Splattered pumpkins

[Arsenal]

<< 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>>

Mike held her hand steady as he spoke.

I think that if you trust those that lo-

Originally Posted By: Oracle

<< 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.>>

Mike reached to steady Karen as he used his other hand to reach for one of the three guns hidden on his person. As he realized that it was just kids being silly, he focused back on Carole, who was now shocked and upset.

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>>

I think that if you trust those that LOVE you then you can face anything...that is why we seek companionship Carole.

There...he said it. Too bad that the poor guy did not even know that he did not know his girlfriends REAL name...

Carole then demanded more alcohol to drink and began to talk about how she had tried everything to get past what was bothering her. He began to see how vulnerable she was, how hurt she was with whatever she was holding onto. He took her trembling non-drinking hand into both of his.

If you want to ever move forward, you will have to face your fears. I am not a super, but I am not afraid. I will help you all that I can, and I am here, but without a chance to know what is hurting you, I cannot help you. In the end, the key to dealing with this issue has always been in your hands Carole. And the choice is your, as it has always been.

He leaned back, waiting for what she would have to say. He did not want to compound her pain or push her too far. But it was tough to see her like this. Drinking, weepy, scared...she was better than this.

 

[Persephone]

Ava wasn't really feeling the costume either. Wrinkling her nose as Delilah said she was being Jem for Halloween, the brunette's eyes furrowed inquisitively.

"Isn't she like...Barbie's cousin or something?"

Shrugging, Ava grabbed another costume that was on display and studied it.

"Either way, you'll look hot. You always do."

She said with a cute over the shoulder look and smirk.

"Well, I already have my costume picked out. I just wanted to stop by and see if they had anything new. But yeah...definitely sticking with what I have."

Putting the costume she was looking at back on the rack.

"I'm being a 70's hippy. It's going to be hot."

Glancing at Nicolas who was checking out a few teenage girls from one of the local high schools near by. Smacking him on the shoulder to get his attention, Ava rolled her eyes.

"What are you being Nic? OTHER than a creepy perv."

Grinning playfully, Ava snatched back the bag of Twix she tossed at Nicolas earlier deciding she wanted a little snack while they shopped.

 

[Rampage]

"What are you being Nic? OTHER than a creepy perv."

Grinning playfully, Ava snatched back the bag of Twix she tossed at Nicolas earlier deciding she wanted a little snack while they shopped.

Nic smiled disarmingly as he realized he'd gotten caught. He went to the rack and picked out something cool and would show off his muscles.

Conan the Barbarian!

He pulled it out and compared the pic to his own flawless abs. Grinning...he looked back at the pair.

Ladies...you are welcome.

 

[Ororo]

encouragement

"SHE" is crumbling, child. All these years she has spent guarding you & herself with white knuckled FEAR rather than due diligence.

Your MOTHER, who bore two other children before you, only to see one become a MONSTER and another to die by that monster's hand.

You're ALIVE because of your mother and the bravery of Alycia Barnett.
Yes, Ororo knew far more than one might guess.

But NEITHER of you truly LIVES. The only way EITHER of you will live AGAIN is to come out of this self imposed prison.

Transition is NEVER easy child, but you've existed with the fog of fear around you...both of you...for so long. The time has come to STEP OUT of it.

What awaits you MUST be confronted.

You were not able to help your mother then, but you can NOW.

That is all I can say.

The rest will be up to you.

Reaching out, Ororo smiles with reassurance.

Light to you, child.

 

[Spellbinder]

Storm's Apothecary

<< With every word that Ororo speaks, MORGAN yearned to break the shakles of a false identity and a oppressive, carefully guarded existence. Now more than ever it was doing more harm than good and Ororo put it into painfully clear perspective.>>

<< Her mother had lost SO MUCH. She had THREE children, not just Morgan and two of them were LOST. Morgan had a brother and a sister. Her sister was DEAD at her BROTHER'S hands. Her BEST FRIENDS were dead at her BROTHER'S hands.>>

<< they'd hidden, lived in fear for so long and with each passing year they seemed to be losing sight of themselves and each other. It shouldnt be like this and now, Morgan was no longer repressing how she REALLY felt about it.>>

<< Ororo warned her that something was wrong, that an "unquiet spirit" was roaming. If it WAS her brother, THIS time she could HELP her mother fight him off and THIS time...he'd be stopped. PERMANENTLY.>>

<< But would her new found friends stand by her? THEM? Would they HELP them?>>

Transition is NEVER easy child, but you've existed with the fog of fear around you...both of you...for so long. The time has come to STEP OUT of it.

What awaits you MUST be confronted.

<< she'd never know if they'd accept her if she didnt give them the chance and to do that, she'd have to be truly honest with them. if that thought didn't turn her stomach, the one of her mother's OUTRAGE over what she was doing right now or what she WOULD do certainly did but Ororo just said it- "transition is never easy". Things HAD to change! before it was too late!>>

Reaching out, Ororo smiles with reassurance.

Light to you, child.

<< Courtney...MORGAN once again found herself behaving totally "out of character" as she rushed forward and HUGGED Ororo.>>

<< tears streamed down her face>>

I...I've longed for FREEDOM for so long and now, thanks to you...I finally have the courage to GET IT.

THANK YOU, Lady Ororo. Light to you!

<< the mysterious, immortal weather witch waves goodbye to MORGAN, who clutches her exquisite new gift, the beatrice medallion, in her hands and exits the apothecary. She doesnt even bother to check to see if the others are outside and could see her exiting the shop.>>

I feel so....ALIVE. The wind is at my back.

<< indeed, the young woman who normally presented as dark and gloomy seemed radiant and bright right now. but while Ororo may have provided her with a vital spark of insight and encouragement, the reality of the path of transition began to temper that feeling of euphoria she felt.>>

<< she also had no idea she was being WATCHED. Not by Ava, Delilah or Nicolas...or even her mother.>>

 

[The Shape]

Hunter Gatherer

Sister. PREY.

She's older now. Beautiful. Strong. She's got power and courage.

But she's still haunted. Just like her mother. THEIR mother.

She knows deep down even though she won't yet admit it that you can't ever flee the curse of your bloodline.

Nothing, not time nor distance would stop him from FINDING HER AND THEIR MOTHER.

The Shape stands, out in broad daylight!

With the car he stole from Sharon Kelly hours ago, he finally made his way into Boston. To BEACON HILL and now he was on the mainstreet.

His eerie now solid black. Void of any expression or humanity. The DEVIL'S EYES, fixed on his SISTER.

Silently he stands by the car. Tall and with formidable stature.

These people walk around, not realizing that DEATH has come to their little town and he has found his target.

Alycia Barnett fell. So too will MORGAN VICTOR and then? KAREN VICTOR.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Beacon Hill Bistro

Mike held her hand steady as he spoke.

I think that if you trust those that LOVE you then you can face anything...that is why we seek companionship Carole.

There...he said it. Too bad that the poor guy did not even know that he did not know his girlfriends REAL name...

<< it wasnt often that someone could give Carole pause with their depth of insight and spot on perspective, but Michael once again surprised her. It was backed by such sincerity.>>

<< he'd prooven time and again to be kind, patient, GENUINE. Perhaps he COULD be able to handle the awful truth!>>

Carole then demanded more alcohol to drink and began to talk about how she had tried everything to get past what was bothering her. He began to see how vulnerable she was, how hurt she was with whatever she was holding onto. He took her trembling non-drinking hand into both of his.

If you want to ever move forward, you will have to face your fears. I am not a super, but I am not afraid. I will help you all that I can, and I am here, but without a chance to know what is hurting you, I cannot help you. In the end, the key to dealing with this issue has always been in your hands Carole. And the choice is your, as it has always been.

He leaned back, waiting for what she would have to say. He did not want to compound her pain or push her too far. But it was tough to see her like this. Drinking, weepy, scared...she was better than this.

...

<< KAREN was not immediately aware that at this very moment, just as Michael was once again reaching out to her, urging her to come FORWARD and to let someone HELP her, her daughter was receiving that same counsel from a wise, immortal woman who knew them both well just as she'd known others in OTHER times.>>

<< Michael was sincere and honest. He was NOTHING like her deceased husband, Chris. And though he was indeed not a "super", he was brave, steel nerved and courageous, like Alycia Barnett, someone else she'd trusted...with her and her daughter's life!>>

<< Carole was already looking inside herself. She knew the truth. It was time. Time was RUNNING OUT.>>

<<FLASH>>

<<OUTSIDE AT THAT VERY MOMENT>> << Courtney. Outside on Charles Street, merely several stores down and across the street, leaning against the brick wall of a store front.>>

<< Her SON. THE SHAPE. ALIVE! In plain sight, yet unnoticed by the totally oblivious passers by. Standing just outside of a car he'd stolen, WATCHING her daughter. Stalking THEM BOTH.>>

Michael.


<< looking down at her watch>>

It's time for me to be getting back.

<< Michael's force visibly contorted with disappointment, but Carole wasnt finished>>

There IS something that I'd like to talk to you about. But this is not the time or the place.

Why don't you...meet me at my place this evening.

The majority of the student body and faculty will be departing at the end of class today for the weekend retreat.

I'll need you to do a check on those remaining behind. After that, you can come by and we'll....

<<FLASH!>>

<< 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.>>

<<FLASH!>>

She told me her son was a "bad seed." It had nothing to do with him being a mutant. It had everything to do with him simply being... "EVIL WRAPPED IN FLESH."

She hesitated for a moment, before further admitting that if she could, she would have him euthanized...for the safety of the community at large but most of all for the safety of her DAUGHTER. She noticeably didnt include herself in that. She seemed to no longer care what happened to herself.

I must admit...This was BEYOND anything I'd been presented with before and I've seen QUITE A BIT. From cheating spouses, to fraud, abuse and more...From the low class, to the high society. But THIS? This was something all together different.

Karen was cracking with grief, guilt and shame. But honestly? From all that I'd read from the files she gave me. From what I'd seen of the police reports and heard from personal contacts of mine, like Jack Tower? Karen was as much a victim as her poor daughter, Blaze. I wondered if the FATHER had something to do with it. Being a geneticist at all, they specialize in things that even mainstream science sometimes balk at.

Still- it was not for me to assume anything. I could only go by what I knew and what was presented to me.

Karen feared for her last surviving daughter's life, and rightfully so, since Adam was a powerfull mutant with physical abilities that made him a super predator.

She wanted me to shadow her daughter and if necessary, PROTECT her. She was offering me an amount of money that was beyond anything I'd seen before. But that wasnt the point of sale for me. No, this was a woman who was now widowed and alone and living in FEAR. She needed HELP...

...now widowed, alone and living in FEAR. she needed help...

<< A close view of Michael's eyes.>>

<< Alycia's words echoed between Michael and Carole.>>

<< Carole looked at Michael with a reticent expression in her eyes.>>

we'll talk.

<< and with that, Carole summoned the server. She INSISTED paying the bill today. Her reflexive response for what she felt was her being a BURDEN to Michael.>>

<< and with that, she and Michael bid a quiet farewell to each other for now, knowing that he'd be arriving at Hillcrest in just a while as the end of the school day drew near and those leaving for the retreat would be preparing for that. He'd be present for Carole's official address to the student body prior to their leaving as well.>>

<< for now though, Dr. Starr had to reign herself back in. She'd allowed Michael to draw her out far further than she should...at least with the mindset she had presently but deep down, SHE knew he was doing this out of true concern and LOVE. How could she shut him out? If she did...IF by some wild twist of events her worst fears were realized, how could she expect him to be there for her when she wouldnt trust him enough to tell him?>>

<< Surely he'd be able to handle it. He promised he would!>>

<< Both she and her daughter were heading toward the seem conclusions, from opposite directions. the impact would be something for those watching both of them to see.>>

 

[Seer]

afternoon wears on

<<Michael cares for Carole and his love is true. He doesnt know how vital that will proove to be very soon. As he embraces Carole, he senses that he may have made a critical break in the walls that she's hidden behind for so long, but should take care to remember that sometimes what lies behind a wall can be more terrifying than what he didnt know before.>>

<< He and Carole go their seperate ways for now. They will soon see each other again at Hillcrest.>>

<< meanwhile>>

<< the time for the students to meet up was at hand. Ava had lead Delilah and Nicolas in a mini power shopping spree and now they were hurrying to meet Courtney at the designated spot.>>

<< they would all notice the beatrice medallion hanging around her neck. the large, exquisite piece of jewelry. it LOOKED expensive. Nicolas would register emotional readings from her that were bizarre to say the least. it was as if there were two distinctly different patterns from one mind. a mind that was completely BLOCKED from his psychic abilities. It was things like this that made Courtney an enigma even in a school for mutants.>>

<< still for the four of them...there was a level of friendship that transcended the bizarre and the strange and they realized that Courtney DID regard them as friends, which made them appreciate her as much as they now knew she appreciated them.>>

<< now that they'd had their fun, there was one last piece of "business" to take care of before jaunting back to Hillcrest! "How to score booze!">>

<< they stood together in front of a car parked just outside of Charles Street Liquors >>

<< in spite of their priviledged backgrounds and special status as mutants, they were still young and there were some things that were timeless- like sneaking off campus and the occassional SHOPLIFTING.>>

<< but even things like that took on a totally different form for people like them, as we are about to see.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

Charles St Liquors

<< Courtney had lucked out, they hadnt seen her exit the apothecary. So by the time they came to meet up, she was already near the Liquor shoppe. They all greeted her and she smiled a bit asking if they were ready to finish up.>>

<< they all noticed her curious and EXPENSIVE looking piece of jewelry.>>

It's something that I...wanted for quite sometime. I felt that it was made...just for me!


<< in fact it wasnt at ALL what she had come for, but it turned out that it WAS made JUST or her and it was given to her as a gift and confirmation of things to come for her. she didnt tell them that it was a TALISMAN, a tool for MAGICK.>>

<< So even though she wasnt quite telling the truth, she DID have a shopping bag from the apothecary in her hands that contained some things like sage, other rare crystals, various colored candles and pure extract oils.>>

<< Ava , being the shopping diva of the group and having a high level of knowledge about fine jewelry, noted that medallion was of the finest quality gold and the pure white diamonds in each of the five points of the star...the PENTAGRAM shaped star. She confessed that she couldnt recognize the design as being from anyone SHE'D heard of. >>

<< Here was Yet ANOTHER glaring indication of the rumours to Courtney's link to all things OCCULT.>>

You guys did your shopping, I did mine. Now let's hurry up and get what we ALL wanted for the party!


<< Yet as Nicolas pointed out the pattern of the star being that of a pentagram and asked Courtney why she'd pick out such a "WITCHY piece of jewelry".>>

GIMME A BREAK WILL YA!?

<< Courtney BELLOWS with clear agitation as Delilah clears her throat to interrupt Nicolas from continuing and ELBOWS him in the stomach. He was tough enough to handle it, though he wasnt expecting it. Ava quickly reassures Courtney they werent accusing her of anything, just that it was a stunning piece of jewelry. They were surprised she'd even wear something like it given her usual dark, edgy wardrobe but they meant no harm. After a few moments, Courtney settled. She had to remember what Ororo said. She had to remember that they WERE her friends and that while the first step forward was always the most uncertain, it would only get easier from there. >>

<< Fine. everything was fine. she'd tell them something. but not now, not HERE!>>

I tell you what, Nicolas, I'll confess to being a witch as soon as you confess to your stack of porn in your room that you think nobody knows about.

<< she said with bitchy, dismissive sarcasm as she smirked a bit, unaware of the banter between Nicolas, Ava and Delilah earlier while they were shopping. still, turnabout was fair play and Nicolas enjoyed his little jokes so why couldnt Courtney? >>

Delilah: <<giggling>> what was that you mentioned earlier, Ava?

<< just a little while earlier>> "What are you being Nic? OTHER than a creepy perv."

Now shut up and listen!

<< she demanded>>

Just stand here and act like this is your car. Dont look nervous or anything.

<< she said to them all.>>

Okay now watch this!

<< a smaller size stepping disc opens at Courtney's chest and she reaches her hand and arm down into it. She leans forward a bit, reaching FURTHER into the disc.>>

<< ANOTHER disc opens INSIDE of the liquor shoppe and Courtney's HAND reaches out and quickly grabs a bottle of Absolute Vodka. a LARGE bottle. She steps back, withdraws her hand, revealing the bottle!>>

See?

We don't even have to go into the store.

<< she looks at them all as they marvel at what she's just done>>

It's a trick Mr. Wagner's been teaching me.

Now...I can only do this with what I can SEE in the store so pick stuff you can see from window where we are and I'll grab it. Dee, you have PERFECT vision, so help us out.

We'll get a few things and then I can teleport it all back to my room at Hillcrest. No one will see or know. Then later on, I'll 'port it all to the party.

WHAT!? Studies show that every teen & young adult shoplifts at least twice in their life time. We're just ...getting it out of the way now! Besides, what did you want to do? go in there and try to BUY it so they could report us to the police and Hillcrest?

 

[MorningStar]

Ava picked out some super cute accessories for her costume, and then it was time to meet Courtney. Delilah inhaled the crisp fall air deeply as they walked down Charles Street. This was her favorite time of year, and it was nice to get away from the school and be able to actually enjoy it.

Delilah waved as Courtney approached from the other direction. She was wearing a new necklace, and it was GORGEOUS. Courtney always had a fantastic style about her, but this piece was something special. It gave Delilah pause: where did she get the MONEY for something that expensive? Courtney’s family was well off, but Carole kept her on a short leash and she doubted she would have approved of something so lavish. Courtney then explained that it was a gift – but from who? Delilah couldn’t pry into Courtney’s affairs…but it all seemed very suspicious.

Courtney then went OFF on Nicolas who was making yet another (stupid) joke at her expense.

GIMME A BREAK WILL YA!?

Delilah cleared her throat, simultaneously elbowing Nicolas in the ribs to make him SHUT UP.

Courtney then showed them what they had all come there for…and proceeds to start using her stepping discs to steal liquor!

Delilah was pretty laid back, but she couldn’t suppress being a little shocked. This wasn’t fooling an adult into selling the stuff to them, this was outright theft.

It's a trick Mr. Wagner's been teaching me.

“Somehow I don’t think this is what he had in mind.”

Delilah looked at the others skeptically, but mechanically put the bottles Courtney handed to her into her bag.

Now...I can only do this with what I can SEE in the store so pick stuff you can see from window where we are and I'll grab it. Dee, you have PERFECT vision, so help us out.

She sighed.

“Okay, how about that bottle of Jameson’s…and one of the Sambuca…there’s a good bottle of Syrah in there…”

 

[Rampage]

They met back up with Courtney, who was wearing a PENTAGRAM piece of elderly bling. They all reacted, and he whistled.

Coming out of the closet Sabrina? Why did you pick such a WITCHY piece of jewelry?

Originally Posted By: Courtney

GIMME A BREAK WILL YA!?

OK, OK, I just want to know where you hide the famili-

Delilah popped him in the ribs while shushing him to stop by clearing her throat.

Courtney next got a GOOD one in. Nicolas had to give up a golfclap.

Originally Posted By: Courtney
I tell you what, Nicolas, I'll confess to being a witch as soon as you confess to your stack of porn in your room that you think nobody knows about.

Done and done. You can even come by and have a look. Lingerie fashion tips for the new millennium combined with dating strategies EVERY girl should know about.

Nic chuckled as he waited for her next trick. It was a DOOZY as she just TOOK the damn liquor from the store using her discs. This was a neat trick, but the straight stealing was not really his thing. He could see the counter of the store and...pulling two 100 dollar bills from his pocket, he focused....then teleported them to the inside corner of the counter where the clerk would find them. That made him feel better about it all, and so he waited while the ladies finished shopping.

 

[Persephone]

After some shopping they finally met up with Courtney who was now sporting a beautiful new piece of jewelry. Complimenting her on it, she asked where she got it from and how it didn't look like any designer she knew of....and Ava knew of EVERY designer. However between Ava's questions and Nicolas' witch jabs, Courtney blew up and told them all to knock it off.

"Okay...geeze."

Taking a step back, Ava folded her arms across her chest and stood there quietly. She didn't appreciate being yelled at for asking a simple question. Even though most of Courtney's anger was directed at Nicolas, the brunette was getting a little tired of this cloaks and daggers routine. She considered Courtney her friend, but it seemed very one sided. With a sigh, Delilah was SO much better at being patient in situations like this.

Finally, Courtney seemed to lighten up a bit and show them all a trick using her stepping discs. She literally was taking the bottles of liquor out of the store without actually going into the store. It was impressive.

"This gives a whole new meaning to 5 finger discount."

As Courtney and Delilah continued to steal the alcohol for the party, Ava decided to lean against the car that was supposed to be "theirs". However, she didn't take into consideration the ALARM within it. As soon as her body touched the car, the alarm started blaring, causing Ava to jump forward with wide eyes.

"Ohmygod! [quickly turning to Courtney and Delilah] I'm sorry!"

Knowing the store clerk's attention would be drawn outside, they all needed to take what they had and GO.

"Let's go!"

 

[Seer]

Busted

<< this motley crew of omega level mutants were still just kids, trying to find their way & have fun while doing it. This particular group were also navigating the complex twists & turns of personal relationships, further complicated by their individual pasts, personalities & more.>>

<< mutants or not, kids will be kids & there are some things that are simply timeless & also human nature.>>

<< but just as it is a "rite of passage" to cut class & even shoplift for some, so too is it to be CAUGHT by the teacher.>>

<< how much WORSE will it be when that teacher is the Headmistress & MOTHER of one of the students?>>

<< let's watch and see!>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Caught in the act

<< an odd, mystic "twinkling" sound can be heard as Dr. Starr, who has happened upon the wayward hillcrest students, quickly deals with the situation of the car alarm by twitching her nose a'la Samantha Stevens & immediately silences the alarm before the store clerk realizes just who's car that was.>>

Hold it RIGHT THERE!

<< she commands as the students are now confronted with her directly in their path>>

COURTNEY! Delilah, Ava!! and NICOLAS KING!

Just WHAT is the meaning of this!?

 

[Spellbinder]

big trouble in beacon hill

<< Courtney had managed to pluck just about EVERYTHING they wanted, using her discs in a way that shocked even Nicolas. SHE was content to swipe it all without saying a word, but he, in a move that would totall dispell any thoughts Carole had about him being an utter vagrant, insisted on deposit "payment" on the counter.>>

<< Time was running out. Correction, now that Ava had accidently bumped a car and set off the ALARM, tme was UP!>>

<< Courtney managed to send all their liquor through a disc, ensuring it would arrive in HER room unnoticed and it would not at all look like they'd just STOLEN hundreds of dollars worth of alcohol in a way that even the most seasoned cat burglar would be jealous of.>>

<< She couldnt have closed the disc a MOMENT too soon, as she jolted from the sound of the alarm>>

"Ohmygod! [quickly turning to Courtney and Delilah] I'm sorry!"

Knowing the store clerk's attention would be drawn outside, they all needed to take what they had and GO.

"Let's go!"

<< after the startled look on her face faded, she rolled her violet eyes>>

yes...i'd say it's time to...

<< lifting her hand in a gesture, she was halted when she heard>>

<< an odd, mystic "twinkling" sound can be heard as Dr. Starr, who has happened upon the wayward hillcrest students, quickly deals with the situation of the car alarm by twitching her nose a'la Samantha Stevens & immediately silences the alarm before the store clerk realizes just who's car that was.>>

Hold it RIGHT THERE!

<< they ALL heard it>>

oh...shit....

<< Courtney said as she looked up to the sky with a pained expression on her face and then forward to find her MOTHER standing there, confronting them ALL! Sure she'd silenced the alarm, but the ALARM was better than THIS>>

Mom!

well at least i got our stuff back to hillcrest BEFORE she saw us with bags

COURTNEY! Delilah, Ava!! and NICOLAS KING!

Just WHAT is the meaning of this!?

<< Courtney shook her head to the negative as Carole seemed to think NICOLAS was behind all of this>>

Oh...just a little "off campus lunch!"

<< she said with knowing sarcasm as she managed to step to the front of the group. She already knew how this was going to go down but there was no need to let any of them take more heat than they had to>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Family portrait

<< Carole's opal blue eyes flash with extreme displeasure as she stands before Courtney, Ava, Delilah and Nicolas. She immediately assumed Nicolas was the ring leader, but it appeared now that Courtney was stepping forward to take responsibility for whatever they were up to.>>

WELL!?

Oh...just a little "off campus lunch!"

<< she said with knowing sarcasm as she managed to step to the front of the group. She already knew how this was going to go down but there was no need to let any of them take more heat than they had to>>

You're not ALLOWED TO HAVE

<< shaking her head a bit as she spoke in a slightly mocking tone>>

"Little OFF CAMPUS LUNCHES", COURTNEY!

You KNOW that.

<< snapping her glare to Ava and Delilah>>

YOU TOO, young ladies!

Sorry, Dr. Starr.

<< after a few more moments of her withering glare upon them, she exhales with annoyance.>>

Come along, get in the car. I'll drive you back.

<< the students begin to walk, when Carole suddenly turns around>>

No, you know what?

<< handing Delilah, the most studious and trustworthy [ as far as Carole was concerned] of the group, the car keys>>

Here. You three, go get in the car. I'll be right there.

<< she waves Ava , Delilah and Nicolas along and then quickly turns back to Courtney, holding her hand out in a STOP motion. It was time for a little MOTHER/DAUGHTER talk.>>

<<indeed>>

COURTNEY! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?

<< Carole bellows with such force!>>

<< Ava, Delilah and Nicolas wouldnt help but overhear the extreme nature of this confrontation and get a terrifying glimpse of the strained and DECAYING mother/daughter dynamic between these two.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

mother/daughter

<< Courtney had been here before. She'd felt her mother's wrath, her extreme disapproval, her OVER PROTECTIVE choke hold on her life. She blinked hard once and rolled her eyes as she reprimanded them all and then informed them she'd be driving them back.>>

<< walking along, Courtney was sure that there'd be more tongue lashing in the car but then>>

No, you know what?

<< handing Delilah, the most studious and trustworthy [ as far as Carole was concerned] of the group, the car keys>>

Here. You three, go get in the car. I'll be right there.

<< she waves Ava , Delilah and Nicolas along and then quickly turns back to Courtney, holding her hand out in a STOP motion. It was time for a little MOTHER/DAUGHTER talk.>>

<<indeed>>

COURTNEY! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?

<< Carole bellows with such force!>>

<< Courtney's violet eyes WIDEN with utter disbelief and her mouth opens in shock as she exhales with disbelief.>>

<< Courtney holds HER hands out to block her mother's agressive approach>>

WHOA! I am REALLY uncomfortable with you using that kind of language with m...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

confrontation

<< Carole was unyielding in her anger with her daughter over this stunt. Cutting Courtney off even as her daughter noticeably blocked her closer approach>>

WELL THEN DON'T PUT ME IN THE POSITION, COURTNEY!

<< looking utterly predatory as she sneered>>

Of ALL the days for you to pull this SHIT! What doyou think you can do....JUST....

<< feigning a whimsical expression on her face as she holds her hand up in front of her and twirls it around>>

WANDER AROUND TOWN!?

I don't ask much of you. JUST GIVE ME ONE DAY!

ONE DAY!? << again exhaling with disbelief as she looks like she might burst out laughing >> I've given you 17 YEARS!

<< Carole pressed forward, once again overtalking her daughter>>

AND I NEED YOU
<< pointing forcibly at Courtney>>

to be RESPONSIBLE!

RESPONSIBLE!? are you KIDDING ME!?

DO you know what that MEANS!?

MOM I....

RESPONSIBLE, COURTNEY!

 

[Spellbinder]

wanting to be heard

STOP IT!

<< Courtney SCREAMS!>>

<< at that moment, Ava, Delilah and Nicolas hear what sound like...eldritch CHIMES ringing in the afternoon air around them. Other people hear them too but THEY arent sure if they are simply church bells or what. Nicolas heard this sound before, when Courtney "dragged me to hell".>>

I. AM. NOT. RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU! ALRIGHT!?

<< Courtney SHRIEKS with anger and emotion>>

That's IT!

I can't TAKE THIS ANYMORE. OKAY!?

<< standing toe to toe with her mother, her violet eyes flash with the same energy and feeling she felt in the apothecary only magnified>>

You ...you treat me like a PRISONER!
You won't let me be myself to ANYONE. even YOU!

YOU ACT LIKE I'M THE ONE WHO DID IT!

<<FLASH>>

<< 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.>>

<<FLASH>

SCREAMS and gurglings of the dead and dying. No more runway but instead 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.>>

LIKE I'M NOT A VICTIM TOO!?

<<FLASH>>

<< inside. screams of a girl. up the stairs. MORGAN struggling for her life, being STRANGLED by a man. A LARGE man wearing a featureless white...MASK!?>>

WELL I WAS!

<< tears streaming down her face>>

Thanks to you I AM! JUST LIKE YOU!

I'm YOUR DAUGHTER, NOT SOME RUNAWAY ON PROBATION!

I can't TAKE this anymore, MOTHER!

 

[Shadow Weaver]

back and forth

<< Now it was Carole's turn to be taken aback, as her daughter ERUPTED in deep, emotional ANGER and something...ELSE.>>

<< Carole FELT the wave of energy and POWER that eminated from her daughter as the ELDRITCH chimes sounded off. She hadnt noticed the pendant around her neck before, but she did NOW.>>

<< but now was not the time to ask about it. Courtney stood her ground, defended HERSELF and challenged her mother in a way she had not ever done before.>>

<< Carole's indignation gave way to dismay. Courtney was hitting a nail on the head, one that Carole couldnt rebut>>

I can't TAKE this anymore, MOTHER!

<< Courtney turns her back and begins to walk away.>>

HOLD IT!

<< Carole grabs Courtney's arm to stop her. Courtney YANKS away from Carole.>>

DON'T TOUCH ME!

<< for one brief, TERRIFYING moment, Carole, along with Ava, Delilah and Nicolas see Courtney manifest some...."DARK" aspect about her presona. She looked...DEMONIC!? NICOLAS had seen it before! Now maybe the others would believe him! Ava and Delilah KNEW Courtney could be downright VICIOUS when crossed, but THIS?!>>

<< Carole didn't flinch or waver. Which indicated perhaps she was aware of this aspect of her daughter as well.>>

WHAT do you mean, "you can't take it anymore!" what does that MEAN, COURTNEY?!