There was extra trouble today in Morocco for their only hero, Hot Spot. It was a huge water-based creature. He was trying to turn it to steam, but was having a hard time. The monster was about to strike him again, when there was suddenly more than one of him. What's going on? Hot Spot thought to himself. There was an enclosed circle of him around the creature now. He took a step back and found himself looking at the back of his own head.

Then, the water animal tried a new trick. It split itself into eight smaller waterlings. This helped with the steam plan. Hot Spot had the monster down not long after that. The other hims disappeared along with the monster. Hot Spot turned around to see the source of the holograms, but only saw a sparkle, like something had just disappeared. That was the first thing.

The next thing that happened was during a robbery. He was chasing the burglar, no problem. Then, another him appeared in front of the robber. He turned right, then left, just to run into two more Hot Spots. This was definitely strange. The criminal surrendered, and the money was put back. This time, though, he caught a glimpse of this stranger. It was a girl, and Hot Spot could tell she wasn't from around here. He would catch her next time.

And he did. The next crime happened when a gang was trying to mug some old lady. She cried for help, and Hot Spot heated their guns to deprive the gang of hurting the poor lady. As before, there appeared more of him. The gang members backed into a corner, afraid because of their lack of defense. The real Hot Sot, however, helped get the old woman to safety.

The cops had just arrived, and the other Hot Spots disappeared as they did. The gang was put in handcuffs and into the cop car. The mystery girl turned around… to find Hot Spot standing right behind her. He's taller than I thought! She said in her head. Out loud, she gave a small gasp.

"Who are you?" Hot Spot asked her.

"They called me the Illusionist. My friends there called me Illie. You can as well, if you wish." Illie seemed almost scared of him.

"Where do you come from, Illie?" Hot Spot asked in a softer tone of voice, as if sensing her fear.

"I don't remember. I just ran. I came from that direction." She said. He could tell she didn't really want o go into detail about this right now. Not when she didn't even know him.

"Why have you been following me? Why are you helping me?" he said, not trying to rush her.

"I thought maybe you would like some help. I also felt the need to redeem myself. For the things they made me do…" Illie trailed off.

"Who are 'they'?" he kept the questions coming strong.

She looked him in the eye. "Why do you ask so many questions?"

"I… was curious as to why you are here and have been helping me so much" Hot Spot said. It was obvious she wanted to avoid that certain subject. "Where are you staying right now?"

She hesitated and looked down. "Nowhere."

"Then stay with me. We can protect this city together. Besides, I'd really like to get to know you." He soothed her. So, that's how Illie came to live with Hot Spot.

Illie was very shy and had low self-esteem. She was also loyal and giving, but nearly silent. She mostly only talked to Hot Spot. Illie would talk when she was being talked to, otherwise. She could create holograms of people, mirages of objects, and illusions to make something look different. Illie also has aura-sight, which is the ability to see people with an aura that reflects the person's mood.

Illie has a dark complexion and hazel eyes. Her black hair was half in a ponytail, the lower half hanging down and she had bangs that hung down to the side and covered one of her eyes. Illie wears an iridescent dress with a diagonal trim and flowing sleeves. She also wears similarly colored ballet shoes, reflecting her skill at the dance, and a Mother of Pearl necklace. Illie and Hot Spot currently have no secrets from each other. That is, except for the other's real feelings towards them…