Lightstorm

Douglas and Elizabeth Thompson
''The power lives in us all. It's the human side that makes us'' - Dr Douglas Thompson New York Science Convention 1985

Douglas and Elizabeth Thompson were and still are an inspiration to their daughter Tanya. Douglas Thompson was born on the 18th of November 1956 in Los Angeles while Elizabeth Leighton was born on the 21st June 1957 in New York. Douglas worked hard studying in biochemistry and mutation sciences graduating from New York University where he first met Elizabeth Leighton in 1977. They fell in love and on the 14th of August 1980 they married.

The Thompson’s then moved from New York in 1981 to where the first Thompson’s Laboratory was housed in Los Angeles and had been for the past twenty years, set up by Douglas's Father, Professor Rupert Thompson. There they worked hard on cures for many varying diseases and afflictions. Douglas and Elizabeth were both well known for their caring nature. Especially the beautiful Elizabeth who many claimed had a ‘warm and wonderful smile’. Douglas placed his family fortune into the lab and the first schematics for the revolutionary ‘Liquid Regeneration Tank’ or LRT (simply known as the ‘Tank’ to some) were developed. With their collective knowledge plus assistance from another bright scientist, Vincent Stockwell, the Thompson's perfected a synthetic liquid which is both breathable and produces regenerative effects on open wounds, halving the heal time of injuries and infections, assisting the body to recover quickly.

During this time Elizabeth fell pregnant with their first child Rebecca Thompson and on the 25th of January 1982 they were proud parents. Unfortunately tragedy struck, eight weeks later Rebecca died in her sleep many believe due to ‘cot death’. For a spell Douglas could not accept the passing of his daughter. In 1983 Douglas started preliminary experimentation into ‘clone’ techniques in the hopes of bringing Rebecca back to life. But due to the influence of Elizabeth, who herself was still hurting from the loss, he stopped the research. An argument ensued between Douglas and Vincent Stockwell that caused Vincent to leave the employment of Thompson Labs. Unbeknown to Douglas and Elizabeth, Vincent was under the employment of the terrorist organisation VIPER and had his own dark reasons for the research to continue.

After the loss of Rebecca, the Thompson’s took an extended break from their work. They moved back to New York leaving the lab in Los Angeles under the care of a close friend of the family, Professor Linda Kemp. There they concentrated on family matters though Douglas did keep close to the work still going on in Los Angeles. Elizabeth again fell pregnant and on the 3rd of September 1986 they were blessed with another daughter they named Tanya, after Elizabeth’s Grandmother (Tanya's Great Grandmother). Remaining in New York Douglas and Elizabeth spent as much time as they could with their daughter, giving her the best possible start in life.

In 1990 the family moved to a large estate twelve miles outside Detroit where permission had been granted to establish a more advanced laboratory and research centre in the city. The lab in Los Angeles was deemed inadequate to house the LRT or ‘tank’. Unfortunately in 1992 plans were held back as the attack on Detroit from Doctor Destroyer obliterated the city. Douglas and Elizabeth went to the aid of the survivors using their knowledge and medical expertise to assist the wounded. With the help of the regenerative liquid they saved many lives and on the night of the 16th of September 1994 a reward ceremony was held in their honour. Together with their eight-year-old daughter, Tanya, they travelled to the newly founded Millennium City, where they were presented with a key to the city.

On the drive home however an unusual atmospheric disturbance created a thunderstorm, the likes of which have never been witnessed since. The Thompson’s car was struck by a powerful streak of lightning as they journeyed home from the city killing both Douglas and Elizabeth, leaving their daughter Tanya close to death. Tanya herself survived the accident that was eventually revealed to be an attack by the infamous villain Magdella the Cruel under the instruction of Doctor Vincent Stockwell. From such a tragic night a hero was born. Cared for and instructed by her Grandmother Annabelle Leighton, Tanya prevailed becoming the superhero ‘Lightstorm’. She still to this day looks fondly back to her parents, keeping them in the forethought of her mind and using their memory to assist in the choices she has and still has to make.

The Discovery of Hidden Powers
The mind and soul is the strength of a hero, not their abilities – Annie Leighton

After the passing of her parents, Tanya Thompson was put under the care of her Grandmother Annabelle Leighton. In the first year since the death of her parents Tanya struggled to come to terms with her loss, though with the love and dedication of her Grandmother, improvements in her health and her mental condition were soon seen. At school her grades were higher than ever and Tanya was growing up faster than her school mates. But things were about to change…

A day after her ninth birthday (4th September 1995) Tanya was stroking the next door neighbours cat as it had wondered into her Grandmother's cottage looking for some food. In the next instance and much to Tanya’s dismay the friction between the cat’s fur and her hand sparked to life her abilities, unleashing a potent discharge of electrical energy that fried the poor animal. Tanya was distraught by the event and cried constantly for two days whilst Annie attempted to comfort her. This event was the catalyst for her change. In the months that followed the young Tanya began to change physically. Her skin started to at first turn a deathly grey, her metabolic rate appeared to have increased but more worryingly she could project electricity from her hands and on some occasions it could be a very powerful discharge.

Annie, for fear of loosing her Granddaughter to the authorities at first attempted to keep it a secret from everyone outside their household. She trained Tanya to quieten her mind and to meditate, identifying that her Granddaughter had no real control over her powers and that they only reacted if Tanya was either upset, angry or scared. Between them they managed to keep her abilities secret (despite the change in Tanya’s appearance) for a further two years until Tanya changed schools. There the young heroine was bullied by the students for the way she looked especially about her grey skin. With the regular bullying Annie knew that it was only a matter of time before Tanya reacted and her powers became public knowledge.

That day eventually came when a group of higher year girls attempted to push the young Tanya’s head down a toilet. In reaction sparks jumped from Tanya’s body scaring off her would be attackers, who fled in fear as she stepped from the girl’s restroom surrounded by electricity. After the incident Annie fought for her Granddaughter to stay in school, this in turn caused an outrage amongst teachers and parents, as Tanya was deemed too dangerous to remain within the school. It wasn’t until a couple of other students stepped forward revealing that they also harboured special powers that the order to suspend Tanya from school permanently was overturned.

As Tanya passed through into her teenage years her powers became stronger and slowly she gained more control. With this her skin turned from the dull grey into a soft, exotic blue and her eyes began to glow a deep ocean blue. From being an outcast and feared, Tanya began to grab the attention of many admirers as she now, along with her attractive blue skin and deep blue eyes, held the stunning beauty of her mother, Elizabeth Thompson. This unfortunately brought her to the attention of Steve Franco and among others Magdella the Cruel.

From Dark Clouds the Light Breaks Through
A hero stands strong against adversity in any form – Nancy Belmont founder of Freedom.

THE FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH MAGDELLA THE CRUEL

As her popularity grew, Tanya started to be introduced too many experiences in life. In her own words this period blinded her to what was the right thing to do. It was only her Grandmother who could see the truth.

At the age of fifteen and a slightly more arrogant Tanya meets her parents murderer Magdella the Cruel. At this time the young impressionable teen had no idea of who the Lemurian Priestess really was. Magdella offered Tanya the chance to improve her abilities and to rise above everyone else. She introduced herself to Tanya as ‘Natasha’ and offered the young heroine infinite wisdom and power, more than she could crave. Tanya by her own admission, was ‘slightly tempted’ by the offer and at the time being so young, wild and naïve that chance to ‘rise above everyone else’ was a wish which every teenager would want. But again it was Annabelle Leighton who made her see sense.

On the eve of Tanya’s final meeting with 'Natasha' where she intended to accept the Lemurian’s offer, her Grandmother approached her with the news that ‘Natasha’ was not who she said she was. In fact she was Magdella the Lemurian Priestess who had created the storm which had killed Tanya’s parents. Annie had been approached by the mysterious hero known as The Drifter who had informed her of Natasha’s real identity. Tanya was not impressed and left the house in a clear rage at her Grandmother, at first not believing her; instead hoping that what she had been told wasn’t true.

In that period Tanya was under Magdella’s spell and was so close to being swayed by her. But questions started to emerge in Tanya’s mind. Eventually with her Grandmother’s warning reaching out to her she refused Magdella’s offer realising that her parents would not be proud of her greed and her Grandmother was more important to her than anything else. Instead Tanya confronted the Lemurian Priestess about who she was and what she had done.

In a bitter rage at her offer being turned down Magdella admitted with much delight it was her who had killed Tanya's parents and that Tanya was her 'creation'. Then Magdella turned on Tanya announcing that she was going to complete the job she was meant to do. Tanya did her best to defend against the attack of the Lemurian but she was no match, Magdella was too strong for her. As the Lemurian loomed over the young heroine preparing to finish her with one last blow, The Drifter appeared and intervened forcing Magdella to retreat. On that night Tanya’s life could have ended so quickly but as luck would have it she had allies she didn’t even realise existed. The Drifter told her to value her life and that it was more important than she could possibly realise. Unfortunately it would be another couple of years before Tanya took those words spoken with the importance they deserved.

STEVE FRANCO

At the age of sixteen and with her popularity reaching new heights, Tanya began dating Steve Franco. To her this was a major step up, as through her school years she had developed a crush on Franco. He was one of the more popular guys in school and an American Football Player, hailing from an Italian family he had the looks and charm. He used this to good effect on Tanya, despite the reservations from her Grandmother; the young heroine went on her first date with Franco on the 17th of November 2002.

The relationship seemed to blossom and Tanya believed that she was in love with Franco. They were voted King and Queen of the School Prom on two occasions and enjoyed many good times together. Tanya believed this was the man she would spend the rest of her life with, though this had put a strain on her relationship with her Grandmother. On her 18th birthday Franco proposed to Tanya and she was quick to accept. They even moved in together, Tanya using some of her inheritance to buy a property for them both to live in.

Now living away from her Grandmother and her constant warnings, Tanya enjoyed a new lease of life. She partied with Franco and her so-called friends regularly, drunk a lot and even started to experiment with some party narcotics. Of course this took its toil on Tanya’s academic life, for a spell she lost sight of what was actually important and alienated her Grandmother Annabelle. Instead she enjoyed a more demanding social life, one which she had not really experienced properly before. She wore more revealing clothing, her favourite outfit being a white and blue top together with a pair of ‘booty’ hot pants. But this high life was not to last for long…

Only six months after their engagement Tanya came home to find her fiancé sleeping with two other women. Franco was not remorseful and didn’t particularly care; instead he tried to twist Tanya back to him. Tanya eventually learned that this wasn’t the first time that Franco had been unfaithful, when a couple of her friends came forward and admitted to being a conquest of her fiancé. In an even more horrifying admission Franco told Tanya that the true reason he wanted to marry her was because of her inheritance and nothing else. Tanya was broken, with her academic life in tatters and her engagement off she slipped into a state of depression.

To heal the wounds she turned to alcohol and narcotics in an attempt to see her through; this in her own words was ‘the darkest couple of months of her life’. Eventually nine months after her engagement to Franco she ended up in hospital suffering from exhaustion and poisoned by the narcotics she had taken. In an emotional reunion her Grandmother offered her support and Tanya accepted.

Now Tanya realised what The Drifter had meant to value life and the young heroine vowed to return stronger from her experiences. She studied hard graduating from Millennium City University at the age of 23 with qualifications in the sciences majoring in biochemistry. Coupled with this and with her Grandmother’s help she worked on her abilities eventually gaining complete control of her electrical powers. She even assisted the Champions in their efforts against the criminal resurgence, winning much applause in operations against VIPER, ARGENT and many other nefarious organisations. At the age of 20 she took on the name of Lightstorm and from this a hero was established.

The Rise of Lightstorm The Fall of Magdella
It's like love, one needs the other - Rob Mahogany WCOC news team on Heroes and Villains

It was during a patrol in October 2006 of the Westside that Lightstorm discovered some odd activity centred round an abandoned warehouse on the docks. Passing over she noticed a group of Lemurian’s entering the warehouse and suspicious of their actions decided to investigate.

Inside several Lemurian ‘lizard type’ soldiers and a Sorcerer were preparing a ritual. In the centre of an arcanic circle were five Lemurian Loyalists. They were attempting to transform the hostages into devolved lizards. Lightstorm was quick to intervene using her abilities she was able to put a stop to the ritual and rescue the hostages before they were turned. She also managed to subdue the Sorcerer whilst the others fled.

Once the site was secure and the MCPD together with a small team from UNITY had arrived the questioning began. Lightstorm was informed by one of the Lemurian Loyalists that they had been kidnapped and brought to Millennium City by ‘Zalak the Fierce’, a former warlord of the Bleak Ones who had broke allegiance with them to follow a rogue Lemurian known to them as ‘the Mistress of the Abyss’. However the Lemurian Sorcerer who was loyal to Zalak and the Mistress was not so forth coming with information and refused to answer any questions. Lightstorm was sure she knew the identity of the Mistress but needed confirmation. Only the Lemurian Sorcerer could give her them details as none of the loyalists had set eyes upon, or even knew the real identity of ‘the Mistress of the Abyss’.

Eventually with the Lemurian Sorcerer in custody and with the help of a telepathic hero known as ‘In-Sight’ Lightstorm gained the confirmation she needed. Magdella the Cruel had returned to the city and began a diabolical scheme to ‘breed’ a new army of loyal soldiers to her cause. She was kidnapping Loyalists and bringing them to Millennium City before transforming them into the more primal ‘lizard type’ Lemurian’s. Her aim was to gain control of Andrithal on Monster Island and to defeat Vikorin, whereby discovering the ‘secrets’ to unlock the hidden powers Andrith protected. By doing this Magdella could then take control of Monster Island and from there set in motion a scheme to dominant the world. She had to be stopped.

Operation ‘Octopus’ was set up and together with a special unit from MCPD, In-Sight and Lightstorm set about locating the whereabouts of Magdella with a view to putting a stop to her ambitions. With tip off’s and using In-Sight’s abilities the two heroes were able to stifle the plans of the Lemurian Priestess. Raids stopping boats bringing in kidnapped Loyalists into Westside cut the supply of ‘future soldiers’ to Magdella. It wasn’t long till the Lemurian Priestess learned that her ‘creation’ Lightstorm was behind it.

In fury at Lightstorm’s interference Magdella used spies to learn of the hero’s activities in the hopes of finding a weakness. It was then that Magdella discovered the whereabouts of Annabelle Leighton. By this time the Lemurian’s operation was halted. In a fit of rage the Priestess together with Zalak and a small force of Lemurian’s attempted to kidnap Annie.

15th June 2007, In-Sight was the first to discover Magdella’s next move. The hero had captured a suspected ‘mole’ within the MCPD that was feeding Magdella information. He was quick to warn Lightstorm of the situation, who did not hesitate, rushing to her Grandmother’s cottage in the hope that she wasn’t too late. She arrived just in time to fend off single handily a group of Lemurian’s who were attacking the cottage. Zalak then entered the scene making an attempt on Annabelle’s life. Lightstorm was able to drive off the powerful warlord who, defeated, disappeared into the countryside as the police and UNITY forces arrived to assist. With the Lemurian’s defeated and Zalak on the run it left Magdella.

Lightstorm returned to the city searching for the Lemurian Priestess. On top of a high rise building in Downtown, Lightstorm found Magdella who was waiting for her. With rain crashing down the two battled against each other, though this time the fight was more even than before. Lightstorm was more attuned to her abilities and far stronger than their first encounter. Eventually Lightstorm defeated Magdella, who whilst kneeling before the hero, taunted her, attempting to make Lightstorm deal the finishing blow. Lightstorm stood firm ignoring Magdella’s taunts she handed her over to UNITY forces who arrived shortly after the fight had ended. Magdella was then incarcerated in Stronghold Prison whilst Lightstorm and In-Sight were recognised for their great work for bringing down a Super Villain and preventing the possibility of a global war.

Life as a Hero
With her reputation as a promising young heroine at an all time high after her work to stop Magdella’s plot, Lightstorm started to fulfil her potential. Wearing a white top with yellow and blue lightning symbols, the pair of ‘booty’ hot pants and extra long boots Lightstorm was a recognisable figure around Millennium City. Coupled with this she continued her studies at Millennium City University and when graduating at the age of 23 she immediately assumed control of her parents lab (Where the LGT or Tank is housed) situated within the Westside. There she works on assisting young Meta-Humans like her in gaining control of their powers and discovering their true potential.

She has assisted the Champions on various occasions and is well respected within UNITY and other agencies. In December 2009 Lightstorm was offered a position in Cross Industries, working in their meta-human department. There she made friends with several other heroes including a young Vo’jn called Kiran Vox, Fizzle, Professor Guts and Sarah Enia to name a few.

The Arkham Incident and Exy
''She's adorable and fun! Some of the best times I have spent with Exy'' - Tanya Thompson on her sister

Tanya has made many friends during her time in Millennium City. Most notably was that of Havelock and Sarah Ventura with their adopted daughter Alicia ‘Exy’ Ventura.

It was to her sadness that she learnt Havelock had lost his life during an attempt to rescue civilians in a vampire attack in Vibora Bay. In his will he requested that Tanya help Sarah take care of Alicia. With this sad news would come a discovery that would change Tanya’s life.

Tanya cares deeply for Alicia even before the eventual discovery. Tanya’s first duty was to inform Alicia of the loss of her adoptive father Havelock. Alicia took this news very badly, running away and disappearing for a few days much to the concern of Tanya. Eventually Alicia was found on a beach on Monster Island by Lightstorm and Kiran Vox. Tanya with the help of Professor Guts and Kiran Vox eventually persuaded Alicia to move in with her and Fizzle.

Tanya always tries her best to teach Alicia, also nicknamed as ‘Exy’, right from wrong though it is at times hard going. Due to a malfunctioning chip in Exy’s cybernetics it has caused some minor brain damage that effects her judgement and understanding at times. The late Nancy Belmont has since repaired the malfunctioning chip but the damage to her brain is permanent, only with a high narcotic based injection can Exy’s real level of intelligence function. This effect can only last a couple of hours and isn’t the long-term solution to Exy’s problems. Of course without the injection (and Tanya actually prefers Exy without) this can cause some problematic situations.

Exy has a love for annoying and playing with Albert Stapleton, Tanya’s housekeeper and butler who she calls ‘Mister Grumpys’. Many incidents have occurred including one involving the explosion of eggs in the kitchens of Tanya’s home, the redecoration of her bedroom without Tanya’s consent and the one time Exy found her mother Sarah Enia’s rocket boots and brought them home. The young Exy then decided to try them out inside the large shed in the gardens of the mansion. In doing so she burnt it down and almost took Stapleton out with it as she rocketed across the garden. She also has the taste to explore the outside world, which has led her at times into danger, most notably with Magdella the Cruel.

Despite these incidents Tanya still loves Exy very much. The young Ventura has nicknamed Tanya ‘Michael’s’ though she does not completely understand why, Tanya is very fond of the nickname.

ARKHAM INCIDENT AND A DISCOVERY

During an incident that occurred whilst Tanya was a part of Cross Industries Exy was kidnapped by the notorious villain Arkham, a rogue android. She was kidnapped whilst on a visit to City Centre with Tanya and Fizzle. As usual Exy ran off ahead of the two before being grabbed by an unknown assailant and pulled through a portal.

During this time Tanya discovered a secret and secure database within Thompson Labs. It was entitled the XZ Project. Unable to access the details she endeavoured to, knowing that Exy had the serial number XZ-809 on a pair of her shoes. Once she had gained access she learned both a horrifying yet comforting truth. A Doctor Vincent Stockwell was the lead scientist in the XZ Project. In it the data detailed experimentations in the Los Angeles Labs concerning a VIPER operation to perfect cloning and create the most advanced infiltration cyborg, both undetectable and with highly tuned evasion abilities. She discovered that Exy was one of these units along with several others and that the DNA used in these experiments was in fact that of a sister she never knew she had, called Rebecca Thompson.

With time running out Cyenia (aka Sarah Enia), a hero known as Hot Spot and Lightstorm eventually put paid to Arkham’s plans. The battle ending on top of the volcano on Monster Island where they discovered Exy skinned alive and Arkham standing over her. A fight ensued between Cyenia and Arkham as Lightstorm and Hot Spot attended to the unconscious Exy. Cyenia prevailed and brought Arkham into custody, though it was eventually discovered that this was in fact not the real Arkham but a decoy.

Unfortunately Arkham had one last say in the matter. Whilst held in the Cross Industries Laboratories under the supervision of Hot Spot and Cyenia, the 'fake' Arkham activated a bomb that destroyed the lab. Hot Spot was fortunate to escape with minor injuries but unfortunately Cyenia was caught in the blast loosing her life. With Exy secure and recovering in Thompson Labs, Lightstorm was quick to the scene to attend to the injured. At learning of the death of Cyenia, Lightstorm was devastated at the loss of a good friend and strong ally.

Despite the news of another friend lost in the line of duty Tanya worked hard in the labs to restore Exy, using the ‘Tank’ to help regenerate her skin. It was also a hard time as Tanya had to inform Exy of the death of her adoptive mother.

Along with this Tanya had to ask her Grandmother Annabelle Leighton about Rebecca. Her Grandmother informed Tanya that her parents, before they were taken, were waiting for the right time when Tanya would be ready to accept the news about Rebecca. Annie was unaware of the DNA experiments involved with Rebecca and that she knows Douglas and Elizabeth would have never put their daughter in that situation. Annie never informed Tanya herself, as with the discovery of her powers and the many trials she had been through, Annie believed it better that Tanya discovered the truth on her own.

Since then and with the arrival of Freedom forces in Millennium City the late Nancy Belmont informed Tanya that she also participated in the XZ Project and was the one who rescued Exy from the clutches of Vincent Stockwell. She also informed Tanya that it was Doctor Stockwell who hired Magdella to kill her parents and that he was the instigator of all that has befallen Tanya since. Magdella has since confirmed these stories whether trustworthy or not.

Nancy also gave Tanya a warning. That VIPER have released the other XZ clones in an attempt to hunt down both Exy, Vincent Stockwell and Nancy herself, and to be vigilant of anything suspicious.

Despite all this Tanya has come to accept Exy as her sister and she currently lives with Tanya and Kiran in the Thompson Estate twelve miles outside Millennium City. Exy has since taken on the name of Alicia Thompson.

FIZZLE

Despite Lightstorm’s reservations in entering another relationship after Steve Franco, Fizzle caught her attention. She found his awkwardness attractive and 'cute', eventually caring deeply for him. Fizzle wasn’t from Earth and the soul survivor of his race who had come to Millennium City to find refuge. He was a grey skinned, noseless humanoid in appearance though Tanya eventually discovered that Fizzle was an energy being.

They started dating in February 2010 but Tanya was never really comfortable enough to open up to him, at times finding it hard to even trust Fizzle. In March 2010 Tanya was informed by a friend of Fizzle’s, ‘Titanium Titan’ that Fizz had died protecting him during a failed experiment that had gone horribly wrong. Tanya was devastated and mourned his loss.

But that was not the end of their relationship, through unknown means Fizzle returned to her alive and well. He never fully explained what had become of him or where he had been but Tanya was just happy to see him alive again. This happy time was not to last for long.

In August 2010 Tanya returned home to find Fizzle had gone missing. There was no sign of him at her home and his lab had been cleared out. Despite the best efforts of Kiran, Sarah and others to trace his whereabouts, no more was seen of Fizzle. Due to this Tanya saw no other alternative than to move on with her life.

Since then Fizzle has been spotted in Millennium City on the odd occasion. To this day Tanya is still unsure as to what happened to him and why he left her without an explanation.

HALCYON ACADEMY

As things started to change for the worse within Cross Industries Lightstorm became disillusioned. The ideals the group used to fight to uphold now seemed to disappear in favour for a Millionaires personal gain. Many decisions made within the team were questionable at best, which eventually led to Lightstorm leaving the group in favour of a teaching role at the highly reputable Halcyon Academy. There Tanya enjoyed her work and the chance to pass on some of her knowledge to younger heroes was an opportunity she could not refuse.

Opening the doors to Thompson Labs, Tanya aided many young heroes in learning more about their powers and the effects they might have. She taught the sciences and held regular classes within the laboratory. Unfortunately during Tanya’s days with Halcyon Academy Magdella the Cruel made her third appearance.

Magdella Returns UNITY REPORT
UNITY Report: Magdella the Cruel

Case number: 2537220

Agent Reporting: Lightstorm

Case details in brief: The rise and fall of Magdella the Cruel, details on potential portal opening, threat unknown.

Report:

Comments:

I disclose this report to detail the events of the past couple of weeks for future reference and to add to the archive at UNITY Headquarters. Some details of the events that occurred I myself was not a witness to so I will do my best to fill in details that have been given to me by the people that witnessed them.

INCIDENT 1: STRONGHOLD PRISON DOPPELGANGER

I will start with the events that unfolded the evening that we believed Magdella had died in her cell in Stronghold. To our knowledge that was Magdella though now we believe it to be a clone or doppelganger of the Lemurian Sorceress. How she escaped her cell and how the doppelganger appeared in her place is still a mystery though I would like to add to the fact that during a particular day (27th January 2010) there had been technical difficulties with the security camera outside the cell. The footage is very distorted, showing plenty of noise and disruption throughout the day. This is now believed to be a form of trickery by Magdella and aided in her deed. When the doppelganger eventually died the body melted into a puddle and a sample was difficult to obtain. The sample we did collect appeared to check out to be that of Magdella. The doppelganger passed away at 6:47am on 11th of June 2010, due to starvation, its body liquifying as it collapsed.

INCIDENT 2: CANADIAN BURIAL CAVES

Witnesses: Kiran Vox, Tech Knight, Arcanus, and Lionsheart.

Though I did not witness the events first hand I have viewed the footage taken from the helm optics of Kiran Vox. It was whilst taking a student (Lionsheart) on an outfield lesson to the burial butte that a group from the Arete Institute came across a small girl trapped by the evil entities that reside there. The girl requests for help (a recorded image from the optics is clear of her) stating that her mother had been taken by the immortal being Necrull to be sacrificed. Led by Arcanus and Kiran Vox they assisted the girl fighting the evil that infests the caves. When Necrull is defeated the group notice that there is no sign of the girl’s mother. The girl traps the group by summoning what appear to be tendrils from the ground and ensnaring them before transforming into Magdella. She retrieves from the defeated body of Necrull a scroll and swears vengeance upon myself before leaving the caves. To note these new powers I have never witnessed in my previous encounters with Magdella, especially the shape shifting, how she learnt them again is a mystery.

INCIDENT 3: ATTACKS ON HEROES

Witnesses: Kiran Vox, Afterburner, Alicia ‘Exy’ Ventura, Arla, Hellstorm, Zelly, Jack Trades, Albert Stapleton, Tech Knight, and Serg. William Clemence

This was to cause instability and fear through the city plus an attempt by Magdella to attack those I was closest to. Various attempts by the Lemurian Sorceress were made on several heroes not directly by her, but by her minions. These were black and purple robotic units similar to those engineered by Carter and Chase such as the AR-NI3 (nicknamed the Arnie) and AR-K4M advanced tactical unit, which have now been confirmed. Remains of the ‘Arnie’s’ have been found in many locations such as the alleyway in downtown next to the book of beast’s store, the grounds of the Halcyon dormitories, my home and by the old temple in the Canadian Mountains. Quite how and when Magdella acquired these Units is yet to be discovered and further investigation is warranted.

I believe to acquire the events in more detail you would have to interview the witnesses involved but I will add what I have been told happened to this report.

The attack on Alicia ‘Exy’ Ventura occurred on the 8th of September 2010, when Alicia discovered unwittingly the whereabouts of Magdella. In fury at her discovery the Lemurian Sorceress attacked Alicia and carved the word ‘DEATH’ into her back. Alicia, after fighting back managed to escape and returned home. Myself and Kiran Vox accompanied by Alicia investigated the site of an old abandoned warehouse in Vibora Bay but Magdella had already vacated the premise. All that remained was scorch marks on an area of the floor in the form of an ‘arcane circle’ and damage to a pillar where the fight between Alicia and Magdella had occurred.

On the 9th September 2010 Kiran Vox was ambushed in an alleyway in down town in the area of the Great Beast Book Store. Four AR-NI3 units and the MU-53 nickname ‘the Muse’ (no remains were found of the MU-53) were waiting for him and most likely stalking him till the right moment for them to attack arrived. After a battle between them Kiran managed to destroy one of the AR-NI3’s before being over powered. It appears that Magdella was after the helm on Kiran’s armour for reasons unknown and attained it. Magdella was in presence but her whereabouts is hard to pinpoint.

On the 12th September 2010 a lone AR-NI3 attacked my home; the motivation as far as I know was another attempt to cause instability and fear within my family and friends. I was again not present and was off shore on Monster Island with Kiran Vox. From details of the witnesses present, my Butler Albert Stapleton, my Sister Alicia Ventura and a student from Halcyon Academy known as Afterburner, the Arnie entered my home blasting open the front doors. The ‘Arnie’ proceeded to destroy items within the house no doubt to raise the building and its contents to the ground. Stapleton, Afterburner and Alicia defended the building until Sarah Enia otherwise known as ‘Tech Knight’ intervened and destroyed the AR-NI3.

On the 13th September 2010 several students from Halcyon Academy intervened when they witnessed another AR-NI3 Unit attempt to kidnap a civilian just outside the Academy Dormitories. When they did the ‘Arnie’ attacked them followed by three or four others. The AR-K4M was also present and a small battle between them and the robots insued. Arla, Afterburner, Jack Trades, Zelly and Hellstorm managed to thwart the robot’s attempts though the civilian disappeared during the battle, no doubt fearing for her life. With the help of a student called Duncan otherwise known as Moonlight, we have a likeness of what the civilian looked like.

On the 16th September 2010 Serg. William Clemence was on duty near the Cats Cradle on an operation against Viper forces that were trapping several ice demons close to the entrance. After the squad initially made contact with Viper forces they heard a scream from across the ridge. On investigation they encountered the AR-K4M and engaged it. The other three members of the squadron were killed and Serg. Clemence managed to escape barely with his life. In sending out a distress signal the hero Tech Knight picked up the communication and came to intervene. The K4M after engaging both Serg. Clemence and Tech Knight retreated after taking damage. Serg. Clemence was injured during the encounter and is currently recovering in Mercy General Hospital in Millennium City.

INCIDENT 4: THE ARENA

Witnesses: Kiran Vox, Arcanus, Girl Charms, Lionsheart

Reasons for this incident are unknown at best and how Magdella became trapped in the Arena and what she was doing there are unknown. Again it is pure speculation but we believe that Magdella had tried to make contact with the Arch-Villain Shadow Destroyer in a vein attempt to join forces. It appears that she had been tricked by another villain she called ‘Blast Force’ and had been trapped, as were the other heroes. It is the first time I have ever known Magdella to help in such a situation; no doubt it wasn’t out of choice.

INCIDENT 5: KIDNAPPING AND DEMANDS

It is clear now why the robotic minions had targeted civilians, it appears Magdella was to use them to gain what she needed for the ritual she was to perform. She made contact with myself and Kiran Vox laying down her demands on the 14th of September 2010. She had taken 10 civilians captive and threatened to kill them if her demands were not met. She asked for four particular items, a vial of Grond's blood, the horns of the demon Kigatilik, the fangs of Bludhound and for me to deliver them to her in the park in city centre close to the PSI building.

On the 15th of September 2010 and under instruction from UNITY a team of heroes was assembled at Project Greenskin in the desert. This was to conform to the demands of Magdella as the lives of the civilians were of utmost importance, whilst UNITY forces searched the city and surrounding area for any signs of the Lemurian and the hostages. The mission was a success and the items were attained with only slight injury to any that participated.

Once the items were collected they were stored at UNITY headquarters and kept under close guard. After the event I joined UNITY forces in an all night search of the city to see if we could find any clues or traces of the whereabouts of Magdella. The Lemurian Sorceress became aware of this and out of anger to not abiding to one of her demands, which was not to attempt any search and rescue, she hung one of the civilians from the roof of the Memorial Park Museum in Downtown to show her intent. My thoughts are with the man’s family who was later named as Howard Taylor, a Bank Clerk from the City Centre, who has a wife and two children that have been left behind due to this callous and evil act.

I later learned that only one hostage survived, Magdella in another sign of evil intent led Kiran Vox, Nancy Belmont and members of Freedom to an old church in Vibora Bay where 8 civilans were found hanging from the rafters. The survivor was found bound and gagged beneath the hideous discovery. I feel with this report I should submit the names of those that lost their lives so callously that they aren’t forgotten, my thoughts are with their families in this hard time:

Names of the fallen:

David Robinson – born 27/01/1981, Alera Rose – born 26/04/1987, Betty Macmillan – born 05/05/1947, Rosaria Davis – born 15/10/1952, Taylor Reece – born 14/12/1989, Mike Stanton – born 16/10/1967, Mary Staggins – born 15/05/1978, Zoe Preston – born 01/01/1971, Howard Taylor – born 13/08/1962,

The survivor’s name was Melanie Edwards and is currently recovering in Mercy General Hospital. She is at this moment 3 months pregnant. I’m pleased to report that mother and baby are doing well.

INCIDENT 6: THE RITUAL AND FINAL EVENTS

On the evening of the 17th September 2010 I handed myself over to the custody of Magdella and her minions, together with the items gathered. In my time in her captivity I tried to discover as much as I could. Once her minions, including the MU-53 had collected me from the Park they took me through a portal to an old temple that I now know was situated in Canada. Magdella was very careful to cover her tracks and did not give too much away. But I did get her to tell me what my part was to play in the ritual, which undoubtedly would lead to my death. She mentioned to me a portal she was preparing to open and that my powers were needed to activate the doorway. I noticed she wore special bracers that she bragged to me would protect her from my abilities and absorb the energy she needed to transmit to the doorway. I gathered from this small insight what she intended to do. She would injure me, causing me to expel a potent blast of energy that would be absorbed by these special bracers then transmitted via the bracers to activate the portal. The other items were an offering to an entity she called ‘the Gatekeeper’, who or what it was I do not know. She also mentioned a realm a couple of times that she called the ‘Underworld’ and also referred to it as ‘The Realm of the Damned’. Unfortunately this is all I could gain from The Sorceress, but I do know that the scripture on the scroll she obtained from Necrull were the incarnations to summon the portal to the Underworld.

Fortunately on the 18th of September I was found by Alicia Ventura who led Freedom forces, members of Arete Institute and UNITY to Magdella’s location. In a brave and valiant battle led by Kiran Vox and Nancy Belmont I was rescued while Magdella and her forces were defeated. Though no body was found whether Magdella is still at large is unknown no doubt one day we will find out.

FINAL COMMENTS:

UNITY has since secured the temple and the building is currently under surveillance. The portal which Magdella successfully summoned before the rescuers arrived appears to have changed into the form of a giant mirror. It is currently under close observation and the champion Witchcraft has taken a keen interest in studying where it may lead. The scriptures carved into the stone floor by Magdella and the circle are also to be studied closely and a report on the arcane team’s findings will be submitted to UNITY in time. The scroll, the bracers and the items collected have mysteriously disappeared and an investigation will be opened into their whereabouts. Whether the rouge MU-53 collected them or they were destroyed during the battle is unknown. Should the scroll and the items fall into the wrong hands then I fear a new threat may arise.

Autobiographical entry - Lightstorm and Kiran Vox
Thoughtful, kind and as strong as rock, the perfect match for my Tanya – Annabelle Leighton on Kiran Vox

*please note quotations from Tanya are in italics*

Tanya recalls fondly the first meeting with Kiran Vox. He was both shy and quiet, wearing a strange looking helm and refusing to remove it sitting at the bar in Club Caprice, lost in the strange world around him. From that moment on a friendship blossomed between the two which would lead onto stronger feelings and eventually marriage. Kiran, with the help of Tanya and others managed to acclimatise to Earth customs and now is a well-respected hero of Earth.

ARGENT AND URAZIAN SEC

Kiran Vox was initially a member of a Vo’jn unit sent to Earth to assist in the troubles that plagued the planet. On the 7th of March 2010 his unit was tasked to assault the ARGENT headquarters in Millennium City. Unfortunately a trap had been set and Kiran was lucky to escape alive. I have never seen him so upset, I think he believed he was now alone, but that wasn’t true he had his friends around him, the loss of his unit was a terrible blow despite how they treated him - refers Tanya to the incident.

Eventually with much work Kiran tracked down his Commander. What he discovered horrified him. He had been betrayed by his Commander who was now in league with ARGENT, also an Urazian Scientist known as Urazian Sec was in a facility in Canada. In a raid on Sec’s facility Tanya attempted to contact Kiran, hailing him over the comms which gave away his position. I do not remember why but I attempted to make contact with Kiran over the comms, unfortunately and without my knowledge he was dealing with Sec…

Due to this mishap Kiran Vox was wounded in the raid, causing Tanya to feel guilt, blaming herself for what she had done. I thought because of my own stupidity I had killed a great friend and a true hero, if he had died I would never have forgiven myself…

Thankfully and much to Tanya’s relief Kiran recovered fully from the altercation, only for the young Vo’jn to discover that his Commander had leaked information to ARGENT.

But this was not the end of the matter, during this time Kiran had been dating a heroine known as Luminous Maiden. Unfortunately whilst attempting to save the life of a member of Cross Industries the heroine died causing Kiran much heartache. Kiran disappeared for a spell only to be captured by Sec and turned into one of his monstrosities. On an attack on the City Hall, Lightstorm accompanied by Andrew, Exy and Fizzle came across Kiran, now a Hybrid. I intercepted a radio broadcast announcing that City Hall was under attack, I called in reinforcements from Cross Industries and we went to assist, it turns out that it was Kiran much to our surprise and that he had been transformed...

In an attempt to subdue Kiran, both Andrew and Lightstorm pressed the attack, unfortunately Lightstorm was knocked unconscious and almost killed by the Hybrid. Fortunately Andrew was on hand to subdue Kiran. I guess it was revenge for me nearly getting him killed! - jokes Tanya.

Sec was eventually captured and brought back to Thompson Labs where he reversed the procedure he had done on Kiran, returning him to his original form. Sec with the aid of unknown allies escaped the lab and has since disappeared.

KIRAN’S MARRIAGE

It was during her troubles with Fizzle that Tanya realised she harboured feelings for Kiran Vox. When Fizz vanished it was Kiran who was there to help her through and it was him that supported her in many other ways. I can’t tell you how much I have to thank Kiran for, he has saved my life on many occasions and has always been there when things have been tough – says Tanya.

During this troubled time Tanya could not be honest with Kiran, as the Vo’jn was married to the Heroine La Mariposa, and seeing as Tanya and Maria were good friends, she believed it best to keep her feelings buried despite her Grandmother, Annie, telling her to be honest and admit to Kiran how she felt. ''I could not say anything, I didn’t want to, I knew there was something special growing between me and Kiran, but at that time it was impossible, Maria was my friend and I never wanted to hurt anyone. My Grandmother, well she wanted me to tell Kiran, she believed honesty and bravery would prevail and it would be better to get these feelings out in the open instead of burying them. She was right…''

Tanya struggled with those feelings and she openly admits there were times she did not want to see Kiran and Maria ever again. It was hard, I am not the jealous type and never have been but when you are attracted to someone it is a struggle to control those feelings

It was only during an incident with Magdella the Cruel that things took a turn for the better. Tanya was not happy at the time and on hearing the news that Maria and Kiran had divorced was hard for her to bare. ''I was devastated by it, my two friends suffering was never how I wanted it to happen, I really did wish them the best, but unfortunately for them both it did not work out. ''

THE RETURN OF AN OLD FOE

With the return of Magdella (please see section UNITY REPORT) life became harder for Tanya and Kiran. Kiran now broken by his split from Maria and with Magdella targeting everything the two heroes did times could never be much tougher. I remember helping Kiran move out of the apartment he shared with Maria, my heart was broken for him, he was clearly deeply upset, my mind was a mess at the time and I think Magdella knew it…

The two of them concentrated their efforts on dealing with Magdella, eventually conceding to her demands as the Lemurian Priestess took hostages. Along with the gathering of three regents, Lightstorm was to hand herself over to Magdella. At this point it was with the help of a friend called Max (also known as Afterburner) that Kiran in an emotional display admitted to Tanya his feelings for her. ''I remember standing in City Centre Park with Max and Kiran, looking at a document listing Magdella’s demands, I did not know what to think, I was scared, not for me but my friends and the lives of the hostages. Kiran then admitted his feelings too me, I can’t explain how I felt… one of fear to sudden calm, like things will eventually work out. I knew at that moment it was true love.''

With that in mind Lightstorm, Kiran and a host of allies eventually prevailed over Magdella and her robotic minions, stopping the Lemurian Priestesses plans. This then freed up Kiran and Tanya to begin their relationship.

LIFE WITH A VO'JN

Tanya and Kiran have been close friends long before they married. Many times have they enjoyed each other’s company, often with some hilarious consequences. On one particular evening in the Renaissance Centre Tanya scared Kiran when she drunk too much... ''I tend to vent my powers on occasions especially when alcohol is involved, this particular time I scared Kiran into a tree! The Professor had to talk him down!''

On another occasion whilst in Caprice with her former boyfriend Fizzle on their first date, they bump into Kiran at the bar. ''Fizzle was drunk for the first time, it was our first date and already he was cheating on me! He asked Kiran to dance! I still think Kiran was slightly tempted… or perhaps more confused but the look on his face was priceless!''

Vibora Bay holds many memories of good times for Tanya. Two in particular stand out, the first when they visited the Carnival there and whilst playing on the arcade machines they came across a ghost of a young girl. ''That was a very strange evening, the last thing we expected to see when playing a game of space invaders! though the ghost was very friendly and even invited us to play meteors!''

On the other occasion and with her younger sister Exy with them, Kiran accidentally injected himself with the serum that was meant for Tanya’s sister whilst partaking in a meal on the Bayou Queen. Quite how he managed that, I could not tell you but he was as high as a kite afterwards! It ended up with Kiran striped to his underwear and running riot around the streets of Vibora Bay until he eventually ended up in Doctor Ka's brownstone dancing on a table in front of James Caliburn before hugging Doctor Ka and telling the hero he loved him. Oh yes… the Doctor Ka incident! Tanya laughs remembering that eventful night.

These all served to build on the relationship between the two until Kiran proposed to her in a hunting lodge on Monster Island which Tanya describes As the most magical and romantic night of my life. On the 4th of December 2010 they married on the beaches of Monster Island before spending their honeymoon in Venice. Now they live happily together in Millennium City and enjoy a fruitful relationship.