7662/Night Terrors

Night Terrors
Date of Scene:	28 May 2019
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Kally gets a surprise visit from Charles and Illyana
Cast of Characters:	Omnis, Professor X, Magik

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Omnis has posed:
A trash can went flying to the left as she ran past it, stumbling, nearly to the ground. Her feet slapped the ground repeatedly. She was in an alleyway in what appeared to be New York. She was running, tears coming down her face. She looked back and could see a shadowy figure close in on her. These weren't her thoughts. It wasn't her, and yet it was. SHe was living this. She knew this. She was going through it. Kally didn't feel her strength. She didn't feel her speed. She felt oh so normal. Oh so scared. Her legs were burning. Her lungs were burning.

The shadowy figure was catching up to her.

Just as she reached what she thought was the end of the alleway, a thought crossed her mind 'Save me...someone...anyone...please' and then something grabbed her. She was pulled back. She screamed out but her scream was cut off abruply by a burning pain. A terrible burning. What was this? What was it. Then the burning came again. What was happening?! Something warm and red was running down her back. She was falling. The shadow as above her. Her shirt was ripped. Then the blade, covered in something red was raised. What was it? Was that her blood?

Then the knife came crashing down and Kally awoke. A scream caught in her throat. She was gasping for breath. Tears were coming down her face. Sitting before her was a girl in her teens. Younger than even herself. She stared into the eyes of a victim. A victim who never got justice.

A spectral wound was gasping in her chest. The eyes bleeding tears that have yet to end. As she watched the girl before her, Kally's throat caught and her hand reached out. The hand passed right through the girl's shoulder and then Kally's eyes shut tight and she cried harder. Gasping sobs coming out with the words, "I...sorry..." She hugs herself tight and curls up, "I'm so sorry..."

Professor X has posed:
Charles is sitting in the large spherical center of Cerebro with the helmet on his head. The base outside is quiet and the school upstairs hums with its usual routines. His awareness expands out beyond the school over New York. Points of light move about in an impossible dance. They come in a dazzling array of colours, patterns of shimmering, intensities. Some are truly odd, whether for their darkness, light, alien nature or... their energies.

He frowns as he senses one mind, a truly odd one. It has the touch of the dead that Charles has felt from some of his students and vampires, but it is a living mind. Alive, terrified and alone.

Charles hesitates a moment before making a decision. His focus is careful, delicate, and his mind reaches out to this other slowly and carefully. He finds a young woman and sees her nightmare. Charles nearly moves on but some instinct has him touch on the woman's memories. Nothing she saw was memory of her own.

The air warms and the ground... changes. One moment it was the cold, wet concrete of an alley, and the next it is a rich green and brown rug. There is a crackling noise in the direction the heat comes from. A stone hearth. The rug is in front of a hearth with a fire and a copper kettle starting to steam. The room has wood walls, four-paned windows and comfortable, well-worn looking furniture.

An older bald man dressed in a deep blue three piece suit sits in a simple black wheelchair not far away. He has a red plaid blanket across his legs and closes a leatherbound book in his hands.

"It's alright, you're safe now," the man says gently.

Through the windows its dark and raining. There are sounds of things moving out there.

"This is a safe place."

Omnis has posed:
The change is slow, it's strange almost. It's even more weird for her in a way due to the warmth. Her eyes slowly open to see the strange hearth before her and then the fire before she looks up and around quickly, like an animal in danger. Her eyes darting around for signs of the poor woman who's final moments she just shared. There's still tears on her cheeks and she still seems rather out of it. She slowly pushes all the way up and looks back to see the man sitting in the wheelchair. She stares at him a moment.

She blinks several times at the sight, her hands gripping the carpet beneath her before she looks up at him and then says, "What...who..." She loosk again to where she had seen the girl and then back at him, "Who are you? Where is this?"

Strangely, Xavier can feel something tapping. His powers are powerful and even more so than any passing spirit. However, he can feel an almost confused pushing at her mind. While he might have brought her here, there still seems to be something or someone that wishes her to see things. They just really haven't got the power to do anything against someone like Charles.

Professor X has posed:
Charles keeps his hold on the young woman's perceptions as delicately he can to avoid any sensation of being forced. But it is a fine balance. He feels the intrusions on her senses but not the sources. They manifest as the noises outside the cottage room.

"My name is Charles Xavier, and you are dreaming," he explains gently. "I felt what you were going through and brought you here. I'm....not sure I understand what is happening to you... Are you safe where you are? Physically? Do you need help?"

Omnis has posed:
A shiver runs through her body. She looks up at the storm outside and stares at it before looking over at Charles again. She lets out a breath before shaking her head, "I'm in no danger. This happens..." She looks down, "Physically, not very many people can hurt me." She looks down at herself, "It'd take a lot. The reason though, is part of what is happening. It's not their fault."

She looks down at her hands, frowning as she lifts them up, "Are you dead, too?" She looks over at him, "Are you a ghost? I don't think I've ever had anyone visit me that wasn't dead though I can't ever recall any ghost giving me such a nice seeming dream."

Professor X has posed:
Charles smiles warmly.

"No, I'm quite alive, I promise. I'm not ready for dying yet. At least I hope not!"

He looks past Kally at the fire. "I think the tea is ready," he says. "Would you mind?"

"I'm glad you're safe. You mention ghosts... Was it a ghost that gave you that vision? And are trying to show you more right now?"

Omnis has posed:
Pushing up slowly, she sucks in a breath and then looks back at him, "I guess." She isn't entirely sure about all this. Kally doesn't really know this man or even if he is truly alive but this is nicer than most dreams she has. She takes the kettle with ease and walks over to pour it into whatever mugs are waiting. She looks at him carefully, as if sizing him up before she looks down again at the tea, "It was a girl who died in an alleyway.

"She was alone, in pain, and simply wishing for help that never came," Kally seems to swallow down a bit more in the way of tears. "Death is rarely pleasent and sometimes people jsut wanna be heard." She looks to Charles, "Due to my umm, condition, I am someone they can tell."

Professor X has posed:
"That's an incredible burden," Charles says, his face softening. "Walking with others through their pain is a hard calling, even when you choose it. And I get the sense you don't choose when they come to you. It's a credit to you that you feel empathy for them."

Charles thanks Kally for pouring the tea and picks up his mug. He smells it and smiles. "A long time favourite, I always find it soothing," he confides.

"I apologize, but I wouldn't normally intrude on someone without their permission, but I thought you were in danger. You won't be hurt here though, I promise. And you can leave at any time," he says and nods toward the door. "You aren't trapped."

Omnis has posed:
"I don't really get a choice." She shakes her head a little as she looks at the second mug and pours some tea into it. She places the kettle nearby and then sips the tea a little. She looks at the door and then frowns, "I used to have a safe place but...the cost for it became to high." She looks down into the tea as if it had the answers, "I couldn't..."

She looks up out the window and then looks back at Charles, "I'm Kally, by the way." She nods her head, "In case you didn't somehow know that. Thank you for coming." She then looks to the window, "Have you ever trusted someone, loved them...and they betray you?" She looks back at Charles, "That is a simplistic way to look at it but, that is why I am here now."

Professor X has posed:
"Hmm, actually I only know what you choose to share. So, it's a pleasure to meet you, Kally," Charles says over his mug. "I don't believe in that kind of prying."

"I have," Charles sighs. "It's heartbreaking. I'm sorry you're going through that."

Omnis has posed:
Taking a seat nearby, Kally smiles a little and then shakes her head, "Don't worry about it." She grins a little and then she looks at him, "Smile." She nods again and then takes in a breath, "Those who smile are the strongest. My favorite hero says that." She blushes a little and laughs, "He and his mentor aren't even real. They're just a part of a story." She looks at CHarles with a wide grin, "But he's right ya know. A smile makes things better. Even in the darkest situation, no matter how dire things are. Smile." She nods her head, "People see you smile and they know, everything will be alright."

She glances down, "Sorry, I'm not a great company right now. That girl, she died in terrible pain and I couldn't save her. She doesn't really understand it but thanks to her, though, I'm strong." Kally feels a tear drip down her cheek and then looks over at Charles, "I just need to find some place to get some sleep." She chuckles sadly and then sucks in a breath, "I can't blame people in pain for being in pain. Even if they are dead."

Professor X has posed:
Charles chuckles softly and takes another sip of his tea. "Very wise. Who is your favourite hero?"

Charles listens thoughtfully. "You can't help them if you're not well. And you won't be soon if you can't sleep. What would help? Aside from a log cabin every night," he jokes with a wink.

Omnis has posed:
A grin at him and then she shifts a little, "Honestly." She looks at him, "It's a manga and anime from another country. His name is All Might. He is kinda like a mix of Captain America and Superman except..." She shifts a little, "He's secretly injured. He hides it. Hides it behind fighting despite the pain and smiling through it all." She grins at Charles, "I felt a connection to him. I'm no where near as strong as he is." She laughs, "I just...I just want to be there for people. I never..." She sucks in a breath, "Well...enough of that." She looks at him and states, "I don't know you or who you are, sir but I thank you for this. I can't ask you to do this every night." She shakes her head, "My father, well, Dan, my father Dan." She looks at him, "It's complicated but Mike was Dad and Dan was Father..." She shrugs, "My father created a room that kept the spirits out." She nods.

Professor X has posed:
Charles smiles. "I can see why you would like him. I'll have to see if I can find a copy."

"You are very welcome, Kally. It's part of what I do; help people with gifts learn to live with them," Charles shrugs. "I'm just glad I could help you tonight. I'm curious, what kind of room do you need?"

Omnis has posed:
There's a burst of anger and she looks at Charles rather suddenly. She then pushes it down and shakes her head, "I don't...like him." She states and grinds her teeth a little. She looks at Charles and then looks down, "Sorry. Don't..." She then shakes her head, "If this isn't just a dream. I need...I need something that can keep the spirits away from me while I sleep." She swallows, "But I can't wear it." She shakes her head, "It'd hurt me if I did." It has to be somewhere I can go or be where they can't go." She shrugs, "I don't...I just don't understand enough of my abilities." She shrugs, "Sorry."

Professor X has posed:
"You don't have to apologize," Charles assures her. "I don't much about spirits personally, but I know some people who do. I'm sure they can help you."

"For tonight, I can make it so your sleep is undisturbed if you like. But it will be a temporary thing. At this distance I can promise you four hours, but the barriers will break after that."

Professor X has posed:
Charles' look is far away for a moment. "Actually, there is someone who can help you. She can be with you shortly if you like. Her name is Illyana and she..." Charles smiles. "Well, she understands these things."

Omnis has posed:
The girl looks at him with a genuine smile and then closes her eyes, "That's...more than I could or should ask for." She nods her head as she then looks to the side, "I appreciate it." She nods again before looking back with a blink as he seems to change his tune, "What?" She tilts her head, "Shortly as in...like now?" She asks and tilts her head even as she looks at him before looking around, "Is she gonna be here...in this dream or in my apartment?" She asks and looks down, "Umm, I'm...can I wake up. I know here I'm in jeans and a T-shirt but there I am not...as dressed."

Magik has posed:
All she needed was a quick mental flash of the room and it's location. Likely she didn't even need that but the added information did help quite a bit to create a portal into Kally's room. Where once there was nothing on a wall, now appears a golden sphere slicing into the air itself out of which the blonde X-Man steps through. Illyana was dressed fairly causually today in jeans and a pale pink button up blouse with half-sleeves. Her shoes were just some lacy sandles. Even she could have some down time.

Blue eyes glance to the girl in question before she looks to the Professor with a single nod. "I am here. What is needed? Something about spirits?"

Professor X has posed:
Charles smiles. "Of course," he says. "It was good to meet you, Kally. If you need anything, you can call me."

A phone number settles in Kally's mind, as if she knew it as well as her own. Then Charles smiles and the cottage fades.

Omnis has posed:
"Thanks." She says as the dream fades and she wakes up just in time to sit up and look over at the wall and gasp. The girl is sitting there in not but her undies. While they aren't much more worse than a bikini, they are much worse than a bikini when you aren't expecting a blonde girl to show up in your room right away.

A blush appears on her face as her hands move in a bit of a blur to yank her sheets up and over her and at first over her face. She swallows a little as she pushes the sheet down before looking at the girl, "Umm, I assume you know...Charles?" She asks and shifts a little in the bed, "Which I assume means he isn't a dream or wasn't a dream or wasn't dead or maybe was dead but was..." She stops babbling a moment before saying, "Umm, he said I might have time but I guess not." She bites her lower lip.

Illyana may or may not be able to tell but right now, several spirits are floating about the room, many looking at her with confusion of their own. They may be dead but they hardly expected some girl to come walking through a wall. Either way, the girl in front of her has an odd blue glow about her in this darkened room. The glow is almost like that of a black light, flowing out around the girl and the room is quite cool. Feeling like it is in the 50s or 60s without any air conditioning seeming to be on.

Magik has posed:
Illyana Rasputin doesn't really look toward the girl so she has time to cover herself aplenty. Her eyes are watching the spirits that hover around as her own eyes seem to slip just out of focus to see what normally can't be seen. "Mm, da. I am Illyana," she responds once Kally wakens enough to ask about Charles. "The Professor is very real as am I. As are these spirits that you are unintentionally drawing to you." Her head tilts to the side as she finally glances toward the frightened girl. "You wish my help, yes? I am here to help."

There's a moment's pause as she stares with apparent indifference at the girl's uncomfortable posture. Then it clicks, and some part of her mind that reminds her about manners causes her to turn around with arms crossing over her chest. "Let me know when you are ready."

Omnis has posed:
Muscles in Kally seem to tighten as her eyes go wider and her face gets slowly redder the longer Illyana stares. Then the woman finally turns away and Kally just blinks one slow blink before finally she loses some of the tension. What was with this girl?! Either way, she isn't gonna wait to slip out of bed and grab a nearby pair of shorts and a shirt. She slips them on quickly enough and then says, "I'm ready." She clears her throat.

The girl looks around at the spirits and then back at Illyana, "Umm, yes, though, I do need help. I attract spirits." She nods, "Which is fine most of the time..." She looks at the girl whos last moments she had seen earlier, frowning some as she does. "When I'm trying to sleep though, I end up with nightmares that are..." She frowns, "Rather painful."

Magik has posed:
Illyana Rasputin turns around again giving a nod when the girl, who still hadn't introduced herself what was UP with manners these days? Says she's ready. Her arms uncross with her right extending outward. Much like the sphere of light that had brought here here, another shimmer of light appears in hand as she summons a glowing soulsword to her hand. "Very well. I can dispose of these and then set wards to protect your sleep. They often attempt to slide into bodies when asleep... the mind is more vulnerable."

Omnis has posed:
A raise of her hand and she gasps, "No! Don't...Don't hurt them." She says and moves to get between the sword and the spirits. She swallows, "Just...wards please." She looks back and then at Illyana, "I am Kally. I am...well, I don't really wanna go into everything but I protect people. Living or dead." SHe nods her head, "Just...wards to keep them away when I am here."

She nods her head and looks sadly at the female ghost, "They are victims of various things. They just want to be heard." SHe looks back at Illyana, "They can mess with me but they can't invade me...I...it's complciated but please. Don't hurt them."

Magik has posed:
Illyana Rasputin at least hadn't begun attacking yet. When Kally leaps into the path, she's barely even brought her sword up to bear. Instead she stares at the girl with eyebrows raised listening to her. A small 'tsch' of air sucked between her teeth comes, and her hand releases the sword sending it back to where it came from: Herself. "You are the sentimental type, I see. Very well. I did not know all of the details." A long sigh is let out as she regards Kally considering. Her hand comes up to rub at her chin as she stares with eyes narrowing in thought.

"Mm. There are several ways to do this which are mundane but effective, or there is... More permanent ways." A roll of her shoulders comes. "If you wish it to be something which is temporary and can be revoked the mundane ways are most likely the easiest choice. Unless you wish to posess an object of warding." Hmm. So many ways to do this. Her eyes open again at a thought, and she nods, "Or I can summon guardian for you while you sleep."

Omnis has posed:
A look to the side and the girl looks around, "I don't...I don't know." She shrugs a little as she looks at the ghosts here, able to see them rather easily. She walks a step away from Illyana now that she doesn't have the blade. SHe looks back, "I am living here as a renter so I think permanent might not be the best way to do it. It's not my place to permanently change.

"I just need a safe place to sleep. I can't..." She looks up at Illyana, "I can't hold on to most things that ward. At least not without danger to myself." She glances back at the ghosts, "I'm not sure if you can see it but their presence is important to me. Much like plants need the sun, I need them." She shrugs and looks back, "Just not when I sleep."

Magik has posed:
Illyana Rasputin lifts a hand to wave dismissively at the mention of altering the room. "Wards are easy. They can be written on sticky notes and attached to doors, windows, walls. The Japanese have used paper wards for centuries in their Shinto religion. Which in this case might be something similar to what we need," she muses again. "Salt is also a good deterrent but not so good on the skin," she adds lifting a hand to tap her forehead indicating it. "At least for basic spirits who mean no harm." When her hand swings down again she makes a vague gesture creating another fissure of light in the air beside her. "The other option is I set a demon here to shoo them away while you sleep."

Omnis has posed:
At the mention of a demon, Illyana can feel the room get physically colder for a moment as the dark blue seems to coalesce for a moment about the girl's hands. Her lips purse as she swallows, "Demons and I don't have a good history. I...destroyed the last one that came to me looking for a snack." She looks to the side and then back at Illyana, "I'm not sure that's the best of ideas. I think wards would be wiser. I kinda wish I had taken the carpet my father had made for me but I left in a hurry."

Magik has posed:
"It would not try to eat you. It is under my command... But I understand." Now that she was seeing some of the power coalesce around the girl, Illyana was staring far more avidly with a slow spreading smile. Ah, she had some power of her own. Unfamiliar which was what made her so very curious. The thought is shaken out of her head as she moves to focus properly. "Wards, then," she agrees. "I will show you how to draw them, da? Do you have pen or pencil? They do not need to be written in blood as some movies may have you believe."

Omnis has posed:
A nod, "I know...that much at least. My father taught me a little, just not much." She looks to the side and frowns, "I think he didn't want me to know much." She then clears her throat and looks back, "Anyway, any help would be appreciated." She nods her head and smiles as she goes to a drawer and gets out some paper and pen and offers them over to Illyana, "Thank you for this. I know it's, well, like 3 am so this is kinda a lot appreciated."

Magik has posed:
Illyana Rasputin nods, and turns to begin showing the designs. It's just a few circular motions, with lines drawn through. "Post at the cardinal points, and beneath your bed and above your head," she informs. "You may need to redraw them every night. As I said though, sticky notes."