Casualties of the nightmare

[Rampage]

As Nicolas was about to enter Mike's apartment, they were summoned to Morgan's apartment. But HE was not, not by Alison. No matter. He smirked as he entered with the others and stood in the back. He could feel Alison's eyes on his, and so he returned her gaze, no hint of anger or shame or anything, even a hint of a smile. He'd done what he'd done and he had his reasons and he was not about to apologize to anyone for it.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh and Zach snuggled amongst a tangle of sheets. They'd turned on the TV to try and stay awake, but both of them were exhausted and even though Zach had promised to stay alert and prevent her from falling asleep, Haleigh didn't wake him after he drifted off to sleep... she was nodding off herself. Sleep came… but someone was trying to rouse her… the voice sounded firm and urgent… Haleigh stirred… but she just wanted to go back to sleep. No rest for the wicked… it was Alison, beckoning her to Melrose. Haleigh carefully extracted herself from Zach's embrace, making an effort not to wake him as she pulled on some clothes sluggishly.

She appeared in Melrose, apartment 4, joining an assembly of all the residents, including Alison and a woman Haleigh recognized as Verna Eckert. Haleigh nodded politely at her, then sunk haphazardly into a seat near Alison and Delilah as she pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail. Alison was shooting daggers out of her eyes at Nicolas, likely for his leaving Melrose even after she told him to stay with Sharon. Haleigh had registered his DNA signature at the Roosevelt, on another floor with Claudia's DNA signature…. but Haleigh had dismissed it… she was, after all, busy.

"So.... another pow wow, eh? I see we have a guest. Are we gonna get rid of this degenerate parasite Barbas, or what?

 

[Fusion]

Roosevelt Hotel -- Penthouse Marilyn Monroe Suite

Aww… Johnny was so cute when he was being bashful. Clara wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss him… but temporarily alone in a swank hotel room, by the fireside, with heavily romantic feelings between them? She knew where THAT would be headed… and the LAST thing she needed was to get caught in the act by her sister, who'd undoubtedly GLOAT, without mercy or any sense of propriety.

"Come on."

They went back into the sitting room, this time sitting side by side on the sofa facing the fire. They both kept themselves busy with their hot cocoa, which was completely necessary to keep them BOTH from giving in.

"I don't want to lose what we have either… but I also happen to know that Zaccharas should never bottle up their emotions."

She gave him a small smile. Johnny, finally having had enough of all this restraint, set his cup on the coffee table and pulled her in for a kiss. Clara, reacting as if that was what she'd been waiting for, kissed him back, stretching out blindly to set her own cup on the table as well. It was increasingly passionate, and before they knew it… Johnny pulled away.

"What? What is it?"

Johnny: "There's someone at the door."

[laughing softly] "You are so paranoid. I know Daddy's always creeping about at home, trying to surprise us, but he's-- oh, wait… [chuckling] You and your deer ears."

Sure enough, there was someone coming in…. Claudia, back from whatever escapade she'd gotten herself into. Clara and Johnny both froze like two guilty teenagers. Claudia paid them no heed, and just shut herself into one of the bedrooms.

Johnny: "You think she's upset?"

[cautiously] "She doesn't usually isolate herself unless something's bothering her."

Johnny: "You should go check on her."

[relieved] "Really? I didn't want you to think I was just…"

Johnny: "No, I understand. It could be important."

Clara nodded in agreement, giving Johnny's hand a squeeze and getting up. She picked up her hot cocoa, then detoured into the kitchenette and poured Claudia a cup. Maybe it'd help…. Claudia always got so defensive when Clara asked if she was okay. Carefully grasping both mugs with one hand, she opened the door with the other. Claudia was laying on the bed, facing away from Clara.

"Hey, you'd better not be sleeping. I have something for you…"

 

[Siren]

Claudia was so tired, her eyes felt like weights. It's funny how someone so used to having very little sleep could become so exhausted at the worst possible time. Allowing her eyes to close, she convinced herself that it would only be for a few seconds; just enough to rest them. But before she could walk that very dangerous line, Clara walked into her bedroom, startling her 'awake'.

Clara: Hey, you'd better not be sleeping.

"Hmm?"

Clara: I have something for you…

Sitting up, Clara handed her the cup of hot chocolate causing Claudia to smile.

"Oh..thanks."

Blowing a bit into the cup before taking a small sip, the hot liquid and sweet flavor definitely helped jolt her awake. Claudia could tell Clara was happier than before, indicating that something had happened between herself and Johnny. And from the looks of it, Clara wanted to get back out there with him.

"I appriciate the cocoa sweetie, but you can go back to Johnny. I snuck in here for a reason....I know you two want to be alone."

Taking another large gulp of cocoa before leaning over and putting the mug on the end table, Claudia waved for Clara to leave.

"So, go. Do...whatever. Just...hand me my iPod before you leave so I can drown out the noise."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment 4

<< it had been a quiet if not uncertain evening. Mike did his best to console Karen over Arielle's loss. They sat together, sometimes quietly, other times talking, sometimes him holding her, sometimes her just sitting near him. Soon Sharon joined them for coffee.>>

<< a little while longer passed and soon there was such an unexpected thing! this moment where Karen now saw her grandmother! corporeal no less!>>

<< she was overcome with emotion as she hugged her grammie! a moment like this...even among a group of people, most of whom had already died and come back AT LEAST once, was STILL not something to lightly regard or take for granted. To see Grammie again after all these years...its something that mortals often long for but never even dare to imagine could happen. It was yet another moment to proove why this group was so special.>>

<< Karen learned that Morgan had cast the spell which ultimately summoned grammie here.>>

<< the others arrive and greet Verna, some are more surprised by her presence than others.>>

<< sitting with her grand mother and her daughter, along with Morgan's half sister...a small "family reunion" of sorts was now in progress and soon, the time came to discuss what had brought them all together, the threat of Barbas.>>

Grammie, Barbas has returned ahead of schedule it seems. He's after me...and Morgan but he's terrorizing EVERYONE involved, trying to spread dischord and feeding off our fears and our insecurities. He's claimed the lives of several young witches in the area, including my friend...Arielle.

Grammie: i know, little one. i've been watching. Barbas has come AHEAD of his time...but he's made QUITE good use of the early arrival. Sad to say, that its YOUR FAULT...

<< looking at Nicolas, Haleigh and Morgan specifically before the others.>>

That he's here early.

<< Grammie looks at Nicolas.>>

come over here, young man. stop hiding in the shadows in the back. you aren't the first foolish young man to walk this earth...and you certainly wont be the last. the fact that my baby, Morgan found you is proof that the women in our family STILL have a long way to go in their taste in men...

<< laughing softly as she looks him over.>>

Still, you're not bad looking. They don't men like that too often.

Now, stop skulking about and sit down with the rest of them. you brought him here..you're going to have to help get rid of him.

<< Grammie looks at Morgan.>>

Grammie: Morgan, sweetheart...you're letting NICOLAS interfere with your true calling...you're SORCERESS SUPREME of this world! do you know what that means? how SPECIAL that makes you? Do you know how much sacrifice and preparation went into making sure that you would BE here? Do you REALLY want to lose your edge...because you're so busy fretting over a MAN?

Listen...Men are like utensils. You use them, wash them, and throw them in the drawer until you need them again.

You don't "NEED" Nicolas in THAT way. GET OVER IT...GET OVER HIM. He had his chance and he blew it. It's not YOUR FAULT so stop dwelling on it.

Your team...your FAMILY needs you.

<< she looks at them all.>>

You all need each OTHER. The KEY to defeating Barbas is not OVER POWERING him, for he can cause a witch to even FORGET how to use her power. The key is letting LOVE cast out the FEAR.

<< It was clear that Grammie was not naive to the going on of the Six, NOR was she as delicate as perhaps Ororo might be, but she was clear and to the point, she addressed them the way they needed to hear it at the moment. her love for her grand babies was apparent as she looked at both of them with pride but also admonished them.>>

and before some of you shake your heads and dismiss it...you need to really think for a moment. how many of you have really been able to ADMIT that you love your team mates..that you would lay your life down for them if need be? NOT as a point of argument to why you shouldnt be criticized for BAD BEHAVIOR (looking at nicolas) but because its the TRUTH?

 

[Rampage]

come over here, young man. stop hiding in the shadows in the back. you aren't the first foolish young man to walk this earth...and you certainly wont be the last. the fact that my baby, Morgan found you is proof that the women in our family STILL have a long way to go in their taste in men...

<< laughing softly as she looks him over.>>

Still, you're not bad looking. They don't men like that too often.

Now, stop skulking about and sit down with the rest of them. you brought him here..you're going to have to help get rid of him.

Nicolas nodded to Grammie, regarding her as well before taking a seat nearer to the others as he listened to her. he smirked at her admonishment of Morgan and nodded. It was not as painful an exposition as he expected to hear. Not anymore. he last question, however, struck him a bit more, as she looked at him using his love to gain re-acceptance with the team. That was what he'd done. But that wasn't why he was here NOW.

I can say that, and without the sanctimonious tone and demands for forgiveness that accompanied those declarations in the recent past. I haven't always done what I should (glances at Morgan, then Delilah) or what some think I should (meets Alison's withering gaze again) but I am here for them, even when they might wish I wasn't.

 

[Seer]

history lesson

<< Grammie continued on.>>

Verna: Barbas has no limit to how far he will go and the only way to be able to take him at his measure is to reach YOURS...and BOUNCE BACK. That is how Hecate defeated him all those moons ago when he attempted to kill Demeter and her baby Persephone. He tried to break her...but he failed. She defeated and humiliated him and he has NEVER been able to get over it. His spirit has not fully moved on...and so, every 1300 years, when the convergence of negative energy across this plane of existence is at its greatest concentration in any one spot...that is his doorway BACK to try to right the "wrong" he feels was done to him.

The drama among you all was so strong...the negativity so GREAT, that it awakened him and drew him forth SOONER. He's killed more witches this time NOW than the LAST TIME...when he was here. With Arielle's death it gave him a MORE tantilizing taste of power. He knows that if he kills Harbinger, Shadow Weaver and especially Spellbinder, that his place in this world will be CEMENTED! You've ALL made him stronger...unwittingly, but you've done it just the same.

He wants Shadow Weaver and Spellbinder...he wants to posess them so that he may TORTURE them, and revisit upon them the pain and humiliation that Hecate gave HIM so long ago.

<< she looks at them all....especiallly Mike, who was Karen's partner at this time.>>

You CAN'T let that happen.

I nearly lost my life...protecting Karen from Barbas when she was a child. It did not come without great sacrifice and LOSS. SEVERAL of Karen's friends...including her best friend KATIE [ the little girl that Mike, Haleigh and Blaze had heard of in the temporal phantom] a little girl who was also a telekinetic witch were killed by Barbas, who appeared at THAT time as a child abducter, murderer. playing on the fears of the parents of that time.

I lost several members of my own COVEN who tried to help me protect Karen and her friends...and i knew then...that I was going to have to face him ALONE. I had NO CHOICE. I would either succeed in protecting Karen...so that she would fullfill HER prime destiny of giving birth to Hecate's avatar...or i would DIE trying.

<< Grammie's manor. 2nd floor, a little girl's room...where a small blonde girl cries with fear and pain on her bed. Verna bursts in...and gestures ala' Prue Halliwell, sending the horribly burned man up in the air, spinning around violently before hurling into a wall and then falling to the floor.>>

Karen: Grammie!!! << she cries...her face conrtorted with fear.>>

Verna: << hugging Karen as she gets her off the bed.>> I know baby...grammie's here. Now remember what I said...you run! you get out of here...go to Nancy ( a close friend of Grammie's and a practicing witch in their coven - was down stairs..hiding via a cloaking spell, waiting to spirit Karen out of the house while Grammie battled Barbas no holds barred...just like HECATE when she sent Persephone away that night.) she will keep you safe until I am finished here!

<< Barbas calls for Karen...and Verna speaks over him.>>

Verna: Don't look at him...don't listen! Do as grammie says...and RUN!

<< Karen runs out...crying. as Verna and Barbas face off...and the door SLAMS shut.>>

<< Karen would not escape the manor as Nancy would be killed by Barbas.>>

<< in the kitchen, there were signs of chaos and violence...and a large SCORCH MARK on the floor headed toward the door leading to the basement. there were beams of light flickering from the crack of the door.>>

<< flowing black tendrils of "Smoke"....and the extreme feeling of urgency and DREAD can be FELT. they HEAR the sound of a little girl crying...not loudly but almost as if she's trying to hold herself together inspite of what she feels.>>

<< the view moves down the stairs slowly they find the basement is filled with a hellish backdrop...the cries of fallen witches echo in the air which itself is thick with despair.>>

in the basement...toward the center

<< Verna can be seen...in her flying suit, holding Karen tightly. the little girl's arms are wrapped around her neck and her face is buried down between Verna's shoulder and chest area. Verna looks weary, some of her hair is out of place...and clearly she has been exerting herself in battle.>>

Barbas: Foolish woman....didnt you realize your road of defiance would lead to an end? You thought you could DENY ME of my RIGHTFULL vengeance againt Hecate's blood line? It's a shame...

<< the demon appearing in a tall column of billowing, glowing black smoke as his tendrills attempted to lash at Verna and Karen but were being rebuffed by Verna's pentagram of protection spell.>>

Barbas: All those girls...they died because YOU denied me what was mine! Even Karen's little friend Katie! She could have had a wonderfull life...but YOU interferred.

<< his face sneers with contempt and looms large over Verna with the little Karen in her arms.>>

Barbas: with YOU AND KAREN , I will have all the power i need to take my rightful place on earth ONCE MORE and with Hecate gone...no one will be able to stop me! as long as the human heart beats..there is FEAR...and where there is FEAR...I AM!

FEED ME YOUR FEAR!

<< the basement QUAKES as plumes of black fire erupt from cracks in the foundation around them...and Verna, although visibly WEARY holds her ground and remains steadfast.>>

Verna: NEVER!

<< she extends one of her hands forward, in a "STOP" gesture as she faces the demon head on.>>

Verna: I have already LIVED THROUGH my fear...of watching you strike at my granddaughter. The blood of innocents, the essence of their souls...that is on YOUR wretched head, but if i AM to die...it will not be before i BANISH you from this place. My LOVE for my granddaughter gives me the strength to carry on where others may have failed and it is that LOVE that casts out ALL FEAR!

<< and with that, Verna casts a spell as Barbas increases his ATTACK on her and the envrionment around her.>>

Verna: in, boxed in full of fear,
my panic grows amnic, till I can't hear.
In need of reprieve, so I can breathe,
remove my fear please, make it leave.

<< Barbas ROARS with agitation and surprised ANGER, just as he did the night Hecate turned the tables on him in Medusa's cave...he lunges at Grammie and Karen, but the pentagram STILL holds fast...Verna falters for only a MOMENT but remains committed...>>

LOVE is LIGHT
Too strong for FEAR to fight
Ancient demon that haunts, return to the dark void where you belong
You cannot have this child!
Go away and leave my sight
And take with you this endless nightmare!


<< Barbas' stronghold is BROKEN and the feedback is TREMENDOUS as his entire horizon begins to fluxuate and he begins to erupt in flames as his physical form is twisted INSIDE OUT as the souls of those innocents he consumed burst forth..charing for the ceiling, through the house and roof and up to the sky.>>

<< Barbas sputters and roars with final pain as his manifestation EXPLODES and the feedback knocks Verna and Karen to the floor. Once the backlash has ended....Verna, clearly weary...struggles to her feet...with Karen in her arms.>>

<< it was the FIRST time since then that Karen was confronted with the TRUE memories of her nightmare!>>

Verna: To spare you the PAIN and TRAUMA of this...I cast a spell on you so that you would NOT remember. THIS was in part what kept Barbas away for so long. You didnt remember so you did not FEAR and he was not able to touch MORGAN as a child the way he did you...until I found out what was going on.

Sadly...I over estimated MYSELF. the GUILT that i felt over the loss of Katie, Nancy and others who tried to help me...it stayed with me all those years after the incident at the manor and when Morgan was born, my OWN concerns...FEARS swelled. I had done everything I could to ensure Hecate's prophecy would come to pass. That was MY destiny...but...

<< 1983. Morgan is six years old. She, along with her parents live in the manor with Grammie. It is evening and Morgan lays in her bed inside her large room...the room is something any little girl would LOVE to have with a large, plush canopy bed, lots of dolls, stuffed kitties and other toys and decorations that suited the little witch.>>

<< it was the dark of night...and a storm was brewing outside. Morgan lay in bed...with a siamese KITTEN [Tinkerbell?] and a doll near her. this is the same doll that Verna had given to KAREN in the flashback that Blaze had seen in Limbo. it was ENCHANTED and could move and talk. as the thunder rumbles...the dolls HEAD slowly turns and opens its eyes...looking at the tiny Morgan. the siamese kitten stirs...looking at the DOLL and soon, Morgan awakens as her TOY telephone on the floor rings!>>

<< Morgan, wearing pig tails with pink ribbons, goes to the phone and picks it up. the fact that it was a TOY phone didnt seem to mean anything. but in a house where not one but THREE witches lived, ANYTHING was possible.>>

<< Morgan answered in her tiny voice...>>

Morgan: Hello?

Grammie: Hello baby.

Morgan: Grammie!

Grammie: are you being good for Grammie?

Morgan: yes....

Grammie: you go to sleep now. Grammie loves you...

Morgan: I love you too, Grammie!

<< little Morgan hangs up the phone...and crawls back into bed...looking a bit puzzled as she cuddles the siamese kitten who purrs to comfort her.>>

down the hall...and up the 2nd flight of stairs to the attic...

<< Grammie in a regal robe, lowers her hand from her forehead...after having communicated with Morgan via magick spell. She pens an entry into the DARKHOLD by candle light...but she looks tired, she looks pale. a closer look into the pages of the Darkhold reveals that the entry is about none other than BARBAS! She had started it more just under 20 years ago...but something in her mind, her SOUL compelled her to add MORE. She was being guided by Hecate's hand but unfortunately something ELSE was trubling her HEART...>>

Barbas: Ohhh Verna. Are you WORRIED that you might not be able to protect your precious grand baby Morgan? oh...you gave me QUITE a fight over KAREN! Hecate is SO PROUD I'm sure...where ever SHE is. Too bad SHE can't protect YOU hmmm?

Verna: It doesnt MATTER Barbas. Life is...an adventure and DEATH is the prize that awaits us ALL...witch or mortal! I have FULLFILLED my destiny! Morganis HERE and you can't stop it! KAREN will protect her daughter...I have TAUGHT HER....

<< Verna winces with PAIN as she grips her chest. she was older now...still looking quite regal for her age, but her heart was not what it used to be. she was having problems, she hid them from her granddaughter AND christopher, who was a doctor...she KNEW Barbas was playing upon her failing health and her FEAR but she was determined NOT to let him get near Karen no matter WHAT.>>

Barbas: what's the matter...VERNA? HEART problems? You havent been sleeping well either...something TROUBLING YOU?

Verna: It's taken you THIS long to get to me...you're still WEAK...and no matter what happens to ME, you can't get to Karen. I cast a spell to ENSURE it! Even if you get ME...you STILL lose! Now LEAVE ME!

<< she commands...as a rushing chime and wind is heard...she composes herself as best she can and finishes out the last update to the entry on Barbas...the part about LOVE casting out FEAR!...trusting in the greatest of ALL powers. NOT MAGICK...but LOVE!>>

<< Verna then waves her finger ala' Prue Halliwell...and closes the Darkhold...she then blows out all but the one candle she carries to light her path...stumbling once...from another flash of pain.>>

<< walking slowly toward the door of the attic, she looks back...and sees the faintest flicker of Barbas' spirit form....smiling at her.>>

It doesnt matter ...anymore...

<< and at the top of the stairs..the fear and pain finally take their toll...and her HEART gives out...she cries out...as she crumbles down and then falls down the stairs to the 2nd floor....landing on her side...>>

Barbas: you're right...it doesnt matter anymore...your DEAD, witch! and soon...even if its DECADES...ill have Karen AND Morgan for MY OWN!

<< his presence fades as Karen and Christopher RUSH down the hall to aid the fallen woman.>>

<< a few glimpses of the ambulance are seen...and then Christopher HOLDING Karen as she weeps with grief over her grandmother who is now dead, while Karen herself holds little Morgan who is also teary eyed and holding the doll...that precious doll that Verna had given to her mother before her. that PHONE CALL was Grammie's way of saying GOODBYE to Morgan. the final vision is that of Grammie's HEADSTONE in a beautifull cemetary.>>

Verna: Barbas...he gained some SMALL measure of victory but i made SURE that he couldnt get to you for as long as i could, my child. you AND Morgan. But NOW...he is BACK and you MUST stop him! if you do not...Hecate's "Dark Trinity" will be BROKEN and her legacy will be lost...which would spell trouble trouble for witches AND mortals the world OVER.



He is back EARLY and he didnt have TIME to find a form to assume, something that was already prevelant in the minds of mortals and witches in THIS current time...so he's only able to use his true form or the ideas and fears among all of YOU.

<< they realized that Verna had virtually given her LIFE to ensure that Karen survived and remained unvexed by Barbas in addition to fullfilling her role as 'high priestess' paving the safe passage of Morgan's birth into this world. the woman faced her impending death, even though it was far from "natural" KNOWING That she had done what she was meant to do...>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah was tired. She sat quietly next to Alison, almost dazed, waiting for things to begin. She looked over to where Karen and Verna embraced…and her mind wandered. Wasn’t that a neat trick? Could Morgan call her own parents in the same way? That would be kinda cool…

But she sat up a little straighter as Verna laid into Morgan about Nicolas…she was a real ball buster, this one. Delilah smiled a little bit as she decided that yes, she liked Verna Eckert.

…but I am here for them, even when they might wish I wasn't.

And there he went again, doing exactly what Verna had just admonished him for. Emotional blackmail, thy name is Nicolas…

Delilah saw the scenes play out in front her – Karen as a scared little girl and Verna the matriarch protecting her family. She looked up at Verna.

“We already tried to resolve the problems between us, and it failed miserably. How can we fight him without putting Karen, Morgan and Alison is terrible danger in the process? The rest of us certainly won’t be able to defeat Barbas with love.”

 

[Arsenal]

Mike had one focus right now: make sure Karen was all right. He held her, gave her space, spoke, kept quiet, whatever he sensed she needed at the time to deal with what was going on. As Sharon joined them, they sat drinking whatever the desired to drink and talked a bit, when there was a knock at the door. Suddenly, as Mike went to the door, they were summoned to Morgan's to meet GRAMMIE??!!

Mike shook his head even as he smiled at the older lady, who still looked GOOD.

They all say Black don't crack, but apparently neither does Victoria.

Mike listened as she went on with Nicolas, then addressed the group.

“We already tried to resolve the problems between us, and it failed miserably. How can we fight him without putting Karen, Morgan and Alison is terrible danger in the process? The rest of us certainly won’t be able to defeat Barbas with love.”

Amen to that. It seems we are all trying, but we simply cannot reconcile the different fears, concerns, mistakes, and what we all want from this group. I am not even sure that the love is there anymore, and love doesn't grow in a day.

 

[Harbinger]

call him out! apt 4!

:: perfect love casts out FEAR. it made sense...and it was EVIDENT that Verna's love for her granddaughter and her COMMITMENT to her destiny [ to protect Karen so that MORGAN would one day be born and fullfill Hecate's prophecy] this sort of reinforced Alison's own resolve to stay true to her destiny as the Harbinger!::

and before some of you shake your heads and dismiss it...you need to really think for a moment. how many of you have really been able to ADMIT that you love your team mates..that you would lay your life down for them if need be? NOT as a point of argument to why you shouldnt be criticized for BAD BEHAVIOR (looking at nicolas) but because its the TRUTH?

:: the flashbacks were vivid and hard hitting. barbas was a child murderer in Karen's youth, driving the parents crazy with fear and a sense of helplessness while he PREYED on young witches, carving a path toward Karen...KNOWING what she was meant for but Verna was there, standing her ground as a powerfull high priestess witch and the Victoria matriarch!::

:: in the end though, she lost her OWN private battle with Barbas. It was sad to see her crumble and fall to her death...but she faced her death with courage. how many OTHER people could say that? and now..here she was with them, so Barbas really hadnt won ANYTHING after all. in those flashbacks she saw the determination that both Morgan had exhibited the night she sacrificed herself in the battle against Master Mold or the night KAREN came to rescue Delilah, Haleigh and herself from the Citadle and faced down the Super Soldier!::

“We already tried to resolve the problems between us, and it failed miserably. How can we fight him without putting Karen, Morgan and Alison is terrible danger in the process? The rest of us certainly won’t be able to defeat Barbas with love.”

Amen to that. It seems we are all trying, but we simply cannot reconcile the different fears, concerns, mistakes, and what we all want from this group. I am not even sure that the love is there anymore, and love doesn't grow in a day.

:: Alison couldnt hold back any longer. Anything she could say in front of them, she could say in front Verna, who clearly understood that Nicolas WAS in fact a foolish young man at this time...and that Morgan needed to leave him behind MENTALLY as well as physically.::


:: folding her arms, she rolled her colbalt blue eyes HARD.::

Well, we certainly wont be able to have LOVE without TRUST...WILL we, NICOLAS?

:: she looked among them all.::

While we were recovering from Barbas' attack and Arielle's death AND the fact that we now know Cameron is alive and held hostage by Barbas...NICOLAS decided the best thing to do was to go to the Roosevelt tonight and had SEX with Claudia Zacchara, the SAME woman who has vexed Sharon, Morgan AND Haleigh and is out to not only exploit Morgan but to RUIN her career. Nicolas doesnt care WHO he hurts...as long as he can somehow proove that the GOOD he's done or INTENDED to do OUTWEIGHS the BAD.

He told Claudia that he KNEW the bad she had done...but he didnt CARE!

:: she said it with biting clarity as she DARED Nicolas to deny it with her unrelenting glare.::

So yes...I would REALLY like to know...while the rest of us are weary and afraid we don't have what it takes to STOP let alone drive away Barbas, HOW CAN we get over our problems when YOU keep ADDING to them with your CARLESS choices!

Sharon is supposed to be a mother figure to you! You CLAIM to never want to hurt Morgan and yet here you go AGAIN, fraternizing with a woman who is out to destroy her!

Where is the TRUST? without THAT, how can their be LOVE of any kind?

He was SUPPOSED to stay with Sharon! that was a CONDITION of him being allowed back at MP and not being cast out of the Six. He chose to violate that condition AND he chose to consort with THE ENEMY!

 

[Silver Swan]

[ Sharon nodded and smiled to Verna. She seated herself near Mike and listened quietly as the woman spoke. She had wisdom and elegance about her, but she was different than Ororo.]

[ She chided Morgan for being upset over Nicolas and explained to her IN FRONT of the men, that men were like kitchen utensiles. Verna reminded her of Cloris Leachman in her unabashed way of expressing herself but still conveying love to her grand babies]

[ as the conversation continued on, Sharon watched as the flashbacks told the story. Barbas terrorizing a young Karen, determined to have his revenge on Hecate through her by killing her and preventing Morgan from being born. Verna fought him TOOTH AND NAIL, despite HER OWN secret fear. She allowed her LOVE for her grandbabies and her desire to fullfill her destiny make her FEARLESS.]

[ she see's little Morgan. how precious. she reminds her of her bouncing little boy Kyle! how wide eyed he was as a little child. but the flashback soon turns hellish as Verna, in one last act of defiance, ensures that Barbas can't reach Karen...before dying...of heart failure. to see the final moments of Karen and Morgan grieving in thehospital and the headstone...it made Sharon think of her own husband and son. Kyle may never be able to come back to "visit" the way Verna or even Patrick, Haleigh's lost love did after Karen vanquished the super soldier! But at LEAST he was at peace.]

[ and so, Verna cautioned them that LOVE was the key...and Sharon could understand that but Delilah and Mike pointed out the very REAL problem they were having right now...as they were TRYING to resolve their issues.]

everyone is being sincere it seems. but there's ALOT OF HURT, Verna. Even SAYING it doesnt begin to do it justice.

[ Delilah and Mike commented...very serious and well deserved questions and observations...but then, just as it seemed they were at a stumbling point, ALISON revealed that without TRUST there is no love and BOY was she RIGHT!]

[ Sharon's silver eyes flashed with ANGER.]

You did WHAT!?

[ she bellowed at Nicolas.]

You SLEPT WITH THAT BRUNETTE MOP HEAD?

Alison: yes...he did.


[ the BETRAYAL she felt...]

how could you be so STUPID?

[ after EVERYTHING she told him. How Claudia STILL rubbed it in her face that Sharon was never able to TRULY bring her down! But the facts were CLEAR. Everyone BUT Nicolas seemed to "get it". That he would DELIBERATELY seek HER out of all people? did he NOT care about ANYONE but himself? she wanted to HIT Nicolas...and then she wanted to find Claudia and break her FACE. her FLASH of anger was tempered by her higher level of reasoning though as she remain seated and looked THOROUGHLY pissed. ]


I TOLD you what she did...who she is...and THIS is what you do?

 

[Spellbinder]

apt. 4

<< Morgan blushed a bit as Grammie chided her about Nicolas. It strangely ECHOED what Blaze had said EARLIER before she cast the spell. Well, if that was what it took then so be it! There could be no going back. Besides, it was HIS fault! HIS loss! >>

<< as Morgan watched the shocking, and painfull family history lesson unfold..she'd already seen the first flashback...and she REMEMBERED the night grammie died >>

I remember when you..."called" to say goodbye... I didnt know why you had left...grammie, why didnt you tell MOM what was happening? Maybe she could have...

Grammie: No, child. Karen did not need to be burdened with MY problem. Her job, her duty was to raise you...to pass down to you the heritage of our family line...and magick! to PROTECT YOU from your father when he became corrupt and lost his way. Just as i had performed my task...Karen had her's to perform. But even after my death, I watched you...and your mother. I helped you in subtle ways...the turning of the pages of the darkhold...the whispering in the wind when you needed encouragement...even even the last few nights, helping ALL OF YOU to awaken from your nightmares before it was too late!

No...in order to ensure Karen could do what she needed and not be bogged down with the pain of her past involving Barbas, i cast a spell to block those memories until the time she NEEDED to remember...to KNOW. that time...is NOW.

<< Delilah asked how could they fight Barbas without endangering Morgan, Karen and Alison.>>

Don't worry about me. I'm not going to sit back while ANY of my friends or this team is at risk...Since Barbas is after me OR my mother..or anyone ELSE. Let him SEE ME! Let him find out what it means to CROSS the Sorceress Supreme! I'll REMIND HIM why he never got over what Hecate did to him!

Like I told Firebird when I vanquished BLACK in the nightmare...

<< not realizing that no one else there SAVE "Grammie" would be aware of the recent events she and Blaze shared this evening.>>

I'm THROUGH running...and reacting. I'm ready to STRIKE BACK, DAMMIT!

<< Grammie cautioned that ANGER wasnt the key but that true LOVE was. Morgan felt a PANG of uncertainty in her icy heart. NICOLAS was in the room...and deep inside herself...even BLAZE had said "he loves you and you still love him". well then HOW could she do as Grammie said about GETTING OVER HIM?>>

<< Mike observed that they were TRYING but it just didnt seem to work...and maybe there was little to no love LEFT. Alison STEAMROLLED over that as she OUTED Nicolas after saying without TRUST there is NO LOVE!>>

<< as Alison revealed what he'd done...Morgan exhaled with no subtle and clearly AUDIBLE disapproval and an eye roll.>>

idiot, slut bag WHORE! why dont you just stick your dick in a blender and turn it ON.

<< she thought as Sharon bellowed at Nicolas.>>

its just like i said in the nightmare! you don't care WHO you hurt...or what you do! why would you do something so TACKY? sleeping with the ENEMY! and don't blame it on Set THIS TIME.

Harbinger: Morgan, how can we trust him now?


Spellbinder: well, I think it's time for me to make a descision....

 

[MorningStar]

NICOLAS decided the best thing to do was to go to the Roosevelt tonight and had SEX with Claudia Zacchara

Delilah’s mouth gaped and she almost laughed.

You stupid bastard…

He told Claudia that he KNEW the bad she had done...but he didn’t CARE!

“Well, I know I’M glad he extends the forgiveness to a stranger he wouldn’t extend to any of us. Especially a stranger that’s trying to ruin Morgan.”

She looked at Alison and threw up her hands.

“Would someone please explain to me again why it is so damn important for us to keep him around?”

Spellbinder: well, I think it's time for me to make a descision....

Delilah folded her arms across her chest, and stuck a foot up on the coffee table in front of her. She didn't pretend to know what Spellbinder was about to say, but for god's sake, enough was enough and something had to give or they would be stuck like this for the rest of their lives.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas sat as the tsunami came, he expected it and was unsurprised by it for the most part. The only UNSURPRISING thing is that he expected WORSE.

“Well, I know I’M glad he extends the forgiveness to a stranger he wouldn’t extend to any of us. Especially a stranger that’s trying to ruin Morgan.”

She looked at Alison and threw up her hands.

“Would someone please explain to me again why it is so damn important for us to keep him around?”

He waited until they had all finished before speaking, looking first at Alison, then the others..

The only reason I was to stay with Sharon, ALISON, was because you feared--ERRONEOUSLY--that I was stalking Morgan, trying to harm her. YOU all now KNOW that not to be the case, and so let's not play the trust card. I trusted that all of you would figure out what I already knew, that I would not and could not TRULY harm Morgan.

As for Claudia? I wanted to talk, interact with someone without all of THIS shit all of the time. I wanted a moment's mental rest from this...some measure of pleasure and relaxation. Something that COULD not be found here. So I left for a COUPLE of hours...and I have no illusions about what I did, so please spare breath making it more than it was. I feel no diiferently about anyone in this room before I left than I do after returning. If YOU do that is ENTIRELY up to you.

Looks Morgan directly in the eye.

We haven't been together in MONTHS. You banished me from your home and life, considered me an enemy, and then believed me of mortal danger to you. I am sorry about how our relationship ended. Your great-grandmother is RIGHT. It IS all on me, my responsibility, my fault, my blame. ENTIRELY.

BUT I can not...WILL not stand by fretting any longer. Barbas has had me in the palm of his hand worrying about whether you will accept me or not, about whether you will forgive me and we can go riding off into the sunset together. NO. MORE. Part of me would love for us to start again, but NEITHER of us is ready for that, even if that is what you wished. One day we WILL be together...or we will not. In the meantime, I'll be around, doing my own thing.

Nicolas exhaled, looking around.

If you want to vote on kicking me out after this, FINE. BUT right now, I HEARD Cameron, could sense him. And I WILL see this thing through. I WILL bring him back.So let's move on, shall we?

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose -- Apt 4

Verna discussed Barbas and the way to beat him: through the purity of love. Man… did she KNOW who she was telling this to?? Haleigh rubbed her temples… this task wasn't getting any easier… and unfortunately, it wasn't about to. Alison outed Nicolas for banging Claudia.

[under her breath] "Why am I not surprised?"

The others were VERY surprised…. And understandably outraged. Haleigh was just tired of that stupid bitch Claudia getting everything to go her way… and she was disappointed in Nicolas for not seeing the big picture [or seeing it and not caring, which was just plain stupid]. No one would have cared if he'd gone out and picked up some random woman. But with Claudia… it was just insulting. It was a matter of pride! He'd been there at the photoshoot. He KNEW that Claudia had rubbed more than ONE of them the wrong way-- intentionally! And he still sought her out? It was incomprehensible.

Alison: "Morgan, how can we trust him now?"

Delilah: "Would someone please explain to me again why it is so damn important for us to keep him around?"

Morgan: "Well, I think it's time for me to make a decision…."

"WHOA, let's not get CARRIED AWAY here, alright? Now I'm not condoning what he did, I think it was foolish and shortsighted… and CALLOUS of him to do something like THIS that he KNEW would provoke this kind of reaction… HOWEVER… we don't want to allow our emotional response to make such a profound decision for us. Nicolas is a young, hormonal male… and is basically a slave to his biological imperative to…. mate with… whomever will allow it. [pausing with a sigh] On the other hand… he's a grown man making his own decisions…. And sometimes when you make poor choices… you have to deal with the consequences."

 

[Fusion]

Roosevelt Hotel -- Penthouse Marilyn Monroe Suite

Claudia: "I appriciate the cocoa sweetie, but you can go back to Johnny I snuck in here for a reason…I know you two want to be alone."

Clara gave her a soft smile and shook her head, about to deny it when Claudia waved her off.

Claudia: "So, go. Do…whatever. Just…hand me my iPod before you leave so I can drown out the noise."

"Claudia!"

Clara exclaimed, looking surprised and a little bashful. Laughing a bit in spite of herself, she rolled her eyes and took a sip before breaching dark territory.

"I just wanted to make sure… you're still doing okay."

 

[Firebird]

Apt 4

Blaze continued to sit next to Morgan as Verna outright reiterated what the fire elemental already said. A sign that Morgan really needed to get over Nicolas once and for all. Sure, Blaze wasn't from their world but she wouldn't stand in the way and continue to watch Morgan, Delilah, Haleigh, or anyone else be harmed by the antics of Nicolas King.

As the history lesson came to an end from Verna it was Alison who blew the roof right off Melrose Place on Nicolas! Blaze's eyes narrowed as she looked as though she wanted to burn Nicolas the hell up! Shaking her head in disapproval she bit her bottom lip to try and be civil here. But as everyone spoke of Nicolas Blaze couldn't help but agree with everyone except Haleigh.

"Move on? Is that how you moved on from my sister, Nicolas, by sleeping with the enemy?" Shot Blaze who was fired up hearing this new bit of news from Alison. "Frankly, I'm with Delilah here. Nicolas King is toxic and I'm sick of his melodramatic bullshit."

Turning to look at Haleigh, "Hales, I love ya girl, I do but forgive me when I say wake up girl and smell the bullshit! Just because Nicolas has a two year old waiting in his pants doesn't give him the right to throw temper tantrums and screw anything with two legs!

Shaking her head, "It's a cold day in hell before I respect or even let Nicolas King any where near Morgan!" It grated on her nerves that Nicolas did nothing to help the predicament they were in.

"Somebody needs to talk to that bitch [Claudia] or maybe even her sister!" Maybe Blaze would pay Clara a visit and inform her just how much of a useless tramp her sister was especially all the drama they were having.

And sometimes when you make poor choices… you have to deal with the consequences."

"But that's the point Haleigh, he's not dealing with them! He's either running off with some LA bimbo or pouting. This team needs a REAL man not some prepubescent little boy."

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas just listened to them...so stupid, so small.

Melodramatic?! Excuse me, but none of you OWN me. The only melodramatic shit going on here is from YOU. We have a demon here to devour the witches among us, REMEMBER?! And you want to debate my sexual choices?! NOW who needs to GROW up! If I am SO not worth worrying about, then shut up about me (looks at BLAZE) and worry about your sister and yourself! That IS what you just got done saying, right? And have been saying for quite some time? If it is true, then let it GO. FOCUS on the task at hand. I have been facing Barbas EVERY day and you and some others here have been primarily running your mouths while Morgan, Alison, and Karen hang in the balance. GET. IT. TOGETHER. This is so stupid...

 

[Siren]

Clara: Claudia!

"What?! [with a laugh] Oh don't tell me you weren't planning on it! I'm a human lie detector, you can't fool me."

Kidding aside, Clara made it clear that she not only came in here to give her hot cocoa, but see if Claudia was okay. The brunette simply shrugged. Was there an 'okay' in this situation? A situation that neither of them could conquer or control. A situation in which their lives depended on people who despised them? It was hard to stay positive.

"I'm.....[taking a deep breath before sighing heavily] scared."

A truly revealing statement on Claudia's part. And a huge step towards trying to improve Clara's trust issues with her.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Clara. Things that....[hesitating] are horrible. Barbas knows these things. And he's going to use them against me. He's coming after me and I don't know if I can handle what he's about to do."

Looking up at Clara, Claudia's eyes were soft and actually showed a hint of vulnerability.

"So much for your tough big sister, huh? If daddy could only see me now.... [with a bitter scoff] I'm sure he would be loving this."

 

[Arsenal]

Mike listened, actually rather amused for a moment, until the conversation got a bit ugly as it revolved around Nicolas having sex with Claudia.

Why are we talking about THIS?! Does Nicolas have a girlfriend in here? If not, it really wasn't any of your business. Alison, did he expose our secrets, did he fall in league with her against us? If not, then he did just what 22 year-old men do: find a jump-off to unwind with when things are tough. Who didn't see THAT coming? Do what you want...but you are distracting from the task at hand. Men are utensils, right? No dissent when that was said. So Claudia got served. It'll be all right, people. Geez...you'd think you never met a 22-year old man.

Mike leaned back with a chuckle...