Sometimes they come back!

[Seer]

<< WilPharma, a powerfull bio tech conglomerate whose holdings and reach was staggering and yet they only RECENTLY came to public notice due in large part to the efforts of TERRA SAVE, a well networked advocacy group that specializes in [among other things] rescuing/protecting victims of what were now called "bio terror" events, spreading awareness of the T & G virus and who was responsible for it and protesting WilPharma at everyturn!>>

<< The Six actually owed them some gratitude...Terra Save was born in the ashes of The Six's "death" following the Arklay incident, their being OUTED by Bishop and the TRI SENTINEL'S rampage. Terra Save marshalled their forces and established a WELL connected network across the globe. Many of its members were survivors of nightmares wrought by mystech. Following The Six's return to mainstream and L.A. , they were not readily aware of the knowledge and awareness Terra Save had brought to the public around the world, but the way the gov't handled the disaster at LAX was PROOF that people were now more battle ready for the nightmares caused/left over by Mystech even after it was officially dismantled by the government.>>

<< The Six had rescued the last survivors of LAX with Commander Angel Miller's blessing and left the scene without being noticed. They had a new ally in the government in the form of Commander Miller and Special Agent Will, BOTH of whom served under Alycia, who was the Six's original gov't contact/laison/cover. Delilah was wise to do what she could to establish a rapport with Angel, knowing that a relationship with the woman could benefit the team in the future.>>

<< Claudia Zacchara and Alycia Barnett were the unexpected variables in this emerging situation. Claudia was an obvious enemy of the Six both on personal and professional level and it was ONLY because of the recent Barbas caper that the Zaccharas and the Six had had "calm" between them. Alycia was apparently back from Themyscria and clearly CHANGED, not just in her physical prowess, which was now Amazon level but her attitude, her demeanor...more than a few people noticed it. What they didnt know was that She and Claudia had their OWN vicious reunion just earlier and that would come to be a MAJOR development for the team as well.>>

<< what was Alycia's role in this? How did she come to be at LAX when this happened? She was guarding herself from her friends...her family and while Sharon, Delilah and Cameron were doing their best to be understanding, it DIDNT sit well with Haleigh, whom had come to form a bond of her own with Alycia leading up to the Arklay mansion. Didnt Alycia trust them? trust Sharon or Haleigh? Nicolas was taken aback too. Her reception to his mental contact harkened back to her EARLIER interactions with him when they first met. But up to the Arklay mansion which was OBVIOUSLY when Alycia's life changed...and nearly ENDED with her becoming a zombie, she'd grown closer to Nicolas and he to her. What had happened to their friend?>>

<< many questions, all connected to create a new looming picture that would bring the Six firmly back into mainstream's fold. the past never goes away, nor do the people and places involved.>>

<< for now, the Six returned to MP, with Sharon opting to fly solo and meet them there later. she had her reasons. The Six would have a chance to process everything and surprisingly, somewhat salvage the rest of their evening! it was weird...going on a mission like this that actually concluded successfully all the way around but this was just the prelude to the REAL caper. >>

<< and so we watch...>>

 

[Silver Swan]

On her way

[ Upon the suggestion to roeturn to MP, Sharon agreed and suggested that everyone let Delilah bring them back to MP via worm hole. Sharon HERSELF wanted to take the scenic route, through the sky. She needed to get her head cleared and her thoughts together.]

[ she ALSO wanted to see about Alycia, BY HERSELF. Alycia was her best friend and they had a LONG history that began in college and had taken them on the journey of MORE Than one life time between them. Something WAS wrong with Alycia but what it was, Sharon couldnt immediately guess. There were SO many questions. How long had she been back from Themyscria, why didnt she contact the six or at least HER? Maybe Alycia would not be comfortable answering these questions in front of some of them. Goddess knows Sharon HERSELF was not overly fond of a few of them herself right now...all because of that self righteous Haleigh! Even NICOLAS had earned her wrath earlier this evening.]


[ and so as the rest of the team departs, Sharon launches off into the air and ascends above the clouds before taking off at high speeds. for her, flying is one of the GREATEST gifts she's received in all the changes of her life from human to mutate. at this point, after her time on Themyescria, she's learned to appreciate her special skills and develop them to amazon standards. ]

[ through the air, the silver swan streaks, allowing herself freedom of form at some points as she climbs higher, or tightening her form as she dips lower and does some twists. ]

[ she makes DAMN good team, streaking across the night sky from LAX to the Roosevelt hotel, looping around one more before landing down in perfect form. She's here to pay Alycia a visit.]

 

[MorningStar]

Everyone seemed in agreement that getting out of there asap was a good thing, so Delilah raised her hands. Tendrils of blue light spun themselves from her fingertips, weaving themselves into the now familiar wormhole. The blue light swirled around the dark tunnel which would take them back to Melrose Place.

"Okay, everybody in."

Everybody, BUT Sharon of course, who chose to go her own way. But Delilah kept her further doubts about Sharon's ability AND willingness to lead them to herself, for now.

She waited for the others to go ahead of her then walked down the tunnel, re-emerging at MP. She snapped her fingers, closing the wormhole behind them. She let out a deep breath, then looked at the sky.

"Maybe we all want to shower and change while we wait for Sharon to lower herself to appear with us? Maybe everyone should wear their kevlar in case psycho Sharon shows up again."

She paused for a second, then rolled her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry. [Makes air quotes.] 'Silver Swan'."

Despite the incident at LAX, Delilah was still not happy with Sharon over her behavior earlier at training. She could only be understanding to a point, and Sharon had leapt over that one and then some.

 

[Artemis]

at the Roosevelt

[ Alycia was staying at the Roosevelt, in one of the most exclusive, suites money could by. Upon her return to "man's world", the amazons gave her several extremely rare coins, that when traded in, fetched her 100's of 1000's of dollars. That combined with her own assets that she had hidden in off shore accounts during her time as an ADA and later as a federal agent, allowed her to completely self fund her endeavors, traveling, lodging etc. she also provided some funds to the efforts of Terra Save, the group she was now apart of. ]

[ she'd actually been back for 6 months. she arrived in greece, intending reaching Alison at Minerva's Mansion when she was diverted by a small village where a virus had apparently been running rampant through the town and the elderly were dying but being RENIMATED. It was there that she met one of the first contacts of Terra Save, a mother and her daughter, who had lost their husband in Mystech's LONDON branch when an underground "hospital" reactor went into meltdown.]

[ from then, she began to meet more people, and eventually through her contacts and networking, she found her way back to the united states on her own without ever having contacted Alison. ]

[ in the United States, she encountered several key figures whom she had met BEFORE when she was an ADA either representing them as victims or rescuing them during her time as a federal agent. it all seemed to make sense to her that she would return from Themyscria NOW when Terra Save was attempting to stop the bastard son of Mystech from reasserting its control over the globe.]


[ Alycia's reluctance to reach out to the Six stemmed from the memories of her TRAUMA in Arklay Mansion, and when the gov't attempted to "cancel" her after she nearly lost her life in the service them. When she arrived on Aerie she was barely alive inside....the Amazons took her and although they did wonders for her body and mind, some events in people's lives are so deep and traumatic that they become apart of their CORE.]

[ inside her suite, she kept it dark, candlelights only. and very quiet. she stood in front of a mirror in one of the rooms, with her arms wrapped around her chest and looked at herself in the mirror. her feminum braceletes, a special gift from the amazons, shined a bit as the light from the candles reflected off of them.]

[ echoes of the days events whispered in her mind as she looked at her dimly lit reflection. but as thoughts of the SIX began to creep further to the front of her mind...so too did thoughts of Angel Miller, Her former 1rst officer Will and ARKLAY MANSION...]

Flash

:: after a few moments, she began to walk...they reached the end of the passage but there was no visible door! and as they began to search for a way through....a wall BEHIND them slammed up, TRAPPING them.::

:: Alycia looked back::

Alycia: the wall!!

:: it began to close in on them, like a high powered bailer with enough power driving crush them ALL beyond recognition. there was nothing Alycia could do to stop the wall herself but she COULD get the the door in front of them open...there HAD to be a keycard slot and she still had the card from the zombie Haleigh had dissected earlier.::

:: she moved ahead of Haleigh and Nicolas, leaving THEM to handle the approaching wall which was composed of over 3 feet of solid vibranium and drill spikes were now jutting out from the face of the wall. it began to quicken its approach. Alycia scanned the side of the wall and front.::

the others will find a way to stop that...ive got to get this OPENED before its too late!

As he struggled, the wall slowed its advance, finally stopping a moment, but he grunted pleading commands to Alycia and Haleigh as he knew what was coming.

Hurry with the door, Alycia! Hales, try to stop the motor powering this thing!! I'm not sure if I can hold it once and for all.

The wall slowly began to advance once again...

The turn of events served to temper the levity that had been carried by Haleigh and Nicolas so far. They 'got serious'... or about as serious as the two of them would ever get. They tried to slow the wall with force, Nicolas tried shock-stopping it with a punch and Haleigh flattened her back against the wall, leaning against it and planting her boots... but it was still moving in on them, and Haleigh's feet couldn't hold traction... her boots would catch and hold.... and then slide. She was surprised to see herself being forced against her will... considering she was pushing against METAL.... which was her forte.

"It would be wonderful.... Alycia.... if you could get that door open any DAY now."

She grunted. A little snark to motivate a former adversary, as Haleigh turned over to face the wall, placing her palms against it. Drills popped out of it randomly but they missed her hands and she wasn't concerned about it anyway. A whole in the hand meant little when you were about to get squashed. Nicolas urged her to stop the motor.

"I'm working on it!"

I'm TRYING!

:: she bellowed as she kept trying the card....it kept being REJECTED!::

COME ON!

:: she yells frantically as the access code is FINALLY unlocked and she punches it in!::

>> access granted!

allright!

:: she cant help but to smile as the wall in FRONT of them slides open::

okay...we're out of here NOW we.....OH MY GOD!

:: Alycia gasps with shock as the wall opens and reveals the waiting ZOMBIES on the other end who waste NO TIME grabbing hold of Alycia by her arms and head and pulling her in.::

NO!!!

::she screams with PANIC. as the groaning, growling horde of zombies PULLS HER FORWARD and into their undead grasp! there's no time to react...and her own screams are painfull to hear as she is bitten on the neck.::

FLASH

:: Alycia could hear/remember EVERYTHING loud and clear in her mind...in her SOUL. Her life ENDED at that moment. Nicolas' efforts saved her from transforming into a zombie long enough for Morgan, Alison, Haleigh and Nicolas to combine their powers over magick, the mind and haleigh's unique empathy with the T Virus to SAVE Alycia. It hadnt happen this way before for other victims and probably would not ever happen that way AGAIN. ::

:: tears stream down her face. she then remembers...::

Flash

Alycia and her first officer, Will, running through the dark underground halls of a facility underneath the pentagon. running for their LIVES as they have now been deemed traitors to their country for "harboring mutants" .

Alycia: This way! we'll use the express jet. I've got an escape vehicle...we're worry about the rest LATER!

:: in side the elevator they TRAPPED and being GASSED! a stepping disc opens!::


Alycia: :: coughing rather hard...and looking surprised.:: Oh MORGAN!! you came!

Morgan: of course i did. I promised you before that if this day ever came, I would not abandon you. now we're leaving together.

Alycia: my first officer....:: she gestures to him and he nods to Morgan.:: he has a wife and family... he's been loyal to me and he knows some of "the truth." he's stood by me even now and i'm afraid they will try to come after him if they can't get me.

Morgan: no. I'll send him to his wife and children...and then ill provide them passage to another country....he'll be fine..i promise. with a generous supply of cash as well as contacts that Haleigh has around the world, he and his family will never be found by this government. now come on. we have to hurry...Alison said that the Sentinels were coming online.

<< and just then, well armed men, some FORCE WORKS soldiers burst into the room.>>

Morgan: sorry losers...the party is OVER!

<< Morgan teleports herself, ALycia and Will away from there, rescuing them from "cancellation." >>

FLASH

:: the fear and trauma in her soul are only matched by the BITTERNESS she feels toward the gov't. the Establishment. she had used the LAW in an attempt to avenge her father who died at the hands of Mystech, she used the law to try to defend others and keep her friends a secret. She then became a HIGH POWERED federal agent and nearly DIED in the service of the government, who tried to KILL HER for it. How could she get past that!? how could she FORGIVE?::

:: and the Six...what would THEY have done? she came to Aerie a mere SHELL of her former self. was she supposed to live out the rest of her days on that island? being their WARD!? Even if that WASNT how they felt about her, SHE couldnt stay with them. That had always been her complex....being "only human". but with TERRA SAVE, she was among peers even though now she was slightly MORE than "only human". ::

:: she was missing one thing though. the only way to get through her feelings or insecurities, she needed to TALK to her friends..her FAMILY. so much had happened between Arklay and the time she arrived on Aerie that they hadnt had a moment to talk and so there was alot left in the air.::

:: she had a goal...the goal was actually to KILL Senator Davis. but no one, save a SELECT FEW in Terra Save knew this. If the Six found out...they'd just get in the way! but NOW that was all further complicated with Claudia Zacchara AND the fact that there was more to this bio terror event. it was a prelude. Alycia's ultimate goal would have to wait. She'd have to bide her time...::

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as plans were well laid by Sharon and Delilah. His input was not required and so he kept it to himself, following the others through the wormhole.

Maybe we all want to shower and change while we wait for Sharon to lower herself to appear with us? Maybe everyone should wear their kevlar in case psycho Sharon shows up again?

Nicolas gave her a faux-disappointed smirk.

She paused for a second, then rolled her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry. [Makes air quotes.] 'Silver Swan'."

Nicolas chuckled and shook his head, then spoke of more serious things.

There is no good way to say this, but I need your clothes. I have facilities capable of treating them for the virus without it getting into any water source. In addition, you will all find viricide soap in your showers. I tried to make it as scent-free as possible, and I ask that you STRONGLY consider using it before your own cleansers. By my calculations, only Ava and myself-other than Haleigh of course-have a shot of surviving an untreated accidental infection, and I cannot predict what we would become.

Just drop the clothes in a pile outside your door and I will get them and return them. If you guys like I will cook. I already know most of you are hungry. I have all of your favorites.


Nicolas turned and walked to his apartment.

 

[Silver Swan]

the roosevelt

[ inside of the Roosevelt, not wanting to be identified as the Silver Swan, Sharon rearranged her hair style into a bun as well as her outfit [ignore the pants] to consist of a blazer and a tailored short skirt with silver high heels

[ the posh hotel had an atmosphere that made it a little easy to immediately forget what you were thinking about outside. ]

[ She took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, picking up on conversations near and far, breathing, heartbeats and all the other things that go unnoticed to average ears. having alycia's room #, there was no need for her to stop at the front desk or the concierge.]

[instead she casually walked to the elevator wall and waited for a car to arrive. soon she was on her way up to the floor with Alycia's suite.]

[ the others were no doubt at Melrose Place. Whatever they thought of her, she didnt care. When the chips were down, she came through. So WHAT if she didnt like Haleigh...she felt like Haleigh got whatever she deserved after all this time of holding Zach against her for something that really wasnt her business. and Delilah, who at any moment could be mistake for the Virgin Mary , seemed to think her judgements were final? what did she know about ANYTHING? she couldnt even pick a decent man without placing half a dozen people's lives in danger.]

[ and then there was Cameron. hmm, maybe having HIM here wouldnt have been so bad, but she wasnt sure where his head was at and since she hated to have to bust his pretty little head open for enraging her, she thought she'd wait on him for now.]

[ up to the floor she went, and down the dark hall to the suite at the end. she knocks...and immediately speaks loud enough for Alycia to know its her.]

It's ME. I'm here alone...please let me come in.

 

[Artemis]

in her suite

:: Alycia had stood in front of the mirror for a while, as if she might find a missing piece of her soul in the dim, gloomy reflection she looked at...THROUGH.::

:: not moving, save for the few tears that trickled down her face. she had wanted to come back to man's world...but perhaps that was a mistake. maybe she SHOULD have just lived the life of an Amazon. But here she was, and firmly in the thick of what was shaping up to be another confrontation between her and the latest incarnation of a great evil.::

:: but there was something else this time. Alycia's role in all of this was MUCH more sinster. She was still on the side of the victims, but with her plans, she would become like the monster she had spent much of her adult life fighting against.::

:: perhaps THAT was what was also weighing down on her as well.::

:: she shuddered a bit, as she held back more tears just as the door could be heard.::

SHARON!

:: after a few moments, wiping her face quickly with a tissue, and running her hands through her raven black hair, she makes her way through the suite to the double doors and opens them slightly. Sharon IS alone and so Alycia opens it wider and gestures for her to come in. she then shuts the door.::

You came quicker than I expected.

Sharon: You're my best friend. We were also on Themyscria together, I know something is wrong, Alycia. Right now I dont care about any of the questions that the OTHERS have. I just want to see about YOU. That's why I came alone. I'm not exactly happy with a few of the six right now anyway.

Alycia: let me guess...

:: leading Sharon into the large living room and offering her a seat on one of the couches::

Haleigh is one of them. She usually spends most of her time on the outs with one or more of them at any given moment.

and the other one...

Sharon: Delilah.

:: both women seat themselves. they BOTH dont seem to mind the darkness that Alycia keeps about her dwelling.::

Sharon: She's such a judgemental bitch. like she has ANY room. Her boyfriend nearly destroyed us ALL and yet she wants to suggest its my fault. like I asked to be brought back from the dead? or to be TURNED INTO ...the Silver Swan? Suddenly she's defending Haleigh, who thinks she has a monopoly on half the men in the Six.

Oh that's right...you missed that. She broke Nicolas and Morgan up by having an affair with Nicolas. Now Zach and Cameron are BOTH back and when she's not busy trying to make me feel badly for my tryst with Zach that really wasnt any of her business in the first place, she seems to think she can hold on to the GHOST of a relationship with Cameron she never had. She's just a spoiled brat...with fiberoptic accents.

:: Sharon said with a catty tone.::

Alycia: ...well, i'm glad i missed all of that. but as bad as it sounds, that sounds like par for the course for them. so Cameron decided to show up again? I'm sure he'll leave half way through their next caper.

what about morgan and alison? where are they? and blaze?

Sharon: Morgan is on sabbatical on Aerie. Alison is now Harbinger, and resides at Minerva's Mansion along with Karen. I think Mike is there with them right now too. Blaze ...well its not the same Blaze you knew. She's a cross time alternate and her name is Firebird. She's a more glamorous, more powerfull version of original Blaze. She's on Aerie with Morgan too.

So much as happened, Alycia. and WE can talk about that...but I...I just wanted to see what was BOTHERING you.

You acted like you barely knew Angel and Will and those were your closest colleagues during your run in the Pentagon. and whatever I think of Delilah or the others...They DO care about you and they are surprised but HAPPY to see you back. They're going to have questions.

What's bothernig you, Alycia? is there anything I can do to help you?

 

[Silver Swan]

Alycia's suite

[ Sharon felt so much BETTER being back with her best friend. They could always speak freely with each other and whatever task they faced, they got it done.]

[She looked at Alycia who seemed only mildly interested in the details she provided. She asked Alycia what was bothering her...and Alycia remained silent for more than a little bit. Sharon displayed more patience with HER than she would any one of the Six, except maybe Nicolas.]

[ finally Alycia spoke.]

Alycia: Its just today...all that happened. It took me back to a place that I'm still not completely recovered from.

Sharon: Arklay...and Bishop?

Alycia: yes...THEY [ the six] they can move from one crises to the next without a care. ME? i was pretty much DEAD after those ...

FLASH

ZOMBIES, MOANING, GURGLING, GROWING..MOBBING! REACHING FOR ALYCIA

FLASH

Zombies in the lab, they....

FLASH

okay...we're out of here NOW we.....OH MY GOD!

:: Alycia gasps with shock as the wall opens and reveals the waiting ZOMBIES on the other end who waste NO TIME grabbing hold of Alycia by her arms and head and pulling her in.::

NO!!!

::she screams with PANIC. as the groaning, growling horde of zombies PULLS HER FORWARD and into their undead grasp! there's no time to react...and her own screams are painfull to hear as she is bitten on the neck.::

Flash

[ Alycia bowed her head and covered her face. Sharon looked at Alycia with concern and sympathy. She KNEW what it was like to have a trauma in your life that remained primal to your being no matter how your life changed.]


Alycia....

[ Sharon got up and moved around the sectional and sat down next to Alycia.]

I...I remember...I saw you. Nicolas and Haleigh, they went into OVERDRIVE to save you and once I had stumbled upon you all and saw what happened, so did I!

Flash

<< a white funnel bursts through the doors and spins across the lab, unleashing spinning stars upon the zombies as it SLICES THEM THE HELL UP, clearing them from around Nicolas and Alycia.>>

Flash

Nicolas' quick thinking kept you from turning into a Zombie long enough for him, Morgan, Alison, and Haleigh to save you together and then I....I dealt with my son. Set him FREE.

It wasnt even a WEEK later that all of our lives were ruined by fucking BISHOP. Even though he was dead, he STILL struck one hell of a blow, one that we are JUST now recovering from!

[ Sharon could understand Alycia's feeling better than most. But she tempered her own flash of indignation as she looked at her friend.]

You know...THEY CARE about you. Maybe YOU should go to them. My situation has nothing to do with yours. I'll stand by you if you want to go to them...see them.

and since you're here, considernig what's happened at LAX it will be good for all of us to stay reasonably connected. Commander Miller was right, what happened there is only the beginning and if its what we all suspect, it will most likely involve YOU as well. You dont have to face this ALONE.

[ Sharon was not aware that Alycia WASN'T alone...she was with Terra Save, the very group the Six would now be looking to contact.]

 

[Artemis]

in the suite

And WHAT? Honestly, Sharon, it's not like i feel GOOD about seeing them! I DIED because of them and my life was then BLOWN APART by Delilah's bitch ass boyfriend! I was carried away just before a GIGANTIC FUCKING ROBOT tried to BLOW ME AWAY to an island where I was told I'd have to REMAIN. No family...no purpose...NOTHING. The AMAZONS gave me a way out and I took it! Now I'm back, and I can LIVE again. I can PROTECT MYSELF better than i EVER could before. I'm STRONGER than a human, I'm an olympic class athlete! I can fight, hunt, SURVIVE and THRIVE!

I dont NEED them anymore...i dont NEED their protection!

and YOU! why did you go back to them!? YOU dont need them! You're the SILVER SWAN! You were killed by MASTER MOLD and brought back and YOU got POWER!

Sharon: But at WHAT COST, Alycia! THEY JUDGE ME! They think I'm a MONSTER and yet ALL OF THEM were regarded as SUB HUMAN for being who they are and when I was a Senator I dedicate my life to helping mutants because MY SON WAS ONE...that was the reason Mystech saw fit to DESTROY MY FAMILY!

Alycia: So YOU should understand! BOTH of us, Sharon...BOTH of us lost our lives in more than one way because of them. WHY do we need to go BACK to them after the Amazons gave us another chance!? If you had stayed dead and I had become a zombie, they would have put me down....and i understand that but i'd be dead to. we'd be DEAD...:: she says in a contemplative voice:: and THEY'D get to MOVE ON like always.


[ Sharon couldnt deny she felt what ALycia was saying on some levels. Maybe THAT was why she was becoming more hostile with the Six. Maybe there was some RESENTMENT growing.]



Alycia: Do I owe them anything anymore? I dont feel like i do. I didnt expect...i didnt WANT to see them today but once again, they delievered a timely assist...eventhough, i COULD have escaped with my life...I had to think of that little girl and those other innocents. As an Amazon, we've been taught...

Sharon: I know...that's why I was able to put aside my own anger with half that team and do what needed to be done. Last night, i had a brutal fight with Haleigh and this morning, Nicolas BETRAYED ME over her. Its like no matter what she does...SHE gets a pass but ME? No...I'm just the mutate monster who doesnt know anything about being decent.

 

[Prophet]

Melrose Place

Everyone made their way back to Melrose Place, save Sharon, who'd gone off on her own. He was a little worried about how worried HE was about her going off on her own, afraid she was going to see Alycia. She was hiding something from the Six and he didn't like the idea of Sharon being by herself. He shook off the small talk that everyone was engaging in as Nicolas mentioned needing their clothes. Cameron smirked.

"No problem Nicolas. I am beyond ready to get out of these clothes."

[looking up into the sky, noting the beautiful weather.]

"We should barbecue. The weather's nice. Besides with all this virus talk and bio terrorism, who knows how much longer we'll even have to enjoy it."

Making his way up to his apartment, he closed the door, leaning behind it for a moment, he let out a sigh before taking his watch off and placing it on a random endtable. He walked over to his CD player and fiddled around with it for a moment before "Shanti/Ashtangi" by Madonna filled the speakers and the entire apartment with an almost mystical breeze. The song was a favorite of his sister's. He remembered hearing it alot when they all lived in Illustra in New York and for some reason everytime it played, he felt closer to her.

He entered the bathroom and quickly disrobed and headed into the shower. Cameron loved taking hot showers, and with the resonating music and steam of the shower, he felt almost as if he was in some kind of tranquil state, which happened to him alot more often these days. During his time away he had gotten to study a number of different spiritual practices and forms of meditation, things that helped him fine tune and hone not just his mental abilities but as well as his spiritual and physical health. Instead of drinking and being an all around asshole to everyone, he now meditated instead. Call it boring but Cameron knew what would happen to him if he veered once more off the straight and narrow.

As he ended his shower, he put on a pair of shorts, a tank top, and a pair of flip flops, dropping his clothes outside his door before finding a nice and warm lounge chair on the patio by the pool. The moments of calm and peace were so few and far between that one had to take every opportunity to enjoy the small things. For now, he closed his eyes and took in the sun.

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose Place

They were, of course, successful in absconding with their rescuees. Haleigh never doubted they would be, despite the terrible personal development that was serving as a torturous distraction. It was easier now, though. Fresh, cold air revived her and the smell of blood faded as the girl, and the other banged up survivors, had been taken away by paramedics. Haleigh, along with the rest of the Six, were ushered into the command tent.

Claudia slithered away, and Haleigh allowed it. Good Riddance, really. Haleigh leaned against a large tent pole, falling silent as the others asked the questions and provided the answers. Haleigh watched Alycia with a guarded expression. Delilah, Sharon and Cameron tried once more to welcome her back with open arms. Alycia refused. The longer this went on, the darker Haleigh grew. She said nothing, but there was a whirlwind of not just questions, but accusations in her mind. She knew Alycia was keeping something from them, and that only made things worse…. But Haleigh knew that this was not the time or place to have it out with Alycia. It was universally acknowledged that they ALL needed to get out of here quickly and let Commander Miller and her outfit clean up the rest.

They were all leaving via wormhole, except for Sharon, of course. She'd go back to Melrose, but NOT with them. She had to do it her own way. Why Sharon even bothered at this point was beyond Haleigh. She CLEARLY didn't want to be a part of a cohesive unit -- which was what kept the Six alive and well for so LONG-- and she OBVIOUSLY thought that she could do EVERYTHING better, including talking to Alycia without them.

Delilah:Maybe we all want to shower and change while we wait for Sharon to lower herself to appear with us? Maybe everyone should wear their kevlar in case psycho Sharon shows up again. [pause] Oh, I'm sorry. [air quotes] 'Silver Swan'.

Haleigh smiled, but only just.

"Oh, we don't have to worry about that just yet, we'll have a short reprieve for now. Sharon is at the Roosevelt with Alycia."

Nicolas: There is no good way to say this, but I need your clothes. I have facilities capable of treating them for the virus without it getting into any water source. In addition, you will all find viricide soap in your showers. I tried to make it as scent-free as possible, and I ask that you STRONGLY consider using it before your own cleansers. By my calculations, only Ava and myself-other than Haleigh of course-have a shot of surviving an untreated accidental infection, and I cannot predict what we would become.

"I can…"

Haleigh lamented quietly as she was disappearing via MD.

 

[Artemis]

the Roosevelt

:: Alycia could see Sharon understood. Having any ONE person to share her feelings about the Six with was helpful as she seemed to straighten up a bit and allow herself to exhale sit back on the couch, now looking up at the ceiling.::

so obviously I'm not going to see them now. i'm sure one of them will intrude but guess what? i'm not going to put up with it.

Sharon: well if anyone comes while I'M still here, I'll make sure they dont bother you.

Alycia: i had a life before the six...i want one NOW. my life shouldnt revolve around/always lead back to them.

Sharon: No, no it shouldnt.

nor should mine and yet, here i am, a mutate with no family, running with a team, half of whom I can't stand lately.

:: Sharon began to wonder if she too should leave the Six. She could easily fight solo, or she didnt have to fight at all, she could return to Themyscria, hell she could go anywhere in the world and make a new life for herself. Alycia's return, and how she felt began to shine a light on feelings Sharon had that she might not have been willing to address when she first returned from Themyscira.::

:: they sat quietly for a while. Both women used to sitting for long periods without talking or moving as part of their meditation discipline. but they were just happy to be reuinted, their lives had been so bound by events and circumstance and they were both aware that they had cheated death and been given opportunities few could dream of in order to get to this moment here.::

:: Alycia decided that if Sharon didnt ask her anything about LAX, she wouldnt volunteer anything just now. Alycia knew that of them all, Sharon would not stand in the way of her plans and would help cover for her if necessary but the others...especially Delilah and probably Nicolas...she didnt care to hear from them NOR did she need their interference. This was more than just about Terra Save vs. WilPharma, this was about JUSTICE and this was about cutting off the head of the beast before it gained full strength. ::

:: But even Alycia didnt know who the REAL mastermind behind this was. It went BEYOND WilPharma and like it or not, she would find herself with the Six again in the near future.::

:: for now though::

Sharon, you look like YOU'RE unhappy. You said Nicolas betrayed you over Haleigh and that you had a fight with her? You wanna talk about it?

Why dont you stay here for the night and avoid them all together while you figure out what you want to do. I've got several extra rooms here.

It can be like...like old times again. well almost. Before The Six, Mystech, Master Mold and everything else ruined our lives.

 

[Persephone]

Returning to Melrose Place via wormhole and minus Sharon, it wasn't any surprise where she was off to. With Alycia back in town, obviously the two wanted to catch up. And frankly, Ava was GLAD Sharon decided not to come back to Melrose Place. The wounds from the morning's fight were still raw; Delilah making it very apparent by her snide comments about Sharon. Like Ava told Sharon earlier, she understood where she was coming from. However, she also understood where Haleigh, Delilah, and Nicolas were coming from. There was only so much bitchiness a person could take before they snapped. Even the CLOSEST of friends [Nicolas/Sharon].

Nicolas: There is no good way to say this, but I need your clothes.

"Excuse me?"

Nicolas continued on stating he wanted to treat them with some sort of chemical agent that would protect them from the T-Virus. In that case, she was all for stripping down for Nicolas. Ava REALLY didn't want to become some mutated plant woman.

Nicolas: By my calculations, only Ava and myself-other than Haleigh of course-have a shot of surviving an untreated accidental infection, and I cannot predict what we would become.

Haleigh: I can...

Ava glanced over at her sister just as she disappeared. Something had been off with her since they first entered the VIP lounge of the airport. But knowing Haleigh she wouldn't want to talk about it, thus her quick departure. As she left, everyone seemed to follow suit, heading to their respected apartments so they could shower with Nicolas' special soap and get ready for dinner.

After placing her clothes outside her apartment, Ava headed into the shower to scrub down. Deciding it was a perfect day for a swim, she didn't bother washing her hair and simply took on the task of using the chemical soap. After about 5 minutes of a good wash down, Ava headed into her bedroom to change before leaving her apartment. Walking down the stairs wearing a strapless black bikini and black sunglasses [in the picture], the brunette spotted Cameron laying on one of the pool chairs soaking in some sun. Figures. After the harsh words he had with Haleigh the night before, Cameron was even lower on Ava's todum pole of hate. But she wouldn't allow him to spoil her pool side fun.

Walking to one of the pool chairs on the other side of the pool away from Cameron, Ava unfolded a large towel and blanketed it across the chair. Taking a seat, she situated herself on the chair and laid back, closing her eyes despite having sunglasses on. Cameron must have put on the outdoor sound system because Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" could be heard echoing in the courtyard. Listening to the music, Ava continued to sunbathe, not bothering to pay one bit of attention to Cameron King.

 

[Siren]

Sitting on an elevated rustic styled chair in front of a large kitchen island, the Zacchara's gourmet kitchen was something of envy to any top chef. For a family of two--plus Johnny--it seemed a little overzealous, but as Claudia was known for, she never did anything half assed. With a carton of Ben and Jerry's "Phish Food" sitting in front of her, Claudia took a huge scoop full and ate it, not bothering with a bowl. It was obvious that she was upset that her trip had to be cancelled. But what sat even heavily on her was running into Alycia Barnett. Alycia. The name alone made her stomach turn with disgust. Clara didn't know Claudia's personal history with Alycia, besides her being a thorn in the Zacchara's side legally when they were growing up. It was a disturbing story, one that Claudia was still uneasy to talk about with her sister despite her finally opening up to Clara the day before.

"Want some?"

Gesturing to Clara--who was sitting next to her--with her spoon, Claudia's face was more "mopey" than usual.

"GOD, i'm so pissed off right now! My two week long vacation RUINED because of those assholes in fucking comic book suits. Why is it everytime they're around we get dragged into their messes?"

Before Clara could take the spoon from Claudia, she dug it back into the Ben and Jerry's ice cream and took another bite.

With her mouth full.

"And Alycia Barnett to top it off?! [finishing the ice cream in her mouth] It's like a moldy cherry on top of a heaping pile of shit."

Tossing the spoon into the carton of ice cream, Claudia slumped over on the counter and rested her chin in the palm of her hand.

"I'm so over these people, Clare-bear. [looking over with a cutesy baby face] Can we just kill them? That would make me feel better."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah walked into her apartment, shutting the door behind her. She stripped out of her clothes, leaving them there in the entryway. She would be sad to see that outfit go – she really liked that Under Armor top – but if there was a chance of any zombie guts or virus remnants on them Nicolas could have them. She smirked a little. He’d probably be doing something deviant with Haleigh’s clothes.

She stepped into the shower and scrubbed as directed with the “soap”. She then soaped up again with her black currant vanilla body gel. Even though the anti-bacterial or whatever stuff was supposedly odorless, it still felt medicinal. And Delilah was in the mood for a long hot shower after the events of the day so far.

When she finished, she put on her fluffy white robe and walked out down the hall into the kitchen to get a beer. Taking off the cap, she took a long drink and set the beer down, intending to go back and get dressed. But she suddenly felt so worn out. She just needed to sit down and rest a minute. She sunk into the white slipcovered sofa and pulled her her legs up next to her. She would just rest her eyes for a second…

The sunlight coming through the window woke her. She opened her eyes sleepily. She nuzzled in closer to the chest she was sleeping on.

”’Bout time you woke up.

“I think you’re going soft on me – you are way too comfortable as a pillow.”

She turned her head to look up into Connor’s smiling face.

Then it was if a dark cloud passed overhead, blocking the light from the window. She stood, then turned to look down at him. She felt her hand rise, but it was if she was trapped inside her own body, unable to make her limbs obey her.

“No…” she murmured, restlessly,

Glancing up, she saw her reflection in the mirror on the wall opposite where she stood. It wasn't the reflection she knew staring back at her, but the cropped hair version of herself from the alternate timeline – they version of herself which had hunted down other mutants and tried to put to death Karen Victoria! Her reflection smiled, a cold and sinister grimace, a mockery of her earlier happiness. She looked down again, and Connor still smiled up at her as she blew him apart.

Delilah woke up screaming.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas undressed smoothly and entered his shower, turning the water up on the highest setting. He took it all in for a moment, re-centered himself, and then proceeded to clean up and quickly depart the bathroom to get dressed.

As the two ladies at the Roosevelt talked, there was a knock at the door. They would find a messenger with a bouquet of Alycia's favorite flowers and a note.

The note said:

Welcome back. If you wish to talk, I am here. If not, I understand and only hope for the best for you. All of us do. Take care of yourself.

All my love,

Nicolas


That done, Nicolas opened the fridge and pulled out shrimp, Tilapia, Lobster Tails and assorted veggies (corn, potatoes, zucchini, squash, peppers, asparagus), and as he walked out to the grill the condiments and spices danced behind him as he prepared to cook. He was dressed in just a pair of swim trunks and looked calm and relaxed.

He placed all of the food onto platters to be cooked as he lit the grill and got ready to let the coals settle. He turned back and smiled at Ava.

Nice swimsuit Ava. Is Onyx coming out to play? I got some Mahi-Mahi and a beef shoulder just for her in the fridge.

Ava knew that the guys (Nic and Mike) both loved Onyx, and the big cat loved them right back. He began to look for her as he sent a half-playful message out to Haleigh.

You coming Hales? I am cooking your favorites. If I don't see you soon, I will be coming to get you.

He turned back to check the coals when he heard Delilah scream, her mind a flash of pure anguish.

Before the echo stopped reverberating around her apartment Nicolas had molecularly disassembled the door and rushed inside, his weapon coming at his call as he looked to see what was harming her so. He found her in a fetal position in a chair. He knelt by her and spoke in a caring but strong voice, deep and resonant.

Dee? It's me Nicolas. What was hurting you dear? Where is it?

 

[Persephone]

Unlike the rest of Los Angeles, the courtyard within Melrose Place was a staggering 90 degrees, curtosy of Ava's manipulations. There was no sense of lounging by the pool and swimming if it wasn't hot. So as she laid out sun bathing, her body was already glistening with sweat, and indication that she would soon make her way into the pool.

Nicolas: Nice swimsuit Ava.

Lifting her head up, Ava lowered her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose and looked over Nicolas' flowery trunks. With a raise of her eyebrow, she repositioned her sunglasses back to cover her eyes and laid her head back down.

[casually] "Wish I could say the same for you."

With a snide smile, Ava couldn't help but make jabs at Nicolas. It was just way too easy sometimes. Plus, she wouldn't want him to suddenly think she LIKED him or something. That would be tragic.

Nicolas: Is Onyx coming out to play? I got some Mahi-Mahi and a beef shoulder just for her in the fridge.

That was one thing Ava COULDN'T fault Nicolas for, his love for Onyx. He was extremely sweet to her, which actually made it quite hard for Ava to be snippy about.

"Last time I checked she was drooling [figuratively] on my bed, but i'm sure once she smells the food she'll wake up and want to come down."

"Notion" by Kings of Leon now played on the radio, and Ava decided that after this song she would go in for a dip. However, as she laid there relaxing and listening to the music, suddenly Delilah's screams startled her out of her calm. Quickly getting up from her lounge chair, Nicolas had already disappeared from the barbeque and reappeared outside Delilah's door. Sprinting up the stairs to Delilah's door, Ava stopped before entering Delilah's apartment. She wanted to make sure she was okay, but she also didn't want to crowd Delilah at the same time. She knew how private a person she was.

Seeing Nicolas kneeling next to her on the couch, Ava removed her sunglasses and waited a few moments before asking if she was alright.

[to Nicolas] "Is she okay?"

 

[Prophet]

MP Courtyard

Cameron was in a nice moment of tranquilility and peace. The sun was touching his skin, there was a nice breeze in the air, the smell of the foilage in the courtyard, the music in the background. It was times like these that almost made him forget the stress of Haleigh and the others, that is until Ava Cassadine strolled into the courtyard in a "come hither" bikini and placed herself notedly across the pool from him.

He paid her no attention. The two had certainly never been friends and he found himself longing for the days in which Alexis Quartermaine would have instead been sitting not across but next to him at the pool, talking about the latest gossip of the Six. But those days were long gone, and Ava Cassadine was no Alexis.

Nicolas soon arrived with a large cornucopia of food as he watched them both make small talk, none of which sat right with Cameron. He knew the team had been through many a roster change in his many absences, but he soon felt largely disconnected from this new incarnation. He no longer had Haleigh or Alexis in his corner, and Morgan and Alison were off duty for the time being. It was as if this group he had considered family had suddenly changed and left him on the outside, not that he wasn't to blame for much of it. He just felt misplaced.

At that moment he heard Delilah screaming like a banshee and before he could get up, Nicolas had brazenly rushed to her aid, as he did with most of the women in the Six, or so he had heard . Cameron followed behind Ava as he peeked in the doorway next to Ava, both of them trying their hardest to ignore the other completely. Doing a mental scan, Cameron picked up on nothing. She was obviously dreaming, picking up images from the psychic feedback she was emitting. He saw a vision of a man.. THE man. Connor. Cameron tried to interject on behalf of his new found ally, maneuvering around Ava and into the apartment.

"She had a bad dream is all. A dream i'm pretty sure she's not going to want to talk about. I'm not trying to step on toes, but I got this covered. I'll make her some tea. Go enjoy the pool?"

He figured Delilah wouldn't want any of them around or want to talk about her dream at all, especially if it was about Connor, a man many in the Six absolutely reviled. He was trying to run damage control for her, though she would probably want Cameron out of her hair as well, but he did make a promise to have her back.

 

[MorningStar]

It took her a minute to realize where she was.

And that it was a dream. But it wasn't really just a dream, was it? It was closer to a memory...

Nicolas came rushing in on his white horse. She could feel him standing over her.

Dee? It's me Nicolas. What was hurting you dear? Where is it?

She turned her face into the cushion of the sofa, her eyes clamped tightly shut. Her muffled voice came out of the sofa.

"I'm not being attacked. You can't fix me, Nicolas."

She heard Ava's voice behind him ask if she was okay. Then Cameron came in. Great, just what she needed, an audience.

At least Cameron explained what was going on so she didn't have to.

I'm not trying to step on toes, but I got this covered. I'll make her some tea.

She waved a hand behind her.

"Please, just go. I need to be alone."

The break in disasters had given her mind time to feel and remember again, and the day's zombie adventure had given those feelings and memories a decidedly more sinister bent. She couldn't talk to anyone about this. Especially not the people who still blamed her for what had happened at Arklay. Too bad they weren't blaming her for the crime she had really committed. THAT she deserved. And even if they didn't feel such hostility towards her, they wouldn't have understood anyway.

She curled herself up tighter, squeezing herself as if she could become small enough to disappear.

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose Place, Apt 5

A cold shower, ice cold. It felt very good to Haleigh. She didn't use Nicolas' soap, as it would probably actually be bad for her. The virus was a part of every fiber of her being. She thought about that for a while. Every day she got stronger was a day the TO virus got stronger. She wanted to believe she could keep it in check… but the events of today made her confidence waiver. What if this wasn't just some slight, temporary side effect? What if it got worse? Would she eventually become one of those mindless zombies? Would she attack her family, hurt them, kill them? Would it pain them to fight back?

Well, not Sharon. Sharon could do it. Sharon would be very quick to defend them from Haleigh, and she would not hesitate to eliminate Haleigh if she became a problem. For that, Haleigh could be grateful. But her sister would suffer the loss. Maybe. The upside to that was the Persephone part of the equation. Ava would mourn, but Haleigh liked to think she'd get over it. The rest of them would probably be better off. The boys especially.

Haleigh fought the despair, and the shame of having to consider these things… but she felt the need to work through it, and felt better about the situation once she had. It was settled, and she felt relieved. If she had the SLIGHTEST suspicion that her self control was slipping, she'd go to Sharon.

Haleigh stepped out of the shower, and briefly checked on the others out of habit. Nicolas, Cameron and Ava were gathering by the pool. Delilah had fallen asleep on her sofa. Zach was out for the afternoon, probably scouting the local marinas for a good place to keep a sailboat. He'd mentioned that once or twice. Haleigh toweled off and threw something on, as Nicolas' mental voice reached out to her. She didn't really feel like socializing right now, but she didn't want the others to think something was wrong. Even if something WAS wrong, there was no need to alarm them just yet.

Delilah woke with a scream, and Nicolas, Ava and then Cameron rushed to her aid. Haleigh stayed where she was, doing a scan of the premises JUST to confirm that they were alone. Cameron tried to appease the others and encourage them to go back out to the pool, and Haleigh back his play over the intercom.

>>Cameron's right, Delilah was asleep alone. She's not in any danger. Seems like even after getting rid of Barbas, we still have to contend with our nightmares.

Delilah wasn't the only one having bad dreams. Haleigh got chills just thinking about hers again. She stepped out her front door to join the party. The smell of seafood greeted her, but didn't really excite her appetite.