Girls behaving badly

[Oracle]

<< the ride back to Illustra seemed almost TOO SHORT, for once the members of the Six and their private guests and allies returned to the sprawling, high rise structure, it meant that they would have to face the next and perhaps most drama filled phase of this day...the reading of Cameron King's will!>>

<< Alycia Barnett would handle that, as she had for Blaze Fielding and Morgan Victoria when they were both "dead"....and while she was prepared to handle the situation with the efficient professionalism she was known for, even she might not be prepared for the fallout that would come from this tension filled gathering.>>

<<For some, the return to Illustra would be a new beginning or a chance to tie up loose ends; for others, such as Dr. Karen Victoria, the time had come for her to return to her luxury loft in Soho. They had their lives to lead and she had hers. with her leaving, and so many other unexpected and in some cases UNWANTED guests would the team be able to keep themselves together through this stress filled time? they'd HAVE to.>>

<< the stretch limos and private cars arrived at Illustra and drove around the curved ramp leading underground to the private parking structure and the team, along with their guests and allies would ride up the private express tubes to the residential and guest resident floors of Illustra. They would have an HOUR to themselves before being summoned by Alycia to her luxury satellite office on the 99th floor.>>


<< once there...all eyes would be on Alison and Erika...with the lives of the twins hanging in the balance. just ONE of many developments on the horizon for the Six this evening.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas exited the car with Dr. Victoria an the others, happy that the ride was uneventful. The conversation was rather sparse but he welcomed the quiet time to sit with and enjoy Karen before she left for Soho.

He helped Karen out of the car and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Don't be a stranger, OK? I need to have someone fuss over me every now and again. I will definitely be in touch, and soon."

Nicolas finished his goodbyes to Karen and stepped into the lobby. He immediately went to his own apartment to shower and change quickly into a deep royal blue double-breasted suit with a matching tie and a crisp white shirt. His cane, shoes and jewelry were switched to match as well.

After his change, he looked to make sure he was ready. It had only been twenty minutes, and he was completely a new person, ready for whatever happened next, or so he hoped. He used his TK to search for Morgan and having located her by height, weight and shape, he proceeded to go find her. He figured that they had a half hour or so left, he may as well see if he could be of any assistance.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< with a helping hand, the doctor exited the escalade super stretch. smoothing the tailored blazer of her escada suit, the doctor also did a quick hair check in her estee lauder compact before placing it back in her black clutch.>>

<< as rode up the express elevator, she said goodbye Nicolas. in an elegant, icy voice>>

goodbye, young man.

<< she winked and smiled with approval as she hugged him.>>

see, i told you that you'd do fine. you just had to find a different approach!

<< she held one of his hands.>>

now you behave yourself. continue on your current path and you'll do fine.

<< looking him in the eye, her face became a bit more stern>>

and you treat my Morgan nicely, or I'll be BACK to SEE you!

<< she nodded with stern affirmation but he'd understand that as a mother, she would always be concerned for her daughter.>>


<< hugging him goodbye, she waved as he stepped off the elevator. to his floor. she then whisked up to the 107th floor. she wanted to say goodbye to Morgan, Delilah and to give Alison one last hug and some comfort. she didn't need to be there for the reading of the will, and she had her own life as a noted psycho therapist to return to.>>

<< stepping out on the 107th floor. everything looked and felt so much BETTER post "Dire Wraith invasion". she strode down the hall with the confidence and elegance that only an older woman could possess, looking like she'd stepped right out of the pages of a high fashion catalogue. it was easy to see where Morgan got her looks, her poise and her presentation from. her black high heels echoed as they hit the marble floor and clicked along.>>

<< she made her way to Morgan's penthouse. the first time since returning from Limbo that her daughter was now fully functional and independant. and it couldnt have happened at a better time.>>

<< inside she went. further in, she found Morgan in the kitchen making some tea for Alison and Delilah, with the other two women out sitting in the large, sunken in sitting room with a dizzying, uninterrupted view of the sky and city over to their right.>>

hello ladies.

<< the doctor smiled as she looked down on the leather sectional>>

and hello to you two babies!

<< she spoke very sweetly as she stroked the head of a perky tinkerbell and the kitten who was next to her.>>

are you glad to have you mommy back?

<< she gave the two cats a gentle pat as they moved to find more attention from Delilah and Alison. the doctor sat down with the two women>>

<<sigh>>

rough day. so much to endure, and so much more to go through.

<< Karen took Alison's hand in her own. she felt it trembling.>>

honey...you know you dont have to be stone faced with me. this is your familly HERE. No matter what genetics say..you're MY daughter, you and Delilah both are like my children right with Morgan.

[Harbinger]

:: The stress of the day, the pain, the feeling that she was being railroaded by Erika and the twins...it was all starting to crack the seer andGuardian couldnt hold herself back anymore, as she began weep and the doctor collected her in a warm motherly embrace.>>

:: she felt the doctors, understanding, comforting arms wrap around her and in that moment she felt like she was being shielded. she weeped, and Karen took away her sun glasses and set them down, still holding her. Alison shut her eyes tightly as tears flowed.::

.......Karen.....I don't want to deal with this....I'm not READY! I can't......Cameron's DEAD...and i ...HATE ERIKA!!


I HATE HER!

<< she continued to cry.>>

I ..dont know what to do! I couldnt save him......and that stupid little girl...she was so cavlier about his death..as if we should ALL ...be so....ready to DIE like THAT!

:: choking with grief::

he died....by Malice's hand! he had been alone for SO LONG as a boy and i couldnt help him, i LEFT HIM when he was a baby...I should have taken him with me and KEPT HIM!...and then....when he needed my help AGAIN...I COULDNT BE THERE FOR HIM! I'm the OLDEST, the STRONGEST!!! and i FAILED AGAIN!


<< her emotions flowed now. Karen held on to her, gently stroking her blue/black hair back as she rocked her slowly. >>


I'm not......not ready to deal with that woman or those two girls right now...

:: but as s he expressed her grief in the arms of her surrogate mother and in front of her two best friends...she would still reserve the indignation and bitterness in her heart for the one person whom she felt TRULY deserved it. this evening was FAR from over.::

keep them AWAY from me!

:: her face now hidden in the embrace of the doctor, she couldnt help but cry openly.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Morgan came into the large, sunken in sitting room with a tray with tea and light refreshments, she was happy to see her mother stop up to say goodbye. she knew her mother had matters of her own to attend to but she had been so VITAL, so HELPFULL to the team in so many ways in recent months that she wanted to make sure she had a moment to speak to her before leaving.>>

Mom! I'm glad you're here. we were just going to sit down for a moment before Alycia called us down for the reading of the will. would you care to join us for some tea before you leave?

<< she set the tray down and seated herself on the other side of Alison. Karen greeted them all and spoke to Alison. Morgan watched as Alison didnt show any outward reaction yet. the sunglasses still hiding her face, but FINALLY, as Karen encouraged her to be at ease....Alison began to let go and it was such a hard thing to watch.>>

<< as Karen held Alison as only a mother could, Morgan put her hand over her own heart, looking to Delilah with a facial expression of sadness. Alison revealed just how upset she was. That she didnt want to see Erika OR the twins, that she just couldnt DEAL with this. THe reality was that Malice had tortured and killed Cameron and Alison...despite her being a Seer couldnt do ANYTHING to help him before it was too late. Morgan knew ALL TO WELL how that felt. She tried to save Sharon Kelly...and failed...she wound up dying herself. but even BEFORE then, she had failed to save Blaze from Black. But right now, this was about ALISON and she felt the weakness, the pain in Alison. she knew the woman had no desire to see Erika or the twins right now and what she needed was her friends, her REAL family to be there for her.>>



Oh Alison....

<< Morgan moved over, closer to Alison as she wrapped her arms around the seer. her arms overlapping with her mothers as she lay her head on Alison's shoulder gently>>


<< she spoke softly>>

it's alright. you dont have to do ANYTHING you're not ready for. We're your family..and we will help you. we will protect you. don't you worry.

<< Morgan closed her eyes ...which were a little misty themselves. she thought of Cameron...she HATED the fact that she had not been here either to possibly help...if she could have made ANY DIFFERENCE at ALL...but now they would never know. And Alison...the powerfull, stone cold woman that she was...she KNEW this was hurting her so badly and she HATED to see her this way. Morgan couldnt help but let a few tears fall herself as she looked over at Delilah.>>

[Foxfire]

After a short ride back to Illustra, Vivica dropped Blaze off with a kiss and a wave of the hand. The two would rekindle that on growing flame burning brightly for the other. Arriving back inside her apartment Blaze shut her door quietly.

Her facial expression to a haunting frown as she yanked off her white blazer before hurling it across the arm chair. Undoing her tie she fiercely ripped open her shirt sending the buttons scattering every which way. She was clearly agitated but she did a superb job at masking her emotion at the funeral.

Kicking off her pumps she collapsed onto the couch with a sigh. Her crisp white shirt open to reveal her white bra that concealed her amble cleavage. Resting one arm across her forehead she sighed heavily.

Turning to turn on the television to Music Choice to the channel 'Hit List.' Blaze hardly wanted to see the others again for days. She was content to hibernate herself in her luxury suite.

The bass background of "Peaches & Cream" supplying the young mutant with energy. Getting up off the couch she slipped inside her bedroom to switch wardrobe. Undressing in seconds she slipped into a jean micro - mini skirt with a pink sleeveless turtleneck that was accompanied by a chunky "rockstar" belt. Blaze was changing from that tomboy into a blossoming feminine woman. Who would have thought? Styling her hair into a bun with chopstix to hold her thick hair up. Applying a bit more darker makeup this time.

She walked towards her fridge to grab a bite to eat. Settling down by her mini bar she made herself a turkey sandwich. Quick and simple, she hardly had the time to create a nice meal for herself. A green tea sitting next to her on ice. Her time alone was nice, in fact she was beginning to relish being the "black sheep" of the Six. She didn't have to worry about someone coming over to her apartment.

Finishing up she dumped her dishes in the sink. Returning to her living room to relax and unwind for a small duration of time.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen continues to hold Alison as only a mother comforting her child can. stroking the younger woman's blue/black hair as she feels her grieving. Karen's own facial expression is that of symathy and sadness as she looks over Alison to Morgan and then over to Delilah.>>

<< she didnt speak as Alison cried and expressed her feelings..she was freefalling with guilt, anguish and a DEEP SEATED aversion to Erika as well as a coldness to the twins. IF Alycia was going to reveal that Alison was to be named the guardian of these twins...Karen would have to step in and if they OR Erika tried to get smart, the doctor would put them right in their place.>>

<< she felt her daughters hands and arms overlap her own from the other side of Alison. it was good to have Morgan back to her FULL self. Alison needed her best friend right now...and Delilah was here too. she hoped the young mutant would come to Alison's side now as well.>>

Morgan is right.

<< Karen spoke softly but firmly>>

Alison is not ready for this- certainly not to face it ALONE...what is supposed to happen next and with the apparent rifts in the team courtesy of Blaze and her careless behavior and the fact that more than one person here does not like Erika...I AM going to at least stay for this reading of the will.

It's not right, nor is it remotely fair to expect Alison to just TAKE whatever Erika and those two girls are trying to bring to her door step and i I will not allow them to railroad her.

<< she held on to Alison as Morgan did her best to also comfort the seer.>>

Persephone is in her luxury apartment on her floor resting. There's no need to involve her in this, as she is not exactly thrilled with Blaze and Haleigh right now but I want Haleigh and Rampage up here as soon as possible. She needs to know what is going on. You ALL need to stand behind Alison. We also need to call Alycia, see if she can push this will reading back another hour or two. Alison is in PAIN and she needs time to recover.

[MorningStar]

[ MorningStar sat in Morgan's sunken living room, her heart heavy for her friend and not knowing what to do for her. Doctor Victoria entered the penthouse. As she moved to speak to Alison, Delilah scooped up the little kitten and cuddled it to her chest. But then Guardian broke down.

She let the kitten jump down off of the sectional and moved to where the others sat, kneeling on the floor in front of Alison. As Morgan looked at her, tears in her eyes, Delilah reached out and grabbed her hand. She didn't have siblings herself, it was true, but the members of the Six had become like a family to her, and she certainly knew what it felt like to believe you had failed the people in your life. And she knew that if anyone had failed Cameron, it certainly was not Alison. ]

"Alison, honey..."

[ Delilah put a calming hand on her back and rubbed gently. She spoke in a soothing voice - something she'd perfected during their last battle together. ]

"It is not your fault that Cameron is gone. That blame lies solely with his MURDERER, Malice. You avenged his death and made sure that no one else would be caused pain by that woman ever again. You protected all of us - your family. WE are your family Alison, and we will always be here for you, just as you are here for us."

[ She looked from Morgan to the doctor as she said the words "family". Her voice became then a little harder. ]

"Alison. Look at me. Come on, look at me. This is important. It is okay to hate Erika! It does NOT make you a bad person. The twins? You barely know them. You need for once to think about yourself."

[ Her voice regained its soothing quality. ]

"If you want, let us handle the reading of Cameron's will. Alycia can go over it with you privately at a later date. You need not deal with Erika or the girls - or anyone else for that matter - right now."

[ She put a hand on the arms of both Karen and Morgan and smiled reassuredly at the three women before her. ]

"You spend your whole life watching over others, Alison. Let us take care of you for once."

[Sarah King]

:: Sarah was stark raving mad at her sister and being the calmer of the two she would be able to EFFECTIVELY vocalize her feelings. ::

"Sydney! What the HELL did you say to her? They don't even know us and we can't go in there and just have a heart to heart with Alison! Why did you have to go and do something so STUPID?!"

:: They entered one of the guest penthouses of Illustra Inc. where some of the cruelest villains of the Six as well as their greatest allies had stayed. Sarah and Sydney ran up to the penthouse right after they arrived and awaited the arrival of Vivica and Erika. Sarah just couldn't believe her sister sometimes. ::

"I don't know WHY I always have to do damage control on you. Sometimes you are like a TRAIN WRECK! You know Dad is gone and someday I might not be there to clean up your messes!"

:: She turned away from Sydney and looked out the window at New York City. She could see why her father liked the city so much. It was like Los Angeles only more sophisticated and breathtaking. ::

[Sydney King]

:: Sydney just rolled her eyes as her sister spoke to her. Sometimes she was so condescending. Sarah never understood Sydney completely. She was a free spirit and she liked to have. It's not like she ever meant to hurt anybody, it just ended up like that sometimes. Sarah's words were hurting and this was neither the time or the place for them to be arguing. ::

"Sarah! Just SHUT up for a few minutes and soak it in.. Dad is gone! Why are WE the ones fighting! Let's be a little more mature than our Aunts are being right now and just get along. We are in the place that Dad spent most of his time. Why don't we break into his Penthouse! He had his stuff still left in the place before Morgan kicked him out that time. Come On! Let's go...."

:: She hoped that Sarah and her hunger for adventure would be stronger than her anger at her sister at the moment. Sydney was always able to sway her sister into forgiving her by completely distracting Sarah. It worked everytime. The twins were so different but at the end of the day they were almost like the same person. Like they shared their thoughts. ::

"Come on Sarah... it will be fun.... You know you want to..."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia sat in her circular designed luxury office while out in the circumference in the lobby and various conference rooms, her assistant prepared one of the rooms for a reading of the will.::

:: the woman was top in her field. she had the respect of her peers both in the political legal world and the corporate world but rest assured she didnt forget who she was or where she came from and she was as cut throat and street savvy as they came.::

:: looking on her wrap around styled desk, she studied a picture of her mother and father. her father...who had died thanks to the cruel, apathetic beauracacy of a mystech subsidiary owned insurance company that denied him the medical care he desperately needed. Alycia's first act as a woman out of law school was to cut her teeth in a lawfirm and use all the resources combined with her relentless pursuit of justice to DESTROY that insurance company and leave it totally bankrupt and torn apart. it was the cathartic first in a long line of successfull, high profile accomplishments that she would make.::

:: Silently, she could empathize with Alison, to know that there COULD have been a chance to save someone you love and then to see it ripped away. The need to seek revenge in whatever way you can get it. In THAT way, she definately could understand how ALison felt. not just because of her own father but because of Sharon Kelly and the campaign of vengeance she was now leading against the company responsible for Master Mold's weaponry and construction...the most POWERFULL weapons/armory manufacturer and dealer in the world and under the umbrella of MysTech.::

:: Alycia may have had the short term duty of executing Cameron King's will, but she had BIGGER issues to attend to that loomed in her mind. She would certainly be there for Alison both professionally and as the friend and ally she had come to know her. She looked at a picture of Sharon Kelly. Sharon was Alycia's closest friend and ally in a world where men still attempt to hold women down. She was a woman of HONOR who put most of her male counterparts in washington to SHAME...and she was an outspoken advocate of mutant rights. yes indeed, someone was going to PAY and Alycia would do WHATEVER it took. The key to justice for Sharon would bring Alycia to cross paths with both Haleigh and Persephone in a way like never before. the implications were very wide reaching. ::


:: but for the here and now, there was the matter of Cameron's will::

::looking at the list of those to attend the reading of the will, Alycia scanned the names::


Alison Marble
Erika King
Sydney King
Sarah King
-----------
Morgan Victoria
Blaze Fielding
Haleigh Davidoff
Alexis Quatermaine
Vivica Lennox



He didnt know what would happen to Alexis. He was already missing by then.....

:: she crosses Alexis' name off the list and writes in Nicolas King's name::

:: looking to her assistant who was standing in the doorway.::


I personally requested Nicolas be here, i may need someone strong enough to keep Alison from murdering Erika in the conference room.

::Alycia smirked a bit...not at all concerned for Erika, considering that her last contact with the woman consisted of Erika trying to be "hard" with Sharon and herself::

.....the sooner I execute this, the sooner we can get Erika King and Vivica Lennox the hell out of Illustra. Even Stevie Wonder can "see" how unwanted Erika is and WOE until her if she opens up her mouth the wrong way to me.

:: she slammed the files down on her desk as she stood up, checking over her wrapped raven black hair as she adjusted her black gem toned , tailored, donna karan blazer and matching short skirt.::

assistant: Ms. Barnett, all the specifications you ordered for conference room A are in order. a spread of refreshments is ready and all of the documents for signature are prepared for the appropriate parties.


Alycia: excellent. check over any last minute details and prepare the lighting accordingly, we want to make this as comfortable as we can and get this overwith as quickly as possible.

:: as Alycia's assistant went on her way, her private secure line rang...the call was coming from Morgan's apartment.::

:: picking up::

Barnett.

:: listening to Dr. Victoria::

Oh.....

:: a look of sadness comes over her face as she hears Alison in the background.::


No, you're absolutely right. They (Erika and the twins) can wait. and if they CANT then they can get the hell out.

I will push the reading of the will back for another two hours. I'll inform THEM myself. I'm not HARDLY worried about what they have to say.

and doctor...please give Alison my deepest condolences... I know...how she feels.

:: turning back to look at the pictures of her father and sharon kelly, Alycia hangs up the phone and pages her assistant.::

Put the refreshments on ice for a bit. we are postponning the reading for another two hours. once you're done, you may leave. I can handle the rest.

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica had stopped Erika King in the Lobby. The two needed to talk before anybody made their way up to the Private Suites of Illustra. Things needed to be said and words needed to be spoken. Erika couldn't go up there with the same attitude that she had at the funeral for her sister. -

"Erika, I don't normally involve myself in your family issues as I don't really care, but what the HELL are you doing girl? This is the day of your Brother's funeral. Your sister hates you and you have two girls that you may very well be taking care of for the rest of your life and you haven't said but a damn word to either of them. Now I KNOW your mama didn't raise you to be no fool. Alison and you need to work out your issues. Not today, No. But soon! For the sake of those girls! Both Alison and yourself need to get past your OWN problems and I don't know.. focus on the lives of two teenage girls. It's a little selfless but you know, every now and then SOMEONE in the King family has to show they are human.. to keep up with appearances. Now I don't want another DAMN word said to me until you two work out your beef. Hear Me?"

- She didn't give Erika another chance to say anything as she headed up to Guest Suite where the twins were staying. She took a moment to breathe as she thought about Alycia. Why did Cameron feel the need to surround himself with beautiful chocolate covered women. She disliked Alycia because they were very similar and Cameron knew that. He pit them against each other on many occassions. But when it came down to it, Vivica could never bring harm against her. When Omega-4 assigned her to exterminate Alycia when she was about to bring the SEC on Cameron, she couldn't do it. She went rogue. Vivica left the CIA and was now working by herself, with her own intelligence. She stilled watched over the Six and was hoping that this invitation would be a chance to get in closer with them and learn more about them. Keep her assignment a secret. Vivica made her way up to the floor in just enough time to watch the girls heading out the door. She sighed deeply and stopped them. Vivica was not in a good mood. -

"And where the HELL do you think YOU TWO are going?"

[Sydney King]

:: Sydney stepped in quickly, knowing that her sister would blow everything if she opened her mouth. Sarah was the honest one. Sydney cracked a smile that seemed way too reminiscent of Cameron King as she began to work her charm. ::

"Hi Vivica! We are tired of these skyrise walls.. We just wanted to get some fresh air and check around the offices.. See if we see anyone famous.. You know snoop around a little.. No harm in that right, Vivica? We just can't stay in this place for another second longer!"

:: She hoped Vivica wouldn't see that she really wanted to get into her father's penthouse. She just needed to see his things. Go through them. Sydney needed closure of some kind though she would never admit the fact to anyone, including Sarah. ::

"We just need space... Is that.. Okay?"

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica eyed the girls with a stone cold intent. Were they really trying to pull something on a day like this with only hours away from finding out who would be named their legal guardian? He had to commend Sydney on her way of bullshitting everyone into thinking she didn't have an ulterior motive. She was so much like her father it was scary. She often wondered if Sarah took after the girls mother, a woman Vivica knew only as Lauren Davies, someone Cameron was with very briefly back in his days on the streets of Los Angeles. -

"Are you out of your DAMN Mind?! You think I am going to let you two prance around Illustra with Alison in the state she is and Morgan as her normal self? She would slit your wrists as soon as look at you if she found you in any restricted area. Besides the security devices on the private floors would burn you alive if you tried to get past them..."

- She walked forward grabbing each by the shirt and dragging them back into the Penthouse; only this time, she felt something extremely odd. She was sensing something in the girls that she had not previously detected before. Vivica sensed something in their DNA and before she knew what she was doing something quite startling was happening. Her hands glew a bright green as she felt a shockwave go through her body and zap the girls extremely hard. They were flown back into a nearby wall with a rough thud and Vivica was mortified. -

"Oh My God! Girls I am so sorry..."

- Vivica had done something completely life altering to the girls. While researching more of her mutation, she found she had the ability to analyze the DNA of superhumans and subconsciously evolve their existing genetic traits as well as tap into the abilities of latent mutants. This meant she made latent mutants active mutants. She had never done it before because she never could control it or knew how to activate it, but her powers of discernment let her know that she had done this to the girls. They were latent mutants. How could she have not known, the mutation is carried on by the father. It didn't make sense! How could she have not done that before to the girls. They had obviously been latent mutants their whole lives and she had been in contact with them for over eleven years. The whole situation wasn't making sense and Vivica was coming closer and closer to the conclusion that there was something not right about Sarah and Sydney King. -

"Girls.. My powers have been on the fritz. I guess even a computer like brain can overload. I must have electricuted you. I am SO sorry.. Here, Here... go roam Illustra, do whatever you want.. Just don't get caught.. I MEAN it.. Go! Go!"

- Vivica rushed the twins out of the room and closed the door behind her, locking it extremely quick. What exactly did she do to them. What were their powers? Did she just do something she would regret. It was time to do a little research of her own. She made her way to the office as she sat down on the computer, mentally plugging herself in. -

"What did you do.. Cameron..."

[Sarah King]

:: Sarah cringed as they were caught by Vivica who was just exiting the elevator on the same floor. She should have never let Sydney convince her that they should go and look through their Dad's stuff. Even though she wanted so desperately to see them herself, Sydney always took the blame for things when the going got tough, even if it was Sarah's fault. Before Sarah could say anything Sydney jumped in and ruined everything as Vivica grabbed them and scurried them into the Penthouse once again. ::

"Vivica, we're really sorry, we just wanted to--"

:: As she tried to finish her sentence she soon found herself in an extreme amount of pain as she saw the hand that Vivica had her by glowing a bright electric green. What she was doing to them. She was flown into the side of the room as she fell to the ground with a thud. Her body hurt, but she was fine, just a little shocked, literally. Getting herself to her feet, she couldn't help but notice the look of panic on Vivica's face. She had done something she didn't mean to do at all. ::

"Ouch, kill us why don't you!"

:: But yet again before another word was uttered, the girls were ushered out and the door slammed behind them. Sarah looked at her sister with a look of uncertainty. ::

"What just happened here?"

:: Looking back down the hall, she sighed deeply ::

"Whatever.. let's go get Dad's stuff..."

:: And with that the Twins found themselves in the elevator going up to the old Penthouse of their dead father to gain some kind of closure. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas simply teleported up to Morgan's floor, depositing himself in front of her door. As he began to knock, he noticed something and smiled grimly. He scanned again the upper loors to confirm his findings, and just shook his head.

Even THEY couldn't be THAT stupid. Wasn't Vivica or Alycia watching them? And what made Cameron King hire two beautiful Black women who were so alike that they would NEVER EVER get along, constantly fighting each other as they flawlessly execute his wishes? Tough, smart, and cunning.It's a shame, really. But these kids have have REALLY lost their minds now.

Nicolas teleported back down to his apartment and waited for it to open, arms folded and foot patting. He smirked a bit as he realized that he was probably one of the only members of the Six that would let them get this far. But his facial expression hardened considerably as the doors opened to reveal Cameron's children. Now his voice was rather icy as he addressed them, knowiing full well the answer to his question.

"Can I help you?"

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh stared out the window of the car as Zach drove them home, thinking about facing the reading of Cameron's will, about what she almost did to Blaze and what she might do.

"Did we ever find a way to duplicate those power suppressing collars Malice used on us?"

Zach:"Not quite yet... they're still being developed... why?"

"I think I might use my powers to really HURT Blaze.... but I have this distinct feeling I will regret it if I do. I don't understand it... I despise her SO much.... but Persephone and Morningstar are completely forgiven, in my eyes. Of course... it was only BLAZE who tried to go public with something that was none of her damn business... and Morningstar protected us against everything once breaking Malice's hold... and Perse earned MORE than just being forgiven by 'taking the bullet' for the whole lot of us...."

Zach:"Betrayal has always been unforgivable to you, Haleigh... in fact... its a wonder you havent killed her YET... don't feel bad that you forgave the others... you have much stronger feelings for Blaze because you had much stronger ties to her.... her actions were more profound."

"I don't WANT to... I know killing her would only make things worse... but its like... my anger for her is like a rattlesnake, coiled tightly inside me... and every time i see her, it starts to rattle... and it becomes more and more threatening... and i prepare to strike... and I'm afraid before long I wont be able to stop myself like I did earlier..."

Zach:"Just take it one step at a time... You two will eventually be able to work this out."

"Really? Because I'm not so sure. And WHAT was up with her coming up to me at the service?? Its like she WANTS me to lose control... so she can paint me out to be a loose cannon AND create this big mess by talking about something that she knows NOTHING about." Haleigh vented, as her phone rang. She picked it up... it was coming from Illustra, Barnett's satellite office, to be precise. Zach pulled into the underground parking after taking the scenic route home to give Haleigh time to think and distance from the others.

"Alycia?" Haleigh fell silent, a look of concern washing over her face. "I see. No, of course.... I'll be up there shortly... Oh, yes... I had already planned. Alright, bye."

She hung up, turning to Zach who shut the car off. "Can you call Base and tel them to dispatch a security detail for the twins? Just... keep an eye on them and make sure no one tries to harm them. I'm going up to be with Alison... the hearing's been postponed." Haleigh had wanted to spend some time alone, sifting through Cameron's personal affects... the boxes of his things she had taken from his apartment when Nicolas moved in.... but Alison was more important to her and if she was needed there, she would go without hesistation... "Zach? You know that picture of Cameron's? The one from the Sistine Chapel he always liked because it made him feel cultured?"

Zach:"What, of the two hands? The life-sized crop of 'the Creation of Adam'? Yeah, its with all his other things. What about it?"

"Will you hang it for me, in the sitting room? I'll go through the rest later and decide what to do with it... after the hearing.... but I've wanted to find the inner strength to put that up ever since i got it... and I think I'd like to see it up now."

Zach:"Sure, honey. I'll see you later."

They kiss briefly and Haleigh disappears, using moleular dispersement to get to Morgan's apartment. Haleigh looks at Alison, with care and concern. She sits down on Morgan's coffee table, directly facing Alison and resting one hand on her knee.

"Alison..." she began softly. "I brought Jose... he wants to help you talk to us about anything you need to say." She says, holding up a bottle of Cuervo Gold Tequila. Alison was always so guarded.... what she needed was to trust her friends and a little 'liquid courage' could be just the ticket.

[Harbinger]

:: Alison felt like she was drowning in a sea of blackness. she hadnt felt this lost and out of control since the night after inferno, when the reality of Blaze's death set in and the hatred she felt for Cameron, KNOWING that he had wanted someone close to Morgan to die. ::

:: but as she felt herself free falling and drowning, there was Karen, the "mother" she always wished that she'd had as a child. Her "sisters", Morgan and Delilah. They rallied around her and gave her the safety she needed as she finally began to grieve and express not only her guilt and sorrow over Cameron but her hatred and resentment of Erika and her NOT looking forward to the twins being here.::

:: Karen and Morgan reassured Alison while Delilah VALIDED her feelings. she was not wrong for feeling the way she did..and it was OKAY to hate Erika and not feel a connection to the twins. these were her friends..her FAMILY. they understood her...and they would be there for her at her best AND her worst.::

Karen....I never had a mother..not a real mother who was there for me. My friends...my family. You don't know what you all mean to me....

:: Alison had no love or respect for Kelly King. She disowned HER as a mother LONG ago and if things didnt go well today, she'd do the same to Erika. soon, Haleigh came and was now sitting on the coffee table facing Alison as Karen , Morgan and Delilah surrounded her. Haleigh spoke with care and concern and offered Alison a drink.::

::Alison looked over, her face was rather pale and her eyes noticeably strained from the tears she had shed.::

::her voice was quiet and weak.::

Haleigh....


::Alison thought for a moment, maybe she COULD use something to help ease her pain. not a substitute for her family and friends, but just something to help her along. but what Haleigh was offering wasnt it....there was something else.::

:: after a few moments, as Karen brushed some of her blue/black hair away and nodded, Alison reached out and took a glass of the drink but as she touched it, the drink changed to HEMLOCK. a mysterious blue/black liquid with a glow! it was a drink that had similar properties to high end alcoholic beverages and a popular drink in magickal circles among mages, demons, witches etc...and utterly POISONOUS to non "magicked" humans and mutants::

:: sitting up a bit, Alison has a drink.::

hmmm....

:: the drink does feel soothing to her as she takes her first full drink.::

thank you.. Haleigh.

I know that Cameron's death...has been very hard for you two. we were both so worried about him when we couldnt locate him and it was both our fears that Malice had gotten a hold of him. When Malice captured me, i found out that our fears were TRUE.

:: she looked at Karen::

Malice "rebroadcast" the psychic and emotional feedback that Cameron experienced while she was killing him. she projected it ALL into my heart and my soul with a concentrated, "laser like" precision.....it...was the closest I had EVER come to a psychic, telepathic attack...it was like RAPE!

:: Alison bowed her head and shut her eyes.::

the black lotus blossom...it neutralized my magicks and kept me in a semi sedated state..it was like being forced into a waking nightmare.

:: looking at Morgan and Delilah::

I heard HIM. i felt his pain...his agony. he called out for ME!!

:: covering her eyes with one of her hands.::

why...couldnt i HEAR HIM when it was HAPPENING!? Why couldnt i "SEE" this before it was TOO LATE!?

:: her hand holding the drink trembled a bit. it didnt matter to her that at the time this happened, Alison had all but DIED herself defending the city and what was left of the Six from Blackout and Malice, she just felt that she should have been able to KNOW no mater what.::

and then there's ERIKA!

:: her voice now dripping with bitterneses::

WHERE THE HELL WAS SHE!?

Ororo wouldn't KEEP her from going to her brother's aid if he called out for help so she CANNOT blame Ororo.

Why is it that EVERY TIME she shows up...she brings chaos and heartache in her wake!?


We lost Sharon Kelly, Morgan went through the seige perilous, Shockwave betrayed the team, the city was nearly destroyed and those of us who were left had to be rescued by Ororo and taken to Limbo! we had SO MUCH that we were going through and BARELY able to survive...and this...WOMAN shows up and acts as though WE dropped the ball with Cameron!?

:: Alison wasnt saying anything now that she couldnt say to Erika..and she would make SURE to confront her....but her friends..her REAL family needed to know just what was what.::

She ALWAYS thinks that she's better off because she doesnt believe in dark magick. Always preaching as if she is BEYOND everyone else! She thinks that she's doing ME a favor because she read a eulogy? a eulogy doesnt make up for NOT BEING THERE when someone needed you.

I have survived FINE without her and i am STRONGER than she is. I swear to the goddess....i'll BOIL HER until her flesh falls off if she comes anywhere NEAR ME! I don't want her here...i dont care about her, or what she thinks!

::the brow of her face betrayed signs of anger as Alison's face frowned, her eyes shut tightly::

and as for those girls....those arrogant, flippant BRATS.

Sydney had the audacity to come to me in the cemetary and tell ME that i was not above "adivce from a kid"..as if SHE had some wisdom or understanding that anyone else could not? she dared to suggest that we should hardly be as upset as we are..given the "line of work we are in."

I want them OUT of here.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked up as Haleigh arrived, watching as she sat down to speak with Alison. How FAR had they all come. A year ago, Morgan and Alison would have been too busy trying to (and in one case succeeding) murder both Cameron AND Haleigh but now...there was a different feeling, there was a family spirit among them all. THANKFULLY the seeds that would make this moment possible had been sewn long before Cameron's death..and where he was now, he would see it.>>

<< Morgan watched as Alison took a goblet of the drink Haleigh poured and transformed it into HEMLOCK. the mysterious, and deadly magickal elixir that only the strongest practicioners of magick could enjoy. Morgan couldnt help but smile a bit...as this was a true Alison trademark.>>

I believe we all could use a drink, but I'll leave the exotic taste in drinks to Alison.

<< Morgan takes a goblet of the original drink Haleigh bought and knocks the first goblet full back. she was rather tired herself, and the drink was just what she needed. pouring herself another goblet, she listened as Alison spoke.>>

<< nodding her head, she couldnt help but agree about Erika. She never liked the woman...ever since the Kelly King caper. She felt that Erika was self righteous and full of prestense and she wondered WHAT if ANYTHING were gained by Ororo training her....she knew Ororo had put Erika in her place once before about the NECESSITY of both white and dark magick...and how there was nothing noble about espousing one and denying the other. that there had to be a healthy BALANCE. She also knew that Erika had often got IN THE WAY more than she was helpfull.>>

<< what stuck in her mind the MOST was the night that Erika disrespected Alycia Barnett, Sharon Kelly and herself at the gala at the Parthenon. Morgan wanted to smash her face in and could have EASILY done it. In terms of power there is NO comparison between Morgan and Erika and everyone knew that Morgan had a lethal instinct that was rivaled only by Alison.>>

<< Morgan listened to Alison. Some of the events mentioned were things that happened while she was "away" and while she didnt experience Malice, Blackout and the destruction of New York first hand...she could imagine if Alison spoke as she did about these things...they MUST have been truly horrific. She thought of Alexis...that woman was FULL of drama from the word go. She and Cameron had even slept together on several occasions and after all was said and done...she turned out to be a traitor, destined to follow in her father AND her aunt's footsteps. now...she was dead and her most basic form of consciousness was housed inside a statue within Ororo's garden. a far gentler fate than some of the team would have picked for her.>>

<< her mind went back to Cameron once more. She couldnt imagine what Malice must have put him through...but she COULD remember what SHE had done to him during the Inferno and now, after everything that happened, and how far they had come, it shamed her so.>>

<< still, she could see that Alison was very upset and very unwilling to deal with Erika right now. She couldnt blame her.>>

I have to say, that I have NEVER cared for Erika. I find her to be extremely lofty and naive, and even Ororo had to put her in her place about the nature of Magick. she seemed to think that she was BETTER OFF than Alison because Alison harnessed dark magick while she harnessed white magick only.

I saw the way she looked at Alison..at US during the funeral. she wants to blame US for his death as if we just WILLINGLY LET HIM DIE. Where the hell was SHE at? Half our team was eather dead or missing...and she knew DAMN well that if Ororo could come to our aid, then so could she!

:: shaking her head::

She probably doesnt even know that Sharon Kelly is dead....that would make her eat crow, considering how rude she was to Sharon and Alycia.

and as for those girls. I dont care WHO they are. they are NOT to be traipsing around Illustra unsupervised. I saw Sydney go up to Alison at the funeral, I didnt hear what she said...but it was obvious that she did more harm than good with that little "moment."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen sat with Alison while her daughter sat on Alison's other side. Delilah joined them and now Haleigh was there. as she brought forth the Jose' Cuevero, Karen couldn't help but be surprised.>>

<< Alison took a goblet but transformed the drinkinto HEMLOCK, another surprising thing as Karen didnt realize Alison had such exotic, dangerous taste. But as Morgan suggested they could all use a drink, Karen took a goblet of what Haleigh brought as well>>

<< as Alison spoke on her feelings about Cameron, Karen spoke up.>>

we KNOW that it is not your fault, no one could blame you or anyone else. we were all facing one problem after another....and sometimes, things just happen beyond our control. I felt the same way when I found out Morgan had been pulled through the seige perilous. As Delilah says, the FAULT lies with MALICE. It was SHE who murdered Cameron.

<< Karen thought about how Malice had destroyed her own family as well. this woman had touched the lives of every member in The Six ...even BEFORE they formed this team.>>

Assessing blame at this point would be needless. We cannot change what has happened, only go ahead the best way we know how..TOGETHER.

I don't know WHY Erika has chosen to show up NOW after all this time, for as it has been said, Ororo would NOT keep her from her duty to her brother and I remember how much she crowed about "watching over him" even when he didnt know it. If Erika IS suggesting that this is somehow your fault or the team's fault...SHE needs to be put in her place.

I only dealt with her briefly several months back..shortly before the Inferno. I felt that she was rather ineffective as a magick user and her self righteous position made her very hard to tolerate. It was almost as if she suffered from a messiah complex.

Despite that, MY concern is with Alison. I will not allow Erika or those girls to railroad her into ANYTHING. Despite the contents of the will, if there is something in there that Alison is not ready for, such as her being named guardian of the twins, she does NOT have to accept it.

<< Karen's voice was firm and she was serious, being as protective of Alison as she would be of Morgan.>>

Has Alycia done background checks on those girls? do we know for certain that they ARE Cameron's daughters? Illustra isnt exactly the place for children and those two do not strike me as normal OR well behaved by anymeans...especially the dark hairded one. I watched her at the cemetary, her mannerisms, her entire demeanor was manipulative to say the least.

[Rampage]

"Don't bother answering, I know why you are here. Do you two know how dangerous it is to break into someone else's place? Especially here??!!!! And i know what you are looking for, but you could have had the decency to ask...you know what, don't move a muscle!!"

Nicolas was getting angry. He had endured enough provocation and vilation from Malice and the Wraiths for a lifetime, and he would not tolerate this quietly. He buzzed the intercom to Morgan's apartment.

"Ladies, I am sorry for the interruption, but as I was leaving for there I was apparently about to be the victim of a breaking and entering by Alison's nieces. I have them with me now. Please advise."

His voce was deep and resonant, his irritation showing through in its tenor.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan turned her head at the sound of the tone, Nicolas' voice came over the com system and he sounded agitated But with Alison finally talking to the others and working through things, and with Karen stating that she wouldnt allow Alison to be railroaded Erika OR the twins... she didnt want the seer's agitation to be RENEWED.>>

<< Morgan stood up slowly.>>

You guys stay here. I'm going to handle this and on my way back, I'm stopping by Alycia's office, i want her to make it clear to our guests that they are NOT to be roaming around this building. Only the six, my mother, Alycia and Zach have full access.

<< teleporting via stepping disc, Morgan, still wearing her Dolce & Gabanna black dress and matching 4 inch black spiked heels she now stood in the hallway on the 103rd floor, striding quickly and with a look of grim agitation on her face.>>

<< she arrived into the doorway of Nicolas' luxury apartment. It had been the first time she'd been in here since she had first allowed Cameron to come BACK to Illustra...and THAT had been nearly a year ago itself. the place was completely different in style and decor now that Nicolas was here but Alison had told Morgan that she had transported Cameron's effects to STORAGE, giving Haleigh some specific pieces and keeping some for herself. if these girls thought they were just going to do what they wanted around here..they were SADLY mistaken.>>

<< Morgan stood at 6'1" WITHOUT heels and now with heels, she was towering over Sara and Sydney. With her shoulders squared and her arms folded, she narrowed her eyes....taking note of Sarah and then SYDNEY..the one who rubbed Alison the wrong way and the one who Karen had picked up bad vibes from.>>

<< in an icy voice>>

would you two mind telling me what you're doing on this floor? this is a PRIVATE residential floor. Further more, you are supposed to be under the supervision of Erika or Vivica. I dont know what you were allowed to do on the WEST COAST but you will NOT take advantage of Alison's or my hospitality and you will not roam around Illustra unsupervised, is that clear? You may be Cameron's daughters but this is not his apartment anymore, it belongs to Nicolas and if you wanted access to Cameron's personal effects there were better, more respectfull ways to go about that. Now get yourselves OUT of this apartment and back to Vivica's guest quaters or Erika's.

<< Morgan was not a mother, she didnt like children and she didnt care for ones who acted like they had just stepped out of "Village of the Damned". Alison and a newly rostered Six were going through enough as it is, without having these two run around the building getting into whatever suited their fancy. Morgan wouldnt tolerate it.>>

[Rampage]

As suddenly as he had finished his statement, Morgan appeared to the group. She was still stunning in her black dress and spiked heels, essentially coming eye to eye with Nicolas, who towered over most people. He saw the anger in her face and could sense the heightened heart rate and raised endocrine levels of a woman who was not up for any crap. He watched as she leaned over the twins, impressive and alluring. He was a bit heartened to hear her refer to the place as his now, it marked a point of acceptance that just a short time ago he thought he would never reach.

As she finished her statement, Nicolas turned to her and said two words.

"Thank you."

[Foxfire]

While the others pulled together to support Alison, Blaze was content in her apartment. Her fiery temper calm with the soulful voice of Cher singing in the background of "The Power" ringing on her sound system.

Sitting at a large stationary cherry wood desk, Blaze's green eyes revealed an intense concentration. A pair of small black framed glasses covering those eyes. Her left wrist moving furiously on the drawing paper. A pencil between her fingertips as she shaded along the jawline of a person.

Several pieces of crumbled paper were scattered through her office. All of them drawings of someone. Dipping the pencil to scale the neckline as she measured with her thumb. This drawing she actually liked.

Her eyes blurry as she recalled Cameron's best physical facial feature. Scooping up the charcoal pen she colored in the pupils of his eyes. Blaze was an art major in High School before she ended up burning down the school. Sitting forward on the swivel chair she was so engrossed in her drawing of Prophet she didn't pay attention to the television. Scream playing in the background cascading a few horrific screams of agony in her ears. But Cher's powerful voice easily drowned out the horror movie.

Grabbing a tissue she smeared the charcoal to give coloring to Cameron's short hair. The drawing itself was life size. It looked exactly like him, but Blaze was being a perfectionist about it. Erika's words ringing in her head about the funeral, the note Cameron wrote, the overall gloomy feeling of the day. A few tears welling up in her beautiful green eyes but she blinked them back.

She wanted something to remember Cameron. She knew Haleigh and Alison would have top choice on their late teammates stuff. The brunette's wrist moved to pick up the piece of drawing paper. Critiquing her own artwork with such a critical outlook. Shaking her head she shoved the piece of paper on the hardwood flooring. Tossing her number two pencil across the desk. Reaching for her glass of iced tea she nibbled on her bottom lip.

Glancing over her shoulder to study the picture she had pushed away. Standing up she moved to scoop up the drawing. Grabbing a pencil she artfully signed her name at the bottom right hand corner. The drawing was an exact copy of Cameron's more serious facial expressions but his eyes revealed that mischief side. One that Blaze could relate to.

Letting her hair down she tossed the sticks on her dresser. Turning off the television and her stereo, Blaze decided to get out of her apartment. She would stay inside Illustra, but maybe head downstairs to get a cup of coffee.

Walking out of her apartment her bare feet graceful across the metallic flooring. Her drawing still held in her hand. She needed a couple of markers from the offices downstairs to at least outline Cameron's silhouette. Her skirt giving a view of the tattoo she wore on her ankle. A small tattoo adoring it. It was of course a Chinese symbol, what it meant was anyone's guess. Only Blaze knew what it meant.

Heading for the elevator she could hear Nicolas' voice off in the distance with Morgan. Shaking her head with a small smile. Punching the elevator button she leaned against the wall, awaiting for it to arrive. Opening up the paper again she glanced at her drawing to waste time.

[Sydney King]

:: As Sydney and Sarah were about to enter the apartment of their father, not knowing that it was now the current apartment of Nicholas they were sideswiped by none other than Morgan Victoria herself. She kept on ranting and raving as she yelled at them for being pretty much insane psychotic brats. Big words for someone who didn't even known them or ever even formally introduce herself. ::


"Jesus, Morgan! We're sorry! We weren't galavanting around Illustra. We just wanted to see how our Dad lived here. We didn't know anyone else lived here.. though I guess that didn't take long did it? How fitting that our Dad has already been replaced with a NEW King.. But whatever...We don't want to disturb anybody.. We are sorry to be an inconvienience you have to deal with.. Sarah, just think what it would be like to live HERE!"

:: With a roll of her eyes, she began to walk off leaving her sister behind. ::

[Sarah King]

:: Sarah just sighed with a breathe of panic as she was startled by their discovery by Morgan. As Sydney opened her mouth, she knew this would be an extremely bad move on her part. Sarah had to step in and say something. ::

"Morgan.. Morgan I am sorry! I shouldn't have let my sister talk me into this. It is terribly disrespectful and we are terribly sorry. Forgive Sydney, she is just having trouble dealing with this. She's not perfect.. Again.. Sorry to have disturbed you.. I think it's best if we leave the building.. Take a walk or something before the Will is read. Too much temptation here.. Too much Dad here..."

:: Running up to her sister, they linked arms and tried to walk away without getting too much backlash from Morgan. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan narrowed her icy violet eyes as Sydney spoke. The witch was expecting the girl to get smart with her, but surprisingly, she only responded in a plaintive way.>>

we just wanted to see how are dad lived.

<< Morgan felt a lump in her throat as she saw the resemblance of Cameron in these two girls. as they apologized, in their own individual ways, Morgan turned around to watch, her back now facing Nicolas.>>

WAIT just a minute.

<< she called out firmly, her icy voice echoing in the long hallway as she walked forward, slowly. reaching the twins, her facial expression softened.>>


We didnt JUMP to "replace" your father with Nicolas. It didnt happen that way at all. Your father has not been pushed aside in that way at all...if that were the case...things wouldnt be as..."raw" as they are now for so many of us.

You're right. I don't know either of you and you don't know any of US. However, while you're here, you are my guests and hopefully we'll all be able to find out more about each other.

When it became apparent that Cameron would not be returning to Illustra even BEFORE we learned of his death, we carefully moved his things to a safe place. I have your father's things...in storage. Your aunt Alison and my staff of Illustra will make sure that You are able to go through them and find things you want and need.

Right now is not the time, the reading of the will is going to take place soon and we will all be going to Alycia's office. Please return to your guest quaters until then.

<< Morgan watched as they left. She was so upset right now...for a variety of reasons. Looking at these children was almost HAUNTING for her. How would she balance helping Alison and remembering Ororo's warning NOT to bully Erika and the twins? where was the CONTROL she needed. it never failed, that Cameron or some PART of him would always provoke the most extreme reactions from the witch.>>


<< sighing as she turned and leaned agains tthe wall, she buried her face in her hands>>

I was a bitch to their father and I'm sure when this is over...they will think of me as a monster..just like most everyone ELSE does.

<< she was of course referring to the dark aspect of her magick and her soul. that part of her that nearly destroyed Cameron and the city during the inferno.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh gave a crooked smile as Alison turned her drink into something else... something her sensors indicated was a 'hemlock' and noted that it was poisonous to Haleigh and other non-magickal beings. She was a little impressed, despite herself. She'd never taken Alison for a serious drinker, but from the chemical makeup of this drink, she was obviously humbly mistaken. She passed around the bottle to anyone who accepted, and then poured herself a glass. Morgan slung hers back like she was afraid it'd go stale, prompting Haleigh to stare a bit before serving a warning as Morgan poured another glass. I'd no idea she was so THIRSTY... She thought briefly.

"You'd better slow down there, tiger. That's a mix of my own... and it hits like a freight train once the sugar catalyzes the alcohol. Drink too much too quickly and you might end up in someone's bed you hadn't planned on being in just yet."

Haleigh said, a subtle reference to Nicolas... Haleigh had noticed several times... the way they interacted and made eyes at each other seemed impossible to ignore... it was endearing, really. Alison began talking to them, about what Malice tortured her with, about how angry Erika made her, and about the twins.

"Oh, Alison.... I'm sorry you had to experience that... it must have been... unbearable." Haleigh could only imagine the pain it must have caused. At least she had been spared it. "DAMN Blaze for provoking that woman in XS, this whole thing could have been avoided."

Haleigh didnt say aloud that she blamed herself for not being around to come to the club when Alison and the rest needed her in the FIRST battle with the wraiths. She deduced that now wasn't the best time to bring it up, lest she end up forced to tell exactly where she'd been and why... it didnt seem fair to hit Alison with it NOW... it felt like it would be rubbing Alison's face in the fact that Haleigh was trying to protect HER sibling, where Alison had just lost hers. Haleigh didn't comment on Erika either... it was clear from the way both Morgan AND Karen reacted and talked of the woman that something had happened with Erika and a LOT of the others that Haleigh was unaware of, and she assumed it had happened while she was dead. At any rate, she didn't think it her place to say anything about the topic. She did, however, try her best to diffuse the situation with the twins.

"Well, maybe it came across the wrong way, you know? Some people are bad with words, ESPECIALLY teenagers, who have a way of sounding like they think they know it ALL. Surely she doesnt feel that way about her OWN FATHER.... and maybe we're all being a little to critical of them right now.... i mean.... they just lost their DAD... I can't imagine they'd--"

A voice on the intercom interrupted her. It was Nicolas, saying that the twins were in his apartment and up to no good. Haleigh sighed and rubbed her eyes and then her temples, before taking a long, slow drink from her own goblet and shaing her head.

"I have a security detail on the way for them both.... but why isn't someone WATCHING them? They're just GIRLS... in a new place under disheartening circumstances.... they need CONSTANT supervision as WELL as protection... I hire bodyguards, not babysitters... where is Erika? Didn't Vivica escort them up here? What the hell did she do, just DUMP them in a room somewhere?"

She was obviously frustrated.

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched the interaction between Morgan and the twins and saw a softer side to her. In this instance he could understand why they wanted a part of how their father existed. In his own family mansion things were largely undisturbed after his father's death, he hadn't the heart to part with ANYTHING just yet. So he did feel for these kids, who asked for none of this and now waited to find out their fate in a few minutes. He stepped forward, beside Morgan.

"Look girls, I am not a replacement for your father. This path is where I belong, and I only wish I had the chance to be here now with your father. Look, if you want to look at the apartment later, I will give you a tour. Your Dad's stuff is gone, but the layout is the same and maybe you will benefit from it. Just let me know, and I will show you around."

He watched the twins depart to their assigned plavce, then saw Morgan lean against the wall. As she lamented her darhker side, he reached out for he giving her a hug nad lifting her chin so she could look into his eyes.

"Morgan, I do not see you as a monster. You have amazing powers that carry an immense responsibility. The very nature of your power would eat away at most people, leaving them empty and evil inside. But in you I see a woman full of fire, of life, who manages despit incredible obstacles to be a great friend and a respected team leader. YOU ARE NOT A MONSTER. You are far too beautiful inside AND outside to be labeled as such."

As Nicolas spoke to her, he realized how close he had come to her and paused, mindful that he was in her personal space. But he did not leave, instead looking directly into her eyes...

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah rolled her eyes at Haleigh's thinly veiled reference to Nicolas. As Morgan left to deal with the twins, Delilah slid from the floor to the couch where she had been sitting.

She didn't know if this was exactly the time, but with Haleigh here she thought she should give voice to the doubts that had been ringing in the back of her head since the funeral. ]

"Does anyone else find it a bit odd that the twins aren't more broken up? Their father just died and they're acting like they're on an episode of Girls Gone Wild."

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Morgan felt the arms of Nicolas wrap around her, the INSTINCT reaction of her's was to SHOVE him away and with her super strength, she COULD do it but she STOPPED herself. He wasnt like her father or the other men she had battled..this was a friend, a NEW friend, but one who had prooven to be honorable thus far.>>

<< as she looked at up a bit at him, her icy violet eyes welled up with tears>>


I wonder if you would say that..if you had gone through the INFERNO. I murdered my own sister...and Haleigh during the Inferno, I nearly murdered Cameron and it took Alison, Ororo, my mother AND Erika to save him from me. The city was transformed into HELL because of me.


<< she began to shake with grief>>

I can't help but REMEMBER how i tore his skeleton from his body with my magicks. i nearly MURDERED Alison when SHE stood in the gap to protec the team from my rampage in limbo.

<< she closes her eyes as she lowers her head.>>

Cameron and I...we repaired our professional and personal relationship with help from Ororo and my mother and he even helped to SAVE myself and Alison from the super soldier but that was the last time I would see him! I never got the chance.....to thank him...or truly say.. "I'm Sorry".

I don't want to drive those girls away, the way i did him...they lost their father, and i can't help but feel like it's MY fault somehow!

<< Morgan began to weep but Nicolas comforted her and spoke words that she didnt expect to hear. he complimented her body AND her soul and pointed out her strengths rather than simply highlighting the obvious flaws that came with being who she was. it was something she hadnt heard from many people outside of her mother, ororo, alison or those closest to her.>>

...Thank you, Nicolas.

<< she paused, not really being used to being held by a man this way...not for a while at least.>>

I....know how you came to be with the Six. You answered Ororo's call to help save my mother from Malice. I see the bond you've developed with my mother and Ororo....they really care for you as a "son". But i just want to tell you that I'm GLAD your here. Because of you, my mother is alive and even though you came during a time of sadness for our team...your presence is valuable.

Thank you for all you've done so far....and all...that you will do.

<< she leaned up a bit and gently kissed Nicolas on the cheek. stepping back as she wiped away her tears and adjusted her dress.

[Vivica Lennox]

- Scanning her memory files and actually loading them onto the computer in front of her she began to look through the folders she had logged under Cameron and Sarah and Sydney. Everytime she began to look at a memory that had either of the twins involved it was as if her memory froze for a second and then played. It was like her memory files had been messed with. As if someone had altered her memories. All of these things weren't adding up. The fact that Cameron didn't say a goodbye to her in his letter. That the twins had been latent mutants and that Vivica had never detected it before or even had the thought about it. The strangest of all was that she felt that when she was with the girls, she was with Cameron himself. It was as if the girls were each of the different parts of him. Sarah was the quiet and collective one, the smart and savvy one. Sarah was like Cameron when he dealt with business. Sydney was wild and untamed and sometimes completely self absorbed, just like Cameron and his spot in the Six. -

"I almost feel like these girls.. That they aren't real..."

- Vivica took a moment to listen to what she was saying. How could the girls possibly be not real? She had scanned their DNA signatures and they were real flesh and blood. It was just something that didn't seem right about them. She would have to tell someone about what she was thinking but she couldn't think of the right person and she couldn't think of the right time. -

"Yes, Alison, Morgan! You know those twins, the daughters of the dead Cameron King.. Well.. I don't think their real...That sounds great Vivica..."

- Needing more solid proof, she would have to wait until after the reading of the will to talk to someone about her situation. Now she also had the problem of catalyzing the girls' mutant powers and she didn't know how or where those would manifest for the first time. Vivica was stuck. -

[Rampage]

He could fell her tense up a bit as he held her there. She was immensely strong, but she quickly became more comfortable there with him. As they spoke, she began to cry a bit, but he would not allow her to be down on herself.

He paused as she thanked him for saving her mother and for what he brought to the Six. He was touched by her tenderness at this moment and , as she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek, he warmly embraced her. As she stepped back, he pulled out of his pocket a pure white handkerchief with an embroidered "NK" on the corner and dabbed the corners of her eyes for her as she straightened her dress a bit. He gave her the cloth and smiled at her warmly.

"Now, milady, we have friends to meet up with. Your mode of transport or mine?"

Nicolas winked as he tried to cheer her up a bit before going back to her apartment to see the others...

[Harbinger]

:: Alison felt sheltered from the storm by Karen as she spoke. it felt GOOD to know that she wouldnt have to go down this road alone. As Haleigh spoke, Alison already KNEW what was on the horizon for Haleigh, but she also knew the sequence of events linked her to Persephone and Alycia. the BIGGER "picture" that Alison had been discussing with Delilah before Malice had attacked XS was coming together but right now, she was too weary to dwell on it and so, Haleigh's secret remained safe for now.::

Ultimately, Blaze did what she was supposed to do. We couldnt find Cameron before...even with my powers as a seer and the confrontation with Malice not only revealed his fate, but it allowed Persephone to see the JUSTICE she never had in her own timeline for her friends and family that were MURDERED by the Dire Wraiths as OUR timeline's version of Darkchilde, SPELLBINDER, destroyed the Dire Wraiths in this world AND on Wraith World.

:: her voice was quite, almost ghostly as she looked down at her goblet of hemlock.::

:: Morgan and Karen made their position on Erika crystal clear and Haleigh noticeably didnt comment. She had been "dead" during the confrontation between Erika vs Morgan, Alycia and Sharon Kelly at the Gala and so there wasnt much for her to say on that. Delilah had only dealt with Erika in the Kelly King caper and it was strictly a "professional" relationship.::

:: drinking more of the hemlock seemed to put her at ease, she definately was relating to the women more easily now and with them in such close proximity at that. something that Alison NORMALLY discouraged.::

:: looking up as Nicolas' voice came over the intercom, Alison shook her head. Delilah and Haleigh both spoke on the twins. Alison couldnt help but smirk a bit at Delilah's comment::

I agree with Delilah, there IS something...almost "artificial" about them at this point. Perhaps it is just their own "version" of what Blaze refers to as my "marble hard heart"...but being that I have not dealt with them often, I cannot say for sure. But they are young..MUCH younger and they will not see things as we do.


:: Haleigh spoke on the children in regards to the loss of their father and it reminded Alison that perhaps they shouldnt be so HARD on THEM. she inquired where Erika was and why she wasnt watching them at this moment::

Erika, from what i can "see" is in her guest quarters, the same with Vivica although she did have a rather extreme reaction with the children before she sent them out to "explore". They are supposed to be under her OR Erika's watch right now but OF COURSE Erika is..."unavailable" when she could be of USE.

:: Alison thought for a moment, remembering how hard it was for Cameron, even when he and Alison discovered they were brother and sister.::

Cameron often felt ostracized here, with everything that has happened..and with them having to cope with their father's death...I don't want them to go through that as well. Haleigh, I'm not really "connected" to these children. It would help if you would be there when we show them to the storage unit so that they may go through their father's things to take whatever they need or want.

[Alycia Barnett]

:: in Alycia's stunning, cutting edge circular designed office, Ms. Barnett sat in her large leather executive chair at her wrap around desk, she studied the file on Ava Cassadine as well as Stavros Cassadine


how fitting, that YOU (ava) will be expunged as Persephone takes over your identity. while YOU (Stavros) you avaricious, murdering son of a bitch, will PAY for what youve done to Sharon...for your role in the TERROR that mystech spreads across the world. You will lose your daughter the way we lost Sharon and you will lose your freedom, your lively hood...and HOPEFULLY YOUR LIFE!

:: a look of grim focus on her face could be seen as she looked through extremely sensitive information and pictures, some satellite images from RECENT. Alycia had used her considerable clout in the government and intelligence world to obtain these documents and files and her eyes WIDENED with shock as she discovered.....well i'll BE DAMNED!

HALEIGH DAVIDOFF is AVA CASSADINE'S SISTER!?

:: Alycia shouted absentmindedly as she leaned back in her chair. laughing as she exhaled , she was so surprised that she couldnt help her reaction.::

Haleigh has LONG been a woman of secrets and changing faces, it's the nature of her business...but THIS...this is just about as eye opening as when we first found out about Alison and DIDDY!

:: she hurridly shut the files and staked them together. placing them in their protective casing as she called her her assistant to place them back in the laser grid protected safe. this was a SHOCKING revelation, even for a woman who made a career of uncovering shocking information but there had to be a reason why Haleigh kept this a secret. she would go to the woman privately out of respect and give her a chance to explain. but for NOW, there was something else to deal with. she stood up, looking at the clock. it was time for her to read and execute Cameron's will.::

:: her assistant began to make last minute preparations (again). as Alycia sounded off on the intercome::

Alycia Barnett: Alison Marble, Erika King, Sarah King, Sidney King, Vivca Lennox, Morgan Victoria, Blaze Fielding, Haleigh Davidoff, Nicolas King, Delilah Trelevan, Dr. Karen Victoria--please come to the 99th floor and to my office.


:: her voice was feminine but with a hint of "no nonsense." She had crossed off Alexis Quartermaine's name as the woman was for all intents and purposes DEAD and would not be going ANYWHERE anytime soon and instead added Nicolas. she knew she might need someone to keep Alison from tearing Erika apart. and per her conversation with Dr. Victoria, she knew that Karen would be there for Alison as would Delilah. There was no need to summon Persephone, she had no connection to Cameron whatsoever and never knew him. Given all that she had been through and her current dislike of some of her team members, Alycia opted not to disturb the goddess and left her to rest in her luxury apartment.::

:: the last time she had to do this was when Morgan had "died" and on the same day that she had eulogized Sharon at her funeral. it was a painfull experience for ALL of them and Alycia executed her role perfectly with sensitivity and tact...still it didnt make it any easier then and it didnt now BUT Alycia would show no signs of waiver or uncertainty, especially in the presence of that walking mainframe Vivica.::

:: Alycia took her attache' and went into confrerence room A, adjusting the lighting and sitting at the head of the table as she waited for the others to arrive.

:: sitting there for a moment.::

hot damn...Haleigh Davidoff and Ava...who would have THOUGHT! NO WONDER they were so reluctant to part ways with that file when i made my first inquiry.

:: she couldnt help but laugh out of astonishment again as she quickly composed herself and a look of grim focus once again returned to her beautifull face.::

[Jacob Black]

:: Soon both of the girls made their way up the posh office of Alycia Barnett and made their way to the sitting area. They were both extremely nervous. What was going to happen in this will. They would soon find out who would be their legal parental guardian and who would get what of Cameron's stuff. They wondered how everyone would react to the reading of the will. ::

Sarah: You scared Syd? You think we might get left with somebody off the wall like Alexis Quartermaine and since she is dead we would become like wards of the state or something?

Sydney: Sarah, stop worrying, you met Alexis, I really don't think Dad would leave us in her care. I think it comes down to Alison or Erika or Vivica. I think those are the top three people...

[b]Sarah:[b] Yeah.. Sydney.. do you think we are not being sad enough? I mean Dad just DIED and I have only cried right after they told me.. same with you.. why aren't we more sad?

Sydney: I don't know sister. I think it just hasn't really hit us yet you know. Our Dad died.. I know I can't really wrap my head around it. He was so powerful and then something just came along and wiped him out. It's scary.. I am almost afraid to talk about it. Like the more we do, the more that he is actually dead.. I just think...

:: She turned her head away from Sarah and continued ::

Sydney: "I really just keep expecting him to walk through the door. I don't get it Sarah.. Like every member of the Six dies and they come back. Why not Dad? Why is he the only one. It doesn't add up and I just take it in and know that I will FIND a way to bring him back. It will be hard but I am going to do it. I am going to bring him back...

:: Sydney's voice was waivering. This was something she honestly believed in with all of her heart. She really thought she could get back her Dad with a simple spell or stroke of good luck. ::

Sarah: Sydney.. I really don't think that is a good ide--

:: She didn't get to finish her words as both Vivica and Erika arrived in the office and took their seats next to them waiting for the will. Both equally nervous. ::

Sarah: Hi Erika, Hi Vivica... You nervous...

:: The two sitting there almost didn't know what to say. They didn't know if Cameron really took care of all the things he needed to. He died so early. They were sure he didn't have all the information to take of things ::

Erika: I am sure he took care of what he needed. All we can do is wait, girls.. The question is are you two okay?

:: The twins exchanged a glance ::

Sydney: We are taking it one minute at a time.. It's all we can do..

:: It was something that all of the people in the room seemed to understand as they waited for the others to arrive. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh took another slow sip of her concoction and listened as Delilah and then Alison remarked on the twins' odd behavior. Haleigh agreed it was a little wierd and drew much concern, but she countered it anyway, for a reason even she didn't quite understand. Cameron had just been buried... he wouldn't want his daughters on trial, even if they WERE acting foolishly.

"Everyone deals with loss in their own way, Delilah. Losing a father when you are young is very difficult... I would know... mine died when I was six." Haleigh paused, realizing she had just shared something with them that she usually kept under lock and key: a small glimpse of her life with HER family. "And while they ARE old enough to realize the gravity of never seeing him again, they still have a ways to go before they are REALLY adults, no matter WHAT the legal age is. They have to face everything without their MOTHER as well... its a very sad situation for them. at LEAST they have us to depend on.... we have to allow them time to adjust and its only NATURAL that they try and feel out their boundaries in Illustra. I know that THEY are aware of MY return from the dead... and even if they DONT know that Alison and Morgan have since come back from being all but completely gone from the living realm, its possible that their young, imaginative and NAIVE minds still cling to the hope that he can come back. In my heart of hearts, even I want to believe in the slim possiblity, though I KNOW in my MIND its not realistic."

Haleigh gazed off out Morgan's panoramic windows as she spoke, a wistful look in her eyes. Guardian told them were Erika was and Haleigh broke her stare, shaking her head. She could see why Alison was so disappointed in her sister. Alison asked her to come with them when they showed the twins their father's belongings and Haleigh looked at her with a very soft smile and a sad, understanding look.

"Of course, Alison. Anything."

Morgan appeared with Nicolas and looked as though she was upset. Haleigh furrowed her brow but knew Nicolas wasn't the cause of Morgan's distress, mostly because he was still alive.

"Shit, Morgan. I told you that mix was going to fuck with you."

Alycia spoke over the intercom, calling them all to her office. Haleigh took a deep breath. "Well, this is it, ladies..... the moment of truth.... time to find out who gets to be a mommy." She said, trying to lighten the gravity of the situation in front of them... then, upon thinking about the likely candidates and the possibilties of each of them caring for the twins, seemed a little disturbed and defied her OWN advice, downing the rest of her goblet quickly. She gave an uneasy chuckle and shrugged.

[Foxfire]

Having returned upstairs, Blaze outlined the detailed picture of Cameron King. A hot cup of French Vanilla coffee held in her right hand. She was on her way to return to her apartment when Alycia's voice played through the intercom systems. The tough bitchy ex lawyer and friend of the Six requested each of the team to her office.

Spinning around in her bare feet she moved quickly to Alycia's office. Entering through the office she noticed the twins there already. "Good evening Ladies.." She nodded to them as well as Alycia, Vivica, and Erika.

Walking over to the long conference table, Blaze picked to sit in the back. Pulling out the chair she sat down. Her small framed glasses still adorning her green eyes as she laid the detailed drawing on the table. Reaching for her coffee she savored the sweetness of it. Crossing one leg over the other she propped her elbows on the table.

She awaited for the others to arrive. Blaze's wardrobe was a sharp contrast to her outfit earlier. The all white ensemble that raised brows was now femininely colorful. Her micro - mini jean skirt and her sleeveless pink sleeveless turtleneck was much more casual.

Morgan's Tiffany's tennis bracelet adoring her left wrist. It was a token of remembrance when her sister had been killed or thought dead. Her eyes moving to Sarah before stopping on Sydney. There was something about her that Blaze sympathized with.

Leaning on her right hand she knew the chaos would ensue, and for once she wouldn't be the cause.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan was not accostumed to such gentlity from a man. she usually despised men in general unless it suited her. But Nicolas seemed genuine. an unusual thing indeed for someone who looked as good as he does. Morgan cautiously allowed him to dab away her tears with his hankerchief and smiled slightly.>>

my, my, arent you the considerate one.


the men on this team have never been known for their gentility.

<< thinking back on Prophet and Bane>>

Ororo made a very nice selection indeed.

<< touching his hand as he finished wiping away her tear, Morgan felt how soft it was.>>

it's soft. he takes care of his skin...and his BODY too.

<< Morgan's mind wandered a bit, her thoughts well hidden from the telepath thanks to her psi screen, but suddenly, she pulled her hand away and abruptly returned to a "business" attitude as she cleared her throat.>>

musn't get carried away right now. after all, i have a duty to make sure Alison is okay.




<< Morgan opted to move herself and Nicolas to her penthouse via disc, but no sooner did they arrive (and as Haleigh picked with her a bit, noticing that she looked a bit upset but concluded it WASNT Nicolas' fault since he was "still alive" :D- Morgan haughtily flipped her hair as she pretened to ignore Haleigh's little comment. ) it was time to go to Alycia's so without further do, Morgan teleports everyone down via disc arriving out in the vestibule of Alycia's office.>>

My goodness,

<< Morgan looks around the cutting edge designed office>>

I remember when Alycia preferred the "hallowed ground" of the courthouse, or her office back when she was a partner at her lawfirm but she's certainly taken up here hasnt she?

<< Morgan nodded with approval. Alycia had taste and an eye for design and space and it showed.>>

well, here we go. let's just hope that when we find out who the new "mommy" is...that she doesnt go all "mommy dearest" on us.

<< Morgan couldnt help but also try to make a little joke as well...since they all knew just how BAD things could get during this reading of the will. she moved away from Nicolas, and walked over to Alison, escorting the Seer in and they were first to see that Erika, Vivica and the twins had arrived. Morgan looked upon Erika with a detatched coldness, Vivica got a less cold stare and the twins were acknolwedged but Morgan tried to soften her look toward them. Offering Alison the seat closest to Alycia's, who sat at the head of the conference table, Morgan turned around and saw Foxfire a few seats back. Fox looked rather different, more FEMININE it seemed and she was wearing one of Morgan's diamond tennis bracelets.>>

Blaze wearing a skirt...a short one at that and expensive fine jewelry? is she FEELING WELL?

<< Morgan thought. still it was rather sweet to see her younger sister wearing a piece of her jewelry as Blaze had never taken that much interest in high fashion before. she must have received it after Morgan's apparent "death" during the battle of Master Mold.>>


<< Morgan took her own seat as her mother, Haleigh, Delilah, Nicolas took thier seats. Alison , the members of the Six and Karen were on Alycia's left, while Erika, Vivica and the twins were on her right. the mood was somber but calm for the moment. Alycia was not in the room just yet but clearly her things were seat at the head of the table.>>

[Oracle]

<< and so, with all the guests assemebled, there was a pensive silence about the large conference room. Alycia herself was not there yet but clearly her place was set. The woman was known for her cutting edge professionalism and FEARED for her blood thirsty, painfully savvy tactics. She managed one up even Haleigh Davidoff on several occasions and so it meant nothing to her that Vivica had once attempted to "eliminate her", that woman had no idea just how DEADLY the backlash would have been had she succeeded.>>

<< there was much bad blood in the room, many rivalries and scores to settle and now was the time for it. Once Alycia completed her role, she would stand back and let the claws come out and the fur fly.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled back as he received the compliment from Morgan. He also noticed the slight caress odf her hand on his and, althoough her thoughts were hidden to him, the slight speeding up her heart muscle was not. He relished her soft touch, then straightened himself up once she cleared her throat, realizing that the moment was concluded.

Morgan teleported them both by disk to her apartment, then the entire group to Alycia's offices. He had been here before, he could only hope that this situation would be better, but he realized that it was probably not to be.

Nicolas sat with the Six towards the end opposite of Morgan and Alison, so he could easily see everyone from his vantage point.The tension in the room was palpable. Even the psi-screened members, whose thoughts were hidden to him, still practically oozed tension that he could sense in any case. As they waited for Alycia, Nicolas noticed Blaze and contacted her via telepathy.

It's good to see you. I think this is the first time I have seen you in a skirt, you wear it quite well. I would have spoken sooner but I thought it might be best to let you and Vivica have your time together. I'm glad you at least got the flowers I left and I hope to speak with you more at length very soon.

He looked around at the faces of the women gathered. He realized that some of the most powerful and beautiful women on the planet were here, and that some of them had scores to settle with the others. This meeting was not a situation he was looking forward to, that was sure. But he had a duty to the group, and he would do his best to make this as peaceful as possible.

[Foxfire]

Running her lithe fingertips through her thick chocolate hair, Blaze looked up to see the others arriving. Her green eyes moving to Morgan, Delilah, before stopping on Haleigh. Nodding to each of them casually she reached for a nail filer, which was nestled in a small stationary case. Fox's beauty was a stark contrast to Morgan look wise. But something in the air linked the two together. Maybe Blaze was taking after her big sister after all.

Blaze could swear she could hear a pin drop. She felt the room tense and the air stale. The heat radiating from Morgan and the others. Shit, its about to get Jerry Springer in here. She thought as she began to file her nails quietly.

She knew Alycia had not been present as of yet. It probably meant the woman was making last minute preparations. Blaze was definitely morphing into a beautiful swan from her cocoon metamorphous. But, why? What was the cause? The answer was Vivica Fox. The woman made her feel different inside.

Blowing across her nails, Blaze seemed slightly lofty. Her chocolate locks shimmering under the lights of Alycia's office. Pushing the tennis bracelet back she put the filer away. Looking to each woman in the room, Blaze knew each one was capable of releasing their "inner bitch" INCLUDING Delilah.

Now Delilah getting all wild and crazy? Blaze would pay to see that woman let loose. But, was D capable of behaving badly? Absolutely not, right? Nicolas' charming voice slipped inside her head.

Hello there. Every moth needs time to cocoon into that beautiful butterfly. Its nature, its human, its evolution. Things change, but let's get through this will reading for the others.

She said vaguely to him. Removing her small framed glasses before placing them on the table awaiting for Alycia to commence.

[MorningStar]

"Everyone deals with loss in their own way, Delilah. Losing a father when you are young is very difficult... I would know... mine died when I was six."

[ Her eyes darted quickly to Haleigh as she defended the twins' behavior, flashing with anger. She kept her emotions under wraps, however, as this was not the time to get into it over Haleigh's superiority complex. How dare she speak to me as if I don't know what's it's like to lose a father...and a mother. Oh I forgot, no one knows more about anything than Haleigh Davidoff: Queen of Condescension.

Delilah had intentionally waited for Morgan to return before heading down to Alycia's office - she wanted to be on hand if Alison needed her, or if she needed to referree the proceedings. All of this family turmoil had not been present in her own family - she could barely even imagine it being like this - but since she met the other members of the Six she had gotten used to these battles.

Morgan teleported them all to the office (much easier than walking) and they began to assemble. As the reading of the will would not directly affect her, she took a place standing at the back of the room.

Crossing her arms and leaning against the wall, she looked at the people who had arrived before them. Erika and the twins were a mystery to her - she barely knew Erika and had never met Cameron's daughters before. What she thought of their behavior she had already expressed to the others. Blaze looked as if she was trying to be less abrasive to the others - in her own way. She was not the type to apologize, but she would make amends in her own time. Then there was Vivica. In Delilah's limited contact with her she had always come across as cold and distant. And Alycia CLEARLY disliked her.

She quietly waited for things to begin. As soon as this thing ended, the better. ]

[Alycia Barnett]

:: the sound of high heels could be heard coming close as Alycia Barnett finally strode into the conference room, carrying a Coach attache' and two files. she spoke immediately as she entered, not bothering to look at anyone in particular as she took her place at the head of the table.::

Good afternoon ladies and gentleman. I am Alycia Barnett and I am here during this unfortunate occasion in the capacity as executrix of the will and estate for Cameron King.

Upon the time of his death, I was entrusted to handle the revealing and the reading of his will. I ask that you remain SILENT

::looking at Erika, Vivica and the twins as she said that::

until I am finished.

::Alycia's voice was feminine, strong, clear and her tone direct. she moved with efficiency as she set her files down and opened her attache and drew forth some documents. standing at the head of the table, she cleared her throat and began.::

I, Cameron King, of 4616 Fashion Way Circle [Illustra], being of sound mind, do hearby declare that this is my Last Will and Testament certify that I am not acting under any undue influence, duress or menace.

I revoke all earlier Wills and Codicils.

I appoint as my executrix/trustee:
Alycia Barnett of 82 Central Park West, New York City, New York

My executrix shall not be required to give any bond or security in any jurisdiction and administer my estate without court supervision to the maximum extent permitted by law.

My executrix may, at anytime, nominate an individual, bank or trust company to serve as an additional executor/executrix.

I wish to be buried.

Without imposing any legal obligations, I wish to leave my executrix the following instructions:

I am to be laid to rest at at "Hope" Cemetary.

::Alycia paused for a moment, as she looked over some of the documents, and then turned the page. Looking with a scowl at anyone who dared to try to peek at the documents at her place on the table.::

continuing on,

I appoint as legal guardian for my children, Sarah and Sydney King:

Alison Marble of 4616 Fashion Way BLVD (Illustra), giving her sole physical custody of Sarah and Sydney King.

:: Alycia looked at the twins, the Erika and Alison. As she looked back at Erika, she couldnt help but have a smirk on her face.::

that will put this uppity wanna be joan of arc in her place....i bet she wasnt expecting THAT- to be SECOND CHOICE! but ...what about Alison? This is such a ...an unexpected thing to have to be faced with.

It is noted that in the event Alison Marble dies or is no longer able to care for and insure the wellbeing of these children, Erika King of 1439 Windmill Pointe, Pacific Pallicades, CA, listed as "godmother" will be appointed the substitute guardian of Sarah and Sydney King


on to the matter of property, assets, gifts and legacies

To Haleigh Davidoff, of 4616 Fashion Way Circle[Illustra] I leave the personal effects of my estate including all artwork, furniture and pictures, however my daughters, Sarah and Sydney are to be allowed first pick of things they want as well as his dog from his Penthouse, the Great Dane named Norma.


To Morgan Victoria, of 4616 Fashion Way Circle, I leave full business control over the King Enterprises/Illustra Partnership as well as the ownership of the New York Parthenon Hotel.

To Erika King, of 1439 Windmill Pointe, Pacific Pallicades, CA, I leave her with the status of Partner in his subsidiary companies and Non Profit Organizations as well as the previously undiscolosed charity known as Life Prophet Inc. which helps kids get out of the foster system and into good homes as well as getting kids off of the streets.

To Vivica Lennox, i leave King Enterprises, she will be installed is CEO and President of all operations, deferring only to Morgan Victoria in the handling of the partnership between King Enterprises and Illustra as well as the Parthenon Hotel

To Alison Marble of 4616 Fashion Way Circle, New York City, New York, I leave the house in Los Angeles as well as all personal journals that will reveal previously unknown information on a variety of "subjects."

::Alycia emphasized the world "subjects" as she looked around the room. clearly there were some SECRETS in these journals and more than one person in this room could be humiliated or OTHERWISE by them. how FITTING that the seer/precog of the group now have complete access to them. She hoped that ERIKA and VIVICA would be blown out of the water by this.::

To my daughters, Sydney and Sarah King, I request that upon theire 18th birthday [if it has not already been reached] they receive POD on Cameron's bank accounts which will be used to purchase them houses, cars, etc.

10 Million to each of the Daughters with 2 million in investments for each of them to be paid out in dividends.

With liquid assets estimated at 90 million, my executrix shall hold what is left of my estate on trust to sell or retain it and:

Pay my remaining debts and funeral expenses

After meeting these expenses, use the residue of my estate to pay any remaining debts of my daughters Sarah King and Sydney King and my sisters.

All non profit agencies left to Erika King will be sufficiently funded.

upon all of these conditions being satisfied, i leave the rest of my fiscal assets and estate to be divided among the members of The Six in EQUAL shares.


:: closing the file::

and that, concludes the reading of the last will and testament of Cameron King.

:: looking at Delilah and Nicolas::

obviously some of you were not members of the Six or connected to Cameron King at the time this will was finalized and signed by the appropriate parties. Some of you were also "dead" at the time. :looking at Blaze: which is why Cameorn allowed me the power to add the amendment of leaving a financial gift in equal shares to be given to every member of the six after all obligations are met.

given some of the guests in attendance...especially those who act as though they've just come down off the cross, and others who so eaily neglect their duties as a chaparone

:: a shot at Erika and Vivica::


:: glaring at Vivica::

I certainly hope for the sake of King Enterprises that you dont handle the company as absentmindedly as you did Cameron's children.

::rolling her eyes as she slammed her attache shut, she directed her assistant to place documents in front of Erika dn Vivica while she took the others over to Alison to sign. and now was the time for everyone to speak in reaction to the reading of the will.::


There will be several documents for you to sign Alison, as well as you Erika and ....:: in an cold, grudging voice:: you as well...Vivica.

[Harbinger]

::sitting on the first chair to the left of Alycia, Alison sat silently. still in her spaghetti strapped donna karan black dress, Alison was once again wearing her oversized, round framed sunglasses, hiding her cobalt blue eyes and her facial expression from her sister and the twins.::

::while she harbored no resentment toward the twins, she ALREADY had adopted a distrust of Sydney. her powers as a seer and precog indicated an aura of trouble around the girl and Alison was not in the mood to rehbilitate some loud mouthed prima donna if that was what Sydney turned out to be.::

:: as everyone took their seats and Alycia arrived, Alison couldnt help but take a bit of solace in Alycia's "to the point", no nonsense attitude. Alycia didnt hold her tongue and would tell it like it is. if Erika or anyone else opened her mouth, she didnt know WHAT she'd do but she could at least count on Morgan, Alycia and Karen to back her against Erika. Vivica was of no consequence to her at this point. She knew that the woman was a trusted friend of Cameron's and had been there with him as he got his company started, she knew that Vivica would be mentioned in the will...they all would in ways that some might not expect.::

:: Alison, sat still and didnt show any reaction as Alycia began reading the will. A look of tight disgust came over her face as she heard that Cameron named HER the guardian of Sarah and Sydney King.::

NO!! I'm not READY to be "mother" to these children!!! WHY WOULD HE DO THIS!?

:: her fist clenched as Alycia continued on. she glared at Erika.::

yes, give HER the "non profit" organizations and let her continue in her persona of the "savior" while I have to CONTINUE to do the REAL work.

::it wasnt what he gave Erika that bothered her. She could care less. she wasnt here for what she was "getting". but the fact that Erika ALWAYS seemed to be able to get away with not carrying her weight. there was ALWAYS an excuse. "it wasnt the right time, it couldnt happen right now..." ALWAYS SOMETHING! Alison was NOT connected to the twins...and she knew she wasn't ready for this. her blood was BOILING as she continued to sit...a cold, glare coming over her face even with her oversized sunglasses on.::

:: as Alycia finished up and declared that there were documents to sign, Alison couldnt hold back anymore. she spoke up.::

it's typical. Cameron always seemed to be "impressed" with YOUR :: looking at Erika:: messiah/martyr complex. Now you get to purvey that facade to the masses, while the REST of us know you for what you are...a woman who rides on the coattails of everyone else and gets over by somehow charming people with your sickening POLLYANA-ESQUE routine. You show up here...after being conveniently ABSENT when Cameron needed HELP...when this TEAM could have used the help and possibly made a difference in saving his life...and now you think you've done something by delivering a eulogy that you probably copied off of the internet.

well its NOT going to work today!

:: slamming her fist down::

EVERYTIME you show up here...you bring with you CHAOS and DAMAGE that I have to FIX. I LEFT you years ago because i was TIRED of protecting you...and THAT HASNT CHANGED.

It will be I that is left to care for his children...while YOU get to go back to whatever cloud in the sky you sit perched on like some wanna be mary poppins.

WHY is it...that you somehow get maximum credit for MINIMUM effort?

WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN CAMERON NEEDED YOU ERIKA!?

[Foxfire]

Blaze had continued to sit quietly with the others. Alycia's heels alerting the mutant to her strong - firm strut. Alycia walked in seconds later with a firm disposition that humored Blaze. Her eyes moving to Erika, the twins, and Vivica. Here we go, let's get ready to rumble. She thought to herself.

Despite her thoughts, Blaze turned to see Alison hiding behind a pair of oversized sunglasses. Blaze felt the fuming anger rising off her. Alycia began to the Will reading immediately.

Fox couldn't believe the results in the will mainly naming Alison the guardian of Sydney and Sarah King. Her own eyes went wide as she looked from Erika to Alison. Nibbling on her bottom lip she felt the steam rising off the Seer.

Alycia explained why certain members of the team were left out. Giving the attorney a nod, Blaze didn't mind at all she wasn't family. But, it seemed Alycia could add and delete whoever she wished. The reading was adjourned as Alison exploded in anger.

Blaze watched on as Alison's venomous words would only provoke the situation further. She certainly wouldn't play mediator between the family. This was a family affair, one she wasn't getting involved with.

[Erika King]

< Erika's blood was boiling as well. How the hell could Cameron leave the girls to ALISON?! It made no sense at all. Alison should have been the last person to get anything of those girls as she had barely even acknowledged their existence in the past. This was getting old. Erika wasn't DOING anything. Alison always had a way of placing some kind of blame on someone so she didn't have to take her part in it and Erika was sick of it. These sisters were going to tear each other limb from limb. >

WHERE THE HELL WAS I? WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?

< She stood up from her chair her fists clenched in rage. >

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS BULLSHIT, ALISON! It's is ALWAYS the same thing with you. The Whole I didn't do a DAMN thing either but I can't let anybody know that attitude. You ALWAYS have a way of placing whatever you CAN'T accept onto others. I know MORE about Cameron's DEATH than you could even begin to grasp ALISON! You say I wasn't there! You say I didn't help! I DID HELP Alison! You know how many times he wanted to LEAVE the SIX because he couldn't handle you? You know how many times I told him to go back to you despite my own feelings that you were just as COLD HEARTED as our MOTHER?

< Erika bowed her head down and then brought it back up her eyes glowing a bright shade of silver that showed up whenever she was upset or in danger. >

We BOTH didn't do a DAMN thing! Nobody did.. Everyone assumed he was okay. NOBODY did ANYTHING. That is the COLD HARD TRUTH. I thought he would be SAFE with you and I don't know five other people who are DESTINED to save the WORLD? The fact IS you seemed more concerned with the death of Morgan Victoria and NOT the dissappearance of your own BROTHER. I don't know why since the women in HER family have a way of rising from the dead more times than a LUCKY CAT! Seems not to long ago You DIDNT JUST LEAVE ME! You left CAMERON as well and who had to go it alone and PROTECT an INFANT against our abusive MOTHER? ME! WHO MADE SURE HE WAS EVEN ALIVE FOR YOU TO MEET?! You always seem to neglect the fact that you left because you were SELFISH and POWER HUNGRY and you found the POWERFUL sister in Morgan that you JUST couldn't see in ME. SO I am SORRY you feel above your family but it seems that now your whole FAMILY is DEAD! No father, No Mother and No BROTHER! I am ALL you got SUGAR! That and the two girls who you don't even know the middle names of. I DON'T understand how right now you can be such a LOATHING and HATEFUL BITCH!

< She lifted her hand and smacked Alison dead in the face. They were on the battle path and if nobody stopped them they would SURELY kill one another right in the office. >

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan immediately snapped her glare onto Erika as the woman retorted Alison and DARED to mention HER.>>

You better just shut your damn mouth. As a woman you are an INSULT and as a witch you have less talent than your mother. Believe me...i should know as i kicked her ass all OVER the battle field not once but TWICE.

ALISON has been more of a woman, more of a PROTECTOR than you could EVER hope to be. She may have left that toxic family family dynamic and went out into the world alone, but FOR YOU, a person who claimed to ALWAYS be there for Cameron..YOU left him out in the cold...ALONE AND HOMELESS! it was YOUR spell that prevent Alison from even being AWARE of him until the night the citadle melted down.

Alison and Cameron had their problems...and they may have torn at each other in ways that most of us never imagined a brother and sister would...but WHO CAN BLAME THEM? just look at the woman they had for a mother? someone that YOU were obviously too WEAK to stand up against, which is why YOU came back and dragged US ALL in to do the job YOU were too WEAK to do.

and as for ME and MY family, you better keep OUR names out of your mouth before i BARBEQUE your uppity ass right here in this office. YOU GOT THAT!? As it stands right now..I owe you a good punch in the face for the way you disrespected myself AND Sharon Kelly who is ALSO dead by the way.

<< Morgan stood up, DARING Erika to cross her. It was well known that Morgan was the most powerfull sorceress in the room and if anyone tried anything..they'd live to regret it. Morgan watched in shock as Erika attempted to strike Alison!>>

[Harbinger]

::Alison's mouth opened with anger and shock as Erika retorted her. Calling her out as a selfish, power hungry BITCH who was just like their MOTHER!? how DARE that woman!::

:: As Erika went on her tyraid and somehow attempted to turn this around, Alison abruptly shot back.::

Cameron was on LEAVE from the Six...I had a FIRM fix on him with my powers a seer until the night Master Mold came. Then Malice captured us and cancelled out my powers with the black lotus blossom...about the ONLY thing that could negate my powers as a Seer. She HAD him at that time. NO BODY assumed he was okay..we just DIDNT KNOW. Morgan was dead, Alexis had betrayed the team....i nearly DIED protecting this entire CITY...and again YOU were absent. No doubt you'll tryto hide behind Ororo as your excuse...she's about the ONLY person who could remotely tolerate you anyway.

YOU could have made the difference, you who claims to be so ENLIGHTENTED and so BEYOND the tainting of dark magick. You PROMISED your brother you'd be there when he needed you, well I was dead, HALF OUR TEAM was dead...and yet you were no where to be found. Nobody could "do anything" as you put it because WE COULDNT, but YOU , AGAIN had the means and yet somehow were nowhere to be found.

and now you DARE to stand here today and try to criticize me? you weak, ineffective, blubbering bleeding heart?

:: as Erika stormed up to Alison and attempted to slap her, Alison "SAW" that coming and GRABBED Erika's hand, standing as she twisted Erika's arm and wrist back.::

FALL BACK BITCH!

:: Guardian narrows her eyes..as a rushing chiming sound is heard Erika's chest and abdomen are SLAMMED by telekinetic power as she is sent flying up and backward into a wall. and without missing a step, Guardian prepares to thrust her hands forward ala' Piper Halliwell::

Alycia can execute ANOTHER will today....YOURS!

:: Guardian unleashes a molecular acceleration attack as she DETONATES the air all around Erika causing a localized explosion.::

[Erika King]

< Erika flies back into the wall as the explosion around her singes her skin slightly making her look as if she stuck her finger into an electrical outlet. But even then she stood up in extreme pain but her rage giving her all the strength she needed. >

WHY is it that everyone around you has to DIE before you realize that they LOVE you, Alison? Do you have ANY CLUE as to why I went to Limbo with Ororo in the FIRST Place! I tried to CHANGE! I realized the importance of Dark Magick! I was training! I wanted to be MORE LIKE YOU! I thought for maybe a second if I was as powerful as you that Cameron would look to ME as his GUARDIAN and not you of whom he had some weird need to love you and get to know you.

I FUCKED UP ALISON! I am SORRY for that! But I haven't said ONE word to you since I have been here! ONE WORD! And you have all this ANGER! ALL THIS PAIN! Of which I have nothing to DO with! It's YOU! YOU ALISON! STOP BLAMING ME for your feelings!!! I am NOT as weak nor am I as NICE as I once was. I have seen things in Limbo that have CHANGED my life and when the TRUTH comes out about CAMERON's death you will realize that NOBODY! Not even MALICE had anything to do with it! I hope you like reading his journals Alison! I hope you see the REAL reason Cameron died. It was to SAVE YOU! It was to save ALL of you! HE is the REAL martyr!

< It was obvious that Erika knew a LOT more about Cameron's death than she had previously revealed. Everyone was confused by her statement. Was she with Cameron when he died? Did she know something she couldn't say? >

I AM LEAVING! DAMN THIS FAMILY! I tried to make it work and I just CAN'T! We will MEET AGAIN ALISON! AND IN TRUE KING FAMILY FASHION IT WILL BE TO BURY YOU! I SWEAR TO GOD! I WILL KILL YOU!

< Erika was done with it! She was completely done with everything. She worked in Limbo to be more like her sister to hopefully have a relationship with her. When Cameron came to her, she did what her brother wanted, even though it was against her wishes! She felt like an utter failure and this time it was too much! Why did he want to save these hideous people? They didn't give a damn about him. Alison was more concerned with trying to be the better sister and her lackey Morgan was right there with her. Erika was wounded, she knew she wouldn't be able to retaliate now. She knew it was too much. She needed to recuperate. >

MARK my WORDS.. I will DESTROY what Cameron wanted to PROTECT! He always loved you more Alison. Always, and soon you will be able to join him in the Great Beyond you Insufferable BITCH! You have YET to see what I am capable of!

< With a wave of her hands, Erika errupted in a flurry of flames and dissappeared from the room. Everyone equally scared as to what was going to happen next. >

[Foxfire]

Just like that of on coming hurricane the team was trapped in the eye of the storm. A fierce - deadly storm that had been brewing for months, maybe even years. Blaze sat quietly observing the others until Erika exploded in her own anger. Her own tone deadly and vicious with the appearance of her silver irises.

Blaze watched the two interact or scream at the other. Sighing she shook her head before Erika made the mistake of addressing Morgan and her "family" rising from the dead more than a lucky cat. The heat inside Blaze tripled as she stood up abruptly, her own teeth clenched.

"You stupid thunder cunt! Do NOT take your hatred out on me or my sister because your jealous of the friendship between Alison and Morgan!"

Erika moved to slap Alison while Morgan also retorted in defense, nearly getting ready to brawl. Delilah jumped in the middle to intervene. Blaze vaulted over the table stealthy as she pulled Delilah out of the middle just in time for Alison to send a backlash assault on Erika.

She turned to Delilah, shaking her head. "No D, let them get this out. You'll only hurt yourself if you interfere."

But just as quickly as it happened Erika retreated as Blaze scoffed. "Coward."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen shook her head slightly as Alycia read the will. she KNEW what was coming. But she noted that it was clear that Alycia had wide powers as the executrix over Cameron's estate. If Alison were not ready to take the twins, she could simply hand them over to Erika. A simple solution that even ERIKA should be able to comprehend and be okay with...but of course, the time for discussion, civil discussion was now OVER. as Alison unleashed her feelings against Erika.>>

<< as a therapist, Karen knew the importance of moments like this...but of course most of her clients were normal, NON powered humans who couldnt up the ante the way Alison or even Erika could. She wanted, with a look of disapproval on her face as Erika retorted...and when she mentioned MORGAN, and spoke on "the women in her family coming back more times than a lucky CAT!?" did she know the PAIN that Karen had suffered when Morgan was pulled through the seige perilous? did she know WHY Morgan chose to do it???>>

you disrespectfull wench.

<< Karen said coldly as she narrowed her eyes>>

you are not WORTH the effort it would take to destroy. But CLEARLY you are not as smart as you would pretend to be. MY DAUGHTER laid down her LIFE for her TEAM...for YOUR SISTER. MORE OVER, she laid down her life so that the city she once tried to destroy would now LIVE! She NEVER quite forgave herself for what she tried to do to your brother and her death during the battle with Master Mold was HER way of trying to tip the scales BACK closer to a balance. ALISON as well all but DIED protecting her team and the city from the traitorous Shockwave and Malice.

Your brother had found a new ground..a new level of respect and connection with this team. his sister Alison began to show him a warmth she couldnt have allowed her self to show BEFORE. When he left, she TRUSTED his judgement and ALLOWED him to leave. His disappearence and death happened at the same time that this team was nearly DESTROYED not once but TWICE.

For you to be so privvy to secrets that we are not aware of...ONE THING remains crystal clear....when the chips were down..YOU were nowhere to be found for your brother OR your sister. ORORO came to rescue what was left of this team and I joined in as well but when all else failed....you were STILL no where to be found.

what's the common factor here Erika? that when things need to be DONE...YOU are not the one for the job.

<< Karen sat there , looking at Erika as if she were a piece of trash and as Erika went to strike Alison, Karen exclaimed with protest. Guardian stood up and held her ground, hurling her sister back and lashing out with her powers..a LETHAL blow that would have killed most but Erika, due to her oen mystical heritage and possibly the training she received rom Ororo, was now able to withstand this partiular attack.>>

<< Erika seemed to abandon her saintly facade as she declared that the team was WRONG in believing that Malice was responsible for Cameron's death and that ALISON was NEXT to be buried.>>

YOU'RE WRONG. Alison HAS a family..RIGHT HERE among US! and if you think that we will allow you or ANYONE ELSE to harm her...you are SADLY MISTAKEN child.

I usually do not question Ororo's judgement, but in this instance..I wonder if she WASTED her efforts on one such as YOU!

<< Erika threatened Alison one last time and before Karen decided to stand up and SCRAMBLE Erika's powers with her own magicks, Erika was GONE in a torrent of flames>>

<< Karen breathed out heavily.>>

it would appear that everyone's dislike of Erika has been MORE than justified. But this was bound to happen. the family dynamic in the King/Marble family has been toxic for ages.

<< Karen regretted that it had come to this, but she also knew that sometimes things HAD to reach this point before they finally were resolved.>>

[Sarah King]

:: Sarah stood up out of her chair as it fell to the ground. What were these people doing? It seemed more than anything they wanted to kill each other, not protect her or her sister. She had never seen Erika like that and she was scared to think what would have happened if Erika didnt leave. What were they thinking? ::

STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!!

:: Tears fell from her eyes as she looked at everyone with extreme dissappointment. She had never been more scared of anything in her entire life. These were the people her father entrusted his life to? He was obviously insane. ::

"You are all PITIFUL! Fighting in front of us like that! Do you REALLY think that Dad would have wanted any of this when he died. He CHOSE you Alison because he thought you could really do it! We BOTH know Erika is flaky to say the least. She likes the idea of being a caretaker! Dad talked about you like he was amazed by you! He always had good things to say about you! He chose you because he knew in the end you would be the one that would lay down your life for us! Although now I think he made.. He made a BIG Mistake! We are better off HOMELESS like he was... I don't.. I don't want to be apart of any family.. Let alone a KING!"

:: She ran out of the room and out of the office! Sarah was too scared! She wanted to just scream and pull all of her hair out. How could he have left? How could he do this to them. Her tears and crying were uncontrollable as she slid down the wall, crying with her head in her hands. ::

"Why did you do this to US!? Why can't you COME BACK! WHY DIDN'T YOU LIVE! Why does your DEATH MAKE ME HATE YOU!? COME BACK! DAD! COME BACK! Please!!! I swear.. I swear I will be better.. I will keep Sydney under control.. I won't get in any trouble.. Come back and make it better! PLEASE..."

:: She was beyond words and pain. Sarah King was heading for a breakdown. ::

[Sydney King]

:: Sydney was moved beyond words for the first time in her life. She was so upset but she could never vocalize is it as well as her sister could. She always felt like her sister was the one that spoke and she was the one that fought. Sydney was like Sarah's "Guardian" and as she watched Alison and Erika she couldn't help but fear that one day Sarah and Sydney would be like that. She couldn't help but notice the similarities between Alison and herself and Erika and Sarah. They were too much alike. It was creepy. Sydney stood up after her sister ran out of the room in tears with no tears on her face just a look of disgust. ::

"I am not going all emotional on you.. that's not my type. I have done my fair share of crying and don't think I don't know how weird you all think it is we aren't so broken up about it... How about you stop waiting for us to get upset because we have already been there.. We were in Los Angeles for THREE days crying our eyes out. We've been through all the "Why Me's?" and whatnot. We want to be strong for our dad and we are doing a better job of it than any of you here. Why does death always make people so selfish. Dad DIED! End of story.. none of us could have done ANYTHING. When it's your time to die, it's time.. Don't comfort Sarah! I will do that myself as I know all of you are too self absorbed to do so. So please go back to the game of whodunnit, but don't be dissappointed if you find out it WASN'T Miss Scarlet in the Ballroom with the Candlestick!"

:: Sydney walked out the room calmly and sat down next to her sister, cradling her sister deeply. She took on a whole new caretaker role right now that was unexpected of Sydney's character. ::

"It's okay... Sarah.. it's fine.. we have each other.. Stop crying for me.. Be strong for me.. Be strong for Dad.. We need to get out of here, kid. I think we outstayed our welcoming. We are rich now remember? We can't get away from here... We can get our own place, we can do the school thing.. We can make Dad proud.. Just forget about them and think about us.. I love you kid..."

[Rampage]

Nicolas was surprised that the reading was going so well. It even seemed that he would receive a bit to donate to charity or to spend on Cameron's daughters, he had yet to decide.

Suddenly, everything went to hell in a hand basket. Each of the sisters had a say, with Erika apparently tryig to insult everyone in the room as she purported to know more about his death than anyone there. As Nicolas mulled this information over, the battle began in earnest. He threw up a separating shield, but Alison got her attack in first, a devastating TK attack that impressed him in its ferocity.

HMNPH!! I will have to learn that one.

Finally, Erika seemed to declare herself the enemy of the Six, threatening them all as she vowerd to destroy what Cameorin had helped to create. This was all the provocation that NIcolas needed. He exploded upright, rising above everyone else in the room.

"You will do no such thing, Erika King. You will find that threatening us is much easier than carrying such threats out."

As ghe spoke, he encased her in a telekinetic holding shield designed to limit her chances to physically attack any of the people there. He considered more drastic measures but Erika simply threatened Alison once more before departing.

"What the fuck is her issue?!!"

Nicolas asked to no one in particular. She came out of nowhere, seemed to only add confusion and grief, then left wothout the children she claimed in her tirade to love so much.

If they are so dear to her, why did she hightail it out of here? Anyone with any sense puts up with Alison's outburst and then gets the kids if not now, then later in court.

Suddenly, the twins exploded in sorrow and disappointment. As they rushed to leave, he teleported to the hallway to speak to them.

"Look, I know that you are upset and disppointed right now, but there were things brewing in there that predate even your births. I lost my own father less than a year ago and I understand how unsettling that can be. Please...take a moment to relax. Let's go back in, work this all out and get you guys taken care of. The times WILL get better, I PROMISE. It just takes time when everyone is hurting and angry like this. What do you say?"

Nicolas stretched his hands out to the pair. He hurt for their loss and for how they must have felt seeing all they have left almost battle to the death.

[Jill Monroe]

oh please!

<< Morgan scoffed with agitation as she waved her hand dismissively as Nicolas' remarks.>>

you don't seem to understand, Nicolas.

THAT woman has acted like she descended from frickin' the mount of olives to rescue us lost savages for AGES. Alison gave her EXACTLY what was coming to her. Not only is she an idiot, but she direspects EVERYONE she comes in contact with...or didnt you notice the way she insulted Blaze and myself and WE werent even INVOLVED up to that point.

If Erika DOES know something about Cameron's death that we missed, why hasnt ALISON "seen" it? why would MALICE take credit for something she didnt do? We know that she's no one's pawn..she was the most powerfull member of Mystech's inner circle AND She even provided Alison with the psychic and emotional FEEDBACK from Cameron as he died! you cant DO that unless you were THERE to preside over his death and even SHE couldnt fabricate that.

the bottom line is that Erika has made a threat on Alison's...OUR lives. She needs to be KILLED and I'll GLADLY take the job. I nearly killed her mother...TWICE and BOTH times she was RESCUED by someone else. Erika is NO match for me on her BEST day. Better yet, I'm going to tell Ororo about this...

<< Morgan didnt realize how blood thirsty she shounded in the presence of the twins UNTIL Sarah AND Sydney spoke up...their words were HONEST, PLAINTIVE and TELLING...Morgan looked at BOTH of them...and realized that despite their youth...they touched on something that WAS rather important..THEIR wellbeing. all this violence in front of them....it could only reiforce what they already felt....that they would be left out in the cold ALONE with no one to care for them.>>

<< Morgan fell silent as both Sarah and Sydney left the room....exhaling with annoyance>>

DAMMIT! what are we going to DO!?

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen slowly stood up, going to Alison's side.>>

we can't let ourselves get out of control. we'd be playing right into Erika's hands.

Morgan is right....Malice wouldnt claim credit for something she didnt have anything to do with. It wasnt her style. she WANTED you to know when she killed or hurt someone. Malice was an omega class telepath as WELL as an empath and a transiamorph (her diamond form). The ONLY way she could "rebroadcast" the psychic and emotional FEEDBACK of someone at the moment of their death is if SHE had been the person who caused their death AND been in contact with their psyche. What Erika says at this point DOESNT make sense.... We don't know YET what she means when it comes to Cameron's death but we have MORE than enough resources to investigate. Alison's powers as a Seer, Morgan's scrying glass, and even the secret journals that Cameron left to Alison may have details.

but THAT is not important right now. We can protect ourselves against Erika if it comes down to it. She may think she's on some new threshold because of Ororo's training but Ororo is as beyond HER as the human is beyond the amoeba.

RIGHT NOW, we have to pull ourselves together....and think about those children. Whatever their history with Alison...they are here now and they are in HER care. She can't let Erika near them so we must HELP her with these children.

<< She held Alison, who seemed so disoriented right now after Erika had left. Karen didnt relish being a LEADER and she wasnt..but she WAS a mother and she knew what being proactive was all about.>>

Haleigh, find the children, take them to their quarters...talk with them. with your connection to Cameron, you may be the best person for them to speak with right now and please dispatch well armed body guards to shadow the children.

Delilah, Rampage take Alison to her floor and stay with her, she's too frayed right now...she needs time to calm herself and reclaim her center and if anything happens...the two of you are more than capable of either fighting off most attacks or evacuating to the security floor with Alison.

Blaze, you stay with Alycia...just in case. but NO stunts, do you understand?

Morgan's magicks protect Illustra itself once more and I can imbue talismans with warding spells for the twins that will protect them from magickal attacks. I'll also contact Persephone to have her aware of Erika just so she is not taken by surprise.

Morgan, when you return to your penthouse, put a "call" into Ororo...she needs to know what has happened.

OVERALL though, we need to remain call and PULL TOGETHER.

[Harbinger]

:: Erika exploded with an almost INSANE, murderous rage. It was unlike anything Alison or the others had seen before...from HER. Alison however was not AFRAID, merely GRATIFIED. Erika now prooved how much of a hypocrate she was as she not only dissed Morgan, Blaze and Karen but now threatened the lives of the Six as WELL as Alison's.::

:: Alison stood her ground, ready to ESCALATE even as Nicolas stepped and formed a barrier between Erika and herself. Alison could bypass, but she knew that wasnt what needed to happen. There were other, far more imporant issues to address.::

::Erika more than hinted that they were on the wrong track about Cameron's death, almost as if she were REVELING in that. but WHY? There was no time to ponder, as Alison felt herself coming under a severe headache. the stress, the anger the ANGUISH...she couldnt suppress it anymore, she couldnt hold it in her marble hard heart and as Erika flamed out, Alison FELL BACK , passing out from the pain and grief.::

:: Karen caughter her as best she could and helped to sit her down in the chair as Alycia ran to get her a glass of water.::

.........I told you, she...she is not to be trusted! I've SEEN it!

:: NOW the members of The Six could see that Alison was JUSTIFIED! she may be a cold, caculated and sometimes BRUTAL precog/witch...BUT she made no secret about who she was..and when the chips were down SHE had PROOVEN she was prepared to lay down her life for her team...even members whom she had once fought bitterly with like her own brother and Haleigh.::

she has spent her...WHOLE LIFE building this FACADE..this IDEA that she was somehow going to SAVE me from myself and be the sister to Cameron that I never was!

:: Alison STILL couldnt grasp the fact that Cameron LOVED her as much as Erika had suggested. It just didnt SEEM like him. they had only JUST begun to repair their rift after the Inferno and during the Helen Quartermaine caper. She remembered saving from him from Bane when the man was about to MOLEST him at the Parthenon...she remembered the heart to heart they had when Blaze died...and when HE came back to save HER from the super soldier....::

Cameron..... the twins.

:: Alison lost consciousness. she was overwhelmed...and she needed space, rest. Karen held on to Alison until Nicolas gently picked her up to carry her. Karen stroked some of her hair back and with that Nicolas transported himself, Alison and Delilah to Alison's floor. it would be HIS first time seeing her luxury apartment.::

[Rampage]

As he tried to calm the twins and get them back into the fold, Nicolas used his connection to Blaze to monitor events inside the meeting room. Karen had taken charge in the resulting emotional chaos, givng each member something to do in this situation. Her plan was very tactically sound, a combination of motherly common sense and military level analysis of the situation. He turned to the twins.

"Young ladies, Haleigh will take you somewhere safe, OK? Right now I have to go but I will check on you later."

Nicolas teleported back into the room, and walked over to where Karen was holding Guardian. He reached out and picked her up gently, careful to preseve her dignity. He spoke to her, aware that even in unconsciousness she possibly could hear them all.

"Let's go, Alison. Dr. Victoria is right. You could use some time to rest, and we are happy to take care of you."

He turned to carry her by teleport to her floor with Delilah. But before he departed, he turned one last time to Karen and Morgan. His face was dark. He did not like threats, and he was take aback at the thought of losing Morgan or karen, or for that matter just about anyone in this room.

"I agree with Morgan. This threat cannot go unanswered. I went through waiting to see what Malice was going to do, and I have no intention of simply waiting for Erika's next move. After we secure the area and get everyone [nods at Alison] in better condition, I think we should track her down and at least evaluate the full extent of her threat. And if she is serious about her threats or will not listen to reason..."

Nicolas turned to leave with Alison.

"Then we put her down."

The three metahumans disappeared, taken by teleporation to Alison's luxury suites.

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia pulled the documents BACK as Alison errupted in anger. She stood back as she quitely filed the documents in a folder, watching Alison pummel Erika verbally but then just at it seemed Erika had been owned again, ERIKA shot back in a way that no one could have guessed.::

:: Alycia shook her head as she grimmed Erika::

this demented bitch. i guess when you spend so much time believing your the savior of lost souls, you wind up LOSING yourself in the illusion.

:: Erika attacked Alison, Morgan, Blaze and then attempted to raise new doubts and questions about the circumstances of Cameron's death. Something that Alycia didnt expect, but she chose to remain silent, instead she was secretly TAPING this whole conversation with a small recorder hidden on the underside of the table, while at the same time, a hidden lines in a book shelf recorded in perfect digital clarity the VISUAL aspect...giving a CLEAR view of Erika's facein the event that law enforcement was somehow involved. this could be used for leverage in SOME way if necessary..::

cover your own ass, i always say.

:: As Erika stupidly attempts to hit Alison. Alison gets up and throws Erika across the room before unleashing her own retaliation.::

my my...talking about a "baptism by FIRE."

::just as Erika made some vague allusions to the circumstances of Cameron's death not being what they seemed, so too did she proceed to threaten the lives of Alison as well as "the FAMILY" which in blunt terms could only mean Sarah and Sydney along with the rest of the Six. ALL of this was now documented and Alycia would see to it that MANY copies were made.::

:: Erika flamed away, the flames caused Alycia to hold her hand up and squint her eyes. Alycia waited to speak...as the twins exclaimed their feelings and left. Alycia calmly turned to Vivica, a woman whom she considered to be MASSIVELY incompetent...but this was something that had to be said.::

Vivica, i hope for your sake and the possible safety of these children that your cyberpathy allowed you to document this entire exchange. the sister of your dead partner and confidant just threatened the lives of his daughters and sister. Clearly the woman has a screw loose and this is MORE than enough grounds to have her ARRESTED but since we arent dealing with a normal human..it will take OTHER means to contain/deal with her.

:: leaving to get Alison some water as Karen went to her side and began to address the others, Alycia made no reference to her recorder under the table OR the fact that her office was laced with state of the art anti-personnel devices that would protect against super human agression. Alycia came and sat by Alison's side. Morgan and Nicolas spoke of taking Erika at her measure and more and Alycia couldnt agree more. NOT ONLY because she felt that Erika was weak as water and not worth the time of day but because the woman CLEARLY had crossed a line from which there was no return.::


as EXECUTRIX of Cameron's will, due to this disturbing development I am STRIKING the clause of Erika being named "godmother" of Sarah and Sydney.Clearly this woman is HARDLY a candidate to provide a safe, stable environment for these children. She's more likely a candidate for a LOBOTOMY.

:: she quipped, as she rolled her eyes and made a quick note on a post-it pad.::

I am also nullifying the clause of her being granted status of partner in the subsidiary holdings of King Enterprises and non profit organizations. Until someone can be found to replace her, I'm afraid i MUST insist that the twins remain HERE under the care of Alison and the Six. Erika's stake in Cameron's will is FROZEN until i say otherwise.

:: Alycia was deadly serious and as Karen asked Blaze to stay with Alycia as everyone was given a task, Alycia couldnt help but remember the last time this happened..the night Shockwave betrayed the team and attacked Illustra. Nicolas and Delilah left with an unconscious Alison, whom she truly hoped would be okay. turning back to Blaze, Alycia looked down at the shorter mutant. She knew the team wasnt exactly thrilled with Blaze right now, but with the situation at hand, now was not the time to nitpick::

de ja vu, eh Blaze?

:: turning to Haleigh::


HALEIGH, when you're done...I'll need to see you here ASAP. I've something to discuss with you.

:: Alycia looked her directly in the eye before leaving the conference room.::

[Foxfire]

Well, the claws came out and the fur flew. Hell, maybe a case of rabbits had gotten a hold of Erika King. The team stood / sat in shock and horror at the altercation between Erika and Alison, Morgan, Dr. Victoria, and Blaze. The mutant shook her head in disapproval and disappointment. She hadn't done anything to Erika, if anything she was polite and respectful to the witch. Blaze tried to analysis the woman, could she be pushed over the limits?

Morgan, Alison, and Karen addressed their feelings on the matter. Immediate termination it seemed. Erika was acting very similar to Alexis back in their deadly caper with Malice. Why did everyone feel the need to betray the team?

Sarah and Sydney made contrasting feelings on the matter. But, both were similar in regard to how everyone in that room behaved. Blaze was taken back that the twins were quick to lash at everyone present but nothing was relevantly mentioned about Erika. It was Erika who flipped out and bitch - slapped Alison or at least tried.

Looking down at her own attire, Blaze wasn't fitted to be battling anyone or anything. Her micro - mini wasn't battle savvy for the situation. She would need to change later on but for now Karen assigned everyone a task. As Karen inquired about pulling stunts, Blaze shook her head.

"No ma'am."

She said, glancing back at Alycia. A sudden feeling of deja déjà vu enveloping her body and mind. Nicolas made a noble attempt to comfort the twins but Blaze knew they wouldn't adapt to him, especially when he was staying in their father's quarters.

"Someone's foaming at the mouth."

The brunette turned to Alison who collapsed into Karen's arms. Blaze's eyes going wide in horror. It all began to register now, despite the Seer's icy exterior. Everything she said about Erika was justified.

Blaze couldn't believe the nerve of Erika to lash out at the people present. "Nicolas is right we need to find Cujo and if it comes to it, put the dog out of its misery." She said coldly her as she looked to each person in the room. Usually Blaze was the type to double think terminating someone but ever since Alexis, she wasn't shy to destroy someone. She knew the consequences and the number of lives on the line.

Nicolas returned to Karen and Alison's side while Alycia supplied a glass of water. Blaze moved closer to Alycia, being a friend of hers. Alison had fallen unconscious, it meant she was overwhelmed by recent events and Erika's stunt only provoked the matter further.

Alycia addressed Vivica with a bit of disdain, even Blaze heard the lawyer's tone. Moving to the door she closed it quietly. Haleigh was still present but Blaze didn't address Black Widow in anyway.

Looking up at Alycia, Blaze had to chuckle. "Yeah, unfortunately not on good circumstances either." She moved to survey the room, making sure Erika didn't leave behind any magical enchantments to maliciously harm anyone. Walking around the office she stopped by the bookshelf. Her superior eyesight noticing the recording device but Blaze moved on. She knew Alycia covered her ass on all angles. Moving to the table she peeked underneath it to spot the recorder making her grin.

Standing up she moved to the window to close the blinds. Her eyes peering outside at the lively city. Locking the window frame tightly, Blaze pulled out a small magnum tucked underneath the bookshelf. Loading the separate clip into the gun quickly. Blaze turned to Alycia who was addressing to see Haleigh at a later convenience. Did she know? Blaze was almost willing to bet on it.

A click was heard as she turned off the safety of the gun. Pulling out a holster hidden behind the bookshelf. Strapping the holster across her upper thigh on her left leg. Moving to the closest of the office, making sure it was clear. Closing the door again she sat herself on the edge of the conference table. Crossing her legs she scooped up the Last Will & Testament of Cameron King. Her eyes looking back to Alycia.

"Looks like you can remove the original from the fire proof safe." She said, Alycia would need to edit the whole Will again.

Alycia got up and Blaze immediately followed in suit. Turning around to walk backwards to make sure nobody was behind them. Turning around she walked beside Alycia, who was taller than the firestarter.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh sat down at the table, after allowing the rest of her party to settle. She kept her eyes on Blaze as she did, ending up sitting directly across from the mutant. Haleigh still wore all black, the clothes from the funeral. Blaze had changed and in Haleigh's mind, had FINISHED mourning Cameron and was now trying to draw attention to herself and her new sense of style.... it was all utterly infuriating but Haleigh told herself that she didnt WANT to hurt Blaze, and repeated the though over and over like a mantra. Furthermore, she had identified the presence and location of recording equipment... hidden to capture candid moments in case business went sour... and it was an unintentional deterrant to Haleigh, who CERTAINLY didn't want footage of herself assaulting Blaze. Haleigh noted the twins, sitting across the table closer to Alycia and next to Erika, both of them looking nervous and uneasy. It was understandable... this was the moment their fate was to be decided.

Haleigh watched as Alycia entered and got right down to business, thankfully. At least SHE could be depended on to be stable, even in these times of uncertainty. Haleigh, were once she had despised the woman [for obvious and understandable reasons], now held nothing but respect for the former DA, even as she KNEW they were about to oppose each other again when the Cassadine crucifixion came to term. She wondered if Alycia already knew about her relation to the Cassadine family and could only imagine she DID... for Alycia never failed to do her homework and Haleigh's OWN files on Ava and Stavros tied her to them.

Haleigh paid due attention to the proceedings, and was grateful to be named recipient of his personal belongings. It was the best thing he could have given her as money was inconsequential and she had ENOUGH on her plate without having ANOTHER business empire to helm.

Alison had been named 'mommy' and Haleigh knew it would be difficult for EVERYONE to deal with, as Erika had clearly hoped to be entrusted with the children and the twins hardly knew ANY of the Six and even less of their surroundings.

Everything blew up at once as soon as Alycia finished speaking but Haleigh remained calm and even seemed a little bored. She was the only one to remain in her seat and as Erika retaliated at Alison, even stopped watching to admire her manicure a bit. She had expected this fight and even though Erika showed a new aspect of her personality, revealing herself to be a vindictive, snarling, rabid animal of a woman, Haleigh didn't REALLY pay attention until Erika starting talking about Cameron's death.... and almost seemed to be boasting. Everyone else erupted as Erika fled, but haleigh narrowed her eyes... the woman HAD to be bluffing... the question was... WHY??

The twins each reacted, and it occured to Haleigh that no matter how NECESSARY and EXPECTED the confrontation between Erika and Alison had been, it must have taken the girls by surprise and been exceedingly violent in their eyes. They just had no idea. Karen took control immediately and delegated directions to each of them, and Haleigh nodded as she received hers. Everyone dispersed to their own objectives and Alycia made a comment to Blaze before turning to Haleigh and conveying a wish to speak with her later... Haleigh almost flinched... but instead nodded, determined not to look as guilty as she felt. She was almost 100 percent sure Alycia KNEW... but at least, unlike Blaze, she wasn't trying to go public with it.

Haleigh sat still for a beat after Alycia left, then pulled herself to her feet and walked out into the hallway where Sarah and Sydney were sitting. Haleigh tucked her blonde hair behind her ear. There was a softness to her nature suddenly, and she didn't try to hide that she was upset about Cameron's death. She walked over to them slowly, looking at them both and remembering their father with a soft, sad smile.

"I remember when I first met your father. He was arrogant... abrasive.... conniving... [she takes a deep, wistful breath and smiles as she sighs] I took to him immediately." She offers her hands down to help the twins to their feet. "Come with me, girls... I have something that belongs to you now, and I reckon I should turn her over."

[Harbinger]

:: Nicolas, carrying an unconscious Alison, arrived on the 106th floor, right underneath Morgan's floor. it was his first time on this floor and others had RARELY been invited here.::

:: as he entered with Alison, along with Delilah..he would see a sprawling, multi level luxury apartment. it was very quiet, very dark. The sound of ticking could be heard...a large, unusually designed grandfather clock with unusual markings on its face could be seen off in the distance. the decor of this place was very natural and rustic, simple and tastefull. there was serenity about the place and it was clear that Alison kept her abode private and secluded.::

:: with help from Delilah, who lit the way and directed him, Nicolas found Alison's large bedroom and was able to carefully lay her in her large, king sized sleigh bed. Delilah would cover her with a blanket and they would leave her there to rest.::

:: back out into the apartment on the main floor level, they would see ancient weapons and symbols of magick. books of spells, mysterious looking plants etc. all the way, the mysterious grandfather clock ticked along. it was so large...one could only imagine what it sounded like when it chimed or "gonged" on the hour.::

:: on the mantle over her fire place, there were pictures..surprising for a woman who seemed not to subscribe to sentimental mentality. pictures of herself and Morgan with their dates...Diddy (Alison's "secret" and frequent companion on the social and celebrity circuit) and Boris Kodjoe at the gala at the Parthenon; a picture of Morgan, Alison, Blaze, Haleigh and Delilah the night they were headed to Sharon Kelly's victory celebration...the night Master Mold changed their lives; but surprisingly....there was a picture of Alison with Cameron...at the Parthenon. When the picture was taken was anyone's guess...but Alison stood tall beside her brother , posed with her hands on her hips while her brother was in a flashy, almost cheeky pose. Alison looked stern, but there was a softness to her facial expression in that picture. it was the first time Nicolas had gotten a chance to see these kinds of personal moments from Alison's life.::

:: Delilah and Nicolas had time to reflect on what had been said and done at the reading of the will, and the chance to talk amongst themselves while they quitely found a place to sit in Alison's sitting room.::


:: Alison meanwhile, lay in her bed, weary, exhausted...and in need of this quiet time as her mind and her body attempted to cope.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas teleported them to Alison's Suite. It was spacious and immaculately done in a classic style. Although it was dark, Nicolas was already seeing as he arrived, then Delilah turned on the lights and led him to Alison's bedroom.

This place is just as I would have imagined it. It is classicly good-looking, just like our Seer. I could almost imagine a butler, or in older times, a squire attending to her in our stead. Oh well, I guess I'll have to do...

He laid her on the king-sized bed, caressing her forehead as Dellilah covered her with a blanket. As he left, he manually triggered an release of dopamine into her bloodstream with his TK, in order to calm her elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

He went downstairs with Delilah and saw a warrior's dream: literally dozens of ancient weapons, from glave-guisarmes to morning stars and others even he did not readily recognize. With them were many obviously ancient texts and scrolls.

Note to self: get Alison to give you a detailed tour and ask about the weapons. Some of this stuff is absolutely must-have.

Finally, they arrived at her main room. Elegantly put together, it was dominated by a fireplace mantle with pictures of the Six (including Cameron, who he had actually never seen), and a large grandfather clock that reminded him of timepieces his own father loved.

It is an architectural achievement that its ticking and chiming hasn't driven her neighbors crazy already.

As they stood around the main room, Nicolas turned to Delilah. The mutant was very beautiful, as were all the others. In fact, being around these women almost made him enured to beauty, except when it came to Morgan. She still took his breath away. Something about her that he had to check into further. He smiled at his teammate and spoke.

"I guess it was wishful thinking that we would rest after that last caper, huh?"

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia looked at Blaze suspiciously...eyeing her rather...unusual taste in clothing. She would expect this from Morgan or even ALISON who had a way of wearing shocking things and making it seem as though nothing was amiss but even THOSE TWO wouldnt have worn that to a will reading.::

:: as everyone want to take care of their assigned task, Alycia left the conference room A and went to her office in the center of the circular designed suite. unbuttoning her blazer, she went to the bar and poured herself a drink before going to her wrap around desk and sitting down. Blaze was in the office as well.::

you can make yourself a drink if you like. the bar is over there. :: she pointed::

:: sitting back in her chair, she exhaled.::

never a dull moment in this bulding...i dont think i ever imagined that I would be seeing the things i've seen up to now when i first realized i wanted to be a corporate lawyer.

:: looking at her liquid crystal computer monitor, she checked her news feeds::

I never liked Erika. Hell i didnt like Cameron and i despise Vivica...but i wouldnt wish this on Alison even if she and I weren't friends.

:: taking cameron's will, Alycia set it down in front of her on the desk.::

You know, its funny to me. The last time i saw Erika here, the woman spent most of her time speaking to the team as though they needed to be saved and redeemed from their evil, violent ways. NOW she does a complete 180 and does a piss poor impression of Blackout and Malice.

As many threats and villains that have faced the Six...you'd think she could at LEAST be more original.

:: Alycia spoke rather dismissively and sarcastic of Erika.::

It's unfortunate that Alison has to be saddled with so much BAGGAGE [Erika, Vivica]. People spend so much time criticizing her for being cold and brutal but at least she gets the job done which is more than can be said for Erika and Vivica.

I hope the find her, and deal with her...PERMANENTLY.

:: taking another drink, Alycia looks at some other documents...before looking up at Blaze, realizing she's still in the room.::

Blaze...if you'll excuse me. I have some work to do. you make yourself comfortable out in the other area of the office suite. there's a lounge, as well as the conference rooms and the vestibule where you can use the phone.

:: returning to her documents, she waved Blaze off.::

it would appear Erika is not the ONLY one with secrets.

:: she thought as she looked at files pertaining to Haleigh and the cassadines.::

HOW COULD SHE HIDE THIS!? HER family...they are responsible for SHARON'S DEATH!

:: the more Alycia thought of it, the more angry she got!::

:: she had already met with Alison about Ava Cassadine and knew that Persephone was aware that this woman would be the template identity that Persephone would take on in this reality...and even though Alycia was primed and ready to take down Stavros in such a fashion that would propell her to the front page of the news AGAIN....this wasnt about fame or noteriety for her..it was about justice...or better yet, REVENGE.::

well...professional relationship or not...if she tries to stand in my way...there may be ANOTHER funeral on the horizon[

::the look on Alycia's face was grim...almost EVIL. the woman was about to go all out...and blur the lines of legal and professional ethics....some would benefit..namely Persephone, while Haleigh could lose her standing in the Six and find herself under the harsh intense scrutiny of every law enforcement agency on the east coast.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< on the 107th floor, Morgan had taken a moment to have a quick shower and refresh her body and her mind. she was now standing in front of her three way, liquid crystal mirror inside her chamber of dreams....as she turned from one side to the other, her outfit transformed. one moment she was wearing a casual but smart outfit, the next she was in her "costume"..the one she wore during the Inferno.>>

strange, that THIS is the costume I was wearing when I finally became "myself" again. I feel the same essentially, but there IS something different...almost like there's no "struggle"..that ive accepted myself within and without..my powers, the link to Limbo. maybe this IS the costume i should be wearing and i shouldnt have to worry what OTHERS think!

<< Morgan nodded her head in satisfaction as she remembered Nicolas' words...how nearly anyone else would have been DESTROYED by having to carry the mantle that she did...and that the fact she was standing here today...able to accept and embrace her power was a testimony to her strength. strange how someone she hadnt known for so long could be so perceptive....but either way, he had a valid point.>>

the others seemed a bit surprised that i wore this outfit...but i think they realize now that i'm not out to hurt them. I can't change what has happened BEFORE....

<< her mind going back on Haleigh, Cameron and Blaze>>

but i CAN make sure that nothing like that happens again...ESPECIALLY by someone else's hand!

<< her thoughts landing on Erika as she bristled with contempt.>>

that stupid cow! i bounced her mother around like a tennis ball..what makes HER think SHE has a chance!? me, alison, my mother..Ororo...we're ALL capable of rendering her INERT.

<< turning around, still admiring herself in her costume...absentmindedly posing as if she were at a photo shoot>>

still, we need to find out just what she was getting at about Cameron's death. we know Malice killed him...and if SHE knows something...that can only mean one thing...she was THERE and CHOSE not to help...or.....maybe..SHE DID IT under Malice's command! maybe SHE was working with Malice the SAME WAY that Shockwave did....

<< turning back fulling facing the mirror.>>

that hypocritical fairy bitch....isnt it IRONIC that the woman who claimed to be SO ELEVATED above Alison and even Kelly King simply because she espoused WHITE magick turns out to be the BIGGEST traitor..to the man whom she claimed to "ALWAYS BE THERE FOR!"

I'm telling Ororo....and we'll exterminate that magickal mishap once and for ALL!

<< Morgan was deadly serious. but before she rushed out of the chamber of dreams, she realized that she was still in her erotic, unholy costume. they werent going into battle right now...so there was no need for her to be traipsing about in this outfit. Although she knew ONE person who would enjoy the view.. :rolleyes: :D >>

<< with a chime and a swirl of mystical shards around her statuesque body, Morgan was now wearing an ensemble that was casual yet dripping with glamor: Calvin Klein new low rise cropped cords and a "Body by Victoria" ribbed white tank top. Her cords feature and rhinestone detailing "Lady M" on the front pant leg. To complete her look she dresses herself up with more than $5 million in diamond jewelry from Neil Lane consisiting of a diamond chain on her jeans, a bracelent, a ring and earings. Strutting forward in high heels, Morgan makes her way out into the hall and down to the "area of consecration"...specifically the scrying glass to contact to Ororo in Limbo.::

[Foxfire]

Following Alycia, Blaze wasn't taking any chances with her gun equipped. Granted, she could rely on her powers but still. Walking inside she gazed around the circular office, noticing the fine taste here.

Choosing to stand, Blaze checked the area manually not trusting anything. Despite Haleigh's sophisticated technology that protected Illustra, she still wanted to investigate every little corner of the room.

Her eyes watching Alycia like a bodyguard would. But, the former DA didn't require protection but the two of them together were better odds. Shaking her head at the invitation she waved her hand politely. "No thank you." Truth was Blaze was trying to turn over a new leaf. It wouldn't be easy but something in her own lover brought the best out of her. So she happily declined alcohol. Any other time Blaze would probably require an IV of alcohol hooked up to her blood stream. Drugs, sex, and alcohol were her trademarks but like a rusty coin she was kicking her bad habit to the curve. Would she be more apologetic? I wouldn't hold my breath.

Sinking into a chair in front of Alycia's desk. She was just as mysterious as the others. Blaze sensed the woman's grief for Sharon it was obvious in her big chocolate eyes. Folding her hands in her lap.

"Well, these obstacles make us all a better person in the end. Unfortunately for some [Malice & Blackout] they succumb to their desires without a second thought. We've pulled through some of our darkest hours and its pulled this team together. Othertimes its the worst possible end result."

Blaze smirked at the mention of Erika and Vivica. "Oh yes, Pollyanna is what Alison or Morgan labeled her. I had no moral qualms with her but I did not appreciate her comments about Morgan and her "family." We may all return from death in the Victory family but each of us had to go through HELL and back for it. And for Erika to run her pretty mouth like she knows us or what we've been through is hypercritical. I now understand why she was the black sheep of her family."

She sat back noticing Alycia on her second drink. The poor woman was probably flustered with everything up until now. As Alycia offered her to use the other lounges she shook her head.

"I was assigned to watch over you. I'm not losing you from my sight. As one of the most stubborn people in this world I think you'll find once I have my mind made up there's no turning up. So unfortunately I'm content right here."

She said strongly, standing up from her chair. Strolling behind Alycia she noticed the files on Haleigh Davidoff before she could cover them. Cocking her head to the side she looked down at the woman.

"So...your eyes have finally been opened to Ms. Davidoff." She said cryptically, but she knew Alycia would comprehend what she was saying. "I guess we all have our secrets but I'm not trusting her anymore. Not with her link to MysTech, I don't think so."

Blaze was no longer tolerating Haleigh Davidoff if that GJ Jane can opener was asking for a fight she'd happily oblige. Whatever Haleigh wanted to do, Blaze would play her trump card. She was no longer considerate of her "friends" feelings. Haleigh crossed that line months ago with all her secrecy bullshit. Maybe Blaze had a personal grudge but if push came to shove Blaze could be a nasty bitch. One the team hadn't actually seen. She could reveal just how much blood Christopher ran through her.

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia looked up with a look of irritation as she slammed her file shut, pushed her seat back, stood up and spun around. Refusing to address Blaze's allusions to Haleigh or what Alycia might have discovered.::

EXCUSE ME, Ms. Fielding, but what is on THIS desk is privvy to MY EYES ONLY.

Dr. Victoria may have dispatched you to ensure my well being but that does NOT including sticking your nose OR your eyes where they don't belong. Do you understand? you can just as easily secure the perimeter of the suite and ensure safety from out there in the other area as you can in HERE.

:: glaring at Blaze, Alycia was CLEARLY pissed that this woman had attempted to intrude on the ground floor plans that Alycia was cooking up. Alycia's voice was sharp and biting. ::

there is a standing confidentiality clause in this office, and unless you want me to have you ARRESTED for violating that clause, i suggest you do as i ask and GO into another area of the office suite.

:: Alycia was was prepared to summon clandestine inc agents to her floor if she had to. she couldnt believe the impertinence of Blaze at this moment. first refusing to respect Alycia's request for privacy and THEN attempting to look at her documents on her desk!? how DARE she!::

[Foxfire]

LOL!

BIC:

Blaze had to bite back a smirk. Man, was this woman more fiery than the mutant. "Fiery, I wouldn't waste my time with summoning a bunch of Mr. Smith characters from the Matrix. Despite what I saw on your desk, the truth is I already know. I'm just saying...WATCH your ass with Haleigh."

She side stepped the desk area locking eyes firmly with the lawyer. If anything Alycia was jumping to conclusions. But, rather than argue with her all night Blaze moved to the other office.

Shaking her head she really was a ball buster but Blaze didn't take it personally. Checking the window again before sitting down at the large desk.

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica was at a loss of words. She spoke to Erika before the reading of the will to try and prevent something like this from happening. She obviously hadn't heard her warning and now she was standing at the scould of Alycia Barnett, something she completely did not want to be happening as the two didn't really consider each other friends. -

"I have recorded everything Ms. Barnett. I can download the video onto a disc now if you wish. I am sorry for all of this. I talked to her beforehand but she didn't listen. Let me know whatever I can do to help you out at all."

- She went back to thinking of the girls. Vivica felt stupid for even entertaining the thought that the girls were in fact not real. It was odd though because she didn't detect anything out of the ordinary in Erika's demeanor. Vivica was a cyberpath and she was able to detect changes in behavioral patterns. This was not like Erika at all. Had she been fooling her all along with magick? Again that didn't make sense because Vivica was resistant to magick that altered her mind because of it's computer like adaptability. She had to talk to somebody. Perhaps Alycia. -

"I do however have a line of business I need to speak about with you, Alycia if that is okay? Privately"

- Alycia was smart and Vivica knew that she would take the bait and be one of the only impartial people to discuss this matter with. -

[Jacob Black]

:: Sydney was comforting her sister as she heard the voice of Haleigh, the woman she knew only as her father's on again off again lover. The only time Sydney had ever seen Haleigh was in a picture of the two of them outside of the Eiffel Tower that he kept on his nightstand. The twins were both equally broken up and the thought of seeing something of their father's made them perk up slightly. ::

Sydney: Haleigh.. Thank you.. we need something to hang on to right now.. anything.. Sarah can you get up honey? Come on..

:: For those who knew the twins this was something that didn't happen often. Sydney was always the one that needed to be picked up off the ground. Sarah was always the caregiver. Sydney was always the one that needed caring, but in this moment it seemed that Sydney stepped up when her sister needed. In fact, she didn't give her sister a chance to decide. She grabbed her hand and picked her right up from the ground. Sarah smiled and wiped some tears from her face. ::

Sarah: Thanks, Syd.. Thank you Haleigh.. just lead the way...

[Jessica Hamby]

Out of necessity, Haleigh went back to monitering the rest of the Six's movements [and conversations] throughout Illustra. It was in this way that she confirmed what she'd already expected of former DA Barnett, the woman KNEW something that Blaze did too and that could only have been about Haleigh's relation to Ava. Haleigh was secretly thankful that Alycia had more sense and respect than Blaze did, keeping it to herself rather until she could privately confront Haleigh for HER side of the story. Blaze, at the same time, was digging herself a deeper and deeper hole with Black Widow.

That trite little trout.... doesn't have a LICK of sense! a YEAR of me covering HER ass doesn't mean ANYTHING??

Haleigh thought scathingly. Truthfully, Blaze reacting the way she was only served to reinforce Haleigh's belief that she SHOULDNT have told anyone about Ava... for all this time... ESPECIALLY after Master Mold... Haleigh was ashamed of her ties to the Cassadine family and worried about persecution from her teammates if it came out that she had FAMILY in business with Mystech. Haleigh could now only hope Alycia would understand... but first... she needed to settle the twins.

Sydney helped Sarah to her feet, and Haleigh led them to the elevator, punctuating the silence with little tidbits about their father to lighten the mood. She told them about their first night together... when they wasted no time getting right down to their underthings-- in the company of Imagiomg, as she laid her thumb on the fingerprint scanner of the elevator. A voice notified them where they were headed: Haleigh Davidoff, Residential Floor 105. She let them in the front door, where they were greeted first by the sight of Zach, trying to hang a large picture on the wall to the left, and then by the sound of scrambling dogs. Four total came into view, sliding and stampeding out of the kitchen, and Haleigh introduced them all to the twins.

"Alright... the blue doberman is Delta, the brindle boxer is Echo, the great dane puppy is Morgan. And that... that is Norma.... your father's Dane.... and now yours."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone was blissfully unaware of the drama that resided a few floors below during Cameron King's will reading. In fact, she was most likely the only one in Illustra that wasn't stressed, fuming, or angry (for right now at least). In fact, the goddess' mood had vastly improved since the funeral, thanks to Morgan and Alycia's efforts to keep her separated from the rest of the team (knowing her animosity toward them). ::

:: Slipping out of her black dress worn to Cameron's funeral, Persephone was now adorn in a casual yet provocative outfit consisting of dark washed jeans, a black calf length sweater, and her black and magenta bra(as seen here (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V249033.jpg)), she decided a splash of color wouldn't do any harm today instead of her normal black on black attire. ::

:: Walking out onto the balcony that branched off of her master suit, Persephone's gripped her hands along the black iron gating that separated herself from the 105 foot drop to the streets below. Leaning forward, the cold breeze caught her hair, blowing it behind her shoulders and along her back. Closing her now amethyst eyes, the summer was slowly turning to fall. A beautiful change in weather in which the goddess always appreciated. Fluttering her long lashes, Persephone's eyes caught sight of Central Park afar. Inhaling a deep breath, a walk in the park didn't seem like such a bad idea, considering Malice was now gone. Persephone wasn't used to having to stay put in one place, nor did she enjoy it. With the threat of Malice attacking the six long gone, she found it unnecessary to stay locked up indoors. ::

:: With a wave of her hand, a tornado of winds funneled around Persephone and soon she was gone. Moments later, in a secluded area of Central Park, Persephone reappeared. Standing in the grass, the trees towered above the 6 foot tall goddess, shading her from the sun that managed to peek through the clouds. Crossing her arms along her chest, she began to walk to the pathway a few feet next to her. ::

:: Her healed boots finally hitting the cement walkway, she casually glanced round in different directions, soaking in the beauty of the park. The green grass, thriving trees, birds singing afar. Most took the beauty of nature for granted, something that she too once overlooked. But once being stripped away from that world by Zeus, Persephone never allowed herself to overlook anything her mother had created again. ::

:: With her attention elsewhere, suddenly, Persephone ran right into someone, loosing her balance and falling backward. Gasping in and taken off guard, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her body and pull her forward, preventing her from falling to the ground. ::

"Jesus Christ."

:: She snapped as she lifted her chin to meet the person who ran into HER. Amethyst meeting amethyst, the man who STILL held onto her was no man at all... ::

"Oh you've GOT to be kidding me..."

:: ARES (http://www.ceca-raznatovic.com/brad-pitt/BradPitt01_1024.jpg), God of War--her old 'friend'--was literally standing there with his disgusting arms wrapped around her! ::

Ares: "Now is that any way to greet an old friend, love?"

:: Pushing herself away from him with a look of absolute disgust, Persephone rolled her eyes. Taking a step back, she was seriously starting to wonder if this was some sort of cosmic joke. What were the odds? ::

"What the hell are you doing here, Ares? How did you even GET in this timeline?"

:: With a smarmy smirk, Ares' opal eyes glimmered with glee. Although hidden behind designer frames, Persephone could tell he was getting great pleasure from this. Watching him glance to a woman walking her dog close by, he grabbed Persephone by the crook of her arm, pulling her farther away. ::

Ares: "Keep your damn voice down."

:: Pulling her arm away from his touch, Persephone cocked a brow as she crossed her arms along her chest. ::

Ares: "Call me Trevor Lansing."

:: Biting back a smirk, Persephone shifted her weight from one leg to another. ::

"Trevor Lansing?"

Ares: "Well I can't very well go around and introduce myself as Ares in this timeline, sweet cheeks. You're not the only one who can time travel, Persephone. Many of the God's left our time with the help of Hecate, hoping to lead more 'normal' lives. I had to claim a mortal's life like many of the other remaining Gods have."

:: Rolling her eyes in disgust at him calling her 'sweet cheeks', Persephone let out a low sigh and returned her glare to Ares, who explained there were other Gods who did this as well. ::

"Well here I am hoping that you all died long and painfully."

:: Giving him a cocky smile, Persephone brushed past Ares in an effort to leave the conversation as it was. Unfortunately, her luck was not with her today. ::

Ares: "Aww, don't let Hades here you say that, love."

"Funny. You're as much of an idiot as I remember you to be. I murdered my treacherous husband, Ares. Remember?"

:: Giving him a cold smile, Ares continue to walk next to Persephone refusing to let the conversation go. Hell, it's been a while since their 'love/hate' relationship, and their banter. ::

Ares: "Where are your manners, Persephone? You weren't raised in a barn...although you should have been."

:: Grunting out, Persephone stopped turning to Ares. ::

"You're the human equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard! Do you know that? Leave me alone."

:: Persephone had to admit, times had been good to Ares. He was a hell of a lot more attractive than she remembered him to be. If that was even possible considering he was damn fine back in her era. And their 'hot and cold' banter was always fun. But she would never admit that, least of all to him. Moving forward once again, Ares continued to follow along side of her with a dumbass smirk across his face. ::

Ares: "You still want me. Even after all these years."

"You're delusional."

Ares: "Persephone, Goddess of cock teasing. Some things never change."

"Oh please! Your animosity towards me is amazing, Ares. Even now you're pissed that I wouldn't sleep you after I claimed my freedom from Hades. Go back to the gutter you crawled out from."

:: Hearing Ares let out a laugh, he finally stopped in mid step watching Persephone continue to walk down the long pathway. Thoroughly amused at her, Ares could feel the sexual tension between them, even if he knew Persephone wouldn't admit to it. ::

Ares: "You have a wonderful day, darling."

:: Rolling her eyes, Persephone continued on her way, not bothering to give him any more attention. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan appeared in central park, emerging from a disc as she stepped forward in a more wooded area. she had marked Persephone's course via her scrying glass and was now directly able to intercept her.>>

Persephone!

<< Morgan called out. she beckoned her over to the more secluded area...unaware that this was the same spot where Malice had first attacked Shockwave. Central Park itself had been completely restored thanks to the efforts of Ororo and Alison and the citizens blissfully unaware that this landmark of the city had once been completely destroyed.>>


I know you're taking in the sights, but I need to speak to you. Something's happened at Illustra that you shold know about for your safety AND we have a little side mission to go on....for Alison's sake.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing a familiar voice call her name, Persephone glanced toward a few large trees seeing Morgan afar. Turning on her heal, she stepped off the pathway onto the grass and slowly jogged her way over to the witch, noting her stressed appearence. ::

"Of course."

:: Unlike the others, she had no quarral with Alison. In fact it was quite funny that the two even remotely got along considering they almost attacked each other in Limbo when Persephone was first released from her statued state. ::

"What's going on?"

[Jill Monroe]

<< folding her arms>>

Alison doesnt have the benefit of a "healthy" family dynamic in the least.

When Alycia read Cameron King's will, it was revealed that ALISON would be named legal guardian of his daughters. this didnt sit well with Alison OR Erika however, Erika decided to JUSTIFY Alison's long standing mistrust and general dislike of her as she revealed herself to be a psycho bith with a "messiah complex". she ATTACKED Alison in Alycia's office and while Alison easily knocked her on her ass, Erika alluded to the possibility that there was MORE to the subject of the circumstances of Cameron's death than just Malice. She vowed to destroy her own "family" as well as The Six and then FLAMED out.

My mother and I have contacted Ororo about this, since she was the last one to have any prolonged contact with the psychotic tramp. Delilah and Nicolas took an overwhelmed Alison to her apartment to let her rest and watch over her while Haleigh saw to the twins who were pretty shaken up.

We're not in any immediate danger. we have MORE than enough magickal defense and offense as well as mutant/meta human power among us. I think right now Alison getting some rest is what is needed and Alycia seems focused on another..."Project". she's very stand offish right now.

later on this evening, you and I need to take a little "trip"....we're going to Cameron's house on the west coast. he left THAT to Alison as well..and there's some secret journals hidden within that may give us CLUES as to what that crazed fairy Erika was talking about.

I don't need to bother the others...i can get there with my discs in the blink of an eye...and with my magicks and your power over weather, we should MORE than able to fight off Erika if she's stupid enough to try anything. I bounced her MOTHER'S ass around like a damn basket ball in battle...and i'll do the SAME to her.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone's eyes narrowed as her brows lowered. This Erika person seemed harmless enough at the funeral, but obviously she was one of those 'closet psychos'. Shaking her head, she knew all too well about dysfunctional families, so she could relate to Alison's dilemma. ::

"Sounds eventful to say the least."

:: Continuing to listen to Morgan speak, she nodded her head agreeing to the small caper to Cameron's estate on the west coast. Letting out a low chuckle hearing Morgan discribe how she beat the hell out of Kelly King, Persephone could only imagine what she did. With a amused smile on her face, it was probably the first time Morgan had actually seen her in a 'relaxed' state. Normally she kept up her hard facade when around the others. ::

"I'll help anyway I can. Although if we do encounter Erika, I might sit back and enjoy the show."

:: Letting out another short laugh, kidding around with Morgan almost felt like old times with Darkchilde...it was unusual to say the least, but it felt right in an odd way. Perhaps she DID belong in this timeline with these people.. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: Sarah and Sydney howled with laughter as Haleigh shared some of the experiences she had with their father. They never knew some of the sides to him and it was good to know that he had more layers than they thought. The girls shared their own thoughts with each other. ::

Sarah: She knows him so well.. I kind of feel like she knows him better than we did.. Was he really gone that much?

Sydney: [i]Maybe... I mean he worked so much, he spent alot of time with the Six. He had an important job to do. Doesn't mean he didn't love us Sarah...

:: As the girls made their way to the room they were in awe of Haleigh's spy like ways, Sydney especially. As they found themselves in her room with a man trying to hang a rather large picture on the wall. They had no clue who he was at all. Sydney made a secret jab. ::

Sydney: [i]Didn't take her long to move on... Hahaha...

:: They heard the clammering of paws as many dogs just seem to flood the living room like Haleigh was operating a puppy mill out of her kitchen. The Great Dane Norma just pounced the girls and knocked them to the floor, licking them and rubbing his head on their legs as if the girls were Cameron himself. They both laughed. ::

Sydney: Well..this.. Norma is certainly friendly.. But Norma? What was Dad thinking?

:: The girls laughed at each other as they began to pet the dog, happy to just be in contact with somebody who loved their dad, meaning both Norma and Haleigh. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach (http://www.freewebs.com/titaniazane/102.jpg) looked over his shoulder, straining under the bulky size and weight of the painting. He had a hammer tucked into his belt and a couple of nails between his lips. Trying to speak without dropping the nails, he asks Haleigh to put a nail in the wall for him. Haleigh smiles evily.

"But you look so masculine... I'd hate to destroy the mental image."

Zach: "Yeah... well this damn thing weighs more than I do, so I'll have to prove my masculinity in other ways."

Haleigh softly chuckles and mentally pushes a nail into the wall, and watches him hang it. She turns her attention back to the twins, who are doing the best they can to stand the test of Norma, who can smell Cameron on both of them. She smiles... its good to see them laughing. Death is hard, especially on children and the sooner they can find a way to be happy and relieve the tension and stress and worry, the better they will be at dealing with it. Haleigh looks at Zach and then back at the twins... she knows Alycia is getting more angry by the second, provoked even by Blaze. It is time for her to do damage control or suffer severe consequences... but she feels comfortable leaving the twins in Zach's care for a little while.

"Well, some around here are cat people.... but your Dad and I BOTH love large dogs.... as you can see, hehe. Sarah, Sydney... I hate to duck and run... but I have some rather pressing business to attend to with Miss Barnett. If It could wait, I'd stay but it shouldn't take long. In the mean time, you can stay here with Zach and play with Norma. If you're hungry or thirsty, just ask Zach here. I'll be back shortly."

Haleigh didn't doubt the twins had questions for her... and she intended to come back and answer them... but Alycia was waiting and the former DA was NOT a woman whose patience Haleigh wanted to test.

[Oracle]

<< Morgan made plans with Persephone to travel across the country to retrieve Cameron's journals, as they would seem to be vital in putting together an answer for the insane rant of Erika. The sorceress and goddess seemed to becoming fast friends...helping Persephone to ease further into this timeline. It was an opportunity that FEW would have, to work with two alternates of the SAME person.>>

<< as the afternoon turned into EVENING, Delilah and Nicolas enjoyed casual conversation, being in the luxury appartment of the seer, Alison Marble was a rare thing for most everyone in the Six and these two had been dispatched by Karen to watch out for Alison while she rested. Just having a glimpse into the specific areas he had been through around the luxury apartment was a chance for Nicolas to see more into the private life of the precog and now that the intense situation from hours earlier had been left behind, both he and delilah could enjoy the tranquility of their envrionment.>>

<< Karen was busy fashioning talismans for Vivica and the twin's guest quaters to protect them from any possible mystical intrusion. Karen's magicks were on par with Morgan and Alison and so the talismans would offer heavy defense.>>>

<< and as Haleigh reached out to the twins, helping them to further ease into their new envrionment with the introduction of their father's dog, Haleigh now left to return to the 99th floor, the office of Alycia. She had a meeting with the former DA that could be avoided no longer. she would find BLAZE there as well, but out in another area of the suite, as Alycia had ordered her to leave her office to give her privacy.>>

<< what would happen next, was anyone's guess.>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: several hours had past, Blaze would check in on Alycia every so often while the former DA worked on her "project". having made some phone calls, and covered alot of ground, she was no less agitated but certainly happy with the progress she had made.::

ANY DAY NOW...

:: she thought as she looked at a clock with an impatient huff.::

:: sitting back in her executive chair, the office was now darkened. only a soft hum of power in the air. the former DA folded her arms and crossed her long legs at the knee.::

::her assistant buzzed, Haleigh finally arrived. Alycia directed her assistant to show Haleigh in. Hopefully the woman wouldnt waste time with Blaze on her way to the central circular office.::


:: there was QUITE A BIT to discuss...this would not only affect Haleigh but Persephone as well....and the scope of this was rather large...for there was more than just Haleigh's privacy at stake. Her standing with the six, Persephone's "identity" (which would link her and haleigh in a way no one would expect), justice for Sharon Kelly...and the destruction of Mystech's most powerfull weapons dealer/manufacturer.::


:: Alycia sat, with a look of annoyance on her face, watching the door, Haleigh would be inside any moment.::

I cant WAIT to see what she has to say for herself...THIS time.

[Rampage]

Nicolas walked peacefully around the areas to which he and Delilah confoned themselves. He did not feel right in going throughout the entire area, so he kept to a route that kept him in the main room. As he and Delilah spoke and related a bit to one another, he realized how natural all of this was beginning to feel, like he was REALLY supposed to be here.
He thought back to his start here and his interactions with Alison and he chuckled, eyes blinking. If you had told anyone that just days later he would be holding her as he was assigned the duty of watching her, they would have said you were crazy, but here he was. He reached out with his TK through the apartment, looking for anything amiss, making sure that Alison was OK by scanning her vitals. She was already doing better.

[Erika King]

< Erika King sat in front of her vanity, nervously combing her hair. She was fuming from the argument with Alison, but her threats were not idle. She was going to kill them. She was going to kill each and every one of them. Looking at her cold reflection in the mirror. She sighed talking out loud to herself. >

"Oh Cameron, I wish you were here now.. You would know what to do about Alison..."

< She began to twitch as her demeanor took a drastically darker turn. >

"But you're NOT! You're DEAD! MURDERED! And your hero ALISON was NOWHERE to be found! Some GUARDIAN!"

< Another twitching irked Erika's body as tears began to fill her hatred filled eyes. >

"Erika, stop it! You are STRONGER than this! STOP!"

< She screamed so loud it rang in her ears. Soon her cries were silenced as she looked down at her hands that appeared to now have blood all over them which dripped down to the floor and in between her toes as she shook her head violently. >

"LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER ERIKA! Kill the BITCH! End it NOW! That selfish WHORE deserves it! I will DRINK her blood before SPITTING it back into her cold DEAD face!!!!"

< Her cackling evil laughter seemed to fill the halls of her once peacful beachside manor. Erika had fallen, HARD and now it was too late to turn back. >

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh made her way to the 99th floor, going to Alycia's secretary rather than directly to her office to attempt to get off on the right foot... she knew she'd need all the slack she could get. The assistant buzzed Alycia and then directed Haleigh into her office, and Haleigh walked towards the door, passing through an open waiting room.... with BLAZE in it. Haleigh narrowed her eyes as she passed Blaze, a strong defensive instinct rising up in her with her anger. She put her hand on the knob to alycia's door and stopped, throwing a look of daggers over her shoulder at her teammate.

"If you know what's good for you.... you'll STAY OUT of this. It doesn't concern you yet."

She says, without allowing Blaze to respond before she disappears behind Alycia's door. Haleigh takes comfort in knowing that these inner walls are SOUNDPROOF... and she looks up at a hidden camera and points to it discreetly, causing it to power down and give them the ultimate privacy. Haleigh seems calm and steady, despite her short encounter with Blaze, and she asks politely if she can sit in one of the chairs opposite Alycia's desk before sinking into it with a sigh.

"Alycia... I know you must have a good deal of questions for me. I'm not going to LIE to you... because honestly, it wouldn't serve me. Before we get started... I just like to thank you for bringing this to ME personally, in private... you have more grace than others. So. Rather than me trying to tell you what you already know... why don't you ask me what you WANT to know.... and I'll answer to the best of my knowledge... which happens to be limited by CHOICE in this matter."

[Foxfire]

Positioned behind a large Oak desk, Blaze's green eyes sparkled with vibrancy. Alycia's little abrasive attitude didn't frighten her and she didn't take it personally. She knew how painful it was for the former DA regarding Sharon's death.

Her fingertips dashed across the black keyboard in front of her. What was she searching for? The cursor blinked before a small icon appeared. Shifting back in the leather swivel chair with her legs crossed. Alycia's assistant's voice reverberated in Blaze's keen ears, causing her to get up from the desk.

Walking up to the door frame of the room she was in. She didn't take any chances nor did she intend to. Haleigh's distinctive scent identifying her in seconds as Blaze relaxed. Stepping back inside the door again she turned at the waist to return to the desk. Haleigh's voice calling out to the mutant. Spinning around with a wicked smile she made a mocking wave of her hand before closing the door on Haleigh's rant permanently.

Shaking her head with a cackle she moved to the desk again. Her interest wasn't in Haleigh at the moment. Her betrayal would come to the surface especially with a link to MysTech. Blaze hoped for Haleigh's sake she had a strong defense because otherwise Alycia would nail her ass.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: It had been a few hours since Morgan informed Persephone that they would be heading out west to retrieve some personal journals of Cameron King. She wasn't quite sure when they would be leaving tonight, so she decided a little alcohol induced fun wouldn't hurt. Especially after running into her 'old friend'. ::

:: Stepping out of her penthouse, Persephone was dressed in a simple, yet very sexy black strapless dress (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V258496.jpg) and black six inch strappy heals. With her long ebony tresses bone straight and parted to the side, they rested just above her waist, looking like melted chocolate. Locking her penthouse door, her gold cuff (http://www.boscovs.com/wcsstore/boscovs/images/store/product/images/037306228700011b.jpg)--the only piece of jewelry worn--glimmered beautifully as the lights caught it. Another one of her pieces she had kept throughout the years. This one actually given to her by her ex husband. Hey, why waste good jewelry? ::

:: Stepping away from her locked door, she made her way down the small hallway to the elevator. Pressing the single red button, Persephone returned her keys to her small black velvet clutch before closing it. Hearing the soft ding of the elevator door opening, Persephone slipped into the small compartment and hit the lobby button before waiting. ::

:: Arriving in the lobby, she made her way to the back entrance where the underground garage was located. Right on cue, her black 2007 Porsche Boxter pulled up next to her, a beautiful car the goddess spotted a few days ago and decided to buy. Making her way around the front of the vehicle, Marcus climbed out of the driver's side door and nodded to Persephone respectfully. ::

"Thank you, Marcus."

:: Climbing into the driver's seat, she tossed her clutch into the side seat. Putting the car into gear, she manually shifted into first gear before pealing out of the garage and down the streets in a fury. ::

---

:: Arriving at Club Capricorn, she parked in front of the establishment, and climbed out allowing the teenage valet to take it around to the parking lot. Bypassing the line of patrons waiting to enter the club, she glanced to the head bouncer who opened the red ropes allowing her to enter. Walking through, she made her way into the booming club walking straight to the bar. ::

"Hello love."

:: Grinning to the bartender who most obviously was checking her out, he smiled in return watching as she sat on a vacant stool. ::

"Bloody Mary."

:: Immediately he began to make her drink order as she turned away from the bar and began to survey the club. Maybe she could actually make it through the night without having to murder or fight someone. ::

[MorningStar]

[ After helping get Alison settled in her room, Delilah returned to the living area with Nicolas. She walked to the window and stared out at the expanse of the city. Somewhere out there was Erika, and who knew what she was plotting. Would she really try to kill Alison and the girls? Emphasis on try. Delilah would not lose Morgan or Alison again. No matter what it took.

She was brought out of her thoughts as Nicolas spoke.

"I guess it was wishful thinking that we would rest after that last caper, huh?"

She turned her head back towards him and allowed herself a small laugh at his comment. She walked slowly to the sofa and took a seat.

"Rest is something we rarely get with this team, you'll find. I almost prefer it that way...instead of waiting for the other shoe to fall."

She looked up into his face, studying him. "If I might ask - what are you doing here? Why do you put yourself in danger for people you don't even know?"

[Rampage]

Nicolas looked back at delilah as she put the question to him. He smiled and walked a bit towards her as he answered.

"To tell you the truth this is what I always hoped to do. I have been trained since I was a toddler to fight the good fight, to protect the innocent and try to bring about positive change in this world. My father, when he found me, not only saw a son to him but also a weapon to try to strike for good. That is what I try to do with my foundations, charitable organizations with which I am affiliated, even with my academic pursuits. I am actually hoping to connect a bit with Haleigh to see if I can be of any help in R&D with her as far as new technology is concerned. My father was preparing to introduce me to you guys when he was killed. Shortly afterwards Senator Kelly was also killed before she could continue his dream of uniting us in the hopes of having me contribute to a force capable to standing up to evil, in particular Mystech. Ororo found me and sent me to retreive Dr. Victoria. She then filled in the missing gaps that I had in terms of what I was to do. I am finally here now because I know that my destiny lies here, with you in this place and time. I can already feel the connection and I believe that we will do great things in the future. For all intents and purposes, all of you ARE now my family, the family my father and Senator Kelly had always planned for me to unite with. So, I am here."

Nicolas let it all spill out in a long but lively speech that really did come from his heart. Although he was a hard pragmmatist 99% of the time, this was something in which he truly did believe.

[MorningStar]

"Maybe you'll fit in here after all..."

[ She smiled briefly, her face then falling a bit. ]

"Just be careful about idealizing 'the good fight'...I should know. Things aren't always so black and white."

[ She sighed and stood, beginning to pace a little. ]

"I hate this waiting...I feel like we should be out there doing something. Even though I know there's nothing we can do..."

[ It always seemed to fall to Delilah to be the one who worried...she watched and worried. It was enough to make a sane person crazy. How would Alison get over this? Not only her brother's death and being given custody of her two nieces - but having her own sister threaten to kill her? And what if they were actually forced to kill Erika? Could Alison deal with it? She honestly didn't know. ]

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled back at Delilah. He heard gher warning, and his face grew a bit more grim.

"I am understanding that more every day I am here."

He stood apart as she began to pace. He was getting anxious and, even though he knew this was an imprtant assignment, he did not like waiting to be attacked. he continued to scan and monitor the area of Alison's apartment...

[Sydney King]

:: Sarah and Sydney were so busy with the dogs that they barely noticed when Haleigh left for her meeting with Alycia Barnett. After they were done messing around with Norma, Sydney took a look at Zach up and down. He was a fine specimen of a man but Sydney and Sarah were both definitely Daddy's girls and Sydney, being the outspoken one out of her and her sister, decided to figure out just who this Zach was and what Haleigh was doing with him and not her father. There had to be something about him that was better than Cameron other than the fact that her father was dead. She stood to her feet and smiled. ::

"So.. Haleigh and yourself.. Are an item? I mean not that it's any of my business.. you know being the daughter of the dead man who just proclaimed his undying love for Haleigh.. You know the guy she loved with all her heart but couldn't say anything to him because she was scared.. Tell me.. Has she told YOU she loves you yet? Are you the lucky one..."

:: Sydney wanted to have some fun. She was a trickster at heart and she really didn't have a problem with Zach. He was cute and if he was into younger girls she would be all over him herself. Sydney just wanted to shake him up a little. Make him a little speechless in front of these teenage girls who were obviously more intelligent than they seemed. She turned to her sister. ::

"I don't know Sarah.. Dad was cute but he is pretty Hot. I can see what Haleigh would see in him. He's probably an athlete.. a spy perhaps like her? Come on Zachy boy, give us the scoop. What's going on between you two. What's the dirt? Just why are you here?"

:: She looked at him unforgivingly with a smirk on her face awaiting his answer with anticipation. ::

[Foxfire]

Blaze sat behind the large desk, her fingertips tapping across the keyboard. She was searching for Vivica in Illustra. Her mind had wondered to the enigma, and Blaze wanted answers. If the others weren't willing to deal than she would find answers elsewhere. Plus, Vivica could shed some light on the shady subject of Cameron's death, Erika, the twins, etc.

Rising from the chair, Blaze moved past the desk. Opening the door she looked at Alycia's closed door before walking outside of the office. Haleigh could take it from there, she had her own problems to worry about. Moving through the hallway to see Vivica standing there. Her green eyes sparkled.

"Vivica, always a pleasure."

Her eyes glancing over her shoulder. "I don't know about you but this girl needs a reprieve from the Young and Vicious soap opera we have got going here. Care to accompany me?" She asked politely. Blaze respected Vivica unlike some of the others.

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica was a little surprised at Blaze's offer to go out with her. Blaze was always considered the outcast of the Six, even in her death her sister Jasmine left much to be offered. She thought the others would miss her, be more kind to her, but instead Blaze somewhat returned to the same role she had been in before her death. Vivica analyzed her movements and body language and made an educated decision that she was being genuine in her offer. Sydney and Sarah were safe with Haleigh and she was more than sure that the girls would like to spend some alone time with her and to swoon over Zach, so Vivica decided she would go. Maybe Blaze would understand what she was talking about with the twins. She seemed like she could be an open mind to whatever Vivica had been thinking in her head. -

"Blaze, thank you for the offer.. Why don't we head over to the Parthenon. The Bar and Lounge there is excellent and I hired the bartenders.. Although Morgan Victoria may own the hotel now, I can still get us free drinks. Girls have their ways don't they.. Besides.. I need to talk to someone about... Well we will talk when get there? Is that alright?

- She was hoping that Blaze would accept her offer. Vivica had never really associated with anyone in the Six other than Cameron and on occassion, Haleigh whenever both she and Cameron were together. It would be nice to get close to someone inside the circle and Vivica NEEDED to talk to someone about all the things going on in her own life. She was rogue now and she was able to spill the beans on all of her dirty secrets. -

[Foxfire]

Awaiting a response from Vivica, Blaze's green eyes locked with the woman. She seemed anxious probably stressed from all that went down today. Vivica confirmed her invitation along with one of her own. Blaze hadn't been to any of Cameron's hotel chains before, but the idea sounded pleasant.

"I'm game, let's go."

She motioned for Vivica to walk ahead. Blaze walking side by side of her. Looking back to Vivica with a curious expression. It was rare for Vivica to go out and let her "hair down" but after today she couldn't blame her or Alison. "I'll have an Agent waiting for us. I know how Haleigh feels about all of us. I know she'll wanna keep an extra eye on me. It'll stroke her pride if we have someone drive us, unless you have another idea."

The two heading off for the Parthenon, where all would be revealed or most of it.

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach stood back, admiring the painting and his contribution to hang it. He was also still dressed as he had been at the funeral, though he'd untucked his black oxford shirt and rolled up the sleeves to his elbows. He looked the girls over as Sydney began talking to him, with a gentle smile as he moved around the breakfast bar and into the kitchen as Sydney asked if Haleigh'd ever told him those three little words.

"Actually... only once.... and I think it was more because Morgan had died and she was afraid she'd lose me before getting the chance to tell me how she felt than anything. Haleigh doesnt exactly throw the words around."

He said, as he reached in the fridge for a Michelob beer. "You ladies want anything? Haleigh drinks these strawberry daquiri wine coolers... she doesn't like the taste of beer. Or... the lack thereof, as she says."

If it had occured to Zach that Sydney and Sarah were underage, he didn't let on... just as if he had taken any interest in what Sydney said to Sarah about him, he didn't show it. He opens his bottle [and the girls, if they requested one] as he thinks about how to address her questions. He came back into the living room, settling into a deep seated leather armchair.

"The relationship between your father and Haleigh.... was very complicated at best. I don't doubt she loved him very much... and he her, obviously. But life... just isnt that simple. The wall between them was bricked with things they couldnt say to each other. She would have found it funny if she hadn't spent so much time frustrated by it, actually. They were birds of a feather.... and loved each other so much that neither of them wanted to admit it, as if they were afraid it wouldn't be reciprocated. And your dad would find what he wanted from Haleigh in other women.... and Haleigh would find the same in me."

He paused to take a drink and Echo jumped up into his lap. He scratched the dog behind the ears and went on.

"You aren't aware... but Haleigh wasn't always so warm and receptive. She felt like love was a weakness, and after she died... she realized she was wrong... but your father had been so devastated by losing her that he'd found someone else for comfort... and it drove a wedge between them... and I was still there... when your father went off for a while to take a break.... Haleigh realized things would never be the same between them... and she turned to me. I guess you can figure out the rest. You must understand... things are rarely black and white, with ANY of the Six... I imagine that the words your father left for Haleigh in his letter struck her very deeply, even though she doesn't show it.... and even I can't sense it... but I know her too well... Hearing him say in death what she waited nearly a year for in his life... has to be hard for her."

Zach had been careful in what he said about himself and Haleigh, as he could tell the girls were really wondering why Haleigh wasn't with their father instead.... and that was a far more important question to answer.

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica agreed and it wasn't long before both of the women were whisked from the premises of Illustra and into the main entrance of the Parthenon Hotel before heading into the main Lobby Bar for the hotel chain called Olympus keeping with the roman theme that Cameron had been very fond of. The Bar was extremely exclusive and was becoming a hotspot for celebrities who wanted to keep their pleasures of the night hidden from the papparazzi and the Parthenon definitely took care of them as they had a strict no camera policy within the chain. As Vivica checked in with the hostess they were seated in a booth like square with flowing white drapery around the booth, lit only by candlelight. Vivica herself ordered a Midori Sour and let Blaze order her drink before getting down to the conversation. -

"I figured if we are going to talk.. I am going to need alcohol. There is so much to discuss and alot of it is going to seem unbelievable.. But you are the only person I think I can come to with this..."

- Nodding to the bar waitress who handed her the drink, Vivica promptly handed the woman an undisclosed amount of money and smiled warmly to her. -

"Keep them coming.. For both of us..."

[Foxfire]

Following Vivica into the Parthenon Hotel, Blaze's eyes curiously scooped out the place in awe. Cameron's taste was immaculate to say the least, but then again he always did. Looking past a few celebrities she nodded to them. Being a former choreography, Blade knew some of them personally. A small wave given to them as she walked beside Vivica.

Slipping inside the booth after the Hostess lead them to a more secluded section. She enjoyed the ambiance here, very soothing and private. Blaze would have to come here more often.

A small smile tugging on her lips noticing the candle flickering in the center of the table. "Awww, how sweet." She teased, looking up at the bar waitress.

"Long Island iced tea, please."

Vivica wouldn't be the only one who needed alcohol this evening. She knew what Vivica would reveal would change her world and the lives around her. Propping her elbows up on the crisp - white tablecloth that surrounded them.

"I'll be honest Vivica. I didn't expect you to come to me, I'm the last person you should come to. But, I think you know I have more of an open mind then the others. And as of lately I really have an open mind from what I've seen."

Looking down to see her drink placed in front of her. "Thank you." Vivica paid enough for several rounds even tipping the woman. "Damn, Miss Moneybags." She laughed, taking a sip of her drink. The high content of alcohol burning her throat with the coke cooling it.

"So tell me, how are you doing? I mean with everything that's going on...this obviously is effecting you. Unlike Alison and Erika, your more solid and less dramatic." Blaze already knew Vivica was having difficulty, she felt it around her.

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica found herself playing with the napkin on the table to try and dodge the question. She didn't even know where to start at all. How could she tell Blaze how she met Cameron. How she came to be in this world or affiliated with this group known as the Six? It was hard enough to deal with it on her own. Vivica guessed she would start with the easier stuff. -

"I am.. suprisingly well adjusted for what has happened. Maybe it's my computer like tendencies but for whatever reason.. I feel like I have to be the one that keeps on keeping on ya know? Girl, I knew that Alison and Erika would be useless right now.. they have a score to settle.. they are using their anger towards each other to deal with Cameron being gone.. but NOBODY on this green Earth can say they know Cameron King better than I do. I know what he would have wanted. That was part of my assignment to him... to the Six.."

- She looked down. Things were about to get really heavy. Blaze was the only person Vivica was about to tell her secrets to. She had explained them to Cameron before his death and even though he forgave her part of her knew that there was forever going to be a taint on their friendship. Even still Vivica could still be of use to the Six right now and she needed an ally to help her. She needed Blaze. -

[Foxfire]

Blaze paid careful attention to Vivica's body language, noticing her avoiding eye contact. "Viv..if you don't wanna go through with this its cool. If your not comfortable or whatever." She reached out to lightly touch Vivica's hand in a sisterly fashion, trying to calm her frail nerves.

Releasing her hand, Blaze took another few gulps of her beverage. She didn't interrupt her friend, instead she allowed her to speak her mind. Leaning on her right palm she looked down at her own drink. Staring at the beads of sweat leaking from the tall glass.

"Its cool, you don't have to put on the rock - solid act. I mean granted I didn't know you well or anything but I know Cameron trusted you with his life. Cameron and I were very similar, both orphans at such a young age. I was tossed around Orphanage's like it was going out of style. And he had to acclimate to the streets and survive while doing so."

Her eyes falling back at the ebony beauty. "Computer like tendencies? What are you...." Blaze nibbled on her bottom lip. She inhaled a breath, was Vivica trying to spill the beans more? Nodding she began to understand small fragments of the facts Vivica revealed.

"You were assigned to Cameron and to the Six? Are you some sort of secret Agent? This is all intriguing I must admit. It makes sense why Cam confided in you then....the guy is like me he doesn't trust easily. If he trusted you that means your a true friend but an asset to him in general." She paused as Vivica commented more on their fallen comrade. "I have no doubt you know him best. Cam put on this bravado about him...he tried to be this macho stud. But I saw past it...sometimes. He was difficult to let in, so guarded...like Haleigh."

Blaze looked around the booth they were sitting in. "I'm still unsure why you would come to me with this? I mean why not Haleigh? She knew Cameron well and what not. You don't have a link with me." Running her thumb along the side of her glass she stared into Viv's eyes. "There is some shady activity going down with the Six...with Haleigh. I'm shut out but even I've found ways to side - step security. I'm sure we can compare notes. I like to be prepared..if anything I wanna know what I'm dealing with. I think you can understand that with what you've seen and done."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia sat at her desk, in the now dimly lit circular office. she leaned back in her executive chair with her arms folded and her hazel eyes glaring at Haleigh as the woman came in. as Haleigh went for a seat, Alycia nodded as the woman asked to sit down. Alycia grimmed Haleigh with knowing disapproval. after a few moments, the conversation began.::

"Alycia... I know you must have a good deal of questions for me. I'm not going to LIE to you... because honestly, it wouldn't serve me. Before we get started... I just like to thank you for bringing this to ME personally, in private... you have more grace than others. So. Rather than me trying to tell you what you already know... why don't you ask me what you WANT to know.... and I'll answer to the best of my knowledge... which happens to be limited by CHOICE in this matter."


::Alycia didnt respond at first, noticing that the small red light under her desk was no longer on.::

Haleigh must have used her cyberkinesis to turn off my recording/video device. who is she trying to hide from?

:: in a low, cold tone::

Haleigh, I almost don't know where to begin.

:: flinging a file onto the desk::

I'm sitting on a MAJOR bombshell here. not only are you RELATED to one of the most prominent families under the mystech umbrella...which CONFIRMS what I said months ago [during the A.I.M/NERVOUS caper] but YOUR FAMILY is responsible for Sharon Kelly's DEATH!

:: Alycia yelled with force as she leaned forward.::

You KNEW about this!

YOU KNEW that they were the most powerfull weapons supplier/manufacturer under Mystech's umbrella -- and even when Alison foresaw Sharon and Morgan's deaths...you remained silent. You went right along with things as if you were an UNKNOWING VICTIM.

:: slamming her fist on the desk::

you....you BETRAYED SHARON! the woman gave her LIFE for mutants and meta humans and it was taken from her by YOUR FAMILY! I guess the apple doesnt fall from the tree does it? Your father is a greedy, avaricious, MURDERING BASTARD and YOU took right after him.

You may as well have murdered Sharon yourself. You're used to killing though...arent you?


:: her eyes were ablaze with hatred and anger as she screamed.::

Stavros will BURN for this, I'll see to it!

:: she hissed with contempt::


I have already facilitated his downfall, not to mention the senator [the same senator that Sharon was running against] who was giving him the FEDERAL coverage that Mystech was enjoying...the ties that Sharon was TRYING TO BREAK. Your family is going down, Davidoff and YOU can't stop me. give me ONE GOOD REASON why i shouldnt alert Morgan and the others to who you REALLY are and your family's involvement in Sharon's murder!? How kindly do YOU think they would take to that revelation? Do you think they would appreciate knowing that someone among them was the next best thing to the EYES AND EARS for Mystech?

I read the report on your time in the Citadle. Adam Chandler KNEW you rather well from back in your war days....he seemed to regard you as some kind of protege'. It seems that a leopard really CAN'T change it's spots after all.

:: Alycia had already made back ups of the files and shunted them off to secure locations. in the event of her "utimely death" the proper authorities as well as Morgan, Alison and Delilah would ALL be made aware of Haleigh's family ties and their role in Sharon Kelly's death not to mention their position with MysTech.::

:: she stood up::

and Ava is on her way out too. Alison and I have already done the leg work. Persephone will be taking her identity. Stavros will know the pain of loss the way WE felt it when we lost Sharon not to mention the lives of those who perished because of the sentinels and master mold....ALL made by YOUR family.

:: there was a lethal edge to Alycia's tone as she spoke of Stavros and Ava. She was clearly out to settle a score and Haleigh KNEW she had the resources and the pull to make it happen. Alycia may not have had any super powers, but her strength of will, her tenacity, her passion and brutal efficiency made her as deadly a foe as anyone with powers and it was clear that Alycia was branding Haleigh a TRAITOR, not only to Sharon Kelly but to the Six as well.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Delilah and Nicolas were talking, as they sat in Alison's large, gothic styled luxury apartment. Morgan appeared before them via stepping disc, noticeably wearing the savage, unholy yet erotic costume she wore during Inferno. it was appearent that this WAS now Morgan's preferred costume when in the persona of "Spellbinder".>>

<< standing tall with one of her fists clenched, Morgan looked at them as if she were in a "hunting" mood.>>

<< in an icy voice>>

my apologies for the interruption.

<< taking a moment to look around.>>

thank you both for taking care of Alison right now, she's been through so much today, whether she likes it or not...she needed this rest and i'll be damned if that wreckless, ineffective sprite ERIKA will visit any harm upon her or anyone ELSE in this building.

<< the cape, with its shredded edges, flowed behind her and cast a long shadow over Delilah and Nicolas...creating a slightly colder space around them. it was as if the shadows of the cape were a glimpse into the darkness of Limbo and Morgan seemed more comfortable COMMANDING the darkness of Limbo and the dark nature of her soul.>>

Persephone and I are leaving for the west coast...the house that Cameron left Alison. We are going to get those "secret diaries" that he left her before ERIKA does. My mother is here and you know what she can do. She's placed talismans on the floors with the guest quarters of Vivica and the twins. The magick is on par with Ororo's white magick and will ward off ANYONE who is not supposed to be here with painfull force. We're confident that the two of you have more than enough power to protect Alison in case Erika comes HERE again. Haleigh is on Alycia's floor if you need her.

<< pausing for a moment before she grins with an EVIL glint in her eye>>

Without Alison's precognition, we've know way of knowing for SURE where Erika will appear next....i HOPE that she is at the house Persephone and I are headed to. :fdevil:

<< it was a look Delilah had seen before. She knew Morgan would sooner KILL Erika than look at her at this point. >>

I just wanted to let you know what was going on. We'll be back soon.

<< waving goodbye, Morgan teleports away via disc and goes off to find Persephone. a few seconds later, Persephone would find a flickering image of a pentagram appear in the liquid of her glass at the bar she was at. it was subtle but it was an unmistakable tradmark "summons" that Darkchilde used in their timeline and appearenly Morgan used it as well. Morgan would be waiting outside, behind the bar in the alley.>>

[Rampage]

As Nicolas chatted with Delilah, Morgan appeared before them via stepping disk in her battle gear. The last time he saw her in this, she cut Malice's head off in Limbo. At the sight of her her in this uniform, Nicolas almost unconsciously took off his jacket and tie, revealing his well-defined chest and abdomen that was revealed even through his perfectly tailored shirt.

"No problem. She is currently stabilized, and doing well. What has you in your fighting gear?"

As Morgan spoke of her planned trip to the West Coast, Nicolas noticed the cold emanating from the shadow of her cape and stepped FORWARD. As much as he realized how powerful and potentially dangerous this woman was, he was nevertheless drawn to her. He reached out with his TK and gently connected with her flawless physique. In the unlikely event that she were to need him, he would be able to lock onto her and come running. He would also be able to monitor her vitals, as he had done for Alison and Dr. Victoria in the past.

"We have everything here under control. Handle your business, and come back safe, all right?"

Nicolas smiled grimly and winked a farewell to Morgan as she stepped away about her business with Persephone.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Turning to see her drink being placed on a napkin on the bartop, Persephone slipped some cash to the tender and picked up her drink. Bringing to her lips, she happened to glance down only to see a small pentagram appear in her drink. Immediately knowing it was Spellbinder, the goddess took a small sip of her Bloody Mary before slipping off her bar stool and heading toward the back enterance of the club. ::

:: Opening the back door of the Capricorn club, Persephone looked to Spellbinder who was waiting for her. ::

"You couldn't even let me finish my drink."

:: Giving her a smile, it was obvious that Persephone was more laid back and comfortable with Spellbinder than with the other members of the six. Casually snapping her fingers, a soft wind enveloped her body before her black strapless cocktail dress transformed into her black leather catsuit battle attire. With halter styled top and plundging neckline, a clear view of the goddess' tattoo could be seen on her left shoulder. With her transfiguring whip embedded into her suite and her two Mystic Daggers strapped to the outsides of both her upper thighs, she was prepared to take on Erika if need be. ::

:: Stepping off the last steps and meeting with Spellbinder, her healed boots softly scuffed along the concrete floor. ::

"Ready when you are."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan raised an eyebrow as Nicolas seemed to take his shirt off by instinct. his gentility masked a very naughty interior and she KNEW he was looking at her again in her costume, but the time for playing about was not right now. as he assured her things would be fine at Illustra, she departed and waited for Persephone out back behind the Capricorn club. the goddess finally came out and Morgan couldn't help but smile a bit upon finding out that Morgan had took her away from her drink.>>

aww, i'm sorry. but they'll be plenty of time to drink once we get back. The Parthenon, Cameron's hotel that he left to me has a most splendid bar. we'll celebrate breaking Erika's neck once we get back.

<< As the goddess changed outfits, Persephone and Spellbinder were both ready to take on whatever came their way once they appeared at the home Cameron left Alison. For Persephone, this was almost like oldtimes with Darkchilde...and for Morgan, Persephone was a new partner for adventures in the tradition of Alison and Delilah. Powerfull enough to hold her own. she knew that Blaze, Haleigh her mother, Delilah and Nicolas would be able to hold the fort back at Illustra but she was unaware of the other storm brewing between Haleigh and Alycia...a storm that could effect EVERYONE in the Six.>>

well, off we go.


<< raising her hand, the sorceress teleports them via stepping disc. in the twinkling of her eye, they are taken from New York City to L.A. California. across time zones and a whole new locale, the two women appear just outside of the now unoccupied home of the late Cameron King. the estate is rather large and sprawling...in a posh, secluded suburb of L.A. >>

this is the place. we'll go inside and begin looking for those journals....but first...

<< Morgan gestures, as a chime sounds off and a swirl of mystical shards flows around herself and Persephone, she casts a cloaking spell.>>

this will mask us from any prying eyes or passers by as well as any cameras in the area. if anyone has the ability to get THROUGH this spell..then obviously they are someone we'll have to fight.

<< the two women, in their constrating costumes, made their way up the inclined driveway and to the front door of the large estate. Morgan easily opened the door (inspite of it being locked) and they went inside. furniture was covered, there was a bit of dust on shelves and the furniture covers and there was a sense of eerie silence around them>>

look for any possible "hidden" spots too. behind pictures, under beds or library book shelves. Cameron probably has these things hidden well. we'll have to search every room until we come upon them.

<< both women had on high heels. those heels would be the first signs of anyone being in the house. but from the outside, it appeared that on one was there.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Arriving at Cameron's estate, Persephone followed Morgan up to the front doors before entering the actual house. It was spacious, decorated half decently considering a male lived here. Branching away from Spellbinder, Persephone's heals clicked softly along the tiled floor, echoing softly around the vast room. Nodding to the blonde as she gave instructions as to where to look, Persephone moved forward, to a set of double doors. ::

"Don't rule out obvious places, however. You know how men's minds work."

:: She reminded as she stepped into the large library with shelves of books that circled around the large room. ::

"Of course, I choose the easy room."

:: Her tone even and sarcastic, Persephone made her way over to the large desk placed a few paces to the left. Opening drawers and shuffling through papers, the goddess found nothing. Moving over to a chase sofa and side table, she stripped the chair of it's cushions before moving it from it's desired position. Still nothing. Standing up straight now, Persephone's eyes swept long the vast quantity of books that filled the bookcases. Raising a single brow, she paused for a moment before lifting a single hand up and snapping her fingers. Every single book that lined the large shelves came flying from it's resting spot and onto the floor, instantly. If any book remained, she knew that would reveal a secret passage to another room. But alas, all books were on the floor. ::

"Well, nothing in here."

:: Stepping over the piles of books that lined the floor, she managed to make her way out of the library noting Morgan looking at her. ::

"What?"

:: Biting back a smile, the goddess moved down the hall and into another room to continue looking for Cameron's journals. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< walking along, she moved to a different room but turned as she heard the noise that Persephone was making. looking across the way through the double doors, she found the mess the goddess had made and glared at Persephone.>>

the goal here is to find the journals, not destroy the house.

<< she said flatly. noting the mischievious look on Persephone's face.>>

this is almost like ALEXIS, when SHE tore up my damn bar her first not inside Illustra!

<< the memory of that moment made Morgan smirk a bit>>

remember, this is ALISON'S now so do try to be a bit more..."delicate".

<< she laughed softly as she moved on to another room, a study with a large desk and some cabinets as well as the decor of a posh executive office. she was now out of sight of Persephone but confident that if she or the goddess encountered Erika, the other woman would hear and come running.>>

hmmm....now if i were an arrogant, hotshot business man...where would i keep journals with potentially scandalous information?

<< she looked around. huffing a bit as the dust began to float in the air>>

ugh. this place could use a good blow out from my wind power but not now.

<< she began to open some cabinets, most were empty. searching from top to bottom she continued to look...only finding cobwebs and more dust. her cape with the shredded edges flowed behind her as she reached up a bit.>>

BAH! there's nothing in here. I'll try the desk.

<< walking over, she looked over the top. nothing there but a dated calender with some notes and little drawings around the edges including something that read...>>

Morgan Victoria is a Nazi bitch!


<< she narrowed her eyes and scoffed at the penned obscenity about her>>

HMPH!

I guess he didnt realize he'd have to stand in line for the chance to call ME a bitch.

<< laughing as she slapped the desk pad away and sent it flying across the room, Morgan bent down and began to examine the drawers of the desk. one seemed to be LOCKED>>

hmmm...this could be it.

<< with a little tug, the lock doesnt stand a chance against Morgan's strength as she yanks the drawer loose and finds some files and a box...the box is filled with two JOURNALS!>>

AHA!

<< blowing away the dust, Morgan looks the books over and verifies that they are personal journals. both under lock and key.>>

well, this was a much easier trip than i THOUGHT.

<< standing up with the journals in her hand as she sweeps her cape around behind her and waves dust away.>>

what a shame that freaked out fairy Erika didnt show her face. I was looking forward to PULLING IT OFF!

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After entering the study, Persephone again began to look behind pictures, in his desk, couches, rugs, shelves, around the fireplace. Every location she could possibly think of, but there was no luck. Sighing out heavily, this was become tedious. ::

"Nothing in here either."

:: Walking out of the study and down the hall to the room Morgan was searching, her voice echoed throughout the empty foyer surely reaching the witches ears. ::

:: Entering the room, she saw Spells holding the journals they were looking for. Walking up to Morgan, she glanced down at the locked diaries. ::

"Are you sure these are the only journals? Or would Cameron place others in different locations to limit someone's chance of finding all of them?"

:: Morgan knew Cameron best and knew how his mind worked. Considering Persephone never met the man, she was basically only here to assist and map out all options. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh takes a deep breath. From the moment Alycia flings the file into the open, Haleigh knows this confrontation will be scathing, at best. She had hoped Alycia could be calm about this... but underestimated the woman's hunger for revenge and could see herself getting quicksanded into dangerous ground with the lawyer. As Alycia yelled, clearly getting angrier and more worked up by the second, Haleigh held her gaze and stood her ground. She didn't look angry, shocked, or as if she'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.... rather... Haleigh looked sad. She closed her eyes briefly, as Alycia said something that had haunted Haleigh since it happened: That her family was responsible for Sharon. She could only nod in agreement, her eyes still closed as Alycia accused her of knowing and saying NOTHING. Alycia slammed her fist on the desk, and Haleigh slowly opened her eyes, looking at the fuming attourney with a hint of shame. But as Alycia called Haleigh a traitor, and writing her off as an enemy, Haleigh sat up and stiffened, her eyes darkening and her body language tensing. Alycia went on practically drop the smoking gun on Sharon's death in Haleigh's lap and then laid out her plan for destroying Stavros, and getting rid of Ava. Haleigh looked across the desk at a now standing Barnett, filling her lungs with a slow, deep breath before speaking.

"Sit down, Alycia." She said, sounding not upset, but disappointed. "Allow me a few last words before you crucify me." Haleigh paused a beat, and then continued. "Everyone has secrets, counselor, and I make my living in them. When I came to join this group, I knew telling ANY of them something like this would be a DEATH warrant, and exactly the excuse Morgan and Alison were looking for, as they were ALREADY out for my blood. As my standing within the group began to shift a little... I was still reserved... because I didn't want it to jeapordize the TRUCE that was being reached. It wasn't until Alison TOLD me about Sharon and Morgan's deaths that I saw the COST of my silence... and by then, she made it clear that NOTHING we said or did would change the fate of either of them, and so I swallowed my guilt in secret. And it seemed.... the longer I remained quiet, the harder it became to tell anyone and the higher the stakes were... and the HEAVIER the secret is. Because.... I'm ashamed of them[Stavros and Ava], and I'm afraid that when i expose my ties to them, everyone will react as you-- AND BLAZE-- have.... and everything I've worked SO hard for will be gone. I have to live with my decision and my culpability in the events that led to Sharon's death for the rest of my life. Go ahead.... tell Morgan and the rest if you think you really must. But I had NOTHING to do with Master Mold and NOTHING to do with Mystech, save for its recent demise. I know you're taking sharons death very hard, and I understand your desire to... settle the score... so for the most part... I'll let you have your way... but hear me this:"

She said, making sure she had Alycia's undivided attention before continuing, with steel determination sparkling in her eyes. It was draw-the-line-in-the-sand time.

"My father died when I was very little... Stavros is my stepfather, and I never cared for the greedy, avaricious, murdering bastard... so do with HIM whatever you wish. Ava, however... is not to be touched. She is my kid SISTER and I will do WHATEVER it takes to SHIELD her... from YOU, from Alison, from EVERYTHING that's about to come down on Stavros Cassadine and his company. You SAW how Karen took losing Morgan... its something that CRUSHES a mother... and mine has already been through that ONCE with me.... I won't let her suffer it AGAIN with Ava. I will take care of her... I'll get her out of your way. Ava's just a girl, she's no threat to you... and she's not who you're after anyways.... She was only ever along for the ride-- for the MONEY... and Stav would NEVER trust her with something as big as the Mystech account. Don't MAKE this me versus you... that's not what this is. This is ME stepping up to my responsibility to PROTECT my sister from harm, and nothing else. We all have things we aren't proud of, Alycia, and I have more than most... INCLUDING the Cassadines... but no matter HOW I feel about her, my MOTHER loves her, and it's my DUTY to make sure she's safe-- and sacrificing my OWN safety to make sure my mother doesn't have to bury her OTHER daughter is something I CAN be proud of."

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica didn't know where to start. She knew telling her secret would most likely end up in her demise but it was something that needed to be known. Something that needed to be told to everyone and Vivica needed to start somewhere. She decided at the moment, the best person to start with was Blaze. -

"Cameron King was my best friend in the entire world. But my friendship with him, didn't start out honest exactly... Years ago, before the Six was constituted, before any of them knew who they were, the CIA was the only world's defense against Mystech. They were a growing superpower and they had their hands in the jar of almost every deal in the world. They were too strong.. I was a budding field agent. Back then, being a mutant in the CIA was not something to necessarily be proud of, but my Senior Officer knew that my abilities were a great asset to them.. The Department of Special Research had been investigating the best way to fight off this growing threat. They had power the world have never seen.. They realized the only way to fight off Mystech was to pit fire with fire. They were the ones who first discovered the prophecy of the Six. They began working with seers, telepaths, dime store psychics and gypsies, something that went against their code of ethics.. But they figured out the identity of each and every one of the members of the Six. With this information a new, black ops division of the CIA was formed.. Omega-4.. They were a group of special agents with mutant powers like my own. I was a part of them. The division's job.. was simple.. Protect the Six at all costs while thwarting the attempts of Mystech along the way...."

- She turned her head away slightly. It seemed like only yesterday that she had been assigned at Omega-4. Vivica remembered being so excited. She didn't really know or expect how her life would turn out at that point, how much Cameron would penetrate her core. Snapping back to reality she continued the story, looking at Blaze. -

"Six of us were assigned to each of the members of the Six and others were delegated to people that could potentially play a part with the Six in the future. Our job was to really penetrate their lives, become confidants to them, to ensure that they would be constituted, to be sure that you all could enventually become the supergroup you were destined to become. My assignment was to Cameron King. I was planted as his personal secretary at the first headquarters to King Enterprises when Cameron was just becoming a mogul in the worlds of stock trading. I would run his errands, schedule all of his appointments and stay late with him at night working on projects. I knew my assignment, I wasn't supposed to get close.. but there was something about him, Blaze.. he just got to me where he wasn't supposed to be able to..."

- Smiling for a moment, she embraced herself in the memories of all the uncomplicated times with Cameron back in the LA Offices. They were fun, they were innocent, and they were the moments Vivica missed the most. It was hard to talk about this.. It was actually the first time she had said any of this outloud to anyone and it felt therapuetic. -

"I continued my work up until the moment I scheduled the meeting for Cameron with Morgan Victoria at Illustra, the day they first met. Morgan and Alison's plants were on board as well as the scheduled interview between Alexis and Morgan that day. Everything worked instrumentally. The Six was constitued. You all destroyed the Citadle. It was amazing. I thought my job would be over. I thought I could get out of the CIA, just be Cameron's friend.. but I soon learned that it wasn't possible. My job became progressively hard after the Inferno. You were dead and Morgan and Cameron were at each other's throats. Alycia Barnett was there and trying to bring Cameron down with use of the SEC. She would have won too. We didn't have that kind of jurisdiction, nobody knew Omega-4 existed. I got my next assignment. It was to terminate Alycia. I was floored. Omega-4 was going too far. Too many had already died and now they were asking me to kill? I couldn't take it.. I told Cameron everything right before the battle with the Super Soldier. He dissappeared after that. I can't help but think that I was part of the reason. I quit the unit and ever since have been running for my life. Omega-4 is trying to terminate ME now..but I am not going to kill for them. I am not their puppet. And NOW.. that is not even the worst part..."

- She looked at Blaze right in the eyes. -

"The twins.. I don't.. I don't think they are real, Blaze..."

[Erika King]

< Erika appeared in front of Illustra. Morgan wasn't there. She could tell. This was a chance to do some kind of damage. She knew she had to be careful. Most likely, Karen or Morgan had place protection on the girls so she couldn't even think of going there. Her best bet was the fresh blood. Delilah and Nicholas. She would have to be tricky about this. Now that they both knew what she looked like, she would have to go in covertly. Erika needed to wound somebody. She needed SOMEBODY's blood on her hands, just to prove that she was NOT kidding around on her threats to kill them all. Before entering the building, she closed her eyes as her image shimmered slightly and suddenly changed into the image of Haleigh Davidoff. Erika had scryed before coming to Illustra and she knew for the most part where everyone was in the building. Erika then decided to bypass all of floors and elevators by dissappearing in a torrent of flames and reappearing outside the door of Alison's apartment. Erika's glamoury skills were extremely gifted as she was able to match everything about the person she had changed into, even their fingerprints. She was going to get rid of both Delila and Nicholas tonight or at least take them out long enough to kill her sister. She rang the door bell and patiently waited for one of them to answer the door. Erika muttered to herself. >

"Okay now.. BE Haleigh.. How to be Haleigh? I know.. I will just be painfully robotic and threaten to kill someone... Perhaps I will talk about how secretive I am.. That ALWAYS comes in to play.. What the hell did Cameron see in that bitch? Who cares.."

[Rampage]

Nicolas was talking with Delilah as he heard the doorbell.

Hmmn. That's odd.

As he went to see who it was, he became more alert, using his powers to scan the perimeter for any surprises. He was puzzled by his findings.

He opened the door to see Haleigh Davidoff standing before him. He smiled and spoke to her smoothly and easily.

"Hello, lady. What brings you up here? I hope you are feeling well after the day's events. As for myself, I am amazed at all the crap going on. I would have hoped that sisters could get along betterbut having nosiusters, how would I know, right? Would you like a drink, or maybe a snack? Alison has the best stuff in her kitchen. Oh, where ARE my manners. Come right in."

But inside, he immediately realized that this was Erika King.

What Erika failed to consider is that Nicolas, as an Omega-level telepath, walks around minds opened to him like books ALL DAY LONG. He chooses what to read or what not to read and even Haleigh, who has some protection, would show up for him to at least try. THe ONLY exceptions are Morgan (who was in Cali), Alison (who he KNEW was upstairs), Dr. Victoria and Ororo (who would not appear illusioned to him), and ERIKA KING, who had made a serious mistake coming here. As he spoke to her in his greeting, he made no sign of what he was REALLY doing.

First he contacted Persephone by locating the nearest mind beside Morgan's body (to whom he was connected).

Seph, this is Nicolas. I apologize for the interruption but Erika has decided to try to attack Alison by subterfuge. She is at the doorway of Alison's suite right now. Return immediately.

Next he "spoke" to Delilah.

Say nothing. This is actually Erika King is disguise. Haleigh is REALLY meeting with Alycia right now. Trust me, I am positive about this. On the count of three, shoot directly at the doorway, full force. One, Two, Three.

Nicolas stepped smoothly to one side, hoping that Delilah would listen...

[Erika King]

< Erika laughed to herself as the clone she had sent over to Illustra was getting ready to battle Nicholas and Delilah. An evil smile curled up in her face as she knew that the telepath Nicholas would think he was so smart. No doubt he would fight her being the knight in shining armor that he was. How pathetic. She now stood in front of Cameron's Los Angeles Compound that was now owned by Alison. She had magical detectors on his house and she could sense a spell around her. She could smell it permeating in the air like velvet on her skin. The spell had the sick smell of Morgan Victoria all over it. Morgan was here. Her training in Limbo had made Erika remarkably stronger and that was her best defense. Everybody would underestimate her. They had no clue what she was capable of now. She had access to other things and rather fight them with white magick this time, she would fight them with the darkest magick she had learned. Ororo didn't want her to study the darker magicks. She was afraid that she would turn into the woman Erika hated the most. Her mother. But Erika became power hungry, she wanted to know what her mother was capable of. She wanted to stand her own against Alison. She learned the darker magicks. She learned to harness Witchfire. She learned the powers of her mother. Now all she needed was a kill. Erika was ready. >

"Game on Bitches..."

< Chanting in a dark unknown language she sent out her own spell. A decloaking spell. It wasn't strong enough to break Morgan's spell apart but it would give her clarity enough to find her and Morgan would most certainly feel her own magick being messed with. Dissappearing in a flurry of flames she appeared in the study. Nobody appeared to be there but she could hear the high heels of both the women clicking around the house. She cackled as her laugh echoed throughout the house and she began her work. >

"Come out to play GIRLS!"

< Closing her eyes she began to channel her own dark magick as a bell tolled in the background that could be heard everywhere in the house. It sounded like a belltower was going off. The bell rang Six times as from the top of the stairs a FLOOD of what appeared to be BLOOD ran flowed down the staircase and into the main foyer of the house reaching every room. It seemed not to stop as it thickness and smell was almost too real. From within the blood what could only be described as a large serpent's back appeared for a split second as it slithered deep back into the water. Erika cackled with glee her eyes glowing almost iradescent in the blackness of the house as she chanted. >

"From the SEA OF VENGEANCE!
INTO THE REALM OF EARTH!
I SUMMON NASIR! DO MY BIDDING!
I AM YOUR MASTER!
FROM BENEATH YOU IT DEVOURS!!"

< Erika had ignited quite a powerful spell. In her time in Limbo, she had secretly mastered the skill of necromancy, allowing her the powers of rising the dead and summoning undead beasts to do her bidding. She had summoned a mythical snake beast known as Nasir from the same Hell Dimension her mother had been banished to long ago. The snakelike beast fed on the souls of those who dared ventured into the realm. It had a bloodlust for creatures of magick and the ruler of Limbo and a Goddess would make the beast nearly insatiable. Erika knew she had to fight fire with fire. She knew it was nearly impossible to destroy a goddess and nearly as hard to destroy the women in the Victoria family. The game was on. Meanwhile she waited for the human discoball and the poor man's Cameron to make their move on her at Illustra. >

[Erika King]

< She knew Nicholas would sense her PSI Screen. It was a risky move but she was literally a clone. She was a vessel to scare the others with. To Keep them on their toes while she took care of bigger threats; Morgan and Persephone. If she could kill them while Alison was still resting it would be the perfect chess move. Alison would wake up and not only would her brother be dead, but now her best friend and yet another ally. Surely she would think she was a curse on the Six. That she was the one that caused them all to die. Nicholas was about the worst actor in the world. So Transparant for a Telepath. She smiled as she started her scare tactics. >

"No need for such formalities Nicholas. I KNOW you know who I am. I just came her for a warning, and call the human strobe light off or I will kill her where she stands. You think I don't KNOW how you think? My Brother was a BETTER telepath than you will ever be. The only difference is he KNEW the women he was surrounded with.. He knew what they were good for..."

< Waving her hands she encased Delilah in a strong pillar of water. The water would stop her breathing and restrict any movement. She knew that it would not hold her for very long with her powers over light, but she did it anyway. She needed to get the message across. >

"You have NO idea what you are getting yourself into Nicholas. These women will chew you up and spit you out. I see the way you are looking at Morgan. Good luck there. She might as well have National Security guarding in between her legs. You will be a SHELL of man when they are done with you. They did it to Cameron. Why do you think he left. It WASN'T because he loved them too much. They won't respect you... When you are with them all they is my BROTHER. Alison will grow to regret you.. Haleigh will not be able to deal with your powers being so like Cameron's and Morgan will probably try to kill you at one point or ANOTHER.. she has the rest of the team. Don't let her act her fool you, she is evil to the core.. more evil than you think I am and if I were you, Nicholas.. I would get out while you can.. before you let your association with them be the death of you... Because if you are with them when I kill them.. Don't think I will spare ANY MERCY on you..."

< She looked at her nails slightly and smiled as she turned her glance back to him. >

"Consider this friendly advice.. You are naive in this.. I would rather not kill a person who has nothing to do with the Six that would make me want to kill you.. but don't think I WON'T..."

[Sydney King]

:: Sydney watched Zach. He was good. He knew all the right things to say to the girls. Dodging around the love question, filling it with sentiment that Haleigh did love their Dad and just couldn't say it and that he was merely part of her expression of love to Cameron, evening offering them something to drink. Sydney laughed inside her head. He was smart and guarded, she liked Zach. She liked Haleigh and Zach together for some odd reason. It was partly due to the fact that both the girls wanted their father to reunite with their mother desperately or to at least find her. It was something Sydney was going to do now that her father was dead more than EVER. She turned to Sarah and smiled, whispering slightly under her breath. ::

"Hmm.. Perhaps Zach isn't so bad after all.. He IS eye candy after all.. I feel like I have been in a huge PMS festival all day.."

:: Sydney began to walk over to the mantle over the fireplace and look at all the different pictures, making conversation and trying to relax after the hard day she had. ::

"Haleigh has been to so many places.. I guess that is the life of an agent or a spy or whatever she was.. But she didn't always look like how she does now.. did she.. I always wanted to see a picture of what she really looked like.. Wasn't her real name something like.. Rebecca? Rebecca Mulligan or something?"

:: She was merely being inquisitive. Haleigh was so guarded and mysterious that Sydney now found the opportunity to learn whatever about Haleigh she could. She wanted to know the real woman behind Haleigh as Sydney found her absolutely spellbinding for a reason she couldn't really explain. ::

"Am I being too nosy?"

:: As she said it, she glanced her elbow over a rather large vase as it began to fall to the hard floor, surely breaking. ::

[Sarah King]

:: Sarah watched her sister in udder amazement. The girl was so manipulative and cunning that it almost scared her yet it was amazing at the same time. She had obviously got that skill from Dad. She had heard him in business calls and conversations with the Six over the phone. Words were his weapon and Sydney had obviously picked up the skill. Either from Cameron or their Aunt Alison. Sarah couldn't believe their similarities. Both of them were so guarded and icy sometimes. Sarah was glad to know this new family of hers and how the girls could finally figure out the reason they were the way they were. Sarah sighed inside her mind as Sydney went in again to learn a little more about Haleigh. ::

"That girl is going to get herself killed one of these days.. Curiosity will surely kill this cat..."

:: She was enjoying the entire exchange between Zach and Sydney when she noticed that Sydney was about to knock over what appeared to an extremely expensive vase. As it crashed to the floor, Sarah let out a yelp. ::

"Sydney! The Vase!"

:: Instinctively she threw her hand out as a small disc of white energy was sent out hitting the vase as it out of nowhere veared it's direction and fell promptly on the plush couch, safe from harm. Sarah was speechless. What had just happened. Did she have powers like her dad? How did she not notice them before? Did Sydney have powers too? What did this all mean. She really didn't know what to say. ::

"Umm.. just lucky.. I guess..."

[Rampage]

Nicolas quickly realized that erika had made him as she encased Delilah in a pillar of water. He kept his eyes on her as he caused it to dissipate. He listened to her lecture on the Six. She could have been Malice as she attempted to weave dissent between himself and the others. He simply smiled and shook his head.

Meanwhile, a pen on Alycia's desk began to write in large letters on a sheet of paper..

ALERT!! ERIKA KING IS AT ALISON"S SUITE RIGHT NOW!!!!

As he allowed Erika to finish, he responded.

"You are an even bigger fool than you looked at the reading of the will. The real problem is that you could never mean to Cameron what these women meant. That's why he left his kids to Alison and not you. The real problem is that this was not about you. It never was nor will it be. And I don't need any advice from you, I need you to go away, before you find more trouble than you bargained for."

As Nicolas spoke those final words, Erika's lungs and heart began to sieze up, frozen by his TK...

[Erika King]

< Erika was flabbergasted at the words of Nicholas. >

"You INSOLENT LITTLE BOY! How DARE you speak on things you do NOT know anything about! I was trying to HELP you, you miserable PEON! But it seems that Morgan has you on a TIGHT little leash. Tell me how does it feel to be a lapdog, Nicholas.. do you BARK on her command as well?

< She laughed out loud at him as he attempted to seize control of her with his telekinesis. The boy was strong but even with the pain she able to struggle through it with more words. Since her meltdown she had been a little masochistic and if Nicholas would have looked down he would see cut marks all over her arm, a sign of her own sick dedication to causing the pain of others. >

"Playing... with... other girls' hearts... Morgan will be jealous....."

< Erika closed her eyes centering herself as she worked her own control on Nicholas. She still had her mind which was strong and something that Nicholas couldn't touch. She was a very good controller of the element of water as she began to dry up the water that was coursing through Rampage's system, all and any water in his blood stream, stomach, mouth, everything. It was incredibly painful and they were now at a stalemate with each other. She winked at him, still even in pain, she able to get at him. >

"I'll let go if you do.. Alison will be quite... displeased if she is not the one to kill me, Nicholas.. "

< Her breathing was getting harder and her heartrate was getting slower but she treaded on, her hatred fueling her every move.Besides, she was merely a clone, her death would not mean anything. Perhaps, this might work in her advantage, but she couldn't let on now, she had to maintain a cover that she was the REAL Erika >

"Come on Nicky... We will both just kill each other and you... you know it.."

[Rampage]

"I think not."

The real Nicolas grabbed Erika's head from behind and slammed it backwards into his knee as he allowed his astral projection to dissipate. He had picked up a few tricks from his battles with Malice, in particular the ability to project a realistic astral form while operating elsewhere. He had found this trick particularly nasty and hoped that Erika would enjoy it as little as he had.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Nikolas' voice rang in Persephone head, stating that Erika had decided to pay Alison a little visit. ::

"Erika's at Illus--"

:: Hearing the bells toll in the background, Persephone's immediately turned toward the door seeing what looked like 'blood' flow down the stairs. Erika was here while a decoy was at Illustra. How creative. ::

:: Rolling her eyes at the 'scary' scene before her, Persephone's body levitated in the air as the 'blood' began to fill the lower rooms. Either Erika watched too many cheesy horror flicks, or she was about as creative as a block of wood. ::

"How horrifying."

:: Even and cold, Persephone's eyes caught sight of a large snakes body rise from the water and disappear just as quickly. She knew Morgan would be taken aback by the creature, but she also knew this would piss the witch off even more. If she was anything like Darkchilde, she fed off her fear. Persephone on the other hand enjoyed snakes. Even soul sucking dead ones. :D ::

"Oh, puppet. You really need to stop the after school party tricks and fight us yourself."

:: With her arms extended and elevated out to the side, Persephone thrusted them forward, clapping her hands fiercely. With a thunderous BOOM, a massive 100 degree wind blast hit the growing blood pond, sending it, and the snake, flying through the open doors and back into the foyer with hurricane-like force. The snake slammed THROUGH the opposing wall, flying into the study, burnt and battered. ::

:: The blood quickly evaporated, leaving only bits of it dripping from the ceiling and walls. Lowering herself to the ground, Persephone crossed her arms as the remaining breeze blew back her slightly tattered hair. ::

"I eat woman like you for lunch."

:: Her even voice cutting through the silence that fell over the house. ::

[Foxfire]

Blaze sat back in that smooth booth quietly observing Vivica almost suspicious. Why would this woman come to her suddenly? They barely had contact, but Blaze could see genuine relief from the ebony skinned beauty, which reminded her of her partner, Vivica.

Her green eyes fell down upon her glass, registering everything Vivica confessed. It did fit more than she thought possible. But Blaze barely had much contact with Cameron or Vivica. She was intrigued by everything the woman unveiled to her. She was silent for a few moments, her eyes looking around to see if they were alone without possible spies. Leaning forward on the table, Blaze tucked a piece of her own chocolate locks behind her ear.

"Well, that is quite a lot to absorb, but I thank you for trusting me with this information." Blaze's own memories of her time in Section One flashed before her memory banks.

"I know what it means to be an agent I was a Level Seven agent for one of the most powerful Anti - terrorist groups called Section One. They weren't your average agency we were all "ghosts", hell I even had a funeral. The game was centered around seduction, murder, and justice. It was clear as day and night and if an agent failed to fulfill a mission they were "canceled" or...." She stopped, closing her eyes as the memories flooding her mind. "Killed. I stared down innocent lives with the barrel of my gun. But I killed to survive, I kept the mess, I cleaned up the mess until I couldn't take it anymore and tried to leave."

Blaze never spoke of this personal matter to anyone until now, only Morgan knew of this. "It was while my time in Valiant that Michael came for me, one of our Operatives. He was as cool as ice, nothing scared him, he was a real prick but...he was the first man I loved I think the only one really." She reached for her drink taking a few thirty gulps. Once again, another secret Blaze had harnessed for years to come.

"Michael saw it differently and he tried to cancel me, his orders by Section One. But Morgan found me and destroyed him and she rescued me. I was glad and from that moment on I didn't look back. The rest is history." She leaned back in the booth, pondering about the various Agents assigned to them.

"Vivica, you spoke of Agents as you were assigned to Cam. Who were the others? Who was assigned to me?" She frowned, trying to recall if anyone stood out for her. "You guys blend in well." She laughed before her smile dropped at Vivica's hypothesis.

"The twins are a sort of taboo subject so to speak. They resemble their Dad to a T yet I have a few memories of them. But...their behavior is odd at times, but I know what its like to lose a parent at such a tender age. Why do you think this Viv? I never got much interaction with them other than Cam's Will reading."

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach nodded as he sipped the longneck slowly, watching both girls and their emotions as a force of habit. Sydney seemed to be recovering quickly, no doubt on a high of the emotional rollercoaster that follows a death in the family. Sarah was more reserved, and quieter, content with allowing her sister the attention. Sydney was the outwardly curious one, and Zach satiated her to a safe degree.

"Oh yes, that woman's been around the world. Perks of the job, you know?" He agreed in a deep, slightly playful tone as Sydney confessed to wanting to know what Haleigh looked like before. Zach gave a lopsided smile to the chattier twin, tossing a look to Sarah before standing up and joining Sydney at the fireplace. He was considerably taller and had a more massive, muscular build than the girls and it gave him a strong presence that was amplified by his confident personality.

"Your father never showed you a picture?" He asked, looking along the mantle until he stopped on a framed 5X7 on the end. He picked it up and turned towards Sydney. "Here... this is her and your father in Central Park with the dogs. Poor Echo looks so sad... she had to get him fixed because he couldn't be kept AWAY from Norma." The picture of Haleigh and Cameron was candid, of them side by side playing fetch and frisbee with Delta and Norma. Haleigh had striking red hair, bright in the sun, it brilliance surpassed only by electric blue eyes. [CI: Nicole Kidman] Her thin, lithe figure seemed fragile next to Cameron, who'd shed his shirt in the summer heat. Zach seemed to behold this picture gamely, though it showcased the obvious attraction between the two in the way they looked at each other, all smiles. Zach chuckled softly as Sydney made a guess at Haleigh's 'real' name...the one she'd been born with, before she came back from being 'dead' the first time, when she started up CI.

"Something like that, yes." He responded. Zach, like Haleigh, was careful with information, no matter how trivial it seemed. "Even I haven't known her long enough to call her Rebecca... I'm kind of surprised you know that...but then... i don't guess she kept very many things from your father." Zach gave a start as Sydney accidentally swept the vase off the mantle, but didn't seemed overly concerned as the crystal threatened to crash into the floor... Haleigh wouldn't be too incredibly broken up about it. Sarah, however, reacted instinctively, and Zach immediately sensed she was surprised at herself for saving the vase in such fashion... and wondered at the timing... the distress of losing their father and the feeling of vulnerability must have triggered the manifestation of their powers... and Zach could only speculate as to how confusing this would make things for them.... but they had to know Cameron had powers... and that they one day would find theirs.

"Looks like you're coming into your powers. Maybe you ought to avoid swinging your hands around like that... I've seen your Aunt BLOW BODYPARTS UP... and I'd just as well like to keep all mine, thank you." He joked, trying to ease Sarah's tension and quell her uneasiness. "Just relax... the worst thing to do is panic... i'm sure Alison can help you both learn to control them, when she's feeling better."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia, who by now had been fully uninhibited in her tyraid against Haleigh was SECONDS away from pressing her panic button and summoning Delilah, Nicolas and anyone else who would get the signal. She was so beside herself with rage against Haleigh she wanted to DESTROY her as well as her family. But as she raged on, she looked PAST Haleigh and saw her reflection in the mirror. her face, her SPIRIT had been twisted by her desire for vengeance that she was becoming something ELSE. she was blurring the lines of ethics and while she had been known for pushing the envelope before, there was something different now, she no longer felt the "need' to be on the side of "good". WHY should she? Haleigh certainly had betrayed them all and Sharon paid for it with her life. and now Alycia was going to pay HER back. this went BEYOND justice for Sharon...this was PERSONAL just like when she destroyed the insruance company that ultimately caused her father's death all those years ago.::


:: as Haleigh asked her to be seated, Alycia glared her....if looks could KILL, then Haleigh would be a pile of dust right now. After a few moments, Alycia slowly sat down, leaning back in her large executive chair and folding arms, keeping a look of tight disgust on her face.::

this woman obviously doesnt known who she's dealing with. I do not work for her, NOR does she hold the cards. Ive faced WORSE and triumph.

:: Haleigh held her ground, and spoke with clarity and focus. Of them all, she was obviously the most comfortable with dealing Alycia when she was in "cut throat" mode but by now, the former DA was BEYOND tired of this woman.::

get this straight, Davidoff. YOU aren't "letting me" do ANYTHING. do you understand? I do not work for you...and BIGGER, MORE POWERFULL MEN have tried to stop me and FAILED. What you may have FORGOTTEN, is that while i serve as legal counsel for Morgan, Alison, Delilah and the Six...i have MY OWN AGENDA as well.

::leaning forward as she narrowed her eyes.::

and my agenda is the DESTRUCTION OF YOUR FAMILY!

:: for Alycia, this was a slap in the face...the psychological damage that had been visited upon her by Commander Rick Riley and Master Mold was now coming back and despite the help from Dr. Victoria, there was ALWAYS the knolwedge that something could trigger a "revisiting" of the trauma and whether Haleigh realized it or not....this was it- this was the moment where it was no longer a matter of strategy on Alycia's part....it was TRULY something primal and personal. Alycia wanted to fight back...to DESTROY her enemies before they killed her the way they did Sharon and in her mind's eye...she saw the haunting images of Rick Riley and Master Mold ALL around and BEHIND Haleigh. Alycia could no longer bear to look at her.::



I....I TRUSTED you and that was the BIGGEST mistake I ever made.



GET OUT! GET THE HELL OUT!

:: Whether Haleigh liked it or not, Alycia was a guest of MORGAN'S and this was Morgan's building....if it even APPEARED like Haleigh had threatened or attacked Alycia...there would most likely be hell to pay. and so as Alycia yelled for Haleigh to leave, she reached for the panic button but suddenly the pen on her desk JUMPED up and began to WRITE on a piece of paper, this peculiar sight caused Alycia to stop yelling. Her eyes widened as she looked and no doubt Haleigh were both watching as the pen scrawled out the message...::


ALERT!! ERIKA KING IS AT ALISON"S SUITE RIGHT NOW!!!!


Alison.......

::this blow out aside, the paramount issue was now dealing with the threat of Erika. Alycia knew Haleigh would spring into action, leaving for the 106th floor. for her part, Alycia quickly moved to contact Dr. Victoria, Blaze and Vivica, informing them that Alison was under attack and that the twins needed to be guarded as well. she then activated her "anti personnel" devices in and around her office on and on the 99th floor which would offer state of the art protection from intruders.::

[Erika King]

< Erika now found herself on the floor with a jabbing pain in her head. She scowled as she climbed to her feet. Nicholas did not know the level of Erika's psychosis but he was about to find out in a way that he would never imagine. >

"Touche, Nicholas.. but I have had ENOUGH FUCKING GAMES! That is IT!!! I will use you to leave a message to the others. That I am NOT JOKING when I say I will KILL all of you!"

< Muttering under her breath she ignited a spell that summoned Nicholas to her. His astral form may have fooled her before but this time she had summoned the real Nicholas before her. Without missing a step she cast forthe her hands with such speed that Nicholas was hardly able to tell what was going on. Casting forthe a jagged blast of water, she lashed Nicholas' hand with great force slicing it right off from his wrist. He didn't have any time to react as Erika bid him farewell. >

"Next time it will be YOUR head and anyone else who interferes! This is between ALISON and ME!!!"

< Swirling her hands in the air she again dissappeared in a cascade of flames and it was able to focus on more pressing matters like getting rid of the domestic goddess and the queen of bitchcraft herself. >

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Persephone met up with Spellbinder in the long central hallway, the goddess wondered aloud if there might be anymore journals in the estate, but before Spell could answer, their attention was taken by the toll of a bell.>>

that sound...it almost sounds like ALISON's power signature when she ignites a spell. But she's back in New York...


<< Morgan looked around, just as Persephone was about to say >>

Erika is at Illus....

What.....Erika is at ILLUSTRA!?

<< a gurgling, rushing sound is heard and Morgan turns forward to see BLOOD flowing down the stairs and flooding into the various rooms on the main floor.>>

what is THIS!?

<< her face contorts with disgust as she rises up off the floor..the flowing "blood" just misses her high heeled boots and her cape as she too is now in the air. Hearing the voice of Erika....Morgan's look turns from that of disgust to a look of wicked annoyance. She wasnt "afraid" of blood, nor was she afraid of Erika. Whatever that woman THOUGHT she had become since her "training" in Limbo....she was still no match for Morgan, She was STILL second to her sister Alison as well.>>


my magickal detection picks up a presence....it's not Alison. She does not engage in pathetic attempts at "scare tactics".....its none other than that amateur stage "magician" Erika....but she can't be in two places at once! she's not that smart OR powerfull...at least she WASN'T before....

<< floating high up above the blood filled flood...she notes the back of a snake like beast flowing through it...moving so fast. It's a SNAKE!>>

what was THAT?

<< she pointed as the back of the creature disappeared>>

not again....I'm AIRBORNE now...what if it comes UP!? NO!!! i'll be able to SEE it...FIRE upon it or use a SPELL...or summon some demons from LIMBO....have to stay in the air...stay HIGH in the air, away from the floor!

<< There's a FLASH of primal fear as Morgan's icy violet eyes widen. she glares down at the blood pond below. her body tenses up with uncertainty and she feels so...UNNERVED by the presence of the snake creature. But she wasnt alone. she didnt have to fight the monster by herself. Having Persephone there gave her the moral support she needed to use that fear of the giant snake to push her to FIGHT instead of panic! that gives way to indignation and ANGER and soon she is gritting her teeth. >>

...I'll...i'll LEVEL THIS WHOLE DAMN HOUSE if i have to ERIKA KING! DONT TEST ME!

<< thunder rumbled in the air as Spellbinder's face became enshrouded in shadow. flying up and around, she charged forward with Persephone. her angry shouting allows her to focus on the need to FIGHT BACK against the snake and not wait for it to strike. KILL IT before it attacks HER. Persephone's being there helped her more than the goddess might know. >>

I'm STRONGER THAN YOU! I'll BREAK YOU IN HALF! Just like i did your WEAK AND PATHETIC MOTHER!

<< Morgan bellowed with anger out at Erika as Persephone lashed out with her hurricane force winds and dealt with the blood pond, sweeping the liquid back and forcing it out of the doors and windows. the force of the winds was so great that it sent the snake sprawling and crashing through a wall. The winds were FIERCE. causing Spellbinder's hair to whip and blow but they also snapped her out of the FEAR that was once again creeping up on her mind and heart.. >>

<< While the snake was airborn, Spellbinder knew this was the time to act followed Persephone's lead, tossing the diaries into a stepping disc which closed, she then extended her arms forward, fists clenched as a halo of dark magick forms around them. she takes aim and unleashes a LARGE, broad beamed ELDRITCH BOLT. the bolt SLAMS into the snake dead center with enough concussive power to smash an armoured battle tank. she then OPENS her fists with palms out as she follows the eldritch bolt up with a barrage of "dark lightning" strikes. black jagged lightning bolts that can only in limbo. with a crashing sound of thunder, the lightning bolts blast and tear at the snakes body even FURTHER. the reverse strobe effect from the black lightning was rather impressive. >>

DIE MOTHERFUCKER!

<<Spellbinder shrieked as she BOMBARDED and irradiated the snake inside and out with the raw elemental power of Limbo itself. if Erika wanted a fire fight...she would get MORE than she bargained for. Morgan had no scruples when it came to killing and whatever Erika CRAVED...Morgan ALREADY WAS and MORE. Persephone, the long time "sister wraith" of Darkchilde was no slouch herself when it came to lethal scraps and so....this battle would be brief and if these two women had THEIR way..there would be ONE casualty.>>

did you REALLY think that you could control me with THIS!? Ororo was definately working with a CHARITY case when she agreed to train you. You weak, ineffective SPRITE. Come out and SHOW YOURSELF before i destroy EVERYTHING here INCLUDING YOU!

<< Spellbinder had a surprise for the woman if she was bold enough to appear>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< a rushing harp sound is heard in the air, interrupting the discussion between the twins and Zach as Dr. Victoria appears. She's wearing her regal, elegant black "flying suit" as she comes into view looking serious and intimidating.>>

<< the winds flow around her a bit as blonde hair and cape flow a bit. she turns to Zach>>

My apologies for the intrusion, but I just received word from Alycia that Alison is under attack....

<< look at the twins>>

by none other than Erika King.

<< her voice was clear, there was an elegance and a hint of disdain to it>>

Nicolas and Delilah have engaged her and are fighting her off in Alison's suite and I am here to protect the children should she attempt to come here. Everyone please remain HERE until I receieve word from Nicolas and Delilah.

<< the doctor LOOKED like she was ready to kick ass. She was the mother of the strongest witch that any in Illustra had seen, and she "looked" pretty powerfull herself.>>


my magicks tell me that this is merely an "attention getting" device on Erika's part. She's most likely going after Morgan and Persephone in L.A. I hope they teach her a LETHAL lesson in humility. If they do not, than Ororo will most certainly do it. But there's something else....Alycia. I sensed GREAT distress...MENTAL anguish in her. It's as if the spells i used on her when we were on Haleigh's yacht have been TOTALLY BROKEN- that could only happen...if her mind, her psyche were being subjected to EXTREME distress, the kind that she endured when she was attacked by Rick Riley and later, Master Mold. What could have happened between her and Haleigh in their meeting!?

<< Dr. Victoria looked at Zach. Her sapphire blue eyes focused firmly on him and her look was that of grim concern.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas was surprised at Erika toughness. That blow would have klled most people, but she hardly acknowledged it. He was then suddenly before her, as she released a cutting blade of water towards his right hand. He had endured these before without even a cut when his father experimented on him, but her s was sharper and stronger than any he had before noticed, so it actually cut his wrist some befor ehe was able to dissptae it with his hydrokinesis. He grimaced at the deep cut and used his TK to seal the wound, holding it together as it healed. As Erika began to depart, he lashed out a final time, setting her clothes, skin, hair and insides on FIRE!!

"You fuck with one of us, you get us all bitch, enjoy a little hell before you go!!!"

[Foxfire]

But before Blaze could hear more about Vivica's lifestyle, the twins, and other agents assigned to the Six, her cell phone vibrated on the crisp tablecloth. Drawing her eyes down to the caller she noticed it was Alycia.

"Hmmm, I wonder if its Judgment Day for Ms. Davidoff."

She reached for the small black Motorola cell phone opening it up as the keypads illuminated to a baby blue. Placing her ear to the phone she could hear the annoyance in Alycia's voice as she skipped any greetings. Blaze smiled as she knew the lawyer was by the book type and down to business. Her smile faded however when she mentioned Erika King at Illustra.

"We'll be right there."

She hung up her phone, turning to Vivica. "Well, this little date has been fun but I'm afraid we'll have to reconvene at another time." Blaze motioned for the bar waitress, "Hold off any other drinks, we're leaving." She looked back at Vivica while standing up. Leaving her drink half full with her eyes shinning.

"Erika is at Illustra. And as much as you can't stand Alycia we're going to her office. I was assigned to look after her. I'm betting that Karen and Zack are looking after the twins...whatever they are."

Blaze walked beside Vivica walking quickly towards the exit.

"But one word of advice Viv....I wouldn't piss Alycia off she's on the warpath ever since Sharon's death. I'll explain more on the way." She opened the door allowing Vivica to walk out of the hotel.

[Rampage]

As he saw Erika departed, Nicolas hoped that she would spend quite a while healing from his parting shot. He grimaced as he realized that his hand was quite badly cut indeed. He innately knew that he would heal quickly enough but, almost by instinct, he reached out to his mother figure.

Using his TK to locate her in Haleigh's apartment, Nicolas grunted a command for Delilah to hold the fort while he teleported there, facing Karen. His left shirt sleeve was soaked with blood.

"Hey ma, I think that Erika will be gone for a bit, I gave her a hotfoot."

Stepping forward, he showed Dr. Victoria his hand as he grimaced in pain. The wrist was severed through just past the midpoint of the member. He was holding it together, but only enough to keep it from lolling to one side.

"Sorry, but this is a bit beyond my capability to quickly heal. Can you...help me?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< slowly walking back and forth along the window wall, the doctor seemed deep in thought, her arms folded in the position of "thinking man" as she slowly turned and the cape of her regal black flying suit swept behind her.>>

Nothing yet. I would sense if her magicks were overpowering them. This attack, it was merely an attention getting ploy, the real "threat" is in California. My daughter and Persephone are strong enough to stop her.....but still, the tricks she may pull on both ends could cause confusion. Not to speak on the....the intense distress that i sense from Alycia. this isnt a matter of being a sorceress or a telepath...my experience as a psycho therapist and psychiatrist tells me she's in grave danger.


<< she looked over at the twins and Zach again as she slowly paced back and forth. suddenly Rampage appears, facing Karen and looking rather distressed himself...holding his right hand.>>

Nicolas? Are Delilah and Alison allright?

<< as he informs her of Erika's departure, he asks for her help...>>


GODDESS!! your wrist!!! Erika did this to you?

<< Karen rushes forth, looking at the serious wound. and seeing the young man struggling to cope with the pain>>

come. sit down.

<< helping the young mutant to a chair, Karen sweeps back her cape.>>

you've been very brave so far. hang in there....

<< she takes his one hand, removing it from over the wound, sensing his resistance, she looks at him.>>

trust me. I am a doctor AND a sorceress....I'm also a MOTHER.

<< Karen looked at athe terrifying wound.>>

Curse that wicked child, Erika. She was a fraud from the moment we met her. She must be DESTROYED.

<< Karen looks down and holds her hands over the gross wound. a swirling ring of sparkling golden shards of magick flow around it...a cooling, numbing sensation takes away ALL pain as Karen's powerful magick begans to heal the wound on all levels, restoring the connection betwen his hand and rest down to the most minute detail. a chiming sound is heard as the magick takes its course. Karen now holds Nicolas' hand in her own hands and gently strokes it as the muscles in the hand and wrist relax.>>

it's allright now. You're healed Nicolas.

Tell me, are Delilah and Alison allright?

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah had followed Nicolas to the door, only to be immobilized by Erika's attack on her. It was the worst kind of feeling - helplessness and not being able to do anything about it whilst hearing everything that went on. So she sought to divide them...

Finally Erika was gone and she had been freed. As Nicolas went to get some tlc from Karen, Delilah went to check on Alison. She slowly and quietly opened the door to her bedroom - Alison was still there, safe and sound thank god. No thanks to her. She shut the door again and returned to the living room. Her fists clenched in anger at Erika's actions. ]

By god, if Alison doesn't kill the bitch, I will...

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh sat back, shaking her head softly as Alycia continued. She realized the former DA had already made her mind up and no amount of reason would change it... but Haleigh couldn't really blame her... she herself had gone through the same gamut when she lost her original team. A lesser experienced person might have been intimidated by Alycia's show of determination, but Haleigh was too war worn to be fazed by the anger and vengeance in Alycia's eyes... or at least, she was too wise to SHOW it. Haleigh inwardly winced as Alycia stated her mistake in trusting Haleigh... it was a low blow and one that hit home for Haleigh, who put more value in trust and loyalty than anything else. It was a harsher, more abrasive than all the anger Alycia'd displayed in the entire discussion... and it seemed to dampen whatever Haleigh had been preparing to rebut with.

"I'm sorry you feel that way." She said, sounding a little defeated and rising to her feet slowly. "I had always respected you for your professionalism, Barnett. I had thought that above all, you listened to reason and acted with rational logic. I admired you for that. I guess we ALL make mistakes in judgement. Something you ought to note: those people are NOT my family. The only reason I'm doing THIS.... is my mother. She doesn't deserve to be victim to the collateral damage of your crusade."


Alycia demanded Haleigh get out... but Haleigh's eyes fell to the desk, where a pen began to move on its own feverishly... Erika was attacking... trying to get to Alison... and both women stopped to look at the message, and then reacted quickly. Alycia reached for the phone to tell the others. Haleigh paused for a moment to absorb the irony of the situation.

"Well... this isnt over... but you'll have to excuse me... looks like its time for me to go to the rescue again. Its kind of funny I should feel so compelled to do so... especially when faced with the reality that as SOON as you spread your poison... every ONE of them will react as you and Blaze have... and here I thought... I belonged to THIS haphazard, so-called 'family. Yet another error in my usually sound judgement, huh?"

She gave the attourney one last look before glancing up towards the ceiling and disappearing. It was unusual for Haleigh to allow herself to be so berated and not offer a stronger defense, but it was obvious that something Alycia had said jarred Haleigh and the distraction of problems with Erika came at exactly the right time, for it gave Haleigh an excuse to leave quietly... and without giving Blaze [whom Haleigh assumed was still just outside, and had been the primary reason Haleigh'd turned off Alycia's surveillance equipment] the satisfaction of seeing the disappointed, saddened look Haleigh now wore.

When she appeared upstairs in the hallway outside Alison's door, she immediately noticed the water everywhere.. and splashes of blood... but no signs of current battle. Erika had gone already and Nic had retreated to get care from Dr. Victoria, who was a floor down in Haleigh's own apartment, looking after the twins with Zach. Alison's door was wide open and there was no sign of her OR Delilah, and Haleigh burst into Alison's livingroom, looking flustered. She rounded the corner towards Alison's room and nearly bowled Delilah over. Haleigh reached out with machinelike reflexes and caught Delilah by the elbows, just incase she'd knocked the woman off balance. Haleigh's facial expression fell flat as she spoke, sincerely but distractedly and warily, as if she were waiting for the moment Morningstar would start trying to kill her again.

"Sorry.... are you okay? Alison?" She asked, as she pushed past Delilah and gently opened Alison's bedroom door, checking on the Seer before closing the door back. "Wait.... where's Nicolas?"

*************************************

Meanwhile, a floor below, in Haleigh's suite:

Zach turned to look at Karen as she appeared, a little startled but relieved to be interupted, and by a friendly face, no less. But Karen had bad news for them, and Zach put down the picture he'd been showing to the girls and stepped away from the mantle, towards the doctor. He could tell, from her body language and her underlying concern that there was more trouble than she'd let on.

"There's something else wrong, isnt there?"

Nicolas appeared, injured but reporting a short lived fight, and seeking the doctor's healing abilities. Zach told the girls to stay put and stay alert... explaining that just because Erika had retreated from fighting with Nicolas didn't mean she wasn't lurking about somewhere. He immediately made his way to a touch screen pad that looked like a sophisticated alarm keypad... and essentially was. He activated the 'Full Armed' protocol for THIS floor, which would identify ANYONE and EVERYONE on the floor and keep anyone from sneaking up on them.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< looking over as Zach asked her if something ELSE was wrong...Karen looked at the young man with a grim look of concern.>>

there are alot of things that are "wrong" at the moment.....some worse than others.

<< Karen instructed Nicolas to remain seated and to just rest there for a moment, while she asked Zach to accompany her to a private area of Haleigh's luxury apartment.>>

do you remember the night that i joined The Six as their guest on Haleigh's yacht? right after they rescued Sharon Kelly and Alycia Barnett?

<< Karen looked over the young man to make sure he was listening.>>

I had to perform some INTENSE psycho therapy on the two women to repair the deep mental and emotional trauma they sustained during their time at The Cell. I used some spells to further bolster that healing. however....AS a psycho therapist, i know that even magick cant truly solve the problems that come with emotional and mental trauma. its a process that takes time, effort, and even medication. it was my hope that the spells would just provide a BUFFER until Sharon and Alycia were able to begin a more detailed, lengthy road to recovery.

However.....Sharon died and Alycia ....she HELD Sharon in her arms that night as she died....Master Mold was unlike ANYTHING that she had experienced and she has never been the same since. There have been so many things since that time and while on the surface it seems that Alycia is fine....when she spoke to me on the phone before i came here..i felt something. Not in the way a telepath or empath would feel...it was something only I would have felt because I had worked with her in healing therapy on the yach.

I think something has happened between her and Haleigh in her office on the 99th floor. I dont know what just yet...but as soon as I know that Alison and Delilah are okay..I have to get down there.

:: looking back to make sure no one was near by, she turned again to look at zach.::

Alycia never truly had the chance to recover from Sharon's death. something is brewing...it goes beyond the problem of Erika. It goes beyond the dysfunction of the King/Marble clan.

I am not a precog, but my intution just screams that there's something ELSE on the horizon that will effect us all.

[MorningStar]

[pulling away from Haleigh, Delilah understood the woman's reflexive reaction.]

not a problem.

[ she watched as Haleigh checked on Alison. her own body's natural luminescence provided a soft glow around the spacious area that she stood in. she kept thinking about how she should have nailed Erika...but there was no time for regrets now. The immediate threat was over and she would damn sure take a shot at Erika next time..RIGHT BETWEEN HER EYES.]

she's still sleeping. DEEPLY i might add. but she's fine.

Erika, or what appeared to be Erika, took us by surprise. she seems to be flaunting her new skills now. She injured Nicolas badly and once we were sure Erika was gone, he went to find Karen for healing.

[ Delilah noticed that Haleigh looked rather grim. She was used to Haleigh being rather stoic at times but right now she looked like she was in the camp of the enemy. Delilah wasnt exactly "thrilled" with Haleigh and her recent remarks either, but they were still a TEAM.]

Haleigh, are you allright?

[Erika King]

Flashback:

< Erika sat in the technicolor garden of Ororo's own secret Limbo. Ororo and Erika were deep into one of their training sessions. In the middle of the peaceful garden was a flowing black glasslike orb hovering in the air. Ororo had given Erika the task of keeping the orb in the air while Ororo tried to distract her efforts. At first, Erika could only keep the orb in the air for a few seconds, the strong gusts of winds would get into her head too much. She felt helpless. >

Ororo: Enchantrah.. Stop doing that. I can see it in your eyes. You hold back. You give up. Let yourself go, trust that you will be okay if you give every effort. Don't worry about becoming corrupted. Don't worry about being like your mother. Erika King, you are NOT your mother. Keep trying...

< For days Erika trained and trained and when Ororo presented the test to her again, Erika kept the black orb floating for nearly three days of Earth time through all changing of the weather, all seasons and all things that came at her. Erika had learned the discipline of focus extremely well. >

Erika: I am not my Mother.. I can fight this...
================================================== ===============
< Erika snapped back into reality as the thought echoed into her head. Who was she kidding? She was exactly like her mother and there was no need to pretend anymore. She didn't have a brother to protect anymore and her sister was less than human. She didn't need protecting. Erika was alone and lost and she didn't have time to go back to the path of good. Rage began to build in her heart as she heard Morgan call for her. A smiled curled up in her lips as her stereophonic voice could be heard throughout the entire Estate. >

"Oh, Morgan! Anger is NOT a good look on you.. I much rather prefer LOFTY and DISDAINFUL.. It's much more.. YOU. Now Feel the pain that so many others suffered. Feel the pain that made my mother famous! Feel, the WITCHFIRE! You WON'T get those journals Morgan!"

< Erika raised her hands as the Los Angeles Estate of Cameron King began to become emblazened in Witchfire, the power that Kelly King herself had. Witch fire was magically enhanced fire that could simply not be put out. It burned until it destroyed everything it possibly could, until it could no longer find a fuse. The fire glew a bright red and crackled everywhere, roaring extremely loud, almost screaming. It burned fast and strong destroying different parts of the house everything was burning, and if Morgan didn't find the journals in time, than all would be lost. She appeared behind both Persephone and Morgan and unleashed two powerful concussive blasts of water that slammed into them hard in their backs and as the water bounced off and hit parts of the room, both women would noticed that nothing happened to the fire. That is Kept BURNING even with the water hitting it. >

"How about I destroy YOU and the Human Garden Plant?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Stepping back slightly as the entire house exploded into violent flames, the intense heat coated Persephone's normally cold skin, warming it instantly. ::

"Jesus. She's worse than Hades."

:: Hearing her voice rumble loudly, her threats were idol and pointless. Morgan already threw the journals through one of her stepping discs...but why point out the obvious and deprive the psycho-witch of her little fantasies. ::

:: Not expecting Erika to appear behind both herself and Morgan, a massive blast of water slammed into Persephone's back, sending her flying forward and into the vast foyer. Sliding to a halt, the goddess pushed herself up from the ground, now coughing from the intense smoke that filled the area. ::

"Well obviously water doesn't effect these flames...so I’m of no help."

:: Looking to Morgan, Persephone finally pushed herself to her feet, standing up along with Morgan. Shooting a deadly glare at Erika hearing the woman refer to her as a 'garden planet', Persephone hands gripped her Mystic Daggers, releasing them from their holsters. ::

"How about I rip out your intestines and hang you from them..."

:: Gripping the daggers, with impressive speeds, she threw the dagger straight at Erika’s feet. The moment the dagger’s blade hit the wood floors, it sent a massive concessive blast of green mystic energy slamming into Erika hurling her backward into the flaming walls. Extending her hand out, the dagger instantly retracted back in it’s course, returning to her hand. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas grimaced as Karen checked the injured arm. As she healed him, his hand seemed stronger than ever. He grasp her hand and kissed it lightly in thanks as she had him sit for a moment while she left to speak with Zach. He sat for a moment but hated the way he looked, covered in blood. He removed the shirt and sent it back to his room as he went over to the sink and washed the remaining blood from his hand and arm. There was something bothering him, and he coldn't remember what it was...

MORGAN AND SEPH!!! Why had they not returned? He knew that he contacted Seph as soon as he realized that Erika was before him, but they had not come to help. Nicolas reached into Persephone's mind, to try to see what she was seeing, and he realized that Erika was battling them there, now.

I have to do something!!

Nicolas went to Karen.

"If you could let the others know. Erika is fighting Morgan and Alison now, and I am going to help them."

Nicolas teleported his battle axe to the apartment, picked it up and prepared to exit...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Looking around quickly to see WHERE Erika was, Spellbinder was ready to tear the woman limb from limb with her bare hands. The fear induced rush of adrenaline had her pumped up and her anger had her ready for a brawl. still hovering, Persephone had managed to evacuate most of the blood pond but then, without warning EVERYTHING around them was on fire!>>

<< Morgan couldnt help but FLINCH from the flash and dine of the flames as t hey were now trapped in a hell of Erika's design..but with BLAZE'S power signature.>>

What is she trying to do? imitate EVERY member of the Six? The journals are GONE already.....

<< Morgan yelled out with agitation, she extended her arms upward and a chime sounded off. she was about to summon her own winds to try to extinguish the flames with force but before she could she was SLAMMED the concussive force of hydro blasts from her back. her head snapped back as she gasped and was sent barreling forward torrent of water out into the foyer with Persephone.>>

*GLUG!!!COUGH!!COUGH!!*


<< after the water ride was over, Morgan got to her feet...the flames were all around them and Persephone couldnt put them out.>>

mystical flames...."witchfire".....Kelly King's codename.

<< holding her hand over her nose and mouth.>>

Persephone,i need to cast a spell. do what you can to give us some AIR to breathe. neither of us will be of much use if we die from smoke inhalation and i'm not about to RUN from this magickal mishap of a woman.


<< Standing in front of Persephone, Morgan's cape with its shredded edges spread out around her the light from the flames that reached the came was consumed by the darkness on the underside of the cape.>>

a woman summoned this flame with magick, so a woman must extinguish it the same way! whatever she DID learn from Ororo, she's applying it VERY sloppy. just because SHE ignites the spell doesnt mean another mage of equal or MORE power cant warp it or DISPELL it.

<< lifting her arms, Morgan gestures, as a chime sounds off.>>

Witch of Wood and Witch of Water
Fire come, heed your Daughter!
Turn back against my foe, blast and burn
For her suffering & death, I do yearn!

<< the dine of the flames warped and seemed to warble a bit as Spellbinder ignited the woman's calling of Fire and turned Erika's "witchfire" BACK against her. Spell thrusts her hands forward and the flames now move in REVERSE, pulling away from all surfaces they cover and focus into a tightly focused orb of fire power.>>

EAT IT GOOD, BITCH!

<< Morgan gestures violently and HURLS the mystic flame BACK at Erika. the spell had been WARPED and turned back against her...her options were now severely limited if she wanted to escape this with her body in tact.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh nodded as Morningstar gave her the attack in a nutshell, and nicolas's whereabouts. But she seemed taken aback when Morningstar as her if she was okay herself. She pulled herself together after a beat, realizing that she must look frazzled for DELILAH, of all people, to ask after her... but couldn't shake feeling or looking slightly fidgety.

"I..... I've been better.... we just buried one of the greatest men I've ever known... and he's not the first in my life to meet an untimely end... I suppose the black cloud of doom should be settling over Zach any minute now... Black Widow, indeed."

She responded, covering her uneasiness with a logical response. What she said she truly DID feel... but it wasn't the primary reason that she was acting a tad squirrelly... and the fact that Delilah had noticed didn't help her feel any better. She looked around them, wondering where the hell everyone was... was she the ONLY one who'd come to offer backup?

"Maybe we should move Alison downstairs to my place.... she can sleep just as peacefully there... and that's where the twins are... with just you, Nicolas, and I, it seems it would be easier to protect those in the most danger if we got ourselves all together and presented a unified front."

****************************

Meanwhile, in Haleigh's Apartment on the 105th floor:

Zach followed Karen obediently to Haleigh's study, just off the sitting room and closed the door for privacy. At 6'3", He was taller than MOST women in heels [with the exception of half the women of the Six, LOL], and though he had a strong presence he took care not to be overbearing and had learned long ago not to use his size to intimidate, inadvertantly or otherwise, and so he leaned to sit against Haleigh's desk to become more level with the doctor and present that he was prepared to give his full attention. Karen got right down to business, and Zach nodded to let her know he was with her.

"The night half the group went crazy and between them and the raging storm outside the boat was nearly blown up, smashed to splinters, and capsized in the process? One would be hardpressed to forget."

Zach listened intently. Some of what had happened at the cell, Haleigh had told him... and he knew of what had happened the night Master Mold went to town. He was in agreeance with the doctor. he may not be a licensed psychiatrist but as an empath, he had a plethora of insight into human emotion and how it affected the psyche.

"Seeing a very close friend die is traumatic for anyone... and right after all they had SURVIVED together... you think Mrs. Kelly's death may have undone the 'buffer' you gave Alycia?"

Karen told him that she thought something had happened with Alycia and Haleigh... but she didnt know what. Zach could speculate... but didnt. He knew Haleigh was on a precipice and didnt want to say something that could potentially tip the scales against her.

"That's odd. I don't think Haleigh would do anything to outright harm or provoke Alycia... they seem to have reached an amicable point in their relationship."

Karen expressed a desire to go to Alycia and make sure everything was okay. She stated quietly that something deep was brewing and that Alycia may be experiencing inadequate coping in the way of Sharon's death. Nicolas burst in seconds later and declared he was going to LA to help Spellbinder and Persephone against Erika. Zach filled in the gaps.

"Haleigh's feeling a little distressed but Delilah is as relaxed as one can be after an attack of this sort... Alison... hasn't changed since she retired to her suite for rest so it would seem everyone is okay... I don't think Nicolas would leave them if they weren't, anyways. Don't worry... go to Alycia... I'll keep an eye on the twins and help is only one call away."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen hadn't had much interaction with Zach since she first met him on the yacht. the next time she would see him was when she evacuated him and Alycia to Limbo during the fight against Malice and Blackout. But everytime she'd dealt with him he seemed to be a gentle, perceptive young man. the perfect balance for Haleigh and it showed.>>

<< she paused as Zach responded. he seemed almost TOO carefull in his response about the feeling Karen had about Haleigh and Alycia. her intuition was ON to something and he was treading lightly , most likely because it directly involved Haleigh. She didnt want to cause any unrest here by forcing the issue. it wouldnt help anything and there was too much going on.::

Zach.....

<< Nicolas burst into the room and declared he was going to L.A.>>

Nicolas King!

<< Karen called out in a firm voice>>

you get back here and sit down! You are in no shape to be galavanting across the country. Spellbinder and Persephone are strong, powerfull women, they can handle themselves and if need be, ESCAPE. Erika is a magick user, so is Morgan....do you wanta to bet on who will win that fight?

you get back in there and sit down and rest young man. before i BIND you to your chair.

<< Karen couldnt believe him! so brave, yet so impulsive at times. Though she had healed his arm and wrist, he was needed HERE at Illustra and there was no sense in spreading the team even further than it was already.>>


<< exhaling, Karen turned to Zach. >>

even when children grow up, you never stop being a mother.

<< she shook her head and laughed softly>>

I must go to Alycia. Inform the others of my whereabouts when they get here....and if there's anything you can do on your end, for Haleigh, please do.

<< Karen KNEW something was amiss, and she also knew that Zach was Haleigh's confidant. If there was a problem she'd most likely go to HIM about it first. >>

Nicolas, you stay here with Zach and the twins. I'm going to see Alycia straight away. Don't worry...I know my daughter, she isnt going to get herself killed battling someone like Erika. There's more at stake here than one round and she knows that. She and Persephone went out there to get those journals for ALISON and they'll be back.

<<The doctor turned and quickly made her way out of the luxury apartment, she walked with poise and grace, but her step was much quicker..it was clear she had a sense of urgency about her. She made her way down the darkened hallway to the elevator and once inside she was shunted down to the 99th floor. down that hall she went, passing an alcove and two doors before reaching the door to Alycia's satellite office. Once inside, the doctor noted how so many lights were on in the large, wrap around vestibule. even in the conference rooms, but Alycia's executive office door on the interior was closed.>>

Alycia? its Karen....are you here?

[Foxfire]

After a quick exit from Cameron's luxurious hotel, Blaze walked quickly to one of the vehicles provided to them via Black Widow's men. Climbing into the back-seat with Vivica next to her she nodded to them. "Go!" The agents pressed furiously into the gas pedal as the black SUV took off with a screeching of the tires and skid marks layered across the pavement.

"What's the status?"

She asked curiously, looking over her shoulder to make sure they were not followed. "Erika King penetrated Illustra, subject identified as a clone. Morningstar and Rampage engaged in combat."

Blaze looked back, a fire in her own eyes. "And?" She said quickly, feeling her heartbeat quicken. "A steadfast battle, the clone retreated and the two are fine. Nicolas' lifesigns are normal although he and Delilah suffered several wounds, both will be stable. And what of Alison and the others?"

The agent in the passenger side turned to stare into her emerald eyes. "Director Davidoff was requested by Barnett, Zack is monitoring the twins with Dr. Victoria. Alison is secure and safe." Blaze thought more of her sister. "What of Morgan and Persephone?"

The agent looked back in the rear view mirror. "They have not returned yet, feedback from their vitals suggest a struggle. Morgan and Persephone have doubled their normal capacity for adrenaline."

Blaze narrowed her eyes, "Erika." The agents nodded, turning the corner sharply as the breaks squealed. Pulling into the zig - zagging driveway before disappearing into the underground parking garage. Blaze got out quickly walking beside Erika with one Agent ahead and the other behind them. Both men wearing sophisticated vests and weaponry. An earbud attached to both men. "As of now where is everyone?" She asked.

Agent 1: "Ms. Davidoff is with Delilah and Alison. Attorney Barnett is being protected by a field Agent, awaiting for your arrival." Blaze nodded, "good." The four of them entering into the express elevator.

In seconds the entourage was transported to the 99th floor of Alycia's office. Walking out quickly, Blaze rushed towards Alycia's office. "Alycia." She called out firmly, cautious not to scare the woman from say slamming a golf club at her head.

Walking inside the office, Blaze relieved the Agent with a nod, who exited abruptly. Looking back to Vivica. Noticing Alycia moving, Blaze walked closer to the human. "I was briefed upon arrival. I'm not sure its wise to stay here, Erika is dividing and conquering. We may be safer with the others. What do you think Ms. Barnett?" She asked, knowing the claws would come out again with Vivica present. "Despite your differences I need her here, she's our best bet to getting into Erika's head. Vivica had contact with her and explicit conversations with Cameron regarding his sibling."

Noticing Dr. Victoria, Blaze nodded to her. "Karen, what are you doing here?"

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah narrowed her eyes a bit at Haleigh's rather CRYPTIC statement.]

she's usually armed with a clean cut , "to the point" statement. but right now she looks and acts like she's been confronted by something worse than DEATH itself.

[ though not an empath, Delilah had a good sense of PEOPLE and those whom she interacted with. She could see something was off with Haleigh at this moment but rather than press the issue, she agreed with Haleigh on moving Alison down to her place. her training as a police officer gave her some common ground with Haleigh and her military training and since they had people to protect it was far better to have them all in one place for a unified front.]

agreed.


[ as the went to get Haleigh, Delilah turned to her.]

Morgan and Persephone are in L.A. Morgan teleported them to retrieve the journals that Cameron left for Alison. They've been gone for a while. Erika probably went out there after them after she came here. Which was JUST what was Morgan was hoping for.

[ Delilah was none too concerned about the fact that Morgan would try to kill Erika. Hell she wanted to do it HERSELF. They gathered up Alison, carefull not to wake her and moved her down to Haleigh's place. Once there, With Alison laying peacefully down , Delilah covered her once more and sat nearby. She took a moment to check out the twins, Zach and Nicolas, who was now healed.]

Where is Karen? Or Blaze, Alycia and Vivica for that matter?

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen turned to see Blaze and Vivica arrive. Still in her regal, elegant black flying suit, the doctor folded her arms as she glared at Blaze.>>

What am I doing here? I think the BETTER question is...WHERE have YOU been?

You were supposed to be here WITH Alycia. Erika just attacked Alison...but if your here NOW, then you must have gotten Alycia's alert.

<< looking around, still there was no sign of Alycia.>>

Zachary, Nicolas and the twins are in Haleigh's and Delilah was with Alison. Nicolas was badly hurt but I healed him. Morgan and Persephone are in Los Angeles, retrieving the journals that Cameron left Alison. Erika is there as well...trying to derail them. I'm certain she will fail.

but i'm here for another reason.

Alycia is in SERIOUS destress. I need to see her at once.

<< pushing past Blaze and Vivica, the doctor was focused as she walked to Alycia's office door and openened with out knocking....>>

Alycia....

<< there was no one there. her desk was cleaned off. all the files were gone and it looked like she had left for the evening. turning around, Karen walked out and into the vestibule...around the perimeter and checking into the conference rooms and then the lounge>>

she's not here. She's not ANYWHERE in this office.

<< Karen's face betrayed a sign of concern>>

Blaze...i ASKED you to stay here with her! WHY couldnt you do that?

<< karen walked past her and to the phone, pressing a comlink button she IMMEDIATELY patched into Haleigh's apartment.>>

in Haleigh's apartment

<< an alert tone sounds off.>>

This is Dr. Victoria. I'm down on the 99th floor with Blaze and Vivica. They are fine...but ALYCIA is gone! Her office is dark and her attache is gone. so is her coat. Its as if she's LEFT for the evening.

This is NOT good.


<< turning to Blaze and Vivica.>>

we better get back up there. its better if we are all together. Maybe we can figure out what happened with Alycia AND we'll be able to answer a call from Morgan and Persephone is need be.

[Foxfire]

Noticing the glare in Karen's eyes, Blaze knew the meaning behind it and what it revealed. Contempt. She clenched her jaw while the doctor lectured and scolded her for leaving. Blaze remained calm on the exterior as the woman badgered her like a witness. The mutant knew Karen would question her judgment, but for now she allowed the doctor to update her. Despite the fact she was already briefed.

Karen's worry sounded in her voice that Blaze defined easily. It was that same tone whenever something was unsettling Morgan. Side stepping from Karen's path, the doctor moved past her. Looking around, Blaze could have sworn she saw a shadow, it must have been the adrenaline rush of things.

Following after Karen who informed the trio Alycia was gone. She stood next to her folding her arms across her chest. A cold glare given to the older woman. "What are you doing?" She asked curiously, seeing the doctor reach for the intercom. Blaze reached out quickly to snatch the doctor's wrist. A fire burning in her eyes, her teeth clenching.

"First of all I've had ENOUGH of your shit. Come down off your high horse and get your facts straight before you lecture me. I was protecting Alycia when Haleigh arrived via Alycia's instructions. I left to speak with Vivica about recent events. Why did I leave? And more importantly why did ALYCIA leave? I'll tell you!" She hissed, releasing the doctor's arm.

"Haleigh Davidoff is a traitor to us! Her family is in league with MysTech! She went off on a secret mission to Greece to see her SISTER aka Ava Cassadine. Her step - father is Stavros Cassadine the man responsible for the death of Sharon Kelly. Alycia was going to confront Haleigh about this. Now, that is the reason she has left her own grief and vengeance. And if I know Alycia based on what I've seen she'll destroy everyone in Haleigh's family starting with Ava."

She watched as Karen informed the others via intercom on their status. Karen turned to look back, suggesting they move elsewhere. "Agreed."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's eyes widened with disbelief as Blaze DARED to grab her arm....and speak to her that way! but for a brief moment, she FORGOT the child's extreme insolence when she told her something so MONSTROUS.>>

Haleigh's family. Sharon Kelly's DEATH....THEY where the ones responsible? but that must mean that they are...in league...with MYSTECH!

<< Karen couldnt BELIEVE what she had just heard. Blaze had dropped one HELL of revelation upon her, it all but CONFIRMED her intuition that something had GREATLY disturbed Alycia, but even as it started to cllick, she realize that Blaze was still holding her arm. This young woman was DANGEROUSLY close to getting turned into a medeival toilet.>>

LET GO OF ME!

<< she pulled back from Blaze as the woman released her arm. Karen held her hand up and clenched her fist as a look of icy disdain washed over her face. it was clear to see where Morgan got THAT look from. a halo of golden magick formed around her fist.>>

Blaze, I have scrambled your powers before. if you EVER touch me again, by the soul of Hecate, i will do things to you with my magick that are BEYOND ALL KNOWN PHILOSOPHIES! Do NOT test me.

now STEP BACK!

<< Karen yelled with force as she stood taller than Blaze.>>

<< turning her back...she had to get ahold of herself....the shock of the news she just heard was just NOT what she expected of all things.>>

Haleigh, Alycia, SHARON! family...mystech....secrets....


<< she couldnt talk to Blaze anymore...she barely trusted her. But suddenly she felt like MASTER MOLD was watching her from outside the windows of Illustra. She remembered that night...Sharon Kelly was dead and so was MORGAN. and Haleigh and Alison came to her late that night to tell her the news....HALEIGH and Alison. HOW COULD SHE!? How COULD SHE HAVE JUST ...>>

Her family....they HURT MY DAUGHTER! THEY KILLED SHARON!

<< Karen shut her eyes tightly as she fought to pull back from her own emotions.>>

there HAS to be an explanation. there HAS to be a reason for this.....the task at hand.

<< the ride up the elevator was silent and quick. Karen didnt bother to look at Blaze or Vivica as she bust out of the doors as soon as they open. down the hall she went...>>


so many questions. such a shock...ALYCIA...WHERE IS SHE NOW!?

<< inside the apartment, Karen rushed in, not aware just how DISTURBED she looked in her face..her sapphire eyes. the cape of her flying suit flowed behind her as she walked in.>>

Blaze and Vivica are right behind me.....they..

<< she turned and saw Haleigh. and turned her head. she couldnt look at the woman. instead she just stopped talking and went over to Alison and Delilah.>>

[Foxfire]

Blaze didn't respond to Karen's threats, she knew full force the capacity of her powers. At least Karen would know the truth and that Haleigh wouldn't be able to pull the rug from under them. She could feel the anguish within the doctor, it meant the revelation was shocking and disturbing to her, which in reality was how Blaze felt.

Following after Karen, the trio rode the elevator up to Alison's apartment. Karen storming out of the elevator, a mixture of emotions draining from her. The smell of her fear, hatred, and uncertainty flowing into Blaze's heighten senses and empathy. Walking inside she saw Karen addressing Delilah and Haleigh but her sentence was short lived. Without missing a beat, Blaze covered.

"We were doing research on Erika King." She spoke firmly, she knew Vivica wasn't ready to divulge her secrets as of yet and Blaze would delay for her friend.

"How is Alison?" She asked, more so to Delilah. "I was briefed about an altercation. Any word on Morgan and Persephone?" Blaze's own fiery tone oozed a bit of worry.

[Rampage]

As Nicolas turned to depart for California, Karen sternly called him back.

"But Doc.."

She interrupted him and threatened to mystically bind him to a chair. He laughed in spite of himself at this remark and begrudgingly took a chair, his heavy axe resting on the floor.

"OK, ma. I'll 'rest'. Doctors orders."

Nicolas saw the look of concern on her face as she exited to see Alycia. He was tempted to accompany her, but he realized that he couldn't simply guard them all. So he settled in, using his powers to further monitor this floor.

He was relieved when he saw Delilah and Haleigh with Alsion. He noticed a different air about Haleigh, but he decided not to pry. Besides, who didn't have something on their mind on a day like this?

As the rest of the group arrived, he noticed two things: NO Alycia and the hurt in Dr. Karen Victoria's face. He immediately stood up and went to where she was.

"What's, wrong, ma? Where is Alycia?"

Turning to Blaze, he spoke again.

"Shoot straight with me, Blaze. WHAT is going on??"

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach nodded and smiled as Karen laughed.

"It just means we'll always need you."

He said, as he took on a more serious look when Karen told him to help Haleigh if he could. "Of course. We'll be right here."

********

Haleigh nodded as Delilah told her about Morgan and Persephone. She helped Morningstar take Alison downstairs, and then watched over as Delilah covered her up again. Haleigh looked around the room. The twins and Nicolas were still here with Zach, who was giving her the look of concern. Haleigh signalled to him, and they both moved off to the side a little ways off, where they talked in hurried whispers.

Z: "You seem upset. Are You Okay?"

H: "Where's the doctor?"

Z: "She felt something was wrong with Alycia... and went to go check on her."

H: "Alycia knows.... and nothing I could say calmed her... she's going to destroy anyone she an get her hands on... and I won't be safe here for much longer--"

Karen's voice sounded over the intercom, telling them the news. Haleigh felt like a cornered animal and any attempts to hide it were now abandonned. she went back to whispering with Zach.

H: "I have to go!"

Z: "Go?? You can't do that, it'll be devastating to your case."

H: "Case? WHAT Case?? These people are about to become judge, jury, and executioner, and neither you nor I are very good lawyers. I HAVE no case... and besides... that's not the most important thing right now... Alycia's at large, and that means--"

Z: "Ava's in danger. Do you think she listened to you and got out?"

H: "Probably NOT. I'm going to have to drag her back to the states kicking and screaming... oh, or better yet, I'll take some tranquilizers. But she's not the only one in danger... if my sister told Stav that someone was gunning for him... he'll be ready for her... I've got to go.. I've got to HELP that woman destroy his empire and get Ava OUT of there before it's too late--"

Karen came back into the apartment, and tried to say something about Blaze... but she couldn't look at Haleigh for very long and the look she DID give Haleigh was more than informative enough. Haleigh knew Blaze had said something... her own brand of the truth that most likely had delusion all over it... there was no TELLING what Karen thought at this point. Blaze followed in with Vivica in tow and Haleigh's mixed, uneasy emotions turned to something harder and more violent. Haleigh envisioned herself backhanding Blaze so hard, it would wipe the skin right off her face and the thought almost brought a smile to her face... Zach called her name aloud as she began to stalk predatorily towards Blaze.... but she wasn't to be distracted. Blaze asked a question directed more towards Delilah but Haleigh cut in sharply.

"Oh, hello, Judas. Alison's FINE. I like how you tried to switch the subject there. You mean to tell me you LEFT an INNOCENT UNPROTECTED, while a psychopath with a GRUDGE against her for cutting her out of the will was roaming about, foaming at the mouth??"

Haleigh was in Blaze's face, staring her down and practically DARING her to present a reason for Haleigh to hit her. Zach stepped forward and tried to derail Haleigh.

Z:"Haleigh.... hurting her will FEEL good... but it wont HELP the situation here."

Haleigh kept her eyes locked with Blazes... She never blinked, and she had all the body language of someone about to throw down. It was starting to look like a prelude to what happened before in Morgan's apartment.... but Haleigh was decidedly more violent and THIS time... she felt Blaze deserved a good old fashioned ass whupping.

"Blaze, while you stand here, in MY apartment, and look at me like I'm some lesser form of life because of something I CANT CHANGE, I'd just like to point something out. YOUR little family tree isn't so STORYBOOK either. How would YOU feel, if I held the actions of CHRISTOPHER against you? HMMM??! How would it be, if we penalized ALISON or CAMERON for what Kelly King, their MOTHER, tried to do to us?? Or if we disrespected Karen because she married an asshole? Even MORGAN, our pride and joy, sorceress who can DO NO WRONG would be at fault... for the behaviour of HER father during the citadle! I think its fucking comical, really, that we let ALL THAT BLOOD RELATION shit slide... but when it comes out that I have a STEPfather, who I ALWAYS hated anyway, who is not 100% MYSTECH, but does BUSINESS with Mystech, ALL OF A SUDDEN, I'VE got the black letter T stamped on my damned forehead! So maybe you can EXPLAIN this peculiarity to me... because I'm not sure I understand how it works here in HYPOCRITE CITY!"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< sitting near Delilah, Karen remained prime and poised with her arms folded. She had to get herself in order if she was going to be of any use in what was about to become a BAD situation. Haleigh began to confront Blaze and there was no diffusing the situation this time, but strangely enough Karen felt that this SHOULD happen. If they were going to get to the bottom of this shocking revelation that had YET to reach the ears of Delilah and Nicolas AS WELL as Morgan, Alison and Persephone, Haleigh would HAVE to come clean and stand her ground...even against Blaze.>>


<< Karen looked sharply at Haleigh when she mentioned her "marrying an asshole.">>

<< speaking with a sharp tone.>>

Haleigh, I married Christopher years before ANY of you in this room were born...and while he ENDED UP being an "asshole" it certainly wasnt WITHOUT HELP from an outside source. There WAS a time in his life when he was a good man. He gave me a beautifull daughter and he was a loving father and husband and I REMEMBER THOSE TIMES.

I did not just naively marry a monster. I married a man who lost himself in the darkness visited upon him by Malice and the inner circle of MysTech and when he crossed over, i did NOT follow.


THIS SITUATION HERE is not REMOTELY THE SAME!

not only that...the issue isnt who could be guilty by association, its WHO was more forthcoming?

Alison didnt ONCE compromise the safety of this team when it came to Kelly King. If anything she did all she could to facilitate her DESTRUCTION. Morgan killed her own father to ensure that he would never hurt you, me or anyone else again.

true enough none of us here is perfect and we all have baggage.....

<< Karen knew that several others of the team didnt know exactly what was going on yet but she hoped Haleigh would be woman enough to lay it out for them.>>

Instead of redirecting and deflecting, as if to take away any responsibility you may have for the current situation involving Alycia and yourself, why dont you just TELL them what is going on?

Erika can be handled...that much is clear, but i think the more pressing issue NOW is the one that is threatening to erode the ties among this team. If you believe in this team, then you will STAY and you will ADDRESS this HEAD ON.

<< the doctor didnt condemn her..not yet at least and she had every right, considering what Master Mold did to HER daughter BUT Haleigh DID make a valid point that nobody in this room had a perfect past nor where they above reproach. it STILL did not take away the rather eye opening implications that came with HER secret and how it would effect others here like Nicolas who was indirectly affected by Sharon Kelly's death.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh flung her gaze to Karen... who clarifed the cicumstances regarding her and Christopher's marriage. Haleigh would allow herself distracted and Karen inadvertantly gave her another point to make.

"Oh, so different, you say? That's interesting... because it sounds pretty damn close to what happened to MY mother. She got involved with a nice, ambitious man after my father died and as soon as he got involved with MYSTECH he became a bastard.... and now SHE'S going to be penalized for it... because she's about to LOSE her only remaining daughter to Mystech's tendrils of disaster, JUST like when she lost me and JUST LIKE when YOU lost Morgan."

Haleigh took Karen's arguement point by point... and like most of the time, had an answer for everything.

"OH.... yes.... that's right, I'm sorry. I'm so TERRIBLY sorry that I didn't waltz in one day, pour you all a drink, and say [with heavy sarcasm] 'hey guys, I hate to drop this on you, but my stepfather is the guy who helps Mystech design and produce the technological weapons of splendor that they use to BEAT THE SHIT out of us. Hope you don't mind!' If I recall correctly... nobody said ANYTHING about Kelly until she was in our FACE and NOONE introduced themselves like 'hi, i'm morgan, and my father works for Mystech.' No.... that didn't happen."

Karen tried to rope Haleigh in with talk of the ties of the team and playing the 'if you really cared' card... but Haleigh had been pushed and prodded to the end of her rope by both Alycia and Blaze... and she felt that she knew what was coming... and with only Zach in her corner, she continued to lash out, with rapidly growing resentment.

"FUCK this team! This isn't a TEAM! A TEAM doesn't do THIS [gesturing between her and Blaze] to each other! A team doesn't smile in your face and [turning to look at Delilah] ask you if you're okay but really just wish they were rid of you! [Shifting her gaze to Karen] A team doesnt CONDESCEND upon each other and JUDGE each other and OSTRACIZE each other! [Narrowing her eyes back on Blaze, her voice quieting from a yell to a growl] A TEAM doesn't spread misinformed poison about each other behind backs. YOU had a problem with me because I wouldn't tell you where I went or what I was doing so you BROADCAST that shit to anyone who'd listen. You stoked the fire when Alycia found out, trying to get HER riled up about it, and you outed me to Karen when you found out Alycia was going to do your bidding, because you wanted KAREN to deal with me where YOU can't. At least ALYCIA had the decency to bring it to me in private."

"No, Karen.... the real, PRESSING issue is that Alycia is out there RIGHT now, all alone, about to go up against a man who was the Dr. Frankenstein equivalent for Master Mold... and she's got a bloodlust that could get her KILLED. No, I don't need to stay here... Alycia needs my help... my kid sister needs my protection... and while NEITHER of them want my assistane, at least THEY both treat me like a human being."

[Foxfire]

Blaze's green eyes still locked on Delilah, she had no desire to speak with Haleigh let alone look at her. The mutant was disgusted at Haleigh's behavior as of lately almost like that of raving - mad lunatic. Haleigh's boots clicked loudly on the floor as Blaze turned to look at her directly. Perking a curious brow, Blaze didn't seem to be backing down as she stepped toward Black Widow. Reaching into her pocket she reached for a piece of gum casually while Haleigh threw a temper tantrum. Blaze popped a piece into her mouth after Haleigh finished she offered a piece with a twisted smile on her lips.

"Gum?"

This was of course a distraction as the mutant quickly hooked her leg around Haleigh's ankle. Her hands worked like clockwork as they wrapped around the woman's waist enabling them to spin around. Slamming Haleigh's head down roughly to pin her on the coffee table as she hooked her arm to restrain her arms. Popping a bubble with her gum she looked down at the blonde.

"Are you finished? Because if anyone is FOAMING at the mouth its you not Erika King. Granted she's one fucked up broad but you take your hits!" Blaze wasn't trying to harm Black Widow, just enough for her to cool off. "I don't have to justify myself to you or what I do. I'm not in a high ranking leadership position. Unfortunately YOU are and therefore the team relies on you. I can't trust you when you pull stunts like this. Disrespect me ALL your little black heart wants but I've dealt with my past. Christopher is in me and I accept it, I'm never going to live it down and I can't erase that. So instead I EMBRACE who my father was, yes, a delusional psychotic man but he made me the woman I am today. I have him to thank, he gave me life, brought me into this world. I've put that chapter to bed once and for all. You now must deal with yours. Trying to intimidate me is worthless, acting out isn't gonna happen. Members of this team don't like you....members of this team don't like ME but you don't see me crying a river about a freaking popularity contest."

She released Haleigh but she was ready for any sort of physical altercation between them, if need be. "I told Karen because she was worried about Alycia she deserved to know. And I left Alycia because the last time I checked she was in YOUR care. She requested to speak with you personally. What was I supposed to do file my nails while you two chatted over tea and crackers? I don't think so. You take your foaming ass and COOL it. This isn't helping our situation in the slightest. Your just pissed off because I spilled the beans, which you should have had the balls....err eggs to step up and inform this team. Your full of lies and deceit Haleigh. I don't go around pretending to be anyone's close buddy buddy, I tell it how it is. Sure, I alienate plenty of people but its me. I'm an unapologetic fiery bitch who'd happily burn a few people to a crisp. And as for Alycia I did tell her but she already KNEW it which you knew that."

Blaze looked over to Karen who addressed Haleigh rather coldly. "The milk is already spilled Haleigh. The others deserve to know, if you feel I taint the facts than by all means explain yourself. Right here. Right now."

Turning back to Nicolas, Blaze sighed heavily. Each of the team was left somewhat in the dark. But Blaze knew Haleigh would explain herself IF she decided to go through with it.

"Haleigh will explain."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah's face brightened as Karen entered the apartment. But something was wrong - her face looked strained. But she didn't have a chance to ask about it.

As Blaze inquired about Alison, Haleigh cut off her answer. Delilah met Blaze's eyes and answered the original question calmly.

"She fine - sleeping. Exhausted, but fine for the moment. Morgan and Persephone have not returned..."

This last bit did worry her - even though she knew those two could take care of themselves. Why was it taking so long?

And then the shit hit the fan. Something was going on here alright, but she felt like she was watching a foreign film without the subtitles. She started to ask "Mystech? Kid sister?" but couldn't really get a word in edgewise. What the hell? The only things she did understand were Haleigh withdrawing and Alycia in trouble.

And Haleigh's words about her. Did she really want to be rid of Haleigh? Outbursts like this one surely...but did Haleigh really think she wasn't wanted here? Was she being too hard on her? Again her mind turned back to whatever it was the others were talking about. Her brain told her to stand up and demand to know what was going on. Then decide if Haleigh was getting the short end of the stick as she claimed.

But was that how a team really worked? Would she ask for the same proof from Morgan...or Alison?

She knew the answer. And maybe it was time to have a little faith. Haleigh had said they weren't really a team. But they WERE. And maybe Haleigh needed her to show it.

Blaze showed characteristic overreaction to Haleigh's rant by getting physical - it certainly wasn't going to help the situation at hand. As Blaze said her piece and released her grip, Delilah turned to Haleigh and looked her square in the eye. ]

"Let me go with you. I don't need to know your family secrets until you're ready to share them."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen had enough of Haleigh's insolence and having an answer to EVERYTHING. the doctor stood up as Blaze ONCE AGAIN over stepped her bounds and got physical. it all happened SO FAST and she KNEW that Haleigh would kill Blaze, she had killed before...most everyone in that room had killed before but THIS was different. >>

STUPID GIRL, do you ALWAYS have to take things from BAD TO WORSE!?

<< karen raises her hands and gesture as golden halos of magick form around them and a rushing harp sound is heard>>

ZAP!


<< Karen IMMOBILIZES Blaze AND Haleigh with her magicks. trapping them both in seperate fields of golden light and rendering them physically unable to move.>>


Blaze, you are a DISGRACE and though are Morgan's half sister, you are just TOO WILLING to embrace the EVIL legacy of Christopher. It is clear that you are a WALKING COP OUT.

<< turning to Haleigh>>

do you know WHY Alycia is "out there and alone?" do ANY of you know what that child is out there "alone"?

<< she turned to MorningStar and Nicolas>>

because she wants what YOU were unwilling to give her. JUSTICE FOR SHARON KELLY!

<< she stood in the center of the room.>>

Haleigh's family was responsible for the creation of Master Mold....the creature that MURDERED Sharon Kelly while she was bravely trying to help MORGAN. MASTER MOLD...the robot that Alison unleashed the seige perilous against to save the city from it. the robot that my daughter DIED fighting against so that YOU would live.

I administered psycho therapy to Sharon and Alycia following their rescue from the cell and i KNEW that if they experienced anymore trauma it would be DEEPLY damaging. Sharon never had the chance to recover...she died..in ALYCIA'S ARMS no less and now.....Alycia is doing the best thing she knows to do. She's going after the people who were responsible for Sharon's death and whether you like it or not Haleigh...they are YOUR PEOPLE. If you knew about Master mold...in ANYWAY, you shouldve TOLD SOMEBODY. Even if Sharon's death couldnt have been provented at least you would have known who to go after for it instead of just waiting around for MALICE to deal yet ANOTHER BLOW to the team.

Sharon lived her life fighting for people like you...she DIED for the same reason. Don't you think she deserves justice? maybe if you had came to Alycia BEFORE...it wouldnt have been such a slap in the face to her NOW.


Instead of trying to DENY the fact that you have culpability to Sharon's death AND Alycia's current state of mind...why dont you try OWNING up to it and letting us ALL help you...help HER.

WHOMEVER these people are...they DESERVE what's coming to them. If there IS an innocent somewhere in the mix, then TELL us who she is and we will help you get her out. Your cloak and dagger routine is OLD Haleigh, and it WONT WORK anymore.

and dont bother trying to escape. BOTH of your powers are scrambled at this moment.

[Oracle]

<< it was so unexpected...any and ALL viewing monitors in the room where everyone was standing began to flicker on....but what they were going to play, NO ONE would expect.>>


sounds of crashing, explosions and fire, smoke fills the air. its New York city but clearly its not present day. its several months back.


MASTER MOLD makes the scene, targeting the limousine carrying Sharon Kelly and Alycia Barnett. Morgan streaks into view, attempting to attack the mega sentinle bue she is STRUCK hard out of the air and slams into the limo with such force. after the violent crash......Sharon Kelly emerges from the limo, carefully extracting an unconscious Alycia. she pulls her friend over to a near by light pole. She turns to see an unconscious Spellbinder trapped in the wreckage....and bravely rushes back to her friend's side...

she's trapped in the metal! UGGNNNN!!:: struggling with the twisted metal::

i can't get these things to budge! Morgan!! PLEASE wake up! I'm not strong enough!!!

<<Spellbinder abruptly sits up....>> UGGH!! no need to SHOUT Sharon, my head is stil..ringing from ...being hit by that...that THING!.

<< looking up, she see's Master mold closing in and she EASILY bends back the metal that was trapping her.>>

I'm still too groggy...too disoriented to fly or teleport....Get OUT of here Sharon! He's coming for us....But I can draw his fire...my magick will protect me!

But Morgan.....

<<yelling with urgency>> DONT QUESTION ME! just GET OUT OF HERE NOW! RUN FOR IT!

<< the monitors play the horrifying moments as Master mold's GIGANTIC shadow looms over the two women>>

Target's identified. Spellbinder- class: witch; Sharon Kelly- class: human. both targets assessed high threat level. course of action...TERMINATION!

<< Sharon runs for her life...a look of FEAR on her face can now be seen by EVERYONE who wasnt there for the moment as it originally happened...including Nicolas. She cries out for help. Morgan, can't move...she's too stunned, too weak.>>

: Target, Sharon Kelly attempting to escape!

<< the mega sentinel unleashes to GIANT broad beamed blasts from its eyes that ENCOMPASS the limo and area where Spellbinder lay. the ballistic feedback from the blast charges out ward and causes the ground to rumble as the blast SLAMS into Sharon and blasts her forward, blowing her out of her shows and sending her flying before she lands face down on the ground. car alarms and building alarms nearby are going off like crazy. small fires rage all around and there is now a MASSIVE crater in the spot where Morgan once lay. Sharon Kelly is now steps away from Alycia...laying face down...blood coming from her nose, her face covered in dirt and debris...her back badly burned.>>

<< the screens flicker. now the six have arrive and are fighting Master Mold. inside the bus, Spellbinder lays batttered on the seats while Alycia sits on the floor, quietly holding on to Sharon, slowly rocking her badk and forth. the lights on the bus flicker a bit. Alycia looks so distressed as she tries not to cry.>>

.....Al....Alycia?

Shhhhh! Shhhh! don't try to talk. Save your strength honey. Morgan will wake up soon...and she'll HEAL you. you'll be okay!

: ::a tear flows down from the swollen and closed eye of the senator. ::

alycia....thank you....all of you for what you've done.....i ... i love you...all of you.

:: with that, Sharon's head falls back into Alycia's arms. she takes her last breath...and passes on.::

: :: her eyes widen with horror as she hold's sharon up closer to her chest.::

No!! no no no no!!! Sharon ..dont you do this!! you hang in there...PLEASE!!!

:: its too late. and as Alycia feels Sharon draw her last breath...the DA cries out with anguish...clutching the now decease Sharon Kelly in her arms as she looks up to the ceiling of the bus. her sobs of pained anguish sound just as real NOW as they did at the time.::






<< it was a HARSH reminder of just what had happened. but WHO had initiated this replay sequence? no one in the room could have and Alycia was gone. Perhaps it was Erika King...CAPITALIZING on the dischord once again affecting the team. showing them that they werent NEARLY as "together" as they thought they were. and it was also a reminder of just what had happened andwhy Alycia was now so bent on REVENGE. and NOW the team, knowing what they knew about Haleigh's family...would have to struggle with this new information.>>

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah wiped away a tear rolling down one cheek. The images brought back the battle with Master Mold as if it had just happened. Sharon had not to die that way...

And Alycia...the pain she had gone through. The helplessness...it would drive anoyone over the edge - most people, in fact, would not be able to handle it at all. But would she really seek revenge for Sharon alone? Wouldn't she take at least one of them with her? The current course of action, regardless, was getting them nowhere.

She stepped in between Karen and Haleigh. She gulped. ]

"Karen - you know you're like a mother to me. And it's...very difficult...for me to say this to you. But - you cannot blame Haleigh for Sharon's death. Yes, she hid her family from us. But it's not like she knew details that she witheld from us. She didn't intentionally let us walk into danger."

[ She turned to Haleigh. ]

"Right?"

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh stared at Blaze as she was offered gum.... the NERVE! the STUPIDITY! Blaze was acting like this was some big joke... but to Haleigh, it was even more serious than life or death. Haleigh smacked the gum out of Blaze's hand hard enough to BREAK every bone in her hand on impact.

Blaze was fast and managed to catch haleigh off guard and pin her, momentarily, to the coffee table. It was long enough for Blaze to quickly mouth off... but only just. Haleigh's strength FAR surpassed that of a normal woman's and so broke free of Blaze's hold, whipping around and overpowering Blaze with sheer might and unbridled fury. She pushed Blaze back into the sofa and stood over her. Haleigh grabbed Blaze by the hair and brought her fist into Blaze's right eye socket, and then pulled her fist back for another hit.

"No Blaze.... the BLOOD is spilled here."

She snarled, preparing for another swing. It would be a FEAT for Blaze to still be conscious at this point... the first hit was powerful enough to CRUSH the bone around her eye and the second blow would surely be lethal. The only one present with enough PHSYICAL strength to stop Haleigh now was Nicolas, who hadn't yet spoken... but Haleigh paused and looked up... she'd heard Delilah in the background... saying she wanted to HELP?!

"WHAT??"

She said, as Karen sprung into action and 'froze' them both in their place.... and then went to scolding them both. Haleigh seemed surprised by Delilah's show of faith, and it was enough for her to stop and listen to Karen... and haleigh softened. she couldn't argue with Karen's logic...

"WHAT do you want me to say, Karen? I'm SORRY. I was WORRIED that THIS would happen! So I didn't say anything... by the time i KNEW about Master Mold, it was TOO LATE! There was NO WAY for me to know for sure that Cassadine was behind Master Mold... because I CHOSE to ignore him completely. I CHOSE to be told nothing about him because I wanted NOTHING to do with him. The night I found out about his involvement was the night I heard ALYCIA talking about him... and she ALREADY KNEW. I wanted to tell someone... I would've been most comfortable with Alison... but with Cameron's funeral... and everything that happened today... it had to be put on hold. Of COURSE Sharon deserves justice! I TOLD her, I TOLD Alycia I'd even HELP her against Stavros... but she flipped when I put my foot down and told her I'd PROTECT my sister from HER... she's his DAUGHTER... but shes YOUNG... she didn't have anything to do with Mystech and Alycia's going to KILL HER because Persephone needs an identity for our realm."

The screens dropped and began playing the past... Haleigh looked around... everyone was just as surprised as she was, watching Sharon die all over again. It drove guilt home to Haleigh... and she flinched as Alycia started sobbing.

"Turn that off....turn that shit OFF!"

The screens went blank at Haleigh's command, and the room fell silent. Haleigh took a deep breath and spoke quietly.

"I can't change the past. I made a mistake in not saying anything but there's nothing i can do about that now. Alycia's in danger... she going after Stavros and theres no telling what he's got to defend himself with... and my sister, Ava Cassadine is in danger of being killed in the process. I cant.... BE HERE... with a 'team' acting like this.... NOT when I need to be out there..."

Delilah stood up for her, and for the first time, Haleigh looked at Delilah differently. She was MORGAN'S friend from the start... but she was also Sharon's friend and close to Karen as well... and she was backing Haleigh, without even knowing the details... and very few people ever did that for Haleigh. She nodded, feeling vindicated.

"Right."

[Foxfire]

EDIT FOR LEXI'S POST


Blaze locked eyes with Nicolas, who seemed concerned for the whereabouts of Morgan and Persephone. Yet Rampage deserved to know, Blaze pondered about telling yet another person but her eyes locked along Haleigh.

Haleigh reacted harshly as she moved with machine - like speed and connected with a brutal punch to the eye socket shattering blood vessels. Blaze roared in pain, causing the bone to bruise. Had it not been for her Omega Healing factor, Blaze would be knocked unconscious. But she still suffered considerably before being shoved back upon the couch. She may have had her differences but she didn't want to fight her comrade. She grit her teeth with her hair yanked, lose ends dropping down on the carpet. Yet, Blaze didn't attack when she could counter the last one. Why? Her fingertips wrapping around Haleigh's wrist to pull her hair free. What was this a bitch fight? Blaze's eye dripping with blood as the eye was blood shot. A deep gash formed around her eye, swelling.

Karen interjected with tact and style, isolating both herself and Haleigh. Halo's of magick swarmed her in a hurry. Sighing under her breath, Blaze knew what it meant. She felt the static in her clothing zap and her skin crawl from the short - term revoking of her element of fire. Karen's words cutting almost like a mother dishing some "tough love" to her rebellious teenager.

Her eyes moving onto Haleigh, despite how far apart were. She stared into those electric - blue orbs. She could feel the hatred and rage radiating from Black Widow. It was at this split second Blaze's mind was nostalgic for old memories. She stared at Haleigh, but her eyes seemed to be "off in another world." Blaze recalled how the two would stay up all night discussing weapons, the military, and life in general. And now they were bitter enemies, with Haleigh yearning to kill Blaze. With Black Widow's powers and capacity she could very well snap the mutant like a twig. Snapping out of her daydream she frowned.

Karen's words sinking deeper into her fiery pit. The older - wise woman was right. Without another thought the camera's positioned in the rooms flickered on. Looking up with intrigue, Blaze watched on in horror at the video footage of MM and the night leading up to Sharon's death and Morgan's demise.

She found herself staring at the screen, trying to analysis why this was played and who was responsible? The video played out like a detailed time line until it vanished. A sickening feeling roaming inside Blaze. It never got easier to see that footage but it meant something, an inkling, but what?

Blaze felt her bad eye leak blood tears that stained the couch she sat on. Her vision blinded in her right eye where the punch had impacted. Having her powers zapped she was reeling from the pain. Her eyes fluttered closed before the impact of Haleigh's brute punch was too much rendering her unconscious. Perhaps now Haleigh would feel a bit of satisfaction, but why hadn't Blaze fought back? That was the big question and who orchestrated that video footage?

[Rampage]

As Nicolas inquired to Blaze about what was going on, Haleigh and Blaze began a quick struglle that culminated with Dr. Victoria binding and scrambling them both. In that time, Blaze revealed that Haleigh's family was apparently the technology minds behind Master Mold, who was responsible for the death of Senator Kelly and the near death of Morgan.

Just as he was absorbing this information, the ligts flickered and the monitors all came on. He grabbed his axe and readied himself, but there was no enemy. Instead, he saw the last moments of Senator Sharon Kelly. Tears slowly rolled down his face as he saw the anguish on Alycia's face, the desperate depths of her grief. He recalled his own inconsolation when he received new of his father's death. As he watched and thought, he realized that the same tech that created Master Mold also created the tech that was able to bring his father's plane down, without a trace. The best forensic scientists he could foind all simply shook their head when he contacted them. Only tech of the level found here could have created such a result. Stiffly, Nicolas stood up and faced Haleigh as he toyed with his massive axe.

"'There is ALWAYS someone watching. The rest of us have learned... in the interest of SAFETY... anything and everything can be sacrificed.... INCLUDING privacy.... so you'd better just GET USED to being watched.' Remember saying that? This was your mantra upon my arrival with this team, your declaration to me as Dr. Victoria counselled us. Had you taken your own advice, maybe a lot of us would hurt less than we do EVERY DAY. I don't fault you for your family's connection. Hell, I don't even know who my biological parents ARE. But to sit on this information when the removal of MysTech was so important to everyone is simply disgusting. And now, the consequences are much worse than anything that would have happened had you been honest with the people who would've DIED for you!"

Nicolas turned away, too angry too continue. A part of him wanted to slice her in two, but he realized that this in the ed was not the most important thing. He had to focus on the living. With that thought in mind, he reached out to locate Alycia. He turned to Karen, his back to Haleigh.

"Dr. Victoria, Alycia is en rout to Greece as we speak. She is on an international flight with a plan to flush out the Cassadines using Greek authorities. Haleigh is right. If we are not careful, she will get herself killed dealing with this man."

[Erika King]

< Erika felt the rush of power! the thrill of facing down the big bad "sorceress supreme" and the walking floral arrangement and as she engulfed the house in witchfire she smirked as Persephone's attempt to put out the fire were useless.>

< Spellbinder began to cast a spell, the WOMAN'S calling of fire. she was WARPING Erika's spell and wresting it from her. Ororo told her that Morgan had this power but didnt realize how PRECISE Morgan was with it. Persephone's daggers slam into the floor before her and unleash a concussive blast that sends her flying back just as the fire around her was now coalescing into a massive fire ball under the power of Spellbinder.>

< the bloodthirsty witch Morgan wouldnt hesitate to kill her if she had thet chance but Erika had sense enough to know that this was only one round in a WAR that she aimed to WIN and that victory would come with the head of ALISON in her hands.>

one battle does NOT win a war, Morgan. I'm coming BACK. For YOU , Alison...ALL of you and I will have my revenge! I may not even have to do much to harm you when your own team is so willing to turn on one another. Your precious team mates are finding out just how trust worthy Haleigh is now...and its a secret I'm sure you'd LOVE to know. better run back to that rat's nest Illustra and engage in the rampant dysfunction that is "The Six."

< Erika escapes as the fire ball Slams into the spot where she lay. flaming out from the battle and leaving Morgan and Persephone where they stood. there was water damage to most of the foyer and rooms in the main floor of the house.>

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Spellbinder revels in the SURPRISE she saw in Erika's eyes as she wrested control of the spell from her...the moment is short lived. even as Persephone knocks the witch off her feet and Morgan sends the spell back at her, Erika ESCAPES, leaving one last taunt and alluding to trouble back at Illustra.....involving Haleigh.>>


CURSE HER!

<< Spellbinder spat out with contempt.>>

she escaped AGAIN just like her wretched Mother used to. roaches ALWAYS seem to escape when you're about to SMASH them.

<< she clenched her fist.>>

we got the journals. we can repair this place later. let's get back to Illustra quickly and find out what is going on.

<< raising her hand, a crash of thunder is heard as a stepping disc opens beneath persephone and herself, encompassing them at the waist. in the twinkling of an eye, they are taken from L.A. back to NYC, back to ILLUSTRA and appearing RIGHT in Haleigh's apartment to find everyone else, including an exhausted , sleeping Alison there. there was DEFINATELY signs of chaos and strife. Her mother looked VERY upset, Blaze was beaten and bloodied and both she AND Haleigh were restrained by magick. Rampage looked grim and Delilah was standing between Karen and Haleigh.>>

we got the journals, and we beat back Erika..... << looking around>> what the hell happened here? did Erika attack? where is Alycia?

<< Morgan's icy voice broke the momentary silence.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Rolling her eyes at Erika's retarded and overly dramatic statement, soon Erika disappeared leaving only Persephone and Morgan in the burnt home. ::

"Fucking side show freak. You know...she's the type of person who gives evil a bad name...She's not even worthy to be placed in the catagory 'evil'! She's like, Chucky or something. Hell, even that doll is more intimidating than her.."

Growling under her breath, she soon looked to Morgan and nodded before they were both transported, via stepping disc, back to Illustra. Specifically Haleigh's apartment. Looking around, it looked like a battle had taken place here. Karen was distressed, Haleigh and Blaze were both restrained and bloodied for that matter. Delilah stood her ground between Karen and Haleigh, and Nicolas looked rather peeved. This was either caused by Erika's clone, or an internal struggle. ::

"Oh, I think this goes beyond that tart, Erika."

:: Seeing the fury in Haleigh and Blaze's eyes, it was the same fury that had for each other in Limbo, during their last battle with Malice. The battle that they practically ignored and Persephone suffered the concequences for. Rolling her eyes, the goddess crossed her arms along her chest ready to watch round four--or was it five--of this Jerry Springer knock off of a bitch fight. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah turned her eyes to the newly-appeared Morgan and Persephone. ]

"Alison is fine. Erika attacked Nicolas and I - he was injured but your mother healed him. Alycia has gone alone after Stavros Cassadine. This-"

[ She motioned to the Haleigh-Blaze-Karen triangle. ]

"Is a little altercation resulting from the revelation that Haleigh is a Cassadine...but I'll let someone else fill you in on that cause I'm still confused... What took you guys so long?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Cassadine? As in the woman whom she was going to be using as her identity. Well this was an interesting turn of events....But everyone else obviously wasn't extremely happy about this news. Again, not being from this timeline, Persephone is out of the loop. ::

:: Looking to Delilah, she let out a low and irritated sigh hearing the blonde ask what took them so long. ::

"Erika decided to pay us a visit as well. Attacking us with corny party tricks. But she fled soon after."

[Jessica Hamby]

Blaze didn't fight back. Maybe she was shocked at Haleigh's level of anger... Haleigh'd never lashed out so violently before... but Blaze had crossed the line, and after all this time of tension building up, Haleigh finally snapped. Luckily for Blaze... Karen was quick to react. Haleigh knew Blaze kept sneaking looks at her, and Haleigh glared at her once for good measure, getting a square look at her own handiwork. She'd gotten all of Blaze on that one.. and she didn't regret doing it... for it had garnered exactly the effect she'd wanted... Blaze backed down... and then passed out. Even better... now I don't have to listen to her whiny ass. She thought callously, as Nicolas began to speak. She eyed him.... he seemed to be trying to intimidate her with his axe... she wasn't afraid. He was angry, she could tell, but she was stubborn and with Blaze out, Delilah at least NOT against her, and nothing else to lose, she figured it wouldn't hurt to give them a look into her reasoning.

With tightly measured patience, she begins: "STOP... please.... STOP calling...... that man..... MY FAMILY.... his is NOT.... my family. Yes.... I remember saying that, and i AM used to being watched. What I'm NOT used to is fishing around for your POINT.... did you forget to put one in there? Oh, is that so? The consequences are so much worse now? I really dont SEE that... because YOU are only seeing things from YOUR point of view... and in RETROSPECT, you can SAY you would've been better about hearing it before, but would you REALLY?? How can you know that?? Let me TELL you what I was 'sitting on'. I KNEW Stavros Cassadine had a contract with Mystech to provide them with WEAPONRY, including small and large arms, incendiary and explosive devices, tanks, the like. The SAME stuff I deal with every day. I did NOT know he was behind Master Mold until the NIGHT BEFORE LAST... because I shut HIM AND MY SISTER out of my life. I didn't want to know how deep in the game he was and by the time I KNEW he was a threat, it was TOO late... because he wasn't a threat ANYMORE. You don't GET it, do you? Mystech was in DISARRAY... Malice was the ONLY one left at the helm whan Master Mold was released. Mystech was a dying breed and MM was a LAST DITCH EFFORT to wipe us out. Stavros was only ever in it FOR THE MONEY and he didnt give a damn about Mystech or WHAT they were going to use his weapons for... but he's no fool, and I know him well enough to know that when Mystech began to crumble, Stavros would get the hell outta dodge... and why would Malice stop him?? She ALREADY had an armoury collected from years of dealing with him... she had no NEED for him. And if you look at the records, what I guessed turned out to be true. Cassadine and Mystech amicably parted ways and were no longer business partners BEFORE MM was released. HOW do you think Cassadine avoided being publicly fingered for being in business with the now OUTED Mystech Corporation? So just put it together here... Cassadine isn't even a THREAT to us anymore. He's going to go look for someone ELSE to sell his weapons to, and Mystech is just a satisfied customer to him. The ONLY reason it's an issue is because Alycia is pursuing him for being behind MM. OTHERWISE... this never would have come to the surface... because it would be IRRELEVANT."

Finally, Morgan and Persephone returned, and Haleigh had only a split second to BEAT the others to explaining... a luxury she hadn't had TIME for
when it came to Alycia and Karen. She jumped at the chance.

"Morgan... I.... have something to tell you... and you're not going to like it. Alycia is headed to Greece... to go after the man responsible for designing Master Mold... my... FORMER stepfather. Alycia's very upset... and I'm afraid I made her that way when I insisted she left my SISTER out of her plans. Its... a very long, complicated story... that I JUST got done explaining to THEM... So if it wouldn't be too much to ask... can you just... do what hardly ANYONE here seems to want to do... TRUST me for a while? Alycia needs our help... and so does my little sister... I can explain everything LATER."

It was the closest Haleigh had ever come to pleading, and she almost sounded apologetic and in this moment, she'd just done what everyone SAID she should have done in the first place... and how Morgan would react to this would be telling indeed. Would she truly be receptive... or would she react as Haleigh had predicted?

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Delilah informed Morgan and Persephone about Erika attacking them and hurting Nicolas, Morgan's icy violet eyes immediately darted over to the tallest man in the room. Whatever his injuries were, her mother had certainly done a good job in healing him and restoring his vigor. Morgan couldn't help but feel relieved to know he was allight but that also Nicolas and Delilah had kept Alison safe from Erika.>>

Erika attacked us in L.A. like Persephone said. Cheap parlour tricks mostly. she tried to out do ME with dark magick << smirking a bit>> and you can guess how THAT went. We forced her to retreat, but not before she caused major damage to that house in an attempt to stop us from getting those journals. But we DO have them now and once Alison feels better...she can go through them....

<< Morgan shook her head at the mention of the fight between Haleigh, Blaze and her mother. WHAT could have been so bad that her MOTHER would have been involved in an altercation between THESE two? the "Cassidines"? it didnt ring any bells for Morgan either.>>

Haleigh is a "Cassidine"?.....this must be something that happened while i was....trapped in the seige perilous? Stavros Cassadine? who is he and why is Alycia after him??


<< Looking at her mother who seemed VERY agitated, she knew that her mother no longer was on good terms with Blaze, something that Morgan hoped she could help mend but now Haleigh too? from the look and even the FEEL of the room, MUCH had happened. not to mention the flickering monitors all around>>

what was playing on the screens? usually we dont have the white noise/static effect on the monitors inside Illustra.

<< she looked for an explanation from SOMEONE and it came from Haleigh. Morgan stepped forward a bit. being the tallest the woman in the room, she was able to look down on ALMOST every woman present and Haleigh was no exception. She took a deep breath, not knowing WHAT to expect and since she wasnt a precog...she didnt have the benefit of "eyes" in the past, present and future. Her violet eyes fixed intently on Haleigh as the woman spoke of her step father, who he was, his connection to Mystech and the fact that Cassadine Corp was responsible for...>>

MASTER MOLD!?

<< Morgan bellowed without realizing her tone. she stepped back. the mention of that mega sentinel triggered deep and PAINFULL memories for the sorceress, she remembered EVERYTHING...being HIT and HURT by him, SLAMMED out of the air as if she was NOTHING...and being powerless to save....>>

Sharon.....

<< Morgan bowed her head...>>

all this time....I've been back..and yet, she's not here anymore. She didnt survive...I was hurt....I couldnt fly, teleport....i couldnt HEAL...i ...i couldnt SAVE HER!

<< Morgan seemed to be reliving the trauma.>>

and so....to save everyone ELSE...I pushed Master Mold through the Seige Perilous..and he pulled me in WITH HIM....but it was....

<< Looking back up at Haleigh>>

Haleigh who tried to keep me from being pulled ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Alison was down...the others had to take cover...Haleigh ...tried to save me..but the vortex was irresistable.

All this time.....Alycia has had to live with the memories of holding Sharon in her arms while she died....and there i was....too WEAK to HELP HER!

I failed Sharon! I failed Alycia!


<< the pain, the guilt washed over Morgan...and made her almost DIZZY as she struggled to hide the facial expressions. Haleigh communicated that Alycia was very upset and had left Illustra, she was going to Greece to exact revenge on Stavros and Haleigh wanted to at least save her sister. something ELSE Morgan could identify with...when she too saved Blaze from the clutches of Christopher and Mystech.>>

<< looking up at Haleigh.>>

It all happened so fast...everything has happened so fast since i "returned" to myself after being rescued from the seige perilous, i didnt even REALIZE that Sharon's death hadnt been fully addressed. She died trying to HELP ME, a woman with NO powers but more courage and bravery than most MILITARY MEN.

As far as I'm concerned, Stavros should PAY for what happened to Sharon. I will not stop Alycia from doing whatever she needs to do to him..and neither will you. BUT, WE will help you get your sister out of harm's way and WE will make sure that no harm comes to Alycia.

Haleigh made a mistake..we all have at some point during this ongoing...adventure. It all seems so monstrous..but knowing , REMEMBERING what i do about her before i went through the cosmic gem, I cant BELIEVE she would WILLINGLY have allowed Sharon to be a target for Master Mold if she truly knew. just as ALISON had said...

<< turning to look at her mom>>

Mom......please, let them go. I need to heal Blaze....and then I....we need to go to Greece. Stavros is going to PAY for this and we will make SURE he can't escape what is coming to him. But....we need Alison as well. We need our Guardian, the team tactician.

[MorningStar]

Erika attacked us in L.A. like Persephone said. Cheap parlour tricks mostly. she tried to out do ME with dark magick << smirking a bit>> and you can guess how THAT went. We forced her to retreat, but not before she caused major damage to that house in an attempt to stop us from getting those journals. But we DO have them now and once Alison feels better...she can go through them....

[ Delilah shook her head, the tension in her body releasing a bit as she allowed herself a little laugh. ]

"I don't know WHAT has gotten into that girl's head. I'm surprised she's survived this long."

[ But then Morgan began to relive the events that led to her "death". The emotions on her face, her words about Sharon...she felt so much pain. Delilah walked over to her and took her hand. ]

"Morgan...Sharon's death is not your fault. You did all that you could - you paid the ultimate price for it in the end. The responsibility to protect her - and you - rested with all of us."

[ Delilah bowed her head. ]

"If anyone failed - we failed you. You can't keep putting the weight of the world on your shoulders, hon. We do what we can, we save who we can, and we move on. That's what we have to do. We may have extra powers, but in the end...we're just human."

[ She glanced back towards the others. ]

"Now we have a chance to save Alycia. That is the best way for us to honor Sharon."

[Foxfire]

Blaze was still unconscious when Persephone and Spellbinder arrived. There was no fiery glares from the firestarter. Instead she was hunched over in the couch that Haleigh had pushed her on. It would be assumed Blaze was backing down but that was not the case. Being a wielder of fire meant her emotions ran more rapid than others. Blaze could have easily fought back with Black Widow. Both similar in hand to hand combat, the only difference was Haleigh's machine - like speed and her super strength. But Blaze being the smaller woman she was fast and cunning. Had the mutant fought back she could have easily gotten in a few good punches. The fact was she didn't attack Haleigh and THAT had to stand for something despite her behavior as of lately.

Blaze looked like she had gotten in the ring with Rocky or even Rambo. Her mind was lost into the temporary pit of unconsciousness. Her dreams filled with less than pleasant dreams, ones of herself in the Citadel with Christopher and Adam beside her. Fox was unaware her sister or Persephone returned from their short - lived battle with Erika King.

Something in Blaze's dreams stirred her into consciousness as she gasped out in shock. Blood still dripping from her eyes, her vision blinded in her right eye. Blinking her eyelashes she squeezed them shut with a grimace. Straightening up on the couch, her eye's retina and pupil resembled that of Ripley in Alien 3. Her eyes falling on Morgan and Persephone. Blaze's emotions tightened and pulled on her heart. Her pain releasing bits of hatred and detest for Haleigh Davidoff. At least Blaze was woman enough to prevent an altercation. But now all bets were off and Blaze would seek her vengeance on that cowardice Black Widow.

Turning her head she spit a vast amount of blood on Haleigh's carpet. Cracking her neck her adrenaline doubling as it fought feverishly against Karen's magick. A small smile running along her lips with a laugh. The pain was going numb for Blaze, who stood up while held in her protective barrier. It was almost like the pain Blaze felt was pushing her on. Her body fought further as she stepped sluggishly toward Morgan. Despite Karen's power of rendering her inert, Blaze's body was rebelling. (Think of a Demon fighting Piper's true freeze). Blaze stopped again as her body was inert. Her good eye burning with determination as she took another step toward her sister. Blaze felt as though she had been hit by a tank, and to an extent she did. Her stubbornness and strong will driving her on.

Her bad eye was slowly repairing itself before the others. Small fragments of skin was repairing itself. Karen's magick struggling with Blaze's power. Her adrenaline escalating to boost her power to fight the restraint placed upon her. Her vision in her left eye was still blurred but as she stood, the TO in her body was causing an outbreak. The outbreak was like a virus feeding off cells and blending further. Blaze stopped when she felt her power zapped all together. However, it was a sight to behold. Not many people could rebel on magick. But, this was a unique situation. Had it been any other time Blaze would still be unconscious. Her eye falling on her sister.

"Hello Morgan." Her eyes falling on Persephone and Morgan with an amused look. "Well, aren't you two just a hot mess for sore eyes."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen continued to hold her hands up forward a bit, insuring that neither Haleigh or Blaze could move or use their powers at this time. Her icy glare fixed on Haleigh as she expressed her extreme disapproval, but not BEFORE she had told Blaze about herself. The doctor's main objective was to CONTROL the violence that had errupted before one or more people in the room were seriously injured and to get their attention. The issue here wasnt just about Blaze and Haleigh, it was about the implications behind Haleigh's hiding the truth about her connections to the Cassadines and THEIR connection to Mystech...namely their involvement in the death of Sharon Kelly and why Alycia was so beside herself right now with a need for vengeance.>>

<< As Haleigh COUNTERED Karen's statements, the doctor saw the steely determination in the woman. it was no doubt this very nature that carried her through the horrors of combat that she had faced, not to mention the nightmare of the citadle when she endured torture from Imagiomg....even her death at the hands of Morgan at the beginning of the Inferno! Karen shook her head slowly but then DELILAH spoke up. Delilah was like a daughter to Karen. She grew up with Morgan and became a fine young woman. She was a woman of strong convictions and never afraid to stand up for her beliefs. She was also the most objective and "human" of The Six. For HER of all people to speak up on Haleigh's behalf...it took the doctor aback. Karen looked at her for a moment as she spoke. Her own facial expression softend as she looked at her surrogate daughter.>>

Delilah....it all just seems so monstrous, the shock, the pain that Alycia is in right now..i could FEEL it and I'm not even an empath. but the work that i do, the WAY that i do it..it gives me a special rapport with certain patients so that I know when they need me in the future, i can sense it right away. That's why Alycia's distress called out to me like a beacon. But, perhaps you're right. If you're willing to vouch for Haleigh, and I have faith in your clarity of judgement.....

<< Karen's glare continued to soften as Nicolas addressed Haleigh. She saw the tears he shed as he finally watched the last moments of Senator Kelly and Alycia's cries of agony. He was a strong man, he wanted to be the rock, the toughest man this team had known but even HE had an emotional core. He lost his father to Mystech and his FATHER was close to Sharon...He spoke to Haleigh as he voiced his own hurt and displeasure with her withholding the truth but Karen knew he would not be violent with her. As he turned to inform her that Alycia was on her way to Greece, Karen responded>>

GREECE!? She has MORE than enough resources at her disposal to get there and cause problems for the Cassadines once she informs the authorities of her plans.


<< At THAT moment, her daughter and Persephone arrived!>>

Morgan! Persephone...thank the goddess you're allright!

<< as Delilah gave them a quick recap and THEY in turn explained what happened in L.A., after Haleigh addressed Morgan, she finally found out what was going on here and now Morgan was confronted with the memories of the last moments of HER OWN life several months ago. She remembered how she tried to stop Master Mold from harming Sharon and Alycia...he hit her, hurt her...left her unable to even THINK straight and it pained Karen to see her daughter blame herself so harshly for Sharon's death.>>

<< Delilah comforted Morgan and spoke words of truth and clarity...words that would help remind them ALL of what they should now do and Morgan in turn further vouched for Haleigh and even seemed to forgive her as she asked Karen to release both Haleigh and Blaze from their mystical bindings.>>

<< Karen nodded and lowered her hands. a soft rushing harp sound is heard as the magick dissipates and Haleigh and Blaze are both released from their bindings, their powers returning to normal>>


All of us cannot go to Greece. I will stay behind with Zach and the Twins. This is a matter for the core of the Six. the people who Alycia has been there for more than once. Morgan is right...Alison needs to go with you as well. She can SEE the outcome of this whole affair and offer the best way for you to insure Alycia's safety as well as Haleighs sister.... and the destruction of Stavros...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan smiled greatfully to her mother as she agreed to release Haleigh and Blaze.>>

Thank you, mom. and thank you for keeping them from KILLING each other as well.

<< the magick was deactivated and Blaze fell into Morgan's arms. Blood spattered on Morgan's demonic, erotic costume and her FACE...it was so....disfigured. Morgan couldnt help but look at Haleigh with a glint of disapproval in her eye.>>

shards!!

Haleigh, Blaze may say and do alot of stupid things. Goddess knows that I know that better than most...ever since i discovered her during my time with Valiant, but doing THIS to her....She's STILL my sister and even though you and even my mother may not be fond of her right now, I don't need you EVER putting your hands on her like that again.

<< Morgan turned to Blaze.>>

Just sit still, Blaze. Dont move or talk right now.

<< bending down a bit, Morgan waves her hand infront of Blaze's face. a trail of sparkling magick follows behind her hand as a c hime sounds off. a cooling , soothing breeze flows around Blaze's face as violet hued shards of magick swirl around her face, repairing all bones, muscle, tissue skin, eyes etc. the magick healing completes itself and Blaze is once again herself.>>

There. all better.

<< Morgan brushed some of Blaze's chocolate hair out of her now restored face. and smiled a bit>>

Now, do you think you can keep your hands to yourself from now on?

<< listening to her mother's words, Morgan agrees.>>

I agree with mom. She can stay here in case Erika comes back. Ororo is aware of the situation and if things with Erika DO get out of hand, She will most certainly step in. For now....the rest of us have got an express trip to greece via stepping disc to go on. We need to see if Alison is up...>>

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica had since left the room with the girls while the "adults" were all arguing in such an ugly fashion before the video of Sharon Kelly's death was shown. She had taken them into what looked to be Haleigh's bedroom and sat them down hoping to calm them down or at least get out of their heads everything they had heard. She decided now would be the time for them to learn the seriousness of what laid ahead for them. -

"Girls.. You know out of everyone here, the one person who you can trust is me. I know you two the best. I babysat you, I kissed your cuts, and I have tried to be the mother that you all needed whenever your father couldn't be there.. You always wondered why your father never brought you here, to Illustra and now you know why..."

- She turned to face the window as she continued on. -

"The Six is dangerous. So many have lost their lives in order to help them. Some of whom weren't even mutants. They HAD no powers. Do you understand!?! Sharon Kelly, a human being just like the two of you died because she was associated with them. Cameron didn't want you to die and to most of the world, nobody KNOWS you exist at all. He needed to protect you and I will be DAMNED if you two think that now he is gone it will be more lax around here. Your Aunt is exhausted with grief and everything going on with Haleigh and the others, it ISN'T something that you need to ADD to. I may not be your mother girls, but Cameron has ALWAYS given me permission to WHOOP your ASSES if you misbehave and I would like to think that in his passing, that still STANDS..."

- Turning back to the room she opened Haleigh's closet and found a small travel bag. She opened her own rather large purse and began to transfer clothes that obviously belonged to the twins. Vivica looked at them with heavy eyes. -

"Right now, you cannot be here. Your father spent his entire life protecting you and I am not going to let the discension within this team be the reason you lose your lives too. I am going to take you to my own Penthouse right now. Let's just say in a past life, I did some things and I know I have complete surveyllaince on it at all hours of the day and night. You will be safe there girls. I have my sister Lisa visiting me at the moment. She is perfectly capable of protecting you two. You are going to stay with her..."

[Sydney King]

:: Sydney was fuming mad with Vivica's words. Who the hell did she think she was? This was ridiculous. Alison needed her family right now. They had just gotten there and they didn't want to leave. Well Sydney certainly didn't. Her life had never been more exciting up until this moment. She loved the way these people faught with each other and pictured herself standing next to them in the future. With her own powers. If she even had them. She interjected. ::

"Vivica.. I don't want to go.. Alison needs us! And Besides! Sarah has powers now, she can protect us! I don't want to go.. I just want to know.. I want to know what his life was like...."

:: Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Vivica who maintained a stone cold persona. Usually whenever Sydney brought out the tears she got what she wanted, but a sad thought crossed her mind that now that her father was gone, she could no longer do that. She turned to her sister hoping for reassurance. ::

[Sarah King]

:: Sarah was terribly distraught that she almost started crying when everyone started to fight. She had never seen anything like it and in her own mind she thought that this might have been a reason that contributed to his death. Alycia was in Greece and nobody was doing anything except arguing about whose fault that was. They could be stopping her right now, but they weren't. Sarah was relieved when Vivica pulled them into the bedroom. She listened and though she knew Sydney would hate it, she also knew it was the right thing to do. ::

"Sydney.. stop it. We both know it's not safe here.... Dad ALREADY died.. Don't make me bury another family member.. I'm going, Vivica..."

:: She stood up and grabbed for Sydney's hand, looking deep in her eyes. ::

"For once in your life Sydney, do something that I tell you... Please?"

[Sydney King]

:: At first she didn't want to even look at her sister. She was never supportive and Sydney remembered picking the pieces of Sarah from the floor a few moments ago. Why couldn't she be supportive? But of course, sooner than later, Sarah's words got to Sydney and she decided that it was probably the best thing at the moment. ::

"I don't want to.. but I will go...If the others are okay with it..."

:: A part of her hoped that they weren't that at least Alison would have something to say. That she wouldn't want Sydney to go. She was grasping at straws now but she could at least dream. ::

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica was relieved that Sarah was able to convince her sister to go. This would certainly make things easier on the team. They were dealing with alot for the moment and they didn't need to worry about protecting the girls as well. Vivica would make sure of that. Alison didn't need the stress. Vivica told the girls to wait in the bedroom for a moment while she returned to the living room as the argument seemed to be dying down. She went up to Karen and Morgan as they finished speaking. -

"Karen.. Morgan.. If it's.. If it's alright I would like to have the girls stay at my house with my sister, Lisa. The house is.. is safe to the least. Erika doesn't know where it is. She knows where Illustra is and has already gotten in once, and she knows how to find any quarters of Karen. The girls will be safe with her, I promise. Lisa can protect them.. If you don't think Alison will like that then maybe Karen can stay with them? She could most certainly protect them.. They just can't be around this right now. The whole situation is too dangerous..."

- She looked towards the bedroom door, she didn't want to dump them off but she needed to protect them, it's what Cameron would have done. He had always left the girls with her when times got rough or dire looking, Vivica hoped they would feel the same. -

"As for me.. I would.. I would like to go to Greece with you. While Alycia and I have not always been fond of each other, I feel an obligation, Cameron would have went and I feel like you need all the help you can get. I will go.. if you'll have me..."

[Erika King]

< Erika laughed as she watched the others scurry with the videos of Sharon Kelly's death broadcast off the screen. She had been listening in for some time, knowing that under Karen's protection she would most likely not be able to get back into Illustra. She now had a deliciously evil idea. Alycia was alone and afraid, but most importantly powerless. She was tied to alot of people there. If she could kill Alycia before the others got there, it would send shockwaves throughout the team. It would drive them even farther apart. What would be even better would be if it looked as if maybe Ava Cassadine or Haleigh had killed her. She had decided to hatch a plan. Erika went to her desk looking over the files of the Six she had stolen from Alycia's office when they rushed up to help Nicholas and Delilah. She saw the pictures of Ava Cassadine in one of the files and smiled. >

"Alycia just might have to face her demons SOONER than she would have liked..."

< With the wave of a hand, the one who used to be Erika now looked exactly like the much darker looking Ava Cassadine. Now all she needed was a general location on where Alycia was and where she would find the real Ava Cassadine. The two couldn't meet before or the plan would be ruined. Picking up the files in a scurry she dissappeared in a torrent of flames, thinking of the ways she could hurt each and every one of them. >

"Oh, they will all die, and the death of ALYCIA BARNETT will be just the calling card I need to get them alone..."

[Foxfire]

Blaze stared quietly at her statuesque sister who looked at her with concern. But even the mutant was immobilized from Karen's magick. The air around them shifted and altered as Blaze lost control and fell into her sister's strong arms. Her healing factor slow to recover from the fritz in power lapse. She felt the pity oozing from Morgan while her sister held her tenderly. Looking down and away from Morgan she felt her body ache with pain, despite her attempt to ignore it.

She could hear Morgan's voice addressing Haleigh to scold her. Blaze said nothing, she didn't have the energy to barely stand let alone communicate. The brunette felt Morgan's sisterly instinct to protect and shield her sister. It was a caring gesture with such an icy Sorceress, Blaze was touched.

Her eyes met with the pair of familiar violet eyes. She nodded once to obey Morgan's instructions. Blaze handled the pain rather well, most would have been screaming but Blaze held back that desire. She overheard Karen, Delilah, and Nicolas all discussing the whereabouts' of Alycia, who by now was heading for Greece.

Morgan bent down to her shorter sibling to restore her with magick. She flinched when she saw Morgan wave her hand. It was a reaction and aftermath of her struggle with Haleigh. A cooling sensation washed against her injured face and eyes, almost like aloe vera on sunburn. Gasping at the pleasantness, the bones to the eye socket bent and bridged underneath the skin to form more with the mutant's skeleton. The epidermis sealed up the cuts while muscle tightened. Blood vessels restored to terminate her blood shot eyes. Any red on her eyes was destroyed revealing a glowing shine to her eyes, the sage green. Blood retracing like a movie being rewinded. The only inkling that Blaze was badly injured was the blood on Morgan's costume, her own clothing, and Haleigh's couch and carpet.

The wound vanished and her face was healed completely. "Thanks." She said to Morgan softly who brushed her younger sister's hair from her eyes. Their eyes locked with Blaze looking up at her. She smiled at the question with a nod for affirmation.

The others worked out a sound plan including bring Alison into the picture. Blaze noticed Vivica had disappeared. She saw the woman return requesting she take the twins to her sister's house. Blaze moved to slip into one of the arm chairs feeling overwhelmed with recent events.

"I'd like to stay here." Blaze said quickly. "I'll go with Karen and Zack to Lisa's house unless otherwise noted."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh stared, wide eyed with disbelief, at Morgan who reacted to the news in haleigh's favor and got Karen to release them both. Haleigh was astounded... so much so that she was speechless for a few minutes. Delilah comforted Morgan as Haleigh found her voice.

"Well FUCK ME DRY. Unbelievable! I.... HOT DAMN IT, I don't believe it!" Making eye contact with Morgan, still visibly astonished. "THANK you..... Thank you VERY much."

Karen released Haleigh, who promptly sunk into her own sofa. she took a moment to reorient herself... Morgan was the LAST person she expected to understand. Haleigh'd figured her last chance lay with Alison, who, as a seer, would have a better fix on the big picture, and would require less explaining.... but Morgan had surpassed all expectations. Morgan took a tone bizarrely reminescent of her mother and asked Haleigh not to hurt Blaze again, and Haleigh looked at Blaze's battered face momentarily before looking down at the knuckles of her left hand, which were spattered with dried blood-- Blaze's blood. How Haleigh truly felt about hitting Blaze was largely unknown... but she nodded to acknowledge Morgan and voiced a suggestive response.

"A reasonable request, Morgan, and I'll do my best with it... but perhaps your sister would do well not PROVOKING me endlessly and then manhandling me like one of her conquests... and I wouldn't HAVE to break her pretty little face.... she should be thanking your mother... the first hit is always a curt warning... I might have hurt her a lot worse if Karen hadn't stepped in. I wouldn't have been PROUD of it... but at the time... it sure seemed like she deserved it. She was MORE than asking for it.... you should have HEARD the way she was talking to your mother upstairs, grabbing her and such flippance. BUT.... like I said... I'll TRY not to hurt her. Hopefully she learned an important lesson."

The others discussed going after Alycia and Karen suggested she stay with the twins, so as not to leave them unattended. Vivica had previously led them away when it came to blows between Haleigh and Blaze, a smart move considering the violence would likely upset and worry them. Now Viv suggesting taking the twins to her house... where Erika would have difficulty finding them. Haleigh shrugged. As long as Karen [and for good measure, Zach], went along with them... it was a decent idea... though Illustra's full defenses could keep Erika OUT... and haleigh felt a little hurt that Vivica thought the twins would be safer OUT of Haleigh's protective realm... Not helping Vivica's suggestions was the fact that Haleigh harbored a secret resentment towards Vivica... for the [possibly irrational] feeling that Vivica got to work so closely with Cameron, and therefore had MORE of him.

"Vivica... I know you only want to help... but Illustra can be MADE safe whether Erika knows its location or NOT... and truth be told.... Morgan, Alison, Nicolas, Delilah and I can handle what happens in Greece. I have a European CI affiliate that can provide us with manpower.... and I'm sure the twins would be more comfortable with you HERE.... they have HISTORY with you."

Haleigh had noticeably left Blaze OUT of the group going to Greece, signifying that she was fine with Blaze's offer to STAY without her having to explicitly say as much, and she had slyly undermined Vivica with her typical analyzed rationale.

"And besides... you said it yourself... you and Alycia aren't fond of each other, and THATS putting it kindly. Your presence might exacerbate Alycia's condition. She doesn't like me very much right now, but she KNOWS she can expect to see me... I have a personal stake here, and a RIGHT to defend my kid sister."

[Foxfire]

Blaze perked a curious brow at Haleigh's explanation for assaulting her. It was an entertaining idea but Blaze pondered her hypothesis nonetheless. Blaze had largely provoked the blonde, that much she would admit. But the question still remained why didn't she fight back? Blaze was never one for backing down especially from Haleigh Davidoff. She noted her tone when mentioning Blaze.

The pitter patter of feet came trudging into the living room with Delta moving directly toward Blaze. The dog jumped in the arm chair sitting right down in her lap. Blaze smiled warmly to the canine, scratching the dog behind the ear. A picture frame on the nearby table beside her caught her eye. A picture of Haleigh and Cameron looking smug. Scooping up the stainless steel frame, Blaze stared into it at the memory of Cameron.

"And what of Erika? She's still out there what's the plan of attack for her? She'll come calling for us." She said, placing the frame back on the table. Her eyes falling on Haleigh with a questioning look. Delta turned and nudged against Blaze lovingly.

"Leave the journals here, myself, Karen, and Zack can go through them for clues."

[Oracle]

<< the team once again managed to work through a situation that would have fractured their numbers but not without great effort and pain.>>

<< it seemed that the problem of Erika and the situation with Alycia would be more closely related than anyone would have immediately guessed and even as the group and their allies made plans on what to do next, there were STILL points of tension..namely Vivica/Alycia and Haleigh/Blaze.>>

<< They lost Sharon Kelly and Cameron King...if they couldnt pull themselves together and focus on a common goal, they might just lose Alycia Barnett as well..not to mention Sydney and Sarah King, the last living link to Cameron.>>

<< and what OF the Cassadines? there was more than just their link to Mystech as they would soon find out. While Haleigh desperately wanted to protect her sister, she would find that somethings just didnt go the way she wanted and what would seem to be a problem for her would become a necessary benefit to Persephone, linking them together in a way only Alison had previously forseen.>>