Day of the other lights

[Oracle]

<< even as a ray of light brings hope to the hearts of the surviving members of the Six in Limbo...the shadow of darkness and death looms across the east coast as the United States and indeed the world are abuzz about the catastrophe in New York city and the far reaching destruction>>


<< emergency and rescue crews were working, reporters relaying information, some of it speculation and already the "spin doctors" of the media were putting their spin on it about the mutant menace. it appeared that Guardian was right, that the actions of Blackout had served to DAMAGE the progress that Sharon Kelly had made in the effort to further the cause of tolerance and mutant /meta human rights.>>

<< across the country, people reacted with shock and disbelief, even OTHER mutants/meta humans who had heard rumours about the "final battle" involving Mystech and an "as yet unidentified" group of women.>>


<< all the while, inthe now DECIMATED underground fortress that was once a technological jewel of MysTech called "The Citadle"......small fires still raged unchecked, power was now completely gone and all the floors from the bio systems lab to the horror hall and out to the hangar were completely pitch b lack. the hangar had been ravaged by the battle between Doctor Karen Victoria and the monster known as the Super Soldier. He had apparently been expunged by the power of shadow spell, and she was now maimed and dying ...unconscious among the rubble that surrounded her. wires and cable exposed spit out bursts of energy, dust and smoke clouded the air...and metal and stone rubble was everywhere.>>

<< Karen was alone....who would find her, who would save her? After all she had done, to die like this....it was not right.>>


<<but there was hope, The Six , as they were now were few in number but certainly not the ONLY mutants/meta humans/witches on the planet and as long as there others like them, there was always a light in the growing darkness that was the aftermath of this latest battle between MysTech and The Six>>

[Sasha]

Sasha turned up the TV as she watched the coverage of the disaster on the east coast. She sat on the couch folding her feet under her as she watched taking in the shock and disbelief in. She could feel it in her rattling bones that something... maybe the fate of the world was at stake. Even in LA, things seemed out of order. Rumors flew everywhere trying to explain the damage, and Sasha was determined to find out the real truth.

Her thought were then interrupted by the voice of her head of security. Deacon's smooth English accent rang through the air as he spoke, "Miss Kane... more reports on the East Coast Disaster have come in."

"Anything new?" Sasha replied with a wearied tone. She ran her fingers through her hair as she shifted on the cushion bringing her feet down flat on the marbled floor.

"Yes unfortunately... the President has made a statement blaming a group of meta-humans and mutants called The Six," Deacon replied tucking the folders in his hands under his arm. "It's expected that they'd use them as a scapegoat. At least it's something for people to chew on while the real people figure out and solve the problem."

"I'm a meta human too you know," Sasha replied rubbing her temples with her fingers. "I wonder how this is going to effect ASR, the west coast... even god forsaken MysTech. How about my father? And the current status of MysTech."

"The Citadle has been destroyed... reports aren't clear on the details quite yet. Both your father and mother have retreated to the Compound in Greece. They want no mistaken affiliation with MysTech of course," Deacon reported. Sasha nodded at each report showing only shock at the first tidbit of information.

"D-d-destroyed?" Sasha stammered as memories of the horrid place began to flash through her mind. This was the place she had spent almost 3 years at the mercy of Adam and Christopher. Dr. Victory and Dr. Chandler loomed over her as she lay trapped in a pool of water chained to the bottom. She had not developed her power of underwater breathing. Everytime she tried to breath, scream... water replaced the oxygen in her lungs. She almost drowned that day.

"Are you okay Sasha?" he asked in concern placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm fine... your dismissed Deacon," Sasha replied bringing her knees up to her chest. As the former-marine left, she stood again as soon as she had recovered some symbolence of composure. She walked over to the table on which stood a tall pitcher of water and a few glasses. She poured herself a glass of water drinking it almost immediately.

[Rampage]

Alone and naked, sitting crosslegged in the middle of his Philadelphia mansion, Nicolas was trying to relax. Relax is not really the right word. He was trying to COPE. He could 'hear' the fear and anguish of and the hatred for metahumans as it emanated from literally millions of minds at once. He could ignore it, but the magnitude of the attacks made the 'noise' resonate for him, made them an annoying draw upon his mind, so he decided to meditate. As he was finishing his deep breathing and visualization, allowing the faint buzz to slowly wash away, the silence is broken by the ringing of his cell phone. Nicolas presses the button on his Bluetooth and says,

"Hello Magnuss. Give it to me."

"Hello sir. My sources tell me that a battle at the Mystech Citadel apparently resulted in an energy discharge that destroyed most of the surrounding area. The authorities are closing in on the battle zone with extreme caution, and are authorized to shoot any survivors. This is very bad for the dreams of equality espoused by your father here and Senator Kelly there in the US. Our interests in terms of the businesses are far too insulated to be harmed, but what else do you propose we do? The press will surely be looking for a statement."

"Release the following statement: 'We are saddened at the loss of life and devastation that has visited New York. In the spirit of our founder's life and work we are establishing a fund for the rebuilding and retooling of the affected areas. This fund will receive $100 million dollars to start from the Gustav Magnusson charitable foundation, and the Magnusson Corporate Group will match donor contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum of an additional $100 million dollars. We encourage everyone worldwide to give of their hearts and to remember that this incident was only a few individuals. It is counterproductive to allow an entire group of people to be maligned over individual acts. All of us have a choice to do good or to do evil. Do not allow the evil of a few to incite evil from many. Thank you and know that we stand with you New York in your darkest hour.' You get that?"

"Done and done sir. The essay is excellent and I will secure a non-profit number for the fund immediately. The statement will be realeased and the deposit of funds will be executed within the next 12 hours. Magnuss out."

The connection ended and Nicolas stood up, stretching as he put on a cream-colored suit with a charcoal grey shirt and matching tie, socks and shoes. The hat and topcoat lay over the chair in his office as he turned on the TV and watched, along with the rest of America, the carnage in New York City.

[Ororo]

:: as Nicolas and Sasha both watched incoming reports of the disaster in NYC, and they reacted in their own individual ways...they would BOTH hear the faint echoing, rumbling thunder ..it sounded distant but as they looked outside, mysterious clouds began to roll in the sky and billow...darkening everything around the buildings they were each in. the winds rose in speed as well.::


:: simultaneously at both points of contact, a howling wind is heard as a spinning column of air with dead leaves flowing randomly within it forms...thunder crashes as Ororo appears before Nicolas and Sasha in their respective locations. She was able to bypass any security measures that the buildings offered and Nicolas would not be able to register her telepathically because of her psi screen, although he WOULD sense her presence because it was an astral projection. ::


Ororo: Do not be frightened, I am not here to harm you. My name is Ororo, and i need your assistance.

:: this strange , but elegant, beautifull woman stood before each one of them, as her silver hair flowed as whell as her white "goddess dress" and blue robe, she was unlike anything either one had seen before and Nicolas would especially be drawn to her because she was a black woman...a beautifull black woman. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas noticed the change in stmospheric pressure, the column of leaves that entered his study, yet the security did not alert him at all. He then realized that this was an extraphysical visit and decided to meet this 'visitor' accordingly. As he stood still and upright his astral form stepped forward to meet one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. His mental projection changed suit colors to match Ororo, with a white suit and matching blue tie and handkerchief. Although he could not sense her prescence on a psi level (a first for him), he could sense the purity of her soul in this projection and responded accordingly.

"What does one such as you require from me, madame? I will do all that I can to assist you. Name your difficulty."

The impression that Ororo left on Nicolas was returned in kind by the young mutant. His training and physical advantages left him as an impressive sight to behold. Nicolas looked into her eyes and waited for her to speak to him again. The immense good that she emanated from her projection gave him a sense of trust that he had not had before in anyone since his father or maybe Magnuss.

[Ororo]

:: Ororo stood tall and elegant, she saw the strength that eminated from the young man. She was happy to know that since her own time on Earth long ago that there were others like her that used their powers to benefit those less fortunate. It was one of the reasons why he registered when she scryed for those that were most suitable to help her in a most important task.::

:: she noted that he was able to meet her on the Astral Plane, a feat not possible for most. clearly he was possesed of great power.::

Ororo: I come to you from a realm beyond Earth, a dimension outside of time and space, but I once was OF the earth like you. Though i am no longer here full time, there are those that i care for and assist that are here...most of whom are about your age....and like you, they possess wonderous gifts. some mutant, some meta human and others magickal.

:: waving her hand, a trail of sparkling green orbs flows between them as images of Guardian, Black Widow, Foxfire and MorningStar appear all of the women are stood in their individual trademark poses, looking feminine and powerfull. it was the first time Nicolas had seen any of these women as they appeared in The Six::

Behold, the surviving members of a team simply known as The Six. They risk their lives to stand against the vast terrible powers that threaten this world....namely MysTech....the most powerfull commerical entity on the planet. They have suffered much as of late, and several of their number have died.

:: the image bubble shifts to recount the events leading to the disaster in NYC that Nicolas heard about he now gets a FIRST hand view of Malice, Blackout, the WILDpack and the raging battle between them and four women.::

Malice, a deadly powerfull omega class telepath/empath waged a vicious campaign against The surviving members of the Six. The result was a final, terrifying battle between the witch Guardian and the now insane methuman Blackout who was in fact a member of The Six before she was ensorcelled by Malice.

:: the image bubble replays the last terrifying moments in full detail for Nicolas to see::

"May you roit in HELL!"

:: Thrusting her hands out, palms facing Guardian, a massive beam of black energy shot toward the precog. The beam was as black as the night's sky, filled with every ounce of energy she drained out of the city....enough energy destory the entire Eastern Coast of the United States. ::


::she did not reply, she simply thrust her hands out and forward......as a haunting bell tolls followed by thunder and she releases her power. ALL of her mystical knowledge, her telekinetic power...ALL OF HER...she calls on it without hesitation or restraint as her eyes now begin to glow SOLID BLUE and her blue/black hair blows in the wind.::

:: her blast beams collide with Blackout's to create a POWERFULL collision, the shockwave from the blast desetroys nearby cars and store fronts..the sound of power, magick, lightning, energy feedback are heard in the air like a relentless tornado......as the two women stand LOCKED in a standoff.::

<< it is a scene out of hell and everything around them is paying the price for the escalating power they are using to try to destroy each other. BOTH women look surprisingly BEAUTIFULL, like two female titans looked in a never ending struggle>>


<< thunder crashes, energy pulsates and a bell tolls one last time before a radiating ballistic BACKLASH explodes from the point of collision between the two power signatures...the ballistic backlash is glowing, sparkling mixed with the blackness of Alexis and the ice cold blueness of Alison...and as its defeaning thunder errupts all around....the SCREAMS of Alexis and Alison can be heard as BOTH women are slammed by the backlash and hurled back and UP in the air almost in slow motion! both women's bodies are blasted upward in opposite direction and lost a wave of white light followed the black lash that incinerated anything not protected....including humans that were lurking about.>>

<< Guardian and Blackout are blown away....as the backlash consumes EVERYTHING in its path...and now charges for the force dome that was protecting Haleigh and Blaze. Everything and EVERYONE around them was DESTROYED >>


:: It may very well have been the first time Nicolas has seen witches and metahumans in action like this....and the power these two women possesed...to see it used so violently and the destruction it caused...even the REPLAY of it is devastating to bhold::

Ororo: Not only did both Guardian and Blackout perish, but the city...the whole city was destroyed. the east coast was gripped by a terrifying blackout. I arrived and rescued the survivors of The Six and they are now in my care, but there is another, a woman who needs your help Nicolas.

:: Ororo waves her hand again as the image bubble shifts::

She is Doctor Karen Victoria, a noted psycho therapist and the mother of one of the most powerfull witches on the planet. She risked her life to rescue her daughter's allies from Malice and Blackout.

:: the image bubble replays the terrifying battle between herself and the Super Soldier::

<< save the soft sounds of battle from horror hall inthe distance, the dark hangar remained silent for a moment...as thunder began to rumble and crack. a ray of black light beamed down between Karen and the Super Soldier....it glowed ominously as the shape of the Demon Storm, began to form...this MASSIVE , muscular, horned demon with wings, glowing white eyes and fangs roard into view, surrounded by the wide black ray of light. The area around the demon began to warp and bend the light...highlighting its EXTREME height (easily dwarfing the super soldier) as the winds began to howl and blow.. Karen's hair and the remainder of her cape began to blow back in the wind as she stretched her arms forward>>

power of shadow....DESTROY HIM!!

<< her voice echoed and seemed to roll like thunder as she directed the Demon Storm to attack the Super Soldier. This spell summons a most ancient evil. a demon that will consume its foe on ALL levels (mental, physical and spiritual) leaving NO trace...and as the power of the spell began to close in on the super soldier..the very GROUND that the magick traved across began to crack and cave in...>>


<< Karen's face betrays an expression of almost blank focus..her opal blue eyes fastened on her foe ...as she begins to act as a puppet master, manipulating the GIGANTIC demon storm with her slow, carefull gestures.>>

<< the demon reaches across the dock toward the Super Soldier and with that, he is SWEPT UP in a powerfull violent vortex of wind, being PULLED towards the demon. as this happens, the Super soldier is assaulted on ALL levels of his being. his "shape" begins to warp as his body is taxed beyond all levels of endurance he has demonstrated so far>>

Ororo: the doctor succeeded in saving herself and destroying the Super Soldier...but not without a terrible cost.

the view of the battle shifted....and as Karen seemed to seal the fate of the super soldier, from the eye of the demon storm, a TERRIFYING sight is beheld as MASSIVE piece of metal debris is hurled by the super soldier in one last attempt to strike down the doctor. the massive piece of hagged metal SLAMS into the doctor full on and she is smacked down to the ground so fast..and so hard. the sound is SICKENING. ::

:: the super soldier is erradicated...destroyed from within and without on a physical, mental and spiritual level by the power of shadow spell and the ceiling of the hangar begins to collapse from the forces from the spell.....huge chunks crashing down all around the now unconscious and BADLY HURT doctor who is now laying on her back, her head turned to the side...not moving...blood dripping from a large rip in her flying suit about her chest area...and blood on her face as well::

Ororo: the doctor is trapped, and badly hurt. She is dying. we must rescue her, but I could not risk "The Six" going back. they are now down to three, and EVERYONE is looking for them. That is why I have reached out to you and one another, a young woman with power and personal experience with MysTech's evil.

:: she held out her hand::

Time is short, Will you help me?

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as Ororo spoke. Clearly she was a lady of some age, but possesed of a beauty that defied chronology. As she told him of the Six and revealed them to him in all their glory, he was stunned by the beauty and strength of the images. As he listened further to Ororo's account of events in New York, the entire picture became clear to him. He knew from Magnuss that the authorities would only stay away so long before they raided the building, killing everyone they encountered for fear of whatever could do what had been done to the surrounding area.

As Ororo showed him the image of Dr. Victoria and the battle she had with a large humanoid beast, he reached out to her mentally to find her. He quickly sifted through the surrounding minds, moving by watching what others saw. In the building itself, he found nothing. To his mind, no one was left alive at all. But he knew that she HAD to be there, or this woman would not have come to him to help her. She must be shielded as this one was from his probing. He heard Ororo speak of another that she was reaching out to and the the sorceress held out her hand to him. He smiled and reached forward, grabbing her hand.

"My father told me that there were others possesed of powers as I am. In truth I had really never encountered any such as yourselves until now, and now I realize why my father drove me to train as he did. I am only vaguely familiar with the Six, but they are even more impressive to behold. I would be honored to help, but we must hurry. The authorities will attempt to storm the building, killing all who are left inside very soon. Where is the other metahuman? I can retrieve her and have us both in New York in minutes."

Nicolas used his TK power on his own physical body to get it moving, grabbing his topcoat and hat before returning to its post.

[Sasha]

Sasha was now at her desk collecting paperwork before a weird engery began to fill the room. Wind picked up even though she was inside and then there stood an etherial woman. Sasha stared at her for a moment taking in her beauty. She didn't react to her appearance like she usually would've and when Ororo announced she meant no harm Sasha was put at ease.

"Assistance? I'm sure I can help you," Sasha replied walking out from behind her desk. A sophisticated, black pinstriped Tahari pantsuite (http://content.neimanmarcus.com/products/mp/NMT0Q46_mp.jpg) complimented from her body tailored to fit every curve. Her dark brown hair flowed around her shoulders. She crossed her graceful, but muscular around across her chest as she still tried to regester Ororo's sudden appearance. She still couldn't understand why her alarm systems didn't go off, but it didn't seem to matter now.

[Ororo]

In Philadelphea

:: the astral form of Ororo takes Nicolas' hand. he's such a noble young man, full of good will and intent, Ororo is truly pleased by the sight of him but she knows that once he becomes involved, he will know much in the way of pain and loss. she only hopes that he will soon realize and accept his destiny which will lead him to join The six::

Ororo: the other meta human is across the united states on the west coast, not too far from the location of a past caper of the The Six. Come.

:: with a whispering wind, Ororo leads Nicolas via the astral plane with the speed of thought to Sasha Kane's residence. Sasha is now able to behold the site of a handsome, tall black man standing beside the immortal weather witch.::

---------

L.A.

:: Ororo looks upon the young Sasha, this woman with beautifull dark features radiates of a power not seen in a long time, Ororo knows that not only is this woman the ideal choice to help rescue the doctor from MysTech but also to lend her powers to the cause of The Six::

:: although Ororo traveled back and forth across the astral plane with Nicolas , as he was now standing beside her in his astral form, to Sasha, it would appear that Ororo simply waved her hand and there he was::

Ororo: vast , terrible powers threaten your world...MysTech has been the foremost of those threats. No doubt the both ofyou are aware of the disaster in new york city...which directly involved agents of MysTech and those who risked their lives to oppose them.

:: Ororo waves her hand and an image bubble forms, replaying the same images that she had broadcast to nicolas, now sasha would see first hand what happened.::

Doctor Victoria is an ally of The Six, the mother of one of them and she risked her life to save them from Malice and Blackout. in the confusion of the battle, she was accidently left behind .

:: the battle between Dr. Victoria and the super soldier replays...up to the terrifying end where not only does the doctor defeat the monster..but she is struck down as well.::

The Doctor is trapped, alone, badly hurt and dying. If she is found by the federal agents...she will be killed on site...TOGETHER we can rescue her. will you join us?

::noting Sasha's agreeing to help her, Ororo smiled gently::

Nicolas will secure your passage from the west coast to the east coast. you will arrive at what is now "ground zero" in NYC and I will guide you from there. i thank you both for your willingness to help, the nobility in your souls stand out in a realm filled with darkness and despire.

::with that, Ororo's astral form as well as Nicolas' fades away in a whirlwind column with a few leaves spinning within it and just like that, Ororo is gone, the winds and thunder outside slowly begin to fade and all returns to normal. Nicolas finds himself in his own body again and with the coordinates given to him by Ororo, he can now retrieve Sasha and arrive to NYC, where Ororo will guide them from there.::

[Rampage]

As Ororo takes Nicolas' hand, he quickly finds his astral form materializing at an apartment of a very beautiful and, according to Ororo, very talented young lady. he stands there beside Ororo quietly as she recounts what she said to him previously. As she speaks, he keeps track of the agents at ground zero. They are going to storm in just another couple of hours at the most! As Ororo sums up her presentation and the young lady agrees, NJicolas finds himself returned to his apartment with nothing but leaves and a pair of coordinates to note that anything had happened at all. With a bemused shake of the head and a smirk, he quickly finishes dressing and picks up the coordinates left for him. He reaches out to the mind he felt while in the prescence of Ororo and adresses this new young lady:

"Hello, I am Nicolas, the one with Ororo that visited you. Get ready to go and cut off your alarm. I will arrive in about 5 minutes and I see no need to wake the neightbors. While I wait, could I at least have your name? I think it only fair that we exchange names before going on a mission of such import."

[Oracle]

<< Nicolas, gathered himself together and quickly connected with Sasha Kane. the two would have little time to properly get aquainted as they were racing against the clock in more ways than one.>>

New York City

<< the city that was once the gem of the east coast was brought to its knees, still gripped by a chaotic blackout. with uncertainty and dischord thick in the air and raging through the streets, federal, state and local law enforcement officials were having a time with rescue efforts alone while other emergency worker teams were feverishly working to contain firers>>

<< in the midst of it all, helicopters were buzzing over head and on the streets itself , between rioters and looters, people were out proclaiming the end of the world, that mutants and meta humans were the ambassadors of the anti christ.... of the work that Sharon Kelly had dedicated herself to, GAVE HER LIFE FOR, had been tragically undone in one horrible, violent moment>>

<< Nicolas and Sasha would now see FIRST HAND the devastation as they arrived, hidden in a secluded dark alley a few blocks from ground zero. they would hear sirens, gun shuts, and other sounds of violence and emergency. There was no turning back now for either of them. THeir very lives were at stake if they were discovered to be mutant and meta human.>>

[Ororo]

:: Ororo appears in a swirling column of winds and leaves...looking as elegant as always.::

Ororo: time grows short. you must make your way to the abandonned medical office facility just a few blocks over. as it stands right now...they do not realize that it is merely a front for what lies beneath, the CITADLE.

you will have to move through the facility and find the secret passage hidden within the morgue. once there you make your way down to the underground access tunnel and that will lead you iinto the now badly damaged hangar/dock area...it is within there that you will find the doctor but bewear, even with the facility badly damaged, MysTech stil lays claim to it and their may be someone (or more) waiting to greet you. No doubt the doctor represents a signifcant prize to MysTech, her ex husband was a member of the consortium, her daughter was one of their greatest enemies.


you must find her before they or any outside force does.Be carefull, children...the task ahead of you contains many dangers both seen and unseen. help each other through.

:: Ororo waves for them to begin their journey...just as a small group of military troops thunders by. She disppeares in a swirling column of wind just as a spot light is shinned down the alley, and Nicolas is left to find his way to the medical facility::

[Rampage]

Nicolas surveyed the area quickly, staying in the shadows created by the alleyway's wall. He concentrated slightly and a large water main burst through the street about a block above his position,triggering car alarms around it and getting the attention of the soldiers that were hunkered down in front of the MysTech building.

Nicolas used the momentary distraction to impose his will upon the soldiers, causing them to be entranced by the water, consumed by a NEED to stop it at all costs. As the soldiers scrambled to investigarte the water main, Nicolas walked calmly down the street, concealing his nature from the guards by mental suggestion. As he walked he suddenly lept over the remaining streets and landed beside the target building itself.
He looked to make sure the coast was clear. Satisfied that he was unnoticed, he walked up to the doorway and quickly tore it open. He hopped inside, reaching out with his telekinesis to "see" as light in this electricity-starved building was scarce.

[Oracle]

<< outsmarting a group of alread distracted soldiers was one thing, and while Rampage certainly entered the long abandonned medical facility with ease, he would find things became much more tricky from this point on>>

<< he was in the now dark, dust and cobweb strewn lobby...despity the chaos and commotion outside, there was a feeling of gloomy stagnation even in this first area of the faciilty. he could sense that many a tragic and horrifying moments had occurred in this eerie "doctor's office.", the same place where the Six had first arrived for their first mission together>>

<< through the double doors and down the long, dark , spooky hallway, Rampage would find a T intersection with another hall leading off to long dysfunctional elevators. further down the hall was the door to the MORGUE.>>

<< inside the horrifying morgue, even though abandonned, the lingering sense of carnage and death was here. exam tables...strewn with bizarrely savage medical equipment. large containers containing what could only be described as...."blood". and along the wall..the long refrigiration unit...where behind one set of doors, there would actually be the passage to the access tunel that took him underground toward the citadle>>


<< the eerie silence was almost TOO MUCH, something was lurking, but it seemed to be ALL AROUND...not easily pin pointed. Rampage would have to press on ...>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas looked around at the medical equipment, if it could truthfully be called that. Blood and gore covered the walls and floors of these rooms. The types of "experiments" that must have happened here were nearly unimaginable in depravity to him.

"Good Lord," Nicolas whispered half to himself. Anyone, or anything capable of this would require his full attention. And make no mistake. He was sensing something, but it was not easily pinpointed at this time. It could just be the vibe of the place itself, but he doubted it.

Locating the double doors, Nicolas proceeded down the hallway to the Citadle.

[Oracle]

<< Rampage was now in the deep, long traveled underground access tunnel. he could hear eerie subterranean sounds as he went further...there were scorch marks on the walls midway through the tunnel. bones , oddly shapped bones were scattered about...signs of battles and violence from long ago, the faintest echos of wind and haunting sounds were in the air. Rampage was jurneying into a place of extreme evil and darkness.>>

<< the presence he felt....seemed to come from ahead..a low growling slowly crept up in the air and soon, as Rampage made his way down the seemingly ENDLESS tunnel, he found himself confronted by six PAIRS of eight glowing eyes high in the air....ALL around him. the physical presence of LARGE bodies could be felt. the ant lions.. GIGANTIC armoured acrachnids , the result of mystech's genetic manipulation of spiders and scorpions, were now present. they were immune to psychic attacks and possesed of incredible speed, strength durability and other deadly attacks that Rampage would soon become aware of.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas noticed the eyes and realized that he was under attack by the ugliest things he had ever seen. He couldn't tell if they were supposed to be ants, spiders, scorpions...no matter, he hd ajob to do and he would accompliush his task.

Rampage mentally grabbed the ant lion in front of him and swung it around, crashing it into the others and herding them to one side of the room.

Now that I have them on front of me, I can deal with them better, without the ambush factor.

Rampage centered himself mentally and waited for his adversaries to make a move.

[Oracle]

<< Rampage was fast acting to be sure, but his formidable psychic powers would avail him LITTLE against these creatures who were durable beyond ANY naturally occurring biological organism known on earth.>>

<< in the darkness, he would find not two but 4 ant lions. ONE crawling along the ceiling at some point and even as he "pulled" one in front of him with his mental powers, it FELT as though he were pulling multi tons weights!>>

<< the ant lion from the ceiling DROPPED DOWN upon him ...DWARFING him with its massive body as its legs surrounded him. from the underbelly of the antlion....a toxic acide began to secrete . this acid was powerfull enough to melt through steel and toxic enough to kill a grown man within SECONDS. >>

<< because of his mutation and the powers he possesed, it was unlikely that Rampage would die instantly but the acid would cause MASSIVE burning to Rampage's skin and muscle spasms as well. meanwhile the other ant lions began to close in and fire deadly venom blasts at him>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas saw the ant lion as it descended upon him. The first drops sof the acid began to give EVEN him a burning sensation...

"Enough of that!!" Nicolas concentrated on the pools of acid being sprayed and suspended them as he rolled to his left.

"Let's see how YOU like it." The clouds of acid were deposited into the eyes of the ant lions as he picked up the one closest to him and threw him towards the others...

[Oracle]

<< as two Ant Lions began to roar with pain and stagger side ways, disoriented and pained by the acide to their eyes. one even falls over on its back with a loud THUD. While the other seemed to retreat back into the endless darkness in an awkward pattern. >>


<< Rampage had staggered some of his "welcoming party" but there were two more and one of them, rushed forward on its 8 TALL legs and with a deadly fast spinning move, it SLAMS Rampage across the whole of his face and head with its leg, leaving a terrible gash. the strength of these antlions is roughly 30 tons.>>

<< the next Ant Lion attacks, with an odd sound it unleashes a "web ring" attack as a powerfull web substance laced with a neuro toxin is released against Rampage in a pattern that, will surround his boddy and will trap him as it releases the toxin into his skin pores upon contact, causing painfull paralysis.>>


<<the web blasts lash out at Rampage. but the young mutant couldnt give up now he knew that the journey was nearly at its end and these massive, bizarre creatures were quite possibly just the BEGINNING of his test and trials here.>>


meanwhile

<< further down and OUTSIDE the mouth of the access tunnel...the dock/hangar area..now damaged and wrecked from the violent battle between Dr. Victoria and Super Soldier and the chain reaction caused by BlackOut in Horror Hall.

<<< while MONTHS were passing in Limbo, only an HOUR had passed on earth and Doctor Victoria lies where she fell, struck down violently in one last move from the Super Soldier before he was destroyed by the deadly spell that Karen had unleashed against him.>>

<< she's ALIVE, but barely. she doesnt move. simply lies there her bewitching face marred by dirt, cuts and bruises , her chest wound is painfully apparent even in the midst of her black, sleek flying suit w/cape. she needed help and SOON, her LIFE depended on it.>>

<< if she didnt die, she would be found by a probing team of special forces agents dispatched by the governments department of super human affairs...and her fate would ultimate be worse than merely dying from battle wounds.>>


<< help was on the way, but would it arrive in time??>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas had no time to celebrate downing two of the ant lions as the third rudely slashed his face, giving him his first non-laboratory cut. He was momentarily stunned as he took inventory of the injury, realizing that he would be whole again in minutes, assuming he survived.

Suddenly Nicolas was wrapped in a web-like ring that seemed to ooze...something. Not doing that again, thought Rampage as he teleported out of the trap. However, some of the toxin had contacted his skin on his lower legs and he could feel it trying to work on him as his calves began to spasm. The pain was tremendous but his will spurred him on as he teleported again atop the head of the ant lion that had slashed him. He quickly buried both hands INTO the ant lions head and went to tear its head CLEAN off its shoulders...

[Oracle]

<< and in that violent act, the ant lion falls to the ground, twitching as its massive, armoured body reacts to its sudden "headless state". a remarkable feat, considering that their armoured bodies are like that of STONE but Rampage posseses class 100 strength, making it FAR MORE EASIER for him to attack them physically.>>


<< the last ant lion seems to be lulled. SOMETHING has caused it to cease all agression as it stands in a "stand by" state. whatever the reason is, Rampage now has the opportunity to move on and get through the rest of the tunnel, out into the hangard/dock area which leads to the actual CITADLE and it is THERE that he will search through the rubble to find the Doctor.>>

[Rampage]

Rampage rolls aside as the headless ant lion falls and the other seems to shut down.

Good, now back to the important part of this mission.

Moving more quickly by flying through telekinesis, Rampage proceeds adown the large tunnel to the dock area. The area looks like a bomb has gone off. There is debris everywhere and without the ability to pintpoint her through telepathy (due to her apparent psi-shield), the concern is will Nicolas be able to clear rubble off her and rescue her or will he simply be piling on, crushing her as he goes? As an idea pops into his head Rampage concentrates, reaching out with his TELEKINESIS.

He begins to feel through the rubble with his TK, using it to "look" for a less dense object about the size of a human woman. This way he can find the appropriate spot to target his efforts to find Dr. Victoria.

[Oracle]

<< as the young mutant moved and searched through massive stone and metal rubble, he was greeted by random sparks and jagged projections of electricity and power from exposed cables and such. he could see along the upper area of the hangar there were scorch marks and other signs of battle>>

<< it was so dark..with only the intermitent flicker of lighting and the sound of water dripping. there was damage and destruction all around and as Nicolas searched for the Doctor, he began to sense the FAINTEST impression of PAIN...a consciousness fluttering dangerously close to the edge of oblivion.>>

<< many feet directly in front of him, across the way and close to the door way leading into "Horror Hall", Doctor Victoria lay on her back behind a large stone slab that had fallen from the ceiling from the area that had been ravaged by her last spell unleashed against the super soldier.>>

<< Once Nicolas found her, he would see just how badly hurt she was. Unable to talk, barely conscious or even ALIVE. He would have to gather her and get her OUT of there as fast as possible for even he could begin to sense the thought patterns of law enforcement and other military officials converging on the medical facility above and soon, they would most likely make their way down here too>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas desperately searched and "felt" his way through the rubble, hoping to find a sign of the Doctor. In truth, it was almost impossible to believe thta someone could survive such destruction for this long. He was beginning to feel a bit of panic wen he sensed something at the foot of the hallway leading out of the room. It was the slightest ebb of pain, and desperation.

There under a large stone slab Nicolas found Dr. Victoria. He quickly tossed the large slab to one side and looked for vital signs from the mage. She was in desperate shape, no doubt only holding on due to will and the special nature of her own physiology. He would need to get her out of here, and fast.

As he was weighing his options, he noticed many minds getting closer to their position. The troops!!! He realized that they had finally declared it safe enough to enter, and so they were quickly making their way into the building!!! He had to act now.

Nicolas tenderly picked Dr. Victoria up, careful to handle her as gently as possible, and started to teleport when he realized that, in her grave condition, teleporation was very risky. He would have to take a more direct approach.

On the outside of the building, the army had picked an area to penetrate first. Suddenly, a headless ant lion burst through the doors from the inside and stood, confronting the troops.

[Malice]

:: Rampage THOUGHT he had all his bases covered as he delayed the approaching troops above ground butsomething else was wrong.::



:: BEFORE Rampage could even LEAVE the outside of the Citadle, which was MILES below ground, He found himself feeling "lost" and "disoriented". It was as if he couldnt figure out HOW to get out of the hangar. EVERYTHING seemed more large, more immense. there was a FEELING of dread sweeping over him as a soft, icy, feminine laugh could be heard through the faintest shifts in the air...the slightest echos of any sound::


:: He had the doctor now sure enough. But getting OUT with her, ALIVE would be quite another task all together::


:: lights GLARED into view all around him, painfully illuminating the area::

Malice: well well, look what we have here! a handsome, and powerfull young mutant STEALING "property"[Doctor Victoria] of MysTech?

didn't your MOTHER ever teach you manners? it's not POLITE to take what doesnt BELONG to you!


:: a woman in white soon appeared, head to toe in Versace. She wore a low cut, front lace up white leather corsett along with white "panty" shorts, white thigh high, high heeled boots and white "opera" length gloves. her white cape rounded out the costume along with a white leather choker with a decent sized blue/white diamond in the center of the choker. the woman, although older than Nicolas, had a body that would put some women HALF her age to shame and she reeked of glamor and evil::

:: her hair, blonde and bone straight, parted down the middle hung just at her shoulders and framed her elegant face as her sapphire blue eyes glared at the mutant::

I don't know just who you think you ar, If you think you're LEAVING here...ALIVE with the doctor, then you're sadly mistaken. Handsome as you are...I'd hate to have to mangle your pretty face, so why dont you put her down, and leave now.


:: Malice had apparently NOT retreated too far from the battle ground and was clearly keeping an eye on things. Here she was now, as beautifull and powerfull as she ever was before.::

[Rampage]

As Nicolas confronted by the powerful telepath, he actually took a moment to LOOK at her, and a smile crossed his face.

Damn. I've seen more pretty women in the last hour or two than in a long time. A telepath, and strong, maybe as strong as myself. Definitely cocky, quite revealingly well dressed. She actually had me almost wandering around this place.

Rampage closed his mind to Malice and advanced to face her.

And what EXACTLY are you going to do, try to dull my mind with parlor tricks? SCREW me to death? Your mind nor your beauty will deter me from this place, so step aside or face the consequences.

As he spoke, it seemed that an energy began to fill his side of the room. It was the energy of a young but powerful telekinetic...

[Malice]

:: Malice smirked as she stretched and posed a bit::

Oh dear sweet Nicolas.

:: she knew his NAME!?::

This isnt Switzerland, and you aren't a god among men anymore. But your adoptive father, Gustav Magnusson certainly seemed to think you were didnt he? He wanted you to help him "spread goodness" throughout the world.


A pity that he filled your head with ideas that will avail you NOTHING but pain and loss. Although looking at you, I'm sure you would most certainly earn that title, "god among men" in the BEDROOM.

:: Laughing softly, Malice nonchalantly checked over her versace designed costume as she made sure her white opera gloves were on properly and then looked up suddenly while tossing her hair back, locking her disdainfull glare upon Nicolas as she spoke in a low, predatory, icy tone.::



We've had our eye on you for sometime now. We were aware of your power and potential and wanted to use you in our over seas operations. A pity that your father didnt acquiesce to Mystech when we expressed interest in you several years back. We might not have had to ELIMINATE HIM. A "plane crash" was listed as the cause of death if i remember correctly.

:: Malice's word's struck like a freight train. True to form, she just now revealed that she either knew of or was possibly directly involved in the death of Nicolas' beloved father.::

You're in MY yard now, young one and if you think you're going to get out of here, you'll find out soon enough why you do not tempt the spider at the center of her web.

:: she lowered her head a bit as she smirked. Her face seemed to be partiarlly enshrouded in shadow::

[Rampage]

As Malice spoke, a gasp escaped Nicolas' lips.

So her group killed my father?!?! I KNEW that there was no way it was an accident!!! And it was because of me...

The news was devastating to the young mutant. If not for his father, he would'nt be where he was today. His father had trained and raised and loved him since the day he had found him. He was filled with grief, guilt, sorrow, but most of all, ANGER. At that moment, Nicolas made a vow. Malice would rue the day she told him this information, the day her group killed his father. As long as she drew breath she would know no peace. She would find out why he was called Rampage.

Rampage looked up at the evil before him, his eyes aglow with power. Dr. Victoria's body lifted from his grasp and came to rest gently on the floor beneath them and behind him.

You are a dead woman.

Suddenly, Rampage brought his hands together in a devastating thunderclap aimed at Malice and flew forward to engage her directly, fury in his tear-filled eyes.

[Malice]

:: Malice took a battle pose as Rampage unleashed a wave of force toward her. immediately thrusting out her hand as a circular field of deflection manifested in front of her and disperesed the wave of force. the deflection field waved and shimmered as it did its job. the young mutant growled with contempt as he declared she was a "dead woman" ::

and YOU are a FOOL, little boy, if you think YOU can stop me! I have destroyed ARMYS of men and brought men of power to their KNEES. I am the WHITE QUEEN and YOU will FIND OUT WHY! TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT!

:: Smirking as Rampage charged for her, Malice immediately transformed into her indestructible diamond form and met his face dead on with a BACK HAND, sending the mutant flying, sprawling side ways into a pile of mechanical debris near by. the impact of being struck across the jaw by DIAMOND with such force would have broken the neck AND the jaw of any normal man but Malice knew that Rampage would not be so easily killed. This was merely her way of throwing him off course. Rampage was physically stronger than Malice, even in her diamond form, but she was far from being out classed by him. ::

[Rampage]

Rampage recovered quickly.

Diamond!! Damn this one has quite a few tricks up her sleeve...

Rampage teleported back in front of Malice and punched her once to the stomach, once to the face, then headbutted her across the room.

You have yet to battle one such as me. And remember ...diamond CAN shatter.

Malice was proving to be a formidable opponent. But Rampage had many tricks of his own and was not about to be anyone's whipping boy.

[Malice]

:: Rampage attacked Malice with his physical strength but even HE would soon discover that striking pure diamond head on would FEEL more unpleasant than it looked.::

:: Malice's body rolled with the blows and she was knocked off her feet, sliding back a few feet. she showed no look of surprise or agitation. her diamond form prevented her from feeling any physical pain::

BETTER MEN than YOU have tried, and FAILED.

:: she laid on the floor, now stretched out in a rather seductive position as if she were doing a photo shoot for a fashion studio.::

You're so driven by your convictions that you lack any kind of personality that is amusing.

:: she smirked as she looked upon him::

you like looking at me Nicolas. Even if you tried to close your mind off from me, I can still probe your EMOTIONS and your BODY cannot help but react to the beauty that is I.

:: as she lay there, her now featureless eyes began to glow solid white. Rampage felt a TUG on his "heart" , his emotional core as Malice tapped directly into his emotional center with her powers of EMPATHY. Not every telepath was an empath and that one difference between Malice and Nicolas. She began to strip away his feelings of restraint. his sense of valour and honor.::

admit it Nicolas. You'd LOVE to have your way with me. You'd even try to have your way with the fallen DOCTOR over there if she wasnt so bruised and battered and unconscious. You've been reeling from the sight of so many pretty women since you got here and for ALL your posturing, you're still nothing more than a hormone driven man. isnt that right?

:: Malice continued to exacerbate that part of Rampage, tapping into his more basic impulse emotions as a man with her empathy powers. this wasnt an attack on his mind or its higher functions..it was something more passive, and subtle. the same way she had gotten to Guardian, a woman who possesed a PSI SCREEN no less. and while Rampage was held in her thrall, Malice slowly got to her feet. ::

so typical. I would have fun corrupting you, little one, while at the same time driving you to distraction with endless titilation. you would love every minute of it!

:: spoken with a hypnotic town, Malice as she DROPPED a hydraulic pump down upon Rampage::

[Rampage]

Rampage battled inside against his retilian brain, the part of him that Malice could in fact spark. It did not help that she was most certainly coorrect in his physical attraction to her, despite his hatred of her for what she was and represented.

As he sat helplessly, unable to prepare for this type of attack, he felt the weight of the pump press down upon him as it crashed to the floor. As he lay there in no small amount of pain, he quietly thanked Malice for her rash act, as his reptilian brain was no longer concerned with her. For the danger that it found itself in, and the injuries that it was already triggering healing for had instead given that part of him a new directive: FIGHT!!

Rampage threw the pump at Malice, and used the distraction to teleport to her, grab her by her neck, and slam her to the floor.

It's too bad that a woman as beautiful as yourself on the outside is such a haggard CRONE on the inside. You don't have enough CHARACTER to receive the pleasures I can give, which are MANY! Time to take out the trash!

He picked her back up by her neck and threw her through the next few walls of the Citadle.

He quickly went to Dr. Victoria's side. She needed help, and quickly! He had to get her out of here...

[Malice]

:: Rampage's physical resiliency was impressive. He nearly rivaled Foxfire with his body's physical constitution. as he recovered from having the massive hydraulic pump dropped on him. He attacked Malice with renewed focus as he threw her to the ground and offered his own witty rebuttal::

:: Malice looked up at him, still showing no outward physical reaction as he THREW HER. Flying forward she relaxed her body and took splendid form before tucking into a tight "ball" formation. in her diamond form she was now more than the equivalent of a high speed wrecking ball as she smashed through a secion of the wall that seperated tha hangar from the first areas of "Horror Hall." SHE was physically unharmed, just now further removed from her prey. but it didnt matter. Rampage would not escape very far before she was upon him AGAIN.::

:: as she slammed through the thick metal wall, a small explosion resulted from the violent impact, followed by smoke and debris. there was no sign of Malice..not yet.::

[Oracle]

<< Nicolas felt the impending sense of dread again. He HAD to get the doctor and get out of there. Between Malice below ground and the gauntlent above ground, his escape would be anything BUT easy. If he was caught and somehow subdued, it would mean certain death for him and the injured doctor.>>

<< He had threw Malice back, but if he were foolish enough to believe that he could stop her with that, he would deseve whatever befell him. As he returned to Doctor Karen Victoria and picked her up, he had to make his way back through the access tunnel. There was no way to know if the ant lions would be there waiting or if any OTHER monsters were coming, but he had to use what time he had to MOVE while he could.>>

<< once he made his way through the access tunnel he would be back in the Morgue. above ground in the abandonned medical facility.>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Doctor Victoria was hardly aware of what was happening. she was in a state of pergatory almost. her mind, her heart, her soul fluttered on the edge of oblivion as everything seemed to have slowed to a halt. Even in her battered and bruised state, there was a faint trace of serenity about her in that black flying suit she wore.>>

<< but soon, she began to stir and the first sensations were those of PAIN!>>

<< her opal blue eyes fluttered as her feminine, petite body began to shake and tremble. she began to cough up blood while in Nicolas' arms. If he was not carefull, he would cause her MORE injury as he attempted to get her out of the citadle and she was too weak, and only semi conscious so she could not aid herself OR him with her magicks>>

<< The doctor was usually the one to help and protect others, but here she was...her very life and survival depending on the help and protection of a man she didnt even know as her team had mistakenly left her behind>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas lifted the Doctor and hardened his TK around them to shield them as he decided that a direct break would be best. She was not getting any better and he was concerned that he had already taken to long with Malice.

He began to fly as quickly as he could down the access hallway, back the way he came, hoping that by the time Malice could figure out what was going on he would be gone. He knew that she was probably only slightly injured due to her hardened state, but he was hoping that her haughty nature would delay her enough to get him the opening he needed to escape ...

[Malice]

:: an alarm began to sound off, as red light lines began glowing along the access tunnel.::


:: as Rampage covered more ground, he sound found himself UP and in the Morgue...but something was different. the sounds of screaming and pain were in the air. lights were strobbing in the morgue as blood sesemed to drop down the tiled walls.::


:: doors on the refrigiration unit opened as metal slabs slid forward. bloody bodies covered by white sheets squeaked and writhed. tub's of what could possibly be described as human blood and "gore" bubbled nearby as well::

:: on the large, main surgical table a team of rather demented looking doctors in blood stained surgical gear could be seen converging on a subject ON the table. his old, weak voice cried out in pain as he called for Nicolas::

Gustav Magnusson : Ni.....Nicolassssssss

:: Malice's THOROUGH illusion was BOLSTERED by her attacking Nicolas' emotions again, playing on his fears and regret about not being able to save his father before..about not knowing what REALLY happened to him. Could he have survived the "crash" and been captured by Mystech to be TORTURED?::

:: the older man's voice was drowned out by the sound of a saw, that was now roaring in the air. the group of evil doctors were weilding instruments of pain and torture and seemingly getting ready to ATTACK Gustav. ::


:: Malice's voice boomed over the audio system::

RUN Nicolas, abandon your father as you did before. Leave him to DIE as you did before. You are not a man, you are a BOY who PLAYS at being a man and what do you think The Six will do to you when they receive word that YOU are the one who MURDERED their precious Doctor
Karen Victoria? You will be THEIR number one enemy!

:: as the horrible, bloody scene played out in front of him, Malice informed him that she would make SURE that he was set up to take the fall if Doctor Victoria died. HE would become the unwitting scape goat at her manipulation::

:: the team of surgeons were about to brutally "experiment" on Gustav now. Malice was striking at Nicolas on all fronts, insulting his honor, challenging him on an emotional and spiritual core::

[Rampage]

Nicolas blanched at the visions that assailed him. Tears ran down his face as the illusion combined with her manipulation of emotions to disatrous effect. He blasted with his TK at the "doctors" to no effect as the continued to go after his father. He roared with anger and despair as he felt his fath...no wait, he did not feel his father at all, actually.

He stopped and mentally reached out to his "father" only to find...nothing. Nothing at all. The same nothing that he found the day of his death. He searched BILLIONs of minds, tossing them all aside as he hoped against hope that the most willing and open mind, the one of his father who received him with love, who spoke to him every day without moving his mouth, was still there. But it was not be that day, nor was it to be today as he realized that this was just another Malice nightmare!!!

His emotions still shredded by Malice's mental manipulation, Rampage openly wept as he decided that the only way to not be blamed fro Dr. Victoria's death was to succeed in protecting her in a way that he had not with Gustav. He pressed forward, but decided to leave Malice something to remember. He located her and, using his anger and hatred as a source for his telekinesis, IMPLODED the room she was standing in...

[Malice]

:: Malice was waiting for him, in PLAIN SIGHT. he used his TK to try to attack the illusion but it failed, he was brutalized by her attacks, not on his mind but on his HEART. and as he attempted to IMPLODE the room upon her, she appeared before him, in her sexy, revealing costume, sitting posed on one of the surgical tables just as he locked on to her "location"


BOO!

:: catching his attention::

did you think i would miss this show? I was here the ENTIRE TIME. I know every inch of this old strong hold of MysTechs and playing Cat & Mouse with you has been most fun, but now its time to take care of you AND the doctor, just like we took care of your father.


:: as the horrifying illusions wore away, there was now only Malice. as she glared at him, there was white halo around her head, her PSI powers were clearly activated.::

your telekinetic powers are USELESS, because i'm TELEPATHICALLY BLOCKING your access TO THEM! As powerfull as you THINK you are, I am even MORE powerfull. Power doesnt make up for knowledge and wisdom, child, and I have been in the game longer than you have been ALIVE. You will NEVER be able to check me.

:: she slipped off the table and stood. knowing that he could possibly dash for the doors leading from the morgue to the main hall and out into the vacant lobby.::


I know you want to kill me more than anything right now, but as i told The Six, I wilL NEVER go away and if you were to live through this evening, you would no doubt be looking for me just as I would be looking for YOU. Here's my "card".

:: standing battle ready, Malice touches her index and middle finger to her forehead in a "salute" pose as a small glowing halo of white energy forms at the point her fingers touch her forehead. a chime sounds off as a javeline of pure white, sparkling energy forms and is now gripped in her hand.::

say hello to your FATHER and HER [Doctor Victoria's] Daughter for me will you?

:: with splendid aim and form, Malice HURLS the javeline at Nicolas and Doctor Victoria. the bolt travels forward with a thundering din as it charges for the mutant and the fallen sorceress. If it hits, it will blast them with the concussive power to destroy a battle tank, not to mention obliterate their minds, leaving them at best in the state of vegetables. .::

[Rampage]

In this battle so far, Malice has held most of the cards, and now she has unleashed her Ace, throwing her psi javelin at the the pair even as she limits Rampage's access to telekinesis.

But one thing has been certain in this meeting. While Malice has proven the more experienced of the two telepaths, Rampage is physically much stronger and faster than the older metahuman.

As she threw the javelin at Dr. Victoria and Rampage, he quickly dodged to one side as he advanced TOWARD her and slapped her HARD across the room before she could finish her follow-through. Next he leaped out of the door and proceeded at an seemingly impossible rate of speed out of the medical facility, cradling the Doctor in one arm.

[Malice]

:: Malice watches as Rampage manages to narrowly dodge the psi javeline. the bolt blasts through a wall and out into the long hallway leading to the empty lobby.::

:: even as Rampage slaps Malice, her form falls back but "fades out" before it can hit the table or the wall. it turns out that the ENTIRE time, it was nothing more than a sustained Astral Projection of Malice and that she herself was not even in the Citadle. Malice was never one to be truly one upped or out maneuvered by her foes as the Six had learned before and now Rampage as well::

:: Rampage was FORTUNATE that he had not beeing dealing the woman herself, otherwise he'd be DEAD by now. as it was, his emotional core had been assaulted and the memory of his father had been mad an obscenity. He now had a new enemy, Malice was the most vicious example of "evil" he had encountered yet and even then, he hadnt BEGUN to see what she was truly capable of.::

:: he escaped with the doctor for now, but he was FAR from seeing the last of Malice or MysTech, who he now knew was responsible for the death of his father and had designs on HIM from early on.::

[Oracle]

<< outside the abandonned medical office, the smell of smoke was thick in the air. debris and rubble was everwhere and the city was still gripped in a blackout. sirens could be heard as well as helicopters high above. military and other federal agents were all around nearby areas working with rescue workers to free and secure injured survivors from the fall out of the battle between the Six, Malice and Blackout.>>

<< taking a moment to BREATHE, Rampage could now see what kind of evil, what kind of POWER MysTech had going for it. Malice was MORE than partly responsible for destruction around him in this city , as well as for the death of his father. She took JOY in that. Her beauty was in direct contrast to how evil she was and he knew in his heart that he had not seen the last of her. But at least now he had the doctor. >>


<< Nicolas needed to find cover and soon, before he was spotted holding the injured woman and mistaken for a mutant terrorist. he also needed Ororo to help BOTH of them for while he was mainly PHYSICALLY unhurt, Malice had done quite a job on his mental and emotional well being. he needed time to regain himself and to be removed out of the area of danger>>

[Rampage]

As Nicolas emerged from the building, he quickly ducked into a shadow and waited as he tested his mental powers. His concentation was not at 100% but he did have full control. So he looked for a way to safety.

He concentrated on passing police car and it swerved into a fire hydrant, crashing and causing water to go absloutely everywhere. as the trooops and worker looked at the accident, he took to the air to escape, projecting the "suggestion" that he was simply a large eagle overseeing the carnage.

After a couple of blocks he ducked into an abandoned alleyway and lay Dr. Victoria at his feet. He sat down at the base of the wall and sighed heavily. He allowed his astral form to slip out and he let out a call for Ororo through the astral plane:

I hope that you can hear me, Ororo, for I have that whom you wanted me to retrieve. We are in need of your help. I can only hope that you are monitoring our situation, for your friend is in need of healing. We both need help NOW.

He waited for an answer as he "suggested" an image of a simple pile of garbage in their place to any passersby.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen groaned a bit. she seemed to be at a slightly higher level of consciousness before but the PAIN....it was all she could feel.>>

<< as she was laid down in the dark hidden alley, she began to cough and with the coughing came more blood and a tear falling down from one of her closed eyes. the warm night air did little to soothe the doctor either. >>

<< Karen had prooven once again how brave she could be, how powerfull she was and where her daughter, Spellbinder, got it from got it from. The Doctor had seemingly DESTROYED the Super Soldier, her role in the liberation of The Six was pivotal to THEIR being able to fight back against Malice and Blackout but she had payed a heavy price for her involvement. Now that she had been rescued by Nicolas, her well being was dependant on how soon Ororo would get there and take them both out of harm's way.>>


<< she lay there as Nicolas tried calling out for Ororo>>

[Ororo]

I hope that you can hear me, Ororo, for I have that whom you wanted me to retrieve. We are in need of your help. I can only hope that you are monitoring our situation, for your friend is in need of healing. We both need help NOW.


:: a few moments of silence pass. it seemed like perhaps his attempt to contact the immortal goddess had failed. Typically no one would even begin to know how to contact her, much less dare to. She always seemed so inaccessible, but to those whom she provided a helping hand, she was always a wind away::

:: winds begin to spin in a tight column in front of Rampage, some dired leaves swirled in the column as the winds howled and with a roll of thunder, Ororo appeared in the alley before them. she looked upon Rampage and the Doctor, the look on her face was rather grim as her long white hair flowed in the fading winds::

Ororo: goddess be praised! you have found the doctor and rescued her from the clutches of Malice and Mystech AND you managed to escape their domain without exposing yourself.

:: motioning for him to carefully lift the doctor up again::

we will leave here. I will bring the both of you to my garden oasis in the realm outside of time and space known as Limbo. There i can restore the doctor and keep you both safe.

:: lifting her hands, swirling, sparkling green orbs of mystic energy flow around them faster and faster as winds swirl all around them. in a haze of light, Ororo transports Rampage, the doctor and herself back to Limbo as they leave the realm of earth. the last of the sparkling green shards flickers out of view in the alley as a small group of law enforcement officials, armed with mutant detection devices shines a light into the alley checking for any possible survivors or suspicious individuals.::

[Oracle]

<< Young Nicolas has succeeded in rescuing Doctor Karen Victoria! At Ororo's command, the mutant and the fallen sorceress are whisked away from the embattled NYC and to Limbo, specifically Ororo's garden oasis>>


<< For Nicolas it is the first time he has ever seen or heard of this realm. Arriving, he is immediately greeted with a seemingly endless expanse of natural beauty in the form of flora foliage. the air is sweet and breezy the sprawling garden boasts a flowing crystal blue stream that leads to a majestic waterfall near Ororo's citadle. there are small and curious enchanted creatures and faeries that flit about and seem to be curious about their new visitor>>

<< He is truly a world away from what he has grown up with and while he may trust Ororo, he realizes that this is a realm of magick and that he is truly a fish out of water. His senses adjust to the beauty and elegance of this sprawling mystic garden as Ororo finally appears before him PHYSICALLY>>

[Ororo]

:: a spinning column of whistling wind and dead leaves heralds the appearence of Ororo in the flesh. Although far older than Nicolas, Ororo's immortal beauty, grace and elegance was clear to see as she stood tall in her white "goddess" dress and blue robe. her long silver hair which was parted down the middle flowed in the fading winds and as she looked upon Nicolas who was holding the fallen doctor, she smiled warmly::

:: speaking in a deeper, clear and elegant tone::


Ororo: Welcome to my realm within Limbo, a dimension far beyond the reach of mortal man and even most meta humans and mutants AND beyond the binds of time and space. You may feel differently as your body adjusts to the influence of this mystical realm. My garden oasis, the crown jewel of my magicks, exists within Limbo and within this pocket of Limbo I am mistress of all that you see.

:: Nicolas could see everything around him the seemingly endless splendor of this sprawling mystical garden. the lush grass, the trees of various sizes and types, the flora, the flowing streams and majestic water fall, the rock gardens and even the mystical creatures that flitted about, some taking an interest in Nicolas as they passed by him. ::

you have completed your task as well as could be expected Nicolas and you avoided being detected by the agents that are now all over the ground zero of new york city. well done.

come, carefully bring the doctor to my citadle within the garden.


:: Ororo lead him through the Garden and toward the Citadle. Nearby was a majestic and thundering waterfall with a fantastic rock/flower garden around the base of the waterfall where a myst and rainbow effect formed::


::Ororo lead him inside down the first massive hallwally of this ancient stone gothic fortress. the pillars rose up to the barrel vaulted ceiling with banners flowing in the soft breeze. the banner had ancient mystical symbols on them and as they passed through this area, nicolas would see the soft glow of eternal green mystic flames in niches carved into the walls themselves. the wind and chines played a soft, faint melody that echoed as they went up the floors , through circular hallways and passing many rooms and finally to the top room of the castle. Ororo's apothecary. which was circular in design. the walls were lined with an impressive library of ancient books of spells, scrolls, tailsmans and other strange objects. the knowledge and power represented here was truly ancient and far reaching. far beyond the knowledge of the young mutant as he know found himself in this elegant and mysterious fortress.::

gently lay Doctor Victoria down there.


:: pointing to a soft bed::

I will tend to her and facilitate her recovery. but you.....you appear to be in need of refreshment and healing yourself.

:: Ororo came close to Nicolas. Although she was tall for a woman, he was quite a bit taller than her but she did not seem intimidated at all.::

You survived a battle with Malice, a truly powerfull and depraved woman and that is no small feat. The damage she inflicted on your emotional core, even your confidence is something that I cannot restore...that will require rest and reflection on your part but I CAN heal any physical wounds. I offer you the whole of my garden for your sustentance. There are many fruit bearing trees and plants as well as the flowing stream of the purest water. You will be able to rest here safe from any harm or danger.....and soon, you will be introduced to some people whose lives will become as much apart of yours as you will theirs.

go now, Nicolas. I shall summon you later.

:: Ororo gently touches Nicolas' well toned arm, before sending him away out of the apothecary, leaving her alone with Karen Victoria.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas nods as he listens to the immortal one. he takes a few moments to take in the beauty of her, of this place. It was a stark contrast to Malice who, while beautiful, actually was disgusting once you took the decay in her soul into account.

After she motions for him to leave, Nicolas dutifully departs into the hallway. Once he sees a window he takes a short run and leaps out of the window down to the garden, landing almost noiselessly. This is one of the things he needed. To exert himself, try to work his body while he allowed his mind to heal, deal with Malice's attacks. The first thing he had to face was his knee-jerk rection of guilt. His father had long taught him that he could only control himself, not others, and that it was not for him to prevent all evil. In the matter of his fathers death, as much as it pained him, he knew that he was not to blame for Malice and Mystech's evil. But the sudden relization of his father's fate and how it happened still cut deeply for him and he needed to work it off. So he did pushups while using his TK as resistance, doing several hundred before stopping. Next he leaped up into the air higher and higher, pushing himself as he allowed his body to become more accustomed to this strange new place, each leap taking him to more impossible-looking heights. As he went higher into the air, he took the time to look around. This oasis was absolutely incredible, like what he would expect the Garden of Eden or Nebuchadnezzar's Hanging Gardens would look like, except with a strong influence of magic and flora and fauna the world had not seen.

After a time of taking various exercises an getting passively acquainted with his surroundoings, Nicolas came to the pool at the foot of the great waterfall. The water was clear and pure. He leaned over and drank deeply, satiating his thirst. He next gathered some fruit to eat, eating many pieces and feeding the rest to animals that he came upon. After he had his fill, he meditated for a bit, allowing the last vestiges of bad feelings and guilt to wash away from him just as the waterfall washed over the rocks nearby.

After an hour of this meditation, Nicolas stood by the pool. He removed his torn and soiled clothing and dived into the water naked, determined to wash away the days events and allow his body to be as cleansed as his mind had become.

[Ororo]

::As the young Nicolas moved through the garden, and seemed to enjoy the splendor with a pure curiosity and wonder like that of a child, Ororo moved about the apothecary, humming softly as a few faeries fluttered about high above near the ceiling, their own natural luminescence providing soft lighting for the immediate area under them. Ororo knew Nicolas would be fine, she was aware of every living thing in her garden and she knew the enchanted animals and faeries of the garden would curiously investigate him and find that he was possessed of a good spirit.::

:: the immortal weather witch prepared her gothic stone alter with some healing and restoration potions, as well as a book of spells. and as she looked up and over to wear Doctor Victoria lay, she extened her hand and gestured in that direction. a gust of howling wind and roll of thunder herald the manifestation of sparkling green orbs that traveled toward the bed where the doctor lay and as they spun around the bed, a sparkling green myst formed that encompassed the bed.::

:: the myst would began to soothe Karen's spirit and keep it from wanting to leave the body. the doctor's own super strong will had kept her alive this long and now Ororo would take care of the rest. the myst also began to heal her internally as she breathed more easily and regularly::

Ororo: breathe deeply, doctor. let the magicks that sustain and replenish my garden now flow through you as well as you are restored and renewed like a flower after a winter frost.

:: she spoke with a soft, yet firm and maternal voice.::

:: Karen and Ororo were not only colleagues in the arts arcane, they were kindred spirits. they were both mothers, and not only when it came to Morgan Victoria. They both watched over The Six as a whole. They both knew what it meant to nurture, guide, and even sometimes rebuke and correct. The two women had great respect for one another and they were FRIENDS. and so Ororo took great care in restoring Karen to full health and vitality.

:: She made her way over to the bedside and slowly waved her hands over Karen, weaving a pentagram of healing as she worked carefully to repair the wounds to her physical body::


Ororo: and now, by the magick that is mine to command, let your wounds...BE HEALED!


:: thunder exploded and crashed all around the garden as jagged yellow bolts of magick charged forward from all sides of the room and connected with Karen Victoria, her body immediately jolted as it was encompassed by the magick that was being directed by Ororo. her body was lifted in a horizontal coccoon of wind and sparkling orbs as wounds were closed, bones healed, and as it all climaxed, a chime sounded off with one final clap of thunder and Karen GASPED with new breath, new life as her body was now gently laid down in the bed::

Ororo: welcome back Karen. You gave me quite a scare for a moment, but you are whole again, alive and well and within the safety of my garden. rest easy now.

:: sitting down next to Karen on the bedside, Ororo smiled upon her friend as she gently stroked her blonde hair back a bit. Karen was now in a simple, elegant white gown and looked as beautifull and icy elegant as she ever had before, maybe even a bit YOUNGER!::

Outside in the garden oasis

:: as Nicolas continued with his exploration of the garden, he would not the rushing winds and rolling thunder in the air as Ororo's voice could be heard all around him, blending with the wind, echoing almost::

Ororo: Nicolas, Doctor Victoria is restored and awake. Please come back to the apothecary at the top of my citadle so that you may meet her.

::her voice faded away::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen gasped with new life , restored to FULL health, vitality and most importantly, consciousness! The beautifull and icy doctor coughed a bit as her lungs eagerly stretched to take in the sweet and fresh air in the citadle of Ororo's Garden.>>

<< as her body settled back in the soft plush bed, she looked over as she heard Ororo's voice. she saw her old friend smiling upon her and she returned the smile. her opal blue eyes were slightly misty like a freshly bloomed flower awakening to the kiss of morning dew>>

Ororo.

<< Karen didnt move, as a doctor, she knew better than to try to rush forward. instead, she laid comfortably and allowed herself to continue to adjust>>

I am Limbo, then that must mean the super soldier is destroyed. But what about the others? Alison, Haleigh, Delilah and Blaze? did they escape Malice? and Blackout....

<< Ororo quietly shushed Karen and told her to relax. The doctor's memory was a bit stunted after the battle with the super soldier as she had been unconscious for a while and so she was not aware of what had occurred or even how she got here. but at least she was HERE and not in the clutches of Malice or the Super Soldier. she exhaled slowly , closing her eyes, and smiling. so greatfull to be alive and whole once more and she reached her hand over to take Ororo's hand in her own...gently squeezing it>>

I dont know what happened...at least not after the super soldier, but everything right now feels far better than it did before. Thank you , Lady Ororo.

<< though she knew there was no need for formaility betwen them, she just wanted to let her friend knew how truly greatfull she was>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas heard Ororo's voice and immediately left the pool, drying himself off in the wind that swept through the garden. He put on his pants and shirt but left off the jacket, which was what was truly soiled. In fact, as he looked at himself in the pool, he was satisfied that he was still quite well-dressed.

He returned to the citadle and briskly walked up the stairs to Ororo's apothecary. He knocked on the doorjamb as he entered the prescence of the women inside...

[Ororo]

:: Ororo let her hand be taken into Karen's as she sat with the doctor::

Ororo: Alison, Delilah, Haleigh and Blaze are all alive, largely thanks to you! You and Blaze went in to free them from the clutches of Malice, Blackout and the Super Soldier and you did what FEW MEN could, you faced the Super Soldier and you SURVIVED. It appears that your spell was successfull in expunging him from this realm of existence.

Malice escaped, abandonning Blackout to her fate. Blackout herself died in the final battle between herself and Guardian. Guardian perished as well and the city has paid a terrible price. Even now, New York City and most of the east coast struggles with a massive blackout and other resulting disasters. However, as the result of the violent fallout from that battle, at the moment of her death, Alexis was FREED from the true source that made her betray her team, the chocker around her neck, imbued with Helena Quatermaine's essence and exacerbated by Malice's exploitation. Alexis now rests in my garden is a statue, her basic consciousness, the primal level of her spirit and the goodness that lurked there in are housed within that statue and she will now enjoy the peace she never knew in her life on Earth. I was able to revive and restore Guardian.

MorningStar is here resting in the citadle while Alison, Haleigh and Blaze have traveled on a most daring mission.....to bring MORGAN back.

::Ororo knew Karen would want to understand this...to know what she meant by this but before Ororo could delve into that, Nicolas arrived. Ororo turned to see him come inside the apothecary and beckoned him forward::

And THIS young man is the one responsible for finding and recovering you from the fallen ruins of MysTech's Citadle. I searched for someone who had the power to help me with the task of getting you out of harm's way and i found him. He is a mutant...a telepath and telekinetic with a very strong spirit and good heart. Without him, We may not have been able to save you, Karen.

:: winds whistled and echoed as the flowed through the various halls and levels of the citadle. the apothecary was dimly lit by the mysterious green eternal mystic flames and as Karen and Ororo watched Nicolas come closer...the three little faeries who huddled above came down closer to inspect the new visitor and provide a better view of him for Karen. they glowed softly and a little chiming melody could be heard emintating from them as they fluttered around the mutant::

This is Nicolas. Nicolas, this is Doctor Karen Victoria.

[Rampage]

Nicolas steeped froward and took Dr. Victria's hand in his. Even though he did not know her, he felt a connection to the woman from so desperately trying to save her while battling Malice. To see her in full health and in all her radiance was the additional salve required to fully restore Nicolas' spirit from his recent trial.

He held her hand gently in his and looked into her eyes as he said:

"It is good to see that you are well. You had me VERY worried. It is a testament to the strength of your spirit that you were able to survive until I could retrieve and extricate you from that...hell. For that spirit, I am grateful."

He released he hand and looked at them both warmly as he allowed the feeling of accomplishment to wash over him a bit.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< stunned by what she heard, Karen quietly gasped as she sat up a bit in the bed, her hand over her mouth as she looked around with worry. But knowing that Alison, Haleigh, Delilah and Blaze were alive and that even ALEXIS herself had now been granted peace and safety in the garden was something that did Karen's heart good to hear.>>

oh...thats.....just..unbelievable!


<< at the mention of three of them having gone on a "daring mission to bring MORGAN back", Karen's eyes widened and lit up with an almost fordbidden radiance>>

Morgan?! my baby? is she alive.....is she...

<< Karen looked at Nicolas as he was now in full view. She cast a curious gaze upon the brown skinned man as Ororo. >>

goddess! he is beautifull! my daughter.....if she were here would fall in love with him. Hell, he'd even melt the marble hard heart of Miss Alison Marble!

<< Karen couldnt help but laugh in her mind as the young man came forth and took her hand in his gently. She smiled and nodded graciously at the young mutant>>

<< in an icy voice>>: Nicolas, for all that you did to help me survive that nightmare, i thank you. Your courage to stand against Malice....it is something that has left MOST people dead, I lost my family to her.

<< the "bewitching" Doctor winked at Nicolas as she released his hand>>

If Ororo has recruited you and brought you here, then you must be among the best the world has to offer.

Have you met the others.....The Six?

<< Karen paused as she looked between him and Ororo. Winds whistled hauntingly around them as thunder rumbled outside>>

My daughter Morgan, she was one of them...but she died...MysTech...Master Mold...MALICE

<< Karen's voice was tinged with pain, bitterness but somehow it retained its icy clarity as well.....>>

[Rampage]

"The Six? I am not aware of them. I do know of Mystech and their crone of a leader, Malice. let's just say she was not impressed that we were leaving New York. I know that Malice is evil but to harm your child, a little kid, that is abhorrent. I am sorry about your daughter, I was not aware that there was a mission to reclaim her. Can I be of help?"

Nicolas' face immediately tightened as his muscles flexed in anticipation of further exertion. His eyes flashed with anger as he imagined a small girl being harmed by Malice and Mystech...

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen shook her head in the negative as she read her forehead down in her hand for a moment>>

No...no Morgan wasnt an actual physical little girl. But of course in the eyes of her MOTHER, she was always "my little girl." My daughter was a celebrated super model. the signature model of the fashion model and advertising company known as Illustra. Have you heard of it?

She's also a witch, like me. A powerfull sorceress who lead The Six and laid her life down to save her team, their allies and the city from the gigantic mechanical monster...the omega sentinel known as Master Mold.

Malice.....she broke my family up years ago when Morgan was a little girl, seducing my husband, Dr. Christopher Victory, a world reknown and controversial geneticist as she had a decades long affair with him and used her psi powers to compell him to betray his family and join Mystech.

He tried to kill me, his own wife. He tried to kill his daughter Morgan. He also tortured Morgan's half sister, Blaze and infected her with the deadly Techno Organic virus. Malice unlocked a part of his personality that was truly depraved and evil. He's dead now...and so is my daughter.

:: look at Ororo::

Ororo, and the rest of the Six have been so good to me through all of this. Ororo is like my sister. I love this woman..she's a model of grace and elegance and she was there for my daughter when I could not be. She'sl Morgan's "honored mother".

[Ororo]

:: Ororo sat and listened, looking at Karen and Nicolas as they aquainted themselves and As Karen told an abbreviated story of the tragedy Malice had visited upon Karen's family, Ororo spoke up as well::

This is but ONE group of lives that Malice has touched and blighted. She has been responsible for trauma in the life of every member of The Six. Most of the members of the Six have had family members affiliated with Mystech. Their lives destined for tragedy from an early age and the team of the six itself has come a long way from its beginnings a year ago.

:: Ororo waves her hand and a scrying pool forms, showing a montage of images from past events in the history of The Six..from the night they were first drawn together and Morgan and Alexis both destroyed their father's in the Citadle and saved Foxfire; the brutal and bitter tension between Spellbinder and Guardian vs. Prophet and Black Widow; the revelation that Prophet and Guardian were brother and sister and the subsequent battle for their lives against their mother Kelly King aka Witchfire ; the Inferno Crisis where Spellbinder brutalized the team, terrorized the city and slew her own sister as she lost herself in darkness; The arrival of Alexis'/Shockwave's evil Aunt Helena and the death of Alexis' NATURAL birth father; the anti mutant/meta human sentiment that began sweeping the country and the brave efforts of the Six's HUMAN Allies: Senator Sharon Kelly and District Attorney Alycia Barnett; The preemptive strike against NERVOUS and the destruction of a major stronghold of Mystech's; The brutalizing of these two women by Commander Rick Riley of Mystech; The drama of the revelation of Blaze's twin sister Jasmine/Frost and the destruction of HER father by the hands of Guardian; the fatefull battle between the Six and Mastermold; The betrayal of Shockwave as she became Blackout and joined forces with Malice against the Six and theier DEVASTATING battles around the city that led the final catastrophic battle which left the city in the ruins that it is now. Nicolas would watch these events, the faces of The Six and those they lived with with, loved, fought against and LOST...it was ALOT to take in. ::

:: one face stood out to him personally, that of SHARON KELLY. His own father had been friends with the Senator and was a frequent guest of her's when he came stateside. He remembered the stories his father had told him of her and her own mutant son that had been murdered by a rabid anti mutant group and her courageous efforts on behalf of mutant and meta human rights. How she had done what most MEN who worked along side her were too afraid to do and stood against the status quo.::

:: through the events that replayed in the scrying pool, Nicolas SAW the moment where Rick Riley attacked Sharon and attempted to rape her and later on the moment of her death at the hands of Master Mold...and the grieving Alycia Barnett as she held Sharon in her arms. He would see now just how EVIL MysTech was. and how The Six had endured MUCH pain and loss in their efforts to not only protect the world from Mystech but to learn how to be a team, how to trust EACH OTHER...::

Ororo: I called upon you for more than just to rescue the doctor, Nicolas. I called upon you so that you would fullfill the destiny that your father had envisioned for you. Your father and Sharon Kelly were close. When she died...it broke his heart and soon after, he lost his life. BOTH of them were beacons of hope against Mystech's long and dark shadow...and they were extinguished. You must help REIGNITE that beacon of hope Nicolas....alone you may come to share the fate of Sharon, Gustav and others like them, who although were brave with or WITHOUT powers, could not stand against Mystech forever.

The Six are now down to THREE...and they need your help Nicolas.

:: the pool shifted and swirled to reveal the beautifull faces of Guardian, Foxfire and Black Widow::

if they succeed in rescuing Morgan, then they will be at four. MorningStar (Delilah) may also rejoin them if she is ready..

:: the face of MorningStar appears in the pool alongside the others, as does Morgan::

and YOU will round out the group, lending your talents and powers to their cause..which will become YOUR cause.

are you ready for this?

[Rampage]

"Your daughter IS MORGAN VICTORIA!!?? Um..ahhh. you could say that I know who she is. She is...definitely an adult, although I was not aware of her passing. It seems we have a mutual enemy in Malice. I found out during our battle while I was retrieving you that...she had my father killed for trying to protect me from her influence."

Nicolas stood still for amoment, lost momentarly in mourning. It appears that the wounds were fresher than he would have liked to admit.

Suddenly, he was watching a montage by Ororo detailing how Malice and Mystech had harmed others. One face that struck him was Senator kelly. he remembered seeing her a few ties. Her and his father spoke often and he knew that she was well thought of by him. As Ororo spoke about what they both stood for and what his father had been showing him in his training, everything clicked. he realized that the reason that his father was killed was not simply to protect him. His father was coming home to try to finalize an alliance to combat Mystech, one in which he would be a part. This is what his father wanted him to come to America for, to be a part of something he knew he would probably not see to the end, the destruction of Mystech and a new day for civilization, indeed, for the world.

"This is what I have searched for since my father's death. I will accept your invitation. I hope that if there is something afoot that can still save Morgan, that it is successful. I am willing to help in any way I can."

Nicolas stepped forward agin and placed his hand on Ororo's shoulder.

"I want to thank you for helping me do what I was born to do. I only hope that I am up to the task set before me."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's mind RACED, she couldnt have DREAMED of a more startling surprise. not only did she succeed in freeing The Six and survive a violent battle with the Super Soldier, but she was rescued by Ororo and a new aquaintence named Nicolas...and most of all, her DAUGHTER... ALIVE!? Ororo had said that the surviving members of the Six were on a "daring mission to rescue HER DAUGHTER!">>

<< the doctor was never one to REVEL in emotion in front of strangers, always preferring to remain professional and elegant and add to her intimidating reputation as a woman and as a doctor but here in Limbo, knowing all that had happened, and having gone through so much with the Six at the hands of MysTech..having lost her entire family and NOW knowing there was literally a chance in "HELL" that she could be returned......it all rushed over the doctor like hurricane guest of wind as she exhaled and seemed to be crying a bit>>


<< she closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands as she drew her knees up. Nicolas addressed Ororo and accepted her call to him to allign himself with the six and Karen spoke softly>>

Morgan.... my baby!!


Ororo! If...there's a chance....any chance at all ..I can't just lay here. I've got to do SOMETHING to help my daughter. I was not able to save her from Master Mold....and I have never been to forgive myself.

[Ororo]

:: Ororo held her hand up and shook her head in the negative as Karen attempted to get out of bed in a hurry.::

Ororo: No, Karen. You must not attempt to move right now. You are not ready.

:: She paused as she saw the look in Karen's eyes. mother's instinct to help, protect her child..it was one of the most PRIMAL instincts of all living things and Ororo respected AND identified with it. But neither Karen or Nicolas could do anything about that situation at this time. it was not meant for them to.::

Ororo: Do not act in haste now. Remember that it was YOUR bravery that allowed you to travel to the Citadle and risk your life to FREE the surviving members of the Six when they were captured and being tortured by Malice and Blackout. It was your courage and maternal instinct that allowed you to do what armies of MEN could not do..you faced the Super Soldier and SURVIVED. You did more than anyone could have asked of you and because of that Alison, Blaze , Delilah and Haleigh are ALIVE and FREE. You were accidently left behind during the chaos and confusion. You were badly injured and near death. I recruited Nicolas to rescue you but because of YOUR efforts the team SURVIVED and were able to attempt what I had originally thought IMPOSSIBLE. but Alison, due to her powers as a Seer was able to perceive Morgan in a realm that can only be described as OBLIVION. She languishes there...suspended from all sense and awareness. Most likely brought there by her instinct to TELEPORT at the moment she was pulled into the seige perilous.

I sent Alison, Blaze and Haleigh through Limbo , across timelines to find Darkchilde, the crown jewel of the multiversal dark trinity [Spellbinder/Darkchilde/Magik], so that she could HELP them. The three of them were BEST suited to go... Alison because of her powers as a Seer and the team tactician, Foxfire because of her heart and her courage and Haleigh because of her resiliency. Injured as you were, you would not have been prepared to travel through the bluring timelines of Limbo and face the dangers that lay therein but you have ALREADY done enough.


I have every confidence that the remainder of the Six will succeed in their task of rescuing Morgan and you will be reunited with your daughter, and Morgan will be reunited with her friends, her family and with the addition of Nicolas, the team will be that much closer to restoring its core.

[Rampage]

WE DID IT!

The thought was broadcast from outside and "heard" by Nicolas as he sat speaking with Dr. Victoria and Ororo. He reached out and detected two minds clearly and one hazily outside. He started to the window to see what was going on.

"Ororo, as you probably are aware, we have visitors. It appears that we will soon find out if the quest was successful."

[Oracle]

<< at that moment, Nicolas, Karen and Ororo were greeted by the sight of Guardian, Black Widow, Foxfire and Persephone. Guardian was carrying an unconscious Spellbinder.>>

<< The surviving members of The Six had RETURNED and they had succeeded with rescuing Spellbinder AND they had a new companion>>

<< Nicolas was confronted by the presence of four beautiful, powerfull women. each one had a uniqueness about her from their hair and eye color to their total physical presentation and of course there was Spellbinder, who resembled her mother. it was easy for Nicolas to see where she got her icy , wintery elegance from>>


<< the women of the Six were relieved to see Ororo AND KAREN. After having been to a timeline where they had witness the brutal deaths of both women..they were now able to see how lucky they were to come from a timeline where they were still alive and whole. and The WOMEN were greeted with the site of a very tall, very fit, handsome black man. someone who they had not seen before>>

<< it was a moment for reunions, as well as questions>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas is greeted by the site of four very beautiful women standing before him, one of them holding a fifth. It is clear to him that the one held by Guardian is in fact Morgan Victoria and the others are the members of the Six, as he remembered them from the visions Ororo showed him, with a new woman with whom he was not familiar.

As he quickly studied the women before him, he used his TK to examine Spellbinder and found her to be intact in body, her apparently magical shielding prevented easy access to determine any effect on her mind. However, he wished to help in any way he could so he stepped forward.

"I am glad you have returned safely. I am Nicolas, Ororo brought me here to help. Here, allow me."

He attempted to gently lift Spellbinder from Guardian so he could put her on the bed to rest...

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian glared at Nicolas with her cobalt blue eyes as she clutched on to Morgan. He would find that HER mind was closed to his telepathy as well. She noted his appearence. Tall, dark and handsome with a nice physique and a surprising gentility. nobility and strength eminated from him but Alison was never one to just TRUST someone outright from the start::

I dont think.....

:: she looked beyond him and saw Ororo nodding reassuringly, and she ceased her protest allowing Nicolas to take Morgan and place her in another bed::

Thank you.


::she quitely exhaled as she stretched a bit::

Ororo, we did it! just as you said we could. We have brought Morgan back to us, whole and complete. the shock of reintegration has rendered her unconscious but she is breathing regularly.

This :: gesturing at Persephone:: is Persephone, she was a close ally of Darkchilde's from her timeline. Darkchilde asked that we bring her back with us, as Persephone cannot survive in Limbo due to her innate nature. It was the condition upon which Darkchilde agreed to help us get Morgan back.

:: seeing Doctor Victoria in another nearby bed, Guardian moves toward her::

Oh Karen!

:: Guardian sits down and hugs the doctor::

Thank the goddess you're OKAY. I must apologize for your being left behind during the battle with Malice and Blackout. Had it not been for you, we would not have been able to survive and stop Blackout. Malice escaped at the moment of critical mass but Ororo saved us and brought us here and through her guidance and our determination, we were able to get Morgan back too!

[Foxfire]

Kneeling next to Guardian, Fox watched her sister with misty eyes. Reaching closer she scooped up her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She knew Morgan was unconscious, for not but she couldn't help but smile. Turning to lock eyes with Guardian, Blaze rested her free hand on the back of Alison's shoulder blade. A sympathetic look was given as both savored this moment. Blinking back several tears that threatened but one long - slow moving tear fell. It was a joyous moment for all except for Persephone who was still sore from leaving her comrade, Darkchilde, behind.

Her hand gentle to massage Alison's shoulder, a sign of sisterly affection. The two women sat there with Morgan sprawled out artfully, covered by Blaze's battle suit. Hearing her name, Blaze looked up to see Black Widow soothe any worries she had for Ororo.

"Your right, I was just curious if she had returned with Karen or not."

Secretly, Blaze felt guilty for Karen's abandonment and severe injuries. She put up a decent facade, but internally she felt like hell. She felt like a failure for letting Malice manipulate and separate her from the Doctor. If she had stayed, she could have assisted the Doctor against the Super Soldier. She barely heard the conversation at hand between the two team leaders, Blaze was lost in her own web of emotion. She stood up just as Guardian did with Morgan in her arms with the assistance of her telekinesis.

Wiping away her fallen tear, Blaze breathed easier. They had accomplished the single most important mission ever! Walking side -- by side of Guardian, Foxfire kept her eyes glued to her sister. It was obvious to see Blaze had been worried. Her green eyes full of emotion just as her body language detected. Turning to Alison who announced the return of Ororo, Karen, and a mysterious stranger.

This night was full of luck it seemed with the retrieval of Karen as well. She would be restored to full health no doubt. But as the team progressed toward the castle, Blaze felt Malice's taunting words in the back of her head. Placing a hand to her temple she would need to see Karen about plunging that memory or filing it away. Her mental torture still fresh on her mind, which helped to make her feel more on edge.

Following the other ladies inside, Blaze felt relief to see Ororo, Karen, and a handsome black gentlemen. Moving behind Alison on her right, Blaze could sense his desire to help. Her own emotions reacting to his. She felt a sense of nobility and warrior like quality unleashed from Nicolas. He addressed his desire to help as Alison was uncertain. Looking behind Nicolas, she saw Ororo standing there looking regal and pristine as ever.

Morgan was placed securely inside of the large bed. Blaze automatically followed as she sat to Morgan's right beside the bed. She held her icy hand, hoping to see any sign of livelihood from her sister. Leaning in closely, Blaze brushed a few golden strands of platinum locks away. She tenderly placed a kiss on Morgan's forehead as her eyes welled up with tears. Blaze took Morgan's death hard, second to Karen.

The mutant yearned to see Karen too but that guilt hindered any sort of activity. So, instead she sat with her sister. Nibbling on her bottom lip, she watched Morgan like a protective hawk. Her back was turned toward the others. Every once in a while she looked over to Karen, where Alison sat. Her eyes full of sadness and worry but she averted looking at Karen. Malice's haunting words scoffing in her mind. Glancing back to Morgan, Blaze pushed out the painful memory. Instead she concentrated on Morgan's health physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Usually Blaze was more reserved about her feelings in front of others. But tonight she didn't care, tonight she was brought back the other piece of her heart. She felt whole again, alive, and happier than she had since that devastating nightmare with Master Mold. Leaning back, Blaze wiped a few more hot tears away. Try as she might, she was a victim to her own emotions. She was just thrilled to have Morgan back save and alive.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone turned away from the group as they began to discuss the effects retrieving Morgan would do to their time line. The goddess' emerald eyes surveyed the area, noting the beauty of Ororo's garden here. It flourished with life and energy. She could feel the power, the beauty, the strength that resided in the garden. Something that felt all too familiar to Persephone. ::

:: Turning her head, Persephone looked over her shoulder seeing the other woman start for Ororo's castle. Hesitating a moment, Persephone turned to face the garden once more and soak in the beauty of it all. She had missed this place and it's tranquility dearly. Finally turning back around, Persephone started forward and began to follow the woman through Ororo's castle and to her apothecary. Persephone's eyes fell upon three people: a man whom she did not know, then Ororo and Karen. A smile appeared on her lips as she went to take a step forward toward the two woman, but suddenly stopped. Her smile instantly faded and her posture straightened realizing she was acting on her emotions instead of logic. They would not know her, nor would they care for her. ::

:: Shifting her eyes to Guardian hearing the precog introduce her, Persephone nodded respectfully before interlinking her fingers behind her back and turning away from the group. Persephone had no reason to associate with the six, especially when they were concerned with Spellbinder. She need not worry about the witch and her well-being...If she was as strong as Darkchilde, she would pull through just fine. Therefore Persephone kept to herself, quiet and reserved for the time being. ::

:: The apothecary was exactly the way she remember; with a few differences here and there. Scanning her eyes along the vast amount of books, Persephone continued to study the spines, reading the different titles until her eyes fell upon the one that she instantly remembered. A small smile crept along her pouty lips as she reached forward and ran a finger along the binding. ::

"Kingdom of Death.."

:: Persephone softly murmured to herself; a book explaining the factual history of the Gods and Goddesses of her time. She remember the day she found this book in her time line; she was quite surprised Ororo had it within her collection. Pulling the thick book out by it's spine, Persephone brushed off the dust that collected around the leather binding before gently running her fingers upon the ancient gold scripture that was the book’s title. Flipping it open, she began to scan through the pages until stopping at something that caught her eye. It was a sketch (http://www.cheryllavender.com/Fire%20and%20Ice-Demeter%20and%20Persephone.jpg) of her and her mother illustrating the beauty and struggle of both woman. The story written on numerous pages following the drawing. Skimming the text, Persephone felt a pang of dizziness and shut her eyes; Limbo obviously beginning to effect her once again. ::

[Ororo]

:: turning slowly, Ororo knew of the moment the Six and their new companion had arrived. She was aware of every living thing in her garden. as they anticipated the groups arrival, they finally emerged, with Guardian carrying SPELLBINDER in her arms.::

:: a soft smile came over the immortal sorceress' face as Nicolas offered to carefully place Spellbinder in the other bed. Sensing Guardian's hesitanace, Ororo quietly affirmed Nicolas' intention so that Guardian would release Morgan into his arms. As Morgan was laid down and Guardian went to hug Karen, Ororo stepped forward to adress everyone.::

Ororo: Welcome back, all of you. You have succeeded in your task as I knew you would.

The core of the team is that much closer to healing, as is your family and friends around that core. You've prooven just how far you've come as a group AND as individuals...and now, because of your efforts, we are reunited with Spellbinder as well.

:: as Guardian introduced Persephone, Ororo smiled and nodded to the young goddess::

Ororo: Welcome to my garden, young one. I realize that you are truly a world away from home now but your Darkchilde would not have sent you here if she did not know you had the capability to succeed and to FLOURISH here with us. I am Lady Ororo, you are a welcomed guest here with us and I will assist you in anyway that you need.

:: as Persephone nodded respectfully to Ororo, the sorceress sensed the reservation, the stone wall that Persephone had put up around herself. she was guarded and with good reason. Ororo could tell at first glance that the site of her and Karen both had struck a chord with Persephone. She may have been close with her timeline's version of them...and although Ororo could hazard a guess, she could not be speicifically sure just what had happened to Persephone in her timeline::

:: looking around the room at the returned memembers of the Six: she gestures toward Nicolas::

Ororo: This young man is Nicolas. I found him on earth, and he answered my call to help in rescuing Doctor Victoria from the clutches of Malice. He is a mutant with considerable power...a telepath and telekinetic. His father was a wealty philanthropist and was close to Senator Sharon Kelly. Before Sharon's death, she had been in communication with his father to bring him to America so that he would assist you all in your fight against Mystech but Malice had his father killed and of course...we know what happened to Sharon. But even MALICE cannot stop him from fullfilling his destiny.

Nicolas journeyd to the ruins of the Citadle in New York and engaged in a brutal battle with Malice to rescue the doctor. But he did not give up and he managed to escape with the doctor. Thanks to his brave efforts, Karen is back with us. I restored her and healed her wounds.

I ask that you all accept him into your group, allow him to become apart of you and you apart of him so that he may lend his powers and talents to your ongoing battle and so that he may be able to enjoy a life that would not be possible had he continued on his own.

:: winds howled and whistled around the castle as a sweeping breeze flowed outside and made some of the leafy canopies of the trees sway::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh followed the group, after listening to Guardian's answer... a slight sigh of relief... that too much would not be different. She looked up, to see Ororo, Karen, and a tall, dark man she didn't recognize. She sized him up, giving him a curious once-over, but unlike Guardian, she wasn't immediately skeptical... He was strapping and handsome, that was to be sure. Could probably hold his own against me... for a while. She thought. But most importantly, Ororo had brought him here... which meant SHE trusted him... and as Haleigh resppected Ororo's judgement, she knew that this man wouldn't hurt any of them. As Alison tried to stall him from taking Morgan, Haleigh offered the one thing that usually appealed to Alison: reason.

"Alison... Morgan is SAFE now... nobody here is going to try to hurt here. Ororo wouldn't allow him here if SHE didn't trust him."

Blaze was attached to Morgan's hip [and, as Haleigh noticed, avoiding eye contact with Karen], Alison went to Karen, Persephone, believing it was none of her business, distracted herself with literature. Haleigh remained were she was, a short distance from everyone, still standing. She watched Alison with Karen, and nodded, adding her own apology... and helping relieve some of the guilt she KNEW Blaze felt.

"Yes.... Karen... you getting left behind.... that was my call... and I'm sorry I had to make the decision I did. Everything happened so quickly... the MOMENT we had to breathe wasnt until MUCH later... by the time the dust settled... I was holding Alison... and I knew she was dead... Blackout was dead... Delilah was very near it... all I had left was Blaze. I knew... we had to get out of there. We hadn't seen or heard from you since you led the Super Soldier off... [after a short pause and a brief glance to Blaze and then back to Karen] Blaze wanted to go back for you... but I... wouldn't allow it. There was.... hardly time to weigh the cost... I couldn't lose her... and I wanted DESPERATELY to do ANYTHING I could for Alison. So... I decided to get us both out of there. BELIEVE me... if I had thought we could save you.... we WOULD have tried... but Super Soldier is no joke... I didn't even know if you had survived him and I wasnt sure Blaze and I could manage finding you-- and possibly fending HIM off. I hope you can understand... if you dont, I can't blame you... I just... making a choice like that is never easy. I did what I thought I had to. Anyway... I also wanted to thank you... you found us, healed us, and protected us from... Hell on earth. If you hadn't come... well, I don't even want to THINK about what would have become of us. So... thanks."

Haleigh said, offering a grateful smile. She saw Perse doing everything she could to mind her own business, and thought to include her-- something the old Haleigh would have never considered.

"And as for you, Persephone... we owe you some thanks too... you did good. I know... you feel like a fish out of water here... In a different timeline... surrounded by strangers.... and I know what its like to have to leave everything youve ever known behind. We may not be your family... but we can be your friends... you just have to let us."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen sat up as the others arrived, smiling with relief as she saw Alison, Blaze and Haleigh, along with their new companion and ...her DAUGHTER. Hugging Alison, Karen nodded to reassure her and Haleigh that everything was allright>>

Haleigh, Alison... Don't worry. things happened so quickly during that caper, Foxfire and I got seperated because of Malice but i knew one way or another, if something happened, that someone would come back for me. I knew Ororo would come for me if all else failed.

The main thing is that Blackout and Malice were stopped. Ororo and
Nicolas saved my life...Nicolas....he endured Malice's onslaught and apparently gave her what for and got me out of
the Citadle before it was too late.


But you...all of you....you returned, with.....

<< her sapphire blue eyes sparkled with surprise and shock as she covered her mouth at the sight of her daughter who looked very much at peace. she didnt rush out of bed, knowing that Ororo would have glared at her for doing so, but instead she held herself in check as Nicolas gently took Morgan from Alison and carried her over to the bed and laid her down.>>

My baby!! they found her! they...RESCUED HER! she's ALIVE!!!

<< her thoughts echoed in her own mind over and over again, as a feeling of warmth and joy came over her heart. teaers welding up in her eyes as she slowly slipped out of her bed and wrapped her white robe around her white silk gown and walked over to the bed, sitting on the other side of Morgan opposite Blaze, Karen looked down at her daughter>>

Morgan.....

<< Morgan lay there, breathing regularly but seemingly asleep. she looked very serene and peacefull. her body whole and intact without any bruises, blemishes or scares from battle>>

welcome home baby.

<< Karen gently stroked her daughter's blonde hair as she bent down and gently kissed her on the cheek. tears fell down the doctor's face as she sat up and looked at Blaze. slowly reaching her hand over to Blaze's hand which was holding Morgan's. Karen put her hand over both of them>>

I have my daughter back and i know you had something to do with it. Thank you, Blaze for your bravery, your courage.

<< she looked over to Alison and Haleigh and even Persephone who was detatched from the moment, but still within range>>

thank you. thank you ALL for bringing my daughter back. this is....this is so unexpected, so ...WONDERFULL!

<< her stern voice was softened with emotion and it cracked momentarily as she couldnt hold back her tears of joy as she gently held her daughter in her arms>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing her name, Persephone glanced over her shoulder at Black Widow who addressed her; thanked her for her assistance. Her forest green eyes locked with the woman, noting how she attempted to make her feel 'welcomed' and mention that these woman could be her friends. Shifting her blank stare away from Black Widow, Persephone parted her lips and turned back away from the woman. Slowly closing the large book, Persephone slipped it back into it's respected slot before turning back to Black Widow. ::

"I'm glad Spellbinder's alright."

:: Her soft English accent meant for the ears of all connected to Spellbinder. Turning away from the group, Persephone began to walk toward the double doors that lead from the apothecary into the hallway. Her healed boots thumped hard on the wooden floors as the goddess gestured her hands out absentmindedly to the doors, a gust of wind blowing them open. Walking out of the apothecary, Persephone disappeared into the darkness; the doors closing shut after her. ::

:: Making her way through the vast castle, she knew the grounds well, and knew the anomalies that came with the territory. Walking down the long hallway, Persephone came upon one of the numerous rooms that could be classified as a "guest room" within Ororo's castle. Opening the door, Persephone slipped inside the room and shut the door behind her; inhaling a long deep breath as she looked around. A large floor to ceiling, four post wooden bed sat against the wall on top of a large circular dark red area rug. The room was decorated much like her old home; dark woods and color schemes. Striding forward toward the bed, Persephone removed her Mystic Daggers from the holsters placed along the small of her back and set them on the end table next to the bed. Her transfiguring whip immediately formed into that of a cobra snake, coiling around her lean body. ::

"Easy puppet...."

:: The snake loosened it's grip along her body and made it's way down her leg and to the floor, instantly shaping itself into a circle before changing back into it's whip state. Unzipping her black cat suit, Persephone's carmel skin was revealed inch by inch as she pealed the spandex-like leather from her body, dropping the suit to the floor. Slipping onto the bed in nothing more than a black cami and boy shorts, the goddess stayed on top of the covers and laid back, resting her head on the plush pillow. She wasn't sure if it was the mixture of being in Limbo for an extended period of time or everything that had happened earlier, but the goddess just preferred to be alone and rest while the others dealt with what was to come next. ::

[Harbinger]

:: As Karen assured her and Haleigh that she was okay and she understood what had happened and why, Alison felt better. She knew the doctor could be VERY unforgiving when she wanted to be but she also had wisdom and understanding. As Karen went to be with her daughter, Guardian fidgeted with herself on the edge of the other bed trying to seem less moved than she was. she couldnt help but feel like she had been some silly girl since she had been revived by Ororo...showing displays of emotion like never before and even allowing for more physical contact than she would have under normal circumstnaces, but if anything, she realized that growing and changing were OKAY and that perhaps it wasnt always best to be so cold and robotic. She could be brutal and cold when she HAD to be, but maybe it was okay after to show a little warmth and depth toward those she cared about?::


:: as Karen tearfully thanked them for rescuing Morgan, Alison looked down, trying to hide her cobalt blue eyes as her blue/black hair fell forward. her voice was soft..and a bit shaky, it sounded like she might be a little choked with emotion herself::

You're welcome.......


:: Ororo introduced Nicolas, and Alison nodded to him acknowleding his presence::

Thank you for helping Karen, Nicolas. I appreciate you for your bravery and valor.



:: in her heart, Alison was so happy that Karen and Morgan were back, that the TEAM was closer to being whole again...that they ALL had another chance..that SHE had another chance at LIFE. this whole trip showed that nothing was set in stone, that there was always room for change, a chance to see things a different way. she thought of darkchilde and how she had her entire family and her friends riipped away from her but through that, through the pain she emerged and found herself at a new place in her mind and was able to help them so that they could get their family back together. She wondered what it would have been like to battle along side Darkchilde.... She would never forget DC from this moment forward.::

:: she noted that Persephone had left, though she was not fond of the woman, this moment...Alison was able to see things from her side. Having been in stone form for 25 years, and then revived to learn that her friends and family were lost....she was reunited with Darkchilde only to have to be sent away from the last connection to her world. it was hard..it would be hard for ANYONE and ...like Alison, Persephone was perhaps putting on her stone cold exterior and keeping her feelings to herself. She couldnt blame Persephone for THAT much and she DID come forth in a big way to help save Morgan....maybe there was hope for her after all.::

:: Alison slowly got up and walked toward the other bed, sitting along side Blaze, she placed and hand on Blaze's shoulder as the doctor held her daughter and weeped softly. a mother and her child reunited...it was very touching, even for the stone cold seer.::

:: she looked back to Haleigh, Ororo and Nicolas, they could see she was trying to mask her own expression in her face and cobalt blue eyes..which were a bit misty now. there was a hint of a smile, the implication of relief and satisfaction. she held out her other gloved hand to Haleigh and Ororo::

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as everything unfolded before him. He watched Persephone make her exit, wathcing her as she cooly walked out into the hallway. For somone who was so fit, her breathing seemed a bit irregular to him.

Maybe that is how her physiology normally is, but I could swear that she is not feeling well. She seems to know what she is doing. I will not pry.

"Lady Ororo, what is to be our next move? I can say for myself that I will soon need to go oversee the establishment of the foundation to aid New York. However if I am required here, I will simply "speak" to my assistants in a more convenient manner, have them make the arrangements in my stead."

Nicolas stood tall, with his hands interlocked behind his back as he spoke, making sure to make eye contact with everyone who was listening. His father had taught him long ago how to present himself to others and, unconsciously, he was displaying what he was taught.

[Ororo]

:: Ororo watched as the women expressed their feelings among one another. She nodded slowly with satisfaction. again she was deeply relieved that the survivors of the six had come so far since their beginnings as a team a year ago. none of this would have been possible were it not for each of them learning, and growing and EVOLVING as individuals and as a team...a family. it gave Ororo great pleasure to know that she could help them, and guide them and watch over them, much like she did her own beloved X-men so long ago before she ever knew what Limbo was.::

:: as Guardian held out her gloved hand, Ororo moved over to her and took her hand.::

Ororo: This is a wonderfull moment...for ALL of us. Years ago, i never thought I would have the chance to bring my own family back together when i lost my X-men, but here in this time and this place....I am here, with all of you and this makes it all worthwhile.

Alison, Haleigh, Blaze...I am proud of you. you've come so far as women and as a team.


:: Ororo looked over to Nicolas as he inquired of their next move. she looked back as the Doctor craddled her daughter::

Ororo: do not be in too much of a hurry, Nicolas. give these young women and the doctor a chance to settle. they have been through much and now that Morgan is back with us...this is a moment that I do not believe any of us thought possible in the beginning.

As i told the others before they embarked on this latest mission, the threat of MysTech is only to decrease from here on. the disaster on the eastern coast of the united states has all but sealed the fate of the once powerfull commercial entity. You and your organization will be instrumental in helping New York City and its people, not to mention others in the surrounding areas. You will invoke Sharon Kelly's name..and REMIND people of tolerance and understanding.

With The Six, you will face new challegences some as simple as learning to live with your new team mates, discovering things about each of them as they learn about you. some others will be more difficult..but there's time for all of that. Right now....we all need time. Time to rest, and think. Time to realize how thankfull we should be to have each other.

:: Ororo smiled and nodded to Nicolas as she turned back to the others.::

[Foxfire]

Black Widow's deeply -- penetrated Blaze from where she sat. She could tell her comrade was eyeing her, which meant she sensed the mutant's guilt. She remained quiet and comfortable in Morgan's presence, even if she slumbered. Her emerald eyes memorizing her sister's angelic features, her double platinum locks. Looking up at the ceiling, Blaze felt her own tears wash down her flushed cheeks. She mouthed a 'thank you' to the heavenly skies above. Maybe, Haleigh and Alison were right in their assumption. Everything did happen for a reason. Haleigh's charming voice called out to Karen, which Blaze felt some of her friend's statement directed at her. She could tell Haleigh was trying to secretly relinquish the guilt she felt, for Haleigh felt it too.

Tucking a leg underneath her petite body, Blaze sat Indian style. She was definitely attached to Morgan, could you blame her? From the corner of her ear Blaze could hear Dr. Victoria slowly rise from the safety of her bed. Her bare feet graceful against the wooden floor but Blaze felt her body tense. She tried to pretend she was fine, that the Doctor was never left behind. But, that nagging feeling crept inside of her. She felt Karen side on the left side of the bed. Looking down more, strands of loose brown hair cascading down across her eyes.

It was almost like Blaze was afraid of Karen. Mainly she was ashamed, she felt responsible for Karen's injuries. Karen quietly called out Morgan's name. Something as simple as this was breaking Blaze's wall down. She glanced over to see Karen's eyes fill with tears. Here was a powerful woman but she too was not afraid to show her real emotion. Blaze's eyes filled with tears at Karen's motherly affections toward her daughter. Karen turned toward Blaze who gasped. She had been caught but quickly looked down.

Her eyes avoiding eye contact, looking elsewhere. Karen sensed this for her own warm hand slide upon Blaze. The reaction shocking and surprising Blaze. Blaze looked up with her sparkling teary eyes wide. She thought Karen had been angry with her. She stared into Karen's eyes, feeling how HAPPY she was! Blaze frowned, was this a dream?

Karen thanked Blaze for her bravery and courage. The fire manipulator's lip threatened to quiver but she silenced it with a bite to the bottom lip. She listened to Karen thank the whole team. Swallowing another large lump in her throat, Blaze leaned in with her free hand. Gently she hugged Karen, careful of her injuries. She held the doctor closely as she shut her eyes, the more her tears leaked. Burying her face into Karen's shoulder. She was grateful Karen was alive, especially after everything she did for the team.

Pulling back she sniffled with a nervous laugh. "Well, you know us we thrive on danger. We're adrenaline junkies." She wiped her eyes again for the millionth time this evening. Black Widow thanked Persephone, which Blaze had also done earlier when they rescued Morgan. She watched the interaction with intrigue. Blaze felt the chill radiating from Persephone as she shuddered. Damn, the woman was icy just about as cold as Alison and Morgan, well, when they were in rare form anyway. Her eyes following the Goddess who yearned to isolate herself. Blaze felt bad for the woman but she knew she wanted alone time.

Alison got up from the other bed, taking a seat beside Blaze. Looking into Alison's cobalt blue eyes, Blaze smiled sheepishly. She read into Alison's soul via her eyes. Sniffling she felt Alison place a hand on her shoulder. A touching sign of affection, but even Blaze could surprise her. Laying her head on Alison's right shoulder blade, with her hand sandwiched between Morgan and Karen's.

"I told you had it in you Ali."

She was referring to her conversation with Alison back in Illustra. Blaze did not have the capabilities of a Seer but she saw the good in others. It was a quality she always possessed, even with the darkened of souls. She looked up to Alison, like a sister. At times, Blaze felt like the baby of the family.

Ororo moved closer to take Alison's hand. Complementing the team in general for their heroics as a unit. Nicolas inquired about the next move. Boy, is he in for a rude awakening when he sees the missions we go on. I think he'll fit in nicely with us. I'm sure Morgan will sink her claws into him...if Alison doesn't. She thought with a grin, amused by her own thought.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh watched the tender interaction between Blaze and Karen, and then Karen's grateful embrace of her returned daughter... and though Haleigh smiled and felt warmed by the moment, she felt a bit like an outsider, looking in. The same way Nicolas must have felt. Haleigh looked up at them... it had been a while since they'd had a man in their group... and Haleigh knew that he'd come at a good time. She just hoped Morgan would be able to keep an open mind about him... for Haleigh knew Morgan was never exactly comfortable with trusting a man.

"Nicolas? I'm Haleigh. It's good to have you.... and thanks... for everything you did."

She offered, her own way of welcoming him in. Karen thanked them all for bringing back her daughter, and though Haleigh didn't say anything, she nodded softly. She remembered her and Alison having to tell Karen that her daughter was killed... it was one of the hardest things Haleigh'd ever had to do... and she hoped to never do it again. And yet still, she couldn't shake the feeling of being outside... after all, everyone else here [aside from Nicolas] had known each other for YEARS before Haleigh had come upon them, and without Cameron to tie her in, though she loved them all dearly, in the back of her mind she silently feared that she was only there for what she brought to the battlefield. An irrational paranoia, of course... but there nonetheless.

And then... Alison reached out her hand towards Haleigh... and it was such a surprising thing for her to do that it struck Haleigh to the core.... and as she moved in and took Alison's hand, softly smiling as her OWN eyes got a little watery, that menacing voice in the back of her head quieted... and she felt, for once... that she DID belong.... that this was HER family too.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Finally stirring awake, some time had passed since Persephone had left the group at the apothecary to rest. Rolling her head along the plush pillow, she peered out the large windows that overlook Ororo's garden. Her eyes fell upon the spot in which her friends were buried in her own time. Closing her eyes, she secretly hoped this had all been a horrible nightmare; that she would awake within her castle in the underworld and life would be as it was. Wishful thinking on the goddess' part. Pushing herself up off the bed, Persephone's long hair fell forward along her clammy skin, sticking to it unforgivingly. She was progressively getting worse in Limbo; her body not adapting to it's environment much like it hadn't in her own time. ::

:: Moving her legs so they dangled off the edge of the elevated bed, she inhaled an uneasy breath contemplating what she were to do next. Ororo would most likely have the same elixser she drank in her own time--she did have many of the same books in her apothecary. Perhaps it was her own doing; mind of matter so to speak. Craning her head back, Persephone brought both hands to her hair line, running them through her softened tresses. After a few moments of regaining her barrings, she pushed herself off the bed and slowly headed over to the large armoire that sat parallel from the bed. Opening the large oak doors, she grabbed a beautiful black robe; floor length and long sleeved. Slinking into the light weight material, she wrapped it around her body and tied it securely to her. ::

--

:: Walking down the small pebble path toward Ororo's garden, the softest rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance, with flickers of lightning flashing rhythmically in the sky afar. The soft breeze swept along Persephone's body, blowing her waist length locks behind her shoulders to fall beautiful along her sculpted back. As she strode forward, now entering the garden, the goddess' body moved in such a fashion that when the light caught the black robe that resided on her, there was the slightest hint of skin that could be seen under the see through material. ::

:: Bare feet sunk into the plush green grass, wetting her feet and the bottom of her robe with morning dew. Continuing forward, finally, Persephone stopped by a bare plot of grass near the stream and massive oak tree. The spot where her friend's tomb stones once were. Crossing her arms along her chest, the stared blankly at the spot, a billion thoughts running in her mind. What if's, could of's, should of's. Thoughts that she needed answers to, that she needed to sort out before she were to continue with this forced life she was 'destined' to live. As she stood, lost within herself, the winds gradually began to pick up giving the once quiet and still garden some life. ::

[Caroline Forbes]

[ Delilah Trelaven (http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/women/content/stella/data/images/wallpapers/St03_1280x960.jpg) stood in her favorite place in Ororo's garden, a tranquil spot next to a stream. The flowers emitting their fragrant perfume, the grass a soft carpet under her feet, the trees offering the shade of their branches. She felt calm here, serene. Her mind was clear, open.

She moved through the Tai Chi movements gracefully, effortlessly. Finishing, she sat down in the lotus position and began to meditate. She breathed in the fresh air, her eyes closed, enjoying being at one with her surroundings.

Suddenly, she felt something like a tremor run through her body. A flash of images came to her mind. Something was off. Something had happened. Her eyes flew open. She spoke in a whisper. ]

"Morgan..."

[Ororo]

::Ororo stood with her surrogate family, she was deeply proud of them all for what they had accomplished, not just in bringing back Morgan but in their own realm of personal growth. She now knew that The Six would be able to carry on and be revived anew.::

:: but even as she stood with Haleigh next to Alison, who was sitting along side Blaze while Karen held her daughter, Ororo looked up for a moment and closed her eyes::

out in the garden:

:: far away from where Nicolas had been, in another area of the vast Oasis, Delilah had relaxed herself and enjoyed this peacefull respite in the garden. Ororo's astral form appeared before her in a swirling column of wind::


Ororo: please join us, Delilah. you're friends have returned...all of them and there are some new people for you to meet as well.

:: the smile on Ororo's face confirmed what Delilah had sensed. her perfect hearing had allowed her to detect things ever from as far away as she was.::

back in the apothecary at the top of the citadle in the garden

::Ororo opened her eyes as winds howled softly in the stoned hallways all through the castle::

Ororo: Delilah Trelevan...MorningStar, another member of The Six

:: looking at Nicolas::

A powerfull mutant like yourself and Blaze

:: looking back at the others::

willl be joining us. After all, it was she who first dared to utter the possiblity of recovering Morgan ...the night that she died.

:: Haleigh, Blaze and Alison would recall that Delilah had called out to Ororo while she was in Morgan's penthouse the night she died and was the first to ask if there was anyway to fix what had been painfully broken::

I prevented her from trying to follow you all as you journeyed through the overlapping timelines of Limbo to find Darkchilde, as she needed to rest...it was not meant for her to be apart of THAT mission. but she has had ample time to recover and as she is one of Morgan's closest friends, it is only proper that she be here with us.


:: Ororo was ALSO aware of Persephone, moving through the garden as well::

Persephone is not well, her physiology...it clashes with the very nature of this realm and she is suffering for it.

I have a plan for how you may return to earth, but Morgan will have to stay behind for now...until she is fully awake and aware. Karen will stay here as well to be with her daughter and together, we will help Morgan. but the rest of you must go back. You must help each other as well as Persephone as you face this..uncertain time ahead of you.

Remember what i told you before...that MYSTECH will no longer be your sole concern...there will be new challenges ahead both personal, professional and otherwise for you all. You have much to look forward to.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah's meditation was broken, and she looked about her in uncertainty of what she had felt until the column of wind surrounded her as Ororo's astral form appeared. As Ororo spoke, she felt overcome with joy. Her friends were safe...and could it be true? Could it be that Morgan had been returned as well? Her heart began beating very loudly in her chest as she moved back through the garden to the Citadel and navigated through the stone hallways and staircases until she reached the apothecary.

As she entered the room, the goddess was revealed before her, along with Blaze, Haleigh, Alison and Karen. As she moved to embrace them, she caught sight of a well-muscled man also in their midst. But before she could ask just who this stranger was, she saw the still form of Morgan, sleeping quietly.

She fell to her knees, the tears coming to her eyes as she looked up to Karen and then Alison. ]

"Is it...is she...real? Is she really here? Have you saved her?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen looked up as Alison came and sat beside Blaze. Alison was like a daughter to Karen and Blaze, well...they had reached a new understanding after their time on Haleigh's yacht. Karen had realized it wasnt fair to hold Blaze responsible for what Christopher had done and more importantly that Blaze needed someone to look up to as a mother since she was denied her own mother. Blaze was Morgan's sister, and that was good enough reason for Karen to accept her.>>

<< watching as Blaze held Alison's hand and rested her head on Alison's shoulder, it looked like a younger sister taking comfort in the presence of her big sister and ALISON, who was being far more warm and personable than she ever had been before...it was truly amazing. Alison reaching out to Ororo and Haleigh to join them made the "Family" nearly complete and finally came Delilah.>>

<< Delilah too was like a daughter to Karen, she was Morgan's childhood friend, they grew up together and took the world by the horns together and she knew that when the beautifull , young mutant saw her best friend in the flesh, returned to them...that it would be something that would bring joyfull tears to her and warm her heart.>>

<< Karen looked over to Delilah as she asked with a whisper if it was in fact morgan. the doctor smiled , her own eyes still misty as she nodded>>

yes, Delilah, it is Morgan. she's back with us. Alison, Haleigh and Blaze...they saved her and Ororo, and this young man, Nicolas...they saved ME.

<< reaching out with her free hand toward Delilah, Karen beckoned>>

Come, Delilah, sit with me.

<< her voice was a bit more firm but there was still the maternal gentility about it. Karen felt more at peace now than she had in months and it showed. Her beauty and her elegance shown as she watched over her sleeping daughter and looked as her closest friends and family were gathered around>>

This is your family too.

<< they all sat around Morgan, and even Nicolas was close by...near Ororo and Haleigh. The FAMILY of the Six was restored..its core once more glowing.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas nodded reassuringly and placed a large hand on Haleigh's shoulder as she thanked him.

"You are certainly welcome. I was glad to help."

After hearing Ororo's introduction, Nicolas was greeted by a tall pretty sandy blonde walking through the door. She was described as a mutant like himself and, by her joy at Morgan's return, was pprently a good friend also. He was looking at her when he heard Ororo speak of Persephone's worsening health. He confirmed it with his own TK and was a bit alarmed at her readings.

If we don't get her out of here soon, her having come here will be a waste of time as her visit will be quite short...

Nicolas thought was apparently the same as Ororo's as she spoke of leaving Spellbinder to Dr. Victoria and herself and having the rest leave. He was already preparing contingencies in terms of living arrangements, security, etc. He was not sure of what they were returning to and he wanted to be ready for any development.

As he watched the scene unfold between Dr. Victoria and Delilah, he was feeling a bit distant. He was a man, an orphan, who had no previous connection to this tight-knit group before today. In the back of his mind he was concerned that maybe he did not belong. He knew that Ororo had good intentions and he believed that he had much to offer to them, but would he EVER be as well-received by them as they were by each other? Could he ever hope to count on them when the chips were down and, even more crucial, would they trust him when it came down to it? He was a bit torn by concern that the answer, sadly, might be NO.

Nicolas sighed a bit and moved a respectful distance away from the group. He felt a bit too much like an outsider forcing himself where he, sadly, did not yet fit...

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah smiled and wiped her face. She took Karen's hand and stood, hugging her surrogate mother and then taking her seat beside her.

She couldn't believe it - they had done it! Morgan was alive!

For the first time in a long while, she truly did feel like she was amongst family. Her time in Ororo's garden had served her well - the goddess had been right. She had needed some time away to recharge and get her bearings. And now it seemed that finally everything was once again as it should be.

She again noticed the stranger among them but stayed silent. She was sure that all would be revealed in time. ]

[Foxfire]

Throughout their trials and tribulations, the heartache of death, disaster, and tragedy, the Six were once again reunited as a team. Not just a team but a family spirit that unified each of the stark personalities and powers. Each woman contributed to this closely knit team, and now with the arrival of Nicolas, things would only intensify.

Blaze sat beside Alison and Karen while she took the comfort of both women while watching Morgan. Her eyes finally stopped their emotional baggage in the form of tears. But, as content as Blaze was her stomach knotted. She remembered the city....the many lives lost...and that feeling of complete joy crushed. Tucking a piece of Morgan's hair behind her ear. At least we have you Morg...you just concentrate on healing yourself. She smiled at her slumbering sister.

Looking around, Blaze's sage eyes fell upon Haleigh who was aloof. Perking a curious brow, she knew better than that. Haleigh was like a sister to all of the women here, she was not just a valuable team leader but a caring spirit. She was glad to see Alison beckoned for Ororo and Haleigh to join the trio.

Curious, Blaze's eyes falling on Nicolas. He seemed unsure of himself with these women. Who could blame him? Nibbling on her lip out of sheer habit, Blaze slipped out from the bed. Walking over to him she stopped a few feet. She had to crane her neck to look up into his eyes. Leaning closer, Blaze planted a gentle kiss on his left cheek. "Thank you for saving Karen, I'm sure you'll be praised throughout the night. But, she is like a second mother to me. If I may pry....you seem aloof. I know this is new for you but you'll fall into place. I'm Blaze by the way." She reached her hand out to his.

Delilah entering upon the room, making Blaze follow Nicolas' line of vision. A playful smile lighting up to see her comrade. Karen immediately invited her to sit, Blaze would hug her when she had a moment. Delilah's own reaction to Morgan mirrored every person in this room, except maybe Nicolas. "Hey D." She greeted, Blaze had been worried back on earth. She recalled how unresponsive Delilah was, Blaze thought she was dead. Shaking her head from the painful memory, Fox turned to Nicolas.

"You seem like a brave - noble man, who like us, battles for a cause. Welcome aboard." She smiled to the guy, knowing how ackward it had to be for him.

[Rampage]

Nicolas graciously received the kiss and looked at Blaze as sheaddressed him. She was a bout a foot shorter than himslef, very trim and beautiful. He was touched by her gesture and lightly caressed her right cheek with his hand as he quietly spoke to her in his baritone.

"I apologize for being standoffish, it's just....you here are very lucky. Even with the loss of some of your number, you have others on which to lean, a well of love upon which to draw strength. After my father's death, I have been so very alone. I find it almost too good to be true that you would even accept one such as me. In the battle with Malice for Dr. Victoria, I realized how shallow my emotional reserves can be at times. I pray that I can find a home with your number, but I have been alone for SO LONG save for my father, who is dead thanks to Malice, that I wonder if it is even in my destiny to know the love and support you enjoy for any amount of time."

As he spoke to Blaze, she could see that even as he seemed hopeful on the surface, his eyes revealed a heart broken from the loss of his father and the emotional trauma of battling Malice.

[Foxfire]

Even as Nicolas tenderly caressed Blaze's cheek, she felt that sadness within leak. Her eyes peering through his, but her deep empathy could connect with his longing for love. She nodded to acknowledge she understood, allowing him to explain.

"I do understand more than you might think. I never had the luxury of getting to know my mother...she died when I was born. The doctors said it was a complication but she was a physically active woman. And my father...well its a sore subject but he was a sort of mad scientist who experimented on me, but he's gone now...he went by the name of Christopher Victory." She paused, "I was tossed around various foster homes...I never fit in and high school was a nightmare. I ended up setting my high school on fire, but that's another sensitive area." Blaze never did heal from being raped by her principal, but she learned to accept it and move on.

"I never felt I belonged...I felt like a freak of nature, an outsider. But these women are my family. If it were not for each of them I would be dead...several times again. Each of us has a story to tell, we're all connected."

Her fiery eyes flashing with anger at the name of Malice. Blaze recalled how callous the White Queen was and her secret pleasure of torturing and tormenting her enemies. "I am sorry about your father. Its never easy losing a parent, especially when your close." She felt her heart go out to this gentlemen. Malice was a cruel cockroach, who needed to be squished.

"I'm sure you would be more than welcome to stay with us. You saved Doctor Victoria and if Ororo likes you...your pretty much in." She smiled, glancing back to the weather Sorceress. "She has a unique perception of the world, I admire her."

[Rampage]

Nicolas appreciated Blaze's words. They helped to ease his trepidation and he gave her an easy smile.

" I see that Ororo is indeed very perceptive. She is as I would like to think my own mother was. I have actually never had a mother...speaking of staying, I was wondering where all of you lived and if any of that had been affected? If that is a problem once we return I have...resources and I am willing to acquire whatever lodgings you may want or need."

Nicolas' stance relaxed a bit and he became more at ease, enjoying the scene before him and Blaze's company.

[Ororo]

::Ororo slowly diengaged from the group, as she cast one last look upon the sleeping Morgan and then over Karen, Delilah, Alison, Blaze, Haleigh and Nicolas. She smiled to herself. In a way, she had finally done what she could not do for her beloved X-men as they fell to the nightmare of Limbo, she had helped bring this group BACK together, safe and sound and she knew that Darkchilde wasa partly responsible for that. Her faith in the most powerfull and most dangerous woman of the dark trinity was well placed::

:: standing at the foot of the bed, Ororo spoke::


Ororo: it is time for you to prepare to return to Earth. I have a spell, that i will use in concert with Guardian's time/space powers that will repair the physical damage done to New York and the east coast. To those who were not directly involved, it will be as though they had a dream, or a sense of de ja vu or some other passing feeling. they will not actually remember this as having happened.

But Beware, MALICE will remember and she is still out there, waiting...for each of you.

Persephone will go with you because she cannot remain here. Karen will stay behind with me as we tend to Morgan. When she is ready she will be returned to you as well.

::Ororo turned to the doorway of the apothecary.::

there are a few other important guests that will be accompanying you as well.::

::Ororo said this with a smile as Alycia Barnett, Zachary Armani and little tinkerbell and Morgan's OTHER kitten came into the room! they had been kept safe and hidden during this entire time so that they could rest and heal from Malice's attacks upon them from a while ago. But here they were, fresh and restored and reunited with their friends.::


----------

out in the garden:

:: Ororo's astral form appeared before Persephone in a column of spinning wind and chimes. Ororo looked upon the young demi goddess fully::

Ororo: Persephone, it is time for you to leave this place with your new group of companions now.

:: she noted where persephone was standing, near Alexis, who was in statue form and she noticed the way Persephone surveyed the area nearby::

I know that you came from another timeline, you know of me there. I could tell by how you reacted upon seeing me here. This area where you stand, what does it represent to you in your timeline?

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: The familiar chimes sounded in the quiet garden, alerting Persephone of Ororo. Looking to her with dull eyes, she nodded hearing that it was time for them to leave limbo. Taking in a deep breath, she looked to the vacant plot once again. ::

"This is where my friends were buried. Their tomb stones lined next to each other."

:: Gesturing out and moving her hand along the area in which the grave stones stood, Persephone looked to Ororo with saddened eyes. ::

"Where you are burried, Ororo. It seems like a dream; you standing before me alive and well, when just an hour ago I was looking at your grave."

:: The softness of Persephone's accent made her words heartbreaking but beautiful. Lowering her long dark lashes, Persephone glanced back to the grassy area; strands of her amber hair blowing across her face. ::

"Look at me."

:: Letting out a low. short laugh, she shook her head as she lifted her teary eyes to the sky. ::

"The mighty Persephone; broken down and wallowing in self pity. Not exactly what you'd imagine a goddess to act like, huh?"

[Alycia Barnett]

You're all back!! thank god!


:: Alycia stepped in, her eyes wide with anticipation as she saw her friends...and MORGAN..ALIVE. She had had many wonderous things while associating with and helping the six. even been a reluctant part of some of their capers and adventures, but the night that she watched Morgan and Sharon Kelly die....it was a night she thought would crack her soul to its core. It had deeply hurt her to lose Sharon, a trusted friend, a confidant and ally in both the political and business world. Losing Morgan only poured salt on that wound and while it fell on her to carry out the will of Morgan's estate and she did so with the grace and professionalism she was known for....her heart ached as she grieved for them both.::


:: she was carrying Tinkerbell, Morgan's enchanted familiar, who seemed to get a little nervous at the site of all the people in the room, especially Nicolas, whom the siamese cat had never seen before.::

Little tinker, she knows her mommy is here!

::Alycia said as she gently let tinkerbell down to the floor and watched as the cat ran across the floor and gracefully leaped up from the floor onto the bed where Morgan lay. Tinkerbell slowly crept toward Morgan's face...purring and nuzzling Morgan's arm with her face and nose along the way. it was a cute site to behold::

:: Alycia herself, stepped forward, tying not to smile too much as she saw her close friends all together again and also Nicolas, whom seemed rather familiar to her. pictures....sharon kelly had pictures of him and another man on her desk! as she neared Nicolas, she found Blaze standing next to him::

Blaze!

:: Alycia bent down to give Blaze a hug::

Ororo told us everything. We were worried but she said you would return and she was right.

:: Looking up at Nicolas, Alycia stood at 5'11" and she was in heels, but even then, Nicolas was taller than her. She held out her hand to shake his, speaking with cool confidence ::

I'm Alycia Barnett. Former district attorney for New York City and personal lawyer and ally for Morgan Victoria and The Six.

I believe i know of you...from Sharon Kelly. I worked with her for a long time...she was :: bowing her head as her voice betrayed the pain of loss:: a dear friend and a very honorable woman.

[Ororo]

:: Ororo watched and listened as Persephone told her that this spot in her timeline was where her friends ...INCLUDING ORORO were buried. while it was unfortunate to hear, it did not come as a surprise to the immortal sorceress. tragedy, loss and death were usually par for the course in anyone's life if they spent too much time in Limbo and it was possible for someone to be alive in one timeline of limbo and dead in another because of the way things worked in this realm. ::

:: she stood next to Persephone and looked at her::

Ororo: Persephone, I am all too familiar with the pain that is in your heart. When i came to limbo years and years ago, it was to save another timeline version of the Dark Trinity. My X-men and I....we were unprepared for the hell that is this place and in my desire for revenge, i charged after Belasco and one by one, my friends...my beloved X-men..they died by his hand.

It is something...that I have carried with me for years and while I was able to recover and triumph, i too was confronted by a glimpse of what "might have been" during one of my travels to the EARTH of this timeline where there is another version of myself and my x-men..alive and well, having lived their lives as they would have in my timeline had they not died.

I suspect that seeing me reminds of you that for your timeline's Ororo and your friends.

I know how you feel, and I understand. Darkchilde sent you back with The Six to give you a chance at a new life and you CAN carry on in honor of the memory of your friends..your family. That is what they wanted...that is what my X-men would have expected of me.

I have long sense avenged their deaths, and as you see around you, i have claimed a portion of Limbo for myself. I have gone on to live out my destiny as guardian and mentor to the Dark Trinity in this timeline and through the process I have gained a new family in The Six. You are to become part of that too Persephone.

I cannot begin to know what your relationship with your timeline's Ororo was like...but I know that in Limbo ALL times, places and THINGS are possible...including US becoming friends.

:: Ororo smiled reassuringly to the young demi goddess::

I will help you whenever you need me.

:: as Ororo said this, a cool refreshing breeze swept through the garden all around them, the trees and their leaves rustled in the wind and Persphone could feel the "winds of change"...and sense of hope and encouragement as she breathed in the fresh air. ::

Now come. It is time for you to leave for now. you cannot stay here for much longer but if you need to come back for a visit...for any reason...I am always a wind a way.

:: with that, Ororo holds out her hand to persephone as her astral form fades in a swirling column of wind and chimes::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Ororo's words were comforting and reassuring. She installed hope in Persephone that perhaps she could have a life in this time line. The situation was still painful and her wounds were fresh, but she nodded to Ororo smiling back at her. ::

"Thank you, Ororo."

:: Persephone's hair blew back behind her face as the winds began to pick up in the garden and Ororo's astral form disappeared. Turning back to the plot of vacant land, a soft sigh was heard as she kneeled down into the cool grass. Holding her one hand out, she traced a line down her palm with one of her long black nails, instantly cutting a deep wound into her flesh. Blood seeped along the rivets and lines of her skin as she hoovered it over the grassy null. Squeezing her hand into a fist, the blood spilled onto the small patch of grass. ::

"Now apart of me will always be here, with you all. Throughout time and space."

---

:: After returning to Ororo's castle, Persephone went back to the room she claimed her own, and stripped out of the beautiful black robe she wore. Suiting back up in her battle attire, she holstered her Mystic Daggers and re-wrapped her whip around her body. She was prepared to leave and needed to rejoin the group in the apothecary. ::

:: Pushing open the large doors that lead into Ororo's apothecary, Persephone made her way back into the large circular room only to see new faces. A woman and man, plus two felines. The cats seemed to perk up at the sight of Persephone as she eyed the animals. They didn't seem scared or nervous as they normally would with a stranger, but more interested and intrigued by her. The goddess' tie to animals obviously coming into play. ::

:: Standing poised and ready to go, Persephone looked to Ororo for direction. She most likely had a plan about what they were to do upon returning to earth, or instructions. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah smiled as Alycia appeared with Tink and the little kitten. She stood up and scooped up the the kitten and cuddled it. She felt happy - but still there was a sense of apprehension about what they would find when they returned. ]

"So the damage is fixed now - does that mean it is if none of this ever happened?"

[ Would it be only their little group of friends that would remember the horrific events Malice and the Super Soldier perpetuated upon the city of New York? ]

"Are we really in the clear? I'm not that keen on going back home just to be hunted down for being a mutant..."

[Rampage]

Nicolas gracefully bent at the waist, took Alycia's hand and kissed it softly before addressing her in a smooth, deep voice.

"Any friend of Senator Kelly's is a friend of mine. My name is Nicolas King, philanthropist and heir to the late Gustav Magnusson, close friend of Senator Kelly's and sole proprietor of Magnusson International. If you require anything at all, do not hesitate to ask. I am pleased to be at your disposal."

Nicolas stood back up and held her hand a moment before letting go as he listened to the plans for their return being made .

[Foxfire]

Blaze looked up at Nicolas with a deep frown. She couldn't exactly recall if Illustra was lost in the chaotic battle. "I...don't know...everything happened so fast..the fighting...Alison and Alexis....Delilah unconscious. Haleigh and I scrambled to get our fallen and retreat." Rubbing her forehead, Blaze shook her head. "We stayed secretly at Illustra, but I'm not sure it survived." Her voice trailing off, deep in thought.

She pondered his idea for housing, which sounded like a good idea. "That's very generous Nicolas, we'll see how things work out when we return to earth." Closing her eyes, Blaze felt dizzy from all the excitement and celebration. Alycia abruptly entered and pulled Blaze into a strong hug. Opening her eyes with a start, she relaxed into the lawyers embrace with a warm inviting smile. "Hey hon." She greeted sweetly, "its good to see your safe and sound."

Alycia pulled away to greet Nicolas as Blaze noted the appearance of Zack and Morgan's kitties. She took her que, excusing herself to lean against the side window. Blaze closed her eyes again as Malice's voice lingered in her mind. Pulling a chair out from the desk beside the wall, sitting down. Blaze felt light headed and nauseous.

She still couldn't believe Morgan was restored to them, and Alison. It was almost too good to be true. Blaze felt like this was some sort of dream, but she told herself this was real. Sitting back against the back of the chair, her eyes meeting Delilah's. "How are you feeling, D?" She asked quietly. She paused, listening to Delilah's inquiry about earth. Blaze wasn't sure if this was the best time to check up on Morningstar.

[Jessica Hamby]

"Well, if it isnt the Badge, in living colour. Welcome Back."

Haleigh greeted Delilah. It seemed that this was a great big reunion. Ororo began to tell them it was time to leave... that Morgan would stay until she recovered and that they would repair the damage done to the city... and that Alycia and Zach would go back with them. Haleigh heard a cat purring behind her and spun around, to see Zach realeasing the kitten, which promptly followed Tinkerbell to Morgan's side. A wide smile spread across her face, as she went to him. They embraced each other with renewed appreciation... for they had both nearly lost each other earlier, and neither were too fond of the idea. Haleigh turned in Zach's arms, nodding to Ororo and agreeing.

"Yes... we should get back... we can't very well hide here forever. Thank you, for all your help, Ororo... I don't know WHAT Blaze and I would have done... without you."

[MorningStar]

[ With Haleigh’s snarky comment, Delilah raised a hand to her temple and soluted the soldier – not in a serious manner, but not mocking either. She turned at Blaze’s question. How did she feel? Better than she had in a long time, that was for sure. She shrugged off her apprehension about their return to the city as her detective’s mind being unable to turn off suspicion. She walked over to Blaze and deposited the kitten in her lap. She then moved to stand behind her, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ]

“At last I think we’re all okay.”

[Ororo]

::Ororo watched as the reunion progressed, and everyone in this family seemed to finally feel like they were okay after all. She smiled softly and nodded slightly with satisfaction as Haleigh thanked her::

Ororo: You are welcome, child. There are times when we can all use a helping hand.

:: she procceeded to address everyone in the room::

the time has come for you to leave here. We shall ALL return to Earth, to the top of Illustra, which now stands...seemingly abandonnded. That is your focal point, it is your home and your heart and it is from there that we :: looking at Alison:: will begin the spell.

:: Ororo raises her hands and everyone except Morgan, Karen and the cats are eneveloped in a swirling haze of sparkling green orbs.. a rushing wind is heard as a flash of light followed by the swirl of space around them.::

[Oracle]

<< and with that....The Six and their allies are taken from the safety and tranquilty of Ororo's garden oasis and returned to Earth, returned to New York City which looks like some sort of post apocolyptic war zone. the skies were black, the din of military vehicals and emergency vehicals were all around. search lights could be seen in various areas and smoke hovered at high levels as rubble could be seen all around.>>

<< The Six and their allies appeared quietly and unnoticed atop Illustra Inc, which was one of the tallest points in the city.>>

<< it had been DAYS since the surviving members of the six were originally rescued by Ororo at the moment of Blackout and Guardian's deaths but not much had changed....if anything things had gotten WORSE and it was the first time the surviving members of the six and their allies had seen the devastation that was brought about by the constant battles with Malice and Blackout>>

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian was the first to step forward once they arrived on Earth, her powers as Seer, her precognition were all returning now that she was out of LImbo::

Hecate! all of this...destruction.....we caused more harm than good trying to Malice and Blackout! This is what they WANTED.

:: turning to Alycia, she saw the woman had her arms folded. it was obvious what was on her mind...Sharon Kelly. this was much like the night that Master Mold had struck only weeks ago but this was far worse and all the work that Sharon had done was seemingly destroyed by Malice and Blackout.::

Ororo, how can we hope to fix this!?

[Ororo]

:: Ororo looked upon Alison as her hair blew in the wind. she summoned a counter breeze to force back the smoke and debris that made the air thick so that everyone could breathe easier::

Ororo: you and i will work together. your power over time is the key. Morgan can move through time but you can CONTROL time itself and with my spell, we will turn back the clock. the physical damage to the city and beyond, the loss of life will be reversed and the general populace will not remember this as anything more than perhaps a terrible nightmare or even dismissing it as extreme de ja vu.

Only we on this rooftop, along with Karen and Malice will know that these events ACTUALLY took place.


:: Ororo directs everyone to spread out away from the center of the roof top as she points for Alison to stand there.::


Face the 12 o'clock position and close your eyes child. reach out with your temporal powers and TURN BACK TIME. do not worry about the range with which your powers can effect, i will take care of that with my spells.

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian did as she was asked and stepped to the center of the rooftop, her stilleto heeled boots crushing some gravel as she walked along. she looked around before shaking herself loose and concentrating, closing her eyes as she stood posed and focused, a gust of wind began to howl as a bell tolled solemnly in the air. it tolled again as the eerie sound of time rewinding began to occurr..and the members of the six and their allies could see the immediate space around them began to " reverse" all movement, the air flow, the skies, EVERYTHING in their immediate area. even the sounds of sirens and other noises were now heard in reverse::

:: Guardian bowed her head as she continued to focus, using her temporal powers in a steady effort and attempt to increase her range. even though Ororo told her not to worry, it was her nature to try to cover all bases, instinct. She knew how ever that even SHE could not effect the ENTIRE east coast of the united states under her own power.::

[Ororo]

:: Ororo stood behind Guardian and the bell tolled twice in the air, the space and envrionment around them began to spin in reverse. ::


Ororo: Time passes differently here and while you were only in Limbo for several hours, more than a day has passed here, Guardian's temporal powers could easily restore the immediate area around the Illustra tower, but not the WHOLE of the city or the east coast. The potential for her power to reach out FARTHER is there and with my magicks, i can ACCESS that potential, work in concert with her powers and help her achieve our goal!!


::The immortal sorceress place her hands on the temples of Guardian as the winds began to whip up violently::


Winds of time, gather round
Let these before me enter a passage way
To 48 hours in the past
Let today become yesterday!

[Oracle]

<< as Ororo ignited the spell, the bell tolls followed by a CRASH of thunder that seems to reverberate as it is caught in the time loop itself. everyone is standing still and they see in the spinning night sky a "clock" effect among the stars spinning counter clock wise>>


<< everything around them reversing, spinning, flowing backwards and the effect is reach further and further now. the SUN AND MOON are now cycling in reverse as EVERYTHING begins to restore, buildings, cars, structures, people who had died in the back lash gasping with life anew; Central Park, the power to the city and the east coast..it was all COMING BACK>>

<< Ororo and Alison worked in concert. Both women had their eyes closed as their hair blew in the wind and the reversal seemed to move faster and faster..and now EVERYTHING was encompased by it until FINALLY in a shocking flash of white light....all was restored. the physical integrity of the city, its people, the eastern coast of the united states...all of it was normal and functioning again. even the members of the Six now felt a bit "younger" as their own biological clocks had been turned back.>>

<< and now, they heard the sounds of a normal evening high above the bustling city of New York. Illustra was lit up as it normally would be >>


<< Ororo and Guardian had succeeded and now, the tragic events following the battle with Malice and Blackout would be remembered only by those on the rooftop as well as Karen and Alison>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After Ororo explained what was to be done, she transported everyone from Limbo to the top of Illustra. Perspehone could see the devastation as her eyes scanned the city in the distance. It looked like a war zone. Stepping back away from Guardian and Ororo as instructed, soon the area around them began to spin. Lights flashed, horns could be heard beeping, birds screeching. Everything was a jumbled mess as they traveled back in time. And suddenly, everything stopped. The dark sky was light again and everything seemed more peaceful. ::

:: Closing her eyes experiencing some slight dizziness, after a few moments Persephone stepped forward and looked out to the horizon. Making her way to the edge of the building, she looked down all 105 flights to the streets below seeing cars driving and people walking as if nothing had ever happened. The buildings below were all perfectly constructed as they once were and everything was back to normal. Turning to Ororo, Persephone nodded her head indicating to her that her and Guardian's efforts succeeded. ::

[MorningStar]

[ So finally they had all said goodbye to the tranquility of Ororo’s Citadel and were deposited on top of Illustra. Delilah gasped as she looked down upon the ruined city, the city she knew and loved so well. The blackness, the chaos…it wrenched her heart to see it this way. She watched while Ororo and Alison did their work, silently willing them on, seeing the strain and uncertainty on Alison’s face. And then the city was washed anew by the backwards movement of the sun and moon.

She realized she had been holding her breath and let it out slowly. The city skyline was now back as it should be, the lights comforting in a way. ]

“That was amazing – well done Alison.”

[ She paused for a second before continuing. ]

“I hate to bring this up…but what do we do now?”

[Rampage]

"What indeed. Is Mystech also whole again?"

Nicolas stepped for ward confidently an surveyed the restoration. The city was once again complete, with people moving as if the last 48 hours had never happened. He wondered if the Citadle with its shop of horrors was also this complete and worked this well.

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian exhaled loudly as she put her hand to her forehead after Ororo removed her own hands. she was a little disoriented, she had never tried to reach out THAT FAR with her temporal powers and having had access to that level of power, it was both thrilling and disorienting. As Persephone nodded to the affirmative and MorningStar complimented her on a job well done, Alison looked upon Delilah with a look of weariness::

Thank you, Delilah. It was like.. a symphony within me, once Ororo used her spell in concert with my own temporal powers.

::Ororo steadied her and provided a fresh gust of air around her body::


:: at the question of Delilah and Nicolas, Guardian spoke, she looked at Nicolas with a glint of irritation in her cobalt blue eyes...he spoke as if he just knew EVERYTHING.::

Only those directly effected by the events of the last 48 hours , Nicolas.

:: she said in a cold tone::

that means that since prior to Malice attacking Illustra that the Citadle had been virtually ABANDONNED for the last year, that nothing is going to happen.

Ororo said that only we on this roof top, along with Karen and Malice would recall the events of the last 48 hours as REAL and not just some hallucination/de ja vu/nightmare.

We dont know where MysTech's "HEART" truly is. We thought we had destroyed it when we destroyed NERVOUS and the Citadle but we were wrong...

You may not be aware of this, but we HAVE been dealing with Mystech for the last year, we've destroyed several of their strong holds and survived many nightmares caused by them....but inspite all of this, Malice is alive and will come back for us and Sharon Kelly is still dead.


:: Alison felt Alycia's pain as she saw the other woman off to herself looking out over the skyline toward the direction of were Master Mold had been. since they were 48 hours in the past ....at least in the spatial sense, they were closer to the date of Sharon's death.::

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia looked around her space in amazement as everything was turning back in time. she remembered what she said the night that Karen had sent her through the stepping disc to Ororo's garden for her safety when Karen and Blaze were going to rescue the rest of the Six.::


well...a life without adventure and uncertainty is not a life worth living....

:: Alycia had been confronted by super powered monsters, evil generals of Mystech, she'd been in the presence of powerfull men and women among the six and their allies and while she was able to hold her own and pull her weight, making herself MORE than valuable to them as an ally lbut also as a trusted friend...she felt very sorrowfull right now::


Sharon....


:: as she thought of Sharon in her mind, she realized that meeting Nicolas, knowing who he was and how Sharon had often spoken of him and his Father and how it was her intention of introducing him to The Six in the near future. Nicolas' presence brought back all her memories of Sharon and the night that she died. Alycia had been there for ALL of it, including Spellbinder's final moments and until moments ago, it all seemed so final. She was truly happy and thrilled that Morgan was in fact alive...but she couldnt help but wonder....::

Why couldn't Sharon be brought back too?

:: she heard the voices in the background a few steps away as a nighttime breeze blew through her raven locks but she did not turn around nor did they see the tears streaming down her face::


:: Prior to Shockwave betraying The Six and Malice capturing them, Alycia had planned to leave the country, to become a resident in the private sector after she had executed Morgan's will. but as she looked upon the city saw it functioning as smoothly as it had ever before, she realized that she couldnt "run". She couldnt just disappear. That was not her nature and ever since her father had died because of the indifference of an insurance company [owned by Mystech] she had made it a point to fight back against those who felt their way was the only way. She used her knowledge of the law, her business and street savvy, her tenacity and ball busting attidude to make herself one of the most respected and feared women in the legal and corporate world and she couldnt back down now. Sharon didnt back down even in the face of a giant sentinel!::

:: Alycia balled her fist..clenching it as it tremebled. She was feeling a sense of renewed spirit, determination and as Alison could be heard speaking to Nicolas in a less than friendly tone, she realized that his presence must rub her the wrong way. He WAS in a unique position being the only male amongst a group of women who were....not exactly known for their friendliness towards men::

:: she turned around, and faced the others, she had to ask...::


WHAT about Sharon? Is there anyway....to get her back?

[Ororo]

:: Ororo watched as Alison spoke rather sharply to Nicolas. of the entire group, Morgan and Alison would be the LEAST welcoming to Nicolas at the start but she also knew that both Morgan and Alison had the capacity to give someone a chance. They did it with Cameron (Prophet) and Haleigh. Now as their roster was changing with the addition of Persephone and Rampage there would be "growing pains" for all of them.::

Ororo: Alison, be kind to Nicolas, he is learning just as you once did.

:: turning to see Alycia speak out and ask about Sharon Kelly, Ororo could see the pain in Alycia's eyes. speaking with an elegant, deeper tone::


Ororo: Alycia, i understand your feeling and it is very valid, youve seen much in your time with the Six. time and space being circumvented, other dimensions, creatures that most wouldnt even imagine...and in the midst of all this, why couldnt someone as honorable and deserving as Sharon Kelly be returned just as Morgan has. Restored just as the city has been.

:: she walked closer to Alycia and looked into the young woman's eyes. and brushed some of her raven locks away from her face::

Somethings...even if they are WITHIN someone's power, they should not be done. Necromancy magicks are some of the most deadly and unpredictable.

There were....specific circumstances that allowed us to get Morgan back and it did not involve any "resurrection" attempts.

Sharon's soul, her spirit has moved on. It would not be RIGHT for us to call her back now after all this time. As unfair as it is, she died at her appointed time. Her death was not senseless, it was pivotal and it was a true death. Much like my beloved X-men when they died in Limbo as we tried to save another timeline alternate of the dark trinity.

Though i have mastered much in the way of the arts arcane, I had to resist the temptation to try bring my X-men back. it is not something that should be attempted, by ANYONE.

Believe me, Alycia, I couldnt agree with you more that Sharon deserves to be here with us. She was a remarkable woman...if only someone like her had been in MY original timeline on earth when Mutants were being persecuted...but she is gone and we cannot bring her back.

I am sorry.

:: The look on Ororo's face was that of sorrow and understanding at the same time, she truly sympathized with Alycia.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened to Guardian's explanation, noting her tone. He decided to respond, turning to her as he did so. His tone was even yet intense.

"I understand what Ororo explained concerning who would have what memories. The real point of the question is, are the dead alive now? If not, then I will try to help the families in any way I can as they deal with their loss, they did not ask for this. If the dead ARE now alive, I know of four arachnid monstrosities that I do not want anyone to be harmed by. Look, I trust the wisdom of what was done here, I simply have questions as to the details. If you do not wish to answer me, then DON"T. I will find my answers elsewhere."

Nicolas turned to watch the city as he heard Alycia's question. He could feel her heartache and hoped that, no matter the answer, she would soon know peace. As he listened to ororo's answer, he ached for his own father yet realized the wisdom of her words.

[MorningStar]

“So Alexis is still gone as well…or…inanimate, at least…”

[ She said the words aloud more for her own ears rather than someone else’s. Delilah knew in her heart that Ororo was right – she might not know very much about things magickal, but she knew that some things were not to be played with. Sharon’s death was tragic, and still affected her deeply, but she was a model of decency and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds. And at last Alexis had found peace.

She turned to the newcomer as Nicolas spoke. This was clearly someone who felt that wealth solved all problems. She had never been impressed by the pretentious or the arrogant, and this one was both. ]

“Sometimes you can learn more by listening than demanding.”

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia sighed, bowing her head, as a few tears streamed down her face..::

Ororo, I...I'm not used to this. I'm used to figuring out SOLUTIONS to almost anything i face and though I don't have super powers or .. "magicks"...I've seen more than even the most hardened military men that i know while working with the Six in my own ways. You've been so kind to me since I arrived in Limbo, you showed me things that i thought only existed in my dreams!

I thought...I hoped that maybe we can get Sharon back, I guess when I heard you say "in Limbo, all times and places are possible" I had hoped that extended to LIVES as well.

:: she took a moment to compose herself, as she accepted Ororo's answer and saw the wisdom in it::

I appreciate your understanding and explanation, I know that Sharon is in a better place now and I will make sure that her memory, her legacy are HONORED and remembered.

Thank you Ororo, for keeping me safe, and for helping my friends[the Six]...without them, I wouldnt have been alive after some of the things I have faced.


:: as she heard Nicolas speaking to Alison in his own town and Delilah countering it, Alycia couldnt help but feel the need to say something::

Listen, Nicolas, I understand that you want to help, but you've got to relax. You're the new guy here. Alison is the best at what she does and if she and Ororo say that there is no threat from the Citadle..then there isnt. I represent these people...ALL of them in legal matters and have done so ove the past year. Sharon and I....we ran alot of interference for this group after the Inferno Crisis...and trust me, if it weren't for Sharon Kelly's efforts it wouldnt matter HOW much money you had..no family here in this city would readily accept help from a mutant. Remember her Nicolas, it was through HER that you were going to meet the Six initially because she and your father knew that by yourself even YOU would not last long against MysTech.


You're in their world now and you're going to find out just how bad it can get. I'm HUMAN and my alliance them has made ME a target more than once.

[Rampage]

Nicolas could feel Delilah's impression of him even as she spoke to him. Her words were wise but misplaced.

It seems that some of them will not suffer the questions of anyone. This could be an issue...

"Point taken, but is there any real harm in asking a question? Especially considering the fact that I am not the only one with questions? "

His frustration was rising at the barrage, then he listened to Alycia's comments. Her words rang true. He did owe much to the ones up here. He only wished he were better understood by them.

"I appreciate what all of you have done and how you have suffered. I understand that I am new here. I only ask for the patience and understanding that one could hope for from anyone who sees them in a new position. I apologize if I have overreached, I am only trying to help. That is impossible without understanding what has happened."

[Foxfire]

Bright green eyes observed her friends, family, and new comrades. Blaze studied Delilah the most, she seemed more amicable compared to months ago. Maybe, Delilah just needed a reprieve as Ororo suggested. No matter what, Fox was content to see Del smiling again. She followed the blonde who moved closer placing the delicate kitten into her lap. Peering down at the kitten, Blaze smiled. She couldn't resist cats, especially kittens. Scooping up the kitten into her arms like an infant, planting a gentle kiss on the kitten's forehead. The frail kitten meowing with a soothing purr. "Well, I bet your loving this affection. Your just like your sister." She cuddled the kitten, referring to Tinkerbell. "Your mommy will be up and running in no time, I bet you miss her." She lightly whispered into the feline's ear like it understood her.

Blaze took one last look at Morgan as Ororo announced they would be leaving. Standing up, she gently placed the kitten inside the chair. "I'll see you soon, little one." She smiled warmly to the kitten. Walking over to the group, she felt a tingling sensation course throughout her body while green orbs fell around the team. And off they all went, returning to earth.

The environment morphed into that of Illustra's rooftop where ebony skies passed like a slow agonizing wintery day. Sirens blared in the background like World War three had occurred. Blaze felt that nausea returning as her stomach tightened, that feeling of dread returning. She felt so depressed seeing her home nearly destroyed. Her eyes glancing over to the other buildings, some of them had their windows shattered and half of buildings were blown off. Cars were piled up in a heap, traffic lights were bent and hanging in mid air by thick wiring with the lights flashing yellow, red, and green. Papers cascaded down one of the Chase bank offices next door, it appeared snow - like but it was due to the explosion. Blaze's eyes going wide with horror. Her keen hearing depicting screams, yells, and even fighting. All the chaos had the citizens of New York fighting.

Shaking her head, Blaze couldn't believe this was the same place. Ororo directed the others to stand clear from the center while the weather witch and the seer attempted to turn back time. Stepping closer to the edge of Illustra's rooftop, Blaze peeked over, unafraid of heights. She stared misty - eyed at the damage done to the city, miles off she could see the Statue of Liberty chipped and caved inward. Placing her hand across her heart, Blaze felt her empathy strengthen for the whole state. Closing her eyes she pretended this was a nightmare and that she would awaken with a bell towing in the background.

The mutant prayed and hoped the efforts of Ororo and Alison could restore the city, but she would not get her hopes up. The damage here was severe, unlike anything she had seen. It reminded her of 9/11, another tragic day that unfortunately could not be restored.

"You can do it, Alison...have faith."

She whispered to her friend who stood at 12 o'clock while Blaze was situated at 4 o 'clock. Opening her eyes, Blaze watched as Ororo moved closer to Alison, igniting a powerful spell. The winds around the area causing her own clothing to flap and her chocolate locks to whip around her head. Shielding her arms across her eyes to see, she watched on with intrigue. Who was to say the limit of Alison's power, she was far more advanced than others.

A crash of thunder causes Blaze to jump as her heart slams inside her chest. Looking to the sky she saw the stars reverting backwards as the murky clouds followed. Blaze's jaw dropping in astonishment. A flash of blinding light caused Blaze to go blind for a second, attempting to shut her eyes. When she opened them all was restored. Blinking out the black spots she saw she turned to look over the rooftop. Her eyes seeing everything in order and harmony. She stood in a daze at this usage of power.

"Well, done."

Her words most likely drowned out by the background noises. A sting of pain sliced into her as Blaze gasped. Her eyes falling upon Alycia, it was her that leaked agony. Standing a few feet from the former lawyer, Blaze was about to move to her, but Ororo intervened. The mutant stayed put. She knew the sisterly bond Sharon and Alycia carried for years, and now to know they could not resurrect her friend had to be crushing.

Noting Alison, Alycia, and now Delilah ganging up on Nicolas, Blaze stepped forward. "Easy ladies...Nicolas has answers. Do not assume by his physical presence he is arrogant. He yearns to help, even I sense this." She moved next to him, her eyes locking onto Ali, Aly, and Del. "Not everything is what it seems....he is here to help."

Turning back to Nicolas she nodded, "everyone is still on edge, don't take it personally, some of us are not keen on men." Her eyes moving to Alison on purpose, hinting towards her. "But, those were good questions." Cracking her knuckles out of habit, the bones popping in the air.

"I could use a hot shower and some relaxation after that."

Brushing a hand through her hair, Blaze glanced over her shoulder to the others, "are you guys coming downstairs or are we star gazing all night?" Her tone dripping with a humorous sarcasm.

[Rampage]

"It would be good to get cleaned up, have a chance to relax a bit."

Nicolas appreciated Blaze standing up for him. She really seemed to know just what to say to help. He figured that everyone would be in a better mood in the morning.

"Blaze, if you don't mind, could you point the way to the guest quarters? Or to the couch, or a closet, wherever I'm supposed to end up."

Nicolas chuckled a bit as he spoke to Blaze, but he knew he had a lot of work to do before he could rest tonight.

[Foxfire]

An amused smile crossed Blaze's lips at Nicolas' comment. "The closet? Now, that's intriguing. You can stay with me if you prefer. I have an extra few bedrooms at my suite, unless you prefer the closet," She teased with a wink.

"I'll show you around while the others settle down." She placed emphasize on that, especially to Alycia, Alison, and Delilah. Her statement light and playful like the fiery mutant.

"We can take the express elevator down to the personal suites. This place is gigantic and as clever and cunning as you are, you could get lost. Plus you and I get along well, besides you could use a friend who relates." She was referring to being a mutant but also both of their pasts.

"If you guys need anything, you know where to find me." Blaze started off for the express elevator, which was a few feet away. She knew her teammates were still adapting to Nicolas. They hadn't had a man on the team in a while, but Blaze hardly minded.

[Rampage]

Nicolas laughed aloud at Blaze's playful banter and raised an eyebrow at her invitation.

"I accept your kind offer, madam. Besides I'm skeptical that even you have a hangar in your closet for the likes of me, so I'll gladly tak a bed. Lead the way."

One could certainly do worse than share a suite with such a beautiful and fun-loving woman. Maybe I will eventually win them over. Just like Father said, spometimes you have to take small steps...

Nicolas followed Blaze to the elevator, laughing as he went. Her playfulness had restored his normal good humor.

[Ororo]

:: Ororo watched as things began to unfold. Even she could not control personal interactions between the members of the group but she hoped that their reprieve from the recent events would not cause them to forget the lessons learned from BEFORE about dischord.::

:: as Blaze did her best to welcome Nicolas in, Ororo was confident that Alison, Alycia, Delilah and Morgan would give him a chance as well ...eventually. Perhaps even Haleigh could help, as once upon a time Morgan and Alison would have sooner killed Haleigh than help her and the feeling was also mutual on Haleigh's part at the time.::

::looking to Alison, Alycia, Delilah , Persephone, and Haleigh as the night time breeze blew, Ororo's long, straight white hair flowed to the side a bit::

Ororo: the time has come for me to leave, I have done all i can for now. Your lives...are yours to live, no one can do that for you. Your home is now intact and fully functional just as everything else is, you have all been granted a tremendous advantage by the time reversal, take note of what you remember and do not allow yourselves to fall backward...there will not be another chance like this anytime soon.

:: she looked at all them with seriousness in her eyes::

Morgan will be returned to you soon and the Doctor will return as well and resume her life, do not call upon her unless it is absolutely necessary, for she needs time to herself.

:: looking to Persephone::

approach your new surroundings with an open mind child. This is a new time and space for you...not everything you did before may work here the same way. You will need to reframe your outlook and be able to adjust. Learn the ways of this realm and adapt accordingly so that you may remain effect and relevant as well as becoming a vital part of this team.


You have all done well, continue to do so, and remember....MysTech is not going to be your sole focus from here on, there will be new challenges as well, new experiences....but one thing that remains the same is the need for unity and cooperation.

Be good to each other...blessed be

:: Ororo spread her arms as she lifted her hands and looked up...thunder rumbled as a howling wind sounded off. The immortal sorceress disappeared in a spinning column of wind and sparkling green orbs and was no longer before them.::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh did as she was asked, moving from the center of the rooftop out to an edge. She too watched the goings on down below as they reversed. In a fantastic display of power, the damage was undone... and Haleigh sighed. At least the rest of the city would be unscathed. Delilah said something about Alexis... and though none could see because her back was to them all, Haleigh's eyes flashed with anger.

"Blackout is gone... and by rights.... she STAY that way."

Haleigh said, as she turned back to face them. Ororo was comforting Alycia, and Blaze was offering Nicolas a place to sleep. The thought struck her that they actually DID have a place for him.... Cameron's place. She didn't say as much... she didn't have anything against Nicolas... but she wasn't sure if she was ready to square with the idea of Nicolas filling Cameron's suite [and in the back of her subconscious, Cam's place in the Six as the lone male]. A person she didn't mind replacing, however, was Alexis... for reasons that Haleigh really couldn't be blamed for. She took a deep breath and bid Ororo a farewell..... and turned to Persephone.

"Come, Persephone... I'll show you to her suite.... she won't really be needing it anymore."

Zach agreed to meet Haleigh back in her penthouse, and Haleigh stopped to give Alison a hug.

"You know, just because we're back on earth doesn't mean you have to go back to being made of stone. Get some rest.... I'll see you in the morning."

She said, before beckoning Persephone to follow.

[Oracle]

<< and as Ororo bid them farewell, the team and their allies and new arrivals were left to begin the next phase of things..of life both as a group and as renewed individuals.>>

<< some would return to familiar space, others would be discovering their new space and while there was a general sense of accomplishment and RELIEF as well as a renewed team spirit, there was also that uncertain feeling of anticipation....was Malice coming back for them NOW or in the distant future? who would pick up where she left off...what would happen now?>>

<< as Madonna said, "Waiting is the hardest thing." but the six and their allies would have PLENTY to fill their time as they awaited the next phase of their lives>>