PS238 Room 8

Christmas is fast approaching, at least in Milliways. It doesn't take much to notice how the backyard area is getting colder and occasinally getting a thin sheet of snow. And this year, Tyler's not sure if he's going to get another good holiday vacation with Uncle Ray...

So there's no time like the present to write up that wishlist to Santa Claus/Father Christmas/Saint Nick/What have you...

Dear Father Christmas.

I've been very good this year, even if my parents aren't exactly happy about me not having developed superpowers. I've been working really hard on all of my grades, even if the social studies teacher hates me. I don't know if I'm going to get to spend the holidays with Uncle Ray again this year, if you could work that out, i'd really appreciate it.

...If that doesn't work, could I please get a blue three-speed bike in my size, and some protective padding for riding on the bike? I already asked mom and dad but they're talking about rocket packs and flying skateboard thingies. Since it's technically my birthday coming up back in the home universe... I'd really just like a plain regular bicycle, so I can learn how to do more stuff for myself.

Thank you for reading this letter, I'll try to leave you some cinnamon snickerdoodles and hot cocoa Christmas eve.

Sincerely,

Tyler Marlocke

PS: Winston would like more Emu Jerky, and if you could get Toby something that'd help me think things out for himself that'd be AWESOME.

These days, sneaking out after school involved less of just walking to the house that the Revenant had rented out and cleaned. It involved more of making sure that Ultima and Supreme Powers were taking Absolute Powers, aka Toby, somewhere to practice flying with his powers. That didn't involve having to explain WHY the stoplight was suddenly a stage magician sending scarves out everywhere. Then making sure that Cecil was occupied, though it didn't matter so mucn now that he was in on the secret with the Revenant. Tyler really, really wanted him to knock off with the asking to become Tyler's supervisor while having a conversation.

And using the medallion to sneak himself to a completely different spot, namely a certain little homemade fort in a ravine so he could pull out the communicator to talk.

-"Revenant, am I coming in clear?"-

-"Loud and,"- answered the voice from the other end, -"although business is a little hectic just at the moment."-

There was a thump and a crash, and something that could've been a gurgle if it weren't just static.

-"I've got a little time, though. What's up?"-

This was one of those times when Tyler almost felt guilty for calling on the emergency line. --"You didn't pick me up from school, like usual. In fact you haven't done it for the past month and a half."- Tyler answered, checking outside of the little fort for any signs of anyone snooping nearby. "I can understand for the first few weeks..like when the school was getting rebuilt and I was walking around in a clone puppet."-

-"So what's going on?"-

-"Field operation, I'm afraid." The voice had the dignity to sound chagrined. "Starting with an extended stakeout that more or less required radio silence."-

Something in the background cracked sharply. There was a pained grunt.

-"I think that part of the operation's been fairly well wrapped by now. My appointment book for the summer is pretty wide open. How does yours look?"-

-"...mom and dad.."- The rest got a little muffled, but Tyler did manage to lift his head and mouth out of the crook of his elbow. -",sharing a room with Toby at their new Headquarters."-

-"Well. That sounds like you've got plenty of time for a summer reading program. Or a foreign language camp. Possibly both,"- said the voice cheerfully. -"How do you feel about Japanese?"-

-"...can't be any harder than learning how to speak Wolf."- Tyler replied, taking notes. There'd be books at the empty house for him to pick up later in regards to that. -"What about physical training?"-

-""Aikido or isshin kenpo?"-

-"...Kenpo, Aikido is the one that's all grips, pins and holds, right?"-

-"And throws. Isshin kenpo's a hybrid karate form. Very recently developed, but I know the originators personally and I can vouch for their lineages in the Okinawan fighting arts."-

-"Alright, so how're we going to keep this from my parents, and Toby?"-

-"I'm sure your other two friends in on the conpiracy will cover for you with your brother, and I'll be picking you up and dropping you off from the house I'm renting."- There was some more whimpering from the other end of the line.

-"...you really think mom and dad won't check?"- Tyler asked apprehensively. -"Couldn't I just practice in Milliways? No one from school has showed up there, and it'd be a good place to practice acrobatics and tumbling."-

-"Can't get far in the Wind School of isshin kenpo if you don't know how to fall properly. Sometimes that involves falling from some very unusual places."-

-"Like buildings."- Tyler grumbled.

-"Well, I was thinking more like former utility towers, but yes, it's important to cover all the bases."-

-"...thanks, I wanted to know what was up...you know I was kind of wondering if you'd avoided cause of my parents being in town an-" He stopped short as something, or a rather a familiar sounding something whooshed overhead. "Gotta go. Looks like Toby finished his flying practice. Or it's getting too close to here."-

-"Sorry about that. A lead came up that just didn't give me enough time to get away. Don't worry, it's not going to happen again. Tell your brother I said hi."-

-"Pbbht."- Now he knew that Revenant was funning with him, Toby didn't know a darn thing about his secret identity. And Tyler was plenty willing to say or do whatever was needed to make sure it stayed that way. -"I'll wait for the mail to come at the house, or at Cecil's. Bye."-