Line 4

Themyscira

Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap, the sound of her feet striking the tile floor even sounded angry. Diana, Princess of Themyscira, known to the world as Wonder Woman, was perhaps as angry as she could ever remember being. She'd been lied to. Not just lied to, but lied to by her own mother! For what reason she kept asking herself? Had her mother lied just to become the Champion of the Amazons in Diana's place? Why?

Why had Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons betrayed her daughter? Diana wanted answers and she wanted them now.

Unfortunately, that was not possible. Hippolyta had retreated to the sanctuary to pray to the Gods for their help and assistance in her new role, her new role as Wonder Woman. The very thought made Diana's blood boil. As if to make it worse, her mother had abdicated and named her as the new Queen. Diana didn't want to be Queen; she was uncomfortable being the Princess most of the time.

Wait until I get my hands on you, mother, Diana thought. This time Diana would get the truth if she had to use her lasso to do it. Suddenly the thought that the lasso was no longer hers; it was her mother's the new Wonder Woman. Oh, she is so going to hear about this, Diana thought.

"Are you going to wear a path in those tiles, my Queen,' Artemis asked. Diana stopped and turned to her friend. The look in her eyes said she was not in the mood for jokes. Unfortunately, Artemis didn't really care and she gave Diana a wicked grin before continuing.

"Don't give me that look, you heard the Senate, you're Queen now,' Artemis stated.

"I am not, I don't want to be Queen,' Diana fired back.

"Why not? You've been a Princess all your life, this is like a promotion, except you're mother hasn't died to get it,' Artemis offered.

"She hasn't died yet,' Diana snapped. She waved this off as she continued pacing. "Forget I said that, I'm just so angry with her. There has to be a reason she did this, there has to be!"

"Be that as it may,' Phillipus spoke up. 'You have a duty to your people, Diana. You always knew one day it might happen and you would be Queen."

"Yes, but I didn't expect it to be now!"

"Things change,' Phillipus replied.

"That's an understatement. But why, Phillipus?' Diana asked. "Why has my mother done this now?"

"I'm sure she has her reasons."

Diana stopped pacing and looked at the General. She had turned away, almost as if she couldn't look Diana in the eye.

"You knew she was going to do this, didn't you, Phillipus,' Diana asked.

""Yes,' the General reluctantly admitted.

"Why did she do this?' Diana demanded.

"Already sounding like a Queen,' Artemis muttered. This drew a quick glare from Diana. This time, Artemis wisely didn't say anything, for the look Diana gave her was one that said if she valued her head, she would keep quiet. Diana finally turned and stared down Phillipus. "I asked you a question, General."

"Hippolyta had her own reasons, Diana,' Phillipus finally replied. "It is not my place to answer for her."

"So you won't tell me,' Diana said.

"Only your mother should speak for your mother."

"So I'm right back where I started from,' Diana said in frustration.

"Is it so awful to be Queen?' Artemis asked.

"That's not the point!"

"Yes it is,' Artemis replied. "You are Queen now, Diana. The Senate voted and named Phillipus and me your advisers. Haven't you always spoken about wanting to make changes here? Of opening up more to the world and allowing our sisters to have a greater role in things?"

"Yes,' Diana reluctantly admitted.

"Now is your chance,' Artemis said. The idea was exciting to her and it was reflected in her voice. "You're the Queen! You can do it now!"

Diana looked at Artemis and Phillipus. She was confused and angry.

"I don't know,' Diana admitted. "This is all happening so fast. I feel like I need to talk to someone that isn't involved. Someone I trust."

"Do what you have to do, Diana, but do it quickly,' Phillipus replied. "Our sisters need a Queen and they are looking to you."

This didn't reassure Diana at all.


Gotham

Clark and Dinah sat across the table from each other. It was a small out of the way restaurant that she liked. Their conversation wasn't going smoothly, more fits and starts. They were both a little nervous, as this was their first date.

"This place is nice,' Clark offered.

"I like it,' Dinah replied.

"Dinah?'

'Yes?"

"Is something wrong?" Clark asked.

"What? No. Why? Are you having second thoughts?'

"Um, no, you just seem a little on edge,' he replied.

She seemed to start and stop a few times, before setting her knife and fork down and leaning forward to look him in the eye.

"Why are you here, Clark?"

"Are we talking in the grand scheme of things or more specifically here in the restaurant?" he asked.

"Specifically,' she replied. "We are you here with me?"

"I thought you wanted to eat here?" He said, a little confused by this. "If you want to go someplace else, that's fine."

"No, the restaurant is fine, but why are you here?" She asked again.

"I'm not quite following what you're asking, Dinah?"

"You and me, here, Clark, why?" She said.

"Cause we're on a date?" He ventured.

"Why are we on a date, Clark?"

"Cause you asked me out?" He was really confused now. "Am I missing something, Dinah?"

"I just want to know why you and I are on a date, is all,' she replied. "I mean the flowers were very nice, but I'm still not sure what we're doing."

"You didn't like the flowers?"

"Yes, I did, very much,' she said. "I just want you to explain why you agreed to go out with me."

"Cause you asked me and you're very attractive,' he offered.

"Thank you, but you never said anything before,' she countered.

"You were dating Ollie," he pointed out. "Plus you never asked me before."

"Cause you never seemed interested before,' she replied. "I mean, come on, Clark, everyone knows it's either Diana or Lois Lane with you, so it makes me wonder why you're out with me?"

"Everyone knows its Diana or Lois and me? It's us for what?"

"Really? You want me to spell it out?' She asked.

"I think you better,' he replied.

"You're really going to make me do this? Okay, let's put our cards on the table, Clark,' Dinah said, sitting back. "Everyone knows you have a thing for Lois Lane. Everyone figures you two will hook up sooner or later. If it's not her than it's Diana. You two were made for each other. So how do I fit in that picture?"

Clark was a little stunned by this.

"Everyone knows that?" He said.

"Yep, everyone."

"Okay, so the fact that Diana, who is my friend, is dating someone else doesn't figure into it?" He asked. "Lois, who yes we've been close, but is dating someone else doesn't count either?"

"Well, when you put it like that,' Dinah admitted, blushing just a bit. Clark reached across the table and took her hand gently into his.

"Dinah, I'm friends with Lois and Diana, that's pretty much it,' he said. "A beautiful, intelligent woman asked me out this week, you. I'm here because of that, no other reason."

"So you're not just waiting for them?" Dinah asked.

"Waiting for them to what?" He replied. "Look, maybe in some alternative world I end up with them, but in this one that doesn't seem very likely. In this reality, you asked me out and here we are. I wanted to go out with you, although, it is turning out to be the weirdest date I've every had, to be truthful."

Dinah groaned and put her head in her hands.

"Okay, sorry, it's just that it's been awhile since I've been on a date and I wanted to make sure you really wanted to be here,' she admitted. "I guess I'm still dealing with some stuff from Ollie. Sorry."

"It's okay, he replied. "I guess I should ask am I the one you want to be here with or is Ollie?'

"You actually."

"Well, thank you," he said with a smile. "You're who I wanted to be here with too."

"So could we start this date over?' She asked.

"The flowers are back at your apartment with your friend,' he teased. "The sentiment is still applicable, though."

"God, I feel kind of stupid now being so paranoid,' she admitted. "Here I'm worried you're just going out with me to be nice or something. So I take it you haven't been with anyone since Lois? Wow, that's kind of a dry spell there, Clark."

Dinah laughed at the thought. Now Clark was uncomfortable.

"Um, well, that's not quite true,' he said.

"What's not?"

"I sort of slept with someone a week ago."

"What?" Dinah gasped. "You're sleeping with someone else and going out with me? Jeez, I guess that Boy Scout stuff is just a bunch of crap!"

"It's not like that,' he quickly said. "It was a one night stand, and that's not making it sound any better is it?"

"No."

"Look, it happened and the woman involved said it was a one time thing,' he tried to explain. "I've never really done that before, I mean, a one-night stand and so I didn't know what to do. Well, I knew what to do that night, I just mean afterwards. She said it was what it was, but that was it. I didn't plan it or anything, it just happened."

"So you're going to see this woman again,' Dinah demanded.

"No."

"And you're only going out with me now?" Dinah asked.

"Yes, I hope I am."

Dinah weight this new information for a moment.

"Well, I guess I sort of understand,' she replied. "At least you were honest, although, if you thought you had a chance tonight, you just sort of blew it."

"Did I have a chance?" He asked in surprise.

"Well, the flowers were really nice,' she admitted.

"The flowers?"

"Look, Clark, I guess I'm a little gun shy,' Dinah said. "I've been disappointed before and while I don't know where this is going or if it's going at all, I'd like to think you're at least 'all in' for this date."

"Dinah, if I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't have told you about the one night stand,' Clark replied. "I don't know where this is going or if it's going anywhere either, but I'd like to find out. I'm not dating anyone else, I promise. I wanted to be honest with you just in case this does go somewhere, which I'd like to see if it does. Whether I have a chance tonight or the next night or the night after that doesn't change anything. I'm 'all in' as far as this date, okay?"

Dinah looked at him for a moment and then slowly started to smile.

"I think Starling was right about you, you're smooth,' she replied. "I see I'm going to have to keep an eye on you, Mr. Kent."

"That seems fair, since I'm having trouble looking at anyone else but you."

Dinah's smile got a little wider.

"Maybe I was a little hasty in saying you didn't have a chance."


The Watchtower

Shouting the word 'Help' on the Watchtower set everything in motion. Mary couldn't take her eyes off the prone body of Jonn. Multiple hands reached out for him, shouting instructions and questions. Someone grabs Mary's shoulder, forcing her to turn. Masked faces, strangely distorted all demand answers, yet she has none to give.

"What did you do to him?"

"Tell us what happened?"

"Did you cause this?"

"You have to tell us, so we can help him!"

"What did you do to him?!"

Mary stumbled through an incoherent explanation of the vision, but the looks she received told her they didn't believe her. A gurney was wheeled in and Jonn was rushed away to the medical bay.

"Don't go anywhere, we have more questions for you.'

She could see in their eyes they blamed her. Mary started to try and explain again, but they were already turning away and leaving. People were always leaving her. The door slammed and she was alone again. Tears rolled down her face as she whispered, "I didn't do anything wrong."


Isle of White

Mordred made it back to the house and was greeted by Morgaine.

"Oh, you ruined your pretty new clothes,' she said with a smile. "What has mommy told you about being careful when you play?"

"I'm so glad you are enjoying yourself,' he snidely replied.

"Do you want me to kiss it and make it all better?'

"Perhaps later."

"Always such a serious young man, Mordred,' Morgaine continued. She was enjoying teasing him. "You must get that from your father."

"He was your half brother, so it must run in the family,' he replied.

"You could ask him, but, oh, that's right you murdered him,' she said.

"Not before he murdered me, Mother, oh yes, I forgot, you prefer Morgaine."

She moved towards him, smiling. "Yes, I do and if I remember correctly, last night you did too."

She kissed him as a lover and for a moment he gave in to the desire, but then stepped back away from her.

"That was last night,' he said. "Now I need to wash and get some rest."

"Do you want any help washing those hard to reach places,' she teased.

"No."

Mordred disengaged himself from her and headed up the stairs.

"If you still had the armor I gave you, nothing could touch you, Mordred."

"Except Excalibur, that is," he said over his shoulder.

"It's returned to whence it came, Mordred and hasn't been seen since."

He didn't reply, just kept moving up the stairs. Morgaine chuckled to herself and twirled around, feeling happy and renewed. She would tempt him again later and knew he would not be able to resist. His armor, that was something she hadn't thought of in ages. On the battlefield it made the wearer nearly invincible. She glanced at her own armor and the thought came to her that his armor would be much better protection. Hers was magically designed to maintain her against Merlin's sorcery, while his was designed to withstand any attack.

The smile spread across her lips as she pictured him on the battlefield, glistening in the sunlight. The memory only fueled her desire. Slipping her gown off her shoulders, Morgaine enjoyed the feel of the silk against her skin as it fell to the ground around her ankles. She stepped out of it and started up the stairs to where Mordred was waiting.


The Watchtower

Several members stood looking at the security monitors. It appeared Jonn was going to make it, Ray theorized that his system had been short circuited some how, but there was no long term damage. As relieved as they was to hear the news about their friend, they couldn't help wonder about the on the woman on the center security screen, Mary Marvel.

Many were still having a hard time with the idea that she was Mary. The mannerisms, speech pattern, even the language she used told them it was Mary, but the physical change was just so striking. The rounded, with still a hint of baby fat, innocent face was gone, in its place, the oval, sharp lines of an adult woman. Her body was no less striking in its changes. Gone was the still developing teenager replaced by a fully developed adult. From the data they'd gotten from the tests, she was physically a twenty five year old woman. She was even taller than before.

How was that possible, many wondered?

Magic seemed the only answer given the known facts, but that made many of them uneasy. Batman had called several magic based members to look into it. Dr. Fate, Zatanna and Dr. Occult were there to give their expert assessment. Dr. Light, Kimiyo Hoshi, was called to take over Jonn's case along with Dr. Fate. Wally, Shayera, John and Ollie stood vigil, wanting to help anyway they could.

While she'd had issues and problems with Mary before, Zee was more than willing to help. So far they had come up with nothing, but Zatanna believed and Dr. Fate agreed the visions Mary was having were the key. Dr. Occult felt more information was needed.

If that was true, then the rambling explanation she'd given about what happened to Jonn had been the truth. That still didn't tell Ray or the others, who was behind this or what threat they posed. After Jonn's health, that was their central focus. If anything, Jonn's injury only heightened this. According to Dr. Fate it was almost as if whatever power that had transformed Mary was dormant most of the time and undetectable, yet when those visions happened they were much like the power surge they had recorded earlier.

Anything that powerful made Ray, Mr. Terrific and many others uneasy. It made finding out what it was more important than ever. Time was of the essence. The longer this mystery went on, the more there was a chance of this power spilling over and injuring more people as it had Jonn. That was something they weren't going to allow.

"So where do we go from here,' Ray asked.

"I think we need to focus on Mary,' Mr. Terrific offered.

"But how,' John asked. "She said she doesn't know anything and I kind of believe her."

"More tests,' Kimiyo suggested.

"We've run quite a few already, but more would never hurt,' Ray replied.

"Perhaps a full CT scan of her brain would give us a clue,' Kimiyo said.

"We could investigate the magical plains around her,' Dr. Fate suggested, glancing at Zatanna how nodded in agreement.

"Um, guys,' Wally said. "Why don't we just talk to her?"

Everyone stopped and just looked at him.

"I'm just saying, it's Mary, you know,' Wally continued. "She's just as confused as everyone else. I think talking with her would help."

The medical and magical members conferred on this suggestion. They seemed to find it had merit. Shayera slid over next to Wally.

"Nice thinking,' she whispered to him.

"I have my moments,' Wally replied with a smile.

"The question is who should talk to her,' John asked. "She has had some issues with some of us in the past, so that might make it difficult."

"If it's a mystery, doesn't that mean we need a detective,' Wally suggested.

"Look at you, the answer man all of a sudden,' Shayera teased.

"I like to bring the whole package to the table,' Wally proudly replied. "Sure the looks and speed bring the ladies, but the extras that bring them back for more."

"Now you went and ruined it,' Shayera sourly said.

"So if we need a detective, where's Batman,' John asked.

"He went back to Gotham,' Zatanna said. "This is magic based, so he thought someone else would be better suited to handle it. Plus, he's not the most touchy feely guy when it comes to interviewing people."

"So who then?' John said.

"I believe that's why I was called.' Dr. Occult spoke up. Dr. Richard Occult was a supernatural detective. He worked with his assistant/lover, Rose Psychic. They had what could only be deemed a 'special' relationship.

"Batman filled me in on the details and his theories and ideas, I think I can handle it from here,' Occult said.

"Um, Doc,' Zee said. "Mary seems pretty fragile at the moment, perhaps Rose would be better suited to handle this."

He seemed to consider this for a moment and then nodded. Standing completely still, his eyes seemed to slowly lose focus and in the next moment his body began to change. Like the morning sun moving across the landscape, the changes slipped down his body and in its place Rose Psychic stood.

"Wow, that always creeps me out when they do that,' Wally said, a shiver going down his spine.

The unique nature of their relationship was due to the fact that Doctor Occult was killed in battle with an otherworldly entity, and Rose bonded their souls together to restore him. They have what might be called a time-share arraignment on one body. On seeing Rose, Zatanna immediately went over and hugged her.

"Rosie! It's been too long,' Zee happily said. Rose smiled and hugged the younger woman back.

"Always nice to see you too, honey,' Rose replied.

"Rose," Dr. Fate said, nodding to her. "If you need us to bring you up to speed on what has been happening, I think I can summarize."

"No need, I know everything Richard does,' Rose said. "It seems we have one very confused young woman on our hands."

"If they share everything, do thing that means when she's doing it, he can feel it,' Wally whispered to Shayera. "That's like freaky weird on a whole different level."

"Does you mind always have to go there,' she asked in disgust.

"Not always,' Wally said in his defense. Shayera and John just stared at him. "Okay, most times, but come on, how can you not in this situation?"

"Why don't I speak with Mary,' Rose suggested. She glanced at Wally and smile before moving towards the door. "The answer is yes, Wally, we share everything."

"I knew it, I knew it!


The Watchtower – Conference Room

Mary sat with her legs pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. She was frightened and confused, not understand what was happening to her. She heard the door open and looked up through teary eyes. A woman stood in the doorway smiling at her. The door clicked shut behind her, but she made no move. The woman wore a long, oriental style dress and there was something about her that put Mary on edge. It took a moment, but then Mary realized this was Rose Psychic. She'd heard about her, but had never met her or her partner Dr. Occult.

Occult, Mary thought, so they think I'm evil. This only compounded her trepidation.

"How is Mr. Jonzz?"

It was the first thing that came to her mind other than fear. Rose stood at the doorway, just looking at Mary for a moment. She could tell the younger woman was scared and was trying to think of the best way to reach her.

"He'll survive."

There was no emotion in her voice, just the flat statement. Mary nodded in relief at hear the news, but was still nervous being alone with Rose. Slowly, Rose walked over and sat down on the couch with Mary. She didn't sit too close, but close enough to look Mary in the eye.

"Why don't you tell me what happened?"

"I don't know,' Mary whispered.

"Tell me what you do know."

"It's all too confusing,' she murmured. "You won't believe me. The others didn't believe me."

"I'm not the others," Rose replied. "Tell me."

"Yes ma'am."

Hesitantly, Mary began to repeat the vision, explaining how Jonn had entered her mind to see it as she saw it. She told Rose of the crude altar, surrounded by skulls and candles and how the chanting seemed to be all around. She tried to explain how she was both in part of the vision, yet standing outside of it watching at the same time. She knew she was doing a bad job of telling her, but Rose never moved or interrupted her. Mary continued. She told her about holding up the severed head of some vanquished foe. How she knew this, she told her she hadn't a clue. Mary explains how she turned, not under her own power, and saw the golden woman reflected in the mirror. She couldn't do anything as the woman reached inside and pulled Jonn from her. The woman whispered something to Jonn and Mary could hear his scream. Then she was back on the Watchtower.

Fresh tears roll down Mary's cheeks, as the memory of Jonn's scream seems to haunt her.

"That's all I know, I swear,' she whispers. Rose moved a bit closer and gently put her hand on Mary's shoulder.

"I want you to concentrate on the golden woman, Mary,' Rose said to her. "Describe her in as much detail as you can. Don't leave anything, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, out."

"I already told you everything I can remember. Please, I just want to go home."

"Tell me again, Mary, just about the golden woman and then you can leave, I promise."

Something about the calm way Rose said this made Mary believe her. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she tried to remember everything she could.

"She-She wasn't human. I don't know what she was, but she wasn't like us. She was tall and slender, but strong. Oh, her eyes were a deeper gold than the rest of her body. They were scary, too."

"How were they scary?'

"They were like the eyes of one of those big cats you see on the Animal Planet, the predators, you know? You could tell all the blood didn't bother her when you looked into those eyes."

"What was she wearing?"

"Not much,' Mary says, blushing a little as she remembers. "It was like a loin cloth or something, made of animal skins that barely covered anything."

"Nothing else?"

"A crown, maybe,' Mary offered. "Not like the one Princess Diana wears, but crude, almost like an animal skull."

"You said there were symbols all over the walls?'

"Yes, but I didn't understand what they meant, I didn't, I swear!"

"All right, I believe you," rose calmly said. "You said you've had other visions, correct?'

'Yes."

"Those symbols, were any of them in the other visions?'

Mary considers this, replaying the visions again in her mind.

"Yes, there was one."

"Describe it."

"Three black circles on a field of red. It was a flag or something in the other vision and it was in the cavern and on the wall at the altar."

"Three black circles on a field of red," he repeats. "Like a flag or standard, correct?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"All right, Mary you can go home now."

For a moment, Mary wasn't sure what to do. She sat there looking at Rose and the older woman finally leaned over and took her in her arms and hugged her. Fresh tears came to Mary's eyes and she held onto Rose and cried again.


Isle of White

Users and those they use have been around since the dawn of time. A slender index finger and thumb snuffed out the candle's flame. Full, ruby red lips seductively smiled. Eyes so black you couldn't tell where the iris stopped; shifted from the window to the full-length mirror.

Morgaine le Fay was pleased.

Mordred just had another vision and she siphoned off more of that delicious energy. She could feel it coursing through her body, recharging and transforming her. Her golden armor sat in the corner and she gave it a look of distain. After Merlin robbed her of her youth and beauty, she'd been forced to wear it to shield her withered and ancient body. His accursed meddling had forced her to become something of a scavenger, stealing life force and immortality from others.

No more.

Her handsome son had unexpectedly provided her with enough power to reverse Merlin's spell. The exquisite results stared back at her in the mirror. She hungered for more. Why he had been chosen, she didn't care. The untapped power within him was old, so old it had been around since before the world began. Morgaine needed to be cautious. From just skimming the excess, she knew whatever it was it was far more dangerous than Merlin and his little bag of tricks.

Primordial power, the kind that could shake worlds was within her grasp. Morgaine just needed to be careful. She had always been rash with her desires, but that had proven costly in the past. She would be cautious this time. A small smile crossed her face as she realized she would enjoy spending more intimate time with Mordred. Morals and society's conventions meant nothing to her. If she saw something she wanted, she took it. Presently, she wanted Mordred and the power inside of him. No one ever said getting what you want couldn't be enjoyable too, she mused.


Themyscira

Circe moved around the Oracle's chambers picking up the little bits and pieces that occupied every available space. She turned and looked at her captive. The Oracle sat in a hard back chair, hands and feet tied securely. The old woman looked so frail, but Circe knew looks could be deceiving. This one had the power of sight and that made her valuable. Circe picked up a rather old blade that was on the table. She turned it over, inspecting it in the candlelight.

"Will Hippolyta leave Themyscira, Oracle, tell me what you see,' Circe asked.

"Yes, your manipulation of dreams and false advice have made this probable,' the Oracle replied. "But you already knew that, Circe, didn't you?'

"Yes, I was just testing you,' Circe stated. "Well done, good to see you haven't slipped in your old age."

"So now you will mock me before you kill me, is that it, outcast?"

The smile on Circe's lips faded. She moved over to the Oracle and held the old blade to the woman's throat.

"Was that a prophesy, Oracle,' she whispered.

"No, just a guess based on who you are,' the older woman calmly replied.

"Good answer,' Circe countered. She smiled again, as she slowly ran the knife down the Oracle's neck and shoulder. "Use your vision for me, old crow and perhaps this will ended better for you."

"Lies."

"Oh, well, we'll do this the hard way then,' Circe replied, slashing the knife across the old woman's arm. The Oracle gasped in pain as blood poured from the wound. Circe leaned in close to the Oracle's ear and whispered.

"That is just a taste, old one. This could prove an interesting experiment. Which is worse, being tortured or seeing it before hand and then having it happen. It's like the worse déjà-vu ever, isn't it?"

Circe pressed her fingers into the newly opened wound and the Oracle cried out.

"Oh, did you see that coming, Oracle,' Circe mocked her. "How about this?"

Circe backhanded the woman, nearly knocking her off the chair. The Oracle seemed to shrink under the abuse.

"Nothing to say,' Circe asked. "Good, now that we understand each other, I want you to tell me what you see of the future, specifically, Hippolyta's future and my future."

The old woman was stubborn, but when Circe pressed her fingers into the wound again, she couldn't resist.

"You-You will have an ally,' the Oracle gasped. "Another woman of magic, like yourself. She also hates Hippolyta and will be willing to aid you in your evil cause."

Tears came t the old woman's eyes as Circe pressed her advantage.

"Very good, Oracle, tell me more,' Circe whispered, as she cut the woman's other arm. The Oracle's screams filled the chamber, but no one else heard them.