A week later

[Siren]

"How cute."

Claudia stated just as the photograph was taken of the six and their allies. Sauntering forward wearing a tight, black, high waisted, knee length pencil skirt, white satin blouse, and her trademark daring red pumps, Claudia's eyes were shielded by large framed sunglasses, and her ebony hair was parted to the side and bone straight. With a matching red tote purse hanging on her shoulder and some folded documents in her hand, she gestured over to one of the tables.

[to Morgan] "When you're finished with you Hallmark moment, I have documents for you to sign."

Heading over to the table, Claudia picked up a chocolate covered biscotti as she passed, and took a bite. Despite the fact that Claudia and Morgan were blood thirsty toward each other a few weeks ago, since the caper in the astral plain, her and Morgan became more cordial to one another when it came to Affinity business. They even came up with a compromise involving Morgan's vacation: she could stay away for as long as she needed, as long as Claudia could hire a temporary model to fill in for any MAC campaigns that were to come up during Morgan's absence. Morgan would retain some of the distribution profits, and MAC would continue to pay Claudia the big bucks. Which was what was most important in the end.

Unfolding the documents, Claudia flipped through the stapled pages before stopping at the space where Morgan needed to sign. Marking an 'X' by the line, Claudia held the pen out to Morgan as she approached.

"Sign here. MAC's lawyers needs you to sign off on me hiring a temporary model until your return, so there are no legal issues later."

 

[Firebird]

the courtyard

It's been said that when one door closes the other opens. That statement proved true for the Six. While Morgan, Alison, and Karen were leaving Ava and Cameron had returned to the team. The fire elemental had mixed emotions about the reunion. While she was happy to see Ava and Cameron back safe and sound she didn't want to think about being apart of her older sister, Morgan. Morgan had provided such a strong source of compassion and warmth for Blaze when she first arrived here.

Stepping over to the staircase, Blaze moved to the step below Morgan. Her sister's lithe hands resting on her slender shoulders. I'm going to miss you. Blaze thought sadly to herself, her hand touching Morgan's thoughtfully. As the others gathered to take a group picture, Blaze flashed a bright smile but she couldn't help but feel a slight nagging sensation. She knew Morgan needed this sabbatical to recharge her batteries. Even Karen, who was like a mother to her was leaving. Then there was Alison who was like the team's backbone in many ways.

The picture was taken and in sauntered Claudia. Blaze bit down onto her bottom lip, "Argh, couldn‘t someone teleport her to Limbo for eternity?" She whispered under her breath. Fire and water were naturally at odds and it was easy to see why. Blaze wouldn't forgive Claudia for attempting to drown her.

Stepping down from the stairs, Blaze glanced in Haleigh's direction. That poor woman would have to curve the urge of 'double-dipping' with Zach and Cameron. The thought amusing the fire starter. Her green eyes landing onto Cameron thoughtfully. She knew how he felt. His sister was leaving and they had only been reunited. And even Mike had the challenge of letting go of Karen. Everyone seemed to be losing a loved one in some fashion or the other including Nicolas.

Running her fingers through her wavy sepia hair, Blaze's feelings continued to bug her but she managed a brave face. She hated good-bye's and this was no different. But atlas everything happened for a reason right?

 

[Spellbinder]

the courtyard

<< Spellbinder cues everyone to stand tall and "give good face" to the camera. two special shots are taken...one with the group standing together wrapping up and around the spiral staircase and the other with each member offering his/her own special pose or trademark gesture. For Morgan's part...a quick gesture summons a wind JUST for her as her hair blows and she flirts with the camera in the tradition of Farrah Fawcett "pin up girl" quality.>>

<< when the pictures are captured, NO SOONER than that pleasant moment is over does CLAUDIA appear.>>

Yes. we ARE, arent we?

<< asking with knowing sarcasm, like Claudia would EVER pay them a compliment. >>

<< Morgan's smile fades but she doesnt become overtly hostile.>>

I can't imagine you of all people making a social call to Melrose Place

<< she makes her way down the staircase and around the pool over to Claudia.>>

...what can i do for you?

<< documents, important ones regarding the handling of the MAC campaign in Morgan's absence to sign. following their caper, Morgan and Claudia had a clear understanding that allowed them to work well in a professional setting. no longer would Claudia try to hold Morgan "hostage" and Morgan wouldnt cause one or more members of the zaccharas clan to disappear from this plane of existence.>>

<< looking over the documents, Morgan took the pen Claudia offered and signed in the appropriate places.>>

If there is anything terribly pressing that comes up, Haleigh can contact me for you no matter where I am.

<< handing the pen and document back to Claudia.>>

 

[Seer]

and so...

<< Even Claudia's less than popular cameo at the "we survived the nightmare" part at Melrose Place didnt derail an otherwise sweet evening. Spellbinder and Siren conclude their final details involving Morgan's MAC account with Affinity Models. >>

<< and so with business concluded and festivities run their course, the time has come for Spellbinder, Harbinger and Shadow Weaver to say goodbye. Harbinger and Shadow Weaver, of course had always been set to return to Minerva's Mansion in Greece once they were no longer needed and while Spellbinder's departure came as a surprise to most of the team, they understood why she was leaving and knew that it wasnt permanent. Some though, like Nicolas and especially BLAZE were still not terribly happy with it.>>

<< Blaze could take comfort in knowing that she could reach out to her sister anytime. despite being a crosstime alternate of Foxfire, FIREBIRD still had that telepathic bond with her sister across time and space...so though this was not her timeline's Morgan...it did not matter.>>

<< with final hugs, goodbyes and promises to be safe...the trio of witches stood together with Morgan in the center.>>

<< one last goodbye and wave and with a stepping disc, Spellbinder teleports them all away. one disc opens in the twinkling of her eye and sets Harbinger and Shadow Weaver back in Minerva's mansion where they are greeted by Pandora and the mansion soldiers while the other disc opens for Morgan putting her in the Rotunda of the Isle of Aerie. It is MORNING for them on the otherside of the world, while the remainder of the Six family: Black Widow, Rampage, Firebird, Silver Swan, MorningStar, Arsenal and a newly returned Prophet and Persephone are standing in MP courtyard at NIGHT.>>


<< changes, doors closing and others opening. Nothing new for the Six but at least THIS time they faced change and the future on an UPBEAT note rather than a pained note of sorrow. there was hope for the future when Morgan would return, hope now that two trusted members of the team [Persephone and Prophet] returned to help fill the void left by Morgan and Alison and a feeling of relief now that many personal wounds and rifts in the six showed definate signs of healing/closing.>>

<< whatever was coming next...the six would be able to face it TOGETHER with a stronger foundation that they hadnt felt in quite some time.>>

<< they would go into the night to close their eyes, sleeping peacefully and awaken to a new day full of new possibilities and of course the promise of adventure.>>

<<and so we watch.>>