Practice (PRIVATE WITH DRAGON)

Austin looked at everyone around him and saw that they were all giggling and talking in hushed tones while looking at him and Taylor. He shrugged and smiled sweetly at everyone, knowing they knew what he'd been doing when he'd disappeared with Taylor on the plane. So what's so funny Kodee, Ashley?

Kodee choked as he shook his head to try and convince his Uncle he hadn't been laughing at him. Unsuccessfully he bit down on a laugh and when it bubbled up he gave up. When will I get to hold the baby?

Austin rolled his eyes and started into the city with Taylor close to him and his arm around her shoulders. He kissed her on the cheek and smiled as they walked toward the inner city. Kodee and Dallas grinned as they walked behind the couple talking in hushed tones about babies and weddings.

Austin looked at the paper briefly and smiled as he walked to a car and waited for the other two boys to climb in the back seat. When they were all in the car, Austin told the driver the address and soon they were heading off toward the building. A large church rose up in front of them and already Austin could see some people he knew milling about. Austin got out of the car and walked inside to be bombarded by people helping him into a tuxedo and getting his hair combed out of his face. When Austin walked out dressed up he saw Kodee and Dallas in similar attire. Well I guess it's time.

Austin heard the priest saying all of the ceremonial lines but he was smiling at Taylor with tears of joy in his eyes that sparkled like diamonds in the light. Soon the vows were said and the priest finished up with you may now kiss the bride. In a split second he pulled Taylor close and kissed her where Zeus and everyone could see. Almost guaranteed Aphrodite was crying and Nike was smiling as the two demi gods said there part and kissed. The crowd cheered and then everyone started the procession out of the church.

Austin walked outside the church with Taylor and instantly his phone started going off from a multitude of text messages and phone calls. All of them were congratulations to him and Taylor which made him smile. Then one last call came through from a prison in Iowa. Austin swallowed nervously and accepted the call. Hey, Dad, how are you doing? "Son, I heard you're getting married. Congrats my boy. Treat her right and tell my daughter-in-law I wanna meet her soon." Austin smiled as tears came to his eyes yet again. Thank you...I love you, Dad. With that he hung up and gave Taylor a hug. My dad, our dad, says he wants to meet you soon.

((Okay there isn't really any way to avoid this...))

As Austin smiled at Taylor, a large roar ripped through the air followed by a bellow and many other menacing noises. Out of the city charged a whole host of monsters led by the Minotaur and the Nemean Lion. Both monsters were leading batallions of hellhounds and smaller monsters. Numbers ranging close to two hundred, this was one of the largest groups of monsters that Austin had ever seen. With a quick look around he could see many weapons at the ready. Of course everyone at the wedding was a demigod so that explained the attack. Austin touched a button on his watch and instantly he had his sword and shield ready while his dagger rested in his belt.

Kodee and Dallas had both already drawn weapons at the roar and soon were charging forward. Monsters fell and some even fled in fear at the thought of facing these two strong demigods. It was rare for a monster to flee but it didn't matter because soon the two boys were back to back slaying the creatures. In the whole battle field there were more demigods fighting and suing as arrows felled monsters.

Austin had been sizing up the enemy when suddenly the Minotaur charged at Taylor with its axe held high. Austin shook his head and sprung off the balls of his feet and flip kicked the monster back until it fell. He smirked and waited next to Taylor.

Austin walked slowly toward the Minotaur as it lay there stunned from the kick that had knocked it back. He looked at the creature with hatred in his eyes and contempt in the way he smirked down at the monster. Funny how you led an army forth in hopes of killing us like rabbits. Yet like the fox we are cunning and strong. Then you attacked my wife and thought you'd win. Say hello to Tartarus for me, scumbag! With that Austin drove his sword forward and through the Minotaur's skull. Just then the Nemean Lion attacked as strength flowed into his limbs and he drew the dagger. Austin threw the knife and it killed the lion leaving behind the pelt. Austin grabbed the skin and too the horns from the Minotaur. He would make something useful from them.

Kodee saw the hellhounds eyeing Rebecca with a dark look as he cut down three monsters in rapid succession. As they advanced toward her, Kodee tapped Dallas on the left arm and pointed to Rebecca as he ran forward and vaulted over obstacles. The field was emptying out and Kodee arrived in time to finish off the hellhounds with Dallas' help. When they were all gone, Kodee rested his hands on his knees and gasped for breath.

Kodee, still trying to catch his breath from the dead sprint, wrapped his arms around Rebecca and held her close to him. Don't you dare try and die on me again little missy!

Kodee sighed and picked Rebecca up just as an arrow hit him in the back and he felt the energy sapping metal pierce through his armor and sink into his skin. In a clear afterthought, Kodee realized that he should have been more prepared for an enemy archer to attack while he was distracted. After all he had kept Rebecca from being hurt. Just then an arrow his Dallas in his stomach and another hit Austin in his side as he raised sword in victory. The three had been key to the win, especially Austin who now had an arrow in his chest and a third in his stomach. Whoever was shooting was an excellent shot apparently.

Kodee blinked in stunned silence as the world came back into focus just in time for him to see the arrow strike Rebecca. He felt his face wiped clear of all emotion as a dangerous look flickered to life in his eyes as the bow swung back to aim at him. Kodee drew his sword and when the string went taut he shot off toward the archer. No one was going to shoot him and then Rebecca. He made it up the rise in record time just before the arrow could fly. Kodee swung his sword in a blinding arc that took the head from the archer. With a grimace he smashed the bow and them walked back down to check on Rebecca, quickly pulling her into his arms.