Finding their way

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Rich: Trust me.

Her hands were on his neck and she was riding piggy back on him.

Rich: Ready? Hold on.

"I swear to God if you call me spider monkey...."

Ana deadpanned, an obvious jab at Twilight to anyone who was familiar with the movie. But soon Rich turned into a giant bird...one she wasn't familiar with. But it was HUGE and equipped with a saddle and everything. He took off immediately, zooming in the air along side Sharon. Smiling, now this was cool! She was definitely a thrill seeker....which was probably why she was so willing to jump off the sentinel without a second thought, so this was right up her alley. The sky line was beautiful...so different than seeing it from the streets below.

"I'm officially jealous of both of your powers!"

She shouted over the wind.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike saw this lady rip zombies to shreds just days ago and now SHE is spooked at this Apothecary?! Something was up, and he was going to find out what. Because in that case KAREN could be in danger.

"I...this place, apothecaries in general, makes me nervous. All that weird stuff in there..."

:: She looked at Mike again. Maybe, if she stayed close to him, she wouldn't be quite as nervous? She glanced at the door and took a small step towards Mike. ::

I got you. Just relax.

He grasped her right hand gently with his left while drawing his firearm with his right hand. he could feel the strength in her arm and her cool skin...same as before. But she was indeed a bit spooked.

He led the way, opening the doorway and walking inside, Cass in tow...

 

[Matrix]

Rich was in heaven.

He was soaring effortlessly in the air with the strongest metahuman he had ever met, while being straddled and held by a pretty Asian girl. A boy could do worse. In fact the only current drawback was his increasing awareness of her warm legs wrapped around what was actually his bare skin. He cleared his mind and kept the flying up (and everything else down), laughing as she yelled.

"I'm officially jealous of both of your powers!"

She shouted over the wind.

I don't know, being able to make energy weapons and blow shit up seems pretty neat to this country boy. You ready for trick flying yet?


Rich laughed as he began to fly around Sharon, moving quickly and effortlessly.

 

[Silver Swan]

In the skies above

[ The air itself seemed eager to bend and caress the form of Silver Swan as she flew. She COULD fly faster but she didn't want to leave Richard and Ana-Leigh behind. After all, she was now sharing with them her vantage point of the world. It was exciting and bizarre all at once.]

[ Ana-Leigh was tougher than one might think looking at her. The girl was smaller than both Richard and Sharon but she'd shown Sharon more than once since they laid eyes on each other that she was hardly weak or helpless. Even now, as she rode on Richard's back, she reveled being so high up in the open air. As she called out to Sharon, the mutate looked over...and nodded and made a "salute" gesture of sorts.]

[ As Richard, in beautiful gryfalcon form, flew around Silver Swan, she soon altered her course a bit, still allowing for Richard overlap her in his own flight pattern. Some other high flying birds flew in close, calling out to Silver Swan and regarding Richard a bit suspiciously. In the form he currently had...he was rather terrifying to them. a gryfalcon was clearly a predator and rarely seen out like this. Especially one not this large!]

[ They initially saw Richard as an ENEMY and assumed he was bothering Sharon and were prepared to attack...but then Richard and Ana-Leigh got to see her use that curious aspect of her power as she calmed the birds. She reaches out to them via her telepathic rapport and calms them assuring them he is a FRIEND just like THEY are and they should all share this wonderous open space together!]

[ The birds soon fanned out and encircled them the trio flying in an impressive flight pattern with Sharon at the helm, leading them in a fun ride of high climbs, deep loops, twists, turns and more.]

[a gesture here, a wave of her arm or a point there and the birds beautifully rotate and change positions around Richard, Ana-Leigh and herself to alter the flight pattern for anyone who MIGHT be able to see them all. Silver Swan "conducts" the flock. Its another example of her unique rapport with this aspect of nature.]

[ Soon, she leads them through a puffy CLOUD. Surely a "first" for Ana-Leigh. They pass through and fly UPward in a beautiful arc form.]

 

[Seer]

and so

<< Silver Swan seems to forget how much she "stands out" from others. Instead, she finds herself feeling free and light hearted and to be able to share this moment with new found team mates ...friends even...THIS was just as enjoyable to her as singing was.>>

<< But even as they flew through the air together, she'd be reminded that moments like these often ended too quickly.>>


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


<< Back on ground level, Michael leads Cass inside Bell, Book & Candle. They hope to say hello to Karen. They'll get alot more than they bargained for.>>


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

<< Back at Illustra. Delilah, Bishop and Mina finish their time in the War Room. The combat data is stored and now, Mina and Delilah have some time to talk amongst themselves. Andrew is back in his apartment, seriously preparing to leave Illustra and abandon this idea of working with Delilah all together.>>

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

<< As Michael and Cass enter the apothecary, they both feel the curious and unique enviornment they are in. The trinkets, figurines, and other objects around them are worth a closer look. There were other items as well that were clearly related to the occult. Michael and Cass both remember Karen revealing herself to be a witch. But what Michael didnt know was that many witches and various vampire sects did NOT get along well, hence Cass' extreme apprehension about being in this place.>>

<< Soft chimes play a melodic tune. Intrigued as Michael was, Cass was equally on edge. As they moved through the place, still no sign of Karen...or anyone else. Not yet...but they'd soon come to realize something was wrong.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Deeper into Bell, Book & Candle

<< Karen followed along, cautiously, as the siamese lead the way. She noted the areas she passed through until finally reaching a large doorway that had talismans hanging from it.>>

the witch's area of consecration! the siamese is her familiar and she's leading me to her...but why??

<< the siamese would go no further, but instead circled around Karen and mewed intently. She wanted Karen to go further. Karen hesitated...but clearly the familiar was upset about something.>>

Something MUST be wrong. Maybe the shoppe mistress CAN'T answer me!

<< As Karen breathed in and took that first step through the doorway, the talismans hummed softly and glowed blue. they recognized Karen as GOOD and did not attempt to bar her way.>>

<< through a hall , Karen creeped along slowly, her sense of dread growing until finally she heard sounds of distress and confrontation. A woman crying out in pain and a man being agressive.>>

oh my stars...

<< Karen tensed up a bit as she slowly moved along the wall, peering into what was clearly inner sanctum of the apothercary. where a witch and/or a coven would gather for fellowship, meditation, rituals and the like.>>

 

[Seer]

Danger

<< Inside the Inner sanctum, Karen sees a large man dressed all in black including boots and gloves, man handling a young woman. He's attempting to rob her and when she retreated to her area of consecration to try to defend herself, he pursued and was upon her before she could do much. Now he was assaulting her.>>

<<FLASH!>>


<< a horizontal split view. on the top- Karen's opal blue eyes widen with shock. On the bottom- a view of the man terrorizing and assaulting the young woman who is already hurt and injured.>>

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

<< back in the apothecary were Michael and Cass were, they now began to wonder what happened to Karen. A tinkling of the cat's collar bell heralds the arrival of the siamese. She greets Michael but upon seeing Cass, she pulls back with fear and agression as she HISSES, arches her back and her hair stands on end. She growls.>>

<< The cat has the same reaction to Cass as Tinkerbell had to Mina. Michael is caught off guard as the cat angrily swats at his outstretched hand, with CLAWS. Soon, no longer being able to abide the presence of Cass, the cat scampers away, back toward the the doorway where Karen had went through. She looks back at Michael...something will tell him that there's something wrong here.>>

<< But when Cass and Michael finally DO reach the doorway themselves, they'll get yet ANOTHER suprise.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Bell, Book & Candle - Inner Sanctum

<< Karen's mouth is agape with shock at what she finds and as the man HITS the young woman hard, Karen will not see ANYMORE of this happen!>>

STOP THAT!
<< She boldly steps out from the shadows.>>

Leave that girl alone and LEAVE this place!

<< She commands as she stands firm. Looking the man in his eyes. He's taller than her...bigger and physically stronger than her. But It's dangerous for HIM to underestimate HER.>>

<< the man throws the girl to the ground as Karen defies him.>>

Come to me, child. Don't look at him....

<< Karen holds out her hand.>>

Arielle: But who....who are....

<< Karen looks down at the girl's tear streaked face with a compassionate expression.>>

Karen: I'm someone who wants to help you...

Man: Help yourself to a beating just like she got!?

<< As the man goes to kick the girl in her stomach...>>

NO!

<< Karen thrusts her hand out, chimes sound off as she fires a mystic force bolt. Not enough to KILL but certainly enough to STUN him and knock him down.>>

<< Karen rushes forward to help a badly bruised and hurt Arielle to her feet.>>

Karen: I know it's hard, child. I know you're in pain...I can help you with that later, right now do as I say...and RUN. GET OUT OF HERE and don't look back!

<< Karen ushes her toward the door way leading to the hall just as the man springs to his feet and draws his gun, pointing and preparing to fire!>>

<< the terrified Arielle runs, crying as Karen turns back to face him.>>

Karen: Don't be stupid, young man. I've already shown you that I'm MORE than a mere "old woman."

Man: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?? a WITCH!?

<< Karen almost SMIRKS at this.>>

Karen: Yes....I AM. And this place? This is a SCAREY place where BAD THINGS can happen to STUPID men like YOU who think they can take what doesnt belong to them!

MAN: FUCK YOU!

<< He opens FIRE, shooting with fear and RAGE.>>

<< FLASH!>>

<< back out near the doorway, Michael and Cass hear Karen shout, Arielle crying and a man's voice. But as they BOTH attempt to go ahead, the talismans SOUND OFF, glowing bright RED as Cass is REPELLED as if she hit a forcefield. The Talismans wont let HER pass! >>

<< Even as Michael doesnt know what to make of that, he soon sees a young girl come running toward them, bruised, beaten and terrified.>>

Arielle: Please....HELP ME! There's a man....

<< She can barely talk, she's beside herself in panic...but she manages to say...>>

Arielle: A woman saved me back there but he's got a gun...

<< then GUN SHOTS.>>

<< The bullets RACE for Karen and HIT...where she WAS!>>

<< Chimes sounded off just as Karen DISAPPEARED...*BLINKED* out of sight, avoiding the bullets completely as they hit the wall. Only to then reappear along side the man at his 9 o'clock, several feet away.>>

I think NOT!

<< Karen extends her hand forward. It is encircled by a glowing halo of dark magick and she ensnares the man in TIGHT mystic bindings. SO tight that he grunts and cries out with pain as he drops his gun.>>

I don't LIKE guns, young man. OR the men who would use them to bully and HURT people.

<< Karen looks at him with utter contempt.>>

Your campaign of terror and abuse against this woman is OVER.

<< FLASH!>>

<< Images of Michael RUNNING down the hall toward the inner sanctum, his gun drawn. He reaches Karen and the man just in time to see....

<< Karen gestures a'la Prue Halliwell, manipulating the mystic bindings and HURLING the man across the room smashing into a wall. He crumbles down to the floor, unconscious.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Karen?

Mick called for her, but not very loud in case she was doing something witchy. He had no idea what was going on and then things got weird.

<< back in the apothecary were Michael and Cass were, they now began to wonder what happened to Karen. A tinkling of the cat's collar bell heralds the arrival of the siamese. She greets Michael but upon seeing Cass, she pulls back with fear and agression as she HISSES, arches her back and her hair stands on end. She growls.>>

<< The cat has the same reaction to Cass as Tinkerbell had to Mina. Michael is caught off guard as the cat angrily swats at his outstretched hand, with CLAWS. Soon, no longer being able to abide the presence of Cass, the cat scampers away, back toward the the doorway where Karen had went through. She looks back at Michael...something will tell him that there's something wrong here.>>

The cat was freaking over Cass...what was its deal. The cat almost jumped the girl before finally going all Lassie on him, practically dragging him down this hallway. he drew his other weapon and proceeded.


What the fuck is going on here? Lead the way cat.

Suddenly he heard scuffling and voices down the hallway!! Something was not right, and he began to jog silently with Cass in tow, until they reached some drawings at the doorway. They went red and Cass was pushed backwards while he was let through!! He looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and spoke as he kept going.

Stay here!! I'll be be back in a moment.

<< back out near the doorway, Michael and Cass hear Karen shout, Arielle crying and a man's voice. But as they BOTH attempt to go ahead, the talismans SOUND OFF, glowing bright RED as Cass is REPELLED as if she hit a forcefield. The Talismans wont let HER pass! >>

<< Even as Michael doesnt know what to make of that, he soon sees a young girl come running toward them, bruised, beaten and terrified.>>

Arielle: Please....HELP ME! There's a man....

<< She can barely talk, she's beside herself in panic...but she manages to say...>>

Arielle: A woman saved me back there but he's got a gun...

<< then GUN SHOTS.>>

Head up front, I have a friend who will help you once you get there.

Rushing down the hall he finds Karen hocus-pocus kicking some guy's ass.She tosses him in the corner like old garbage while he is bound by some dark glowy chain thingys. Kinky...

Mike walks in and immediately takes control of the guys firearm and frisks him. Flipping him over he gives Karen a look like 'I got this" and she releases the bindings that he quickly replaces with handcuffs, lifting the guy off the ground and dragging him over as he checks on Karen.

You OK Doc? You seem to attract trouble? Perhaps time for a new perfume though...on second thought, keep the one you have. I like it a LOT. Let's go back up front, Cass is here and we need to figure out the best way to deal with this. Perps talk, and I suspect we would like to keep this quiet.

He jerks the guy up and places a hand on Karen's back to help her to the front.

 

[Ruby]

Bell, Book & Candle

:: Cass was filled with apprehension even as Mike led her inside the the store. The feeling did not change even as the owner's cat hissed and spat at her. ::

*warily*: "N-nice k-kitty...?"

:: She stepped closer to Mike and they followed the familiar down the hall. It was almost as if the cat itself was leading them down the hall. Cass felt spooked and off-kilter. This place was not at all friendly towards her. ::

<< back out near the doorway, Michael and Cass hear Karen shout, Arielle crying and a man's voice. But as they BOTH attempt to go ahead, the talismans SOUND OFF, glowing bright RED as Cass is REPELLED as if she hit a forcefield. The Talismans wont let HER pass! >>

:: Mewling softly under her breath that Mike can't hear, she followed Mike deeper into the shoppe. They heard Karen shout, a young girl crying, and a man's voice. Cass shook in trepidation. ::

:: They arrived at a door with the talisman and Cass involuntarily shrieked as she came upon the invisible field. She took a few steps backward and leaned against the wall opposite the door, growling low in her throat. She watched as Mike went through the door. ::

<< Even as Michael doesnt know what to make of that, he soon sees a young girl come running toward them, bruised, beaten and terrified.>>

Arielle: Please....HELP ME! There's a man....

<< She can barely talk, she's beside herself in panic...but she manages to say...>>

Arielle: A woman saved me back there but he's got a gun...

<< then GUN SHOTS.>>

:: Cass intercepted the girl, who practically ran into her arms, shivering with fright. ::

*soothingly*: "Everything will be okay..."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Bell, Book & Candle

<< SECONDS after Karen subdues the assailant, MICHAEL barges in. Karen GASPS and initially was about to fire upon HIM out of reflex due to the situation but she saw who it was and rested her hand on her chest....exhaling slowly as she calmed herself.>>

MICHAEL!?

You OK Doc? You seem to attract trouble?

More than you could imagine, young man.

<< She says, visibly relieved to see a FRIENDLY face now.>>

Perhaps time for a new perfume though...on second thought, keep the one you have. I like it a LOT.

this is no time for jokes Michael.

<< She chides him even as she smiles a bit. Of all the things he could say...THAT? Was he flirting? Surely not. Not when there were other women closer to his age like Cass in this city. >>

Let's go back up front, Cass is here and we need to figure out the best way to deal with this. Perps talk, and I suspect we would like to keep this quiet.

<< Cass AND Michael? It was almost like a reunion. It was UNCANNY that they'd meet again HERE of all places. Still, Karen was happy that she wouldnt have to decide WHAT to do with this assailant on her own and that she wouldnt be left to explain just HOW she subdued him to the police.>>

Agreed.

He jerks the guy up and places a hand on Karen's back to help her to the front.

<< Karen composes herself as they walk along, finally to the front where Arielle and Cass are.>>

Cass, it's nice to see you as well.

<< She places a hand on Arielle's back.>>

Don't worry, child. You're among friends. I know these people and just as I was here to help, so are they now. You're safe now.

<< Michael had already called a squad car to pick the man up.>>

Before we remove this miscreant...first...a minor spell to make him FORGET what he saw. Only to remember that he came here to rob and attack this young woman...

<< she looks at Cass and Michael as she waves her hand in a circle and sparking orbs circle around the man's head.>>

... until WE showed up and Michael subdued him. Let us leave it at that.

<< The spell activates.>>

 

[Seer]

and so

<< Soon Michael is shown handling the transfer of custody to the police who arrived. He handles the debriefing while Karen remains inside with Arielle and Cass. In her initial panic, she didnt immediately realize who was holding and trying to comfort her but Cass' status as a vamp had been highlighted by the familiar as well as the talismans both of which reacted negatively to her presence and now, Arielle expressed discomfort and moved toward Karen, who gathered her in her arms.>>

<< It had been a rough time for Cass. What started out as an attempt to greet a new friend turned into a whirl wind of danger and discomfort. She knew questions would come soon. Even Michael couldnt understand why certain things had happened in the Apothecary and why the cat was so upset. even now, the siamese growled and showed signs of agitation as he returned inside.>>

<< As the police left, Karen, Michael and Cass would now tend to Arielle and then they'd talk amongst themselves.>>

<< A journey of discovery is often not without pain and discomfort...as they would soon find out.>>

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

<< Meanwhile>>

<< Ana-Leigh was having the ride of her life, Richard was learning some new aerial moves and Silver Swan felt so....at EASE. They were all having a good time but all good things must come to an end.>>

<< During a low dip, Silver Swan picks up "thoughts" and impressions from birds further down, in an area of Central Park near a flowing stream in the Ramble near the North Woods area.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Central Park- North Woods area

[ Silver Swan's look of content fades as she begins to pick up thoughts and impressions from birds down below in the Ramble area near the North Woods area of Central Park.]

<<FLASH!>>

<< flashing freeze frame of Silver Swan's silver eyes. Zoom down from the clouds to the Ramble in Central Park. Birds point of view from the trees.>>

<<10 people are kneeling down by the stream, heads behind their heads. Most of them are homeless. Some are children. They were all identified by genetic scans and psi probes of psychic HOUNDS, one of which is chained to a nearby carrier. The hound is a telepath...once human but now genetically modified into a rabid, animal like state used to hunt, track and KILL other mutants.>>

<< BEHIND the prisoners are 6 MYSTECH soldiers dressed in their usual black garb, featureless face masks and well armed.>>

Soldier: Scan this group. We're supposed to find a mutant with psi potential. The rest, LIQUIDATE.

<< The 10 mutants show signs of abuse. One looks as young as 10 years old with tears streaming down her face.>>

Soldier 2: Positive mark on the girl. She's telekinetic.

Soldier 1: Knock her out but don't drug her. The Genegineer doesnt want the specimen contaminated before experimentation.

Soldier 3: And the rest?

Soldier 4: I say we hunt 'em for target practice

Soldier 1: We have our orders....

Soldier 4: Screw our orders. A dead mutie is a dead mutie...who cares how it got that way! More fun for US!

<< the soldiers laugh a bit as the young girl is dragged from the line up, kicking & screaming before one of the soldiers calls her a nasty name and brutally knocks her out.>>

Soldier 1: We don't want any mishaps. LIQUIDATE and load them on to the carrier for transport to the Dead Factory!

[ Silver Swan reaches out to the birds flying with her]

The MONSTERS are down there. They are HURTING people. We must STOP them. We must KILL THEM!

[ Calling out to Richard and Ana-Leigh]

There's TROUBLE down below in Central Park! Mystech goons...they're going to KILL mutants in the north woods area now unless WE stop them! Come on!

[ She waves them to follow her down as she dives down, fists forward.]

[ Racing down , she is joined by the birds.]


You're not GOING ANYWHERE, Mystech SCUM!

[ The soldiers look up]

Remember ME!?

That's right....I'm STILL....HERE!

[ She cries out like a bird of prey herself as she closes in!]

[ She SLAMS down, stumbling and staggering them all as she shouts at the would be victims!]

RUN! Run for your freedom, run for your LIVES! WE'LL take care of these assholes!

[ and with that, the BIRDS join in the attack as well, going after the psychic hound who was released by a soldier and bounding toward Silver Swan. The birds set upon him in a fury leaving Silver Swan to deal with two of the men head on.]

[ She leaps up into the air with her natural gymnastic ability, dodging their plasma blasts. Tucking as she arcs through the air and comes down, she expands and SLAMS her silver high heeled boots into the chest of one of the soldiers and hammers him down to the ground. Still crouched on TOP of him, she immediately swings her armoured arm out and around CHOPPING the other soldier standing up behind her (but facing where she LAST was) in the back of his knees, crippling him as he falls to the ground. She SMASHES the first soldier's head into the ground before setting upon the other one, beating him to a pulp.]

WHO'S NEXT!?

 

[Arsenal]

B and E, 4 counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, unlawful possession of a firearm per Rockefeller Laws, resisting arrest, attempted kidnapping. I will figure out the rest when I get there and do the reports. He is also wanted for questioning, we get crime around here, I wanna see what he has to say. You have him there when I get there. He can call his Mama or his lawyer when I finish.

Mike comes back in after shoving the perps head into a police vehicle and tapping the roof as it rolls out.

As he walked back in, he noticed something immediately: The girl and the cat were afraid of Cass, who was herself wary. He took a breath and walked over to the group and pulled a couple of chairs out, one for Arielle and one for Karen. Using his training he tried to help everyone relax a bit.

How is everyone now? Let's relax a bit and figure out what happened here. My name is Michael Armstrong of the NYPD. This is Cassie and this...is Doctor Karen Victoria.Arielle, can you tell me what happened here? Are you hurt in any way?

He gestures as he gives out introductions.

 

[Ruby]

Bell, Book & Candle

:: Cass smiled at Karen, albeit a bit nervous. She was still spooked by what was going on. This has been pretty hard on her. She didn't WANT to reveal her TRUE self but she can tell that her time was almost up. It was too bad; she liked Karen. She reminded her of her own mother, who was deceased. And Mike... Cass snuck a shy glance at him. She thought he was pretty darn good-looking. But still. What would they do if they knew that she was a vampire? The talisman knew and the cat knew that something was up. She felt uneasy, a feeling that she never thought she'd feel again. She rubbed the girl's back. ::

"It's nice to see you too, Dr. Victoria."

:: The girl in her arms finally settled down until she noticed the cat being weirded out by Cass. She gave Cass a weird look and pulled away from her and went over to Karen. Cass looked down at her hands and wondered what to do. She was all alone here and she knew that the inevitable was coming: the time when she would have to tell them that she was a vampire. She looked all around the shop as if looking for a way out. SHe didn't want to tell them. She liked them and their friendship. ::

What would be the best way to deal with this? Fight? Or just rip off the bandage and then run away? Yeah, I think that would be better than fighting. I'd rather not fight them.

:: Cass sat down in a nearby chair and stared at nothing in particular. She heard Mike talk to Arielle, the girl, but she - Cass - was only half listening. ::

 

[Matrix]

This was AMAZING! And Sharon was awesome as a flier, he was picking up new moves over and over. And the other birds, while at first standoffish to him began to warm up to him as they flew. He could tell that SS played a big part in that and that was the coolest thing he had ever seen. Commanding animals and shit? REALLY?!

He kept up as best as he could (which was not half bad) but then he saw her tilt her head and, Sharon pointed and the birds flew down quickly.

[ Calling out to Richard and Ana-Leigh]

There's TROUBLE down below in Central Park! Mystech goons...they're going to KILL mutants in the north woods area now unless WE stop them! Come on!

[ She waves them to follow her down as she dives down, fists forward.]

[ Racing down , she is joined by the birds.]

Time for the ride to change Artemis. Hold on!

Around her Rich's form hardens into metal, then he transforms around her to a glider diving near terminal velocity before pulling up and gently settling near ground...

...and turning back into Richard, gently placing Artemis on the ground. He went immediately over to the children, herding them away from the carnage and trying to calm them down. Sharon needed no help but theses kids were frightened to death and one was knocked out.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Bell, Book & Candle

<< Karen asked Michael to lock the front door and turn the sign to "CLOSED".>>

<< Soon she sits beside Arielle, who is visibly upset by Cass, much to Karen's surprise and concern. The siamese as well. But again, Karen had seen THAT before when Tinkerbell reacted negatively to Mina! Something about this was bothering her and NOW was the time to address it.>>

<< CLEARLY there was no more danger, at least not from within. Not with Michael, Karen and Cass all present.>>

It's alright now, child...I assure you that you're SAFE.

Here....breathe in deeply...

<< once again, Karen lifts her hand and circles it around. a soft melody of mystic chimes plays as golden orbs of healing magick swirl around Arielle.>>

...and let my MAGICK touch, heal you.

<< A golden ray of light softly shines down over Arielle as her face and body are healed of cuts, bruises and any other injuries. Arielle breathes deeply and calms...>>

Arielle: Oh....thank you....that was magick, but you did not utter an incantation....

Karen: No I didn't. It's not necessary for me to ignite minor spells. You see, like you...I'm a WITCH...

Arielle: A super powered witch! You're the mother of Morgan Victoria, sorceress supreme...or at least she was until....

<< They all pause...knowing what happened to Morgan.>>

Karen: Yes, so you DO recognize me.

Arielle: How could any witch not? Ever since Morgan's passing...there's been this ripple effect in the world of magick that even the most MINOR mystic has been touched by...there's a great EVIL among us...one that grows in power and reach with each passing day....

<< Michael, Karen and Cass looked at each other. They could all too well guess what that EVIL she was referring to was.>>

Karen: Your familiar << who was now on Arielle's lap but still eyeing Cass and growling a bit with her ears back>> lead me to you. What happened back there?


Arielle: He's been around here alot...targeting members of the coven. He robs them or worse... If they can make it inside, I activate protection spells to block his way. This place, as you probably can tell, is not just a shoppe but also a haven and refuge for a local coven and any witch who may be in need. I've fended him off before... but today, he ambushed me before I could get my bearings...it all happened so fast...

<< Arielle clearly was still upset but not beside herself like earlier.>>

Karen: It's alright now. I'm sorry that happened to you. Michael will make sure he NEVER comes back here again or bothers your & your sister witches again.

Arielle: There's been so many strange things happening around here lately. Two nights ago was the worst. But we gathered here for refuge and protection using our magick to make sure none of the creatures we saw outside got in or harmed us.

<< So Arielle was also effected by the bio terror event>>

Arielle: But now....SHE'S here...and you call HER a friend!? keep her AWAY from me!

<< Arielle shrieks and points at Cass as the siamese cat HISSES once again>>

<< Karen looks at Michael hope he's ready to step in the middle if it becomes absolutely necessary.

Karen: Arielle, I assure you...I would NOT expose you to any danger!

<< looking at Cass with concern>>

Not KNOWINGLY anyway.

Cass...I think now is the time for you to tell me...us...EXACTLY who you are.

I realize that the last time we met, there was precious little time for in depth conversations but...I am now concerned. This child is almost as TERRIFIED of you as she was her assailant. Why would that be?


<< Karen looks at the siamese cat, who continues to growl, then back to Cass.>>

I can assure you that you are in no danger of violence NO ONE in this room is. But you must be honest with me now.

Michael, I trust that you'll understand the need for discretion and that nothing shared among us...

<< She knew she could trust Michael. After all, it was HE who wanted to make sure they got the details of the story of the assailant in order, lest her status as a WITCH and what this place actually was be compromised.>>

will be repeated anywhere else?

<< Looking back to Cass, Karen awaited her response. They all did.>>

 

[Ruby]

:: Cass shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She was drawn out of her thoughts when Arielle shrieked at her and the cat started up again. So. The time has come to reveal herself. ::

Arielle, I assure you...I would NOT expose you to any danger!

<< looking at Cass with concern>>

Not KNOWINGLY anyway.

Cass...I think now is the time for you to tell me...us...EXACTLY who you are.

I realize that the last time we met, there was precious little time for in depth conversations but...I am now concerned. This child is almost as TERRIFIED of you as she as her assailant. Why would that be?


<< Karen looks at the siamese cat, who continues to growl, then back to Cass.>>

I can assure you that you are in no danger of violence NO ONE in this room is. But you must be honest with me now.

Michael, I trust that you'll understand the need for discretion and that nothing shared among us...

<< She knew she could trust Michael. After all, it was HE who wanted to make sure they got the details of the story of the assailant in order, lest her status as a WITCH and what this place actually was be compromised.>>

will be repeated anywhere else?

<< Looking back to Cass, Karen awaited her response. They all did.>>

"I'm...I'm..."

:: She looked towards the door. The door was locked, but she could get through if need be. ::

Don't run or fight, girl. You may feel like running but that would make them even more suspicious.

:: Cass slumped in her chair, as if drained of energy. ::

"Okay, I'll tell you. I just want to say something first." *sincerely*: "I am NOT at all like the others, I swear."

:: With that she stood up and kicked the wooden chair over and broke off one of its legs. She stood looking down at the chair, her back towards the three others and the cat. She closed her eyes and felt her beautiful visage turn into that of the vampire. If anybody were to get near her while in this form, they would've described it as a weird cuteness. Nobody ever got close enough, though. She tapped the wooden "stake" against her left leg. ::

"I mean you no harm, I hope you know that."

:: She slowly turned towards them, her vampiric face now in place. Her yellow eyes glimmered in the shop. ::

*tearfully*: "I'm a vampire."

:: She strode over to where Mike was and handed him the stake. She then sat down on the floor and waited for IT to happen: a stake through her heart. There would be no running or fighting from her. ::

 

[Arsenal]

Karen asked for his silence, as if that needed to be asked. He was already committing a felony as it was with the false reports. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes and simply nodded silently for her to continue.

:: Cass slumped in her chair, as if drained of energy. ::

"Okay, I'll tell you. I just want to say something first." *sincerely*: "I am NOT at all like the others, I swear."

:: With that she stood up and kicked the wooden chair over and broke off one of its legs. She stood looking down at the chair, her back towards the three others and the cat. She closed her eyes and felt her beautiful visage turn into that of the vampire. If anybody were to get near her while in this form, they would've described it as a weird cuteness. Nobody ever got close enough, though. She tapped the wooden "stake" against her left leg. ::

"I mean you no harm, I hope you know that."

:: She slowly turned towards them, her vampiric face now in place. Her yellow eyes glimmered in the shop. ::

*tearfully*: "I'm a vampire."

:: She strode over to where Mike was and handed him the stake. She then sat down on the floor and waited for IT to happen: a stake through her heart. There would be no running or fighting from her. ::

Mike was A-fucking-MAZED!! A Vampire! Cassie! He thought about everything he had seen and heard, what he had seen her do, and it did click, especially after seeing the fangs and eyes. It was kinda hawt-scary, like he KNEW she was cool (and still...amazingly enough...cute) but at the same time she could just kill him.

He was still thinking as he realized that the stake was in his hand and she had given herself over to be killed. The same girl who had helped save them all when she could have not given a damn about it. The same one who was anguished that she would even be seen as someone who would hunt people and was willing to allow HIM, the prey, to kill her even now.

Mike tossed the stake aside.

Girl, get up off that floor. No one is killing ANYONE here tonight. You had a TON of chances to be a killer and you didn't. Get up. Everybody's got a secret here.

Mike reached down and grasped her hand, helping her to a standing position. He was prepared for the witches to not like this, and he was prepared to help her get out of here if need be. But he hoped that Karen would not turn from Cassie over this after all they had been through.

 

[Ruby]

Mike tossed the stake aside.

Girl, get up off that floor. No one is killing ANYONE here tonight. You had a TON of chances to be a killer and you didn't. Get up. Everybody's got a secret here.

Mike reached down and grasped her hand, helping her to a standing position. He was prepared for the witches to not like this, and he was prepared to help her get out of here if need be. But he hoped that Karen would not turn from Cassie over this after all they had been through.

:: Cass heard the stake clatter on the ground before she heard Mike speak. She felt Mike's hand lift her up and looked up at him questioningly. ::

*confused*: "I...I don't understand...."

:: She was shocked that he would be acting friendly towards her. She let herself be lifted and she buried her face in his chest. She was afraid of what KAREN might think. She really liked the doctor and yes, she was even starting to become interested in magick and things like that now that she was in here. At the mere thought of being ostracized by the doctor, she started mewling pitifully. She just wanted to be accepted. She had no one. ::