Everybody hates Claudia!

[Spellbinder]

Apartment 4

<< up the spiral stair case and inside of Apartment 4, the largest unit of Melrose Place, Morgan instantly opens her liquor cabinet and quickly makes herself a vodka tonic with a lime slice. it was harder than her usual drink of choice, a "lemon drop", but these were harder times, emotionally. BUT at least she wasnt starring in a mirror at the moment.>>

Would anyone else care for a drink?

I'm sure its going to be a long night...and a BLOODY one if i get my hands on that brunette bimbo, Claudia. That bitch doesnt know who she's playing with.

<< Morgan was the type to bust heads and smash skulls. her "BITCHcraft" was not subtle, it was BRUTAL and while MOST knew that, SOME, like Claudia either didnt know or simply UNDERESTIMATED her. Luckily for the Zaccharas, they were dealing with the Morgan of PRESENT and not the Morgan from the days of Valiant. Claudia would have been DEAD at the MAC shoot and Clara would have been split in half via stepping disc if she even MOVED like she was going to do something. But their luck was hardly noticed, for Barbas was breathing down ALL their necks and worse his motives not clearly stated, he was toying with them all...gaining MUCH ground against Morgan, the Zaccharas and Nicolas.>>

I have a good feeling about the shoot...at least the WORK that was done. But I'm still pissed...

<< slamming her glass down as she refreshed her already consumed drink.>>

about Nicolas. just WHO does he think he IS!?

<< she turns back to Delilah and Blaze as she holds her refreshed drink in hand.>>

I think we should just kill him and be done with it.

<< revisiting her earlier feelings of the day.>>

I mean...what if he hurts one of US...or ...

<< she looks at them.>>

WHY wouldnt Haleigh tell me what happened to me...or rather my alternate self in the other timeline!? what could he have DONE to me...or HER?

<< it was too easy for her to refer to her alternate as HERSELF. Shocked that she, or any version of herself could have fallen such prey to a MAN in ANY timeline.>>

and WHERE is Alison?

<< unaware that Dominique was talking to her nephew, Nicolas, OR that Alison was closer at hand than they thought...the sorceress sat with Delilah and Blaze as Tinkerbell and the kitten availed themselves for attention from their mommy and aunties.>>

I don't know what to do...I don't know why I feel so...unhinged. One minute I'm clearly aware...the next I'm nearly CRIPPLED with fear and anxiety, its UNLIKE anything i've ever FELT before!

 

[Harbinger]

Apartment 5

:: a sudden rush of "scarey music/moment" fills the air as Alison suddenly appears behind the hybrid GRIPS Haleigh's shoulder. ::


The way you carry on, you'd think we were back in Illustra! You should pay more attention...with a demonic monster on the loose...we're ALL at risk.

:: Alison knew that Haleigh would handle her little "scare tactic" better than most.::

I don't need to ask what are you doing. Instead I'll just say...well done. Claudia puts herself and Clara in more danger both from Barbas AND US with every move she makes...and this , of course is BEFORE SHARON finds out about Morgan and Nicolas WORKING for her.

:: she looks knowingly at Haleigh.::

Don't interfere with THAT, okay?

:: after a moment or two, Alison looks more grim.::

I've been searching...across the astral plane for any sign of Cameron. I still don't know why he's reaching out to me...and why everytime I see him...he's badly hurt. If BARBAS has done this to him...or if it's something else...I saw him last night. It was the worst night mare EVER.

However, while on the astral plane, i encountered disturbance eminating from NICOLAS. He is in as much turmoil as Morgan. We HAVE to try to keep them from colliding as long as we can. Nicolas called for me, but DOMINIQUE answered instead. I think...i KNOW that at this point SHE is better suited to deal with him and since our truce with the Sisterhood is still in tact...we must not interfere.


:: Haleigh didnt know what happened to Alison in the nightmare that she faced, or how Nicolas had so valiantly defended her, but Alison's tone said it all. and as for Nicolas, if Dominique was FINALLY dealing with him in ANY way, that suggested that things were either QUITE BAD with Nicolas.::

I don't have any "good news"...all i can tell you is that it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Be ready, Barbas will strike tonight...in ERNEST.

:: But even Alison would not be able to TOTALLY see the severity of what was to come.::

Someone should tell KAREN, that no matter what happens...she will have done all she could.

:: cryptic indeed.::

 

[Rampage]

As Nicolas spoke he waited, almost expecting the worst. It had become his lot in his mind, he had endured a LOT in his time with the Six and he could feel a breaking point within. But as Dominique looked upon him, he saw a hint of...what could that be? His question was confirmed as she touched his mouth ever so softly to quiet him, firm yet compassionate.

As she spoke to him, her words struck him with their directness. It was not different than what others had said to him, but the difference was that he KNEW that this woman had no reason to reach out to him, owed him nothing, yet HAD done so anyway. he listened as she spoke to him, taking her guidance to heart. In truth, he actually DID realize that he was at fault for the thing with Haleigh, but that had been lost to him with everything else that had occurred.

He listened and took heed, sitting in his meditative position as he absorbed what she'd said. When she was done, he blinked at her for a moment as they reappeared back from wherever she'd taken them.

Thank you.

It was two words that conveyed much more meaning to Dominique, on a level that was akin to what Karen and Morgan would share. He was still not out of the woods, but the lifeline that his maternal aunt had thrown him using the power of his paternal aunt had managed to right the ship, giving him a chance to do what must be done: return to LA and face his teammates, doing what he must against Barbas. To that end, he nodded respectfully to the sorceress, respecting her wish to not be seen by anyone being compassionate to him. He then returned...

...to his Penthouse suite at his office tower. He was aware of the teams plans for him, and so as he showered and dried off, he waited for Sharon's inevitable arrival.

 

[Firebird]

Morg's place - Apt. 4

Even BLAZE was surprised to see her sister indulging in a stiff drink. It wasn't her 'usual' that she ordered or prepared for herself. She silently noted this but who wouldn't want a strong drink?

Would anyone else care for a drink?

"A drink would be divine, cosmo please."

I'm sure its going to be a long night...and a BLOODY one if i get my hands on that brunette bimbo, Claudia. That bitch doesn't know who she's playing with.

"No she doesn't. But, blow that little blow fish off. You're playing right into her game. Step it up."

Winking, Blaze stepped over to Morgan to massage her shoulders. She had caught the pronunciation on the term 'bloody' and turned to look at Delilah for a second.

I have a good feeling about the shoot...at least the WORK that was done. But I'm still pissed...

"You rocked the shoot, Morg! Nobody blames you for being pissed, you're entitled to feel that way."

The sudden slam of Morgan's glass caused Blaze to jump from behind her taller sibling.

about Nicolas. just WHO does he think he IS!?

"Oh girl, please! FORGET about Nicolas unless he was that good in bed or something. Nobody should care about his sorry dramatic queen ass! You can get ANOTHER man and replace him just like that!" Blaze would snap her fingers with a devilish grin.

I think we should just kill him and be done with it.

"But that would mean a quick death! Something he doesn't exactly deserve. Making his life a living hell without blood shed is more like it!"

I mean...what if he hurts one of US...or ...

"One of us? He already hurt DELILAH and the poor woman didn't deserve his wraith."

Blaze may not always show it but she thought the world of Delilah. She often thought of her as another sister. She was easy to talk to and down to earth.

WHY wouldn't Haleigh tell me what happened to me...or rather my alternate self in the other timeline!? what could he have DONE to me...or HER?

"I honestly don't know. The only person who can answer that is Hales. Perhaps you should confront her in private about it?"

It was obvious Morgan wanted to know and while Haleigh was trying to protect Morgan, Blaze didn't feel it was such a good idea. She felt her sister deserved to know. Especially when Barbas could use that information or lack thereof against Morgan.

and WHERE is Alison?

"Good question. I'm sure she'll pop in."

I don't know what to do...I don't know why I feel so...unhinged. One minute I'm clearly aware...the next I'm nearly CRIPPLED with fear and anxiety, its UNLIKE anything i've ever FELT before!

"It's the work of Barbas, hon. He's going to cripple you with fear and everything that's happened recently. Well, first things first is you need to keep yourself calm! You know what happens when you become mad and I'm not talking about Mike Tyson. You need to control the other side of yourself as much as you want to let loose."

Blaze would lavish both Tink and the kitten with affection on the couch. "Barbas KNOWS you despise Nicolas so he's going to use him against you and vice versa. I can't say I understand because I don't have a dark side but you've done well since the Inferno incident. Don't throw that away on Barbas OR Nicolas OR Claudia." She could see Morgan was in duress and didn't know what to do.

Reaching out to take Morgan's hand to squeeze it, "We're ALL here for you, Morgan. Just remember that. We're going to face this TOGETHER as a team and we're going to finish this, I promise." Nudging her shoulder into Morgan's.

 

[Seer]

<< as Morgan gulped down her vodka tonic and sat with her sisters...the early evening gave way to night.>>

<< it would be a few days before press for the MAC campaign would begin. NOW was the time to enjoy to herself but unfortuantely, so many things were hanging low over her, ALL of them.>>

<< as Blaze attempted to reassure her sister, both the fire elemental and the light manipulating mutant could see Morgan frayed around the edges. What good was it KNOWING who was responsible if there was nothing they could do to STOP him as of yet?>>

<< yet, they might not remember that in times like this...what is shaken, burned and agitated can lead to something NEW...something UNEXPECTED. In the moments of greatest fear, a person will either DEAL or DIE.>>

<< while Claudia and Clara were busy stabilizng their own relationship as sisters with TRUST, they would find TONIGHT to be less dangerous for them, at least from the supernatural threat...but this was also the eve of them going from being "tolerable" to being "DESPISED" among the rest of the residents of Melrose Place. Claudia might have thought she was prepared for her declining status among her new found neighbors, but neither she NOR Clara had encountered the scorn or the WRATH of the members of the Six. Two family dynamics...about to crash...all under the looming threat of Barbas!>>




<< as the evening took hold of their physical space, news reports of increased traffic to hospital emergency rooms for strange, deadly household accidents were up. there were also an increase in the number of young women checking in for lack of sleep, hallucinations and other signs of mental distress. these women may or may NOT have known their own status as witches.>>


<< there was ONE young witch who would experience more than a mere accident though. >>

<< with Dominique having done what she could do for Nicolas, the young mutant left his aunt, his only living relative, with a renewed, recharged spirit. he was in a bad way...but not past the point of no return. Dominique REMINDED him that he still had advantages, that he still had a chance. And not a moment too soon. Things were about to get very ugly...across the board.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

MP courtyard

<< Karen suddenly APPEARED in the courtyard of Melrose Place. the sound of her entrance fades in the night time wind. Looking over her shoulder, across the courtyard she notes the lighted pool, the water in the pool is rippling from the wind. Tucking some of her flipped hair behind her ear, she looks up to see lights on in apartment 4.>>

<< Morgan was there, with Delilah and Blaze.>>

<< the doctor felt BETTER about the immediate situation. everyone was where they needed to be. she also took a moment to reflect on how through all of this...from set until NOW, she and Michael had managed to survive as a couple. Could she have survived with Christopher like this? She never imagined she'd find LOVE in the arms of a man young enough to be her son.>>

<< she turned on her high heel, about to head to apartment too, when she heard a noise, like a glass bottle being kicked across the ground. she turned back again as the winds continued to blow and narrowed her eyes, across the way, past apartment 5 was a doorway to the laundry room.>>

hmmm...

<< and then, as a large shadow loomed, Karen's opal blue eyes widen with SHOCK as THE SUPER SOLDIER emerges, walking with a slow but purposed stride.>>

HECATE!

<< she says in a flash of panic! but NO!...it HAS to be Barbas! Karen steadies herself...and closes her eyes tightly, breathing in...and then exhaling as she opens her eyes..>>

he's STILL COMING!

<< Like Alison, Karen had a very PERSONAL memory of the Shape! Shadow Weaver cast the spell that finally DESTROYED the Super Soldier. It was one of the FIRST indications of her own potential as a world class sorceress. Being the MOTHER of earth's current "Sorceress Supreme" was not without its own merits and status....but her defeating this creature was a narrow, PAINFULL victory...the BATTLE against him was one FILLED with urgency and FEAR and INJURY that she sustained during it. She couldnt let him come NEAR her! she couldnt let him TOUCH HER AGAIN!.>>

<< she felt her body begin to react to the fear which was fast swelling into PANIC...but with her strength of will...she called upon her skills as a psycho therapist, once again talking herself out of that...and shutting her eyes...breathing in...and exhaling again.>>


<< opening her eyes...>>

he's still coming....he must be REAL!?

<< she stepped back and found herself against the wall. The Super Soldier was now coming around the pool and heading straight for her! the look of fear on her face said it all, as she lifted her hands...and halos of magick formed!>>

Stop where you are!

<< he was coming still...and now she was REMINDED just how LARGE, how SCAREY he was. Her mouth agape with shock.>>

Vines CLING! HOLD HIM WELL! DRAG HIM BACK...to the CHASM OF HELL!

<< as she was JUST about to ignite the spell....the Super Soldier grabs hold of her arm and Karen SCREAMS.>>

MIKE: KAREN! It's ME! MICHAEL!

<< Karen pulled away with a start as she looked at her arm, then at Michael. It was him the whole time! He had been checking around the property...just as she had returned from where she was. The Super Soldier wasnt there at all! it was just an illusion! she deactivates the spell, even as the ground beneath Mike was about to erupt in violence to attack him.>>

goddess...

<< she says, breathing rather labored.>>

I saw...

<< putting her hand on her chest.>>

I thought...

<< she gulped with uncertainty.>>

the monster...the SHAPE was coming for me!

 

[Arsenal]

Mike was making his rounds, checking things, looking at old video for clues. he had decided that the best way to be of help was to stay busy. He hated that even he was getting caught up in the discord on the team, realizing that by asking for an even-tempered approach for Nicolas that he'd managed to rub Delilah the wrong way again. He still, however, believed that they could work together and he was in no mood to apologize, especially since he felt bad about how she may have felt, but was NOT sorry for speaking his mind.

He had noticed the delivery to the Zacharra household, wrinkling his nose at the rot that the bodyguard turned and took into the house with him. Didn't he smell that? he realized that the poor guy probably did not, that his own senses had been heightened in the wilds of Aerie. Mike had spent enough days there to know rot and maggots when he smelled them, but it wasn't his house, wasn't HIS problem...he chuckled softly as the delivery man departed.

He saw Karen as she materialized by the pool, tucking her hair back, primping even when no one was looking. He dropped from the roof with no sound and announced himself.

Hello sexy...

Karen looked right at him, but she seemed not to hear him...and then as she saw him, she seemed..unhappy? NO! Afraid...very AFRAID.

Karen...

Mike spoke as he walked forward with a slow but purposed stride...

HECATE!

Mike shook his head.

No baby...NOT Hecate. She's shorter, less tan, has boobs and SLIGHTLY better legs than mine.

Mike tried humor to reach Karen. No dice. He increased his gait, coming around the pool when a voice spoke in his head.

She's going to kill you if you don't kill her FIRST. You could do it, with the very weapon she fashioned for you.

Mike patted his hip where the shotgun lay and shook his head vehemently. He would reach her, not give in to the fear Barbas was trying to foment. It was time for someone to win here. He kept coming, more quickly now, trying to reach her.

Stop where you are!

<< he was coming still...and now she was REMINDED just how LARGE, how SCAREY he was. Her mouth agape with shock.>>

Vines CLING! HOLD HIM WELL! DRAG HIM BACK...to the CHASM OF HELL!

<< as she was JUST about to ignite the spell....the Super Soldier grabs hold of her arm and Karen SCREAMS.>>

KAREN!! It's ME! MICHAEL!!

Karen suddenly had a flash of realization, deactivating the spell even as Mike felt the ground moving beneath..could see the vines begin to sprout. He'd reached for his weapon, but he had no idea if it would have been too late or NOT to shoot the damn things before...he sighed heavily as she explained.

goddess...

<< she says, breathing rather labored.>>

I saw...

<< putting her hand on her chest.>>

I thought...

<< she gulped with uncertainty.>>

the monster...the SHAPE was coming for me!

It's OK, baby. It's OK. We figured it out together. I saw you react to me in the wrong way, and so I only had one chance...to try to reach you. I never wanted you to be afraid.

Mike kissed her forehead, then touched her face with his hands as he sought to reassure her. He looked into her eyes for a moment before speaking again.

I cannot imagine what Morgan and Nic must be going through. Even as you were igniting the spell, Barbas was trying to play on my military instincts...to take you out with hellfire. But he failed to realize, I OWE you my life, honey you enrich my life so much...that if I am required to die for you, then I will.

Mike kissed her lips soft and quick then pulled her into a hug...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the courtyard

<< Karen was still a little upset as Mike attempted to calm her and reassure her. But as he spoke and she felt his arms...she knew it was safe.>>

<< Mike revealed that Barbas was trying to mainpulate HIM as well...but it was not quite the same as what he'd done to Karen. it was ALWAYS worse for the witches , it made his consuming them all the more satisfying.>>

<< as Mike held her....she didnt reply right away as he empathized with what Morgan and Nicolas were suffering through. All she could think about was the images that seemed so REAL of the Super Soldier coming back for REVENGE. It didnt MATTER that Patrick Phillips' spirit had THANKED Karen for LIBERATING him from the body, the HELL that Mystech had created while they were in Limbo...it was that gripping, all encompasing FEAR. First Christopher attacking her, Mike's bloody body and now the Super Soldier. Barbas was hitting her where it counted EVERYTIME so far.>>

...

<< moving away from Mike, Karen looked down for a moment.>>

at least...the others are inside and together. They can help each other.

<< she said as she quietly entered Mike's apartment with her arms wrapped around her waist...>>

 

[Siren]

She didn't hear screaming, cursing, or the sound of the door being broken down....so obviously whomever it was wasn't Haleigh, Morgan, Sharon, or any of the other 500 people who wanted to kill Claudia at the moment. After a few moments Johnny knocked on the door before pushing it open, revealing a long rectangular black box with a red bow.

Johnny: Been making friends, have you, Claudia? It's a flower delivery for you. It came with a card too… If it were Clara's I'd read it aloud but… you're a bit more accustomed to privacy, so…

Taking the sealed card from Johnny, Claudia pulled open the envelope flap and pulled the card out. Her eyes narrowed as she read it, the delivery from Haleigh Davidoff. Scoffing out as the note continued on, it was clear Haleigh was sending her OWN message about how their current 'buisness relationship' had deteriorated. Extending her hand out for the box, Johnny handed it to her. Sliding the bow off the box, Claudia opened it only to be greeted by the smell of death. Decaying roses and maggots laid within the box.

"Original."

She deadpanned, closing the box and shoving it into Johnny's chest.

"Get rid of that."

Looking down at the note, Claudia shook her head. Reading the P.S part outloud, the brunette was increasingly growing impatient with Davidoff and her stupid scare tactics.

"'A 'friendly' tip: Nicolas fancies himself a gentleman. The Mystery Stains of HO-tel sheets may not be up to his standards. Might I suggest you check your OWN linens for cleanliness before taking him to bed?' Check my linens?"

It then dawned on Claudia that Haleigh had been here; she had to have done something to her bed. Pulling Clara up off her bed as she stood, Claudia flipped back the comforter and flat sheet only to see a small, flat, metal container laying in the middle of her bed. Looking slightly confused, she expected something a little more.....dramatic? Maybe 'slut' written in blood or snakes or something? Not a little metal box in the middle of her bed.

"A bomb, maybe? [glancing over at Clara] Would she risk blowing up her friends apartment to get rid of me?"

Looking back over at the metal box, suddenly it opened, releasing a dozen black widow spiders that began to crawl around her bed. Gasping, Claudia stepped back with a horrified look on her face.

"Ugh, that's disgusting! Johnny, go teleport my bed somewhere.....i'll go buy a new one tomorrow. [pushing him toward the bed] Hurry before they crawl off of it!"

As Johnny disappeared, Claudia crumpled the note from Haleigh in her hand. The line in the sand had been drawn. Claudia fucked with Haleigh, and Haleigh was now sending a clear message that she was ready for war. But a war with Claudia Zacchara was something Haleigh had NEVER experienced before in her life.

"That donkey toothed barn bitch is going to be BEGGING me for mercy once i'm finished with her."

 

[Silver Swan]

Nicolas' alternate dwelling

[ Sharon invites herself into Nicolas' alternate dwelling, opening the door and immediately striding in. Artemis and Antiope hurridly flutter in as well and as Sharon points and clicks, they perch themselves quietly high above near the ceiling.]

Alison told me where i'd find you. We're going to be spending alot of time together, you and i...

[ Sharon said as she picked up and flipped through a magazine.]

She also told me something ELSE.

[ hurling the magazine across the room.]

You...WORK for CLAUDIA ZACCHARA!?

[ her voice growing louder by the moment as the birds immediately snapped their glare at Nicolas.]

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!?

Oh wait...that was the wrong question because clearly you WEREN'T!

[ Sharon's indignation was fierce and it was clear she wasnt in the mood for any of Nicolas' attempts to charm or soothe.]

What are you? some kind of SELL OUT? Working for the ENEMY!?

[ backing Nicolas up as she continues walking toward him.]

I told Alison the other night, that I think you must be ATTRACTED to that piece of GARBAGE and I KNOW I'm right. I HEAR your heart beat...it CHANGES when you deal with her. Your BLOOD flow...clearly THAT isnt going to your BRAIN when you're around her EITHER. I can tell you WANT her. How many people do you have to HURT before you realize that you're making a BIG MISTAKE, NICOLAS!

That woman is not worth two pennies from the bottom of a hooker's purse and you are falling RIGHT into her hands!

WORKING for her!? or is it something ELSE you're doing for her.

[ her silver eyes sparkle with fury.]

Do you KNOW who youre dealing with?

[ which went back to Karen's question. WHY hadnt anyone asked Sharon about this woman. CLEARLY there was a past between Sharon and Claudia.]

I'm not going to be able to help you...i WON'T help you if I find out that you are doing this to spite Morgan and Haleigh.

 

[Rampage]

As Sharon made her way in, Nicolas stood to greet her as she spoke to hm calmly at first, then...

You...WORK for CLAUDIA ZACCHARA!?

[ her voice growing louder by the moment as the birds immediately snapped their glare at Nicolas.]

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!?

Oh wait...that was the wrong question because clearly you WEREN'T!

[ Sharon's indignation was fierce and it was clear she wasnt in the mood for any of Nicolas' attempts to charm or soothe.]

What are you? some kind of SELL OUT? Working for the ENEMY!?

[ backing Nicolas up as she continues walking toward him.]

I told Alison the other night, that I think you must be ATTRACTED to that piece of GARBAGE and I KNOW I'm right. I HEAR your heart beat...it CHANGES when you deal with her. Your BLOOD flow...clearly THAT isnt going to your BRAIN when you're around her EITHER. I can tell you WANT her. How many people do you have to HURT before you realize that you're making a BIG MISTAKE, NICOLAS!

That woman is not worth two pennies from the bottom of a hooker's purse and you are falling RIGHT into her hands!

WORKING for her!? or is it something ELSE you're doing for her.

[ her silver eyes sparkle with fury.]

Do you KNOW who youre dealing with?

[ which went back to Karen's question. WHY hadnt anyone asked Sharon about this woman. CLEARLY there was a past between Sharon and Claudia.]

I'm not going to be able to help you...i WON'T help you if I find out that you are doing this to spite Morgan and Haleigh.

Nicolas backed up as she gained on him, palms out. Then, he STOPPED. He was not running from anything, DEFINITELY not in his own home. He realized that Sharon was angry and wanted answers, so he gave them to her.

I have not EVER done anything simply to spite EITHER Morgan OR Haleigh. EVER. I have been in the wrong, out-of-control, petulant, immature, and mentally fragile these last few months, but I have not been spiteful in any of my actions.

Nicolas voice was initially tinged with irritation, but as he paused and continued to look at Sharon eye to eye and considered his aunt's words again, he softened, clearing his throat. He continued, voice even and respectful of the mutate. She meant far too much to him and he was not going to squander his chance to make SOMEONE understand. He continued...

Claudia Zacharra contacted me to hire me to model for her company, which when I checked, had a great reputation. I could not read her mind or yours so I had no idea what she was up to or what your past history was. I knew from her sister's mind that they weren't SAINTS but none of us are, so that gave me little pause. I decided to sign with her to earn extra money for my charities which have been hard hit by the current world economy...I don't personally earn a dime for myself modeling.

He shifted his weight a bit as he continued on.

As for Claudia...YES, I am attracted to her. She is quite beautiful, and my time since the Set episode has been rather...lonely, in spite of what everyone assumed Haleigh and I was doing. I admit that it feels good for someone to speak to me civilly and freely, to banter and flirt with a woman. My time speaking with everyone other than her is full of Barbas and Set and the mistakes I have made, and though I am to bear that burden I am...WEARY of all of it.

If I had known that Claudia had hired Morgan as well or that my working for her would upset you so, I would not have done it. But both of you at the time weren't really speaking to me and I am unable to hear your thoughts. Would you enlighten me of your experience with her? I want to know what has you so angry...even Artemis and Antiope are disturbed...

Nicolas mimicked perfectly a contented chirp for Gyrfalcons to somewhat soothe them, then assembled before them a container with food for them. Even after all of this time, he still had food for ALL of the animals of the Six, in case they wanted or needed it.

 

[Silver Swan]

Nicolas' dwelling

[ Sharon looked at Nicolas in disbelief. He was a young man now, fully capable of making his own choices...and accepting the consequences ...good OR BAD, but THIS? Sharon just couldnt abide it. She wasnt his MOTHER, but SHE had more "CLAIM" to him than a manipulative wench like Claudia ever could. She may NOT have been his mother, but she was STILL a mother and no mother wants to see a child (at any age) embrace a COBRA.]

[ she wanted to take Nicolas and SHAKE HIM at this very moment. But that wasnt what was needed.]

[ she listened as he quickly accounted for how he came to be in her employ. He had some fair and accurate things to say and she KNEW he wasnt lying and so...as he offered her birds some food, Sharon backed off a bit, exhaling loudly and folding her arms as Artemis and Antiope settled a bit.]

The birds dont know any better Nicolas. They don't ask for much but will give MUCH in return. I am NOT so easily dealt with.

[ looking over her shoulder at Nicolas, she had a look of utter contempt.]

[ he asked her WHY she hated Claudia so much.]

NOW you ask. BEFORE , you probably thought I was just reverting to type...what I'm sure MOST of you think of me...that I'm still that out of control, INSANE Silver Swan just WAITING for the chance to go rampaging across L.A.

[ the bitterness was evident.]

I've been in your corner MORE than most, because I can EMPATHIZE but that empathy only goes SO FAR, Nicolas.

Fighting with family is one thing...especially a family like OURS. But when you bring OUTSIDERS in!? someone like HER? THAT is where I draw the line!



Claudia Zacchara is the daughter of "supposed" Mob Boss who I became aware of during my days as a Senator. They were no less lethal than the Cassadines. Alycia has had some past dealings with them as well...as an ENEMY. "Not a saint"...if it were ONLY that, I would hardly care. They are EVIL. Their family empire is built on government corruption, intimidation, the BLOOD of innocents. But because they were NOT citizens of the United States...FRANCE STONE WALLED Alycia and myself in our attempts to spearhead and launch an internationally endorsed investigation. They were too insulated against me and they KNEW it! Try as i did, I could NOT bring them down...and soon after, I was murdered by Master Mold, which no doubt brough MUCH joy to the Cassadines AND the Zaccharas.

[ smirking with WICKED delilah as she balls up her armoured fist, the armour GLEAMS. ]

too bad them...I GOT BETTER!

I'm NOT the insane PUPPET that Rick Riley had hoped for...I'm something ELSE now thanks to the Amazons...and...all of YOU.

I may be a mutate, but I have not forgotten, I haven't FORGIVEN! and now I can DO something about it!

When I finally get my hands on Claudia...I'm going to pound her face into the ground so hard her DEAD ANCESTORS will hear her cries of agony!

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose: Apt 5

Alison grabbed Haleigh's shoulder from behind and Haleigh, ever quick on the draw, manifested a Walther P22 instantly, ready to fire if necessary. Alison's voice came quickly. Haleigh smirked as Alison reminded her that Barbas was on the loose.

"Shh…. Take a seat…. It's just getting to the GOOD part."

She took perhaps a little TOO much pleasure in watching the reactions of the Zaccharas…. She had forgotten how amusing it was to toy with and bully other people…. And how cathartic it was. Lucky for Haleigh, Claudia was not only a CONVENIENT target… but she was universally loathed and as such… not ONE of the Six would object to anything Haleigh put her through…. [except for maybe Nicolas, but he had problems of his own to worry about]. Haleigh laughed as she heard Claudia swear vengeance.

"Donkey toothed…. Barn bitch. [laughing heartily] Now there's one I've never heard before."

Alison: "I don't need to ask what are you doing. Instead I'll just say…well done. Claudia puts herself and Clara in more danger both from Barbas AND US with every move she makes…and this, of course is BEFORE SHARON finds out about Morgan and Nicolas WORKING for her. Don't interfere with THAT, okay?"

"Yeah, whatever."

Haleigh shrugged…. Her and Sharon may be on the same side, both in the Six and against Claudia, but they seemed to share a mostly benign disinterest in each other. When they needed to work together they could without problem, but otherwise… they didn't spend time together…. There was nothing bonding them and BOTH women were fine with it.

Alison mentioned Cameron… her astral plane search for him… and Haleigh's lingering humor from watching Claudia seemed to melt away to seriousness and slight melancholy. Haleigh didn't search for Cameron anymore… she'd had to give up on it, mostly because every day she got up and checked, she was crestfallen when she found nothing. He was either dead…. Or he didn't WANT to be found. Both options were equally painful for Haleigh to consider. Haleigh looked over at Alison guiltily… about to respond but the Seer moved on to talking about Nicolas, and Haleigh was saved by the topic change. She nodded as Alison said they needed to keep separation between Nicolas and Morgan.

"I agree…. Barbas is capitalizing on Morgan's pain and distrust and making everything WORSE… and Nicolas… well, he's not any help, unfortunately. I felt… his pain… like a wave of nausea at the shoot today. He's hurt by the way Morgan is acting…. And we're faced with a time bomb when they get together… [sighing] I grow WEARY of running interference. I'm glad Dominique can step in. I'm afraid WE can't help him until Barbas is taken care of."

Alison: "I don't have any 'good news'…all I can tell you is that it's going to get worse before it gets better."

[scoffing] "So what ELSE is new?"

Alison: "Be ready, Barbas will strike tonight…in EARNEST. Someone should tell KAREN, that no matter what happens…she will have done all she could."

Haleigh eyed Alison… catching her strange remark, and Seer's tone. What could she MEAN by that? Haleigh wasn't one to avoid asking the pointed questions.

"Is there something you'd like to SHARE with me, Alison?"

 

[Fusion]

Melrose: Apt 6

Clara watched as her sister read the card, gauging Claudia's face for information. Claudia opened the rose box… and Clara recoiled in disgust.

"GROSS!"

Johnny: "So she's not your BEST friend, then?"

Claudia: "Get rid of that."

Johnny nodded and left, as Claudia began to read aloud a part of her card from Haleigh.

Claudia: "A friendly tip: Nicolas fancies himself a gentleman.--"

[under her breath] "HA! As if."

Claudia: "The mystery stains of HO-tel sheets may not be up to his standards. Might I suggest you check you OWN linens for cleanliness before taking him to bed? Check my linens?"

Clara and Claudia seemed to have the same realization simultaneously, as Clara almost jumped off the bed, turning to face it and backing away as Claudia pulled back the covers. There was some kind of little metal container laying there…. It looked rather plain and non-threatening. Clara, like her sister, had expected something with a lot more ominous grandeur.

Claudia: "A bomb, maybe? Wold she risk blowing up her friend's apartment to get rid of me?"

[shaking her head] "I doubt it…. Something tells me that if a woman like Haleigh Davidoff wanted to kill you…."

Johnny: "She'd come in here and do it to your face."

Clara nodded as Johnny finished her thought, more or less…. But knowing that…. she didn't have any answers for what the metal thing in the bed might be…. She didn't have to ponder it long, however… it popped open, releasing several Black Widow spiders that spread over the bedsheet. Clara shrank back with a frown… she wasn't particularly fearful of spiders, but she knew THESE spiders were venomous.

Claudia: "Ugh, that's disgusting! Johnny, go teleport my bed somewhere…..I'll go buy a new one tomorrow. Hurry before the crawl off of it!"

Claudia said, pushing him towards the bed. Johnny didn't look especially happy to be delegated the task, but he was still [reluctantly] obedient. Claudia balled up the note from Haleigh, looking defiant and promising Clara that she was going to make Haleigh sorry. Clara, folding her arms across her chest, looked wary. Her father's warnings about how dangerously unhinged Haleigh was were starting to resound in her head.

"Well…. You'd better do something SOON…. She's been in our apartment, Claudia."

She sounded, even to herself, a little unnerved... and that irritated her.... but truly... this was hitting a little TOO close. What if Haleigh had decided to plant those little spider cans in everyone's beds and not told them about it.... and they all had unknowingly crawled into bed with Black Widows? The idea sent a shiver down Clara's spine.... and the idea that she could've fallen victim to a death like that....

Barbas: It kind of makes you a little ANGRY, doesn't it Princess? It's Claudia's fault... ALL of this is Claudia's FAULT.

STOP IT, Daddy. Leave me alone..... please?

 

[Siren]

Clara: Well…. You'd better do something SOON…. She's been in our apartment, Claudia.

"I know.."

Her tone was serious, knowing that Clara was unnerved that Haleigh had been snooping her blonde ass around their apartment. But as Claudia stared at the empty space where her bed once was, her mind was racing with other thoughts. Something didn't add up.... With her eyes narrowed and her face perplexed, it finally hit her.

"We're bugged!"

Quickly turning to look around her bedroom, Claudia's eyes shifted from floor to ceiling, realizing how STUPID she had been. That she didn't figure this out before! Haleigh knowing about their joint attack from Barbas and knowing exactly when to open the box of black widows? With her history in the armed forces and her security background, it was so blindly obvious that they were being monitored Claudia felt like an idiot for not picking up on this before.

"..Or under surveillance.... [scoffing] No wonder she knows so much about our attacks from Babras. Not to mention when to precisely open that little metal container when I flipped back the sheets. [shaking her head] I can't believe I didn't pick up on this before."

Grabbing her purse, Claudia took out her wallet and opened it, shuffling through the wad of cash she had shoved inside. There was no way in hell she OR Clara were staying at Melrose Place with Haleigh watching their every move. ESPECIALLY since Claudia had made multiple enemies that day whom were all associates and friends of Haleigh's.

"We're not staying here tonight. Come on..."

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Sharon spoke about the Zacharras, her voice rising as she vowed violence against them, and all but accused him of treachery for dealing wth them at all.

Well...I am glad that you finally decided to share that with someone. That is something that very much should have been VOLUNTEERED. Perhaps then you would not be so angry AFTER the fact and me NOR Morgan would have dealt with them at all.

In any case, you seem to equate the Cassadines and the Zacharras. Why then, are you not angry with Ava, or the fact that we accept HER? She is a Cassadine and has done far worse to our group than Claudia OR Clara, including the last day's events.

But no matter, what is done is done. I have no control over old scores to settle, but I do want to say one thing to you...I have never simply thought of you as some CRAZY person reverting to type. That is not the Sharon I know, that MOST of us are familiar with. Give us more credit than that. Give ME more credit than that. Don't LOSE yourself in anger because that is what you THINK we expect of you. Because I expect MUCH more and, unlike MY recent behavior, YOU have not let me down YET.

Nicolas walked over to Sharon, grasping her hands.

You may not always agree with me, nor I with you. But I still believe in you, that as much as has changed, that much more is still the good person I knew as a kid, not some MONSTER. You get me?

Nicolas was earnest in his speech to Sharon, determined to let her know that he was not waiting for her to fail as a person...

 

[Silver Swan]

Nicolas' place

Well...I am glad that you finally decided to share that with someone. That is something that very much should have been VOLUNTEERED. Perhaps then you would not be so angry AFTER the fact and me NOR Morgan would have dealt with them at all.

[ her glare did not waver. sometimes, Nicolas seemed so OUT OF TOUCH with what was going on RIGHT in front of him.]

and WHEN was I going to do that? between your outbursts and the growing threat of Barbas? It should have been OBVIOUS that there was something wrong. If no one was going to listen to me, Alison has declared her dislike of them from the beginning...she's a PRECOG.

In any case, you seem to equate the Cassadines and the Zacharras. Why then, are you not angry with Ava, or the fact that we accept HER? She is a Cassadine and has done far worse to our group than Claudia OR Clara, including the last day's events.

Don't condescend me, Nicolas.

[ she suddenly responds sharply.]


You don't get it...do you?

I KNOW about Ava and Persephone passing through the Seige Perilous. Morgan told me. and in case you forgot...when Rick Riley released me on the public as the Silver Swan, my DRIVING FORCE WAS the hatred of Haleigh AND Ava...the CASSADINES. All of that has been RESOLVED.

[ thinking about Haleigh for a moment. The two women probably the LEAST involvement between each other despite being on the same team and having many points of common ground. Sharon trusted Haleigh with her back, but didnt READILY think of her as a FRIEND. The irony was that they were MORE friendly when Sharon was merely human, and a champion for mutants rights.]



I trust Morgan...and I trust Haleigh and Ava. My relationship with Haleigh and Ava is not as deep as it is with Morgan or yourself, but enough has happened to proove who is and who ISNT the enemy. Ava had to pass through the seige perilous in part to ANSWER for her crimes as a Cassadine. Claudia has not answered in ANYWAY for what she's done. I REMEMBER the reports! I SAW first hand the shadow she and her family cast across NYC, MY constituents.

[Sharon turned away from Nicolas as he seemed to MISS her entire point. But least ALISON got it, if no one ELSE did.]

Nicolas walked over to Sharon, grasping her hands.

I do want to say one thing to you...I have never simply thought of you as some CRAZY person reverting to type. That is not the Sharon I know, that MOST of us are familiar with. Give us more credit than that. Give ME more credit than that. Don't LOSE yourself in anger because that is what you THINK we expect of you. Because I expect MUCH more and, unlike MY recent behavior, YOU have not let me down YET.


You may not always agree with me, nor I with you. But I still believe in you, that as much as has changed, that much more is still the good person I knew as a kid, not some MONSTER. You get me?

Nicolas was earnest in his speech to Sharon, determined to let her know that he was not waiting for her to fail as a person...

[ Sharon softened her glare...and breathed a little more easy as Nicolas held her armour covered hands.]

...

[it was moments like THIS that reminded her of her humanity. despite all her changes, her new , REDEFINED sense of self and everything else, she was still at her core, HUMAN and had feelings, including the need to be seen NOT as a monster, not JUST as "Silver Swan", but as class Sharon Kelly!]

thank you, Nicolas.

[ she said in a softer tone.]

It isnt easy...to LIVE like this, knowing that those I love most in the world [Robert, Kyle and even Gustav] are beyond my new found power to help. But...for those that are STILL HERE, I MUST do what I can to keep you away from Claudia. I may love you...but I can't stand by and let you be a FOOL.

 

[Seer]

the long night

<< night has fallen across L.A.>>

<< everyone is where they should be...at least physically. But lately, NOTHING was as it seemed.>>

<< The Zaccharas are feeling the pinch of the growing disdain from their new neighbors from MP and Barbas is already playing on Clara's SECRET feeling that its "all Claudia's fault"...that her ways are finally catching up to them, that it will COST them. She has NO idea how RIGHT she may be!>>

<< Claudia prepares to leave MP for the night, with Clara and Johnny following but as they open the door, they find themselves in NYC, during the INFERNO at its climax! the hellish temperature, the chaos, the screams of humans the enchanted buildings and objects coming demonic life as the city is over run with dark magick! at the HEART of it is MORGAN VICTORIA b.k.a. SPELLBINDER, gripped by her rage and insanity, manifesting the "Darkchilde" aspect of her soul unchecked and wearing her "Inferno" costume.>>

<< she conducts a symphony of chaos as demons of a variety of shapes and sizes fly in the violent skies above. on the ground, are dead , broken, burned bodies...VICTIMS of Spellbinder's WRATH! >>

Spellbinder: << noticing them.>> well, well! what have we HERE! out in the open where i can give you the welcome, you more than RICHLY DESERVE!

<< the demon sorceress points, and magick sparks and swells around her hand...thunder crashes.>>

ZARK!

<< Spellbinder unleashes a MASSIVE ELDRITCH BOLT and it charges MADLY for Claudia , Clara and Johnny. The trio were seemingly confronted by a very powerfull, very homicidal woman and since NONE of them was familiar with the DETAILS of the Inferno [thanks in large part to Ororo ERASING memories of the Inferno from the general populace of the city] because there were no media reports of the event, they were now facing MORTAL danger. even if they managed to evade or survive this attack, the witch was far from through.>>

Spellbinder: you TOYED WITH ME , you PUSHED me over the edge! trying to make me BREAK! Now...i'll BREAK YOU...YOUR SOUL!

<< in REALITY, she had said these words to Cameron and Haleigh before she MURDERED Haleigh outright. But Barbas was now using this against CLAUDIA and giving them a terrifying, IN YOUR FACE worst case scenario.>>

<< Spellbinder takes off, flying up and then swooping down, looking beautifull and terrifying.>>

Spellbinder: SAY GOOD BYE!

<< she unleashes a WIND BOMB spell, sending a tight, spinning sphere of wind that slams into them with the impact of a MASSIVE TIDAL WAVE and sends them all FLYING every which way.>>

<< Barbas was definately going to make SURE that the Zaccharas didnt get ANYWHERE.>>


meanwhile

<< back in Melrose Place, where nothing SEEMED out of the ordinary [ the Zaccharas were trapped in Barbas' attack inside their apt.] all was calm across the courtyard. the night time wind was rather gusty though, as if it was blowing in more trouble.>>

<< Alison and Haleigh were in apt. 5; Morgan, Delilah and Blaze were in apt. 4 and Karen and Mike were in apt. 2 so far the groups were okay...but others in the L.A. area were not going to be so lucky and soon, members of the Six would be visited by another nightmare that was all too real!>>

<< and so we watch.>>