Title: Stolen Tiger – epilogue
Characters: Kaburagi Kotetsu, Barnaby Brooks Jr., OCs
Rating: T
Genre: AU
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters (of Tiger & Bunny).

Much to the disappointment of their fans, the D.I.A.F. Troupe had taken a year-long hiatus from making appearances, leaving both trailers in storage while they took up residence in Axel Svent's hometown. Kotetsu stayed in contact with them, via Dixon, for one full month before it was time to start his recovery therapy. It took months after finally being released back into society to track them down, but he stumbled across them in the park—all of them—being normal.

Marie, being pushed on the swing by her sister, was the one that noticed the man walking across the grass. She stood without warning and flipped out of the swing's seat, the chains rattling.

Kotetsu stopped walking after hearing her land and lifted his head, tipping his hat back. He moved his hand to shield his eyes against the afternoon sun. "Aren't you all a bit too old to be playing in a sandbox? Don't tell me you chased the kids out."

After hearing the voice, Axel teleported erratically across the grounds until he was directly in front of the laughing man. "Ko..."

Kotetsu gave him a onceover. "You seem to have gotten better at that."

"Can I…?"

Kotetsu answered by yanking the young man forward and against his chest. His actions resulted in an immediate dog pile, which he had no qualm being on the bottom of; the plush grass was a suitable cushion. He reached for Mark Antony around everyone else, rubbing a gentle thumb over his tear-stained cheek. He'd never seen the small man cry before, so it created a fluttering warmth in the pit of his stomach to know he was doing it on his behalf. "I'm home," Kotetsu chuckled.

X X X

Once everyone had remotely calmed down—there was nary a dry eye for hours—Kotetsu stood before them, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips. They were all situated in the main room of the refurbished Svent homestead. "I'd like to introduce myself."

Dixon laughed, lifting a hand to wipe away stray tears. "It's a little late for that, isn't it?"

Kotetsu's grin widened. "Nope. We didn't get properly introduced." He removed his hat, holding it against his chest. His hair—its original dark brown color—grew fairly quickly, and hung just below his ears, not quite reaching his neck. The scar of his surgery was hidden beneath the short locks. "My name's Kotetsu T. Kaburagi. I was once known as Wild Tiger, but that Hero... passed away. And I remember you, Tomas."

The redhead blushed, ducking his head. Keia's eyes lit up. "You were a Wild Tiger fanboy?"

"Anyone would be," Tomas scoffed in his defense. "Awkward and unsuited for television, but still the perfect Hero."

Kotetsu rubbed the back of his neck, laughing sheepishly. "Thanks, I think." He met Marie's eyes, his smile gentle. "And you are?"

Marie's eyes widened. "Marie, twenty-two years old," she responded almost automatically. "I'm five minutes older than my twin sister, Keia. Our mother loved us, but she couldn't support us. Rather than see us all suffer, she gave us up for adoption. We didn't want to be separated and no one could take in two children. At the age of maturity, we left the agency and started our own lives. We... should probably visit mum," she finished in a whisper, hugging Keia's arm close; the appendage was wrapped around her chest. "Invite her to a show so she can see how her girls have grown up."

"We send her letters every once in a while," Keia chimed in. She grinned. "I'm the twin that came out five minutes late, Keia."

Kotetsu nodded slowly, letting his gaze sweep over to Maxwell. The tomboyish young woman grinned. "I don't have a sob story. Name's Lacie Maxwell. I was a gymnast when I was younger, but that only lasts until you stop being cute. I stuck around to train kids, but then—surprise, surprise. Dix asked me to join the Troupe. He told me about their side hobbies, and I'm probably the only one that goes shopping like a normal person."

"I still owe you for my first prescription," Kotetsu murmured, remembering.

Maxwell grinned, waving a dismissive hand. "Consider it paid off."

"Thanks," Kotetsu laughed.

"A con artist," Sara declared with a giggle, drawing the attention to herself. "Born and raised." Kotetsu's eyes widened, causing the young woman to grin. "Yeah. I grew up in a traveling circus, to be honest, but we had to disband, so this lifestyle is nothing new to me. Unfortunately, without steady revenue, it was hard to take care of everyone. I started taking odd jobs here and there as an illusionist and sent half of my earnings back to my extended family."

Sara smiled, glancing at Dixon over everyone's heads. "I tried to swindle the wrong guy apparently. I've been stuck with him ever since." Dixon uncrossed his arms to toss her a mock salute.

Kotetsu's gaze shifted, focusing on Anabel. The young woman smiled, but her eyes told a different story, along with the subtle shake of her head. "You were one of the first runaways," Kotetsu deduced, trying to keep the silence from growing. "The first Goonies to find adventure."

Dixon scoffed, lifting his shirt. "Unfortunately, I can't do the Truffle Shuffle." It was all defined abs and not an ounce of fat. He executed a little wiggle that was more hips than abs. There was laughter all around when Tomas tucked a bill into the waist of his jeans. Dixon snatched it free and pocketed it.

Kotetsu shook his head, finally letting his eyes settle on the brunet that stood front and foremost. "Axel Svent." Axel's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a small smile curling his lips. "I'd like to fall in love with you again, as Kotetsu Kaburagi."

"T!" Keia chirped, reminding him of his middle name-the initial, at least.

Kotetsu tossed her a quick smile before focusing on Axel once again. "Well?" Axel's answer was to launch himself at the man, and they both disappeared from sight.

"Make up sex. It's usually the best after a fight, but I think they deserve it now." Dixon nodded sagely, even as everyone else around him ran away thanks to his comment. Tomas took Sara's hand, disappearing through the door with a shout of "we'll be at Violet's". Anabel and Mark Antony remained at his sides, however, as the trio had the darkest stories to reveal, next to Axel's.

X

Axel had no intention of leaving his side, and was there when Kotetsu found the older trio in the backyard, seated around the patio table. They looked as though they had been waiting for both of them, sitting in a half-circle that had just enough room to accommodate two more. Kotetsu sat, looking first to Mark Antony.

The petite brunet sighed deeply. "I was... in an underground mafia syndicate. Or rather, I was their dog. A pocket assassin, some called me. I came equipped and was small and nimble enough to get away when it was time to run." He smirked darkly, combing his fingers through his straight hair. "It sounds like a bad movie plot, but it was my life. I managed to leave, after receiving a parting gift of a fight to the death. Dixon stumbled across me, literally." Mark Antony's face brightened as he recalled the memory. "Ana was already with him, then, so the two of them patched me up and... slowly, we ended up as we are now." He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "That's Mark Antony."

"Anabel," said woman announced, starting her story. "I've actually known Dixon the longest, because we were neighbors." She turned to smile at the blond at her elbow. "I think he even had a crush on me."

Dixon scoffed, looking away. "That's because I didn't know better."

Kotetsu smiled, folding his hands in his lap as he waited for her to continue. Anabel twisted a wild lock of brown hair around her finger, reliving her childhood memories. "We didn't stay neighbors forever, though. I fell in love young. We were even engaged. I thought... it would bring us closer together. I got pregnant." Anabel tilted her head, staring down at her flat stomach. "I was so happy, but..." She lowered her hand, curling her fingers into a fist over her stomach. "I would never... be able to..." Anabel laughed darkly. "He didn't want me after realizing I was broken."

"You're not broken," Dixon hissed, dragging the woman against his side. He forced her head onto his shoulder, whispering against the unruly brown locks.

Kotetsu sat back, away from the others, his fingers clenched tightly. "My wife, Tomoe," He cleared his throat, forcing his voice to even out. "She became ill and was admitted to the hospital. There was nothing the doctors could do for her, but she kept smiling and encouraging me to be a great Hero. Each day was agonizing, since we didn't know if it would be her last, but we enjoyed each and every one."

Kotetsu closed his eyes, remembering Tomoe's smiling face clearly. "The day she left me, I didn't want to leave to respond to a Hero call, but she practically demanded I do so. Her smiling face was the last thing I saw. I returned to the hospital and found that she had passed on quietly." He opened his eyes, grinning at the sympathetic looks he received. "I made everyone else share, so it's only fair I do the same, right?"

"I haven't shared," Dixon interjected with a small smile. "But my story's pretty obvious. I came into my abilities and realized the world was built on lies. My parents always thought I was a freak, but they continued to smile and tell me they loved me. They wanted me out of their lives. My mom wished I wasn't born. Ana didn't lie, though. She just thought I was so cute for having a crush on her."

Anabel squealed in protest, pounding weakly at his chest.

Dixon held her fist. "Marky didn't want to go back to that life, so I offered him a new one."

Mark Antony rolled his eyes. "He told me I was crying. After I got my strength back, I told him I wasn't." Kotetsu decided he wouldn't mention the tears that had been shed a few short hours ago.

"Still not scared of you," Dixon retorted. "Anyway. You guys are the most honest human beings I've ever stumbled across. I still refuse to go inside that one's head." He pointed his chin in Axel's direction.

Kotetsu glanced at the quiet young man at his side and nudged him. "What are you thinking about?"

"You," Axel whispered, picking at a small crack in the tabletop. "I don't think I'll ever be able to stop thinking about you."

Mark Antony made a disgusted face, rolling his eyes.

Axel ignored him in favor of smiling up at Kotetsu. "I… want to meet your family. Seeing them at the hospital… That wasn't a good time."

"Gods. You sound like you're getting… married!" Dixon tipped his head back, groaning into the night.

Kotetsu grinned, slipping an arm around Axel's shoulder. "I would love for you to meet my immediate family. You seem to know everyone in this one already."

Mark Antony smirked, squeezing his hands between his thighs. "You're our dad then, aren't you?"

"No," Kotetsu denied firmly. "I'm not that old. Ana—"

Anabel made a buzzing noise, crossing her arms in front of her face. "I will not be your example!"

Axel let his head rest against Kotetsu's shoulder and he closed his eyes, listening to them bicker back and forth. This man—Kotetsu Kaburagi—had spoiled them. They could never be the same without him.

Kotetsu shifted his attention back to the wriggling body at his left side. A camera was thrust into his face before being placed onto the table. Axel's grin captured everyone's attention more than the device, since it had been so long since they saw it. He picked it back up, holding it before his face, cobalt eyes sparkling in the lamplight. Axel made the camera dance a little. Anabel's eyes widened and they shared a laugh after she stepped onto his wavelength. Mark Antony chuckled softly, shaking his head. Dixon smirked. Kotetsu looked around at the group, wondering if everyone had gone crazy at the same time. Axel pulled him in for a quick kiss, whispering against his lips. Kotetsu's own laughter joined theirs, and he approved of Axel's intentions.

X X X

Keith's eyes widened and he apologized to his companion, removing the trilling phone from his pocket. "No one ever… calls me, so I never… Sorry." He had received a new mail, though, and quickly opened it.

So sorry to ruin your date, but… CLICK THE LINK!

Keith chuckled at Origami's excitement, conveyed through text by way of capslock and a flood of emoticons. A hand reached over his shoulder to take the phone away. Keith had no protests, and simply turned to watch Antonio scroll through the message to the "link" Ivan had spoken about. He clicked it and a new window opened up.

The homepage of the D.I.A.F. Troupe's website quickly loaded, revealing a new post with today's date. Antonio scrolled down and his eyes widened. He turned the phone around, letting Keith see. The blond was momentarily stunned before it gave way to amusement. "It was inevitable. We all saw it—he's happiest when he's with them." Keith was referring to the candid shot taken in the Svent backyard, on display for all to see.

Mark Antony was determinedly looking away from the camera, but the slightest hint of a smirk could be seen on his profile. Anabel was cheek to cheek with Dixon, grinning wide enough for both of them, since Dixon wore a bored expression. Axel had his arms draped loosely over Kotetsu's shoulders and his eyes closed; the look of bliss was still quite obvious. Kotetsu was grinning sheepishly at the bottom edge of the image, his hand raised in a meek wave. The caption at the bottom of the photo read: THE TROUPE IS BACK.

With a devious grin, Antonio saved the image and opened up a blank document, starting a new message. Keith moved to his side, keeping an eye on his phone to make sure his name wouldn't be used for nefarious plots. The image was added as an attachment and Antonio searched Keith's contacts until he found the name he was after. Keith worried his bottom lip between his teeth after seeing who the unfortunate receiver was going to be. "Are you sure...?"

"He's grown up," Antonio reassured him, hitting SEND. He turned and tipped his head, placing a light kiss to Keith's golden crown, slipping the phone back into the pocket of his wheat-colored pants. Keith smiled, trapping Antonio's hand before he could pull away.

x

Barnaby waited for the right lull in the conversation before excusing himself. It was one charity event after the other to help rebuild his image as a Hero. He could hear his new partner laughing across the room, but continued walking for the glass doors that would lead him out onto the balcony. He closed his eyes after stepping outside, enjoying the cool breeze that danced around him. Many a times he'd stood out here with Kotetsu. Their conversations had mostly been about Wild Tiger questioning his worth, but he held on to every memory tightly.

Barnaby moved to stand at the rail, taking a moment to stare out at the city he was once again protecting. He remembered the vibrating notification he'd felt earlier, and pulled his phone out. An eyebrow rose in questioning after seeing the sender's name, but he opened the mail. Barnaby's stunned look lasted only a moment before he laughed softly. Antonio was with Keith tonight, so of course Antonio would be this childish, despite being the oldest in their band of Heroes.

With a smile, Barnaby saved the image and tucked his phone away into the pocket of his trousers. He took a deep breath and released it. "I'm happy for you, old man."

"Tiger!"

Kotetsu lifted his head, only to get a lapful of Nessa. Wide blue eyes stared up at him from beneath purple bangs. Every time he saw her hair, he couldn't help but think about what her parents would say when they took her back home.

Nessa was their newest, youngest member; a temporary one, though. Her parents had actually approached them during their last performance and asked if they could look after her. It shocked them all, since these people didn't know them, and vice versa.

Nessa was tucked behind her parents, occasionally sneaking glances up at the performance members. The younger of the two men smiled, curling his hand around her shoulder. "She's being bullied because she has two dads. We're looking into a new school for her, so she's on a temporary leave of absence. We just want her to see a bit more of the world."

"Okay," Dixon agreed. The men looked surprised, but everyone else looked amused or pleased.

Mark Antony was the one that stepped forward. "You trust us, complete strangers, with your daughter? Considering how quickly he agreed, you should be very concerned."

The older brunet's eyes narrowed. "Should we have reason to believe our child will be in danger?"

"No," Anabel smiled. "Marky's just testing your mettle. But it is a little weird… this circumstance."

"Nessa's the one that said she wanted to join the Troupe," the brunet started. "We attended one of your performances and immediately after, she ordered us to purchase your DVDs. We watched those secret behind the scene shorts, and she fell in love with your trick rider."

Axel's mouth fell open, and he pointed a finger at his chest in question. Nessa peeked out long enough to nod before tucking her face against her father's leg.

Kotetsu sank into a crouch so she was at eye level with the shy young girl. "You're not the only one," he told her with a smile. "It probably doesn't mean much to you right now, but I'm saying it to let your dads know they can trust us even more: I'm a former law enforcement member. I never thought I'd end up here, though." Kotetsu grinned. "But it's one of the best places I've ever been."

Nessa continued to stare, her visible eye darting from Kotetsu to somewhere high above him; to Axel, probably. She whispered a soft 'okay' before stepping forward.

X X X

After traveling with them for three months, Nessa still continued hiding from every human, seeking refuge in the horses' mobile stalls. Mark Antony was the one that finally coaxed her out. He sat on the ground outside the stall, idly stabbing his dagger into the ground and retrieving it, to start the process again. "Do you know why your dads asked us to look after you?"

Knowing he would receive no answer, Mark Antony continued. "Because Tiger and Axel are a couple-you know this. There are some towns we visit where they have to keep their lovey-dovey nonsense to a minimum, but they don't hide it, because it's who they are. Your dads don't hide either, but your hometown's not that accepting. And, unfortunately, they can't just pick up and move because work keeps them tied there. We're a temporary family for you. Tiger and Axel can be your temporary dads. Learn from them… how to keep smiling when you get insulted. And I don't mean smile to hide your tears; smile, because you can accept the hateful words with no darkness in your own heart. You'll learn so much-from Tiger, anyway. Axel's kind of useless until he has to perform."

Mark Antony quieted after hearing movement to his left. He retrieved his knife, quickly slipping it into the holster hidden in his boot, and remained motionless. A white sneaker appeared first, then another, both stopping just at the edge of the stall. Nessa shuffled a bit more, finally lowering herself onto the ground beside the swordsman. Mark Antony let his body go lax, allowing her to manhandle his arm around her shoulders. He smiled when she leaned against his side.

"You don't want me as a role model… If you stick to me, you'll get two dads and a mom."

A whispered voice spoke from his left, "That means you're a harlot."

Mark Antony tried, but he was unable to keep a straight face. A snort preceded his roaring laughter. "If that's what the kids at your school came up with, I have to teach you new words to take back to them!"

"You'll do no such thing." Kotetsu approached, Louise walking alongside him, content with being led just by the comforting touch beneath her long face. Nessa remained at Mark Antony's side long enough for her mind to shift gears, and then she was plastered against the older man's front, her face buried in his abdomen as she cried. Kotetsu held her gently until she tuckered herself out.

-x-x-

Kotetsu smiled, absently wondering if Kaede would have behaved this way had he stuck around for her upbringing. He banished the thought—his daughter was perfect as is—and grinned at the young girl in his lap. "What is it?"

"The Bunny has a golden bird," Nessa told him, her expression serious.

Kotetsu mouthed the words to himself, trying to understand their meaning.

"Barnaby has a new partner," Axel translated, entering the tent where Kotetsu had been relaxing. "Golden Ryan, is what he's called. And his suit…"

"Looks like a bird!" Nessa spread her arms outward, flapping them in imitation of wings.

Kotetsu laughed, laying a hand atop her head. "Is that so?" He looked up at the brunet. "It's been a while, hasn't it? Maybe we should pay them a visit."

Axel looked confused, cocking his head to one side. Kotetsu actually rolled his eyes as he watched the pieces slot together and Axel's face lit up in understanding. "I'll tell Dixon! We're… we're not busy right now, so he probably won't mind."

Nessa ducked out from beneath Kotetsu's hand, staring from one man to the other, confused by their grins. "What…?"

"It means… you'll be staying with Aunty Violet until we come back to get you."

Nessa didn't pout; Violet had the best snacks and stories to tell.

X X X

"Bonjour, Heroes!"

Barnaby chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's been a while since you've greeted us like that."

"It's been a while since we've had a less volatile, but more interesting group since those terrorists. This time, they're looking for their well-deserved fifteen minutes of fame. One of them appears to be waiting for you on top of the Justice Tower."

Barnaby arched an eyebrow, but the questioning look went unseen, since he was literally having a conversation with his wrist.

"Suit up," Agnes ordered. The lit PDA went dark.

Barnaby knew he should have contacted Ryan—his partner would have already received a similar notification—but his curiosity had gotten the better of him. Saitou was waiting for him outside in the nondescript transport vehicle, a knowing smile on his face, making the young man even more eager to reach the tower. By the time he'd gotten into his suit and to the tower, HeroTV's 'copter was already there, a spotlight guiding him to where he needed to land.

The figure spun around with a familiar awkwardness, executing a two-fingered salute. Barnaby's wide eyes were revealed as his faceplate retracted into the helmet. He couldn't tear his gaze away, letting it sweep down then back up; from the form-fitting black slacks and long-sleeved green shirt with the overlaying vest, to the black domino mask lined with a touch of white.

"Zoom in," Agnes hissed, a delighted grin splitting her face. The cameras panned from Barnaby Brooks Jr. to the masked NEXT. The scrolling news line read: Has Wild Tiger returned?! Or is this the sick joke of a copycat?!

Kotetsu grinned, tipping back the white and green hat he wore. "I promised I would visit, didn't I, Bunny?"

Barnaby tilted his head to the side, gracing the older man with a smile. "I was worried that you'd forgotten about us."

Kotetsu crossed his arms over his chest, leaning forward with a frown. "You're the one that's moved on. I thought you'd retired, and what's this about a Golden Ryan?"

Barnaby chuckled, placing a hand on his hip. "He should be here momentarily. Your shadow seems a bit... thick, old man."

Kotetsu grinned, and a masked figure stepped out from behind of him, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and mask to go along with his dark outfit. He smiled at Axel before turning back to the Hero. "It's just you and me, Bunny. The Sheriff will be dealing with your Golden Bird."

A laugh bubbled out from Barnaby's chest and he couldn't remember when he'd laughed so freely. "I'm going to enjoy this." With a tilt of his head, he was hidden behind the faceplate of his helmet. He contacted Ryan, telling him not to use his abilities before or upon arrival. "Why would I damage our Tower?!" was laughed at him in reply. Barnaby shook his head, focusing on Kotetsu once again. "Ready, old man?"

Axel stepped away, keeping a watchful eye on the sky. "Don't have too much fun," he warned.

Kotetsu grinned, placing a hand atop his hat. "Can't make any promises." He faced his former partner. "Let's go, Barnaby!"

A/N: I was really trying to keep relationships to a minimum this time, but Antonio and Keith had to get on in the end; I started getting twitchy to write them. I really liked writing Ivan, and it might've seemed like he and Keith were "together", but they're both just puppies~

I wanted to keep the top and bottom pieces as two separate epilogues, but I just squashed them together. Fade to black! I'm out! Deuces! I apologize for splitting up Taiga and Bani, but I put them back together… kind of. Don't hate me *runs away*