Eyes wide shut

[Persephone]

I think we need to gather together and discuss the best way to counteract his affects. Ava, you go get Delilah and Alison

Nodding, Ava didn't bother to wait for the team 'break' [] before leaving Blaze and Haleigh to head down to Delilah's apartment. Exiting Morgan's place, Ava's eyes lifted to the sky, noting the weather was becoming increasingly worse. Winds whipped around the coutyard; some gusts strong enough to slide a couple of the pool chairs a few inches from their pervious spots. Ava's dark hair blew across her face as she made her way to Delilah's apartment. With her hand on the door handle, Ava suddenly felt a wave of dizzyness. Rolling her eyes shut, she braced herself using the door, trying to regain her barrings. Memories of the night she was a little girl on Aerie flooded her mind causing the goddess to feel a little loopy. She remembered being scared, watching her mother get beaten down by Barbas. He wanted to kill Persephone; he offered Demeter her life if she sacrificed her daughter. Demeter fought valiently until Artemis and Hecate arrived. She remembered Artemis' calming touch as she whisked Persephone away to safety...but she never saw the outcome of that fight. She knew Hecate destoryed Barbas, but she never actually witnessed it until now. Until the memories flooded into her mind....

"Barbas."

She mummbled under her breath. She knew it had to be his doing. But WHY would he share that with her? Opening her eyes, Ava felt stable now. Opening the door to Delilah's apartment, she headed back to the spare bedroom where both Delilah and Alison were located.

"The situation is getting worse. We all need to meet at Morgans apartment.....Barbas is beginning to attack everyone now."

Going to Alison's side, Ava knew the precog was fully aware of what had been happening. Still worried for her friend, the goddess began to help her out of bed.

[to Delilah]"Mike, Karen, Morgan, and even Claudia Zacchara have been attacked. [looking to them both now] But I know how Barbas works....these are just little previews of what he's really capable of. He hasn't FULLY attacked anyone....not yet atleast."

 

[Fusion]

MP -- Apt 6

Claudia: "I WAS A LITTLE GIRL YOU SICK BASTARD!"

Now Clara was REALLY worried… was some one IN there with her sister?? Clara BANGED on the door, calling to Claudia, begging what was wrong, who she was talking to, and to be let in.

Claudia: "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"NO, Claudia, and if you don't let me IN-- that's it, I'm coming in there whether you like it or NOT!"

She slammed an open palm on the door near the door knob, using a little plasma energy to charge the hit and force the door open, which in turn FLEW open. Clara stormed the bathroom, palms open, ready to blast to HELL out of whoever was traumatizing her sister… but there was no one here but Claudia, who was badly distressed.

"CLAUDIA! You're hurt, what HAPPENED in here??"

She exclaimed, bringing a towel over and kneeling by the tub, oblivious to the glass on the floor.

"Claudia, honey, talk to me, what's going on, who did this to you?"

 

[Siren]

Startled by Clara blasting the bathroom door open, Claudia looked over with wide eyes seeing her sister rush over. Exhaling out, she looked away from her, shaking her head.

"CLAUDIA! You're hurt, what HAPPENED in here??"

"I had....a bad dream.."

It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. Feeling Clara wrap a towel around her [most likely to prevent Johnny from seeing anything], Claudia was noticbly trembling.

"Claudia, honey, talk to me, what's going on, who did this to you?"

"I don't know....I guess I fell asleep and I had a nightmare. I was attacked by...something...and when I woke up the same wound I had during the dream was here, in reality."

Looking over at Clara, Claudia could see the worry in her eyes.

"I'm okay...I swear. It's just a few scratches."

Moving to stand up, Clara assisted her, making sure the towel covered her body. Stepping out of the tub, she avoided the broken glass and walked over to where the floor was clear of any debris.

"I feel like such an idiot. I'm freaking out over a dream."

An unconvincing laugh came from Claudia. It was more than just a dream, it was her history. Her LIFE. But Clara didn't need to know that. She never needed to know what happened when they were little. NO ONE did. And Claudia had made sure of that....or so she thought.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment 4

<< Karen continued to hold her daughter, She rocked Morgan back and forth slowly as she held her tightly...Morgan was TREMBLING. Had it not been for Haleigh....Karen didnt want to think of it. Barbas was already taunting her, playing up her own fears of inadequecy and inability to protect Morgan, to be as PERFECT as she wanted to appear to be.>>

Barbas: You know its just a matter of time before HE kills her, Karen.


<< Karen, whose opal blue eyes now looked strained as tears rolled down her face, shut her eyes tightly as thunder rumbled in the air.>>

No... It won't happen. I won't ALLOW IT!

Barbas: So strong...so determined. You pray that it will propell you through the FEAR that bubbles up inside you. Maybe I'll have MIKE come and visit you tonight...showing just how bloody and DEAD he can look. He can give comfort...after you find Morgan's lifeless body.

NO!

<< Tinkerbell, stood on the bed, looking curiously at Karen, growling softly as her eyes looked BEHIND Karen. she began to hiss as her ears lowered and her tail flowed furiously. the enchanted familiar could SEE Barbas, standing behind Karen...looking like a hideous, burned creature. his true form...that state which HECATE left him in. He's taken MANY Forms through the years, sometimes caught up in the stories and imagination of those strong enough to control their dreams or weave intriguing tapestries with their words...but THIS was his primal essence. one that an enchanted familiar could see.>>

Haleigh....

<< Karen could hardly care to object to her OR Nicolas being here. She was doing all she could not to become HYSTERICAL.>>

<< shutting her eyes tightly. her voice was low toned and weaker.>>

the demon of fear...he's....


<< as Haleigh came close, Tinker began to fuss! not AT Haleigh, but to try to get her attention, to tell her that the monster was in the room!>>

close...

I dont think I can....hold him off......

<< Morgan's face was buried in Karen's chest.>>

Barbas: Nicolas will attack her when he sees her!

Nicolas...Morgan....attack.....hurt....kill.....

<< she began to sound worse.>>

you cant let him come here...he'll hurt my daughter! i have to...protect her from HIM!

<< Barbas was gaining ground, if he could push her over the edge, SHE would do his work for him...killing Nicolas! one of the few that might pose more than a little problem for him.>>

<< Tinkerbell grew more agitated as she continued to face the wall behind Karen.>>

 

[Harbinger]

to apartment 4

:: Alison didnt hesitate to take a helping hand from Ava as she got up and held out her hand. her Time Staff RUSHED to its awaiting grasp.::

He's here...AHEAD of his next scheduled time. And he's gorging himself on the fear and negativity that abounds...it propells him. the souls of his newest victims getting him closer and closer to his goal of RETURNING fully.

You and your mom... Hecate and other olympians you saw him before, didnt you?

:: she asked knowingly.

:: Ava told them they had to meet at Morgan's.::

We should hurry...we all need to be there, for what comes next.

:: Alison saw a moment of extreme test for all of them. ONLY TOGETHER could they possibly survive this moment.::

:: back outside. all three women's hair begin blowing and whipping in the wind. the stormy night sky begin to unleash its rain just as they hurried across the courtyard. the garnett jewel from the time staff lights the wall as the lighting in the courtyard is now flickering. up the stairs they go, with Nicolas, Sharon and Mike soon to follow.::

:: Alison looked OKAY, but was showing signs of discomfort.::

the death glow...it's EVERYWHERE in this apartment! he's concentrating on THIS space right now.

:: and when they arrived in Morgan's room, they could SEE Karen clutching her distressed daughter while she herself looked like she would faint any moment. Alison's heart went out to both of them...but the sound of an angry feline nearby caught her attention. ::

:: Tinkerbell was agitated.::

Haleigh....where is he?

:: forgetting for a moment that Haleigh was not magickal, nor could she SEE the demon of fear yet. it SOUNDED like Alison was asking about Nicolas, and that they were all here to deal with HIM!::

:: would Haleigh be able to see through the confusion Barbas was brewing?::

 

[Firebird]

From Morg's apartment to Mike's apartment

"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."

Turning to look at Ava who provided a bit of information on who was behind the attacks.

"So, how do we kill the bastard? Go into a dreamscape?"

"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."

"So it seems our new neighbors aren't exactly human than. Claudia and her sister look awfully familiar to me....I just can't place it. But, obviously everyone in this residence is being targeted. He's picking off the strongest first with Alison, Karen, Morgan although if he attacked Mike I'm not sure. He's obviously not just attacking women."

"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."

"That would explain why Karen was suffering from delusions then. The only way to combat fear is to conquer it. But if its implanting crippling thoughts and illusions that makes it twice as difficult. Maybe the astral plane. Alright, but you two be careful though."

Blaze turned to leave when Haleigh grabbed her forearm, the fire elemental glanced down at Haleigh's hand before locking eyes with her. "Alright, but something tells me they won't be giving anyone trouble."

Slipping out of the apartment Blaze hurried across the court yard to Mike's apartment, gently knocking before entering. Looking at all three of them before eyeing Nicolas.

"Short version. You all need to come with me back to Morgan's apartment. There is a demon by the name of Barbas praying on people's fears and subjecting them to their worst nightmares. Morgan, Karen, and Claudia were attacked but they are okay. Haleigh has requested we stay together."

Something in the back of Blaze's mind bothered her about the hybrid. WHY had she kept that information about Barbas to herself? Perhaps Alison and Karen were right about the blonde. If Blaze had been kept informed she would have NEVER encouraged Morgan to sleep. A part of her felt guilty for doing so, especially when she was right there helpless as Morgan was attacked.

All Blaze wanted to do was kill the bastard who was hurting everyone she loved and cared for.

 

[Rampage]

"Short version. You all need to come with me back to Morgan's apartment. There is a demon by the name of Barbas praying on people's fears and subjecting them to their worst nightmares. Morgan, Karen, and Claudia were attacked but they are okay. Haleigh has requested we stay together."

Mike was also attacked. Lead the way, Blaze. But I will stay outside the door and monitor the astral plane from there. There is no advantage to be gained in me being around the others right now. Part of the fear permeating this place is my fault, and I will not give Barbas the venue he wants at this time to sow MORE fear. Being around Morgan and some of the others right now, including yourself, is a recipe for disaster.

Nicolas motioned for them all to depart the apartment...

 

[Firebird]

Mike's apartment

Mike was also attacked. Lead the way, Blaze. But I will stay outside the door and monitor the astral plane from there. There is no advantage to be gained in me being around the others right now. Part of the fear permeating this place is my fault, and I will not give Barbas the venue he wants at this time to sow MORE fear. Being around Morgan and some of the others right now, including yourself, is a recipe for disaster.

"At least he's okay though."

Pausing, Blaze walked over to Nicolas to grab his bicep.

"Look, I'm not gonna kid you Nicolas you may be the cause for this, hell we ALL are. But right now we need you INSIDE with us. We need to stick together per Haleigh's orders. I was hoping you wouldn't give me any trouble on this for...everyone's sake. If Haleigh is over there right now with Morgan AND Karen then I think you can too. I watched my sister helplessly attacked and I'm sure you saw Mike. You know the severity of the situation. I'd rather not get into a pissing match with you, Nicolas. Whatever bad blood that has happened is being put aside. Everyone at Morgan's apartment are checking their 'tudes at the door. No heroics, no excuses, no nothing. We need EVERYONE on board and that INCLUDES you."

Blaze was dead serious and when it came to Morgan and Karen, Blaze would do whatever was necessary including putting her feelings aside to allow Nicolas inside.

"Haleigh asked that you, Mike, AND Sharon come with me. I'm not leaving without any of you. But you can monitor everything from INSIDE Morgan's apartment. We will also need someone to monitor Mike in case he's attacked again. I know the big guy's tough but he needs his best friend. I need Morgan alive, breathing, and kicking. So, whatever happpens after this we will deal with it. But I'm ASKING you Nicolas just to listen to me, for once."

 

[Silver Swan]

from apartment 2 to apartment 4

[ one moment she was inside Mike's apartment, but with some eye blinks...she saw herself surrounded by ARKLAY MANSION, the air filled with the sound of a little boy CRYING for his mommy.]

[ she tried to remain stone faced, but her silver eyes betrayed the STRAIN she was in.]

[ the weather outside was giving way to the full on storm, just as Blaze knocked on the door, Sharon jumped...a RARE thing for the silver swan. as Blaze informed them that Haleigh called an emergency gathering in Morgan's apartment, and that Morgan HAD in fact been attacked...Sharon moved forward to help Mike while Nicolas talked with Blaze.]

[ Nicolas tried to stand apart, claiming that it was for the best. Blaze disagreed and informed him of Haleigh's orders, she then prooved once again how FIREBIRD differed from Foxfire, and Sharon backed her play.]

Firebird is right, Nicolas. This is an EMERGENCY! If we're going to try to understand...what this is that's happening, much less protect those that need it, we have to do it TOGETHER. This Barbas, this demon of fear has already attacked Alison, Morgan, Mike and Karen...in some cases TWICE. and i KNOW that Claudia has had a nightmare, i heard everything, but she has Clara to help her and at least protect her for the time being.

We're going to have go go in to Morgan's apartment...TOGETHER.

Barbas: Yes...because you hope and pray that you will not be left alone this time...like the last time in Arklay. You hope that the zombies won't get you...or that your dead husband and son won't come back for REVENGE. You don't want to find out that this "SILVER SWAN" identity has all been just a dream and that you are POWERLESS, just WAITING TO DIE!

[ Sharon looked back, as if someone had spoke to her, but there was no one there.]

We'd better go before the rains get worse. I'll help Mike. We'll go inside, TOGETHER, Nicolas. No more arguments.

[ and with that, Sharon follows Blaze, helping Mike along and up the stairs The man probably didnt exactly enjoy being supported by a woman who was smaller than him
yet so far stronger, but he knew she would do this for anyone on the team.]

[ once inside, Sharon turned to Nicolas.]

Shut the door, lock it up tight. if something is coming, let's make it as hard as we can...ANYTHING we can do.

[ Sharon knew that it may not stop the demon, but just trying to exert some form of control, to reassure her that she WASNT totally powerless was the goal here too.]

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as the pair argued for him to go inside with them. They did not seem to understand that this THING had an advantage that few of them could match. He relented, hoping that he could manage to help them deal with the demon before it was too late.

They went up the stairs, Nicolas taking the rear. Once they got there, Sharon gave him instructions as to secure the place but instead he FROZE, seemingly getting almost larger as he raised a hand to indicate quiet for a moment, then pointed farther inside. His voice was becoming almost farther away but very intense as his concentration hardened, his astral defenses ramping up.

It's too late, Sharon. He's already here. NOW. WITH us. And he is on the attack.

Nicolas walked into the room where Karen was being tormented by Barbas. He looked directly on the demonic astral form.

Leave her alone, Barbas. Alison...everyone, our foe is THERE!

Nicolas used his power to project the form of the demon and where he was in the room, a way to reveal by sharing what he could see.

I won't let you hurt them, Barbas. Not anymore. Begone...or face me.

Nicolas sent a message to Sharon and Haleigh.

If you ever believed in me...be here with me now. I...will need your mental strength to attempt to drive him away.

 

[Spellbinder]

apt 4.

<< Morgan turned her head over to see Haleigh sitting near Karen. The hybrid said the others were coming..including Nicolas. Karen immediately protested and Morgan became horrified.>>

No...NO! You can't bring him here! Even YOU can't be THAT inhuman! He ....he DECAPITATED ME....HE...


<< the first indication of what horror she experienced in her astral nightmare. Tinkerbell began to hiss and fuss, but she wasnt fronting off Haleigh, she was trying to alert them.>>

<< Morgan began to pull away.>>

Karen: No morgan...it's alright. Mommy will protect you!

<< BOTH women were showing signs of extreme distress, even regressing in their behavior as Barbas tormented even while Haleigh sat there.>>

<< Alison, Delilah and Ava arrive.>>

Alison: Haleigh, where is he?

Morgan: She's going to let him in here...the MONSTER is going to kill me!

Karen: we have to DO something!

<< Blaze, Sharon and Mike arrive, and then Nicolas, who has changed his appearence. the WRONG THING done for the RIGHT reason!>>

<< chimes sound off as He informs Alison that Barbas is in the room....but that doesnt register with Morgan as she begins to panic and scream, clinging to her mother and crying out.>>

MOMMY!! THE MONSTER!!

<< Alison gasps as she turns back to NIcolas, he DOES look different. the seer and Delilah are understandibly shocked by Morgan AND Karen's reactions and they stand in the path of Nicolas toward karen and morgan on the bed.>>

<< Tinkerbell jumps down, too much commotion, too much loud noise, she scurries across the large room under a chair near Ava...but continues to growl and hiss. she's upset for her mommy, and she's offended by the EVIL in the room. NOT Nicolas...the REAL evil.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

apartment 4

[ Nicolas motioned for silence. She knew it couldnt be good. and then, he said Barbas was HERE in the house!]

where is he!?


[ but before that could register, Morgan began to PANIC at the sight of Nicolas and Karen was preparing to lash out as a mother would to protect her child. Delilah and Alison backed Sharon's play and Sharon stood at the foot of the bed in the large room, with her hands up in a "be calm" position.]

No...Morgan, no! Its not Nicolas. He's NOT here to hurt you! Whatever's happening...its apart of this ...this NIGHTMARE. You've got to trust me...okay? Your mom is here and so are WE!

[ even as she said this , she was trying to determine where she needed to be to strike at Barbas. if she could only SEE him!]


[ Nicolas used his psi powers to reveal the ASTRAL form of Barbas, a tall horrid, twisted, and BURNED creature. This was once a HUMAN? none of them, save Ava, knew that THIS was the end result of his battle with Hecate. no matter what OTHER form he may have adopted through the ages, THIS was his true form...]

[ Nicolas asked her and Haleigh to do what they could. even as Nicolas called him out, Sharon took a MIGHTY swing, with a punch that would have even staggered Nicolas. but her punch passed right through him. It was what she FEARED. being unable to stop him with her physical power! but she held her ground.]

[ and BLOCKED him from seeing Morgan and Karen on the bed. she manifests two large daggers and twirls them in her hands...brandishing them toward him.]

we KNOW who you are!

[ she said.]

We won't let you hurt Morgan , Karen or ANYONE ELSE in this room!

[ but even inspite of her bold and defiant stance, NONE of them, save perhaps Ava knew how truly dangerous this situation was. Nicolas may have had an advantage along with Alison, but even KNOWING was less than half the battle. ]

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas watches as there is an evident response to his change, but it was unconscious, an act of defense as intimate as any defense mechanism found in the animal world. As instinctual as Karen's motherly defense or what Sharon did, which was attack PHYSICALLY!! Nicolas calmly spoke to Sharon, his voice sounding as smooth and even as the day that Morgan and he met.

Not THAT strength, Sharon. INTERNAL STRENGTH.

As Nicolas spoke, Sharon would feel him try to share will with her. If she allowed it, if she would trust him, their sum would be stronger than the parts...

 

[Arsenal]

As they entered, Mike saw that Nicolas was ocked onto his target. Truth be told, his response could have been terrifying, and Mike went directly to Karen, who was cradling Morgan, his voice reassuring as he threw his arms around them both.

Nic will not, would not hurt you. Either of you. The enemy is BARBAS, honey. Remember? Barbas did ...THAT to me, attacked your daughter. BARBAS is the one who should pay. Nicolas came at our urging to help you, both of you. This team is the ONLY reason he came at all, to help them drive BARBAS away.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh had the fleeting desire to SLAP Karen… maybe THAT would snap her out of whatever hold Barbas seemed to have on her. She was mumbling about how he was close… how she didn't think she could fight her off.

"YES, you CAN, okay, Karen? LISTEN to me!"

Karen: "Nicolas…Morgan…attack…….hurt….kill….. You can't let him come here… he'll hurt my daughter! I have to… protect her from HIM!"

Haleigh was trying to coax Karen down, trying to reassure her, when Morgan reacted, not wanting Nicolas to be here, spitting an pleading insult at Haleigh like a slap in the face.

Morgan: "Even YOU can't be THAT inhuman!"

Haleigh looked stricken…. She KNEW Morgan wasn't trying to be hurtful… she was only saying exactly what she thought and that's what made it hurt the WORST. Her demeanor crestfallen, she tried to talk Morgan into it, despite knowing the stretch she was asking for.

"Morgan…. It's gonna take ALL of us to do this. Nicolas is NOT behind this, and he's NOT gonna hurt you, alright? I WONT LET HIM. Your nightmare was JUST THAT, I terrible NIGHTMARE and it was BARBAS attacking you, not Nic."

Alison: "Haleigh, where is he?"

Morgan: "She's going to let him in here…the MONSTER is going to kill me!

Karen: "We have to DO something!"

Everyone was letting their FEAR get the best of them, they were becoming HYSTERICAL. Haleigh wanted to seize Morgan by the shoulders and shake her like a RAG DOLL, but that would probably make things WORSE, so instead:

"GODDAMNIT, EVERYONE CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!"

She DEMANDED, her voice hitting deafening volumes. Tinkerbell was hissing and growling but even SHE paused for a second, fleeing for cover as EVERYONE came into the room. Sharon backed Haleigh's insistence that Nicolas wouldn't hurt Morgan

Nicolas, THANKFULLY had his wits about him and EXPOSED Barbas. Mentally, he pleaded Haleigh for her strength. Sharon tried to PUNCH Barbas but it passed right through him. He was only here in astral form. The only thing that might HURT him or at least drive him away was the one emotion that could consistently OVERPOWER fear… and that was RAGE. Luckily for everyone…. Haleigh had THAT particular feeling on TAP. Haleigh slid into position, blocking Barbas from Karen and Morgan.

"You know, Barbas…. While you're in L.A…. You should really call a plastic surgeon or two. [nonchalant] They're like a DIME a dozen here, I'm sure they could help with your…. [gesturing] look."

She could never resist a good joke… but enough of that. A ferocity filled her eyes…. There was no FEAR in Haleigh… just pure, unadulterated ANGER. The only person allowed to drive the Six THIS crazy was HALEIGH herself and she wasn't feeling Barbas' attempts to usurp her territory.

"I've got NEWS for you, you disfigured old ASSHAT. I'm not afraid of death… and I'm not afraid of YOU, either. Nicolas is politely asking you to LEAVE… but I think I should INFORM YOU that you can flee to the ends of the EARTH… [her eyes going DEAD and cold] but I'm STILL going to HUNT YOU DOWN… and I'm sure you think you've got some idea…. But I'm gonna show you what FEAR really is."

 

[Fusion]

MP -- Apt 6

Claudia: "I'm okay… I swear. It's just a few scratches. [moving around, wrapping up with the towel] I feel like such an idiot. I'm freaking out over a dream."

Clara watched her sister move around nervously, and she turned around to sit on the rim of the tub, shaking her head.

"Well I have to say, Sis, if I woke up from a 'bad dream' WOUNDED, I'd probably FREAK a little too, so I'll give you a free pass this time."

Johnny decided to take a risk and poked his head around the door, raising his eyebrows as if to ask Clara if he was needed. She waved him off, passing him a look that he would recognize. So much time had they spent together, so well he knew her, that she didn't even have to give the slightest gesture other than a facial expression and a flick of her gaze to convey 'it's not alright, but give us a moment'. She cross the bathroom, gently placing her hands on Claudia's shoulders.

"Please don't shut me out… I HEARD you in here and you're NOT okay. I can't HELP you if you don't tell me what's wrong. What was your dream about? Who was in it??"

 

[Firebird]

Apt 4

While Nicolas would passionately try to convey his emotions, Sharon backed Blaze up.

"Clearly the majority has spoken, Nicolas. Let's get going, everyone."

Moving out of the apartment with the others, Blaze looked up to see Morgan and Karen both terrified to see Nicolas.

"Its OKAY! Its BARBAS."

Blaze walked over to try and soothe Morgan while Mike followed her moving behind Karen.

"That's NOT who attacked you, Morgan. He's feeding off your fear. Fight it, fight HIM!"

She pointed towards Barbas now while Nicolas seemed intensely focused. Sharon would viciously attempt to punch the air while Haleigh had a sudden outburst. Even Blaze couldn't blame the hybrid.

"Morgan, Karen. Haleigh is right. Just try to focus on the good....the LOVE you felt for Nicolas. Karen think of the love you have for Mike. Think of all the good you have accomplished while fighting evil. Evil like HIM. You both can DO this. The only way to combat fear is to conquer it! Nicolas is right here standing inches from you, Morgan. A man...you remember you are the Supreme Sorceress who can send bad people to Limbo. Nicolas or anyone else should have NO power over you. Karen....you've raised Morgan and you know the pain and agony a mother has to suffer. But you too are strong. You put up with my father...Christopher for his affair....and look what you accomplished? You drove him OUT because he didn't deserve you. And fate brought you Mike."

Running her hand through Morgan's hair to try and calm her down.

"You're surrounded by love, support, and power. Don't listen to Barbas....listen to what YOU know."

 

[Siren]

"Please don't shut me out… I HEARD you in here and you're NOT okay. I can't HELP you if you don't tell me what's wrong.

"It was just a dream, Clara. I'm FINE."

"What was your dream about? Who was in it??"

Claudia shook her head, scoffing softly.

"I don't know. It was dark, I don't know where I was. I didn't even see the persons face. I just remember struggling to get away. I probably just scratched myself."

Pulling away from Clara's grasp, Claudia turned away, facing the mirror. Pulling the towel down far enough to see the scratch marks [but not enough to reveal anything] they weren't too bad. It just stung for the most part. But what stung even more was lying to Clara. Looking in the mirror toward her sister, Claudia sighed, giving her a reassuring look.

"If I knew more I would tell you...but I don't. I just remember waking up panicked. [turning around to face her again] I promise, i'm fine.....I'm going to go get dressed."

Slowly exiting the bathroom, Claudia noticed Johnny standing nearby listening to the whole conversation. Shifting her eyes away from him, she made her way down the hall and into her bedroom, closing the door.

Barbas: "Tsk tsk, Claudy. Lying to your baby sister like that. Aren't you....AFRAID she'll find out? Leave you like you left her 16 years ago?"

Closing her eyes tightly, Claudia pressed her back against the door and hung her head forward.

"Go. Away."

Barbas: "You're afraid she'll find out why you were REALLY sent away by your father. Why she never got the chance to grow up with you....why she had to SUFFER in that household with a deranged madman while you lived peacefully in Italy. All. Because. You SLEPT with Trevor."

"I did it for her!"

She quietly protested, pushing herself away from the bedroom door and making her way to the large dresser/mirror set near her bed.

Barbas: "Or so you say..."

Looking in the mirror, Claudia jumped seeing a Barbas standing behind her in the reflection. Quickly turning to look over her shoulder, no one was there....looking back to the mirror, the only reflection she saw was her own.

"Who are you."

An echoed raspy laugh followed Claudia's question.

Barbas: "I am what you fear most."

Shutting her eyes again, Claudia fought back tears.

"No."

Barbas: "I am the truths waiting to be revealed."

"Shut up."

Barbas: "I am the guilt you refuse to face."

Opening her eyes, tears fell down her cheeks as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Barbas: "I am the end."

 

[Harbinger]

apartment 4

::Alison gripped her time staff as she recoiled while Morgan panicked and Karen was prepared to lash out. Haleigh bellowed for them all to get ahold of themselves, and stop being "HYSTERICAL" ; as Mike and Blaze went to Karen and Morgan. Mike did something unexpected but probably very good, as he wrapped his arms around Karen AND Morgan. Blaze reached out to her sister and surrogate mother. Sharon and Haleigh BLOCKED Barbas from even being able to SEE Karen and Morgan and as Nicolas called him out, Alison stood beside Nicolas, holding the time staff.::

there's something wrong...even now.

Things are about to change....this room, this space...but we all must STAY in here TOGETHER!

:: she looks at Barbas::

an unquiet spirit moves among us...but he's only just beginning!

us...standing together TONIGHT was the first REAL act of defiance, and he will ANSWER IT ACCORDINGLY!

:: the Harbinger spoke.::

Nicolas, he's not REALLY in this room...not COMPLETELY.

:: and as Haleigh flat out baited /threatened him, Alison lifted her hand...::

QUIET! LISTEN!

:: she indicated everyone to stand fast.::

 

[Fusion]

MP -- Apt 6

Claudia shook her head… turned away, checked her scrapes in the mirror, all the while LYING to Clara. Clara was hurt, CRUSHED, and it showed on her face-- but only when Claudia wasn't looking. By the time her sister began to lift her gaze back up to look at Clara…. She wore a slightly worried smile…. And she ALLOWED Claudia to lie to her some more… to try and reassure her. She wanted to call her on it… she wanted desperately to hear the TRUTH, even more so NOW than when she'd first come in… because NOW she knew her sister was HIDING something from her and that concerned her deeply.

Claudia excused herself to get dressed… Clara let her slip out of her grip without protest. She turned slowly, leaning back against the bathroom counter, watching her sister go, folding her arms across her chest and then staring down at the broken glass and spilt wine solemnly. She heard Johnny approach and lean against the doorway, but didn't look up at him.

Johnny: "Is everything alright?"

It was a question to ask not because he thought it might be okay now… but rather, to prompt her to say something. He'd heard them talking-- it was impossible NOT to hear. But the words of their conversation didn't exactly explain Clara's demeanor now; she looked disappointed and hurt. She didn't shift her gaze from the floor.

"My sister just LIED to me, John. She looked me right in the eye…. And she lied."

Johnny: "Maybe she's just trying to protect you from something."

[scoffing, looking up at him] "Like WHAT? I'm a mafia princess, Johnny. Death, despair, debauchery… I've seen it all. I mean… what's so BAD that she can't even tell ME??"

Johnny pulled a rueful Clara into a hug, cradling her head in one hand. She wasn't that far away, nearly within arms reach, and she just NEEDED it… that much could be seen.

Johnny: "Everyone has secrets they aren't ready to tell yet, Clare. Whatever it is, it's giving her nightmares. She probably just doesn't want you to worry. Now let's go have that nightcap… and pull all the glass out of your knees."

He was trying to distract her, and it almost didn't work, but when he mentioned the glass, she glanced down, and noticed for the first time quite a collection of shards perforating her knees. She gave a sheepish little groan… in her rush to her sister's side she hadn't felt a thing.