Eyes wide shut

[Seer]

<< as Morgan walked into the courtyard, she immediately was taken aback by the wind and the leaves. she felt a chill and as she looked around and noticed no one around. But she felt something....>>

<< at that moment, as Alison was recovering from her ordeal. She told Karen and the others about her nightmare, what she saw and that it felt like it was MORE than a DREAM, but some kind of...astral episode. Witches could travel the astral plane just as telepaths do and so whoever attacked her most likely was a telepath. Someone even as powerfull as Malice or Nicolas couldnt penetrate her psi screen and so the only other vulnerability she had was her astral form [think of when Malice shattered Morgan's astral form in the Terror Dome]. it was a working theory that Haleigh was already considering as she confronted Nicolas.>>

<< meanwhile, the Zaccharas were being pulled into the fray unknowingly as well...THEY were being considered as possible suspects as well.>>

<< once again, personal feelings were put to the side as a more pressing problem loomed, but nothing they could do would prevent what was coming. Alison's attack did its job. it SCARED her off her game as a precog, distracting and confusing her just enough to prevent her from realizing the REAL meaning behind her nightmare, it was the ultimate vision promoted by the FEAR and anxiety that had been in her since Nicolas' outburst this morning.>>

<< Cameron, her baby brother, had warned her that HE was coming back? Was it NICOLAS? no. Someone MUCH worse.>>

<< and so we watch.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

MP courtyard

<< As Morgan started across the courtyard, she was still not immediately aware of what had happen. everyone was inside of Delilah's apartment and as she heard the door creaking, moving slightly from the wind she started to turn.>>

hmmm...

<< why would Delilah leave her door open? Morgan began to walk toward her apartment when a dark hand reached out and grabbed her wrist and yanks her off her path.>>

<< Morgan gasps as she drops her attache' and locks eyes with her assailant. a tall, creepy looking man...with dark skin...SHADOWED skin and markings on his head and shoulders..>>

NICOLAS! YOU SON OF A BITCH!

<< at first glance, it COULD be Nicolas, manifesting the aspect of his true parentage but he's taller, thinner, more demonic looking. as she struggles to pull away from him, she thrusts her other hand forward and a chime sounds off>>

<<ZARK!>>

<< the sound that only her magick makes as she fires an ELDRITCH BOLT! the blast would have punched a hole through his chest and irradiated him with dark magick but as the bolt blasts into the man, IT passes right through him and crashes through the window of MIKE'S apartment. Morgan is dismayed that her blast has no effect but she isnt about to give in.>>

LET GO OF ME!

<< her icy violet eyes sparkle with ANGER as she prepares to attack the man again, as suddenly as he was upon her he was GONE, so strong was her effort to pull away from him, using her own strength, that she staggers backward and falls to the ground right outoside of Delilah's door...hitting her head.>>

OW!

<< it hurts just as BAD as it sound when she falls. if the others didnt know she was home before, they did now.>>

DAMMIT!

<< she was alone and what would be worse, is that when she tells them that Nicolas attacked her, the cameras wouldnt show ANYONE there, only her REACTIONS. it was actually an apparition, not even the most accurate representation of Nicolas.>>

<< slightly stunned...she rolls over and is now on her side...her head RINGING. For every SUCCESS must there be a STUMBLING BLOCK? Morgan looked terribly dismayed...as she began to try to get up.>>

 

[Siren]

"And here I thought you could handle four inch heals."

Claudia said from behind as she walked upon a fallen Morgan in the courtyard. Placing her crimson crocodile skin brief case on one of the pool chairs as she passed it, the brunette made her way over to Morgan's side and knelt down next to her.

"Come on..."

Morgan was trying to get up by herself and Claudia began to assist her; grabbing the crook of her arm and placing her other hand behind her back.

"No offense, Victoria...but I don't like damaged goods. So try not to knock yourself into oblivion the next time you strut the courtyard."

Finally managing to get Morgan to her feet, Claudia steadied her, raising a brow as the blonde wobbled a bit. It was strange because she had walked in just as Morgan fell to the ground. She didn't see anyone....but it looked like she had been struggling with someone and was pushed. But Claudia brushed it off. Who knows? Maybe Morgan was a crack head and was having an episode? Either way, as long as she didn't kill herself and ruin their new buisness partnership, Morgan could do whatever drugs she wanted.

Bending down, Claws picked up Morgan's purse and handed it to her, seeing she was still realing from the fall.

"..You okay?"

 

[Arsenal]

As Mike stood there with Karen he heard a THUD...

What the hell?!

Mike opened the door wider and saw Morgan struggling to get up. He immediately assisted her along with the hot brunette from upstairs.

Morgan?! Are you OK? What happened?

 

[Persephone]

[giving her sister a smirk] I can go ASK them. Stir the pot, as you would say.

"No...your wooden spoon privleges are revoked for now, okay?"

Ava finally smiled. It had been serious mode since Alison was attacked, but leave it to Haleigh to get her to lighten up a bit.

"I wouldn't directly go to them, Hales. Atleast not yet. Just watch them...If they do have powers who knows what they're capable of. I'd rather not accuse and piss off before we get more information about what's going on. Plus, if they AREN'T the people behind this, then we'll have a whole other problem on our hands."

Nodding her head to the bathroom door.

"I should probably get back out there before they think i'm having another breakdown or soemthing in here. [rolling her eyes] Head back to your apartment and go through the tapes again. I would even check the the tapes AFTER the attack...maybe there is something lurking around here..?"

Ava gave Haleigh a small smile.

"See you later."

And with that, Ava opened the bathroom door, disabling Haleigh's sound muffling machine [] and prepared to head back to the bedroom when she heard voices off of Delilah's livingroom. Heading toward the noise, she noticed the door wide open with Mike and Claudia Zacchara assisting a fallen Morgan. With concerned eyes, Ava quickly headed over to her.

"Morgan, what happened? Are you okay?"

Standing by the doorway, she shifted her eyes over to Claudia for a moment then back to Morgan. Now CLAUDIA was around when Morgan fell? Morgan wasn't a klutzy woman....something was off.

 

[Harbinger]

apt. 1 - delilah's guest room

:: in one terrifying moment, Alison felt her life leaving her. the sight of her badly hurt brother, delilah and the super soldier and then to be IMPALED again. secretly, Alison NEVER wanted to experience it AGAIN but in her nightmare, she DID! ::

:: almost as painfull as the nightmare was WAKING UP from it. But thankfully, Karen and the others were summoned by Ava and Alison was saved from the fatal injury. as she rested on the bed and Karen applied a cold compress to head while Delilah, Blaze and Sharon helped to make sure was comfortable, Karen asked her if she knew who attacked her.::

The...super soldier...

Karen: But how can that be? I...killed him myself.

:: Karen remembered that battle, she nearly lost her life. But she succeeded where FEW could. She destroyed the creature that was once Patrick, Haleigh's first true love. Ororo had guided his soul to eternal peace in the garden. AND OF COURSE ( ) she would remember this right after what Mike said about Nicolas rescuing HER from Malice following the "Critical mass" of the Citadle, Blackout and the Super Soldier.::

Alison: the dream...the nightmare. It was more than just a nightmare. what happened to me...it was REAL.

:: she was still breathing heavily.::

Karen: Don't upset yourself Alison. we're here now.

:: Ava and Haleigh were trying to figure it out as well. Everyone was on the same page for the moment, and even as Nicolas was ruled out as a suspect, something ELSE was happening in the courtyard as the distinct sound of an eldritch blast was heard ...::

Alison: Morgan....

Karen: You stay right where you are Alison!

<< Karen stands up.>>

Karen: Sharon, Delilah..stay with Alison. Blaze, come with me!

 

[Spellbinder]

MP courtyard

<< Morgan reeled with disorientation but then Claudia's voice was heard.>>

OH JUST GREAT!

<< Morgan was FEELING herself blush with embarrassment. of ALL the people to see her fall to the ground...>>

<< Claudia came and admonished her not to damage her face or her looks. oh the humour of a fashion industry executive still, Morgan was greatfull for the assist in getting up as she was still a bit dizzied.>>

tha...thank you!

<< she tried to sound as composed as possible but she was shaking.>>



<< Mike helped to steady her, and she widened her eyes then shut them. repeating this process.>>

....

<< when Ava came, and then her mother...Morgan couldnt contain it any longer. she looked among them all.>>

NICOLAS just ATTACKED ME! RIGHT HERE IN THE COURTYARD!

<< but none of them saw anyone else there. Even Claudia had come JUST after the apparition disappeared, the only evidence was the broken window of Mike's apartment and the scorch marks from the eldritch bolt.>>

<< still what she just told them, and HER not knowing what happened to Alison...it all made for even MORE distress among the residents of MP.>>

that son of a bitch just attacked me!

 

[Shadow Weaver]

from the courtyard to apt. 4

<< Shadow Weaver and Firebird arrive and see the aftermath of Morgan having fallen and hit her head.>>|


<< Karen weaved her way inbetween Claudia and Morgan and as they helped her to sit down on a bench outside of Delilah's apartment, Karen cast a spell as she began to heal Morgan's head wound and when she told them all that NICOLAS attacked her, Karen immediately looked at Mike.>>

Morgan...where is he?

Morgan: I dont know! He grabbed me just as i was coming to Delilah's apartment to see why her door was open and when I fought back, he...he disappeared!

<< Karen looked at Morgan with a grim expression on her face.>>

Let me take you to your apartment. I want you to lay down.

<< Karen said in a lower tone. She didnt want to reveal what happened to Alison in front of Claudia. Although it was Karen who gave Claudia her lease, Karen was not immediately aware of Claudia's status as a metahuman.>>

Mike, help me take Morgan back to her apartment. Blaze, you come with us as well. Ava, please ask Haleigh to...

<< not wanting to reveal that there were cameras well hidden.>>

CHECK with me shortly.



Thank you very much for your help, Claudia.

<< Karen nodded.>>

It's unfortunate we should meet again under such unusual circumstances.

<< Claudia and Karen had no beef between them at this time.>>

<< and with that, Karen leads the way while Mike and Blaze make sure Morgan is okay to walk, they all return to apartment four and Blaze helps Morgan into her room while Karen shuts the door and locks it down TIGHT.>>

Michael...WHAT was that you were saying not too long ago? << looking pissed.>>

Nicolas just ATTACKED my daughter in broad DAYLIGHT!

 

[Siren]

Claudia stepped away as the large muscular man took over helping Morgan. Smirking, now who was HE?! She certainly hadn't seen him around here...and she would remember arms like that. Parting her lips with her tongue, soon another brunette came rushing to the door to see if Morgan was alright. Studying her, she seemed familiar...but Claudia couldn't put her finger on it..

Karen, the woman she had leased her apartment from, AND Morgan's mother, also came out. Mike and Karen helped Morgan over to a bench and sat her down. Claudia slowly walked over to the pool chair that she had placed her breifcase on earlier, making sure to listen to everything everyone was saying. Picking up her breifcase, Claudia watched as Sharon HEALED her daughter....a witch huh? Good to know. Looking from Karen to the scorched hole in one of the apartments, apparently there was more to Morgan's fall than Claudia realized. And soon, Morgan revealed that it was NICOLAS who attacked her.

Thank you very much for your help, Claudia.

<< Karen nodded.>>

It's unfortunate we should meet again under such unusual circumstances.

"Of course....."

Everyone soon began to make their way to their apartments, Claudia watching for a few moments before heading off to her apartment as well. Now if she only knew where Nicoals was....perhaps a little heads up would solidify her standing with him.

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Ava: "No… your wooden spoon privileges are revoked for now, okay?"

Haleigh gave a small chuckle, nodding. She could probably figure out their involvement by keeping a close eye on them anyway. Ava suggested she get back to the group before they started to worry. Haleigh needed to get out of here before the wrong person came to investigate and they had a whole nother disaster on their hands.

"See ya."

She said, disappearing as soon as the door opened, taking her ANC machine with her. Back in her apartment, she consulted the cameras, but before going BACK to review Alison's attack… she saw Claudia helping Morgan to her feet out in the courtyard. Her brow furrowing, she quickly rewound the feed and watched what happened. Morgan had claimed it was NICOLAS…. But Haleigh didn't see anyone with Morgan… just her struggling against AIR. She went back to real time video, as Karen requested that Ava have Haleigh contact her shortly. Haleigh knew it was because she didn't want Claudia witnessing any more about them than she'd already seen. As everyone dispersed and Karen helped Morgan back to her apartment, Haleigh slipped a cell phone into Karen's pocket…. And as Karen and Mike left Morgan to speak alone. The phone in Karen's pocket rang, with Haleigh waiting on the other end.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike helped Morgan back to her place and waited for what was to surely come...

Michael...WHAT was that you were saying not too long ago? << looking pissed.>>

Nicolas just ATTACKED my daughter in broad DAYLIGHT!

Mike took a breath and paused, thinking...counting to ten. SOMEONE would have to remain calm in this. Then he spoke, calmly.

No Karen, I don't believe he did, any more than I believe the REAL Super Soldier attacked Alison just now. Something IS working in a coordinated manner against us, but this does not match anything Nicolas has ever done. It makes no sense, and I can explain why, if you will allow me to.

 

[Firebird]

Apartment 4

Blaze's mind raced on possible suspects who attacked Alison. Although she didn't consider Nicolas, even after his aggressive behavior today. He had no beef with the Seer. If it was Morgan, Delilah, or even Haleigh then maybe she might be tempted to suspect him.

Quietly, Blaze leaned up against the side of the bed post after covering up Alison with adequate blankets to keep her warm. It had to be someone who knew Alison's past down to the last detail, someone to plaque her with fear. Not an easy task in the least.

Even from her position, Blaze could overhear a scuffle of some sort. Morgan's voice could be clearly heard from the open door. Immediately, Blaze was heading in that direction just as Karen requested she follow. Clenching her fists, Blaze was prepared to attack Nicolas this time! But as she, Karen, and Mike all stepped out of Delilah's apartment they could see Morgan being assisted by Claudia. Blaze frowned trying desperately to recall where she had seen her! Not immediately realizing that her twin, Jasmine Klein, had a connection to the Mob and obviously would have some sort of alliance with that family. Blaze made a note to look into Claudia's background from her own resources.

While Karen moved to heal Morgan, Blaze wrapped her arm around Morgan's waist to keep her steady as Mike held her from the other side. Blaze knew her sister was still upset with her but she wasn't about to back down either.

"Are you alr-"

Morgan would immediately accuse Nicolas as her attacker. Clenching her teeth, Blaze was just about to depart to pay the brute a visit when Karen requested she come along. Carefully helping Morgan back inside and over to a bed. Blaze took the blanket to cover her sister up.

"You took a nasty spill, Morg."

Placing a pillow behind Morgan's head before she took a seat next to her sister.

"I know you're not too fond of me right now and I probably wouldn't blame you for it. I was off my game this morning. But whether you like it or not I won't leave you again. And the moment I see that bastard again I'll melt him to a puddle of chocolate! Nobody touches my sister and lives to tell about it."

Morgan could see Blaze was serious, she recognized that same burning-bright fire in her eyes that the mainstream Blaze had. But, right now Blaze's main priority was making sure her sister was taken care of and comfortable.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah knelt next to the guest bed, holding Alison’s hand. She had never seen the Seer like this – she was so afraid! It was more than unlike her, it was unprecedented behavior.

Alison said the SUPER SOLDIER had attacked her? He was back AGAIN? Delilah felt the panic start to build in the pit of her stomach. But no, it was “just a dream”. But a very real one.

“So, what – we have someone Freddy Krueger-ing Alison?”

Karen and Blaze went to see what was wrong with Morgan. Had this happened to her too?

She smiled down at Alison.

“You’re safe now. Don’t worry, we’ll find out who’s done this.”

She looked over at Sharon, who would see the worry in her eyes, the uncertainty that she wasn’t lying to Alison just then.

 

[Fusion]

Hollywood Park Casino

Johnny: "You practically robbed those macho poker guys BLIND."

Clara laughed as the waiter brought her another Martini [a proper Gin one, this time ] The Hollywood Park casino was a charming place… it could use some updates but in many ways it could be kept 'vintage' and it was still very popular. It also made big sums of money off movie deals; many movies and tv shows set in 'Las Vegas' were actually filmed here at the casino. It was well established and Clara already knew the history of the place AND its owners… and she knew it would hardly be a challenge to have her way. For a little while, she and Johnny made their way around, playing a game here and there…. And as Johnny had noted… she HAD made a nice bit of pocket change off a bunch of overconfident poker 'champions'.

"Everyone gives off energy, John… and it varies with their emotion. Poker is more about reading your opponents than it is about having a lucky hand."

Attendant: "Miss Zacchara? [Clara turns around to look at him] The owner will see you now."

They were led through back hallways and after being let into the office where the owner was, Johnny was 'frisked' for weapons, but as the guards move towards Clara, she holds up a hand for them to stop.

"Gentlemen... It's not very POLITE to manhandle a LADY…. and even if it WERE… I can assure you I wouldn't be able to hide a weapon in THIS dress even if I was one of Charlie's Angels."

The portly owner chuckled and waved his men off.

"Mr. Montagna… thank you for agreeing to meet with me."

Montagna: "PLEASE, call me David… it's my pleasure. A Zacchara in MY joint… an HONOR. And if it's not too bold to say… I've heard rumors of your beauty… and for ONCE… the rumors are true."

Clara played up the blushing lady bit, sitting down in the chair across from his desk, as Johnny stood just behind her to the right.

"Mr. Mont-- David… you're too kind."

[shaking his head] Montagna: "Just straightforward… and while I'm being direct… I'll go ahead and say I think I know why you're here."

 

[Silver Swan]

apartment 1

“So, what – we have someone Freddy Krueger-ing Alison?”

a coward, that's who.

[Sharon said flatly]

Karen and Blaze went to see what was wrong with Morgan. Had this happened to her too?

She smiled down at Alison.

“You’re safe now. Don’t worry, we’ll find out who’s done this.”

She looked over at Sharon, who would see the worry in her eyes, the uncertainty that she wasn’t lying to Alison just then.

[ Sharon could see the concern indeed...and as she looked out of the window to see what was going on, she turned back.]

Delilah's right. You are safe. We'll stay here with you and make SURE of it.

[ Sharon didnt quite know what was happening, but she knew that if someone DID try to come for Alison and they could SEE them...it was over. Sharon would tear them apart herself.]

[ but even SHE wondered, what could she do with her power against a foe that thus far remained unseen!! she sat across the room from Delilah and Alison as Delilah attempted to keep the seer calm and she remained quiet...and pensive.]

 

[Shadow Weaver]

MP apt. 4

<< Karen looked at Mike with more than a little fury.>>

Oh YOU don't think so?

<< she said with a sharp tone.>>

Well, kindly explain WHO ELSE here has any reason to attack her and why these things began happening after Nicolas' temporary relocation.

<< gesturing with a point of her finger, a rushing harp sound is heard as the DARKHOLD and its accompanying podium suddenly appear.>>

Meanwhile, I'll be fashioning talismans to keep him OUT of this apartment, the ENTIRE complex!

I'm GLAD i came here...with all these things happening...

<< she says as she slams the book of spells open and looks visibly upset while furiously turning pages to find a POWERFULL warding spell to imbue into the talismans.>>

First Alison and now Morgan....who is NEXT?

A mother does NOT let her child become a walking target.

<< the anger masked the underlying feeling...ANXIETY and WORRY which are not so distant "cousins" of FEAR.>>


<< the phone Haleigh slipped her begins to ring and catchs her by surprise as her eyes widen and she looks down.>>

oh...its the phone...

<< answering in a clear, but irritated tone>>: Hello this is Karen?

 

[Spellbinder]

apartment 4

<< Morgan didnt argue with her mother and didnt want to make any FURTHER a scene since everyone was looking at her like she was out of her mind for falling down even though SHE knew what caused that to happen. Her mother believed her as did Blaze. FINALLY, ALL of her family was standing behind her.>>

<< Morgan still felt sluggish, even though the healing had addressed the physical wound.>>

...Blaze. << she said as she shut her eyes tightly.>>

Everything's so out of order. EVERYTIME I try to put one aspect of my life back on track, ANOTHER one derails.

This isnt the way it's supposed to be. I wasted nearly a YEAR on a journey of what i thought was love with a man that i THOUGHT i could trust and NOW look what's happened.

This should be the happiest day of my life POST Aerie , I ...was offered a multimillion dollar contract with Affinity Models this afternoon by Claudia, the new neighbor in the bldg. and I accepted...but right now, I feel like passing out more than I do celebrating.

<< Blazes promises to be there for Morgan and that she'll stand by her sister's side. Morgan turns her head on the pillow and looks at Blaze.>>

Thank you.

<< she says softly.>>

I'm so tired...

I just don't want Nicolas anywhere near me.


<< too sluggish to be as ANGRY as she wanted to be, Morgan felt the need to close her eyes and rest...just for a bit. at that moment, a concerned Tinkerbell climbs up on the bed and inspects her mommy. the siamese looks concerned as she nuzzles morgan's cheek then her hand, before mewing a bit and looking at Blaze.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mike regarded her equally. He was a military strategist, someone used to thinking in dire circumstances and now, he would need to try to convince this MOTHER to think like a tactician and not a MOM!

Karen, this does not match Nicolas in any way. Just as you trust Ava not to cross you, I KNOW Nicolas would not cross me and Sharon BOTH. And he JUST made up with Alison, right? Besides, IF it is not Nicolas and we have a foe capable of nearly killing Alison and scaring the hell out of Morgan, then you will play into their hands with these...talismans. Think Karen, even at his WORST, Nicolas never EVER did anything LIKE this. We need to have PROOF before we act against him, because if I were trying to go against you guys, this is EXACTLY what I would do. Divide and conquer. I am TELLING you, he did not do this.

Just as he was speaking with her, to possibly no avail, the phone rang. He silently prayed that Haleigh would say the right thing for the first time in a LONG time...

 

[Harbinger]

Delilah's apartment

:: in Delilah's guest room, Alison seems restless at some moments, and still, peacefull at others.::

:: whatever happened, whatever she saw...FELT...it unnerved her like few things could.::

:: her BROTHER'S face...with the eye injuries, the sadness and pain she felt from him was what upset her so badly, THAT and the super soldier, somehow ALIVE. But WHY Here? why NOW?::

:: Sharon and Delilah comforted her and promised to keep her safe, but she couldnt just LAY there.::

I have to try to understand what the dream was....who had the power to cause it to happen that way...before it comes back...


:: as she looked to the side , she caught sight of her refelection in the vanity and saw her bloodied brother in the reflection. but she didnt react outwardly, instead, she fixed her colbalt blue eyes on the image. IF this was the real cameron somehow trying to WARN her of what was coming, she HAD to "SEE" it clearly. It would make a critical difference for them all.::

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

>>Hello this is Karen?

[over the phone] "Karen, it's Haleigh. With all due respect…. You're wasting your time on Nicolas, he's NOT behind this. I just watched the feed… whatever Morgan THOUGHT she was fighting… it wasn't real… there wasn't anyone in the courtyard WITH her until after she fell. I've reviewed the footage of Alison's nightmare as well… she was ALSO alone. These… hallucinations? They're coming from the subconscious and being manifested THROUGH them… I'm guessing to scare and disorient them. Can you search the Darkhold… see if there's ANYTHING in there with reference nightmares and vivid nightmarish daydreams… or any of their symptoms. Maybe you'll find a way to ward them off until we can figure out who's behind it."

She suggested, with focus. There wasn't a word either way about this morning's argument… but now was hardly the time. Her goal was simply to help STOP whatever was plaguing her friends… and Haleigh was very good at dismissing the tension and politics in order to accomplish a goal… ESPECIALLY when people were getting HURT.