Assault on Illustra!

[Oracle]

:: night gives way to day....a new day with a step closer to ATTEMPTING to get back to routines. Each surviving member of The Six is safely hidden within Illustra and able to carry out their individual endeavors from private offices on the higher level floors of the building..above the "normal" floors and below the "residence" floors.::





:: the memories of those recently lost to the team may be a source of pain OR solace..depending on who you ask.....but with those "memories" in mind, even now, the Six cannot begin to ancitipate the horrible move that Malice and Blackout are about to make against them, one with a PERSONAL touch to strike at their minds..AND their hearts::

[Foxfire]

Everything...changes.....everything falls apart. How stupid could I be. Sarah McLachlan's lyrics rang loudly inside Blaze's mind. The eerie silence from Alison was to be expected, the woman was choosing her words wisely. It seemed the fiery mutant was a ticking time bomb, but who could blame her? Behind those blazing irises was a woman still attempting to register the emotional aftermath of Morgan. Her sister's death was nearly destroying her to the most sensitive core of her soul, her heart!

Down below the stories underneath Illustra, the city was repairing the damage that was stricken to. The whole event of the tragedy of Morgan, Senator Kelly, and the innocent bystanders who fell victim to MysTech, were enough to throw Blaze off her wagon. But she knew in her hearts, Morgan would not accept that. She burned with vengeance, especially for the human race. It showed in her stand off position with Alison, she didn't seem to want to listen, that is until Haleigh appeared.

Her yellow eyes moved along the second team leader, but this time they ignited with more fury. Why was Blaze angry with Haleigh? Her jaw tightening with the blue veins bulging through her olive skin. She did manage to keep quiet while Haleigh spoke. Shaking her head in disagreement at Haleigh's argument.

"I would NEVER join MysTech! Have you forgotten how they probed me Haleigh or did it slip your mind?! Maybe you were too BUSY with your finance to recall...but I would have thought you of all people would relate! That's like me insinuating you would join the man who murdered your team!"

Blaze felt the air currents shift allowing her body movability once more. Her fiery fists clenched tightly into a ball. "I have a major problem with you, Haleigh, but do me a favor....don't talk to me! I see where your loyalties are and I'm not one of them! Save the pretty speech for someone who wants to hear you speak. Right now...I don't care!"

Her eyes glaring at Haleigh with a boiling hatred not many on the team had seen before. She turned at the waist to follow Alison back inside. A sliver of cold wind followed behind Blaze, who purposely gave Haleigh the cold shoulder.

Allowing Alison to blink them back inside the building, Blaze stormed off. She didn't wait for Alison to accompany her to the room. Blaze felt trapped inside this building, like some sort of prison. She needed a reprieve from the team....to think where she wanted her life to go. But she had a long process of healing from the loss of Morgan.

Jogging around the corner to the personal suites she opened her door, slamming it shut. She felt oddly destructive but the ability to control that emotion was gone. Crumbling in a heap, Blaze grabbed her head in agony. It felt as though her skull was becoming crushed. Her room pitch black, not a single light on. Running a hand against her aching temple, she sighed.

Maybe Alexis was right, Blaze was living in a shadow of Morgan. Without her she felt naked, vulnerable, and overly emotional. How would she harness this new gift without the guidance, love, and support from Morgan. Granted, her teammates proved to be valuable friends especially Delilah and Haleigh. But Blaze couldn't shake the gapping hole she felt through her heart. If only her healing ability could absorb emotional damage as well.

[Malice]

:: the buzzing of conversation was around the executive board room. with Blackout seated on the immediate right of the head chair and the immediate left chair empty. WILDpark soldiers and various super powered operatives of MysTech were present....as a holographic generator at the center of the large conference table projected the emblem of the Hellfire Club.::


::a banging gavel sound was heard as Malice, the White Queen, strode into the room and all conversation stopped as the White Queen took her seat at the head of the table. She was dressed sharp in a crisp white Versace business suit composed of a tailored blazer and short skirt. bare legged , and white four inch high heels. Her blonde hair bone straight and parted down the middle in a sleek bob::

Good day ladies and gentlemen.

::glaring at one of the men who insisted on chattering still...::


I have called this meeting to bring you all up to speed on our next task....this is about more than mere damage control. Sharon Kelly's death at the hands of Master Mold was CARELESS move on the part of MysTech and it has caused the public tide to shift NEGATIVELY against the MysTech entity not just in america but around the world. The "mutant/meta human crisis" has gained new momentum as well for Senator Sharon Kelly was a major ally of mutants and meta humans...and the cheif opponent to registration acts and other mutant controlling initiaives. Mystech WAS capitalizing on this in years past...but now, WE are in just as much danger as the mutants/meta humans.

if MysTech is to go down, then we must drag our enemies down with us. Namely THE SIX. This team of mutants, meta humans and even WITCHES has been a thorn in our side on all fronts for far too long. But with the loss of Spellbinder and Shockwave, their numbers have dwindled and while the surviving members are powerfull to be sure....they are just as dogged by the current anti mutant sentiment as anyone else, which is why they remain hidden in Illustra.

We will tear them apart from WITHIN, striking them at their core before flushing them out into the open for a battle they will be ILL PREPARED to fight.

:: at her signal...a horrible, tromping foot fall was heard, as The Super Soldier stepped into view...breathing in that same horrible way he had once before. standing silently along side Malice. Blackout would immediately recognize him and to her surprise...discover that he apparently had SURVIVED the nuclear detonation at NERVOUS all those months ago::

My theme for this campaign against the Six.... "the past coming back to haunt them."

this :: gesturing at the Super Soldier:: was one of MysTechs first greatest achievements in their attempts genetic engineering. Not only has he been one of our most deadly weapons in convert activities for years, but he was powerfull enough to withstannd the combined assaults of Guardian, Spellbinder, MorningStar and Shockwave; later he would maim Spellbinder and Guardian and his consciousness was super imposed onto the Master Mold's matrix. HE is the former lover of Haleigh Davidoff- Black Widow of The Six.

For Guardian, MorningStar, Foxfire and Dr. Karen Victoria...i have something far more shocking instore. ::Malice smirks as soft gasps can b e heard around the room...as people nervously view the menacing super soldier::

Once we have erroded their spirit and mental defenses...the time will come to flush them out.

:: looking over to Blackout, Malice nodded for the young metahuman to add to the discussion::

[Shockwave]

:: As Malice mentioned having something "more shocking" in store for Guardian, MorningStar, Foxfire and Dr. Karen Victoria, Alexis's body immediately engulfed in white lights. The lights dulled as quickly as they formed and Alexis now stood in front of the room as none other than MORGAN VICTORIA. Although her appearance had changed, "Morgan" was dressed in Alexis' tailored black boot cut slacks, black peep-toe stiletto heals, and black blazer jacket that was held together by a single button revealing "Morgan's" cleavage and toned stomach. ::

:: Allowing her now violet eyes to glance over to Malice, Alexis/Morgan smiled with pleasure hearing the stunned gasps and cackles that came from the others in the room. ::

"Morgan Victoria was the heart and soul of The Six...with her demise, they have taken a hit greater than anything MysTech could ever do to them."

:: Allowing her eyes to sweep across the room, "Morgan's" familiar voice echoed confidently. ::

"We will hit them where it hurts the most. We will torment, tease, taunt. We will drive them crazy until they BEG for us to kill them."

:: Glancing over to The Super Solider, then to Malice, Alexis turned back to the ground. ::

"Their beloved Morgan.......will become their worst nightmare."

:: Cheers suddenly erupted throughout the small white conference room. The Six were expecting a massive attack from both Malice and Blackout. But they would hit them with psychological warfare; weeding them out one by one until they begged for mercy. Once they were down, The Super Solider would finish them off...a man whom the six would be VERY surprised to see (along with herself for that matter). ::

"I think they approve."

:: Smiling with satisfaction as she whispered to Malice, Alexis's body engulfed in lights once more before she appeared back into her true form. ::

[Malice]

:: Malice sat back with her arms folded as Blackout addressed the group in the very real guise of "Morgan Victoria". she nodded slowly with satisfaction as Blackout rallied the troops morale and sparked their zeal to cause more chaos on a variety of levels.::

::as the room cheered, Malice leaned over to Alexis.::

yes, indeed. and it looks like I may have just found our next Black Queen.

::winking at Alexis with a sinister glint in her opal blue eyes, Malice stood up at the head of the conference table.::

now, then. all WILDpack soldiers will dispatched in equally numbered groups at various places around NYC...INCLUDING "Venom", the club that has been owned by both Blaze and Morgan. But do NOTHING until i give the signal.

Alexis, you will accompany me to a location that I'm sure youll be most familiar with.

:: as Malice ended the meeting and give final details to those under her command....she awaited everyone to leave , with only Alexis remaining::

undoutedly there are those among the Six who would not be so easily fooled by even YOUR glamoring power which is why I will be "enhancing" your illusion with my own telepathic/empathic powers. With each member that we target..i will round out what you are doing to make the illusion complete to the mind AND emotions of the target. I will maintain telepathic contact with YOU as well. follow my cues.

are you ready?

[Shockwave]

:: Smirking with pleasure at Malice's statement about her becoming the next Black Queen, Alexis lifted her sapphire eyes as the woman stood, now ending the meeting. Watching as everyone began to file out, Alexis stood, crossing her arms along her chest. ::

"Exactly. They know of my glamouring abilities and wouldn't easily be fooled by it; ESPECIALLY Alison. But with your extra boost in clouding their minds..."

:: With a low laugh. ::

"They won't be able to help BUT believe that Morgan has risen from the dead."

:: Unfolding her arms, Alexis smiled at Malice who nodded in agreement and asked if she were ready. A soft white light slowly wrapped around her body like a serpent, once again glamouring into the deceased Morgan Victoria. As the light faded, not only was Alexis' appearance changed, but her clothing as well. A white floor length silk gown (goddess like) fit perfectly along "Morgan's" toned body; clinging to her bust, but slightly flaring out at the hips. A velvet, deep purple robe--with train and wide, long sleeves--draped on top of the white gown; a single button at the bust holding the robe on, but not concealing the beautiful white dress. "Morgan's" shoulder length, blonde, double highlighted locks, were slightly waved and parted to the side. Her makeup crisp, yet subtle, enhancing her "goddess-like" look. ::

:: Looking to Malice, "Morgan's" violet eyes brilliantly stood out as they played off the colors of the robe. ::

"You better believe it."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh eyed Blaze as she retaliated, nodding softly. Blaze words were sharp and laced with anger, and Haleigh felt a pang of emotion during the onslaught... but she kept it to herself. The whole POINT was NOT to fight. Haleigh watched Blaze warily... she knew they were nearing a deep chasm... and how far Blaze might go was unpredictable. Haleigh kept quiet as they blinked back to Illustra, and stood with Alison as Blaze fled, taking refuge in her quarters. Haleigh exchanged looks with Alison, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.

"SO stubborn. She isolates HERSELF.... how can we help her through this if she wont let us?? OF course... that's something MORGAN had trouble with as well... AND YOU, Alison.... You don't have to look very far to find the only people you can trust... your... family. In our times of need... if we can't turn to each OTHER... then WHO??"

Haleigh asked, shaking her head. She could SEE the team separating... but didn't know where to begin to bring them together. Haleigh was good at rallying the troops... giving the needed pep talks... but ironically... Alison could tell Haleigh was creating distance for herself... not necessarily from the team.... but from SOMETHING... she seemed to be steeling herself for something.

"You should get some rest.... I have this looming feeling that soon.... we will ALL need to be in our peak condition."

Haleigh begins to slowly disentigrate into billions of particles.... and then eventually evaporates altogether.... where she went.... was anyone's guess............

[Harbinger]

:: Alison didnt bother to try to stop Blaze as she escaped back to her quarters. She instead sighed slowly....lloing over at Haleigh as she brushed some of her blue/black hair from her wintery face::

::in a cold voice::

it was never my nature to "look to family"....I abandonned mine remember? My mother...she thought she could rule me, and she couldnt, so she abused my sister who wanted nothing to do with dark magick and my brother, who turned out to be a mutant and not connected magick at all. it was a most dysfuctional dynamic...just as bad as Morgan's whose father tried to kidnap her and force her into the service of MysTech...and later would preside over the torture and brutal genetic experimentation on his own daughter Blaze after VALIANT broke up. Is it any wonder that Morgan and I never truly appreciated the concept of "Family"?

:: she nodded at Haleigh as the woman advised they all be rested and as Haleigh left, Alison looked out and "ahead" as her eyes began to glow solid white::

rested indeed, for something terrible is coming...Malice, in all of her depraved machinations will visit upon us a nightmare far greater than any attack that MysTech could throw at us. my Hecate protect us all...in the days..and nights to come.


:: with that Guardian blinks out of site...returning to her own domain on the 106th floor of Illustra::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< after making sure Delilah was healed, Karen herself retired to bed. resting in her daughter's Chamber of Dreams, the doctor and accomplished sorceress slept very soundly. In her heart and soul she felt satisfied with the demonstration she made against Malice and knowing that helped keep Delilah Safe. Delilah and Alison were like daughters to Karen and so now that Morgan was gone, for the remainder of her time in Illustra, Karen would make sure to watch out for her "daughters" as well as the young, impulsive Blaze.>>

<< the kitten that Haleigh had given Morgan was nestled in bed near her "grandmother". while Tinker had decided to sleep with Delilah. the two familiars were a little more nervous than before, no doubt because they sensed their "mother" was no longer on this world and there werent sure what to make of it, but between Karen and Delilah...they would be well cared for.>>

[Malice]

::with quick time, Malice and Alexis cross town via a secret underground express tunnel that connects the Hellfire club to many of MysTech's strong holds...with so many having been raided and now under federal scrutiny....the now borded up and seemingly abandonned Medical Office, the SAME one that The Six first visited the night of the meltdown::


::the upper level...the part the public would only have access to, interior of the Medical Office was intact but now covered in dust and cobwebs. all signs of the battle months ago were now faint. the morgue , which had once been a horrid scene of horrific carnage, was now quiet and dark...only the faintest sound of water dripping could be heard in the still, stale air...and within one of the doors of the now inactive refrigiration unit, lay the passage to the underground tunnel that lead to the citadle.::


here we are

:: arriving at the dock of the industrial area where The Six had once fought massive "Bio Hazards" ::


you recognize this area I am sure.


we are here because this is the LAST place that anyone would think to look for "the source" of the nightmare we are about to visit upon them.

::the stillness, the silence...it had been nearly a year since Alexis had last been here and back then...things were so chaotic..no one thought they would ever get out of this place alive.::

you will use your power to transport yourself to the surface and to an area near Illustra. I will direct members of the WILDpack to create enough of a disturbance to draw their attention...and once they come to investigate, you will make your appearence...as "Morgan"....brief...and shocking, it will be the first disorienting strike.

[Shockwave]

:: Appearing in the abandoned Medical center, Alexis indeed recognized this place. This was where they first battled as a team. Where she saw Adam for the first time since she "murdered him"(on a television screen, but nevertheless saw him). It was a bit eerie in all actuality, but Alexis shrugged the feeling aside and looked to Malice who instructed her on the plan. Nodding with understanding, Alexis' body turned into it's energy form and disappeared within the walls. ::

:: Reappearing on the surface, Alexis glanced around sensing the WILDPack's energy signatures near by. Taking cover down an alley way a half a block down from Illustra, Alexis waited, keeping her sights on Illustra’s entry way where the attack would take place. ::

[Oracle]

:: and so as Malice takes up temporary base at the last place anyone would think to look for her, and Blackout gets into position, the stage is set for what will become, a truly mind bending moment for the members of the Six......even as Illustra stands tall and proud among the NYC skyline, its walls and technological splendor cannot protect them from what is yet to come::

::meanwhile, Haleigh has come upon some intriguing , but yet still vague information about Malice. it gives her a bit more insight on this "woman in white" and just what kind of trouble she brings to the Six::

[Foxfire]

All was quiet in Blaze's apartment except a few sobs. Dark crimson and vanilla candles had been lite and wildly flickered around like their own. Having been able to privately grieve, Blaze nursed her sorrow and ache with alcohol. A large bottle of White Zinfandel nestled in the mutant's lap, forget about a whine goblet. "This used to be my playground" by Madonna was heard playing in the background, adding to the melancholy mood the mutant felt.

Hot tears welled up her hunter green eyes. Shutting her oval eyes tightly, she tried to forget the atrocious ache of loss. She stared off in a daze at the dark canvas hung on her wall, next to the fireplace. Adoring the fireplace mantle were pictures of celebrities, family, and friends. Sniffling through the silence, Blaze bent forward to place the half empty bottle on her coffee table.

A delicate Tiffany's sterling silver frame was tightly clutched in her lithe fingertips. A portrait of Morgan in her former modeling days on the cover of Vogue. Morgan looked so happy in the shot, it was easy to identify her as one of the most popular models in her generation. Caressing down the glass frame, Blaze's mascara ran down her eyes, making her resemble that of a raccoon.

"What would you do, Morg? I need you!"

She choked up with more tears at the memories that came flooding back to her. Her right hand moved to the pistil underneath the pillow beside her. Pulling out the pistil, her blurry eyes falling over the deadly weapon.

"I can't do this anymore."

Her voice meek and solemn, cracking with emotion. Scooping up the clip from her lap she slide it inside the pistil. A click was heard with the clip tightly secured in the pistil. Removing the safety, Blaze's thumb traced against the butt of the gun. Where had she gotten a gun? Most likely from her past, probably tied in with Haleigh as an agent for Section One.

Scents of cinnamon and vanilla wavering through her spacious apartment. The flickering candles animated with life. Having a firm grasp on the gun, Blaze's bloodshot eyes slide back to the portrait of Morgan. Shaking her head, Blaze turned the gun on herself. Her index finger curling around on the trigger. She had several rounds contained in the gun, all she had to do was pull the trigger, and it was all over with. Was Blaze being selfish? Probably, but she couldn't handle Morgan's death. She never expected the loss of her sibling. Morgan was so young but also a hero for her bravery.

She remembered the Citadel and how her sister stormed the fortress insistent she rescue Blaze. A few more tears leaking from the corner of her eyes. Her left hand shook with fear but she quickly wrapped her right hand underneath to brace against it. She was staring down at the barrel of the gun. Placing the gun to her forehead, clenching her teeth. Could she pull the trigger? Shaking her head she removed the gun, only to place it inside her mouth. The gun's barrel lodged inside her mouth. The bullet would surely kill her in an instant, quick and clean like the military.

Closing her eyes, Madonna's voice bellowing out over her speakers with the flames arising to life the heavier they burned against the wick. Her index finger lightly began to pull the trigger, she was scared but she knew death would be a welcoming surprise, especially with Morgan lost to her.

[Harbinger]

::with solid white glowing eyes, Alison gasps at what she "sees". Without a moments notice, she BLINKS from the 106th to the 104th floor::





:: a rushing chiming sound is heard as the doors to Blaze's suite burst open, Alison Marble, wearing her newly deigned, figure flatering body suit strides in with a purpose. moving quickly through the levels and rooms, she throws her gloved hand forward and blasts the bedroom door open::


Not today, young lady.

:: gesturing ala Prue Halliwell as she waves her hand , another rushing chiming sound is heard as the gun is IMMEDIATELY swept away from Blaze's grasp.. with the same hand..she thrusts it forward...and this time BLOWS UP the bottle of whine.....intending to shock Blaze back to her senses.::

this is the SECOND TIME in less than 24 hours. should i put you in LONG TERM cryogenic stasis?

:: Alison glared at the despondent Blaze with her cobalt blue eyes::

You are of no use to yourself OR anyone you claim to care about right now. WHY are you doing this?


::her voice was loud and sharp....the tone cold and unforgiving. Alison was growing TIRED of having to chase after Blaze as well as "guard" the team...and with Haleigh and Delilah elsewhere...there was no one else left to deal with this.::

[Foxfire]

Closer to the edge than usual, Blaze was started with her apartment door blown off its hinges. A massive display of power by the Seer who timely intervened without a moment's notice. She opened her eyes wide at the sight of Alison's fuming essence. She felt fear clutching her heart, like that of a child being caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Except in this case, this was life or death and the mutant knew it.

In less than a blink of an eye, Blaze's gun dissipated into thin air. It was so furiously quick, she had little time to react. As was the same with her half empty bottle of whine being blown up. Blaze's athletic form nearly jumping from the couch with the shatter of glass and the deadly wave of red liquid splashing into her dark leather couch, staining it.

She gasped in horror with some of the whine staining her own skin. The stickiness of the liquid clinging to her arms. Bracing her head with both arms on instinct, she FELT the surge of pure adrenaline and anger Alison felt.

Tumbling off the couch in a heap, she looked up as strands of hair fell in her line of vision. Blowing a few from her eyes, which obscured her green eyes. Climbing to her feet, she was warily of Alison who confessed her agony of this matter.

What could Blaze say? She hardly knew herself with her lips moving but just a hollow sound was released.

"I DON'T know Alison! All I know is pain....loss of my sister! I'm expected to get it together but I CAN'T! I said it....Blaze Fielding cannot function without her sister!"

Her anger boiling to the surface as she grabbed a hold of her coffee table and knocking it off. The heavy collision of wood smacking down against her floor. She locked eyes with Alison, I...don't know how to function. I'm...a ticking time bomb!"

She bit down on the threat of her quivering lip. Blaze couldn't register the loss of Morgan. "I come back to find Morgan GONE! I can't accept it.....I can't accept the betrayal of Alexis...Malice's confession....everything!"

Blaze struggled with her internal struggle but it leaked to her external surface, where Alison could see it. "I loved Morgan....she took me in and showed me the world. But that same WORLD stole my sister! But I'm to forgive and move on?! Everything is out of order....nothing is in harmony at the second."

Her eyes locating the picture frame of Morgan, the same frame she had been cuddling earlier. With her destructive nature, Blaze managed to shatter the glass and nearly rip the photograph. "Morgan!" She cried out, grabbing the broken photograph.

"I'm not you Alison....with your marble heart....I'm not Haleigh where I can rely on my lover....I'm not Delilah who privately grieves without making a scene....I'm not..." But she stopped realizing that was their entire team. "I'm....not....anything without her....she kept me focused, in tact....passionate about life." She placed the photograph to her chest, where her heart would be. Bowing her head in sadness, "She was my real family...she risked everything for me back at the Citadel!"

Blaze's knees were starting to buckle from her emotional strain to stand. Her voice cracking with emotion as the tears flooded down her cheeks. "I'm....alone...and I don't know which direction to turn. I'm afraid of losing members of this team so I PUSH them away.....Haleigh is a close friend of mine, I love her like another sister. All three of you are like my sisters....I just can't bare the thought of losing another "sister" my heart couldn't take it."

[Harbinger]

:: The scene was heart wrenching...anyone OTHER than Alison might have choked with grief. Alison watched, silently, unmoving as Blaze began to melt down. Her cobalt blue eyes did not waver in their gaze for a moment. Blaze couldnt have been more wrong, but it was often EASY to forget that Alison knew all too well about pain and loss...not just of one sister, but a WHOLE FAMILY.::


:: as the young mutant began to fall apart and down to her knees, Alison quitely made her way to Blaze's side and slowly, gently touched her shoulder.::


::her voice was softer, but no less cold::


Blaze......do you truly believe you are ALONE. Do you believe that you are the ONLY one who lost a sister? Morgan was the sister I never had. Her mother is the mother I WISH i had had as a child.

:: Alison moved away from Blaze and walked slowly around::

What happened to Morgan, it is a trauma that NONE of us can recover from quickly, but what you are doing, is the SAME THING that SHE did when she thought you had died in London, during your days with Valiant. She was sick with grief. Heartbroken and convinced she was a failure. I had to help her pull back from that. Ororo had to her during the aftermath of the Inferno. She NEVER forgave herself for your death and the night we faced Master Mold...she was determined to make UP for that...to make it up to you, us, the CITY. She died PROTECTING US.

Do you think it is easy for ME, the SEER of the group, not being able to STOP DEATH? Or not being able to PROTECT those i care about despite my POWER? THREE members of the Six have died/left us under my watch. All the while, my family....Cameron my brother has disappeared probably captured by Malice and my sister Erika is in Limbo....BOTH of whom i ABANDONNED years ago...leaving them in the clutches of my marauding mother, Kelly King.


You lost your sister, but SO HAVE I, so have WE ALL. None of us is ALONE Blaze and CURSE YOU for making me revisit this!

:: she clenched her fist and turned away...shutting her eyes tightly as the images and memories of the final moments with Morgan facing Master Mold replayed in her mind::

You are not helping yourself or ANYONE ELSE with what you are doing and you KNOW Morgan would not approve. Just as I was there for her, I shall be there for YOU. But you MUST pull yourself together.

Malice is coming for you, for ALL OF US. We must be ready to fight against her....Morgan and Sharon's deaths DEMAND vengeance and JUSTICE...and we will see it...TOGETHER...ALL OF US!

[Foxfire]

Once again, Alison was right but as well chosen as her words were, Blaze looked up. Her emerald eyes crying another river for her sister, something that Alison too struggled to come to terms with. Her right hand moved to cover the Seer's hand gently. Alison's body language was mixed with sorrow, regret, anger, and heartache. It was the same as what Blaze felt but this time she wouldn't stir clear from it, she would tackle it head on with Alison's help.

Her eyes narrowing in contempt at Alison's angry words. Climbing to her feet, Blaze was shaky as was her amble chest. But she managed to steady her petite form, walking over to Alison. Her bare feet quiet against her hard wood flooring but she roughly gasped her friend's arm. Her eyes blurry with tears but she was able to see her teammates pained facial expression.

"If we are to conquer that wretched cockroach then that means BOTH of us coming to terms with our internal struggles. Neither one of us want to...but if what you say is true...then damn it Alison, your coming with me!"

She loosening her grip on the brunette's arm. "I never had to experience the agony you went through with your family. I can't say I can relate....I can't...my mother died...I never got the chance to meet her. I'm sorry you never had the luxury of having a loving family like most. Dr. Victoria is like your mother and Morgan like your sister. We must come to terms...with you its your family and now the burden of your power. I couldn't relate there but what I can relate to is PAIN. That emotion bonds us together with Haleigh, Delilah, and Dr. Victoria. You KNOW Malice is going to bring Morgan's image to paralyze especially me! I'm probably the most unstable of this team...making me the weakest link."

Her fingertips curling around Alison's shirt as time passed. "I don't want to face this but I know if...if what you say is true...then I must go ON. I always wanted Morgan to go on without me....and I never wanted her to blame herself for my death. But if I am to pull myself TOGETHER I need YOU, Alison! I don't need or want your marble heart, I need YOU....the REAL Alison! No facades...no icy exteriorly want to see the person whose hiding behind that marble. I know she's there....your seeing ME for what I am. I put up this bad ass front but its because I'm scared of being HURT....but this is me. Let GO, Alison."

She pulled Alison's shirt more as the tears soaked her high cheek bones, pleading in her eyes. Her eyes locking strongly with the Seer's cobalt blue pools. Could Alison unravel her "marble heart" or would she be stone cold? Morgan's advice would most likely linger in the Seer's memory banks. Now was the time to be reborn again like that of a Phoenix. Blaze was willing but only if Alison agreed. For these two different women, it was a struggle but sometimes in order to succeed in life you had to rely on someone else. Sometimes you just had to...fall apart to pull yourself back together.

[Harbinger]

:: Alison looked down at the young mutant, again, unwavering in her cold glare...but her facial countenance softened just a bit.::


:: Alison held Blaze in an embrace, silently comforting her as though she were an older sister. Allowing her to work through this grief. Blaze appealed to Alison's TRUE core, needing someone to be there for her, and while Alison was quietly sympathetic to Blaze...she could only be HERSELF...and that was all.::

:: she pulled back from Blaze Slowly...and took her the mutants hand away from her collar...holding it firmly but not hard or painfully, looking at Blaze calmly.::


:: speaking softly::

Blaze, you must calm down. You are not prepared for what is yet to come, and because of that, you must now.....

::her eyes glowed::

SLEEP


:: and with that final command, goes a minor spell. one that will calm Blaze's spirit and psyche...allowing her to truly rest her mind and body and come to terms with the reality of things and what must be done in the days to come.::


:: Guardian carries Blaze to her bed and lays her down... waving her hand, Blaze's clothes change and she is now in night attire and covered by blankets::

you will rest now, and when you awaken, you will be refreshed and renewed, better able to cope, capable of doing what must be done. I would expect no less from anyone else among us.


::in a rare moment of tenderess, Guardian carefull strokes away some of Blaze's chocolate brunette hair from her face....before quietly leaving the room..and exiting the suite. the doors shut behind her softly...and Guardian leaves the 104th floor....on her way to Haleigh's floor one above.::

[MorningStar]

[ As Delilah slumbered in Morgan's guest room, her face registered an unsettled look. She moved fitfully, tossing and turning: these were not peaceful dreams.


She walked down a long, dark tunnel. It seemed to go on for miles, silent, without anything to light her way. She walked on and on until suddenly she was thrown into the midst of a raging battle. She was back in that day - the day of the battle with Master Mold.

She watched as Guardian was electrocuted and fell unconcious. But instead of Master Mold, it was Blackout that was attacking the seer. Malice stood nearby, cackling with glee at the sight of her prodigy's rain of power.

The vision morphed - now showing Morgan once again being pulled down into the vortex with Master Mold...but the face that looked out of the vortex was not that of Master Mold. Instead it was Delilah's own face. It was herself pulling Morgan to her death. Once more the vision before her changed, and instead of Morgan screaming this time it is Blaze...


Delilah shot up into a sitting position, forcefully waking herself from the dream. Her breathing rapid, her body covered in sweat. She looked down at Tinkerbell, still curled up beside her but with one eye open and looking up at her curiously.

Delilah threw the covers off of herself and jumped out of bed. Her bare feet echoed off the hard wood floors as she made her way, still dressed in pajama bottoms and tank, down the hallway and out the front door of the apartment.

Getting into the elevator, she pressed the button that would take her to Blaze's floor, her pulse still reverberating loudly in her ears... ]

[Foxfire]

The scene itself was heartfelt and even as icy as Alison was, she could sympathize with the mutant. Blaze made a valid argument, but what Guardian did with her words was anyone's guess. Her eyes carefully inspecting her friends for answers or even inklings. Alison was probably the most complex woman she ever met, she usually kept her emotions burrowed.

Her eye dashed down to Alison's hand, watching her tenderness slowly evolve. It was a huge step for Alison, one that made a small smile cross her lips. "I knew you could do.."

Just as she was about to finish her sentence, Alison chanted a magical spell that would lull any fears, heartache, or trauma she felt. Her eyelids fluttering closed, "but Alison...." Her second statement trailed off as she leaned into Alison's strong arms like that of a younger sister. Blaze went limb in the brunette's arms, her body in a deep slumber. A luxury she hadn't had in months, maybe even years.

She was light enough for Alison to carry or her telekinesis. But either way she was transported back into her room. At times, Blaze resembled that of Phoebe from Charmed while Alison was Prue and Haleigh like that of Piper. They all looked out for one another, and yes, Delilah was like that of Paige. Her body curling up inside her large Queen size bed.

Any flickering candles had been extinguished to reveal small slivers of moonlight peaking through her window. Any battle attire had disappeared into a satin black spaghetti strap and a pair of black boycut shorts. The young mutant was hushed and quiet in her bedroom. Any troubled thoughts put to rest. Sprawled out on her back (lol no jokes) she was oblivious to Alison's touch but for some reason she mumbled in her sleep.

"Night Ali."

She cuddled her plush pillow underneath her head. Finally all was calm....for now.

[Harbinger]

:: Alison didnt bother to BLINK. instead...she took the time walking down the dark, silent hall of Blaze's floor. Her high heeled boots clicked along the cold hard floor and echoed up and down the hall. alone with her thoughts. Lingering images of a distraught Blaze danced in her mind. She knew she had done the right thing to help alleviate Blaze of some of the grief that was choking her so badly.::


::one problem was addressed, while another remained. Haleigh , Delilah and Alison needed to conference, to put their heads together on how to prepare for Malice. INFORMATION was a valuable tool and right now Malice had the drop on them when it came to personal info.::

:: Alison's elegant yet stone cold facial expression remained unchanged as the elevator came down ....it opened and there stood a rather FRANTIC Delilah Trelevan.::


:: in a cold voice::

Delilah? what is the matter?

:: the seer drew near to make sure Delilah was physically okay.::

[MorningStar]

[ When the doors opened, Delilah was surprised by Alison's presence in front of her. Images of Guardian from her dream flashed briefly in her mind's eye before she shook them off. ]

"What's wrong? Is Blaze okay?"

[ Delilah tried to look around Alison, her nerves frazzled, worrying that yet another crisis had erupted while she was not around. Finally Delilah stopped and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. ]

"I'm...fine. I just had this nightmare - it was so real I...I needed to make sure everyone was still okay..."

[Harbinger]

:: Alison looked upon Delilah...not saying anything at first as the woman revealed the reason for being so unsettled.::

:: it was dark all around them in the hall...only the soft recessed blue lighting provided a quiet glimmer as well as the moonlight that shown through the large glass windows from high above::


.......Blaze is asleep now. I cast a spell to alleviate the overwhelming grief she was experiencing. She is not handling the loss of Morgan very well, not that she can be EXPECTED to, but she was close to harming herself this evening. I stopped her and determined the best course of action.


:: pausing for a moment as Delilah collected herself, Alison continued::

as for everyone else, I have done a scan with my own "foresight" and everyone appears to be in tact, on a surface level at least, but i do not have to tell you that Blaze is only EXPRESSING how we ALL feel right now. I do not know if we will be ready for Malice and Blackout and they are COMING FOR US.


:: taking a moment to sound less grim::

I was on my way to Haleigh's floor. there is much to discuss. Are YOU okay?

::The Seer and the Mutant were nearly eye level in height. both women had well toned physiques and possesed unique beauty between them. Both women were known for theier logic and consistency although one was more straight laced than the other. but even now, they BOTH showed signs of uncertainty in their eyes and facial expressions::


:: Alison stepped into the Elevator with Delilah as the doors shut. they were now headed to Haleigh's floor.::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah's heart began to beat at a more normal rate. Her hand went to her chest as Alison told her what was happening with Blaze, and she began to feel calmer. But she couldn't help but feel on edge - was her dream connected to something more tangible, was it a coincidence that she had tapped into emotions that Blaze herself was feeling at that time? What did it all mean? ]

"I'm fine, physically at least. I just have this deep feeling of dread that I can't shake. That something is about to happen. And I think you're right - I'm not sure we can handle anything else right now. But unfortuneately, we've got to."

[ Delilah thought of Blaze, sleeping under Alison's influence, and she envied her a little. For tonight at least, Blaze would be free of the cares of the world around them. ]

[Oracle]

:: MorningStar's nightmare was more telling than she might have guessed, for Malice and Blackout had indeed formed a most deadly alliance and from this alliance had come a most hatefull and cruel strategem designed to hurt as much as possible.::


::Guardian & MorningStar were now on the 105th floor, making their way toward Black Widow's apartment. The women had taken this walk not too long ago, that last time being when Morgan was alive and among them and they were all preparing to go to the victory party of Senator Sharon Kelly. That night there was so much light, glamor and happiness among them. Morgan and Haleigh had began to enjoy a new level of understanding, trust and FRIENDSHIP. But now, this dark night, the hall was dim and silent. Even MorningStar's natural luminsence seemed to reflect her melancholy nature.::


:: the two women would reach Haleigh's door and sound the tone for entry. it was time to find whatever information they could on Malice and plan to face off against her.::

:: All the while, Malice was a step ahead of them, now closing in on them even as they waited outside of Haleigh's door. Down on ground level and a block over from Illustra Inc, As Blackout awaited the "moment", the WILDpack soldiers received a final prep from Malice ...ready to strike at ANY moment.::

[Jessica Hamby]

The moonlight shining through the open window caught the diamonds of Haleigh's engagement ring, which sat, discarded, on a bedside table in a Manhattan townhouse. The kingsize bed was mussed but empty. Noises of running bathwater fill the background. A deafening crack sounded and a man's voice thundered, but not in pleasure.

Haleigh taunts the bloody and beaten man in front of her, switching her pistol from his now mangled left knee to his right one. Handcuffed to a folding metal chair, the man can do nothing but slur obscenities at her. He is defiant and stubborn, but Haleigh knows he is near cracking. The sound of gunfire has brought his wife back to consciousness, but she is still weak from her head wound and other than whimpering and rolling over, can do nothing to stop the onslaught. The wild, cavalier look in Haleigh's eyes is uncanny, and she looks nothing short of homicidal, her white shirt splattered with blood.

"Come on, Mr. Pike... If YOU don't tell me anything.... I'll have to get it from your WIFE."

Man:"She'll never tell you anything EITHER, you fucking psychopath!"

"Oh now..... must you call names? That's just rude. Mrs. Pike.... if you have anything TERRIBLY important to say to your husband... I suggest you do it now."

Haleigh says, in a nonchalant tone, as she lifts the muzzle of her gun and presses it between the man's eyes. She fires, not once, but twice, and with no hesitation. The woman on the floor a few feet away erupts into hysterical sobs. Haleigh is uneffected, as she grabs the woman by the ankle and begins to drag her across the master bedroom floor and into the bathroom.

"Miranda.... word is that your greatest fear is drowning...."

Haleigh shuts off the bathwater and wastes no time plunging the entirety of the woman's torso and head into the deep bathtub. She stands and holds the woman underwater with reckless abandon, unperturbed by the woman's kicking and flailing. She finally pulls the woman back out of the water. The trauma of watching her husband tortured and murdered and the realization that she was next quickly cracked the woman's resolve, and the answers to Haleigh's questioning came easily. When Haleigh was completely sure the woman had given her everything she knew, she nodded nonchalantly and then shot the sopping and weeping woman point blank, as coldly as she had the tightlipped husband.

It never once occured to Haleigh that her tactics were a bit on the brutal side. She DID, however, wonder how long it would be before this got back to Malice. No doubt she would miss two of her best operations officers when they didn't turn up in the morning. Haleigh had linked the Pikes to MANY operations directly connected with countermeasures against the Six. Two executed high ranking Mystech employees made a BIG statement, and Haleigh made sure she left a 'calling card'-- a small black business card embossed with only one thing: a small red hourglass shape, right in the center.

A chime notified Haleigh that she was needed back at Illustra... apparently Alison couldn't sleep... and she had brought Delilah with her. Haleigh dried her hands on a hand towel as she walked back into the bedroom. She tossed the towel carelessly on the bed and reached for her ring. She looked around to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything, and then disentigrated slowly, leaving the grisly scene without remorse.


Haleigh opened the door for Alison and Delilah, looking them both over with a questioning expression. Her crisp white button down shirt was splattered in blood and untucked. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows and her hair was pulled back haphazardly, a messy ponytail that had been assembled in a hurry. She had an oddly triumphant sparkle in her eyes and didn't seem to notice how she looked, as she invited them in and offered them something to drink.

[Malice]

:: below the ground floor "Medical office" store front through the deep cargo tunnel past the large mechanical dock and in the office floors of the sealed "citadle", Malice was taken aback....a backlash of emotion, panic, FEAR and PAIN...as she stumbled forward....bending over and wincing with pain. a white halo forms around her head as she shuts her eyes tightly::


UGH!!! WHAT IS IT!?


:: her eyes open..now glowing solid white! the pain...so sharp and so full of anguish it could only mean one thing. someone in Malice's network had just met their death VIOLENTLY and it wasnt just ANYONE...it was two of her closest operatives, Mr. & Mrs. Pike high ranking covert ops officials from MysTech who also had membership to the Hellfire Club. a husband and wife duo. that had served Malice for many years. One by one, she felt the pain and anguish in their minds before their lives were abruptly ended with brutal force. as MRS. Pike met her death, Malice telepathically connected to her at the last second...seeing through her mind's eye who her assailant was. NONE OTHER THAN HALEIGH DAVIDOFF. Having forcefully extracted what little information she could from the highly trained cover ops agent, Haleigh had succeeded in cracking a woman who had been trained by Malice herself to even resist some levels of TELEPATHIC coersion.::

No....NO! This cannot BE!

::Malice gasped as the final, frantic thoughts of Mrs Pike faded as her life was ended::

:: Malice slammed her fist down on a dusty table in the quiet office pool where Guardian had first discovered that Cameron was in fact her BROTHER. Malice FUMED with rage and indignation. with no one around, it was one of the rare moments she displayed a true sense of outrage at being out maneuvered in one area. ::

two of my BEST agents, captured , broken and MURDERED...by that ..that walking CAN OPENER!

:: she abruptly stood up from her seat and paced back and forth...slowly calming herself. not even remotely caring about the lose of LIFE so much as the unexpected inroad into her PERSONAL information that Haleigh had now recieved...although it was limited..it was STILL a substantial nugget of info.::

Curse that incompetent Adam Chandler and Commander Rick Riley....all their resources...and yet NEITHER of them could contain or DESTROY Black Widow, in FACT..they made her WORSE when she surived the infection of the Techno Organic virus.

:: clenching her fist::

try to one up ME will you? well I'll give you something to deal with soon enough!

:: turning again on her heel as her cape swished behind her. Malice called out to Black out telepathically::

Alexis, hold your position and keep yourself sight unseen. There's a small matter that i must "attend to" for the time being.

:: Malice inteded to leave a "calling card" card of her own shortly...returning the favor to Haleigh::

[Harbinger]

:: as Alison and Delilah were finally recieved by Haleigh, Haleigh's "Questioning" look was met by a cold, almost distant glare from Alison. Her cobalt blue eyes noting the rather bloody and chaotic look of Black Widow::

Haleigh, all you allright? it would appear that Delilah and I are not the only ones having an "unusual evening".

::Alison spoke, knowing Haleigh was still hurting too over Morgan and Sharon, and Alison knew that Haleigh could be just as brutal as herself.::


you know that drawing the ire of Malice will only increas her resolve to try to destroy us?

:: In her mind's eye..she "saw" the most recent events that Haleigh as involved in. knowing that it gained Haleigh the first REAL (and hard to find) piece of information available on Malice, she understood that Haleigh had her means to an end just as Alison did. She also sensed a violent retaliation on the part of Malice for the brutal loss of two of her best operatives. As she and Delilah were invited in to sit, Alison spoke::

Blaze attempted suicide a little while ago. Morgan's death is cracking her heart..her soul but she is is finally asleep. I've made sure that She will not awaken anytime soon either nor will she pose any harm to herself or this building, which gives us the chance to try to gather what we know on Malice and prepare for her next strike. Now that she has Alexis firmly in her grasp and in her service, she will use Alexis to further the scale and depth of her attacks upon us.

As Blaze is in no mental condition to fight, it is down to us three. Goddess grant that our powers are sufficient enough to repel this woman's depraved machinations.

[Shockwave]

:: Noting Malice's instructions, Alexis could hear the contempt in the woman's voice as it echoed throughout her head. Something was going down....and Alexis had a feeling it had to do with The Six. Regardless, Alexis moved deeper into the ally way keeping herself hidden from view. Now all she had to do was wait. ::

[Foxfire]

Blissful and pleasant dreams greeted Blaze, who slept soundly in her large Queen size bed. She slept like the dead, which had been months since she last slumbered. As of lately, the mutant stayed awake all night, which could be a catalyst of her stress.

Rolling onto her side, her small frame lay under thick blankets of silk. The only sound was her humidifier humming in the background. Vivid dreams of herself, Morgan, and the other women of the Six easing her soul. All of these happy memories, nothing but tranquility.

Little did she know Malice would be coming for the team with the assistance of Blackout. Which would drop it down to three women, due to Blaze being mentally and physically unstable. Alison made the right assessment of the situation. But, hopefully Blaze would be feeling more refreshed and lively when she woke up, whenever that would be.

[Jessica Hamby]

"Well.... I've been better... but I'll live."

Haleigh chuckled, clasping her hands together, exuding both confidence and humor... amused at the irony of Alison's first statement.

"Alison.... do ANY of us EVER have a 'usual' evening?"

She led her two guests not into the sitting room, but into the kitchen. Adorned with dark redwood, black marble countertops and stainless steel appliances, the kitchen was both state of the art and tasteful. Haleigh gestured toward the high-backed barstools aranged around her semi-circular bar. She slipped out of her shoulder holster, draping the pair of handguns over the back of one of the stools, as Alison warned Haleigh about Malice. Haleigh nodded, unbuttoning her shirt and taking it off, revealing a white tank top which was splotched in places where blood had seeped through, but much cleaner.

"Oh.... I should think so."

Haleigh said in an assured tone, as she threw the buttonup in the trashcan beneath the sink, and washed her hands. The idea that Malice would retaliate seemed to be of no consequence to Haleigh, who continued on as though nothing were wrong at all, a brave front. Haleigh was a rock for the team, in the most defining moments, and though she was indeed still pained with Morgan's death, there was a serenity about her that was soothing, she offered a stability and strength that was more than needed tonight. The teapot began to sing, as she dried her hands on a washcloth. The coffeepot finished brewing simultaneously, and Haleigh reached for three mugs from the cherrywood cabinets. She passed the cups out, giving Alison and Delilah both a warming smile.

"Blaze will be okay... losing someone so CLOSE is hard... but I have faith in her.... she'll come around.... she just needs time. Alison.... I know its your place to worry.... but I have NO DOUBT.... we will STOP Malice. Now what would you two like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Alcohol?" She offered, as she poured herself steaming water and dropped a teabag into her cup. "Alright... I know you two didnt come here to shoot the breeze.... and I've got new information on Malice."

[Harbinger]

:: Alison noted Haleigh's unusual RESILIENT tone and demeanor. It was as if she were reveling from the heady experience of killing the Pikes. perhaps she was...and this was just HER way of coping.::

:: following Haleigh in, Alison and Delilah seated themselves::

I'll have green tea please.

:: Haleigh appeared to have found a focus and that focus was keeping her grounded. but the non chalant undertone, it almost surprised Alison "seeing" what Haleigh had done to the Pikes, and knowing that Malice most likely felt their deaths and would know WHY Haleigh had attacked them.::

Yes, I knew you would have surprising success in that, what is it that you've found? we need to know anything we can as we prepare to fight her. She's already a step AHEAD of us now.

:: noting the quietness around her, Alison had seldom visited Haleigh in months past...let alone been this far in her penthouse. the woman had an eye for detail and yet a soft spot...as she noted several dog toys on the floor nearby.::

[Foxfire]

Minutes passed on like months for Blaze who slowly stirred in her sleep. A small yawn was given with a vigorous stretch of her energized muscles. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she sat up in bed. Looking around she saw no sign of Alison or the others.

Sliding one leg off the bed and the other, she got out of bed. Her chocolate locks disheveled and very chaotic. Brushing a hand through her thick hair she headed for the bathroom, in need of a shower. Her hands turning on the shower faucet, allowing the water to warm for her. Stripping from her attire, she slipped inside. Reaching for the Seaspray body water, shaking the contents of the bottle. She quickly lathered the green gel against a wash cloth.

An hour later, Blaze stepped out of the shower soaked, with ringlets of hair curling at the tips. Wrapping a crisp Egyptian style towel around her athletic body. Wiping away the layers of steam lining the vanity mirror. She starred at her reflection, noticing the vibrant color in her eyes. Even her complexion seemed more nature. She felt refreshed and a new zest for life. She would have to thank Alison for whatever she did, she should sleep more often.

Entering into her bedroom, which was directly connected to her private bathroom. Her long towel wrapped tightly around her body, masking her more sensual curves and assets. She stopped at her lengthy dresser to stare into the photograph of herself and Morgan. She sighed, nibbling on her bottom lip.

"I know you overcame my death - which wasn't easy. I will do the same with yours, I wish you could be here Morg." She pulled the frame close to her chest, hugging it tightly. Shutting her misty eyes, exhaling a cool breath. Her emerald eyes morphing into their trademark sage green as they fluttered open. She carefully placed the frame back on the top of her dresser. Rummaging through her dresser she decided on a pair of black cargo pants and a band shirt. The shirt itself was a gift from Delilah, who introduced the band to her friend. Across the red shirt read the band's name "Stroke 9" in black bold lettering.

Brushing her damp locks back from her beautiful face, she slipped the excess hair into a sleek pony - tail. She was finally ready to confront her teammates, but she stopped. Reaching out she grabbed the Tiffany's tennis bracelet that was once Morgan's, one of the item's she took after her death. The bracelet sparkled in the lighting of her apartment. The piece of jewelry was so elegant it clashed with Blaze's punk look but she didn't care. She wanted a piece of Morgan with her at all time, making the bracelet appropriate.

Slipping on a pair of shoes and socks, she walked out of her apartment. Quietly walking down the hallway with her arms folded behind her back. She even carried a bit of a bounce in her step, a flair she had lost months ago. Punching the elevator button, the doors swung open. Stepping inside she smiled at the familiar scents of Delilah and Alison.

The elevator ascended to the following floor, where the other women of the Six were. Stepping outside she walked down the hallway. She easily tracked both Alison and Delilah's location to Haleigh's suite. Knocking on the door gently but received no answer. Perking a curious brow she tried the handle to find it unlocked.

Walking inside, she turned to close the door behind her. She knew all three women of the Six were here. Haleigh's infectious laugh echoing off the walls to greet her. Stepping past the living room, she stopped in her tracks. Small droplets of blood had stained the flooring of Haleigh's place. Crouching down, dipping her index finger inside the droplet of liquid. Her eyes dashing around the apartment, no sign of a struggle. Obviously her friend was fine, she probably ran into some trouble. Climbing to her feet, she walked inside the kitchen, already several pairs of eyes falling on her.

"Is this a private party or can anyone join?"

She grinned to reveal a full set of dimples on each cheek, another trademark the team hadn't seen in months. Her smile seemed to warm Haleigh's kitchen into a bright display of warmth. Climbing onto the bar stool, she nodded to Alison, indicating her recovery. Her eyes swinging back to Haleigh, giving her an apologetic look with her intense eyes. Folding her hands against the counter, Morgan's tennis bracelet sparkling in the kitchen's high lighting. It was a positive sign Blaze was moving on but also celebrating Morgan's memory.

[Jessica Hamby]

"Here you are," Haleigh said, as she poured water into Alison's cup and placed a teabag in shortly after. Haleigh rounded the circular bartop, seating herself and sweetening her tea. "Sugar?" She asked lightly, as she passed the small container. Her eyes raised to look across the bar, unfocused. A hologram of Malice appeared in front of them. Haleigh decided NOT to show the two of them Mrs. Pike's assertions, and instead narrated, as the downsized holograph displayed the powers Malice has been seen using.

"Okay ladies... lets get down to business. Malice.... also known as 'the woman in white', and the 'White Queen' of the Hellfire Club. Her FIRST name is attributed to be Diana... her last name is still unknown.... she doesn't let much get out about her." Haleigh began, giving them a wink and taking a sip of tea. Blaze lets herself in, and Haleigh affords a welcoming, forgiving smile. "Blaze... good to see you're feeling better. Please, grab a cup, have something to drink.... this IS a private party... but YOU are always welcome to join us." Haleigh makes no mention of their last, less than pleasurable interaction, and gives no indication of intent to do so... or any hint of bitterness. Instead, she continues on, as if uninterrupted.

"We've seen her powers.... telepath, empath, transiomorph-- she can turn herself into diamond form, deflection, and SHIFT X super strength. She is EASILY the most powerful and most DANGEROUS we've met so far. A bit of a God-Complex... probably has antisocial personality disorder-- she KNOWS she hurts people... and it almost seems as though she derives pleasure from it. She has little regard for human life, and she's COMPLETELY apathetic to personal RIGHTS, humane treatment of others, and is in chronic violation of the law. Yeah... she's vicious.... like Pit Bull with rabies."

Haleigh leaned back in her barstool, pausing to take a sip of her tea again. "She's been involved with MysTech since DINOSAURS roamed the earth, and she's been in Hellfire's INNER circle for at LEAST twenty years. Now, I've CONFIRMED her responsibility for SEVERAL key events in all our lives.... she put the axe in the Victory family, luring the good Dr. Cristopher to MysTech, by using telepathic suggestion to get him to leave his wife and child. She was DEEPLY involved in the Super Soldier experiment, reprogramming Patrick Murdock to become the ultimate warrior. She helped Dr. Chandler orchestrate the capture and torture of ME and my former team. She FRAMED you, Delilah, and brought on the scrutiny of the NYPD. She tracked Sharon and Alycia and sent the super soldier after them. AND... though it's just a rumor and no one can seem to elaborate... word is she had something to do with Cameron's disappearance. She has DEEP pockets and far reaching fingers... and those who aren't her friends are her enemies, and she'll pull out all the stops to destroy them."

[Malice]

::a loud "electronica feedback" sound is heard....as a swirl of sparkling white orbs floods the area where the women are sitting::


my my, you HAVE been doing your homework, havent you Haleigh?

::the glowing astral form of Malice was now in the room. as this was her ASTRAL form, none of Illustra's security devices would detect or be able to contain "her". it was another indication of just hower powerfull and far reaching her PSI powers were. The woman stood confidently posed with her hand on her hip::

I was made aware of your recent "inquiries" and for your tremendous efforts, i feel that i must RETURN the favor.

::a cold, disdainfull facial expression washed over Malice's face::

You take something valuable to ME? I will take something valuable to YOU!

[Harbinger]

:: Alison set her cup down, listening as Haleigh clued them in on some facts about Malice.....including her real first name. the woman had indeed been involved in some of the most tragic moments in the lives of the Six and their families...most notably Morgan's.::


::but before even she could speak...MALICE appeared. Alison immediately stood up, but realized that she could not harm Malice' astral form.::


:: As Malice indicated immediate retaliation, Alison's cobalt blue eyes glowed solid whiite...her precognition alarms going off::


"You take something valuable to me? I wil take something valuable to YOU!"

Zack, Alycia!!

We've got to.......

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh is so quick to react, it is almost as if she had EXPECTED Malice's arrival, or 'seen' it as Alison could. She leapt from her stool, grabbing Blaze by the collar of her shirt and yanking her back, positioning herself to be the closest the Malice. Not wasting the momentum to reach back and grab her gun, Haleigh manifested a metal baseball bat, and with the speed of a jackhammer, swung the weapon with ferocious might, as if finally being allowed to unleash a fury unknown to anyone.

"Will you, harpy? Be CAREFUL... I'd hate for you to throw out your back before you've the chance to REALLY attack us."

Haleigh didn't know HOW Malice got past security... and she didn't care. 'Malice' was here.... in her apartment, a PERSONAL encroachment on Haleigh's space... and furthermore... she was ALONE, facing ALL FOUR remaining members of The Six.... an unwise decision indeed....

[Oracle]

<<Before Guardian could finish. Black Widow sprung into action but EVEN HER attack passed HARMLESSLY THROUGH the glowing astral form of Malice...as this was merely a psychic manifestation....with no physical substance. Malice HERSELF was hidden way away across town as Alarms began to go off signaling physical distress among individuals being tracked by Haleigh's technology ....even as Haleigh and Delilah could detect the screams of Alycia Barnett and Zack....under SEVERE telepathic attack by Malice. The screams of these two allies of the Six were blood curdling. Where ever they were within Illustra, White halos surrounded both of their heads.....the manifestation of Malice' power signature.>>


<< The two victims...in opposite areas of Illustra were experiencing a TREMENDOUS mental assault....and NEITHER ONE was equipped to defend against it themselves. Unless there was a way to repell this telepathic attack, Alycia would die from a brain hemorrage and Zack would be left comatose.....>>

[Foxfire]

"I'm good thanks, hon." She nodded a thanks to Haleigh, who offered a refreshing beverage. She looked to the hologram, carefully studying the outline of Malice. She knew the woman's features well for she detested her than almost anyone else. Leaning on the palm of her hand, she made a note of Haleigh's observations and valuable information she uncovered.

Just then the appearance of Malice was made, Blaze jumped down from her stool. Her adrenaline doubling at the sight of the woman in white. Before she could further react, Haleigh leaped over her own barstool, yanking Blaze's collar. Stumbling forward at the momentum, she regained her composure, standing behind Haleigh. She sensed a protective nature from the co - leader of the Six. Blaze narrowed her eyes, why would Malice be here by herself?

"She's trying to divide and conquer us! Blackout is here too....somewhere....they are attached at the hip." She warned the others, she half wanted to look for Zack and Alycia but that's exactly what Malice had. Damn, this woman was good. Either way, they were screwed until a solution was found.

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia, a noted high powered attourney, the long time ally of the six, as well as recently resigned ADA of NYC and trusted attourney for The Six as a group was not scheduled to depart for an undisclosed location until tomorrow. She was sleeping in one of Morgan's guest rooms...when all at once...she began to SCREAM and cry out in AGONY....bolting upright in bed with her hands clutching at her temples......Alycia gritted her teeth as she writhed in agony....she wanted to scream "HELP ME"...but the pain...it was as if her MIND was on FIRE!::

[Shadow Weaver]

:: as an alarm went off and Alycia began to scream, Karen sat up in her bed....exclaiming with surprise as she heard the cries of Alycia.::


goddess!! what's happening!?

:: she immediately got up and began to run down the hall....her night gown transforming with each step she took until she was once again wearing her flying suit. turning a corner and making her way down the rest of the hall to Alycia's room....Karen waved her hand and the doors slid open as she bust in....::


ALYCIA?

:: she put her hand over her mouth in horror as she saw the poor woman convulsing with pain and agony....clutching at her head with her hands. Karen noticed a white halo around Alycia's head as well.::


it must be MALICE!


:: Karen pressed the intercom on the wall....and called out to anyone.::

This is Doctor Victoria! I'm in my daughter's penthouse, I've just found Alycia! she's being ATTACKED ....most likely by Malice.... she's suffering from severe convulsions, her eyes and nose are BLEEDING!!! She's going to have a CEREBRAL HEMORRAGE!


:: Karen ran over to Alycia...::

Ive got to help her! but HOW?

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah followed Alison silently into Haleigh's kitchen, accepting a cup of tea without words, and listening carefully to what Black Widow had to say.

She was relieved at the sight of a much stronger looking Blaze, but that relief soon was replaced by hatred as Malice appeared before them, taunting them, and endangering their friends once more.

Delilah stood as Haleigh attempted to attack Malice's image directly. What could they do against this type of assault? Only Alison had the mental capabilities to fight this fight. But she could not do nothing...again.

She threw out her arms, attempting to draw in whatever energy she could from the apparition of Malice in front of them... ]

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach leans over the pedestal sink, shaving his neck and the underside of his chin carefully. A towel is wrapped tightly around his waist and the bathroom is still steamy from his shower. He has already heard the voices coming from the kitchen, and determined them to be Haleigh and her comrades, and decided to occupy himself for a while, while they talked business. His progress is interrupted, violently, with a stabbing surge of pain in his head. He drops the razor, lurching forward and touching his temple with one hand, grabbing the sink for support with the other. He sounds a shocked grunt, as though the wind had been knocked from him. The pain intensifies, bringing him to his knees, and he calls out for Haleigh in a booming, raspy voice.


Down the hall, Haleigh eyes Malice with an intense defiance. She relaxes, as she locks eyes with Malice's astral form. Zach's voice permeates the tense silence, followed shortly by Karen's voice on the intercom, on the verge of panic. Alarms are going off, warning Haleigh that two of those she protects are in distress. Haleigh is unnaturally stoic. She gestures for the trio of women behind her to wait... the bat in her hands disappears as quickly as it came, and she folds her arms across her chest.

"Honestly, Diana. How cowardly. How passive agressive. You've every right to be angry with me.... but are you SO spineless-- so WEAK-- that you have to victimize a man who has NOTHING to do with this and a woman who hasn't the ABILITY to defend herself.... AND IN HER SLEEP?? Preying on the weak and defenseless to make yourself feel or look stronger? Really.... you should be ASHAMED. And here I thought YOU, of all people, were above all that. I guess I OVERestimated you... tsk tsk."

[Foxfire]

Zach's cries of anguish sent chills up Blaze's spine. She turned wide eyed at Haleigh who seemed stoic. Was she crazy or putting up a brave facade? Blaze remembered Zack's earlier attempts at soothing her own anguish at Haleigh's estate. Alarms were buzzing and screaming with life. Whippng her head to the side, she could overhear Dr. Victoria's worried cries, including Alycia's horrid screams in the background.

Blaze's eyes flashed over to that flickering yellow tint. "I must help him!" She informed Haleigh triumphantly as flames engulfed her athletic body. Locating and targeting onto Zack's signature heat source, Blaze flamed out of the kitchen and into the bathroom.

Her appearance outlining behind Zack who was barely grasping his muscular body against the sink. Wrapping one arm around his toned abdomen, "hold on, Zack!" She called, securing a strong hold over him. Stepping over the fallen razor, she flamed herself and Zack out to the living room. Assisting Zack to lay down on the couch, covering him with a blanket, after all he was only clothed in a towel. Kneeling down beside him she nervously shook her wrists. "I hope this works, Haleigh deserves love." Pressing her fingertips to Zack's throbbing and humid skull, Blaze concentrated.

Inhaling a massive breath, she attempted to intake some of his pain. The white halo still above Zack's head, but it would flicker at the power surge between Zack and Blaze. Her hands began to glow a yellow tint as the warmth from her flames calmed and soothed his throbbing head, but not completely. Leaning down closely, Blaze's eyes shut more tightly as the pain was transferred to herself the more she held on. Gritting her pearly white teeth, she attempted to focus on some sort of focal point like Morgan to distract herself from the pain.

Zack would feel the pain lessening in his head, that burning sensation fading to a dull ache like that of a headache. Blaze on the other hand began to channel the pain herself due to her Omega healing factor. Pushing herself to the limits, she attempted to save Zack's dear life knowing this was the love of Haleigh's life, plus the mutant adored Zack. She needed to be sure these two would marry and live happily ever after, if possible.

Tossing her head back, flames engulfing Blaze as they enveloped her. Her jaw tightened as her blood vessels protruded and bulged through her skin. "Come..on ZACK!!" She yelled through the living room, which would bounce into the kitchen. Haleigh would clearly hear Blaze's futile attempts to heal her finance. Her muscles tightened and convulsed the longer she held onto Zack. The swishing sound of flames ignited more around Blaze as lively flickers of flames moved around her. Several of Haleigh's priceless vases smashed through Blaze's agony.

Beads of sweat trickling down her widow's peak to stain her flushed cheeks. Opening her eyes, her eyes a more darker tint of yellow as she couldn't hold the pain in anymore. She unleashed a bone - chilling scream that curdled her teammates to the core. Her eyes fluttering weakly closed but Blaze had it. Her head felt as though it would implode just as her flames disappeared. "Ohhh." She said meekly before collapsing backwards onto Haleigh's floor. The pain unrelenting to the point of unconsciousness, but she could only hope her small aide would save Zack's life. She risked her own to preserve his, a sign of her sisterly love for Haleigh.

"Artfully" posed in a heap, a pained expression forced through her forehead even as she was lost to the realm of unconsciousness. The flickering halo hovering above Zack still flickered, but his cries of pain had lessened.

Zack's only cries were the only source of volume in the living room, nothing heard from Blaze.

[Malice]

:: as Guardian and MorningStar joined Black Widow in confronting the astral form, Malice smirked as Alycia and Zack's cries of distress filled the air...followed by Doctor Victoria's panicked distress call.::

::Haleigh called Malice out by her REAL name....DIANA and as Foxfire attempted to use her omega class healing factor to try to counteract the psychic attack on Zack, Delilah was now trying to disrupt the energy signature of the astral form....::


:: the astral form DID flicker...but it persisted after a few moments::

ahhhh, nice try Ms. Trelevan. But this psychic projection is sustained by my own PSI powers and not some other energy source so "I'm" not going anywhere until I'm GOOD AND READY. That reminds me, I've got someone who wants to see YOU. Someone I'm SURE you'll know once you lay eyes on him while he's bashing your SKULL in.

::laughing softly as Haleigh called her out::

Does it amuse you to try to engage in these elementary dime store psychological plays? Dr. Victoria has obviously not taught you well. you said it yourself, a "sociopath with a god complex"...so why would I have any restraint? would should i CARE how uninvolved Zack is or how defenseless Alycia Barnett is. They both support YOU, just as Mr. and Mrs Pike supported ME. And YOU brutalized them before murdering them. Not only did you cost Mystech two of its most VALUABLE human liasons and operatives, but you also cost ME the most valuable agents in my arsenal. Did you THINK you could just get away with THAT?


::thrusting her hand out suddenly....mainly to try to STARTLE the women as she pointed directly at Haleigh.::

First Zack and Alycia.....then YOU!

[Oracle]

<< Alexis, who was well hidden a block away from Illustra was treated to an unexpected surprise. Malice, acting as a "psychic switchboard" , provides Alexis with a clear "mind's eye" view of her current confrontation with Black Widow, Guardian and MorningStar.>>


<< she can "see" and "hear" everything that is happening and knows why Malice had her to wait for a few moments. No doubt this gives Blackout ideas of her OWN about how to "make it hurt" when fights these women herselfe in the much anticipated rematch>>

[Harbinger]

::as the confrontation between Malice, Black Widow and MorningStar carried on, Guardian glared at Malice. She didnt show any "shock" in reaction to Malice's vicious telepathic attack on Zack and Alycia, she saw it coming but was unable to PREVENT IT, HOWEVER she was far from out of options::


Malice cannot read my thoughts, nor Karen's. the only way for us to save Alycia and Zack is for to cast an astral projection spell. That way WE can disrupt Malice's astral form. the psychic backlash to Malice should be enough to break her attack on Zack and Alycia.


::quietly stepping back from the group....and into the shadows, Guardian posed herself in some one meditative pose....as she closed her eyes and a flickering blue flamed pentagram of power formed around her feet. she opened her cobalt blue eyes which were now glowing as she activated her astral projection spell::

::Malice registered like a powerfull beacon on the astral plane which existed parallel to the physical reality. Alison zeroed in on her as she BLINKED behind Malice. the present members of The Six would notice Alison's now glowing astral form as well. her BODY hidden in the shadows in a corner of Haleigh's penthouse.::

You will do nothing to ANY of these people Malice. Some of us posses the power and the knowledge with which to take you at your measure! and ALL of us will do whatever it takes to deal with you as you deserve!

[Shadow Weaver]

<< as Karen desperately sought for a way to help Alycia, it occurred to her>>

Alison and I both possess PSI SCREENS. there MUST be a spell for me to use to provide Alycia with a temporary version of that, while the others deal with Malice.

<< Karen closed her eyes....thinking intently the sorceress searched her own mental reserves for a spell...ANY spell>>

that's it!!

<< standing beside Alycia's bed, Karen lifts her hands up as the winds begin to blow, her cape and her hair flow>>

Mistress of Magick, I demand your power
With my PSI SCREEN for you use,
Malice's abilities you may now devour
I demand Zack and Alycia's protection from all harm and abuse!

<< a crack of thunder and chaotic harp sound denote the activation of the spell.... as Karen's magicks manifest a temporary PSI SCREEN around the psyches of Zack and Alycia....immediately BLOCKING the painfull and life threatening telepathic attack of Malice>>

[Malice]

:: Malice turned to the side as Guardian's astral form appeared, she scoffed, apparently unimpressed that the witch cast such a spell to meet her on the astral plane::

Am i supposed to be IMPRESSED, witch? you seem to think that your magicks give you an UNBEATABLE advantage. I'm sure Morgan thought the same thing, and yet we see where SHE is don't we?

:: Malice looked upon Guardian with contempt before turning back to the other two women.::

I've been astral projecting longer than you've been ALIVE, you arrogant witch. you may have the power to GET HERE, but you are in MY yard now and I will teach you to try to match wits with ME.

:: touching her index and middle finger to the center of her forehead in a "salute" motion, a sparkling white flash is seen at that point as she manifests a sparkling white javeline of pure telepathic energy...the javeline is now gripped by her hand as she takes aim::

Pity you wont be around to watch as i LOBOTOMIZE your pathetic little friends. You'll be in need of "LONG TERM CARE" and your precious Doctor Victoria can BURY your friends for you.

:: Malice took aim and was about to attack when she felt "interference" with her attack on Alycia and Zack....it was as if someone had abruptly STOPPED the flow of the telepathic attack!::

WHAT IS THIS!? someone has BLOCKED my psychic assault on the two humans!! but thats IMPOSSIBLE!

:: Karen Victoria's spell had activated with SUCCESS and Malice FELT the immediately block of the spell...and impending back lash::

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian smirks. Karen had picked up on the same thing that SHE HAD, and the two witches were able to save Alycia and Zack, and STUMBLE Malice just enough to distract her!::

It would appear that the Doctor has checked you AGAIN, Malice. Seem's like she's going to be as much of a thorn in your side as WE are. You will find that WE do not cower in fear of our enemies, we FIGHT THEM. We do not admit defeat until the least breath is crushed from our breast!


do not be so hasty then, to count this day as YOURS!

:: As Guardian's astral form was now on the same plane as Malice, Guardian could at the very least disrupt the astral projection. Which she did with a look of vicious cathartic glee as she thrust her hands forward ala Piper Halliwell and BLASTED Malice's astral form, blowing it up as the "shards" from the shattered form spread outward and flickered before vanishing.::

:: Guardian looked at her team before her form faded away in a swirl of blue swirling orbs...and her physical form regained full consciousness with a GASP of surprise as she placed her hand to her chest::

::back in her body::

::GASP!::

Haleigh, Delilah....I "SAW" it! This was just a prelude! Malice came here to PERSONALLY retaliate against us but it is not the end! ....get Zack and bring him up to Morgan's floor with us. Once there Karen can check him and Alycia over for any damage from Malice's psychic assault and protect them as well while we go outside.....the WILDpack , Blackout and a small ARMY of Mystech's strongest technological front is closing in on MysTech....Malice isnt through yet! We need to get suited up and ready to go now!

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach lay on his back, sprawled out on the bathroom, his eyes rolled back, blood seeping from his ears and nose. His body had taken to tremors quickly, as the dogs spilled into the bathroom, barking and whining to call attention, as Zach had fallen silent and was very near unconsciousness. The great dane puppy pawed at Zach's chest and whimpered, as if trying to coax him back. Delta, the blue doberman, began steady and rhythmic barking that resounded throughout the entire apartment. Echo, the brindle boxer, licked Zach's face...

Haleigh smiled and nodded knowingly as Malice responded. She had a cool head and a cold disposition, and conversed with Malice as if they WEREN'T gambling with people's lives.

"Ah.... too true, Malice.... but do BELIEVE me when I say... If I had WANTED to get away with it.... I WOULD HAVE!"

Alison did her thing, and Blaze disappeared to help Zach, but Haleigh looked bored.... she drew and sighed a deep breath, and turned her back to Malice to reach for her cup of tea, unequivocally audacious. She turned back around, taking a sip of tea and shrugging as Malice threatened that she would be next.

"Well.... if you want me, come and GET me. If you can't.... for whatever weakness you possess... then stop wasting YOUR energy and MY time, and GO HOME." She challenged, just before Alison dealt the final blow that caused Malice to disappear. Haleigh's demeanor suddenly shifted, as if she had JUST realized Alycia, Zach, and subsequently Blaze, were in mortal peril. A look of startled concern washed breifly over her face before it was replaced once more with determination, as Guardian returned and called them all to go to Morgan's penthouse.

"I'll meet you up there." Haleigh said urgently, as she dashed for the livingroom. Zach was beginning to sit up gingerly, reaching for Blaze now that the onslaught had finally ceased. Haleigh wasted no time and asked no questions, as she closed a hand around Blaze's wrist and clasped the other on Zach's shoulder, she activated her molecular displacement chip and all three of them slowly disentigrated, heading for Morgan's floor...

[Malice]

:: Malice jolts violently in her seat within the office pool. exhaling loudly as her body is jarred from the SHOCK and abrupt ending of her astral form courtesy of Guardian.::


::as she opens her eyes and recounts the situation, she remembers that not only had Guardian succeeded in disrupting her astral form, but that Karen had cast a spell to halt the psychic attack, saving Alycia and Zack from certain death!::


UGH!

CURSES!!

:: Malice is clearly agitated, but after a moment, she settles herself and leans back in her chair, pondering the situation.::

So, the doctor will insist on interferring. A mother's instinct.....i should not have discounted her so quickly. The members of the Six, cut down by half are as resilient as they ever were.

::smiling with perverse joy::

it will be even MORE fun dismantling them and breaking their spirit::


::to Blackout and the WILDpack::

GO forward! strike with the fury of a lightning storm. When they fight back, I will signal YOU Blackout, when it is time to transform!

[Oracle]

<< at Malice's command, drones, army eyes, mini sentinels and WILDpark soldiers armed with high powered repulsor and plasma artilery converged on Illustra. Proximity alarms began going off as Black Widow's security cameras would reveal hostile targets on every side of Illustra. it was going to be a serious fire fight>>


<< an army eye floated high up...reaching up to the 107th floor.....and giving Dr. Karen Victoria, Black Widow, Zack and Alycia a full view of itself before it swept over them with some kind of light beam...scanning them apparently and transferring the data down to those below. Then, without warning. the Army Eye lived up to its function and launched itself at the building and detonating with TREMENDOUS impact. the force field surrounding the building held up but the shockwave shook it from top to bottom never the less. the battle lines were drawn. it was time to fight.>>

<< and this time, it was personal>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh, Zach, and Blaze appear in Morgan's living room in much the same manner that they'd left Haleigh's. Zach was seated on the couch, Haleigh standing next to him, and Blaze on the floor at their feet. Haleigh reached a hand up to Zach's jawline, lifting his chin to look into his eyes.

"Dilated. Are you sure you're okay?? Karen, could you come have a look at him, please?"

She asked, as she knelt to lift Blaze from the floor, laying her on the couch next to Zach with tender loving care. "Blaze too.... she's.... sleeping, it seems. She must have wiped herself out, using so much power.... I can't believe she did that....."

Zach seemed to be regaining full senses, and though his voice was raspy and low. "She did what she thought needed to be done. She loves you.... and I can't blame her.... I mean.... look at you."

Haleigh draws back, a look of almost surprise and disbelief in her eyes, her brow furrowed with curiousity. During the move from her place to Morgan's, Haleigh had acquired her leather battle dress uniform, which was appropriately feminine and practical. It was black with red accents, high collared and form fitting, and as before, her belt bore the red hourglass symbol that marked her moniker. Zach, with a sparkle in his eye, continued on.

"You should wear this to bed sometime..." he remarked, prompting Haleigh to scoff in pretended offense and swat him playfully on the chest.

"HONESTLY Zachary... now is NOT the time." She responded seriously, though with a hint of amusement. Sensing he was lightening her mood, however slightly, he kept the pretense up. "I BEG TO DIFFER. I almost DIED... and I haven't had sex in like, TWO DAYS.... what a terrible fate!"

Haleigh stood up, arms across her chest, a smirk playing on her lips. "Never mind Doctor... Zach's FINE.... it seems all Malice managed to do was squeeze the blood to his OTHER head."

"Touche." He replied simply. Haleigh turned to face Alison and Delilah who had arrived already. She took a deep breath, adjusting her gloves and placing her hands on her hips.

"Alright Ladies.... moment of truth. We're outnumbered REAL bad on this one... ABOVE ALL... we have GOT to stick together. as a team.... we have more power than Malice could ever HOPE for, even with Alexis at her side. Apart, however... we are fallible. No matter WHAT happens-- and Malice is going to play mind games-- we HAVE to rely on each other to survive." Haleigh watches in interrupted silence as the 'eye' appears over Alison and Delilah's shoulders. Alarms began resounding throughout the halls. the eye crashed into Illustra's protective forcefield and exploded, rocking the skyscraper to its very foundation. Morgan's living room tv flickered on, as Haleigh scanned through surviellance cameras. They were surrounded by the wildpack... it was do or die time.

"Well.... we'd better get out there and face them... lest they bring the enitre city block down around us."

[Shockwave]

:: Leaning back against one of the building's brick walls as she waited, Alexis sighed out becoming rather bored. But as she was contemplating the different ways she was going to kill the members of the six, suddenly, her eyes turned stark white. She was able to see AND hear the confrontation between Malice and the six, giving her a birds eye view of the torture Malice was bestowing upon them. It was quite fabulous and Alexis couldn't help but smile. Although Haleigh did damper her mood a bit with her snarky "confident" attitude toward Malice, which only made her look like more of a heartless know-it-all. ::

:: Soon everything faded back to normal, indicating Malice had done her deed and it was just a matter of time before the attack went underway. Stepping toward the end of the alley way, Alexis pressed her body up against the wall, carefully peering toward the entrance of Illustra. Seeing an army of WILDPack soldiers appear suddenly, a cold smile tugged on Alexis' lips. ::

:: Within seconds, sirens could be heard bellowing from the tower of Illustra. Lifting her head, her eyes caught a glimpse of the eye-like machine that rammed into the building starting the onslaught against the six. Reverting her attention back to the WILDPack, she watched as they began their attack against the main entrance of Illustra. Snapping her fingers, Alexis' body glamoured back into her 'Morgan' state, waiting for her cue. ::

"Here kitty kitty kitty..."

:: Grinning as the plasma blasts the WILDPack unleashed against some of Haleigh's soldiers illuminated the immediate area, Alexis watched with delight as they began to slaughter Haleigh's men. It just made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. ::

[Harbinger]

:: coming from down the hall leading to the bedrooms of Morgan's penthouse, Guardian was now in her newly designed, black one shoulder , form fitting costume w/ gloves and high heeled boots. her blue/black hair was parted down the middle and in a sleek straight bob. she looked determined as ever.::

Karen has checked over Alycia. despite having a nasty headache, she will be okay. Karen can protect Zach and Alycia against any further psychic attacks, and her own warding spells can make sure this environment around them does not change at all.

:: looking at Karen::

The odds are not in our favor. If anything should happen, take Zach , Blaze and Alycia, and the cats and escape through the stepping disc that Morgan bound to this penthouse. It will take you to Limbo, specificially Ororo's garden were you will all be safe.

There's no sign of Blackout among the attacking WILDpack and Mystech drones, she's either hidden herself or she's with Malice. Either way, we are heading into a riptide of uncertainty....so clouded is the future that i cannot clearly scan. But ONE thing is clear....everything we THINK we know, is about to be tested.

::Guardian looked upon Black Widow and MorningStar. 3 against an army...the odds looked impossible, but the "impossible" was quickly becoming The Six's stock and trade::

We must go now, the WILDpack or over powering your men Haleigh, and they should not be made to fight battles which they cannot hope to win.

Karen, once we leave here, please seal off this floor with your warding spells, Delilah will back you up with a laser forcefield that seals off everything from the control room UP to this floor.

::with that, Guardian stands between Black Widow and MorningStar and TELEBLINKS them from the top of Illustra...down to the office park ground around the building on the outside....the sounds of battle and chaos were EVERwhere with flashes of energy, screams of agression and pain and more.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen was in her flying suit, looking rather serious and agitated at the same time. She couldnt believe what Malice had done...and yet in her soul, this was JUST the sort of thing she would have expected from the woman who destroyed HER family.>>

<< as the others arrived, Karen began to check over Zach>>

Alycia is shaken up...with a headache but her vitals are normal, she'll be fine now.


<<smirking as he and Haleigh engaged in such spontaneous banter.>>

ah to be young and in love. I remember my youth with Christopher...before the spectre of MysTech cast its shadow on and THROUGH our lives. these two have such energy and passion between them. it is good to see that the destiny of The Six does not prevent these young people from finding some life and love


<< as Haleigh declared "there was nothing wrong with Zach", Karen nodded her head as she chuckled and waved her finger at Zach>>

now, Zachary, you're a very NAUGHTY boy! speaking like that in the presence of ladies!

<< her playfull scolding of him was like that of a Mother joking with her child's friends. it was a sign that Karen had grown to except Haleigh as much as she did the others>>

<< Guardian came out and Karen went to stand with them as they went over last minute details. The outlook was grim and Karen knew that....she had to speak up>>

All of you.....i feel that I should be going with you. I can make SURE that Zach, Blaze and Alycia remain safe and unharmed with my magicks.....but You're all so..YOUNG...you have so much life to live. You cannot rush into this without knowing what the ULTIMATE RISK is. Alison, Delilah, you're like my daughters....you were Morgan's "sisters"...there for her when even I and Ororo could not be.... and Haleigh, you've grown so much, I have come to respect you as a woman and have seen the honor and courage that is within you....but Malice...took away my husband and my daughter, i don't want to see any more of your lives lost to this woman and her evil. Let me go with you....HELP YOU!

<< Karen's tone was clear, elegant but SERIOUS...there was a passion behind her words. She hated Malice to such an extent...that it could almost take on a life of its own, but whatever her feelings....she did NOT want to see any more of these young people DIE by the hand of MysTech>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach smiled mischievously and tried to play innocent, as Karen looked him over. He too had a headache, but other than that, he felt okay. Karen turned to address the rest of the group, and Zach turned his attention to Blaze, checking her for fever and pulse.

This time, Haleigh truly was shocked, so much that she let it show. Karen had always kept Haleigh at arms length, a professional relationship and nothing more.

"Karen.... I... [after a beat] Thank you. That means a lot." She replies, with a soft smile. "You have as much personal stake in this as any of us... if you want to join us... then we are in no position to deny you."

Zach chimed in, ushering them along. "Alison is right Haleigh... I can feel their pain. Your defense unit is not large enough to withstand such an attack for very long. WE will be fine.... YOU must go, knock 'em dead. Good luck, ladies."

We're going to need a helluva lot more than luck.... we'll need the power to move heaven and earth. Haleigh thought despondently but did not say. Guardian blinked them all down to ground zero. Haleigh scanned the chaos quickly and wasted no time. "Alright Girls... LET RAISE HELL!" Haleigh yelled over the noise, as CI agents began to pull back and form a protective line directly in front of the Three [;)] and Karen. Her men all fired automatic weapons in unison, sending a volley of machine gunfire into the WildPack ranks. She stretched her hands out in front of her, her eyes going out of focus... Instantly, the lamp posts along the sidewalk sprung to life, flowing snakelike, sweeping down into the WildPack and then parallel to the ground, knocking down anyone in range. Cars parks along the street suddenly revved to life, their headlights flashing and intense bright, blinding victims before mowing them down.

[Oracle]

<<With Alycia, Zack and Blaze safely secured in Morgan's penthouse, Karen takes final precautions as the rest of the women head down. and so it goes, the Six (down by three) arrive down on ground level outside Illustra in the office park/plaza. Black Widow leads off the attack with a clever, wide reaching front to allow her men to pull back and regroup. The battle is joined, where it will go now is anyone's guess>>

[Harbinger]

:: Outside, Guardian asseses the situation and as Black Widow leads off, Guardian focuses her attention on some approaching drones, large non piloted robots that use brute physical force and are USUALLY equipped to deal with telepaths. the last time the Six had seen these was back when the group first came together, during the night the Citadle went critical::


:: She BEGAN by ACCELERATING the temporal fields around the bullets fired by Black Widow's men....allowing them to VIOLENTLY SPRAY/PELT the WILDpark with their firepower..but the WILDpack would not be so easily dispatched as they were now powered by the T.O. virus. extending her arm out and slightly up and gesturing ala Prue Halliwell, a rushing chimming sound is heard as two of the drones violently veer off course and slam into two others....and THEY come slamming DOWNWARD smashing into WILDpack soldiers who have been scattered by the light posts and cars under Black Widow's controll::

I've got to move away.....the ARMY EYES are programed to go after ME specificially and if i stay here...you two will be in danger as well!

:: Guardian blinks away from Black Widow and MorningStar....now on top of a grassy knoll a few feet away...the "Army Eyes" were closing in on her...firing laser blasts in random firing patterns. Guardian quickly manifests a forcefield in front of her to deflect the first wave.::

a random firing pattern. they figure they can "trick" me..a pre cog with a random firing pattern. have to give them credit for trying.

::thrusting her hands forward ala Piper Halliwell, Guardian begins to BLOW UP some of the Army Eyes....the anti personnell orbs begin to shatter violently with firey explosion as the Seer blasts several out of the air at a time. ..but for every couple she blows up ....MORE arrive. it is clear that its not their fire power that will be the problem...it is their VOLUME!::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah did as Alison instructed and sealed off the top floors of Illustra against attack. Finding herself in the midst of a battle without three of their numbers, she set about earning her place amongst those left behind.

She saw Alison take on not only a group of drones but also draw away the army eyes. Noticing the WILDpack soldiers coming at them, she scoffed. ]

"I remember some of your comrades fondly - let me reunite you with them."

[ Delilah threw her hands immediately out in front of her, and photon "bullets" sprayed from her fingers directed at the soldiers. ]

[Shockwave]

:: Smiling as Haleigh used a very creative attack to break up the WILDPack, soon Delilah began to attack them with photon bullets. But what really got Alexis' attention was the fact that Alison was away from the group, battling the "mechanical eyes" by herself. ::

"Perfect.."

:: Lifting her eyes up to one of the street lamps that was close by, Alexis squinted her eyes sending a surge of electricity throughout the lamp, making it explode to get Alison's attention. Sparks flew everywhere, and the entire area was illuminated, now casting a light onto "Morgan", who Alison would see standing in the distance. ::

[Malice]

:: Malice, sitting in the office pool of the abandonned Citadle across town, is monitoring the battle telepathically...with an aerial view of everything. She sits still and focused as a white halo glows around her head and hands. and her eyes glow solid white::

Excellent! Starting with the one person in the group who will be theoretically the HARDEST to trick, it will be much easier to play upon the fears and emotions of the rest of the team.


:: reaching out to Alexis's mind, Malice communicated with her::

do it with confidence Alexis, just as Morgan would. I will back your play with my powers so do not falter


:: Malice, an omega class telepath, begins to reach out with her psi and empathy powers...subtlely touching Alion's emotional core again only this time not to evoke anger...but to evoke memories and sensations that could ONLY be associated with Morgan's presence.::

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian continue to lash out , blasting away Army Eyes. She thrust a gloved hand out and "True froze" one of them...encasing it in a THICK block of ice before waving her hand and TKing it into and THROUGH a group of others....almost like an improvised bowling ball strike::

:: the witch was capable of holding her ground but she would have to ESCALATE if she were to deal with this never ending swarm of army eyes that were designed with HER in mind. a SPELL of some kind was needed......but before she could search her mind for an idea, she turned to see a light pole near by surging violently and exploding with power..::


What.....?

:: holding her hand out to continue to deflect laser blasts with her force field, Guardian looked over and saw in the distance...a figure of a woman. the light shown down on the woman...she was tall, beautifull, ELEGANT...blonde hair...double highlights....the costume...the same that MORGAN had worn the night she died...only it was tattered.::


....NO! it cannot BE!

:: Alison's cobalt blue eyes widened at the site of this woman...this was more than a "ploy"...memories of the night with Master Mold began to flood back. the site of Morgan in the distance hit Alison like a TRUCK as her face "screamed" out to the Seer. Guardian TRULY felt the sensation in her heart of hearts that this WAS IN FACT MORGAN VICTORIA::

MORGAN!

:: Guardian cried out just as an four Army eyes flew forward in a tight , fast flight pattern and SLAMMED into Guardian's force field, detonating on impact::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh held her ground. The wildpack members began to turn away from her, to face the sound of squealing tires and reversing cars. They opened fire on the vehicles, turning them into zooming fireballs with such intense heat that it could be FELT for several yards. It was one of the most ill advised moves the assembly made, as Haleigh continued to plow them over with the burning masses, only now, anyone resilient enough to get up after getting hit would be afire. Members of the Wildpack began diving out of the way, and the few would still had weapons tried to make a stand.

Haleigh smiled.... did they not realize who they were up against? And here Haleigh had assumed they'd done their homework. As several of the remaining band raised plasma guns, Haleigh pointed to them one by one. The barrels of their weapons suddenly became unbearably heavy... as Haleigh filled each with custom fitting steel rods, clogging their guns and causing them to EXPLODE as soon as the triggers were pulled.

Haleigh paused, as the near desecrated wildpack army began regrouping. Alison had just called for Morgan.... but why would she do that? Haleigh could see Alison a few feet away... and she hurried there. The Army eyes began attacking her forcefield, and Haleigh could see that Alison was distracted, looking at someone... Haleigh payed no never mind the the Army eyes... and with good reason, for as she walked, a transparent globe of dim blue light began to emanate directly FROM her... encompassing her and creating a 'buffer zone' of about 100 feet in all directions from her... and any Army eyes that came into the globe lasted only seconds before short circuiting and dropping from the air like flys.

"Guardian!"

Haleigh called as she came to the top of the grassy knoll. Haleigh followed Alison's line of sight and took in one of the most shocking views of her life. Was that.... no... could it be.... Morgan? Alison seemed to believe so. Haleigh was instantly skeptical. No.... I SAW her... the siege perilous got her. Haleigh could still hear Morgan's final scream, and in her minds eye, she relive the horror of being unable to save Morgan... it cemented the notion that this couldn't be real. But Alison is SO convinced.... She thought..... it was counter-intuitive... Ali was the least likely of them all to be fooled by one of Malice's illusions. Haleigh stared at 'Morgan', mentally scanning, in search of Morgan's DNA code.

"Alison, wait... Don't move."

[Oracle]

<< While MorningStar fended off more WILDpack soldiers, helping to whittle down their numbers, Haleigh went over to Alison and from the distance in the darkness...there seemed to be a subtle fog flowing low in the air. from under the light pole that was flickering and sparking, Haleigh saw what Alison saw. the tall , elegant woman, in the same costume she wore the night she died. the costume appeared tattered, signs of a horrific battle, and the woman herself looked disoriented.>>


<< as Haleigh attempted to scan, the image of the woman seemed to rush forward TO HER in her mind. Haleigh immediately began to experience the memories of the night Morgan died. her emotional core responded as though it WERE IN FACT Morgan, Just as ALISON had responded before.>>

<< in all the ways that seemed to MATTER, this was in fact Morgan!>>

[Harbinger]

:: Despite the Army Eye's combined effort, and the spectacular explosion, the force field held up. More Army eyes were closing in but Guardian was almost transfixed by the sight of "morgan".....shaking her head as Haleigh came close, using her own ambient blue field to repell the army eyes or nullify them, whichever came first::

Do you see her!?

:: Guardian's voice almost cracked with disbelief::

nothing i sense indicates that it's an illusion. i FEEL that it is HER! she's even wearing the last costume she wore the night she died..consistent with an unexpected "return"......she appears disoriented!

::Guardian waited on pins and needles as Haleigh attempted to scan this woman...hoping against hope that this wasnt all an illusion. but her HEART tugged at her....it just seemed RIGHT::


:: as a drone began lumbering toward the two women from the side, Guardian turned and with a look of extreme agitation, she lashed out, thrusting her hands ala Piper Halliwell and BLASTING the drone apart violently...not even giving it a moment's notice as the debris fell to the ground::

MorningStar, regroup!!! Morgan....she's ALIVE!!

[Malice]

:: Malice continued to activate her omega level telepathic and empathic abilities. all around her, flickering images of The remainding Six: Guardian, MorningStar and Black Widow hovered, there were glowing white halos around the heads and heart areas of Black Widow and MorningStar while only the heart area of Guardian glowed a soft white hue.::


:: Malice herself sat in the meditative position, with her eyes open and glowing solid white and a glowing white halo around her head and around her hands....the soft hum of power was heard in the air as her mind's eye viewed the events outside of Illustra from an aerial view. each member of the six showed as a sparkling white star...registering with varying degrees of intensity on the astral plane, with Guardian's signature being the dimmest because of her PSI Screen::


That's right Guardian....breath deeply and surrender to your heart. Let it lead you down a road that you didnt think possible. For with YOU convinced in your heart of hearts...the others will allow themselves to believe that which could not be possible

:: Malice grinned as her laugh echoed softly in the abandonned office pool and across the astral plane itself. The White Queen's plan was playing out perfectly::

[Shockwave]

:: Alison had spotted her, and her look was of absolute shock. Gasping in as Morgan, Alexis lifted her hand to her forehead, making herself seem very disoriented about what was going on. Placing her other hand on the brick wall for "support", Alexis kept her eyes cast down away from Guardian as Black Widow joined her. ::

:: Shaking her head gently, 'Morgan's' shoulder length, blonde, double highlighted locks flowed elegantly down her shoulders and onto her tattered leather battle suit. Lifting her violet eyes, she heard Alison call for Morningstar stating that Morgan was alive. Suppressing a smirk...they were putty in her hands. ::

:: Watching as the mechanical eyes continued to their onslaught of attacks, Alexis narrowed her eyes very slightly, locking onto each of the eye's energy signals. Telekinetically moving the eyes into a circular patter around the six via their energy signal, Alexis gasped in, placing her hand onto her chest. ::

"NO!"

:: Screaming out, Morgan's voice rose above the noise. To the six it seemed as though Morgan suddenly snapped out of her dazed state, seeing the eyes circle around them preparing to attack. Running forward, Morgan's spike healed boots clicked violently along the concrete as she began to sprint toward the group. Waving her arm ala Prue, Alexis slammed a pair of eyes into one another while frying their circuits from the inside out. To the six, it looked like Morgan was using her powers over the wind. Waving her arm again, she did the same attack to another pair of the eyes, destroying them instantly. ::

:: Panting out, Morgan slowed to a stop near the six and turned to the WILDPack who seemed to move in formation closer toward the group--just as planned. ::

"You bottom feeding, cess pool rejects, NEVER LEARN!"

:: Waving her arm out, a MASSIVE energy disc appeared horizontally above the massive group of WILDPack soldiers. Although clearly an energy disc to Alexis, to the members of the six, Malice would cloud their minds making them "see" Morgan's trademark STEPPING DISCS. The energy disc began to lower, instantly incinerating the group of WILDPack, but again, to the six, making it look like they were being sent to Limbo. The disc dissipated/closed, and all was still. Only the short breaths Morgan panted out could be heard as she stood in "shock" looking out to where the battle HAD taken place. All the eyes, WILDPack, and other drones Malice had sent were gone........ ::

:: Fluttering her long lashes, Morgan shifted her eyes from side to side...Alexis making it seem she was trying to figure out what had happened. Finally turning to the three woman, Morgan’s stunning violet eyes met with Haleigh’s and Delilah’s, before falling upon Alison. ::

“Alison.....”

[Jessica Hamby]

"Oh yes.... I see her. So bizarre... HER DNA, alright... but its... i don't know.... duplicated? ...no. cloned? not quite... imitated?? its like I'm looking at a PICTURE of her DNA.... and yet.... there IS a body standing over there... stable vitals, living, breathing flesh..."

Alison called for Delilah, and 'Morgan' got rid of the rest of the Wildpack AND the drones.... but Haleigh still had her reservations... for Haleigh could take her heart and turn it off, and though at the very core of her being she WANTED this to be true... Haleigh's MIND tugged at her... It just seemed WRONG.

"Alison... wait... THINK about this.... remember what you told me about the Siege Perilous? Through the powerfull vortex of the gem lies the ULTIMATE cosmic judgement. A person is judged on the totality of their deeds and spirit and then...depending on what the cosmic forces decide...they are rearranged to reflect a totally DIFFERENT angle/aspect of their being in this and every reality. They are placed in a completely new life with no memory of the former. SO.... WHY is she HERE?? Why is Morgan exempt from the gem? Why HERE.... this isnt where she died. Why NOW, nearly THREE days later? and WHY do I STILL feel like this is a trap?"

Haleigh'd spent most of her life carefully calculating every move... and even SHE felt like she was being paranoid... but years of questioning EVERY thing and EVERYONE were deeply ingrained in her very nature.... and rightfully so... it had kept her alive THIS long, hadn't it?

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was taking more pleasure than usual in dispatching the WILDpack soldiers in quick succession when she heard Alison call to her. ]

And I'm supposed to have such great hearing, I thought she said...

[ She turned heard head to where Alison was looking and her face fell. ]

It CAN'T be!

[ Her face erupted into elation - Morgan was alive! Ororo had been right. She had known it. She had known Morgan couldn't really be dead. Not really.

She began to run towards the figure of Morgan. She turned her head and called back to Guardian. ]

"Alison! She could be hurt - we need to help her!"

[Harbinger]

:: before Guardian could make a move, Black Widow advised her to wait. As MorningStar joined them, all three women watched as "Morgan" removed the present army of WILDpack and Drones.::

::Guardian looked on, confused, slightly disoriented. She couldnt believe what she was seeing, but with every heart beat...she felt that this was in fact Morgan. Black Widow's scans suggested that this might be a clone.....But Alison was not sure which way to go::


::shaking her head::

Haleigh, Morgan is apart of a unique cross time trinity. Each version of herself has access to Limbo. Each version IS the other...tailored to their reality and all three of them posses the basic power to circumvent time and space via stepping discs.

Ororo had suggested at one point that it was possible Morgan could have teleported herself to safety once she was pulled into the vortex...the discs activate with the speed of thought. If she was LOST through the layers of time and space...that might explain why she looks so disoriented now. Perhaps passing through the Seige Perilous, its attempt to "rearrange her" was foiled by her escape.

She's wearing the exact same costume she wore before she died, its as if she's been deposited right back into the reality from which she was snatched.

Delilah is right, We have to HELP HER Haleigh!

::Alison's voice seemed a tad bit frantic, the sight and shock of seeing "Morgan" at THIS of all times coupled with the behind the scenes manipulation of Malice....was apparently taking the effect Malice had anticipated::

::Guardian slipped down off the grassy knoll, walking carefully toward Morgan, her steps slow and hesitated as her high heeled boots moved across the concrete, one fist clenched, the other hand relaxed...and slightly raised. the darkness was only negated by a small ray of light that beamed down upon "Morgan"::

Morgan? are you...okay? is that really you?

[Shockwave]

:: Haleigh and her damn suspicions...that woman needed a muzzle and quick before she planted any seeds of doubt that she wasn't Morgan. Listening to Alison describe the best scenario she could come up with as to why Morgan was standing her alive, this was Alexis' cue. Lifting her gloved hand to her forehead, she lowered her gaze to the ground as she fan her fingers throughout Morgan's blonde, double highlighted locks. Breathing slowly, Alexis lifted her eyes seeing Alison approach with caution. ::

"I-I'm fine...I'm a little confused--"

:: Lowering her brows, Alexis reached for Alison's hand and captured it within her own. A look of confusion radiated from Morgan's violet eyes. ::

"Of course it's me, Alison."

:: Squeezing Alison's hand gently, it took everything Alexis had not to vomit right then and there. Alison's doey eyes, her soft voice coated with concern...GOD it was utterly heartwarming...like something off of 7th Heaven. ::

"Why are the WILDPack back? I sent them to Limbo during the Wyndemere caper....What's going on Alison? What happened to me?"

:: Making herself seemed completely overwhelmed by what was going on, even Morgan would find herself in shock if put in the situation. Glancing out to where she had destroyed the massive group of WILDPack soldiers, Alexis moved her eyes back to Alison keeping a subtle shocked expression on her face. I should win a damn an Oscar for this.. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Alison had solid, logical answers.... answers that appealed to Haleigh's mind just as the look in Alison's eyes appealed to Haleigh's heart. Her lips pursed and her brow furrowed, Haleigh nodded, conceding reluctantly. She let Alison go to Morgan, as she herself descended the hill, watching Morgan warily.

yeah, because if it ISNT her... she'll be honest about it, in the face of being obliterated for trying to swindle us into believing she's our dead teammate. Haleigh thought sarcastically. She looked around them, out into the darkness, for lurking danger. Ever vigilant, she wasnt about to allow them to be bumrushed. She didn't rush to Morgan's side like the others. Didn't fawn over the sorceress prodigy. In fact, as Haleigh neared, her eyes took on a suspicious glint.... and though she had relented to Alison's suggestions... Haleigh was still a little circumspect, and it could be heard in her voice as she addressed Morgan.

"Morgan... so good to see you. You'll have to forgive my wariness... my nature, and what not. Tell me, Rabbit... WHAT did I call the kitten I gave you when I announced my return?"

Something only they would know. Haleigh compartmentalized the answer, hiding it deeply in her mind. She knew all too well that if Malice was anywhere behind this.... she would probe her mind to find the answer. Haleigh cleared her mind of thought, save for this: FUCK you Malice, if you're reading this. Don't think I won't know it if you're kicking around in my own mind. I know too much about you now to be unprepared, Diana.

[Malice]

:: Malice continued to sit in the office pool, only the hint of intermitent power hummed/flickered about the office pool. Malice herself sat quietly and focused in her meditative position, watching the events outside of Illustra in "real time" courtesy of her mind's eye.::

::things SO FAR had gone according to plan, but despite Alexis' complete glamor into Morgan bolstered by Malice's telepathic/empathic manipulations and illustions to back her play, Black Widow's highly logical mind and hybrid nature, along with her own personal experiences allowed her to remain slightly skeptical on a deep seated level despite what her heart was telling her.::

a clever move, designed to trip up Alexis! Black Widow knows that I could probe her for the answer but instead, i will give her what she is LOOKING FOR!

::Malice closed her glowing white eyes, as she resumed her monitoring and sustained projection/manipulation....about to unleash her next counter measure::

[Oracle]

<<outside of Illustra, the uncertain situation unfolded. the shocking appearence of Morgan, whom was believed dead, and apparently still possesed of her powers as she dispatched the WILDpack and drones of Mystech>>

<< as Guardian came close, with a look of concern and an air of caution about her, Black Widow and MorningStar drew close as well...all three women understandably confused but hoping against all odds that this was in fact the REAL Morgan Victoria and not some cruel trick.>>

<< all sings, all FEELINGS and even the senses told these women that what they saw before them was in fact Morgan. it should be IMPOSSIBLE, at least for now, but there she was just the same. >>


<< but even as Black Widow expressed lingering doubt, the possibility of this being a trick would be certainly be addressed as Blackout herself emerged from the shadows of the downward ramp to the underground parking structure of Illustra, laughing at these women.>>


Blackout: what's the matter ladies? so unsure of yourselves that you're too stupid to help your own? Morgan just saved your asses and you're still out here in the open.

<< "Blackout" takes aim at the women, and unleashes a MASSIVE energy plasma ball that thunders across the way and SLAMS into the women..all around them becomes bright white and they are hit with an intense BURNING blast of energy>>

[Foxfire]

After all hell broke lose back in Illustra, Blaze had once again slumbered into the familiar world of unconsciousness. This time it was not the result of Alison's sleeping spells, but from the sheer pain and agony of attempting to heal Haleigh's beloved finance. After having been transported to Morgan's penthouse, Blaze would be under Karen Victoria's care.

The powerful sorceress was able to care and nurture the fallen mutant. But even Haleigh found the mutant's bravery remarkable. It was Blaze whose fiery nature kept the team intact, but without her in battle they would be outnumbered. The odds would be in Malice and Blackout's favor. Or so they thought.

Sage green pools blinked as shards of light illuminated down against the dark pupils. A few meek groans were heard from the spacious sofa at Morgan's penthouse. Sitting up slowly, Blaze had awoken. Her head possessing a dull ache but nothing compared to the atrocious ache she suffered earlier. Consequences for assisting Zack in attempt to save his life.

Sage green eyes flickered and pulsated with the mutant recovering at a rapid pace. Cracking her neck, the awful sound of bones popped as she stretched her lithe form. Standing up, Blaze registered the other leading ladies of the Six departed for battle. Noticing Doctor Victoria crawled up on the arm chair, she casually strolled over. A bright smile lighting up her heart - shaped face.

Pulling a thick blanket from the couch she moved to enrapture the good doctor in the fabric. Leaning in, Blaze warmly planted a gentle kiss on Dr. Victoria's cheek. Her fingertips massaging the platinum blonde locks back from Karen's eyelids.

Walking along to one of the side windows, she peered outside. Cries from the on - going battle stealing her attention.

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian looked at Black Widow with an expression of concern. Suddenly she felt like something was amiss but she couldnt CLEARLY focus on it like she would normally. her heart , her emotions, her desire for that which was supposed to be IMPOSSIBLE were magnified 10xfold by Malice & not just in Guardian but in all three women.::

::but even as Black Widow attempted to settle any lingering doubts she had about "Morgan"...attention was diverted as "BLACKOUT" herself emerged from the entrance ramp to the underground parking structure. Looking ever so smug and disdainfull toward the Six, she taunted them about being too stupid and too distrusting to know when one of their own needed help.::

::"Blackout" unleashes a giant ballistic plasma blast at the group::

NO!!

:: Guardian turns on her high heel and frantically throws her hand out and gestures ala Prue Halliwell. a rushing/chiming sound is hard as Guardian desperately tries to deflect/TK the blast back at "BlackOut" but unknown to her, unknown to ANY of the women, this is an ELABORATE telepathic illusion. Guardian's powers cant effect what really isnt THERE and so the BLAST makes thunderous CONTACT with the group of women!::

[Oracle]

<< Black Widow's own mistrust and paranoia provided Malice with the perfect way to distract them from the question of "Morgan". as "Blackout" emerged and attacked the group with fast, brutal and relentless zeal.>>

<< the giant ballistic plasma blast STRIKES the trio of women INSPITE of Guardian's attempts to TK it back. the crash of thunder and flooding of white light preceeds the immense feeling of PHYSICALL pain for Guardian and extreme PSYCHIC pain for MorningStar and Black Widow before finally all three women BLACK OUT.>>


<< "Morgan" stands there, looking down upon the fallen women as they lay unconscious and motionless on the ground. it was at Malice's mental prompt that Blackout (masquerading as Morgan) subtlely released a powerfull electrical current to bolster the Illusion of "Blackout's" attack which distracted them from the question at hand, insuring that the three women would be definatively knocked out.>>


<< nothing remains but the fading echo of sounds of battle and chaos...and feeling of dread that hangs around Illustra now that the last three members of The Six have been defeated by Malice and Blackout. the smoke, debris and scorch marks from the fierce battle all symoblize a most caculated trap set by Malice and sprung effictvely.>>

<< if ever the Six were in need of help...now is the time.>>

[Shockwave]

:: Stupid bitch... Alexis ranted in her head as Haleigh tried to stump her with questions that only Haleigh and Morgan would know. But luckily for her, Malice was again thinking on her toes. Turning to see herself walking down the ramp, Alexis was actually startled...but not because she saw herself, but because of the sheer brilliance that Malice had! Allowing confusion to wash upon her face, Alexis turned to Alison and the others. ::

"Alexis..."

:: Looking back to the illusion of herself, Alexis' eyes widened seeing the large energy plasma ball hurling toward them. Watching Alison try to TK the illusion away, Alexis heard Malice's instructions loud and clear and subtly emitted a large electrical blast within the vicinity completely knocking out Black Widow, Morningstar, and Guardian. Jumping back and fall onto the ground as if she too was being hit, Alexis laid motionless for a few moments. Hearing nothing but silence, Blackout opened her eyes seeing the three woman unconscious. Letting out a low laugh, she swiftly pushed herself up off the concrete and began to walk toward Alison. ::

"Poor...poor Alison. Always the one to try and prove how truly tough you are. Playing off the fact that you have a 'marble' heart...when all the while, those emotions were brewing inside you. Waiting to get out....The fear, insecurity, pain, doubt, sadness; EVERYTHING you've internalized slowly leaking out at the sight of your fallen best friend. Your one, pervaling strength in this group--"

:: Dipping down, Alexis gently brushed Alison's blue/black hair away from her face. ::

"Was your ultimate downfall."

:: Whispering between them, Alexis smirked devilishly as her fingers lingered across Alison's cheek. ::

[Malice]

:: Malice, who sat in the dimly lit office pool, smirked with satisfaction as the final three members of The Six fall deep into their trap. ::


:: in her minds eye she watched as her telepathic illusion not only distracted them from Alexis, who was glamored as Morgan, but also allow for them to FINALLY lay the three women out all at once.::


:: as Blackout knelt down by the unconscious Alison, Malice's voice could be heard in the air...with a stereo effect::

Excellent work Blackout. Haleigh thought that she might out maneuver us, she thinks of herself as a strategist and this is perhaps her chess board. too bad she didnt realize that in chess, the most POWERFULL figures are the White and Black QUEENS


Have the WILDpack place the power neutralizers on Black Widow and MorningStar. Secure Guardian with the vapors of the Black Lotus which will KEEP HER unconscious and prevent her from using her powers to facilitate an escape. and bring them back to the medical office building. We shall deal with them accordingly


:: a small convoy arries and helps Alexis secure their prisoners and immediately jets off with them back to the medical office building, leaving the battle ground outside of Illustra silent, and empty with only the building itself and the lighting surrounding it, which itself is still flickering.::