Frozen

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon New York - The Situation Room

Haleigh received the report from Mike and reviewed it as best she could while also keeping a watchful eye on CJ, Blaze and Jasmine, AND trying to be present for this conversation.

Delilah wasn't comfortable lying to Karen, but Haleigh just shrugged. It was worth a try, but she hadn't expected anyone except Cameron to really go for the idea. Cameron made a VERY good point, but was met with some resistance and diapproval by Vivica, Sharon, and Delilah. Haleigh just shook her head as they tried to convince him that he was being unfair. There was no WAY she was going to leave him hanging out to dry here, not when she felt THE SAME WAY, but she waited for them to finish speaking before she stepped in to back him up.

"Hold on WAIT, because the bitch just tried to kill us. And I'm not speaking figuratively here, I DO mean she attempted to ACTUALLY MURDER US, right in front of ALL of you, and the only reason Cameron didn't DIE FIVE MINUTES AGO was because there were enough people here to prevent that. How much COMPASSION do you really EXPECT from us right now? Not to fucking MENTION the fact that she was subjecting everyone in this entire building, and possibly MORE to FATAL environmental conditions. Now you're asking us to IGNORE what JUST happened? SHE WAS given a CHANCE, by Karen and Blaze, and she might as well have SPIT on them, the way she responded to that chance. Cameron and I didn't walk into this room with ill intentions. We were still on board to provide support to the people WE care about. When the people WE care about came under attack, we ADJUSTED to meet the circumstances. If that makes us the BAD GUYS, the SHARKS, then FINE, we're MONSTERS, both of us. But don't expect us to just accept Jasmine for the BITCH she is being because she's been through some shit. WE have been through some SHIT, OKAY? Neither of us just tried to freeze the whole fucking building because we were 'DONE' with her. And WE didn't FIRE until fired upon. I don't give a flying fuck what's been done to her. She is responsible for HER OWN ACTIONS, just like I'm responsible for mine. If it turns out she's under someone else's control, through WHATEVER means, I'll cut her some slack after the dust settles. But until THEN? I'm not giving her a SECOND of consideration, or an OUNCE of concern. My concern is for KAREN, who almost had a psychotic break. So let's discuss THAT."

Vivica: This hasn't been Karen's first outburst tonight. I'm sorry, but we need to look at the whole picture. She all but tried to murder Valkyrie in the infirmary over something so small and stupid, or at least..something that normally wouldn't ruffle her feathers.

Haleigh chuckled.

"I bet that was AWESOME to see. That flippant slut's LUCKY Karen didn't turn her into a TOILET BRUSH. Hey, can I see the playback?"

She asked with a smirk. Sharon seemed to agree that Valkyrie got served some just desserts, and tried to go a little further to defend Karen's actions. There was some discussion about Christopher Victory.

Zach: Yeah, I can verify what Sharon's saying. Karen is deeply distressed by this whole situation, and it seems to be amplified around any mention or presentation of her ex-husband.

Sure, that might fly for Karen's earlier outburst, but what about this LAST one? Her reaction had been way past overkill and it seemingly had no direct mention of Christopher. Haleigh began to wonder just how much effect the revelation of her blackouts was having on Karen. It drudged up a lot of old shit about Christopher, for one. Karen had been having bad dreams about him already. What if this was ALL stemming from that? What if KAREN had brought Jasmine back through some crazy black magic spell in order to help her DEAL with her guilt over all the daughters Christopher had brutalized?

It was something to consider. Another consideration weighing heavily on Haleigh was the decision whether to TELL the others about this. Karen had told Haleigh this in confidence, and instinctively Haleigh knew Karen wouldn't want it shared. Also, it would be difficult to explain WHY Karen had told her this without explaining that she'd been seeing Karen on a regular basis and that her 'sessions' with Karen ALSO related to Christopher.

Haleigh was saved from having to come up with something to say about it by Delilah's unrelenting assurance that nothing was even WRONG with Karen. Haleigh let the subject drop and they moved on to discussing whether or not they should involve Morgan. They finally seemed to agree on SOMETHING. Morgan was needed now. Even Delilah seemed okay with it. But Morgan hadn't been responsive to ANYONE lately.

"You would think Morgan would.... I don't know, sense a disturbance in the force or something, and just KNOW her mother needs her. Did she leave us a stepping disc or a spell to reach limbo or anything in her suite in the event of an EMERGENCY?"

 

[Orion]

The Parthenon New York - The Situation Room

Zizi: Orion, you mustn’t hesitate: use that if you need to. For her safety as well as the others’.

Uh, yeah, sure, easy for YOU to say. I don't even think I'll be able to get close enough....

He thought, trying to look for some kind of opening.

Sharon: Orion, continue using your empathic power, but keep your physical proximity AWAY from Shadow Weaver.

"Okay I like THAT idea WAY more!"

He replied, and assisted as best he could. It was a team effort to calm Karen down, but they were successful. Sharon was especially impressive. Mike carried Karen out, leaving them all to deal with a slightly less ornery Frost. Cass stepped in to mediate and showed a little spunk when Haleigh tried to delay them. As always, Haleigh seemed to know which battles to fight and which to concede because there were better options. As soon as the doors shut, Haleigh presented her idea of a 'better' option.

Haleigh: We should just KILL her and tell Karen it was all a horrible dream.

Zach sat down at the conference table next to Alycia, clearly dismayed by the suggestion. She wasn't even joking, that was the disturbing part. Zach didn't care for Jasmine or her attitude EITHER, but to KILL her? That was going a bit too far. It would be an execution, plain and simple. Zach could only condone killing in self defense, or in the defense of others, if the danger was IMMEDIATE. Otherwise they were crossing a line, and justification was shaky at best. He was certain Haleigh could talk many of them into it, because she was the QUEEN of obscure jutification. But it still didn't sit right with Zach. He was going to diplomatically debate the point, but Delilah vetoed the idea without negative judgment, saving him the trouble. Of COURSE Cameron had to make himself sound as macho as possible, totally agreeing with Haleigh saying shit like 'the only reason she's alive is BLAH BLAH BLAH....'

Haleigh: Alright, if we aren't going to get rid of her then at least tell me EVERYTHING. Something is obviously wrong with Karen. Recall noted a spike in vitals at the Infirmary. Obviously Frost triggered it, her extra special gift is pissing people off. But give us all the details you can so Cameron and I can figure out how to even address this problem.

Zach glanced over to his right, sharing a look of exasperation with her.

Oh, 'Cameron and I', is it now? You two a thing? I don't think 'Alycia and I' got the memo.

It might have seemed like a petty response, but anyone watching Cameron and Haleigh could see that they were birds of a feather. They backed each other's play, they shared meaningful looks, they seemed to each be acutely aware of and considerate towards the other. Zach recalled the night he and Alycia had gone to Lotus. He'd said then that Haleigh and Cameron were 'locked in each other's orbit'. The assessment seemed more and more true every day.

There was a lot of discussion about their situation, what had happened, what the root of the problem even was, and what they were going to do about it. Vivica gave a somewhat negative assessment of Karen's behavior at the Infirmary. Zach's expression indicated he didn't exactly AGREE with her, and Sharon spoke up in defense. He nodded as she made a couple of good points.

"Yeah, I can verify what Sharon's saying. Karen is deeply distressed by this whole situation, and it seems to be amplified around any mention or presentation of her ex-husband."

Delilah was CERTAIN that Karen wasn't an issue, but Zach knew those emotions were coming from SOMEWHERE and needed to be dealt with. The suggestion to contact Morgan was brought up. It seemed as good an idea as any. Zach began to wonder what involvement from here on out the BoP would have.

 

[Recall]

The Situation Room

Vivica's concerns about Karen were all but shut down. They weren't being rude or aggressive, they were simply being protective of somebody they cared about. That much Vivica understood. She could sympathize with what Karen must be going through at the moment, but she was a woman with a long standing history with a group of people that were less than savory characters. People she had known and been effected by long before The Six ever came around. There WAS some credence to the idea that somebody might seek out Karen for some kind of twisted revenge or to get back at any number of the allies she surrounded herself with. Vivica wasn't trying to be cold or uncaring, she was trying to be thorough.

Some of you are making it sound like the woman is INSANE.

She was ATTACKED this evening- we still don't know who it was that attacked her, and not even Michael was there to see exactly what happened. Not long after that, Delilah came to her with this sudden, unexpected emergency regarding Frost, another daughter of a man who abused and tried to murder her....TWICE...a man who drove her into HIDING.

"Well...that's part of my point, Sharon. I'm not saying we head to her suite and grill her..but it's not reaching to entertain the idea that whatever attacked her might also be a component of her emotional duress...and perhaps even responsible for the return of Jasmine Victory."

Can any of you, who has NOT been married , much less to a man who was apart of the POWER behind Mystech, and who left a legacy of violence and abuse for her AND all of his daughters, possibly understand what this must feel like for her?

The physical STRAIN and PRESSURE she is suffering from was apparent to ME when she arrived. Her Body's internal rhythms SCREAMED to me in the infirmary. That doesn't mean she's going insane. That simply mean's she's enduring more than any ONE person should have to, and if WE don't do what we can to shoulder than burden with her, it COULD lead to further complications...

[ she stopped short of saying "like Karen going insane." BUT it was in the back of her mind. Still, she wasn't THERE yet]

[ This "rang a bell" for Haleigh, who recalled what the doctor said about the strain she was feeling when they had their emergency session just several nights earlier!]

As Sharon spoke, Vivica noticed a sharp change in Haleigh as well. Haleigh was an easy person to remember, because she was fairly consistent. She had crafted a careful and cold demeanor that remained strong throughought the years, so when she made a face or was hit with a sudden amount of concern or something that shocked her, it was immediately visible to somebody like Recall. Vivica wasn't exactly sure what it was, but she was beginning to think there had been something of a personal development between Haleigh and Karen recently, something that might be worth investigating. She wouldn't mention it now of course, as every seemingly solid idea she had presented thus far had been shut down, but it was something to keep on the back burner.

As for the Infirmary incident, Vivica, Valkryie was not a victim. She was being the way she always is. a BITCH. Perhaps if she learned even the most BASIC idea of how to communicate with civility, she wouldn't have gotten that reaction. ZIZI may tolerate Ashley's cantankerous behavior, and the rest of us, out of respect for ZIZI, PUT UP with it, but that was NOT the time her to speak to Karen the way she did. You don't know what a person is going through, and someone like Valkyrie, who doesn't care how she comes across to anyone, was the WRONG person to be allowed to speak to Karen. If that were MY son on the table, and she'd talked to ME like that? I would've sent her to the MOON.

Let's just give Karen some SPACE, and let her REST. Michael is with her, Delilah and I will back him up and provide whatever protection necessary.

Vivica raised an amused eyebrow.

"Just so everybody is clear...I didn't mention the incident at the infirmary to paint Valkyrie as a victim or Karen as insane. I mentioned it because it is the second time in one night, through varying circumstances that Karen has lashed out with her powers. Some of you might not agree with me, but information is power. I notice patterns, I notice consistencies, and I wouldn't want any of us to ignore even the slightest implication and have it be the missing link we needed to explore..."

[ Vivica put her hands out, making a gesture indicating that she was "standing down"]

"But if you all think it's nothing, then let's move on. Sorry for mentioning it."

Isis rejected Oracle's call the first time, but it was because she, along with Mina Harker, were in agreement that something was "WRONG" with Jasmine. With Dominique and Mina in agreement, I think that Vivica's right that there's a magickal component here, and since Alison is not an option, Morgan will be the person to contact. And in the meantime, since Ruby seems to be making headway with Jasmine, and Blaze is with them...we must allow that to be the course of action, but we keep watch from a VARIETY of vantage points.

There's enough of us in this room that we CAN continue to work on solving the mystery of Frost's return, while also monitoring and if necessary, CONTAINING Jasmine. However she came to be here...now that she IS here, we can do something about it either way, but she DESERVES the same chance that Firebird, myself, and even YOU have been given, Cameron.

[She looks at Cameron and Haleigh, agreeing with Cameron on one of his points most definitely]

The time for Morgan being absent may have reached it's end now. If Isis, Mina and Recall are all pointing to some kind of MAGICK at work here, and with Alison not being an option, Spellbinder will be needed by her mother AND her sisters.

"That we can all agree on. We need Morgan..and soon."

"Hold on WAIT, because the bitch just tried to kill us. And I'm not speaking figuratively here, I DO mean she attempted to ACTUALLY MURDER US, right in front of ALL of you, and the only reason Cameron didn't DIE FIVE MINUTES AGO was because there were enough people here to prevent that. How much COMPASSION do you really EXPECT from us right now? Not to fucking MENTION the fact that she was subjecting everyone in this entire building, and possibly MORE to FATAL environmental conditions. Now you're asking us to IGNORE what JUST happened? SHE WAS given a CHANCE, by Karen and Blaze, and she might as well have SPIT on them, the way she responded to that chance. Cameron and I didn't walk into this room with ill intentions. We were still on board to provide support to the people WE care about. When the people WE care about came under attack, we ADJUSTED to meet the circumstances. If that makes us the BAD GUYS, the SHARKS, then FINE, we're MONSTERS, both of us. But don't expect us to just accept Jasmine for the BITCH she is being because she's been through some shit. WE have been through some SHIT, OKAY? Neither of us just tried to freeze the whole fucking building because we were 'DONE' with her. And WE didn't FIRE until fired upon. I don't give a flying fuck what's been done to her. She is responsible for HER OWN ACTIONS, just like I'm responsible for mine. If it turns out she's under someone else's control, through WHATEVER means, I'll cut her some slack after the dust settles. But until THEN? I'm not giving her a SECOND of consideration, or an OUNCE of concern. My concern is for KAREN, who almost had a psychotic break. So let's discuss THAT."

"I don't think Jasmine is anybody's favorite person...but if your concern is for Karen, then by proxy, it has to be for Jasmine as well. You know Karen or Blaze isn't going to let you harm Jasmine, and that they aren't going to stop trying to help her. The fact of the matter is that we know....nothing. Right now we are all just speedballing..trying to make sense out of something that doesn't make sense."

Haleigh: "You would think Morgan would...I don't know, sense a disturbance in the force or something, and just KNOW her mother needs her. Did she leave us a stepping disc or a spell to reach Limbo or anything in her suite in the event of an EMERGENCY?"

"That's another thing that worries me. I know for a fact that Morgan has been watching over everything, even in her absence. She reached out to me personally over something I was going through a few months ago. It doesn't make sense that Morgan would immediately be aware of something happening with her mother, let alone the reappearance of Jasmine."

Cameron: "Rampage would be the best suited to contact Morgan...and as absurd as it sounds...Tinkerbell could lead us to her or at the very least let us send a message...I might even be able to convince Dominique to lend a hand. It's a long shot, but I think if she knew how close to home this is hitting, she would help us out."

"While you attempt to make contact with Morgan, we can do reconnaissance work, perhaps head to Illustra, look for clues, reach out across the information world, see if anything pops up."

 

[Seer]

<< Meanwhile- Half a world away>>

<< After lunch, Harbinger, Persephone, Sybil, and Tachyon took a trip to the northern greek aegean islands to take in some sights, SHOPPING, music, dancing, and culture.>>

<< Persephone insured smooth, safe passage for the boat they traveled on across the waters, while Harbinger provided a subtle "boost" of speed with her telekinetic power. It was the first time Alison had arranged for such a trip for anyone from the six, or ANY visitor...not since she and Rampage had sent Bishop back to mainland greece at the end of the Black/Bianca caper. >>

<< For Persephone, it was like a "taste" of home...HER ORIGINAL home. Beside the "tourist attractions" in mainland Greece, like the parthenon or the acropolis, the northern aegean islands were one of the few places in the world that still held on to the beauty and traditions of antiquity in some way. >>

<< Alison joined in the fun activities, including the dancing. Hazel, Ava and Xavier were all experiencing a rather PROLONGED period of a much more mellow, easy going, and even OUTGOING Alison. But how long would it last? >>

<< After a few hours, much shopping and enjoyment, they returned, with an equally smooth and safe passage across the waters of the sea, back to Minerva's Aerie. The returned and settled in, with Alison advising them to meet her in the Great Room in a little while.>>

<< And now, the time had come for Xavier to face the moment that Hazel had advised him to be prepared for. He had enjoyed being a guest at Alison's aerie for several months now. He'd even had a VERY good time with Alison on a personal, intimate level. But he was not mean to stay here. >>

<< Still, Alison would not simply cast him out into the sea. He had a path, a DESTINY, and one of the reasons why Alison HAD him here was so that she could get a clear view of that and assure him that this was the right thing for him to do.>>

<< Now, Harbinger, Persephone, Sybil and Tachyon sat together in the Great Room.>>

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion- The Great Room

<< Xavier was seated in a large chair that was in front of the large fire place.>>

<< Alison was seated in a chair that was at his 6 0'clock, with Hazel at his 9 and Ava at his 3.>>

<< For a thinner skinned, less secure young man, it COULD be an intimidating thing to be in the presence of two witches and a goddess, but he has been treated well by the mistress of this mansion, and got on well with Hazel, as well as made a favorable impression with Ava since she arrived for her visit.>>

<< The trip by boat to the northern aegean islands was an unexpected but truly great time for all of them, but now the time had come to discuss a more serious matter.>>

Xavier, I've been fine with having you as my guest for this time. You made all the difference in helping me to rescue my brother and Ruby from Sister Mary Justice, and the Purifiers. You also helped Valkyrie and myself to remove the threat of the Nimrod from this timeline. It was only natural, and RIGHT that I repay you with some kind of consideration.

But....

<< A quick view of Hazel and Ava...>>

I've had other reasons for having you here as well.

<< And Alison was quite certain that HE may have thought those reasons were of a CARNAL nature.>>

We've had a few informal training sessions, to help you get a larger sense of the scope of your powers, and for me to get a better sense of the range of your knowledge of the arts arcane.

AND...

<< Leaning forward a bit>>

...for me to VIEW you, the time threads leading to/from you. Your past....your present...and your future. I would not have allowed you to stay here as long as I have, if I had not determined that you were not a threat, OR if I had determined that you couldn't be trusted.

I'm pleased to say that you passed, on both levels.

Still....you can't stay here.

You're not supposed to be here forever, you're needed elsewhere. Back in the states, New York city, to be exact.

You're accustomed to operating solo, and I can understand that. So can Hazel, and Ava for that matter. But we've all come to learn that there's times where we need to be apart of something beyond ourselves, be apart of a group or group effort. You got a taste of that during the purifiers caper.

One of the things you've been wondering about while you've been here is: "WHAT'S NEXT?" I know you've consulted with Hazel about it too.

Well...you're in luck, because being a PRECOG, I tend to have some INSIGHT into that sort of thing.

<< She winked at him and waved her hand dismissively in Ava's direction, ignoring her friend's not so subtle attempts to poke fun at this very moment>>

<< Clearing her throat! >>

AVA and I will be accompanying you to the states, to NYC, to meet with Zizi York, a.k.a. Oracle. I have "seen" your future, and it is with The Birds of Prey, the team that assisted the Six in stopping the Purifiers, and the nimrod. You will find it a most satisfying, educating, and adventurous dynamic for you to be apart of, and it will allow you to move forward in your destiny.

<< Alison had a smirk of her own, as Ava heard SHE was going to be accompanying her.>>

 

[Sybil]

A Beautiful Day...

<< Though the lunch was delicious and the conversation was fun, Hazel was definitely dying to get off the islands. A well traveled woman, she didn't like to stay in one place for very long. The idea of leaving the island to connect with local culture was exhilirating as the boat made waves towards the northern agean islands, Hazel was lost in the scenery and her own memories. She firmly believed that every witch at some point in her life to take a pilgrimage to this place. Even across pantheons, Greece was an area that still had the buzz of ancient and mystical energies, much like Egypt. There was so much to experience here, and so much to learn. It was a place that Hazel had escaped to often in her youth. Often with a devestatingly handsome, artistic man on her arm, she would spend weeks, even months, enjoying everything that the area had to offer. It was during these times that she felt the most centered, the most powerful. She was convinced that her thirst for all things beautiful had kept her as young and vivacious as she was, and though most of her life, she had been placed in a mother like role, due to her destiny as the keeper of earthbound witches, as the wind danced through her strawberry blonde hair, and the spray of the ocean kissed her face, she felt like a maiden. >>

<< Decked out in a classic white resort style ensemble, she followed her travel companions through the small and charming towns, shopping in unique boutiques that offered fashions and trinkets not available anywhere else in the world. Hazel took full advantage of the beautiful markets that offered the most naturally grown, most organic flora and fauna available, gathering them in her designer satchel for later use. As they meandered through the streets, free of any real purpose, they found themselves in the middle of a festival full of music and people and laughter. The hemlock from lunch had put her in a dancing move and while she wasn't in the business of cutting a rug as frequently as she used to be, even she found a handsome local, young and attractive greek man to sway with. After awhile, each of them seemed to drift off by themselves, each taking an interest in different things. Hazel found herself at a beautiful cliff side cafe, on the patio, sipping coffee with her drawing pad, something she took everywhere. One of Hazel's greatest gifts was her art, something that had a deep mystical connection to her destiny. The powers that be often spoke to her through her work, and it was through her art that she had seen that Verna Eckart would face Barbas, that Morgan Victoria would become Sorcerer Surpreme, and that Alison Marble was to come to her. She drew when she felt compelled, and after an exciting and relaxing, beautiful day spent with old and new company, Hazel felt a pull towards her pen. Staring out at the ocean waves crashing along the shoreline, she began to sketch gracefully and absent mindedly. She didn't control her hands in these instances, her power did. It drew what she needed to see and told her where she needed to go. Since The Blue Moon she had not felt this energized, but with that energy had come a clarity that there was an imbalance in the world. It was obvious that Morgan's absence was felt in the world, but there was something else.. >>

<< An hour or so later, Hazel had been lost deep in meditative thought, draw in by the beauty of the island around her. When she looked down at her drawing pad, she cocked a curious and worried glance. It was of a woman, standing alone, entrenched in shadow. There was a coldness about her, a lack of empathy that worried Hazel. Even though the woman was alone, Hazel's mystical senses told her that she had deep ties to this world, ones that had yet to be revealed. This woman was a witch..and a powerful one, one that connected to people that she knew. Looking down towards the bottom corner of the page, her eyes widened in horror. >>

"Goddess...NO.."

<< It was Christopher Victory, just as she remembered him. His cold, calculated, sociopathic smile creeping back at her, almost beckoning her to him with his pervasive nature. Hazel had been good friends with Karen's mother, had helped her fight back Barbas, and had sometimes acted as a surrogate aunt for Karen from time to time. Karen was a beautiful girl and powerful just like her mother, and also had her own place in destiny. When Verna died, Hazel tried to be a quiet and gentle hand, nudging her along. Her marriage to Christopher Victory was a failure on Hazel's fault as much as it was Karen's, but Karen was young and in love. She couldn't be stopped when she made her mind up about something, but it was still a bitter pill to swallow. >>

"Karen..."

<< The drawing began to piece itself together, the charcoal blending and swirling to paint a more complete picture. There was a woman, someone with ties to the likes of Christopher Victory, but deeply enshrouded in shadow. She's been hidden for quite some time, and she is about to make herself known. Hazel dropped her charcoal in her hand as she came to the realization. >>

"She's going after Karen."

<< Hazel felt a conflict of interest. The paths of earthbound witches were hers to watch over. This was her mantle and her path in life. Ororo had informed her of the dream event that Alison and members of The Six had faced, thanks to the deep connection they shared, and Alison had shared the fall out and new understanding that had come from the event. She could not...and she would not burden Alison with this. However, this was not something to be played with. Whoever this woman was, whatever she represented...it was long lasting and painful, and not just for Karen. For all of them. She knew what she needed to do, but she also didn't want to ruin what a beautiful day the four of them had experienced. She would go when the time was right. Before long, the group returned to Aerie. It was time for Alison to do HER work..to guide Xavier where he needed to go. Hazel would see to it that everything remained on course for as long as possible. >>

<< She listened as Alison spoke to Xavier about his path, and she was quite amused. >>

"My my...so many "reasons" she had to show the poor boy her naked body. I knew she was "studying" him, but I definitely thought it was for more...delicious reasons."

<< Clearing her throat! >>

AVA and I will be accompanying you to the states, to NYC, to meet with Zizi York, a.k.a. Oracle. I have "seen" your future, and it is with The Birds of Prey, the team that assisted the Six in stopping the Purifiers, and the nimrod. You will find it a most satisfying, educating, and adventurous dynamic for you to be apart of, and it will allow you to move forward in your destiny.

<< Alison had a smirk of her own, as Ava heard SHE was going to be accompanying her.>>

<< Hazel's face remained completely calm as Alison announced that herself, Ava and Xavier were to head to New York City. This meant that she had less time than she thought. The powers that be seemed to realize this too as her mystical familiar, Apollo appeared by her side in a swirl of white orbs. Apollo was not so much of a fox was he was a mystical entity with great power who had a deep love and respect for Hazel, and the feeling was returned. Hazel would claim no ownership to any animal, but Apollo had been by her side for many years. Able to access magick and walk between the planes, he had even been known to be found napping in the Gardens of Limbo. A curious creature, he had taught her a great deal about magick even in his silence, and if he was here, it meant that her presence was being requested...elsewhere. >>

"Well, Xavier..it appears your questions have answers. New York City may not be an aboriginal village, but it's got a lot of character. And you'll be closer to people like you, with the same ideas. Quite a good situation, actually. Tell me, Alison..when do you plan to leave for New York? I'd like to prepare myself for being left completely alone on an island without so much as a HINT of eye candy..."

<< She smirked. A bright and bubbly, yet measured response. She needed to see how much time she had. >>

 

[Persephone]

It was a gorgeous day in Greece spent shopping and eating at all of her favorite spots. The entire group got to enjoy the local culture and spirit of her beautiful country, but unfortunately it was short lived. They headed back to Minerva's to get down to the business of Xavier and what exactly his 'destiny' was. He had helped The Six and Birds of Prey during the Purifier incident, but since then he had stayed with Alison as her guest. But now, as Alison had told Ava before, his time at Minerva's was coming to an end.

Sitting by the fireplace, Ava sipped her mug of coffee as Alison spoke to Xavier.

Alison: One of the things you've been wondering about while you've been here is: "WHAT'S NEXT?" I know you've consulted with Hazel about it too. Well...you're in luck, because being a PRECOG, I tend to have some INSIGHT into that sort of thing.

Ava choked back a laugh.

[playfully] "Cuuuute."

Ava smiled in amusement as Alison cleared her throat dismissing her teasing.

Alison: AVA and I will be accompanying you to the states, to NYC, to meet with Zizi York, a.k.a. Oracle.

"Oh really? Does AVA know about this?"

Giving Alison a what the hell look, she let the precog continue explaining what's in store for Xavier as she peered across the rim of her mug at Alison.

Hazel: Well, Xavier..it appears your questions have answers. New York City may not be an aboriginal village, but it's got a lot of character. And you'll be closer to people like you, with the same ideas. Quite a good situation, actually.

As Hazel was addressing Xavier, Ava stood with a forced smile and casually walked over to Alison.

Hazel: Tell me, Alison..when do you plan to leave for New York? I'd like to prepare myself for being left completely alone on an island without so much as a HINT of eye candy...

"She'll give you that answer in just a sec Hazel. If you'd excuse us."

Ava smiled at Hazel as she PULLED Alison by the arm a few feet away from both Hazel and Xavier. She then PUNCHED her in the arm for good messure. She could see the smirk on Alison's face.

"Oh don't you smirk at me you all seeing ass. What the fuck!"

Keeping her voice to a moderate whisper.

"You know I came here because of....stuff...and you're dealing with stuff...so can't we just drop the kid off on their door step and come back and deal with our stuff together? And drink?"

Had Ava known what was happening with the six and birds of prey, she would have been long gone hours ago. But to her knowledge, everything was fine. She would have heard from Haleigh or Cameron....or ALISON would have told her for that matter, if something was wrong. But because of her lack of knowledge, she wanted to stay at Minerva's for a few more nights and enjoy her mini vacation.

 

[Tachyon]

Once could do far worse than a refreshing light lunch and a trip to Greece with 3 pretty ladies. Flirting occurred, shopping and exploration was had in abundance, and he did manage to even get a dance out of Hazel! But alas, good things, all things end and they came back to Aerie where Alison then proceeded to seat him facing the three of them and mix a very serious conversation with sexual innuendo and double entendre, to the delight of her so-called 'friends'.

At times like this, you let the lady talk. And you stare and smile and make her as uncomfortable as you can while taking in the message. And the message was clear. She saw his future and it was with the Birds of Prey in New York City. And she and Ava planned to take him there, introduce him to everyone and, if he were lucky, Alison would see him off with something to remember her by.

He nodded and let her finish.

"Well, Xavier..it appears your questions have answers. New York City may not be an aboriginal village, but it's got a lot of character. And you'll be closer to people like you, with the same ideas. Quite a good situation, actually. Tell me, Alison..when do you plan to leave for New York? I'd like to prepare myself for being left completely alone on an island without so much as a HINT of eye candy..."

He smiled at Hazel as he replied.

A very good question. I am comfortable with having my itinerary issued to me by beautiful women, and I am fine with large cities and smacking bad guys who want to have a go, but I would like to know what timetable we are working on. I was actually hoping to study a bit more. Unless I am welcome to visit, at which point I can simply have a jog by when I am ready. I promise to call first.

Xavier smiled a devilish grin as he sat back, watching Alison and Ava walk off to one side to chat, leaving him with Hazel. He pulled his chair closer and leaned in, speaking in a low tone with a gleam in his eye.

I appreciate your counsel today and your company over the past days. I certainly hope that you will not manage to be a stranger moving forward as I go do whatever the bloody hell it is I will be doing. I am curious to speak with you more at length about herbs and their properties, arcane and mundane. Also, I'll miss you. So consider this an invitation to darken my door at your leisure. I promise to never be boring. I MIGHT even be exciting JUST for you.

Xavier squeezed hazel's hand quickly as he laughed, amused by it all and actually excited to get going. There was a lot to like about spending your days convincing an irritable witch to do naughty things, but all good things end at some point and he felt that he had something to look forward to, even if it was a little dangerous.

 

[Harbinger]

Minvera's Mansion- The Great Room

Ava choked back a laugh.

[playfully] "Cuuuute."

Ava smiled in amusement as Alison cleared her throat dismissing her teasing.

Alison: AVA and I will be accompanying you to the states, to NYC, to meet with Zizi York, a.k.a. Oracle.

"Oh really? Does AVA know about this?"

Giving Alison a what the hell look, she let the precog continue explaining what's in store for Xavier as she peered across the rim of her mug at Alison.

"Well, Xavier..it appears your questions have answers. New York City may not be an aboriginal village, but it's got a lot of character. And you'll be closer to people like you, with the same ideas. Quite a good situation, actually. Tell me, Alison..when do you plan to leave for New York? I'd like to prepare myself for being left completely alone on an island without so much as a HINT of eye candy..."

A very good question. I am comfortable with having my itinerary issued to me by beautiful women, and I am fine with large cities and smacking bad guys who want to have a go, but I would like to know what timetable we are working on. I was actually hoping to study a bit more. Unless I am welcome to visit, at which point I can simply have a jog by when I am ready. I promise to call first.

:: Hazel was very encouraging of Xavier, and he clearly got on well with her. Ever the charmer.::

:: But before Alison could reply to her...:

"Oh don't you smirk at me you all seeing ass. What the fuck!"

Keeping her voice to a moderate whisper.

"You know I came here because of....stuff...and you're dealing with stuff...so can't we just drop the kid off on their door step and come back and deal with our stuff together? And drink?"

Oh calm down scarlett o'cassadine! This is happening JUST as it's supposed to!

:: She said, keeping her tone equally as lowas she held on to Ava's arm::

We'll have our time to discuss...AND drink. We just have to see Xavier off to Oracle's clocktower first.

:: She did take a small bit of satisfaction at Ava's expense regarding the SURPRISE of this little trip. But it seemed that Ava was not the only one concerned about the timing of it all. Alison cast a quick glance at Hazel, who was conversing with Xavier, then back to Ava. Alison, at the moment, was not immediately aware of what was going on in the Parthenon either, mainly because she had chosen not to focus on anyone in the building. there was also the fact (unknown to HER at this time) that she COULDN'T yet sense the presense and movement of an ADVERSARY that held great personal significance to HER! If she could, it would change EVERYTHING starting now!::

:: But for the moment, things WERE happening the way they were supposed to.::

Just work with me here, Ava. Need I remind you that you owe me...FOREVER...for my academy award worthy performance as ENDORA on Olympus?

:: She winks as she nudges Ava::

Now, come on.

:: Back to the others::

Hazel, we're actually going to be leaving within the hour, but it'll be a short trip. I foresee no problems with communication or transition for Xavier.

:: Looking at Xavier and smiling::

And you're going to be exactly where you need to be. Your success is assured.

And yes, you'll be allowed to visit.

:: The mansion had his profile and biometrics on file now, and Alison had adjusted protocols to account for his abilities....IN CASE he ever became a ROGUE. Michael Armstrong would have a report regarding Xavier to review as well.

Just make sure you CALL before you come breezing through?

:: looking at him knowingly::

 

[Sybil]

A Walk In The Garden...

:: Back to the others::

"Hazel, we're actually going to be leaving within the hour, but it'll be a short trip. I foresee no problems with communication or transition for Xavier."

:: Looking at Xavier and smiling::

"And you're going to be exactly where you need to be. Your success is assured."

"And yes, you'll be allowed to visit."

:: The mansion had his profile and biometrics on file now, and Alison had adjusted protocols to account for his abilities....IN CASE he ever became a ROGUE. Michael Armstrong would have a report regarding Xavier to review as well.

"Just make sure you CALL before you come breezing through?"

:: looking at him knowingly::

<< She didn't have as much time as she thought. If she didn't move quickly, Alison might find herself in a situation that she would not be prepared for, at least not mentally or emotionally. Hazel stood, stroking Apollo on the top of the head as she embraced Alison and the others in a warm hug. >>

"Well then..As always, travel safely..and Xavier."

<< Hazel took his hand and smiled warmly. >>

"Don't be a stranger."

[to Ava]

"It's been a great pleasure, Ava. When we have more time, I'd love to hear the stories you have to tell. Now if you'll excuse me, I think the excitement of the day has taken a bit of toll on me. I'm going to retire to my quarters. When you return, I'd love to take a night walk through the island. There's still so much to this place I have yet to see.."

<< With that Hazel made her exit and began to walk through the halls. One of the benefits of being advanced in age was that people always thought you were sweet and tired. She used that to her advantage now, as quite the opposite was true. She was a tad bit frantic learning that Alison was planning to return stateside so quickly. It complicated things. Apollo walked by her side, his luminous and majestic tails flowing behind him almost as if they were composed of spectral energy. PASSING her room, Hazel walked out of one of the arched doorways, down the steps and into nature, as Apollo guided her to where she needed to go. Part of her familiar's power was his unique ability to travel vast distances, across time and space, through timelines and realities that many, even among The Six had not seen. It was how they had found each other. Apollo took the lead now, walking deep into the jungles of the island, every step, the flora and fauna seemed to fade around her. Deeper and deeper they walked, before the loud sounds of nature around them began to stop altogether. There was only blackness and the faint hum of a mystical energy. They were no longer on Aerie, they were no longer anywhere, they were in the void, the place between worlds. A faint silver outline shined around both Apollo and Hazel as they continued to walk for what seemed like a great period of time, but where they were going, time didn't move in the same way. Before much longer, the sounds of nature continued, as well as the roaring crack of thunder in the distance. Soon, the cracks of branches and twigs could be heard underneath her feet as the environment around her became a bit lighter and lighter. The view around her was breathtaking, far more beautiful than any jungle she had ever been in, any forest. This was the manifestation of the raw power of nature itself...and she had a date with the woman who created it. >>

<< Stepping out of the brush, Hazel and Apollo found themselves in the beautiful and bizarre, powerful dimension of Limbo, specifically in the Garden of Ororo. For as long as Apollo had been by her side, she never ceased to be amazed at his power, and his mysterious origins made him all the more intriguing. The mystical fox took off in front of her, running, almost frolicking around as Hazel made her way past various beautiful plants, and the stone statue of Alexis Quartermaine, before finding herself in the outside "patio" area where Ororo would often sit in meditation or relaxation. Before long, her hazel eyes were met with a wild and beautiful mane of stark white hair. This was Ororo...the goddess herself, the Keeper of The Six, a person she was intimately tied with. Apollo was in her lap, his own beautiful mane seeming to swirl with hers in a beautiful and wild manner as it swayed in the winds. Once again, a crack of thunder could be heard in the roarous purple sky. >>

"He's never that affectionate with me..."

<< She came to and hugged the woman warmly and deeply. It was clear these women had a deep history and had walked a long path together. >>

"You know I wouldn't intrude like this unless it was important...and I suspect you know why I'm here..."

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion- Executive Study

:: A short time later, Harbinger and Persephone, along with Tachyon, were in the Executive study.::

We'll take a scenic route from here to the Clock Tower.

:: It was a source of amusement that Zizi York owned and resided in such a nice piece of architecture that was "mid-tier" amongst all the buildings from brownstones, to skyscrapers in the city.::

:: If Alison had remained in NYC, she'd want to live a building like this for several reasons. But the road from Minerva's Mansion to the Clock Tower would be one that ONLY someone like Harbinger would have access to.::

:: She holds her Time Staff, pointing it toward the very large, sturdy looking, curiously designed grandfather clock in her study. The large pendulum begins to swing faster, as the hands on the face of the clock turn more quickly and move around faster.::

:: A mournful bell tolls as the grandfather clock glows and soon gives away to a portal. The temporal winds howl and whip, causing Alison and Ava's hair to begin flowing in the wind. Alison looks at Xavier.::

Your sense of time and space is already altered by your mutant power, but those sense will be turned upside down for a few moments as we pass through this temporal/spatial portal taking us from one side of the world, one time zone, to another.

Ready?

:: She smiles at him as she beckons him to follow her. She is the first to pass through space where the grandfather clock once stood, Xavier is second, followed by Ava.::

:: Sight, sound, space, and time bend and flow around them, it's like the dreamtime for those who are passengers in their own dream.::

:: How a person can retain enough sense of orientation to remain upright and put one foot in front of the other is beyond explanation in an environment like this, but Harbinger does so with ease because of her power, extending her perception around Xavier and Ava to allow them that buffer as well::

:: As they make their way along, it feels like they've walked for "a while" but in reality it was only mere MOMENTS before they found themselves now standing before the double doors to the Clocktower.::

I have to hand it to Oracle! She has EXCELLENT taste in real estate in this town.

:: Alison said with genuine approval of the Clocktower::

:: Seconds later, a "POP!" is heard by Oracle, as a pair of glowing colbalt blue eyes eyes opens up in front of her. It is one of the astral manifestations of Harbinger. Some, like Ava are accustomed to this manifestation. Others, like Valkyrie, are put off by it. But rather than be totally impolite, Harbinger decides to "call" first.::

Hello, Oracle.

I need to speak with you. I have someone that you need to meet.

 

[Ororo]

Limbo- Ororo's Garden Oasis

<< There was so much more to Sybil than meets the eye. More than anyone among the Six, even Alison and Karen, could know. But one thing was for certain, she was as powerful and connected as she was mysterious. The other thing that was certain was that she could be trusted by the Victoria family, going as far back as Verna- Karen's grandmother, and finally, she was a lifeline to Alison during her "hidden" years- somewhere along the way from when she first left home, till the time she connected with Karen and Morgan.>>

<< But for all her mystery, her awareness, and her power, she was still earthbound. No mere mortal, and few metahumans could even know of Limbo, much less attempt to access it, so how could SHE?>>

<< a lingering look at Apollo, her familiar, her guide.>>

<< Apollo manifested as a beautiful, majestic fox, composed of a firery, mystical energy, but Hazel never regarded him as/treated him as HER pet.>>

<< He favored and trusted her, but he belonged to no one. He belonged to no one, BUT he retained his sense, his MEMORY of where his awareness in his current form BEGAN.>>

Many occurrances of flora and fauna had been witnessed in the garden oasis, and all of them had been cared for by Ororo. Some where meant to remain, and move through their natural, intended life cycles, while others needed her help to progress to their ultimate destiny.

Many MOONS ago, in the Garden Oasis of the immortal weather witch Ororo, a beautiful bloom of ultra rare and exquisite FIRE LILIES had occurred in Ororo's garden. Ororo was aware of EVERY living thing in her garden, no matter what form it had, AND she could sense the potential for that life to EVOLVE. THAT was the case of this unique and CURIOUS bloom of fire lilies, which did not merely LOOK like fire, but also possessed an ENERGY and SENTIENCE about them. Ororo, during her time in Limbo, and ascension from weather manipulator, to magickal immortal weather goddess, had come to understand that life did not always end as it began, nor did it always remain in one form as it progressed. Her rapport with nature, and the creatures in her garden allowed her to know when to assist in evolvement or transition. The Fire Lily bloom was one such case.

<< Images of Ororo gesturing, conducing therapeutic and body transformation spells around the bloom, causing it to shimmer and glow >>

Ororo: Your beauty will not be lost in transition, it will simply grow with you. I sense the consciousness within you, a desire to move and be free! Creation is but the first step...let your desire to move and be free be shaped my spells, guided by my hand, and you will see it come to pass!

<< and with urging and guidance from Ororo and her spells, that bloom of fire lilies MOVED, TRANSFORMED, EVOLVED into the form of APOLLO, a beautiful, flowing creature that channeled energy from the Garden Oasis itself, making it...him a "CHILD" of Ororo's and FOREVER linked to this place, and thereby, directly to LIMBO.>>

<< Apollo would come and go, always able to find home from whereever, WHENEVER. And, much like the winged horses of asgard chose their valkyries, Apollo chose his companion in the form of Hazel Hawthorne. From this curious and ever growing bond, along with a set of circumstances, a story that will be revealed later, Apollo facilitated the discovery of Hazel Hawthorne by Ororo! This meeting formed a long standing, close personal friendship, one that was not unlike the exchanges of goodwill and support across pantheons throughout history. And THIS is how Hazel is now able to find her way TO Ororo! >>

<< Stepping out of the brush, Hazel and Apollo found themselves in the beautiful and bizarre, powerful dimension of Limbo, specifically in the Garden of Ororo. For as long as Apollo had been by her side, she never ceased to be amazed at his power, and his mysterious origins made him all the more intriguing. The mystical fox took off in front of her, running, almost frolicking around as Hazel made her way past various beautiful plants, and the stone statue of Alexis Quartermaine, before finding herself in the outside "patio" area where Ororo would often sit in meditation or relaxation. Before long, her hazel eyes were met with a wild and beautiful mane of stark white hair. This was Ororo...the goddess herself, the Keeper of The Six, a person she was intimately tied with. Apollo was in her lap, his own beautiful mane seeming to swirl with hers in a beautiful and wild manner as it swayed in the winds. Once again, a crack of thunder could be heard in the roarous purple sky. >>

"He's never that affectionate with me..."

Ororo gently pets Apollo before standing up to greet and hug her other visitor

Ororo: I have cared for him since he was a young kit, and BEFORE, in his ORIGINAL form. No matter how long he lives, and how far and wide he travels, he will always know where his nursery is. But he has certain chosen a most apt companion for his travels, hasn't he?

<< She came to and hugged the woman warmly and deeply. It was clear these women had a deep history and had walked a long path together. >>

"You know I wouldn't intrude like this unless it was important...and I suspect you know why I'm here..."

Shadow Weaver. But NOT just her.

Ororo said grimly as she seated herself herself once more, and offered Hazel a goblet of hemlock. The magickal concoction did not have the effect on Ororo as it did the far younger witches on earth.

Hazel, I'm glad you're here.

SOMETHING must be done, and I KNOW the approach you would rather take with her [NOT Karen]. I will not allow Karen OR Alison to be hurt. If you DON'T do something...then I WILL.

This wasn't a threat to HAZEL or a slight against her, but rather to the very REAL threat that was now present in The Six's timeline, and closing in on Shadow Weaver. Hazel knew where Ororo's duty was, and protecting Karen certainly fell within that scope. She ALSO knew that when Ororo was crossed, she could be quite implacable and DEADLY. Erika King was ONE prime example of what happens when Ororo was crossed.

 

[Sybil]

Limbo - Ororo's Garden

"Shadow Weaver. But NOT just her."

Ororo said grimly as she seated herself herself once more, and offered Hazel a goblet of hemlock. The magickal concoction did not have the effect on Ororo as it did the far younger witches on earth.

"Hazel, I'm glad you're here."

"SOMETHING must be done, and I KNOW the approach you would rather take with her [NOT Karen]. I will not allow Karen OR Alison to be hurt. If you DON'T do something...then I WILL."

This wasn't a threat to HAZEL or a slight against her, but rather to the very REAL threat that was now present in The Six's timeline, and closing in on Shadow Weaver. Hazel knew where Ororo's duty was, and protecting Karen certainly fell within that scope. She ALSO knew that when Ororo was crossed, she could be quite implacable and DEADLY. Erika King was ONE prime example of what happens when Ororo was crossed.

"I'm glad to be here, Ororo. And to see you..."

<< Hazel took a seat as Apollo ran off to explore the gardens he came from as she took a sip of the hemlock she was offered. It went down smoothly, as it always did. Circling her finger around the rim of the glass, listening to the beautiful hum that followed, the witch ran her fingers through her hair and away from her face as she stared at the goddess before her with a mix of revery and worry. >>

"I'm not sure it's that cut and dry this time..."

[sigh]

"My duty is not necessarily to The Six..it's by happy accident that women I hold very dear to my heart have been called to that destiny. My duty is to the earthbound witches, to guide them, to help them find their ultimate destiny, and trust me...I don't always agree with destiny..."

<< Looking out at the beautiful expansive gardens, she appeared lost in thought for a moment, before snapping back into reality, sighing deeply. >>

"This woman...in shadow, she has a purpose.."

<< Her normally bright and lilted voice was now a little bit deeper, more serious. Once she had realized who exactly this woman was...and saw the things that she was destined to do, a terrible feeling had washed over her soul, knowing that something like this might very well destroy Alison..and her brother..and those around them. >>

"The death of Kelly King was necessary. It was the bookend to a very dark and painful life. By way of my own power, I can still feel her spirit, unresolved...her potential unrealized. She gave birth to a trio of incredibly gifted children, and while her choices and actions were her own..there is a part of me that mourned her potential."

<< She quickly looked at Ororo intently. >>

"Please don't misunderstand that emotion. After what she did, she deserved her fate...but the journey to that fate was saddled with mental illness and psychosis. Part of Karen's journey was to help this woman, to counsel her...drive her from her husband, a simple man with no ambition...a man who dumped whatever bodies, human or otherwise into the Aqua Ring...and to remove her from the clutches of MysTech..so that she could give birth to Alison. She had a greater path...one of light and power, much like her daughter...and she could never reach it..."

<< Taking a sip of her hemlock. >>

"This new woman..she may not BE her...but by entering this timeline, she has become connected, in ways that she is not prepared for. She's a far better version of herself than I knew was possible and there is a chance for this woman to find redemption...to find her true...HIGHER purpose."

"She might never reach that potential. The Six might gun her down before asking any questions, but that would be a disservice to each of them. For as much as they think they've moved past the wounds she inflicted..we both know that Alison and Cameron still feel them to this day. Even Karen feels guilty for not being able to help. Knowing of her existence might break them at first...but it also stands to enhance them..to bring them together in a way they couldn't before... What's worse..."

[looking away, somberly]

"I feel very strongly that Alison needs to know this woman. Not as a friend or confidant or even an enemy...she just...NEEDS to experience this version of her mother. It has nothing to do with her destiny per say, it has everything to do with her soul. She's beginning to open herself up to Cameron, let him in like never before, but she isn't resolved. She is nowhere near HEALED from the things she's endured..."

"My conflict is obvious...I'm aware. That is why I am here...because there is a strong part of me that has half a mind to go to New York City, pull the woman from her bed and let Alison [gripping her fists] BLUDGEON her into oblivion!"

"But...that wouldn't do anything. That would be a WASTED opportunity for ALL of them."

[looking back at Ororo]

"Her attack on Karen is further BOILING my blood to the point that I know it's clouding my judgement. Ororo...I came to you because I need to know how we can work on this together...from opposite sides? Because...although this woman in shadow is a dire threat to them ALL....her true destiny calls to me...and I'm not sure I can ignore that."

 

[Ororo]

Limbo- Garden Oasis

"I'm not sure it's that cut and dry this time..."

[sigh]

"My duty is not necessarily to The Six..it's by happy accident that women I hold very dear to my heart have been called to that destiny. My duty is to the earthbound witches, to guide them, to help them find their ultimate destiny, and trust me...I don't always agree with destiny..."

<< Looking out at the beautiful expansive gardens, she appeared lost in thought for a moment, before snapping back into reality, sighing deeply. >>

"This woman...in shadow, she has a purpose.."

Ororo: Hazel!? It has been quite a LONG time since I have wondered if my ears "HEARD RIGHT."

She looked at Hazel as the weather around them reflected her spike in DISAPPROVAL, in the form of increased winds. After a few seconds, the calmed, as did Ororo.

<< Her normally bright and lilted voice was now a little bit deeper, more serious. Once she had realized who exactly this woman was...and saw the things that she was destined to do, a terrible feeling had washed over her soul, knowing that something like this might very well destroy Alison..and her brother..and those around them. >>

"The death of Kelly King was necessary. It was the bookend to a very dark and painful life. By way of my own power, I can still feel her spirit, unresolved...her potential unrealized. She gave birth to a trio of incredibly gifted children, and while her choices and actions were her own..there is a part of me that mourned her potential."

<< She quickly looked at Ororo intently. >>

Ororo stared at her in DISBELIEF. It was as if she'd planted a rose...and a WEED had popped up!

"Please don't misunderstand that emotion. After what she did, she deserved her fate...but the journey to that fate was saddled with mental illness and psychosis. Part of Karen's journey was to help this woman, to counsel her...drive her from her husband, a simple man with no ambition...a man who dumped whatever bodies, human or otherwise into the Aqua Ring...and to remove her from the clutches of MysTech..so that she could give birth to Alison. She had a greater path...one of light and power, much like her daughter...and she could never reach it..."

<< Taking a sip of her hemlock. >>

"This new woman..she may not BE her...but by entering this timeline, she has become connected, in ways that she is not prepared for. She's a far better version of herself than I knew was possible and there is a chance for this woman to find redemption...to find her true...HIGHER purpose."

Hazel...you're causing me GREAT concern. Some people cannot be rehabilitated. Some people do not DESERVE THE EFFORT.

"She might never reach that potential. The Six might gun her down before asking any questions, but that would be a disservice to each of them. For as much as they think they've moved past the wounds she inflicted..we both know that Alison and Cameron still feel them to this day. Even Karen feels guilty for not being able to help. Knowing of her existence might break them at first...but it also stands to enhance them..to bring them together in a way they couldn't before... What's worse..."

[looking away, somberly]

"I feel very strongly that Alison needs to know this woman. Not as a friend or confidant or even an enemy...she just...NEEDS to experience this version of her mother. It has nothing to do with her destiny per say, it has everything to do with her soul. She's beginning to open herself up to Cameron, let him in like never before, but she isn't resolved. She is nowhere near HEALED from the things she's endured..."

Ororo studied Hazel intently. Something was obviously troubling her. But truth be told, ORORO herself was troubled, and NOT just by what she was hearing now.

Hazel...do not forget WHY the Six EXIST. The vast and terrible power known as MYSTECH cast its shadow across the world, it's LEGACY STILL haunts the corners of the earth, and even now...the pieces of its remnants are shifting....MOVING...with every small inch of ground covered, propelled by the fact that ANY movement is better than being completely inert, propelled by the fact that it hasn't truly GONE AWAY, and like Barbas, it WILL return.

KELLY was part of that terrible power. ANY VERSION OF HER WILL BE THE SAME.

If those who are destined to stand against are NOT able to...what happens then!?

When you talk about the things that Harbinger or Prophet have endured to find their way to each other in a POST Kelly AND Erika world, Would you RISK the psyches, the LIVES of them OR the OTHER individuals destined to PROTECT that world, and the weak within it, from any reassurgance of that entity by arranging some...ill conceived...REUNION with this UNQUIET SPIRIT[The "woman in shadow]!?

Would you BETRAY your own legacy and invovlvement in preserving the earliest pieces of the FOUNDATION that made the Six possible? Your friendship with Verna Eckert, Helping her when she faced down and defeated Barbas during his last cycle, and helping her to protect Karen from mystech while she was pregnant with Morgan....OR helping ALISON regain a humanity she was almost ready to CAST ASIDE in order to becoming a living weapon?

"My conflict is obvious...I'm aware. That is why I am here...because there is a strong part of me that has half a mind to go to New York City, pull the woman from her bed and let Alison [gripping her fists] BLUDGEON her into oblivion!"

"But...that wouldn't do anything. That would be a WASTED opportunity for ALL of them."

[looking back at Ororo]

Ororo looked at Hazel with sympathy and concrern in her eyes

"Her attack on Karen is further BOILING my blood to the point that I know it's clouding my judgement. Ororo...I came to you because I need to know how we can work on this together...from opposite sides? Because...although this woman in shadow is a dire threat to them ALL....her true destiny calls to me...and I'm not sure I can ignore that."

It was now "dusk" around the garden oasis, and the shift that happens among all living things was unfolding aruond them as those that were active at night were starting to wake up, while those that slept and rested were closing down. the skies around the garden oasis turned as well, with the color slowly shifting. Ororo's facial expression began to soften as she sighed.

Forgive me. I have been rather hard on you, when you came to me for counsel, and for a plan of action, which was the RIGHT thing thing to do. I too have been troubled, as I have tried to stay my hand from the....personal affairs of Spellbinder, Harbinger, and MorningStar in particular. Though I recently offered them all a GENTLE urging and guidance toward reconciliation, AND provided MorningStar and Bishop with a much needed gift to calm their hearts, their very souls regarding their daughter Alexia Morgana.

Your delimma....it is not completely disconnected from the one I am watching...and that is, Spellbinder's continued ABSENCE from earth. She has had time to heal, recover, reflect and even reorient her thinking. her actions in the shared "dreamtime" event that I provided her and the others PROOVES that. But she hesitates to return. She has grown COMFORTABLE in LIMBO, something that was not the case for her before. While this IS her dimension, and anything OUTSIDE of my garden oasis REFLECTS her, she has always preferred to be on EARTH, among her dear friends, her mother, her SISTER, her lover...

But now, she grows distant from them. Her heart grows colder, as she substitutes POWER for humanity- that power was displayed quite spectacularly in the DREAMTIME event. I can't allow that to continue. She has her place in the Dark Trinity, and it is NOT "the Crone" position, which Darkchilde occupies.

As this era's sorceress supreme, Her ABSENCE from the earth has caused an IMBALANCE in the very structure of magicks on earth. It is THAT imbalance, which BEGAN with the Blue Moon, and has NOT been corrected SINCE she left the earth, that allowed this unquiet spirit...this "woman in shadow" as you call her (Ororo knows EXACTLY who she is, she knew from the moment she first became aware of her presence) to come here. She's NOT supposed to be here, Hazel. You know that as well as I do.

You ALSO know that what you hope for...is truly not possible. This woman has already alligned herself with Malice, and she has REPLACED Isis as the Black Queen in their group's "Sisterhood" and the "Inner Circle."

You and I...we ARE on opposite ends, not out of hostility, but merely out of strategic position, and that is as it should be. BUT even coming from two different points of entry in the same arena, the desired outcome is for us to arrive...to MEET at the same point of conclusion! Unfortunately, I CANNOT work in concert with you to "SAVE" this woman in shadow.

Her potential does NOT supercede the necessity of protecting the life of Shadow Weaver or Spellbinder, and by extension Harbinger and her brother.

If YOU can't contain her long enough for Karen to recover and have her JUSTICE , then I will HAVE to intervene.

You deserve a fair chance to TRY with her...

Reaching across the stone table, and taking Hazel's hand into her own

...but you ALSO must EXPECT to experience...the consequences of whatever action you take regarding her.

I would rather that NOT happen, Hazel.

I know that you are not BOUND to any one witch, but as I have told the OTHER witches and their friends/companions...look at the pieces and understand the pattern. You ARE tied to something that you cannot deny. YOU were apart of the foundation that helped the Six to dawn and RISE. If you do something to jeopardize that NOW, if you give too much of yourself to that woman...who is an emotional BLACK HOLE...you could set yourself BACK in ways that will take a veritable ETERNITY for you to gain ground from.

I have been where you are, but that was long ago...when I too had more of my humanity and was held by "earthbound" ideals and morals. I am no longer than person anymore, and that is why I am the guardian of the dark trinity.

Sighing as she sequeezes Hazel's hand and then lets go, Ororo sits back in her seat.

Even now, I know what you are thinking. You have always been unconventional. It has been one of your greatest advantages, but it has also left you in times of great peril, some of which I had to aid you in. I would NEVER change that, because...you reminded ME that FRIENDSHIP can't be "transcended" , even after all that I have been through, gained, lost, and REGAINED since I first set foot in this eldritch dimension.

I know you don't want to NEUTRALIZE this woman in shadow if it can at all be helped. I would be the one to do that if/when that becomes necessary. But you MUST divert her from her path toward Karen long enough to give Karen the chance she needs to FIGHT BACK. You CAN'T stop their confrontation, but you can...and SHOULD tip the scales.

Whether you like it or not...you ARE connected to Karen and her daughter, as well as Alison in a way that few others outside of US could be, and between that, and your friendship with Verna, you KNOW what you must do.

Just as I must now confront Morgan, and tell her that she MUST return to earth. Her absence is no longer a matter of recovery, it is now a source of liability and a threat to the earth that she is supposed to be PROTECTING.

Is there anything you need from me before you prepare to intercept HER [ the woman in shadow]?

 

[Sybil]

Limbo - Ororo's Garden

Hazel...do not forget WHY the Six EXIST. The vast and terrible power known as MYSTECH cast its shadow across the world, it's LEGACY STILL haunts the corners of the earth, and even now...the pieces of its remnants are shifting....MOVING...with every small inch of ground covered, propelled by the fact that ANY movement is better than being completely inert, propelled by the fact that it hasn't truly GONE AWAY, and like Barbas, it WILL return.

KELLY was part of that terrible power. ANY VERSION OF HER WILL BE THE SAME.

If those who are destined to stand against are NOT able to...what happens then!?

When you talk about the things that Harbinger or Prophet have endured to find their way to each other in a POST Kelly AND Erika world, Would you RISK the psyches, the LIVES of them OR the OTHER individuals destined to PROTECT that world, and the weak within it, from any reassurgance of that entity by arranging some...ill conceived...REUNION with this UNQUIET SPIRIT[The "woman in shadow]!?

Would you BETRAY your own legacy and invovlvement in preserving the earliest pieces of the FOUNDATION that made the Six possible? Your friendship with Verna Eckert, Helping her when she faced down and defeated Barbas during his last cycle, and helping her to protect Karen from mystech while she was pregnant with Morgan....OR helping ALISON regain a humanity she was almost ready to CAST ASIDE in order to becoming a living weapon?

"I understand the legacy of The Six. I know their importance in the world. But their destiny...their path...is not the only path. It's not the only way to get things done...we've seen this now with the Birds of Prey spreading their wings and learning to fly amongst their peers. I welcome your guidance, but you must understand that you operate outside of a place that is human...which is important...but I think we've seen...across all timelines that the reason this manifestion of The Six...the reason that they've survived...is because they've CLUNG to their humanity...they've embraced it. Years ago...I might have just agreed...and said that they should fight and destroy this entity..but now? Ororo...they've seen so much...they've experienced so much...and they've come to an understanding about nature and the energy of fate...of what it requires to do what they do..."

[sighing]

"There is no way in this reality that Cameron will let them destroy Kelly...and there is also no way that Alison will let herself destroy Kelly..knowing what it would do to Cameron. We are faced with an impasse. We've watched them for so long...we've each done the work to ensure that they embraced their destiny...and they have..my worry is...how much more is our interference overkill? At some point...we have to let them make their own decisions. They are...by all accounts our children...I have to believe that even though this would fracture them...that we've empowered them enough not to let it break them...and I have to believe in my heart of hearts...that Verna..that all of the people who've been lost since their inception would want them to find an answer that wasn't abject violence and maladaptive behavior..."

It was now "dusk" around the garden oasis, and the shift that happens among all living things was unfolding aruond them as those that were active at night were starting to wake up, while those that slept and rested were closing down. the skies around the garden oasis turned as well, with the color slowly shifting. Ororo's facial expression began to soften as she sighed.

Forgive me. I have been rather hard on you, when you came to me for counsel, and for a plan of action, which was the RIGHT thing thing to do. I too have been troubled, as I have tried to stay my hand from the....personal affairs of Spellbinder, Harbinger, and MorningStar in particular. Though I recently offered them all a GENTLE urging and guidance toward reconciliation, AND provided MorningStar and Bishop with a much needed gift to calm their hearts, their very souls regarding their daughter Alexia Morgana.

Your delimma....it is not completely disconnected from the one I am watching...and that is, Spellbinder's continued ABSENCE from earth. She has had time to heal, recover, reflect and even reorient her thinking. her actions in the shared "dreamtime" event that I provided her and the others PROOVES that. But she hesitates to return. She has grown COMFORTABLE in LIMBO, something that was not the case for her before. While this IS her dimension, and anything OUTSIDE of my garden oasis REFLECTS her, she has always preferred to be on EARTH, among her dear friends, her mother, her SISTER, her lover...

But now, she grows distant from them. Her heart grows colder, as she substitutes POWER for humanity- that power was displayed quite spectacularly in the DREAMTIME event. I can't allow that to continue. She has her place in the Dark Trinity, and it is NOT "the Crone" position, which Darkchilde occupies.

As this era's sorceress supreme, Her ABSENCE from the earth has caused an IMBALANCE in the very structure of magicks on earth. It is THAT imbalance, which BEGAN with the Blue Moon, and has NOT been corrected SINCE she left the earth, that allowed this unquiet spirit...this "woman in shadow" as you call her (Ororo knows EXACTLY who she is, she knew from the moment she first became aware of her presence) to come here. She's NOT supposed to be here, Hazel. You know that as well as I do.

You ALSO know that what you hope for...is truly not possible. This woman has already alligned herself with Malice, and she has REPLACED Isis as the Black Queen in their group's "Sisterhood" and the "Inner Circle."

You and I...we ARE on opposite ends, not out of hostility, but merely out of strategic position, and that is as it should be. BUT even coming from two different points of entry in the same arena, the desired outcome is for us to arrive...to MEET at the same point of conclusion! Unfortunately, I CANNOT work in concert with you to "SAVE" this woman in shadow.

Her potential does NOT supercede the necessity of protecting the life of Shadow Weaver or Spellbinder, and by extension Harbinger and her brother.

If YOU can't contain her long enough for Karen to recover and have her JUSTICE , then I will HAVE to intervene.

You deserve a fair chance to TRY with her...

Reaching across the stone table, and taking Hazel's hand into her own

...but you ALSO must EXPECT to experience...the consequences of whatever action you take regarding her.

I would rather that NOT happen, Hazel.

I know that you are not BOUND to any one witch, but as I have told the OTHER witches and their friends/companions...look at the pieces and understand the pattern. You ARE tied to something that you cannot deny. YOU were apart of the foundation that helped the Six to dawn and RISE. If you do something to jeopardize that NOW, if you give too much of yourself to that woman...who is an emotional BLACK HOLE...you could set yourself BACK in ways that will take a veritable ETERNITY for you to gain ground from.

I have been where you are, but that was long ago...when I too had more of my humanity and was held by "earthbound" ideals and morals. I am no longer than person anymore, and that is why I am the guardian of the dark trinity.

Sighing as she sequeezes Hazel's hand and then lets go, Ororo sits back in her seat.

Even mow, I know what you are thinking. You have always been unconventional. It has been one of your greatest advantages, but it has also left you in times of great peril, some of which I had to aid you in. I would NEVER change that, because...you reminded ME that FRIENDSHIP can't be "transcended" , even after all that I have been through, gained, lost, and REGAINED since I first set foot in this eldritch dimension.

I know you don't want to NEUTRALIZE this woman in shadow if it can at all be helped. I would be the one to do that if/when that becomes necessary. But you MUST divert her from her path toward Karen long enough to give Karen the chance she needs to FIGHT BACK. You CAN'T stop their confrontation, but you can...and SHOULD tip the scales.

Whether you like it or not...you ARE connected to Karen and her daughter, as well as Alison in a way that few others outside of US could be, and between that, and your friendship with Verna, you KNOW what you must do.

Just as I must now confront Morgan, and tell her that she MUST return to earth. Her absence is no longer a matter of recovery, it is now a source of liability and a threat to the earth that she is supposed to be PROTECTING.

Is there anything you need from me before you prepare to intercept HER [ the woman in shadow]?

"Ororo...you may think that she doesn't belong here...but to me, it's very clear that she does..."

[looking towards the sky as the wind blows around her strawberry blonde hair]

"I've known for quite some time now...that THIS [gesturing with her hands] is THE ultimate timeline. The strongest people...the strongest versions of all these personalities are finding their way here. THIS timeline is where the true battle between good and evil will be fought. Malice remained after her death...the strongest version of Kelly found her way here...FIREBIRD managed to stay here. The strongest version of ALL of them...they all live here now. This is where the ultimate battle will occur. She IS supposed to be here..because the march to darkness that is occuring here will reverberate throughout ALL time and space. It will be felt EVERYWHERE...and BECAUSE of The SIx...because of their very existence...it falls on my lap to protect and guide ALL earthbound witches involved..."

"I want very much to agree with you Ororo...that some people don't deserve help...and that they cannot be changed...but look at what you thought about Cameron...or someone like Haleigh. You felt so strongly that they would remain a thorn in your side forever..and here they are, leading the team...being beacons of strength in ways we never thought would manifest...it is in this effort that I can't at least TRY..."

"I know that this will likely fall on deaf ears. I know that I won't be able to save her. But I have to try. If there is one thing that the King children taught me..it's that giving up is for fools. That if you put your whole heart into something...there is always a chance..."

"I will always protect Karen, Alison and Morgan...and they know that...but I often wonder what my place in that is...how many times have I protected them from something that would move them along emotionally..."

[thinking for a moment]

"I think I know how to reach her [the woman in shadow]. I will ensure that Karen gets her chance, regardless...as a testament to my love for her...and you. Nothing will destroy these women while I am around, Ororo...I can most certainly promise you that...and your words have been of immeasurable worth to me...I just need you to know NOW..we might end up on the opposite side of things at the end of all of this...but I want you to know..I love you...I love them, and any failure on my part will be in an attempt to give my DAUGHTER (Alison) a clarity and peace of mind that she deserves..."

 

[Seer]

<< And So>>

NYC- The Parthenon

<< Cass has made some important headway with Frost, laying a fragile, but no less real bridge for communication and exchange between Frost and Firebird. Her courage, her moxy, her genuine motivation are leading her effort and it is paying off! Firebird lets Ruby lead and facilitate, and lets Frost hold the ball. When the ice elemental responds calmly and positively to Ruby, and even starts asking Blaze some questions, giving her a chance to answer, that's a sign of true progress.>>

<< Soon, the trio move to Ruby's luxury apartmentment. They sit together, with Blaze continuing to drink Eventually, the fire elemental leaves for a short moment, but returns, with framed pictures featuring MORGAN, particularly from the Parthenon Event just before the dawn of the Blue Moon. Frost is able to see that Morgan is INDEED alive, and better than ever. She's also able to see the apparent progress that Morgan and Cameron made, along with new additions to the team such as Nicolas. She sees a picture of Karen and Michael together, as well as a picture of Karen seated, with Morgan and Blaze standing on either side ofher. Blaze THEN procduces a picture, one of a precious FEW things she carried with her from OWN native timeline- it's the EXACT SAME shot of Karen with Morgan and Blaze, only in this one, FROST is apart of the shot! Karen seated, Morgan standing directly behind her, with Frost and Firebird on either side of Morgan! Blaze uses that moment to explain more to Jasmine about their dynamic in Blaze's native timeline, as well as what happened when Blaze first encountered Morgan and the "mainstreams." >>

<< The last picture that she shows Frost is the picture with Morgan, Cameron, Blaze, Nicolas, Dominique and Sally Spectra. >>

<< With Cass' careful and gentle priming, Jasmine was opened to not only ask questions, but LISTEN to the answers, AND receive a bit more information on certain things. But Blaze was careful to remember Karen's urging to keep things simple.>>

<< Something GOOD was happening, and Black Widow had to admit that as she watched and listened, so did Cameron. Vivica had been right, this WAS a Victory family matter, and it should be a source of pride for him that Cass was paying forward all the help and support HE had given HER in a moment that he could not possibly have been of any help in. Black Widow, along with Prophet, Orion, Charope and Vivica were monitoring the situation on multiple levels.>>

<< VIVICA was ALL that kept the other four from being distracted...by their OWN unusual and increasingly HEAVY dynamic, but the silent indicators of tension were there. Stolen glances (most by Haleigh or Cameron), Hard looks of disapproval (mostly from Alycia and Zach), the noticeable distances the couples kept between each other. Was another 4 way cat/dog fight brewing?! Yes indeed, there was a story HERE just as much as the one unfolding in Cass' apartment, but now was not the time for this one to be told.>>


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

Parthenon- Floor 92- V.I.P Clubhouse

<< Karen had awakened a little while ago, and wanted some air, and a glass of hemlock. Michael agreed to escort her to the VIP Clubhouse, and the took a reserved area outside on the large balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape at night. They were seated in lounge chairs, side by side, with michael's dire wolves laying nearby, looking calm and content as they enjoyed the heat from a nearby firepit, but always alert. Michael and Karen received table service and were soon having a drink together, with Karen opening up more to Michael about her nightmares, and that her anxiety stemmed from a very sensitive case she had taken on, and that Frost's sudden reappearance, impossible as it may seem, had something to do with it. Of course she couldn't tell Michael about the actual case, or who it involved, but it was clear that it was quite heavy.>>

<< Karen began discuss with Michael the implications of Frost's return. She secretly Was this all some how a subconscious manifestation of her dark magick? There'd been documented cases among the metahuman and magick circles about at least ONE OTHER magick user, a woman with mental health issues, from a troubled family who's power even allowed her to create facsimiles of CHILDREN that she, and others around her, believed were actually her REAL LIVE children. Once upon a time, it was merely a story, not anything KAREN could relate to. but what NOW!? Was FROST something OTHER than what she seemed? ANYTHING in their world was possible, BUT it was HIGHLY UNLIKELY....RIGHT?>>

<<If that WERE the case, then would this reinforce what that awful woman had said to her? What her OWN fears about one day "cracking up," after having helped so many others, come to pass!?>>

<< As she and Michael quietly talked, Michael reached over, and took her hand into his own. He was getting more in depth view of the Victory/Victoria family portrait, and how even a dead monster (Christopher) STILL cast a shadow over the lives and souls of some of this world's most powerful women. The woman in shadow was WRONG about ONE thing- Michael wouldn't shy away or shrink back, not after all they'd been through together, not after all the progress they'd MADE as individuals and as a couple.>>

<< Back INSIDE, the internior of the VIP CLUB HOUSE>>

<< Delilah and Sharon were seated together conversing over drinks.>>

<< They were "shadowing" Karen and Michael as a measure of precaution. Between the two of them, if another attack was made on Karen they would detect any sounds of distress, and SHOULD be able to detect any intruder AND stop him or her. SHOULD BE.>>

<< In this moment of relative calm, the sonic powerhouse and the light bringer a chance to discuss their shared memory of the "dreamtime" experience. Not just the memory, but the FEELING. Sharon and Delilah, along with Bishop and the Six, had journey to another place deep in space, and faced a foe truly out of this world. Delilah had become a STAR. The beauty of her TRIUMPH of Badiane was matched by the PAIN of her loss felt by the Six and Bishop, but surprisingly....THANKFULLY...it had all been a DREAM.>>

<< Still, even a DREAM is considered to be some facet of REALITY, and now, in this moment, Sharon and Delilah had a chance to talk abouto this. It was obvious that her relationship with Karen had improved, and not a moment too soon!>>

 

[MorningStar]

VIP Clubhouse

Delilah ran her finger absentmindedly through the condensation on the outside of her pint glass, before lifting it and taking a drink of beer. It bothered her to not be outside on the patio where she could SEE Karen. In her mind, she knew they would hear if anything happened but still…

“Are you sure we shouldn’t be out on the patio?”

She took another drink.

“After what we all just experienced…I don’t feel…there’s just something not right going on. And I don’t want that to hurt Karen…”

She set the glass down, looking concerned towards Sharon.

“Do you think what’s happening could be related to…the dream?”

 

[Silver Swan]

VIP Clubhouse

“Are you sure we shouldn’t be out on the patio?”

She took another drink.

“After what we all just experienced…I don’t feel…there’s just something not right going on. And I don’t want that to hurt Karen…”

She set the glass down, looking concerned towards Sharon.

[ Sharon enjoyed a drink, and a bowl of fresh cut fruits]

Karen doesn't know we're here, only Michael does.

We need to give them a measure of privacy, as they converse.

But don't worry. I am constantly scanning this entire floor with my sonar. You have perfect vision along the entire spectrum, we BOTH have enhanced hearing. There is precious LITTLE that will be able to avoid OUR methods of detection.

As awful as this sounds...I'm...HOPING that since you and I are apparently seeing the same things KAREN has been seeing (as confirmed by Vivica), that THIS TOO will help US to react immediately if something should happen.

“Do you think what’s happening could be related to…the dream?”

[Sharon returned Delilah's urgent gaze with a calmer, reassuring look in her silver eyes]

I don't think so, Delilah. Karen wasn't apart of it, and until Cameron and Nicolas informed her of it, she was not aware of what occurred.

That dream...seemed to be more about planting seeds, rather than causing distress, and judging from your renewed relationship with Karen, I'd say that it was working.

[ A moment, as Sharon notes the beautiful key pendant around Delilah's neck, the one that was found on her bed by Tinkerbell]

You remember what I said to you on the ship? How do you feel now, knowing what happened with you and Morgan, Alison...and the rest of the Six?

 

[Recall]

The Parthenon - Basement to VIP

:: It was clear that there was a disconnect among the group about what to do, but one thing was clear; they needed more information. As Sharon and Delilah left to go keep a closer eye on Michael and Karen, Vivica found herself left in a room with Alycia, Zach, Haleigh and Cameron. For a few moments, she spent her time doing just about everything she possibly could to not pay attention to the very obvious and thick tension. She checked her nails, pretended to scroll through her phone, fixed a few of her braids, but soon she had ran out of ideas. ::

"This is awkward. I'm leaving."

:: She stood up and made her way towards the ground level floors of The Parthenon, taking a moment to center herself as the elevator zoomed up with great speed. Part of her wanted to check on Blaze and Cassandra, to see how they were fairing with Jasmine, but she didn't want to impede on any progress that had (hopefully) been made. For right now, until a plan was devised and they knew that Karen was okay, she would find herself as a prisoner of The Parthenon. While there were definitely worse places in the world to be held prisoner, ones that she had even experienced herself during her time in the intelligence world, The Parthenon was often times a painful reminder of the person she used to be. But times like tonight had proven to her, that she wasn't that person anymore. She was something different altogether. As she zoomed passed the ground levels, she turned OFF the feed that she had been streaming to Oracle for a few moments. She would turn it back in a few minutes, but for now, she needed to take a moment for herself. ::

<< DING! >>

:: The elevator doors opened to the floor of the VIP Clubhouse. This was a definite welcome addition to The Parthenon, as the clubs and venues of the main floor often ended up being a media circus. They were fabulous for sure, but sometimes, in a city like New York, you just wanted to get a nice stiff drink and not be bothered. These floors were not able to be accessed by the general public and most people's room keys wouldn't allow them to go this high. Making her way past the host, she went outside to the patio and ordered an ice cold glass of white wine. Taking a few delicious moments to enjoy a taste of solitude and peace, she noticed Sharon and Delilah in the corner, inside of the club house. She let out a sigh as she began to livestream once again, realizing that if Sharon and Delilah needed to spring into action, Oracle might be able to get a jump on things. ::

"At least the scenery is relaxing and comfortable here. I used to have to do this in VANS...in the freezing cold, in the most obscure and dangerous places in Eastern Europe. And sometimes nothing even happened."

:: Vivica also began to survey the area around her, looking for anybody that might seek to do either of them harm. Who knows what was behind the return of Frost, but if it was part of a much larger heist, Vivica wanted to pursue every avenue. Was the cocktail waitress on the left side of the bar just inept, or was she sitting in wait, doing her own surveillance? Was the bartender charming patrons in the center of the clubhouse really a bartender? Was his skill level at the same level of the kind of bartenders that Cameron would hire for his venues? Or was he planted there? Waiting for a cue? These were the questions that people in intelligence asked themselves all the time, it was part of the training, to notice these things...to know your surroundings, to be aware...and that ability was something that Vivica had in spades. Outside of her passion for the arts, this was her happy place, this was where she felt powerful, that she had an edge. Sipping her wine, looking discreet, she continued to watch, to be alert, in a way that only she could. ::

 

[Arsenal]

From the Suite to the Balcony...

Doc awoke, and in complete world-beating powerful sorceress fashion, wanted hemlock and somewhere to get some air. She seemed better, even taking a bit of extra time to pet the Dire Wolves, who were otherwise all business and still very concerned about her. It was almost like they could see something he could not. So when they decided to go up to a balcony at the Clubhouse, he brought them along. Karen did not argue the decision at all, seemingly content to let him manage things for now.

And so they seated themselves at a balcony, Zeus and Apollo taking the fireplace closest. There they relaxed, allowing their natural charm to clear the area as they stayed attentive to their parents.

Karen was ready and willing to talk, to unburden herself somewhat. It had to be hell on her to keep the secrets of the team, to try to cobble them back together after everything, to manage to separate her own issues and feelings about what they disclosed form her own, and to manage her own past and feelings about it.

Doc was more than thoughtful; she was worried that maybe she created Frost from thin air with her Dark magic as part of some episode. If so, that was some next-level Twilight Zone shit. But he grasped her hand and told in no uncertain terms that he would stand by her and they would figure it all out. They continued to grasp hands as he checked a quick feed of the room behind him. Delilah and Sharon were in place and Vivica had made her way up as well.

I see you Recall....the more the merrier.

He put away his communicator and returned his gaze to Karen, kissing her hand he had captured.

We will whip this Doc. I don't know what THIS is yet, but I know that you are not helping yourself if you push yourself to the breaking point. That was my mistake. I should have cut this off earlier and gotten you to rest. And next time I will. And no arguing young lady! You can still get a spanking! In fact...maybe that is what you need!

Mike laughed out loud, his attempt at humor to try to break the tension she felt and make his point. It was a mark of their longstanding relationship that he could make such a joke; indeed, the Good Doctor had come to appreciate his physical strength VERY much! So she blushed a bit and smiled in spite of her troubles as they held hands and watched the night sky...