned red panda. A love of mysteries. When you lose something, the Coalition will search. The Finders Coalition. --- Name: Niall Casey Nationality: Irish-American Age: 17 Hair color: Reddish-blonde Hairstyle: Short, neat Attire: White t-shirt, green coat, denim jeans, brown loafers Personality: Responsible, level-headed, friendly, outgoing Shortcomings: Can be a spoilsport at times, takes his responsibilities too seriously at times Catchphrase: “Finders, let’s give it a crack.” — Name: Maya Moore Nationality: Afro-Latina Age: 16 Hair color: Black Hairstyle: curly (she styles it differently every day with the help of her twin sister, Carla) Attire: Red shirt, white long-sleeved undershirt, Gucci belt, black capris, black flats, silver earrings (All designer brands) Personality: Laid-back, sometimes a bit short-tempered, compassionate Shortcomings: Can be easily angered by any perceived injustice towards her or those she cares