The room was large, ornate and dim as Moira stumbled into it. Gordon had already zapped away before she could even process his arms releasing her, the crack of blue briefly illuminating her surroundings. Hurrying over to where she had seen closed shutters, Moira fumbled until she was able to open them - desperate for a sense of orientation.
She only spotted buildings, the air outside the room stiflingly hot, the sky a clear watered down blue. Putting her foot on the open frame, Moira prepared to climb out when she was stopped by a loud groan next door.
"Dante?" She called out, carefully easing open the door to find a smoke filled room with Dante panting at the centre of it. One of his shutters were already open, the wood marked where his hands had burned slightly into the pane. "Dante, stay calm."
"Perhaps you shouldn't get too close. Not until Dante has had a moment to cool off."
Eyes quickly searching the hazy room, Moira came to focus on a woman standing stock still by another door. Her hands were folded over her stomach, looking perfectly calm despite the transforming young man in front of her.
"Hello." She said softly. "You must be Moira. My name is Jiaying."
Moira's hand moved slowly to her hip, her eyes intent on Jiaying's face.
Her gun was gone.
"I told Gordon not to disarm you but I find he often worries needlessly about my safety." She said simply, moving away from the door toward the open window and fully pushing open the other shutter.
Turning back, Jiaying motioned to another smaller woman who had been hovering by the door. They seemed to share some information quietly between themselves, Jiaying's eyes widening fractionally as if surprised, before she waved her off.
Jiaying moved to stand near Dante, hands still gently folded. She looked up at the man whose skin was turning to rock as if she were looking at nothing more unusual than a bird sitting in a tree.
"Dante." She said. "It's wonderful to finally meet you. I want to apologise for bringing you here under such unfortunate circumstances. I assure you our community does not usually snatch people," Jiaying said, looking between the pair, "but we take privacy very seriously within our community. Your organisation, Moira, was getting uncomfortably close to revealing something we strive to keep secret."
"You're in charge here?" Moira asked, staying rooted to her spot by the door, legs positioned in a defensive stance. She assessed Jiaying critically. The slender woman looked to be in good shape but if she were any ordinary human Moira would have liked her chances in a hand-to-hand fight. Of course, things were never that simple and she knew that Jiaying in all likelihood had some sort of power. She just needed to figure out what it was before getting herself and Dante drawn into an unwinnable fight.
Jiaying moved to stand between the two, addressing them both. The contrast between her and Gordon was stark. "One of the community elders, yes. Although I promise you what has happened in these last few months is far from normal. Where we are now - Afterlife - is a haven for inhumans. I am sure, as Dante will now know, that many humans are unaware that there are people among them who have gifts that stretch far beyond the ordinary. When confronted by this fact they can sometimes act with hostility or suspicion. That is why we go to such great lengths to keep our existence hidden, and to provide a safe space for those like us. Afterlife is not a permanent residence for most, we mainly provide shelter and training for people who have recently gone through the transformation. Or guidance for people who will go through it..."
Moira interrupted. "Gordon said not everyone survives the transformation."
"That is true. But we have ways of determining whether an individual has the potential to become Inhuman." Jiaying said, looking Moira over thoughtfully. "Some are brought here, if we feel they are ready to take on their abilities. We guide them through what will happen, and help them adjust to their new lives."
"Why did this happen to me?" Dante grunted, smoke still rising in thick plumes.
"The woman who triggered your transformation dropped something we call a Terrigen crystal. The crystal releases a smoke which activates a process called Terrigenesis." Jiaying explained patiently. "The process activates dormant alien cells in your body - cells which only a small percentage of the population possess. Each inhuman is affected differently, though each demonstrates speed, strength and durability above the normal levels of even the fittest human being."
"I'm not human?" Dante asked, his body starting to shake with exertion as the smoke thinned out.
"At your basic level you still retain human characteristics. But Terrigenesis enhances your DNA, changing it radically. That's why we call ourselves inhuman. Born human, made into something more advanced." Jiaying clarified with a wry smile. "Of course, within our community we do not promote ideas of superiority above humanity, though I admit not all inhumans feel that way." She kindly told Moira.
"So there are people within your community who are still human - waiting to go through Terrigenesis?" Moira asked.
"Yes, we have an inhuman who can detect whether a person possesses the dormant gene. Of course we would never risk someone to the mists if we did not know for sure that they would survive. Our community stores most of the world's Terrigen crystals, though we are aware there are more out there. The incident that led to Dante's transformation was the first time in our history a crystal has been taken from us, and we regret that we were not made aware of its theft until it was already too late."
Dante's transformation was halting and even Moira was loathe to admit she was starting to believe the sincerity in Jiaying's words.
"You have the person responsible?" She asked.
Jiaying nodded. "Gordon brought her back here, she was the first person he secured at the diner along with two survivors of the mists. For now Gordon is monitoring her closely - unfortunately once Terrigenesis has been initiated it cannot be undone, however we are searching for a way to ensure justice is carried out." She said, looking at Moira's arched brow and understanding her silent implication. "I am aware that your organisation deals with, and sometimes contains powered individuals. But you must understand my trepidation in allowing an inhuman into your hands. We have all risked a great deal in order to keep our existence a secret and to ensure the sanctity that Afterlife can offer our kind. If we were to turn her over we would be revealing our existence, and there is a possibility that you would use her as a way to find out more about our kind. As someone who has endured such examinations, I cannot force anyone else to submit to such a thing - no matter what they have done."
"You've been taken?" Moira said sharply. "Do you know by who?"
"An organisation named Hydra." Jiaying replied, picking up the flicker of recognition on Moira's face.
"Hydra haven't been in existence since the Second World War." Moira argued, "There's no way you're a day over thirty."
Jiaying smiled broadly. "That's certainly nice to hear, however I cannot pretend it is so. My ability enables me to heal myself, and also causes me to age far slower than your average human."
"Woah." Dante breathed. "So how old are you?"
Jiaying's smile grew to dazzling extremes. "I think you know it is a woman's prerogative to refuse to answer such a question. It has been rather a while though. I must admit there have been times when such a thing is considered more of a curse than a blessing, but as I said, one cannot undo the process of Terrigenesis."
"So you can't change what happened to me?" Dante asked quietly.
"No - but that is no bad thing." She replied gently. "With some practice there is no reason that you couldn't become an active member of society again, and lead a perfectly normal life. We can help you to understand your powers, to control them. But, given your first interaction with a member of our community, I could understand any trepidation you may have and if you wish to leave you can. Both of you can."
"S.H.I.E.L.D has already been helping me." Dante said, sounding more confident as he straightened back up, his energy slowly returning now he had fully returned to his human form.
"And if you choose you can return to them and accept their guidance in controlling your abilities. I am sure S.H.I.E.L.D has a great deal of experience working with powered individuals such as us, however when it comes to knowledge about inhumans you will find no one as knowledgeable as the medical staff at Afterlife.
"Now I understand you have a lot to think about, but might I suggest that you meet with one of our transition guides for a short while. He will be able to answer your questions and can run some checks on you to see how your body is handling the transition. And it will give Moira and I an opportunity to talk about S.H.I.E.L.D."
A man entered the room, who had probably been waiting for Jiaying's words.
Dante looked to Moira a little nervously but went along with the man, who introduced himself as Lui, while Jiaying led Moira outside.
The sun was low in the sky. All Moira could see were buildings and beyond that mountains that stretched for miles.
"It's a beautiful community you have here."
"Thank you, although I can hardly take credit for it." Jiaying said, as they wandered through their surroundings. "I've always found it a very peaceful place to live."
She led Moira into her own building, which housed her quarters and an office. Taking a seat behind her desk, she gestured to the armchairs before her.
"Please sit. I imagine you've been on your feet for some time."
"Why did you bring me here?" Moira asked as she lowered herself into a chair. "You must know S.H.I.E.L.D is already aware of Dante - we've already had one of our lead scientists meet with him."
"We are." Jiaying nodded. "After Gordon saw you investigating the fire, I asked him to keep an eye on you - to see what you would do and to try and find out more about the agency you work with. I was cautious, I knew you had to work with some kind of organisation but I had no idea which one or how you would react to Dante if you finally caught up with him. Gordon thought he would be able to find Dante first but," Jiaying smiled slyly, "you worked faster than we expected. Your agency must be proud to have such an agent."
"Have you heard of S.H.I.E.L.D before?" Moira asked, bringing up in her mind the monologue Peggy had her memorise when talking to new exceptionals. She faltered entirely when Jiaying replied that she had.
"I first learned of them when I came in contact with Hydra. Though I believe you went by a different name then."
"The SSR." Moira confirmed.
"Strategic Scientific Reserve." Jiaying nodded after a second. "I have the longevity but not the memory to go with it," she shrugged, "so you'll forgive me the occasional lapse.
"My captor seemed concerned about the SSR and I was released before they closed in on the facility."
"I can look into it if you..."
Jiaying held up a hand. "No, thank you. It's all behind me now, I'd like to leave it there. But I am curious, how long have you worked for S.H.I.E.L.D?"
"Not long." Moira hedged, wanting to gain her trust while not giving too much about herself away.
"And have you encountered many other people like Dante, Gordon and I?"
Moira hesitated for half a second too long. "Yes. But you surely understand that I cannot talk about it - I have to value their privacy."
"Good answer." Jiaying said, leaning back in her chair and steeping her hands together. She looked at Moira carefully, weighing up her next words carefully. "I am curious. About your reactions to us. You must know that many people would love to recreate our abilities."
"Of course."
"And is that something you have ever desired for yourself?"
To be an exceptional?
On dark nights when it seemed like the only way Charles would ever truly consider her special. When it felt like to only way the other mutants would treat her as more than some convenient source of information and equipment. When Eric looked down his nose at her.
Would she still have her memories if she had been a mutant CIA agent rather than a human one?
"I don't let myself live in hypothetical situations." Moira shrugged.
"Maybe you should." Jiaying responded. "You say you have not been to this work long - I believe that. You say that Hydra no longer exists - perhaps that is true; nevertheless, even if it is gone, I know another will have replaced it. Evil never ceases it only transfigures. And if you truly are trying to protect us..."
"I am." Moira interjected, with such sincerity Jiaying could not help but believe her.
Her face softened. "If you are with us then you must recognise that the people and groups that hunt us down will do the same to you. You must prepare yourself, and find a way to keep yourself safe."
Moira smiled slyly. "I assure you, S.H.I.E.L.D offers very comprehensive training for field agents."
She shook her head. "That won't always be enough.
"I see the way Dante looks to you - you have both already formed quite the friendship. I think your role in getting him to help has made you something of an idol in his mind."
Moira suppressed a blush. She had recognised that too, and was embarrassed to say that Dante's attitude towards herself was very similar to her initial reaction to meeting and working with Peggy. One of near awe.
"Until he gets his powers under control it is very possible that you will be the one defending him - not the other way around, despite his strengths. Do you think you could protect him? That you could keep him safer than he would be here?"
Frowning slightly, Moira thought through her words before answering - careful not to let her emotions get the better of her, even as Jiaying unconsciously poked a sore point in Moira's armour.
"The choice where Dante goes is solely his. If he wants to stay with me and work with S.H.I.E.L.D I will - we will - protect him with everything we have. And if he chooses to stay here, I won't argue. And I will fight to keep Afterlife safe from anyone who threatens it."
Jiaying looked thoughtful for a moment speaking again. "Some people look at sanctuaries like ours and see nothing but an opportunity for themselves. And there are many more people who would treat us with fear or hostility."
" S.H.I.E.L.D isn't like that." Moira implored. "We work to keep people safe from that kind of treatment. We don't want to harm you."
"I know that is true of some individuals. I certainly believe that you feel that way. But organisations are large and diverse. Mistakes can be made. It is my responsibility, as one of the leaders of this community, to ensure our secrets remain protected and that our people can live in peace. If you were a part of such a community you would understand that. Keeping our existence secret is paramount to our survival. "
"I do understand that." Moira pressed, all the while remembering her final conversation with Charles. The parallels were starting to make the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. "And I think Dante proves that."
Jiaying nodded. "Dante's experiences have been - unfortunate. Ideally we would have brought him here straight away, but we were rushed due to the arrival of the police. It took us time to realise we had missed somebody. And now. Now S.H.I.E.L.D has run his blood, they know he is not human and that there is a genetic factor involved." She sighed deeply. "It appears our hand may be forced in revealing our existence. It does not mean however," she stood, "that it cannot be done on our terms."
"How do you mean?" Moira asked wearily.
"You are free to leave whenever you want." Jiaying said. "But I would ask that you stay for a while - see Afterlife for yourself, meet our people. It will give Dante a chance to be guided through the changes to his body, to recover from the great changes made to his DNA. And it will also give you the chance to consider a proposal I have for you."
Cautious, Moira leaned forward in her chair slightly. "What proposal?"
Gordon deposited them outside the front door of Howard's villa several days later, just as the sun was rising. He disappeared before a S.H.I.E.L.D agent could round one of the verandas that he was patrolling, shouting with excitement as he spotted the missing people below.
As the door flung open she was somewhat insulted when Howard lightly pushed her aside and gave Dante a one armed hug.
"Oh thank god, you're both back. We've had people combing the island for days - where were you? Who took you?"
Dante launched into an excited account of their time in Afterlife as Howard guided them back inside. Moira followed quietly behind, nodding politely at several agents who had come back into the house with the news of their safe return.
It wasn't until several hours later when Howard led her back to her room, gently kissed her cheek and retreated for the night that she was able to pull from her pocket the dead weight that had sat there all day constantly demanding her attention.
The blue crystal sat harmlessly in the piece of square cloth. Moira's whole body focused on it so intently she thrummed with an energy which implored her, demanded that she touch it. Jiaying's warning rang clear in her mind however and she kept it away from her skin. One small touch and the irreversible process would begin that would make her an inhuman.
