Chapter 11

[Somewhere Else]

Miranda blinked. Softness cradled her back, shoulders and head. Tingling burned across her scalp. Her eyes drank in Darkness all around herself. "Where? What?" Her fingertips glided across sheer sheets. Feather down pillows comforted her head.

"Calm yourself, Miri. If I can call you that." A silhouette slipped through the dark backdrop. Her finger pointed at the unlit torch. Canary flashed in her eyes. Spark jumped from finger to light said torch. "There. We have light." The figure stepped into view. Emerald robes and hood cascaded from shoulders down her arms and back to just above her feet. A thin braided rope extended around her waist. Chestnut brown hair fell to just beneath her shoulders.

Miranda sat up. Shock widened her eyes. "Auntie Cybbie! But…But he said…?"

"Arighatto killed your aunt, Miri. I am her counterpart from a parallel universe. So, am I your Aunt Cybelle…mmm…yes and no. I have watched your friends and you for some time now. You have some unique individuals around yourself." Cybelle observed Miranda sit up. "You should take it slowly. The transition is but taking effect."

"Transition? I remember that other woman in the hood and robe giving me a sword. I drew it. There was this flash of light. Next thing I know I'm back here. Where is this?" She beheld Four Post Bed underneath herself. Granite ceilings and walls framed all around them. Tapestries adorned said walls. A rug covered part of the floor. A fine oak desk and chair sat along the opposite wall. Windows looked out. She forced her stiff feet onto the rug. "Uncle Dave would love this place!"

"Yes. I believe he would. It is a bit early for both your version's and my version's respective research interests. You are in the past and in my universe. The woman who helped you is actually working with my order. You will understand more as time goes on. Meantime, the sword is safe. You will have it again when you need it. Just know you did what you needed to. It is but the first such time." Cybelle rubbed her chin. "You will need to return to Japan this summer."

"Japan? But Lana needs…." Miranda winced. Images of Talon's lines and crowds ran through her mind.

"She and Mr. Kent should understand. They too have their commitments now. Do they not?" Cybelle sized up Miranda. "Your Sensei will have much to say to you on this matter."

"So, I did hear him earlier tonight?" Miranda scratched her head. "What happened? Is everyone safe?" She walked over to the window and gazed out over Moat's waters, Grass' meadow and Oaken Wood running toward Horizon's edge and beyond. Luna and Stars shone in Nocturne's backdrop. "Where is this? Camelot?"

"No. Camelot's a hundred miles more or less in the direction you're looking at. We're in a neighboring kingdom. Leave it at that. As for what happened tonight…Yes, everyone is safe. The katana is back in Japan. You took a stand against Arighatto and his demon. You stood alongside Spider-Man and Snapdragon. Very impressive. You protected your friends' secret. I say that's an excellent beginning to this stage of your development." Cybelle's smile spread across her face.

"And Uncle Dave? Are he and…You Know? still alive?" Miranda turned back toward Cybelle. "I felt the Protector but…."

"My version and yours are both alive. Who do you think saved Lex Luthor? Most importantly, yes, you saw the Protector tonight. When it is time, you and he will meet. You have family. I believe there are other connections as well awaiting you? For now, however, it is time for you to return. Be aware that Lex Luthor and Chloe Sullivan will press you for answers. You must keep what happened tonight to yourself even from Clark Kent and Lana Lang at least for now. Your Sensei knows. Virgil Swann knows and can be trusted. Beyond that, you will need to know who to trust. Pay attention to your dreams, Miranda. Soon, they will guide you." Cybelle embraced her. "Your strength is greater than you know. Have faith." She waved her hands. "Back you go!"

"Hey! What about…?" Mists obscured the chamber. Once again, Chill and Static dimpled her skin. Humidity dampened her clothes and hair.

Have faith… We will see each other again….

[Riverside Inn]

Mists burned away to reveal the familiar hotel room once again. Modern carpet squished underfoot. Comforters and modern pillows adorned the twin beds. Television sat along the wall. Central air blew out from vents along the walls. Lamps and ceiling lights illuminated that place.

"I'm back?" Miranda rubbed her eyes. Wonder and Questions swamped her mind. "What was that place? Who was that mystery woman in the museum? And there's another Aunt Cybelle? Really? Is Snapdragon all right?" She grabbed onto her cell. She texted a quick message. "Hi. Everything all right? Sorry. Getting caught up."

Her phone buzzed at her.

She spied a reply. "Miri Ma, We are all well. At least our friends helped. Thank the Prophet that you are all right. I worried that Ronin had caught you. We shall speak. I believe Swann will want to speak with you. Snapdragon."

Dr. Swann wants to tell me more? Hopefully, he has a question about the blank outs. And what's Mr. Luthor going to want? Great. Now I'm playing the evade game. Miranda rubbed her forehead. She picked up on Clark's and Lana's respective auras downstairs. Guess it's time to meet Captain Plaid and the Boss. She headed out the door and toward the lobby.

Questions and Mysteries remained….