Deadly reunions!

[Malice]

Under the circumstances...

:: Malice met Harbinger face to face as the seer spoke. the telepath shakes hands with the woman, agreeing to the truce on behalf of the sisterhood.::

Yes...we agree to the truce. It is the only way to ensure BOTH sides manages to live on, FREE of this...this..BRUTE.

:: Malice looked on as Harbinger and Mike locked horns on Nicolas.::

telepathically to Helena: Mike almost blindly defends Nicolas. I had no idea he caused such polarized positions within The Six. I knew Alison was bloodthirsty...but even now, I sense a bitterness in her heart, that quite possibly would only be satisfied with Nicolas' DEATH.

:: an observation.::

:: and then, Mike brazenly addresses MALICE. the telepath was too weary to demonstrate disdain..so she just went with the flow.::

I need time to rest, I've pushed myself to the point where I could have done irrepairable damage to myself. When the time comes, I would only need to protect those who have no means of protection, which at this moment would be Helena, yourself, Persephone and Morningstar. Firebird is wearing a talisman that was charmed by Spellbinder and Harbinger, Silver Swan and...Shadow Weaver all have psi screens.



That brute ONLY got the drop on me...on US because we didnt know what we were up against, but your precog is right. If we put together what we've seen and learned from this. We can strike back...rescue each of our team mates and we can DESTROY him.

My knowledge of the human mind extends beyond the fact that I'm a telepath. I'm also an empath. There's no known force on earth that can BREACH a bonafied psi screen and so, if he is going to try to attack so many defenses at once, he will be lacking ELSEWHERE I'm sure.

I can try to scan for any trace of Nicolas' thoughts, see if he's even REMOTELY capable of asserting control of himself.




:: Harbinger spoke of them needing medical attention and recovery.::

The facilities of the Hellfire Club are available. But without Isis, we can't teleport back there. We'll need Morningstar's wormhole.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

<< there was that brief moment. the look exchanged between Karen and Helena was all that was needed. Helena was gratefull that her arch rival had saved her. It wasnt what she would have expected but this situation was bigger than both of them. Karen looked at Helena and for the first time, perhaps EVER, the doctor's own look was one of "understanding" as she and Helena returned to their respective team mates.>>


<< As Karen checked Delilah and Sharon, then Ava, offering to help them if they needed it...she begin to show signs of agitation as she spoke of failing her daughter. Firebird grabbed Karen and protested the doctor's assertion that she'd failed her daughter...instead reaffirming all the GOOD that the doctor had done, how HARD she tried to save Morgan. This alternate Blaze DEFINATELY was different than mainstream Foxfire.>>

<< in that moment, she kept the doctor from sinking into despair but the DEFINATE change and shift in the doctor's countenance and personality was EVIDENT by her new code name and the recent magick she had begun to ignite.>>

All i could think about was Morgan's desire to be free. I could FEEL IT. I'm her MOTHER...I did EVERYTHING I could to free her and STILL it was not enough! << she shut her eyes, trying to hold back tears of pain and anger.>> But ultimately... You're right Blaze. But the only way we can rescue Morgan and the others, is by KILLING HIM!

<< her tone was cold and bitter and It wasnt clear if she meant Nicolas AND/OR his "father", but she was steadfast in her resolve. They overheard Harbinger and Mike arguing.>>

STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!

<< she snaps with such hostility in her tone.>>

Nicolas may be a foolish boy at times, Alison. You may not approve of him. and Alison may strike you as cliquish and disdainfull, Mike...but NONE OF THAT MATTERS NOW. This is a NIGHTMARE and It wasnt her prophecy that caused this, it was obviously MEANT to happen. It probably has something to do with why ISIS was after Nicolas to begin with! NOW we have to FIX IT before its too late for them...for ALL of us!

We have people that we care about in the clutches of an INHUMAN MONSTER! Did you SEE what he did to ISIS!? he...VIOLATED HER with such WANTON PLEASURE...what will he do to Haleigh? to MY DAUGHTER!? I will GO TO MY DEATH before I let him posess her like this forever...and I'll use the most abominable spells in the darkhold to destroy him if i have to!

We have to ESPECIALLY save Nicolas. He may NOT be in control of himself, but I cannot lie... If he, while under the thrall of that monster, HURTS my little girl...I may NOT be able to forgive him. If he does something to Morgan, Haleigh or even ISIS...NONE of us may be able to see him the same way again...the EMOTIONAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL trauma alone would be YEARS in recovery.

We must move quickly...and do what we can for ALL of them, INCLUDING Nicolas before he crosses the point of no return.




<< Blaze offered a reassuring hand to Karen as they all stand up and agree to a truce. Malice offers the Hellfire Mansion as a sanctuary to them all.>>

Their medical facilities, combined with mine and Alison's magick and Malice's psi powers should be enough for us to repair any damage sustained by anyone in battle.

 

[Seer]

and so

<< they were ALL reeling from what happened. emotions were frayed, minds were ablaze...it was a nightmare come true.>>

<< Even ALISON couldnt have imagined that her prophecy would come to pass like THIS. She and Mike were not seeing eye to eye. She felt the best way to deal with the problem was to KILL Nicolas and Mike was not only calling her out, but he was even attempting to blame HER for not doing enough to stop the prophecy from coming to pass. But before THAT argument could eclipse the more pressing issue, Shadow Weaver erupted in anger demanding silence.>>

<< soon, with a wormhole courtesy of Morningstar, the Six AND the siserhood were at the hellfire mansion. back in NYC.>>

<< they were underground in the state of the art medical facility that was furnished by mystech technology and together, the group began to help each other in their recovery and healing. spells of healing, malice's psi powers repairing any psychic or emotional damage...everyone did what they could. THAT was the first step. they couldnt POSSIBLY talk rationally and work toward anything concrete until they recovered themselves.>>

<< Alison and Mike MIGHT even find that they could come to some sort of agreement as well. but as unforgiving as the seer could be...deep in her heart, she knew that Nicolas shouldnt just be thrown away. she wouldnt just stand by if it were MORGAN melting down into the Inferno and had she been present for the Silver Swan's initial rampage, she PROBABLY would have been just as adamant about saving Sharon as Morgan was. But part of her problem was that she had YET to FORGIVE Nicolas for what he'd said to her, and for his treatment of Morgan on Aerie.>>

<< so many things, contributing to and leading up to this nightmare. asessing blame was pointless, finding a solution was the only thing that mattered. and so, the Six and the Sisterhood gathered themselves together...with Malice providing them all with rooms to clean up and refresh themselves in. For her to be a legendary sociopathic evil woman, she presented the utmost in hospitality at this luxurious mansion, but it was all very rehearsed. she was accustomd to entertaining and knew what to do, PLUS there was the truce. Neither she nor Helena would EVERseek any of these people out for TEA AND CAKES after this was all over. >>

<< soon the time would come for them to meet, discuss the situation, and search for ANSWERS. only THEN could they go forward with a new plan to save their loved ones and destroy this creature that had taken hold of Nicolas.>>





elsewhere

<< where ever Haleigh, Morgan and Dominique were taken...Haleigh had managed to reach Morgan JUST before they were moved. and now, the hybrid was close to the two sorceresses.>>

<< Morgan began to stir, her sword still within her grasp and her armour manifested over the hand which held the sword along with with that arm, shoulder and chest area. Isis was coming around as well.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

hmmm...

<< her face frowned up...as she began to stir. the flame of her sword provided the soft light she needed to guide her to full consciousness.>>

<< had it been a dream? no. the Soul Sword was there...and so was Haleigh and Isis.>>

...where?

<< she see's Haleigh and whispers>>

Haleigh...Haleigh!!! you're here...the others?

<< no one is around...except Isis.>>

we...we've been captured...by Nicolas and that...creature.

<< she sat up slowly.>>

Are you hurt? do you need healing? Did he kill the others? I'm going to KILL HIM!

<< If Nicolas or anyone ELSE thought she would "obey" or become a queen to some unspeakable horror, they were mistaken. What the monster may not have counted on...was Morgan's almost ELEMENTAL hatred of men subjugating women...and what was WORSE, if she were traumatized beyond the point of no return, they COULD very well have an INFERNO II on their hands. Right now though Morgan was determined to save herself, Haleigh and even Isis.>>

We can't leave Isis behind either...did you see what he DID to her!?

I dont know WHAT has come over Nicolas, but i don't want him touching me...not now...not EVER!

<< she was unaware that the monster had called out Haleigh's OWN hidden feelings about Nicolas.>>

We have to liberate him from this monster, before he does something he will have to live with forever regretting!

<< Morgan WANTED to believe in Nicolas...but how could she? after what he did to Isis. Seeing how he so WILLINGLY complied with this creature. Her bloodthirsty resolve was merely a mask to hide just how scared she was. her thoughts were hidden her mind couldnt be controlled or dominated telepathically, but she didnt know what was going to happen. She COULD escape to Limbo, taking Haleigh and Isis with her, but what about Nicolas? She honestly DIDNT know what to do...and knowing that she was captured from her team mates...she worried what state THEY were left in.>>

<< her "mother/child" bond with her mother and her sisterly bond with Blaze would proove most vital to her during th is time in captivity.>>

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh was the only one conscious during the move.... and she slowly let go of Morgan's ankle as she looked around. All was silent... Nicolas and his 'father' were not immediately detectable... and the sudden quiet lull was a welcome change from the trainwreck of action that had preceded it. Alison's potion had taken full effect now.... Haleigh was free of her crippling migraine and her other systems were righting themselves. Morgan began to stir, and Haleigh moved a little closer to her. Morgan called for Haleigh in a whisper, and Haleigh responded at an equal volume.

Haleigh...Haleigh!!! you're here...the others?

"No.... it's just us.... and her [nodding in Isis' direction as Morgan says they'd been captured]. Yes... they've taken us somewhere else... I was trying to transport you back to the team.... I guess I got pulled along WITH YOU when they abducted you. Well.... at least we're TOGETHER."

She responds.... not being intentionally misleading or deceitful: she too had been 'out of it' when the being had voiced his motivations for capturing her.... so she wasn't acutely aware of WHY she'd been targeted either... nor did she know that she'd been called out in front of the others on her feelings for Nicolas, whatever they might be.

Are you hurt? do you need healing? Did he kill the others? I'm going to KILL HIM!

"No, I'm alright-- healing potion. You?? You were out a while... bad head wound. You're not feeling dizzy, tired, nauseous? Maybe you need some water... [she offered a metallic canteen, indirectly proving her powers were still working, which was a good sign] When we left they were in bad shape but he didn't kill them... he hardly even tried, I'm afraid. They were throwing everything they HAD at him... it didn't even FAZE him... I've never seen anything like it. Even MALICE was strained. We're going to have to work TOGETHER.... [eyeing Isis] ALL of us. I don't think even the soul sword will do it at this point."

did you see what he DID to her!?

"[grimly]Yes.... I saw it.... [locking eyes with Morgan, looking concerned]We're going to have to be REALLY careful, Morgan... ESPECIALLY you... something's come over Nicolas... I've never seen him act like that before... I'm worried about you.... in his delusion... he may think he's.... entitled... to you. [pausing warily] He's stronger than BOTH of us.... his powers have CLEARLY been augmented by this... monster... it called him his 'son'.... we may not be able to hold him off.... it's like when I had to fight Firebird while Malice was playing puppetmaster.... you may have to HURT him to save him... without killing him. It's a hard line to walk.... in the heat of the moment.... it's easy to misjudge your own strength and go overboard."

It was half a warning AGAINST Nicolas and half a warning FOR him... Haleigh was relieved that Morgan still felt they needed to HELP Nicolas... she had worried that Alison might have 'gotten' to her but Morgan too believed Nicolas had to be FREED from this being, rather than written off and destroyed.

 

[Spellbinder]

an unknown location

<< Morgan gratefully took the canteen from Haleigh and drank the water.>>

Thank you...

<< she touched her head...the wound. and began to use her magick to heal it.>>

I feel stiff more than anything. my sword leaped into my hand from Limbo, without me calling it, that's how i KNOW we're in terrible danger. Alison was right...not that I doubted her, but everything just happened so FAST!

<< as Haleigh told Morgan that the Six did everything they could and that even MALICE and the Sisterhood were fighting the creature, the sorceress was definately moved by that.>>

This is a nightmare! The creature threatens ALL of us...the six, the sisterhood and MORE. I'll check on Isis now and make sure she's allright. I think she'll be willing to work with us for the common goals of survival and escape.

<<THe hybrid had seen what Nicolas did to Isis as well. THEY ALL had. as Haleigh offered her warning, Morgan looked at her. Nicolas was physically stronger than BOTH of them. Morgan had a high level of strength and Haleigh had a high level of durability and was not without her own level of superstrength but the danger was clear and present. >>

I know...and believe me...I can't get THAT out of my head now. I dont want him TOUCHING me Haleigh, not while he's under the thrall of that monster. I dont want him coming anywhere NEAR ANY of us...but it's almost like that cliched plot point in a movie...the monster captures the woman and tries to force his attentions on her!

<< she closes her eyes and shakes her head.>>

I CAN'T let that happen!

<< as Haleigh highlighted the delicate and dangerous line that both she AND Morgan would have to walk if they were forced to fight Nicolas off, she looks at Isis.>>

The only way we're going to begin to understand what has happened and try to find a way to free Nicolas is to talk with Isis. She seemed to be AFTER Nicolas from the beginning. She said he was a creature of evil in the Mansion. She must know something form his past that we dont. She's an avatar for the goddess, Isis...i know it seems like a reoccurring theme for us in the Six (without knowing of Haleigh's joke about every other woman on the team being a host for a goddess or a goddess' power back in the medical lab) but really it does NOT happen often on earth among humans. Isis , the goddess had to have a REASON for making Dominique her avatar. The monster even said something about THAT back in the mansion.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah had not been to Malice’s residence since that night she had followed Karen there – seemingly so long ago. But this time she had been INVITED – or close enough to it. Strange didn’t begin to describe the feeling. Malice offered them quarters to clean up in, and Delilah silently entered the room which she was shown. She hadn’t spoken since THAT moment. The one where she had begged Alison to tell them what to do to save Morgan – but there had been nothing TO do. Morgan and Haleigh were gone. Nicolas was possessed or WORSE. And now their most hated of enemies were sitting next to them at the dinner table. She began to wonder if she hadn’t been teleported to another alternate reality…

She stripped off her torn and tattered clothing, stepping into the large walk in glass shower. She turned the water on hot as she could stand and let it pour over her. She played the battle over and over in her mind. She had been so useless – she had done NOTHING to save Morgan. She had cowered in the corner, safe from harm, and watched that THING take her friends. And she had called out to Alison as if it were on HER ALONE to save them all. Then didn’t even have the decency to DEFEND her from Mike’s irrational attacks on her character. Useless.

Delilah covered her face with her hands in despair. The bathroom was so so dark, matching how low she was feeling. She sank to the floor of the shower, its water still pouring down over her, curled into a ball and cried for her teammates.

 

[Rampage]

Girl Talk? Silence for you...

Morgan and Isis would be jolted by the same mental PRESSURE, unending pressure from before as they were pulled against a wall, where they still did not know. Both Isis and Morgan would not be totally helpless, but their individual efforts would be feeble at best, to further tease them both. Haleigh, however, was left free at least in body.

In her MIND, the figure was at work, preying on her emotions, her thoughts, her fellings in a sytematic way that he had designed for her in the short time he took to analyze her thought processes.

First, he assuaged Haleigh's fears. Morgan was imprisoned, but in no real DANGER, her capture becoming more of a nuisance to be remedied later than the life-and-death issue it really was. The rest of the team? All OK and safe, even though half the team plotted against her, saying she was a backstabbing slut. The evidence of Delilah and Alison's suspicians were magnified and revealed to her, to give her a sense of feeling as if she were already guilty anyway of what may come.

Finally, the being played upon her sense of LOSS, of loneliness. She was not disloyal to Morgan; she was a woman with needs. She had lost her man and she understood a good-looking man when she saw one, no harm in that.Especially one that his own woman did not seem to appreciate. Well, if he were hers, SHE could appreciate him. This is how the harmless longing was magnified, mixed with her loyalty to Nicolas to make Haleigh the perfect slave; one who would willingly do as Nicolas asked and MORE, and would willingly accept the fate before her out of loyalty magnified, out of feelings that had been brokered and misguided.

Come, child.

The figure beckoned Haleigh as she walked forward, so confused, hurt for her teams betrayal, and longing to see Nicolas, comfort him. She followed him around corridors until they opened into a large mansion. The figure apparently had great taste, althought it was definitely of another time and dimension. unusual tapestries hung on the walls as all of the furniture was how one would imagine Pharoahs lived with a modern twist. The figure continued to lead Haleigh to a master chamber, where Nicolas sat in a steamy pool, eyes closed as he relaxed. His mind, thanks to excruciating focused mental attack by the figure and the weakness he suffered due to the rune's power, was totally enthralled; he only wanted away from the Six to gain what he deserved: domination of the world with his newfound Father. Part of what he was due was love and affection, appreciation from the people in his presence.

Father, is that you?

Nicolas voice was not so deep, not so different as before now. It would not frighten Haleigh so much as she approached him, his markings more faded as the figure allowed him normalcy, all the more to reward the woman who was so loyal to him.

It is I, Nicolas. I bring a friend to see you. She...misses you very much and I think you have much to speak of.
Looking at Haleigh, he spoke to her softly, his voice hypnotic and all-commanding. As she listened, she would note even more the handsome strength of his face.

Go to him, serve your hearts desire...there is no need to deny yourself.


The figure left the room, closing the door to leave them...alone.

 

[Persephone]

:: It was a sick twist of fate. The sisterhood and the six working as one to save their captured friends. If it hadn't happened before her very eyes, Ava wouldn't of believed it. Sitting in the Hellfire medical lab, her mind was pretty badly attacked by the creature and needed healing by Malice no less. The large gash on her cheek was now gone, and all that remained was for her to get cleaned up. Sitting with her legs hanging over the side of the medical bed, Ava sat in her torn and dirtied uniform. Strands of hair fell from her once sleek pony tail and covered the sides of her cheeks. Sighing out, Persephone gripped the edge of the bed tightly. Thoughts of what Nicolas or his father were doing to her sister ran through her head. What they would ultimately do to Morgan and Isis as well. Lifting her hand to her forehead, she roughly rubbed her brow line and closed her eyes. ::

"If they do anything to her....to any of them..."

:: Ava softly spoke with a cold yet defeated tone. She was SO close to grabbing Haleigh. She had her by the shoulders....it was just a few more feet and Ava would have had her. Everything replayed in her head and the woulda, coulda, shoulda's began to plague her. ::

"I HAD her!"

:: Hitting the gurney with her hand, Ava climbed off of it, getting angrier and angrier by the second. Her healed boots knocked against the white marble flooring as she walked from the bed across the room to release the tension in her body. ::

"When I get my hands on him [Nicolas] I will RIP him from the INSIDE OUT."

 

[Enchantrah]

The six and the sisterhood had made a truce. To come together and become one team. It was a reality Helena never thought she would experience, but it was for everyone's best interest. The six had lost two of their own, and the sisterhood one. The red queen may not have been Dominique's biggest fan, but even SHE couldn't leave her in the clutches of that creature. ESPECIALLY after he literally raped her of her powers and forced her to use them on herself.

Laying on one of the medical beds in the sickbay, Helena looked over seeing that Persephone was having a difficult time coming to terms with loosing her sister. Pushing herself up from the bed, Helena groaned slightly still feeling the effects from the creatures attack on her. Letting her legs hang over the bed, she listened as Ava proclaimed that she would rip apart Nicolas. Raising a brow, Helena gave a cold smile.

"I don't think your friends will appriciate that very much."

Persephone: "I don't care, he deserves it."

"My my, you certainly have a black heart. Are you sure you're fighting on the right team [good and evil]..."

Persephone: [cooly] "We have no difinitive sides anymore, remember?"

Helena slid off her bed slowly, babying her side with her one hand.

"Ah yes...but once we rescue our damels in distress, perhaps you should rethink your position in the six.."

The six and the sisterhood may have formed a truce, but Helena was far from becoming Betty Crocker anytime soon. Placing a small seed of doubt into Persephone's head, Helena slowly walked passed the goddess toward the exit.

[slyly] "Just a thought."

And with that, Helena exited the room, heading for her respective suite to wash up and get changed.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Hellfire Mansion- Delilah's room

<< the changes in Karen were more than just her name. She was inconsolable as coldly rebuffed Mike, and forced him to find his own room. She was tired of him and Nicolas blaming Alison for something she obviously couldnt control. Had he NOT see what Nicolas did to Isis? how he THREW Morgan away behind himas if she were a piece of paper?...and her bloodthirsty resolve to destroy the creature responsible for Morgan's capture, even if it meant using her magick against Nicolas was all too clear.>>

<< the situation was VERY emotional for them all. Malice used her psi powers to fix whatever damage had been done to the unprotected minds on a psychic or emotional level. But the true feelings that people were feeling, Malice knew not to suppress. healing damage was one thing, trying to cover up someone's feelings was another...and for Malice to be such a deadly foe. She was honoring their truce quite well. Perhaps the telepath was more unnerved by what happened to Dominique than anyone could have thought.>>

<< Karen herself was disjointed, hurling a vase against the wall and cursing.>>

I'll KILL HIM! I'll CURSE HIS SEED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!

<< the doctor's flying suit had been tossed into a fire. the new one would reveal even more changes as her state of mind. for now, she was wearing [ see the picture in the banner] and barged out of her room into the hall way. She HAD to find a way to get ahold of herself. Checking on Firebird and others would be a start.>>

<< she went down the hall...and noticed that Delilah's door was ajar and without bothering to knock, the doctor enters.>>

Delilah?

<< it was so dark...but in the distance she could hear the running shower chamber.>>

Honey, are you allright?

<< she came near to the bathroom and heard the young mutant crying.>>

Delilah!

<< she reachd for a large towel...>>

they certainly spare no expense here. these towels are spun from the finest egyptian cotton.

<< even in moments of bitterness OR concern, the doctor could appreciate good taste and this mansion was luxurious as it had always been>>

come out of there, Delilah...

<< she holds the towel into the chamber for delilah to cover herself in..>>

Let me help you.

<< her tone was steeled, but there was a flicker of warmth beneath it. Karen wanted to do what she did best, step outside of herself and help one of her "children", maybe by doing THAT, she could find a way to help herself and ultimately her daughter.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mike needed little prodding from Karen as she yelled for him to secure his own quarters. At this point, he knew she would be angry with him and he no longer cared. Alison was apparently faultless, as usual.

As the hot water washed away his soreness he leaned back, sighing deeply. It was not Alison's fault, not REALLY. Nicolas had said some tough shit, and it was not cool. But he winced, his mind spinning as he simply wished that they could find a way to forgive, to forget. It was impossible to come together when only some of them could find redemption, when it was too easy to hold a grudge.

Mike got dressed and started out to find Karen, but he stopped. Karen needed time, and even that would not work. he took a moment to steel himself for anything as he entered the control at which Alison sat. He hesitated at the door as he entered, speaking an announcement lest she was too far gone.

Alison, it's Mike. Look, can we just TALK a minute?

He peeks in. Good, the Seer is well, but her cold eyes are indecent in their anger. It was time to put all the cards on the table, because what else did he have to lose? He walked to the window in her room, his back to her and those eyes, to keep his mind on what he felt.

I learned a lot about you when we traveled timelines looking for you two. Seeing the future and the past, the horror and the finality of it all, I could not IMAGINE, none of us could...how it must be. How immense the weight of fighting what is to be, despite knowing it will come to pass. I still cannot completely know but..that glimpse alone, I do not envy you Seer. I can also understand how you keep yourself so hardened. One cannot be soft-hearted when they see things like that.

I am SO sorry, Alison, about everything. You have EVERY right to be angry at Nicolas AND at me, to not trust him given what you knew. The only thing I hoped you would realize and, deep down I believe you do, is that it is no more folly for Morgan or me or Karen to love Nicolas despite the risks you enumerated than it is for you to love Morgan when you knew the Inferno was coming, and to love her again afterward. Or for you to care for Delilah even as she chose Bishop, or to forgive HER afterward.

Mike turns to face her.

I know that you care about your family here, and I understand that. But in spite of what you think of those of us outside that sphere, we have grown to
respect and care for you all the more. Maybe it shouldn't matter but you are a leader on this team, in this family and your opinion counts. That is why Nicolas has made such a fool of himself trying to please you and an even bigger fool lashing out when he feared that you would never change your opinion of him. It was not a sophisticated move, but it was what one would expect from a 22 year old kid who wanted something more than anything in the world, a FAMILY. Including a big sister with a power set similar to his own.

 

[Harbinger]

the hellfire mansion

:: Everyone was accounted for. Medical attention and healing had been given as best it could. some were now cleaning and changing, some were getting some rest that they needed. Alison, had already cleaned and changed...but was once again in a new, clean, refreshed copy of her latest costume consisting of the blue corsett, black mini skirt, white ribbon and high heeled boots.::



:: with her once again blue/black hair in a stylish, side parted bob.::

:: she returned to and sat in the control room. Unlike the others, she couldnt bring herself to go to her guest quarters. She didnt blame THEM the rest they needed, she blamed herself. She couldnt rest. so many questions, so many issues to ponder and address, so much to SEE. she laid her head down on the table...and began to fall apart. She was SO UPSET!::

:: it all flashed through her mind like a machine gun montage, she honestly didnt know WHERE to begin and how could she LEAD if she didnt know THAT!? how could she remain calm when at this very moment, they [ Nicolas and that demon] could be doing ANYTHING to Morgan, Haleigh...and even Isis.::

:: this woman, who had stalkd the deepest, darkest tunnels and the highest unseen mountains around the world, following her destiny at age 14 before she even KNEW what her destiny was...this woman who had taken down men twice her size, BY HERSELF. She was a precog, a telekinetic witch and the HARBINGER...but instead of ALL of that, she couldnt stop Morgan, Haleigh's and Isis abduction.::

:: she blamed herself, but she also blamed Nicolas. Had he NOT taken heed to her prophecy? It wasnt HER responsibility to address HIS character flaws. Even IF she had wanted to, she COULDNT. He indirectly caused her and Ava to fall through a stepping disc, opened by a very stressed...DESTRESSED Morgan. ::

:: Now Mike was attacking her character. Did he REALLY listen to himself? Did he REALLY overestimate his value to her THAT much? She swung back and forth between wanting to BLOW HIM UP and wondering if there was ANYTHING to what he said. Wondering if he REMEMBERED her prophecy to HIM about being RAVAGED by that creature and how it HAPPENED, how KAREN had to save him. That was HIS friend who was AIDING the creature. The creature called him a SERVANT. How could Mike tolerate that?::

:: he was causing her undue stress, and she was going to confront him before she met with the others. She HAD to. But she'd need someone there to keep things from turning nasty...mainly for MIKE'S sake. The only person NOW who could be counted on for THAT was...::

Firebird....

:: she said softly as she continued to sit at the conference table with her head down on the table, trying to pull herself together. ::

where is she?

:: using her "eyes" as a Seer, she quickly found the alternate Blaze...::

a pair of floating cobalt blue eyes openes before Blaze with a "pop" sound.

Blaze? I need to talk to you...I need your help.

I'm tired of Mike. I want to ....i WANT to blow him up, quite honestly, and be done with it...but i know i cant...for SO MANY REASONS. I've killed before, but in each case, they deserved it. Mike is a human...i HAVE killed humans before, namely Frost's father...:: realizing that this Blaze would not know who that is...she quickly added:: he was a mob boss who was trying to kill Alycia.

He's Nicolas' friend. He's risked his life helping this team and he seems to love Karen...

He just...OFFENDS ME to my core! I'm SO TIRED of his self righteous attacks on ME for caring about MY FAMILY! He has NO IDEA what its like to be a precog! the PAIN of knowing that sometimes, even when i see something, I CAN'T alter it. it's not MEANT to. My prophecy over Nicolas isnt what caused THIS. NICOLAS didnt TELL ANYONE...it was I who had to tell, and by then it was TOO LATE!


and NICOLAS, he just....GAVE IN. All that bravado, all the times he wanted to try to one up MALICE, and when the time came for him to SHOW IT...he FAILED...

:: her own emotion flared, even through the seemingly emotionless floating cobalt blue eyes. but she quieted herself, remembering the rune. that damn rune. that was a key piece of information.::

:: the eyes continued to float there. but at that moment, MIKE had arrived to the control room. ::


we dont have much time. and we have much ground to cover, but I can't go on to address the others until I've addressed Mike privately. Come to the control room as soon as you can.

:: for her to admit she NEEDED anything, much less to a crosstime alternate, it was a sign that Alison was indeed STRUGGLING this evening. with that, the eyes snapped shut and shimmered out of view.::

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


:: Mike was there. She didnt left her head. she wouldnt let HIM see her like this. Only those who were close to her, who EARNED her trust like Morgan, Karen, Ava, Delilah, Haleigh..even FIREIRD at this point, whom the Seer was quickly accepting. Why should she let HIM see her like this!?::

:: her voice was weaker than usual, but no less bitter.::

come to start with me again have you?

:: she knew he wasnt, but she had to at resist, buy herself some time as her tried to compose herself before lifting her head.::

I've had to go against the grain since i was a CHILD. Do you have any idea what its like...having to FIGHT YOUR OWN MOTHER to protect your sister and baby brother from her ABUSE? I was not even a TEENAGER, and my powers manifested due to the extreme emotional distress of my family dynamic and even then, having been forced to make hard choices that NO CHILD should have to face, what did i get in return? A traitorous sister who tried to KILL our brother , then me.

I never HAD a real mother until i met Karen...i never had a real SISTER until i met Morgan, then Delilah...and even now...AVA. They mean the WORLD to me, Mike.

Haleigh and I...we've come SO FAR since our early days. I love HER too...and i never thought I would say that. Funny, being a precog I should have known, but sometimes even WE miss the "small things".

:: as Mike continued, he used tact and sensitivity. Alison's hidden eyes widened at various moments. He understood more than she gave him credit for. He mentioned the Inferno, something that even SHE had referenced to herself when assessing the threat that Nicolas would come to pose. She , along with Delilah HAD been the only ones who remained steadfast in the position that Morgan needed HELP. It was rather odd to her, that many of the things he addressed were the same things she had just spoken to BLAZE about. For a human, he seemd very perceptive at th is time. ::

and what you did not know... :: she said coldly, with her head still down:: is that as it would be so many times after, NO ONE heeded my warnings until it was TOO LATE! Just like Delilah and Bishop, just like THIS. I think the ONLY time people listened to me, was when Master Mold was coming or when Circe was about to strike.

I wouldnt interfere with Karen OR Morgan's choice to love Nicolas...AS LONG as he did not pose a danger. NOW he does. I can't PRETEND to be objective. I don't have it in me. I've been FORCED to make hard choices since i was a child, Mike...and this is one of those choices. If i am forced to choose saving the lives of Morgan, Haleigh...even ISIS and of course the WORLD by KILLING HIM, then that is what i must do!

:: she slowly curled her hand on the table into a fist...clenching it::

I didnt lay in wait, for a reason to entertain Nicolas' DEATH. I take NO JOY in entertaining such a thing. My prophecy to him...was not a curse it was meant to be a WAKE UP CALL. Just as I had prophecied to my BROTHER after the INFERNO, about where HE would end up if he didnt back off of Morgan and women in general!

:: Mike reminded Alison that NIcolas was a very young man. That all he wanted to do was win her good graces. She shut her eyes...was she going SOFT? why was what he saying NOW causing pangs of sympathy in her marble hard heart? He was looking for a "big sister" type with a similar power set. She WAS used to the role of "big sister" by blood...she even TRIED to play that role for her baby brother after the Inferno and so many other things...but in the end, Cameron was not meant to be with her or the Six. Nicolas may not have meant any harm after all.::

Nicolas did offend me to my core and I have NOT been able to forgive him for it. Just as he But...I...WE...will do what we can to set HIM free. I just hope...I pray to the goddess...that HE does NOT do anything he will live to regret. MORGAN HERSELF took over a YEAR to recover from her actions during the Inferno. She SACRIFICED HERSELF in the battle of Master Mold to tip the scales for the horror she rained down upon NYC...and even now, she is still plagued by the doubt that follows her because she fears that loss of control she's worked so hard to gain.

:: pausing::

and though you are not a precog, your observation is very clear...and fair.



it has taken many members of the six a while to truly find their place. Cameron, Haleigh, Blaze, even Ava. In the beginning, NONE of us could stand each other...except Morgan, Delilah and Myself and JUST RECENTLY that sister dynamic was nearly DESTROYED...and yet we worked through it.

Despite the divisions...the strains. Nicolas and yourself ARE apart of the core now. No family dynamic is all peaches and creme but we would all be wrong for not trying to save Nicolas as we try to save Morgan, Haleigh and Isis.



:: she paused again...hoping BLAZE would arrive soon.::

 

[Black Widow]

Morgan swore not to let anything happen to them.... Haleigh gave her a serious nod in agreement... but she wasn't as worried about herself as Morgan seemed to be. Firstly, she was confident [probably to the point of arrogance] that she could defend herself if it came to that... but Nicolas had NEVER tried to hurt her... they'd never even argued, save for at the beginning, before they got to know each other. Now they understood each other so well... sure, they joked around and pushed the limits of appropriate interaction... but she never thought Nicolas might try to HURT her. It was so farfetched....

Morgan checked on Isis, talking about how she was an avatar for Isis and that she MUST know what's going on with Nicolas. Haleigh nodded again...

"Yes.... we're going to have to work TOGETHER on this one.... it goes beyond good and evil.... or our rivarly with the sisterhood and amongst OURSELVES. If we don't join forces we may not have a snowball's chance in HELL against this thing."

Girl Talk? Silence for you...

the voice was booming and Haleigh snapped to looked in the direction it was coming from. Something was happening to Morgan and Isis.

"STOP IT... You're HURTING THEM! [not very firmly] I'm warning you...."

She said, reaching for Morgan's soul sword... but she didn't sound very convicted... and she didn't quite seize Morgan's sword... she stopped, hand stretched out for it, but she only stared at the being... internally.... she was weighing her options. she didn't KNOW it... but she was being coaxed down at the mental level and the being was so SMOOTH that Haleigh thought she was still making decisions on her own.... wait.... don't do anything rash... I should think it through first... he hasn't killed any of us yet... he could have though.... maybe he wants to talk... maybe I can formulate a plan first... be more effective. Morgan's not in grave danger... I'm not even effected... the others survived... they're fine now.....

She flinched, shutting her eyes... she got some kind of flashback... of the demon capturing her, telling her not to deny her own feelings about Nicolas any longer.

I fucking KNEW it! I KNEW they weren't just pretending in the MOE timeline.... I KNEW that bitch was going to try to seduce Nicolas away from Morgan!

Something else was coming... Alison this time, arguing with Mike.

Yes...don't THINK that more than ONE of us didnt catch on to what the creature said about HER! I KNEW she was too protective of Nicolas! I shouldn't have ignored the signs... I can see it now... Looks like Morgan was destined to be betrayed EITHER WAY, but we cant worry about that now.

But I haven't done anything wrong.... I've controlled my impulses... we agreed not to cross the line... why are they hanging me out to dry? She thought.... the implication that she would betray Morgan was hurtful.... Haleigh of all people felt that betrayal was the worst of all offenses... she would never purposely do that to Morgan. Nothing happened... is this going to go to judge, jury and executioner without me even BEING there to defend myself?? How could they write me off so easily... kind of like they did to Nicolas....

Her resolve was getting stronger... she balled one fist, gritting her teeth as she rose to her feet. They abandonned us... Nicolas and me... they're only going to try to save Morgan.... IF they even decide to BOTHER with that.... well to HELL with them... if that's all it takes to be forsaken... ALL I'm guilty of is thinking about him... looking at him... there's no harm in LOOKING.... Morgan doesn't even know what a great thing she's GOT anyway.... all he wanted to do on Aerie was comfort her... but she pushed him away... withdrew into herself to pout.... she took him for GRANTED.... I'd never do that... she's too biased against men because of her father to REALLY appreciate him... she always attacks him for just being MALE... she doesn't know how to treat him.... she probably doesn't even love him... not the way he loves her... not the way she SHOULD love him... not the way I love him....

It was one of the reasons Haleigh didn't scold him for what he said to Alison at dinner... she understood why he felt the way he did... she felt like Morgan and Alison never really gave him a fair shake.

Come, child.

Are we going to Nicolas? Don't worry Nic... I haven't written you off... I'll still save you from that monster... I know that wasn't YOU who attacked Isis.... Hang in there.... I'm almost there.... She wasn't even concerned about the being anymore... he didn't seem so menacing now that she got a good look at him... he was almost... handsome. Maybe that was where Nicolas got it from?

"Morgan.... stay here... I'm going to go get Nicolas... don't worry.... I'll be alright...."

She said absently, as she followed after the being. She didn't sound quite there.... her tone had an entranced lilt to it.... they passed through halls decorated beautifully Haleigh was almost like a dazed child, amazed at her surroundings... she ran her fingers along a tapestry, a slight smile on her lips.

"This is beautiful.... this place.... majestic. You live here?"

Whatever the being was doing to her... he was thorough. He surpassed her 'firewalls'... he kept up with her binary code.... probably due to Nicolas' familiarity with her mental patterns.... she'd never been as affronted by Nicolas' telepathy as the others... Delilah had always been angry by his unintentionally 'probing'... but Haleigh knew what it was like to be a conduit for so much hidden information... it was a constant stream that couldn't be stopped or turned off... You gleamed from it what you needed and the rest you let go... but it all passed through them like a sieve. It was that way with Haleigh's 'networking' power... she could find ANY information on record... she could browse the net in her mind... but it was a constant flood. She just learned how to swim to what she wanted to know. It was something her and Nicolas had in common... and yet another reason why she identified with him and defended him from time to time. It was all part of the bond being played on by Nicolas' 'father'... feelings that were being amplified and manipulated.

They were in Nicolas' room now... Nicolas himself was lounging in a pool, surrounded by steam. a hot tub.... I bet that's relaxing. After all the fighting we did... so very therapeutic....

It is I, Nicolas. I bring a friend to see you. She...misses you very much and I think you have much to speak of.

"Nicolas! Are you alright? I came to save you... take you home.... the others... they don't think you can be helped... but I know better. Morgan came too! She hasn't given up either.... not yet, anyway. She's..... busy right now. I'm sure she'll be along soon."

His father had left, but Haliegh was oblivious.... she was beginning to forget where they WERE.... she could only see Nicolas.... she felt drawn to him.... drawn to help him! She knelt by the edge of the pool, touching the surface of the water with her fingers for a moment, then seeming to remember WHY she was here. She reached out her hand for him.

"Come on Nic.... we have to get you out of here. Isis is here too... she might try to kill you again."

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas turned slowly as Haleigh spoke to him. His eyes were wet, and more than a bit reddened. Haleigh would assume crying, but the forced subjugation of Nicolas was difficult, and now the young man, weakened by the rune, was similarly brainwashed.

Haleigh...its too late. They will not accept me. I am far too ugly like this. After all of their posturing about humans, they cannot bear me. I am not even of this world, and Morgan will surely not tolerate me in this state. She barely tolerates me now, and that will end once Delilah and Alison get to her. I wish she could just accept me....

He looked at Haleigh.

No one understands me like you do. And to think we used to fight tooth and nail. Haleigh...

I love you very much.

It was true indeed...but the metahumans TRUE words and feelings were twisted, to the figure's purposes.

Hales, stay with me...just a little while.

Nicolas reached up and touched the young woman's face, his eyes pleading.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike listened as the Seer spoke with him and about Nicolas. Even when she was angry, he was heartened by it. She was normally too calm to be moved by anything, and her emotion betrayed her feelings, however well they were hidden. She spoke of his and Nicolas' acceptance into their core, and he felt hope that all was not lost. He spoke again, more softly even than before.

Alison, inspite of our differences, I trust you to do what is best. In a way, I guess I always have. Maybe that is why I have expected so much from you in this. Nicolas hurt you, insulted you and he shouldn't have. I only hope he has time left to show you how he truly feels...that he has time left AT ALL. I just want him to have a chance, you know?

Mike sighed heavily, the weight of the past few weeks heavy on his shoulders.

Alison, I am worried about Karen. We could save Morgan and lose her, lose her to the darkness, like in those timelines. I can't lose her. We can't lose her, Alison. No matter how this ends up, please promise me you will help me help her? Please...I can't lose them both.

The weight of everything was weighing on Mike again. He was not a weak man, but the loss of Nicolas and Karen was too much to contemplate...

 

[Black Widow]

Nicolas was solemn... he looked like he'd been crying and that alone saddened Haleigh. her expression was pained... dejected as Nicolas said it was too late... that the others wouldn't accept them.

"They cast me out too....because I didn't immediately forsake you to your... 'father'. it's like in that future timeline... when my alternate was ostracised because she took too long to make sense of what happened to her Nicolas...."

Nicolas lamented that Morgan barely tolerated him... and Haleigh recalled something Morgan had said just a few minutes ago.... how she didn't want Nicolas to touch her... not now... not EVER! Her exact words... Haleigh didn't want to tell Nicolas about it... she didn't want to send him into further dispair.

"It's not their faults, Nicolas... they're reacting out of FEAR... fear of what's happened to you... fear of what you might do.... after what you did to Isis... but I know that can't have been YOU... it must've been that being... the one who calls himself your father. We have to get you FREE of him... he's done something to you. Something like what Malice loves to do to Blaze all the time."

No one understands me like you do. And to think we used to fight tooth and nail. Haleigh...

I love you very much.

Haleigh's expression changed from one of concern to one of serenity... she gave a tranquil smile... she said what she felt so COMPELLED to say... she couldn't stop herself, the words just FELL out of her mouth.

"I love you too."

It was a lot easier to say than she might have thought.... and she didn't want to take it back once it was out... it was suddenly the most natural thing to say... and she couldn't remember why she hadn't said it many times before. Nicolas asked her to stay with him... and Haleigh suddenly couldn't figure out why she had been so RUSHED..... there was no danger... this place was so beautiful... it wouldn't hurt to stay....

"Well.... alright.... just a little while."

She repeated, her hand reaching up to take his on its own accord. They stayed like that for a few moments... locked into eye contact for seconds that stretched into eternity. Haleigh's mind wandered into territory better left alone... she wondered what would happen if they kissed, and suddenly, it was all she could think about, despite her efforts, she couldn't even remember WHY they were here. She didn't know her thoughts were being pruned... steered in the direction of another's choosing.... any errant thoughts were shut down quickly.... only the most oft-denied desires filled her head... thoughts Haleigh had never even considered acting on suddenly encompassed her.

 

[Rampage]

The most insidious thing about this type of situation. Nicolas could still hear thoughts, and Haleigh's were LOUD AND CLEAR. He reached out to her slowly with his other hand and pulled her close, kissing her on the mouth with a need and a tenderness that was emblematic of the pain in his heart and of the feelings that were being manipulated. He lifted her easily to him, vaporizing her clothing as he did so and placing her across his lap as he continued to kiss her. As Haleigh lay there, she would realize now that Nicolas had no clothing on, had been nude the entire time as he sat there!

Nicolas lay her upon the water, using his power to increase its bouyancy so that she was nestled on its surface. As he caressed her slowly, he followed the warmth of the water with his own tongue, tracing his way across her as he went...slowly crawling atop her...

 

[Persephone]

:: After an interesting chat with Helena, Ava returned to her quarters to wash up. Stipping from her uniform, the brunette made her way to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Using her powers over temperature, the warm water instantly turned hot, creating a steam in the bathroom. Climbing into the shower, the water coated her dirt covered body, rinising away the grit and grime. But Ava couldn't seem to rinse away her guilt for allowing Haleigh to slip away....but even more, her anger for not taking care of Nicolas before this situation had come to frutation. Tipping her head back, her chocolate locks instantly darkened as the water hit. Running her fingers through the soaking strands, Ava began to wash herself, hoping that the shower would make her feel somewhat better. ::

---

:: Opening the bathroom door, steam flooded out into the main bedroom of Ava's suite. With a white towel wrapped around her body, the goddess had already french braided her wet hair [think Lara Croft] to keep it out of her face during battle. Walking over to the king size bed placed in the center of the room, her battle uniform laid fully clean across the bed spread. Sighing, Ava began to get dressed, wanting so desperately for this whole situation to be over with already. For Haleigh and Morgan to be back unharmed. Wrapping her snake belt [transfiguring whip] around her waist, she clipped it closed before sitting down on the edge of her bed. Sitting there Ava burried her face in her hands, wondering what was happening to them right at that moment...::

 

[Harbinger]

:: she unclenched her fist, as her fingers extened and her nails moved across the smooth, cold conference table. she still didnt lift her head.::

where the hell is Firebird!? i wanted her to be here to keep me from smacking Mike around, and NOW i'm sitting here...feeling COMPASSION!? this is OUTRAGEOUS

:: trying convince herself that it was emotional fatigue rather than the rational , sympathetic heart that lay beneath the marble hard exterior. moments like this made hre either want to pass out or vomit...one or the two.::

:: Mike admitting to trusting Alison to do what was best. That was something that most of the team had come to say at some point or another, but in every case it was very hard won. Alison didnt take it lightly. being a precog was not a walk in the park...and some people knew that. Perhaps Mike was one of them after all. He also admitted that Nicolas had hurt and insulted Alison.::

i guess it will take disasters in order for people to see as clearly as i do...

:: she couldnt help but snipe about Nicolas' callous remarks and Mike finally validating her position on THAT if nothing else.::

I'm a precog...but not a GOD. Even i can't condemn someone, rob them of their chance. If it is meant for Nicolas to return from this...alive...then if he truly wishes to address his wrong doing to me, I'll....grant him that chance.

I've been waiting...to use my power to "see" the timethreads. I've needed time to rest. everyone has. Until we gather, I want to refrain from making any longterm predicitons.

:: then Mike spoke of Karen. Everyone noticed how far, how DEEP she went to try to protect her daughter. But of them all, Alison was probably the LEAST surprised by it.::

Karen is both angry and terrified at the abduction of her daughter and what Nicolas or that THING could be doing to her at this very moment. I'm not a mother...but even Ororo and Hecate have testified to the power of the bond between a mother and her child. it trumps EVERYTHING and gives a mother the strength to go how ever FAR she has to go to protect her child.

the name "Shadow Weaver"...was most likely a choice that Karen had been mulling before this moment. She wanted to do whatever she could to defy that creature and she's spent quite a bit of time studying the DARKHOLD, the most ancient and powerfull book of spells we know of. That magick that she channels...it IS dark and it IS tremendous.

I do not immediately see Karen being "lost" to the darkness in a way that you might think I see the changes in her...making her more battle hardened. She has always been a supporting player of the team, a women of elegance and serenity... a mother figure to us all...but she IS Morgan's mother. that role encompassees much more than "june cleaver" or "samantha stevens" she gave BIRTH to Hecate's avatar...which means she has power and the strength to use it. this CHANGE in her...is a sign that she is PREPARED to fight tooth and nail to save her daughter...and like any mother...i suspect that Karen is willing to sacrifice her own life if it means saving her child.

If you don't want to lose Karen, then you'll have to help US ensure that it doesnt come to that.

Right now, she's...not in a good mood and can you blame her? Just leave her be for now...if she wants to see you, she will.