Escape

[Max452]

Sam grunted. "10 minutes is all it takes..." He muttered as Etta disappeared into the sewers. Sam followed suite and carefully placed the manhole back on top before descending.

West was waiting for them below with a flashlight on. "Its this way." He told them, leading them down the sewers and into a maze of tunnels.

Sam's feet landed with the sound of splashing water. He made a face and his noise scrunched up as he smelled the various stenches.
"We're hoping to get our entrances up and running so we don't have to go through this every time. I don't want to smell like puke as much as the next guy." West said as he continued to lead the way.

"Why are we in the sewers?' Sam asked.
"Rebel is forming a base for us. Like a secret headquarters." West turned, and Sam could barely make out the smile.
"Just follow me, Sparrow and me set up some traps in the tunnels so we don't get caught."
"A base, eh? Makes sense." Sam replied as they continued to walk.

10 minutes passed and West stopped in front of a metal door. He knocked a strange melody and the door opened soon after.
"Welcome...to the Resistance." West smiled as he lead them into a large underground building.
Sam gave a low whistle. "Where'd you find this?"
West smirked, "I'll let Micah explain. Come on, he's up there." He pointed to a steel staircase, which lead to a separate room. "I have to go check on some of our renovations, so just on up." He told them, leaving them to their own devices.

Sam glanced at Etta. "I guess we go up." He smiled at her, leading the way.

***
Alex followed along, glad that Hazel didn't reply. He probably would have smacked her. He listened as Hazel introduced herself and their purpose for meeting. Alex nodded when he was to lead Alice back.
"This way." He smiled politely at Alice, taking her figure in momentarily. "What are you thinking right now?" He asked her, making converstation, but also trying to figure out if she was serious about meeting Shadow or not...well...via voice. Cain still wouldn't show himself to any one but him and Hazel.

***
Julian watched their exchanges with one another, not interrupting. He raised a curious eyebrow at Hazel. He shrugged. "It's my job; you just make sure Shadow holds up his end." He told her, feeling annoyed that he had to do this to get a cure. He smirked. "I know. I figured as much." He motioned to leave, but stopped. "Is there anything else you want me to do?" He asked, a little more polite.

[trinn]

The sewers were worse than Etta had expected. Worse than the smell was the nauseous water her feet landed in. Doing her best not to gag, she followed after West. To keep her mind in a happy place, she thought of a bright sunny day, in a meadow. Somewhere in France. She and her relatives there were having a picnic. A picnic that smelled like a disgusting sewer. No matter her efforts, the smell, and the liquids, kept her from reaching a happy place. It was with great relief then that they reached the end of their underground journey. The room they entered was like heaven after the sewers. "I guess so," she repeated, and hastily made her way upstairs. The further away from the sewer, the better. "I'll need a change of clothes soon," she muttered to Sam, glancing down at the soaked bottoms of her jeans.
***

"No. Just make sure you persuade Alicia to come with us. If she doesn't come along... well, then return here and we'll figure something else out." Hazel sighed and turned to leave but not before thanking Julian for his help. Not that she cared about being polite to him. He was just one of Cain's puppets. Her Cain really had a way with people, she thought dreamily.
***

Alice glanced at the guy walking beside her. "I'm thinking I want to get to the bottom of all this shadiness. The sooner I figure out what's going on, the better. I don't like mysteries." She balled her hands into fists, to keep the flames at bay. Sometimes when her emotions became to riled, her "gift" was hard to control. "Lets just say this isn't what I was expecting. What's your part in all this?" she asked Alex, looking up at him. "Or are you just the chauffeur?"

[Max452]

Sam grinned up at Etta as they climbed the stairs. "You and me both. And a shower...I hope he has a shower..." He mused on that thought as they reached the top of the stairs, leading to a room with an open door. Sam peeked inside.

Micah was reading 9th Wonder! when he heard footsteps on the stairs. He wanted to finish this chapter before he would talk to Sam and Etta, assuming it was them coming up.
"Hey!" Sam called out. Micah glanced up and smiled at Sam and Etta. "Hey!" He placed his comic book down.
"How are you guys?" He asked them. "Come in! Take a seat. I know it doesn't look much now, but wait until you see what were planning!" He referred to the room and the building itself. "I'm glad you guys are all right!" He smiled, beaming at them as Sam gestured for Etta to sit down, him following right after, along with his stuff.

***
Julian nodded. "It'll be done; you don't need to worry about it." He took her thanks and gave her another nod before shimmering away.

Remembering the last location that was given to him, Julian reached the area that Alicia was supposedly located. He glanced around, wondering where she was....

***
Alex smirked. "Yeah, hocus pocus ain't my thing either." He told her, making note of her balled fists. He listened with amusement at her next words, but it dampered a bit when she asked if he was a chauffer. "I'm a lot more useful than driving her around." He gestured with a thumb at Hazel. "What I do is a bit more complex." He told her, eyeing her with intrigue. "But I guess its my lucky night. I get to drive you around." He gave her a charming grin.

[trinn]

There was a boy reading a comic inside the room. Etta couldn't help but stare at the kid, confused. He acted oddly mature, but this couldn't actually be rebel... She sat down where Sam pointed, and folded her hands on her lap. Etta managed a smile, though she was feeling far from secure. The fate of the world was in the hands of a child? "I don't mean to sound rude, but, you're not rebel, are you?" She glanced at Sam, perplexed.
***

Alice noticed the grin, but she didn't exactly appreciate it. "Dude." she said, shaking her head, "the last thing I feel like doing right now is flirting. Besides, I might end up puking in your car. That telleportation crap messed me up." She placed a hand on her stomach as she said that, frowning. "You would be a charmer if you had a Tums handy." They reached the car then and she leaned against the side of it. Glancing back at the pier, she watched as the woman, Hazel, finished talking to the telleporter and began making her way back towards them.

[Max452]

Micah smiled at Etta as she asked if he was Rebel. "I am." He could see the hesitation in her eyes. No doubt him being a teenager shocked her. "And no, you're not rude. I understand." He glanced over at Sam, who had a humored smile on his lips. "Heroes come in all shapes and sizes." He informed her with a smile.

"Ah, don't think too much about it, Etta. He's a lot smarter than he looks." He encouraged her to sit down.

"I figure you got what you wanted in Wyoming." Micah asked, getting to the point.
"Yeah." Sam replied briskly, recallling his mother. "We got some stuff that we want you to look at." He slid the folder over.

Micah opened it carefully, and began to look at the pictures. He paused, went to his backpack and began to pull out his comics, comparing them with the drawings. His face in concentration. Sam watched, patient.

***
Alex nearly laughed. "Sorry, no tums, but I'm sure I can figure out someother way...to uh, distract you." He flirted with her as they reached the car. He opened the door for her in the back. "Hazel may have something," his tone a bit kinder, "she's always has headaches, she may have something." He told her. "But my offer still stands too" He winked at her as Hazel headed over to them.

[trinn]

Ettta nodded, though she was still baffled that Micah was the rebel. It made their situation even more bizarre than what it already was. When he began comparing the drawings to the comics, her confusion grew. The silence grew almost unbearable for her. Would they be able to save New York? "What do you think?" she asked Micah, her eyes full of anxiety. "Is there any way we can stop this?"
***

Alice smirked, despite her situation. "I'll keep that in mind." she said just as Hazel approached. They all got into the car, Alice sliding in behind the drivers seat. "So where are we going?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"We're going to one of our headquarters. Now, I know you want to meet Shadow, but he is a busy man. It will not be possible to see him directly. Instead, I can call him, and the two of you can speak that way." Alice glared at Hazel.

"I was told I would be meeting with him." Hazel held her hands out in apology.

"I'm sorry for the miscommunication. You may still speak with him, you just won't be able to see him. I hope you understand." Alice glared, then sighed and nodded. "Good, then shall I call him for you?"

"Yes." Hazel smiled and retrieved a phone from a hand bag. She dialed a number and Alice waited patiently.

[Max452]

Micah was staring at the drawings. They reminded him a lot about 9th Wonders and other images he saw before. He recognized some of the pictures; they already happened. Those, he placed them in a pile. He placed ones that were seemingly happening now in a middle pile. The ones he figured would happen soon he put in a third pile. As he pulled out 9th Wonders!, Micah was going through the comics to see when they were suppose to happen. He mused over some of them, curious.

At Etta's questions, Micah looked up, his face scrunched up as he thought. "Um, they are definitely about the past," he pointed to the pile he had formed, "the present..." he pointed to the middle pile, "and the future." He picked up his comic book. "Some of them were drawn in here, others haven't.." He glanced over at Sam. "Your Mom saw a lot." Sam shuffled in his seat. Micah glanced back at Etta. "One thing that I've learned is that nothing is set in stone." He pulled out the picture of New York being surrounded in fire and the Shadow image. "I've seen similar drawings like this...most of them we were able to stop...this one, is new...and I'm thinking this guy," He pointed to the mysterious figure, "is Shadow. We've heard his name being thrown around. I can't tell if he's good or bad...but, I dunno, I just have a bad feeling about him." He placed the image down. "We got some people working on who he is, but, in the meantime, I think we should focus on how we can stop this. I actually like New York." Micah gave a charming smile.
"Does your comic tell us when it'll happen?" Sam asked.
Micah shook his head. "It only shows us looking at it. See?" He opened an issue and slid it over to Etta and Sam to see. It was a picture of them staring at the drawing.
"Weird." Sam muttered, feeling uncomfortable that people were reading about them. He slid the comic a bit so Etta could get a good glance.

***
"I love it when girls think about me." Alex grinned, but it faltered when Hazel approached. He tried not to sneer as he shut the door after the two women. Getting into the driver's seat, Alex started the car and headed to one of their facilities where they could update Alice on things Cain didn't have time for. He listened to the girls' conversation as he drove onward.

***
Cain's cell phone vibrated. Hazel was calling. Surrounded by lab equipment, Cain was researching the Cure he had developed for his next phase. He was hoping to alter it to fit his purposes. Placing down the petri dish he was analyzing, Cain answered the phone.

"I am assuming all is well, Hazel?" Cain answered, hoping that Julian kept his end and Hazel had one of the girls he wanted. "Do you have one of our guests with you?" He asked, keeping his voice smooth as not to disturb the manipulation he had on Hazel.

[trinn]

Etta peered at the comic, and her eyes widened a bit at the reflection of herself. Someone was taking their premonitions, and putting them in comic books? Someone was having visions about her? A chill crept down her spine at the thought. Swallowing hard, she looked back up to Micah. "Then I guess we need to find this Shadow. But I think it's safe to assume he's in New York." she glanced down at the comic book again, "after all, he wants to blow the city up sometime soon."
***

"Everything is perfect, sir." Hazel responded, trying not to gush over the phone to Cain. Even his voice was alluring and perfect. "I have Alice here with me, and she is eager to speak with you. If it's not too much trouble, I'll hand the phone over to her." Hazel paused for Cain's answer, than proffered the phone to Alice. The girl took it and brought it to her ear.

"Hello?" she said, and for the first time there was a bit of precaution in her voice.

[Max452]

"And that's why I've formed this place." Micah glanced around them. "With the crazy bill to capture us, we need to fight back. We need to help others like us. We need to be heroes!" He beamed at the word. "Whoever Shadow is, he's powerful, like you mentioned, he's probably responsible for that." He pointed at the picture again. "But, we need to recruit people to our cause. Are you willing to help out? Its not much now, but with your guys' help, I know it'll be awesome!" He smiled widely. "Especially you, Henrietta. You're powers will be really great! I've been thinking about having food grown here...since we are underground...I was thinking of a greenhouse." He pulled out some sketches and eagerly went over to show her, shoving Sam a bit away as he stepped in between them. "See...i hope to make a greenhouse...we kinda have it going...Sparrow managed to get some plants and veggies planted...but, I dunno, I don't really do that kind of thing, but I know you love it. You'll be really helpful in building the greenhouse and supplying food." His voice was excited as he shared with her what he had in mind.

Sam couldn't help but grin at the boy's excitement. It made him look his age for once. He politely listened to them as he scooted a bit away so Micah could squeeze in more.

***
"Excellent. You've done well, Hazel. I am so proud of you." He cooed to her before she handed the phone over to Alice.
Putting on his best kind voice, he addressed Alice.
"Hello, Alice. It is a pleasure to speak with you tonight. You must be a bit confused on what is going on, but I assure you, you will be extremely pleased to hear what I have to say."

[trinn]

Micah's sudden enthusiasm eased the tension Etta had felt within her. He seemed more like a boy now discussing the greenhouse. She moved over too to make room for him, and eyed the sketches he showed her with interest. There would be no natural sunlight, but with the right sort of lamps the greenhouse could be just as functional. "I think that's an excellent idea. I have the experience, and the passion for it. I'm your woman for the job." she said, smiling at the boy who had taken on the burden of being rebel. How could such a young kid take on such a task? He was more responsible and more good than most of the people in the city. She began to explain to Micah the different sort of lighting they would need, as well as panels that would hold the heat and nozzles that could spray mist as well as water the plants. Speaking of these things Etta began to feel a sense of normalcy returning. As she spoke, she glanced over at Sam. His grin made her feel even better. The road ahead would be a long one, but she was finally beginning to feel hopeful.
***

Alice cleared her throat, to hide her sudden nervousness. Whoever Shadow was, he was powerful, and he commanded powerful people. She would have to be careful, but not necessarily polite. "That's right, and you'd better start talking. I want to know what I'm getting into."

[Max452]

"That would be so cool!" Micah exclaimed as Etta explained things to him on what they needed for the Greenhouse. Micah listened to Etta's every word, remembering everything that she was telling him so he could get the supplies. "I am so excited for this! And then," He turned to Sam, "we can start with the training room!"

Sam seemed to perk up at the word training. "Every superhero needs to learn how to control his power!" Micah explained. "We're going to fill this place up in no time! We even have rooms for everyone. Its a bit bland right now, but at least theirs beds. And bathrooms. That would suck if we didn't have that. I got to thank the guys that helped us set it up. They kinda didn't want to join, but they agreed to set up the place for us." Micah was super excited about his Resistance. It would be like Batman with his bat cave or Superman with his Fortress of Solitude.

Sam continued to smile, especially when he caught Etta's stare. "So, what'd you want us to do, kid?" He asked Micah.

"Well, you'll need to recruit people and save them...but in the meantime, I think we should make this place a bit more liveable..." He then ran and got more plans for the place and spread it out in front of them. Directing a lot of his enthusiasm at Etta. She had a nice feeling about her. It reminded him a lot of his Mom.

"See. I'm thinking of having the rooms here...and the greenhouse here....and a game room," he giggled at that, "and where we eat...a cool garage where we can put our cars and stuff..." He rambled on and on as he explained his designs.

After he was finished he beamed at Sam and Etta. "I'm so glad that you guys are helping out!"

"Hey, Micah." West stepped in. "We gotta go. Claire needs help our help."
Micah nodded. "Sorry, I have to go. Duty calls." He smiled at them. "So, can I let you guys take care of this? Feel free to explore and add anything, I guess. Like I said, we're just starting, but it'll be awesome!!!" He gathered his things and rushed off with West.

"Well," Sam let out a breath. "That kid is hyper." He chuckled. "You wanna take a tour with me? Micah also mentioned their were bathrooms here...that means showers!" He laughed, excited about getting clean.

***
"You are going to be a part of a wonderful future, Alice. I know you're tired of living in a world where people like us are ridiculed and abused. I'm offering a future where we'll be free to express ourselves. Where we will be appreciated by "normals", perhaps even revered as Gods. Its an exciting time...a thrilling time." His voice soothed at her, trying to reach her desires. Of course, everything he was telling her was a lie. He just needed her on his side. He needed her skills to tract down more of her kind. "There's a ridiculous bill that has been placed by the government. I'm sure you heard of it. Congress has declared war on us. We need to find our people before they do and help them show Congress what they are fighting. Hazel will tell you more about the man she works for that has issued this bill. Of course, we only desire peace...but one filled with us as being accepted. Will you help me, Alice? Help me find our kind. It'll be a wonderous opportunity. You have an amazing talent and we shouldn't be afraid to unleash it." Cain was having fun with lying to this girl...well...to everyone. If everything worked out, his endgame would be in sight. "You would be rewarded, of course, for your service with us." He added, wondering what she wanted.

[trinn]

"Showers!" Etta nearly shouted. Jumping to her feet, she gestured at Sam to lead the way. "Let's find these showers. The sooner I can wash away she stench of those sewers the better! And then after that we can take a tour. But shower first."
***

Alice wasn't really into helping people. At least not regulars. Helping her own specials though, that was different. "I like what you're saying." she said to Shadow. "I'll join up with you. It's about time I put my talents to use. As far as a reward goes. I just want a place to live and food. I'm not picky."

[Max452]

Sam laughed at Etta's outburst. "All right. Sounds good to me." He got up and went out the door with Etta. "I'm excited to be clean." He laughed again as they went to explore the area. He hoped they could find extra clothes or a washer...he didn't want to smell like his clothes after being clean. He absently walked around, exploring the complex.

***
"I am glad that you've accepted!" Cain replied, a sinister smile on his lips. "Hazel will make the necessary arrangements for you. If you ever need anything, let Hazel and Alex know. They will be more than willing to accomadate you. I will be in touch. Again, welcome to our family." Cain smiled and hung up. He returned to research and experimenting with his serums.

***
Julian hung around California, if only to be around Sahira. It had been a couple of days since he tested out the serum and it was nearly killing him that he couldn't touch Sahira anymore. He hadn't heard from Shadow since and he expected him to call any day now. Hanging out at Sahira's apartment, Julian helped whereever he could, especially in the food department.

[trinn]

Finding the floor plans, Etta and Sam were able to locate bathrooms, and showers therein. As far as new clothes went, she would have to make due without any fresh ones. Part of her was ok with the idea of walking around in her undergarments. It was just like a bathing suit, right? Yet the idea of almost baring it all around Sam made her feel self conscious, so she refrained from even mentioning the idea. The bathrooms were spacious, and Etta was a bit relieved that they were already separated to guys and girls. She thanked whoever had the foresight to do that. "Well, I'll see you when I've made sure all the grime of the last few days is washed off." she said to Sam, and without any further hesitation made stepped into the ladies bathroom. To her surprise, there were folded clothes sitting atop one of the sinks. As far as she knew, there was nobody else here. "Dibs." she said to herself. Peeling off her grungy clothes, she one of the few showers.
***

"Thanks." Alice said, and then the line was disconnected. She handed the phone back to Hazel, who smiled at her.

"Feeling better?" she asked, and Alice nodded.

"Much, thank you. So. Where will I be staying?" Hazel began to explain to her the living situation, as well as the sorts of jobs she would be doing. Alice listened intently, eager to begin her new life.
***

The gym was a shady place. But it was cheap. Sahira finished up her session there and returned home. No matter what happened in her crazy life, boxing always made her feel better. Even if it was just beating on a punching bag. Though she was just being hypothetical, a part of her thought that the physical strain might also help to calm the beat within her, as she called it. Without fail she always felt more balanced after a good session. So she left the gym feeling refreshed and happy.

Her apartment wasn't too far from the gym. A mile or so off. So she walked home, enjoying the sunny day. The only thought that dimmed her cheeriness was that of Julian. The remembrance of the night she had shared with him only a few days ago tortured her now that she couldn't touch him. Not because she couldn't touch him like that, but because she couldn't hold his hand, or kiss him goodbye, or any of that mushy stuff normal couples did. And then there was the fact that he was working for some guy named Shadow. That only seemed weird to her, only because the man refused to share his name. And his motives... what were they truly? Was he really concerned for Julian's well being? She hoped so, for both of their sakes. These thoughts brought her home quickly, and she jogged up the stairs to her floor and into her small but cozy home.

[Max452]

Sam laughed at Etta's eagerness to get to the showers. He separated from her once they located the restrooms. "See ya." Sam called out as Etta walked off. He couldn't help staring after her as she disappeared. "I need a cold shower..." He muttered trying to control his thoughts. The showers were massive and it reminded Sam a lot about the military compounds that he used to live in. There were multiple showers and sinks and bathrooms. Not to mention lockers that were in another room where they could change. small benches laid in between the lockers. On one of the benches Sam found some clothes that seemingly were his size. "Sweet." He grabbed those as he went to the showers.

Ten minutes later, Sam finished his shower and was now changing into the clothes that he found. It was just a simple dark green t-shirt and jeans. They fit perfectly. Happy that he didn't have to wear dirty clothes, Sam wrapped them up hoping to wash them later, but decided against it because of pure laziness and tossed them.

Walking out, Sam waited at the entrance of the restrooms for Etta.

***
Alex drove to the penthouse that they were to live in. Parking the car, he once again opened the door for the two ladies. "You might as well get me the hat if I'm going to have to do this constantly." He muttered to Hazel as he waited for her and Alice.

***
Julian heard the door open and he grinned when he spotted Sahira enter. "Hey you." He's eyes studied her, perhaps a bit too closely. He got up from the couch. "Make anyone cry today?" He teased her as he went to the question to make her something to eat.

OOC: Hmm....now where to go from here....*thinks of a plot* lol Oooo! Time to recruit Sahira! ehehe

[trinn]

OOC: *waves a hand* We'll just let Etta and Sam go play for a while by themselves lol. My noggin' is running a bit dry with that strand at the moment. As for Sahira, yeah! Although I realize that I have already tossed her into the Resistance with the Leo thread. Methinks this could cause complications. lmao

Alice scooted from her seat and onto the curb. She glanced up at the penthouse, taking it in. Much better than her California place. That had been a shack compared to this. Another cold breeze swept across her bare shoulders, and she hugged her arms across herself. The weather would take getting used to. She hoped it never got too cold here, otherwise she might not be very useful to this new group. The sun and warmth in California always had her at her best. Deciding that was a problem for a different day, she glanced at Alex. "Thank you," she said to him. "For driving me around."

"Yes, Alex, thank you." Hazel said after her, strolling up to stand before them. "Ready to see your new place?" she asked the girl. "Actually, we'll be sorta like roommates. I stay here sometimes too, but don't worry, you'll have the place to yourself occasionally."

"Sweet." Alice muttered, her eyes brightening. "There are so many things I could do with a place to myself." and she glanced pointedly at Alex, then away. He would be fun to mess with, she decided. Hazel seemed to grimace, but composed herself quickly.

"Right. Well, this way." she said, and led them up to the penthouse. The inside was spacious and bright. A full kitchen, a bathroom, two bedrooms with their own bathrooms, and a decked out living room.

"Sweet!" Alice said again, more enthusiastically.

[Max452]

OOC: oh, right...hmm...yeah...let's just let them run around. Oh man...I'm running dry on ideas too...sad day.

Alex just shrugged at Alice's thanks, but he actually appreciated it. Hazel's gratitude, he was far more unconvinced about. He just rolled his eyes at her when she wasn't looking. He let the ladies talk as he escorted them to the elaborated home. Alex gave Alice a suggestive playful expression when Alice directed an obvious stare at him. He definitely liked her! He mused on minor daydreams of what they could do together. "Better than your last place, huh?" He remarked to Alice as he went over to a sliding door that led to an elaborate balcony/patio. "The views awesome too." He commented as he showed her.

OOC: All righty...I have no idea what to do next....let's just say this thread was just to recruit everyone and put them where we need them for The Resistance thread. lol. just cause my brain is dead...lol