Ororo's ghost story II: Raccoon City

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Lounge

Blaze remained quiet for a few minutes taking the opportunity to hear Cameron out. Despite her natural urge to protect Karen Blaze couldn't help but wonder if Cameron was right. Karen had been behaving oddly since Blaze's attack and it all traced back to Mystech. What were they trying to cover up and what did they want so badly with Karen?

Just then the sound of the front door opened and closed. Blaze was relieved to see Delilah had returned. Obviously, the woman needed to calm down and who could blame her.

Sitting next to Morgan, Blaze listened intently as Delilah spoke. She sighed with relief as Delilah rejected the idea of Karen being involved.

"Well, that's good news at least."

The conversation turned to Arkley Mansion and Mystech. Blaze nodded in agreement.

"I was positive the hospital was going to put me in a paded cell when I told them what happened. Nobody believed me...but something like that you don't dream up. I can still remember the groans and those eyes...it was horrible."

Pausing, Blaze looked from Delilah to Morgan.

"I never liked the idea of Morgan wearing the Rejuvination products..." Blaze looked up. "Of course! I didn't see that before."

Sitting forward on the couch, "Delilah, with everything you've seen and what I saw you said that you think Mystech is experimenting on people. When I was in the hospital...I remember bits and pieces. Mystech markets the Rejuvination products. Morgan doesn't wear it but perhaps that's the missing link. What if these Rejuvination projects are the cause of something more...like an experimentation? The public wouldn't even be aware of it."

"Even still, I survived yet other's did not. Why was I left to survive..I mean you saw the campsite. My friends...were butchered...people I've known for years. I too share Morgan's sentiments to get to the bottom of this once and for all."
 
After promising Alison that she would be careful, Ava headed off to the Cosmopolitan Hotel to meet with Michael Armstrong. Once arriving, the elemental made her way into the fairly empty piano bar, spotting Mike easily.

"Martini, dry."

Ava said to the bartender as she took a seat next Mike. Positioned at the very end of the bar, the brunette crossed her legs at the knee and swiveled her stool in Mike's direction.

"So?"

The bartender promptly brought Ava her martini, placing the glass on a small red napkin in front of her. Picking up her drink, she took a small sip.

"What information was so urgent that I needed to trek out in the rain to hear it?"
 
in the lounge

<< Morgan breathed in slowly...and held her breath for a moment. if they were on a rollercoaster, she felt like this was the point where it was TOO LATE to signal the ride to stop so she could get off. Blaze spoke and as she put her hand on Morgan's, Morgan gently squeezed her sister's hand.>>

My mother...she INSISTED that i insert that clause into the contract. I mean...its not that unusual, models often have riders or clauses put into a contract to benefit them but its kind of like a dirty secret. that I, a pitch woman for a cosmetics line dont even WEAR the product? but Rejuinvation was almost CURIOUSLY willing to comply.

I guess part of it was me. I could have asked why, but it was my mother and she's a doctor. I trust her and The contract was lucrative, the benefits, both financial and career goal wise were too good to pass up..maybe too good for more than one reason. My new commercial debuts tomorrow, a new face cream for Rejuvination that uses ....a "T CELL" technology. The committee is really excited about it and yet, though there will be a massive pay off for me, i find myself feeling disconnected from the whole thing. This isnt what i wanted to do...not for ever. As a model on the runway I felt alive...now i feel like...nothing more than a glamorous catspaw.

<< she said in a reflective tone as she looked down at her well manicured hands.>>

My mother and I both...we got so wrapped up in our careers that we didnt even realize what was going on. Well I certainly didnt. It all changed after Blaze's attack and I just havent been the same since, neither has my mother but its worse for her. She lost our father...in a mysterious accident in a tunnel in arklay forest (the same tunnel that haleigh seemingly perished in). maybe mystech...

<< she looked at blaze.>>

at this point, i'm beginning to think anything is possible. corporate maleficence...its nothing new but this is insidious. this entire city is powered by mystech products and industry. The MAIN THING for me is to get my mother out of it. I'm going to tell her that she CANT go back to that research facility anymore...or the hospital. She's going to HAVE to tell us what is going on.

<< looking at Delilah.>>

We can't protect her if we don't know what we're up against...and if I have to...I'll use my magick to send anyone that comes after her to HELL itself.

<< Delilah knew how protective Morgan was of her family. to cross her on that was to commit suicide. Mike was LUCKY he hadnt pushed any further with Karen or Morgan...or HE might be missing too.>>

Delilah...whatever is in that forest, I believe you. I KNOW you went through something horrible. You RESIGNED from the RPD and STARS...that was your life's work and you LEFT IT. Few things could make you do that. Whatever is going on, whatever we're about to get into....we need you there.

<< Alison nodded in agreement on that.>>

Will you help us? I think TOGETHER, all of us in this room have the best chance of getting Haleigh AND my mother...even though we dont know where Haleigh is yet. we need to start gathering information. Cameron and I are in the best position to do that given where we work and the nature of our powers. it sounds crazy but we're in plain sight so no one is going to suspect us of any "anti mystech" activity.

<< speaking of Haleigh...and her sister...>>

um...where is Ava? shouldnt she be here at this moment?
 
As Ava walked in and took her seat, Mike stood, watching her. So far this was the ONLY fringe benefit of the pile of shit he was picking through. As she came to him blunt and to the point, he cleared his throat, looking around again before speaking.

It would be worth it just to see you, truth be told. But I promise you, I am not wasting your time.

Mike leaned in again; no kiss, but a "sweet nothings" pose as before. By now Ava should know the drill.

As I am sure you are aware by now, my search has taken me to Morgan Victoria's house. There I found information that shows that Morgan Victoria, at her mother's urging, does not wear REJUVINATION. Ther are also weird biological experiments being conducted with a T Cell that supposedly reforms the face. This T Cell was prepared with NO FDA oversight at ALL. This information combined with the fact that Karen Victoria herself has been the attending doctor for nearly every victim that has been attacked the same way that Blaze and subsequently my unit was leads me to suspect that she is in REAL deep. I don't think she is one of the TRUE bad guys per se, but I DO think that she can answer a LOT of questions about what has happened. I believe she has been complicit so far for her childrens' sake. That is the only thing I think that could sway her to do what I fear she has done so far. I am telling you this because I want to find Haleigh too. That is OUR primary focus, and I just want you to know everything...look, the Victoria's are very tight-knit, and while I respect that, I will do whatever I must to find Haleigh. We all need to work together, and we all have to be completely honest, which to this point Karen has not been. But she has been weakening the more I have asked her. I believe that she now is trying to find a way to get free.

Mike stopped and waited for her response if any. He smelled her perfume, she was absolutely INTOXICATING. He kissed her neck lightly then whispered again.

Couldn't help myself. I would appreciate it if you did not kill me now. I found the thunder thing impressive enough back at Morgan's, thank you.
 
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Rolling her eyes as Mike leaned forward once again to make it seem like he was whispering sweet nothings in her ear, there was hardly anyone in the bar...but she let him continue with his 'stealthy' tactic, listening to what he had to say. Most of it Ava already knew, however there were bits and pieces that she was unaware of. She would have most likely found that information out if she stayed at Morgan's mansion with the others, but like Delilah, Mike wanted to find Haleigh as well. Wanted to help in some fashion. So Ava took it upon herself to include him regardless of what the others thought.

Feeling Mike's lips touch her neck, Ava's eyes narrowed. He had balls, she'd give him that.

Mike: Couldn't help myself. I would appreciate it if you did not kill me now. I found the thunder thing impressive enough back at Morgan's, thank you.

With a sigh, Ava leaned back and grabbed Mike's face with her hands.

"If you want to kiss me Mr. Armstrong. Then KISS me."

Kissing him this time, she allowed her lips to linger there for a moment before pulling away. She enjoyed games, but his were a little frustration.

"I have to go. I'll keep you updated."

Sliding off the barstool, Ava grabbed her clutch and headed for the exit.
 
"If you want to kiss me Mr. Armstrong. Then KISS me."

Kissing him this time, she allowed her lips to linger there for a moment before pulling away. She enjoyed games, but his were a little frustration.

"I have to go. I'll keep you updated."

Sliding off the barstool, Ava grabbed her clutch and headed for the exit.
Click to expand...

Mike stepped quickly forward and turned Ava around in one motion, kissing her deeply on the mouth as he lifted her slightly off the ground in his arms.

He held her a second as he lingered, then let her down, looking in her eyes with a smoldering bedroom glance.

That's how I wanted to kiss you. Have a good evening Ava.

Mike escorted her out to the limo, opened the door for her, then closed it behind her before jogging in the rain to his own car to speed away...
 
As Ava headed for the door, she was caught by her wrist and spun around into another kiss by Mike. This one was far more intense than his last attempt which the brunette melt into his arms. Well if anyone thought they were discussing MysTech or Rejuvination, their suspicions were probably dashed now. Finally the kiss broke.

Mike: That's how I wanted to kiss you.

[with a coy smile] "Good. I was beginning to wonder."

Mike: Have a good evening Ava.

"You too."

Pulling away from him, Ava exited the piano bar then the hotel. Her limo was still sitting in the same spot it had dropped her off at. Climbing into the car, the driver immediately headed back to Mogan's mansion.
 
Blaze said:
What if these Rejuvination projects are the cause of something more...like an experimentation? The public wouldn't even be aware of it."
Click to expand...

Delilah nodded. She held her hands out in a pacifying gesture before continuing.

“Now, I know you don’t trust Mike, but he was there with me, he saw… Anyway, he told me that Mystech has been experimenting with a new product that remakes cells – which they claim makes you look younger. But there have been no safety trials, nothing that would usually come with a new product like this.”

Spellbinder said:
Will you help us? I think TOGETHER, all of us in this room have the best chance of getting Haleigh AND my mother...even though we dont know where Haleigh is yet. we need to start gathering information. Cameron and I are in the best position to do that given where we work and the nature of our powers. it sounds crazy but we're in plain sight so no one is going to suspect us of any "anti mystech" activity.
Click to expand...

Delilah gave Morgan a look.

“You know I’ll always be there for you. And Blaze. We’re family. I can’t believe I was worried you wouldn’t believe me.”

She smiled.

“Now, what can I do to help? I’d like to be there when you talk to Karen, if that's okay.”
 
Arriving back at Morgans mansion, Ava headed straight to the main livingroom hoping that everyone was still there. Sure enough, Morgan, Blaze, Cameron, and Alison were still gathered there, with the addition of Delilah. Taking off her black trench coat, Ava handed it over to one of the maids before entering the room. Though she and Delilah had ended on a bad note, Ava didn'tbother to be snide of aloof with her this time around. Instead she headed straight of the mini bar closest to where Alison stood to get herself a drink.

[in a soft whisper to her friend] "Don't even say it."

Ava said quickly in a teasing tone, knowing that Alison was itching to say something. But knowing Alison, she would say something ANYWAY. :p

Pouring herself a brandy, Ava swirled the liquid around in her glass before taking a small swig. Turning around to face the others, she stood next to Alison quietly, listening to the conversation.
 
morgan's mansion

:: Cameron listened intently as Delilah spoke and the part about Morgan not even wearing the product she pushed on millions herself. He found it odd but he was a little more than relieved. He had always felt extremely uneasy about the products she endorsed and just had a "feeling" about them in general, something he didn't have to work in the same office complex to get. At least everything was starting to come together. ::

"Morgan you can't feel bad about anything now. Just be thankful you haven't used any of it, or you might be out killing people in the Arklay Forest..."

:: He listened as Morgan mentioned that Cameron and herself would be the best suited to gather information. It did make sense. They both worked in town, in the same complex where he was sure as much as she was that something was definitely going on there that they couldn't figure out. She mentioned Ava. ::

"Ava, went to go meet Mike actually..."

:: As Delilah mentioned Mike actually helping them, he was pretty resistant at first but he couldn't deny that he might actually be of help to this cause. The telepath let out a deep sigh ::

"I am all for working with Mike as long as both he and Ava can keep their genitals in their pants long enough to figure this ou--"

:: Right as he finished his last word he saw Ava turn the corner and enter the living room. Cameron smirked for a moment. ::

"Ava! We were just talking about you.."

:: His pupils seemed dilated for a moment as he was gathering the remnants of what had transpired between Mike and Ava. ::

"Now tell me, is Mike an all tongue man or is he a nibbler?"
 
“Now, I know you don't trust Mike, but he was there with me, he saw… Anyway, he told me that Mystech has been experimenting with a new product that remakes cells – which they claim makes you look younger. But there have been no safety trials, nothing that would usually come with a new product like this.”
Click to expand...

"Can you honestly blame me? When I was attacked the STARS did nothing for me. It was awful and for awhile I wondered if my brain had been making up things that I saw. I know he's your partner, D, but with everything Morgan and I have been through it's difficult to trust others."

“You know I’ll always be there for you. And Blaze. We’re family. I can’t believe I was worried you wouldn’t believe me.”
Click to expand...

"I know. You've been Morgan's best friend for years. You're like the second sister I never had. So of course I believe you."

“Now, what can I do to help? I’d like to be there when you talk to Karen, if that's okay.”
Click to expand...

Blaze turned to glance at Morgan before looking at Delilah, "I have no objections unless Morgan does? But we could use all the family support we can get." She smiled to the blonde.

In that split second in walked Ava and immediately Blaze's eyes went wide with Cameron's remark.

"Cameron King! That is the most disgusting thing you've said all night." Shaking her head, she didn't want to even picture Mike and Ava kissing.
 
Cameron: Ava! We were just talking about you..

"That's never a good sign."

Ava stated in a casual tone as she took a sip of her drink.

Cameron: Now tell me, is Mike an all tongue man or is he a nibbler?

Blaze quickly voiced her disgust with Cameron while Ava rolled her eyes; internally kicking herself for worrying about Alison saying anything when the real gossip girl was Cameron King.

"As tactless and crude as ever, Cameron. Instead of worrying about my personal endevours, why don't you invest your time in finding a woman with substance? Rubber dolls can only get you so far."

Giving him a smile, Ava quietly chuckled to herself forgetting how much fun it was bickering with Cameron. Some may not have appriciated his humor, but Ava always found it entertaining. Even when she was the butt of the joke.

"Anyway, he just wanted to pass along some more information he....aquired. Although i'm sure it's already been revealed here. The Rejuvination product?"
 
morgan's mansion

:: Alison sat back and let things unfold as she knew they would. a solid foundation of trust being established. that was critical.::

:: Delilah vouched for Mike's integrity and Alison couldnt fault her for that. The woman had served with Haleigh AND Mike and if two "supers" had come to care for and respect their HUMAN partner, than MAYBE there was something to him...MAYBE. :D::

:: Blaze 2nds Delilah's information and Morgan appears to be willing to agree when she asks where Ava is. Before Alison could TRY to cover, her BROTHER opened his mouth about her true where abouts. Alison silently reprimands her baby brother by SHARPLY poking the back of his hand with her well manicured, metallic blue painted fingernails.::

:: but fortunately, Ava was now returning herself. Alison eyed her dear friend and the elemental KNEW the look she was giving her ;) "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?" when it came to the whole sordid details of her SUCKING FACE with Michael.::

:: Alison smirked as Blaze chided Cameron and Ava retorted him soundly.::

Still a hit with the ladies, huh baby brother?

:: nudging him playfully as Ava sat down next to her.::

and you? now that we know you were busy having your tonsils cleaned out, we're glad to have you back with us. Delilah was just talking with Morgan, Blaze and the rest of us about their mother, Karen and the events in Arklay forest.

It appears that we're all on one accord...and ready to proceed.
 
in the mansion

<< Morgan began to feel BETTER about involving herself in what was becoming MORE than just a "mission" to rescue Haleigh. With her trusted and dear friend Delilah, who was like FAMILY to her and Blaze there speaking on the same issues, Morgan knew that they had more than a little justification for what would most likely become a CAREER ENDING move on her part.>>

<< But she didnt care about her career if it meant her mother and Blaze would be safe and the would be together.>>

<< the subject of REJUVINATION and her career were more connected than she even thought to suspect before and she exhaled slowly as Delilah reassured her she was there to help. But on the subject of Mike? Morgan IMMEDIATELY sided with Blaze on a justifiable reluctance to trust him.>>

Dee, I know you were a good cop, one of the BEST. After all, You were a member of the elite "STARS" team! but Mike? I don't care for him. Flat out. he's been following me and my mother...harrassing us on more than one occassion. WHAT ELSE could we tell him other than what we knew then? and with my mother being in such danger, SURELY he knew that. Why would he want her to risk her life...if Blaze and I werent around to make sure she was SAFE? What was HE going to do? Protect her the way he protected BLAZE?!

<< Ava returned and Cameron outed her for having been with Mike...well maybe not WITH him but judging from the banter between Ava, Cameron and Alison...it wasnt for a lack of TRYING. Morgan rolled her icy violet eyes as Blaze chided Cameron and Ava retorted him. She too was used to Cameron's crass humour. At times she found it amusing herself.>>

Hmph.

<< she looks at Ava.>>

Just do me a favor...don't bring that over developed meat locker HERE to this house. He's not welcomed here...

<< if people there weren't carefull and someone let it slip that he HAD in fact already trespassed on her property?? there would be HELL to pay, something that would take PRECIOUS time and cause more trouble than needed.>>

<< she looked at her friend.>>

At least not now. You and I can discuss THAT later. Right now? I dont want him anywhere NEAR me or my sister.

<< she looks over at the large grandfather clock.>>

It's rather late. If we're going to be effective tomorrow, we'd better get some sleep.

With the bad weather out, anyone else besides my originally invited guests who wants to stay, can. I have plenty of rooms and my staff will avail you whatever you need.

<< standing up, and stretching.>>

now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a vodka tonic, a hot bath and then bed. Tomorrow will be the debut of my new commercial and most likely the beginning of the END of my career. I want to be BRIGHT EYED for all of it.

<< she said with icy sarcasm as she exited the room.>>

i'd better try my mom again on the phone, just to make sure she's alright.
 
Morgan: Just do me a favor...don't bring that over developed meat locker HERE to this house. He's not welcomed here...

Little did Morgan know Mike was already at her estate that evening....but that was a little tid bit of info she really didn't need to know right now. :D

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Morgan: At least not now. You and I can discuss THAT later. Right now? I dont want him anywhere NEAR me or my sister.


"Fair enough."

Morgan than announced that she was heading to bed. It probably wasn't a bad idea....Ava had been up since 6am Paris time and she was exhausted.

"I think i'll be heading to bed as well. Jet lag and all. Thank you again Morgan for allowing me and Alison to stay here. We really do appriciate it."

After bidding everyone a goodnight, Ava headed up to her bedroom to take a long hot shower before heading to bed.
 
and so

<< With Morgan's kind offer to host all of her guests for the night, the spokesmodel/sorceress retired, moving up to the highest floor of the mansion to her master suite and her master bath chamber to lavish herself in a bath while having a nightcap.>>

<< Alison, Ava and Cameron were shown to guest room, each was posh and luxe in their decor and accomodation. Delilah took the room she usually took when staying over and of course Blaze's suite was on the same floor as Morgan's but on the opposite of the long hall.>>

<< everyone would eventually retire to sleep. it had been a long, unusual sort of evening and the next day and evening would promise to be NO LESS of the same...and certainly WORSE.>>

Meanwhile

<< Dr. Victoria , young Nicolas King with kitty in tow, move together, slowly, carefully through the mansion which has gone from a house of secrets to a house of the dead. This is the ULTIMATE "field test" for Nicolas, while Karen is confronted with her worst nightmare beyond the scope she could have dared to imagine. They must trust and depend on each other to survive, but they are only TWO, moving through a VAST enclosed space filled with horrors, traps, puzzels and more. There is one MORE person that Karen must reach before they can escape....IF they can survive long enough to do so.>>

<< every harrowing gauntlent they run requires them to stop and regroup. Thankfully, Karen knows MOST of the layout of the mansion and her access card allows them to find other rooms where they can replenish themselves with water, medicine and bolster their own natural arsenal with WEAPONS they may need.>>

<< still, time and tide are NOT on their side...not yet.>>

<< and so we watch...>>
 
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