Pieces of a puzzle

[Rampage]

"With Bishop leading us in this, we can't take any unnecessary chances. He's already fucked us over once."

A statement I can agree with. I think Ava's idea has the most merit. And I think that Ava is the one best suited to watch this situation. In my eyes she has the clearest head.

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's Mansion- the great room

I don't like this very much more than Alison does... I'm kind of partial to just knocking on her door and killing her ass dead when she answers.

Sounds like a plan to ME!

<< Morgan stood, with Alison and Ava on either side of her. She looked completely unhappy as she stood with her arms folded as the discussion continued.>>

This is out of the question. BISHOP being the point person? Taking Delilah into uncharted waters ALONE and thinking HE is enough to protect her from a woman that has evaded Alison's precognition, Haleigh's technology, Cameron's telepathy, Nicolas' telekinetic scans and my magickal detection?

We're not talking about Alycia, Michael or Sharon. Bishop is NOT a friend or ally. He's an ENEMY. He can't be trusted. PERIOD!

<< she said in an icy voice as the others continued. Ava, who disliked Bishop as much as Morgan and Alison, was offering some very good ideas to at least better ensure Delilah's safety. Morgan didnt respond right away.>>

"Oh, that's a good idea. Make me look like..... Megan Fox."

Would that be Megan Fox before or AFTER her transformation in "Jennifer's Body?"

<< Morgan asked with a flash of bitchy humour. >>

That party is going to have some major security. There is no way we can ALL get in there unnoticed.

of course there is. glamoring spell, cloaking spell, telepathic manipulation...that's the benefit of having POWER and knowing when to use it to get the job done.

<< she said in a biting tone as she looks at Delilah. Nicolas places a hand on Morgan's shoulder gently urging her to remain calm.>>

"Mm... that's true. We ARE a group of rather conspicuous size."

She conceded, her brow tensing slightly as she considered viable alternatives. She ran a quick scan and checked distances.

Harbinger: Well no one suggested we ALL go in at once.

"Well... the rest of us could set up at my place in East Hampton. It's on the beach, at the mouth of Georgica Cove. Bianca's place is over in a little hamlet called Wainscott-- here [manifesting an ipad with a satellite picture to show them]-- in the wooded area on the other side of the lagoon. Not really good line of sight because of the forest, and I think that's Steven Spielberg's place in between, but it can't be more than a couple of statute miles apart. Small fucking world, right? So anyways... Once Delilah gets past any scanners they may have at the door, I can wiretap her and equip her with a camera small enough to go undetected by the naked eye. That way, we can be there with her.... without really being there at all. We can comfortably monitor the situation from afar, and the NANOSECOND that something goes wrong, we can respond. With our collective powers, there's really no reason we have to hold her hand every step of the way. I don't like Bishop either, but if there was ever a time that I believed every word that came out of his mouth, it was when he said he'd never let anything happen to Delilah. [casually looking over to Delilah] And besides, it's not like you're a defenseless damsel in distress, right?"

<< Morgan rolled her eyes...brimming with agitation. She felt like Delilah had turned into someone ELSE completely. Suddenly they were supposed to just GO ALONG with Bishop? This whole thing was making her feel less and less able to do what she wanted to do, which was be there for her best friend. how can you be there for someone who holds out one hand with friendship and smacks you with the other in selfrighteous, LOFTY condemnation!?>>

<< she was ANGRY, hurt and upset! it felt like Delilah no longer understood the impact of her death on them, why they were ALL there in the first place and NOW it felt like she was looking DOWN on them for feeling how they felt about this man who ruined ALL their lives. Once again...choosing a man...THAT man over THEM and their security. To Morgan, this was the next best thing to BETRAYAL and yet...she struggled not to give into that, hoping that there was a way to bridge the gap that was forming between them.>>

<< Neither Morgan nor Delilah had any idea that Bishop had gone so far as to acknowledge the role of the Six and ENDORSE their methods just moments earlier. Not that they needed HIS endorsement...but this man, whom Delilah had chosen over them once before to their near destruction was more in AGREEMENT with them than SHE was.>>

Shaking her head.

"I understand Delilah is fully capable of handling this herself, but you of all people [Haleigh] should know that you don't send your man in without backup. And Bishop is NOT backup. We should have at least ONE of us in there with her and the rest back at your estate. We can easily hack into the party list and choose someone who has already RSVPed. Cameron can telepathically knock them out and Morgan can glamour one of us to look like them."

Ava is right. Delilah has the experience as a cop, and i trust that. Plus she's plenty powerfull to defend herself ...against this WOMAN at least.

<< a not so subtle dig at Delilah with regard to Bishop.>>

We'd be naive to send ANYONE of our own into this caper with one of our ENEMIES. Regardless of who it is. Someone should physically follow them, shadow them. Keep an eye on HIM in case he tries anything treacherous.

Alison: it cant be you, Morgan. She has the sword of anger.


I wasnt suggesting me, though I'd face the seige perilous again if necessary to keep my friends and my family SAFE.

...Actually i think Ava would be the best choice. I can glamor her with my magick and if necessary, Cameron can telepathicallly compell the doormen or whomever else to accept her as a legitimate guest. Delilah and Bishop can do what they need to do and Ava can watch from afar just to to be safe.

THAT will allow me to okay any of this.

<< looking at Delilah.>>

You've surprised and even wounded me with your judgement enough this evening...and with regard to the subject of Bishop...I can no longer care what you think about me OR my methods when it comes to protecting MY OWN...including YOU from someone like HIM or any of our OTHER enemies.

I know you well enough to know that if we DIDNT agree to Bishop's plan, you'd most likely try to free him and leave Minerva's tonight. Just like you left us that night in Illustra.

But it's not going to happen that way THIS time. I'm going to agree to this plan...you and Bishop going ahead to the party, WITH Ava shadowing you. The rest of us will be monitoring from elsewhere ready to spring into action if necessary.

BUT before we do anything else, Alison, if you would please get that information you said you saw in Barbara's journals about this woman. We should know as much as we can about our quarry before we HUNT her.

She's clearly something else OTHER than "only human" and she may have technology or other things at her disposal capable of countering any number of our individual abilities. I don't want Delilah placed in unnecessary danger and with AVA shadowing her, she'll have REAL back up in an emergency till we can all get there.

<< Morgan spoke with a cold tone but she was definately acting more in the role of "leader" now.>>

 

[Harbinger]

The Great Room

:: Alison stopped short of vocally endorsing the idea of having Ava shadow Delilah and Bishop. She wasnt on the ACTIVE team roster anymore, but from her perspective as a tactician, it WAS a sound move.::

:: As Morgan bitterly took a shot at Delilah during her response, Alison "saw" the rift between Morgan and Delilah GROWING even as they stood there but it wasnt beyond any of the timethreads close at hand for this to be resolved and so she remained silent for the moment.::

:: There was NO being neutral on the subject of Bishop. He made that impossible the last time he cast his shadow over their lives. Alison was fairly certain that Delilah DID see him for the monster he truly was, but was she becoming blinded by her own "light"? Yes she was one of the most human and compassionate among the team...but that certainly shouldnt lead her to believe any method OTHER than her's was "right". That was where Alison saw HER falling short.::

:: still, Alison couldnt afford to get TOO involved in the deeply personal aspects of this whole thing. Not YET...not until...::

Bishop benefits from Hecate's own mysterious methods as she attempted to help...indulge Delilah. That's the ONLY reason he got a second lease on life. It's not as though he remotely DESERVED this chance, but here he is. I dont like him. I don't trust him and I would never send someone I cared about into a caper alone with him for any reason, let alone trust that HE would protect them. The awful thing is that he IS the most...subtle way in and Delilah has volunteered to go in.

Can the trust in HER outweigh the DISTRUST in him? Anyone who said yes would be lying. He's too polarizing a figure.

It sounds to me like you've all formed a sound plan on how to handle that. If you take that plan and act on it...I dont see any immediate problems or dangers in the more probable timethreads going forward.

As for the target...Bianca...She's NOT "only human." NO ordinary HUMAN could do what she did on this island.


Whatever her connection is to the Six and regardless of how it began, this woman STOLE something from ME. You can rest assured I'll be accompanying you on this mission and I will be the one to take what she stole BACK.

If she resists...she will pay for it. With something far more costly than any currency. Closing in on her so that she has no room to move or escape is the best course to take and if anyone has shown they know the way of stalking or lying to get close to someone...it's Bishop.

::things seemed to be coming together...::

I think I'll use this unexpected trip to the States and New York to visit The Parthenon hotel. I STILL own that hotel and its still thriving. Now that we're....BACK in mainstream society...I can take advantage of that. If anyone else wants to stay there, they can.

:: Morgan asks Alison to retrieve any information she might have on Bianca.::

Fine. Ill gather the specific journals of Barbara's that mention Bianca and return shortly.

:: She BLINKS OUT of the Great Room and to her executive study to pick out the journals. this would give the team a bit more time to discuss things and make sure they were settled on their course of action. for her part, ALISON would TRY not to interfere in what they were doing, BUT if they seemed to get to sidetracked and Bianca tried to make tracks with the Sword of Anger, ALISON would deal with HER.::

 

[Black Widow]

Nicolas: In addition, I have a plaything we can use to "party" in that lagoon. Gets us even closer to the possible action if you wish.

Haleigh shrugged. It was a bit cold this time of year for boating, which meant they'd stick out like a sore thumb without really gaining except a few hundred feet. There were other things still being debated, though. No one was really hot on the idea of Delilah going alone. Haleigh thought she'd taken care of that, though. Delilah wouldn't really BE alone, not with Haleigh practically riding on her shoulder technologically.

Ava: With Bishop leading us in this, we can't take any unnecessary chances. He's already fucked us over once.

Everyone else seemed to echo the sentiment. That was the problem.... they were too hung up on the past. And they still saw the whole thing their way: they believed Delilah had left the Six for him. But that wasn't exactly how it had gone down. Delilah had left the Six because she'd believed they were getting to fast and loose with their powers. Bishop had been the catalyst that made Delilah stand up and SAY how she felt... not the REASON she felt that way, as everyone assumed. Haleigh understood this, but it seemed quite clear that MANY of the rest of them didn't. Additionally, they still grimaced at what he'd done to them. They seemed unable to let it go, as Haleigh already had. He didn't have anything now. No power, no intel, nothing to hurt them with. And he wasn't TRYING to hurt them. The ONLY reason his reappearance had rocked them so deeply was because THEY hadn't yet moved past it. But after talking with Delilah on the cliff earlier, and having heard everything Bishop had to say.... Haleigh felt a good deal more comfortable with the situation than everyone else did.

Bianca emerged as the real threat. They would only waste time an energy trying to keep half their eyes on Bishop and the other half on Bianca.

Finally after much consternation, they agreed to glamour Ava so she could shadow Delilah and Bishop. Haleigh nodded in assent.

"I'll find someone on the guest list who's suitable."

 

[MorningStar]

It was all Delilah could do not to say fuck it and leave Aerie right then. The rest of the Six DIDN’T trust her, which made her less than ineffective – it made her a liability. But at least they were ALMOST being honest now. How long had they pretended? Either you forgive someone, or you don’t, and it was painfully clear to her now which it was with the Six.

BUT…they were in danger. The rest more than her, clearly – she hadn’t been on Bianca’s watchlist before. She couldn’t desert them now. Not until she made sure this was really over, for good.

“I don’t need BISHOP to protect me. Despite what everyone here seems to think, I CAN take care of myself in a crowd of 500 people. And I’d rather put HIM in danger than any of you.”

Despite what they might think of her, she was going to do the right thing, and that was keeping them all out of the line of fire as much as possible.

“Bishop will tell us where the safe is and get me on the guest list – that will be the end of his involvement with this – and us.”

She looked pointedly at Morgan.

“After that, you can drop him from the top of the Parthenon for all I care.”

She took a deep breath, becoming all business. She spoke matter-of-factly.

“I’ll get whatever’s in that safe, and Ava and I can do some recon on this Bianca while we’re at it.”

 

[Persephone]

Everyone was in agreement about sending someone in as a backup for Delilah, and they nominated her. Taking the assignment without question, Ava always enjoyed a recon mission at a large party. However Delilah didn't seem as eager to have her there. She was probably questioning whether everyone believed she was capable of doing this mission. Ava didn't even bother trying to explain that everyone KNEW she WAS capable, but that if this was any other person in any other situation, sending in a backup wouldn't have even been questioned. Delilah was feeling insecure, plain and simple. So Ava kept her mouth shut, knowing that it would have been like talking to a brick wall.

"I'll head to Greece and pick us up a variety of different dresses to choose from while Haleigh whips me up an identity. [to Morgan] Morgan, why don't you accompany me? You'll be giving me a new face, i'll need your expertise on what dress will work."

A not so subtle attempt to get Morgan out of Minerva's Mansion to try and get her mind off of everything that had gone down within the past hour. She had hoped that with Haleigh's newly enforced bond with Delilah, her sister would be able to work on that end of the rift so Bishop wouldn't permanently break their friendship apart.

 

[Harbinger]

The Great Room

:: Alison returns a short time later, AFTER Morgan and Ava have already left via stepping disc.::

Well...

It would appear our quarry DOES have a solid connection to this ISLAND's past. When Barbara Minerva was the mistress of this isle and this mansion.

This journal indicates that Barbara was aware of the Inferno and knew enough to know that ONLY someone who was somehow connected to Darkchilde (from the MoE timeline) could cause such a phenomena. She had not yet encountered the Six and Persephone was not here yet so Barbara must have left the MoE timeline before it was decimated by the original Dire Wraiths.

Barbara's own unique nature allowed her to sense that someone else was like her...they werent bound within the "rules" of time/space as they usually apply. Her own curiosity and experience as an explorer and hunter prompted her to prepare for a trip to the States to find out more. However, she wouldnt have to.

Months later, Bianca literally washed up on to the shores, seemingly dead. However she revived before Barbara's very eyes.

:: Alison quickly reads through the journal she now holds.::

Barbara and her staff ran tests on the woman. Her body showed signs of trauma sustained from other accidents that shouldve been fatal but somehow she had managed to find her way all the way out here.

The woman regained consciousness and shared bits and pieces of a story that was almost too wild to believe but being that Barbara herself wasnt originally from this earth timeline or even MoE's timeline AND she was immortal, she already knew that the impossible just "took a little longer" at best.

Apparently Bianca survived ...or rather was "changed" during a traumatic accident she experienced in NYC.

The woman was very bitter, very resentful and said she knew who was responsible for her "affliction." Barbara spent time with her, eventually getting more information from her about the situation and connecting it to the Inferno Event. She explained to the woman that SHE TOO was of a similar nature, "out of synch" with normal time and thus, immortal...having lived more than one lifetime by now.

Barbara managed to convince the woman to stop dwelling on the past and to deal with the present and see the unique opportunity this granted her, telling her that she'd need to be able to protect/defend herself and adapt to any environment.

Barbara cared for Bianca for quite some time, teaching her how to hunt & track ; fighting skills- martial arts etc ; and the use of various weapons including bow & arrow ...and swords.

After awhile though, Bianca simply vanished. Barbara considered tracking her down, but her time with the young woman lead her to see that the woman would rather go it alone and was clearly not without her own immense financial resources.

She states that Bianca took to her training very well, not afraid to even sustain injury and seemed to quickly acclimate to the idea of being unable to die...and stay dead.

:: closing the journal::

There's not much else about Bianca save that she was eager to learn whatever Barbara wanted to teach her and that she often asked to see the catacombs and the vault, which barbara would not allow under any circumstance.

So...we're dealing with a woman who was trained by Barbara, which means she's going to be an EXCELLENT huntress, fighter and strategist. Bishop may NOT have been exaggerating about how fortified her "safe" is. If she's got as deep pockets as it seems, and has done any kind of exploring /networking like Barbara, there's no telling WHAT she has at her disposal in the way of anti-personnell technology.

This explains why we couldnt detect Bianca. Persephone once spoke of Barbara Minerva's uncanny ability to "hide in plain sight". When the MoE first visited one of her strongholds searching for an object they needed, Barbara stalked THEM even as they moved through her domain and they never knew until SHE choose to reveal herself.

By the time we met her during the Red Moon, Barbara was almost impossible for me to "see" in terms of her own time threads...which is why i couldnt foresee her death at the hands of Circe. But she could be SEEN by us...our physical eyes. She allowed it.

Bianca is a native of this timeline, unlike Barbara and yet she couldve been standing right beside us and we wouldnt have known it while she was here!

So Bianca, thinking she's home free, will be out in the open among her guests. She doesnt realize that the same twists of circumstance that benefited her will now benefit us.

 

[Spellbinder]

Greece- mainland

<< At Persephone's request and urging, Spellbinder whisks them away from Minerva's to Greece. How better than to prepare for a caper than by SHOPPING? Plus Morgan DID need to get out of the mansion, away from the situation if only for a little while to get a clearer head.>>

<< she was angry, and true to her antecedant, UNWILLING TO FORGIVE. If anyone else could understand that, it was Persephone.>>

<< so now, they were in a boutique shopping for outfits, preparing for Persephone's makeover.>>

I could just....SLAP HER!

<< Morgan said with agitation.>>

Oh i'll drop him from the parthenon...into a stepping disc...so that he arrives in Limbo...and falls into the open and eager jaws of a DEMON.

We'll see how much she doesnt care THEN.

<< Morgan clenches her fist and bows her head, shaking it.>>

And LISTEN to me!? I'm so ANGRY that I would entertain the idea of harming her like this.

<< sigh>>

 

[Persephone]

Disappearing from Casa de Drama, Morgan and Ava headed to Greece to pick out some dresses for both herself and Delilah to wear to Bianca's party. Walking down the brick lined streets of the fashion district, Ava eyes studied each window display as they passed from store to store.

Morgan: I could just....SLAP HER!

Pointing to a beautiful red full length gown displayed in a high end boutique, Ava heard Morgan but decided to not indulge her.

"That's pretty....maybe I should go red?"

Morgan: Oh i'll drop him from the parthenon...into a stepping disc...so that he arrives in Limbo...and falls into the open and eager jaws of a DEMON. We'll see how much she doesnt care THEN.

"Maybe a redhead! That would be fun. I knew a witch back in the 1700's who had gorgeous strawberry blonde hair...I could never pull it off with my complexion. Might as well try it now that i'm getting a whole new face."

Morgan: And LISTEN to me!?

[in a mumbled deadpan ton] "I'm trying not to."

Morgan: I'm so ANGRY that I would entertain the idea of harming her like this.

Sighing, Ava finally stopped walking; touching Morgan's forearm to stop her as well. Lifting her sunglasses off her face and resting them on top of her head, she looked at more dead in the eyes.

"First of all, you would never actually HURT Delilah. The only reason why you're entertaining the idea is because you love her so much that when she does something stupid you want to strangle the sense back into her. Secondly, Delilah made a mistake--a HUGE mistake--when turning her back on us and siding with Bishop. I was pissed, you were pissed, EVERYONE was pissed. And the fact that that prick is back alive and well after everything he did to us AND Delilah, makes me want to light his insides on fire. BUT, starting World War III with Delilah isn't helping this situation. She KNOWS what she did was wrong and she regrets it. However you need to realize that Delilah isn't as cavalier when it comes to kill like we are. She was guilt ridden to the point of suicide after murdering Bishop. We need to remember THAT first and foremost. She's working with him now to help US--the six. Not because she wants to. If i've learned anything from my OWN mistakes during my time with this team, bringing up the past is only going to stir up more trouble. We just need to trust Delilah and her instincts in this. She's not going to turn her back on us again, okay?"

Sliding her sunglasses back down to the bridge of her nose, Ava began walking again.

"Now, redhead? Yay or Nay?"

 

[Spellbinder]

Greece

<< Morgan looked very unhappy. As she made eye contact with Ava, Ava could see that beneath the displeasure was a sense of loss and weariness.>>

Deep down, I know you're right about Delilah. THIS TIME she wouldnt do that. But Dammit...I just HATE not being able to actually DO anything about this! What was Hecate THINKING!?

<< knowing the answer to her own question.>>

"helping Delilah..." in her own way...of COURSE

<< Morgan exhales and rolls her eyes.>>


What's done is done...and if this is what it takes for Delilah to be recovered, then SO BE IT.

But there's NO WAY I'm giving any place to that scumbag when this caper is complete.

<< She remained steadfast on that part even as she resigned herself to the other aspects of the situation and choosing to HELP rather than hinder.>>

<< and Ava urged her on to the more pressing matter at hand as they began walking>>

Yay. but make it a nice deep red. Not that wack ass shade of ORANGE that Nicole Kidman used to try to pass off as "red".

<< Morgan said with a catty tone in her voice.>>

All of this makes me think about a make over...especially for my battle ensemble.

It'll be nice to get back to New York again...after all this time.

<< seeing that Morgan missed the last caper involving Viper and the Six's first official return to New York POST Bishop.>>

With Alison owning the Parthenon still, we'll have luxe accomodations and be right in the middle of things.

<< she looks at Ava.>>

Do you ever think about being back in NYC, fulltime? I've been thinking about it these last few weeks and I miss it. I miss being involved in the fashion world.

 

[Persephone]

Ava could clearly see how hurt Morgan was over this whole situation, but she was trying to make an effort despite her displeasure. That was all Ava could ask for. Hopefully that was enough. So as they put the topic of Bishop and Delilah behind them, they started forward to more pressing matters; shopping.

Morgan: Yay. but make it a nice deep red. Not that wack ass shade of ORANGE that Nicole Kidman used to try to pass off as "red".

"Ugh, no. Definitely not going the carrot top route. Alright...so redhead it is. Maybe i'll broaden my horizons and get something colorful and bright....navy perhaps?"

Smirking at her little joke, Morgan soon began to talk about going back to New York and how much she missed it.

"New York suites you. California is too....sun tan lotion and surf boards."

Morgan: Do you ever think about being back in NYC, fulltime? I've been thinking about it these last few weeks and I miss it. I miss being involved in the fashion world.

"Honestly....I miss this. [meaning Greece] The food, the scenery, the language... my history. If I could I would stay here; at least for a little while. BUT, I suppose that's why I have a vacation home here. As for New York, I've always favored it over Los Angeles. I definitely wouldn't mind living there once again full time."

Seeing a beautiful black dress in a large window display, Ava pointed with a small gasp.

"Oh, that's gorgeous....I think that's the dress!"

 

[Spellbinder]

Greece

<< it was easy to forget that Ava had lived more than one life time. From being a renegade goddess in the days of antiquity, to being a member of the masters of evil, working alongside Morgan's own crosstime counter part, to now. Ava had a different view on many things. She spoke of Greece and missing it and Morgan could understand and appreciate that. Spending time on Aerie after the Barbas caper, living in Circe's old palace...that was an actual holdover from Ancient Greece times and it was a marvel, one that Persephone had been around for when it FIRST appeared.>>

<< still, Ava validated Morgan's own longing to return to New York.>>

From Aerie and Greece...to Minerva's...to Melrose and more. and some of us...like you and Barbara Minerva, have lived more than one LIFETIME.

Having spent time on Aerie and now at Minerva's...its like being a world apart. We're so LUCKY now...to be "back in mainstream society"...sometimes i still feel a twinge of dismay when i think about the moment our lives essentially ended and we were EXILED to Aerie. Now at least...we can move about the world freely.

If we ARE able to return to NYC on some permanent basis that would be wonderful but even to just be going back now for a mission...I'll "feel...like i just got home!" << a nod to one of her favorite Madonna songs >>

Ill see this much about Claudia Zacchara, She made me realize that I still have ALOT left to offer the fashion world. I know I'm nearly at the age where a supermodel's days on the catwalk are ...over...<< she says bitterly>> BUT there are other things...the BUSINESS side, not to menetion the idea of perhaps helping to shape a new generation of models under a new fashion house! I prooved that I knew the business with Illustra. That was THE fashion house of the east coast and one of the brightest beacon's on the global fashion circuit! with haleigh, you and nicolas working with me through your companies...we were unstoppable!

While on Aerie, I came to the conclusion that the best way for ME to be balanced and happy is to have something to do BESIDE being "sorceress supreme".

Im going to look into that too, when this situation is resolved.

<< she says with resolve as they walk along.>>

Seeing a beautiful black dress in a large window display, Ava pointed with a small gasp.

"Oh, that's gorgeous....I think that's the dress!"

oh my yes!

I can already see the make up ill give you when I glamor you based on that dress and your hair color.

I almost want to go to this...gathering. I miss the days of hobknobbing at social events. I remember the grand opening of the Parthenon... << briefly revisiting memories>>

But Alison says I should not and I know she's right. Not just because I can't stand Bishop's repulsive ass or even because this woman has the Sword of Anger...I just need to step back and let Delilah see that I DO trust and respect her.

I dont agree with her as far as the "ethics" issue she has on how we use our powers...but that's not something that should make us grow apart...NOR is any man...especially Bishop.

We better get inside and get that dress before someone else tries to buy it. I'd hte to have to throw an elbow or two and knock someone down over it.

<< she smiles as they walk into the boutique.>>

How do you want to accessorize?

<< and it was moments like this that reminded Ava how Morgan was like Darkchilde in some deep ways. The sorceress and goddess continued on their side mission of shopping.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah stood silent as Ava and Morgan left to go shopping. On the one hand: way to leave in the middle of a fight. But on the other: it was probably best Morgan had time to cool down. Delilah wasn’t angry, just tired. Tired of having to defend herself and being accused of protecting Bishop when she hadn’t lifted a finger on his behalf since they discovered Maxim’s true identity.

Luckily, with Alison’s arrival, they were able to get down to business.

“Wait – this Bianca had been here before?! But how did she hide herself from us. She must know something about this place we – even you, Alison – don’t. Plus if she was after us, she had the perfect
opportunity to do it, and she didn’t. What is her endgame?”

Delilah pondered that silently for a moment. Why not do to them what Haleigh would to her? Take them out at their most vulnerable.

Apparently Bianca survived...or rather was "changed" during a traumatic accident she experienced in NYC.

“Mutation? Superstrength maybe?”

She sank down heavily into a chair with a sigh, then looked up at the others.

“We really need to try to avoid a confrontation with her until we know more. Alison, is there anything more about the Soul Sword the rest of us don’t know that might be useful?”

 

[Black Widow]

Delilah: I don’t need BISHOP to protect me. Despite what everyone here seems to think, I CAN take care of myself in a crowd of 500 people.

"Of COURSE you can, Delilah, but doesn't meant the rest of us shouldn't be concerned about you, or be careful to avoid a double-cross, or the admittedly SLIM chance something could go wrong. Have you MET the rest of us? Because we're all a bunch of CONTROL FREAKS, and putting this situation into a box where we have some measure of power over the outcome is the only way we'll be comfortable letting you stroll into the lion's den. We don't know ANYTHING about this woman. It's anybody's guess how many people will be there that would defend HER if it came to a fight. We don't know what SHE is capable of. Underestimating the RISK involved, or OVER estimating our ability to handle it, would be a GRAVE mistake. Please don't be upset with us for doing everything we can to make sure this works in our favor. Just because you CAN take care of yourself doesn't mean we can afford to be cavalier. If you're asking us to stop caring about you, you're asking too much."

Delilah: Bishop will tell us where the safe is and get me on the guest list - that will be the end of his involvement with this - and us. After that, you can drop him from the top of the Parthenon for all I care.

Well, it was good to know she wasn't secretly planning on eloping with him. Not that Haleigh had suspected that... but some of the others were acting like THEY thought that's what would happen. Ava talked Morgan into going shopping, and Alison left to find the journals, leaving Haleigh, Nicolas and Delilah alone in the great room. Silence fell over them. Nicolas seemed to be on the Morgan side of the fence, and made no effort at even friendly conversation. Haleigh knew her sister was probably talking Morgan closer to truce at this very moment.... and since Alison wasn't around... and there was a lot less animosity in the room, Haleigh knew she ought to try and say SOMETHING to ease the rift forming between Delilah and Morgan. She didn't like inserting herself into their argument.... but if there was one thing she'd learned... it was that the problems in their personal relationships DID spill over into everything else, and if the wrong person found out they were having problems, it could be used against them. Malice had been able to take advantage of them WAY too many times because of little disagreements and misunderstandings within the Six. And even if they COULD keep it to themselves... it was a serious distraction, and distractions were very dangerous.

"Delilah.... I'm not gonna say Morgan's right. Personally I think she's a bit misguided and she's letting her prejudice against men in where it doesn't belong and will never help.... HOWEVER... I will say this: You can't ask her to feel less betrayed any MORE than I can ask you to feel less guilty. She loves you so much that she was hurt when you left, and you love her so much that you're hurt that she hasn't forgiven you, and BOTH of you have a right to feel the way you do, but the part you need to remember is that the very thing driving this fight is the love you have for each other. Because without the love, neither of you would care HALF as much, or argue half as hard."

Nothing else was said. Alison returned and gave them the rundown on Bianca's time spent here, explaining both how she knew about the place and why she was able to evade their detection. She also revealed that Barbara had trained Bianca, which meant that she went from mere nuisance straight to possible threat.

Delilah: she had the perfect opportunity to do it, and she didn't. What is her endgame?

"I know, that bothers me the most. She got the sword, if she wanted Morgan's blood, she could have spilt it. We didn't even REALIZE the sword was gone under long after the fact and even THEN it was a fluke. I was looking for something else entirely. It's so.... peculiar. That she lurked about, moving shit around, spooking the animals -- to fuck with us? How many of our conversations did she listen in on? How many times was she standing RIGHT THERE? I mean, why not come right at us, if she thinks she's hard enough? Especially after she lifted the sword of anger. But no.... she just stole it and then the coward ran off. Surely she realized how much damaged she could have caused, with her ability to elude our COLLECTIVE sensory perception. That makes me think she has something much more perverse planned than a simple straightforward blitzkrieg would accomplish."

 

[Persephone]

Morgan: I almost want to go to this...gathering. I miss the days of hobknobbing at social events. I remember the grand opening of the Parthenon... But Alison says I should not and I know she's right. Not just because I can't stand Bishop's repulsive ass or even because this woman has the Sword of Anger...I just need to step back and let Delilah see that I DO trust and respect her.

"I have to admit that I've missed getting dressed up for events like this. However I wish it were under better circumstances. Especially considering Delilah thinks i'm going there to babysit her. It seems in this situation if we try to help her we don't trust her, but if we step back, we don't care enough about her. It's so frustrating."

Morgan: I dont agree with her as far as the "ethics" issue she has on how we use our powers...but that's not something that should make us grow apart...NOR is any man...especially Bishop.

"Honestly, I'd rather take the chance of loosing Delilah and kill that bastard than see her get hurt again. BUT, like you said, we need to trust that she can handle this on her own. However if there's one misstep by Bishop tonight...all bets are off."

Morgan: We better get inside and get that dress before someone else tries to buy it. I'd hate to have to throw an elbow or two and knock someone down over it. How do you want to accessorize?

Smiling, the mood was lifted by one mention of Morgan knocking some of these socialites teeth in. Walking into the boutique, Ava looked over the dress once again after Morgan asked her about accessorizing.

"Hmm...I'm thinking a bold statement piece. The dress is so beautiful as it is, I'd had to take away from it. How about a some large diamond earrings? I think that would suite it well."

Calling the sales associate over, Ava told her she was buying this dress, and would also like to purchase five other dresses for Delilah to choose from. Ava's sense of style was unique among the six, she was not about to pick something out that Delilah would absolutely hate.

"Alright...we just need to get some shoes and the earrings, and I think we're done."

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas hung back, saw no need and had no compunction to pretend for Delilah's sake. he cared for her, but to deny the possible liability seemed perverse. He was a bit heartened by her uncaring attitude as to Maxim/Bishop's fate, but those same lips were sucking his face not too long before.

Afterwards, once Alison spoke as to Bianca's nature, it seemed to become more clear, but at the same time strange. They KNEW more about her, but hey did not solve the mystery of how to track her which, by his reckoning, put all of them save possibly Haleigh and himself (due to their recovery and invulnerability) in GRAVE danger.

"I know, that bothers me the most. She got the sword, if she wanted Morgan's blood, she could have spilt it. We didn't even REALIZE the sword was gone under long after the fact and even THEN it was a fluke. I was looking for something else entirely. It's so.... peculiar. That she lurked about, moving shit around, spooking the animals -- to fuck with us? How many of our conversations did she listen in on? How many times was she standing RIGHT THERE? I mean, why not come right at us, if she thinks she's hard enough? Especially after she lifted the sword of anger. But no.... she just stole it and then the coward ran off. Surely she realized how much damaged she could have caused, with her ability to elude our COLLECTIVE sensory perception. That makes me think she has something much more perverse planned than a simple straightforward blitzkrieg would accomplish."

Agreed. And what we need to do is find a way to counter this ability somehow. If she is somehow out-of-phase with time and therefore not in the correct phase-time as our senses, could the Time Staff change that, allow us to get a bead on her? Perhaps add a dimension to our scans. Or could one of our lovely sorceresses re-orient her in space/time?

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's mansion

:: Harbinger looks grim as Haleigh speaks.::

Bianca is a disgrace to Barbara Minerva's memory. She may have the money, the training and even the same unique "power"...but she LACKS the wisdom Barbara had.

:: Nicolas mentions the timestaff, and seemingly "on cue"...the sound of the garnet jewel at the crown of the staff shimmering can be heard as it "leaps" into Alison's grasp.::

Yes, I WILL need the time staff. But not for her...as big a problem as she IS at this moment, SHE has no idea what she's going to set in motion...

Morgan is in mortal...PHYSICAL DANGER. We're going to have to be ready to PROTECT her.

:: For Alison to say PROTECT was serious. There were few things that Morgan was not capable of defending herself and others from. Haleigh couldnt help but suspect Alison meant something ELSE beside the sword of anger itself. ::

Time is of the essence. Bianca has brought MORE improbable timethreads and their events to the forefront and they are now IMMINENT.

:: Holding the timestaff, Harbinger slips into a mode as deadly serious as the night she predicted the arrival of SET.::

In order for us to have a chance to prevail...for me to take back the sword of anger for us to be able to protect Morgan, we must get started.

:: Looking at Delilah::

Go outside and wait. I will release Bishop. At this point...any PERSONAL feelings that anyone may have about him take a backseat to the more PRESSING matter at hand. Go with your plan to infiltrate Bianca's party...but beware, Bianca has the capability of a hunter and fighter to match that of Barbara Minerva, a woman who among other things held various members of the Masters of Evil at bay on her own.

We trust you...and you will see that Spellbinder only wants to keep you safe....goddess grant that YOU will have the strength within you to do what is necessary to help HER when the time comes.

:: she looks at Delilah more intently. The mutant knew that the precog was sensing something looming on the horizon for them, something that must TRUMP even Bianca and Bishop.::

:: turning back to the others::

Haleigh, have you got the person whose identity Ava is to assume?

:: Haleigh nods.::

Nicolas, contact Ava telepathically, have her to inform Morgan to meet US at the Parthenon. Once Spellbinder glamors her, she can teleport her to the party via Black Widow's coordinates and if necessary, Rampage can plant a psyhic suggestion in the guards to bolster the authenticity of her appearence as a registered guest.

:: Harbinger DID see something in the garnet jewel of her timestaff and it had PLENTY to do with Bianca and what she'd done...but it was far WORSE than they could dare imagine.::

I'm going to release Bishop now and send him outside. They can return to the states via MorningStar's wormhole. OUR :: Rampage, Black Widow and herself:: destination will be the Parthenon where we will meet with Spellbinder and Persephone.

:: with that, Harbinger leaves t hem, returning to the room where she had sealed Bishop.::

:: as the forcefield deactivates and the doors fly open via her telekinetic power, her shadow casts over him as she stands with her time staff.::

It's time for you to leave this place. You will have your chance to do RIGHT by Delilah but you WILL be watched.

I will escort you outside to meet Delilah and the two of you will go from there.

:: she waits for him to get up and follow her. She has no need to physically hold on to him. There's nothing he could try that she couldnt anticipate and counter and at this point...he's almost..."NEEDED" in order for the overall plan of action they had to work. She did not respond to him anymore even as he spoke to her while they walked.::

:: outside the mansion, still night time, she leads him out to where Delilah is standing. She stops and lets him walk on ahead to meet Delilah and they leave together, while she , Nicolas and Black Widow stand together. ::

My first officer has instructions to contact Karen and Michael if there is an assault on the mansion and all else fails. Pandora also knows her emergency protocalls. We can leave now.

 

[Bishop]

Maxim had been sitting in that room for what seemed like hours. He hated waiting, but he knew it was important for him to tread lightly among the others, for Delilah’s sake. He was on the tenth level of a playing card house when Alison reappeared and removed the shield on the door.

It's time for you to leave this place. You will have your chance to do RIGHT by Delilah but you WILL be watched. I will escort you outside to meet Delilah and the two of you will go from there.

He nodded and stood, walking behind her out of the room and through the mansion. He wiped his palms on his jeans, ran a hand through his dark hair. When they were almost outside, he spoke up.

“I’m trying to make things right here. I know you worry about Delilah – but I’ll die before I hurt her again. And believe me, I know you will make that happen if you need to.”

Alison said nothing. He lowered his eyes as they reached the spot where Delilah waited. It was hard for him to look at her, his shame was so great. He’d never felt remorse for anything he’d done before. Perhaps death had changed him – death or Delilah.

He walked slowly up to her.

"Delilah..."

He started to apologize, but he couldn't find the words.

 

[Rampage]

As Nic mentioned the staff, Alison activated it and he sensed a change in the air as the precog became deathly serious in a way she seldom had. In response to her agitation, he held up his hand and his axe manifested, large and angry-looking.

Nicolas, contact Ava telepathically, have her to inform Morgan to meet US at the Parthenon. Once Spellbinder glamors her, she can teleport her to the party via Black Widow's coordinates and if necessary, Rampage can plant a psyhic suggestion in the guards to bolster the authenticity of her appearence as a registered guest.

Nicolas nodded, concentrating silently as he sprang into action. Telepathy was very difficult for him, but not impossible. He spoke into Ava's mind on Greece's mainland.

Excuse me Ava, Alison has requested that you and Morgan teleport to meet us at the Parthenon. At that time you will be glamoured and I will plant a psychic suggestion to aid your entrance.

Alison then released Bishop, cautioning everyone to leave him be so he could play his part in this...she addressed Haleigh and Nicolas afterwards as they stood together.

My first officer has instructions to contact Karen and Michael if there is an assault on the mansion and all else fails. Pandora also knows her emergency protocalls. We can leave now.

I can say that there is a 100% chance that Mike is monitoring this island given the Bishop-related security breach and heightened alert. I suspect that your security chief will receive a less-than-pleasant meeting with Michael Armstrong once this is settled.

But to the pressing issue...is there something you see that you can share at all? I understand that you have to deal with what you see as you see fit, but I want you to be certain to know that I plan to not make the mistakes of the past regarding your precognition.



Nicolas looked solemnly at the sorceress...he had indeed learned many lessons in the last few months.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah followed Alison’s instructions without a word. She stood outside of the mansion alone, waiting. She didn’t want to see Bishop. She didn’t want to be anywhere near him. And she sure as hell didn’t want to have to work with him. But she had to. It was necessary. So, as usual, Delilah did the right thing rather than the best thing for her. She waited.

How had it come to this? Why had Hecate done this to her? Was it a cruel joke? Was the goddess trying to teach her a lesson? If so, Delilah was not amused. All she had wanted was to be better for her team – and now she was even worse off than she had been before. Ironic.

Alison was leading him towards her. She could only imagine what he was thinking. Asshole. He probably thought she would just forgive him. Fat chance. She was a nice person, but she wasn’t an idiot. It was all she could to not start beating the shit out of him right then and there. She considered it for a second, then decided that was best left for after they had gotten Bianca off their backs.

He almost looked remorseful as he dared to speak to her.

”Delilah…”

She held up her hand, annoyed as she had ever been.

“Do NOT talk to me.”

She turned away and raised her arms. Green light began to emanate from her fingertips and spun themselves into her trademark wormhole. She turned back towards Bishop, and inclined her head towards the wormhole.

“Move it.”

He stepped through the wormhole and she followed. On the other side they found themselves in a back alley off of Sixth Avenue in New York City. Closing the wormhole behind them, she faced him with narrowed eyes and crossed arms.

“Get me on that guest list – you can leave the invitation for me at the front desk of the Parthenon. I don’t want to see you, I don’t want you to contact me, until then. Got it?”

Maxim: “Come on, Delilah…”

He seemed exasperated. Good. She started to walk quickly away.

“No, I mean it. You’re still dead as far as I’m concerned.”

Delilah slipped into a cab and headed uptown. She didn’t look back as Maxim watched her drive away from him.