In your wildest dreams

[Seer]

And So

<< As Cass mourns her beloved friend Cece and clutches the momento that once adorned her own mother's neck, the psionic succubuss has time to look back and let the pain and sadness flow through her. She remembers what Sharon said: Emotions, good or bad, let us know we are ALIVE, and here she is, NOW with her new family and the rare chance to live that "life after life" that ONLY those among the six could understand. She lost her original family, but as the last remnant of her old lift left this world tonight, she knew that there would be a tommorow and that she wouldn't face it alone.>>

<< Ava returns to her floor and penthouse. It had been an eventual day AND evening, and even though whatever Cameron, Haleigh and Sharon were involved in had piqued her curiosity, it was not enough to lead her to investigate further. For now, she had time to herself and with the beautiful topaz ring Karen had given to her, she could now enjoy a peaceful SLEEP>>


<< Finally giving in to Blaze's peristence, Spellbinder teleports herself, Karen, Michael, Nicolas and Blaze from the Parthenon to Minerva's Aerie to see Alison, Hazel and incidently, Xavier.>>

<< The reunion expands as Karen and Hazel see each other for the first time in MANY years, while Alison and Morgan are finally reunited since the Blue Moon and Xavier gets to meet more of Alison's friends and Six family.>>
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<< Usually the sight of a loved one brings such joy and depth of emotion and while this held true for Morgan upon her return, there are times when the sight of a loved one can be something ELSE...FAR from a joyful thing. THAT is the case now for Delilah and Bishop, as the apparition of a slightly older Alexia has plagued them both.>>

<< Now gathered in Black Widow's penthouse- Silver Swan, Prophet and Bishop wait while Haleigh goes to retrieve Delilah. There was about to be another reunion, with NO cause for celebration. >>

<< Add to that, Haleigh has now become aware of some report of wide spread disappearence of children across parts of Europe. with little information that made SENSE, except the detail about a strange, ghostly "fairy girl" that was seen flying through the air and playing some sort of flute and a GIANT ship that flew through the air and looked like something out of CANDYLAND.>>


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<<Speaking of weird happenings, Back in Central Park>>

<< A little girl, now happily riding on a carousel, laughs with delight! the all the figures of the carousel mythological in design and the music is utterly hypnotic.>>

<< The ethereal little girl is on the VERY TOP of the caroursel, dancing/spinning around with it and she conducts the invisible, mysterious symphony as orbs of magick swirl around the carousel>>

Dream Faerie: Round and Round we go, NEVER to stop! There's no better place in this world but a DREAM! Isn't that right, Alexia?

<< Alexia happily agrees and the ride continues. The music reaches out and begins to call to OTHER children, who are sleeping in the night...>>

<<...and soon they begin to crawl out of their beds and are somehow able to leave their homes without their parents being the wiser. They wander out, with their eyes open, but a vacant stare on their faces, lulled and lead by the hypnotic music that the etheral girl plays as she spins and dances round on the top of the carousel.>>

<< Soon, some of the children arrive and the carousel slows to allow them all to climb aboard>>

Dream Faerie: Come along! There's plenty of room for EVERYONE!

<< Soon, the ride is spinning at a faster speed, with the children all laughing, squealing and some clapping their hands in delight! Alexia rides the most GRAND creature on the carusel, a beautiful mystical looking dragon!>>

 

[Black Widow]

Bishop: Nice poker face.

"Fucck you very much."

She shot back, resisting the urge to punch him in the throat. She had finally got him here, it wouldn't help if she kicked his ass NOW.

Bishop: Fine, but when Delilah finds out you involved him in [waves his hand] all this, it’s on you Red.

Bishop replied, as he made himself obnoxiously comfortable on Haleigh's sofa. Nicolas continued to challenge Haleigh's decision to bring Bishop in.

Haleigh looked at Nicolas, her eyebrows raised in surprise. Did he REALLY think she just picked Bishop up for shits and giggles? Why else would he be questioning her like this? Bishop continued to contribute to the problem. Haleigh was about to go terminator on them both. She was running out of patience for roadblocks.

Before she blew a gasket, Cameron swooped in with Sharon. They took over in the conversation standoff, giving Haleigh a much needed respite. They said everything Haleigh was about to say, but in a much calmer tone than she'd planned on using.

Bishop: So. NOW can we get a move on with this or would you folks like to waste MORE time?

"Oh what do YOU know, your whole existence is a waste of time. Sharon, can you get in touch with Ororo? We need to check in on Alexia, I assume Cameron filled you in on WHY. I'm gonna go get Delilah."

She left before anybody else could show up or start arguing. Down the hall, past Blaze's apartment, where everyone was visiting with the newly returned Morgan, and then on past Ava's place as well, feeling a twinge of guilt again for being absent when her sister needed her. Hopefully Ava would understand, they had to take care of the kid crisis first.

Haleigh barged into Delilah's penthouse. She wasn't going to knock and give Delilah yet another chance to ignore her or wormhole away or tell her to fucck off. She didn't CARE if she walked in on Delilah snorting cocaine or blowing some dude or engaging in any other VH1 behind-the-music activities. This was more important. She walked right into Delilah's bedroom.

"ALRIGHT, Raggedy Andy, get the fucck out."

She started, then opened Delilah's closet, picked out something hot and tossed it at Delilah.

"Raggedy Ann, get dressed. We've got shit to do. You're definitely not gonna like it, but I DON'T FUCCKING CARE, because it'll get you what you want, so you'll have to find a way to make it work."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah's Suite to Haleigh's

"ALRIGHT, Raggedy Andy, get the fucck out."

Delilah was startled awake by HALEIGH standing in her bedroom. Andrew groaned and rolled over onto his stomach, his muffled voice not quite awake.

Andrew: “Delilah, the scary one is here and I think she’s trying to hit on me again.”

He picked his head up and looked at Haleigh with squinched up eyes not yet accustomed to the light.

Andrew: “Sorry - it’s the other scary one.”

“What the hell, Haleigh?! You’ve been spending too much time with Nicolas. It’s too early for this shit…”

"Raggedy Ann, get dressed. We've got shit to do. You're definitely not gonna like it, but I DON'T FUCCKING CARE, because it'll get you what you want, so you'll have to find a way to make it work."

Delilah rubbed her eyes.

“Okay Yoda, I’ll give you another shot at that sentence if you want. Maybe you could be a little more cryptic?”

Delilah sighed.

“I’m on too little sleep to argue with you right now, but this sure as hell had better be important. Andrew, go back to sleep.”

Andrew: “Thank you.”

Delilah got up and dressed in the clothes Haleigh threw at her.

“Want to tell me where we’re going? If this is some kind of Alison-Delilah make up session thing you can forget about it. I WILL shoot you first.”

They made their way down the hallway to Haleigh’s suite. Haleigh held the door and she moved past her into the apartment, where she saw that Cameron and Sharon were there already along with-

“You SON OF A BITCH!”

Delilah raised a glowing green hand into the air, ready to strike, her blue eyes, now green, shooting daggers at Bishop.

“I told you if you ever came near me again I would KILL you, so you had better get out of this room right now or so help me Cameron is going to have a very expensive time cleaning tiny pieces of you out of the carpet!”

And then to Haleigh and the others.

“What the hell IS this?! What were you all THINKING?! Somebody had better start talking right now.”

Bishop opened his mouth but she cut him off.

“YOU shut up. Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you where you stand?!”

Bishop: “I saw her too.”

Delilah froze. She lowered her hands to her side, and they stopped glowing. Her eyes faded back to blue.

“You saw her?”

 

[Bishop]

Haleigh's Fuck Pad

Sharon got prissy, but that was to be expected.

Bishop, You got the drop on me ONCE, when I had FIRST returned as the Silver Swan. That would NEVER happen again.

The Amazons have always spoken of the importance of having MERCY on the lesser, the WEAKER adversary. I keep that in mind EVERY time I look at you and it's the ONLY thing that keeps me from SNAPPING your frail body like the stem of a flower!

EVERYONE ELSE has been forever changed by the Blue Moon, but NOT YOU.

You're STILL the thoughtless, shortsighted FOOL that you always were. The ULTIMATE tragedy is that Delilah LOVED someone like you!

Smiling, Bishop hooked a thumb towards Sharon while facing the others.

“She loves me.”

And then Delilah entered the room, saw him, and was about to commit his murder for the second time. He stood up and faced her head on.

“You SON OF A BITCH!”

“Well, hello to you too, darlin’.”

“I told you if I ever saw you again I would KILL you, so you had better get out of this room right now or so help me Cameron is going to have a very expensive time cleaning pieces of you out of the carpet!”

His hands clasped behind his back, he sauntered by her, leaning in to her as he passed to say,

“Tell me, would you pay for my funeral this time around?”

Delilah: [through clenched teeth] “They wouldn’t find enough of you to BURY.”

Delilah was now PISSED at the others in addition to him. Once again, clearly, they hadn’t prepped her ahead of time. What was that they said about the definition of insanity? He couldn’t remember, but how dumb did you have to be to do that AGAIN?

“What the hell IS this?! What were you all THINKING?! Somebody had better start talking right now.”

“Listen Lilah…”

And then her fire was pointed back at him.

“YOU shut up. Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you where you stand?!”

“I saw her too.”

That got Delilah’s attention.

“You saw her?”

“Well, I mean, I saw whatever it was. Of course it’s not really HER, just one of your mutant compadres fucking with us. For one thing, our child is a baby and this was a girl-“

Delilah: “About 8 years old…with dark hair and blue eyes…?”

“Well, yeah – but that only proves that someone is using this to mess with us."

Then he pointed at Haleigh.

"And also, Red over here told Nicolas everything.”

Hey, every man for himself.

After a beat, he held up his hands.

“Alexia is in Limbo with Ororo, safe and sound - and an infant. And if the hee haw squad over here had just checked that out FIRST, it could have saved a lot of aggravation. So let’s get that over with so we can kill the person behind this little practical joke, and I can get back to removing scum from the planet and you people can get back to your press conferences or whatever it is you do.”

He was calm, unlike at least 75% of everyone else. There was no way he believed his daughter was now eight and hanging out in Central Park. Not a chance. And he was kind of disappointed that these people – supposedly such high and mighty mutants – seemed to think it was real. If he hadn’t questioned their sanity before, he sure as hell did now.

It was at this point in the conversation that HE walked in. The boy toy. This was the first time Bishop had seen him up close, since he had always had to be careful to keep enough distance so as not to be spotted.

And all of that calmness went out the window.

Andrew: “Delilah I just-“

Bishop was across the room in a heartbeat, and had PICKED Andrew up and slammed him against the nearest wall, holding him there by the neck.

“I don’t KNOW you son.”

How could Delilah be involved with such a pipsqueak? He could break this asshole in two.

"You show up in Delilah’s life at exactly the same time we start seeing our daughter around town. Very convenient, wouldn’t you say?”

Andrew: “For fuck’s sake, I thought they were having an intervention or something, I didn’t know it was about Alexia…”

Bishop slammed him against the wall again, tightening his grip around Andrew’s throat.

“How do YOU know my daughter’s name?! Did anyone CHECK THIS GUY OUT?!”

 

[Black Widow]

Andrew: Delilah, the scary one is here and I think she’s trying to hit on me again.

"The scary one?"

She asked dryly.

Andrew: Sorry - it’s the other scary one.

Delilah: What the hell, Haleigh?! You’ve been spending too much time with Nicolas. It’s too early for this shit…

"I've hardly spent ANY time with Nicolas, and it's not even THAT early, quit griping and come ON."

Delilah: Okay Yoda, I’ll give you another shot at that sentence if you want. Maybe you could be a little more cryptic?

"Hurry the fucck up, you must. ALL DAY, we have not."

Delilah: I’m on too little sleep to argue with you right now, but this sure as hell had better be important.

"Hell yeah it's important, have I EVER gotten you out of bed when it wasn't important?"

Delilah: Want to tell me where we’re going?

"My place."

Delilah: If this is some kind of Alison-Delilah make up session thing you can forget about it. I WILL shoot you first.

"WELL, it's not THAT....."

She said, opening her door. She considered mentioning that Bishop would be there..... but didn't think Delilah would set foot inside her apartment if she warned her first, so unfortunately, she had to surprise her with it. It didn't go well, to say the least.

Delilah: You SON OF A BITCH!

"Delilah, calm down......."

But there was no calming her right now. Delilah threatened to reduce Bishop to tiny pieces, and Haleigh almost wanted to see it happen, but she knew it wouldn't help.

Delilah: What the hell IS this?! What were you all THINKING?! Somebody had better start talking right now.

Bishop tried to start but Delilah shut him down quickly. Then he finally worked in the fact he had seen the girl too. THAT settled her a little, if they could just get her on the right path--

Bishop: And also, Red over here told Nicolas everything.

"You motherfuccking coward! You just threw me under the bus to shift her anger away from yourself! AND I DIDN'T EVEN TELL NIC SHIT!"

Andrew: “Delilah I just-“

The boy barely got the words out before Bishop was all over him, grabbing and shoving Andrew and basically just being a caveman. Haleigh wasn't really surprised. She had tried to keep him out of this on purpose, but it was too late now. Everyone in the room looked surprised, Haleigh just moved in to separate them.

Bishop: You show up in Delilah’s life at exactly the same time we start seeing our daughter around town. Very convenient, wouldn’t you say?

"Actually he's been fulfilling Delilah's needs for a couple of weeks now...."

She said as she approached Bishop, twisting the knife a little. It was good to see SOMETHING riled him. It was good to see him rattled. Finally that smugness was gone. Haleigh laid her hand on Bishop's bicep, a warning.

"Put the boy down, Bish. He's not a threat."

Andrew: For ****’s sake, I thought they were having an intervention or something, I didn’t know it was about Alexia…

Bishop shrugged Haleigh's grip, slamming Andrew again. Andrew started making noises, indicating that Bishop's group had gotten a bit TOO tight.

Bishop: How do YOU know my daughter’s name?! Did anyone CHECK THIS GUY OUT?!

Haleigh grabbed a fistful if Bishop's hair and pulled his head back, as she slid her hand quickly down Bishop's forearm, grasped his hand in hers and manipulated his thumb, releasing Andrew quickly. She pulled harder on his hair, bending him backwards until she could look down at him.

"If you can't keep your hands to yourself, I'll show you what strength REALLY is."

She promised, then dragged him by his hair back to the sofa where she shoved him into his side into an awkward sitting position. She didn't hurt him any more than he'd hurt Andrew.

"Everybody needs to calm the fucck down. We're all HERE to solve a problem, and if you can't act like a fuccking ADULT, the exit is right over THERE."

She said pointing to the door. She didn't have time for any more bullshit. She was receiving new reports of an alarming number of children being reported missing this morning..... under strange circumstances.

"Bishop doesn't think there IS a problem, but I've seen and been through TOO MUCH to believe it's all fairies and rainbows. If you two (Bishop and Delilah) are seeing Alexia, something's up. Either SHE is trying to tell you something, or someone ELSE is. Sharon, what have you got for me?"

 

[Orion]

Zach had the morning off, but that didn't exactly mean down time. He showed after his workout and put on jeans and a t-shirt. He pulled a baseball cap on and grabbed his sunglasses on his way out the door.

He stopped by a florist on his way to the Parthenon, picking up a very nice, very colorful orchid bouquet. She'd like these, even if she acted like she didn't.

A short drive and he tossed the keys to the valet. He greeted the young man by his first name and joked about the speed limiter in his Maserati. Then he took the elevator up to the private floor that housed the current residences for the Six. He walked past Haleigh's penthouse and knocked on Ava's door.

It had been a little over a week since the rooftop. He wanted to see how she was holding up, but he doubted she'd want to talk about it. That was okay too. The truth was, there was another reason he wanted to see Ava. He was hoping to talk to her about Haleigh.

She opened the door and he offered a semi-smile, presenting the flowers as an apology for the morning disturbance.

"So I saw these, and I felt that you just had to have them."

 

[Silver Swan]

The Parthenon- Haleigh's penthouse

[ She continued to eye Bishop with that cold, creepy stare of her's. ]

He's nothing but a hairy oaf with an over developed pituitary gland.

[ Sharon said to Cameron with a dismissive tone.]

[ A few moments later, Haleigh returns with Delilah. Delilah PROMPTLY flies into a rage, screaming at Bishop and DEMANDING answers from herself and Cameron as to why he was here. She hoped Haleigh and Cameron knew what they were doing, reopening wounds like this.]

[ Delilah calmed JUST a bit when Bishop revealed he had seen the apparition of Alexia as well, but almost immediately AFTER that? He sold Haleigh out. He did as easily as one breathes. Sharon 's face displayed a look of disapproval]

[ THEN, a scrawny looking young man peeked into the room, looking like a fawn in the woods. It was the neo-mutant, Andrew. Sharon had only seen him a few times since the cathedral, but it was widely known that he was Delilah's companion at this time. ]

[ Who let HIM in here!? Bishop was upon him almost immediately, moving with a speed that Sharon didn't think someone his size would have. She watched as he savaged the poor boy and considered intervening herself. She could easily overpower BOTH of them to pull them away from each other and she certainly wouldnt MIND having to throw Bishop across the room!]

“How do YOU know my daughter’s name?! Did anyone CHECK THIS GUY OUT?!”

THAT'S an ironic question, coming from YOU!

[ The idea that Bishop would question Andrew's background, wanting to know what danger he posed? When HE was the one who came into Delilah's life under a ruse, KNOWING that he planned to do and using HER to help achieve the goal of ruining the Six.]

He's no danger to Alexia, unlike YOU were to the Six and will ALWAYS be to Delilah!

Haleigh grabbed a fistful if Bishop's hair and pulled his head back, as she slid her hand quickly down Bishop's forearm, grasped his hand in hers and manipulated his thumb, releasing Andrew quickly. She pulled harder on his hair, bending him backwards until she could look down at him.


"If you can't keep your hands to yourself, I'll show you what strength REALLY is."


She promised, then dragged him by his hair back to the sofa where she shoved him into his side into an awkward sitting position. She didn't hurt him any more than he'd hurt Andrew.

[ Sharon couldn't help but smirk and she nodded her head once in satisfaction as she watched Haleigh bring Bishop to heel. Bishop seemed to forget he was in the presence of TWO women that had more than enough strength to humble him, while he was busy throwing his weight around against someone who didnt have the strength to directly overpower him.]

"Everybody needs to calm the fucck down. We're all HERE to solve a problem, and if you can't act like a fuccking ADULT, the exit is right over THERE."


She said pointing to the door. She didn't have time for any more bullshit. She was receiving new reports of an alarming number of children being reported missing this morning..... under strange circumstances.


"Bishop doesn't think there IS a problem, but I've seen and been through TOO MUCH to believe it's all fairies and rainbows. If you two (Bishop and Delilah) are seeing Alexia, something's up. Either SHE is trying to tell you something, or someone ELSE is. Sharon, what have you got for me?"

I've tried calling and broadcasting to Ororo on a variety of frequencies. She's not responding, which is unusual. She's responded to others outside of Morgan and Alison before. Either she won't because Alexia is still with her and she wants to keep her safe...or something's happened and she CAN'T.


Also...time passes differently in Limbo. What counts for MINUTES on earth could pass as YEARS in Limbo, the possibilities are endless. THAT might explain why this apparition of Alexia is appearing as a little girl rather than an infant.

There's something else.

[ Just as Haleigh mentioned reports of children across Europe disappearing]

For the last few moments, I've been hearing strange, but beautiful, inviting MUSIC, like something the... pied piper would be playing. The melodic elements and rhythmic tone of the music is designed to ENTICE and LULL. It's BROADCASTING on a frequency beyond normal/adult human range, but my enhanced auditory senses register it and my sonar has allowed me to detect it's point of orgin. It's coming from Central Park. I think we need to get there, and fast!

 

[Titan]

Haleigh's Suite

After a minute, Andrew’s head started to clear. Wait – did Haleigh Davidoff just come in and take Delilah out of here to some secret meeting or did he dream that? No, if he had dreamt it, they wouldn’t have left.

What was it Haleigh had said?

We've got shit to do. You're definitely not gonna like it, but I DON'T FUCCKING CARE, because it'll get you what you want, so you'll have to find a way to make it work.

Ohhhhhh…they were going to stage one of those things where people sit you down and tell you you drink too much and show you how it’s making your mother cry and stuff.

He sat up. Rubbed his eyes.

He had promised her he would always be on her side, and though being on the other end of those people’s disapproving stares was the LAST place he ever wanted to find himself, he owed it to Delilah to support her. And hell, maybe what they were doing would help.

He pulled on pants and loosely buttoned his shirt as he headed down the hall after them. He could hear voices in what he knew from his time spent at Delilah’s was Haleigh’s suite. He opened the door slowly, peeking his head in and recognizing some of the faces.

“Delilah I just-“

And then out of fecking NOWHERE, this huge pile of testosterone had him pinned to the wall by his throat, talking about Delilah’s daughter.

His eyes slid to Delilah as he struggled.

“Your ex?”

He could barely croak out his defense.

“For fuck’s sake, I thought they were having an intervention or something, I didn’t know it was about Alexia…”

“How do YOU know my daughter’s name?! Did anyone CHECK THIS GUY OUT?!”

He grunted as he was slammed against the wall again. Thankfully, Haleigh pulled the guy off of him.

He ran his hands over his bruised throat, breathing heavily.

“The word ‘gorilla’ comes to mind.”

Bishop: “So does ‘paddy’.”

Andrew made a diving tackle at Bishop, pushing him over the back of the couch and onto the floor. Sitting on top of Bishop holding him down, he started wailing on him with one fist and then the other repeatedly.

 

[Bishop]

Haleigh’s Place

"You motherfuccking coward! You just threw me under the bus to shift her anger away from yourself! AND I DIDN'T EVEN TELL NIC SHIT!"

“Damn right I did. And you know, for a spy, you lie for shit.”

He held the little prick to the wall, wondering how badly he could hurt him without killing him. From behind him, Haleigh had to get her two cents in, as if he didn’t know who this dickwad was.

"Actually he's been fulfilling Delilah's needs for a couple of weeks now...."

He closed his fist tighter.

“I know EXACTLY how long this punk has been fulfilling her needs.”

He's no danger to Alexia, unlike YOU were to the Six and will ALWAYS be to Delilah!

“Broken record, Wings, look it up.”

Haleigh was pulling him off the fucktard, by the hair. He would have expected more from her but he went. She threw him onto the sofa.

"If you can't keep your hands to yourself, I'll show you what strength REALLY is."

He looked up at her darkly, breathing rapidly, as he slowly got to his feet.

“Promise?”

“The word ‘gorilla’ comes to mind.”

His eyes still on Haleigh, he shut that pathetic attempt down.

“So does ‘paddy’.”

And then the dumbass was on him pushing him backwards over the sofa onto the ground.

“You stupid fuck.”

He was punching him in the face, but Bishop could take that all damn day.

He brought a hand up as the douche was switching hands and caught his fist, twisting it behind him which gave him enough leverage to throw him off his stomach and get to his knees. He threw a left with his other hand to the boy’s jaw. Andrew got his leg around and kneed him in the stomach, then got his foot between them pushed him backwards of off him, forcing him to let go of Andrew.

 

[MorningStar]

Haleigh’s Suite

Oh god no…

Andrew walked into the room. The LAST place that was a good idea for him to be.

And quicker than you could say Jerry Springer, Bishop had him pinned against the wall. She couldn’t believe this was actually happening. She screamed at him.

“You’re an animal, you know that?! Put him down!”

Haleigh pulled him off, and it seemed like the situation was in hand, until more words were exchanged and Andrew jumped on Bishop. Which, let’s face it, she didn’t mind all that much. Delilah put a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes. This was like a bad reality show. A really bad reality show.

But enough was enough, and if this went on much longer, let’s face it, Andrew was going to get hurt.

Andrew pushed Bishop off of him, which gave each of them the time to stand, and also gave Delilah the opportunity to get between them.

“That’s enough.”

She fixed a cold steely look at Bishop, putting a hand on his chest and stiff arming him.

“Haleigh.”

Indicating for her to restrain Andrew.

“STAND DOWN.”

Still looking at Bishop with all the hatred she had, she stood there, until he visibly relaxed and his arms fell to his side.

“Have a seat.”

She indicated with her eyes that he was to sit in the closest chair, and he did. She turned around. Andrew’s poor face was bruised and he had a cut above his eye that was bleeding pretty good.

“Andrew, I appreciate that you want to help, but I need you to go find Sally and stay with her. I have to take care of this, and I can’t do that if I’m worried about her safety. That is the best way to help right now. I’ll call you later.”

Reluctantly relenting, and with a last nasty glance at Bishop, he left the room. Delilah shut the door after him. Returning to the group, Delilah crossed her arms and looked to Haleigh to explain what they were doing here.

" Sharon, what have you got for me?"

I've tried calling and broadcasting to Ororo on a variety of frequencies. She's not responding, which is unusual. She's responded to others outside of Morgan and Alison before. Either she won't because Alexia is still with her and she wants to keep her safe...or something's happened and she CAN'T.

Also...time passes differently in Limbo. What counts for MINUTES on earth could pass as YEARS in Limbo, the possibilities are endless. THAT might explain why this apparition of Alexia is appearing as a little girl rather than an infant.

Bishop, who was tending to a bloody nose, sat up at that last statement.

Bishop: “Wait, wait, wait – why is this the first I’m hearing about this? Alison never mentioned anything about any time thingamajig. And I thought Limbo was some impenetrable place? Ororo some all powerful goddess?”

“Hmm…maybe you should have ASKED ME, douchebag. Now, shut up.”

She turned her attention back to Sharon.

“Ororo would reply if she could.”

There's something else. For the last few moments, I've been hearing strange, but beautiful, inviting MUSIC, like something the... pied piper would be playing. The melodic elements and rhythmic tone of the music is designed to ENTICE and LULL. It's BROADCASTING on a frequency beyond normal/adult human range, but my enhanced auditory senses register it and my sonar has allowed me to detect it's point of origin. It's coming from Central Park. I think we need to get there, and fast!

Delilah nodded.

“Agreed.”

 

[Prophet]

The Parthenon - Haleigh's Suite

:: Cameron was getting a headache. When Delilah arrived things got progressively worse and then when Andrew decided to peak his head in, things naturally escalated as Bishop decided he was going to try and beat the shit out him. Cameron thought for a moment about telekinetically beating both of them into submission, but thankfully Haleigh intervened. Though it didn't last long. ::

:: He gave an exasperated look at Sharon as the altercation continued. It seemed the two of these men were hell bent on beating the crap out of each other. Delilah managed to keep them under control. ::

Sharon: "I've tried calling and broadcasting to Ororo on a variety of frequencies. She's not responding, which is unusual. She's responded to others outside of Morgan and Alison before. Either she won't because she knows Alexia is still with her and she wants to keep her safe...or something's happened and she CAN'T."

:: He furrowed his brow. ::

"Not to mention...Ororo isn't necessarily one to intervene unless the circumstances are incredibly dire. She is The Keeper of The Six..but she isn't ours to use freely. However, if something were wrong with Alexia she would have contacted Delilah by now. She wouldn't have let something happen unless she had no choice..."

Sharon: "Also...time passes differently in Limbo. What counts for MINUTES on Earth could pass as YEARS in Limbo, the possibilities are endless. THAT might explain why this apparition of Alexia is appearing a a little girl rather than an infant."

"Another thing to consider...if somebody was wanting to mess with either Delilah or Bishop..my feeling is they would have "shown" Alexia in distress or in some kind of trouble. This was different. She didn't seem to be in any kind of trouble..She actually just looked genuinely curious. This might be something of Alexia's own doing. There's no telling what she might have stumbled upon..."

Sharon: "There's something else. For the last few moments, I've been hearing strange, but beautiful, inviting MUSIC, like something the...pied piper would be playing. The melodic elements and rhythmic tones of the music is designed to ENTIC and LULL. It's BROADCASTING on a frequency beyond normal/adult human range, but my enhanced auditory senses register it and my sonar has allowed me to detect it's point of origin. It's coming from Central Park. I think we need to go there, and fast!"

:: Cameron nodded. ::

"That explains what I've been hearing for the last hour or so..It felt like I had a song in my head I couldn't get out."

:: The boys went at it again and THANKFULLY this time Delilah was able to calm them and send Andrew away. He rolled his eyes as he looked at Bishop. He was an infuriating man, but still he could see how he would be somebody that Delilah would fall in love with. There was a weird and twisted kind of energy between them. The emotions ran so deep and his ability as an empath told him this was a soulmate connection, which must make it all that much harder for them to interact given the circumstances. ::

:: Cameron however had been doing his own "digging" of sorts ever since coming face to face with Bishop for the first time. The man had been through a lot, but he still had his own dirt. Dirt he wasn't saying. Specifically the fact that he was doing his OWN bed hopping..and with a person FAR more polarizing than Andrew. ::

Bishop: "Wait, wait, wait - why is this the first time I'm hearing about this? Alison never mentioned anything about any time thingamajig. And I thought Limbo was some impenetrable place? Ororo some all powerful goddess?"

Delilah: "Hmm...mayybe you should have ASKED ME, douchebag. Now, shut up. Ororo would reply if she could."

:: Everyone seemed to be in agreeance that they should head to Central Park. ::

"Well then let's get the hell out of here before we make any more noise or let any MORE people in on what's going on. Delilah. We could use a wormhole right about now. And a vodka tonic. But more importantly a wormhole."

 

[Seer]

Central Park


<< The sound of children laughing and playing is carried through the air, seemingly up to the moon itself by the breeze swirling around that area of Central Park where something very weird is happening.>>

<< A view of children (Alexia included) riding on a large, curiously designed, fast spinning carousel, with the ethereal girl- who is actually a Dream Faerie- on the top of the ride, dancing and spinning around with it, conducing EVERYTHING happening in this space around them.>>

<< There other children running about, chasing floating/glowing orbs, shapes & creatures; Children jumping up, gleefully catching the sweet treats and candy falling from the sky.>>

<< the enchanting melody of the music continues to play and all the children who have come have their eyes open, but the pupils in the irises of their eyes are MISSING, giving them an odd, vacant stare and indicating that they're fully entranced by the music of the dream faerie.>>

Dream Faerie: Yes! Play, sing, dance, HAVE FUN! It can be like this FOREVER in your dreams, the best place to be!

<< As Alexia rides the beautiful mytical dragon figure on the carousel, a projection of the faerie appears along side her. She talks so sweetly, with a cute voice that would be appealing to anyone.>>

Dream Faerie: You see, Alexia? Everyone is having SUCH FUN! Just like I promised! Dreams are the ultimate place! Ororo can't give you this... And those OTHER mean, scarey grown ups [Alexia's parents]?? What would they do? Steal all of your joy? Make you sad?
FORCE you to grow old? At least Ororo is kind and patient, but even she has TOO MANY RULES, doesnt she?

<< Eventually, A large mysterious "candy ship" suddenly shimmers into view in the starry night sky directly above all the fun and slowly lowers to the ground. The ship is large enough to carry a FOOT BALL STADIUM'S worth of passengers, and as it opens for boarding, the children become quite excited! The carousel slows to a stop and those who were riding climb off of it while others who were playing now begin lining up to board the ship.>>

Dream Faerie: There'll be no fear, no hunger, no CRYING, no need! You'll never grow old! You'll never hurt or worry because you will be forever safe, forever protected and FOREVER happy in a place like no other!

-------------------------------
Minerva's Aerie

<< After severeal monentous reunions, and key introductions, things were well underway at Minerva's Aerie!>>

<< At the moment Morgan, Blaze and Nicolas talk privately with Alison in her Executive Study.>>

<< Karen and Michael, along with Tinkerbell and the kitten, sit with Hazel and Xavier in the Great Room.>

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's Mansion- The Executive Study

<< Inside the Executive Study of Minerva's Mansion Morgan, Blaze and Nicolas sit in various seats facing the large oak desk that Alison is sitting at.>>

<< After all the noise during theire initial reunion, at first their's uncertain silence among them in the study. Only the rhythmic ticking from the large, curiously designed grandfather clock manages to break that silence every second.>>

<< They all sit , looking among each other, then looking at Alison, who looks rather stone faced>>

Alison, I didn't want to have this talk in front of Xavier...or even Hazel, since they are your guests. I know Hazel is aware of the situation and she's like family to you and I, but I feel this is something I should say to you only in front of those who were actually present for the situation that this is born from.

<< Morgan finally says in her icy voice>>

It's not your fault. You MUST know that.

There was no more time...and she left us no choice!

There are SOME things that we could have done different: One was to TELL HER what was coming.

The other was to call Haleigh and get her back to the team as soon as we learned that the Blue Moon was coming. The fault of NOT calling her is MINE. At the time, I truly thought we could handle things.

We also shouldn't have had those "closed door" meetings about Delilah after the Bishop/Bianca caper and Delilah's refusal to let Hecate break the curse. It's horrible. Delilah was our beloved friend but we no longer trusted her judgement...we thought she was INSANE! I think you and I agreed on so many things we were concerned about and it was easy for us to validate each other and just move to judgement. We needed more input. Haleigh has ALWAYS been good in a crisis or how to MANAGE a crisis. And she knows US well enough to be able to challenge us in a way that would foster further discussion. I believe she could have helped us OR if nothing else, confirmed that we were seeing things as clearly as we thought.

<< Looking to Nicolas and Blaze.>>

In our RUSH to prepare for the worst, we...we failed to remember that no matter how bad...how INSANE the emerging situation was...it was still HER choice to make and we should have REMEMBERED who she was to us and given her the trust to make her own choice BEFORE we took any action. We didn't. That was a mistake.

We should have just told her up front, let her make her choice and if it was the wrong choice, then as team leader ,I would have had to overrule her in order to save her life.

She made OTHER choices- choosing to lay down with Bishop in that cabin, choosing to keep the pregnancy AND the curse...and that was why we were placed in the position to do what we had to do and there was no other way out. She would not survive the birth of Alexia and even with her revival at the hands of the goddesses, she could NOT be around her baby b/c the baby's power would kill her! Maxim saw it happen himself and Sharon further explained it to him. He knew. That's why he came to you, Alison. He knew what had to be done...to SAVE Delilah's life! That's why HE stepped up and made the hard choice.

<< Morgan said in a bolder tone before pausing for a moment and moving forward in her seat.>>

I know my mom, Ava and Cameron helped bring you back from your breakdown.

Don't retreat from the full scope of your life, from US, because of HER.

I know you saw it coming, but this was one time when your own emotions got in the way of you preparing yourself for the NATURAL reaction someone in Delilah's position would have.

You took action and did what no one else could do. DON'T second guess yourself on that now because there was no other way and you know it. We BOTH knew it.

Delilah hates us...and that's just the way it is until SHE decides to step back from her emotions and examine HER life choices that brought her to this point.

SHE laid down with Bishop in that cabin and had unprotected sex. Even when it was explained to her by HECATE how BAD Bishop was for her and gave her a way out...she made a stupid choice.

At least she HAS this time, at least she's ALIVE and that's all we wanted. She'll see Alexia again. Ororo will make sure of that and when they ARE reunited? This will all have been worth it.

But in the meantime I'm not going to stand by and let you suffer, Alison. You don't deserve that. And don't you let ANYBODY try to tell you otherwise. IF anybody on this team HAS said that or even IMPLIED IT, you tell me who and I'll deal with them myself!

Blaze: "You mean aside from Delilah herself? Because she's spent quite a bit of time bad mouthing Alison, you, me...just about ANYONE except Haleigh and Cameron. She got very upset when I questioned why she couldn't understand your motives...and when I asked if she ever really knew you or Alison OR if she ever really accepted the two of you. Now she's living this weird, devil-may-care kind of life. Doing stupid things and acting like a total thunderc*nt. Yet she has her boytoy and anyone else who'll listen to her convinced that we're abandonning her while SHE'S the one pushing US ALL away! I mean damn...what does she want us to do when anyone who attempts to help her gets shitted on? You should've seen how she acted toward mom! that was what made me question her in the first place."

Morgan: Again, that's to be expected from HER. I think a more rational person would have at least seen and understood our motives and where our HEARTS were and that, in turn, would have TEMPERED their anger, maybe not right away, but eventually. But ever since Maxim cast his shadow into her life and that extended to ours, things have never been the same.


I'd like to think that she knew me...knew what was in my heart, and that would have allowed her to at least understand that I was operating from a place of true concern for her, but maybe she didn't after all. If that's true then yeah...that WILL hurt , but the pain of that is still nothing compared to her pain over loosing her child under the circumstances that she did.

<< saying this to all of them>>

I'm not going to fight with Delilah over her feelings. She's entitled to them. But I'm not going to kiss her ass OR throw anyone under the bus to appease her either. SHE made her choice. SHE needs to accept her role in all of this and she's not going to use Alison OR I as emotional punching bags to replace her inability to take responsibility for her MESS OF A LIFE.

 

[Persephone]

After returning to her suite from Morgan's get together, Ava immediately got a text back from Haleigh declining her invitation for a drink. Ava just smiled and shook her head. There was something definitely brewing with Haleigh, Cameron, and Sharon....it was a little unnerving to think that they were hiding something, BUT it could also be harmless as well. She just hoped that if it was a dire situation, they would be smart enough NOT to keep it to themselves and share it with everyone else.

With a quick text back letting Haleigh know it was no big deal and they'd do it another time, Ava decided to take a nice, long, hot bath. With bubbles. And candles. And just pure SILENCE. It was amazing how much better she felt as the minutes went on while wearing the topaz ring Karen gave her. She just hoped that sooner rather than later she could feel that same inner peace without the help of a charmed ring.

An hour later, Ava emerged from her bedroom wearing black draw string knit pants and a black tank top. The entire suite smelled of jasmine and lavender. With her hair tied up on top of her head in a messy bun, she headed to the kitchen where one of the staff members had dropped off some food. An assortment of fruits, cheeses, crackers, chocolate, pretzels, and most importantly, wine. It had been a while since she had a nice calming night in, by herself, with the comfort of some good food and Netflix. Popping a cube of cheese into her mouth, Ava was preparing to open the bottle of wine when she heard a knock at her door. Walking across the suite, she opened the door to see Zach standing there with a gorgeous bouquet of orchids.

"Hey stranger..."

Zach: "So I saw these, and I felt that you just had to have them."

Ava smiled, taking the bouquet.

"They're beautiful, thank you! [gesturing inside] Come in."

Standing to the side, she allowed Zach to enter before closing her door.

"As much as I appreciate a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from a handsome man, I'm sensing an ulterior motive here."

She knew Zach well enough to know he wanted to see how she was doing after her admission to him on the roof top a week ago. He had given her space, which was much appreciated...but it was still a giant elephant in the room between them. Ava went into the kitchen and filled a vase full of water before placing the orchids inside. She walked out to the dining room table where Zach was sitting and placed the vase of flowers in the center and handed Zach a cold beer.

"I have beer....and cheese. Lets talk."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Minerva's Mansion

<<Momenets earlier, Karen and Hazel worked together to create some intriguing mystic/herbal concoctions using freshly picked items from one of the gardens.>>

<< the act of making potions, elixirs, drinks/concoctions was something of a bonding time for witches and Hazel was thrilled to see that Karen had not abandonned this time honored tradition the way some younger/ more modern witches had in today's world.>>

<< Indeed, Karen learned from two of the very BEST- Grammie (Verna) and Hazel, when she was a little girl and she then passed that on to Morgan.>>

It's so lovely to see you again, Hazel!

<< Karen said as they finished the drinks and began pouring them in goblets to set on the serving tray>>

After all this time! I haven't seen you since....well since Grammie passed away and Morgan was just a little girl.

So much has happened.

<< Karen said this with a thoughtful tone. To see Hazel again, Karen couldn't help but feel some emotions, some memories that were closely associated with her beloved Grammie, who had been Hazel's best friend.>>

Seeing you know, makes me wonder if it is wise to stay out of contact for such prolonged periods. If something should happen...if you need help, it would be better if you were closer at hand.

And...I can't help but think so much of Grammie when I look at you. Some losses remain painful, even with such long passage of time.

<< She bowed her head for a moment, closing her eyes as she quickly chased away the sadness she felt over Grammie, who had raised her.>>

I know that you're here out of concern for Alison, and honestly, I'm glad. I think you can reach her on a level that no one else among her peers can. I've talked with her privately and I know that she has a very hard time with "opening up"...even after all the years we've known each other and how close we are.

<< Karen drops a few spices in each goblet, causing the drinks to shimmer and change color as a warm, comforting flavor is added to the mixture>>

Morgan and Alison are best friends and I think her return is just what Alison needed.

<< They put the finishing touches on the drinks and return to the Great Room with the serving tray, which after being charmed by Karen, is now floating along, following them and soon presents itself to Michael and Xavier for each of them to take a goblet before Karen and Hazel take theirs and they are all seated.>>

Here we are! A nice witches brew that Grammie and Hazel taught me to make. It'll give you a nice feeling and very nice dreams. AND....FRESH from one of the gardens, some potent nepeta cataria! More commonly referred to as the highest grade of catmint or catnip!

<< She sprinkled some out for Tinkerbell and the kitten to eat, roll in and enjoy!>>

<< Karen sits with Michael, Hazel and Xavier. Tinkerbell and the kitten enjoying their treat from"grandma", after having been greeted by Hazel and regarding Apollo with some suspicion. Switching topics...>>

So, Xavier? What's your story, young man?

<< The doctor eyed him an unwavering gaze>>

 

[Bishop]

Haleigh's Apartment

"That explains what I've been hearing for the last hour or so...It felt like I had a song in my head I couldn't get out."

“Was it the Macarena? I’ve got you down as a ‘Macarena’ type of guy.”

"Well then let's get the hell out of here before we make any more noise or let any MORE people in on what's going on. Delilah. We could use a wormhole right about now. And a vodka tonic. But more importantly a wormhole."

He slapped Cameron on the back.

“Bring the bottle.”

Delilah raised her arms and tendrils of green light came out of her fingers, weaving themselves into a tunnel. As he waited for the others to go through, he stepped forward so he was standing next to her.

“So, THAT's your rebound guy? Tell me, do you drop him off at school every day or does he ride the bus?”

Delilah: "At least with the new model I don't have to worry about its PARTS breaking down."

He stepped forward into the tunnel, turning around to face her with a smile as he backed away.

"Baby, I'm a classic - you'll never find another like me."

Delilah: "Thank heaven for small favors."

With a laugh he turned his back on her and moved forward, finding himself once again in Central Park.

Delilah followed, closing the tunnel behind them. Her voice filled with disdain, she barely glanced at him as she paused before going on past.

Delilah: "Speak to me again and I’ll let Haleigh kill you.”

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh's Penthouse



Bishop: Promise?

He asked, more of a challenge than anything. They were locked in eye contact. She felt her aggression coiling inside her like a rattlesnake. If she pounced on him now, no one present would blame her. Hell, she didn't even think they'd stop her until he was unconscious. She wondered who would enjoy it more, HER, HIM, or those watching.

Andrew: The word ‘gorilla’ comes to mind.

Bishop: So does ‘paddy’.

And then Andrew stole her thunder. Out of her peripheral vision, she saw the cub scout 'attack'. He wailed on Bishop, but there was a dramatic difference in size (and strength) and it was easy to see Andrew was not going to do much damage. Haleigh didn't break this one up, it was too entertaining. When blood started flowing and things REALLY got interesting, she crossed her arms, then tossed an amused glance at Cameron. Cam rolled his eyes and Delilah stepped in and separated them.

Delilah: That's enough. (After a beat) Haleigh.

Haleigh gave Andrew a good friendly slap on the ass to snap him out of fight mode. It worked like a charm too, because the boy suddenly looked like he'd swallowed a bug.

"Good game bro."

She said, handing him the box of tissues from her coffee table. Delilah escorted the little rascal out as Haleigh sat on the arm of her sofa. They finally got down to business. Sharon relayed Ororo's radio silence.

Bishop: Wait, wait, wait – why is this the first I’m hearing about this? Alison never mentioned anything about any time thingamajig. And I thought Limbo was some impenetrable place? Ororo some all powerful goddess?

"No place is impenetrable, Bish, YOU should KNOW that."

Delilah: Hmm…maybe you should have ASKED ME, douchebag. Now, shut up.

Haleigh stifled a laugh. She'd forgotten what a little pistol Delilah could be when she was angry.

Cameron: Another thing to consider...if somebody was wanting to mess with either Delilah or Bishop..my feeling is they would have "shown" Alexia in distress or in some kind of trouble. This was different. She didn't seem to be in any kind of trouble..She actually just looked genuinely curious. This might be something of Alexia's own doing. There's no telling what she might have stumbled upon...

Sharon: There's something else....

The phrase that triggered another headache. Haleigh rubbed her eyes with one hand as Sharon explained the 'song' she'd been hearing. Cameron admitting to hearing it TOO.

Spectacular..... EVERY single one of us is hallucinating in some way. This ought to be interesting......

Haleigh took this opportunity to fill them in on the mass European disappearances of children. They decided to head back to Central Park and investigate. Delilah provides a wormhole as she bickers with Maxim about Andrew. Delilah clearly didn't want to listen to his bullshit anymore, as she tells him plainly that if he speaks to her AGAIN, she'll let Haleigh kill him. Haleigh gives him a sadistic smirk in response.

"I can hardly wait. We ALL KNOW you can't keep your mouth shut to save your life."

 

[Orion]

Ava's Suite

Ava: They're beautiful, thank you! [gesturing inside] Come in.

"You are MOST welcome."

He replied, stepping into her apartment. He followed her into the dining room, getting a 'feel' for her emotional state. She seemed to be doing much better than last week, which was one thing he could be glad for.

Ava: As much as I appreciate a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from a handsome man, I'm sensing an ulterior motive here.

He smiled sheepishly as he sat down at the dining room table.

"You caught me. I haven't seen you all week, and not to coddle you or anything, but I wanted to make sure you're doing okay. And also, if you aren't terribly busy, I was hoping to talk to you about some.... stuff.... that's been bothering me."

Ava handed him a cold bottle.

Ava: "I have beer....and cheese. Lets talk."

His smile held for a second, then faded a bit. He reached for a cracker, then dipped it a bowl of hummus. He was grateful that Ava originated from the region he did, and that they shared similar tastes in cuisine. It was a healthy snack and it gave him something to focus on while he broached a topic that would be uncomfortable for them both.

"I've been having nightmares..... about the kids. The pain.... the suffering.... I tried to help them, I tried to give them peace as their souls ascended, I know I did my best but that wasn't good enough. I can still hear them crying, screaming. I tried to talk to Haleigh about it but it's weird..... she gets ANGRY when I wake up in a cold sweat and mention the kids. She tells me to just get over it, but she wasn't THERE. She didn't FEEL IT. When I try to explain she gets defensive, like I'm blaming her or something. I started sleeping at my place so we'd stop fighting about it every night."

He paused to drink and take another bite, glancing at Ava and taking a deep breath.

"Also..... she's been getting distant. Something's bothering her but she won't talk about it, she used to confide in me but now she just brushes me off. I tried to give her some space, you know, breathing room..... but now when I see her at Clandestine she gets this major guilt trip and I'm wondering if maybe she slept with that STRONZO Cameron..... I don't know what to do, Ava. You're her SISTER, has she said anything to you? I mean, I understand if she told you something in confidence and you don't want to betray that, but I don't want to lose her..."

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

Central Park

Her Auntie Ororo had told her stories of dragons that breathed fire and of brave knights who went out to slay them (and sometimes the knights weren’t actually very brave at all, and the dragons killed them, and then the beautiful SORCERESS would save the day!). Alexia liked to think that the dragons were nice, though, and they gave you rides on their backs as they flew through the air! That was what she was pretending right then, that SHE was a brave knight who had befriended the beautiful dragon and they were zooming through the sky together.

Alexia turned her head and looked down at the other children, some on the ride with her (but they didn’t get to ride dragons) and some just dancing and playing with the fairy’s fancy lights. She smiled and laughed, waving as she rode, and they waved back. It was nice to have other children her age to play with.

You see, Alexia? Everyone is having SUCH FUN! Just like I promised! Dreams are the ultimate place! Ororo can't give you this... And those OTHER mean, scary grown-ups [Alexia's parents]?? What would they do? Steal all of your joy? Make you sad? FORCE you to grow old? At least Ororo is kind and patient, but even she has TOO MANY RULES, doesn’t she?

“Auntie Ororo does have a lot of rules…and I am having a lot of fun…”

She smiled at the fairy.

“You’re my friend, I like playing with you.”

But then Alexia furrowed her brow.

“But Auntie tells the most wonderful stories, and we go on long walks in her garden, and play with the animals and butterflies…she will miss me if I’m gone too long…and she’s going to be angry that I’ve gone somewhere without telling her…”

At that moment, Alexia’s attention switched to the large ship that was landing near them. It was made of candy!

“Whoa…”

There'll be no fear, no hunger, no CRYING, no need! You'll never grow old! You'll never hurt or worry because you will be forever safe, forever protected and FOREVER happy in a place like no other!

Alexia was mesmerized by the ship, and the fairy’s words sounded so good, so comforting. She WANTED to be forever happy in a special safe place like that. But…

“If I never grow up I’ll not be able to see my parents again. Auntie said when I was older I could go live with them again…”

 

[Bishop]

Central Park

Delilah was talking to him, which was a good sign. She’d moved from threatening to kill him to threatening to let someone else kill him – also a good sign. That she in fact hadn’t killed him yet meant he was home free. And Haleigh was practically jumping into his bed.

"I can hardly wait. We ALL KNOW you can't keep your mouth shut to save your life."

“I’m actually really good with my mouth, or so I’ve been told. Often."

He wagged his eyebrows at Haleigh with a devilish grin, but then his face went blank with wonder as he looked past her and saw what looked like a massive space ship made out of candy.

“What the fcuk?”

What he hadn’t seen in his initial shock was that there was also a giant CAROUSEL in the middle of the park that he damn well KNEW didn’t belong there. Children were running from the merry-go-round and the surrounding area to the ship and getting on it, most dressed in pajamas. He could hear music, lulling, soothing…

“Is that the music you heard?”

After a few more seconds watching more children move towards the ship, he started to press forward.

“That thing sure as hell ain’t supposed to be here. We’ve got to keep these kids away from it. And kill that music!”