No lifeguard on duty

[Harbinger]

Apt. 1

:: Alison comes to the door and opens it, shushing him immediately. ::

Have you lost your mind?! It's nearly 3 o'clock in the morning! Delilah is asleep!

:: she was now wearing a black satin robe and some high heeled "pussy cat" slides. her hair down in a simple ponytail. she steps outside and closes the door quietly behind you.::

what do you want, Nicolas?

:: she asks in an irritated tone as she glares at him.::

 

[Firebird]

Apt. 8

As Haleigh tossed and turned in her sleep Blaze watched her carefully. When all of a sudden she disappeared.

"Typical, Haleigh. Your ass better stay out of trouble you lush!"

She spoke out loud before getting up and retracting the glass of water, crackers, and Advil. Blaze exited the guest bedroom as she flipped off the light switch. Making her way into the bathroom to wash off her makeup and her face before returning to her bedroom.

Curling into her bed to rest for the evening. Although sleep wouldn't come quick enough for her. Blaze would be up for a bit longer before passing out.

 

[Rampage]

Have you lost your mind?! It's nearly 3 o'clock in the morning! Delilah is asleep!

:: she was now wearing a black satin robe and some high heeled "pussy cat" slides. her hair down in a simple ponytail. she steps outside and closes the door quietly behind you.::

what do you want, Nicolas?

:: she asks in an irritated tone as she glares at him.::

I want a lot of things, most of which I cannot control. YOU...you...you've made me face a lot of things tonight. Things that I wanted to stay buried forever, wanted to simply go away.

But one thing that I never wanted to bury, that I have always needed to say..to you is..I AM SORRY about what I said on Aerie.

Nicolas looks into her face as he remembers his journey not so long ago.

When you and Ava were lost, the thing that...got me about that was that I was SO afraid. I didn't want you to die. I wanted anything to have you back, to have you safe.

As we moved througfh the timelines, I saw what COULD be, and what had occured in so many situations, and it was then that I saw two things.

One was that your burden was not one to be trifled with. I don't know how you do it. I often wonder if you are even real, or how you maintain any equanimity at all. The weight of the small SLICES of realities I saw weigh against me as heavy as anything I have ever seen.

The next thing i sthe darkness. It is like a taint on my soul, and I can FEEL it, Alison. I can feel Set's legacy, his call to me. I have meditated and meditated, and I still struggle to find even a moment's peace from it.

You have asked me why I don't call on the others, reach out to them? Because I CANNOT, until I can be sure they will be safe. I don't even talk much with Mike anymore, and he is the next closest thing I have ever had to a father other than Gustav. I stay here hoping that somehow things will be alright,that we will come back together somehow, because I am afraid that without you all he will come back through me, but WORSE.

I. WILL. BE. HIM.

Alison could feel his hearbeat emanate into the ground surrounding them. He paused to compose himself a bit, then continued.

But how do I come to ANY of you? I would rather die than risk your lives. Haleigh is the only one I turned to because she is the only one that would be safe if I become HIM. Fuck the excuses, that is the issue before I can try to move forward. I have risked and willingly offered my life for everyone in the Six, and will do so again tonight if I cannot find a way.

So I end with two things Alison. One, I have wronged you, and I am sorry for that. If I could take it back, I would. In the end, I lashed out at you because it hurt too much not to have your approval. So I foolishly sought your...disapproval. I figured if I could succeed in no other way in your eyes, then I would succeed at that. And BOY, did I do it.

Nicolas laughed bitterly as he looked down, then back up at the Seer.

The second only you can help me with. Only you have the foresight and the nerve to accomplish this.

Nicolas turns his cane into the large gleaming axe that has become his calling card. He heaves it skyward until it disappears. He looks back at Alison, tears streaming down his face.

If I am to be this...monster, and I cannot win this fight, simply let the axe cut me in two. Since the incident, Set has made me much more durable, and I want to make sure that it works, that I DIE before Set can manifest and try to make me his doorway. Alison, please look forward. I know you are strong enough to do this. If I cannot help make you all safer, if I am to simply be a stain on your lives...leave me to die.

Nicolas looked up, his eyes glowing faintly red as the darkness tried to take him over, make him move, save himself. But still he looked skyward as tears streamed down his face. As the axe began to fall closer, it was gleaming with the heat of the atmosphere, a falling star that spelled his doom. And he welcomed it, holding out his hands and silently praying that in death, Gustav would be his ONLY father...

 

[Harbinger]

back in the MP courtyard

:: she started off with a hard stance, but soon, she became more thoughtfull as she listened and looked upon Nicolas. She HATED moments like this. She remembered when CAMERON came to her, shortly after the Inferno, in a moment of naked feeling and emotion. It was something like this moment here.::

:: Nicolas APOLOGIZED. and spoke with truth , naked truth.::

...

:: she hadnt known that he was all too ready and willing to go to her and ava's aid when they fell through the stepping disc. indeed, she'd hardly seen him since her retain to the proper timeline.::

:: she wouldnt look away, not even for a moment. No matter HOW much he tugged at her deep and hidden humanity. the courtyard and the air itself seemed to beat with the sound of a human heart. ::

Nicolas...get ahold of yourself...

:: Nicolas continued on. That he finally seemed to acknowledge the burden Alison had to bear was not really what mattered to her [although maybe NOW he'd think twice before mocking her again] what MATTERED was that he realized the gravity of his own situation. that he didnt blame anyone else, only that he saw how GRIM it was, knowing who he was, whose seed he was.::

:: but then came an overreaction, as he not only asked Alison to predict whether or not his own axe could do the job, but as he attempted to TEST it on himself. a Trial by error...with FATAL consequences.::

:: infuriating as he may be, Alison couldnt just stand there and let him commit dramatic suicide...COULD SHE?? ::

:: If Haleigh were here, she'd only make it worse. in fact, Nicolas had taken on MUCH of her maladaptive coping mechanism in the past month which was probably why Nicolas was so hard to tolerate on TOP of everything else. STILL, this wasnt the way. Alison had already SEEN far enough ahead that Nicolas wouldnt WILLINGLY pose a danger and Set was far from poised to return. Not with Alison and Dominique still fully in place.::

That's enough...

:: gesturing ala' Prue Halliwell, a rushing chiming sound is heard as the Axe is knocked off course. Alison's hand remains outstretched::

Axe

:: the axe is transformed into a flowing flurry of dark glowing orbs as it rushes down towar her outstretched hand where she holds it.::

No matter what I may see...you should have learned by now that actions can cause us to veer from one possible outcome to the next, no matter how STRONG any one outcome of a time thread may be.

That you UNDERSTAND how grim the situation is...that is the first step. But like Morgan, Sharon...even myself after being posessed by Imagiomg over a year a go, you must start down the path to recover ALONE. Morgan is forever "tainted" by the dimension she rules and yet, she has found a way to control it. YES her emotions do sometimes get the best of her, but when she can no longer help herself, THEN we step in. YOU have not yet demonstrated the willingness, the COURAGE to answer the challenge you now face.

I understand you've risked your life, that youve wanted approval, to fit in...thats not something ive really struggled with. I had to learn at an early age h ow to be willing to leave people behind, to KILL if necessary. However, with Morgan, Karen, Delilah...this team...I have been fortunate to learn how to LET PEOPLE IN. My brother...even Haleigh. Perhaps the two most unlikely and yet...

:: looking around to make sure no one sees her say this::

the most rewarding experiences in this lesson that i continue to learn.

I didnt plan on, nor did i LOOK for the day that i would come to think so little of you. But you DID earn my wrath...and now that you understand that and apologize...I forgive you.


:: Alison completes the teleblinking of the axe, back into its sheath::

Leave Morgan be. She is not ready to deal with you...but DONT try to hurt her anymore by even giving the APPEARENCE of doing something with Haleigh. It is beneath you, its not how your father...how Gustav raised you.

Focus on yourself. Find the balance and the control. It is your responsibility...your burden. EACH of us has one. Now that you know yours, deal with it accordingly. Your actions will determine your path and you won't need my precognition.

and dont forget...you have your aunt. If she has forgiven you...and she remains true to her own "covenant" with her goddess, Isis, then she will understand that her primal destiny is to make sure you are safe from Set, even if she chooses to remain with the Sisterhood. It will be one of those things that The Six and the Sisterhood have an unspoken truce on forever.

 

[Rampage]

That's enough...

:: gesturing ala' Prue Halliwell, a rushing chiming sound is heard as the Axe is knocked off course. Alison's hand remains outstretched::

Axe

What?! WHY???

No matter what I may see...you should have learned by now that actions can cause us to veer from one possible outcome to the next, no matter how STRONG any one outcome of a time thread may be.

That you UNDERSTAND how grim the situation is...that is the first step. But like Morgan, Sharon...even myself after being posessed by Imagiomg over a year a go, you must start down the path to recover ALONE. Morgan is forever "tainted" by the dimension she rules and yet, she has found a way to control it. YES her emotions do sometimes get the best of her, but when she can no longer help herself, THEN we step in. YOU have not yet demonstrated the willingness, the COURAGE to answer the challenge you now face.

I understand you've risked your life, that youve wanted approval, to fit in...thats not something ive really struggled with. I had to learn at an early age h ow to be willing to leave people behind, to KILL if necessary. However, with Morgan, Karen, Delilah...this team...I have been fortunate to learn how to LET PEOPLE IN. My brother...even Haleigh. Perhaps the two most unlikely and yet...

:: looking around to make sure no one sees her say this::

the most rewarding experiences in this lesson that i continue to learn.

I didnt plan on, nor did i LOOK for the day that i would come to think so little of you. But you DID earn my wrath...and now that you understand that and apologize...I forgive you.

That spark. From her acknowledgment that he was not completely lost to her forgiveness of his transgressions planted a seed in his heart. A seed of HOPE, something to help him fight against the darkness within. Nicolas stood straighter as he looked at her speak further. That she spared his life was almost to him a symbolic rebirth, a way to take back his own life from the taint of his father. Overcome by emotion, Nicolas HUGGED Alison, then stepped quickly back.

S-Sorry. I got carried away. I want to thank you for helping me...more than you will ever know. I know that Morgan is not ready, but I have many others to speak with, and now is a good time to start, especially since it's daytime on your island.

Nicolas turned away for a moment, then turned back.

I never told anyone but Mike this, but your power set, your TK...I always looked at you like a..a sister. Maybe one day I can again. Goodnight, Alison Marble.

Nicolas disappeared as he teleported...

...arriving at Minerva's mansion. Although he could not scan her mind, he could easily find her body, and so he walked slowly over to where Karen Victoria sat, taking in the sun as she looked over the ocean...

 

[MorningStar]

MP - Apt #1

Delilah wandered out of her bedroom sleepily, yawning and blinking slowly as her eyes adjusted to being awake. It had been a long and tiring night - between the drinking, the dancing, and having to keep Morgan from killing someone D), she was wiped. She saw Alison standing in her living room, not asleep either for some ungodly reason.

"What's all the racket out here?" she said with a yawn.

She hadn't recognized Nicolas' voice yet, but the commotion HAD woken her - and now she saw from Alison's face that SOMETHING had happened.

 

[Harbinger]

Apt. 1

:: Alison looked visibly dismayed as Nicolas hugged her. even HE realized how irregular it was to be hugging her as he quickly stepped back. She smoothed out her black satin robe and looked a bit more calm. It was just like the aftermath of the Inferno when Cameron had done the same thing.::

Very well...

:: she says softly as he leaves. as she goes back inside she looks back at the spot where they stood. nodding her head with satisfaction, she lifts her finger and waves it, a rushing chime sounds off as the door closes and locks.::

:: Delilah comes out and asks what was going on.::

Oh....just Nicolas, finally getting a clue. He's left, going to one of the mother figures he holds dear...Karen.

:: she looks at Delilah::

I think...I know he'll be alright. It'll take time, but at least NOW he understands that its not right for him to be sneaking around with Haleigh.

We just have to give him his fair chance to recover, just as with Morgan, Sharon and anyone who has been in the same position.

I put Haleigh out for the night with a sleeping spell. She was very drunk and acting stupid. She was risking violent reaction from Morgan so I had no choice, but the spell has nearly run its course and with her hybrid nature, she's likely to awaken SOONER rather than later.

I'm sorry we disturbed you...but we can both go back to our rooms and go to sleep now.


Tomorrow is another day.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Minerva's Mansion

<< Karen was enjoying a bowl of freshly cut fruit as she sat in one of the gardens that overlooked the ocean. sitting prim and proper under the patio umbrella, the sorceress looked fresh in her blue seamless top and white capri pants and coordinating "ballet" flats. >>

<< she was making entries in the Darkhold book of shadows. the book shared between herself, Morgan and Alison. Upon closer inspection, the entry was about ISIS, the egyptian goddess of magick, her role, as well as her current avatar, Dominique Deveraux and how she was critical in Set's banishment. the entry contained beautifully drawn pictures of Isis and Dominique how fitting that Nicolas would arrive as this entry was being made. To be included in this book of shadows along such ancient spells, notes about mystical objects, places and people along with recipies for potions either meant you were a grave threat or a critical ally. There was also the spell that Dominique used to cast Set out of this dimension. >>

<< she heard Nicolas coming near and she looked up.>>

Nicolas? what are you doing here?

<< she said with a formal tone as she looked at him with her sapphire blue eyes.>>

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas? what are you doing here?

Nicolas stepped froward as he began to speak. His voice was resonant, but halting and he could not hold her gaze such was his shame.

I...came to talk. I came because I needed to face you, I needed to try to make things better, even if I can never make them right. I messed up terribly, and I know that my wrong was especially hurtful for you in that it involved your daughter and it was similar to a past transgression against you. I only hope that you will one day be able to forgive me, even if you n-never...

tears began to fall from the demigod's face as he tried to continue...the weight of what he had lost in the battle with Set was nearly as acute when he thought of Karen as when he thought of Morgan herself.

...look upon me again as a son. I will always love you a-as...a mother.

Nicolas stood, trembling, awaiting the wrath of Shadow Weaver.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike bore silent witness to the confrontation between Alison and Nicolas. he trusted the Seer, but he made sure to verify that she would be a real interlocutor in this situation, not simply a partisan.

It was tense, it was ugly at times, but he resisted the urge to intervene, knowing that Alison was right. One thing about his dying that Mike realized was that Nicolas would not always have him to help. That meant that he needed to not be an island unto himself.

After it ended, he looked at Nicolas, who nodded him off. he went to his apartment and opened the storage bin he had, taking out two large bones for Xavier and Xerxes.

Enjoy..do not rip anything. I am off to bed.

The wolves whimpered a bit at not getting to pay with him, but Mike was determined to make sure he was well rested for the morning. He had planned to visit with Karen for dinner before heading out to network...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Minerva's mansion...in the garden

<< Karen looked at the young man, brushing some of her hair out of her face as it blew from the ocean wind. having the sound of waves in the backdrop allowed for a constant distraction from the mistrust and the disapproval that churned in her mind as she looked at him.>>

<< he spoke...and it was different this time so the doctor didnt cut him off. she let him speak and after a few moments of silence...>>

Nicolas, sit down.

<< she waited for him to seat himself.>>

<< she turns the Darkhold toward him.>>

You see this? It's an entry about Isis, both the goddess and your aunt. They represent an important place in the world of magick. It also contains information about Set, and what to do if he should somehow escape at a time long after The Six, The Sisterhood, Morgan, Alison, myself and even Dominique are gone.

<< with that, she closes the Darkhold and pulls it toward her. Looking at Nicolas again.>>


I went through many nightmares over the past few years. Christopher was the star of many of those nightmares after Mystech reared its ugly head. Morgan was the star of one in particular. As a mother...I didnt know what to do. I couldnt blame Haleigh and Cameron enough...and EVERYONE knew i was right for it, but that still didnt change that my little girl was on a rampage bent on destroying New York...maybe the world. I don't know WHAT i would have done if Alison and Ororo had not been there to help me fight her back, CONTAIN her.

I admit...I didn't have Sharon's "nerves of steel" , at that time I don't know If i could have slayed my daughter the way she slew her son...it was the RIGHT thing to do and she did it...not that it was any less PAINFULL for her...but she did it. I don't know if I could have done it with Morgan if it came down to it.

Morgan had to recover...she had to bare the guilt, the SHAME of what she'd done. Blaze was dead, the city had been scarred and while Ororo and Alison could turn back time in ONE aspect ...they could not undo the deaths of Blaze and Haleigh. My daughter had murdered two people! ONE of them brought it on herself, the OTHER died defending innocents.

As a mother...it haunted me as much as it tormented my daughter in the days, weeks and months following the Inferno. I wanted to comfort her, but i could only go so far with it. I couldnt EXCUSE what she'd done to Blaze, what she did to the city. I could only mourn Blaze with her. The REST? She had to handle on her own. She went to Limbo for MONTHS to find a way to face herself, let alone LIFE after the Inferno.

But not ONCE, did she behave as YOU did on Aerie after Set.

When Set first CAME...he made you do TERRIBLE things. things that personified and played upon the worst fears my daughter and I have about men...things that gave even our most hated enemy, the SISTERHOOD reason to be horrified!

YOU TOOK MY LITTLE GIRL FROM ME! I would have DIED to keep her out of your hands...out of Set's hands..but instead, I was CHANGED...down to my core. Now i am Shadow Weaver. I can NEVER be or FEEL the way i did before.

While Morgan and Haleigh were in captivity, everyone, INCLUDING ME hoped and prayed that Haleigh and Morgan would help each other to survive whatever was happening to them. We couldnt have known that Haleigh would be so EASILY lead astray by Set...because of her own heart! EVERYTIME i begin to realize or better yet, ACCEPT and APPRECIATE Haleigh's presence, what she has done...what she would do...she finds a way to RUIN it for me Nicolas. And this time...YOU found a way too.

The night that Mike died....was murdered...I used the new found level of power...the command of dark magick to restore him, and it nearly cost me my SOUL! I went against every teaching Ororo gave to my daughter and Alison about necromancy spells. But his murder was the by product of Ava's fractured psyche and THAT was the result of HALEIGH and what SHE DID..with YOU.

You can't help who father is...or that your birth was completed at the cost of your natural mother's life. But there was a clear sense after Set's banishment that you REVELED in being his seed. That you LIKED what that implied...that perhaps you would use those aspects of your being linked to him to somehow ADVANCE yourself in this world over us?

You became LESS the young man raised by Gustav, and MORE this...CREATURE who was the son of a monster!

Change happens all the time. With painfull revelations such as Set being your father comes the necessity of adjustment.

I know you're hurting, you're reeling from it...but you're ALIVE. You werent killed and you werent cast out utterly. You have a CHANCE. You still have your alliance with the Six, Your AUNT is alive and well and from all accounts willing to ensure that Set never returns to reclaim you while SHE lives. But you have GOT to abandon this idea that some how Set's legacy in you will ENHANCE you...power or otherwise.

You can either handle this like Haleigh and compound it and make it worse...or you can make the effort the sacrifices necessary to TRULY recover and move ahead.

and as you move ahead...you will find...

<< reaching her hand over to place it over his hand.>>

That I'll be nearby. It will take time for both of us...but I have faith in you.

<< she smiled a bit...JUST a bit.>>

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Karen spoke. He grasped her hand as she placed it over his, looking at the ring she still wore. he spoke again, his voice a bit more composed.

What do you do? What do I do now? I have no wish to REVEL in being his seed. It is now an active fact, and I can feel it under the surface now. My emotions, they are more volatile, the composure I prided myself upon has left me, and I know it is that part of him inside me, indelibly intertwined. I wondered fancifully all my life who my father was, why I was the way I am, and NOW...

He's a GOD, a KING...but first and foremost, a MONSTER. And at my core, a TINY part of me is...still that little kid that just wants to know his dad. I'd say THAT, if nothing else, is a reason to speak with a Licensed Psychotherapist. So keep your calendar clear. I don't think you'll need any more patients after me.

Nicolas rubbed her hand, then stood quickly.

I have taken enough of your time. I have things to do before I can sleep again. You look good Ma. Mike has been good for you. Take care.

Nicolas teleported back to Melrose Place and made a few calls before finally setting off to sleep. Tomorrow would bring a surprise...

 

[Black Widow]

New York

The rising sun filtered in onto Haleigh, waking her from an unrestful sleep. It was achingly bright, and she rolled over away from it. She was alone in a bedroom that was not her own... and she sighed, rubbing her eyes gently as she remembered the night before-- right up to the part where Alison and Blaze were telling her to sleep it off. She assumed she had, after everything, ended up at Nic's place. She had never SEEN his bedroom and so, after making the conclusion that this was his, she called out for him, without bothering to face the doorway [because that was too close to the light source].

"Nic? [louder]Nic??"

He sat down at the edge of the bed behind her, resting a hand on her hip.

Zach: "Not quite."

Haleigh didn't believe her ears at first, but his DNA signature matched the voice. She wondered if she was dreaming, as she turned back over to face him. This had to be one of the most lucid dreams she'd ever had. It was Zach, alright, sitting there shirtless, in his sweatpants. She momentarily forgot why she'd left him. He handed her a cup of tea. Propped up on an elbow, she sipped the hot liquid slowly.

"What am I doing here?"

Zach: "I was hoping you would be able to tell ME that. Jesus Haleigh... is everything alright?"

[obviously not quite all awake or comprehensive yet] "Well why wouldn't it be?"

Zach: "[sarcastically]Oh, I don't know. My apparently RESSURECTED ex-fiance who NEVER sleeps suddenly appeared in my bed in the middle of the night, submersed in some very disturbing nightmares. [gently] I had to hold you still-- you kept saying 'they hate me, they don't want me anymore', over and over, and I couldn't wake you up. I could only try to tell you it was okay. What's going on, Haleigh?"

Haleigh sat up, taking care not to move too abruptly. She was close enough to Zach to rest her chin on his shoulder, and for a moment, she looked him over, and it seemed like she was considering it. But that was something she might have done a few months ago. Back BEFORE. There was a part of her that still cared about him-- it was the part that checked up on him once in a while.... but the fact remained that the trust was lost. Strangely... seeing him didn't make her angry, nor did it resurface the hurt she'd once felt. It occured to her that she was now no more trustworthy than she thought he was.

[pulling her thoughts together] "It's nothing. I had too much to drink last night... I was very angry.... you were always someone who could... pacify that side of me. I must have... subconsciously come here."

She drew her knees up to her body and then dropped them over the side of the bed, now sitting fully upright next to him. Her heels were nowhere in sight, but she was still wearing her dress from the night before.

"I apologize for bothering you."

She added, moving to leave. Her placed an arm around her waist, the other hand gently falling to her thigh. He pulled her close, and surprisingly, she didn't fight.

Zach: "It's NOT nothing. You're hurt and angry and you wouldn't be here if it was nothing. Are you with Nicolas now? I assume that's the 'Nic' you were calling for. Is he the reason you're hurt and angry?"

NOW she pulled away, standing up, her expression grim.

"That's not really any of YOUR business."

Zach: "Well, when you start showing up here, it kinda piques my interest. And I think there should be little WARNING BELLS going off in YOUR head too, Haleigh. You should be considering the significance of turning up HERE and not there [with him]."

Haleigh just stared at him. He made sense, and that slightly irritated her. it was bad enough she still had a slight hangover. In the back of her mind she KNEW.... if she told Zach everything, he would try to help, and he'd probably be successful, for Zach had ALWAYS been able to help her sort out her emotions.... that was his gift. HOWEVER... he was the LAST person she wanted an opinion on THIS particular predicament from.

"I'm not going to do this with you. Thanks for the tea."

She responded, handing him back the cup. As soon as he reached out to accept it, she disappeared again, going home.

Zach set the cup on the bedside table and laid back in bed, staring at the ceiling. There were two things he could be grateful for: She was alive.... and in a moment of great desparation, her subconscious had brought her to him.

 

[MorningStar]

MP - Apt #1

Delilah had opened her mouth to say something about Nicolas to Alison, but then had thought better of it and wandered back to bed. There would be plenty of time to discuss it in the morning.

She awoke to (yet another) sunny day in Hollywood. She dressed quickly in jeans, a filmy black top and cowboy boots, then went to the kitchen. Alison was either not up or not about yet, so she put the tea kettle on the stove and started makin some breakfast for her unexpected house guest.

They had some things to talk about - the events of last night the tip of the iceberg - and she figured caffeine and food were going to be very necessary.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike walked outside, wolves in tow. He stretched them out with a few laps around the spacious courtyard, deciding against a stroll around town just yet. At least until he found a breed he could claim they were to anyone who might ask.

He played a few games, had some fun with them, at least until they began to howl. He shushed them quickly, mindful that they were still a bit rough around the edges.

As the paper deliveryperson arrived he took his, thanking the young lady with a nod as she gawked at the huge canines. He smiled, waving at her as she left, then flipped through the paper absentmindedly as he headed back. At the middle fold was the style section, and he smiled wickedly as he saw the HUGE ad.

Nicolas, it will take WAY more than that kid, but hell...I give you an "A" for effort. Let's just hope that effort doesn't get you killed.

He opened up to a page-sized ad of Morgan from last night, in a VERY flattering pose, with one caption...

WELCOME BACK MORGAN

He shook his head as he took the wolves in, showered, changed into a smart-looking outfit, then walked to his closet door (fresh cut flowers in hand) with the talisman...

arriving on Aerie in time to meet Karen for dinner. Mike laughed as he imitated Darren from Bewitched, a favorite show of Karen's.

Honey!! I'm HOME!!

 

[Siren]

Healed boots pounding the cobble stone ground that lead to the courtyard echoed around the small apartment complex as Claudia made her way in from the street. Lifting an all black motorcycle helmet off her head, her chest length ebony locks that were hidden within fell down her back and chest, melting like dark chocolate along the contours of her body. Heading to the staircase that lead up to her apartment, Claudia had gotten an early start that morning and decided to kill some time by going shopping. Buying a Yamaha motorcycle and a Maserati Grand Turismo, Claudia came to love both fast sports cars and the thrill of being on a motorcycle. Growing up in Milan it was impossible NOT to fall in love with both. She had similar vehicals and bikes back at her estate in Italy, but since Los Angeles was now her permenent place of residence for the foreseeable future, she needed something to get around town in.

Opting to drive the motorcycle home, the car would be delivered once Claudia's custome touches were added to it. Reaching her apartment door, Claudia unlocked it and walked in. When she had left Clara was still asleep, which didn't susprise her. Claudia was always an early riser while her sister enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in. For whatever reasons, Claudia could never manage to sleep past six in the morning....her body just wouldn't let her. Even after long nights of...well, 'extra curricular' activities.

Placing her helmet on the couch, Claudia unzipped her red leather motorcycle jacket [a style which she sported more frequently than her trademark red shoes] and slipped out of that as well revealing a black fitted tank top. Tossing the jacket next to her helmet she exhaled loudly as she made her way into the kitchen. Tying her hair back into a half hazzard low pony tail-- her side swept bangs remaining free to fall down the sides of her face-- Claudia opened the fridge and withdrew some orange juice and a jar of strawberry jam. Closing the fridge, she placed the jam and orange juice container on the counter. Pouring herself a tall glass of the juice, she began to prepare herself some toast and jam. A simple breakfast, yet effective. Claudia had the ability to cook a meal that even Wolfgang Puck would be envious of thanks to her special 'talents', but usually she opted for simplicity.

Leaning forward against the kitchen counter, Claudia absentmindedly flipped through the morning news paper, not really interested in what was in it. Death, crime, robberies. Blah blah blah. Taking a bite of her toast, soon she stopped seeing a huge spread of Morgan posing outside of Rain with the title "Welcome Back Morgan". Stiffling a laugh, this woman certainly wanted to jump right back into the limelight didn't she? Regardless of Morgan's most recent 'disappearence' and, well, the fact that she was a has been, [] she DID have friends in high places. Connections and a known name. If she could somehow reel Morgan into Affinity Models to work for her, she would bring more money which would further improve the Zacchara's control over the western terriroties. Pondering the possibilties....maybe she would have a small chat with Morgan today.

 

[Fusion]

Melrose Place -- Apt 6

Johnny slowly pulled himself out of bed, trying not to wake Clara. Wearing an a-shirt and some 'basketball' shorts, he quietly opened the bedroom door and stepped out into the hallway, closing the door gently behind him. Clara could be a MONSTER if you woke her up too early-- he'd only made THAT mistake once.

The sight of Claudia in the kitchen slightly startled him, stopping him dead in his tracks towards the bathroom. He said the first thing that came to mind.

Johnny: "It's not.... what it looks like."

Clara slid out of bed and pulled on a robe for warmth. The only thing she could think of was food. Johnny was holding up traffic in the hallway.

"Move it, Adonis. You're between a hungry woman and her food. It's kind of like being between a mother and her child. You do know how THAT usually turns out, right?"

Johnny moved, thankful not to be on the spot anymore, and disappeared into the bathroom. Clara was completely oblivious. Eyeing her sister's breakfast, she frowned.

"Toast, that's it? [mock concern, placing her hand on Claudia's forearm] Be careful, Claudia. You don't want to over do it."

She cracked a smile and winked at her sister, then turned to the fridge. Twenty four years of five star breakfasts, she'd be damned if she was going to miss one NOW. Though she usually allowed her staff to take care of it, she knew how to cook.

[from over her shoulder] "I don't know why you bother reading the paper, it's ALL bad news."

 

[Harbinger]

MP Apt 1

:: Alison came down the hall in her usual all black ensemble, this time composed of a corsett and a black short skirt. Her blue/black hair was down in a simple side part and she looked refreshed.::

:: through the living room and into the kitchen, she found Delilah.::

Morning, Dee. Did you get much rest last night? I think i got...oh...maybe 2 hours at most?

:: sitting on a bar stool at the nook and crossed her legs at the knee, taking a mug of coffee. ::

Today should be...interesting to say the least.

:: glancing down on the counter to find today's paper...with the style section out and a picture of Morgan splashed across it. pointing to it...::

Nicolas' doing. Morgan will probably find MILD amusement from it.

Speaking of Morgan...she should be up now. Sharon spent the night there and has made breakfast for them too.

:: She knows Delilah has something she wants to say.::

 

[Spellbinder]

MP Apt 4

<< slowly turning over in her bed and groaning, Morgan removes her eye mask and squints. even the HINT of sunlight through the blinds was not welcomed.>>

ugnnn...

<< she stretches, feeling like she hadnt moved in DAYS....>>

Oohhh!

<< being hung over was not fun...but remembering the night before, ALL of it...was even worse.>>

why...

<< in the privacy of her room, she rubs her hands over her face as a flash of the raw emotion she felt in her tirade against Nicolas crept up.>>

i hate them so much!

<< she said in a dry voice. there was knock at the door.>>

yes??

what am i saying? who the hell would be knocking at my bedroom door!?

<< she sits up, quickly wrapping her robe around herself.>>

 

[Siren]

Claudia's eyes shuffled through the various sections of the newspaper but found nothing that caught her interest. It was pretty pathetic that the only interesting news printed in the LA Times was the spread of Morgan being 'back'. Hearing her sister's bedroom door open, Claudia took a bite of her toast and jam while lifting her eyes to who she THOUGHT would be Clara. Johnny--dressed in a tank and basketball shorts--exited the room much to Claudia's surprise.

Johnny: "It's not.... what it looks like."

With raised brows, Claudia looked mildly amused at the revelation of her sister sleeping with the bodyguard.

"I'm sure."

Johnny looked like a dear in the headlights until Clara finally exited from her bedroom, allowing him a quick get away. Following Clara with her eyes, Claudia chewed the remaining bits of food in her mouth while smirking to herself.

"Morning sis."

Shuffling through the newspaper, Claudia rolled her eyes at Clara mentioning she was only eating toast.

Be careful, Claudia. You don't want to over do it."

"I had breakfast earlier, thank you. This is just a little snack."

Unlike most woman who had to watch their weight or desired leafy green vegatables over cheeseburgers, Claudia could eat like a truck driver and not gain a pound.

"I don't know why you bother reading the paper, it's ALL bad news."

"I guess it all depends on the person's point of view. [flashing the page devoted to Morgan] If people enjoy wafer thin primadonna models, then I guess it's fabulous news Morgan's 'back'."

Rolling her eyes with a smile, Claudia tossed the paper onto the countertop before turning to Clara who was taking out numerous food items from the refridgerator. Perking a single brow, Claudia looked a bit skeptical of her sister's culinary talents.

"Do you want me to cook you something...? [not giving her time to answer, Claudia took the bacon from her hands] What do you want? An omelet? Belgium waffles? Crepes?"