Dawn of the other lights

[Matrix]

Rich returned Ana-Leigh's smile. The past couple of days was no time to be trying to holler at some girl really, but she was hard to ignore. He was not in LOVE or stupid about it, but she was pretty and they seemed to click and he could use some fun in his life. He definitely wanted to know her better...when they weren't running for their lives, that is.

She showed him how she could 'charge up' things and he was intrigued by the possibilities of her actually blowing things up.

"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."

Agreed. I almost hate staying here as it is; definitely plan to leave everything the way I found it.

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."

Cool.

Rich opened the door for Ana-Leigh and walked quickly with her to where they left Brenda. He was relieved to see her looking MUCH better.

Good morning Brenda. It is good to have you back.

 

[Brenda Castle]

Sharon: I left you the other night after our first encounter.

"Yes.... I have a few questions about that night--

Sharon: I wasn't...quite "myself" then. But then as now...I mean you no harm.

Sharon didn't seem to want to answer questions. Instead, she laid out the events in matter-of-fact fashion, filling Brenda in on how the rescue came about.

Sharon: 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.

"And where IS here, exactly?"

Sharon: Alot has happened. People were worried about you. They'll want to know you're alright now. Just wait here.

Sharon was possibly the most frustrating person Brenda could have woken up to. If it had been anyone else, it wouldn't have mattered if they answered her directly. Her questions would have prompted mental responses for her to pick up on. Sharon stood up and went to some kind of communications panel on the wall. She made an weird noise that reminded Brenda of sonar, then pressed a button and spoke to Rich and Ana-Leigh. After returning to her seat and announcing that they should be here soon, the two fell into an awkward silence.

Brenda just nodded politely and looked across the room, gazing out the panoramic office windows. She could tell from the skyline that she was at least still in New York.

Rich: Good morning Brenda. It is good to have you back.

It was Rich, with the familiar Asian girl in tow. Now that her mind was more settled, Brenda remembered where she knew the girl from; she was the other dancer on stage with Siryn.

"Thanks, Rich. I'm glad you escaped that place. Ana-Leigh, it's nice to see you again."

She knew Ana-Leigh had brought her clothes to change into, but figured it'd be better to wait until Ana-Leigh presented them, so as not to freak her out. After the pleasantries Brenda planned on getting a hold of Rich and seeing his side of the ordeal. That should fill her in on a LOT of information in a short amount of time.

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Finally meeting up with Brenda, Ana-Leigh stood back and allowed Rich to greet his friend. Though she had met Brenda before, it was only briefly. She didn't want to make her uncomfortable in any way.

Brenda: Ana-Leigh, it's nice to see you again.

"Likewise."

Stepping forward, she handed Brenda the stack of folded clothes. She knew of Brenda's telepathy, however she felt rude not speaking to her. The whole being around other mutants thing was still something Ana had to get used to.

"Here, I thought you could use these. There's a bathroom over there so you can change."

Gesturing to the closed door across the room, it was funny how at home she felt at Illustra. Despite being there only two days, it felt like an eternity. It was a good feeling...one she hoped wouldn't end soon.

"We can grab you some breakfast or coffee if you'd like?"

 

[Matrix]

"Likewise."

Stepping forward, she handed Brenda the stack of folded clothes. She knew of Brenda's telepathy, however she felt rude not speaking to her. The whole being around other mutants thing was still something Ana had to get used to.

"Here, I thought you could use these. There's a bathroom over there so you can change."

Gesturing to the closed door across the room, it was funny how at home she felt at Illustra. Despite being there only two days, it felt like an eternity. It was a good feeling...one she hoped wouldn't end soon.

"We can grab you some breakfast or coffee if you'd like?"

That is probably best. How about you get cleaned up Brenda and then we can all talk shop over breakfast. I remember what you liked from the other day; that is no problem.

He offered his hand to help her up.

 

[Silver Swan]

Illustra - 99th floor

[ Sharon looked on as Ana-Leigh & Rich arrived and began interacting with Brenda.]

[ It was so odd...looking at them NOW as SHE was when 48 hrs ago...]

<<FLASH!>>

Alright people! Let me see YOU!

[ Out of sheer coincidence, she points at BRENDA CASTLE; RICH MARTIN; & a visibly shocked ANA-LEIGH MOREAU, whom Marco had dragged up to the front to join him just in time for her to catch Siryn's eye]

Get up here! I wanna dance with YOU!

[ Brenda, Rich and Ana-Leigh Moreau were all directed up on to the elevated circle stage. Now directly face to face w/ this white hot popular dance diva who looked so strong & rubost.]


<< Freeze frame black & white image of each of the three's facial expressions the moment they were picked by Siryn to dance with her; images of each of them joining her on stage and their individual vantage points of the people they now over look; all three sets of eyes now on Siryn>>

[ moving her mic away from her mouth, she's curiously able to speak at such a tone that they can STILL hear her clearly but the rest of the patrons cant.]

Now don't disappoint me! All you've got to do is DANCE! HAVE FUN!

[ beckoning them to spread out around her and her dancers and smiling at them, she returns to the center and brings her mic back down. She signals the crowd to keep on dancing and cheer them on. The back up dancers smile at them as well and encourage them to go for it with some free styling.]

[ Whatever these three had been expecting tonight, none of them, not even Brenda could have expected this! But now it was time for them shake their asses for all they were worth! Who'd want to be caught looking like a clumsy, scared wallflower next to someone like Siryn?]

[and then....]

<<FLASH!>>

<< Oracle: Later that night, behind XS>>

"Hey! Stop! What do you think you're doing?!?!"

She exclaimed, trying to wrench free of them. They had her in a vise like grip, and started to steer her towards a vehicle parked deeper in the alley. Terror struck through Brenda like lightning. She tried planting her feet, but the two faceless commandos marched on, dragging her between them. She was not strong enough to over power ONE of the men, let alone two. She could not reach their minds to manipulate them. Their thoughts were eeriely silent. It was like being abducted by two machines.

"NO!!! HELP! PETE! ANYONE! SOMEONE HELP!"

Oracle: << SWITCH VIEW from Brenda to Silver Swan>>

Silver Swan: ENOUGH of this!

[as the backup squad prepares to finish off Brenda and collect her, a flash of lightning pierces the sky and their sensors detect sudden, FAST movement from above.]

shock troop: AW HELL! We've got company!

That's RIGHT!

[dropping down among the squad and with one smooth movement, PUNCHING the one who first saw her in the face so hard that it shatters the face plate utterly, breaks his nose and leaves a DEEP, bloody fist print in his face as he is sent FLYING into a brick wall]

You're SUPPOSED to be here FOR ME.

shock troop 2: our primary objective is Brenda Castle! We're not to engage Silver Swan

After everything you've DONE TO ME!? I'm NOT GOING TO BE IGNORED! I'll KEEP COMING AFTER YOU TILL I GET ALL OF YOU!

[Silver Swan's sonic enhanced voice thunders through the air. She doesnt realize she's unintentionally causing BRENDA pain as well]

shock troop 3: who cares! you know what this bio hazard is capable of! they want HER just as much as any other target! NAIL HER!

[ they try.]

[ Brenda watches in pained disbelief as Silver Swan attacks them SAVAGELY.]

[ their FIRST meeting on stage at XS was a wild coincidence, wasn't it? none of them could have guessed each other's true natures as mutants and mutate nor did they realize that the fall of others before them had now cast the light of destiny upon them.]

[ Silver Swan's silver eyes blink a few times as she returns to the present and looks upon the slightly younger mutants. For Brenda, Silver Swan's mind is impossible to read. That may have been a source of concern and frustration for Brenda but despite Silver Swan's fearsome presentation, she'd prooven to be a friendly help rather than a foe.]

Since you all seem to be fine, I'm leaving. Delilah and Connor are here if you need them.

[ At the moment, she didnt see any need to remain here with them. Did she not remember her interaction with them as SIRYN? Brenda wanted to ask her earlier but never got the chance and as she stood before them, in full Silver Swan form, complete with silver eye mask...the striking similarities between she and Siryn were there but other things were different, including the hair, voice and demeanor.]

[ She was POWERFULL and had no qualms about KILLING but she seemed to save her rage and agression exclusively for Mystech. With others...she was cold...but meant no harm. Her conversation with Rich last night was the most she'd opened up to anyone since her session with Karen and Delilah earlier when she finally learned...REMEMBERED who she was...who she'd BEEN.]


[ and with that, Sharon departs. one thing Rich and Ana-Leigh had picked up about her was that she did NOT like being confined or told what to do. Delilah and Bishop had both experienced that and Karen confirmed it during their session together.]

 

[Brenda Castle]

Ana-Leigh: Here, I thought you could use these. There's a bathroom over there so you can change.

"Thanks."

Ah, so Rich told Ana-Leigh that Brenda was a telepath. And now Brenda knew that Ana-Leigh was a mutant as well. What a motley little crew they were.

Ana-Leigh: We can grab you some breakfast or coffee if you'd like?

Richard: That is probably best. How about you get cleaned up Brenda and then we can all talk shop over breakfast. I remember what you liked from the other day; that is no problem.

"That sounds wonderful, I'm famished."

Rich offered her his hand, just the opportunity she was looking for. She took it as she stood, and instantly felt like she'd been immersed in his mind. It stunned her for a second, the sensation had never been this strong before. She was about to prompt his thoughts when she realized she didn't need to. His mind was like an open book before her. She saw his memories as if they were her own. The escape, the accident, the hospital. Everything up to this point. It passed before her at the speed of thought, in the time it took her to fully stand up. She released his hand. No one else in the room would recognize what just happened. Not even Rich would know she'd seen his memories.

She felt slightly intoxicated with the new strength, and knew it was something Malice had unlocked. She wondered what else Malice had done, as she started for the bathroom to change.

Sharon: Since you all seem to be fine, I'm leaving. Delilah and Connor are here if you need them.

Brenda watched the woman leave, suddenly struck by the idea that they were all reunited, the four of them now as they had been on the stage two nights ago. She had no proof, but instinctually she knew that Silver Swan was Siryn.

"I swear that woman is Siryn. Did she know then that we'd all be here today, or was it truly a coincidence?"

She asked, posing the question but not really waiting for the answer as she disappeared into the bathroom to change.

 

[Matrix]

"I swear that woman is Siryn. Did she know then that we'd all be here today, or was it truly a coincidence?"

She asked, posing the question but not really waiting for the answer as she disappeared into the bathroom to change.

He turned to Ana-Leigh.

Siryn? Of COURSE!!

Rich didn't forget in general (helpful considering his power) but in all of the excitement he had not put two and two together. Until now.

Rich changed to Siryn, and then to Sharon. Then back to himself.

Definitely the same, I'd bet anything. How the hell did she know? Or is this simply the coincidence to end coincidences? As if we did not have enough Twilight Zone shit going on.

Rich chuckled as he shook his head.

 

[Seer]

On with the day

<< Brenda , Rich and Ana-Leigh's lives had all changed so drastically in the lat 48 hrs. They each had their own view and way of handling it but being together, AGAIN, made things seem a little more certain. At least they didnt have to face it alone. But even their reunion was one of many curious developments. Brought together on stage by SIRYN...and then again in Illustra by SILVER SWAN.>>

<< Many signs pointed to the two women being one in the same. But there were some KEY differences that made it not entirely certain. One had blue eyes, the other had silver. One had blonde hair, the other had silver streaks in her blonde hair. One was warm, friendly and inviting. The other cold, aloof and intimidating. BOTH had uncanny abilities but one used her's to bring joy, the other to bring DEATH.>>

<< Still, as Ana-Leigh pointed out, Silver Swan had helped Brenda TWICE. Rich indicated that she shared with him a bit of her origins and that they were tragic. As curious and unsettling as she was...she may have had more in common with them than they realized. Rich understood that and Ana-Leigh sensed that she was a "good guy".>>

<< It bothered Brenda that even with her new found level of psychic power, Silver Swan's mind was inaccessible. ANOTHER peculiar similarity to SIRYN.>>

<< Soon, after Ana-Leigh lets Connor know that they're going to see Alycia and then have a bite to eat, the trio leave Illustra. Brenda secures transportation for them.>>

<< As they go on with their day together, they notice a poster...several posters promoting a performance by SIRYN at the Parthenon hotel, a luxurious property that was a DIRECT rival to the hotel Brenda stayed in. Brenda's parents knew the owner of the hotel, the super model, Morgan Victoria. The castle family, like Ana-Leigh, had been shocked by the super model's mysterious death and the year anniversary had just passed. Brenda realizes that ILLUSTRA was Morgan's fashion empire too and that that's where she just was...>>

<< The trio talks, comparing notes, sharing a little more each other to one another, discussing the events of the past 48 hrs. Delilah, Connor, Illustra they agree that Siryn's performance tonight is a MUST SEE for several reasons.>>

<< While they eat and talk together, they catch sight of a protest of some sort and news crews covering it. They ALSO notice birds flying overhead in large numbers. Brenda and Rich had seen this two days ago. Ana-Leigh had READ about it and now they were all seeing it again...together.>>

<< They have no idea just how much more interesting things would get. how much more change was instore and how much their lives would now depend on EACH OTHER.>>

-----------------------------

<< Back at Illustra - War Room>>


<< Connor is in the War Room. He's been examinging the tech he lifted from the goons at the hospital. Clandestine Inc sent communication that Alycia Barnett was stable and safe. No further attacks on her had occurred thus far. The visit from Ana-Leigh and the others seemed to lift Alycia's spirits.>>

<< Connor couldn't help but realize that Delilah was more than half way to her goal of a NEW Six and that HE helped her recruit one of their most powerfull members thus far. As uncertain as Silver Swan was, she was an ace to have in a roughhouse and she had no qualms about letting her rage loose on Mystech.>>

<< Karen, who had prooved to be far tougher and more ruthless than he imagined, had helped bring Silver Swan back to HERSELF and now the woman was far less hostile but still cold and standoffish. He could understand that. He had been like that himself in times not too long ago. But having her on their side against Mystech was a plus and he was glad he had managed to convince Delilah of that.>>

<< He was about to get a taste of her in action again when he least expected it. As he sat in the control center of the War Room with various floating screens surrounding him at dfferent points showing various news feeds, surveilance of Illustra and the area around it, parts of the city and other information...he saw a breaking news story>>

<< A large group of members from the human rights watch dog group, TERRA SAVE have gathered outside a medical office building that is apart of the biotech firm known as WilPharma, a company that is under the umbrella of Mystech!>>

<< images of people of all ages, colors and backgrounds can be seen chanting "NO MORE WILPHARMA!" "DOWN WITH WILPHARMA!" "MYSTECH IS EVIL!" They carry signs, wear shirts. Some of them even have bizarre face masks bearing the image of...ZOMBIES?>>

Terra Save has organized globally in a well connected network and the continue their efforts to protest against WilPharma, particularly their habit of testing their experimental medications overseas in third world countries were revenue starved, often corrupt governments accept large amounts of cash in exchange for free range activity. Terra Save alleges that the number of disappearences of people from poor countries or even poor areas of New York City are directly related to WilPharma targeting minorities for human experimentation...

<< more images of Terra Save members their signs etc. Connor realizes that the girl Silver Swan saved in central park was probably a target for WilPharma! Sharon had mentioned that she escaped the citadle by FLYING...up through a seemingly endless black tunnel until she crashed through a building...a storefront. That's what Terra Save was standing outside of now!>>

<< Connor had to watch this as it unfolded. It lifted his spirits to see that there were normal, ordinary people who were not only AWARE of the pervasive evil that was Mystech...but they were standing up and speaking out against it!>>

------------------------------

<< Up on the top floor of Illustra>>

<< Delilah and Karen settled their misunderstanding and Delilah convinced Karen to at least talk with Mina and help BOTH of them understand more about Morgan and Alison's magickal talismans and objects as well as any information she might have about the apparition that had not only appeared to Delilah but also Mina.>>

<< The three women sat in the sunken in dining room. Karen was on the large leather sectional. Tinkerbell had calmed down a bit, now laying on Karen's lap but she still wasn't quite fond of Mina. There was something ELSE about the woman beside her interest in Morgan's things that unsettled the enchanted familiar, something that neither Delilah or Karen had perceived at this point but familiars always had a way of picking up on that which was not obvious to humans.>>

<< Karen was much more calm herself and apologized to Mina for her high level of hostility. The women continued to discuss about these important topics.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Out on the hunt

[A couple hours had passed. She had left Illustra. She'd only agreed to stay the night. She HAD her own place to live...in the Parthenon and apparently she'd agreed to perform for them ....as SIRYN. It was one of the things she didn't remember before meeting with Karen.]

[ She had to move fast. There was much she needed to do. MORE damage to cause!]

[ Her sonar, not to mention her telepathic rapport with all species of birds (and there were many to be found all over NYC) that prime targets for her WRATH would be there soon, specifically the place where she'd emerged when escaping the Citadle.]

[ These people...Terra Save. SHE might have been one of them if her life had want the way it might have BEFORE that night in Arklay Forest. Their courage, their outspoken opposition to WilPharma, to MYSTECH, it was like music to her ears and savage soul.]

[ But THEY were coming...and they'd HURT these people. THEY would masquerade as "law enforcement" with the full complicity of the REAL NYPD, whose police chief she'd put in the hospital a day ago. No one would ever know it was HER except THEM and what could they do? She DARED them to come for her and each time some did...she KILLED THEM ALL.]

[ Today...these people, TERRA SAVE, they needed her help. They just didn't know it...YET.]

[ She was out in poublic, dressed in a sleek outfit (silver jacket) with high heeled boots and black oversized sunglasses. Out on the street, people were walking about, businesses were running, all kinds of sounds, conversations both obvious and hidden. Not much could escape her hearing. Not even internal activity of people's bodies which she used to tell if someone was lying or otherwise]

[ But she ignored the din of activity to focus on and watch the developing situation outside of the medical office building.]

[ In the distance, Ana-Leigh, Rich and Brenda went into a restaurant. She was far enough away that they SHOULDNT have seen her and even if they did, she looked quite different than she did as Silver Swan dressed as she was...except for the trademark silver jacket.]

I don't have time for them right now. I must take of THIS first. I must protect these people...I must NOT let THEM crush these people as they do so many others!

[ Sharon stood silent, not really drawing anyone's attention as she watched the events unfold and listened carefully.]

[ the only obvious indication that she was DOING anything at this point was the increased activity of birds in the area. Birds could be seen perched all over the place and with her SONAR, she was reaching out....detecting the path and movements of the men who were being dispatched to come and hurt these people and try to silence them.]

[ she'd make SURE that didn't happen and WOE unto anyone who interfered. She probably SHOULD have told Delilah or even Bishop what she was doing, but she didnt feel she needed to.]

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra -107th floor

<< Karen had calmed and apologized to Mina for being so hostile and harsh. The wounds and pain of being a widow and mother of a fallen child were still quite recent for her, even after a year. Mina was gracious in her understanding.>>

<< Karen postpones her driver picking her up for several more hours to have this very important, sensitive discussion. This time, she'll be open to listen to Mina and to help her and Delilah with whatever questions they might have.>>

<< It isn't easy for her and both young women know that but it helps knowing that neither one is doing this for selfish reasons or to trample on her daughter's memory.>>

<< As she sits on the leather sectional, she shushes tinker, who while calmer, still growls a bit at Mina and bristles at her presence. to keep the siamese occupied and enter tained, Karen lefts her index finger up a bit and conjures several small orbs and spectral images of little "fearies" that flow around like a little carosel around Tinker. The enchanted familiar lays on her back, on Karen's lap, batting , swatting and pawing at the curious images that flow, dance and flutter just above her little head.>>

Good kitty...

<< Karen says with a smile as she looks down at the familiar and then over to Delilah.>>

still....while it's obvious that Tinker is unhappy with Mina's interest in her mommy's things...there's something ELSE that's upsetting her about the woman.

<< she thinks as she looks at Delilah for a moment longer>>

but WHAT!? is she...

<< Karen couldnt begin to guess or speculate. The woman was well mannered, knowledgeable about the occult and mystic arts arcane and seemed to be genuinely concerned. the fact that she and delilah had visions of the SAME apparition was a key point as well....Karen knew more than SHE had ever let on about that but now it was time to speak on that.>>

<< She slowly turned her head , casting her gaze on Mina and smiling a bit.>>

Delilah is not a magick user and I do not intend to live here fulltime and can't be in two places at once. I DO want Delilah and any one who shares the residential floors of Illustra to be SAFE....both from within and without.

But I am not comfortable with the peace of my daughter's things being disturbed, much less removed. And though there is no one here related to Alison by blood, I knew her well. She was my daughter's other close friend beside Delilah. There must be another option.

Perhaps we can start by showing you to Alison's apartment and letting you look at some of her things.

 

[Matrix]

Richard was felling pretty good. They had checked on Alycia (she was now doing better and would definitely fully recover) and now were eating outside at some cafe that Brenda recommended. Besides the fact that her driver delivered her a PLATINUM card (who does THAT for goodness sake!!), BOTH ladies were competing to see how much they could pile on Rich's plate.

They sat down and he tore into his plate; one bit of good news is that he had alleviated months of OVERALL hunger, he had never felt so energized. He felt like he could become anything and do anything. And so as they sat and ate, he spoke to them both.

So...what do we do now? Get spandex and codenames? The last two days have been a whirlwind for sure...not sure what to make of it all.

 

[Brenda Castle]

Brenda felt self-consciously under-dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, but she didn't say anything. It was an improvement on the torn party dress, even if it wasn't quite what she was used to. They decided to go out, and Brenda called her driver and asked for the essentials [a credit card, some cash, id, etc]. After glancing at her Breitling Galactic watch, Brenda suggests brunch at P.J. Clarkes, and they all agree. They stop by to check on the woman who swerved to avoid hitting Rich the night before. The prognosis is good, and both Ana-Leigh and Rich are relieved. On the ride over to the restaurant, they see a bus with an ad for a Siryn performance for tonight. They talk about it briefly, still comparing Swan to Siryn. At the restaurant, they settled into a prime booth by the window.

"I don't know if I should get the Eggs Benedict or the French Toast..... they're both SOO good!"

Rich: Why not get both?

"I can't EAT both, silly. Are YOU going to help me eat it?"

Rich: Uh, Duh.

"Oh yeah..... fine, I'll get both. YOU should get the Steak and Eggs. It's a TON of food."

They chat as they eat, bonding over the shared craziness of the past two days. The girls heap extra food from their own plates onto Rich's.

Rich: So... what do we do now? Get Spandex and codenames?

"Um, no."

Brenda starts, making a face and finally giving up on eating any more.

"Spandex is gross, first of all, and Superheros haven't worn it since like the 80's. Everybody wears leather now. But codenames for sure-- what's going on out there?"

There's a crowd, some kind of protest and some new crews, it looks like.

 

[Matrix]

"Um, no."

Brenda starts, making a face and finally giving up on eating any more.

"Spandex is gross, first of all, and Superheros haven't worn it since like the 80's. Everybody wears leather now. But codenames for sure-- what's going on out there?"

There's a crowd, some kind of protest and some new crews, it looks like.

Rich followed Brenda's eyes to see what was going on. He saw some people protesting. The had signs that said essentially that WilPharma sucked. But the NEXT thing he noticed caused him to touch both ladies on the arm.

A protest for sure, but I think that business is getting ready to pick up. You two be careful, the last time I saw THIS many birds someone got messed up according to the news.

Rich continued to eat, but he paid CLOSE attention to the protesters and what was going on.

 

[Mina Harker]

Illustra: 107th Floor - Living Room

Mina sat in a chair facing Karen, her hands folded on the top of her cane which was out in front of her, while Delilah sat in her own chair to the side. The cat kept growling. Mina’s nose wrinkled at it. She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at the little beast. Why people felt the need to share their homes with animals she would never know. She turned her attention back to Karen.

I DO want Delilah and anyone who shares the residential floors of Illustra to be SAFE....both from within and without. There must be another option.

“I understand your reservations, Karen, truly I do. It cannot be easy to have a stranger surprise you in this way, and I can assure you this was not something that I planned. I would not have come to you in this manner if I had. I see that you share my concern for the safety of these things, and the people who live here.”

Perhaps we can start by showing you to Alison's apartment and letting you look at some of her things.

“Having me look at anything would be a marvelous feat, doctor.”

Mina’s face was impassive and betrayed no emotion. The other two would not be completely sure whether or not she was joking.

“Nevertheless, finding exactly what we’re dealing with would be an excellent start. I’m sure we can find a solution – and I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

The circumstances surrounding her arrival here were still on Mina’s mind – and she wasn’t ready to leave these people’s acquaintance just yet. Not until she got some answers.

 

[Bishop]

Illustra: War Room

Delilah would probably be angry that he had let Ana-Leigh and the others leave the building. But she would just have to deal with it. They were kids – they couldn’t be kept cooped up in an office building forever. Plus, they all had ways to take care of themselves that most young people could only dream of. The girl wanted to visit Alycia and he was getting communiques directly from Clandestine: no further attacks on Alycia had been made. Delilah needed to lighten up.

Delilah…

Diana’s taunts aimed at him were still in his thoughts. He considered talking to Delilah about them…maybe he needed to clear the air? But he didn’t want to make something out of nothing. She might not even have thought anything of what the White Bitch had said.

But he had been avoiding Delilah since their return. Taking care of the girl was a good excuse…but not a truthful one. Now he was in the War Room watching monitors that pretty much ran themselves and send him an alert if they came up with anything. But still he was hiding out here like a pussy. Before he had joined up with Delilah, he never sat in front of a computer screen. Hell, he rarely sat in front of a television screen. He was out there, in the thick of things, sending drug dealers and hitmen to their maker. And he had liked it that way. So why the hell was he here now?

He was more army recruiter than soldier now. Still, Silver Swan was the perfect addition to the team Delilah was building, if he did say so himself. He estimated that she alone doubled the group’s power. Delilah’s strike force was almost complete, and then they could take MysTech to task. She had to give him credit for helping make that happen.

He was jerked out of his thoughts by a news flash: a protest at a subsidiary of MysTech.

He knew that WilPharma had a reputation for abducting people for use in experiments. Shit the little girl from the park could have been one of them if Silver Swan hadn’t stopped them.

He watched the newsfeed on the monitor. Something that Silver Swan had said to him registered. Something about her escape from the Citadel…that she had flown up and then crashed through a storefront. Could this building be where that had happened? The connections certainly seemed to fit – biotech and secret experimentation were hallmarks of both MysTech and WilPharma. He’d be sure to ask Sharon about it later.

He watched the demonstrations with interest. Some of the protesters were even calling MysTech out by name. It was nice to see: real people taking matters into their own hands and doing something about the menaces that hid behind powerful (and corrupt) allies.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra -106th floor

“Having me look at anything would be a marvelous feat, doctor.”

Mina’s face was impassive and betrayed no emotion. The other two would not be completely sure whether or not she was joking.

<< Karen's calm expression faded for a moment as she swallowed hard, realizing the gaffe she just had with her choice of words.>>

oh for heaven's sake...how THOUGHTLESS of me to put it that way!

I'm so sorry, Mina. That was very insensitive of me.

Nevertheless, finding exactly what we’re dealing with would be an excellent start. I’m sure we can find a solution – and I’m happy to help in any way I can.

Delilah, let's take her to Alison's apartment on the 106th floor.

<< she sets Tinker on the sectional>>

Now YOU be a good baby! When we get back if you've been good...there'll be a treat for you!

<< Tinkerbell perked up and "chirped" a bit with the mention of a treat! Karen smiled and with one last gentle brush across Tink's forehead with her finger nails, she left the feline there to amuse herself with the carousel of glowing orbs and fearies she'd conjured for her.>>

<< She decided to let one of THEM bring up the subject of the apparition, the spirit form they'd both seen. She felt it would be better that way.>>

<< She pushes Delilah along while Mina walks beside them. Down one floor via the elevator and down the hall of the 106th floor, they enter the apartment belonging to Alison Marble, the woman who in MAINSTREAM had been known as Guardian and later, Harbinger.>>

This is Alison Marble's home.

<< the entered. The air in the apartment was cold...there was a haunting, eerie silence. It was multi-level and spacious like all the other multi-million dollar, sprawling luxury apartments on the residential floors of Illustra.>>

Earlier you spoke of Alison. So you knew of her. You'll know she was a witch. A precognitive, telekinetic, temporal manipulating witch who channeled chaos magick.

She was very close to my daughter & Delilah. She was the first to confirm to Morgan that her sister, Blaze was still alive and in fact held captive by her father and immediately volunteered to help Morgan in the rescue effort.

She died the same night as Morgan, Blaze and the others.

 

[Seer]

Alison Marble

<< Upon entering the luxury apartment on the 106th floor, Karen and Delilah held each other's hand.>>

<< It was not easy for either of them to be here...but it was necessary. The apartment was cold. There was an eerie silence...save for the steady, rhythmic ticking...the sound that a grandfather clock or other similar TIME KEEPING devices made.>>

<< the decor of the apartment reflected the taste and style of the formidable woman who once occupied it. like all the other multi-million dollar luxury apartments on the residential floors, it was spacious & multi-level.>>


<< in the center most area of the apartment, one of the walls was adorned with athames, daggers and other fighting/throwing weapons that had ancient inscriptions in them. In front of the wall facing the north, there was a large black grandfather clock

<< The grandfather clock was tall and MASSIVE even for an apartment of this size. The face of the clock did not have numbers or even roman numerals but instead it had ancient mystic symbols that denoted time & other significant meanings that went beyond mortal convention. Even the pendulum bared an unusual symbol. Mina could immediately sense something from this object even before she touched it.>>

<< around this central area of the apartment, it became clear that THIS was Alison's area of consecration, the focal point of her practicing witchcraft, meditation etc.>>

<< on a table there were spells that she had written...the last night she was alive. A hemlock poison kill spell, a doorway escape spell and a medusa petrifying spell. there was also a rough drawing of a MAP of the citadle! Delilah would notice that.>>


<< there were pictures on a shelf along another wall. pictures of Alison with Morgan, Delilah and Blaze. A picture of Alison cavorting with Diddy at one at a "Fash Bash" during Fashion Week. Another picture of Alison, Morgan and Delilah striking their best poses and Blaze in the foreground being a total clown.>>

 

[Mina Harker]

I'm so sorry, Mina. That was very insensitive of me.

Mina unconcernedly waves a hand in the air.

Karen suggested that they show her Alison Marble’s apartment. As they were leaving, she spoke to the animal.

Now YOU be a good baby! When we get back if you've been good...there'll be a treat for you!

Mina resisted the urge to vomit, and walked alongside Delilah as they made their way down to the floor below.

The apartment was as cold as a tomb. A sentiment probably best left unshared with the other two women.

Earlier you spoke of Alison. So you knew of her. You'll know she was a witch. A precognitive, telekinetic, temporal manipulating witch who channeled chaos magick. She died the same night as Morgan, Blaze and the others.

Mina nodded.

“Yes, I knew of Alison Marble and her unique gifts. And her tragic death at the time of your daughter’s.”

It really was cold here, as if the walls of time and space themselves were thin in this place.

Shivering, she removed one of her gloves and held it in the other hand. She walked slowly, allowing her fingertips to trail along the furniture and the items they contained. Running her hand along a shelf, her hand fell onto a picture and she picked it up. She got a flash of Morgan, Delilah and Alison here…with another woman. Yes, Morgan’s half sister. Blaze was her name. Ilustra had just opened and the girls were settling into their new posh suites. She smiled at the images for a moment. She moved on.

Taking several steps she came upon a table. She felt its surface, her fingers grazing a piece of paper. This flash was sharper, more intense.

“This is a map.”

Delilah: [surprised] “It’s the Citadel.”

“Alison saw this with her seer’s eye and drew the map – she had not been there before that night.”

Mina pursed her lips, trying to make sense of what she was seeing.

“Here.”

Mina pointed to the map. Her tone was edged with sadness.

“The office pool. This is where she fell. And…”
After a pause:

“Cameron King. Alison had a brother! She read it in MysTech’s files before they…got to her.”

Mina cocked her head. Something was nagging at her mind. But what was it?

“King…King…where have I heard that name? Oh dear.”

Mina turned to where Karen and Delilah were waiting.

“Alison must have really been the daughter of Kelly King. She called herself “Witchfire”, if you can believe that. Not a nice person at all. Part of MysTech’s strike force team. That poor girll…to have a mother like that.”

Mina tsked as she continued on. She took a few steps and stopped, inclining her head as if she was listening. She knew she was standing in front of something unusual…and powerful. Gingerly holding out her hand, she touched what she would come to realize was a massive grandfather clock. It was as if the clock was a magnet pulling her towards it – and when she touched it, in her mind’s eye she saw flashes of images she didn’t understand.

<< FLASH! to another time, another world >>

It's night time there, the weather is RAGING...and there are sounds of chaos and panic everywhere as sirens wail, people scream and fires BURN. The red moon is OUT.

The team finds themselves SURROUNDED by people gone wild. Robbing, sexual assault, vandalism...it’s ALL happening to a most savage degree. They cannot ignore what's happening...

<< FLASH! >>

This is OUR NIGHT!! revel in it....CELEBRATE IT with the blood of their bodies and the screams of their SOULS!!

and YOU, Barbara Minerva! you're cross time traveling days...your very LIFE are about to END! I said you would pay for your meddling the LAST time we crossed paths, old crow...and NOW , I INTEND TO COLLECT!!

{{another moon bolt...a jagged blast....charges from the skies for Barbara....and it SLAMS into the ground where Barbara stands...the explosion, the blast radius are so forcefull that it shatters all nearby trees and some statues on the grounds of the estate... }}

<< FLASH! >>

As Hecate stands over her:

NO!! it can't END LIKE THIS!!!

{ Circe protested as her once beautifull and feminine body began to deteriorate and wither. she began looking more and more aged and skeletal by the moment...losing all beauty and vitality as your voice began to wilt as well.}

{ she cried out with protest again..as she began to decay before their very eyes.}

<< FLASH! >>

Mina put a hand to her forehead. Things were so confused…

“I saw…Morgan, but not Morgan and you, Delilah, but it wasn’t you either. It wasn’t the past, though you walked…I…I do not understand…”

Mina, visibly agitated, found her way to a settee and sank down onto it. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

“This clock it’s – it’s a doorway to the timestream itself. I had no idea it could be accessed in this way – clearly a result of Alison’s powers over time and space.”

There was actual horror in her voice as she turned her head towards Delilah once again.

“If someone were to gain entry to Illustra and find their way into THIS particular apartment…if they gained access to the doorway…the could bring upon this world unimaginable horror and evil. Or they could simply be forever lost – buried in layers of time forever.”

She paused.

“Karen…”

The helplessness – hopelessness - in her voice as seeing these things, seeing what COULD happen. Her need to express how important it was to find a solution – Karen would hear the weariness in her voice, the almost begging. This was even more serious than they had all thought.

 

[MorningStar]

Now that Karen’s anger had subsided she was being more reasonable, and suggested they allow Mina to “view” Alison’s apartment. Karen actually used the term “look at” with Mina.

“Having me look at anything would be a marvelous feat, doctor.”

Delilah almost laughed, then stopped herself. She wasn’t entirely sure the woman was joking. But in any case, it didn’t really seem to bother her.

Karen helped her downstairs to Alison’s old suite. It was just as she had remembered it. Delilah hadn’t been here either, since…Morgan’s was difficult enough without adding Alison to the mix. Though she hadn’t known her as long as Morgan, she still considered her her good friend. Karen spoke of how Alison died, and Delilah had to look away for a moment.

Mina set about using her gift, touching various things in the apartment. She touched a piece of paper on a table that Delilah could see was a map.

“It’s the Citadel.”

She recognized the layout from her and Connor’s own preparation for their mission.

Mina went on to tell them the exact location where Alison had perished. Delilah shivered. It was not easy to hear – even though Delilah knew she was dead.

“Cameron King. Alison had a brother! She read it in MysTech’s files before they…got to her.”

“A brother? I wonder if he’s still…”

She trailed off. Mina shook her head. Negative.

“Alison must have really been the daughter of Kelly King. She called herself “Witchfire”, if you can believe that. Not a nice person at all. Part of MysTech’s strike force team. That poor girll…to have a mother like that.”

“Wait – I know of them. The Axis of Evil. Morgan came up against them when she was with Valiant.”

Mina moved to Alison’s large grandfather clock, and her body tensed and jerked.

“I saw…Morgan, but not Morgan and you, Delilah, but it wasn’t you either. It wasn’t the past, though you walked…I…I do not understand…”

Delilah couldn’t make sense of what she was saying. But it reminded her of Alison and the way she used to speak about the things she saw, images of the rest of them as they might have been.

“If someone were to gain entry to Illustra and find their way into THIS particular apartment…if they gained access to the doorway…the could bring upon this world unimaginable horror and evil. Or they could simply be forever lost – buried in layers of time forever. Karen…”

Delilah finished for her.

“What can we do to prevent this?”

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- 106th floor

<< Karen's eyes moved from one picture to the next...listening as Mina spoke. A look of sadness was evident on Karen's face as Mina spoke of Alison's place of death.>>

<< Then on to Alison's mother.>>

Witchfire was ALISON'S mother!?

Well! That explains why Alison NEVER spoke of her mother...her FAMILY even. She and Morgan had something tragic in common. BOTH had parents devoted to the entity that ultimately killed them....How could ANY parent knowingly position themself to be an ENEMY...a THREAT to their own CHILD!?

<< they were all silent for a few moments. Karen and Delilah both struggled to pull themselves together as Mina paused and gave them a moment. Soon she turned her attention to the massive grandfather clock.>>

that time piece is one of the most massive and intriately designed I've ever SEEN...

<< Mina touched it and had a STRONG reaction to it, her psychometry seemed to give her a CROSS TIME vision of another time and place where Morgan was ALIVE and Delilah was WALKING.>>

By the goddess....this is one of the most significant and DEADLY objects in Alison's apartment. But...it can't be moved. Just like the stepping disc Morgan bound to her area of consecration. It continues on even in her absence.

The clock must be...the image Alison conjured to symbolize the ultimate in her time/space power. It's the ONLY OTHER way to access the time stream beside Morgan's stepping disc!

<< They both asked Karen what they could do to prevent a disaster.>>

Someone has to live here and guard this...protect it. These things are largely UNKNOWN to the general populace, supers or not. Even most common magick users. Mina's exceptional knowledge is both rare and unique...and it seems that HER of all people coming here was more than a mere..accident.

<< She looks at Delilah and Mina. They could tell where she was going with that. And of course the other question was the apparition, the spirit that they both had seen, that had helped BOTH of them. >>

As for their other objects and talismans...

<< Karen slowly accepted the necessity to move them to a safe location.>>

Where is this facility you spoke of? What kind of safe guards does it have??

And will I....

<< Mina had said it earlier, but Karen HAD to be sure...>>

Will I be able to go...and be among my daughter's things when I need to?