The Afterglow

The Afterglow is the forty sixth chapter in the Wombles Eight.

In present time, Katy’s heart lightened from recalling her true self. She began to dream of getting back on Taylor’s squad, and wondered what she might work closely with either Taylor or Tara on. Now Katy was no longer wicked, but there was a problem: Esmerelda had brushed closely with her in the street, and for a reason. Because she’d been carrying an object which had transported half of Katy’s power to herself. Katy was still incredibly powerful – but so was Esmerelda, who had indeed done just as she’d planned. Except for killing Katrina, as of yet.

Regardless – it was time for time for Katy and Tara to announce their reformations to their world. Only one place to go – a TV news studio! Katy and Tara’s report was quite simple, brief and quick-spoken.

“Hello there, this is Tara Keel and Kathryn ‘Katy Perry’ Hudson. We’ve come to announce that we are no longer criminals, and instead we are immortal heroes. We think we may both be genuinely unkillable. Anyway, the entire multiverse is at stake and probably most of you are just sleeping while the worlds go to hell, so we’re hoping we can help in some way, goodbye.”

“Tara?” said Katy, as they jogged out of the studio. “Yes, Katy?” said Tara. “I think I’ve lost Maleficent’s staff. And my own power feels…well, still lovely and strong, but…weaker…weaker than it *was.*” Said Katy.

“Yes, just like I said, someone will probably usurp you. They likely took those things for that very purpose.”

“But who – oh.” said Katy, eyes widening. “Esmerelda. She brushed with me while I was out for my stroll and said that she’d come to usurp me – just like she’d planned. There’s no doubt that Penny and Aaron will back her. The Superlatives have always been a considerably loyal tribe. Dora’s dead, Selina’s gone rogue, Venus is dead – was there anyone else? Oh yes, well, you’re an immortal hero. Am I missing anybody? Well, I’m also an immortal hero. The other six-hundred-and-ninety-seven Superlatives are all dead. You know, I think it’s only The Superlative Three left now. That is, unless you count spontaneously recruited reluctant servants, or any people who support my, I mean Esmerelda’s reign. And the guards, I suppose. Or any hypnotized Katy, I mean Summercats, or –“

“Stop rambling!” snapped Tara. “Yes, I’m sorry.” Said Katy. “Anyway though, even with just half of that power – she’ll be unstoppable, regardless of whether she has two team members or seven-hundred-and-four.”

Steed was drinking apricot brandy on his throne when suddenly, Isabelle Lightwood burst in, hair flowing behind her as a result of the air blown from overly quick door opening. “Your Majesty.” Said Isabelle. “Your Majesty, I’ve been finding out what I can about Londoners lately – I only originally intended it for gossip, but I found out some much stranger stuff than that. I spoke to some people in The Violet Flower, and I found out something about you. You have something – something that runs in the family. Yours isn’t as strong as most and so you can only use it at certain times as it chooses instead of you, but…”she laughed quietly. “Telepathy. You can’t control people, like some other Steeds, but you have a certain level of uncontrolled psychic ability.”

Steed was rather surprised by a teenage girl that he had never met and didn’t even know the name of randomly rushing into his throne room and telling him that she knew one of his biggest secrets, and so he spilt his brandy everywhere. It even went on Isabelle and she screamed, trying to get it off. Then she ran away to get changed.

Isabelle stopped at a house rumoured to currently be inhabited by a loyal fashionista. She indeed found Evie, who was presently working on a brand-new dress and associated pieces for EviesFourHearts.

“Wow.” Said Isabelle.  “That looks great. Can I borrow it?” Evie was confused. “Well, it’s not quite done yet. And who actually are you?”

Clary drifted over to Evie’s side and said, “Isabelle?”

“*Clary?*” said Isabelle. “What are you doing here?”

“Well…” said Clary. “I’ve been helping John Constantine, and so has Evie here so…”

“John Constantine? Can I help?”

“Sure, I guess.”

“And *can* I borrow the outfit?”

Evie sighed and said, “Well, you have to wait a quick minute. But I suppose so.”