False Memory

[Seer]

Minerva's Aerie

<< The other side of the world, There's a place that not even @Fathom could have imagined as she makes her way across the atlantic ocean. A place beyond the sight and reach of any ordinary, mortal men, and most mutants/metahumans- Minerva's Aerie. This sprawling island is located in the mysterious waters of the Aegean sea. It is home to a sprawling mansion and other structures that are composed of "old world" architecture, magick and alien technology. This is the current home to Harbinger, the Keeper of Time, and below ground is the vault, where the "secrets of the world" are housed away from the wrong hands. >>

<< Alison Marble lives very comfortably here, as she carries out her duties as Harbinger. She is supported by a very talented, well credentialed, and well armed staff. Among that staff is her security team- which is directed by Michael Armstrong, A.k.a. Arsenal. He and his companion, Dr. Karen Victoria a.k.a. Shadow Weaver, live here with Alison, but they are currently stateside in NYC.>>

<< Among her other long term house guests are the mysterious witch Hazel a.k.a Sybil, and Xavier Winston a.k.a Tachyon. Hazel has a deep history and connection to Alison, as well as Karen and Morgan. Her history is so extensive that it goes back to when Verna Eckert was alive and on earth, and she even has a connection to the immortal weather witch Ororo. >>

<< Tachyon is a young, handsome mutant SPEEDSTER, a rarity among the mutant and metahuman population, not only does he channel the unique and formidable power of the Speed Force, but he also posseses an extensive knowledge of the occult and the arts arcane, as well as an inante resistance (but not full on immunity) to certain magickal attacks. He has put his talents to interesting and surpsingly benevolent use, but then his path lead him to collide with Alison during the purifiers caper. After a confrontation between the two, they ended up working together, and his assistance helped The Six and Birds of Prey TRIUMPH over Sister Mary Justice, the Purifiers, and the NIMROD. Following that caper, Tachyon and Alison's interaction took a surprising TURN, but it was in line with the unusual tone of their relationship so far.>>

<< Now, he has been a guest at her compound as well, along with Hazel. He has met Michael, Karen, and Hazel, he's even had a few training sessions with Alison and Karen. While he's been staying there, he's been able to see and study some of the most rare, sought after, and DANGEROUS magick artifacts in existence. Alison herself has been able to study HIM, using her powers of precognition to determine the veracity of his story, his past, his present AND his future. Everything has been confirmed and its good for him, because another betrayal for Alison, after what she's been through since the Blue Moon, would have ended VERY badly for him.>>

<< Now, Ava Cassadine a.k.a Persephone, has come to see Alison following that bizarre "Dream" that they were both apart of.>>

<< Her visit couldn't be more well timed either, not just on a personal level- as she is there to talk with Alison, but because she and Alison have something to do that involves Tachyon, and his new destiny, a destiny that does not have him staying at Minerva's much long.>>

<< Ava will be introduced to Hazel, who she is SURPRISED to learn has direct association with Ororo, despite her appearing to be an earth bound witch, she also meets Tachyon.>>

<< This promises to be an interesting visit for her. >>

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Charope, LLC- the Infirmary

<< MorningStar returns with Shadow Weaver and Arsenal. Karen is already well acquainted with Zach, and Vivica; Of course Sharon and Alycia, who she is close to; and her reputation as a psychotherapist and powerful sorceress preceeds her with Oracle and Mina but proper introductions are now made with her and Michael. This is their first time meeting Valkyrie as well. Michael notes Karen's displeasure with Ashley's demeanor and approach. After a bit more background from Delilah, and Recall, Karen removes her wrap, handing it to Michael, as she makes her way over to the unconscious Jasmine Klein, a.k.a Frost.>>

<< Delilah shadows her from a couple paces back. The doctor looks upon Jasmine and puts a hand on her own chest as the emotions wash over her face. It is a mix of shock, concern, distress AND sympathy.>>

<< Delilah, Michael, Sharon, Alycia, Zach and Vivica are all aware of what the woman laying on the table represents to Karen. This is NOT an easy moment for her.>>

<< Still, the girl needs her help, and the doctor is known not only for her power, but her willingness to help someone in distress. As awful as this is, it is appropriate that SHE is here to facilitate the revival and reactivation of Jasmine's memory. >>

<< After few moments of Karen looking the girl over, she moves to the head of the bed, now standing behind Jasmine's head and placing her hands at either side of Jasmine's head.>>

<< The doctor begins an incantation, igniting a spell.>>

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Aerie- When no one's watching

:: Alison Marble, a.k.a Harbinger, a cold, serious, powerful precog, telekinetic witch, but what does she do when she's not "Keeping time", or watching over the "secrets of the world?" ::

:: She could go anywhere, see any number of possibilities, and within the walls of her massive, sprawling mansion, she could even have a "stay-cation."::

:: But sometimes, even SHE has to "let her hair down."::

:: And so, having made her way into the Danger Grotto, a state of the art training facility that was a variation of the Danger Room created by Black Widow, designed to fit in with the established architecture and environment of Minerva's Aerie, the precog is about to start a program that is unique to HER.::

:: But as she prepares to close the Danger Grotto and begin the program, @Tachyon has managed to slip in at the last possible second. After glaring at him, and delivering barbs as only she can, Xavier manages to convince her there'd be no HARM in letting him stay, and so...wondering if she's going soft, she RELENTS.::

Xavier...this is not a program that I like to involve OTHERS in.

If you tell ANYONE...I'll freeze you SOLID and then blow you APART before you can finish your first sentence!

:: By now, Xavier had become accustomed to most of Alison's threats. He considered them...part of her charm, much like BANE had several years earlier.::

:: Well there was nothing left to do but get to it! And so...::

Computer, run program- Art of Noise.

Computer: Running program- Art of Noise!

:: Soon, Xavier and Alison find themselves in a CLUB, a dance club set in the 80s, hardlight holograms of Morgan and Blaze, looking like Madonna twins, Nicolas and other members of the six, all in their 80's outfits , are present. ::

:: And soon...the music begins to play. This isn't a battle program. It's a DANCE program.::

:: Xavier had come to learn that Alison LIKED to dance, and was pretty good. He had his first dance with her at the Parthenon. They had many more since.::

:: He smirked with surprise as the precog wasted no time moving to the center of the dance floor, and began doing a routine suitable for the style and genre of this song that includes some surprisingly good BGirl moves, soon, he joins her, with all the program's simulations of various members of the Six dancing around them.::

::As the precog and speedster get down, PERSEPHONE appears at Minerva's, and because she has approved access, she moves freely through the mansion, asking one of the guards where she might find the mistress of the estate. They inform her that she's in the danger grotto.::

:: When the goddess finally arrives there, she's greeted by quite the spectacle. She watches Alison, and her dance partner, both clearly enjoying themselves, and she wonders if she should join in, or SURPRISE Alison with the realization that she's been WATCHING for more than a few moments.::

 

[MorningStar]

The Infirmary

Delilah followed Karen & Mike through the wormhole and then closed it behind them. They were all now back in the infirmary, and it looked like the same group was still there that had been there before.

There was an awkward minute, before Delilah decided to make introductions.

“Everyone, this is Dr. Victoria [indicating her] and Mike [indicating him]. Mike & Karen, you know Sharon, Alycia, Vivica and Zach. Mike, I think you met them at the cathedral, but this is Zizi, Mina, and Ashley.”

Ashley: [correcting her] “Valkyrie.”

“Valkyrie.”

She cleared her throat.

“So we’re all on the same page…I was taking a walk past the ruins of Illustra earlier this evening. First I saw, like a shimmering in the air, and then the Siege Perilous itself appeared out of nowhere. It began flashing, and then like a…a vortex…appeared. I heard voices: Morgan’s, Blaze’s, and Jasmine’s – and Morgan’s eldritch chimes. Then in the vortex I saw like a blue helix, and then these glowing blue orbs that came together to form a body. The body became a woman – Jasmine – and she seemed to wake up, gasping for air. Then in a flash of light she was deposited in front of me on the pavement. I brought her to the Clocktower, and then Alycia had me take her here.”

Zizi wheeled forward a bit and waved.

Zizi: “Hi! Oracle, I live at the Clocktower, please call me Zizi. I sent Ashley to get Isis while following the others here."

Ashley: “And that bitch refused to help.”

Zizi: [continuing, ignoring Ashley’s comment] “ISIS said Jasmine is not what she seems. She suggested we talk to you, feeling it would be more appropriate for you to handle this, so Delilah went to find you. I’ve not been able to find any sign of any other disturbances in the city recently.”

Delilah went on, nodding her head towards Mina.

“Mina here seems also to think something is wrong with this picture. She said she cannot confirm or deny that Jasmine came through the Siege, but CAN say that Alison still has possession of the Siege Perilous.”

Mina: ”Yes, as I said to the others, it is as if Miss Klein just appeared in this reality, suddenly, without clear explanation. And what I said was, I feel that something is very very wrong here.”

 

[Tachyon]

What to get into today? Oh! The Training Area, what is our dear witch doing today? One way to find out....

She was all GRRR...then Xavier was all SMOOOOOTH, then Alison was all OK, FINE! Fun all around.

Xavier...this is not a program that I like to involve OTHERS in.

If you tell ANYONE...I'll freeze you SOLID and then blow you APART before you can finish your first sentence!

:: By now, Xavier had become accustomed to most of Alison's threats. He considered them...part of her charm, much like BANE had several years earlier.::

Of course you will dear. In fact, I hope you blow me apart after we finish here if there is time...

A mildly risky retort, but if they could not joke about what they did most often, what COULD they joke about? She ignored it and continued somehow...

:: Well there was nothing left to do but get to it! And so...::

Computer, run program- Art of Noise.

Computer: Running program- Art of Noise!

:: Soon, Xavier and Alison find themselves in a CLUB, a dance club set in the 80s, hardlight holograms of Morgan and Blaze, looking like Madonna twins, Nicolas and other members of the six, all in their 80's outfits , are present. ::

:: And soon...the music begins to play. This isn't a battle program. It's a DANCE program.::

:: Xavier had come to learn that Alison LIKED to dance, and was pretty good. He had his first dance with her at the Parthenon. They had many more since.::

:: He smirked with surprise as the precog wasted no time moving to the center of the dance floor, and began doing a routine suitable for the style and genre of this song that includes some surprisingly good BGirl moves, soon, he joins her, with all the program's simulations of various members of the Six dancing around them.::

Brilliant. He loved dancing and as someone who studies cultures, he was adept. So he matched her dance style and soon they were having an amazing time. It was times like this that made him wish that Alison were perhaps a bit more accessible...she was the closest thing to a 'keeper' he had met so far. Endlessly interesting, volatile...but also earnestly feeling, genuinely good in her heart and extremely sexually compatible with himself. But no need to cry; this was a woman that you held tight when she let you hold her and you are thankful for what time she allows. He was not bothered by that....hell, women had been putting up with that for thousands of years from MEN. And so he filed that away and focused on the shimmying booty before him, especially as it wiggled closer to him. Perhaps he would manage to persuade her into something crazy in one of the corners of the holographic club...no one can REALLY see them....

 

[Persephone]

Ava had arrived at Minerva's Mansion, deciding to get some answers of her own from Alison. Everyone was still pretty confused about what had happened with the whole Willy Wonka and the Candy Fuckery and whether or not it was indeed a dream or reality. So what better time than to give her best friend a visit? And get out of the city at the same time. She had to admit, even though Karen's sessions were helping, she still hated playing patient. So, a nice little email and a session ditch later, Ava was walking through the corridors of Minvera's Mansion. She'd deal with Karen later.

[to the guard] "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Alison?"

Guard: "She's in the Danger Grotto, ma'am."

Giving him a small smile, Ava began for the Danger Grotto. Knowing Alison she was probably replaying what had happened in the last caper. Trying to figure out what variables could have been changed, or why everyone believes it was just a dream, or who could be behind this phenomenon. Opening the Danger Grotto door, Ava was almost blasted backwards by 80's music, taking in the club scene and seeing Alison dancing in the middle of the dance floor. Or not.

With a smirk, Ava walked closer to the dance floor, spotting her own holographic image dancing with the other members of the six.

"Oh holy hell."

Nope, Alison needed to change that immediately.

"So, is that what you think I looked like in the 80's, A?"

Ava shouted over the music.

"For a precog, you suck."

She grinned playfully as she leaned against one of the club's pillars, folding her arms across her chest. There was someone else dancing with Alison, almost at hyper speed. This must be Xavier, the speedster Alison had told her about. Cute for a 12 year old.

[introducing herself] "Ava, nice to meet you."

 

[Sybil]

Minerva's Mansion

<< The Island of Aerie was a beautiful place. She had been here once before, at the request of Barbara Minerva, who had been enlisted her help in finding a powerful artifact. Hazel was much younger then, or so she remembered. As somebody who had a natural way of aging gracefully, she often felt as if she were still as young as the strawberry blonde sprite who had walked these halls many moons ago. The mansion was different now, filled with more decorations, more areas of intrigue, and a much more stuffed VAULT. Still the essence of Barbara was still alive and well within the walls and all around, and that brought Hazel much comfort. Her own path on The Winding Way had brought her into contact with many witches over the years, using her gifts to help these men and women find their way, their truest purpose in magick. Some of them stayed in her heart for a long time, and some she would never see again. And then there were those like Alison, someone she loved like a daughter. Unable to have children herself, these witches and their paths WERE her children and Alison was definitely a shining example of the work she had done. When Alison had stumbled onto her path, she was an angry and deeply disturbed teenager, unable to cope with the voices in her head, with the things she was able to see. Years of abuse at the hands of her birth mother had left her unprepared and vulnerable to pain. Working with Alison WASN'T easy, not by a long shot, but over time, she managed to crack the facade of Harbinger and get her where she needed to go. To see Alison as The Keeper of Time made Hazel's heart sing, but she hadn't forgotten that she was here for a reason. >>

<< Alison had been in a lot of pain lately, the kind of pain that REGISTERED to Hazel from thousands of miles away. The Blue Moon had drained ALL witches and nearly killed Hazel herself, but the fallout that Alison experienced coupled with unresolved inner emotional issues she had caused Alison to go in a direction that worried Hazel. It was the reason that she returned when she did. Recently, there had been some resolve, the "dream" that The Six had experienced was beginning to heal some of the cracks that had been formed during The Blue Moon but all was not well. There was a potent and OMINOUS energy in the air, signaling to Hazel that although there seemed to be peace for now, the world was about to enter a period of great DARKNESS, one that would not leave ANY of them untouched. The fact that Alison was not able to see this or sense this, gave Hazel great pause. She hadn't been able to put her finger on it just yet, but she wasn't going to leave until she knew exactly how to handle what was to come. >>

<< From the open french doors that led to a large and expansive balcony that overlooked the beauty of the island in her guest quarters, Hazel began to hear the vibration and hum of some rather energetic music. Alison was certainly enjoying this new companion in a way that was rather uncharacteristic for her, but Hazel knew the benefits that a distraction here or there could have. Smirking for a moment, she also sensed the presence of Ava Cassadine, a close companion of Alison and a woman of great POWER. She herself was already entrenched in great darkness, Hazel had figured that out within seconds of meeting her, but Ava was not a witch, and she was above the realm of mortals, it simply wasn't her jurisdiction to insert herself in Persephone's problems, though she would if asked, after everything the woman had done for Alison and experienced with her. >>

<< Taking off her robe and slipping into a silken white gown, her stawberry blonde hair flowed around her almost mystically. Dabbing her neck with an aromatic concoction she had created herself that induced calm and smelled beautiful and floral, she made her way to the grotto where Alison and Xavier appeared to be engaged in some kind of dance simulation, a rather comical one at that. Ava had just arrived. >>

Ava: "So, is that what you think I looked like in the 80's, A? For a precog, you suck."

<< She watched sultry Ava introduce herself to Xavier. >>

"I don't remember getting an invitation to such wild festivities...I'm quite OFFENDED actually..."

<< Eyeing Alison up and down almost as if she had caught her DAUGHTER with a boy in salacious way, smirking to herself. >>

"I mean, I was actually was actually quite the "It Girl" in the eighties. Though, my choices in fashion were considerably less....LOUD than these."

<< Looking over towards Ava. >>

"Ava Cassadine...We didn't get a proper introduction last time due to...extenuating circumstances. My name is Hazel. Nice to meet you!"

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion- from the Danger Grotto to the Executive Study

:: Alison and Xavier danced as well as they did OTHER things together. He definitely brought out a different side of her, and made it seem SAFE for her to revel in a more fun side of herself. She smiled at the speedster as he kept up and complimented her moves with his own::

With a smirk, Ava walked closer to the dance floor, spotting her own holographic image dancing with the other members of the six.

"Oh holy hell."

Nope, Alison needed to change that immediately.

"So, is that what you think I looked like in the 80's, A?"

Ava shouted over the music.

"For a precog, you suck."

She grinned playfully as she leaned against one of the club's pillars, folding her arms across her chest. There was someone else dancing with Alison, almost at hyper speed. This must be Xavier, the speedster Alison had told her about. Cute for a 12 year old.

:: Alison's smiled faded into a look of brief surprise as she settled her colbalt blue eyes on...::

AVA!

:: Sighing::

Computer, PAUSE.

:: A sound was heard, as the music stopped and all of the holograms of the Six, in their 80s gear stopped, frozen in whatever movement they were in. Alison looked at her dear friend, and then Xavier::

[introducing herself] "Ava, nice to meet you."

:: Alison made her way over to Ava.::

You know, Xavier, I REALLY should've paid attention to the weather report...about BAD WEATHER heading out this way?

:: She looks serious at first, before smiling at Ava::

It's just like you to RAIN on my parade, now whadayaWANT?

:: she joked, but Ava wasn't the only one to crash the party::

"I don't remember getting an invitation to such wild festivities...I'm quite OFFENDED actually..."

<< Eyeing Alison up and down almost as if she had caught her DAUGHTER with a boy in salacious way, smirking to herself. >>

::GROAN!::

:: Alison bowed her head for a moment, smirking as she tried to conceal a bit of laughter at how this moment was the VERY thing she was trying to avoid in the first place::

Xavier, you set me up, didn't you?

"I mean, I was actually was actually quite the "It Girl" in the eighties. Though, my choices in fashion were considerably less....LOUD than these."

<< Looking over towards Ava. >>

"Ava Cassadine...We didn't get a proper introduction last time due to...extenuating circumstances. My name is Hazel. Nice to meet you!"

<< to both Xavier and Hazel>>

This is Ava, she's a member of the Six, sister of Haleigh Davidoff, and a very dear friend of mine. She was very close to my predecessor of this place.

<< To Ava>>

This is Hazel, she found me after I....left home. She took care of me, and mentored me. She's my family too, and She's staying here with me...

<< Looking at Hazel, with a smile>>

...for however long she needs to be here.

And this is Xavier, the speedster that helped us during the Purifiers caper. he's been a guest of mine for the last couple of months. He's well versed in anthropology....and the occult.


Computer, end program.

<< A sound is heard, as the "art of noise" program ends, and the danger grotto returns to its normal state, looking like a lush garden within the mansion itself.>>

<< She knew why Ava was here, and she had things to discuss with her as well.>>

Hazel, Xavier, I'm going to talk with Ava in my executive study. We'll have lunch in just a little while, out in the stone garden.

<< After after everyone departs the danger grotto, Ava and Alison walk together, making their way to the executive study.>>

I knew you were coming. I saw two distinct time threads as possibilities. One included you bringing Simon.

<< She looks at Ava.>>

But I'm afraid there'll be no playing the piano naked in this dwelling.

<< Smirking as she nudges Ava and laughs a bit before moving on to a more serious topic.>>

You experienced that "dream" too?

<< Soon they arrive at the Executive study, once inside, the large double doors close and Alison seats herself in the large "throne" like chair at her oak desk. The rhythmic ticking of the very large, curiously designed, grandfather clock played in the background of their conversation now.>>

I met with Cameron on the astral plane. I know whatever happened was real, but not in the way that our physical minds and senses want to perceive it. We were all guided.

I suspect Ororo was probably that guiding hand.

 

[Tachyon]

The Danger Grotto, circa 1988 or so...

They were having the best fun and the girl really could move. They were engrossed in each other and the fun of the moment when an incredibly beautiful statuesque brunette interrupted them, insisting that she was being portrayed poorly compared to how she was in the 80s. One problem...she looked about 25, which means she should have not even been born in the 80s. But what the hell, he had seen everything else.

[introducing herself] "Ava, nice to meet you."

Xavier, Xavier Winston. The pleasure, I assure you, is mine.

Now enter Hazel, who would have been an amazing addition to this little party, of that he was absolutely certain. She bragged as much and he made a mental note to get her on a dance floor before leaving this world. She was certainly a delight and why the hell not?

He stood still but his mind and senses were going literally miles per minute as he allowed the ladies their conversation without interruption on his part. Ava and Alison had business to discuss and he was - sadly, or maybe not sadly - left to spend time with Hazel until lunch. He actually had questions that she could likely answer for him if she had the time, and so turned to her as the pair prepared to make their leave.

Would you join me for a drink and a talk before lunch please? I promise not to bore you, or to try my best in any case...

Xavier offered Hazel his arm, and escorted her to the stone garden where lunch would be served before long...

 

[Recall]

Charope - The Infirmary

:: Vivica's processing was working into overdrive. Her brain allowed her to perform a variety of different things all at once. She could play a game of chess, while reading a book, talking on the phone and paint a picture. Normally she used this aspect of her power to be a high-functioning perfectionist and businesswoman. Right now, she was trying to find some answers. Pulling out her augmented, Clandestine issued tablet from her purse, she was the using the downtime waiting for Delilah to arrive with Karen to investigate a number of different scenarios she saw regarding Jasmine's apparent arrival back into the timeline, pulling a stylus from her hair, her tight and smooth braids styled in a fashionable bun on top of her hair. ::

"Her physiology seems to check out...and I've confirmed her powers...but there could be something I'm not seeing. Frost is an osbcure character to make a return, especially now, after so long. The fact that she appeared at Illustra is in line with what I know of how she left through the Siege. If Jasmine isn't who she seems, then she's being used as a weapon by somebody who wants to do damage to The Six, with an obvious leaning towards Blaze..."

:: She began to bring up different screens on the tablet, going through a database of profiles that might lead her somewhere. Blaze wasn't one to have many enemies, at least not yet in this timeline. In fact, the only person she'd had any real conflict with since her arrival was with a woman who was about to return to the infirmary with Dr. Victoria. ::

"Delilah was the one who found Jasmine...When I saw her, her demeanor was decidedly different from what I've seen in the last few months. I couldn't tell if it was from a relief of stress, from the slow acceptance of what had happened to her and what her situation was...and that necklace. THAT was definitely magickal in nature..."

[she paused her thoughts for a second as they settled on an uncomfortable idea]

"This could be a situation similar to Alexis Quartermaine...she was mentally controlled by a necklace given to her by the Red Queen of The Hellfire Club. Perhaps the same thing was happening to Delilah...? The necklace doesn't have the same attributes as items charged with dark magick, in fact...it actually seemed like the opposite. I mean...Delilah has been differently lately, but I've never thought her to be vindictive...but what if she snapped? What if she was seeking revenge against the people who had defied her and made her feel bad...I know of one timeline I was told of where Delilah was NOT a good person...The Justicer...maybe..."

:: Vivica shook her head, trying to focus. ::

"No...don't go there. Not yet Vivica. You need to see what Dr. Victoria says..."

:: Thankfully she wouldn't have to wait long as Delilah returned to the infirmary with Dr. Victoria in tow. Vivica immediately registered signs of stress and fatigue on the woman's face which caused her to wonder what the doctor was going through. She gave a concerned glance to Zizi as Delilah filled in Karen on what had happened. ::

Delilah: “So we’re all on the same page…I was taking a walk past the ruins of Illustra earlier this evening. First I saw, like a shimmering in the air, and then the Siege Perilous itself appeared out of nowhere. It began flashing, and then like a…a vortex…appeared. I heard voices: Morgan’s, Blaze’s, and Jasmine’s – and Morgan’s eldritch chimes. Then in the vortex I saw like a blue helix, and then these glowing blue orbs that came together to form a body. The body became a woman – Jasmine – and she seemed to wake up, gasping for air. Then in a flash of light she was deposited in front of me on the pavement. I brought her to the Clocktower, and then Alycia had me take her here."

Oracle: "ISIS said Jasmine is not what she seems. She suggested we talk to you, so Delilah went to find you. I’ve not been able to find any sign of any other disturbances in the city recently. Mina here seems also to think something is wrong with this picture. She said she cannot confirm or deny that Jasmine came through the Siege, but CAN say that Alison still has possession of the Siege Perilous."

Mina: "Yes, as I said to the others, it is as if Miss Klein just appeared in this reality, suddenly, without clear explanation. And what I said was, I feel that something is very very wrong here."

"I agree with Mina. My scans indicated she has the exact abilities that Jasmine Frost has, but her arrival makes no sense. Even if she went through the Siege, that was years ago. From what I knew of the Siege, the act is instantaneous..there's no delayed response...and there is no way that Alison wouldn't have been aware. She doesn't take the gem lightly, and usually carries it with her on her body. This entire scenario leads to something rather...sinister..."

 

[Sybil]

Minerva's Mansion - From The Grotto to The Stone Garden

<< Alison had requested a private audience with Ava, most likely concerning the path of the man that had somehow managed to capture the intrigue of the Keeper of Time, as well as the "dream" who's effects were lingering throughout various members of The Six, which is exactly what she assumed Ororo had wanted for them all. It is what Hazel would have done...to keep them all together. >>

<< Hazel was about to return to her suite when... >>

Xavier: "Would you join me for a drink and a talk before lunch please? I promise not to bore you, or to try my best in any case..."

<< She looked up and down at the young man, her interest was a little bit piqued. It was not often that a man had caught Alison's attention, and Xavier was not necessarily the type of man Hazel saw Alison with, but perhaps she shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. There could be more under the surface than just youth and beauty. In any case, Aerie wasn't necessarily a place that was buzzing with people, so Hazel welcome the opportunity to speak to somebody other than her self. >>

"Don't sell yourself short. I may have been around since the dawn of time, or so it feels, but from what I've been told you're quite the adventurer. I'd love to."

<< Hazel took Xavier's arm and headed over towards the stone garden which was looking quite beautiful this afternoon. Taking a seat, Hazel grabbed a flute of hemlock as she sat with the speedster. >>

"What's on your mind, Xavier?"

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary

<< There were many familiar, comforting faces present in the infirmary of Charope, LLC, Alycia, Sharon, Zach, and even Vivica to a degree. In a way, this moment reminded her of the night she arrived at Illustra, when the Inferno event had dawned upon the city. Although this emergency was much more "contained"...there was a sense of uncertainty and concern.>>

<< There were new, and intriguing faces, "Zizi" (what a cute name!), Mina, and Ashley.>>

<< Zizi was very personable, and appeared to be the leader. Mina had an air of elegant disdain about herself, a trait that Karen recognized because she had it herself, and then there was Ashley. She was very beautiful, she reminded Karen of Morgan with that "cover girl" face. But her demeaor, her presentation, it was every bit as unfriendly & ugly, as she was beautiful, & ALREADY that registered with Karen as something that left much to be desired. >>

<< Apparently Isis had been contacted first, but she refused. That was not too surprising to Karen, knowing Isis would only allow herself to go so far with individuals- even her own nephew, but the woman also stood by her actions, and if she felt there was something wrong here...that was worth noting. Mina echoed Isis' sentiment- pointing out that even though the "Siege" appeared to have returned Jasmine, she could not confirm OR deny it, she also knew that Harbinger was the current possessor of the cosmic gem, and rarely brought it out for use. This woman's knowledge of the world of magick, and the "who's who" within it resonated with Karen. Ashley's "summary" of Isis' refusal to help was obtuse. She even referred to the woman as a bitch. Was she ALWAYS this rude and disrespectful, speaking so poorly, even in front of people she just met? Ava had once told Simon how appearences and etiquette were very important to Karen, and now, Michael and Delilah noticed Karen's look of disapproval at the tone Ashley took as she moved toward Jasmine Klein's unconscious form.>>

<< Vivica, who's powers Karen had only seen in action a few times, could only confirm the "mechanics" of the woman before her, that she had the same mutatation, powers and levels as the Jasmine over half a dozen people in this room knew and remembered. She added to Mina's observation that the Siege is usually always on the PERSON of Alison when it is being brought into play. >>

Delilah, Sharon, Michael, and myself have experienced one other instance of the siege appearing and acting without Harbinger's control. I suspect that the gem, which was originally in Ororo's posession, and then passed to Harbinger, is not EVER completely "controlled" by its EARTHLY custodian.

<< Referring to the incident Sharon had mentioned earlier as she stood along side the bed Jasmine lay in, looking upon her unconscious form.>>

There are many of us in this room who have experienced unexplainable things, been witness or victim to what should've been "impossible" circumstances...and we've needed help to survive or come back from those things.

<< She ran her well manicured hand gently down the side of Jasmine's face, looking upon her with a mix of dismay and sympathy. The woman was cold...unnaturally so. But Karen did not flinch. >>

This young woman needs help...and I know, better than anyone in this room, what it is like to be encompassed by circumstances not of my making, and completely beyond my control.

<< The tone of her voice was enough for certain ones to guess what she was referring to.>>

She deserves a chance, and I'm going to help bring that about now.

<< Now standing at the hed of the bed, behind Jasmine's head, the doctor places her hands at either side of Jasmine's head and begins the incantation.>>

Powers seen and unseen awaken my minds eye
From the ever blurred and twisting paths of mind and memory
Form now a calming light to guide OUR path through this place!


<< Ghostly winds howl, and spectral orbs begin to form and spin around the infirmary as Shadow Weaver activates a powerfull memory scrying spell that allows her to make contact Jasmine's astral signature on the astral plane, and then begin process of guiding her back to consciousness, at the same time searching/reviewing Jasmine's memories from HER point of view, and restoring her connection to them. AND the ignited spell provides a ghostly view of all of this for everyone present to witness. It's a testimony to power and experience that Karen possesses.>>

 

[Tachyon]

Don't sell yourself short. I may have been around since the dawn of time, or so it feels, but from what I've been told you're quite the adventurer. I'd love to."

<< Hazel took Xavier's arm and headed over towards the stone garden which was looking quite beautiful this afternoon. Taking a seat, Hazel grabbed a flute of hemlock as she sat with the speedster. >>

"What's on your mind, Xavier?

Suddenly, Xavier's face became more serious as he considered what he wanted to say. After a moment, he responded.

My time since meeting Alison, since working with her to get her brother back and fighting bad guys has been interesting and exciting, but also quite sobering.

I have spent a large part if my life returning antiquities to the Aboriginal populations they were stolen from. I have cherished that work, but the past few days has shown me that there are more... EXISTENTIAL threats to be faced. That's that I cannot ignore. My question for you is: how do you think I might proceed? I like to take on as much information as I can before proceeding and I would be remiss if I did not inquire of you given what I have seen and heard of, from and about you.

Xavier had not spoken lightly to Hazel about this. He was often the smartest guy in the room and while he did gather information, it was rarely from other PEOPLE. But in this case he recognized the wisdom in the sorceress and so he reached out, figuratively and literally, taking her hand as he spoke...

 

[Seer]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary

<< Perception and sensory input of sight and sound swirl and blur, as Shadow Weaver's spell ignites, beginning this haunting journey and procedure >>

<< The doctor finds her way to the fallen, flickering, "weak" astral form of Jasmine. The siege...or whatever force responsible...had reconstructed her, but the process was traumatic, leaving her unable to take hold of consciousness or sense of self.>>

<< The doctor gently guides the flickering "pieces" of Jasmine back toward the overall form, whispering in an an unknown tongue at first, but soon, she can be understood. As she speaks, her voice echoes with a resonance around those bearing witness to this. >>

Shadow Weaver: Jasmine Klein...Jasmine VICTORY, daughter of Chirstopher Victory, sister to Morgan and Blaze...please join me.

<< A few moments pass>>

Shadow Weaver: You've had a long journey, and now the moment of arrival is at hand. Don't be afraid. Come back to us.

<< She extends a glowing hand to the now stirring form of Jasmine. Karen continues to encourage her, offering reassurance and safety.>>

<< Jasmine's astral form suddenly reanimates, and she looks up at Karen, slowly extending her hand to Karen's. THe doctor quietly encourages her that she's doing the right thing.>>

Shadow Weaver: The time has come for you to wake up...and remember. I am here to help you. Shall we begin?

<< But Jasmine is reluctant, AFRAID. Karen's astral form kneels down beside her and takes hold of her. Karen knows just how badly Jasmine was abused- first by Christopher, then by Victor Klien, before she finally managed to escape. It made forming bonds of trust very difficult for her when she was last there, but now, in this weakened, fearful form, Karen gently pressed the advantage she had.>>

Shadow Weaver: Don't worry, I am here to guide you back to consciousness. You will notbe left alone to face this transition.

<< She stands, helping Jasmine up, and together they turn, now facing a dark, eerie expanse that looks like a cold, unforgiving, nightmarish prison. It's Jasmine's psyche, how the woman perceives her own mind.>>

<< Together they take that first hesitant step forward, and then, all sight of them is lost, as they travel into anda through Jasmine's mind. There are "locked" doors, representing memories. A few approaches to some doors are met with rejection and no response, but Karen urges Jasmine to keep moving, keep trying.>>

<< Soon, a locked set or doors OPENS, and from Jasmine's point of view, they move through >>

<< FLASH!>>

<< Memories and sensations associated with being kept inside a stasis tube, inside the Bio Systems lab of the Citadle!>>

<< Lab technicians and other medical staff staff are seen moving about. From the "dreamy" view caused by the nutrient rich liquid she floats in, and the glass of the tube, she sees Christopher Victory, her father, pouring over data and charts, before finally moving closer to the tube, standing there and talking with Adam Chandler.>>

<< They move through that memory, andback into the "prison cell" structure of her psyche, and through another door, each one opening and letting her see, FEEL more memories associated with her time in the Citadle. Scenes of her laying on the floor in the training/combat room with CHristopher berating her for having failed a test by his expectations.>>

<< Scenes of her sitting in a dark room, confined to a chair, as Christopher promises she will NOT be like his other rebelious daughters, or his "oh so elegant and pristine WIFE", Karen.>>

<< More scenes of harsh treatment, tests, cruelty, punishment, anger....all heaped uponher by Christopher. Karen journeys with her through these, seeing first hand what Jasmine had endured.>>

<< As each memory passes, the movement is quickly, the influx is more rapid, and does not give much time to recover from one to the next.>>

<< The moment of her being "sold off" to Victor Klein, after Christopher is no longer willing to waste more time on yet ANOTHER daughter that refuses to obey...CONFORM.>>

<< More horrible memories her being abused, forced to act as Victor's catspaw, until finally she manges to ESCAPE.>>

<< Her reaching and confront Morgan and the rest of the Six in XS about her identity. Alycia confirming it. Morgan offering her acceptance and support only to be met with hostility. HARSH encounters with Cameron King and Haleigh Davidoff.>>

<< Finally, as the memories move along , the reach the night of Master Mold, from HER perspective, and her involvement in it. They reach the moment she sits in the dark conference room of Illustra, after Sharon and Morgan's deaths.>>

<<FLASH!>>

Entranced by the gem, Jasmine's hands reached more closely. Her emerald eyes hopeful that she might possibly harness this gem. She pulled her hand away fiercely with small stings of pain shot through her hand. Looking down at her hand at the small red burn. It was already dissolving like it never happened. Almost like the gem was warning her, like it was forbidden to even physically touch such a beautiful piece of gem.

Blinking her eyes, she felt as though she were dreaming. Yes, like she was slumbering in a bed somewhere. Strange red tints bouncing off her pale skin and gleaming around the conference room. It was like a red light bulb was turned on. Tranquil and reserved, Frost sighed with relief. She held her distance from the gem, but she stared longingly. Like a child wanting a toy.

Nibbling on her bottom lip, she felt her emotions leaking through her pores. A variety of emotions for her family and friends. For months, she had avoided these emotions. Now, she was alone and equally able to express how she felt without fear of rejection.

Her lips falling a gap in awe seeing the gem's eye open slowly. Now, what was happening? Taking two steps backward she felt a bit timid. But at the same time she felt nurtured and protected under the safe security of Morgan's building. The gem seemed animated even though it was an inanimate object. Stranger things had happened though.

Her hair follicles moved an inch like a small wind occurred. No visible sign of a window opened or left open. She turned at the neck to overhear small traces of whispers. Kind of similar to the echoes in a forest. These whispers were coming from her own soul. Of course, her conscious she believed.

The more she thought about it, the more she yearned for a new life. The one she had was filled with blood shed, misery, and death. Jasmine knew she deserved more, and this gem gave her an inkling of the possible she could afford. This was real not some odd dream. An epiphany hitting her, what if this gem granted her any wish? Maybe she could reunite with her siblings and most of all her daughter? It couldn't hurt to try, right?

"I wish....to start over...to live another life with my family alive and my sisters."

Instinctively she reached up to the gem, hoping to find answers. Getting closer to the gem's eye where it had opened. Her foot walking forward into the red and golden lighting.


<< Jasmine listened to her heart...for the first time she was following her own heart and not an outside force. For all the EVIL she had been made to do .....in this last tragic caper, she had shown a selflessness that earned her much redemption. she'd been there for the team and did her best to try to save sharon kelly. she deserved this chance at a new life...and the gem knew that. when she finally wished for a new life with her family and her sisters.....the gem flashed.....and a white portal opened.....the light was warm and welcoming and as she stepped forward...she was bathed in the spectral light......her life as she knew it now was over. she would awaken in a new time and place...with no memory of this life here with the Six. she would be reborn anew....able to be with her daughter and her sisters......a fitting reward for the icy mutant who had finally redeemed herself.>>

<< and with that....Jasmine was GONE from Illustra....gone from that time and space all together....and the gem itself disappeared...presumably returning to Alison's possession.>>

<< This is a piece of her tragic history that no one in this room had seen before, and only a precious few had heard about exactly how she left this world. Now they saw it all.>>



<< That should have been IT! The spell should have concluded, but something ELSE happens. Jasmine's body on the table shows signs of increasing distress, and Karen, sitting at the head of the bed, is struggling as well.>>


<< There's another moment...a MEMORY(?) Almost like a "one last scare" kind of moment. What's more, is that ONLY Sharon, Alycia, Zach, Michael, Delilah and Vivica- all of whom either knew Jasmine or have a relationship with Karen- are the only ones to see this last, disturbing turn of events in the spell! >>

<< Jasmine, laying on an operating table in the dark, cold, terrifying bio systems lab, with a twisted, perverted, DEMONIC Christopher Victory leaning over her, leering ather as he holds an instrument of pain and smiles at her. He's NOTHING that a father should be.>>

<< But then something odd...something WRONG happens. The apparitio of Christopher looks up...at SHADOW WEAVER. This SHOULDN'T be happening.>>

Christopher: I'm almost there, Karen. AL....MOST....THEREEE.....

<< He PLUNGES the instrument down into Jasmine's chest, and her cry of pain is heard by them all. He then opens his mouth, and with a predatory YELL, he LUNGES at Karen, as he's gained life of his own and is now independent of this sad and terrifying memory. >>

Karen and Jasmine: NO!!!!

<< Karen's gasp of shock and FRIGHT is heard as she instinctively BREAKS the spell...and she and Jasmine BOTH cry out. Jasmine bolts up and falls off the table on to the floor, flailing out in a desperate bid to defend herself, with Karen staggering back, clutching her chest as if she were having a HEART attack and falling into Delilah's arms>>

 

[Persephone]

Alison: You know, Xavier, I REALLY should've paid attention to the weather report...about BAD WEATHER heading out this way? It's just like you to RAIN on my parade, now whadayaWANT?

"I'll gladly rain on this mess. There's a reason why the 80's died, sweetheart."

She quipped with a grin. Alison introduced her to both Xavier and Hazel; Ava gave a small nod to them both.

"Don't believe anything she's told you. I'm really not THAT bad. Usually."

Xavier seemed like a nice kid, and obviously if Alison was allowing him to stay at Minerva's, he earned her respect. As for Hazel, she would love to get to know her a little more and pick her brain. She was close with Ororo at one point, so it would be interesting to trade stories with her. But that would all have to wait until another time as Alison asked to speak with her alone.

"It was nice to meet you both."

Departing with Alison, they began to discuss why Ava was here.

Alison: I knew you were coming. I saw two distinct time threads as possibilities. One included you bringing Simon. But I'm afraid there'll be no playing the piano naked in this dwelling.

Rolling her eyes as Alison laughed, Ava shook her head grinning.

"I'm sure you would of loved watching."

Taking a jab at Alison's notorious 'popping in at the worst time' track record.

Alison: You experienced that "dream" too?

"Everyone did. What was it? WAS it a dream? Was it real?"

Alison: I met with Cameron on the astral plane. I know whatever happened was real, but not in the way that our physical minds and senses want to perceive it. We were all guided. I suspect Ororo was probably that guiding hand.

Taking a seat, Ava crossed her legs and got a little more comfortable.

"But I don't understand why? What was the point of it? Delilah STILL hates most of us, she STILL doesn't have her daughter, Morgan's STILL not here. Why give everyone that false hope of Delilah finally having her happily ever after just to rip it away?"

 

[MorningStar]

The Infirmary

Delilah, Sharon, Michael, and myself have experienced one other instance of the siege appearing and acting without Harbinger's control. I suspect that the gem, which was originally in Ororo's posession, and then passed to Harbinger, is not EVER completely "controlled" by its early custodian.

The idea that the gem could appear whenever and wherever it wanted to, independent of Alison’s control – such as that way – was a disquieting thought. And though she had witnessed it before, the thought had not really occurred to her before Jasmine had appeared in front of her for no apparent reason.

Karen’s words about giving Jasmine the help she needed rang true with Delilah. She looked at the poor girl, who hadn’t had a friend enough in the world here to entice her to stay. Instead, she had chosen to go through the Siege Perilous to a place unknown. It was incredibly sad. Delilah herself had felt that way on several occasions, but there always had been someone to keep her here. Jasmine hadn’t had that.

Karen ignited her spell, still amazing for Delilah to watch after all these years. But amazement turned to horror, as they were able to see first hand what Christopher had done to his third child. And then the times that Delilah herself remembered, when Blaze had died and they had met Jasmine for the first time. How could they not have known about her before then?

And then they saw her go into the gem… Her relationship with the Six had been strained, but she was Morgan and Blaze’s sister! Why hadn’t they tried harder to accept her?

Delilah thought it was over, but then CHRISTOPHER was there again! He was hurting Jasmine, and as she screamed, Delilah JUMPED back while Christopher went for Karen. Both Karen and Jasmine yelled in unison and then the spell was broken, both of them awake and in the present.

Karen was in severe distress, stumbling backwards and falling into her arms.

“Karen?! Karen?!”

She looked across the infirmary as she yelled.

“We need a doctor over here!”

 

[Frost]

"I wish...to start over...to live another life with my family alive and my sisters."

The words echoed around her, melting and fading across the vast white space that the surrounded her. She could heard Morgan's voice....Blaze....her daughter....she could hear her new life waiting for her. One without pain, without torture, without heartbreak. One where she wasn't the devil's pawn in a long unforgiving game. She could feel a warmth....a peacefulness....the light began to get brighter and brighter......

BLACK.

Everything was black again. The world cold around her. The space was never ending. She couldn't see, she couldn't hear, she couldn't breathe....she couldn't remember anything...anyone...where she was....everything was so cold....so lonely....then one voice, she heard one voice. It seemed so familiar.

Shadow Weaver: Jasmine Klein...Jasmine VICTORY, daughter of Chirstopher Victory, sister to Morgan and Blaze...please join me.

A woman...she looked so familiar...so welcoming.

Shadow Weaver: You've had a long journey, and now the moment of arrival is at hand. Don't be afraid. Come back to us.

Jasmine...she remembered now, her name was Jasmine.

Shadow Weaver: The time has come for you to wake up...and remember. I am here to help you. Shall we begin?

Hesitant, Jasmine slowly reached her hand out to Shadow Weaver. She didn't know why, but she trusted her....finally taking the woman's hand, they both turned towards the dark black vast of nothing....then...

FLASH!

An overload of memories flooded her. Her childhood, the torture, the pain, the experiments, the fear. Her father, so cold and malicious. Her adoptive father, so detached and hateful. Her sister Morgan....The Six.....EVERYTHING. It all hit Jasmine like a wrecking ball. Her mind spun as the flood of memories continued to invade her psyche. It was overwhelming--painful in every sense of the word. The hope for a better future was gone as the bitter reality of her life returned to her. Then HE was there. Christopher. Standing above her, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Jasmine's breathing was labored as tears fell from the corner of her eyes, looking up at him helplessly.

Christopher: I'm almost there, Karen. AL....MOST....THEREEE.....

Finally, he drove a sharp instrument into Jasmine's chest.

"NO!"

REALITY

SCREAMING, Jasmine jolted upright with such force her body flew off the medical bed as she landed on a heap on the floor. Her icy blue eyes were filled with terror as they darted around the room trying to process what had just happened. She saw people she didn't know....she saw Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly....then she saw Karen Victoria, being held by Delilah Trelavan. Her fear turned into anger.

"You......YOU DID THIS TO ME!"

She screamed at Karen, finally gathering herself to her feet.

"I was FINALLY going to be freed of this FUCKED UP reality and start a NEW life with my family....with my DAUGHTER....and you RIPPED me AWAY from it!"

Without even realizing it, the air around the medical bay began to drop in temperature-- ice crystals instantly forming on the medical equipment. She suspected Karen was the reason why she was here, back in this reality.....ripped away from her only chance at happiness again. She was furious, but also devastated. She wanted answers.

"WHY!"

 

[Valkyrie]

The Infirmary

This was getting really annoying. Why were there so many damn people here, to stare at an unconscious naked girl? Why did SHE have to be here? Wasn’t having to speak to that ungrateful ho Dominique enough? And the worst part was, no one seemed to feel her pain.

She leaned against a counter, examining her nails, picking dirt out from under one or two of them.

“Everyone, this is Dr. Victoria [indicating her] and Mike [indicating him]. Mike & Karen, you know Sharon, Alycia, Vivica and Zach. Mike, I think you met them at the cathedral, but this is Zizi, Mina, and Ashley.”

She didn’t look up from her nails.

“Valkyrie.”

What was the point of having “code names” if people just went around calling you by your real one. I mean, what if one of these freaks, like, got her phone number or address? Well, most of them already knew those things but there could be someone listening in. There were…medical people milling around, and you know what THEY’RE like.

And then there was Zizi, perky as ever. She had to just mainline sugar to stay that up all the time.

“Hi! Oracle, I live at the Clocktower, please call me Zizi. I sent Ashley to get Isis while following the others here."

She DID look up from her nails for that one.

“And that bitch refused to help.”

What was the point of having her on the damn team if she wasn’t going to come when they called?

“Mina here seems also to think something is wrong with this picture. She said she cannot confirm or deny that Jasmine came through the Siege, but CAN say that Alison still has possession of the Siege Perilous.”

“If Helen Keller thinks something’s wrong, that tells me that everything is just hunky dory and I can go to bed now.”

She stood and made as if to leave, but Zizi stuck a hand in her chest, so she leaned back once again onto the counter.

There are many of us in this room who have experienced unexplainable things, been witness or victim to what should've been "impossible" circumstances...and we've needed help to survive or come back from those things.

Oh, PLEASE. Enough with the bleeding heart shit already. She leaned over and whispered to Vivica.

“Blah blah blah.”

So then some actually pretty cool spell shit started happening, and they got to see this Klein girl’s pretty fucked up life, ending with her going through the Siege Perilous. No WONDER she did that. Ashley would have wanted to forget that crap life too. But THEN the shit got real, with Jasmine waking up and falling off the table and Karen Victoria looking like she was having a coronary out of no where.

“Maybe it’s time to cut back on the old magick use there, old timer. Doesn’t look like the ticker can handle it.”

Delilah was yelling, Jasmine was yelling, it was great. But then it got annoying.

"I was FINALLY going to be freed of this FUCKED UP reality and start a NEW life with my family....with my DAUGHTER....and you RIPPED me AWAY from it!"

Valkyrie stood and moved towards Frost, holding her hands up placatingly.

“Hold on there, cupcake, that’s enough. Just calm down. No one here’s going to hurt you.”

[under her breath]

“Though I might hurt myself if this goes on much longer…”

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion- Executive study

Taking a seat, Ava crossed her legs and got a little more comfortable.

"But I don't understand why? What was the point of it? Delilah STILL hates most of us, she STILL doesn't have her daughter, Morgan's STILL not here. Why give everyone that false hope of Delilah finally having her happily ever after just to rip it away?"

:: It was a very fair question.::

I couldn't speak directly to Ororo's thoughts, but I...WE...perhaps YOU more than any of US, given your unique position of having known Ororo in not one but TWO timelines, AND points of the dark trinity, know her track record, how she operates, and that while she's always been a source of help to US, her ultimate duty lies with this time's part of the Dark Trinity, Spellbinder, just as it was in Darkchilde's timeline.

What happens to Us (The six /family) effects Spellbinder, and vice versa. She left this world because the pain of Delilah's wrath was more than she thought she could bear, as was her ANGER at Delilah for what felt like betrayal. Delilah felt that way about her, myself, Bishop, and the rest of us. But Morgan has been gone now for sometime...and it's starting to have...unintended consequences.

For all our successes, for all of our defining moments...good and bad...there is one other pattern that the Six has...and that is, when trauma and conflict occurr within the group, it nearly threats to drive us apart in a way that would be devastating for us...and the world we are supposed to be protecting.

It's both telling, and sad, that I, having been the one to gather this team together, and having going through several moments that threatened to derail us all before we we could even really attempt to fullfill our destiny, do not always properly recall or HEED the warning Ororo delivered to us in the Citadle....OR during the dawn of the Inferno.

::FLASH!::

<< Ororo has just saved Guardian and Shockwave from the terifying, FATAL touch of Black, and now looks upon the two battered women.>>

Ororo: You see now, why you must think outside of yourselves and your ultimately childish squabbles? Your lives are bound by a history that you only know pieces of. If you don't learn to see, hear, LISTEN with open minds and hearts...you will not live long enough to know the pattern. Your lives DEPEND on each other, and only TOGETHER will you be able to defend this world from the vast, TERRIBLE powers that threaten it. If you DON'T take heed NOW, and humble yourselves...the price you will pay will extend far BEYOND your own individual down falls.

She warned us then....and severl times since, but for all the steps forward we take...something happens, and we take one HUGE step backward, and fall down into a pit of despair, anguish, dischord...and we can't seem to GET OUT OF IT.

The Six, you and I, we SAW timelines that showed us what life would be like if the team was irrevocably fractured by some interpersonal turmoil or crisis. The timeline that you and I landed in when we fell through the stepping disc- Firebird's native timeline- it was perhaps, the most devastating example of all. All because we....THEY :: it was hard for them NOT to reflexively refer to their alternates as themselves:: couldn't find a way to face and work through a situation involving Delilah and Bishop TOGETHER, without branding her the enemy and casting her out.

:: She looks directly at Ava::

You and I....we endured things that neither of us imagined we'd ever face, at the hands of a Mystech far more powerful and reaching than they ever were in this timeline.

:: The two are silent as they pause to reflect on that horrific experience::

And that entire timeline was defined by the Six falling apart.

They didn't heed Ororo's warning, and we haven't always either.

We've been fortunate...LUCKY that Ororo, the goddesses, even Hazel, and Verna Eckert, have all come to our aid when we were being our own worst enemy, and we didn't always know it.

This dream...this "group episode"....I suspect was Ororo's way of guiding us, planting seeds and...on a personal level, Ava?

:: Once again gazing at her close friend::

An urging for me to do an about face, and address the issue of Delilah. I'm sure Morgan feels the same way.

We can't afford to keep going like we have been, and anyone who thinks we have the luxury of TIME to do so is BEYOND foolish.

Ava, I'd be lying to you if I told you I would EVER agree with the choice that Delilah would have made. BUT I can also tell you that I let my CONTEMPT of her choice, and my FEAR, which was magnified by the Blue Moon, interfere with my efforts. I failed to rely on TRUST of a dear friend, something that Ororo AND Hazel have taught me and others among us, and instead, acted from a powerful, but woefully dark place.

It was never about hurting her. Neither Morgan or I wanted to do that. We just....wanted to SAVE her. We wanted her to LIVE. We loved her...and we didn't want to LOSE HER, but we didn't TRUST HER to even let HER be involved in the descision making process regarding her life. I couldn't understand that then, but after this dream...and the time that I've had here, talking with Hazel, and most recently my brother Cameron, I do NOW.

I'm going to have to do MY part, to heed Ororo's warning, and her urgings, and that involves me speaking to Delilah face to face.

 

[Recall]

Charope - The Infirmary

:: Karen arrived as everyone again confirmed what they had ascertained about Jasmine in the short time she had been here. The entire thing was somewhat macabre. There was this naked, unconscious woman standing before them, and even Vivica found herself studying the woman. It didn't necessarily feel right, but what else were they to do? ::

Karen: "There are many of us in this room who have experienced unexplainable things, been witness to or victim to what shouldn't been "impossible" circumstances....and we've needed help to survive or come back from those thing.."

[Valkyrie to Vivica]

Valkyrie: "Blah blah blah."

:: Ashley was a definite breath of fresh air for Vivica. So much of The Six had been steeped in these poetic and grandiose monologues about how they've experienced things that were impossible seeming, or tramautic or how they've all survived these horrible things because they've helped each other. This was part of The Six that she did not like. The part that definitely didn't resonate with her personally. ::

[quietly to Valkyrie]

"And sometimes they leave you to bleed out in Greece due to severe gun trauma.."

:: Not that Karen was involved in really any of Vivica's history. At least SHE was here to help, which was more than she could say for Dominique who was beginning to prove herself as more of a liability than an ally or teammate. Obstinate to fault, she came and went as she pleased, only offering a modicum or "breadcrumbs" of her humanity, and that she might step in to help, but only AFTER things went bad, people had died, and she realized that there were OTHER people in the world, people that she had AGREED to, even if reluctantly to work with. Vivica didn't understand this great distance Isis placed between herself and every other person she encountered. She should BE here. But she put those thoughts aside as Karen went over to Jasmine and began to ignite a spell that would bring Jasmine back to them, or so she hoped. ::

:: The display of power that Vivica witnessed was incredible. As she watched the amount of torture and pain Jasmine had gone through in this timeline, it was really no wonder why she had jumped through the Siege, but it also begged the question of why she had been returned her. Vivica just KNEW in her mind that it wasn't from the Siege Perilous, but of something else, and she decided that when Jasmine was back and more stable, she would definitely push the team to pursue other options. ::

But then...

<< There's another moment...a MEMORY(?) Almost like a "one last scare" kind of moment. What's more, is that ONLY Sharon, Alycia, Zach, Michael, Delilah and Vivica- all of whom either knew Jasmine or have a relationship with Karen- are the only ones to see this last, disturbing turn of events in the spell! >>

<< Jasmine, laying on an operating table in the dark, cold, terrifying bio systems lab, with a twisted, perverted, DEMONIC Christopher Victory leaning over her, leering ather as he holds an instrument of pain and smiles at her. He's NOTHING that a father should be.>>

<< But then something odd...something WRONG happens. The apparitio of Christopher looks up...at SHADOW WEAVER. This SHOULDN'T be happening.>>

Christopher: I'm almost there, Karen. AL....MOST....THEREEE.....

<< He PLUNGES the instrument down into Jasmine's chest, and her cry of pain is heard by them all. He then opens his mouth, and with a predatory YELL, he LUNGES at Karen, as he's gained life of his own and is now independent of this sad and terrifying memory. >>

Karen and Jasmine: NO!!!!

<< Karen's gasp of shock and FRIGHT is heard as she instinctively BREAKS the spell...and she and Jasmine BOTH cry out. Jasmine bolts up and falls off the table on to the floor, flailing out in a desperate bid to defend herself, with Karen staggering back, clutching her chest as if she were having a HEART attack and falling into Delilah's arms>>

:: She didn't have the same kind of connection to these people, these old doctors of MysTech, but she knew how deep their connections went with certain members of The Six and just how bad things were. The Six was created almost in SPITE of the actions of The Inner Consortium, and they were responsible for the many BROKEN people The Six and others had survived in their wake. Though the images were TERRIFYING, Vivica was quick to note. ::

"We're not all seeing the same thing..."

:: More than that, she noticed the looks of confusion in the others faces as those who had been at least somewhat connected to Jasmine in her life had witnessed what Vivica was witnessing to varying levels of stress and disgust. Her new teammates had no idea what was going on. ::

"Now WHY is that..? And why don't the others...why haven't they picked up on what I'm picking up on?"

:: Jasmine was revived in a BRUTAL fashion as the entire infirmary began to ICE up as Karen collapsed in Delilah's arms. ::

SCREAMING, Jasmine jolted upright with such force her body flew off the medical bed as she landed on a heap on the floor. Her icy blue eyes were filled with terror as they darted around the room trying to process what had just happened. She saw people she didn't know....she saw Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly....then she saw Karen Victoria, being held by Delilah Trelavan. Her fear turned into anger.

"You......YOU DID THIS TO ME!"

She screamed at Karen, finally gathering herself to her feet.

"I was FINALLY going to be freed of this FUCKED UP reality and start a NEW life with my family....with my DAUGHTER....and you RIPPED me AWAY from it!"

Without even realizing it, the air around the medical bay began to drop in temperature-- ice crystals instantly forming on the medical equipment. She suspected Karen was the reason why she was here, back in this reality.....ripped away from her only chance at happiness again. She was furious, but also devastated. She wanted answers.

"WHY!"

Delilah: "We need a doctor over here!"

Valkyrie: "Hold on there, cupcake, that's enough. Just calm down. No one here's going to hurt you."

"Nope! ....nope nope nope nope nope!"

:: Vivica shook her head. In that moment, Vivica realized that this was business for THE SIX...and she really wanted NOTHING to do with it. Everytime she got involved with them, it left her battered, bruised or WORSE. How could she move on in her life when people were literally DROPPING from the sky, calling her in. The only thing keeping her in the room was her connection with Blaze. ::

:: She looked around at the shocked staff around her all seem to be frozen from fear and not Jasmine's abilities. ::

"She said she needs a GODDAMN Doctor! Hello!?"

:: Vivica clapped her hands at them, jolting them back into reality. ::

 

[Sybil]

Minerva's Mansion - The Stone Garden

"My time since meeting Alison, since working with her to get her brother back and fighting bad guys has been interesting and exciting, but also quite sobering."

"I have spent a large part if my life returning antiquities to the Aboriginal populations they were stolen from. I have cherished that work, but the past few days has shown me that there are more... EXISTENTIAL threats to be faced. That's that I cannot ignore. My question for you is: how do you think I might proceed? I like to take on as much information as I can before proceeding and I would be remiss if I did not inquire of you given what I have seen and heard of, from and about you."

Xavier had not spoken lightly to Hazel about this. He was often the smartest guy in the room and while he did gather information, it was rarely from other PEOPLE. But in this case he recognized the wisdom in the sorceress and so he reached out, figuratively and literally, taking her hand as he spoke...

"Well...it appears you might be a little deeper than I gave you credit for. Kudos to you, for that. I'm not often wrong."

<< She set down her glass of hemlock on the table as she took a moment to look the young man up and down. This was a conversation she had had with countless people over the many, many years she had spent on Earth counseling witches. She didn't often work int he realm of the mutants unless they were somehow overlapped, as was the case with people like Morgan and Alison. >>

"I can't tell you how to proceed, though I will say, what you are experiencing is not different from what a lot of people begin to realize as they mature and move on in the world..How can one continue to live in the same way, when there are so many who have so little, or who are going through so much more than you. This is definitely enchanced by the fact that you are a mutant, as well as a person of color. So inside of you, you already have a unique understanding of what it is like to feel different in this world. You have to start from there."

<< Thinking for a moment. >>

"And Xavier, I think the answer is already closer than you think. You return talismans, trinkets, objects of powers to their rightful owners. Back to the people they were stolen from. It seems to me that you have been on a path, knowingly or unknowingly, of helping those who cannot help themselves, in one way or another. Perhaps..after what you have seen, there is a part of you that knows you could be doing more than returning objects, but rather peace, and sense of safety to those who it has been stripped from, from those like you.."

<< Grabbing her glass once again. >>

"Alison Marble would not be spending her time with you if she felt you had no greater purpose, and I think you might be facing it sooner than you think. After all, you must know, your destiny does not lie within these walls...or even necessarily with the Harbinger herself. You are a smart boy, but intelligence isn't going to solve this problem..you have to look deeper, to the part that talks to you when the rest of your mind is quiet, that feelings that tells you the difference between right wrong. You have to feel passion for something..."

<< Smiling >>

"Otherwise, life just isn't worth living my dear...So...tell me, Xavier. What is your passion? What drives you to succeed? What makes you feel really good about yourself?"