Dawn of the other lights

[MorningStar]

Illustra -107th floor: Area of Consecration

Delilah left Mina sitting in a comfortable chair in the area of consecration. As she made the tea, he mind was turning over an idea. Balancing a tray with two cups, cream, sugar and lemon, Delilah rejoined Mina. Delilah was a bit awkward, not knowing exactly how to interact with a blind person and not wanting to overstep her bounds. She knew from personal experience that sometimes people invaded a handicapped person’s personal space in a misguided attempt to “help”. So she set the cup and saucer on a table next to the chair where Mina sat and asked her how she liked her tea. They made small talk…as if one of them hadn’t mysteriously appeared only a short time before. Delilah knew there was more to the mystery of the silver-haired woman, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

“I’m sorry that you now have to go all the way back to…Greece was it?”

Mina sipped her tea.

Mina: “Actually, this works out perfectly. I’m giving a concert here in New York on Friday – saves me a very long and exhausting plane ride. Oh – of course you should come to the concert as my guest. You may bring whoever you like – I’ll have a box reserved for you. I’m playing a tribute to Schubert. You’ll love it.”

Delilah thanked her graciously and promised to make it if she could.

“Can you remember anything else about the woman you saw in your dream – the one with the flowing dress?”

Mina shook her head in the negative.

Mina: “Not much. Like all dreams, the images are fleeting. But I do remember her telling me that if I went with her, I could prevent the things I was seeing from becoming reality.”

She thought about it for a moment.

Mina: “The whole thing was quite odd.”

“Mina- I want to ask you something. A favor. If it’s an imposition please feel free to say no, but…would you use your power on some objects for me? It’s been so hard…since Morgan’s death.”

Mina set down her cup of tea, and folded her hands in her lap.

Mina: “I wouldn’t normally – I am not a circus attraction – but just this once.”

Delilah happily looked around herself at Morgan’s things, not only wanting to feel closer to her friend, but also interested to see Mina’s powers at work. She chose a nearby picture frame which housed a photo of herself, Morgan and Blaze. She hugged it to her chest as she carried it to Mina and handed it to her.

 

[Mina Harker]

Illustra - 107th Floor: Area of Consecration

Mina held her hands out, palms up, waiting for Delilah to hand her an object. The few people she’d encountered over the years who knew about her ability usually went through a phase like this. She usually insisted that she was NOT a parlor game, but Delilah’s reason seemed so sincere and really, what else was she going to do this morning?

Delilah placed an object in her outstretched hands. She sat up a little as she felt it. It appeared to be a picture frame. She set it in her lap and removed her gloves, then picked it up again, one hand on either side.

Flashes of a beautiful, tall blonde (with flawless legs). After a few moments, Mina held the frame back out for Delilah to take from her as she began to process the things she’d seen.

“She held this often – it made her very happy to remember the times the three of you spent together.”

She paused.

“There’s something else.”

Her brow furrowed as she tried to piece together the images from her vision. She reached her right hand out and felt for her cane, leaning against her chair, and stood. She took a few steps.

“This room. She spent a lot of time here – it gave her peace. This is where she did her magick.”

Delilah: “Well…yes. But-”

She could hear confusion in Delilah’s voice.

“There are many many magickal objects in this room. Delilah, do you even know what you’ve gotten yourself into?”

She paced as she spoke, careful not to trip over anything but having a relatively clear picture of the room’s arrangement from her vision of Morgan.

“I can’t believe she left these things out in the open.”

Forgetting that she hadn’t replaced her gloves, she placed her hand for emphasis down onto the nearest surface – which happened to contain a large book.

Mina’s body jolted and she gasped.

“The Darkhold!”

As the vision ended Mina jerked her hand away from it.

“Delilah, this is a book of very ancient, very powerful and DARK magick. If it fell into the wrong hands the results could be…disastrous.”

She replaced her gloves, then stepped towards where Delilah was still seated.

Her brain was processing the images, of Morgan here using the book and…and someone else.

“And Alison Marble lived in this building as well? Oh, dear me. I can only imagine the things SHE had out for all to see.”

After a pause, panic washed over Mina’s face.

“Oh lord – you didn’t throw away any of her things…or have a…a rubbish sale?”

Delilah: “No! Of course not.”

Delilah was shocked at the suggestion, and that was good. It was unfortunate that she had only met Delilah this morning, because it was going to be VERY hard to convince her to do what needed to be done. But Mina HAD to make her understand.

“Delilah, I know this is all a lot to process. And I know you only just met me. But you need to listen. These things need to be put somewhere where those who would use them for their own ends can’t reach them. If anyone knew these were here, you would have a world of trouble on your hands. [pause] Now, I know it is going to be difficult for you to trust me – I understand that, I really do and I’m sorry there isn’t more time. My late husband – he was a…collector of sorts. He built a library of texts on the supernatural and magickal objects. He was determined to keep dangerous magick out of the hands of those who would use it for evil, and help those who fought against them. After his death, the care of the library fell to me - I can take you there if you want. But Delilah – you MUST entrust these objects to me before something terrible happens.”

Images from her dream came back to her, and the silver-haired goddess' voice.

Was this the reason she was sent here? Is this how those terrible scenes were to come about?

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- area of consecration

<< A soothing hot shower in the luxurious shower chamber of the guest suite, along with much needed sleep seemed to help to settle the doctor. She was still amazed at her own behavior following the revelation of DIANA being involved in menacing other people after all this time.>>

<< Still, she didnt have solid proof to link Diana or the Hellfire Club to her daughter's murder...just to the destruction of her marraige and family.>>

<< NONE of them realized yet that Diana was behind it ALL & then some.>>

<< But for now, Karen was content in known that even though Diana now knew she was alive, she ALSO knew that Karen would have no trouble DEFENDING herself against any attacks and MIGHT come AFTER her again. As she told her, she had NOTHING left to lose now.>>

<< But that wasnt the heaviest thing on her mind right now.>>

<< Being here at Illustra as it transitioned into Delilah's hands, Seeing Delilah, whom she regarded as a surrogate daughter, helping Delilah & ultimately helping herself better adjust to this new reality where Morgan was forever ABSENT were at the forefront of her mind. But now, the time had come for her to leave this place. Not Delilah's life...and not permanently....just to return to her own dwelling and the life she was now living. With Chirstopher and Morgan both gone, and she no longer living in hiding, there were new possibilitie, including reviving her private practice.>>

<< But at the moment, she'd see Delilah, have breakfast with her and talk with her, before preparing to leave. She'd already phoned the driver of her limo and he'd be along at the appointed time.>>

<< Now wearing a stylish blazer and pencil skirt and high heels which reflected she was still in mourning, took a moment to primp in the vanity. Her blonde hair was styled with an elegant soft flip. She soon found Tinkerbell in her room, clearly upset.>>

Oh Tink?

<< The sleek siamese was already up on the bed, bobbing her head a bit. Karen knew she wanted to be picked up and so she gathered the siamese into her arms, craddling her as she walked into the hall and began to make her way to....>>

it sounds as though she's in...the area of consecration??

<< Karen had sensed Delilah's discomfort with being in there the night before and apparentlly had not gone in there since arriving to Illustra to live there. She could understand why...but what was going on now?>>

<<Tinker seemed to feel better in the protective arms of her 'grandma' but she still mewed a bit as she blinked her blue eyes slowly a few times.>>

what's the matter baby?

<< the enchanted familiar had her own unique way of communication, but even that wouldn't be necessary now as Karen made her way and soon heard ANOTHER voice. A woman with a british accent, speaking to Delilah....about her DAUGHTER'S magickal items and talismans...particularly the DARKHOLD!>>

<< Karen stopped just outside the door, holding Tinkerbell. Her finely shaped eyebrows lifting as her opal blue eyes widen in disbelief.>>

what is THIS I'm hearing!? is THIS what has Tinker so upset!? Well...I'll not hear another word of this...and I'm SURE Delilah will agree with me!

<< and with that, Karen loudly pushes the doors to the area of consecration open, striding in, carrying Tinkerbell.>>

Delilah??

<< she looks at her. Delilah can tell she's heard something. either that or Tinkerbell has communicated to her the presence of this woman.>>

<< Karen looks at Mina.>>

What is going on here?! Who is this woman and WHY is this STRANGER in MY daughter's area of consecration??

<< and as if on cue, Tinkerbell, who had a clear view of Mina, even from the craddling arms of her 'grandma', HISSES at Mina and growls softly with disapproval.>>

 

[Matrix]

Outside Ana-Leigh's apartment

Hearing no answer to his knock...Rich was a bit concerned. ?He felt somewhat safe here but at the same time, the people that they dealt with could seem to reach anyone, anywhere and so...

...he makes his hand impossibly thin, forcing it into the doorjamb and - with a strategic push - opens the door and enters. Unsure as to whether he should announce his presence again or just look, he decides that he would just FIND her.

He walks silently around the living area, seeing nothing and finally, into the bedroom he walks...

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

It had been a pretty long night of switching on and off Brenda watch, but luckily the heiress was getting better and not worse. It eased Ana-Leigh to know that MysTech didn't get a chance to claim another innocent person. After Connor relieved her at 7am, Ana was wide awake and didn't feel the need to take a nap. Hell, she was usually up around this time anyway. Heading back to her apartment, she put on some hazelnut coffee and whipped together an egg and cheese sandwich with a side of bacon. As she stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows that lined the dining room, her eyes scanned the city skyline. It was also the most beautiful at this time of day....smiling to herself, she could really get used to this luxury.

After calling the hospital and checking on Alycia, Ana decided to hop into the shower and freshen up. Needless to say the bathroom was AMAZING, and about the size of her entire apartment back in Brooklyn. Taking a long and leisurely shower, she felt like she could melt into the tiled seat as the jets of steaming hot water assaulted her body. It crossed her mind if anyone would miss her if she just stayed in the shower all day. But they probably would....plus she'd get all gross and pruney, so Ana finally decided to get out.

Not realizing that Rich had been knocking on her door towards the end of her shower, Ana-Leigh headed into her bedroom with a small white towel wrapped around her torso. Her hair was damp and loose, even darker than normal. With a few shirt options laid out on the bed, her back was to the door as she lifted one up and examined it. It was weird how the clothes that were supplied for her were right up her alley fashion wise. Stopping in mid motion, she heard the handle of her bedroom door being turned. As Rich entered the room, Ana-Leigh turned without hesitation, her golden bow manifesting in her hand, arrow at the ready and aimed at his chest.

"Jesus!"

Dropping her hands, the bow and arrow instantly dissipated into thin air.

"I know this isn't technically my apartment but..."

Not needing to finish the sentence, Rich clearly got the point.

"I'll be out in a second."

As Rich left, Ana wasn't oblivious to the fact that he was checking her out, but she didn't outwardly let on. After a few minutes, she finally exited her bedroom wearing a pair of distressed ripped jeans, a white fitted tank top that sat just above the hem of her jeans [exposing just enough skin], and grey knee high riding boots, her damp hair was pulled back into a messy pony tail and her face clean of makeup aside from a bit of mascara and lip balm.

"Okay, less awkward now. So, what's up? Is Brenda awake yet?"

 

[Matrix]

Ana was apparently just done showering, her body covered only by a white towel. As he entered she turned, drawing her hand back as a GOLDEN BOW AND ARROW manifested itself.

"Jesus!"

Dropping her hands, the bow and arrow instantly dissipated into thin air.

Oh shit!

Rich was a bit embarrassed but as the same time he could NOT look away. No makeup and doing just FINE in a towel, thank you very much.

"I know this isn't technically my apartment but..."

I am SOOO SORRY Ana-Leigh! Heading to Living Room...NOW.

Rich exited, only realizing halfway that we was STILL LOOKING and BACKING OUT...he turned quickly and went to the Living Room, sat in a chair, and tried to decide how he might address the fact that he was checking her out HARD.

When he heard her walking out he tried to look cool, but DAMN she did it! Hair in a ponytail, minimal makeup and a crazysexycool outfit.

"Okay, less awkward now. So, what's up? Is Brenda awake yet?"

Not sure...I came here to check on you and figured we'd check her out together, then hang out or something.

Rich cleared his throat and continued.

I am sorry for walking in on you. I wasn't trying to go peeping tom on you, I was worried when you didn't answer and it didn't occur to me that you might be taking a shower.


Then he smiled a bit.

You WERE looking good in there though, up to the bow and arrow ready to pin me to the wall, that is. So that is your power? And can you make other weapons?

 

[MorningStar]

Illustra - 10th Floor: Area of Consecration

It took a moment as Mina turned the picture frame over and over in her hands before she handed it back to Delilah.

“She held this often – it made her very happy to remember the times the three of you spent together.”

Such a small thing, but it brought tears to Delilah’s eyes.

“There’s something else.”

What else could there be? It was just a picture.

Mina became agitated when talking about Morgan’s magickal objects. Delilah watched her carefully. No, it wasn’t excitement, she didn’t act as if this was a new “find” – she seemed genuinely unnerved.

“Delilah, I know this is all a lot to process. And I know you only just met me. But you need to listen. These things need to be put somewhere where those who would use them for their own ends can’t reach them. If anyone knew these were here, you would have a world of trouble on your hands. [pause] Now, I know it is going to be difficult for you to trust me – I understand that, I really do and I’m sorry there isn’t more time. My late husband – he was a…collector of sorts. He built a library of texts on the supernatural and magickal objects. He was determined to keep dangerous magick out of the hands of those who would use it for evil, and help those who fought against them. After his death, the care of the library fell to me - I can take you there if you want. But Delilah – you MUST entrust these objects to me before something terrible happens.”

But the thought of giving up ANY of Morgan’s things…just seemed impossible.

She looked for a long time into the unseeing face.

“You must know how crazy this sounds. The most reasonable explanation is that you found a way to magick yourself in here in order to take Morgan’s things.”

Mina started to interrupt but at that moment Karen entered the room.

Delilah?? What is going on here?! Who is this woman and WHY is this STRANGER in MY daughter's area of consecration??

Tinkerbell actually HISSED at Mina. Delilah looked from the cat to Karen. Karen was as visibly upset as the cat, so Delilah adopted a first line of defense to calm her down. She indicated Mina.

“This is Mina Harker. She was halfway across the world and suddenly found herself transported here. We can’t make heads or tails of why. Maybe you have some ideas? Mina, this is Morgan's mother.”

 

[Mina Harker]

Illustra - 10th Floor: Area of Consecration

“You must know how crazy this sounds. The most reasonable explanation is that you found a way to magick yourself in here in order to take Morgan’s things.”

Mina’s lips pursed in annoyance. Couldn’t this woman see the danger?

She was about to make a counter-argument when someone else entered the room, who Delilah introduced as Morgan’s mother.

Mina tapped her way back to her original seat and sat back down. Taking a sip of her tea to calm herself.

“Doctor Victoria, you of all people must realize the need to place these magickal objects somewhere safe and away from the wrong hands. My husband’s library is designed specifically for such a task. And of course you would have use of Morgan’s objects – or anything in the library collection – whenever you have need of them.”

She set her cup and saucer down on the table.

“Before I landed here, I was having a dream about New York being destroyed by a demon woman. A woman with silvery hair and flowing robes warned me that if I didn’t take her hand the events I was witnessing would come to pass. And when I took her hand I awoke and was here. I believe she was talking about these objects falling into the wrong hands.”

 

[MorningStar]

Illustra - 10th Floor: Area of Consecration

Delilah took this moment to speak up.

“I don’t want to see a stranger with any of Morgan’s things BUT…the night I was put in this chair I thought I was going to die. I thought Black was going to kill me. And then I was somehow saved. I saw a woman in blue and white robes with silver hair…”

Delilah paused, so it could sink in for Mina what that meant.

“She reached out a hand to me and as I took I woke up in a hospital bed. Like this [gestures at the chair] but alive.”

After another moment of silence.

“I don’t believe that woman – whoever she is – would have sent Mina here if she was going to harm me - us. Despite everything my mind tells me…I feel I can trust her. Karen – what do you say about these objects. Are they as dangerous as she says?”

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- 107th floor - area of consecration

<< Karen eyed Mina with an unwavering glare. Her opal blue eyes seemed to sparkle with increased agression. She was not yet aware that the woman was blind and could not physically SEE Karen's glare of disapproval.>>

<< She continued to hold Tinkerbell, who was quite unhappy with Mina's presence. her ears low, her tail swishing back and forth and a low ongoing growl could be heard from the enchanted feline.>>

Ms. Harker.

<< Karen nods and speaks with icy contempt. She wanted to hear AGAIN what this woman was suggesting...>>

“Doctor Victoria, you of all people must realize the need to place these magickal objects somewhere safe and away from the wrong hands. My husband’s library is designed specifically for such a task. And of course you would have use of Morgan’s objects – or anything in the library collection – whenever you have need of them.”

and who's WRONG HANDS would you be referring to, young woman?

DELILAH is not a magick user and regardless of that, she's a person of character and integrity...I trust her and care for her as I would my daughter.

I know LOTS of things when it comes to the ways of MAGICK, considering my DAUGHTER was "sorceress supreme"...born from the bloodline of HECATE, the goddess of witchcraft herself!

You speak of apparitions bringing you HERE to MY DAUGHTER'S area of consecration and dreams of what MIGHT have been...and you think that gives you place to suggest REMOVING HER talismans and items? DISTURBING THE PEACE OF THEM!?

<< she bellows with growing anger.>>

You have the ARROGANCE to suggest that YOU...a woman who SUDDENLY appears in THIS of all places, someone we know NOTHING about, are the BEST QUALIFIED to "safe guard" MY daughter's things?


<< Delilah quickly points out that the same apparition Mina speaks of ALSO appeared to HER the night she faced Black. Karen was the only one who believed HER at that time...>>

<< But THIS...this was too much! She pauses. Bowing her head. She STRUGGLES to form a direct answer to Delilah's legitimate question...but she can't! she's UPSET! And all she can think about is what she HEARD from Mina and that Delilah hasn't already CAST HER OUT For it!>>

DELILAH!? I cannot BELIEVE that you would ENTERTAIN the idea of this STRANGER TAKING MY DAUGHTER'S THINGS AWAY FROM HERE!?

<< turning back to Mina>>

Young woman...did it EVER occurr to you that Morgan had a MOTHER, who was a witch? That her MOTHER might be the BEST person to "safeguard" her DAUGHTER'S things from the "wrong hands"?

<< Just to SLIGHTLY indulge the woman based on her argument. Karen would RATHER these things remain where they are.>>

That stepping disc you fell through? MORGAN BOUND that disc to this apartment. This BUILDING was not only Morgan's fashion empire, it was her HOME.

Have you NO respect for the dead?

<< Turning to Delilah. Feeling somewhat BETRAYED at this moment.>>

I came here this morning to have breakfast with you before I left...and to tell you that I'll be taking the DARKHOLD with me. That book of shadows has been passed down through the bloodline of Hecate for generations since it's inception.


I'll NOT see it placed in the hands of a STRANGER!

<< Karen SCREAMS with anger and Tinker, almost falling out of her 'grandma's' embrace as Karen leans in toward Mina, once again HISSES at the woman.>>

And BEFORE you think about objecting, Delilah. Need i REMIND you the PROVISIONS in my daughter's will?

 

[Brenda Castle]

Illustra - 99th floor office

Brenda woke up, her neck aching from sleeping on the couch. She massaged it a bit as she sat up, stretching a little. Her body had been healed by Karen Victoria. The only sign that anything untoward had happened was her dress, which still looked like it [barely]survived the apocalypse. Brenda herself only remembered bits and pieces. She knew the general outcome, however. That had stuck with her deeply. Her parents were not rescued, but she was.

The Silver Swan was silently watching over her. Brenda had picked up from the other's minds last night that this woman went by the name 'Sharon'. Sharon, despite having saved Brenda twice, still intimidated her a bit, with her bizarre silver outfit and the under current of brutality compounded by the fact that Brenda couldn't grasp Sharon's thoughts.

"Thank you.... for saving my life.... again. I don't remember everything that happened... I apologize if I was.... rude or anything."

 

[Silver Swan]

Illustra- 99th floor

[Sharon looked with an unwavering gaze upon Brenda. Her heart beat and other internal body sounds indicating she was awakening. soon she stirred outwardly as well.]

[ The girl looked rather fragile at this moment. But she had a good heart and was not FAINT of heart. Sharon sensed that.]

[ Brenda is still a bit intimidated by Sharon...that's nothing new. That's how it is with MOST people She comes across. For a while...that's how she WANTED it but since the last time Brenda laid eyes on her, so much had changed for and with her..]

"Thank you.... for saving my life.... again. I don't remember everything that happened... I apologize if I was.... rude or anything."

You weren't.

I left you the other night after our first encounter. I wasn't...quite "myself" then. But then as now...I mean you no harm.

The others...they came to rescue you when the boy, Richard, told them about you. They rescued HIM at the hospital where he was after he caused an accident with one of their friends. I carried you away from the danger, brought you here.

Alot has happened. People were worried about you. They'll want to know you're alright now.

Just wait here.

[ Sharon stands up and turns toward a wall, reaching the panel. Brenda hears an odd sound like radar....SONAR to be exact as Silver Swan uses a utility aspect of her power to locate Rich and Ana-Leigh.]

the 105th floor...

[ pressing an intercom button on the wall that corresponds w/ the 105th floor apartment, Rich and Ana-Leigh hear a soft tone and then Sharon's authoratative voice.]


Rich...Ana-Leigh Brenda has awakened. You two should come down here.

[ She returns to her seat, facing Brenda.]

They'll be here shortly.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah felt as if Karen had slapped her. Her hand moved absentmindedly to her cheek as if she had.

“Karen…”

Delilah turned the chair and wheeled closer to the doctor, a hurt look on her face. It was as if Karen didn’t know her at all.

“How can you think I would just hand over Morgan’s things? I am trying to help figure out what the best thing is for us to do. I may not be a magick user, but I do know how powerful Morgan was. I want to figure out why Morgan’s stepping disc brought this woman here. I want to know why the same woman that appeared to me when I nearly died appeared to her. I want to make sure that you and all those kids sleeping in this building are SAFE. I’m just trying to find out – with your help - what the right thing is, what needs to happen, but you aren’t being very helpful with that right now. We may have just met this girl, but whether we entrust the objects to her or you or someone else or no one, I need to know if having them here poses a danger.”

She turned her chair away from Karen and lowered her head.

“And to throw Morgan’s will In my face like I wouldn’t do what was best for her…that’s a low blow.”

 

[Mina Harker]

Mina felt as if she were in the middle of a trashy soap opera. No one seemed to hear what she was saying. She felt like shouting: THESE ITEMS COULD DESTROY THE PLANET! but surmised that would be relatively pointless considering the state these two were in. So she calmly stood and took a few steps towards the older woman’s voice using her cane.

Her voice was steady – she’d had a long time to practice keeping herself unruffled.

“Whose wrong hands, madam? Why, the very people who put this woman in that wheelchair for starters. Nearly every magick user this side of the pond and beyond for seconds. Were one of them to get in here and take the Darkhold…or any number of the other objects here not to mention the ones Alison Marble possessed... Morgan Victoria’s position as sorceress supreme - and your own status as a witch – is not as well kept a secret as you would like to believe. It’s honestly amazing that no one has come for these things thus far. Can you imagine what could happen? Can you see Black holding the Darkhold in his hands?”

She rested both hands on the top of her cane.

“These things are not protected here – as powerful as Delilah may be the ones who will come will have power the likes of which she’s never seen. How long will she be able to hold out before one of them succeeds? If you can protect these things – then by all means, do – but leaving them on display in your home is not an option. And you know it.”

She tilted her head and spoke in Delilah's general direction.

"And I would not mind getting to the bottom of why I was sent here as well."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- area of consecration

<<Karen wasn't handling this too well. She felt that Mina had an ulterior motive and the idea of disturbing the peace of her daughter's things here in the one area where her actual presence was still STRONGEST was out of the question.>>

<< She was about to respond to Delilah...but she'd already hit below the belt, invoking the provisions of her daughter's will. She hadn't MEANT to hurt her like that, but it was too late now.>>

DAMMIT, Karen! GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF....Delilah ISNT your enemy!

<< Mina Harker stood, and approached. Karen purses her lips with agitation and disapproval. Tinkerbell growls a bit more loudly, her tail swishing back and forth. Karen, still holding the siamese, pets her a bit.>>

Shhhh, Tinker. Don't you worry...this woman will not take your mommy's things. I WONT ALLOW IT!

<<...she used a CANE, to FEEL her path toward Karen?>>

the woman...she's blind? I hadn't noticed I...

<< Mina defends her position on the matter. Karen's finely shaped eyebrows lift and her eyes widen with astonishment at the woman's imperternence! as she listened...she soon narrowed her eyes with a scowl.>>


Listen to me, young woman, and listen WELL.

My daughter's things will remain HERE! is that clear!? Neither YOU nor any OTHER self imagined mystic scholar will have them! NEVER!

<< she shouts with force.>>

YOUR sudden arrival is proof enough of the need to protect my daughter's things...this BUILDING from unwanted INTRUDERS.

<< holding her hand up for SILENCE as Mina begins to retort, Karen turns to Delilah.>>

I will NOT continue this absurd discussion.

<< She pauses for a moment...she'd seen...counseled so many people who had fought with relatives over the estate of their deceased loved ones. It always seemed so...tragic and needless to her then. But she was removed...detached from it due to her profession. NOW it was a different story. These were HER daughter's things they were talking about. There WERE some valid concerns and points being raised and If it were a client or patient...it would have been far easier for her to entertain what Mina was suggesting but that wasnt the case and a mother's attachment to her daughter trumped logic in some cases.>>

<< They belonged HERE. Karen didn't even want them for herself. She wanted the Darkhold, as was her right...but everything else needed to remain HERE. Beyond her wishes as Morgan's mother, it just FELT right. This WAS the one place in the luxury penthouse apartment where Morgan's presence...was truly FELT beyond an emotional way. It's why Tinkerbell spent so much time in here, why Delilah had been so hesitant to come in here...why Karen had instinctively brought herself, MorningStar and Bishop here when she teleported them out of the Hellfire mansion.>>


Delilah...a private word with you please. << looking over her shoulder with a sneer.>>AFTER you've sent this CHARLATAN on her way!

<< She looks back at Delilah...her facial expression softening. she didn't mean to hurt Delilah's feelings like this...and THEY should not be at odds over something like this.>>

<< with that, she (& Tinkerbell) leave the area of consecration...a chime sounds off and the doors SLAM behind her. the last underscore to her point that neither Mina OR her suggestion were welcomed.>>

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Rich: I am sorry for walking in on you. I wasn't trying to go peeping tom on you, I was worried when you didn't answer and it didn't occur to me that you might be taking a shower.

"It's okay, everyone's on edge now because of MysTech....hence me almost killing you."

She said lightheartedly, though she was serious. If she hadn't hesitated, Rich could have been a pile of goo on her bedroom door.

Rich: You WERE looking good in there though, up to the bow and arrow ready to pin me to the wall, that is.

Ana-Leigh rolled her eyes with a smile and walked past Rich to the kitchen.

Rich: So that is your power? And can you make other weapons?

Pouring herself another cup of coffee, she turned around and leaned against the kitchen counter top looking at her curious friend.

"It's part of it. I can manifest items no bigger than that bow. But I can also charge objects of all sizes that I touch as well. Once they're charged, upon impact, they'll explode."

Picking up a butter knife, Ana-Leigh held it up and showed how it instantly began to glow the brilliant gold color that her manifested bow and arrow did.

"I'll have to wait and show you the explosion part when we aren't in a multi million dollar apartment."

She stated with a smile as she put the butter knife down; the knife instantly changing back to normal. Soon, Sharon's voice could be heard over the intercom in the apartment.

Sharon: Rich...Ana-Leigh Brenda has awakened. You two should come down here.

"Brenda's probably awake. Let me quick grab some clothes for her, be right back."

Putting her coffee down on the counter top, Ana made her way back into her bedroom and grabbed a some comfortable clothing and under garments for Brenda to change into. Returning to the living room, she nodded to Rich.

"Okay, lets go."

 

[Mina Harker]

Illustra - 107th Floor: Area of Consecration

Mina pursed her lips. This woman was becoming completely unreasonable and downright negligent. She KNEW. She knew how dangerous these things were and yet she was refusing to even do something herself to keep them safe. Karen let – no, stormed, out of the room.

Mina stepped towards Delilah and held out her hand. Delilah came forward and shook it. Mina geld her hand with both of hers.

“Delilah, regardless of whether I play a part in this or not – you MUST find a way to protect these things that have fallen into your possession. Whatever you may think of me or my motives, I speak the truth on that. Take care of yourself.”

Mina dropped Delilah’s hand.

“And now, if I may – I’ll phone my driver to come and collect me. Won’t he be surprised when I step outside in my pajamas?”

A smile passed her lips. Delilah offered to lend her clothes but she declined. After much debate, she finally accepted a coat that she promised to send back to her.

"You really must come to my concert Friday - at the Victoria. I'll leave tickets at will call."

There was nothing she could do, whilst the mother was being so unbending. Mina could only hope that she would come to her sense or that Delilah would convince her of the need for protection. But she had learned that very rarely could people be relied upon to be reasonable.

After calling her New York driver, she politely thanked Delilah for the tea and insisted upon waiting for the car in the lobby.

 

[MorningStar]

After showing Mina out, Delilah went to face Karen. She still wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery of the silver-haired woman and Mina’s appearance, not to mention find out how safe Morgan and Alison’s things really were here without them.

Finding Karen, Delilah spoke, her voice still betraying the hurt she felt.

“She's gone. What did you want to speak to me about?”

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra - 107th floor

<< Karen was now out in the sunken in living room...slowly pacing along the panoramic window/wall over looking the city. Tinkerbell had now climbed up, still held by Karen but draped over her shoulder like one would hold a baby. She seemed calmer now herself, purring a bit as Karen gently rubbed her.>>

Oh Tinker...I'm afraid I behaved dreadfully...the pain of Morgan's loss still runs deep within me...and the idea of her things being taken away...it was just...more than I can BEAR.

<< Karen sighed slowly as Tinkerbell mewed softly in the midst of her purring. She had such an OUTBURST...and she'd hurt Delilah's feelings...Delilah didnt mean any harm and she knew that. She'd asked some valid questions but it was so hard...IMPOSSIBLE at that moment...to get past MINA and her INTRUSION.>>

<< Delilah drew near and Karen turned, looking rather ashamed.>>

Delilah....I'm sorry for being so cross and harsh with you back there. You didn't deserve that.

<< Karen said with a sincere tone.>>

I hope you can forgive me. I don't our last day together here to end on a note like this.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah stared levelly at Karen for a long moment.

“Of course I can forgive you.”

She smiled wanly.

“But you have to know I was only trying to do what’s right. For everyone.”

She moved herself next to Karen and patted Tinkerbell.

“It was such an odd thing to have happen, and I would like to know why it did. And that woman I saw at the Citadel…the not knowing what it’s all about is tearing me up inside.”