bianca: Chapter One

ONE WEEK LATER
The fire raged through the apartment complex.  Windy and Striker were assisting rescue crews in containing the blaze.  Moments later, Bianca arrived to offer assistance.  With coordination, she was able to rescue the inhabitants on the upper floors using her powers.  After the fire was out, everyone got together to coordinate a mop up.
“It looks like we’re all set.  Thanks Bianca!”  said Striker.
At that moment, the press arrived.  As usual, leading the charge, was Jill Hooper, the city’s most trusted on air personality.
“Striker!  Jill Hooper, TNN news”
Anticipating her questions Striker responded.  “We were able to handle the blaze with few casualties.  Lt. Morrison of Emergency Services should be able to provide more details.”
“Is it true you’re considering adding this new hero, Bianca, to the In Crowd?”
“Um, no comment.’
“Striker,” asked another reporter, “is it true that she uses magic?”
“Um, yes…” he said as he approached the team vehicle.
“Is the Alliance aware of this?”
“Are her powers divine or demonic based?”
“NO COMMENT!” he exclaimed as he stormed into the vehicle.”

Inside, Striker was stone faced.  It was moments before Windy said something.
“So what now?”
“What do you think?  We certainly can’t sponsor her, or let her on the team!”
“Why not?  She’s been a real help.  Have you forgotten when she helped when the Squid was attacking that nightclub?”
“Of course I haven’t.”
“And what about tonight?  No one could even reach the people on the upper level until she came.  And we wouldn’t of even have known about that unmarked gas line if she didn’t detect it.  You know we don’t have anyone with X ray vision on our team.”
“Look, you know how people feel about magic.”
“So she’s not a meta!  You weren’t this stubborn when me and Neuro wanted to sponsor Turbo Jade for membership.  And she isn’t even a meta!”
“Jade’s different!  She has the advantage of her power armor.  My concern was she wouldn’t be able to keep up power wise, and she proved me wrong.  But Bianca’s different.”
“Because she’s a mage?”
“Of course!  We all know how to control our powers…”
“You mean the Alliance helped us harness and control them.”
“Same thing… in a way.  But magic, well… I’ve heard different things.”
“In other words, you’re falling for the same crap those religious nuts are spewing out.”
“That’s not it!  It’s just…  Look… even if I truly wanted to sponsor her, the Alliance would turn it down.”
“But we don’t know if they have anything about mages…”
“PLUS… even if they DO allow it, the city council will certainly turn it down, precisely for the reasons of those ‘religious nuts’ you brought up.”
At that last statement, Windy had no more to say.  For a few minutes, she was coldly silent.
“Look, I know how you and the others like her, and I truly would if I could…”
“But you won’t.  I get it.” She said icily.  “So how do you plan to tell her?”
At this, he lowered his head.  “That’s the real problem.”

VETERANS PARK, ONE HOUR LATER
Bianca sat alone with her cat in the middle of the park.  Moments later, a solitary figure in a dark robe, approached her, and sat on the opposite side of the bench.
“Hello My Lady” said Bianca in a solemn tone.
“Greetings Bianca”
After a moment of tense silence, she continued.
“Why Bianca?”
“I thought I made it clear the last time.”
“You did, but the others do not agree with your intentions…”
“Not everyone!” she exclaimed.  “or have you forgotten Master Aldin’s statements?  He spoke quite convincingly for his entire circle!”
“I have not!  But you know that most feel otherwise, and they are quite influential in the council.”
“I know.  But…”
“And I haven’t even mentioned the other factions!  Who knows how this will affect upcoming treaties…”
Suddenly, from the distance, came a sharp scraping.  Moments later, a group of seemingly young teens walked by.  All of them looked like they came from a skateboarding meet.  A few would drop their board, and step on it, elevating it for them to retrieve.  On closer inspection, one would notice (as Bianca and the Lady did) the clan symbols on their boards or clothing.  If this alone would not indicate the true nature of these youths, their sharp fangs would certainly reveal them to be of the vampire faction.  Both witches grasped any items or jewelry, as if to offer a silent warning.  This was normally not a problem, because of the treaties, which indicated how those of different factions  would deal with each other.  Of course, no one wanted trouble.
As they casually passed, one of them apparently recognized her.
“Hey Bianca!  I saw you on the news the other night!  You really showed it to that Squid guy!” said one of the Vampires.
“Yeah!  You rock!” said another raising a sport bottle full of  hemoglobin.
Bianca smiled and nodded silently, acknowledging their compliments.  Of course, praise of any sort, however rare, was always relished amongst the factions.
As they were out of sight, she finally spoke. “The vampire factions seem to have no problem with this.  And from what I hear, so do the lyncos.  And those factions combined never agree on ANYTHING!”
“Bianca.” The Lady said curtly.  “You know my feelings on this!  Our circle will not support you on  this!  And…” she continued, “neither will I!”
After a few tense seconds, the Lady rose and left, leaving Bianca to her thoughts.  A few moments later, a black cat walked up, and climed up on the bench next to her.
“Told ya!”  he said innocently.
At that, Bianca looked at the cat, made a moue, and tapped him lightly on the nose.