Dream a little a dream

[Shadow Weaver]

Karen's Office

Finally, it was all out in the open. Every. Last. Gorey. Detail. Karen knew the whole story. Even her mother, Hecate, and Athena didn't know truly what had happened during her time in the Underworld. Ava was silent for a moment before finally looking at Karen. The doctor had a good poker face....but even she could see in Karen's eyes the look of horror and shock. The look of sadness....like Karen were staring at a victim. And it was that exact look that made Ava NOT want to say anything. She didn't want to be known as a victim. She didn't want for people to take pity on her.

<< As a psycho therapist, Karen DID have a good poker face. She HAD to. In all the world of mental health professionals, the PSYCHOTHERAPIST was the one who was tasked with making the journey, the DESCENT into a person's trauma or MADNESS and [hopefully] helping the person to find their way up OUT of it. Most times there was success, other times? well...there's a reason why it's widely known that a psychotherapist often winds up needing therapy themselves!>>

<< One thing was for certain, no MORTAL doctor could handle what Ava was presenting. Not by a long shot, and FEW of Karen's PEERS could either.>>

<< Ava could pick up on subtle details about people. Living for centuries, in more than one life time allowed her to become a good "reader" of people, and so yes, she COULD see beneath the cold expression on Karen's face, there was something else.>>

<< Karen was completely AGHAST, but not toward Ava. It was the sheer depravity of Hades, his narcissism, his entitlement, his PSYCHOSIS! He reminded her of someone, her own ex-husband!>>

<< Ava WAS a victim of an egregious act of violence. She was brutalized and tortured on a number of levels!>>

<< Karen blinked a few times and swallowed hard, reaching for a glass of water and offering Ava one as well. Both women "took a moment".>>

"My mother, Hecate, and Athena took me to Olympus to heal me. The Amazon's went and killed Hades on Athena's orders.....I was sedated for a few weeks....but even after I woke up, I stayed there for about a month. I didn't want to come back to this world--I wasn't ready. But...then I caught word that Circe was back and in the Underworld. I couldn't abandon the six like that...so I came back to help kill her."

Shaking her head.

"Then everything with Delilah happened....Morgan left...I couldn't leave too. So I stayed. [letting out a sardonic laugh] And here I am."

<< There was a moment of silence. Karen had collected herself as Ava finished and definitely erased any look of horror that might have unconsciously crept across her face a few moments ago>>

To say that Hades is a pathological narcissist and psychotic would be a gross understatement.


<< Karen began in calm and measured tone of voice>>

Ava, as a woman who survived her ex-husband's abuse AND attempted murder...I have empathy.

<< and in order to build on the trust that she'd established with Ava in these sessions, Karen made the RARE and RISKY move of IDENTIFYING with her patient. In this context and given who it was, Karen felt the risk was worth it.>>


You WERE a victim. You ARE a survivor. Note the difference and which one is your PRESENT status.

Being victimized is not a sign of WEAKNESS.

<< Karen spoke as a doctor AND as a woman who had survived Christopher Victory.>>

It is the moment when your space is invaded, your physical, mental and emotional well being are placed in EXTREME MORTAL DANGER by something or someone with no decency, no regard...no RESTRAINT.

It can happen to ANY one, regardless of POWER or ability and your reflex to scold yourself for what happened to you and your inability to stop it, it's the classic effect from being brutalized by a narcsissit. It's what makes them tick.

This was about Hades wanting possession of you and power over you, and doing whatever he could to get it.


The way you feel right now? Is not uncommon for survivors of such bruality, but in the true "fight or flight" moment, YOU did what was necessary to SURVIVE.

In order for you to have a corrective emotional experience TODAY that will move you FORWARD and AWAY from this? You MUST dare to take ANY blame you would place on yourself about imagined failures to avoid/stop that trauma and put that where it truly belongs- on HADES. He attempted to not only possess you and subjugate you, but to EXPUNGE apart of your being as if it was some "ERROR" that needed to be corrected. He prooved that he had no regard for who you are or who you yet may be. It was all. about. HIM.

There ARE people who ARE consumed by something as monstrous as that. Assuming they even survive, they are NEVER able to truly recover. PTSD is one of many lasting mental health issues that a person can have, Anxiety disorder is another, and you've been exhibiting the symptoms of it for sometime now. That is not weakness.

<< Karen turns in her chair and leans forward a bit>>

Therapy is not always neat, or pretty. Sometimes it is gut wrenching and and as painful an experience as a woman who travails in labor. it is not for the faint of heart. But you have just confirmed from your recounting your SURVIVAL of this trauma, that you are not weak.


Your behavior in all of the sessions we've had so far points toward a woman who wants her life BACK, who wants to take back FULL control and wants to live a FULL life as AVA CASSADINE, NOT haunted by the past or legacy of Persephone.


We can do this any number of ways,. But you must not give in to self conscious feelings or fear.

 

[Prophet]

McSorley's

Delilah didn’t look away from her beer at his comment.

“Coyote Ugly’s down the street. Why don’t you head over there, and we’ll meet you.”

But then she paused.

“On second thought.”

"Oh no..on second thought WHAT?!"

She set her glass down on the bar, and reached down for Cameron’s hand. She climbed up onto the bar crowded with glasses, pulling Cameron up behind her.

“We’re doing this together, King. Viv, get that cellphone camera ready.”

:: Delilah CLIMBED up onto the bar and yanked him up along with her as a devious grin flashed upon her face. Cameron's face was a little white. He was used to being in the public eye but definitely not FOR THIS...at least not in the last few years. He shook his head. ::

Vivica: "I'm one step ahead of you, Delilah!"

:: Vivica laughed as she grabbed her iPhone and began to film the two of them as they made their way to opposite ends of the bar. ::

Vivica: "Yeah baby! Shake it!"

Delilah walked up and down the bar, then returned to Cameron, putting her arms around him and urging him to dance with her. The patrons would notice an uncharacteristic light show flashing about the bar, seemingly in step with the movements of the two on top of it.

She leaned in to Cameron and laughed.

"What better use of my power than to make us look good?"

"Well..if this makes her happy for a moment or two..who am I to deny her? Here goes nothing..."

:: Cameron smiled as he grabbed her hand and twirled her away from him. ::

"I DO look good under club lights..if I do say so myself!"

:: He spun her back inwards as the two clasped hands and began to dance back and forthe to the rhythm of the music in what appeared to be a very spicy kind of samba. It was almost as if they had choreographed it beforehand. As they spun around, glasses began to fall off the table as the patrons began to get loud and cheer for them all. The bartender however seemed to be very nervous. Cameron looked down at the bartender as he spun Delilah into his arms, their chests touching. ::

"Next Round is on ME!"

:: The crowd went wild as he dipped Delilah and she shimmied her chest as Cameron shooked his head feverishly to her movements. He was having a fantastic time. As the musical number ended, the two of them bowed as Vivica helped them off the bar. The crowd was still going wild. ::

"Alright..let's move this party onto the floor. Ladies..find somebody who strikes your fancy and give them the time of their life for a few moments..No biting!"

:: He made his way over to Cassandra who was entertaining a gentleman as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the main floor of the bar, grabbing her buy the hips. ::

"Well..here's to hoping you don't try and drain me like a snack! Care to dance?"

:: Laughing Cameron spun her around and continued to dance with her. ::

"I'm glad you decided to join us tonight! Sorry about Miss Thang. She's feeling herself tonight.."

:: They joined hands and danced around each other. ::

"Still! It's good to see you! I've been holed up in The Parthenon for too long. Still..it's better than chains, am I right?"

 

[Ruby]

McSorley’s


:: When Delilah pulled Cameron up beside her on the bar, Cass took advantage of the opportunity and made her getaway over to the young gentleman. ::

Man: *nodding to Delilah, Cameron, and Viv* “Friends of yours?”

:: She glanced over at the three as Cam and Delilah made a spectacle of themselves on the bar. ::

“Two of them are. Hey, what’s your name? I’m CJ.”

:: The man chuckled. Cass smiled at him. She didn’t want to talk about her friends anymore. ::

Kevin: *chuckling*: “Forward, aren’t we? I’m Kevin. It’s really nice to meet you, CJ.”

:: Cass smirked at him, her ice-blue eyes sparkling. ::

*teasingly*: “Is Kevin your REAL name, or is it a fake name you give out to women in case they turn out to be psycho?"

:: She didn’t really care one way or another. She was just having fun. ::

Kevin: “That’s for me to know, and for you to find out.”

:: And then they were off, flirting like crazy, being all touchy-feely – but not TOO touchy-feely – with each other. For Cass, it was really nice to have a little harmless flirting session. Kevin bought her a sparkling water and they continued to talk and flirt with each other. Meaningless fun is what Cass was all about…for now at least. ::

:: A wild roar came from the crowd and Cass rolled her eyes when she realized it was for Cameron and Delilah. Her flirting partner grabbed her hand and smiled at her. She smiled back and he tickled her. She laughed and swatted him on the arm. They both were laughing and continued to banter and flirt with each other. Cass was having such a great time with her new friend that she didn’t notice that Cameron had come up behind her until he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the floor, grabbing her by the hips. She laughed and then turned her head back to Kevin. ”Sorry,” she mouthed before turning back to Cameron. ::

"Well...here's to hoping you don't try and drain me like a snack! Care to dance?"

:: Cass laughed. ::

“Ssh. I already HAD my fill, thank you very much. Nicolas has been helping me out with that.”

:: Nicolas was doing a great job helping her with her…hunger pangs. ::

"I'm glad you decided to join us tonight! Sorry about Miss Thang. She's feeling herself tonight..."

“Meh, I TRIED to be civil to but apparently being civil takes up too much energy… At least with AVA, being in my presence is tolerable with her.”

:: She joined hands with Cameron and danced around him, and he was dancing around her.”

"Still! It's good to see you! I've been holed up in The Parthenon for too long. Still…it's better than chains, am I right?"

:: Cass shrugged and smirked. ::

“That’s true. Next time I’m in her presence, I’m wearing a parka though. I’m still shocked I didn’t turn into an icicle by the deep freeze I felt coming off her…but let’s not talk about HER! Let’s have FUN instead!”

:: With a wild smile and a laugh, she DIPPED Cameron like a man would dip his lady partner! ::

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh made it back to the Parthenon without losing consciousness. Her headache seemed to plateau as she parked her car in the garage and headed up to her suite.

She was beginning to suspect that Malice had been taking quite an interest in her, and the thought of it made her anxious. WHY would Diana hole up in the Arklay Replica on Sheena Island? Why would she transfer and firewall Haleigh's personal files? But most importantly, why would she start inflicting these blackouts on Haleigh NOW?

Haleigh stepped into her suite and made her way to the closet. All she really needed to do was change into something more appropriate. She removed her jacket, then pulled her pistol out of the holster tucked in her pants at the small of her back. She dropped the magazine, taking a look at the ammunition she'd been carrying-- high velocity hollow points-- and decided to just use those at the range. She emptied the chamber and deftly field stripped the gun, checking to see that it was clean and free of any damage, and when she was satisfied, she put it all back together and set it on her dresser.

She pulled off her boots and unbuckled her belt and then caught sight of some blue light glowing across the room. She lunged back to her dresser, grabbed her gun, and took aim. A Siamese cat emerged, carrying a small white kitten. Tinkerbell set the kitten down and groomed her, then meowed at Haleigh, who lowered her weapon.

"Tink! (She knelt down to pet them as her heart skipped about 3 beats) Is something WRONG? Where's your mama?"

Morgan: Hello... Haleigh.

"Morgan!! Thank Fuccking Goodness. I thought something might have happened to bring Tink here."

It had been well over a year since they had seen each other, and they had a lot of history between them. Haleigh was sensing a bit of a chill rolling off Morgan's steady gaze, so she slowly rose to meet her.

"It's nice to see you again. It's been so long. You look....... well, you really look great."

 

[MorningStar]

McSorley’s

Thankfully Cameron did NOT decide to be a party pooper and took her challenge head on, dancing with her with fluid movements as only HE could. He was so unlike the rest of the Six – bunch of buzzkills that wouldn’t know fun if it bit them in the asses. If they were here, they would probably be sitting in a corner boo-hooing about the end of the world. It KILLED Delilah the way they treated him, the way they made him feel about himself.

"I DO look good under club lights..if I do say so myself!"

“And you do say so…OFTEN!”

Delilah rolled her eyes at him good naturedly as she matched him step for step, putting on a show for everyone in the bar.

She hopped down from the top of the bar, and running one hand through her tousled hair she grabbed a pint off of a bar patron that was giving her the eye. Downing the entire glass, she handed the empty back to the man and turned her back on him.

Finding the others she pointed to the door.

“FOOD! We need to eat, come on.”

She pushed through the crowd, leading the way out into the street, stumbling towards St. Mark’s Place.

The light from the signs on the shops of 3rd Ave, now closed, threw their neon glow out onto the sidewalks. Up ahead was one Delilah recognized as one of the places Morgan & Alison bought their witchy crap. “Bell Book & Candle” was one shop still open at this hour, various items in display in its front window clearly visible. A child of maybe eight leaned against the glass, peering in at the charms, candles and concoctions set out for sale.

The little girl had very dark brown hair, and Delilah noticed it was almost the color of…

Delilah stopped.

“Cameron.”

She reached behind her to grab his arm, never moving her eyes from the child.

“Cam…Cameron!”

She began to run towards the shop, towards the child.

“Alexia?”

As Delilah called out the child turned her head and looked at her with wide blue eyes - her own blue eyes - reflecting the street lights back at Delilah. Bright, calm eyes that showed no hint of alarm.

“Alexia!”

Delilah reached out to take the little girl’s hand. And then she was gone. Vanished!

Delilah screamed.

 

[Persephone]

The silence was deafening. A pin dropping could be heard in Karen's office after Ava finished her story. The goddess kept her eyes trained on the bouquet of flowers on Karen's desk, hoping they'd jump up and do the cha cha just to break the tension in the room.

Karen: To say that Hades is a pathological narcissist and psychotic would be a gross understatement.

"He wasn't banished to the underworld for no reason."

Ava stated flatly.

Karen: Ava, as a woman who survived her ex-husband's abuse AND attempted murder...I have empathy.

Finally, Ava looked at Karen. She knew of Karen's history with Christopher. Hell, Christopher was about as ruthless and disgusting of a human being as they came. She took comfort in knowing the doctor could relate to where she was coming from.

Karen: You WERE a victim. You ARE a survivor. Note the difference and which one is your PRESENT status. Being victimized is not a sign of WEAKNESS.

Rolling her eyes shut, Ava shook her head.

"I could of done more, Karen. I SHOULD have done more."

Karen: It is the moment when your space is invaded, your physical, mental and emotional well being are placed in EXTREME MORTAL DANGER by something or someone with no decency, no regard...no RESTRAINT. It can happen to ANY one, regardless of POWER or ability and your reflex to scold yourself for what happened to you and your inability to stop it, it's the classic effect from being brutalized by a narcsissit. It's what makes them tick.

"But I shouldn't have LET him invade my space, Karen! I shouldn't have even been INVOLVED with him to begin with! I DID this. I created the domino effect thousands of years ago that TO THIS DAY is STILL falling and still continuing! I knew Hades was infatuated with me when I was a child. And you know what I was infatuated with? His POWER. I wanted nothing more than to take it that, build off it, become UNSTOPPABLE because of it. I showed him one ounce of interest and he DROPPED Hecate like she meant nothing to him. I promised him my 'heart' and he promised me his kingdom. I KILLED my mother for power, I BETRAYED my best friend for power, I killed HIM for power. Everything that happened to me? To James? That's on ME. That was caused because of ME. I created this by batting my eyelashes and giving false promises!"

Ava shouted in anger. The anger wasn't directed at Karen...she was just ANGRY. Angry at the situation, angry at being in a therapy session, angry that she finally told someone, angry at herself. Just fuucking angry.

Karen: In order for you to have a corrective emotional experience TODAY that will move you FORWARD and AWAY from this? You MUST dare to take ANY blame you would place on yourself about imagined failures to avoid/stop that trauma and put that where it truly belongs- on HADES. He attempted to not only possess you and subjugate you, but to EXPUNGE apart of your being as if it was some "ERROR" that needed to be corrected. He prooved that he had no regard for who you are or who you yet may be. It was all. about. HIM.

Ava exhaled a sigh as she shut her eyes and let her head hang forward. She stayed like that, quiet, and listening to Karen continue. Ava WAS angry....for so many reason. But mostly, she was angry at Hades. He tortured her, humiliated her, caused her to doubt herself. He attacked her nearly a year ago and STILL he had power over her to this day. Karen was right....he was succeeding even in death.

Karen: There ARE people who ARE consumed by something as monstrous as that. Assuming they even survive, they are NEVER able to truly recover. PTSD is one of many lasting mental health issues that a person can have, Anxiety disorder is another, and you've been exhibiting the symptoms of it for sometime now. That is not weakness.

"It sure as hell feels like it. I hate that I feel this way--that HE is making me feel this way. Can't you just..cast a spell and i'll go on my merry way?"

Ava half joked, though she was hoping Karen would take her up on it.. Feeling her lean in, Ava finally looked over at the doctor.

Karen: Therapy is not always neat, or pretty. Sometimes it is gut wrenching and and as painful an experience as a woman who travails in labor. it is not for the faint of heart. But you have just confirmed from your recounting your SURVIVAL of this trauma, that you are not weak.

"I know...."

She finally whispered, a true step forward for Ava to admit. She was not weak, regardless of her irrational fears of being so. She had just been hurt badly, in such a way that it made her question herself.

Karen: Your behavior in all of the sessions we've had so far points toward a woman who wants her life BACK, who wants to take back FULL control and wants to live a FULL life as AVA CASSADINE, NOT haunted by the past or legacy of Persephone. We can do this any number of ways,. But you must not give in to self conscious feelings or fear.

Ava gently nodded.

"I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't want him to have anymore power over me. And I DON'T want this effecting the six...not like it did last week. [sighing] I'll do whatever you need me to do to get back to where I was before all this happened."

 

[Prophet]

Into The Night...

Cassandra: "Ssh. I already HAD my fill, thank you very much. Nicolas has been helping me out with that."

:: Cameron laughed. ::

"Well..let's just hope Morgan isn't pouring over her scrying glass while Nicolas is doing such good relief work!"

:: As the two danced they talked about Delilah and her icy reception towards Cassandra tonight. ::

Cassandra: "Thats true. Next time I'm in her presence, I'm wearing a parka though. I'm still shocked I didn't get turned into an icicle by the deep freeze I felt coming off her..but let's not talk about HER! Let's have fun instead. ::

:: Cameron shook his head with humor. Cass was just an easy target and it seemed like she knew that, which was actually a sign of growth from Cassandra. Normally, she would have been very hurt by Delilah's words. She was finally moving forward in her life and it was nice to see. ::

:: His thoughts were halted as he was dipped almost to the floor by Cassandra herself. She was a dainty type of woman and sometimes Cameron forgot her enhanced strength. He gave his chest a little shimmie as the two exploded in laughter. What a good time they were having. It gave Cameron hope. ALL of them were in COMPLETELY different worlds when it came to their relationships with The Six but they were able to cast it aside and have a good time together. This is what family does. ::

:: Even Delilah who was in so much pain herself was able to instill a bit of wisdom on her friend. While it may have been vicious in regards to his sister and Morgan, there was a bit of truth there. When was Cameron going to accept the fact that he was a founding member of this team and that he HAD proven his worth to stand alongside them. For as much advice as he had been giving lately with regards to OTHER people's places in The Six, he still seemed to be unsure of his OWN deep down. It was an interesting thought. ::

:: The group contnued to dance and enjoy themselves despite the less than spectacular surroundings and soon Delilah was ushering them out of the bar. ::

Delilah: "FOOD! We need to eat, come on."

"Hah...now you sound like that Richard Martin character..."

:: Cameron smiled at himself. So he had been mentally "looking out" on The Birds of Prey Watchtower as of late. Sue him. He was trying to ensure that things ran smooth and he was looking to figure out which in that group could be trusted. Vivica, Alycia, Sharon and Dominique were joining that team and he wasn't about to have them walk right into the Lion's Den. That just wasn't good business. ::

:: The group laughed as they headed outside of the bar. He watched as Vivica grabbed Cassandra's arm and called out to Cameron and Delilah. ::

Vivica: "Look..so this has been a lovely night..but honestly? I'm ready to keep going! I'm kidnapping Cassandra and we are going to a club...in HARLEM!"

:: Laughing Vivica began to drag a nervous Cassandra down the street and promptly into a cab. ::

Vivica: [calling back] "Don't worry! I'll make sure nothing happens to the snowflake! Peace!"

:: And just like that they were gone! ::

:: Suddenly they were headed toward St. Mark's place as they passed by Third Avenue, a familiar street for many members of The Six. Delilah was walking ahead of them as Cameron was enjoying the contrast of a hot bar and the nice and cold streets of the city. All at once, he felt Delilah grab his hand and speak to him in a decidedly different tone. A tone had had not often heard from Delilah. ::

Delilah: "Cameron."

"What's going, Delil--"

Delilah: "Cam..Cameron!"

:: Delilah took off in a dead heat towards Bell, Book & Candle as Cameron's eyes adjusted to what Delilah was seeing. He felt her in an instant. ::

"Oh--oh my God!"

Delilah: "Alexia? Alexia!"

:: He didn't have time to think, he just chased affter her as she headed straight towards the window of the shop. What the everloving hell was going on? ::

"That was not an illusion...That WAS Alexia!"

:: Delilah got to the window and reached out her hand to her daughter when all at once she vanished into thin air. ::

:: Cameron engulfed Delilah in her arms because he knew what was coming. ::

:: The scream was primal and full of so much pain that it was almost too much for an empath like Cameron to take. But he did it. For her. ::

"Shh...take a breath...take a breath..Good..."

:: He was trying to figure out what he had just seen..because he couldn't and he know felt in an impossible situation. What the hell were they going to do about this? The person best suited to figure this out was also the WORST person suited to figure this out; Alison. He was fighting every urge in his body to reach out to Alison via their sibling bond. Delilah would view this as a complete betrayal. He was also afraid that Delilah would think this was the work of Malice..but it wasn't. Cameron intimately knew her PSI signature. Everybody seemed to be the wrong choice. ::

"Someone's just fuccking with us..and we are going to figure out who...and we are going to KILL them! What do you want me to do, Delilah? Say the word and I'll do it. You hear me?"

 

[MorningStar]

Outside Bell, Book and Candle

It was as if she was standing in a vacuum. She knew she was screaming, but she couldn’t hear it. She couldn't breathe. She just stared at the spot where Alexia – where her daughter - had been.

"Someone's just fuccking with us…and we are going to figure out who...and we are going to KILL them! What do you want me to do, Delilah? Say the word and I'll do it. You hear me?"

She pulled herself out of Cameron’s arms, falling to the ground at the spot outside the shop window where she had been. On her hands and knees, she felt the cold concrete beneath her fingers, slivers of glass and stones embedding in her skin.

It was her daughter. It had not been the baby she had only held in her arms for a moment, but a much grown up child. But Delilah knew, beyond question, beyond any doubt. She knew instantly exactly who the beautiful dark haired little girl was. And she wasn’t crazy, and she hadn’t made it up. Alexia had been standing there moments before. And now she was gone. Again.

No.

Delilah’s eyes glowed green with her power. She visibly hardened.

Not again. Never again. She wasn’t that person anymore. She was strong now.

And then she flung herself at the shop window, pounding on the glass with her fist.

“YOU DID THIS!”

Strong.

She pounded the glass again, harder.

“YOU FUCKING WICCAN BITCHES ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER, DON’T YOU? DID ALISON PUT YOU UP TO THIS?! MORGAN?! TELL ME! TELL ME WHAT YOU DID WITH HER!”

Can’t let them get away with this.

Delilah kicked the glass pane, sending a long crack up its face.

“ANOTHER CRUEL JOKE?! TAUNTING ME? YOU THINK YOU CAN DO THAT TO ME?”

Delilah put the palms of her hands on the glass, and with a burst of her power the window SHATTERED, light reflecting off the shards like a million prisms in front of the sun.

“I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS, YOU HEAR ME?! I PROMISE YOU. PAYBACK’S A BITCH, AND I’M AS BIG A BITCH AS THEY COME!”

With one last look of hatred Delilah turned and began walking quickly away. Away from the shop, away from Cameron, away from EVERYTHING.

“What good did magick ever do anyone, Cameron? What good did it do YOU? What did it ever do but cause pain and suffering?! Well I can cause pain too.”

Her right hand clenched into a fist.

“Don’t follow me.”

She didn’t turn back, she just moved forward, literally moving at the speed of light until she was blocks and blocks away. Then slowing into a fast walk, she crossed her arms in front of her against the cold night air, looking down at the sidewalk in front of her, making eye contact with no one.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon- Karen's Office

<< Karen sat calm and silent, with that cold, analytical expression on her face as Ava responded. She easily recognized the sign of a patient having a moment of catharsis versus being personally attacked and so as Ava yelled and faced what was troubling her, the doctor certainly didn't take it personal.>>

<< Ava didn't seem to realize just how much she had GOING for her in these therapy sessions, how much of a stronger grasp on things she had than she gave herself credit for.>>

<< Many people went through their lives constructing ELABORATE defenses for their behavior and the choices they make, never accepting responsibility, never acknowledging that THEY caused things to happen or had consequences to face.>>

<< Ava was doing that and THEN some as she recounted the seeds she sewed that lead to the problem she now faced.>>

<< It wasn't her fault that Hades was a monster, NOR did she deserve what happened to her; BUT she DID open the door for the disaster that she was now reeling from.The choices we make, determine the life we live and sometimes...can have reprucussions that last a lifetime (or more). She seemed to understand that. This would make Karen's job infinitely easier.>>

"I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't want him to have anymore power over me. And I DON'T want this effecting the six...not like it did last week. [sighing] I'll do whatever you need me to do to get back to where I was before all this happened."

<< She holds her fist up to her face, and then extends her arm forward, swinging her forearm down and as she did so, a rushing harp-like sound was heard and in her now open palm, there was a ring made of the most exquisite gold and in the center of it was a large, beautiful, yellow topaz gem>>


Yellow is the color of mental clarity, calm and serenity, Ava.

I want you to wear this ring for the time being. The topaz gem of this ring is charmed by a spell I've cast on it that will COUNTERACT your anxiety and PTSD. It's not a magick cure, but it will BOOST what is already within you. It will ALSO help you during your pattern nightmares.

I would NOT give you this if you hadn't demonstrated a clear understanding that the choices we make determine the life we live. You DO recognize that certain things you did opened the door for this. That takes maturity and courage...and a strength that is beyond anything a WEAK person would have.

<< She reaches forward, taking Ava's hand into her own as she places the ring into her hand>>

It's not your fault that Hades is a depraved monster, and you didn't deserve the brutality he inflicted upon you.

And You don't deserve to suffer endlessly while you work to recover. Hades has no power over you- not anymore, and soon, you'll know that through and through.

This gem will make things easier for you as you move through your day-to-day activities, it will allow you to be more effective in the field with the Six, and we'll continue our sessions.

<< and with that, a chime sounds off, signaling the end of this current session>>


As always, if you find yourself facing a crisis and you need my help, you know how to contact me at a moment's notice.

You did very well today, Ava. I'll see you soon.

<< Karen smiles at Ava, letting the goddess say her goodbyes and depart the office while Karen stays behind makes notes in her file on Ava via her tablet. If anything DOES go horrifically wrong, the information in this file may be vital for reference.>>

 

[Persephone]

Karen didn't say anything at first, instead she gestured with her hand as a rushing harp sound indicated she was using her magick. Sitting upright, Ava looked as Karen opened her hand, exposing a beautiful gold ring with a large yellow topaz gem.

Karen: Yellow is the color of mental clarity, calm and serenity, Ava. I want you to wear this ring for the time being. The topaz gem of this ring is charmed by a spell I've cast on it that will COUNTERACT your anxiety and PTSD. It's not a magick cure, but it will BOOST what is already within you. It will ALSO help you during your pattern nightmares.

Finally, a physical SOMETHING that would help. That's all Ava had wanted--that's all she ever asked Hecate for to begin with. Something to take the edge off; to calm her overpowering anxiety. What people didn't seem to understand was that Ava was barely keeping it together. If she let go--gave into the overwhelming emotions within her caused by what happened? She would go dark. She would shut down and let her natural instincts take over, which was NEVER a good idea. Just ask Mike.

Karen: I would NOT give you this if you hadn't demonstrated a clear understanding that the choices we make determine the life we live. You DO recognize that certain things you did opened the door for this. That takes maturity and courage...and a strength that is beyond anything a WEAK person would have.

Karen reached forward and took Ava's hand, placing the topaz ring in Ava's palm. Studying the ring for a moment, Ava picked it up with her other hand before slipping it onto her right ring finger. The effects were almost immediate....she felt NORMAL again.

"Thank you."

It was probably the most sincere thank you she had ever said in her life.

Karen: It's not your fault that Hades is a depraved monster, and you didn't deserve the brutality he inflicted upon you. And You don't deserve to suffer endlessly while you work to recover. Hades has no power over you- not anymore, and soon, you'll know that through and through.

"I hope so."

Karen: This gem will make things easier for you as you move through your day-to-day activities, it will allow you to be more effective in the field with the Six, and we'll continue our sessions.

And with that, the delicate sound of chimes began to play in the office, indicating that their session was over. Ava let out a long exhale; a breath she felt like she had been holding in the entire hour.

"Karen....I really appreciate this--all of it. I honestly didn't think I would be able to say it out loud without completely loosing myself again.

Karen would definitely understand how true that statement was.

Karen: As always, if you find yourself facing a crisis and you need my help, you know how to contact me at a moment's notice.

"Of course."

Ava stood and picked up her purse. She made her way over to the door as Karen followed, walking her out.

Karen: You did very well today, Ava. I'll see you soon.

"Thank you."

And with that, Ava left Karen's office.

 

[Spellbinder]

The Parthenon- Haleigh's floor & suite

"Morgan!! Thank Fuccking Goodness. I thought something might have happened to bring Tink here."


It had been well over a year since they had seen each other, and they had a lot of history between them. Haleigh was sensing a bit of a chill rolling off Morgan's steady gaze, so she slowly rose to meet her.


"It's nice to see you again. It's been so long. You look....... well, you really look great."

Thank you.

<< Morgan looked upon Haleigh as the hybrid pet Tinkerbell and the kitten. Morgan's facial expression was calm and there was a serenity about her, but there was ALSO coldness about her, no doubt from having spent so much time in Limbo.>>

<< She held out her hand to her fellow team mate and took Haleigh's hand into her own as the hybrid stood up.>>

It's good to see you again, Haleigh.

<< Morgan smiled as she spoke, squeezing Haleigh's hand. These two DID have quite a history between them, but the one constant about that history was PROGRESS, not regression. Even Tinker was happy with a gentle pet from Haleigh, which was not the case years ago.>>

Remember when you gave her to me?

<< Gesturing to the small white kitten>>

Well Tink has definitely taken a maternal role with her. Curiously, she hasn't aged @ all, not even with time spent in Limbo. She must be enchanted in someway herself...like with the power of eternal cuteness!

<< She smiles anf looks with happiness on her enchanted familiar and the white kitten. There were certain things that would allow a view of Morgan's heart beneath the icy exterior, her love for her beloved pets was one of those things.>>

<< Looking back to Haleigh>>

I'm relieved that you came back when you did.


With everything that's happened...

<< Morgan knew that Haleigh was aware of what happened during the Blue Moon. Haleigh would no doubt remember that Morgan could see/view ANYWHERE in time and space via the magick lens known as the "scrying glass", so it wasn't like the hybrid would have to "update" Morgan on much AND there was no need for either of them to pretend like there wasn't a HUGE "black hole" that had formed in the Six's heart following the events of the Blue Moon.>>

...and with what may be coming...I feel that I can no longer remain away from Earth...from the Six.

BUT I'm not here to resume a leadership role.

I can't....I won't.

You are best suited to lead this team in this time that we are in and with Cameron present, you'll have his support, and mine as well, two additional founding members.

<< THAT was a shocking thing for Haleigh to hear, and it spoke to something deeper.>>

BEFORE I can even properly "RETURN" to the Six...there are a few personal matters I need to tie up on my end.

I've been watching everything...and all the signs are pointing to the Six returning to New York City.

I always knew in my heart that we'd be back here one day, it just seems that it's come far sooner than I could have imagined.

I have to do something with Melrose Place, and then I have to prepare my own living accomodation

<< Haleigh's reaction about that was to be expected, why WOULDN'T Morgan live HERE at the Parthenon? But Morgan shook her head>>

No.

It's not an option for me, Haleigh.

But I WILL show you my plans for living arrangements. You were actually the first person I wanted to reveal them to, so we could work out a few strategic links and arrangements.

<< The hybrid could see that there was no convincing the witch to reconsider, and she knew the news of Morgan's refusing to live in the Parthenon with the others wouldn't be received well by many in the group.>>

But before we go into that, I know you have things you want to ask...say to me.

If you're up for it, let's talk now. You deserve to have your burden lightened and if there's anything I can do to help, I will.

 

[Black Widow]

Morgan: It's good to see you again, Haleigh.

Haleigh squeezed Morgan's hand and awkwardly smiled in reply to being helped up by her long lost friend. The thought crossed her mind that if the blackout visions were true, Morgan was her half sister.

Stop overreacting. Diana is trying to trick you. She's trying to lure you over to the dark side.

She gestured towards a loveseat in the alcove of her bedroom and turned on the fireplace to help warm the room.

"Thanks. Make yourself at home, Morg. Would you like something to drink, coffee, tea, something stronger?"

Morgan: Remember when you gave her to me?

(Sheepishly) "Yes..... she was a 'white flag' waved after one of my many transgressions."

Morgan: Well Tink has definitely taken a maternal role with her. Curiously, she hasn't aged @ all, not even with time spent in Limbo. She must be enchanted in someway herself...like with the power of eternal cuteness!

(Chuckling) "WELL, it IS fucckin adorable."

Morgan: I'm relieved that you came back when you did. With everything that's happened... ...and with what may be coming...I feel that I can no longer remain away from Earth...from the Six.

"Well that's good. You were kinda turning into a crazy old cat lady for a second."

She warned with a grave expression before she smirked at the joke.

Morgan: BUT I'm not here to resume a leadership role. I can't....I won't.

"Hey, look, I know you had to make a tough call, and the fallout was nuclear, but that doesn't mean--"

Morgan: You are best suited to lead this team in this time that we are in and with Cameron present, you'll have his support, and mine as well, two additional founding members.

"Wow, fucck. That means a lot."

Morgan noted that it seemed like the Six were returning to New York. Haleigh was glad for it. She'd been in the city longer than the others, having dealt with Loki's attempted invasion. But her recent success had felt hollow, which was why she's gone back to Melrose Place to reconnect with the Six. Seeing her friends here again brought gravity to that accomplishment, gave it meaning.

Morgan: I have to do something with Melrose Place, and then I have to prepare my own living accommodation.

"Nonsense, you'll stay here. I'll text Cameron, he'll send his decorator over to personalize your suite."

Morgan: No. It's not an option for me, Haleigh.

That wasn't good. Morgan's return would be met with many mixed emotions, and her insistence on living separate from the group would be considered an affront by one person or another.

"Oh, okay then. I've got a safe house nearby if you need more space."

Morgan: But I WILL show you my plans for living arrangements. You were actually the first person I wanted to reveal them to, so we could work out a few strategic links and arrangements.

"Ah, I see, you've got something in mind ALREADY. Well I'll need blueprints if you have them. I'll call Sentry and have him issue you a small detail squad, the blueprints will help them defend your base."

Morgan: But before we go into that, I know you have things you want to ask...say to me.

Yes, THAT. The main issue plaguing Haleigh right now -- even moreso than her blackouts-- was the fallout from the Blue Moon Event. Morgan was most directly responsible for that, there was no way to ignore that her decisions lead to their current state of instability.

"Morgan....... I understand-- better than most-- the difficulties facing a team leader. You have to make calls that Nobody should have to make, like whether to sacrifice your FRIENDS or a bus full of kids for the greater good, or what to do when you know that someone you consider to be a SISTER is going to die during childbirth. Some decisions have to be made in a split second, and like it or not, you don't have time to take a vote. But Morgan...... why on EARTH didn't you include Delilah in your decision making process?? That was HER call to make, and if she didn't make the RIGHT call, THEN you could have overruled her and kept her alive. And I'm not trying to rip you a new one, but why the FUCCK didn't you call me? I would have let New York fall to save Delilah. We can always retake the city. I feel like an asshole for not BEING THERE."

 

[Prophet]

Bell, Book & Candle to The Parthenon

:: It was a brutal scene as Cameron watched Delilah fall to the ground on her hands and knees. Cameron turned his head for a second. A soft glow appeared over his hand as he began to pull some of the more intense emotion from Delilah. He wasn't about to temper her. While other empaths may have wanted to take it all away from her, he knew the importance of truly living through feelings like this. He understood their importance. ::

:: Her eyes began to glow green as he prepared himself for the explosion he knew was coming. She began to pound the window of the shop as glass bits began to fly everywhere as she cracked through it with ease. ::

Delilah: "YOU DID THIS! YOU FUCCKING WICCAN BITCHES ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER, DON'T YOU? DID ALISON PUT YOU UP TO THIS?! MORGAN?! TELL ME! TELL ME WHAT YOU DID WITH HER!"

:: Cameron grimaced watching her explode. He had telekinetically dismantled all security camera feeds within a five block radius. He wouldn't have been able to stop her if he wanted but he sure as hell could let her explode in peace. She kicked the glass. ::

Delilah: "ANOTHER CRUEL JOKE?! TAUNTING ME? YOU THINK YOU CAN DO THAT TO ME?"

:: And then she shattered the whole damn thing. ::

Delilah: "I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS, YOU HEAR ME?! I PROMISE YOU, PAYBACK'S A BITCH, AND I'M AS BIG A BITCH AS THEY COME!"

:: She began to walk away from Cameron, calling out to her as she headed into the night ::

Delilah: "What good did magick ever do anyone, Cameron? What good did it do YOU? What did it ever do but cause pain and suffering?! Well I can cause pain too."

:: That sentiment Cameron couldn't argue with. His life had seemingly come from the ruins of women and magick. His mother wanted magick more than a son. Morgan had been able to bring Hell on Earth because in part of something HE did. His sister could legitimately end the world in a heartbeat if she wanted to. Magick took away other people's choices. Magick changed who people were and gave them the ability to think of themselves as Gods. What was worse for Cameron was he had that potential coursing through his veins. He had the potential for magick just as Blaze, who used her mystical accents freely and as an asset. In a pinch the two of them could probably pull off a decent spell, but it was something that Cameron would most likely never allow in his life..and it was something he had to fight constantly..everytime he woke up in the middle of the night to see the spirit of somebody who had passed on. When he was going about his work day and "voices" began to talk to him. It was a choice everyday..and considering what he had seen magick do the the people he loved and the world around him, he felt like everyday? He made the right choice. ::

:: The danger in Delilah's words was that Cameron had gone through this before. He had felt like magick had taken everything from him before and it caused to him to go down a path that had he not readjusted would have cost him his life. Not because what he felt wasn't justified but because he would not have been able to recover from the destruction he caused to himself and others. ::

"Delilah!"

Delilah: "Don't follow me."

:: She took off like a bullet train as Cameron rubbed his head and exhaled. He waved his hands at the mess of glass and gravel as it telekinetically rearranged itself back into place and solidified as if nothing had happened at all. This was bad. ::

:: Cameron knew he needed to go to somebody about this..and the only person he felt he could go to without Delilah feeling as if he was betraying her. That person was Haleigh. ::

"Well... here goes nothing.."

:: Thankfully Cameron had a quick route back home. He found a subway entrance near by as he began to walk through the halls and down one of the tracks, through a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only". As he rounded the corner he found himself in front of a transportation pod and hopped it, firing the machine up. This was one of the many pods he had in place throughout the city, using his connections to figure out tracks in the city that were no longer in use and being able to route the pods to The Parthenon. ::

:: The engine fired up as he ZOOMED through the city at incredible speeds before he found himself at one of the loading docks in the basement levels of The Parthenon where Cameron had built an incredible technological gem and safehouse for The Six to do their work. As the pod powered down, Cameron walked through the basement floors and into a private service elevator that brought him up the floor that housed The Six's penthouses. He found Haleigh's penthouse and was about to knock until he heard voices. Haleigh was talking to somebody..and that somebody was MORGAN?! ::

"Well she has about the WORST timing possible..."

:: Cameron looked down at the door and telekinetically unlocked it as he slowly let himself in, creeping into the shadows as he hid behind the opening of the wall to the living room as he listened to the conversation. He would have just announced himself but something had piqued his interest. ::

:: Morgan WASN'T planning on living at The Parthenon? And She wasn't fully coming back to the team? Cameron shook his head with frustration. This would not be the last word said about this. Cameron would make sure of it. ::

:: And then... ::

Haleigh: "Morgan....... I understand-- better than most-- the difficulties facing a team leader. You have to make calls that Nobody should have to make, like whether to sacrifice your FRIENDS or a bus full of kids for the greater good, or what to do when you know that someone you consider to be a SISTER is going to die during childbirth. Some decisions have to be made in a split second, and like it or not, you don't have time to take a vote. But Morgan...... why on EARTH didn't you include Delilah in your decision making process?? That was HER call to make, and if she didn't make the RIGHT call, THEN you could have overruled her and kept her alive. And I'm not trying to rip you a new one, but why the FUCCK didn't you call me? I would have let New York fall to save Delilah. We can always retake the city. I feel like an asshole for not BEING THERE."

"Yeah...better see how this goes before I say hello. Plus, I can't have Morgan here when I talk to Haleigh about Delilah..."

 

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon

Delilah made it back to the Parthenon and took the VIP elevator unnoticed to her floor. Andrew was sleeping soundly in her bed as she passed through into the dressing room. Quickly changing into black leather pants and black tank and pulling on a black leather jacket and boots, she silently made her way back out of the suite again.

Once again she took the elevator up.

This time to the roof, where she breathed deeply of the night air.

Do the job.

She gazed out over the city lights.

That’s all there is.

Flitting from rooftop to rooftop, she made her way to a run-down apartment building. Hopping up onto the lip at the roof’s edge, Delilah turned around so she faced away from it. She stood up on her toes, and raised her arms out to her side and then up over her head. Then she lept backwards off the edge.

As she fell she brought her legs up into a pike position, and then, reaching behind her, she released a sustained blast of ultra-dense photons against the wall of the facing building, propelling her forward.

Delilah crashed through the window of a dank, dirty apartment, cleared out of most of its furniture save for a lonely table and a few yard-sale reject chairs. Landing easily in a crouching stance, she assessed her targets in a split second. There were five of them.

This is where they came to divide up the money. Five low rank hoods sending kids out onto the street with their drugs, ruining lives. The police too pre-occupied or overwhelmed or just plain stupid to care, to waste their time busting.

The first one, busy counting his money at the table, was easy. A solid light photon shot to the gut had him down and out. Weakling.

The second, came from her right. She raised her hand and gave him a private light show while she delivered a side-kick to his teeth.

Three and four came from her left. Both her forearms began to glow with a green light, and as she punched both assailants sailed backward, crashing into the wall behind them.

The last, she enjoyed most of all. He grabbed her from behind. She flipped him over her head, then was on top of him instantly, holding him down with her knee in his chest, her hands around his biceps, burning through his flesh with her laser-charged fingers. He whimpered like a child.

#5: “Please! I just sell to crackheads. It’s not like I make the stuff! I’m just trying to make a buck!”

“Wrong answer.”

She intensified her attack, burning through muscle and tendon. He screamed. It felt good, to hear someone else scream.

She picked him up and threw him into the pile against the wall where numbers three and four lay unconscious, then went back for one and two. She tied the five of them together back to back, most of them bloody or bleeding.

#1: “I need a hospital!”

“Shut up.”

She raised her hands with her fingers splayed. Behind the men, a wormhole opened, swirling with green light. The ones who were still conscious looked at her with terror.

#2: “What are you going to do with us?!”

“I’m sending you to HELL where you belong.”

She kicked them into the wormhole, and closed it behind them. They would end up on the front stoop of the nearest police station, but they didn’t need to know that.

Delilah went to the table, and began filling a bag with the stacks of cash. She left through the door, taking the stairs down to the street level. It was easy to use her power to pick the lock on the rows of mailboxes near the door. She filled them with the cash from the bag, and closed it again. She walked nonchalantly out the front door, tossing the empty bag into a garbage can.

She returned to her suite at the Parthenon, peeling off her clothes and crawling into bed next to Andrew, throwing an arm across his chest. He stirred, then resettled, pulling her in closer to him before falling back into sleep.

It was funny how similar she and Bishop had turned out. He had taught her many lessons, but the one she had fought so long against ended up being the most important: the only person you could depend on for justice was yourself. And the same went for revenge. And sometimes, despite what the world would have you believe, they were the same thing.

 

[Arsenal]

So the kid was good with a saber. Very good. And he gave Mike some pointers, especially about stance and, amazingly, it helped a lot. Mike scored a direct hit and paused as Simon did, genuinely proud of himself. That is when the rich kid made a proposition.

< Simon pointed his foil with the flat side of the saber towards the ground. >

"I'm impressed. And I'd like to learn more..and despite our difference in size, I think I could help you. What do you say..we help each other. You teach me the principles of battle combat and I teach you technique? We could meet a few times a week..I'm sure it would get the others off my back and lessen my need for such a security detail.."

< Thinking for a moment. >

"I may not look like I can run through walls, but I can kick my fair share of ASS. Whaddya say?"

Mike looked at him sternly for a moment, then it all melted into a wide grin. He shook Simon's hand.

DEAL. Once a week will be fencing here, one will be unarmed combat and stealth tactics, and let's start with a third on teamwork and battle positioning. You will still receive a detail, but we will keep them invisible for now since you seem inclined to be reasonable. Now after we finish, perhaps we can have a REAL drink. I know a spot in Harlem that needs a kid like you to come by...

 

[Ruby]

New York-Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Campus: Pallaitive Care


:: After having a great time dancing with Cameron and generally clowning around, the time had come to leave the bar. Cass had planned to make a quick getaway to her next appointment, but Vivica stepped in and dragged her off to some club all the way in…HARLEM?! ::

Meh. Whatever.

:: So she went with Vivica to a club and as it turned out…Harlem ain’t so bad after all! The music was good, the people were interesting, aside from a few colorful characters that weren’t shy about hitting on her, and the atmospheric vibe was electric. She stayed for a couple of rounds, though no more alcohol for her, thank you, and danced to a few songs before looking at the time on her phone. She had somewhere she needed to be. As she watched Vivi get down with her bad self, she smiled and pulled out her phone and texted her before she took her leave. ::

Hey! I had a GREAT time, and I would definitely love to come back here, but I have somewhere I need to be. Catch you later, V!!

:: It all started with a newspaper article Cass had read last week. As she was reading the paper at one of the cafes near The Parthenon, she came across an article about one Mrs. Cecylia Zabrowski. Zabrowski, it would seem, did a LOT of work on behalf of Holocaust survivors and their families for many years in and around New York City. She, herself, was a Holocaust survivor; a former prisoner of the death camp Auschwitz. She was one of the 7’000 survivors that were liberated from the death camp on January 27, 1945 at age sixteen. Cass probably wouldn’t have thought much about the article except that it had quoted Zabrowski’s daughter in it, and her daughter had told the paper that she had an unusual name because her mother named her it in honor of her childhood best friend who mysteriously vanished after the war. The daughter’s name was…BRYDA. ”My mother has always been of the belief that Bryda [her friend] is out there somewhere,” Bryda Collins was quoted as saying. ”She has never given up hope that she could be found.” The article had then gone on saying that Cecylia Zabrowski had been admitted to the Palliative Care over at New York-Prebyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell campus for end-stage liver cancer. ::

:: As the cabbie dropped her off in front of the main entrance to the hospital, Cass still found it hard to believe that she was reunited with her childhood friend. She walked into the atrium and went to the elevator banks, her heels clacking as she went. Nobody from the Six, or any of their acquaintances, even knew of this, which was surprising since it really did seem like they leaked like a sieve when it came to secrets. She rode the elevator up to the floor where Palliative Care was located and headed to the nurses’ change room. She had been working the past few days here…even though she made a promise to herself that she would only focus on BEING instead of DOING. But then, could it really be called ‘work’ if she used her powers of manipulation and control to snag a spot right where her childhood pal was located, and could it also be considered ‘work’ if she used her powers of manipulation and control to set her own, VERY flexible, hours especially since she only had ONE particular patient to look after? Sighing, she went to her locker and quickly changed into a long-sleeved black t-shirt and pink scrubs. She took off her heels and traded them for her comfortable sneakers. She quickly pulled her dark hair into a classic ponytail and then shut her locker, leaving the change room quickly. Last time she came, she had been told that Mrs. Zabrowski could pass away any day now. ::

:: She made her way to the room of Cecylia. Cecylia had her own private room, luckily, so it was pretty quiet when Cass walked in, save for the beepings of the IV drip and whatnot. Cecylia had been asleep whenever Cass came by, so she wasn’t surprised to see her asleep. Cass smiled fondly at her old friend. She may have been 85 years old, but Cecylia had always looked younger than her age even back when they were both children in Poland. Cass made her way over to the various flower arrangements by the window and started clearing away the dead leaves and flowers when she heard a thin, but VERY familiar, voice. ::

”Bryda…”

:: Thinking Cecylia was looking for her daughter; Cass turned to the bed and discovered that Cecylia was looking straight at HER. There were tears in the woman’s eyes. ::

Cecylia: “Wiedziałam ... Wiedziałam, że wrócisz.”

“Nie ma…”

:: A look of shock came over Cass’ face as she spoke her native language for the first time in DECADES. Cecylia looked pleased. ::

Cecylia: “Chodź, stary przyjacielu, i usiądź przy mnie.”

:: As if in a trance, her blue eyes never leaving Cecylia’s green ones, Cass walked over and pulled up a chair. It was kind of creepy how well she still spoke Polish…and how well she still understood it. ::

“Uh, jak nie wiesz, że to ja?”

:: Cecylia blinked once and smiled. ::

Cecylia: “Chciałbym uznają te niebieskie oczy i ciemne włosy wszędzie. Ty zawsze były specjalne; to dlaczego hitlerowcy was wybrałem sobie.”

:: Cecylia reached out her hand and grabbed hold of Cass’ wrist, the one with the number tattooed on it. Cass threw a panicked glance at the door, as if somebody were to come in at that very moment. ::

“English, Cece.”

Cecylia: “Very well. You look so pretty, Bryda. Tell me about your life. Are you happy?”

“How…how are you not surprised to see me…like this?”

:: Cecylia smiled warmly at Cass. It was a knowing smile, as if she knew about Cass. ::

Cecylia: “You…never fit your family. You…were different; special. It was why the Nazis chose you. Now please, indulge an old woman on her deathbed. Are you happy…”

:: Cecylia peered at Cass’ ID on her pants, grabbing hold of it and looking at it. ::

Cecylia: “…Cassandra? Are you happy Cassandra?”

:: Tears came to Cass’ eyes. It felt SO good to have that connection to her past back. She rubbed her eyes as she contemplated on how to answer her friend. Was she happy? She was VERY happy, and it took practically seven decades to make peace with her past and present finally. ::

*softly*: “I’m VERY happy, Cece.”

:: Her mind went back to when she was six, just a few short months before her life changed with the Nazi invasion. She and Cece were playing on the front lawns of the Presidential Castle in Wisla, Poland. Her father was on a business trip to see President Mościcki, and Papa had said she could bring a friend along with. ::

Cecylia: “Remember Skalny?”

:: Cass chuckled. Of COURSE she remembered Skalny. Skalny was their pet rock that they had found on the property of the Castle. When they returned home to the Mayor’s mansion, Cass and Cece both put Skalny in the garden with the other rocks so Skalny wouldn’t be lonely. Years later, when Cass went back to the Mayor’s mansion to see if anything could be salvaged, she was surprised to discover that she recognized their pet rock and took it. She still had it in a box somewhere along with some other mementos from her family. Cecylia looked intently at Cass. ::

Cecylia: “Your mama pretty much lost the will to live, Bryda, when you were taken after your papa and Jacek had separated. We, Mama and I, along with other women from our community, had to push her and urge her on. Here…”

:: Cecylia tried to sit up but she was too weak so Cass helped her a bit. Cass was grateful to hear about her family, even though it was so sad. Cass already knew that her parents and brother had died in the camp but she didn’t know the specifics. Cecylia pointed at a jewelry box on the window sill. ::

Cecylia: “Something’s in there for you.”

:: Cass got up and took the jewelry box from the window sill and carried it to her chair. With a nod from Cecylia, Cass lifted the lid. ::

Cecylia: “Your mama never parted with it…EVER. She slept with it at night, and during the day she hid it in the hay-filled mattresses so nobody could steal it. It’s in the blue bag.”

:: Cass sifted through her friend’s jewelry until her fingers brushed against a small leather bag. She pulled it out and turned it upside down in her hand. Out came a brilliant, BRILLIANT, ruby and diamond ring. Cass gasped. Her mama showed her the ring when she was small and had told her young daughter that papa had bought her this ring when she was born. Cecylia smiled faintly. ::

“Mama’s ring!”

Cecylia: “I kept it all this time and took special care of it. Bryda, you must know that your family loved you dearly. Your mama died of a broken heart. Your papa died because he was accused of stealing when he never stole anything.”

:: Cecylia had a coughing fit at this time and Cass patted her hand and grabbed some tissues. Cecylia laid back against the pillow. Her eyes were slits now. Cass now had tears running down her cheeks. ::

Cecylia: *faintly*: “Jacek was killed when he was walking to his barracks. There was no reason other than the Nazis were bored. So they shot him.”

:: Cecylia moved her head slightly and spotted the ring on Cass’ right hand. She smiled again. ::

Cecylia: *faintly*: “It was nice…seeing you, old friend.”

:: Cass burst into tears. It couldn’t end this way. Not when she finally found her friend. ::

*crying*: “Don’t…don’t leave me…please?”

:: With strength that was obviously mustered, Cecylia grabbed Cass’ hand and brought it to her lips and kissed it. ::

Cecylia: “Bryda…Bryda. You are happy now. Go. Live your life.” *faintly*: “Your family would be so proud of you…SO proud…”

*crying*: “Cece…no! No! I love you…please don’t go…”

:: Cecylia’s eyes were closed now, her breathing ragged. Cass trembled as she stood up and leaned over Cecylia, kissing her on the forehead. ::

Cecylia: ”I…love…you…”

:: With one last breath, Cecylia Zabrowski was gone. The machines started beeping and three nurses rushed in. One of them looked at the clock on the wall and called the time of death. Cass grabbed her ID card from beside Cecylia’s body and stepped backwards. One of the nurses looked at her. ::

Nurse: *gently*: “If you need time, there’s a sleeping room down the hall there.”

:: Cass nodded as she rushed out of the room, and ran down the hall to the nurses’ sleeping room. She entered the room and curled up in a fetal position on one of the cots, making sure her face was in a pillow. She let go and WAILED as she not only mourned the death of her childhood best friend, but she also mourned the deaths of her family…something that she never had done before as she was too consumed with rage, anger, and revenge over their untimely deaths. Tears and grief that had long since been buried came out in that small room as Cass finally, FINALLY, dealt with the deaths of her family. Her eyes were burning and she knew that they were a glowing YELLOW. ::

 

[Matrix]

FOOD. GOOD FOOD. And lots of it.

Richard was busy smiling when Dominique came back. He knew that she saw the empty pantry and he, as always, felt a mild pang of shame. But it was good to see her and he walked over as she spoke.

Is everything alright?


::It appeared that Richard had eaten EVERYTHING in the pantry.::


Don't worry Richard, I was going to let you know that I have a solution for your nutrional needs, thanks to Haleigh , but it seems that you and Zizi have already worked something out.

Yeah, she brought cookies and suggested a special nutritionist she knows. She also offered for me to work out with them, which is cool as long as that is OK with you.

He had walked over to Dominique , hugging her as she set her things down, his shirt still off from him working out. He never asked how her day was, but she knew he would listen as she told him if she chose. Either way, he helped her with her things, placing her items in their PROPER place moments after she set them down and offering her a bottled water as he placed a hand on her lower back and gently ushered her to a comfortable chair. As much as Isis was an independent woman, Rich spoiled her and even though she had once said after they moved that he did not have to continue to fuss over her, he did. And she LOVED every minute of it.

 

[Spellbinder]

The Parthenon- Haleigh's suite

<< Morgan had taken Haleigh's offer to be seated as they enjoyed the fire. >>

<<Being in a place like this, versus the enormous castle atop the SUMMIT in Limbo, was just what Morgan needed now. It was like she told Nicolas, She knew she was SPECIAL in Limbo and could have ANYTHING she wanted there. Spellbinder's crosstime alternate, Darkchilde was one example of how far that could go- SHE had transcended HER humanity long ago. MORGAN still wanted her's, and so, being here with Haleigh right now was a step in that direction. That and the ominous warning that Vivica gave her about the need to return to soon during their chat in the "otherplace"...which meant that Morgan could not afford to remain away too much longer, even if she wanted to.>>

<< The sorceress sat, with Tinkerbell hopping up onto the loveseat right beside Morgan and the small white kitten curled up in Morgan's lap. She laughed softly at the "crazy cat lady" comment.>>

Let's hope it doesn't come to THAT!

<< Morgan said with a smirk of her own as she enjoyed some spearmint tea that Haleigh offered.>>

<< Soon, they faced the big issue that loomed over the Six like a giant storm cloud>>

Yes, THAT. The main issue plaguing Haleigh right now -- even moreso than her blackouts-- was the fallout from the Blue Moon Event. Morgan was most directly responsible for that, there was no way to ignore that her decisions lead to their current state of instability.

"Morgan....... I understand-- better than most-- the difficulties facing a team leader. You have to make calls that Nobody should have to make, like whether to sacrifice your FRIENDS or a bus full of kids for the greater good, or what to do when you know that someone you consider to be a SISTER is going to die during childbirth. Some decisions have to be made in a split second, and like it or not, you don't have time to take a vote. But Morgan...... why on EARTH didn't you include Delilah in your decision making process?? That was HER call to make, and if she didn't make the RIGHT call, THEN you could have overruled her and kept her alive. And I'm not trying to rip you a new one, but why the FUCCK didn't you call me? I would have let New York fall to save Delilah. We can always retake the city. I feel like an asshole for not BEING THERE."

<<Morgan heard the anguish in Haleigh's voice.>>

And now we come full circle...

<<FLASH!>>

<<Minerva's Aerie, a cold, gray and dreary day...MOMENTS after Delilah Trelevan had just DROWNED herself in the Aegean Sea. The only ACTIVE members of the Six present are Persephone and Black Widow, with Harbinger hosting them following the Viper Caper. The scene is heart breaking.>>

we should go back inside. I'm contacting Morgan. You've lost 3 team members...she needs to know about this.

Black Widow: "Probably more than three. Where is your brother?"

<< Moments later>>

<< energy sounds off as a STEPPING disc opens! its the first time in MONTHS that any of them have seen this power signature. Spellbinder emerges, wearing her still current choice of costume. From the tone of Alison's communication, Spell was certain something was SERIOUSLY wrong but Alison wouldnt reveal ANY details.>>

<< Spellbinder stands in the study, looking among the three women, its OBVIOUS she just arrived in the middle of something deadly serious. immediate pleasantries would have to be short and sweet.>>

ALISON....Haleigh, Ava!

I came as soon as Alison called.

<< she says in an anxious tone.>>

you're all together, here in Minerva's Mansion?

Where's everyone else? Sharon, Nicolas, Cameron...DELILAH?

<< she looks at each of them.>>

what's wrong? what's happened?


<< Morgan had needed time to rest and recover herself after the Barbas caper which was a deeply personal nightmare for her but she told Haleigh to make SURE she called her if they needed ANY help. That call never came, so Morgan assumed things were okay or at least under control. That ALISON would call her at this of all times, and that she'd find them in Minerva's mansion look quite upset...it was NOT a good feeling that now washed over the violet eyed, blonde haired sorceress.>>

TELL ME?!

<< TOGETHER, Haleigh, Ava and Alison delivered the heart breaking news. And then, much like Haleigh feels now?>>

<< FLASH!>>

<< a chime sounds off she began to look among them.>>

how could this happen!?

I have to go to LIMBO! I have to do something! I can't just let her....why didnt you CALL ME!? why didnt somebody TELL ME!? I'm her best friend...i'm supposed to PROTECT HER!

:: Alison, who was standing behind Morgan, gently takes both of Morgan's arms.::

Morgan, don't. Ororo has her. YOU and I know better than MOST what she can do in times like this....

ALISON! what the hell happened!? why didnt somebody CALL ME! HALEIGH!?

<< she bellows as she looks at Haleigh.>>

I TOLD YOU....

<< she says as she nearly chokes with despair.>>

If you NEEDED ME TO, CALL ME! I WOULDNT HAVE LET THIS HAPPEN! I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YOU ALL!

<< tears streaming down her face.>>

<< and perhaps the most IMPORTANT piece of this moment in time, as it relates to NOW?>>

<<FLASH!>>

"I'm so sorry Morgan.... I thought I could handle it... I had no idea she was this far gone! I tried to get her to understand that killing Bishop wasn't anything to be ashamed of, but I couldn't get her to LISTEN to me... I thought she just needed some time! If I had known... If I had suspected ANYTHING like this--"

It seems on the subject of Delilah, we've come full circle.

<< Morgan exhaled slowly as she stroked Tinkerbell's head gently>>

My NOT calling you...it was because I thought I could handle it. Clearly I was mistaken...but at the time, I truly thought that I could.

I didn't include Delilah on the descision making process because I did not believe she would make a rational descision.

Alison and I....we...talked about it, at length, secretly. She and I made SURE that no one could eavesdrop in any way available to the members of the team.

We decided that....

<< Morgan looked rather grim as she looked Haleigh in the eye>>

We decided that Delilah was INSANE and I think you know, based on the events that lead up to her drowning, that we had good reason to believe that. To say NOTHING after her actions regarding Hecate's revealing the CURSE that haunts her from one lifetime to the next!

It was only a matter of time...

<< Morgan didn't shy away from this. It was what she believed, and still does.>>

And that time came SOONER rather than later When Ava came to warn us about Circe, the coming of the blue moon, and Delilah dying in child birth...I didn't think she could handle any of it. After EVERYTHING Malice had put her through during the Viper caper? I didn't want her to suffer anything like that again! I didn't WANT her to be in any more danger than she already was! I just wanted to keep her safe!


<< She stopped petting Tinker and stood up, slowly pacing around the immediate area they were in>>

I wanted her to LIVE!

<< She turned to Haleigh>>

It was ONLY because Hecate and Athena felt SYMPATHY for her that she was REVIVED after she died in childbirth! If they HADN'T intervened, she WOULD have fullfilled the curse once again! Doomed to begin life again in another time and place and meet ANOTHER tragic fate...thanks to BISHOP.

But even then, it was prooven that she couldn't be near her baby, not even for a moment, or she'd flatline AGAIN. Did the goddesses revive her only for her to throw her life away AGAIN and leave Alexia without a mother!?

<< She stops and looks at Haleigh>>

I made several mistakes, Haleigh.

Not calling you was one of them. We should have called you. The fact that we felt lead to have these "closed door" meetings about our teammate...our FRIEND, was a BAD sign. We needed another source of input because Alison and I were in agreement on many things and we were perhaps too quick to validate each other.


I heard what you just said, and honestly, I SHOULD have done it that way. I should have AT LEAST allowed her to make a choice...but the moment she made the WRONG CHOICE, I would have OVERRULED HER and nearly everyone on the team- with the possible exception of Cameron, would have backed me because they ALL saw the same thing Alison and I did.

I didn't do that, another mistake I suppose.

<< LONG pause.>>

But even if I had...would it have mattered? Even if every person on the team had stood behind me on that, what difference would it have made to her? At least THIS way she's ALIVE.

You said it yourself, there are moments where TIME is a LUXURY that one simply doesn't have. I did not have time to debate or ARGUE with Delilah on something that should have been quite apparent. SELF PRESERVATION!

<< Morgan said with a forceful tone, not AT Haleigh, but just regarding the situation and her convictions.>>

Not to mention that Circe was about to crack the world in half and was trying to possess my body...

<< She looked away for a moment>>

I know that my descisons had NUCLEAR consquences and while I TRULY REGRET the toll it has taken on the others.

<< Looking at Haleigh once more>>

However, I do NOT regret being able to make a HARD CHOICE to save a person's life, KNOWING that had she had HER WAY? She would have thrown it away!

I can live in this world with Delilah hating me because she has to be ALIVE to do that. And one day, she will be able to see her daughter again.

<< UNLIKE Alison, Morgan was unwavering in this matter and THAT could be an even BIGGER PROBLEM.>>

 

[Rampage]

This was a great idea, Nicolas! I'm glad you talked me in to it.


[Talking aloud right now would be pointless, so the mutate "spoke" via thought to Nicolas.]

Yes it was! The good thing is I will be close by enough to do this whenever we want. It feels so good to stretch out like this.

WHOOM!

Nicolas made a small crater as he landed and then exploded again into the air, propelling himself higher even than Silver Swan right now as he keep pace with her. They had crossed thousands of miles already in impressive fashion, and he was enjoying the company as they made their way closer to their destination...

 

[Isis]

The ClockTower

FOOD. GOOD FOOD. And lots of it.

Richard was busy smiling when Dominique came back. He knew that she saw the empty pantry and he, as always, felt a mild pang of shame. But it was good to see her and he walked over as she spoke.



Yeah, she brought cookies and suggested a special nutritionist she knows. She also offered for me to work out with them, which is cool as long as that is OK with you.


He had walked over to Dominique , hugging her as she set her things down, his shirt still off from him working out. He never asked how her day was, but she knew he would listen as she told him if she chose. Either way, he helped her with her things, placing her items in their PROPER place moments after she set them down and offering her a bottled water as he placed a hand on her lower back and gently ushered her to a comfortable chair. As much as Isis was an independent woman, Rich spoiled her and even though she had once said after they moved that he did not have to continue to fuss over her, he did. And she LOVED every minute of it.

:: Isis was relieved that Richard was alright and that everything was fine. It had only been a week, but the need to "lay low" was still very apparent for Isis and Richard.::

:: She was happy to see that he was adjusting easily enough. Lovely and stylish as this clock tower apartment was, she'd already decided that she would speak with Oracle about letting Richard stay here on his own when she returned to her home in the Parthenon::

:: Richard demonstrated his gentility as he offers Isis a bottled water and then a comfortable seat::

Thank you. But really Richard, you musn't fuss over me. I'm quite alright.

:: She smiled as she looked at him.::

Zizi is a very kind young woman. I'm happy that you're in THIS environment now where you will have access to training and support on a level that I couldn't provide.

You could have been a victim of the purifiers and there were several mutants your age who were. I will ALWAYS safe guard you, as I promised, BUT if there's ever a time that I am NOT here or unable to do so, I want you to be as ready as you can be to face what comes your way.

I'm absoultely OK with you taking advantage of her offer.

:: Richard was not aware that Zizi's offer to him was her actually fullfilling the bargain she'd struck with Isis, but there was no need to tell HIM that.::

And as an added bonus, I'm making arrangements with a supplier from Whole Foods. Haleigh Davidoff referred me to her. If you find yourself in need of extra provisions, that will be an option for you.

I know I've been adamant about you staying indoors this past week.

::"saying" this particular part to him via the "hearing thoughts" spell she cast between them some time ago. ::

No doubt you've seen the coverage on Stryker's death, courtesy of Lauren Danvers. There's NO POSSIBLE way to trace his death back to US...

...You went through alot during the Purifiers incident and I wanted you to have time to rest...and to be SURE that you wanted to continue on.

Things will be different now, for both of us. We have the support of our new team, as well as my nephew, Haleigh and their team. But no matter what, I'll make sure you're taken care of.