The way we were

[Persephone]

:: Rampages power helped Alison greatly as she withered in pain, growing weaker by the moment. Watching Circe loose the last of her power, it was a gratifying moment for Persephone considering her and Circe had a long history of hating each other. With a smile on her face, the surrounding island became calm and quiet. Helping a drained Delilah to her feet, Persephone allowed her to rest her weight on her shoulder. Seeing Hecate appear, even though it had only been hours since she last saw Hecate, in actuality it had been centuries. Hearing her berate Circe was just icing on the cake...until she got to the part of saying she expected this behavior from someone like Zeus of herself. Ouch.. That was completely uncalled for. Zeus was FAR worse than herself...and Circe was a hag. Placing them all in the same catagory was just insulting. ::

:: Persephone watched as Hecate decapitated Circe, finally ending her reign of power. The moon turn a brilliant white, and all her pets turned back into men. It was finally over. ::

 

[Black Widow]

"I already have."

Haleigh said, indicating to Morningstar that she had indeed reinforced Persephone's barrier. It proved to be nothing more than a speedbump, however, and things weren't looking good for the team, as Morningstar also struggled with a shield. Haleigh turned her attention to Morgan, who lay unconscious in Nicolas' arms. Haleigh checked for a pulse, and scanned other vital readings to determine Morgan's state of health.

"Her vitals are terribly low... she's got a weak pulse, but at least it's there."

She comments quietly, as she pulls out a field first aid kit and draws a syringe and tiny bottle of pale yellow liquid. She warns Nicolas not to be alarmed, more out of habit than anything, as she is sure he knows EXACTLY what it is she's about to do.

"It's just epinephrine. It won't wake her up but it should keep her from slipping further. I've always said there's no drug like adrenaline."

She gave Morgan a shot in the crook of her elbow, and is aware that Athena has appeared and it PROTECTING them from Circe's attack, while Alison had managed to wrangle Circe. Circe's attack fades, much to the obvious relief of EVERYONE on the receiving end, even Athena, who looks a tad on the exhausted side. Haleigh gives Athena a pat on the back as she watches the final moments of Circe, including Hecate's appearance and final judgement.

"Not bad.... for an Olympian. [cracks a smile] No, really. It's good to see we've fallen on the same side this time."

She said lightly, as Circe suffered her fate. Haleigh didn't find quite the satisfaction in Circe's demise that the others did... she was just relieved that Circe's rampant terrorizing hissy fit was finally over... and that the world as they knew it was not over.

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah allowed herself to lean on Persephone. She breathed a sigh of relief as all her teammates were returned to her and it seemed would be okay. ]

"Is it really over?"

[ She turned to Athena and Hecate. ]

"Thank you."

[ It seemed the Six were not as strong as they had all believed - like the gods of Olympus, they were NOT invinceable. But they had stuck together in this, despite some bumps in the road, and that was promising for the future. ]

 

[Rampage]

Hecate's Isle

Nicolas smiled grimly as Hecate used his axe to finish Circe off, then looked at him before sending it back to its place. Rampage stepped forward and picked up Alison, taking her back to the rest of the group. He laid her beside Morgan and tuned to see what the goddesses would now do. He was confident that all would now be well but Morgan and Alison were still in a bad way, and he would not REALLY feel better until they did.

 

[Seer]

before its all said and done

<< in a surprising turn of events, the threat of Circe, who was worse than any form of man made terrorist threat on earth up to this time, was finally ended. the isle of aerie reached an uncertain calm and silence as remnants of the nightmare were swept away, the moon no longer red, but white. circe's evil influence began to dissipate across the mainland of Greece as well as order was finally being restored among the citizens. >>

<< the six, tired and weary had stood together as best they could against Circe. But there was a realization among them that they would NOT have triumphed had it not been for Athena's intervention. the first time that a foe had prooven to be nearly too powerfull , too violent and too out of control from them to contain...much less defeat. it was a sobering lesson...not to mention the fact that their delieverance from certain death had come from ATHENA of all people for while they had "seen" her only hours ago and she had come to despise them horribly...in reality, they'd been moved back ahead CENTURIES to their present time. This had given Athena much time to ponder things while history as "the six" and the rest of the world would know it unfolded. Athena was , after all, the goddess of wisdom.>>


<< Hecate appeared on the plane of earth's existence for the first time in centuries as well, bitter and unforgiving as ever but MORE than justified in her feeling of hatred as she rendered due justice upon Circe. It was clear that time had NOT helped to ease her bittnerness and her icy aura radiated all around the immediate area as she glared at Persephone.>>

<< With Circe depowered and destroyed, Morgan would at long last inherit her birthright and become more in synch with her counterparts in the dark trinity, the unique multiversal phenomena that insured Hecate's legacy would continue on. But for now, the final matters of this long and exhausting caper were to be addressed.>>

<< As the six began to breath quiet sighs of relief and Rampage lay a battered Alison next to the unconscious Morgan..the time had come for them to depart this place...but where they were going would come as a surprise to all of them.>>

 

[Athena]

:: Athena exhaled. not since she'd fought the titans themselves eons ago had she exerted herself so far physically...but ONLY someone of her constitution could have saved the Six from death at Circe's destructive power.::

:: centuries had passed and Athena had seen the fallout and consequences from the problems that resulted from Persephone, Zeus, Hecate and the connecting situations and if nothing else, Athena was NO ONE's FOLLOWER. While Zeus. Hera and herself agreed that Persephone was no longer fit to have access to her olympian heritage, Athena did NOT agree with them on Hecate's treatment...and that had not changed. She had a loyal ally in Artemis in this matter which is what prompted them to send the Amazons to aid the six on Aerie tonight.::

:: she didnt do this for THE SIX themselves..least of all Persephone. this was in large part BECAUSE of Persephone's actions in the first place and Athena's hatred of this woman for murdering her sister and all the other dischord she caused on olympus, not to mention her apparent lack of regard or wisdom did not wane with the passing of the centuries either. She did this...as a favor to HECATE. A chance to show that she truly DID NOT go with the status quo and that her wisdom showed her the BENEFIT to being involved in this. Hecate FINALLY had the chance to take some of the justice and vengeance that was her's.::

:: Athena looked down at Haleigh as the woman patted her on the back, less than receptive to her rather FAMILIAR approach.::

we are NOT on the same side. I do not harbor a traitor as YOU do. what i did was in the name of friendship and JUSTICE...for HECATE and for the protection of my Amazons. I came here to help repair the damage. the foundation of this nightmare which was laid in LARGE PART by the actions of Persephone!

:: Athena snapped sharply as she turned away from her. this woman, through a combination of magickal and cosmic forces was now connected to Persephone and as such, could not be trusted in Athena's eyes.::

:: Delilah thanked Athena for her assistance, and Athena looked at the young mutant. in THIS one, there was a purity and strength of character. She didnt play at being one personality extreme or another. She was just HERSELF and stood for what she believed was right and THAT appealed to Athena.::

you are welcome, child.

:: Athena's tone was softer as she nodded to Delilah. there were SOME among the six she didnt regard with as much contempt and whether they could understand or not, the fact that Athena was here NOW was proof that SOME of the olympians had become more enlightened over the passing centuries. ::

 

[Hecate]

from one Aerie to another place

[ Hecate fully integrated to this plane of existence of she now appeared to have a corporeal form. Both she and Athena seemed LESS than nurturing at this point but as the few moments of Circe's demise passed, the air began to clear of the malice and dischord a bit.]

[ Athena snapped at Haleigh and rightly so for while the Six may not have remembered or simply didnt see it this way...this WHOLE situation was made possible in large part due to Persephone's actions...and Hecate had been burned from ALL sides because of it. Circe's judgement and subsequent execution was but a small piece of justice/vengeance. Athena's acknowledgement and subsequent HELP in the matter was much deserved VALIDATION to Hecate as well.]

Morgan and Alison have suffered at the hands of Circe...more than MOST people could endure as she attempted to eliminate those whom she felt were a danger to her power. They endured this suffering did so not only for the benefit of their friends and team...which now includes Persephone...but to save the life of Pandora and the WORLD. This evening was the first glimpse into how GOOD things can go if the team stands TOGETHER.

[ looking at Persephone, who had consistently tried pulling away from the team.]

the pain and abuse endured by Morgan and Alison will not hold nor will your bravery in the face of impossible odds go unnoticed.

[ lifting her hands, the team, athena and herself are teleported. the space around them fluxuates and blurs as they are bathed in a shower of sparkling haze...which soon dissipates to reveal them to be on a new island]

 

[Seer]

Paradise Island

<< the space around them fluxuates as they group are bathed in a sparkling mist. a rushing wind blows the mist around to reveal a beautifull, sprawling land...another island. at dawn. Black Widow's power would allow her to determine their position to now be well within the center of the BERMUDA TRIANGLE! prooving that myths and legends of this mysterious area of the ocean was more than myth...this island was UNCHARTED by any man made map or device. it was only while here that Haleigh herself could register the place.>>

<< this land was in fact Themyscria aka Paradise Island, land of the AMAZONS...a place shielded for centuries from the outside world of man. NO ship, plane or other means of travel would survive the repulsion of the bermuda triangle, which is where the island lay and from THAT was born the supposed myth and legendary tales of ships/planes disappearing in the violent waters of the bermuda triangle.>>

<< the six found themselves in a secluded forest area of the island...like a "secret garden" in which a beautifull stream flowed into a very large sparkling pool. a mist hung low over the pool and all around them lush foliage and flora could be found, this place rivaled Ororo's garden in its natural splendor.>>

<< above the leafy canopy of the trees, across the horizon a tall, majestic city of marble could be seen. it was a beautifull metropolis and most likely where the amazons conducted much of their civil affairs.>>

<< there was a reason the team was brought here and as Amazons began to emerge from various points of the secluded forest, Athena directed them to take Morgan and Alison.>>

 

[Athena]

Paradise Island

:: Athena was proud to be among her beloved Amazons in this most elegant and regal expanse...a realm untainted by the machinations of MEN. She looked at Rampage and her look implied that if he laid a HAND on any amazon...he'd face HER wrath.::

Morgan and Alison will be cared for by the healers of Paradise island. their wounds are psychological as well as physical and they need time to rest and rejuvinate. Paradise Island holds technology CENTURIES beyond that which is currently used by mortals on earth and so, the witches will be in good hands.

:: nodding to Hecate, who agreed it was time to reveal things to the six.::

Myself, Artemis and Hecate had a long overdue and much needed talk. We knew from the beginning that what Zeus and Hera wanted was not in line with what was RIGHT or FAIR...but those two were NEVER known for balanced judgement or wisdom.

:: logic and sense meant more to Athena than emotion and passion.::

Hecate was mistreated, by many from all sides and it was not right. My involvement in this part of your test and trials...as well as Artemis' indirect involvement ( the blessing of the weapons wielding by the amazons on aerie came from Artemis who was apart of the original trinity of the moon)...was an attempt to right some of the wrong done to Hecate and those that descended from her...not to mention to spare the world sudden destruction if Pandora's box were to be open.

Circe is a lesson to Olympus of what can happen when dischord and betrayal abound.

[ glaring disdainfully at Persephone.]

a lesson that apparently is not learned even with the passing of CENTURIES by some.

Pandora herself is ANOTHER testimony to the folly of some of the olympians...many of whom regarded her as a "pet" more than a sentient being and thus abandonnded her to the fate she now shoulders. Barbara Minerva, a woman of immeasurable courage and strength in her first life came to the attention of myself, Artemis and Hecate centuries ago and was choosen to not only guard Pandora's life, but to serve as the human watcher over the most ancient and rare artifacts on earth that fell from olympus. items too deadly to be wielded by the foolish hands and wicked minds of mortals as they began to change over time.

:: images of Barbara during her stint in MoE's timeline began to flash before the six. moments that Persephone would recognize instantly.::

That Barbara and Persephone would somehow encounter each other in not one..but TWO timelines was not something any of us expected...but Circe murdering her was even MORE unexpected and intolerable....yet another reason why I became involved.

:: it was clear that Athena had come to understand MUCH over the passing of centuries. her enlightenment was very much a benefit to the six. but her own unforgiveness of Persephone rivaled that of Hecate's for the Olympians. THAT was personal.::

the place where you stand, is older than all the nations of earth...before ANY of your ancestors were even thought off. It is the very birth place of the Amazons and remains so to this day.

:: gesturing to the beautifull, DEEP, pool which was fed by a bubbling , flowing waterfall to the north that cascaded over large rocks and was surrounded by large, lush trees.::

Amazons are women who once lived on earth as mortals. They triumphed over the adversity and abuse visited upon them by MEN and many of them died in battle, or laying down their lives in a most honorable way. These women were rewarded with something far more precious than anything they knew in their mortal lives.

:: directing the Six's attention to the beautifull pool, the waters began to shimmer a bit, as a small area began to bubble up.::

the women are REBORN as AMAZONS, immortal women possessed of perfect physical constitution and freed from the constraints of the world of mortal men. here in this land they are able to develop their physical and mental skills, allowing them to have become and continue to be among the longest lived and most deadly group of warriors on this planet. Upon their rebirth, these women may experience the most fleeting moments of memory of their past life...the awarness that they have arrived to a new time and place...and as they continue to acclimate, all memory of their past life fades...as they begin life anew.

behold...

:: Athena continues to direct their attention to the beautifull pool::

 

[Barbara Minerva]

Reborn

[ the beautifull, deep , mysterious pool in this secluded forest begins to shimmer and bubble as the breath of life begins to form. the bubbling grows untill finally, a rushing sound is heard in the air as Barbara Minerva bursts forth, rising up from the water in a splendid arc form as if she were a water dancer. throwing her head back and opening her mouth wide as she takes in her first breath of new life, her flaming red hair flings back behind her as her renewed , nude body rises up from the water]

[ it is a most surprising, yetbeautifull thing to behold as Barbara opens her emerald green eyes and looks around her with curiosity and wonder, lifting her hands up as she lets some of the life giving water fall down her naked body. she looks down at herself, and then finally, she happens to notice the Six. Unmoved, and unafraid...she is looks at them rather blankly for a moment.]

[ her eyes move to Persephone and she seems to focus in on HER moreso than the others...she seems pensive...as she experiences the faint, flickering ghost images of memories in her head. she knew this woman...they were friends perhaps? the implication of a life BEFORE...with adventure...and uncertainty. but that life is no more..and has no meaning to Minerva, who will from now on be known by her surname only. she will never know the pain of death or abuse again. ]

[ her gaze of Persephone ends as several Amazons dressed in greek inspired white "mini dresses" golden sandals and wearing feminum bracelets emerge , running to the pool to welcome their newest sister!]

[ Minerva smiles as she holds out her arms and welcomes the smiles, laughter, welcome and embrace of her new sisters.]

[ She is now an amazon! immortal and no longer subject to the ravages and machinations of "man's world"...her world for SEVERAL lifetimes of bravery, courage and honor. Circe's murder of her no longer had any meaning.]

 

[Rampage]

Amazon Isle

Nicolas looked on as Hecate teleported them to an unknown island expanse, lush with vegetation that rivaled any he had see. He realized s they emerged that he was in the company of the AMAZONS themselves, at their home of Themyscira!! He knew his history and quickly realized that he was one of a VERY small number of men to ever arrive here.

He noticed Athena's warning look and proudly returned her gaze as he responded.

They are indeed beautiful, but I would much rather receive technological and martial training from them than anything... *ahem*...you might be envisioning. Not ALL men think with their small heads first, goddess.

Nicolas nodded respectfully to Athena and watched as she made her speech to them. As she gestured to the pool, he watched its waters intently, wondering what was to come...

And then Barbara Minerva emerges, beautiful and full and fit and alive. In his joy he allowed a bit of immaturity in noticing that the carpet did indeed match the drapes, something about certain famous redheads he always wondered. He quickly got back to the task at hand as he became the first male (as far as he knew) to witness the birth of an amazon and the answer to how they increased their number.

The return of Minerva was a joy to him, one of the last loose ends in this caper that he wished could have been tidied up.

I should have known. Where there is a will and several nigh-omnipotent goddesses, there is a way...

 

[Persephone]

:: Persephone's eyes caught Hecates; they were cold and bitter. Persephone had to keep reminding herself that centuries has passed since their last encounter...which wasn't much comfort considering Hecate seemed to hate her even more so now than before. Glancing to Athena, she still had the same, I have a giant stick shoved sideways up my ass, look on her face. Not surprising to Persephone. ::

:: Moments passed before the entire group was swept away in a grand show of lights, reappearing on another island; more gorgeous than the previous one they had been on. Streams of crystal clear water weaved paths through the prestine green grass. Athena began to speak about the island, informing the six this was where the Amazons stayed. Persephone listened but continued to study the vast land, wondering why she had never been to this place before, or even KNEW about it. Finally looking to Athena, her subtle insults directed at Persephone fell on deaf ears. She had heard it all before: a trecherous, murdering, untrustworthy, selfish, bitch who betrayed everyone she came in contact with. If it wasn't from Athena it was from someone else. Honestly, it never bothered Persephone before...atleast not until Hecate felt that way. ::

:: Barbara's name caught Persephone's attention, directing her attention directly at Athena. Looking to the pool of water, a beautiful redhead emerged, naked and wet. ::

"Barbara.."

:: Persephone whispers were barely audiable as she watched in astonishment, seeing the rebirth of her good friend. Persephone's hard face softened, allowing a small smile to appear on her lips as her eyes met with Barbara's. Amazons soon began to dress her, truly 'turning' her into one of them. ::

"Thank you."

:: Persephone's eyes shifted to Athena, in a surprising moment of sincerity. She knew Athena did not do this for her, but she did give Barbara life again...and Persephone was truly greatful for that. ::

"Barbara didn't deserve to die by Circe's hand. She was an honorable woman...She, of all people, has earned this."

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah found herself in the most beautiful place she had ever seen - it truly was paradise. She was standing on her own now. She touched Morgan's hand gently as she was taken away in the care of the Amazonians.

She gasped as Athena explained the mysteries of this place and Barbara Minerva herself emerged from the pool. She looked away at her nakedness. She noticed the look in Rampage's eye, and covered his eyes playfully with her hand. ]

"Show's over loverboy."

[ She was relieved that Barbara's sacrifice for them had not gone unrewarded - one less life the Six had lost. But... ]

"Forgive me, Athena, but why are the rest of us here? We are thankful for Barbara's safety, and Morgan and Alison need healing, but why bring us to this place?"

 

[Hecate]

Paradise Island

[ Hecate stood with her arms folded and looked on as Athena gave a most comprehensive explanation of Themyscria, the amazons and the gift that awaited women from earth chosen to be reborn as Amazons. A soft smile came over her stern face as Minerva was reborn. Knowing that this did Persephone's heart such joy as well as soothing the rest of the six...it allowed Hecate herself to soften her stance a bit.]

Barbara has been justly rewarded. She has lived through more than most warriors could withstand and she died with honor keeping Pandora from Circe's grasp. We (athena, artemis and myself) wanted to make SURE than not of Circe's damage and destruction was permanent.

Minerva will now live her life in the safety and tranquility of Paradise Island. You may encounter her again in some bold adventure, but understand that she will not know any of you as she once did.

[ looking around slowly as the six reacted to the mystery that is the "birth of an amazon". smirking a bit as Delilah playfully reprimanded Nicolas, who couldnt help but to react as any normal man would to some aspects of this moment.]

[ Persephone had a moment of sincerity. it took courage to be able to show this infront of Athena, let alone the rest of the team...but her emotional connection to Barbara was clear...this REMINDED Hecate that Persephone wasnt as cold and selfish as history had come to paint her out to be. She SHOULD have remembered that...but time has a way of making a person romanticize the good and overemphasize the bad aspects of a memory...and when you multiply that time by CENTURIES....well...you get the idea.]

[ Hecate's golden eyes rested upon Delilah as she asked Athena why THEY were there..]

you are here because you're a TEAM and you must share in the rewards as you share in the struggles. Barbara was Persephone's friend...a link to her recent past before she came to this timeline, but she also prooved to be a worthy, honorable ally of your team as well. It was only fitting that you all know that her destiny was what you've just witnessed...to show you that no matter how powerfull or far reaching the evil...that it does not always hold strong. Also, Morgan and Alison face a new destiny as well and it would be wrong of us to deprive you...their team..their FAMILY of an audience to that.

[ looking to Persephone.]

but more specifically, there are some things...some issues that need to be addressed among us.

[ looking among herself, persephone and Athena.]

ALL of us.

 

[Athena]

Paradise Island

:: as Minerva was reborn into her new life, Athena smiled as well...welcoming yet another daughter into the cradle of Paradise Island. The Six were touched and Persephone in particular showed relief and expressed gratitude to Athena...something that Athena HERSELF did not expect....but in true fashion, the goddess of wisdom replied.::

no thanks are necessary. in truth, YOU have yourself to thank...for your efforts on Barbara's behalf, even facing certain death in battling Circe to keep her from possessing Pandora's box helped Barbara to realize her ultimate destiny. you prooved yourself to be worthy of HER friendship and now, in part because of you, Minerva will now live forever as an Amazon.

:: Hecate added in that they might yet encounter Minerva on some other bold adventure and that was very true...but ALSO true was the Minerva would have no memory of Persephone or her life as Barbara from this or MoE's timeline.::

My Amazons will journey outside the safety of Themyscria from time to time when it is necessary. the most "famous" amazon being the princess, Diana. ( )

:: Athena looked away from Persephone as. as Minerva was gently lead away by her newfound sisters, covered in a beautifull white robe, Athena smiled. pleased that things were happening as they should. Delilah asked a fair question which Hecate addressed and Athena nodded in agreement.::

It does not end here...for Morgan and Alison have yet to reach their conclusions in this caper and as Hecate said...you :: gesturing at the team:: her family, should be witness to it so that you may adjust together.

:: as Hecate mentioned that she, Persephone and Athena had issues to discuss, Athena's slightly warmer expression became serious again as she stood tall and silent.::

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah should have been comforted by Hecate and Athena's words, by the knowledge that the people of Themyscria would take good care of her injured friends. But she wasn't. Something was going to happen, she could feel it. She wasn't sure if Morgan and Alison could handle any more changes right now. Hell, she wasn't sure she could "adjust" to any more changes right now. It seemed that no matter what they did, there was always more pain around the corner, more heartache. Would they never have peace?

She turned away from the others and looked out over the landscape. Peace. There seemed to be an abundance of it in this place. But just as quickly as Athena had brought them here, she knew it would be taken away again. She turned her eyes down towards the ground. One day of peace... Way too much to ask. ]

 

[Rampage]

Themyscira

Delilah asked a great question after ruining the rest of his look at Minerva. He smiled as she spoke, playfully poking her side.

The answers from Hecate and Athena piqued his interest. He wondered what could be SO different now? It was described as a reward, but some gifts were not as kind as others. He furrowed his brow hoping for the best as he pondered the next act of this, as Athena put it, "caper".

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh eyed Athena as she responded. Oooh.... tou-CHY. She thought.... Athena still seemed a little bitter.... but it wasn't like there was no truth to Athena's words. However, true to form, Haleigh had a few words of hard truth of her own to share.

"Yes... perhaps you're right. If you think so, then alright, I harbor a traitor. [narrowing her eyes] At LEAST I don't try to pretend I'm ABOVE culpability in the matter. Persephone MAY have done the wetwork, you should NEVER overlook that you played a role as well, Goddess. You KNEW... you HAD to have known.... that there was a GRAVE injustice done to Persephone. They did WORSE than taking her life, they took her FREEDOM... they FORCED her into a marriage to a man she DIDN'T love, as IF she was some sort of TROPHY to be traded about.... and YOU did not stop it from happening, nor did you do enough to right the wrong that that was done not ONLY to Persephone, but to HECATE as well.... for after all.... wasn't Hades her betrothed?? Now I'm NOT saying that it's YOUR fault, or even that Persephone was JUSTIFIED in her actions... It's certainly NOT my place to pass judgement on ANY OF YOU... I wasn't there and I'm SURE even NOW, that I don't know the WHOLE story.... but I DO know this..... you ALL played a part in what happened. [pausing as the rest of the Six regrouped and Hecate prepared to take them somewhere else] I'm sorry that you lost your sister, Athena. I know that can make objectivity difficult.... but Persephone has been PUNISHED ENOUGH. You chose to banish her from Olympia... she accepted that sentence, and will abide by it. She must live with her actions AND the pain that she caused. YOU must stop punishing her beyond the terms of her sentence.... and for YOUR OWN SAKE.... It's time to move on."

She offered gently. She knew it would be a hard pill to swallow, but she noticed a pattern: CENTURIES later, Hecate and Athena were still bitter and they made it clear to Persephone that they still held the grudge... and it seemed Perse felt bad enough about it that she didn't try to defend herself... and Haleigh felt that in any event, SOMEONE should speak up on Perse's behalf... or else she might get raked across more coals than she rightfully deserved.

Hecate took them away... to a place that Haleigh'd never been before but easily registered.... and island in the BERMUDA TRIANGLE. Well, this was truly interesting...the place was as beautiful and serene as it was mysterious, and Haleigh remained quiet as Athena gave them the long and short of the island. Morgan and Alison were carried off, and Haleigh's ears perked up at the mention of advanced technology.

"Technology, you say? WELL then.... maybe I'll just tag along with them and check it out..."

She said, as she began to wander away from the group, following the Amazons who were quickly making off with Morgan and Alison.... but Haleigh was soon stopped by a couple of OTHER Amazons who blocked off the path and ushered her BACK to the group.

"Or then again, maybe not." She shrugged, as Barbara rose from the pool and was immediately tended to by the Amazons.... Athena and Hecate gave explainations, as Haleigh folded her arms, light-hearted skepticism on her face.

"Oh... I don't know if I'm buying it.... I've BEEN to plenty of places called paradise.... there's always some VERY delectable cabana boys running about, bringing you frozen Margaritas... and they're almost ALWAYS shirtless.... you know... kind of like Nicolas here... well, except THEY would be tall, dark, and handsome."

She says, with a playful wink. There seemed to be so much seriousness going around... they needed badly to lighten the mood, after everything they'd just been through.

 

[Athena]

Paradise Island

:: Athena looked down at Haleigh and her face couldnt help but to slightly contort with agitation as the young woman retorted her soundly. Haleigh wasn't one of Athena's subjects, and after all the centuries that had passed, the relevance of the gods/goddesses on earth had changed and only those on olympus who had chose to adapt with those changing times managed to retain their vitality and power and in this instance, since Haleigh was more than capable of holding her own with the goddess in observations of the big picture, Athena responded in a more human way than ever before.::

I am here NOW am i not? I came and i did what i could to help start EVERYONE on the path of healing and....forgiveness!

Losing Demeter hurt ME more the most but while I was grieving, Zeus and his brothers decided to find their own way to punish Persephone. I had no hand in that, but my own bitterness toward her allowed me to find a way to JUSTIFY it. THAT along with NOT doing more to help Hecate is why i came NOW. CENTURIES have passed since our "Meeting" and I had more than enough time to think and rethink things. Being the goddess of wisdom doesnt mean that i know the END from the BEGINNING or that I am infallible...and while some of us on Olympus have become all to aware of our more "human" foibles with the passing centuries...there are OTHERS who wish to do what you accuse ME of....remaining above "culpability"...some among YOU even now!

I have long since lay claim to my own accountability in this matter and done what i could in the time that was left before all of YOU were destroyed by Circe.

:: Athena seemed more human than before but she wasnt afraid to speak her peace on this matter and as Hecate advised them that there were many issues still left to be resolved, Athena nodded slowly. the bitterness and resentment had taken its toll on Athena and Hecate BUT Athena had been able to see past it...long enough to help right SOME of the wrong that had been done. The Six had gotten a preview of THAT in the enchanted forest and now they were witnessing it first hand. but despite her "knowing better", Athena couldnt let go of her anger toward Persephone...not yet. Not until Persephone had ADMITTED that she caused damage and that this was her fault! an apology..wouldnt mean much because Athena would be able to tell if Persephone was sincere, but the courage and the integrity to OWN UP to her actions...THAT would be enough for Athena, at least for now. ::


:: Athena watched as Rampage and Black Widow provided their own little moments of levity to lighten the mood as Minerva was reborn. In the ancient times, she would have BLINDED Nicolas and turned Haleigh into some kind of object for this kind of behavior...for it could have been construed that they didnt care for or RESPECT the enormity Minerva's rebirth or the treasure that was Paradise Island. but she'd seen through the passing of time that humans had their own way of coping with things.::

Paradise Island is unlike anything you have known, Haleigh. A place where WOMEN flurish and the vices of man's world do not apply. there is true peace and serenity here. Consider yourselves privilaged to view what many have DIED trying to discover.

:: Athena moved away from the group for a moment and watched as the amazons lead Minerva away. she looked up to the dawning skies as the winds blew and held out her hand. Bupol fluttered into view and happily flew down to his mistress' outstretched hand.::

Bupol, my beloved pet, how are Morgan and Alison?

:: as the owl cooed and chirped, he communicated with Athena on a telepathic level, Athena "saw" that Morgan and Alison both were now in the healing and restoration chambers and inside of rejuvination pods. they were being restored, repaired and realligned and all was proceeding in order.::

excellent.

:: she gently petted her familiar and bowed her head, nuzzling his head with her forehead in a display of maternal affection before offering him some freshly plucked grapes from a lush grape vine that was nearby. to watch her interact with her familiar would allow a person to see just how gentle she could be. a stark contrast to her reputation throughout history and with the six.::

:: She did not return to the group just yet....for her involvement in this was about to come to an end soon as Hecate would carry them on to the last leg of this journey. after a few moments to herself, to keep calm and to c heck on the status of Morgan and Alison, she returned, with Bupol to the group.::

 

[Hecate]

Paradise Island

[ Hecate looked at Haleigh and Nicolas hard for a moment. of them all, these two were the ones who prooved to have more unexpected reactions. Haleigh knew what Athena was capable of of if she became enraged but she challenged her anyway...but with an observation that prooved to be all too clear and accurate. this prooved that some members of the six actually "GOT IT" and that all of this was not in vain after all.]

[ Athena and Hecate had had THEIR reconcilliation, along with Artemis which was what lead to them working together to help in the battle against Circe, but the problem of Persephone still remained. Haleigh was right, the time for forgiveness had come, but Hecate couldnt HELP but to feel the fear of what would happen if she extended her hand and her forgiveness only to be "punched in the stomach" again as she been time and time again in years past. she had departed this plane of existence because no longer wanted to experience the vices of humanity only to be FORCED to return, to save humanity thanks to Circe and in doing so, all the memories, the sensations of the drama from Olympus came flooding back....as well as the memory of what it was like in the GOOD TIMES with Persephone.]

[ Athena more than held her own with Haleigh and showed her willigness to OWN her own "human" traits and flaws that came with them. Hecate felt that now was indeed the time for them to allow themselves to forgive Persephone, but ONLY if SHE shouldered her blame and involvement in this matter with HONESTY AND HONOR for a change.]

It may be time for forgiveness , Haleigh, but it's ALSO time for ACCOUNTABILITY! HONESTY and CLARITY. Athena is here because of that and so am I. but what about YOU, Persephone?


[ rather than speaking ABOUT her in her presence, Hecate spoke directly to her, looking right at her even in the presence of her friends and team mates while Athena moved away for a moment to check on the status of Morgan and Alison.]