Home is where the heart ACHES

[Oracle]

<< Back at Illustra, the Six & Ethan are now in Morgan's luxury penthouse. for Ethan its the first time he's gotten THIS far into the building and now he doesnt have to fear for his life...at least not while Haleigh is there attempting to advocate for him.>>

<< Spellbinder and Guardian have now changed and are in their costumes...Spell's demonic, erotic "Inferno" costume and Guardian's skin tight, form fitting, asymetrical body suit/armour and as the rest of the team prepare for the next phase, Spell and Guardian move to the "area of consecration" where the SCRYING GLASS is located.>>

<< meanwhile, Delilah is left sitting in the sunken in SITTING ROOM of Morgan's penthouse, with a spendid, uninterrupted view of the city from a dizzying height. She knows that she's involved in this situation in a deeper way now, Alison has confirmed it as well as the sight of those "Demonic" guards triggering something more than "de ja vu" but LESS than full rememberance. Nicolas offered to help probe for the memories, but Delilah declined.>>

<< Haleigh, Ava and Ethan are now in another area of the mainfloor of the penthouse as well. Morgan has more than voiced her agitation at Ethan's presence and Haleigh knows that ONCE AGAIN she's all that stands between Haleigh and total annihilation. Her job is never easy but then again, there arent many others who COULD do what she does.>>

<< as everyone gets adjusted to the movement from Soho to Manhattan's upper east side and changes into costume...they all begin to make their way toward where Spellbinder and Guardian are now trying to locate Karen..or at least pinpoint a general area to search in.>>

<< things are about get even more complicated...>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< standin in front of the massive, circular shapped mystical lens, The SCRYING GLASS, Spellbinder holds hands with Guardian the two women have their eyes closed and are focusing. Spellbinder chants a spell designed to search for lost/fallen witches, while Guardian uses her own magicks to link with the Scrying Glass in the hopes of amplying her own "seeing" power. it is a concentrated, double sided effort...one they ALL hope will pay off.>>

<< a few moments pass and the mystical lens begins to glow and hum softly...the glowing pulsates as a sparkling trail circiles around its circumference. Spellbinder and Guardian look toward the glass together and chant the spell together one last time...and a chime sounds off...the scrying glass provides an IMAGE.>>

in an affluent city along the east coast, a posh, secluded suburb with many trees and large homes. it is a place that Morgan AND Delilah will recognize for it is where they grew up. the street is called "Windmill Pointe"

it is clearly the late fall season, the winds blow and the leaves are rustling in the air. something is odd about what they see...most of the homes appear to be..abandonned. not RUN DOWN, but just....an "empty neighborhood".

<< this was where Karen was...>>

<< Morgan looked at the mystical lens...>>

This...this is where I grew up! this is where I first met Delilah..we were childhood friends....my mother is back HERE? why does the neighborhood look so....so DESERTED!?

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian unclasped hands with Spellbinder as the image and location appeared, she looked on with her cobalt blue eyes.::

I sense a tremendous change...the way things were in this area...they are no more. something has come and TAKEN OVER...its a presence...a BEING. there's a tremendous sense of "REVENGE". If this is where you and Delilah grew up....then my past premonition of Karen and Delilah further fits. I suspect that the reason why DELILAH can't REMEMBER meeting Karen as a child even before she met Morgan is due to a SPELL or some other blocking method...

:: looking at the others.::

whatever the reason, this is where Karen is...somewhere in that place...and we need to go and find her. we are in for a tremendous test of our senses, and our mental strength.

The being that is behind this, has been able to significantly BLOCK my precognition in regards to Karen and our endeavors to find and rescue her. There's no telling WHAT we will encounter once we get there....

[Rampage]

"Then we better get moving."

Nicolas enterd the area where Guardian and Morgan had completed scrying for Karen's whereabouts. He had a skin-tight combat suit on similar to what Haleigh had given him previously but without the sleeves, his arm muscles bulging as he was prepared for combat. Slung over his shoulder was a new battle axe, very large and imposing.

He knew that this had something to do with Delilah. He was tempted to pry into her mind, discover for himself. But he wanted it to be her decision, it was against what he believed in to overcome her will. But he also realized that if she held the key to saving Karen and maybe even the others, he would have a choice to make. He put the idea out of his mind and focused on the task at hand, getting Karen.

He looked at the two women.

"I am ready when you are."

[Jacob Black]

Ethan awaited for Alison, Morgan and Delilah to return from the Scrying Glass as he waited outside with Haleigh and Ava. He was perplexed as Nicholas entered the room. He was obviously somebody that Morgan would have to of trusted a great deal, which was out of her character, but he thought it was nice that somebody might have penetrated her circle of trust. He went back to looking through the information that Haleigh and the others had gathered at the scene as he tried to find something that might have helped.

"So, they think there is a connection between Delilah and Karen that you all didn't know before? She had a vision that Delilah was introducing herself to Karen in a mental institution? Shouldn't that be a little easy to figure out if it's true? I mean the trails might have been covered up but we can look through the files we have on Karen, see where she worked and cross reference them with Delilah's files. I have everything I collected on all of you still at my apartment. It would be worth a look. Meanwhile, do you think they will find anything. Has anything like this ever happened to Alison.. Not being able to use her powers?"

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah sat in the sunken living room of Morgan's penthouse...detached, staring out into the expanse of the city's night skyline. Somewhere deep inside her mind she knew what was going on, but her concious brain refused to believe what even she knew to be true. That Alison had seen her with Karen as a little girl in a psychiatric hospital. But for reasons still as yet unknown to her, she would not let herself believe or remember. She waited as Alison and Morgan scryed for Karen, wondering where under that night sky the doctor was.

She rose and moved to where the witches did their work, watching as an image appreared in the scrying glass. Home. So unlike the big city they all lived in now, there was something comforting about the tree-lined streets and picket fences. But somewhere, deep inside of her, rose fear, foreboding. In an image of childhood dreams, nightmares. ]

"If someone or something is holding Karen there, in Windmill Pointe, then the connection must be to Morgan."

[ Her brain still refused to make the connection between herself and Karen, regardless of what Alison said to the contrary. ]

"With Alison's powers on the fritz there's only one way to get to the bottom of this. Looks like it's homecoming time for us, Morg."

[ She took this opportunity to nip down to her apartment and quickly change into something more suitable to the task at hand - the dress from the photo shoot not being entirely appropriate for Small Town USA and whatever awaited them there. She was glad to have a purpose, a direction - something to focus on. They knew where Karen was - now all they had to do was go in there and get her. She chose the leather outfit she had worn into limbo when they had interrogated Ethan. It wouldn't be her usual dress choice for a mission, but for some reason it seemed right.

She didn't know why Morgan and Alison kept talking about her. This had nothing to do with her. Nothing at all. ]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked at Ethan...and spat out her comment with annoyance..did he REALLY THINK that he would have the answers...Karen was old enough to be his MOTHER and MysTech was only in its INFANCY when Morgan and Delilah were little girls..not NEARLY the global entity that the Six came to know them as. >>

in case you hadnt noticed...we've already discovered that whomever attacked my mother went through HER files..most noticeably the ones that were LOCKED in a special and supposedly tamper proof SAFE. clients of her's...both past and presnt were contained in this safe and the section with last names beginning with "T" was the portion most "looked through."

We're assuming, based on the all the clues we have, PLUS Alison's vision that DELILAH, whose last name begins with T is most likely whom they were looking for...and that my mother is some how connected to her.

<< looking at the scrying glass, the only thing that will soothe her as she cannot BARE the presence of Ethan in her luxury penthouse.>>

WESTIN HILLS... it's located in the metro area where our neighborhood is and its one of the most reputable psychiatric facilities on the east coast of the united states...there's alot of history to them. My mother interned there and did a stint as chief resident..which was ALSO confirmed by Alison's vision.

<< she turned around, sweeping her cape behind her and without even realizing it, she put her hand in Nicolas' and gently grasped it>>

i think....i think we should go to Westin Hills FIRST...before going to the old neighborhood...if there IS a "cover up"...and someone is looking for information that has been hidden or sealed for more than a decade now and they couldnt find it in my mother's current office...they may have taken her as they BACKTRACKED to Westin Hills...and probably

<< she closed her eyes...desperately trying to keep her focus>>

probably forcing her to "connect the dots" for them as they somehow try to get to Delilah. That's the ONLY thing that i can come up with.

<< she opens her eyes...noticing that Delilah has continuously ignored what Alison had to say about HER connection to this situation. It almost seems like she just CANT acknowledge it..or WONT. It could be something BEYOND a spell..it could be deep seated in her psyche but Morgan wasnt the psycho therapist..her mother was. >>

we're going now. Be ready for ANYTHING!

[Oracle]

<< in the twinkling of Morgan's eye, the Six & Ethan are teleported via stepping disc from Manhattan's upper east side, to a posh, secluded suburb of large metropolitan area in Conneticutt.>>

<< The homes are large, the cars are all of a certain "standard" and the area just looks very well kept and "comfortable">>

<< the arrive in a "town square" of sorts in the downtown area...the wind blows and dried leaves rustle along. it's definately night time and there's a chilll in the air but what is also noticeable is that NO ONE is about. most store fronts are seemingly "closed", there's no noise or activity about the area...and in the hilly distance, there stands "Westin Hills", a looming facility that stands tall and strong agains the dark fall skies>>

<< Morgan looks a bit agitated as she didnt PLAN to arrive out here in the town square...she wanted to arrive directly INSIDE Westin Hills...>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Standing tall and looking ravishing in her sexy, demonic costume, Spellbinder huffs as she looks around...>>

the frickkin' town square? WHY are we HERE!! my stepping disc should have put us RIGHT inside of Westin Hills!!

<< clearly she was coming unhinged the more time that passed. she immediately walked from the group a few steps forward and looked out to the east...to where Westin Hills sat atop the hilly area.>>

I feel...so uncertain right now.

<< she thought about Delilah, who seemed to be almost OBLIVIOUS to the implications of her connection to this situation. it was very strange. Delilah NEVER "looked the other way" when it came to things like this and she didnt seem to realize that perhaps saving Karen would depend on HER remembering anything that had to do with Alison's vision. at the same time...Morgan felt a looming sense of DREAD...like a "loss of control" was coming. not a murderous RAMPAGE on her part, but the loss of control and reality as she knew it. she almost felt like ...like someone was WATCHING HER even now!>>

<< she looked up at the dark fall skies and then around the area...>>

WHERE is everyone? this town..its EMPTY just like what we saw in the scrying glass!

[Harbinger]

::Guardian stood with her arms folded as Ethan spoke and smirked a bit as Morgan retorted with hostility. He was obviously playing "catch up" at this point and Alison couldnt blame him for not knowing what the others had already seen or deduced. She despised him, but at this point, his being there was something that just didnt matter anymore to her. His thinking might not be totally on target...but his idea WAS very much on target...to cross reference Delilah and Karen once they arrived to Westin Hills. STILL she wasnt about to let him "get in" that easily::

Ethan, did it ever occurr to you that your "files" may not be as all inclusive as you'd like to think?

:: Morgan was clearly ready to leave now, as was Delilah and the others.::

when we get to Westin Hills, we need to start the search with .... :: looking at Haleigh:: Delilah. Haleigh will be our key to taking control of their computer systems and finding whatever we need. THEY will most likely have the answers we're looking for at this point.

:: Guardian was prepared for teleporting and once they arrived ...she too noticed that Morgan's target was off....as the sorceress fumed, Alison spoke up::

it appears that whatever is hampering my powers is affecting Morgan as well.

[Rampage]

Nicolas took Morgans hand as she grsped his free hand. He stiffened a bit as Alison, Morgan, and Ethan exchanged words...he had a knack for really being irritating, even wwhen he was not trying to be. Then Morgan teleported them via stepping disk into Westin Hills...

Check that. NOT into Westin Hills, but into the MIDDLE OF THE STREET. Nicolas reached out to alter any perceptions turned their way but was surprised that there were none. The only thing he could "hear" was Delilah trying to convince herself that she had NOTHING to do with this. He shut her out so as to give her some privacy and listened as Morgan and Alison each grew a bit flustered at the way their abilities had gone haywire. He touched Morgan's back in a calming caress and stepped forward, looking at the facility on the hill.

"It seems apparent that whoever has done this has control of this area. They are no doubt aware of our position as they seem to have ADJUSTED it a bit. I am ready to knock on the door, if you know what I mean, see what happens.

Nicolas began to walk forward towards the facility...

[Harbinger]

:: taking a moment to survey the area, Guardian nodded as Rampage spoke of "knocking"::

That's really our only choice. I warned you all that once we arrived, we'd be at the mercy of forces that even i can't anticipate. we're going to have to STAY TOGETHER at all costs.

its clear that the town is FUNCTIONAL..the power is still on...it just seems to be deserted. clearly MAGICK is going to be any real advantage...Spellbinder and I both are having problems, so the question is...will this "entity" be able to aniticpate and counter mutant powers or technological powers? We'll just have to go forward the best way we know how.

While Rampage may not have had any MINDS to hide us from.WE can "alter" things just as well as our foe can. let's not make ourselves any more obvious than we have to be. Persphone, bring in a moderate fog, make it roll with us and spread out around us as we move. Ethan, since you're here, you're GOING to make yourself usefull. use your power to further back our "cover" .this should hide us from any electronic and visual detection


:: As she was giving out orders, Guardian happened to be standing near Rampage and Spellbinder but facing the opposite direction. Rampage and Spellbinder's PHYSICAL interactions had not been lost on Guardian though...the holding of hands, the touching and consoling. these two were clearly taking to each other faster and more easily than even THEY might have expected...but Guardian felt it was for the best. Morgan needed someone she could trust [outside of her "sisters" and her team] and Nicolas had never found a woman who could command respect the way Morgan could.::

Nicolas, i pray you are strong enough to help Morgan...maybe help us ALL. I fear that we have just dived into a black sea with our eyes SHUT...no idea what we are in store for...and even I cannot plot our course effectively.

:: Guardian's thoughts were shielded from Rampage but she hoped that He would know what to do if things got too crazy during this caper.::

Black Widow..are you getting ANY kind of life signs anywhere nearby? I can't sense anything "coming". Rampage.....run a psi scan of Westin Hills....be carefull as it's a psychiatric facility..you dont want to be assaulted by any toxic thoughts or emotions but see if you can pick up on any "UNUSUAL" thought patterns. Karen's abductors could be there as we speak...and we could crash their party.

:: looking around::



:: Alison knew that sometimes were magick or even the naked eye would fail...that technology could pick up the slack. maybe Haleigh's hybrid powers would provide them with something they were missing at this point. waiting for Haleigh's analysis of the situation, she looked over at MorningStar::

MorningStar....you seem...to be a bit withdrawn. You've NEVER been this way before.

:: The Seer's cobalt blue eyes fixed on MorningStar with a curious glint, she didnt want to PROD Delilah, but at the same time she knew that if Delilah was left alone too long..she might shut down completely as she tried to "cope" with the emergence of a past she was not ready to deal with.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas continued slowly forward as the fog began to creep in, thanks to Persephone. He was reaching out both telepathically and with his TK in a 360 degree arc and into the AIR ITSELF to keep the group from being surprised. He had removed his axe and was taking the lead, depending on his resilience to be of help should a problem arise. He used his off-hand to corral Morgan behind him and began to cover some ground, moving to the facility.

As he was monitoring things, he frowned at a result and continued. However, in front of Alison, words made of asphalt began to appear right in front of her right eye. They were small enough to go unnoticed by the others, but large enough for Alison to clearly see.

"Alison, this is Nicolas. Do not react to this message. Delilah is in danger of going into mental/emotional shock. I have take the liberty of boosting her epinephrine levels to keep her coherent, but if we do not help her deal with what is going on, we may well end up a member down, having to protect her AND find Karen. I need you to try to reason with her at some point, help her deal with this. I can help her and find out what is going on in her mind, but I do not wish to violate her. Please advise. Use your astral power to whisper in my ear."

Nicolas stayed up front and kept his advance...

[Jacob Black]

Ethan sighed as both Morgan and Alison decided to give their hostile comments back at his ideas. He hadn't been in the room during the conversations about Delilah and the connection, he had heard everything second hand. He knew they were going to test him and he was ready for it, he wanted to do everything he could to help.

"It was just a suggestion...."

As they were teleported to Westin Hills Alison immediately took point as the Tactician and he couldn't help but admire her savvy for these type of things and respected her orders. He focused his power on the group and began to manipulate the light around them as a whole. Each person felt a sweep of energy that resembled a strong gust of wind and before anyone knew it, the Six vanished into thin air. In another aspect of his power their eyes were adjusted to the energy so that they would all be able to see each other and they would also see what Ethan experienced when he used his powers, the way he was able to bend and manipulate the hard light to his advantage.

"It just seems all a little funny. Why did the stepping disc take us here? It just feels wrong. Like a trap...."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh sat with her arms folded on the arm of the sofa, watching the goings on. She glanced at Alison and Morgan, searching for sign of Karen. Ethan asked a question about any past problems with Alison's powers. Haleigh's eyes settled on Delilah, who was noticably withdrawn. She kept her gaze trained on Morningstar, even as she answered Ethan.

"It's not that she can use her powers, Ethan... its that they're clouded. Kind of like... a thick fog settled over the road and you cant see through it. Let's hope there aren't any sharp curves or stalled cars ahead."

Morgan, Delilah, Alison, and Nicolas all joined in unison to leave, and Haleigh had the fleeting look of someone haphazardly along for the ride. She couldn't understand why Delilah refused to entertain the idea that this may have something to do with her past... but then who wants to be part of the reason the Doctor was missing? Still... she seemed to be avoiding looking the problem in the face. Morgan gathered them all and transported them, via stepping disc, to.... the wrong place. An eerily deserted town square surrounded them... and in the distance...Westin Hills, their intended destination. Haleigh, without pause, pointed out the painfully obvious.

"Uh.... Rabbit... I think you hippity-hopped us through the wrong rabbit hole." She said, as Morgan expressed the displeasure of missing the psychiatric hospital. Haleigh stood poised with a 'lightbulb' look on her face, as though a concept had just dawned on her. "Maybe THATS it... not rabbit holes.... WORMholes... Great minds like Einstein and Thorne TOYED with the idea of time anomolies... maybe this... deserted place is located in a RIP in time... or space... or both. Think about it... [pointing to Morgan] Your stepping discs move us through coordinates in time and space.... [gesturing the Alison] Your precognition is based on time... if we're in some kind of loop... or tear in time... it might explain why YOU missed your aim and YOU can't see. Alright... lets just... walk the rest of the way. I don't sense anyone now, but I'll start a scan and keep it open so we dont get blindsided. Morgan... I know this is stressful... but keep your cool. Not one of us here is going to let anything happen to your mother."

Haleigh finished, sensing that Morgan was getting a little to tense for anyone's good.

[Rampage]

Nicolas thought about Haleigh pstulation as he waited for Alison's response. He glaned at her quickly before thinking back to her.

What you are deducing makes some sense. The concern is that someone would be able to control both temporal AND spatial beyond a degree of Morgan OR ALison. I wonder if this is an entity that is able to defeat magic instead? That would explain some of the ease in detaining Karen. Because taking her by surprise and keeping her are two VERY different things... Hales, are you getting anything on the Delilah/Karen crossreference? Thins thing is not yet adding up.

As Nicolas moved forward the very air seemed to thicken, as the mutant's TK put him in contact with every available molecule close by.

[Harbinger]

:: walking along, there was the sound of several pairs of high heeled boots clicking along the stone ground. Guardian, who made walking in stilletto boots look like child's play, stopped short of stepping on the ground in front of her as lettering began to appear.::

:: her powers of precognition may be hampered, but her AWARENESS was still higher than most and her eye sight was very keen. she narrowed her cobalt blue eyes and watched as the inscription in the ground began to take shape...::

"Alison, this is Nicolas. Do not react to this message. Delilah is in danger of going into mental/emotional shock. I have take the liberty of boosting her epinephrine levels to keep her coherent, but if we do not help her deal with what is going on, we may well end up a member down, having to protect her AND find Karen. I need you to try to reason with her at some point, help her deal with this. I can help her and find out what is going on in her mind, but I do not wish to violate her. Please advise. Use your astral power to whisper in my ear."

:: Alison closed her eyes, and telekinetically projected her astral form [prue's astral projection]....making it so that only Rampage would see/hear her as she spoke....::

I sense that we may NOT be able to control the situation with Delilah for long. when we arrive in the old neighborhood of Morgan and Delilah, things will go from bad to worse. I may have to cast a "sleeping spell" on her and have Ethan encase her in a protective cuccoon. Rest assured, I will do all i can, but i just don't "FEEL" that I will be successfull.

:: her astral form faded away in a glowing white light and Alison opened her eyes and resumed her course with the group. Black Widow displayed REMARKABLE insight as she spoke about a possible temporal/spatial anamoly on a grand scale... of COURSE! that would be the most logical explanation for why she and morgan were the most effected so far.::

that is a very sound observation, Haleigh.

When we first locked on where Karen would be via the Scrying Glass, i IMMEDIATELY felt a "suspension" of time from this area, it was like STAGNATION...like everything ELSE is moving but this town is now LOST in the oblivion of when time "moves on" ...even though my precognition is down, i STILL have my other powers as well as my perception of TIME in general and my sense confirms what you're suggesting ...we MUST be in some kind of time loop. probably why i had a vision of the PAST when i touched that picture instead of the present back at her office as well.

we're dealing with someone with incredible power...

:: moving along with the others, she flanked Nicolas to his right. and kept Delilah behind her. she felt very insulted, almost VIOLATED. the idea that someone could get the drop on her AND morgan like this...it bothered her deeply but she she kept her agitation hidden...her cobalt blue eyes looking ahead as she walked tall.::

[Jill Monroe]

<<Persephone and Ethan covered the team from detection but Spellbinder was too agitated to notice the peculiar effect of Ethan's power. she absent mindedly allowed Rampage to corrall her behind him even while Guardian walked along side of him. the good thing about Spell and Guardian co-leading was that one could take over when the other was obviously unable to cope. this was one of those times.>>

<< looking down at her own high heeled boots as she walked, her mind RACED, this was her home town, it was always secluded, yet it had all the modern conviniences. it was posh, regal and trendy without losing its "village" appeal, but something was terribly wrong. it was in the air all around them. Westin Hills....Morgan was only a little girl when her mother interned here. she'd never been to this place but there were always stories about the kids who went there...and why they went there. it LOOKED like the perfect, cutting edge hospital, but there were stories of the horrors that lay within and by the time she met Delilah, she had NO CLUE that Delilah had ever been to Westin Hills. Indeed, her own mother reacted to Delilah as if she had just been introduced to her when Morgan brought her over to play..why would she have done this? and WHY wasnt DELILAH connecting the dots for them? Was it simply denial? an inexplicable descision to not cooperate? or something far worse? the more Morgan thought about it, the more she feared it was something "far worse".>>

<< this, coupled with her own sense of dread AND the feeling of being ineffective since she couldnt even teleport the team to the right area...it was all making her VERY AGITATED.>>

<< she walked along, t he cold windy gusts didnt phase her. she'd experience far worse cold temperatures in Limbo. and despite the costume she wore [which apparently was a perverted source of joy for Nicolas] she showed no reaction to the winds, the rustling leaves or even the oddness in the air.>>

a temporal anamoly? << she replied in an icy voice as Black Widow made a keen observation.>>

<< Guardian backed Haleigh with things that made perfect sense....>>

that means..that something or someone was able to INTERFERE with my very connection to LIMBO! the stepping discs are tied to Limbo and my power is to control them...when we teleport using them, we pass through limbo...EVERYTIME. its a split second moment and only I can perceive it but it happens just the same.

<< she said, as her blonde double highlighted hair blew in the wind.>>

if we're caught in a temporal anamoly, the ONLY way we're going to get out of it is to teleport to LIMBO where time and space don't apply and stay there for a few moments until i can navigate us EFFECTIVELY again...but I'm almost AFRAID to try using a disc for thatright now...if this being has that kind of power....we could be lost or BURIED within time streams of limbo, we could be seperated from one another..with no way of reconnecting again...EVER.

<< her cape, with its shredded edges flowed behind her a bit. Haleigh insisted that they walk and Morgan nodded in agreement as they moved.>>

NO ONE should have this kind of power over me!

<< she bellowed. but Haleigh spoke up, trying to calm and reassure Morgan...Morgan allowed herself to hush and take in Haleigh's words but Haleigh could see in Morgan's face that she had a MAJOR attitude. she knew the sorceress didnt take kindly to being toyed with by ANYONE or anything.>>

so...we're in a realm that has been "left behind"...according to guardian. we're in the oblivion that remains after time "moves on"...its fascinating if you think about it. usually when i travel "BACK" in time, i can revisit moments, events, anything as it occurred and see it as if it were occuring for the first time (no matter how many times its happened before)...but THIS here is something all together different. it would explain why no one is about and why everything remains so still and untouched.

<< she began to wonder what it must be like for Alison, who was effectively BLINDED now in one sense. that was one of her crucial and most wide reaching powers, and now, it was being BLOCKED to the point where she could not reverse it. it had to trouble HER just as much as it troubled Morgan. these were two proud women and they BOTH hated the idea of seeming weak and ineffective to their peers and team mates.>>

<< they walked along the hilly terrain, making their way toward Westin hills, which grew large as they closed in on it.>>

I've heard stories of this place..as a young girl and even in highschool. it was one of those places that children went...when they'd been through "things"...for a while it seemed...that there was a sweep of children "going on vacation", years later i learned that most of those children had been taken to Westin Hills, following an unexplained (or so they said) phenomena of child psychosis. My mother never discussed it at home...and when she met DELILAH for the first time, she reacted as though she'd never seen her before. it was just like a me bringing home a new friend.

<< they reached the massive double doors.>>

well, here we are.

<< the tapped Nicolas on the shoulder.>>

you wanted to knock...now's your chance.

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened to Alison's response to him. He frowned. He was hoping to keep Delilah with them. Her powers would not be as affected by temporal displacements as they are light-based. He kept forward as Morgan and Alison vented their frustrations. He spoke to them as he moved forward.

"Ladies, do not let this get to you. This being has shown temporal/spatial abilities and may yet possess tremendous power, but we have an array of powers available at our disposal as well. Even without stepping disks and Seer abilities, you two are the sorceress supremes of this planet, without peer to date. If this being were capable of easily defeating you in that capacity, he would have been much less circumspect in his abduction of Karen. We WILL find Karen and we WILL put things right."

They kept forward, Nicolas using his offhand to bring Morgan along behind him. He could feel the curve of her hips rub against his hand as she moved with him and could not help but smile a bit, if for no other reason then the image of her in his mind. They finally arrived at the door of Westin Hills. Morgan tapped Nicolas on the shoulder and invited him to knock. She had to know what was coming.

Nicolas looked at the door. With a quick pistoning of his hands, he punched the double doors into the lobby of the building, stepping in behind them with his axe at the ready.

"Knock."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder looked down for a moment, Nicolas' hand was on her waist. Even though he hadnt looked BACK...he must have been using his TK to sense her spatial position...as the wind blew a bit, her hair flowed forward , covering her face as she blushed a bit.>>

just think, if our date HAD gone on as planed...we might be enjoying each other's company right now...

<< she wasnt upset and she certainly wasnt unhappy that she was here looking for her mother...she just wondered for a moment how things MIGHT have gone if her mother hadnt been attacked this evening. Nicolas had gotten further with her than any man before him and she wasnt STOPPING him yet either...she seemed to be enjoying the feeling that came with letting her guard down. it was fun, exciting and scarey...experiencing thoughts and emotions she had long dismissed as trivial.>>

<< Nicolas encouraged Morgan and Alison not to be so upset and he was right, they DID have an array of powers among the team and even Morgan and Alison THEMSELVES had OTHER powers to rely on.>>

<< as Rampage busted through the doors of Westin Hills, Morgan's hair blew back from the force of his blow.>>

WELL... << she said with a slight laugh>> let's go on, shall we?

<< she stepped forward, looking around. it was dark inside, but there was the hum of power all around. outside of that, very silent and no people were about.>>

I feel like i'm back in that freaky medical office we came to during the Citadle Meltdown...

<< only Haleigh and Alison would remember this..which was a reminder of just how much the team had changed SINCE the first gathering of "the Six" >>

Guardian, you had the vision of this pace....any idea as to where we need to go FIRST?

<< they were standing in a large vestibule area with three hallways....one straight ahead and two on either side. clearly this was a multi level facility.>>

[Harbinger]

:: Alison tossed her blue/black hair back as she tried to shake off her own insecurities and walked on. Nicolas spoke words of encouragement and he was right, they all had powers and the TEAM was stronger than its individual parts, plus, she was MORE than a Precog, she was a powerfull, telekinetic witch!::

sometimes, it takes someone ELSE to point out what is right in front of you

:: she thought to herself as they reached Westin Hills::

:: She would have gladly forced the doors open with her TK but why deprive Nicolas of doing what he does best, using his fantastic body? she nodded with approval as he bust the doors open and her eyes WIDENED a bit with a little wave of excitemenet. she almost HOPED there was some monster on the other side so they could rush in and fight with it. THAT would be more direct than how things have been so far.::

:: once they stepped through, Guardian looked around, hearing Morgan's comment about the "freaky medical office" back in New York, Alison immediately recalled just how outrageous THAT place had been::

it was like something out of RESIDENT EVIL...but this place, tt's not the same in here....the ghosts and whispers of events from the PAST ring LOUDLY in here...there's one theme common among them...DESPAIR. This hospital is a FOCAL point for all of this...the connection between Karen and Delilah.

:: she was afraid that Delilah might LOSE HERSELF in here...whatever she was blocking out, could come flooding back to her now and it might be too much. that would be a BAD THING. They needed Delilah for a variety of reasons but SHE was already behaving in a regressed way that none of them had seen before. Morgan clearly indicated that she had no clue that Delilah had EVER been a possible patient at Westin Hills OR that Karen had known her as a little girl prior to Morgan meeting her.::

My vision only indicated that this was a place of importance. I'm afraid I can't begin to suggest where to go, however, Black Widow has a way with computers, if she can locate the central computer of this building we may be able to dig for more information there.

meanwhile, stay together all of you.

[Oracle]

<< the team was further along than they realized. Alison had warned that they didnt know "what they were getting into" but Black Widow's creative thinking helped them realize that they were now in a temporal anamoly.>>

<< having reached Westin Hills, the psychiatric hospital REEKED of ghosts and whispers from the past...a spirit of regret and pain LOOMED all around them. the darkness and stillness of the place was not comforting either...a terrible secret awaited them inside but what was worse...once they learned what they came to find, they would also find themselves racing against time to save more than one person they loved.>>

<< and so we watch...>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Ava had stayed abnormally quiet throughout the entire trek up to Westin Hills. There wasn't much to add onto the conversations between her teammates. Haleigh seemed to have figured everything out, Morgan and Alison were extremely tense, and Nicolas was trying to keep everyone calm. Delilah was extremely distant, like this place was a memory burried deep within her subconcious. And Ethan...well Ethan was trying his best to add his two sense into the team discussion. He was a determind little thing wasn't he? As much as Ava disliked him being apart of this mission, she'd keep her temper in check considering emotions were already high as it was. ::

:: Finally entering the establishment, Ava scanned the dark and eerie hospital. Stepping forward slowly, her healed boots clicked softly and echoed throughout the vast and empty space. Keeping on gaurd, Persephone's enhanced, animal like hearing, would allow her to detect any activities anywhere within the building. So far, no disturbance. Moving off to the left, she kept herself within the same proximity as the team, but also gave herself some room to look around. ::

:: Opening a closed door, she looked into the empty room, seeing nothing. Closing the door once again, Persephone moved forward past an old wheel chair and some rusted old trays laying off to the side. Moving the old trays out of the way with her boot, Ava continued forward with the team. ::

"We need blue prints of the hospital's layout. This place is massive....it's going to take three times as long to search the facility without them. Especially if we stay together as a group. I know it's risky to split up, but I don't see any other option. Nicolas could keep a permenent mind link open to everyone so we can keep in contact with each other."

:: It was risky, but Westin Hills wasn't exactly a stroll through the park. It was huge, and time was limited. ::

[Rampage]

"No prob, Ava, save for these two"--gestures to Morgan and Alison-- "They are psi-screened, which makes them TELEPATHICALLY shut off from me. I do, however, have ways to keep track of them. As for the house, I can telekinetically map it now. There may be things here that hide from that, but it should give us a layout of the place..."


Nicolas links the unscreened minds and uses his spatial TK to "tag" Morgan and Alison. He then reaches out through the facility, looking to make a crude map of the place that he could share with the team.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah shuddered. ]

"This place sure isn't as I remembered it. It used to be so - full of life. Could something or someone have caused the townspeople to just leave en masse, thinking it of their own free will?"


MorningStar....you seem...to be a bit withdrawn. You've NEVER been this way before.

[ She turned to Alison with a jerk. ]

"Oh - just worried about the Doctor - Karen. I'm fine."

[ She moved in behind Alison, eyes darting from one side of the street to the other, watching for any movement. ]

"A time loop? So this place is stuck in one time?"

[ The thought made her cold. If someone were stuck here, if they were unable to get back to Limbo, a lonely existence it would be indeed. As they reached the doors of Westin Hills, Morgan commented on Delilah and Karen's first meeting. She walked over past Morgan, examining the door frame. ]

"Of course she reacted that way, Morgan, she had never seen me before."

[ She rolled her eyes as if her friend had made a very "blonde" comment. She put a nail under a cracking piece of painted wood and flaked off a bit of it between her fingers absentmindedly. But she jumped back as Nicolas punched THROUGH the double doors and entered the building. It caught her by surprise to say the least. She stared past the splintered remains of the door into the dark building and the corridors beyond. Her eyes glazed over. Her breath was tight in her chest. She gasped for air but couldn't get any. It was as if a hand held her heart in its fist and was slowly starting to squeeze...

She looked around helplessly as the others were already inside the building and not noticing her. But she couldn't move forward, there was only the blackness of the building and her heart pounding in her ears. And then it stopped. All was quiet except for the echo of boots on the hallway floor in front of her. She took a breath as if she'd been holding hers for a long time, drinking in the cool night air. And in the new stillness, she thought she heard the sound of children singing... ]

[Jacob Black]

Ethan watched the interesting interactions that Six were displaying with each other. It gave him a feel as to where each person in the group stood and what they were there fore. When they reached Westin Hills and entered the building, Ethan's body shivered with chills and the sting of cold. The only way he could describe the feeling was to use the word heebee jeebees. As they chose to make plans, Ethan found himself agreeing with Ava. It was smart to split up. Each team could cover more ground and if there was a problem, they could connect with Nicholas immediately.

"I'm with Ava. Nobody knows this place better than anybody. It's like the blind leading the blind and perhaps if Delilah is able to walk the grounds it could trigger something. A memory, anything. It's different stories but I am going to think that less troubled patients were kept in wings with the windows and open doors and lobbies. More troubled youth was held somewhere deeper in the building for safety of the staff and other patients. The only question is where do we think Karen would be held. If they wanted to hurt her, my guess is that they would be on the floors with the severly mentally ill patients. That might be where they keep all the electro-shock therapy and other "tools" to heal the patients. And if we are in a temporal anamoly, we might even be able to see if we can find a directory, see if this building dictates the building that was here in our time or one in the past?"

He was trying to keep up with the rest of them but it was clear that he was not used to as much thinking on his feet and careful planning. The Six did a lot of talking and Ethan just usually found his hit and killed them. It was a pretty easy thing, not much thinking involved.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh was pleased to have at least SOME semblance of an answer, because she had so many questions her head was spinning. Alison and Morgan confirmed that she might be onto something, as Nicolas gained access to the building.... by way of knocking the door RIGHT off its hinges. Haleigh gave an inaudible sigh and with a tight expression, moved past him to enter the building.

"Well... I guess we don't have to worry about being quiet anymore."

She said, in a disappointed tone. It was an impressive show of strength, yes, but it was well known that Haleigh liked to operate in stealth, and shouldn't come as much surprise that she was displeased with such a loud and showy entrance. Haleigh clicked on a black maglite flashlight that was as large as her forearm and heavy enough to double as a weapon, which would serve her well if anything got past her pump action shotgun, and too close for comfort. She held it up high by her shoulder, moving the spotlight throughout the lobby, looking for signs of life.

"This place is creepy as hell...." She said quietly, moving towards the reception desk and hopping over it to access the computer terminal there. Her eyes rose to meet Morningstar's... "You know.... Delilah.... it's okay... if this was part of your past... You needed help... you got it.... there's nothing wrong with that.... and it's not going to change the way we feel about you."

The group discussed whether they should split up or stick together, and the need for blueprints. Haleigh shook her head, lifting her flashlight beam to a spot on the wall near the opening of a hallway. A picture frame held something other than a photograph... a printed layout of the floor with fire exit instructions in red.

"Blueprints won't be necessary... it'd be a waste of time to look. Federal law requires fire exit diagrams be posted in each room and the corners of each corridor. This computer will have a copy of each one... I'm uploading them... itll just take a second to generate a 3D image.... ..... there. You guys make room... I'll put it in the center of the lobby."

She sat down on the edge of the desk and stared past her friends, her gaze seemingly out of focus. Her irises began to glow softly, and, floating in midair, a holographic image began to manifest, as Haleigh cycled through the layout of this and the other floors.

"High risk and violently unstable patients were held in the west wing. The east wing will be much like a boarding school... if they're holding Karen against her will, Ethan's right... itll be in the west wing, where restraints, holding cells, and other things are going to be."

[Jill Monroe]

<< everytime Ethan spoke...it was like nails on a blackboard to Spellbinder. No matter if he had something crucial to add or NOT..she just didnt want to hear from him at all! She contorted her face with annoyance as he spoke yet again, suggesting that if Karen was being held HERE that she'd be in the worst area of the hospital.>>

<< speaking in a low town as she looked over the abandonned reception area...>>

why don't you just put her in the torture room from the "house on haunted hill"?

<< rolling her eyes, the witch tried to keep herself contained but she was not as good at it as Alison. Persephone suggested blue prints and that they might HAVE to split up.>>

I don't like the idea of us splitting up. ANYTHING could happen to anyone one of us.

<< but Black Widow was able to offer an even better version of the idea so it would keep th em from splitting up in this creepy place.>>



Looking up as Haleigh addressed Delilah, Morgan noticed Delilah still at the entrance, almost terrified to move in...>>

Delilah?

<< Morgan stood up and walked toward her.>>

Honey...Haleigh's right...we're here TOGETHER. Come, << she gently took Delilah's hand>> don't be afraid. I'll make sure nothing happens to you.

<< leading her in...Morgan looked at Alison.>>

can you touch anything here? maybe get another flash vision/premonition? Alison??

<< Morgan looked around...Alison was not in the immediate area! as Haleigh pulled up a holographic layout of the hospital, it was agreed that Karen would most likely be held in the west wing.>>

Then we'd better get going....... << turning toward the direction they needed to go...Morgan looked around once more>>

WHERE is Alison?

<< she kept Delilah by her side, her cape flowing a bit behind her to keep Delilah encompased by the blackness on its underside. from the blackness of her cape's underside at any moments notice, Morgan could summon demons to physically protect them if need be.>>

ALISON!?

<< Morgan's voice echoed around them and seemed to be CONSUMED by the silence once more.>>

[Harbinger]

::Guardian was not paying attention like she should. she missed most of what was being said as her eyes focused on a shadow that seem to glide past...far down the hall..leading to the west wing.::

:: just as DELILAH thought she heard children singing .....Alison heard the faint, whimpering cry of a child. Was it a hallucination? or where her powers as a Seer allowing her to pick up on something the others were not? Alison couldnt help but be drawn by this...and slowlyl wandered away from the group.::

Can you touch anything to see if you get a flash vision/premonition?

:: the question echoed faintly and barely registered with Alison as she walked down the dark hallway...guided by the sound of a child in distress. without even realizing it, she was now descending several flights of stairs...deeper into the place and down another hall, leading toward a set of double doors...the WEST WING.::

:: on her way to the doors, there was a gallery of "missing/exploited" children's photots on the wall...the headshots of those children TURNED and WATCHED as Guardian passed them. their eyes all showing a look of sorrow and distress.::

:: if the others didnt catch up to Alison soon...they might lose her. SHE herself was almost on AUTO PILOT. her powers as a SEER made her particularly vulnerable to the strange temporal effects of this place that they were in. she could be falling into a trap set by vengefull ghosts of the PAST...or being lured by the entity responsible for this whole ordeal..::

[Jacob Black]

Ethan had been watching Alison out of the corner of his eye as she began to wonder off from the group. She was obviously seeing something that the others were not which mean that either her powers were returning or she was being led into a trap. Either way she needed to be followed. This could be a crucial point in finding whoever was behind this and as Morgan cried out for her, Ethan stepped in, most likely to Morgan's GREAT dismay.

"She went down this way.. I think.. she is seeing something. Maybe her powers came back, but if they did, I don't think she would wander off like that. I think she is being led somewhere. It could be the key to whoever is behind this. We have to follow her. This way..."

Beneath his feet he let out a blast of cosmic energy that normally would have appeared to the group as a slight ripple. This time they saw the energy how Ethan did, in blasts of bright blue and purple crystalline sparkles as he was propelled forward to gain ground on Alison, whom they were surely losing. He called back to the group.

"We need light in here. It's too dark! We need light, think you can work your magic, Delilah?"

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah allowed herself to be led inside by Morgan. The voices and tightness were gone...but an eerie silence still followed them like a blanket. She barely seemed to register what Morgan was saying - until Morgan called attention to the fact that Alison was no longer with them.

She turned towards Morgan, a look of pure horror on her face. She then began looking frantically around them, eyes darting back and forth, searching. ]

"No! She can't be left alone - not in here! We can't leave her alone!"

[ Delilah suddenly became very still, looking the way that Ethan had pointed. Her body seemed to flex, her muscles taught, her head lowered as she glared down the dark passage. Her eyes took on an unnatural glow as they narrowed. And suddenly, she seemed to almost burst into flame with a light that flowed from every inch of her in a flash of luminescence. After a few seconds the light lessened and became more manageable, as it focused into a ray that illuminated the way they needed to go. Her voice was low in her throat. ]

"We have to find her - quickly!"

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder looked over at Ethan with her eyes wide...>>

ETHAN... << she spat with irritation....but before she could finish, he had indicated that Guardian was either lured away or following something...>>

there's no telling WHAT kind of tricks we could fall to in here...

<< as Ethan tried to keep up with Guardian, Spellbinder turned back to MorningStar who was now growing more excitable herself. >>

We're going for her now, MorningStar....Ethan seems to have found....


<<Morgan let go of her hand and at that moment, MorningStar unleashed a PAINFULL flash of light...it was almost like the sun during its peak in the mid morning.>>

<<GASP!!>>


<< Morgan turned away and covered her eyes..but the momentary overload of her eyes still caused some pain as her vision adjusted....>>

ohhh...kay.

<< she said as she rubbed her eyes.....gesturing for the others to move fast..>>

<< running down the hall, and the flights of steps, Morgan thought how much EASIER it would be if she could just teleport them all, but then this whole caper would be TOO EASY now wouldn't it?>>

I hope that whatever she's seen..or found doesnt proove to be too much for her...or US.

[Oracle]

<< Alison Marble was not one to scare easily. Perhaps LATELY she had become a little TOO complacent with her powers as a precog, but as Rampage had said, she was still one of the most powerfull witches on the planet. It REMINDED her that she was far from disadvantaged. She was also given over to extreme curiosity, especially when it came to peculiar things like little girls wandering through dark hallways.>>

<< Her curiosity, however, caused her to neglect her duty as the team tactician of The Six. so drawn was she by the sounds of an anguished child in the dark depths on this hospital that she had failed to notice warning signs all around her...including the faces of those "missing/exploited" children that were on posters and yet somehow followed her with their regretfull stares.>>

<< now making her way down the dreaded hallway to the west wing..it was definately darker here than in most other parts of the hospital. the hallway seemed to LENGTHEN as if to suggest just how far she had strayed from her friends...her family.>>

<< the sounds of anguish and pain from the little girl grew steady and louder now. Alison was coming closer....and as she pushed through the worn double doors into the west wing, she found herself in a new place where it looked like there had been a bloody massacre. but she didnt flinch..she slowly crept forward, looking here and there.>>

<< FINALLY she rounded a corner..and found a little girl laying against the wall, looking away from Alison. and a room, nearby...in that room the sounds of a bitter, heated argument could be heard. a man and a woman whose voice was terribly familiar. but for the moment, the little girl was in front of Alison.>>


<< Even with Ethan's alert....the rest of the six, still had a ways to go...and they now found themselves feeling like they were going around in CIRCLES. they had to press forward with more determination than before...relying on LIGHT to show the way and technology to confirm what might FOOL the eyes.>>

[Rampage]

"Shit!"


Nicolas realized through the team's protests that Alison had strayed from them. He pinpointed her with his TK but there was something...funny going on with it. She was just down the hall and around the corner, but it seemed awfully...far to him. He leaped forward, rushing to get to her as quickly as possible, running impossibly fast down the hall. He gestured back to the rest of the team and Ethan.

"Stick together and come on!!"

Nicolas had already lost Karen tonight and he was not ABOUT to lose anyone else...

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian went through the halls, and found herself in the west wing...the little girl was laying down, leaning against a wall and looking very worn down by her body language. a room was nearby...two adults, a man and a woman could be heard arguing...::

:: why was this little girl here!? Alison had no children of her own and was always considered too cold and brutal to be any good with them, but people never gave her enough credit.::

:: she bent down a bit...::

are you okay?

:: she said in as soft and smooth of a tone as she could manage::

what's the matter??

:: she went to touch the little girl on her shoulder.::

ORACLE------

<<the little girl's head turns around sharply, and to Alison's shock, its DELILAH as a little girl!! but she doesnt look anything like she did in the vision. her face is badly bruised...she's been beaten..SAVAGELY. one of her eyes swollen shut....she looks...grotesque. clearly a victim of violent abuse>>

-----------

::GASP!::

:: Alison covers her mouth with shock...and a pang of grief in her icy, marble hard heart. who could DO this to a child? the little girl has been crying...::

honey....who...who DID THIS TO YOU?

<< the little girl doesnt attempt to get up..she's too worn down. she shakes as Alison holds out her gloved hand....>>

Little Delilah: my father....he says I have satan's power in me..that i'm tainted and that i must be chastised to stay on the straight and narrow path....

::Guardian looks horrified as the girl speaks...this is Delilah..she senses it CLEARLY NOW...but there has been NO INDICATION to date that Delilah was abused as a child. she never spoke of it..nor did Morgan or KAREN. could this be one of the past memories repressed in Delilah's psyche? a ghost from this hospital's past that reaches out to the only person who could SEE it?::

oh ...goddess...

:: Guardian shakes her head...and looks up...to her right is the room...there's a man, arguing furiously with a woman...its KAREN but she's younger and wearing a white lab coat...her hair is styled in a "farrah fawcett feather".::

Karen....

:: she looks down at the little girl...::

honey, is that your father in there?

<< the little girl nods slightly>>

Little girl: yes...he's not happy. He says that Karen Victoria is a godless woman. she's a witch...she's satan's bride. He doesnt want me to see her anymore....but..I like Karen. She understands me. she say's im NOT evil...that i'm SPECIAL....

I dont want to go home with him....please don't let him take me....

:: Alison gulped as she looked...and could now hear more CLEARLY the argument going on between the younger Karen Victoria and Delilah's opressive, verbally abrasive father...::

[Jill Monroe]

<< as they fight there way through the warping spatial anamoly that seems to be all around them, Spellbinder feels a flash in her mind and her heart..>>

My mother.... she's HERE!

<< she looks ahead, where MorningStar's light points...>>

she IS in the west wing...and she's heavily SEDATED.

<< Spellbinder didnt know if it would work...but she had to try....>>

when you find your path is blocked....all you have to do is knock!

<< a simple spell, to break through barriers of any sort. raising her fist, now encircled by a glowing halo of magick, Morgan "knocks" on the air infront of her...and the whole scene before them SHATTERS like a mirror....its as if they broke through one illusion and are now where they are supposed to be! the same place that Guardian passed through seconds before...>>

MOM!? ......ALISON?

<< Morgan pushes through the double doors. there were now in the same horrific looking place that Alison was...just STEPS AWAY..there were faint echoes of cries and moaning....as well as the humming of electricity>>

she's somewhere around here..but all the rooms..they look EMPTY!! it looks like a massacre took place...

she could be hurt...they could be doing ANYTHING to her..

<< Morgan said, shaking her head as she looked to the right and to the left trying to decide which way to go...>>


I have to find her!!

<< Morgan was about to take off..and leave the others...just as Alison had done...>>

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah's eyes still glowed an unnatural shade of green as she moved down the hallway like an approaching storm. As Morgan informed them of Karen's presence, she raised an arm slowly until it was parallel with the floor, and pointed towards the west wing. Morgan's magick shattered the illusion around them, and they found themselves amidst the bloody remains of a massacre. Delilah's eyes dimmed and bled to their natural color. She saw Morgan moving away to them, about to be lost as well. She moved at light speed and grabbed her by the arm. ]

"Morgan - no! That's what it wants. To seperate us!"

[Rampage]

As Nicolas ran down the hall, Morgan tore apart the illusison that they were under to reveal a gory setting. It reminded him of the Citadle where he FIRST met Dr. Victoria. He had to get to her. As he cponfirmed Alison's position and then redoubled his search for Karen, Morgan declared that she was aware of where the Doctor was and began to run for her. He turned to face Morgan, intercepting her along with Delilah. He grabbed her other arm gently but firmly.

"Morgan, focus. Where is she? We'll find her TOGETHER."

Nicolas moved forward with the group, hoping that Morgan could pinpoint her mother using their connection...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder found herself being restricted by not one, but TWO hands...MorningStar and Rampage. WHY would they do this? why would they stop her from helping her mother!?>>

<< when her head snapped around, her icy violet eyes glared at them both. she was not herself...she was gripped by an almost PANICKED drive..>>

wha...what's WRONG with you two!? LET GO OF ME!

<< she pulls away from them and takes a defensive posture...as if they are trying to hurt her...>>

GET BACK....before I....

<<blinking tightly, Morgan shakes her head as she realizes she was about to attack her friends and quickly gets ahold of herself. there's something in the air around them...it affects each person differently.>>

Delilah, Nicolas...I'm SORRY. i don't know what came over me....It....

<< a chime in the air catches her attention...she stops in mid "threat" and listens...and looks.>>

two places...at once? how can that be?

<< she looks down the hall...ALISON is to the far right toward one corner...but there's something ELSE to the LEFT down the same hall.>>

my mother is in TWO places at once!

<< Black Widow would register Guardian not too far from them and around a corner...she'd also detect THREE anamolies that couldnt be defined...the little girl that apparently only Alison could see, along with the younger Dr. Victoria and Delilah's agressive, violent father. while at the same time.....the signatures of the two demonic guards were now detectable as well. THEY were in the hospital, on the same floor and somewhere in the west wing...they seemed to be moving around, trying to cover ground. possibly looking for Karen as well?>>

<< Morgan's connection to her mother was being interferred with by the overlapping temporal anamoly. the same effect that was allowing ALISON to "see" the younger Delilah>>


They're BOTH in this hall....one to the left...and one to the right!

<< she see's Alison...>>

and there's ALISON! but who is she talking to?

[Oracle]

<< and even as the rest of the Six hurried to catch up to the wandering Seer, Alison Marble finds that she's discovered FAR MORE than she had expected. Not only can she "see" more images/events from the PAST...but they ring so loudly to her...that they must represent a deep and unresolved issue in DELILAH'S past...>>

<< to think that this woman, who has prooven to be so noble and so brave a person time and again could have endured this kind of abuse at the hands of her father......it made the seer's cobalt blue eyes FLASH with an indignant rage...she wanted to storm into that conference room and BLOW HIM UP right then and there... but she had to remember what she had said to Foxfire and many others when THEY saw painfull flashes from the past in Limbo....>>

we cannot interfere. it has occurred...it WILL occurr again

<< cold comfort for the precog....as she began to put together SOME of the mystery surrounding Karen and Delilah. All the while she was STILL unaware that Morgan was screaming down the hall to get her attention, or that the others were following! all she could do now...was watch the argument unfolding in the conference room between a young Dr. Victoria, and Delilah's crazed father.>>


Dr. Victoria: Mr. Trelevan, your abuse of Delilah will NOT go unchecked. What you are doing to her is damaging on a variety of levels and as her doctor, i CANNOT allow it to continue!

Father: Spoken like the true spawn of satan that you are. I KNOW about you...you filthy WITCH. You try to pervert my daughter....tell her that satan's power is something SPECIAL! I will purify her....with FIRE if i have to! I should've gave her to god the day she came out of her whore of a mother's womb!

<< Karen grits her teeth with disgust.>>

Dr. Victoria: THIS is the END Mr. Trelevan...there will be no more "accidents"..no more BEATINGS! I will walk through FIRE to make sure that you NEVER have control over this child's life AGAIN!

[Harbinger]

:: As Alison watched...she saw the protective MOTHER in Karen come out. even at this younger age, Karen's eyes are fierce and intimidating..her elegance turns into an intimidating force...she does not back down from the much larger man, who is noticeably dressed in a suit with a priest's collar. a rabid religous father....with a mutant daughter? that was definately a solid lead...but there had to be more!::

:: Alison watches as the argument concludes with the father condeming Karen and cursing her for her godless and wicked ways. She turns to look down at the young Delilah who was in the hallway. she was going to ask her a question but the little girl was gone! and when she turns back....so were the younger Dr. Victoria and Delilah's father. the room was now in "present day"...old, dark, abandonned and full of dust, with only whispers of past pain and sorrow in the temporal waves in the air.::

.....it was...just like being in Limbo! but yet and still, in interacted with the younger Delilah...she called out to me...she KNEW that i would sense her! my powers as a Seer DO work...just not the way i might want them!

:: Guardian felt a small sense of relief..a sense of direction and the CONTROL that she craved when dealing with any crisis.::

:: but her moment of serenity was shattered as her senses readjusted and she saw Morgan and the others down the hall. Morgan was clearly upset and the others were trying to keep up with her. She ran down the hall to them.::

I'm sorry....but i SAW something....something detailed!

:: she wanted to tell them but HOW would Delilah react? especially right now? she got the reprieve she needed when the two demonic cops appeared on their floor...down the hall in the OTHER direction that Morgan had sensed her mother.::

there's no time to talk! LOOK!

:: she pointed her gloved hand through the group and down the left direction.::

they're going to that room! that must be where Karen is!!

:: Alison motioned for everyone to follow them. it was time to confront these bastards, and make them REGRET hurting and kidnapping the doctor. but Had Alison forgotten so soon that in this place, things might not ALWAYS go as planned?::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the blackness of unconsciousness. after a while, its almost comforting to be nestled away from all awareness. there's no sense of urgency, no worry...NOTHING! but of course...it comes to an end...and the darkness painfully gives way to LIGHT!>>

<< Karen, although older now, looks very beautifull, and despite a head injury, she lay serenly in her black, regal flying suit. she was in a bed, inside hospital room...and as she groaned...her opal blue eyes opened....>>

ohhhhh.....

<< she tried to sit up, but she was nauseated, groggy...unable to move.>>

where...where am i?

<< her voice hollow and weak..>

<< as she started to see better and became more aware...so too was the PAIN more pronounced..as she winced from it.>>

UGH!!! my HEAD!!

<< as she looked around the battered and obviously damaged room, she began to feel like she knew this place...but even as she began to gain more sense of self and space around her...the guards appeared in her room.>>

YOU AGAIN!!

<< she cried out as she tried to get up, but she found herself restrained! the male guard came forward..his finger now elongated and transformed into a large, terrifying syringe with a spinning edge. the female held the protesting doctor down as he came toward her.>>

NO!!! DONT TOUCH ME!!!

<< the doctor screamed with defiance>>

HELP ME!!!

[Rampage]

Nicolas squatted down very low. At this point he was trying to concentrate, trying to make sense of what was going on. Mprgan was so disoriented that she almost turned on Delilah and himslef, but she came out only to declare that there were TWO karen's here!!! Nicolas squatted down, prepared to leap, where exactly he knew not, he would wait until he got some certainty...

Suddenly Alison pointed to the two guards from the abduction as they went into a room. He could then sense Karen, tied to a bed in the room!!!!

Roaring, Nicolas leaped forward, covering the hall's length and using his hand to guide him THROUGH the door. He saw the female guard struggling with Karen and as the male approached her, Nicolas leaped at them both, pulling them off of Dr. Victoria. As he leaped, Karen's shackles released her, thanks to his TK.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh sat nonchalantly on the desk, browsing files on the computer... she found Dr. Victoria's office... but she could tell they were 'stalled' somwhere in the late eighties... because the computer was less user friendly and files were kept hardcopy. They didn't have time to go on a fact finding mission... and haleigh sighed softly, as the rest of the group noticed Alison had wandered away and everyone took turns spazzing out, taking off after her. Haleigh watched them go, a curious look on her face. She realized the gravity of the situation, but still had a fix on where Alison was and noted how tense everyone was by how they overreacted to the situation at hand. Haleigh saw a bright flash of light around the corner and hopped off the desk, following the group around the corner to find them.

"Okay... calm down... I can still sense her.... shes right down there... no need to be alarmed."

Haleigh's voie was low and steady... a sharp contrast to the raging desperation of some of her teammates... there was something about the eerie, dark stillness of this place.... something quiet that, in perhaps the scariest effect of all, seeped into Haleigh's conscious and kept her from reacting the same way as her teammates. It wasn't that she didn't care for Karen or Alison... but rather... something else that subdued her emotions.

"There's something else too.... three of them... shes.... shes interacting with one... but I don't think its real... its like--" She paused... and changed direction. "We're not alone. Guards.... the ones who kidnapped her... they're here... moving about... I think they're looking for Karen.... wait.... they found her! She's there!"

She said, as both Morgan and Alison reacted also. Haleigh could hear Karen calling for help.... but was it happening now? or had it already happened? or was it going to happen soon? They'd already established they were in a time anomaly... any given thing could be from a different time.

"Half of us should go to her... the rest, stay with me.... we'll be right here... we can offer help if you need... and stand watch otherwise. Morgan, Nicolas, Persephone, you go check it out. Delilah, Alison, you two stay here... you've got something you need to discuss. Ethan... help me keep an eye out... and protect ourselves from a trap."

[Jacob Black]

Ethan kept trying to keep his eye on Alison but it seems like she was just going too fast for him to keep with her. She was moving slow but fast at the same time like some creepy horror movie that reminded him of that demon walking through the asylum in House on Haunted Hill, before he knew it, everyone was chasing after Morgan and Alison was still not in sight. He chased after her with the rest of them.

"It didn't make sense I kept on losing her, I could hear her talking. She isn't in the same place as we are.. It's like she is somewhere else, but I think she is our best bet! I think she is seeing just the reason why Delilah is connected to this. From what I can tell from the layout and decoration of the building, we have to be in the 80's and plus it would fit the timeframe of Delilah's childhood. We have to find Alison though.. we can't lose her, I just have this feeling I can't shake.. that if we don't find her.. something bad is going to happen..."

And at that very moment, Alison returned to the others as she tried to explain to them what had happened to make her flee from the group. They watched the Demonic Guards enter a room that would most likely have Karen Victoria. He thought for a moment.

"Not the best time for an ambush! WE don't know how many of those things are in here or even if they are the big bad, the ringleader. Haleigh's right, from a tactical standpoint..."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing Karen scream out for help, before she could even react, Nicolas burst through the doors like a wild animal, attacking the guards. Well....it was unorthodox, but effective. Running into the room behind Nicolas, he had telekentically unleashed Karen from her binds. Running to Karen's side, she placed a reassuring hand on her forearm, helping her sit up. ::

"Are you alright, Karen?"

:: Looking behind her, seeing Nicolas still fighting with the guards, she was confident that he could handle himself while she and Morgan helped get Karen out of harms way. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen couldnt focus enough to cast a spell, or even "transport" out of the binds and from the look of things, the demonic guards were about to drill into her head. she struggled as best she could but just as it seemed all hope was lost, Rampage burst into the room!>>

<< the guards were shocked as they were now being viciously attacked, and Karen found herself FREE of the binds. struggling to get up, she felt Persephone's hand...and grabbed it with her own...tightly at first but her grip loosened as she regained more of her balance and sense of self.>>

Persephone...Rampage...thank the goddess you're here!

<< she replied as she steadied her breathing. Persephone asked if she was all right. Karen's pupils were dialated and it was obvious she was still a bit disoriented.>>

it all happened so FAST! the last thing i remember...is running through the halls of my office in soho...and now I'm here.....at..

<< she said softly>>

Westin Hills!

<< it was clear there was a tone of regret in her voice. and she had an obvious head injury as well.>>

Persephone....the others...are they here as well?

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder heard her mother scream for help and as Haleigh suggested that half go for Karen and the other half remain in the center of that hall, she agreed.>>

I'm going for my mother...

<< turning to run, she turned back to Haleigh>>

I think...the effect we're seeing here is similar to what happens in LIMBO..random "temporal phantoms" , events that have already happened, playing out again at random as the boundaries of time and space blur....thats why i sensed my mother in TWO Places...only the one that was to the RIGHT is now gone!

<< Morgan would have to finish this later...she ran with Rampage and Persephone to the room where her mother was...Rampage had burst in and pulled the demons off of Karen and freed her....and while Persephone was now by Karen's side. Spellbinder and Persephone needed to get Karen out of harm's way....but before that, Morgan grabbed the female guard, who was coming in for another attack by her neck and pulled her from Rampage just as the woman was approaching him with a large double edged blade.>>

HOW DARE YOU attack my mother!

<< she screamed as she hurled the woman through the window and out into the hall, the glass shattered as the woman's body crashed into the wall outside. But before the sorceress could follow up the attack the guard BLINKED OUT!>>

<< Hoping that Haleigh would be able to track her if she came back into the hospital, Morgan left the male to be dealt with by Rampage and she went over to Persephone and her mother>>

MOM!

<< she looked at her head...>>

we came as quickly as we could.....

<< she waved her hand in front of the wound on her mothers head as a small trail of sparkling magick flowed around it and healed the wound completely.>>

Persephone, please generate a breeze to give her some FRESH air to breathe..it will help her to better calm down...we've got to prepare to get out of here.

<< she turned to look over her shoulder to see what Rampage was doing with his assailant. >>

We're here now mom....Persephone and I will make sure no harm comes to you again...and we're ALL getting out of here.

<< or so Morgan THOUGHT.>>

[Harbinger]

:: Black Widow's idea to split up in this instance was sound but Guardian wanted to go with the others to help Karen. she realized it was better that she stay behind with Black Widow, Ethan and MorningStar. so many things were happening all at once...it was GOOD to have an extra person WITH powers there to help even the odds. and with that in mind, she relaxed her hostility towards Ethan just a bit.::

:: she looked rather dismayed as the others took off for the real Karen::

I should be there with them.

:: she paused for a moment, thinking about what Haleigh and Morgan had just said in regards to the detections and temporal distortions.::

Morgan is right and I think i realize now why my powers as a "seer" arent functioning the way i'm accustomed to.

:: looking at Haleigh and Ethan::

what drew me away, was a temporal phantom....just like what we see sometimes when we are in Limbo. Only HERE...i apparently am the only one who can "see" or interact with them because of how my power relates to time.

:: taking a moment to decide the best way to say this::

What..or WHOM i saw was YOU, Delilah, as a young girl. Just as i saw in my vision back in Soho. She was crying out for help, not in a conventional way...but in a way that radiated across the temporal barriers. I think she was trying to WARN ME....of....her...YOUR father.

I saw Karen, as a younger doctor, most likely as an intern here in the late 70's or early 80's based on her look.

<< as the fight rages on at the other end of the hall... Guardian leans against the counter of the nurses station.>>

Ethan is right in that despite this whole area being inside of a temporal/spatial anamoly, what we are experience the most is of "THE PAST"....its not so much about Morgan as it is HER MOTHER and Delilah. Morgan, herself said that she knew nothing about "Westin Hills" save the rumours and "urban legends" shared among her child hood and highschool friends and that at one point there was mass incidence of children "going on vacation" when in fact she later learned that many of those children who went on vacation were in fact committed to westin hills for childhood PSYCHOSIS!

Karen was a doctor here...she must have TREATED some of those children...and one of them must have been...Delilah.

:: looking at Delilah, Alison spoke as gently as she could about what she had experienced just before the others found her.::

I think i better SHOW you this....so that you can see for yourself.....

:: extending her hand, Guardian swings it out and around, a sparkling liquid effect trials behind her hand as she swings her arm as she weaves a Scrying Pool.::

:: the pool shimmers and sparkles until images come into focus..::

:: on her way to the doors, there was a gallery of "missing/exploited" children's photots on the wall...the headshots of those children TURNED and WATCHED as Guardian passed them. their eyes all showing a look of sorrow and distress.::

<< now making her way down the dreaded hallway to the west wing..it was definately darker here than in most other parts of the hospital. the hallway seemed to LENGTHEN as if to suggest just how far she had strayed from her friends...her family.>>

<< the sounds of anguish and pain from the little girl grew steady and louder now. Alison was coming closer....and as she pushed through the worn double doors into the west wing, she found herself in a new place where it looked like there had been a bloody massacre. but she didnt flinch..she slowly crept forward, looking here and there.>>

<< FINALLY she rounded a corner..and found a little girl laying against the wall, looking away from Alison. and a room, nearby...in that room the sounds of a bitter, heated argument could be heard. a man and a woman whose voice was terribly familiar. but for the moment, the little girl was in front of Alison.>>

:: she bent down a bit...::

are you okay?

:: she said in as soft and smooth of a tone as she could manage::

what's the matter??

:: she went to touch the little girl on her shoulder.::

ORACLE------

<<the little girl's head turns around sharply, and to Alison's shock, its DELILAH as a little girl!! but she doesnt look anything like she did in the vision. her face is badly bruised...she's been beaten..SAVAGELY. one of her eyes swollen shut....she looks...grotesque. clearly a victim of violent abuse>>

-----------

::GASP!::

:: Alison covers her mouth with shock...and a pang of grief in her icy, marble hard heart. who could DO this to a child? the little girl has been crying...::

honey....who...who DID THIS TO YOU?

<< the little girl doesnt attempt to get up..she's too worn down. she shakes as Alison holds out her gloved hand....>>

Little Delilah: my father....he says I have satan's power in me..that i'm tainted and that i must be chastised to stay on the straight and narrow path....

::Guardian looks horrified as the girl speaks...this is Delilah..she senses it CLEARLY NOW...but there has been NO INDICATION to date that Delilah was abused as a child. she never spoke of it..nor did Morgan or KAREN. could this be one of the past memories repressed in Delilah's psyche? a ghost from this hospital's past that reaches out to the only person who could SEE it?::

oh ...goddess...

:: Guardian shakes her head...and looks up...to her right is the room...there's a man, arguing furiously with a woman...its KAREN but she's younger and wearing a white lab coat...her hair is styled in a "farrah fawcett feather".::

Karen....

:: she looks down at the little girl...::

honey, is that your father in there?

<< the little girl nods slightly>>

Little girl: yes...he's not happy. He says that Karen Victoria is a godless woman. she's a witch...she's satan's bride. He doesnt want me to see her anymore....but..I like Karen. She understands me. she say's im NOT evil...that i'm SPECIAL....

I dont want to go home with him....please don't let him take me....

:: Alison gulped as she looked...and could now hear more CLEARLY the argument going on between the younger Karen Victoria and Delilah's opressive, verbally abrasive father...::

:: the view in the scrying pool shifts::

<< cold comfort for the precog....as she began to put together SOME of the mystery surrounding Karen and Delilah. All the while she was STILL unaware that Morgan was screaming down the hall to get her attention, or that the others were following! all she could do now...was watch the argument unfolding in the conference room between a young Dr. Victoria, and Delilah's crazed father.>>


Dr. Victoria: Mr. Trelevan, your abuse of Delilah will NOT go unchecked. What you are doing to her is damaging on a variety of levels and as her doctor, i CANNOT allow it to continue!

Father: Spoken like the true spawn of satan that you are. I KNOW about you...you filthy WITCH. You try to pervert my daughter....tell her that satan's power is something SPECIAL! I will purify her....with FIRE if i have to! I should've gave her to god the day she came out of her whore of a mother's womb!

<< Karen grits her teeth with disgust.>>

Dr. Victoria: THIS is the END Mr. Trelevan...there will be no more "accidents"..no more BEATINGS! I will walk through FIRE to make sure that you NEVER have control over this child's life AGAIN!

:: the scrying pool shimmers away.::

this HAPPENED....I saw it as a temporal replay. It clearly indicates that Karen was Delilah's doctor at some point and that she was trying to protect Delilah from a man who appeared to be her father. This hospital is some kind of focal point for this town, at least as we see it now. We need to find ALL the files with a cross reference between Karen and Delilah...

[Jill Monroe]

<< out in the hall, Spellbinder and Persephone help Karen into a wheel chair while Rampage deals with the last of her assailants...at least from what they could tell.>>

you rest, mother. We'll take care of you.

<< looking at Persephone.>>

between the two of us we should be able to handle anything that comes.

<< she looks back at Rampage, knowing he's got the situation well in hand and that he'll join them shortly as they make their way down the hall to the T intersection to meet with Guardian, Black Widow, MorningStar and Ethan.>>

we've got my mother...she's allright now, just a little fatigued.

<< she said as she pushed the wheelchair carrying her mother down the hall toward the group but even as she was reaching the group....things took a turn for the worst.>>

[Oracle]

<< in the hall, between Spellbinder, Perspehone, Karen and Black Widow, Guardian, MorningStar and Maverick, two large men BLINKED into view. they had the same pale, demonic appearence as the two guards that were after Karen and they were both carrying large bloody machete's>>

<< the IMMEDIATELY lunched for Karen, despite being in the presence of Spellbinder and Persephone!>>

<< one of the hospital alarms began to go off as well...suggesting there was either a fire or some other disturbance in the building.>>

[Rampage]

As Morgan grabbed the female guard from his grasp, Nicolas focused on the male guard, grabbing his leg and tossing him across the room.

"I'm going to ENJOY this!!"

But as Nicolas approached the guard, he BLINKED from view. Nicolas left the room quickly to join the others...more than a little puzzled, when two more large demonic beings appeared in the team's midst, brandishing machetes as a siren began to wail throughout the building.

Nicolas quickly rejoined the group and stepped forward to intercept the beings as they lunged for Karen Victoria. He used his axe to block their way and made the floor beneath them ripple like a wave, pushing them backwards...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder gasped as the two men appeared...but before she could fire an eldritch bolt, Rampage used his axe to block their way and send them rolling back from the ripples in the floor.>>

they keep coming!

<< she stood in front of her mother while Persephone stood behind Karen in the wheel chair and a chime sounds off as Spellbinder ignites a pentagram of protection around the three of them.>>

Whatever happens mom, don't leave the pentagram of protection! they can't get through THIS...but Perspehone and I can come OUT and deal with THEM!

<< and not a moment two soon...as MORE pale, demonic looking humanoids began to blink into view with various exaggerated looking blades and sycthes etc. while some were weilding TORCHES the looked like...members of a CULT! coming from the T inersection at all angles, the nurses station and even out of some of the rooms>>

<< Spellbinder looked around...>>

we're TRAPPED!

<< she extened her hand forward...and fired an eldritch bolt at two of the creatures....>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as more creatures began to blink into view in an attempt to overwhelm them. As Morgan sets up a mystical protective barrier,Nicolas steps forward turns and throws his axe down towards the nurses station, using his TK to accelerate its spin and send it hurtling to the area as a horizontal blade of death.
Meanwhile Morgan's bolts struck two of the creatures and he siezed the next closest one, grabbing its face and slamming it to the ground as he held up his left hand. The axe turned and came back to his outstretched hand as he looked to strike this demon down as well.

[Harbinger]

:: there was little time for Haleigh, Alison and Ethan to discuss the situation...let alone know how Delilah would handle what she'd just been shown. Morgan and Ava were coming down the hall with Karen in a wheel chair. the doctor looked rather fatigued and disoriented.::

:: two large men with bloody machetes appeared. probably among those responsible for the massacre in this west wing. but as Morgan gasped, Rampage blocked their advance on Karen and sent them flying back with a ripple on the floor.::

:: Guardian took full advantage of this, and gestures ala' Prue Halliwell. A rushing chiming sound is heard as the two men are TK'ed...FLUNG like helpless rag dolls face forward into walls nearby. they both grunt with pain as they fall to the floor...not moving. but as they blink out..MORE arrive, weilding horrific looking weapons...ceremonial daggers and torches. they're all around, closing in on them from all entries!::

:: Spellbinder surroundes Karen in a pentagram of protection and attacks two more of the demonic looking men while Guardian turns to face those coming down the hall behind her.::

they're trying to KEEP US from find out more of what's going on! Stay together everyone...pick a direction to face..and draw your line! we hold them off long enough until we can figure out how to get out of here!

:: as Morgan remarked on the way they were dressed..all looking similar and the nature of the weapons..it did appear they might be in a cult. She remembered that Delilah's father was dressed in a suit with priest's collar. perhaps it was a religious sect? was HE the leader of it?::

:: looking very determined and irritated she begins thrusting her hands forward ala' Piper Halliwell, Guardian begins to BLOW UP one or two at a time...but for every handfull she takes down...MORE come.::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Nodding to Karen reassuringly, Persephone helped Karen to her feet as Morgan came into the room and went on the offensive. ::

"Everyone's here, Karen. Don't worry."

:: Morgan finally joined the two woman, noticebly relieved that her mother was alright. Hearing Morgan's request for fresh air, Persephone nodded as a waved her hand in front of Karen's face. Immediately a breeze--slightly colder than room temperature--began to flow all around Karen's body, like an invisibly tornado breeze. It would help Karen calm herself and relax. ::

:: Helping Karen out of the room and to the wheel chair, before Rampage could join them, two male guards appeared in the center of the room. Between Herself, Morgan, and Karen, and Alison, Ethan, Haleigh, and Delilah. The men immediately lunged toward Karen, but Rampage acted quickly. Intercepting the attack, Morgan immediately put up a pentegram of protection, keeping Karen safe. ::

:: Seeing the men advance toward Alison, and Morgan, Ava turned to see two more men appear behind herself as well. ::

"Multiply like rabbits, don't they."

:: Stepping out of the pentegram of protection, but staying close to Karen, winds began to pick up in the hallway coridoor. Whistling and howling could be heard intensifying as the winds became even more intense. It was barely even audiable to hear the rest of the fighting from the other team members. Lifting her arms out to her sides, the strong winds alone made the two men stumble in their tracks, stalling them from coming closer toward her. Thrusting her arms forward, a MASSIVE gail force blast of wind SLAMMED into both men, sending them hurling through the remaining length of the hallway and THROUGH numerous brick walls that seperated the different rooms of the hospital. ::

:: The winds continued to flow through the hallway in which the six fought in, but without as much intensity. Persephone's long brunette locks blew forward as she turned toward Karen to see if she was alright. Stepping back into the pentegram of protection, Persephone placed her hand on Karen's shoulder and leaned down closer to Karen's ear. Speaking in a more elevated voice because of the wind's howls and screams, the area around Karen stayed calm. Allowing her to recover from her ordeal. ::

"Are you feeling better?"

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh reacted quickly as Karen and the others came back and two new guards began to harrass them. Rampage pushed them back, giving Haleigh and the rest time to move into place as more cronies appeared.

"Everyone fall in around Karen!"

She called, as she took up a side and began to fight everything coming down the hall ahead of her. She fired her shotgun in rapid succession, and these were no lightweight ammunition, as they hit their target, they detonated small explosive charges that nearly disentigrated the victims completely. As soon as she made a slight clearing in the corridor, she manifested a thick steel wall to close off the hall in front of her, and slammed it into place, halving a couple of the demons coming her way. She watched them pull themselves toward her with a morbid interest, before pulling out a handgun and shooting the one closest in the forehead. She looked over her left shoulder at the group, shrugging.

"Don't worry... we don't need to go down that hall anyway."

She said, turning her back to the other halved demon, in a reckless and rather cocky way. The demon, equipped with a large machete, took this chance to regenerate and hulk over her, lifting his weapon to bring it down upon her. Haleigh, sensing the metal being lifted over her head, whipped around and caught the man by the wrist as he tried to attack her. With an intense gleam in her stare she squeezed, crushing his wrist. She reached up to his throat, but instead of choking him, she dug her nails into his skin, and tipped them with talon like titanium points, causing his eyes to go wide as five metallic talons made short work of his neck. Haleigh dropped his body casually, and stooped to pick up the machete he'd been weilding. She swung it slowly through the air... with her strength, she could do some serious damage... and violent thoughts were filling her mind.

[Jacob Black]

Ethan was literally floored and shocked with the appearance of all of the crazy looking guards with their rather interesting choice of weaponry. As everyone sprung into action, Ethan made his way to a separate part of the T intersection as there were a line of strong guards making their way towards the group and Karen. Ethan lashed out with his hands as invisibly strands of energy were thrusts from his palms with a jagged end as he lashed it through the first guard which then ripped through the stomach of another guard, much like a fishing line with a hook on the end. As the strand of energy moved fast through the four guards and wrapped around them with great speed, making sure that they were constricted, he pulled tight with the energy as it ripped through the midsections of the guards, cutting them off completely as the torsos of the men fell to the ground as if they were rag dolls. This was a side of Ethan that the rest of the group had not seen. The fighter. He looked back at the group, a small stream of blood dripping down his nose as he looked to protect Karen.

"These things just keep on coming! We have to protect Karen!"

He enclosed Karen in a circular forcefield of protection that he felt that would keep her safe as he had survived two explosions while in the protection of his own force fields. He turned backed to the men that were coming as he snapped to Delilah.

"Delilah! If I can draw enough energy from the room I can create a feedback effect that can destroy a SHIT load of this men. You think we can work together, channel hard light and let me throw it back at them?"

Ethan hoped that everyone was able to hold their own. Who were these men? They looked so primal and so demonic like all of a sudden. It was so crazy. Were all of these people connected to Delilah or her father?

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah flinched as Morgan turned to her. She actually thought for a second that she was going to hit her. Luckily Morgan regained her senses. And almost miraculously, it seemed, she'd found Alison. But what was she talking about, her mother in two places? ]

"Morgan, you aren't making any sense...Alison?"

[ She started to run after Morgan towards the Seer. ]

"Alison! Are you...are you alright?"

[ But before they could find out what had happened to Alison, the two demonic guards appeared. Haleigh told her to stay behind. Clearly she was delusional. ]

"You can't be serious, Haleigh - you can't expect us to sit here while those things are doing god knows what to Karen!"

[ Nicolas went after the guards like a bat out of hell - he was going to have to learn some self control in the near future, or his rashness was going to get him killed. Despite his good intentions. She shook her head. You know what they say about those. Before she could go after he, Morgan, & Persephone, though, Alison had started speaking. ]

"Why would I need to warn you about my father?"

[ Alison suggested that Delilah was herself a patient at the hospital. She scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest. ]

"Alison, I think I would know if I had been here before. Now STOP THIS NONSENSE about you having visions of me as a child."

[ She was angry now. Why was no one listening to her? She was tired of people talking about her, about things they knew nothing about. She felt confused, her emotions were all over the place, banging around in her head. She wanted to scream, and cry, and laugh all at once. Something to get it out of her head. Something to silence the noise in her head.

She watched the images Alison showed them. As they faded, she looked up at Alison, blinking tears from her eyes. She was calm now, the anger gone from her voice. She spoke in almost childlike softness. ]

"This is obviously a trick. Someone has planted these images of me in your mind. But they're fake, they have to be fake. That never happened. I didn't meet Karen until I was older. I didn't..."

[ She covered her face with her hands. Just then, demons blinked into view between them and where the others had gone to get Karen. She looked up and the rage spilled over her again. Her eyes glowed luminescent again and she lowered her head and thrust out her arms towards the demons. ]

"YOU WILL NOT HURT HER AGAIN."

[ Green light flowed from her hands in a wide beam, cutting into the demons as she moved towards them. She turned her head slowly as Ethan spoke to her. She cocked her head to one side as he made his suggestion to team up, so to speak. Light waves began to radiate from her body in a steady pulse. ]

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's head fell back a few times. she felt so dizzy. but as the monstrous , demonic looking men appeared, she flinched!>>

NOT AGAIN!

<< she thought. but Rampage stepped in and forced them back and Spellbinder encased her in a pentagram of protection. Spellbinder was in front of her and Persephone was behind her facing the opposite way and soon the whole of the Six and their guest, Maverick were fighting off these "people" who looked like they all were apart of a massive collective, or cult as Alison pointed out.>>

<< Maverick's forcefield came around as well..offering additional protection and Karen steadied herself, breathing the fresh air that Persephone provided her.>>

i can't believe im back here...but things look and feel so...so DIFFERENT!

<< Haleigh and Alison ralied the team as they all surrounded Karen and Persephone touched her shoulder, to ask her if she was okay..>>

<< the doctor blinked as she exhaled slowly.>>

I am getting there, Persephone.

<< she said in a worried tone.>>

Everything happened so fast. they took me unaware and now i find myself back HERE....

<< she stopped as a man flew over her head through the air, after being TK'ed by Guardian.>>

at Westin Hills....

<< she looked up at Persephone.>>

This can only mean ONE THING. He's found her....he's crossed the boundary between the living and the dead...come out of hell to come back for HER.

<< Karen just about CONFIRMED what everyone else was starting to see based on what Guardian had discovered so far. Karen KNEW she had to get herself together. She had to GET UP and try to help! she was no weak old woman..she was a powerfull sorceress herself and had faced many things in her time..INCLUDING the Super Soldier.>>

There's things that Delilah should know...things that were kept from her for a reason...until now! I must TELL HER!

<< the commotion of the battle was so loud and so CHAOTIC....>>

[Oracle]

<< The Six were holding their ground and actually forcing the horde of drones back! Haleigh had closed off one entrance of the hall and Guardian laid a temporal trap down another...slowing the advance of those "men" down to a snail's crawl, making it SO EASY for her to pick them off any number of ways.>>

<< Spellbinder and Persephone kept Karen's immediate front and back covered while Black Widow, Rampage, Maverick and MorningStar surrounded them and laid waste in their own unique ways. MorningStar's own agitation and frustration with the implications of HER in this situation made her attacks seem amplified and for more violent than usual...another view of just how powerfull she could be.>>

<< even as Karen began to regain herself and knew all too well where she was. The moment that Karen began to scream out that Delilah had to be WARNED..that she had to "KNOW". the drones that the six were fighting began to fall back and discorporate into sparkling dust....sweeping and blowing away. the sirens stopped...and the Six were now alone again...at least for the MOMENT.>>

<< while there was still time, they had somethings that needed to be discussed. for as many answers as Guardian had found...more information was still needed. >>

<< who were these demonic drones? why were they dressed alike and why was this area so bloody and damaged? were they in fact connected to delilah and her father? and WHAT was the backstory between Delilah, Karen and this hospital?>>

<<all questions that needed answers and Black Widow would know that the files and info they needed where in in the LL floor, below ground in the medical records section.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< fighting off these "men" with their unusual weapons, Spellbinder opted to use her eldritch bolts and other "long range" mystical attacks. something told her not to let them touch her in anyway. as the group drew their lines and kept the "men" away from Karen, Black Widow, Persephone , Guardian and Maverick began to help gain ground and force the seemingly ON GOING drones back and clear space!>>

<< Persephone checked on Karen, who seemed to be getting better, and as Karen warned that DELILAH "needed to know"...it was all but confirmed that there was a backstory here that Delilah was probably not aware of. Up to this point she had refused to acknowledge any possiblity, DESPITE Guardian's visions and what she had just seen in the West Wing moments before the attack.>>

<< whether it was denail, suprresion, a spell or anything else...there was no longer any doubt that SOMETHING had happened with Delilah here and her mother knew about it. >>

<< the battle raged on..>>

what mother?? what is it?

<< before Karen could answer, the drones all began to stop their never ending advance...and discorporated into sparkling dust that blew away...THROUGH the walls, the ceiling and where ever else they could go.>>

they...they're retreating??

<< Spellbinder looked around quickly..>>

we held them off and as soon as my mother spoke out about Delilah, they VANISHED!

<< looking to her mom, Morgan knelt down.>>

Are you sure you're allright mom? I don't want to rush you....but....

Guardian's had visions...she's seen somethings. We discovered some clues back at your office in Soho, but Mom, for Delilah's sake...and to ensure that we can actually get out of here together and ALIVE...please tell us what this is all about. We can't protect you ...or HER any more effectively unless we know exactly what we're dealing with.

<< Morgan spoke calmly with a bit of a lilt in her voice.>>

[Jacob Black]

With a loud explosion four remaining guards in the hallway were incinerated in the air with Delilah and Ethan's deadly combination of powers as Delilah sent out the light waves as Ethan contained the energy and expanded it rapidly causing a powerful "feedback" detonation incinerating the guards where they stood. Ethan watched the strange men start to retreat. He went to Delilah alone and somewhat whispered in a tone so that only she could hear him.

"Everybody has a past Delilah, even if you don't know what's going on.. if things go down, i'll be on your side..."

He turned back to the rest of the group as Morgan asessed what was happening at the moment and Ethan took a moment to think himself. Who WERE these men and what did they have to do with Delilah. None of this was a hoax. These things were happening for a reason and they were connected to Delilah. He sent a message to Nicholas, hoping he would hear it.

"King, I don't know, isn't there something you can do? Can't you scan her memory or something? When I was in the world of intelligence we learned to compartmentalize things we couldn't deal with, traumatic events. They get stored away, sometimes forgotten. Her memories have to be somewhere, is there something we can do to make her remember? If this is true, we need Delilah to remember more than Karen. Maybe we can convince her to let you bring out those memories?"

Ethan was looking for anything because none of this information would help the Six if Delilah couldn't remember. She was the one who had lived with her father, she knew him and she would be the one who would have to defeat him or at least face him. The Six needed Deilah. Ethan needed Delilah because he wanted to get out of this place alive.

"This place is awful. Blood on the walls, it looks like something out of a horror movie. Dr. Victoria what kind of patients were held here?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Seeing Karen become more agitated, Persephone shook her head and kept her hand on her shoulder. ::

"Karen, I know you want to help, but please, you are still weak. Just take it easy for a moment longer."

:: As the battle came to a close, the 'creatures' seemed to disappear. Or retreat...regardless, there was a calm in the storm. Up until Karen mentioned Delilah's definate tie to this all. This would definitely be an emotional time for Delilah, but hopefully it will explain why this things captured Karen. ::

:: The raging winds that whipped through the hallway slowed to a soft breeze allowing everyone to speak in a softer tone. ::

[Rampage]

The monsters finally began to recede, then they disappeared altogether, giving them some moments at least to regroup. Nicolas "heard" Ethan call to him and he responded in kind.

Ethan, it's not that simple. I and others are trying to get her to let us get those memories out. Without consent, I risk harming her if she rebels or triggering her powers to flare out of control, not to mention the violation of that type of mind probe. I know you want to help, and I am working on it. Just relax.

Meanwhile, Karen was quite agitated, and seemed ready to explain what was going on. He waited to hear her out and prepared for the shock to Delilah that this news might bring.

[Harbinger]

:: blowing one last "man" up, Guardian looked around, preparing to lash out against her next target when they began to retreat. Karen was about to attempt to reveal something and they must have FAILED in their attempts to silence her now that she was protected by her daughter and the six.::

at last...

::she said softly::

now maybe Delilah will stop reacting to me as though i'm just making up malicious lies about her past. it gives me NO PLEASURE to be the bringer of bad news...and its one of the curses of being a Seer. I remember the pain the night Sharon died...and how Morgan asked me why i couldnt CHANGE the outcome....surprisingly it was HALEIGH who spoke up with the most insightfull remark.... "she's a precog..not a god."

:: squatting down, Guardian picked up some remaining "dust" in her gloved hand...as well as an athame that was left behind.....noticing the carving on the blade that matched several of the pendants that some of the humanoid creatures were wearing.::

something i might be able to use for scrying...or a possible vision.

:: her back was to the rest of the group. she was tired of being made to feel like she wasnt telling the truth and the implication that someone could so easily PLANT a "vision" or an elaborate temporal "replay" all in her mind...it just further exacerbated the insecurity she began to feel when she realized her powers as a SEER were being hampered. Delilah's comments...and the LACK of feedback from the others actually HURT her. but she wouldnt show it. she wouldnt allow this to deter her.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen rubbed her head as the monster men fell back and retreated into the shadows through the walls and the ceiling. it was confirmation that they were only "humanoid" in appearence. she breathed in more of the fresh air provided by persephone which allowed her to clear her head more quickly.>>

<< remaining seated in the wheel chair, Morgan knelt down beside her and asked her if she could tell her what was happening..or why and Karen nodded solemnly.>>

we need to get down to medical records. its on the lower level floor. my files on the....patients << looking at Delilah>> that i've seen are still here and Haleigh can bypass whatever encryptions they may have in place.

<< it was time for them all...especially Delilah to learn some things.>>

[Oracle]

<< after they gathered themselves, the team , along with Ethan walked together down the T intersection toward a set of Elevators. it was no problem for Haleigh to take control of any system in the seemingly vacant hospital and get an elevator to bring them down to the lower level basement floor.>>

<< to their surprise, once they arrived, the lower level looked like some technological nightmare...almost like NERVOUS [something only Morgan, Alison, Delilah and Haleigh would notice]. the technology here could very well be supplied by MYSTECH..it was in such sharp contrast to the rather stagnent and DATED look of the hospital's above ground floors.>>

<< the hum of power was in the air...machines seemed to be functioning even without the presence of anyone to watch them. there were many halls with offshoots and small rooms. Medical Records was down the main hall that curved to the right and through several sets of sliding doors.>>

<< there was something else down here as well...a lab of sorts...similar to the "bio systems lab" inside of the citadle.>>

<< they arrived in the LARGE and spacious "medical records" office. it was filled with small terminals and a large master computer along the fall wall with a wrap around console. this place looked more like a war room than a medical records office.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh continued to fight until there was nothing left of the opposition. She swung the machete with easily enough force to lop not only heads, but SHOULDERS off, and the gore didnt bother her. She laid waste of anything in her path, and didnt stop until the 'men' retreated into nothingness. Even the bodies of the dead turned to dust... and Haleigh seemed irritated. She kicked a pile of dust, scattering it across the hall.

"DAMN it.... when I get a hold of the son of a bitch that sent them to slaughter."

She grumbled quietly, as Alison bent down to pick up some abandonned paraphenelia. Haleigh laid her hand on Guardian's shoulder from behind.... she knew what it was like to try to use your powers and not be able to, and she figured Alison was trying to get something, ANYTHING, from the athame in her hands. What was more... she tried to get Delilah to listen to the little bit of light she COULD see... and was shut down. In all the commotion, Haleigh hadn't had time to comment.... but isolated from the group a little now, she offered the Seer encouragement to stick with it.

"I've learned to trust your visions, Alison... Delilah's in denial... we both know that... don't give up trying... I'd really like to know who has the power to do this... so I can put a boot in his ass and send him straight to hell. Now Come on... we need to go downstairs... Delilah's gonna have to square with her past in a few minutes... when I find the proof that you aren't imagining things."


They went down the hall, where Haleigh commandeered an elevator and lowered them to the 'basement' floor below ground. The elevator doors opened and Haleigh paused.... her gaze traveling to take in the surroundings.

"Looks like they've done some renovation down here.... and its... suspiciously familiar, wouldn't y'all say?"

She said, as she stepped out of the elevator and made her way down the hall. She knew where she was going and didnt waste time, walking down the hall through electric doors that slid aside for them, leading the group to their destination as if she'd been there before. When they got there, Haleigh made a beeline for the center console, which was where she sat down and began to access the databank... she disabled a few security measures within the network... and then opened a search prompt to look for Karen's files on Delilah.

"Well.... at least they aren't still in the stone age down here... it wouldve taken HOURS to find the hard copies."

She remarked with levity, seemingly nonchalant about the fact that the expensive electronic lab might imply Mystech's involvement.

[MorningStar]

[ She had to admit that she was impressed as she watched Ethan's feedback attack annihlate four guards. She spoke slowly, in a voice lower than normal. ]

"Kill them. Kill them all."

[ But then all the remaining creatures turned to ash. ]

"What the fu-?"

[ She started as Ethan whispered to her - it made her pause and she turned to look at him, really look at him. He had surprised her, and that didn't happen to her that often.

She snapped back to focus, and ran to Karen's side. She saw the look that Karen gave her, and tried to ignore it as she followed the others to the elevator and down. ]

"What is this place? Cause it sure doesn't look like the basement of a hospital..."

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian slowly stood up as Black Widow touched her shoulder and reaffirmed HER trust of the seer's visions.::

:: speaking in a low tone::

It gives me no pleasure to present such things to Delilah, or anyone else for that matter. It is times like this that remind me of the DOWN SIDE of being a seer...a precog.

...thank you for being so thoughtfull.

:: Alison was surprised at Haleigh yet again. Perhaps the mutant hybrid was more attuned to Alison than the seer cared to realize. after all, they had more in common than they ever would have thought upon their first meeting AND they briefly shared leadership of the team during one of its darkest times.::

:: Walking with a confident stride in her high heeled boots, Guardian followed as the team gathered to the elevator and Haleigh seized control of its systems to bring one up to them.::

:: on the way down, some of the others had a few things to say, but Alison kept quiet, holding the athame in her hand. something about it was drawing the gaze of her cobalt blue eyes..but she couldnt figure out what it was just now.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Looking at Delilah, it was clear she was under great strain and pressure...whatever Alison had "saw", it obviously was not received well by Delilah and coupled with the fact that Karen had something to tell...this wouldnt get any easier. Morgan caught up with Delilah....the shadow of her cape casting a long effect down Delilah's path.>>

Delilah,
<< Morgan said in a soft, understanding tone.>>

you know Alison wouldn't tell you something that wasn't true. She doesnt want to hurt you...she wants to HELP you. we all do and we're not going to abandon you..no matter what you find out. We're going to do what we always do when one of our crazed, demented family members or someone else comes calling....send them SCREAMING IN FLAMES ALL THE WAY BACK TO HELL!

<< the defiance in Morgan's raised tone went down the various halls...and was soon swallowed by the silence again. the team.moved towards the elevators and waited as Haleigh seized control of their systems to bring one up. the costume she wore was both "eye popping" and provocative, and while Morgan never shivered from "cold" before...she found herself wrapping her arms around herself as they went down to the LL.>>

<< in an icy voice>>

something about those men...they creeped me out. not in a traditonal way...but what they might be ABOUT. I feel like we've only seen the beginning of something truly sick tonight.

<< as Haleigh brought them down to the LL, Morgan stepped out behind Haleigh, looking around as well before Persephone wheeled Karen out.>>

it seems quiet enough....

<< noticing the way the place was laid out..the extremely cutting edge technology...the "cold edge" the place had, Morgan nodded as Haleigh commented on the renovation and Delilah definately felt like this place didnt "match" the rest of the facility>>

the way it's set up...it's almost like...like NERVOUS!

<< she looked up and around.>>

Could Westin Hills be powered by MysTech?

<< they made their way to the center most point of this sub basement. as Haleigh seated herself at the main console, Persephone wheeled Karen right next to her and Morgan stood behind them.>>

Mom, Did you know about this?

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen continued to use this time to gather her strength, and center herself. it had been a long...LONG time since she'd been here and only SHE knew why she had left Westin Hills.>>

<< many things would be shared in the next few moments and she knew that Delilah may very well be unable to cope. they lived in a world where they knew painfully too well that anything was possible. none of their pasts were "smooth" and Karen had tried her best to shield Delilah from HER'S...>>

<< as Persephone wheeled Karen along in the while chair, Morgan walked alongside her..holding her hand.>>

Don't worry Morgan, I'm allright....well, I'm GETTING there at least.

<< Karen tried to reassure her daughter, but she was too busy fretting in her own heart of hearts...Delilah was already starting to unravel. it was evident by her behavior during the fight moments ago. she was a good woman...she didnt deserve to have to endure this but the only way she'd be able to DEAL...would be by KNOWING and UNDERSTANDING.>>

<< as they made their way down to the sub basement, memories came back to karen like a flood...she felt so much GUILT. haleigh and morgan commented on the way the place looked...>>

<< in a low tone...>>

they conducted the most "daring" and controversial experiments with psychotropic and other forms of drugs and treatments down here...during the beginning of the anti mutant hysteria in the 80's...many children who were brought here were mutants..but they were THOUGHT to be "sick" or mentally deranged in someway...they were...."Treated"....with varying degrees of "results"

<< as Persephone wheeled her over next to Haleigh at the console, Karen smiled a bit..>>

thank you, child.

<< interestingly enough, Persephone was actually older than EVERYONE on her newfound team...but she would understand Karen's tendency to "mother" her at times. in Darkchilde's timeline, THAT Karen did the same thing. >>

<< as Haleigh began to pull up the files, Karen began to type somethings in herself.>>

Haleigh, bring down all the files about "Pastor Trelevan" as well. there will be a collection of doctors and police reports as well as files from DCS. all of them can be accessed from here. there will also be some voice files and dictations as well as video and pictures.

[Harbinger]

::Guardian exited the elevator with the others, but toward the back. She felt the need for space. She walked along, looking around and taking in the setting. The others who commented were right, this place DID resemble NERVOUS.::

it's like a "HIVE" for their intelligence and information...its a miniature version of NERVOUS even down to the illumination!

:: as Haleigh and Karen sat at the main console in the central most area of the sub basement while Morgan watched behind them, Alison found herself once again looking around...but also attempting to "SEE" as well.::

:: there was an area nearby, off one of the circular walls...a large looking glass.::

::with the athame still in her gloved hand, she felt herself drawn to the large window. and as she came close, she looked through and saw what could only be described as a "bio systems lab"...with tanks lined up in a row up one way and down the other. the tanks appeared to be large enough to accomodate anywhere from a small child to an adult male.::

there was an enclosed observation area and each "tank" had monitoring equipment as well as other devices.::

:: speaking softly to herself::

what where they doing down here??

:: she stopped herself from going INTO the lab. but still, she looked intently...::

so what is it THIS time? what am i going to see that OTHER people will not believe?

:: she said, unaware of the sarcasm in her normally cool toned voice. the answer would come to her..sooner than she thought and THIS time, there'd be someone to validate her...::

[Oracle]

<< the sound of energy and technology may have been almost lulling for some in this sub basement, but for those with the right powers...there was something ELSE in the air.>>

<< Karen had mentioned there were many questionable and highly experiment forms of psychotropic drugs tested on patients in this basement..and the mental feedback was still in the air for NICOLAS to sense. there was disorientation, chaos, pain and BETRAYAL. He too was drawn to the window where Guardian stood. what she would "see", he would FEEL and sense...and together they would see that the walls in this place could INDEED talk.>>

<< meanwhile, Haleigh, Karen, Morgan, Ava, Delilah and Ethan were at the main console of this hive. Haleigh was pulling down files and using cross referencing cues from Karen to get ALL the information possible. she would then produce hard copies for them to take with. Morgan expressed a desire...a NEED for them all to get out of there as fast as possible..and at least get back to open ground. even in the eerie open space of the town, it seemed they were more safe than inside this place that looked more like a high tech vestibule to hell than anything else.>>

<< for Delilah, soon it wouldnt matter where she was. She would not be the same anymore.>>

[Rampage]

As the group made their way downstairs, Nicolas noticed Morgan wrapping her arms around herself. He rubbed her shoulders warmly with his hands a bit , almost absentmindedly, as they traveled to the basement area. Once they got off the elevator, the team left the elevator, but Nicolas did not. He was transfixed, buffeted by dozens of psychic screams. He grabbed his head and staggered as he regained focus.

Where was that COMING from? So much pain, betrayal.It almost floored me, and its apparent that it was not a direct attack on me, just a scream for anyone to notice, to help. I have to find the source...

As Alison walked to the large window and peered inside, Nicolas staggered over beside her, resting his hand on her shoulder as he got himself together. As he began to lower the volume of the feedback din, he responded to her comments, his voice tinged with strain.

"Everyone believes you, save Delilah. That you are seeing what is there is without question. Please tell me, what do you see here? I am getting a chorus of psychic pain and disorientation, violation and betrayal. Tell me Alison, please...what in the HELL did they do here?"

[Jacob Black]

Ethan's eyes darted over the area where the files were stored as he began to reminisce about his time in MysTech. While working for what he thought was British Intelligence, alot of their file keeping system had looked like areas of this. He thought at the time that it was just a black ops division of British Intelligence when in reality it was the front for the growing european cell of MysTech.

"This place really does resemble the lower levels of "Sentinel", the MysTech cell I was employed in while I lived in London. I was told it was merely a storage base for old intel and important artifacts. This place DOES have that MysTech charm to it.. I wouldn't be surprised. Though those men, they seemed dark, and I don't use that word lightly. They seemed more evil than anything or anyone I assasinated while under the employ of MysTech..."

As he took a look he caught up with Alison for a moment as he decided to validate her thoughts as he saw what was happening when he had followed her earlier with the others behind. She WAS seeing something.. He talked softly to her.

"Alison.. it may not mean much to you, but I do believe you. I researched you more in particular than the others when I received my assignment to take out Alycia Barnett. Your powers are stronger than anything I encountered. I have seen Seers within MysTech and they don't touch you. I saw you walking around earlier when I went in after you. It seemed like you were in another world. I believed you.. just so you know..."

He looked at her fleetingly and then back to the others as he reaffirmed Morgan's thoughts.

"I'm with Morgan, I say we get these files and get out of this before Milla Jovavich comes busting through the door with a thrall of flesh eating zombies behind her..."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh brought up files on Delilah's father as requested.... including a video file of one of the Pastor's sermons... she watched a clip of it... he was redfaced and raving about evil and the devils hands... the God's vengeance... and how his followers should carry out some plan. Haleigh's face grew darker and more grim and then she stopped it abruptly when she felt herself getting too angry. The last thing she wanted was to fry the one computer they needed... and Delilah didn't need to see it either.

"Pretty intense man... a real-- [stopping herself from saying something] piece of work. Using something that was intended for good to discriminate against those who are different... using fear to turn good people against beings like us... using GOD to what... exterminate? The God he believes in... must be evil. No PURE God would want this... no truly GOOD god would want killing in her name.... his name.... what the fuck ever."

Haleigh stood up from the desk and went past Nicolas and Alison to the harddrives station, where a disc was ejecting, filled with information previously seen on the screen across the room. She put the disc in a slender jewel case and started to come back over to the desk, as Alison and Nicolas looked out at the bio-lab and Nicolas asked what went on here. Haleigh stopped just behind him and to his left, looking past him out the viewing window and down at the tanks. Her gaze went out of focus for a minute, her face tight with suppressed emotion.

"The same thing Mystech did to me in Russia... and again in the Citadle. Experimenting... trying to create and harness unparalleled power.... only THIS time the bastards were torturing KIDS."

She said quietly, and moving quickly from the window back to the desk with the disc. She let it drop onto the console and sat back down in the main chair, glancing at Ethan and shaking her head.

"I hate to burst your bubble, 007.... but you were working for Mystech... you probably WEREN'T assassinating real evil."

[MorningStar]

[ While the others investigated the computer files, Delilah walked about the lab, her hand brushing a table here, touching the wall there. What horrors had occurred here? She turned back and watched the team working behind her. A wave of sadness came over her - would they turn against her? Had they already? ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Wheeling Karen behind the rest of the group, they soon entered what looked like a very high tech facility. Something that looked very similiar to MysTech. Even though Ava was the president of Cassadine Enterprises and MysTech, she really hadn't researched just how many places MysTech was associated with. But regardless, when this mission was over, Ava would withdrawl all of the technology and support MysTech had with any company that seemed 'shady' and would reinvest with other places. ::

:: Looking around, Ava caught sight of Delilah wondering around. she seemed fearful. Whatever happened to her in the past, she was truly terrified that it would effect her association with the six. ::

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian was lost in thought when she felt the touch of Rampage on her shoulder. He was awkwardly making his way next to her and she looked over to see if he was all right.::

you're getting psychic feedback...from 20 years ago. that should tell you something. this entire place is like an ugly beacon on the astral plane...the passage of time means NOTHING to the spirits that cry out for vengeance and justice here...

:: she said in a low , cold tone before turning back to the one way viewing window. Rampage asked what was on everyone's mind and Black Widow summed it up perfectly...although that didnt begin to cover each individual HORROR that every child brought down here went through.::

Haleigh is right...this is what Westin Hills was a COVER for. they...probably at mystech's influence...wanted to harvest CHILDREN for their genetic material. some would be deemed "servicable" based on their power potential...and others..were just passed off as scientific experiments.....

:: she closed her eyes tightly::

it comes to me now.....

:: she touched her hand to the glass..and gasped as a flash of light signals her being pulled into a vision.::


:: a vision that would provide another clue...::

[Oracle]

<< the bio systems lab is ACTIVE and fully staffed. doctors and technicians are at various stages watching the vitals and other reactions of treatments to several patients deemed "sick" and qualifying for "special protocalls".>>

<< the patients are children! some lay in their tanks limply...with tubes coming out of their mouths and gauze tapped over their eyes. they have been so poisoned by chemicals and internal treatments that they will never recover. never wake up. their bodies are shutting down system by system...but their minds, their souls CRY OUT as their innocence is lost, their chance at life yanked from them by this cold, cruel entity under cover of "hospital">>

<< there are sounds of children crying nearby. children with psychic powers being sedated with experimental psychotropic drugs. other children being probbed and prodded painfully. the doctors present seem to show no reaction...>>

<< Guardian finds herself reeling from this. its all around! she can't bare to "see" anymore. but as she turns away...she sees DELILAH being brought in.>>

<< even as a little girl, Delilah shows calm, cool, courage...in the face of such EVIL. she's lead by two large technicians wearing suits with special precautions around their eyes. clearly to try to protect them from her light powers.>>

<< as the techs lead them in. the doctors look her over as though she's the star of the show. they begin taking preliminary stats and such. priming her for experimentation! where is her father? WHY is she down here!?>>

<< Alison stops herself from shouting out in protest. she doesnt have to...someone else will!>>

<< Karen BUSTS in..wearing a stylish, business "power suit", with glasses and looking sophisticated for the times [the 1980's] she's clearly pissed.>>

Attending physician: Dr. Victoria, this session does not require your presence. this is a medical proceeding, not mental health.

Karen << shoving a guard out of her way>> GET BACK, i have rank and authority to be down here.

<< striding up to the doctor in her high heels, she fumes>>

Karen: how DARE you snatch my patient without even BOTHERING to check with me! Delilah is not supposed to be down here. she's NOT a "candidate!" She's under MY care!

Attending physician: sorry Karen...I thought they told you. Pastor Trelevan went to the administrator and requested Delilah no longer have you as her psycho therapist or advocate. He feels you are a "disruptive" influence on her.

Karen: <<narrowing her eyes.>> WHY? because I'm trying to STOP the cycle of abuse that her father is heaping on her? that child thinks she's supposed to be a SACRIFICE to "God." that her powers are the result of SATAN'S TOUCH! what is rational about that?

attending physican: Karen, you're holding us up. you can of course file an appeal, but by then we'll be DONE with what we're doing here. Pastor Trelevan has given me full authority to use the mutant protocal procedures on Delilah.

Karen: WHAT!? ..... << she looks around frantically.>> you CANT! You'll render her INERT..she'll be a VEGETABLE! you people know that this crap isnt working. you're just doing it so that Mystech will continued to provide revenue and technology!

.....CHRISTOPHER!!

<< she stopped short when she said her husband's name. she knew he had been consulting with MysTech...and courting a position on the "Consortium" his influence was more than enough to sway the heads of westin hills to get in bed with mystech.>>

Karen: I won't stand for this. it's not WORTH IT. Delilah should not be here..and I'll do WHATEVER i have to do to save her. My treatment, MY therapy was HELPING her....THIS <<gesturing around>> ..is brutal exploitation.

<< she grabs Delilah's hand.>>

come on honey...we're getting out of here...TOGETHER!

Attending Physician: Doctor Victoria! you're out of order. you have no authority to remove this child! you're jeopardizing your position here at Westin Hills.

Karen: << turning around as she leads a teary eyed Delilah away..>> correction. I have no "position" here. effective immediately...i QUIT! and as for Delilah? I'm RESCUING HER from an abusive situation. one that i think the police and the governor would LOVE to know about!

<< a flash of light, and Guardian is propelled back into her own reality....>>

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian staggers back from the viewing window with a loud cry of distress.::

:: her head bowed and her hand on her chest, she breathes heavily at first...getting ahold of herself...::

Hecate....the horror of this place!

:: she closed her eyes...feeling tears well up in them.::

the children...they were treated like animals, like herds of sheep primed for the slaughter. they brutalized them down here....in the name of RESEARCH!

I SAW THEM!! even NOW...if you look in some of those tanks..you'll find bodies of children in cryrostasis or suspended animation!

:: she looked up at Rampage.::

I saw Karen....she was angry. they were going to subject Delilah to these experiments as well. Delilah's father had petitioned that Karen be REMOVED from her care. He felt she was a "disruptive" influence. Karen burst in and confronted the physician before he could begin on Delilah and she TOOK HER out of here. THIS was the moment where she and Christopher's marraige began to crack! she realized that Christopher was using Westin Hills as his way of getting a seat on the Consortium aka mystech's INNER CIRCLE [Malice, Helena Quatermaine, Kelly King etc].

Karen took Delilah and resigned her post here immediately, saying she would expose this hospital. that's all that i saw....

:: Alison buried her hands in her face...::

i ...i thought i'd seen everything this world had to offer. i've traveled it many times over. I thought i was not easily "moved"...but those children...even the ones whose eyes were sealed shut...they looked at me..THROUGH ME. it's been 20 years...and their souls STILL cry out! Delilah was one of those children....Karen RESCUED HER. but that's not all there is to this story. We have to see those files...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder was still at the "mother brain" of the hospital with Haleigh, her mother and Ethan.>>

<< she briefly looked over to see Delilah stepping out of the "hive" like space into a long hallway.>>

don't go too far Delilah...

<< she called out after her friend. she knew the woman was in a bad way right now. all these things...things she didnt remember or refused to acknowledge were coming up in the most surprising and painfull way. she hoped that Delilah WOULDNT feel like she couldnt turn to her friends..her FAMILY for help. they wouldnt abandon her and Morgan hoped Delilah wouldnt DENY them the opportunity to help her face this.>>

<< turning back to the counsole as Ethan and Haleigh talked. Morgan looked at Ethan a few times, first with a look of disapproval but...as she thought about how he put forth effort to help and protect her mother, as well as trying to help unravel this mystery at hand, she realized that maybe he wasn't so bad after all. he even attempted to be empathetic with ALISON and that was a brave thing indeed. COULD he possibly be a candidate to join the Six? it was too soon to address that. it would have to wait.>>

<< looking down at files as they came up, Morgan gathered them together and placed them in the order that her mother specified.>>

Haleigh, we need the voice dictations my mom made on Delilah's observation sessions.

there's two files for Delilah...why is that?

<<she looked down at her mother, who didnt look back up at her.>>

Karen: because Delilah....is not the biological daughter of Pastor Trelevan....

<< Morgan knew her mother didnt want to say it out right...>>

you mean...she was ...adopted?

Karen: yes. her biological parents died in a violent accident which to THIS DAY as far as i know has not been completely "cleared". the same circumstances that killed Nicolas' father, Alexis Quartermaine's mother....you get the picture....

Morgan: Mystech... they made Delilah an ORPHAN! those ...BASTARDS!

<< looking down at her mother...>>

but it always seemed like Delilah was the one LEAST effected by Mystech in her childhood...

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen lifted her hand , gesturing for her daughter to hush.>>

Morgan...we should not be discussing Delilah as if she were some kind of "case." she's a human being..and more importantly she's your best friend...the "sister" you never had. what we see here...SHE needs to see as well. we need to talk about it TOGETHER.

There were alot of things going on here at that time that even i wasnt aware of. but the more i found out...especially when i found out how much your FATHER was apart of it, the more i realized I could not be apart of this place...nor could I allow Delilah to be LOST in the system that was railroading her into brutal experimentation. I quit..and i took Delilah out of here..despite her "father's" objections...and while i may have saved her life...her father's last words to me were...

Thou shall not suffer a WITCH to live...

he had quoted the bible in his tyraids before...but this was different. it was at that moment...that i realized this man was beyond "borderline"...he was sociopathic. he had no conscience and was driven by something far worse. he wanted me dead...he wanted Delilah dead...

<< Karen paused...as she began to revist things that she had wished to forget.>>


there's much that i have to tell you. all of you. but not here. we must get out of here.


Haleigh has pulled down everything we need and you've seperated it for us. I'll guide everyone through it all. I pray that with this understanding...that you can help Delilah face what is coming.

<< she looked around to see where Delilah was...>>

she's out in the corridor. someone find her quickly before anything else goes wrong.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Delilah's past was finally revealed and everything was finally piecing together. A part of Ava felt bad for Delilah. She had a father who protected and loved her. Never sacrificed her to horrible experimentations and tortoure. But another half felt very detatched about the entire situation. Persephone killed her own mother out of sheer malice. She had no need for parents, nor did she care for them. Very Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. ::

:: Hearing Karen ask someone to retrieve Delilah, Persephone nodded and let go of wheel chair that she was pushing. Walking out of the immediate room that the group was gathered in, Persephone caught sight of Delilah wondering quietly down the hall. Pausing a moment, her icy blue eyes watched Morningstar. ::

"Delilah.."

:: Moving forward toward the blonde, she made her movements smooth and quiet. With Delilah's back facing Ava, the goddess stopped a few feet away from her, but didn't reach for her. ::

"Karen sent for you. We're about to leave."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah barely heard Morgan tell her not to go too far. She felt like she was moving through a dream, her feet felt like they were floating over the ground. She started humming to herself as she walked, no tune that she recognized. Turning as she heard Ava say her name, and tell her that they were leaving, she started to smile. She was never so glad to leave a place as this one.

But as soon as she turned and saw Ava, her body was hit with a sudden jolt. The pain in her head was so intense that she nearly doubled over. Flashes of images came to her, but they were so disjointed that she couldn't put them together or make sense of them. Her hands flew to her head with the pain, but then all at once, the images stopped. The pain was gone.

She straightened and looked down to Ava, then slowly began walking toward her. Tentatively, as if she wasn't sure her legs would hold her. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Eyes widdening, Ava moved forward, grasping onto Delilah to hold her up straight. She looked like she was in extreme pain, grabbing and holding onto her head with her eyes shut tightly. ::

"Delilah, Delilah!"

:: Concerned, Ava dipped her body low to get a better look at the hunched over mutant, but the pain seemed to fade just as quickly as it came about. Delilah stood up straight, without Ava's assistance, which instinctively made Ava back up a bit. Seeing her move forward, Ava's eyes expressed concern and confusion. What had just happened? ::

"Delilah...are you alright?"

:: Placing her hands on Delilah's shoulder and upper arm preventing her from walking, she kept a firm grasp on her just in case she became weak or overwhelmed with pain once again. ::

"What just happened?"

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as the team spoke around him, disgusted at the new ways MysTech and its allies found to exploit people. Suddenly, as Ava spoke to Delilah, he felt a sharp pain in his head, no doubt feedback from his link to Delilah amlplified by the ehoes of the place itself. Nicolas grunted in pain, dropped to one knee, and the team could feel the facility shake as the psychic pressure he was feeling relieved itself in a telekinetic expression. As quickly as the pain manifested, it subsided to the low hum that he had reduced it to. He lingered on one knee as he spoke in a low voice.

"I hope we have what we need so we can depart from this place."

[Jill Monroe]

<< looking over at Persephone and MorningStar with a surprised glare, Spellbinder knew that things were only going to get worse.. she turned to Haleigh and her mother.>>

We DO have everything we need now.

There's no time for us to leave here on foot. I have to try a stepping disc. Nicolas and Delilah are suffering and Alison grows more grim with each passing moment!

<< she lifts her hands and a chime sounds off followed by thunder as the team are whisked from the technologically advanced sub basement of Westin Hills...BACK outside...back to the town square again and THIS time, the weather around them was very violent. the clouds and thunder rolled and churned...it was like something out of limbo.>>

<< Spellbinder looked at Persephone.>>

Persephone? how is she?

<< turning to her right>>

oh no.

<< in the distance an ARMY of "men" and "women" looking like those in the hospital were coming toward them... brandishing pitch forks, machetes, butcher knives, lighted torches and other weapons..they walked in unison.>>

<< there was someone LEADING THEM too!>>

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was breathing heavily in short gasps of air. ]

"I...I don't know. It was like this massive pain in my head and then..."

[ She paused, not really knowing how to explain what she had seen or if she wanted to. ]

"...and then it just went away."

[ She realized that she was leaning on Ava, and stood a little straighter. She looked up into the other woman's eyes. ]

"What's happening to me?"

[ Persephone brought her back to rejoin the others and they were tranported outside by Morgan. She was breathing easier then, and just happy to be out of the building. But she knew something was very wrong here.

About the same time that Spellbinder spoke alerting them to the presence of the "army", Delilah saw them. She slowly started backing up. ]

"No! You're dead! YOU'RE ALL DEAD!"

[ She started screaming then. Her eyes were wide with fear. She wanted to run; she had an uncontrollable urge to flee, get out of there at any cost. Her body began to glow a bright green. She covered her face with her hands as if to hide behind them. Blasts of light began shooting out of her body - not just from her hands as usual, but from seemingly random points on her body. ]

[Oracle]

<< from the distance, comes an army...a "righteous" army of "men" and "women" dedicated to their cause against mutants and witches.>>

<< they will defend their homes, their LIVES [as they call them] from the EVIL ways of these godless creatures!>>

<< they are lead by one man...the Supreme Pontiff and as they march...shouting can be heard.>>

mob: there they are!! KILL THE WITCHES!! BURN THE MUTANTS!


<<though the six and their allies were vastly powerfull. this army seemed to be ENDLESS and there was no telling what the Supreme Pontiff could do exactly. there was no file on him as a "super powered" entity....just as a rabid anti mutant hater who abused his daughter! the six and their allies had to find an escape, and fast.>>

[Jacob Black]

As they were transported outside Ethan noticed the approaching mob and was a little scared he had to admit. With his soft British accent he addressed the group hesitantly.

"What the bloody hell is happening now? How can their possibly be more of them? It just seems endless!"

He began to think of ways to get out of the situation or at least fight them off as he enclosed the group in a strong forcefield that appeared at his psionic command. He knew his forcefield had the capacity to widthstand nuclear detonation but he had no clue what these people were about to bring onto the Six. At least it was a start.

"This forcefield should be able hold them off for a bit. I made it a lot denser than normal, if they get close it's gonna feel like five feet of concrete between us and them. Now.. What do we do?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Keeping hold of Delilah, her body was weakened, regardless if she tried to make it seem otherwise. While holding her, Morgan transported everyone back outside of Westin Hills to 'safety'. Wrong. Troops of those soilders were in formation, walking toward them. A man leading the pack as well. ::

"Fantastic."

:: Keeping her eyes focused on the army, she began to make a rough estimate of just how many men there were until Delilah began to scream. She frantically pulled from Ava's grasp, backing away and screaming. Trying to grab her arms, she looked back to Morgan shaking her head as she fought. ::

"I need help!"

:: Turning back to Delilah, Ava's brows lowered as her body began to glow a brilliant green. Letting go of her and backing away, Ava lifted her hands in front of her eyes, squinting at how bright the lights were. ::

"Delilah! Gain control of your emotions!"

:: But it seemed her words were useless. Delilah was literally having a nervous breakdown at the sight of those troops and that man. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh gathered up the last of their data and stood from the desk... Alison had another vision and pointed out that there were STILL children in the lab down there.... and after pausing to think about it, Haleigh accessed the control panel for the lab and without a word to the others, euthanized the remaining subjects by having the computer administer a lethal dose of sedatives. The nightmare's over, babies.

She glanced around, as things went downhill fast. Morgan took them all, via stepping disc, back out into the square... where they were greeted by the sight of an army approaching from the distance with a steady march and a murderous chant.

"Yeah... I think I'd like to go back to the dark den of looney bin doom now." She said quietly, as Ethan told them he'd set up a forcefield. "Yeah... well you can't hold up that shield forever... and you might need your strength for later. I'll lay a web of mines around us... that'll slow them down... and I can deactivate them along our path of retreat... which we need to pick REAL soon. Any idea's for a safe place to go?"

She asked, as Delilah began to experience what look to be a dangerous psychotic break.... Haleigh squinted her eyes at the bright light emitting from Delilah, looking worried and passing the glance to Karen.

"Doctor... I think we should get her OUT of here... but she's teetering over the edge.... you think it'd be wise to tranquilize her so we can get the hell outta dodge?"

[Shadow Weaver]

it's him. he's come back for her..just like he promised...despite my attempts to hide her from him and to block out her memories of him...he's BACK!!! and he has more power than ever before!

<< now outside, and confronted with some horrible, dark twisted version like a scene out of "the 10 commandments", Karen stood up from the wheel chair. she was now recovered enough and strong enough to be functional on her own.>>

<< the winds were howling as the skies above raged. Delilah was about to fragment in her psyche and Ava couldnt get control of her at all. As Ava asked for help and Haleigh spoke, Karen was already moving into position>>

Haleigh, i dont think we CAN "get out of here"...at least not yet. hold her...but not too tightly. we dont want to hurt her.

<< Karen stood in front of Delilah while Ethan had erected a force field to bar the advance of the army of cult members and their apparent leader. She spoke with a firm tone.>>

Delilah! Listen to me! I am your doctor NOW as i was THEN. do not look ahead...look at ME!

<< it was hard for Karen to get through to delilah. the light patterns the woman was spraying were INTENSE.>>

We've no choice. Sedate her for now, Haleigh. Just to ALLEVIATE the stress that her mind is in.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder snapped her head to look at Delilah as she began to break down. Guardian had been right. this was prooving to be too much for Delilah. Persephone was trying to help her..but it was no use and the painfull light patterns were causing a problem for everyone near her...>>

her light bursts...they HURT!

<< Morgan said as she tried to cover her eyes. Ethan used his invisible force fields to block the oncoming army but as the team scrambled to figure out what to do....Morgan spoke.>>

If i try to take us out of here...we may be SEPERATED. remember what i said earlier....i think we're TRAPPED here until whatever we came for is resolved. We've rescued my mother...but the main issue is DELILAH and her connection to ... << gesturing out toward the mob>> those "people". We can't stay here...and we're NOT going to abandon Delilah to her fate!

<< as Haleigh and Karen dealt with Delilah in the most gentle but effective way possible, Morgan looked at Alison...>>

Options?

[Harbinger]

:: it was happening just as Guardian had said. MorningStar was coming UNDONE as the trauma of her past began to revisit her in a new way. Karen and Haleigh did what they could her for...and Guardian continued to keep her eyes fixed on the Supreme Pontiff and his army...::

:: her cobalt eyes didnt waver as she GLARED at him from the far distance, ignoring her blue/black hair as it whipped in the winds from the disturbed weather around them.::

:: as Morgan asked for her options, she turned to the team.::

I think it's obvious we can't "escape". Rescuing Karen was actually a SMALL aspect of this. We have to get away from HERE...this is HIS ground...where he feels he is at his strongest. So WE have to go where Delilah will be at HER strongest...

:: pointing to the east::

back to Windmill Pointe! We'll move together, keeping Delilah in the center of the group with Rampage who is the physically strongest among us.

Persephone, use your power to drive the mob BACK with this weather. Ethan, move your Force Field BEHIND us as we move...make it trail us. Persephone's diversions will make it LESS of an effort for you to maintain your force fields. Rampage, carry Delilah. Protect her from ANYTHING that comes. Haleigh take the front..ill bring up the rear and Morgan can fly overhead.

I'll use my own temporal power to SPEED us along and SLOW them behind us.

[Rampage]

As they teleported out to the center of town again, the psychic screams subsided, replaced by death sighs. Not screams...sighs as the souls left in the facility embraced an end to their suffering. Tears fell from Nicolas' eyes as he bore witness to their departure, levitating above the group and oblivious to the army that was approaching.

That is, until he 'heard' Delilah go into mental distress, her psyche beginning to fail. He quickly composed himself and caught her as Haleigh sedated her. He triggered the release of calming chemicals in Delilah's mind to better relax her on a subconscious level as he listened to Alison's plan of action. He nodded as he was given his orders and began to move with the group...but not before he took a bit of revenge for those souls that were tortured.

Rampage turned his head back once and, as he looked at the advancing group, the asphalt lifted from the ground in great blocks, each weighing several thousand pounds or more. He nodded and they fleww towards the advancing group, crushing the front lines of the demonic army.

There's a LOT more where that came from. I will erase you from this plane, I will give those souls their revenge.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder's heart went out to Delilah. she wanted to help her friend...to deal with this but it was clear that there was no easy solution. Her mother ultimately had Haleigh sedate MorningStar for the time being as the group prepared to retreat back to the "old neighborhood", the posh Windmill Pointe street.>>

I feel like we're being HERDED into something worse...but what choice do we have?

<< Spellbinder lamented as she took off into the air with a rushing wind sound in her wake.>>

<< she noticed her mother flying along, using the "traditional" way of a witch, using an enchanted object...in this case a broom. her mother rode side saddle, making it look almost TOO easy in her flying suit.>>

and the kids in the neighborhood always said she looked like "samantha stevens" from Bewitched...

<< a random errant thought in a place where things seemed to be getting worse by the moment.>>

With Alison giving us a speed up and slowing THEM down...we'll reach windmill point in no time. we can draw our line there.

<< She would stand in the gap for Deliah..no matter WHAT her past was...and she would do all she could to save her.not looking back as Rampage responded to the bloodthirsty cries of the demonic army by sending ot massive blocks of concrete to smash some of the front line, Spellbinder only hoped their powers were sufficient to save Delilah and escape this realm..before they were ALL overwhelmed. >>

[MorningStar]

Delilah! Listen to me! I am your doctor NOW as i was THEN. do not look ahead...look at ME!

[ Delilah tried to respond to the Doctor but her eyes wouldn't focus. Inside she wanted to listen but her body wouldn't listen to her. Her eyes darted around feverishly as she still cried out. Haleigh sedated her, and a wave of warmth passed over her. She collapsed into Nicolas' arms, and only then did she quiet. She felt like she was walking through a fog. Thoughts came to her, but like when you wake from a dream, she couldn't quite grasp what they were. Things were just out of reach, as if her mind wouldn't allow her to see or feel them. ]

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh nodded and pulled off a glove, as she took a bullet out of her pistol... and it turned into a dart. She looked up... watching Morningstar and judjing the frequency and pattern of the light burst she was emitting... she waited for a pause... and moved in towards Delilah as soon as she could, catching her by the elbow to hold her steady and sticking the tiny dart into her neck. Nicolas caught Delilah as her body slackened, and Haleigh released her elbow gently, and the night sky lit up like broad daylight. the ground beneath their feet trembled and a deafening crack filled their ears and a hot breeze passed over the group. Haleigh turned to look at the mob with a wary eye... several on the frontline were now flying through the air, on fire.

"Windmill Pointe it is! Come now.... no time to waste, the mob is a hundred yards and closing.... they're moving into my minefield but that will barely put a dent in a militia that size!"

Haleigh took the front, as Alison suggested, and made fast for Windmill Pointe. Alison helped them along as the sound of explosives become somthing of a rhythmatic symphony behind them....

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: As Karen made her way to Delilah, Ava looked back to Alison who gave her instructions to keep the mob back. Looking back to Delilah one last time, Ava moved away from her and toward the mob. As the group began to trek toward Windmill Pointe, she stayed behind a moment longer, to create a little hell for these mindless freak shows. ::

:: Lifting her hands to the sky, black clouds immediately rolled in, turning the day to night. Thunder crashed violently and bolts of lightning flickered in the sky. Some hurling to the ground in a fury. ::

"People like you give US[gods] a bad name."

:: She growled under her breath. Bolts of lightning began to slam into different sections of the mob, seperating the massive group and killing many of them. Along with Haleigh's mines, both her and her sister were taking out quite a chunk of the men. The winds continued to blow violently and thunder continued to crash. Thrusting her arms toward the group, a wall of wind went hurling toward them. Wind strong enough to blast through the Empire State Building. The wind easily picked up the soil in which Haleigh's mines laid, sending them flying into the group as well. ::

:: Turning away, Persephone was satisfied that the strong winds, Haleigh's mines, and the bolts of lightning would keep the drones busy long enough for the group to get Delilah to safety. Seeing the group ahead, Persephone picked up her pace and began to jog toward them, finally meeting with them. ::

"We should have a bit of time now to relocate and regroup without inturruptions."

[Jacob Black]

Ethan now began to warp his forcefield that it was shielding the group behind them as they went allowing Persephone to successfully drive back the mob as he protected them while they moved. He looked back at Delilah and couldn't help but see a little of himself in her. It was how he reacted when he discovered that he hadn't been working for British Intelligence. That he had been working for the very enemy he thought he was fighting against. He was in awe of Ava Cassadine. She had such power. When they had first met he didn't think much of her, but now she was breathtaking. He looked at her and gave her a wink.

"Never let me underestimate you again, love..."

He turned his attention back to the group as they made haste to Windmill Pointe where they would have to fight whatever this thing was. Whatever was connected to Delilah. Ethan was scared that not everyone would leave the battle unharmed. He hoped at least for Delilah's sake that nobody would perish but he knew the line of work well and that was something that you could never count on.

[Oracle]

He hoped at least for Delilah's sake that nobody would perish...


<< Poor Ethan. If only he knew how LITTLE "hope" would avail them now.>>

<< at the moment, the team and their allies hammer back the mob with brutal force while Alison speeds up their progress and slows the progress of their enemies down. before too long, as the sun sets, they make their way to a posh, secluded suburb...the kind with large houses, trees up one side of the street and down the other. a typical well to do middle class neighborhood.>>

<< as the sun set, it was looking more like a neighborhood where a psychotic killer might stalk a naive, hapless baby sitter but never the less, this is where Morgan and Delilah grew up. Well kept kept street called Windmill Pointe>>

<< the street was wide and the houses all had elevated foundations. the houses all seemed spacious from the outside as well. again, no one was about and the neighborhood felt and looked a bit stagnant now but at least the team had now distanced themselves from the mob and had time to regroup..time to THINK and time to understand more.>>

<< of course there was also time for more unexpected things to happen as well...>>