There's no place like home...

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

WHO: Madelyne Pryor medea_recast and open to those that could feel this.
WHERE: A small warehouse in the wrong part of town, in other words, the perfect location for a demonic safe-house.
WHEN: Sunday night.
WARNINGS: NPC transfiguration, and villains making plans?
SUMMARY: Maddie's taking a break from her Alaskan vacation to make herself a new home as outlined HERE. She might go shopping for curtains, but I wouldn't hold your breath.
FORMAT: TL;DR Para to start, then I'll match all taggers?


Power. She could feel it coursing through her veins, giving her life, setting her on fire. But it came slowly. To sink her claws into this one building, it had taken her nearly a full day. An equal time was dedicated to twisting the soul of the poor man that had stumbled in on her as she began. Twenty-four hours and counting. Without Limbo to draw on, everything took longer... but as the magic continued to build under her skin she began to laugh. Despite everything, the power was still there and here it was hers. No demons to be beholden to, no deals to honor, just her and the power. To build, to destroy, whatever she wanted.

So tonight she bent the world, just a little. With a final cry, she released the power within her, feeling it spread out into the building she'd claimed like life's blood through veins. She felt the floor shudder beneath her and settle. The walls began to change, pulsating with life of their own, almost organic as they darkened and twisted. Air through the vents sounded like breathing, and the creaking of supports and timber were like old bones, just beginning to move again. It became hers, and extension of self and will that none could enter without her permission, a home that was truly hers and reflected the darker nature of what passed for her carbon-copy of a soul.

With a smile she slowly turned to face what was left of the intruder laying on the floor behind her. She knelt beside him as he quivered in fear, running a finger down his nose, over his face and down to his chest. Pressing her palm to his heart, she released the remainder of the power she'd built. His features melted into something more primal, something out of nightmare and darkness. Hands twisted into claws, skin turned to leathery scales and wings stretched out from his back. He shuddered, the last scream of his humanity ripping from his throat before he hung his head, shaking.

Drained, she staggered back, barely able to stand on her own feet. As if summoned, a chair appeared behind her, perfectly placed for her to sink into as a ragged voice spoke from the floor. Her newly-made servant looked up at her even as he pressed himself downward in a show of submission. Mistress are you well?

She smiled, closing her eyes. "Just tired my pet, I need a slight break before I go back to Alaska." There were images to be maintained after all, she couldn't remain in the city much longer.

Still, minutes passed and she opened her eyes, a thought occurring to her. "Perhaps I should go outside for a bit, get some air." She needed to check the outside of the warehouse. The spell had been done with the intention to keep the exterior looking the same, but it wouldn't hurt to confirm it with her own eyes. Picking up the hooded coat she'd been wearing upon her arrival she ran a hand over it's length, transforming it into a dark cloak. Should anyone see her outside, it was all they would see.

"Follow." She headed toward the door, her demon pet following and they stepped into the cold city night to begin her inspection.

Comments

[wantsapprentice.livejournal.com]

He couldn't resist the slight smirk that twisted his lips. Yes, a 'club' -- he'd thought it was absurd when it was proposed as well. Still, some good had come out of the Coalition so he couldn't really mock it, much as he was sometimes inclined to.

"Think of it more as a listing of people with similar ideals. There are no obligations; only opportunity."

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

"Hmmmmm."

Madelyne turned her head, looking out over the city. Contacts would be useful...

"I may be interested. If so, how would I contact you?"

[wantsapprentice.livejournal.com]

"Over the network," he said. "Or if you prefer something more discrete, that can be arranged as well."

Either way, it made no difference to him. He'd grown accustomed to his apparent role in the city as the point of contact for others of a similar persuasion to himself.

It suited him.

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

"Discretion is of the utmost importance, although if you have some encryption I could use.."

She had her own, but comparative to the X-Men's skill they may not be enough for this sort of communication. If he did business over the network regularly, it may be to her advantage to see them.

[wantsapprentice.livejournal.com]

"I do."

Technology, after all, was his forte. Encryptions, robotics, nanotechnology -- all of these were at his disposal and more.

"There's also a number I can give you, untraceable in all aspects, should you wish to contact me more directly."

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

"I'd like both if at all possible."

He might be more useful than she thought, but time would tell.

[wantsapprentice.livejournal.com]

His mouth quirked at the reply. As I thought.

Ever-prepared, Slade reached into a compartment in his belt and withdrew a small flash drive. Connecting it to his communicator, Slade transferred a copy of his encryptions as well as a number to reach him by onto the device. Then, the task complete, he disconnected it and handed it over to her.

"Everything you need, you'll find on this."

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

She took the flash drive and tucked it underneath the cloak. She'd have to find someone to show her how it worked. She was good enough with the comm to do basic encryptions, but there was a lot of technology she was still getting used to.

"You have my thanks."