Daemond sighed deeply, his hands rubbing at the sides of his head. His face was still sore from healing Arnold, but it paled in comparison to the frustration Daemond was feeling. This outcome was one of the
worst scenarios Daemond had imagined, and now he was left with making a major decision that he wasn't sure he should have been making. The others had their opinions, but he had been the one to gather them together, so it naturally fell to him to fix this mess.
Theresa took a cautious step forward when the portal-making Conduit jumped about the room, but held off when it appeared she was just trying to help.
"I'm very sorry you've been dragged into this," Daemond said to the newcomers, though he truly meant it for everyone. "Look, here's how this will go. You guys are right-- We can't kill him. What
are we if we do that? But our lives are in danger if we let him go, so... so." He eyed Chris and gestured for the man to let the shadow Conduit stand. Chris seemed hesitant but obliged, probably partly due to Kelly tying Shadowman's wrists. Daemond took a few steps forward to meet the guy's gaze, but he only sneered back.
Daemond shook his head. "We are not turning you over to the police just yet," he said. "We are going to keep you here until you give us what
she wants." He pointed to Fima adamantly. "And we'll get along really well if you can tell us if you have friends lurking in the area. You don't seem to be able to use your powers when there's an absence of darkness, so I think Chris will be fine with watching you."
Despite his earlier attitude, the shadow Conduit had gone silent now. He glared at everyone like they were the monsters and freaks he believed them to be.
Turning around to address everyone, Daemond said, "This location may already be compromised, but there's a reason I wish to keep using it. For one, I frankly can't think of a better one at this time, and two... well, I'm not averse to drawing these kinds of Conduits out of hiding."
Theresa clicked her tongue. "Oh, Daemond, that's a little too ballsy. Even I think--"
"If this doesn't look like it's working, we will change our plans accordingly."
"..."
Theresa was quieted by that, so Daemond moved on quickly. "... Like I said earlier, any of you can leave this place tonight and never look back. No obligations. For the rest who want for something more, I have a private website that you'll be able to access in order to communicate with each other. Theresa and I, and anyone else who wishes it will be on hand for anything you may need. It's support system first and foremost. And... of course, I'll be posting police scanner information that some of you may be interested in."
With that, Daemond was done. He nodded to Chris, who shoved Shadowman toward the staircase. Daemond followed after, planning to stay until the Conduit was secure. He had no desire to rush home looking like he did. He was at least thankful his father expected him to be getting into fights these days.
As they were leaving, Theresa spoke up to say, "If any of you need an escort, I'm willing." Beyond that, there was nothing left to say.
Tuesday, May 23rd
Fenix: I secured a police scanner this morning and have been monitoring it for a while now. I don't want anyone to throw themselves into something they can't handle, so I've passed on a couple of things. However, I believe I have two incidents happening at this very moment that should be simple enough.
Fenix: Two suspects shoplifted a corner store on the South side of the Square. That's the neighborhood right of Newport, for the unaware. Last seen, they were nearing the park. My guess on their destination is one of the areas under the overpass that don't get many people passing through.
FstGirl: oh! i live near there!
FstGirl: i think i know a good spot, too. i'll be there.
Fenix: Just be careful. The second is a domestic dispute in Newport. The police are dispatched but it's looking like a Conduit might be involved. I have the address, but it's very important that no officer sees you. If there is a Conduit, they'll likely be keeping their distance.
Fenix: Remember, no obligations. Leave well enough alone if you're not comfortable with it.
Fenix: ... Before I forget, I'd like to arrange a second meeting to talk more. On Sunday, same time, same place. If you're seriously interested in the costume idea, message T about it. She should have prototypes for next week if it's not too out there.
Theresa - Near Garden Square Park
She had been watching her phone religiously all day, logged into the website Daemond had set up for them to communicate with. Though she had unfortunately missed the discussion during the meeting, Theresa was
beyond excited to learn that the topic of vigilantism had come up. Daemond had always shot her down when she had suggested such a thing in the past, so she had to wonder what changed his mind on the matter now. Whatever the reason, it meant she herself could seriously approach the idea.
... She just had to avoid letting her sister find out about it.
Amanda had yet to learn of Theresa's tiny little Conduit secret, and even though she and her sister were as close as she could possibly imagine them to be, Theresa could never tell her about it. It was just
too much to say out loud. It was just them now, so any possible tension between them seriously had to be avoided. Theresa had no idea how long she would be able to get away with it, but she had been getting along fine for months now, and wasn't that all that mattered?
Thankfully, Amanda was pretty into cosplay and costume design in general, so convincing her that Theresa and her friends needed themed outfits didn't take much effort. Amanda had made up countless designs for her before, so Theresa didn't feel entirely too bad about kinda-sorta lying to her.
It was pretty swell, to say the least. With Amanda on board to get busy sewing, Theresa had time to herself to pursue this vigilante angle Daemond had set up for them. She had no idea if anyone else would show up, but Theresa was pretty sure she could handle two petty criminals. She had gotten used to using her power, and when used correctly it made her pretty impervious to getting hurt. It made her confident, and besides, this was something Theresa
wanted to do no matter the risk.
She had made it to the park Daemond had mentioned, and she too believed the two criminals would head for the overpass. At the Square, there was no street running parallel underneath, so much of the area under the overpass was dark alleys and slums. It was kind of a place where one would imagine criminals to flock, so Theresa figured she'd just have to find two who were in a real hurry.
Seemed simple, right?