Disclaimer: I do not own Worm, that belongs to Wildbow. I do not own Heroes of the Storm, that belongs to Activision-Blizzard and Blizzard Entertainment.

Author Note: Warning for Skidmark's foul language.

Chapter 9

January 22, 2011 – Afternoon

PRT HQ

Downtown Brockton Bay

The investigation into PRT Special Agent Sandra Jefferson was well underway at her place of work and at her home.

It was now mid afternoon, the FBI had been at work since arriving yesterday and currently an FBI team was at her workstation, a IT specialist at work on her computer going over the computer carefully while other agents were looking over the papers in the desk and filing cabinets.

A separate team had been out at the fugitive agent's home since yesterday searching the house for evidence and collecting it. The fugitive had planned her getaway well. She had managed to flee to Brockton Bay Central Bank and emptied three safe deposit boxes, two large ones and one small one. It was clear she had a lot of cash on hand and most likely a set of false identification papers.

The IT specialist was busy and he had made some discoveries that were concerning. He finally raised his head and looked around at the other agents who had their faces buried into their tasks.

Clearing his throat to get someone's attention, one of the agents looked up and asked, "What's up?"

The IT specialist FBI agent asked, "Who is responsible for their IT, their cyber security?"

One of the FBI Agents raised their head from looking over the paperwork they were examining. The FBI agent blinked and said in reply, "Uh, I think...I think it's that cape Armsmaster who handles that but I'm not sure."

The IT specialist said, "I just found some network taps, taps that were very well hidden. Someone who's not authorized is in the system but I don't know who. I gotta report this to Special Agent Smart and to Armsmaster if he is in charge of their security."

The agent nodded. "Go ahead, we're still digging here."

"It goes without saying, no one touch the computer until I return with Armsmaster or Special Agent Smart.", the IT specialist left.

The agents returned to their work, looking for evidence and adding it to the collection of evidence they already had.

The Barnes House

It was late in the afternoon when Alan, Zoe, and Anne entered the house from the garage door. There were a couple news vans parked outside with reporters and camera people waiting to get a shot and hopefully an interview. Alan closed the garage door before the family exited the car to avoid having to talk to anyone.

Now, Alan and Anne were sitting at the kitchen table. Zoe was getting drinks out of the refrigerator and bringing them to her husband and daughter. Anne was looking concerned while Zoe and Alan were both looking as if they were exhausted.

Husband and wife had another "discussion" after Zoe had returned from the backyard earlier in the day where Alan told her that the Firm had put him on a leave of absence. Zoe finally had enough and grabbed her husband by the front of his dress shirt and tie and ordered him to contact one of the lawyers that his boss had suggested and hire one for Emma.

Alan did as he was told and called one of the numbers and the lawyer agreed to meeting with Alan and Zoe immediately. The family left the house to go to the lawyer's office and met with her.

The meeting went well and now Emma had a lawyer, a woman named Ellenor Dole. Ellenor said that she would make a trip to Concord and meet with Emma the next day. Alan, Zoe and Anne said that they would go to Concord and visit with Emma too.

Now, the three were sitting at the kitchen table. They had skipped lunch and in the silence Anne's stomach growled loud enough for both parents to hear.

Mother and father looked at their older daughter. Anne looked embarrassed. Zoe stood up and ruffled her daughter's hair as she walked to the refrigerator again. "I'm hungry too. I think there's still some food in the fridge."

Anne looked at her dad, "What are we going to do?"

Alan gave a smile to his daughter. "We're going to eat. After that, we'll figure it out as we go."

Anne said, "But dad, you're on leave, mom's losing clients, I'm losing my friends! What are we going to do?!"

Alan squeezed his daughter's hand. "We'll get through this. Now we are finding out who are friends really are."

Finding leftovers in the refrigerator, Zoe went to work plating and reheating the food. She brought the dishes over and placed them in front of Alan and Anne and at her spot. Then Zoe said, "Enough, let's just eat and enjoy each other's company. We have a long hard road ahead but we will get through this."

The family ate their late lunch quietly, but the tension was still there. One thing they had to look forward to was visiting Emma with her new lawyer tomorrow.

The Hebert House

Taylor was walking up the street to her house after Sarah had completed the raid on it and she saw news vans parked along the street of her house and a crowd of media around the front of her house. She stopped for a moment.

Widowmaker said, "It would seem, that they found you, chère."i

Li-Ming asked, "Who are all these people and why are they in front of your house?"

Jaina and Tyrande asked, "Where did they come from?"

Taylor cursed and said, "That's the media, the same kind of people that were in front of Winslow when we came out of the school."

Jaina, Li-Ming, and Tyrande made sounds of understanding.

Taylor let out a sigh and started walking towards her home. Soon enough she was spotted and reporters began running towards her and were shouting out questions.

Taylor kept walking and as she was walking Jaina and Sarah both said, "Remember what Mister Cheatum told you." "Don't say anything Taylor."

Taylor replied, "I know, I won't say anything except, 'No Comment'."

Taylor brought the hood of her hoodie up and closed it so she could obscure her face then she kept walking and put a hand across her forehead to block any straight ahead view of her face.

Reporters started screaming questions at her and the cacophony of noise made it hard for her to understand a single question. She could make out a word here and there but Taylor increased her stride and told a few reporters that were blocking her path, "Move aside please."

Widowmaker said, "No need to be so polite, tell them to get the hell out of your way!"

Taylor moved quickly and was making her way up the front of her her house, skipping the rotten first step and she opened the door. She turned around and yelled, "I have no comment and I'm telling you all to stay off of our property!"

Then she moved inside and closed the door….perhaps a little too hard as the closing of the door was very loud. Danny appeared at the top of the stairs with a baseball bat in one hand and the cordless phone in the other. He had an expression of relief on his face when he saw her.

"Taylor!", he exclaimed. Then he spoke into the phone, "It's Taylor's she's home. I thought some reporter knocked our door down."

Taylor chirped, "Hey dad, sorry about the door. What's going on out front?"

Danny set the bat against the banister then talked into the phone quickly then pulled it away while covering the mouthpiece. "Talking with Mister Cheatum, he's going to be coming over shortly. The media started showing up about two hours after you left."

Danny spoke into the phone again and then said goodbye. Looking down at Taylor he said, "He called after you left to say that your name was leaked on the internet by some idiot calling himself Void Cowboy. They've tried to get me to come out and say something but I'm listening to Mister Cheatum's advice."

Taylor nodded and replied, "I see."

Taylor's thoughts were another story. "Void Cowboy!? That conspiracy theory nut outed me!? Wait...that means he goes to Winslow!"

Sarah said, "Well, no one is going to Winslow now, not even you."

Widowmaker chuckled, "That's true. Will they sell tickets for the demolition? Do you want a front row seat?"

Jaina asked, "So, they sent a priest to heal all the kids and staff that were sick at the school?"

Taylor went to the kitchen and was pulling out some carrots to snack on when Jaina said that and she coughed.

Taylor got under control and replied, "Panacea is not a priest, she's a Parahuman Healer, her powers allow her to heal the sick and injured. Dad said that she healed me when I was brought to Intensive Care."

Tyrande asked, "Can she raise the dead?"

Taylor was stunned. "What?"

Everyone else was stunned into silence, except for Jaina who did not seem surprised at all.

Tyrande asked, "Can she resurrect the newly dead? It is a spell taught to those with the willpower and stamina strong enough. I can do this, can Panacea?"

Everyone except for Jaina was stunned. Taylor answered after a moment. "No. No Capes have the power to resurrect the dead. Our medical science can restart a heart that's stopped but there's a window of time before the doctors declare a patient is dead and after that...there is nothing that can be done. Tyrande, can you resurrect my mother?"

Tyrande asked, "How long has she passed on?"

Taylor answered, "Just under two years"

Tyrande responded, "I'm sorry, too much time has passed. Know that your mother is in peace and she no doubt loves you."

Taylor sighed. Everyone gave Taylor words of comfort and reassurance. She looked over to her dad who was about to say something.

Danny said, "I got a law firm to take on the case against the parents the animals that did that to you. They were recommended by Mister Cheatum. I'll tell you more in bit. Going to put the phone back in the bedroom."

Danny turned and went back towards his bedroom. Taylor quickly ran up the stairs to return to her room where she put the backpack and duffel bag of cash in her closet and the bag with Sarah's Ghost gear on the far side of the bed then she left her room and was back downstairs, heading for the kitchen to grab something to drink.

Sarah and Widowmaker both said, "Water, no soda."

Taylor was reaching for a can of Coke then stopped and sighed. She closed the refrigerator then opened a cabinet to grab a glass. She filled it with ice and water and took a long drink.

"Good.", Widowmaker said. There was an image of Widowmaker, arms folded giving an approving nod.

Sarah said, "You can have your can of Coke for dinner."

Danny walked in to the kitchen and saw his little girl and thought to himself that she really wasn't little anymore. Still, Taylor would always be his little girl. He pulled her hood down then ruffled her hair then grabbed a can of Coca-Cola for himself.

Taylor protested, "Dad, stop that!"

Danny chuckled and commented, "No soda?", he took a drink of his coke.

She replied, "Saving it for dinner. I'm uh, cutting down so I can get in shape. Panacea may have used the little fat I had to heal me but I'm skin and bones. I need to get some muscle. That's why I had you pull the weight machine out for me."

Danny nodded. "So, what's for dinner tonight?"

Taylor looked at the thawing meat on the kitchen counter. She put the pork chops back in the meat drawer of the refrigerator since the meat was thawed out but she wouldn't be cooking for at least an hour, maybe two. "Smothered pork chops and mashed potatoes?"

Danny nodded in approval. "That sounds good. Did you have fun on your outing?"

Taylor took a drink of her water then answered, "Yep."

Danny nodded, "Good."

There was a knock on the door and Danny scowled. "I swear if it's some idiot reporter…." Danny walked over to the front door and opened it, ready to tear the person's head off when he saw it was his friends and coworkers, Kurt and Lacey.

Kurt said, "Hey Danny, Lacey and I saw the show in front of your house on the TV and thought you could use a friendly face."

Lacey saw Taylor behind Danny as she was walking out of the kitchen and she moved Danny out of the way and walked over to Taylor with arms open for a hug. "Taytor Tot! How are you doing kiddo?!"

Widowmaker chortled, "Taytor Tot! That's a good one! I shall remember that one forever!"

Taylor's eyes widened at 'Hurricane' Lacey's fast approach and she was pulled into a very tight hug from the wife of her dad's friend. Lacey gave a squeal of happiness.

Taylor was patting Lacey's back while gasping. "Air!"

There was laughter from the Voices in Taylor's head. Li-Ming commented, "She almost has more muscles than Sonya."

Lacey released Taylor and pushed her back while holding on to Taylor's shoulders. "I didn't get a chance to tell you, you've grown like a weed since I saw you last and...my god...you're going to make me cry...you...you look like Annette with your hair like that."

She pulled Taylor back in for one more hug and the woman whispered, "I know you miss her, I miss her too. But you have me, your Aunt Lacey and your Uncle Kurt." She pushed Taylor back again and Taylor had tears on the corner of her eyes as well. Lacey wiped her eyes with her forearm and turned her head to look at Danny. "What have you been feeding this girl that she's grown so much?!"

Danny and Kurt had been shaking hands and giving each other pats on the back. Danny turned to look at Lacey and with a grin he answered with a grin, "I uh put some drops of Miracle Gro on her head when she's asleep."

Taylor exclaimed, "Dad!"

Kurt, Lacey, and Danny all started laughing.

Sarah and Widowmaker chuckled while Jaina, Li-Ming, and Tyrande were confused. "I don't get it.", Li-Ming declared.

Sarah said, "It's just some humor between friends at our Taylor's expense. Her dad says he gave her drops that help with plant growth to help her grow, hence the growing like a weed comment."

"Ah.", the other three said. Widowmaker was still chuckling.

Danny sat down in his chair and gestured for Kurt and Lacey to sit as well. Taylor sat down in her chair while her dad's friends sat on the sofa.

Kurt said, "We just wanted to be here to support you Danny and you Taylor. Danny's told us what happened and we're so sorry for what you've gone through. But your dad's got a plan."

The doorbell rang.

Taylor got up first saying, "I'll get it."

The three adults watched Taylor answer the door and a moment later six more people entered. All of them Dockworkers. Danny, Kurt, and Lacey stood up.

The one in front of the group of five others was Mark, the head of security for the Dockworkers Association. The others with him were other dockworkers, four men, one woman. Mark spoke, "Hey Danny, hey Taylor." He gave a wave and said, "Hey Kurt, Lacey. We all saw the news that Taylor's name got leaked and thought you could use some support."

Danny said, "Thanks, thanks for coming. Taylor and I appreciate it."

There was another knock on the door.

Taylor was still by the door so she answered it and ten more dockworkers walked in. It was starting to get crowded. There were close to twenty people in the house now.

There was brief conversation and Danny was still standing when he decided to make an announcement. "Everyone, I want you to know that I've hired a lawyer to sue the school district, Winslow, the principal and several staff, and the PRT."

There were cheers from everyone. Kurt was up front and said, "Hell yeah Danny! Stick it to 'em!"

Danny waited for the cheers to die down then continued, "I also just hired another firm to sue the parents of the...animals that…hurt my Taylor." Danny had an angry expression, it was clear he wanted to use stronger language but with Taylor present he was not going to use such language in front of his daughter.

There were more cheers at that announcement. Then the doorbell rang.

Taylor weaved through the room full of people to answer the door again. Standing there was Mister Robert Cheatum himself.

The lawyer smiled at Taylor, "Hello Taylor, can I come in?"

Taylor replied, "Sure, come on in."

Robert Cheatum entered the house, Taylor closed the door. The man looked around and saw Danny and Danny saw him, upon spotting the lawyer Danny moved over to him and the two shook hands.

Robert said, "Danny. Sorry to come over when you have company."

Danny gave a smile and responded, "It's no problem, just my coworkers and friends from the DWA that decided to come over and offer support since Taylor's name is out there now."

Robert nodded. "I see. Well, everything's on track for me to file first thing Monday morning."

Danny nodded, "That's great." He smiled. "I just hired another firm to sue the parents. I mentioned your name and they were very willing to take the case."

"Excellent, Danny." Robert looked around and saw that many of the dockworkers were looking at him. "Hello, I'm Robert Cheatum, Danny has hired me to sue those responsible for what has happened to his daughter. Believe me when I tell you, I won't rest until I have made those responsible pay a high price for their wrongdoing!"

There were cheers and various calls of "Yeah!", "Alright!" and a few expletives added to the agreeing calls as well.

Danny asked Robert, "The media still out there?"

Robert nodded. "They want a shot of you and Taylor, and definitely a quote or two."

Danny took a breath and said, "Well I do have something I want to say. Why don't I go out there and give them something?"

Robert said, "Well, what did you have in mind?"

Danny told him.

Robert said, "Well, if that's the way you feel about it, let's fire the first shot."

There were cheers as everyone had heard the conversation. Robert walked over to the door and called for Taylor. Taylor rushed over and Danny walked over to the door as well. Robert opened the door and he led Danny and Taylor outside. The dockworkers followed behind.

The reporters saw the group walking out and were moving forward towards Danny, Taylor and Robert. Robert held up his hands in a gesture to get their attention. Danny walked to the bottom of the driveway and stopped, Taylor was next to him, standing to his right while Robert was to his left. The dockworkers were standing in a group behind the three.

Robert waited to see that the cameras were recording then said in a clear voice, "I'm Robert Cheatum, my client Danny Hebert has something to say." He looked at Danny and said quietly, "They're all yours."

Danny took a moment to look at Taylor and he reached over and squeezed her hand. Then he looked at the cameras and reporters that were holding their microphones out, waiting for him to speak.

Danny began, "I'm Danny Hebert, the father of a wonderful teenage girl named Taylor. So, a few weeks ago my little girl was the victim of a horrendous attack that the former principal of Winslow High School called a 'prank'. This assault, this crime against my daughter put her in the hospital and it almost killed her. If not for Panacea, my daughter would have died." He paused then added, "To Panacea, you have my gratitude and thanks. I'm in your debt."

"I went through hell, I've been in hell while my little girl was in the hospital. Police started investigating right away but they had no leads. When Taylor was finally released, they came over to the house and talked to her. We were stunned that no one had come forward or offered anything and Taylor gave the police leads to investigate."

Danny continued to talk, to tell of how the Principal showed up at the hospital and offered to pay the hospital bill and give him five thousand dollars for an agreement not to sue. He told them how he rejected the Principal's offer then how he contacted the District Superintendent to file a formal complaint.

Danny went on to talk about how the police said the case was being put on the back burner, then he got a call that the district's investigation found nothing. As Danny was talking more dockworkers were showing up and moved to stand behind Danny and next to their fellow dockworkers. There were close to fifty people behind Danny, Taylor, and the lawyer.

Also joining were the leaders of the bus driver's, bus mechanic's, and the janitors and custodian worker's unions. They were quickly moved to stand at the ends of the assembled group. Danny gave each person a greeting with a nod of his head as he was speaking.

Danny shook his head and he chuckled a couple times. "Well, we now know how that's turned out. Whoever the anonymous person was that provided the tip to the media and to law enforcement that got this investigation to where we are now, I am forever grateful. Thank you for doing the right thing, and Taylor is thankful to you too." Danny looked at Taylor, Taylor looked at her dad and the two smiled at each other.

Taylor thought, "Thank you Sarah, you are the anonymous source that got this all started."

Sarah replied with a smile in Taylor's mind, "You're welcome Taylor. Told you we'd get you justice."

The Voices echoed Sarah's remark.

Danny was looking at the cameras and reporters again. "Now, the people my daughter accused are in custody. One of them, a Ward! A known violent Ward that the Protectorate paraded as a redeemed vigilante! This so called redeemed Ward, escaped from custody after being arrested! Does that strike you as actions of an innocent person? How many other kids was she doing things she shouldn't be doing to?!Now she's sitting in a Federal jail cell. Thank you Armsmaster, Miss Militia, and Velocity for bringing her in."

"Speaking of this so called redeemed Ward, this Ward was supposed to be being supervised, look at the excellent job this agent performed! She's accused of serious crimes and this agent is still on the loose! The mastermind of this plot used to be my daughter's best friend. Now she sits in a jail cell in Federal lockup. The third, a clear follower and lap dog is sitting in a cell right next to her."

"Next, there's the administration and faculty at Winslow High School. More than a year of bullying, multiple complaints filed, and a faculty and staff incapable and unwilling to do their jobs. A Principal clearly not interested in doing her job because she's more interested in stealing money from the city and Federal government to pad her own bank account and those of her coconspirators."

"Winslow High School used to be the Arcadia of Brockton Bay before there was an Arcadia! Look at what this Principal has done! Teachers too new to their job and other teachers that just don't give a shit, counting the days til their retirement! Gangs running rampant, the school falling apart! With this Ward on campus, were any criminal gang members at the school arrested? Clearly this Ward was not interested in doing their job, but being the thug at her friend's beck and call, beating the snot out of my daughter and any other kids she didn't like!"

"Next, there's the school district. I file a formal complaint and the Assistant Superintendent who is sitting in a jail cell right now is the one to call me and say that there was nothing found?!" Danny tilted his head and nodded slightly. "Interesting right? It's the fox guarding the chicken coop."

"Finally, the PRT. A rogue Ward under the watch of a rogue PRT agent. That's a lot of rogues. Are there more in Brockton Bay? Who's watching the watchmen? Clearly, no one!"

Danny turned slightly and gestured to the large group behind him and the lawyer next to him. "As you can see, I have a lawyer here. Since the school district couldn't negotiate and do a proper investigation, I need to get the school district's attention. With me and my daughter are my brothers and sisters in the Dockworkers Association as well as leaders of the Janitors and Custodians Union, Bus Driver's Union, and the Bus Mechanic's Union."

"Starting Monday morning, all the members of these unions are joining with the Dockworkers Association in pulling their kids out of every school in the Brockton Bay School District. From Pre School to High School, these four Unions in the city are going to take our kids out of school to protest the School District's poor handling of my call for an investigation and general principal that the school staff has a duty of care to all students, not just the pretty, popular, and athletic students. I call upon my fellow Union brothers and sisters that have not heard of this call to action, to join with our Unions in this form of protest against the school district!"

There were cheers and cries of "Here, here!" from behind Danny.

"I'm not done. This is simply the first shot, the warning shot if you will. I fully intend to file a lawsuit against the Brockton Bay School District, Winslow High School, it's staff and faculty, and the PRT for their egregious actions and I will not rest until not only the accused are convicted of the crimes they stand accused of but that these organizations are held accountable for their actions so that nothing like what has happened will happen to anyone else. The institutions are not going to make this go away just by throwing money at the problem and expect me and my daughter to just walk away. They must publicly admit wrongdoing and publicly apologize to my daughter, to me, and to the general public for failing in their duty. Thank you."

Robert Cheatum held up his hands and said, "Thank you, that's all for today. Contact my office and we'll see about arranging individual interviews. Thank you, thank you."

Danny and Taylor turned and walked back to the house, both of them had their backs patted by the dockworkers as they passed by then followed them into the house.

Reporters were in front of their cameras speaking into their microphones, reporting on what they had just witnessed

Inside the house, people spread out through the living room and the kitchen, someone started a chant. "Danny! Danny! Danny!" It was quickly picked up and the whole group of people were chanting Danny's name.

Danny held up both hands and was calling for quiet. Taylor was looking in shock and awe.

Danny said, "Look, this...everything I'm doing, this is for Taylor! They hurt my little girl, my Little Owl and I want these people to pay!"

Kurt yelled, "And they're going to pay Danny! They're going to pay a whole hell of a lot of money!"

The crowd yelled, "HELL YEAH!"

The group was cheering some more, chanting Danny's name first then it switched to Taylor's name being chanted. Taylor was blushing at the scene. It was incredible.

Jaina said, "Remarkable!"

Widowmaker remarked, "It would seem your father is working hard to keep his promise to you young one."

Tyrande said, "Your father has good friends and supporters, young Taylor."

Li-Ming said, "You and your dad are not alone, Taylor. We are here, and your father has friends."

Sarah said, "Jim once said, 'We're here to kick ass and chew gum, and we're out of gum'. You and your dad will win Taylor!"

Taylor wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her hoodie. "Thanks, everyone."

The house quieted down finally and it became clear that the phone was ringing. Danny was closest, the group parted so that he could get to the phone and he answered it.

"Hebert residence, Danny speaking."

Danny listened to the speaker then he said, "That's great, that's really great. I appreciate your support and I look forward to meeting you tomorrow."

Danny hung up the phone. Everyone was looking at him and Danny looked at everyone.

Taylor asked, "Who was it dad?"

Danny smiled as he answered, "That was the head of the Grocery Workers Union. They are going to pull their kids out of all the schools on Monday too! They're joining us in protest!"

Everyone cheered and there was more clapping and celebratory yells. As the place quieted down someone yelled out, "Let's get this party started!"

Lacey brought her arms up and yelled, "Alright, we're gonna need to make a run to the store! I'm gonna need burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings…" She quickly grabbed people and gave them tasks. The people nodded and rushed off to the store to get the food and drinks for the impromptu party. Others went outside to get the fire pit ready and move some things around and set up some impromptu tables. The grill was checked and declared fit for duty once it was cleaned. Someone got busy cleaning the grill. A call was made to the shopping group to grab more charcoal for the grill.

Mark, told Danny that there were portable heaters and lights in the bed of his trick that he could bring over for the backyard and he had some wood in his truck for the fire pit in the backyard too,

Danny nodded, it looked like this was going to happen so he patted Mark's shoulder and let his people do their thing.

Danny walked over to meet with the Union heads that had come over and the group talked for a few minutes before they shook hands with Danny and walked out of the house. Right after they left, Robert walked over and patted him on the shoulder.

"It's nice to have friends.", Robert said.

Danny said, "Yeah."

Robert said, "Well, I'm going to take off. Still have a lot of work to do."

Danny offered his hand to Robert and the two shook hands and Danny and Robert walked away from the group, heading for the door. Taylor saw them and joined her father in walking Robert to the door, opening it for him.

Robert looked at Taylor and said, "Thank you. You're going to need to be strong. Your name is out there, the media will be after you for an interview. Just say 'no comment' for now and when the time is right, probably on Tuesday or Wednesday, we'll set up an interview with the networks, probably even the cable news shows. Stay safe, take care of yourself."

Robert patted her on the shoulder then walked out into the front yard, making his way to his parked car where his driver was waiting.

Taylor closed the door and went upstairs to her room. She needed to have a conversation with Sarah.

Taylor sat down at the foot of her bed and ran both her hands through her hair. Taylor quietly said, "Fuck. Sarah, you could have killed that guy and I said no killing!"

Sarah replied, "I read his mind, I read all their minds, that fuck was a rapist. Five women, Taylor! Five women he's raped and put in the hospital. He was the worst of them, the others were violent thugs, yes. But they weren't rapists. He's going to get treated, and he'll never, ever be a threat to women anywhere where he's going."

Taylor huffed. She could remember the images flashing through her head as Sarah scanned the minds of the Merchants. Then she raised her arms in exasperation. "Mastering them Sarah!? I had no idea you could do that!"

Sarah said, "I remind you, I'm a psychic. What? You didn't want me to kill them, so I put them down another way. They didn't fight back, and only one of them got hurt because, again he was a rapist! All of them are going to be going to prison! So, how about a thank you instead of ripping my head off!"

Taylor ran a hand through her hair again. She took a deep breath and let it out. "You don't understand, Masters that can do what you do…the PRT doesn't like..."

Widowmaker said, "What are you so upset for? She did as you asked, now you're upset? You do realize these gangs are going to fight back, yes? What do you expect us to use, harsh language? Taylor, these gangs will fight back with lethal force, you cannot have us fight back with our hands tied behind our backs! They are going to try to kill you and let me remind you, if you die we die! I know which side I prefer to be on!"

Taylor let out a breath and said, "I'm not upset that you used your powers like that. I'm upset because Mastering people...that's a stigma...the PRT takes a harsh view on Masters! I haven't told you about Heartbreaker…"

Sarah said, "Look, I'm beginning to see why you're upset. But I'm not apologizing and you know that what I did was right. Those women are going to get justice, Taylor and deep down you approve."

Taylor huffed. She looked up to the ceiling and huffed again. Widowmaker and Sarah were right. She knew it and deep down she did approve. But, she was having problems coming to accept it. All the known Masters she is aware of are villains, Heartbreaker being at the top while she's heard of a sect of the Fallen having Master powers that was equally scary.

Taylor growled, "Just be quiet, I need to think!" She got up and opened the backpack and duffel bag. She pulled out the cash and started organizing it. There were a lot of twenty dollar bills all strapped with bank straps, each strap marking $2,000, the ten dollar bills all had straps marking $1,000. The fifty dollar and hundred dollar bills each had straps marking, $5,000.

Taylor had the money organized by denomination very quickly. She did a count to add the total amount of cash and she gasped at the total.

Li Ming chirped, "Three hundred three thousand dollars. Is that a lot?"

Widowmaker gave a low whistle. "Not bad."

Taylor quietly said, "We can pay off the house with this."

Widowmaker said, "You can pay your lawyer with this. You can use this money to start funding for the offensive against the gangs. You can use it to buy some new clothes. I saw a very nice shoppe that you must go. I can see you in a nice dress."

Li-Ming added, "You can get a new computer Taylor."

Sarah exclaimed, "Oh hell yes! You are going to replace that ancient relic first thing tomorrow!"

Widowmaker agreed, "Oui, Taylor. You must get a new computer. That relic must be taken out to the backyard and shot."

Sarah said, "I'm going to be the one that puts that computer out of its misery. Anyway, we now know the location of other stash houses and when that money is going to be picked up to be turned in to the gang leadership. Based on what we saw in that man's head, there is between one point five to one point seven five million dollars between the stash houses. When we find the main base, there could be a lot more money waiting to be taken! I believe the saying is 'that's a lot of cheddar', right?"

Widowmaker said, "Here is how you can get this money to your father. Put the money in a box, type up a note saying it's a donation to cover legal fees and other costs, write your dad's name on it and leave it by the door. Then open the door and say 'Hey Dad, someone left us this'. Problem solved!"

Taylor hummed in thought then started piling the money back into the duffel bag. Taylor thought to herself that Widowmaker had a good idea on getting the money to her dad. She saw Sarah's rifle inside her backpack and Sarah told her to leave it alone.

Danny's voice called from downstairs, "Taylor, are you in your room?"

Taylor threw the duffel bag into the closet and closed it. She rushed back to the top of the stairs. "Hey dad, just taking a moment to lie down."

Danny smiled. "We're going to be having a lot of food cooked, the patio is warming up with the portable heaters and the fire pit has been lit, the grill's been lit. Why don't you go help Lacey?"

Taylor said, "Okay." She moved downstairs, into the kitchen and saw Lacey working. "Hey Lacey, need a hand?"

Lacey looked up from her work at a cutting board. "You bet! Wash your hands, and take over cutting these potatoes for french fries. I have to get the dutch ovens out and ready for cooking them. There will be more food and people coming, Steve, Jeff, and Shelly went to the store."

Taylor said, "Hand cut french fries, awesome." She went to the sink to wash up then turned around and took over from Lacey who moved on to another task. It looked like there was going to be a lot of people and a lot of food being prepared.

A Warehouse in the Trainyards

Skidmark was leaning back in his chair, smoking a very potent marijuana joint watching his main squeeze Squealer's very shapely and what he thought as a most perfect ass as she was bent over the monster vehicle she was working on.

She would wiggle her hips while working and it was starting to get to Skidmark where he was going to take his woman very soon. He took a long puff of the joint, finishing it off while holding the smoke in for several seconds before blowing it out.

Skids tossed the blunt to the floor and was about to get up and grab Squealer when someone walked in and exclaimed, "Skids! We got a problem!"

Skidmark looked over at the person walking in, one of his Lieutenants and yelled, "What!? What the fuck is it?! This better be fucking important, Bob!"

Squealer straightened up and turned around, wrench in one hand. She had grease on her face and parts of her clothes. "What's going on?", she asked.

There were other gang members around the large warehouse, a few were taking drugs and getting high while others were watching television. Another group in the office on the second floor were taking inventory of their stock of drugs, and a couple of people were in another office counting cash and organizing it into straps in preparation for transport to the main stash house.

The Lieutenant, a dirty red haired man said, "I'm Gary, my brother's Bob! Anyway, the house on Wilson was hit. The cops took everyone in, Mikey was shot in the balls man. Shot in the fucking balls!"

Skidmark laughed, he was cackling but then his laughter stopped suddenly and he glared at the Lieutenant. "My money? My drugs?"

The Lieutenant said, "The money was gone but the drugs were left behind."

Skidmark stood up, "The fucking pigs took my cash?!"

Gary replied, "Not from what we can tell, they said the safe was open and the money was missing. The cameras were turned off and the hard drives were wiped. Someone robbed us, shot Mikey and walked out. Everyone's been arrested and they're confessing to everything, wanting to plead guilty."

Gary paused then he said, "They think a Stranger Cape hit the place. A call was made to 911 saying that someone was shot, they gave the address, they said there was a lot of drugs, BUT they didn't say anything about the cash, Skids! I think whoever made that call, they're the one that hit us."

The gears were turning in Skidmark's head as he absorbed what was told. "How much did we lose?"

"Over three hundred. We were supposed to pick up the cash tomorrow."

Skidmark went through a cursing rampage topped off by throwing a bunch of cans and other detritus around that lasted for several minutes. When he was done Skidmark raged, "I want you to find this cum sucking son of a bitch. Get the word out, I want the other houses on fucking point, watch out for that shit and to call any fucking thing weird in."

Skidmark looked at Squealer. "Get that fucking thing ready for war baby, we gots a fucking thief to kill."

The Pelham House

It was a little after six pm when the entire New Wave group had gathered at the house of the group's leadership, the house of Neil and Sarah Pelham. Everyone was sitting around the dining room table, Mark and Carol Dallon along with their children Victoria and Amy were sitting on one side of the table while Neil and Sara were sitting at the ends and their kids Eric and Crystal were sitting across from the Dallons. No one was in costume, this was an informal gathering.

There was food in the center of the table, Sarah had cooked a large meal, enough for both families. The main dish was a chicken and egg noodle casserole, a side of cooked vegetables and fresh baked bread.

The group had gathered to talk about the scandals that had erupted as well as their participation in assisting with the lockdown and healing at Winslow High School.

The meal was mostly done, chatter was kept to small talk although Victoria seemed to be excited and was bouncing a little in her chair in anticipation over the upcoming "business talk."

The dinner plates were removed and placed in the kitchen sink while the food was put away in the refrigerator. Now it was time to discuss "business".

The teenagers had refills of their drinks, the adults had coffee cups in front of them. Sarah looked around the table and said, "Alright, let's get this started before Victoria bounces herself through the roof."

Victoria turned red and stopped bouncing in her seat. "Sorry.", she sheepishly said.

Sarah smiled at her niece and said, "That's fine. I want to start by saying I received a call from the American Red Cross, the school district's twenty five thousand dollar donation was received in Amy's name. Amy, you did a great thing at Winslow. I understand that you healed some more people connected with Winslow at Brockton Bay General today?"

Amy nodded after taking a drink of her soda. "Yeah, about twenty seven people today that were connected to Winslow. Then it was the Intensive Care Unit rotation today, and I healed the Emergency Room patients on my way out. Tomorrow is my rotation at Brockton Regional. I may have more people from Winslow to heal there too, but I won't know until I get there."

Sarah gave a smile to Amy then announced, "I received a call from the Mayor's office this morning, he wants to thank New Wave for helping at Winslow and extends a personal thanks to you Amy for your hard work. Mark, Carol and you too Victoria should be real proud of Amy for her hard work."

Victory cheered, "Way to go Ames!", she patted her sister on her shoulder.

Eric and Crystal also cheered for Amy. "Way to go cuz!" "Nice work!"

Neil and Sarah applauded their young niece while Mark was sitting next to Amy on the other side of her and he gave his daughter a squeeze on her shoulder. Amy blushed a little.

Carol leaned forward to look down at Amy. For the first time the lawyer looked at Amy and said something she had never said before. "I'm proud of you Amy. You demonstrated the core values of New Wave while I was dealing with the work emergency and unable to get to Winslow to help you all."

She was looking at the Pelhams as she continued to speak now. "I expect that Amy will be busy with healing those that test positive at Brockton Bay General and Brockton Bay Regional Hospital over the coming days. Amy was called in to heal the three teenagers accused of the crime at the school as well as their families."

Amy scowled, "I wasn't happy about having to heal them given they're responsible for the whole mess but I couldn't let them infect anyone at the jails or prison where they're going and their families didn't need that either."

Victoria added, "Don't forget about the Wards too! Looks like Shadow Stalker gave them something."

Amy made a show of zipping her lips. "Sorry, can't tell anyone who was sick and what they had, thankfully they were asymptomatic."

Victoria patted Amy's shoulder. "Ames was awesome at the school. I think she had a little too much fun with the megaphone ordering everyone around."

Amy defended herself, "I just used it to make them pay attention to my instructions so they could go home sooner. I didn't want to waste time, I never had to heal so many people before."

Victoria teased, "Yeah, sure. I saw you smiling as you gave your orders."

Amy rolled her eyes. "Sure, Vicky."

Eric asked, "Hey, what about that Case 53 that healed all those people in the lobby?" He looked at Amy and added, "Looks like you got some competition, she healed like more than thirty people in seconds! She probably could have healed everyone at the school faster than you!"

Amy scowled, "She made herself a target for every gang out there."

Carol chimed in, "The PRT and Protectorate have enough to charge her with multiple violations of assault with a Parahuman power."

Crystal asked, "But would they do that? If she can heal that many people at once, she'd be great at an Endbringer fight, she could save so many lives! If they charge her, she may not want to be so helpful!"

Carol frowned, "They will no doubt make the charges go away provided she signs on with the Protectorate. But Amy's right, she is a target for the gangs so if you see her, be nice. We want her on our side and she no doubt may have other powers besides healing."

Sarah asked, "Everything resolved at work, Carol? What happened with Emma's father?"

Carol made a face of disapproval that she corrected to a normal expression then said, "The firm put him on a leave of absence for three months so he can take care of his family and deal with this crisis. He has to hire a lawyer for his daughter."

Eric made a sound and said, "I'm surprised they didn't fire him."

Sarah chided, "Eric.", she shook her head at him.

Carol said, "The firm's disciplinary committee recommended he be put on a leave of absence and the partners agreed." She shook her head. "I just wish I had told Alan about what you told me Victoria when you saw Emma and her friends torment that girl. Maybe this could have been avoided."

Victoria didn't look too upset. "That girl Emma was a piece of work. Then there's Sophia. I didn't know she was Shadow Stalker, she never unmasked to me, but now some things make sense when I interacted with her at PRT HQ with the Wards and with Dean. He said she was a walking, talking person full of fury. The third girl was a clear follower."

Crystal chimed in, "So, what does this mean? Winslow's going to be shut down with the asbestos discovery until that asbestos gets cleaned up. Where are they going to send the kids? The PRT is in crisis mode with the reveal that Shadow Stalker was involved in the Locker Incident in her civilian identity. Hey, did you see Mister Hebert's statement?"

Sarah answered, "That's why we're meeting right now. The kids will be put in the other high schools within the district until the asbestos is cleaned up. Clearly the PRT must be held accountable for letting Shadow Stalker run wild with an officer of the law that was corrupt. As New Wave we are about accountability, so we are going to issue our own press release and call on the PRT to do the right thing."

Carol added, "Sarah and I did see the conference. Mister Hebert has a very good lawyer in Robert Cheatum. Mister Ferguson, the Founder made an announcement that we would not be representing the school district or the PRT. He doesn't want to be on the losing side, he has the firm's reputation to consider."

Carol took a drink of her coffee and added, "Even though the fees would be a lot of money, I do agree with his decision. I have no desire to represent the school district or the PRT in their upcoming legal proceedings. I intend to watch and enjoy the show."

Carol took another drink of her coffee and smiled. It was clearly a smile of one looking forward to enjoying something.

The meeting continued for a while as the adults discussed the press release they wanted to issue. The kids were allowed to go to the living room to watch television or play video games.

Amy went to sit on the sofa and pulled out her phone. She started looking at her PHO account and going through the many, many messages to her asking for her to heal them. Each of those was deleted without a response.

Then she started looking through the threads dealing with the Case 53 healer cape. She found threads that had pictures and she stared at the figure on the image. She was tall, well over six and a half feet tall. The pink skin, the green hair, the eyes. Amy was fascinated. She wondered what other healing powers the cape possessed. Could she heal brains? Could she do what she herself vowed never to do?

She hoped that this Cape didn't get forced into a gang before she had a chance to talk to the elf appearing Cape.

Amy glanced at her sister who was on her own phone, her cousin Eric had put an Earth Aleph sci-fi movie alien invasion movie while Crystal was on her tablet.

The teenagers of New Wave settled in to do their own thing while their parents talked.

PRT HQ

Downtown Brockton Bay

Director Emily Piggot was working at her desk late into the night. Her face stuck in a scowl of frustration, anger, anxiety. The day had been a mixed blessing. On one hand, a man she hated very, very much had his consulting contract terminated.

The sight of Thomas Calvert picking up his box of personal items at the front desk was a sight she enjoyed very much. She'd received some discreet texts informing her that there were things in motion. Nothing was set, but there were inquiries being made about replacing her and putting someone else in charge and that one of the names being mentioned was Thomas Calvert. Emily figured out the reason for his consulting contract being ended was a possible first step to putting him in the Director's chair.

She wondered why the man would want this job, he was making millions as a CEO in a company he started and prior to his contract being terminated, he was making a high five figure salary as a consultant for the PRT for practically doing absolutely nothing in her opinion. It didn't make sense to her why he would want to be a PRT Director when he'd have to give that very large salary up for a paltry one hundred sixty thousand dollar salary. Something wasn't right.

Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, Armsmaster had reported to her of an issue brought up by the FBI IT specialist that was looking at PRT Agent Sandra Jefferson's computer.

Flashback begins

It was midday when Armsmaster requested a meeting with her urgently. Wondering what new disaster had come up she decided to make time at once and told him to come to her office.

The man arrived at her office very quickly, surprising her with his quick arrival. As he walked in, she could see the hero's mouth tight in a grimace. Stopping in front of her desk the leader of the Protectorate for the East North East department said, "Madam Director, I request that you secure the room for this conversation."

Knowing that it absolutely had to be serious, Emily pushed a button on her desk. The door audibly clicked and there was a whoosh as the room was secured against any eavesdropping equipment. Emily looked at her computer and it indicated that the room was secure.

"We're secure Armsmaster, now what's going on?", Emily growled.

Armsmaster frowned, opened his mouth to speak, his mouth closed, then opened again. A few seconds later before Emily was about to snarl at him Armsmaster said, "We have a breach. The FBI IT specialist that was checking PRT Agent Jefferson's computer found a couple of taps on her computer which led to taps in the network that Agent Jefferson had access to."

"Someone, specifically an unknown individual has compromised our Information Systems. How bad it is, I'm still investigating, but it's bad Director Piggot, very bad. I've requested Dragon's assistance into identifying every breach while I look into who could possibly be the culprit."

Emily's face went pale, then it turned dark as her temper boiled over. "Are you telling me that the FBI has found out that our information networks are compromised? This is a disaster!"

"I'm afraid so, Director.", Armsmaster growled. He took a breath then added, "I've taken the liberty of calling in Dragon to help with a security sweep and she's identified that the breaches extend to our network over at the Rig."

Emily Piggot's right eye twitched. "Have you cut the connections off?"

Armsmaster shook his head. "No, we're still trying to identify who has the direct access to these feeds. We believe more than one individual is involved. It would help to have someone to arrest, ma'am."

Emily nodded after thinking for a moment. "You're right. Keep digging, this stays between you, Dragon, and me. If you need a warrant, you come to me directly. No emails, no texts with regards to this case. Am I clear?

Armsmaster nodded, "Crystal."

Emily kept her gaze level as she ordered, "Keep me informed, but only here in my office. Do not reveal what you are investigating to anyone, nor do I want to see anything on the servers, and any notes you are keeping, make sure they are secured to your biometrics so no one can access them."

Armsmaster nodded while saying, "Yes, Director."

Flashback Ends

Emily hissed in pain as a spasm hit her. She growled and groaned as the stabbing pain lingered for several seconds after the spasm was over. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Emily opened her drawer and pulled out a couple of Tylenol and dry swallowed them.

She was looking at an email from the Chief Director, an all hands meeting of Directors was being called for at nine am tomorrow morning. Emily knew what was coming, Rebecca was going to roast her over the coals in front of the other Directors and most likely ask for her resignation.

Fuck That Bitch. It was not happening, Emily thought to herself. If Rebecca Costa-Brown was going to ask for her resignation, Emily Piggot was going to go to war and she had the ammunition to bring the Chief Director to her knees. Mutual Assured Destruction. She was looking forward to it.

Emily stood up from her desk and walked out, locking it and securing it from anyone else being able to enter, not even the janitorial staff could get in. She moved to the Crisis Center to get one final brief on the hunt for PRT Special Agent Jefferson which had no new sightings to report.

She growled at the lack of news. She had to hand it to the Special Agent, she knew what she was doing to avoid being caught. Of course, having a lot of cash, stolen cash at that made it easier for her to stay off of the grid.

Right before she left to go home she said, "Good work, all of you. I'm confident we will find her and bring her in."

Emily left the Crisis Center and made her way down to the garage level where here driver and car were waiting.

Taylor Hebert

It was late, almost midnight when Taylor had sneaked out of her room and was on the move down her neighborhood street to head for the secluded area that she used to play with Emma. She had promised Tyrande that she would return and this felt right.

Arriving at the spot fairly quickly she walked through the bushes and trees and entered the area once more. Tall grass surrounded by trees and bushes, looking up the sky was clear and the moon was high.

Tyrande said, "Elune be praised. It's beautiful."

Taylor called upon her power and her form began to change again. She was growing taller, her hair was growing longer and changing color and at the same time Taylor's skin was turning pink. Tattoos around her eyes were appearing, her clothes were changing to the elegant white dress with gemstones. A silvery circlet on her forehead and a tiara atop her head of luscious thick, wavy green hair. Taylor was gone, and Tyrande Whisperwind was standing in her place. There was a bow with a quiver of arrows strapped to her back.

Tyrande said, "Thank you Taylor."

Taylor replied, "You're welcome."

The Night Elf raised her arms to the sky and cried out, "Elune be praised!"

Tyrande moved to the center of the glade, the tall grass seeming to move towards her. The Night Elf began to perform a ritual she hadn't done for a long time. Moving through the tall grass, arms in motion, she spoke her native tongue as she moved.

No one said anything. They all knew this was personal to the Night Elf and Tyrande was thankful in her thoughts. Returning to the spot where she started at the center of the glade, the grass seemed to move and reveal a wooden bowl. Tyrande reached into one of her pouches and placed items into the bowl, her offerings to Elune.

Again Tyrande raised her arms to the sky and spoke in Kaldorei loudly offering her thanks, her offerings, and her wishes to the ancient Goddess of the Night Elves. Once done, she brought her arms down and knelt on one knee while bringing her arms forward to the wooden bowl with its offerings.

She was silent. Her breath coming in pants as she was out of breath. Her eyes were closed for this last part of the ritual when she opened them to see the offerings had vanished.

Tyrande's eyes widened. Everyone in Tyrande's head had exclamations of surprise. Then she felt it. There seemed to be a presence, something overwhelming seemed to be right there but it could not be seen. A breeze blew through the trees, the wind seeming to caress Tyrande's right cheek. The glade seemed to lighten as if the light of the moon shined directly upon the glade and its light was brightest where Tyrande was kneeling in.

Widowmaker exclaimed in French, "What is this!?"

Sarah exclaimed, "This is incredible!"

Li-Ming was in awe and stunned into silence.

Jaina whispered, "Tyrande…"

Taylor quietly said, "What the…?"

Tyrande's eyes widened. She felt her Goddess! She looked up into the sky directly at the moon and cried, "Elune!" Tears were falling down her face as she felt the presence of the Goddess.

Then, just as quickly it was gone. Tyrande was still crying tears of joy but she felt Elune. She brought both her hands to her chest, one hand over her heart, the other atop it and she whispered, "Elune be praised, my Goddess heard me. She is here."

Taylor was stunned and couldn't believe what she felt and heard. She didn't want to say anything, in fact she wanted that moment back. She wanted to feel that presence again. The words to describe it were indescribable.

Widowmaker finally broke the silence. She exclaimed in French, "What in the hell was that!?"

Tyrande was smiling as she answered, "I prayed to my Goddess Elune and my Goddess heard me. She heard my prayer!"

Widowmaker asked again in French, "No, really, what in the hell was that!?"

Tyrande ran in a circle around the glade her arms wide. "This spot shall be made for Elune! I will tend to this spot and guard it!"

Then Tyrande gave one final bow and started to walk out of the glade. Once she was out, she made a turn and started walking down the street. She was going to go to the other place that she wanted to go to, a homeless shelter and according to the map that she had seen with Taylor, there was one that she could walk to at a nearby temple.

There wasn't any traffic, but the first time a car was heard Tyrande ducked into a shadow and froze. Suddenly she seemed to vanish from view in an effect that was very similar to Sarah's cloaking technology.

Everyone except Jaina asked, "What was that?"

Tyrande was back on the move, becoming visible once more. With a chuckle she said, "Shadowmeld. I do not become invisible, but I am much harder to detect when I do not move. Using it in a shadow makes it that much harder for me to be seen."

Taylor asked, "Why don't you use it now?"

Tyrande replied, "Shadowmeld cannot be used while I am moving." Tyrande ducked into another shadow and used Shadowmeld again when she heard the sound of another car. Once it passed she was back on the move. She was moving quickly, her long strides setting a quick pace as she jogged down the sidewalk.

Her eyesight and ears giving her ample warning of any other people that might see her. She would duck into shadow and Shadowmeld and watch them walk by, taking notice of their attire and asking if they were gang members. It seemed the people on the street were just people heading home after having a very good time.

Now Tyrande approached the temple, and she saw it as she was walking towards it along the sidewalk and stopping at the driveway.

"This is the temple of one of your Gods?", Tyrande asked.

Taylor replied, "It's a church. I think they let the homeless sleep in the building that is behind the church."

Taylor added, "Seems closed but I know the church takes people in. Tyrande, you wanted to see if you can help people, we'll do that here if we can find anyone needing help."

Tyrande replied, "Thank you."

Tyrande resumed walking down the sidewalk towards the church. She walked down the side, to the back of the building and saw another building behind the church.

Taylor said, "Lights are on, that may be where the homeless are sleeping."

Tyrande gave a hum in response. "I'll take a look."

Silently the Night Elf moved, not making a sound and Widowmaker commented, "You move very quietly Lady Tyrande."

Sarah echoed that, "Yeah, you move like a Ghost."

Tyrande chuckled, "I wasn't always the leader of my people. I learned many things in my life."

Li-Ming cheered, "You're amazing!"

Tyrande walked across the large parking lot, approaching the second building, taking notice that the main doors were closed. She walked along the side of the building and saw a door on the side. She turned the handle and it was locked. With a sigh she walked to the back of the building and saw an open door with light spilling out from the inside.

Tyrande poked her head in first, looking in and saw that it was a kitchen. She entered and looked around. The equipment was clean, there was nothing being prepared except for a coffee maker that had a half full pot of coffee in it. Tyrande placed her hand near the pot to see if it was hot or cold and nodded her head.

Sarah said, "Looks like it was made a while ago. Coffee is sort of cold."

Tyrande hummed.

She walked around and went through a door that she opened silently and moved through into an open floor. Spread out were cots, the room was dark but she could see everything perfectly.

With her hearing she could hear the people in the room sleeping, some fitfully. She heard someone with labored breathing and made her way to the sound. She found the person, an older man that was breathing with some difficulty as he slept.

Tyrande placed a hand over the man's chest and whispered one of her spells. There was a purple swirl that appeared over the man's head and chest and it vanished. The man's breathing was now smooth. Tyrande smiled and whispered, "May Elune guide your path."

Turning around she heard someone else that was having trouble. The sound of coughing was loud and for a moment the Night Elf used her Shadowmeld to hide and after she was sure no one was awake she moved towards the person who had coughed.

Standing over this person, it was a woman and she wasn't alone. There was a child in the woman's arms, that appeared to be a young boy and Taylor thought the child was between three and four years old. The child coughed a little then settled back to sleep.

Tyrande raised her hand over the child first and whispered the words of her spell. Again a purple swirl appeared over the child's head and chest then it vanished. Tyrande moved her hand over the sick woman and whispered the spell again. The purple swirl appeared over the woman's head and chest before vanishing and the woman's breathing was back in a normal rhythm just like the child's.

Taylor finally asked, "What spell are you casting?"

Tyrande replied by thinking, "Cure disease."

Tyrande moved through the room, taking notice of those men and women, especially if there were children and looked them over. A few had visible injuries, bandages on their body. With visible signs of injuries Tyrande would cast healing spells. Those that seemed sickly she cast the spell that would cure disease. In about ten minutes she was done.

Tyrande was smiling. She healed the sick and injured. These people would wake up and feel better than they had felt in years. Now, it was time to go.

"That was amazing!", Taylor said.

Li-Ming cheered, "You did great, Tyrande!"

Tyrande moved through the room, heading for the door she had entered, and was in the kitchen, heading for the door. Just as she was about to exit, Tyrande heard voices just outside the door. Voices of two people talking.

Tyrande came to a sudden stop and held her breath., she was blocking the path, if someone came right now even if she used Shadowmeld they would easily run into her. Tyrande backpedaled silently but just as she was doing so, one of the people walked in, saw Tyrande and gasped.

Tyrande held up her hands in a non threatening gesture right as the second person walked in and ran into the person right in front of them, cursing at being blocked then gasping when they saw Tyrande in front of them.

Tyrande was looking at two men, the one in front was wearing black slacks, black shirt with a white collar around his neck. He was older with flecks of gray in his brown hair. The man behind was younger, looking disheveled with dirty blonde hair. The man's clothes were dirty, his face was dirty, the eyes seemed to be in a panic at the sight of her. Tyrande could smell the filth from the second man, he clearly hadn't bathed for a long time.

Taylor said quickly, "The one in front is a priest, he may be in charge of the whole church or one of the other priests at the church. The other is definitely a homeless person being allowed to come in."

Tyrande quickly exclaimed while her hands were still raised, "I mean no harm, I was just leaving!"

The man in front, the priest asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here?!"

Tyrande said, "I am Tyrande Whisperwind, I was just checking on those that were sick and injured and healing them."

The dirty blonde haired man exclaimed, "It's an alien! She'll eat our brains!"

The priest turned to grab the man's arm and said, "Mike, Mike, she's not an alien! It's alright, Mike. It's alright, trust me!"

Tyrande lowered her hands slightly. "Your friend seems...ill. I can help him."

Sarah said, "Be careful Tyrande, junkies as high as he is while coming down can lash out without warning."

Tyrande replied, "Noted."

Taylor said, "Be careful."

Tyrande stated, "I will."

The priest was speaking reassuring words, trying to calm the man down and it was working. The priest turned to look at Tyrande. "Mike...Mike is a drug addict and he's coming down from his high. I found him while I was making my rounds outside. I am Father Paul." He turned back to Mike and grabbed his right arm and speaking reassuring words. He led Mike to a stool that was in the kitchen and had the man sit on the stool.

Tyrande said, "I'm willing to help. I can cure him."

The priest turned to look at Tyrande, "You're the one on the news. The one who healed all those people at the hospital."

Tyrande nodded her head while saying, "I am."

The PRT want to talk to you. What you did at the hospital is not permitted without following the PRT's policies.", Father Paul said.

Sarah gave a sound like clearing her throat. "Tell him you are not one for going through red tape and jumping through hoops. You see that people needed help, you help."

Tyrande said, "I'm not one for...red tape and jumping through hoops. I saw people needing help, so I helped."

Widowmaker chimed in, "The people you healed are fine, yes? Make sure he knows that."

The priest took that in and asked, "Wait, you healed the sick and injured here?" He looked concerned.

Tyrande replied, "The people I healed are fine and yes I did heal and cure those that were sick and injured. There were many of them sick. A disease seems to have taken hold."

The priest nodded while saying, "The flu, it's spreading pretty quick among the homeless." He paused then he asked, "You cured them of the flu? You need to ask their permission first, some people don't want Parahuman healing.

Tyrande nodded, "I did. Your friend appears ill, as I said, I can cure him. Also, I'm not a Parahuman, I am Kaldorei, or Night Elf."

"A Night Elf? You're not a Case 53?", Father Paul asked while looking inquisitively.

Li-Ming chimed in, "Say you fell through a portal and landed in the city."

Tyrande said, "I was…in the forest of my home, and I...tripped and fell. Next thing I knew I was here in your city."

The priest nodded his head then turned to calm Mike down again as the homeless man was becoming frightened at looking at Tyrande.

Father Paul shook his head while looking sad. "Mike's not sick with the flu, his sickness is drug addiction. He's been abusing drugs since he was a teenager...more than twenty years. He's been through rehab at least four times but it never takes. His family's given up on him."

Tyrande said, "I can cure him." She looked determined as she spoke.

Taylor asked, "You can? We call drug addiction a disease but can your magic cure drug addiction?"

Jaina chimed in, "Trust Tyrande, Taylor."

Tyrande replied, "I can do this Taylor, trust me."

The priest looked at her while patting the man's shoulder to keep him calm. "You swear you won't hurt him."

Tyrande gently said, "I promise." She lowered her hands to her side.

Father Paul turned to Mike and said, "It's going to be fine, Mike. She's going to help you." He patted the man's shoulder.

Tyrande approached the two slowly then she looked at the priest. "Given that he is not in a coherent state, you speak for him. I can proceed?"

The priest said, "Go ahead, I'd like to see how you do what you do."

Tyrande stepped closer while saying, "Ishnu Alah. I am Tyrande Whisperwind, I will help you...Mike."

Tyrande raised her right hand and whispered words, a purple swirl appeared atop the homeless man's head and quickly vanished. The man blinked his eyes in surprise and astonishment.

Suddenly the man exclaimed, "Oh! What!? What!? Father Paul!? I...I can think clearly…my mind's clear!" He raised his hands to his face. "Oh my God...I…I haven't felt this…" Mike lowered his hands and looked at Tyrande. "You...you did this?"

Tyrande had lowered her hands and took a couple steps back to give the homeless man some space at Widowmaker's urging. She nodded her head and said, "I have cured your disease...Mike. You are free of the need and want of drugs. If you are injured, I can heal your injuries as well if you wish."

The homeless man started crying. He reached out to Father Paul and the priest embraced the man in a hug. Mike was sobbing while saying, "I'm free, I'm free Father. I'm finally free." Pulling away he looked at Tyrande and Father Paul while tears were still falling down his face. He wiped at his face with the sleeve of his dirty jacket.

Mike stood up slowly and walked to Tyrande then very fast he wrapped Tyrande in a hug and sobbed. Being six foot eight inches tall, she was very tall, the man was just over five feet and his arms wrapped around her stomach as he sobbed and blubbered his thanks.

Mike stepped away and wiped his face again with the other sleeve of his jacket. "Thank you, thank you so much."

Father Paul patted the man on the shoulder while Tyrande did the same, patting him on the other shoulder.

Tyrande said, "You have been cured of the disease that has taken so much of your life, use this opportunity to give yourself a new chance at life. May the stars guide your path."

Father Paul looked at Tyrande and asked, "What do you intend to do?"

Tyrande looked at Father Paul then said, "Help those that need it, heal those that are sick and injured, and work with others to bring hope to this city. If anyone else needs healing, I shall return and heal them, but I must go."

Father Paul asked, "You said, you healed the people in the first floor, what about the second?"

Tyrande looked inquisitive as she asked, "The second floor?"

Widowmaker said in French, "Of course there's a second floor."

Father Paul said, "Yes, there's a stairway over on the back wall behind the door. There's another group of about twenty people up there sleeping on the floor."

Tyrande said, "Are any of those that are sleeping ill or injured?"

The priest answered, "A few sick, no one's hurt though."

Tyrande said, "Then I shall cure them. Take me to them."

Father Paul responded, "Let me get Mike settled, I was going to let him take a shower when he sobered up. Just wait here a few minutes, please."

Tyrande watched the priest lead the homeless man out of the kitchen through the door that led to where the people were sleeping. The man is still sobbing as he walked away. Tyrande watched the men leave. She wanted to get started but she was going to honor Father Paul's request to wait.

Taylor said, "We can leave and return another time Tyrande."

Tyrande shook her head while saying, "No. I, must do this. These people need help."

Widowmaker huffed. "There are places to go! We can return later!"

Jaina stepped in, "We're here now."

Tyrande waited a few minutes and the priest returned. "This way.", he said.

Tyrande followed Father Paul out of the kitchen, back to the main room where he turned left and walked towards the side wall. There was another door to Tyrande's left that the priest opened and there were stairs leading up. Tyrande followed Father Paul up the stairs where another door was opened.

Closing the door behind, there were people sleeping on the floor close to the wall opposite of the door. Looking to her left and right there were more people sleeping and she saw there were more as the room widened into an open floor plan where Tyrande saw a lot of people sleeping on the floor. Many had sleeping bags but several did not, just blankets covering them to keep them warm.

Father Paul walked around the room quietly, trying not to wake anyone up. He pointed at various people then returned to Tyrande and whispered, "We should wake them up and ask if they want you to heal them."

Tyrande whispered, "Must we? I can heal them without disturbing them and when they awaken they will be perfectly healthy. I wouldn't want to disturb their rest."

Father Paul was thoughtful for a moment then he whispered, "They should be able to make the decision, some of the people you healed already don't like Parahumans."

Tyrande whispered, "I told you, I'm not a Parahuman, I'm a Kaldorei. My healing is not a power, it is the magic of my people."

Father Paul looked at Tyrande for a moment then he nodded his head. He whispered, "Follow me, I will guide you to those that are sick and need healing."

Tyrande nodded her head and followed Father Paul. He would stop and point at a sleeping form and whisper if it was just the child or if the whole sleeping family needed healing. Tyrande would heal each one quickly.

After about fifteen minutes, she was done going through and curing the sleeping people. When she finished, she followed the priest back down the stairs and to the kitchen. He opened a refrigerator and took out a carton of milk, poured some into a sauce pan and placed it on the stove to warm up.

"I'm going to need this to help me get some sleep." He stirred the milk in the sauce pan as they talked. "Look, I put great deal of trust based on what's been reported and I have faith that your powers,"

Tyrande interrupted saying, "Magic."

Father Paul nodded once and said, "Your magic is not harmful. Too many powers here are like a...monkey's paw. Beneficial and harmful all the same. If I hadn't seen what you did with Mike, I wouldn't believe it. But, I believe it now. Tell me, is this going to stick? Will Mike want to use drugs again?"

Tyrande shook her head. "He shouldn't. His mind is in a place that hasn't been for a very long time. His mind is clear, free of the demon in his head that craved his next drug of choice. I highly doubt he will use drugs again. I remember saying that his previous attempts to stop using drugs failed, watch him and you will see that he will not want to use drugs anymore."

"Really?", Taylor asked.

"Yes, Taylor.", Tyrande replied.

Father Paul said, "If that's true…you could be the answer to so many people's prayers." The priest finished warming up the milk in the sauce pan and took it off the heat. He grabbed a coffee cup and poured the milk into it.

"I have to see to Mike some more, show him to the bed that's waiting for him. There are others that I think would take advantage of your cure power to escape from the hold that drugs have over them."

Tyrande said, "Then I shall return another time. Perhaps tomorrow...or in a few days. I have other obligations, but I shall return to heal those that need healing."

"Thank you. Thank you so much Tyrande. I look forward to seeing you again.", Father Paul said.

Tyrande gave a wave good-bye while saying, "Until we meet again, may the stars guide you."

Tyrande walked out of the kitchen and left the building out the back door as she had entered. She moved quickly and headed up the street, further away from the church and deeper into the Docks.

What Tyrande did not know was that one of the homeless people that was on the second floor couldn't sleep and saw Tyrande heal the people around them. They managed to take a picture with their old flip phone but the church's WI-fi was off for the night so they couldn't upload their picture to PHO because their data plan was horrible. They waited until the morning when the church workers would turn the WI-fi back on to do it.

Tyrande Whisperwind was very happy. Everyone could feel her happiness at having helped a group of people and more importantly having prayed to her Goddess Elune and somehow receiving an answer. Having found a secluded spot, she waited for Taylor to use her power to bring out Jaina for the teleport back to Taylor's home.

Tyrande faded away and Jaina replaced Tyrande standing in the alley. She looked around and asked, "Home, yes? Or are you feeling like hitting another stash house? I would like to have an opportunity to strike at these peddlers of poison."

Widowmaker, Li-Ming and Sarah cheered. "The night is still young, I say go for it Jaina!" Sarah yelled.

Widowmaker exclaimed in French, "Go for it! I want to see more of your magic at work!"

There was a silence from Taylor as she thought it over. Then she said, "Sorry, I have to get up early for a meeting with dad and the lawyer he's hired to sue the bitches' parents. Also, you don't want me skipping out my workout, do you? I need some sleep."

There were mutterings of agreement and Jaina sighed. "Very well, to home then." She raised her staff and once again arcane symbols appeared around Jaina and they moved in a circle around her. A few seconds pass and she disappears in flash of light.

Instantly, Jaina reappears in Taylor's room. Jaina sits down at the foot of Taylor's bed and her form begins to change, she shrinks slightly her clothes fade and change to Taylor's clothes, her hair shortens and changes color from blonde with the white streak in her hair to brown, to Taylor's raven black.

Taylor was sitting on the foot of her bed. She was about to say something when she felt a stabbing pain in her head, the mother of all headaches hit her like a hammer.

Taylor hissed in pain and grabbed the temples of her head with her both hands while she hissed in pain.

The Voices immediately became concerned. "Taylor, are you alright?" "What's wrong Taylor?" "What's happening?" "What is this?" "Hey, Taylor are you okay?"

Taylor fell back to lay down on her bed while letting out another hiss of pain as the stabbing sensation in her brain was extremely painful. Tears welled in the corner of her eyes as the pain was excruciating.

Then, just as suddenly, the pain went away. Taylor blinked away the tears and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. Taylor sat up slowly and the Voices in Taylor's head repeated their questions.

Before Taylor could respond she suddenly felt dizzy, the room seemed to spin and she fell backwards again on top of her bed and everything went black.

As she was falling back, Taylor could hear the Voices calling her but it sounded very faint, as if they were far, far away and then silence.

Author Note: More words for the word count. Enjoy.