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into the night

<< even as Haleigh and Ava talked, Haleigh would be reminded that it was dangerous for her to waste time sniping at Karen or anyone else when they were quite possibly facing a predator for ALL the ages, whose motives were unknown.>>

<< yes the demon of fear was known, having walked the earth since the days when Persephone herself was a child and Hecate was still apart of the "trinity of the moon" on Olympus, but many centuries had passed. The demon of fear had come to hate all witches but also had grown accustomd to his long, bloody feasts on human lives and spirits until every so often someone checked him. the last known person to do it was Verna Eckert, Karen's grandmother. Not much was known about her to the Six because neither Karen nor Morgan mentioned the woman, but it was clear that Verna was a POWERFULL witch in her time, a high priestess even. Her battle with Barbas and its outcome were addressed in the Darkhold, but Verna's own death remained suspicious at best.>>

<< now, AHEAD of his most likely return time, the demon of fear was back. Haleigh MISSED the fact that he feeds on negative energy...and with all the TOXIC drama in Melrose Place as of late, coupled with the ghosts of events and residents past that even ALISON had noticed when she first came...the Demon of Fear most likely GORGED on this energy and was now ready to come back...with a vengeance>>

<< Karen and Morgan were in mortal danger...they were not only descendants of Verna, the woman who humiliated him in "modern times" but they were descendants of HECATE, the goddess of witch craft. Barbas was on par with CIRCE, a human who posed a threat to the Olympians themselves. It was a story that Persephone would remember...her own mother having had to ward off Barbas when she was a child.>>

<< but here and now, the first night of what would be a deep rooted campaign of terror and possibly MURDER began. several young woman had already fallen. Alison and Morgan had been terrorized, and now, MICHAEL was the latest...Karen would discover him, almost TOO LATE. Even Claudia had been touched by the new presence that Alison had begun to sense hourse earlier.>>

<< Haleigh woud not have the luxury of remaining stoic for long, they were all in danger of the worst kind and THEY had unwittingly unleashed it upon themselves. >>

<< and this was only the BEGINNING.>>
 
apartment 4

<< unaware that Karen had stopped in to check on her while she rested, Morgan continued to sleep. Blaze sat in a large, plush "throne" chair with ottoman and kept watch, while Tinkerbell lay near her "mommy".>>

<< for a little while, the sleep was welcomed. she had nothing on her mind, she had no images, no sensations. her mind and her body were resting. Why should she be worried? She had Blaze and her mother there. she could defend herself if she had to...couldnt she?>>

<< couldnt she??>>

<< there was always that lingering doubt, that uncertainty that persisted, even in the icy heart of Morgan. She gained so much by daring to love and trust Nicolas, but what had she LOST?>>

<< heart beats...breathing is regular...eyes are...OPEN.>>

the dream zone

<< her icy violet eyes OPEN and she finds herself in darkness...as she acclimates and begins to move, she realizes she's in close quarters. its cold...hard...soon...she realizes she's inside of..>>

A CAR TRUNK!?

<< she shrieks. as she begins to bang on the trunk before a chime sounds off and she busts it open with her super strength and bolts up right. the car wobbles precariously as it is on top of a mound of other cars inside of a large, old, creepy JUNK YARD.>>


<< Morgan looks over the edge and around. its a dark yet clear night but she has no idea where she is , what city.>>

<< after a few moments, she calms down and teleports to the ground, looking around. She sees that she's in her latest costume, the one given her by Hecate and the winds are breezy. her breathing echoes around her.>>

where the hell am i?

<< the sound of bending, scraping and creeking metal flows and rushes around her at random moments. her icy violet eyes dart toward the direction of the sounds each time she hears it.>>

i'm not just going to STAND here.

<< she says defiantly as she begins to walk, having no idea WHERE she is going....aftering moving through the old junkyard, working her way around mazes made of old , abandonned cars, the witch hears the sound of digging, and comes to a central area in the junkyard, where one of Mike's WOLVES is intently digging at the dirt.>>

....

<< she comes a bit closer. the wolf is working feverishly.>>

what is going on here?

<< almost forgetting that she was talking to an animal...and NOT an enchanted one :D>>

<< the wolf responds by VIOLENTLY fronting her off...barking viciously, taking a few fast steps toward her and bearing its teeth, growling and looking absolutely feral. Morgan gasps as she immediately manifests a halo of dark magick around her hand which is facing palm out toward the wolf.>>

KEEP BACK!

<< she yells loudly, standing her ground. the wolf grows a bit more and soon, when he's sure she wont interfere, he returns to his digging....before finally standing back and peeing FIRE on the hole. the fire burns and the hole trembles and sinks, growing wider to reveal a grave of some sort. the wolf suddenly seems a bit more sheepish and Morgan looks at it with disgust before it finally scurries away.>>

figures...just like all OTHER males of the species....get territorial and then run when things get weird.

<< Morgan steps forward, each step is one of trepidation...>>

be calm Morgan.

<< until finally...a hand with an axe in its grip reaches up.>>

what the hell is this!?

<< NICOLAS climbs up, looking so large and hulking, breathing like a predator...manifesting the aspect of SET. his axe gleams as he looks up and catches a view of Morgan, he begins to growl, showing fanged teeth.>>

OH HELL NO! I'm TIRED of you! I'm going to send you to HELL to join your father, you pathetic wretch!

<< but beneath the anger, the hostile bravado...was shock, disbelief....and FEAR.>>

he's larger, he's SCARIER than i remember...did HE bring me hear? to KILL ME? is THIS what Haleigh was talking about!?

<< As Morgan stepped back once, she found her high heeled boot touching something, something large enough to cause her to lose her footing and fall over it. and as she sits up, she see's her MOTHER.>>

MOM!

<< Karen's hair is all white, a look of pain and fear contorted in her bruised face, her body is bloody and battered, her clothes torn. she's been raped, beaten and murdered. Morgan gasps as she looks over her mother. She cant even TRY to remember that this could be a dream.>>

mama!!

<< she cries out, as she craddles her mother's body....even as Nicolas roars and launches in the air.>>

I didnt know! HOW COULD I NOT HAVE KNOWN he was HURTING YOU!

<< she cries...when suddenly Nicolas is upon her.>>

GET AWAY FROM ME YOU BASTARD DEMON SEED FROM HELL!

in Melrose Place

<< Morgan be seen in her bed, shifting and showing signs of distress... and soon, CUTS begin happening on her body.>>

in the dream zone

<< Morgan battles for her life against the predatory Rampage. She strikes in earnest but he gets too many painfull hits, forcing her to retreat. THIS SHOULDNT BE HAPPENING! SHE'S NOT ABLE TO STOP A MAN FROM HURTING HER!>>

<< Nicolas searches for his prey but does not find her. Morgan has cloaked herself and is hiding high above a top a mound of cars. she's hurt, she's bleeding, she's scared but if she cant do anything else, she will fight till the DEATH.>>

<< as the monster searches, he turns his head as he hears moment. a chime sounds off as Morgan flies overhead and hurls a CAR down, SLAMMING it on top of him with a tremendous force. seemingly smashing his body and pushing him back down into the ground as it shakes from the impat.>>

TAKE THAT, MOTHERFUCKER!

<< she swoops down and lands....but even as she trembles and a smirk of satisfaction comes over her face, the area begins to tremble and shake violently. cars come to life, roaring, engines reving, lights flashing and horns blowing. cars begin to fall down, crashing around morgan, while flames shoot out from others, and some OTHERS begin to charge for her. she screams as she dodges some cars, and narrowly avoids others, before taking to the air with the sound of wind and chimes.>>

I'm GETTING OUT OF HERE! I'M NOT A VICTIM!

<< flying up and away from the mechanical meltdown in the junk yard, Morgan begins to become hysterical as she realizes her mother is dead....and she couldnt save her....but even as she flies through the air, NICOLAS meets her, having taken a flying leap...and intercepting her at just the right moment that she can't react. she screams as his axe slices down t hrough the air and DECAPITATES HER.>>

in reality

<< Morgan bolts upright....she can't scream though. her body is wounded, and she's gasping violently, she's having a VIOLENT ASTHMA ATTACK brought on by the trauma of being mortally wounded. the asthma attack will claim her life if something isnt done soon.>>

<< she looks pained and terrified at Blaze, as she writhes and struggles... reaching out.>>
 
MP -- Apt 5

Ava joked that she wouldn't share the OLD LADY theory directly with Karen, and Haleigh gives her sister an insouciant smile, shrugging.

"Yeah… you'd think for a therapist, she'd be much better at handling her own emotions, but we both know she'd try to turn my completely unbiased and strictly logical theory into some kind of personal attack, and then she'd somehow accuse me of only saying it to try to steal Mike, or some other RIDICULOUS theory, as if I wouldn't have already DONE THAT if that's what I really wanted to do."

Her tone a bit darker and harsher by the end of her statement… it was almost a self-condemnation. It may have seemed that she was being unnecessarily HARSH on Karen… but Haleigh and Karen's relationship have hardly ever borderlined on 'positive' and even though they were faced with danger… right now there was a lull and Haleigh found it hard to ignore Karen's tendency to disapprove of not only everything Haleigh was… but everything that she stood for… and just because Haleigh had Karen's back as favor to Morgan… didn't mean she had to LIKE the woman, and it didn't mean she wasn't going to find fault wherever she could to make Karen's opinion of her seem less significant. After all… if Karen was flawed [especially by bias]… then possibly her damnation of Haleigh wasn't quite so omnipotent.

Haleigh stared on, scanning the monitors.… letting her sister switch the topic to her possibly 'more complicated' interest in the Zaccharas.

Ava: "I see your point.... but the Zacchara's are a threat."

"Maybe. I still haven't decided that yet."

Ava: "I would have figured you would take advantage of Barbas' little dreamwalks. Let HIM take care of THEM."

Haleigh kept her eyes trained on the Zacchara apartment feed…. But the glint in her eyes was recognizable even in profile.

"Now where's the fun in THAT?"

Refreshingly… Ava didn't bother with giving Haleigh a hard time about it, which, giving the POSSIBILITIES that Haleigh and the Zaccharas might be capable of exploring together, was a bit of a surprise. Haleigh may be a bit of a reformed bad girl… but she was continuously threatening to BACKSLIDE and the Zaccharas were NEVER up to any good, that much was well known.

She continued to monitor everyone… Mike was off on his own, taking his wolves to Aerie for safe keeping then laying down for some rest… Sharon and Delilah were still with Alison… Clara Zacchara and her ever-present boyfriend/bodyguard/etc were arriving home... Blaze wandered about Morgan's kitchen for some food… Morgan was sleeping. Haleigh narrowed her eyes at that… Morgan wasn't exactly sleeping PEACEFULLY. She rose to her feet quickly, as Morgan WOKE UP abruptly, and seemed to be having breathing trouble. Asthma?? There was NO TIME to respect boundaries now.

"MORGAN!"

She appeared immediately in Morgan's bedroom, practically STABBED her with a shot of epinephrine, and passed her an oxygen mask, the tank instantly at her side. She sat down next to Morgan on the bed, rubbing her back gently, coaxing her to breathe… just relax and breathe. Morgan is bleeding… cut all over. Haleigh tosses a quick gaze over at Morgan's sister and takes command, as she is wont to do in an emergency situation. There was no explanation, no apology for bursting in and taking over. There was no NEED.

"GET KAREN! [off Blaze's understandably worried pause] NOW BLAZE! [her voice going softer for Morgan] You're alright…. Just take deep, slow breaths… that's it. It's alright."

The shot she administered was a quick and effective fix, especially supplemented by the oxygen… NOW the most pressing matter was the fact that Morgan may very well BLEED to death, god DAMN IT, why is ANYONE sleeping when we ALL KNEW Freddy Krueger was on the loose??
 
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After an unusual afternoon, Claudia was tense...unnevered by her dream. She was actually glad that Clara hadn't been home all day otherwise her sister would have been able to tell instantly that something was wrong. Claudia just couldn't get the images of the dream out of her head. Why now? After all these years....it was so real...so RANDOM. Needing to relax, Claws decided to have a nice, tall glass of red wine and take a bath. Unwind...try to clear her mind the best she could.

The large master bath was lit dimly with dozens of flaming candles placed throughout the space. Jazz music played very quietly, keeping the atmosphere serene and tranquil. Like a day spa. Claudia laid propped up in the tub, her body completely submerged under steaming hot waters filled with natural oils and salts to help 'destress' her. Resting her head back against the tiled wall, loose strands of midnight locks fell from the messy french twist that held her hair up from the water and clung to her wet neck. The room smelled of lavender and mint, soothing her senses as well as her body. Sighing out happily, Claudia reached over for her glass of red wine, taking a few gulps of it before placing it on the edge of the tub. With a combination of the alcohol and the bath, she was finally feeling calm and relaxed. Closing her eyes it didn't take long before Claudia began to drift off....just enough for an unknown force to reel her in completely.

Dream State

Everything seemed to echo...her breathing....her heart beat. She wasn't alone. Familiar arms wrapped around her body from behind; tight and constricting. Like someone trying to comfort her. Claudia eyes remained closed as she smiled. She knew his touch....the way he knew exactly how to ease her. Parting her dry lips with her tongue, it was then Claudia realized she was still in her bath tub. The warm water creating an oasis of steam around them.

Feeling his lips against the nape of her neck, Claudia let her head hang forward before slowly tilting it to one side as he made his way to her neck. Rolling her head back in utter ecstasy she soon turned her face to his.

"Ric.."

She breathed out softly. It was the one man in Claudia's life that she ever really let 'inside' her. Some may have called it love, but she was way too synical to ever believe she could truly fall in love. But he seemed to know her. He knew how to break down her walls. And that petrified her. But now, none of that mattered. He was there, with her after so many years....

Ric crushed his lips against Claudia's, their kiss passionate and sexy. It was raw, full of lust and want. Gently nibbling his bottom lip, Claudia smirked; their kiss ending but their faces still together.

Mmmm....I haven't been kissed like that in yeaaaarrss..

Gasping in in horror, Claudia screamed, flailing her body to try and get away. The voice...it wasn't Ric..it was TREVOR. Trevor held Claudia's body in a vice, preventing her from moving away from him. Heaving in panicked breaths, tears filled her dark eyes. She could feel his breath down her cheek; his mouth and nose directly on her ear. Trying to pull her head as far away from him as possible, it was a futile effort. His grip was unforgiving.

"GET OFF OF ME! HOW DID YOU GET HERE?!"

What's wrong, Claudy? You can fuck my son [Ric] but not me?

Shutting her eyes tightly, a disgusted groan tumbled out of Claudia's mouth as Trevor traced his hand across her collar bone, slowly inching it's way down.

You used to like it when I touched you like this. You used to quiver for me like a little whore..

Thrashing her body away from his, Claudia screamed out in tears; water splashing violently around them. His grip was tight, bruising her stomach and arms where he was grabbing her. He finally managed to pull Claudia back, his finger nails catching on her skin as he pulled back; slicing open wounds across her chest diagonally.

"GET OFF OF ME!"

Reality

Screaming, Claudia jerked up from the tub, her body instinctively reacting to what happened in the dream. Throwing her arms out defensively, her glass of wine went crashing to the tiled ground shattering into pieces while creating a large puddle of red liquid. Panting out labored breaths, Claudia's eyes quickly shot around her surrounding area until she realized she was alone....her breathing didn't ease however. Shakey and on the verge of tears, why was this happening? She never had dreams like this before....never this vivid! This REAL. This TERRIFYING. Looking down...suddenly her eyes widdened. Droplets of blood stained the bath water...droplets that were dripping from five deep scratches across her chest. Gasping in, her trembling hand hovered over the gashes, completely taken aback that the wound she was given in her dream was now in her reality..
 
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Mike awakened with a atsrt, not where he dozed off. It was Karen's old office...he knew it from the decor. But it was not current, something was off. Suddenly Karen walked in, pretending not to know him..was this a dream..or what WAS it?

She berated him for sneaking in, pushing him back as he moved to lave, then brandishing a whip before deciding to straddle him in a way that was very familiar to him. She leaned in, kissing him, and he fell into it, enjoying the moment. No stress, no worries, nothing butthe two of them together....

But something was still...OFF, and to Mike's horror, he realized it too late as he began to struggle away from what used to be Karen, but was now some neast, sucking him tongue out of his mouth as it pulled backwards until...SNAP! It was torn away. Mike groaned, a groan that registered in real life even as his own tongue slipped down his throat, cutting off all air. As the dream continued, Mike kept saying to himself.

THIS CANNOT BE REAL. THIS CANNOT BE REAL.

But the trap was set as he was bound and stripped, and his mantra only provided an absurb background noise to his anguish as Nicolas was manifested, completely succumbed to SET, the personification of power as he pulled him lower in a fiery pit full of screams.

Mike now had about 3 minutes left to live, and anyone who found him would see him suspended in midair, naked, arms out, blood oozing from a chorus of ripping tears in his flesh and second and third degree burns. His apartment would be permeated with the smell of his own body as it cooked there, apparently spontaneously combusted even as he continued to swallow his own tongue, his groans fading away into anguished gurgles...
 
apartment 2

<< Karen pauses, she feels a TERRIBLE feeling wash over her.>>

Barbas: You're not Hecate. You're not Verna...and even SHE couldnt escape my REVENGE, little Karen. I'm coming for you. But first...I'll take my time hurting you and killing those you care about the most.

<< she looks arond fiercely as she THOUGHT she heard someone talking, but there's no one there. just as she was distracted, she caught the flash of flame, and the terrifying smell of burnt flesh.>>

<< running ahead, despite the fear in her heart, she bursts into the room wh ere Mike is in the air.>>

<< her eyes widen and she gasps, staggering back.>>

GODDESS!

<< she shrieks.>>

MICHAEL!

<< what she sees....it can't be real, but it IS! his mouth spurting blood, his body in the air, and burning.>>

<< he LOOKS to be awake, but she doesnt know what's happening. there's no time to stand, or make sense. only time to ACT.>>

Circle of protection, i call upon your power now! block the power of my enemy and set Michael FREE!

<< lifting her hands, and weaving a pattern of power, a rushing harp sound is heard as golden halos form around her hands. the the magick ignites and forms a sparkling pentagram that encompasses Mike, CUTTING OFF all "outside" , supernatural influence. the spell worked, for NOW. stopping any further damage.>>


I have to heal him!


SHARON! HELP ME!

<< Karen wasnt strong enough to lift or carry Mike, but SHARON was and with her perfect hearing, Karen knew the mutate would hear her distress call. >>

Barbas: You're all alone, and you can't be EVERYWHERE. It's just a matter of time before i get to one and claim them BEFORE you can interfere.

<< Karen looked around the room again.>>



<< Karen couldnt bear to look at Mike, she wanted to run out of the apartment in a panic. what she saw...how impossible and terrifying it was, and now Barbas, speaking to her subconscious, magnifying the fear she had that she indeed would NOT be able to protect everyone for very long. that was OLD, not as strong as Verna, certainly not as stong as Hecate.
>>


<< she was not aware at the moment that Morgan and Claudia both had been terrorized in their dreams as well.>>
 
Apartment 2

[ some time had passed. Alison was resting and Delilah was in the kitchen getting some water. Sharon was a little less anxious as she sat. aside from the weather outside, everything seemed "calm" at the moment, but then...not only did she hear CLAUDIA of all people shriek, she heard Haleigh and KAREN as well.]

[ she stood up, as Karen's voice clearly called out for Sharon! the mutate rushed out of the room and down the hall, into the main area where the kitchen was.]


Delilah, go to Alison. Stay with her. Something's wrong...Karen needs me!

Be ready for ANYTHING!

[ and with that, Sharon rushes out of apartment one. less than 4 steps takes her to apartment two, and when she arrives, she finds Karen shrieking and Mike ....]

oh my god!

Karen: Sharon....he's too high up! I can't reach him! I CAN'T!

[ Sharon was taken aback by what she saw. She knew Karen didnt do this, but WHO could have done such a think.]

I've got him, Karen!

[ Sharon lifts off the ground and grabs hold of Mike. immediately horrified by his face up close, the blood, the look in his eyes. as she PULLS....she feels the resistance. ]

Something...has him....

[ she doesnt want to HURT him, but its CLEAR that something or SOMEONE is doing this and so, Sharon pulls harder, this time she yanks him loose and the JARRING effect of her interference bring's mike back fully conscious. she quickly lowers herself down, carrying Mike with ease despite him being BIGGER than she is.]

[ Karen's spell checked the attack from PROGRESSING but the damage was already done.]

Karen...heal him. HURRY!
 
Mike's next feeling was PAIN. Unimaginable, unending pain! His mind went into shock, his body unable to compartmentalize or process the incredibnle amount of damage done. Mike was progressing into a fugue state, and if he was not saved he would be vegetable, tortured at thw whim of this monster until he stopped responding altogether.
 
Apartment 4

<< Karen is horrified. She wants to RETREAT but she doesnt. She casts a spell...not her best incantation, but more than could be expected from someone about to PANIC and Sharon arrives, Pulling Mike out of his invisible binds and jarring him FULLY awake. as the mutate effortlessly carries him, she yells for Karen for heal him.>>

<< Karen, visibly distraught, snaps back in focus, and once again weaves a pattern of power with her hands...as ribbon like beams of golden energy reach out and flow around Mike covering his body, his wounds, restoring order, blocking pain and repairing all damage. Mike can breathe and talk again, his body is healed.>>


<< But Karen bolts, rushing out of the apartment, even as Sharon calls after her. The doctor is beside herself, wanting to vomit when she crashes into Blaze and gasps again.>>

Blaze: Karen! oh god...HURRY! MORGAN!!

<< Karen...can't speak as Blaze GRABS her by the arm and runs, Karen has no choice but to follow, almost falling down as they scramble up the stairs, and into apartment four. >>

Barbas: ohhhh so close! i ALMOST had her! and he put up a GREAT fight too! her soul would have been all i needed for a long time to come! SHE'S more like Verna than you'll ever be.


<< the look on Karen's face tells Haleigh that where ever the woman was moments ago...she saw something terrible. but what that was, would have to wait. MORGAN needed help....but even as Blaze pleaded with Karen to save Morgan....Karen looked like she was about to FAINT! Haleigh would have to take action. it was clear that the doctor was vexed to a severe degree but they NEEDED her to save Morgan now.>>

Barbas: awww...what's the matter Karen? getting too old to keep up? afraid that you dont have what it takes? afraid that you're already too late?
 
Nicolas' eyes flew open as he dropped from his meditative position, knocked out of the air by an unseen force. He rolled over and stood quickly, scanning his surroundings as he did so. He was greeted by a sinister voice...

Daddy did a real job on his progeny. Nut will not be pleased, her grandson so easily tossed about so. I will have to tremeber to thank Set for making this so...EASY.

Who? Barbas?! Reveal yourself now..

Nicolas went to tear open the barrier to the astral plane to confron the voice but was BLOCKED.

UH-UH!! No need to meet just yet. I'm...BUSDY. But when the time comes godling, you will also have a debt to pay. And you will beg me for death's embrace.

Nicolas then heard the cry of anguish. It was Mike!!! Even as he sensed Mike receiving aid, they were doing it WRONG!! Their actions would further imprison him if he didn't DO something. Nicolas concentrated...but he was too far away, the demon was fighting him. So, Nicolas teleported....

...into Mike's apartment, stretching his hand out to focus on keeping Mike's mind from falling further. The strain in his voice, his face was evident as he spoke to Sharon, Karen having just left the room. He still had work to do to help Mike.

This...THING is too strong. No one can sleep until we..DEAL with him.

After a moment or two, Mike's mental faculties stabilized further. Nicolas had helped him process what had occurred and managed to keep him form peremanent mental damage. He reached out to the man, clothing him as he hugged him, taking him from Sharon gently.

Mike, it's OK, man. It's gonna be OK....
 
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MP -- Apt 4

Haleigh helped Morgan to calm down… and even though they were currently in the slightest of disagreements…. Neither of them was going to go there right now, while Morgan was injured and shaken. What was taking Karen so LONG?! THERE she was…. Being drug into the room by Blaze.

"Karen! [noticing Karen's face] What? I had to come, she was asthmatic!"

It wasn't that, though…. And it only took her a split second to check the recent cam for Mike's apartment, and Haleigh knew what had happened. Karen, understandably, was quite unsettled… but for the moment, Morgan was in dire need of healing. Haleigh leapt from the bed towards Karen, crossing the room and helping Karen by guiding her gently towards Morgan.

"Alright… I know you're upset… but I need you to FOCUS, okay? Mike is FINE now, thanks to you, so let's take care of Morgan. [lying through her teeth, very convincingly] It's not as bad as it LOOKS, but she isn't comfortable, so you just do your thing, and then we'll go from there, alright?"
 
[ Sharon held Mike steady as he convulsed and Karen began to repair the damage. Mike was WHOLE again, but Sharon didnt want to set him down yet until he was settled.]

...thank god you found him when you did...I...

[ Sharon was SHOCKED to see Karen BOLT.]

KAREN?? come back!

[ but the woman was gone. Sharon could hear her outside, about to vomit until FIREBIRD came to her pleading with her to help Morgan. Sharon couldnt risk leaving Mike alone now....what if whoever attacked him was hiding somewhere in here. SHe had to stay put for now. ]

[ she was at a loss for words when NICOLAS appeared. Sharon turned abruptly, preparing to unleash her SONIC SCREAM if she had to, but since it was NICOLAS, she relaxed.]


WHAT....WHO IS IT, NICOLAS?

Who is attacking us?

[ only Karen, Mike, Haleigh, Ava, and apparently Nicolas were IMMEDIATELY aware of the identity of their attacker but not all of them may have realized how grave a threat this was.]

[ Nicolas carefully took Mike from Sharon and she stood back, as he clothed Mike and hugged him, using his psi powers to keep him from fragmenting in his psyche, as Karen had used her magick to heal his body.]

[ once again, Sharon felt a bit...POWERLESS. despite being among the physically strongest of the team, having considerable power , what could she do against THIS? something that had already attacked Morgan and Alison and now Mike, something that sent Karen out of the apartment in a panic....]

[ she looked MORE than a little bewildered as she stood...looking around slowly, as she heard something in the air.]

Barbas: it doesnt change, Sharon. you may have power, but you're still that same woman who fought hard and LOST her son in the Arklay Mansion. You fight, you lose...and sooner or later...you DIE. Its happened before...it'll happen AGAIN! but this time, you'll have company..

....

[ Sharon looks disturbed....but doesnt react out loud. she's not sure WHAT she's hearing...]

Nicolas, you have to stay here. That's the only way we can help each other. We have to stay here at Melrose Place, TOGETHER. It doesnt matter what Morgan or Karen said before...this is an EMERGENCY!

Barbas: You can't protect him Sharon. You're power is USELESS. You're just a glamorous version of the Super Soldier!

LEAVE ME ALONE!

[ Sharon bellows as she turns around, fiercely looking around. to Nicolas, it appeaers that she screamed randomly, but it was actually Barbas speaking to her subconscious...]

....Im sorry...I thought I heard...

[ shaking her head.]

its probably just the weather...the wind. and Karen, she rushed out of here in a panic. I'm probably just reacting to that.

Nicolas, you have to stay here. None of us...can afford to go too far from one another right now. that is ALL I know for sure.
 
Nicolas looked up as Sharon cried out, yelling at thin air. She tried to py it off, suggesting it was the air, and he let her go on as she spoke of him staying here.

I will not leave you, Sharon. And it was not the wind. We face Barbas, a fear demon that must be thousands of years old. He mentioned my grandmother Nut by name, and he seems familiar with what has happened to all of us. I can fight him off for now, but I cannot afford to stay away for the rest of you if I am to be of help. If I had been here, it is likely that I could have helped Mike before it came to this. I will not leave him...or YOU again.

Sharon would notice a calmness in his voice. Nicolas would sound very much like his old self to her, much different than recent days...
 
MP -- Apt 6

Johnny: "This weather is menacing…. What's really bizarre is the forecast was for clear skies and mild temps."

"Yes…. Well, I suppose those meteorologists were falling asleep on the job. I'm kind of glad there's a storm brewing… I can FEEL the energy in the air… it's like drinking a Red Bull."

Clara and Johnny walked side by side from parking, through the courtyard and up into her apartment. After glancing around for her sister, she noticed the glow of candles beneath the bathroom door and stopped searching… giving Johnny a small smile.

"Guess she had a long day."

He returned her smile with a polite one of his own…. And for a few moments they both just stood there, almost awkwardly… simultaneously realizing that he had his own apartment to go back to tonight. It wasn't like before, when his quarters were just down the hall and he'd still be mostly within shouting distance, close enough to come check on her every now and then. Now, retiring for the night meant leaving the building… and neither of them were exactly sure WHEN that should happen. They'd been up since fairly early… and BOTH of them had admitted to being exhausted during dinner. Usually after listening to Clara play the piano for a while[and sometimes goofily allowing her to teach him a little bit], they both kind of retired to their own chambers and wound down before calling it a night. There was no piano here… so that left just kind of… lounging. Should they do it together? Or relax on their own, but in the same apartment until bed time? Or just go their separate ways now? Johnny was just about to suggest something when Clara spoke up.

"A nightcap? I'll fetch the Brandy."

Johnny: "Sure. I'll grab the glassware."

Johnny headed for the kitchen… Clara traveled over to the liquor cabinet and was reaching for the bottle when she heard an audible gasp and the shattering of glass.

"John, was that you?"

Johnny: "Thought it was YOU."

He said as he quickly came round the corner. They both looked instantly to the bathroom door, and Clara was quick on the draw. Johnny set the glasses down on the table, but mostly kept his distance, watching over Clara. Claudia WAS, after all, supposedly taking a bath. Clara knocked gently on the bathroom door, worry creasing her brow.

"Claudia? Sis, are you alright?"
 
apartment 4

<< Karen looked pale, and she began to let go of consciousness...which is just what barbas wanted.>>

....I don't know what happened....one minute...

Haleigh said:
"Alright… I know you're upset… but I need you to FOCUS, okay? Mike is FINE now, thanks to you, so let's take care of Morgan. [lying through her teeth, very convincingly] It's not as bad as it LOOKS, but she isn't comfortable, so you just do your thing, and then we'll go from there, alright?"
Click to expand...

<< Haleigh guides Karen over to Morgan. The doctor looks upon her daughter...and feels more helpless than ever. Even as Haleigh talks, Barbas is once again...reaching out.>>

Barbas: Karennnnn? Karen Victoriaaaaaa? Aren't you going to help your DAUGHTER? Or are you afraid that you're TOO LATE! No matter what you do...you'll be unable to stop what happens. You werent there to protect her from Nicolas. You werent BRAVE enough to kill nicolas....HE is the one who attacked her on the astral plane. I merely gave him the secret pass through her psi screen.

<< it was a lie of course...but Barbas was now manipulating her on her subsconscious. planting a seed.>>

Morgan....honey....

<< lifting her hands and extending them, once again, she summons her magick and weaves a pattern of power. the golden halos produce flowing sparkling "ribbons" of magick that reach out to touch and "kiss" morgan as they wrap around her arms, stomach, neck and legs. wounds are healed, pain is stopped and the body is restored. Haleigh's quick moves stopped the asthma attack.>>

Morgan: MOM! HE ATTACKED ME ON THE ASTRAL PLANE!

<< Morgan cried as she reached for Karen, TERRIFIED. Karen wrapped her arms around her daughter, and Haleigh and Blaze could see that Karen was VERY disturbed...as tears rolled down her face.>>

Barbas: Yes Karen...HE attacked her and your her MOTHER! You should be PROTECTING HER! Morgan got away THIS time, but NEXT TIME?

<< Karen shut her eyes tightly.>>


LEAVE ME!

<< she commands, but WHO is she talking to? its obvious its someone other than Haleigh and Blaze.>>
 
Apt 4

Glancing over towards Morgan, Blaze could see her sister was struggling. Bolting over to her to see cuts and abrasions appearing across her face and body. Quickly grabbing her shoulders to shake her.

“Morgan, WAKE UP!”

Blaze cried frantically trying to wake up her slumbering sister while the television in the background seemed to have been forgotten. Haleigh appeared out of no where nearly giving Blaze a heart attack.

“Haleigh!”

Blaze’s eyes were filling with tears as the blonde instructed her to get Karen. Turning to bolt from her spot by the bed to rush out of the apartment, nearly falling down the stairs but managing to keep her balance. She would collide with Karen a second, grabbing onto her arm.

“Karen! Come quick, its Morgan!”

Dragging her roughly, nearly pulling the woman’s arm out of her socket. Blaze hurried up the stairs with Karen forgetting how disturbed she looked. By the time they arrived Haleigh was taking measures to ensure Morgan’s life.


“She just started to thrash wildly and these cuts were all over her!”

Brushing back Morgan’s hair just as Karen wildly shouted to be left alone. Looking up at Karen only to see there was nothing there. Looking over to Haleigh before Blaze turned to the empty space.

“There’s nobody here, Karen.”

Blaze had been left out of the loop as far as who was responsible for these attacks. What was going on here. Turning away to shut off the television, Blaze could see the fear in Karen’s eyes as well as Morgan’s.

“Haleigh? May I have a word?”

Motioning outside of the room, Blaze shut the door before she looked at the blonde. “Alright, what’s going on? You’ve gotta know something here and I need to know. Something or someone is attacking the residence here but WHO and why?”

If anyone knew something it had to be Haleigh, she did have surveillance in every apartment, the courtyard, and the perimeter of the place.
 
Now what would be the fun in THAT?
Click to expand...

"Just remember you're playing with fire, that's ALL i'm saying."

Ava turned her attention back to the monitors, her eyes scanning from one feed to another. Noticing Haleigh rise from the couch, Ava followed her line of vision to the monitor showing a feed of Morgan sleeping. She was tossing and turning....like she were having a bad dream.

"Barbas..."

Suddenly Morgan began to gasp for air, crying out like she were in physical pain. Haleigh immediately disappeared from her side and reappeared next to Morgan; Ava watched the feed as her sister plunged a needle into Morgan's chest. Darting her eyes from Morgan's monitor to the others, she then saw Mike, floating in the air naked, limbs limp and body saturated in blood. Ava's eyes widdened.

"He's picking us off one by one..."

She whispered to herself, watching as shocked Karen walked in and found Mike. She quickly began to react, trying to help him with Sharon's assistance. Moving her eyes to another feed, it was the monitor displaying the Zacchara household. Claudia was laying in her tub, asleep when suddenly five deep scratch marks appeared on her chest and she flew up in a panick, screaming.

"And he's not just targeting us."

The feeds of Claudia, Mike, and Morgan floated all in a row. Barbas had the ability to kill EACH of these people in one dream invasion....he was strengthening up. Making himself known now. The worst was yet to come.

Quickly Ava exited Haleigh's apartment and headed over to Morgan's home where Haleigh, Blaze, and unconcious Karen and Morgan were. Entering, she noticed Blaze and Haleigh talking; Blaze asking what was going on. Ava approached them both.

"Barbas, the demon of fear. [to Haleigh] He just attacked Mike and Claudia Zacchara as well. [looking to Blaze now] He's been around for thousands of years. He uses people's fears as a weapon while they're sleeping. Whatever happens to them in their dream, happens to them in reality."
 
Barbas: "Why so scared, Claudiaaa?"

An unfamiliar voice now....

Barbas: "You have no RIGHT to be scared..."

With her knees drawn up to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs, Claudia kept her eyes shut tightly. She didn't understand why she was so scared. It was a dibilitating fear....like she couldn't control it.

"Who are you.."

Barbas: "You brought this all on yourself. When little girls flaunt their goods....eventually men will react. Take notice.....just like Trevor did."

"Shut up."

Barbas: "He was only giving you what you deserved, Claudia. You wanted it...deep down you know you wanted him just like he wanted and GOT you."

"I WAS A LITTLE GIRL YOU SICK BASTARD!"

Claudia screamed in fury, tears falling from her angry eyes effortlessly. But she was screaming at nothing....no one was in the room. The voice of Barbas was in her head. Coaxing her even further to her greatest fears. Fears that Claudia had surpressed since she was a little girl.

Barbas: "You were no little girl....you knew exactly how to work Trevor. To get him to want you more. To make him CRAVE you. What you don't seem to understand, Claudia....is that YOU brought this on YOURSELF. Trevor was just a victim in all this.....but you can't seem to see past your own selfish feelings to realize that. To realize that you AREN'T the victim....you're the CAUSE. You're the reason. YOU'RE to BLAME."

"Claudia? Sis, are you alright?"
Click to expand...

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Screaming at Barbas, Claudia didn't even hear her sister. Didn't hear the knock...her concerned voice. She only heard HIM. Telling her exactly what she had always feared. That maybe it WAS her fault...maybe she was exactly what her father said she was. A tretcherous whore that broke their family apart. With her knees still drawn up to her chest, the water around Claudia was now stained red from the bloody scratch wound that adorned her chest. Hands clamping either side of her head in a futile attempt to stop the voices, she felt like she was going crazy like her father. Barbas' plan to build up Claudia's fears was working, and the brunette was completely unaware that OTHERS were reeling from the same attacks as well.
 
deadly warnings

<< Karen sat with her daughter, holding her tightly. She looked terrified and pale as Morgan cried with distress. a mother and her child...falling prey to a monster that the MOTHER couldnt protect the from.>>

<< Mike, a strong man of courage, who loved Karen, having fallen victim to a nightmare with a painfull and nearly FATAL conclusion.>>

<< Claudia, a woman who prided herself on being well put together, the predator, she now found herself the PREY.>>

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


<< As Ava began to feel some of PERSEPHONE'S memories of Barbas from his original times, ALISON bolted upright in her bed, looking to Delilah and exclaiming that she "SAW" him....that he was coming back "after all this time.">>

<< Nicolas, Sharon, Haleigh , Blaze, Delilah and Ava were the only ones not touched so far...and Karen herself was showing signs of mental fatigue.>>

<< but inspite of it all, Ava and Alison both knew this was only the beginning.>>



<< the night was wearing on, soon day time would come...but unlike some movies...the nightmares dont always end with the daylight.>>

FLASHBACK

<< AERIE, 1000's of years ago...under the light of a large, low hanging moon, and a raging, stormy sea....cries of distress can be heard throughout the rotunda. zooming through the dark halls, the gloomy passages, rushing up to the marble statues that looked so detached and so uncaring, we find DEMETER, struggling in her bed chamber, the FEAR grips her as she writhes...and her body shows signs of ASSAULT.>>

<< Persephone, a young child, huddled in a corner...transfixed by what she sees.>>

BARBAS: Foolish goddess! your power FAILS YOU even as I take your life. You denied me your daughter's sacrifice, and now I'll have YOU in her stead!

<< Artemis and Hecate burst in.>>

Hecate: AND I SAY THEE NAY!

<< Artemis gathers up Persephone and shields her face as Hecate faces Barbas.>>

Hecate: You're reign of terror STOPS TONIGHT! RELEASE DEMETER or TASTE MY WRATH!

Barbas: Hecate! the TITAN! your reputation is far reaching....your energy is STRONG...goddess of WITCH CRAFT!

<< he waves his hand over.>>

Barbas: but behind that fire, that power...there lies a heart...a weak and fearfull heart. you fear rejection...abandonment...you fear that no matter what you do, you will be INEFFECTIVE AND OVERLOOKED! I can help you...i can relieve you of any further burden or need....

Hecate: << stumbling back, as she feels herself being attacked...her fear is weighing on her HEART and MIND.>> NO!!! << clutching her chest as she begins to breathe heavily.>>

Artemis....take Persephone and GO! Call for Athena....tell her to....

<< falling to her knees...>>

help...me...

<< she looks up and finds herself in the same dark, gloomy fortress where Perseus faced down Medusa...skeletons and ghosts of those fallen, stone statues of those lost to Medusa's glare....the darkness...the emptiness...>>

Barbas: Witch goddess, you have been a thorn in my side...for SO LONG. Interferring at everyturn. The Olympians have only kept you around because of what you did to Cronus, but they don't care what happens to you....NOBODY DOES. Your own precious Persephone will betray you...but NOT if you just let go...give in! GIVE YOURSELF TO ME!

<<FLASH>>

<< chimes sound off.>>

Hecate: I have...nothing to gain...nothing to lose...but i will NOT YIELD! NOT TO YOU!

<< she rises up and points.>>

If i am DOOMED to be alone, forever left behind, then SO BE IT! But I FACE MY FATE as i do EVERYTHING ELSE! EYES...WIDE...OPEN!

<< and with that, she BLASTS Barbas with a MASSIVE ELDRITCH BOLT!>>

<< the battle between them rages, with Barbas desplaying a truly demonic fighting ability and some special abilities he'd gained from his brutal and unholy ritual sacrifices of young women who would come to be called "witches".>>

<< the elements rage and as Athena, Artemis, Hades and several other Olympians arrive on Aerie...an EXPLOSION of immense proportions rocks the rotunda as Hecate succeeds in DESTROYING Barbas in physical reality for the first and ultimate time....leaving her laying on the ground, barely conscious, near Demeter.>>

Hecate: he...thought...I would give in....he thought I would be unable...to face my fear....my FATE.

<< it was the first indication that Hecate KNEW what was to come many years later, the events that would give rise to Circe and the need for a new, "DARK TRINITY" centuries later....all of it was connected in a sad irony.>>

<< THIS was what would set Barbas on a CENTURIES long grudge against witches the world over, but as his power and appetite grew, witches or ANYONE ELSE would be a target.>>

<< he vexed many societies through the years as well as their "Gods"....everyone from Isis and Set to Ororo and even MALICE...



.........
 
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MP -- Apt 4

Karen set to healing Morgan… and for a moment things seemed to subside…. Until Karen completely SPAZZED out and yelled to be left alone. Haleigh looked worried… Karen wasn't talking to her OR Blaze and she certainly wasn't talking to Morgan. Blaze gently told Karen the she wasn't talking to anyone present… and then asked to have a sidebar with Haleigh. Nodding gently, they stepped out of the room, with Haleigh keeping an eye on the mother/daughter duo in the meantime.

Blaze wasn't in the Barbas loop yet. Ava arrived and filled her in while Haleigh made a plan.

Ava: "He just attacked Mike and Claudia as well."

"I know. Mike's fine, Sharon and Nic have him. Claudia's injuries are minor and… [glancing at Blaze as though hesitant] we already discussed her magically disappearing black eye. [implying Claudia could heal herself or knew someone who could heal her] Let them handle themselves tonight. If it gets TOO bad I'll call them in."

Ava: "[looking to Blaze now] He's been around for thousands of years. He uses people's fears as a weapon while they're sleeping. Whatever happens to them in their dream, happens to them in reality."

"Apparently he can also plant ideas in your head while you're conscious to harass you with… I think that's what's up with Karen, and both Claudia and Sharon are currently exhibiting similar symptoms. I think we need to gather together and discuss the best way to counteract his affects. Ava, you go get Delilah and Alison; Blaze, go to Mike's unit and tell Sharon, Nic and Mike to come to Apt 4 immediately. [grabbing Blaze's forearm] You tell Nicolas and Mike that this is BIGGER than our OTHER problems and they need to check their ATTITUDES at the door. I'm gonna go back in there [Morgan's room] and try to prepare both of them for putting up with both the guys… and myself… for the time being."

She nods to them, then quietly slips back into Morgan's bedroom. She moves slowly towards Karen and Morgan, who are still on the bed, fighting the aftermath of Barbas. Haleigh keeps her voice gentle.

"Karen…. I've sent for everyone… Nic and Mike included… we need to pull together so we aren't constantly running back and forth trying to help the ones Barbas is attacking. [pausing] Karen, I know Barbas is messing with you too… DON'T listen to him. He's just trying to play on your fears and distract you."
 
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