Violence for profit

[Spellbinder]

<< a week has passed .....summer wanes as the mild windy fall air begins to bring a change in the weather....the days grow shorter and the nights longer and more mysterious>>

<<The Six --now divided between Illustra and The Parthenon, have survived their first caper as semi cohesive unit. Though the shadow and ashes of the Inferno still linger, HEALING and CHANGE slowly continue to take place....and now, as autumn approaches.....so too do new adventures...and emotional upheval. >>


<< on a friday evening....within the bustling world of fashion and glamor...Illustra Inc, in a lucrative parternship with Tempo Magazine captures the attention of NYC's citizens...as a beautiful new billboared featuring Illustra's signature super model and CEO is now featured in Times Square. It coincides with the release of a special anniversary issue of Tempo Magazine...>>

<< Each member of the Six had something in their life that gave meaning....each of them had successes to offset the massive personal failures they shared. In the case of Morgan, She was always HAPPIEST in the fashion world...preferring to flash and floss rather than fill the role of reluctant "super heroine" it was at times like this...that she could lose herself and forget her mantle of demon sorceress.>>

<< but a telephone call from Alycia Barnetta close friend and powerful presence in the legal circuit would once again sideline her fashion endeavors...not just HER endeavors..but her allies/team mates as well.>>

 

[Prophet]

:: Cameron watched as Haleigh appeared in his own sleep wear and wondered just exactly had gone on with Adrian a few moments before. Prophet didn't even really know himself. He tried his best to explain. ::

"Haleigh.. I have no idea what just happened. The man tried to throw himself out of the top of the Parthenon. I pulled him back in, he passed right through me like a ghost and went to go make himself something to eat...That man is more fucked up than I originally thought.. but.. what did you want to talk about?"

:: He had some sort of idea but of course he wanted to see what she was really talking about before he jumped the gun. ::

 

[Persephone]

Alexis' Penthouse

:: Sitting on a cloth covered stool facing her vanity, Alexis stared intensely at her reflection. It had been a week, and the meta human hadn't left her penthouse once. Phone calls screened, visitors ignored. She wanted time alone. Time to reflect on what had happened to her family. What had happened to her. She wanted time to learn her new power...a power she still deep down inside wished she didn't have. Regardless of whether she wanted the glamouring power or not, she was getting pretty good at it. Changing her eye color, her clothing, her hairstyle. But what Alexis strived for more then anything, was to change her overall appearance. She wanted Alexis Chandler-Quartermaine to be no more...at least for the time being. Not to have to worry about Tempo Magazine. The reporters digging into her personal life about what had happened at the Gala, the paparazzi. She wanted her image to fall off the face of the earth so she could walk down the streets of New York in peace. If it were up to her, she would even try to undermine the six about who she was. Take a break from them. Find herself again and not who she has become. Unfortunately with the amount of powers they possessed, they would see right through her in an instant. ::

:: Sighing, Alexis tilted her head to the side. Her eyes shifted away from the mirror and to a picture sitting to the side. It was a picture of her grandmother. Long raven locks, cascading down to the small of her back. Dark chocolate eyes, a beautiful naturally tanned complection. And an amazing bone structure. Her grandmother was beautiful....so beautiful. Concentrate... were the only words that echoed in her mind. Looking back into the mirror, Alexis stared intensely. The room was silent, her breath was short. Suddenly, her face began to blur as a soft white light emitted from her body. And with a quick explosion of light, Alexis had glamoured her entire form. The light died down, and staring back from the mirror was a beautiful brunette woman... ::

"I did it.."

:: Alexis spoke softly to herself as a small smile appeared on her lips. She didn't look exactly like her grandmother, but Lex was mainly using her grandmother as inspiration. The blonde bombshell was gone and a dark brunette sexpot was now in it's place. Standing from the stool, the meta human ran her slender fingers down her new slim frame. Her body was flawless, almost idenical to her original...if not better. Moving away from the vanity, she felt impowered and full of life. Something she hadn't felt in a very long time. Smirking, perhaps it was time to take this new look for a test drive. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

executive offices of Illustra

<< standing at the end of a long, sharp conference table..., Morgan slams her hand down on the table, infuriated at the fact that the Tabloids have printed stories about her and Alison being "out of control" at the Gala event a week ago....and that there was accuracy in the "report" of the events>>

<< bellowing >>: THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! how dare these two bit tabloid twits! they are like VIRUSES...just lurking EVERYWHERE. They have NO IDEA that Adrian LOCKHART was responsible for the rampant debauchery that swept through the gala while Helena attempted to crash the party..they NEVER have a clue!

<< wearing a simple, yet chic and figure flattering black dress with fishnet stockings and five inch high heels...Morgan looked sleek, elegant yet fierce at the same time....seething with rage>>

and look at this photography...its "CRYSTAL CLEAR"....i wonder if HALEIGH is responsible for this....that little tramp. I should BOIL HER until her flesh falls off!

<< standing with her arms folded...Morgan glared at the magazines on the table...>>

Tempo's anniversary issue just hit the stands...THAT magazine pulls in millions with subscriptions and off the stand buyers. Our partnernship with them has proven lucrative for both of us....that will offset this pathetic nonsense of the tabloids.

Speaking of Tempo....have you looked in on Alexis? has she even LEFT her apartment since we reterned for Windmere?

<<a surprising turn...Morgan showing concern for someone OUTSIDE of her clique...but then again, she and Alexis had built a strong bridge between them since Blaze and AJ's deaths...the two women shared MANY common and tragic bonds>>

 

[Harbinger]

:: Alison was at the OTHER end of the conference table...having stood up...she too was agitated...as the tabloids had a FIELD day obsessing over EVERY DETAIL of her shocking, titllating black Versace dress...it WAS a provocative look and unlike anything anyone had seen her in before...but it was still HER descision..she knew what she had done when she chose to wear it..and it actually SUITED HER::

:: but just like members on this very team...it seemed EVERYONE "the media", no matter how low end they were, had an opinion of the mysterious Alison Marbel and were only too glad to voice it::

::in a disdainfull voice:: these plebian clods, this is what they live for. they have to feed themselves and pay their bills by leeching off of us like parasites...and as for Adrian...yes, he was MORE than responsible for MANY of the weird happenings with the guests and even ...Cameron and Erika.

::looking out of the panoramic window...which gave her a sprawling high view of the city below [closer to the ground than the residential floors]....Alison listened to the din of traffic and car horns ....she and Morgan were very agitated this evening...for it had been a long and trying day....the success of Tempo's latest publication was the only positive thing to come out of it::

Acutally, I've not looked in on Alexis, she's been in her apartment...but there's been no imminent danger...and so I felt it best to leave her be. Cameron and his guests [refusing to mention Haleigh or Adrian's names again] are generally fine as well from what ive "seen". However....WE can expect a phone call from Alycia Barnett in the next 10 minutes.....she is going to offer us a most unique opportunity.

:: turning her head..she looked across the room at Morgan...with a "knowing" look that suggested another caper was about to unfold::

 

[Persephone]

(Love love love that picture of Faith/Cynthia, Farrah!)

:: Walking out of Illustra, Alexis was given many looks. Looks of confusion of who this woman was, looks of desire and envy, and of course, looks of longing and lust. A small smirk appeared on the brunette's lips as she walked down the sidewalks of New York City. Dressed in a simple, yet sleek and sexy black long sleeved top,ultra low rise jeans, and matching black stiletto healed boots, the meta human was the epitome of New York style. ::

:: As she made her way up to a vender selling magazines, she stopped abruptly. Looking to the numerous tabloid magazines with her old face on it, her chocolate eyes narrowed. "Breakdown sends Quartermaine to Switzerland." "Tempo Gala crashed and Quartermaine crushed"! "Drinking again?" Grunting, she couldn't believe this...Snatching the pile of magazines from the vendors station, the Indian man looked to her, angered. ::

Man: "What do you think you are doing, child?!"

:: Turning, Alexis didn't even bother to answer the man. He began to yell down the street, threatening to call the police. Go ahead...call them. As far as anyone was concerned, the person she was didn't even exist. ::

:: Throwing the magazines into a trash can she just past, she soon sighed. The wind whipped around her, sending her waist length ebony locks tossing in the air. Brushing a few pieces away from her face, she continued to walk until finally, she made her way into one of her favorite restaurants in upper Manhattan, "Corinos". Stepping into the warm foyer, it was a contrast to the cooler weather outside. The hostess looked to her, and smiled. ::

"Alex...."

:: Stopping abruptly, normally all she had to say was her name and a table would "mysteriously" be vacant, even in the most busy of days. Totally forgetting about her new appearance, Alexis smiled as the woman looked at her oddly. ::

"Um...one. Please."

:: Nodding, the woman took Alexis to a table and handed her a menu. ::

Woman: "Anything else I can get you...."

:: Looking up to the hostess, she hesitated. The hostess obviously wanting to know her last name. As most high class restaurants do to make themselves seem more "connected" to their guests. ::

"...Cassadine. Natasha Cassadine..and no, thank you. I'm fine."

:: Nodding, the woman smiled. ::

Woman: "Have a good meal, Miss Cassadine."

:: Where the hell did she pull that name from. Shaking her head, well I guess she was known as Natasha Cassadine in this body...Clearing her throat, Alexis opened the menu and began to scan through it, as if she didn't already know what was on it. Pressing her lips together, honestly, it just felt nice to be out and about..without the worry of paparazzi and disgruntle reporters. Sitting back against her seat, Lex took a deep breath in, enjoying the serenity. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

<<meanwhile...in the executive offices of Illustra, Morgan and Alison receive Alycia's phone call at last....pleasant to hear from their mutual friend and important contact but what news she bears is a whole different story alltogether>>


<< finally hanging up the phone, Morgan looks at Alison>>


<< in an icy voice>>: Do we really want to involve the others in this? Do we NEED them?

<< sitting down at the end of the long sharply designed conference table....Morgan mulls over Alycia's words>>

Alycia Barnett: Senator Sharon Kelly has advisded me that DHS needs the Six's help. a creature of unimaginable longevity and power has waged a murderous killing spree across in the new england states...he has prooven to be virtually INDESTRUCTIBLE thus far against any normal conventional weaponry, chemical warefare, electrocution.....Morgan, this is the kind of thing that you and your pals handle...and i know the strain youve been under with Cameron...but maybe you and Alison could lend us a hand??

<< the rest of the conversation played out in Morgan's head...as she thought about it>>

We cant just do NOTHING. Alycia is our friend...she knows us. she's helped keep our tracks COVERED. so has Sharon! This creature that she described...its like evil wrapped in flesh with no conscience...she called it ..."The Shape"! and if DHS cant control the situation...

<< Morgan looked out of the window>>

what do you think Alison?

 

[Harbinger]

::Alison looked at Morgan...a pensive gaze in her cobalt blue eyes::

Alycia's voice was as confident as ever....but i felt the uncertainty behind it. The only time she wavers is when she is SCARED...and the only time she is SCARED is when something is truly out of control. If she and Sharon are contacting US....knowing that we use magick and that our team is composed of mutants and metahumans as well....[the government has been scrutinizing mutants and metahumans for years]...then they must need our help.

I think we better get to the rendevouz spot indicated by Alycia and fast....this creature..."The shape"...has apparently been on the loose for YEARS...a rogue government agency that partnered with MysTech in an effort create a "super soldier" for war time combat....but this...experiment was BOTCHED.

::Alison was "looking" into the past to try to gain some preliminary information on the matter::

this creature has been among the general populace for sometime. Alycia most know that something has become CRITICAL...

as for involving the others........::Alison looked rather apprehensive:: this COULD be something that Haleigh might excell in...but are we REALLY ready to trust her?

 

[Bane]

A Spiritual Awakening

For a week, that damned ham sandwich lay on the counter top, most likely degraded by time and the infestation of bugs. One small bite could be seen through the crust, meat and cheese. What had happened? Where was Adrian Lockhart?

In the mysterious spirit realm that Adrian was now located, time was a mundane concept. By human terms, he had dwelled in this dimension for well over a year, though only a week had passed on Earth. His surroundings were the same as before – a large, daunting rainforest, a brilliant blue sky subject to sporadic weather changes, and that towering waterfall.

“Let us learn now, you and I,” intoned a mysterious man with white, windswept hair and black clothing, upon Adrian’s arrival. And learn they did.

Flash!

Adrian’s two palms were pressed together in the form of prayer. The wind flew around him, caressing his skin, as he drew upon ethereal energy. The man watched with a satisfied smile as he hesitantly began to lift up into the air.

Flash!

No land was visible, but Adrian didn’t care. He and his mentor meditated, cradled by a star-dotted, moonlit sky. “Open your mind,” a voice resonated within him; soothing his nerves, brushing away all worries and stresses. “The spirit is the freedom, Adrian.”

As the elemental air, Adrian slowly began to fade from sight. He gently reappeared on the other side of his mentor.

Neither spoke a word, but his mentor’s silence meant enough.

Flash!

Hisses. Moans. Howls.

The man in black spun in the air and lashed out at the earth-weighed Adrian with a huge, jagged bolt of lightning. Adrian threw his hand out and a gigantic shield of spiritual energy burst forth from his palm, repelling the lightning effortlessly. Remaining in the air, the man began to manipulate the time around Adrian, attempting to freeze him. With some small effort, Adrian let the shield down and concentrated his being into separating the concept as if it were a rubber band. 3 seconds after he was truly stopped in his tracks, Adrian regained movement.

Flash!

Animals roared within the forest as the man ran through the trees, his cloak billowing around him. Suddenly, without warning, Adrian appeared in front of him and sent an uppercut into his jaw, which was aided with the force of spiritual energy that fizzled around his fist.

Knocked back, his mentor threw his hand out and accelerated the time around Adrian, attempting to blow him up, but Adrian had already phased into his somewhat ghostly, spiritual form. Adrian reached out and with a slight push of his hand, took control of his mentor’s spirit and sent him flying into a set of trees. A small smirk lingered on his mentor’s face as he sailed.

Flash!

A body writhed in the moonlight, held in agonizing pain by long, ethereal tentacles that sprouted from Adrian’s body and dug into his soul. As these tentacles continued wrapping around him, they seemed to grow brighter, and Adrian felt a flood of vitality. In the last few moments before Adrian ceased the training exercise, a bright, white force in the image of an owl sprouted out from him, flooding the area with light (think Phoenix). It ended abruptly, and they both lay on the ground, panting.

Flash!

The moon shone above, as it did so often, and Adrian felt utterly at peace. He and his mentor were once more in a position side by side, meditating by the side of the waterfall. “Many forces exist in this universe. One is called the Phoenix Force – an indestructible power that creates and destroys, and emodies passion and life.”

Adrian turned to look at him. The gently rushing water in the night lulled him, but he held against the onslaught of sleep. “And?”

“For every positive, there is a negative. For fire, there is water. The universe must maintain balance. You are that opposite force, Adrian. You do not create and destroy, but rather sustain. You embody logic and death. You are the Sun’s Moon, but you must use this power with caution.”

His mentor inclined his head, and in spite of the darkness, Adrian could sense the graveness in his tone.

“You never inherited this ability, Adrian. Your soul called out to it, and it responded. It can, however, just as easily leave you as enter you,” he continued. “I know, I know,” his mentor said, nodding, “That you don’t fully understand yet, despite your immense progress here on this dimension. I must stress that you be prudent. When you rejoin the Earthly plane, be hesitant.”

A smile graced the man’s lips.

“I have every confidence in you, Adrian.”

Flash!

Adrian’s dress was casual, yet extremely stylish. Truth be told, he hadn’t left much to personal preference. The closet in his manor at Los Angeles had been full to the brim of clothing. Adrian had slipped on a simple dark green button-up shirt and black dress pants. He had left as soon as possible, sifting through Earth and arriving back in New York.

He shoved his hands in his pockets as he arrived from an alley and began walking. The body-contouring shirt brought out the green in his eyes, and many a woman turned her eye to assail him, for his was a strange, otherworldly beauty.

What was he to think? What had he really learned in his time spent in the spirit dimension? What of his past?

All in due time, he thought to himself serenely. As famished as the first time he had arrived back to Earth from the spirit realm, he slipped through the crowd and entered into a stylish restaurant; it smelled delicious.

“A table for one,” Adrian told the hostess, and she smiled warmly at him. Adrian arrived at a table next to Alexis’. He sat down, luxuriating in the comfort of something solid, and picked up the menu. A few customers raised their eyebrows at him; Adrian seemed to have a deliberate, calm slowness to his movements. It took him 5 minutes to move his eyes away from the window and finally look at the menu in his hands. Oblivious to their scrutiny, Adrian debated to himself on the pro’s and con’s of a Chicken Caesar salad or a vegetable wrap.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh sat down next to Cameron, taking his hand. She gently told him she was leaving The Six. That she had no intention of returning and that he shouldn't try to talk her out of it. That this was best for everyone and that after he, alison, and morgan had all ask her to LEAVE the day they went to rescue Alexis, Haleigh had realized how much SHE didn't really want to be here... how she never really did. She told Cameron that she would always answer his call... and that if he needed ANYTHING, she'd be there for him. She told him she loved him.... and then.... she left him.

That was a week ago. She hasn't thought twice about it. Instead... she began anew.

The Beowulf VII was making whitecaps, going 15 knots or so in the blue waters. It was a beautiful sunny day, the last of the summer as fall creeps upon them, and windy, making it the perfect conditions for this kind of escape. The Beowulf VII, a beautiful 80 ft yacht sailboat, was handling beautifully and Zachary was standing in the cockpit, steering her further out to sea, relishing the fact that he'd FINALLY talked Haleigh into letting him take the ship's wheel while she set out their lunch. Haleigh stepped out of the pilot house, the wind whipping her white halter-top sundress against her body. She smiled at Zach, whose green eyes were hidden by dark sunglasses, his face shielded from the sun by a worn baseball cap. He wore navy blue Nautica cargo boardshorts, his white button-down oxford shirt long since shed in the midday sun. He smiled back softly, obviously enjoying himself. Haleigh aimed a Nikon at him, snapping his picture before calling him in.

"Alright Skipper.... your trick's over. Drop the starboard anchor and lets eat lunch."

Z:"Ay, Capt'n." He said, still smiling. Together they prepared the sails and dropped both anchors, mooring the ship. They met back up on the front deck, kissing tenderly before sitting down at the picnic spread Hales'd set up. They ate sandwiches and chips, laughing and talking about nothing in particular, admiring the scenery. Haleigh was glad the weather was so nice... sailing was a great way to enjoy the afternoon off. Haleigh's morning had been very busy, making preparations for her newest company... and running her other two. Thank the heavens she had Cassandra... she be overwhelmed without her.

Z:"You look beautiful today." Zach's deep voice broke through her thoughts, and she was thankful he'd distracted her... he seemed to know exactly when to do so. she smiled prettily at him, leaning against his chest to whisper thank you and kiss his cheek softly. the Nikon, sitting across the blanket and aimed at the two of them, snapped the kodak moment. He fed her a grape, she laughed and returned the favor. The camera had taken to snapping every few seconds at Haleigh's discretion, as the couple began to share a more passionate kiss than the first, and then shed their clothes fluidly, making love in the sun. Neither of them minded being photographed, OR being yelled at by the people on the boat that passed them several minutes into their intimacy.

 

[Harbinger]

meanwhile...at Illustra and across town

::Alison stood up::

I will contact Alexis...and Cameron. I am still not comfortable with Adrian...he was a MAJOR liability in the last caper...and as for Haleigh, well she has effectively LEFT The Parthenon..and The Six.

::Alison's ability as a Seer/Precog ALWAYS made things easy for her to discern...thus keeping her and Morgan always in the know::

:ausing for a moment::

Well, that is what we wanted...

::she and Morgan nodded as Morgan left the office and went up to the residential floors...three of which were now vacant...Blaze, Haleigh and Cameron's.

::Alison BLINKED from where she was....and appeared right in front of alexis...only her cobalt blue eyes appeared...as they sparkled into view::

ALEXIS...

::Alison's tone was abrupt ..but she needed the metahuman's attention.::

Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly have just contacted me...they need our help. the kind only the six can give...and they want to commission us. you must come with me at once..

::Alexis knew alison always sounded analytical and direct...but hopefully she learned that when the precog said it was time to do something...that SHE of all people would know what was best::

I have to appear before cameron as well....but just so you know, since it seems like you might care about her, Haleigh has officially left the Parthenon AND The Six...as of last week.

::shocking news to Alexis perhaps...but Alison was known for delivering such surprise news when it was least expected::

 

[Persephone]

Carino's Resaurant -- 4 blocks from Illustra

:: Jumping slightly as Alison appeared in front of Alexis in the restaurant. Looking up at her with wide eyes, the loud attention getting "Alexis" that came from Alison's mouth made people look her way. Clearing her throat slightly, her chocolate eyes shifted back down to the menu as she slowly closed it. ::

"More adventures..."

:: Her tone less then excited. In fact she envied Haleigh...the fact she actually left. That Alison and Morgan hated her so much as to try not to stop her. Taking a deep breath in, Alexis stood from her table, noticing the hostess walking her way. ::

Hostess: "Miss Cassadine..is everything alright?"

:: Turning to her, she simply nodded and threw a twenty dollar bill on the table. ::

"Yes..thank you."

:: Alison didn't seemed taken aback by her new appearance, which didn't surprise Alexis. She was a seer after all and probably already knew what her intentions were with changing her appearance. However to the others, they had no idea and would most likely be surprised. Speaking of the others...Bane was only a table in front of her. She still didn't like him. From the moment they first officially met in her office to the caper at Wyndemere, why should Alexis like him? He acted like a punk the entire time. Rolling her eyes, she stepped past Alison, heading out of the restaurant. ::

"I'll meet you back at Illustra."

:: Alexis had seemed to change. Her tone wasn't hostile, but dark. She hated being apart of the six. If all it brought was loss into her family, why should she be apart of something so vial. Putting her black framed Chanel sunglasses on, she made her way out of the restaurant and back down to Illustra. ::

 

[Harbinger]

moving right along

::Alison's cobalt blue eyes were ONLY visible to Alexis at the time they appeared...but as Alexis prepared to leave...Alison's eyes fixed on Adrian...how PERCEPTIVE he was would determine whether or not he realized he was being glared at by a pair of eyes without the accompanying body::

::her voice registered to him like a whispering wind..with faint echoes of her cold and unforgiving tone::

you can change your looks...you may even be able to change your presentation, but you are STILL ineffective!

::Alison LEFT the scene as suddenly as she appeared and NOW her eyes opened up right of Cameron king....where ever he was at the moment::

:OP::

Cameron, you must come with me. Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly wish to commision The Six...to stop a deadly creature that has ESCAPED government control and embarked on a murdering spree. There is MORE to this...than the obvious need to eliminate this creature...who has prooven INDESTRUCTIBLE by any conventional efforts thus far. Although we may not NEED it, this caper will generate a sizable revenue, not to mention Alycia and Sharon keeping our individual identities from MANY intelligences that would see you and Alexis [a mutant and a metahuman ] exterminated. I will grant you safe passage to Illustra...and ensure that Morgan does not harm you. But do NOT provoke her. Time is short....and this "mission" as it were...is but a sideline from what is yet to come.

::Cameron noticed that Alison didnt mention Haleigh or Adrian. He KNEW that she would know that Haleigh had left the Parthenon...as well as the changes Adrian had been through...but once again, her cold, analytical presentation showed through as she completely ignore 2 of the 6::

::though there were only 4 core members at the moment...the team WOULD be receiving help from an unexpected yet powerful ally and friend of Morgan's::

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra--shocking discovery...

<< Morgan stood before her scrying glass...slowly waving her hand in front the magick lens..as it shimmered , glowed and pulsated....chimes played softly in the air as the witch seemed to concentrate>>


allright..something about this doesnt make sense. why would Alycia just CALL me...on an UNSECURE phone line to tell me that the GOVERNMENT has lost control of an abominable experiment??

Alison was right..there was something about ODD about Alycia...she seemed truly flat...like she was trying to HIDE something. I....

<< images began to swirl into view....it appeared to be images from the past...a dark hall...sounds of broken machinery...flickering blue lights...it had a resemblance to the haunting medical office that served as a front for the entrance to Mystech's citadle>>

<< but soon...a heavy foot fall could be heard...as an EXTREMELY LARGE, broad shouldered MALE creature lumbered into view>>

GASP!

<< Morgan continued to gesture slowly...as her magicks revealed this monster...his face enshrouded in shadow... as he walked...slowly, menacingly he was a HULKING figure...and in his grasp...a body..a DECAPITATED body he drug along>>

goddess!! this must be the creature...but LOOK AT THE SIZE OF HIM...he's almost as big as........Black!

<<of course it WASNT Black..as HE was now Spellbinder's alpha demon in Limbo and totally devoted to her...an ironic spin courtesy of the Seige Perilous>>

<< images of a decimated laboratory..a shattered containment unit...broken bodies....HORRIBLY broken bodies...appeared on the scrying glass....and soon..it began to broadcast views of MANY victims that had fallen to this creature>>

HOW could this HAPPEN!?

allowed one of its "Experiments" to LUMBER out into the open...and let it lurk in a forest like BIGFOOT!?

<< the magick lens' image shifted again..a consortium of doctors...and high ranking military officials meeting in a darkened room. monitors flashing vital stats and dna charts along with physical scans. talks of a "Super Soldier...designed to withstand ANY possible scenario , as durable as a cockroach (an ironic comparison...given the miniscual size of the bug>>

a super soldier? so if the doctors and military officials were as in control as it APPEARED....then what went wrong?

<< in a wooded forest , outside of a cabin, images of a young man...badly beaten...his mother being RAPED by military garbed men before she was brutally murdered, her body tossed into a lake!! the anguished cries, the screams of the woman and the barbaric brutality of these men...it sickened Morgan..as she gritted her teeth. the boy is beaten into unconsciousness and taken to a hidden facility...>>

HE is the human test subject that became the super soldier....but they OBVIOUSLY couldnt compensate for the rage in his heart...and his unforgiving spirit...THEY DID THIS TO HIM! could Alycia and Sharon KNOW about this!?


<<but before Morgan could find out more....she would have to wait for Alison and the others to arrive...this was FAR too monstrous for her to continue probbing alone...she would then have to brief THEM as well. She lowers her hands...ceasing the flow of magicks around her and the magick lens....the chimes slowly fade with the whistle of a breeze...as Morgan exhales and looks at the large clock across the room...>>

I wonder what's keeping Alison and the others. they need to be here...and fast. I think Alycia is in TROUBLE.

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah Trelaven stood on the sidewalk outside of Illustra. She ran a hand through her platinum blonde locks and smoothed her outfit - her usual white tank top and jeans coupled with a suede jacket and cowboy boots. She preferred casual clothing on her athletic frame, especially on days such as these. An elegant silver and turquoise bracelet around her wrist provided all the flash she needed, yet somehow even dressed this way she managed to appear stylish. She took a deep breath, now mentally prepared for what faced her, and entered.

Illustra appeared in much better shape than the last time she had been there. It was no longer in a state of emergency, though that high pressure atmosphere of commerce was certainly present. The building's beauty still impressed her after all this time. But that was Morgan...she would settle for nothing less.

Delilah made her way to the security desk, and, flashing her NYPD identification, asked for assistance. She probably didn't have to, but under the circumstances she thought it better to act with a bit more formality.]

"Delilah Trelaven to see Ms. Victoria, please."

 

[Bane]

Adrian continued sifting through the menu, his eyes scanning the overexpensive meals filled with utter French nonsense. Although an early Adrian would have shown his profligate ways by overindulging in too-expensive, too-bland food, his tastes were simpler. He sighed lightly, though a ghost of a smile still showed on his lips. He wasn't as irritated so much as amused by the exhuberant prices.

Then a.. presence.. appeared, and despite whatever invisibility Alison had drawn around herself, Adrian saw her soul clearly. In the midst of raising a cup of water to his mouth, his clear green gaze swung towards her. Adrian Lockhart, ever since his accident, had shared memories with one other soul, such that currently, separated from her, every memory he had shared was now somewhat hazy and off-beat. It took a moment to recognize Alison and then remember the interactions he had with her.

Memories flooded him: that first encounter in the Gala, a more intimate exchange in a darkened hotel room, the banter in a deserted hallway in the Quartermaine mansion. But they lacked the accompanying emotions that Erica had felt.

Oblivious to Alexis in her changed form, who had walked past him without so much of a word, he instead chose to listen to Alison's whispered, biting words. As she disappeared, Adrian felt a sudden, hot flash of anger. What had those comments meant to do? Hurt him? Why? What positive contribution had she made to anything by calling him "ineffective"? The immaturity of it almost beckoned him to retaliate, but he remembered the words of his mentor.

Flash!

A clearing in the rainforest. Early morning with a budding sunset, and the morning dew shining on the blades of grass and making it glisten like a green bed of diamonds. They sat facing each other. It was one of those times his mentor had digressed and reminded him once again of the Earth dimension, and specifically, The Six.

"There will be times, Adrian, when you will feel like the world is out of control. You will feel indignant, frustrated, stressed and angered. There will be individuals, who far from being positive, will attempt to destroy and pervert with their dark moods."

Those brilliant blue eyes rested on Adrian, and he stared back.

"You cannot lend yourself to human emotion. Analyze. Break down. Calculate. Think logically. Keep yourself calm and collected. Assuage the problems and create links between these troubled individuals. But give it time. And, Adrian, as a half-dead, you must forgive them for their short-sightedness. Humanity's greatest weakness is its pride. Be prudent and remember that with some humanity left in you, you are ever as vulnerable to that weakness."

Adrian shook himself out of the memory, and gave vent to his frustration with a small sigh. Only a year of meditative, almost pacificistic training had enabled him to bat away at her comment and see the clearer picture: his machinations had affected others negatively, and it would take time for them to move past that. But time was his speciality, as he had all the time in the world.

With the practice of intensive patience, he pushed away the thought of Alison and concentrated to the matter at hand: Chicken Caesar Salad or Vegetable Wrap?

"Excuse me, do I know you?" a passing waitress asked as she stopped at his table.

Adrian looked up from his menu and smiled warmly at her. His grin reached his eyes, which truly were windows into his soul. "No, I don't think many people do know me, but I hope they will give me a chance." She laughed, charmed, and left her scrawled number on a paper napkin when he later went to pay the check.

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra-ground floor crystal vestibule

<< the moment Delilah arrived...and announced herself to the automatron receptionist, Morgan was paged>>

<< Morgan was rubbing her hands over her face just as she received the page....she gave a start of surprise..>>

by the goddess!!!


<< a crash of thunder and a twinkling of an eye..and Morgan teleports from the top of Illustra down to the main floor...dead center in the crystal vestibule to behold her long time friend and confidant>>

<< in an icy voice>>

Delilah!!

<< Hugging her friend....Delilah could feel the cold aura of Morgan wash over her for that moment....there was the smell of vanilla/lavender as well..Morgan's trademark scent>>

you ALWAYS seem to have perfect timing...no matter how long it is between visits.

I'm glad you're here.

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah smiled at the sight of her old friend. As she hugged her, she felt a calming sensation - Morgan's influence. ]

"Morgan! You always did know how to make an entrance..."

[ She laughed, then took a lock of Morgan's blonde hair between her fingers. ]

"And your hair - I love it! You look -"

[ Her expression became more serious, yet her smile remained. ]

"Rejuvenated."

[ She hugged her friend again, lowering her voice as she did so. ]

"I heard about Blaze, Morgan. I'm so sorry. I came as soon as I heard."

 

[Persephone]

:: Walking into Illustra's main entrance, Alexis began to walk, noticing a familiar woman at the front desk. Although she only saw the back of her, Alexis was extremely observant when it came to people, and her stance and style just seemed too familiar. Then all of a sudden, Morgan appeared, hugging the woman. Of course...Delilah. With a sigh, the brunette made her way up to Morgan and Delilah, boots clicking hard against the hard marble surface and long gorgeous ebony locks flowing behind her. Finally reaching the two, she immediately crossed her arms. ::

"Alright, what's this dire mission Alison's talking about."

:: Lifting her eyes upward in a way saying, as if EVERY mission they were on wasn't. Lowering her gaze back down at Morgan, she wasn't aware if Alison notified Morgan of her new appearance.....either way, she was a smart woman, she'd figure it out. Shifting her glance to Delilah, the two never really got along. No reason...Alexis just didn't like her. Cocking her head to the side, she smiled–very fake and condescendingly-- and lifted her eyes brows. ::

"Delilah."

:: Turning her glance away from Delilah, she looked back to Morgan. Whatever this mission was, Alexis wasn't too keen on having to go out and risk her life AGAIN after only a week of being normal. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Morgan couldnt help but to smirk as Delilah commented on her new , "refreshed' look. indeed...following the Inferno and Helena, Morgans new level of control and time to herself had allowed her to rejuvinate..and her wintery elegance was back in full force..>>

<< at the mention of Blaze...Morgan looked down..there was a flash of pain in her icy violet eyes...as she led Delilah toward the private express elevator>>

<< in an icy voice...with hesitancy>>:........Delilah.....Blaze.....I still can't REALLY forgive myself...and maybe i shouldnt. It...It's MY fault she's ....

<< in a weak whispered voice>>...dead.

she died...helping to save cameron and the city...from ME....I'm here...i'm alive...im doing what ive always done...but believe me...im not at peace. and there's never a moments rest....the "team" as it were is still fractured. with Alison, myself and Alexis here......and Cameron and Haleigh at The Parthenon. Following the Inferno...i kicked them out of Illustra and severed all professional ties. THEY were were largely responsible for what happened......

<< morgan clenches her fist...as the resentment in her voice rises>>

HALEIGH lives...and yet BLAZE is dead......

<<still walking...now out of the main vestibule and down the corridore of main elevators...making their way to a hidden alcove for the private expreses elevator...Alexis appeared, which meant Alison couldnt be too far behind...and PROBABLY with Cameron in tow>>