Ororo's ghost story II: Apocolypse

[Seer]

<< Raccoon City is ablaze...the technological gem in the midwest has now become a tragic, horrific modern day "ROME" as armys of the DEAD WALK, screams and sirens wail and fires burn. And yet...even as it happens, media coverage is being dismissed as some kind of sick HOAX!>>

<< Mystech, even NOW is doing its best to STALL outside interference as it attempts to tie up loose ends before escaping to another one of its strong holds.>>

<< through it all, a group of people, as different and opposed as the points on a star have come together, their lives drawn together under the shadow and manipulations of mystech. they now race against time and mounting difficulties to rescues those that matter most to them and escape with their lives. it has not yet occurred to them that TOGETHER They could do MORE than just survive this night...but revelations (if indeed they survive) like those will come later.>>

<< NOW, zooming through the city, escaping the jaws and hands of the undead and feeling the heat of the flames, we reach Arklay overpass, over the circular river and into the Arklay forest...the dark, deceptively "tranquil" forest which itself is a rising, winding maze of both natural AND unnatural horror, those supers and Michael Armstrong have now arrived at Arklay Mansion courtesy of Morgan's teleporting power.>>

<< the group, wearing the outfits they put together at the police station and both traumatized/hardened in someways by what they've endured now looked upon the sprawling, dark mansion...there was no fire here...but there was smoke in the stormy clouds above from the city that burned. this is where it began, this is where the secrets were...and where they might be BURIED.>>

<< in the main courtyard, the obvious point of entry was the double doors just beyond the fountain. the group were being eyed by several zombiefied crows purched on the rod iron gates. Delilah cut her own light to keep them as unnoticed as possible. Neither she NOR Mike had been to this place...they never got the chance to work their way here. They had only seen the passage to the underground labs where the train derailed which was a mile or two away and "behind" the grounds of the mansion.>>

<< this was it, the final journey and the most dangerous part of the rescue operation. they had no choice but to go forward...and INSIDE the mansion.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

and then there were three

<< Karen dropped a disc containing vital information about James Marcus and his experiments and what his true intentions had been into her lab coat pocket. it was one more piece of evidence that would be vital in exposing Mystech.>>

<< Nicolas was almost OVERCOME with attraction to the young woman, Haleigh. Part of Karen was a bit perturbed...she had come to form a maternal bond with him and now he seemed to have forgotten her as he was ENAMORED with this young woman. But the doctor reigned herself in. She was tired...emotionally spent and was not able to be there for Nicolas as he needed. This whole ordeal had taken a toll on the doctor to a point that even SHE may not have known and so having Haleigh to be a BRIDGE between the two now was just what was needed. Nicolas may not have understood because he couldnt access Karen's mind, but he knew without Karen, he might not have even LIVED as himself to the moment this nightmare began. Both he AND Haleigh had Karen to thank for keeping them from becoming designer test subjects of James Marcus.>>


<< Karen rubbed her head as Haleigh offered to lead, saying she had a floor plan of the sprawling underground complex.>>

That's fine with me. But you can't "get out" any traditional way. All the exits are SEALED from any possible physical entry...even YOU can't breach them. Marcus had several "safeguards" installed. If you can lead us to the platform just before the entrance to the train tunnel...I know how to get us out from there.

<< she nodded and waved for Haleigh to lead on as she moved back behind Haleigh and Nicolas...checking on the kitty in the carrier.>>

you're being very brave, little kitty.

<< she said quietly , trying to reassure herself that it would be SOMEWHAT as easy as Haleigh thought it would be. But NEITHER of them knew what was insore. Karen on the other hand had a dreadfull idea.>>

<< as they began to move, they worked their way through passages and corridors, fending off some stray zombies and repitilian creatures. the nature of the creatures were changing and there was more water present on the floor and dripping from the ceiling above. were being routed toward...>>

The Aqua ring!

<< Karen whispered as they now entered the narrow hall that was filled waste deep with water.>>

<< and where there was water...there were SHARKS...NEPTUNES to be exact.>>

<< one was out in the hall, swimming about until it detected the new arrivals and came CHARGING for them. It was larger than a normal shark but smaller than a full grown NEPTUNE. the creature was full of speed, strength and agression as it came barreling toward them.>>

 

[Persephone]

Raccoon City was nearly impossible to recognize anymore. The town was an inferno of chaos and death....every store she had been in, every restaurant..gone. Though she wasn't a fan of the city [and made that VERY apparent since arriving], Ava couldn't help but feel like they were witnessing what very well could be the future of the United States--or WORLD--if this wasn't contained or exposed. People were dead....some were the LIVING dead. It was a situation only thought to happen in movies. As they teleported out of the RCPD, she couldn't help but feel bad for Cameron, Blaze, Mike, Morgan, and Delilah. They called this place their home. And now it was anything but.

Arriving in the Arklay woods only a half a second later, Ava shut her eyes for a moment feeling a bit of a head rush from Morgan's method of transportation.

"Whoa....definitely not used to that..."

After a few seconds of regaining her barrings, Ava opened her eyes finally focusing on the large sprawling mansion in the woods. Her mouth parted in awe. How could such a huge building stay unnoticed by the public for so long?....and HOW were they supposed to find Haleigh in it?

"She could be anywhere...."

Ava murmured, noticing everyone else taking a few moments to take in the mansion as well. This was the birth place of those monsters in Raccoon City; and possibly other more dangerous monsters as well. They were in the lions den now...and there was no turning back.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas fell into place alongside Haleigh as they prepared to move. The plan was to have Karen and kitty between them, slightly behind. In spite of her gloomy attitude, Nicolas loved her no less and would make sure she made it out of there. Haleigh had the way out mapped and he prepare dto move, admiring his pretty new axe when Karen changed plans a bit.

That's fine with me. But you can't "get out" any traditional way. All the exits are SEALED from any possible physical entry...even YOU can't breach them. Marcus had several "safeguards" installed. If you can lead us to the platform just before the entrance to the train tunnel...I know how to get us out from there.

Nicolas nodded and walked carefully at Karen's direction until they reached an area nearly half-filled with water...

The Aqua ring!

That's what they call it Kare- Huh?

Nicolas sensed the movement and size of the thing coming for them. It was a chondicthyean, but nothing he'd ever read or studied. It was BIG like a large Great White, but shaped more like a shortfin Mako. InCREDible!!

Karen, Haleigh, step back!!

Nicolas stepped out front of the two women and make himself a large target for the monster coming at them. As it got halfway towards them Nicolas gestured, pushing the water around them to the sides so that the Neptune skidded and fell out of the water to the floor before him. As it lay dying, Nicolas stepped to one side and began studying the fallen leviathan, almost absentmindedly satisfying his scientific curiosity, speaking the the dying beast as he looks on.

A mixture of several breeds...definitely Mako in here...Bull for aggressiveness and flexibility in salt or freshwater due to internal osmolarity control...the hunger of a great white, but WAAAY too high a metabolism. YOU are constantly in agony, aren't you girl? HORRIBLE!! I cannot let this continue.

Nicolas hits the shark over the top of her head precisely and sharply, and the fish stops trying to breathe, becomes still. He stands slowly and sadly. This beast was no different that him in many ways. Special. Strong. Exploited by Mystech. The only difference was Nicolas was still alive while this girl was DEAD. Through his connection to Haleigh, Nicolas emanated a feeling of sadness followed by an ANGER at what had been done.

 

[Spellbinder]

Arklay Forest and Mansion

<< examining the doors, Morgan could tell they were more than they seemed.>>

I could try to FORCE them open, but the sound and effort might attract something to us sooner than later.

How could such a huge building stay unnoticed by the public for so long?....and HOW were they supposed to find Haleigh in it?

"She could be anywhere...."

Blaze: Morgan, don't try to open the doors...I just have this...

<< growling and moaning could be heard in the dark forest area that surrounds the mansion.>>

bad feeling!

<< Morgan steps back, closer to Blaze and rest of the group , standing by the fountain to use its sound to cover some of their own vocalizations.>>

well what then?

<< the sorceress said as she looked down at her sister and among the group.>>

 

[Harbinger]

Arklay Mansion

:: Alison squatted down and touched the side of the fountain as they took in the immense structure before them. Morgan suggested she could FORCE the doors open with her super strength.::

Don't touch them, Morgan.

:: Blaze 2nds that and Morgan backs off.::

Morgan: well what then?

This isnt where we need to be. We'll be wasting precious time if we fight THROUGH the main levels...not to mention placing ourselves in DEEPER danger. the DEATH GLOW hangs over ALL of us, but does not glow as brightly as it did in the city.

:: she too noted the eerie sounds in the darkness of the area around them.::

I think...

Morgan...teleport us ONE more time! to the west BEHIND the mansion and into the rear interior courtyard! we'll find a passage the secret lair underground!

:: and so, Morgan summons a disc, moving them all once more! and in the courtyard, they are PROMPTLY greeted by red eyed, zombiefied crows who come flying down to attack. and across the ornamental path, in the ornamental pool, several sickly albino, nearly naked zombies rise out of the water.::

stay together!!!

:: Alison thrusts her hands out ala' piper halliwell and begins to pick off several zombie crows, BLOWING THEM UP but there are many MORE coming, in addition to the zombies that are now coming OUT of the pool and making their way toward the group.::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Arklay Research Facility- Aqua Ring

<< Karen didnt relish being in such high water. She KNEW what was going on down here.>>

this is bad. if the water is out here like this...then that only means ONE THING...

<< she said as she followed her two younger allies.>>

That's what they call it Kare- Huh?

Nicolas sensed the movement and size of the thing coming for them. It was a chondicthyean, but nothing he'd ever read or studied. It was BIG like a large Great White, but shaped more like a shortfin Mako. InCREDible!!

<< Karen forgot for a moment that ALL of this was unfamiliar ground for Nicolas. He MIGHT have ended up here as a TEST subject had she not did her best to shield him from Marcus BUT despite his power and bravery, his biggest liability would be the fact that he was facing an extreme unknown.>>

<< Haleigh's leadership, Nicolas' power and Karen's experience and wisdom would combine to give them a much needed hope for survival tonight....but at the MOMENT...>>

<< Karen GASPS as she sees the Neptune out in the hall!>>

Karen, Haleigh, step back!!

Nicolas stepped out front of the two women and make himself a large target for the monster coming at them. As it got halfway towards them Nicolas gestured, pushing the water around them to the sides so that the Neptune skidded and fell out of the water to the floor before him. As it lay dying, Nicolas stepped to one side and began studying the fallen leviathan, almost absentmindedly satisfying his scientific curiosity, speaking the the dying beast as he looks on.

<< Karen moves forward just a step behind Haleigh now as she looks down at the creature.>>

A mixture of several breeds...definitely Mako in here...Bull for aggressiveness and flexibility in salt or freshwater due to internal osmolarity control...the hunger of a great white, but WAAAY too high a metabolism. YOU are constantly in agony, aren't you girl? HORRIBLE!! I cannot let this continue.

<< Karen looked at the creature and at that moment, as it lay dying...it no longer seemed "evil" or menacing. it too was ultimately a VICTIM as were ALL the animals housed within this place. She knew Nicolas well enough as his attending physician, therapist and maternal figure to be able to sense his current feeling. she placed her hand on his back and rubbed it gently, reassuringly as she had often done in times past when she comforted him after Marcus had upset him>>

All life is precious, Nicolas...but Mystech...more specifically MARCUS after he staged the coup from Lord Spencer, sought to EXPLOIT life to his own end. These creatures...they were victims...but now, with this...DISASTER unfolding, they pose a danger to us and anyone in the OUTSIDE world should they escape. You WILL have to kill more of them as we move on. But as i've told you before...if you must use your powers to take another life...then do it with quick, efficient method so as not to prolong the suffering.

These animals ceased being themselves the moment they were brought here and exposed to the virus.

I've seen these creatures being created with the captured sharks from the ocean and then BREED. If they are out HERE then the Aqua Ring's containment system has been compromised and we are in GRAVE danger. We can't to where we need to go until we go in there...and RESESTABLISH the containment. I have the command codes for that...but I must tell you both, the creatures in this lab are especially dangerous. and the engineers responsible for this lab must now be zombies...they are probably in there too.

We have to go through THOSE doors and into the aqua ring itself!

Haleigh, can you get those doors open?

and be READY...we'll be in the domain of the creatures within...they'll have the advantage.

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Delilah didn't have much time to think after arriving at the mansion before they were teleported AGAIN to an area behind it. Ghastly crows with red eyes met them, and then...

"Fucking zombies."

Pasty white bodies were coming out of the pool of water and heading for them. Alison was blowing the crows up, but Delilah couldn't even WORRY about those in the face of the bigger problem.

"Who the hell are these people?"

She couldn't help asking, though they weren't really people anymore. They were slow moving, though their time in the water had made their skin bloated. But the decay meant that pieces were actually missing. She used her photon blasts to punch large holes through their brain matter, and pieces of those in front were actually splattering onto the zombies following behind.

They needed to get out of the open, for surely others would just keep coming and they were too exposed in this courtyard.

"We need to find the passage!"

 

[Spellbinder]

Arklay mansion- courtyard

<< in the courtyard, Morgan noticed a low hanging mist...the decor of the interior courtyard reminded her of a visit to Greece she'd made some years back. this mansion and its grounds were sprawling! how far back had they teleported? Morgan USUALLY didnt think about it when she "moved" with her discs, but this place...it seemed no matter where they went, it still dwarfed them and surrounded them.>>

<< in the courtyard, they stood together as they heard the call of birds and then saw them.>>

birds dont fly at night...

Blaze: they're not normal Birds, Morg...they're the rejects from a bad alfred hitchcock movie remake!

Alison: Stay together!

<< birds were exploding in a flurry of dark glowing orbs, Alison was blowing them up but Zombies were coming!>>

Blaze: Morgan! ZOMBIES!


Shit!!! they're coming!!!

<< Morgan KNEW Blaze's fear of zombies was deep and Morgan's instinct to protect her sister was just as deep. Delilah stepped in, using her solid beam photon blast to PUNCH through the zombies closest to them!>>

Blaze...don't panic! use your fire power to help Alison! BURN those birds up!

I'll help Delilah!

<< Morgan stands beside Delilah.>>

they're coming from one side...that helps...doesnt it?

<< Morgan extends her hands, gesturing as chimes sound off and she weaves a pattern of power! streams of mystic energy flow forth and CRACK like whips as the lash out with sharp precision and SLICE OFF the heads of the zombies.>>

Where is the passage!?

<< Morgan screamed with urgency! she wasnt a warrior. She didnt want to stay here and look at any MORE than she had to!>>

<< but she wasnt the queen diva on a model shoot now. even as she screamed, Ava, Cameron and Mike heard and then saw LARGE white furred monkeys BOUNDING for them, running with strength and speed. 3 from one side...and three more coming from a doorway that apparently lead back into the mansion.>>

<< one leaped into the air and was charing for Morgan!>>

NO!

<< morgan DODGES its deadly pass, taking to the air and unintentionally opening herself to attack by the crows, but before they could get to her, she TAKES OFF, flying away as they chase for a moment. she throws them off by swooping DOWN and flying low, through a semi enclosed walk way before reaching open area again where the birds are now met with ALison and Blaze's attacks. Free of them , she applies her strength and grabbing hold of a marble gargoyle overlooking them in the courtyard, she hurls it DOWN on a monkey that was reaching Delilah!>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mike exhaled heavily as he realized that they would send her away to safety. The witches performed some hocus-pocus ritual and then she disappeared. Mike smiled a bit, ready to move as he assembled with the others t leave. he caught Alison's eye and nodded, mouthing the words "thank you".

As they teleported, he touched Ava's side...

...and the re-emerged form the RIDE of his life , yelling out as he arrived with the others.

HOTDAMN what a rush!!

They decided against trying the front door, a tactic that he could have already told them was stupid, but no reason to chime in and be any more of a nuisance, especially since they barely let the normal girl off as it was.

They teleported to the back and Mike was more used to the roller-coaster ride, landing and crouching as they arrived. he pulled two handguns and good thing, and both crow and human came for them, eyes clowing red. He saw Blaze go white with fear as her sister reassured her. Morgan went to help Delilah who was working on the humanoids while Blaze and Alison went for the birds. He covered the pair as they worked but had to fend off a crow divebomber for a second.

Goddamn buzzard, take that!

As he turned back, he saw a zombie right behind Delilah!! Just as he was to put a slug behind its ear, a large stone gargoyle (courtesy of Morgan) smashed the fiend to bits. Mike husteled back to Delilah, placing his back against hers.

Let's create some space, D. You take that side and I'll take this side. Morgan, clear those birds with your sister. We've got this.

Mike began to squeeze off shots - about two a second - and zombies began to fall, some stumbling forward an extra step before realizing that the back of their heads no longer existed.

Alison, I'll bet anything you know where we need to be. Point there and we'll clear the way!

 

[Black Widow]

Aqua Ring

Nicolas: Perhaps we will have to time to spend at a later date and I can hold you to that "thanks".

Nicolas' voice was in her head again, no doubt trying to be alluring. Haleigh staunchly refused to be taken in by it. Through no small amount of determination, she maintained focus.

Nicolas: Especially if you can do THAT with your body. I would not miss that show for anything.

Haleigh rolled her eyes so hard she thought they'd get stuck in the back of her head, clearly unimpressed by his overtures. She'd been subjected to too many allusions to be moved either way about his. Never MIND he was only reacting to something from HER mind… he could have been a gentleman about it. His brazen arrogance begged for rebuke and she wouldn't have to wait long for an opportunity to do so: he requested a weapon from her, very detailed and specific and so she manifested it quickly and exactly as he'd imagined it, then shoved it somewhat forcefully into his hands.

Consider THAT the only token of my appreciation that you've earned THUS FAR, Mr. King.

As she passed the axe off to him, his fingers grazed her knuckles and Haleigh withdrew her hand sharply. The back of her hand tingled strangely, drawing her thoughts more to his touch than she would have liked under the circumstances. It was so…. IRRITATING to not have the privacy of her own head with him. She had to shove anything improper out of her mind completely, and that was easier said than done. For she feel the tension between them, tangible and almost demanding recognition, but Haleigh was no stranger to temperance and she was certainly NOT going to allow herself to become slave to her desires and so, with some indignation, she exhaled in a huff and just like that, became the picture of mental propriety. Karen advised them that a traditional exit wouldn't be possible, and asked Haleigh to lead them to the platform where the entrace to the train tunnel was located. Haleigh's expression tightened slightly at mention of the train that brought her to this hellish place. Her thoughts drifted to her friends with concern, and she hoped once more that they were okay. But now was not the time for wishful thinking, now was the time for action. Haleigh had a new purpose now, getting Karen and Nicolas safely out of immediately looming danger and then, Karen's daughters as well.

One step at a time. Nicolas fell into place next to Haleigh and Karen kept up the rear with a small kitten in a carrier. Haleigh began to lead, holding the carbine rifle that appeared in her hands close to her body with a trained grip. The path she lead them was not necessarily the most timely but she felt it more important to make it out alive than anything else and so, they only had to deal with occasional strays. Water was in the halls, ahead, but Haleigh'd tromped through worse before. The rhythmic pace that Haleigh kept didn't skip a beat when they came upon the water, she only slowed as they waded in deeper to keep the splashing and the noise to a minimum. Karen started speaking ominously as they rounded a corner into a hall about waist deep, and Haleigh noticed something in the water turn and charge, and she stopped. Nicolas was all over it, fast enough that Haleigh didn't bother with lifting her firearm in defense. Rather than obliterating it outright, Nicolas immobilized and observed it with curious awe. Haleigh was concerned, but she didn't know how to gently tell him that it were better if he didn't get attached to anything they found down here. He seemed to radiated sadness. Haleigh's hand twitched in his direction, as if she were going to touch him gently, but she stopped herself, the back of her hand tingling from where they'd touched before. No, it was more prudent if she let Karen do the comforting. Karen explained that it was too late to save the creature that were cultivated here. Haleigh kept a wary eye out for anything else that might try to injudiciously maul them. Karen warned them that they were in grave danger, as if they hadn't been in it already. They had to go in the Aqua Ring and reestablish containment. Haleigh accepted the assignment with a simple nod.

Karen: "But I must tell you both, the creatures in this lab are especially dangerous."

[with a smirk] "Karen, you realize who you're traveling with, right? I am especially dangerous. And Nicolas…. hasn't yet proved to be a liability."

Karen requested that Haleigh open to doors and Haleigh nodded then went completely immobile, closing her eyes. After a moment or two, the door sparked a bit and then slid open. Water flowed freely, but it was mostly equalized already. Haleigh raised her assault rifle and cautiously stepped forth, ready for anything.

 

[Rampage]

Karen: "But I must tell you both, the creatures in this lab are especially dangerous."

[with a smirk] "Karen, you realize who you're traveling with, right? I am especially dangerous. And Nicolas…. hasn't yet proved to be a liability."

Nicolas glanced over at the remark. With all of the excitement he had not noticed that he was quite off-putting for Haleigh, that he had managed to push her away with his ham-handed attempts at charm.

After she opened the door, he sent her a much more humble message.

I'm sorry. It's just...I have never really met...you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. EVER.

Nicolas fell silent in her mind, but their newly-formed bond was two-way. It was revealed to the mutant through this bond that Nicolas came here as a young child and that he indeed was kept away from the outside world. And that his fear was being left alone, like he's been twice before by the women he loved, his "mothers". And that he felt more for her than simply attraction due to their shared history as prisoners here.

Nicolas looked at her for a moment, almost a bit sad. He then rushed inside, looking to defend the pair of women against anything...

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Morgan came to stand beside her, lashing out quite literally at the zombies coming for them. The mist made it seem as if they were in an old-time horror movie...seems that some stereotypes have basis in reality after all. Delilah tried to shield her friend - but Morgan could hold her own, despite an obvious distaste at having to do so!

She kept at the zombies, but there were so many and they kept coming! She tuned out everything but their bleached-white forms and their reaching clawed hands. She felt something stir behind her, and turned - too late - to see one of the large monkeys nearly on top of her. The gargoyle crashed down upon it with a loud thud and it was smashed to a bloody pulp. Surprised, she looked up.

"Thanks Morg!"

If anyone didn't know we were here, they probably do now...

Thankfully, Mike kept his head and their training took over. They took a textbook tactical position, back to back, and Delilah continued to take the zombies on her side.

 

[Persephone]

Appearing in a large courtyard on the western half of the mansion, the group was surrounded by large black crows with glowing red eyes. Having always been 'linked' to animals, immediately Ava could tell these birds were altered by MysTech. All they desired was blood. And almost on cue, the crows immediately took flight and began to attack Morgan. Blaze and Alison quickly assisted as Morgan took flight to try and shake them off.

"Where's the passage?!"

She shouted over the chaos. Hearing a large 'boom', she quickly turned toward the noise seeing albino monkey's come running out of the very passage they were looking for.

"Oh shit!"

One monkey leapt into the air heading straight for Ava. But before it was able to attack her, a thick vine covered with sharp hypodermic-like needle thorns shot out from the cobble stone ground that made up the courtyard and wrapped itself around the monkey with a python-like grip. Two more monkeys that were heading for Ava met the same fate as more vines errupted from the ground, finding themselves around the creatures.

Seeing a clear path to the passageway, Ava quickly sprinted across the courtyard to the enterence. Sending a massive electrical blast into the passage way, it lit the entire inside up allowing Ava to see what was inside and KILL anything that might have been in there. But to her surprise, it was all clear.

Turning to the others.

"HURRY!! IT'S ALL CLEAR!"

 

[Harbinger]

arklay research facility

:: Alison's blue/black hair was whipping up a bit from the fury of wings flapping about..::

Watch yourself, Cameron! Can't let them touch us!

:: she said as she blew two more squawking crows away. a few more were taken down by MIKE who was covering her, Ava and Blaze at first.::

:: monkeys came bounding out, hollernig and carrying on as they attempted to assault others in the group. Alison kept Blaze near her, knowing the fire elemental was still a bit shakey being confronted with these nightmare creatures and now Morgan, in a slight panic herself had taken to the air to escape the crows and monkeys and was now being CHASED by the group of crows::

Ava, the passage is just THAT way :: points:: clear us a path!

lead them THIS WAY!

:: Alison shouts to Morgan as the witch flies at fast speeds and soon, with good timing, Morgan streaks past and Alison, Ava and Blaze take down the REST of the crows while Morgan crushes a monkey with a gargoyle, stopping it from reaching Delilah. ::

:: As Morgan lands, Ava gives the all clear and with Alison's beckoning, the group moves. any remaining Zombies there had been taken care of by Mike and Delilah and the group hurries along not wanting to wait for anything ELSE to come.::

:: rushing into t he dark doorway, underneath some water that was trickling down, the group were now in a narrow , dark passage.::

Delilah, light our way please...but a soft glow. everyone...stay quiet.

:: Alison says as she walks with uncertainty in her heart. having precognition was of little comfort when in a house of the dead.::

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

She cut down any zombies in their path to the tunnel, but for the moment forgot about clearing them out altogether. They had to get inside and NOW! They moved together, quickly and quietly, to the passage.

She could feel the dampness of the stone around her, and shivered. It smelled rank - musty, moldy. The passage was clearly not that frequently used - not by HUMANS anyway.

Delilah, light our way please...but a soft glow. everyone...stay quiet.

She held out her hand, palm up, and ball of laser light appeared in it. The light danced in hundreds of circular patterns, like a spirograph, but emitted only the soft glow on the interior of the passage that Alison had requested.

With a deep breath of the stale air, she took the lead.

 

[Spellbinder]

arklay research facility

<< landing and now with the group, Morgan was definately NOT accustomed to all of this high demand action.>>

The air here is so close! and all this action is going to ruin my hair!

Blaze: Don't worry...if we die here...i'm sure you will be the BEST looking zombie in a designer outfit Mystech has EVER seen.

<< Morgan frowned a bit as they walked together in the passage way. their light hearted bickering continued for a bit as they walked on with Mike behind them and Delilah in front of them. >>

hmph...well excuse me for trying to preserve my appearence, dear sister. i wanted to be the next farrah fawcett! not necessarily linda hamilton!

Alison: quiet! your voices carry down the passage!

<< Alison said from the front of the line. Morgan poked Blaze in her side. as if to have the "last word". they were more like themselves in this "sisterly" moment than they had been since this nightmare began.>>

 

[Arsenal]

As Alison and then Ava egged them on, Delilah and Mike fell into routine even more, with her taking lead and providing light while he secured the rear and covered across the group.

He smiled as Morgan and Blaze chirped back and forth about looks. He decided to pick with Morgan a bit. It did her psyche best not to think about the situation.

He stepped quickly up and whispered after they quieted down. Only she and Blaze would hear him.

Relax Morgan, you look gorgeous. In this group, I would put you at LEAST...fourth.

Mike stuck his tongue out playfully at her, winked at Blaze and then disappeared back into the darkness, using his infrared to get around in the dark...

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Delilah rolled her eyes.

"Careful, Mike, she bites."

She kept her eyes forward as they walked down the tunnel. Despite the fact that they were walking into the unknown, thoughts were streaming through her head. When the hell did monsters become real? And when did they start taking over the world? And Haleigh and probably Karen were in the CENTER of the monsters' lair. She tried to push the next thought out of her head, but she couldn't help thinking it. How could they even still be alive when faced with all these things? Were they just being stupid even trying to save them? Maybe they should all just be running the other direction and getting the hell out of Dodge.

But no, Delilah could never leave without knowing for sure. And she knew it was the same for the others. She glanced back at Morgan and Blaze. They weren't prepared for this. Why was she leading them into this danger - Delilah was a cop, Mike was a cop. But the others were just people. Yes, they all had great power, but this wasn't their job. It wasn't fair.

"So...we have any idea what we're walking into here?"

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the aqua ring

<< as Haleigh opened the thick steal doors, Karen felt the shift in the water as more flowed out but thankfull it wasnt sudden rush. she gestured and encased the enclosed rolling carbonium steel "carrier" Nicolas made for the kitty inside a mystic sphere which lifted up and was now floating so to keep it out of the water. it would continue to house the carrier as long as Karen remained conscious. >>

<< through their movements, she observed Haleigh and Nicolas who was all but completely BESOTTED with her. No doubt this young man was reacting strongly to her on a variety of levels including his telepathy. Haleigh, despite being a vetern field officer, was showing subtle but noted reactions to what was obviously a continuous outreach by Nicolas. The doctor knew Nicolas' powers and the effects t hey'd have on the mind. she also knew that he was still coping with now having FULL access to his powers after she removed the blocks SHE placed on him for so many years.>>

Nicolas, do try to remember what i told you about PRIVACY and respect of a person's physical AND mental space.

<< Karen reminded him as they walked along.>>

Haleigh, Nicolas is...a special case. He means no harm...but in less than a few hours after YEARS of close monitoring, structure and regulation of his abilities, he has now been granted full access. I had to do that in order to give him a fighting chance of escape from this place.

<< not immediately aware that Nicolas communicated to haleigh mentally that he'd been orphaned TWICE.>>

I'm afraid that his reactions to you will be a bit...extreme but its not malicious on his part. he's an inquisitive young man who is suddenly thrust into a sort of...puberty.

<< so far they were alright, walking along a high circular walk way but the water was up even there.>>

There's water EVERYWHERE...and this is just the beginning. the Aqua Ring leads out to a large network of waterways where the creatures roam and water flows in from the rivers outside and is pumped through the mansion.>>

<< they could hear water dripping and flowing and the echo of the flow around them in this industrial looking lair. >>

the attendants must have died...

<< a subtle gurgling could be heard in the air.>>

or have become zombies.

<< on they move...surprisingly with no problems, but soon t hat was no longer the case as a fully grown Neptune came spiraling up and out of the water with such a forcefull rush! its jaws agape...RIGHT FOR KAREN! The bewitching doctor was taken aback by the force and shift of pressure and as the neptune was about to surely capture her in its fatefull jaws...she screamed as she could FEEL it bearing down on her.>>