Dominion (Futuristic Four)

"As Long as the World Doesn't End Before Then."

Peacemaker Park
X Years in the Future
Saturday 9:52 am

Three friends sat on a picnic blanket beneath a maple tree.  One of them, a mother with copper hair, played with her baby boy while the father talked to their closest friend.  The park was busy that morning.  It was the first sunny day in weeks and people had decided to take full advantage.

"It's about time you agreed to come visit us, Violet," the man announced as he nudged the dark haired woman.  "I've been trying to pick you up in the time machine for ages."

"I've just been busy," Violet said defensively.  "Besides, Wilbur, not all of us have as much time as we want.  How is Tadashi doing by the way?"

All three pairs of eyes turned to the baby boy in the mother's arms.  He was fast asleep, just a chubby face and tuft of dark hair between the blankets.

"He's been great," Penny replied as she smiled at her baby.  "He's finally sleeping through the night, so that's a relief."

"I bet."

Wilbur's eyes shone as he leaned forward.  "So, how did you survive Hiro's attack?"

"Kyuubi," Violet corrected as she rolled her eyes.  "That wasn't Hiro.  And some random guy showed up in a time machine.  He was probably from the far future.  And see, this is why I wouldn't come sooner.  That night is all you want to talk about!"

"I'm just curious," he said defensively.  "It doesn't add up is all I'm saying.  And Hiro - I'm sorry, Kyuubi - just disappeared afterwards?  Poof?  No more seeking vengeance?"

"I'm going to go get a drink."  Violet stood up and smiled at Penny.  "I'll be back."

She walked a short distance away, but she still heard Penny start to chew out Wilbur on his choice of conversation topics.  She chuckled and walked to a park bench.  A man in a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses sat there reading a newspaper.

"Is this seat taken?" Violet asked.

"Not if your name is Violet," the man replied as he lowered his newspaper.  Violet sat beside him and smiled at Hiro, her hero.

"You could just tell him, you know," he said. "You already told Penny.  Why not Wilbur?"

"Because he hasn't gotten over the whole thing, and neither have you," Violet reminded him.  She poked his side.  "You just stay here and keep an eye on things.  You're our backup, remember?  In case anything goes wrong?"

"Nothing ever will.  But I'll be here anyway.  I've got a lot to make up for."

"That's the hero I know and love."  Violet kissed his cheek and stood back up.  "I wish I could talk more, but I just wanted to see you and get a break from lovebirds over there.  Are we still good for our date next week?"

"As long as the world doesn't end before then."

"It won't."  Violet paused, staring off into some unknown point in space.  "Did you ever find the Dominion?"

"No.  I looked for it everywhere, but it's gone.  It probably ended up in the ocean somewhere and got eaten by a sea turtle."

"Don't say that!  That would be awful!"

Hiro shrugged and watched Violet return to the others.  He wished it didn't have to be this way.  He wished he could be there with them, laughing and watching baby Tadashi grow up.  But some wounds were too deep to ever heal completely.

His eyes roamed the park before landing on a man.  His form was difficult to make out in the bright light, but he was clearly watching Hiro.  Hiro's hand reached for his ray gun before remembering he had left it behind at home.

The man made a mark on the check-board he carried before he rippled and vanished into nothing.  Hiro frowned but gave the matter no more thought.  Violet and the others had stood to go back home.  Hiro gathered his newspaper to follow, careful as ever not to let them see or recognize him.

A hero's work was never done.

The End