Morningstar

[Ruby]

Limbo




:: It was all over. Though Badiane had been defeated, and the children were all safe, Delilah and Morgan were both GONE. Haleigh helped Cass over to the others where Cass continued to lean on Haleigh. She was exhausted. Not only physically, but mentally as well. Her eyes were empy; devoid of emotion. ::

:: Soon they were all teleported to another castle. Cass had never been to Limbo before, so she didn’t know where she was. She looked all around her. Everybody was in a circle. Cass felt cold and shivered. She could hear wind whistling eerily through the castle. She shivered again and turned to Firebird, who was beside her. Her voice was devoid of emotion. ::

“Um…where are we?”

Firebird: “We’re in LIMBO. This is MORGAN’S castle!

:: Cass nodded. She heard about Limbo. After her phsyical and mental exhaustion, she couldn’t quite bring herself to care about anything. But she WAS hopeful that Morgan was still alive. Otherwise, why else would they be here, in this creepy place? She watched the interactions between Sharon and Alexia. ::

:: A golden stepping disc appears…and Darkchilde appears! Cass gazed at her emotionlessly. ::

Greetings.

<< Her voice now had that haunting resonance that it only took on when she was in this particular form.>>

<< She took a moment to look among them. They were weary, battle worn and emotionally fatigued, and NOW some of them were understandably on edge. She didn't have to be a telepath to know why.>>

I know that it is a source of discomfort for some of you to see me in this form. But You have nothing to fear from me. I am MYSELF.

In this desperate caper, with so much at stake, and with a foe that commanded her magicks on a scale not unlike Circe, I had to use ALL of my resources, including the one that carries the most risk, directly tapping into the POWER of Limbo. Limbo REFLECTS me, it is part of who I am, from the source of my base mutant power, to the arcane magicks that I command.

When Badiane attacked me, she used her magick to mimic the energy signature of Black. I escaped at the last possible moment, arriving here, where I was able to recover.

Who, or what, is Black?

We all knew that Badiane's defeat and destruction would come at Morningstar's hands. Rather than risk altering the time thread that Harbinger had seen as the most likely outcome, I decided to try a different approach, and began to search for a way to....

...to SAVE Delilah AFTER she destroyed Badiane.

:: Persephone urged Spellbinder to not use a necromancy spell because Delilah wouldn’t want to be revived that way. Spellbinder agreed. ::

No, Persephone. That's not it. You're right, Delilah would NOT want me to use the necromancy spell. There is more to magick than dark/black, destructive spells. There is also white/light, restorative. I haven't always showed the proper appreciation or RESPECT to the mantle that I've inherited. But along the way, Ororo, and DELILAH, among others, offered important lessons, ANCHORS for me.

Some of you << Looking at Prophet>> have discomfort, or even disapproval of magick and those who use it. I can't blame you for that. But I can show you the GOOD that magick can do as well.

Behold.

:: If Cass squinted, she could vaguely see a feminine form in fetal position in the glowing sphere Morgan had brought forth. ::

Is that…is that DELILAH?

I have spent time gathering the pieces of Delilah Trelevan's soul, calmed them, and guided them back together. This is the most BASIC form of her essence, without consciousness, without LIFE as we know.

The moment she became a star, her life line was BROKEN, her consciousness was nearly dissipated. Though I have gathered the pieces and guided them together, the spark of LIFE is needed to spur her consciousness, and allow my magick to restore her human form.

I CAN'T restore her with the necromancy spell.

But there is ONE other option.

Delilah freely gave her life, her very soul to save her daughter and all of creation. To RESTORE Delilah's humanity and her LIFE line and soul, to give her new form, it will require the life force, the soul of another, ALSO freely given.

But know that this means you will take Delilah's place...in the realm of the dead.

:: Haleigh questioned whether this was what Delilah REALLY wanted. ::

But we've all lived through what's happened SINCE then. This was their way of balancing their scales with her. The goddesses offered Delilah a choice. She could accept Athena's reward and be reborn as an AMAZON, with no memory of her previous life, no ties to it or anyone apart of it, AND be free of the curse that follows her and bishop from one life to the next; OR she could be RESTORE to her present life, in full health and vitality BUT whatever her FATE was in this life...she would have to face it, with NO help or intervention from THEM (the goddesses). They WARNED her of great pain and even hardship. Still, her love for her LIFE as she had lived it so far, her love and sense of loyalty to US, her friends...her FAMILY...and her NEED to one day see her little girl Alexia lead her to choose the latter of the two.

THAT is why she revived during the Blue Moon. She WANTED to be here, for her daughter, for her life and all that she had yet to do, and for/with US.

Much like when Ororo gathered my soul and consciousness when Master Mold pulled me through the Seige Perilous, OR when Black broke my lifelines, OR when Alison died during the battle against Blackout, Not only have I gathered Delilah's "pieces" and guided them back together, but I also HEARD the most primal of desires from her. She WANTS to live again, not among the stars, but HERE in the life that mattered most to her.

:: Bishop immediately came forward and offered up his life. Cass was about to object, saying that a child, ALEXIA, needed BOTH parents, not just one. Cass knew THAT firsthand. But Spellbinder spoke again. ::

The life force need NOT come from a SINGLE person. A SMALLER portion, from SEVERAL will be sufficient. There are NINE of us present, if EACH of you is willing.

<< She was INCLUDING herself in this, but EXCLUDING Alexia.>>

Be warned, EACH of you will feel PAIN, and your own life energy WILL be diminished.

If you understand, and give freely just the same, then I will have what I need to restore our Morningstar in full form and substance.

:: Cass stepped up. ::

“I’LL do it.”

:: She heard Alison, Blaze, and Sharon all agree with her on that. They all joined hands. ::

 

[Bishop]

THAT is why she revived during the Blue Moon. She WANTED to be here, for her daughter, for her life and all that she had yet to do, and for/with US.

Bishop shook his head in disbelief.

“Why did she do it?”

He said it aloud, but it was really to himself. She could be alive right now! If only…

If only she’d forgotten him – THEM.

It just wasn’t in her nature to leave them behind. And they couldn’t leave her behind either. He was ready to make that sacrifice. But then something incredibly strange happened:

Instead of just letting him die, instead of trading his miserable life for Delilah’s, they each offered a part of themselves. He looked askance at Spellbinder, with surprise. It would have been so easy for her to just accept his offer, to not even mention there being another way. But why? Why would she?

As he looked around at each of them in turn as they agreed:

Harbinger: We understand...

Silver Swan: ...And we ACCEPT. We give freely, without hesitation.

Firebird: We're ready when you are, Spellbinder.

CJ: “I’LL do it.”

He was actually speechless, to see their willingness to sacrifice themselves for Delilah. And really, for him too.

Alexia ran over to stand next to him and grabbed his hand.

Alexia: ”Me too!”

He knelt down and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.

“You are such a brave girl – but mommy is going to need ALL of you to hug when she comes back.”

He hugs her tightly himself, then moves into his place in the circle.

 

[Persephone]

She was right, there was a reason they were all brought to Limbo, there WAS a way to save Delilah. As Spellbinder appeared in her Darkchilde form, many among the six were on edge at the sight of her--Haleigh moreso than anyone. But Ava felt no fear or dread at the sight of this form of Morgan....she almost felt at home with her. However what she DIDN'T feel at ease about was the prospect of Morgan using the necromancy spell to bring Delilah back. She had seen the effects it took on Karen after she had murdered Mike....and she KNEW Delilah wouldn't want that for Morgan. She voiced her concern and surprisingly Morgan had another way. A sacrifice to bring their friend back.

Bishop: Me, take ME.

Ava shifted her eyes to Maxim whom, without one bit of hesitation, volunteered to sacrifice himself for Delilah. She was slightly surprised he would be so willing to.....maybe there was a heart beneath that arrogant, self involved, asshole of a meat suit. Ava didn't speak up or object. Honestly, Alexia would be better off with Delilah raising her. And despite knowing that Delilah would HATE for ANYONE to sacrifice themselves for her, Ava selfishly allowed it to play out.

Spellbinder: The life force need NOT come from a SINGLE person. A SMALLER portion, from SEVERAL will be sufficient. There are NINE of us present, if EACH of you is willing. Be warned, EACH of you will feel PAIN, and your own life energy WILL be diminished.

Alison, Sharon, Blaze, and Cass immediately stepped forward without hesitation, taking hands as they prepared themselves. Ava took a step forward as well, but noticed Haleigh still gripping her weapon as she stared at Morgan. Placing her hand on Haleigh's, she knew her sister was still in "survival mode" and very wary of this version's Spellbinder.

"If you don't trust Morgan, trust me."

She stared into Haleigh's cold and emotionless eyes, feeling her hand loosen only SLIGHTLY from the gun. It was enough to show that Haleigh was going to look beyond the Darkchilde persona and help Delilah.

Looking to Morgan now.

"Lets do this."

 

[Prophet]

:: Morgan appeared before the group and although he could sense the difference in this appearance of "Darkchilde" and the one who nearly destroyed the world, what he went through in that caper would stay with him forever, and there would never be a moment where seeing Spellbinder like this DIDN'T make him on edge, at least a little. He was right in his suspicions, Morgan had found a way to bring Delilah back to them, however it would take the spark of life in order to do so. More loss, something that Delilah would not be okay with. Even in her more robotic state, Cameron and Haleigh agreed while Bishop volunteered immediately. ::

Black Widow: "It is possible that Morningstar does not want to be 'saved', or that she does not want another to take her place."

"I agree. This feels like The Blue Moon all over again. What if she wants to stay the way that she is?"

:: Spellbinder countered, making a good point. ::

"But we've all lived through what's happened SINCE then. This was their way of balancing their scales with her. The goddesses offered Delilah a choice. She could accept Athena's reward and be reborn as an AMAZON, with no memory of her previous life, no ties to it or anyone apart of it, AND be free of the curse that follows her and bishop from one life to the next; OR she could be RESTORE to her present life, in full health and vitality BUT whatever her FATE was in this life...she would have to face it, with NO help or intervention from THEM (the goddesses). They WARNED her of great pain and even hardship. Still, her love for her LIFE as she had lived it so far, her love and sense of loyalty to US, her friends...her FAMILY...and her NEED to one day see her little girl Alexia lead her to choose the latter of the two."

"THAT is why she revived during the Blue Moon. She WANTED to be here, for her daughter, for her life and all that she had yet to do, and for/with US."

"Much like when Ororo gathered my soul and consciousness when Master Mold pulled me through the Seige Perilous, OR when Black broke my lifelines, OR when Alison died during the battle against Blackout, Not only have I gathered Delilah's "pieces" and guided them back together, but I also HEARD the most primal of desires from her. She WANTS to live again, not among the stars, but HERE in the life that mattered most to her."

:: He spoke in a calm and somber tone. Prophet was not trying to be confrontational or ruin what seemed to be like great hope, but after everything that had happened, he still felt a duty to protect Delilah. She was at peace for once, she above all the pain and despair her life had been. She made peace of it all. How could they possibly bring her back from such a beautiful state of being? ::

"But she didn't know what was going on then. She didn't know the circumstances that would follow. She didn't know she wouldn't be able to BE with her daughter...how can we know if she would have made the same choice knowing all that happened afterwards?"

<< If this was a TEST on Spellbinder's part, the Bishop PASSED, and because of that, she would give him a much needed and fairly deserved BREAK.>>

The life force need NOT come from a SINGLE person. A SMALLER portion, from SEVERAL will be sufficient. There are NINE of us present, if EACH of you is willing.

<< She was INCLUDING herself in this, but EXCLUDING Alexia.>>

Be warned, EACH of you will feel PAIN, and your own life energy WILL be diminished.

If you understand, and give freely just the same, then I will have what I need to restore our Morningstar in full form and substance.

Harbinger: We understand...

Silver Swan: ...And we ACCEPT. We give freely, without hesitation.

Firebird: We're ready when you are, Spellbinder.

<< The gathered Six family join hands around the demon sorceress, and the essence of Delilah Trelevan, now ready to help Spellbinder RESTORE Morningstar!>>

[Cameron pleads]

"You guys...come on. We can't just abitrarily decide Delilah's life for her...AGAIN."

:: Ruby agreed as did Ava, pleading with Haleigh to trust her. It seemed to be working. He wanted the REAL Haleigh in this moment and he was beginning to have half a mind to FORCE her emotions out of her. Even at her craziest she was still logical. She had understood his position before, she would understand it now. Everybody seemed to be joining hands as Cameron began to be frantic. ::

"I...I want her back...I do...it's just..I want HER to want to be back. I couldn't live with tearing her away from such peace...such joy. What if she hates us again for it? What if...."

:: His mind was reeling. He felt like a rock and a hard place. The Six was finally agreeing on something for the first time in a long time, and it was what Cameron wanted. He just didn't expect it to be about something like this. He watched as Alexia volunteered as well and Maxim placated her. He stared at Alexia for a few moments, her wild eyes, and her dark hair. She was pure unadulterated joy. He began to think of Alexia growing up, going to school, falling on the playground, having a crush, going to do a dance, having her heart broken, graduating high school, all these incredible moments she had in store for her, and while Delilah may in someway still be "present" for those moments, she would never experience them. She would never be able to kiss her daughter's knee and apply a bandage, she would never be able to snap photos wildly as her sardonic teenage daughter pleaded with her to stop, she would never experience that feeling of pride from watching her daughter walk down that graduation stage, let alone down the aisle. Delilah WANTED that. ::

"Maybe..."

:: On the flip side, Cameron was an orphan, and looking back at his life, he knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that even if his mother had been an absolute monster (and she was), even if his father was distant or cold or uninterested, if they had just BEEN there, his life might have been different. He had been ABANDONED by his mother, his father and both of his sisters, and while Alexia may have been surrounded by people who loved her, just as Cameron had found (though far later in life), it wasn't the same as the bond between blood. Even in dark times, even with his feelings waivering about Alison in the moment, he didn't know the kind of man he might have turned into without her, and he didn't want to think about it. Part of the reason they had united as The Six was because they wanted to right the wrongs their parents had done, and right now they had the opportunity to do RIGHT, with Alexia. To BE the family that none of them ever really had. They could bring this young girl her mother back, and thankfully for her, HER mother was a beautiful and kind person. ::

:: Not to mention, as he thought of her future, he knew that there would come a day, where no matter how many people would try and convince her otherwise, she would blame HERSELF for this. She would blame herself for her mother's death, and it taint the light she had in her, despite her "dark power." He didn't wish that on anybody. ::

[to himself]

"If this is not your will, forgive me Delilah..."

:: Cameron joined the others, stepping in between Firebird and his sister, gripping both of them by the hands tightly and warmly. ::

"If we're doing this, we are doing it as a family. Together, ALL of us in agreement..."

:: He stared at their faces for a few moments and softly smiled. ::

"Let's bring back our girl."

 

[Bishop]

He watched Cameron as he pleaded to let Delilah be at peace. Was he right? She wouldn't have wanted someone to die in her place, that was for sure (even though he still would have done it). But this?

He had to believe she would want to be with Alexia, at any cost. Even if she hated herself, even if she longed for what she'd lost the rest of her life. She would want to be here to protect her daughter. Something he could never truly do. And there was also...

"Cameron, for what it's worth - she told me...before...she didn't want to die."

He didn't know if that would ease Cameron's conscience, but he knew that Cam had been a friend to Delilah when he had failed her, and so he deserved a try.

 

[Black Widow]

>>WARNING! EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! DARKCHILDE HAS TERMINATED THIS UNIT PREVIOUSLY! WARNING! EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! DARKCHILDE HAS TERMINATED CAMERON KING PREVIOUSLY! WARNING! EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! DARKCHILDE HAS TERMINATED BLAZE FIELDING PREVIOUSLY!

Ava placed her hand on Haleigh's, prompting a shift in the hybrid's gaze. She looked first down at her sister's hand on hers, then up to make eye contact with Ava.

Persephone: If you don't trust Morgan, trust me.

WARNING! EXERCISE-- Override.

Spellbinder replied regarding Haleigh's concern, giving more intel and insight into Delilah's wishes.

Spellbinder: THAT is why she revived during the Blue Moon. She WANTED to be here, for her daughter, for her life and all that she had yet to do, and for/with US.

Haleigh had no objections, and no problem with offering part or ALL of herself to restore Delilah. Still, she didn't seem convinced that what Delilah wanted THEN was exactly what she wanted now.

Cameron: But she didn't know what was going on then. She didn't know the circumstances that would follow. She didn't know she wouldn't be able to BE with her daughter...how can we know if she would have made the same choice knowing all that happened afterwards?

"Prophet is correct. It is possible Morningstar has found peace."

Spellbinder: Much like when Ororo gathered my soul and consciousness when Master Mold pulled me through the Seige Perilous, OR when Black broke my lifelines, OR when Alison died during the battle against Blackout, Not only have I gathered Delilah's "pieces" and guided them back together, but I also HEARD the most primal of desires from her. She WANTS to live again, not among the stars, but HERE in the life that mattered most to her.

Haleigh seemed to be tacitly considering it. She could not determine any other problems, but Cameron was in distress. She watched him, monitoring the spike in his vitals. Then she checked her radar to be certain there was no danger in their immediate vicinity.

Cameron: You guys...come on. We can't just arbitrarily decide Delilah's life for her...AGAIN. I...I want her back...I do...it's just..I want HER to want to be back. I couldn't live with tearing her away from such peace...such joy. What if she hates us again for it? What if....

"Prophet, please remain calm. IF Morningstar hates us, it would be illogical. Logically, We were bestowed the responsibility to ensure Alexia had the best possible life. That scenario would require Morningstar's presence. We are only doing as she asked."

Bishop: Cameron, for what it's worth - she told me...before...she didn't want to die.

"Yes, that is what she said."

Cameron finally relented and joined the circle, and Haleigh followed.

 

[Spellbinder]

Limbo- the Observatory

<< Persephone, Rampage, Harbinger, Firebird, and Silver Swan. Roughly half of the group that were not repulsed/unsettled/terrified of her in this form. On a deeply personal level, this meant the WORLD to Morgan, that there were those that could look upon her, even like THIS, and not completely shrink back in fear. But for those that DID have discomfort and issues, there were legitimate reasons. But thankfully, they were able to focus on the shared goal of saving someone they could ALL look upon with equal parts love and happiness. As Haleigh joined the circle, Rampage was already present and ready to begin.>>

"If we're doing this, we are doing it as a family. Together, ALL of us in agreement..."

:: He stared at their faces for a few moments and softly smiled. ::

"Let's bring back our girl."

I shall remain in the center of the circle, to ignite the spell and conduct it.

<< Chimes sound off, as a circle of magick forms around the group. That stream of energy then flows out to each person in the circle, forming a nine pointed star.>>

Stand fast, hands joined, eyes closed, and hearts opened. Be not afraid!

<<Another set of mystic chimes and melody sounds off, as the winds rise and flow around them. The very space they are in begins to TURN clockwise, with Spellbinder, her talismans, and Delilah's essence, in the center of the star remaining stationary.>>

<< Spellbinder holds up the equisite pendant that hangs around her neck. Her beatrice medallion, at the five points on its star, contains her own bloodstones that now glow a deep crimson red, they are the most powerful pieces of her soul, a truly vital extension of HER and all that she is. >>

<< Thunder CRASHES so hard, as the room around them spins more quickly and the winds seem to SING in anticipation of the darkchilde using her magicks>>

From power and blood of my heart, I call to the essence of Delilah Trelevan.

My protection is thine. Life of my life, take from that which is most sacred to me, my beatrice medallion. Reach out now, Delilah Trelevan as I offer a piece of my SOUL, to RESTORE yours!

Body of my body, marrow and mind. Soul of my soul, OUR spirits combine.

<< Spellbinder, even in her current form of darkchilde, winces with PAIN and grimaces as her beatrice medallion glows bright WHITE, and her bloodstones SPARK in a repeated pattern, as a piece of her soul, her very life force flows from her up above the circle, swelling a bit larger.>>

Under the moon of Hecate, guided by my hand, sustained by the blood of OUR hearts, the energy of OUR SOULS, we come together to RESTORE YOU.

<< Mystic chimes sound off as the orb immediately dives down and begins to travel in a SWIFT circle, hitting/PASSING THROUGH each person in the circle, and as it does this, it TAKES a piece of their soul, their LIFE force from them, adding it Spellbinder's. The process is NOT pleasant for anyone that it touches.>>

<< As it complets the circle, in a clockwise motion, It once again flies up to the center above Spellbinder and the sphere containing Delilah's essence.>>

The gift of life, we give to you freely with all our hearts and love. Accept this gift, Delilah Trelevan, with all your desire, and courage, and quicker than a ray of light, you will LIVE AGAIN!

 

[Seer]

A ray of light

<< Spellbinder conducts the spell giving of herself, joined by eight other willing souls, in an act of genuine love and sacrifice, willing to do this for their loved one, Delilah Trelevan.>>

<< Delilah's essence begins to draw closer together, becoming more formed, substantial and AWARE. Sight unseen, Spellbinder's voice, or rather the tone of it, and her astral form, gently beckons Delilah, leading her from the formlessness of the realm of the dead, toward the light of the GIFT that nine people have come together to create for her.>>

<< As Delilah gains form and strength, and more awareness, she sees Spellbinder smiling and calling her forward, until she is MET by the glowing globe of the combined life energy of all nine who freely gave of themselves to bring her back!>>

<< Delilah's life force is RESTORED, IGNITED in a GLORIOUS spark and her FIRST clear sense of feeling is being touched by EACH person that has given of themselves, brought together by Spellbinder's magick!>>

<< In that moment, she sees, senses, REMEMBERS each of them, and in that moment, she knows what they have done and how they TRULY feel about her, how much she is LOVED!>>

<< Images of each of them, the first being Spellbinder, who protects and guides her through this unimaginable process, just as Ororo had done with Morgan herself, or Alison. The LAST is not Bishop, but actually ALEXIA.>>

<< and in a scene similar to Karen welcoming HER daughter back to life in the infirmary of Minerva's Aerie, Delilah is greeted by the waiting open arms, and bright eyes of Alexia, surrounded by the others.>>

Spellbinder: Welcome HOME, Delilah.

<< Spellbinder's voice rings out in a beautiful, reassuring tone>>

<< Delilah is ALIVE again. Her body WHOLE and restored! All her senses , her mind, her SOUL are HER'S once more! Nurtured and CELEBRATED by the love of all those present! And as makes contact with Alexia once more...and then... QUICKER THAN A RAY OF LIGHT, she...>>

<< WAKES UP!?>>

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

NYC- THE PARTHENON

<< Delilah Trelevan is ALIVE. She WAKES UP, in her MOST RECENT costume, in her BED in the Parthenon! She does so with a START, so much so that she STARTLES a sleeping TINKERBELL(!?) who was laying next to her! In times long past, in the days of VALIANT, Delilah would come to check over Morgan's penthouse apartment, and would take care of Tinkerbell. When she would stay for extended weekends, she would take naps, with Tinkerbell laying beside her. >>

<< Delilah is not the only who awakens. Prophet, Black Widow, Firebird, Persephone, Ruby, Rampage, Silver Swan, Bishop, EACH of those present for those final moments in Limbo awakens as well- All in their personal dwellings, all in their most recent costumes. Sharon is even at the Parthenon, apparently having been a guest in Nicolas' apartment!>>

<< Noticeably ABSENT though, are Morgan AND Alison. Upon further investigation, it would appear that Morgan had NEVER been there, NEVER been among them during this entire period of time. Alison, who has just awakened as well, is STILL at Minerva's Mansion, half a world away from the parthenon. SHE was not present either! But how can that be? They REMEMBER them being there, FELT them. They FELT Spellbinder's magick touch at the very end. Spellbinder is STILL in Limbo.>>

<< Even as those present at the Parthenon struggle to regain their sense of time and space, and try to understand what has happened, even as they all rush to check on DELILAH, Delilah herself finds something else.>>

<< As she pets and talks to Tinker, the enchanted familiar mews and moves her head, drawing Delilah's attention to the pillow beside her.>>

<< She finds a mysterious, BEAUTIFUL object. It reminds Delilah of Spellbinder's beatrice medallion, but it's something else all together different! >>

<< Tinkerbell settles for a moment, looking intently at Delilah, before the cat's striking blue eyes begin to glow, a sign that she's activating her own power to communicate. Delilah sees a shimmering "bubble" above Tinker, showing an image of Delilah taking the "key necklace" in her hand, and eventually putting on her neck. The necklace and key are made of the FINEST gold, with the faceted jewel being made of a special holo-empathic CRYSTAL.>>

<< When Delilah touches it, she SEES an image of Alexia, not as a little girl, but as the INFANT baby girl she STILL is, right now. She not only sees an image of the baby, resting comfortably in a beautiful gothic bassinet, but she FEELS Alexia's essence, her SPIRIT, as if she were THERE in her presence now!>>

<< Even as Delilah marvels at this unexplained development and asks Tinker if there's anything more she can "tell" her, when she looks over, she discover that Tinker has DISAPPEARED. Leaving her alone, just as the OTHERS are arriving to check on her!>>

<< Delilah clutches the exquisite key necklace.>>

<< BISHOP, awakening whereever HE is, finds that he has received the SAME.>>

<< Who did it come from? Spellbinder? Harbinger? Or....>>

 

[MorningStar]

She was free, ethereal – but there was something. A cadence, drawing her forward. She moved effortlessly, but with each second that passed she became more solid, more herself. There was a bright light ahead, and as she drew near she saw MORGAN, waving her forward.

She saw the bright light was a glowing orb, moving towards her. As it met her body, it was like an explosion, and Delilah gasped, breathing in as if she had been drowning and finally reached the surface. The light travelled through her body, and she felt a warm sensation course through her.

Finally, the light subsided, and she was whole again. She looked around her, seeing all of the Six looking at her with expectant faces – and maxim and ALEXIA with them.

Welcome HOME, Delilah.

Delilah smiled on all of them in turn, then rushed to Alexia and knelt before her, wrapping her into a tight hug. She closed her eyes. Everything was perfect.

…

Delilah sat straight up in bed, evoking a perturbed mew from Tinkerbell. She looked around her, confused, then petted Tinkerbell gently.

“How did you get here, Tink? How did I get here?”

Tink began to purr, then inclined her head towards Delilah’s pillow.

“What is it?”

Tink mewed again, more insistently.

Delilah looked, and found a beautiful pendant laying where Tink had indicated. She looked at Tinkerbell quizzically.

A thought bubble appeared above Tink, showing Delilah putting on the necklace.

“Okay, whatever you say…”

As Delilah picked up the pendant, she suddenly could see baby Alexia! She was sleeping, and at peace. She turned the pendant over and over in her hand – what an amazing thing, but where could it have come from? Could it be real? Was all she had experience in the otherworld just a dream?

“Can you tell me anything else Tink?” She looked around. “Tink?”

The Siamese was nowhere to be found.

She slipped the necklace around her neck, unsure of what to do next but unable to stop touching the pendant. She just sat there in her bedroom, watching.

 

[Bishop]

They all stood in a circle now, with Spellbinder at its center. This was his first time really being a part of magick, and he had to admit it felt pretty damn odd. But he would do whatever it took to bring back Delilah.

Under the moon of Hecate, guided by my hand, sustained by the blood of OUR hearts, the energy of OUR SOULS, we come together to RESTORE YOU.

A glowing orb of light passed from person to person. He closed his eyes at it came to him, hitting him in the chest and going right through him. He gritted his teeth against the pain, but quickly it was over. And then he could see her, slowly taking form, coming out of the light this time.

“Delilah…”

She was smiling, happy to see them – ALL of them, it seemed. She moved forward and took Alexia into her arms, and all was as it should be.

…

And then he woke up.

“No…no no no…”

He buried his head into his pillow, willing himself to go back to sleep, back to the dream. He didn’t want to be awake.

But it was no use. The dream was gone. He was back in the bed at one of his safe houses, alone. None of it had been real.

Then his eye caught a glint of something in the light from the street outside. He pulled himself up on one elbow, and saw that next to his pillow lay a golden key on a chain.

“What the hell?”

He jumped out of bed, pulling the handgun in one fluid motion from under the pillow. He moved to the door, checked all the windows…but no one was in the room and there was no sign other than the pendant that someone had been here.

He put the gun on the table beside the bed, and picked up the necklace.

Suddenly, an image came to him of Alexia sleeping in her crib. He dropped the necklace in shock, and the image went away. Tentatively, he picked it up again, and once again he saw a flash of her.

Fucked up weirdness happening? He knew where to go to for that.

Slipping the necklace around his neck he quickly began to dress, tucking the key carefully under his t shirt. Whether she would like it or not, it was time to see Delilah.

 

[Silver Swan]

Spellbinder: Welcome home, Delilah!

[The depth of emotion was in Spellbinder's voice, even now, with its haunting resonance as she was in her darkchilde form, but Sharon could sense the symphony of power in the witch's body, matched only by the anticipation that she and everyone else felt as Delilah was finally RESTORED.]



[ But even in that bright, wonderful moment, as Delilah gathered Alexia in her arms, the light enveloped them all and...]


-----------------------------------------
The Parthenon- From Nicolas' apartment to Delilah's

[ Sharon's silver eyes OPEN, and she blinks a few times.]

Not in Limbo, but rather in the Parthenon. Nicolas' penthouse!


[The mutate reached out with her sonar and confirmed. It was though she'd never left, but hadn't she? Even though she was physically whole, she was in her armour, and there was a strangeness that she felt. She had perfect clarity of memory of the events that had transpired, that she'd been apart of.]

[ A quick check of Nicolas revealed he was okay, still sleeping, and looking so peaceful. No doubt he would awaken soon.]

I must check on Delilah.

[ She slipped out of his penthouse, and made her way down the hall to the elevator. As she did so, she mentally commands her silver eyemask to appear over her eyes. The elevator doors open to reveal....]

Cameron...you too??

[ She looks at him and steps inside. It's not hard to guess where he is going. ]

All of my senses, my memory tells me what we just experienced was real, and yet...I sense a strangeness about this. Was it?


[She waited for his answer as they traveled to Delilah's floor. Upon exiting, they moved with a purpose toward the door to her apartment. They hope Delilah can forgive her for not waiting, as Cameron opens the door and they enter.]

Delilah?

[Sharon calls out. She can confirm Delilah's presence with her own sonic senses, but being present, and being ALIVE and whole are entirely different things]

[ They finally find Delilah, with Sharon moving ahead of Cameron]

Delilah. Athena be praised, you're alive!

 

[Rampage]

There was never a doubt that they would all gladly give of themselves to restore Delilah. Nicolas joined the circle as the modified Darkchilde Morgan cast the spell.

As the orb came by sampling a piece of everyone's soul to restore Delilah, Nicolas had his only moment of hesitation. He hoped that his darkness inside would not taint the restored Delilah, but the risk was worth the reward and so he endured the momentary pain and....

....he rolled over in his bed, the uniquely sweet smell of the Silver Swan in his nostrils. She often stayed with him when at the Parthenon - Lord knows he had the room - and so that was not in and of itself unusual. But where was Delilah? A quick scan of the area cleared that up. And Morgan? Still a mystery. As relieved as he was about Delilah, it was impossible for him to be happy even as he knew Morgan was OK. Sometimes you wanted to know more than that, you wanted that person with you. Nicolas resolved to make his way to the Sorceress Supreme soon enough but for now....

...he teleported to the doorway of Delilah's apartment, behind Cam and Sharon, who was already stepping forward to embrace a bewildered-looking Delilah. Her existence was all too real and for now, that would be enough for the demi-god.

 

[Prophet]

:: The magical and power swirling between them was beautiful and awe inspiring. For all the destruction and chaos they had caused (and cleaned up) for the first time in The Six, they were using their power to CREATE life, instead of destroy it. It was a powerful image as each of them gave a part of their soul to give Delilah life, and the energy that was flowing through Cameron was unlike anything he had ever experienced. He had an inner guidance that spoke to him in this moment, a new understanding, that maybe magick wasn't ALL bad, that THIS was one of it's higher and good purposes. And then she was THERE! It worked! ::

Spellbinder: Welcome home, Delilah...

:: Cameron shot up in his bed, the sheets untouched as he found himself still in costume from Limbo. He immediately forced his senses awake. Everything seemed calm and serene around him but he felt like he had merely woken up from an intense dream. He looked around. There were no sounds, outside of the buzz of technology and electronic equipment that adorned his penthouse. Doing a mental sweep of the penthouse, he realized most of them were there with him, except for Morgan and Alison. He then began to mentally make out the presence of Delilah! She was there! ::

:: almost tripping over himself to get out of his bed, he ran towards the private elevator and chose Delilah's floor. As the doors opened he was greeted by Sharon Kelly. ::

Sharon: Cameron, you too? All of my senses, my memory tell me that what we experienced was real, and yet...I sense a strangeness about this. Was it?

"Delilah is HERE and ALIVE. I can feel her. I guess there's only one way to find out. Let's go."

:: The two of them entered Delilahs apartment with Sharon calling her name. Cameron moved with purpose as they moved towards Delilah's bedroom door and opened it. She was there! Sharon pushed in front of him. ::

Sharon: Delilah! Athena be praised, your alive!

:: Cameron's heart swelled as he ran over to her, jumping onto the bed and right next to her grabbing her and holding her with all his strength. ::

"Athena, my ass! Praise SPELLBINDER! She DID IT! Oh my god, Delilah! I've never been more happy to see you!"

:: he breathed her in, smelled her hair and still held on tight. This was really her. She wasn't a zombie or some manifestation or shell of herself. She was DELILAH! As he knew and loved her. ::

"You made a kick ass STAR but sorry to say I like this version, the one I can touch MUCH better!"

:: the others began to pile into the room looking for her. ::

 

[Ruby]

From Limbo to…THE PARTHENON?!




:: Spellbinder began the spell…and Cass screwed her eyes shut. She winced and gritted her teeth, squeezing both hands of the people next to her, against the unbearable pain as part of her SOUL was taken from her. ::

:: But it would be worth it, in the end, as all the pieces of their souls came together and formed…DELILAH. Their MorningStar was now standing in front of them, smiling and looking so…so…ALIVE. But the BEST moment was yet to come, the moment they were ALL waiting for, the moment that made this entire caper WORTH IT, when Delilah and Alexia collasped into each other’s arms… ::

<<FLASH!>>

:: …Cass GASPED and shot up in her bed. She looked around, confused. ::

HOW did I get here? WAS it ALL a dream?

:: She looked down at herself and was shocked to find that she was wearing her…COSTUME? ::

WHAT. The. Hell?

:: And then she remembered… ::

“Delilah!”

:: She got out of bed, feeling like everything was still so surreal, and wandered over to Delilah’s suite. If Delilah was going to make a scene; tough cookies. After the dream that she just had, Cass wanted to make sure that Delilah was okay. The door was open, so she leaned against the door jamb, and crossed her arms. Her ice-blue eyes were sparkling, a soft smile on her lips. ::

“So, I just had the CRAZIEST dream…” *drily*: “But it wasn’t a dream; it was a PLACE, and you and you and you and YOU were there…”

:: She said, pointing at each person in turn. ::

 

[Firebird]

A hope, a chance. Joining hands, a spell, magick ignites, a whirlwind, a RAY OF LIGHT!

Spellbinder: Welcome HOME, Delilah.

<< Spellbinder's voice rings out in a beautiful, reassuring tone>>

<< Delilah is ALIVE again. Her body WHOLE and restored! All her senses , her mind, her SOUL are HER'S once more! Nurtured and CELEBRATED by the love of all those present! And as makes contact with Alexia once more...and then... QUICKER THAN A RAY OF LIGHT,>>

::GASP!::

What....WHAT WAS THAT!?

"WHERE!?"

The fire elemental felt a bit WINDED as her apple green eyes opened. She noted that she was in her costume, but laying in BED! Everything she experienced, and now she was suddenly BACK in the parthenon. The feeling she had, it wasn't even the feeling associated with traveling through a stepping disc. It was something else! But the memories of all that she'd been through with the team were quite vivid. The feeling of urgency, dread, LOSS, SORROW, and at the very end...hope...and JOY!

For the fire elemental, feelings like this were what let her know she was alive, but sometimes, SEEING was believing.

Delilah!

She HAD to go and see if Delilah was okay.

Whatever happened before, after what they'd just been through, it truly didn't matter! There was a lesson learned, and Blaze was going to take it to heart, starting now!

She made her way her loft, down the private elevator, and to Delilah's floor. She was so concern, she almost FLEW down the hall, but in just a few steps, she was inside of Delilah's apartment, and then after that, in Delilah's master suite, where Sharon, Nicolas, Cass, and Cameron were.

Blaze placed her hand over her mouth, smilling with happiness, and blinking a few times as tears fell.

"Welcome home, Delilah."

She said with genuine warmth.

You DID IT, Morg!

But as the fire elemental held her hands to her chest and looked upon the restored lightengale and the others expressed emotions of happiness and relief, Blaze's own moment was somewhat tempered as she felt...and realized....that Morgan was NOT there. Not in this room, not in the Parthenon, not on EARTH.

She's not here....she never was.

Blaze closed her eyes. Morgan HAD returned, hadn't she? She saw her....FELT her. They ALL had. But....she was NOT HERE and it appeared that she NEVER WAS! So what did this mean? HOW did all of this HAPPEN?!

MORG!?

She "called out" to her sister, but there came NO answer. No response. No feeling, other than Blaze's confusion as to what REALLY had occurred, and sadness, that even after this, Morgan STILL had not returned to her, to THEM. They had Delilah back, whole and beautiful as ever, but without Morgan, OR Alison...they weren't a family unit!

Blaze kept an even face, still smiling somewhat, but keeping her concerns about the unusual aspect of what was going on, and the where abouts of her sister and Alison to her self for now. She watched and smiled as Cameron reveled in this moment, placing a hand on Sharon's arm. The mutate looks down at Blaze and smiles, both women queezing hands as Nicolas then stands right behind both of them, with his arms around them.

"Delilah, I'm so glad you're BACK with us."

Blaze noticed the beautiful and mysterious piece of jewelry around Delilah's neck. It was not something she'd had before. Was THAT a clue to the events that they'd all just experienced?

"....that key necklace and crystal you're wearing...it's beautiful! I've never seen you with that before..."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah was startled by voices and then a barrage of people bursting into her bedroom.

Delilah? Delilah. Athena be praised, you're alive!

Confused, she looked at them each in turn.

“Sharon? What are you doing here? Cameron? Nicholas?”

Cameron JUMPED onto her bed like he’d just sniffed Kool Aid and started hugging her.

"Athena, my ass! Praise SPELLBINDER! She DID IT! Oh my god, Delilah! I've never been more happy to see you! You made a kick ass STAR but sorry to say I like this version, the one I can touch MUCH better!"

“Have you lost your mind? Cameron, I can’t breathe.”

“So, I just had the CRAZIEST dream…” *drily*: “But it wasn’t a dream; it was a PLACE, and you and you and you and YOU were there…”

[drily] “Funny.”

Blaze took what apparently was an open invitation into her bedroom, and arrived as well.

"Delilah, I'm so glad you're BACK with us."

“I’m not sure I went anywhere…”

After a pause of all of them staring at her, something occurred to her.

“Wait – did we all have the same dream? Were there bon bon babies in yours’?”

She smoothed the covers up over her legs.

"....that key necklace and crystal you're wearing...it's beautiful! I've never seen you with that before..."

Delilah had planned to keep the details of the locket to herself for the time being – she wasn’t ready yet to share it with a roomful of people.

“It was here on my pillow when I woke up. Not that this isn’t a load of fun already but…has anyone seen Morgan? Tinkerbell is here…”

[looks around]

“…somewhere. She was with me when I woke up. She pointed out the necklace to me.”

 

[Firebird]

“I’m not sure I went anywhere…”

After a pause of all of them staring at her, something occurred to her.

Blaze looked at Sharon, who mentally commanded her silver eye mask to disappear from her face. She looked up at Nicolas, then over at Cass.

"Delilah....you..."

“Wait – did we all have the same dream? Were there bon bon babies in yours’?”

She smoothed the covers up over her legs.

Sharon: Your daughter, Alexia....and her little dream faerie friend Perle....

Nicolas: BADIYANU, the witch from outer space.

Cass: The black dream hole...all those children.

Blaze: "We were ALL there. Morgan and Alison too. After you sacrificed yourself to destroy Badiane, Morgan cast a spell to bring you back, Delilah."

Delilah had planned to keep the details of the locket to herself for the time being – she wasn’t ready yet to share it with a roomful of people.

“It was here on my pillow when I woke up. Not that this isn’t a load of fun already but…has anyone seen Morgan? Tinkerbell is here…”

[looks around]

“…somewhere. She was with me when I woke up. She pointed out the necklace to me.”

"Tinker??"

Blaze's apple green eyes quickly search around the master suite

"Tink??"

She calls for the enchanted siamese with a few vocalizations and noises that Tink would normally respond to, but there came no answer, and no appearence from Tinker. Still, Delilah would have no reason to lie! That crystal/key necklace WAS something she hadn't had BEFORE.

"Tinker is not here, not now. She would have come out by now. Morgan is not here either. She never was. I know. I can't sense her OR feel her at all."

"I've tried calling her multiple times, even now. There's no response. There's nothing...just like it's been since she left the earth after the Blue Moon."

Blaze bows her head and closes her eyes. Blinking back a few tears.

"But HOW can that be? When this...whatever this was BEGAN, she was here. I FELT her. We embraced. We saw her in her darkchilde form! We were TOUCHED by her MAGICK when we helped to restore Delilah!"

"Alison is not here either."

Blaze looks at the others.

Sharon: I....don't RECALL coming here. I was at the CLOCK TOWER, with Alycia and Eliz....ZIZI. And then....I found myself HERE, in Nicolas' apartment. in full armour no less.

"I don't know what's happened, but it doesn't change how I feel. I'm glad to see you, Delilah. I'm truly releived that you're okay."

" But maybe we should try to contact Alison or Morgan now...if nothing else, so that we know THEY'RE okay, and that ALEXIA is okay too?"

 

[MorningStar]

"If Alison and Morgan aren't here, then it seems to me that it was just a dream...though it seems like SOMEONE has to be controlling it for all of us to have it."

She sighed.

"I guess they need to be contacted - see if they had the dream to or if it was just us here."

She paused. She knew Blaze would NOT let this go.

"I know that Alexia is okay though...the pendant...when I hold it, I can see her. She's not an eight year old - she's still a"

Her voice cracked a bit, but she regained her composure.

"a baby. She's still a baby, at Ororo's citadel. More evidence that this was just a dream."

 

[Seer]

Quesions and conversations

<< Where does the line between a dream, and waking reality begin? Earlier, someone said that dreams are but a facet of reality. Were some among the Six more sensitive to this than others?>>

<< The experience that they'd all been through was life alterating. No one could continue on "business as usual", no matter how hard their hearts may have been when this began.>>



<< Prophet, not so sure that this was all merely a dream, decides to gather all those accounted for in the Parthenon to the war room II for a group debriefing. He asked Sharon to stay and participate, even though she was no longer an active Six member, or even a Six reservist, but rather an active member of the Birds of Prey. Out a sense of family, friendship and love for Delilah, as well as genuine questions about what had ocurred, she agreed to stay for this part of it.>>

<< While gathered together, they would try to contact Morgan and Alison. Black Widow, Prophet, Firebird and Rampage were certain that they'd have more success contacting Alison than Morgan...but after the role the witches played in these events, how could they NOT be here now? >>

<< But while the others gathered in the War Room II, Delilah, opted not to go. She had someone else SHE had to check on. She was no longer able to see or feel things as she had BEFORE the start of this most unusual caper. Something had happened to her, and she was not the only one.>>

<< A short while later, she meets with Bishop at agreed place that should be safe from ordinary and convential means of monitoring eavesdropping.>>

<< Now as they see each other, they see that they both have the same beauatiful golden key necklace with holempathic matrix crystal! When they touch it, or when wearing it and the crystal touches their bodies, they not only see a real image of Alexia, as she truly is now, but they FEEL her spirit, her emotional being, as if she were there WITH them. >>

 

[Persephone]

FLASH

Ava's eyes popped open as she quickly sat up in her bed. Looking around, she was in her bedroom at The Parthenon....but looking down at herself, she was still dressed in her battle suit. That was when flashes of memories came flooding to her--Spellbinder, Delilah, the pentagon...the sudden pain of Morgan's magick taking effect as a part of her soul was transferred to Delilah...then nothing. Was it all a dream? Was Delilah alive?

Quickly slipping out of bed, Ava waved her arm as she disappeared in a tornado of winds before reappearing in Delilah's livingroom. She could hear everyone's voices coming from the bedroom, INCLUDING Delilah's. Shutting her eyes, she sighed with relief....Morgan did it...she brought her back. As much as Ava WANTED to go to Delilah, hug her, and tell her she was so happy she was alive....there was still that elephant in the room of Delilah hating her. It was a hard pill to swallow, wishing she could celebrate with her teammates, but she respectfully decided to leave Delilah's apartment, hoping once everything was more clear and all the questions were answered, she could get a moment with her.

One person that wasn't present: Haleigh. Making her way to her sisters apartment, Ava didn't bother knocking.

"Hales?"

She was worried that her sister was still in Black Widow mode. She was worried that seeing Delilah die AGAIN was the straw that broke the camels back.

"Haleigh? Delilah's alive...she's in her penthouse with everyone."

She didn't hear a response. Walking down the hallway to Haleigh's bedroom, she gently pushed the door open seeing Haleigh on her bed. She still looked ridged and robotic.

[walking over to her] "Hey...can I have my sister back now?..."

Standing in front of Haleigh now, Ava looked down at her.

[with a smirk] "Don't make me jumpstart you."