Question Scald-Crow 1: The Rocky Road to Whateley

Interesting song lyrics, never heard them before and wonder what it means for the individual in the story.

Chapter 1 - Auld Acquaintances
October 12th, 2007, - Ferndale, Washington

Ugh, people like that rando kid get on my nerves, using such words as insults. Having to be bussed every day to school in a small town, I hope things get better for this guy. Wants name to be Grainne, but named Padraig, what culture do those names come from?

Wannabe goth, wishes to wear clomper heels and a veil, transsexual or just likes the clothes I wonder, don't want to assume. Yup, transexual and wishing to mutate and fix the issue of her body.

Though to be honest, all I have to go on is Fox News complaining about the local mutant problems in Seattle, and whatever the heroes in Bellingham are up to.

Not the most reliable of news sources, kid. Ack! In Orchestra and plays the violin, in addition to the books and sundry, I don't want to think of what kind of weight this poor kid is lugging around.

Mr. Olmstadt sure has control over the class. Wonder why their friend John is avoiding them. Brad Finkbonner, I would like to know how you get a last name like that. An outsider at school, the poor kid has it rough, especially with a bully like Brad around. Half a mile walk to the library each day, how in the world is he not skinny?

You see, I didn't live in Ferndale, no I grew up on an Island in the same county, so by the very fate of districts I had to ride a bus for an hour a day to go to school.

An hour on a school bus each day each way, that sounds like torture to me. Padraig O Ceallach, very unique name.

But, at the end of the day when I read those stories about magic, and technology 'fixing' someone I'd beg the universe for it to happen to me. Between these stories, and my constant reading I was able to manage my depression for short periods of time.

Heh, has some of the same coping mechanisms I do.

A younger sister who Padraig squabbles with, wonder what they do when they get along. Okay, wondering if P.E. buildings have a lot in common, that sounds like the one where I went to high school. Ouch, kids can be so cruel. Mr. Saul as the gym teacher, jumping jacks, why! Bombardment, not dodgeball, that was the worst part of gym class. Ouch, hit in the face, the only thing worse in the groin. 3 games of that in a day, that's just plain cruel.

Afternoon, October 14th, 2007 - Harborview Medical, Seattle

An Irish Professor named Sinead O'Connor, and sounds like she suffered a blackout, yikes. "Spirit Song" and a MID, a mutant who suffered a blackout or memory loss, uh oh. A scandal in Ireland involving a traveler girl and one of Sinead's students named Brian.

Everything reminding her of home, yet growing sense of anxiety since she got off the plane, could she be an avatar and her spirit be upset at being outside of Ireland?

Her codename, Song Spirit, came from her ability to manipulate sound and to entrance people.

A Draoi aka druid, now this just got me more curious.

Initially, it took her months to get used to it, but now after being bonded to her spirit for so long she felt right at home in her body.

And has a spirit named Morgan or it seems that way to me at least.

Ogham and she uses them to ask a question, wonder why she got that particular message. Could it have anything to do with Padraig and their family?

While walking past a window display from a local boutique she cast a glance and caught a girl walking the other way, straight black hair, and a hoodie pulled up over her head. Strange, dun remember passing her by.

Did she just see Padraig or is something else going on, so curious.

On-time for her lecture, called Doctor Maguire, wonder why she is listed as Sinead O'Connor on the character for the hospital, hhm.

"As you may have heard, Dr. Maguire has recently published her study on the current status of the Celtic Languages of the British Isles.

Sounds fascinating.

As Song Spirit, she was a leading member of Galway's Fianna, and she wasn't at all inexperienced in presenting herself to the public.

So she is the public face of what sounds like a superhero team, cool.

The traditions of the Draoi sound like a very engaging subject never even knew their cultural name until reading it in this story. *eyes bug out* Crap! Heartattack, all the signs of one, but what triggered it.

Neither her arms nor her legs wanted to move, and her chest felt like someone had driven a spike into her ribs.

This sounds a lot more serious than expected. And what is going on right now seems like something a malicious spirit would do.

"Tick - feckin' tock, the Rider's run ou' the clock," that stupid voice was feminine, and sounded like a little girl singing under her breath. Whoever, or whatever was speaking showed not a hint of being close enough to her or remotely in the room.

And the reflection of a girl with no head knew it was a Dullahan right then, this is bad. Here to kill her and her spirit has been protecting her, who poisoned her though?

But, the force itself was just that, a force, a spirit without any real name other than Morgana or Morgan as Sinead called it. Could it be something else?

Morgana, she has a spirit called Morgana, if that spirit isn't who the Dullahan is calling rider then something is seriously wrong. Dang, just as I was getting to like Sinead she is killed. Wondering if because of this Morgana is going to end up with Padraig.

Chapter 2 - Striking a Deal
Friday Afternoon, October 16th, 2007 - Lummi Island

Some things never change, when you have to go to school the weekend always goes by too fast. Waking up this slowly, daydreaming in Algebra class, mention it is the end of the day, Tuesday, shouldn't the header say Tuesday Afternoon then?

Padraig in a haze like this, a sign of something serious or could Morgana have found a new home? Has to be woken up by one of the other students, sees the headlines about Sinead Maguire, and Padraig has to run to catch up to the other kids.

Late Evening, October 16th, 2006 - Lummi Island

Mom picking Padraig up, nice not to have to walk home in such weather. Gizmatic Smartphone, they have tech everywhere it seems.

That's what happens when you grow up as a socially defunct child and had a sibling with a genetic disorder.

Padraig's sister has a genetic disorder, diabetic, which is scary in a child. Math like that surprised Padraig doesn't fall asleep in class instead of daydreaming.

"Help me," came the whisper behind me.

An eerie feeling of being watched and now this, Morgana has to be there somewhere. Eoin, striking name. 5'3' and his little sister Sloan is just a head shorter, no wonder the poor kid is a target for bullying. Teriyaki chicken, yum.

My stomach growled loudly while I did, and my spine was starting to ache. Not my back, but my spine, and for some reason, all the muscles along my upper arm and my calf were hurting.

Either manifesting or Morgana is already in Padraig's hollow and it is too small for her, thus changing the poor child to fit, at least that is my guess. Jasmine seems like a sweet dog.

Evening, October 17th, 2007 - The Dreamscape

Lovely clothes in the Dreamscape for Padraig. Yup, that is Morgana alright.

"O' carse I do! Yer hallow beats with yer true self lass, and even now yer dreamself changes ta fit it!" Her voice seemed to carry as I looked down at myself and gasped, My hips were wider, and I saw the distinctive bump of breasts beneath my tunic. I gazed up at her and felt a million questions coming to mind.

The dreams where you can be who you truly are are wonderful. Become a girl like Morgana but a price for it, I would scream at Padraig to take it if I could.

Whoa, that is some place of old power.

"After the Great War, I awoke and bonded to a woman named Moira O'Reilly. During the second World War we fought in Europe and she was slain. But before she died, she introduced me to my next Draoi, or Druid, Christine. Each generation, I have found a new host, and we fought any who sought to sow chaos and sorrow in their wake." Her words enchanted me as she spoke. I canted my head to look at her, and I could see how deeply sorrow was etched into her face.

"At first each Druid was slain by happenstance," she stated before gritting her teeth in front of me. "Then recently, an assassin came for Sinead my beloved. They killed her and I do not know WHY!"

Wait, Moira O'Reilly, that wouldn't be an ancestor of Nikki aka Fey, would it? To have lost so many hosts, no wonder Morgana is in such pain, especially with how she lost Sinead.

"I no longer wish to rest, and hide. I want to make them pay for killing my daughters, and for hunting me," her voice was a whisper to my ear.

"I'm Irish and Swedish, my mom always talks about the rage of her family. And I swear my dad is a leprechaun. I don't mind being in danger, if it means I can finally take hold of my destiny in my own hands."

I like Padraig even more now.

My rage wasn't for just bullying, but was for the way people had treated me at the notion of being "gay". Of trying to tell me that being queer was not just bad, but was a sin. Never in my life had I done a thing to these people, and yet I knew they would hurt me if I hinted at being a trans girl.

That mindset, where someone who hasn't hurt you and just wishes to live their life, is a threat just by existing will never cease to bewilder me. So glad Padraig took the offer.

Chapter 3 - Strings Attached
Early Morning, October 19th, 2007 - Ferndale High School

E-flat when played wrong, the poor ears of their music teacher. All those minor changes and Padraig still doesn't believe the deal they made is real, wonder at what point it will hit them. Mr. Olmstadt wishes to move Padraig into the first violin section, so the improved playing wasn't just their senses, nice. Ah, the Diabolik kids spotted in New York, bound to happen. Sophia Jameson, a member of the Lummi tribe, and a B cheerleader calls her a freak, that is just plain sickening.

Oh, a rumor she manifested as a mutant, thunder or lightning energizer, figures it is a different sort of bigotry here.

Ferndale was a stronghold of the conservative power base and a healthy Humanity First presence. Most of the kids at school were obvious baseline purists, and any child remotely showing a sign of an eye change was usually targeted thereafter.

A good way to become a target of actual mutant terrorist groups, idiots. And seeing Morgana in reflections already, need to watch what you say around others, Padraig.

Sure, she was a mutant, and she held no shame over it! Her mother was an established member of the Whatcom Alliance, a pan-town superhero team based out of Bellingham to the south. Even more so her grandfather was a respected Shaman!

An interesting family that Sophia has, mother is an energizer, yet she is a Witch. Oh great, Sophia saw Morgana in the mirror, felt a wave of negativity wash over her, and thinks Morgana is something evil to be dealt with from the sound of it.

Early Morning, October 20th, 2007 - Lummi Island

Problem with strong lights and a migraine, I've been there many times, if it is a school day best to call in sick. And in that kind of pain, a warm shower can help but you need the means to keep from falling in case the feeling of weight becomes too much. Reflections are going to cause Padraig this issue until they adapt to it, aren't they. Smooth face, thicker head hair, the changes have increased. More intense green with a ring of bronze, eye color change finally convinces Padraig they have manifested.

Late Evening, October 20th, 2007 - Dreamscape

An old broken faerie ring with a ley line running underneath, place of old power was an understatement earlier. So Padraig is a Draoi, a Druid, just like Sinead, intriguing, wonder if it is a requirement to host Morgana.

"I was not named 'The Morrigan', but it is the one I use," she said to me quietly, "But it is who I became."

And she just got a lot more mysterious. These two are going to have a very unique relationship.

Chapter 4 - Rebirth
Morning, October 21st, 2007 - Lummi Island

3 cans of baked beans, that is a lot of protein, the change is taking a lot out of both Padraig and Morgana. Cold floors like that, keep a pair of socks within reach of your bed and get a pair of slippers, Padraig. I love the message on the t-shirt. Nice to see the changes happening and Padraig happier. Dad awake and frying corned beef hash, nice breakfast.

Comes out as a mutant to Dad and yet Dad knows there is more going on.

"Too early, need coffee," I could make out from the kitchen.

Sloan has been drinking coffee since she was 5, good grief.

"Mom...dad...I've always wanted to be a girl but I - I - I" I stuttered as I covered my mouth in shame at what I just said.

"Oh this makes sense," my mom said, "I always did find your excuses for reading those stories a little weak."

Mom's response caught me off guard, yet I had been fascinated with transgender women since I was ten. A random hour-long documentary had drawn my attention and mom can, I guess, read between the lines.

Nice to know she doesn't have to work explaining it to them.

"Alright," my sister said as she walked from the kitchen, "If you're my big sister now, that means one thing."

"I'm your big barbie doll now?" I replied from my seat on the couch.

"Of course, who else is going to teach you how to dress, do your make up." She even did a small motion with her hand counting off all I would need to learn.

I knew this was coming the second Padraig mentioned having a little sister, heh. Powers testing at the MCO location in Ferndale, please let them not be a bunch of bigots. Clothes shopping with Mom and younger sister, Padraig is getting thrown into the deep end right from the start.

Noon, October 21st, 2007 - Target

A strange unnerving itch across her skin when coming into contact with a top from the clothing department and with her current top. No! Don't tell me Morgana is actually a Sidhe queen who has forgotten who she is and Padraig is experiencing the allergy to synthetic fibers all Sidhe have?

One, a white one, made my hand itch just by holding it and the longer I did the more uncomfortable it became. I put the tank back on a rack as fast as I could and hissed as I noted how red my skin was getting,

And this just about proves my theory, though is she a regular Sidhe or the spirit of a queen like I first suspected?

100 percent cotton sweater doesn't bug her, yup, Sidhe allergy to synthetic fibers. Eyow! Backing into all that synthetic clothing, Padraig is in a minefield almost. A-cup already, Padraig will probably outgrow any bras bought now in a few weeks. Hehe, teasing from Sloan about being slow, younger siblings are great.

Green eyes, my normal eye color, which glittered like emeralds. A pair of scarlet lips that would easily reveal a smile to brighten anyone's day. I still had my pixie nose, but a lot more had changed. My eyes were much larger, and I now sported much more pronounced eyelashes. Even my eyebrows seemed beautiful in their gentle arches upon each brow. I studied my chest again in the clothes and slowly reached out to really admire my hair.

A lot more changes than expected and wonderful. Sloan must be fun to have as a little sister. Gráinne, multiple means and she wants it to mean the Sun for her, very nice. Yay! Gráinne a girl and happy, hope the bullies at school don't try anything. And she just turned 15, going to be a heartbreaker.

“You are a beautiful soul.” I swore I heard as a whisper in my ear as I turned to leave.

Morgana is a great spirit, I hope they figure out who she once was.

Early Evening, October 21st, 2007 - Bellingham

Ouch, can see why Gráinne is crying because of that song. All the changes giving her mood swings, much more than that. Gráinne needs to open up to her family about this as well. Glad to see John still accepts his friend despite the changes.

Billy McKales

Is this a play on the Billy McHales restaurants?

State of bliss, let her enjoy it while it last, never know when those come around. Gráinee has powers testing at Ferndale on Friday, great. And I hope they get some help with their food budget soon, Gráinne is burning through calories like crazy. Great, I hope the waitress doesn't ruin their night out. And of course, her eyes would give her away as a mutant, only seen a few whose eyes wouldn't.

*tries to reign in rage* Trying to push Sophia into the path of an oncoming car because she is a mutant, whoever did that is a monster imo. Laughing and mocking over someone's name, ugh. Ooo, Hilde would be a wonderful middle name. No wonder I relate to her so much, anxiety like that I suffer from all my life, the worse part is overanalyzing almost everything. Gráinne Róisín Ní Ceallacháin, Morgana hit on an awesome name.

Homeschooling or private school, Mom has a point, too many Humanity First! supporters and such at the school for Gráinne to be safe without having to fight back and get in trouble for defending herself. That principle needs to be replaced by someone who will deal with the bullying. John is a terrific friend, the kind you hold on to no matter what.

Inside was a simple silver ring in the form of a braided Celtic knot.

Epic present from someone who knows you well.

Happy Birthday, from one Witch to Another.

And a new phone, perfect for the start of her new life. A Celtic Pentagram necklace as well, Sloan is a great sister. Don't like how that one server is reacting to Gráinne's eyes. Nice end to her birthday party, glad nothing went wrong despite how the waitress and one server reacted to her.

Chapter 5 - Two Steps Back
Afternoon, October 22rd, 2007 - Lummi Island

Yikes! The pain of her changes that bad, never read one where the throat was this messed up by the changes happening. Water and liquid foods for the next two days, brutal. Whoa, the changes have sped up, no wonder Gráinne is in such pain. And no wonder her throat hurt so much, removing that Adam's apple. *winces* Falling down like that despite fighting to stop it, the poor girl is going to remember this.

Afternoon, October 23rd, 2007 - Ferndale High School

Miss Fairchild telling her to pull off the hoodie, she should be less concerned about how the students dress and more how they treat each other. One of the perks besides becoming a girl already showing, a lot stronger than before. Brad Finkbonner and he just walked away from Gráinne, this spells trouble brewing.

So either the math problems are easier or the changes include Exemplar mental package as well as physical. Still able to eat meat without trouble, so maybe Morgana isn't a Sidhe after all. Sophia Jameson watching her, Gráinne rushes to the boy's restroom.

"Tick-tock, rider."

Great, Gráinne and Morganna need help to deal with this Dullahan.

And Brad has her cornered, she even admits she is Padraig, she is going to have to fight to defend herself now if this creep operates the way I think. Saying those things about Gráinne, bigotted little... Punches her in the stomach when she tries to run, coward! And he pissed off Morgana who headbutts him in the groin, deserved punishment. Another football player and a bully, creeps travel in a pack it seems.

Holding her like this, what they are planning to do, anything she does is self-defense at this point. Beating her up, holding a hand over her mouth like this, I hope she sends them all to the hospital in traction! And it seems Morgana took control, good.

Just After Lunch Bell, October 23rd, 2007 - Ferndale High School

Mrs. Randall disqualifying Sofia from cheerleading because she is a mutant, what "unfair physical advantages", not all mutants have physical advantages. Abandoning friends due to changes they have no control over is stupid, it's nice her cousins Greg and Lacey have her back. People bashing on her heritage, how would they feel if you based on their ancestry.

Sofia rushing to get help, Mister Olmstadt being the teacher she finds to go break up a fight. And arrive just in time to see Brad and his bully buddies being thrown into lockets 15 ft. away, good grief. Idiots think letting her go now will stop her attacks after they held her while others beat her. Sofia having to stop Gráinne from killing Brad right then and there while Morgana is in control and in a rage, brave girl. Thank you, Sofia, for using reason to help out, though that locker is toast. Poor Gráinne crying in her arms, the fallout from this is going to be bad.

Late Afternoon, October 23rd, 2007 - Ferndale High School

Figures the victim who fought back is the one who is getting punished, left waiting for more than an hour, sickening. Armed security with tasers just to watch her and shoo away any kids who try to interact with her, this is ridiculous. That one security guy needs to be fired already, acting that way around a stressed out and scared kid is stupid.

Brad's buddies will lie through their teeth to see Gráinne locked up if they can, can't stand creeps like this getting away with it. And now the secretary's attitude, arrgh! Miss Fairchild is another form of a bully.

"Yes, I will hear your side of the story and then I will be informing you of what is happening," the woman stated.

Means she won't believe anything Gráinne says or it doesn't matter to her, *grows in anger*

Using the old "Permanent Record" against a scared kid is sadistic imo.

"Sorry, but your file here says your name is Padraig, and legally that is how I will refer to you," she replied matter of factly.

Okay, this B needs a lesson in respecting others. Tells her side of the story and of course Miss Fairchild doesn't believe her because of how she threw football players 15 feet, ugh. Forcing her to wait for her parents and the MCO, this woman shouldn't be in teaching or anything to do with teens if she can't tell when a group will lie to protect one of their own.

Early Evening, October 23rd, 2007 - Ferndale High School

More than hour waiting, and no, you did the right thing by fighting back, Gráinne, otherwise they would have kept up and done worse to you. Morgana speaks again and their bond is complete.

"You understand, your rage was well placed, but your strength is not something to use without discipline."

She is going to need Ito's training at Whateley a lot I'm guessing. And mom shows up, hearing what happened has her ticked off, the school better hope their isn't a lawsuit coming.

Gerald Jameson, a member of the Lummi Business Council. So it is Sofia's grandfather, who told him what she witnessed and knows what might happen as he is a mutant too. Sloan and Gráinne get their anger from their mom, I would pity the school right now if they weren't railroading our girl.

Ferndale was only fifteen miles from Bellingham, but it was vastly more intolerant. There was obvious influence from the Goodkind family here from local donors to the Rotary Club to the fact no one ran against the local prosecutor for the past ten years.

No wonder this town is a mess, Goodkind influence. Singing to help her focus and calm down, only for the two MCO agents to show up, darn it.

Agent Wilks and Barber, and new agents to the stories as well so no idea what they are like. I seriously want to kick Miss Fairchild in the mouth for calling Gráinne that again. And of course she lies about what the football players did, protecting anyone who plays sports for a school from the consequences of criminal actions just so they can win a trophy or plaque is disgusting.

Expelled and the creeps only get suspended for a week, no justice at all. Great, one of the MCO guys fingering the latch on his holster the whole time, we have an anti-mutant bigot just waiting for any excuse. Having to explain her attack again, triggering poor Gráinne to have a panic attack, this is just cruel. Wait a mutant, one of them said Agents Wilks and Barber to the secretary, now the other one is Johnston, what's going on?

Whispering among themselves about Gráinne while she is stressed over the whole thing, no common sense whatsoever. A warrent for her arrest because the boys are pressing charges, sick to my stomach now.

"Your actions show you are a clear and present danger to those around you," Wilks added. The agent reached into his pocket and took out a pair of zip tie handcuffs. My eyes grew wide as mom started to cry, I could hear her trying to keep herself under control.

"Please stand and present your hands behind your back," I heard him say as the world started to lose focus. A tightness encased my chest. My life was over just before it began, and all because I stood up for myself.

They try and disappear her and I hope these agents end up dead, tired of this bullshit happening to mutants simply for defending themselves.

Expected a car bomb, after Mrs. Finkbonner appeared and stalled them, presumably for time to set it up. But no.

At least the cops are on their way to sort this out, but that's 5 cars of people with unknown amounts of gear vs. a magical house, it seems. Hmm.

Nice continuation of the song lyrics.

Chapter 6 - The Road Gets Rockier Morning, October 24th, 2007 - Ferndale Police Department

Gráinne having to deal with sleeping a jail cell, regretting not speaking up about being trans sooner so her parent could have gotten her out of that school before this happens.

*eyes bug out* Good lord, that is a lot of pain Gráinne is going through. Treated like this because she is a mutant and considered dangerous, good grief, I've heard of convicted murderers treated better. Whitewashed brick walls in the schools and jail cells, it is a wonder someone hasn't cracked. Already have a Warrant, do they just rush mutants through the system?

No other people in other cells, trying to keep her unseen, they are going to try and disappear her! Wilks and Barber, something about those two beyond their attitude makes me sick to my stomach. Miss Fairchild, never has someone's last name been so different from the person who has it.

Noon now and Sophia is having to wake up early to go to the police station with her grandfather, hope they can save Gráinne from being handed over to the MCO. Ouch, her mother, Corrine Jameson, is an energizer-speedster, having to deal with someone that fast who probably is impatient with how slow everyone else goes would be migraine-inducing for me. Gerald making omelets, yum.

Ugh, the Ferndale School Board doing all this, "no tolerance rules" aimed at mutants on campus, just bigotry disguised as "concern for the normal students".

Students With Powers Who Use Any On School Campus Are To Be Suspended With Notice.

This is rife for abuse, other students could say they saw the student use their powers, it could be a power like receptive empathy they can't turn off or being an Exemplar and suspend them outright, so many ways this could blow up in the school's face though.

Most were usually quietly removed from campus and shuttled to the facility just out of town set aside for remedial students and those just out of juvenile hall. Really, the school seemed to be bent on getting as many of the non-baselines out of its population as possible.

And this is how you create a powderkeg situation, once the mutants figure out what is going on they might just decide to fight back. And Corrine takes a car to work at the Alliance Headquarters in Bellingham, nice to see that, unlike comics where speedsters just zip everywhere.

Big change in the works, oh please say they are bringing in the feds to deal with the corruption in this town. Sophia's mother is Swiftwing, a wonderful codename. Though I wonder why she knows so little about her father's life and line of work.

The entry hall to the police station really showed how the department was just an up jumped County Sheriff's office without the countywide level of jurisdiction.

She really wasn't exaggerating about Ferndale being a backwater.

Gráinne sitting in the Chief's office, without a trusted adult there, this is all kinds of wrong. Sophia knows how to sneak and chat quietly, useful skills. Lilting to Gráinne's speech like she is from Ireland, guess Morgan has had more influence over Gráinne other than the physical changes.

12:45 PM, they have kept Gráinne waiting long enough already. Chief Victor Larson, I hope he is reasonable. The Chief asking why Gráinne is still there, calls her Miss O'Callaghan, only for Wilks to call her Mister, sickening. Regional office in Seattle, that seems a bit far, thought there was a closer MCO office. Agent Johnson says something to get a rise out of Gráinne and it works, yet the Chief is being reasonable. No raising her voice in his office, no commentary from the agent unless the Chief asks him a question, good.

Gráinne does the right thing, apologizing to the chief, yet Johnson says nothing. Wilks flashing the warrant again, papers for the Chief and a signed order for Miss Fairchild from Gerald, this is going to be good. Mister Olmstadt's statement to Gerald it seems about the bullying problem at the school, about how Mister Olmstadt and Sophia both saw the attack by the four boys on a small girl, Brad and one of his buddies has a drug problem, 3 complaints of sexual harassment with no charges, Miss Fairchild is in trouble now.

A threat to pull every Lummi student and funding from the BIA in one day, Gerald plays hardball.

"I called them this morning and we held an impromptu meeting to vote in response to newfound racist policies by the Ferndale School Board," he said with a smirk.

"The School Board added that new rule about the usage of mutant powers," he added.

"It was completely necessary." Miss Fairchild was now being reduced to what my friends and I called a "Karen". An angry soccer mom who found a way to complain to the manager about a perceived slight.

"I don't dispute it," Gerald chuckled as he continued his argument, "But as you can see from the files here Chief the School Board hasn't shown any interest accommodating mutants on campus. Most if not all are left to be bullied and or bussed to the remedial school on the outskirts of town."

The Chief of Police pressed his hand to his forehead and inhaled deeply. It was obvious he was thinking of something, and for a moment he thought about it before saying to an intercom on his phone, "Sergeant is the County Prosecutor here?"

This escalated a lot more quickly than I thought it would. Good grief, Morgan doesn't know when not to say something to make her host even more stressed out.

"I won't coddle you little Rose, you have so much potential, and you must gain the discipline to use it."

Spirits always thinking they know what is best is a pattern for sure.

Prosecutor dropping the charges which Wilks doesn't like, thought they could disappear Gráinne without a fight.

"In fact, I can," the prosecutor said, "and tomorrow we'll be speaking to a judge about the issue in the county courthouse. You are free to attend."

Oh goodie, maybe they can start cleaning up this town. I wonder what about the County Prosecutor seems familiar to Gráinne, could he be a member of the Alliance her mother is a member of?

"I do what I needed to do when you did nothing but protect your beloved football team and cast your own charges to the wayside for a personal racist agenda,"

I hope by the end of this Miss Fairchild is replaced with someone who will run the school right.

"We'll be seeing you in court soon, I'm preparing a class action suit against your school and you personally." The man said as he clapped my father's back before putting his briefcase back in order.

"You can't be serious!" she asked.

"Oh, we are," my father said as he adjusted his glasses, "you knowingly let four boys sexually assault my daughter. You are lucky I'm not pressing charges. We'll be calling you soon if Gerald thinks it's a good idea to settle."

My parents ushered me past the woman as I could barely contain my glee at her gaping fishlike expression.

At this rate, the school board will throw her under the bus to try and lessen the damages from the class action suit, couldn't happen to a 'nicer' woman.

Chapter 7 - A Drop O’ The Pure

Early afternoon at the Alliance Headquarters in North Bellingham and Sophia is doing the dreaded treadmill test. Incline of 15 and 6 mph for close to an hour, she definitely has Exemplar trait to keep that up that long. Wait, she is watching the 2nd Twilight movie at the same time and picking it apart while doing this, what is her Exemplar rating?

Even as a kid she used critical thinking or just plain old sarcasm to center herself. Even if it was a made-up argument pulling apart another person's logic steadied her in a way few things could.

Oh, I pity any bullies at Whateley for the verbal thrashing she will give them.

*facepalms* A white person telling a Native American they don't look Native enough for a role, idiots. 10 more minutes of that workout, seriously impressive.

"So, you tested out at close to a few hundred pounds in the lift tests, so Jeff is rating you as an Exemplar One," Corinne picked up a clipboard hanging off the treadmill and added to the notes.

That's an Exemplar 1, dang.

A tall Chinese-American by the name of Tyson Zhang.

How many members are in the Whatcom Alliance? And Sophia might have a crush, aww.

Tyson or Bronze Wolf was a devisor with a strange flair for devises seemingly straight out of eighties anime.

Now that is an awesome focus for a devisor. Full-blown puppy love, oh boy, Sophia is going to have to be let down gently. The bi-corder has an interesting look, certainly stands out.

"Wait, what?" Corinne looked up at him and furrowed her brow, "are you still trying to sneak around Paramount's Trademarks with Star Trek? Seriously Ty?"

So you can't name things after Star Trek stuff, rats.

"It scans for Energizer and Esper ratings. Well mostly just Energizer," he said with a wave of his hand, "I tried Wizard, but the thing kept telling me I was pregnant.

Now that is funny for a devise to do, tell a man he is pregnant. Her mother really wants Sophia to have powers like her, poor kid. And the 'bi-corder' at least detects energy signatures, wonder what Dev rating Tyson has.

Sophia completely alone in the Alliance HQ kitchen, just how many sandwiches did she eat!?! Nice Alice in Wonderland reference. Learn to wield essence, living up to this legacy is going to take its toll on Sophia. Calling his own daughter a disappointment for manifesting as a mutant, something outside her control, Sophia's father is an asshole.

The Alliance from what she knew didn't just fight crime and deal with the presence of gangs and organized crime. They also focused on charity and outreach across the county with many of their programs aimed at helping the less fortunate.

Now these are real heroes. That is a spellcaster's chamber, very evocative description. Stealing flames from something to transfer it to another, handy spell. And a wonderful ritual, really paints a picture of what Gerald is doing.

"I asked the tricksters to take a shard of the sun, and to light the well of essence within you," he replied.

Please say he only asked Raven and not a certain Coyote as well. Yeesh, that test was brutal, never realized until now how much even a Wiz-1 trait helps magic-wise. At least her test are done for the day, I hope they don't put Lil' Wing down as her codename for her MID when she finally gets one though, she needs to chose the name herself.

Evening now and in South Seattle and winter is starting to settle in. Who is this female who has just shown in Finnegan's bar on such a night?

Like every place in Ireland, it tried to be the bar that was small and cramped.

In Ireland, I thought they were in South Seattle. Well, this lady is in a drinking mood.

Each of her nails ended in a pointed black painted point. Even her lips were dark red as she gently sipped from the shot glass.

Why does this feel like a hint this woman isn't exactly what she appears to be?

She has to get snippy with the bartender, insulting Scotland like that. And the man who came to meet her, so plain as to avoid notice, hhm. Ah, so the woman is called Bess.

"Tone be wantin' a report. Ye kilt the Fianna bitch, and yet somehow...we have no proof of the rider's oblivion," he smiled and said to her. His beer came and the man sipped at the stout given without a second thought.

She's the Dullahan! Or at least the being who sic'd one on Sinnead. Who do these two work for and assassination for MI6, just what kind of connections do they have?

"Old way I see? Not since the Fenians, did we kill our own for a little mistake," she chuckled uneasily.

Don't tell me they are all faeries of one sort or another. Contracting for Wolftone Maguire, why did that name send chills up my spine? Great, Bess has been warned about Sinnead's little sister who is gunning for her.

"Yeah, I can. I've already got a trace on the girl. I'll rile up a few to kill her." Her words only seemed to please the man for a moment.

With foes like this gunning for Gráinne, it is more like a glass-shard covered rocky road to Whateley.

Chapter 8 - No Turning Back
Early Morning, October 25th, 2007 - Dreamscape

Cute outfit for Gráinne to wear in her Dreamscape. Who hasn't wanted to just run as fast as you can, leaping from place to place in a dream. Morgan walking right past her like that, wonder if she can sense the coming threat and is focusing to gain more detail. And she is dressed for war, uh oh.

Ouch, to die instead of the person who was your host, to blame yourself for their death. At least Gráinne is able to snap Morgan out of it, if they are to survive they need to find Sinnead's killer and need allies. Morgan as close to the 'Morrigan' as you can get right now, scary. Good, Gráinne remembers the face of the woman in the mirror from when she was attacked, a great first step.

"I can't promise no one will ever hurt you again lass," Morgan relented, "but, if you speak with your parents for the need for proper training I am sure they and this friend of theirs, Jameson, will know what to do."

Okay, I was wrong earlier, Morgan isn't like the other spirits we've seen. Actually gives advice instead of pushing you into finding answers.

Early Morning, October 26th, 2007 - Whatcom Alliance Headquarters

Heading to Whatcom Alliance Headquarters and Gráinne woken up 5:40 am to catch a ferry to the mainland for her Powers Test. The Ferndale school system is f'd up! Putting any child through what Gráinne went through is horrible.

Mom went full rage mode and I could hear her growling death threats to the boys on our way home that evening.

Those boys better stay far away from her family, mama bear would tear them apart. School district pushed to have him diagnosed as ADHD as a kid, that is dangerous without testing. Whatcom Alliance HQ, nice and simple in a good location but far enough away from the city, smart. Ooo, they are officially supported by the United States Department of Paranormal Affairs, always good to have the authorities on your side.

Noon, October 27th, 2007 - Whatcom Alliance Headquarters

Uhm, are these dates off for these, though it would still be the 26th for the tests.

If there was one saving grace about the tests, it was that they let me watch old episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess. Lucy Lawless’s figure was always something I dreamed of. A woman who was strong and sexy combined into one fantastic bundle of skill and knowledge.

Good taste.

"HEY LOOK!" she barked and pointed at how my hands were slipping.

"Listen!" I replied and Sophia who was hovering by her mother face palmed immediately.

"Okay, what?" Corinne eyed her daughter and Sophia mumbled, "It's a gamer thing."

Bwhahahaha, that darn fairy will never stop haunting gamers' dreams.

Morgan bored and not challenged by the test, quick, go to the next test! 525 lbs. lifted to chest level is Exemplar 3, love learning the different stuff about the power ratings. Benchpress is a little bit closer to 600 lbs., impressive. And a test for Wiz trait from Gerald now, whose codename is RavenWing, very cool. "Gráinne Róisín O'Callaghan", that name is a mouthful, but very pretty. And it goes through next week, Gerald sure knows how to work favors.

"Judge MacDonald owed me for saving his son on an incident just out to sea years ago," said a new voice. I turned to face a man I had only heard of, but now was finally meeting, Cornelius Holbrook, the leader of the Whatcom Alliance. Cornelius was an aging black man with short hair, and a small mustache graced his upper lip. I could tell by the ripple of muscle underneath his shirt that this was a man dedicated to his craft, and a few scars poked out along his hands. He was dressed in a blue button-down collared shirt and a pair of black jeans.

Crown Justice in the 80s and Ogun now, these codenames are all so great. And Gráinne just has to hold an amethyst gem and whoa, an essence container and she stored some in it, this means she has a Wiz trait.

It was nice I had a magical spirit to explain everything. Just like a little fairy from one of my favorite games.

"Never compare me to that floating ball of irritation - again. Or I'll make you bald."

Okay, never refer to Morgan as Navi ever again.

No one wants to be compared to Navi, no one.

Early Afternoon, October 27th, 2007 - Whatcom Alliance Headquarters

A massive plate of corned beef and roasted potatoes, now that is a filling meal. 2 plates that size to fill her up, eep.

My dad was shaking his head as my mom said to him, "She'll eat us out of house and home."

She isn't wrong, heh.

The normally bitter taste of coffee always made me feel sick to my stomach. Didn't help with that mess with the mind-controlling Starbucks coffee thanks to some asshole villain in Seattle earlier this year.

With all the Starbucks out there I'm surprised a villain the comics hasn't pulled this yet.

2 cups of that coffee with all the cream in each one, her mother should be happy Gráinne isn't literally bouncing off the walls. All these plans going on around Gráinne, curious if it is just about the school or is more stuff going on. A brochure, sending Gráinne to Whateley and not even informing her yet, don't leave the girl in suspense. A notice board and jobs you would expect to see for high school or even college students, guess it takes all types.

And thanks to the brochure pinned to the notice board Gráinne now knows some of what is going on. Sophia doesn't know where her mother actually went to high school, the stories she will want to hear now from her parents about Whateley. Upset about boarding school and then hears what Whateley is about.

"Wait what? An honest to goodness Xavier school?" I chirped as I sat on the edge of my seat. This wasn't sound so bad.

Hehe, every kid whose had that response find it is much different than they ever expected.

Oh good, someone telling the kids about the school's neutrality before they get there.

"Remember lass, they want to do this for your own good. Don't get angry, think about it from their shoes." Morgan my ever prominent Jiminy Cricket-styled conscience. "Don't compare me to a Disney cartoon bug, ever again." Who can also read my thoughts. I really need to remember that my body had two passengers now.

Aww, doesn't even like being compared to Jiminy Cricket, who would she accept being compared to?

I could only hope my school headmaster wasn't an eccentric with a penchant for letting underage children fight horrors of the deep.

Only when they're properly supervised by her or another staff member she can trust with the job.

Gerald's help getting a scholarship and the work-study options, wonder what kind of work-study job Gráinne would get. At least she has Sophia going to Whateley alongside her, good to have a friend in a new place.

Picking a codename? Okay, that couldn't be too hard? I just had to make sure none of it has been trademarked, copywritten or you know, owned. I could do that. Just a little old fifteen years old me, picking the superhero name that would stick with me for the rest of my life. How hard could it be?

Oh, you just had to have that last thought, didn't you. Those kind of questions are just tempting fate.

Chapter 9 - Gas On The Fire
Late Evening, October 28th, 2007 - Jameson Family Home

Corinne having to deal with Sophia being angry and a call from her ex. *sees the stress meter skyrocket* And to lose a wife, a mother, so soon. Glad Gerald got better. Michael Langley is Sophia's ahole of a father, and the way he talks to her over the phone, that low feral growl as a form of threat, this scum an anti-mutant bigot. Especially how he calls Whateley a freak school.

Used contacts in BIA to dig up details about the murder of Jamie, Mike is a real tool. At least she ended the call that way, hope we never hear from Mike again. Calls up Claire Westbrook of the Seattle Squires, even insults the girl's father, but she agrees it is pretty accurate. Oh boy, learning what has been happening at Whateley Academy recently has Corinne nervous for Sophia going there. Claire sure is quick covering for Cat.

Paperwork to remove records from a school registrar, how much paperwork and documents will they have to deal with before this is all over. Her working for the DPA and Mike being abusive just once and they left, good. Aww, Sophia hugging her mom, the sacrifices parents make for their children.

Just Before Lunch, October 29th, 2007 - Ferndale High School

Chicken noodle soup for breakfast, sounds good on a cold morning. Nightmares about them, Gráinne is going to need counseling.

"I don't need to see a shrink," I replied stiffly. I wasn't broken, I can get through this.

"Yeah, Babes, that's a load of bullshit," my mom told me.

Thank you! Seeing a shrink doesn't mean you are broken, it just means you need help. Everyone needs help from time to time. Two Master's Degrees, Gráinne isn't kidding, family of over-educated nerds. Wonder what her little sister will be like when she is older.

"I understand my heart." Morgan's voice whispered in my ear. "But your mam is right, we need to confront our pain. And learn how to not let it rule us."

When an ancient spirit tells you something like this, listen. And very glad Gráinne has her mom as a voice of reason right now. Goth clothing, she and Alyss will get along well. Even when I went to high school you couldn't get away with pushing people around, especially to an adult visiting the school.

Right as she's about to go into the principal's office Brad shows up and gooses her, this kind of scum needs a worse lesson than he received it seems. In that shape and he did this to her without knowing who she is, Brad needs a serious lesson on to treat women. Continuing to harass Gráinne even after in her panic she dents a locker, Brad is either that stupid, arrogant, or has a death wish.

Groping her breast, he brought her reaction of lifting him into the air on himself. Only Mom showing up saves Brad from death, and poor Gráinne breaks down crying in her arms. And everything was caught on the school security feed, good, finally can treat this scum like the criminal he is.

"You're parents are going to love it that I have video evidence when Gerald Jameson includes them in the lawsuit we're filing against the school." My mom said each word firmly. "And you know what, I think this might even put you on the -sex offender registry-, you are eighteen aren't you? That means your little football future is now over."

Okay, this fate is worse for Brad than death.

30 minutes of waiting, these people sure like to drag things out.

Lynn O'Callaghan liked to always say that she didn't become a lawyer because she would use her mind for evil. Right there and then I started to see why.

If she were a lawyer I would be terrified to go up against her in court to defend a client. Article on Sinnead Maguire death and Morgan says how she was killed, painful to relive such a memory.

And poor Gráinne having to sit there in the very building it all happened, still feeling Brad's hands as they are still touching her, nightmare doesn't cover it. Oh, Haggen sounds like my kind of restaurant, fried chicken and jojos, never heard of those before, but fried hot potato logs sound so good.

"No...dementors aren't real. But, boggarts are."

Figures boggarts are real. I can confirm from personal experience how badly just recalling trauma can leave you physically and emotionally drained, Gráinne has great people in her life to help.

Seven P.M, October 31st, 2007 - Ferndale Camp and Conference Center

Crap, Bess there under an assumed name with a rental car. And going into the Conference center on Halloween to set some things in motion using magic, I hope this mission brings her end. Local shadow-leader of Humanity First! in the region, a bunch of bigots manipulated by magic is the last thing we need right now. Robert Dickinson, and figures Brad's father brought to these bigots' attention Gráinne. All they care about is their kids being hurt, not what they did to bring it upon themselves.

A rage working to get them to try and kill Gráinne, a rhyme like that has never felt more sinister to me. Figures there are a bunch of homophobes in their ranks too. Their friends in Bellingham and in the county Government who leaked this information are in serious trouble once it comes out. Going after her family, "ask" for an apology despite it being the truth,, these people even without her spell are messed up.

"We should do more than that!" said a voice as she passed, "we should make an example of her and her freak family."

All Bess did was stoke the fires of what was already there, if any of the O'Callaghans are killed then this whole town will be in trouble beyond their imaginings.

Late Morning, November 2nd, 2007 - Whatcom Count

And Gráinne held in her snark and sarcasm when it is important, yay. The Whateley Academy handbook, she is going to be reading that for a while. And they attack her right as she is leaving the courthouse, now that is first level coward shit. Oh, Sloan is a great little sister.

"So...why is Rachel from Friends screaming at us?" I snerked.

Never heard a more perfect insult. Mrs. Finkbonner, and Sloan does the smart thing going to get the security guards. Mom shielding Gráinne, doesn't matter how powerful you are, a loving mother will always shield her child from harm. Just look at Martha Kent facing down Brainiac. These Humanity First nuts would call the likes of Gen 2's Daniel aka Donut a threat, paranoid twits. Sloan shows back up with three police officers and then says this.

"Your stupid fucking son attacked my big sister," she snarled, "and now you're showing where he got his brains. Walk home malibu, not everyone is a degenerate like you."

"Your parents named your sibling well. She's as spirited and sharp-tongued as anyone I knew." Morgan's chuckled in my ear as my sister completed her quip.

God, I could just see Lanie's mom meeting Sloan on parents day and wondering if their family is related somehow. Shit! That smile from Mrs. Finkbonner as they run away, they have an ambush set up!

Chapter 10 - Fool’s Folly
Late Afternoon - November 2nd, 2007 - Haxton Road

Henry in that police cruiser, don't tell me he is H1! and plans to run them off the road and make it look like an accident. Husband, wonder what in his background could get him in trouble. A convoy of vehicles, one black sedan, Humanity First bumper sticker on another car and Confederate Battle Flag on a large Pick-Up truck, great. Knew it would be an ambush. Going to the Lummi Tribal Police about this, I was so wrong at first about Henry, good man.

Just After Five PM - November 2nd, 2007 - Jameson Home

The Lummi Reservation sounds interesting. Dinner at the Jameson House and Mom brought a stroganoff meat casserole she made with chives and sour cream, *tries to dive through the monitor to get some* Can we get someone to do a drawing of that totem pole, please. Morgan calling it magnificent, you know you've found a true piece to remember your whole life.

A Newfoundland dog called Cody, a sweet dog. Evergreen for the color of the home, beautiful. Law and Order, good show.

"Yes! I'm up to a c-cup now and GODS," I growled. My breasts were awesome and in other cases, a fucking curse!

"Hey, being a girl isn't all that easy," she replied.

"I know, but, I feel like I wasn't given instructions, for all this," I gestured to my body.

"Welcome to girlhood and puberty, confusion and shame are your new friends," she said.

Just wait until she gets to Whateley, don't compare yourself to other girls there. Hehe, Sophia teasing Gráinne about not having her application for Whateley done yet, these two are going to be fun to continue reading about. Shit, these creeps are going after all of them, they are going to try and burn the place down with them all trapped inside. And they took out the power to the house, things just got a whole lot worse.

Hhm, wonder what the lyrics might clue as to Gráinne's fate, loss of a bundle could mean many things.

Chapter 11 - Speak Softly
Early Evening - November 2nd, 2007 - Lummi Tribal Police Station

Henry arrives at the Lummi Tribal Police office and found his friend Lloyd at his desk, Lloyd Spencer has a look which probably stands out.

Early Evening, November 2nd, 2007 - Jameson Home

Gráinne having that kind of feeling, yikes. The man has a piece of paper, bet this is just to distract from their real intentions. And she recognizes Brad's dad, don't let them cause you to panic, Gráinne, don't give them that power.

"We aren't here for you or your freak family. Just the redhead, she's caused enough pain and needs to be taught a lesson," Dickinson or whatever his name was.

More like beaten and killed, sick sob's idea of a "lesson", can't stand people who use that line about teaching someone a lesson for this kind of crap.

Cowards! 3 armed figures in black break into the kitchen and one of them dares to grab Sloan and yank her away from her parents, bad move. Dad trying to reason with them that they can leave and forgot this ever happened, no faces were seen, until the scum who has Sloan puts a knife to her neck and demands they all go outside! Corrine having to drag Sophia along and Mom orders Gráinne not to do anything.

Ushered into the foyer, each of the three men has an assault rifle, with how trained these guys are I wouldn't be surprised if they are MCO agents under those ski-masks. Gerald verbally sparring with Dickinson, then they are all forced out the front door. Dickenson trying to still discuss things, while the rest of the creeps just want to kill Gráinne and run.

"This freak should know her place!" came the party line from the man.

These bigots sound just like the racists and sexists saying a minority or female should know their place, sickening.

So that is why Gerald wanted them talking, preparing a spell. And it is a doozy, blinding flash of light, too many underestimate blinding opponents. Corrine taking down the 3 masked guys, while some idiot opened fire despite probably being blinded right now, good grief. Parents move to grab Sloan, Dad determined if he can reach Gráinne, Gráinne falls to the ground and quite possibly saved her from being hit by a bullet, chaotic fight.

Dickinson and the others retreating like the cowards they are, one man still wanting to try and kill Gráinne despite the chaos. Of course this creep would be Brad's dad, wanting revenge for what she did to his "little boy", ugh. Ouch, jumps out to charge the creep and gets hit in the shoulder, punching up the car and smashing through the driver's side window and Gráinne begins to drag Dickinson out of the car in a rage.

Hurls Dickinson out of the car, more pain and injury for poor Gráinne as Mr. Finkbonber tries to undo his seatbelt and escape, brave man when you have a gun and don't think she can reach you. And now he is out of the car as well, Gráinne is going to need to be talked down at this rate. At least looking at what she did to the car and the flash of lights in her eyes snapped her out of it, too close.

And the County Sherrif and Tribal Police are there to arrest these asshats. They frisked Gráinne for weapons, 5 minutes do that before she can finally be with her family and let the tears flow, from the pain of all her injuries finally hitting her, a lot worse than I thought.

"Your daughter, her initial tests point to her being an Exemplar Three or Four. She'll heal fully in a few days."

Good, no need for a hospital where some of these creeps' friends might try another hit on Gráinne.

First aid kit to clean out the gunshot wound and stop the bleeding, thought she was going to need more with the description of her injuries. Broken hand for Mr. Finkbonber and possibly broken back for Dickinson, self-defense and if any judge says otherwise I will be ticked. Gráinne afraid of her anger and wondering why she felt so tired now. Henry Duvalle cleans and then bandages up Gráinne's wounds and an ambulance finally arrives to take in Mr. Finkbonber and Dickinson.

"I'm a monster," I said, before closing my eyes and letting my mom's hug bring me some measure of comfort.

You fought to protect yourself, your family, and those you care about, plus stopped yourself from actually killing Mr. Finkbonber when you had the chance. A monster wouldn't have cared, nor held back.

Chapter 12 - Revelations of the Dead
Morning, October 15th, 2007 - Dublin Ireland

The Oireachtas, the Irish Parliament hall, was abuzz with morning activity as security personnel prepared for the gathering of the lower house, the Dáil Éireann.

Now I wonder what this all could be about.

"By the Lord's breat', I am feckin' tired o' Sinn Feinn's nonsense," groused the ravenhead, a woman by the name of Maeve. Or more appropriately Specialist Second Class, Maeve Maguire, military liaison to Ireland's Ministry of Paranormal Investigation. As a mutant, she rarely wore the mask of her persona, Glass Witch or 'Ceallach Gloine', in her native Irish tongue.

Beautiful name and codename. A favor for backing a pro-Mutant act a month earlier, she should back such things because it is the right thing to do and not ask for favors of a military liaison like this.

"You are the one who decided to date a Deputy's secretary and got caught," replied Revi, a British born Kurdish woman.

"Not all of us get to meet non-Irish girls all the time Revi!" Maeve quipped as she giggled with her friend.

And using her dating a Deputy's secretary as blackmail sickens me. *eyes bug out* Sinnead's younger sister, has the news reached her yet? And scrying skills to find lost cell phones instead of lost people, waste of potential. Oh crap, she doesn't know about Sinnead yet, this is heartbreaking. And an officer with dispatch in a small envelope for Maeve...

DJ2, the Directorate of Military Intelligence, she worked for them on and off when her assignments were required. Seeing a uniformed officer outside her door wasn't unusual especially when she worked on active counter-terrorism details. Still, her breath shook as she opened the door to her office.

And the officer left after dropping it off, this is painful to watch, knowing what she is going to find out. Crying along with Maeve, to lose her older sister in such a way and not even know who or what is behind it.

Early Morning, November 3rd, 2007 - Downtown Seattle

Elizbeth Monaghan thinking about a debt which needs to be paid, wonder what she means by her debt.

She sighed and rubbed her neck where the razor stood, and she began looking through a list of acts.

Curious. Good grief, just what kind of people is she working for that Sinnead's death wasn't enough. List of targets, criminals, she can place the blame of her crimes on, this debt sounds like she is digging herself deeper and deeper with no way out.

The plan would require allocating some of her growing bad luck to the motorists who seemed to be avoiding hefty drunk driving charges. A few rich kids who could absorb the bad news in her favor.

This sounds like bad deeds bring her bad luck and she has to bring it back into balance or die, shedding the bad luck onto others is just twisted.

"Agree, to this Bess, and I'll keep you alive," The words were a reminder why she did all of this. One little mistake and she could end up...there.

She took a literal devil's bargain to stay alive, foolish girl.

The primary target is Glass Witch, bad enough you killed her older sister, now you are going to mess with her. I hope your luck runs out and soon.

Oh gods, how would the Balance take that one.

Driving me crazy what she means by the Balance right now.

rube-Goldberg-esque plan

So many points of failure in such a plan, huge risk, hope it blows up in her face.

"By the blacken Oak,

I invoke the twisting ties of Loki.

Venom of the serpent,

I seek the chaos of the Trickster."

Oh ****! Not good, so very not good. All those things, just what magic is she crafting her? All this to contain the bad luck and probability to cause what she wishes to happen, please don't let Sinnead's sister be killed as well.

Mid-Day, November 3rd, 2007 - Seatac Airport

Maeve hates flying and they stuck her by the window seat, at least she has a sleeping draught to sleep through most of the flight, poor woman. Ack! Awake for the last 2 hours of the flight, she hates flying more than I do riding in cars. It seems like she almost had a panic attack during the landing.

And she has come here for at least a few weeks, at least with her MMID and badge as an agent of the Irish Ministry should get her out of the airport without issue. Hehe, at least she got to flirt with a cute blonde. So she knows what dealing with MCO agents is like, good. Having to do a background check on her Irish Ministry identification, idiot younger agent Krezinski thinks she might be faking it, thankfully the senior agent is a reasonable guy. Jeffery O'Dell, nice to meet another good MCO agent.

The Troubles, is Elizbeth part of one side of that? The guy at the desk worse to her than the MCO, what is with the glare? A layover in Ohio, possible Humanity First preacher spotted, and now having to wait for her contact. A text from BLOCKED, only can I.D. this person by the black-tie they are wearing and at the exit, good grief. Distracted by a bunch of kids and their parents, heh. Agent Jimenez, DPA, second Jimenez in law enforcement in a Whateley story. And an Exemplar at that, interesting. Now, who is this woman who he works with?

Night, December 3rd, 2007 - Dreamscape

Morgan's realm was pieced together from my own memories and dreams of what Ireland was. From the very fabric of the books I read as a child and what I often thought about in my earliest writings. So it wasn't surprising at all when the cold hit me and I found myself staring at a dank rolling moor.

So that is why Morgan's realm is like this in the Dreamscape, cool. And Gráinne sounds like she is dressed for war. A spear in her hands and the moors are quiet, don't tell me something is stalking Gráinne in the Dreamscape.

No single sign of the standing stones, oh crap, wake up now! Whatever this thing is, appearing in the form of Gráinne but with those wounds, trying to scare her and throw her off so she is easier to attack.

"It has come....one has died," it pointed at me and as I gaped at the thing it seemed to swim in the air as its body drifted away.

"Fuck....a..." I said carefully through my dread.

"A banshee, an ancient spirit of warning," said a voice above me and I craned my neck to see Morgan standing there behind me in all her glory.

"What is it doing here?" the keen was slowly dying down as I felt Morgan's hands pull me up.

"They follow people like me, and you, those attached to the land. When someone dies they appear, and they keen the coming," she said to me slowly. Her face was stern as the fog around us was slowly dispersing. I could tell something was wrong as Morgan placed a hand on my shoulder. Her normally pristine appearance seemed sallow and pale.

Nooo! Please say Dickinson didn't die from his injuries, they might use that to try and make Gráinne disappear again.

Chapter 13 - Meaning of a Name
Dinner Time, November 4th, 2007 - Jameson Residence

Sophia waking up in a cold sweat, nightmares two nights in a row of men with guns breaking into her room and slipping a black hood over her head, need to get counseling to help with the trauma. Thanks to these idiots Humanity First haunts her now, hope they get the book thrown at them. Therapy session with her grandfather, tales of his work with the Alliance.

"There are more than the MCO and Humanity First Lil' Wing," he said slowly, "I cannot lie to you about what lies ahead. But we can do our best to make sure that your trauma does not come to rule you."

Good, thank you she is getting help.

Dang, you show how much this whole incident has messed with Sophia's world view and sense of self, good job. Boy, her mother plays hardball, the threat of cold water to get her out of bed. Texas toast and stew for breakfast, yum. Deer meat and elk in a stew, sounds good, glad it is helping Sophia to start getting back to her old self.

"Your mother is right Sophia," he intoned, "we have spoken to someone at Whately Academy. They will help you find a therapist on campus to help."

"I don't want to see a shrink," she scoffed.

"They helped me," her mom said, her face tense, "after I left your father I needed someone to talk to."

Glad to see this continued and yes, needing to see a therapist doesn't mean you are broken.

"Now listen," her mother told her, "There are a few you need to be careful around at school. The big school cliques, the Alphas, stay away from them. Keep your head down and try to avoid the bigger politics. Some of the worst supervillains have their kids there as well as the world’s most famous superheroes."

Aww, but the Alphas have improved greatly and some of the nicest kids are the children of supervillains, just look at Lindsey. Aww, love to see loving families interact.

Mid-Morning, November 5th, 2007 - Meche's Tailoring Shop

Gráinne woke up screaming and her mother stayed awake with her, Gerald, unfortunately, confirmed the news. *sigh* Gráinne, you and Sophia need therapy to deal with the trauma of what happened and what you were forced to do. Ran for 4 miles and jogged back to the house to blow off steam, at least she is learning how to channel her frustration.

"My daughter, the superhero to be who likes cheating death by wearing blackout and running in the middle of the road."

Her frustration and anger blinded her to what she was doing, eep.

I mean what else was I going to say? Please don't pay tons of money so I can go to a nice school? Yes, unthankful spoiled brat words straight out of the manual we're all given upon birth, right? I rolled my eyes internally and I could hear Morgan chuckling at my own self-awareness. I was trying to hide my own sense of denial in self-depreciation. A habit I wouldn't break for months or even years down the road.

No worst critic than ourselves, heh.

Meche's Tailor and Cynthia who runs the place has had other Whateley students as clients, nice. Gráinne texting with Sophia who is at Alliance HQ, going over Whateley rules, wonder what codename Sophia picked. Ah, the infamous Whateley Academy application, rumor has it it makes some medical documents look small in comparison. Ah, measurements for the school uniforms and Mom is having Cecilia Rogers make them for Gráinne, those should last a long time barring any growth spurts.

Ouch, the old pinprick because you moved even slightly while being measured. Imagining herself in the battle wear she has in her dreamscape, would make a cool costume.

"It was the three of us Banba, Fódla, and Eriu. We left our forest and our families and became the Morrigna." Her grip tightened and I let my daydream self lean against her.

I got goosebumps reading this, it feels like history and myth come alive.

"You're a thirty-four B, twenty-four waist, thirty-four hips," she smiled. My face was a deep bright red as I could barely contain my embarrassment, but I was happy.

Yup, she is going to get attention at Whateley for sure.

"Cynthia, I think my daughter's head is going to explode either from the compliments or from embarrassment," Lynn O'Callaghan declared as I rolled my eyes. Mom was dramatic when she wanted to be and was where I learned my hard sense of sarcasm.

"My head isn't that big," I pouted.

"Not yet, little Rose," she smiled evilly at me using my new nickname.

"Mom!" I squeaked before I sighed. Mom's am I right? They love you and toss you under the bus as soon as they can.

I love Gráinne's mom so much, love a mom with a sense of humor.

Early Afternoon, November 5th, 2007 - Whatcom Alliance Headquarters

And Lynn has gone into full-blown "Mama bear" mode, I pity anyone who messes with her family right now.

My eyes gave off a strange aura, and if I moved in the night my reflection would actually show a flame-like energy-burning there.

Now that is awesome. Barely rate a Wizard 1, hhm.

"If you name yourself something eyes, I'm going to leave your body." Morgan's sense of humor had grown or should I say darkened over the last few days.

Bwahaha, too good.

I now understood why in the world anime girls were so damn angry about their skirts. Who wants to know about my preference for purple boyshorts, because I really only want ME to know this fact alone.

At least the boyshorts cover more, though some pervs probably like that. Desks for RavenWing, Ogun, and Agent Jimenez, "Special Liaison Office for the Department of Paranormal Affairs" under Jimenez's name. Gráinne is shocked to learn a DPA agent works there.

Jimenez shows up, then Gerald and Sophia, time to finish up the paperwork.

"DuskWing," she stated with a shrug. I looked at her and before I could reply she said, "If you make a Darkwing Duck joke I will sew your lips shut."

"I wasn't going to at all jeez!" I sighed before singing, "Daring Duck of Mystery!"

Too hard not to resist. And Sophia is a Wizard 3, Exemplar 1, good powers.

I mean, how do you tell your mom you were a glowing-eyed faery woman because you actually bonded with one. Oh yeah, mom, you see I met a woman in my dreams and she said she could make me a girl. There would be a very long heated debate where I'd be reminded that I shouldn't make deals with cosmic entities.

She is going to find out sooner or later, better she finds out sooner. And tells her right then, finally, at least Gerald is there to explain what being an Avatar with a Spirit means.

"Okay, okay," she held up her hands to placate me inhaled to calm herself. "I'm guessing the Academy knows more, so when you take her there Gerald please ask if there is some sort of brochure-like 'So your child is a mystical spirit host', I can read."

Took that a lot better than some parents would.

"You aren't Loki come again little one, lying isn't one of your skills."

Love Morgan, I hope she can chat with some of the students and teachers at Whateley.

"The raid on Cúalṅge, I remember that story. I did appear as a crow to warn that stupid idiot calling himself the bull." I smiled, if I was going to be tied to a spirit steeped in mythology why not embrace it.

"Scald-Crow," I said speaking up.

"A what now?" Jimenez asked.

"It's a banshee-like omen, it signals oncoming battle and misfortune." Not going to bring up the death part, but I mean if I'm going to be some fighter why not be the one that end's the fight right?

So that is what her codename means, heavy.

"Initial tests say you're an Exemplar 3, but your healing suggests Exemplar 4. Also, nice try on hiding being an avatar, but we have the latest information from ARC this week," the man smiled at me. My eyes finally fell on the rating of Wizard 1. Wait, I was an uber strong teenager, but a shitty ass witch? "Heh, you didna ask for the magic lass."

She was right, our deal was I was to be the girl I wanted to be. Not the magical witch, the brightest of my age. I was Supergirl, not Hermione Granger.

With how she tore up that car a low-grade Supergirl seems accurate. And Exemplar 4 due to the healing, wonder if something else is going on there.

Chapter 14 - In Nemain’s Shadow
Early Evening, November 5th, 2007 - Harborview Hospital

Maeve trying to hide from jackass reporters who don't know to leave someone who is grieving alone.

The alley trick was not likely going to work, but as they drew closer she heard the sound of, "DPA, desist or you will face federal charges."

"You can't silence the truth?" said one voice which she guessed was a reporter, and a third yelled something about government overreach.

Ugh, they only talk like this when invading someone's private life or think they can push the matter without consequences. All this because of a news report about Dickinson's death. So Agent Fanous is the woman who was driving the van earlier and ribbing Jimenez.

Maeve got impatient about going to where her sister died, not knowing Jimenez had to rush a temporary MID for Gráinne and Sophia. Making their way back to Harborview Hospital, love "Hurricane Maeve" as her nickname. Dash across the street, I hope those honed instincts are very good. This is Elizbeth's doing, her working caused this young man in the red truck to try and rundown Maeve only to crash into a traffic light and end up dead.

A hex bag hidden in the rear left wheel, surprised with how nasty that thing is it didn't cause Maeve even more pain when she picked it up.

Maeve usually kept a purified silver knife on her person for such occasions and as she withdrew said knife from her back jean pocket she fingered it. The knife blade was made of high-quality silver and was regularly cleansed in ritual water. Then there was the white oak handle to complete the evil slicing combination, and she had it as a basic folding-blade.

Now that is an impressive knife. The crystal is almost rotten completely through, terrifying. So, Elizbeth was foolish to use such an invocation, and now Maeve has a clue as to who killed her sister, knew this would backfire on Elizbeth.

All that to properly purge the hex bag, a nasty piece of work seems too mild for such a thing now. *winces* All those emotions from an aura she is reading, but it isn't Jimenez, so why is she detecting it from him?

Yes, and I need ta find out why my sister's Spirit left an auric trace on the agent.

Ah, picking up Morgan's auric trace on him, but she is wrong about Morgan knowing who killed Sinnead, at least as far as we know.

Early Morning, November 7th, 2007 - Kings Street Station

Gráinne waking up, tossing and turning the night before due to anxiety of the upcoming trip to Whateley. Morgan wishing to chat with Gráinne in private.

"I can feel your strength returning little Draoi after so long we are almost ready for what awaits."

Oh boy, hope part of that is going to Whateley and not just Morgan thinking about vengeance for Sinnead. And Gráinne is going to be called an exotic beauty by more than one boy at Whateley, those features and the sharpened canines.

"Much is ahead of us my beloved, as you host me, I will as we grow stronger lend you more of my power." She said as I wrung my hands together a small bit of unease coming to me.

More power, so those MID ratings are going to change over time from the sounds of it. Showing up at Whateley wearing that dress, I hope none of the boys have cameras or phones with cameras on them.

Good reasons to read the student handbook, though trying to play the rules with Carson in charge isn't smart.

"And those who were seen dancing thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." She quote to me.

"What?" I asked quizzically.

"Friedrich Nietzsche, a man who was far ahead of his time. Maybe not the most accurate, but his words are apt for this moment." Morgan spoke quietly and I could see the outline of her form reflecting to me in the window. "You are a beautiful soul, my heart, you hold so much potential. I can only hope whatever aid I render in our upcoming life together finds you successful."

A spirit quoting Nietzsche, whoa.

Driving through Seattle with that much ease, Dad is definitely skilled and experienced. Aww, firstborn child leaving home for the first time and Mom is crying, hope Parent's Day is a good one for them.

"What's happening? Why are you touching me? MOM! Grainne's lost it!" Sloan protested in jest. I laughed with her as her smile told me how serious she was.

"We need an adult, I can't stop myself!" I jeered and pulled my younger sister into a hug.

Now that is just adorable. Hugs with the parents, Dad pulling along the roller case as he follows Gráinne into King Street Station, all of them walking along to the platform where Gráinne would board her train. The Jamesons there to see Sophia off to Whateley, Gráinne following Corinne and Sophia into a building with a high ceiling. This train station is impressive.

Ah, switch over in Boston to another train which takes them to the Dunwich Station, wonder how many other freshmen will be on the train with them. Gráinne crying into her father's shoulder, not wishing to leave her family or the life she knows behind.

"Dickinson's widow has already tried to press charges three times against your daughter," Gerald informed us all.

"How goes the lawsuit?" I asked carefully.

"Good, the fact that Brad's father was present at the night ride is more than enough evidence to show malice." That was good right? My family was already watching their backs and thinking of increasing security. If Gerald could financially bleed the Finkbonners and the school maybe some of my suffering could be alleviated.

"More than good, when we got them to release you I already had more than enough evidence. This new addition shows that the family is out for blood. With all of it tied up in public appearances, plus their own patriarch being so reckless they'll be begging for a cash settlement." Gerald rubbed his hands together as I smiled. It was good to hear that after so much my family was going to finally get something out of this entire ordeal.

It couldn't happen to a "nicer" family or school.

"It's better to let the enemy hang themselves my heart, or let them fall into a trap than play their game," Morgan purred.

With Morgan giving Gráinne advice like this the bullies at Whateley had better steer clear of her.

Another daydream as I found myself standing at the edge of a vast forest. Three women stood with their backs to me, each wearing a dress similar to what Morgan always sported. One was dark green, another scarlet, and the final one a blue of the ocean. As I watched the tallest of the three the one in green turned away from the others and faced the forest. She was redhaired, and her eyes the color of burning emeralds. But, it wasn't Morgan. It was someone else.

Who is this redhaired woman, what connection could she have to Gráinne's life and future? Last hugs goodbye with the family, love Sloan telling her big sister to "give 'em hell", she is going to be a handful when she starts dating.

All I knew is one thing, I now had a voice in what was going to happen. I had the power to change my fate, and by the wyrd, nothing was going to stop me.

Perfect words to end this tale on.

Meeting Padraig, discovering so early in the story she is trans, having with deal with keeping that part of herself secret, dealing with bullies, and living in a town where bigotry towards mutants seems common sure drove home how much this poor kid had working against her and reaching her dream. At least she has a loving family whom she can lean on.

Then we meet Sinnead and start to care about her, only to have a monster rip her life away and force Morgan to flee. The more we learn about who Sinnead was in the story, the more you wish she could have lived and yet still had Padraig's dream come true, at least I did. Especially after meeting her Maeve and seeing her heartbreak. I really want to see Maeve team up with Gráinne to avenge Sinnead.

The changes Gráinne went through after making the deal with Morgan, never seen a transformation described as so painful before, nor quite so fast either. I was so happy to see her family stand by her and even get her help in the form of Gerald, having Sophia as a friend and aid in her continuing to learn to be a girl is one thing I would love to see more of.

The bullies assault on Gráinne, the school's response, I was so glad when Gerald showed up and put a stop to the BS they and the MCO were trying to pull. If a girl pulled a gun on her attempted rapist would she get treated the same way? The "special" rules for mutants when involving the law aggravates me. Sorry, minor rant.

I loved seeing Gráinne spend time with her mother while learning about being a girl. And the Jamesons as a whole are a great family, wish more people would fight for what is right like Gerald does. The interaction between everyone were filled with great emotions and even some laughs, showing a true family dynamic.

Loved the Power Testing sequences for both Gráinne and Sophia, never knew they could get that brutal, nor that mid-lvl Exemplar or Wizard could do that kind of stuff. The attack at the Jameson's home shows how far some bigotted extremist will take things, scary how close the situation came to being worse.

And I'm so glad you had the parents talk with their kids about needing therapy, saying Sophia isn't broken and just needs some help, I wish more people thought this way about therapy. I was shocked Dickinson died, but it shows how much power an Exemplar 3, if not 4, has. The way Gráinne tore up that car I almost thought she was higher than that. I hope the therapist at Whateley can help Sophia and Gráinne.

Seeing Maeve and how she gathered clues as to how the attack happened, very intriguing use of magic. I just hope she and Gráinne deal with Elizbeth before more innocent bystanders end up dead.

The big goodbye as they meet the train to leave, so much emotion in so little time, lovely. It does have me curious who all is going to show up for Parent's Day for Gráinne and Sophia. I can't wait for the next tale of Scald-Crow, Sophia, and everyone else.