Saint Joseph School

OOC: This thread has to deal with Kris having to go to testify in court, against captured Arachnos Agents, who invaded her former school. While comments are welcome, please keep in mind that the setting for this thread will be in Washington DC, in a Federal Courtroom, and in the other associated areas, during the upcoming time period of the 10th, through the 19th of March. So, replies will be pretty much restricted to phone calls, letters, or, if someone actually spent the money and flew (or some such) to the DC area.

Thanks, and enjoy!


Day 1

Kris stepped onto ladder to the private plane with her mother, and the four Secret Service agents sent to escort them. A few hours earlier, she left a not for each of her quadmates, and quietly slipped out to meet with her mother, and ride to the government airfield. On the tarmac were two Air Force fighter jets, waiting for the plane to take its place with them. Her mother walked as if she were quite confident, but her grip on Kris' arm told a different story. It was hard to imagine that her father and mother ever fell in love to begin with, the way her mother acted. But, maybe it was all her dad. Maybe that was where she got her boldness from. She often wondered what her father was like, and if he would be alright with her decision to be a hero. She liked to thinks so.

As she sat in her seat, Kris' thoughts travel back into Paragon City, to her friends. They supported her being a hero, and encouraged it. But, it wasn't the same. Her mother's approval meant alot to the red haired girl, and it hurt tremendously to see Kris' decision doing what it was doing to her. But, the love and support she got from her quadmates, Lycia and Stasis, meant the world to her. It was honestly all that she was operating off of since the fighting began. She was sure that Lycia or Stasis had already heard her crying in the bathroom, but was too ashamed to verify it. Frankly, her own inner coward hoped nobody would say anything, the burden of shame was so heavy.

Thinking of her friends reminded her of her former friends, who she learned were also supposed to be there. She thought about her relationship with Emily, and wondered if her friend would want to talk with her, ot if Kris was now something freakish and unwanted. She knew Dave and Gerbil were okay with her, and would probably be very excited to see her. She, at least was excited to see them, and hoped they were doing alright. Her friends, normal, or otherwise, meant the world to Kris, and she would never let them down. Not for anything.

The leer jet landed on a small airstrip, somewhere in the boonies. Kris wondered why it was such a big deal, to just fly down to DC. Soon the six of them were easing into an SUV, and were hustled into Washington. The monuments were pretty, but they were more than just pieces of asthetics to Kris. They were testimony of a spirit and a lifestyle that wouldn't bow before tyrrants, as her native Rogue Isles had. She hoped she could live by their example...

Day 1 Continued

Kris stood in the window of the townhouse on Alexander Street in Washington. She wondered how she was going to make it through these next days. This was nothing at all like what she had imagined it would be like. She was being kept away from her old friends, at the request of one of the others. It was probably Emily. The girl freaked out, when Kris had reached her mind out, and empathically rescued her friend.

While this was going on, the door downstairs opened slowly, and there were three quick flashes of an angry pink-purple glow, accompanied by three soft moans as the three Secret Servicemen collapsed. A stealthy form sneaked its way inside the townhouse, and repositioned the men, so that when they woke, they would only believe they had fallen asleep. Quickly the form flitted up the stairs, and past the guard in the small hallway, reading the magazine. A moment later, he too, was unconscious.

The stealthy interloper paused at a doorway, listening to the two operatives inside. Nodding their head, two more angry colored bolts melted through the doorway, before the form crept to the next door, then opened it. Lying asleep in her bed was Brigitte. The intrudere sighed in relief, and aproached, silently closing the door behind her. As she approached, she removed her mask to look upon the face of her target. An unmasked face that looked incredibly like that of Kris O'Sullivan...

Sorry, Kris! But I miss you already! Pre-emption in progress...

--------------

"Hey, Lish."

"Mmmmm?" The vague affirmative issued from what Stasis could see of her roommate, which at this moment consisted of a pair of rather dirty socks and half a knee. Lycia had finally bowed to the inevitable and had burrowed under the covers to do her homework. Stasis winced internally and tried again to raise the ambient temperature. Really, she had more control than this.

Kind of. When she wasn't distracted. And doodling curvy things on her homework that honestly weren't hearts.

Curled up against the wall at the head of her bed, her homework was spread everywhere and none of it done. She just kept staring out the window, and thinking.

"When's Kris coming back?"

Jaygo had found her again between classes. It was just uncanny how he would just show up, sometimes saying something, and sometimes just watching her with a smirk on his face. It was unsettling. Yes, that was a good word. Unsettling.

Lycia poked her nose out of the blankets, a smudge of mascara marring one perfect cheekbone. She looked a little like a punk groundhog, checking for spring. "I'm pretty sure it's the nineteenth. Why?"

"I miss her."

So, it was melancholy. She was feeling melancholy. Their red haired third had only been gone a few days and the silence on the other side of the room was already unbearable. She wasn't the noise maker that Lish was, but still, she filled her corner with.. well, Kris.

Stasis looked down at the mess on her side of the room and sighed. Kris' side was in, of course, in perfect order. With one booted foot, she nudged the box of Freakshow armor into a tighter wedge under the bed. She'd already worn it twice today. Lycia's comments were getting pretty pointed.

"C'mon, Stasi! She'll be back soon! I'm sure she misses us too."

"I'm sure she does. Hey! How about we write a letter!"

"A what?!"

Stasis had to laugh at the expression on the perkier third of quad five's face.

"You know, a letter. With words and things. Kris likes words in case you hadn't noticed."

At that, the whole of Lycia erupted from the blankets, revealing a shocking glimpse of pale thigh and rumpled plaid. "Yes! Let's write a letter! That's a great idea!" Homework instantly forgotten, their local Tasmanian devil was already scrambling for something to write on and with. "What should we say?"

Jaygo had said I have a surprise for you. Just that and nothing more but the look in his eyes had held her riveted in the middle of the hall, like one of Arrow's specials. There had been something like laughter and something like heat on his face and then he was gone again, brushing past her without touching to disappear into the crowd. She'd felt.. panicked. Unsettled. Yes, a very good word indeed.

"Okay! Dear Kris... Dear Kris what? Oh, I know! Dear Kris, WE MISS YOU! How many exclamation points should I use?"

Stasis laughed and finally uncurled herself. Kris was much more important than Jaygo would ever be. He was just messing with her head, as always. She stretched until her boots dangled off the end of the bed, ignoring the crunch of the paperwork. She locked her fingers behind her neck and contemplated the ceiling.

"At least three. Then she'll know we really mean it."

"Okay! Three, big. Exclamation. Points. Now what?"

"How about, Did you buy our presents yet?"

"Stasi!" A pillow launched itself to land on her face. "We can't say that. We'll look greedy."

The tanker turned her head and looked out from underneath the warm softness. It even smelled like Lycia, sweet and wild. "Well, I don't know about you but I AM greedy. But you're right, let's not mention the presents right away. We'll have to work up to it."
___

By the end of the hour, the roommates had finally squabbled their way to a somewhat smudgy letter. After a heated argument and the application of lipstick to a protesting Stasis, they both kissed it to add to the personalized value.

Licked it, stamped it, sent it. Walking back from the mailbox, Lycia was nearly skipping to keep up to the longer strides of her friend.

"Hey, Stasi."

"Mmmmm?"

"You do realise that by the time the letter gets there, Kris will be back, right?"

Lycia was three steps farther down the walk before she realized Stasis had stopped moving. Looking back gave her a vision of her friend staring at her with rueful laughter.

"Lish! Why didn't you mention that not-important detail earlier?"

The smaller girl grinned back and punched one fist into the air. "Because! Kris likes words, remember? C'mon! Race you to the dorm!"

She was seven steps away when she heard the yelp... and the chase was on.

------

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Day 2

Kris sat down at her desk. Her mother was very distant today, and Kris could feel that something both elated and scared her mother. She wanted to know what it was, but they still weren't talking, after the fight they had a few mornings earlier. She couldn't believe her mother had threatened to remove her from St Joe's and send her to 'an actual convent,' if she didn't 'stop trying to be a hero.'

A letter sat on the desk, and had a sticky note upon it, reading:
My dear niece, your friends mailed this to you, but, I had to ensure it would get here quicker than the Poastal Service could guarrantee. Don't get used to this. I'm not a nice person.
Nieves

Taking the sticky note off, Kris looked to the letter, and her eyes watered. She had a new life now, and wouldn't take her old one back for the world. Not when she had two friends like Lycia and Stasis. Opening the letter, Kris read the letter a few times over, then put it in her things. Her heart swlled at the thought of her two friends, and she wished desperately she could be there. Picking up the phone, she spoke.

"Heya, Martin," she greeted and asked. "Can you route me a call to this number..."

Meanwhile...

In the next room, Bridget sat at her desk, and looked to the girl... No. Eventhough she was the same age as her daughter, she knew that Michelle, her little sister, was already a woman. She wore that same bitter (was that the right word?) look in the eye. The look that said she had contempt for those not like her. And, though she didn't want her sister here, she couldn't... wouldn't dare say no.

And, though she expressed a desire to see Brigitte and Cerise back in the Isles, Michelle said she was here just to get to know her big sister. Brigitte didn't like it, but, again, what could she do? Michelle looked to quite strong and agile, not to mention had a personality that seemed to say she would do terrible things to any who offended her.

"So, Brigitte," the young woman said with a honey coated tongue that seemed all too reminiscent of her mother's. "What have you done with your life? Surely, you've been off on adventures to spare, since your arrival in the States..." [/u][/b]

Day 3

Kris finished her third day of testimony, and was vigorously cross-examined by the defense attorney for the captured agents. At one point, they made her out to be an insane child with a history of either lying, or questionable morals. However, she did feel vindicated when the objection to that descriotion of her was sustained, and the defense appologized. Fortunately, she was done. All she had to do now was sit and wait until Sunday, so she could go back home.

Sitting on her bed, she thought about what Stasis and Lycia were trying to do for her, and was moved to a moist eyed smile. She really missed them, and incredibly wanted to just veg out with them in front of the tv, and listen to the other two argue about what movies to watch, as she ate all of Stasis' popcorn, and drank Lycia's coke, only to be chased around, and pummeled with pillows. Q5 was indeed the quad of choice, no matter what the upperclassmen thought.

With a sigh, she turned on the tv, and there she was, giving testimony in court. Somehow, someone had even supplied her name to the news station! Yeah. This was going to go over really well, she could tell...

In the next room...

"So... Michelle, right," Bridget asked her little sister, who responded with a nod. "You say you're not here to kidnap me? O- or Kris?"

"That's right, Brigitte," Nieves nodded again. "I'm here to actually protect you. You see, in Paragon City, you two are more than safe. Arachnos can't touch you, there. Here is a different story, entirely. As a matter of fact, a reporter had a microcamera, and is going to broadcast Kris' face and name in the news. She's a Fortunata Seer, and there are several Bloodwidows in the area, as well. You two are the exact opposite of safe, here."

Day 4

Kris awoke to her alarm clock, and looked across to see she wasn't in her dorm. There was no Lycia hiding from the reality of the alarm clock, no whistling coming from the shower, accompanied by the tinkling sound of ice droplets hitting the bath tub from Stasis finishing her shower. Just the incessant buzz of her alarm clock. Gloomily, she oozed from the bed, and then stretched, her grey Badtz Maru crop top ridingup above her ribs. After putting her glasses on, she walked over to the walk-in closet, running her fingers through her hair.

As Kris opened the door, she was astonished to see herself standing there, with her hands behind her back. Before she could react, "Kris" raised her hands, and a strange glimmer formed in her eyes. Try as she could, Kris found she couldn't look away, as if she was being pulled into those eyes. "Kris" was soon in her head, and before she could make a sound, Kris was soundly asleep.

"Nice undies," the impostor chuckled. "They actually work for you, in a geeky, cutesy sort of way."

Thirty minutes later, a dry cleaning van pulled away from the residence at the same time as Superpowered Agents from the Secret Service made sure everything was satisfactory with a motorcade that was being prepared to leave for the courthouse. Kris and her mother were escorted out, none suspecting the events at play. The two got into their vehicles, and the motorcade pulled out, as others made their ways out to get their mail, or send their kids off to school.

Halfway there, the lead and chase trucks were hit by large panel vans, which rapidly unloaded their cargo of Arachnos Bloodwidows, Mu Mystics, and Fortunata Seers. The battle was surprisingly swift, and two Arachnos Flyers swept in, ready to receive their passengers. The superpowered Secret Service Agents found themselves overpowered, and the O'Sullivans were hustled onto the flyers by their attackers.

Two hours later...

"We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for this important news update:
An apparant terrorist attack has left Homeland Security and Defense officials scrambling for answers to how terrorists made it through Longbow and American Defense Networks. Reporting on the scene is a reporter from our newsteam on Rogue Isles Affairs, with a clearer view of this morning's events."

"This is Meriwether DuChamp of WSPDR reporting where, two hours ago, in this sleepy neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, Arachnos agents ambushed a motorcade bearing witnesses for the School Invasion Trial that has had international press riveted for days. In the short battle, it has been confirmed by witnesses to the fray, that two women were taken captive, and hustled aboard the trademark Black Flyers of Arachnos. Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity have identified the witnesses abducted in the ambus as sisxteen year old Kristina O'Sullivan, and her mother, thirtyfive year old Bridget O'Sullivan. Authorities have yet to report any details, but we will do our best to keep you informed as news breaks. For WSPDR and our hosts at PNN, this is Meriwether DuChamp reporting."

"Meriwether, how does this figure into Rogue Isles affairs?"

"That's a great question, Doug! The Rogue Isles is paying very close attention to the court case involved with the abducted witnesses, as it potentially involves the World Court in The Hague, and allegations from the US State Department that the government there is just a puppet regime of Arachnos, and ultimately, Lord Recluse, himself. Allegations which the Prime Minister and the Board of Ministers vehemently deny."

[OOC: Well, here ends what I will enter for Kris. Have fun RP'ing this and adding to it, after I go. Just keep in mind this is all taking place the week of my academic leave (10th - 20th), as I will be in Boston, and my PC is a desktop in North Metro-Atlanta. I have some intriguing surprises in store for this plotline, and hope you guys have enjoyed it thusfar!]

As he sat in the backseat of the van the only thing he could think to himself was,"I almost made it...". The Longbow agents sitting on either side of him, didn't take their eyes off him for a second, having been in the team that captured him,they knew better. They were taking him back to the school at least,and not locking him up, for his own good of course. His mind drifted to two hours ago....

Tony was watching CNN, while fixing a new prototype arrow head onto it's shaft, hoping for news on Kris and the trial she had to testify at. Too bad he got it...the new flash said it all, Kris was missing, her mother too, claims of Archnos flyers spotted and no clues as to what anyone was going to do about it. Tony knew what he had to do, there was no question in his mind at all. He finished the arrow,put it with the others in his quiver and got his armored suit packed. He left no note, those who knew him would know where he was and inform the rest.

He hit his first snag before even getting out the front door...Biff was looking for trouble in the main foyer of the dorm and he spotted what he thought would be an easy mark, that archer kid...the one without any powers at all. Biff stepped in front of him as he tried to leave, making some sort of comment about wannabes and their stupid hairstyles. Tony simply looked him in the eyes and shook his head saying nothing. Biff looked down at him slightly confused, didn't this kid know who he was? Well, he thought with a smirk he was gonna find out. Biff grabbed Tony by the front of his shirt, lifting him into the air. Tony's eyes narrowed slightly, he had no time for this, an arrow slid into his hand unnoticed by the bigger boy. As Biff opened his mouth to spout some words of "wisdom", the smaller boy shoved the arrow into his mouth with a speed that was inhuman. Biff dropped him in surprise and then couldn't move, he body already trapped in ice. Tony picked up his bag and walked out without a word.

They caught up to him at the bus terminal, right before he getting on the bus for D.C. Three Longbow agents were knocked out, before the other two mangaged to wrestle him to the ground. They had not been informed about his newly gained superspeed...They informed him that he would not be allowed to go anywhere near D.C., until the recovery of the O'Sullivans and that having a "lovesick boy" running around mucking things up was not going to happen.

The van pulled up in front of the school and Mr Conrads was waiting for them with a look of concern on his face. They hauled him out and handed him over after the proper paperwork was filled out. As they drove away, Mr Conrads looked at him and then quietly said,"The Headmaster wants to see you...."

Kali is rearranging her hall locker for the ump-teenth time this week when she sees Tony being led by Mr Conrads toward the HeadMasters office.
Having seen the paper this morning she can only imagine what must be going through the young mans heart and his mind .
She fiddles around in the hall a bit longer then decides to look for him later.
After classes are finnished for the day she approaches Him on the quad while Hes talking with a few other students.
Hearing Jubilation remark " Why would anyone want "Her or Her mother for anyways" and a few other slighted remarks Kali jabs Jubi lightly and whispers into her ear " Kris is Tonys girlfriend" A few uneasy moments follow but are broken by the offer from several students to " do anything they can to help"

As the group disperses Kali catches up to Tony , " Hey Arrow? I know we don't know each other very well , but Kris is a friend too and if you guys do get a team together I would be more then happy to go along. I'm still learning to control my battle powers but I could be there in case you need a healer or even just a good set of eyes"
Tony gives her a forced smile and thanks her. The worry in his face He can't hide.
" man I sure hope they find Kris safe , and soon" Kali thinks to herself as Tony thanks her once more and excuses himself to leave.

"Mis" spent a few days in Bloody Bay, ostensibly working closely with the local Longbow liasons there. Providing forward support, monitoring movements, reclaiming captured gear and agents. It was cold, and everyone felt the bite of the air off the bay.

Without his Longbow "Handler," Minerva, he no longer had access to the Longbow information net. Of course, that hardly mannered; Longbow didn't have the info he needed: the location of Kris O'Sullivan, formerly of St. Joe's. He figured that perhaps someone in Arachnos did, however, and that since Bloody Bay was such hotly contested territory, it would be a decent place to fish for information. Recluse wouldn't send his worst to try to reclaim such a sensitive target.

Why did it matter to him? He wasn't sure. Chalking it up to the events "Striking a chord in him" was good enough. That, and it put St. Joe's in more of a spotlight than he was comfortable with at the time. His motives were his own.

During a rescue mission to recover a captured Longbow Agent (a kid barely older than he was, and terrified,) he found what he was looking for; one of those creepy Mu guys, the ones who looked like they got into a brawl with a "Goth Topic" store and lost. This one had a cape; he must be important.

He was...to Misericorde.

Twice important, because first, he had a bit of information that Misericorde found possibly relevant to Kris's location. Second, he was important, because he begged to make a deal once his minions were scattered. The triple-threat of mono-edged claws tickling "Mu-Mu's" groin was, Mis found, quite the incentive.

Mis sent the Longbow kid packing, reminded him to activate his recovery beacon and sit tight outside. Mis leaned in close, his lips pressed to the Guardian's faceplate. "Any more of the red lightning comes out of your head, you'll fry your own brain trying," he whispered, intimately. A slight nod indicated Mu-Mu got the message. "Good, you read me. Now tell me what I need to know, or..." Mis flexed his knuckles, causing the blades to scrape lightly on Mu-Mu's codpiece. "...you'll be first on the list for Fortunata tryouts." The information flew fast and free.

"No discipline," Misericorde uttered as he fed the Mu his daily dose of vitamin floor. "That should have taken longer."

He sent out a few anonymous emails.