Long Hard Road Out of Hell

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: The day was almost over, and the sun was setting. Helena was dead. Everything had gone back to "normal", if you'd even consider the people among The Six, normal. Though they came together to save Alexis from her hellish aunt Helena, the moment the witch was dead and Alexis was saved, reality set in. Morgan still despised Cameron and Haleigh. Adrian was still not trust worthy. And everything that they seemed to accomplish down in the catacombs of Wyndemere was irrelevant. ::

:: As Morgan, Alison, and Alexis appeared back in Alexis' home, the blonde glanced around not seeing the presents of Adrian, Haleigh, and Cameron. She wasn't surprised...they were at the Parthenon. As human as Morgan had become throughout this caper, she still held a horrible grudge against Hales and Cam. A grudge Alexis honestly didn't know if she would get past. Taking a deep breath in, Alexis sat down on her couch, cupping her hands over her face, trying to sort through what had just happened. Even now she couldn't believe Helena was capable of this...that she would kill her own nephew and brother just to torture Alexis. It was unfathomable...but true. Rubbing her eyes, she soon looked up to Alison and Morgan, whom were standing in her livingroom. ::

"I want to thank you both...for keeping your word.."

:: Alexis trailed off. Her voice soft and a bit shaky. The meta human was viably worn out.....but even in her extreme exhaustion, she didn't want to sleep. Standing from the couch, she smoothed her tattered black skirt out and made her way around her couch. Looking back to Alison and Morgan.. ::

"Would you like something to drink?"

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan stood silent...still in the darker manifestation since being in the tunnels...she caught sight of herself in a mirror....and give a small start of surprise. she seemed abrupt and agitated..but not AT alexis...just in general>>

it doesnt bother you....that i look like this? THIS is who i am......

Helena was evil.......but there are people on this very team who think I am as well....and looking at me now...i guess they could be right..

<< Morgan clenched her armored fist.. her voice reverberated through Alexis' loft...>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Stopping, Alexis heard Morgan's words...her question. Turning around, she studied Morgan, her demonic look. The horns, the white eyes, the armor. Everything. In reality she was frightening, but to Alexis, she was Morgan. The same woman she stood toe to toe with so many years ago in their first professional meeting. The same woman whom she's fought along side with in The Six for the past year. Shaking her head no, Alexis wasn't frightened.. ::

"You may look evil to everyone else....but to me, you're a woman who risked her life tonight to help me and my family. And for that I will be forever grateful. You, Alison, and I have known each other for a long time....longer then anyone else on this team. And I've come to understand who you are....."

:: Motioning to Morgan. ::

"This is just a manifestation of who you have grown to become and control. It's a part of you...just like Helena is apart of me now."

:: Her of course referring the fact that she now had Helena's powers within her. Pausing, Alexis bit her bottom lip for a second. Throughout her little speech, her voice was very quiet and sincere. Her apartment was dark, only the moonlight lit a small portion of her livingroom. ::

"We can't help who were are...we just have to learn to accept it.."

:: Alexis was looking down as she spoke. Honestly, she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Morgan or herself with what she was saying. She looked pained, almost on the verge of tears. But she did not cry...she cried too much today. For her brother, for her father, for mercy. She was done being the vulnerable Alexis that managed to weasel it's way out within the course of a week. That exploded when Blaze died and continued to escalated with AJ's death. She just wanted to be herself again... ::

[Harbinger]

::Guardian spoke up....::

We've grown....all of us, without even knowing it. Alexis is right, Morgan. This whole time that you've manifested this "dark child" aspect, you've still been in CONTROL. You didnt endanger anyone's life...you saved Alexis from death and you helped bring down Helena. Without even realizing it, You've MORE than made strides toward fullfilling your promise to Ororo...and more importantly your promise to YOURSELF. Your magicks...your connection to Limbo...they are who are you are.

::looking at Alexis::

I know that we have not been on the best of terms for a long time...but we three have more in common than we may care to admit...losing family members close to us...and each of us rising to the task of being there for the other.

After this caper, recounting the events, i suspect that you have in some ways replaced Blaze as the "heart" of this team. stronger than you know....and sturdier than you're given credit for.

::For Guardian to give ANYONE on this "team" other than Morgan such a positive affirmation was truly amazing. It may have been hard to discern the well meaning behind it, given her cold, analytical tone...but she too had her moments of humanity...and throughout this whole affair....Alison had begun to show more and more of her softer side to her own brother...as well as other members in the group::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron found himself in his own Penthouse Suite in the Parthenon as Morgan wished them a condescending goodbye message. He smirked to herself. Nobody could have a complete change of heart that fast. He should have expected it. Prophet looked towards Haleigh and Bane and yawned a little. ::

"Haleigh you can stay here in the extra bedroom.. It's just up the stairs and to the left. Adrian, I will give notice that you are a guest here and you will be accomodated accordingly. However, try not to twaddle any of the maids or butlers or any of the other staff here. They are not here for that kind of pleasure..."

:: Walking over to the bar, he began to pull out the liquor. Looking over to the pair he asked if they wanted any of the booze. ::

"Anybody want anything to drink? I think we could all use something to drink, and besides, Haleigh and I have much to catch up on..."

[Erika King]

< Erika sat in the Garden of Ororo's Citadle in the Realm of Limbo right next to a waterfall that led into a beautiful calm pool of water. Just underneath the surface of the pond, beyond her own reflection, she could see brightly colored fish swimming around as she felt the green grass between her fingers. She was in deep meditation. Erika had just finish a grueling session with Ororo, learning how to better channel the element of water, to use it more offensively than she ever had before. She was then told to go sit out by the water, to remember it's tranquil and comforting properties. Everything Ororo did had purpose and guidance. She was an amazing woman, teaching Erika that every human, animal, element had a light and dark side, that both could change on a whim. >

< Even though she was in a deep state of concentration, somehow her thoughts began to wonder of how she wound up in Limbo and away from her bother. It happened the morning after the big gala in New York. Morgan Victoria and her friends had flayed Erika with their words, but the sad part was that they were true. Erika had spent her entire life, straying from anything evil, devoting every moment to her bother. She had forgotten herself in the process and that she had many layers just waiting to come out. She contacted Ororo who agreed to be her mentor down a strange and new path. >

< Erika was now taken to the day when she was inducted into the whole entire process in a naming ceremony, that would metaphorically shed who Erika once was and who she would soon become. Ororo had named her Enchantrah, after a woman she had known in the past named Melody, who also used the alias of Enchantrah. A woman of great passion, intrigue and fire. Thinking to herself. She liked the name. It fit her. She had been in Limbo for what had only seemed like a few hours but in reality in had been over a day. She knew she needed to see him and at least let him know what had been going on with her. >

< Dissappearing in a flurry bright lights and orbs, Erika orbed out of Limbo as she clenched a necklace of enchanted bloodstone, given to her by Ororo that would allow her passage to and from Limbo. She reappeared right in front of Cameron. Although she hadn't noticed, Erika looked extremely different. Her hair had been lightened from the sun of the Citadle and she was in a flowing midnight black robe, much like the ones that Ororo had been seen in the past. She hugged her brother deeply. >

"Cameron..You're home.. We have so much to talk about..."

< She noticed the others in the room but hardly paid them attention because she didn't really recognize them. Did she just expose herself to these other people? No, she knew about Adrian and this woman must have been a mutant or witch as well. She felt she knew she was safe. >

"Let's sit down and talk..."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh seemed to have the innate ability to sink back from the immediate and fade from situation. She did this now, as Alexis rose to dealt with her aunt. She evanesced into the background, still there but quiet, stoic, and unmoving. She watched Bane wake up... Guardian instantly lit into him... that woman was as mean as a Viper... and equally as venomous too. Haleigh's gaze went back to Bane... there was something different about him... something she couldn't ignore... and she seemed to be the only one to see it... of course... everyone else was so emotionally involved here... it didnt surprise her. She watched Alexis change... but still remained silent, and soon, Guardian explained what was happening. Haleigh nodded, thinking to herself how USEFUL that power would be in her line of work.

She next found herself in a penthouse apartment... and judging by te present company, she guessed it to be Cameron's. Of COURSE Morg wouldn't allow them into Illustra... no matter what... they were banned from the premises. It was all the same to Haleigh... she didnt want to be around Morgan or Alison any longer than absolutely necessary. Cameorn spoke, interrupting her thoughts, offering her a place to sleep tonight. She nodded, and as he asked her if she wanted a drink:

"How about some Everclear? No, no... just kidding. Whatever you're having is fine."

Haleigh looked up as Erika appeared. She looked remarkably different... but then, so did Haleigh. She didnt bother reintroducing herself. She was tired of formalities, she was tired of explaining herself and what happened and she was tired of being asked about Blaze. She looked to Cameron instead.

"I'll let you and your sister catch up... I want to get a shower anyways... I'm covered in dirt, blood and God knows what else. You and I can talk after I've washed this feeling off me."

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron saw the warm orbs fill the room as his sister who looked remarkably different but still seemed to maintain the look of his sister appeared in the room. He grabbed her openly into his arms as he kissed her on the forehead and looked her in the eyes, which seemed to be permanently glowing bright silver, that looked like swirling mercury. ::

"Erika! I was wondering where you were. And sure Haleigh, we can talk a little later. Adrian would you mind?"

:: He didn't give Adrian a chance to respond as he opened the elevator door telekinetically and pushed Adrian into them, sending him down to the floor where he was staying previously. Cameron looked at Erika who was obviously stunned to hear the name Haleigh. ::

"Yeah.. That is Haleigh Davidoff. She is back. The Powers that Be sent her Back.. Unfortunately they couldn't bring back Blaze because of the way she died.. but enough about that.. Erika you look breathtaking and younger and refreshed.. and wait, why are you in this gown?"

[Erika King]

< Erika took leave on one of the plush black leather couches as she looked her brother over. They had obviously just been in battle. As Cameron joined her on the couch, she grabbed his hand and explained her new path of life. >

"Well, Cameron. I know this is something you may not take lightly, but I have left the realm of Earth. For how long, I do not know.. my new home.. is in Limbo. I know it sounds awful, but little brother, Ororo has been my mentor. She has been teaching me how to harness my magick, pure, raw and strong. She is letting me know the difference between good and evil, and letting me walk the line.. Oh how I enjoy it.

< Taking a look at her brother up and down, he seemed to be happy for her, but he also looked as if he had gone through some drastic changes. Of course he was bloodied and bruised. Something that was healed as soon as Erika thought about his wounds. What had been going on with him? >

"Look at me sitting here going on about myself when you obviously have something you are dying to tell me yourself. Where were you? How are you? How is Alison?"

[Jacob Black]

:: He did not know where to begin? It had only been a matter of days but it seemed like years. Things had just taken such a large turn that Cameron himself was not even too sure what was going on, but even still he tried to explain. ::

"Well..We just attended the funeral of Alexis' brother. But of course with the Six nothing goes as planned. We ended up killing Helena, a powerful Mystech Operative and saving Lex's life and we literally just got back..."

:: He turned his head away, not sure if he wanted to tell her about him giving up his telepathy and his dream, but she was his sister. Cameron could trust her. ::

"The night of the Gala I had a horrible dream. Morgan almost killed me. She put me face to face with the death of Blaze. I suddenly found myself in Limbo with Ororo. I don't know what it was Erika, but I changed. I couldn't go down the same path and live and work with the Six. So I did it... I sealed off my telepathy for the time being. It completely is protecting my mind from probes, etc. but it doesn't allow me to do anything that I used to be able to. I just felt as if I had used my powers since such a young age, I had relied on them too much, allowed them to cloud my mind and judgement. I didn't care about anyone. I could have cared less about Blaze being dead or what that did to Morgan, but since I have shut it off.. I do care. I care, Erika.. I will do ANYTHING to let Morgan see how much I am sorry for what I did, and in the end, ultimately.. I think.."

:: Cameron paused for a moment. Could he really be saying this? ::

"I think I want to be friends with Morgan. Alison as well. I want to change. For once, I want to be the good guy.."

[Erika King]

< She hugged her brother close to her. He had grown leaps and bounds in a matter of hours. It was literally earth shaking. A smile curled up in the lips of her mouth. Did Ororo plan this all along. It was something that she would definitely ask about once she returned to Limbo. She pulled her body away and looked him up and down. Erika was so happy for him. >

"Cameron. I could not be any prouder of you. I can't even add to your enjoyment. Just keep doing what you are doing. You will get through this.. All of you will. With Haleigh returning and that new mystery man, no matter how vile his actions are.."

< Erika turned back down to her Bloodstone Amulet. She had to be getting back to Limbo. Ororo wanted her to try and limit her worldly connections in order to focus on her training it was understandable. Cameron would tell Alison she had seen him. Alison was a private person. She wouldn't want Erika bursting into her penthouse while she was probably bathing or meditating, reflecting on the night. She would talk to Alison in the future. >

"I now have to go as my training awaits. Keep safe, baby brother. Let Alison know I love her. Good luck! I will miss you!"

< With a blink of an eye, Erika clenched her Amulet and orbed out of the Parthenon and was back in the Citadle in Limbo, right back at the stream she was sitting once before. Looking up to the main tower. She saw candle light glowing from the open window. She would see what Ororo was up to. >

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh nodded in thanks, giving Erika a polite smile and removing herself from the room. She found the bathroom without too much difficulty, and shut the door softly behind her. She turned the shower on, letting the water heat up but with the primary intention of using the sound of water to mask her voice. she called up Jennifer, her personal assistant... she loved not needing a cellphone.

>>Base Operator.
"Hey Jen. You remember that real estate property I was interested in? The one in the Hamptons."
>>Director... yes, I remember, the bayfront.
"Yes... set me up for a meeting with the realtor. I think I'm gonna take that place."
>>With Haste.
"Very Good."
>>So... I take it... you want to cancel the renovation plans for a penthouse in the LCI tower? Things not going well with the Six? East Hampton's out there.
"Well... as it is... I've lost my patience with the Six. I don't want to be with them anymore than they want me.... itll be better for everyone if I take my leave."
>>Indeed. Later then.
"Goodbye."

Haleigh rubbed her eyes and undressed, slipping into the shower and letting the hot water wash everything away. It was soothing, though she couldn't very well relax... her mind was racing. She knew what she was about to do... she KNEW THEY wouldn't like it. But she had to find another way... because if things kept going the way they were... more people would die than live. It was a miracle they managed to get to Alexis in time... because there were several times Haleigh, Morgan, and Alison nearly through that to the wind to kill each other.

[Pam De Beaufort]

::Guardian spoke up....::

We've grown....all of us, without even knowing it. Alexis is right, Morgan. This whole time that you've manifested this "dark child" aspect, you've still been in CONTROL. You didnt endanger anyone's life...you saved Alexis from death and you helped bring down Helena. Without even realizing it, You've MORE than made strides toward fullfilling your promise to Ororo...and more importantly your promise to YOURSELF. Your magicks...your connection to Limbo...they are who are you are.

::looking at Alexis::

I know that we have not been on the best of terms for a long time...but we three have more in common than we may care to admit...losing family members close to us...and each of us rising to the task of being there for the other.

After this caper, recounting the events, i suspect that you have in some ways replaced Blaze as the "heart" of this team. stronger than you know....and sturdier than you're given credit for.

::For Guardian to give ANYONE on this "team" other than Morgan such a positive affirmation was truly amazing. It may have been hard to discern the well meaning behind it, given her cold, analytical tone...but she too had her moments of humanity...and throughout this whole affair....Alison had begun to show more and more of her softer side to her own brother...as well as other members in the group::


:: Walking forward, Alexis was somewhat taken aback at Alison's comment about her being the "heart" of the team. Since when did Alexis Chandler-Quartermaine have a heart? Or one that was usable. A soft chuckle escaped her lips. ::

"I don't know about that. But thank you."

:: Twisting the cape of her bottle on and off, Alexis looked to both woman. The steps that had been taken since the six became the six were phenomenal. If anyone would of told her a year ago that she would be having a civilized conversation with Morgan Victoria and Alison Marble....let alone have them in her apartment, she would of laughed and called the person a fool. It shows how much not only herself, but the others have grown. But even through this growth, Alexis was still Alexis. A snobby, stubborn, man hungry, selfish, bitch.. But..noticably more subtle then before. ::

:: Parting her dry lips with her moist tongue, the blonde glanced behind Alison to the large mirror hanging above her fireplace. Her eyes narrowed. ::

"I still can't believe I have a new power. A little annoyed that it was Helena's...but nevertheless, it's pretty cool. I suppose something good came out of this disaster of an evening."

:: As she spoke, she made her way up to the mirror. Looking at her dirty face. She didn't know exactly how to tap into this new found power. Squinting her eyes, she began to think about her hair turning brunette. Nothing happened. Frowning, Alexis looked to Alison and Morgan through the reflection in the mirror. ::

"It'd be nice if I could actually tap into it..."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Watching Alexis...with a faint smile on her face, Morgan breathed deeply as she looked upward and closed her eyes....a chime sounds off..a pretty , lingering chime as her demonic aspects and features began to recede and fade....and with a soft glow...she stands...in her original costome..that of a black leather, low cut corsett and black leather mini...with a chocker around her neck that features a platinum pentagram. looking beautiful yet fierce....it appeared that Morgan was finally and completely calm>>

<< her voice icy and with lilt once more>>: You will at least have the time Alexis...and against MysTech, which im sure has many MORE strong holds...a covert power like this one you now have will come in quite handyI....i couldnt keep Foxfire safe, but at least...i COULD honor her memory and her one wish...to try to keep OTHERS on this "team" safe.

<< looking away...as she manifests the small heart shapped pendant that bears Blaze's image>>

but i CANNOT...i WILL NOT forgive Haleigh and Cameron for their treachery...their self serving...thoughtless and ENDLESSLY antagonistic ways.

<< thunder rumbles in the night sky>>

I can ....bear the burden of guilt for MY actions...i KNOW what i am...and i make no secret of it. But THOSE TWO....from the moment they arrived...it was ONLY to serve their own purpose...only to see how far they could...PUSH ME!

<< clenching her fist>>

even this time...she..she DARED to invoke Blaze's name to FURTHER her twisted machinations...the woman has NO scruples...NO sense of tact.

<< her face contorts as she seems to SEETH with anger..but soon..she opens up her eyes and looks at Alison and Alexis>>

despite what has happened now...even with Alexis safe..and THIS danger behind us......those two cannot be allowed back here. I cannot risk losing control again....i dont want..anyone else to die because of me!

<< a flash of..concern...in MORGAN's voice...and even as she spoke it...she knew Alison well enough to know that the threat of another "break down" was still very much in ALL time threads>>

You....are more than welcomed to stay here in Illustra...youll be safe here with us...we will keep each other safe.....but THOSE TWO ..and even that...that creature BANE...they ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THIS PREMESIS.

<< Morgan wasnt yelling AT Alexis...she was merely...showing a side of her that was rarely seen...the side of her that worries for the safety of those closest to her...fear that her dark magick and her heritage WILL destroy them all...as it did Blaze...>>


<< the caper had ended with a draw. Alexis lived...Helena died and another MysTech strong hold was brought down...but at the price of Alexis' brother and her TRUE father......The Six had come through this at best with an uneasy truce among one another. Alison and Cameron at least now had a bridge between them, and Morgan had not attacked Cameron ONCE throughout the caper. Haleigh of course faced tha painfull task of regaining her once fragile place in the group...while Bane seemed to regard the whole experience as some on going bakesale...at least that was his OUTWARD reaction...but no one really knew what lay beneath HIS lofty and painfully arrogant exterior. as one trial ends...many more questions and possibillities still remain>>

[Bane]

Adrian arrived to Cameron's penthouse with a bewildered expression on his face. He hardly registered the arrival of Erika, and nevermind the comments of hospitality made by Cameron. Without another word, Adrian walked away from them all and blindly pushed through the hallways and entered into some furnished private room. He drew to the windows, gazing out at the skyline, as if longing to jump out of them. With what was circling through his head, who could blame him?

"Stop talking to me."

"Why? Didn't you notice Adrian? Those little pheromones of yours aren't working too well, are they? Infact, that maid hardly tossed you a glance."

"Shut up."

"Psst. Look at your shoulder."

"Be quiet," Adrian affirmed, but shakily drew a hand to his right shoulder. Tearing at some of the cloth, a fresh batch of reptilian, green scales gleamed out at his eyes. He gasped, stepping back, and tripped over himself.

"What have you done to me?!"

"Nothing you haven't wanted."

And suddenly it was all a blur, because the setting before Adrian's eyes melted away. In its place, that same, familiar rainforest. Infront of that same damned waterfall. Infront of that same damned person. But different. A woman with flowing red hair, entrancing green eyes, and a silk black dress. She walked with a confident strut toward Adrian, who stood transfixed.

He had smelled it before. That delictible combination of chocolate and mint, which conjured thoughts of ice-cream and brownies and velvety soft cream. But it had never hit[ him like this way before.

"Something wrong?" that haunting voice spoke, angelic and harmonic.

Adrian opened his mouth, but couldn't speak. Such feelings of lust were almost juvenile in their power.

She sighed with a vivacious smile.Does she have a name? he wondered vaguely.

"Erica," this mysterious beauty answered.

She turned around and sat down by the waterfall, gazing out into the distance.

"My dear Adrian," Erica sighed, crossing her legs. "Where to start? Maybe at the grueling process of turning you into a gentlemen? Or of injecting you with the self-confidence to turn heads? Perhaps even of converting that scientific curosity into sexual promiscuity."

She cocked her dainty head and looked back at him, her green eyes seeing right through him. Adrian stood, transfixed, almost paralyzed by her beauty. But he understood her words, and they cut him to the bone.

"You were small and helpless, and I uprighted you. And I took care of you, boy. I nurtured in you that winning, larger-than-life personality. I even kept parts of you that might add to the genuinty of your character. That uncouthness, for example."

Erica laughed, musical and pretty, but these attributes only hardened the words and made them more sharp. Unlike Alison, whose cool resolve and analytical tone almost prepared victims, Erica was of a different breed. A woman who surprised and stepped on hearts and got what she wanted at whatever cost.

"We were so close, too!" Erica yelled, and turned back to the waterfall in despair. "You were almost ready to finally serve your purpose. You think those ambitions of your for Illustra Inc. are of your doing?"

She smirked.

"I led you to believe that they were simply ambitions of power. But they served a greater goal. For me. To free me from this prison of a dimension."

And she waved her arm at the outlying lush greenery that Adrian was so undeniably attracted to.

"Oh, don't fool yourself, Adrian. This place isn't paradise. It's a hell. A spiritual hell, where you can look but cannot touch." And, to his surprise, her hand sifted through some of the water under her. When she withdrew it, no moisture was visible on her hand. Erica looked back at him, her vivid green eyes squinting up at him.

"You can't imagine the torture I've beared, watching you indulge in all of those carnal desires. Of living with others. Interacting. Breathing. Fucking. Being. No..instead, I observed from a distance, placating myself on the idea that I will one day be free, and my machinations will not be for naught."

Erica stood, tossing her red hair angrily. Even at a distance, Adrian smelled the heavenly scent of grapefruit and citric acid.

"Then you got bit by a fucking snake, and it all went to hell. Even when I had channeled my powers to you. And gave you the looks. You think that nose is yours? That mouth? That skin?"

She laughed derisively, and Adrian saw that, yes, she had perfect, milky, unblemished skin. Perfect, perfect, like his. The perfect woman.

"But my abilities cannot absorb animal toxins. They are of a different type, and even after years of learning, you couldn't figure that simple thing out!"

Erica crossed her arms, advancing upon him, a contemptuous glare on her pretty face.

"That snake poison neglected it all. And you were going to die. At least then, if I went down, you'd go down too. But no, that idiotic prick of a man Cameron jump-started things up! Now?! Nothing. You have nothing of me. Everything will soon disappear, and you'll be left as a shadow of a man you once were."

Erica sighed, withdrawing the embrace of her arms to rub at her temples.

"Morgan Victoria had the connections. The power. Your purpose was simple," she spat at him. "Infiltrate the circle. Manipulate the girl. Of course, Alison proved to be complicated. Yet that precise woman doesn't even know herself what kind of dark side she has, and only I could handle her. She would fall, and Morgan after her."

Erica stared up into his eyes, his face, which was frozen in complete admiration, but failed to convey the wild thoughts running through his head.

"I saw you, Adrian, in the beginning. A beacon within this world. I first laid eyes upon you there," and she whirled around, pointing at the middle of the water fall, which bellied a large pool.

"The water shined, grew, glimmered. I was sitting here, on this very rock, and I saw. I jumped in..I swam..to you. And ever since I've been suspended between these two worlds. Yours and this spiritual world. Getting glimpses of what you experience. Sometimes feeling things you felt."

Erica grinned ruefully.

"I admit, Adrian, I don't know how or why. But this connection has existed. Now? Barely. I'm disappearing from your thoughts. It has taken me an EXTREME amount of effort to bring you here. Why? Because it won't be me, it'll be you. You wanted to stay here, and you will stay here. I will take your place. If I can't be me, I will gladly be you."

She rolled her eyes.

"I was expecting to be ressurected. With the dark magicks at the disposal of this team, there would be a way. They would all help, given time. But time is running out, and I must do with what I can."

As Erica continued speaking, Adrian gradually became more aware of himself. Still transfixed, but less aware of the smell and the spellbinding effect her presence had. How did he feel? How could he even gather his thoughts? To learn your entire life was a lie? That you hadn't even been entirely living your own life? He felt dizzied, but through all of those turmulous thoughts, one clear feeling registered in his cerebrum: anger. Hell hath no fury like a primadonna scorned.

"You will make all of this waiting worth while, Adrian," Erica hissed, grabbing onto his throat. With surprising strength she threw him 20 feet in the air, and he landed on the ground with a "thump". No doubt this living embodiment of his projected self had his powers but to an accelerated, evolved level.

The sky rumbled. Distant thunder sounded. Rain began to hail from the heavens, dotting the landscape. But even clearer than this all, Adrian heard a familiar voice in his head. That old, comforting, wise voice of the man he had seen earlier before he had almost died.

"You brought her into your world. You can take her out."

And in the distance, as if this man was in a room full of crowded people. "Live, live, live, live, live, live...." but in an ancient tongue, millenia old.

Erica giggled and jumped up in the air. She threw her hands out, and the wind enveloped her, supported her. Suddenly, all the pores in her body seemed to illuminate with a fiery glow. Seconds later, a hailstorm of pure sunlight unleashed itself from her body and hailed towards Adrian. He lay there, almost petrified, with several voices murmuring in his head. He was swept up helplessly in the current, and felt the excruciating pain of being burned. Adrian's head twisted as he stared all around him -- seeing only pure, blinding yellow. The pain took his breath away.

"Listen to me. Concentrate on my voice. Hers is a physical world. You are above that, Adrian. You are blessed with spiritual strength. Tap into that energy!"

"Silence!" Erica yelled into the wind, as she stared with a sadistic gleam in her eyes at the helpless, writhing body of Adrian in the middle of her sun storm.

"I don't understand," Adrian murmured, miraculously alive, as the sun infiltrated his skin and scalded him to the core. He wanted it to end. End it all.

"Accept your mortality. Do not deny death. Welcome it. Use it. Master it, Adrian!"

He closed his eyes, only too happy to oblige. His whole life passed before his very eyes: images of dark bedrooms, of sweating bodies, of a triumphant Adrian holding an issue of People's Magazine with his face on the front cover -- only 15. A crowd of giggling girls begging him for his autograph. A sprawling mansion, his home in California, with fountains rivaling Buckingham and cute Playboy servants. Of love, from Catherine and Brad, as they celebrated his 21st birthday in some remote pub in Ireland. Adrian Lockhart had lived more in his few years than individuals would in their entire lifetimes. Life was to be respected. But so too was death.

Distant sounds in his head, "Open his mind, free his conscience, give him strength, strength, strength..."

Gradually, pain disappeared. So too did the sensation of touch, sight, sound, smell... the element of time itself became a mundane concept. Adrian stood, looking at the column of fire around him, and it just seemed so simple. Walk through it.

Adrian's will manifested itself and he fell out of the sun storm and to the ground. For Erica, this whole maneuver happened in the space of seconds.

"What the fuck?!" she yelled, those words so twisted on her pretty lips. Adrian looked around, so at peace, so calm. She has outlived herself, and she will be dealt with accordingly.

"Give him power, power, power..."

"You're a travesty unto this Earth, Erica Munroe, and you no longer belong."

She twisted her head and roared. From her hands she channeled two immense bolts of lightning and they crashed down upon Adrian, who stared at them. He cocked his head and drew forth his own hands. An etheral material, containing properties of the shroud and other...otherworldly elements, was created and drawn into the form of a scythe. With one fell swipe, the bolts split in half, and hit the ground on either side of him. Again, with a speed of only milliseconds in time. An almost unholy speed.

"Die, die, die, die, you sonofabitch!" she screamed, frustrated beyond belief, and unleashed all she had: bolts of lightning, a hailstorm of ice, an earthquake in the ground above them, and a pure beam of sun that slammed down from the sky. An Earth goddess, her powers at their utter peak.

"That's it?" Adrian asked simply, and closed his eyes. The world suddenly turned transparent, with the color dark blue and black infilitrating his entire view. But he could see it. See her. He felt himself disappear for a moment, and then reappear behind Erica. As she continued blasting down her earthly wraith, he slammed his hand into her chest. Not precisely the physical hand, but a spiritual one. It clawed and clawed until, finally, Erica's spirit was withdrawn. An opaque black color, reflecting her true self. It dangled helplessly from his hand. Again, Adrian moved, and he threw her spirit into the growing vortex of water in the basin. A growing light gobbled up the darkness.

And Adrian banished Erica from whence she came.

It ended. All of it. The surroundings melted away. The voices faded. "Give him purpose, purpose, purpose, purpose..."

Outside, spectators gasped as shattered glass flew down from the highest level of Cameron's penthouse. A falling body, eagle-spread, hailed down from the same floor.

A broken hallelujah.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron loved that her sister was finally discovering herself in this life. It made him feel that they both had grown a bit in life. It was comforting. That comfort was soon broken as he heard the crash of shattering glass from a side that came from the same floor he was on. He rushed down the hall and looked out the broken window to see Adrian Lockhart free-falling as if he was doing this on purpose. Cameron panicked. ::

"What the FUCK ARE YOU DOING LOCKHART!?!"

:: Prophet reached his hand out of the window as he telekinetically grabbed a hold of Adrian and he stopped in mid air before seemingly falling up back to the window as Cameron backed up to give Bane room to get back through the window as he placed him on the ground and took a look at him. He was cut from the broken glass, but he would heal quickly due to what Cameron had seen in the tormented man's past memories. He looked down on him and cast a very similar look to the one that Alison usually gave him. There was no doubt that these two were related and Adrian saw that in Cameron's expression. ::

"Do tell.. What were DOING? Free Falling out of a window? An expensive window! Jesus! What do these people have against my windows! Are you okay at least?"

:: Looking down at the science project, he felt a little remorse but he wasn't about to forget what the guy had done in just minutes of meeting him and the entire Six. It wasn't to be taken lightly. ::

[Bane]

Scooped up and returned to safety, Bane looked around the room he had just fallen out of. Of course to him, no changes were visible, but they would be rather plain to Cameron or otherwise. His hair color had receded to a brown -- the intermediate between black and blonde. His eyes, once a warm brown, now radiated forth a sharp, intense green. No doubt, the lasting effects of Erica. As for the rest of his face, well.. utter transformation. Sharper cheekbones. Pale skin. Thinner lips. The same muscular body, just taller. Way taller.

Adrian stood up. He ran a hand through his hair and then turned around to assess the nonexistant window. "Hm." The world looked different to him. Everything was so less vivid.

"I'm really hungry," he announced, turning back to, for the first time this evening, directly regard Cameron. His was an otheworldly, piercing gaze, and no intimidation or other emotion lurked beneath those brilliant greens. "Thanks for the help." Even a change in speech syntax. A slight cultivated English accent -- the one he'd had before his fateful accident.

And then Adrian walked right through Cameron, who would feel immediately chilled and numbed for an instant, as if Death had passed him. "I think I'll have a ham sandwich," he said to himself, walking out of the room.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron looked at Adrian who seemed remarkably different. Everything from his hair to his bone structure. He looked like the old form of Adrian, just less shiny and ADD. It was quite shocking, but the biggest thing was when Bane simply walked right through Cameron as if he was nothing. He was udderly stunned and couldn't move for a few seconds. The feeling was almost the same as when AJ had tried to contact him before. Prophet sighed heavily. Whatever. He didn't really care at this moment. He had just saved his life and the man had brushed it off with some swarmy kind of english accent. He turned back and walked into the Living Room and Bar where he mixed himself a Bloody Mary and chopped two sticks of celery, placing them in the cup. He took a sip and smiled. ::

"Sweet Release..."

:: Prophet then sat down and laughed to himself. He had just saved Bane's life and he didn't even care. He thought this must have been the rage that Alison felt on a daily basis saving her own brother's life and not having him care. That would change soon. Hopefully, with time. ::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Looking at Morgan as she spoke, she could hear the tension and hate in her voice as she spoke about Cameron and Haleigh. Sighing, it was hopeless to try and convince her otherwise, therefore Alexis stayed quiet. Once she was finished, the blonde looked to Alison whom was standing beside Morgan. Nodding gently, Alexis had no choice other then to agree with her at this time. But the stress of the ordeal, team split or not, was still high and frustrating.::

"Alright.."

:: Pausing, Alexis felt a wave of dizzyness hit her. Quickly moving her hand to her head, she took a step back, supporting her weight. ::

"Whoa.."

:: As her eyes shut, a soft glow began to wash down her body, like liquid light. As her head was engulfed, it began to flow down her body, slowly revealing the transformation that had taken place. Alexis' shoulder length golden blonde hair was now black and in a cute bob (http://gfx.dagbladet.no/pub/artikkel/4/42/420/420512/theron2.jpg). Her tattered clothing had dissapeared and she was now sporting a simple pair of dark royal blue velour athletic pants and a snug fitting lowcut black tank top that rested slightly above her bellybutton. Taking a breath in, she looked down at her body, seeing the clothing.... ::

"Whoa..."

:: This whoa empehsising what had just happened, it was strange. The moment she felt the stress leveling climbing within her, the glamouring just kicked in. She was wishing for comfort...and boom. she was in her favorite hang around outfit. But something else was out of place. Not feeling her hair on her shoulders, she lifted her hands up to her new brunette bob. Raising her brows, she turned back to the mirror seeing her new appearence. I guess the hair thing hadn't left her mind either.. ::

"That was...random. And different.."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh stepped out of the shower, reaching for a towel. She felt as though all the stress she'd accumulated throughout the last caper had dissipated away, washed down the shower drain. The stress was replaced... by a dull ache... at what she'd be losing.... and what she'd lost already... in the name of the Six. She couldn't help but be angry with Morgan. Hell, Haleigh'd made an effort to look PAST all their 'disagreements'... and even to leave the topic of Blaze alone... but Morgan... AND ALISON.... just wouldn't let anything go... they weren't ready to move on. Haleigh kept on reaching for a towel... eventually pulling a cloth from the rack... it was a wash cloth. Haleigh stepped out of the shower, rolling her eyes.

"Typical... still a bachelor, aren't we Cameron?"

She said, mostly to herself. She poked her head out of the Bathroom.... listening... no one was talking... there were no rustling noises... no indication whatsoever of Cameron, Erika, or Adrian. Haleigh felt like she stood there forever, scarcely breathing, listening to determine where everyone was. She exhaled, resigning to slip silently out of the bathroom... down the hall into Cameron's room... she peered into his chest of drawers... pulling out some of his sleepwear. She figured he wouldn't mind. An oversized button up and a pair of baggy sleeping pants later, Haleigh stepped back out into the hall. She looked around the suite, calling for him... and noticed the door slightly ajar. furrowing her brow, she opened it, walking out into the hall... she heard a voice... Adrian's. Something about a sandwich. She followed the sound, pushing the door to Adrian's room open slowly. Adrian was not in sight... instead, Cameron sat in the living room area. Haleigh didnt understand... she thought Cameron and Adrian were bitter rivals... she didnt mention it... she didnt WANT to know.

"Cameron... there is something we need to discuss.... just you and I. What the hell happened here?"

She gasped, her curiousity getting the best of her once her eyes feel upon the shattered window.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Although she was now free of the tyranny of her wicked aunt, Helena....it didnt come without a grave price. Alexis had lost even MORE of the family she never truly knew she had....Morgan, Alison and the rest of the six joined forces to help her ...and SAVE her....but in a twist of irony as she bid not so fond farewells to her aunt....she GAINED a new gift. Alexis was not the only one who was "changing" many deeper, subtler changes had manifested in members of the six during this latest test and trial. the shadow of blazes death deepend the chasm between Morgan, Alison and Haleigh; while Cameron had began down a new path...heeding the warnings of Ororo in his dreams and the gloom predicted by his sister Alison; Bane...the new face and enigma of the team had perhaps experienced the most bizarre and deep seeded changes of all....how his place in the Six would be cemented remains to be seen.>>


<< the darkness of the new york skyline envelops these men and women...as they contemplate and reflect amongst themselves....not yet aware of what will come their way the next day...