Disclaimer: Penguins of Madagascar and all related characters are the property of Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and any or all related affiliates. Characters of my own creation are my property and may not be used by others without express permission. This fiction was created for the purpose of having fun and being creative, no money is being made in any way from its creation and posting.
Hell Hath No Fury
Chapter 8
By
Wildgoose
(A light flicks on inside the apartment seconds after the door opened and a young black and white otter cautiously makes her way in while looking about at the new surroundings. Behind her and a moment later stepping past her into the apartment is a young Japanese woman who begins to turn on other lights as she moves about. The otter jumps up onto a couch and begins to feel around at how soft it is.)
Otter: I've never been outside the zoo before. (Pause) Come to think of it I've never been in a car before either, …it's all so…different. What kind did you call it again?
Kitsune: (Pulls out a notepad and writes) Porsche.
Ming: I like it. (Pause) Mrs. Kitsune, …how come we came here? The others weren't so happy about my leaving the zoo to learn what they want you to teach me.
Kitsune: (Writes) You'll be back at the zoo soon enough, Ming. Your mom is just being protective and the others are just being, well, …nosey. They seem to have taken great interest in this new ability of yours.
Ming: I'm starting to wish that I didn't have it, …everybody wants me to sleep so they can find out what I'll dream about next. (Looks down) I'm starting to feel like some kind of a freak.
Kitsune: (scowls and writes) You're NOT a freak, Ming.
Ming: I feel like one.
Kitsune: (shakes her head and the writes) We have something in common then, …I used to believe that I was some kind of a monster because of well, … serious personal issues. However, …with help I've learned to outgrow that and see myself for who I really am. You will too, just be patient.
Ming: (looks down) When this is all over, what will happen then? I'm probably still going to dream about things. (Looks sad) I don't know how to turn it off. (Pause) When everybody else finds out that I can see things about them when I dream, they'll think I'm spying on them. (Turns away) Nobody will want to be around me anymore.
Kitsune: (Turns Ming about and looks her in the eye and writes) Nobody will allow that to happen, …there must be a way for you to control it. (Sighs)
Ming: Will what you're going to teach me help me to do that? (Kitsune shrugs)
Kitsune: (writes) Your guess is as good as mine, we'll just have to see what happens. (Pause) For the moment the purpose of teaching you to meditate is so that perhaps you'll be able to keep tabs on your siblings without having to sleep. …And if you are not asleep then perhaps the others will be able to communicate with you to discover in more detail about what you're seeing.
Ming: (looks away) So I'm not just a freak, ..I'm a tool as well.
Kitsune: (Sits on the couch next to Ming and continues to write) Nobody is trying to use you, …they are very worried about what is happening to your siblings and right now you are the only source of information they have. (Ming sighs) I'll tell you what, …when everything is back to normal I will speak to the others and get them to agree not to tell anyone else about your gift, especially your siblings. On the other side of that, you will need to keep your dreams to yourself regardless of what they are about unless it's something very important. (Pause) We'll work out the details so don't worry, ….now does this sound good to you? (Ming nods and Kitsune gets up from the couch to go to the kitchen. While still in the living room Ming looks about and begins to notice baby toys scattered about in the corners)
Ming: Mrs. Kitsune, ….do you have an offspring of your own? (Kitsune looks at Ming from the Kitchen with a smile and nods and then gestures for Ming to come into the kitchen.)
Kitsune: (After she sets a plate of fish at the table and then places a booster seat in the chair, Ming jumps up.) (Writes) Her name is Keiko, …she is staying with my aunt tonight while I work with you.
Ming: You sent your daughter away?
Kitsune: Only for the night. Have no fear, she's in excellent care. (Pause) What I intend to teach you requires quiet and concentration, ….and well Keiko can be noisy at times. Not to mention I can't teach you properly and tend to her needs at the same time.
Ming: I'd think you'd like tending to your daughter. I know mom always likes to see what I'm up to.
Kitsune: (writes) I love every single thing about her, …at the moment however it's in everyone's best interest not to divide my attentions. (Smirks) The virtues of having a babysitter available are a parent thing, …you'll understand someday.
Ming: Does your aunt have an offspring?
Kitsune: (Writes) No. (Pause as she makes an odd facial expression) Although, I have my concerns considering her romantic interests with my employer. (Ming stands upright in the booster seat and begins to eat at the table. After a short time Ming notices a picture frame standing in a corner on the nearby counter top. It is of Steve, Kitsune, and Skipper and Marlene when they were still human.)
Ming: (points to the picture) Mrs. Kitsune, …who are those other two people in that picture?
Kitsune: (smirks and then writes) You don't recognize your own parents?
Ming: (Amazed) They really were human? I thought they were just joking with me.
Kitsune: (writes) For a time, yes. It was THAT little adventure that allowed for you to come about. (Smiles) How else could a penguin and an otter have a child together?
Ming: (flusters a little) I, …I just never really gave it any thought. (Pause) Wow, …now I have questions.
Kitsune: (Writes) No doubt, …but you'll need to save them for later. We have work to do…
Ming: (looks unsure for a moment) Okay… (Looks at the picture again.) Why does the zookeeper have fur on his face in the picture but not now?
Kitsune: (Writes) He shaves it off in the warmer weather, …but he'll grow it back when it gets cold again. (Shrugs) It's a human thing I guess.
Ming: Humans DO that? (Pause) Do you like it when he does that? (Kitsune shrugs and makes a so-so gesture. A moment of silence follows as Ming finishes her plate and the two of them move to the living room to prepare for the first lesson in meditation. The scene fades to a few hours later where Ming has become slightly frustrated because in order for her to receive instruction she has to keep opening her eyes to read Kitsune's notes which is proving counterproductive for her.) Ugh, … I can't DO this! I can't read your instructions with my eyes closed, …how are you supposed to teach me to meditate like this?
Kitsune: (writes) It takes time, …few people get it down right away. However, …once you've got it then I'm certain that you will find it a useful tool.
Ming: There has to be another way, Mrs. Kitsune. Can't you talk at ALL?
Kitsune: (rolls her eyes and then does her best to speak despite the hoarse/whisper voice) Not really…
Ming: (looks ashamed) Oh wow, …that looked like it hurt you. (Kitsune nods) I'll, …I'll do my best to learn with then notes. I'm sorry….
Kitsune: (writes) Don't be, …I've given you all that you need with written instruction. Now you need to follow example, …Hannibal learned the same way.
Ming: By example, …you mean you're going to meditate too? (Pause as Kitsune nods) But we'll both have our eyes closed, how will I know if I'm doing it right?
Kitsune: (smiles) Have no fear, ….when you're doing it right you'll know. Simply watch what I do first and then try it yourself. (Pause) When you do get it right then I will find you.
Ming: That's just a little cryptic isn't it?
Kitsune: (Smirks and then writes) The best puzzles in life are worth solving. (Takes position on the floor and once comfortable begins calming breathing exercises and moments later begins meditation with Ming watching.)
(Cut to inside of the penguin habitat as Marlene paces about in the theater room with the other penguins sitting on the couches and the news babbling on the television in the background about this that and the other thing.)
Marlene: Ugh, …what could be taking so long? Does anybody actually know how long it takes to meditate?
Jr.: Um, ….she's not meditating yet. She's LEARNING to meditate, which by definition probably takes longer than when you already know how to do it.
Marlene: You're NOT helping, Jr.
Astrid: You should probably take it easy, Marlene. It's not like you sent Ming into harm's way or anything.
Elisa: (chuckles) You've never seen Kitsune get mad before. (Pause) Let me put it to you this way, …she has a bad, bad temper.
Syron: You're not helping either, Elisa. (Pause) …And that's used to, and I stress "used to" have a bad, bad temper. She's gotten a lot better since then.
Elisa: Yea, …lucky her she found a guy who can take a beating. My sympathy goes out to the zookeeper.
Pepper: Getting back on topic here, …are you sure your just worried about Ming being away from home for a little bit or is it that you can't stand not knowing what's happening with the others? (Pause) We're all concerned about them but being their mother you're naturally more so.
Marlene: What do you mean?
Pepper: Well just that Ming's gifts give you some unique insight into your kids' lives and having to sit here without even being able to listen to what's happening must be unusually frustrating. Also at the same time it might be making you clingy with Ming being the only information you have.
Marlene: (flops down on a nearby couch) She's all I've got, …can you blame me?
Pepper: No, …but try not to be so eager to hear about bad news. Skipper and the others are coming for them and we'll hear good news soon enough. Now let Kitsune do her thing with Ming and we'll see what comes of it.
Marlene: (scoffs) I can't just stop worrying, they're my kids. I can't even imagine what my life would be without them,(Pause)… or Skipper. (Grumbles) If anything I want a bigger family to love. (Pause) When Skipper gets home maybe we could find a way to have another one. (The penguins exchange glances with each other)
Erin: Okay, ….tall order there. However I think we're a little short on voodoo baboons for you to tick off. (In the background the news has shifted to a report from a foreign correspondent in Denmark.)
Meg: Hey, check it out! (Everyone's attention turns to the news and the volume is turned up.)
Correspondent: What was once a quiet town in Denmark quickly turned into "War of the Worlds" as what locals described as being two rival gangs of birds clashing in a battle that looked like something out of a comic book leaving a bus overturned, a bus station in ruins, and many fleeing for their lives. To make matters worse several fires later erupted around town with the cause still unknown. With everyone seeking answers in one form or another it was eventually pointed out to this reporter by a small group of tourists from the United States the resemblance of what transpired here in Denmark to a Halloween production put on by a small theater in NY City in which animals battled with sinister forces to protect mankind. This led to the speculation by the same tourists that someone could have been attempting the same thing only on a larger scale with unintended results. (Pause) Right now, with no word yet from authorities on what actually happened your guess is as good as anybody's. Frankly in this reporter's opinion, a prank that went awry sounds a lot more plausible than rival gangs of commando birds. In the meantime, …all we can do is wait to hear the official word from authorities. (The reporter hands off to the News room back in the states and the news continues onto the next topic.)
Syron: (as the room remains quiet for a moment) Well, …we know for sure now that Skipper is over there looking for the kids. That should help you to rest a little easier, Marlene.
Jr.: Actually, the only thing we know for sure is that Skipper and the others blew up half of Denmark. That could very well just have been Rico expressing his opinions of a foreign culture.
Marlene: (Annoyed) Again with the not helping, Jr.
Jr.: (Sighs) Sorry…
Syron: Anyway, like I was saying. We know that Skipper is over there now so I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before Ming comes to you saying she had a dream that Skipper rescued the others and then life can get back to about as close to normal as things actually get around here.
Meg: Just out of curiosity, …what exactly does normal look like when you have commando penguins and a human speaking psychic otter/penguin hybrid in the mix?
(Cut to the Blue's H.Q. in Florida, Nicketti and Steve are doing their best to keep tabs on things using the blue's equipment.)
Nicketti: The girls in NY have certainly been quiet lately, …I wonder where they were getting their information from.
Steve: Who knows but I'm sure it will be a whale of a tale to hear when I get home. For the mean time I'd be happy to actually get some specific information from them. Something other than "The kids are in mortal danger." (Pause) Yea, …we'd figured that one out already. Thanks,…now how about giving me something useful so I can get them OUT of mortal danger.
Nicketti: You're so concerned…(Chuckles) You've changed since high school.
Steve: I'm just trying to get the job done. (Pause as he decides to bite) How so?
Nicketti: Well, you're the concerned family man now. Heck, …you even treat the animals like family.
Steve: Really, ….the last time I checked I treated the animals like they were one huge pain in the groin.
Nicketti: And if memory serves that's about how you used to treat your brothers.
Steve: Ah memories,… (leans back in his chair and groans) So how exactly have I changed again?
Nicketti: You used to be a lot more care free, …you remember summer nights during high school don't you? You and I would get a bunch of friends piled into the car and just drive around town all night looking for something to do. (Laughs) Many times that something to do involved mailbox baseball. (Pause as Nicketti smiles from ear to ear) Remember that one time we got caught, …the guy just happened to be outside at three in the morning when we took out his mailbox and he chased us all over town yelling crazy things at us along the way.
Steve: (stoic) I remember piling YOUR friends into the car. I never had many of my own. (Sighs) Anyway, …responsibility tends to take the care free right out of you.
Nicketti: Not so much as you might think, …there's still a little fun left in you.
Steve: How do you figure?
Nicketti: You'll still do adventurous things now and again.
Steve: You mean like take humanized animals into my home and find them jobs?
Nicketti: …Or marry a mute samurai penguin.
Steve: (Smirks) Yup, …life on the edge. That's me… (Cell phone begin to ring.) Caller ID, what a wonderful invention. (Picks up and puts the call on speaker) What's going on, Tony? I wasn't expecting to hear from you.
Tony: Yea, …that's one of the great things about free will. I can just pick up the phone on a whim and call people because I feel like it.
Steve: You go, Tony! So seriously, what's going on?
Tony: Have you been watching the news lately?
Steve: (grumbles) You know, the last time you said that to me I had to pop half a bottle of antacids because of the trouble my guys had gotten into. (Pause) But as it happens I have not, ..I've been pretty busy. Why?
Tony: Something went down over in Denmark between a bunch of birds and suddenly people are pointing back to that Halloween production we've been doing the last couple of years. (Steve gestures for Nicketti to turn on the news.) I've been getting calls from just about everywhere you can think of asking if we're going to be doing it again this year. The phones here at the theater are still blowing up; I had to use my cell just to call out. (Chuckles) Heck, ….I even got a call from some schmoe down at channel whatever asking if that thing overseas was us. (Steve turns to look at Nicketti with an amused expression.) One of the people who called us even hinted that somebody was looking to buy the movie rights from us. (Chuckles) The guys here at the theater are more than a little stoked about it.
Steve: I think making movies about the animals might pose a bit of a security risk, Tony. Tell the others not to get their hopes up.
Tony: They figured that, …they're excited in hopes of a really big turnout this year.
Steve: Oh…um, ….then I guess you can tell people yes, …we're likely going to do it again this year. (Looks at Nicketti who wears an odd expression.) I'll talk to you later Tony, …thanks for the heads up. (Steve hangs up) Great, …the penguins got into trouble and we're the last to know about it. (Nicketti still wears the same expression) What?
Nicketti: Your penguins put on a public show for Halloween?
Steve: The otters too, …it's been a pretty big hit these past couple of years. We're trying to do different locations each year, …last year it was a four star restaurant. Most people had come expecting it but we took some of the people totally by surprise. Oblivious last minute patrons I guess. (Chuckles) People always ask to meet the "Actors" inside the costumes but we always claim that they're kids and we don't have parental consent to do that. It's saved our bacon a few times.
Nicketti: …And people don't stop to think that real kids could never fit into costumes that small?
Steve: I've said it before, ..people would rather believe that the actors are kids in costumes than face reality.
Nicketti: Uh huh, ….so do you have room for any more "actors"? I'm sure blue squadron would love to participate.
Steve: I think those guys are a little TOO small, …it wouldn't be believable to anybody.
Nicketti: We could say that they're animatronic or just very well trained.
Steve: I think that would really be pushing it, …I'll have to talk to everybody back home first. (Nicketti crosses her arms about her chest and sighs loudly)
Nicketti: Can we at least talk about it over a drink when this all over? (Steve shakes his head) As friends? (Smirks) Oh what, …you think your wife would find out somehow and get the complete wrong idea? You watch TV too much, she's a thousand miles away.
Steve: I've learned never to underestimate her. But I will discuss it with you when the others are back. (Nicketti sighs loudly in annoyance)
Nicketti: Yup, …definitely changed since high school. (Pause) So do you want to tell me how your animals got into doing theatrical productions for Halloween or what?
(Cut to the apartment sometime around four in the morning. It is dimly lit and Kitsune as well as Ming sit on the floor in meditation. The POV pulls in on Ming's face and the scene snaps to a mountainside ledge in Japan.)
Ming: (looks about her at the scenery) What the..? (A voice comes from behind her)
Voice: Like your brother, …you've managed to impress me with how quickly you've achieved this. I'm starting to feel like I was a slow learner. (Ming turns to look at her)
Ming: Mrs. Kitsune? I thought you couldn't talk.
Kitsune: (rolls her eyes at the thought of having to explain herself to someone yet again.) I'll keep it simple, …here I can.
Ming: Oh, …okay. Where is here?
Kitsune: Someplace special to me, …like I said. I'd find you when you got things right.
Ming: So, …we're both still meditating? (Kitsune nods) So you're psychic too? (Kitsune shakes her head)
Kitsune: This is something entirely different, ….what you can do is truly a gift.
Ming: So what do we do now?
Kitsune: How do you feel?
Ming: (thinks for a moment) Relaxed. (Smiles) I like this.
Kitsune: Do you see anything in your head? Are you able to sense your siblings like this?
Ming: I'm not dreaming, ..how can I…?
Kitsune: Clear your mind. Let go of what you think you know and just feel. (Ming sighs deeply and thinks for a moment)
Ming: I'm sorry, ..I just don't see anything. (Looks down) Please don't be mad.
Kitsune: (Smirks) Trust me, …if I were mad you'd know.
Ming: So what do we do now?
Kitsune: We have patience, …nobody expected this to work right off the bat. If at all.. (Pause) Well, …except maybe Kowalski Jr. I think he sets his expectations just a little high. (Smirks) So while we're waiting, tell me about what you like to do, …why do you cling to Hannibal so much?
Ming: How did you know…?
Kitsune: Because as I'm sure you've noticed the core of who I am is still a penguin, …and that I can still understand animals like you. …And some of them talk.
Ming: I was going to ask about that, …why do you have an aura about you?
Kitsune: A what? (Looks about her and laughs) You know when I'd heard females in my situation tend to glow I'd always assumed it was a metaphor. I wonder why Hannibal never mentioned it.
Ming: I don't understand.
Kitsune: It's nothing, ….just a personal matter I haven't surprised Steve with yet. (Anxious facial expression) At least I hope he's surprised, …he wanted to wait a little longer. (Pause) So about you and Hannibal?
Ming: I don't know, …he's my brother and I like to be around him. (Pause) Hannibal insists that I'm a friend of his reincarnated or something but I'm not. All that I know is that I'm me.
Kitsune: That's all that matters, …let him think what he wants. I heard that he thought of that other person as a little sister and probably deep inside he misses her. He probably just sees what he liked most about that person in you. (Shrugs) I'd call it a compliment.
Ming: I don't know… (Pause with a sigh) I guess I cling to Hannibal because he makes me feel safe. I always feel anxious and when I'm with him I'm not. I can't explain it. (Pause) He's never that way. He's always confident, …like a protector. Did you teach him to be that way?
Kitsune: I like to think that I helped at least. I suggested to him a while back that protecting his family was his responsibility so that may actually be how he sees himself.
Ming: He seems to be trying to push me away lately though.
Kitsune: That's understandable given how close you stay to him, …everyone needs a little space here and there. (Pause) Instead of clinging to him, ..learn to do something by yourself that you can later share.
Ming: Like what, …he's always doing his thing. (Looks down) I don't know how to do anything…
Kitsune: Well, he overkills it on the physical fitness. However if you wish I can teach you what he enjoys, …in time you can join Hannibal and Uijo when they practice. You'll have something that you can do together.
Ming: He won't think that I'm trying to copy him?
Kitsune: I will instruct you separately until he discovers things for himself. When he sees that you are really doing it for yourself, I believe he will be receptive.
Ming: What if I'm no good at it?
Kitsune: Nobody is good at everything, …but as long as you give it your best then my time will never have been wasted. If it turns out later that it's not for you then so be it. I will be glad to teach you whatever else I might be skilled at until you find your niche.
Ming: (Smiles) I think I'd like to give it a try. (The scene fades to sometime later as Kitsune is instructing Ming)
Kitsune: You are very distracted, ..are you okay?
Ming: I can't concentrate, there's too much at once.
Kitsune: It's not too much, you're trying to focus on to many other things at once. (Pause) Clear your mind and take deep even breaths.
Ming: But I thought this was ALL in our minds…
Kitsune: Humor me…
Ming: (tries to relax herself and takes deep breaths) Okay…
Kitsune: Clear your mind, put everything out of your head.
Ming: But…
Kitsune: But nothing, …don't think of anything. (Pause) Simply let your heart beat and feel the moment, (Pause) …focus on nothing but how it feels to be alive. Listen to yourself, …. Breathe. (Pause) See the… (The background suddenly changes to a dimly lit room. Kitsune looks about with confusion.) What just happened? (Pause as Kitsune looks at Ming) Did you just do that?
Ming: (looks scared as she takes in the new surroundings) I don't know. I tried to clear my mind like you told me but I started to think of Hannibal. I was looking forward to doing this with him.
Kitsune: It's okay…(Pause) Wow… (The background moves about as if someone is looking around. In a moment Loki and Yoshi come into view, they are tied up and talking to each other.) This is amazing.
Ming: What is?
Kitsune: The mountainside was a setting in my own mind that you were sharing. (Pause) It seems that you took control from me and changed it. (Pause) I can't put things back to the way I had them.
Ming: (tears up) I didn't mean to…
Kitsune: Is this through Hannibal's eyes? (Ming nods her head) Fascinating… (Sighs deeply as her expression fades to a scowl) Are you able to tell where they are? (Ming shakes her head)
Ming: What's wrong? (Kitsune gestures to Yoshi and Loki)
Kitsune: It's not you, …but seeing them like this infuriates me. They're in trouble and I can't do anything about it. (Sighs as the voices of Ming's siblings overlap each other in the background) Can they hear us like this?
Ming: I don't think so, …they never seem to hear ME.
Kitsune: (takes a few steps towards the others and encounters an invisible liquid like barrier that causes the image of the others to ripple when she contacts it.) What is this?
Ming: I don't know. (Kitsune feels for the barrier again and watches the ripples appear.)
Kitsune: Are you able to make contact with anyone besides your siblings? Can you see what I'm seeing?
Ming: If your eyes are closed you wouldn't be seeing anything.
Kitsune: Good point, …what about being able to connect with other people?
Ming: It's never happened.
Kitsune: Our surroundings changed when you thought of Hannibal, ….try thinking of somebody else. It doesn't matter who. (A moment passes and the background changes again, it is similar but this time looking at Yoshi and Hannibal.) I think we're on to something here. (Pause) Try to think of somebody else, …not your siblings this time.
Ming: Who then?
Kitsune: Try Alice. (Ming thinks for a moment but nothing happens.)
Ming: Nothing's happening…
Kitsune: It was worth a shot I guess. (Ming starts to chuckle to herself and suddenly the background changes to an apartment with a TV facing them while blaring the morning news.) What just happened?
Ming: (Looks concerned) I didn't mean to… (Pause) I remembered something funny that happened to Alice the other day and then this happened.
Kitsune: This is Alice then? (Pause) So you CAN connect to other people. (Pause) You said you remembered something that Alice did? (Ming nods) You must need to think of the person in a context.
Ming: (Looks worried) Please don't tell anyone…. (Kitsune nods)
Kitsune: I gave my word before, …I will speak to those who know about keeping things quiet.
Ming: I mean about this, …the others don't know. I didn't even know until just now.
Kitsune: I will not speak to anyone of this, I promise. (Pause) However in return I ask that you do your best not to "eavesdrop" on either myself or Steve. (The background begins to move as Alice gets up and heads into the bathroom. Ming and Kitsune both make disgusted expressions as there is a mirror on the inside of Alice's bathroom door and they can see what she is doing. The sound of flatulence echoes around them) Except this once, we need to get away from this. (Pause) Try thinking of something you remember Steve doing. (Ming sighs and then complies. A moment later the background changes to an operations center, the POV is looking at a console and then turns to look at a Native American woman while conversation is heard.)
Ming: (concerned) I thought I wasn't going to be used as a tool? (Kitsune sighs and stands quiet for a moment before speaking)
Kitsune: You're right, …I apologize. Let's see if you're able to turn this all off. (Pause) You thought of people in context to connect with them. (Pause) So, …let's try thinking of nothing at all.
Ming: I don't understand.
Kitsune: Clear your head, …like you were trying to do in the first place. Just breath, …and clear your mind. (Ming complies and several long moments later the background changes back to the mountain side. Kitsune smiles.) It's nice to be home again. (She feels about for that invisible barrier again but is unable to find it.) Interesting…
Ming: (smiles with relief) I can turn it off! (Jumps up and down) I can turn it off!
Kitsune: You've accomplished a lot, …but we still have work to do. I'm going to stop meditating and see if we can communicate while you're like this, if so you'll be able to give the others information that might help your father rescue your siblings.
Ming: (disappointed) But, …I can turn it off.
Kitsune: We need you, Ming. (Pause) Your siblings need you too. (Pause) Please help all of us…
Ming: (grumbles) Okay….
Kitsune: (Bows) We are grateful for your contributions, Ming. (Ming smirks a little)
Ming: You look weird when you do that. (Kitsune doesn't respond but instead disappears a moment later. Ming Whimpers as she looks about.) I hate being alone. (Sighs as she hears the voice of a speak and spell. It is faint and slightly distorted.) Oh great, …that sounds like something right out of that old poltergeist movie. I'm going to have nightmares for sure after this. (After Ming responds she is instructed to focus on her siblings again.) And here we go… (A moment later the background changes to Loki's POV. He has managed to work his way out of his bindings again and as before is working his way through the ventilation ducts trying to find the way out.)
Chapter 9 coming soon….
Comments and suggestions are always welcome.