Uncertain silence

[Jill Monroe]

<< sharp , rocking tremors could be felt all around on the surface as violent, ballistic nuclear explosions began to blast throughout NERVOUS vaporizing, destroying and wiping out all they encompassed. the structure began to melt down, implode and crumble all at once. the Super Soldier, who was STILL ALIVE up till that moment, tilted his head to the side before his body was engulft in the nuclear rage and seemingly exploded>>

<< the group, now above ground began to see small volcanic like explosions PUNCH THROUGH the icy tundra....causing a tremendous elemental disturbance in the air as the ground was rocked hard...muffled explosions could be heard>>

<< Morgan was now completely unconscious, possibly in a coma and Delilah, who was glaring at Haleigh for what she had just done now carried her battered friend. The Six had succeeded and more importantly SURVIVED their battle against A.I.M, the technical side of MysTech....but not without taking servere damages. Guardian was near death and Morgan not too far behind, Alexis had exerted herself to the point of complete physical exhaustion...and only through the surprising, brave act of Cameron followed by the clear perserverence of Haleigh and Delilah did they AVOID the outcome that Alison had seen most clearly>>

<<now as they hurried through the new stepping disc....they were able to hear and FEEL the fury of NERVOUS' destruction as it climaxed. the disc CLOSES and they are now SAFELY in Limbo. the sudden QUIET and errie tranquility of the massive ancient castle surrounded them....allowing those who were still awake and able bodied to take a moment to BREATH and realize that they had just dealt MysTech a powerfull blow AND saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of mutants and meta humans world wide, ensuring their privacy and the right to live free of scrutiny. it was also the first caper where the team had worked fluently TOGETHER>>

<< there would be more time to acclimate...as for now, They were in this massive, gothic, mystical structure that exuded a dark elegance and two of the six were critically injured and one was suffering from extreme exhaustion and fatigue. Ororo's assistance was desperately needed, but would she RESPOND to the call of Haleigh OR Cameron? Delilah might have the best chance of calling out for the elemental sorceress>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Moving her head very slightly, Alexis was slowly beginning to wake up. A soft and muffled cough broke the eerie silence surrounding them. Gasping in a breath, Alexis' moved her head from it's previous side position until it was straight. Opening her eyes, a foggy whiteness was all she could see as she closed them tight a few times trying to clear up the confusion. What the hell had happened? She was perfectly fine one minute, then boom, her body had completely given out. She wasn't even aware of where she was at the moment. Were they still in Nervous? Did they escape? Was everyone dead? Still very weak from taking on the entire Nervous energy system, that was one task Alexis underestimated, and it unfortunately completely drained her entire physical, mental, and "magical" being. Finally opening her eyes, she was able to see more clearly....from the looks of it, they weren't in Nervous anymore.. ::

"Wha–"

:: As she spoke her chest screamed out in pain as Alexis began to cough more violently at this point. Turning her head to the side once more, she rolled her body as best she could from her back to her side. As her coughing fit subsided, she opened her eyes seeing Morgan and Alison...oh my god. They looked....dead? Eyes widening, Alexis stayed in that position hoping to see some sort of life from her fallen comrades. ::

[Harbinger]

::Guardian's face was now very pale her hair once styled in the trademark glossed bun had come undone during the fight with the super soldier and now some strands lay on her face. her faint , shallow breathes were beginning to fade. her broken body lay limp and motionless and her trademark, state-of-the-art body contouring suit showed the obvious signs of brutal combat....her time was nearly up::

[MorningStar]

[ As Delilah made it through the portal carrying Morgan, it took her a second to regain her bearings - she didn't think she would ever be used to that type of travel. Back again in the cold fortress in limbo, she realized she had been holding her breath and let it out slowly. She briefly had the thought that "finally they were safe" - then chastised herself for it. Because they weren't safe: Morgan and Alison were very far from safe indeed. And Alexis clearly was not fully functional.

She looked around - what they needed was a hospital, not a castle. But they weren't going to find anything like that here. It occurred to her that she was still carrying Morgan. Gently, she laid her on a cushioned wooden bench in the room they were in - not the ideal, but it was better than the cold stone floor.

It was clear that those that remained of the group were at a loss as to what to do next. And Delilah would never have guessed that BOTH Morgan and Alison would be absent to give their guidance. There was only one other being who could help them under these dire circumstances. And Delilah didn't even know if she would be able to reach her in time.

Bowing her head slightly and closing her eyes, and seeing in her mind's eye pictures of the terribly injured Morgan and Alison, she focused her thoughts into one overriding call for help. ]

"Ororo, we need you..."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh smiled at Delilah's response. "Touche." She accredited, as she trudged through the disc with Cameron in tow, after Alexis floated through and Moringstar carried Morgan. She was beyond happy to be leaving this place. She wished they hadnt had to destroy it... a LOT could have been gained by spying on the facility... yet Haleigh knew they'd saved countless lives by their actions, and that justified it.... but at the moment, Haleigh could only think about two lives that might be lost in the midst of it all... Morgan and Alison. She knew Alexis would recover when her body had stabilized and replenished some energy... but Morg and Ali were both very shaky and Haleigh felt as though she could SENSE the life leaving Alison, and it filled her with a sense of dread she wasnt sure shed be willing to admit.

Haleigh refused to put Alison down, even as Morningstar lay Morgan on a bench... She lookd up at Morningstar, who appeared to be praying. Haleigh didnt want to interrupt her to tell her it wouldnt work... but there WAS someone who could help.... she just didnt think Ororo would answer her call... Ororo never really liked Haleigh and that was putting it nicely. Hales opened her mouth to ask Morningstar to call for her but Morningstar was already on top of it, and Haleigh breathed a sigh of relief that they were on the same page. Haleigh looked down at Alison, her expression deeply ingrained with worry, for the first time any of the Six would EVER see... it was a pity most of the Six was too out of it to notice.

"Hang in there Alison.... help is on the way. You're gonna make it."

Haleigh looked up as Alexis stirred, and lowered the stretcher to a few inches above the floor so that she wouldnt fall far if she tried to step off. Alexis was trying to get her bearings and Haleigh waited to speak until Alexis did.

"Alexis... dont sit up, just rest. We're in Limbo.... you're safe now. Morgan and Alison were badly hurt but we're getting them help now."

[Ororo]

:: a few short moments passed. and winds begin to rise......a tight swirling pillar of winds with an eerie green sparkle formed.....and with a low, rolling rumble of thunder.....Ororo fades into view. wearing her white goddess dress with her blue robe, her long silver hair parted down the middle flows slightly in the breezy air.::

Ororo: I am here, Delilah. goddess be praised, you've completed your mission AND avoided the outcome that Alison predicted!

:: touching Alison's pale, tired face::

you've returned just in time....let us go to my garden!

:: raising her arms, everyone is enveloped in a sparkling green haze of swirling energy as they are teleported from this castle on the Summit, to Ororo's majestic Garden. the feel of the garden immediately began to subtely calm Haleigh and Delilah.....with each breath of fresh air they took.

::they were in Ororo's citadle.....in an ancient apothecary/infimary like room that was lit by torches of green mystic eternal flames.....the room was silent ....but it was clear to see there years of knowledge, history and power contained in the potions and books, parchments here.....this stone walled room was like a mini version of the massive library at the castle::

::Morgan and Alison were laid on large stone altars cushioned with red velvet bedding and covered with a red velvet cloth that had gold trimming::

:: Ororo tended to Alison first...removing the bandages from her abdomen and immediately holding her hands over the wound::

Let the life giving energy that flows through my corner of Limbo now heed my call.....flow now around this battered child and restore her as you do the flowers after a winter frost. calm her soul and her spirit and heal her body. Your mistress , Ororo commands it!

:: flowing ribbons of energy came through the walls, the ceiling and even the stone floor as they flowed to and around Ororo....glowing and sparkling as winds gusted and chimes toned softly. they coalesced around Alison and her body was enshrouded in sparkling white light....her internal wounds were repaired and healed her body restored and her spirit calmed.....she became encompssed by a glowing white globe which emmited rays of light as Ororo lifted her hands high to complete the restoration. and in a startling FLASH of light and the sound of rushing water.....Alison was now back on the altar. she looked like HERSELF again....and she was BREATHING her body had been healed and restored::

She is sleeping now.

::her body soon fades away::

she has been sent to her room here in the citadle, the same one she rested in the last time she was here. let her be for a while....until her spirit settles itself fully.

:: Moving to Morgan::

Morgan, you put forth a magnificent effort.

::rubbing her hand gently down the young sorceress' cheek::

:: stretching her arms out sideways, Morgan is caught up by rushing , twisting and turning torents of energy.....as Ororo revitalizes her physical body , repairing any damage and her jaw.::

Morgan will awaken shortly, completely refreshed and restored to peak condition.


:: Alexis was in a small bed away from the others...but in the same room.::

::she seemed to be surrounded by a silky mist that sparkled softly::

Alexis too needs to rest...the mists of Aegis will see that she too is restored. She nearly died trying to control the energy core of NERVOUS. She will awaken and be as vital as she was.


you all pulled together in a way like never before. each of you displayed levels of out put far beyond your previous capers. its proof positive of what you can do when you're working TOGETHER and have each other's well being in your hearts.

::looking at Delilah and Haleigh::

are either of you injured or in need of healing?

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing Haleigh's words, Alexis didn't bother to answer...she really couldn't actually. Closing her eyes, her mind raced about the well being of Alison and Morgan; were they going to be okay? How badly were they actually hurt...but her mind and body slowly began to give way as she passed back out. Luckily Ororo had showed up when she did, not for Alexis' sake, but for Morgan and Alison. As Ororo transfered the group to her citadle, Alexis was instantly placed on a small bed with what looked like mist surrounding her. Still dressed in her battered leather uniform, her face and hair however, were completely cleaned of any cuts or messes. Ororo had obviously healed and cleaned Alexis up with her magic. ::

:: As the mist began to work it's magic, Alexis' body soon began to rebuild the energy it lost in Nervous. If she had only held onto that attack a few seconds more, she would of been as bad off as Alison and Morgan. But luckily, with everyone's assistance and sure will power to get the hell out of there, they were able to make it out of the Hive quicker than expected. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh sighs with relief as Ororo appears and takes them to her Citadle. She can feel the atmosphere's calming effects... but doesnt further relax, even as Alison, Morgan, and Alexis are returned to healthier states. She seems to be in a state of numb distraction. She looks around the room with a blank expression as Alison disappears. As Ororo restores Morgan, Haleigh stares off distantly. Ororo turns towards her to see if her or Delilah is hurt, and Haleigh shakes her head, looking down at her suit.... mere PATCHES of white show through the stains, mostly blood and black scorchmarks. She looks up to Ororo solemnly.

"No.... its... not my blood.... I'm not injured. Perhaps... you have washroom where I can get cleaned up... and something to change into?"

Haleigh didnt seem to be quite all there...

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah felt a wave of relief wash over her as Ororo arrived and transported them to her garden. She felt like a child being led by the hand by a trusted aunt...and she was exactly in the mood to be led. She watched Ororo do her work, and was amazed at the powerful goddess' effect on the three injured warriors.

As Ororo told them that their three comrades were going to be okay, she turned to Haleigh and smiled. The smile quickly faded as Haleigh spoke... ]

"I'm fine, as far as I can tell. Haleigh, are you sure you're okay?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Slowly coming to, Alexis inhaled deeply before letting out a soft moan. She felt like she had just woken from a year long coma. Opening her eyes, the misty fog that surrounded her was the first thing she saw. She didn't remember much about what happened after she had collasped at the Hive, but she could recall someone saying they had escaped. Slowly pushing herself up, the mist around her seem to slowly disappear as she regained her barings. Finally seeing the others in the distance, Alexis swung her legs over the side of the bed and slowly slid off of it. Closing her eyes, the sudden wave of dizzyness was normal, especially after such a huge energy drain; bringing her hand up to her forehead, Lex took a deep breath in and slowly began to make her way over to the others. ::

"How are they?"

:: Bringing her hand away from her forehead, she looked onto Alison and Morgan. Everything about what happened seemed to get clearer. Although she was still pretty clueless about how they ended up this way, deep down, Alexis knew it was because they risked their lives again for the team. ::

[Ororo]

::Ororo looked upon Haleigh with a rather stone faced expression.....before finally replying. They were all calming down from the events of NERVOUS and Ororo was still surprised herself at how WELL they had pulled together. Black Widow had definately demonstrated qualities not seen before. Perhaps Ororo hadnt given her enough credit as a person?::

Of course. you'll find a guest parlour room on the floor below this one. you may refresh and change clothes there.


::she gestured to the doorway a distance behind them and looked at Delilah who was now joined by Alexis::

Delilah, you appear to be fine physically....you were always possesed of a tremendous inner strength and mental clarity. your presence among this team during this mission was key to its success....but make sure that you take time to REST while here in Limbo.

Alexis, Morgan and Alison sustained nearly fatal injuries from the Super Soldier. Prophet, Black Widow and MorningStar returned to NERVOUS in its last moments to rescue them. they will be fine now.....both of them have been fully restored and are now sleeping peacefully.

in the expanse of my garden, you will find a variety of fruits as well as the crystal stream which flows the purest water.

If you'll excuse me, I am going to look in on Alison now.

:: Ororo departed...a whispering breeze followed behind her as she slowly disappeared in the shadows of the hallway beyond this apothecary. leaving Delilah and Alexis , along with a resting Morgan in her bed.::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh looked at Delilah as she heard her name... but her eyes seemed out of focus. "I'm not injured." She repeated absentmindedly, not really answering her question. She thanked Ororo and walked slowly to the door, her footfall silent as it had been all night.

As she made her way downstairs and into the parlour room, she realized her body had taken up tremors... from exhaustion, or worry, or nerves, she wasnt sure, but as she closed the door to the parlour room behind her she leaned against it for support, her breathing labored. She sank to the floor, closing her eyes, running her hands through her hair. She looked down at the blood on her suit and quickly unzipped the top and pulled it off. She had just nearly lost half her team and she was finally reacting... she had been stoic before because she needed to keep it together... but now the pressure was off and no one was counting on her anymore. Now Ororo had control. She heard Ororo's words in her head... they will be fine now... She took a deep breath. It was all over... they managed to escape, however narrowly. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" was playing softly in the background of the parlour room and Haleigh relaxed, resting her head against the door and letting the music calm her. When the song finished she rose shakily and trudged towards the sink. She wash her hands and splashed water on her face, rubbing her eyes softly. She dried off with a towel, taking another deep breath. She looked at herself in the mirror... and then turned away.

The Super Soldier, whose name was originally Patrick, crossed her mind. She'd murdered him, her first love, in cold blood. She told herself it was self defense... kill or be killed, and while she silently apologized to him, she left it at that. She didnt want or need to drudge up those demons. She had convinced herself that she WASNT a monster... and that she COULD change.... and thinking about how she destroyed the SS gave her this terrible feeling like she would always be.... a killer. I mean, if she could do it to him, she could to anyone, right? WRONG. she thought. I did it because i had to. My teammates lives depended on it and if I had faltered or hesistated or done ANYTHING differently I could have lost them. A conscience had emerged in haleigh's psyche and she pushed it away forcefully. She hated the way it felt and she compartmentalized it as she finished undressing. She pulled on a crisp white button-up, feminine black suit vest and a pair of black pinstriped pants. she touched up her hair and took a final deep breath before opening the door and leaving the parlour room... she felt better. Her nerves had certainly calmed.... the time alone, although just 15 minutes or so, had done her well.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan began to stir...slowly as she slowly opened her icy violet eyes. blinking slowly ...she didnt make a move to sit up ..she just looked up and around slightly. hearing her own breathing and feeling no pain. her eyes WIDENED for a second as she became more aware...she gave a start of fear and surprise as she sat up and looked around frantically for Alison...who she saw getting impaled by the super soldier's photon spear>>

ALISON!!

<< she stopped for a moment, as she realized they were no longer in nervous, but in the calm, ancient and gothic apothecary of Ororo's citadle...a whispering wind could be heard throughout the stone structure as the green mystic eternal flames provided a soft glow in the apothecary>>


<< she took a moment to gather herself, as she examined her face....and hesitantly opened her mouth wide..and tested her jaw again. yes, she HAD been healed completely and felt full strength in her body>>

<<exhaling with relief, she knew that Alison was in good hands too>>

<< slipping off her bed, she stood up.. and stretched >>

Everyone is here then?...everyone made it out alive??

[MorningStar]

[ At Ororo's words about getting some rest herself, Delilah realized how wiped out she really was. She longed to walk in the garden that the goddess has spoke of...her thoughts drifted. Something was not right with Haleigh - but she was not the person that Haleigh would confide in, that she knew. Perhaps Alexis...

But at that moment, before she could finish the thought, Morgan awoke with a start. Delilah looked at her friend, who had practically leapt from the bed, in disbelief. ]

"And just what do you think you're doing? You nearly die on us and you think you can just start prancing around like Miss America?! Get back into that bed this instant!"

[ But Delilah couldn't pretend to be mad at Morgan for long, so glad was she to see her up and (seemingly) fully healed. A wide smile crept onto her face in spite of herself. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Yes, Morgan. Please lay back down..."

:: Looking to Morgan with concerned eyes, she wasn't aware of what exactly happened to both her and Alison, but she knew that if they were both in a deep coma in which Ororo had to heal them, it had to be horrible. Inhaling deeply, Lex took a step back from both Delilah and Morgan.

"I'm..going to go freshen up a bit. If you'd excuse me."

:: Turning away from Morgan and Delilah, Alexis slowly exhaled before stepping out of the chamber doors and down the stairs to the hall. Haleigh had been gone for quite some time, and plus, Delilah and Morgan were closer friends than herself and Morgan, so she found it appropriate to allow them some time to talk. Making her way down the hall, she spotted Haleigh leaving the parlour room. ::

"Hey...you alright? You were gone for a while.."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Delilah and Alexis were right, Morgan shouldnt over do iot just yet.>>

<< Morgan felt a bit light headed...and went to lay back down...looking up at the ceiling..as she spoke>>

we're all here? then that means we were successfull and Haleigh detonated the nuclear bomb in NERVOUS? what about the Super Soldier!?

<< she was a bit frantic...and understandibly so....she had sustained a server trauma that most would have died from and had it not been for Cameron , Haleigh and Delilah....she and Alison would be dead. >>

I didnt think i'd feel like this again...not since i nearly died trying to save Blaze from BLACK have i felt like this.

<< putting her hand on her chest as she gulped a bit>>

Delilah.....

<< turning her head>>

thank you for helping us ....i know this wasnt what you expected when you came to visit...but thank you for all your help and support!!

<< she turned her head back and closed her eyes...as the winds continued to whisper through the stone citadle>>

go ahead and rejuvinate yourself, D. I'll be fine here....we're all safe now ....safe in Limbo.....Ororo's garden.

<<Morgan regulated her breathing....as she lay......Delilah knew Morgan was still a bit shakey...but she knew she would be fine eventually. after a few moments with her friend, Deiliah could venture out into the lush garden/rain forest like expanse...and nurish herself.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh looked up as she heard footsteps, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears and folding her arms across her chest. She leaned into the parlour room threshold, answering Alexis with a soft smiling nod.

"I'm... recovering. I just needed some time to think, you know? You seem to be doing much better...."

She paused, looking around for a few seconds before asking the only question on her mind.

"And Morgan, Alison, how are they, awake, still sleeping?"

It was easy [and mildly bizarre] to see that she was WORRIED about them... the two people she been grating against for over a year, people who'd tried [and succeeded once] to KILL her. It was also easy to see that something was remarkably different about her. What it was exactly was elusive... but something was definitely different.... she didnt seem so... malignant... its was as if she was showing a new side of herself.

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Yeah, well. Can't keep me down long."

:: Giving Haleigh a small smile as she too kept her voice to a low whisper, even though she was trying to lighten the mood a bit, the two woman seemed very distracted and still a bit distressed about what had happened. Looking down as Haleigh began to glance around the surrounding area, Alexis nodded hearing her question about Morgan and Alison. ::

"Morgan is awake...still weak, but better."

:: Pausing, Alexis looked up to Haleigh, seeing that she was in fact worried about them. Something the meta human would of never thought possible....perhaps something good actually came out of this mission? Maybe the group would actually come together.... ::

"Alison isn't awake...but, you know her? She's strong. She'll wake up."

:: The weird thing was, Alexis was not only trying to convince Haleigh, but herself. Alison and her weren't friends, but after her brother's death, not only was Morgan there for support, but Alison as well. She had yet to forget the bond they shared together from that day....and in a way, she was very worried for Alison's safety. Although she would never admit it out loud. Clearing her throat, Alexis tucked some hair behind her ear giving a quick smile. ::

"I need to clean up a bit...not exactly looking my best..I'll catch up with you in a few."

:: As Haleigh moved to the side, Alexis made her way into the parlor room. Closing the door behind her, she pressed her back against it and closed her eyes. Even though her body was fully recharged and functional, her mind was weak and tired. She wanted to sleep and to go home. She wanted everyone to be alright and for everyone to get on with their lives...whatever they may be. Would Haleigh even stay apart of The Six? Was Cameron still forbidden to step foot in Illustra? Was she even prepared to continue on with her life that she so absentmindedly left after changing her appearance. With a huge sigh, Alexis finally opened her eyes and stepped forward to the mirror. Looking at her "face", she just stared for a few moments, allowing herself time to herself. ::

[Ororo]

:: Ororo sat quietly in a chair nearby the bed where Alison lay sleeping. gone was the costume that the young woman preferred wearing. she was now wearing a white gown...her hair neatly laid about her and framing her alabaster skinned face.::


::Ororo was reading some sort sort of book, her legs crossed at the knee the green flame above her provided soft illumination.::

:: aside from Morgan and possible Alison, no one else knew that Ororo was ALWAYS aware of every living thing in her domain of Limbo at all times. Able to know where they were at any given moment and what they were doing. a soft and subtle smile faintly crossed her face as Haleigh and Alexis talked and reflected. each woman looking ahead to the future now that the group had survived their most deadly trial yet. alot of changes had come over the past few months and for the first time since the Six were drawn together, Ororo felt HOPE!::

::looking over at Alison for a moment, Ororo thought about all this young woman had endured...not just in NERVOUS but in GENERAL. having only just recently repaired her relationship with Erika and Cameron....that prooved to be most advantageous to Alison, as Cameron stood in the gap for her against the super soldier. powerful as she was and although she was the strongest of her siblings, she no doubt would realize the value of both her brother AND her sister now more than ever before::


::and Morgan....who had softened ever so slightly in her quest to gain the control and inner serenity she so admired about Ororo. there was renewed hope for the powerfull witch....she worked WITH Haleigh, her most hated enemy , and together they lead the team through its most harrowing campaign. Delilah a ray of light...LITERALLY, she brought a much n eeded BALANCE to the dynamic of the team, providing clarity, stability and prooving that while she may be less abrasive, she was FAR from being any less powerfull than her peers. yes....there was hope for them ALL indeed!::


:: the members of the Six would take time to recouperate in Limbo, away from the pyring eyes and minds of earth....and when they DID return, they would be faced with more choices, new challenges and adventures.::

[Harbinger]

:: darkness...pain...swirling blackness....screaming..drowning....Alison felt herself sinking into an oblivion from which there was no escape. She couldnt fight her way out....she was on the verge of GIVING UP...but ORORO had intervened. Thanks to the efforts of Haleigh and Cameron, Alison was rescued from NERVOUS and brought to Limbo and healed by Ororo and not a moment too soon.::


::the darkness faded....as a flickering image of a tall, elegant elemental goddess in flowing robes appeared and held her hands out to the Seer::

::Alison cried out and reached for the hands of the older woman....finally grabbing hold of them....a sweeping wave of calming soothing light washes over Alison....the pain is wiped away, the despair, the burning feeling of being violated. she holds on to Ororo the way a child does her mother....and with a crash of thunder.....Alison is ....ALIVE!::

::her cobalt blue eyes flutter until they finally pop open....she blinks and breathes DEEPLY::

........I'm ....alive.


::she turns her head and see's Ororo sitting by her bedside smiling at her....she knows that what she experienced was more than a mere dream. They are in the citadle, NERVOUS is destroyed and everyone is safe. she feels a bit odd ...her body is whole, no pain, no bruises, no gaping stab wounds....she hasnt felt THIS relaxed, this comforted in a long time.::


i .....feel so unusual. i cant believe I survived!!!

[Ororo]

:: Ororo gently took hold of Alison's hand as she sat there next to her bedside::


be still, Alison. It is not time for you to get up yet.

:: hearing Alison's disorientation, Ororo explains::

you were very much near death when you finally arrived. Haleigh did what she could to keep you alive after you were mortally injured by the super soldier. He nearly killed Morgan as well. Cameron , Haleigh and Delilah came BACK through the portal to save you both, so that NO ONE would be lost in that caper. Once you were out, Haleigh destroyed NERVOUS and with it, the Super Soldier.

Once you were brought here, I used my spells and knowledge to bring you both back to health and vitality.

You're safe now. All of you and thanks to your group's efforts, mutants and metahumans the world over are now able to live their lives free of the scrutiny from MysTech AND your federal government.

Morgan is recovering on another floor. Haleigh is in a guest parlour and Alexis with her. Delilah is with Morgan at the moment. Cameron and Erika will no doubt want to see you soon.....everyone , including Haleigh was fearfull of your fate and Morgan's but because of their efforts, you are HERE and ALIVE.

::seeing that Alison was struggling mentally and emotionally, Ororo gently stroked her hair and helped her get more comfortable in the bed::

rest, my child. everything is allright now. your friends and teammates will be able to see you soon.

[Jessica Hamby]

"Yeah..." She replied, giving a small laugh. Haleigh's eyebrows raised ever so slightly at hearing Morgan's condition, and she gave a relieved smile and exhalation. "Oh? Good. Ororo's Healing never ceases to amaze me." Haleigh watched Alexis as she talked about Alison. She could hear the uncertainty in Alexis voice. She gave a resurring smile and placed her hand on Alexis' shoulder softly.

"Hey... shes going to be fine... they BOTH are... Alison IS strong.... if we were going to lose her... we would have already. And while nothing will ever be the same.... Everyone is going to be okay...."

Haleigh stepped out of the doorway and allowed Alexis to pass her, giving her a wink of encouragement and starting back towards the room where Delilah and Morgan were. "Yeah, sure thing... I'll go keep Morg company."

Haleigh walked into the room momentarly unnoticed, for she made no sound as she moved. It occured to her that she might be encroaching on a personal moment between the two, but then Morgan insisted that Delilah refresh herself, so Haleigh continued into the room and took a seat near where Morgan was laying down. She skipped the false pretenses and didnt pretend to be stoic anymore... they had all been through to much to be silly.

"How are you feeling, Morg? You took quite a hit there... I was surprised it didnt completely incapacitate you."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah looked down at Morgan. ]

"What are friends for?"

[ She paused a second. ]

"Rest - everyone is fine, thanks to you and Alison...and Ororo."

[ Haleigh had since slipped in, and as she made the crack about "taking a hit", Delilah's eyes darted to her. It was time for her to get out of there...plus she thought perhaps Haleigh needed some time alone with Morgan, to speak whatever was going on in her mind. ]

"Well, then, I'll leave you two to talk - I'm going to get some fresh air."

[ And with a nervous smile, she left the room. ]

[Jill Monroe]

<< As Delilah replied, Morgan smiled as she looked up at Delilah, taking her friend's hand into her own hand, Morgan squeezed it gently...as sign of their friendship and how much Morgan cared for her friend>>

<< soon Morgan and Delilah heard Haleigh's voice....surprising to see that she would come to this area with these two women....given that there had always been a rift between them...but that was up UNTIL the recent past. As Delilah excused herself to go elsewhere in the citadle and the garden, Morgan rested her hands across her toned, flat stomach as she continue to lay and rest>>

<<her voice was clear..with an icy tone but no disdainfull overtones>>

Hello Haleigh......

<<turning her head a bit to look over at the woman>>

yes...<<slowly exhaling>> that WAS quite a hit. i dont think i've ever been hit that hard before. I'm used to being the "strongest" physically...the heavy hitter....but THAT was unlike anything i had experienced...EVER.

<< she closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them>>

i understand that Cameron, yourself and Delilah came back through the portal for us...thereby ensuring that Alison's vision didnt come to pass....for that I thank you. thank you for saving us both.

<< this was the first civil, non hostile exchange these two women had since their arrival here BEFORE the NERVOUS caper. but now Morgan was not only speaking civilly to Haleigh but THANKING her....truly the changes that had taken place, and the progress that had been made was more than skin deep or some fake response on Morgan's part>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After "freshening" up, Alexis exited the parlor feeling a little bit better. Although physically she was at her prime; mentally was a different story. But she wasn't alone...everyone had suffered throughout this caper and it was evident. Slowly walking down the corridor, it might not have been the best idea to go check up on Alison...but she needed to ease her mind to know the woman was alright. Softly tapping on the door with her knuckles, she pushed it open very slowly allowing a soft creaking noise to be heard. Stepping into the gap between the door and the frame, she saw Ororo sitting close by to Alison. ::

"I don't mean to interrupt.."

:: Alexis started off softly. The room was still and tranquil, she kept her voice low to match the serine atmosphere. Staying between the door and the frame, it was like she was trying to keep distance between herself and reality.. ::

"I--Is Alison going to be alright?"

:: Wow, words she honestly thought she'd never hear herself say. After the years of bickering and bitching at each other, the years of outright cruelty toward one another, for her to ask if Alison was going to be alright was something that not only indicated that hell itself was freezing over, but that Alexis actually had grown accustom to the woman...to The Six really. Inhaling a low deep breath, the brunette looked from Ororo to Alison then back again...it was like she was on pins and needles. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

"Morgan...."

Haleigh began, leaning forward, her elbows resting on her knees for support. She hardly knew where to start, there was so much that she needed to say... her and Morgan had never really had a "talk" without trying to harm one another by conversation's end, and this felt out of place and surreal, but Haleigh knew the one thing her and Morgan needed most of all was communication... and so she began to mount this one step at a time. Her voice was relaxed and sincere, and for the first time when around Morgan, had no vicious lining or insidious tone.

"You're Welcome, but you never have to thank me for that... we are a team... we should look out for each other.... and Besides.... i promised you and Alison that we wouldn't leave without you.... believe it or not... I AM trustworthy... if i say something... i absolutely mean it."

"You and I..... lock horns a lot, and its no surprise... we have similar personalities, we both want to be in utmost control, and as our powers are polar opposites, it seems we are, by nature, contradictory. We saw in Nervous that we CAN be synergistic, and as a pair [and a group], become sheer UNSTOPPABLE power on ALL fronts. I think we should follow that... and instead of fighting for the 'Alpha' position in the Six, we should be more of a 'Board of Directors' with no chairman. We should consult EACH OTHER before making decisions that will effect the Six as a whole."

Haleigh leaned back in her seat, continuing in a serious and forthright voice. "I know that you are wary of me and my intentions, and not without merit, for I have given you many reasons to be suspicious.... but recent events have brought me to desire certain changes within myself. I will be doing my very best to change. HOWEVER... I'll need you... and Alison... to cut me some slack... My partner and I have built an EMPIRE... not just in NEW YORK CITY... but in the WORLD. Because of the nature of my company, and the services and supplies I provide... I have become, for lack of a better term, a KINGPIN in organized crime. I provide protection, weapons, and technology to the highest bidder. This business, the Intelligence Business, is NOT something one just walks away from. I will probably ALWAYS be in this business, so please dont expect me to get out of it. NEVERTHELESS... i CAN PROMISE you one thing... my LOYALTIES will ALWAYS lie with the Six. It is a cause I fully support.... I will ALWAYS play things in our favor and I can only ask you to TRUST that is what I am doing, even when my actions seem questionable. I hope that my actions in Nervous have shown you that."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan lay quietly and listen. even as Haleigh spoke, the winds continued to whisper throughout the mysterious stone walled citadle. it was soothing yet intriguing all at once.>>

<< Haleigh made several valid points and Morgan couldnt deny the logic or the feeling that she was right.>>

I agree with you. I think that this latest situation has shown us all how bad things can get...and how we NEED to pull together as a group. Ororo has been trying to tell us that since th beginning....and we've done a horrid job up to this point.

you see...i tried playing the role of "super heroine" before when i joined Valiant....that was the most unpleasant experience of my life. the ONLY positive gained from that was discovering my sister....and now she's gone.

<< she paused for a moment and closed her eyes...taking a deep breath>>


<< her tone was low but still decisive.>>

we....need to watch out for each other. all of us. vast and terrible powers threaten us and the world....and every day it seems we uncover a new layer of MysTech so i agree with you....we should all consult EACH OTHER in matters that would effect all of us.

i also appreciate...your coming clean about the scope of your involvement in the intelligence world. Alycia had given me some indication, and your organization was tapped to protect my mother from Christopher after she divorced him. i think we ALL realize that each of us is effected by the covert world of intelligence, mystech and all related entities now more than ever before.

it would do us all well to....take time to rexamine ourselves and learn from the SUCCESS of this last caper......and speaking for myself, i can see now that you are a woman of your word. what happened in NERVOUS, though i was barely conscious for the last harrowing moments, shows that when the chips are down...you ARE someone we can count on.

<< she paused for a moment......>>

but i wanted to ask......how DID you all manage to close that stepping disc before detonating the nuclear bomb without my power??

<< the moment that Delilah had WARNED Haleigh about had finally arrived :D >>

[Ororo]

::Ororo smiled and nodded for Alexis to come into the room::

come in, child.

:: she motioned for her to be seated::

Alison has just awakened. she's settling down now. physically she's just fine...but her mind, her soul are still recovering...which is only natural for someone who has narrowly escaped death.

you're all recovering from a harrowing campaign that took you to the upper limits of your physical and mental capacity.....its only NATURAL for you to feel somewhat "at a loss" now.....which is why you are all HERE instead of in NYC where privacy would be scarce.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh tilted her head to the side, her eyes questioning her ears. She said nothing, though, as she realized she wasnt halucinating... Morgan really DID just agree with her. Haleigh nodded solemnly as Morgan referred to Blaze, her eyes falling to the floor. She allowed the silence between them as Morgan gathered her thoughts. She nodded once more as Morgan continued.

"Thank You.... Its encouraging to see that I am gaining some MUCH needed leeway with you..."

Haleigh winced playfully and gave a bashful chuckle.... a guilty smile on her face, she tried to explain herself without losing any ground. In truth, it WASNT something intentionally malicious.

"Well... see, it was nothing PERSONAL... but you were so close to unconsciousness... we couldn't get you to close it... so, making a decision under pressure.. I kind of... catalyzed your incapacitation... yeah... I knocked you out. Sorry, but desperate times call for desperate measures... and it was basically only Delilah and I who were still COHERENT... I improvised."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Stepping forward out of the doorway slowly, she listened to Ororo's words as she inched her way closer to Alison. But before she arrived at her side, Alexis stopped a few feet away stopping her breathing. It was strange for her to take a step like this, especially with Alison of all people... ::

"How are you feeling?"

:: Alexis said softly as she took another step forward toward Alison's bed. Narrowing her eyes very slightly, she studied Alison's face and body..she almost looked angelic. It was strange contrast to her usual tough analytical looks. As she came closer to the bed, she kept a fair distance between her and Alison, not exactly sure of how Alison would actually react to Alexis being the first Six member to greet her....that and the fact Alison hated her. ::

"Yo-you look good. You know...not as savage as you usually look."

:: I guess she was trying to lighten the mood a bit...but really, Alexis was trying to cover up her true concern for Alison with a light-hearted comment she would normally say to the woman. Although there was no feeling behind it; no harshness or hate. It was just that, a comment that she simply said to break the awkward silence. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah made her way through the citadel, and coming upon a guest room washed and borrowed fresh clothes. Feeling much more relaxed and dressed in a white tee, calfskin pants and boots, she made her way outside and into the garden.

She made her way to the stream Ororo had mentioned. Everything was so neautiful, so serene. She laid down a blanket she had brought with her, and sat down. Watching the life around her, she felt an amazing sense of peace wash over her. The sounds of nature calmed her, and it wasn't long before she shut her eyes and slept next to the water. ]

[Jill Monroe]

<<Morgan lay, with her hands resting across her flat stomach...listening as Haleigh recounted the details of closing the stepping disc. she smirked a bit as Haleigh chuckled and explained...>>


hmmm yes.......well one good turn deserves another.
<< she said with a straight face>>
ill make sure to RETURN the favor when the opportunity presents itself....

<<still a straight face...but soon, Morgan winked at Haleigh as a chime rang in the air and smiled a bit. a sign she was only joking after all>>

<<a sign that a new bridge of communication and even perhaps friendliness was now shared between them>>

meanwhile.......

[Harbinger]

::As Ororo helped Guardian to settle back into consciousness and explained to her what had happened...her mind began to center itself...and she began to feel more like herself once more. no pain, no agony, no uncertainty. ::

::Alexis peeked into the room and as Ororo invited her in. Alison watched her arrive..her cobalt blue eyes still had a dreamy sparkle to them as she looked more serene than ever before. Alexis could even see it as she commented.::

::noting the metahuman's question, Alison didnt show much facial expression::

I feel ....reborn. :: she looked down at her stomach...which had been completely restored and repaired by Ororo.

:: noting Alexis' next coming.....she also noticed how Alexis kept a comfortable distance...she was leery..and understandibly so. Alison and Alexis were never that close BUT some things had allowed them to draw closer together as teammates....like the campaign against the evil Helena. Moreover, Alison was often regarded as cold and intimidating by foes AND friends alike::

even the prettiest flower that blooms in the morning still has deadly thorns.

::always quick with colorfully anologies, this was alison's subtle way of retoring alexis...reminding her that while much had happened, and much had changed, there were always been a sliver of contention and cattyness between these two women if no one else. it would add a healthy dose of spice to a most unlikely friendly relationship between these two women::

how about you? you cleared our escape path...and took on the full force of the energy core of NERVOUS...how are YOU feeling now?

::Alison's tone was lower, less cold and commanding....::

[Ororo]

::Ororo nodded with approval as the young women began to gingerly communicate with one another. and as moments passed, she excused herself and departed the room...disappearing into the darkened hallway...leaving the whispering winds that echoed around the stone walls of the dimly lit citadle::

::she made her way through the citadle.....up several floors to the top and out onto the balcony...as a soft breeze blew , her silver hair began to flow in the wind as did her blue rob and white goddess dress. she spotted MorningStar, who had changed and was now resting peacefully under a large oak tree, near the flowing crystal stream that leads to a majestic water fall.::

::MorningStar's own luminescence attracted the curiosity of various small magickal creatures that lived in Ororo's garden...they approached her from a distance and looked upon the young woman with wonder and innocence. Ororo smiled. this garden was her domain...a beautiful and powerful example of her triumph over the "EVIL" that belasco had attempted to corrupt her soul with. though she was no longer the woman she was when she first arrived here many years ago...she HAD managed to win her soul back from the damnation that would have come by being an apprentice of such an evil mage. she triumphed over Belasco and finally avenged her fallen X-men...resigning herself to her own fate here in Limbo.::

:: but in these young people among The Six, she saw the chance for them to succeed where other incarnations and alternates in other timelines had failed. Ororo was the guardian and mentor of the dark trinity....and each woman in that trinity had their own "family" ....the Six was Morgan's.....and Ororo would do her best to watch over them all.::


::the team had survived their worst caper yet...and TRIUMPHED like never before. and now....they all recovered, rested and began to mend bridges long broken between them. the prospect of "tommorow" and what would come, although uncertain (unless you happen to be a precog :D ), would now stand a better chance of unfolding in the best way possible now that this team and THIS reality's part of the "dark trinity" were beginning to grow and mature.::

::Ororo closed her eyes and looked up to a silvery moon that was surrounded by pillowy clouds that glowed....she smiled::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Giving a faint smirk to Alison's retort, it was subtle yet obvious to Alexis. Just from that, she knew Alison was alright. Clearing her throat at Alison asking how she was feeling, Alexis nodded with hesitation while inhaling a deep breath. ::

"Better...although it's all a bit foggy. I never experienced energy like that before."

:: Stepping forward, Alexis closed the large gap between the woman, placing her hand on the chair that Ororo had stealthily left. Gripping the cold wooden frame, her eyes scanned over Alison whom was less hostile looking than usual. She seemed approachable, which was almost unheard of. As Alison laid in the bed looking up at Alexis' weary "face", the woman was the most vulnerable she had ever been. She was nearly killed, and was now laying before Alexis without hostility, without an ounce of hatred radiating from her, and all Alexis could think of was how she was still hiding...even now. The Six had come together in a way that she honestly never thought possible. Yet for some reason, Alexis was the one member that seemed to continuously keep her distance or resort back to her old state of mind; when The Six first formed. Everyone had grown, and she seemed to stay stagnant. Closing her eyes, Alexis' body began to glow a beautiful foggy blue until a short pulse of blinding light engulfed her. The light disappeared just as fast as it appeared, and left Alexis in her TRUE form...her old self. Opening her sapphire blue eyes, she lifted her slender fingers to her hair, brushing the platinum blonde side-swept bangs away from her line of sight....without saying a word, Alexis simply took a seat in the chair that was placed next Alison, staying with the precog. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh nodded once and gave a graceful smile. "Touche..." She said playfully, crossing one leg over the other at the knee and resting back into the chair. Things fell silent between them, but it was a thoughtful silence and not a hostile one, as Haleigh sank back into her thoughts.

Hopefully reconcilliation with Cameron... and settling things with Alison once and for all will go as well as this has...

Haleigh thought about her current standing with Cam... it had to be pretty low... after Alycia Barnett's revelations destroyed already shaky relations between them... she knew he didnt trust her, and she knew it would be a long, rocky road to get it back. She'd have to start somewhere though... maybe if she got into good graces with his sister it would help.

She wondered if Alison was feeling any better... if she'd woken up by now.... If she'd still be as cold and distant....

[Jill Monroe]

<< and so , as bridges were mended across the team between its members, a sense of growth and renewed hope could be felt among them all. several individuals had come and gone, but the team's core was now growing and strengthened as Haleigh was FINALLY finding the acceptence and regard she wanted from Morgan. Morgan was also finding it EASIER to give place to this woman, who had prooven to be true to her word...risking her life to save Morgan and Alison from the death that Alison had seen for their outcome in battling the Super Soldier. Delilah also prooved to be a powerfull, yet CALMING presence on the team. With Alison and Morgan recovering, Alexis and Haleigh visiting each of them (respectively) and Delilah resting in the serenity of Ororo's Garden....the entire time enjoyed DAYS in Limbo while only minutes passed on earth. the rest , the relaxation and TRUE vacation would do them all a world of good...for the new challenges and situations they would find themselves in.>>

and so it goes..........