Frost Redux

[Fathom]

The Leviathan - Somewhere in the Atlanic Ocean

The Leviathan, a mega-yacht over 200 feet long cruises steady at 30 knots. A crew of 20 people of various positions manage the journey. They left London over three months ago, and are nearing their destination, New York. There are many preparations to be made before they could dock, and everyone aboard was set to their task, motivated to make port after so much time at sea.

There was one person who was not set to work. 500 feet below the surface, Heidi swam with a frenzy of blue sharks, the group a hundred strong. She was right in the middle of them, with many silhouetted above her, and many around and below her. Even the smallest of them was bigger than Heidi, but she had no fear. The water felt cool against her skin, the pressure barely noticeable. The sharks, slender and spry, were hunting for squid, but had yet to find any.

Heidi smiled, as she knew something the sharks didn't yet. They were being hunted themselves. Killer whales were closing in with high speed and a surprising stealth for their massive size. A large shadow passed over them, a single orca far above, near the surface. The wolves of the sea, they hunted in pods. Quite suddenly, the water was filled with the sounds of several Orcas, coordinating their attack. The sharks reacted instinctively, but they weren't all going to survive. The killer whales took the slowest, dumbest, and weakest of the blue sharks.

Heidi swam through water clouded with blood. The sudden, fleeting warmth of freshly 'spilled' blood washed over her. She smiled and leisurely began to swim toward the surface, her long legs propelling her much faster than was normal for a human. This feasting frenzy would go on for a while, and Heidi herself was getting hungry. The whales and sharks both swam by her, disinterested in her presence, consumed by the natural event occurring. Heidi surfaced and slung the excess water out of her dark chocolate-colored hair. She glided easily through choppy water and the turbulent wake of her own yacht.

She climbed the lower deck ladder at the stern, water running off her bare skin steadily until all that was left were little beads of the salty liquid. A few feet from the ladder was a large ghost octopus set in resin with all its tentacles raised dramatically. On the tips of a couple tentacles hung some article of her clothing. There was also a plush white towel, which she reached for first. There was a stewardess standing nearby, dressed like she just stepped out of a Sailor Moon cartoon. She had the great fortune of being assigned as Heidi's personal attendant.

"Have my lunch brought up to the sky lounge in 15 minutes. I want my tablet too. And find out how much longer the bloody captain plans to drag out this protracted voyage."

Heidi commanded, with the calm confidence of someone used to doling out instructions. She could swim across the ocean faster than the speed of sound, but this was her home, and she wanted to escort it, and ensure it survived any stormy seas. She pulled on a cashmere ivory cable-knit turtleneck sweater and a wrapped a knee-length silk sarong around her waist. The Orcas were breaching excitedly on both sides of the yacht, and she watched them for a few moments, leaning casually on the railing.

Her demise at the hands of the ice elemental Archer had been a shocker. She far out-classed Archer, she ALWAYS had, but she had underestimated him in the fight. If that frigid bastard ever tried her again, she get her vengeance, but she wasn't stupid enough to make an attempt on his life knowing how many people would come to his aid.

Her revival by Diana and Ravena left her feeling the same as ever, but different as well, more powerful, as if her potential had been UNLOCKED. She had been lackadaisical in training with her abilities before, she had taken them for granted. She wouldn't make that mistake again.

Now, she had been foisted out, unwelcome in her own club thanks to the treacherous vamp who now called herself the European White Queen. It was only a mild inconvenience, really. With Camille and Damien gone, Heidi had little interest in Hellfire Europe. It was being overrun by new blood, mostly a bunch of uncouth tramps. The American Branch presented a lot more opportunity to her. Diana had personally invited her join them, and she had accepted.

She tousled her hair a bit with her hands, giving the wet strands a little separation, then she drifted across the deck to a chrome spiral staircase, headed four decks higher, for her sky lounge.

 

[Arsenal]

AWAY FROM ME!

<< ZAP!>>

Now for the uninitiated, here is what it is like to be repelled by a basic defense spell from a powerful witch. First, the contact point will receive a burn, if you are lucky only first or second degree. Next, your muscles lock for a split second as it feels like you have been tased with a side of fire. Then, if you are REALLY unlucky, every part of your body gets pushed back and, quite often, UP, tossing you aside like a child. It is no fun. Especially when you are trying to help your companion and she lashes out. You know, like NOW.

AAAARRGH! KAREN?!

Mike is staggered backwards, luckily not getting the force push he was expecting as he prepared to roll into a ball. Instead, he slides backwards several feet before taking a knee, his shirt destroyed around a right arm that clearly has a second degree burn. He manages not to yell again, but he does allow a groan to escape as he tries to prepare to evade Karen until he can reason with her.

<< Michael is visibly hurt by Karen's defense. She reels in horror over what's just happened. For the moment, her mind is quite clear>>

HECATE!

Michael!? When...WHERE did you come from!?

<< She rushes to him, and takes hold of his arm.>>

I'm SORRY!

I ....I was being stalked...ATTACKED by a woman, she said the most AWFUL things...and then, when I was finally able to DEFEND myself, the woman DISAPPEARED!

<< Karen places her soft, well manicured hands on his arm, and immediately counteracted the injury her ward had caused Micheal's arm, she soothed his skin, muscles, bone, cells with her magicks, and healed it, restoring it to normal state and function>>

Doc seemed to have come back to herself, even healing him as she apologized profusely. She was obviously mortified and so Mike tried to lighten the mood a bit.

It's OK Doc. Next time just tell me you do not like the shirt. Geez....

<< Sighing, as she continues to settle>>

I'm so sorry, Michael. I didn't mean to hurt you. It was HER....that woman...she was the most awful, impertinent, OBSCENE creature...and she did something to me on a pervasive level, allowing her to bypass my normal defenses. By the time I was able to resist and fight back...she DISAPPEARED.

Coward!

<< She said, reegarding the woman's abrupt departure.>>

I wish I had seen her. I had nothing but you out here in distress. So I came over to help....are you OK now? Let's go into the shop, get out of the open. We can regroup in there.

Mike was back in combat mode, checking and noting angles, any possible avenues of approach, even looking for items from the air quickly. He places a hand on Karen's back, rubs her reassuringly, and gently leads her towards the shop.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Inside Bell, Book, & Candle

<< Shadow Weaver looks up Arsenal, and allows a slight smile across her worried face.>>

That woman! She was LYING. Michael believes me! He understands! If she comes back, I'll....WE'LL be ready for her!

<< She holds her hand up, snapping her fingers, as a magick tone sound sounds off and Michael's damaged shirt is changed to a suitable replacement for him.>>

He places a hand on Karen's back, rubs her reassuringly, and gently leads her towards the shop.

<< At the moment, Shadow Weaver and Arsenal seem to have the sense than they can just be Karen and Michael again, as they enter the apothecary.>>

<< The atmosphere of the shop was calming, reassuring. Karen's magickal detection was fully operational now, and she knew that this place was operated by a fellow magick user. There were strong protection spells in place, backed by energy barriers created by RUNES! The environment of this store will not change, and can't be effected by outside forces. If ONLY Karen had been INSIDE this place when that AWFUL WOMAN attacked her! But then again, that woman wouldn't have dared set foot in here, someone like HER wouldn't have been welcomed, in any sense of the word.>>


<< The pair were greated by a curious, beautiful and sleek feline. The sight of her helped put both Michael and Karen at ease as they moved further in the shop. They both acknowledged the pretty cat as Karen began looking for the items on her list. Because she had more than a few things, Michael helped her gather them. His time at Minerva's Aerie with Hazel and Alison had allow him to see several potion making sessions, among other things.>>

<< The final item that she tested before selected was the singing bowl.>>

<< Selecting a singing bowl that would have a sweet place of resonance in her mind was important, and soon, as Michael looked on and listened to the various sounds that she played, the doctor found one that played a sound/tone that curiously somewhere "in the middle" of the range of the chimes associated with Hecate herself, and GRAMMIE. With this observation, it made sense that she took the time to select the "right" singing bowl. >>

There! Perfect!

Now, if our little friend...

<< The feline, who was now perched on a small chair nearby>>

...would show us where her mommy is, I can pay for these things, and we can be on our way.

<< She looked at Michael>>

We can grab a bite on the way back to the parthenon....my treat!

<< Following the cat, The pair made their way to center point of the apothecary, where there was a counter, and began setting the selection of items down.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Doc changed him out to a new shirt, but he noted that she got a good look at his bare chest first.

They went inside the apothecary, and it reminded him of old great-grandmothers in the South that he visited as a kid. Warm, inviting, safe, with a sense of...power. He wondered how many of those old women when he was a kid practiced as well. They never had money, but they always seemed to have a salve, or ointment, or syrup that would fix you right up.

He took part of the list and helped the Doc out. he was no magic user, but he was THIS close to getting Ali or the Doc to help him make better stuff than he could currently make in the field. Part of that is displaying knowledge, and so he moved easily through the aisles, gathering items as asked and returning the basket they had to empty Karen's hands. She was standing before a few bowls.

<< The final item that she tested before selected was the singing bowl.>>

<< Selecting a singing bowl that would have a sweet place of resonance in her mind was important, and soon, as Michael looked on and listened to the various sounds that she played, the doctor found one that played a sound/tone that curiously somewhere "in the middle" of the range of the chimes associated with Hecate herself, and GRAMMIE. With this observation, it made sense that she took the time to select the "right" singing bowl. >>

She made BOWLS sing. Of course she did. She seemed to finally settle in on one in particular...the chime hinted at something vaguely familiar.

There! Perfect!

Now, if our little friend...

<< The feline, who was now perched on a small chair nearby>>

...would show us where her mommy is, I can pay for these things, and we can be on our way.

<< She looked at Michael>>

We can grab a bite on the way back to the parthenon....my treat!

You betcha Doc! The way I see it, you have some 'making up' to do! I think that I might need a bit more attention before the day is done...sore muscles and all from my terrible shock.

Mike was chuckling by now as Karen was still a bit bothered that she had zapped him before and now he was taking advantage...she was trying not to smile with her eyes and she gave him a psuedo-stern look.

Mike placed everything on the counter, still chuckling as they waited for their host...

 

[Seraph]

Bell, Book and Candle

The shop’s proprietor emerged from a back room of the shop, moving gracefully towards Karen and Michael, scooping the cat up into her arms and stroking it gently. She wore a silver dress, fifties inspired but modern, that complemented her striking almost silver eyes. Her hair was curled but neat. In short, there was neither hair nor thread out of place on her.

“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. My usual shop assistant is out with strep, so I’m afraid it’s just me today.”

She set the cat down onto the counter.

“I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Alix Osborne, I’m the new owner of the shop.”

She offered her hand, palm down, to Karen, then began ringing up the items she and Mike had placed on the counter.

“This singing bowl is lovely – wonderful choice. It suits you.”

She smiled warmly. Finishing ringing up and wrapping the items carefully she placed them in a paper shopping bag and set it on the counter.

“That will be $62.89.”

She handed Karen the receipt and then, as if she had just remembered something, she held up a hand for her to wait.

“Just a minute.”

Reaching behind the counter, Alix quickly found what she was looking for. She reached out and, taking Karen’s hand, placed it in her palm. They were two runestones, one inscribed with the rune for protection, and one inscribed with the rune for family.

“Please, a gift.”

She smiled again, but then a worried look crossed her face. She glanced around the shop to make sure that they were still alone.

“Karen, I don’t mean to speak out of turn but, I need to warn you. I can feel, something wrong. Magick itself is out of balance. With Spellbinder not on this plane of existence at the moment…”

She lowered her voice.

“There have been occurrences…things that just shouldn’t be happening. I don’t want to scare you, but I have a strong feeling that you are in danger.”

She pauses, giving a sympathetic smile, truly not wanting to alarm the doctor, but NEEDING to impress upon her the urgency of the problem.

“There are things that have been passed down in my family from generation to generation – much like in your own family – knowledge, gifts. I know that we’ve just met, but your family history, it is as known to me as I know the correct herbs for a healing draught or a tincture for headache. Your family is unique through the ages – and not just because your bloodline originates with Hecate herself. It has been touched – some would say tainted – by science and technology.”

She looked to see if Karen seemed to be believing what Alix was saying.

“I know this sounds crazy…but your daughters – whether by birth or not - those bound to you by name, blood ties or tragedy NEED you, Karen. Your family are the heirs to the trinity of the moon – YOU are the mother of this era’s sorceress supreme, but that is a dark burden to bear. The historical record going back to Hecate herself tells that every mother of a sorceress or sorcerer supreme has faced a TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE, one designed to DESTROY her. It happened to Hecate with her offspring, and it happened to your grandmother, Verna, when she faced the demon Barbas.”

Alix put a hand sympathetically on Karen’s forearm.

“And I’m sorry, Karen, I am so very sorry – I know that you thought the monster you battled that forced you to take the name you use now for your other self, what it made you become, was your ultimate nightmare. But Set is not the true nightmare. Your transformation into Shadow Weaver went deeper than a mere name – it was destined to happen, to prepare you for what was to come. And now that’s here.”

She leaned a bit closer.

“I know that you have found your center but recently, after a long journey to come to acceptance of yourself, but something – no, someone – is trying to UNDO all that you have accomplished. They want you to unravel, to fall apart so that you will be unable to protect yourself and your daughters when they need you the most. That cannot come to pass.”

She pushed Karen’s shopping bag across the counter to her.

“Be well, Karen Victoria.”

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Leaving Bell, Book, & Candle

The shop’s proprietor emerged from a back room of the shop, moving gracefully towards Karen and Michael, scooping the cat up into her arms and stroking it gently. She wore a silver dress, fifties inspired but modern, that complemented her striking almost silver eyes. Her hair was curled but neat. In short, there was neither hair nor thread out of place on her.

“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. My usual shop assistant is out with strep, so I’m afraid it’s just me today.”

She set the cat down onto the counter.

<< Karen and Michael's attention was drawn to the mistress of the apothecary. She was a beautiful young girl. Karen nudged Michael, silently drawing his attention to the young woman and her appearance.>>

No worries. We had a lovely little guide here to attend us.

<< Karen smiled as she gently stroked the cat's head a few more times after she was set on the counter>>

“I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Alix Osborne, I’m the new owner of the shop.”

She offered her hand, palm down, to Karen,

Hello, I'm Karen Victoria,

<< Gently taking Alix's fingers into her hand in a feminine handshake. The two women recognize each other's mana in that contact. For Karen, it's a WELCOMED difference from the encounter she had OUTSIDE the apothecary>>

... and this is my companion, Michael Armstrong.

I am glad to see that this shop is still HERE. My grammie and my aunt shopped here when I was a little girl. One of my daughter's best friends was here not too long ago. It truly is one of the best apothecaries on the east coast.

then began ringing up the items she and Mike had placed on the counter.

“This singing bowl is lovely – wonderful choice. It suits you.”

She smiled warmly. Finishing ringing up and wrapping the items carefully she placed them in a paper shopping bag and set it on the counter.

“That will be $62.89.”

<< Karen passes Alix her platinum visa. >>

She handed Karen the receipt and then, as if she had just remembered something, she held up a hand for her to wait.

“Just a minute.”

Reaching behind the counter, Alix quickly found what she was looking for. She reached out and, taking Karen’s hand, placed it in her palm. They were two runestones, one inscribed with the rune for protection, and one inscribed with the rune for family.

Oh, these are lovely.

And would very practical....

How much?

“Please, a gift.”

She smiled again, but then a worried look crossed her face. She glanced around the shop to make sure that they were still alone.

Are you SURE, I have no problem paying for them!

<< Karen was surprised at the woman's generosity, but Alix's response lead Karen to understand she should ACCEPT these gifts. She smiled graciously as Alix them put them in the bag.>>

Thank you very much!

“Karen, I don’t mean to speak out of turn but, I need to warn you. I can feel, something wrong. Magick itself is out of balance. With Spellbinder not on this plane of existence at the moment…”

She lowered her voice.

“There have been occurrences…things that just shouldn’t be happening. I don’t want to scare you, but I have a strong feeling that you are in danger.”

She pauses, giving a sympathetic smile, truly not wanting to alarm the doctor, but NEEDING to impress upon her the urgency of the problem.

There are things that have been passed down in my family from generation to generation – much like in your own family – knowledge, gifts. I know that we’ve just met, but your family history, it is as known to me as I know the correct herbs for a healing draught or a tincture for headache. Your family is unique through the ages – and not just because your bloodline originates with Hecate herself. It has been touched – some would say tainted – by science and technology.”

She looked to see if Karen seemed to be believing what Alix was saying.

<< And there it was. outside confirmation. She was NOT going out of her mind. And unlike the mysterious woman outside, Alix was coming from a place of true concern, reaching out to a fellow magick user not to harm, but to HELP. Michael was right behind Karen, and one of her hands reached back to HIS. he took it and held it, silently offering his steady support...AND keeping an EYE out for the two women to make sure NO ONE ELSE was in the store.>>

<< As Alix looked at Karen with her intriguing eyes, Karen's green eyes met her gaze. The doctor DID believe her, and her instincts told her to hold fast and LISTEN. Grammie had taught her that the winds would bring whispers of knowledge, secrets and insight when she needed them MOST. With what she'd been going through lately, and the confrontation outside? NOW was as good a time as any for that insight.>>

“I know this sounds crazy…but your daughters – whether by birth or not - those bound to you by name, blood ties or tragedy NEED you, Karen. Your family are the heirs to the trinity of the moon – YOU are the mother of this era’s sorceress supreme, but that is a dark burden to bear. The historical record going back to Hecate herself tells that every mother of a sorceress or sorcerer supreme has faced a TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE, one designed to DESTROY her. It happened to Hecate with her offspring, and it happened to your grandmother, Verna, when she faced the demon Barbas.”

Alix put a hand sympathetically on Karen’s forearm.

<< Karen REMEMBERED the night her grammie battled Barbas in the manor. It was TERRIFYING. Karen was just a child, Barbas had vexed her, Grammie, Grammie's coven (including Hazel) and the entire local area for WEEKS. He murdered DOZENS of young witches, some as young as KAREN- she'd lost her best friend, Katie, to Barbas.>>

<< When Barbas killed Katie, and then attacked Karen, that was the last straw. Verna Eckert drew a line and confronted the monster directly, and while Karen didn't want to leave her grammie to face the monster demon alone, she had no choice. She took Tinkerbell(!?) , ran and hid, just as her grammie told her. Hazel kept Karen hidden and did her best to keep their environment STABLE while Verna viciously battled Barbas. and just when it seemed that house - from top to bottom- was about to come CRASHING DOWN, Grammie soon emerged...battered, weary, EXHAUSTED, but VICTORIOUS. Once again, Hecate's bloodline had triumphed over Barbas, one of Hecate's oldest, most deadly enemies. But Barbas would not stay defeated or locked away FOREVER. He returned again, coming after Karen, her daughter, and their friends. Grammie returned from the world beyond to assist her grandchildren and their friends to drive Barbas away again.>>

“And I’m sorry, Karen, I am so very sorry – I know that you thought the monster you battled that forced you to take the name you use now for your other self, what it made you become, was your ultimate nightmare. But Set is not the true nightmare. Your transformation into Shadow Weaver went deeper than a mere name – it was destined to happen, to prepare you for what was to come. And now that’s here.”

<< Another vivid, emotional memory, one that MICHAEL shared with her, for he'd been there, standing with the Six AND the Sisterhood against the monster that is Set. Set had Black Widow, Isis, Rampage AND Spellbinder in his terrifying, perverse grasp. He injured various members of the Six and Sister as they tried to stop him, he tried to possess and KILL Arsenal. Something inside Karen SNAPPED. She had come to believe THAT MOMENT and feeling that she had, seeing Morgan in Set's grasp, must have been similar for VERNA when Barbas had murdered Katie and then came after Karen! Karen became Shadow Weaver, she CHANGED on ALL levels, as she unleashed the powers of HELL against Set to stop him from hurting her daughter. She assumed SET was HER "Barbas moment." >>

<< But now this young woman, ALIX, whom she had JUST MET, was telling her that WASN'T true! That meant her TRUE nightmare was STILL coming for her!>>

“I know that you have found your center but recently, after a long journey to come to acceptance of yourself, but something – no, someone – is trying to UNDO all that you have accomplished. They want you to unravel, to fall apart so that you will be unable to protect yourself and your daughters when they need you the most. That cannot come to pass.”

She pushed Karen’s shopping bag across the counter to her.

“Be well, Karen Victoria.”

<< Karen felt SICK. Not from Alix or her words...but from the realization that woman...that CREATURE that had attacked her outside moments earlier must have been the first manifestation of HER TRUE nightmare. It wasn't JUST about her either. Alix told her that Morgan, Blaze...ALL of her family (the Victory family...both BLOOD OR OTHERWISE)'s well being would depend on HER! If this is the case, WOULD she be ready when it finally came time to face it...HER...down!? Would she be as strong as Grammie? She may have had the POWER as Shadow Weaver, but would she have the skill, the wisdom, the CLARITY to triumph?!>>

<< Karen was almost transfixed, but Michael squeezed her hand as Alix finished and pushed the shopping bag across the counter. Before she could remove her hand from the bag, Karen quickly extended her's grabbing Alix's hand and squeezing it gently but sincerely, looking into her eyes.>>

Thank YOU, Alix. You have been very kind to me tonight.

You be well, Be SAFE.

<< She passed Alix a card with her contact information.>>

If there's ever a time that I can do something for you, please contact me.

<< Karen WAS truly worried, BUT also grateful. She smiled at Alix, bidding her feline farewell also with one last pet, before Michael takes the bag. He nods at the magick user, acknowledging her and her kindness to Karen>>

<< The pair make their way out of the shop, with Karen walking close to Michael, and looking very concerned.>>

She....she said that SET was NOT MY ultimate nightmare! That means it...he...or SHE..hasn't come for me yet! What If I'm NOT READY?

Michael: "Don't do that to yourself, Doc. I don't have to be a magick user to know this meeting between you and Alix happened for a reason. After what you told me about the woman who attacked you outside of this shop, Alix was put in your path to warn you. Whatever's coming for you, you WON'T be facing it alone, BELIEVE THAT. And just like you showed Set, you'll show the next bastard what it means to piss off Shadow Weaver."

<< He said with reassurance and defiance directed at whatever, WHOMEVER was looming over Karen and her family. >>

<< Karen looked worried, but Alix's words, her tone, were helping her to process and organize what she'd just received. NOW there was no doubt that something was wrong. She WASN'T "losing it", as that horrible woman outside had implied. Something was WRONG...and coming for HER AND her daughters! She HAD to get ready, and SOON!.>>

<< Michael was proving that mysterious woman outside wrong TOO. He did not waver, he voiced his support, his certainty, and his DEFIANCE. He would stand with Karen. She HAD to let go of any doubt OR fear concerning him or his ability to handle things. She had to TRUST him so that he could be able to help her! She would do just that.>>

<< sighing>>

Oh, Michael. It was so....UNSETTLING to hear Alix's words, but unlike that mysterious woman that attacked me earlier, Alix was coming from a place of concern. She wanted to help, WARN me. My grammie always told me that when a witch needs help, the winds will guide whispers of knowledge, information to her, and help to sweep away confusion and uncertainty. The winds brought Alix to me tonight. She also gave me these beautiful runes. I am meant to use them. I only pray that I have the sense and wisdom to know WHEN.


<< As the two discussed, while exiting the shop, they were not aware that Delilah Trelevan was right outside, waiting for them! Delilah can't help but overhear this part of their conversation, and as the door opens, she sees the seriousness on Michael's face, and the worry on Karen's.>>

DELILAH!?

<< Karen is startled as Michael steps in front of her. It's a reflex, and Delilah can see that she unintentionally had caught them both off guard.>>

Stars above...you made my heart SKIP just now. It's been an...unusual evening for me.

<< Karen and Michael both relax at the WELCOMED sight of a familiar face, rather than some mysterious woman in shadow. Karen smiles at Delilah as Michael greets her. >>

Fancy meeting you here! Taking up the craft, are you?

<< An attempt to lighten the moment, not realizing that Delilah has heard what she and Michael were discussing. Karen hasn't seen Delilah in MONTHS. They know WHY, and it's been very sad and painful for both of them. Looking upon her now, Karen can't help but recall times and memories of Morgan and Delilah as little girls, teenagers, young adults... she's watched Delilah grow along side her daughter, and in many ways, Delilah is like a daughter to Karen as well. Alix's words about DAUGHTERS echoed in her mind just now, as well as what Karen herself said to Haleigh during that emergency session.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Bell, Book and Candle

Delilah stood outside the Bell, Book & Candle, waiting for Karen, her hands thrust into her pockets against the cold evening air. She hadn’t spoken to Karen in MONTHS, and this was going to be awkward. But still, she couldn’t go on ignoring Karen forever, and sure Karen couldn’t ignore her forever either. So she waited for Karen to finish her business in the shop.

Finally they were exiting.

Oh, Michael. It was so....UNSETTLING to hear Alix's words, but unlike that mysterious woman that attacked me earlier, Alix was coming from a place of concern. She wanted to help, WARN me. My grammie always told me that when a witch needs help, the winds will guide whispers of knowledge, information to her, and help to sweep away confusion and uncertainty. The winds brought Alix to me tonight. She also gave me these beautiful runes. I am meant to use them. I only pray that I have the sense and wisdom to know WHEN.

She couldn’t help but overhear. ATTACK?

Karen about jumped out of her skin when she saw Delilah standing there, and Mike stepped in front of her like he had to protect her. Something weird was going on, and it wasn’t good.

DELILAH!? Stars above...you made my heart SKIP just now. It's been an...unusual evening for me. Fancy meeting you here! Taking up the craft, are you?

Delilah was not in the mood for joking. She looked at Karen with concern.

“You were attacked? When? By who?”

Delilah blew on her hands to warm them.

“I don’t want to spoil your evening, but the fact of the matter is, we have a…situation. I was near the old site of Illustra today, when the Siege Perilous appeared in front of me and – I’m sorry, there’s no way to sugar coat this – it deposited Jasmine Klein on the pavement in front of me. She’s at the infirmary at Charope, unconscious.”

She shifted uncomfortably.

“I told the Birds of Prey folks I would come and get you, but if you don’t want to I completely understand and will just tell them you aren’t available.”

Delilah looked into Karen’s face. She looked tired. All these things were happening to her and Delilah hadn’t even known about them. She felt a sharp pang of regret, that she had turned her back on Karen, that she hadn’t reached out to her before this. Delilah had the sinking feeling that maybe it was already too late to repair the damage.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Outside of Bell, Book, and Candle

Delilah was not in the mood for joking. She looked at Karen with concern.

“You were attacked? When? By who?”

Delilah blew on her hands to warm them.

....

I sometimes forget that you can hear EXCEPTIONALLY well, a result of your power.

<< Karen said with a bit of coldness in her tone. She regarded the Six as "CHILDREN" by and large, and did not like to speak about her own personal problems to them. She related to Michael as a peer, and it was much easier for her to confide in him about her personal issues, although sometimes she struggled even with HIM. But now Delilah, whom she hadn't seen or spoken to in so long, was standing here, expressing concern. >>

<< Karen also didn't like talking out in the street, in the open. She felt it was very common. But now, outside of Bell, Book, and Candle, there HAD to be a reason that Delilah had come here and WAITED for her.>>

<< Karen had no ill will toward Delilah, but the sadness and DISAPPOINTMENT that she felt regarding Delilah's descision to ignore even HER was written all over Karen's face now as she looked upon her surrogate daughter. Karen had wanted to help Delilah, but they both knew she couldn't, not in the way that Delilah would have wanted. It hurt Karen that Delilah held that against her, but she backed off, trusted CAMERON to do all that he could for Delilah this time. If she was out and about like this, clearly he had made much progress with her, and she had begun some sort of progress toward healing. Plus, she recalled the details that Cameron, Nicolas and Haleigh had shared with her regarding that "dream" episode they all shared. Someone...most likely Ororo...had taken an active, but gentle hand, in guiding them all closer together and planting seeds for healing and reconciliation.>>



<< With Michael beside her again, Karen finally allowed herself to share with Delilah. >>

I've been having headaches...anxiety....nightmares. I've been providing services as a psychotherapist to two unique clients over the last two months. Both cases are special...but one is especially unusual. I believe some of my symptoms are due to that case.

:: She would not disclose the client to Delilah. Only Nicolas and Michael had an idea that it MIGHT be Haleigh. ::

This evening, I was making my way to Bell, Book, and Candle to pick up some items to help myself. On the way, I was approached...accosted...by a mysterious woman. Her countenance was cold., her manner was impertinent. She said the most AWFUL things...things that she ....

<< Karen shut her eyes tightly. No, she couldn't go into detail, not with Delilah.>>

She DID something to me...on a subtle, pervasive level, BYPASSING my normal defenses, and then she...

Christopher....and...or....BOTH!?

...ATTACKED me.

By the time I was able to break free of whatever effect she had cast on me, and able to FIGHT BACK, she DISAPPEARED just as Michael had gotten here.

I have no idea who she is...where she came from....or where she went.

<< She looked at Michael, then at Delilah. She thought over the words , the WARNING Alix had shared with her>>

But...it's likely that she will be coming for me again.

I've got to recover...and prepare myself.

Why are you here? You haven't spoken to me in months...

“I don’t want to spoil your evening, but the fact of the matter is, we have a…situation. I was near the old site of Illustra today, when the Siege Perilous appeared in front of me and – I’m sorry, there’s no way to sugar coat this – it deposited Jasmine Klein on the pavement in front of me. She’s at the infirmary at Charope, unconscious.”

She shifted uncomfortably.

WHAT!?

<< Karen bellowed without a thought as she looked at Michael. The nightmares, the horrific post mortem images of Frost that Morgan saw, the things that the mysterious woman and Alix BOTH said? This CAN'T be a coincidence, OR an act of deception on Delilah's part, but it's still SHOCKING and it DOES stir up secret, painful memories AGAIN, much like the emergency session with Haleigh had done. >>

“I told the Birds of Prey folks I would come and get you, but if you don’t want to I completely understand and will just tell them you aren’t available.”

Delilah looked into Karen’s face. She looked tired. All these things were happening to her and Delilah hadn’t even known about them. She felt a sharp pang of regret, that she had turned her back on Karen, that she hadn’t reached out to her before this. Delilah had the sinking feeling that maybe it was already too late to repair the damage.

<< Karen DID feel a FLASH of resentment...ANGER even, at DELILAH. She turned her back on Karen, their relationship, and now she appears before her, at THIS of all times, with THIS NEWS!?>>

<< Karen was many things, but before ALL of those other identities, she was a woman, with feelings...and ANYTHING associated with Christopher and/or his behavior toward her OR his DAUGHTERS were a source of GREAT anxiety and distress for her. >>

<< she stopped, holding up her hand for silence from BOTH of them as she took a few moments to compose herself again. She finally exhales, opening her eyes and looking at Karen with a calmer expression.>>

Delilah, I have been very sad, DISAPPOINTED in your choice to ignore ME. I have MISSED you more than you know. If you didn't know before, I want you to know now that I agonized over not being able to help you the way you needed or WANTED me to. No mother likes to be powerless to help her daughter, and no matter what, you are STILL like a daughter to me.

Michael, let me relieve you of that burden. I'll need you with me.

<< She looks at Michael, and twitches her nose, that distinct xylophone "twinkling" sound that Delilah and Morgan heard growing up whenever she twitched her nose is heard, as she magicks the shopping bag full of items from the shop out of Michael's arms and to her guest suite at the parthenon. She then turns and gestures, extending her hand toward Michael's car. A rushing magick tone is heard as she sends THAT away too. looking at Delilah....>>

Delilah, did the right thing to find me. Jasmine Klein is not only my ....ex-husband's daughter, she's ALSO the half sister of BOTH my daughters. She had no family left here when she vanished through the siege. Therefore, I MUST see what I can do for her.

But before we leave, I want to say something to you.

<< she steps forward and looks Delilah in the eyes. A tense moment passes, and then, the doctor EMBRACES Delilah.>>

There's a better way for US to be, Delilah. Morgan and Blaze are my daughters, for all intents and purposes, so are YOU, and I don't want us to waste anymore time. Something could happen to either of us before we have a chance to find each other again, and I'm not going to wait for that to happen. I love you, Delilah.

<< She lets go, and steps back, taking Michael's hand in her's>>

We're ready when you are, Delilah.

 

[Arsenal]

As they exit the apothecary, with a lot more insight into what is coming, Mike is reassured by Karen's tone. She often tries to do it all alone, but now? She seems more comfortable leaning on him than ever. And so the step out to almost walk over - who the hell?!

Mike places his left hand on Doc's left hip as he grabs the short barrel .44 backup gun he keeps in his rear waistband. As he prepares to pull it he recognizes the face...

DELILAH

...and stands down, instead exhaling in relief and grabbing her shoulder with the former gun hand, genuinely glad to see her out and about and as well as he could hope to expect.

It is time for them to have this moment, and so Mike stays silent. Nothing to add or take away from this and so he instead continues to stay alert to their surroundings.

De dropped a bomb on her about an old daughter of the shitty ex-husband - some girl named Jasmine - who he would study up on as soon as he could. Karen's face changed, he could feel the hurt and resentment and he wished he could shoot that motherphucker in the face. He stayed by Karen, reassuring her with his touch as she digested this information.

<< she stopped, holding up her hand for silence from BOTH of them as she took a few moments to compose herself again. She finally exhales, opening her eyes and looking at Karen with a calmer expression.>>

Delilah, I have been very sad, DISAPPOINTED in your choice to ignore ME. I have MISSED you more than you know. If you didn't know before, I want you to know now that I agonized over not being able to help you the way you needed or WANTED me to. No mother likes to be powerless to help her daughter, and no matter what, you are STILL like a daughter to me.

Michael, let me relieve you of that burden. I'll need you with me.

<< She looks at Michael, and twitches her nose, that distinct xylophone "twinkling" sound that Delilah and Morgan heard growing up whenever she twitched her nose is heard, as she magicks the shopping bag full of items from the shop out of Michael's arms and to her guest suite at the parthenon. She then turns and gestures, extending her hand toward Michael's car. A rushing magick tone is heard as she sends THAT away too. looking at Delilah....>>

This must really be serious, because Doc sent to MIKE just as much as he sent away. Maddie is in her holster on his back and his battlesuit in now beneath his clothes with all of his other gear. Given her ambivalence towards these items, it is telling that she has outfitted him with them.

Delilah, did the right thing to find me. Jasmine Klein is not only my ....ex-husband's daughter, she's ALSO the half sister of BOTH my daughters. She had no family left here when she vanished through the siege. Therefore, I MUST see what I can do for her.

But before we leave, I want to say something to you.

<< she steps forward and looks Delilah in the eyes. A tense moment passes, and then, the doctor EMBRACES Delilah.>>

There's a better way for US to be, Delilah. Morgan and Blaze are my daughters, for all intents and purposes, so are YOU, and I don't want us to waste anymore time. Something could happen to either of us before we have a chance to find each other again, and I'm not going to wait for that to happen. I love you, Delilah.

<< She lets go, and steps back, taking Michael's hand in her's>>

We're ready when you are, Delilah.

Mike brings his goggles over his eyes and activates the heads up combat computer as he nods to Delilah in the affirmative, simultaneously squeezing Karen's hand to show her he is also ready.

 

[MorningStar]

Outside Bell, Book & Candle

I sometimes forget that you can hear EXCEPTIONALLY well, a result of your power.

It was clear from her tone that Karen didn’t like the fact that Delilah had overheard. As if she could HELP being able to hear them. She wasn’t Haleigh – she hadn’t BUGGED the shop so she could listen in for god’s sake. But Delilah’s defensiveness dispersed as Karen went on to describe the incident.

This evening, I was making my way to Bell, Book, and Candle to pick up some items to help myself. On the way, I was approached...accosted...by a mysterious woman. Her countenance was cold, her manner was impertinent. She said the most AWFUL things...things that she...She DID something to me...on a subtle, pervasive level, BYPASSING my normal defenses, and then she...ATTACKED me. By the time I was able to break free of whatever effect she had cast on me, and able to FIGHT BACK, she DISAPPEARED just as Michael had gotten here. I have no idea who she is...where she came from...or where she went. But...it's likely that she will be coming for me again. I've got to recover...and prepare myself.

“Oh my god, Karen, are you ALRIGHT?”

Delilah’s eyes darted around them, looking for monsters in the shadows.

“What did she look like? I wonder if the shop has surveillance out here…[looks around] Maybe that shop across the street…”

Her focus returned to Karen herself.

“And we’ve got to get you somewhere safe…”

But Karen interrupted her, asking why she was there. Guilting her for not speaking to her. Like mother, like daughter… But then Delilah caught herself: that was unfair.

Delilah, I have been very sad, DISAPPOINTED in your choice to ignore ME. I have MISSED you more than you know. If you didn't know before, I want you to know now that I agonized over not being able to help you the way you needed or WANTED me to. No mother likes to be powerless to help her daughter, and no matter what, you are STILL like a daughter to me.

Delilah shuffled her feet uncomfortably, feeling like a naughty child, and HATING feeling that way. She spoke quietly.

“I’ve…I’ve missed you too.”

Karen agreed to help, and Delilah moved to go when Karen stopped her.

But before we leave, I want to say something to you.

Delilah braced herself for a talking to. And she knew from past experience that Morgan Victoria was NOTHING in the call out department next to her mother. But then Karen did something that completely caught Delilah by surprise, so much that she froze, unable to react: she hugged her.

And after a moment, Delilah hugged her back. Settling into Karen’s embrace as if she were coming home. She closed her eyes, just taking in the feeling of love and acceptance only her foster mother could provide: the second best thing to it being her own mother there with her.

There's a better way for US to be, Delilah. Morgan and Blaze are my daughters, for all intents and purposes, so are YOU, and I don't want us to waste any more time. Something could happen to either of us before we have a chance to find each other again, and I'm not going to wait for that to happen. I love you, Delilah.

“I’m so sorry.”

Tears fell from Delilah’s blue eyes as she squeezed Karen tighter.

“I love you as if you were my own mother, Karen. That will never change, no matter what.”

Karen pulled back.

We're ready when you are, Delilah.

Delilah nodded, wiping her eyes. She raised her hands, spinning a tunnel of white light that would transport them all to Charope.