"That is correct," the former mobster replied, without a trace of his former accent. "The radiation from my transmuter has been absorbed by my body. Now, I am the transmuter." His eyes fell on Harriet, who was still backed up to the cavern wall. "And I have you to thank for it, my dear girl."
"M-m-me?" the blonde girl stammered.
"Yes," the dark man nodded. "You and that little mirror of yours. Please, let me show you my gratitude." And without another word, he pointed a single finger at the frightened girl.
Before anyone could react, a thin blue beam came from the tip of the extended finger, crossing the chamber in a flash to strike Harriet squarely in the chest. She opened her mouth to cry out, but no sound came out. The strange blue glow spread quickly to engulf her entire body in seconds. Rebecca, who was still standing next to her friend, backed away from her now, though she couldn't take her eyes off what was happening. Likewise, Miss Adventure, still confused by the sudden change in events, could only stand and watch as the Transmutant's strange energy worked its "magic" on the poor helpless girl.
Moments later, the glow faded, revealing the young woman's fate. Harriet stood just as she had before the beam had struck her. Her mouth was still opened, ready to cry out for help. Every part of her body, including her clothes, had been transformed, looking like it was made of solid silver. Rebecca stepped closer to her friend, knowing it was too late to do anything for her. As she approached, she could see her own distorted reflection in the shiny surface of Harriet's unmoving form. "A mirror," she said softly. "He turned her into a mirror."
The villain laughed at his handiwork, while Miss Adventure tried to decide what her next move should be. When she and Adventure Girl had come into this cavern, they had been facing just a group of bumbling mobsters. But now, things had taken an unexpectant -- and much more dangerous -- turn. She glanced over to where Adventure Girl stood, a silent sculpture of ice. For the first time, she noticed that the cavern floor beneath her junior partner appeared damp. In horror, she realized that Adventure Girl was slowly starting to melt. She had to do something -- and do it quickly.
Thu, 12-Jul-2001 03:13:53