Conclave

A conclave of the superdude elite has been called again. From the outskirts of the conclave, one can only see dim shadowy figures amongst the torches that line the cave. It is so melodramatic, this meeting, but sometimes in the pursuit of power and wisdom, leadership falls back on old cliche's. From out of the misty plumes of smoke comes not only the rich odor of burning scented oils, but also voices. Each voice is laden with its own worries, its own passion, and its own opinion on the issue at hand. It is a simple issue: what to do with a little girl who grew up too fast.

"This is the third time we have been forced to meet over this one individual superdude. Is she really this important to our cause?" A male voice breaks the silence.

"Decay seems to think so." A female voice interjects gently, "They have been pursuing her since she first showed the knowledge within her."

"A knowledge that leads us here again," another male voice interrupts, this one deeper and more resonant.

In fact this voice booms upon the walls of the cave until it fades into silence as all those assembled contemplate this and await the inevitable question.

"What can we do with Bellabooo now? She will create too many complexities and too many questions if we leave her at the main superdudes headquarters," a soft, feminine voice says.

"We have already sequestered her to her room. What more can we do?"

Silence reigns for a moment before a timid female voice responds, "Lava wishes to adopt her into the clan. She has already made many friends within the clan who can look out for her."

"And, LLK, if someone comes for her there..." another voice begins.

"Will they?" LLK replies defiantly, "It was a child's mind they wished to shape. Perhaps, her transformation has taken her beyond that."

"We shall have to wait to see," a high-pitched female voice replies, "But as long as the clan is in accord, I see no reason not to grant your request."

Other voices join in agreement.

~~~

Somewhere across town, Bellabooo stirs in her sleep. A comforted smile crosses her lips and her fists unclench for a second. A dark shadow falls again over her face, however, as tears slip down her pale cheeks. She moans as she rolls over in the darkness and then the stillness of the peaceful academy descends upon her room as well.