Foxfire or Firebird?

[Firebird]

Into the night

Blaze's catnap turned into a deep slumber, but the peace of that slumber was interrupted by short,random BAD dreams. When she finally did wake up, she had to take a moment to realize that THIS was reality rather than the dream. She felt deep resentment toward Morgan, Alison and Delilah, but soon, that was forgotten, as she remembered the gravity of the situation at hand.

Her own guilt sadness once again took hold of her normally fiery, passionate, hopeful heart and soul.

She slowly and quietly dressed, choosing to wear a little number from Sally Spectra's "Naughty Sweet Heart" line. The sexy red dress with its "sweet heart" neckline & sheer top flattered her tall, curvy figure.

Slipping into the coordinating high heels, she reflexively primped and slowly turned in the large three way mirror in Morgan's master bedroom. Everything was in the right place, right down to the dramatic red lipstick she applied and her long flowing auburn hair but her less than cheerful face said it all. She was just going through the motions really. Her heart was 1000 miles away.

A short while later, after making sure everything was in order, she emerged from her sister's apartment, making her way down the spiral stair case and across the courtyard. She paused for a moment to look at Apartment 1, Delilah's apartment. There was a light on, she could see that from the glow in the window. After a linger gaze, she turned away with a slight frown of contempt and walked toward Apartment 3, Michael's apartment, and quietly entered. She passed through his apartment to the closet door in his bedroom, the enchanted doorway. Opening that door, she stepped through and with a flash of golden light, she steps rom one side of the world to the other in the blink of an eye!

Now THAT was the way to travel!

Now inside of Minerva's Mansion, she quietly walks, her high heels announcing her moves as they click along and echo. Finally she reaches the Great Room.

Everything is nice, the music, the ambience, the other memebrs of the Six...still, Blaze can hardly look like she's pleased to be here. She scans around the room with her apple green eyes, noting who all is here. Cameron is entertaining Alycia and Ava; Mike is talking to Cass. She doesnt see Sharon, Nicolas or Alison yet. But before she can make a "lap" around the room, she MUST stop at the bar!


"Hey. 2 Lemon drops on the rocks please. Extra sugar on the glasses."

she quickly GULPS one down at the bar

"Thanks."

She takes the other one to a small table with her and seats herself.

"I was so happy and excited when I first came here. Now all of this stuff seems meaningless. I'm like a spectator in a waking dream...and I've yet to figure what the significance of all this to ME is."

She moves her drink around in a circle on the table before lifting it to her lips, closing her eyes and drinking a bit of it

"Oh what's the point. It doesnt matter. I just need to leave...to ANYWHERE but here...and I will soon enough..."

Her brooding is interrupted by the soft touch and kind voice of Dr. Karen Victoria.

She looks up at the beautiful doctor with a slight smile

"Hi Karen."

The doctor compliments her. Normally she would light up at the mention of anything to do with style and fashion...

"Thank you. You look regal and elegant as always, Karen."

A sincere compliment but still lacking the heart. In HER time, Karen had adopted her. They loved one another as Mother and daughter. She enjoyed a close friendship here with Karen, far better than the one FOXFIRE had with mainstream Karen, but there was no adoption, no real bond, legal or otherwise.

Oh honey, you should smile. That gorgeous smile of yours can make ANYONE feel like the world is a little brighter...

<< Soon, Karen pulls up a chair and sits down beside Blaze...>>

Blaze, what's wrong dear? We're supposed to be having a nice evening. I dont like to see you...like this.

Do you want to go somewhere and talk privately?

"hmmm?"

Blaze didnt realize she had drifted off into a day of sorts until Karen sat down and quietly asked her if she wanted to talk somewhere privately.

"Oh Karen, I'm sorry. I don't want to be a downer. Please don't worry. I'm just feeling a little gloomy right now because Morg is not here and I've got other things on my mind...but I'm already working through them...."

Not entirely untrue....but not the whole story either

"....I promise"


She never lied or hid anything from HER Karen. THIS Karen had been nothing but kind to her, but she had confessed that part of it was due to a desire to make up for the unkindness she'd shown to FOXFIRE for the fact that she was Christopher's daughter from an affair. That was just one of many GLIMPSES into the life of her alternate here and it, like the few others she'd had seemed rather tragic and negative...

Quickly changing the subject, and noticeably avoiding the searching, sapphire blue eyes of the concerned doctor....

"Nice set up Ali has here this evening. Looks like she must be feeling a bit better. That's a good thing."

"I wish we'd hear from Morg, just to get an update if nothing else..."

 

[Persephone]

After sobering up [a little bit at least ], Ava freshened up and decided on a sleek yet sophisticated dress. With her wavy chocolate locks pulled back into a styled pony tail [the picture], Ava decided on simple makeup but a bold red lip. Arriving in the great room, she took a seat near Alycia and crossed her legs. Vividly remembering their exchange earlier, if Ava was a person easily embarrassed, she probably would have blushed after what she had said to Alycia. But she wasn't. In fact, the only thing she regretted was saying that Alycia actually looked good enough to screw. Sigh...she wouldn't live that one down.

Alycia: Nice dress.

"Thanks. Yours as well."

Another awkward exchange between the two. They would never be friends, but them being able to associate together without ripping each other apart show the leaps and bounds of progress they made.

Cameron made his way over with more alcohol and Ava chuckled. He was definitely a little enabler wasn't he?

Cameron: "I would offer you a drink..but after your GLORIOUS performance earlier, I have to say i'm a little afraid..."

[narrowing her eyes playfully] "I actually think i'll stick with water for now, thank you."

But as she said that, her eyes caught a glimpse of someone else entering the room. Cass. Her eyes turned cold as she glared at the woman.

Alycia: My, my...If looks could KILL...

"I think I WILL take that drink, Cameron."

She stated as she directed her attention away from Cass and to Cameron. He handed her a glass of wine, prompting Ava to take a small sip.

Alycia: Do you two have a "history"...as well?

"With her? No. I haven't met her before in my life. With her PEOPLE [vampires], absolutely."

Turning to Alycia.

"It's a pretty cold day in hell that i'd rather associate with you than that. [raising her glass] Cheers."

She clinked her glass with Alycia's before taking another sip.

 

[Prophet]

Minerva's Mansion - Great Room

Alycia: No matter WHERE you are, you manage to lay your hands on some kind of alcohol. Do you "have a problem", Cameron?

He smirked as she promptly took the glass of wine from him. He was feeling a little cheeky, so he leaned in and spoke to her quietly, so that only she could hear him.

"Well...unless you find something else for me to "lay my hands" on, the alcohol will have to do..."

Cameron took a moment to breathe in her scent, which was intoxicating. The buildup between these two seemed long brewing. They definitely had some business to take care of, but with everything that had happened over the last few weeks, it hardly felt appropriate or right. Still..the glances and subtle touches they had engaged in during the meantime, simply added to the electrifying chemistry the two shared.

Alycia: "My, my...If looks could KILL...DO you two have a..."history" as well?

Well...at least they were talking? Cameron couldn't help but smirk as he watched Ava shoot daggers with her eyes in Cassandra's direction.

Ava: "I think I WILL take that drink, Cameron.."

Promptly, he got her a glass of the same wine he had given Alyica.

Ava: "With her? No. I haven't met her before in my life. With her PEOPLE? Absolutely.

Cameron rolled his eyes a little.

Ava: "It's a pretty cold day in hell that i'd rather associate with you than that. Cheers!

Prophet laughed outloud.

"Oh come on, Ava. We all know it's not easy being the new girl on the block. She's not that bad. And she HERSELF isn't a vampire, she just associated with some. I actually put her through the ringer in New York in our brand new, state-of-the-art Danger Room. She has potential with us...that is..if she can ever get over that less than charming awkward phase she seems stuck on..."

[taking a sip of his martini]

"I mean we don't bite...we KILL."

Smirking, Cameron took a moment to survey the room as it began to fill. He was happy to see the group gathering for something that didn't involve the end of the world or the death of a teammate. Still, it did pull at his heartstrings to not see Delilah, Morgan or Haleigh around. Delilah, he had been in constant contact with, essentially becoming her only attachment to anyone in The Six outside of Karen. Morgan was a big girl and she could take care of herself, and Haleigh? Well, he felt it best that after everything he had put her through over the years, to leave communication up to her. Theirs was a relationship that was deep as it was hard, and to be honest, though he DID miss her...having Haleigh NOT here, somehow made it easier for Cameron to "move on" in his life, and become the guy he should have been becoming all along. Bittersweet.

Something ELSE happened to stoke the telepath's attention...and that was Blaze. He hadn't seen her much in the last few weeks. A skype chat here and there, and mostly only when it involved business...but being in the room with her now? His empathy was acting on overdrive to compete with what she was putting off. She was NOT herself..She felt removed, distant, unsure and there was a twinkling in his mind that told him SHE might be needing his help in the not so distant future. He shot a concerned glance to Karen who seemed to be feeling the same thing that he did. Something was off.

"So..everyone seems to be arriving and getting themselves together.. I can sense Nicolas and my Sister are speaking to each other in her quarters and they will be arriving shortly.."

[taking a sip, speaking to Alycia and Ava]

"I'm glad I was able to throw this together. I know that Aerie isn't remembered fondly for it's dinner parties...but I thought What the Hell? We are here! We've been through enough in the past few weeks...we should enjoy each other's company while we can...and so far...everyone seems to be enjoying themselves..."

[pausing]

"Well...except for Blaze..I'd ask my sister but she's had somewhat of a rough day. Has she mentioned anything to either of you? I don't know.. I can just tell she's off..depressed...and it's not just about Morgan..."

 

[Rampage]

:: Alison stares at HIM for a moment::

The "black hole" that has formed between Myself/Morgan and Delilah has had its effect on everyone.

Some moreso than others.

Blaze Victory is feeling drained. The hope and HEART that lead her to jump through that stepping disc and risk the danger of the TIME STREAM to find mainstream Spellbinder after their fateful encounter in HER timeline is all but GONE.

Morgan's "loss" , which for FIREBIRD is the 2nd time; Delilah's indifference; and Blaze's sudden DISCOMFORT being around me...have all added to her unhappily beating heart.

But there's more...

:: gesturing with a hand, wind and chimes aound off as darkly glowing orbs swirl in the space between Nicolas and Alison::

:: Soon two images can be seen. Foxfire and Firebird


:: Seeing them side by side like this, for the FIRST TIME (surprising as THAT was), Nicolas realized that even HE had forgotten the subtle but key differences between the two, it was beyond their looks.::

Who do you see? Blaze Fielding? Blaze Victory? Which one is which?

WELL!?

Well...uhm...damn. Gimme a second. If these were ACTUAL forms I instead of virtual ones I could tell right away...hold on just a secon-

Do you know?

Imagine how SHE must feel?

Firebird is the crosstime alternate of Foxfire. But NO ONE, including YOU, stopped to realize that she MAINTAINS a PSYCHIC RAPPOR with MAINSTREAM SPELLBINDER. That SHOULDN'T be possible. HER Spellbinder was a minor, LESSER version of any one of the "Dark Trinity" and yet SHE has a connection with MAINSTREAM SPELLBINDER? Is that a testimony to her POWER? Even her last name is closer to Morgan's than the original mainstream's.

Could it be that SHE is the one that was ALWAYS supposed to be here and the one WE thought was the original was displaced from another time??

She was RIGHT. The psychic rapport was DNA and metagene related. It had nothing to do with psionics or telepathy per se as much a harmonic telempathic bond between certain RELATED metahumans. He had assumed that the rapport was due to their DNA being the same across multiverses but that was impossible. Recombination alone would make for small changes that should be enough to limit, maybe even destroy such a bond, especially when combined with Morgan's psi-screen. HOW in the HELL did he not realize that SOONER?!

He looked back at the two images. The new Blaze even LOOKED more like Morgan.

You've ALL remarked on "how much more POWERFULL she is than Foxfire" and we haven't even SEEN the full scope of her elemental power.

You've all remarked on how much more GLAMOROUS she is. As if SHE were the more natural MATCH for Spellbinder than her own MAINSTREAM sister.

In one way...it can be taken as a compliment, but in another, far more deep way, it has given her pause and caused her to be filled with doubt.

She wonders just WHY we havent told her MORE about her own "alternate." she knows NOTHING about Foxfire's life and ROLE on this earth and has not been able to ASSUME any part of THAT Blaze's life for her OWN and she NEEDS that.

We're ALL to blame for not telling her more. It was an oversight, due to one crisis after another rearing its head. But the need still remains.

She wonders if SHE is doomed to become as much of an "AFTERTHOUGHT" as Foxfire seems to be...at least how it appears to HER. Her conversation with Delilah did nothing to help that either, by the way.

Right now, she's seen as a "glamorous extension of Morgan." You yourself comment how capable she is as a business woman, running Morgan's company in her absence. Is that something UNIQUE to HER? Or is it due to the fact that BLAZE was ALWAYS ready and willing to pick up where her sister left off if the need arose?

Unique to her. The old Blaze would NEVER have been able to do what we have done the last few weeks.

Outside of Morgan, WHO does she have? BEYOND the Six? In HER timeline, KAREN adopted her before she died. She and Morgan had their other half-sister, Frost. Here? She has NO ONE. Her father is dead, she never knew her REAL mother, Frost passed through the Siege Perilous some time ago and Spellbinder is gone. No family. No roots, no HISTORY.

Will she get Morgan BACK? even WE can't answer that.

The HOPE she had for a new life has been LOST by the looming fog of pain, depression and REPLACED with the need...to ESCAPE.

:: The images fade away as Alison looks at Nicolas::

Before the dawn of the Blue Moon, Blaze asked to borrow the Siege Perilous.

Nicolas inhaled sharply as his eyebrows rose. He was getting more concerned about where this was going.

She wanted to see "HERSELF" in the most prominent manifestations across time and space, including Foxfire. She wanted to see, through the smooth faced ruby red gem of the cosmic gateway, what HER fate might be in this world, but she didn't want it to come from ME. She wanted it to come from the gem she'd seen ORORO use to save her sister from Black in her timeline, much like what happened HERE in the Citadle long before YOU were apart of the Six.

The most benign function of the Siege Perilous is the ability to see oneself through the cosmic sight of the ruby red gem AND to see how your fate manifests based on the life you've lead so far. It is the ULTIMATE impartial view.


But BEWARE, Nicolas.

The Siege Perilous offers a means of ESCAPE. one that goes BEYOND a stepping disc or even LIMBO.

FROST, the water elemental and halfsister of Morgan and Foxfire in this timeline, felt this when SHE viewed herself through the Siege Perilous...and in a moment of despair, desperate for a life where she might be reuinted with her family as a WHOLE...she wished for that...and in one heart beat, one baited breath....the cosmic gateway opened....and took her away. Even *I* have not been able to locate her with MY power as a precog!

When one passes through the gate way seeking a new, DIFFERENT LIFE, he/she is judged by a cosmic power and then BLOWN APART, reassembled into a completely different being but still at the core, the "same person" and cast into a new life in a new time, with no memory of the last. there HAVE been some RARE exceptions...but this is the nature of the Siege.

She hasn't returned it yet. PARTLY because she hasn't had the chance to use it for what she originally wanted. But NOW, there is a MORE than a likely chance that she will OPEN the Siege Perilous and if she does, everything will change....AGAIN. Not just for her, but for all of us.

Well then we will need to put a stop to THAT. I can-

Don't be impulsive or foolish Nicolas. You can't go out there and confront her and simply demand she return it. She'll take that as you PRYING into her life and ME betraying her trust.

Just wait...but WATCH. LISTEN.

LISTEN for the moment when her heart is ready to CRACK from grief and when her tears fall on the face of the Siege and she whisper that secret....forbidden wish. Then and ONLY then, can you take action, knowing for sure that it is for HER that you act, NOT for yourself.

If you waver, or do the wrong thing at the wrong time she'll leave us and there'll be NO MORE Firebird. but she won't want to go back to her own timeline because she no longer feels she can. She feels she's treated them NO BETTER than Morgan, Delilah and I have treated ourselves or each other.

Nicolas sighed heavily. It was NEVER easy was it? But two things he could do better than anyone here is listen and be ready to move. He had worked closely enough with Blaze in the past few weeks that he could sniff her out anywhere mentally. Even now she was moping in the ballroom of this very building. He HAD to be ready to intercede because he was now convinced that she tracked Morgan THROUGH The Siege...something that has never been done before by anyone. She was SUPPOSED to be here and found her war back!! He looked back at Alison.

Thank you Ali. I know what I need to do now.

He started to turn to leave, then turned back.

I have let you have time to work things through, but I want you to know something. You have been on my mind and in my heart every day. You action saved more than a life, it saved a soul. There is a darkness, an emptiness associated with killing your mother by being who you are. I understand in a way that no one else here can how important what you did was for that baby as well as for Delilah. And I admire you for making an incredibly tough call. If you need me, I am here for you. NOW and ALWAYS.

Nicolas kissed Alison on the forehead and then helped her to her feet.

NOW...may I have the pleasure of escorting you into the ballroom my dear? It appears that my NORMAL date has stood me up.

Nicolas offered his arm to Alison...

 

[Harbinger]

to the Great Room

I know you'll succeed.

:: She said as her facial expression warmed a bit::

You'll also have help, from my brother. Even now, his empathy is registering the heavy heart of Blaze. His concern has been growing for her. Reach out to him, privately when you have time.

You two have always shared an odd orbit around each other in this group but with the recent changes you've both been through, along with your shifting powers, you've become more of a FIT rather than a collision. It's a good thing and Blaze Victory, despite her glamorous facade, is a "GUY'S girl".

He started to turn to leave, then turned back.

I have let you have time to work things through, but I want you to know something. You have been on my mind and in my heart every day. You action saved more than a life, it saved a soul. There is a darkness, an emptiness associated with killing your mother by being who you are. I understand in a way that no one else here can how important what you did was for that baby as well as for Delilah. And I admire you for making an incredibly tough call. If you need me, I am here for you. NOW and ALWAYS.

Nicolas kissed Alison on the forehead and then helped her to her feet.

NOW...may I have the pleasure of escorting you into the ballroom my dear? It appears that my NORMAL date has stood me up.

Nicolas offered his arm to Alison...

:: It did comfort Alison's heart to hear these words from Nicolas. She smiled softly in spite of herself as he he kissed her on her forehead, helped her to her feet and offered his arm for an escort to th e Great Room::

I'm glad you're here, Nicolas.


:: She stands next to him, wrapping her arm up under his and walking with him out of the Executive study, down the hall, the central stair case and to the main floor. From there they make their way to the Great Room::

Member of Staff: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Mistress of the Aerie, Miss Alison Marble!

:: Alison smirked a bit and rolled her eyes as everyone began to clap but it was clear they were being facetious, with a few [Michael and Cameron] hamming it up by WHISTLING. This was OBVIOUSLY a set up on Cameron's part::

:: Alison waved her hand for silence::

Alright, alright that's enough. This isn't Buckingham Palace!

:: Making her way over to Cameron, Alycia and Ava::


You're just FULL of levity today aren't you, baby brother...

:: Eyeing him for a moment in such a way that made Alycia, Nicolas and Ava wonder what had happened earlier when they were talking by themselves.::

I really SHOULD get you back for that smack, you know....

:: Alison "speaks" to Cameron via their psychic rapport::

But I know your heart was in the right place and I suppose I deserved it for scaring you so badly with that fear spell. Luckily you for you, your big sister is very understanding!

Alycia, Ava, you both look super glam. And not a single thrown drink or catfight this evening? My, you girls have come a long way!

:: A joking nod to the events of earlier this afternoon, which prompted a giggle from Alycia and a slightly bemused expression from Ava::

If you'll excuse me...

:: slipping her arm out from around Nicolas'::

I'm going to make the rounds and check on everyone.

:: Looking over at Cass and Michael, then back to Ava::

OH and Ava, no catfights tonight okay?

Or at the very LEAST...take it to the inifnity pool outside!

:: Playfully nudging Ava and winking as Cameron and Alycia giggled once again. This was a reference to Ava's pronounced dislike of Cass ::

:: She makes her way over to Michael and Cass::

Hello Cass.

:: Alison greets the young psionic succubuss::

Glad you could make it.

Mike, you clean up nicely from being "falling-down-drunk" earlier today!

:: She winks at him::

We'll be sitting down to dinner soon.

You guys be sure to enjoy yourselves here this evening as my welcomed guests. I'm going to see Karen and Blaze now, so if you'll excuse me.

:: She makes her way across the room over to Karen and Blaze::

Hi...

Alison! Hello!

:: Karen stands up, she and Alison embrace, lightly kissing each other on the cheek::

Blaze...

:: Placing a hand gently on the fire elemental's shoulder::

I'm glad to see BOTH of you here.

 

[Rampage]

I know you'll succeed.

:: She said as her facial expression warmed a bit::

You'll also have help, from my brother. Even now, his empathy is registering the heavy heart of Blaze. His concern has been growing for her. Reach out to him, privately when you have time.

You two have always shared an odd orbit around each other in this group but with the recent changes you've both been through, along with your shifting powers, you've become more of a FIT rather than a collision. It's a good thing and Blaze Victory, despite her glamorous facade, is a "GUY'S girl".

She was right. We could simply treat her like one of us, bring her in. He would be seeing Cameron very soon.

:: It did comfort Alison's heart to hear these words from Nicolas. She smiled softly in spite of herself as he he kissed her on her forehead, helped her to her feet and offered his arm for an escort to th e Great Room::

I'm glad you're here, Nicolas.


:: She stands next to him, wrapping her arm up under his and walking with him out of the Executive study, down the hall, the central stair case and to the main floor. From there they make their way to the Great Room::

Member of Staff: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Mistress of the Aerie, Miss Alison Marble!

:: Alison smirked a bit and rolled her eyes as everyone began to clap but it was clear they were being facetious, with a few [Michael and Cameron] hamming it up by WHISTLING. This was OBVIOUSLY a set up on Cameron's part::

:: Alison waved her hand for silence::

Alright, alright that's enough. This isn't Buckingham Palace!

She had to let Nicolas go because at this point the facade was cracking. Mike whistled like a Construction Worker, one part clear and true and one part deafening. He made the whistle seem like an unspoken catcall and Nicolas was momentarily DONE.

As Alison made her way off towards Cam and the other ladies, Nicolas walked over near Cass and Mike. As he walked he made eye contact with Cameron as he 'spoke' to him.

Cam. We have work to do. It's important...just when you have a few moments I will explain. It's about Blaze.

Nicolas gripped up Mike, the two very tall men patting each other on the back. Afterwards, being a continental man after all, he grasped Cass' hand and gave it a kiss before she could react. He wanted her to know that it was a pleasure to have someone new around and that he hoped that if she needed anything she would let him know.

 

[Arsenal]

Cassandra: *friendly; quietly*: "Hi."

Hey lady. How are you doing? You look very nice. Oh- excuse me.

<< Karen nods and proceeds to the bar, ordering a goblet of hemlock. With her drink in hand, she makes her way over to Michael and Cass>>

Good evening.

<< She says to Michael she shares a quick, light kiss with him.>>

Cass, how are you getting along so far?
Sharon and Alison should be along soon.

<< Karen spots Blaze, who looks very unhappy. Karen's own facial expression melts into one of concern>>

If you'll excuse me, I would like to see about Blaze.

Mike watches Karen walk away for a second. Good thing he had his appointment with the good Doctor already booked. Cameron can go begging but there was something cool about KNOWING the night would end well.

Mike glances back over to Cass when the music changes. He looks and Alison and Nicolas are making an entrance on some Lady Di shit. He laughs and then manages to catch Cameron's eye. He knew Cam would hear him.

Follow my lead.

Mike let loose a shrill and led whistle, following it up with several more and a couple of whoops, managing to make some in the band crack up as he tried his best to hijack the moment. Alison rolled her eyes and said some shit, then walked off as Nic came over.

Wassup Nic?

The gripped a second and then he looked over again at Karen to check on her. That was all the time it took for Mr. European Bachelor to do the kiss her hand thing to Cass.

 

[Ruby]

Minerva's Mansion - Great Room

Damn we look GOOD. Hey Cassandra, nice to see you. You look lovely. You have seen how we work; hopefully NOW you get to enjoy how we play.

"Thank you. You look nice too. I'm not too sure on the 'playing' part yet. I still feel like a fish out of water."

Oh- excuse me.

:: Huh. Of course she WAS talking quietly so maybe he didn't hear her. But then she heard Karen behind her. ::

Cass, how are you getting along so far?

:: The doctor gave Mike a light kiss. ::

Ah, so THAT'S why he didn't hear me!

:: She made a note to speak a little louder next time. ::

"I'm doing okay."

:: Karen then spotted Blaze sitting alone and excused herself to go talk to the girl. Cass spotted Blaze, too, and was working up the nerve to go talk to her. After all, Blaze WAS Morgan's sister. She didn't quite understand the talk about her timeline versus theirs but Cass could see that maybe Blaze, although she knew all these people, was new to this as well. Maybe they could become friends someday...if Morgan didn't kill her first. ::

:: A member of the staff then announced the arrival of Alison and Cass grinned as Mike started to whistle and catcall. ::

Alison looks beautiful tonight.

:: Cass watched as the mistress of the mansion came over to her and Mike. ::

Hello Cass. Glad you could make it.

"Thank you. I'm glad I could come."

:: Alison then excused herself to go check on other guests. But they weren't alone long when Nicolas showed up. He gave the big guy some type of manly hug and before Cass could say or do anything, Nicolas grabbed her hand a kissed it. Cass quickly pulled her hand away. She knew that Nicolas was okay, and that he was safe, but she had a severe distrust of men [though Karen was working on her with that]. She quickly sized him up before speaking: he meant no harm. ::

*politely*: "Thank you."

 

[Persephone]

Cameron: Oh come on, Ava. We all know it's not easy being the new girl on the block. She's not that bad. And she HERSELF isn't a vampire, she just associated with some.

Ava rolled her eyes.

"Oh come now Cameron, you know it's like a hazing process that I hate all new team members. It builds character."

Smirking, she jokingly lightened the mood not want to create any unnecessary drama. Frankly, she just didn't like Cass. She didn't KNOW her or her story, just that she associated with vampires. That was enough to put a bad taste in her mouth. But Ava was fiercely protective of those she cared about, and she wasn't always as welcoming as her fellow team members to new prospective members.

Cameron: I actually put her through the ringer in New York in our brand new, state-of-the-art Danger Room. She has potential with us...that is..if she can ever get over that less than charming awkward phase she seems stuck on...

"Awkward is an understatement."

She quipped bitchily before taking another sip of her wine.

Cameron: I'm glad I was able to throw this together. I know that Aerie isn't remembered fondly for it's dinner parties...but I thought What the Hell? We are here! We've been through enough in the past few weeks...we should enjoy each other's company while we can...and so far...everyone seems to be enjoying themselves...Well...except for Blaze..I'd ask my sister but she's had somewhat of a rough day. Has she mentioned anything to either of you? I don't know.. I can just tell she's off..depressed...and it's not just about Morgan...

Shifting her eyes over to Blaze, she did seem rather down. Not having spent much time with her the past couple of weeks, Ava really didn't have much insight on how Blaze was doing.

"She does seem upset....moreso than I would expect her to be. I understand Morgan left, but this is a little off. But honestly, I haven't really seem much of her the past couple of weeks to judge whether she's worse off than before.."

Before they could continue with their conversationo, Alison arrived in all her uppity glory, being announced like she was the damn queen of England. Ava couldn't help but laugh as everyone began to clap and whistle. Lifting her glass towards Alison in a "cheers" fashion, everyone knew that someone put the staff up to it, and she was pretty certain it was Cameron.

Alison greeted everyone and soon made her way over.

Alison: Alycia, Ava, you both look super glam. And not a single thrown drink or catfight this evening? My, you girls have come a long way!

"Waste precious alcohol on Alycia? I would never."

Grinning, Ava chuckled softly.

"You look beautiful Alison, and not looking hung over in the least!"

Alison: I'm going to make the rounds and check on everyone. OH and Ava, no catfights tonight okay? Or at the very LEAST...take it to the inifnity pool outside!

"Please, I just had my nails done."

As evident from her perfectly lacquered black nails that were just done before the party. Giving Alison a smile before the precog departed, Ava sat back and took another sip of her wine.

 

[Artemis]

The Great Room

:: Alycia eyed Cameron as he leaned over and whispered provocatively in her ear. Without missing a beat, she quickly places her hand on the back of Cameron's head, HOLDING him there as she leans back just a bit to whisper::

Dear Cameron, if you keep invading my personal space like this, you're going to find out what happens to the little fly who buzzes around a venus fly trap. And rest assured, I won't let you go until I've had MY FILL!

:: she rubs the back of his head with her soft, slender fingers before GRABBING his hair just enough to pull him away, looking him in the eyes as her hazel eyes sparkle with a wicked glint::

:: Ava quips about Cass. Alycia can't help but smile a bit::

Haleigh would be so proud of you.

:: she said in a playful, sarcastic tone::

But really, it does seem that every new arrival to the Six has their hazing period. I'm sure Nicolas can attest to that.

[taking a sip, speaking to Alycia and Ava]

"I'm glad I was able to throw this together. I know that Aerie isn't remembered fondly for it's dinner parties...but I thought What the Hell? We are here! We've been through enough in the past few weeks...we should enjoy each other's company while we can...and so far...everyone seems to be enjoying themselves..."

[pausing]

"Well...except for Blaze..I'd ask my sister but she's had somewhat of a rough day. Has she mentioned anything to either of you? I don't know.. I can just tell she's off..depressed...and it's not just about Morgan..."

::Alycia smile fades into a look of concern::

Shifting her eyes over to Blaze, she did seem rather down. Not having spent much time with her the past couple of weeks, Ava really didn't have much insight on how Blaze was doing.

"She does seem upset....moreso than I would expect her to be. I understand Morgan left, but this is a little off. But honestly, I haven't really seem much of her the past couple of weeks to judge whether she's worse off than before.."

When Alison finally began to come around to Karen and Ava, as she was starting to become more interactive, she asked for Blaze several times. Karen attempted to bring Blaze here, but Blaze was always "unavailable". Karen said she was constantly immersed in work at Spectra Couture. I know she's been running the company in Morgan's absence and Nicolas' said she does a hell of a job...but i think it's become clear she's using that as her "escape" from other things but now even THAT isnt helping.

I asked Nicolas about Blaze earlier...he's worried about her too...

:: Alycia looked upon Blaze with sympathy::

Poor thing, she's always been so vital and fun loving...now she even LOOKS like she's got some massive weight just HANGING on her, dragging her down! She shouldnt close off like this...not with so many people around who care for her and wouldn't hesitate to help her if they could.

:: But that was just it...how could they help if they didn't quite know what was WRONG? YES Morgan's departure had something to do with it, but it was becoming clear that there was FAR more to it than that and no one, not even Nicolas, who'd been in closest contact with her as of late, could be sure just what the problem was::

Listen...we've seen enough people on this team suffering and hurt...before something breaks with Blaze, someone should...

::But before she can finish...::

Member of Staff: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Mistress of the Aerie, Miss Alison Marble!

Soon Alison arrived in all her uppity glory, being announced like she was the damn queen of England. Ava couldn't help but laugh as everyone began to clap and whistle. Lifting her glass towards Alison in a "cheers" fashion, everyone knew that someone put the staff up to it, and she was pretty certain it was Cameron.

::Shaking her head and joining in the playful raucous applause, Alycia laughed as well. They were in rare form this evening, both the staff and the guests. Mike and Cameron were especially ridiculous with the clapping and cheering and the look on Alison's face was worth another laugh or two as she finally waved them all off dismissively and soon made her way over::

Alycia, Ava, you both look super glam.

Back at'cha, Alison! ::winking and nodding with approval at the Seer's hot look::

And not a single thrown drink or catfight this evening? My, you girls have come a long way!

:: Alycia looked away, pretending to be dismissive as she playfully scoffed out loud. at the same time...::

"Waste precious alcohol on Alycia? I would never."

Grinning, Ava chuckled softly.

And besides, the way THIS light weight handles her alcohol, she probably couldnt even hit the ground with a drink if it wasn't for gravity!

:: Cameron almost chokes on his drink as Alycia raises her glass to Ava in another "toast", smiling with her eyes as Alison snickers::


:: Soon the precog departs, leaving Cameron, Ava and Alycia alone together...::

Guys, I'm going to have to leave for a bit. I have some urgent personal business to attend to.

:: That business being a conversation with Delilah and presenting her with something she'd found in her personal effects that Alison had kept for her:;

But I'll be back before night's over...

:: Resting her hazel eyes on Cameron with an almost predatory glint in them ::

I'll catch you guys later! I'm going to say hello to Ava's FAVORITE person this evening!

:: she winks, finishes her drink and then takes her leave, making her away across the great room over to Michael and Cass::

Pardon me, Mike. :: she smiles at him as she squeezes his arm and looks at Cass::

Cass? Hi there, I'm Alycia. I don't believe we've been formally introduced.

:: Holding out her hand to shake Cass'::

 

[Prophet]

Minerva's Mansion - Great Room

"Dear Cameron, if you keep invading my personal space like this, you're going to find out what happens to the little fly who buzzes around a venus fly trap. And rest assured, I won't let you go until I've had MY FILL!"

The hairs on the back of his neck stood on their end as he smirked to himself. Most of the women he had entertained over the years had an aura of power about them. They all were strong and confident, and spoke just the right language that Cameron wanted to hear. Alycia was no different and he often took great pleasure in showing these "power bitches" just how well he could keep up with them.

The girls went back and forth on the subject of Ruby. He couldn't help but notice how quiet and held back she seemed. She probably wanted to be on her best behavior, but he wished that she would open up and try harder to assimilate herself within the group. Karen and Sharon were good allies to have, but they didn't stay with the team full time. Nor did Mike...at some point she was going to have to face the music with the main roster team members.

Finally, Cameron had inquired about Blaze, and he was glad that he did as each of the women had a unique opinion about what was going on with her.

"She does seem upset....moreso than I would expect her to be. I understand Morgan left, but this is a little off. But honestly, I haven't really seem much of her the past couple of weeks to judge whether she's worse off than before.."

"Agreed...Blaze has always seemed made of stronger stuff than this..."

"When Alison finally began to come around to Karen and Ava, as she was starting to become more interactive, she asked for Blaze several times. Karen attempted to bring Blaze here, but Blaze was always "unavailable". Karen said she was constantly immersed in work at Spectra Couture. I know she's been running the company in Morgan's absence and Nicolas' said she does a hell of a job...but i think it's become clear she's using that as her "escape" from other things but now even THAT isnt helping."

"I asked Nicolas about Blaze earlier...he's worried about her too..."

:: Alycia looked upon Blaze with sympathy::

"Poor thing, she's always been so vital and fun loving...now she even LOOKS like she's got some massive weight just HANGING on her, dragging her down! She shouldnt close off like this...not with so many people around who care for her and wouldn't hesitate to help her if they could."

:: But that was just it...how could they help if they didn't quite know what was WRONG? YES Morgan's departure had something to do with it, but it was becoming clear that there was FAR more to it than that and no one, not even Nicolas, who'd been in closest contact with her as of late, could be sure just what the problem was::

"Listen...we've seen enough people on this team suffering and hurt...before something breaks with Blaze, someone should..."

::But before she can finish...::

Before Alycia could say a word, the "grand entrance" he had planned for his sister went off perfectly as he and Mike cat called and whooped it up for the precog. He had wanted to make a big stink. Something fun and a little embarrassing for his sometimes uptight and rigid sister.

:: Alison waved her hand for silence::

Alright, alright that's enough. This isn't Buckingham Palace!

:: Making her way over to Cameron, Alycia and Ava::


You're just FULL of levity today aren't you, baby brother...

:: Eyeing him for a moment in such a way that made Alycia, Nicolas and Ava wonder what had happened earlier when they were talking by themselves.::

I really SHOULD get you back for that smack, you know....

:: Alison "speaks" to Cameron via their psychic rapport::

But I know your heart was in the right place and I suppose I deserved it for scaring you so badly with that fear spell. Luckily you for you, your big sister is very understanding!

Cameron laughed, speaking back to his sister via their sibling bond.

"Understanding? Oh yes... I forgot who I was dealing with...Alison Ghandi Marble..Just enjoy the limelight and the dinner. And EAT something..you're getting too thin for my liking!"

On Alison's arm was Nicolas, who quickly sent him a message telepathically. Who knew this would be such a "working dinner" for Cameron. It was odd because at the moment, Cameron felt very much in the same role that his sister had played. Tactician. Listening. Gathering Information.

Cam. We have work to do. It's important...just when you have a few moments I will explain. It's about Blaze.

"Agreed, N.K. ... I've been hearing some less than pleasant things that are confirming my own suspicions..."

So it looks like his suspicions had been concerned. This was troubling to say the least. With everything already going on, the last thing they needed was for ANOTHER teammate to fall "off the wagon" so to speak.

As Alycia excused herself over to Mike, Cassandra and Nicolas, Cameron looked at Ava.

"Well, darling. Hate to leave you alone..but I'm gonna go see how Delilah's first day back at Melrose Place went and check out this Blaze situation for myself."

Promptly, he walked over to Karen and Blaze, who both looked ravishing and gave them warm welcomes.

"Dr. V! Long time no see..." [embracing her in a hug and a polite kiss on the cheek]

[turning to Blaze]

"And Blaze Victory..You look absolutely stunning as always. It's so good to see you. I'm sure you've been just as busy as I have lately.. Still...I'm personally glad you could make it. Always a pleasure!"

Cameron embraced Blaze in a warm hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek before giving her a small "goose" on the butt.

"I hope Sally is doing well too..." [laughing]

[turning back to Karen]

"I trust that Delilah is all settled in and barricading herself in the fortress of solitude as we speak?"

He said with a knowing tone. He knew that once Delilah returned to Los Angeles that she would desperately be seeking some alone time. Cameron was unaware of the events that happened at the complex earlier in the day.

"And are we going to be seeing Sharon? I haven't seen HER since the last time we were here, either!"

 

[Persephone]

Alycia: Guys, I'm going to have to leave for a bit. I have some urgent personal business to attend to. But I'll be back before night's over...I'll catch you guys later! I'm going to say hello to Ava's FAVORITE person this evening!

"Don't get bit."

Ava deadpanned as Alycia stood up and excused herself. Glancing up at Cameron, Ava smirked.

"What?"

But the tone became more serious as he confirmed that Blaze was in fact acting far more depressed and detached than normal. As Ava had told Alison earlier, if there was any one person that could help Blaze the most, it was Cameron King. Nicolas as well. So she knew that Cameron wouldn't let this go until Blaze was back to her vivacious and spunky self.

Cameron: Well, darling. Hate to leave you alone..but I'm gonna go see how Delilah's first day back at Melrose Place went and check out this Blaze situation for myself.

"Let me know if you need anything."

Ava gave him a smile and watched him walk away. But her attention was soon directed to her vibrating black iPhone. Looking at the screen, Julian her business adviser, was calling. Sighing out, did he not realize there was a TIME difference between New York and Aaerie? Despite having to meet with him tomorrow before meeting with Cameron, she knew he wouldn't contact her if it wasn't important.

"Γεια σου? Τι εννοείτε το deal θα νότια! Έχετε καμία ιδέα τι έχω να ασχοληθώ με?"

Standing, Ava continue to speak in her native tongue of Greek as she moved to a quieter corner of the room to finish her call.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Great Room

<< As Karen sat and talked with Blaze, anyone observing them from afar would notice that Blaze’s body language had become more open and comfortable with the doctor. Karen held one of Blaze’s hands in her own, moving it in a gesture of reassurance.>>

<< For Karen’s part, reaching out to Blaze Victory was more than a little motivated by her own lessons learned and the guilt she felt over her mistreatment of Blaze Fielding. She spent so long holding against the girl, the incidental fact that she was Christopher Victory’s daughter from another affair. It wasn’t HER fault, but Karen, who had been through so much up to the revelation of Blaze Fielding, was more than a little weary and bitter.>>

<< After the Six’s lives had been blown apart by Bishop and they barely managed to ESCAPE with their lives into exile, it seemed that Foxfire had been forever lost. As time passed, Karen confided in Michael, her feelings of loss and guilt over Foxfire, not just because she was Morgan’s sister and it had been hard for Morgan, but because she hadn’t been very kind to her. When Firebird arrived and Karen learned about her timeline, the nature of their relationship there before THAT Karen’s death, Shadow Weaver decided she needed to do SOMETHING to try to reach the bar THAT Karen had set. >>

<< Delilah, Morgan and Alison were all suffering and Blaze, the girl who was known for her heart, fire and resilience was buckling under the weight of something immense. Karen wouldn’t sit by and let her be crushed if she could help it.>>

<< The witch and the fire elemental spoke and the fire elemental seemed to perk up just a little bit, much to Karen’s delight. The two exchanged a hug….>>

You’re a remarkable young lady, Blaze. Don’t let anybody tell you different. You’re apart of our family, not just in words but in actuality. Never doubt that, please.

< < Karen said as she held on to her for a moment longer until…>>

Promptly, he walked over to Karen and Blaze, who both looked ravishing and gave them warm welcomes.

"Dr. V! Long time no see..." [embracing her in a hug and a polite kiss on the cheek]

<< Karen rose from her seat to greet Cameron, hugging him and lightly kissing him on the cheek. >>

Thank you, dear.

<< She moved a step over to leave the seat for Cameron. She would soon leave them alone so that she could move on to others at the gathering. She smiles as she looks on at Cameron and Blaze.>>

[turning to Blaze]

"And Blaze Victory..You look absolutely stunning as always. It's so good to see you. I'm sure you've been just as busy as I have lately.. Still...I'm personally glad you could make it. Always a pleasure!"

Cameron embraced Blaze in a warm hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek before giving her a small "goose" on the butt.

"I hope Sally is doing well too..." [laughing]

Oh Cameron!

<< She says in a faux scolding tone mixed with a bit of a laugh as she playfully reprimands him by tapping him on his arm with a light smack>>

[turning back to Karen]

"I trust that Delilah is all settled in and barricading herself in the fortress of solitude as we speak?"

He said with a knowing tone. He knew that once Delilah returned to Los Angeles that she would desperately be seeking some alone time. Cameron was unaware of the events that happened at the complex earlier in the day.[/quote]

Oh yes.

<< Karen said with a rather detached tone>>

I was about as welcomed as a Jehova’s Witness on a Saturday morning, but I didn’t take it personal. She’s cuccooning right now, a natural and important part of the recovery process. She’s not ready for anything else at the moment and that’s just where we’ll leave it.

"And are we going to be seeing Sharon? I haven't seen HER since the last time we were here, either!"

Sharon REALLY wasn’t interested in coming, actually. I think she’s a little exasperated with Cass right now. I must say, that girl does remind me of HALEIGH in her earlier days with the Six, sometimes.

She gave Cass a brief tour of certain area of the mansion, including the gymnasium. She’s really pushing for Cass to learn the art of fighting and how to physically defend herself, while Cass is more worried about what SHE feels is some looming confrontation between herself and Morgan.

<< She looks over, seeing Cass, Michael and Alycia across the way.>>

I know Morgan and Ava in particular haven’t been very open to Cass, and I certainly don’t approve of Morgan’s behavior toward the girl and have told her so. Thank the goddess ELLA was able to at least broker an open channel of communication between them when she first arrived to Melrose Place. Morgan has such a hatred and contempt for vampires after what happened to Blaze (Foxfire) during their time in Valiant. I was rather SURPRISED to see Ava’s reaction. It looks and FEELS like there’s something more to it…similar to Morgan’s issue. But Cass ISN’T an actual vampire.

<< Sigh>>

The more things change…

<<casting her eye around the Great Room, noting who’s in attendance and who is NOT>>

The more they either remain the same, or echo those things we hoped to have progressed from by now.

<< Cameron noticed a look of worry on Karen’s face as she looked back down to Blaze for a brief moment>>

Well…we must remain vigilant!

<< Immediately bucking up and smiling Cameron, taking his hand in her’s and squeezing it>>

You’ve done a marvelous job this evening, getting Alison to agree to this little gathering! It’s nice to see this place hosting something OTHER than a battle or confrontation.

<< Looking down to Blaze>>

Have a good time tonight, honey.

<< Touching her shoulder>>

I’ll see you two later on.

<< and with that, the doctor takes her leave of them, making her way over to Ava, whom she hadn’t spoken to personally yet this evening. She draws near, seeing Ava on a call, she observes proper etiquette and leaves a decent amount of space between them to give Ava her privacy. Once finished, Karen comes to greet her>>

Ava, nice to see you again dear. You look gorgeous.

I never had the chance to properly thank you for helping my daughter survive her battle with Circe. I was so busy working with Isis to assist Harbinger in shielding the Mansion against Circe’s assault, there was precious little else I could do.
You had more than a few people worried about you before your seemingly fortuitous return!

You played a vital role in helping Harbinger to marshall the Six’s forces in time to stand against Circe and in the aftermath, with Delilah’s tragedy,….your remaining on hand to help Alison clearly has made all the difference.

She was reflexively counting on Morgan to stay here afterward. Nobody expected Morgan to depart to Limbo the way she did.

I think of all the people still here, outside of her brother, who had demonstrated remarkable growth himself,…you’ve shown to be the one who can understand and accept Alison, her ways of being and her methods.

 

[Firebird]

Not in a partying mood...

She probably had more in common with Delilah right now that she would realize or even entertain the idea of. The feeling of discontent, the sense that hardly anything matters anymore.

She had been so certain this was the right thing to do! She followed her heart! Now her heart was cold like Morgan’s and she felt completely disconnected. WHO was she? HER life, HER past were NOT HERE and her ALTERNATE seemed to be something of an “afterthought” to these “mainstreams.” Even MORGAN was rather quiet about Foxfire while she rushed to accept Firebird without hesitation! Why was that? Why is it the only time Foxfire WAS mentioned, it was in less than sterling or detailed accounts?

Was that where SHE was headed if she stayed here?

No. She wanted no part of that. Morgan was gone and while Blaze understood the initial need to “Escape”, it had been WEEKS now. Nobody in FIREBIRD’S timeline had the LUXURY of disappearing like this, but half of this team did it! Delilah, Haleigh, Morgan, Alison...


And honestly? While she loved her [cross time alternate] sister and considered it an HONOR to be seen as such a “natural extension of Morgan”, she was TIRED of hearing it. She’d ALWAYS been who she was. Was “mainstream” Blaze THAT unremarkable and unglamorous!?


Sigh…

She needed to go. But when would be the “right time?” Tonight wasn’t it. Even SHE wasn’t quite ready to do what she’d planned, but tomorrow, in the light of day, after a night’s sleep, she’d be settled in her descision.


She knew she couldn’t go back to her timeline. She didn’t deserve them after running out on them. She’d come to consider herself just as selfish as Morgan, Alison and Delilah now for what she’d done. But where else could she go? How could following one’s heart end up being such a BAD descision?


As the elegant Dr. Victoria attempted to talk with her and comfort her, Blaze studied her. This Karen had not always been as certain of herself as HER Karen. HER Karen had adopted her! It meant the world to Blaze, in the violent revelation, betrayal and aftermath of Christopher Victory. She couldn’t expect this Karen or any other “mainstream” to become like HER versions of these people, but NOW, EVERY difference, instead of being a chance to learn and discover, was just another reminder of what she’d given up…what she’d THROWN AWAY.

“Karen, you’ve been so kind to me since I’ve come here. I know you had a difficult time with my alternate. You’ve admitted as much and I can see, even now, that there is pain and guilt in your very breath and eyes as you come close to mentioning her. It’s okay…I can’t judge you for your interactions with her in this world anymore than you can judge me for my relation with my Karen or the others in my time.”

“My Karen always used to say to me…to all of us… ‘differences aren’t BAD, they just ARE!’ and I agree with her.”

But with the way she was feeling NOW? Especially after talking with Delilah earlier? The DIFFERENCES were all that she could SEE and FEEL right now and she had no idea where she was supposed to fit in, or even HOW anymore.


“Right now I’m just feeling lost and without a purpose…ya know? I feel like some people in the Six are reflexively looking to me to fill the gap left by Morgan in more than one way because of how much more similar I am to her than her own timeline’s Blaze was.”

“I’d do anything for Morg…I always have. That’s why I’m running Spectra Couture in her absence. But it hurts me that she left the way she did. It’s hurt Alison, you, even Nicolas is starting to show how sad he is about it. I understand she needed space in the immediate aftermath of what happened between her, Alison and Delilah…but what is it NOW? Doesn’t she know that she’s needed? That she has responsibilities?”

“There are things that go on here in this timeline, behaviors that some in this group have, that I just don’t understand. I’ve tried to be patient because I realize I’m supposed to be trying to “fit in” and in order to do that, I have to understand who I’m dealing with, but Morg, Alison and Delilah are so RIGID in their individual beliefs…team members come and go…nobody seems to think that things could CHANGE FOR THE WORST at any given moment.”


“I just…I don’t know…about anything right now, Karen.”

The fire elemental sighs as she bows her head for a moment. Still Looking down, she feels a gentle touch as Karen takes her hand into her own.

You’re a remarkable young lady, Blaze. Don’t let anybody tell you different. You’re apart of our family, not just in words but in actuality. Never doubt that, please. We need to be as sensitive to you and your needs as you have been to ours. You deserve that and MORE for the courage and bravery you’ve shown, not to mention the WARMTH you’ve brought back to this team.

I may not be your adoptive mother in this timeline…but I’m HERE. I’ll never turn you away…

Blaze smiles a bit as she feels her apple green eyes growing a bit misty. She allows herself to BELIEVE Karen and in that moment, she finds herself seeing a small trace of HER OWN Karen in Shadow Weaver.


“Thank you, Karen…”

Hugging the doctor tightly

< < Karen said as she held on to her for a moment longer until…>>

[Promptly, he walked over to Karen and Blaze, who both looked ravishing and gave them warm welcomes.]

"Dr. V! Long time no see..." [embracing her in a hug and a polite kiss on the cheek]
[turning to Blaze]

"And Blaze Victory..You look absolutely stunning as always. It's so good to see you. I'm sure you've been just as busy as I have lately.. Still...I'm personally glad you could make it. Always a pleasure!"

"Hiya Cam."

Quickly dabbing her eyes with a hankerchief from her purse as she gets up to hug Cameron

Cameron embraced Blaze in a warm hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek before giving her a small "goose" on the butt.

"I hope Sally is doing well too..." [laughing]

Blaze’s apple green eyes WIDEN with surprise as she jumps a bit!

“OOH!?”

Looking back to see his hand quickly moving away from her bottom

“Cam…”

Karen lightly chides Cameron.

Her look of suprrise fades into a rather serious and grim for a few moments

“Are you cheating on me with Sally!?”

Her serious face melts into a wicked smile and her apple green eyes sparkle with mischief

“I better not find out you’re groping my ass and then Sally’s too! I’ll melt those white chocolate hands!”

She has a good laugh with Cameron and Karen. She STILL had some fire left in her…but it was more like she was just keeping the light burning until “the time” came. Surviving the darkness until she could escape to a NEW light in a NEW PLACE, with NO MEMORY of this life or the one before!

But in the presence of an experienced psychotherapist, an empath and telepath, she had to keep her guard up. Using her own higher level of resistance to telepathic domination, along with the teachings of HER Prophet to conceal and block off her ultimate intention.

Karen excused herself and that left Cameron and her alone.

She flags down a floating server

"I need two more lemon drops on the rocks please, extra sugar on the glasses."

“So, Cam, what’s up?”

She says as she seats herself and crosses her legs at the knee, slowly looking him over.

 

[Rampage]

He gave the big guy some type of manly hug and before Cass could say or do anything, Nicolas grabbed her hand a kissed it. Cass quickly pulled her hand away. She quickly sized him up before speaking: he meant no harm. ::

*politely*: "Thank you."

Nicolas stood quickly and looked deeply at the succubus. Someone had issues with touch, likely male touch. Odd for someone with her power set in his opinion, but things are what they are.

The pleasure is mine. If you need anything, let me know. Hopefully we will see more of you. I will feel guilty if you just show up for the fighting and miss the camaraderie. In fact, I apologize for not having spent time in your club...I love to dance and I plan to have a LOT more fun in the near future.

Nicolas tried to reassure her with a winning smile as his eyes caught Alycia walking over.

:: she winks, finishes her drink and then takes her leave, making her away across the great room over to Michael and Cass::

Pardon me, Mike. :: she smiles at him as she squeezes his arm and looks at Cass::

Cass? Hi there, I'm Alycia. I don't believe we've been formally introduced.

:: Holding out her hand to shake Cass'::

A-hem!!

Nicolas clears his throat playfully, knowing that Alycia 'ignored' him on purpose. He was already plotting his next move, and it would be a doozy.

If you will excuse me ladies, I have a dance waiting for me.

As the band started to play a solid, slightly uptempo waltz, Nicolas almost jogged over to Ava and Karen. grabbing Karen from behind, he laughed and smiled at Ava as he turned the doctor around.

Pardon me Ava, you look BEAUTIFUL by the way. But Ma owes me a dance!!

Nicolas breaks into a flawless waltz and, despite Karen's gasping and protesting, she keeps up flawlessly as they spin and move across the floor. Nicolas leans in, still laughing as they dance.

Mike TOLD me you were a great dancer. He even showed me a picture of you in dance class from a while back. I promised him that I would get you on the floor and now I have you!!!

By this point Nicolas is laughing and smiling as they dance, even incorporating in a turn her and there. In spite of herself, Karen is having fun and that is EXACTLY what the young demi-god wanted to see. He could FEEL the cheer infect the room as they danced and, by the time the song was over, he DIPPED Karen, who yelped just a bit (even as she executed it perfectly), before bring her back up and then bowing graciously as the group broke into applause. The announcer even chimed in.

DOCTOR KAREN VICTORIA ladies and gentlemen!!!

 

[Ruby]

Minerva's Mansion - Great Hall

The pleasure is mine. If you need anything, let me know. Hopefully we will see more of you. I will feel guilty if you just show up for the fighting and miss the camaraderie. In fact, I apologize for not having spent time in your club...I I love to dance and I plan to have a LOT more fun in the near future.

:: Cass softened a bit. But she still couldn't bring herself to let go completely. Someday, she would. But not yet. She had a lot of growing to do before she can even begin to let people see her for who she was. Her ex had done a real number on her, and that was very unfortunate. She had given him her soul, mind, heart, and body and he just threw it away...after a year and half together. Eighteen months of believing a LIE. Well she learned pretty damn quickly to not trust people as much from THAT experience. ::

"I hope to spend more time with you guys as well."

There. Sharon would be proud.

"There's no need to apologize for your absence. I, myself, haven't been able to spend time at After-Dark as much as I would've liked."

:: Nicolas smiled reassuringly and looked to Cass' right as somebody came up to them. She was a beautiful someone. ::

Cass? Hi there, I'm Alycia. I don't believe we've been formally introduced.

:: Cass shook the woman's hand. She relaxed a bit more. ::

"Hi. It's nice to meet you. I like your dress. No, wait. Scratch that: I LOVE your dress. However..."

:: She looked down at her outfit. ::

"I feel slightly underdressed now. Both Karen and Sharon assured me that I looked fine, but I still feel...awkward."

:: She gave a nervous laugh. She DID feel awkward but she knew that everything will get better in time. Still, her outfit choice reminded her that she was on the outside. She just wished that both Sharon and Karen would give her the grace that she needed. It was no easy task trying to fit in with people who don't like you all that much. She was the new kid on the block, and Ella had gone on a business trip so she was pretty much left on her own. She knew everybody was judging her, and that hurt. ::

 

[Persephone]

"Απλά βεβαιωθείτε ότι έχετε γίνει. Χρειάζομαι τα πάντα που βρίσκονται πριν από συνάντησή μου tomorow. Εντάξει, ευχαριστώ. Αντίο."

Finishing up her call, Ava hung up the phone and noticed Karen waiting to speak with her.

"I apologize for that."

Karen: Ava, nice to see you again dear. You look gorgeous.

"Thank you. You as well, Karen."

Karen: I never had the chance to properly thank you for helping my daughter survive her battle with Circe. I was so busy working with Isis to assist Harbinger in shielding the Mansion against Circe’s assault, there was precious little else I could do.

"No thank you is necessary. You know I would do anything for this team."

She said warmly, giving Karen a small smile.

Karen: You had more than a few people worried about you before your seemingly fortuitous return!

Unintentionally, Ava's smile faded. Almost as if she was clamming up. Karen was very a very observant person--she was a psychatrist afterall--therefore Ava played it off.

"I didn't mean to make everyone worried. Next time I take an extended vacation, i'll let someone know."

She said with a forced smile. The word 'vacation' making her stomach turn at the thought of what she really went through for all those months.

Karen: You played a vital role in helping Harbinger to marshall the Six’s forces in time to stand against Circe and in the aftermath, with Delilah’s tragedy,….your remaining on hand to help Alison clearly has made all the difference. She was reflexively counting on Morgan to stay here afterward. Nobody expected Morgan to depart to Limbo the way she did.I think of all the people still here, outside of her brother, who had demonstrated remarkable growth himself,…you’ve shown to be the one who can understand and accept Alison, her ways of being and her methods.

"Alison and I....we're very similar with our reactions to trauma and heartache. It was almost natural that I should stay and help her through this. I know Morgan would have been here too if she weren't fighting her own demons right now. [glancing over at Alison] She's doing miraculously well for someone who ultimately lost one of her closest friends. I just hope, for EVERYONE'S sake, that this this rift is only temporary.

Before their conversation could continue further, Nicolas came jogging over.

Nicolas: Pardon me Ava, you look BEAUTIFUL by the way. But Ma owes me a dance!!

"By all means."

She said through a smile, as Karen was 'dragged' onto the dance floor with Nicolas. Chuckling a little as Karen let out a yelp as he dipped her, Ava called over a waiter to refill her wine as she watched the two continue to dance.

 

[Prophet]

Minerva's Mansion - Great Room

Cameron enjoyed the company of the two beautiful women as he greeted Karen and goosed Blaze as he said hello. Blaze's eyes widened for a moment.

"OOH!?"

"Cam..."

"Are you cheating on me with Sally?!"

"I better not find out you're groping my ass and then Sally's too!"

Prophet laughed out loud.

"Well...You didn't seem to mine when she made Nicolas and I her human PINCUSHIONS at the Parthenon Event a few weeks ago.."

Cameron lightly inquired on the status of the Delilah situation, but very lightly. He was trying to make everything easy and light tonight, and with what had happened with Alison earlier, he already felt like somewhat of a failure.

Oh yes.

<< Karen said with a rather detached tone>>

I was about as welcomed as a Jehova’s Witness on a Saturday morning, but I didn’t take it personal. She’s cuccooning right now, a natural and important part of the recovery process. She’s not ready for anything else at the moment and that’s just where we’ll leave it.

"I figured as much. That's why I stocked her fridge with enough food to last her several days. At some point...she'll come out. If only to get more food..."

Sharon REALLY wasn’t interested in coming, actually. I think she’s a little exasperated with Cass right now. I must say, that girl does remind me of HALEIGH in her earlier days with the Six, sometimes.

She gave Cass a brief tour of certain area of the mansion, including the gymnasium. She’s really pushing for Cass to learn the art of fighting and how to physically defend herself, while Cass is more worried about what SHE feels is some looming confrontation between herself and Morgan.

<< She looks over, seeing Cass, Michael and Alycia across the way.>>

I know Morgan and Ava in particular haven’t been very open to Cass, and I certainly don’t approve of Morgan’s behavior toward the girl and have told her so. Thank the goddess ELLA was able to at least broker an open channel of communication between them when she first arrived to Melrose Place. Morgan has such a hatred and contempt for vampires after what happened to Blaze (Foxfire) during their time in Valiant. I was rather SURPRISED to see Ava’s reaction. It looks and FEELS like there’s something more to it…similar to Morgan’s issue. But Cass ISN’T an actual vampire.

"Well.. that saddens me. I would have loved to see Sharon. Again, I haven't much time for personal relationships in the past few weeks.. Was just trying to get everyone together..."

[on the topic of Ava, Morgan & Cass]

"Our group is not an easy one to assimilate to, and with good reason. It takes a person made of some pretty strong stuff to keep up with us. We don't let just ANYBODY into our family, no matter how much potential they might have..."

Cameron smirked a bit as Karen bid her goodbyes, leaving Blaze and himself alone. He had to admit... Blaze was good. She was ACTIVELY trying to cloak her intentions, her feelings..the only reason it even registered with Cameron was because it REEKED of..well him. They were HIS MOVES. Thankfully for HER, he wasn't going to try and have a heart to heart with her like the others. She was probably tired of talking about her feelings.

He just wanted her to maybe feel a little bit normal for awhile...cheer her up so to speak.

Blaze: I need two more lemon drops on the rocks please, extra sugar on the glasses.

His eyes widened for a moment.

"Well..Blaze Victory is into double fisting? Very Nice..."

[to the bartender]

"Another martini please, boss. Same as before. Thank You..."

Blaze: So, Cam, what's up?

"Well...nothing MUCH...Blaze. I just wanted to say hello...and check in! Don't worry, i'm not trying to "shrink" you or anything. You just seem a little down..."

[leaning in]

"And i'd recognize my 'tricks' anywhere....Still...I AM very glad to see you. Feels good to have friends and family all gathered togethered...the ones that could 'make it'...."

 

[Firebird]

The Great Room

Blaze seemed to perk up a bit after her little heart-to-heart with Karen and now Cameron's playful overtures. Cameron's passion was not unlike Blaze's own burning heart and soul. That was one of the reasons why they always flowed so naturally together in her own timeline.

Cameron commented on her "double fisting", to which Blaze chuckled a bit and shruggled her shoulders.

"What can I say? I drank with the best[Haleigh]! I can outdrink all of YOU I'm sure. I certainly put Morg and Alison under the table more than a few times!"

She winks.

"...I just wanted to say hello...and check in! Don't worry, i'm not trying to "shrink" you or anything. You just seem a little down..."

[leaning in]

"And i'd recognize my 'tricks' anywhere....Still...I AM very glad to see you. Feels good to have friends and family all gathered togethered...the ones that could 'make it'...."

Blaze stared at Cameron with slight disbelief in her apple green eyes as she slowly swallowed down a big gulp of a fresh new lemon drop.

How could she have FORGOTTEN!? Of course If anyone here outside of Nicolas could possibly detect that she was concealing her thoughts, it would be the person who TAUGHT HER the in depth mental defense techniques. Cameron was still alive here, unlike in her timeline.

But she didnt show any obviously outward reaction, nor did she suddenly change course within. Cameron prooved to be trustworth and ethical by not pressing, but he, like Nicolas knew her....cared about her enough to know that something was still wrong with her even IF she were hiding it from them.

She felt badly for a moment. a BRIEF moment.

"no. it's my life. my choice. i'm doing what's best for me."

She told herself as she straighted up a bit and looked oddly calm. she was working double time to convince herself that running out on them, on HERSELF even, was the only thing, the RIGHT thing to do.

"This whole set up is nice. My Alison changed her name to "Harbinger", but she didnt have any of THIS. Maybe we never reached this point as a group, i don't know...but this is like a whole other world unto itself."

"But i know all of THIS..."

gesturing to what was going on around them...

"...is YOUR doing. No way would Alison "throw a little party" in her grand mansion like this."

Laughing a bit.

"I guess this is a nice, fitting, "last stop" before i..."

Oh HELL! get a grip on those loose lips!

She "screamed" at herself as she caught herself in mid sentence

"...Call it a night."

"Yes...that's it...pull it together..."

"You're right. I HAVE been worn down. Tired. I've been totally immersed in work at Spectra Couture!"

"I need a nice, long, quiet night of uninterrupted sleep."

She smiled a bit as she looked at Cameron, sounding calm and certain to that this was all that was going on.

Of course she knew she wasn't being quite forthcoming.

At that moment, a suitable, welcomed distraction came as Nicolas had pulled Karen out on to the dance floor.

Blaze WHISTLES loudly!

"Give it a whirl, Karen!"

The fire elemental cheers as Nicolas and Karen trip the light fantastic.

By this point Nicolas is laughing and smiling as they dance, even incorporating in a turn her and there. In spite of herself, Karen is having fun and that is EXACTLY what the young demi-god wanted to see. He could FEEL the cheer infect the room as they danced and, by the time the song was over, he DIPPED Karen, who yelped just a bit (even as she executed it perfectly), before bring her back up and then bowing graciously as the group broke into applause. The announcer even chimed in.

"DOCTOR KAREN VICTORIA ladies and gentlemen!!!"

Blaze claps and whoops it up for Nicolas, who clearly had the moves and knew how to cause a fun commotion and Karen, who as graceful and smooth as ever on the dance floor.

"Well Cam, after dinner, I'm gonna have to see if YOU can keep up on the dance floor. After all, the best way to keep your figure in tact after a calorie fest is a good whirl on the dance floor....or a roll in the hay."

Taking the moment to surprise and get cameron BACK, by immediately reaching out to him and pinching his NIPPLE, which she noticed was rather hard from all the drinking he'd done so far.

"You're not the ONLY one who can cop a feel, baby boy!"


That was one thing about Firebird that had amused and intrigued Cameron, Nicolas, Michael and even Haleigh. She was not "into" men, but she had no problem with joking or playful flirtation with the opposite sex.

 

[Artemis]

From one side of the world to the other

:: Cass shook the woman's hand. She relaxed a bit more. ::

"Hi. It's nice to meet you. I like your dress. No, wait. Scratch that: I LOVE your dress. However..."

:: She looked down at her outfit. ::

"I feel slightly underdressed now. Both Karen and Sharon assured me that I looked fine, but I still feel...awkward."

:: She gave a nervous laugh. She DID feel awkward but she knew that everything will get better in time. Still, her outfit choice reminded her that she was on the outside. She just wished that both Sharon and Karen would give her the grace that she needed. It was no easy task trying to fit in with people who don't like you all that much. She was the new kid on the block, and Ella had gone on a business trip so she was pretty much left on her own. She knew everybody was judging her, and that hurt. ::

::Alycia smiled warmly as she held Cass' rather cold hand.::

Oh Cass, don't worry. There was no dress code.

:: Winking::

Some of us just look for any excuse to play "dress up!"

A-hem!!

Nicolas clears his throat playfully, knowing that Alycia 'ignored' him on purpose. He was already plotting his next move, and it would be a doozy.

::Alycia's hazel eyes move from Cass to Nicolas::

But Nicolas, we've ALREADY met before?

:: She returned, with playful sarcasm before sticking her tongue out at him as he ran off to surprise Karen and help set the tone for the rest of the evening::

Cass, if I were you, I'd do myself a huge favor and loosen up, honey.

:: Gesturing over to Nicolas as he pulls Karen out on the dance floor::

Because if you don't, Nicolas will most certainly make YOU follow HIM down the yellow brick road!

:: Cheering Nicolas and Karen on::

NICE MOVES, YOU TWO!

:: Looking at Michael::

You're not jealous are you?

:: Nudging him playfully. It was, of course, a joke. All in good fun::

By this point Nicolas is laughing and smiling as they dance, even incorporating in a turn her and there. In spite of herself, Karen is having fun and that is EXACTLY what the young demi-god wanted to see. He could FEEL the cheer infect the room as they danced and, by the time the song was over, he DIPPED Karen, who yelped just a bit (even as she executed it perfectly), before bring her back up and then bowing graciously as the group broke into applause. The announcer even chimed in.

"DOCTOR KAREN VICTORIA ladies and gentlemen!!!"

:: Alycia's feminum bracelets shimmer as she claps her hands and cheers the dancing doctor and the mischievious Nicolas::

Hey, that's it! We'll call her, "The dancing doctor!"

:: Alycia laughed a bit::

Well it was very nice to meet yoU Cass. You've fallen in with the best possible group. You'll learn alot from them and they'll learn alot from and about you! Just be open minded. Give yourself AND them a chance!

Have a good time tonight.

:: She squeezes Cass' hand before letting it go and looking to Michael::

I'll be back. I have something to take care of.

:: She'd already informed Cameron and Alison she would not be present for dinner but that she would return before festitivies wrapped up. She was looking forward to what Cameron had in store for them after dinner::

:: she makes her way across the expanse of the Great Room as people clap and band breaks for intermission. final preperations for dinner being served::

:: Now out of the Great room and down the hall, Alycia makes her way up several flights of stairs and finally reaches her suite. Inside, she grabs a file folder that has several items in it.::

:: Shutting the double doors behind her, she makes her way down the hall to Michael and Karen's suite. From an earlier conversation, Michael left the suite doors unlocked so Alycia could slip in and once inside, open a closet door.::

::Stepping inside, she passes through an enchanted doorway and arrives in APARTMENT 3 of melrose place! Now opening the closet door of Michael's dwelling at Melrose Place::

from one side of the world to the other...with the opening of a closet door and two steps in and out. ONLY a person connected to the Six could have such marvelous travel options.

:: Alycia says aloud with a small laugh as she moves through Michael's apartment and exits the front door to the courtyard. ::

:: No one was here except DELILAH TRELEVAN, just the person she wanted to see!::

:: For a moment, she looked at Apartment 5. Haleigh's apartment. She HAD hoped to see Haleigh upon her return. But that, like so many other things, would have to wait.::

:: For now, the task at hand was most important::

:: Without missing a beat or step, Alycia makes her way to Apartment 1 and calmly knocks on the door and waits::