Oswald nodded, "Yes indeed. Love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. It can accomplish some amazing things, things that many wizards of darker inclinations could never conceive."

  Andy's Mom blushed, and said "Andy's a good boy.  He always has been."

As thr mages, Andy, and Mrs. Black continue their discussion, they begin to see what appears to be Jeff, his girlfriend, Darren, and Rebound materialize in the room.

Mr. Gysbourne blushed a bit as he saw Rebound's state of dress. Or undress, rather. He snapped, and suddenly Rebound was dry and dressed, with the towel folded up and in his hand where his clothes had been.

"I would appreciate it if you would at least have the courtesy to put some pants on before appearing in my home, young man," he said, looking somewhat annoyed.

  He said "Sorry.  They sorta snuck into my hotel room while I was in the shower, so this much was an accomplishment."

"Yeah we kinda went looking for him and brought him out of his shell, so it's our fault, sir. Um....is Seer around?"

"Still, you should have at least put some pants on before coming over here. Now then, I do believe she's here, but I also believe that she has retired for the evening," said Oswald, sighing. There were so many people in his home, so late at night! He silently began to wonder if he'd ever get any sleep.

  The sound of terrified screams cut through the house, a crystal clear explanation of WHY Jack hadn't wanted to delay.  The terror and pain in those screams unquestionable.

  Andy literally winced.  And rumbled "Who is responsible for her nightmares?  So much pain and terror, and she's not even awake!"

"That....we can figure out later. Right now, she needs us!" Victoria said to them.

"Mr. Gysbourne...where is she staying at?" she asked, anxiously eager to help out the troubled young woman.

"Lead the way Vic...or someone.." Jeff added, also eager to help the young woman if he could.

"C'mon Jack...she'll need you too pal.."

 Jack nodded, taking off at a dead run, recalling where they'd been parked.  His expression grim and apologetic at the same time.  He called "Gotta watch, if she's still asleep . . . she could hurt you by accident trying to get away."

Victoria nodded at Jack.

"OK Jack...we'll go in nice and easy.."

Oswald followed behind, his age not letting him keep up with the younger people present. He did, however, think to explain the situation to Andy.

"Her nightmares are a product of her time with The Builder, a horrible man who did horrible things to both Penny and Jack. Especially Penny. The Builder and his minions apparently gang-raped her, in addition to whatever heinous experiments that he carried out on her. It is tragic, really. With his skills, the Builder could have ushered in a golden age. Instead, he chose to build weapons, and to 'experiment' upon parahumans who he managed to capture. I have done what I can to ease her suffering, but there is only so much that I can do."

It was at this point that Ozzy came bursting from his room, wearing the frilly pink dress. He looked quite worried, though when he saw the others there, he turned beet red.

"Uhh... I thought I was the only one up, and, well, I figured that a guy going in might be a bad idea, so... uh... let's make sure she's okay, yeah?"

  Andy rumbled, and said "There are times I wish that I did not have a temper, mister Gysbourne.  This would be one of them, because that makes me want to rip that man into little bloody gobbets!"

Jeff wanted to chuckle at Ozzy in a dress, but things were serious right now.

"Yep...that sounds plausible.."

  Penny was against the wall, still trying to back up, eyes wide and unseeing, struggling against someone who only existed in memory and dreams, and things (currently small ones) were beginning to fly around the room.

Oswald smiled, "Feeling angry about such a thing is only natural, Andravian, and I believe you are not the only one who wishes to see the Builder meet a painful end. But, if Jack is to have his name cleared, the Builder must face justice in the courts. Of course, if he gets off there somehow, there are manners in which we can ensure that he will never hurt anyone again."

  Andy said "Wanting to doesn't mean I will.  Just means if the creep dies within arm's reach, I'll make bloody well sure he doesn't go where he shouldn't.  If I have to claim his soul myself."

"Nor should you. That would technically be first degree murder. However, your services might be useful, in case he has come up with a mechanical means of preserving himself after the death of his body. But, we will see what happens first, yes?" said Oswald, maintaining his businesslike tone.

Ozzy just nodded and said, "Yup. So... Jack, this looks like your show, bro. Or would you rather someone else wake her up? My armor would keep me safe from all the flying stuff, if it would be a problem for you."

  Jack nodded, and said "Come in behind me.  She's not awake yet.  Things don't fly when she's awake."  His field came up, the bounce-effect making him safe from the flying objects, and he entered the room.  Talking softly, gently.  "Penny . .  Penny . .. it's okay . ..  he's not there . . . I'm here . . I promised you'd be safe. . . "  But he didn't touch her yet.

"Be careful, Jack.." Jeff added as Jack began to approach Seer.

  She was pressed hard against the wall, and shaking.  She'd stopped screaming, but she was crying.

Victoria looked at the crying girl as Jack tended to her. For her to be in this much mental anguish, something had to be done to her. Something horrible. Evil that only men could do. This was the work of a demon, all right, but a demon wearing the skin of a human.