ProxyInc

Circus of the Lost

"Nooo." Mavis groaned sleepily, the warmth radiating from her husband only encouraged the dregs of slumber to pull her back under. Though her skin flushed as his lips sweetly sought her neck and his kiss tickled her flesh. With a soft smile she snuggled into him enjoying the brief moment of languidly that the mornings held. Soon it'd be more hustle and bustle as the troops enclosed on their newest spot.

Her eyes fluttered open as she turned to her husband, admiring his softness in this moment. "Surely it's not morning already?" Mavis pouted, ignoring the sunlight trailing inside their window. The night never lasted long enough though the thought of arriving in a new town always did set her heart aflame. Even after all these years; Mavis still never lost her passion for the circus. She had come so far since she was a girl, though she felt she owed most of her success to her husband.

Circus of the Lost

Mavis Grimm

Mavis Grimm

Age
32

Title
Ring master's wife

Brief bio
Mavis was raised in a strict dance academy. Shipped off at the ripe age of five she was the subject of grueling back to back lessons. Often enough the youth would be made to practice until the skin on her soles split and her shoes filled with blood but over the years she grew up strong and lean. Her body ebbed and flowed with a grace that was drilled into her very marrow. The academy taught her to be soft only when performing and her wit grew as sharp as the lashes on her instructors whip. It was on sheer luck, or so she would say, that a benefactor had decided to treat the upper classmen to a show after a rather daunting performance. For the first time in Mavis' rigid life she was introduced into the world of whirling colors. Glittering lights that bobbed in the open air as people dawned flashy attire and dazzling smiles.
Mavis fell in love immediately. That small sad child that had laid dormant within had suddenly reawakened and burst forth with a fiery embrace. It was that night, at the age of nineteen, she decided she'd never return to the world of dance but instead dash off into the mystery that was the circus .

Stevie Raynard

Stevie Raynard

Age
22

Occupation
Amateur journalist

Brief bio
Head strong and diligent; the world seemed to be at the young woman's fingertips. Stevie's parents had always enouraged their stubborn tot to seek the truth and stand up for herself. Them being old school activists in the early sixties probably only fueled the fire that burned in her little heart. Stevie was crass at times. Often opening her mouth before thinking it through and almost always costing her the normal social life most children seek. Though she didn't seem to mind. She focused her talents, her brash nature, into nurturing her talents; writing. She longed to expose the ugly hard truth about the world around her. For years it was just her and her online blog. Seemingly obscure in the vast media that was the Web but it was on a whim that her best friend, Kingsley, decided to send one of her 'articles' to a small activist newspaper. She was overjoyed when they offered her an internship. This was finally the first step in her career path and after a months of filing papers and endless editing she was given her first cover story. The circus. Ever a mystery whispered about in the streets. It was that allure that drew in it's customers. That dark ache that called to the inner part a of every human who sought to escape themselves; even for a moment. Though Stevie wasn't there to frolic or be washed away by the whimsy. She came seeking the dark truth beneath the brightly colored tents and sticky fair foods.

What Are You Listening To?

The House of Powers

Amara Mara Nguyen

Location: Room six - Auditorium
Interactions: @wolverbells@jinxer@hellhoundwoof

"Good morning all! To celebrate the successful completion of your first week in the facility we're going to start some group sessions! We'll be mingling this in with your individual ones to help you work alongside others with abilities. Please make your way to the auditorium instead of the coaching rooms for the morning session. I'll catch you all there!"

Mara's eyes fluttered open in annoyance as the bubbly-sweet voice permeated her silence. She wasn't asleep, no, Mara had woken up awhile ago but her body had decided it needed to lay there and adjust to the tedious day ahead of her. 'A week, huh?' The days melted together. Only the drone of announcements had given her any sense of time or regularity since she had woken up here.

Life here was; calm? Was that the word?
Yes, it seemed apt enough. Especially since life at home was always so hectic. Her early mornings would meld into a throng of chaos as she prepped breakfast and gathered scattered school supplies. Then she'd rush to stir awake the mini army from their slumbers all while still trying to get herself ready. Though Mara didn't mind the crazy. She was greeted by sleepy smiles and sly giggles as toast and jam would occasionally fly through the air. Mara welcomed the mess, the noise and the thrill. It was just part of her life.

But here? Here, there was calm.
There was no rushing.
No urgency.

The rooms didn't echo with the chorus of laughter. There was no petty squabbles over who got what color lunch box or who's turn it was with the television. Instead it was filled with silence. Sure things were lively when Uriel was around. His sarcastic nature was relaxing and his quips often brought Mara to tears as she tried to hide her fit of giggles. Everyone here seemed rather nice despite the reason why they were brought here. Though she still blushed with a fury every time she came across Irina. After the girl had revealed that she was privy to her internal monologs Mara had tried to keep her thoughts calm around her but her subconscious was more or less of a prick.

With a groan Mara rolled out of bed and shimmied out of her night gown. She had wanted to go to the pool after an hour or so of laying there but she supposed that wasn't in the cards today. 'You just want to see Arthur.' The demon voice quipped sleepily bringing an angry blush to her cheeks. Mara gazed at her still healing wound. He had been a god send in the kitchen that day. Mara would've just simply thrown some gauze and taped it up but Arthur made sure everything was clean and properly dressed. All with the same nonchalant attitude she had noticed that first time in the hallway.

By this point she wasn't sure if anything actually ever phased him and while it wasn't entirely unpleasant to run into him in the pool area she didn't go out if her way to find him. Or anyone actually. Mara enjoyed quietly sitting near or around the group of teens. Listening to them engage with one another and quietly laughing at jokes that would fly.

Mara nabbed a soft black dress from her closet and stepped into the bathroom. She was going to at least get a decent shower in before their first group session. Plus, the water pressure here was excellent and there was no fight for the hot water.

There was something about being in water she found freeing. The warmth felt good on her skin as it burned away the latent traces of lethargy that still clung to her body. Just the sense of scrubbing away the day before offered a small bubble of freedom.

Mara hurried through the rest of her morning ritual. Her ivory locks still dripping as she hastily dressed herself and stepped into the hall. Once again she refused to wear any shoes. It wasn't like she was going outside anytime soon, so she didn't see the point.

Plodding down the hall Mara didn't even bother to look at the signs anymore. She had been to every room they had opened to the teens and even tried to open a few of the locked rooms to no avail. She preferred to stick to the game room or the pool area when not in her training though. Her pool game had even improved some.

Her session with Felix hadn't proven to be very fruitful with how they were going to train her. Every time she had pried he just shifted the conversation which she found odd. From their first session she pegged him to be blunt, almost painfully so, but she had put it down to the fact they probably didn't know what to do either. It's not like she knew how to activate it herself. In fact most of their sessions was just her talking and there was that one time where she had to run on the treadmill. Now that wasn't a pretty sight.

She had run out of breath rather quickly as sweat poured down her face causing her clothes to stick to her form. Mara might look the picture of health with her slender body but fit she was not. She remembered how her legs ached for the rest of the day and had made a silent pact to work on her muscle strength. A promise she had no intention of actually keeping.

As she arrived she noted she wasn't the first. Stepping in she noticed Irina, Arthur and Nikolai. Her usual flush faltered as Irina's pale complexion and over all weariness caught her eye. Concern riddled her face as she stepped towards her, "Hey, are you okay?" Mara's voice was soft like she would use for a sick child. It looked like Irina hadn't slept at all since she had arrived there and it seemed to be taking its toll.

The House of Powers

Amara 'Mara' Nguyen

Location: Cafeteria
Interaction: @wolverbells

Was she slowing down? Mara had completely lost herself in watching the girl transfer some delicious looking eggs to a plate. The whole room smelled warm and Mara could practically taste the fluffiness. Eggs were such a rare treat in her house as her younger sister had a severe allergy to them. A few times she had forgotten and left a few dishes still dirty with egg pieces laying about. Of course, her sister still being fairly young had grabbed the remaining bites and popped them into her mouth landing her in the hospital. After that Mara had stopped buying them all together just to avoid accidents.

"Hello." Irina flashed her pearly whites at her before moving across the room. The inside of Mara's head exploded with nerves as questions popped off and faded at a rapid pace. 'Come on, get it together!' her conscience piped up once more while Mara mustered a slightly frazzled smile. "You backed me up very nicely in the auditorium. Thank you.. For not making me feel or look like a fool... I'm Irina" Her Spanish accent trilled as she spoke, giving her words a faint spark to them. 'Irina.' Mara mentally repeated trying to draw out the syllables with the same accent and simultaneously failing.

There was a thick pregnant pause between the two girls. Both looking rather sheepishly as silence filled the space where words should be. "So, um, what are you cooking? You need help?" Irina inquired, drawing Mara back to the mess she was creating.

For a moment she stared at her hands, each coated in a slimy film as salt and pepper caked beneath her nails. "Uhh," she managed to squeak out before bursting into a fit of laughter. She was sure Irina thought her to be mad but Mara couldn't stop herself as her cheeks squished into wide smile. Her laughter echoed off the walls, a surprisingly loud sound from someone so small. "I'm sorry, sorry," she giggled between the words. Physically trying to quell her outburst.

"It's just been one hell of a day." She smirked back at her companion before her face settled back into an almost neutral expression, "And don't worry about the auditorium, I'm glad you spoke up. What they did was wrong and they know it." There was venom in her words now as heat laced her darkened eyes.

Mara stabbed into the chicken breast with force accidently cutting through the side and slicing into her finger. "Oh, frick." she almost whispered as she held up her finger, watching the blood pool up and slip down her palm. Panic settled in a moment later as her eyes widened with shock as pain blossomed. The salt and grease on her hand stung as they made their way into the wound. "Oh crap! Oh crap!" she exclaimed as she rushed over to the sink trying to avoid dripping blood everywhere. Bumping the faucet handles Mara quickly stuck her finger beneath the running water.

"Well," she turned back to Irina with embarrassment written clearly across her face, "That could've went better." she offered a bemused chuckle as her eyes trailed the ground. 'Stabbing yourself is also not how you make friends.' her inner voice chimed in with a tinge of cynicism. 'Oh really, I had no idea.' she irritatedly spat back at it.

Mara could feel the scowl that had painted itself across her lips as her inner monolog waged war inside her head. Looking back up the girl with a rather apologetic smile Mara tried to brush off the situation, "I'm Mara, by the way and apparently today I'm also accident prone."

'Smooth.' the voice quipped while she shot it another mental glare.

The House of Powers

Amara 'Mara' Nguyen

Location: Game room - Cafeteria
Brief interactions: @jinxer @lillium @wolverbells

The anouncments crackled right through her musical montage freezing Mara on the spot as the familiar voice shattered through her illusion. Another flush of embarrassment crashed through her body as she looked at the now abandoned pool table; balls still scattered across the top as if mocking her poor aim. Sighing heavily Mara flicked the empty bag of pretzels. Though her stomach no longer vocally berated her she supposed it wouldn't be a bad idea to eat something more substantial. Plus, the salt had left her throat dry once again.

Hesitating her eyes darted around the room; there didn't seem to be any trash cans tucked away, at least none that she saw, in fact the more she looked the more part of her resolved to just leave her mess there. Let them deal with it. Mara knew it was pettiness that bubbled up her spine. Just because her mother had readily agreed to this didn't mean she'd have to be a model citizen.

Though hearing the woman's sugary tone over the intercom had dampened the mood Mara had managed to pull herself out of her funk, at least for the moment. She trodded with an almost happy gate, bouncing on the tips of her toes, as she rounded the corner and headed past the rooms once more. She wasn't alone though. A boy and girl seemed to making their way down the corridor. The bounce fell from her steps as the boys voice echoed softly. 'Another accent?' Mara idly wondered. Was this facility even in the states? From all the strange voices she had heard over the past few hours Mara had her doubts. At least he was speaking English though.

Her steps thudded softly as she slowly started to catch up to the duo. As always, there was that small seed of fear that came with approaching others. Mara could feel her facal expression drop and fall flat. She had become decent at hiding her anxiety in front of others. Masking the jittery feelings that would crawl up from the pit of her stomach and settle in the back of her throat. Of course she'd have to get over it eventually. These weren't just any strangers. They were captives just like her

Soon she was on par with their strides, her frame small in comparison. Mara felt her face flush once more as she eyed the pair.

Stunning.

There was no other words really to describe the two. He was boyishly handsome while she had a cool, almost demanding grace to her.

It took her a moment to realize she was openly staring at them both. Her eyes fluttering as her mind frantically searched for something to excuse her rudensss. Hastily Mara flashed them a kind smile, not unlike the one she had given the scaled girl earlier, and picked up her stride. 'You can't just stare at people, Jesus christ.' Mara's conscience chided at her once again. Her eyes rolled in response. If she could scowl at the voice she would've.

Mara quickly made her way to the cafeteria putting the awkward moment behind her as smells started to drift towards her. Was someone already in here? Elisa had mentioned there was two options available to them; cook or order. Eyeing the board she made her way back into the kitchen. It was an alluring option though. Her body still sagging with stolen strength.

As she stepped in Mara felt herself freeze, there was someone else in here, "Oh!" The word came out before Mara could think twice. She recognized her, the girl was the first to stand up and call out the scientists for what they were kidnappers. It was her courage that had inspired her own outburst though Elisa was less than kind towards the girl.

Mara moved as silently as she could to a corner of the kitchen, giving the girl a half hearted wave. She enjoyed cooking but cooking around other people always made her nervous for some reason. Sliding up to the refrigerator she poked around inside of it until she found a thawed package of chicken breasts. Mara quickly seized her prize as she plucked round a soft white cheese from an upper shelf. As the eldest she would often cook when her father was too tired. When he had passed she tried to cook almost every night. After several burnt and almost inedibe dishes she had actually gotten pretty decent. In fact she found out really enjoyed the whole process.

Cradling her goods in the crook of her arm Mara plucked out a small can of mushrooms from the pantry. She teetered towards the sink, dumping her armful onto the counter with a loud crash. "Ok, I can do this." she muttered softly to herself. Stuffed chicken was easy and a fan favorite but she could feel her fingers fumble and slip as she moved around the kitchen. Trying to avoid invading the girls space while feeling her gaze keep sliding back to her. She was curious as to what she was going to make. It looked looked like breakfast, something Mara enjoyed as well. She wanted to say something; anything to ease the tension she felt prickle at the back of her neck.

The House of Powers

Amara Mara Nguyen

Location: Room six - Cafeteria - Game room
Brief interaction: @Thundercrash

How long had she laid there? Time was back to being as meaningless as it was when she first opened her eyes. Was it day or night? Not that it mattered. Mara could feel herself resigning to the hand fate had dealt. That numbness that left her body feeling cold and heavy. She was no stranger to this feeling. When her father had died she wore it like a cloak as she repressed the ache that radiated from her core.

Eyes flitted around the room. Her breathing echoing in the deafening silence. If she kept laying here she was sure she'd be crushed beneath it. Mara forced herself out of her bed once again. Shuffling around the sparse room she poked around in the drawers. Clothes were folded and put away neatly. Shades of black and grey was oddly befitting to her surroundings. The fact that they were nearly spot on with her wardrobe at home didn't even register at this point. They had been watching her long enough that she was sure they knew every aspect of her life, probably better than she did.

With deft hands she slid her blemished sun dress from her shoulders. The loose fabric pooled around her feet, still clad in her scuffed dress shoes.

Mara simply stepped away from the fabric, leaving it there for someone else to deal with, as she plucked a pair of soft black pants from the drawer. The room was fridged against her skin as she kicked off her beloved shoes and slid on the new pair of pants. They clung to her slender form and tapered off around her ankles. Mara made an annoyed sound; for all the effort they put into researching they should've known that she was not a big fan of the skinny leg fad that seemed to be raging like a wildfire in the fashion world.

Hastily she nabbed a simple looking white shirt. Mara slid it over her head while her fingers pinched and pulled the fabric until it settled. The garment slid off to one side, exposing her shoulder, and once again Mara felt a slight twinge of annoyance. They may of gotten the color scheme right but the style, not so much.

Stepping into her bathroom she came face-to-face with the stranger that peered back at her with deadend eyes. Most of her make up she had scrubbed off in Mayrui's room though still a bit remained around her eyes. Wetting her fingertips she washed off the dried tears. Ignoring the fact her face was still tinged pink and puffy from earlier.

Now what?

As if answering her question a rumble called out from her belly. 'Food.' Even her thoughts felt stale in her head.

She quickly stepped back out into the hall. They had went to the cafeteria earlier but didn't stay. Her companion at the time anxious to be rid of the throng of teens that had collected there. Idly she wondered if she would come across anyone when her thoughts were abruptly interrupted. A male voice swelled and poured out into the hall. Singing?

Who in the hell was singing?

She was baffled but there was a tiniest hint of a smile creeping across her face. The words were thick and strange. She recognized it as the same as the scaled girl in the auditorium had been shouting before they carried her away. A cold chill danced down her spine. She felt for her. Understanding her anger and fear. The fact the guards had simply removed her left Mara with an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

The singing no longer brought her amusement. Instead Mara quickened her pace and hurried past his door.

In fact she had broken out into a full sprint. Her bare feet thudding against the hard floor as she slid into the cafeteria. 'You're acting crazy.' her inner voice chided as she slowed to catch her breath.

It didn't seem like anyone was here at the moment. Picking her way over to the vending machines Mara wearily looked over her choices. Nothing looked particularly appealing but the rumbling in her stomach had now picked up and she needed to appease it. Quickly pressing a button she picked a simple bag of pretzels.

Collecting her snack she surveyed the empty room. The others would surely migrate here eventually and while part of wanted to be surrounded by others who understood she wasn't sure if she was ready.

Stepping back into the hallway she read the sign once more.

'A game room?'

That sounded interesting. She made her way back down the corridor, mindlessly eating her snack, as she came across the scaled girl from before. Mara hesitated as she shot her a small smile. Inside she was relieved that she seemed to be OK. Mara wasn't sure if she should say hi. Instead she opted to stand there awkwardly before giving the girl a friendly wave and rushing past. Heat crept up and colored her face, she should've asked if she was OK at least though Mara wasn't sure if the girl would've understood her. Either way she couldn't force herself to go back at this point.

Hurrdily she found her way to the game room. Mara was impressed as she took in the lushly decorated room. The carpet felt good beneath her feet as she made her way to a pool table. Nova's parents actually had one in their basement and Nova was quick to dominate Mara at the game.

Setting aside her half empty bag of snacks she moved to set up the pool balls and select a pool stick off its rack.

Like with Nova's the table was it was a smidge too tall for her; as she stood on her tippy toes and pressed into the table to line up her shot. CRACK. The sound was sharp as the cue ball slammed into the neatly arranged stack. It felt good to do something familiar and Mara felt her body relax. A crack in her numbness had formed as she shifted around the table, lining up her shots and trying to get the balls into the desired pockets.

Music had began to seep it's way into her head. Maybe it was the small joy she had felt in the hallway earlier but she couldn't shake it. Quickly she found herself swaying softly as her lips mouthed invisible words she lost herself in her game.

"I could pray and trick with a double tongue, but the only fool here's me, I choose the way to go, but the road won't set me free," her voice was soft and hushed. Mara was by no means an excellent singer but she could at least hit the needed notes. Her voice trailed off as she took another shot and missed. " This day will die tonight and there ain't no exception. Why should I wait for nothing to wait for. I won't cry for my solitude, lay my head and dream of you. And hope that you'll come knocking on my door and maybe tomorrow is a better day."

Now her voice was bright and loud as she continued her funny dance around the room. Stopping to grab a pretzel here and there. It was the first time she throughly felt herself feel anything but sorrow and anger since she had woke up. Basking in the minor distraction of her solitude.

The House of Powers

Amara 'Mara' Nguyen

Location: Auditorium - Examination room

'My family knows?' The thought baffled her as Mara leaned against the wall, nursing her now throbbing hand against her chest. They had to have told them some lie. Her mother needed her. Someone had to keep the house hold in check. Help the younger ones with their homework and get them out of bed in the morning. Her mother couldn't do it, not that she didn't try, her job was just too demanding for her to pay full attention to her brood.

Mara noted that her final question went untouched as the woman moved away to introduce a rather robust group of adults. 'Our coaches, eh?' She eyed them warily as one by one they stepped forward and called a name. Fatigue swept over her once more as she felt her body fully sag against the wall.

"Amara."

A gruff voice called out. Her eyes widened a touch as she traced the voice to squat, burly looking man. Arms folded across his chest as his gaze met with hers. He arched his brows with subtle impatience and Mara felt herself slowly stir back to life. She slinked forward each footstep as uncertain as the last as she silently followed him out of the auditorium. Mara kept her arms folded closely across her chest, her head bent forward like a petulant child being lead away for punishment.

Suddenly the man halted causing her to bump lightly into him. Mara mouthed an apology that her voice wouldn't allow her speak as he pushed open a door for her.

Stepping into the room felt like being back in the room she started in. The walls a soft white wash, the tile on the floor polished and melted together effortlessly. There was a few furniture scattered around and a small cabinet off to the back.

"Take a seat Amara." the man commanded as he stepped into the room behind her. She shuffled off to a small chocolate colored armchair and perched on the edge. Her body bent over, fingers grasping the edge as she stared hard at her shiny Mary Jane shoes. For the first time she noticed the small grey scuffs that marred the sides. Frowning she kicked lightly at the tile; she was particularly fond of the pair.

"My name is Felix," he mentioned as he took his own seat across the room from her, "I'll be your advisor while you are he-"

"Will we get to go home?" Mara interjected. Her questioned had went unanswered earlier but she asked it once more with little hope. Her voice was hard, even to her own ears, and echoed softly in the stillness in the room.

She could hear a small puff of air push from his lips. Was it in frustration or sympathy? Mara didn't bother to look up to gage his reaction.

"You'll be here for as long as you need to be." Felix answered his own words clipped, "Now Amara-"

"It's Mara." she interjected once more. She was sure that she was probably getting on his nerves but ot was important to her. She had started going by Mara in middle school when a group of bullies had decided to pick apart her name and call her 'Amoora' as a poor attempt at a jest. When she moved to her new school she never introduced herself as Amara and it felt strange to hear.

"Okay, Mara then. As you've been told you're here to help develop your abilities in order told protect yourself and others from harm," he pulled out a small note pad from his lab coat and thumbed through several pages, "From what we've noted there is a small temporal disruption that occurs around you when you're in physical danger, correct?"

Mara's brows knitted together as she looked up at him, 'Temporal disruption?', it was of she was in a bad sci-fi movie. "Come again?"

She watched as he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "Let's not do this, Miss Nguyen." He leaned forward and leveled his gaze with hers. Mara noted the weariness that lined his face and eyes, he was much older than he looked. It was subtle at first. Lost among the bulk of his body but there it was in the creases of his skin and the slight peppering that sprouted at his hairline. He was old and tired and not willing to put up with any of her nonsense.

"In layman's terms, time seems to slow around you. Does it not?" It wasn't a question. He knew that she knew exactly what he was getting at. Those weird gaps in time that felt like the very air was being sucked out around her.

Mara didn't respond as silence hung between them.

He flipped through a few more pages, "If you insist then. On December 12 you were walking home with your friend, Nova PeGan, to which you told her and I quote. It was like everything froze. Or better it moved super, super slow. Like I don't know how to explain it properly."

Mara's face was a open slate of surprise as she felt her mouth open in shock. Nova was the only one she had told anything about her odd feelings, afraid of the judgement that would come if she had, but Nova took it in stride. In fact she almost seemed excited as she chattered away with enthusiasm.

Licking her lips she nodded, ignoring the smarting pain that pulsed back at her, "Yes, I remember that. It was in regards to my father's car accident."

The gods knew she didn't want to talk about this. Her words fell softly and with a sad tremble as unbidden memories sprang to the forefront of her thoughts.

Felix gruffly stood from his chair and closed the distance between the two. He knelt down before her and there was a softness now that plagued his eyes, "I know this is hard on you but we're only trying to help. Now I won't make you talk about it anymore today but you do need to be fully aware of what you're capable of." There was a sincerity that Mara didn't expect from him and a small smile graced her lips.

He paused a moment before standing up and trudging towards the back medicine cabinet. Mara watched as he fumbled with a set of keys before unlocking the metal cabinets. "For now, we're just going to take a blood sample and then you can return to your room. There's a special surprise waiting for you there." His voice almost bellowed out brightly as he mentioned the surprise.

Mara had perked up a little as well as he came back with a small medical kit.

If her face could turn any paler it would've. Mara hated needles with a vengeance. She extended her already bruised arm towards him while focusing her attention elsewhere.

Felix wrapped the tourniquet tightly around her upper arm. Stubby fingers poked and prodded the inner her, "Your veins are tiny." Felix remarked and Mara gave a dry laugh. It was true. She found out the hard way over time that every nurse she had, had a difficult time finding a vein large enough stab. It often left her with large bruises and occasionally a ruptured vein as they poked her with various sized needles.

She was surprised at how gentle he was as he inspected her arm. Seeking out his target with great care. Finally, Felix seemed to find the spot. A sightly thicker vein hidden on the upper inside of her arm. Mara screwed her eyes shut as she felt the pinch of the needle and then the slightly tugging as her blood was pulled out and into a syringe. Seeing blood never phased her in the slightest, just the initial poke that'd cause her to tense up.

He quickly withdrew the needle and held a cotten ball to her arm. "Alright, all done. Keep this on for at least five minutes." He commanded as he stuck a piece of medical gauze over the cotten ball. He took a step back and motioned towards the door, "Better hurry to your room for your surprise." Felix said with a awkward looking smile.

Mara couldn't help but smile back before stepping back out into the hallway. Felix seemed like a nice guy. A little gruff and straight to the point but once she stopped resisting his prodding he relaxed around her.

She made her way back to her room, double checking the room number before entering, it looked exactly how she left it. Plain and simple. Only this time there was a small electronic device sitting on her bed.

Mara rushed over picking up the sleek tablet in her hands and swiped quickly. The device buzzed alive as it started ringing and she almost cried as her mother's weary face appeared on the screen.

"Mara, darling?" her mother asked sleepily. Mara could see the blonde curls that had escaped her mother's pinning. The dark circles that were a permanent feature under the same dark blue eyes Mara had. Yes, this was definitely her mother.

"Mom, I don't know where I am. I don't want to be here. Please. Come get me." her voice broke as more tears spilled down her face.

"Oh, honey. You're not well, sweetie. The doctors said they're were going to help you."

Unwell? Is that what they had told her?

"Mom, I'm fine. They kidnapped me and drugged me and not just me! There's a ton of kids here! They're going to run tests on us to develop our powers or something. You got to help me!"

"It's just like Nova said. You really are different," her mom's voice was soft and sad, "I know this is hard, honey, but they're going to take good care of you and how exciting is this?! You are special! More than a mother could've hoped for. These people are going to make sure your life is amazing and full and beyond anything you could be achieved here. Now, Mara. Mommy has to get some rest before my next shift. You get some rest too. We love you so much. Work with the doctors and become the best you, you can be." Her mother rushed before the tablet went dark and the call disconnected.

Nova had told her mother?

A new wave of shock hit her as she slumped onto her bed. Her mom sounded crazy. How could she just so easily accept that her daughter was taken from her? Had sleep deprivation messed that much with her grip on reality that she'd openly accept that her daughter was some sort of mutant? No. She knew her mother well enough. They would've coated it with medical jargon and price that it was somehow in everyone's best interest. Mara let her body be overtaken with sobs as she reflected on her reality. Her mother hadn't even told her anything about the well being of her siblings before rushing off. Curling onto her side she let all her frustration poor from her until her body could give no more and the tears would no longer come.

The House of Powers

Amara 'Mara' Nguyen

Location: Auditorium

She never lifted her head, keeping her face hidden behind the vale of hair, as more teens filled the room. There were no more tears stinging her eyes just the dull ache that came as they drilled a hole into the floor between her feet. Shame still tinged her cheeks as she waited with fists balled up in her lap. Briefly she worried about leaving Mayrui and Myriam behind but she didn't want the two younger girls to see her. She couldn't face them after acting like a coward.

A lump lodged in her throat as two adults entered the room. Mara heard them first, the sharp clicking of their shoes as they casually made their way to the front. A woman was speaking. Her voice lilted with each word. The words rolled effortlessly as she addressed the room. A man took his place beside her; his face stoic. Mara lifted her head slightly, they didn't look like kidnappers. They were sharply pressed, academic and obscenely attractive in the light of things.

She listen with dulled ears as the woman droned on about how this was in their best interest. That the kidnapping was for their health and well being. Her stomach churned as the ladies syrupy voice chirped brightly in the background. 'For my safety?!' the voice in her head spat. How was this for her safety? In all eighteen years of her life when did Mara'a freedom threaten anyone?

She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Sometime during the woman's speech her head had snapped upwards. Steely eyes fixed and glaring as they watched her mouth move endlessly. The tide of anger had turned once more. This never ending Rollercoaster of emotions was sure to burn her out fast but as her body slipped between indignation and shock she wasn't exactly in the right state to control them.

Her body quivered in anger. Mara could feel a sharp pain in her palms as her nails bit into the soft flesh but she didn't care. The pain was the only thing keeping her from screaming as the screen behind the pair lit up. There she was. Her face shining bright and clean. Mara could see the faint pink that stained her cheeks and nose. A smile toyed on her lips and generally she seemed to ooze subtle joy. The photo must of been taken during the winter. It was her favorite season after all. Just how long had they been following her?

'Six.'

She made a mental note of her room that she had missed earlier. Mayrui's room was nearby which explained how she ended up in the wrong one before.

Coaches?

What are they going to do here? What was the point? To help them learn their abilities better? Then what? Release them back into their old lives?

Mara didn't buy it.

Luckily it seemed like a few others didn't either. A woman with a thick accent spoke first. The heat that laced her words matched the outrage Mara felt. Next was a boy, Mara recognized his voice from the hall as a string of strange words poured out of his mouth. She smirked though, understanding his body language as he moved to the front of the room.

Maybe she was caught up in the moment, maybe it was the seething anger that coursed through her veins but Mara found herself quietly standing up in the back row.

"And what of our families?," her voice was almost hushed, unsure in her own thoughts and emotions, "What about our lives?!" there was more strength now as anger laced her words and dripped off her tongue.

Mara slammed her fist into the nearby wall in frustration.

"You can coat your bullshit in sweet words all you wish but don't dare act like this is for our sake. You kidnapped us," her voice wavered as emotion overtook her. Mara shook as she held up her arms so the duo could see the bruising that painted across her skin, "And what about when you're done, huh? What happens after all the tests are run and we pass or fail or whatever? Are you just going to dump us back into the world? Cause I'm not buying it. So cut your shit and be straight with us. We're never getting out of here are we?" her voice cracked on the last word. She could feel the tears slip down her face. The wet spots that soaked into her dress but she didn't care. They were going to see her. All of her.

The House of Powers

Amara 'Mara' Nguyen

Location: Pool

'Myriam.' That was the girl's name. She pushed herself up and Mara took a better look at her as the young woman's tresses spilled away from her face. There was a softness in her eyes; a certain weariness that clung to the very edges of her blue tinged orbs . A twinge of jealousy washed over her. 'This is so not the time.' Mara chided herself. They were in a strange place, surrounded by strangers and here she was being petty over someone's more classic features. Shoving the stinging needles of emotion aside she was glad to see that Myriam hadn't hurt herself. Her lips parted as she went to introduce herself when the speakers cut her off-

"Hello hello! This is a special announcement for those in the pool area. You appear to be having some trouble making your way to the auditorium for the first meeting so we're sending you some help. Please be aware that we have sealed off your abilities while our staff our present until we are comfortable you can exercise them safely in the presence of others."

There was that word; abilities. Her eyes hadn't deceived her after all though it wasn't like Mara had time to focus on it before people began to flood into the pool room. Clad in bio-hazard gear and pushing wheelchairs sent her heart back into a tizzy. Why were they dressed like that? Where had they come from? Standing up she instinctively moved herself in front of two younger girls. She didn't know what she was going to do but she wasn't going to allow them to hurt them anymore. One of the attendants touched her arm gently and pushed her into one of the chairs. Words stammered and died behind her lips as her body offered no resistance. With frantic glances she watched them load Myrui and Myriam into their own chairs and behind to push them out the doors.

"Don't worry, we're just taking you to the auditorium. You'll find out everything soon enough." One of those pushing the wheelchairs said, their voice wheezy through the filtration mask.

This held no comfort for Mara whose fingers dug into the arms on the wheelchair. She had a thousand questions but all seemed barred out of fear. What had she thought she was going to do? It wasn't like she was big or strong but somehow she had built herself up in her mind. That she'd take charge and fight until she returned home to her family. Instead she sat quivering and on the brink of tears once again as they pushed the trio down the hall to the auditorium doors.

They finally came to a stop before the doors and Mara sprang up from her chair, "Th-thanks." she muttered before bursting through the doors her movements jerky with frantic energy. There were already kids in there as Mara swept her gaze over the room. She didn't really want to sit near anyone; tears stinging the corners of her eyes. With quick, sharp steps she found a seat off to the side near the back. Her head tilted causing her pale tresses to fall before her face. She wasn't going to let them see her cry. There was too many people in here already. Crying would only make it worse.