PatientBean

Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Dining Room
Skills: Secret

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Finishing her conversation with Sam, Millicent caught the tale end of the dancer’s final point regarding stage production and felt her eyes on her. Was there judgement there, or understanding?

Whatever the case was it seemed the people gathered came from all walks of life. Different careers, different life experiences that led them to their careers. She noted one of the other men at the table, one she hadn’t addressed. He seemed to be assessing everyone here, much like she did. Perhaps he would have insight into all of this going down.

”We all seem to be interrogating each other, so pardon me, but what are your thoughts? I’m Millicent by the way, magician.” She paid careful attention to him. While the others were varying degrees of readable, she felt he would be more challenging. Perhaps someone detailed-oriented who knew to keep things close to his chest.

The man seemed not to notice she was talking to him for a moment, but then turned to return her gaze, several seats to his right. ”Tony, surgeon,” he replied, swirling his wine and taking a sip before continuing. ”As for my thoughts, I think this has been a lovely dinner. The steak was excellent, the wine was great even if I’m not much of a wine drinker, and this tiramisu is some of the best I’ve had. What do you think?” he countered, taking a bite of tiramisu as he finished.

Millicent narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly, trying to read the man. How does one experience a dinner with a wide range of characters, actual violence, and clear secrets and comment on the tiramisu, as delicious as it was?

But she couldn’t quite grasp anything from him. Like an invisible wall was put up and nothing could penetrate it. ”Yes, dinner was lovely. Best I’ve had in a long while. And quite lively conversation here, wouldn’t you agree?” She would keep an eye on Tony here. He would either prove to be a great ally or a formidable foe.

Again there was a brief moment before Tony answered, but this time it clearly wasn’t that he hadn’t noticed her question; he was watching her as closely as she watched him. ”Certainly. From start to finish, this has definitely been a dinner like none other. If we can expect more of the same for the rest of the weekend, then I don’t think this will be a trip any of us will ever forget.” He took another sip of wine, seemingly at ease with the situation as he held her gaze. Or was he? She couldn’t tell.

The two stared each other down as if a battle of wits was being waged through thought and osmosis. Millicent wanted to know more but didn’t feel dessert was the best for interrogation. Perhaps after a few more drinks Dr. Tony would be more open.

Her mind wandered again. The whole ordeal was opening up something inside of her. A concern that this trip was more than she or anyone here bargained for and that included the La Lune family. Their own drama aside, though not all the way, the colorful assortment of characters gathered here, the blackmail note in her bedroom, the tension built, the subtle and not-so-subtle glances between people seated here, rubbed her the wrong way. She had half a mind to ask to be taken out of the competition and go back home. She would lose the money, but wouldn’t it save her trouble in the long run.

But she had a creeping feeling. The note she received confirmed a fear she long held and one she was desperate to figure out. Someone here was toying with her and, given the nature of the dinner alone, was perhaps toying with others.

Was Sam as innocent as he appeared or was it a mask he put on so people paid him little attention?

Is Tony as laid-back as he appears or is there an undercurrent of something more sinister he doesn’t want anyone finding out?

Miguel appeared kind, but he also punched a man. Albeit a homophobe, but the rise to violence immediately could be cause for concern.

Renee appeared sweet. .A preschool teacher of all people. But didn’t the nice person often hold a dark secret?

Ralph offered little about himself, which given the fact they were al strangers didn’t mean much, but was he hiding the fact he knew more about them all than he led them to believe?

Ivanna Slay, a figure used to putting on a costume and show for others. How easy would it be to continue the show outside of the stage to hide what your real intentions were?

Constance appeared like a woman who was used to getting what she wanted. What if she wanted them here for ill intention? Constance was one she felt the strongest connection to, though that wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

Rhiannon, admittedly, the person she knew the least about, but what she heard gave her some pause. And the way she looked at her. Was it curiosity or something more?

Either way, Millicent didn’t want to leave. Not yet. She needed answers and she had a feeling the night was far from over.

The Symphony: Modern Magic

_{April 15
13 Morningdove Lane - 12:45am}

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Running.

That was all she did. It was all she had known for years. What sort of life was it where you never knew the comfort of familiar walls for days? Where you didn't know if the sound of a police siren was for you or not. Where each new face you came across could, in an instant, bare recognition and alter your life. It was no way to live, but what choice did she have?

And here she was again. Targeted for things beyond her control. Chased by some organization hell bent on finding her and, she assumed, not lock her up but put her six feet under. If the Archivist was to be beleived. At this point, what did he gain from lying?

Others grew lively with questions, responses, admissions, and still some resisted. Or, at least, appeared to. Wasn't she tired of running? Wouldn't it be nice to stay in one space, even for a short while? But did that mean she had to agree to all of this?

The visions, if that's what they were and were not, as she feared, hallucinations fueling intense delusions, then she would and could be vital. Useful. After all if these Witch Hunters were after them, wouldn't knowing the future and the past be instrumental?

The Archivist made a point to her. Her abilities would need to grow so she could adapt. Learn from them and not suffer their consequences. Could one alter the future? Unsure. Evidence pointed to the contrary, but perhaps with aid she could. She didn't trust the man still, it would be stupid to do so, but if he could provide a semblance of understanding of her and what she has been going through, it would be worth it.

"Fine. I'm in." A breath of hesitance, of reluctance, but acceptance nonetheless. The others gradually grew there also, though flying responses reverberated through the air. Running to Canada? Destroying their cell phones? Surely a group of Witch Hunters would not be detered because they couldn't hack a cell phone tower or get past border patrol.

"Belladonna. You can call me Bella if you want. So, shall we get this training underway now or wait until they come bursting through the door?"

Camp Athens

^{#de9b8f ....|..... outfit .....|..... camp athens gate}

Chariselle stood at the entrance of the gate to what would be her home for a while and waited.

waiting......waiting......waiting......

Surely a valet or someone would be approaching by now to grab her things and show her where she would be staying? Some campground this was. Chariselle had never been camping before (unless you counted waiting outside for tickets to Sabrina Carpenter but even then she got to the front of the line using her gifts), but she was sure the children of literal gods wouldn't be 'roughing it'. She expected more of a glamping experience.

Since it seemed like she would be waiting a while she scanned her horizon. If one ever watched those Alien v. Predator movies, her 'scanning' of people was very similar to that hunter. She would meet a swath of new people, which presented new opportunities.

The first to catch her eye was a figure wrapped in an enigma, as if shadows followed their step. They carried a staff in the same vein as they carried themselves. They walked toward the buildings nearby, leading Chariselle to assume they knew where to go. Chariselle felt drawn to them in a way she could not explain, as if she were watching a piece of art that defied explanation and she needed to know more.

The next figure appeared to be someone who should be in high school at the very least. Less sure of themselves as the figure before them, but they still entered without speaking to anyone. Chariselle could hardly blame any of them for not talking, the trip itself was laborious, but she hoped some of the others would be a bit more sociable.

Chariselle took a casual step forward as her eyes locked on a girl. Her dark brown locks flowed gently behind her as she walked. Chariselle could have sworn the girl's eyes met hers, albeit briefly, but Chariselle felt a bit of warmth erupt within her. The girl was beautiful but Chariselle got the sense there was a naivete there, a shyness like she was refusing to meet anyone's gaze, but there was a bravery there also. Chariselle wanted to meet her more so, but she continued on. No one had addressed Chariselle yet and she was starting to feel ignored.

Chariselle continued looking over the others. A handsome, blond man seemed to be doing the exact same thing she was which was clocking everyone there. Then there was another figure, this gentleman had the most beautiful hair she had ever seen on a man. His face portrayed hearth and laughter, and she felt instantly drawn to him. What the hell was in the water here? Everyone was gorgeous. She was not complaining, of course. It was more appreciation than anything else. These were the children of literal gods, of course they would be hot.

So many to choose from, so little time.

Before Chariselle could pick, a voice rang out. It held some authority in it, reluctant though it may be. Like there was no one else stepping up, but still they had to take charge of the newbies. Chariselle could appreciate that. Andromeda, or Andy, made things clear as the map of the camp took form. Chariselle eyed it with curiosity and wonder. At least her initial impression was correct, this was not a typical summer camp. Chariselle eyes the options of cabins and didn't quite know which one to claim. Perhaps one closest to the beach? Or one more tucked away from prying eyes?

Chariselle then remembered she had her bags with her and did not want to have to lug them all the way inside. But no one had bothered to help her.

"Fuck me.." she bemoaned inwardly as she grabbed her bags and lugged them towards the gate. Following the guidelines she saw a few of the others take, she put her finger up to the scanner and awaited the gates. She strode forward, following a few others past the main hall when she clocked someone.

He was striking in his features. He walked with some knowledge of where he was, which meant he was not new here.

Not fresh meat, perhaps, but quality beef nonetheless.

"Oh, excuse me!" She called out to him, hoping to lure him in further. "I am so sorry to trouble you, but it seems I didn't get the memo about how much to bring and, well, decided to take home with me. I don't suppose I could trouble you to help me? Oh, and where are my manners? I'm Chariselle, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her words were tickled with honey. She opted not to use her other natural abilities just yet. After all, there was plenty of time for that later.

For now, she just wanted to get herself situated. Especially before the party.

^{interactions ....|.... Sylas ............... mentions ....|.... Andy, Azariah, Marlen, Anissa, Heath, Elysium}

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The Cost of Vengeance

Since my original role was nabbed (not mad!) I am leaning towards either the new detective or a lawyer.

The Cost of Vengeance

Ya know what, if you are accepting more, I'd love to throw my hat in the ring

Camp Athens

^{#de9b8f ....|..... outfit .....|..... new york apartment}

The snow clung to the glass that overlooked the one of many streets in Manhattan. It was your typical winter day in New York but it still felt different. A mix of the warmth of a cup of cocoa and the steel resolve of a boss bitch in a boardroom.

Chariselle maneuvered through the knick-knacks and accouterments in the sitting room like she owned the place. And in a sense, she did. But in a greater sense, she did not but that was something she would deal with shortly.

Chariselle put her phone in the tripod and positioned it just so; a way to have the light from outside give her the best natural scenery she needed and the angle to ensure she looked her best. Once she was satisfied (which, let's be real, took longer than a church service which meant she had to adjust as the light from the sun shifted over time) she pressed record.

"What is up Charis-belles, it's your girl here in New York on this beautiful Winter day. There's just something magical about it, isn't there? I know, I know it's a cliche, but cliches exist for a reason. Winter in New York is something everyone needs to experience if you want to reinviograte that young desire for magic again."

As she spoke, Chariselle was careful about the words she used, the tone, the way her shirt opened slightly in the front, but not too much that she get flagged. Body language, hair movement, the simplest of blinks; it was all a part of the image. And it helped she had a bit of assistance from mother-dearest.

"Oh I am seeing the comments and you all are the sweetest! Those morning routines are so important not just because it's good for your body, but also for your soul. Oh thank you bellabelle204, I did get some new lip gloss which brings me to the sponsor for today. You all know I love looking my best and that sometimes means you need a little extra help. I know my girlies understand and even some of my fellas. And my non-binary baes also, #ally. Well this company produces some of the best make-up I have worn since I played in my mom's vanity. They are ethically sourced so you know you are putting good into the world and they come in a range of beautiful colors and good for all skin tones and varieties. I am so serious when I say this company is going places and I am so blessed to be one of the first to help market them!"

Chariselle obviously hid the fact that the company didn't give a fuck about the environment or the earth or how they treated their workers, both in their main office as well as the 'shops-that-shall-not-be-named', but they paid the bills. Or, rather, whatever she considered to be a bill (Starbucks didn't pay for itself!). When she approached them it took some convincing to even have her do this, but you'd be surprised what a little extra love will do to a person.

"So my belles, please use my code Charisbelle20 for 20% off your first order and free shipping! And they are constantly updated products so keep an eye out and keep watching because I guarantee I will not stop hyping them up!"

Chariselle watched the comments scroll in. One after the other as if it was attached to her veins, fueling her with the love. There was a troll comment here and there but that was to be expected from inbred momma's boy bitchtits who had nothing better to do than determine a woman's worth by calling her fat or ugly on the internet while hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. Chariselle could just slap the bitch to invented it, putting humanity so far behind what it could be.

"All right, I do have a bit of sad news. As many of you know I will be taking a brief hiatus from posting on here. It's nothing major I am fine and healthy, don't think I don't see those comments about weight loss or rehab. I encourage everyone to detox from social media now and then to recharge because as positive a space I try to make this be, the internet will internet."

As she spoke she heard the door slam and knew what that meant.

"All right my belles, I am hopping off but please check out that brand and write in the comments a positive affirmation that gets you through the day! Love you!" and she finished with an air kiss.

As she stopped recording she fought an eye roll over. She heard the clomp of feet and turned to face who had entered her domain.

Well, it was his domain but details.

Kyle or Vick or Rick or Sergio or whoever-the-fuck this guy's name was had come back home. While he should have been at work Chariselle knew what brought him home early. Before she could greet him he through the bag he had to the ground. "What the fuck!?!?"

If Chariselle had to guess, Benny or Denny or Mick had left work for lunch and used his debit card, which declined. He probably used it again and it declined. Then Toby or Joby or Quinton scratched his little head and pulled out his phone to open up his banking app to see. Maybe he put a hold on his card and forgot? Yeah, that had to be it. And after facial recognition let him in he would see that he had a balance of -$12.36, the price of the sandwich he had tried to order.

And then Huey, Lewey, or Dewey there would wonder what the hell happened. Was he hacked? Surely he wasn't scammed, he was careful with his information. He didn't save his card numbers anywhere and changed his pin as often as he did his underwear. He was paranoid to a fault. So what could have happened? Laurel or Yanny would then check his history and see a large chunk was deposited from an ATM. And Robert or Tobert would think 'well, I didn't do that' because only a drunk or high idiot would do something as stupid as take all his money out, which meant someone else did.

And then Dasher or Dancer or Prancer or Rudolph would recall who it could have possibly have been. And then he would have stormed out of the shop as one of the workers called out that he still had the sandwich in his hand and in a fit of anger he would throw it to the ground despite the huge number of starving people in the world (a real problem!) and marched back to his apartment.

And here we were.

"I repeat: what the fuck?!?"

"I heard you the first time. What's the problem?"

She could almost see the little vein near his right eye gush. "You know what the problem is!"

"Well, obviously not or I wouldn't have asked. Did something happen at work?"

"Did something....did.." he clenched his fists as he walked back and forth, "No something didn't happen at work."

"Well something clearly has you upset? Come, let's sit and talk about it."

She reached for his hand and he pulled away and she could swear he made a fist, but quickly unclenched it. Good, he knew better. "Why did you do it?"

Chariselle tilted her head ever so. "Do what?"

He clenched a fist again but he held it. "You know what.." His breathing was getting more intense. "Sweetheart, I have no idea what you are talking about, but I want to figure this out."

In a blink she was on him, her body pressing against his, chest to chest. Her eyes met his and she held his gaze slowly, steady, almost like a snake with its eyes on the little mouse that would be dinner. Her mouth pressed against his neck slightly before she cradled her hed into the space, nuzzling against him. "I think we need a minute alone together. Your job has you so stressed out. You have been complaining about it for weeks now. You need a break. Let me take care of you."

Walter or Wally or Walnut's anger seemed to evaporate into the ether. Whatever words hung on his lips melted away with her touch. "Right, yeah, so stressful."

"It's so hard doing what you do. You need some TLC."

She grabbed his wrist and led him towards the bedroom. He followed in an almost loopy daze. "TLC sounds nice."

Chariselle smiled as she pushed the door open, pulling him inside and preparing to make him forget everything for a while.

---

Chariselle got dressed as Nick or Knack or Paddywack laid there, content and blissfully unaware. She grabbed her wallet and put it in her purse, checking to see if the bills she had deposited still were there. She grabbed her togo back and her luggage as well as the passport and ticket she had booked weeks prior. Once she was satisfied she closed the bedroom door behind her and took her things. She looked around one last time. This was a nice apartment, but she knew it wouldn't have lasted. At least Jason or whoever would be happy for a bit until he realized he would have no way to pay rent. Ah well, c'est la vie!

Chariselle closed the door to the apartment and made her way outside. A short taxi ride to the airport and she would be on her way to bigger and better things! She would miss New York, but she would be back once she got what she needed.

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camp athens entrance

The trip was a blessing. It really did pay to fly first class. Anyone else doing less was missing out. But she had arrived in Greece and found transportation for her ready and willing. The journey is the best, but the destination had its merits.

Once she arrived she looked around. She saw a gaggle of people coming and going, milling about. It was so cute! Like a real summer camp. She grabbed her stuff and strode forward, expecting someone to greet her and take her bags to wherever she would be staying.

Camp Athens needed to be ready. Chariselle had arrived.

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Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Dining Room
Skills: N/A

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Millicent felt the wave of awkwardness as a hush fell upon dinner. It seemed no one wanted to be the one to break the silence as the cheese and wine were brought out. Millicent scanned the others, willing someone to say something. Her curiosity was running wild with all of the information being given.

She was not a conspiracy theorist. She did not believe there were Jewish space lasers, she felt the Earth was round and that we landed on the moon, she didn’t think there were mole people, and there may or may not be aliens, but if there were, Millicent was sure they wanted no part in human affairs. We can’t get our planet in order; of course they would avoid us like a plague.

No, this whole thing stunk. There was no way this group of random people was brought just to see who won an award and money. Millicent’s mind went to another conspiracy theory and wondered if this was a “greatest game” type deal where they were about to be hunted for sport and stocked up on wine and food before they released them into the wild. Or perhaps this was an Agatha Christie novel and they were about to be picked off one by one. Her money was on Eleanor.

Millicent’s eyes wandered over to the lone woman who remained fairly silent apart from asking for the steak sauce. Eleanor clocked her too. In a way, she was the lone figure. Everyone else seemed to be getting along well, apart from the punching and taking shirts off and leaving to, presumably, take care of business. She didn’t.

So, taking one for the team, Millicent spoke up. ”So what’s your deal if you don’t mind the bluntness. You’ve been awfully silent through this.” she said to Renne, eyes on the lookout for the slightest twitch.

Renne smiled brightly. ”Oh, hi, sorry I'm Renee. Uh, I'm a pre-school teacher from London. Nothing as interesting as you all,” she admitted.

And that was it, wasn’t it? The others had arguably more exciting careers and here was a pre-school teacher. While Millicent thought teachers did fantastic jobs worthy of high pay and benefits, what was this one doing here? What did she do that was worthy of a nomination.

”So what’s your opinion about all of this? Why do you think you were nominated?”

”I wouldn't presume to know for sure. However, I recently was involved in leading a project at my school. We started teaching low end cooking skills. A lot of these kids come from families that struggle and teaching them the extra life skill will hopefully help them more in the future. I know a lot of people never learn any cooking skills.” Renee sips her wine. ”I can't be totally certain that's what garnered the attention to get me here. But it is the only thing I've done that deserves it. The whole thing is rather fantastical.”

Millicent looked at the woman and felt she believed her own words. Whether that was true or not remained to be seen, but if what Renee said was true, then that would qualify for an outstanding achievement award. Millicent almost felt badly at the cross-examination.

Almost.

Because even Renee was not above suspicion. Millicent then took a sip of the new wine brought out and enjoyed some of the cheese. Still, her mind wandered, warping itself to find someone who wasn’t beyond suspicion. Perhaps after dinner would be the best time to find out more.

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: Sometime in the Past
Skills: N/A

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Daylight shone through the window of the secondary education school in Lyon, France. Madame Shobaine sat at her desk in the front, awaiting the meeting she had requested a few days ago. She had been dreading this talk. She often enjoyed meeting the parents of her students, those who relished their children’s education and joined in, volunteering or offering supplies to the classroom.

Mr. and Mrs. Bassard were not parents she would call….giving. They didn’t hinder their daughter’s education, but they didn’t seem to support it outside of financial matters. Sabine was a smart child. Madame Shobaine enjoyed having her in class, and she got along well with the other students. But wasn’t that part of the problem? Weird as it was to say, Madame Shobaine had to deal with children and their ever-fleeting relationships. Sabine was one child whom others seemed to like. Even gravitate towards.

One instance she recalled at the beginning of the school year was with another girl named Etoile. For whatever reason, Etoile and Sabine butted heads. Or rather, Etoile tried. Madame Shobaine caught Etoile saying something rude or pushing Sabine, and she nipped it in the bud almost immediately. But Sabine never cried, never got angry, never returned the energy. Instead, it seemed like Sabine was calculating something. Like if she looked at Etoile long enough, the girl’s behavior would change.

And then the stroke happened. Etoile was playing outside, and Sabine was watching. Sabine often never joined in with the other kids, preferring to play alone, but she was watching Etoile intensely. Madame Shobaine was on duty that da,y but she turned her head for a second before she heard screaming and crying. Madame Shobaine turned back and saw Etoile on the ground, writhing and shunting. She ran over to check and called for another teacher to reach the paramedics. She knew some information about strokes or seizures and turned Etoile on her side so, in the off chance she vomited, she would not choke. Eventually, the girl stopped and began to cry, more likely the event scaring her. The paramedics soon came to grab the girl while Madame Shobaine got up to phone her parents. But her gaze hit Sabine, who just…stared back at her.

No, she wasn’t looking at her. She was looking at Etoile.

And did she have a smile on her face?

---

Ever since that day, Madame Shobaine had kept an eye on Sabine. She first thought it was crazy; no little girl could cause something like that. But she began to notice little things here and there. Sabine getting the highest marks on a test while everyone else failed, Sabine getting extra portions at lunch, and the cafeteria worker admitting she forgot why Sabine got more than the others, are little bits of oddity.

The final straw was a week ago when an ice cream truck stopped by outside the school and offered “free samples”. Madame Shobaine noted that Sabine was not present in class at that moment, excusing herself to the restroom, but was outside quickly to pick up her sweet confectionery.

So Madame Shobaine had it. Something was up with Sabine, and she needed to inform the parents. The behaviors after Etoile were nothing, but if her gut was correct, Sabine was dangerous.

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Remmy Bassard hated having his schedule interrupted. Cosette Bassard hated having hers interrupted even more and made it everyone else’s problem. Still, the two walked into the school arm in arm. Cosette often did this to show that, yes, this man was her husband and everyone else better back off. The giant diamond on her finger did the extra work for her. So when one of the office assistants walking past gazed a little too long at Remmy, Cosette was on her like a jungle cat stalking her prey. Nothing more than a look sent a cold shudder through the woman’s body as she sped walked away.

Madame Shobaine was at her desk when the two of them entered. She stood up in greeting. ”Hello Monsuer and Madame Bassard. It is lovely to see you again.” Madame Shobaine hid the fact that she hadn’t seen them since the week before school started, and not a word since. ”Please, have a seat. I appreciate you making time.”

Remmy and Cosette walked to the front of the classroom. Remmy took a seat at one of the desks, and Cosette hesitated, looking at the chair like it held the plague. Remmy gave her a look before she rolled her eyes and sat down. ”Of course, Madame. What is this regarding? Is Sabine in trouble?” Remmy asked. Cosette, meanwhile, looked at her nails as if they held the world’s secrets. Madame Shobaine made a mental note to direct this towards Remmy as Cosette seemed to have other things in mind.

”First, I wanted to say I enjoy having Sabine in my class. She is remarkably intelligent for someone her age and is a joy. But…” she hesitated a bit. How does one bring this up?

”Madame Shobaine, whatever it is I can assure you we can deal with it. Please, I have a meeting in an hour.” Madame Shobaine flustered a bit. Again, she normally had supportive parents who wanted to be there to discuss their children’s futures. Even parents who held tough jobs still showed up willing to work. ”Yes well…I have noticed in the period that Sabine is…different. Not that being different is bad, because it isn’t. But more so…it’s…I mean I noticed..”

Cosette finally decided to be present. ”What the hell is it?”

”Does Sabine have powers?”

They sat in stunned silence, letting the question wash over them. Madame Shobaine blushed slightly, but held firm. ”I’ve noticed some irregularities with Sabine. Things that I cannot explain normally. A young girl earlier this year had a stroke that her parents cannot identify as there is no family history and..”

“So you think my daughter caused it?”

“I mean, she was there. And the girl had been harassing Sabine..”

“So this girl has been bullying my daughter and this is the first time I am hearing about it?”

“With all due respect, I did reach out…”

“And on top of all of that, you are assigning her blame?”

“There’s more to it than that!”

“So let me see if I have a read on the situation. You see my daughter’s tormenter have a stroke and rather than decide it must be a medical reason lob the blame on my daughtrer on top of whatever other ‘evidence’, and I use that word loosely, you have to explain away both your failure as an educator as well as the school’s ability to ensure my daughter is protected and in an environment she can thrive in. By your admission, you said she was smart and a joy to have in class, and now I am thinking that you devised a witch hunt against her by coming up with stories to suit your needs. Powers indeed. You and this school should be ashamed!”

Madame Shobaine sat back in her chair, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. Had she been wrong this whole time?

”I am so sorry…”

Remmy stood up, Cosette in tow. ”Apologies are not enough. It is clear my daughter’s education is not a priority. We will be pulling her immediately. And you can take it up with the administration about why they will not be receiving future donations. Have a good day, Madame.”

With that, Remmy and Cosette turned to leave. While his back was turned to her, Remmy’s face didn’t hide what he was feeling. He remembered his deceased wife. He remembered the loss, the hurt, the pain. He remembered how much it had impacted Sabine. And he remembered when he, too, first noticed some irregularities. He had been on the fence about going elsewhere. Sabine could not be trusted in this environment.

He would be dealing with her later. For now, he needed to make some calls.

---

It turned out Etoile’s family had a history of seizures. It just skipped a few generations. The test Sabine did well in while the others didn’t? The other children had food poisoning and Sabine hadn’t eaten that day. The extra portions was because the cafeteria worker noticed something and wanted to ensure Sabine had food and didn’t want to disclose it. The ice cream truck was from another child’s father. Every bit of it explained.

But did that stop Sabine’s father from coming home and screaming at her? Asking for an explanation to things beyond her control? Accusations rang out and Sabine could do or say nothing to stop it. Cosette didn’t help matters either, urging Remmy on saying Sabine was ‘lost’ and needed extra attention. She needed to be away from others. After all, what was preventing Sabine from affecting Cosette’s mind? Cosette never did find that missing diamond bracelet, perhaps Sabine made her forget where she kept it and then sold it?

Remmy didn’t fully believe his daughter to be a danger, but he was blinded by anger, sadness, guilt. Sabine’s mother was able to handle these situations better than he could. There was just a connection between the two of them that he never could grasp.

After a tense few weeks the family picked up and moved across the ocean to the United States. It served Remmy well as his business could be done anywhere. Cosette was happy to have new places to shop at. And Sabine….

Sabine grew angry. She had always been sad since her mother died. More so since her father married the witch. But now it held anger, fury. A swarm of emotions in her chest and through her body.

Her father never noticed because he assumed his daughter would be fine. He didn’t notice when she would eat fewer and fewer meals, didn’t notice her wearing long sleeves even in the heat, never noticed the anger underneath the surface.

All the meanwhile Sabine practiced her abilities. Little things here and there, nothing dangerous and nothing that hurt someone else. But even then she cared little for how it impacted everyone around her. She knew she wanted to use it more, but knew if she didn’t get help from someone she could cause trouble. So when the Margaret Carter Institute opened up auditions Sabine urged her father to reach out. Once she was offered a chance, she took it. It was going to be somewhere new. No one would know who she was.

And if they painted her a villain, so be it. A villain is what they would get.

𝔻𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟: ℝ𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖

It's over for you bitches <3

𝔻𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟: ℝ𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖

Lady Isolde Halcryst

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Name: Lady Isolde Halcryst

Age: 26

Physical Description: Isolde stands at 5'8'' and has a slender frame. Her light, blonde hair is long but often tied up in elegant styles situated with a silver tiara. She has light gray eyes with her left eye being augmented, though it is subtle. She has a cream complexion accentuated with make-up. Her style trends to formal and high-end clothing and she wears noticeable jewelry.

Enahncements:

Left Eye

• Social Chameleon: Isolde's eye enhancement allows her to pick up on the subtle movements of others. When people lie, they often have tells that give away their true thoughts. Isolde is also able to pick up on social cues, which lets her blend in well with others.
• Enhanced Vision Scan: Isolde is able to see farther than the normal human with her enhancement. She is able to zoom in and see things with clarity. With her scan she is able to record what she sees and keep a record of it saved automatically.

Hands

• Chakram: The world is not as safe as many believe so a person of Isolde's standing and background needs protection. Isolde's hands have enhancements connected to a specialized Chakram, a throwable, bladed weapon. The weapon is collapsible and can be easily hidden and her enhancement allows her protection as well as the ability to move the weapon when thrown
• Psychometry: Through the use of touch Isolde is able to pick up information on an object or a person. This is only as useful as what the object or person can give off, such as fingerprints or origin if an object or background on a person (provided the information is available)

Status:

Crysttaline Council - People's Choice: Isolde is a member of the Crystalline Council, elected as the people's choice for no other reason than the belief she is one of few who could "shake things up" and get things done that the other council members cannot or will not. This affords her a sense of power to be able to change things and improve the way of life for the people or a means of grabbing power that no one else has.

High Society: The Halcryst family is one of influence among social spheres. While they have wealth that is numerous their main power comes from their ability to bend ears to them by dealing in information. From a young age Isolde was raised to keep an ear to the ground and gather favor from information. It's often amazing what someone will pay to keep secrets hidden.

Backstory: The Halcrys family is well-known, for good and ill. Bellatrix and Caspian Halcryst are among the high elite of the city of Qona. The lone child, Isolde was raised to guard her secrets and deal in others'. This gained the Halcryst family many friends and even greater enemies, though they never feared retaliation.

As she grew older, Isolde garnered favors from many influential people who trusted her with information. Information she used to benefit herself and ensure things went the way she chose. Despite her class, Isolde was seen as a small-time hero as she would use information to better the lives of other citizens. It didn't matter if she did it for selfless or selfish reasons, what mattered is that change was enacted.

Isolde fought for a seat on the council, but was met with roadblocks. No one wanted a Shadow Trader of information to find herself with a seat, but the people rallied behind her, offering up her name as the people's choice, hoping for change across the board. A way to fight corruption with someone who at least could face the heat. She won the seat and joined the council, aware that her position would be met with fickle favors and intense looks, betrayal almost inevitable.

A life of garnering gossip and saving secrets meant Isolde had some power. Power she would use to change and progress. Gone were the days of things remaining the same. Power is progress.