Baptism by Fire

[Seer]

<< The moon hung high in the sky as Alison took her leave from the group to continue her efforts to approach the situation from the other side. As The Six was left alone it was decided by many that Cameron would need to attempt to contact Cassandra immediately. Cameron, Nicolas and Alycia retired to Cameron's penthouse on the top floor of The Parthenon for Cameron to attempt this feat in a controlled and safe environment. With a bounty on his head, the group did not want to be separated from him but they knew that he was in capable hands with Alycia and Nicolas by his side. >>

<< Blaze was starting to feel better about the Purifier attack but she was still reeling from the emotional trauma she had experiencing from seeing Sally bleeding out on the ground and watching Cassandra dissappear right before her eyes. Blaze and Vivica for now retired to Blaze's penthouse waiting for further instructions from either Haleigh or for confirmation on Cassandra's whereabouts from Cameron. Although there was much to accomplish, at the moment the group found themselves at a standstill. Vivica who had also been through quite a lot this evening was balancing trying to comfort Blaze as well as attempting to get an update from Oracle, Orion or Valkyrie about the situation. Blaze was her priority at the moment. >>

<< Ava didn't know what to do with herself. She was facing a seemingly impossible situation because of her refusal to face the issues that had been plagueing her for the last several months. Many members of The Six were aware that something was going on with her as did Simon, but for now she was still remaining silent. She and Haleigh retire to Ava's penthouse as Haleigh begins to do her job figuring out as much as she could about The Purifiers while Cameron tried to locate Cass. Though Ava and Haleigh were sisters and as close as could be, there were BOTH a lot of things they weren't telling each other. Would they remain strong in their indignance or open up to each other? >>

<< Delilah in continuing her standard mode of operations lately was alone in her own penthouse attempting to use the connections she still maintained in the Police Department in order to find something...ANYTHING to bring to Cameron or Haleigh in order to get Cassandra back and keep Cameron from being captured. >>

<< In an unknown location, trouble was about to start for Cassandra as her seemingly comfortable accomodations while in captivity were about to take a turn for the WORST as Sister Mary Justice was about to make her debut. Cameron would have to work fast and efficiently in order to reach Cass before the good nun took things to a point of no return. >>

<< And so we watch. >>

 

[Rampage]

Cameron's Suite

The three of them arrived and Nicolas wasted no time. They stepped into the living room and he turned to face the pair.

Let us proceed. Prepare to reach out Cameron. Alycia...steel yourself.

She would soon realize why as the room would fall away from the three of them. They were in Limbo, standing on nothingness in what seemed to be outer space. The feeling of vertigo at first washed over Alycia and she instinctively held her hands out. Looking over, Nicolas was mildly amused.

Charope, do you think that I would EVER allow you to fall? Here, this should ease your uncertainty.

A rock flies over and settles beneath Alycia's feet. Nicolas shook his head and continued.

Cameron, you are the more capable between the two of us of contacting Cassandra telepathically no matter where she is. Additionally, you make the perfect conduit for both of us to lend her a more hardened resolve. I have brought you here, however, because I am hoping that your telepathic abilities manifested in the presence of my teleportation ability will allow us to pinpoint where she is PHYSICALLY. Once you begin to look, I will boost your psionic energies with my own.

Nicolas paused, waiting for Cameron to act...

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh helped herself to Ava's Scotch. It wasn't her first choice, but Johnnie Walker Black was a decent enough blend, and standard fare, which is probably why it was stocked in this little penthouse bar. She poured a few fingers for her sister as well.

Cass occupied at least half of her mental processing power. The girl was probably going through hell -- again. Haleigh had tried to reassure the others that Cass could handle it, but Haleigh knew first hand what it was like to be at the mercy of monsters.

She hadn't known Cass very long, only a couple of months now, but Haleigh found Cass quite amusing, and they had enough in common that Haleigh didn't want the girl to die or be tormented.

She compartmentalized it. Feeling ANYTHING about what Cass might be currently experiencing would not help rescue her.

Her thoughts moved on to Cameron. Nicolas and Alycia were with him now, and though Haleigh hadn't wanted to leave his side, she knew that being obstinate about it would only polarize the topic. EVERYTHING that had ANYTHING to do with her proximity to Cameron was a double edged sword. Too many people read too much into their interactions, herself and Cameron included. She had to play it cool, unfortunately. Which would probably be the very reason he got captured, but she knew insisting that she stay with Cameron would frustrate Alycia, and Cameron, among others.

That issue had to be neatly put away in the lockers of her mind as well, or else she'd freak the fuck out about his impending capture.

Then there was Delilah. She was slipping, and now that Alison had pointed it out, Haleigh was paying much closer attention. Obviously she was still seething over the loss of her newborn. It was, as bad as it sounded, a curiosity to Haleigh. Delilah, as a mother, grieving the loss of a child that was presumably safe with Ororo (even though Ororo was kind of scary).

Haleigh wondered what was so wrong, so broken about her, that she had given her own child AWAY, while Delilah literally couldn't function properly after having been separated from Alexia. Haleigh set the bottle of scotch on the coffee table for easy access, then handed Ava her glass.

that kid...... that Scion..... she's probably better OFF..... what kind of MOTHER gets rid of her own child? I must have known then.... I'm not fit to raise a kid.

Another locker closed and secured. None of this was going to solve the purifier problem. Haleigh sank into an armchair, levitating the remnants of the nano sentinel in the air in front of her, running it through analysis.

"So, Ava, I'm going to ask you a question, and I want the truth-- the whole truth this time. What did Alison say to you and Cameron in your little private chat? I ask because I need to know if we're on all the same pages. Everything is so very fucked up, I don't even know who to talk to anymore, because I can't talk about certain things with certain people or I'll end the fucking world or some shit."

 

[Persephone]

Sitting on her couch, Ava's mind was on everything that had just happened the past hour. Between Sally's attack, Cass' abduction, the purifier's interrogation, and Alison's warnings...it was a lot to take in. Everyone had went their separate ways for the night, however Haleigh insisted on coming back to Ava's suite with her. It wasn't for sisterly bounding time, that was for certain. Haleigh had questions, and Ava was just waiting for them to be asked.

Watching her sister place the bottle of scotch on the coffee table, Ava took the glass she presented without hesitation.

Haleigh: "So, Ava, I'm going to ask you a question, and I want the truth-- the whole truth this time."

Taking a sip of the alochol, Ava almost scoffed at the word 'truth'. If only the truth would come as easily as lying.

Haleigh: "What did Alison say to you and Cameron in your little private chat? I ask because I need to know if we're on all the same pages. Everything is so very fucked up, I don't even know who to talk to anymore, because I can't talk about certain things with certain people or I'll end the fucking world or some shit."

Obviously Haleigh's conversation with Alison was just as dire as the one Alison had with her and Cameron. Enough so that Haleigh was keeping secrets of her own for the 'greater good'.

"Oh, you know. The city is in danger, people are going to die....same ol' same ol'."

Ava stated rather evenly; a grim joke to say the least. Seeing Haleigh give her a less than enthusiastic look, Ava sighed. Truth time.

"She told us that Cameron will be taken no matter what we do to prevent it, and that Delilah will defect during this mission and to not stop her."

Ava was holding back, and she knew Haleigh could tell. Looking down at her tumbler of scotch, the brunette was silent for a moment.

"She said I was going to cause the deaths of 42 children...."

Ava trailed off to silence before looking up at Haleigh.

"I've killed so many people in my life....I've been surrounded by death so much that it BARELY phases me anymore....but the thought of children dying because of me? I don't know if I can handle that..."

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - Cameron's Penthouse

Cameron was trying to remain strong for the group, but he couldn't help but feel a little useless. He had worked so hard to garner favor with the team only to now know that he would yet again be the perpetual victim of The Six. He wasn't necessarily scared for his life as much as he was pissed off. Though every member of The Six was more than capable in their own way, Cameron would have GREATLY preferred to be fighting this battle with his team instead of fighting a personal battle with The Purifiers. The only thing that comforted him was to know that he would be able to be with Cassandra. The succubus was a sweet girl, but years of torture and leading a solitary life had left her somewhat stunted. He didn't know how she would react to being in a situation that was similar to what she had experienced in The Holocaust, but if there was anybody that was more than versed in torture survival skills, it was him. He was also worried about Ava. The time they had spent working together had allowed them to know each other in a completely different way, allowing them to see each other in a new light, and they really clicked. He had been growing closer and closer to Ava by the day and to know what she was about to safe, well he would rather be with her too, doing whatever he could to save those children. Yes, there were many things that Cameron WAS worried about, but unfortunately with what loomed ahead of the group, the one person he WASN'T worried about...was himself. Actually...that wasn't really true. He knew he would survive, he just didn't know what the experience would do to him.

As much as he tried to fight it, what Haleigh had taken a liking to reminding him of was true. Underneath the cool, calm and collected Cameron that stood before the group now was a decidedly darker and far less caring Cameron King, a part of him that he fought tooth and nail every single day to keep underwraps. It was why he did yoga, it was why he fought so hard to maintain good relationships with those around him. They were his rock. As long as he had something to fight for and as long as he could maintain control over himself, he was good...he would remain the same. His fear was that torture might begin to bring things up in him that he wouldn't be able to choke back down easily, and he worried that being captured by The Purifiers would threaten the relationships he had worked very hard to cultivate and keep. Essentially, he was worried the old Cameron King might rear his ugly head and stay long enough to do some real damage.

With much on his mind he headed up to his penthouse at The Parthenon with Alycia and Nicolas, two people that he trusted with his life. Alycia, a newfound love interest, and Nicolas, a man that he didn't really want to like at first, a man he felt "replaced" by, but a man who ultimately showed that his loyalty to The Six was strong and that his intentions with Morgan were pure. As they made their way up to his Penthouse, Cameron gathered them into the living room as he let out a sigh and took a moment to center himself. He looked over to Nicolas and nodded.

Instantly the group was transported to The Astral Plane, a place void from time and space and used frequently by high level telepaths. Here, their powers were amplified and it would allow Cameron to more easily pin point the location of Cassandra.

Nicolas: Charope, do you think that I would EVER allow you to fall? Here, this should ease your uncertainty.

He smiled as he looked at Alycia who was doing her best to maintain her cool, but being an empath, he knew that Alycia was worried about him. Nicolas looked at Cameron.

Nicolas: Cameron, you are the more capable between the two of us of contacting Cassandra telepathically no matter where she is. Additionally, you make the perfect conduit for both of us to lend her a more hardened resolve. I have brought you here, however, because I am hoping that your telepathic abilities manifested in the presence of my teleportation ability will allow us to pinpoint where she is PHYSICALLY. Once you begin to look, I will boost your psionic energies with my own.

"Let's do this then..."

Cameron placed his fingers to his temple as he closed his eyes and began to reach out over the Astral Plane with his mind. As he cleared his mind he began to focus his attention on where Cassandra might be. He knew The Purifiers would have to be local. New York City seemed to be their playground and an area they knew well. It would be the most logical place for them to have a base of operations. His mind was acting in a cerebro like fashion as he cast his mind through the city streets, his mind coming into contact with the consciousness of thousands of New Yorkers as he went, their astral signatures radiating throughout the plane as hues of different energy began to flicker throughout the expansive black. He began to think of Cassandra and everything he knew about her. She was adept at blending her thoughts into the background but unless she was under the thrall of a neutralizing collar of sorts, she would most likely be broadcasting some kind of signal...if she were smart.

"I'm getting closer...she's tougher to find than I hoped..."

His eyes remained closed as his "mind" began to swarm through the city, locking onto an energy signature and an emotional pattern that seemed to be incredibly similar to Cassandra's.

"Thankfully...even when one's mind is blocked..they STILL give off a pretty unique emotional energy signature..."

Cameron scrunched his face a little bit, exerting more effort as he went before a smile curled up into his lips as he was able to locate her. He didn't know exactly where she was, there were obviously countermeasures put into place to preventing telepaths like Cameron or Nicolas from finding them that easily, but they couldn't stop him from finding an individual.

"GOT Her! Nicolas...Boost me."

As a jolt of psionic energy COURSED through Cameron's body he LOCKED onto Cassandra and overtook her senses for a moment as he became acclimated to her mind. Once he was comfortable he astrally projected in front of the succubus, his glowing form appearing to her. A risky move but he could sense that Cassandra was still alone and that perhaps SEEING a teammate might calm her down.

"Cassandra! I'ts Cameron! It's alright...we're working on getting you out of here. Are you okay?! Have they hurt you? Do you even know where you are?"

 

[Ruby]

St. Patrick's Cathedral

:: In an effort to keep negative feelings at bay, Cass danced and sang as many songs as she could. Katy Perry. P!nk. Britney. Mandy Moore. Madonna. Yet even though she felt great while singing, when the notes ceased, the feelings crept back up on her. So she started doing some exercises and aerobics. ::

The worst part is that they are probably banking on the assumption that I would go stir crazy in here, cut off from human contact…and they would be right. I HATE this feeling.

:: When she felt her heart pounding from the exertion, she stopped and gazed at the door. Nobody had come by with water for her. In fact, aside from her singing, dancing, and exercising, she only heard complete and utter SILENCE. ::

Well, this is NEW.

:: At least when she was held captive by the Nazis, there were noises around the lab and such, letting her know that she was still within human contact. But that was all part of their diabolical plan. They were like cats watching mice play before one of them got bored and decided to have fun with them. THIS time around though? She was left to her own devices with NO contact whatsoever. She mewled softly with despair. She didn’t know what to do next. She supposed she could try send a – what was it Vivi called them? Thought calls? – thought call to either Nicolas or Cameron but she wasn’t sure if they would get it considering she was now powerless. ::

Are they considered a ‘power’ or not? I’m not sure…

:: Cass was doing her damnest to keep up her spirits during this whole situation. She had been a captive before and she hoped that that experience would help her in this current situation. What Cass would not do was to show any outside sign of being scared and weak. Inside, though, was a different story: she was scared out of her mind. Still, Cass would fight with everything she had to survive and make her way back to her team. She adjusted her position so her back was against the wall and she was leaning against the adjacent wall, resting her head against cool stone. ::

So this really, really—

:: Just then, her mind went all fuzzy and weird and she sighed. Looks like the cats got bored. She fought the urge to whimper but abandoned THAT idea when CAMERON appeared before her in astral form. She yelped in surprise. ::

“OH MY GOSH! Give a girl some warning next time!”

"Cassandra! I'ts Cameron! It's alright...we're working on getting you out of here. Are you okay?! Have they hurt you? Do you even know where you are?"

Thank goodness for that!

“Am I OKAY? Hmmm, let’s see. The nuns all want to take voice lessons from me and tonight we are all going to have a Bible study together before choir practice. What do YOU think?!”

:: A smile was pulling at her lips and her eyes were sparkling. She always did have the weirdest sense of humour. But it felt good to joke around a bit. It was better than the alternative, which was to break down in tears she was so happy to see somebody, let alone a member of her own TEAM. She cleared her throat. ::

“Never mind about me being hurt. How are Blaze and Sally doing? Is Vivi okay? I mean, they didn’t hurt HER as well did they? They will be in a WORLD of trouble from me, if they had hurt her!”

:: A thought about what had transpired occurred to her. She completely missed it during the chaos of what had happened. ::

*worried*: “Cameron, this is important, and I only just realized it now. The attacks on Blaze and I? It was like they knew exactly how to hit us.”

:: She felt frustrated she didn’t think of this before but the sonic attacks on HER were absolutely BRUTAL and they did their job. Cass had been completely helpless. ::

“It was like they knew exactly what Blaze and I were capable of, or at the very least, what our power sets were.”

:: Her beautiful features set into a big scowl. She would have to think about this a bit more. She then stared right into Cameron’s eyes and sent a thought call. She wasn’t sure it would work or not but she had to try. ::

Cameron, I’m…I’m scared. I’ve been trying EVERYTHING to keep all kinds of negative feelings at bay, but they are still creeping up on me.

:: Cass shook her head. Outwardly, she would never show fear or any other kind of weakness. Because that would mean that the enemy would have a stronghold on her and she would rather DIE than to let them see any sign of weakness on her part. ::

“I think I’m in some church or something? There’s this really whip-happy nun running around and she had already used it on me. TWICE. Not only that but they took away my powers! They put this wonderful accessory on me to keep me neutered.”

:: She showed the collar around her neck to him. She smirked. ::

*laughing*: “Those cowards. I suppose it makes them feel all big and bad now.”

:: She became serious all of a sudden. ::

“Let Blaze and everybody know that I will fight like hell to get back to you all.”

 

[Recall]

To Blaze's Penthouse

Vivica made her way slowly into the private access elevator as it zoomed up towards Blaze's penthouse on the highest levels of The Parthenon. She pressed her fingers against the bridge of her nose as she nursed one hell of a headache. She had manifested the most powerful aspect of her power to take down one of The Purifiers and almost unknowingly led the wolf right to the group, who was saved by Harbinger in a way that only she could. In retrospect, she could have taken down The Purifier in a less draining and exhaustive way, but with Sally Spectra having only a few precious moments and Blaze lost in grief, nearly killed by the cyro cannon, Vivica went into overdrive. She wasn't thinking as many steps ahead as she should have been, something Lieutenant Davenport would have been quick to point out.

Still, no matter how well trained somebody might be for field work, when lives that you care about are on the line, you throw away the playbook and you act on adrenaline and you do what's necessary to save them and while she might have caught heat from a superior, she knew this was something that Haleigh would most definitely understand. In the fleeting seconds the two of them remained in the elevator, she noticed Blaze pressed against the wall, her arms folded, looking down at the ground somewhat aimlessly. She may have put on a brave face in the conference room, but Vivica could sense that she was still shaken about what she had done.

"Hey...you!"

Vivica said softly as Blaze snapped back into reality and looked at her. Vivica's gaze softened as she reached her hand out and pulled Blaze's arms apart, locking their hands as they stood closer together. Blaze was known for being rather verbose but sometimes, talking wasn't necessary. Sometimes, you just needed the touch of somebody you cared about to be near you. If anything, the entire ordeal had confirmed to Vivica the feelings she had for Blaze. She definitely hadn't expected a romantic situation to evolve from their encounter at Blaze's party a few months back, but for now it was nice and easy. Blaze gave Vivica the space she needed to continue to carve out her path in New York since returning from Europe and Vivica did the same for Blaze. They were both striking out on their own and it was nice to have somebody that understood that. As the elevator dinged, the two women made their way to Blaze's penthouse and headed straight to the living room. Blaze sat down on the couch as Vivica was quick to head to the bar and pour them two glasses of a crisp white wine. Blaze could definitely throw them back and given that she wasn't as easily effected by alcohol, Vivica didn't see the harm in having a drink. They would both be prepared to strike when the time was right. She sat down next to Blaze and rested her head on her shoulder.

"I know you are still shaken...but we need to celebrate the wins that we can. Sally is alive...Cameron is gonna find Cassandra...and we are going to give those Purifiers a good ole fashion 54th & Crenshaw beatdown...and that's a promise..."

She leaned up for a moment.

"And those bitches are crazy if they think they are gonna scoop up MY Snowflake (Cameron) without one hell of a fight! Alison bought us some time...and it's what we needed."

Vivica set her glass down on the table as she pulled out her phone for a moment, checking to see if there were any updates from Oracle, Orion or Valkyrie.

"And she's not the only one working on it..."

She had cut off communication before heading to the hotel or the hospital. Though Zach was an ally, she didn't necessarily want or need any footage of The Six in such private moments captured. So far, there was nothing...which was odd. Vivica had no idea that Sharon Kelly was in the Watchtower at that very moment, striking a deal with Zizi. Vivica grabbed her glass and took another sip.

"Where's your head at, B?"

 

[Black Widow]

Ava's penthouse

Ava: Oh, you know. The city is in danger, people are going to die....same ol' same ol'.

Haleigh pursed her lips, eyeing her sister, clearly not pleased with her reply.

Ava: She told us that Cameron will be taken no matter what we do to prevent it, and that Delilah will defect during this mission and to not stop her.

"Yeah, she told me that too..... and I understand that one wrong decision could launch us into a nightmarish alternate reality..... but I don't like the defeatist approach. What else did she warn you about?"

Ava: She said I was going to cause the deaths of 42 children....

Fuck, we're really on a roll with the kids lately, aren't we?

She thought darkly. Delilah's baby, Haleigh's Scion, and now Ava would be responsible for so many young lives?

Ava: I've killed so many people in my life....I've been surrounded by death so much that it BARELY phases me anymore....but the thought of children dying because of me? I don't know if I can handle that...

"Ava....... look, I know you don't want to talk about what's bothering you. I respect that. I don't want to talk about my blackouts. I get it. But maybe Zach could help lighten the load a bit? He won't make you talk about it..... but he could relieve some of the stress. Why don't you spend a little time with him.... I find him to be very relaxing, and he genuinely likes to help people feel better."

The thought that children might die was troubling, but Haleigh's main concern was that her sister was in such a state that she couldn't manage HERSELF and that was as much a part of the problem as the fallout of being responsible for their deaths.

 

[Seer]

<< There is change in the air. Events both near and far unfold that the Six may not even be aware will have an effect on them even as they face a growing threat in front of them.>>

<< From across the oceans, back to New York, the group attempts to prepare for what is coming but sometimes, nothing you do can stop the movement of fate.>>

<< Prophet had succeeded in making contact with Ruby, quickly establishing that she was alive but Ruby's thoughts were too jumbled. She was disoriented due to the "enhanced techniques" Sister Mary Justice was employing to keep her under control, Nor did Ruby have any idea just where she was being held. There was the vaguest sense that she was still somewhere in NYC, but Cameron could not get a firm lock on her location. For now, the fact that they knew she was alive and relatively intact was significant. But now not knowing where she was or what her captors were going to do to her made it even more difficult. >>

<< Ruby was now being confronted by Sister Mary Justice.>>

<< Blaze wanted to go HUNTING for Purifiers, but Vivica convinced her to think better of that idea. Now the two were conversing in Blaze's hotel suite in the Parthenon. Vivica always wanted to be recognized by the Six and appreciated and in the blink of an eye, she found herself thrust right into the middle of a storm that was crashing down on them. It was her quick thinking that ensured Sally had a fighting chance to survive, and also helped them get their first major clue about the Purifiers, but what now? Vivica, like the others
knew that Cameron would soon be taken. Harbinger had forseen it with no room for variation. She could empathize with Blaze's frustration, worrying about Sally, Cass and Cameron. Vivica also wanted to contact her OTHER partners in the field, the ones she'd been working with more regularly since her return to the city. They too were aware of the Purifiers and Vivica knew the Six was going to need some help due to the way things were unfolding.


<< But how could Vivica possibly risk the wrath of the Six, who were VERY selective about who they let in their circle, by connecting them to Oracle and her associates? Vivica once again was walking a fine line between getting what she wanted and doing what she needed to do, hoping that everything wouldnt just come completely undone in the process.>>

----------------------------

<< Isis was at the parthenon in the midst of a closed rehersal for an upcoming show. Her trusted Black Knight, Richard Martin was in attendance, watching as she and her backing musicians, DJ & dancers put the finishing touches on a nice house music influenced hustle/step number. It was a departure from her usual sort of performance, but Dominique showed more than once that she was capable of moving across musical genres. Also present for the rehersal were Cameron, Alycia and Nicolas. It was agreed by the Six that Cameron should keep his travels limited to the Parthenon or his own offices, at least for now. Alycia and Nicolas were also keeping close but they all know it couldn't stay like this forever. Sooner or later the other shoe would drop and the Purifiers would make their move.Neither Richard or Dominique could know that she'd have an unexpected "command performance" for an unlikely audience this evening. >>

----------------------------



<< Not too far across town, Persephone, accompanied by Simon, are on their way Charope, Inc., Alycia's newly established office, to meet with Zach. Ava had initially thought of not taking Haleigh's advice and seeing Zach, but Harbinger's warning deeply troubled her and so she decided to seek his assistance. Rose's orphanage was not too far from the offices of Charope, Inc. It was a wise move for her to make this choice, but sadly, it would come too little, too late.>>

<< Zach was out in the field, assisting Silver Swan. After he had introduced her to Oracle, she agreed to meet with Oracle again for more serious talks but first she had to fullfill a promise to her old friend Rose. Zachary, having taken over several of Alycia's "accounts" when she vacated her previous roles, was now overseeing the funding for the orphanage that Rose operated for homeless/orphaned mutant children. The woman and her facility were being harrassed with increasing severity by the Purifiers and it was agreed that she and the children needed to be relocated as soon as possible and so we see Sharon standing watch as the children, many of whom are very young and small, are being loaded on to a sleek black bus with tinted windows.>>

<< Zach is coordinating the relocation effort and is nearby Sharon. They planned this for a time when activity in the city was lower and traffic was light, hoping to get the children out of this area under the cover of night. Hope sometimes fails.>>

<< Back at the Parthenon, a visibly shaken Andrew sits in the back offices of Spectra Couture. He's sitting in Sally's office, actually. He's been there ever since he learned that Sally Spectra had been stabbed and shot. While the other employees had been briefed by Blaze and Nicolas, Andrew insisted remaining in the back office. Blaze understood how he felt about Sally, who had been very kind and supportive to him and agreed to let him stay, trusting him with the security and care of the boutique.>>

<< He would be greeted by a visitor in the form of Delilah Trelevan, who felt an odd motivation to check on him. Indeed, he had made quite an impression on her and their dynamic was evolving in a curious way. Delilah too was shaken by the startling news of the attempted murder of Sally but when it came back that Sally had survived surgery in the private
hospital under Clandestine Inc's umbrella and that she was now being watched over by Arsenal and Shadow Weaver, that gave the mutant some comfort and now, she felt the need to reassure Andrew and let him know that Sally would pull through.>>


<<She also needed to reassure herself. She was in a state of major uncertainty with her life and it's direction. Sally was one of the few people she still felt some certainty with and in the blink of an eye, Sally was nearly cut down. Delilah's encounter with Malice had taken a toll on her, one that she wasnt willing to acknowledge, but it was still manifesting itself in other ways. Seeing Harbinger didn't help either, but Cameron's life was at stake! She had to pull it together and do what was needed. But sometimes, pulling it together means moving in another direction all together and neither she or her teammates were ready for that, still, it was going to happen, and sooner than she might think.>>


----------------------
<< On the floor of the Parthenon that housed Ava's suite, Alison Marble was present. The witch was a guest of Ava's, in town for the same reason that was now becoming apparent heavy for the Six and others. But SHE was coming at it from the "back end." She had to, for there were forces at work here that were giving Sister Mary Justice too great an advantage and Alison had to take that away from her, not just for the Six's sake...but for the sake of her baby brother and countless others in the crosshairs of the purifiers.>>


<< Her surprising encounter with the mysterious speedster had left her more than a little agitated. Seeing Delilah, being forced to stomach her presence didnt help either, but just as in the earliest days of the Six, the emergency superceeded the personal discomfort and so, Alison focused on her tasks, mainly scrying for the exact location...base of operations of the Purifers, for it is THERE that the truth of Sister Mary Justice's plans will be found.>>

<< Still... she can't get that SPEEDSTER out of her mind! He was able to recover from her teleblinking and telekinetic attack in a way that NO ONE should have been able to! Worse, she failed to retrieve the rune he absconded with! It shouldnt have happened that way, but with her mind on her brother's well being and the threat of the Purifiers, perhaps she was suitably distracted.>>


<< But even Harbinger was not immune to the movements of fate and so just as the speedster SEEMED to be unrelated to her more pressing tasks, she'd soon find things and people revealing themselves to her when she least expected it.>>

---------------------

<< Black Widow had her work cut out for her. Between the problem of the Purifiers, Sally, Cameron, Cass, Ava, Delilah and everything else!? She found herself in a position no one would
envy, and this time, she didn't have a "co-leader" to share the burden with. Still, she was not faint of heart, nor would she take a defeatist approach to all of this. Alison had bought her some time and she intended to turn things around so that The Six werent simply REACTING to one attack after another.>>

<< Even with her steel resolve, she couldnt shake her own mystery, that of the black outs...and SCION. WHO was this child and her mother!? Why were these images coming to Haleigh now? >>

<< Let us turn our attention back to the Six, so that we may watch and see.>>

 

[Mary Justice]

<< Underground, in catacomb-like facility, the Purifiers are lead by the stern and cold Sister Mary Justice. She is convinced she is the chosen servant of the lord to carry out his will. She is also convinced of her divine mission to destroy the devil's children- mutants.
After all she's seen, she knows there is no room for doubt or hesitation, only faith and action!>>

<< So far her actions have resulted in many successes for her and her group of Purifiers as they carry out their [so they believe] godly mission to wipe out the spawn of satan. Mary also has an ultimate goal, one that involves Cassandra Johnson a.k.a. Ruby, the newest member of the Six.>>

<< In the very recent past, the Purifiers staged a brutal assault, one that left Sally Spectra near death, along with a badly injured Firebird and a CAPTURED Ruby. Thus far, Ruby had no idea just where she was, but she was roused from her most recent bout of unconsciousness via telepathic contact from Cameron. She confirmed she was alive, but she was incapacitated. She could not move, could not access her powers and could barely make sense of where she was.>>

<< Mary Justice had kept Cass heavily sedated and her powers were suppressed by a neutralizer collar that she wore around her neck. She was chained up against a wall in a dark dungeon room.>>

<< Across the room was a small computer console and a chair. Images and information were coming in on the computer and Mary Justice herself was sitting in the seat in her outfit, legs crossed at the knee, watching Cass like a hawk. In one of her hands, she held an energy baton. This high end piece of technology was capable of producing a large amount of energy in several forms and could be used to fire deadly discharges and concussive blasts or used to augment physical blows with energy to maximize impact and damage.>>

<< She slowly tapped the baton in the open palm of her other hand as she watched Cass regain consciousness slowly.>>

Your resilience is most impressive. But that is the ONLY praise you'll get from me, thing of evil.

<< Mary said with contempt in her voice>>

 

[Ruby]

:: The very first thing that came to Cass’ mind, in fact, the ONLY thing that came to Cass’ mind when she slowly came to was the eerie sensation that she was being watched. ::

Cameron? Is he still here?

:: Cass hoped it was him that was watching her instead of the old biddy [Mary Justice]. She could barely remember his visit, let alone what she had told him. She could only assume that a lot of rambling went on. She winced as she opened her eyes. She turned her head slowly and noticed that the old biddy WAS in fact watching her. ::

Oh great…

Your resilience is most impressive. But that is the ONLY praise you'll get from me, thing of evil.

*groggily*: “Takes one to know one, hmmm?”

:: Though Cass was still groggy, her mind was in full force, determined to not let the religious yahoos get the best of her. If there was anything she had learned from her prior captivity it was to not let her captors see any weakness. ::

 

[Mary Justice]

<< Mary was unamused by Cass' attempt to be flip. She continued to sit there, studying her captive. Cass was unaware just HOW MUCH information Mary Justice now had on her but that, along with so many other things, would become painfully apparent soon enough.>>

We have NOTHING in common, you wretched creature.

<< Mary slowly stood upadjusting her blazer and skirt as she began to walk toward Cass, slowly, still carrying that energy baton.>>

And you will find little in the way of sympathy OR compassion in this place.

You now face the eve of judgement day.

You will be the first...and then, the rest of your satanic siblings will follow.

<< She reaches Cass and stands in front of her, staring at her silently.>>

<< Suddenly, Mary moves with a speed that is startling as she STRIKES Cass across her face with the energy baton, unleashing a spark of blue energy with that strike to cause a painful burn on top of the physical damage>>

The time has finally come for the genetic filth that haunts and blights humanity to be CLEANSED from this world.

The lord has spoken and his will shall be done!

<< Mary SLAMS the baton into Cass stomach>>

His call to action is to be carried out by only the true and the faithful and we know our work is righteous, for everything he has shown me
in his holy visions thus far has come to pass!

<< SLAMMING the baton down on top of Cass' head>>

I have seen what your kind can and will do. It's always the same. Your kind leaves a path of destruction just like the plague of locusts.

You will pay for your sins, your very existence is a crime against nature, against humanity and you will be the one to show others the error of their ways and what awaits them!


<< she holds the baton up to Cass' throat...and presses a button, she unleashes a short but POWERFUL discharge of energy into Cass' body. It's WORSE than being electrocuted, but fortunately for CASS it only lasts a few seconds, THIS time.>>



Your arrogance is the hallmark of the devil's children. You think you can operate with impunity.

<< SLAMMING the baton across the OTHER side of Cass' face>>

You think you can vex the innocent and the just and not have to account for it.

<< She holds the baton right under Cass' chin now, Increasing the power setting.>>

You think you can disobey god's laws and stand strong like a proud oak, defying nature itself!

<< She unleashes a PULSE of energy that would have caused a cerebral hemorrhage in a normal human being, but for a mutant like Cass, it feels as though she's just slammed her head into a wall SEVERAL times>>

 

[Ruby]

And you will find little in the way of sympathy OR compassion in this place. You now face the eve of judgement day. You will be the first...and then, the rest of your satanic siblings will follow.

:: Cass rolled her eyes. ::

Here we go, getting preached at…

:: Cass gritted her teeth and resisted the urge to cry out when the old biddy struck her with her weird baton thing. It hurt like HELL but there was no way she’d let on that it hurt. She could not, WOULD NOT, show weakness of ANY kind! ::

The time has finally come for the genetic filth that haunts and blights humanity to be CLEANSED from this world.

The lord has spoken and his will shall be done!

:: Cass GLARED at the old crone and stayed silent, looking her right in the eye. ::

“Oof!”

:: Cass doubled over as the old bitch got her right in the stomach. ::

His call to action is to be carried out by only the true and the faithful and we know our work is righteous, for everything he has shown me in his holy visions thus far has come to pass!

:: Cass gritted her teeth as the psycho nun whipped her in the head with her toy. She mentally stood her ground as she braced for the continuous assault. She may be powerless at the moment, but she could use her STRENGTH and WILL to withstand the attack. At least, that’s what she hoped for. ::

I have seen what your kind can and will do. It's always the same. Your kind leaves a path of destruction just like the plague of locusts.

You will pay for your sins, your very existence is a crime against nature, against humanity and you will be the one to show others the error of their ways and what awaits them!

“Lucky me.”

:: That was all Cass could get out before she yelped as the bitch shot energy into her via her throat and she closed her eyes and gritted her teeth again. ::

Your arrogance is the hallmark of the devil's children. You think you can operate with impunity.

:: Cass yelped as she was struck across the face again. ::

You think you can vex the innocent and the just and not have to account for it.

<< She holds the baton right under Cass' chin now, Increasing the power setting.>>

You think you can disobey god's laws and stand strong like a proud oak, defying nature itself!

:: Cass couldn’t help it: she SHRIEKED as it felt like the bitch unleashed a wave of neverending uppercuts to her. She gasped when it was over, panting for breath. She stared Mary Justice in the face. ::

*panting*: “There is…no…GOD…that would…EVER…listen…to a…nutjob...like…YOU!”

:: Her body was involuntarily SHAKING from all the energy blasts, but Cass still stood her ground, GLARING at the nun. ::

 

[Mary Justice]

<< Mary Justice had spun around on her heel, turning her back on Cass. She WAS going to leave the girl to think about what was coming to her. WAS. But THEN...>>

*panting*: “There is…no…GOD…that would…EVER…listen…to a…nutjob...like…YOU!”

<< Mary stopped mid step. She slowly turned around and looked upon Cass with a truly DARK countenance on her face.>>
<< She stands there for a moment before returning close to Cass.>>

Revalations 13:6

<< She places the energy baton on Cass' chest, increasing the power and releases a TERRIFYING BLAST of electric blue energy into Cass' body>>

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

<< Mary CONTINUES the vicious assault on Cass. Her pain is so bad that it BROADCASTS across the astral plane, registering to CAMERON where he is now. The psi path between Cameron and Cass still exists, allowing him not only to sense her but her PAIN as well, as well as a BRIEF glimpse of her tormentor through her eyes!>>

<< Mary FINALLY stops the attack>>

Pride goes before destruction, you disgusting little succubuss, and a haughty spirit before a FALL.

YOUR fall is at hand. Your DOOM is immenent.

<< Mary leaves Cass to deal with the pain and suffering she is now in, turning her back once more and returning to the small computer station and seating herself.>>

<< She presses a button>>

Sarah?

>>Sarah Smythe: Yes, Sister?

What is your progress report on the construct being built in the sanctuary above?

>>Sarah Smythe: Slightly AHEAD of schedule, sister, I'm pleased to say.

Excellent. We must not fall behind the pace that the lord has set for us to complete our tasks. Is Matthew ready with his group for the next assignment?

>>Sarah Smythe: Yes, Sister.

Good. Tell him to be ready to transport via portal in 10 minutes.

<< She closes the channel of communication>>

It wont be long now. Soon we will have that OTHER demon wrapped in flesh, Cameron King, in our custody and then we can begin the cleansing.

 

[Titan]

Andrew sat with his head in his hands behind the big desk in Sally Spectra's office in the Parthenon, the only light coming through the window from the street outside, and he looked worse for wear. His tie was loose around his neck, the first few buttons of his dress shirt undone, his jacket strewn across a chair, a five o'clock shadow on his face. Sally would not have approved if she could have seen him.

The dappled light glinted off the bottle of whiskey on the desk, the cap off and two fingers neat in a rocks glass next to it that had been filled many times since Andrew had been sitting there. He downed what was in the glass and poured another. He still could hardly believe what he'd been told: that his boss Sally Spectra had been stabbed and was in the hospital right now, maybe dead. When he called the hospital they wouldn't tell him anything because he wasn't family. They didn't understand that Sally was his family, at least in this city. She had given him a chance when no one else would, and believed in him when he didn't even believe in himself.

A soft light passed into the frame of the open door, and he looked up.

 

[MorningStar]

Despite not wanting to leave Cameron alone - his cold bitch of a sister might be willing to just let him be taken, but Delilah was not - he had promised to stay at the Parthenon, so she had made a short visit to the hospital where Sally was being treated, under heavy guard. Sally had pulled through surgery and it looked like she was going to make it, which was a relief to Delilah in some ways but that Sally had even been targeted was enough reason for worry.

Stepping through the doors of the Parthenon Hotel, she paused. The Six (such as it was at the moment) didn't need her, didn't want her around and had made it clear during the interrogation of the Purifier that her presence and advice was not needed. Reporting to them about Sally's condition would be a waste of her time. But there was someone, she realized, that would be grateful for news of Sally. So instead of heading to the elevators and her suite, she walked to the door of the closed Spectra Couture boutique and waved her hand over the key card sensor. The door popped open with a click and she slipped inside unnoticed. It was dark, which wasn't a problem for her, and she silently made her way through to the back office. Noticing one of the double doors to Sally's office was ajar, she moved into the doorway and waited a moment before softly knocking.

Andrew, looking ragged, was sitting at the desk, from the looks of things drowning in a bottle of whiskey. He looked up at her, but didn't say a word.

She walked slowly to the desk, and picked up his glass. Her eyes held his gaze for a moment before they closed and she threw the whiskey back. It burned, but that was what she liked about it. She set the glass back down, and slid around to the other side of the desk. She half-sat on the desktop in front of him, and reached out and gently took his hand in her's. He was clearly shaken up by what had happened. She was used to being the person that comforted others, but right now Andrew was the only person in her life that her presence could make a difference to.

"I've just come from the hospital. Sally made it through surgery. She's going to be all right."

 

[Titan]

He just watched her, too numb to move or speak. He felt like everything was collapsing around him. Usually, nothing bothered him - he had seen too much and had learned not to let it. A smile and a laugh were his standard go-tos. He wouldn't have expected something like this to hit him so hard, but it had. And without Sally, he was alone.

Delilah took a drink and sat down on the desk in front of him. She didn't speak, but the look she gave him was so sympathetic, and the feel of her hand taking his so kind...it was all he could do not to break down.

"She's dead, isn't she?"

He said it matter of fact, like he had expected it.

"I've just come from the hospital. Sally made it through surgery. She's going to be all right."

He breathed out like he'd been holding his breath. He stood from the chair, and wrapped his arms around her in a hug, burying his face in her hair.

"It's all my fault..."

 

[Persephone]

Ava sat quietly in the back seat of the sleek black sedan as it made it's way through midtown towards Charope Inc. Everything was so quiet, even the city's usual boisterous symphony seemed dull. Blankly staring out the window, the city buildings were a blur as the car continued to drive. Everything just seemed grey and lifeless. The only noise...sense of life...were Alison's warnings echoing in her mind. It was so hard to ask for help--to want to open up. But how could she not? How could she put the lives of her teammates AND innocent children on the line because of her inability to let people in. It had always been an internal struggle for Ava to ask for help or admit needing it. But this was different. This was personal...TOO personal. It was her battle to fight.

Closing her eyes, the only silver lining was Haleigh's offer to have Zach help her discretely and without questions. It was the only option she had at this point. Her use of powers were draining her physically, and her secrets were draining her emotionally. She would be zero help to Cameron or Cass if she continued down this path with no help.

Feeling her iPhone vibrate in her hand, Ava's eyes lowered to the illuminated screen to see a text message from Karen saying that Sally had made it out of surgery.

"Sally's going to be okay."

She announced softly to Simon. Responding with a quick 'thank you for keeping me up to date.', Ava locked her phone and looked back out the window to see the car pulling up to Charope Inc. It was then that she realized that this...all of it, was new to Simon. He went from being a playboy mutant in hiding to being thrust into the center of The Six universe. It would send any sane person fleeing for the hills.

"It's a lot to take in isn't it?...How are you holding up?"

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah didn't have time to react so quickly did Andrew pull her into a hug. She had no idea Sally meant so much to him, even when she had decided to come update him on her condition. She just stood there and held him, not able to think of anything to say.

"It's all my fault..."

She pulled back gently.

"Why would you say that?"

Years of being with The Six made her naturally suspicious, that anyone she came into contact with had the potential to betray her, especially those she would least expect. Her stomach twisted, thoughts of Andrew working with the Purifiers entering her head. But they were quickly banished.

Andrew: "I should have been there - I should have driven her myself. I could have stopped it."

Her eyes softened with sympathy.

"No...Andrew, there is nothing you could have done if you had been there. And if you had tried, chances are you would have been injured too - maybe worse. You can't blame yourself. You didn't know Sally was in danger - none of us did."

Well there was one person who might have known, but she couldn't be bothered to warn anyone if she had.

"The important thing is that Sally is going to be okay."

And the people responsible for her attack are going to pay for it...

 

[Isis]

::Inside the Starlight Lounge, a select audience is in attendance, watching as a closed rehersal is underway. Dominique Deveraux, the star of the Parthenon, runs through a song with dance/house influenced sound. the numbder includes a step routine and so her back up dancers are present as well. It's a departure from her usual standard but the chanteuse has prooven time and again she can venture into other genres of music with no problem and she knows her audience likes to be surprised and also likes to dance from time to time.::

:: Nicolas, Alycia, Cameron are there watching as is Richard Martin, Dominique's trusted Black Knight from the Hellfire Club.::

:: There is tension between Richard and Nicolas. Richard is fiercely loyal and protective of his queen. He's also prooven to be a deadly member of the Black Court.::

:: Though Nicolas is Dominique's nephew, Richard is aware of her..."complex" feelings about her nephew. It has only been very recent, shortly before the Blue Moon caper, that Dominique and Nicolas really turned a corner in their relationship, but Nicolas is wary of Richard and the feeling is most definitely mutual on Richard's part for these reasons and more::

:: Still, this evening, Dominique requested them both be present and asked that they behave in a civilized manner for her sake if nothing else and so far, both men have done so.::


:: The beat and sound of the song is hot and Dominique is in top form both vocally and physically, keeping up with the steps in the line dance routine, but every so often this evening, she's seemed a bit distracted. Cameron, Richard and Nicolas all noticed it to varying degrees.::

:: It's almost as though her attention is being drawn to something else outside of the Parthenon. So far, only Nicolas and Zach [as far as SHE knows] are aware of her encounter with the Purifiers and neither of them knows the exact details of what happened that night. It has been several weeks since Dominique murdered three purifiers in an act of vengeance for the two children THEY murdered. Nothing has come of it and Dominique vowed to hunt down the remainder of the group, not knowing just how large and well placed they were.::

:: But one part of her plan IS about to be carried out. She discovered a major financial backer of the Purifiers! Senator William Stryker!::

:: This man took over Sharon Kelly's senate seat in a special election after her death at the hands of MasterMold, and since that time, his anti-mutant stance has become more & more apparent. He was also involved with WilPharma, the would be successor to Mystech that was stopped in it's tracks by Terra Save, anti-bio terror group.::


:: When Dominique learned of Stryker's ties to the Purifiers, she concluded that he was not only a mutant hater, but a danger to the safety and security of the Hellfire Club's ruling Inner Circle, which includes herself, Enchantrah and Malice. He had to be eliminated and her loyal Black Knight was ready to assist.::

:: plans were made and timing was everything. TONIGHT will be when those plans are set in motion, but anyone in show businesses knows that you have to ALWAYS "expect the unexpected."::

:: Dominique finishes up the routine and song on a solid note and everyone on her team claps and reaffirms each other::

:: She turns to see her private audience, who are also expressing their approval. It was odd, for her to now mix and mingle with the Six as much as she did, even beyond the call of THE TRUCE between the six & sisterhood. but there were worse fates...::

Thank you...

:: She said with a steely tone and a brief smile as she draws near the group::

Did you like the song? It's going to be a surprise for my audience.

When My DJ played the instrumental for me, I just knew I had to do something with it.