The old order changes

[Isis]

The Clocktower

Nicolas teleported to Dominique's suite, taking in the view of it as he walked over to where she stood.


You know, I could have arranged for discreet lodgings and protection for you and....Richard. You did not have to come here OR to the Parthenon had you wished.

:: Dominique's aqua blue eyes widen at Nicolas' unexpected tone and approach::

Young man! I did not invite you here for you to speak to me like that! I'm STILL you aunt!


And I will go WHERE I wish WHEN I wish, under my own power. Do not forget that when you FIRST met me, I possessed my own considerable personal and financial resources, not to mention POWER . That hasn't changed.

But that was not really why he was agitated, and after another moment's silence, he finally got to it.


Why are you determined to continue to place yourself in harm's way with this...new group? It is one thing for you to help when it gets bad, but I am concerned about you doing this day in and day out.


He placed his hands lightly on her shoulders as he said this. It was clear that he was worried about her continued well-being.

::Sigh::

:: She moves her hand up and places it on to one of Nicolas' hands::

Nicolas, I am in harm's way no matter WHERE I go. But THIS is certainly not going to be the first place that Malice would think to look for me or even on her "top 10" list. Further more, YOU are just as much "in harm's way" as I am. Anything that could threaten me could and likely WILL threaten you as well. Have you forgotten my covenant with the goddess? I ALSO have Richard to look after. It makes SENSE for me to be here.

:: Dominique leads him over to the sitting area by the floor-to-ceiling window and gestures for him to sit down across from her::

Nicolas, I'm not some old woman who suddenly lost her way after leaving the Hellfire Club. I have traveled the world, since BEFORE you came to be who you are today. I'm quite capable of taking care of myself both on AND off the battle field. You have your team...your FAMILY- The Six. I could never be apart of THAT and we both know it. But Elizabeth....ZIZI is a bright, FASCINATING young woman, who needs help protecting people in the city against threats like the Purifiers. She asked me for help...AND she agreed to provide Richard with further training and support. I found it to be an acceptable offer.


Oracle's team is not composed of novices and the people she wants to help are people like Richard, who was once HOMELESS. He could have been another victim of the Purifiers! And not everyone like him will meet someone like ME that can change their life. I am the avatar of Isis, Nicolas. She has ALWAYS been sensitive to the plight of the weak...and I am no different. That was, in part, why the Purifiers was such a passionate issue for me. Just as the goddess would aid my village of origin when your mother, my sister, was still alive...I must honor her legacy and our covenant.


Something's coming, Nicolas.

Diana is RESTLESS. I sensed it even before I left. My departure was a source of displeasure for her, but it ALSO signaled OPPORTUINTY as well and we both know she is not one to pass that up. I KNOW her backstory of Mystech and it's monstrous. If ever a vast, terrible power like that should rear it's head again...The Six will NEED the help of others who are just as capable as they are. I will be apart of that and I have chosen to make sure I am, in MY OWN WAY. Joining Oracle's team was a much more appealing alternative than becomeing a...."SIX RESERVIST."

 

[Black Widow]

After a second or two, Haleigh regained her composure somewhat. Her time with Patrick felt like it happened a million years ago, and it was a pain she'd long since dealt with. She watched Karen's expression closely. Was that look of dismay the first signs of JUDGEMENT on the doctor's face? Haleigh felt instantly defensive, and she ran her free hand through her hair, staring back at Karen, waiting for vitriol she remembered all too well. She knew this had been a mistake. She should have just dealt with her blackouts by herself.

Karen: Haleigh...welcome back << Karen said in a reserved tone>> My scans confirm that your vitals are normal for the body you are now in. Physically, you are okay.

[stiffly]"I'm not injured, no."

Karen: Would you like to tell me what was going on BEFORE the onset of this latest black out? You had a pained expression on your face in the elevator and you looked quite upset, not to mention your clothes...

She clasped her dress back on, then took a second to adjust her halter set up.

"Yes, I.... I was making a sandwich. It was a really good goddamn sandwich, TRULY EPIC, okay, and I'm not going to lie, I got quite excited about it. But then I just.... LEFT IT ON THE FUCCKING TABLE. Totally walked out on it. And now I'll never know just how legendary that sandwich was. I missed my chance."

Karen: Very Well.

Haleigh just sat back against the sofa arm with her arms crossed. Karen probably assumed she was being ridiculous and sarcastic, but that was fine too. She didn't really want to talk about her relationship with Cameron right now. She couldn't deal with that AND this flash at the same time. She needed to focus on one thing at a time.

Karen: Haleigh, I RECOGNIZED those men in your episode. One of them was my HUSBAND, Christopher. The OTHER was Adam Chandler, Alexis Quartermaine's father. Are These are the same two men who have appeared in your other episodes?

"Not exactly. They've been mentioned before, but this is the first time I've seen them. It's also the first time I've seen anyone I recognized. Patrick, and the other man; Stavros Cassadine, Ava's father. But this flash wasn't like any of the others. It had a much different focus. There was no thought at ALL of the little girl that the previous flashes centered on."

Karen: I ALSO recognized the voice of the woman they were talking to...regarding Patrick Phillips. It WASN'T yours.

"No, it can't have been. I was definitely not there. The only thing I can think of.... the other possibility I've been considering.... is that somehow I'm getting feedback from a crosstime alternate of myself."

Karen: The person they were talking to was not you. It was DIANA. from the "first person" perspective that the episode was shown in...it appears as though you were reliving this event...from DIANA'S point of view.

Haleigh stared at the doctor as she heard the words, then took a deep breath.

"I ran into Diana at Hellfire tonight. She got inside my head. She could have.... planted this memory to mess with me, as retaliation for escorting Dominique out."

Opening this door was horrifying. If THIS memory had been Diana's, was it just this ONE, a side effect of her recent mental conversation with Malice? Or did it cast a new light on the other flashes as well? Were they ALL planted telepathic 'memories' meant to unsettle or sidetrack her?

"The first flash... I was with Delilah... and the focus was a little girl, much like Delilah, I was separated from the girl, though I knew her to be my... child. The second flash... I'd gotten the call that Sally and Blaze had been attacked, and Cass was taken. The flash centered around kidnapping the child and giving her away to an unknown entity. The third, i was in a car crash, and the flash went back to a car crash. The fourth, I had almost re-acquired our captured teammates, and in the flash I was checking up on the kid after a long separation. And this last one... I had just lost.... my sandwich... and I flashed back to Patrick. Could these blackouts be merely twisted dreams of some kind? My brain trying to deal with these events, and reconcile the changes Diana made or her attempts to tamper with my psyche at the same time?"

 

[Orion]

They weren't just being petty, he KNEW that. The concerns they had were realistic. It wasn't going to be easy to get that many type-A personalities to work as a unit. There were going to be differences in opinion and differences in approach. But if the SIX could do it..... why couldn't the BOP? Zach was an optimist, and he believed that with the right motivation, they could do ANYTHING they set their minds to, and they only had to overcome their own egos.

They were reluctant, but receptive to joining Oracle's team, and Zach was thrilled. He tried to temper his excitement, but felt like celebrating. He called Zizi and, after relaying Sharon and Alycia's acceptance of their offer, he got the news that Dominique had left the Hellfire club safely, and that she, also, was in talks with Oracle about becoming a 'bird of prey'. Their team was really starting to take shape.

The temp was really dropping up here on the roof, and Zach was ready to get back to somewhere warm. He was getting hungry, too.

"We should celebrate this new venture! How about Lotus? Warm Sake, fresh Sushi... it'll be great. What do you say, ladies?"

Sharon mentioned wanting to have a private word with Cameron, which just left Zach and Alycia. He turned to her and offered his arm.

"Come on, don't leave me hanging....."

 

[Rampage]

Isis gave Nicolas a very well thought-out, cogent explanation for why she was joining the team, why she was not content to simply be a reservist. It all made sense to him, was extremely logical for him.

But as they sat across from one another, this was not all about logic to him. This was about his only living relative, one he had found and once wanted to kill him but NOW? They were FAMILY again. It was a lot to risk for him and this was a lot to digest. He sat silently as she finished.

Oracle's team is not composed of novices and the people she wants to help are people like Richard, who was once HOMELESS. He could have been another victim of the Purifiers! And not everyone like him will meet someone like ME that can change their life. I am the avatar of Isis, Nicolas. She has ALWAYS been sensitive to the plight of the weak...and I am no different. That was, in part, why the Purifiers was such a passionate issue for me. Just as the goddess would aid my village of origin when your mother, my sister, was still alive...I must honor her legacy and our covenant.


Something's coming, Nicolas.

Diana is RESTLESS. I sensed it even before I left. My departure was a source of displeasure for her, but it ALSO signaled OPPORTUINTY as well and we both know she is not one to pass that up. I KNOW her backstory of Mystech and it's monstrous. If ever a vast, terrible power like that should rear it's head again...The Six will NEED the help of others who are just as capable as they are. I will be apart of that and I have chosen to make sure I am, in MY OWN WAY. Joining Oracle's team was a much more appealing alternative than becomeing a...."SIX RESERVIST."

Nicolas actually stifled a laughing smirk at Six Reservist. He could not see Aunt D being a reserve ANYTHING. He slowly nodded as she finished, at least understanding the motivations.

Very well Aunt D. I will not trouble you about this subject further. Just know that should you be harmed in any way that I will be coming like a freight train to hurt someone back.

His voice was grim as he said this. Dominique knew that this was no trifle of a comment. And just as quickly, he changed gears, smiling as he stood. He pulled Dominique gently into a stand and wrapped an arm around her waist, looking back into the suite.

So! How about you show me around your new place, at least for now. I am certain that you must need to give it your own touch and I am in the mood to treat my FAVORITE aunt to a shopping spree....

 

[Artemis]

59th Floor- Lotus

The temp was really dropping up here on the roof, and Zach was ready to get back to somewhere warm. He was getting hungry, too.


"We should celebrate this new venture! How about Lotus? Warm Sake, fresh Sushi... it'll be great. What do you say, ladies?"


Sharon mentioned wanting to have a private word with Cameron, which just left Zach and Alycia. He turned to her and offered his arm.


"Come on, don't leave me hanging....."

:: Alycia watched as Sharon departed to see Cameron. Alycia herself had thought about Cameron several times this evening. He'd expressed his intention to see Haleigh, and Alycia couldn't help but wonder just how productive THAT conversation had gone. If she ONLY KNEW the turn it had taken!::

:: For now though, why waste a moment of good feeling? She smiled at Zach::

Remember the night Malice and Blackout attacked Illustra and Karen evacuated us and the pets? I said, "A life without adventure is not a life worth living."

:: Wrapping her arm under and around his, they began to walk toward the exit door together::

And now, here we are, several years later, about to embark on a new adventure together. At least it's not starting with a monster towering over us or a building falling down around our ears!

::Laughing a bit, she squeezes Zach's arm as they exit the roof and make their way down a couple flights of stairs and to an elevator which zooms them down to the 59th floor::

:: Once inside Lotus and seated, Alycia looks at Zach::

Zach...I want to personally let you know how wonderful youve been. You took over my portfolio several years ago, without me being able to give you a proper briefing, and you've kept things going.

With everything that's happened through the years...the LIFE ALTERING EVENTS that have changed our lives...you made sure that people like ROSE didn't slip through the cracks and get consumed by the fallout.

I'm glad to be back here. Sharon is too...even though it has been a source of emotion for her. We look forward to helping you, and to being able to help Rose again. We've been gone far too long...and for the first time SINCE my return from Themyscira...between Charope, LLC and now Oracle's team, I really feel like I can DO something!


It really feels like the RIGHT TIME to took root here again, to finally come HOME.

But I'm worried about the state of the Six. Morgan's gone...Alison is MERCURIAL at best, and then there's DELILAH - the more time that passes, the wider the rift grows between her and the rest of us. But what can we DO!?

and on a more PERSONAL level...there's Haleigh and Cameron.

:: Alycia eyed Zach, KNOWING that he'd know what she was referring to. It was an issue that they BOTH had an interest in and if Haleigh and Cameron could talk about it, so could THEY.::

There's ALOT going on right now Zach. The news that Sharon and I are joining Oracle's team might not be the most pleasing to their ears...and the current issues hanging over the Six played a factor in why the Purifiers were able to menace them so much.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Haleigh stared at the doctor as she heard the words, then took a deep breath.

"I ran into Diana at Hellfire tonight. She got inside my head. She could have.... planted this memory to mess with me, as retaliation for escorting Dominique out."

Diana IS capable of tormenting her targets from afar, using a variety of psyhological AND emotional tactics. But IF she is doing that to you now and you go to confront her? You'll likely be falling RIGHT INTO A TRAP.

The Six, as they are now, CAN'T AFFORD a full on ambush by Malice.

You'll recall what happened shortly after after Morgan's "death?"

<< FLASH!>>

<< Images of The Six, now down to "THE THREE" basically, fighting against Malice and Blackout outside of Illustra. Black Widow and MorningStar being held captive in the Citadle. Shadow Weaver fighting the Super Soldier. Harbinger and BlackOut wiping out nearly ALL of Central Park and the surrounding area in their fateful battle.>>

But there's still the issue of the pieces versus the pattern here.

"The first flash... I was with Delilah... and the focus was a little girl, much like Delilah, I was separated from the girl, though I knew her to be my... child. The second flash... I'd gotten the call that Sally and Blaze had been attacked, and Cass was taken. The flash centered around kidnapping the child and giving her away to an unknown entity. The third, i was in a car crash, and the flash went back to a car crash. The fourth, I had almost re-acquired our captured teammates, and in the flash I was checking up on the kid after a long separation. And this last one... I had just lost.... my sandwich... and I flashed back to Patrick. Could these blackouts be merely twisted dreams of some kind? My brain trying to deal with these events, and reconcile the changes Diana made or her attempts to tamper with my psyche at the same time?"

The details of these episodes, and now knowing that my husband and Alexis' father definitely fit in, along with Diana...

Diana specializes in drawing a person to their doom, using their own actions against them. She did that with my husband, Alexis AND her father, Kelly King and dozens of others, many of whom we BOTH know. The possibility of this being Diana's doing is one that can't be ignored and we must shift accordingly.

If she's behind this, she has a REASON for allowing you to see/experience these things. To drive you insane? I don't think so, not after all the trouble she went through of RESTORING you. She revels in holding that over your head. The episodes started BEFORE Dominique's departure from the Sisterhood, so It's unlikely that it's out of retaliation. It looks and sounds like there's a STORY she's allowing you to "read"...and any story that DIANA can tell will likely NOT have a happy ending...


I have a suggestion for you. Contact Dominique Deveraux. If you like, I could contact her for you, but I think you should talk to her. She has a level of "insider knowledge" and awareness of Malice's latest activities.

I'll continue to help and support you however I can as we work on this. But you must NOT reflexively resort to any of your...maladaptive defense mechanisms if things get too complex or murky. Your own wellbeing as well as the safety of your six family is in the balance, and you've been very responsible and proactive in handling this so far.

There is one other thing I'd like to try, Haleigh.

I'd like to ask Harbinger to look through your past, including your life in your ORIGINAL body. She would be able to "SEE" if at anytime you were pregnant OR had been an unwitting participant in some sort of...reproductive experiment. That is ONE piece of this mysterious story we could answer for certain. Do I have your permission to do that?

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower

He pulled Dominique gently into a stand and wrapped an arm around her waist, looking back into the suite.

So! How about you show me around your new place, at least for now. I am certain that you must need to give it your own touch and I am in the mood to treat my FAVORITE aunt to a shopping spree....

:: Dominique smiled a bit as she allowed her nephew to embrace her. He meant well. He could be obtuse at times, but he meant well...and he had a good heart. Wisdom and more maturity would come in due time::

:: The feeling that puzzled Dominique suddenly became clear to her. This was the feeling of warmth and family, one that she never thought she'd have with NICOLAS, but now that they were in this place, it didn't seem so bad.::

My beloved sister, I hope that you can see now, the fruition that has come from your faith and hope all those years ago...

:: She thought privately as she decided to indulge Nicolas on his request to see her new, temporary residence::

This clocktower belongs to Zizi, it's a curious place, almost hiding in plain sight amongst the skyscrapers of the cityscape.

It's not the Parthenon, but this apartment is quite suitable. Richard has his own living space on the next level, and there's even an elevator.

::At the invitation to go shopping, Dominique couldn't help but smile a bit. That was what she needed, some mindless indulgence and a complete BREAK from seriousness and obligation::

Shopping sounds quite nice, but not in this city...not even in this hemisphere.

If I'm going to enjoy a mini-vacation as it were, I'm going to enjoy it thoroughly.

Let's take a trip...to HARROD'S!

::Nicolas offered her his arm::

Richard is resting, and I've taken the liberty of ENHANCING the security of this apartment with my own magick wards. Between that and Oracle's technology, He should be quite safe. I'll just leave him a note so that he doesn't worry.

:: A small trail of golden, sparkling energy flows around the lamp sitting on the nightstand by Richard's bed, and soon, a NOTE appears, resting against the lamp::

Now then, shall we go?

:: Gesturing, a sparkling golden column of light beams down on Isis and Rampage, and they disppear, moving across the world in the blink of an eye for some much needed escapism

 

[Longshot]

Rose's House - New York City

< He watched in awe as the enigmatic Rose "called" her tarot card deck over to the table in front of him as the glowing cards began to fan out around the table. For everything he had seen in the past few days he was still in awe whenever he saw somebody use abilities so concisely and freely. >

Rose: "Your heart, your soul, they ring true, but you have yet to find true balance between the reality of light and dark within your soul. That is why you're struggling now. This deck of cards is to me what Harbinger's time staff is to her."

< Simon nodded as she spoke. Her words were true. He had gotten far in his life by being who he was, subconsciously relying on his powers to carry him through. He hated people so caught up in emotions and feelings and as such he largely avoided them. For him to even ALLOW Rose to see him in his current state was making him feel incredibly vulnerable and weak. He hated to think that in order to do what he wanted to do he would need to become some bleeding heart that held the burden of the world's pain on his shoulder. That was a job for The Six. >

<< a card moves forward and TURNS face up. It's the HANGED MAN card>>

<< She points at the hanged man card>>

"As you already know and have expressed, you are at a major crossroads in your life. That is why you came here this evening. You needed to discuss things with someone whom you felt could understand and not dismiss you or condescend you over your ignorance."

"You have a strong desire to address a problem that you are only now seeing the larger scope of, but you don't know exactly what to do about it. But be encouraged..."

<< the fool's card slides forward and turns UP>>

"In order to effect ANY kind of change outside, you must first start from within.

The fool's card is a positive one. It generaly indicates a newness and deep soul searching. That is you, as you yearn to try different approaches to bring balance to your life, to reconcile your past and present with your future, and you desire a deeper understanding of the mutant plight and just where you fit into it. The fact that THIS card presented itself for YOU means that you are MORE than merely on the right track. You will make great progress, as LONG as you continue to operate with pure motives."

< He was a little freaked out by Rose's words. He wasn't a big fan of people being able to read him, in any capacity..but the words she was saying rang incredibly true to him. Simon needed a change and he had for some time. It was why he agreed to have Cameron take him under his wing and be introduced to the Inner Circle of The Six. He hadn't anticipated what this decsion had meant and now that he had seen what was happening in the world around him, he felt torn. Part of him wanted to return to his old life, because that life was good. But there was another part of him that was not going to allow it and as such..he found himself turning to people like Rose..something he would have never done. Not even a few weeks ago. Simon was much like Ava in the respect that he kept his private life private and his issues HIS issues. >

< Rose continued her reading. >

<< The card REVERSES itself>>

You SECRETLY harbor deep doubts about yourself, and you're more than aware of the doubts harbored about you from others around you. THIS will be a stumbling block for you because you know that true changes requires a sustained effort, it will require you to move OUTSIDE of your comfort FOREVER. Even with your power and resources...change is not for the faint of heart, Simon, and you can't sail through life, "stacking the deck" in your favor.

<< the MAGICIAN card slides forward and turns UPWARD>>

This card is about energy, and the querent who desires to make higher, BETTER use of his power and resources. You may notice many synchronicities, which point towards deep, life alterting events taking place regardless of the "importance" of their superficial appearances. You should be finding that you have the knowledge, strength, and inspiration needed to meet your challenges. In general this is a very positive time for you.

<< Pointing at the magician card>>

"This card also indicates you have met someone new and the likelyhood of that relationship rising to a deeper level of emotional committment is VERY strong. Your professional and personal lives are already intertwining and it couldn't have happened at a better time for EITHER of you."

<< Looking at Simon>>

"How well this goes, as with everything else, depends on YOU."

<< the card slides back and turns down again>>

"I offered you these things so that you would find some comfort, peace and certainty about the new orientation you are taking..."

< As the Magician Card appeared Rose spoke of his lingering doubts, the feelings that Simon had about his own ability to make a change when he had spent his entire life only taking care of himself. Still he was comforted by Rose's words that he was on the right path. When she spoke of a new relationship in his life, he immediately went on edge. Ava and himself hadn't done much in the way of connecting since The Purifiers attack, which seemed in bad taste. He wanted to try and be there for her..but in the weeks before the battle at St. Patrick's she had been going through something. Screaming in her sleep, her mind other places. Now she had experienced the death of 41 children and she nearly caused Sharon's death in the process because she had frozen when they needed her. To be honest, Simon wasn't very sure there was much he COULD say, and knowing how much The Six liked to talk about their problems ad naseum, he was certain that Ava at the very least might open up to Alison or Cameron. Simon wasn't that guy for her..not yet. He was going through his own issues and he knew that when the time was right..they would reconnect. And most likely not speak about anything that had transpired in the last month or so..and that was something that Simon was looking forward to. >

"Rose..really thank you for that. I don't really do..emotions. I'm not good at them. Thanks for listening to me. I'm not always going to do things perfectly, but I am going to do them in the way that only I can do..."

< He took a drink of his coffee. >

"As far as anything you need...for now I will reach out to my contacts. There is plenty of money and power in this town...and it's time for those able to loosen their purse strings and get the word out. Not to stroke my own ego, but my family is one of the most prominent families in the country. Every bit of my life has been documented, from grade school through college. The connections i've made just by being born into the family I was born to..are vast. So..in an effort to pay it forward..since you've heard me out..brought me peace..the next time you need ANYTHING..reach out and I'll see what I can do..it may not be much, but like you said..in this kind of climate, we need all the help we can get."

 

[Prophet]

The Parthenon Hotel - Top Floor

:: She didn't respond or acknowledge what she had just seen and for that Cameron was grateful. She had something else to say and Sharon wasn't one to get involved in other's people business unless it really concerned her. He was grateful to her for that. ::

Sharon: "I came because I wanted to see your for myself, and to tell you I'm relieved that you're alive."

[he smiled somewhat softly]

"It's good to see you too, Sharon. It's been too long really."

Sharon: "I've felt lost...and in the time that feeling was at it's worst? You reached out to me like no one else could. I've come and gone several times, and each time I come back, I'm reminded just how AWFUL it is to contemplate carrying on without my husband or my son in this world. But being back in the Cathedral, the palce where I married Robert...where Kyle was christened...and where I ultimately was unleashed upon the city in the current form I now have, it made me want to leave AGAIN...and this time, NEVER return. I was going to go back to Themyscira and avoid "man's world" forever. But Zachary, Alycia convinced me to stay. Zachary has convinced me I can help people in the city I used to serve as the Senator. There are children like my son out there..like Katie...who need protection. You and Cassandra were badly hurt by a Sister Mary Justice, a woman who was the sole survivor of MY attack on the cathedral. Rose lost 40 children. I can make sure that the NEXT "Mary" doesn't capture you and hurt you...I can better protect Katie and Rose's surviving children AS WELL as the others in the city who may need my help! But in order to do that, I must leave you and the Six. I cam to tell you that I'm leaving the Parthenon and going with Zachary to join Oracle's team."

:: He felt a pit in his stomach that was a mixture of sadness and relief from the distraction of what had just happened with Haleigh. Sharon had been through so much pain. She had lost everything she had ever worked for. And she was a HARD worker. Cameron could understand the sense of loss she had over her family because Cameron had gone through a similar experience. He never had family and the family he did have died in the most brutal of ways. Of course he had comfort of both his sister and mother being depraved people who dug their own graves, but it still gave him pause whenever he thought of both Erika and Kelly. How things could have been different, how he wished that above all else, he could undo the things that Diana had done to them and give them peace. With Erika, unbeknownst to the rest of the group, he believed he had succeeded in helping her find freedom from their bloodline..with his mother however, he was certain he would never get the opportunity to know the woman she was before she was manipulated and driven insane by The White Queen. ::

:: Cameron put his hand in Sharon's as he looked at her with an understanding that only the two of them shared. ::

"I..I don't know what to say Sharon...other than that I love you..and I'm going to miss you. For you to be standing as strong as you are today, after everything you've SURVIVED is a testament to your strength. Don't ever forget that. It's not because you were healed from the Amazons or experimented on by MysTech..the strength that you possess has always been there. It's what makes you who you are Sharon..and who you ARE..is one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure to know..in more ways than one..."

[he hugged her]

"When I came back to Melrose Place..everything was so different. The dynamics had changed and everything seemed so confusing and troublesome. But there you were. You were the only person who looked at me like I wasn't some kind of ghost or haunting reminder of what I had done. You really helped me lay down an anchor to this world...and I'll never forget it. Before you leave..if you HAVE to leave, I want you to make sure that what happened to you..was WRONG. It was horrible, and it wasn't your fault..and if there was ANY way that any of us could go back in time and fix things, to give you the life that you DESERVED to have..EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US WOULD. I know you struggle with finding your place, Sharon..and I know you need to figure out what your next step is..but you will always be a part of our family. You will ALWAYS be special to me..and you will ALWAYS have a place to go and a person to turn to should you need it. I mean, you can protect yourself in any number of ways that i'll never be capable of..but..remember that who you WERE is always going to be there. You won't EVER get the justice you probably deserve..and you won't EVER feel resolved about some of the things you've done..and that's fine Sharon..it's HUMAN..something that despite everything to the contrary..you still ARE. So when you need somebody to talk those things out, when you need to not be "The Silver Swan" and need a person you can be vulnerable with..somebody who can get you back to center..well, I want you to know that you can always come to me.."

:: They were still hugging as Cameron pulled away for a second with a sad smile on his face. ::

"You are headed in the right direction..and I think it's going to be good for you...and thank you. Thank you for coming to tell me in person. I know we haven't spent much time together since the days in Los Angeles, but I always knew that we had a friendship and understanding that didn't require a lot of work to keep together. We needed to move forward. And look at us..we DID. I do have a request of you, however..."

[thinking for a moment]

"Look after Vivica for me. After everything she's done for me..she is FINALLY finding a path of her own. I don't want what happened to her in Greece to happen to her again. She doesn't deserve it...if she needs somebody to stand up for her? Please..try and stand up for her..and remember..being a part of a team isn't easy. You've seen that countless times in The Six. DON'T let your team get to the point we did. Don't let them muck it up the way that we did. They all have this sense of optimism. This sense of purpose...I'd hate to see them lose that. I'd hate to see them make the mistakes we did when The Six was first founded..So, find your path..don't forget where you came from, Sharon..and..go knock 'em dead."

 

[Recall]

Outside Time & Space

:: The sounds of high heels clicking against the hardwood floors throughout the estate could be heard and before long the form of Morgan Victoria made herself known to Vivica. She wanted to get the hell out of here. She knew that Morgan was not on Earth at the moment but she also knew that the Sorceress most likely couldn't help herself but to watch what was going on with those around her. She assumed that Morgan wanted to weigh in on the conversation she had just had with Alison, to let Vivica know just how WRONG she is. This is what they ALWAYS did in the past. Simply suffering a confrontation with one of them was never enough. They had to join forces and really lay it on thick. It annoyed Vivica to no end. And Vivica was absolutely exhausted.

Morgan: "Hello, Vivica."

"Morgan..please..I'm just done.."

Morgan: "I'll be glad to send you home - OR any place ELSE you might like to go. I'd just like a little of your time, please. I chose this place to bring you here and for me to appear before you because it's neutral ground. Significant things happened to both of us in times past in this place."

:: She definitely looked different. She looked almost at peace. Vivica had not seen Morgan Victoria in a VERY long time and the woman she remembered was an absolute monster. A diva in every situation with the temper of a pissed off wildcat. Often times it was as if she could foam at the mouth at any moment. Now, it almost seemed like she was a different person altogether. Her energy was decidedly different. Vivica was about to stop the whole situation and NOT wait to hear what Morgan could possibly have to offer, but her different representation and her general..."serenity" had the mutant intrigued enough to hear her out. ::

I know you're not in the mood...ANGRY even, so I won't insult you by offering pleasantries, Instead I'll just cut to the chase.

I didn't bring you here to discuss Alison. I brought you here because I've observed the struggle you're having...and I want to help. I want to stand in the gap for Cameron, the way he has for me with Delilah. He and Haleigh both are operating in leadership of the Six out of necessity. My time to return is fast approaching, but before that happens, there are a few things I MUST attend to. I want to start with you.

You mean so much to Cameron , and your history with him brought you into the riptide of the Six...and you've been hurt...terribly.

No one deserves that.

Your history with the Six is long...and painful...and as I was the leader of the Six for most of that time...the responsibility of that falls on me.

I can view ANY time or place through my scrying glass , and I HAVE looked back and literally reviewed some of your moments with the Six, and I cringe. You were treated badly and...in most cases, I don't know why. You were often looked over, neglected and at the time, it never seemed to occurr to us, but ignorance is not an excuse.

:: Vivica felt her body almost become paralyzed. Morgan had NEVER approached her like this and when she mentioned that she was willing to stand in the gap FOR Cameron, the way he did for her with Delilah..well it was like living in some alternate universe. She hadn't realized how far Morgan and Cameron had come with each other. In this moment, she softened as her eyes began to become wet. There were no tears but it was clear Vivica was holding back a wave of emotion. ::

"I had no idea..."

:: She sniffled as Morgan continued. ::

Your history with the Six is long...and painful...and as I was the leader of the Six for most of that time...the responsibility of that falls on me.

I can view ANY time or place through my scrying glass , and I HAVE looked back and literally reviewed some of your moments with the Six, and I cringe. You were treated badly and...in most cases, I don't know why. You were often looked over, neglected and at the time, it never seemed to occurr to us, but ignorance is not an excuse.


You have a perfect memory, so I don't need to highlight anything in particular with you. But the worst thing a person can experience is KNOWING something and trying to get others to listen...to BELIEVE...or understand and finding a deaf ear and a closed heart. That has been your experience too often, and in THAT, you have more in common with Alison than anyone might have thought.

But again, this isn't about Alison. This is about you.

I'm this world's Sorceress Supreme...and yet, there are some things not even MY power can address. I'm living through that right now with my...

<< Morgan chokes a bit...gulping as she "swallows" down a swell of emotion>>

...my best friend since childhood, Delilah Trelevan.

But YOU are also among my casualties.

Vivica...

I KNOW it's WAY LATE for this...but I'm SORRY for my failures regarding you, for the SIX'S failures regarding you. We should have pulled you in when Cameron was thought dead and made sure you were okay...SAFE. We didn't do that.

I don't know WHY it happened the way it did...but it did....and just like Sharon and Alycia, you WERE apart of our extended family...but you never did receive the proper treatment like they did.

You may not hear this from the others...but as the leader of the Six...I hope you'll hear it from me...and accept my SINCERE apology.

[voice shaking and breaking as she clutched her chest. The tears fell now and it was a LOT of them]

"Morg--an..Thaa--nnkk...Youuu---"

:: She was crying so heavily that she could barely speak. THIS was all she had wanted. She just wanted ANY of them to acknowledge the fact that while she not a part of the team she was a part of their LIVES..and THAT counted for something. She didn't need a medal or an award..she just couldn't stand to be MARGINALIZED anymore...especially not after she had fought alongside them to help save Cameron and Cassandra's life..to help save the life of Sally Spectra. She just wanted to be THOUGHT of as a woman and as somebody who had value to them. ::

"I'm sorry...I'm--this is just--lord JESUS this girl's been through a lot lately..."

[she's laughs a little bit as she begins to wipe away her tears and compose herself]

<< She holds out a well manicured hand in a sincere gesture>>

I COULD cast a spell on you to ERASE the memories of your trauma in greece, so that you DIDN'T have to have them in your mind forever...but I won't offer that to you. It's not what you need. I only said that to underscore MY sincere wish to take away at least SOME of the pain you've suffered. If there's anything you need or want...just tell me. Even if you tell me to **** off, at least you'll have heard my words now, which were from the heart.

I regret what happened to you and I'm GLAD that you are alive and whole, and from what I've observed...better than ever! My SISTER has not been THIS happy in a long time, and I have you in large part to thank for that! Cameron will NEVER be able to articulate who you are to him. But he wouldn't know this world without you, Vivica.

He wouldn't be here now if you hadn't been there for him THEN. I know what Alison said to you, but there IS one thing she stated, that I'd like to highlight. Those of us in the Six...were called by destiny. We HAD to be apart of this because of things our parents/siblings or someone connected to us did. BUT, each of us had...NEEDED individuals to help us get where we needed to be -in some cases, SURVIVE long enough to realize our true destiny!. You were that person for Cameron. Your supporting role was VITAL. Every story and saga has it's tie -in. YOU are one of our most important tie-in's Vivica, and you always will be.

Now...you've got your own spin-off going and it's well deserved, but you will always be APART of the Six's story no matter what and without you, our book may have closed far sooner than it was meant to."

:: Once Vivica had better control of herself she began to speak softly, her voice still dripping with emotion. ::

"Well [sniffling] God DAMN, Morgan..you need to warn a girl before she's about to have an upheavel like THIS.."

:: She grabbed Morgan's hand. ::

"I don't need a spell, Morgan...but thank you. THIS is what I needed. It may have sounded superficial..or whiny..but..oh and I swear to GOD i'll kill you if you ever repeat this...I just wanted you guys to LIKE ME..and RESPECT ME...when my mama died, Cameron was all I had..and then he found you guys..he found his sisters and his families..and I thought maybe I could be apart of it too..maybe you guys could be my family TOO...It's STUPID I know..but I felt like there were all these important people around him now...all these people who seemed to matter so much..and I hated it..I HATED IT. I wanted so desperately to prove I was just as..I don't know..COOL as you guys..just as capable..and when I couldn't..I mean..it just hurt for so long..I felt like I lost him to you all..and that ya'll weren't looking for people like me...I know it wasn't like that..I KNOW why things went down the way they did..but through it all..I tried to be supportive of him..tried to support you guys in ways that I COULD..and then BAM...bullet to the neck and suddenly even the people who barely regarded my existence weren't around. Nobody was...and I don't think it's something that...until now....[pausing] despite what I say...that I have MOVED ON from..."

:: Vivica cried for a few seconds, still holding Morgan's hand. This was a DEFINING moment for her. Her reaction was rooted in just how deeply her life with The Six had affected her, just how BAD about herself she felt for so long..even for how successful she had been in Europe, it didn't feel like it meant anything. She still felt like this little sidenote in history..so to hear somebody who used to be so absolutely vicious and careless with her words and actions, now poised and ready to ADMIT to her that there had been mistakes..ones that didn't require her to list stipulations or excuses...well it meant EVERYTHING to Vivica. ::

"Thank You..Thank You Morgan..."

:: She was finally steadying herself as she looked at the woman's icy violet eyes. ::

[wiping her face]

"Now...before you return me home so that I can cry the rest of this out in the privacy of my own home in the shower like a LADY..is there..anything I can do? Anything you would like to know...about..what's going on...."there?"

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Ashley was in the shower after being on “stake-out” duty. And Oracle was using that time to check in on her new houseguest. Normally Zizi would never invade another’s privacy in such a way, but after what had occurred this evening? She needed to make sure Dominique was alright – and she wasn’t sure stopping in at this hour would garner her any brownie points with the former black queen of the Hellfire Club.

So, now that it was her eyes only, she pulled up the security camera from Dominique suite in the floors below. Richard was sleeping, bless. Nicolas King was with Isis in the living area. Zizi was happy for that – Dominique needed her family around her at a time like this.

Why are you determined to continue to place yourself in harm's way with this...new group? It is one thing for you to help when it gets bad, but I am concerned about you doing this day in and day out.

“Pfft.”

Zizi audibly scoffed.

“’This new group’.”

She made air quotes.

It was becoming clear to her why Dominique hadn’t joined the Six outright. And Zizi could understand it one hundred percent – being treated as less than you are is not pleasant for anyone. And she could imagine that Dominique Devereaux enjoyed it even less.

Young man! I did not invite you here for you to speak to me like that! I'm STILL you aunt!

Zizi laughed out loud.

“You GO Ms. Devereaux.”

Dominique talked to her nephew, about what she wanted for her life. And she mentioned that young Richard had been homeless. That poor boy. Zizi made a mental note to bake him some cookies.

Something's coming, Nicolas.

Diana is RESTLESS. I sensed it even before I left. My departure was a source of displeasure for her, but it ALSO signaled OPPORTUINTY as well and we both know she is not one to pass that up. I KNOW her backstory of Mystech and it's monstrous. If ever a vast, terrible power like that should rear its head again...The Six will NEED the help of others who are just as capable as they are. I will be a part of that and I have chosen to make sure I am, in MY OWN WAY. Joining Oracle's team was a much more appealing alternative than becoming a...."SIX RESERVIST."

Ashley: “I guess that means there’s no chance she’s going to back out.”

Zizi quickly cut the feed as she turned around to see Valkyrie coming out of her room in her robe, hair wet.

“I was just checking in on our new guest.”

Ashley: “YOUR new guest.”

Valkyrie held up a hand.

Ashley: “Don’t worry, I don’t care if you like you watch. In fact, next time Bishop’s over you should DEFINITELY check it out.”

She paused thoughtfully, before adding:

Ashley: “Think you could print me out a blow up of his ass in an 8 by 10?”

Ashley grinned, and Zizi blushed and shook her head.

“I so love our little talks.”

Ashley: “You bet you do.”

She grabbed an apple out of a bowl on the table and bit into it.

Ashley: “So, sounds like everything’s not fairy dust and sunshine chez Isis.”

Zizi’s brows knit together in thought.

“No. And I have to agree with her. There’s more to this Purifier thing than a bunch of wackos. They had too much tech – and that nimrod! And I also don’t believe Malice would just let Isis go if she wasn’t planning something.”

Ashley: “So what’s next.”

“We see if Malice has made any new friends lately. And…we watch.”

 

[Rose]

Rose's home

"Rose..really thank you for that. I don't really do..emotions. I'm not good at them. Thanks for listening to me. I'm not always going to do things perfectly, but I am going to do them in the way that only I can do..."

< He took a drink of his coffee. >

"As far as anything you need...for now I will reach out to my contacts. There is plenty of money and power in this town...and it's time for those able to loosen their purse strings and get the word out. Not to stroke my own ego, but my family is one of the most prominent families in the country. Every bit of my life has been documented, from grade school through college. The connections i've made just by being born into the family I was born to..are vast. So..in an effort to pay it forward..since you've heard me out..brought me peace..the next time you need ANYTHING..reach out and I'll see what I can do..it may not be much, but like you said..in this kind of climate, we need all the help we can get."

<< Rose looked at Simon and smiled. He had a good heart, a good SOUL and there was more than a little hope for him. Growth was never easy, but he was willing to ADJUST to that growth.>>

<< He wasn't so foolish or arrogant now that he couldn't listen to guidance from an unlikely source.>>

<< Also, he confirmed that the DEVIL card that appeared before her for her OWN reading earlier had been accurate. She knew that the fallout from the Purifiers' bus attack would be far reaching and would come in waves. She now had a key contact who was willing to help her in any number of ways. She knew she was going to make a FATEFUL CHOICE soon, and it would be at that time that she would need help from the "unlikely places" that the devil card pointed to. Simon Pratt was that person.>>

<< His visit this evening was as much confirmation for HER as it was for him!>>

I'm glad you stopped by, Simon. This has been an enjoyable visit and I'm glad that I could be of some help to you.

<< Sable, who was on Rose's lap, lifted her head and made a soft vocalization, as if to agree with her mommy>>

We must keep the lines of communication between us open. Forming strong channels and networks with others like us who share the same concerns is an important step in providing a safe haven for those who are in need.

<< She stands up as Sable jumps down and trots away to another part of the house.>>

I'm going to check on my children once more, before locking up for the evening.

You're welcomed here anytime, and I thank you for your open offer of assistance.

<< She walks him to the doors and he gets one last look at her, and her flowing hair, again, a manifestation of the immense soul/psycho power she commands>>

Till next time, Simon. Be safe, be well.

 

[Silver Swan]

Parthenon- Cameron's apartment

[ Sharon closed her eyes as she embraced Cameron and a few tears fell. Cameron's words and sincerity rang very true. Cameron, despite his faults and his infamous reputation from the past, operated from a place of PASSION and that passion had been the VITAL buffer for Sharon at a time when she was so cold, so lost. Their time together was brief...torrent at times...but it was a REVIVAL in some ways, and Sharon would always remember Cameron for that. They hugged each other for more than a few moments. Their's WAS a rare kind of friendship.]

I'll miss you too, dear Cameron.


[ Just like before, he seemed to know JUST what to say to cut through to the heart of things. It didn't matter that she was now a mutate, The Silver Swan. She was STILL HUMAN at her heart and soul in moments where it really counted, people like Alycia, Cameron, Delilah and Zachary had recently reminded her of that and it was a much needed beacon for her. ]


[Cameron's words were like balm to her uncertain soul. A reminder that though she faced a world of uncertainty, she would no doubt do so with courage and eyes open, as she always had in her past life and her present one. AND that she wasn't really leaving Cameron or the Six, just taking a path different from theirs toward the same goal. They wouldn't lose sight or touch with each other. Cameron and anyone of the Six who decided to return to NYC would be in the same metropolitan area as Sharon AND the two teams would no doubt communicate and work together in the future And no matter what, there'd always been personal paths between Sharon and various members of the Six. ]

[ Eventually they let go of each other]

"You are headed in the right direction..and I think it's going to be good for you...and thank you. Thank you for coming to tell me in person. I know we haven't spent much time together since the days in Los Angeles, but I always knew that we had a friendship and understanding that didn't require a lot of work to keep together. We needed to move forward. And look at us..we DID. I do have a request of you, however..."

[thinking for a moment]

"Look after Vivica for me. After everything she's done for me..she is FINALLY finding a path of her own. I don't want what happened to her in Greece to happen to her again. She doesn't deserve it...if she needs somebody to stand up for her? Please..try and stand up for her..and remember..being a part of a team isn't easy. You've seen that countless times in The Six. DON'T let your team get to the point we did. Don't let them muck it up the way that we did. They all have this sense of optimism. This sense of purpose...I'd hate to see them lose that. I'd hate to see them make the mistakes we did when The Six was first founded..So, find your path..don't forget where you came from, Sharon..and..go knock 'em dead."

Moments like this, they DO remind me that no matter what form I wear today...there are still those parts...those FEELINGS that not even MYSTECH could change. I AM human at my core. I'll never forget you, my friends in the Six...all that you've done for me and the journey we have made together. I am going a different way now...but we will still be able to find each other. That is what makes this a bit easier to do.

I will watch out for Vivica. I promise you that. I look forward to working with her, and if I have to knock her and Alycia's heads together from time to time...I WILL!

[ A bit of humour regarding Alycia and Vivica's recent catfighting]


AND...

[Perhaps the closest she'd come to referencing what she saw when she arrived in Cameron's apartment a little bit ago AND other things in general]

...should you get TOO carried away...the birds will tell me, and I will have to come CHECK on you.

[ Sharon smiles a bit and WINKS at Cameron.]

 

[Spellbinder]

Pacific Pallisades

<< Morgan looked on, with sympathy, as Vivica finally seemed to open up and let go. She had a moment like this herself, with Ororo in the garden oasis of Limbo, during her self imposed exile after the Inferno.>>

Oh Vivica...

<< Morgan said gently>>

There's no shame in how you felt, but We weren't cool. Most of us were suffering from severe mental health crisis, that includes Cameron. If it hadn't been for Ororo and my mother, I don't know how we would have made it through those first few capers and those early years.
We werent very kind to each other, and that certainly was a factor in why you were treated so badly.


I would say "I can't change the past"...but that's not really true, considering my power to move forward OR backward in time/space, BUT what I will say is that I won't be able to make up for lost time. None of us will. But, as Nicolas said ,we can certainly do better going forward.


I'm RELIEVED that you're alive and have a second chance at life and you can rest assured that you will never be abandonned again like you were in Greece. I know Cameron has told you that, now I add my voice to his.


And don't worry, this moment is just between us, away from ALL prying eyes AND minds.

<< Morgan waves her hand, eldritch chimes sound off as a refreshing breeze flows over Vivica's face and all tears are wiped away and her face is refreshed>>


No need to thank me. You've needed to heal from these hurts for a long time. You needed to see that someone does care and values you. In time, you'll see that the others do too.

"Now...before you return me home so that I can cry the rest of this out in the privacy of my own home in the shower like a LADY..is there..anything I can do? Anything you would like to know...about..what's going on...."there?"

<< the wind and waves outside played their natural symphony as Morgan paused for a moment, looking out at the sea. There WERE many things Morgan could ask Vivica, but the one thing she needed to hear was...>>

My sister, Blaze.

I've agonized over her ordeal since I've left. Please tell me, how is she doing NOW?

 

[Recall]

Outside of Time and Space...

Morgan: "My sister, Blaze. I've agonized over her ordeal since I've left. Please tell me, how is she doing NOW"

:: Vivica felt a mixture of embarrassment and absolute hilarity. ::

"Well she's certainly doing ME now, isn't she?"

:: She laughed to herself and for a moment out loud. Vivica just couldn't help it. ::

"You know..from what they've told me, you haven't been gone all that long..but things have sure seemed to SHIFT. Blaze was in a really bad place. When you left, she told me how alone she felt and how worried she was that this team would end up like the one in the timeline she came from. The stuff with Delilah really hit home.."


:: Vivica smiled. ::

"Once Nicky and Cam rescued her from making a TERRIBLE decision, they organized one hell of a "debutante ball" in her honor. I think people realized was that she just wanted to feel like she belonged here..and after a weekend of incredible drunkeness, a lot of dancing, some heart touching speeches and some tasty ass french fries...bam. She finally got what she wanted. I mean Karen must have told you that she adopted her as her own daughter. It was a really beautiful ceremony...definitely something WORTH looking back on and viewing..."

:: She scuffed her feet for a second and crossed her arm, grabbing her other arm at the elbow as she remained pensive for a moment. ::

"But you know your sister. She is one tough cookie. She's doing well. In the days leading up to The Purifiers attacks..I have never seen her happier. She's got a new brand, she's got her club back..she's doing a BURLESQUE review in Paris for Cameron. I mean..things really seem to be looking up for her. She misses you like crazy..but she understands what you need.."

"Well, here goes nothing.."

"She's actually also been a big help in helping me acclimate with being around certain members of The Six again. She's sweet and she's feisty and...she makes delicious pancakes in the morning. If you know what I mean."

:: She flashed a genuine smile for a moment before laughing. ::

"I just had to see your face, Victoria!"

:: laughing. ::

"I'm just getting to know Blaze in a different way is all..but that's lucky for you..she may be fun and carefree, but she's honest..at least with me. She would let me know if she was doubting herself or if she needed help. Blaze is good that way. Obnoxious and outlandish yes...but good. I'll try and lookout for her for you..not that the girl needs it. I can barely keep up with her. Which is...nice to have around.."

[softening for a second]

"Blaze is fine..but are you sure there's nothing else you want to know? I mean...not for nothing, but there is a LOT of stuff going down "out there" [gesturing to some made up location of where Earth might be at this moment]. New faces..new threats. The tides are changing..and I don't know how much better off The Six will be because of it...I know it must be peaceful where you are..but..if I were you...I would see how fast I could get myself back. Don't rush..but understand that the team you are coming back to..is VERY different from the team you left..you don't want to miss out on TOO much or you might not be able to connect with them again in the same way..trust me..THAT lesson I learned the hard way.."

 

[Orion]

Alycia:Remember the night Malice and Blackout attacked Illustra and Karen evacuated us and the pets? I said, "A life without adventure is not a life worth living."

Zach smiled as he opened the door for them.

"I remember. It was the first time I'd ever been pulled directly into Six
business. That night was crazy.... and scary..... and exciting. I don't think 'normal' people would understand us."

He replied with a chuckle. She continued with matched mirth.

Alycia: And now, here we are, several years later, about to embark on a new adventure together. At least it's not starting with a monster towering over us or a building falling down around our ears!

"And MY GODS, what a relief that is."

They entered Lotus. Their alliance with the Six granted them several benefits, and this was one of them. If they walked into a business owned by one of the Six, they got the star treatment. The best table, the best service, the personal attention of managment, and no request was denied. Zach pulled out a chair for Alycia before seating himself. She thanked him for taking over her work and looking out for Rose.

"I'm just glad I could help out. Rose needs a support net to continue helping those kids. We've got our work cut out for us now, but I'm working on that."

Alycia: But I'm worried about the state of the Six. Morgan's gone...Alison is MERCURIAL at best, and then there's DELILAH - the more time that passes, the wider the rift grows between her and the rest of us. But what can we DO!?

Zach frowned and shook his head softly, as the waiter delivered the Sake and poured them each a cup.

"Not much, I'm afraid. They have to work out their differences on their terms. It's hard to watch but other than listening, empathizing and being supportive, there's nothing we can do."

Alycia: and on a more PERSONAL level...there's Haleigh and Cameron.

"Yes, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I-- I don't even know where to start with the two of them.... but you're a smart woman, I imagine you knew what you were getting into when you started dating Cameron. I just wanted to warn you.... It's going to get worse before it gets better. They are LOCKED in orbit of each other. Neither can escape, and I don't think either WANTS to. If she starts to move on, he REELS her back in, and she won't allow him to forget her either. I wish they'd just get it over with and sleep together already so we didn't have it hanging over our heads all the time. Until then they'll be mired in the quicksand of their 'friendship'."

Alycia: There's ALOT going on right now Zach. The news that Sharon and I are joining Oracle's team might not be the most pleasing to their ears...and the current issues hanging over the Six played a factor in why the Purifiers were able to menace them so much.

They paused their conversation to order some food, light fare because of the hour, some appetizers and sushi. Once the waiter walked away, Zach leaned back in his chair with a smile.

"Just because we'll be doing our own work doesn't mean we're going to hang them out to dry. They may feel a sense of loss if we 'separate' to form our own group, but if the purifiers taught us ANYTHING, it's that we can work TOGETHER as separate groups. We can work different angles with our group and just because we are no longer 'Six Reservists' doesn't mean we aren't still here to support their efforts."

 

[Black Widow]

Karen mentioned that they couldn't afford an ambush by Malice, and that a confrontation was a bad idea. Haleigh couldn't agree more. They couldn't just go off half-cocked because of bad dreams, but if Malice was playing games, something HAD to be done.

She DID remember the faceoff against Malice and Blackout, and how hard that direct confrontation had been. With Morgan on leave and Delilah fractured from the team, they were in a bad position. They had the benefit of the truce, but that would only get them SO FAR. The second Malice decided the truce was more trouble than it was worth, it would be thrown out.

Karen: It looks and sounds like there's a STORY she's allowing you to "read"...and any story that DIANA can tell will likely NOT have a happy ending...

The implication made Haleigh a bit nauseous. She clung to the idea that this was some kind of game, that Malice was planting ideas to fucck with her. Why ELSE would this 'story' be 'revealed'?

Karen: I have a suggestion for you. Contact Dominique Deveraux. If you like, I could contact her for you, but I think you should talk to her. She has a level of "insider knowledge" and awareness of Malice's latest activities.

Haleigh nodded. Isis would be able to tell her a great deal about Diana's interests and recent activity, and Dominique no longer had any loyalty to the Sisterhood. Even more fortunate for Haleigh, she'd recently lended her hand to Isis on more than one occassion.

"I'm not gonna wake her up in the middle of the night.... I'll see if I can meet her for lunch or something. She wants to keep a low profile for right now, and I don't blame her if she turns me down, but I'm sure we can work something out."

Karen admonished Haleigh not to react reflexively, and Haleigh sighed. She had that reputation for a reason. She couldn't even promise Karen that she WOULDN'T do something rash. With the right trigger, Haleigh knew she just might do something 'maladaptive'.

Karen had MORE advice that Haleigh didn't like. She wanted to bring in Alison. It wasn't that Haleigh didn't trust Alison, because she DID.... but that didn't mean she wanted to have a fuccking slumber party where they all hung out together and talked about HER PROBLEMS. Still, Karen was right. Knowing was better than all this guesswork, and confirming or debunking a theory would simplify the situation.

"Karen..... I don't even like talking to YOU about this.... but.... as long as Alison knows that discretion is of the utmost importance... I guess bringing her in would clear up some of the fog. If I've got a kid out there... I don't even know what I'm going to do about it, if anything. If there's some other explanation, we'll deal with that.... but I don't want to just start airing dirty laundry, okay?"

 

[Seer]

And so

<< In life, few things are certain...except death, and CHANGE. If one is not dead, but not moving ahead or willing to adapt , the danger of being BURNED and CONSUMED by the fire of change is quite strong.>>


<< Don't look away and don't become complacent. You'll miss something important, and likely be BURNED by the inevitable movement of CHANGE.>>

<< The fire of the Purifiers hatred burned away all sense of complacency and required change. The revelation of Oracle and her emerging team was one immediate manifestation of that change, it's impact on the Six still being processed and understood.>>

<< The discovery of new faces and the viewing of familiar faces in an entirely NEW light was another .>>

<< For The Six and their allies, new paths began to open while other long establish paths become uncertain as secrets and mystery begin to stir and Restless hearts beat and twist paths that should be diverging, keeping them forever locked and linked>>

<< The Hellfire Club also experienced change, as the Inner Circle and Sisterhood witnessed the end of an era with the departure of Dominique Deveraux. However, if anyone understands the necessity of moving and adapting with change, it is Malice. We can be sure that the Hellfire Club's changes will be felt by ALL. Malice, and her new assembled cast, wouldn't have it any other way!>>

<< From beginning of this story, to the ripples it caused even across the pond, we saw signs of movement, remnants of an entity long thought buried, now moving slowly but surely, in a pattern that is only now just beginning to take shape and loom large across the horizon of all the people we've seen in this story...even the ones who THINK they are moving on...or away from the Six!>>

<< The pieces of Harbinger's crystaline chest board begin to move and shift, making room for NEW figures to join this cosmic game. We see established figures move from one side of the board to the other; Others shift forward, some backward and others still to the side! ALL signs of movement...CHANGE and something yet to come! As Shadow Weaver said...we know the pieces, but not the pattern. To learn and understrand, we must continue to WATCH.>>