Come together: Rebirth

[MorningStar]

Manhattan, NY — Central Park

They were having a nice lunch out in the park, and Delilah was deciding that she was glad she'd surprised Gavin. He'd even asked her to Zach and Ashley's wedding, and though she didn't really care to see those two get hitched, it was a step forward in their relationship. She hadn't done this - normal dating - for so long, she was glad he had taken the next step so she hadn't had to try and figure out if it was the right time.

Then he asked her opinion on Ashley, and she told him. She couldn't help it - she knew she should be kind and deflect the question, but with her, she just couldn't.

Gavin: “Oh blast! I didn’t realize the extent to which we hated her!”

He laughed, and she narrowed her eyes.

"Oh, we do, we really do."

But she couldn't keep up the pretense, and laughed too. She told him in no uncertain terms that she didn't think they'd last long enough to make it to the wedding, but that she hoped they'd still have the reception anyway. Going with him would be fun, despite the circumstances. And there would probably be plenty to laugh at if the bride had any role whatsoever in planning the thing.

Gavin: “So do I. I’d hate to miss out on a date with you. Maybe they’ll last, maybe they won’t. In the beginning it’s difficult to know. Perhaps he’ll be a good influence on her.”

Delilah scoffed.

"He could only be a good influence on her. The only way she has to go is up."

Gavin: “I’m certain they’ll at least be married. Zach seems like the marrying kind. The man needs a wife to dote upon.”

"There must be someone more suitable..."

Zach was a nice guy, and Ashley was going to walk all over him.

"He deserves better than that."

Gavin: “I suspected it was Haleigh putting the brakes on, all those years. I was shocked to hear she’d married Cameron King recently.”

Delilah choked on her salad, and hurriedly took a drink from a bottle of water.

"Excuse me?"

She coughed.

"Did you just say that Haleigh and Cameron are married?!"

She shook her head, dazed.

"I can't believe it."

Cameron hadn't told her. She wondered who else knew. Then she remembered-

"That must be why he wants to have a drink tonight."

She couldn't wrap her head around this, and she didn't know what to feel about it. Cameron was an adult, but also, Haleigh.

Gavin was eating, so she speared some lettuce and forced it into her mouth robotically.

Gavin: “I’d be interested in marriage again,”

Delilah almost choked on her lunch for a second time, but recovered - gracefully, she thought. He looked over at her, but she was already looking at him.

Gavin: “With the right woman, you know. I’m not in such as rush as Zach.”

"You deserve to be happy, to find someone who makes you happy. You really do."

And then she realized she had been talking an awful lot about people's marriages not lasting. Her hand went to her mouth.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said that, about Zach and Ashley not making it. It was insensitive of me - I really am sorry."

He looked at her again.

Gavin: “What about you? I’m sure you considered it, with asshole-what’s-his-name.”

That made her laugh, in spite of her self. It was more of a snort, actually.

"Actually, no, I never really did consider it, that I remember. Even when we were talking about baby names. He's not really the marrying type."

She paused, thinking.

"Actually, he was married once. Had two kids. They were killed. I'm not sure he would - marry again, I mean. Even if his - way of life - was different."

She shrugged.

"It took a while, but I finally figured out the way to a happy life was not with him."

She gave him a small smile.

"I much prefer non-asshole company."

 

[Tycoon]

Manhattan, NY — Central Park

They were discussing Zach’s upcoming nuptials, with a particular focus on his future bride. Gavin didn’t know much about her, but Delilah seemed quite familiar, and shared a negative assessment of the woman. Gavin suggested that Zach might be a positive influence for Ashley, and Delilah allowed that since she couldn’t get any worse, positive was the only kind of influence Zach could be. Gavin chortled at that, and commented that Zach seemed eager to be married and keenly needed a wife. Delilah suggested that there had to be someone better suited, that Zach deserved better, but Gavin just shrugged.

“Unfortunately one cannot save a man from himself. Zach’s got a very particular type. He likes his women as feral as they are lovely. Exhibit A: Ten years with Haleigh Davidoff.”

He pointed out, and then he told her that he suspected Haleigh had actually been the one adverse to actually settling down, that she’d been putting the brakes on with Zach all those years. Thus, he’d been quite shocked to hear she’d recently married Cameron King. Delilah immediately commenced choking on her salad, and Gavin, up to his knuckles in sauce, was momentarily trapped in trying to decide if her should pat her on the back, sauced be damned. Luckily she managed to get it under control with her bottle of water and he didn’t need to ruin her shirt.

Delilah was unexpectedly surprised by the news, which confused Gavin a bit. He was the accountant, dutifully following up on matters of paperwork. How could HE have known before friends and family? Then Delilah supposed that his revelation explained why Cameron wanted to have drinks with her tonight. Suddenly the pieces were falling into place for Gavin as well. A state of Nevada marriage certificate, dated just a few days ago, indicating the couple had probably done this spur of the moment and hadn’t come back in town to tell anyone yet. Gavin planted his palm onto his forehead.

“Oh bollocks, I stole the man’s thunder. I apologize, I presumed it was common knowledge already.”

He shook his head.

“Truly, only a machine called Haleigh would take care of the business aspect of marriage before telling the people most important to her. She approaches everything like an operation to be executed. Do you think she read her prospective husband into the top secret plan, or just ambushed him?”

He asked humorously. He felt bad about surprising her with the news, especially now knowing Cameron was probably planning on telling her later today. Unfortunately he couldn’t unring the bell, and Haleigh hadn’t indicated to him that it was a secret to be kept, so all he could do was move on. He segued into saying he’d be interested in marriage again. She made a sound, that could’ve been a scoff or a laugh, perhaps both — he wasn’t sure. Neither was particularly good, both was even worse. Would that be called a scaugh? He wondered, and then he added that he wasn’t in so big a rush as Zach to tie the knot.

Delilah: You deserve to be happy, to find someone who makes you happy. You really do.

OOF. Definitely it was a scaugh. He tried to suppress a wince a he gazed at her. He wanted to say that he supposed the search was over then, but concern that it would be too forward a thing to say prevented him from blurting it out. She started to apologize then, for being insensitive in her commenting on probable matrimonial disaster.

“Forgotten I was divorced, had you?”

He asked her with an amused grin. His tone was self-deprecating, but humorous.

“I forgive you, I’d rather you didn’t remember me for my failure as a husband.”

Because it might hurt my chances, he thought in addition but knew better than to say aloud. Then he shifted the focus, trying to determine where SHE stood on marriage. Surely it had been a prospect with that jerk who’d cheated on her with her best friend. Gavin didn’t care to recall his name. Delilah snorted, which made Gavin smile, because it was kind of cute but also it was a good sign she was not crying at the mention of the ex. She told him that the ex had been married once, and widowed actually, that he’d lost his family and probably wouldn’t start another. Gavin scoffed, because rubbish, the man hadn’t hesitated to father children again, and he was a real bastard for not being man enough to take responsibility for his daughter and her mother.

“Well, while his personal tragedy is quite sad, it’s no excuse for his being a brainless bloody bonehead, which he CLEARLY is for not wanting to marry you.”

Gavin observed, as he searched around in his takeout bag for the little moistened towelettes so he could wipe his fingers. He would need three, probably. Delilah shrugged and said she’d figured out she wouldn’t be happy with that guy anyway, and that she preferred non-asshole company. So you’re saying there’s a chance, Gavin thought, looking back up at her with a smile.

“So, now that you’ve kidnapped me from work, what shall we do next?”

He asked, deciding that it would be good to let the subject of marriage fade. The temperature on the matter was tepid, but he was content to keep the status quo going for now.

 

[MorningStar]

Manhattan, NY — Central Park

The genie of Cameron and Haleigh's apparent wedding couldn't go back in the bottle. She must have looked as shocked as she felt.

Gavin: “Oh bollocks, I stole the man’s thunder. I apologize, I presumed it was common knowledge already.”

"Not for me at least."

Her pulse was starting to slow back down, so she tried to give him a reassuring smile.

"But you don't need to apologize. First off, Cameron should have told me himself. And second, I'm glad to have the time to get used to the idea before I see him."

Gavin: “Truly, only a machine called Haleigh would take care of the business aspect of marriage before telling the people most important to her. She approaches everything like an operation to be executed. Do you think she read her prospective husband into the top secret plan, or just ambushed him?”

She smirked.

"Probably just told him he was going to the Elvis chapel and didn't take no for an answer. But to be fair, they might have told other people. I mean, Clandestine knows, so..."

She did wonder if everyone else knew but her. Luckily, Gavin moved the conversation on before she could really start to wallow. But the topic was still marriage, and the fact that he would like to get married again. Delilah wanted to kick herself in the ass, and apologized for being insensitive with all her wedding talk.

Gavin: “Forgotten I was divorced, had you?”

She looked at him sheepishly, while he actually looked like he was having a great time.

"Well, yes, actually."

She had. It seemed so unlikely.

Gavin: “I forgive you, I’d rather you didn’t remember me for my failure as a husband.”

She reached over to wipe a stray bit of sauce off his face.

"I highly doubt that the failure was yours."

She smiled brightly. And then he asked if Maxim had ever talked marriage with her. Which struck her suddenly as incredibly funny, and she snorted. And then she told him that no, they had never discussed marriage.

Gavin: “Well, while his personal tragedy is quite sad, it’s no excuse for his being a brainless bloody bonehead, which he CLEARLY is for not wanting to marry you.”

"Oh he is absolutely a brainless bloody bonehead."

She was out of the asshole business, that was for sure.

Gavin: “So, now that you’ve kidnapped me from work, what shall we do next?”

That gave Delilah a start.

"Do you...are you sure you don't have to go back to work?"

He seemed like quite an important person to just leave at lunchtime and not come back...

"But if you're certain...we could go for a walk to the castle, or get some ice cream, or Mickey Mantle's is just around the corner..."

Damn. She shouldn't have suggested going to a bar. He'll think she's a boozehound. Or a barfly. They have spent quite a lot of time in the past six months having drinks. This was bad...very bad...

 

[Prophet]

NYC - The Met Dining Room

Every word hit him like a dagger, and though normally, Cameron was fond of pain, her words hurt.

Elena: "Soothe your conscience? Let you off the hook for one more terrible thing in your past that you dust off every now and then to punish yourself and then promptly forget about."

And then he was angry. Her words were like a lot of what people used to say to him back in the day. And maybe those people were right. But Cameron was a different man. He had worked so hard to be a better person, to attract the right things into his life. He had faced many of the things he had done in his life and paid in spades for it. Had been killed for it. This was a base level insult and he couldn't decide if she knew that, if she had gleamed that from his mind in order to piss him off, but it worked.

"Elena.."

Elena: "I know you. You aren't sorry. Leaving me was just one more step on the ladder to becoming Cameron King, global billionaire, Met Board member. I'd be happy to forgive you, amado, just as soon as you're actually sorry."

She fled the scene as Cameron hesitated for a moment. He could feel her pain, feel that she had loved him deeply, and was possibly still in love with him. That him leaving was a wound that never fully healed. And while he could empathize, he also...didn't feel the same about her. He had loved her, but it was clear he could not say the things she wanted to hear from him. Not anymore. Still, the sting of her words caused him to chase after her, catching up to her at her pace, though keeping his hands to himself as he pleaded with her to stop. He hadn't spoken ill of her. Hadn't insulted who she was at her core. She had.

He sighed, exasperated as his tone became more even and serious.

"With all due respect, Elena...you don't know me. Not anymore. Not for a long time. And I don't know you. I don't need you to soothe my fucking conscience, I don't need to be let off the hook for anything, either. You don't want to forgive me? You don't have to. You don't think i'm sorry? That's on you..."

Prophet began to speak with his hands, almost matching the kind of fire and drama that she herself was known for.

"This may be hard for you to hear, but it's honest. Choosing the path that I did led me to my sisters. To my mother. To my wife...who I love too much to be running around chasing after ex girlfriends, despite how much I cared about them."

[gesturing wildly]

"I'm SORRY. I'm SORRY I hurt you. I can't change it. I can't change what I chose. What I did. But we were fucking kids, El. We were babies who didn't know a goddamn thing about life, despite how cool we thought we were...and you sought ME out..I haven't popped up in your life to torment you."

This wasn't productive, but he was still feeling kind of hot about her words. It had been a long time since someone had come in with the classic "Poor Little Asshole Rich Boy Cameron and his lack of remorse for others.", and he wasn't always the best at dealing with that. Still...she had approached him for a reason, possibly only to berate him for what he had caused in both the astral and physical planes.

"What I went through...with Malice, it sent shockwaves through the Astral Plane, it cost people their lives. Nobody has to live with that on their hands but me. And the way I am CHOOSING to deal with it, is to make sure she can NEVER come back. To make sure she NEVER has the chance to rebuild to what she was. With her out there in the ether, everyone of us is at risk..."

[calmly]

"I think you can help. Not help ME. Help people like US. If that's something you're interested in...take a breather, take a few days, think about it and let me know. If you can't...that's fine too. Now if you'll excuse me, there's yet another potential crisis in my life that I have to investigate, so I will leave you be..."

Cameron turned away from her and began to walk down the hall that led from the elevator back to the dining hall before he turned around once more.

"It really was good to see you, Elena. I'm sorry the feeling wasn't mutual...See you later..I hope.."

He faded from view as me melded with his dupe, appearing fully now in front of Ava, though she would not be able to tell the difference.

 

[Brenthon]

The Elysian Fields

<< Beto found himself smirking with a bit of irony as they found themselves in The Elysian Fields. Earlier, he had found himself listless, unable to ingratiate himself into the mortal world. Now, he found himself missing it a bit. After spending what would have been hundreds of years on Earth lost in Limbo, he didn't realize that despite how lonely he felt, how disconnected from those around him he was, there was something...nice about being in one place for awhile. >>

<< Still, there were far less beautiful places to be than the Elysian Fields. He had actually been here before. While his friendship with Persephone was one of often rivalry in Masters of Evil, they had been incredibly close, both bonding over having come from very different worlds than many of the others in their coven. His people were storytellers, and Brenthon made it a point to get to know his comrades as well as he could, to tell their stories. Hades had been obsessed with Persephone, and she was on a righteous and dark path to power. While their marriage had been one of sheer convenience for the goddess, that didn't stop him from lavishly showering her with gifts, one of them being the fields, a place for heroes to go. A place for her to go that reminded her of home, of a place that wasn't the barren ruin of much of The Underworld. >>

<< The memories came back to him fondly. It felt so good to remember every part of himself. Still, his main concern here was The Spellbinder. She was in a bad way, but he would not allow anyone, not even Hecate herself to choose the sorceress' path for her, and he said as much. >>

Hecate: "She needs an INCENTIVE to MAKE that choice, and I couldn't think of anything...anyONE better.... BEHOLD."

<< Athena appeared and she called Spellbinder awake to view upon Rampage. Nicolas King. A man he had never met, but who's life was shown to him with Brenthon's sight as the two became united. Brenthon furrowed a bit of a disapproving brow. The man had chosen to be here, had shirked his own lineage and pantheon to be here. It was not something Brenthon would ever choose for himself. Despite his leanings toward magick, studying under a coven who worshipped Hecate in his mortal life, he was a gypsy. So he was born one, so he would die. And more, sooner spend eternity in the flames of Hell before turning his back on his people and his own gods. Still...the reunion was beautiful. He could sense Morgan's desire and love for him, something Brenthon himself had never felt for another. >>

<< He had loved Darkchilde, but it was not like this. Brenthon was a student of the multiverse, a traveler and a scholar. He learned what he could from those around them, but he never much considered the idea of romance or love. It felt foolish when there was so much else to do. And he was mistrustful, protective of Morgan, when he put the pieces of the puzzle together. Was the resurgence of a man the reason Spellbinder would want to live again? So much of his life had been colored by loss. Loss he understood. Loss he could move on from, learn from. He was worried that with the promise of this man, this Rampage always present in the back of her mind and so easily accessible, would she ever really move on? Would she ever really grow from this? Find new paths? Perhaps it was not for him to say. He had been put in her path for a reason, and perhaps this was it. As long as she got out of this, Brenthon could show her something else. As long as she chose to see it. >>

Black Widow: "Beautiful. But maybe we should give them some room, instead of all standing around gawking at them?"

"To that end, I agree."

Her gaze turned to both Beto and Amanda.

Haleigh: "So. What's up with you two?"

Brenthon smirked.

"I am Brenthon. But you may call me Beto. an Evil Incarnate. Of The Masters of Evil. Avatar of Sin. The Gypsy King. Protector of The Shadowed Path. Comforted by titles. I have been lost in Limbo for an indiscernable length of time. I have known countless incarnations of the trinity. Served as Darkchilde's most decorated disciple. I have saved The Spellbinder from Limbo when she was but a little girl...and now it appears I am to see her through whatever this is. But I am more interested in YOU, deadly beauty. You're voice is as sultry and fatal as the poison of your namesake, Black Widow..I am new to this time, and am only slowly filling in the blanks, but it appears we are connected in more than one way...You appear to be the sister of both The Spellbinder and Persephone, one of my oldest comrades. How is it, not even in my time in Limbo I have not encountered you?"

 

[Sparrow]

NYC - The Met Dining Room

Elena couldn't stay there and see how much she hadn't mattered to him, so she fled their table. He had left her because he didn't think she was a good enough person for him. What that bitch Vivica and her mother thought was more important to him. She was just one more aspect of his past that he flung off to start his new life. Without her. She felt insulted, humiliated.

Cameron had caught up to her, told her to wait. But he didn't put his hand on her arm or any of the small gestures a man who cared would have used.

Cameron: "With all due respect, Elena...you don't know me. Not anymore. Not for a long time. And I don't know you. I don't need you to soothe my fucking conscience, I don't need to be let off the hook for anything, either. You don't want to forgive me? You don't have to. You don't think I'm sorry? That's on you...This may be hard for you to hear, but it's honest. Choosing the path that I did led me to my sisters. To my mother. To my wife...who I love too much to be running around chasing after ex girlfriends, despite how much I cared about them."

Every word was like a punch to the gut. She was nothing to him. Less than nothing.

Cameron: "I'm SORRY. I'm SORRY I hurt you. I can't change it. I can't change what I chose. What I did. But we were fucking kids, El. We were babies who didn't know a goddamn thing about life, despite how cool we thought we were...and you sought ME out..I haven't popped up in your life to torment you."

She spoke softly.

"I didn't come here to torment you..."

She didn't know why she had come. The telepaths, yes, but that wasn't all of it.

Cameron: "What I went through...with Malice, it sent shockwaves through the Astral Plane, it cost people their lives. Nobody has to live with that on their hands but me. And the way I am CHOOSING to deal with it, is to make sure she can NEVER come back. To make sure she NEVER has the chance to rebuild to what she was. With her out there in the ether, everyone of us is at risk...I think you can help. Not help ME. Help people like US. If that's something you're interested in...take a breather, take a few days, think about it and let me know. If you can't...that's fine too. Now if you'll excuse me, there's yet another potential crisis in my life that I have to investigate, so I will leave you be..."

She watched him walk away, and this time there was no question of his feelings, of his reasons. She stood there with tears rolling down her cheeks, just watching him go. And she didn't want him to.

"Amado..."

He turned around before he moved out of sight.

Cameron: "It really was good to see you, Elena. I'm sorry the feeling wasn't mutual...See you later. I hope.."

And then he was gone. There was nothing more to say.

 

[Magik]

From the Enchanted Forest to the Elysian Fields

Lord Ravena, The Lord of the Undead, who was last seen on earth as the...."white king"...

<< Hecate was still amused by the Hellfire Club, and the pretense of it all. She felt that his association with that entity was utterly BENEATH him, considering all he'd been/done before>>

...is MY son, conceived in an act of violence and betrayal, and born from my womb. Earth's ORIGINAL sorcerer supreme, and the ANCESTOR to Shadow Weaver, Spellbinder, and YOU, Amanda Sefton.

He lost his way, much like I did when I cast the curse of the Red Moon, and and entertained the union with Circe, but he is with ME now.

<< She gently brushes some of Spellbinder's hair from her face, looking at the sorceress, who continued to stare blankly>>

From Ravena, the "branches" of my family tree did grow and define, most notably with his union to Lachesis, the Alloter, a TIME GODDESS. From THAT union, the blood line that Leads to HARBINGER was created, making Harbinger and Spellbinder distant cousins.

<< which also meant that Cameron was actually related to Morgan, and Blaze>>

And then there is YOU, Amanda Sefton. You rightly credit your mother, Margali Szardos, as a Witch Queen, for SHE TOO was Sorceress Supreme from a time long past. But YOU are a queen as well, Queen of the Winding Way- the path that has lead you to the most important moment of your existence. YOU, AND your mother are ALSO descendants of MY SON, making YOU distant relatives of Spellbinder.

And your presence here now is more than happenstance. You were INDEED drawn here by Blaze's mystic distress call, as were YOU, Beto...or should i say BRENTHON, the APPLE of my DARKCHILDE'S eye! How I would have ENJOYED you, had you existed in my timeline!

You were both CORRECT in your belief that getting to Morgan's Sanctum Sanctorum to offer assistance would help you BOTH as well. I am ALSO the goddess of paths, and crossroads.

<< Margali Szardos had been telling her daughter the TRUTH all this time! Hecate stood before her now, and CONFIRMED it. Margali, Jimaine, they WERE descendants of Hecate, and Lord Ravena, the infamous ruler of the Undead (Vampires) , and the ORIGINAL Sorcerer Supreme had been responsible for furthering Hecate's bloodline, all the way to the women of the Szardos clan too!>>

<< This may not have meant anything to the others, but it meant THE WORLD to Amanda! Pieces of her personal puzzle were falling into place, and the story that her mother had told her about the Goddess, and her destiny seemed THAT MUCH CLOSER to dawning!>>

It's more than a dream or a fantasy, I'm SUPPOSED to be here! I'm SUPPOSED to have an audience with Hecate, the Moon Goddess, and the Goddess of Witchcraft!

<< From all the stories and teachings she'd learned from her mother, Amanda/Jimaine knew how unforgiving, vengeful, and violent the gods and goddesses could be, with Hecate being LEGENDARY for her grudge holding ability, hence the Red Moon, among other things>>

<< The exchange between Hecate and the Black Widow was tense, and it was clear that the goddess of witchcraft was not fond of this woman. Still, Amanda hated to see anyone in trouble, or in the crossfire if they didn't truly deserve it, and something told her that this "Haleigh" was not the true enemy here.>>

<< When Hecate seemed ready to strike the Black Widow down, Amanda and the Firebird both silently appealed for calmer heads.>>

<< Thankfully, the moon goddess returned her focus to the fallen Spellbinder, the reason they were all there. Amanda gently steadied and comforted the Firebird, who was understandably emotional, holding her as she cried, while Hecate took the Spellbinder into her arms>>

<< Soon, they were moved from the Enchanted Forest, to the beautiful, endless expanse of the Elysian Fields >>

Hecate: << To Firebird>> As I told you, Firebird, I DID hear your call, carried across the cosmos by Hestia's Flames of Faltine, and even when certain naysayers tried to convince you that I wasn't coming, or that I didn't care, you did not waver, or lose faith. Even in your native timeline, you always did believe, and even SEE the possibilities BEYOND what your physical eyes could avail you, it's what makes you special, and primed for more than a mere mortal, or even your fellow "mutants".

<< The goddess holds out her hand to Firebird>>

It's okay....you can trust her. Remember your faith, trust your instincts...

<< Amanda quietly, and gently reassured Blaze as she urged her forward to accept Hecate's hand>>

Hecate: my DELAY in responding to you was not a test your faith, nor was it meant to upset you. It was NECESSSARY, because of THIS

<< the goddess gestures to the beautiful expanse before them>>

<< Spellbinder appears out in the distance ahead, she is now in a kneeling position, with her head down, still looking completely lost and vacant, BUT she is no longer just laying in a vegetative state. she now wears a beautiful white dress, and her blond hair flows in the breeze .>>

<< And soon, a beautiful snow white owl, one that Amanda would recognize as Bupol, the feathered companion to Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, was seen flying across the sky, and then Athena herself shown, like a day star, calling out to Spellbinder with the clarity of a trumpet heralding a much anticipated arrival. SOMETHING was indeed happening, and Amanda watched closely.>>

<< Soon, a sparkling, golden veil lifted, and a tall, truly handsome, BEAUTIFUL man emerged, ushered forward from another goddess, NUT, the african goddess of the sky and heavenly bodies.>>

cross pantheon cooperation!?

<< Such a thing was often imagined, but seldom believed to be REALITY, but here was one SHINING example, as this man, who was clearly Spellbinder's fallen soul mate, was now standing before her.>>

<< Amanda couldn't help but feel the emotion of the moment, just as Blaze cried out with joy at the sight of Nicolas, Amanda FELT it all, no doubt due to her CONNECTION to Spellbinder. She placed her hand on her chest as she watched with bated breath>>

after several seconds she finally broke the silence.

“Morgan! Open your fucking EYES woman

Nicolas: morgan?

<< Nicolas CALLS to his soulmate>>

It's.....

Nicolas: MORGAN!

it's HIM....

<< She FEELS him as he approaches her, and his shadow casts OVER her, and she DARES to open her eyes and SEE HIM! >>

Nicolas?

<< She looks UP to behold, her CHAMPION, her SOULMATE, in his prime and glory!>>


<< Morgan exhales/exclaims as she sees>>

Nicolas!?

<< Without hesitation, he bends down and PICKS HER UP with such ease, lifting her UP into the air by her waist as tears begin to fall from her violet eyes. Nicolas holds her, laughing and smiling so wide at her , as he spins her in the air before levitating, and spinning in the air with her, and as Morgan cries out in disbelief, he pulls her into such a TIGHT embrace, and she EAGERLY RETURNS that embrace, holding on to him for DEAR LIFE as she exhales with grief and JOY>>

<< The Firebird pulls away from Hecate, wanting to run to her sister and Nicolas, but she stops short of reaching them. Amanda watches. She had no sisters of her own, but in a way, she too "shared" in this moment with Spellbinder.>>

Hecate: This is THEIR moment, Blaze. THIS is but ONE part of what Morgan NEEDED to REVIVE her

Athena: It is a moment they BOTH needed and DESERVED. Nicolas will finally, TRULY be at ease in his place of ETERNAL REWARD, knowing that he soulmate is never far, and MORGAN will now know that Nicolas is alright, and WHOLE now. He is at his BEST, and he is FREE from the curse of his birth father, Set, the god of destruction. there's is a bond that can never be broken, and WHENEVER they wish to see each other, they have but to call me, or Hecate, and they will have their hearts desire.

Hecate: That is GUARANTEED.

“Beautiful. But maybe we should give them some room, instead of all standing around gawking at them?”

Haleigh suggested, as Morgan and Nicolas were kissing like he was about to throw her down in the grass and have her right there. Haleigh turned away, her attention now on the unfamiliar couple Hecate had referred to as Amanda Sefton, and Brenthon.

“So. What’s up with you two?”

<<Amanda also agreed, they needed to let Morgan have this moment with her beloved soulmate, and since the goddesses were keeping Firebird occupied, it seemed okay to turn her attention toward this woman in front of them.>>

"To that end, I agree."

Her gaze turned to both Beto and Amanda.

Haleigh: "So. What's up with you two?"

Brenthon smirked.

"I am Brenthon. But you may call me Beto. an Evil Incarnate. Of The Masters of Evil. Avatar of Sin. The Gypsy King. Protector of The Shadowed Path. Comforted by titles. I have been lost in Limbo for an indiscernable length of time. I have known countless incarnations of the trinity. Served as Darkchilde's most decorated disciple. I have saved The Spellbinder from Limbo when she was but a little girl...and now it appears I am to see her through whatever this is. But I am more interested in YOU, deadly beauty. You're voice is as sultry and fatal as the poison of your namesake, Black Widow..I am new to this time, and am only slowly filling in the blanks, but it appears we are connected in more than one way...You appear to be the sister of both The Spellbinder and Persephone, one of my oldest comrades. How is it, not even in my time in Limbo I have not encountered you?"

I am Amanda Sefton.

<< She did NOT give out her born name - Jimaine Szardos- to ANYONE who was not part of her clan, not even in the magickal community, and there was a REASON for that. In fact, there were hardly ANY records of her OR her mother's identities. It was only because of her shared romani heritage with Brenthon that he divined her TRUE identity when they first met, and while she COULD have scrambled his perception of her, as she often did with many people she came across, she chose not to, it was a gesture of goodwill, and TRUST between them when they first connected at the Arena. She did not protest him calling her by her born name [PRIVATELY], but no one else knew, nor did they have that privilege>>

<< Even as she stood before them all now, the only people who could "see" her in her TRUE form were Brenthon, Hecate, and Athena. She was STILL wearing the magickal disguise she assumed during the Talisman caper.>>

I am the daughter of gypsy mother, and immortal Witch Queen, Margali Szardos, she who ascended the Winding Way, and was once Sorceress Supreme of this dimension. She also reigned as the Red Queen over the Hellfire Club's London Branch.

Like Spellbinder, I am a sorceress.

<< holding up her gloved hand, igniting a glowing "ice blue" colored tao mandala, her power signature>>

I have also ascended to the top of the Winding Way, and my mother's prophecy has told me I am meant for something MORE.

The dreams that I've had, have been haunted by images of a woman, a violet eyed sorceress, a sword, and eldritch armor that, along with what my mother has told me, along with my meeting Beto, put me in the right place, and the right time to HEAR the Firebird's mystic distress call.

I MET Blaze before, during the Inferno, when I saved her from falling to her death. And I've met her sister, the Spellbinder, in passing.

<< The fact that Amanda even REMEMBERED the Inferno to be able to reference it would stand out to Black Widow, since Ororo and Harbinger had cast a spell to ERASE all knowledge and memory of that event from the general populace of NYC. Only a HANDFUL of people, outside of the Six, and their allies, would have any knowledge/memory of the Inferno Event, and Amanda Sefton, a magick user, was one of them.>>

When I heard the Firebird's call for help, I recognized her voice, even if "pieces" of her seemed to be....rearranged...DIFFERENT some how....

<< referring to Foxfire vs Firebird>>

...and I came to offer whatever help I could, not JUST for her, but because my magicks told me the answers that I seek would be found here as well, and now Hecate herself has told me that I am actually RELATED to The Spellbinder, and to the goddess herself!

When I was inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, I encountered a tall, beautiful black woman with silver hair and blue eyes, wearing her own armor ...

<< a RECENT development for Ororo, and a sign that she was was operating in a more BATTLE READY stance than what she was known for. There was a reason for THAT too.>>

...and holding a sword that she said was meant for ME. She identified herself as the immortal weather witch, Ororo, guardian of the dark trinity, and She too said that I was meant to be here, and that when the time was right, Hecate would reveal it all to me.

 

[Black Widow]

The Elysian Fields

Morgan seemed to be revived, and was greeting Nicolas like she was making up for lost time. Haleigh turned away, suggesting the couple needed some space. There was also some part of her that didn’t know what to say to Nicolas, and hoped she wouldn’t need to figure it out. So she decided to focus on the newcomers, now that there was time for talking. She had heard Hecate’s greeting to them, and knew their names, but little else. They weren’t on the normal plane of existence, with Haleigh’s usual free access to network and satellite connections. She’d have to wait until she got back to New York to do her typical research. Brenthon introduced himself, by way of a multitude of titles.

“Avatar of Sin, you sound like fun.”

She replied with a naughty gleam in her eye. Mentally she took note of some other details, particularly the Masters of Evil and the mention of Darkchilde. It made sense that he recognized Persephone. Then he told her that he was more interested in her, and proceeded to lay on some flattery. Haleigh smirked a bit, tossing a glance in Amanda’s direction to check her demeanor. Brenthon asked how they had never encountered each other. Haleigh shrugged nonchalantly, her hands resting folded over the rifle that now hung casually across her torso.

“Limbo’s a big place, and I only visit occasionally. Maybe now that you’ve made it to New York, we’ll get to know each other better. Do you have a place to stay in Manhattan, Gypsy King? I know the owner of the Parthenon, I could hook you and your cute vanilla girlfriend up with a nice suite.”

She leaned in conspiratorially.

“Or maybe you’d be more comfortable somewhere more discreet? As the White Queen of Hellfire New York, I can offer you accommodations at the newly renovated Hellfire Compound on Blackwell’s Island.”

She suggested, and then Amanda began to speak. Haleigh listened, and carefully memorized the details for later reference. A curious point was that this woman’s mother had apparently previously been the Red Queen over in the London branch. Wasn’t she the one who’d been killed? Haleigh though that woman had been named Rebecca, but she didn’t ask about that just yet. Amanda manifested some magick in her palm and announced herself a sorceress like Morgan, who had ascended the winding way, whatever that meant.

“Okay.”

Haleigh replied neutrally, and then Amanda went on to elaborate about dreams and distress calls, and Haleigh kind of loved how free she was with the intel. Haleigh nodded knowingly when Amanda indicated that Firebird had seemed familiar but different somehow.

“Yeah, that’s because you must have saved Blaze aka Foxfire and this is technically Blaze aka Firebird. They’re the same but also different. It’s complicated, don’t ask too many questions.”

Haleigh interjected, but Amanda didn’t stop to ask questions. She was still processing the revelation that she was descendant from Hecate.

“Mmhmm, my condolences.”

Haleigh replied, sounding sincere. Amanda also mentioned a recent interaction with Ororo, apparently when she was in Morgan’s house. Haleigh seemed suddenly quite interested in that.

“You saw Ororo? Did she have a girl with her, a young girl named Alexia?”

 

[Magik]

The Elysian Fields

<< True to form, Beto was pouring it on. Amanda lifted her eyebrows and looked up at the beautiful sky as she laughed in her mind. He WAS charming, and the woman seemed to be reveling in it.>>

“Limbo’s a big place, and I only visit occasionally. Maybe now that you’ve made it to New York, we’ll get to know each other better. Do you have a place to stay in Manhattan, Gypsy King? I know the owner of the Parthenon, I could hook you and your cute vanilla girlfriend up with a nice suite.”

<< Amanda smirked, this woman, attractive as she was, was totally mistaken if she thought Amanda was "VANILLA". >>

If ONLY she knew....

Despite my appearance << altered by magick>> I am romani, just like Beto, and << she eyed Haleigh a bit, checking her out now that they were in close proximity>> I am hardly "Vanilla,"

<< As any of the many "playmates" she had during her jet setting adventures , and even more recently, Beto himself, could attest to. In another time and place, she could see herself "vibing" with Haleigh in one of the many exotic, exclusive locales she haunted during her globe trotting adventures>>

<< Haleigh went on to say she knew the owner of the Parthenon. Another curious point of overlap. Amanda had been present at the gala, when Morgan Victoria handed the Parthenon back over to Cameron King and a new partnership with the House of Spectra was announced, along with the introduction of Dominique Deveraux as the headliner of the Starlight Lounge. It was quite the glamorous affair. Amanda and rubbed elbows not only with Blaze and Morgan, but also Dominique Deveraux, Sally Spectra, and several other allies of The Six>>


<< When she and Beto arrived in New York, Amanda wasted no time securing them the finest accommodations, as she accessed only to the hotel, but the exclusive floor reserved for allies and close associates of the Six. >>

We actually ARE staying at the Parthenon. We are on the same floor as Dominique Deveraux and Sally Spectra and our suites are as I expected them to be.

“Or maybe you’d be more comfortable somewhere more discreet? As the White Queen of Hellfire New York, I can offer you accommodations at the newly renovated Hellfire Compound on Blackwell’s Island.”

She called HERSELF "the White Queen" of Hellfire New York. then the rumors about Malice being deposed must be true. But how could SHE....

<< No. Amanda refused to ponder it. Hellfire was always more her MOTHER'S "gig", and that was AGES before ANY of the people standing here had been alive. Amanda had tried it, but in the end, it was just not for her. Her BIGGEST regret about the way she abruptly withdrew, was not being there to protect and save Bretta. She knew that her membership was LIFETIME, but it was HER'S to do with as she will, and she would not let her life be dictated by her familial association to Hellfire>>

That's very kind of you, << Amanda replied with genuine appreciation for the woman's consideration>> but I've had my fill of all things Hellfire.

My mother, Margali, reigned as Red Queen at the London Branch, long before all of us were born...

<< indeed, Margali Szardos was immortal, and centuries old>>

....and in more recent years, I myself was the red rook, and on the "fast track" to becoming Red Queen, after Rebecca Everhart was deposed and slain, but I....changed my mind.

<< For reasons she would not share, same as it had been when she reconnected with Domino and Discord in Madripoor>>

<< Haleigh would remember Malice, Ravena, and Helena in the Hellfire Catacombs, discussing Amanda Sefton when several of the American Branch's Inner Circle were preparing their jaunt over to Europe a while back. One of their reasons for going was to CHECK OUT Amanda herself, who had a lot of buzz and eyes on her.>>

<< The Hellfire London Branch was in a shambles of Domino's revolution, and was subsequently invaded by the demonic race known as N'Garai. Amanda Sefton showed her magickal might when she stepped in, beat the N'Garai back, & drove them out of the London Hellfire Mansion from top to bottom. >>

<< Sefton was ALREADY in the elite echelon of Hellfire because of her mother, who's name was still revered in the halls of the London Branch. The Szardos clan still hand clout there. >>

<< But Just as Sefton seemed primed to follow in her mother's foot steps, she ABRUPTLY withdrew her close association with Hellfire London. An unintended consequence of that was that she wasn't there to protect her foster sister, Bretta, from being killed by the American Branch's Red and Black Queens.>>

Even as the ripple effects of...whatever happened with the American Branch in recent months were felt across the pond, I had already moved on.

<< Rumors about Malice had been swirling out and around, even across the magickal community, where they were heard by her and her mother, and now, Haleigh seemingly confirmed them by revealing SHE was the current White Queen of the New York Branch. But Amanda knew better than to assume that a woman like Diana was truly gone. Amanda, she COULD return to London Hellfire, she just had no desire to. She no longer felt a strong tie to it, and she being pulled toward something greater>>

<< On the subject of Blaze....>>

Haleigh nodded knowingly when Amanda indicated that Firebird had seemed familiar but different somehow.

“Yeah, that’s because you must have saved Blaze aka Foxfire and this is technically Blaze aka Firebird. They’re the same but also different. It’s complicated, don’t ask too many questions.”

<< So, the Black Widow confirmed what Amanda sensed about Blaze. But even that was not unheard of, especially in the world of magick, so she didn't feel the need to press further on that.>>

She was still processing the revelation that she was descendant from Hecate.

“Mmhmm, my condolences.”

It was clear that Hecate is not fond of you. What's the story there?

<< Amanda was genuinely curious, and now was as good a time as any to ask.>>

Your sister, Spellbinder, she is Sorceress Supreme, and she is also descended from Hecate.

and MY distant relative as well

<< Amanda thought, as she had noted the passing resemblance between herself and Morgan.>>

Does it bother you, having a relative who descends from the goddess of witchcraft?

<< Maybe she wouldn't care to speak on her family dynamics with a relative stranger, but it didn't hurt to ask.>>

Amanda also mentioned a recent interaction with Ororo, apparently when she was in Morgan’s house. Haleigh seemed suddenly quite interested in that.

“You saw Ororo? Did she have a girl with her, a young girl named Alexia?”

That's an odd, and very specific question...

hmm, no. There was no one with her when she appeared before me in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

 

[Persephone]

Cameron: "Ava, stop."

"Don't call me that. You can refer to me as Persephone."

If he wanted to separate them as two individuals, then HE would get the one he tried to KILL.

Cameron: "But YES...I'm aware of the situation and i've been monitoring it."

With a roll of her eyes, Persephone let Cameron know she did her diligence as Red Queen to inform him of where his wife was, then let his 'friend' know she needed to keep better company. Walking away from the table, Persephone made a mental note to look into who that woman was and why she seemed so misty eyed over Cameron King. Walking to the bar, she didn't bother to sit as she ordered. She wouldn't be staying long.

"Macallan, 50 year, neat."

The bartender nodded as he began to put on some white gloves before taking the $130,00 bottle of scotch off the shelf. Pouring the amber liquid into a crystal glass, he placed it on a black napkin in front of her.

Cameron: [to Ava] “So…Queen of The Underworld? Looks good on you…"

[evenly] "Go. Away."

Cameron: [to the bartender] "Martini, please. Filthy. Whisper of vermouth.”

[sweetly to the bartender] "And a murmur of cyanide"

The bartender perked up a brow, awkwardly chucking at Persephone's joke. But her stone cold expression made it quite obvious she was serious which made the bartender quickly move to the other end of the bar to make Cameron's drink.

Cameron: “I take it your search for Alek brought you there? I’ve kept my eyes open, looking for any traces of him…but I got nothing. He’s likely protected by magick..you would have felt it…if he was no longer “with us”…”

Despite herself, the moment Cameron mentioned Alek, her stomach immediately tightened. He didn't deserve to say Alek's name, not after threatening to kill him in her mind. Not after trying to kill her. Persephone's eyes were dark as she slid them to finally look at Cameron.

"Don't act like you give a shit about, Alek. You got your happily ever after, so why don't you leave me the fuck alone so I can enjoy my drink in peace."

But in true Cameron King form, he was persistent and didn't want to end the conversation.

Cameron: “That being said…are you ready to finally talk to me about things? About…us?”

Downing her scotch, Persephone finally turned toward Cameron, her full attention on him. Glass still in hand.

"There is no 'Us'. You severed that back in Hellfire when you decided that a part of me wasn't good enough to keep around. When you tried to rip my psyche apart and nearly killed me, much like Diana did months before you. You see, I'm tired of being toyed with like my mind is some sort of puzzle you people can build and take apart as you please."

Slamming the glass onto the bar top. Persephone leaned into him, faces only inches apart.

"If you weren't my sister's husband, I would have my demons drag you to Tarterus and see how much YOU like being ripped apart. [tilting her head] Lucky for you, [she finally 'smiled'] we're family now."

Her smile immediately dropped as she leaned back, giving Cameron his space back. Glancing over to the bartender who was keeping his distance but also curious about the heated exchange that was going on.

"I'll take one more. And put it on Mr. King's tab."

 

[Prophet]

NYC - The Met Dining Room

Persephone: "I'll take one more. And put it on Mr. King's tab."

"She said put it on my TAB, man!"

He said with a bit more venom and speed than he intended. Persephone. Ava. Whoever the fuck she was these days had got him heated. It was clear she was going through something, but Ava was always going through something. Cameron had already been batting zero out of one today, so he decided he might as well just continue to be honest with how he felt.

He took a sip of his martini and was silent for a few moments, their eyes never leaving each other. A thick amount of tension in the air. Cameron exhaled loudly and decided to just go with it. It couldn't get any worse between them at this point...could it?

"Are you sure you're tired of it? Being [mockingly air quoting]toyed with? Because for as long as i've known you...when given the chance to throw yourself head first into trauma, into self flatulation...you take it. You take it and you come back from it even more numb than before, even more broken. And you never say why. You never talk about it. You leave people having to fill in the blanks and then get mad at how they did it... as if we're supposed to EVER know what you're going through...and worse, you USE the fact that we don't know against us, like if only we KNEW you better, or really loved you, we'd understand. Well we don't. And that's your fault, Av---Persephone. Ancient as you are, you need to grow the fuck up."

It felt good to say out loud. Despite how twisted things were between them at this moment. Over the last few years, Cameron and Ava had grown incredibly close. They were in each other's inner circle. They were business partners. Before all of this, they had been having a great time building The Parisian Parthenon together. She was his sister's best friend. She was his wife's sister. And during The Purifier Event, they leaned on each other in a way that made it seem that the bond that they had was unbreakable. This wasn't somebody she lightly knew insulting her. This was Cameron being honest with somebody who once was an integral and important part of his family. A family she threw away.

"I [laughing] DECIDED that a part of you wasn't good enough to keep around?! You willingly left the team to join Hellfire. I don't care about the fucking reasons behind it. At the end of the day you made a choice, and I did too. And that choice was to protect my fucking family and I did. You can't honestly sit here and talk about feelings and families...especially after what you did to Zach."

Zachary Armani would never be Cameron's favorite person. And in fact, many dream scenarios he had often including the very things that Persephone did to Zach herself. But it was the most horrific thing Persephone had done, and it was the moment that Cameron knew he'd rather her be dead than alive to deal with what she had done. There was not a closer person to Haleigh and Ava for a long time than Zach. And despite Cameron's petty rivalry with the man over the years, he had more than taken care of them.

"Your choice to leave was bullshit and you know it. There is not a single person on Earth more qualified to handle life in Hellfire on their own than Haleigh. You weren't doing the noble, sisterly thing. There was something else that motivated your choice to go, I don't know what that is exactly. But I know it. I didn't just have to mourn the loss of the woman I love more than anything in the multiverse, I had to mourn a woman I have painstakingly, and vigorously tried to pull closer and closer into my life, despite it ALWAYS being on her terms. I had to mourn YOU."

He took another sip of his martini, his eyes somewhat dissassociating for a moment as he was reminded of that night. It had been a one two punch. It had been the start of all of this. Everywhere they were right now was because of that very night. One that still sent shivers down his spine when he thought of it.

"We lost two of our own that night and I have to sit here and listen to you talk about not being toyed with when you walked right into Hellfire and practically presented your wrists to be slit? I don't think so. You are not a victim here. You are just somebody suffering the consequences of your own actions. That pain you have over your beloved? Of how you don't know where they are? If they are okay? If you will EVER see them again? I know the feeling twofold."

Shaking his head in exhaustion, he began to speak in a stricter, even more severe tone. The very thought of how everything transpired was making his blood boil.

"At the end of the day? Ava was strong enough to handle Hellfire. She's gone through tougher shit. So don't sell yourself on the lie that without Persephone, you wouldn't have made it through. Because all you've done is delay the inevitable. The same story as always. Ava goes through bad shit and spends the rest of her life being TORMENTED by it instead of actually DEALING with it. I made a judgment call...it was WRONG, but it's something I stand by. Because maybe I don't know the Persephone side of you that well...but I know Ava Cassadine, and the things you've done are things she would have rather died than stood for."

Downing his martini, he was impressed to see the bartender, who was a bit scared of what he was seeing and hearing in this moment had already gotten him a fresh one. He raised his glass and winked at Ava.

"To family."

 

[Brenthon]

The Elysian Fields

Haleigh: “Limbo’s a big place, and I only visit occasionally. Maybe now that you’ve made it to New York, we’ll get to know each other better. Do you have a place to stay in Manhattan, Gypsy King? I know the owner of the Parthenon, I could hook you and your cute vanilla girlfriend up with a nice suite.”

Brenthon was an Avatar of Sin, like all the Incarnates of his coven. Specifically, an Avatar of Wrath. And he had never been face to face with a woman who could stoke wrath so naturally, as if she had a biological ability to do so. The things he could teach her. The things she could teach him.

Amanda: Despite my appearance << altered by magick>> I am romani, just like Beto, and << she eyed Haleigh a bit, checking her out now that they were in close proximity>> I am hardly "Vanilla."

"I do not understand. Is 'vanilla' an insult in this timeline? I only know it as a very expensive spice."

He said, his thick Hungarian accent only adding to the sentiment. Brenthon was a man very much removed from time as he had spent most of his life in a dimension that was outside of it. He was not quick with turns of phrases or modern slang.

Amanda: "We actually ARE staying at the Parthenon. We are on the same floor as Dominique Devereaux and Sally Spectra and our suites are as I expected them to be."

"I know neither of those people, but Amanda assures me they are what you might call a 'big deal'..."

Haleigh: "Or maybe you'd be more comfortable somewhere more discreet? As the White Queen of Hellfire New York, I can offer you accommodations at the newly renovated Hellfire Compound on Blackwell's Island."

Brenthon's interest was piqued.

Amanda: That's very kind of you, << Amanda replied with genuine appreciation for the woman's consideration>> but I've had my fill of all things Hellfire. My mother, Margali, reigned as Red Queen at the London Branch, long before all of us were born...

"Hellfire transcends the mortal realm it seems. I have served as White Rook to Darkchilde's White Queen on my own incarnation of The Inner Circle. Of course now, I would settle only for King. But something tells me...naughty maiden like you must have a King. I would love a tour...The Parthenon is nice, but I find it discomforting to stay in any place that doesn't have a proper catacombs..."

Amanda: ....and in more recent years, I myself was the red rook, and on the "fast track" to becoming Red Queen, after Rebecca Everhart was deposed and slain, but I....changed my mind. Even as the ripple effects of...whatever happened with the American Branch in recent months were felt across the pond, I had already moved on."

"We still maintain our ties. Amanda, along with Maxine Dupont, Simon Pratt and the new Red King, Daniel Reed, helped free me from my indentured servitude at The Arena in Madripoor...a slave trade of sorts. We were owned and made to fight. We won? We were showered with coins and luxuries. We lost? We died. That arena was ran by the woman you know as Talisman, who we later fought. Maxine was looking for her sister. Viper. An absolutely insane woman if I've ever met one, but also...troubled. Maxine wanted to keep Viper for herself, but Viper refused. Those two parted ways and we left them shortly after..."

[smirking]

"That was a...how do you say? An olive branch. Just in case your sister court has not been as forthright about their dealings as you have been led to believe...I am a monster who's depths for depravity are unknowable..but I think it's important when being transported from New York City...to The Underworld...to The Elysian Fields...to know who you can trust..."

[leaning in with a smile]

"But I could also be full of shit. Who's to say?"

Amanda: "Your sister, Spellbinder. She is Sorceress Supreme, and she is also descended from Hecate. Does it bother you having a relative who descends from the goddess of witchcraft?"

He was curious of her answer. The way she spoke to Hecate reminded him of his first meeting with The Darkchilde. Even when he was considerably outmatched he showed no fear. She was the same way. Beto would not be 'handled' by anybody, be it a god or Gaia herself. But Haleigh countered with a quick question.

Haleigh: "You saw Ororo? Did she have a girl with her, a young girl named Alexia?"

Brenthon was shocked to hear her name. He knew Alexia very, very well. After an indiscernable amount of time in Limbo, she started to make a name for herself. It was both interesting and depressing. For a long time, Brenthon assumed that the demon lord Belasco had simply tempted yet another little girl into Limbo to consume her soul the same way he did Darkchilde, Magik and Spellbinder. But it was not the case. She had come to Limbo under different circumstances, though Brenthon never could get enough time or the chance to know much of her backstory. Still...it was SHE that had saved him. Ended his suffering in Limbo and gave him the chance to be standing there right at this very moment.

"If she IS with Ororo...you would do well to remove her from the white witch's custody as soon as you can. I know her well...many times...in many different timelines, she eventually rules Limbo...as The Dark Queen. The Scythe of Sorrows. They call her NIghtshade..."

[pausing]

"She is of Romani blood herself..on her father's side. It was that connection between us that allowed her to free me from Limbo. To send me back to the mortal side of things. Nightshade is one of the better rulers of the realm that I have witnessed, but her reign comes from such incredible loss. If I can return the favor, keep her safe...I would very much like the chance to..."

 

[Black Widow]

The Elysian Fields

Haleigh started talking to Beto and Amanda, feeling them out a bit since the circumstances seemed to indicate she’d be seeing more of them in the future. She asked Beto if he had a place to stay in New York, adding that she ‘knew the owner’ of the Parthenon and could get him a nice suite. She made the offer casually, extending it also to Amanda, whom she referred to as his ‘cute vanilla girlfriend’. It was a soft button push, but Haleigh could tell a lot about a woman based on how she reacted to something like that. Did she take herself very seriously, or have a sense of humor? Would she have some witty banter to return the favor, or would such a softball comment unnerve her? Would one, or both of them, rush to refute the assumption that they were together? Amanda was quick to deny being ‘vanilla’, while Brenthon was confused about the modern status of vanilla. So when he said ‘lost in Limbo for an indeterminate time’ he meant a LONG time. Haleigh gave Amanda an apologetic smile, holding her hands up in silent surrender. She looked over at Beto as her hands went back to their resting position on her gun.

“It used to be expensive and very hard to get. These days it’s quite affordable and considered standard.”

Haleigh explained to him, her tone playful. Amanda revealed that they already had suites —plural— at the Parthenon, and on the 93rd floor, no less. Haleigh’s expression didn’t change, though she was surprised to hear these two had obtained access to such an exclusive floor. However, she took it in stride that she might not be aware of what the access list looked like these days. She hadn’t really scrutinized it since she went to Hellfire, given that she had so much else to worry about. She resolved, then, to start paying much closer attention to it. She wanted to protect her husband’s business interests, after all. Beto interjected to Amanda’s name drop of Dominique and Sally that he didn’t actually know either of them, but that Amanda assured him they were a ‘big deal’. The way he said it provoked a smile from Haleigh.

“That depends on what you’re into.”

She replied, and offered accommodations at Hellfire, suggesting they might be more comfortable there. By far, the Parthenon surpassed Hellfire as far as a hotel could go. It had shopping and a plethora of restaurants and entertainment venues, plus it was right in the heart of a very nice district of Manhattan. Hellfire, on the other hand, had discretion, and a lot of other features that would never be found at an upstanding hotel. A guest of the White Queen would have whatever they wanted. Also, it was another thing casually extended, that represented a choice which would tell her even more about the couple in front of her. Amanda allowed that it was very kind of her to offer, and then promptly declined, declaring that she’d had her fill of all things Hellfire.

Haleigh raised an eyebrow at that. Did the woman decide these kinds of things for the pair? Haleigh’s gaze slid over to Brenthon, as Amanda mentioned that her mother had once been Red Queen in the London branch. Brenthon interjected that he’d been Darkchilde’s White Rook, which was interesting, and only served to confirm in Haleigh’s mind that she was right to seize control of Hellfire New York in the power vacuum following her mother’s demise. If Hellfire existed in other realms then it was always going to exist, and at least for now she could contain the damage it potentially posed in her own realm. Beto was saying that now, he’d settle only for being King, but he guessed correctly that she already had one. Haleigh’s mouth curled into a mischievous smile.

“Even if I didn’t, it wouldn’t be very wise of me to offer such an esteemed position to a man I just met and barely know. However… there are other Kingships open. Persephone rules the Red Court, and I’m sure she has her King in mind already. But the Black Court is another matter, and if Seph is willing to vouch for you…. Well let’s not get ahead of ourselves. A tour sounds like a good place to start. Maybe you’ll show me what you like to do in the catacombs.”

She suggested. Amanda was making the details of her own time at Hellfire a little clearer, explaining that she’d been Rebecca’s Red Rook, and on the fast track to Queen after the European rebellion, but she’d changed her mind.

“Well, Hellfire’s not for everyone, sweetheart.”

Haleigh quipped, wondering what response that small comment might provoke. Amanda was apparently descended from Hecate, she had to have hot button. Haleigh wanted to know just how easy it was to find. She was also curious about why Amanda decided to leave Hellfire, but she wasn’t going to ask so directly. Haleigh played her cards too close to her chest for that, and these two were very liberal with their intel. Brenthon was explaining in detail some recent events, mentioning Maxine DuPont, Simon Pratt, Daniel Reed, TALISMAN, and Viper. Haleigh’s easy, mildly interested smile didn’t even twitch, but her interest was very well stoked by this turn of conversation. Brenthon called it an olive branch, suggesting that while he was a monster, he still felt it important to know who to trust. Haleigh found it very difficult to trust a man she hadn’t seen naked, but she gave a genuine laugh when Beto offered that he might be full of shit, who really knew.

“I’ll find out soon enough, handsome devil, have no doubt about that.”

She said, locking eyes with him until Amanda spoke again, this time noting that Hecate was not fond of Haleigh, and asking what the story was there. Haleigh shrugged with one shoulder.

“She’s not fond of anyone who doesn’t immediately and continuously kiss her ass.”

Amanda: "Your sister, Spellbinder. She is Sorceress Supreme, and she is also descended from Hecate. Does it bother you having a relative who descends from the goddess of witchcraft?"

Haleigh looked over at the woman curiously.

“Why would it bother me?”

She asked, actually wondering what Amanda was implying there. It wasn’t Morgan’s fault who her ancestors were any more than it was Haleigh’s fault she was created in a test tube by Christopher Victory. Haleigh was the last person on earth to hold a person’s lineage against them.

“I don’t care where Morgan comes from, it’s what we’ve been through together that matters.”

Haleigh said, and then she was intrigued to hear Amanda mention seeing Ororo in the Sanctum. Haleigh asked if Alexia was there with her, because if so, Haleigh needed to mobilize the defense force. There was no way she was going to leave Alexia exposed to all the dangers of Manhattan, whether Ororo was there to protect her or not. Haleigh had already briefed a few platoons on how she wanted round-the-clock security for her goddaughter handled. Amanda replied that Ororo had been alone, which was a small concern, because if Ororo was busy chatting it up with Amanda in New York, WHO was watching Alexia in Limbo?

Brenthon had something to add, and this time Haleigh did show her surprise, if only slightly. Her eyebrows lifted a bit, as her eyes shifted from Amanda to Beto. He advised her to get Alexia out of Ororo’s custody asap, which Haleigh was totally on board with, even before he started to talk about various timelines in which Alexia became the Dark Queen of Limbo, known as Nightshade. To a large degree, Haleigh was proud of the little star for such an accomplishment as taking over Limbo, but still, that wasn’t the outcome she wanted.

“Well. When you mentioned being ‘lost in Limbo’, I’d imagined you Mad Max-ing it up in the Wasteland, giving the demons hell, all sweaty and sexy. To hear that my little goddaughter will, in many timelines, rule the realm is impressive, but in THIS timeline, I’m going to do everything within my power to return Alexia to her mother, where she BELONGS. I’ll call you when the time comes, and you’ll get your opportunity to help.”

She replied, her tone more serious than it had been thus far. It was a flash in the pan, and then just as quickly as she had gotten serious, she shifted back to relaxed and a shade of coquettish.

“But… how does a girl go about getting a hold of the Master of Evil in her time of need? I can’t imagine you have a cell phone.”

She asked, considering whether or not to make a ‘welcome to earth’ gift of it. Would he get as hooked on technology as everyone else, or be more wary of it, as AJ was? Haleigh’s eyes landed on Amanda again, the more modern of the pair.

“Or maybe I need to reach out to your woman to see if you can come out to play?”

She suggested, pushing buttons again, impishly.

 

[Persephone]

The bartender replenished Persephone's scotch, just in time to hear Cameron get on his high horse.

Cameron: "Are you sure you're tired of it? Being [mockingly air quoting]toyed with? Because for as long as i've known you...when given the chance to throw yourself head first into trauma, into self flatulation...you take it."

"Is that so? Coming from you? That's comical"

Cameron: "You take it and you come back from it even more numb than before, even more broken. And you never say why. You never talk about it. You leave people having to fill in the blanks and then get mad at how they did it... as if we're supposed to EVER know what you're going through.."

"You can't seriously be standing here judging me on how I handle my personal problems, Cameron. I'm sorry I don't wear my heart on my fucking sleeve, or that I don't break down into hysterics every time something horrible happens to me. I suck it up and I deal with it, like i've always done."

Cameron: "..and worse, you USE the fact that we don't know against us, like if only we KNEW you better, or really loved you, we'd understand. Well we don't. And that's your fault, Av---Persephone. Ancient as you are, you need to grow the fuck up."

"Oh fuck you."

She did keep everyone at an arms length, but she never blamed them for not understanding what she was going through. In fact, she tried her best to keep them from getting involved at all. But Cameron was going for the jugular, and the gloves were obviously off at this point.

Cameron: "I [laughing] DECIDED that a part of you wasn't good enough to keep around?! You willingly left the team to join Hellfire. I don't care about the fucking reasons behind it. At the end of the day you made a choice, and I did too. And that choice was to protect my fucking family and I did."

"And so did your WIFE. Were you this vocal to Haleigh about all this after Hellfire? Or is this only reserved for me? Let me guess, you immediately forgave her because you understood that she was only trying to protect the people she loved, even though the decision itself might have been wrong. Right? Am I getting warmer? [scoffing ] But when I do it, i'm the fucking bad guy? When I leave to protect my family, i'm the villain? [downing her drink] The hypocrisy is stifling."

Cameron: "You can't honestly sit here and talk about feelings and families...especially after what you did to Zach."

That caused her eyes to flare with anger - Cameron's knife digging in at exactly the right spot. Out of everything done within Hellfire, the situation with Zach was the one moment she wish she could have taken back. It was the ONE thing she couldn't defend or fight anyone on. So she let Cameron have that win, her jaw tight and eyes heated with fury as they remained locked with his.

Cameron: "Your choice to leave was bullshit and you know it. There is not a single person on Earth more qualified to handle life in Hellfire on their own than Haleigh. You weren't doing the noble, sisterly thing."

"For Gods sakes, Cameron! Open you fucking eyes! [laughing with exasperation] You're right! Haleigh is more qualified than anyone to handle Hellfire, but she didn't go there to "handle it". It was a fucking suicide mission! She was going to sacrifice herself ten times over to make sure that we all stayed safe, and I wasn't about to sit back like YOU - and EVERYONE ELSE - and watch her kill herself!"

Persephone shook her head, not understanding how Cameron, omega level telepath, couldn't see what was right in front of him. How Haleigh would have killed herself, and every one of her clones, to make sure that The Six and her family stayed alive.

Cameron: "I didn't just have to mourn the loss of the woman I love more than anything in the multiverse, I had to mourn a woman I have painstakingly, and vigorously tried to pull closer and closer into my life, despite it ALWAYS being on her terms. I had to mourn YOU."

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry my leaving hurt you, Cameron! But how is it that you can forgive Haleigh SO easily, yet play judge, jury, AND executioner with me?! Despite what you might think, I left because I wanted to help to my sister, NOT to hurt you or anyone else! BUT YOU?! [pointing in his face] YOU CHOSE to hurt me!"

Cameron: "We lost two of our own that night and I have to sit here and listen to you talk about not being toyed with when you walked right into Hellfire and practically presented your wrists to be slit? I don't think so. You are not a victim here. You are just somebody suffering the consequences of your own actions."

Persephone laughed despite herself, turning away from Cameron in utter disbelief. Her eyes were glazed over with tears of rage at hearing him say that everything she had endured was her fault because of her choices. But knowing he would lay next to Haleigh and comfort her and what she went through despite her making those same choices. How were they so fucking different?!

Cameron: "That pain you have over your beloved? Of how you don't know where they are? If they are okay? If you will EVER see them again? I know the feeling twofold."

Persephone whipped around, getting right in Cameron's face, GROWLING through her teeth.

"You know nothing about what i'm going through, so keep your fucking mouth shut, Cameron. You get to wake up every morning next to your wife, whose ALIVE and healthy! You get to plan a future with her! And you can stand here and fight with me all day long! You didn't 'mourn', you don't know the meaning of the fucking word!"

Despite what he might have thought, Persephone did understand why Cameron felt the way that he did. How it must have felt knowing she and Haleigh left for Hellfire and not knowing what would happen in the aftermath of that. But they were so far gone from having a civilized conversation at this point, she refused to acknowledge his pain. Especially when all he was doing was dismissing hers.

Cameron: "At the end of the day? Ava was strong enough to handle Hellfire. She's gone through tougher shit. So don't sell yourself on the lie that without Persephone, you wouldn't have made it through. Because all you've done is delay the inevitable. The same story as always. Ava goes through bad shit and spends the rest of her life being TORMENTED by it instead of actually DEALING with it. I made a judgment call...it was WRONG, but it's something I stand by. Because maybe I don't know the Persephone side of you that well...but I know Ava Cassadine, and the things you've done are things she would have rather died than stood for."

"If this is how you truly feel about me? Then why the hell are we even standing here having this conversation? Why are you so upset if i'm this much of a problem for you? The irony in EVERYTHING you're saying, is that in the twenty years that i've known you, only ONE TIME you knew me as JUST Ava. When you came to tell me Haleigh died after the Inferno, on the mountain resort? That was Ava and only Ava. I barely knew you other than being a hot headed, jackass, who was insecure and had a lot to prove. But after that? Those twenty years of friendship AFTER THAT? That was US. The jokes, the laughs, the tears, the moments of bliss and happiness. The business endeavors and personal adventures. THAT was US. NOT JUST AVA. The fact that you can even stand here and look me in the eyes and act as if you don't know the 'Persephone side of me' when that side has been here all along?! For as powerful as you are, how can you not know that i'm her? I AM her! There is no me without her. So you are right about one thing, Cameron. Ava would have been able to handle Hellfire, just like Haleigh would have been able to handle Hellfire without turning off her humanity chip. But like Haleigh, Ava needed to be turned off, because she IS Persephone's humanity. And the fact that you don't get that by now, means you don't fucking get me at all!"

It as infuriating that after all these years Cameron just saw the one part of her as his 'friend'. They were merged by a magical stone, but they were still one in the same. They were cross time alternates, whom despite their differences, were very much alike. Ava came from a cut throat family who used violence as a means of gaining financial power and status, much like Persephone used violence as a means to gain actual power and titles. Yes Persephone was far more ruthless and dark, but that was the ying and yang effect that made them work merged. Ava was that bit of humanity that kept Persephone balanced. But Cameron had proven time and again that he only cared for one part of her.

Cameron raised his glass like the cocky bastard that he was, giving a cheers to family.

Cameron: "To family."

Persephone's stare remained cold as she watched him drink his martini triumphantly. Sliding her empty glass across the bar top and away from her, he was anything but family at this point, and she be damned to cheers him.

"Well, this has been illuminating, I must say. My eyes have been opened. So, i'm going to take your advice, Cam. I'm not going to play the victim or be the martyr like you seem to think I am. I'm not going to go cry and be traumatized by the revelation that our entire friendship has been one giant fucking lie. I'm not going to be tormented by it and avoid dealing with it. I'm going to keep it very simple. Unless it's official Hellfire business or some sort of Six issue, I don't want anything to do with you."

Moving to walk away, Ava stopped.

"Oh...and if that girl [Elena] becomes an issue for your marriage, and you hurt Haleigh? What I do to her will make what I did to Zach looks like a walk in the park."

Despite her anger toward him, she didn't want to lose Cameron as a friend. It hurt her more than anything. But he made it very clear that he only cared for part of her, and that wouldn't cut it anymore. If Hellfire taught her anything, she needed to embrace the dark side of who she was instead of hiding it out of fear of not being 'accepted' in this reality. The truth was, she was doing that for most of the twenty years she had been merged together, and it was exhausting. Pushing past Cameron, Persephone headed toward The Met's exit. She was officially done with Cameron King and anyone else who thought like him.

 

[Prophet]

NYC - The Met Dining Room

This wasn't how he wanted this conversation to go. It wasn't even what he wanted to say. But he had not been alone with Ava in six months, and her barrelling into the place so flippantly, sitting there, presenting how she was..it enraged him. He couldn't stop the words coming out of his mouth, no matter how hurtful they were. He was mad at her. He loved Ava deeply, but he was just so...angry. Not even specifically at her, at the situation as a whole. And as she began to respond, it became clear. There was no resoltion to this right now. Whatever she said right now, he would just have to to take. He had unloaded on her, it was only fair to let her return the favor. And he really didn't want to fight her. It felt unfixable in this moment.

Ava: "And so did your WIFE. Were you this vocal to Haleigh about all this after Hellfire? Or is this only reserved for me? Let me guess, you immediately forgave her because you understood that she was only trying to protect the people she loved, even though the decision itself might have been wrong. Right? Am I getting warmer? [scoffing ] But when I do it, i'm the fucking bad guy? When I leave to protect my family, i'm the villain? [downing her drink] The hypocrisy is stifling."

He had been very angry with Haleigh. But it wasn't as cut and dry or as simple as Ava wanted it to be. Cameron could sense it, from the moment that Haleigh found out..she wanted to die. And when she found out about the clones, she felt like even death was now taken from her. But she gave him hope. In that parking garage, for as bloody and violent as it had been, when they were alone, when she wasn't in front of the others..he could feel it from her. She wanted to be saved. She just didn't believe she would be. And Cameron knew that feeling intimately as well. For all the work he had done, to get bigger, better, faster and stronger, it felt like Diana would always at some point claim him as her own. Even now, when he had watched her die, he was still working out how to stop her from coming back. Haleigh was a hero. But she was also somebody who never let herself believe she was. Both of them had been judged so harshly when The Six was constituted. For every bit of good they did, they were persecuted for something else, and that persecution always took center stage. Both struggled with the idea that they were bad people for a long time. It was a mantle his wife wore while also despising it and herself, because it gave her the agency, the freedom to do what needed to be done. And her power made it easier. She had gotten so good at taking the licks from the others for years, but the revelation of her origin was the thing that really threw her for a loop. Made her believe what people had told her for years. What she did at Hellfire, and why she went, Cameron would never agree with, but he understood it. And Cameron hoped that when Haleigh was finally living among these people she thought were like her that she would realize she wasn't evil. That she wasn't a villain. That she may have had similarities, but she wasn't the monster she believed herself to be.

Ava: "For Gods sakes, Cameron! Open you fucking eyes! [laughing with exasperation] You're right! Haleigh is more qualified than anyone to handle Hellfire, but she didn't go there to "handle it". It was a fucking suicide mission! She was going to sacrifice herself ten times over to make sure that we all stayed safe, and I wasn't about to sit back like YOU - and EVERYONE ELSE - and watch her kill herself!"

And it did help her. Despite Malice ever present in her mind, Cameron and Haleigh shared a connection that was just not understandable or accessible to others. He could FEEL her. Every choice she made...how bad she felt about it. How she wanted it to be different. How she knew it wasn't right. It was the real reason he shut off his emotions for a period of time after she left. Haleigh could never learn anything the easy way, despite her operational prowess. There was no other way for her to learn this lesson, and had Cameron allowed himself to be guided by his emotions, he would have foolishly pulled the trigger too early and possibly cemented both Ava and Haleigh in Hellfire forever. He only acted when both women had gotten their hands bloody, but before they made a DIRECT hit on The Six. Before Diana and Helena turned the women on their immediate families. However anyone wanted to feel about what he did was their business, but at the end of the day, he did what needed to be done, and had given BOTH of them a chance at something different. He would never be sorry for that.

Ava: "If this is how you truly feel about me? Then why the hell are we even standing here having this conversation? Why are you so upset if i'm this much of a problem for you? The irony in EVERYTHING you're saying, is that in the twenty years that i've known you, only ONE TIME you knew me as JUST Ava. When you came to tell me Haleigh died after the Inferno, on the mountain resort? That was Ava and only Ava. I barely knew you other than being a hot headed, jackass, who was insecure and had a lot to prove. But after that? Those twenty years of friendship AFTER THAT? That was US. The jokes, the laughs, the tears, the moments of bliss and happiness. The business endeavors and personal adventures. THAT was US. NOT JUST AVA. The fact that you can even stand here and look me in the eyes and act as if you don't know the 'Persephone side of me' when that side has been here all along?! For as powerful as you are, how can you not know that i'm her? I AM her! There is no me without her. So you are right about one thing, Cameron. Ava would have been able to handle Hellfire, just like Haleigh would have been able to handle Hellfire without turning off her humanity chip. But like Haleigh, Ava needed to be turned off, because she IS Persephone's humanity. And the fact that you don't get that by now, means you don't fucking get me at all!"

Objectively, yes...Cameron could understand that Persephone/Ava were the same person. Emotionally, he couldn't let himself face that fact. Part of him was angry, because while he understood her choice to follow Haleigh as something he would have done for one of his sisters, he knew that Ava would be a prime piece of meat, used to further torture Haleigh. They used Ava to punish Haleigh. Made Ava do the dirty work to highlight just how much control they had over his wife. Her being there was a weakness of Haleigh's that they could exploit, and the fact that Ava didn't realize that or worse didn't care alarmed him. Her presence there didn't HELP Haleigh. It HURT her. Hurt her in a way she didn't need to be hurt. In a way she WOULDN'T have been hurt if Ava hadn't been there. He didn't talk about it often, but he lost a sister to Hellfire already. Erika King was a good woman. Moral. Strong. Smart. And Malice warped her. Turned her against him. Offered her power. He maintained the memory of Erika cutting him open and playing with his insides at Diana's behest and it was a nightmare he still frequently had. The "best" most good person he knew fell to her. And had he not been who he was, it would have never happened. If he would have turned Erika away, not connected with her so fiercely and so intensely upon meeting her, she'd probably still be alive.

Ava: "Well, this has been illuminating, I must say. My eyes have been opened. So, i'm going to take your advice, Cam. I'm not going to play the victim or be the martyr like you seem to think I am. I'm not going to go cry and be traumatized by the revelation that our entire friendship has been one giant fucking lie. I'm not going to be tormented by it and avoid dealing with it. I'm going to keep it very simple. Unless it's official Hellfire business or some sort of Six issue, I don't want anything to do with you."

The worst part of it all? Ava had always been the defintion of a deadly beauty, but the things she did in Hellfire were on another level. She didn't just survive Hellfire. She thrived. It had been painful for her, traumatic even. But she found a strength in herself there. She found love. Somehow, it did unburden her from a lot of things she was suffering from. He wouldn't say it to the others, but he knew from the very beginning, that Haleigh would be the EASY one to rescue from Hellfire. AVA would be the challenge. Leaning into her darkness she found strength, but Cameron knew the cost that came at. She hadn't been around for The Inferno. He had. He knew what it was like to watch somebody think they had control over their darkness destroy the world. And when he saw what she had done...to Vivica...to Simon, a man who had helped her through a particularly dark time...and Zach? Somebody she really truly loved and cared about? He thought he lost her. He couldn't feel her anymore. It may have been a defense mechanism, but it unsettled him. She fell so hard and so deep into Hellfire and Alek, that he just couldn't trust her anymore. And he hated that. He'd never been able to get into Ava's mind. Sometimes it was even hard to know what she was FEELING, even with all his power. She was one of the only relationships in his life that he had to just kind of accept at face value. He saw nothing in her he recognized anymore. He only saw her freefalling. He felt like he lost her. That whoever she was to him and those around her was dead and gone. And while it was not his best moment, he decided he could hold his wife's hand as she mourned the death of her sister if it meant that she could be free from Hellfire. And because he just didn't want to live in a world where Ava was his enemy. He knew it was wrong, but he was still so raw with emotion. He couldn't apologize. Not yet. He was still too angry.

He exhaled loudly and sat his martini down, his mind clicking back into what was actually happening in front of him. God he had fucked this up badly. She was Haleigh's sister, he couldn't just let things end like this.

"Fuck. Ava! Please! I shouldn't ha--"

Ava: "Oh...and if that girl [Elena] becomes an issue for your marriage, and you hurt Haleigh? What I do to her will make what I did to Zach looks like a walk in the park."

It was too late. His anger had predetermined the outcome of this situation, but watching Ava leave left a deep pit in his stomach. He wanted to be there for her, he wanted to throttle her, he wanted to SCREAM, but he also...just wanted to hug her. Help her find Alek. Help her try and be HAPPY, like he was. Despite her words, he knew this wasn't the end for them. But it was the end of their current chapter. He sighed and looked at the bartender, before mind wiping him completely as well as everyone else in a four block radius just for good measure and because he had that kind of refinement now.

[under his breath] "I'm sorry, Ava. I love you and i'm sorry..."

He was certainly batting 1000 today. He reached out mentally for his wife, but could only vaguely perceive her. She was fine, she was safe, but she was unavailable to him. For the first time in six months...he was completely alone. Getting his phone out of his pocket, he sent a text to Delilah.

>> [to Delilah]: "So my return to New York has gone as well as expected. Care to meet a bit sooner....i've really missed you by the way. Let me know."

He continued to sit in the dining room, paying for his meal and sipping his martini, savoring every drop, while secretly wishing he was back in his hotel room with his wife, eating coconut shrimp and fucking her senseless. He knew it couldn't last forever, but he was now wishing he would have done a soft launch for his return, rather than throw himself into what he had just thrown himself into. But that was classic Cameron King for you. A grumble escaped his lips as he mindlessly scrolled through his phone, trying to calm down.

 

[Magik]

The Elysian Fields

<< The black widow, as attractive as she was, spoke with barely hidden inuendo, as she interacted with Amanda and Beto. She was a dark, twisted soul, who was well acquainted with the worst that humanity had to offer, and it was apparent to Amanda that Haleigh assumed everyone ELSE lead with these poor, base instincts. Her mistake. Her loss.>>


<< The Black Widow seemed quite pleased with herself and her title as the White Queen. Everyone from the highest echelons of the Lords Cardinal, down to even the most average/ordinary member of Hellfire, across the world, knew that MALICE had been the White Queen, she PERSONIFIED the "Crown Jewel" of the Inner Circle in a way that NONE of her counterparts in London could come close to. >>

<< The rumors about her being deposed were clearly true, and there WAS a small part of Amanda that wanted to know what happened, how anyone could possibly overcome Diana, but Margali had warned her daughter some time ago that Diana was more than a mere human, or even a metahuman, and that while her time with the Hellfire Club may have ended, the world had not heard the last of her. >>

<< Margali Szardos had reigned as the Red Queen over the london branch, and as Domino recalled, that represented one of the most unusual and "COLORFUL" periods not only for the red court but the London Branch as a whole, but the immortal gypsy mother and witch queen did not try to "hang on" to the power she had there beyond the time she was meant to have it, and whenever Margali DID speak of that time in her life, she did not speak on it with longing or nostalgia. It was simply a moment, a phase, an era, one that served HER purpose, and once it was time to move on, she did. Amanda followed her mother's example.>>

Always leave them wanting more....

“Well, Hellfire’s not for everyone, sweetheart.”

Haleigh quipped, wondering what response that small comment might provoke. Amanda was apparently descended from Hecate, she had to have hot button. Haleigh wanted to know just how easy it was to find. She was also curious about why Amanda decided to leave Hellfire, but she wasn’t going to ask so directly.

<< Amanda eyed Haleigh with a mix of curiosity, and slight pitty. Her magicks told her that Haleigh had a warped soul, and her existence was full of contradiction, pain, and heartbreak. But unlike Simon Pratt, Haleigh wouldn't accept much in the way of "outside" help, or input. >>

Mother said the world was full of lost, fractured souls like this one....but its never easy to sense, let alone lay eyes on one like this, and NOT want to help, even offer basic friendship

<< Something told Amanda that Haleigh was not one to make friends easily, but Amanda had not been drawn to Morgan because of HALEIGH.>>

You're so RIGHT, honey!

<< Nodding with feigned enthusiasm, and Lifting an eyebrow as she smirked, and held back a bit of a laugh>>

But serenity comes in having the wisdom to know that when something, or someone doesn't fit, you leave it/them behind, and move on, and that's what I did.

My eyes, my soul, are looking ahead, to things BEYOND Hellfire, and this world, this plane of existence is NOT defined by Hellfire.

One day, she, AND Beto will understand that, and move on to bigger, more important things, but that is not a lesson for ME to teach either of them.

<< She DID have confidence in Beto, despite him having hailed from a time and place where EVIL dominated the world, he seemed quite comfortable with this woman, and he found ways of communicating with her that resonated. they were both driven by avarice, greed, and other base instincts, but Amanda had a connection to Beto that went beyond/deeper than that, as they were both Romani. In a world full of smoke, mirrors, deception, and cruelty, they spotted each other, like the light from a lighthouse in a thick, paralyzing FOG. They bonded almost instantaneously and on multiple levels upon their first meeting at the Arena, and later on the Marauder ship.>>

<< to Beto, via their romani bonded psi path>> - Steady as she goes, Beto. This woman is NOT communicating in good faith

<< When Amanda asked Haleigh about Hecate, and her relationship with the goddess>>

“She’s not fond of anyone who doesn’t immediately and continuously kiss her ass.”

<< ANYONE could have offered THAT response. It was clear, from the moment Amanda lay eyes on Haleigh in the Sanctum Sanctorum, that she did not get along with most people she interacted with. She was even being aggressive and hostile toward her own sister, Firebird. >>

<< Amanda noted that Firebird seemed to immediately respond to/receive Amanda's offering of assistance. In the moment, she didn't think of it, but from then until NOW, she wondered....did it have something to do with her memory of Amanda saving her from death during the Inferno? It couldn't be that- as Haleigh confirmed that was FOXFIRE, rather than FIREBIRD, and Amanda was not aware of the ring, imbued with Foxfire's holoempathic essence, that Firebird wore. Perhaps it was because of Amanda being a sorceress, AND having a passing resemblance to Morgan (in her TRUE form, not the present one she was currently "wearing" via her magicks)? Or maybe it was just the stress of everything finally proving to be TOO MUCH for Firebird to carry on her own, which added to the FORCE of her mystic distress call.>>

<< Despite Haleigh's prickly attitude, the woman HAD come to see about her sisters, so THAT certainly counted for something, didn't it? This was a FAMILY AFFAIR, and even though AMANDA - Jimaine Szardos- IS related to Morgan, she is but a DISTANT relative. As a romani, Amanda understood there was no real hierarchy when it came to relationships and bonds- in the ultimate scheme of things, BUT because she was a relative "NEWCOMER" to THIS dynamic, she chose not interfere, choosing instead to offer comfort and support where it was most needed- The Firebird, and Spellbinder>>

<< The fact that Haleigh was obviously UNWILLING to offer any substantial response to that valid question about her issue with Hecate was a red flag, and only served to further confirm that the woman did not trust or open up easily to people she didn't know. >>

<< But prejudice and negative bias against witches and magick users wasn't unheard of, or even uncommon. it was not unlike the prejudice that people had against those of romani descent. beyond the physical/surface aspect, it often pointed to a deep seated mistrust, or even hostility toward something/someone that people didn't understand or couldnt control>>

“I don’t care where Morgan comes from, it’s what we’ve been through together that matters.”

I hope that's true...

<< But maybe Haleigh SHOULD care. History matters. BLOODLINES matter, and what happened now would effect them ALL going forward.>>

<< And then Haleigh resumed her fascination with Beto, spinning a web, and attempting to lure the gypsy king in. it was all so...obvious and transparent, but one couldnt blame a black widow for doing what comes naturally to her, but she was well aware that Haleigh would attempt to manipulate him to HER own agenda abd THAT didnt sit well with her.>>

Haleigh’s eyes landed on Amanda again, the more modern of the pair.

“Or maybe I need to reach out to your woman to see if you can come out to play?”

She suggested, pushing buttons again, impishly

<< Amanda was unmoved by Haleigh's repeated attempts to bait and goad her. She possessed far more patience than EITHER of her other two TRINITY counterparts (Spellbinder and Darkchilde) , and she was adept with dealing with ALL KINDS of people, and personality types, no matter how maladaptive and dysfunctional. if she could work with Domino, she could work with ANYONE >>

<< shrugging at Haleigh's latest attempt to bait her>>

Beto makes his own choices, my dear, as he always has. As a fellow romani, and with a shared connection to Morgan, i will always be there for him when he needs me, fate brought us together, as i helped free him from the Arena, and the clutches of the Interloper (Talisman) and i was called to be his guide into this dimension.

<< She looked at Beto, before returning the calm gaze of her sky blue eyes to Haleigh.>>

<<whatever buttons of Amanda that Black Widow was trying to push, whatever wedge the Widow might have been trying to create between Amanda and Beto, she would find that it was an exercise in futillity. Amanda had no need to be "territorial" over Beto. Theirs was a bond, and shared heritage THIS woman would never comprehend, or appreciate >>

<< a pity that this woman preferred to move in inuendo and lead with an antagonistic presentation. Amanda did find Haleigh to be interesting...in some ways... and anyone with any sense and a basic level of social skill knew the benefit, the infinite value of befriending and networking with people they met on their journey>>

this conversation grows less productive with each passing moment


<< it was now apparent to the sorceress that this communication was not only one-sided, but also a not-so-subtle attempt at manipulation and provocation. total bad faith. Amanda was here for a reason, she was SUPPOSED to be here, and so she chose to remain focused on that, as Hecate had not fully addressed her, yet. She hoped Beto would not be easily taken in by the Widow's "dance" and web spinning either, for he too had a PERSONAL stake in being here that had not been wholely revealed yet>>

<< Amanda stretched, and looked up at the beautiful sky for a moment>>

would anyone care for a drink?

<< she offered as she held out her gloved hand, and several glowing blue orbs swirled around it, as a crystal goblet, filled with one of her favorite liquid concotions, appeared in her hand's waiting grasp>>

<< she turned to see Hecate and Firebird still talking, and she felt a shift in the flowing energy around them>>

Hecate and Firebird will be joining us soon.

 

[Brenthon]

The Elysian Fields

Haleigh: "Well. When you mentioned being 'lost in limbo', I'd imagined you Mad Max-ing it up in the Wasteland, giving the demons hell, all sweaty and sexy.."

"I do not know this Max, but I did get my pound of flesh from the demon horde - and then some."

Haleigh: "To hear that my goddaughter will, in many timelines, rule the realm is impressive, but in THIS timeline, I'm going to do everything within my power to return Alexia to her mother, where she BELONGS. I'll call you when the time comes, and you'll get your opportunity to help."

<< Brenthon cocked an a critical brow. The Black Widow was Nightshade's godmother? This was an interesting development. She seemed very capable, and dangerous. And yet the only time The Dark Queen rose to power in Limbo was because of the death of every human connection she had. She was left with no other choice but to rule, to keep herself safe. >>

"It is comforting to hear she has advocates in this time. That her family is still alive. It will make all the difference."

Haleigh: "But...how does a girl go about getting a hold of the Masters of Evil in her time of need? I can't imagine you have a cell phone."

"A simple Black Sacrament ritual usually does the trick..."

<< He smirked his thick hungarian accent still managing to somehow bellow throughout the beautiful space as he spoke. >>

"As for a 'cell' phone? I have seen them, they seem far more a direct approach than blood sacrifice or carrier pigeon, but anyone I would call is dead or uses other methods."

Haleigh: "Or maybe I need to reach out to your woman to see if you can come out to play?"

[Jimaine via bond] Steady as she goes, Beto. This woman is NOT communicating in good faith."

[to Jimaine] "She is the sister of Spellbinder. She answered the call just as we did. And she cannot hurt us here. And I am no doe in the woods, Jimaine. I may be new to THIS world, but I have crushed armies, survived Limbo, made love to gods..I am not afraid of a little spider bite."

<< Haleigh gave little to no information about her relation to Hecate other than to admonish her a bit. So brazen for a mortal in a God's domain. It was almost blasphemous. But very entertaining. She finished by saying that she didn't care where Morgan came from, that what they've been through together mattered more, and that was something Brenthon felt deeply. He was cast out by his family. His entire existence had been him finding those who could accept him for who he was, despite not being related to him. Despite the fact that he was a gypsy, a person who's very culture was being destroyed by the rise of Christianity. Found family would always matter more to him, and though he had a desperate yearning to unite his people again, to teach them the old ways, he knew that not all of them were good people. That some would refuse him. Try to kill him. Just because they shared his blood didn't mean they owed him anything. The Gypsy King knew this and respected it. >>

Amanda: "Beto makes his own choices, my dear, as he always has. As a fellow romani, and with a shared connection to Morgan, i will always be there for him when he needs me, fate brought us together, as i helped free him from the Arena, and the clutches of the Interloper (Talisman) and i was called to be his guide into this dimension."

"I find all of this to be a bit comical. But yes, I am owned by no man or woman. Just as Darkchilde found me all those years ago, Amanda has found me here. She has earned my trust, my respect. And in turn, I will answer any call for help she gives...despite not having a cell phone."

<< He laughed. >>

Amanda: "Would anyone care for a drink?"

"I never turn down a drink..."

[turning to Haleigh]

"How about you? I assure you, there is only a very low chance your cup might be filled with poison."

Amanda: "Hecate and FIrebird will be joining us soon."

<< Brenthon took his drink and took a long sip. It was delicious. He'd always enjoyed conjured cocktails. Most of modern liquor tasted flat and sour to him. >>

"I hope sooner rather than later. I must admit, I am a bit anxious to get Spellbinder out of here and back to her Sanctum. I have spent enough time in otherworldly realms."

 

[Spellbinder]

The Elysian Fields

<< Morgan was ALIVE, and in RAPTURE with her beloved Rampage.>>

<< They didn't communicate verbally. It was all in mind, heart, and SOUL.>>

<< Rampage REASSURED her that he was okay now, FREE from any pain and hurt, FREE from the terror and curse of his father, that he had been able to reunite with his mother (Dominique's sister), and his grandmother, Nut ("Newt") the goddess of the skies and heavenly bodies. >>

<< He told her how his native pantheon had once again communicated with the Olympian Pantheon, particularly Athena, Hecate, and Artemis, and the two pantheons once again defied centuries, EONS of erroneous belief that different pantheons did not acknowledge or work together.>>

<< He told Morgan that he was OKAY, and that she need not worry, or HURT as she did, that he would NEVER be far from her, and that now...ANYTHING was possible.>>

<< He held her, comforted her, and told her so much MORE in order to settle her heart and her SOUL, and allow her to finally stand up again and LIVE.>>

<< He told her that she would HONOR him by LIVING in this world that his sacrifice made that much safer for her, and his auntie Dominique, and he told her that they would see each other again...and again.>>

<< The witch and the demi-god held on to one another for dear life, they communed, they merged, it was everything Morgan desperately needed, and it was just one example of how Nicolas, FAVORED WARRIOR of Athena, would be able to live on in ultimate paradise.>>

<< But soon, it was time to let go. Morgan didn't want to let go. she didn't want to come back, but Nicolas urged her on, telling her that the WORLD still needed her. She STILL had her destiny to fullfill as Sorceress Supreme, and that his sacrifice ensured she would get the chance to do just that.>>

just a few moments more....

<< And soon, they slowly pulled away from one another, with Nicolas ASSURING her he would never be far from her mind, hear heart, or her soul, and that just like his mother, his grandmother, Hecate, Athena, he would be able find his way back to her when the time was right.>>

<< Hecate and Athena summoned Firebird, and Black Widow, allowing them the chance to see and interact with Nicolas.>>

<< Firebird went first, running to her ALMOST "brother-in-law" with her arms outstretched as she leaped into his embrace, crying out with joy and grief. The demi-god held his precious Firebird tightly as she told him how much she loved and missed him. he reassured her and tasked her with continuing to "kick ass, melt hearts, and look after her sister">>

<< Minutes were not enough, but Firebird understood how this had to be. At least she'd gotten the chance to SEE him, to know he was OKAY, and to know that he and Morgan had the chance to see each other.>>

<< Soon, Blaze was reunited with her sister, Morgan. they hugged tightly, shedding tears, and expressing their emotions, as Haleigh had her chance to see Nicolas whole and vital again, in this afterlife, FREE of the curse of his birth father, Set. The hybrid and the demi-god were able to communicate, and he assured her there were no hard feelings, dispelling all the lies (about him, at least) that Malice had tried to spin during her reunion with her daughter.>>

<<And after Nicolas bid Black Widow farewell, he turned his gaze and his smile upon Firebird and Spellbinder, before Athena, and Nut held out their hands to him, and he returned to them.>>

<< This wasn't the END for Nicolas King, it was the beginning of a glorious afterlife that he had EARNED and Hecate hoped that now Morgan knew her soul mate was SAFE, FREE OF PAIN AND FREE from Set's CORRUPT touch, FULLY aware, and AT PEACE, she would finally what she needed to take HER much needed step forward.>>

I LOVE you, Nicolas, with ALL my heart!

<< Morgan and Blaze held on to each other, as they watched Nicolas join Athena and Nut, and the trio soon depart from view, with Hecate reassuring them that he was in the best possible hands, and that they would see him again when the time was right.>>

<< After he was gone, Morgan and Blaze hug each other tightly again, both women supporting each other in this moment>>

Blaze....you never left me.

Blaze: Not for one second, Morg. But I was afraid! After you shut down, MOM and I...we tried to wake you...we tried EVERYTHING we could but NOTHING worked....so I called for help from HECATE!

Hecate: and it was the RIGHT thing to do, my child! For where humans, even those that you call..."METAHUMAN" FAIL, GODS must step in, and where SCIENCE fails, MAGICK will ALWAYS prevail. Morgan has understandably lost her way. And now, MOMMY is here to make EVERYTHING better!

<< Hecate said with such warmth and upbeat reassurance, as she came close to Morgan , gently caressing her face>>

Hecate: Reuniting you with Rampage was important, to restart your HEART, and to restore your SOUL. Both you AND he needed that, DESERVED that, after the trauma you'd endured. but there is ONE MORE thing that has to be done.

<< Morgan looked around, she saw>>

Morgan: Haleigh?? << Morgan said with surprise and approval, PLEASED that BOTH her sisters were present>> You're here!?

Blaze: she heard my distress call too, and she came, and so did they... << gesturing to Amanda Sefton and...>>

Morgan: << Morgan WOULD have recognized Amanda Sefton, were she NOT wearing a Magickal DISGUISE at the moment, but she DID recognize>> BRENTHON!? FROM THE MASTERS OF EVIL!? HERE AGAIN!?

<< FLASH!>>

<< Several years ago. New York City, at night. ILLUSTRA, the 107th floor, Morgan's luxury penthouse apartment.>>

<< POST-VALIANT>>

<< BRENTHON had just appeared in the home of Spellbinder and was immediately spotted by her enchanted familiar, Tinker, the siamese cat. Tinker immediately raised a fuss and alarm, which drew Morgan's attention, and she appeared to confront Brenthon>>

Spellbinder: WHO are you!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE!

<< The sorceress was powering up for an ATTACK, even as Brenthon tried to explain to her that he'd been sent to her by HIS timeline's ORORO, ahead of an impending attack by the energy creature, BLACK!>>

<< But even as Spellbinder confronted Brenthon, BLACK showed himself, and was about to attack Spellbinder, manifesting a Nega-Bomb that would not only OBLITERATE HER, but destroy ILLUSTRA, and everything around it!>>

<< Brenthon snatched up Tinker, and DIVED for Spellbinder, tackling her and teleporting all three of them out before Black could detonate the Nega-Bomb>>

<< Spellbinder REMEMBERED all of it. She remembered meeting HER cross time alternate, the Darkchilde, the MoE timeline's Ororo, and how Black was targeting the two KNOWN members of Hecate's Dark Trinity, forcing the MoE to work with others across timelines to evade and defeat him. Brenthon had SAVED her from Black's assassination attempt! But he was from a dimension where EVERYONE, including HER crosstime alternate, were dedicated to....>>

EVIL....

Hecate: It's ALRIGHT, Spellbinder. Nothing has changed...He's NOT here to harm you. Not that I would even ALLOW IT. Quite the contrary, he's here to BARE WITNESS!

Morgan: WITNESS....to??

<< She looked at Amanda Sefton again, but that sorceress' magicks PREVENTED Morgan from seeing her as she TRULY was. Again, ONLY Beto (because of their shared Romani heritage, and because Amanda consciously allowed him to perceive her EITHER in her true form, OR the magickal disguise she wore), and Hecate could actually SEE Amanda as she truly was. >>

Morgan: WHO is SHE!?

Hecate: SHE, my dear, is a sister sorceress, and MORE. She is a RELATIVE of yours. << Morgan and Blaze stare at Hecate in disbelief>> But before we go any further, let us return to a more APPROPRIATE place. The Elysian Fields are for Athena's favored, fallen warriors. ALL OF YOU are among the LIVING, and at least ONE of you is certainly NOT favored by Athena << Hecate said with a laugh, as she cast a not so subtle glance at Haleigh>>. There is more to be addressed and taken care of BEFORE you can return to earth.

<< a chime, similar to spellbinder's or amanda's sonic signature, but at a lower tone/registry, sounds off, as they RETURN to the Enchanted Forest, which is ITSELF the first/ORIGINAL manifestation of the eldritch dimension that would come to be known as Otherplace/Limbo.>>

 

[Hecate]

The Enchanted Forest

<< Back in the Enchanted Forest, Hecate stands before them all. She is pleased that her efforts to revive Spellbinder's HEART and reignite the SPARK in her SOUL have worked, with a small, but TIMELY assist from Persephone, as well as Athena, and Nut. The effort that went into this proves, once again, the Hecate ALWAYS takes care of her own.>>

<< But there is more to be done.>>

<< Eyes must be opened and truly face what is to come. Knowledge must be shared. BODIES must be HEALED and repositioned on a new path and purpose!>>

<< Hecate steps forward, reaching Morgan Victoria, and taking her hands into her own>>

Morgan, you represent one third of my legacy, the TRINITY, not JUST of the moon, but across the multiverse, so that I can NEVER be broken so easily, as it once was in its original incarnation.

<< And so the CONDENSED version of the story is told>>

<< FLASH!>>

<< The Moon, the large, GLORIOUS moon BATHES Olympus in its spectral light.>>


<< In that moon, we see the images of Artemis- Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt (The Maiden); Demeter- Goddess of the Moon and of Nature (Mother) ; and Hecate- Goddess of the Moon and Witchcraft (Crone) >>

<< Together, these women represented the TRINITY of the moon, and three phases and ultimately the PRIMAL POWER of goddesses, and women in general.>>

<< But the combined efforts of Hera, a a petty and jealous goddess blinded by her devotion to her disloyal husband, Zeus; Zeus, an abusive, power mad, and dictatorial god who only viewed women as his play things; Hades, Zeus' brother and willing co-conspirator; and Persephone, an unwitting PAWN (to a point) and TARGET because of her friendship to Hecate, all played their part in DESTROYING the Trinity of the Moon, as Demeter was brutally murdered by Persephone in her quest for power (along with just the right amount of manipulation by Hades).>>
<< This was a brutal blow to Hecate, who was weakened not only in her position on Olympus, but in general, leaving her a prime target for attack and sexual assault at the hands of Hades, the god she had once been betrothed to, before Zeus (At Hera's urging) convinced Hades to turn from Hecate, to Persephone.>>

<< From that act of violence, came Ravena, son of Hades and Hecate. Hecate tried to tolerate this everlasting reminder of Hades' ultimate act of violence and violation, but Ravena began displaying his father's dark and twisted tendencies at an early age, leading Hecate to disown him and cast him out of Olympus.>>

<< He went to the Underworld with his father, where his darkest, most twisted impulses were not only nurtured, they were AMPLIFIED, and eventually, he was unleashed on Earth, where he took power and command over the Undead, and became Earth's ORIGINAL Sorcerer Supreme.>>

<< Soon, he would take Lachesis, the Allotter, a TIME GODDESS, as his WIFE, and from that union, Hecate's bloodline did grow and BRANCH OUT over the passage of time. >>

<< Spellbinder, Firebird, Amanda Sefton, and the others watched as their Family Tree literally unfolded in beautiful, haunting display, they saw all sorts of magick users, and more than one Sorcerer/Sorceress Supreme from different eras down through history, INCLUDING Margali Szardos.>>

*<< Brenthon was CORRECT in his earlier speculation on the Marauder ship, he HAD crossed paths with Margali even in his OWN native timeline, and he HAD known some of Amanda/Jimaine's ancestors>>

<<Those assembled in the enchanted forest would also ALSO see the dawn of the King/Marble/Shaw branch of the family tree- Leading to Kelly King/Shaw, Alison Marble, Erica King, and Cameron Kinga; AND the branch that contained the Szardos bloodline; And others, all the way to the Victoria branch - ALL beginning Ravena and Lachesis, the Allotter. ALL flowing from HECATE, the source of ALL magick and witchcraft!>>

You always wondered, Morgan, why you and Alison INSTINCTIVELY took to each other, after your mother, Shadow Weaver introduced the two of you. It was NO random thing that Shadow Weaver FOUND Alison when/how she did. It was not mere "chemistry" that lead you and Alison to TRUST each other and draw to each other, even to the exclusion of others around you. You are FAMILY, you are MY blood, MY legacy, MY PROPHECY come to FRUITION.

And no matter what has happened , even now, my will MUST be done.

You SHUT DOWN after you were AMBUSHED by Talisman.

yes...TALISMAN TOO, DESPITE her treacherous ways, is a relative of yours too.

<< Hecate smirked at the thought of Kelly Shaw. She is a TROUBLESOME, WAYWARD witch, that one, one that was LONG overdue for some discipline, as only a FOREMOTHER could give. She behaves more like PAN, the naughty, and scheming goat god, than she does like a witch descended from the Goddess of Witchcraft! >>

She INJURED you, and TEMPORARILY separated you from your witchcraft, but she could NOT effect your SOUL LINK to your time/space power, OR your elemental embodiment of WIND/AIR.

So LOST were you in your grief and despair, that you FORGOT who you WERE, you FORGOT who you CAME from, and where your TRUE power comes from. You lost your way, lost YOURSELF, you went down a...CHAOTIC path to say the least, and not once did YOU bother to call ME.

I WOULD be unhappy....ANGRY even. BUT...I understand.

I felt the SAME WAY after what Persephone (along with Hera, Zeus, and Hades) did to me, to the Trinity of the moon, and that was the FINAL insult that I endured before casting the curse of the Red Moon, actually, that same night when I declared my will and legacy would be REBORN through YOU , and TWO other distinct points across the multiverse (Darkchilde and Magik)

Initially, I was all too happy to allow Circe to be my disciple, and through her, launch a BLOODY campaign of terror that gave even the OLYMPIANS pause as earth began to run RED with the blood of the humans who worshiped them. Eventually, EVERY man feared that ANY woman he saw could be ME out to destroy them.

<< It would not be lost on Black Widow, that Morgan, and her mother both, had been violently distrustful of men when she first met them, due to the extreme trauma they had both endured and survived at the hands of Christopher Victory. Not to mention Morgan's repeated assaults at the hands of Black. Alison was repulsed by Cameron that she had set up her own brother to be MURDERED in the Citadle. History had a way of repeating itself, and some hurts, some traumas did INDEED have a genetic IMPRINT throughOUT a bloodline.>>

BUT it took Circe's treachery to show me the grave mistake I had made while in a blood thirsty, vengeful rage, and wanting to PUNISH not only the Olympians, but those who worshiped them.

Thankfully, Persephone, Athena, along with the Amazons, and your companions in the Six did help to restore order, allowing me to deliver the final blow to Circe, AND recover my friendship with Persephone.

I know what it is to be broken, Spellbinder, and I am here before you now to CORRECT what was temporarily broken by Talisman's attack on you, and RESTORE YOU in BODY just as you have been RESTORED in HEART AND SOUL.

Now that you have been reunited with Nicolas King, now that you KNOW he is alright, and FREE of any pain and distress that once plagued him, it's time for you to face FORWARD, THROW OFF any subconscious blocks, and RECLAIM the power that is YOURS by birthright!

It's time for you to be who you were meant to be, AGAIN. To guide and COMMAND the forces of magick on earth and the stars above!

<< The Moon , now large, and glowing with its spectral light, seems to be positioned perfectly above Hecate and Spellbinder as a pentagram of POWER forms around the two women. Hecate then guides Morgan into the center of the pentagram, and she herself steps OUT of it. Hecate lifts her hands, as she begins to conduct a symphony of magick and POWER, from the moon and stars above, all through the air, and around the enchanted forest>>

Do as I COMMAND, Spellbinder. Lift your hands, and CALL your SOUL SWORD AND RECLAIM YOUR POWER!

 

[Spellbinder]

The Enchanted Forest

<< Morgan Victoria, who was now fully conscious and aware, recognized this place.>>

<< The Six had been here during the Red Moon/Olympian caper. This was where the "seeds" that would lead to Morgan, her mother, and Alison were first "planted" by Hecate!>>

<< This was also where Alison accepted her destiny to become Harbinger, the Keeper of Time.>>

<< And now, here they were again, as Hecate began to reveal more than they could imagine. No longer locked in numbing darkness, OR a nightmare, It was like a WILD dream that Morgan couldn't believe as Hecate told and SHOWED her, Blaze, and the others.>>

Morgan: << To Blaze, via their sibling rapport>>- BLAZE!?

Blaze: << to Morgan via their sibling rapport>>- I see and hear it all too. You're NOT crazy. And look! We have relatives we didn't even KNOW about Like AMANDA SEFTON!? BUT...why does she....she looks DIFFERENT in the "family tree" image than she does standing here in front of us!

Morgan: WAIT A MINUTE! You keep referring to Amanda Sefton BUT she....I....

<< the sorceress noticeably shakes her head, even as Hecate is speaking. Morgan was having a hard time with all of this>>

Morgan to Blaze: It's all coming at us SO fast...I have questions...and I don't know if I'm ready....I don't know if i WANT....

Blaze: But Morg, you heard what Nic said. The world NEEDS you. You KNOW he's safe and okay now. He can never be hurt by Set again, no one's gonna be able to kill him again. He's free of all that, and he's as strong as he ever was, and he's sort of like Hecate and Athena, he IS a demi-god, after all. TRUST Hecate, Morgan, she would never hurt you, or set you up for a fall. Look at what she's done so far?! You're on the cusp of BIG come back, and just think! We can get some PAYBACK on that BITCH Talisman, not only for what she did to you, but what she did to our MOTHER. Alison even said she'd HELP us!

<< But then it came....Talisman, along with Harbinger, and Prophet were ALL RELATED to Spellbinder and Firebird>>

Blaze: oh GAWD...I've seen Cameron NAKED before, HELL, I tore off his clothes before...AND...I MADE OUT WITH HIM MORE THAN ONCE....

Morgan: WHAT!?

Blaze: it was when you were in Limbo for that LONG time after the Blue Moon. We would drink together in your apartment at Melrose Place, ALOT, and we'd argue about stuff, and one thing lead to another and...

<< Morgan looked AWAY from Hecate for a moment, as she erupted with "laughter" via their rapport as Blaze noticeably BLUSHED- a RARE thing for the fire elemental who was HARDLY embarrassed, and usually REVELED in being MESSY. the only person who'd know WHY Blaze was suddenly blushing there in front of everyone was Morgan, and more than likely, Hecate, who was looking at BOTH of them knowingly just now even as she remarked on what a TROUBLEMAKER Talisman was.>>

Morgan AND Blaze: OH. MY GODDESS!? We're RELATED to Cameron....AND ALISON!

<< The idea of being related to ALISON didn't ROCK them in a bad way. in fact, it felt like long awaited confirmation in some ways. The idea of being related to CAMERON didn't necessarily ROCK Blaze, considering how CLOSE she had been to her NATIVE timeline's version of him, although the nature of her relationship with him in THIS timeline had taken a rather SALACIOUS turn more than once. But TALISMAN?! They were related to HER!? THAT was SOAP OPERA LEVEL MESS right there! >>

Morgan: I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! Alison Marble, and CAMERON!? CAMERON FUCKING KING!?

<< Morgan immediately thought about all of these vicious fights they had back when she first met him, her trying to destroy him utterly during The Inferno, their SECRET, one-time and torrent affair out on the Pacific Palisades, that no one knew to this day! The arguments, the hugs, the night she found him in the Parthenon parking garage after he cheated on longtime Six Ally, and current "Bird of Prey", Alycia Barnett, with HALEIGH. The unexpected BONDING they had...>>

Blaze: AND that BITCH, TALISMAN! WHAT KIND OF FUCKERY IS THIS!?

Morgan: Magickal and COSMIC fuckery, of the HIGHEST order...

Blaze: Well, I DON'T CARE! I Still want to BUST HER HEAD OPEN!


<< Morgan, who was still reeling from EVERYTHING since she had REVIVED, now actually felt a bit DIZZY from Hecate's history lesson and truth bomb, and the images that accompanied it. SOME of what Hecate had told them about HER past, Morgan had seen during the Red Moon/Olympian caper, but to hear it all NOW in this new backdrop, to learn that Hecate herself had been abused, betrayed, and sexually assaulted, and she actually had a SON who helped to perpetuate the blood line....NOW so many things made more sense. Things like Barbas, things like Morgan (and her mother)'s hatred of men; the reason why she and Alison were so drawn to each other from the moment they first met, even knowing that Karen finding Alison was no random thing. OTHER things too, like why she felt like she already KNEW Persephone, even though she hadn't met her until AFTER she was rescued from the Siege Perilous.>>

<< Persephone's relationship with Hecate ran so deep that it REPEATED itself in her relationship with Darkchilde, Spellbinder, and Harbinger!>>

<< SO MANY THINGS were making sense now as Hecate's words sunk in...but the one thing that COULDN'T be answered by all of this was why Morgan should CARE about her DESTINY as Sorceress Supreme.>>

<< YES, she heard Nicolas, and YES, she wanted to HONOR him, make SURE his sacrifice wasn't in vain...but ....she wanted HIM. HERE. WITH HER. It just wasn't FAIR. YES, he was SAFE, and YES he was favored by Athena and all that...but WHAT ABOUT MORGAN?>>

What about US...we were supposed to be ENGAGED by now. We're supposed to be MARRIED, and have a DAUGHTER, VICTORIA KING. OTHER members of the Six even SAW her in various timelines across the time stream, but *I* didn't get to see her. and NOW I.....

IT'S NOT FAIR!

<< She wanted to pull away from Hecate, and flee the Enchanted Forest. She wanted to RETURN to the Elysian Fields, find Nicolas, and TAKE HIM AWAY WITH HER to a place that NONE of the Six would find them, touch him OR hurt him, hurt them, ruin their lives, THEIR destiny. She wanted to take him to Limbo, where SHE RULED, and could do/be/HAVE ANYTHING she WANTED! and truth be told, she COULD do this, ALL of it. She could have HER way, even if she had to circumvent time and space to do it!>>

<< But she heard his voice, saw his face in her mind, FELT him in her heart. She KNEW that was not the way to honor him. She HAD to carry on. The world, the MAGICKAL community at large DID need her, so did her mother and Mike, her sisters, even little Tinker, and so many others. They needed her, and she needed them.>>

<< Blaze had spent six months caring for Morgan, what kind of SLAP in the face would it be for Morgan to abandon her, and their mother, AGAIN, and Haleigh had been so SUPPORTIVE of her prior to Nicolas' death...>>

<< She was so TORN right now, even as Hecate talked!>>

I know what it is to be broken, Spellbinder, and I am here before you now to CORRECT what was temporarily broken by Talisman's attack on you, and RESTORE YOU in BODY just as you have been RESTORED in HEART AND SOUL.

Now that you have been reunited with Nicolas King, now that you KNOW he is alright, and FREE of any pain and distress that once plagued him, it's time for you to face FORWARD, THROW OFF any subconscious blocks, and RECLAIM the power that is YOURS by birthright!

It's time for you to be who you were meant to be, AGAIN. To guide and COMMAND the forces of magick on earth and the stars above!

<< Morgan stood up a bit straighter. She couldn't run away again. The last time she fled, after the Blue Moon, so many TERRIBLE things had happened, and TOO MANY "would be" power grabbers, Talisman included, CAPITALIZED on Spellbinder's prolonged abesence.>>

<< Unbeknownst to Morgan, MARGALI SZARDOS, a former Sorceress Supreme HERSELF, had remarked, matter of factly, that Morgan never DID quite understand the NECESSITY of her PRESENCE and ENGAGEMENT with the magickal forces- from earth to the stars above, and the magickal COMMUNITY as a whole, and everytime she was GONE for prolonged periods, things AND people SUFFERED.>>

Blaze to Morgan: Morg, PLEASE. You dont know what's happened , you DON'T KNOW what it was like all these months for me and MOM, all these people came to HELP when I called for Hecate. Don't let this all be for NOTHING! I KNOW you want Nicolas back, I do too...but we KNOW that with time, and MAGICK, ANYTHING is possible. Just look at Grammie (Verna). But Its like I told you during the DREAMTIME event...it's like NIC just told you in the Elysian Fields, the world needs YOU, HERE, NOW. Show them. Show them ALL how a DIVA does it!

<< The Moon , now large, and glowing with its spectral light, seems to be positioned perfectly above Hecate and Spellbinder as a pentagram of POWER forms around the two women. Hecate then guides Morgan into the center of the pentagram, and she herself steps OUT of it. Hecate lifts her hands, as she begins to conduct a symphony of magick and POWER, from the moon and stars above, all through the air, and around the enchanted forest>>

Do as I COMMAND, Spellbinder. Lift your hands, and CALL your SOUL SWORD AND RECLAIM YOUR POWER!

For YOU, Nicolas! I do this for YOU, to HONOR you, as you asked, and I PROMISED!

<< And as Hecate begins to conduct a mystical symphony of restoration and POWER, winds whistle and pick up speed around the enchanted forest, thunder rolls and rumbles, and spellbinder's power signature sounds off.>>

Hecate: WHO ARE YOU?!

I AM SPELLBINDER, QUEEN OF LIMBO, AND SORCERESS SUPREME!

<< She cries out, as she summons her Soul Sword, and TRANSFORMS. Hecate RESTORES her, UNLOCKING Spellbinder's link to her "god head", allowing her to FIRMLY take her place in the Dark Trinity as the "MOTHER" and as her transformation COMPLETES with her signature CHIME at the end, she ALSO debuts a NEW look , GOLDEN eldritch armor, a newly modified Soul Sword to reflect her newly DEADLY refined, edge and a head dress that pays homage to the demonic HORNS she once had during the Inferno Event!>>

<< Spellbinder is BACK.>>

<< and Hecate, the Moon Goddess, AND the Goddess of Witchcraft, COMPLETES the mystical symphony of restoration and POWER, nodding with satisfaction.>>

Welcome BACK, my child!

<< Hecate GESTURED toward Spellbinder>>