The sum of all fears PART 1

[Rampage]

Nicolas kept walking as Morgan attempted a verbal lashing. He acted to help Haleigh during the "battle" and saw no need to pile on in this situation. He entered his apartment and the voice of Barbas could be heard EVERYWHERE.

In all mirrors and shiny surfaces lie his face as he appealed ti him, tried to break him down. But today's events were, in the end, not as bad as they HAD been. And so he continued with his business, showering and then dressing in a business suit, Barbas' voice in his head the entire time.

He exited the apartment ad then proceeded to his tower, deciding to clear his mind with his work...

 

[Siren]

Barbas' voice flooded Claudia's head, casting doubt about her ability to protect Clara. Morgan's threats were overshadowed by Barbas. Claudia looked over at Clara knowing that what he said WAS true. Blaze wouldn't have started the fight in the first place if she hadn't started an inferno of her own with the six. So lost in what Barbas was saying, them being 'thrown out' of Melrose Place came at a bit of a shock. But as they went flying through the air, Johnny [who's powers were restored] grabbed both sisters and teleported to the Roosevelt before they hit the pavement.

Falling to the floor beside Clara and Johnny, although he reacted quickly, he could have atleast picked a more comfortable place to land.

"Ow...ow."

Pushing herself up from the ground, Claudia looked over at Clara who was still pretty banged up from Morgan and Blaze's attack. Sighing out, she stood as Johnny helped Clara up.

"I'll get a first aid kit....."

She knew the fight was because of her so she didn't have to ask why it started. Heading into the bathroom, Claudia grabbed the first aid kit under the sink and went back into the livingroom. Sitting next to Clara on the couch, Claudia opened the kit.

"Does your chest still hurt?"

She asked with concern, not exactly sure WHAT kind of attack was unleashed on her and from WHO. Coating some gauze with anticeptic solution, Claudia brushed Clara's hair back away from the cut that was on her forehead and began to pat it gently, cleaning the wound.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment 3

<< as thunder rolled in the billowing skies above, Karen entered Mike's apartment. with her hand on her forehead.>>

<< she rolls her eyes as she stops and looks in a small mirror in the living room.>>

goddess give me STRENGTH!

<< she looks at her reflection...she FEELS as pale in her spirit as she looks right now.>>

Barbas: Strength to do WHAT, "Little one"...you've already prooven you arent half the witch your precious grammie was and now your renegade daughter is showing herself to be the out of control, homicidal maniac in her FATHER'S image! and what about Nicolas? He was prepared to let Morgan DIE by Sharon's spinning stars! he did NOTHING. Can you trust him with her or anyone else's life?

<< Karen WAS doubting the team's capabilities at this moment.>>

And CLAUDIA and CLARA! You let them leave! as long as they are alive they will be able to USE Nicolas. You know how much of a SLAVE he is to his "base instincts"...you said it YOURSELF! Isn't it comforting to know you were right about ONE THING?

<< Karen shuts her eyes tightly...>>

I need...a glass of water.

<< placing her hand on the arm of a chair...she was shaking a bit.>>

This morning...just when i thought I would be able to mourn peacefully after the funeral...it was RUINED by the behavior of these silly young people. I realize i made a terrible mistake by giving Claudia an apartment but how was I to know just how dispicable a woman she is?? NOW she's gotten her hooks into Nicolas, and the rest of the team....

<< she stopped herself and just tried to breath as she slowly seated herself into the chair.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

apartment 4

<< returning to apartment four, with Blaze in tow, Morgan slams the door behind her.>>

I dont know who i despise more. The Zacchara sluts or that fool Nicolas.

<< she says as she makes her way through her large apartment to the hallway leading to her bedroom. she grabs to luxury egyptian cotton bath towels and returns back to the sitting room. She hands one to Blaze as she begins to towel off her own hair with the other one.>>

Who do they think they ARE!? This is the SECOND TIME they've caused damage to Melrose Place and BLAZE!? Please tell me HOW that little trout of a girl managed to get YOU under water like that?

<< the thunder rolled outside and as Morgan stood by a window, toweling her hair off. >>

it seems like it wants to STORM...but something's holding it up. With all the WATER that Claudia sent everywhere...maybe the sky doesnt know what to do. << she rolls her violet eyes with sarcasm, still surprised by what she saw from Claudia.>>

I should be SAVORING this moment. I've just cast The Zaccharas out of Melrose Place...but it feels like a HOLLOW victory. Probably because Alison says we'll be seeing them again. I would rather have sent them to Limbo.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike watched as the rest of the team came to restore what passed for order and the Zacharras were thrown out. As Karen asked Haleigh about her role, Mike noticed something...OFF about her. They had spent too much time together, and he was far too good as sizing people up to be fooled. She was NOT well...but Mike decided to say nothing. He instead tried to cover for her a bit, escorting Karen gently to his apartment.


As they entered, Karen seemed distracted, and her color was draining again, like at the funeral.

I need...a glass of water.

<< placing her hand on the arm of a chair...she was shaking a bit.>>

This morning...just when i thought I would be able to mourn peacefully after the funeral...it was RUINED by the behavior of these silly young people. I realize i made a terrible mistake by giving Claudia an apartment but how was I to know just how dispicable a woman she is?? NOW she's gotten her hooks into Nicolas, and the rest of the team....

<< she stopped herself and just tried to breath as she slowly seated herself into the chair.>>

Mike lifted her up, taking her to a chaise he had across the room so she could relax better. He gave her a glass of water and spoke in calm tones as he tried to calm her down.

Karen...calm down honey. Do not overestimate the power of sex. That Nicolas got it on with her does not give her power over him, and he stood with us and did not help them. I didn't HOP IN either, but that does not make me any more a traitor. In honesty, the team needs to stop trying to look for bad in what happens with him. His involvement on either side once he arrived on the scene would have likely escalated things beyond what you or I would have wanted. He has enough to atone for without our help finding new things.

Now forget about that.. Drink this and relax a bit. Do not allow Barbas or the Zacharras or worries about Nic to bother you. Just try to be OK.

Her color was worrying him. It seemed the beginning of shock, and so he grabbed a blanket and covered her, tucking it in beneath her to give her warmth...

 

[Black Widow]

Nicolas: Be careful Haleigh…is there anything else you can think of that will help right now?

No, I…… I just need to stay clear of the field of magnetic influence... Thank you.

She thought back, staying still, trying to catch her breath. Zach passed her a handkerchief and she wiped the blood from her nose, limited to bitterly watching as Morgan, Alison and Sharon had all the fun. Nicolas' interference helped to keep the discomfort at bay, and once Karen scrambled the Zacchara's powers, Haleigh felt the 'illness' subside. The others dealt with the Zaccharas and cast them out of Melrose. Unfortunately… Karen had noticed Haleigh's distance from the situation and pointed it out.

Karen: "and Haleigh? I would have thought YOU'D have more of a reason to step in."

"Yeah…. [searching for a feasible explanation that didn't sound so weak, but not finding one, she sighed] I couldn't. Clara Zacchara… [a bit embarrassed] she makes me sick. Her powers… plasma energy generates a magnetic field. As you all well know… I tend to have a rather negative reaction to magnetism. I started getting spells of illness when the Zacchara's moved in, Clara must… radiate some kind of magnetic field as a result of her abilities. I would feel ill around her but I never put it together that she was the cause until just now. If it weren't for Nicolas' help… I think I might've lost consciousness."

She responds honestly and self-consciously. Barbas sees an opening and attacks it. Haleigh lets ANGER fill the void of uncertainty.

FUCK YOU, Barbas. I'm not afraid of that little GIRL! I don't have to get NEAR her to KILL HER if I want to!

"Look, don't worry about me, I'll still keep an eye on them. Now that I KNOW what the cause is… I'm better off than before."

And with that, they all dispersed to their individual apartments, Haleigh with the lingering instinct that maybe they SHOULD have killed the Zaccharas while they had the easy opportunity.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah came outside just in time to witness the festivities but a tad too late to do anything about them. Though teleporting their belongings into the ocean might have been a TAD extreme, she had to admit when it was all said and done that having the Zaccharas gone was like a huge weight off her shoulders. She had never trusted them, and getting them as far away as possible from Morgan and the rest of them seemed like a fantastic idea.

Too bad Nicolas couldn't have gone with them. But, it was still early yet. She smiled to herself, collapsing into an overstuffed chair in her apartment. She knew Morgan would take care of Blaze - and no permanent damage had been done. But that Clara girl was certainly more than she seemed. And she feared they hadn't seen the last of the sisters. They had been lucky, and they surely didn't know it: Morgan easily could have killed them rather than look at them, Sharon too.

She leaned her head back into the chair, and all she could think was...

What next?

 

[Fusion]

Roosevelt Hotel -- Marilyn Suite

Even as Clara urged a wise retreat, things went from bad to worse. Haleigh came out of her apartment, though in a lucky break, it seemed she was content just to watch the other residents doubleteam the Zacchara siblings. The nightmare from the night before seemed to remanifest itself in reality. The vines…. The murderous, evil look Morgan's gleaming grin... that sword… Clara's heart throbbed painfully.

Barbas: "Wow, it's starting to look like I was remarkably accurate. Talk about eerily prophetic. Any last words, Princess?"

Fear was creeping in on Clara… but she only scowled. If she WAS going to die… she'd at least do it with some dignity and class.

Morgan: "This is MY yard. I AM SORCERESS SUPREME and I can do things to you that are BEYOND all known philosophies."

[raising her eyebrows, then looking over at her sister calmly.] "You didn't tell me she was the power-tripping type."

Morgan: "now…which one of you is going to DIE before the other two are sent on their way to HELL??"

Claudia: "ooooh….don't tease me like that."

Clara smirked at her sister's defiance, and her deadpan sarcasm about being sorry to leave this 'cockroach infested shoe box'. Claudia and Morgan traded threats, and for the most part, Clara stayed quiet… this was more Claudia's fight than hers. But once Morgan leveled her final threat, Clara giggled a bit. Morgan really didn't know ANYTHING about them, did she?

"The blackness of outer space? The heart of the sun? well I HAVE been meaning to visit Pluto, ever since it was demoted to 'dwarf planet'….. And I could ALWAYS use a chance to work on my tan."

They were thrown out of Melrose after that. Johnny's quick thinking delivered them the the carpeted floor of their hotel room, rather than the cold hard concrete of Melrose Ave. Clara breathed a sigh of relief, though it was short lived.

Barbas: have you ever been to HELL before, Clara? You will be soon. The only way to save yourself… is to give yourself to ME!

you brainless worm…. I have spent my WHOLE LIFE in hell.

Barbas: You can't trust Claudia…it's HER FAULT that now these super powered people want you dead. How long before they overwhelm you? How long before the witch sends you to HELL where you will be fodder for her DEMONS!?

not long ENOUGH, if it means I won't have to bother with YOU anymore, Barbas. Now get OUT of my head, I don't like talking to the voices in my head.

But still… the seeds were planted. It WAS because of Claudia that they were having all these melodramatics with the Melrose residents. On the other hand… Clara was more than happy to have a reason NOT to go back to that cramped apartment, and to be away from Sharon's spiteful vengeance [that woman just couldn't stand to admit to the defeat she'd suffered!] and out from under Haleigh's watchful eye.

Johnny helped her from the floor to the sofa, as Claudia volunteered to get a first aid kit. Clara wasn't TOO badly injured… a small gash at the hairline from being thrown into a WALL…. An unsightly bruise and a split in her lip at the corner of her mouth from being elbowed… and a couple of other bodily bruises from punches but mostly she was fine. Claudia came back and asked about her chest, and Clara nodded slightly then, as Claudia tried to tend to her head wound, she stopped moving and responded verbally, wincing a little from the sting of the anticeptic.

"Yes, a little sore. It felt like… a HEART ATTACK. I'm sure the queen of LEAN put some kind spell on me or something. Sorceress Supreme. PFFFT. Of WHAT, the skin and bones club?? And that stupid, ill-mannered GOAT she calls a sister…. She came to me… and she just…. Started insulting you and saying you were 'out of control' and insisted I do something about you or else she'd KILL you and I just…. I SNAPPED."

Barbas: "Hmm… not unlike your dear old Daddy does from time to time…"

"I just…. LOST IT and jumped her and I almost killed her… I think I WOULD have, if it weren't for her INSANE CLOWN POSSE coming to rescue her. [sighing]I need a martini."

She didn't exactly sound proud of the fact that she'd succumbed to her homicidal anger. Johnny patted her knee gently to reassure her as she gingerly wiped off the dried blood that had run down her chin with some wet gauze.

Johnny: "She insulted and threatened your sister. You were perfectly within your rights to defend your family's honor and preempt an attack on Claudia. [rising to go to the minibar] I'll have your drink in just a minute. Anything for you, Claudia?"

 

[Siren]

Clara: Yes, a little sore. It felt like… a HEART ATTACK. I'm sure the queen of LEAN put some kind spell on me or something.

Dabbing Clara's wound gently, Claudia scoffed out.

"If she values her life she better stay an arms length away. That's all I got to say."

Claudia muttered. Throwing the blood stained gauze onto the coffee table next to them, Claudia picked out a couple small bandaids from the first aid kit and began to open them.

Clara: She came to me… and she just…. Started insulting you and saying you were 'out of control' and insisted I do something about you or else she'd KILL you and I just…. I SNAPPED.

Barbas [as Anthony]: Out of control? HA! I told you that for YEARS and now look what happens? You put your sister in the line of fire because of you couldn't keep your damn legs shut. Instead of the son I always wanted from my first marriage, I got YOU. A tretcherous WHORE who constantly endangerous the only daughter I LOVE.

Pealing the plastic away from the bandaid, Claudia remained silent as she gently bandaged Clara's wound.

Johnny: "She insulted and threatened your sister. You were perfectly within your rights to defend your family's honor and preempt an attack on Claudia. [rising to go to the minibar] I'll have your drink in just a minute. Anything for you, Claudia?"

Crumpling the trash in her hand, she threw it into the first aid kit and shut it.

"Vodka, straight. [pausing] Make it a double."

Removing the first aid kit from her lap, Claudia placed it onto the coffee table.

"I'm sorry, Clara. You shouldn't be involved in all of this....you shouldn't be ATTACKED because of me."

Barbas [as Anthony]: Oh waaaaaaa. Que the violins.

"And that TROLL [Blaze] shouldn't have brought you into this mess to begin with.

Barbas [as Anthony]: Now there's the Claudia I know and loath. ALWAYS blaming your problems on other people. Always trying to paint yourself out as the victim. [scoff] I should have KNOWN after what happened with Trevor.

[caught off guard] "Shut UP, daddy!"

Barbas' manipulations and taunting was at an all time high now. It HAD to be because of the fight at Melrose Place. Nicolas explained that he fed off negative energy.....well that fight was about as negative as one could get. Utterly frustrated about the whole situation, logically speaking she knew that the voice in her head was Barbas, but the fact that he said EXACTLY what Anthony WOULD have said just made it too real not to react to it. Rolling her eyes shut, where the hell was Johnny and that damn vodka?

 

[Fusion]

Claudia: "I'm sorry, Clara. You shouldn't be involved…you shouldn't be ATTACKED because of me."

Clara shook her head in denial… she didn't want to hear her sister apologize… she didn't want Barbas to be as right as he was.

"I got attacked because a rude fool said some things that were WAY out of line and instead of telling her off, slamming the door in her face and leaving her out in the cold, I lost my senses COMPLETELY and tried to drown her in the courtyard swimming pool."

Claudia: "and that TROLL shouldn't have brought you into this mess to begin with."

"Well… I DO wish I didn't have to find out about you and Nicolas from the troll. [trying for levity] I thought you'd let me know as soon as possible that I could go back to hating him?"

Johnny: "Damn it."

[looking up] "What, what is it? No gin? I swear, these west coast people--"

Johnny: [smiling sheepishly] "No, it's not that… I left the roses in the courtyard."

Clara smiled softly… he was so cute. She was going to reassure him that it was the thought that counted, Claudia had an outburst.

Claudia: "Shut UP, daddy!"

Clara eyed her sister warily. Johnny brought the drinks over and Clara took hers but didn't immediately drink it.

"He's talking to you as well. It's Barbas. I know it's hard to remember… but it's only Barbas. Daddy's in a mental hospital…. He can't hurt us anymore."

 

[Harbinger]

MP apartment 1

:: appearing in Delilah's living room suddenly, Alison was still in her black dress and sling back high heels.::

well...THAT was a great way to RUIN the seriousness of the events earlier this morning.

:: walking over and sitting in an over sized, plush chair across from delilah.::

In case you didnt know, I was the one who booted them out of MP, along with keeping the scales tipped in Morgan and Sharon's favor. Quite honestly, if Morgan and Sharon had REALLY wanted to, they could have killed the Zaccharas quickly. Those two sluts better be thankfull that KAREN was here to keep things as ordely as she could.

But in the end...its better that they didnt.

:: she opens her hand and conjures a goblet of HEMLOCK...in the AFTERNOON! the zaccharas werent the ONLY ones who needed a drink...and this one could kill BOTH of them ::

i can't believe im saying that...but its only because of what is yet to come.

 

[MorningStar]

well...THAT was a great way to RUIN the seriousness of the events earlier this morning.

"You can say that again..."

Delilah massaged her temples.

I think I need to buy stock in an aspirin company...

She looked over at Alison, her cheek resting on one palm.

"I don't suppose you want to share with the rest of us any of those little previews of the future? Because honestly I can't think of any reason we should have anything more to do with the Zaccharas. Including Morgan."

 

[Siren]

Shutting her eyes and trying to force the voices out of her head, she knew that Clara was right. It wasn't their father, but it was SO hard not to believe it. The way Barbas played everything was brilliant. If she wasn't on the recieving end of it all, she would be envious of how diabolically ruthless he was.

"I know. I know.....but hearing his voice. It makes my skin crawl."

Not COMPLETELY true. Hearing her father's voice speak about TREVOR made her skin crawl. The voice alone was just frustrating.

Clara: Well… I DO wish I didn't have to find out about you and Nicolas from the troll. [trying for levity] I thought you'd let me know as soon as possible that I could go back to hating him?

Sighing, Claudia graciously accepted the vodka Johnny offered her and took a long, leisurely swig before diving into THAT explaination.

"Honestly, it just happened. I was down at the bar talking with Zachary Armani, I left to come back up here after a few drinks, and Nicolas appeared in the elevator with me. In an ironic twist, he came onto ME. Plus, you and Johnny were doing your own thing last night so I spared you the details."

Downing the last of her drink, Claudia put the empty glass on the coffee table next to the first aid kit.

"Either way, Blaze shouldn't be starting fights with you over who I sleep with. You shouldn't have to fight my battles OR be blamed for my lifestyle. It's all third grade bullshit....[mocking] you mess with one you mess with us all. [deadpan] If I drown one will the rest drown too? Because THAT would be convenient."

 

[Firebird]

Apt 4

Still soaked in her designer dress, Blaze followed Morgan inside once Claudia and Clara were tossed out on their asses. Morgan was still fuming and Blaze had been uncharacteristically quiet since the incident. Every now and then she would cough that resembled that of a hacking cough, a result from the water that had been inside her lungs.

Nodding a thanks to her sister once the towel was handed to her, wrapping it around her shoulders. The fingerprints from Clara's fingers were still on her throat.

Sitting down onto the couch before pulling a blanket around her attempting to get warm from the chill of the water.

Who do they think they ARE!? This is the SECOND TIME they've caused damage to Melrose Place and BLAZE!? Please tell me HOW that little trout of a girl managed to get YOU under water like that?

It was a sore spot for Blaze who had lost to Clara when she clearly provoked the fight. "She's a good fighter and my beef wasn't with her, Morgan. It was with Claudia. I told her that everyone was on to their antics and if they kept it up they would be tossed out on their ass. I wasn't about to let Claudia destroy your career or this family."

Shaking her head, "I don't care for Clara but I have respect for her...mainly because she HATES that useless piece of garbage you dated, Nicolas! Clara even went so far as to hire a hit man...too bad they didn't succeed." Rolling her eyes to the ceiling.

"Did you see how he did NOTHING! I can't BELIEVE you dated that scumbag. The only time Nicolas King is ever energetic is when he's screwing. Then he's got more energy then the energizer bunny. I say we let Clara hire a hit man." Waving her hand through the air before her eyes looked away.

"And what about Haleigh, she did nothing too! I busted my ass for her and I nearly lost our sisterhood." Blaze wasn't weak by any means but she definitely didn't have her game today either.

 

[Fusion]

Roosevelt Hotel

Claudia: "I know. I know…..but hearing his voice. It makes my skin crawl."

Clara nodded silently in solemn understanding. She knew the feeling. She took a long sip of her martini, as Claudia explained what happened with Nicolas, and how she'd also seen Zachary last night as well.

Barbas: "She was with Zach as WELL… hmmm…. Maybe it's time, Clara. Maybe it's time you faced the possibility that your sister has a DEATH WISH… and that if you don't DO SOMETHING about it…. You're going to be left holding the bag here… and she's lined up a LONG LIST of people who aren't so happy with her."

"Well… I hope this means you're done with the BOTH of those men."

Claudia: "Either way, Blaze shouldn't be starting fights with you over who I sleep with."

"AGREED. It was petty and distasteful and classless and…. NONE OF HER BUSINESS."

Claudia: "You shouldn't have to fight my battles OR be blamed for my lifestyle. It's all third grade bullshit….. [mocking] you mess with one you mess with us all. [deadpan]If I drown one will the rest drown too? Because THAT would be convenient."

"Well we missed the chance to find out. But really… you're my sister… the only one I have, and if they're going to continue to play this four on one game, I'm not going to allow you to face it alone. I don't care WHAT you did. It's not YOUR FAULT that THEIR men can't keep their pants on. [sipping her martini, thinking] You know… maybe I should call a couple of colleagues from the Hellfire Club. I can think of at least three who owe me favors… and we could show those Melrose maggots that they aren't the ONLY ones with powerful friends."

 

[Spellbinder]

melrose - apartment 4

<< rolling her eyes as she continued to towel her blonde , highlighted hair off, the sorceress felt and echoed Blaze's agitation.>>

Clara is lucky she avoided my high heel. I was gonna stomp her pit bullish face right in. and Claudia TRULY doesnt know who she's dealing with. NEITHER of them do.

<< Blaze spoke of Nicolas and Morgan felt a SURGE of anger.>>

To HELL with him. He slept with Claudia...I trust HIS judgement about as much as i would trust HELEN KELLAR to design me an evening gown! I don't care about him and he OBVIOUSLY doesnt care about US. He just STOOD there and did NOTHING!

<< as the stormy weather outside seemed to threaten more and more, Morgan paused and composed herself.>>

Haleigh at least had a legitamate reason for hanging back. Apparently some aspect of Clara's own power directly and NEGATIVELY effected her. Nicolas did the BARE MINIMUM in ensuring that she didnt succumb to that effect. Now that we know about it...we can deal with it accordingly in the NEXT encounter.

But again...why bother fighting them when I can simply send them both packing to Limbo? they OBVIOUSLY have no concept of what TRUE HELL is and that there is no escape or return from it...not to mention the techno organic virus that abounds there among the demons.

<< she turns around and looks at Blaze.>>

It upset me to see Clara getting the drop on you like that. I dont know HOW she managed to do that, but you just know that I've ALWAYS got your back, so does Alison, Delilah, Sharon...well just about EVERYONE...except apparently Nicolas.

They're out of here now...and Claudia better know her place or I'll give HER a new place...in HELL. that little bitch just doesnt KNOW!

<< Morgan fumed as she paced back and forth a bit.>>

 

[Siren]

Claudia softly laughed off Clara's comment. She was DEFINITELY done with Nicolas. Espcially after the way he ATTACKED Clara [or so she thought]. Zach on the other hand...she liked him. He was a challenge. Claudia wasn't ready to place that one on the backburner just yet.

Clara: But really… you're my sister… the only one I have, and if they're going to continue to play this four on one game, I'm not going to allow you to face it alone. I don't care WHAT you did. It's not YOUR FAULT that THEIR men can't keep their pants on.

Smiling, Claudia knew Clara would be on her side no matter one. But to hear how her sister had her back unconditionally always put a smile on her face.

"Thanks Clare-bear."

Clara: You know… maybe I should call a couple of colleagues from the Hellfire Club. I can think of at least three who owe me favors… and we could show those Melrose maggots that they aren't the ONLY ones with powerful friends.

"Seriously. That bitch [Morgan] needs to be knocked off her high horse. [rolling her eyes] So she can transport things to different worlds; big. fucking. deal. She'll find out the hard way that she's not the only alpha dog in this game."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment 2

<< Karen clutched her glass of water as Mike wrapped a blanket around her. THe storm outside was shaping up quite nicely.>>

<< Mike cautioned her to calm down.>>

How CAN I?

Alison says the WORST is yet to come...and ...and I don't think i'm READY!

You saw what Grammie did....how can i stack up to THAT!?

and then these young people! Those INSOLENT little girls [ the Zaccharas] and the divide between the Six. Grammie said that we ALL need to LET GO of our anger toward Nicolas...that he's no different than any OTHER man who fails. Oh WHY couldnt he have just excercised BETTER JUDGEMENT!

<< drinking some of her water.>>

sable shards...i just don't see how this is going to work.

<< flashing in beside Karen...whispering to her.>>

Barbas: It won't work Karen. you're not a warrior witch like VERNA!

Barbas:...and then I'll get Alison...then MORGAN. Remember how you felt when Haleigh and Alison came to tell you Morgan had DIED fighting Master Mold? That's NOTHING compared to what you will feel TONIGHT...and you'll know that you were WEAK! You'll be a DISGRACE and when you're at your lowest ...I'll have you as DESERT!

<< Karen began to look distressed.>>

No... It CAN'T BE TRUE!

 

[Harbinger]

apartment 1

"You can say that again..."

Delilah massaged her temples.

I think I need to buy stock in an aspirin company...

She looked over at Alison, her cheek resting on one palm.

"I don't suppose you want to share with the rest of us any of those little previews of the future? Because honestly I can't think of any reason we should have anything more to do with the Zaccharas. Including Morgan."

The Zaccharas...while being dispicable and clearly not worth any care or compassion, have become intertwined in our nightmare. Barbas has been tormenting them as well...and so...they play a small but no less critical role in the final battle.

We could have killed them today. There are MANY reasons why we had EVERY right to. Justice for Sharon and all those she tried to protect from them during her days as a senator; the threat Claudia posed to Morgan; Clara attacking Blaze; Claudia using Nicolas to get to us; Clara's powers and the way they effected Haleigh. They are ARE our enemy! We COULD deal with them like we would any OTHER enemy.

:: still in her black dress with the thigh high split, the seer becomes a bit more comfortable by turning and leaning her back against one side and swinging her bare legs around and dangling them over the arm of the comfy sofa chair she was laying in::

But I don't care about them at the moment. We did the right thing in terms of the BIGGER picture. The know that if they mess with one of us...they mess with ALL of us and they don't want it.

WE have to get ready...tonight, Barbas will strike in ernest and goddess grant our powers ...our inner strength is sufficient to not only survive but to OVERCOME!

:: the storm outside ERUPTS now...::

 

[Seer]

storm of fear

<< time passes...as afternoon gives way to evening. the storm moving through L.A. is FIERCE! the only thing as elemental is the BLOOD feud between two sets of Sisters....Morgan and Blaze vs. Claudia and Clara.>>

<< their conflict COULD have taken center stage in some other time and setting, with Nicolas being EXTREMELY suspect for sleeping with the enemy, but there was a larger, more menacing spectre looming over them ALL! >>

<< as the storm and darkening horizon take hold the surviving members of Arielle's coven go into hiding...casting protection spells and staying together to avoid what promises to be a night of bloody harvesting for Barbas.>>

at the Roosevelt

<< the winds and the rain batter the hotel's exterior and a weather advisory is issued and the Zaccharas were momentarily left with only the clothes on their back, would have to be content to spend the night @ the hotel. They wouldnt have time to go out though, the weather was inclement and they would soon find themselves duely occupied.>>

<< after a nice meal and some drinks...the sisters had calmed a bit. the injuries sustained from the fight in the courtyard were not life threatning [this time] so they were able to settle themselves and while the revelation of Claudia's sexual exploits and how her actions were now placing Clara in the line of fire did not IMMEDIATELY cause a rift between the sisters, the seeds were planted and Barbas was definately making SURE they took root in Clara's mind. >>

at Melrose Place

<< the courtyard was empty, and some of the damage had been repaired by Nicolas as he departed MP. the rest were inside their individual apartments, they too were coming down from the angry rush of the confrontation and Barbas was having a field day with some of them, most notably Karen and Alison.>>

<< but someone ELSE was about to find herself in a world of trouble. Perhaps the least likely target.>>

<< the rest of the team would soon be THRUST into action...whether they were ready or NOT.>>