The sum of all fears PART 1

[Seer]

arrival!

<< In the elevator, the battle worn Siren, Fusion and Johnny were finally out of the aqua ring completely but not without much test and trial. the effect Barbas was having on Claudia was taking its toll. Whatever power she had or THOUGHT she had was being tested. THis place was BEYOND her ability to control and her bravado would only last for so long. Could she protect Clara much longer and what if Johnny was lost? what then? She still know where she was either, or how big this place was.>>

<< The Zaccharas and Johnny traveled only ONE floor before the elevator slammed to a halt and opened up to a dark earthen corridor with torches lining the walls. there was choice but to go forward and with it so DARK save for the torches, they would have to watch their step. there was telling how long the passage was, or what lay in wait.>>

<< it would lead to the large, roman colesseum styled arena....filled with sand, bones of creatures and humans long since dead and a very "ancient" feel to it.>>

meanwhile

<< Harbinger and Black Widow, feeling the effects of Barbas' subtle manipulations were not relating quite well but Morningstar urged and pulled them on. after a few battles with more CRIMSON HEADS, the super powered trio finds a passage way that Harbinger IMMEDIATELY recognizes from when She, Spellbinder and Persephone traveled together through this place. They would descend down further to a boiler room like expanse. THIS time though, with MorningStar's light, they were not surprised by any hoards of zombies or the like. MS's laser cuts through the thick steel door that Morgan had forced open with her super strength and on the otherside, Harbinger alerted them to wait for a TRAP DOOR. once it opened, the women, cushioned by Alison's TK, traveled down a twisting and turning, pitch black chute before tumbling out into the ARENA, arriving just before the Zaccharas.>>

<< they would have precious few moments to acclimate before realizing that not only were they here, but CAMERON was there too...crucified and hanging over the mouth to oblivion to itself.>>

soon

<< Silver Swan, Arsenal a newly focused Shadow Weaver were making their way through the dungeon dispatching creatures...adamantium and super strength, dark magick and high powered weaponry made for a nice tripple threat.>>

<< Silver Swan informed them that they were only a floor away from the arena and that she knew a way there, due to her having wandered around the mansion by herself the LAST time searching for her son.>>

<< They revist the lab where Malice murdered James Marcus and where Marcus/Leech Queen returned before being dispatched by Rampage. An express shaft to the observation booth to the arena was their ticket down there and so, as Shadow Weaver fended off a few leeches with more than a little disgust in her facial expression they lowered down to the arena.>>

<< Sharon warned them that this place was where the most cruel of "observations" and "experiments" on test subjects took place and that Kyle was finally set free here.>>


<< as they arrive in the dark, "Ancient" style colosseum filled with sand, along with amphitheatre seating and the observation deck high above in the stone walls, Silver Swan is the first to detect familiar faces! Harbinger, Black Widow and MorningStar!>>

Finally

<< Spellbinder, remembering that she'd been here before with Harbinger and Persephone and REFUSING to be a slave to Barbas' hold over this "Space", arrives to the Arena with her group via STEPPING DISC! >>

<< it was a sudden, but WELCOMED reunion...that would soon be darkened by the sight of the Zaccharas.>>

<< The Six would see them and due to the nature of things, and Barbas' subtle manipulations, would SQUARE OFF against them. a bad development for the Zaccharas...9 against three!>>

 

[Spellbinder]

the arena!

<< Spellbinder arrives with Firebird and Rampage in tow via stepping disc.>>

Barbas isn't going to keep ME from going where I want to go! I circumvent time and space!

<< she said with a haughty tone. She immediately recognized the immense arena. memories of her, Harbinger and Persephone's struggle with Kyle immediately came back to her mind as she looked this way and that before seeing her...>>

MOTHER!

<< She and Karen FINALLY laid eyes on each other. The mother and daughter quickly hugged one another. Indeed all of them now knew each other was alive. it was a great moment indeed in this house of horrors They all looked a bit tired and worn from their ordeals throughout the mansion but at least NOW they were together. in the arena with its ghostly dark expanse, and the whispering breeze and howls of ghosts long dead and still tormented in the air around them>>

But now that we're here....what now?

Harbinger: We have to find Cameron...RESCUE him!

<< at that moment, they ALL see the Zaccharas arriving through the same doorway that Kyle had come rampaging through. how FITTING that the ENEMY show up through THAT entrance!>>

<< Morgan points.>>

They're here too....let's KILL them and be done with it!

<< Firebird, Silver Swan, Black Widow and even Shadow Weaver agreed and were ready to strike out them!>>

 

[Siren]

After a draining battle against zombies, mutated sharks, venomous frogs, and giant leeches, Claudia was ready for a vicodin and a very dry martini. But instead, she, Clara, and Johnny had to venture into a rickety old elevator and pray to God it didn't send them plummeting to their deaths. Standing in the elevator with her back resting against the dirty, rusted walls, the ride was--for the most part--pretty smooth.

Barbas: Claauuudia.

Inhaling sharply, this man was getting on her last fucking nerve. With her arms crossed defiantely against her chest, she refused to let Barbas get under her skin.

Barbas: Come on Claudy. Don't be such a party pooper.

Rolling her eyes, Claudia felt the elevator begin to slow to a hault.

Barbas: ....but then again...the party's just starting!

The doors opened, revealing a massive arena that looked like something from ancient Rome. The floor was covered in sand, and the walls were adorned with flickering torches. Stepping out of the elevator, Claudia could only imagine what they were going to run into in this place. Razor-toothed sand worms? Giant desert spiders? Mutated snakes? But as she, Clara, and Johnny cleared the elevator, across the vast space of the arena, Claudia spotted something much worse than any of those things. Morgan Victoria and her brigade of dipshits....dressed like they belonged in some lame comic book magazine.

[deadpan] "Oh goody. It's the X-Men rejects."

It was obvious to the six that the Zacchara's had been through quite the battle themselves. All three were soaked [but still looking Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue fabulous ] to the bone and sporting cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. Morgan pointed at them, exclaiming they should be killed. Claudia was just fed up at this point.

"You SERIOUSLY want to fight us NOW? HERE?! [scoffing] FINE! FUCKING BRING IT ON YOU CANCEROUS BITCH! I'll CRUCIFY YOU AND HANG YOU RIGHT NEXT TO HIM!"

Gesturing over to Cameron, Claudia didn't realize that he was a member of their TEAM, and one of the main reasons why they were there. Claudia was just LIVID at this point, period. She was done with EVERYTHING, and if Morgan and Co. wanted to fight, Claudia would FIGHT.

 

[MorningStar]

As they were guided by Alison down the black chute, MorningStar suddenly experienced painful déjà vu. This is where it had all happened. This was where…Bishop…had happened. It felt like so long ago, but it really hadn’t been very long at all. Her feelings about that time were difficult and conflicting. She looked to the spot where he had been hiding…in order to kill…Sharon! She was there. Delilah pointed.

“It’s Sharon – and the others! Oh thank god.”

They regrouped, little time for a reunion, especially with the arrival of the Zaccharas.

They're here too....let's KILL them and be done with it!

The others began to agree, but Delilah held up a hand.

“Hold on, just a sec. Why don’t we focus on a) finding Cameron and b) getting the hell out of here alive before we start killing Bitchy McBitcherson and her sister? On any other day, I’d say, have at it – but they are three more pairs of hands against Barbas.”

"You SERIOUSLY want to fight us NOW? HERE?! [scoffing] FINE! FUCKING BRING IT ON YOU CANCEROUS BITCH! I'll CRUCIFY YOU AND HANG YOU RIGHT NEXT TO HIM!"

God, was this girl related to Haleigh, or what?

She grumbled, "Fine, kill them, see if I try to help anybody who doesn't know how to keep their mouth shu-"

Her sentence trailed off to nothingness as Claudia's words processed and sunk in. She turned slowly, and saw Cameron, poor Cameron, hanging there...

Her hand flew to her mouth.

"Oh god."

 

[Rampage]

Morgan healed Nicolas with a pwerful spell, his strength completely returned to match his resolve. He arose and barely had time to thank her when they were moved via disk...

<< Spellbinder arrives with Firebird and Rampage in tow via stepping disc.>>

Barbas isn't going to keep ME from going where I want to go! I circumvent time and space!

Nicolas landed lightly on his feet and immediately he felt it. The strength of another telepathic mind. He knew who it was, and as the ladies seemed determined to war with one another he was finally drawn to the sight, just as Delilah said what he felt as Cameron's anguish washed over him.

"Oh god."

Nicolas was there in a flash, teleporting even as he stepped forward...hovering over the gaping hole, using his TK to steady himself in the air as he worked to release Cameron from his crucifix prison, taking care not to hurt him. He spoke softly as he did so.

Cameron? It's Nic. I've got you man...I'm sorry I couldn't get to you before but I saw you...a small glimpse, but just couldn't...hang on man.

 

[Black Widow]

Delilah was forced into the role of mediator and lucky for them all, she was rather good at it. She reminded them BOTH who the enemy really was and reminded Haleigh of the number one rule of the night: Fuck Barbas, and not in the good way, of course. They destroy any remaining resistance and Alison leads the way once she recognizes where she is. They end up in a large, sand filled arena.

Haleigh doesn't have the time to scan the coliseum for threats…. Because they are promptly joined by Sharon, Mike, Karen and then Morgan, Blaze and Nicolas. It's a happy reunion, if short-lived. They are not accosted by crimson heads, or genetically altered beasts, but something far more grotesque… Claudia, Clara, and their little boyfriend too. Morgan suggests it's time to be rid of them once and for all. Delilah tries for reason but with the bloodbath of a night they'd been having…. Morgan got more supporters than detractors. Even Haleigh was thinking it was a good idea. After all… Claudia'd been nothing but a hassle… she HAD threatened them… and her sister's powers…. They were at such range now that Haleigh wasn't yet feeling the effects of Clara's presence.

And then Claudia spoke, and challenged them. Boy… she really couldn't admit defeat, could she? Even when the odds where so OBVIOUSLY one sided. Claudia threatened to crucify them all and hang them next to someone, and she gestured in his direction. Haleigh followed her gesture, and the revelation was a kick in the teeth. She vaguely heard Delilah say something about god. Claudia was completely forgotten. Instinct took over, and she rushed over to Cameron, creating a raised metal platform over the hole he was hanging above. She was at his side in a heartbeat, touching his chest gently, pushing his hair back out of his face, checking his vitals and trying to stabilize him. He was in bad shape, and hardly conscious. She called to him, but her voice sounded oddly small and shaken.

"Cameron… Cameron? [Nicolas was working to get him down] Be CAREFUL! [over her shoulder at the rest of the group] He needs HEALING! [back to Cameron] You're safe now, Cam, we've got you."

She helped Nicolas lower Cameron down to the metal platform and then brought him back down to the sands of the arena, safely away from the hole to oblivion.

 

[Fusion]

Clara got the elevator to spring to life, and immediately wished she hadn't. Certified ZOMBIES rushed forth, like straight out of a scary movie and Clara gasped in surprise as they were overtaken. She blasted a hole in the zombie coming for her, laying waste with pure cosmic might. She was TIRED of playing nice.

Johnny got distracted with another zombie, backing sharply into a nearby Fire Emergency station, breaking the glass accidently with his elbow. It turned out to be a good thing, for right next to the Fire Extinguisher was a large axe, which Johnny promptly planted into the aforementioned zombie's forehead.

Claudia and Clara were regrouping at the elevator and Johnny joined them. After cautiously checking for more threats, they all braved the dilapidated elevator in favor of getting the hell OUT of there. Any where was better, right? Johnny asked Clara if she was alright. She could only give a weary, slightly shell-shocked nod. The elevator refused to go any higher and opened to a torch lined hall. Claudia was the first to exit. Clara wasn't so gung ho…. She had a BAD feeling about this level, worse than before, but she didn't want to say it aloud for concern of sounding fearful. She took Johnny's hand and they left the elevator after Claudia, watching their step all the while.

The soon came to a large, roman style coliseum with a sand filled arena. It wasn't lost on Clara that they were standing in a replica of the grandure of their ancestry. And wouldn't you know, the reproduced Gladiator's arena had its own set of deranged, mutated creatures…. The Six and their allies.

Claudia: "Oh goody. It's the X-men rejects."

Morgan: "They're here too….let's KILL them and be done with it!"

[sighing] "Yes…. This night just keeps getting better and better."

Really, nothing could surprise her anymore. Claudia didn't much like the judge, jury, and executioner style of justice that Morgan and her lot seemed to live by, and Clara could only stand by as her sister threw caution to the wind.

Barbas/Anthony: Hmm…. How do you explain to the stupid slut that NINE against THREE means death certificates for the last of the Zacchara bloodline? I TOLD you she'd get you killed.

"Shut UP, Daddy. [to Claudia] Claudia, perhaps that's not the best plan of action, I mean of all the fights to pick, this--"

But she stopped. Claudia's words seemed to deliver a thunderstrike to the opposition. Some of them were stunned, some of them frantic. Most of them seemed to disregard the Zaccharas altogether. Clara moved a bit closer to her sister so she could talk quietly as she watched the team rescue and revive him.

[her voice low] "I guess they knew him."

 

[Spellbinder]

in the arena

<< Spellbinder was set to give the word for them ALL to take down the Zaccharas when MORNINGSTAR interrupted....>>

Delilah...now is not the TIME for hesitation...we...

<< but her friend was only thinking of their safety AND reminding them not to lose sight of Cameron, which was why they had ENDURED this horrible nightmare thus far. Morgan softened her blood thirsty stance for a moment until...>>

You SERIOUSLY want to fight us NOW? HERE?! [scoffing] FINE! FUCKING BRING IT ON YOU CANCEROUS BITCH! I'll CRUCIFY YOU AND HANG YOU RIGHT NEXT TO HIM!"

Oh is THAT so?

<< chimes sound off.>>

LOOK AROUND you prima donna dick depository, its NINE AGAINST THREE! You're life expectancy is gonna be all of 5 MINUTES!

<< Spellbinder's glare was interrupted as Delilah gasped and soon their attention was drawn to Cameron!>>

Cameron!!

<< Alison rushed passed her to join Haleigh and Nicolas. Morgan lifted off the ground and flew, she followed quickly.>>

"Cameron… Cameron? [Nicolas was working to get him down] Be CAREFUL! [over her shoulder at the rest of the group] He needs HEALING! [back to Cameron] You're safe now, Cam, we've got you."

Alison's right there....and I'm coming...I'm...

 

[Silver Swan]

Arklay's arena

[ Silver Swan was relieved to see the others. They ALL were. It had been a trying time for each of them and maybe NOW when ....IF they got out of here alive, they'd think TWICE about taking waking reality and each other for granted.]

[ even though she had managed to fight OFF Barbas' attempts to turn her BACK into a "killing machine"...She was more than WILLING to revert to "type" in the case of the Zaccharas. Spellbinder pointed them out and they ALL turned to glare at them. with the NOTICEABLE exception of NICOLAS ]

[ Morgan suggested they kill them.]

FINE BY ME! Let's incinerate them like the TRASH they are!

[ As Spellbinder and Siren squared off more than a few of the Six rallied behind Spellbinder. Nine against Three? The Zaccharas were DONE.]

[ But soon, something more pressing, more IMPORTANT became apparent. Cameron King had been FOUND and was teetering on the edge of oblivion. As those who were BEST suited rushed to his aid, Silver Swan turned to Firebird.]

We'll keep an eye on the TRASH over there. if they do ANYTHING to intefere...KILL THEM! There can be NO holding back.

[ Spellbinder sped off in the direction of the others helping Cameron, but something was WRONG. Sharon felt it...]

Do you feel that?

[ The Arena was trembling...and the force was growing...]

 

[Seer]

<< and so as Silver Swan and Firebird, along with MorningStar and Arsenal positioned themselves to BLOCK the Zaccharas while Spellbinder, Harbinger and Shadow Weaver went to the aid of Cameron, the arena began to tremble under great force. it SEALED OFF at all points of entry/exit and the temperature began to grow HOTTER. Firebird would be the LEAST effected by this but it gets worse.>>

<< Spellbinder is lost in mid air...as a giant serpent, a "YAWN" torpedos from the sandy ground ground beneath them, the snake snatches Morgan and carries her away before turning into a stone figure, trapping Morgan within it. Morgan is painfully constricted and the "stone" structure is unaffected by her magick. >>

Barbas: FOOLS! Did you think it would be so EASY!?

<< Rampage, Black Widow and the others were SWEPT away in an explosive sandstorm as the apparition of Barbas appeared all around them. They too were trapped within the towering, serpentine like structure. able to see...but not move! and each area they were held in was immune to their own power.>>

<< Alison was left free, as was Cameron, who was minimally aware of their presence. The Seer crawled through the gale force winds...to cover her brother, even as the sand lashed at her skin. NOW was one of those times where the outfit she wore was less than practical. She cried out as she struggled to reach her brother.>>

<< Shadow Weaver, Firebird and Arsenal were next but Silver Swan managed to escape capture at the moment, she was DETERMINED to fight...>>

Barbas: Claudia....end of the line for you. Your wet and wild ways will avail you NOTHING NOW.

<< the funnle of wind and sand seperates her from Clara and Johnny.>>

 

[Harbinger]

the arena

:: Harbinger couldve cared less about the Zaccharas. SURE she would rather see them dead and was prepared to kill them, but she had more pressing matters to attend to. Namely her baby brother.::

:: As Nicolas and Haleigh went to his aid, she began to move toward him, but something was wrong. Every step seemed full of labor and difficulty! she looked down at her high heeled boots, her EVERY attempt to lift one foot in front of the other was like moving through QUICK SAND!::

:: as she beheld Cameron...the sight of him hit her like a ton of bricks and she couldnt hear anything else but her own heart beat...and breathing. She couldnt hear her friends, or the enemies in the arena. All she could hear was her own heart....which trembled with disblief at what she saw. Haleigh called for a healer...it was HER brother, of COURSE she'd help him.::

WHY CAN'T I MOVE ANY FASTER!?

:: her own powers seemed to escape her. in reality her FEAR was cancelling out her power, just as Barbas wanted.::

:: as the others were blown away and captured, Harbinger felt the PAIN of the sand storm against her feminine form but she would not hesitate till she reached Cameron.::

Barbas: too slow! toooo slow ALISON! So close...but no cigar. You didn't REALLY think it'd be this easy...

:: Barbas appears , standing over Alison and Cameron as the seer struggles to cover her brother.::

Barbas: Your fear....of not being powerfull enough, ABLE enough to save your baby brother was only the TIP of the ice berg...your FEAR is being INEFFECTIVE , that all your life, your striving to proove you could get the job done was a cruel illusion! in the end, HARBINGER, you're just a witch, your DESTINY is at its END...you will FEED ME, your FEAR!

:: Barbas' shadow casts over the siblings, as he leers at them.::

 

[Silver Swan]

the arena

[ Barbas moves in for the KILL to the horror of every one watching, immobilized by the forces at work against them in this horrid place, but ONE is still free for the moment!]

[ Silver Swan DROPS down out of the air and SLAMS her high heeled boot into Barbas' jaw and mouth as she lands between him and the siblings. She stands up , battle ready.]

Not while I live!

Barbas: << his lanky form may make him APPEAR to be physically weak, but appearences can be deceiving. as he stumbles violently back, he looks over his shoulder with a moment of surprise in his ancient eyes as he wipes blood from his mouth and slowly stands upright...laughing softly.>> Come and get me, Silver Swan!

[ Silver Swan doesnt HESITATE as she rushes forward and DROP KICKS him, before punching him in the stomach with full power! his BODY takes the blows and he is staggered, but he laughs, before she slams her open handed fist in his face.]

[ any OTHER man [or woman...namely the zaccharas ] would have been bloodied, with a broken jaw missing teeth, suffering from broken ribs and a punctured lung.]

Barbas: << he stands up again...bones cracking as he beckons with both hands.>> I've fought an amazon before. You can do better than that...or is your swan song your legacy of losing every man/child you ever cared about?

[ as he laughs, Sharon doesnt give him the chance to laugh for long as she delivers a strong strong kick to his pelvis, then spins around, slamming her boot across his jaw with flawless delivery, she then then delievers her signature one/two punch with a devastating "right/left". her attacks are at FULL POWER, the force of her blows echoes and even some super powered men would be close to death if not already dead by now. She HAMMERS him , moviong him away from Alison and Cameron but despite her well executed attacks...they do not bring him down!]

[ soon, she stops, and he rises up from his doubled over position, looking THOROUGHLY pissed. moving slow at first, with one sweeping motion he defies the expection of his speed as he swings a gleaming, menacing looking scythe with surprising well form at Silver Swan!]

[ her silver eyes widen as she lifts her hands and vaults up, somersaulting over Barbas to dodge the blade. She lands behind him and immediately round houses him in the BACK before delivering another strong FORWARD kick to the back to drive him to the ground. ]

Now...it's MY turn!

[ manifesting an adamantium machete ala' Pamela Voorhees the Silver Swan brings the blade down with frightening speed and accuracy.]

Barbas: your turn to LOSE again.

[ he vanishes in a flury of sand and dark orbs as she MISSES.]

DAMMIT!

Barbas: If you're all that stands between Alison, Cameron and myself...then they don't have a PRAYER, gray pigeon. You valiantly defend them, but there's NO defense for your abomination of an existence. you REEK of man's science...your soul is more artificial than anything ELSE!

You can't even satiate me...so there's only ONE place for you!

[ in one blinding instant, Barbas appears, and HOISTS Silver Swan in the air.]

The Dead Factory with the REST of the bio hazards!

[ with unbelievable strength, the ancient demon HURLS Sharon up into the air and across the arena, sending her CRASHING into amphitheatre seats HIGH above with a thunderous impact and damage. she lays there...MOTIONLESS, no sign of movement or vitality.]

 

[Seer]

and so

<< a MARVELOUS effort on Silver Swan's part. Not MANY could have endured an all out physical assault from the mutate, certainly no mere mortal and not even many super powered individuals. But despite her raw power, Barbas was beyond the confines of severe physical punishment. Hecate had destroyed his original HUMAN body and that was in part what drove him in the astral realm, the need for a physical form to RETURN to the earth and plague it once as he did in the time of the Olympians.>>

<< Silver Swan was hurled away with devastating result...slaming into stone and structure with thunderous crash, the mutate lay in an awkward pose, motionless, eyes closed...and blood dripping from a HEAD WOUND. she was supposed to be well nigh INVULNERABLE and in REALITY she was, but in this nightmare, the rules didnt always apply.>>

<< her team mates and allies, forced to watch as she was rendered unconscious...if not WORSE , were left to now see Barbas standing between a visibly injured Harbinger and Cameron and Claudia, whom he had pulled away from Clara and Johny.>>

<< Which way would he turn? It was only NATURAL for the Six to WANT him to take CLAUDIA instead of Alison and while that may seem horrible to Clara and Johnny, they could only blame Claudia for her utter LACK of friends , support or even COMPASSION from amongst those present. >>

<< the members of the six were trapped, conscious, but constricted, BOUND by the thick "stone" like substance. unable to move or act...only think, talk...and feel. Morgan was was at the TOP of the entrapment, painfully rendered unconscious.>>


Barbas: which one...which one? well...ive waited THIS long for my revenge on Hecate's descendants and its OBVIOUS that THEY << gesturing at the Six>>> would rather YOU die before Alison and Cameron.

<< he said to Claudia.>>

Here you are...alone and helpless, whether you are smart enough to realize it or not. You should THANK ME. You were going to die a painfull, bloody death at the hands of these people....these savages, a fate you brought on YOURSELF and your SISTER who they most CERTAINLY would have killed in front of you. But you've ALWAYS made it a point to try to keep that poker face up...even when you KNOW you're out gunned...isn't that right CLAUDIA?

<< grabbing her by her NECK and lifting her up.>>

no more GAMES. No more MASKS. Let's see what YOUR FEAR REALLY IS...

<< loss of control, nothing Claudia could say or do would change this now...as Barbas brought forth a slender finger of his...the fingernail turning into a ong syringe of sorts as he begins to PUSH IT IN to her temple, PAINFULLY violating her secret, hidden feelings and consciousness to find the painfull fear that lay deep within.>>

<< all the while, Alison lay...cut and burned by the sand storm...but not dead, not even unconscious as she kept Cameron hidden as best she could.>>

<< ALISON...left unattended...while Barbas focused on Claudia!>>

 

[MorningStar]

Everything just happened so fast.

One second: Cameron was being rescued and everything was going to be okay.

The next: she felt more useless than she every had before.

The ground was moving beneath her feet – she was about to ask if it was an earthquake even. Then Morgan was captured…Barbas’ voice…and then she too was encased in a stone prison with the others. All except Sharon, Alison, Claudia….and Cameron.

Sharon was brilliant. But even she was subdued by Barbas – and Delilah could only watch as she was hurled unconscious into the seats above.

“Oh my god – Sharon!” she screamed, remembering not the trouble between them since she had become Silver Swan, but only the friend that she had had for so many years. She struggled against her bonds but with no effect. She looked down at Alison and Cameron, helpless to intervene as they waited for Barbas to turn his attention to them. She couldn’t help Sharon. She couldn’t help Alison and Cameron. She couldn’t help her teammates trapped with her. Hell, she couldn’t even help Claudia Zacchara, if she had wanted to.

Helpless…

It was so, so very hot in the arena – and getting hotter. It was so hard to think…she just wanted to go to sleep really. Just close her eyes for a second…

 

[Siren]

Claudia stood, defiantely, KNOWING the odds were against her. But she didn't CARE. She was drug into a nightmare by a demon THESE PEOPLE brought into her life.

Clara: Claudia, perhaps that's not the best plan of action, I mean of all the fights to pick, this--"

Morgan: LOOK AROUND you prima donna dick depository, its NINE AGAINST THREE! You're life expectancy is gonna be all of 5 MINUTES!

But Morgan's threats were in vain as she--and the others--realized that the crucified man Claudia had pointed out was someone they knew. Morgan immediately forgot all about her anger and lust for blood and took off flying toward him. Haleigh, Alison, and Nicolas all did the same.

Clara:[her voice low] I guess they knew him.

"I guess so."

Claudia responded, watching as they used their powers to get him to the ground for healing. But within seconds of the group pulling him to safety, the arena began to tremble. Claudia instinctively began to look around, grabbing Clara's arm to make sure they didn't get seperated. Literally within seconds, a giant snake snatched Morgan from the air, turning itself AND her into stone while a sand sorm began to attack the others, including herself and Clara.

The wind was just too strong; Claudia's grip on Clara's arm slipping as she was swept away from her and Johnny. Barbas was taking no prisoners...everyone was trapped and at his disposal. Sharon, despite Claudia's dislike for the woman, fought with every ounce of strength she had. It was impressive but all in vain. Barbas picked her up like a rag doll and THREW her across the room. It was now down to herself, Alison, and Cameron. Who would Barbas pick..

Barbas: its OBVIOUS that THEY << gesturing at the Six>>> would rather YOU die before Alison and Cameron.

[sarcastically] "What tipped you off jackass?"

Barbas: Here you are...alone and helpless, whether you are smart enough to realize it or not. You should THANK ME. You were going to die a painfull, bloody death at the hands of these people....these savages, a fate you brought on YOURSELF and your SISTER who they most CERTAINLY would have killed in front of you. But you've ALWAYS made it a point to try to keep that poker face up...even when you KNOW you're out gunned...isn't that right CLAUDIA?

Barbas' hand wrapped around her throat tightly before he lifted her off the ground. Claudia's face remained stoic even though she could barely inhale a breath. She looked him square in the eye, seeing the menecing look he had. She was SCARED and he knew it. But on the outside...to everyone else, her fear did not show.

Barbas: no more GAMES. No more MASKS. Let's see what YOUR FEAR REALLY IS...

With her fingers digging into his hand that was held around her throat, she tried desperately to loosen it with no avail. Her eyes watched as he lifted his index finger up; his nail growing into what looked like a syringe. At that point, Claudia couldn't hide her fear any longer. Her eyes looked horrified as he moved the tip to her temple before plunging it into her head. Crying out in agony, Claudia's eyes teared up instantly before she shut them so tightly she never thought she'd see again. The pain was so intense it felt like her head was on fire. Like her brain was leaking out of her ears. But as quickly as the pain came, it went. The physical pain atleast...

 

[Seer]

<< Gaining all the knowledge he needed Barbas released Claudia from his grasp, letting her fall to the ground like a rag doll. >>

Barbas: its even better than i imagined it would be! i KNEW you had secrets. i KNEW you would be my ticket to gaining the strength i needed to take EVERYONE in this room DOWN!

<< grabbing a fist full of Claudia's hair, Barbas forced her to look up as the torches in the arena burnt out. everyone was now consumed by darkness. >>

Barbas: listen...

"CLAUDIA!"

<< a scathing voice thundered throughout the arena. the voice unfamiliar to the six and their allies, but VERY familiar to Claudia, Clara, and Johnny. it was the voice of their father's attorny, Trevor Lansing! >>

<< a circular spotlight appeared in the middle of the arena just as a little girl, no more than 11 years old, came running into view. the little girl had long brown hair that was pulled back into a half pony tail held by a red ribbon. she was crying, looking visably scared. >>

"CLAUDIA! Don't you run away from ME!"

<< the little girl, revealed to be CLAUDIA, gasped as Trevor came rushing into view. He was around forty years old with salt and pepper hair and dressed in a suit. he quickly grabbed Claudia's wrist, pulling her forcefully to him. >>

"You're a TEASE just like your MOTHER."

Little Claudia: stop! you're hurting me! DADDY! DADDY!!!

<< Trevor back hands Claudia with enough force to send her falling to the ground. kneeling to the ground, he grabs her hair in the same fashion Barbas did with the mainstream Claudia, holding her head firmly in place. >>

"SHUT UP. Your father doesn't care about you Claudia! And do you want to know why? Because you're a piece of filth just like your WHORE of a mother. She would saunter around this house like a prized heifer BEGGING for attention. And when I gave it to her...when I showed her the attention she wanted SO BADLY, she turned me down. She called me a pig and said I was PATHETIC. what was pathetic was me ever loving that heartless BITCH. << with a sneer >> and now that she's gone....i have to look at YOU every day. you're exactly like her....you have her eyes...her lips..

<< in a disgusting twist of events, Trevor KISSED Claudia! she struggled, muffled cries could be heard. >>

Little Claudia: STOP IT! STOP!

<< in a brutal scene that no one should EVER live through, let alone witness, Trevor savagely rapes Claudia. Barbas displaying it to EVERYONE. >>

Barbas: you see Claudia....you brought this all on yourself.

<< the scene changes from evening to evening, showing Trevor coming into Claudia's room at different time periods throughout her life to have sex with her. >>

Barbas: you could of stopped it. but you didn't. you WANTED it just as badly as he did.....<< Barbas' voice changed into Trevors>> like you STILL want it NOW.

<< Mainstream Claudia is pushed to the ground, completely immobilzed by terror and grief. Trevor pins her down, ripping at her shirt while kissing and groping her. >>

<< in the background >> Barbas: your greatest fear is of LOOSING CONTROL! of having people not FEAR or RESPECT you. of becoming the VICTIM. you've ALWAYS been the victim Claudia! AND NOW YOU WILL BE MINE!

 

[Siren]

The pain suddenly disappeared....Claudia could have sworn she was dead. She had to be. As Barbas dropped her, it was the sudden jolt she needed to realize that she was indeed still alive...and unfortuntely still in his nightmare. With her head hanging forward and her hands babying it, she felt very dizzy and nauseous.

Barbas: its even better than i imagined it would be!

Claudia felt her head jerk up; Barbas pulling it roughly upright using her hair. Blinking her eyes slowly to try and clear her blurred vision, Claudia could feel his breath by her ear as he whispered to her.

Barbas: Listen...

Claudia's heart immediately stopped. Her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widdening in horror. That voice. HIS voice....the way he shouted her name...she remembered it so clearly. What day. What time. Where she was. She knew EXACTLY what Barbas was doing. She KNEW what secrets he was going to use against her.

"No....please.."

She watched as her 11 year old self came running into view. Claudia's eyes filling with both tears and pain. Trevor came into view now, snatching her younger self by the wrist in such a way that Claudia shut her eyes tightly, remembering how painful the bruises were the next day. How she had to lie to her father about falling off her horse in order for him not to ask questions.

Little Claudia: stop! you're hurting me! DADDY! DADDY!!!

Visibly crying at this point, Claudia NEVER cried in front of anyone other than Clara. And even THEN she tried to put on a brave front. But seeing the scene unfold...it was just too much. With her powers, she remembered every single detail of that day as vividly as it was being played out in the arena....but to see it in living color..ten feet away from her...KNOWING that EVERYONE, INCLUDING her sister, was seeing it as well, was just too overwhelming.

Trevor: and now that she's gone....i have to look at YOU every day. you're exactly like her....you have her eyes...her lips..

"STOP IT! STOP IT YOU SON OF A BITCH!! STOP!"

Screaming out as the actual rape itself began to play out, the fear, anxiety, termoil, EVERYTHING was just so overwhelming, Claudia felt her stomach contract into knots. Her head start to spin and throb with pain. Shutting her eyes tightly, in EXACTLY the same fashion it happened to ALison, Claudia's ebony brown hair instantly streaked white in the front [think Rogue from X-Men].

Barbas: you see Claudia....you brought this all on yourself. you could of stopped it. but you didn't. you WANTED it just as badly as he did.....[Trevors voice] like you STILL want it NOW.

Claudia's eyes widdened in horror as she gasped in. Immediately she tried to pull herself forward to get away, but 'Trevor' pushed her to the ground, pinning her down. Hyperventilating, he tore at her shirt and began to kiss her; Claudia thrashing and fighting to try and keep him away. But she could feel herself becoming weaker and weaker as the seconds passed; Barbas feeding off her fear. Tears fell from her eyes like waterfalls as she felt his familiar hands move down her body.

Trevor: Just like old times Claudy....[in a whisper] Scream for me....

[weakly] "Fuck....YOU!"

Kneeing him in the groin with what little bit of strength she had left, Claudia rolled onto her side in an attempt to crawl away. Gaining very little distance before Trevor grabbed ahold of her ankle and pulled her back. He wrapped his arm under Claudia's stomach and lifted her to him; her body like a rag doll as she hung with her back to him. Claudia's hair at this point was streaked white ALL over; her ability to fight back and even think beyond her fear was completely gone. She felt Trevor pulling at the buckle of his pants as he began to undo hers as well. With her head and body limp and leaning forward [with only his arm holding her up], she knew that the inevitible was going to happen again...and that she would die knowing she couldn't FIGHT BACK because of Barbas' powers.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas had gotten Cameron down and was ministering to him as best he could, numbing some of his pain telepathically even as he waited, sure that Alison would heal him.

Then, in no time, he was swept up in a dust storm. He thought Dominique at first and relaxed a bit. MISTAKE. Next thing he knew, Nicolas was encased in a stone-like amber, his limbs unable to find leverage and his powers not working very well on the serpentine prison. He struggled mightily as he watched Sharon battle Barbas, proud of her moxie but knowing that she could not beat him alone. he had taken Nicolas' BEST, which FAR surpassed Sharon for all her might. As he tossed her across the arena, Nicolas roared in anger and indignation, renewing his efforts which bore limited fruit. He could move the stone, but could not free himself. He could teleport, but not out of the place he was in. Even intangibility did not work, as his prison adapted perfectly to his moves.

Nicolas looked up as Barbas approached Claudia and stabbed her head, releasing her fears for all to see.

Dear GOD. Claudia...

Nicolas was aghast at the sight of her brutal rape as a child, the beginning of abuse that made her the person she was today. He SEETHED at Barbas for hurting her so now, and as he started to try to rape Claudia in real life, Nicolas was absolutely outraged. He struggled with a vigor that would test any bounds. Even THIS would only hold him so long, but it looked like it might be long enough for Barbas to hurt her in the worst fashion...

 

[Spellbinder]

in the arena

Morgan!

<< chimes rang in the air...as the sorceress laid motionless, trapped inside the stone serpent like structure. she had blacked out in PANIC fearing that she was being devoured by a snake. But Barbas hadnt claimed her...YET! WHY?>>

MORGAN!

<< she lay at the TOP of the ceiling reaching entrapment, with Nicolas the next space beneath her.>>

<< her eyes began to flutter as her body once again became aware with PAIN.>>

oohhhh


....


<< VERNA appeared, but only in an angelic, spirit form.>>

Verna: Morgan...WAKE UP! Trust Morgan...trust in the greatest of ALL powers. Your family needs you...

ohh...Grammie??

<< she groaned as she coughed a bit, looking down she realized how high up she was, AND that she wasnt in the clutches of a SNAKE! >>

But...i'm trapped! how can I get out??

<< Grammie hovered, clearly visible through the sandstorm.>>

Verna: You CAN find your way out of this! Remember Hecate! Remember ME. You can't FAIL now Morgan!

<< Verna urged her granddaughter to get it to gether and do something. Morgan started to feel her strength return as she realized that failure and helplessness were not an option.>>

<< Grammie touches Morgan's hand...and Morgan is now fully conscious. Sharon is down in a bad way! Alison lays over her brother on the sandy floor, and Barbas is attacking Claudia! Morgan's FIRST reaction is "GOOD...LET HER DIE!" but as Morgan watches...she too finds her feelings of hatred and resentment of Claudia take a BACK SEAT to ...shock and even compassion!?>>

<< what she sees....its SICK , its something no one should have to endure. i how AWFUL to find out NOW of all times that Morgan and Claudia had a sort of shared "fear"...of being brutalized by men! but in Claudia's case...it was something MUCH worse. her childhood innocence forever taken from her by such a horrid act. It turned Morgan's stomach, much like when she learned of Dominique's back story. She no longer felt hatred...but sympathy and a RENEWED desire to deal with Barbas once and for all! >>

Oh BARBAS...you WRETCHED creature!

<< Morgan struggles in vain...her mind RACES for a solution.>>

<< she'd come to one SOON...but immediate help for Claudia would arrive from an unexpected source.>>

 

[Fusion]

The ground shook, and the temperature skyrocketed. Claudia grabbed Clara by the arm, and Clara locked onto her in return, as they were all overtaken by a storm of winds and sands. As determined as they grip was, the storm was overpowering. The winds whipped at them, there was sand everywhere, in her eyes, in her mouth, in her lungs! She was ripped away from Claudia. She and Johnny landed far away, closer to the six than her sister. They didn't realize they were among their enemies… both Clara and Johnny were too busy doubled over coughing. There was a fight going on, it sounded like Sharon. Clara was still blinking the sand out of her eyes when Barbas reached Claudia. She looked up… at a very large serpentine structure… with Haleigh and her teammates trapped inside it.

"What the…"

Barbas:….isn't that right CLAUDIA?

Her sister's name caught her attention, and her gaze snapped over to the sight of Barbas lifting Claudia up by her THROAT. Clara climbed to her feet, overcoming the pain of the sandstorm, her ankle, and the fatigue of this whole ordeal. She was soooo tired… her body heavy and sluggish. The heat wasn't making it any better…. It was sweltering, making it difficult to breathe. The determination was still there, though.

[cough] "GET…. Your hands off her!"

It was a command, but not necessarily one Clara thought would be obeyed. Imagine her surprise when Barbas promptly drops her sister to the ground. Her was sneering about secrets. Clara started towards her sister, but stopped as the torches lighting the arena all went out. It was pitch black all at once. She didn't like it… she HATED not knowing what was around her. This strange place… all its terrible creatures… any of them could be lurking right in front of her. Her voice came out in a whisper.

"John?!"

His hand touched her shoulder gently, as he whispered back that he was there. Clara was about to call out for Claudia when someone else did it for her. The voice was loud and so familiar that it struck a chord with both Clara and Johnny.

"Trevor??"

She asked quizzically, her voice louder now. Not afraid…. But confused and annoyed. What was HE doing here? A light appeared in the middle of the arena. A girl with a red ribbon ran under the light. Claudia, at 11. Now Clara was thoroughly confused. What the hell was going on?

Trevor: "You're a TEASE just like your MOTHER."

Trevor had always been a rotten, miserable bastard, and borderline inappropriate. And he was ALWAYS around…. Staring with that horrible gaze of his, constantly giving Clara the creeps. She KNEW he was depraved….. She just didn't know the extent. Luckily for Clara… she never found herself ALONE with Trevor for very long…. Mostly because her father's obsession with her made it impossible to get much time alone with HERSELF until she was into her mid-teens. It was a blessing in disguise, apparently.

A young Claudia called out for her Daddy. Trevor BACKHANDS the girl. Clara felt sick to her stomach… a little lightheaded… and weak in the knees. She was AFRAID of what she might see next, and her fears were only confirmed. Trevor was brutalizing the young version of Claudia. Clara could hardly breathe to speak.

[quietly] "Leave her alone."

A second light appeared in the coliseum…. Clara's plasma manifestion. It was large, very dense, and extremely bright. A vengeful, tearfully red-eyed Clara sent it ROCKETING towards Trevor… to no avail. It came ricocheting back and crashed into their side of the stadium seating, shaking the WHOLE arena with a thunderous roar. Clara huffed, drawing in a ragged breath. It stung… there was still sand in her lungs, in her throat. The fatigue was stronger than before. Trevor was unfazed and continued on. The Claudia under the spotlight got older with each visit. Clara was sobbing and even that seemed to drain her.

She used so much energy... The attack wasn't a total loss, however… along it way it had illuminated the whole area by Claudia… including Barbas, who was standing nearby with his back to Clara and Johnny. Clara saw her target…. But she realized Johnny was helping to hold her up…. She was so tired…. She had hardly any energy left to run on… just pure determination…. And unadulterated hatred. She summoned the strength to stand on her own and pulled in a ragged, heat seared breath. She let go of Johnny before giving him a push in the right direction.

"Help…. Claudia… Escape."

Clara started trudging towards Barbas, blasting him in the back with plasma, cosmic debris, small supernovas, softball sized stars… anything she could think of at the moment. But even as she neared… her attacks waned. They got smaller and less powerful, even though they maintained quite a little kick.... and though she felt exhausted, her voice had a hard edged bite to it as she closed in on Barbas.

"You heartless bastard.... I'll kill you for this.... I'll KILL you..."