Splattered pumpkins

[Shadow Weaver]

On her way

<< Pulling into her spot, Carole Starr exits her vehicle, clicking on her key pad as she locks it and sets the alarm.>>

<< With her purse in hand, Carole takes a moment to look around and take in the area. She's been here before, but of course TODAY is unlike any other day for her.>>

<< The high noon soon is out, there's a nice breeze, the town is definitely showing its "Halloween spirit." She, of course, could do just fine without any reminders of the day. Still, she's here to meet Michael Armstrong for lunch. He managed to talk her into it, provided she get to pick and so she chose the Beacon Hill Bistro in part because it had entrees that would satisfy even an appetite like Michaels but most importantly for HER because they served ALCOHOL.>>

<< After a few moments, she steps on to the sidewalk, walking along in her high heels.>>

<< Across the way... her opal blue eyes catch sight of a group of children, all fully dressed in various costumes for Halloween.>>

<< it was hard to begrduge them. after all, they didnt know anything about what haunts HER on this day. they were just doing what was ordinary american tradition for so many kids. She looks upon them with a soft gaze for a moment, slowing her pace a bit.>>

<< then suddenly, the children TAKE OFF running! They all barrell past her.>>

oh...

<< She stops for a moment, looking down at them with a slight smile as they hurry past and the adult chaperoning them gives an apologetic smile to her.>>

<< and soon she returns to her normal pace, walking on before the window displays of Blackstone's catch her eye.>>

<< she moves closer to one of the windows and bends over a bit for a closer look at some of the cute items and trinkents on display. >>

 

[The Shape]

Trick or treat!

After 20 years.

For her to be this careless and let her guard down?

As KAREN VICTOR, his long lost mother stops to admire the trinkets in the store, she makes it too easy to be watched.

STALKED.

FOUND!

With a slow, steady pace, The Shape walks toward Karen.

Despite his bizarre appearence, he fits right in with the atmosphere of the day and thus, proceeds toward his long sought after prey in broad daylight out in the open.

Closer.

And CLOSER STILL. Until he's arms length away.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

afternoon terror

<< Carole smiles a bit, considering going into the shop to purchase a small gift for her daughter. They've been so strained lately and Carole...KAREN knows why. It effects them BOTH in different and similar ways, all which have served to erode their relationship. Others close to each of them can tell their dynamic is..."off".>>

<< A gift can't possibly fix it, but Carole...KAREN loves her daughter and wants her to know that no matter what.>>

<< So lost is she in her private thoughts as she looks into the display window of Blackstone's that the wind shifting causes her to look up and at that moment, in the refracted image of the window...>>

Despite his bizarre appearence, he fits right in with the atmosphere of the day and thus, proceeds toward his long sought after prey in broad daylight out in the open.

Closer.

And CLOSER STILL. Until he's arms length away.

.....NO!

STALKED.

FOUND!

<< it's HIM!>>

<< Standing upright, Karen gasps as she QUICKLY turns around to face him.>>

<< a hand reaches out to her arm.>>

NO!

<< Carole screams as she recoils and a mysterious "chime" effect is heard in the air as MICHAEL ARMSTRONG [who it had been all along] finds his touch PAINFULLY repulsed as a stream of golden energy flows around the area of her arm that he'd reached for>>

Mike: WHOA! CAROLE! It's ME, Mike! We're meeting for lunch?!

<< the man looks slightly bewildered and concerned as he nots the PRONOUNCED reaction Carole hand and the look of FEAR in her face.>>

....

<< Karen's look of utter dismay melts into one of slight disorientation and then embarrassment>>

not....not HIM after all! only Michael. thank HEAVENS....ONLY MICHAEL

Oh...oh my stars! Michael...I'm sorry...

Mike: I guess I scared you just then...

<< Carole calmed a bit more and apologized again for being so "jumpy". Mike had seen her "jumpy"...THIS was a step just BELOW PANIC. Something wsa wrong...But he knew better than to push too hard. He checked to make sure she was truly okay and offered to escort her the rest of the way to Beacon Hill Bistro, where they'd have lunch where they'd have a most interesting conversation.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

elsewhere on Charles Street

<< a stepping disc opens and four omega class mutants emerge!>>

<< For Delilah and Ava it was the first time they'd TRAVELED via stepping disc and it was a bit like taking a "first step" that might be their NEVER ENDING LAST. A "wild ride" that began AND ended in the twinkling of the young witch's eye! it was definitely a unique feeling. One Nicolas had experienced a bit more of before, but this time he didnt make a stop in HELL along the way.>>

<< they arrive around the corner on the opposite side of Charles Street.>>

<< All of them had snuck away from Hillcrest before for little jaunts and aventures before, it was tradition. but not TOGETHER like this and they had to admit, Courtney's teleporting power would take this, cutting class & other "naughty" activities to a whole new level!>>

<< now off campus, on Beacon Hill's mainstreet, their destination was Charles Street Liquors an award winning fine wine, craft beer and rare spirits retailer. It was THE place to pick just about any "poison" money could by in this area and Boston as a whole.>>

<< Still, the idea that they could just WALK in there in broad day light and attempt to PURCHASE alcohol? Ava, Delilah and Nicolas knew Dr. Starr would have their heads mounted on spikes for that. so just WHAT was Courtney up to?>>

<< They attempted to keep out of obvious sight as they realized Courtney had teleported them damn near across town.>>

relax. we have plenty of time. my mother and her boytoy were to have lunch this afternoon and my stepping discs get us from point a to b faster than you can say HELLBOUND!

<< courtney's choice of words often left them at a loss, this moment was no different and yet she seemed EXCITED to be so boldly violating the rules right now.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Finally, some WE time. Mike was nicely dressed and walking down the street towards his lunch date. As he walked down the street a young lady gave him a lingering look and a smile as she sashayed past. He smiled back while thinking sarcastically to himself,

No thanks, I'd much rather prefer to spend time with my ambivalent, physically-unavailable-but lovable-once-you-get-past-the-severe-facade somewhat perhaps girlfriend.

Make no mistake, Mike cared for Carole...perhaps loved her. In fact, he was sure he did. But at some point, on some level, Mike had to wonder of even he would ever get to the point where he was truly TRUSTED. It was apparent that their lack of sexual intimacy was only a symptom, and it was obvious that Carole was physically attracted to Mike. In fact, she would many times take the lead when they were alone. But at some point around third base, she would just...freeze up. She WANTED to, but she couldn't for some reason. And try as they both might, the trust issue was taking a toll on them.

But that argument was for another time. Today, they were going to have lunch and hang out and he was going to make her smile and forget whatever had her spooked. As if on cue, she was right before him, looking into a shop window. He walked up to her...

<< it's HIM!>>

<< Standing upright, Karen gasps as she QUICKLY turns around to face him.>>

<< a hand reaches out to her arm.>>

NO!

<< Carole screams as she recoils and a mysterious "chime" effect is heard in the air as MICHAEL ARMSTRONG [who it had been all along] finds his touch PAINFULLY repulsed as a stream of golden energy flows around the area of her arm that he'd reached for>>

Mike: WHOA! CAROLE! It's ME, Mike! We're meeting for lunch?!

<< the man looks slightly bewildered and concerned as he notes the PRONOUNCED reaction Carole hand and the look of FEAR in her face.>>

....

<< Karen's look of utter dismay melts into one of slight disorientation and then embarrassment>>


Carole: Oh...oh my stars! Michael...I'm sorry...

Mike: I guess I scared you just then...

At this point, in spite of the pain, the officer had reached back out and was steadying her by holding her at the waist. He slowly released her, making sure she was steady. He looked and a part of him wanted to hash out what the hell was going on there and now, but he returned to his original idea: have a fun time. Talk later. And so he offered his arm.

Now that you have put a charge into it, perhaps you could rub away the sting in my arm while I walk you to our lunch date. I suppose it is the LEAST you could do. She hold on to him tightly as they make the short walk up to the bistro and he pulls out her chair as they are seated. As he looks into her face, she still has a look that he has seen before, but it is even more pronounced. He takes a sip of his water and starts the conversation.

So...you look as if you have something on your mind. Care to share?

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Beacon Hill Bistro

<< Carole is seated across from Michael. She ordered a goblet of white wine chardonnay and kept her index and middle finger wrapped around the stem of the goblet at the base, slowly moving the goblet in a circular pattern and staring at the wine.>>

As he looks into her face, she still has a look that he has seen before, but it is even more pronounced. He takes a sip of his water and starts the conversation.

So...you look as if you have something on your mind. Care to share?

<< Carole finally breaks from her pensive gaze at the wine and looks over to Michael with a rueful expression in her face in opal blue eyes. Michael knew she was a witch & that she didnt age at all the same way a normal mortal woman would but inspite of her bewitching beauty, he saw a tiredness on her face and in her eyes now that would rival any battle worn soldier's>>

...

Michael.

<< She said as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs at the knee. She spoke in a low tone>>

I think I'm losing Courtney.

I think she's fiii-nally TIRED of me and my ...my obsessive, neurotic behavior.

<< she continued to gaze at Michael>>

How about YOU?

Are YOU tired of my obsessive, neurotic behavior?

<< she asked in a low, plaintive tone with no reservation.>>

 

[Arsenal]

I think I'm losing Courtney.

I think she's fiii-nally TIRED of me and my ...my obsessive, neurotic behavior.

<< she continued to gaze at Michael>>

How about YOU?

Are YOU tired of my obsessive, neurotic behavior?

<< she asked in a low, plaintive tone with no reservation.>>

Mike looked back, unsmiling. While he would normally try to defuse or disarm her question and enjoy the moment, his gut told him that the time to speak frankly was now.

I am not tired of your behavior. I am tired of you holding me at arms length. If I knew what was going on, if I could share your burden with you, it would make the behavior easier to understand, easier to take. BOTH of us need you to trust us enough to open up.

Mike reached for her hand, enveloping it in his easily.

At some point you will need to face whatever it is you are afraid of. I don't know when but I am trying to make sure you do not face it alone, but I can't do that if you toss me away. Why don't you trust me?

Mike was speaking calmly, but he was clearly upset by her distance and the toll it had taken over time.

 

[Rampage]

MORE!

That is what his mind screamed as he emerged from the stepping disk. It was like a roller coaster ride through hell; but one you would always survive while sticking your tongue out at the devils on the other side. It managed to frighten him a bit (no small feat) and yet made Courtney sexy as hell. Bad girls were HOT! That was for sure.

He let out a small whoop as he stepped out, arm around Ava's waist. It was obvious that Court had some badness planned on a 'Nicolas' level. He was impressed by her nerve so far.

relax. we have plenty of time. my mother and her boytoy were to have lunch this afternoon and my stepping discs get us from point a to b faster than you can say HELLBOUND!

<< courtney's choice of words often left them at a loss, this moment was no different and yet she seemed EXCITED to be so boldly violating the rules right now.>>

Hellbound is right. So Tabitha, what is the plan?

Nicolas and his nicknames strike again.

 

[Persephone]

Emerging from the stepping disc, that was probably a combination of every awesome roller coaster Ava had ever been on in her life. Laughing as they arrived at Charles Street, she could definitely get used to this form of transportation.

"So envious right now! Seriously! Best. Ride. EVER!"

For being someone so well put together, from a wealthy family, and who looks like they should be on the cover of a fashion magazine, Ava definitely had a wild streak. She was a thrill seeker in many different ways, so this was too much fun for her.

Coutney: relax. we have plenty of time. my mother and her boytoy were to have lunch this afternoon and my stepping discs get us from point a to b faster than you can say HELLBOUND!

"Good. Because there's a couple stores I wanna hit up before we leave."

Ava said in a chipper tone, totally ready to get their shop on. This was so much better than being in "Gene Evaluation 101"! Linking arms with Delilah, Ava and her began to walk.

"Unless Courtney has some twisted secrets up her sleeves on how to get the booze, I can always do my hair flip and cleavage show to the clerk. Works every time."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Beacon Hill Bistro

I am not tired of your behavior. I am tired of you holding me at arms length. If I knew what was going on, if I could share your burden with you, it would make the behavior easier to understand, easier to take. BOTH of us need you to trust us enough to open up.

Mike reached for her hand, enveloping it in his easily.

<< Michael would find Carole's hand slightly trembling>>

At some point you will need to face whatever it is you are afraid of. I don't know when but I am trying to make sure you do not face it alone, but I can't do that if you toss me away. Why don't you trust me?

Mike was speaking calmly, but he was clearly upset by her distance and the toll it had taken over time.

<< he had valid points and he'd prooven to be a man of remarkable courage, character and above all else, PATIENCE. Carole knew that. But the FEAR was as much a wall for her as it was for him.>>

<< squeezing has hand a bit>>

Do you think it's possible....that something so TRAGIC can happen to someone that they NEVER recover?

<< she looked directly into his eyes with her own opal blue eyes with unwavering search as she awaited his response>>

<< suddenly>>

<< an unexpected, LOUD THUMP of a human body is heard against the picture window where Carole and Michael are seated. Followed by the SHRIEK of a young woman.>>

<< A young woman, no more than 17-18, wearing a sweater stained with blotches of blood on it. A young man, same age, though fully dressed in a bizarre grim reaper costume weilding a scythe.>>

<< at first glance and sound, it seems as though the woman is being ATTACKED but after a few precious seconds of viewing the odd spectacle, it becomes clear that these are both young people acting "in the spirit" of halloween. There was no danger and all involved were willing participants. It's the kind of thing one might expect Nicolas to pull but we've already seen what happens to young brash mutants who pull such pranks on Dr. Starr....KAREN VICTOR'S watch.>>

<< After the staged theatrics, the young girl runs off, screaming and flailing her arms while the boy pursues, to the amusement of some onlookers outside.>>

<<Carole JUMPS and her eyes widen at the sound of a body thumping against the picture window, Even Michael was caught off guard and given pause as Carole pulled her hand away, gasping as she put it to her chest.>>

<< She and Michael both look on at the unfolding spectacle. HE quickly realized it was just a halloween prank but Carole was more bewildered than amused even as she too realized>>

Mike: Just a couple of kids, Carole...it's alright.

<< Carole exhaled, bowing her head a bit and shaking her head. After a moment, they resumed their heart to heart>>


<< Mike would offer his response to her first question, but she looked rather PAINED in her facial expression as she sat back. Now tears had welled up in her eyes and a few now fell down her face>>

<< speaking in a rather verklempt tone>>

There's a backstory.....that I.....I havent been very successfull with.

<< Taking a moment to try to regain her composure, she quickly reaches into her purse and pulls out a hankerchief, wiping away the tears and dabbing her eyes.>>

...

You'd THINK as a psychotherapist, I'd have a better idea...CLUE...that I of all people should know better!

<< a server was coming near and Carole quickly grabbed her goblet of wine and GULPED it down. Mike had never seen her like THIS before. >>

<< catching the server's attention>>

May I....have another goblet of chardonnay?

<< the server looked at her and the now empty goblet on the table. he'd just sat that down before her MOMENTS ago.>>

<< Carole looked at him , puzzled by his hesitancy and then clearly AGITATED by the implication of something else...>>

TODAY!

<< she bellowed. to which the server jumped a bit>>

Server: right away ma'am

<< Normally, Carole HARDLY drank IN FRONT of anyone. Courtney knew her mother was a functional alcoholic, but Mike looked upon Carole with concern, having not seen her like THIS before. She, after seeming to have forgotten he was right there as she gulped her drink down and then demanded another, returned to her response and to him.>>

I've tried everything, Michael. I've tried EVERYTHING.

12 steps....self help....group therapy....hypnotherapyyyy

<< She rattles them off with a whimsical tone, trying to pretend like she was lightening up the mood>>

But ....nothing works...nothing helps.

And I....I think Courtney has had ENOUGH of me...of US....

<< this was getting deeper. it was far more than michael expected and yet with her opening up even this much more, more questions were begged. but he had to be carefull not to push or overstep. hard to balance that when seeing how fragile she was at this point. a FAR cry from the stern woman on campus.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah felt a little woosy as she was deposited on Charles Street. She thought it was a little blatantly "out in the open" - they OBVIOUSLY were supposed to be in school and now they were basically walking down main street. But, she sighed, it was Ava and Courtney. But she had to admit to having a bad feeling about all of this.

And of course Ava wanted to shop to boot! But she gave up and had to laugh as Ava talked about showing the goods for booze.

"Unless Courtney has some twisted secrets up her sleeves on how to get the booze, I can always do my hair flip and cleavage show to the clerk. Works every time."

"Don't you think Nicolas might mind that just a little bit? Besides, I can always blind the guy while you shove bottles into your bags..."

Delilah winked. She was having fun, even if she didn't think this was the best idea. She'd rather send some dumb jocks from the lacrosse team after their alcohol. But oh well, at least Courtney seemed happy for once.

 

[Spellbinder]

Charles Street- the apothecary

<< Courtney enjoyed the rush of FREEDOM. A shame that it even had to be like this. SHE hadnt done anything wrong. SHE wasnt the>>

<<FLASH>>

Morgan: OMIGAWD MOM! He's STILL COMING!

<< all three women look with utter HORROR as the SHAPE can be seen, lumbering forward through the hellfire but as it turns out, its only for a few steps before he drops to his knees, then falls down on his face. Not moving again.>>

<< the image of him. HER BROTHER. walking through the fire. killing her friends. killing her sister. trying to kill HER. TWICE. It wasnt FAIR! She was the VICTIM and yet she had to live like she was a recipient of political asylum!>>

<< looking rather pensive at the moment...>>

"Good. Because there's a couple stores I wanna hit up before we leave."

Ava said in a chipper tone, totally ready to get their shop on. This was so much better than being in "Gene Evaluation 101"! Linking arms with Delilah, Ava and her began to walk.

"Unless Courtney has some twisted secrets up her sleeves on how to get the booze, I can always do my hair flip and cleavage show to the clerk. Works every time."

Hellbound is right. So Tabitha, what is the plan?

<< Courtney's violet eyes blinked a few times as she "rejoined them"...>>

...

<< first Nicolas>>

<< scoffing>>
You have a HARD ON for fictional witches don't you?

<< the subject of just HOW to score the booze>>

No need for that, Ava.

You guys go on and shop. I want to go to the ....

apothecary

another store. we'll meet here in an hour. DON'T be late. At that time I'll show you just how we're gonna get the booze.

<< she waited for Ava, Delilah and Nicolas to walk on and then, when they would no longer have sight of her, she quietly slipped into Storm's Apothecary >>


<< inside the apothecary, Courtney felt more alive with every breath she took. There was a true feeling of MAGICK and awareness in here, there was also the unexpected pleasure of cute familiar, a siamese cat>>

<< the cat's collar bell tinkled as she slinked along, mewing with curiosity at Courtney>>

well hello!

<< bending down to greet the kitty>>

aren't you beautiful!

<< Courtney showed a softness that no one would believe as she smiled at the siamese and gently stroked the crown of her head>>

If your mommy doesn't already know, will you let her know I'm here? I want to buy a few things.

 

[Ororo]

Mistress of the shop

No need for that, my child

A deep, elegant contralto voice can be heard in the mysterious shoppe.

For I am aware of every living thing in my domain.

Arielle, the siamese, quickly jumped into the waiting arms of a tall, regal black woman. She was older, but hardly "aged" looking. She wore a flowing white gown and a blue robe. But her hair....her eyes...

....

<< Courtney stares in utter disbelief>>

OH MY GOD! I. AM. SO. BUSTED

STORM!

No, child.

But...you look like...

Do not worry. All WITCHES, at any path along the winding way are welcomed here.

Curious indeed, the woman bore more than a striking resemblance to a certain weather manipulting professor at Hillcrest and yet...

I am glad YOU of all people showed up here today, MORGAN.

 

[Spellbinder]

the apothecary

<< Courtney gulped, she was SURE that she'd just been busted by STORM and yet... woman denied that was who she was.>>

<< She spoke with the same elegance and nurturing spirit Storm was known for but she was older, she FELT wiser and Courtney's own mystical heritage allowed her to SENSE that this woman was in fact MAGICKALLY powered as well.>>

<< Courtney was known for being bitchy and witty, but for a moment, she found herself at a loss for words especially when>>

I am glad YOU of all people showed up here today, MORGAN.

oh NO WAY

how do you...

<< shaking her head to the negative>>

No way. Okay Ms. Monroe...I'm busted. This is some elaborate halloween prank. Miss Grey is probably helping by projecting some telepathic illusion. You two are just playing with me until my MOTHER can show up and give me a public flogging.

<< rolling her violet eyes>>

Don't worry...I'm...

Ororo: I'm afraid not.

 

[Ororo]

the apothecary

Your mind is psi screened, telepathic illusions prey upon the sensory input of the mind do they not?

Moreover, you, MORGAN possess the power to teleport through time and space via stepping discs which are tied to LIMBO, an eldrich dimension through which ALL TIMES, PLACES...and PEOPLE

<< MAINSTREAM TIMELINE NOD! >>

are POSSIBLE.

Ororo releases Arielle, who quickly scampers off. She takes MORGAN by the hand and leads her further into the apothecary.

You are in no danger here, your secret about your MYSTICAL heritage is known only to you and your mother, until you wish to reveal it to those you trust.

But TRUST is important now. You must TRUST that you are NOT the victim of a joke, that this meeting between US, here and now is REAL and NECESSARY for you.

You carry with you...a tremendous BURDEN, as does your mother, KAREN. One born on a most dark, dreadfull and UNHOLY night 20 years ago. One that is forever haunting you, illuminated by the blood of innocents...friends...FAMILY.

You survived, but forever changed. Now you both live....hiding in plain sight not just from those around you but from yourselves and EACH OTHER. But secrets, even the worst haunts, have a way of DEMANDING they be heard...whether through unconscious action or through sudden overt displays.

She holds both of Morgan's hands.

The energy that flows through you is powerful. The FEAR that you and your mother carry between you is PRIMAL...it calls out...like a beacon. Like a LURE

There's a haunting whistle in the breeze outside as thunder slowly rumbles in the skies.

Listen to me, my child.

An unquiet spirit, roams this realm. It...HE...is an abomination to all that would live and breathe. He moves with slow, unwavering focus and determination...

To close the wounds of the past, to PREVENT new wounds and bloodshed...you must open your eyes and your heart.

You cannot hide your witchly heritage.

It is a gift. It is what will ultimately give you the means to save yourself and allow those lost souls to finally find peace.

Take THIS.

 

[Persephone]

Courtney states that she needs to go somewhere and that they'll meet up in an hour. Ava rolls her eyes as she, Delilah, and Nicolas head into one of the stores that sold Halloween costumes and other decorations.

"I wish she would just admit she's a witch already. Honestly, who does she think she's fooling?"

Courtney was pretty sly about certain things, but lately she was constantly slipping up about being a witch. She tried to back track and hide it, but she wasn't doing a very good job. It was kinda cute actually...maybe subconsciously she was slipping up because she was beginning to trust them enough to tell them her secrets?

Casually grabbing a bag miniature Twix, Ava smiled.

"So, have you figured out what you're going to be yet, Lila?"

Tossing the bag of Twix at Nicolas, Ava grabbed a sexy little red riding hood costume that was hanging out on display.

"This is cute! Doesn't show off too much, but still sexy."

 

[Spellbinder]

Curious Courtney

<< she wasnt afraid, she was intrigued, CAPITIVATED even. Ororo was wise and perceptive. She knew , REALLY knew who Courtney actually was, her power, both the mutant and mystical side and she encouraged her to allow them to come TOGETHER, sooner rather than later.>>

<< she spoke on the dynamic of her and her mother. cutting through ALL the walls, barriers and deceptions courtney had errected against others. It felt terrifying and yet relieving.>>

Ororo...I....

She holds both of Morgan's hands.

The energy that flows through you is powerful. The FEAR that you and your mother carry between you is PRIMAL...it calls out...like a beacon. Like a LURE

There's a haunting whistle in the breeze outside as thunder slowly rumbles in the skies.

Listen to me, my child.

An unquiet spirit, roams this realm. It...HE...is an abomination to all that would live and breathe. He moves with slow, unwavering focus and determination...

To close the wounds of the past, to PREVENT new wounds and bloodshed...you must open your eyes and your heart.

You cannot hide your witchly heritage.

It is a gift. It is what will ultimately give you the means to save yourself and allow those lost souls to finally find peace.

Take THIS.

<< Courtney...MORGAN stared at Ororo in dismay. Was she saying that...>>

<<FLASH>>

<< TERROR. PANIC! Screams stifled by hands around throat! up the stairs. the girl struggling for her life, being STRANGLED by a man. A LARGE man wearing a featureless white...MASK!?>>

is...are you saying...

<< she literally couldnt bring herself to ASK. it was as if her brain would NOT carry out that command>>

<< Ororo placed in her hand, a chain necklace made of truly exquisite gold. It's pendant was a large pure gold medallian with an eldritch pentagram enscribed into it. Each of the five points on the pentagram contained a pure white diamond.>>

shards...

<< Courtney uttered as she stared at the truly out of this world piece of jewelry>>

what kind of talisman is this?? it's BEAUTIFUL!

<< she shrieked with the delight most girls today might have at getting an autographed picture of justin beiber >>

How much does it cost!?

<< Not that Courtney was POOR by any means, but surely THIS would cost a pretty penny>>

What am I supposed to...

<< Normally Courtney had a witty, curious, smart or ODD comment for EVERYTHING, but THIS? Nothing could have prepared her for this.>>

 

[Ororo]

a gift

Ororo closes Morgan's hands around this special talisman w/ her own hands and looks down on the young witch, smiling.

All things must be accounted for in one's life in order to have any sense of peace, clarity and order.

As the day passes and darkness approaches, The time is coming for your mother and you to truly face and close a dark chapter in your lives, but you must not get carless now, child.

The MAGICK that you secretly beginning to learn and channel is ancient and POWERFULL but it is only as "EVIL" as the one who weilds it. The idea that you would be considered a DEMON for who you are? You MUST let go of that before its too late.

This talisman is as rare as YOUR mutant power. It is not EVERY teleporter whose power links them to the realm of Limbo. You've acknowledged your link there reflexively and for emotional purposes in private, like a baby nursing. That is to be expected, but soon, you will come to see there is much more to it than that for you.

If you are to ever truly REACH your full potential, you must first lay to rest that which haunts your soul right now. You AND your mother.

Beyond that, this unquiet spirit, this unatural force...it must be STOPPED before it claims MORE innocent blood. How that will happen is something YOU will have to determine. I cannot tell you anything more, BUT this talisman in your hand is one that ONLY someone like YOU could use...harness.

The sort topic of coin. For an item such as this? It is woefully irrelevant. No one else in this timeline could hold this but you.

Consider this...a sort of "birthday gift" child.

Use it so that you AND your companions may live to see and learn more.
Use it to protect yourself AND your companions when you need it most.

 

[Spellbinder]

alive with confusion

<< it seemed like a dream.>>

<< like some 21rst century spin on Dorothy encountering the Good Witch of the North!>>

<< but Ororo spoke with directness. She was unwavering in urging Courtney....MORGAN, she spoke to MORGAN!>>

<< That alone touched apart of her that she'd become accustomed to hiding, SUPPRESSING. But with each passing year, especially the last two, those walls and restraints had been cracking and BREAKING. She and Carole were BOTH weary and had all but lost sight of each other- their REAL selves.>>

<< Ororo spoke to it. But she seemed to imply that salvation would come only when the darkness that HAUNTS her and her mother was confronted. She said an UNQUIET spirit roams ...NOW and that HE is an abomination to all that lives and breathes. Most would be typical...LIMITED enough to assume she meant something quaint like SATAN. But Courtney/Morgan had experienced FIRST HAND a real example of what Ororo was more than likely referring to>>

<<echoing in Morgan's mind>> "an unquiet spirit, roams this plane. it...HE is an abomination to all would live and breathe!"

unquiet...spirit

<< A LARGE man wearing a featureless white...MASK!? He's ATTACKING her client. Without wasting time, Alycia takes aim and FIRES. A dead shot to the NECK. He DROPS Morgan as he retreats into the bedroom. he should be DEAD! Alycia will make CERTAIN of it. She moves into the doorway and sees him STANDING there.>>

<< without wasting time, Alycia takes aim and FIRES her weapon without hesitation. six shots. two in the chest, two in the heart, one in the arm, one in the shoulder! the man is staggered and topples off the balcony, falling over a dozen feet to the ground below.>>

<< looking VERY intense, Alycia's attention is drawn to the whimpering of the traumatized young girl now crumbled on the floor in the hallway. She turns toward her, looking concerned and sympathetic.>>

girl with violet eyes: << trembling>> was...that the ...SHAPE?

Alycia: ....from what I understand.....yes. But he can't get you now. I've seen to that. Let's get you out of here...

<< her mind CHURNED>>

Use it so that you AND your companions may live to see and learn more.

Use it to protect yourself AND your companions when you need it most.

HOW?! i cant even TELL them my real name!

Ororo, you make it sound like I'm a super witch. I'm still learning and I mean...I can't even TELL people...the ones i consider my FRIENDS that I'm a witch. My mother....she...

<< Courtney, Morgan's heart was reviving...and the FIRST and STRONGEST emotion she was feeling was PAIN. She and her Mother might as well be estranged. After all they'd come through...for it to be like THIS!? She didnt want it this way, but her mother...Carole...KAREN was so FEARFULL. She too had been traumatized...>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah ran her fingers over the assorted Halloween paraphernalia in the shop – anything and everything you could want for Halloween.

"I wish she would just admit she's a witch already. Honestly, who does she think she's fooling?"

Delilah gave her best friend a look before turning her attention back to a rack of different colored feather boas.

“A [whispers] witch? Really, Ava? I mean, she has unusual powers, yes – but it’s not like she sits around all day casting spells and brewing potions. Please. You’re letting Nicolas plant ideas in your head.”

Giving Ava a smirk and another look out of the corner of her eye:

“More than usual, that is.”

Delilah looked at the Red Riding Hood “costume” Ava was holding up. She pursed her lips and thought for a moment, scrutinizing it carefully before answering.

“It’s a little slutty, but you’ll look hot in it.”

Delilah was conflicted about the whole “slutty Halloween costume” thing. On the one hand, she was smart enough to know that dressing like a hooker did not equal looking good BUT some of the costumes WERE really cute. And better than some frumpy sheet ghost costume. Though you always ran the risk of showing up at a party with three other girls dressed in the same costume. But Delilah wasn’t the type to lie to Ava – she would tell her the truth and let her make up her own mind.

“As for me, I made my own costume this year. I’m dying my hair pink and going as Jem. Truly Outrageous.”

She winked at Ava.

“And maybe I can try and scare up a few holograms myself.”