Family Reunion

[Persephone]

Nicolas: Now girl...show me how you can shake that thang. Last one to the dance floor is on the bottom later on.

"Shut up!"

Ava quipped, a little embarrassed by his comment. Shaking her head, she laughed and made her way to the dance floor where Courtney and Delilah were already dancing with some boys. Smiling at them both, she began to dance until realizing she was missing something.

"How stupid of me!"

Quickly going to the "bar" area they set up, there were already some pre mixed drinks in red plastic cups out for grabs. Ava took one and returned to the dance floor.

"MUCH better!"

Grinning, she took a long gulp of the alcoholic beverage and continued to dance with her friends.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas grinned as 'the game' was played. As Ava went to get a drink, other girls suddenly appeared, dancing close to him, one even brushing his back with her breasts she was dancing so close. But the closer Ava got as she returned, the farther away they faded until only the most forward one was behind him as he danced...until she SAW that Ava had returned and beat a somewhat hasty retreat.

Girls are a trip.

Nicolas reached out and a cup danced its way to the mutant where he caught it, drinking deeply as he danced with Ava.

 

[Spellbinder]

dancing brings them together

<< Courtney smirked with wicked glee as Sunspot managed to keep up with her.>>

Dee...

<< dancing back to back with her best friend while each of them kept their boys occupied>>

I am SO glad I chose this party instead of where I was trying to go before!

<< by now, Ava and Nicolas had returned and worked their way through the group toward the center where Courtney and Delilah were under Delilah's spotlight.>>

Well FINALLY!?

<< she says to both of them, still unaware of Ava's discomfort over her interaction with Nicolas from earlier.>>

You can SUCK FACE LATER. NOW it's time to DANCE!

<< the music shifts and changes, becoming more powerfull and high tempo.>>

Gloria Estafan feat. Pharrell- Wepa
<<The hot like fire dance track from the ORIGINAL Latin Pop Diva in America, currently # 1 on Billboard's hot 100 dance tracks chart, begins to play.>>

<< Delilah, whose mutant power allows her to absorb and transduce sound into LIGHT in any form, uses her power to provide one awesome and inspiring lightshow as the students party, drink and dance hard.>>

<< Courtney, for the next 3+ minutes of this song manages to FORGET everything that had weighed on her from before. Not her plans for later in the party...just everything that had been haunting her up till this moment. Coming to this party was the right thing to do.>>

<< for a moment, everything was JUST RIGHT for all of them, both the kids AND the adults...speaking of which>>

 

[Seer]

all the while

<< Courtney, Delilah, Ava and Nicolas do what kids do best and they do it well. It's makes this moment even more bitter sweet, considering how short lived and forgotten it will be in less than a few hours.>>

<< and even as the young mutants defy the dark night of Halloween with their dance music, moves and drinks, there is one other "guest" in their midst. One who was uninvited but no less deterred by that.>>

 

[The Shape]

so close

The sounds of the music and the prey, the light...both natural and mutant generated, it draws him closer. no need for effort in hunting. they are LEADING HIM TO HER.

How quickly the shadows and darkness of this building bend to his will, making it beyond easy to hide in plain sight.

He stood silent as the small creature...the cat hissed and fussed at him. The cat knew his presence was not natural. That he was danger. EVIL. But it mattered not, who would notice her behavior? Not these children, they were too wrapped up in themselves.

When one of his sister's friends, Ava ventured within arm's length reach of sudden and swift death, the cat leaped out fleeing the presence she could no longer stand and knocking Ava over in the process.

Ava had settled when she saw it was just the cat. She didnt know what REALLY had caused the cat to behave in such a way.

What one doesnt know CAN hurt or even KILL them.

A moment longer. A step closer and she'll be dispatched.

Her fate isnt sealed as she instead goes in another direction with another one connected to his sister, Nicolas.

They hear their own drama more than they possibly could hear the gurgling breathing in the dark shadows of the room they were just in and soon he is alone again.

Emerging from this hiding place, he moves down the hall, same direction that the black cat had scampered. Different rooms and doors, none worth looking into.

He soon passes by the cat again, who is crouched low and growling with distress. He ignores the creature for something else has caught his attention.

The growing rhythmic pulse of activity, a party. A concentration of heart beats, breathing patterns and pulses and among them is HER'S. SISTER.

Stray beams of light radiate from the apparent epicenter of the pather and of course, that is where he begins to make his way to. But before he can be seen by anyone not concentrated in the throng on the dance floor, he is already out of sight once more.

He watches, his vision focuses intently on MORGAN, who has noticeably altered her appearence. A costume. His own unholy black eyes flicker with the manifestation of the glowing red irises indicating his own emotional reaction to being so...CLOSE to his PREY. Now with an UNINTERRUPTED view of HER. SISTER.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

meanwhile

<< Carole and Michael's evening was off to a lovely evening.>>

<< They had enjoyed dinner and some private dancing of their own to a variety of tunes played over Carole's stereo system in the apartment.>>

<< a few drinks later, they were sitting close together on the couch, facing the fireplace. only the candles and the fire from the fire place provided the soft light at this point in their quiet, cozy evening.>>

<< Carole and Michael were unaware that just elsewhere ON campus, below ground, several students, Courtney, Ava, Delilah and Nicolas included, were having one romp of a Halloween party. Enjoying themselves as much as they adults but in a far different way. And this once, Carole's mind was NOT on keeping the students on a straight and narrow path or keeping Courtney on a short leash.>>

<< Carole was unaware that her daughter was being watched, stalked, HUNTED and that she herself was in far more danger than she dared suspsect at this moment.>>

<< Carole was definitely enjoying her evening with Michael and no doubt there was more to come this weekend, but not before she got through the heart of the matter which caused her to invite him here tonight in the first place.>>

<< sitting close to Michael, the two have enjoyed one bottle of champagne so far and have begun to enjoy another.>>

<< After Michael attempts to feed Carole a fresh strawberry and then steals a kiss while she accepts it, Carole smiles a bit, gently pushing his face away as she takes a long drink of champagne from her crystal flute>>

Michael....

There's something I need to tell you.

<< Michael can't helpt be a little touchy feely at this point after all the fun and PROGRESS he'd made with Carole this evening. But Carole, who despite having drank liberally, is far from drunk just yet, insists he listen.>>

Michael PLEASE.

This is important. It's something I've...wanted to find a way to tell you... for so long.

and tonight....

<< taking another drink>>

NOW....I must.

I NEED for you to listen...and I PRAY that when I have finished, you do not turn away from me.

<< Michael could hear it in Carole's voice. She was trembling. She was about to open up...about this THING that had been haunting, TERRIFYING her so. The thing he'd watch her carry on her back as a painfull burden ever since he'd met her. The thing that had caused her to be so HARSH with Nicolas and so overprotective with Courtney.>>

<< Michael heeds her urgency and sits up a bit as she does. They remain close to one another. After a few moments of silence, Carole refreshes her drink and holds the crystal flute in her hand, looking at Michael, searching his face, his eyes with her own opal blue eyes.>>

....


I'm not who you think I am.

<< Michael responds half puzzled, wondering if she's joking. Carole ignores his immediate response and continues.>>

My name's not Carole Starr.

It's Karen Victor. My daughter's name isn't Courtney Starr. It's Morgan Victor.

I changed my name, my daughter's as well when we...went into HIDING.

<< Michael could see she was serious. VERY serious and now he was more than a little drawn in. The fact that all this time "CAROLE" was actually KAREN, The fact that he hadnt even known his girlfriend's REAL NAME... hadn't quite struck him yet. >>

<< He finally asks her WHY she and her daughter were in hiding.>>

My daughter is the last surviving child I have. I had three. Blaze, Adam, and Morgan, the baby.

All of my children were mutants.

My son Adam....killed my daughter...Blaze. He stabbed her over a dozen times...with a very large, sharp kitchen knife.

FLASH

<< The original Victor family home. Upstairs. In the bedroom of Blaze Victor.>>
<< the sound of flesh being rend cut and ripped, of bone being scraped and fractured is heard. the bizarre view of a large, sharp kitchen knife rising and falling with rapid pace is seen as it plunges into the body of a young girl who was at first sitting in a chair but has now fallen to the floor.>>

<< Blaze Victor, lies dead after several seconds of painfull, bloody, knife plunging terror at the hands of her BROTHER.>>

I spent 7 years trying to rehabilitate him... and then another 8 trying to keep him locked up.

I'd given birth...to...EVIL...wrapped in flash.

FLASH

<< the image of Adam Victor, sitting in a sanitarium. With a cold, blank facial expression and big eyes...devoid of any humanity. He turns and looks at his mother, Karen, his baby sister, Morgan and their companion, Alycia...with a cold, predatory stare.>>

My husband died during that time, leaving me widowed. I hired a P.I., Alycia Barnett, to help watch over and protect my daughter. I couldn't atitculate just WHAT I was trying to protect her from, but I was terrified because in my heart of hearts...I knew that the nightmare that had begun...was not finished.

<< she begins to crack with grief but she DOESN'T. Pulls herself together. Michael RECOGNIZED the name, Alycia Barnett. At this point, any pretense of joking was gone. He knew this was serious.>>

<< Carole....KAREN. Michael couldnt be sure which one to call her now, but he knew her story was only just beginning to unfold.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Things are going well...REALLY well. Carole's legs are edging ever further apart and the touches linger a bit longer than they have before. Mike decides that there is no time like the present and so he makes a move.

<< After Michael attempts to feed Carole a fresh strawberry and then steals a kiss while she accepts it, Carole smiles a bit, gently pushing his face away as she takes a long drink of champagne from her crystal flute>>

Michael....

There's something I need to tell you.

<< Michael can't helpt be a little touchy feely at this point after all the fun and PROGRESS he'd made with Carole this evening. But Carole, who despite having drank liberally, is far from drunk just yet, insists he listen.>>

Michael PLEASE.

This is important. It's something I've...wanted to find a way to tell you... for so long.

and tonight....

<< taking another drink>>

NOW....I must.

I NEED for you to listen...and I PRAY that when I have finished, you do not turn away from me.

He settled back...he knew that there were things to talk about. He just figured maybe she was putting that off. But he was glad to get to this part. He'd waited plenty long enough for sex and he knew by her reactions tonight that it WOULD happen, so he was cool with getting their talk over with first.

I'm not who you think I am.

You are not a hot sexy---

My name's not Carole Starr.

It's Karen Victor. My daughter's name isn't Courtney Starr. It's Morgan Victor.

I changed my name, my daughter's as well when we...went into HIDING.

<< Michael could see she was serious. VERY serious and now he was more than a little drawn in. The fact that all this time "CAROLE" was actually KAREN, The fact that he hadnt even known his girlfriend's REAL NAME... hadn't quite struck him yet. >>

<< He finally asks her WHY she and her daughter were in hiding.>>

My daughter is the last surviving child I have. I had three. Blaze, Adam, and Morgan, the baby.

All of my children were mutants.

My son Adam....killed my daughter...Blaze. He stabbed her over a dozen times...with a very large, sharp kitchen knife.

I spent 7 years trying to rehabilitate him... and then another 8 trying to keep him locked up.

I'd given birth...to...EVIL...wrapped in flesh.

My husband died during that time, leaving me widowed. I hired a P.I., Alycia Barnett, to help watch over and protect my daughter. I couldn't atitculate just WHAT I was trying to protect her from, but I was terrified because in my heart of hearts...I knew that the nightmare that had begun...was not finished.

<< she begins to crack with grief but she DOESN'T. Pulls herself together. Michael RECOGNIZED the name, Alycia Barnett. At this point, any pretense of joking was gone. He knew this was serious.>>

<< Carole....KAREN. Michael couldnt be sure which one to call her now, but he knew her story was only just beginning to unfold.>>

He had no answer. Believe it or not, the name was not THAT big of a deal. As a member of law enforcement who dealt with the Feds he was familiar with witness protection. He KNEW that if she were in a similar position that she HAD to not tell him her name until she was damned sure about him; some NEVER told ANYONE.

He had heard of Barnett, if she was involved this was some shit for real. But the main situation that concerned him was that she had lost TWO children. One to murder by the other, who was clearly lost to insanity. He was not sure what to say or even how to address her at first, and so he thought deeply as he looked into her eyes. Then he finally spoke.

Carole...that is what we need to call you until you are ready to decide otherwise. I do not wish to blow your cover. I am SO sorry about your losses.

He hugs her close, no hanky-panky, just a deep feeling hug. The pulls back and looks into her eyes. He is holding her shoulders, at this moment of weakness nearly holding her up.

I am so honored that you decided to trust me. What can I do to help YOU, because these revelations change nothing for me. Is Adam at large?

 

[Shadow Weaver]

heart to heart

Carole...that is what we need to call you until you are ready to decide otherwise. I do not wish to blow your cover. I am SO sorry about your losses.

He hugs her close, no hanky-panky, just a deep feeling hug. The pulls back and looks into her eyes. He is holding her shoulders, at this moment of weakness nearly holding her up.

He stalked my daughter. He killed ALL of her friends.

<<FLASH>>

<<SCREAMS and gurglings of the dead and dying. a HOUSE on windmill pointe. BLAZE, a bloody, stabbed, twisted corpse; ALISON strangled, slashed throat, left dead on blood soaked sheets of a bad; HALEIGH neck broken, and twisted so her face is now looking BACKWARD instead of forward with eyes left OPEN and her body STUFFED into a closet; BRANDON stabbed in the chest, heart and back, left hanging upside down in a closet until his body falls on the floor at Alycia's feet.>>

Alycia Barnett saved my daughter from Adam, who by then had grown in infamy to be known as "THE SHAPE".

<<FLASH>>

<< inside. screams of the girl she was shadowing. up the stairs. She finds the girl struggling for her life, being STRANGLED by a man. A LARGE man wearing a featureless white...MASK!? He's ATTACKING her client. Without wasting time, she takes aim and FIRES. A dead shot to the NECK. He DROPS his victim 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, UNLOADING her weapon. 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 ...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...

She was taken to Larchmont Memorial. But The Shape...her BROTHER was not finished coming after her.

He arrived at the hospital before Alycia and I did. He murdered all but one of the staff that same night as he searched for my daughter...his sister. Morgan was badly hurt, but used her now emerged teleporting power to evade her brother as best she could.

<<FLASH>>

<< Larchmont Memorial Hospital. All the staff, save one, are DEAD. The Shape had arrived 2 hours ago and killed everyone in his path as he pursued a traumatized Morgan through the hospital.>>

<< Morgan, unable to run properly because of a broken ankle she sustained from when she was first attacked earlier, managed to evade The Shape with her stepping discs but she was hurt and also drugged, and still very inexperienced in the use of her power. She would soon be too tired.>>

<< Eventually, after several narrow escapes, she fled the hospital and had been hiding in an unlocked car in the parking lot. She spots a car pulling up! It's Alycia and HER MOTHER!>>

<< Morgan spills out of the car but can only crawl toward them. Her voice too hoarse for her to call out to them loud enough to be heard. Karen and Alycia rush into the hospital and Morgan turns her head to see THE SHAPE, now outside in the parking lot, coming for her!>>

We searched frantically....until....

<<FLASH>>

<< Morgan gathered her last remainig strength, got up and hobbled to the doors, banging and screaming for her mother and ALycia to let her in, to HELP HER!>>

<< Alycia is the first to hear. She and Karen meet back and see her, they rush to the doors.>>

Alycia: Hurry, get in!

Karen: Oh Morgan! BABY! Mommy's HERE! << taking her daughter into her arms>>

Alycia: Karen, get back!

<< The Shape comes, steady pace, not stopping and CRASHES through the supposedly unbreakable glass! Morgan screams and buries her head in her mother's chest as Karen stands, holding, CLUTCHING her daughter close to her in a most protective way as she covers Morgan's head with one of her hands.>>

<< The Shape closes in.>>

Alycia: I don't think so.

<< Alycia brings forth TWO semi automatic weapons. One in each hand.>>

Alycia: It's YOUR TURN to scream, ASSHOLE!

<< and with that, Alycia UNLOADS into the Shape, shooting him without restraint, without hestitation. His body is RIDDLED with bullets and finally, with a muffled, pained, cry, he FALLS backward to the floor with a hard thud....seemingly not moving.>>

<< Karen, riveted by what she's seen, clutches her sobbing daughter tightly. Alycia, glares at the Shape with an almost wicked glint in her eye.>>

Alycia was magnificent. So brave in the face of this unholy danger. A danger that I'd birthed into this world. Most others wouldve have rejected my plea for help. Some even felt that Morgan and I should suffer death as "JUSTICE" for what was, in their mind, OUR fault. But Alycia...she didnt look down on us...she HELPED us as best she could.

<< Michael realized that what Carole was telling him, he'd HEARD of before...the story of "The Shape & the Halloween Murders!" He was LOOKING AT one of the only 3 survivors of that massacare!>>

All of this happened....20 year years ago. TONIGHT, Michael...on...

<< BOTH of them say it in unison>>

Halloween.

You've heard of this story...?

It has an almost "urban legend" quality to it among law enforcement circles at this point. Karen and Morgan Victor..."Mother and daughter survivors of the Halloween Massacare" in Larchmont!

<< he said it with quiet astonishment. There was a pause For Carole this was a dizzying and cathartic moment. For Michael it was utterly surreal.>>

well it's real. as real as the woman sitting her before you...telling you.

I am so honored that you decided to trust me. What can I do to help YOU, because these revelations change nothing for me. Is Adam at large?

Adam...sat in a sanitarium for 15 years. Waiting.

Then one night....20 years ago. He decided to come out for trick-or-treating.

But that night...that moment...

<<FLASH>>

<< Karen carefully brings her daughter outside to Alycia's car and per Alycia's instructions, she uses the radio in Alycia's car to call for the MARSHALLS to come.>>

<< Inside, Alycia waits. But he doesnt move. After sometime, she decides to exit, but as she does...just as she passes his arm, he REANIMATES, GRABBING her ankle, causing her to yell with a start.>>

Karen: Oh my god, He's attacking Alycia!

Alycia: Karen, take the car and GO! Just GET OUT OF HERE!

<< Alycia pulls out another gun from her jacket, preparing to shoot him in the head, but he STABS HER in her leg with a surgical knife. the PAIN is white hot and causes her to FALL to the floor.>>

Karen: NO! I can't...i WON'T let him take ANYONE ELSE...especially not YOU! Morgan. You stay here. If I....we...don't come back, GO. FLEE and Don't look back, do you understand!?

I would not let it go any further.

I decided to do what I dared not think aloud before. What I should have done after he killed his twin sister, my eldest daughter, when he was just 6 years old!

<<FLASH>>

<< Inside, Alycia struggles to get away, but he's totally wounded her leg. She can't. He stands over her, preparing to strike a killing blow to her head when...>>

Karen: ADAM!

<< the shape looks up, fixing his eyes on his mother and slowly tilting his head.>>

Karen: That's ENOUGH. You're NOT MY SON. you're a BAD SEED. A THING OF EVIL. I should have ABORTED YOU! But I was A MOTHER. I didnt think I was SUPPOSED to feel that way! But NOW? I won't allow you to hurt ANYONE ELSE!

<< The Shape seems transfixed by Karen and then, ALYCIA is TELEPORTED outside by MORGAN, who after gathering herself and finding courage, gestures, and summons a disc to RESCUE Alycia. The Shape is PISSED and starts coming toward Karen.>>

Karen: Adam...It's TIME.

<< pointing at him.>>

Karen: Hellspawn demon creature of DEATH! FIRE shall take your very BREATH!

<< swinging her arm in a clockwise motion, chimes sound off, as Karen ignites a POWERFULL spell of HELLFIRE that EXPLODES out between she and the Shape JUST as he reaches her. the blast of hellfire radiates in a ballistic pattern and the flash can be seen for several miles around.>>

I cast the spell...it would have....SHOULD have destroyed anyone else. mutant or not.

But....

<<FLASH>>

Morgan: MOM!?

<< Karen reappears outside, unharmed. But as she slowly makes her way to her daughter and Alycia, Morgan exclaims.>>

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 spell runs its course and by the time police, sheiffs and emergency crews arrive, the fire is retreating as mysterious as it appeared. Karen, Alycia and Morgan are GONE. And the Shape? presumed DEAD.>>

We didnt exactly stick around to see his ashes. The spell ran its course. The hospital was destroyed. They never learned that I was the one who cast a spell. They just assumed that the fire had been caused by some of the extreme damage Adam had done to the building.

Is he at large? I...don't know.

<< bowing her head as she slowly exhaled>>

and then...i remember reading...the papers said that Karen and Morgan died in a car accident..??

We faked our deaths. With Alycia's help we went under cover.

<< looking back up at Michael, tears streaming down her face. her voice shakey.>>

And now Karen is CAROLE, the headmistress of a posh, secluded private school for mutants. Morgan is COURTNEY, Carole's gifted daughter and one of the special OMEGA level mutants here.

We live here...in plain sight, yet never really seen for who we are. And everyday I hope...I PRAY that my demon seed son...her brother will NEVER find us.

<< Michael looked at Carole, who looked at him. He had always wondered. Always wanted to know WHAT it was...and now, he had learned. Boy had he learned.>>

You and your daughter have been living with this...for...20 years??

I think...Courtney has helped me face the truth. We haven't been really LIVING at all. My relationship with her has all but completely degenerated. I've only JUST begun to try and go in another direction for OUR sake.

But this is what it's about, Michael.

<< Carole gulps down more of her champagne and looks away, toward the hearth where the birthday card from Alycia to Morgan sits atop, next to a picture of Alycia herself.>>

...Every year now, on this day, Alycia, the only person from that time in our lives that knows we're alive and were we are, phones me, to check in. To make sure we're okay and to let me know if there's been any suspicious activity that might suggest the Shape's return or looking for us again.

<< she looks down at her watch>>

and yet...It's getting rather late...and I've not heard from her.

<< Carole says with a pensive tone as her voice trails off a bit>>

<< the image of the birthday card from Alycia to Morgan. She always kept regular timely correspondence with them. She was FAMILY to them by now. The card had come but not the phone call...>>

<< Carole seemed to be starring off into space, with a rather concerned look on her face even as Michael asked her if she was already.>>

Courtney

Do you think she made it? Do you think Courtney's alright in Boston? She's there...by herself!

<< KAREN immediately stood up.>>

I ....I just....I want to call her and check on her....!

<< she hurries across the way, to the dining room table, with Michael close behind, trying to keep her calm and reassure her. He realizes she's in a VERY distressed state.>>

<< she reaches her purse and withdraws her phone, but just as she's about to hit Courtney's # on speeddial, the PHONE begins to ring. Karen jolts a bit and exclaims with a start, which in turn gives even Michael pause.>>

Someone's calling ....

<< she looks at the screen>>

ALYCIA!

oh thank god!

This is Carole.

<< she answers with as best an attempt at a clear, professional tone as she can muster. Alycia knew Karen's alias so it wouldnt be a source of confusion>>

 

[Seer]

deeper & deeper

<< Even as Carole was about to dial her daughter, it appeared that SHE was on someone else's mind. Her phone rings. It's Alycia's number. She answers thinking that her flash of concern and FEAR will be assauged. She hopes in vain.>>

MEANWHILE


<< Carole wasnt the only one taking a bold, brave, risky step as she opened up to Michael to reveal her secret.>>

<< The underground Halloween bash that Ava had planned for herself and a select few others at Hillcrest went down marvelously. They played as hard as they studied and trained.>>

<< But as time had passed, the party began to wind down. Many in attendance had begun to filter out, heading...staggering...sneaking back to their dorms.>>

<< the only problem, is that some of them would not make it but THAT wouldn't become apparent until it was all too late.>>

<< at the moment, in the subbasement, now much quieter, with soft music playing and a few candles lit, the core four remain, plus Delilah's interested date, Alcide remained.>>

<< now gathered in a cozy area where several couches were, they had aranged them to make a large "sectional" of sorts. Ava and Nicolas sat/lay together on one, Delilah and Alcide on another while Courtney had one all to herself,sitting up in meditation style pose.>>

<< it had been a great evening. Courtney had joined them and joined in the fun, everything thus far had been all they could hope fore and now here they were.>>

<< Courtney could begin...but NOT with Alcide there!>>

 

[Spellbinder]

true horror story

<< Courtney was sitting in a meditative position on her couch. The black cat that had startled Ava a while ago was now in attendance as well, laying near Courtney, looking content and purring a bit.>>

<< of Course Nicolas couldnt resist a joke- Halloween, witches, black cats. He got a bit of a laugh from Alcide, who was quickly rebuked by Delilah.>>

Cram it, Clown.

<< Courtney scoffs as she waves her hand dismissively in Nicolas' direction>>

<< Still, it had been a great time and now it was time for her to open up to her her friends...her FRIENDS. That didn't include Alcide.>>

<< Courtney was not afraid to be direct, the others knew that>>

Alcide, it's time you were going.

<< He wasnt quite sure that she was addressing HIM, let alone being serious.>>

No really. It IS. So say goodbye to Delilah right now & she'll see you later?

Okay? BYEBYE!

<< waving goodbye, Alcide found himself swallowed by a stepping disc that suddenly opened beneath him and teleported him back to his dorm. It opens above his bed and he falls out, landing right on the bed. By now he was already buzzed and high so he'd not be able to recall the details of all this, much less how he got back to his dorm.>>

<< The others looked at Courtney in a rather astonished way>>

WHAT!? I needed privacy! What I have to say is not something he or anyone ELSE outside of YOU needs to here so gimme a break okay?

<< Nerves. Courtney was actually a bit on EDGE.>>

Listen...

I know you've all had questions about me for a while. I know that even for a place like this...I have sometimes stood out as exceptionally strange. Obviously there's a reason for that. But not what you might think.

<< slowly getting up, Courtney walks around the sitting area, taking a couple candles and sitting them down on the floor in the center of the sectional. She takes a total of five mid sized white candles. Having set them down in a certain pattern.>>

I decided, after everything...especially today's events...that I could trust you as FRIENDS and tell you this. But...I need to show you as well.

<< bending down, she places small branches amongst the set candles. soon it becomes clear that the branches form the pattern of a star...a pentagram and the candles are the 5 POINTS of the pentagram.>>

<< she sits at the southern point of the pentagram in a meditative position, facing them all.>>

So....My name's not really Courtney. It's MORGAN. I was named after the powerfull and legendary dark fearie of legend, Morgan Le Fey and as it's often been suggested... I'm not just a mutant...I'm a WITCH.

<< Morgan brings forth a handfull of dried autumn leaves and throws them out over the pentagram. one would think that the leaves would burn as soon as they touch the flames. that in turn could cause a stray spark to fly off and touch off a FIRE. But that's not what happens. A soft, haunting wind is heard around them as the leaves flow just above the flames of the candles.>>

<< Courtney bows her head, closing her eyes and concentrating>>

Powers seen and unseen awaken my friend's minds' eye
from the ever blurred and twisting paths of time and space
form now a pool of Eldritch energy that i many view all here and every other place!

<< and as she utters the incantation, she spreads her arms out wide and from the flowing leaves forms several sparkling, glowing orbs of MAGICK. they flow around the pentagram in a counter clockwise motion, faster and faster. eldritch chimes sound off.>>

I've just cast a spell, so that you can SEE what I'm telling you. I...it's the best way for you to possibly understand.

As I said.

My name is really Morgan. My mother's is KAREN.

We changed our names when we went into hiding.

As Morgan talks, Ava, Nicolas and Delilah would see the same images/events that Karen described to Michael.

I had an older sister and brother. They were twins. Blaze and Adam. Then one night...on Halloween. My brother killed my sister.

He was locked away. I only saw him once. The look he gave me...it pierced my soul. My father died soon after.

15 years later. Halloween night. He got out. He came after me.

He killed ALL of my friends. Alison. Haleigh. Cameron.

<< flickering images of these three innocents showed in the scrying pool as Morgan called out their names.>>

He almost killed me. But Alycia Barnett saved me.

I was hurt. Taken to the hospital.

But he didnt stop coming for me.

He got there before my mother and Alycia. He killed all but one person on the hospital staff as he came for me. I stayed a step ahead of him with my stepping discs, but I was tired. My ankle was broken. I had other wounds as well.

I hid outside in a car. I saw my mother and Alycia arrive but I was too weak, my throat too dry and raw. I barely managed to crawl to the door they'd went in and using my last strength, I cried out for them to help me.

He came THROUGH the "unbreakable" glass doors. He was coming for me and my mother but Alycia EMPTIED her weapons into him. Nothing human, barely anything mutant shouldve survived that. But he'd already survived being shot in the heart and neck by Alycia earlier.

As we tried to leave, he reanimated and attacked Alycia, hurting her.

Before he could get her or either of us, my mother....cast a powerfull, deadly spell against him. She burned him with HELLFIRE. The hospital was destroyed.

We got away. Alycia and my mom...they tied up the loose ends and then my mom faked our deaths.

<< the image of the news paper headlines about "mother/daughter halloween massacre survivors dying in car crash" shimmers into view in the scrying pool>>

and we've lived UNHAPPILY ever after as Carole and Courtney Starr, here at Hillcrest.

My mother, a functioning alcoholic and overprotective control freak. Me...a repressed, withdrawn, hostile witch who dreams of freedom and a life AFTER this nightmare.

It's been 20 years.

<< the spell concludes, the pool shimmers out and the leaves/orbs flicker and fade away, leaving only the makshift pentagram, which gives Morgan a haunting luminescence at this moment.>>

He should be dead.

Every year...we hope that he is. But the fear and uncertainty has made us both prisoners within our own fear and its all but ruined our relationship as mother and daughter....as you saw earlier today.

Tonight...my mom made a conscious effort to go in another direction and of course I am gratefull for both of us....but....

<< thoughtfully touching the beatrice medallion, the curious, exquisite piece of jewelry that hangs around her neck>>

I met a woman today, a white [as in praticioner of white magick] witch in the apothecary i was secretly shopping in. she ....looked JUST LIKE Ms. Monroe and yet...she wasnt. She knew me. She knew ME. No alias, nothing. She warned me...told me that....

<<FLASH>>

An unquiet spirit roams this plane of existence. it is an abomination to the great spirit and all that would live!

She said that it...HE was coming for me...and my mother and that we HAD to reconnect as mother and daughter, that we had to...open up to those who had earned our trust, for THEIR lives as well as ours were in danger!

and then she gave me THIS.

<< lifting up the beatrice medallion from her chest>>

She said that it was made....just for ME! a talisman that the key to me being able to finally face this... MONSTER and be rid of him.

and yet...there's been no sign of him...for 20 years. Sometimes I dare to wonder if he is in fact GONE. That my mother did succeed in truly consuming him with Hellfire.

But after Ororo...the white witch...I....I haven't been so sure and of course I couldn't talk to my mom...its NEVER been easy to TALK to her abuot ANYTHING until ...until tonight.

<< she looks at them, she sees...FEELS their stares of disbelief and shock>>

I look at you all and I can't help but remember my childhood friends. The ones HE took from me along with my sister.

You've been so...kind to me. You've been REAL FRIENDS.

I don't want you to be in danger because of me. So maybe now...you'll understand why, if I disappear...it's because I don't want any harm to come to you due to MY family curse.

<< So there she sat, having just revealed...or rather CONFIRMED her status as a witch, her REAL name and her past, why things were the way they were and that the story might not be quite "over.">>

<< worse, she indicated she might be LEAVING THEM in order to "protect them?">>


<< this was WAY beyond some halloween ghost story. this was something they never imagined in their wildest dreams.>>

 

[Rampage]

<< Courtney was sitting in a meditative position on her couch. The black cat that had startled Ava a while ago was now in attendance as well, laying near Courtney, looking content and purring a bit.>>

You got the whole setup...no need for the Halloween costume tonight, unless MADONNA is more BEWTCHING than I imagined.

Nicolas and Alcide laugh at first...

Cram it, Clown.

Alcide abruptly stops; Nic, however allows his chuckle to take its course until he notices that Courtney needed to say something. Her next move was ballsy...

Alcide, it's time you were going.

<< He wasnt quite sure that she was addressing HIM, let alone being serious.>>

No really. It IS. So say goodbye to Delilah right now & she'll see you later?

Okay? BYEBYE!

<< waving goodbye, Alcide found himself swallowed by a stepping disc that suddenly opened beneath him and teleported him back to his dorm. It opens above his bed and he falls out, landing right on the bed. By now he was already buzzed and high so he'd not be able to recall the details of all this, much less how he got back to his dorm.>>

<< The others looked at Courtney in a rather astonished way>>

WHAT!? I needed privacy! What I have to say is not something he or anyone ELSE outside of YOU needs to here so gimme a break okay?

...but necessary.

You could have at least let him kiss her bye-bye right? Say your peace Court.

So then she dropped the Dump Truck on them. All of it. Complete with a magical movie montage spell that showed them proof as she spoke.

She was a survivor of an attempt on her life by her OWN brother...she was older than them all...she was in hiding with an alias and everything.

But the part that got him was that she was afraid. HER. The HOT DEMON WITCH COMPLETE WITH HER OWN HELL was afraid. Yet she was willing to face this alone in order to save her friends. Because it appeared that her brother was somehow still alive after some Hellfire spell that normally kills ANYTHING.

You've been so...kind to me. You've been REAL FRIENDS.

I don't want you to be in danger because of me. So maybe now...you'll understand why, if I disappear...it's because I don't want any harm to come to you due to MY family curse.

It was silent for a few seconds, until he broke it. His voice boomed through the old basement.

Fuck that Courtney,Morgan...whatever you wanna be called now. You're not running anywhere anymore. The people in this room are the only friends I have. Other than Aunt D, the only FAMILY I have. And I am not giving it up without a fight. Whatever you need...I'll get it. We can handle this.

It was a heartfelt statement, and all truth. What he did not tell them was that he had secrets of his own, and that one day he might NEED friends just as Courtney needs them now. The focus was his friend tonight, as it should be.

 

[Persephone]

The party had been a success. Everyone was laughing, having fun, drinking, dancing...it was definitely a party that would go down in Hillcrest history. Maybe even an annual event that Ava could keep going until she graduates, then perhaps pass the festivities over to a loyal under classman who would keep the tradition going. Regardless, it had been amazing. However, as the party wound down, Ava and Nicolas sat next to each other on the large couch; her legs across his lap and his arm securely wrapped around the back of her. Delilah was sitting with Alcide, who looked especially fine tonight, and Courtney sat alone.

However, Courtney decided to cock block Delilah and send Alcide on his way. Her mouth opened in surprised as she watched him disappear via stepping disc.

"Courtney!"

She couldn't help but laugh at how bold her friend was. Hopefully Delilah wasn't pissed. But apparently, Courtney had a reason why she needed to get rid of Alcide. She began to open up...she began to tell them her story. Ava was beyond buzzed, but as Courtney continued to explain that she and her mother changed their names because Courtney's brother had killed her sister and friends, AND tried to kill them, it quickly sobered Ava up. Courtney finally finished, and everyone was pretty stunned by it.

"Wait..."

Swinging her legs off Nicolas, Ava sat upright and looked at Cour--Morgan.

"You're telling me that those stupid urban legends about The Shape are true? YOU'RE his sister? You're mom is his mom?"

Looking down, Ava tried to process all this. She was still a bit buzzed, so she was wondering if she was just tripping out of something.

"Courtney....I mean...Morgan? This entire time you've been in hiding because your brother still might be alive and try to come back and kill you? Jesus Christ....and here I thought you were just being all cloaks and daggers about being a witch."

The fact that Morgan opened up to them meant a lot to Ava. It meant they had gained her trust and acceptance. But it was definitely a shocking revelation.

"I can't believe this..."

 

[Spellbinder]

reaction

<< she waited.>>

<< she'd often imagined what their reaction would be when they learned the truth but it was never quite possible to be certain. only a PRECOG could know something like that.>>

<< Ava reacted with shock. The realization that Courtney...MORGAN'S story was in fact the backstory of the so-called urban legend of "THE SHAPE" was one hell of a buzz kill.>>

"You're telling me that those stupid urban legends about The Shape are true? YOU'RE his sister? You're mom is his mom?"

Looking down, Ava tried to process all this. She was still a bit buzzed, so she was wondering if she was just tripping out of something.

Yes.

<< Morgan says solemnly as she bows her head and closes her eyes. Allowing herself to dwell on her fallen sister and friends. She shudders with grief.>>


<< Nicolas, though suitably surprised as well, immediately objects to Morgan suggesting she'll disappear, run away again. He speaks adamantly and in a moment of rarity for him, indicates his own bond to the others in their group. It was surprising to say the least.>>

Fuck that Courtney,Morgan...whatever you wanna be called now. You're not running anywhere anymore. The people in this room are the only friends I have. Other than Aunt D, the only FAMILY I have. And I am not giving it up without a fight. Whatever you need...I'll get it. We can handle this.

....Maybe...

<< she said coldly>>

<< though her heart WAS warmed by Nicolas' bold affirmation of their friendship, their FAMILY spirit and the willingness to stand by her, Courtney knew it wouldnt be that simple. It wouldn't be a walk in the park by any means.>>

All these years...

I could never talk about it. Not even to my own mother. She'd never speak of it. She wouldnt allow EITHER of us to utter each other's REAL names...even behind closed doors. Well...all this...it's taken a toll on BOTH of us and we've BOTH reached a point where we want...NEED to do things differently.

But NEITHER of us can be sure...if he isn't out there...waiting...watching...closing in.

<< at this moment, both sides of this young woman's existence had just collided. she revealed her backstory and her status as a witch to those she trusted most and while they were having their own understandable reactions, Morgan was struggling. she'd never forgotten. never truly recovered. her heart ached for her murdered friends and innocence lost.>>

I just need....a moment.....to myself!

<< she said, choking with grief as she bowed her head and instantly vanishes via stepping disc.>>

<< she teleports up several levels in the same building, into the kitchen and dining area of the hall, now leaning over the kitchen sink...she VOMITS.>>

<< the others are still in the subbasement. stunned and now dismayed that Courtney...MORGAN has teleported away. even though she's not gone terribly far.>>

<< in the dark kitchen, with only the light of the moon outside to provide an light, Morgan leans beant over the sink, heaving. tears fall from her eyes as the faucet of the sink runs, helping to drown out her own sounds of distress.>>

<< she cant believe she told them. its all out in the open now she felt so raw and vulnerable and worse...they'd seen that there was something she WAS afraid of and that made her feel even more beside herself.>>

ugggh!

<< the vomiting passes and after some coughing and sputtering, Morgan physically settles. only her hushed grief and tears now can be heard as she cleans up.>>

brilliant. just BRILLIANT. tell them everything and then throw up! MARVELOUS!

<< she thinks as she rinses her mouth out and then takes a moment to fix up her mascara from the tears she shed. she knew she was being silly. they werent looking down at her. they were showing support. they were understandibly shocked, but but didnt seem to look at HER in a less favorable light.>>

<< still...this was the furthest she'd gone with them in a demonstration of trust. had she made a mistake?>>

 

[Persephone]

Nicolas was extremely supportive, but Morgan believed her fate was too grim to truly appreciate his sentiment. Ava was just still shocked that The Shape was for real. She remembered being a kid and telling ghost stories about The Shape during Halloween or slumber parties. But for it to be real? And for her to be in the presents of it's sister?! It was all insanity.

Morgan: I just need....a moment.....to myself!

Looking up, she could hear Morgan strain to keep back tears.

"Court--"

Before she could even finish mistakenly saying her other name, Morgan was gone. Ava sighed.

"Great. [pausing] This is insane! I seriously can't believe all those stories were true and that SHE'S directly involved!...God...I feel so bad for her..."

As the three of them tried to make sense of what Morgan just said, Ava couldn't help but feel like they should go after her. Morgan was obviously embarrassed to show her emotions after dropping the massive news about who she really was, however no one should be alone after such a revelation.

"We should probably go find her."

 

[Rampage]

Someone's calling ....

<< she looks at the screen>>

ALYCIA!

oh thank god!

This is Carole.

<< she answers with as best an attempt at a clear, professional tone as she can muster. Alycia knew Karen's alias so it wouldnt be a source of confusion>>

Karen Victoria, this is Jack Hightower of the Rye Brook Village Police Department and a close friend and colleague of Alycia Barnette. I have her phone because...she was brutally murdered yesterday.

Jack takes a moment to compose himself. That fact was so painful that he could not readily hide it, even as he worked in a somewhat official capacity. The stunned silence on the other end however, signaled to him that he had done the right thing.

In addition to that, a man who fits the description of the Shape has apparently abandoned her car on the interstate and taken another from a woman and her son on the way to Massachusetts. Ms. Victoria, I urge you and your daughter to immediately leave and contact the authorities with any other information you may have. I fear that he may already be in town looking for you. If there is anything else I can do, just call me back on...on Alycia's phone. That is the least I can do for her. I will try to convince the Massachusetts state police to send units down.

I am sorry, Ms, Victoria. God be with you.

And with that, the phone hung up.

 

[Rampage]

All these years...

I could never talk about it. Not even to my own mother. She'd never speak of it. She wouldnt allow EITHER of us to utter each other's REAL names...even behind closed doors. Well...all this...it's taken a toll on BOTH of us and we've BOTH reached a point where we want...NEED to do things differently.

But NEITHER of us can be sure...if he isn't out there...waiting...watching...closing in.

<< at this moment, both sides of this young woman's existence had just collided. she revealed her backstory and her status as a witch to those she trusted most and while they were having their own understandable reactions, Morgan was struggling. she'd never forgotten. never truly recovered. her heart ached for her murdered friends and innocence lost.>>

I just need....a moment.....to myself!

<< she said, choking with grief as she bowed her head and instantly vanishes via stepping disc.>>

Hey Court...Morgan...dammit!!

AVA SAID:
"Great. [pausing] This is insane! I seriously can't believe all those stories were true and that SHE'S directly involved!...God...I feel so bad for her..."

That is...awful. No wonder she has been so hard to get to know. Imagine feeling like you could leave our WHOLE life again at any moment.

AVA SAID:


"We should probably go find her."

I know ROUGHLY where she is. She did not go far, just a few floors up. But she moves too fast to pinpoint her...I can pop up there if you like. OR we can all go, though the going will be slower...your call babe.

Nicolas was still being obviously mindful of Ava's feelings at this point. Any other time he would already be up there talking...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Fear

<< Carole looks rather confused, blinking a few times as she hears a MAN'S voice on Alycia's phone?>>

<< He called her by her REAL name. He knew who she was!>>

Karen Victoria, this is Jack Hightower of the Rye Brook Village Police Department and a close friend and colleague of Alycia Barnette. I have her phone because...she was brutally murdered yesterday.

...

<< Carole's mouth opens in utter disbelief. She places her free hand over her mouth. Ignoring Michael as he asks her what's wrong.>>

ALYCIA!? NO!!!!

<< Carole's mind and heart are ABLAZE with shock, dismay and disbelief>>

Mr. Hightower....I...

In addition to that, a man who fits the description of the Shape has apparently abandoned her car on the interstate and taken another from a woman and her son on the way to Massachusetts. Ms. Victoria, I urge you and your daughter to immediately leave and contact the authorities with any other information you may have. I fear that he may already be in town looking for you. If there is anything else I can do, just call me back on...on Alycia's phone. That is the least I can do for her. I will try to convince the Massachusetts state police to send units down.

I am sorry, Ms, Victoria. God be with you.
And with that, the phone hung up.

<< Carole continues to look utterly transfixed>>

....

<< Michael takes hold of her and briefly shakes her a bit, demanding that she respond to him with something. ANYTHING. She seems to snap out of her transfixed stare>>

He...

...he's here. he's coming for me and my daughter. he ....he...MURDERED ALYCIA LAST NIGHT and her...

<< Carole is shaking. Her friend...her one steadfast ally through this whole thing. DEAD and now it was too late to help her. This was so BAD. And yet, the only thing that could distract from the horrible revelation of Alycia's murder is...>>

car was found abandonned on I-93...he stole another woman's car. He's HERE, Michael!

Michael, my son...THE SHAPE...he's FOUND us!


<< she shrieks as she pulls away from him.>>

MORGAN. What if he found her! What if he's already gotten her!?

<< Carole begins to dial Courtney's phone.>>

I can't get through! It's not even ringing!

<< by now, Carole was on the verge of PANICKING. The power in the apartment, indeed across the entire Hillcrest campus is now fluxuating.>>

<< She grabs the matching jacket to her outfit and quickly puts it on, heading for the front door.>>

I've got to FIND HER, Michael! I've got to protect her from him! BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

<< Carole was beside herself, with grief, shock and now panic. She rushes to the front door, opening it. At that very moment, the private security officer was on the other side of the door!>>

<< It was indeed a totally unexpected thing, Carole SCREAMS and jumps with a start, her hand thrusts forward as she's instinctively about to unleash a mystical force blast against the unsuspected, unprotected, HUMAN guard.>>

JESUS!

Carole, WAIT!

CHRIST!

<< Michael, knew that this was Carole's greatest fear coming to life. The woman in front of him was reacting on instinct and EMOTION. She almost fired upon a helpless, unarmed man. In her current state, she'd no doubt use a high powered blast and it would most certainly main or even KILL someone like the guard. Michael was quick thinking enough to grab hold of Carole's hand and bring it DOWN from aiming at the man.>>

<< Carole takes a moment...pulling herself back from the brink of utter panic.>>

my god Ronnie, you...you scared me half to DEATH!

<< Michael stood just behind Carole, holding her steady>>

Sorry, Dr. Starr. The phone lines are done and the power is fluxuating. Even the wifi is offline.

My god, Michael. He's ON THE GROUNDS. He's trying to cut off all contact!

<< the guard looks puzzled. Michael knows he wont understand what Carole is talking about.>>

Ronnie,the emergency back up generator. Bring it online and put the campus on blue alert. Any remaining students know code blue means they are to stay inside their dorms until All clear is given. See what you can do to get the phones working. Dr. Starr & I will handle things on this end.

<< A look from Michael was enough for Ronnie to know not to ask questions and do as he was told.>>

<< Carole looked back at Michael. The evening wind howled with a mournfull haunt as she spoke>>

I have to find Morgan!

 

[Arsenal]

Karen's mouth fell open as he faintly heard a man's voice on the phone. She places her hand over her mouth as she stepped back, still holding the phone.

What's wrong Carole? Who is-

ALYCIA!? NO!!!!

<< Carole's mind and heart are ABLAZE with shock, dismay and disbelief>>

Mr. Hightower....I...

She falls silent again, shaking slightly. He has seen this before and he could not have her fall into shock. He shakes her to try to snap her out of it.

Carole...KAREN!!! Say something!

She seems to snap out of her transfixed stare>>

He...

...he's here. he's coming for me and my daughter. he ....he...MURDERED ALYCIA LAST NIGHT and her...

<< Carole is shaking. Her friend...her one steadfast ally through this whole thing. DEAD and now it was too late to help her. This was so BAD. And yet, the only thing that could distract from the horrible revelation of Alycia's murder is...>>

car was found abandonned on I-93...he stole another woman's car. He's HERE, Michael!

Michael, my son...THE SHAPE...he's FOUND us!


<< she shrieks as she pulls away from him.>>

Carole...try to stay as calm as possible...we wi-

MORGAN. What if he found her! What if he's already gotten her!?

<< Carole begins to dial Courtney's phone.>>

I can't get through! It's not even ringing!

<< by now, Carole was on the verge of PANICKING. The power in the apartment, indeed across the entire Hillcrest campus is now fluxuating.>>

<< She grabs the matching jacket to her outfit and quickly puts it on, heading for the front door.>>

I've got to FIND HER, Michael! I've got to protect her from him! BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

<< Carole was beside herself, with grief, shock and now panic. She rushes to the front door, opening it. At that very moment, the private security officer was on the other side of the door!>>

<< It was indeed a totally unexpected thing, Carole SCREAMS and jumps with a start, her hand thrusts forward as she's instinctively about to unleash a mystical force blast against the unsuspected, unprotected, HUMAN guard.>>

CAROLE!!! NO!!!

Mike grabbed her hands and pulled them down as the guard exclaimed in fear of his own. She was going to kill him, of that he had no doubt. He was not sure grabbing her hands would not kill HIM, but Ronnie had kids.

Carole explained herself, then Ronnie told her about the electrical and phone line fluctuations.

My god, Michael. He's ON THE GROUNDS. He's trying to cut off all contact!

<< the guard looks puzzled. Michael knows he wont understand what Carole is talking about.>>

Ronnie, the emergency back up generator. Bring it online and put the campus on blue alert. Any remaining students know code blue means they are to stay inside their dorms until All clear is given. See what you can do to get the phones working. Dr. Starr & I will handle things on this end.

Mike and Ronnie exchanged knowing nods and the guard dutifully and quickly went off to perform his duties.

<< Carole looked back at Michael. The evening wind howled with a mournfull haunt as she spoke>>

I have to find Morgan!

Mike led her to his car. He popped the trunk and pulled out a shotgun and some slugs. He quickly placed on a hip holster and placed it inside while donning some of the shells.

WE will find her. Let's start at her dorm room and that of her closest friends. Is there anything you can tell me about what Adam can do?

 

[Shadow Weaver]

searching

<< Michael hadnt turned away from her. In spite of not even knowing her REAL name all this time, he was not angry, nor did he seem repulsed when she told her her tragic backstory, being the MOTHER of one of the most infamous [and REAL] "Urban Legends" in recent history.>>

<< Michael keeps her from accidentally killing Ronnie and does his best to ANCHOR her emotions by engaging her directly. Law enforcement officials these days were given a measure of psychological training as well and Michael was as seasoned as they came>>

Mike led her to his car. He popped the trunk and pulled out a shotgun and some slugs. He quickly placed on a hip holster and placed it inside while donning some of the shells.

WE will find her. Let's start at her dorm room and that of her closest friends. Is there anything you can tell me about what Adam can do?

<< She'd been here before. A conversation like this.>>

<<Carole looked very distressed. She kept flashing back to...>>

<<FLASH>>

<< Over 20 years ago. Alycia and Karen sit in an unknown location, in a dimly lit room with papers and files on the table between them, along with a pot of coffee and two cups. Karen can be seen and heard OPENLY weeping, covering her face with grief and shame. >>

oh Alycia....I'm SO SORRY!

<< she looks up to the night sky above Hillcrest, trying to control her emotions and her grief>>

...

He hunts...he KILLS.


He....moves without conscience or restraint. There's no regard for life where he's concerned. Not even a rudimentary sense of humanity or compassion.

<< as Michael finishes prepping, he and Karen walk together, urgently, toward the dorm where Courtney...MORGAN resides.>>

With him, thought and act are ONE and there's no explanation.

<< the wind howls as dried leaves flow and dust up a bit as they reach the building that houses Morgan's dorm. Karen hurridly opens the locked entrance door and once inside, Karen fashions a small mystical glowing orb to hover above them and light their way>>


There's no soul...and his eyes...the blackest eyes...the DEVIL'S eyes.


<< down one hall, now up a set of stairs>>

accept when he registers extreme agression and rage...then red irises flicker into view.

<< down a hall, to Courtney's room.>>

His powers are physical in nature. Super Strength, durability to the point of being well nigh invulnerable. An apparent healing factor. A killer instinct. ALL TOGETHER...he's a SUPER PREDATOR.

<< unlocking the door with her emergency pass key, they enter Courtney's room.>>

<< the room rather tidy. an odd, delecate balance of gothic/glamor, with clear indicators of her knowledge and practice of the occult. >>

She's not here.

<< they look around a bit, and Karen finds on her bed...>>

the brochure, to the salem witches ball! this is what she had her heart set on going to and yet she left this behind? it was her proof of invitation to the event!

<< she gripping the paper as she looks at Michael>>

She didnt go! She didnt go to BOSTON. But that means she....

<< Michael remembered that Ava and Delilah hadn't gone to the school's weekend retreat either, nor had Nicolas.>>

<< Karen rushes out into the hallway again>>

She must still be on the campus grounds.

Oh Michael, she was alone at the hospital....that night...and he killed nearly EVERYONE to get to her! He could be after her! She could be HURT even now!

<< she hurries back down and out of the building onto the campus grounds.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

dining hall- kitchen

<< Courtney ACTUALLY wasnt that far away from Michael and Carole, but still far enough.>>

<< after a few moments, Courtney...MORGAN found herself less distraught. She'd done it. She'd told them the truth, revealed herself and her secret and they didnt turn away from her!>>

<< as she stood there, thinking about how things would be forever different, the power flickered and then went out.>>

hmph.

must be the wind

<< the building was "settling". there was an odd creak or groaning noise here or there. Morgan looked around for a moment. this place did seem rather...spooky, despite its regal reputation.>>

<< then, there was another sound, a shift and a soft thud. Like like someone bumping their head or something like that. It came from the dumbwaiter, which was just off to her right a few steps away.>>

...

alright.

if one of you is trying to play a stupid joke right now, it's NOT the time.

NICOLAS. you're NOT clever.

<< She turns on her high heeled boot and takes those few steps toward the dumbwaiter and begins to try to lift up the door. the resistance makes her think someone IS inside, trying to be funny>>

oh PLEASE. GIVE IT UP ALREADY you...

<< with both hands and a serious effort, she finally shoves the door UP. What she finds?>>