Dimensional Dementia

by Shirley Ann Burton

Cowritten with Casey Toh, this collaboration brings our two characters Angela Jacobs and Jas Lee together, with a little help from a onceinamillenium alignment of all the planets in two dimensions. Please read and review.

1. The Astronomical Event of the Millenium ...

Dimensional Dementia

By: Shirley Ann Burton
and Casey Toh

The Important Disclaimer:
The Magician, and all other related material, are the sole copyright of Gaumont Multimédia. Angela Jacobs is the unique invention of Shirley Ann Burton while Jas Lee is the original creation of Casey Toh. If you want to use these characters in any way, notify either of them first.
Now, the Author's Note:
Shirley and Casey agreed to try this crossover with two dimensions coming together in one very strange event. Enjoy this unusual story of trust, teamwork and friendship.

Part 1: The Astronomical Event of the Millennium . . .
And the Strange Circumstances

Just three months earlier, noted Electro City scientist Professor Jonathan Surge made an unbelievable discovery. From the Surge Consortium, he noticed something very special happening in the heavens of space. "This is fantastic!" he exclaimed with sheer excitement. "If the scientists' calculations are accurate, all nine planets in the solar system will align perfectly. This is something that happens once in a millennium! I must make this announcement to the world."
Within two days of the discovery, a horde of reporters stood at the doorsteps of the Surge Consortium. Duke Paparazzo, star reporter for the Sensa-News Network, asked the first question. "So, Professor Surge, tell us about this scientific wonder you and your team have found."
"It's very simple really. What we have found is going to be a dream come true for all who own a telescope. For three nights in less than three months from now, all nine planets in our known solar system will be in one straight line. An event like this will not happen again in 1000 years, so I suggest you get a telescope or maybe two to witness this incredible astronomical experience."
Knowing how accurate the professor really was, everyone in the city had started buying telescopes off the shelves of all stores everywhere in Electro City. Some people even went as far as Lazaro City to purchase the telescopes, mainly since no one wanted to miss out on this remarkable spectacle.
Meanwhile, inside the Magic Express, home to the famous Magician, Ace Cooper, he and his friends had no need to purchase a telescope, as they already had their electron telescope as a part of the super computer system known as Angel.
"Would you like me to run a diagnostic on the telescope," started the female-voiced AI, "as I have not done so in two years?"
"Not a bad idea, Angel," said Cosmo, the red-headed teenage experienced apprentice and computer expert to this "family." He was working underneath the console of the main computer to make certain "she" was working properly. "Okay, what's your best distance right now?"
"I can go as far as Saturn."
"Not bad. We've still got plenty of time to get it ready for this once-in-a-millennium show."
"And we've made certain we won't be performing during this time," said the approaching Magician into the computer room. "I certainly want to see this show."
Then, a beautiful black panther with glowing eyes and a young woman with light brown hair and green eyes joined them in the computer room.
As the panther let out a simple purr, the young woman petted it gently. "I never thought I'd be alive to see this," she said in awe. "I can't wait for this to happen. Of course, don't be surprised if there are some people who are going to say, 'It's the end of the world.'"
Ace smiled at the young woman. "You don't have to worry about that, Angie. I've heard that saying so often I tune it out."
Angela Jacobs, magician-in-training who also possessed the power of the Magic Force like Ace, laughed heartily at her kindred brother's jab. "Maybe I need to do that, too, so I don't have to listen to these goofy prophecies about 'repent, repent, repent.' It drives me so crazy at times. The only time I want to hear that sentence is when R.E.M.'s song is playing on the radio."
Cosmo agreed with her. "Yeah, I like that tune, too. It's pretty fun when you can figure out what they're saying to begin with."
"Very funny, Cosmo. Then again, a lot of times almost nobody can understand what that group is singing."
Ace and his friends shared a good time in all the madness about the planetary alignment situation, as this would truly be the event of all time.

*Two months and 28 days later*

Lying on her bed in her room, Angie started to struggle to sleep again. Ever since she had joined up with Ace Cooper and Cosmo more than two years earlier, she would more often than not experience strange dreams. "What's going on here?" she whispered in confusion. "What is this?"
In her mind she saw three people and a black panther sitting inside the Magic Express's living room at a very late hour of the night.
There were Ace, Cosmo, and Zina, but instead of herself, she noticed someone else in there: a girl of about 18 years of age. She had blonde hair and a rather unusual birthmark on her right arm.
The young lady was practicing her karate moves from a safe distance while the others watched television and talked about the upcoming astronomical event.
"Man, this is gonna be something else," said a very excited Cosmo. "The perfect alignment of all nine planets doesn't happen very often."
Ace responded, "True, Cosmo, very true. This is truly a once-in-a-millennium event, and we're basically ready to go with it." He then turned to the young lady. "How do you feel about this, Jas?"
She looked at the Magician and responded, "I can't wait for it. I never thought I would be alive to see this event. Of course, I wonder if the villains have something cooking up their sleeves because of this anomaly."
"You do bring up a very important point. Who knows what Black Jack, Sonny Boy, and the others may be plotting because of this madness concerning the planetary alignment. I just hope we don't run into any trouble."
"Don't worry, Ace. If we get into danger in any way, I can always use the eagle birthmark to protect us. Of course, I haven't quite mastered using it yet."
So, that is a birthmark, Angie realized, not a tattoo.
Jas then turned away for a second.
The Magician was able to feel some anxiety within her. "What's the matter?"
"I don't know. Somehow, I have a feeling someone is watching us."
"What? Where?"
"It seems to be here, but not really here. I know it sounds weird, but that's what I'm feeling right now."
"Can you tell if this someone is bad?"
"I don't think so. This person's heart seems to be pure and clear. I don't know where she is, but I think she can see us in an unusual way, like in her sleep."
Angie suddenly woke up and breathe heavily. "What in the world was that all about?" she asked herself.
She then jumped out of her bed and ran down the hall.
As soon as she reached Ace's room, the door opened, with him standing there. "You had a strange dream, right?"
"Guess you saw everything in it?"
"Yes, I did. The strangest detail about it was seeing another girl in the Magic Express instead of you."
"Tell me about it. It was like I saw you, Cosmo, and Zina…in some kind of other dimension. Is it possible…my magical powers can allow me to see into other worlds, other dimensions, other…realities?"
"Good question. One common factor is the planetary alignment. If it's happening here, it must also be happening in whatever dimension you saw the myself and the others, along with that girl."
Angie then grew concerned. "Ace, I'm scared. I'm afraid I'm getting too much power at once. I don't know what to do." She then started to shed tears and put her face down.
Holding her in a warm embrace, he thought to her, "Please be calm, kindred sister. I know you're still dealing with the fact you can communicate with ghosts and your deceased parents, along with your power of telemetry. I will be here to help you. Your powers are developing faster than what anyone would expect, but I promise you will not deal with this alone. You have my word as kindred brother."
"Thank you, Ace. Thank you for being there for me. I feel so much calmer, knowing I don't have to deal with this madness by myself. Do you think my powers could also be affected by this alignment of the planets?"
"That's exactly what I think, Angie. The alignment is in two days, and somehow your powers are getting further enhanced by this strange event. It may be best to keep you under close observation until this event is over. You're not upset about it, are you?"
"No way, kindred brother. This is one time I want you to keep a close track of my thoughts and feelings. Who knows what could happen in all seriousness."
"Okay, I'll have Angel work on a special device for you in order to track the progress of your powers. It should be ready tomorrow afternoon."
"Great, Ace. I think I'll be all right now. Good night."
"Good night, Angie."
The two magicians returned to their rooms and went to sleep.
Ace, though, had his worries. "I don't blame her for being scared about having too much power. At times, I worry about whether I can handle the Magic Force when I call upon its power. Angie, however, has great emotional control over her powers, but this event could make her powers too strong for even her to handle. I will keep my word, though. I will help her get through this somehow, as her kindred brother in magic." He then went back to sleep and had no further problems.

*Day one of the Astronomical Event of the Millennium*

As everyone in Electro City geared up for the biggest experience ever, Ace noticed Angie becoming more of a mystery with each passing hour as the planets began their alignment.
With the special device he had given her, Angel's scans indicated Angie's powers were becoming far stronger than ever before. She was able to levitate more than 300 pounds of instruments and equipment in the computer room with ease.
However, since that night of her strange mental picture, she started to feel physical pain in her head as the visions became more frequent.
As she was cooking dinner for the special event, she saw another vision, this one more dangerous than ever. She dropped her mixing spoon on the floor and fell to her knees holding her head.
Ace felt her pain and ran to the kitchen to help her. "Angie, are you all right?"
"The…visions," she struggled to say. "I-I don't know if I can handle the visions. They're getting out of control for me. Please, help me."
The Magician took her hands. "It's all right, kindred sister," he said calmly. "I'll help you. Let me see into your vision. We'll see this through together."
Minds and hearts together, Ace and Angie were able to see some kind of doorway on the surface waters of the Grand Canal, about five miles away from the Magic Express.
"It's a dimensional rift of some kind," Ace noted. "Somehow the alignment of the planets has created a opening in the worlds. Let's find out if we can see into this other dimension. Concentrate your vision on seeing the other side of the rift."
Able to use her power to see past the rift, she envisioned the exact same location, yet it felt different to her. Just then, she noticed three people and a black panther running for their lives through the area. "Ace, I can see you, Cosmo, Zina, and the girl…Jas; that's her name, Jas. They're all in grave danger somehow, trying to get away from…from…"
"From whom?"
"From Black Jack, Sonny Boy, Faceless, everyone against them! If only I could get through to them somehow."
"Try to get through to the girl. Remember, she sensed you seeing them."
"I'll try." She then attempted to make telepathic contact with the girl. "Jas, can you hear me?"
There, Jas somehow started to hear another's voice, but it was not Ace. "Who's calling me?"
"It sure ain't us," shouted Cosmo. "Keep runnin'!"
Despite feeling confused, Jas tried to respond to the sound of the voice in her mind. "Are you calling me?"
"Yes, Jas. You and your friends are in trouble. I can see it all within my mind. You must try to escape. When you reach the Grand Canal, turn right and keep running that way. I'll find a way to protect you and your friends."
"How do I know if I can trust you?"
"Just believe in me."
Feeling the heart of the person who was calling out to her, Jas decided to take the chance. "I will trust you, friend. I can tell your heart is noble and true. I will listen to you."
She turned to her friends. "Quick, everyone, we've got to reach the Grand Canal."
Ace became curious. "What for?"
"Just trust me. Now run!"
Not too far behind were Sonny Boy and his gang along with Faceless.
"Come on, losers! Don't let 'em get away!"
"We have to finish them off now!" the masked female thief shouted. "They're not going to escape from us so easily."
As Jas and their friends started to turn into the Grand Canal, Angie at her end started to feel her increasing powers coming to her. "As the magic grows further within my heart, let me used my intensified powers to help my new friend, wherever she may be. Magic Force, please help me."
Angie's body began to glow brightly in her light-blue aura. "I can feel the power. Make them invisible to everyone else!"
There, Sonny Boy and Faceless ran into the corner and noticed the Magician and his friends had completely disappeared.
"No!" Faceless shouted angrily. "How did they do it? It must have been that blasted magic of Cooper's!"
"Man, and we were so close, too!"
"Back to the Croesus to figure out what to do next. Let's go."
Ace and the others kept running when Cosmo noticed the villains turning away. "Whoa! What happened?"
"It's a friend," Jas answered calmly. "She's helping us escape. Now, let's head for the Express."
As they continued running through the Grand Canal area, they finally came across the Magic Express and came in the door.
In the kitchen, Angie's aura faded, but she fainted into Ace's arms.
"Are you okay?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, but until this event is over, my powers may get out of control."
"Don't worry. I'll help you keep them in check. Let me help you to the living room."
"Thank you, my friend."
When they got to the living room, though, they suddenly noticed something very strange.
Ace had a look of shock on his face. "What the--? Did you escape from prison, you dangerous doppelganger?"
In the living room with Ace and Angie were Cosmo, Zina, Jas . . . and Ace!
He turned around and noticed his exact look-a-like. "I should ask you the same question, pal."
Just then, Cosmo and Zina came in to notice the commotion.
"What the heck is—" Cosmo suddenly stopped midstream when he saw himself. "Wait a sec. Two Aces, two Cosmos, and two Zinas? What's going on here? The double must have broken out of prison, hired another guy to play me, and bought the panther to make us think it was Zina."
At the exact same time, the two Aces both yelled out, "Magic Force, reveal the power within!"
They went into spins and glowed in violet light. When they finished spinning, they both emerged in their crimefighting costumes: Both had the same dark grey suits, the same yellow collar and yellow belts, same black boots, same capes, and after a pounding on their chests, the exact same insignias.
The two Magicians stared at each other in amazement.
"We both have the Magic Force?" they said at the same time as they prepared to use their powers against each other.
Before there could be more trouble, Angie, still weakened after what she had done earlier, stepped into the middle and levitated both Aces into the air. "Stop it, now! I am not going to have everyone here getting into an argument. Is that clear!?"
Ace felt her strain. "Angie, you've got to stop. You're already too tired after using your powers to help them."
Jas then stepped in and put her arms out. "You put him down, now!" Suddenly, the birthmark on her right arm began to glow.
Angie noticed the birthmark. "Wait, please," she said calmly as she lowered the two Aces back to the ground. She felt further exhausted and then turned to the young lady. In slightly labored breathing she said, "You are the one I have seen in my visions of the last few days. Blonde hair…and the eagle birthmark on your right arm. You must be Jas."
Realizing the situation, the teenager put her arms back down. "Why, yes, my name is Jas…Jas Lee. Were you the one who helped us escape from Sonny Boy and Faceless while you contacted me by thought?"
"Yes. I'm Angela Jacobs. Unless I miss my guess, you and your friends have crossed the dimensional rift into our world."
"Wait," said Cosmo on the left side in the living room. "You mean, that me over there is not an imposter?"
"No, Cosmo." She then contacted Angel. "Run a complete DNA scan of Ace, Cosmo, and Zina; both sets. Tell me if they are exactly the same."
Within five minutes, Angel had the solution. "The DNA scans show that both sets are real. The only difference is who is working with them from each world."
Angie stated, "Yeah, I know. I work alongside Ace and the gang in this world, the world we live in, while Jas works with the Magician in a different version of our world. Jas doesn't exist here, just as I don't exist in the world from which Jas and her friends came."
"Whoa!" said the Cosmo standing closer to Jas. "What happened to cause this dimensional thing?"
Jas quickly answered, "Of course, the alignment of the planets. Angela, are you experiencing this event here, in your world?"
"Yes, we are. In the first vision I had with you in the Magic instead of me, you and your friends were talking about the planet alignment factor. Apparently, the rift has been caused by the perfect arrangement of all nine planets in both dimensions, and it will stay open for three days, the length of time for this situation. The only problem with that is, if anyone else from our world or from your world cross over, there could be chaos. Also, it's a good thing my increased magic was able to keep Sonny Boy and Faceless in your world from catching you. If they ever see the rift, they could cross over and start problems here in our world."
"So," said the Ace working with Angie, "what should we do now?"
"First, try not to go at each other's throats. We've got enough problems right now as it is. Meanwhile, Jas, can I talk to you alone in my room?"
"Sure, Angela."
"I want everyone else to stay here. The group with Jas sit over to the right of the TV while the group with me sit to the left. I'm going to serve dinner in 20 minutes."
When the groups did so, Jas and Angie went to the younger magician's room to have a conversation.
"Angela, I—"
"Please, just call me Angie. Everybody does."
"Well, Angie, I need to know how you were able to see into my world."
"It's rather hard to explain, but I am going to assume the planetary alignment has somehow amplified my magical powers. I have to be careful, though, because if I'm not, my powers could get out of control."
"You have magical powers yourself?"
"Yes, I do. I…have the Magic Force, like Ace."
Jas gasped in awe. "No way. Two people in this world with the Magic Force? That's amazing."
"It is amazing, but for a long time, I thought the magic within me was a curse."
"Sounds like me and my birthmark. I always thought it made me a freak, until Ace convinced me otherwise."
"Ace here convinced me of the same thing about my magic. I kept my powers hidden for the better of 15 years, with the exception of one person, my best friend Ashley Brighton. Until I met Ace nearly two years ago, she was the only person who knew of my magical powers. I was afraid if I told anyone, they would think I belonged in a circus or something.
"I was scared of what I had, and I knew I couldn't tell anyone else, not even my own parents. I wanted to tell them the truth, but they were killed in a road-rage related accident before I could say anything about my magic. I felt completely alone, with no one to talk to, or anything. Ashley and I split up because of our college scholarships. I never thought I would find a true friend again, until I met Ace Cooper.
"He had proven he was not just a popular celebrity and great crimefighter but also a wonderful friend. He gave me a home when I had lost the one I was supposed to live in. I didn't tell him the truth about my powers at first because I was frightened he would throw me out. Slowly, though, a psychic bond began forming between us, and he eventually figured it out. After he confronted me about it, he made me understand what I had within me was never a curse to begin with. He helped me realize I was blessed with a special gift and could use it to make a difference. Of course, I've had to overcome some difficult obstacles in the process, including loving and caring for myself as much as loving others, not be guilty of all failures, and the like."
"I see. I guess for you, it's not a problem of controlling your magic, it's trying to deal with all the difficulties in your life, which could interfere with your powers."
"Thanks, Jas. Ace always told me I have great emotional control of my magic, which grows stronger when my heart plays a role. Now, what about you? How did you get to meeting Ace in your world?"
"Me?" Jas had to laugh at the memory. "It was more of an accident really. Ace and Cosmo were chasing Spade and Diamond, who had somehow stolen Electro City Bank's gold bars. Ace was using his magic to turn their blasters against them. He was so concentrated on only scaring them, I guess he didn't notice me."
"He shot you!" Angie gasped in shock.
Jas grinned at the look on her face. "He was surprised and jerked the blasters up, pointing at me. I landed in hospital and he…well, he gave up his magic. I had to convince him to reaccept it. It took some persuasion, but he listened. Somehow or other, he could also sense that I had a power, although only dimly."
"Ace has always been sensitive to others."
"Yeah," Jas concurred, then remembered something. "Hey, how about the dinner you were talking about?"

*Back In Jas's World*

"I don't believe Cooper and his friends slipped past us again!" Sonny Boy Surge snarled at Faceless, as if everything that had happened was her fault.
"That's because you are an idiot!" the female criminal hissed back.
Then, two excited voices interrupted their quarrelling. "We found them! Boss, we found 'em!"
Black Jack turned his head to fix his beady, yellow eyes on his henchmen, Spade and Diamond. He never knew why he still continued to hire them after the numerous times they had failed to capture Cooper, but he supposed that they were the best he could get, and tolerated them. In his own way, maybe he even loved them like a father, although that was something he would never admit to.
"So, who did you find?" The hover-chair bound crime-lord snapped.
"We found out where Cooper and his group disappeared to!" Spade announced with pride.
That caught all of their attention. "Spit it out, Diamond! We ain't gonna wait all day!" Sonny Boy turned to him expectantly.
"We were walking around after they disappeared, looking for 'em. I don't believe they can jus' vanish like that." He snapped his fingers. "It took us some time, and still we didn't find 'em, so we were goin' to come back here. Then we saw 'em, just walking along the Canal, figuring that we were gone. We were going to stop 'em when they disappeared again, this time with a bright flash!"
Faceless rubbed her chin thoughtfully, tapping her foot against the marble floor. "Cooper didn't use his magic this time."
"How would you know that?" Sonny Boy sneered.
"Shut up, you little dimwit!" Faceless spat the words out. "And listen! Cooper figured it was safe to come out since we were gone, so he need not use his magic. There was nobody to fight anyway. So he and his group walked the other way, just in case we were waiting for him the way we came. I figured they entered another dimension."
"And how did you deduce that?" Sonny Boy smirked.
"Hm…" Black Jack narrowed his eyes. "Surge, your old man did announce that the nine planets are in alignment today, right?" Without waiting for an answer, he continued, "Since it is an anomalous phenomenon occurring every millennia, Faceless's theory is plausible. If so, we will follow through and get rid of them once and for all."
No one could argue with that.

*Angie's World*

After all the new friends enjoyed Angie's grilled chicken, they started a rather interesting conversation in the living room.
"How do you think I did that?" Angie asked the large group.
"Did what?" Ace Two inquired.
"Sensed all of you." The female magician paced around. "I mean, I know this planetary alignment is supposed to increase my powers, but seeing people from another dimension is kind of far-fetched."
"I think I have the answer to that." Jas got up from her place on the couch and replaced Angie in pacing. "I'm studying Cosmology and anomalous phenomenon and once took religious studies. The universe is Nature and there's a whole lot we don't know about Her yet. So let's say this phenomenon really increased your powers. In the first place, your power is what Nature bestowed on you, so you are connected to Her. And, because of that connection and the will of your soul and emotions, you were able to connect more deeply to what was happening and 'see' us."
Angie also recalled something else. "I remember, when we were in Des Moines to perform and protect Aunt Rita, I discovered from Ace's library I was an 'empathic mage,' able to tap the Magic Force's power through my heart. I guess in a way, I'm connected to Her by my emotions and feelings."
Ace nodded, accepting both young ladies' words. "Sounds possible." He smiled. "Wow. It's great that you have such thirst for knowledge, Jas."
"Just my interests," the teen replied modestly.
"So what do we—?" Angie suddenly gave a moan and doubled over, clutching her head.
"Angie!" Jas rushed over instantly to help her to the couch while the others crowded around anxiously. "What is it?"
"I-I saw Black Jack, Sonny Boy, Faceless, and the crime-lords' men…enter the rip."
Cosmo Two was the one who voiced out their unspoken fear. "So they are here."

***

All of them glanced around in pure amazement. So this was the other world they had all been talking about? Electro City?
"What is this?" Sonny Boy barked, unwilling to show that he had been surprised. "Another Electro City?"
"A parallel world," Faceless realized. She had once chanced upon a book on different worlds that ran parallel to each other. "This world is next to ours and both mirror the other. Except for some things which may be different, most things are the same."
"Which means that I still own Croesus Palace," Black Jack declared. "We'll go there to make our plans for finding and getting rid of Cooper and his friends once and for all!"

***

"Okay, now what do we do?" Cosmo demanded. "We know those guys will do anything to get rid of us."
"Yes, we do know that for a fact," Ace Two concurred. "But we can't do anything until we know what they are going to do."
"Hey, wait a minute," Jas interrupted, "how did they even know there was a rip and we came through it?"
"That's right!" Angie realized she did not have an answer for the teen's question.
"What if…" Ace started, "what if this rip occurred in the Magic Express because of all our powers? Angie and I here. Jas and uh…Ace over there. It could have started a mini-rift that connects to the one at the Canal. Ace, you said that you were all heading back home. All of you entered the Magic Express, and could easily have been transported to the main rift and to our world before you even realized it."
"And maybe those goon-heads saw us for that brief instant and figured it out!" The two Cosmos exclaimed together.
"Seems like we're all gaining telepathy," Jas commented. "Except for Angie and me."
"All right," Ace announced, standing up, "it's getting very late so I say let's sleep and make plans tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!" They all saluted.

***

Black Jack, Spade, Diamond, Sonny Boy and Faceless entered the Croesus Palace and to the older crime-lord's office…to come face to face with another Black Jack, Spade and Diamond.
"Who the hell are you, trying to impersonate me?" Both crime-lords snarled at the same time. And both stared at each other in shock as the other spoke the same words exactly.
"What is this?" Sonny Boy demanded. "We're having enough trouble with one Black Jack and here comes another."
Faceless's mask moved and they realized she was smirking. "Now this is going to be interesting."
Once they were past the questions of how and why, the two unlikely groups went straight to business. Faceless was the one who took charge of the whole thing, despite the protests from both male parties. "We know that Cooper and his friends came here, so there will also be two teams to stop us."
"Two very powerful teams," Diamond added.
"So what do we do? We can't just set up explosives and kill 'em," Sonny Boy whined. "It'd be too conspicuous."
"Shut up, you little dimwit!" The two Black Jacks glared at the younger crime-lord, and stared a challenge at each other.
Looking around, Faceless asked a curious question. "Hey, where's my counterpart for this world?"
"On the run," responded Black Jack.
"How's that possible!?" she demanded angrily. "I'm the greatest thief in the world!"
"In your world. Here, she was stopped cold."
"By whom?"
"By Cooper's new team member, Angela Jacobs."
"Who is she?"
"Angela Jacobs, you might say, is Ace Cooper's equal in crimefighting. She's a magician herself. When Faceless threatened her and her best friend, Angie saved her best friend and knocked Faceless out cold with one punch to her right cheek."
"A little girl in this world stopped me?"
"Don't underestimate Jacobs, Faceless. She has the same amount of magical power as Cooper himself. In addition, if her love becomes strong enough, her power increases. One more thing: in this world, the master thief's identity is no longer a secret."
"What!? Are you sure, old man?"
"Yes, and don't call me 'old man'! Her identity was revealed to be that of Carlita Brighton, mother to Jacobs's best friend and first-grade teacher Ashley Brighton. Since then, Carlita has found it difficult to maintain her secret identity as Faceless, although I did hear a recent report of her appearance in Iowa when Jacobs's aunt was to testify against her former abusive boyfriend. She was helping the man against both Angie and her aunt."
Faceless became very embittered. "I can't believe in this world, I've been reduced to being on the run and helping someone else with his problems!"
Black Jack Two said, "In our world, her identity is still a secret. However, we may be able to use this to our advantage against both Magicians and their teams."
"In other words," said Spade, "we make 'em think Faceless is really Mrs. Brighton, who's had a change of heart and wants to better herself."
Faceless was surprised. "Well, well. For once, Spade's actually got the right idea. If we can convince them that I am that bitch Ashley Brighton's mother, sweet little Angie Jacobs will never let me die, however much she hates or dislikes me."
Spade blushed a little at Faceless's compliment.
"It just might work," Black Jack Two mused.
"So we send word to them tomorrow," Sonny Boy concluded. "Faceless will pretend she escaped and called them from a payphone and we caught her back, telling them to come and save her or she would die."
"Exactly!"

***

"So, what do you think the nut-heads are cooking up?" Jas asked Angie, munching on a chocolate-coated muffin as they walked down the street.
Angie laughed, her brown hair tousled by the wind. "I don't know, Jas. But I certainly hope that they don't do anything to ruin our day."
The two females had become good friends, though they knew they would not be together forever. That rift had to close sometime, but they would spend the time while it lasted.
"Hey!" Angie exclaimed as her attention was caught by a crowd congregating in front of a TV store. "What's going on?"
Both of them went to check it out. Professor Jonathan Surge was on the screens, giving a speech. "I have just found out that the alignment of the planets have created a rip in space-time; put simply, a rift to other words. I just don't know where the rift is, but I do know that it will close the next night, so those who want to see aliens, I suggest you look for the rift."
Angie and Jas turned and hurried away.
"Oh, no, what would happen if they found the rift?" Angie moaned.
"Don't worry, Angie," Jas assured, running a hand through her long, blonde hair. "A rift is hard to detect and even harder to find, even with technology as advanced as it is now. But I would say that those in intimate contact with powers can sense it."
"But I'm still worried," Angie muttered, feeling a chill in her bones.