Much could be said of Julia's power in the psychic arts, but when she was focused so singularly on distant happenings, things that were near seemed to slip away from her. Jillian's warm embrace was distant, the sensation as ephemeral as their own bodies. By contrast, it felt as if she was in the midst of those raging minds a block over.
The minds on the rooftop possessed an interesting connection. She felt only their surface echoes, but in that echo was concern, grief, rage... The feral one- hmmm,
Beast- was hardly human in that moment. There was a cloud of rage about her, of loss. She was grieving, until suddenly she was not.
Ah, the boy.
Dearheart, she dubbed him. It was worth a small giggle, watching his concern for a girl who seemed to be holding more power than ever. She had noticed him, it seemed, and the grief had become a sort of desperate energy- only to be overtaken by panic as a certain 'resonance' took place; A synchronization of thoughts that dragged Julia's attention to another mind nearby. Amidst the confusion, she chose to act with a sort of firm decisiveness at nearly the same moment that poor Beast became panicked.
Whether they were an enemy or a confused ally, time would tell. Julia's focus drifted from
Tough's activities, and back to the matter at hand. It seemed Beast was out of commission, and the feral tinge to her mind was gone. On the other hand,
Dearheart's reactions were amusing. He seemed to jump to conclusions with a swiftness that indicated rashness. Julia could understand that sort if illogical behavior when your loved ones were in danger.
Her hands drifted over Jillian's, and squeezed.
It's amazing, the things our little misunderstandings drive us to. On one hand, a concerned girl who acts swiftly to end the threat without lethal intent. On the other hand, a concerned boy whose heart is filled with anger at unintended danger. This is but one way that mindless feuds are born. I am truly blessed to have such understanding. The psychic smirked as her mind searched about, content that matters were turning away from the benefit of Beacon- though she was distracted by a tremble in Jillian's hands.
She swiftly came to understand when her mind caught the hints of a greater presence, and promptly recoiled to a safe distance. A Beckoner near yet another girl.
Another Zealot? The psychic's breath caught, and her teeth gritted as she pulled herself further away. There were such interesting things afoot in that area, from Beacon girls to minds with a familiar tinge to them, but she did not wish to reckon with such things yet.
We're living in interesting times, Jillian. Julia mused within her head, her hands drifting up to brush her other self's cheeks.
Jillian seemed to settle somewhat from the affectionate touch, but the concern remained at the surface of her thoughts.
You're not concerned, Julia? That light felt frightful.Not particularly. They have more important things to deal with than us. But... Julia trailed off mentally. Humming, her hands drifted away from Jillian, her head dipping downwards.
Jillian's grip shifted, pulling her psychic other self closer to her chest, but she didn't interrupt. Nor did she protest as she felt them drifting higher under Julia's power. Jillian understood better than most that silence was sometimes needed for deep thought, and she trusted her progenitor twin to do the deep planning. Assuming she wasn't drifting off to sleep, of course; they both needed more rest than their patron permitted.
This could be... A time of opportunity, Jillian. Beacon is under a lot of pressure now, both deserved and undeserved. Their brutish methodology has alienated them from magical girls and boys that would otherwise be of like mind to them, and their inquisitorial stance on girls such as us has only worsened this. They are not a waning power, but they're an isolated one. I can practically feel it. Finally, Julia's eyes opened, and a flex of her power shot herself and Jillian up even higher into the air, well above the rooftops. Her hands slowly spread out, as if to encompass the city in an embrace. Jillian followed the motion; her eyes had been open for quite some time.
They are becoming alone, and that leaves many magical girls out there more receptive to the embrace of those such as us. Yes, this is a red letter day; we'll bring many under my control, if we play this right. And for that, I need... Julia's hands drifted inwards, and her grin softened once more as warmth drifted into her mental tone. Her fingers interlocked with those on the hands supporting her. Her eyes focused behind her, upon Jillian's face.
You, Jillain.The empath's brilliant smile was heartwarming.
Always. Julia understood. Returning the warmth with her own softer smile, the tired psychic's eyes drifted shut. They hung there in the sky for a time. One mind, heavy with responsibility but eager to bring about her counterpart's wishes. The other, burdened with the weight of power and plans and confident in her control.
Neither of them were aware of what stalked them yet.