Pulled back from the brink

[Spellbinder]

<<night time gives way to any and all time as Spellbinder arrives in Limbo. the violet hued skies swirl and flow. black lightning blasts and flashes with thunder as Spellbinder finds herself looking out over an endless expanse of realm that looks so dark and so barren ....with the sounds of demons hollering and flying around in the air at some points while others moved about on floating land masses. the actual "ground" of limbo was so far DOWN and covered by fog that it was impossible to tell just how high up in the air she was.>>


merciful minerva! this place!! this is the source of my magick and my stepping discs!?

<< Spellbinder forged ahead...flying at a moderate speed....weaving around floating land masses...and massive stalagmites that jutted up high from the ground ....along with various hills and plateaus>>

Ororo's garden is to the east......i better hurry and get there before these creatures notice me. Apparently "Darkchilde"....one of my alternates holds sway over the demons of this realm. I'm the ONLY one out of the three of "us" that hasnt really embraced my connection to this place........and UGH can i see why! Good thing i didnt bring the rest of them.......i could just see Alexis and Cameron whining ....and Cameron's powers would be LESS than useless here.

<<Spellbinder never really had pondered the source or true nature of her magickal powers...it was doubtfull that her mother knew this aspect either. But being here, despite the unappealing , demonic, chaotic feel of the realm, Spellbinder felt surprisingly at ease....unafraid....and undaunted by the desolate land and its techno organic infected inhabitants. her wandering thoughts were interrupted as she saw a large winged demon charge for her....it roared with annoyance as it attempted to attack her with its talons and drive her down out of the air>>


GET AWAY you ugly creature!

<< Spellbinder began evasive maneauvers but the demon kept right up with her. Spellbinder looked back and was clearly agitated>>

this is ridiculous! im not the PREY...i am the PREDATOR!

<< at her mere thought..a stepping disc pops open in front of her vertically at a diagnal point and she flies in. the disc snaps shut and opens behind the demon as Spellbinder charges out from it....now behind the demon>>

SAY GOODBYE!!

ZARK!!!

<< from both extened fists, Spell releases a high powered eldritch bolt....the blast of dark magick smashes into and THROUGH the back of the demon and blasts through its stomach....causing it to explode as it screams in agonizing pain......its chared remains began to fall toward the ground far below>>

there. that takes care of THAT beast.

<< but now more demons were coming....just as she knew they would......>>

no time to fight these things. i have to get to Ororo's garden!

<< teleporting IN Limbo was ridiculously easy....and so with the coordinates from the scrying glass...Spellbinder leaves the demons behind with the speed of thought and arrives in the center of Ororos garden....dropping down from a horizontally oriented disc....and landing on her feet>>

Amazing!

<<< the garden stretched for acres in all directions....its beauty and atmoshere would soothe anyone. Spellbinder looked around and marveled.>>

Well...Ororo will know that I'm here...she's aware of every living thing in her garden...

<<few fearies were meekly checking out the new arrival...noting her appearence, her fierce outfit and her icy beauty....some of the animals were peering out from behind trees and rocks... as Spellbinder began to walk along the past of the flowing brook>>

Her fortress should be down at the valley where the brook empties into a water fall. If she hasnt greeted me by now....it must be because she is busy with Alison. so I better get to her.

<< off she went.. a subtle smile coming over her face as she breathed in the sweet smelling air. She had no idea what was happening at Illustra...and those that she had left behind had no clue that she was not off of earth.....her descision not to inform them could very well come back to haunt her ...>>

 

[Ororo]

within the castle

::Ororo stirred..as she returned from her latest astral projection. Her facial expressions betrayed an exhaustion as she breathed heavily and placed her hand to her forehead::


Ororo: that attempt was no more successfull than the others.

::she felt weak...and it showed::

Imagiomg has firmly attached himself to her soul...like an octopus locked on its prey. Her own dark soul actually TAKES to his corruptive presence like a sponge. But still...the core of her being prevents her from giving herself over.

If only I could breach her defenses....:: remember what it was like trying to free Darkchilde from Belasco's evil grip....:: her psyche has now adopted the tendencies and homicidle urgings of Imagiomg....but despite her power...she lacks the wisdom....and here in Limbo...i have the advantage of BOTH.

::standing up from the chair...and looking over Guardian::

but for now...i require rest...and time to meditate..

:: she waved her hand in front of a niche in the stone wall behind Alison's bed...and a glowing sparkling green orb formed in the niche to provide a soft presence of light for the evening.....and quietly, she departed the bed chamber and moved down that hall...leading to a inset stone spiral stair case to ascend floors to her own master suite::

::night time (as it were) came over the garden...as its mistress moved upward through her castle and made her way to her master suite. She KNEW Spellbinder was here...but she had to allow her to find her own way....as part of her becoming accustomed to Limbo and learning how she is connected to it::

 

[Spellbinder]

on a mission

<< Spellbinder walked along until she came to the plateau where the laughing brook emptied in a beautiful cascading water fall....a rainbow spectrum formed around the mist generated from the beautiful falls....>>

magnificent! to think that ororo overcame her corruption..and created all of this with her magick!......if only i could get past my own bitterness...my own little world might be as beautiful as this.

<< as her hair blew slightly...Spellbinder looked down and closed her eyes as she thought about all that she could be...all the happiness she might experience if she could just let go of her bitterness and allow her icy heart to feel...it was a moment of feeling that she was glad no one was there to see>>

<<exhaling>>

well...no time to waste. i better fly down. i see stepping discs appearing at random around the garden and i dont want to risk getting caught up in one and having to waste time navigating BACK to this time and space.

<< Spell flies down...but gives in to temptation and flies through the cascading falls...the water washes over her body and feels so refreshing and invigerating...she hollers with freedom and excitment as she swoops down and then up from the falls....spinning around in the air like a spinning top and generating winds to dry herself off completely. being here...it was impossible for her NOT to feel a sense of joy and calm that she often was denied while on earth. Looping one more time as she enjoyed the feeling, Spellbinder lands gracefully down and now standing before the large gothic castle. walking to the massive double doors...before she could attempt to knock...the slowly opened..with a forboding sound ..as she stepped slowly into the ancient vestibule with its high reaching barrel vaulted ceilings and mosaic stone pillars with banners flowing at the tops of them...it was truly a dark and mysterious dwelling >>

Ororo???

<< Spell's voice echoed ...as a subtle wind howling could be heard in the air. the doors behind her closed slowly and it was now rather dark inside.>>

I'm here!!

<< she walked along...her high heels clicking along the floor....her outfit was in such contrast with the decor and feeling of this place...but Spellbinder was always one for fashion forward...dominatrix inspired chic. small tear drop shapped orbs of mystic flame burned in various niches providing a warm soothing glow to light her way....a beautiful ruby red floor runner extends the length of the path leading from the vestibule to the first hallway. Spellbinder moves on and soon a sparkling green hued orbe pops into view right in front of her...startling the sorceress>>

OH!!

<< the orb bobs slowly up and down...as if motioning her to follow and she does...down the hall passing several rooms and alcoves. at the very end of that floor, she is lead to a slightly raised cement platform with a mosaic pentagram etched into the stone floor....it glows as she steps into the center of it and is immediately transported from the first floor to the 4th floor...where Ororo's master suite is located. now inside an enclosed bridge that connects the front end of the castle to the back end, windows in the corridor allow her to view the garden from such a high vantage point. Spellbinder moves through the bridge and finally to massive conservatory with a high reaching domed ceiling. a door way off on the eastern wall emits a glowing light....and the green orb starts floating towards that>>

she must be in there.

<< she comes to the door and looks inside...it is the master suite...very large and very elegantly decorated. and along the wall....seated at an exquisite antique vanity, Ororo brushes her long, flowing silver hair..her reflection from the crystaline mirror betrays the soft smile on her face as she notes the arrival of Spellbinder>>

Ororo! I was worried about you and alison. i came to help. is everything allright??

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo brushed her hair slowly::

Morgan. I did not expect that you would find your way to Limbo so soon...But I am pleased that you followed your heart and overcame your reservations about coming to Limbo.

::standing up walking over to Morgan....the two women embrace::

I know you are worried about Alison and I. that's why you came.

 

[Spellbinder]

<< after embracing Ororo, Spellbinder stands facing her and nods>>

yes. i had this awful dream. it made me realize that things might not be going as easily as we thought it might. I'm here to help you however you need me to.

Where's Alison? May i see her?

<< Spellbinder purposefully neglected to mention that she did not even bother to inform the rest of The Six of her coming to Limbo to help. She knew Ororo would not find that to be a wise choice>>

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo nodded in approval and led the way...back from her master suite through the large , spacious domed conservatory....as the bewitching light of evening shown through the large hole in the top of the ceiling. without looking back, she began to speak::

Ororo: I know your heart is in the right place...and that you have the most noble intentions...but PRIDE can be a deadly thing, Morgan.
I noticed that you did not bring your comrades. Morgan..you must realize that NO ONE is an island. Your power is in large part beyond the understanding of your team mates but that does NOT mean that you as a person should be beyond their reach.

::they continue to walk...through the conservatory and down the main hall of the fourth floor::

Your actions speak volumes. You can be very cold and blood thirsty...but I have seen you demonstrate generosity and kindness as well as protection that goes far beyond what most would do for others. I know you would PREFER to be feared Morgan....thats something you have in common with your alternate, Darkchilde. But the different between you and she is that HER life and her destiny were forever changed by Limbo and her time here. You were the most fortunate of the three...you lived your life on EARTH for the most part...free of the nightmare of the Dire Wraiths and Belasco.

 

[Spellbinder]

<<Ororo's words hurt Morgan...as her facial expression jumped with surprise>>

Ororo....<< she stopped>> ....how can i possibly deal with them!? they are like RABBLE. they think they have me figured out...and yet they know NOTHING. Why should i extend my friendship and kindness to people who are constantly trying to out do me!!

<< she turned to look out of a carved out window that overlooked a portion of the garden...the breeze flowing in helped her to keep calm>>

I didnt bring them here because they would've gotten in the way. Beside my mother, Alison was there for me when no one else was after my battle with the Axis of Evil and what i thought was the death of Foxfire. My time with Valiant had been a total and complete disaster....JUST like these people now...Valiant always criticized me for my way of being...and complained about my magicks...as if THEY had the right to judge me for the dark magicks that i weilded and yet they knew NOTHING of what they spoke of!

<< she balled her fist with contempt as she thought of Cameron, Haleigh and Alexis....and then Volt, Splat and Destrell...her former teammates of Valiant>>

They're ALL the same.....self righteous, know it alls. they wouldnt last five minutes here.

<< she was clearly unhappy....and now....in the presence of her mentor ...away from all prying minds and eyes....she began to express how she TRULY felt>>

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo stopped as well...turning to listen to Morgan as the young sorceress expressed her frustrations. this was what she hopped for. what was KEY if Morgan were to truly be effective in help her exorcise Imagiomg's toxic spirit from Alison's soul::

Ororo: Morgan...

::stepping closer and gently putting her hand on the shoulder of a visibly agitated Morgan::

I do not say these things to hurt your or indict you. Remember...if no one else does...i DO see the good that you do and that you will give your all when needed...even to those who may not appreciate it.

Just look at what you have done since your Citadle caper? you provided a base of operations for all of your team mates because you saw the necessity of remaining together. You helped your sister integrate back into society and regain her foot hold in the social club scene...you are tireless in your devotion to your work and to help others...BUT ....I do not want you to travel the same path of Darkchilde and Magik....using your power and your accomplishments to define you and satiate the need that you have for healthy interactions with others...especially men.

You cannot be as effective to your team and to protect others...if you do not overcome the deep seeded hatred in your soul....it is THIS hatred...that propels you and causes you to resort to such blood thirsty, violent tactics. That is not what i taught you....and ....remember, it is that same blood thirsty, vengeance driven mind set that allowed ME to fall into Belasco's trap all those years ago...

Though i may be beyond the bonds of mortality...I lost my humanity long before i physically died...i lost my soul. it took me a long time to win it back. I do not want you to go through the same thing.

::looking out to that area of the skies and garden with Morgan...::

Prophet, Haleigh and Alexis have much to learn in the way of respect and tolerance....I warned them of that when i first met them. But true to form, the young are always in a hurry and never truly take heed. BUT YOU...you KNOW better...because your mother and I have shown you the way. Do NOT go down the path your father chose...lest you become like him...and then you will TRULY be that which you despise most of all.

But in a more immediate instance.....you must not allow your hatred and bitterness to cloud your judgement now...for YOU will need to be there for Alison when she learns that PROPHET is her younger brother!!

::with those words came a startling revelation for Morgan...as the thunder that raged throughout limbo could be faintly heard even in the garden::

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Spellbinder gave a start of susprise as she covered her mouth with her hand to avoid shouting an obscene word>>

No way...it isnt POSSIBLE! Alison is Cameon King's SISTER!?

<< she was in utter disbelief>>

When Alison finds this out...she'll probably wish that she HAD NOT been revived! how is she supposed to cope with something like that!? she DESPISES him and with good reason...he has NO respect for women.....It was GUARDIAN who rescued him the night that the Citadle nightmare began....and he spent all his time being verbally abusive towards her AND me. I shoulve split him in two right then and there!!

<< Spellbinder was so infuriated at the idea of her beloved friend Alison being connected on that kind of level to someone like Cameron....she was at a loss>>

He'll use that as a means to hurt her..or humiliat her! and i WONT ALLOW IT!!

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo understood the reason for Spellbinder's anguish over this revelation. Cameron and Haleigh both represented the most BASE incarnations of greed, selfishness and in Haleigh's case..homicidal amoral detachment. Spellbinder's fears of how this would affect Alison were justified...::

::she interrupted Morgan::

NO Morgan...you must NOT act in haste. If you destroyed Cameron not only would that make you no better than Haleigh in terms of a flagarant disregard for human life...but you would be robbing Alison of her RIGHT to understand this dramatic change in her life. Remember how YOU felt those years ago when you discovered Foxfire to be your long lost half sister?

:: She had a serious look on her face as she addressed Morgan::

if you are to truly help...and truly be there for your dear friend than you MUST choose a different course of action in this matter. You are NOT like those whom you despise....so do not adopt their methods. That is the way of the demons of Limbo...and though you and i BOTH are connected to this place... we are ALSO capable of exercising our will to resist and trimumph over our base instincts. THAT , Morgan I was I am trying to teach you....tried to teach ALL of you [Darkchilde and Magik].....you are the one who is most likely to grasp the meaning and understand. But either way you MUST lay aside your feelings about Cameron and Haleigh long enough to effectively assist me and Alison.

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Morgan was truly exasperated. she could see the LOGIC of what Ororo said...but in her heart...she STILL felt that the best thing to do to protect Alison was to DESTROY Cameron and Haleigh. hardly an attitude condussive to keeping The Six together....she knew that too but that was her conflict as Ororo had said. Would she be as strong in the mind and heart as she is in power to learn to lay aside her own grim views of these two long enough to help Ororo save Alison?>>

<< she closed her eyes tightly...before sighing>>

Ororo...how do you do it? you're ALWAYS together and able to see things clearly. When it comes to my work at Illustra...im in complete control...but when dealing with these other people...these "team mates"...i can barely control myself! I want what's best for Alison of course. She's been there for me like few other's have. But i dont want her to be hurt...i dont want her to feel like she OWES Cameron anything. I never liked him from the moment he set foot in Illustra..my trust level of him is MINIMAL at best and that is ONLY because of him helping me at the Citadle when it mattered most. I dont want him using this to try to railroad Alison into something she isnt ready for!!

I...I'm afraid im not ready yet...to do what must be done. I admit that. Maybe that is why i had that awful dream.......at one point in the dream, i felt so out of control and unable to stop myself from being pulled into the Siege. That is how i feel when dealing Cameron, Haleigh and Alexis. How can i POSSIBLY do what i know is right...when im being confronted by creatures...i mean PEOPLE who stir such feelings of disdain!?

<< she put hands to her head. this was the most she had even been confronted with her own deep seeded hostility towards men...and towards members of her own team. But in the company of Ororo and the seclusion of Limbo, she knew this was the place to work it all out!>>

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo took Morgan's hand and gently squeezed it::

I am not now..nor was i ever perfect, child. If that were the case, I would never have charged into Limbo all those years ago without knowing what i was facing...and sealed the fate of my X-men. Nor would i have turned to magick when my powers began to wane...thus ensuring that my soul would be stolen and damned by Belasco. I won it back...i tried to make up for my errors by teaching Darkchilde a better way....but i didnt exactly succeed in that task. Believe me.......i am FAR from perfect. But with time, pondering and a constant vigilance to remain true to myself and not a slave to the magick and darkness that now is apart of my soul...i have managed to gain ground in my own struggle. Being free of mortality also helps in that regard.

I know it is a struggle for you Morgan. You are not weak for admitting how you truly feel...OR that you are not ready to let go of those feelings. But do not let Cameron and Haleigh of all people derail you from constantly seeking to improve yourself. You came to Limbo because you know in your heart of hearts that this is YOUR realm...the place where YOU are most secure and best able to deal with what ever you must deal with. I of course am here to guide you, as i always have been for each of your "selves". While you sit with Alison, Take time to rest.....and think about all of this. Think about how you can best help HER....and know that your actions will help determin the course that not only you and she will travel...but that of the Six as well. EACH member plays a role that is equally important.

Come, let us go look in on Alison. You have not seen her in months...

:: Ororo once again leads Morgan on their way to the third floor....the castle itself plays a soft melody as winds whisper through the halls...and Morgan feels "at home" more than she ever felt before on earth. The finally arrive to Alison's bed chamber.....::

 

[Spellbinder]

<<Spellbinder sits quietly along side Alison, While Ororo sits on the other side. Spell looks over her slumbering friend. her face is somber as she gentlyl strokes alison's hair>>

its been a long time since i've seen her with her hair down. she looks so peacefull.

<< time passed as the two women spoke softly ....keeping Alison company. but then there was silence. Ororo excused herself and quietly exited the room...leaving Morgan alone and with time to ponder all that she had learned about the bloodlines between Cameron and Alison...as well as Ororo's warning of Spellbinder's own struggles>>

what the hell am i going to do!? Alison needs me! I can't allow myself to get wrapped up in my own feelings of utter contempt for her "brother" and his demented partner in crime, haleigh. Ororo is right. I MUST think of Alison...and act in a selfless manor. I can do this...i can do ANYTHING i set my mind to...after all..I have the power!

<< looking down at Alison once more....she turns to look at the door way in case Ororo was nearby. nodding her head with a look of renewed determination on her face>>

When Ororo returns, I'll be ready. We'll get Alison back...and I'll help her through this shocking revelation about Cameron

<< Spellbinder looks down at her rather provocative outfit. Ororo hadnt said anything about it either way...perhaps she was used to the distinct styles of each woman in the dark trinity or perhaps such things were trivial to the goddess and beneath her notice. Either way, Spellbinder decided to look herself over in the ghostly mirror that was set in the ancient oak vanity across the room...everything was in place, her hair and face still on point and her outfit still fierce...she breathed deeply before exhaling...waiting for Ororo to return>>

 

[Ororo]

:: Ororo and Spellbinder began their journey to the astral plane. as they combine their powers and travel from one plane to another...they find that their view of the astral plane has taken on a form reflecting Guardian's current state...a dark shadowy land with jagged formations randomly swirling and jutting up from the ground....the shroud energy seems to be overwhelming everything::

Imagiomg's hold on her is as ever present as the black plague. but its all surface level! her core is still in tact. he's merely draining her of her will to resist!

::at her urging, Spell joins her in flying through the air to quicklly cover the terrain::

we must find her manifestation....it is then that we an deal with this cancer....and set her free!

 

[Spellbinder]

<< after a few wild changes in the scenery and direction....Spell spots what appeares to be a humanoid form >>


look there! that must be...ALISON!?

<< the woman was completely cloaked in shadow...her hair flowed like shrouded tentacles all around her...and she rode a nightmarish looking horse>>

<< Spell lands, as does Ororo as the look upon this evil woman atop her giant steed as it snorts with contempt and and stands on its hind legs..exclaiming with agression at the two women. Guardian herself smiles with a depraved gleam of sparkling fanged teeth.>>

Imagiomg must be warping her ....appealing to her DARKEST urges. She almost looks as though she's REVELING in it!!

<<a wedge of shroud energy began to jet up between Ororo and Spell...pushing them them further apart...forcing Ororo into the path of Guardian and her steed>>

Ororo!! WATCH OUT!!

 

[Harbinger]

perversion

How DARE you come between me and my destiny!....what need have i of "Friends"....when the glory of the dark forces is at hand!

::screams of chaos filled the air as she closed in Ororo::

Old woman.......you'll be the FIRST to fall before my wrath....ill make your beloved disciple Spellbinder writhe in AGONY as she becomes POWERLESS to save you!!


::Guardian charges madly for Ororo....building up a front of power that she intends to smash into the sorceress...hoping to crush her::

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo stood fast...the force preeceding the charging horse and his mistress generated winds that caused her hair to blow back as well as her robes flow...she stands tall...with a stone faced look on her expression...staring down her would be assailant.::

::hearing her boastfull threats...Ororo didnt seem to be impressed....as she extended her hand in a "stop" motion::

THAT, changeling, remains to be seen!

:: a sparkling green hued blast of magick projects from Ororo's extended , opened palm....charging forward to meet Guardian and her steed...the bolt struck the giant horse in its front legs ...causing them to melt and discoporated.....the horse lurched forward and fell...throwing Guardian head long into the ground::

 

[Harbinger]

::Guardian is immediately at her feet....glaring at Ororo::

old hag...you've just signed your DEATH WARRANT

::Manifesting a whip...which seems to lick and flow with an almost insane eagerness to attack Ororo, Guardian attacks Ororo with a terrifying fluency and grace. commanding the whip as though it were an extension of her soul. The whip seems to be able to extend and has extremely spiked hard thorns towards the tip. she strikes again and again. Ororo dodges the first few attacks....but Guardian adjusts and cracks the whip toward the ground...it flows into the ground and immediately travels with the speed of thought reaching up behind Ororo and wrapping around her neck with the power of a boa constrictor....causing her extreme pain and choking her as she is slammed to the ground::

now then, mighty wind rider....i'll finish up where Belasco and the Dire Wraiths seemed to have failed...and DESTROY YOU

 

[Ororo]

::Ororo stood her ground as she evaded the first passes by Guardian's whip..but she was caught by one of the MANY strikes as she felt her neck being crushed and SLASHED at the sametime...::

UGGNNNN!!

:: she was pulled to the ground with such force...it left her slightly stunned::

I.....do not have much time!!........Guardian is ...under the power of the demon mage.....he thinks me beaten...

:: the whip begins to contract...dragging Ororo away from Spellbinder::

but i still have a few tricks up my sleeve... the WHIP can kill.........but FLOWERS cannot!

::at her command, the whip transforms into a harmless wreath of flowers...falling to the ground. Ororo coughs....struggling to gain her breath back as she struggles to her feet::

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Running up to Ororo, Spellbinder helps her to her feet>>

ORORO! are you hurt!?....let me help you fight her!

<< she moves Ororo away from the fuming Guardian....checking for any wounds to heal>>

why didnt you TELL me she would be like this?? She's FIGHTING us...like she doesnt WANT to be pulled out of Imagiomg's toxic hold!

<< glaring at Guardian....Spellbinder knew that this wasnt her dear friend. She could see in the eyes that she was being controlled by Imagiomg...the eyes were HIS to a tee>>