Storm of fear!

[Oracle]

<< Across town and inside of Illustra, the drenched members of the Six arrived. Relatively unharmed but unable to escape the fact that Malice had trumped them AGAIN as WELL as unleashed a new, powerfull enemy upon them.>>


<< Persephone's agitation with MorningStar and Foxfire for their failure to keep Guardian safe was hard to ignore and Foxfire, who had disregarded Alison's warnings about going out into the open where Malice could find her...well she had to be feeling quite small right about now. Nicolas, for all his power was unable to see through the Wraith's illusions in time. Malice had played upon everyone's weakness just enough to show them up. >>


<< They knew Alison was alive. Malice would have more use for her alive than dead but just what her plans WERE...was anyone's guess. At least now they could regroup. Haleigh was here and there was always Dr. Victoria to help even out the magickal odds. Morgan was not an option...not YET... but in this Storm which was MORE than what it seemed to be, things were about to change for more than one member of the Six.>>

<< the storm seemed to gather renewed strength as the rains fell harder, creating a constant sound that echoed inside Illustra. thunder and lightning played off each other with savage effect and night was in full effect.>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the doctor was on edge. her mystical sense told her that something was not right about this storm. not anymore.>>

<< walking slowly along the length of the panoramic floor-to-ceiling window out in the main area of the spacious penthouse, she watched the raging atmosphere outside and remembered the storm that she had experienced out on Haleigh's yacht. the night that Morgan, Alison, Delilah and Alexis had all lost themselves....it was a terrible prologue of things to come then and it brought back bad memories of Morgan and Sharon's deaths that occurred two days later.>>

such evil. the magick is as black as anything that Morgan or Ororo have wielded but there's such a malevolence behind this storm...it seemed to sweep across the city and is now FOCUSED on Illustra!

<< as she looked out into the night sky, thunder BLASTED so loudly that it startled the doctor...the lightning flashed and she saw what she THOUGHT was an image...of a hideous creature...a DIRE WRAITH!>>


<< GASP!>>

<< staggering back from the window...she put her hand to chest as she regained herself. but as she looked again, there was nothing there. the rains continued to pelt the window and the storm went on...and as Karen calmed down, she wondered if what she had seen was just her own subconscious playing tricks on her.>>

<< it was dark in the penthouse, and Morgan was resting with the kitten near her, but the doctor and Tinkerbell were both on edge and remained awake and alert.>>

something's wrong.

Whater is coming, I must be ready to defend this place and my daughter.

<< Karen was not aware that a cross time alternate of herself had done battle with the creatures...the image that she saw in the sky outside the penthouse. she was not aware that in another time and place that "she" did NOT SURVIVE her battle with the Dire Wraiths. She was one of the ones that Persephone had LOST, one of the reasons why Persephone HATED the wraiths so much!>>

<< still, realizing that she most likely be using her magicks to protect herself, her daughter and this place, she felt it necessary to transform her clothing and wear her regal black flying suit.>>

http://www.screen-gems.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=75&stc=1&d=1146852997

[Foxfire]

With all the excitement going on, everyone had forgotten about Guardian. Usually the Seer held her own in battle. But with the Dire Wraiths, deathwings, and now the unpleasant visit from Malice things would grow worse.

Persephone had instructed herself and Morningstar to regroup with Guardian. Foxfire jogged off, feeling sluggish from the effects of the enchantment. She had been distracted long enough for Guardian to be captured. Her eyes wavering over the stairwell, where Alison had been positioned. Running a top of a sunken in car before hurling herself over the black railing. Looking around wildly, Blaze's green eyes burned brightly. "Guardian?" She called out sharply, where had the Seer gone to? Walking around the side of the building she found no visible signs or tracks of the Seer. Blaze couldn't even track her scent, an inkling she was captured or was she? Alison had a tendency of disappearing for battle strategy. Crouching down, her eyes zooming on the concrete where a boot imprint had been. A puddle of water from rainfall of Alison's stiletto boot. No other remaining puddles just one set, like she had been teleported out! Her fingers touching the puddle with intrigue.

Persephone and Rampage took care of the other deathwings and Dire Wraith. A shadow looming down the alleyway lengthening. Blaze felt guilt looming through her soul, she had sent Alison off. Smacking her fist down on the pavement, a small rush of pain welcoming her knuckle.

BRAVO

Looking up, Foxfire saw Malice standing there with wicked delight. Standing up, Blaze felt that agitation returning to her. Just the simple physical look of Diana built a seething rage within the fire manipulator. Malice addressed each of them after revealing her plain of capturing Alison. Guardian was the strongest of the team, she had a fair chance of holding her own in Malice's clutches, which gave Blaze minuscule amounts of comfort.

Malice turned to spit her venomous tongue at Blaze with a mocking manner. She yearned to ripe her in half. An explosive white hot pain cut through Blaze's mind. Both hands reaching up to lesson the pain. Falling on one knee, Foxfire tried to focus her mind on something, anything to lesson the pain. But that was to no avail, she couldn't side - step this woman's clever mental attacks. Tears falling and slipping down her flushed cheeks. A clenched fist was aimed toward Malice.

An explosion lite up the sky as Blaze fired a ballistic fire blast. It came crashing towards her, but due to the immense pain, she missed a foot or two from her. And being Malice, she was probably in her diamond form. Her arm falling to writhe in pain. A few grunt escaping Foxy.

The pain lessened before it was terminated. Blaze opened her eyes with surprise, falling on Rampage. It was his doing, she knew it. She stood up again, her mind throbbing from the aftermath of the trauma. Morningstar securing their ground with her powers. She felt shaky and dazed, but she watched on as Malice's pets were destroyed. A lop - sided grin growing on her lips. Good, the tables were turned.

Persephone addressed they needed to retreat, and Blaze couldn't agree more. Vaulting off the stairwell she was lunged into the air. Flipping into the air she landed on the roof of the car with a clank sound. Jumping off the car, she ran over to her teammates.

"Alison was gone before I got there, which meant she was taken long before." She explained to her teammates. Morningstar creating her worm hole which transported the team back to Illustra.

The guilt she felt only intensified in the mutant, who felt like an ultimate failure. Walking over to the large window. Crossing her arms across her heart she looked out over the glorious lively city. Flashes of lightning and thunder playing in symphony to help add to the gloomy mood she felt. A heavy sigh escaping Blaze who looked down, her back turned to her teammates. Haleigh was probably around, which meant explaining the whole situation to her. Rubbing her temples she still felt that dull ache. She let her teammates down, especially Alison.

What did Blaze have to prove? Why must she argue with everyone? She knew what her teammates thought of her presently, and now with Alison captured that opinion would sink to new levels she was sure. And Dr. Victoria was a whole other story, that woman would detest her. Blaze couldn't think right now, she was worried for Alison. The Seer was captured because she did not follow her warnings. Just like she did not follow her advice and warnings for Inferno. When would Blaze listen? She had been killed once, what more would it take?

Slamming her palm against the tinted window in frustration. Blaze's growing guilt and agitation was looming over her head like a dark cloud. Her palm running down the window, noting its cold contrast. Cold - a temperature which Malice was. Blaze knew Alison's weakness was her worry for her brother. And no doubt Malice would use that as a trump card.

Slumping down into the black chair next to the window. Bowing her head in defeat, fragments of luxurious chocolate locks fell to obscure her dull green eyes. Putting her head in her hands, elbows propped up on the desk. She blocked out her teammates temporarily, refusing to allow them to see her eyes. The windows to her soul that revealed guilt.

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach:"It's hard to say.... you kept it from them for so long.... if you DO tell them now it will be obvious that the ONLY reason will be because you figured it would come out.... it makes you LOOK cupable... like you were hiding it on purpose. On the other hand--" Zach stopped, turning around to face the sitting area central to the penthouse, as Morningstar's wormhole opened and the first of the battleworn and sopping wet came into Haleigh's living room. He turned back around to warn Haleigh, though she already knew. "They're back... I'll go get some towels and blankets."

Haleigh nodded and stood, taking a deep breath to gather herself before following Zach out of her home office and into the living room where everyone was.... or rather, all but one of them.... someone had not come back, and it was painfully clear. Though Haleigh hoped Alison was bringing up the rear, as the wormhole closes, Haleigh feels red flags go up.

"Good grief, you guys were out in this storm? What happ-- [the wormhole closes] Where's Alison??"

Haleigh asks, her voiced laced with urgent concern, as Zach returns and hands out plush red towels and navy blue throw blankets to everyone.

[Jill Monroe]

<< within Morgan's posh, spacious penthouse, the young sorceress lay in her chamber of dreams, resting. the sounds of nature outside provided a soothing, lulling effect to Morgan... a carryover from her days BEFORE the seige perilous.>>

<< even as she lay in her large, circular bed in the dark chamber, the french doors to her balcony remained shut but something was amiss. the talismans that hung like wind chimes at the the entrance outside of the balcony began to glow...a mysterious green hue.>>

<< thunder crashed as a pair of red eyes opens outside in the storm, even at this height and the form of a Dire Wraith appears on Morgan's balcony, the same creature that Karen THOUGHT she had seen moments earlier! the talismans are acting as an mystical alarm system but even as the immense demonic creature attempts to open the doors. the talismans began to make a soft humming sound as they glow more brightly and all at once, the creature is repelled by jagged bolts of green lightning. the wraith hisses loudly with pain. Morgan doesn't hear, but someone else does....>>

[Tinkerbell]

::from the shadows in the chamber of dreams, Tinkerbell crouches silently on an ottoman. she lifts her head a bit..sniffing the air. Cats can sense changes in the air and atmosphere to begin with, but TInkerbell is an ENCHANTED familiar and is blessed with mystical gifts designed to help her aid and protect Morgan.::

:: the sleek, and beautiful siamese watches the french doors to the balcony intently as flashes of lightning illuminate the presence of an extremely large, dangerous creature! she sits up...her blue eyes firmly fixed as she growls softly.::

:: the talismans began to activate the warding spell, deflecting the creature as she tries to gain access and Tinker grows more loudly, hissing as the creature's attempts become more and more agressive. the raging storm masks the sounds of the intruder so Morgan does not hear. Tinker looks to Morgan and back at the window before quickly jumping down to the floor, not making a sound and running out of the chamber of dreams and out into the halls. Moving with speed and grace, the siamese finally reaches the main areas of the penthouse and finds Karen. she jumps up onto the top of the sectional in the sitting room and sits up as she begins to mew for Karen's attention, craning her neck as her tail swishes from side to side.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< from across the way, the doctor notices Tinkerbell rushing into the sitting room and on top of the leather sectional. the cat seems upset and as she bobs her head and mews in an agitated way, Karen comes close. she herself feels a sense of dread.>>

tinker?

<< she reaches for Tinker's head but the siamese moves away. she seems distressed as she meows a bit more>>

what is it? what's the matter kitty?

<< Karen looks at the cat with concern, unaware that she is being watched herself from outside....>>

[Tinkerbell]

:: tinker sat upright, almost posed as she looked up at Karen with a "concern" in her own eyes. those mysterious blue eyes began to glow as Tinker used one of her mystical gifts to create an "image bubble". the bubble sparkled and shimmered into view and gave a vivid, haunting view of what Tinker was trying to tell Karen.::

::Karen would see Morgan in her room, sleeping, then the view slowly shifts to the french doors that lead out to the balcony, the silk sheers flow and as flashes of lightning come, the shape and form of a massive demonic creature can be seen! The SAME creature she saw moments earlier outside of the floor to ceiling window out here! the talismans blessed by Ororo are activated and repelling the creature but for how long??::

:: Tinker shows Karen just what she saw and as the image bubble sparkles and shimmers out, the siamese cat hurridly jumps down and scrambles away, heading toward the up the stairs and to the hall leading back to Morgan's chamber of dreams.::

[Oracle]

<< even as the beautifull, enchanted familiar communicates in her own special way to the doctor the danger that lurks outside of Morgan's chamber of dreams, things go from bad to worse.>>

<< back within the chamber of dreams, as Morgan continues to slumber, the talismans began to hum louder, in a more "alarm like" manner. this alarm would be most readily detected by magick users or those familiar with the arts arcane. the talismans, blessed by Ororo's white magicks, are fighting off the physical and magickal attempts of intrusion by the wraith outside in the storm on the balcony but the wraith is not giving up and is becoming more agressive even as the rain seems to intensify and the thunder rolls on.>>

<< a mysterious flowing ribbon trail of dark glowing red orbs flows into the chamber of dreams from under the cracks of the balcony french doors. the eerie trail flows across the large chamber and up onto the extremely large circular bed...near Morgan's covered legs. as the dark glowing red orbs begin to settle, they transform to reveal the shape and form of a large 10 ft long SNAKE. this evil animal immediately locks in on it's prey, MORGAN VICTORIA.>>

<< the snake surveys the sleeping sorceress with its own method of detection as it tongue flickers out at her with sinister delight. the creature reeks of evil and represents the epitome of FEAR for Morgan as it begins slithering, crawling up toward her and over her legs.>>

at that moment

<< Tinkerbell arrives in the room and is immediately alarmed. she turns her head to see the wraith and then looks back, over toward the bed. seeing that her beloved mistress is in danger she immediately becomes hostile and begins to growl loudly and hissing as she arches her back. her ears are back as she bristles with hostility against the snake. her blue eyes glowing as she attempts to draw its attention so that it will see it's not welcomed here.>>


<< with the horrible danger in this area, the Six are just a few floors below but without their precog, they are not yet aware of the terrible danger that is closing in on Morgan. Doctor Karen Victoria must HURRY!>>

[Foxfire]

Haleigh’s voice sounded over the sitting room of Illustra, alerting the team to Black Widow. Here we go. Blaze stood up from the chair, turning around to see Zack handing out blankets. Wrapping the towel around her body, Blaze cleared the nervousness from her tone.

"Alison was captured." She stopped to dry off, her body soaked from the pounding rain. Pulling the blanket over her chilled body. Blaze took this moment to explain the situation at hand. "Malice came to XS, where myself, Nicolas, and Persephone were unwinding. We confronted her, which wasn’t the best idea. Needless to say she lashed out on the club and the patrons. I called for Alison, which she also brought Delilah. We fought, cleaned up, and parted ways. Another encounter erupted with the Dire Wraiths from Darkchilde and Persephone’s time period. There was also some other sort of creatures. Malice showed up, admitting she was the one responsible for unleashing these creatures. While in the middle of battle, Malice captured Alison before we realized it. Delilah brought us back here."

Blaze stopped, allowing Haleigh to register this new bit of information. "It was my responsibility she was captured. I didn’t take heed of her warning. But, where have you been?" Blaze asked, rather curiously.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Delilah's worm hole opened up and transfered the group from behind club XS back to Illustra in seconds. Walking drenched down the hall with the others that were apart of the battle, all she could think about were the Dire Wraiths and how Malice had the stupidity to bring them to this time line. If Malice believed she could control them or influence them to work for her, she would find out what a truly horrid mistake that would be. The Dire Wraiths answered to no one...and unfortunately they were now in this timeline as well. ::

:: Running her fingers back through her wet locks, Persephone exposed her face now showing that she was injured from the battle. Small gashes on her cheeks and forehead from the flying debris caused by the Dire Wraith's enchantments. The blood was moist, but the wounds stopped bleeding. The gashes covered her exposed legs and arms in erractic patterns. Huffing out, Haleigh finally met with them, asking where Alison was. Shaking her head in frustration, she looked to Foxfire who began to tell her what had happened. 'Malice came to XS, where myself, Nicolas, and Persephone were unwinding. We confronted her, which wasn’t the best idea.'. Rolling her eyes, "we"? More like Rampage and Foxfire playing into her little mind games and lashing out at her once again. Keeping her mouth shut, it wouldn't help the situation now to split hairs. Just as Blaze finished explaining the situation at hand, Persephone decided she needed to put her two sense in. ::

"I understand Alison is our top priority, but we MUST protect Illustra from the Dire Wraiths. Your security systems won't work with them; only enchantments and charms can detect their presents. Malice is a dangerous woman, yes, but the Dire Wraiths killed both Ororo and Karen in my time; two VERY powerful witches as you know. Along with my sister Wraith and teammates whom were not far behind Darkchilde power wise. If Malice brought them here, they will find a way to turn against her and destory everything in their path...including us."

:: Persephone's eyes swept from one teammate to another, trying to make them understand that these 'demons' were not what they had faced before. They were dangerous and deadly, and there were hundreds of them. Anger could be heard in her voice as she spoke of what they did to her friends--her family. She refused to let that happen here; for these people to go through what she and Darkchilde had gone through. ::

"We need Karen. We need her to place enchantments all around Illustra. Double up the guards; even though that won't do anything good. It will atleast stall them long enough so we can get Alison back."

[Foxfire]

The rest of the team had been silent throughout the conversation between Haleigh and Blaze. It was Persephone's sultry voice that greeted Fox's ears, hinting of her anger and frustration. Looking over her shoulder, Blaze nodded in agreement.

Slipping out from behind Delilah, Blaze moved closer to Persephone. Although her eyes were fixed on Haleigh, her hand was raised palm side up to the Goddess.

"Persephone's right, she knows these creatures rather well, battle wise. She is our wild card in this battle against Malice."

Blaze's hand illuminated with its fiery essence. Fox's sage eyes falling on Persephone's face. Her brows furrowing with concentration. Persephone's natural earth essence intertwining together. A warmth enrapturing the Goddess to soothe her temporarily. Her eyes falling down across each wound, making them disappear. No visible sign of scarring, just dried blood.

The gash that had originally adored Blaze's forearm was gone. An inkling of another power Persephone would recognize the mutant wielded. Walking away from Persephone, Blaze's eyes glowing with fire.

"Diana is a predator and we are her prey. She's clever, manipulative, and she's a world class telepath with a wide arrangement of powers. She's linked to each of us like a spider's web. Her web of desire...she's a compulsive neurotic psychopath who tortures for pleasure. She kills for pleasure. Malice is cool, confidant, and in control. There isn't an angle she has not thought out. One of our far more deadlier foes."

Ringing out droplets of water from her hair. Her eyes studied the storm outside. "Everybody has a weakness, Aquiles had one, Zeus had one, what's hers?" Blaze's mind ticking with thoughts. "Her concentration is her weakness, dividing that will not be easy. I'm willing to bet she'll send another distraction here at Illustra. When this happens, Malice will not be far off. She thinks like a Roman, power without consequence, and divide and conquer. There's something we keep missing. A piece of the puzzle we've yet to locate."

Her voice clear and confident, despite how she felt. "Dr. Victoria is our best bet, not only for the security purposes Persephone mentioned but because psychology is her top field. Perhaps she can offer some insight on Diana and possibly scry for Alison."

[Rampage]

Nicolas emerged with the others into Illustra. His head was on fire from taking the brunt of Malice's assault. As he stood there listening, it faded quickly and he watched as Seph and Foxfire laid out what was before them. The mention of an attack on Illustra got his attention.

"If what you say is true, then we must alert Dr. Victoria immediately. With Morgan not fully herself and with the combined might of our enemies, they are in great danger right now."

Using his hydrokinesis, Nicolas removed the water from the team's garments and the surface water from their skin and hair, leaving them dry and more comfortable.

"Haleigh, if you would contact them please?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< watching carefully as Tinkerbell used one of her mysterious gifts to communicate, the doctor saw the sparkling, shimmering image bubble form. she saw her daughter's room, and the balcony. the CREATURE on the balcony and the talismans warding it off.>>

Oh NO!

<< her opal blue eyes widened with disbelief.>>



<< tinkerbell ran away, and Karen followed, down the hall but even Tink disappeared Karen found herself wondering WHY she wasnt at Morgan's room by now. she moved with speed and grace, the cape of her flying suit flowing behind her but something was wrong....she was not getting anywhere!>>

What's happening!? << she cried out with irritation as she looked down the long, dark hall. it seemed to LENGTHEN before her very eyes>>

an illusion..a TRICK!

<< a look of irritation on her face appeared but she gasped as the thunder boomed all around and she heard her daughter SCREAMING...like a fear she had never known.>>

MORGAN!! hang on baby!!

<< she thought about calling the others, but there was NO TIME. her daughter was in trouble and she had to get there FAST. she threw her hands up as her cape spread behind her and with a rushing harp sound, she disappeared in a swirl of golden orbs and bypassed the hall, reappearing in her daughters chamber. she saw the giant snake and gasped as she staggered back>>

OH MY GOD!

<< her own heart raced with fear. this was her daughter's worst fear...and the snake was now cornering her, about to attack her. Karen turned and saw Tinkerbell growling, trying to ward the snake away but it was not paying attention to the cat. she saw the creature outside on the balcony trying to get in. there were now two of them.>>

MORGAN....honey...DON'T MOVE!

<< Karen raised her hand and extened it...taking aim as a golden halo of magick formed around it. the snake was raising up. opening its mouth and bearing its fangs as it hissed loudly at Morgan, who was nearly hysterical>>

I've got to make this COUNT.

<< she narrowed her eyes and steadied herself. trying to remain calm. the sight of the snake was unsettling for HER as well...but not on the level that it was for Morgan. she had to save her daughter before it was too late.>>

ZARK!

<< with precision aim, Karen fires a large mystic force bolt that SLAMS into the snake as it raises up and blasts it away from Morgan, off of the bed and flying into the wall before obliterating it. the snake cries out with pain before it is destroyed and Karen can't help but exclaim with JOY as she destroys the creature.>>

<< Morgan falls out of the bed, nearly catatonic from the shock and the trauma and Karen rushes over, grabbing Morgan's silk mini robe and covering her as she gathers her into her arms and kneels beside her, holding her and stroking her hair>>

It's allright now baby. Mommy's here.

<< she gently rocks Morgan. trying to calm her down enough so that she will be able to follow directions. Tinkerbell slips in between and rubs against Morgan, trying to comfort her beloved mistress as best she can.>>

see? tinker is here too. She came to find me when she saw you were in trouble. We're here to keep you safe now. But you've got to LISTEN to me....we're going to leave here now and I'm going to get some help so that we can keep the creatures away.

<< Morgan is still badly shaken and beside herself and Karen continues to comfort her, but her voice is just a bit more form.>>

Shhhhhhhh!!, now Morgan. I need you to calm down. I'm here, and I will keep you safe.

Here, take tinkerbell and hold her. we're leaving here together.

<< the storm rages outside...Karen eyes the wraiths outside with contempt as she helps Morgan, who is holding tinkerbell, to stand up.>>

see? the snake is gone! Mommy killed it!


<< thunder crashes as Karen continues to reaffirm Morgan who can finally move. The doctor quickly and carefully leads them out. out of the penthouse and into the hallway. its a bit more quiet out there. the cobalt blue lighting provides a calming effect but the sound of nature outside can still be heard. Tinkerbell purrs, trying to comfort Morgan as Karen reaches an intercom. They are now far down the hall, near the elevator. Karen looks around first and up to the ceiling high above to make sure there's nothing or no one about. satisfied for the moment..she nervously presses the intercom button. >>

<< her voice betrays stress and uncertainty>>

Karen on the intercom: Alison....Haleigh..DELILAH??!

[Rampage]

Nicolas hears Dr. Victoria's voice over the intercom, the stress from it and reacts instantly. He reaches out with his TK to survey the building for anything...unusual. He first notices the forms of Dr. Victoria and Morgan in the hallway of her penthouse with Tinkerbell. Their minds are closed to him but he can "see" that their hearts are beating rapidly. He presses the intercom to answer them, his voice marked by concern.

"Dr. Victoria, this is Nicolas. Are you alright? If you like I can bring bring you here with us right now. Or I can join you right now. I'll do whatever you want."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Taking a step back as Blaze approached her, Persephone looked at her werily as the woman lifted her hands. Narrowing her eyes, the woman's hand began to glow and soon her gashes were healed. Lowering her eyes to her arms, she lifted them back to Blaze unaware she had the ability to heal. ::

:: Once she was healed, Blaze began to speak of Malice, trying to figure out the woman's weaknesses. She mentioned Akilies having weaknesses, making Persephone look over at the woman. Then she mentioned Zeus. Turning her nose up in disgust at the mention of that man's name, she rolled her eyes away, shaking her head. But Blaze had to take it a step further and mention the Roman's. It was quite comical actually, given the current situation. Shaking her head once more, Persephone looked to Blaze while crossing her arms. ::

"As far as Malice's empathic and telepathic powers go, I have no idea what the woman's weakness is. But once Malice goes on the defense, she immediatly turns into her diamond form, which puts the ball in our court. The ONLY thing that can destory diamonds are lasers."

:: Looking to Morningstar, Persephone nodded to the mutant. ::

"Morningstar is our trump card. She has the ability to destory Malice, we just need to--"

:: Suddenly Persephone was cut off by Karen's voice screaming over the intercome. The goddess knew immediately it was the Dire Wraith's. ::

"They're here!"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen couldnt help but flinch as Nicolas spoke. she was expecting to hear a woman's voice but she was surprised when HE spoke. either way at least SOMEONE heard her. She looked at Morgan, who was clutching Tinkerbell and white as a sheet. still shaken with fear.>>

over the intercom: Nicolas!

<< Karen's voice seemed more stressed than before.>>

a giant snake just ATTACKED my daughter in her chamber of dreams! If Tinkerbell had not come to warn me......It would have killed Morgan.

<< interference started to drown out Karen's voice on the intercom as the others in Haleigh's apartment noticed the rain was now falling harder than before. almost torrential>>

There's some kind of monsters on Morgan's balcony, trying to break in! the Talismans that Ororo and I put up are warding them off...but I got us out of the penthouse after i killed the snake.

<< Morgan's discontent could be heard in the background but the communication link started to break up>>

Morgan is phobic of snakes...she's badly shaken. I need some help up here...before...

<< the com link went dead after a violent feed back. and Karen looked down the hall, just intime to see a HELLHOUND bounding madly torward them and growling like a fierce predator.....>>

[Dire Wraith]

Persephone was right, the Dire Wraiths WERE there and so were their minions, the HELLHOUNDS.

vicious creatures with more than superhuman speed, strength and endurance as well as the ability to PHASE. like their mistress wraiths, they were immune to telepathic attacks and would not be easily to bring down but they weren't nearly as intelligent as their mistresses.

the hellhound closed in on Karen, narrowing the distance between them as it growled and snarled and leaped up in the air to come bearing right down on the doctor who was now standing in front of her daughter, looking up definatly at the creature


--------------

elsewhere In Illustra:

the wraiths were slipping through portals in the walls and other surfaces, arriving on various floors and immediately fanning out, searching for their prey

[Oracle]

<< Haleigh and the others would soon realize that the building was being infiltrated, just as Persephone had warned. Without the protection of Morgan's magick that had once surrounded Illustra, the Wraiths could easily bypass technological detection BUT once inside the building, they could ALSO be vulnerable to the defenses therein and Illustra had many impressive, VIOLENT "anti personnel" devices and mechanisms.>>

<< the communication between Doctor Victoria and Nicolas had violently ended. the storm was getting worse. would they realize that she was under attack by a hellhound? They had to move fast. Get the doctor and her daughter and regroup to the security floor of Illustra sandwiched between the business and residential floors so that they could allow the anti personnel devices to fight off the first wave of Wraiths.>>

[Rampage]

When the intercom went dead, Nicolas reacted instantly, teleporting himself up to the hallway. He saw the hellhound rushing towards them "What the Hell!!!" growling and reached out with his TK to catch it before it came any farther, then to crush it under several tons of collapsing force.

[Foxfire]

Blaze looked directly at Morningstar, of course! She had missed that fact, but at least it would shed some new light on the subject. Lightning flashed erratic patterns across the hallway. Giving the room an almost haunting - broody look to it. Thunder slammed outside, shaking the hinges of Illustra. Rain pelting and ricocheting off the large windows. Winds howling and screaming outside.

Karen's icy voice was heard over the intercom. Her tone hoarse and terrified, probably the Dire Wraiths. It was as exactly as Blaze foreshadowed it to be. Nicolas' strong voice addressing the good doctor. Blaze recalled she had been banned from the penthouse all together.

The dimly lite raptor lights flickered from the chaotic storm outside. Looking towards the ceiling, Blaze knew the Wraiths would use this weather to their advantage. Tossing off the large blanket on an empty chair, Blaze listened closely to the message. She knew Morgan had a phobia of snakes and reptiles, it was the one fear that could paralyze her.

Sighing heavily, Blaze walked forward for the express elevator. But in this weather she wasn't entirely sure it was the best idea. Turning to Nicolas she stopped, "Get us up there!" She said quickly, worry in her own tone.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh's eyes fixate on Blaze as she begins to explain what happened... she lets Blaze get everything out... including the question about where HALEIGH had been.... Haleigh didnt blink... didn't seem to breathe.... just stare incredulously at Blaze for a second.

"You.... confronted Malice.... at XS. A public venue, where hundreds of innocent people were gathered...."

She said slowly. She wasn't yelling, but her tone was scathing enough to have a similar effect....like she was moments away from exploding all over Blaze... like this morning's events in Morgan's penthouse were about to be repeated. Instead, however, Haleigh kept her steady, forcefully controlled and frigidly steely tone.

"I can't let you out of my sight for a second, can I Blaze?"

Persephone interjected here, obviously stressed about the appearance of the Dire Wraiths. Haleigh didn't know anything about the DWs, other than what she'd seen in the time loop of Illustra.... but with Persephone reacting to them the way she was, she knew they were going to have their hands full... but panicking wasn't going to do anybody any good. The group immediately began talking about involving Karen and Morgan, and Haleigh started to shake her head.

"Everyone just CALM down. Rampage, Morgan is nowhere NEAR ready for this... she can't even be comfortable around US.... we absolutely CANNOT drag her into this... however.... we SHOULD inform Karen... without Alison here and with Morgan out of commision... she is our go-to for magikal resources... Persephone... if doubling up the guards will do no good than there is no need to do so. if Illustra is in danger, Karen will know how best to counter these... Wraiths."

Haleigh uses the immediate conversation to sidestep Blaze's question.... allowing the others to keep the topic on Malice and the Dire Wraiths. Karen's voice breaks over the intercom, sounding worried and shaken. Haleigh purses her lips and pauses a moment.

"And now, we get to tell Karen that Malice made off with Alison... in addition to WHATEVER already has her stressed."

A flatpanel screen turns on in the living room, Karen, Morgan, and Tinkerbell stand in the hallway on the 107th floor. Nicolas reacts immediately, and when the link between the two coms cuts out, Nicolas goes after them before Haleigh can even ask him to. Haleigh taps into the intercom after a few moments of silence and coaxes Karen to come to them in her calmest, most reassuring voice. the last thing Karen and Morgan needed to hear was a stressed voice on the receiving end.

"Karen, we're here in my apartment. Come to floor 105 with Nicolas.... we'd better talk."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen braces for a fight, lifting her hands up a bit as they become encircled in golden halo's of magick. she narrows her eyes as she glares with defiance.>>

<< as thunder and lightning crashed, Rampage appeared between and annihlated the hell hound...at least for the moment as it seemed to dissipate in the shadows. as the roll of thunder echoed, Karen exhaled and placed a hand on Nicolas' arm for support. she was trembling herself.>>

<< breathing out, slowly>>

Nicolas.....

<< holding her hand to her chest.>>

thank the goddess.

the monsters, they.. they're outside of the balcony in Morgan's room.

<< she continued to compose herself as she looked over at Morgan, who looked VERY distressed and was clutching Tinkerbell close to her chest>>

a snake attacked Morgan...so big...so vicious.

Ta...take us to Haleigh's place, please.

<< The doctor was trying her best to compose herself but this was all a bit much and the storm didnt do much for calming either.>>

<< As much as Haleigh and Persephone needed to speak with HER, she needed to speak with THEM and above all else, they ALL needed to stay together during this storm as now the main power in illustra began to flicker a bit. Karen still didnt know that Blaze was back in the building OR that Alison had been captured. With everything that had happened up here alone the doctor would be in for worse news when she got down to Haleigh's. >>

[Rampage]

Nicolas nodded as he listened to Dr. Victoria. His heart went out to the fright the witch endured and he quickly 'ported the three of them (and Tinkerbell) to Haleigh's apartment. He turned to Haleigh as they materialized before the group.

"Do you have any weapons? We are in for one hell of a fight. This place is crawling with beasts like the one I just faced. Or is there a safe room or fortified panic room where we can make a stand? Even here will not be very safe for long."

Nicolas looked around quickly as he took in more information from a second TK sweep. It would definitely be long night.

[Shadow Weaver]

Thank you, Nicolas. your arrival couldn't have been more timely.

<< helping her daughter over to a chair, Karen sat Morgan down. Morgan drew up into the chair, still clutching her siamese familiar. Tinker looked rather nervous herself. her tail was twitching and swishing around. she was purring at some moments..other moments her blue eyes seemed to be darting from one spot to the next but it was clear that the familar wanted Morgan to be safe.>>

<< Karen stood up and shook herself loose after she adjusting her regal black flying suit as she seemed more centered now. listening to Nicolas, Karen immediately wanted to know what wsa going on. she looked among the group and noticed ALISON was not there and that the others had apparently "dried off" recently. The doctor's tone was more firm now, but still there was the worry >>

The creatures that tinkerbell and I saw, there are MORE of them in Illustra?

<< thunder crashed as the power began to flicker once more.>>

What's happening....and more importantly, WHERE is Alison?

[Tinkerbell]

:: Tinkerbell didnt mind being held, or carried, by certain people. She could feel Morgan's heart beating so fast with fear. her own little heart was racing as well, her pupiles dialated as her tail swished around.::

:: she was in another place now, she'd been here months ago when she communicated with erika king but not since. she sensed the presence of other animals but they werent enchanted like her.::

:: as she continued to be craddled by Morgan, she moved a bit as she turned to watch Karen and the others.::

:: they all seemed so big and a bit scarey. but NOTHING was as scarey as those evil creatures and that snake. Tinker's nose was twitching a bit as she sniffed the air around her. the storm raged on outside and it played havok with her senses. she didnt like the loud noises at all.::

:: as Karen began to question the others, asking about the creatures and if MORE of them and just as Nicolas CONFIRMED there were more on different floors, Tinker began to growl...her eyes firmly fixed on a corner enshrouded in shadow far across the room.... in an area that no one would think to pay attention to.::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Seeing Karen, Morgan, and their familiar Tinkerbell arrive, Persephone drew in a breath of relief, glad that they were alright. Very shaken but alright. This all seemed like a blast from the past; Persephone truly felt like she had just ended her war with the Dire Wraiths, and now had to begin it all over again. Luckily she still knew valid information about these creatures that could be helpful for the team. ::

:: As Nicolas and Karen began to speak, Karen asked where Alison was, shifting her glance to the others, it would be better if they explained that Alison was taken considering Dr. Victoria wasn't familiar with her yet. Glancing to Morgan, she looked utterly petrified and the goddess frowned. But her attention soon went to Tinkerbell, Morgan's familiar. The cat's ears went back, a soft growling could be heard. Persephone could feel the tension and fear radiating from the cat. It was looking behind the group...she knew one of the beasts was in the room. ::

:: Slowly turning her head, Persephone didn't directly look to the darkened corner, but she kept her senses sharp. Tinkerbell's tension increased, knowing the creature was waiting for the best moment to strike. After a few calm beats, Persephone quickly turned around, thrusting both hands out toward the corner and shooting a massive bolt of lighting from the palms of her hands. The bolt--with enough power to destory an entire army tank--SLAMMED into the creature and sent it hurling and crashing THROUGH Haleigh's wall and out into the pouring ran. All that remained was smoke and a massive hole in the building. ::

:: Turning around, Persephone shook her head at the others. ::

"We need to leave, now. We are not safe here."

[Dire Wraith]

curse that meddling doctor and that wretched familiar. Karen Victoria was just as troublesome in this reality as she was in the Darkchilde's but THIS reality's counterpart of Darkchilde....Morgan, something wasnt right about her. she seemed so lost, and scared. NOTHING like the woman in the other reality that destroyed most of our sisterhood.

tinkerbell, the cat. she's enchanted! she can sense us no matter if we are cloaked or shap sifted and she will be most helpfull to them in spotting us, unless we ELIMINATE her.

but before the hellhound could strike at the cat or Morgan, Persephone destroys it swiftly with a blast of lightning, sending the irridiated carcas crashing through the wall and leaving a gaping hole. the cry of the hell hound echoed like the howling winds outside.

--------------

on other floors wraiths and hellhounds were slipping in through portals at different angles. they intended to test the defense of Illustra, a small sacrifice to make for the horde outside waiting to strike.

[Foxfire]

Massaging the back of her tense neck, Blaze moved to one of Haleigh's chairs. Sitting posed and ready in the large arm chair with her legs crossed. She calmed her own paranoia, nodding to Nicolas. The large ebony skinned gentlemen disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Folding her hands in her lap, Blaze sat quietly for the return of Dr. Victoria, Morgan, and Tinkerbell. They all materialized, but Blaze kept her distance. She couldn't risk startling the witch, which she knew would happen.

Her green eyes falling on the four who entered, including Tink. She stood up seeing the fright in there eyes. Glancing down at her own wardrobe she couldn't afford to battle in this. Disappearing down the hallway to Haleigh's secret weaponry closet. Punching in a key access code the door opened for Blaze. The lighting low and alluring like that of a cobalt blue with red lasers criss - crossed to protect the weapons and suits lined here. Entering a second pin number the lasers and alarms were disabled.

Walking over to the curricular glass window where a suit was hung. Its silver and black coloration useful for spying. The thick glass hummed with it lowering behind the wall. Reaching forward Blaze grabbed the leather suit. The glass moving in an ascending way.

Grabbing a pair of black stiletto boots, gloves, and a pair of Cyclone folding knives. http://sharpedgetrading.com/cgi-bin/image/templates/4-bladeYingyang.jpg

Climbing into the specially insulated suit, zipping it up just above her collar bone. The actual suit was a metallic color with a bold black pattern. Haleigh's Black Widow insignia worn in the corner by the right shoulder blade. Tying her hair back into a sleek pony - tail, sweeping any loose bangs from her eyes. Slipping on a pair of black fingerless gloves. Reaching for the Cyclone folding knives she flicked her wrist. The sound of an "frsshhh" was echoed in the room, allowing the blades to close. Tucking them in a loose pocket by her hip bone. Grabbing a few circular gadgets that resembled a black hockey puck, she grinned.

"I haven't seen these in forever."

Placing the bomb - like device in her left breast pocket. Blaze's eyes noticed the laptop. A sparkle in her eyes, glancing over her shoulder. Overhearing a discussion taken place, Blaze walked forward. Her stiletto boots clicking softly on the metallic flooring here. Flipping open the laptop, a security access was needed. The cursor blinked as Blaze smirked. Her fingertips fumbling across the keyboard. It didn't take long for her to break the code, a former hacker in her teenage years.

A window popped up with Haleigh's schedule. She noticed the location with a quizzical expression. "Greece? What would she need there?" Her eyes reading further with a frown, "my my, our little spider has her own web of secrets." Blaze closed out of the computer. She wasn't entirely sure what was going on Haleigh but she knew more than the others.

Activating the locks and alarms, she closed the door. Walking down the hallway she overheard Dr. Victoria ask the whereabouts of Alison.

"She's been captured by Malice."

She said, her hands falling behind her back. Her eyes falling on Haleigh with an investigative look. Indicting the mutant knew what had happened. Blaze's eyes caught Persephone obliterating another uninvited guest.

"The conference room would give us more room. But, Haleigh knows this place like the back of her hand. She's your best bet for security purposes." Blaze made no inkling of Black Widow's agenda, instead she kept that bit of information to herself. For now.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen was now more calm, and had a grip on her situation. she looked more intimidating like usual with her disapporving glare casting on Blaze as she spoke.>>

And how could that have happened, given how powerfull Alison is? How could Malice have found Alison? she's too smart to go out into the open during this time unless it's necessary. Weren't you all there to help her?

these creatures....are they working with Malice in a new attack on Illustra?


<< she was deadly serious when she spoke. She KNEW that Blaze was somehow responsible for this as she narrowed her opal blue eyes and continued to look directly at the mutant>>

and just so we're clear....STAY AWAY from my daughter. She's been through a trauma tonight and she doesn't need the train wreck that is your emotional core infecting her any further.

<< the doctor's icy voice dripped with contempt.>>


<< before anyone else could speak, Persephone had attacked a corner of Haleigh's luxury apartment. the fury of Persephone's assault and scream of the obliterated hellhound prompted Karen to quickly move to Morgan and pull her up and away from the chair, bringing her over to where she stood and putting her closer Haleigh>>

They're after Morgan. THey were trying to break into her chamber of dreams and then the snake attacked her. Tinkerbell seems to be able to detect their presence even if they are cloaked which suggests they are magickal in nature. TInkerbell is more than a mere familiar, she's ENCHANTED she has special abilities that make her vital to Morgan as a guardian.

<< Karen gently stroked Tinkerbell's head, the siamese cat closed her eyes with content as she continued to be nestled in Morgan's arms.>>

My first priority is Morgan. I will protect her at ALL COSTS.

<< Persephone would remember that Dr. Victoria in HER reality said the EXACT SAME THING in Limbo>>

But we have to get Alison back as well. There is no telling HOW far Malice will go to try to break her.

<< Looking to at the gaping hole .>>

Persephone is right, we're not safe here. the safest place to go now is the control room floor. Alison told me that it was Illustra's "panic room" as Nicolas called it.


<< she paused...>>

The Darkhold...Morgan and Alison's book of shadows. It may be able to tell us MORE about these creatures and We'll need it. If those creatures get ahold of it....they'll be able to destroy us all. I have to go back for it.

<<thunder crashed and lightning flickered across the view out of the panoramic window as her voice sounded grim at the thought of going back up ther. but she looked at Haleigh, Persephone, Rampage and Morningstar.>>

Please keep Morgan safe. Listen to Tinkerbell, she will warn you of danger and KEEP BLAZE AWAY FROM MORGAN.

I'll.....be back as soon as I can.


<< Karen turned on her heel as she swept her cape behind her in the turn and prepared to leave>>

[Foxfire]

Karen's reaction was to be expected, especially when she was forbidden to see Morgan. Blaze broke eye contact, she was momentarily distracted by sounds from above. Her eyes studying the ceiling above, she could hear these creatures moving through Illustra.

"It was my fault Alison was captured, yes. I had some impending business at Illustra and Malice showed up. She turned my club upside down, and I had no choice but to call for Alison. She was more than capable of assisting with Diana. Minutes later Alison was attacked by these Dire Wraith creatures. They are the direct result of Malice, her little play toys. The whole team was tricked by an Illusion of Alison and another Dire Wraith. I realized this but it was too late. I take the blame, I dropped the ball, but do not shut me out! What I did earlier was no excuse in your penthouse but you cannot cut me off from my sister. Morgan is ALL I have."

Moving closer, Blaze was not intimidated by the doctor, even as powerful as she was. Her objective was clear but one that Blaze would reject. Appearing next to Dr. Victoria in the mere shimmery affect, her arm grabbing a hold of Karen's firmly. Her glove clung to the older woman's arm without harming her. She looked into her bewitching eyes.

"You may not like this emotional trainwreck but I'm going with you. Whether you like it or not, I have a personal stake in this. You'll have to ultimately subdue me if you do not want my company. Besides, my heighten senses and fire power accompanied with your magick could combine to a hefty power usage. I'm not asking you Doctor, I'm TELLING you I'm coming. Forbid me from Morgan all you want, but in the back of your mind you know she is my blood."

Releasing her hold on Karen's arm, Blaze perked a brow to her. "You know I'm the youngest here and the most rebellious. I've done some stupid and irrational things but I'm trying to repent for them. At the end of the day Morgan is my sister too just like she is your daughter. We share a common bond to secure her safety and well - being. This firefly is here to protect your daughter's ass and get Alison back! If you go, I go, no ifs, ands, or butts."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: A gust of wind swept throughout the room from the large hole in Haleigh's livingroom wall. Lowering her hands, Persephone took a step forward feeling the heavy rain being blown into the room and coat her dried body. A Hellhound..and there would be more of them. These creatures were fierce and very deadly. Although easier to destory than the Dire Wraith's themselves, they were still no joke. ::

:: Looking out through the massive hole, there were no signs of the creature, just the heavy down poor of the rain. Stepping back, Persephone turned back to the group and made her way back over to them. Looking to Morgan, she was frightened from the attack that she had just unleashed, rightfully so. Karen held her protectively before speaking those very same words that her own time line's Karen said. Persephone's eyes went wide as her attention immediately went to Karen. It was as she had seen a ghost, those words haunting her even now. ::

:: Turning her head away, she tightly closed her eyes hearing the horrible scream of Karen echoing in her mind before she was brutally murdered. This was hitting too close to home for the goddess, but she refused to allow her emotions to overtake her. If she couldn't help save her friends and family, she'd be damned if she would allow the same bastards hurt their cross time alters. ::

:: Looking back to Karen, she announced she would go back for The Darkhold, a book that would be very useful to them in this battle. But before Persephone could protest her going alone, Blaze stepped in and made it clear she was going with her regardless if the doctor liked it or not. Persephone would have prefered if SHE had went with the doctor to ease her own mind, but they had both disappeared giving the goddess no choice but to hope the doctor made it back safely. ::

:: Persephone looked to Morgan as she held tightly onto her familiar. Stepping forward, she had made a connection to Spellbinder last evening. Gently placing her hand on the small of Spellbinder's back, she felt the woman jump with uncertainty. ::

"It's alright. We are heading to a safer area of Illustra. I'll be damned if anything comes near you."

:: Giving her a small smile, it was the first time anyone had seen Persephone even give a hint of a smile. Looking down at Tinkerbell, Persephone dipped her head down a bit lower, noting the cat perk up once again with curiosity. The feline remembered Persephone, she could feel the cat's tense muscles ease slightly. ::

"Hello beautiful. Thank you for warning me of that Hellhound. You are quite helpful."

:: Rubbing Morgan's back gently, she lifted her eyes to the woman hoping that she would not feel unease or frightened around her. ::

:: Turning back to Black Widow, Persephone's face became colder as she looked from her to Rampage. ::

"The building is crawling with hellhounds and Dire Wraith's. I can feel the feline's tension and fear for her master. We must go to the panic room now."

[Rampage]

Nicolas watches the interplay between the ladies. He is stung by Dr. Victoria's reposne to Blaze, but he recognizes that she was protective of her daughter i this state. He only hoped that there would not be a situation stemming from this that threatened them all. As he heard her state the obvious, Nicolas returned Persephone's gaze.

"If you like, I can 'port us there, then go back for Blaze and Dr. Victoria while you guys watch Morgan. She will be more at ease with you two in any case. Just give me a moment to "scout" the place."

Nicolas reaches out starting at the top floor and moving quickly down. He finds a hidden floor between the residential and business floors.

"Got it!"

Nicolas teleports the group to the fortified security floor.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh stifled a laugh as Nicolas asked her if she had any weapons or a safe room. Was he serious?

"That's a good one, Nicolas. I'm glad you keep your humor under pressure... that will help you manage stress."

Karen threw out questions to help her get her bearings, and Haleigh tried her best to calm the doctor, even as she was relaying Alison's whereabouts.

"Karen, I'm afraid our problems are more complicated than just defending Illustra... Alison--"

Haleigh stops as Tinkerbell's strange behaviour catches her eye. Persephone blasts a hole through the wall, ridding them of a lurking hellhound and giving Haleigh a new window. Blaze returns, spilling about what happened to Alison matter-of-factly. Haleigh instantly knows where Blaze had stealed away to in the flurry of Karen's appearance, as Blaze is now sporting one of the extra suits Haleigh had stocked. Haleigh shoots her a scolding look, as if to say 'you could have asked', but Karen begins to get even MORE on edge and vows to protect Morgan as she guide Morgan over to Haleigh's side. Haleigh places her hand on Karen's shoulder and makes eye contact with the doctor.

"So will I."

She says firmly, with a nod. Karen then talks of the Darkhold and going back alone to get it... and Blaze demands to be allowed to go along. Haleigh knows Karen and Blaze will most likely only fight... and that some jobs are easier done alone. She ALSO knows that if Alison was captured while surrounded by her team, then splitting off and going alone was out of the question.

"Karen, wait... I don't want you to go alone... let Blaze go FIRST and flush any remanding demons out.... she can draw their fire and distract them long enough for you to snag the Book and come back here. Blaze will follow... [with a scathing tone]she obviously knows how to get into my weapons room... and you two can then meet us on the security floor. Just a quick in-&-out. Try not to talk to each other... it'll go more smoothly. come on, everyone else... there's a secret passage to the security floor from my armory, we can suit up on the way."

Nicolas jumps the gun, offering to teleport them directly to the control room, locating the room and teleporting them all... or at least, making the attempt before Haleigh can get a word in sideways.

"N--"

A sharp crack is heard by everyone in mid-teleportation, and they are all returned to Haleigh's living room, with Nicolas[the one doing the teleporting work] now experiencing a strong quesy feeling. Haleigh looks around, just happy that they were all returned to the same place together... they could have been SCATTERED all over the city.

"Now Nicolas... if you could just TELEPORT in.... the security control floor wouldn't be very secure."

Haleigh gives them all a guiding hand gesture and takes Morgan by the hand, giving her a coaxing look. Tinkerbell no longer hisses at Haleigh, which is CERTAINLY a help here.

"No more snakes, Morgan."

Haleigh says, to get the shaken sorceress to follow her in the absence of her mother. She leads them all down the short hall and through the study/office, turning left to part double french doors that open into a vast library, and then pulls the particular book on the shelf that reveals the door to her armory, and the security keypad Blaze had bypassed only moments ago. The door swings back to reveal a vault of weapons and technology.

"Grab what you want, Nicolas... one of those men's suits should fit you."

She says, pointing to the leather battlesuits [think Xmen] she had designed for Cameron before taking a woman's version that is obviously customized for her alone... her trademark black with red piping and belt insignia. She grabs a fully automatic carbine firearm with her freehand and stops at the far wall. She leans forward to submit to an eye scan and then lets go of Morgan's hand to prick her thumb for DNA scan.

"Security." She says, shrugging and sucking the pinprick on her thumb. "Only Alison and I have entrances to the security floor... it's computer run... so human err isn't a factor... information is relayed to me, Alison, a small CI team at my headquarters. SOMEONE is always watching over us." She explains as the door slides open and a passage beyond lights up. "Quickly, everyone."

[Rampage]

As the team is being teleported, they are shunted back to Haleigh's room abruptly, so abruptly that at frst Nicolas is not completely cognizant that it was NOT succesful. He drops to a knee and smiles as Haleigh chides him, the nausea passing in moments.

"Impressive. Remind me to get a FULL briefing once this is done."

Nicolas goes to the largest men's battlesuit available and quickly takes off his own clothing before putting it on. He selects a couple of handguns for himslef and stops for a moment. In a case in his apartment, a HUGE battle axe disappears and reappears before him, complete with back scabbard. He notices the looks of the others as he surveys its edge.

"A personal favorite of mine. Haleigh, do you have ENERGY weapons? They seem particularly effective."

Nicolas quiets as they are told to enter the security floor through the secret passage. He steps through as instructed.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Disappearing, suddenly Persephone reappeared....in the same spot. Lifting a single brow, she looked to Haleigh who explained to Rampage that she wouldn't be the security buff she's known for if people could just 'pop' into the security room. Letting out a low laugh, she found it quite ammusing actually. ::

"Smooth hot shot."

:: Rolling her eyes, she walked along side of Morgan as they all made their way back to one of Haleigh's rooms. Noting the weapons and battle suits, frankly she wouldn't be caught dead in one of those frumpy outfits. Snapping her fingers, a gust of wind enveloped Persephone into a small cyclone, until finally she was revealed in her all black leather attire. The halter styled top showed off Persephone's tattoo on her left shoulder, one the group has yet to see. Low slung belt rested snuggly on her hips with an oval shaped black belt buckle and an emerald "Omega" symboled gem encrested in the center. Her transfiguring whip resided around her torso as usual, "embedded" into her uniform, and her mystic daggers were holstered, each on the outside of her thigh (think Laura Croft). ::

:: Moving forward toward the passage way, Persephone's black spiked healed boots clicked roughly against the wood flooring of Haleigh's room. Allowing Morgan to enter the passage first, she soon followed, making sure to secure the rear of the group. As they made their way to the security room, Persephone pulled her long locks back into a sleek and simple pony tail, each straightened hair tied back perfectly. ::

"Rampage, keep an "eye" on Blaze and Karen at all times."

:: Reminding the telepath, even though she knew he was already doing so. Better safe than sorry....the goddess had to learn that the hard way. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< once, this floor was only accessible by MORGAN, Alison and Delilah. Much had changed since Morgan was last here and none of this meant anything to her as she was now. She was very shaken, her head hurt and she was nauseated.>>

<< Her mother had saved her from the terrifying snake and gotten her out of the penthouse. Rampage appeared and rescued them from the monster in the hallway and Persephone destroyed another monster. there were monsters EVERYWHERE!>>

<< she felt safe with Tinkerbell in her arms. her precious enchanted familiar who was a living alarm against these evil creatures that were infiltrating Illustra. Her mother forbade Blaze to come near her, and she was GLAD for that. Blaze was unusual, she gave Morgan an unsettling feeling. SHe didnt like the idea of her mother leaving, much less with Blaze but what could she say? she was too shaken...she didnt want to move.>>

<< Persephone and Haleigh helped Morgan along as they evacuated to the security floor. Morgan quitely pulled away from the group as they were preparing for a battle. she thought about what she had heart. Monsters, Malice, Alison...captured.>>

Alison is in trouble, Tinkerbell

I can feel her pain. she's fighting against Malice even now. but she can't contact us.

<< unknown to the rest of the team, Morgan was in telepathic rapport with her enchanted familiar right now. they communicated on a silent , deep level.>>

I can help my mother....we can find her. a scrying spell. ..

<< cuddling Tinker as the cat purred in agreement with her mistress, Morgan slowly crept away into a "briefing room" off the main area and sat down on the floor. the need to help Alison, the want to show her mother that she COULD do something to help, it gave Morgan the courage to attempt to use her magick.>>

<< carefully setting tinkerbell down, Morgan climbed up onto the large conference table. it was dark in the briefing room, but it felt safe. as she sat and centered herself, taking an "indian style" position, she closed her eyes, and remembered the lesson her mother and Ororo taught her.>>

<< after a few moments, a soft chime sounded off, and a pentagram of silver mystic flames forms around the sorceress. she has achieved her spell. and one reality gives away to space and air as her ASTRAL SELF leaves her body and travels across the night sky, searching for Alison Marble.>>

<< meanwhile, Tinkerbell watches silently, sitting upright on another end of the table. keeping an eye on Morgan and occasionally turning her head to the door. her tail moves slowly. she is a bit calmer now.>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen appeared on the 107th floor in a swirl of golden orbs...looking regal and elegant in her black flying suit. and as she immediately took a defensive pose and surveyed the long, dark massive hallway, she turned as BLAZE appeared.>>

HOW DARE YOU FOLLOW ME!

<< the doctor glared at the mutant, but she stopped as as Foxfire demanded to come with her. She COULD have scrambled her powers again with her magicks, or worse, but She decided to heed Haleigh's adivce.>>

get the book, get back to Morgan and others.

I don't care for you right now. I don't trust you, but we HAVE to be able to work together.....to do our part to make sure we ALL survive this nightmare. But Morgan is MY daughter...i gave birth to her and she is MINE to protect. if you prevent me from protecting Morgan...in ANYWAY, i will DISPOSE OF YOU.

<< Karen was serious and she had the power to do it. She turned away from Foxfire as she lifted her hand. a golden sparkling orb forms and lights the area around them and the path down the hall. if anything was hiding in the shadows, the orb would reveal it.>>

<< Karen chose not to speak to Blaze any longer and the only sounds were that of the glowing orb and the storm raging outside. the soft echo of thunder and the constant rain.>>

i can feel the evil, its all around. the creatures...they are infesting this place like roaches. Malice is powerfull, but she's never been KNOWN for dabbling in the occult or magick. How could she have come to control such creatures!? and what is she doing to poor Alison?

<< down the hall they went. it never seemed this long before but Karen had a look of determination on her face as she made her way.>>

<< when they reached the double doors. Karen hesitantly touched them and tried to determine if there was any kind of trap.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas immediately began to pace like a caged panther as he waited for Karen and Blaze to return. Finally, he exclaimed, half to himself.

"I should have gone with them!"

Nicolas uses Blaze's eyes as his own, watching what is happening with the duo and keeping track of their physical location at all times. He also is probing the room. He may not be able to teleport in but, if need be, he would be certain to find a way to teleport OUT. As he watched them interact, he placed his axe near a power socket. Electricity flowed from the socket to the blade and deposited there, held by his TK. He stood and waited, calming himself so he would be ready when and if the time came.

[Dire Wraith]

they could sense the aura of the doctor. her magickal power was strong. she was seasoned and fluent in the use of magicks. her courage and her will were also very strong. she would make an EXCELLENT source of energy and life force to DRAIN.

Dire Wraith: :: in a deep, raspy voice:: HELLHOUNDS, the witch approaches and she's brought the mutant with her. do what you like with with the mutant but the witch is OURS to devour. we will add her power to our own and posses the Darkhold. NOTHING can stop us!

the dire wraith slips into the shadows of the now vine covered penthouse of Morgan Victoria. hellhounds, stand poised to strike from many angles. because they can phase, they can come through walls, or any solid object making it EASY for them to HIDE from most forms of detection.


they wait as they hear the sounds of the double doors opening. ready to subdue the doctor and kill the mutant.

[Malice]

:: outside of the city, and far upstate in a more rustic area...hidden by a state of the art "image inducer" Malice and the Wraiths are now operating in the "Terror Dome". a massive, domed structure that features some of Mystech's finest technology...as state of the art as it comes.::


:: Malice stood, in her provocative costume, without the cape as she looked with a glare of contempt at Alison Marble who was strapped in a chair. a black lotus blosum was attacked to a chocker around her neck to insure that she couldnt do anything more but sit. she couldnt access her magicks, or move at all.::

:: but inspite of this, Alison prooved to be most difficult to subdue and Malice could NOT penetrate her PSI SCREEN. walking away from a large computer console, Malice began to slowly walk back and forth, as she casually took a drink from a goblet.::

You know, Alison. Just because I can't touch your mind, doesn't mean I can't touch your HEART. I've done it before, i brought out the anger and hostlility in your soul. I made you release your emotions in such an unbridled way that you RAVAGED central park west with your telekinetic bomb blast.

:: looking at the witch::

do you remember that, Alison?

:: turning away as she walked, pictures of members of the six, both past and present slowly flashed across the screen::

You're easily one of the most powerfull members of the team. Mystech had taken a great interest in you and your family. Your mother served us well..even though she had her ass handed to her by Morgan back when Morgan was a member of Valiant.

:: laughing.::

Morgan..trying to be a HERO. that was ALWAYS a joke. That witch is as evil as I am, but she tries so hard to "control" herself and keep herself in check...lest she bring ANOTHER INFERNO down upon the city.



:: turning back::

The Wraiths, have cast a spell to keep Illustra TRAPPED within a storm. the storm will bring out the fears and insecurities of those within Illustra while the wraiths and their minions tear them to shreds but they wont KILL THEM. That will be left up to YOU.

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian found herself in a large "warehouse" like area, surrounded by cutting edge weapony and heavy artillary. technology so state of the art and sublime it was almost MAGICKAL. Malice's base of operations wasnt even IN NYC it was outside of the suspected range and covered from view by an image inducer. clever indeed.::

:: unable to do anything but sit in the chair, Alison glared at Malice as the white queen gloated.::

You don't impress me, Malice. I've faced demon mages stronger than you and I've WON.

:: her tone dripped with contempt as well.::

You cannot touch me with your psi powers and I know TOO WELL about your empathic abilities. I will RESIST you with every ounce of my will.

:: as Malice spoke on Morgan and how easily Alison was able to let loose her own fury of anger, the Seer thought about it and remembered. it was terrifying yet cathartic all at the same time.::

:: she watched as images of members of the Six, past and present flashed on the screen. Malice spoke of the storm, the wraiths and their plans::

Dr. Victoria is there too, she's no novice. She'll find a way to protect Illustra from the wraiths and their spells. the rest of the six are MORE than capable of battling their horde of evil creatures.

:: she spoke with defiance but she KNEW what the wraiths were capable of. they MURDERED Ororo, Karen and Darkchilde's coven in Persephone's timeline. If the Six and Karen were not carefully they could the SAME ROUTE and right now, ALison couldnt do anything about it! she bristled with agitation.::

:: Guardian wasnt quite sure what Malice was planning to do. she couldnt access her precognition. everything was "clouded" and fogged to her mind's eye. but she knew that where the white queen was concerned...there were no limits.::

Why do you need the Wraiths, Malice? You're powerfull enough to fight us alone. You've prooven that before. You've even prooven to be BEYOND Mystech in your operations. Why use these creatures?

[Malice]

:: Malice folded her arms, as she leaned against the counsel and eyed Guardian with wicked intrigue.::

Do you really care?

You know that there are beings in this world and beyond that MOST of your team mates believe to be a MYTH.

The Dire Wraiths, like any OTHER "wild card", were an opportunity that I could not just over look. especially when it came to renewing my efforts to crush THE SIX.

this goes BEYOND anything to do with Mystech. This is PERSONAL.

:: licking her lips with an evil smirk::

Just ask Cameron King. He found out just how i felt too in his last moments.

:: she stepped forward...awaiting the reaction as she began to give Alison a TASTE of the pain, the heartache that Cameron felt. confirming Alison's WORST FEARS ...that Cameron had been captured by Malice AFTER ALL...and WORSE...that he may be....DEAD::

Powerfull as you are, "Guardian"..you're not strong enough. You couldnt protect Morgan. You couldnt protect Cameron...and now, you'r team mates and doctor victoria are going to SHARE THEIR FATE!

Isn't it nice? Don't worry dear, after you've done your task, You'll be able to say hello to your brother and your mother, along with your precious friends..in HELL.

:: she continued to pour the emotional echoes of Cameron into Alison's heart. allowing the seer to FEEL and RE LIVE the last feelings, the last moment's of Cameron's life.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< everything was so pretty! the colors, the shapes, the space...it was like being in a dream, only this was "real". Morgan flew with speed, not really paying attention to anything but yet sensing everything. she felt the presence of other magick users, she felt the pull of dark magick all around her but she kept on forward.>>

<< her spell worked with perfect clarity and execution as she locked onto a "cobalt blue" beacon in the distance.>>

that must be Alison!

she's in pain!

<< Morgan watched with glee as everything swirled around her! she was now flying over a rustic land, far outside the city. everything looked so natural and serene and she slipped through the metallic walls of the terror dome. silently flying in like a breeze as she FINALLY saw ALISON MARBLE..and another woman, a beautiful woman in a fantastic outfit but she REEKED of evil!>>


I FOUND HER! Mother will be so proud of me!!

<< something about her seemed familiar, but she didnt know why. Morgan remained quiet as her astral form hovered high above near they top of the dome. she was a bit nervous as she slowly descended...to get a closer look and to "see" just what kind of shape Alison was in.>>

[Oracle]

<< Black Widow, Persephone, MorningStar and Rampage were getting suited up to do battle with these Dire Wraiths and their minions. It was clear that they were beyond anything the group had faced from Mystech and that they would be far more multi faceted in their attacks and threat levels. Persephone, due to her experience with them in HER timeline, would provided much needed knowledge and background on the creatures. She vowed not to allow them to do here what they did in her timeline.>>

<< meanwhile, several floors up. The Doctor and Foxfire were now prepared to entire Morgan's penthouse. the presence of evil was all around them and Foxfire's senses would detect that SOMETHING(s) were in the penthouse. it would be better for her to lead off with an attack, and to draw them out while the doctor quickly ran for the book just as Haleigh said. But would the two women be able to work together long enough to achieve this goal? Much depended on their uneasy partnership at this moment.>>


<< in the midst of the confusion and prepping, Morgan slipped away with Tinkerbell. The witch, who was experiencing momentary success with her re emerging powers, deicded to try to reach out with an astral projection spell to find Guardian. Under the watchfull eye of Tinkerbell, Morgan quite smoothly ignited the spell and was now in a deep state of concentration within her pentagram of silver mystic flame. She had found Alison! But she also learned a SHOCKING turn of events. this woman, MALICE had apparently MURDERED someone named Cameron King and was bombarding Alison with his emotional echo before his death. She was assaulting Alison's heart and spirit trying to break her with grief and pain!>>



<< things were about to go from bad to worse..on ALL fronts.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

"Energy is to your immediate left, Nicolas. Electric energy is on the top bay, Plasma, like I have here, is on the bottom bay."

Haleigh directed and then ushered the remainder of the Six through the hidden corridor. She closed the vaultlike door behind them and pushed the lock into place... when Karen and Blaze made it to the door, Haleigh could remote open the passage. Though they had to decend five floors or so via a bunker like stairwell at the end of the corridor, the passage was relatively short. Haleigh knelt at the bottom of the final landing and opened the hatch in the floor, unlocking it first then slowly raising the 10 TON door out of the way. A metal ladder led down into another corridor, this one well lit and looking like just another floor on Illustra. Haleigh dropped down into the opening without bothering with the ladder.

"Alright, the central control room is right down here."

She says, taking them down the hallway. There were several doors in this hallway, dotted on either side, and though Morgan 'slipped' into one, Haleigh didn't say anything, just led the rest of the group into the control room and kept her 'eye' on Morgan through the surveillance cameras. Morgan could always take care of herself.... well, except for that one time.... which Haleigh would convince herself was an isolated incident.

The control room was filled with switches and a few screens that switched views every few seconds. It looked like a motherboard for a fortified security compound... and in essence, it was.

"Security, activate level SIX defenses on all residential floors. Fire on ANY unidentified species moving throughout our penthouses complex. Primary Objective: Protect Dr. Karen Victoria and Blaze Fielding on the 107th floor and back up their defensive efforts." Haleigh commands, and then turns back to the group. "Alright.... the next thing we need to do is prepare to go recover Alison.... Persephone... you know the MOST about these demons.... could you give us a quick overview of them?"

[Oracle]

<< the team was doing a good job of pulling together and preparing for the fight ahead. Black Widow activated Illustra's state of the art offenses which would soon proove to be VERY helpfull in dealing with the infestation of hellhounds, wraiths and any other creatures.>>

<< as the team suited up and conversed in control room, Morgan was off in another, smaller room. Calm, centered and focused, she was firmly entrenched in her spell as her astral form watched Malice and Guardian. She listened carefully, gathering as much information as she could, confident that she would not be detected because of this spell and being in her astral form within the Terror Dome.>>

<< up on the top floor, the doctor and the mutant, Foxfire were now about to enter the penthouse. it was extremely dark. the storm was raging on, it seemed that the rain would NEVER end and the black clouds further darkened the now eerie space inside. there were vines everywhere, the sound of buzzing insects could be heard when the thunder wasnt rumbling.>>

<< Doctor Victoria and Foxfire only had to make it to Morgan's area of consecration to get the book, but as with everything else now...it would be a task far easier said than done. Hopefully, Foxfire would do as she was told by Haleigh, making it easy for the doctor to quickly retrieve the Darkhold.>>

<< back in the control room, those that were present now had a better idea of WHERE the wraiths and their creatures were infiltrating the building. it was a stark reminder that the building, while fortified with technology, was not as prepared for mystical menaces ever since Morgan's "death" over a month ago. It was Persephone's turn to share with them what she could about the Dire Wraiths. How powerfull and terrifying they could be and what, if any weaknesses they might have.>>

[Foxfire]

"Doctor, why would I prevent you from protecting Morgan? I may have done some absurd things but preventing Morgan’s security is not one of them, you have my word." She could feel the raw anger the woman felt towards the mutant. It was an unsettling feeling, but Blaze knew Karen had a right to feel that way. She only hoped she could assist her in retrieving the book they needed.

Walking through the lengthy hall, Blaze was cautious and careful. She walked a foot or two in front of Karen. She was prepared to be the bait for these creatures. The storm outside only raged on the closer the two progressed to Morgan’s penthouse.

The short walk was silent between the both of them. Blaze’s mind worrying about Alison, she still felt as though it was her fault. That fear only growing worse the further the storm brewed.

Stopping in front of the double doors that lead to the luxurious penthouse, Blaze shook her head at Karen. Her voice just barely an octane above a whisper. "Cloak yourself from sight."

Blaze didn’t want any other guests seeing Karen. Placing her ear to the door, she could hear something behind the room. The overhead lighting in the hallway flickered several times. Pulling away from the door, Blaze stood in front. Nodding to Karen, so she understood the plane.

Crouching down low, Blaze opened the door, making it swing open. Rolling inside, she crept across the flooring. Positioning herself between the couch and a nearby wall. Raising her hand, Morgan’s candles that were neatly placed around the penthouse were automatically lite. The scented candles flooding the room. Turning back to the fireplace, Blaze also made sure to light that as well. Her own dark shadow animated on the wall.

Grabbing for one of her folding knives she stood up. Her eyes looking for the source she previously heard. Insect - like calls deafening out the chaotic storm outside. Moving up against the wall, Blaze crept vertically with the base of the wall. She wasn’t taking any chances here.

Cocking her head to the side, she breathed deeply. Her hand igniting in fire to peer up at the ceiling, making sure no creature dwelled there. Lowering her hand, she stepped out from the wall trying to bait herself.

Heading toward Morgan’s room, a few glances shot over her shoulder. The candles accompanied with the fireplace made a small portion of light visible. Perhaps the Blaze and Karen could work together after all, or so they hoped.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen weaved a spell to cloak herself...sparkling golden shards of magick swirled around her trim, feminine figure and she was now invisible. lifting the hem of her flying suit as she walked carefully, Karen noticed the place was now covered in lush foilage and insects were buzzing about. she waved a few away as they came near her.>>

<< Foxfire illuminated the place with her fire power and Karen could now walk clearly and quickly toward where she needed to go.>>

this is just awful. these creatures have tainted this floor with their evil and they will spread all through Illustra if left unchecked. I hope the others are keeping Morgan safe. If something happens, Tinkerbell will escape..she will call out for Ororo if all else fails.

<< as she silently passed from room to room, ignoring the growls of creatures in the shadows who couldnt see her, she finally found the Darkhold in the area of consecration. it was on the floor, several feet away from its podium. clearly someone had already tried to take it and it defended itself. there were small snakes slithering nearby. their dreaded hissing made the doctor sick to her stomach as she looked on in disgust>>


<< she uncloaks, now inside the area of consecration and picks up the book of spells...it glows and hums softly...being receptive to her touch>>

that was almost...too EASY.

<< turning around...Karen gasped...as she was now surrounded by three hell hounds. they were bearing their fangs and growling as their red eyes fixed on the doctor>>


<< she glared back at the hounds as she stood her ground, holding the book in one arm and raising her free hand, extending it outward as a golden halo forms around it.>>

BEGONE foul creatures...I do NOT fear you!

[Dire Wraith]

the doctor was a brave woman. she squared off against the hell hounds, the leader of the pack took off and charged for her, lunging into the air it made a terrifying pass for her. Karen back pedals and fires a mystic force bolt, nailing the creature in its head and causing it to explode.


but even as the Doctor slips past the other two hell hounds, they give chase...closing in.

through the halls, round the corners, the doctor managed to stay ahead of the remaining two Hounds...but that all was about to change

surprise ambush

as the doctor rounded another corner, she was blind sided by a hellhound that phased through the wall and bushwacked her HARD. knocking her to the floor as it phased through her, jolting her body with a cold, SEARING pain that would calls her to cry out.


satisfied that they had taken much of the vigor out of the doctor, as she lay on the floor. the hounds were now closing in on her, sizing up their prey as they began to drool with wicked delight. growling and snarling.

[Oracle]

<< at that moment, as the doctor lay on the floor, windied and dizzy, she could barely support her upperhalf. her body was partially numb from the phase attack. she was trembling and her hair was now over her face.>>

<< the hell hounds would attack her most certainly.>>

<< but at that moment, the security defenses were activated, per Haleigh's commands and "anti personnel" devices began to unleash a deadly barrage of repulsor blasts against the hellhounds. the sounds of technology in full effect as the doctor closed her eyes, clutching on to the book of shadows>>

<< the hellhounds were being annihilated>>

[Foxfire]

Overhearing Karen's cry of pain, Blaze bolted from the living room. Her boots tapping against the floor, indicating her oncoming presence. Her green eyes wide seeing the hounds closing in. Flaming behind Karen, Blaze reached down to grab the doctor. She knew the only weakness they had was a psionic and mystical attacks, either of which she possessed.

"Let's get out of here."

She wrapped her left arm around Karen gently to help her up. Blaze couldn't exactly use her fire power and it was clear these creatures would phase through weaponry.

These creatures must hold their breath when they phase. I must disrupt that in order to keep them at bay.

Foxfire used the present ambiance from the flickering candles and the humidly from the crackling fireplace. Purposely turning up the temperature in the room to an uncomfortable level. With such large creatures they would perspire more frequently, and quickly become faint, dazed, and dehydrated. Centering her energy on her own body, Blaze intensified her power to create a plasma flame. It could be argued it was around 800 degrees, with the flames surrounding her body. Only about three inches from her body, but enough to make the hellhounds uncomfortable. Thinning out the breathable air like that of a hot miserable desert.

Blaze shielded Karen in a shield of fire where an air pocket was available to her. Centering his mind on these deadly creatures, Blaze's eyes glowing a solid yellow. Her eyes registering the Hellhounds body heat via infrared. Their large bodies glowing an all red tint to them in her eyes. Outstretching her hands, Blaze pulled some of the heat from the candles to surround the Hell hounds. Barricading them together, she raised the flames around them. Careful not to ignite any furniture on fire. A low frequency nova flame was centered around these creatures to push them backwards.

Smiling with satisfaction to see the puddles of sweat dripping from these features. Between the unbearable humidly and the heat wave, the Hell hounds would have no choice but to relinquish from phasing, which left them vulnerable to physical attacks.

Reaching for the Folding knife Blaze hurled it toward the center creature. It would be highly unlike it could phase or move with lightning speed due to the sluggishness it felt. The blade spun madly in a boomerang affect circling for the throat of the hell hound.

Turning back to Karen, Blaze moved towards the exit of Morgan's doors, keeping an eye out for the doctor. The rest of the hell hounds were left to be destroyed by the security defenses.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Reaching their destination, Persephone looked to Black Widow as she asked about the Dire Wraiths. Inhaling a long breath, this could take a while. ::

"The Dire Wraiths are a sub species of an alien race, mutated by dark magick. They are a space traveling sisterhood of powerful evil sorceresses that haunted the earth in my time line years ago."

:: Stepping forward toward one of the numerous floating liquid crystal television screens that gave a 'birds eye view' of Illustra, she watched as the Dire Wraith's continued to literally come out of the wood work. ::

"They forsaw Darkchilde's birth and wished to use her as a gateway to bring forth their queen Volx. Ultimately they failed and Darkchilde cast them to Limbo to be damned for eternity."

:: One of the screens froze as one of the horrid creatures passed by the camera. ::

"Few survived...and they sought out revenge."

:: Turning back to face Black Widow. ::

"This lead to the final battle between the Dire Wraiths and my friends. Despite a.....valiant effort, Karen Victoria, Ororo and the rest of my friends and family fell. Darkchilde unleashed the full force of her magicks and destroyed the remaining wraith sisterhood in Limbo."

:: Shaking her head, obviously that was not the case. ::

"Or so she thought. The Dire Wraiths come from a dark nebula hidden within space and have extreme magick abilities, psi screens, shape shifting, transmutation, teleportation, and cloaking. They also have the ability to attack en masse' and deliver powerful, destructive waves of magick as well as the ability to transform into "death wings". Large, dinosaur like flying creatures that are enshrouded in shadow that can phase and fire concussive blasts of acid flame. Also, they have used their magicks to transform dogs into hellhounds. Beasts of large size possesed of enhanced strength, reflexes, and durability. They too posses the ability to phase."

:: Nodding to Haleigh, it was definitely in their favor that Haleigh's mutant powers were directly linked to technlogy, and that Illustra was techonologically enchanced. ::

"According to Ororo and Ikaris, the wraiths were extremely susceptible to bitter cold conditions and extreme technology. This will work in our favor on both fronts."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen wanted to SLEEP more than anything else. that deadly pass by the hell hound took ALOT out of her, left her so winded and tired but she couldnt give up NOW. Her daughter needed her, and so did Alison!>>

<< trembling with fatigue as she tried to get up, Foxfire came into the room and took action simultaneously as Illustra's own defenses kicked in. It was a wave of salvation indeed. As Blaze tried helping Karen up, Karen's body ACHED as she struggled to get up but she was DETERMINED to pull her own weight.>>

...yes.....let's get out of here..quickly..

<< her icy voice was shakey as she held on to the Darkhold. the two women dodged more hellhounds as Foxfire's attack made them sluggish. Karen watched as Blaze made short work of another one with her blade. the girl DID have skill when she put her mind to it...that much the doctor couldn't deny.>>

<< Blaze lead the way, Karen struggled to keep up, but she was older, and that attack was TELLING on her body. once they got into the hall, Karen had to stop and rest for a moment...>>

that hellhound...it passed through me...but it VIOLATED my body internally...it was so...cold....so... PAINFULL!


<< she was struggling to remain standing... the right side of her body was tingling..not numb like before...but the pain was returning full force.>>

It's so hard...to MOVE.

<< the sounds of repulso blasts and hellhounds yelping with pain could be heard from within Morgan's penthouse...but out in the hall...everything was pitch black, save for random flashes of lightning and the faint sound of rain....it was colder out there too. Karen needed help to walk further and they didnt have time to rest long...for they faced a NEW problem>>

<< a DIRE WRAITH was now staring them down ..blocking their path down the hall!>>

[Dire Wraith]

FINALLY, the wraith had the doctor in her sights...and there was NO ESCAPE.

though hideous and warped in appearence, the wraith physically TOWERED over the doctor and Blaze as she leered at them. she reeked of evil

Dire Wraith: in a deep, raspy voice NOW I have you both! There's no escape. The doctor is weakened and YOU are powerless to stop me.

the Wraith gestures menacingly as she floods the area with her enchantments

I'll take the doctor AND the Darkhold and i'll KILL YOU directed at Foxfire just as you killed my precious pets! Once I posses the power of the doctor ....i will add her strength to our sisterhood!

the wraith laughs as she detonates the halos of dark magick all around them causing violent explosions. The doctor, already weakend is is knocked off her feet and drops the Darkhold. The Dire Wraith moves in to ATTACK Foxfire.

[Rampage]

Nicolas listens to the breakdown of their enemies as given by Persephone. As he listens, he notices the chain of events in the hallway and immediately tries to teleport to them, but this room is stiil causing him quite a bit of trouble. He addresses the ladies in a low grunt, as he strains to leave.

"I am going to help them! Hellhounds, and now a Wraith, the Doctor is injured."

Finally, he is able to teleport from the room to the hallway, albeit with a feeling similar to his first attempt to go into the area. They would have to fight their way back. He throws the charged battle axe with deadly accuracy boosted on speed by his TK at the head of the Wraith and moves quickly to pick up the Doctor and the book.

[Foxfire]

Guiding Karen gently, Blaze made sure to assist the doctor. She could see the physical strain she suffered from the hellhound. "You'll be okay, I have an idea. It will only temporarily soothe your pain. At least spare us some time until we reach a safer location."

Blaze stood beside Karen, around the same height now. Reaching out to the pristine doctor's high cheek bones. The mutant's lithe fingers resting on Karen's face, allowing a tranquil heat to pour into her chilled and achy body.

"Think of it like a heating pad."

Warmth radiated into Karen by the second, nullifying any pain she felt. "It will slow the pain down but its not permanent." Blaze couldn't risk either one of them being captured. An agonizing scent of odor caused the mutant to cringe, turning to see a Dire Wraith looming over them.

Turning to block Karen, Blaze stood protectively in front of the other woman. Enchantments flooded around herself and the Doctor. Blaze narrowed her eyes, flicking her hand at the sight of Karen falling to her knees. Cartwheeling forward, Blaze stops the book from moving any further without physically touching it. Her black stiletto boot halting its progress. Kicking it forcefully like a hockey puck towards Karen. Blaze raises a large lava dome that protectively shields a wound Karen. At least to give the woman a reprieve until she can gather her bearings.

Grinding her teeth Blaze lunges forward on instinct, the Dire Wraith moving to attack her. Diving underneath the Dire Wraith's legs, Blaze rolled into a battle stance. Looking above her at the sprinklers, she allowed her mind to overheat the wiring. Short - circuiting the wiring to prematurely turn on the sprinklers. A whoosh of icy cold water exploding upon the two of them as Blaze smirked.

The water pouring out in buckets upon the Dire Wraith. This allowing the mutant to disappear from sight. Peeking her head out from the corner of the wall, Blaze smirked more smugly with a fire extinguisher in her hands. Flaming behind the Dire Wraith, Blaze unleashed a blast of frost upon the creature.

"Freeze, bitch!"

Between the icy water and the material from the fire extinguisher, it would probably hinder the Wraith's overall performance of attack. Blaze's hair clinging to her skull but her eyes fixated on this demon. Thick sheets of foam - like substances assaulting the Dire Wraith. Alarms ringing off in the background to indicate a fire even though it was purposeful.

Clutching the Extinguisher tightly, Blaze raised the butt of the red canister to smack the Dire Wraith in the back of the skull, hopefully enough to knock it unconscious.

EDIT!

With Foxfire attacking the Dire Wraith, she hadn't noticed the appearance of Nicolas. All her concentration was on this monster, preventing it from harming Karen any further.

Explosions rocking the floor and Blaze as well. She literally had to dig her heel into the ground. Her body feeling the rocking effect.

The wind currents in the room changed with hint the arrival of Rampage. Spotting her comrade she lowered her lava dome for him. Just enough so he could assist Karen, while Blaze distracted the Dire Wraith.

Once again, like the Hellhounds, the Dire Wraith was also double teamed by Blaze and Rampage this time. His battle axe flying through the air towards the Dire Wraith.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh suits up as Persephone gives them a brief rundown of the history and abilities of the Dire Wraiths. She nodded here and there and periodically looked over at the moniters to check on Karen and Blaze. Things in the penthouse were going south. Though Karen got the Book.... Hellhounds were bearing down on her and Wraith was next to join the party... Rampage declared that he was going to help them.... and Haleigh nodded in agreement.

"Go now, Nicolas."

He teleported away, and she immediately began typing a command into the control terminal.

"Bitter cold, you say? I'm going to lower the building's maintained temperature to 32 degrees... I hope your.... [giving Persephone's outfit a once-over] suit.... is insulated."

The vents throughout the building began to release colder air, and the effect was drastic... technologically enhanced, the central heat and air system lowered the temperature by ten degrees a second. Before long, everyone's breath was coming out as steam. Haleigh turned towards the doorway leading back out into the corridor.

"I wonder what Malice is doing with the Wraiths... if WE don't get rid of them for her... she'll have a hell of a problem on her hands. Why doesn't that woman fight her OWN battles? And why the HELL does she want to destroy us SO bad?? Come on.... let's go find out what Morgan has about Alison's whereabouts."

Haleigh leads Perse and Delilah into the briefing room where Morgan sits atop the conference table, surrounded by a pentagram of mystic flames. Tinkerbell perks up to check them out, and Haleigh reaches a gloved hand out to scratch beneath the protective familiar's chin.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Lifting a brow as Haleigh looked over her attire, Persephone pursed her lips together, slightly annoyed. ::

"I've been in colder temperatures in less than this."

:: The moment Haleigh dropped the temperature throughout Illustra, Persephone's sage green eyes faded to an amythest blue; her body instantly adjusting to the rapid climent change. Moving forward, she followed Haleigh down the coridoor to where Morgan and Tinkerbell sat. ::

"Malice's personal vendetta against the six is obviously all that matters to her. Not even she will be able to control the Dire Wraith's for much longer."

[Harbinger]

:: meanwhile across the state and out of the reach of the storm, Malice continues to hold a hostile conversation with Guardian as she attempts to "reprogram" the witch through emotional manipulation.::

CAMERON!.......it ...it can't be TRUE!!::

:: It was one of her deepest fears realized. But Guardian gritted her teeth as she narrowed her eyes. not giving Malice the satisfaction of knowing what HAVOK she was playing. she tried her best to keep her stone cold persona in tact.::

IF that IS true, psi witch, you will RUE the day you brought me here. Once i get out of the intoxicating....fumes of the black lotus blossom...I use my dark magick to DESTROY YOU!

:: her cold tone was bolstered by a hatefull force. as she tried not to let the emotions wash over her but she KNEW this wasnt like a straight up psychic attack. she felt the fear, the guilt rising up in her as she began to realize that Malice WAS telling the truth::


:: she bowed her head, her blue/black hair, falling down infront of her face as she shut her eyes.::

Cameron!! she...KILLED HIM

:: she could see his face...here his screams of pain. she wasnt there for him. she couldnt protect him. HE DIED and she was not there to save him! what kind of witch was she!?

:: tears began to fall from her eyes....:

CAMERON!!

:: she raised her head looking up at Malice with pure hatred in her eyes. her cobalt blue eyes flashed with a renewed strength...of ANGER::


YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!!! YOU'LL BURN IN HELL! I'LL SEE TO IT!

:: if the black lotus blossom were not neutralizing her powers, an earthquake would have began courtesy of Guardian's now RAGING emotions and the desire for REVENGE..but everything was held in check...REPRESSED.::


::GASP!::


:: Alison looked up........it was MORGAN, floating in the air in ghostly form.::


MORGAN!?


:: her cobalt blue eyes widened with shock...even as her heart felt like it would CRACK with grief and guilt.::

[Oracle]

<< Malice had finally convinced Alison that she HAD in fact murdered Cameron. the realization of this triggered something within Alison that when unleashed, would spell CRITICAL consequences for all in her path. But even though the black lotus blossom repressed her powers....Malice was about to find out that she had made a severe miscalculation.>>

<< as Alison spotted the ghostly astral form of Morgan floating high above and watching, BACK at Illustra: Black Widow, Persephone, Morningstar were watching Morgan's physical form which was inside the pentagram of silver mystic flames. Tinkerbell was enjoying a pet from Haleigh and all SEEMED normal on that end....for the moment.>>


on the 107th floor in the hallway

<<Foxfire managed to evade the wraith and keep the doctor out of harm's way as best she could. Rampage appeared just in time, as Doctor Victoria fell to the floor and dropped the Darkhold. The mutant hurled the energy charged AXE at the Wraith's head and augmented its velocity with his own TK....CLEANLY slicing the wraith's head off. the body fell to the floor, writing around violently as a putrid bodily fluid oozed from it.>>


<< Rampage carries the hurt doctor while she holds onto the book once more and together with Foxfire, they attempt to leave the 107th floor. their exit is made EASY now as the temperature drops radically...crippling the Wraiths, preventing them from casting any more spells and hampering any further hellhounds from movement. After a few trips down several floors. Rampage is able to return to the security floor with the doctor and Foxfire.>>

<< Karen retrieved the Darkhold which would be a MAJOR asset in their battle against the wraiths. The doctor began to regain the use of the right side of her body...the pain leaving her, thanks inpart to Blaze's soothing heat and the effects of the hell hound's attack finally wearing off. but even as ONE problem was solved...another was about to manifest in a BIG WAY.>>


<< Rampage, Doctor Victoria and Foxfire were now making their way to the briefing room where the others were with Morgan and tinkerbell.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Morgan's ghostly astral form hovered above, she had quietly descened down to get closer to Malice and Guardian...to HEAR what they were saying. What she heard was SHOCKING and she could see that Guardian was breaking down emotionally. Her facial expression, her EYES, her SOUL indicated that there was a loss of restraint and that her marble hard heart was about to crack.>>

<< Morgan watched with dismay as Malice tortured Alison with the emotional and psychic feedback of her brother's death and as Alison vowed vengeance, she looked up and SAW HER!>>

she..she can SEE ME!?

<< Alison's powers as a SEER must still function on some level>>

but that means...the WHITE QUEEN can see me too!


<< and she was RIGHT, as Malice glared at her with hostility.>>

OH NO! what do i DO?!

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian was shaking...seething with rage, her head ached, her eyes burned....she was beyond her breaking point...but as she looked up, she was shocked for a moment to see MORGAN hovering there.::

MORGAN! get OUT of here.. RUN BEFORE......


:: it was too late, the White Queen had spotted Morgan too, and due to Morgan's present form, she was all too vulnerable to the powers of Malice.::

[Malice]

:: Malice turned and looked in the direction that Alison expressed surprise. It was MORGAN!::


:: hissing with contempt as she smirked wickedly at Morgan's astral form.::

A SPY! and its MORGAN VICTORIA!?

:: hearing Alison warn Morgan to run, the white queen cut her off.::

TOO LATE!

I'll deal with her MYSELF!


:: touching her index and middle finger to her forehead in a "salute" gesture. an energy charge is heard as a white halo forms around Malice's head. with a sparkle of white light, a javeline of focused telepathic energy forms and is now gripped int her hand. she takes aim::

I don't know HOW you came back from the dead, witch. But I'll make SURE that your "Return" is SHORT LIVE!

:: Malice HURLS the psi javeline with splendid form and aim. the din of thunder is heard as the sparkling, glowing white javeline charges for Morgan and SLAMS into her dead on....causing her astral form to EXPLODE and dissipate!::

:: Malice turns as Guardian cries out at the site of Morgan's form being obliterated.::

SILENCE!

:: Malice slaps Alison across the face in her DIAMOND form. stunning the seer as she is knocked over onto the floor and left in a daze.::

You have OTHER things to dwell on...like how your baby brother is DEAD..because of YOU!

:: Malice stands over Alison, laughing softly as the last remnants of energy from Morgan's obliterated astral form fade in the air::

[Jill Monroe]

The White Queen! PAIN, spinning out of control, being blown apart.....I'm DYING....I'm..


<< even as Karen, Rampage and Blaze join the others in the room where Morgan's PHYSICAL body is, Morgan's astral form is DESTROYED, her consciousness, her soul is severely jolted by Malice as that spell is abruptly broken and the feedback reaches from the terror dome back to Illustra in the blink of an eye. SUDDENLY, Tinkerbell becomes EXTREMELY agitated as she stands up. arching her back, her fur bristling and her ears are back as she hisses loudly!>>


<< seconds after that, thunder crashes so HARD AND SO LOUD that it shakes Illustra to its CORE as it echoes and re echoes. it takes EVERYONE by surprise...and Morgan's body erupts into spasms as she begins to SCREAM. her scream is so loud and high pitched that the ALARMS of Illustra began to go off. her eyes are WIDE OPEN as sparkling BLACK SMOKE eminates from them and begins to fill the room. as an eldritch chime sounds off rather loudly, a circular wave of force flashes out from the pentagram that knocks everyone back and soon, they are greeted with the site of DEMONS from LIMBO emerging from the haze of sparkling black smoke that is clouding up the room its hard to tell where space ends or begins.>>

<< the demons of various sizes and colors begin to fan out...flying everwhere. some escape the briefing room. OTHERS begin to attack the members of the six in the room...keeping them from Morgan, who is now on her knees on the table, writhing, holding her head in agony as the black, sparkling smoke continues to flood from her eyes. It is a frightening reminder of the dark and EVIL power that she posseses and a SMALL indication of the chaos it can cause when unleashed. but if they dont recover enough to help her...she may very well be DYING.>>

[Foxfire]

Covering the rear, Foxfire walked backwards while Rampage carried Karen. The trio descending to the briefing room where the rest of the team were stationed. Each of the group walked inside to see the others surrounding Morgan. What had happened?

Blaze felt her stomach tighten, although Morgan looked physically safe. Even Tinkerbell seemed settled in. Turning around to barricade the room to prevent any other unwanted visitors. Using a small medium powered fire grid to block entrance to the room.

Stepping closer to check on Karen, Blaze noticed a bit of vitality returning to the witch. A positive sign indeed. Tinkerbell’s high pitched cries startled the mutant, who looked on to observe the feline. Had it been the storm or was there another Dire Wraith in the room?

Moving away from Karen, Blaze looked around the room, especially under the long conference table. Nothing visible in sight or her other senses. Blaze could see tiny fibers of hair becoming erect across her delicate body. Something had startled the cat, that much was obvious, but who or what?

Seconds later thunder crashed into Illustra so hard that Blaze had to cover her ears. It sounded like an atomic bomb had gone off. The gigantic structure shook and vibrated throughout the various floors.

Blaze felt her body flinch in reaction to the extreme storm outside.
Rubbing the side of her ear, Blaze’s ears felt like they were still ringing in comparison. Fox was just starting to decrease in adrenaline when Morgan unleashes a blood curdling scream. Cringing with pain, Blaze cupped both ears again, trying anything to drown out Morgan’s sheer cry. What was happening, what did she see?

Illustra’s alarms sounding off in the background, adding to the mutant’s’s headache. Trying to find the source that was unsettling Morgan, Blaze saw her sibling leak black smoke! At first Blaze thought it had been an illusion. But, the more she watched the more she came to realize it was real. "Morgan." She called out in disbelief just as she was forced backwards by some sort of invisible spectrum.

Being knocked backwards, Blaze quickly backpedaled just in time. She saw the hordes of demons escaping. How had this happened? Several demons lunging for each of the Six. Blaze didn’t have time for this! Morgan seemed to be writhing in pain.

Retracing the small hockey like device from her breast pocket. Rubbing her thumb against a round silver button on the top, causing it to blink red. Crouching down, Blaze saw a collision of demons storming out of the room, bypassing her fire grid. The device beeped loudly but faintly with the background alarms. Sliding the device toward an entourage of demons. One of the skeleton - like ones picking up the device. Opening its gapping hole to reveal sharp yellow teeth, attempting to eat it.

Blaze shook her head in disbelief. The stalky demon was trying to devour a bomb. A few other demons trying to steal it from his clutches. The pull of the device was enough to set it off. An explosion of silver light surrounding them. Obliterating their corpses with a chalky dust substance. Blaze rushed toward Morgan, pushing past more demons.

She was easily yanked up by the back of her suit, tossing her into the wall. Blaze was hurled backwards with a thud, carving in the wall structure. The demon roaring with triumph. His scaly like body muscular with talon - like claws and a deformed alligator mouth. His beady yellow eyes staring at Blaze. Closing a fist, Blaze looked up, awaiting for this creature to come closer. To fall right into her trap.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was agitated - standing in the relative safety of the briefing room she felt the presence of the Dire Wraiths in the building around them but was unable to do anything about them. And having Blaze, Karen and even Nicolas out there among them and closed off from the rest of the team made her nervous. Soon the others rejoined the group, however, and she was allowed a brief sigh of relief, her muscles just starting to untighten.

She jumped as Tinkerbell began making a ruckus, and Delilah looked immediately to Morgan who had begin convulsing. ]

"Morgan!"

[ Her immediate reaction was to reach for her friend, but the demons now filling the room prevented her from being of any immediate help. They swarmed around her, Delilah retaliating physically, punching and kicking at her adversaries. She seemed to make little headway though, no matter how hard she struggled. She did all she could to keep Morgan, now writhing in pain, in her sights. She began to feel annoyed and frustrated until she couldn't take it anymore.]

"Oh for god's sake, BACK OFF!"

[ Demons surrounded her on all sides, clawing at her. Clenching her fists, she threw back her head and arms, releasing bolts of green lightning which spidered outwards into the bodies of the demons. ]

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen, who was still a bit shakey, held on to Nicolas' arm for support as they returned to the security floor and she stood up again.>>

tha...thank you.

<< her icy voice was a bit shakey>>

now...we have the darhold, there's a wealth of spells and information in there in additon to any magickal power that I possess.

<< she heard the din of flames and the soft hum of mystic energy. the others were in the briefing room, watching Morgan who was deep into an astral projection spell.>>

<< standing beside Nicolas Karen watched. she was proud of her daughter for coming more and more into her own with her powers, but the moment was short lived as Karen's eyes widened to the sight of Tinkerbell who began to show signs of extreme agitation. Foxfire looked around the room...was it another dire wraith that tinker sensed?? still there were no creatures present.>>


<< thunder crashed so loud and so HARD that the doctor jumped as she gasped....Morgan began to convulse and SCREAM...so loud...so high pitched that the ALARMS began to go off!>>

Morgan!!! BABY!!

<< Karen rushed forward, but was knocked back into Nicolas by the wave of force that came from the pentagram. she watched with horror as her daughter clutched at her own head in pain...her eyes were wide...sparkling black smoke BILLOWING out of them as DEMONS from limbo began to appear>>

DEMONS!!

<< Karen covered herself with the cape from her flying suit as she lifted her arm. winged demons flew about, snapping at her like rabid bats. Foxfire and Morningstar began to fight them off but the room was being flooded with the smoke and more demons were coming from it.>>

IF they overwhelm us....we could be infected by the techno organic virus. if they ESCAPE Illustra, they could attack people in the city! we have to get rid of them...they're keeping us from MORGAN!

<< karen shouted as she struggled to get back up>>

Kill them all! do whatever you have to do..just don't let them ESCAPE!

<< Karen had to reach Morgan, to pull her OUT of the pentagram but it was SO hard to see....>>

[Rampage]

As the demons pushed the Doctor backwards into them, Nicolas let loose a roar of his own. If Karen wanted them all to die, that was fine by him. He finally could let loose PHYSICALLY on an opponent.

Nicolas began to advance to Morgan, using his hands and feet as deadly weapons, augmented by his TK so that his hands formed horrible claws made of psychic energy and his feet tore into his enemies with jagged spikes of he same type. He turned to Dr. Victoria momentarily. His voice was lower, deeper than she would remember.

"Follow me to your daughter. I will clear the way."


He used his TK in concert with his natural physical power to carve a swath towards Morgan. The style of martial arts was unrecognizeable, a combination of Muy Thai, a litany of Kung Fu maneuvers, combined with what can only be described as bestial er...rampaging. As he progressed, he kept a field around Dr. Victoria to protect her as she followed behind him.

[Foxfire]

Blaze who had been sprawled out on the cold floor of the room was waiting. The mutant like creature stalked towards her with salvia dripping from its thick teeth. Foxfire awaited for her prey to come to her. An adrenaline surge washing through her already tense body.

Just as the alligator like creature was close enough, Blaze pretended to be hurt. She was baiting him in and it worked. The putrid odor of his body making her gag with disgust. His large shadow looming over her fallen form. Blaze pushed her body up in a "push - up" manner. Retracing any physical heat from the room, Blaze was building her momentum.

Her eyes fading away to reveal dark yellow orbs. The alligator creature sensed Blaze's form of attack. His large muscular legs allowing him to leap off the wall in a flip - like motion. His boot jutting out a dagger at the end. Somersaulting off the wall to prevent an attack the creature struck Blaze across the chin. The knife cleanly cutting her swiftly. Droplets of blood leaking on the floor. Nearby creatures howling at the scent of blood.

"BLOOD!!"

They roared, flapping throughout the air, various creatures. The alligator creature roaming around the square room. Blaze's deep gash disappeared in mere milliseconds, making the creature growl. He charged towards her with ebony - talon like claws.

Foxfire lunged into the air, her body exploding with raw flames that were a good 800 degrees in temperature. Blasting the creature backwards, Blaze was able to ignite her nova flame. One of her most powerful assets she manipulated. Flames were shot in every direction in a tornado - like current. The air currents sucking in some of the flying demons like that of a drain. Pulling them into her torrential down pour of fire. Whirling into the air, Blaze's human - like qualities disappeared. She had morphed into her element of fire!

Flying through the air at about 130mph she flew directly toward the alligator creature. Her knuckle out to punch him in the jaw, breaking it at the velocity she flew. Zipping up into a loop she raised her hands in the air.

"Anything GOES!!"

Having plenty of built up aggression, Blaze unwinded her ballistic nova flame on full blast. All while she made separate fire shields around her comrades. This sort of power had not been seen and it would devour her energy in minutes. Thus, Blaze had to be lightning quick about it. Flames of blue, bright orange, yellow, and red assaulted nearby demons, obliterating them from the inside out. It was more than just microwaving them it was internally combusting each of them.

Demons exploded like currents of popcorn. Yellow eyes watched with victory, but she was becoming faint. Shaking her head, Blaze would use her energy as efficiently as possible. Plowing into flying demons as she went, knocking them to the ground, where her teammates could assault them.

Usually Blaze's nova flame could cause a damage percentage of approximately of 900 feet, but she had to be mindful of Illustra. Blowing up demons, Blaze's "arms" unleashed flame after flame on these creatures. Howls, screeches, and grunts of pain echoed in the room.

Foxfire's yellow eyes fluttering absentmindedly. Her body breaking out in a cool sweat like perspiration. Her flames on her body were becoming extinguished the heavier her energy was used. Light headed and faint, Blaze mad a wildly dive toward ground level. Knocking a few creatures off balance. Their carcasses turning to nothing more than dust. Blaze's flames were gone as she landed roughly. Her arms ducked into her sides to prevent injury.

A pile of ash, smoke, and char roamed the room where various demons had been fighting. Moving behind the safety of Black Widow, Blaze fell to one knee. A sign of exhaustion on her part. Her gloved hand moving to touch the middle of Haleigh's back.

"Hales...got any bright ideas?" She asked breathlessly.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen swatted two demons away, slapping them with her hand which was encased in a golden halo of magick. with her touch, the demons discorporated and fell to the ground into piles of dust. Spreading her cape out behind her, she carefull followed Nicolas...she was somewhat taken aback by his more savage manner but against the fearsome demons of Limbo...nothing less would work. SHe looked among the others>>

WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO HER??

<< Karen's mind raced as her heart rate quickened a bit. there was so much chaos around...and all this from the backlash of Morgan. this was just a SAMPLE of the damage she could cause and it was UNINTENTIONAL.>>

<< through the dark, sparkling black smoke, Rampage bulled his way through, Karen followed, swatting away any smaller demons that flew at her, smacking them with her magick...and finally they came to the "eye of the storm">>

<< Morgan was gripped in agony, as she held her own head and was on her knees>>

I've got to HELP Her....but the demons...they're coming in close!

<< they demons were now mounting and attacking en masse, they did NOT want her getting near their mistress. out of desperation, and for the sake of everyone else, Karen unleashed a spell. lifthing her hands, as golden shars of energy swiwrled around them>>

Darkness of Illusion, Destroy their Might
Their worst Fear, Now they will Fight
Brought forth from their Minds, into the Night,
Twist them, Break Them, End my Plight!

<< a rushing harp sound is heard as Karen gestures and ignites a spell, unlocking the deepest fear of the demons...and in a crash of thunder...a tall reaching "real as life" image of Spellbinder as she appeared during the Inferno! she's wearing that savage, unholy yet erotic costume and manifesting the dark , wicked countenace as she reached for the demons and her cape flowed behind her.>>

<< the demons all began to shriek with fear. they began to fall back and discorporate, turning into dust rather than facing their "dark child".>>

<< but something ELSE began to happen...something that Karen didnt expect.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< the terrifying, "evil" sorceress walked forward through the sparkling, black smokey haze. with every step, the smoke dissipated more and more and the demons began to shrink back in terror...falling apart and turning into dust.>>

<< but this shouldnt be happening. Karen's spell was "real to the eye" but it was an Illusion and couldnt act on its own.>>

<< the woman lifted her hands, and a chime sounded off as an icy wind swept through and forced the remaining demons into a STEPPING DISC. Finally, she reached Karen, and took her by the hand.>>

<< in an icy voice>>: Mother, it's ME. Thank you...

<< she hugged her mother tightly. it WAS Morgan. She was HERSELF again. standing tall...the noise and chaos slowly faded away and the group would now see Spellbinder, looking renewed , restored and powerfull. BUT they would also notice that she was wearing her "inferno" costume. For Foxfire and BlackWidow, this was the look they remembered when Morgan MURDERED THEM during her rampage. Yet as she stood here with her mother, she didnt seem to be menacing or out to hurt them.>>

I am ..MYSELF once more.......and I remember EVERYTHING.

Mother, are you allright?

<< looking over her mother, Morgan checked to make sure there were no permanent injuries and then she looked at Rampage, the man who had lead Karen to her. Finally she looked over at Foxfire, Black Widow and MorningStar and Persephone.>>


i had cast a spell, an astral projection spell. the demons you saw just now were my psychic familiars...my connection between Earth and Limbo as i cast my astral projection spell. Malice and Alison BOTH "saw" me and the white queen attacked, disrupting my astral form. when the link was broken by Malice's attack, the demons escaped from the feedback THROUGH me into this room but they are all gone now. The attack..it must have shattered the "persona" that had been created by the seige perilous and allowed me to return to my original self! It couldnt have happened at a better moment either.

<< she spoke with her trademark icy tone and she seemed so poised and regal now in that savage, unholy, yet SEXY costume with the cape. Tinkerbell emerged from under the table and ran to her mistress. Morgan bent down to scoop Tink up in her arms and hold her close close, cradling her. The sorceress looked among her team mates once more. some she remembered, some she wasnt quite familiar with yet but they could see SHE was more than aware of the situation. her hair was longer now and her icy violet eyes sparkled as she looked up at the ceiling>>

I know where Alison is. Malice....the white queen has her in the TERROR DOME and is TORTURING HER. But she has finally bitten off more than she can chew. The Wraiths and their minions..they're here. they want to try to do here what they did in Persephone's timeline. Malice just happened to be one of the variables and is attempting to capitalize off of this.

But there's something else... Malice...she KILLED Cameron!

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Stumbling as Illustra literally shook beneath her feet, Persephone quickly regained her composure to only come face to face with demons from Limbo. She was familiar with these demons; she had seen them afar when traveling to Limbo with Darkchilde. But the demons were out of control and surrounding Spellbinder, seeminly protecting her and attacking the six. ::

:: Quickly withdrawing her mystic daggers, a demon lunged at her, growling fiercely. Swiftly Persephone moved to the side, slamming the large dagger into the demon's throat, pulling it out just as swiftly. Quickly ducking as another demon came forth, she sliced the other dagger along it's torso, splitting it's stomach open and releasing it's organs. Standing, three more demons came at the goddess all at once, circling her as more and more continued to attack the others. ::

:: Throwing her daggers with grace and speed, the weapons flew into the foreheads of the two demons coming from her left and right. As the the middle demon lunged forward, Persephone jumped into the air while unraveling her transfiguring whip from around her torso. Once landing, in one quick motion, she did a full turn, the whip following her motions. The demon turned, prepared to attack once again to only be wrapped in a cacoon like fashion by the weapon. Pulling back, the whip transfigured into blades of steal, slicing the demon's body into 6 different layers; each layer toppling to the ground in a gooey mess. ::

:: Standing before the mess of demons, soon everything became quiet. Looking toward Karen Victoria, she had heard all the commotion going on in the room, but was too preoccupid to see what was happening. The demons were all disappearing, and before Karen stood Spellbinder, dressed almost identically to Darkchilde. It was an eerie sight, yet powerful. She finally had returned to her state of mind, and was every bit as fierce looking as Darkchilde. ::

:: Wrapping the whip back around her body, it 'melted' back into her uniform, once again looking like a silver vine of leaves. Extending both her hands out to the ground, her mystic daggers immediately flew from the dead demon's heads and returned to her hands. Holstering her weapons, she stepped over the dead bodies and made her way toward the group to hear that a man named 'Cameron' was dead. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh frowned as Tinkerbell began to fuss.... but realized it was serioius when Morgan began to convulse.... and demons started to fill the room. Haleigh stumbled back as result of the initial blast, but was quick to recover and defend herself against the attacking demons. She fought side by side with her teammates, using strength and brutality instead of her powers.... she was not afraid to touch these creatures... and as they began to overrun her and beat her back from Morgan, she stood her ground and retaliated. She hit a demon about her size with a right hook, packing such force in the punch that she broke its 'jaw' clean off. A dragon like creature with a long neck began to snap at her, and she sidestepped it, pushing her thumb into its eye socket and taking hold of its head, slamming it into her other hand and CRUSHING its skull. She made short work of several other demons, finishing off a couple of the flying creatures that Blaze knocked from the sky, tearing off wings and limbs alike. Blaze took up refuge behind her, just as she pulled her automatic plasma carbine firearm out began to create distance between her and the few remaining demons. Blaze asked for bright ideas...

"Other than give 'em hell? Sorry, I just haven't had time to formulate a plan in between the dragons and whatever those flying things were."

Karen said a spell that made the demons turn to dust.... and it brought out Spellbinder... in full demonic outfit... a sight that made Haleigh tense... because the last time she had seen Morgan looking that way... she'd DIED. but Morgan seemed to be her 'old self'.... she talked calmly with her mother and was AWARE, of herself, of who most everyone was.... and was explaining what had happened.... and Haleigh relaxed a little... as Morgan told them all that Cameron was dead.... and Malice was responsible.

Haleigh clutched at her chest as it felt as though her heart had seized up. She let out a surprisingly feminine cry of pain and stumbled to a chair at the table, collapsing into it and gasping for air before bowing her head and falling silent. Her friend and ally was dead. She'd spent countless nights searching for him, in every feasible place, and she'd had the looming feeling that he WAS gone.... but the finality of it hit her like a bullet to the heart. She didn't move for a few seconds, and kept her eyes shut. Her breathing was slow and deep, and came out in long streams of barely visible steam in the cold air. She spoke quietly but firmly and matter-of-factly... almost detached, and the sentiment she expressed surprised even herself.

"Cameron... dead.... [pausing, lifting her head and opening her eyes] Then I envy him." Haleigh pulled herself to her feet and locked eyes with Spellbinder. She seemed to gather a new resolve, and her voice grew steadily louder until it was a normal volume. "We couldn't save him.... but Alison... Alison is in trouble.... and we CAN save her. Morgan, Malice is dangerous and RUTHLESS... and though she SEEMS psychotic... I can't deny she's a calculated, geniunely POWERFUL telepath... and probably not CRAZED at all. Anything she can use against you, she WILL.... you have a clear advantage... your Psi Screen... but don't think that will slow her down. We have to get to Alison... NOW. What do you say we give Malice a taste of her own medicine... and play the Dire Wraiths right into her lap?"

[Foxfire]

As the battle came to its climax, Karen brought forth an illusion spell of Morgan. It looked identical to the Inferno version. The illusion sending a chill down Blaze's back, who took a small reprieve to replenish an ounce of energy. Her hand that was still positioned on Haleigh's back felt Black Widow tense up at the sight. Standing up, Blaze moved her hand away, she felt the same way. The costume was hellishly decadent but also painfully to recall.

Morgan snapped out of her child - like manner. She seemed to be coherent and remember everything. Her icy violet eyes locking with Blaze. Morgan explained in great detail what had happened, including the "death" of Cameron King.

Turning to look at Haleigh who sunk into a nearby chair. Blaze moved to follow her comrade, who also felt the loss of Prophet. She knew Haleigh was the closest to Cameron, and she felt Haleigh's agonizing guilt and pain. Standing behind the black chair, Blaze leaned forward to wrap her arms around Black Widow's shoulders from behind. Offering a gentle hug to soothe her aching heart. "Remember Haleigh, nothing is ever truly gone. We both know that...anything is possible."

Her gloved hand moved to Haleigh's chin, picking it up. "We'll take our revenge." She commented. Releasing Black Widow, Blaze saw the blonde moved to Morgan. Although Blaze wasn't extra close to Prophet, she recalled the good times at the club with Cam and Alexis. Unlike Haleigh, who had been shaken to the core by his death, Blaze didn't really want to register his death. Sinking into the same chair Haleigh had just previously sat in, she stared blankly at Morgan, Karen, and Haleigh discussing strategy.

Was it true? Had the Six lost another member of their team? Leaning back in the chair, Blaze wasn't so sure. She wasn't willing to jump on the band wagon, and what of Erika King? If he were dead, wouldn't she FEEL it? She was after all the closest to Cameron and the two shared a kindred rapport. Blaze was weighing this all out in her mind. It didn't add up to her, Malice could say and do anything! That much the mutant knew, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen blinked hard as her daughter appeared from the illusion spell. it WAS Morgan. her daughter was whole and complete once more. But WHY was she wearing her "Inferno" costume? what was the significance? at anyrate, Morgan didnt seem hostile or out to hurt anyone in the room, perhaps it was just a sign that she had once again embraced her dark roots and connection to Limbo.>>

<< hugging her daughter, Karen exhaled with relief as calm returned to the room>>

Morgan! thank the goddess!!

<< Morgan checked her over for injuries and then explained what happened. Malice had inadvertently HELPED Morgan out with her attack, destroying the "shell and persona" the seige perilous had created for her.>>

Fascinating! This must have been the "moment" that Ororo spoke of. She said when the time came, that you would return to your true self.



<< Karen stood beside her daughter as Morgan revealed the location of Alison and the terrible news of Cameron King's death, Karen covered her mouth with shock and sadness. Cameron was such a vibrant young man. though he was infuriating to her, she did admire his WILL and determination to triumph over his adverse circumstances. she remember how valiantly Alison fought to protect him during the Inferno as well. Cameron was a founding member of The Six and for them to have lost yet ANOTHER one of their core...Karen felt badly for the team. They'd been through SO MUCH already, and now this too?>>

Oh no...

<< Karen said softly as Haleigh reacted to the news of Cameron's death.>>

Malice knows no limits when it comes to hurting and killing those she considers her prey. There must be a reason as to why she killed Cameron...BEYOND his association with the Six and his relationship to Alison Marble and Kelly King [Witchfire].

<< as Haleigh stood up and expressed her resolve to end the threat and terror of Malice, Karen noticed her daughter nodding in agreement.>>

I have retreived the darkhold as well. there's a spell that can banish the dire wraiths...cast them BACK into the dark nebula from which they came. Dealing with them on a large scale will no longer be a problem.

<< the doctor's voice was colder now, more like it normally was. she seemed to be at full health and vigor.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan, who was now fully aware and asserted, looked down at Haleigh with a sympathetic feel. She knew that Haleigh and Cameron were especially close. She also know that despite her own differences with him, he was a founding member of The Six. He'd been there with them through some of their most difficult capers. He had also found his sisters, Alison and Erika while with the team. This WAS another blow to the team spirit, but they couldnt crumble now.>>

Haleigh, I'm sorry. I know this comes very painfully for you.

<< her mother spoke on this as well.>>

I'm SO sure there's a deeper reason to why Malice killed Cameron. She "captured" Alison and was torturing Alison by bombarding her heart and emotional core with the psychic feedback and emotional echoes of Cameron at the moment of his death. But she's made a fatal miscalculation. If she thinks she can BREAK Alison this way...she's wrong. I KNOW Alison. This WILL be a "breaking" point..but not the way Malice wants it.

She may have just unleashed a force that WE will have to risk our lives to CALM and STOP.

<< nodding>>

Some of you I have yet to know...things have changed, but right now let's take the fight to her doorstep and SHOW her why Mystech hates us so much!

<< she looked over as her Mother mentioned the darkhold.>>

Mom, please stay here...keep Tinkerbell , Zach and Alycia safe...

<< Karen immediately protested.>>

I'm not at all trying to TELL you what to do...it's just that I don't want anything to happen to you. You and Ororo mean the world to me and powerfull as you are....I believe the ONLY way we are going to get the drop on the wraiths is if we take them by surprise.

With us going to the terror dome, they will concentrate on US. You have the power to ignite a spell to protect Illustra's exterior, while the defense systems on the INTERIOR will keep you and Tink safe inside on this floor. You can use the darkhold to unleash HELL upon the wraiths and their minions on this end.

<< there was concern in Morgan's voice. in many ways, she'd only JUST been "reunited" with her mother truly and she didnt want to lose her in this battle.>>

<< the team NOW had several advantages, Spellbinder's stepping discs for one and her own magickal power in addition to Karen's which would MORE than even the odds against the wraiths>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen objected to her daughter's request and Morgan made it clear she wasnt trying to disrespect her. She could hear the worry and concern in her daughter's voice. she didnt want to lose her mother..not now after everything ELSE that had happened and Karen understood that.>>

<< taking Tinkerbell in her arms and craddling the purring familiar as Morgan handed the cat over to her mother, Karen nodded, with a look of slight disapproval on her face>>

I understand, Morgan. I still would like to go with you, if only to give Malice another smack across her face with my spiked mace. [*see the battle of Malice and Karen @ the hellfire club]

BUT you're going to need some cover against the wraiths and their army of hellhounds. They wont be expecting TWO witches or the darkhold to be used against them in additon to the VAST array of powers represented among the team << looking at Rampage, Morningstar, Foxfire, Black Widow and Persephone>>

I'll stay here on the security floor. Ill be able to keep in contact with you and know what's going on and ill protect Illustra and those within from the wraiths.

just...make sure that you..ALL of you are carefull as well. none of you is invulnerable. do not lose your own lives in an attempt to avenge cameron's.

<< Morgan and her mother hug once more. Morgan gives tinkerbell a kiss on her little forehead before moving back and Karen stands to the side as Morgan asks if everyone is ready to go.>>

Good luck...may you bring Alison back and bright lady keep you all safe.

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as Morgan was restored to her former glory. She was a sight to behold, beautiful and elegant and powerful. In spite of the circumstances, he could not help taking at glance at her lovely form. But only for a moment. As he allowed his claws and spiked boots to dissipate, he listened at the plan that they began to formulate. They seemed to have the planning in hand, so he listened and waited. As they seemed to decide to leave Karen here, he felt a flutter of fear inside. He would have preferred to have her near him so he could keep an eye on her, but he understood that the plan was sound and that he, after all, wasn't her son. Not really. The decision would be hers and her daughter's to make. He did, however, speak softly to Karen after they has decided things.

"I will be "watching" you in my own way. If you need me, I will come for you."

He returns to the side of the group, checking for his energy sidearms adjusting his axe on his back.

[Foxfire]

Moving to stand next to Nicolas, Blaze sent her friend a sly wink. "Hey stranger." She grinned, noticing the battle ax. "Looks like I'm not the only fighter of the bunch." Her head swung around to the conversation between Morgan and Karen.

Blaze saw the concern in Morgan's violet eyes, making the mutant smile. Who would have thought such a powerful sorceress had a heart to begin with? The embrace between mother and daughter was heart warming.

Karen explained her need to accompany them. "Morgan is right Dr. Victoria, your best offense is defense." She added at the last second, looking over to Haleigh. Reaching out, Blaze squeeze her shoulder blade firmly, "We'll get the bitch for this." She tried to encourage her friend, knowing the pain Haleigh was suffering.

Waving to Karen, Morgan inquired if the team was ready. Blaze sent her an affirmative nod, "ready." She said quickly. Tinkerbell's green eyes studying the brunette with fascination. "Bye, Tink." She called out, knowing the feline had been edge around her.

Side stepping closer to Morgan, easily dwarfed by the icy elegance. "Its good to have the real you back. I...missed you." She said with a faint smile, but Blaze knew the mission was serious. But, like Karen, she wanted her feelings known. "Seems I'm not the only one around here who can cheat death." Lightly punching Morgan in the arm in a sibling manner, she stepped back next to Nicolas and Haleigh.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Looking to Haleigh as she reacted about Cameron's death, Persephone's face remained emotionless, but she felt sympathetic for the woman. Obviously he meant a lot to the woman, and to the original members of the group. Seeing Haleigh "compose" herself, she looked back to Morgan as she began to speak of what was going on. Staying relatively quiet throughout the entire conversation between her and Karen, Persephone crossed her arms along her chest, pleased that Morgan insisted that Karen didn't join the battle. It would be horrible expierencing that de ja vu all over again... ::

:: Stepping forward slowly, she stepped next to Haleigh and Blaze watching as Karen backed away from the group. Looking to her, Persephone nodded. ::

"Stay safe, Karen."

:: Looking back to Morgan, Persephone's eyes met with her violet ones. Lifting her chin slightly, she uncrossed her arms ready for whatever was to come. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Everyone offered Haleigh condolences, as it was widely known that Haleigh and Cameron were closest and even though Haleigh wouldn't allow herself to break down and cry, losing Cameron was devastating for her, after all this time of holding on to the idea that he might be alive somewhere. It felt like someone had reached inside her chest, taken a hold of her heart, and was squeezing the life out of it. Blaze expressed a vengeant desire to give Malice what she deserved, but Haleigh's voice was quiet her own emotion was melancholy.

"I have sought revenge before... it won't bring Cameron back and it won't lessen the pain... or fill the emptiness... There's nothing we can do for Cameron now except save his sister from meeting the same end. We must save Alison... THAT is our goal... Malice can be dealt with later.... I'm TIRED of playing the woman's game.... I just want Alison back."

Haleigh took a deep breath and looked to Karen before finally settling on Morgan.

"Good luck to you too, Doctor. Morgan... lets go get our Seer back... lead the way."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder waves goodbye to her mother and lifts her hands. a chime sounds off as she teleports the team via stepping disc. in the twinkling of the sorceress' eye, the team is taken from illustra to the norther edge of the state, now in a hilly, wooded area OUTSIDE of the storm. >>