Knitting with Phobias

Date of Scene: May 25, 2011
Characters (In Order of Appearance):
Angela (Phobia)
Kara (Supergirl)
Lilith



Today, all's quiet in the prisoner's ward, as Angela has been given her knitting supplies. She's sitting half reclined, eyes half-closed, hands and fingers moving with quick well-practiced motions across her silver needles. A bundle of white lacework sits bundled up in her lap, while off to her left side sits a half used cone of white silky thread coiled up in a cone spool. As Angela works, the spool turns and spins with the force of the drawing motinos she makes to pull more thread into her flashing needles.

Even a Supergirl gets free time from keeping the world safe, and Kara wants to check up on Phobia to see how she's doing. Before coming up to the Watchtower, she went and picked up Lilith, figuring another caring face would help matters. As the Girl of Steel walks into the detention area, she gives Phobia a smile. "Hello, Angela. How are you doing today?"

Lilith follows shortly after, wearing her Omen robes as usual. She seems to have taken to wearing those often lately. But she looks cheerful as ever, the silver peace sign earrings huge and shining as always. She doesn't say much right now, preferring to allow Supergirl to speak instead.

Phobia's eyes open slowly, unhurriedly; their green depths untroubled for once. A faint almost smile plays on the brit's features as she replies smoothly, "Quite well. Thank you. And yourself?" Her mind is at peace, calm, even keeled. The majority of her thoughts have nightmarish images in them, but they are being spun, like a spider's web, into the pattern she's working on.

Supergirl pauses for a bit, considering Phobia's mood. She goes over to the control pannel and lowers the forcefield, although the psi dampeners are still active. With a smile, she approaches the now open cell. "I'm doing okay. And I like your knitting, it's very intricate." Without any seats other than the bed in the cell, Kara simply floats up and crosses her legs under her, sitting in an indian position a few feet above the floor. "How have you been sleeping? Have the herbal teas been helping?"

"I brought some more," Lilith chimes in, walking to her usual seat and lowering herself into it. She folds her hands demurely in her lap and attentively listens to the rest of the conversation around her. Her mind naturally reaches out to the telepathic ether, but she doesn't intrude.

Phobia nods to Kara as she settles herself on the WOnderPlane-esque chair. "Yes, the teas are quite the bit of help. I'm thankful you've brought more with you. I drink it nightly now," Angela begins, hands ever moving as she speaks. She tilts her head lightly, smiling genlty, if a touch darkly, as her mind turns those visions into something real beneath her fingers. "Do what do I owe this most pleasant of visits?"

"I wanted to stop by and see how you were doing," Kara replies. "I know I've been busy, but I do still care about your progress. So, if there's anything I can do or bring you...."

Lilith smiles a little wider as she finds out that the teas do help. She really does want to help, and it's clear she bears no malice to Phobia. Still, she has always maintained that this is Kara's thing, so she stays quiet.

"Ah, a check up call," Angela quips lightly, a soft chuckle hiding in her tone. She straightens up a bit, fingers pasusing in their work as she does so. Her lacework tumbles from her lap, landing in a heap at her feet. She gives the 3 foot wide piece of fabric a flick to shake it out, before she settles back to continue knitting. "I'll need more yarn soon. I'm nearly done with this cone and I've got quite a few more panels I need to work through before my mind is what I would call truly clear." How many cones has Kara brought for Angela? Or has Angela been allowed to 'order' them and have them collected from her 'apartment'? How long has Angela been allowed to knit?

Supergirl nods. "Well, tell you what." Kara smiles at Angela, looking rather pleased. "How about if you come with me to Metropolis and we can pick up the yarn for you at a store. Get out and stretch your legs some, enjoy the day."

Nightmares

Date of Scene: May 11, 2011
Characters in Scene (In Order of Appearance):


Lilith has been asked. Otherwise, she wouldn't be there. But she's standing sentinel in Angela's mind, at the corners. At the borders. She's waiting for anything to happen, a centre of peace and serenity amid the calm before the storm.

It's a museum-like room. Plush red velvet carpets, rich-grained wood floors, marble columns. Everything looks oversized, from the chairs that seem to be 10 feet tall, to the fireplace that Angela could easily walk into without ducking her head. Angela stands in the center of hte room, in a seriously over-done ball gown. It's soft rose-pink, with more ruffles than a potato chip. Her hair and shoes and make-up are all styled far too young for the adult 20something she actually is; there's a large satin ribbon in her hair, folded with the crisp corners of a 'look-how-awesome-of-a-bow'. She's trembling as the door behind her opens. Music drifts in, that stuffy live music of a chamber orchestra playing the same thing they've played for generations. A man walks in, in proportion to the rest of the overly large room.

Carefully, Lilith remains on the borders of the room. She doesn't allow herself to be taken in by the illusion, although it is an attractive one. There is some appeal. But already she understands what is happening, already she has some inkling of what to expect.

He walks over to Angela, towering over her. His frown is the same as her own, the disapproval in his green eyes all too familiar. He stalks a heartless circle around her once, eyes glaring at every detail. "Who did your hair," he demands. "I did," she replies, cihn starting to lower. He grabs at the hair bow to yank it off her head with an uncaring jerk.

Lilith, however, silently walks over with slow, calculated steps, and then, with a smooth motion, insinuates herself between the man and the girl. "I think you'd better give that bow back," she states, tilting her head back and looking perhaps surprisingly formidable. Of course, this is her domain too. The mind is her realm.

The man have lifted his other hand, palm facing him, in a move to back hand the much smaller Angela, when Lilith steps in. The dream and the dreamer both seem surprised by her, and each take a step back and away from Lilith.

Lilith keeps her composure. She doesn't make a move towards either, just stays in place between them. The silver peace sign earrings dangle and sparkle from her ears, catching the light just so.

Behind Lilith, Angela's lips part in wonder at the shiny earrings. The bright hopeful gleam is not something it seems she's ever seen before; she's held mesmerized. Meanwhile, the man recovers his composure and sneers at Lilith - Phobia's sneer. He advances. The room darkens. A chill washes over the area, trying to wrap itself around Lilith to claw at Angela. "This is not your business," he hisses.


However, Lilith isn't even remotely phased. She stands fast, and there is something distinctly peaceful about the aura around her. Even if the chill tries to wrap around her, it's not going to have an easy time of it. "I'm making it my business," she states unequivocally. Those earrings...in a funny way, they symbolise the woman's being so well.

Angela shuddered at the sound of the man's voice, and stepped closer to Lilith, closer to that warmth and peace and groove. It's as if the whole room were darkening and a single spot light was growing stronger around the two women. The man fades into the darkness that has turned into a thick black mass, swirling about the two. "You can't hide forver, Angela," the man's voice echos from the dark. "Imaginary friends can't protect you."


"She won't have to," Lilith counters, the hint of a smile playing across her face. She turns slightly, holding out a hand to the small Angela. "And imaginary enemies can't harm you, either."

Angela's eyes widen slightly, the fear that was settling in turning to awe as Lilith holds out her hand. Angela takes the offered hand, form growing into the adult sized Angela. The dress smooths out into a white version of the Phobia get up she normally wears. "He's not imaginary," Angela seems to question, while the blackness swirls behind her. Black on black, eyes gleam from the shadows, looking for a weakness.


"He's not, no." Lilith slowly nods her head. "But he's in your mind, and that is your realm." Her expression remains gentle, caring. The earrings still spin and sparkle. Probably why she chose them.


That line, that this is her realm, makes little sense to Angela. She begins to shake her head, trying to clear it, only to wake up with a start. Her eyes snap open, her mouth opens. But where normally there is mind-numbing terror, now there is nothing.

And nearby sits Lilith, who is completely awake, reading a book. It looks a bit funny, to see her in those dramatic robes, with a book in her lap, reading it quietly. She looks up and smiles. "Oh! Did you get some rest?"

Angela turns her head to look at Lilith, clearly wondering if she's still dreaming. She lays there, staring at her cell-mate, blinking, trying to sort out the lack of fear for a long long time before she finally manages to get out a muffled squeaky sort of, "I think so."

The book is closed and Lilith rises, her smile widening. "Good. I'll get you some tea and breakfast, if you like." She sets the book down in the chair where she was seated, clasping her hands in front of her.

Phobia nods as she sits up fully, running a hand across her eyes. "Yes, thank you," she adds, voice soft and unstrained.

With a little nod, Lilith glides out of the room and out of the holding area. She is gone for a short time, and then she returns with a tray of a modest breakfast, toast and eggs and tea, one of her relaxing teas that she brought with her.

Angela sat up and rubbed at her face and hair with the heels of her hands while Lilith was gone. Then, she looked around as the lights slowly grew brighter as the Tower adjusts for someone awake in the cell. When Lilith returns, Angela shifts so she can eat and drink, reaching for the tea before anything else. "Thank you," she says softly.

Lilith sets the tray down, smile widened from before, looking even more comfortable. "You're very welcome. Are you enjoying the tea? A friend of mine blended it together, he's so groovy. He raises all of the plants himself."

Angela nods, fingers coming up to dab lightly at a moist corner of her mouth. "Yes, very much so. I normally prefer Earl Grey, but this is suiting me quite thoroughly."


"I'm very glad." Lilith seats herself again, taking the book to set on the floor. She remains silent for a time, watching Angela eat and then turning away, gazing outside the room. She turns her head back, folding her hands in her lap.

Angela eats with the proper etiquette of the English aristocracy. Small bites, thoroughly chewed, and no motion to speak while food is being eaten. Every so often, she dabs at the corners of her mouth. When done, she carefully sets the tray aside, and shuffles back to more completley enjoy te tea. She regards Lilith, just as the other women turns her head back in her direction.

Lilith smiles a little wider, still not saying anything...but she looks content enough. There's still that exuding peacefulness from her...her earrings just the same as they were in the dream.

Angela's eyes catch sight of the earrings, and it gives her pause. "Am I still dreaming," she wonders aloud.


"No." Lilith tilts her head a little to the side. "You're awake. But I'd like to work with you about dreams...I think I could help you to control your dreams a bit more."

Phobia frowns darkly, though her eyes are curious and clear. "Control.. my dreams? Oh no. I normally just looked into someone else's." She sips her tea, loking away to hide her unease.

Lilith slowly nods her head, then stills herself again. She is so still sometimes. So serene. "It's not difficult to do. If I can work with you, we can make it easy for you to rest."

Angela sips her tea again, watcing Lilith. Long moments pass as she ponders before she finally nods.

Lilith lets that time pass between them, careful, gentle, and not intruding. She doesn't ask about the dream...she doesn't press the matter. But there is something, something in her gaze, something gleaming in her eyes.

Phobia finds herself drawn to that gleam, though she fights it. She falls to it, then retreats, falls, retreats, until at last she shakes her head and stands to get some distance and what she thinks is safety. "Where- where do we begin," she asks after long moments of inner struggle.

"Well," Lilith answers, "we have to begin at the beginning. And with most people, that's breathing. I'm going to teach you how to take cleansing breaths, to focus. Is that okay?"

Phobia blinks several times in rapid succession. "Cleansing... breaths," she repeats, tone filled with confusioned questions.

Lilith nods again. "You breathe in...hold your breath and count to ten...and then you slowly exhale." She demonstrates, breathing in, shoulders rising, and then after a few seconds, falling gradually again. "Like that."

Phobia blinks once more, shrugs, then breathes in and hold her breath. Like, HOLDS her breath. One can see her counting to herself, and the disbelieving, skeptic voice in her head is more than loud enough for any psychic to hear: 'One. Two. Thre...'

Lilith covers her mouth, chuckling softly. "It doesn't have to be exact. You don't have to hold it, per se...just...don't exhale, for a few seconds. Let yourself relax. Feel it."

Phobia exhales quickly, moving over to plop back down, and not wanting to admit she was getting light headed from holding her breath. This one is NOT in any kind of good physical shape. She sighs lightly, and runs a hand through her hair. "What am I doing here," she asks, more to herself than anyone else. "This is stupid."

"I know, it is, isn't it?" Lilith laughs again, pleasantly. She has a nice voice. No wonder she is well-liked at coffeehouses for her singing. "But it helps a lot if you try it. You can calm yourself down, focus...centre yourself."

Phobia gives Lilith a quirked glance out of the corner of an eye, while a light frown runs amuck on her lips. Rolling her eyes, she tries the breathing thing, again.

Lilith quiets and breathes in. "In..." She pauses. "And then out...slowly...your heart is beating slower. Your muscles are relaxing. Your body is coming to stillness. To peace."

Phobia glances over again, rolls her eyes, but breathes as directed. The good thing here is that as used as Phobia is to sucking down the fears of others, she seems to be easily suggested. Her eyes flutter closed.

"So nice...so nice..." Lilith's voice flows like honey around the room. She has trained well in this, guided many in meditation and mysticism...she even taught herself her more esoteric arts. Her voice is a guide.

With such a guide, Angela finds herself settled into a place she's never known: calm meditation.

The quiet surrounds them. It's so quiet. It's quiet in space, and only the faint hum of machinery can be heard. The occasional rush of the air supply in the vents. After some time, Lilith speaks again, voice hushed. "See? You did it."

Angela's reply: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............ Her chin tips forward and her shoulders droop in a relaxed slumber.

Lilith just smiles to herself, folding her hands in her lap. She will stay there, on her usual vigil. Does she never sleep? Possibly not. She leans down to take up her book again, opening it precisely to the page she was on last, letting herself feel the ether around her.

Angela and Kara

Date of Scene: May 9, 2011
Characters in Scene (In Order of Appearance):
Supergirl
Lilith
Phobia


x-----==[ Holding Cell - JLA Watch Tower ]==----------------------------------
Scene setting is given through RP.

==============================================================================

between her college classes and her duties as Supergirl, Kara has been trying to see Phobia each and every day, hoping that she's making a difference in the woman's life. Tonight, again, there's a meeting in one of the Watchtower's holding cells. This time, though, Kara is not alone. She's brought Lilith Clay along to help her with the evaluation. In Kara's hands is a tray, piled high with food from the cafeteria. "Angela?" she calls out as she enters the holding room. "Angela, it's Supergirl. How are you doing? I've brought food and a freind with me."

This is not the first time that Lilith has visited the Watchtower. As an original member of the Teen Titans, she has what some would call mad connections. But tonight she is not in her usual cheery style, wearing her red and black Omen robes instead. Her expression is especially neutral, her emotions calm...there isn't so much as a ripple. Of all the people in the world, she is probably one of the only very few who could accomplish this so well. She refuses to be a last-minute substitution for J'onn!

It's been a rough two weeks for Phobia. Waking nightmares plague her. The kind that tear screams from the throats of the sleeper until they wake up in a cold-sweat, panting and wide eyed. She's clawed the walls, cried, screamed, threatened, begged, rationalized, the full gambit, to thin air, in hopes of getting the psy-dampeners removed and one long night of someone else's nightmares. Today's a silent day. Phobia is found sitting on the edge of her bed, back straight, legs crossed at the ankle, and hands folded demurely in her lap. Supergirl's voice doesn't get so much as a flick of response as Angela stares blankly ahead. Under her eyes are deep purple bags, and her normally pale skin seems ghostly.

Supergirl sighs and sets the food tray down. "Oh, Angela..." She turns off the forcefield, allowing access to the cell. Supergirl takes a few cautionary step into the cell. "Angela...it's me. Tell me what's wrong...tell me how i can help." She moves in further and kneels near the silent woman.

Lilith, meanwhile, stays back. She knows how this sort of thing goes. No intrusions, no poking...just a feel in the air, a sense of general emotions around her. She doesn't probe...it's like taking a psychic breath of air, to weigh the room.

Phobia is an emotional void. Fatigue is all that is left in her. Fatigue from a hunger too long left unsatisfied. As Supergirl kneels nearby, Angela blinks once, then turns her head toward Kara. The motion is slow. Like dead blood oozing from the nostrils of a corpse. Dull green eyes are slow to focus on Supergirl. Once focused, the thought preceeds the words: "Make them stop." Phobia's psyche is tired, tired of having nothing to suppress its own fears.

Slowly, Supergirl puts one of her hands on Phobia's leg. "Make who stop, Angela? Do you need to feed more, psychicly?" She knows she's in dangerous teritory now, but she refuses to abandon someoen in need. "If you need to feed on some fear, you can leech off of me for a bit." Supergirl looks back nervously at Lilith with a 'what-do-I-do?' look on her face.

"I think," Lilith starts, once she's looked to for advice, "we need to establish some boundaries and all just get kind of groovier." She reaches out with her mind, and it is a calming, peaceful sort of psyche that she herself possesses. It's one in a million, if even that much. She is a bodhisattva, undeniably, beyond question. This is never so apparent as when minds touch. "Just breathe deeply and relax..."

Phobia's eyes flutter closed a moment as that calming mind washes over her own. And then two thoughts hit her at about hte same time: "Someone's in my head!" and "The dampeners are off!" The first thought brings with it the bile-flavored sensation of bone-numbing terror. The second thought brings the exhileration of a York Peppermint Patty. Phobia's eyes snap open. Her pupils contract sharply and her eyes narrow sinisterly. Mental claws reaching for the first mind at hand, Phobia hisses as she rises to her feet and spins to face Lilith. Supergirl seems forgotten as Phobia's mind carelessly rakes itself against Lilith's, looking for a hand-hold of terror.

"No!" Shpuergirl shouts as Phobia gets that wild eyed look. With her super-speed she moves to place herself between Phobia and Lilith. "Angela, listen to me! You have to control yourself! Don't do this!" She remains an immovable physical barrier to Phobia, hoping that Lilith can calm the woman down.

However, Lilith doesn't seem in the slightest perturbed. It's funny, or might be to someone who hadn't seen her at her best. She seems so happy-go-lucky usually, but she's often dismissed as a hippie piece of scenery. Certainly not the kind that most people would imagine to have such control over her emotions. But there she is, standing peacefully before Phobia. "I'm not afraid. You don't have to worry." Lilith smiles softly as she reaches out to place her hand on Supergirl's shoulder. "Standing in front of someone doesn't usually stop psychic attack. It's really sweet you thought of me though." Although she said she wasn't afraid, the levels upon which she apparently meant this are profound: evidently, she isn't afraid. At all.

With Lilith's mind giving her nothing, Phobia backs away, pressing herself against the wall. Her eyes shift to Supergirl. "They're dead," she breathes, voice cracking. Her attack lacks finesse. Mental claws reach for Supergirl's mind, for that tender spot filled with the dead bodies of a couple of farm-hicks, seeking to rip the emotion up forcefully, uncaring what damage is done or what telepaths exist to stop her.

Supergirl cries as she drops to her knees, hands clutching at her head. "No!!!!!" She rocks back and forth helplessly as Smallville burns in her mind, Superman holding the corpses of the Kents. The Girl of Steel is unable to do anythign more than grit her teeth as her fear flows into Phobia.

Lilith reaches out with the calming influence of her mind to Supergirl. "Get on my wavelength," she soothingly speaks to the young superheroine. "If you don't believe in it, it can't hurt you. It's just playing with your mind...illusions. Smoke and mirrors." She moves with perfect composition. Not just a New Age guru full of fluff.

What a drastic change in Phobia as soon as the first wave of Supergirl's fear washes over her. The tension fades from around her eyes, her lips part softly, and her shoulders relax. An audible sigh, the sigh of a crack addict getting a hit, escapes her form, and Phobia sinks down to the floor. Savoring what she got, Phobia's mind is easily pried from its victim, sliding away from Kara's fears. It's like a starving woman licking her own fingers rather than continue after the try of food.

Lilith's voice slides into Kara's mind like a cool river. Her fears are lessened, and eventually subside. She's still on her knees for a few moments, breathing heavily. She slowly gets back under control and stands back up. It takes all her will not to snap at Phobia, but her tension still shows. "Are you feeling...better, now?"

Standing close to Supergirl and keeping herself ready, Lilith remains still, from outside in. It is said that some meditate to find the still point, a point of complete tranquility that exists within everyone. Lilith has cultivated hers, made it flourish...and there she exists, in this moment and all around it. She says nothing further.

Phobia's eyes open again, the crazed tension lessened. A touch of pale color brushes across her cheeks, and the villian collects herself and makes her way to her feet. After a long moment, she finally offers a sour sort of, "Tea time?"

"I brought you food," Supergirl replies, trying to not sound bitter. "And I brought a friend with me. This is Lillith Clay. She wants to help you get better, too." She goes over to the concole and picks up the food tray, bringing it over to set it on Angela's bed.

"We've met." Lilith offers that same smile to Phobia. It's been a while, and who knows if the other woman remembers. Lilith could hardly forget it herself, though.

Phobia tilts her head at Lilith's reply, brows creasing into a thin line. Clearly, the Titan villian doesn't recall the red robed woman. Moving with a touch of uncertainty, Phobia makes her way toward the food, while giving Kara a nod. "my thanks. You are, as always, a considerate host."

Supergirl nods. "I wish I could do more to help you, Angela. I know it's hard for you, but I think you're making progress. That's why I brought Lilith along with me, so she can do a more accurate judging of your mental state and what we need to work more on."

Lilith stays where she is, still pleasant in expression as she can be. At the moment, she clearly sees an advantage in being inobtrusive.

Phobia settles down with all the grace of the Queen of Scots, and begins to eat her meal. "I am fortunate you can see said progress, given our history," she retorts coldly, as her eyes settle on Lilith. "You're familiar. Why?"

Supergirl sits down near Phobia. "I think I'm fortunate that you're doing well enough not to try and totaly strip my mind." As Phobia asks the question of Lilith, Kara keeps silent and lets her freind answer.

"Like I said," Lilith simply answers. "We've met." She seems difficult, if not impossible, to fluster. Perhaps it just hasn't been tried enough. She lets Kara make her moves and call the shots. As she said earlier, she is backup...she is here to provide much-needed telepathic support. But this is Supergirl's project.

Phobia frowns lightly at the non-committal response, but leaves it be. Instead, she focuses on Supergirl and her comment. "Mmmm, yes. Sorry for that. I had.. have not slept well... As of late." She takes a drink, her mind completing the sentance: and I think I'm losing my mind.

Supergirl nods slowly. "Do you want the medical services here to perscribe you sleeping aids? If you're not getting enough sleep, that's definately going to affect your progress." She sits back a bit, taking a more nonchalant pose. "Tell me what's been going on. What have you been strugling with?"

"May I sit down?" Lilith motions to a seat closer to the door than to the other two, keeping carefully outside of the immediate vicinity of the other two. She doesn't want to provoke anything.

"No meds," Phobia snips, eyes narrowing. She nods as Lilith asks to sit, though the sound of her voice reminds Phobia to be a bit wary. It's hindered by the fatigue that remains. A hand is brought up to rub at a temple. "Nightmares are bothering me."

Supergirl holds up a hand in a calming gesture. "Alright. No meds." Once Angela calms down a bit and brings up her nightmares, Kara nods. "Okay. What's happening in your nightmares? Let's talk about thema nd get to the bottom of them so that maybe we can get you to sleep better."

Lilith bows her head lightly. "Thank you." She takes a seat and smoothes out the robe, folding her hands in her lap. At least she's not threatening. Even if the robe looks a bit imposing. But then, that's why she chose it.

Phobia peers about the food for an actual cup of tea as she replies to Kara. "The images aren't clear. At least, nothing clear enough that I can remember. All I know is that..." She stops and turns her face away to whisper, "It's frightening."

Quietly but firmly, Lilith speaks. "Generally these sorts of impressions are only capable of scaring us when we allow it," she explains. "But some psychics are able to make it more formidable. And many minds just aren't prepared for the things they see." She gestures with a hand, slowly. "Some people say that this world and every other depends on our individual perception. SO if you think about it, it's really how we understand our reality."

Quietly but firmly, Lilith speaks. "Generally these sorts of impressions are only capable of scaring us when we allow it," she explains. "But some psychics are able to make it more formidable. And many minds just aren't prepared for the things they see." She gestures with a hand, slowly. "Some people say that this world and every other depends on our individual perception. So if you think about it, it's really how we understand our reality."

Phobia hadn't a clue how to respond to Supergirl, but Lilith answers so fluidly, that Phobia just half-nods and finishes the last few bites in silence. Gingerly wiping hte corners of her mouth, Angela shifts her feet a bit, then recrosses her legs at the ankles. "The nightmares don't bother me... when I've sampled the fears of others. That much I've come to fully understand."

"Then why are the nightmares keeping you from sleeping?" Supergirl believes Angela isn't really afraid of much. But there still has to be some sort of fear there for these bad dreams to affect her so mech.

Lilith grows quiet again, returning her hand atop the other and listening attentively to what Phobia has to say. Her mind is still there in the room, feeling the psychic ether, but it's not probing, not pressing anywhere, not intruding...very relaxed.

With the relaxing blanket of Lilith's mind covering the area with it's aroma-therapy-esque groove, Anglea leans back against the wall, hands folding in her lap. Her fingers fidget slightly. "The same reason nightmares would keep anyone from sleeping," she quips coldly, green eyes focused on Supergirl. "Nightmares are scary."

Supergirl pauses as she thinks for a bit. "So...you need the fear of others to counter your own fears...." She looks over Angela for a while, considering. "have you ever tried to face your own fears without the strength you get from absorbing the fears of others?"

"If you need me to, I can stay." Lilith gently offers, from her little corner of the room. "I also brought some herbal teas that help with nightmares and restful sleep...you don't have to try them, of course, but I've dealt with a lot of nightmares."

Phobia frowns at Supergirl, glaring at her as if she had grown a single eyebrow, a wart, and a Parisian profile. In lieu of replying to Supergirl, Phobia turns to regard Lilith with a cautious sort of optism. "Tea," she questions with all the tea-loving British nobly she has. "Tea would be sublime." Even if it makes me sleep.

Supergirl frowns a bit. "That doesn't really answer my question, you know. Or are you trying to say that you have tried and how we found you just now is what happens?" Her tone becomes softer, more conciliatory. "Angela, I just want to help you. And to do that, I need to know what you're going through, what your past is like. You've seen the fears I have inside me, let me help you deal with yours."

Lilith clears her throat very softly, but in the room it might as well be a bell. "Let her do her thing, right? I know she'll open up when she trusts us and sees that we only want to help her. I can go get those teas...I can even stay here, or in the room next door, if that would help. I want to help, but sometimes...sometimes you have to put your money where your mouth is. You know?"

Phobia eyes Supergirl again as Lilith speaks, only to nod and say, "Tea would be lovely. Thank you." All the while her gaze never wavers from Supergirl's.

Supergirl closes her eyes, feeling the confines of the small room suddenly. Trust. There's only one really big thing she's been holding back from Angela, something that could potentially destory all of Angela's progress. "The only things I've been keeping secret are things that are not totally my secret to share. You've seen what I'm afraid of, Angela. You know how important some things I know are, and how devastating they can be. You have all the pieces you need right not to unlock one of the biggest mystery that exists today; something the could bring you more money than you can possibly imagine, if sold to the right bidder." The Girl of Steel feels weary now, like she doesn't have the strength to hold herself up, much less a jet plane. Kara looks right at Angela. "You have all the information you need to figure out Superman's secret identity. Luthor would make you very rich. And that scene you saw would come true."
"
Lilith rises with a particular, supernatural smoothness, and she turns to the door. "I'll just be a mental yell away." Said more for Supergirl's peace of mind than Phobia's, but either way she glides off to prepare the tea she brought with her. She probably can still hear everything. She probably doesn't need to. Whatever the case, she walks off to busy herself preparing tea.

Phobia looks completely baffled at Supergirl's speech. Her lips part as she tries to digest it. For long long moments, Phobia studies Kara's crestfallen features, as if merely looking at her would reveal something to her. And for once, Phobia doesn't immediately go to her mental powers for the answers. The silence drags on for nearly one full uncomfortable minute before Angela snorts, turns up her nose, folds her arms over her chest, and shifts to cross her legs at the knees rather than the ankles. "Money is not something I have an overwhelming need for. Especially from an American Man."

There's another long pause as Supergirl looks at Angela. "I know it's hard for you to trust, especially trust someone like me. And I'm not going to lie and say that what you've seen in my mind and what you know isn't a factor in trying to help you. But it's the truth when I say it's not the main factor. I want to help you becasue you deserve to be helped, if you want it. You deserve to live without your ability being a curse and a drain on you. I know what it's like to be alone, to be hurt and used and betrayed. It took me a long time to deal with my own mental scars, but I got through it by having friends that cared about me. So let me help you, the way I was helped."

Phobia regards Supergirl in silence, slowly uncurling from that too-cool reclined look, into a more upright and attentive pose. Her brows pull together gently, a thin crease forming between them. Her lips pull down at the corners in the hint of a thoughtful frown. Friends is clearly not something Angela's had. Her eyes narrow, then relax. Her head tilts, lips relax. An eye twitches. The frown returns, and her eyes once more narrow. Unmoving for several more seconds, Angela finally holds out a hand and states clearly, "Angela Hawkins the third."

Supergirl smiles and takes Angela's hand, shaking it. "Kara In-Ze." Her smile fades and she nods, fearing the reaction that may come. "Yes. I know I have a rather unique name. We did meet before our fight. When I was in my secret identity." She straightens back up, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry that I mislead you before. I didn't know how you would take the information; I still don't know, to be honest. But the trust has to start to help you heal. You've been open with me, I need to be fair with you."

A few moments later, Lilith returns, with a pot of tea and three cups. "It's really technically a tisane, but...same basic operating principle." She smiles wider, more toothily, perhaps relaxing a bit more around the two. "This is a really good blend for bringing peace. With your feedback, I can adjust it to suit you better."

The odd name, it was clear, Phobia could handle. The smile, the warmth, all register as OK-FINE on Phobia's radars. After all, Kara had said she was from another planet loads of times. Phobia herself saw the planet's destruction, even if the nightmare of a pair of dead farmers here on Earth seemed to hit her harder. The reasons behind it were foreign to the estranged noble, and so they were not dwelt upon. When Kara fesses up to having met Angela in her secret identity a look of complete and utter confusion strikes the Brit's face as surely as if she has been slapped. Enter Lilith. Still looking completely balderdashed, Angela turns to look at Lilith. Uncomprehending, Angela merely nods and straightens more fully, returning her ankles to their proper crossed and her hand to their gentle fold in her lap (regardles that her fingers still fidget).

The agitation in Angela is very apparent, from her body posture to her elevated heart rate. "I'm sorry, Angela. I really am. I just...." Supergirl's voice drops quieter and her head is hung low. "I just wanted to help." And her general mental state and aura show that she realy is sorry about hurting this stranger in this way, caught between her desire to help and her duty to protect her family.

Lilith passes out the tea and then takes her own with the tray. "I will be nearby...okay? I'm going to let you two work this out because I feel like I'm intruding, and that's not cool. Just give me a mental shout and I'll be right here." She smiles again, a little wider, and then actually vanishes -- teleported out in a swirled ripple -- from the room. The tea, or tisane as she said, is a creeping effect, but it is effective on at least human physiology...bringing subtle relaxation, but powerful relaxation, to its drinkers.

Phobia takes her tea, watching with raised brows, as Lilith swirls out of sight. A sip taken, and her green eyes shift back to Kara. She regards the other woman for a moment, long enough to take a sip of the tea. The soothing flavor is famliar and not, all at once, and so she speaks finally in an almost gentle tone. "You're only the second person that has ever truly seemed genuine in wanting to help."

Phobia sips her tea, enjoying the calm infusion spreading through her. "Thank you," she replies after a goodly pause. "That actaully... does mean alot," she adds. A soft, uncertain, shy, little smile peaks its way onto her features. And then she adds in a tone that sings of testing the waters: "Kara."

Supergirl leans forward, smiling. "You're welcome, Angela." Kara geats another thoughtful look in her eyes. "I was wondering...have you ever tried to absorb someone's positive emotions? Maybe you can feed off things like love and happiness as well as the darker side."

Phobia tilts her head, the frown returning. But there's no malice within her eyes. Instead, the frown seems thoughtful. She taps her fingernail against the rim of her tea cup as she ponders. Finally, she shakes her head, "I've never tried, in all honesty, but I rather think that I should limit the touching of another's mind. At least for a time." She sips her tea again. "It's a habit, so long ingrained, that it will take time to undo." She sips again, still
looking thoughtful.
"Well, you have a willine test subject in me," Kara replies. "I should probably get going, now. My patrol is going to start soon. Are you going to be okay for now?"

Phobia looks up from her tea, tilts her head again, then finally nods. "Yes. Yes, I think so." She starts to sip her tea again, then puts to in her lap. "May I ask for two things? Before you go?"

Supergirl nods. "Of course."

"Could you leave the dampeners off, or lower than you normally keep them? I know that may be pushing it, but, I still would like to ask and..." Phobia sips her tea once before continuing, "...I would like my knitting."

Supergirl nods, smiling. "Done and done. The dampers won't be totally turned down, but they will be set lower. Is that fine? And I'll bring up your knitting right away."

Phobia nods to that, an actual smile working its way to her face. "Yes. Thank you." And for the first time in a long time, Angela takes a calm and unflustered breath.

Running into Valari in Gotham (Incomplete Scene)

Date of Scene: May 8, 2011
Characters in Scene (In Order of Appearance):
Valari
Phobia




-----==[ Crime Alley - Gotham City ]==----------------------------------------

Once called Park Row, and still labeled by that name, the street called Crime Alley is about as dangerous as the title implies. Long and dark, the street winds through a host of brick buildings, debris, and detritus. The architecture and the asphalt of the street itself are in a state of general disrepair. Tenement buildings are accessed from here, the old Gotham Arms Hotel, and a diner or two. Those that can be found walking this street are generally not of the reputable sort.
Infamously, Crime Alley is where a mugger murdered tycoon Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha in front of their eight year old son, Bruce, while the family was returning home from the cinema.

==============================================================================

It may be stereotypical of the superelements, either good or bad, within Gotham to stand on the edge of a building, one foot up on the ledge, and peering down at the streets. but it is a stereotype that, nonetheless, The guy in the black hoody and cargo-pants is doing. Arms cross on one knee he stands unmoving. Literally, unmoving. So still he could be mistaken for yet another of gothams multitude of gargoyles. Sans wings, of course.

Meanwhile, slinking from shadow to shadow, is another of Gotham's sterotypes, complete with black cape. Phobia is on th ehunt, prowling for the terrified minds. She climbs up a fire escape to the rooftops, where her mind can trickle down from on high. It's just the same roof top at hoody-man. As she makes her final ascent, she grunts softly and hauls herself up onto the ledge.

Valari must sense her in some way since the dark figure turns his head and only his head slowly towards her direction. He is wearing matte-black wrap-around shades that covers his eyes and stares at her silhoette. Beyond that he doesn't move a muscle.. or gear.. or whatever the hell he has.

Phobia puffs a soft huff and sits herself on the edge of hte building to catch her breath. She starts to lean back, and look around, only to see Valari starting back at her. A strangled little choke and Phobia falls backwards, off the ledge, and onto the roof proper.

Valari 's lips might, juuuuust might, quirk for a second. And then he is gone.. a dark blur becoming nothing.. Only to land on the actually ledge in a very Prophecy-like crouch. He stares at her a moment, then offers her a fingerless-gloved hand. "For a supervillien, you sure are clumsy." he says in the Borgish-like syntehic voice of his.

Phobia's mind instantly scans and finds... Nothing! Green eyes widening, Phobia scoots back once before pushing herself up. "You startled me," she retorts with her tight British accent.

((Phobia loses internet. Scene incomplete.))

Out with the Warden

Date of Scene: Apr. 27, 2011

Characters in Scene (in Order of Appearance):

- Phobia / Angela Hawkins III

- Supergirl

- Starman / Jack Knight

-----==[ MetroTower - Metropolis ]==------------------------------------------

Massive in size, this lobby is decorated in a modern approach; The black marble floor and mirrored walls make the already gigantic two level lobby look even larger. The walking area is quite large and open allowing room for the masses of people who pass through here every couple of minutes with a sitting area for those on a break or waiting for a meeting or other business to move freely. Large statues of heroes (fallen and current) are placed on the left and right emphasising the location of doors and hallways with floor maps on the left side of them reducing confusion for those who are new to the building.

There is a hallway that leads to the eastern side of the building that leeds to garage area, stairway, and restrooms. On the west side there is a doorway which has written on a plaque "Security Offices". On the south end surrounded by large glass windows opening up to the common area are four large automated glass doors. And finally on the North wall are the elevators which lead to the rest of the building, including conference rooms, engineering labs, and other high-tech amenities. It is clear that this room probably handles the majority of this buildings traffic and is highly secure.

==============================================================================

It's been a few days since Supergirl and Phobia clashed, and the process of trying to help Phobia turn towards the light is still ongoing. As the one responisble for Phobia, Supergirl has decided that it might be time to bring Phobia out of the holding cell and let her stretch her legs on Earth for a bit. So, in a column of shimmering light, the Girl of Steel appears inside MetroTower, with Phobia (who's wearing a lovely psi-dampening bracelt) alongside her.

Phobia is in full villian get-up, complete with the unhappy frown at the restrain on her wrist. She's pushing at it with the opposite hand in a resigned sort of fashion. Of course, the dampener is not moving, but it doesn't stop Phobia from fidgeting with it.

%R "I'm tellin' you, Jack, just give it some thought. I wasn't too keen on joining up with Bats asked me but in hindsight joining the League was the right move. " Ollie Queen's distinctive voice can be heard coming up the corridor. "The Society is a great bunch of guys but you can do more good in the League." His companion Jack Knight raises up one hand to hold off and says, "Okay, Ollie, I'll think it over but that's all I'm going to commit to doing right now. Thanks for having me up and all that but I'll have to think it over."

Ollie agrees to this and shows Jack the way towards the teleporter hub and heads back into the building proper after saying his goodbyes and Jack enters the main lobby.

Supergirl looks at Phobia and frowns a bit. "I know. I'm sorry that you have to wear it, but it's the rules for now. Next time....maybe I can convince the powers that be that it's not neccessary." She smiles a bit and puts a hand on Phobia's shoulder. "I know it's hard. But I'm proud of you for making the efforts, Angela." After Green Arrow leaves Starman alone, Supergirl notices the unfamiliar face and waves to the man. "Hi there! Are you a freind of Green Arrows?"

Phobia turns her face toward Supergirl as she speaks, eyes tracking to the friendly hand on her shoulder. Phobia's eyes narrow somewhat, lips still set into an unpleasant frown. There's a brief moment, where Phobia seems not to react, before she finally nods, and air of mental and emotional fatigue about her. With Supergirl pleasantly waving to Jack, Phobia follows the motion, eyes alighting on Jack. A faint bit of color rises to her cheeks as she recognizes her coffee buddy. Surely, he's going to recognize her, given that she's not a mask-wearing villian.

Jack Knight grins in Supergirl's direction and says, "Friend is a strong word. Acquaintance of his and Batman's and I think he invited me up here just to pitch a membership to me. I'm Jack Knight. " he then corrects himself remembering that he's among super hero types and adds, "Starman." he then looks to Phobia and says, "Hey, it's my coffee amigo."

Supergirl gives Starman a freindly wave and starts to speak. Then Starman's response to Phobia causes her to frown. "Oh....you two know each other? Ummmmm...." Yeah. Awkward.

"We've had coffee," is Phobia's reply, her British accent terse and unsettled. She steps from Supergirl one measured half-step, bring her just a bit closer to Jack. "More correctly, the term would be amiga," she quips, tone trying to take on that friendly note from their first coffee date, but failing miserably. "I trust you've been well," she continues, hand once again fidgeting with the bracelet that sits at odds against the black of her super-suit.

Jack Knight says, “Yes we bumped into each other in Metropolis once. There was coffee, there were corporate yutzes mocked, a lovely time was had by all. So what brings you up here?”

Supergirl smiles. She can recover this, make it right for Angela. "We're just coming down from the Watchtower to stretch our legs." She smiles and puts her hand back on Phobia's shoulder. "She's been cooped up a bit because her powers got messed with, boosted to where control was harder, and she asked the League for help." Supergirl? Lying? Maybe it's not Truth, but it is Justice to not reveal that Phobia is a bad guy when she's tryign to change. Kara looks back at Angela and smiles. "Isn't that right?" There's just a hint of a wink.

Phobia turns to regard Supergirl, with a quirked brow. Green eyes study the blonde's smiling face and hinted wink. She runs her tongue over her front teeth before replying in a deadpan, "Whatever you say." She turns back to Jack, lips twitching at the hint of something other than a frown. About to say something, Phobia glances at Supergirl again, snorts faintly through her nose, and pointly looks away.

Jack Knight arches an eyebrow and leans on his re-build cosmic staff. "If I can offer an observation, Sueprgirl. I'm thinking that poker might not be your game. Still, if you ladies wouldn't mind me tagging along I'm headed down planetside anyway."

Supergirl sags a bit in disapointment. "Sorry. I think I'll just keep my mouth shut and let her speak for herself now." Kara bites her lip a bit, realizing that she's probably making things worse here."

Phobia glances at Supergirl briefly, smirks, and turns back to Jack. The smirk grows faintly, into a near grin, and the black-clad one nods. "I, for one, would truely appreciate your company," she replies, the poshness smoothing out from its prior aggitation. Then the frown touches her lips again, and she once more fidgets with the bracelet. Turning to Supergirl, she quips darkly, "Are we really going to wander about dressed like this?"

Jack Knight looks between the two as things appear awkward. "You can always borrow my jacket if you like." he says to Phobia understanding all too well that there are some people who just won't be caught dead in super hero threads if they can avoid it

Supergirl shakes her head. "Of course not. ONe of the places we were going to go was your place so you could get some regular clothes. I've got my own change of clothes all set to go." SHe smiles. "I'm sure that Starman wouldn't mind waiting outside while we change."

Phobia seems somewhat relieved, and so nods to Supergirl, before smilng wanely at Jack. "Thank you. A gentleman, as always," she says smoothly, holding out the braceleted hand, palm down, toward him.

Jack Knight takes the offered hand and says, "I could even ditch my staff and jacket and the lot of us could go inconito"

Supergirl smiles and starts to float off the ground. "Okay, Phobia, we don't know the way to your apartment, so you'll have to guide us while Starman gives you a lift. And would an orange tabby do instead of a terrier?"

"So long as no one makes a Scarecrow reference again," Phobia mutters before heaving a bit of a sigh toward Jack. "So, how do we do this, lift, thing," she asks.

Jack Knight steps onto the pad and once they've reappeared in the atmosphere he holds up his staff which lights up and makes a light humming noise as he slips an arm around Phobia's waist and the two fo them effortlessly float off of the ground. "From here on I'm going to need directions"

Supergirl floats alongside Starman and Phobia. "I know Metropolis from the air like the back of my hand, so if you give me an adress, I can find it."

Phobia shudders a bit at Jack's touch. Holding his hand was one thing, but having him wrap his arm about her waist is entirely another. She frowns, stiffens her back, and tries to take a step away, but them her feet are no longer on the ground. With a faint squeak, she suddnely flings her arms about his neck and clings for dear life. Her heart races at that sudden spike of fear and adrenaline, only for her to moan in a bit of pain and drop her temple to Jack's shoulder as a migraine starts to sudden in. She rubs the bracelet again his arm, as if that would dislodge it. "I'm staying at the Wyatt," Phobia replies, face in shoulder. "12th floor. My balcony has the petunias."

Jack Knight makes his way in that general direction and says, "On the way, Miss Daisy." and as the two of you sail in that general direction he says, "Yes, the arm wrap was for aerodynamic safety and not in fact just my being fresh."

Supergirl laughs as she flies alongside. "I don't think that she thought you were beign fresh, Starman. You're probably as incapable of somethign like that as my cousin." Once she has the adress, it's an easy matter for Supergirl to lead the way, shortly, the group finds themselves on the balcony of Phobia's residence.

Phobia just clings there like a wet cat; generally shaking and very unhappy. All the while, she keeps rubbing that bracelet on Jack's arm. So intent in hiding and trying to rub the bloody thing free that she fails to notice their arrival.

Jack Knight can't help but laugh at Supergirl's statement. "Wow, you really don't know me at all do you?" As the two of them light on the balcony, Jack's staff humms down as he releases Phobia though he's a gentleman and leaves the arm handy should she need to steady herself

Supergirl smiles and shrugs. "Just giving you the benefit of the doubt. Although if you're more like Green Arrow than Superman...." She waits for Phobia to open the door and invite them inside.

Oh! We're here? We're here! Phobia moves too quickly to get out of Jack's arms once her feet settle fully, that she stumbles.

Jack Knight sets his staff against the wall and turns to Supergirl. "I honestly don't know Arrow well enough to say. For whatever reason Bats thought he'd be the one to convince me to join the league."

Supergirl smiles. "Probably becasue Green Arrow was such a hard sell to begin with. Okay, we'll be right back." She smiles at Phobia. "So, let's get changed and grab some of your clothes."

Phobia recovers herself and nods to Supergirl. Letting herself into her hotel room, she leads the way to her bedroom, and rummages through her closet. It takes her some time to change, but when she does, Angela emerges in her carefully coordinated two piece suit. Today, it's a soft teal, with a rich peacock-blue flower on the lapel. White lace gloves cover her hands without protecting them.

It doesn't take Supergirl all that long to change. Just a quick spin at superspeed and her blue costume and red skirt are replaced by a white spaghetti strap top and bluejeans. She walks over to Phobia once her charge is finished dressing and looks at the other woman for a while. "Here...let me see your wrist."

Jack Knight leans against the wall having changed out of his jacket and goggles which along with the staff constitute this incarnation of Starman's costume. He shrugs at Supergirl's comment and says, "Hey, I hung up the whole Starman thing five years ago and now here I am back so maybe I won't be such a hard sell afterall"

Phobia was looking through her jewelry box, looking at herself in a mirror while holding up various earrings to wear, seeing which would look best with her attire. As Supergirl approaches and asks for her wrist, Phobia pauses, regards Supergirl a moment, then extends her wrist.

Jack Knight stands in his bowling shirt (a true gem of a find from the mid 1950s if you're even remotely into that sort of thing) and waits on the ladies to emerge. When they do so he asks, "What is that bracelet thing anyway?"

There's just a bit of hesitation as Supergirl takes Phobia's hand. She presses her thumb against a pad on the psi-damper bracelet and the mechanism unlocks. Kara takes the bracelet away and looks at Phobia, smiling gently. "Trust has to begin somewhere. If you need it back to fight off the hunger, let me know." When Starman asks his question, Supergirl looks back at Phobia and nods to her. "Up to you what you want to tell him. Your fate is your own here."

Phobia eyes Supergirl with a mixture of confussion and awe. Bringing her wrist up, she rubs at it where the bracelet lay. Her gaze next turns to Jack, a little frown forming. "It keeps my powers in check," she all she replies before she turns back to her jewelry box for the pearl earrings and the silver wrist watch.

Jack Knight nods as he eyes the bracelet and the explaination. Oh yes, he's definately back into the super hero game again and he's almost ready to admit to himself just how much he missed it. "How did you get the power boost in the first place if you don't mind my asking."

Supergirl looks over to Phobia and gives her a 'it's up to you' look. She walks off to the side, looking at the decor in the main room.

The room is your typical high-end hotel room that caters to the more permanent guest. "She lied," is Angela's terse reply. She moves to her purse and settles to the foot of the bed to redo her makeup. "I'm a telepath, and she didn't want me in the minds of those in the Watchtower, apparently," Phobia begins, tone darkening. Already her mind is ferreting out for the darker emotions, for fear and anxiety.

Jack Knight nods "I gathered that she was lying but I thought it was abuot them trying to help you." He looks to the Kryptonian that he knows can hear him. "It was a complement, Blue. Not being a good liar is generally considered to be a good thing."

Supergirl smiles a bit at Jack. "I know. I'm sorry, but when it came out that you two knew each other, I wanted to try and give her an excuse to to her story to you on her terms." She looks over to Angela, no fear or anxiety. "I hope that you can accept that I was trying to help."

"Mmmmmmm," is all Angela replies, the sound rumbling in her throat, as she paints her lips with practiced ease. Quick 5 minutes face: foundation, powder, eyeliner, eye-lights, mascara, lipstick, dab of blush. She click everything shut, putting it away, and reaches for her shoes.

--Scene Paused--

Waking up in the Watchtower

Characters in Scene (in Order of Appearance):

- Phobia

- Supergirl

Location: A holding cell in the Watchtower of the Justice League.

How long was Phobia unconscious? She has no way of knowing. The psychic only knows that when she did wake, she was in a holding cell and that no minds were near enough for her to touch and meddle with. With the backlash from kara's mind still fresh, and no one's fears to drain her own mounting ones in, Phobia slid off the bunk and into a corner. Curling up, Phobia pressed her back into the corner, pulled her knees to her chin, and wrapped her black cloak up around herself. Shivering, eyes wide, there she stayed until her mind ran out of thngs to trap her with, and numb silence set in to her mind. Thus is how she can be found, curling into a ball, eyes wide and unseeing.

The door opens and in walks the reason why Phobia is in here to begin with. Supergirl isn't looking very happy about being here, but she has questions that need to be answered as well as a big decision to make. The psi-dampeners in the holding cell help mute Phobia's powers, but there's still a feeling of pity when Kara sees the state of the cell's occupant. "Phobia?" she asks in a gentle tone. "Angella? I need to talk to you. Please?"

It takes a long five seconds for Phobia's eyes to track up to Supergirl. The green depths are hollow, like a starved animal too long caged. Her upper lip curls away from her teeth, and her mind flounders amid the psi-dampers. The weight of them makes Phobia's throat growl, eyes water, and head turn away.

Supergirl sighs. This isn't going to be easy at all. "Angella, we need to talk. I want to understand. And I want to help you. I know something about your poweres and that you need to feed off negative emotions. That's a terrible burden and I want to try and help you with it. If you'll let me."

Phobia shuffles away, face buried into her hands. Her shoulders quiver with the lack of a decent.... meal. One hand pulls away from her face and moves out. Fingers splayed and palm up, its a motion that tries to say 'stop', but for all the trembling, the motion is weak at best.

Supergirl goes and brings a chair over so that she can sit. "Do you need to feed? If you do..." She closes her eyes, thinking. It's dangerous, but it's also something neccessary. "If you need to, we can turn down the dampers a bit and I can give you something. Something I'm in control of. Is that okay?"

Phobia's head lifts, at Supergirl's offer. As she lifts her head, it wobbles in a motion akin to a nod, though with as hard as she's trembling it may just be her overall unsteady state. The tip of her tongue flicks out and moistens dry lips. Her breathing is short and heavy.

Supergirl nods in response. "Okay." She gets up from the chair and goes to the control panel, turning the dampening field down, to about half strength. She returns to the chair and settles back into it. "Okay. I'm going to visualize something. I'm not going to try and overload you with it. Just please only look at that and nothing else in mymind, okay?" Without waiting for an answer, Kara closes her eyes again and brings back the memory of the day Krypton's death hit Argo; the trememdous shockwavae ripping the planet from it's orbit and causing apocalyptic earthquakes and tidal waves.

Phobia's mind latches out, finds the first fear she comes to and claws into it. It's harder than she's used to, with the dampeners, giving Supergirl the mental control to guide what's seen and felt and shared. All Phobia does is cause the fear to spike and for the mind of her victim to see the fear as a real thing, as flesh and blood and smell and taste. All the while, Phobia takes the feeling of her victim's fear, savors it, and uses it to fill the hole in her own psyche where her own fears and phobias lurk.

Supergirl clenches her fists as the horrors of that day are relieved and the feelings of fear intensified. Her eyes are shut tight and a few tears stream down her cheek. "Just...just a bit more. I really don't like dwelling on this day...."

Phobia uncoils, like a snake, and rises to her feet. If she heard or if she cared is unknown as she continues to feed. "Something in common, have we," she whispered, voice mocking and cold, taking on the grating reverb of shattering rock. "Yess... just a bit more," she adds, tones taking on a sadistic quality as she twists her mental knife, savoring as much anguist as she can.

As soon as Phobia starts talking in that voice, Kara stops thinking about that day. She focuses on happier times: times spent with her friends in the League. "That's enough!" she snaps. Kara gets up and turns the psi-dampners back up.

Phobia gasps in a startled strandled sort of way, stumbling backwards into the bunk and falling down onto her backside. She shakes her head, trying to clear it, trying to scoop up the lingering sensations that still dance about her thoughts; she presses the fingertips of one hand to a temple. Looking up at Kara, eyes more clear than before, Phobia asks with a hiss, "Why are you holding me?"

It takes Kara a moment to steady herself and regain her composure. She manages not to crumple the control panel as she grips it to keep her balance. "There's several reasons why we're holding you. I'm not going to lie to you and say that some of what you saw in my thought isn't the biggest reason. But I am telling you the truth: I do want to help you. I think you really do want to be someone better. You want to stop being the villain, that's why you left the Brotherood. That's why you were regretting what you were doing to that man last night." She looks back up and focuses her gaze, and her enhanced hearing, on Phobia. "Am I right?"

Phobia's eyes narrow, and her lips press into a pale thin line. Her heart beat catches a moment in fright as her mind races with wild thoughts of just how this one knows these things about her. Was that farm girl from the park a spy? Why did she have to open up and say a word to anyone? If she ever finds that farm-brat again, Phobia plans to make sure there's little left of her mind to recognize. Pushing herself to her feet, Phobia keeps as much distance between herself and Supergirl as she can, feeling trapped and uncertain how to answer. She wants to yell no and turn Supergirl's mind to goo, but with the dampeners on, and her mind not having focused well enough to find the controls, that's a no-go. And then there's the part of her that wants to change, the part that Raven forced her to see, that frightened little girl, that is shouting from the back corner of her mind: Yes! Yes! Let me out of here!

Hearing Phobia's heat pounding in fear, Supergirl softens her stance and walks back to the chair. "I know you're scared. I don't need telepathy to tell. Your heart rate, your body posture...I can read it all. Angella, I really want to help you. Your power is a burden that no-one should ever have to bear. But that doesn't mean that you're a bad person. You've been dealt a bad hand, but it's not too late to change."

Hand by hand, Phobia creeps along the wall until she's as far from Supergirl as the holding cell allows. Defenseless and now trapped in her own mind, Phobia's mind struggles to comprehend what its being given. "You've done your homework," she hisses, snake-like. Even to Phobia's ears the tone lacks luster and strength. "But what of it? You'll change me? You'll save me, Hero? Somehow, I doubt that."

Supergirl 's voice is quiet but it does carry. Especially in the cramped confines of the holding cell. "One of the things you saw was how I was betrayed by Cadmus. How when I was beaten and near death, they healed me, but they also took some genetic material from me. They created a clone, one that would do their bidding. They took everything I am, everything I was, everything I stood for, and they perverted it. They turned a version of me into a weapon and let it loose. And even after I beat her, she still kept coming after me. She tried to eliminate me and have my life. But I forgave her. I accepted her when she needed me. I accepted her as a sister, even. If I can forgive all those things, set aside my hatred for the people that betrayed and me and created a twisted copy, what makes you think I won't try to honestly help you?"

Phobia blinks, slowly. Yes. She saw, and at Kara's mention, she recalls that was part of what she had dreamt before she woke. It was part of what had dulled her mind savage while she waited. Phobia frowns, narrows her eyes, and retorts, "We don't know each other, and we have no ties other than your fears." The way she leans on the word 'fears', the way it makes her heart race again, makes it clear that this word means much to her.

Supergirl leans in a bit. "We're connected much deeper than just that." Despite the words and he mvement, Kara is not trying to be menacing. "You said it yourself when you fed off me just now. We've got something in common. We both know what it's like to loose everyone and everything we loved and be alone."

Phobia half turns toward the wall, peering at her faint shadow, all the while worrying her lower lip with her teeth. At her side, her hands ball into clentched fists. A moment later, and the fists come to her temples. A moment after that, her knees bend and buckle, and Phobia slides to the floor, shaking her head violently. "Leave me alone," she rasps.

"You don't have to be alone, Angella." Kara tries to put as much warmth and conviction into her voice as she can. "The League can help you. I can help you. You don't have to live a life of feeding off the homeless and desperate. We can help you find a good purpose in life. You can be stronger than what you think your power makes you. You just have to want us to help you."

"The League. The Brotherhood. What difference is there," Phobia hisses and snaps in reply, uncoiling to glare at Supergirl. Tears already striking her face, she seems not to notice them. "I do fine on my own. I disturb as few as possible." Again her mind tries to lash out, and again Phobia grimaces, ahdn coming to her temple as the dampeners weigh her down. "So, she was your spy, then? An informant; that farm-girl? Best you keep her from me! Or let me take my leave from you now, and I shall refrain from crushing her should I see her again!" Ah, the path of the villian. Making threats.

Supergirl looks puzzled. "I have no idea who you're talking about." She really hopes that her act is convincing..."And you're doing alright? Feeding from bums on the street? You're living like a scavenger. You're a person. And you deserve teh chance to live like one. I'm not going to say that I know what it's like to have your power, but I do know that it doesn have to be a curse unless you let it. One of the Leaguers that I admire is Captain Atom. He has no phsyical body now, he's just sentient energy. But he still refuses to let his condition define him. It would be all too easy for him to just withdraw and give up, but he keeps fighting and lives as a hero. You can do the same once we figure out a way for you to use your power to help others."

Phobia snorts lightly at Supergirl's first comment, as if to say 'I've heard that one before'. But as the kryptonian continues, Phobia frowns, considering. She moves back toward the bunk, settling down upon it. Her parentage does her well, and she sits with her back straight, her knees touching, and her ankles crossed. Marveling, seeing as no one's ever offered to help her before, Phobia's slow to trust, and she finally looks over. "Plan on keeping me in here the whole time, then?"

Supergirl shakes her head. "No. That wouldn't be right. But we can't let you out immediately, either. It's going to be a slow process, getting you to trust others and getting others to trust you. But it *will* be worth it. Did the Brotherhood ever trust each other? Not gaining trust hasn't exactly worked out for you, has it? Just be honest with yourself, please. Ask yourself if you really want to go on living like this, like a scavanger that has to hide in the night jsut to survive. I'm offing you a chance at a better way, a better life."

Phobia sneers at that, almost recoiling. Her heart speeds up again, bloodpressure rising into her ears. But once again battling herself, Phobia turns away from Supergirl, once again biting at her lower lip. After a moment, her eyes narrow, and she slides her gaze toward Kara. "And if I said yes?"

Supergirl stands up and walks over to the holding cell. She places her hand on the transparent wall that looks in on Phobia's cell. "Then we'll help you learn to focus your power. We'll help you master it instead of letting it master you. I promise."

Phobia looks up fully. Her eyes widen, only just now realizing that there was a WALL between them. Anger thuds her heartbeat as a dark frown graces her features. Regally, Phobia rises to her feet, moves to the middle of the cell, and glares at Supergirl. "And if you fall in your promise," she growls in a tone that borders into more fear. Her heart rate once again gives her away; this has happened to her before.

Supergirl smiles gently and points to the 'S' shield on her chest. "You think they let just anyone wear this symbol? And don't even start on the 'he's your cousin' bit. Superman doesn't believe in nepotism." She takes a deep breath, centering herself agian. "I need to go now. Can I send you down some food? We've got a great cafeteria here."

Phobia hadn't really considered Supergirl being Superman's cousin. It never really occurred to her, but now that it's mentioned it makes part of what she attacked Supergirl with in the alley make a little more sense. The farmers must have been close to Superman, and therefore close to Supergirl, hence her fear and guilt at their death. Phobia's heartbeat relaxes as she considers this new information while she nods in reply. "Yes, please," she adds verbally.

Supergirl smiles win a friendly way, not feeling as upset as she had been. "What would you like? I can recommend the roast turkey with dressing and mashed potatoes. Or what ever you prefer, we have gourmet chefs here on the Watchtower."

A loud gurgle speaks up that just about anything would be DELICIOUS! A gurgle loud enough that it could be heard clearly even without the help of super-hearing. Phobia's cheeks darken with a faint touch of pink at the sound, which had cut her off as she openned her mouth to speak.

Supergirl giggles and smiles. "I'll just have them send down a 'Flash special': a little bit of everything on the menu. SOund good?"

Off-put by the giggle, Phobia merely nods. Delicate brows pull together and form a light crease between them as the corners of her mouth pull downward again.

Now, Kara smiles sympatheticly. "It'll be okay, Angella. We'll work it all out and things will be better. Tomorrow...we can try siphoning some negative emotions agian. Okay?"

Phobia's eyes narrow again, lips once again forming an unhappy thin line on her face. Her reply is to fold her arms over her chest, not quite hugging herself.

Nodding quietly, Supergirl walks out. It's going to be a long road, but it has to work out, if not just for the fact that Phobia has too much information she could put together.

Frowning, Phobia paces the cell until the food arrives. When it does, the once-villian eats quickly, before pacing again until her body's tired enough to curl up and fall into a more natural sleep. How long it will last, however, with only a light 'feeding', is anyone's guess.

Fighting Fears

Characters in Scene (in Order of Appearance):

- Phobia

- Supergirl

-----==[ Suicide Slum - Metropolis ]==----------------------------------------

Although the name of this district is officially Hobb's Bay, it has earned the unshakeable nickname of "Suicide Slum". This part of the South Side has always been known as a neighborhood for immigrants and the working class, and while the mixture of inhabitants changes over the decades, it is always ethnically diverse. Its older buildings -- some derelict -- hold much of the real character known in the history of Hobb's Bay as an ethnic and artistic mecca. These days, it is primarily known for having filthy streets and decaying, empty high-rises.

Despite this, there has been some resurgence in civic pride in the past few years, in the interests of making the Slum a more pleasant -- or at least less horrible -- place to live. Although limited in its impact, the gentrification may be encouraging to those who find themselves in this place, that there are some struggling to bring the area out of its seemingly interminable decline.

The dark of night is when the boogeyman is out. Tonight, that boogeyman is the green abd black clad Phobia. She's been on the prowl for an hour at least, finding Metropolis a much more difficult hunting ground than Gotham. She'd been fighting the urge for a day now, and finally, unable to sleep, here she is, standing over a poor homeless man. Caught sleeping in his cardboard box in an alley, he cries out in his sleep as Phobia's nightmares over take him.

The work of a Supergirl is never done, or something like that. Being a hero, especially Superman's cousin, means that she has to do things like occasionally patrol Metropolis at night. And Suicide Slum is always her least favorite part about keeping Metropolis safe. The general air of desperation is at odds with her normally happy outlook, and a reminder of the past tragedies in her life. While most people in the Slum would ignore the cry of the homeless man trapped in Phobia's nightmare projection, Kara's superhearing picks it up and she looks down to investigate. Her enhanced vision lets her see the scene, as well as the villianess causing the comotion. Supergirl did a bit of reading up on Phobia after their encounter in Centenial Park yesterday, so the costume is recognized. Swallowing hard, Kara swoops down to rooftop level and calls out. "Okay, that's enough there. Whatever you're doing to that man, stop it right now."

Phobia lifts her gaze at the voice, eyes glittering as she keeps her mind wrapped in her victim's. Frowning, Phobia snarls lightly as yet another costumed hero interupts. "Another one," she grumbles, accent turning dark. She turns from the man, who lays shivering in his nightmare, to face Supergirl. "Off with you, Hero. There is no crime in watching a man sleep," she hisses as her mind readies for use against her possible foe.

"It's a crime if you're causing him pain." Supergirl is standing,or rather, floating, firm. Her arms are crossed in a gesture of confidence and strength. Internally, she's trying to keep ehr mind calm so that she's not projecting any strong emotion or fear. "This poor man is homeless, he literally has nothing. Don't you think he's suffering enough already without taking away whatever comfort he gets from sleeping?"

"I cause no more pain than he could cause himself," Phobia hisses in reply. She steps to put herself between Supergirl and the homeless man, as if she is protecting him from the floating hero. "What he suffers is none of your concern," she retorts unhappily. "So I would leave, if I were you, unless you wish to learn of his suffering for yourself." Her mind brushes across Supergirl's, reading the surface fears and anxieties, noting how she works to keep calm.

[OOC] Supergirl says, "Of course, her two greatest fears right now are the Kents dying becasue her secret ID gets exposed, and Earth being destroyed becsue she failed to protect it."

Supergirl floats slowly downward. "Anyone suffering is of my concern. Especially in Metropolis. I know who you are, Phobia. And I know what you can do. You haven't been active as a villain and you don't exactly sound happy to be doing this. So maybe you've had a change of heart? Maybe you don't want to hurt people anymore?"

Phobia's eyes narrow sharply and she steps back, away from the man and the approaching Super. Fear spikes within her, darkening Phobia's expression further. "Quite so," Phobia retorts, mind starting to craft the fears she found on her first read of Supergirl's mind. "This man's suffering is the least of your concerns. Certainly, there are others, more important to you, that would suffer worse fates should you continue to interrupt." There's little physical change Phobia needs to make to herself at the moment that would assist the waking nightmare she's creating for Supergirl. What visuals Phobia could create are, ultimately, controlled by her victim.

And in Kara's mind, she sees the Kents lying dead. Their farm, the entire town of Smallville, burning as Luthor leads a horde of villains upon the unsuspecting populace. Superman screams in pure rage as he kneels over his dead adoptive parents. And Kara knows it's all her fault. Supergirl falls to the cenment. on her hands and knees with tears streaming down her face. "Kal...I'm sorry...I couldn't...." Her voice is a cracked whisper.

Phobia seems startled at the reaction. She barely touched Supergirl's fears. She gave barely a spark and the fears exploded like a powderkeg. Phobia listens to the emotions rolling off her defeated foe, catching only catching bits and pieces. A farm family, dead. A man leading an army of metahumans into a city. The notable Superman turn over the death of the farmers. And the feeling of terrified guilt crippling Supergirl. Stunned, Phobia watches and feels what she has done without feeding more into it. After a moment, Phobia kicks the homeless man, and growls into his mind to run. He squeaks and scrambles away, leaving the two ladies alone in the darkness.

Supergirl struggles under the weight of the guilt she feels from the vision. Part of her realizes that this is Phobia's power, it's what she does. Kara clenches her fists, powering the cement from the sidewalk caught between her fingers. "You...you're nothing more....than a parasite." The words come slowly and with effort. She's fighting back with every mental defense technique that J'onn taught her. Gritting her teeth, she collects her focus. "You feed off of the suffering and guilt of others? Here! Have a five-star meal!" And all of a sudden, Kara pushes all her negative memories to the front. The agony of watching Argo die a slow death. The betrayal of a mind-controlled Superman. The violation of having her genetic material used to create a living weapon. And the heartbreak of finding true love in the future, only to have to return to the present. It all comes rushing through her mind like a torrent.

Phobia gasps, one hand coming to her face. As if that would block the images. Phobia stumbles backward, quivering at the guilt, at the loss, at the fear. The emotions echo her own dark childhood, merging with them and making them impossible to drowning out as she's used to doing. It's too much too fast. "St-st-stop...?...!... ."

"What's wrong?" Kara says as she slowly gets up to her feet. "I thought this is what you wanted." She keeps up the mental imagery in her mind, focusing in on the days of Argo where she and her family were the sole survivors on a dead world. "Why would you want me to stop?" She's almost shouting right now, and her eyes are glowing dangerously red.

This is not how Phobia likes it. Being force-fed is not the way to keep her own fears in check. Phobia struggles to fight back, mind lashing out and stabbing at a random fear. The feeling of loneliness, sole survivor, strikes a chord in Angela, and pulls strained words from her throat. "You should have left well enough alone! I was bothering no one of importance."

And it's that feelign of lonlieness that hits Supergirl, or rather her own feeling as Phobia hits that nerve. "You were forcing yourself on them. Forcing them to relive painful experiences. And that's wrong." Fueled by her own anger, Kara moves swiftly, body-checking Phobia towards one of the walls in the alleyway; not nearly her full speed, but hopefully enough to end this without serious injury to Phobia.

Phobia is a push-over when it comes to the physical things. Supergirl body-checks Phobia. Phobia thuds against the wall, then slides down it to land in an unconscious heap at Supergirl's feet. The exact moment Phobia lost consciousness, when the wall made contact with the back of her skull, is clearly felt for in that instant all the mental feedback Phobia was creating stops completely.

Panting, Supergirl walks over to Phobia's prone form, her head still reeling from the psionic assault. She picks up Phobia and taps the comlink in her ear. "Supergirl to Watchtower, two to beam up to a holding cell. Prepare for incoming psionic criminal. Also alert Martian Manhunter and Superman." In a flash of light, both women are caught in the teleportation beam and transported into the orbiting Watchtower. Supergirl sighs as she deposits Phobia in the holding cell: she's going to need a super-sized asprin to help her with the headache and to figure out what to do with Phobia and the potential knowledge she may have.