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File: 1713304098644-0.png (649.15 KB, 1000x438, Sanctuary City - 3.png)

File: 1713304098644-1.jpg (78.08 KB, 860x645, Limo - 2.jpg)

File: 1713304098644-2.jpg (79.12 KB, 1200x675, Marek - 3.jpg)

File: 1713304098644-3.jpg (1.2 MB, 1694x1440, Enkrateia - 14.jpg)

File: 1713304098644-4.jpg (214.39 KB, 600x800, Jakob - 7.jpg)

 No.3127

>Date: September 15th, 2017
>Location: Sanctuary City - Business Sector
>Time: 10:00 AM

"Just hang on for a moment. I told you, I'll be there soon."

>Marek then ends the call and places his phone back in his jacket pocket. Looking at the other side of the limousine, he sees Miranda adjust her hair slowly - dragging a strand of hair behind her ear.

"What, you're trying to look pretty for the Director? We're not here to see him."

>Scowling, Miranda flicks a small blast of compressed air at Marek's face - which he absorbs with his fingers. Smirking in satisfaction, Marek then speaks with a sarcastic tone to his voice.

"Ohh~ Touched a nerve~?"

>Miranda continues firing bolts of compressed air at Marek, while Jakob sits on the opposite side - typing on a laptop computer.

"Will both of you stop? I'm trying to focus here."

>Marek and Miranda then both stop, and turn their attention to their younger brother.

"Sorry, J. It's just too much fun riling Miranda up like that."

>Sighing, Jakob doubles down on his efforts, beginning to type at a faster rate as his processing power begins accelerating his thoughts.

"I know, I get it. But this too important to screw up."

>Looking back at Miranda for a moment, Marek then inquires:

"So why exactly do we need to break into the MRD's systems again? I thought your boyfriend was running the place?"

>Miranda shoots Marek another murderous glare before she then states.

"Stop screwing around Marek. Chase doesn't matter here. Instead, we need answers from him."

>Marek's face then immediately darkens at the thought.

"Forgot that the bastard's still alive. Shame, 'cause I can fix that."

>Miranda then waves her hand in a dismissive fashion.

"You are such a damned brute, Marek. You know that? You and Aiden! Why can't you both be more like Jakob? Or Jonah?!"

 No.3128

File: 1713304727966-0.jpg (185.02 KB, 924x671, Precinct.jpg)

File: 1713304727966-1.jpg (78.08 KB, 860x645, Limo - 2.jpg)

File: 1713304727966-2.jpg (541.3 KB, 1920x1080, Marek - 23.jpg)

File: 1713304727966-3.jpg (294.52 KB, 737x938, Enkrateia - 24.jpg)

File: 1713304727966-4.jpg (104.96 KB, 522x600, Jakob - 5.jpg)

>>3127
>Location: MRD Precinct
>Time: 10:25 AM

>As the limousine reaches the entrance to the MRD Precinct in the center of Sanctuary City's Business Sector - its security detail of MRD APCs soon come to a halt - stopping before the large building.

>Inside of the limousine, Marek leans back in his seat and exhales - puffing air to blow aside a portion of his wavy black hair.

"You couldn't have painted a bigger target on our backs than this one, sis."

>Miranda rolls her eyes as she calls a number on her phone.

"Would you rather we just teleport here unannounced and give away our identities? I'm sure the MRD would love to know that Chimera's been under their noses the entire time."

>Jakob then speaks up as he continues typing a flurry of keystrokes on his keyboard.

"Aren't you still wanted for technically killing Thrasher once?"

>Marek rolls his eyes this time, adjusting his sunglasses as he casually sits in place.

"First off, I didn't kill him. Thrasher can adapt to anything - even headshots. Second of all, he didn't leave me much of a choice. It was either that - or those bystanders nearby would've gotten splattered against the pavement, remember?"

>Jakob gives a 'half-and-half' gesture with his hand before going back to typing.

"In any case, Miranda's right. We can't really risk giving away anything while we're here. I'll just plant a bug to help with the data uplink. The remote servers can handle the download while we're talking to the Commander."

>Miranda nods at Jakob, impressed with her little brother's strategic thinking.

"That's correct, J. Diana knows me well enough, and she has every reason to believe that we're here for a normal discussion."

>Looking at Marek from the periphery of her vision, Miranda glares at her older brother - a hint of contempt in her eyes.

"Because some of us don't commit patricide when the opportunity presents itself."

>Marek stares her right back in the face, his eyes staring her down like daggers from behind his sunglasses.

"Well maybe if some of us actually kept our heads out of the sand - we'd be able to make the tough decisions that nobody else would. I'm about to do it again too - so help me god if that piece of shit ever walks free….."

>Silence fills the limousine for a moment, as all three of the Graysons look off away from each other - silent and festering with emotions.

"….Just act polite and be on your best behavior Marek. Or I swear to God, a concussion will be a mercy to your brain when I'm done with your mind."

 No.3129

File: 1713305319924-0.jpg (549.71 KB, 4059x1990, Limo.jpg)

File: 1713305319924-1.jpg (81.12 KB, 800x1236, Enkrateia - 5.jpg)

File: 1713305319924-2.jpg (133.05 KB, 1235x643, Marek - 2.jpg)

File: 1713305319924-3.jpg (233.59 KB, 665x827, Jakob.jpg)

File: 1713305319924-4.jpeg (149.86 KB, 776x1200, Capgras.jpeg)

>>3128
>As the 3 Graysons exit the limousine, they're accompanied by a security detail of MRD troopers. Among them is a somewhat tall woman with sapphire blue skin and ruby red hair. Her costume accentuates her curves somewhat, as her eyes are pure gold with no pupils or irises.

>The woman waves at Miranda - as she and her brothers slowly walk towards her. After standing a few feet apart, the woman then places her hands on her hips.

"It's really good to see you again Miss Grayson."

>Jakob takes a look at the woman, and instinctively looks away - feeling himself blush. Noticing his younger brother's reaction, Marek cracks a wry smile as he pats him on the back.

>Miranda looks at the both of her brothers and then rolls her eyes before sighing. Lightly pinching the bridge of her nose, Miranda closes her eyes as she murmurs.

"Hello Jennifer. I apologize for the behavior of my brothers. They are not used to being in the presence of civilized people - unlike themselves."

>Marek and Jakob both look at Miranda with a deadpan expression, as Capgras then laughs.

"No it's fine. I figured they'd be a bit antsy and fidgety."

>Turning to Marek, Capgras then speaks:

"I'm Capgras. Head Lieutenant of MRD Sector Ohm. 2nd in command to Commander Valkyrie herself. Who I assume you're all here to speak with?"

>Miranda nods slowly as Marek and Jakob have their hands in their coat pockets.

"Yes, of course. If you may, please escort us to her."

>Capgras nods and then smiles widely.

"I thought you'd never ask."

>Turning behind her to face her squad of MRD troops, Capgras then snaps her fingers.

"Well, you heard the lady. Rank and file movement! Let's go! Escort Miss Grayson and her brothers to the Commander!"

 No.3130

File: 1713305707568-0.jpg (1.94 MB, 5323x2200, Lobby.jpg)

File: 1713305707568-1.jpg (79.12 KB, 1200x675, Marek - 3.jpg)

File: 1713305707568-2.jpg (233.59 KB, 665x827, Jakob.jpg)

File: 1713305707568-3.jpg (218.68 KB, 1920x1080, Nanite.jpg)

File: 1713305707568-4.jpeg (149.86 KB, 776x1200, Capgras.jpeg)

>>3129
>As Capgras and her troops lead the Graysons inside of the MRD Precinct, Marek begins conversing with Capgras.

"Your name sounds familiar. Capgras….Capgras…."

>Thinking on it for a bit more, Marek then says:

"Ahh, Capgras Syndrome. The imposter disorder, correct?"

>Nodding, Capgras then looks behind herself at Marek, giving him a wink.

"That's right. So you'd e=better behave yourself, or I could apprehend you when you least expect it."

>Turning her attention back to the front, Capgras then walks with proper motion. Her MRD troops mirror her exact movements as they continue to walk rank in file towards the higher levels of the MRD building.

>Walking beside Marek in the same lateral space, Jakob steals a peripheral glance at Marek behind his sunglasses.

>Marek, in response, gives the slightest nod as Jakob then slowly grips his hand.

>Immediately, a small nanite robot slips from his sleeve, as it begins flying through the air - out of sight and out of view.

 No.3131

File: 1713306266467-0.jpg (709 KB, 1020x632, MRD Office.jpg)

File: 1713306266467-1.jpeg (5.5 MB, 2480x3508, Valkyrie - 3.jpeg)

File: 1713306266467-2.jpg (94.79 KB, 600x533, Chase - 16.jpg)

>>3130
>Location: MRD Precinct - Commander's Office
>Time: 10:30 AM

>Valkyrie sits at her desk, with one gloved hand resting on her cheek as she leans forward in her chair. Annoyed, she then speaks to the MRD Director across an encrypted call on her computer.

"We're still down on manpower for the transfer to the Wedge. A lot of troops are still trying to help repair the damage done last night."

>Chase, on the other side of the call, thinks to himself for a moment. As he assumes a thinking position, he then raises his eyebrow.

"Last night…..I did detect a spacial anomaly - but I believe our usual suspects handled that."

>Sighing, Valkyrie feels her cheeks blush at the mention of Mosaic - even indirectly. Noticing this, Chase gives a light scoff.

"I would like to remind you, Commander Valkyrie, that fawning over Persons of Interest is against MRD code. I'd rather not have to report you for misconduct."

>Sensing Chase's slight teasing, Valkyrie then narrows her eyes as she states:

"Don't forget who handled more operations without powers, Director. I'm more than capable of conducting myself properly, given the circumstances."

>Nodding, Chase then brings up the final topic.

"I can tell that three distinct energy signatures have entered the city today. Can you sense them?"

>Valkyrie closes her eyes for a moment, and then begins to utilize her psionic training to detect any unique energy signatures around the MRD Precinct.

>Her eyes open wide when she realizes who's new to the area.

"Miranda?! Her brothers? Why are they here all of a sudden?"

>Chase then pulls out a folder with a series of papers as he states:

"Because they're going to try and convince you to transfer William Whitemalkin to the Wedge - likely to kill him."

 No.3132

File: 1713306768486-0.jpeg (1.31 MB, 1251x1770, Valkyrie.jpeg)

File: 1713306768486-1.jpg (69.67 KB, 413x600, Chase - 7.jpg)

>>3131
>Valkyrie's eyes grow wide as her head begins to spin with questions.

"What?! How?! Why?! I know he's their stepfather but-"

>Chase continues looking through the files on his desk, seemingly putting together a personal stack of papers.

"It's precisely because he's their stepfather that they want him dead. He's responsible for the assassination of their biological father - Elias Grayson. Chiral."

>Valkyrie feels the world begin to slow down around her - as her accelerated perception and speed begins to activate. Now essentially thinking and talking at superhuman speeds, Valkyrie's mind begins to race.

"Wait what?! Chiral is their father?! Whitemalkin killed him?! Why are you telling me this now?"

>Chase then responds, seemingly moving and thinking at the same speed as her.

"Because you'll need the context to dance around the issue - when they inevitably request for his transfer."

>Valkyrie begins narrowing her eyes at Chase, before she states:

"…..There's more that you're not telling me, isn't there, Chase?"

>Chase is silent for a moment before continuing.

"Marek and Jakob are also the vigilantes known as Chimera and Fugue. They created those identities to help them begin their counteroffensive against the Eukaryon organization. The very same one that Chiral was planning to destroy."

 No.3133

File: 1713307389613-0.jpeg (5.5 MB, 2480x3508, Valkyrie - 3.jpeg)

File: 1713307389613-1.jpg (94.79 KB, 600x533, Chase - 16.jpg)

>>3132
>Valkyrie reshuffles her thoughts as she then says to Chase:

"So you want me to stall three incredibly powerful Meta-Humans who are hellbent on murdering their sociopathic stepfather - all so that you can get him away to safety?"

>Chase sighs as he responds to Valkyrie's statement.

"Diana, this is about ensuring that the legal system actually prevails. I'm aware of the sheer amount of disdain and hatred that the Graysons have for their stepfather - but I can't allow them to undermine the rule of law to this point."

>Chase looks down for a second, before looking back up at Valkyrie - causing Valkyrie to feel his stare behind his sunglasses.

"I allowed the vigilantes to operate without too much obstructive capacity on our part - because they weren't willing to cross the line and murder. It is ultimately up to the legal system and a court of every defendant's peers to determine their sentencing - not vigilantes."

>Valkyrie then thinks to herself:

"Well, what about Capgras and the others then? I can't have them get involved in this. If things escalate, they could be in danger!"

>Chase is silent for a moment, as Valkyrie stares dumbfounded at Chase. The realization then creeps over her as her tone goes irate.

"You manipulative fuck! I thought that I was the Commander! You don't just order around my own subordinates without my knowledge!"

>Chase then snaps back at Valkyrie.

"As MRD Director, I supercede you and all other MRD Commanders in rank. Only the Department of Justice, The Executive Branch and Congress are my bosses - and I answer to them. Just as you answer to me."

>Muttering under her breath, Valkyrie then says:

"Then you better hope this doesn't blow up in your fucking face and cause another snafu, Chase! Because if it does? Then I'm not gonna be batting on your behalf in front of Capitol Hill!"

>Valkyrie then ends the call as she leans back in her chair. Frustrated and groaning, she buries her anger in her muffled screams - completely absorbed by her gloves.

>After a moment, she then regains her composure as she closes her eyes and then opens them.

"Alright, Di. Focus. Keep it together. You can do this."

>She then slows her breathing in order to focus properly.

"Focus. You can handle this now."

 No.3134

File: 1713308361575-0.jpg (709 KB, 1020x632, MRD Office.jpg)

File: 1713308361575-1.jpeg (5.5 MB, 2480x3508, Valkyrie - 3.jpeg)

File: 1713308361575-2.jpg (81.12 KB, 800x1236, Enkrateia - 5.jpg)

File: 1713308361575-3.gif (893.84 KB, 540x250, Marek - 13.gif)

File: 1713308361575-4.jpg (232.86 KB, 985x704, TK.jpg)

>>3133
>A few minutes later, the door to Valkyrie's office opens as the 3 Graysons walk inside. Greeting them, Valkyrie puts a smile on her face as she greets them.

"Ahh. Miranda! It's so nice to see you again!"

>Getting up to walk towards Miranda, she gives her a big hug as Miranda responds.

"Forgive me for such short notice, Diana. But I felt it was urgent to discuss something personal with you. It's a family matter of the highest importance."

>Giving a look of genuine concern, Valkyrie then looks at Miranda and states:

"Of course! I can arrange for anything you may need. Especially if someone needs to be moved."

>Marek glances over at Jakob across the periphery of his vision - who does the same back at him at that moment.

>Gesturing for Miranda and her brothers to sit down, all 3 of them do so in chairs across from Valkyrie's desk.

>As Valkyrie herself walks over to sit down at her desk, she then looks at the three of them and states:

"What's this about a family matter again?"

>Giving a quizzical look, Valkyrie waits for Miranda to respond.

>Taking a deep breath, Miranda then says:

"We need the immediate requisition and transfer of William Whitemalkin to The Wedge. He's too much of a danger to society after what he's done. We're concerned that he could break out of any standard prison - given his ties to Eukaryon."

>Marek and Jakob both remain silent - as they instead watch Valkyrie's body movements.

>Slightly twitching her hands at the mention of William Whitemalkin's name, Valkyrie then immediately regains her composure and responds with a smile on her face.

"Of course! We agree that he is a clear and present danger to those around him. However, we're in the middle of preparing him for his trial date later this year. You have to understand, there's so many complications and-"

>Suddenly, Valkyrie is flung back by an immense amount of telekinetic force - now pinned to the wall. Stammering, she barely has the strength to look down from her neck level to see the outstretched hand of Marek.

>Miranda spins around, shouting:

"The fuck are you doing?!"

>Marek cuts her off, his eyes narrowed as his core ability of intuition kicks in.

"She's stalling for time. I could tell when she was too enthusiastic about helping us with our family matter."

 No.3135

File: 1713308913577-0.jpeg (1.31 MB, 1251x1770, Valkyrie.jpeg)

File: 1713308913577-1.jpg (22.34 KB, 1280x720, Marek - 22.jpg)

File: 1713308913577-2.jpg (294.52 KB, 737x938, Enkrateia - 24.jpg)

File: 1713308913577-3.jpg (302.29 KB, 900x842, Telepathy - 2.jpg)

>>3134
>Straining against the strength of Marek's telekinetic push, Valkyrie slowly tries to move her muscles as she gasps for air.

>Miranda then stares between Valkyrie and Marek, before shouting:

"Put her down you idiot! She can't tell us anything if she's dead!"

>Marek ignores his younger sister's statements, instead holding his hand up as he speaks.

"That man has murdered and manipulated countless innocent people. If you're standing in the way of his death? Then you're no better than he is."

>Miranda then gets up and grabs at Marek's arm with her own - demonstrating her superhuman strength. While she's able to pull Marek's hand down somewhat, Marek outright resists the move.

"You've forgotten who's had strength for longer, sis. Stay back."

>Miranda then looks back at Valkyrie with a mixture of sadness and anger in her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why he's being-"

>Marek then interrupts her.

"Go on. Read her mind. Tell me that I'm lying."

>Silent and hesitant, Miranda then does exactly that. After a few seconds, her eyes widen as a single statement emanates through her voice - in a whisper.

"….Chase."

>Rolling his eyes, Marek then says:

"Figures it was him. And you wonder why I'm always skeptical of the guys you sleep with huh?"

>Miranda stares daggers at Marek, before turning her attention to Valkyrie.

"I'm sorry Diana - but we can't let him go free. Not anymore. He needs to pay for what he's done, and he's going to pay with his life."

>Miranda then uses her psionic abilities - primarily her telepathy, to shut down Valkyrie's mind which knocks her into unconsciousness.

>As Valkyrie's mind goes hazy, she feels her mind losing its grip on consciousness. Her last words are a slow blur of sounds.

"Don't…..let…..anger…..win……please….."

>Valkyrie then falls to the ground - unconscious.

 No.3136

File: 1713309197258-0.jpg (81.12 KB, 800x1236, Enkrateia - 5.jpg)

File: 1713309197258-1.jpg (302.29 KB, 900x842, Telepathy - 2.jpg)

File: 1713309197258-2.jpg (404.26 KB, 1500x1061, TK Forcefield.jpg)

File: 1713309197258-3.png (745.47 KB, 1274x716, Marek - 6.png)

File: 1713309197258-4.jpg (214.39 KB, 600x800, Jakob - 7.jpg)

>>3135
>As Valkyrie drops to the floor, unconscious, Marek turns to face Miranda - who's still staring him down with murderous intent.

"What's with the long face? I told you she was-"

>Miranda then screams both physically and psionically, blasting Marek back with an immense amount of telekinetic and telepathic force - causing him to fall to the ground in pain.

"You, just shut up."

>Wincing in pain, Marek slowly sits up, clutching his head as he says:

"Sis-"

>Miranda then blasts Marek with another psionic bolt of telepathic power - causing him to recoil in pain, screaming.

>Looking at Jakob with a more solemn expression, Miranda then says:

"Did you get the data on where he's headed?"

>Jakob nods slowly.

"It was the backup plan, so yeah."

>Miranda then sighs as she looks at Valkyrie's unconscious body.

"Then let's go."

 No.3137

File: 1713309740678-0.jpeg (149.86 KB, 776x1200, Capgras.jpeg)

File: 1713309740678-1.png (745.47 KB, 1274x716, Marek - 6.png)

File: 1713309740678-2.jpg (81.12 KB, 800x1236, Enkrateia - 5.jpg)

File: 1713309740678-3.jpg (189.51 KB, 600x600, Jakob - 8.jpg)

File: 1713309740678-4.gif (1.98 MB, 500x281, Speed - 3.gif)

>>3136
>>3136
>A noise can be heard from the door outside of the office. All 3 of the Graysons are silent for a moment, as Miranda then speaks.

"Capgras. She's likely started her assignment to stop us. Chase's orders."

>Scowling, Marek slowly stands up as he states:

"She's not coming in through the front door then. That'd be too easy."

>Looking around, he then says:

"Then how-"

>Suddenly, before he can react, a small fly catches their attention - before it suddenly expands and shifts into the form of Capgras.

"What the-"

>Before Marek can react, Capgras punches him in the face with both hands held together, with enough raw force to shatter the office itself - if not concentrated solely within Marek's body.

>Nevertheless, the blow sends Marek spiraling into the wall, after Capgras had already grabbed his hand.

"Gyah! Fuck!"

>As Marek lands on the ground, Capgras's hand glows with a bright white light.

"Huh. Well that's interesting. You're not a normal Meta-Human, now are you?"

>Adding his innate Meta-Human abilities to her own, Capgras then moves at even faster speeds, blitzing the rest of the Graysons and coming into physical contact with them as well.

>As they're all sent flying across the room, they land on the ground at different points of the office.

>Now standing in the middle of the office, Capgras places a hand to her commlink in her ear.

"Director McIntyre. All threats have been neutralized."

>From the other side of the comms link, Chase's voice can be heard.

{"Excellent work, Jennifer. While I would've preferred a lack of conflict, these are the necessary steps that we must take. Keep them there while I'm preparing for William Whitemalkin's extraction to Site Alpha. Alert Valkyrie and have her rendezvous with me in thirty minutes. You know the coordinates."}

>Capgras nods as she states:

"Understood sir. Completing assignment."

>Capgras then ends the call.

 No.3138

File: 1713310335589-0.jpeg (149.86 KB, 776x1200, Capgras.jpeg)

File: 1713310335589-1.jpg (1.2 MB, 1694x1440, Enkrateia - 14.jpg)

File: 1713310335589-2.jpg (79.12 KB, 1200x675, Marek - 3.jpg)

File: 1713310335589-3.jpg (189.51 KB, 600x600, Jakob - 8.jpg)

File: 1713310335589-4.jpg (14.51 KB, 250x194, Energy Touch.jpg)

>>3137
>>3137
>As Capgras ends the call, she turns around and looks over the unconscious bodies of Miranda, Marek and Jakob.

>Walking towards Miranda, she then stands over her and says:

"I expected better from you, in all honesty. Your file speaks highly of your abilities."

>Turning away, Capgras starts to walk over to Valkyrie - only for her brain to feel a sudden sharp spike in pain. Now screaming, she drops to the floor, clutching her head with her hands as the pain becomes more and more unbearable.

"GYYAARRGGHH!!! WHAT…WHAT IS THIS?!?! ARRGHHHH!!!!!"

>Screaming louder and louder, Capgras begins to lose her sense of reality as hallucinations and visions appear before her.

>As Capgras then drops to the floor, unconscious - Miranda slowly stands up. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, she then sighs.

"If you were fully aware of my file, then you would be aware oh my mental prowess. I suppose Chase didn't trust you enough with that."

>Miranda looks over at Marek and Jakob, watching as both of them groan and rise to their feet.

"Fucking hell, that bitch is fast. Shit…"

>Groaning once more, Marek then walks over to the unconscious form of Capgras. As his core ability of Intuitive Aptitude begins to ring through his ears, he feels that familiar compulsion to understand knowledge and information.

>Slowly kneeling down, he then raises a thumb up as he begins to cut at Capgras's cranium - drawing blood near her forehead…

"Knock it off. We don't need her dead to take her power."

>Miranda nods over at Valkyrie's direction.

"Besides, she's the better 'jackpot' for you."

>Marek turns back to Capgras and then reaches out to grab her hand - causing a surge of blue light to move from her arm to his own.

"Ahh. There it is."

>Jakob then walks over and kneels down, touching Capgras's cheek with his fingers. A similar phenomenon occurs, but with green light.

>Finally, Miranda kneels down and presses her hand on Capgras's chest - with a golden light coursing from Capgras to her.

"We can use her power to infiltrate the base. Though one of us is going to have to change genders."

>Looking at Marek and Jakob, Miranda then says:

"….So who wants to play lady?"

 No.3139

File: 1713310767412-0.jpg (294.52 KB, 737x938, Enkrateia - 24.jpg)

File: 1713310767412-1.gif (2 MB, 540x285, Marek - 14.gif)

File: 1713310767412-2.jpg (189.51 KB, 600x600, Jakob - 8.jpg)

File: 1713310767412-3.jpg (302.29 KB, 900x842, Telepathy - 2.jpg)

>>3138
>Testing out their new power, Miranda, Marek and Jakob each rapidly shapeshift through different forms from their memory.

>After doing so, they shift back to their standard appearances. Miranda then kneels down again and places two fingers on Capgras's forehead.

"I'll wipe her memories of the event and change the orders that she was given. If Chase has a problem with that, then he'll have to come to me about it personally."

>After a few seconds, Miranda finishes the mindwipe of Capgras's brain.

>Marek looks down at Capgras for a moment, as Miranda immediately knows what's coming.

"No, I'm not making her your damn concubine you pig."

>Rolling his eyes, Marek says:

"Very funny. I was going to ask if we could make her a mole inside of the MRD. I don't trust Chase to not try and screw us over again."

>Craning her head to the side, Miranda then mutters:

"That would be highly unethical and immoral, Marek. You do know what you're insinuating, correct?"

>Marek crosses his arms, stating:

"Like you've ever given a shit about what's moral and what isn't. I'm still not convinced that all of my memories are my own."

>Miranda gives Marek a wry smirk as she says:

"With you? I hope you feel that uncertainty. Either way? Fine. I'll install a mental subroutine so precise that even Chase won't detect it."

>Miranda then spends a few more seconds doing just that - putting Capgras under low level subliminal mind control for when she wakes up.

>After doing so, Miranda then stands back up and dusts her gloves off.

"Feels like old times - in the worst possible way."


"Now for Valkyrie, and why I said that she's the 'jackpot' for you two."

 No.3140

File: 1713311357006-0.jpg (1.2 MB, 1694x1440, Enkrateia - 14.jpg)

File: 1713311357007-1.gif (695.92 KB, 540x254, Marek - 15.gif)

File: 1713311357007-2.jpg (214.39 KB, 600x800, Jakob - 7.jpg)

File: 1713311357007-3.jpg (14.51 KB, 250x194, Energy Touch.jpg)

File: 1713311357007-4.jpeg (149.86 KB, 776x1200, Capgras.jpeg)

>>3139
>As Miranda and her brothers walk over to Valkyrie's unconscious body, Miranda then gestures to her with two fingers.

"Use your aptitude. Analyze her body down to the cellular level and tell me what you see."

>Marek and Jakob both kneel down before Valkyrie and begin to activate their aptitude scanning more actively. As the information starts to come to them, their eyes both widen in shock.

"Holy fucking shit. Is she a Meta-Gene roulette or something?"

>Crossing her arms, Miranda states:

"A Meta-Human named Sacrament. In exchange for her free will, and the inability to resist any commands from her, Diana gained the full potential of the Meta-Gene. Even if the conditional effect of Sacrament's powers remain - I don't have to tell you the rest."

>Not even hesitating for a second, Marek and Jakob place their hands on Valkyrie's chest - as blue and green streams of light rapidly move from Valkyrie's body to their arms.

"Don't think we'd need to hunt Meta-Human Criminals down anymore - not after this."

>The glowing light phenomenon increases for both Marek and Jakob, as both of them start grunting in pain.

"Holy shit!"

"How much power…does she….have?!"

>Eventually, after nearly a minute, both Marek and Jakob step back. Panting lightly, both of them look down and see the sheer power now coursing through them.

>Now standing back with Miranda, Marek and Jakob look at both of their unconscious Meta-Human attackers.

"Well, now what? Do we just leave them here?"

>Miranda kneels down and places her fingers to Valkyrie's head - altering her memories as well.

>After doing so, she stands back up and states:

"Yes. I'll project a telepathic field surrounding the entire precinct. Jakob, Marek - use your technopathy to wipe the security footage records as we leave."

>Nodding, Marek and Jakob watch as Miranda leads them out of the office.

 No.3141

File: 1713311660479-0.jpg (212.67 KB, 1600x775, Secret Base.jpg)

File: 1713311660479-1.jpg (131.87 KB, 474x500, MRD.jpg)

File: 1713311660479-2.jpg (94.79 KB, 600x533, Chase - 16.jpg)

>>3140
>Location: Sanctuary City - MRD Site Alpha
>Time: 11:00 AM

>A secluded part of the city, far off in the distance from most residential and business areas - is surrounded in the forestry of the native environment. A deep cavern full of MRD personnel and figures continues its shared operations work.

>As MRD agents move cables and machinery around, escort prisoners and intercept communications transmissions - a MRD trooper walks up to Chase with a datapad.

"Commander Valkyrie and Lieutenant Capgras are en route, sir."

>Nodding, Chase then does a double-take for a moment.

"Both of them? Not just Commander Valkyrie?"

>Nodding once more, the MRD trooper says:

"Affirmative, sir!"

>Sighing, Chase then adjusts his glasses as he speaks:

"Dismissed."

>The MRD agent nods and turns to walk away.

>Chase then crosses his arms as he thinks to himself:

{"It's possible that Capgras informed Valkyrie and convinced herself to come along. Well either way that's fine. I just need Whitemalkin transported before he can be killed by the Graysons."}

 No.3142

File: 1713312274011-0.jpg (212.67 KB, 1600x775, Secret Base.jpg)

File: 1713312274011-1.jpeg (5.5 MB, 2480x3508, Valkyrie - 3.jpeg)

File: 1713312274011-2.jpeg (149.86 KB, 776x1200, Capgras.jpeg)

File: 1713312274011-3.jpg (94.79 KB, 600x533, Chase - 16.jpg)

File: 1713312274011-4.png (128.96 KB, 453x720, William Whitemalkin.png)

>>3141
>30 minutes later, a hovercraft touches down with Valkyrie and Capgras. As both women slowly walk out of the vehicle, they're greeted by Chase and a contingent of MRD troops flanking him on both sides. Hands in his jacket coat, he then signals to both women.

"Commander Valkyrie. Lieutenant Capgras. Thank you both for arriving on such short notice."

>Valkyrie nods, along with Capgras.

"Of course, Director. We chose to arrive within the hour of your command. The threats pre-eminent to our arrival have been neutralized."

>Nodding, Chase then turns around and walks towards the center of the base. As he does so, he's accompanied by both Valkyrie and Capgras on his left side.

"I apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to snap at you, Diana. I just knew that security regarding this mission had to be critical."

>Valkyrie waves off the concern, stating:

"I completely understand, sir. Secrecy was paramount for the success of the mission. As we know, the mission comes first. Always."

>Chase nods once more as he says:

"I'm glad that you understand, Commander."

>Eventually, they make their way towards the center of the base's exterior - where the prisoner in question is bound in energy cuffs and surrounded by MRD personnel.

"There's the target."

>Chase announces as they slowly walk up to a rugged man in his late 40s. Brown hair covers parts of his face as his lack of a shave becomes apparent.

>Capgras has the slightest muscle twitch - which Valkyrie catches, but not Chase.

"William Whitemalkin. Former CEO of Grayson-Whitemalkin Industries. Before it was renamed Grayson Industries of course."

>Walking up to the man, with his hands still in his jacket pockets, Chase then exclaims:

"The mastermind of countless anti Meta-Human attacks. Wanted for charges of kidnapping, extortion, manipulation, assault and Meta-Gene drug trafficking. You have a sheet a mile wide, and an inch deep."

>Kneeling down before the man - who is then forced to fall onto his feet by his MRD retainers - Chase then looks at him square in the eyes.

"By the time your trial's done? You're going to be sent away for a very long time."

>However, Capgras then suddenly says:

"No, he won't."

>In that moment, Valkyrie waves her hand, generating a pulse of telepathic force powerful enough to completely knock out every single guard in the area for a hundred square miles.

 No.3143

File: 1713312627164-0.jpg (22.34 KB, 1280x720, Marek - 22.jpg)

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File: 1713312627164-3.jpg (404.26 KB, 1500x1061, TK Forcefield.jpg)

File: 1713312627164-4.png (128.96 KB, 453x720, William Whitemalkin.png)

>>3142
>Both Chase and William look surprised, as they turn their heads upward to see Valkyrie and Capgras change their appearances. Within an instant, a mere split second - Miranda and Marek are standing before them both.

"Hey dad, did you miss us?"

>Miranda says, mockingly, as Chase immediately rushes forward - in mid flight as he attempts to push them back.

"Uh uh."

>Marek holds his hand out and generates a massive degree of counterforce in the form of his raw telekinesis. The blast catches Chase and ensnares him - sending him flying backwards for dozens of miles into the air.

"That'll keep him busy for a minute. Not much longer than that."

>Marek then takes out a handgun, a modified custom firearm that he originally used as Chimera. Placing the barrel of the gun directly in front of William's face - Marek can only look on with a mixture of disgust and pity as he telekinetically binds the man.

"Do you have any idea how long I have waited for this moment, old man?"

>William looks Marek dead in the eyes, without emotion.

>Enraged, Marek then smacks William across the mouth - drawing blood as he screams at him.

"ANSWER WHEN I SPEAK, YOU INDIGNANT FUCK!"

>Placing the barrel of the gun back at William's forehead once more, Marek watches as Miranda walks up beside William.

"Marek's right, William. He's been waiting for this moment almost his entire life. So have I - and so has Jakob."

 No.3144

File: 1713313861913-0.gif (2 MB, 540x285, Marek - 14.gif)

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File: 1713313861914-4.png (128.96 KB, 453x720, William Whitemalkin.png)

>>3143
>At that moment, a spatial warp appears beside Miranda - with Jakob stepping through. Nothing but anger and sheer hatred is staring down William - as he moves to stand beside Miranda and Marek.

"…….."

>Jakob, too in disgust to even say anything, instead waits for his older brother and older sister to speak.

>Marek then jams the barrel of his gun into William's forehead violently - causing him to scream in pain.

"How many people have you tortured and experimented on huh?! How many bodies. How many screams of fear did you force me to witness?"

>William, finally breaking his silence, screams in response.

"I don't remember the damned number you idiot-"

>Marek then screams over him.

"FIFTY TWO! THAT'S THE FUCKING NUMBER!"

>Marek then beats William over the face with the bottom of his handgun once more. Marek starts beating up William with such speed and ferocity that blood gushes everywhere. After he's finished, he tosses William's bloodied and beaten body to the ground - watching as he wrestles in pain.

"…I'm sorry! I didn't mean to…"

>Crawling away slowly from his three stepchildren, William begins to mentally break down as he starts sobbing uncontrollably.

"Elias! Elias I'm sorry! I didn't mean to…."

>Bringing himself to his knees, he then begins sobbing more profusely as Miranda begins to think to herself.

"What? Father? You've never mentioned him before-"

>Confused, Miranda then uses her telepathy to reach into William's mind.

 No.3145

File: 1713315817858-0.jpg (635.3 KB, 1920x1080, Astral Plane - 3.jpg)

File: 1713315817858-1.jpg (81.12 KB, 800x1236, Enkrateia - 5.jpg)

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File: 1713315817858-3.png (128.96 KB, 453x720, William Whitemalkin.png)

File: 1713315817858-4.jpeg (379.87 KB, 1920x2560, Shadow Soul.jpeg)

>>3144
>As Miranda veers into the psychic space of William's mind - she finds herself amidst a flurry of memories.

>Various images of Elias Grayson and William Whitemalkin fill her periphery, with them in their twenties. Audio starts to seep into her mind as well.

{"I'm tellin' you Will. Just a few more rearrangements of the codon sequence, and I think I've cracked the code!"}

{"The Chirality Matrix is almost finished! With this, I'll be able to diagnose Meta-Gene diseases and transplant healthy genomic sequences onto the sick! I think we're finally close to a cure, man!"}

{"Elias, I don't think we're making progress with the PR strategy. We're scaring away Meta-Humans who are too afraid to volunteer."}

{"I'm sorry, Elias. I didn't want it to end this way. But he told me…that I needed to do this. That it was for the good of us all."}

>Miranda's eyes widen as she hears that last statement from William.

"….He?"

>Then, Miranda sees it. A large dark mass of psionic energy that appears in the periphery of William's vision inside of the laboratory room. It begins to laugh with a maniacal cadence to it as it gets closer and closer towards William. Then William screams in terror and panic before the image goes black.

>Almost immediately, Miranda is then shunted out of William's mind.

 No.3146

File: 1713318307198-0.jpeg (4 MB, 2480x3508, Mosaic - 2.jpeg)

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File: 1713318307198-2.jpg (22.34 KB, 1280x720, Marek - 22.jpg)

File: 1713318307198-3.jpg (1.28 MB, 1275x1800, Chase - 12.jpg)

>>3145
>Back in reality, Miranda shouts at Marek to stop and not pull the trigger.

"MAREK, DON'T SHOOT HIM! HE'S-"

>The gunshot then goes off as Miranda is mid-sentence.

>Silence fills the air, as no one speaks.

>A small bullet casing drops to the floor silently, as a black and red glove hovers in the air between Marek and William.

"Next time you try something like that stunt again, I'm not gonna go easy on you - even if you are family."

>Mosaic then flicks Marek away - sending him flying backwards. As he lands on the ground, Marek angrily rises up to his feet, screaming.

"God damnit! Why are you gettin in our way?!?!"

>Rushing towards Mosaic at hypersonic speeds, Marek is then easily blitzed by Mosaic's open palm - which sends him crashing to the ground with such force as to knock the wind out of his body.

"Because Miranda's right. You're being played."

>Looking at Miranda, Mosaic then says:

"Go on, tell him."

>Miranda, trying to get her bearings, turns her attention to Marek - just as Chase finally reappears, flying in the air and landing right beside the group.

"Tell him what?! That you tried to execute a criminal?!"

>Miranda, exhaling lightly, tells Marek:

"Marek, William was being manipulated. I don't know how or why but-"

>Mosaic then speaks up:

"It's a psionic being, and a malevolent one at that. He was incubating inside of your stepfather's subconscious mind for decades - growing stronger by feeding off of his insecurities."

 No.3147

File: 1713318575128-0.jpg (326.04 KB, 1000x1000, Mosaic - 4.jpg)

File: 1713318575128-1.jpg (128.2 KB, 1600x842, Bullets.jpg)

File: 1713318575128-2.gif (893.84 KB, 540x250, Marek - 13.gif)

File: 1713318575128-3.jpg (94.79 KB, 600x533, Chase - 16.jpg)

>>3146
>Confused, Marek looks back between Mosaic and Miranda, shouting:

"So what?! He's had some fucking psychic parasite inside of him?! Is that supposed to make up for what he did?!"

>Marek then fires more shots from his handgun at William - but Mosaic casually deflects all of the blasts with one hand.

>Catching the last bullet effortlessly, Mosaic drops it to the floor.

"Last chance, Marek. Calm down, or I'll put you down."

>Marek finally stops aiming his gun at Mosaic - lowering the weapon with an exasperated sigh.

>Chase then looks at Mosaic as he speaks:

"….So where's the entity now?"

>Mosaic looks back at Chase and gives a blunt answer.

"Likely in its physical form now. As I said, it likely just needed enough residual psionic power to reconstitute itself."

>Crossing his arms, Mosaic said:

"I already had his memories remember? Proximity alone gives me that."

 No.3148

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>>3147
>Sensing Mosaic's hesitation to speak further, Miranda chooses to press the issue.

"What did you see? I only had a glimpse of his memories. You've had them for years. What was in there?!"

>Mosaic then sighs as he speaks up.

"It's an ancient psychic entity. It's called Dyskrasia."

>Raising an eyebrow, Miranda asks:

"….The four humor imbalances? That's an Ancient Greek concept, not a-"

>Mosaic interjects.

"Where do you think the name even came from?"

>Miranda then exhales, clearly irritated.

"Figures, more of this ancient psionic nonsense. Well, why did it choose our stepfather as its host?"

>Mosaic places his hands at his hips as he slowly looks up at Miranda, then at Marek, then finally at Jakob.

"It didn't. It was after your father instead. Elias."

>A look of shock appears across the faces of all three of them.

"Why?!"

"Because he was the key towards Meta-Human development. If he could cause a sea change in how the Meta-Gene was seen, it would spur on the rapid development of research into psionic Meta-Humans."

>A look of horror comes over Miranda's face as she realizes the implication.

"…..It wanted a greater food source. Psionic Meta-Humans. No, Psions in general."

>Mosaic nods his head slowly.

"I'm gonna guess that's why your mom left. She knew it was too risky for her to be around it - even after it burrowed its way into William's head by accident."

 No.3149

File: 1713319404460-0.jpg (326.04 KB, 1000x1000, Mosaic - 4.jpg)

File: 1713319404460-1.jpg (294.52 KB, 737x938, Enkrateia - 24.jpg)

File: 1713319404460-2.png (128.96 KB, 453x720, William Whitemalkin.png)

File: 1713319404460-3.jpg (32.06 KB, 852x480, Glowing Red Sphere.jpg)

>>3148
>Mosaic then turns back towards William and says:

"That doesn't excuse what you've done, and I know exactly what to do with you."

>Before anyone can react, Mosaic places his hand above William's face as he begins chanting an incantation.

"Wait. What are you doing?!"

>Miranda asks, incredulously.

>Mosaic then makes a set of gestures with his hands - as an immense amount of invisible force and power begins to build around him. The air around him grows in pressure as the fabric of space-time itself seems to bend and warp around him too.

>A bright red light then suddenly appears from the space between Mosaic's hand - expanding rapidly and further until it completely envelops the area around them in a binding flash of red light.

>The red light then expands further and further - losing its bright red glow as it stretches for hundreds, then thousands of miles.

 No.3150

File: 1713319752060-0.jpg (185.02 KB, 924x671, Precinct.jpg)

File: 1713319752060-1.jpeg (94.68 KB, 850x1159, Aiden - 48.jpeg)

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File: 1713319752060-3.jpeg (5.5 MB, 2480x3508, Valkyrie - 3.jpeg)

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>>3149
>Location: Sanctuary City - MRD Precinct
>Time: 10:30 AM

>The figure of William Whitemalkin is being escorted towards an APC vehicle in front of the main MRD Precinct of the city. As he's being escorted away, Valkyrie and Capgras are watching over his removal from the area.

>Above on a nearby rooftop, Aiden stands with his hands in his jacket pockets. His sunglasses are perfectly situated on the bridge of his nose as he watches over the APC while it leaves.

"What did you just do, Aiden?"

>Miranda says in astonishment. Surprised and looking around, she realizes that they're right back where they started.

"Did you loop time or something?"

>Aiden shakes his head.

"No, I just….'changed the world' in a manner of speaking. Messing with time is something that you don't want to attempt."

>The rest of them are stunned as Aiden turns to look at them, saying:

"Dyskrasia is incredibly dangerous. If he gets a hold of anyone with raw psionic power like ours, Miranda? Then the whole world could be in grave danger. You need to promise me that you'll keep yourself hidden - masked from his psionic presence."

>Miranda then looks around, noticing that Marek and Jakob aren't here.

"What happened to Marek and Jakob?"

>Aiden then speaks up in response.

"I sent them back to the West Coast. I needed to talk to you personally."

>Miranda raises an eyebrow.

"You could tell that their powers had changed, I assume. Since you have the same aptitude that we do."

>Aiden scratches his chin for a moment before he elaborates.

"Well, I was hoping to avoid the elephant in the room - but it can't be helped then. Yes, I knew. But they're far too dangerous without restrictions."

>Miranda narrows her eyes as she stares at Aiden.

"And what about you? Aren't you too dangerous too?"

>Aiden stares back at her blankly.

"….I won't argue against that - but I feel more confident about my decision to do what I did."

 No.3152

File: 1713365805381-0.png (295.14 KB, 540x304, Sanctuary City - 2.png)

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>>3150
>Crossing her arms, Miranda's tone becomes more judgmental and accusatory in response.

"So what did you do exactly? Did you remove their powers entirely? How is that even possible?!"

>Aiden turns and walks towards the edge of the rooftop, sitting down to ease himself and take in the view of the MRD Precinct.

"Not all of them. Just Valkyrie's. The more power you have, the greater your compulsion to acquire more. That's the downside of the Intuitive Aptitude. It gives and takes."

>Aiden makes gestures with his hands, instinctively, as he continues to speak.

"And the more powerful that Marek gets? The more unstable he's going to become. You and I both know that he bore the brunt of William's verbal abuse - and got a front row seat to most of the experiments, as he called them."

>Miranda then closes her eyes and looks away, a pained expression starting to form on her face. Her facial muscles instinctively contract, as the unpleasant memories quickly bubble to the surface once more.

"He told me that he was moving past it. The pain of it all."

"It's impossible to bury something so formative. For better or worse, it defines Marek as a person - at least in some regard."

>Miranda then walks up to Aiden, standing as he sits - with them both watching the skyline in silence.

>After a minute or two, Miranda turns to Aiden and asks another question.

"What about Jakob? He doesn't have Marek's trauma, nor his aggression."

>Aiden shakes his head, interlocking his fingers and tapping his thumbs together in a precise rhythm as he speaks.

"No, but he's incredibly impressionable. Lacking in self-confidence and self-identity. Most of his sense of worth comes from his desire to receive approval from you two - since you're the only real family he's had for most of his life."

>Miranda stays silent at Aiden's remarks, instead adjusting her gloves as she looks away.

"But you already knew that, didn't you?"

>Still silent for another minute, Miranda then finally asks her most pressing question.

"….What about me? The powers I gained from your friend - Andrea."

>Looking down at Aiden, Miranda then has an intense look in her eyes - a mixture of sadness and contempt.

"Are you going to rob me of those abilities as well?"

 No.3153

File: 1713366472857-0.jpeg (94.68 KB, 850x1159, Aiden - 48.jpeg)

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>>3152
>Aiden shakes his head, still not looking at Miranda and instead staring out across the city once more.

"No."

>Surprised, Miranda gives Aiden an incredulous look - utter confusion running through her mind as Aiden continues to divert his attention towards the skyline before him.

>His blue eyes rapidly filter out visual information, as his ears hone in to the sound of auditory stimuli and phenomena - doing so with an inhuman degree of precision and efficiency.

"There's a gas line that's been ruptured in a firefight between Brigadiers and Autonauts. Three miles out from our location, southwest. Given the diameter of the ruptured line - it'll leak out aerosolIzed gasoline at a rate sufficient for a potential explosion in about three minutes."

>Frowning, Miranda understands Aiden's intent behind the statement - choosing to make her next statements count regarding speed and efficiency.

"What do I have that Marek lacks then?"

>Aiden immediately responds as he continues looking over the horizon of the city.

"Immense psionic power - enough to fight the psionic nature of the compulsion. More than the Meta-Gene is capable of producing."

>Looking over his shoulder, Aiden further elaborates.

"You could easily dispatch Chase in a psychic battle, and his psionic power is staggering to say the least."

>Miranda then finally sits down on the edge of the building rooftop - right beside her cousin as she leans forward.

"I'm certain he appreciates the flattery - but you and I both know that he isn't as powerful as your subordinate. Orion, was it? He's far more capable than Chase - I can say that much at a glance."

>Sighing, Miranda then mutters to herself:

"It's unfortunate, but Chase is a jack of all trades - and a master of none. His versatility comes at the cost of peak efficiency with any given one of his abilities."

 No.3154

File: 1713366894198-0.png (1.37 MB, 673x1000, Aiden - 56.png)

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>>3153
>Aiden raises his eyebrow behind his sunglasses and looks at Miranda.

"You don't think having an eight out of ten rating - for thousands of different abilities is formidable?"

>Miranda gives Aiden a light smirk as she crosses her arms, feeling a sense of self-righteousness over her inevitable reply.

"Not if one of your abilities is telepathy, and that's at an 11 on the scale."

>Looking back out over the horizon, Miranda then states:

"Do you have any idea how boring life is, with power like that? I can ensure that virtually no one disagrees with me on anything. I can have almost anything that I want - with a glance. Secrets don't exist to me. Almost everyone is an open book."

>Miranda leans forward once more, now with a slight frown on her face.

"Yet in spite of all those benefits - I still feel…."

>Aiden then finishes her statement.

"Hollow - like nothing is genuine and nothing is real to you."

>Miranda nods slowly as she comes to terms with her own experiences in her mind.

"…..That psionic strength that you mentioned. What makes me immune, or at least highly resistant to the effects of Intuitive Aptitude. The only differentiator between myself and my brothers is that psionic strength. You don't think that…."

>Aiden nods slowly, preparing Miranda for the truth about her own suspicions.

"It's what you've inherited from your mother. As far as I can tell, Miranda - you're something called a 'Siren'."

 No.3155

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>>3154
{"Siren……"}

>Miranda allows the term to marinate in her mind for a few moments - basking in the relief that comes from a simple name - a designation for what she's been feeling for years.

"…..At least I know there's something to it. This…..'Siren' nature…..Is this the reason why I was born with my telepathy? While Marek and Jakob weren't?"

>Aiden nods.

"Assuming my guess is correct, then yes. You likely have the psionic imprint, just as Aunt Ophelia likely did. That would explain why she left - and why you didn't manifest your abilities until your teen years."

>Aiden takes a moment to stop speaking, in order for it all to sink in for Miranda in her mind. After figuring that she's ready to continue, Aiden keeps going.

"It was likely done in a bid to protect you from Dyskrasia's presence, since she knew he was lurking around her family. She probably assumed it found its way into Uncle Eli's mind - and she took the necessary precautions to suppress your powers until you reached adolescence."

>Miranda nods slowly as she continues to digest the weight of the revelations in her mind.

"I would assume she likely thought I'd be strong enough to fight off the monster by then. Given how strong she was, I still wish I could've met her."

>Exhaling out loud, Aiden then says:

"Well, that's the other reason why I wanted to talk to you specifically. If you really are a psion, then you don't just have immense psionic potential."

>Silent for a moment, Aiden then speaks:

"You also have the potential for magic. I might have to take you to the Sorcerers Supreme for confirmation. They can help you find Ophelia again while they're at it."

 No.3156

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>>3155
>Miranda's eyes widen in surprise at the statement. She then laughs suddenly, unable to contain her response to the absurdity of the statement.

"Haha! Aiden I'm not magic! I can barely meditate, much less perform hand signs and speak incantations! I don't have any potential for magic!"

>Aiden shakes his head as he taps her forehead with his finger. After a moment, a bright surge of rainbow-colored energy emanates from Miranda's eyes.

"Wha?! What did you do?!"

>Miranda begins frantically placing her gloved hands over her face - covering her eyes as bright lights begin to cover her vision.

"Just focus and breathe, Miranda, Calm down."

>Miranda nods and slowly begins to take deep breaths - in and out. After doing this five times in a row, Miranda then readies herself and opens her eyes.

"….Oh My God…."

>Miranda's vision then shows a technicolor wonderland of sorts. Constant hues of colors begin to pulsate around her - clearly extending beyond her normal vision. Even with her Meta-Human powers, this depth of clarity and detail exceeds her standard vision, astonishing her.

>After a few moments, the effect clears as Miranda's vision fades back to normal. Astonished by the experience, Miranda quickly spins to face Aiden - a desperate pleading in her eyes, and in her tone of voice as she speaks up.

"Is that what you see all the time?"

>Aiden nods slowly.

"It's part of the reason why I wear these sunglasses. They're a magical artifact. They help me filter out my vision - so that it's not too overwhelming for me. They aren't just for show."

>Turning back to the city skyline once again, Miranda takes another deep breath before she then steadies her stature and stands up once more.

"Take me to them."

>Aiden raises an eyebrow as he looks up at Miranda.

"Hmm? Take you to who, exactly?"

>Miranda immediately shoots a look down at Aiden - her resolve showing through the intensity of the stare from her eyes.

"Take me to the Sorcerers Supreme. If they really can help me find my mother and help me learn this 'magic'? If it truly is magic as you say it is? Then I need to see them - now."

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>>3156
>Aiden then gives a soft smile as he stands up and dusts himself off.

"The Sorcerers Supreme are busy people. I'm not sure they'd just see anyone - especially someone who sees the world in an entitled manner."

>Miranda narrows her eyes in response to Aiden's provocative statement.

"Oh? So why did they see you?"

>Aiden gives Miranda a sheepish look of innocence, feigning surprise and confusion at her accusation.

"What do you mean, Miranda? How are you certain that I actually met them? This could all just be a story I made up to convince you that I'm able to help you - just so that you'd be more receptive to demands from me."

>Miranda immediately sees through Aiden's bluff by pointing out the issues.

"If you really wanted to gaslight and manipulate me, you wouldn't have put those cards on the table for me to know about. If these people really are as powerful as you say they are - then I can't manipulate them with my telepathy, and you damn well know it."

>Miranda crosses her arms and looks annoyed, while also looking up and down Aiden's attire.

"Besides, your hair's literally snow white now, and you're more freakishly powerful than you've ever been. I knew something was up. You're not a hair dye kind of person anyways."

>Silent for another moment, Aiden then gives Miranda a more genuine smile as he says:

"Well in that case, I'll see if I can make arrangements for you then. Come on, let's go get you acquainted with them."

>Holding out his hand for Miranda to take - Miranda looks at it for a moment. Without hesitation, she then grabs his hand.

"Alright. I'm ready. Let's go."

>Aiden nods and replies.

"We'll be there in an instant."

>True to his word, Aiden places two fingers on his forehead and focuses for a moment. After doing so, he and Miranda instantaneously disappear in a blink - vanishing without a trace.

[To Be Continued In - "Magicka Aeterna"]


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