So here’s the deal. Things are FUCKED. Or they were, they’re okay now *touchwood*. Things will become apparent as we progress and it’ll be better if I just explain it at the end.

I’m afraid one of the many things that went wrong- although it’s probably the least disastrous- is that up until...*checks* some time around slide 10, all the pictures are going to be smaller and crappier.

Now the picture on the left is the entrance to the Marmites’ spiffy new house! There’s no point showing you around- trust me.

Not entirely sure whether they were being hunted by angry Soul Reapers after their escape from the Soul Society, Ichigo and Ani Mei wisely decided to lay low for a while. At Yaeko and Hiro’s insistence, they moved into the main legacy lot. And since I finally got round to installing ACR, all they did all day everyday was be incredibly squee-worthy.

Really pissed off about the quality of these pictures. This was such a sweet spontaneous moment.

Ichigo practises his Tai Chi regularly- and I think I know where he gets it from.

I’m sure you’ll all be happy to hear that Yaeko continues to spontaneously give Tai Chi classes to her plants.

But what about our newlyweds?

Ichabod had seemed much happier for a while, but these things aren’t that simple. Pain is built to last.His vampirism was once again tormenting him. Katrina had started teaching in a primary school and was enjoying it greatly. But Ichabod was of course only awake during the night, and so she returned home after a tiring day and then insisted on staying up most of the night as it was the only time she could spend with her husband. Naturally, this left her exhausted and consequently her work suffered. She had made no attempt to explain her situation to her superiors as she assumed having a vampire for a husband would not be viewed appropriate for a teacher, thanks to the stigma attached. She didn’t blame Ichabod, and that made it worse. She was so incredible- she deserved better than this. She deserved better than him. The idea of having to watch her die and then live on for eternity without her was unbearable.

Added to all of this was his failure to find work. All he had ever wanted to be was a doctor- but it was a position categorically not given to people like him. It was all he was trained for, all he wanted- but it wasn’t going to happen. He couldn’t even find a low paid job that was both plausible and willing to hire him. He was left feeling more guilty and pathetic than ever.

There were tears of joy in Katrina’s eyes when Ichabod awoke one night to the news that she was pregnant.Ichabod was overjoyed- he had not even been convinced that he could have children. He felt a cold ripple of anxiety as it occurred to him that he had never heard of a child being born to a mortal mother and vampire father before- what if there was something wrong with the baby? But, to his own surprise, he managed to push the fear aside, so great was his joy.

At this point I’d like to return to the Marmite kitties whom I’ve so cruelly neglected in recent chapters. In the bottom left you can see Hepzibah, the mother of McVittie who is in the top right corner. The other cat will hopefully be McVittie’s partner and is named Boosh- he has slightly scary eyes.

Look! The Pictures are big again!

Yup, it’s Yaeko. She decided to age up at about 2 pm on her birthday instead of during the party I was planning to throw later that afternoon. Did somebody say glitch?

Hiro still had a little while to go before his age transition, but that didn’t affect his passion for his wife. Returning from work to find Yaeko as an elder, he declared himself her toyboy and lead her immediately to their bedroom.ACR is a serious mod people.

Katrina’s pregnancy was largely uneventful but pleasant. Maternity leave gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her husband, she suffered no great degree of sickness and Yaeko (having recently rolled grilled cheese as her secondary aspiration) waited on her hand and foot.

“It’s going to be a girl, I’m certain of it.” said Yaeko with authority. Katrina smiled and continued to munch her sandwich. “You’re always sick more with boys- trust me. I had four and compared to them Iracebeth was a breeze.”

Katrina smiled again and opened her mouth to reply, but snapped it shut again, grabbing her stomach.

“Are you okay Katrina?” “Er- I don’t- OW!- I think I might-ARGH!-be go-ing into-ARGHFGH!”

“Uh, Hiro?” called Yaeko as Katrina began to wail. “Hiro? HIRO!”

It was indeed a girl. She has her mother’s blonde hair and green eyes. And she has been named:

Jirachi is a steel/psychic legendary Pokémon, said to be able to grant three wishes when it awakes once every thousand years. I think it’s a pretty well suited name. The Pokémon's yellow and green, she has blonde hair and green eyes... You see where I’m going with this?

Katrina cradled her daughter in her arms as she sipped from the bottle. She was perfect. If only Ichabod had been able to see her being born. Regardless, she couldn’t wait until he awoke that night.

Later that afternoon, Ichigo and Ani Mei sat contemplating the day’s events with hefty portions of grilled cheese that had been served up by Yaeko. “I can’t believe I’m an uncle.” said Ichigo, looking faintly stunned. “Aww, Ichi.” Ani Mei smiled “She’s so beautiful isn’t she?”

“Yeah,” He looked at Ani Mei for a long time, a strange expression on his pointed face. “What’s that look for?” she asked in mock suspicion. “Nothing,” he said quickly. She looked at him-unconvinced.

“Well okay,” he admitted. “It’s just that... I’ve been thinking, and we aren’t really any safer here than we would be somewhere else- and if anything we’re just endangering the family- and now that there’s a baby...”“Yes?” she smiled.

“So why don’t we get our own place?” he said, gently taking hold of her hand. “And do this properly?”

Ani Mei smiled wider still, looking at him lovingly. “You’ve read my mind- as usual. That sounds wonderful.” Her expression changed. “You’re still hiding something aren’t you?” she asked wryly. “Well...” with a not inconsiderable shock, she realised that Ichigo- her always confident, play it cool, tough guy, Ichigo- was nervous. “Go on,” she said, squeezing his hand gently.” “I thought that if we’re gonna do this properly- we might as well-”He produced a box from his jeans pocket.“Ichigo...” Ani Mei’s voice became high pitched and vaguely hysterical despite herself.

Opening the box with trembling hands, her usual composure long gone, Ani Mei gazed at the ring within.

She looked back up at Ichigo; she’d seen him fight countless hollows and soul reapers without a trace of fear- and now he was terrified. “So- is it..okay?”“It’s beautiful.” she breathed, placing it on her hand. “And er- will you-”

“Of course I will you big lug.”

****

CUTE OR WHAT?

That night Ichabod held his daughter for the first time. So tiny, fragile and innocent. “I can’t believe I missed her being born.” he sighed as he stroked Jirachi’s head. “It’s not your fault Ick.” Katrina said before letting out a large yawn.“You go to bed,” said Ichabod. “It’s been a hell of a day for you.”Katrina smiled, placed a kiss gently on her daughter’s head and then another on her husband’s cheek before leaving.

He held Jirachi further from his skin, knowing that he must feel freezing to her. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I’m sorry for lots of things- but I’m going to make them up to you,”I hope.

****

Hiro also decided to age at a random time.Did someone say silver fox? ;D

Early the next morning, Ichigo and Ani Mei moved out to begin looking for a house. Part of their decision to move out had been based on a desire to give Ichabod and Katrina more space now that they had a baby- but it turned out that in fact they could have used their support.

It was Hiro that first noticed that something was wrong with Jirachi. She thrashed around in her cot, screaming and crying- but not in a way that either Hiro or Yaeko had heard a baby do so before. They spent their days fretting over her and called in numerous doctors- none of whom could find any ailment.

Since she had been on maternity leave, Katrina was essentially as nocturnal as her husband. And at night Jirachi’s behaviour seemed every inch that of a normal healthy infant. And so her grandparents said nothing, but continued to worry in silence. It was only when Jirachi grew up- which seemed far sooner than most children- that they had no choice but to say something.

The morning after her granddaughter’s age transition, Yaeko found Jirachi in the midst of what looked like a violent fit. She screamed for Hiro, watching Jirachi’s small body jerk and writhe- she wasn’t screaming anymore.

Woken by Yaeko’s shouts, Katrina passed Hiro in the corridor as he ran to call an ambulance.

****

An endless stream of doctors, nurses and consultants could find no reason for Jirachi’s fits. But given that they only ever happened at night, the family had an idea or two. Both Kennedy and Elphaba were at a loss to explain her condition, or treat it for that matter. Elphaba however, got in contact with some friends she had made during her years living in Belladonna Cove whilst hiding from the Sisterhood of the Silver of the Silver Racoon. Witches were far more common in Belladonna and had very different areas of study to the secretive, guarded ones in Gotham. So, in the hope of improving their daughter’s health, the family set off for Belladonna Cove.

They rented a small apartment- the first they could find that had a windowless room for Jirachi.

It was a long journey to make when two of your company couldn’t be exposed to sunlight, but eventually- just after sundown one night- the family arrived at their apartment. Katrina and Ichabod planned to waste no time and head over to visit the witches later that night. Ichabod held Jirachi close and she nuzzled into his neck. This was one of her better nights, but he could tell that the journey had exhausted her. Ichabod said nothing, but he didn’t need to.

“Stop it Ichabod.” Katrina’s voice shook slightly. He turned to her, confused. “Stop blaming yourself for this. “How can I?” he said miserably, turning back to his daughter.

Sensing the mood, Yaeko approached, softly saying “Come to Grandma little one,” Ichabod passed Jirachi to his mother who took her into the next room, leaving he and Katrina alone.“Please Ick,” begged Katrina, taking hold of his hands. “Please don’t do this. I can’t bear seeing you like this.”

He sighed, squeezing her hand gently. “I’m sorry,”“No don’t say that,” she said quietly, tears in her eyes. “You don’t have anything to apologise for Ick.”

Moving closer to him, she continued. “This is the way things are. And they aren’t perfect- but we’re going to get help for Jirachi, and things are going to be okay. We have to believe that things are going to be okay.”

****

“They’re going to be able to help her,” said Katrina as they stood outside the house in which they had invested all their hope. Ichabod understood that it wasn’t something said simply to make him feel better; she needed to hear it back.He nodded. They looked at each other for a moment, both trying to silently reassure the other without revealing their own uncertainty. Ichabod pressed the doorbell- to no discernable consequence. So he tried again. And again. Finally, Green Sleeves rang out from the other side of the door, and proceeded to do so repeatedly, seemingly getting louder and louder. A figure came into view through the glass and pulled open the door.

“Feckin’ doorbell,” frowned the woman, who appeared to be ready for bed. She smiled at them apologetically. “It was damaged in a little spat I had with my ex- a jinx I think- hasn’t been the same since. Anyway, how can I help you?”

“Er- we spoke on the phone?” said Ichabod nervously. “About our daughter?”“Merlin’s beard! Of course, I remember now. We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow night. But this is good, we can start sooner. Come on in,”

She lead them into the house and through to the kitchen. “I’m Kimberley, and this is my sister Samantha.”Samantha was seated at the kitchen table and gestured for them to join her.

*******

“So these... Fits, for want of a better word,- they’ve become worse as you daughter’s got older?”Samantha asked. “Much worse.” nodded Katrina. “But at night she seems fine.”

“Do you mind if I ask how long you’ve been a vampire Ichabod?” asked Kimberly as she battled with the coffee machine; electronics don’t function well around magic.“No I don’t mind- since I was a teenager,” replied Ichabod.

“hmmm, she said, settling down on a stool and sipping her coffee ponderously. “Give me a moment.”****

Her sister left with her, and a few minutes later they reappeared with armfuls of leather-bound books. “It’s exceedingly rare for a vampire to have a child with a mortal.” Kimberley explained. “It’s not uncommon for there to be relationships- but the mortal partners very rarely stay mortal.” “So children like Jirachi are- well, I’d be amazed if there was another child like her within a thousand miles of Belladonna Cove.” continued her sister. “She’s what is known as a dhampir. But it’s a fairly loose grouping for the children of vampires and mortals. The characteristics vary greatly.”

“Obviously it’s not a widely studied topic. Whilst they are mortal, dhampirs will possess vampiric characteristics. There are cases recorded of dhampirs born with the weaknesses of their vampire parent, but also of dhampirs born with all their strengths. Sometimes a mixture of both. Dhampirs born with immunity to sunlight but vampiric agility, strength etcetera have in the past often gone on to become... Er” she looked up nervously at Ichabod “-very successful vampire hunters. Now in Jirachi’s case, it seems clear that she’s inherited the vampiric disposition to sunlight. Seeing as this has become more apparent as she’s grown older, it seems likely that there could be characteristics that will develop with age. In every other sense, she seems to be a normal child- although- did you say she was growing quickly?”

“Yes,” nodded Katrina and Ichabod together.“Well that should slow down before she’s an adult.” said Kimberly. “She’ll be out of nappies fairly quickly, but that also means you have less time to prepare for the teenage years.”

“So- so is there anything you can do?” asked Katrina, her voice trembling a little. “Well we can’t... ‘cure’ her,” said Kimberly.“But we can work on something that will make her reactions less violent and that will hopefully prevent any other negative characteristics developing.” finished Samantha.

“Most likely a potion of some sort” her sister agreed. “To be taken daily.”“With prolonged use, she may even be able to spend whole days in the sun when she’s older.” “Thank you- so much” beamed Katrina, wiping away tears.“This means so much to us,” added Ichabod.“Don’t worry about it,” the sisters said together.

Whilst Katrina phoned home to share the hopeful news, Ichabod thanked the witches once again. “I don’t even know how to thank you,” he smiled. Samantha laughed. “Well we haven’t done anything yet.”“I...” Ichabod began. “I don’t suppose-” he halted again. “It’s a stupid question, but I might as well ask... Have you heard anything about possible cures for vampirism?” he anticipated her answer but continued anyway. “I don’t know how I’m going to keep on going like this.I want more kids, but how can I do this to them? I want to be able to actually spend time with my family, I want to work, I want to take family photos, I want to push my children on the swings at a playground without the other parents fleeing with their kids.” “I’m sorry,” she said sadly. “People have been trying for centuries. Magical folk and muggles. I heard that a scientist got pretty close- god only knows how, they must have been a genius...or insane... Or both... I think that if they’d had some magical help they might have even done it- but they aren’t around anymore. I really am sorry.”“It’s okay,” Ichabod tried not to sound too disappointed. “It was worth a shot.”

“Nice couple,” remarked Kimberly, sitting down beside her sister. “Yeah,” she agreed. “It’s a shame they’re having to go through this.”“And another baby on the way too...” sighed Kim.“What?”“Didn’t you pick up on that?” she asked, surprised “ Why Sam I believe you’re losing your touch.” “Oh shut it you. Come on,” she said, standing up. “We might as well make a start. Once we’ve brewed something for the child we’ll have a go at something for Katrina to take whilst she’s pregnant.”

“Hehhehhehhehheh- ah hah hah hah hah- MWAHAHAHAHA-”

“Kim, you know how I feel about the cackling.”“And YOU know perfectly well that I can’t get my witch on at full capacity without it.”“Fine.”

****

The next evening, the Marmites had some surprise visitors. Ichigo and Ani Mei, the image of romantic bliss, brought presents for Jirachi and rather big news. “You’re MARRIED?” Ichabod, Katrina and Yaeko cried in unison.“Yup,” smiled Ani Mei.“I carried her over the threshold and everything,” added Ichigo.“You bought a HOUSE too?!”

“Yeah,” Ani Mei was positively beaming. “And it’s only about 10 minutes away from here,” Ichigo said.“You’ve moved HERE?!”“Enough with the shouting in unison.” he laughed. “Well it was probably for the best that we got out of Gotham anyway.” said Ani Mei. “And we want our children to be close to their grandparents.” There was silence, Ichigo and Ani Mei watched them, grinning- watching for their realisation.“You mean-” cried Yaeko, entering the realm of hysterical hand flapping. “You’re-?”

“Very much so.” Ani Mei smiled.“Yeah, and I don’t know whether she’s planning on giving birth to a foal, because she’s eating like a horse-OW!”“I’ve never actually told you that this baby is yours y’know.”They glared at each other for a couple of seconds before bursting into simultaneous laughter.

“Oh I’m so happy for you Ichigo,” Yaeko said, trapping her son in something between a rugby tackle and an embrace.“Really Mum? I’d never have guessed.”

The sun had finally slipped out of sight and Jirachi, after only one dose of Samantha and Kimberley’s potion, seemed to have improved greatly. Consequently, Ani Mei could indulge her motherly impulses.“Hello you,” she cooed.

“I can’t believe we’re going to have a cousin for you to play with soon.” she smiled as Jirachi giggled at her.

“I can’t believe the bad ass soul reaper feared by Hollows and Shinigami alike is getting so soppy about babies.” Ichigo laughed. He strolled over and stroked Jirachi’s hair before proceeding to make a series of giggle inducing faces at her.“I could say the same thing about you,” Ani Mei smiled.

“...so she has to take this potion daily?” “Yes. Fortunately she’s not especially fussy- but Yaeko says Isildur only developed a problem with vegetables once he got to about seven.” “So much to learn,” sighed Ani Mei.“You’re going to be amazing.” Katrina smiled. “I’m so glad you and Ichigo are here.”“Me too.”

“So there’s going to be another baby in the family.” Ichabod smiled as he sat with Katrina after their guests had left. “Two new babies.” said Katrina with a nervous smile.“What? Are they having twins?”“Not that I know of.”Katrina watched him and he stared blankly back until realisation struck him like a wet flannel. “You’re pregnant?!” Katrina nodded, delighted by the joyful expression on her husband’s face. But, as she had anticipated, it was soon interrupted by one of fear.

“But what if-?”“I’ve already talked to Sam and Kim.” she explained. “I don’t know how, but they knew before I did. They’ve given me something to take during the pregnancy that should prevent the baby having the same problems as Jirachi.”Ichabod relaxed slightly, then beamed at his wife. “We’re having another baby!” he cried happily.”

“And Jirachi’s will have a brother or sister.” said Katrina, with equal joy.“I know it’s still early days,” began Ichabod. “But- but she seems to be doing much better doesn’t she?”

“Yes,” Katrina smiled. “Yes she does.

****

It didn’t seem like long at all until Ani Mei gave birth- right in their kitchen/dining area. Hygienic eh? Oh well, Ichigo’s pretty good with a mop and a bucket of dettol.

The baby was a boy and was named Noah. I asked RL Ani Mei for some name ideas and I think she did BRILLIANTLY. In particular I love the name because of Noah Bennet from Heroes and also because, also in Heroes, Sylar names his adorable little boy Noah. That little boy then gets killed by a table. T_T But that certainly WILL NOT be happening to any spawn of Ichimei.

And not long after that, Katrina gave birth to her second daughter.

‘Joan?’ I hear you cry. I know! It’s potentially the most normal name I’ve ever used. But ‘J’ hasn’t been the easiest letter for me and besides, I genuinely really like the name. So, why Joan? Well there’s Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for one thing. There’s Joan of Arc too I suppose but since I’m a) not religious b) English, I don’t have any overwhelming liking for her. No opinion whatsoever in fact other than a nagging voice saying ‘Bloody French!’ over and over again. The voice sounds like my Dad BTW. There is however another Joan. Pope Joan to be precise. It may just be me being oblivious, but I hadn’t heard of her until this year.

Supposedly, she reigned as Pope (disguised as a man obviously) in the first century AD. Until that is, she gave birth in the middle of a papal procession. So she and the baby were stoned to death. I heard of her through ‘Top Girls’ a really interesting play by Caryl Churchil (which succeeded in the impossible task of making me hate Thatcher even more than before) and also through a poem written about her by Carol Ann Duffy that can be found in The World’s Wife which is an absolutely fantastic collection. Also, there’s a band called Pope Joan. I’ve only heard a couple of songs, but they seem okay.

Sorry for the rambling. She has Katrina’s green eyes and Ichabod’s dark hair by the way.Sam and Kimberley kept them stocked up with Jirachi’s potion and also gave them something for Joan in a further attempt to prevent her developing problems. She would always be a dhampir- and it was foolish to think that they could ever remove all of the characteristics she had probably inherited, but at least they could try to stop her developing weaknesses.

It had been clear for a while that they were going to have to settle down in Belladonna Cove on a permanent basis. Even before Ichigo and Ani Mei had moved they had known that this was their home from now on. So they left the apartment they had rented and moved into a house that Hiro and Yaeko insisted on buying with the family money. Ichabod and Katrina had argued that, according to the rules of the legacy, the generation J heir would have to suffer a restart anyway, but they had retorted, saying that Jirachi and Joan needed a proper home and that, since a simself was yet to manifest in Belladonna Cove, they might get away without a restart anyway.

Jirachi had good days and bad days. Or rather, good nights and bad nights. Her good nights were becoming increasingly so, but bad nights were also getting worse.

I suck at decorating. Everything nice you can see here was done by the talented person who made the house. Thank you whoever you are.I also suck at tours. So you won’t be getting one.

Well you can see a little more. I really like this area that the talented creator... Created...<<<<<<<<<<<<

The dining room was me I’m afraid. Overly flowery or what?

Settling into a new house is rarely easy, but the Marmites were still trying to come to terms with moving to a different city. It was fortunate then, that they soon discovered some friendly neighbours.“Hi,” the woman had said with a smile. “I’m Emma Knightley- I live a couple of doors down the road and I just thought I’d introduce myself.”

Katrina had taken an immediate liking to Emma who lived, she learnt, with her husband and her son, who was just a little older than Joan. In Gotham, Katrina had had work friends, school friends and friends from just generally around. But since moving to Belladonna Cove, the only non-family members she had truly interacted with were Samantha and Kimberly.

Unused to making friends quickly, Katrina couldn’t quite believe how well she and Emma seemed to get along. Soon they were meeting for coffee etc on a regular basis and each drew strength from the company of the other. George being her first child, Emma was eager to hear all the advice Katrina could give her and, in return, was highly of supportive of Katrina- offering to help in any way she could. Katrina had simply told her that her husband and eldest daughter were very ill, thinking that the truth may have been a bit much to dump on a new friend. At the rate they were going it wouldn’t be too long before she felt comfortable confiding the reality in Emma anyway.

****

They had barely finished unpacking when they received visitors. Expecting to be greeted by new neighbours, Hiro was in fact met with some very familiar faces when he opened the door. “SURPRISE!” Iris, Godric and Elyssia yelled together.

“You’ve got even more wrinkly Hiro!”“Dad! Mum’s teasing me.” “Leave him alone speccy” called Godric.“Shut it or I’ll fill your new rocks with porridge again.”“Ah,” reminisced Godric. “Takes me back to our third honeymoon...”

“It’s so good to see you all again,” Hiro said happily. “Well you’ll be seeing a lot more of us once we’re settled in.”“You mean-?”“Yup,” interrupted Godric. “Now are you going to invite us in or what?”

“What a cutie,” Godric wiggled his fingers in front of his great granddaughter's face. He straightened up, his face more serious. “How’s she getting on? I mean- has she started...?”“No,” Katrina said with a smile, watching Godric’s expression relax. “Right now she seems just like any other baby. Apart from how quickly she’s growing that is. But Kim and Sam- the witches who are helping us- say that she’s likely to develop dhampir attributes when she’s older.” She looked at her daughter anxiously for a moment, before pushing those thoughts aside. “But anyway, Sam and Kim know what they’re doing and they’ve helped Jirachi so much.”

In what seemed like no time at all, afternoon faded into evening. Jirachi, having just woken up and being unaware of the guests, stumbled sleepily downstairs and found seven relatives instead of four. “Er, Dad?” she called nervously. “Hi Jirachi,” Ichabod called across the room. “This is your Great Grandmother, Great Grandfather and Great Aunt.”

Elyssia walked over to Jirachi with a warm smile. “It’s a bit weird me being your Great Aunt isn’t it?”Jirachi giggled. “Just a little bit. But it’s quite cool too.”“I know! How many people can say that their great niece is their best friend?”

“I-I’m your best friend?” Jirachi asked, taken aback.“Yup.” Elyssia nodded.“Even though I’m only awake at night?”“All the best things are nocturnal.” Elyssia explained knowingly. “Badgers, Hedgehogs, Fireflies, Aye-Ayes, Owls, Humboldt Squids, mole people...”Jirachi’s eyes widened and a smile spread across her pale face. “I didn’t know that!” Elyssia grinned. “I have so much to teach you. But first- TAG! You’re it”

The evening seemed to bring life back into the family. They had been so preoccupied by worries and fears recently, that they hadn’t found time to simply relax and enjoy themselves. Jirachi in particular was happier than her parents had ever seen her.

“I just can’t believe that you’ve moved here.” Ichabod smiled.“Well you can’t shake us off that easily.” Iris grinned. “And anyway, Farnsworth wouldn’t be best pleased if she defrosts to see the last generation of the legacy and they’re a couple of hundred miles away would she?”“You’ve brought Farnsworth with you?”“Yeah, well like I said- there’s no way we were leaving her in Gotham. And y’know, she jerked her head in the direction of her husband “Boys and their mummies.” she sighed with a smile. “So we’re having her shipped here. Of course that cryo-chamber of hers is potentially the single most complicated machine ever created and half her calculations only ever added up when she told them to-regardless of the laws of science. So it’s not an easy process.”Something stirred in Ichabod’s mind. He considered it for a second and it then began to whir frantically behind his temple. “Do you think- I mean I know this is- but do you-” he started again. “Would it be possible to wake Farnsworth up early...?” ****

Like her sister, Joan grew quickly. Soon, she and George, Emma’s son, were having regular play dates* whilst their parents chatted. Katrina had told her friend the truth about Ichabod and Jirachi- and Joan for that matter. Emma had been amazed by the speed at which Joan both grew and developed mentally. To Katrina’s great relief- but not really to her surprise- Emma was, as ever, very understanding and supportive.

*I hate that as a phrase- is it even a phrase? It’s a phrasing? Anyway, I couldn’t think of another way to say it in the five seconds I could be arsed to allow myself.

“... And he’s got it into his head that she’ll be able to help?” Emma asked with considerable concern.“Yes,” Katrina sighed. “Farnsworth’s cryo-chamber should arrive tomorrow morning... Ick’s convinced that she can help him if she has magical assistance.”

“But even if she thinks she can do something- and she’s a genius- but even if she can help... Health and safety was never really her area. She almost killed her own husband multiple times.” Katrina looked over at Joan who was offering her friend a crayon to chew. She bit her lip. “I don’t know how I’d live without him.”

“Have you told him that?” Emma asked.“Yes,” replied Katrina. “But he just said that then surely I could understand his situation.” She smiled and Emma smiled back across the table. After a couple of seconds, the pair of them began to laugh.

“It sounds to me like he’s even more in love with you than he was when you got married.” said Emma once they had stopped. “So what do I do?” asked Katrina hopelessly. “I wish I could give you some perfect advice Kat,” Emma sighed. “But all I can say is, wait and see what happens and take things from there.” ****

Speaking of toddlerification, (which they weren’t really but it came up a little while ago- anyway, shush.), Noah, the spawn of Ichimei grew up into this little cutie. And before long they learnt that he had a sibling on the way.

“Like she was frozen yesterday,” said Godric, affectionately tapping the cryo-chamber as the group crept cautiously forward to take a look at their frozen ancestor.

“Would you care to do the honours Rissa?” he asked.“Do you not think it would be better if you defrosted your own mother?”Godric pondered it for a moment.“No, I think you should do it babe,” he said in the tone of one being exceedingly generous.“Thanks...”

“Riiiiight,” Iris said quietly, stepping forward. “How hard can it be?” “I can’t wait to talk to her again” Hiro said excitedly. “I thought she left instructions for thawing her?”“Yeah... But they’re very... Farnsworthy.”“So they make no sense right?” “I’m not even convinced that they’re in English.” she said. “But hey, let’s give this a go.”

Iris set to work with the look of a woman who suddenly found herself a Takeshi’s Castle contestant with no prior knowledge of the show. After a couple of minutes of fiddling with various technical looking elements of the machine, interrupted every so often by ponderous “Hmmmm...”s, she began to turn a valve on one of the canisters. There was a further blast of the freezing white dry ice like mist that swirled around the cryo-chamber. It sounded as though it was depressurising, and a line of LEDs progressively changed from blue to green.

Shivering, Iris straightened up, taking a step back as various components began to beep and whir. “It’s all part of marrying in right?” Yaeko asked her with a smile. Iris opened her mouth to speak, but whether she actually spoke Yaeko did not know. A hissing drowned out any words she may have said and slowly the lid of the cryo-chamber began to rise.

Transfixed, they stared at the opening chamber. Further blasts of mist obscured their vision and when things became clearer, Farnsworth was sitting up, looking around at them as if she had merely been taking a nap for an hour or two.

She smoothed down her lab coat and stretched her arms with a yawn. Looking first at Godric and Iris, then Hiro and then those who had entered the family after she was frozen. “Well I’ve been in there a while then,” she said casually, turning back to look at her machine. Noticing the crates stacked around her, she spun round, indignant. “You’ve just been keeping me in a spare room surrounded by crap?!”

****

“Sure I’ll give it a shot.” Farnsworth said confidently after listening to their request.

“What?” said Hiro “Just like that?”“I’m not saying it’ll be easy- but with some magical assistance I should be able to knock something together.”

“And it’ll be safe right Mum?” asked Godric nervously, being all too familiar with Farnsworth’s experiments.“And just what are you implying?” Farnsworth folded her arms sternly.“It’s just that... I mean how many times did you nearly kill Dad? Or yourself? Remember when you nearly blew up Galinda and Gok?”

“Urgh, you still haven’t let that go? It’s not my fault that the supercollider super-exploded!” she sighed. “Yes there’ll be a risk. But if there wasn’t I wouldn’t be doing anything that was likely to make any difference would I?” She turned to Ichabod. “It’s up to you. You have to decide what you want to do.”

“I’ll take the risk.” Ichabod said without hesitation. Just as quickly, Katrina spoke in a desperate voice, “Ick, please don’t do this.”

“Kat we’ve talked about this,” Ichabod said quietly, taking hold of her hand and squeezing it gently. “And I’m probably pretty hard to kill considering that I’m dead already.” “Oh don’t!” her voice was trembling, but she gave a small smile. “I wish you didn’t, but I know you feel like you have to do this.”

“Right!” Farnsworth rubbed her hands gleefully. “Then you better introduce me to these witches.”

****

As a complete side note, Godric, Iris and Elyssia now have a dog named Popadom.

Farnsworth had a history of unhappy collaborations with other scientists who were always rabbitting on about health and safety, the laws of psychics and other such nonsense.

However, she found that she worked very well with Samantha and Kimberly who paid no attention to such trivial matters.

After a week or so of frenzied work, late into the small hours of the morning, they were ready to run tests and not too long after that, they were ready for the real thing.

Ichabod lay on the table in a magically induced sleep. He would not wake up until the spell was lifted- assuming of course that he was going to wake up. He had no heartbeat or vitals to measure- so at least there was less to keep an eye on. Farnsworth sighed, rubbing her forehead to combat her pre-experiment headache.

“It’s nice to know that my descendants will defrost me any time they’re in need of my brilliance.” she said to no one particular- and then, louder, to her co-workers “Right! Let’s get this show going shall we?”

Samantha and Kimberley adopted their positions, ready to act on Farnsworth’s signal.

“Right...” said Farnsworth, flicking switches casually. “Iasmic pressure is good, the polarity of the neutron flow is reversing nicely, the candles are lit and the circles are drawn... And the camera is on.” She waved to the digital eye peering down at them from the wall. “Commencing in 3...2..1”

The sisters began their incantations, both light and dark magic intertwining and working for a common purpose- a thing that so rarely happened. Farnsworth continued to adjust the scientific elements, striding quickly through the swirling fog that had suddenly materialised around Ichabod’s still form. “And now the difficult part” she breathed.

****

*****

Katrina resorts to desperate measure to get Ichigo to recycle.

Didn’t work this in but hey.

A little explanation RE the move to Belladonna. Gotham was pretty damn glitchy and once THIS^ happened to all my paintings I just wanted to get the Marmites out of there before something dreadful happened. I still have it on file somewhere safely away from my game, so I can extract any of the other sims if I need them in future. Forgot about the cats though :/ Any help on that would be greatly appreciated.