Poof.

[Raleigh]

And I return. *Raleigh's house springs up from nowhere in town.* I made this one with reality marble, not to be confused with the magic phenomenon. No one is going to pick up this house and walk away with it. Mwahahahaha.

[AmbushCat]

*Ellen, who was playing a Solitaire variation in the shade of a nearby gazebo, manages to sound amused even while she's frowning in concentration.*

Ellen: ...Is that anything like the story I heard about Caprice taking a box of yours while Himitsu was still calling you a hobo, godpapa?

[Raleigh]

If I said no I would either be lying or talking about a different time line. How you been, kiddo?

[Ebony]

*A black cat appears on Raleigh's shoulder.* And is there any one you want horribly maimed for a laugh? I haven't gotten a good bit of exercise in an age or two. Those pesky denizens of the Underdark are not nearly as violent as I had been lead to believe.

[AmbushCat]

If I said no I would either be lying or talking about a different time line. How you been, kiddo?

Ellen: ... More or less the same as ever. Now that school's out for the summer, and a month of spring, I'm trying to balance my hobbies with my magic lessons and a new physical regimen. Right now, I'm just relaxing for a bit and watching---

*A black cat appears on Raleigh's shoulder.* And is there any one you want horribly maimed for a laugh? I haven't gotten a good bit of exercise in an age or two. Those pesky denizens of the Underdark are not nearly as violent as I had been lead to believe.

*A loud 'MRRREEWWW!', which when translated would mean "GODPARENTS!", rings out from out of nowhere. A partly-grown female Black Maine Coon kitten leaps onto Raleigh's other shoulder, trying to nuzzle both him and Ebony at the same time, all while purring loudly.*

Ellen: ---...Ezekiel.

[Raleigh]

It is good to hear you are balancing things. That is always important. Hello to you, kiddo. *Raleigh and Ebony both nuzzle the newcomer.*

[AmbushCat]

*As far as her mood goes, Ezekiel's completely ecstatic. Ellen watches them for a moment, then gets up to join in the hug.*

Ellen: ...Might as well not look too out of place.

[Raleigh]

*Raleigh and Ebony extend the hug to Ellen.* It really is good to see you both again.
Ebony: Sorry we've been gone for so long.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...You've got nothing to apologize for, Auntie. I know how busy life can be. ...And in any event, you two timed your reappearance pretty well.

[Raleigh]

Oh? What is going on?

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...You missed Elk becoming a pseudo-superhero.

[Raleigh]

What does Elk fight against? Every superhero has some sort of enemy.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ... *deadpan* The concept of thirst itself. Want a demonstration?

[Raleigh]

So long as it isn't blood thirst I suppose. Sure, why not?

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...Alright. My throat's a bit on the dry side, anyway---

*Somewhere across the way, a window shatters without warning and a figure jumps out of it. With the exception of familiar black cat ears and a tail, he is covered from head to toe in blue and silver spandex, and has some rather serious muscles. Flipping off a tree, running atop a chain link fence and springboarding off several passers-by, the figure executes a perfect landing in front of the group and slams a can of Pepsi into Ellen's hand.*

Elk: Drink up, my quietly awesome sister, and never be thirsty again! *turns away abruptly* Another citizen of this city is in need of thirst-quenching awesomeness. Let no obstacle bar my way! PEPSI MANNNNN!

*With that, he backflips onto a passing vehicle, somersaults across a road, and disappears into a condominium down the street. Crashing sounds can be heard from within.*

Ellen: ... ...Yeah.