In your wildest dreams

[Black Widow]

Central Park

Why was Bishop shaking his head at her? His kid had a lethal power, this was the safest way to capture her without causing harm to herself or anyone else. It wasn't like the collar would HURT her, it would just basically make her a temporary flatscan.

They didn't have time to discuss it anyway. If he'd had objections to the plan, he should have voiced them earlier, instead of being an obtuse ass at every turn. Haleigh closed in, unrelenting. As soon as Bishop had the kid in hand, she'd toss the collar on and they'd retreat back from this acid trip.

She never got the chance. Alexia produced a dark energy bubble that sent both her father and Haleigh flying backwards. As she cartwheeled through the air, she noticed she was headed for a park bench. She braced herself to smash into it, but at the last second, Cameron slowed her approach and righted her, so that she landed in a sitting position on the bench as if she hadn't been tossed twenty feet.

And then the fairy threw candy at her.

Dream fairy: My Bon Bon Babies will stop you!

What the fucck doesn't quite cover it.....

The candies transformed into little gumball babies. Haleigh drew her sidearm (suppressed so as not to wake the kids) and opened fire. Body or head shots, it didn't matter, the bullets mushroomed on impact and bounced off harmlessly. Haleigh ducked and jumped to her feet as the things swooped down on her. She saw Bishop get carried off and Delilah get attacked, but there was little she could do until she dealt with her own problem. She managed to dodge then at first but eventually one hit her square in the chest, knocking her to the ground violently.

(Cough) "DAMN..... You little fucckers aren't playing around...."

Another hit her in the head sideways, even harder than the first and her vision went static for a second. Much more of THIS would knock her unconscious. The first gumball came around for a second hit but she rolled out of the way and then quickly snatched it out of the air as it bounced back upwards. Holding the first one down, she held it her free hand, manifesting a silver netting and shooting it at the second baby, trapping it and bringing it down by her side. The first baby stopped laughing and started screaming as she struck it so hard that her knuckles busted and the baby's body cracked open, leaking a blue fluid instead of blood. Haleigh tore its limbs off, then it's head, and dropped the pieces to the ground as she grabbed the netting holding the second baby and began pull it apart also.

WOW.....I should REALLY not be allowed anywhere near children.

She thought as she surveyed her own handiwork. She looked for Alexia again. She could use her powers to fit Alexia with the collar from a distance but she was worried that if she did and the fairy took Alexia anyway, the kids wouldn't be able to defend herself while the adults were trying to mount a search and rescue. She 'tagged' Alexia with a GPS beacon instead. She glanced around until she spotted Sharon and..... KYLE?!

"Sharon! SHARON!!! We need your HELP! They're getting AWAY!"

 

[Seer]

And So

<< MorningStar and Black Widow managed to dispatch the bon bon babies that were attacking them, leaving the three that had battered Bishop and left him with injuries. Even as he attempted to pursue Alexia, who had turned her back on the illusion of Ororo, he had no hope of catching her as the Dream Faerie herself zoomed past him and swooped Alexia up, carrying her up onto the ship!>>

<< There were at least two dozen children on the ship, leaving a dozen more on the ground who were still fast asleep on the grass around the adults. The bridge on the ship raised up and closed behind the Faerie and Alexia, and a photon blast from a desperate MorningStar did nothing more than BOUNCE off of it.>>

<< Haleigh's urgent calls to Sharon fell on deaf ears. The mutate was DEEPLY entranced, experiencing an impossible, yet no less joyous reunion with her son Kyle Kelly and the children the ship began to play, dance and sing along to the merry melody that the dream faerie played on her enchanted flute.>>

<< MorningStar, Prophet and Bishop can only watch as the ship raises off the ground and up into the night sky, before it shimmers and vanishes into thin air.>>

<< They've lost Alexia AND Silver Swan.>>

<< Black Widow can easily get a team from Clandestine to get the remaining children safely back to their homes, but what about the ones who were now missing? What about their missing teammate AND Delilah and Bishop's missing daughter?>>

<<All of this, and Bishop was now suffering from several serious injuries. Haleigh and Cameron had no choice but to accept the fact that they now needed to bring the rest of the team in. Things were about to get a whole lot more intense. >>

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

<< Minerva's Aerie>>
<< Karen happily joined Xavier and Hazel in toasting the late Verna Eckert, her Grammie. She was intrigued by Xavier. He certainly had a different manner about himself than most of the men who entered the Six's orbit...the most recent being Simon Pratt, whom she'd sooner turn into mushroom than look at! Hazel seemed to approve and was also amused by him. It was always so much easier for her to welcome newcomers than it was for Karen and She envied Hazel for that ability.>>

<< Michael's dire wolves came in and Tinkerbell immediately grabbed the small white kitten by the scruff of her neck and retreated up onto the couch near Karen. The enchanted familiar had demonstrated some magickal abilities including being able to created a protective bubble around herself, but she always felt safest near her mommy, or her "grandma".>>
<< Soon after their personal talk regarding "family issues", Alison, Morgan, Blaze and Nicolas emerged to join their loved ones in the Great Room and enjoy this time of fellowship together.

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

<< Back in the Parthenon>>

<< Cass had fallen asleep, enjoying a much needed rest and escape from waking reality, while in Ava's penthouse, the goddess and Zach had tender heart to heart talk. It was a much quieter evening at the Parthenon than at Minerva's aerie, but they all had one thing in common: they were ALL about to be interrupted by some truly shocking news.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Central Park

“GODDAMNIT!”

Delilah watched the ship vanish in front of their eyes; her photon blasts had done nothing.

“What the hell is that thing MADE of?”

She spun around, exasperated, and her eyes found Bishop. She gestured wildly.

“How could you let her get away?! She was two feet from you! You incompetent asshole…”

She looked to Cameron and Haleigh.

“How did Sharon get trapped on that thing? And what’s our next move? We have to get me onto that ship. Like NOW. So let’s find it.”

Stepping closer to Cameron, her voice quieted.

"That was her, right Cam? That was Alexia? It wasn't a trick, right?"

 

[Bishop]

Central Park

He was too slow. The damn faerie could fly. He guessed he should have expected that, but she could really move her purple ass. He turned towards the group, holding his limp arm pressed against his side with his other hand. It hurt like a motherfucker, so did his ribs, and he was pretty sure he had a concussion. But there was nothing he could do about any of that.

“How could you let her get away?! She was two feet from you! You incompetent asshole…”

He didn’t respond to her, or even acknowledge what she had said. If she was mad at him, good – it would keep her mind off of what was happening and what was about to happen. Because only a complete idiot would think there was any way that the next step these two would take wouldn’t be to call Morgan and Alison. And he would rather be thrown into an active volcano than be around when that went down.

He walked past Delilah and straight up to Haleigh. That volcano was looking better all the time. He couldn’t believe what he was about to have to do.

“As much as I hate giving you the pleasure of doing this, I need you to pop my shoulder back in. I know you know how so just do it.”

He did not look happy.

“And then you can do what I know you need to do.”

 

[Prophet]

Central Park to Aerie

:: They were gone. Alexia and Sharon had officially left on the Good Ship Lollipop to a destination unknown. If the whole situation and it's ramifications weren't going to be so bad, Cameron might even laugh at the absurdity of what just happened. A faerie attacked them with candy and left on a floating candy ship into the night with Bishop and Delilah's daughter and The Silver Swan. ::

"And this is where things turn to shit..."

:: Delilah berated Bishop and then she turned her exasperated glance on Cameron and Haleigh. ::

Delilah: "That was her, right Cam? That was Alexia? It wasn't a trick, right?"

:: He looked down at the ground quickly trying to find the words as he returned her stare pensively. ::

"I just don't know for sure, Delilah..It looked like her..it felt like her..but we have to many questions to answer before ANY of us confirm it. Sharon just boarded that boat with her SON.."

:: Cameron watched as Haleigh popped his shoulder back into place. It was so stupid but he couldn't help but feel the slightest tinge of jealousy as he watched this. And then he felt remorse because he was reminded that he had betrayed Alycia. And then he felt fear and anguish because he was about to tell Delilah some news that she wasn't going to LIKE or agree with. ::

Bishop: "And then you can do what I know you need to do."

:: Prophet stepped in. ::

"I'm sorry, Delilah. But I HAVE to go to them. It's not just about Alexia anymore. Other people's children are missing now too. Clandestine can take these kids home, but what about the ones on the boat? We can't hit that ship and for all we know we could be headed straight to Hell just for the sheer pleasure of some mischievious faerie. There's magick involved..and you know more better than ANYBODY how I feel about that, Delilah..but we need them..."

[thinking]

"Sharon has been taken..that concerns them. I've been willing to do whatever I can in order to prevent this..and I am SURE you will tell me there is more I can do before I have to..but I'm sorry..I won't..."

:: He cocked his head at her. ::

"So I am going to Aerie and I am going to let the others know what has happened. Even if you hate me for it. I'd rather have their help and have a better chance of saving your daughter, Sharon and the rest of those kids than to keep going into this as blind as we are."

:: Cameron turned around and began to head back to the Parthenon before turning back and looking at her once more. ::

"I'm sorry, Delilah."

"Haleigh? There's a door to Aerie underneath The Parthenon on the second basement level. I'm going to rally the troops. You THREE [making special emphasis on the fact that he EXPECTED them to work through this.] meet me back there and clue in Ava and Cassandra. I'll keep in touch with you to let you know how this goes. Goodbye."

:: And he was gone. Getting back to The Partheon quickly he entered the second basement level of The Parthenon and through the door to Aerie. He sensed that the others were gathered in The Great Hall, most likely celebrating and enjoying each other's company. ::

"Not for much longer..."

:: He basically barged into the room as everyone eyed him with smiles and laughter as if he were getting ready to join in the fun. He put his hand up asking for their silence. ::

"I don't have a colorful way to explain myself right now. Long story short. Delilah was visited by an eight year old Alexia. Knowing how sensitive this situation is I pulled in Haleigh, Sharon...and Bishop..."

[pausing]

"Who had also been visited by her as well. There was some strange activity happening in Central Park so we went to investigate the cause. A faerie was there with a carousel and a bunch of playing and laughing children..then a ship made of candy appeared..Sharon saw her son Kyle and boarded the ship..Bishop, Delilah, Haleigh and I attempted to talk Alexia away from the faerie and were attacked..."

"Despite our best efforts...the ship sailed off. With Alexia and Sharon..and that's why I'm here."

:: He put his hand up again. ::

"Before ANYBODY makes a step..I'll ask that you RESERVE any kind of judgment or righteous oration you feel like you might have for me until AFTER all of this has been resolved. We need to know what that ship was and we need to know where the hell it's headed and we need to know NOW..."

:: crossing his arms. ::

"So..can ya'll just make this easy on me and suit up?"

 

[Black Widow]

From Central Park to the Parthenon



Sharon was completely oblivious. The ship was drawing up its bridge and starting to ascend, and there were no anchors, no iron, nothing on it that Haleigh could control. Nothing except Sharon's adamantium bodice. Haleigh mentally locked on to it, 'holding' on to Sharon, trying to pull her down through the deck and use her as an 'anchor' to prevent the ship from leaving. As both the ship and Sharon vanished she felt the mental tether snap, causing a sharp pain behind her eyes.

Delilah snapped at Bishop, which was honestly the best target for her since they were going to need Delilah's co-operation for plan b. Haleigh felt the pressure in her head returning. She'd lost Sharon, she'd let a fuccking fairy run off with Delilah's daughter, and now she was going to have to be the buffer between a nuclear warhead and two atomic bombs. It was almost funny, she'd PREFER the actual real life weapons of mass destruction to what she was going to put up with. Hiroshima had nothing on the Inferno. She couldn't help but notice that after a week of no blackouts, they were occurring with greater frequency now. Of course..... they'd had a quiet week up until a day or so ago. Now she had the Cameron/Zach thing, the Diana thing, the Delilah/Maxim/Alexia thing..... the soon to be Morgan/Alison/Delilah thing..... it was too much for one person. She'd never been more grateful than she was right now to have Cameron by her side. He could only help her with half of her problems, but that was plenty.

Delilah: How did Sharon get trapped on that thing?

"Ah..... my bad. I may have gotten her stuck. It was weird though, she didn't seem fazed by my efforts, nor was she responding to my calls.... it was like she was.... enchanted or something."

Bishop approached her, holding his arm awkwardly.

Bishop: As much as I hate giving you the pleasure of doing this, I need you to pop my shoulder back in. I know you know how so just do it.

Decisions, decisions. There was more than one way to relocate a shoulder. She could yank it, or slam it, and cause him excruciating pain. It'd be over quickly and get the job done but risked further injury. OR..... she could be gentle, and work it back into position slowly. She chose to be gentle, but only because his daughter was just stolen and he looked crestfallen because of it. When he wasn't being a total ass, he was mostly tolerable and her desire to kill him was dramatically milder.

She slipped her hand underneath his shirt, up over tight, chiseled abdominals and a firm pectoral muscle. If she was at all impressed, it didn't show on her face. She grasped his shoulder joint gently, taking a hold of his wrist with her other hand and beginning to slowly lift his arm as she gave him instruction.

"Relax, drop your shoulders..... squeeze your shoulder blades together.... "

As she lifted his arm, her eyes turned red, indicating she'd switched her visual range. She used xray vision to identify the humeral head and with the hand she had on his shoulder, she applied steady pressure to guide it back into the socket as she slowly raised his arm into position. There was an audible pop that sounded like a loud knuckle being cracked, and her job was done. She gave him a once-over with xray while she still had it active.

"You have three fractured ribs. Not much to be done there. If you're lucky I'll be able to talk Karen into healing you. If you aren't lucky I'll stick you with some morphine back at the Parthenon."

Cameron was on the same page as she was, and immediately broke the bad news to Delilah. Haleigh let him speak uninterrupted so she could step away for a moment and put in a call to Mirage to get the rest of these children back to their homes.

A dozen recovered.... over TWO DOZEN taken..... at least I didn't blow them up this time.....

Cameron: Haleigh? There's a door to Aerie underneath The Parthenon on the second basement level. I'm going to rally the troops. You THREE [making special emphasis on the fact that he EXPECTED them to work through this.] meet me back there and clue in Ava and Cassandra.

She nodded and took a deep breath as she walked back over to them. He was throwing himself on all the grenades tonight, and she couldn't help but notice that it was one of the GOOD things about his recent transformation. The Cameron she knew was still under there somewhere, they'd both proved THAT much.... but this new leaf he'd turned over harnessed that darkness, covered it up and presented a polished mask that afforded him the ability to connect with the others and bring them all together. He wasn't just HER partner in crime anymore..... now he belonged to ALL of them and if she wasn't being selfish, she could secretly acknowledge that it was an improvement for him.

"We'll be in the War Room when you return with whomever you can recruit."

Cameron: I'll keep in touch with you to let you know how this goes. Goodbye.

She grabbed his arm to stall him as he turned away.

"Hey. It was OUR decision to exclude them from this. If they have something to say about it, just know I've still got your back."

He nodded and she released him as he disappeared. She turned to Delilah with a 'hear me out' expression.

"I won't candy coat it, Delilah, this is going to be one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do. Working with someone you'd rather KILL than speak to is an extreme endurance exercise in patience and self-restraint. I still remember the days when *I* was public enemy number one in Morgan and Alison's eyes and I still remember how much it took to overcome their OBSTINANCE just to get a job done. But if you want your DAUGHTER back? We have to do this. So I don't want to tell you to 'suck it up', because I think ENOUGH people have told you THAT already. But I WILL tell you to reach down deep and find some inner fuccking strength, because you're going to need it. And please remember..... I've got YOUR back TOO."

Clandestine arrived, wearing uniforms marked 'Child Protective Services' and took over the scene, and Haleigh grabbed one of Delilah's hands and one of Bishop's and took them both back to the Parthenon. They appeared down in the sub level lobby, and Haleigh leaned in to the retina scanner to gain access to the new headquarters of the Six. She lead them to the War Room, then activated the intercom system that was linked to the penthouses.

"Ava, Cass, we've got a situation. Report to the War Room for a team meeting, I'll fill you while everybody else is enroute from Aerie."

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "Ava, Cass, we've got a situation. Report to the War Room for a team meeting, I'll fill you while everybody else is enroute from Aerie."

Haleigh's voice rang out over the intercom linked to her suite. Sighing out, Ava playfully put her head on Zach's shoulder groaning.

"Well, we almost made it two weeks!"

She joked, letting out a small laugh as she sat back and stood up from the dinging room table. Zach following suit.

"Thanks for stopping by, Zach. It was really nice to just sit back and catch up with you."

Giving him a hug goodbye.

"We'll do this again sometime, okay?"

Escorting him to the door, as soon as Zach left her suite Ava headed to her bedroom to change. Slipping into some dark washed jeans and a black v neck t-shirt, she quickly put some black combat boots on and made her way out of her suite and down to the war room. As soon as she entered, she saw Delilah AND Bishop. Ava's eyes narrowed at Bishop before shifting over to Haleigh.

"What the hell is he doing here?"

Something was up, BIG TIME if Bishop and Delilah were in the same room as one another without Delilah filleting him alive. The only thing that would bring them together in a civilized manner would be Alexia....Ava's eyes softened as she looked to Delilah then back to Haleigh. Even though Delilah's hate for Ava radiated from her eyes, she could still see the fear behind the anger.

"What happened?"

 

[Spellbinder]

<< There they were, happily chatting, drinking and fellowshiping. Morgan was back with her mother, sister and best friend, along with her boyfriend and a beloved "Great Aunt" as well as a new acquaintance, with a very interesting power set!>>

<< But their relaxed, fun evening was not meant to last, as the double doors of the Great Room burst open and Cameron strode in, looking very serious. He did not appear to be coming to JOIN them at all.>>

:: He basically barged into the room as everyone eyed him with smiles and laughter as if he were getting ready to join in the fun. He put his hand up asking for their silence. ::


"I don't have a colorful way to explain myself right now. Long story short. Delilah was visited by an eight year old Alexia. Knowing how sensitive this situation is I pulled in Haleigh, Sharon...and Bishop..."


[pausing]


"Who had also been visited by her as well. There was some strange activity happening in Central Park so we went to investigate the cause. A faerie was there with a carousel and a bunch of playing and laughing children..then a ship made of candy appeared..Sharon saw her son Kyle and boarded the ship..Bishop, Delilah, Haleigh and I attempted to talk Alexia away from the faerie and were attacked..."


"Despite our best efforts...the ship sailed off. With Alexia and Sharon..and that's why I'm here."


:: He put his hand up again. ::


"Before ANYBODY makes a step..I'll ask that you RESERVE any kind of judgment or righteous oration you feel like you might have for me until AFTER all of this has been resolved. We need to know what that ship was and we need to know where the hell it's headed and we need to know NOW..."


:: crossing his arms. ::


"So..can ya'll just make this easy on me and suit up?"

<< Morgan, Blaze, Alison and Karen stare at Cameron in varying degrees of disbelief, until finally...>>

Blaze: :: in a somewhat shocked tone:: "COME AGAIN!?"

<< This was outrageous! Cameron barges in, with the most IMPOSSIBLE story and he does it INFRONT of their friends and family! People who shouldn't have to be BURDENED with the NEVER EVER STANDING that is DELILAH and BISHOP!>>

<< She slowly stands up>>

Cameron...

<< Morgan says in an even tone>>

You were acting stranger earlier, in Blaze's penthouse at the Parthenon. NOW I'm convinced there's something wrong with you.

<< She moves away from the group and toward Cameron, but not in a threatening way.>>

Alexia is in LIMBO with ORORO.

LIMBO is NOT accesible by non magick users and even MOST magick users. You KNOW THAT!

AND...even IF someone with enough power and LUCK were somehow able to get into the RIGHT time stream of Limbo where our Ororo is caring for Alexia, do you REALLY think they'd be able to get her without one HELL OF A FIGHT from Ororo!?

<< Morgan stands there, with her hands on her hips as she glares at Cameron>>

You USED to have this...REALLY bad habit of RUINING EVERYTHING by saying the WRONG THING at the wrong time...but I thought you'd OUTGROWN that foolish behavior.

But after what you've just said?

I'm starting to wonder if Blaze and Alison are RIGHT in their CONCERN that Delilah's self destructing ways aren't rubbing OFF on YOU!

Now if this is some misguided attempt at a joke or to GUILT, just stop it.

<< She waited. The others were hoping against hope that this WAS some kind of joke , no matter how crass it would be.>>

<< She looks back at Blaze, Alison and the others...the momentary regret that Cameron had done this IN FRONT OF EVERYONE EVAPORATED as she realized not only was he telling the truth but that he had made such a STUPID MISTAKE! The facade that she was completely serene about DELILAH seemed to evaporate as well>>

YOU IDIOT!

<< Eldritch chimes sound off as Morgan bellows>>

"A sensitive situation" INDEED!

Has spending all this time with that OTHER idiot (Delilah) caused you to take leave of your SENSES!?

<< Turning away as she thrusts her hands up into the air>>

TOO BUSY coddling Delilah and reveling in playing "THE BOSS" of this team to realize when you're IN OVER YOUR HEAD!?


Who did you REALLY make this STUPID CHOICE for? who's EGO and FRAGILE mind were you trying to appease when you thought nothing of placing Sharon and Haleigh's lives in danger like this without full backing of the TEAM!?

<< She noticeably LEFT OUT Bishop.>>

And NOW because of YOU TWO (Cameron & Delilah), LIVES ARE IN DANGER!

 

[MorningStar]

Central Park to the Parthenon

Delilah looked to Cameron for validation that her daughter had been here in front her, her eyes imploring him – half wanting it to be her and half wanting it not to be.

"I just don't know for sure, Delilah...It looked like her...it felt like her...but we have to many questions to answer before ANY of us confirm it. Sharon just boarded that boat with her SON…"

Delilah turned her head away.

“Then Bishop was right, it’s just a trick.”

She was silent as Haleigh popped Maxim’s dislocated shoulder back into place. And then he gave Cameron and Haleigh his permission. And he was supposed to be the strong one. But, in truth, he had been in league with them all along.

"Sharon has been taken...that concerns them. I've been willing to do whatever I can in order to prevent this…and I am SURE you will tell me there is more I can do before I have to… I'm sorry...I won't..."

She took a few slow steps towards Cameron.

“I won’t tell you there’s more you can do – I’m not them. You have to do what you feel is right. That’s your choice to make.”

"I'm sorry, Delilah."

She shook her head.

“They won’t come anyway. They wish my daughter was dead.”

She turned away, then paused and turned back to him.

“But Cameron? Make sure they do check on Ororo. If she’s not answering that’s trouble, whether it involves my child or not.”

Cameron was gone, and it was just three of them left. She felt drained, her face was solemn.

"I won't candy coat it, Delilah, this is going to be one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do. Working with someone you'd rather KILL than speak to is an extreme endurance exercise in patience and self-restraint. I still remember the days when *I* was public enemy number one in Morgan and Alison's eyes and I still remember how much it took to overcome their OBSTINANCE just to get a job done.

“If we were smarter, we would have left way back in those days. That’s what we should have done.”

But if you want your DAUGHTER back? We have to do this. So I don't want to tell you to 'suck it up', because I think ENOUGH people have told you THAT already. But I WILL tell you to reach down deep and find some inner fuccking strength, because you're going to need it. And please remember..... I've got YOUR back TOO."

Delilah nodded, taking a shaky breath.

“I’m ready. Let’s do this.”

Haleigh took her hand, and they transported to the Parthenon, to the new War Room. Delilah sat down at the conference table.

”Ava, Cass, we've got a situation. Report to the War Room for a team meeting, I'll fill you while everybody else is enroute from Aerie."

She put her forehead down on the table.

"This is really going to suck.”

 

[Bishop]

Central Park to the Parthenon

“Then Bishop was right, it’s just a trick.”

Now he wasn’t so sure. After all, she looked and seemed so damn real. This whole thing was way too elaborate if you are just going to torture someone with a hologram. But maybe believing it wasn’t real was easier.

Haleigh was kinder than expected about his shoulder – he must really look like hell. That or she was feeling sorry for his totally fucked up situation. But he doubted it.

"Relax, drop your shoulders...squeeze your shoulder blades together...You have three fractured ribs. Not much to be done there.

“Huh…I thought they were broken, so things are looking up.”

He tested his shoulder, moving his arm in each direction. Not bad.

”If you're lucky I'll be able to talk Karen into healing you. If you aren't lucky I'll stick you with some morphine back at the Parthenon."

He waved his hand.

“Don’t bother. I’m good.”

He didn’t have time to worry about it – he was focused on what Cameron was telling Delilah and her reaction to it. That he was about to put her in a room with people who hated her and would treat her like dirt. If Delilah flew off the handle now...

But she seemed to have the opposite reaction, retreating inward this time, like all the emotion had been sucked out of her.

“They won’t come anyway. They wish my daughter was dead.”

He took a step towards her, started to say, “No they don’t” but stopped. It wouldn’t do any good.

But if you want your DAUGHTER back? We have to do this. So I don't want to tell you to 'suck it up', because I think ENOUGH people have told you THAT already. But I WILL tell you to reach down deep and find some inner fuccking strength, because you're going to need it. And please remember..... I've got YOUR back TOO."

He stared at Haleigh for a long moment. She surprised him, with what she said. Sure, it was fun to piss her off, but she was right, and he actually believed she would be there for Delilah. He wondered how she had wound up in the orbit of Morgan Victoria. He knew what had drawn Delilah in, but Red? He was surprised she hadn’t offed Morgan and covered it up somewhere along the line. He guess if she ever disappeared without a trace he’d know who did it.

Then they got a visitor to their little party.

"What the hell is he doing here?"

“Aw, missed you too. Didn’t you hear? I’m back.”

 

[Prophet]

Aerie - The Great Room

"No."

:: He shook his head as he stared at Morgan dead in the eyes. ::

"No."

"You and I?"

[gesturing back and forth between them]

"We aren't going to do this."

"Because I? Didn't create this situation. Because I am the one that talked your sister off of a ledge and showed her where she belonged. Because I am the one who made sure you HAD a sister to come back to. Because I am the ONE...who has busted his ASS! When his sister was too VIOLENT and UNSTABLE and you were too RAW and angry..I have dedicated my every WAKING SECOND to try and make sure that this team SURVIVES what has happened to us.."

:: Cameron leaned forward and pointed his finger at Morgan aggressively. ::

"So before you even THINK you can stand there and call me idiot, you should really be saying THANK YOU."

"Because I don't care how far you OR my sister have think you've moved on. You LOVE Delilah. And if I have to brush her goddamn teeth, tie her shoelaces or make sure she doesn't hurt herself or anybody else, I will do it. GLADLY. Because God helps the day that something happens to HER and the three of you have LEFT it like THIS."

:: He threw his hands up with anger. After everything he had done. After how far he had come as a person he felt as if deep down, Morgan would fully TRUST him. That he made a judgment call, just like Alison and Morgan did in The Blue Moon. A decision he thought was right, just like they did. Now the tables were turned and Morgan seemed just as mad as Delilah did. ::

"I stand by my decision because Alison has BARELY contained her anger in Delilah's presence and because YOU have been "Off World" for so long. If I FELT I had another option I would have pursued it. Honestly, do you not know me at all? Can you really just STAND THERE after leaving ME to pick up the pieces and then MARGINALIZE and DEGRADE my ability to judge a situation?"

:: Shaking his head in pain and anger ::

"It's enough. It's just enough. Knock it off. But I'm not making up a story and I'm not NEW at this. If this was an illusion, magickally created or otherwise, i'd KNOW it. Ororo isn't answering the phone and Sharon and Alexia are gone. You don't want to help? Don't."

:: He looked at the others. ::

"Anybody ELSE have something they need to say? Or can we start figuring this out?"

 

[Persephone]

Bishop: “Aw, missed you too. Didn’t you hear? I’m back.”

He was two steps away, sitting at the head of the conference table like a arrogant asshole. He had that same smirk that Hades got when he thought no one could touch him--harm him--KILL him. He was a plague in Delilah's life like Hades was in hers. They were so similar....it flipped Ava's switch.

"Not for long."

With one swift motion Ava's hand was on the back of Bishop's head and she SLAMMED his face down on the conference table; her fingers gripping his wavy brown hair while her other hand gripped his throat. Her thorn-like nails digging into his flesh with such ease, one swift motion and she would RIP his esophagus out.

"There's a reason why men like you were CASTRATED in my time. You're disgusting. You think they [Haleigh and Delilah] can stop me from killing you? I would do this world a favor by ending your arrogant, self righteous life right now."

Ava forcefully PUSHED Bishop off his chair and onto the floor, finally letting go of his head and throat.

"I know this is about Alexia, and that's your only damn saving grace."

Ava flicked her hand at Bishop, sending his own blood flying back at him as she walked around the conference table and next to Haleigh. She needed to be next to someone who could physically prevent her from ripping Bishop's throat out. Her sister handed her a handkerchief and Ava began to wipe the blood from her hands--the topaz ring Karen gave her gently glowing as she tried to calm herself down.

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – War Room


:: After a massive crying jag, Cass fell into a deep sleep. It had been a LONG night, and Cass was grateful for Sharon and her words of wisdom. The sleep was peaceful; calm. There were no nightmares, but rather a sweet medley of dreams ranging from her original family to her new family. Sometimes it was just one family, other times the two families comingled with one another in her dreams. Cass sighed happily in her sleep until… ::

Haleigh: *intercom*: “Ava, Cass, we have a situation: Report to the War Room for a team meeting. I’ll fill you in while everybody else is enroute from Aerie…”

:: The intercom was LOUD. Cass sat straight up in bed. ::

Situation? War Room?

:: Cass pushed her blankets aside and ran to her closet, throwing on a comfy outfit consisting of a raspberry pullover with a pair of jeans and sneakers. One brush through her hair tamed her bedhead and she was out the door, hurrying to the War Room, praying that everybody was okay and, most importantly, that she could find it. ::

:: Luck was on her side and Cass entered the room JUST as Ava finished attacking…BISHOP?! Cass glanced all around and spotted Delilah and Haleigh. Now she was even more confused. Why were both Delilah and Bishop in the same room…TOGETHER?! Cass could only presume that something bad had happened to little Alexia. As much as Cass wanted to turn and walk right out of that room, she knew she had to stay on the off-chance whatever was happening had something to do with Alexia. Why ELSE would Delilah and Bishop both be in the same breathing space as the other? Cass approached the table cautiously and sat down. ::

“What’s happening? What’s wrong?”

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Aerie

:: Alison's vision of Cameron NARROWED, as if she were staring at him, down from the barrel of a gun.::

You're RIGHT, Cameron. Neither you, NOR Morgan CREATED THIS problem. DELILAH created it, She and that knuckle dragging neanderthal BISHOP! And INSTEAD of holding HER accountable for it, you've been coddling her and treating her like a porcelain doll!

:: Alison stands up and walks slowly around Cameron and Morgan::

You did your best. You made a descision based on what you had before you, and you want that to be understood, you want that to be ENOUGH because if we KNOW you as you THINK we should, then we wouldn't have anything to say?


And yet, ALL THIS TIME, you've stood by and let that massively incompetent woman denigrate ME, YOUR OWN SISTER, even though YOU KNOW that there was NO OTHER WAY for her to survive! NOW you want US to be understnading!?

::She reaches Cameron's side::

You HAVE been very busy, Cameron. You've done QUITE A BIT. But 100 good deeds cannot atone for ONE ACT OF BETRAYAL.

:: The way Alison said this, Cameron KNEW what she was referring to. It wasn't regarding Delilah, it was ANOTHER FAR more volatile situation that he HOPED she would NOT blow wide open at this moment.::

You've made a MESS of things, and you've YET to even figure out just HOW you're going to clean it up.

:: She said coldly::

Spellbinder: And that's on top of the pathetic MESS of a life that is Delilah's. One that spans TIME AND SPACE according to Hecate.

So BEFORE you stand here and try to lead or command ANYONE? Maybe you better get control of YOURSELF. Do you even know HOW to do that now? You've spent all this time with that eternal FAILURE of a human being [ Delilah] that you dont even seem to know the difference between RIGHT AND WRONG anymore!

:: AGAIN another shot at him over something that one else would know about BUT Cameron.::


Whatever happens to Delilah OR her family is on her head. She did this to herself and YOU obviously don't realize the price YOU will pay for trying to help someone like THAT.

 

[Prophet]

Alison: "You're RIGHT, Cameron. Neither you, NOR Morgan CREATED THIS problem. DELILAH created it, She and that knuckle dragging neanderthal BISHOP! And INSTEAD of holding HER accountable for it, you've been coddling her and treating her like a porcelain doll!"

:: After everything Cameron had helped Alison with over the last few months, he was incredibly surprised at her reaction. He would have hoped by now that Alison would respect him as a leader. That she would respect that he made a logical choice. It might not have been the choice SHE would have made, but Cameron was far more diplomatic than his sister. He knew when to ask for help and he tried to let people deal with things in a way that honored their feelings. It wasn't really his choice. It was an empath thing. He understood these intracies in people. Alison just didn't.

"Oh BITE your tongue, Alison. Everybody knows it but nobody wants to say. No matter WHAT side they may fall on in this stupid turf war? WE all realize that the FAULT of this situation isn't just because of Delilah. It's because of the THREE of you!"

Alison: "You did your best. You made a descision based on what you had before you, and you want that to be understood, you want that to be ENOUGH because if we KNOW you as you THINK we should, then we wouldn't have anything to say?And yet, ALL THIS TIME, you've stood by and let that massively incompetent woman denigrate ME, YOUR OWN SISTER, even though YOU KNOW that there was NO OTHER WAY for her to survive! NOW you want US to be understnading!?"

:: Cameron shrugged in anger. ::


"Yeah, Sis! That's usually how it works with family! And at this point? I don't really care if she is a part of YOURS..but Delilah is CERTAINLY part of MY family, ALISON. We have ALL said painful and nasty things to each other over the years. None of us is exempt from that kind of scrutiny..but I'm certainly not going to CRUCIFY somebody who is acting like an ASS-HOLE because they are in so much pain..because that would mean I would have to crucity my own SISTER."

::She reaches Cameron's side::

You HAVE been very busy, Cameron. You've done QUITE A BIT. But 100 good deeds cannot atone for ONE ACT OF BETRAYAL.

:: The way Alison said this, Cameron KNEW what she was referring to. It wasn't regarding Delilah, it was ANOTHER FAR more volatile situation that he HOPED she would NOT blow wide open at this moment.::

You've made a MESS of things, and you've YET to even figure out just HOW you're going to clean it up.

"Oh REALLY, Alison?"

:: Cameron looked at the group and rolled his eyes. ::

"Dun dun dun. Something happening between Haleigh and myself has NOTHING to do with the situation at hand. And don't forget you're little speedster over there DOESN'T have a PSI Screen. So unless you'd like to explain why you've been so RECKLESSLY letting a stranger into your house and into your VAULT..in MORE ways than one..I keep those little tidbits to yourself..because I can play that game TOO."

:: She said coldly::

Spellbinder: And that's on top of the pathetic MESS of a life that is Delilah's. One that spans TIME AND SPACE according to Hecate.

So BEFORE you stand here and try to lead or command ANYONE? Maybe you better get control of YOURSELF. Do you even know HOW to do that now? You've spent all this time with that eternal FAILURE of a human being [ Delilah] that you dont even seem to know the difference between RIGHT AND WRONG anymore!

:: AGAIN another shot at him over something that one else would know about BUT Cameron.::


Whatever happens to Delilah OR her family is on her head. She did this to herself and YOU obviously don't realize the price YOU will pay for trying to help someone like THAT.

"You know what? At every chance I've tried to understand each of your side of the situation. I have related and I have acknowledged all of your pain and grievances and I've accepted them as valid. But honestly? I am DONE sitting here listening to the two of you laugh and mock somebody that has seen you through the darkest of your times. And here she is, going through hers..and what do you both do? You villanize her. You pretend that you DON'T know and understand why she is acting the way that she does. You both sit there BACKING EACH OTHER UP when BOTH of you have admitted that the two of you made a mistake. You want to sit there and glory and pride? Go right ahead. But nobody here thinks you a matryr..or NOBLE for that matter."

"The three of you created a shit show that you left everybody else to clean up. You isolated yourselves and forced us to deal with all the things you weren't strong enough to deal with and yet you stand here and DARE to question my motives? To question my INTELLIGENCE?!"

"Perhaps the struggle you are having is the fact that beyond the shadow of a doubt, I would pay the ultimate PRICE when it comes to Delilah and I know without ANY hesitance, that she would do the same thing for ME. You want to stand there and make a mockery of ME!? I don't think so. I have GROWN. It was necessary, but it was still a choice. A choice that I made...and CARRIED out..but if I have to keep trying to PROVE myself to the two of you, when you TWO have caused such a DIVISION amongst our family...how can I win?"

"Look it's really simple. Do you want to stand there and be [air quoting] "justified" or "right" ?! Or can you stop looking within and realize what is best for the team? If we can...we need to rescue Alexia. We NEED to bring that woman resolved..that conclusion can only happen if the two of you stop being so goddamn angry and realize that not ALL of us feel the way you do about Delilah. We love her. And we want her to be okay. We are willing to put the work in. So help us, Alison. Help us save Delilah's child if we can."

 

[Firebird]

Minerva's Aerie

"GUYS waitaminute!!!!!"

Blaze shouted as she pushed between Alison and Morgan, keeping either hand placed on one of their arms as a way of silently pleading with them NOT to escalate this with Cameron.

"I'm not crazy about Delilah and her ill tempered thunderc*nt behavior these days EITHER...but forget about her for JUST a second."

"Cameron HAS being doing everything he can. I talked...ARGUED with him over Delilah. He cares deeply about her, but not at the expense of you, Alison. And if anything, Morg, I think he's come to understand how DIFFICULT it was for you, being the team leader. He's come back, and he's tried to PROOVE that not only does he care and love this team, but that he can hold things together!"

"Yeah his approach just now was fucked up, but let's just..."

a beat

"Let's JUST consider the EMERGENCY at hand. SHARON has been taken and we have NO idea where OR what could be happening to her. "

"That little girl may or may not be Alexia...but Alison, remember when YOU saw apparitions of Cameron when Barbas was haunting us? "

"There were some on the team who were skeptical but you knew in your soul he was alive and in terrible trouble and we went with you to help get him back. "

"There's a little girl out there in serious trouble, the kind that no mortal can deal with. If that's not the most basic premise for the Six to take action, then what is?"

"We HAVE to help now, because... ::sigh:: because it's the right thing to do. "

"If we want to PROOVE her WRONG about all the nasty things she says about us? We have to step up! "

"And It's not just Alexia who's life is at stake, but also Sharon's maybe even Ororo's. "

"This goes beyond Delilah and Bishop."

Looking at Cameron.

"I just wish THEY understood that just ONCE before they made the choices they made that have hurt and forever altered so many people's lives. "

 

[Prophet]

Minerva's Aerie

Blaze: ""I'm not crazy about Delilah and her ill tempered thunderc*nt behavior these days EITHER...but forget about her for JUST a second. Cameron HAS being doing everything he can. I talked...ARGUED with him over Delilah. He cares deeply about her, but not at the expense of you, Alison. And if anything, Morg, I think he's come to understand how DIFFICULT it was for you, being the team leader. He's come back, and he's tried to PROOVE that not only does he care and love this team, but that he can hold things together!"

"Blaze? Thank you for acknowledging that I AM trying my best..but I am just not going to sit here any longer and let ANYBODY stroke the ego of two people who were TOO WEAK to face reality, despite EVERYTHING they tried to beat into my head over the years!"

"Let's JUST consider the EMERGENCY at hand. SHARON has been taken and we have NO idea where OR what could be happening to her. "

"That little girl may or may not be Alexia...but Alison, remember when YOU saw apparitions of Cameron when Barbas was haunting us? "

"There were some on the team who were skeptical but you knew in your soul he was alive and in terrible trouble and we went with you to help get him back. "

"There's a little girl out there in serious trouble, the kind that no mortal can deal with. If that's not the most basic premise for the Six to take action, then what is?"

"We HAVE to help now, because... ::sigh:: because it's the right thing to do. "

"If we want to PROOVE her WRONG about all the nasty things she says about us? We have to step up! "

"And It's not just Alexia who's life is at stake, but also Sharon's maybe even Ororo's. "

"This goes beyond Delilah and Bishop."

Looking at Cameron.

"I just wish THEY understood that just ONCE before they made the choices they made that have hurt and forever altered so many people's lives. "

"Delilah isn't our enemy and I'm not going to sit here and let all of you make her something she's not. She has earned your respect. Whether or not you think she has earned your time and concern NOW..she has CERTAINLY earned your respect. I'm not going to allow al of you to sit here and pretend that NONE of you haven't caused inmeasurable damage to our family unit. NONE of us can sit here without judgment. NONE OF US can say that we have always made the right decision..and NONE of us can say that we deal with conflict appropriately."

:: Gritting his teeth he waved his fist at Alison and Morgan. ::

"So I don't know if this united stand against Delilah is something that you've all created in order to feel bad about making decisions that WEREN'T yours to make, but I don't like. I'm not going to let EITHER of you forget how much that woman has been there for BOTH of you when...if we are being REALLY honest, you really didn't DESERVE it."

"I have sat through and dealth with my mistakes. I am subjected to them everyday. But I don't sit here and villanize ANYBODY from my past in an effort to feel rationalized about my behavior. That's what the two of you are doing right now."

"This DOESN'T go passed Delilah and Bishop. They are our family..and no matter how fancy your words are or aggressive your attempt, it doesn't change the fact that we made a promise to take care of each other. We are bound together by design. Maybe I just thought that meant something more than it does to the two of YOU."

:: Shaking his head. ::

"I've really tried. I've really tried to stand tall..but honestly sitting here and listening to the VENOM that you two harpies have to spew when NEITHER of you are in the situation to be this judgmental? Well it makes me sick. It makes me want to wash my hands of all of it and just LEAVE."

"Because if I have to live under the authority of two women who care more about image than they do about the people they supposedly love, I'd rather DIE. This isn't a dictatorship. This is a democracy. And if you don't want to give me the respect I deserve and have earned...then I'd rather not have to deal with either of you. Morgan is already planning to live outside The Parthenon and Alison has isolated so much that it wouldn't be so much of a burden!"

 

[Rampage]

And there it went.

Cameron barged in a perfectly serene gathering and dropped a pile of shit into everyone's lap. Alison and Morgan took it about as well as anyone could imagine. But what got his attention was Sharon being taken. His eyes narrowed momentarily at Cam before returning to normal. No need to freak out right now, that was already being handled nicely by Morgan and Alison. What they needed right now was a plan.

Blaze appealed to them both even as Nicolas stood, nodding to Mike and motioning for him to stay put.

"There's a little girl out there in serious trouble, the kind that no mortal can deal with. If that's not the most basic premise for the Six to take action, then what is?"

"We HAVE to help now, because... ::sigh:: because it's the right thing to do. "

"If we want to PROOVE her WRONG about all the nasty things she says about us? We have to step up! "

"And It's not just Alexia who's life is at stake, but also Sharon's maybe even Ororo's. "

"This goes beyond Delilah and Bishop."

Looking at Cameron.

"I just wish THEY understood that just ONCE before they made the choices they made that have hurt and forever altered so many people's lives. "

Nicolas moved as if it were decided. He knew there was no way they would abandon Sharon and Alexia to their fate. He spoke to everyone assembled.

The first thing is to try to contact Ororo and see what (if anything) has happened there. IF Alexia is missing that should give us a clue as to what we are up against. I can accompany you there Morgan if you like. Alison, you are best equipped to give us a clue as to what is going on and where it will happen next. Mike, you stay with Ma and Hazel and monitor all channels. Cam, head back and we will meet you at the Parthenon War Room within the hour.

He looked around at the people staring at him.

What? SOMEONE has to start doing SOMETHING. Alexia AND Sharon are missing and until they are found, we work with Hitler if we have to. What we DON'T do is waste time while people we care about are lost and perhaps hurt.

He raised his hand and his axe came as bidden to him, large and golden and marred with the runes of Set. He waited for people to start to move...

 

[Orion]

Ava's Penthouse


Ava: Yeeessss. But it's strictly platonic. I don't need love in my life right now, so Simon Pratt being a a notorious playboy bachelor is perfect.

"Hey, I'm not judging. The Gods know I got my foot in the door with Haleigh being 'strictly platonic'. As long as he's treating you the way YOU want to be treated.... I'll mind my own business. But Ava, if you ever feel he's not giving you what you deserve... You call me. I'll take care of the problem, okay?"

Ava: Thanks. Relationships are messy. Sex is simple. I like simple.

"Hmm well I can't argue with THAT. But Ava? Simple is less satisfying. Love is more fulfilling, even when it requires more effort."

He held her eye contact for a second, and then the intercom blasted and it was Haleigh.

Haleigh: Ava, Cass, we've got a situation. Report to the War Room for a team meeting, I'll fill you while everybody else is enroute from Aerie.

Ava: Well, we almost made it two weeks!

Zach chuckled, commenting that he was always shocked when they made it two DAYS. He rose to his feet as she got up, and she walked him to the door.

Ava: Thanks for stopping by, Zach. It was really nice to just sit back and catch up with you.

"Yes, I'm glad I came, even if I didn't get exactly what I was after. I hope you don't feel used.... I just figured if ANYONE knew what the deal is.... it'd be you. I'm glad you're doing well."

Ava: We'll do this again sometime, okay?

He returned her hug firmly, imparting some happiness with her.

"That would be nice. And Ava? If he doesn't treat you like the goddess that you are? Let me KNOW, I mean it."

He said, kissing both of her cheeks and telling her goodbye. He walked to the elevator, considering going down to the War Room. He wasn't technically invited, but that had never stopped him BEFORE. But with the way things were.... He wasn't sure if just showing up was such a good idea. Maybe his powers would be useful. Maybe he was just looking for an excuse to see Haleigh, and to gauge her feelings around Cameron. He pushed the button for the lobby. He didn't want to be that guy, the jealous guy. The intruding, untrusting guy. The clingy guy. He needed to get a grip. But first, he stopped at the bar.

 

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon: War Room



Delilah: If we were smarter, we would have left way back in those days. That’s what we should have done.

"There was a time, Delilah, that I'd have been the first to suggest that idea. But NOW? I don't think so. There have been a lot of good times TOO."

Delilah: I’m ready. Let’s do this.

Haleigh didn't reply. She was truly surprised at Delilah's calm. It was what Haleigh needed, but she hadn't expected it so easily. She's expected a fight. She'd expected a headache. But other than admitting it would suck, Delilah didn't argue.

Haleigh wondered what was keeping Cameron. He was likely having a much harder time than she was. Delilah and Bishop sat at the conference table, and Haleigh powered up the media, downloading the footage she had captured so she could play it back for the others. Ava walked in as Haleigh was fiddling with configuration.

Ava: What the hell is he doing here?

"Our situation has to do with Alexia. He's her father, he has a RIGHT to be here."

Bishop: Aw, missed you too. Didn’t you hear? I’m back.

Ava: Not for long.

Haleigh didn't know what to expect here. She wasn't THERE, the last time Bishop came around. She knew the gist, but that was it. Who he'd pissed off, what he'd said or done to each person, that was ALL details that Haleigh wasn't aware of. So when Ava slammed Bishop to the table, Haleigh assumed he'd done something to deserve it. She didn't speak up or bother to intervene.

Cass arrived but didn't question the scene, just sat down at the table like it was business as usual.

"Hey CJ. Have a seat."

She asked what was happening, as Ava shoved Bishop to the floor and waltzed over, looking pleased with herself. Haleigh didn't fight the smirk that crept up her lips. She winked and nodded with pride as she handed her little sis a handkerchief to wipe off her hands.

(To Ava)"You good now? We have to focus. (Addressing Cass now as well) Alexia has been taken, and Sharon's gone TOO, but the weird thing is I don't think EITHER of them went against their will, exactly. I'd tell you the story, but you'd just assume I was on drugs, so instead I'll play back the footage. You'll only have MY point of view..... but trust me..... it's enough to know something fuccked up is going on."

She pointed to the nearest screen, playing the scene for Ava and Cass, starting with the moment they arrived on the other side of the wormhole. She didn't skip, pause, or fast forward for this first playback.

"Cameron went to Aerie to inform the others. We tried to keep this party small while it was still possible, but after THAT mess, we knew it'd require more resources-- including but not limited to the magickal kind. Do either of you recognize ANYTHING from that encounter? The Faerie, the carousel, the ship, the music?"