11:19 pm
Ryokan
Japan
Erika stepped up to the inn, slightly nervous. She only knew the address from a letter she had received over a year ago, she didn't even know if She was still there. Squaring her shoulders, Erika examined her surroundings. If She was still there, She would be watching. The woman had always been paranoid…and deadly. And She had every reason to hate Mindleader for what he'd done to Her family. An image of her former playmates flashed through her head and fingers formed fists. There had been a time when they had been as close as family, and Erika prayed the woman still held some level of regard for her. If not, she was dead.
There was a rustle from the nearby trees. Walking into the forest, Erika waited to be acknowledged. A whispery voice came from all around her, as if nature itself had spoken, "Erika."
"Kameyo."
10:40 am
Downstairs
Thunderman Household
Barb searched the house frantically, looking for Erika. Where was she! She'd already checked with Kickbutt that she wasn't on mission, asked Billy and Nora, and even used her League communicator, which showed that the teen had left without her costume. About to panic, Barb saw a light blinking on the side of the house phone. Picking it up, she pressed the Play button.
"You have one new message," came the electronic voice, "message one: Barb," it was from Erika, "after my talk with Evilman -you got a copy of the report- I'm more sure than ever I need to prepare for Father's next strike. I'm currently looking for an old ally in Japan. You can't track my phone but text if you need me." With a click, the message ended. For the first time since taking the girl in, Barb was angry at her. They were all nervous, but that didn't give the teen the right to leave without telling anyone! They were her legal guardians! Barb dialed Erika's number, only to receive the traditional "phone is busy" beep. Erika had made it so they could only text her! Clever brat, that way she couldn't yell at her. Barb fired off a few caustic texts before sinking into the couch, hands on her face.
She hoped Erika was ok.