It took him a moment to find his voice, but his confusion's not abated much. there's something bothering him about this, but he can't put his finger on why ...
His shackles clink ominously in the cavern.
Santana, we're sorry. We all are. That's why we all came to find you --
"Oh, believe me, Nightwing, I know this. I know *you*, moreover." He looks at the assemblage. "The look of confusion on your face is lovely to behold, but I think it's time for your enlightment. Conduit, if you would."
The woman walks over, and looks at Santana warmly...lovingly, like a 13 year old in the presence of her teenybopper idol. Conduit then kisses Santana full on the lips...and Santana accepts the kiss.
After several seconds, they part, and Conduit motions for one of the attendants. He brings over something that can't be seen readily by the Titans, as he's directly behind Santana.
"Because in 20 minutes, when the Coven has finished their preparations, all four of them are going to be past caring. In fact, they'll undoubtedly be part of us." Blood says, smiling.
"You see, since that upstart decided to take what was mine before he was entitled to it, I've been stuck here. No doubt because he did break the cycle of prophecy in place for centuries. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I could do but observe you. That attack on your Tower was especially sweet to watch several months ago.
"And then Ms. Slade came along. Someone with the ability to channel the thoughts, abilities and powers of those spirits she allows to possess her. And who had no clue how to tap the potential at her disposal, besides."
"I knew I had the avenue for my return - but not the means. I had begun concocting an elaborate ruse to trick Santana somehow into accepting me in - but then she, and you, moved out here, and I met the Groundlings quite by accident...not to mention their leader - who, I was surprised to see, was an old
"You see, my ability is that I am a link between the living and the unrested dead - I can shift my very being from corporeal to spirit, I can see those in the spirit world - and I can make the spirit corporeal, through forced possession. I met Blood during a hunting party, made him visible - and Twister made the connection."
"The Groundlings found me about four years ago - one of their number was a healer who could cure certain psychological disorders...giving me the mind, and the free will...I never had before. In time, I became their leader. At least, until Lord Blood came. He now leads, although I lead the Groundlings in physical combat."
As Flamebird begins to regather her surroundings, the far cavern...one of several that seem to lead out into all directions, glows a deep, crimson glow.
From that area walk several other Groundlings, five of whom are garbed in somewhat tattered robes. The leader has his arms spread wide.
"The ritual was a success, Lord. Some of our fallen comrades are among us once more."
She raises her arms...and becomes transparent, her eyes glowing an unearthly blue.
And above the Titans, several apparitions appear. Nameless, nearly faceless, these evoke the transients and street people that have populated the Big Apple for years. Forgotten by society.
No. No further. That is -enough-. He lifts his arms just enough with an effort, the metal dense around his wrists. You can read my mind all you like, Twister, but can you read it if all my thoughts are in Romanes?
O ushalin zhala sar o kam mangela!
"The shadow moves as the sun commands." He hopes to God Mar'i can pull it off, or he'll be saying goodbye to his digits.
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His shackles clink ominously in the cavern.
Santana, we're sorry. We all are. That's why we all came to find you --
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After several seconds, they part, and Conduit motions for one of the attendants. He brings over something that can't be seen readily by the Titans, as he's directly behind Santana.
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"You see, since that upstart decided to take what was mine before he was entitled to it, I've been stuck here. No doubt because he did break the cycle of prophecy in place for centuries. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I could do but observe you. That attack on your Tower was especially sweet to watch several months ago.
"And then Ms. Slade came along. Someone with the ability to channel the thoughts, abilities and powers of those spirits she allows to possess her. And who had no clue how to tap the potential at her disposal, besides."
"I knew I had the avenue for my return - but not the means. I had begun concocting an elaborate ruse to trick Santana somehow into accepting me in - but then she, and you, moved out here, and I met the Groundlings quite by accident...not to mention their leader - who, I was surprised to see, was an old
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The people around them are still bowing, some speaking in tongues, a few crying.
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From that area walk several other Groundlings, five of whom are garbed in somewhat tattered robes. The leader has his arms spread wide.
"The ritual was a success, Lord. Some of our fallen comrades are among us once more."
Reply
She raises her arms...and becomes transparent, her eyes glowing an unearthly blue.
And above the Titans, several apparitions appear. Nameless, nearly faceless, these evoke the transients and street people that have populated the Big Apple for years. Forgotten by society.
But not by their brethren.
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O ushalin zhala sar o kam mangela!
"The shadow moves as the sun commands." He hopes to God Mar'i can pull it off, or he'll be saying goodbye to his digits.
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