[center][img]http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo63/NMShape/cooltext141339446595706_zps6fzmac2f.png[/img][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/FGD7pKH.png[/img] [/center] [color=00aeef][i]That was it[/i][/color], Eva thought. Doctor Diplodoc was taken away and all had gone well enough strangely. No epic Boss battle, no more fate of the world hanging in the balance. Just a mad Doctor and his Meta formula. Eva could now go back to her search into who burned the NYC Museum of History, before that though her whole purpose for joining this little strike force of sorts was to establish some connections. Thunderbolt and Boom as helpful as they were could never answer the questions she needed. Her and Arthur had made a new potentially dangerous ally. Merlin, or who claimed to be Merlin albeit from another world. Eva knew nothing of magic, nor who she could trust in the matter. There was a hero who called herself the White Witch, and although they haven’t spoken at all would have to do. She was after all the only magic user Eva knew of and did lend her aid to the team even if she likely did have her own reasons for doing so. While Team B returned topside and the heroes regrouped to convene before going their separate ways Eva walked over towards the Witch and pulled her aside. [color=00aeef]“Hey, I have a few questions I could use answered. If you could spare the time?”[/color] Marie was caught off guard by Eva’s hooded frame. Despite her bout of confidence, and after a full day of potentially life-threatening situations, she was still underprepared for social interaction. She quickly dusted off the bottom of her dress, pulling her cloak over the tattered pieces of fabric. Her entire outfit was a mess save the half-mask she had replaced just before returning to West Virginia. “Um . . .” she began to stutter. What could this girl possibly want from her? “S-sure, what do you need? Also, I don’t remember your name. I’m the White Witch.” She awkwardly extended her arm in a friendly gesture. Eva wasn’t sure if the White Witch could even answer any of her questions or even if she could if they’d be of any help. But she prepared herself to ask nonetheless as she took her extended hand.[color=00aeef]”Pendragon, I. I’m kinda new to all this. You’re the real deal though, Magic and everything. I have questions of the magical kind. And I might even be involved with someone troublesome.”[/color] Taking a moment to check her surroundings in case Merlin might be watching, which she felt uneasy regardless like eyes were boring into her soul. She continued on trying to keep her composure. [color=00aeef]”How much do you know about Merlin and other worlds? And more importantly if I say were involved with someone dangerous magically what could I do if their intentions are unclear.”[/color] “Merlin?” Marie chuckled. “Like, [b]THE[/b] Merlin from Arthurian legend?” It seemed an amusing inquiry, but the serious look on Eva’s face made Marie blush. “S-sorry,” she coughed. She should have guessed that someone like Merlin existed, or was at least based on something factual. Afterall, she was working with Puck from [i]A Midsummer Night’s Dream[/i], so it wasn’t the most outrageous question. “I-I’m afraid I don’t know anything about Merlin other than what’s written in English folklore. Other worlds though?” Marie took a moment to think. She was of course familiar with the Otherworld, a catch-all for the different mystical realms and planes of existence, but she wasn’t sure if that’s what Eva was asking about. Marie was acquainted with ideas such as the multiverse theory and alternate dimensions, and surely they had their own magical laws, but that wasn’t her cup of tea. “Well,” she continued after a brief pause, “my powers stem from a connection to a place known as the Otherworld, an umbrella term for different realms that house all kinds of spirits, demons, faeries, the like, and I’m intimately familiar with the different layers of the Otherworld, but less so with entirely alternate worlds and dimensions. I suppose if you want to know about the Otherworld specifically, I could enlighten you.” [color=00aeef]”Yeah, [b]THE[/b] Merlin, or who claims to be Merlin. Merlin was never a she though and that’s my problem. Someone with power claims to be the Merlin of legend. Even Arthur admits she’s powerful; I suppose I should cover that first. So trailing off topic for a sec Arthur Pendragon, King Arthur. He’s kinda a Ghost. And I’m well, bloody hell how do I explain it. His successor? I suppose that’ll do. Things is though she seems the dangerous type.”[/color] Marie was taken aback by Eva’s comments. “So Merlin and King Arthur? I don’t suppose you’ve got Excalibur floating about somewhere?” she replied almost jokingly. Eva held out her hand, and from it appeared a sword mysteriously.[color=00aeef]”I think it’s Excalibur. I mean I don’t know anything about magical swords but it can cut through steel like butter, and it does this teleporty thing. If you can authenticate it or something go ahead I guess.” [/color] Marie eyed the sword for a good minute after Eva stopped talking, placing an awkward silence between the two of them. “Y-Y’know I was just kidding, but if that is Excalibur, well . . . this is all pretty amazing.” She laughed slightly, a little overwhelmed. “Um, I can’t verify it, no, but I might know someone who can, and, about this she-Merlin . . .” How could Marie expertly explain a concept that she had no real understanding of herself? [color=00aeef]”Right, jokes. It’s not that I don’t trust Arthur, I’m mostly sure he’s the real King Arthur anyways. To be honest there’s not a lot I’m sure about everything that’s gone on in my life lately but I at least think he’s who he says he is. But knowing for sure would put me at ease ya know.”[/color] The Witch continued, giving an oversimplified explanation of the other world theory. Not the Eva would know regardless. “You see,” she began, “there is a theory that states that there exists an infinite number of worlds that exist in altered states of reality based upon certain variables. It’s all far too complex and mathematical for any normal person to understand, but basically there is a world or dimension for pretty much every outcome imaginable.” [i]Was that an acceptable explanation?[/i] Marie thought. If not, it would have to do. “So,” Marie continued, “it’s entirely possible that a female version of Merlin could exist, and, being a sufficiently powerful sorceress, could bridge the gap between worlds. As to her intentions, the only real way of knowing would be to have more information about the world she comes from. It’s possible that in her world, she’s merely a female representation of the Merlin we know and you have nothing to fear, or perhaps she’s Camelot’s villain in her world.” [color=00aeef]”So totally possible, a female Merlin could exist. That’s kinda scary. I mean what if I exist in other worlds, you think Bioshock Infinite would be a somewhat true thing then? In that we all exist in different worlds then. So I gotta get back home soon, but if I need help or advice of the magical nature, anyway I could get ahold of you?” [/color] Marie nodded, “Yes, there is actually.” She held out her hand and said a word in some chthonic tongue that tore through the air with an eerie grace. From shadows formed a business card for The Red Devil which displayed Puck’s seal, an imp’s head encircled by three legs and a wreath of thorns, and instructions on how to open his door. It was a useless spell designed by Puck and this was the first time Marie made use of it, but she quite liked the idea of calling forth an infernal business card. She handed the card to Eva. “These are the instructions to opening the door to The Red Devil, a sort of sanctuary for all sorts of magical folk in and around Lost Haven. I work there for the owner, Robin Goodfellow. Just inscribe this symbol on a wall and knock three times. A door to the tavern will open and you’ll have access to whatever the denizens of the pub know.” “OH!” Marie exclaimed, “if you want to authenticate Arthur’s spirit and Excalibur, I think I know of a way. In the legends of Camelot, it was connected to a place known as Avalon, which is another term used to refer to the Otherworld. It was described as a place of spirits and the dead. Any of Camelot’s dead, including Arthur, will have passed into Avalon after their death. My boss, Robin Goodfellow, comes from the Otherworld and has been around since the Middle Ages, so he could probably verify Arthur’s story.” [color=00aeef]”Avalon, yeah. My Arthurian is kinda non existent just cause I’m a Brit doesn’t mean I’m aware of all those stuff, but it’s like Heaven or something right?” [/color] “In a sense. The Otherworld is sort of where all those places are located. Heaven, Hell, the Faerie Realms, Purgatory, all parts of the Otherworld. They aren’t exactly as they’re described in religious and folkloric texts, mainly because no one’s actually been there to document them, but you have the right idea.” [color=00aeef]”Cause Ghosts, Magical Swords and Magic wasn’t enough. Bollocks, well at least I know where I can turn to for advice. Since getting any answers from Arthur is a mixed bag. Really though, thanks. Any info is Aces right now.”[/color] [center][b]Meanwhile[/b][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/klHHPfB.png?1[/img][/center][center][b]Christopher Arthur III[/b][/center] Once the lockdown at Poseidon Energies was lifted following the news that Icon and his team had successfully assaulted the Terrorist base, Briley Patton being the CEO had her duties to attend to, however she had been fearful of the goings on outside more so that she couldn’t contact Evangeline. Teenagers are always a handful but Evangeline was far more rebellious than most being her sister’s child and born into wealth and high societal culture and the rules she was expected to follow. Many would consider Briley’s methods of keeping track of her own Niece unnecessary, few would go as far to implant tracking chips in their cell phones; Eva was important however, that’s how Briley justified that line of thinking. From her personal Computer Briley had begun to track her movements, hopping erratically from her New York home and then to Lost Haven and then West Virginia. An impossible feat for anyone, yet one building stood out. Sherman Center. If her memory serves, Chris Arthur had a little pet project there, all she really knew of him was he was S.T.R.I.K.E’s Civilian Contractor and likely built many of their advanced technologies. Briley tried Eva’s phone again to no avail, not knowing what had happened Briley hopped aboard one of her company’s jets bound for the Lost Haven airport. The trip was a quick one and during which ground transportation had been arrainged nothing flashy, just your typical rent a car. While traffic was getting back to normal there were tons of cars on the roads, some from those who were attempting to leave the state others from those returning all of whom made her trip to Sherman Center more arduous than it needed to be. The only good thing about this traffic was that it allowed her the time to look up the public number of Sherman Center, and with a few key presses the dial tone echoed from her phone. “This is Sherman Center correct? Briley Patton of Poseidon Energy. There’s a matter I wish to discuss with Christopher Arthur. I’m enroute to Sherman Center now.” “Let me put you through to him. One moment please.” While her call was being transferred to Chris’s phone, elevator music played in the background. After a few moments, the music ceased and someone else picked up the line.” [color=C0C0C0]“Hello. Christopher Arthur here. Please hold.”[/color] Chris said into his phone, almost as if he was doing this on purpose. Briley had to wait another minute or two before Chris picked the phone back. [color=C0C0C0]“How may I help you?”[/color] “As I said..” Briley spoke with some degree of frustration with being placed on hold for a second time. “I have a matter to discuss, I’m just about to pull up to Sherman Center now, I would like a meeting.” [color=C0C0C0]“So, let me get this straight.”[/color] Chris responded to the woman on the other side of the line, [color=C0C0C0]“You want to meet me here in person to discuss something, even though you already have me on the phone. Is that correct?”[/color] “Correct, it would be too impersonal to do so otherwise. The car is just outside, I would like a moment of your time please.” [color=C0C0C0]“Well, since it seems like everyone is trying to get a moment of my time, I’m sure I can fit it into my busy schedule. My butler, George will escort you up to my office once you arrive.”[/color] The door of the blue unassuming car opened and out stepped Briley Patton in her typical business attire, wearing a knee length skirt and grey jacket she walked to the entrance to be greeted by Chris’s Butler. The man led her towards the elevator wherein lights and scans analyzed everything in or on her person. The doors swooshed open not long after arriving at what could be the top floor as Mrs. Patton stepped out. [color=C0C0C0]“Oh, you’re here already.”[/color] Chris scrambled from behind his desk to greet Mrs. Patton. [color=C0C0C0]“So, what’s so important that you had to come all the way up to Lost Haven, Mrs., umm…”[/color] “Patton, Briley Patton.” She said in annoyance. “Would you tell me why a phone belonging to my Niece was pinged at this location? Or how it even got here? And yes I do have data putting it at these coordinates. My Niece is a young seventeen year old, colorful hair if that rings any bells.” [color=C0C0C0]“Um...she walked through the door and up the elevator, just like you did now. How she got to Lost Haven is beyond me.”[/color] Briley’s eyes narrowed and she spoke again. “That’s bloody cute. That answer could get you into a lot of legal troubles if it were misinterpreted. Unless you typically let underaged girls into your private office. I’ll let you think this carefully, why would someone like you let her walk in as she did?” [color=C0C0C0]“Um...because she wanted to be some sort of superhero and wouldn’t take ‘no’ as an answer. I mean, I organized a group of heroes to handle that whole domes crisis. And again, it was more like she waltzed into here. I’m not some sort of perv who tricks kids into a van with candy and puppies.”[/color] [color=C0C0C0]“And if we’re talking about ‘legal troubles’, what type of guardian would allow her underaged kid to wander God knows how many miles from New York City to Lost Haven?”[/color] “She shouldn’t have been able to, she has no license, and a minimal allowance. I’m trying to answer how she came to Lost Haven within minutes of her last known ping. Superpowers and Attention are the last things she’d seek, I’d expect tatoos long before those. It seems she’ll have questions to answer as well once she gets home. You should phrase your answers more carefully, but I do thank you for your time.” [color=C0C0C0]“You might also want to ask her about her magical sword and the tentacle monster straight out of some weird Japanese fantasy that she has.”[/color] With an audible sigh she responded. “Just what I need, she picked a hobby and a pet. And my questions are mounting. That would be all then, Mr. Arthur, good day. Good grief.”