Exorcise the demon!

[Oracle]

<< the situation changed so fast. Karen joined Delilah in the battleground of her mind while the rest of the team fight outside of Karen and Morgan's old home.>>

<< The Supreme Pontiff, the ultimate manifestation of a man warped by fanatical religious conviction and a deep seated hatred for mutants and witches, has come back from the dead to carry out his "god given" mission to destroy Delilah and use her blood as an offering to "God". Delilah's history became painfully clear as the Six rushed to this posh and secluded suburb and even as the six and their allies attempted to help as best they could..there was always a silent SHARED fear that things would get worse before they got better.>>


<< Through Karen's help, MorningStar was able to find the strength, the courage she needed to stand up and face this demon...but at a terrible cost.>>

<< following the insane battle between the Six and the cult "Church of Humanity" , the rush to the last house on the left. what they find...is a situation that is beyond their help....>>

<< through the maze of tunnels, they feel the heat of the fire...the roar of the flames. Morgan calls out frantically for her mother...pushing past Ethan and using her own winds to sweep flames back as well.>>

<< they reach the "heart" of the cellar and find the furnace ablaze, with flames shooting out of it....and nearby....a body engulfed in flames...with only a hand sticking out.....its Karen.>>

<< Morgan cries out and rushes MADLY forward...not caring that she will charge into flames. not caring if she burns or DIES. she just wants to save her mother..no matter what the cost! But it appears that its ALREADY too late.>>

:(

[Rampage]

As Morgan rushes forward to reach her mother, a strong hand pulls her back and behind. Nicolas leaps into the fire and rushes forward as he already begins to sear. Once he reaches the furnace, he tears it open with his TK and grabs Karen's body, then teleports them both back outside where Persephone's mist should put them out. As his own flesh is healing, he screams through clenched teeth for help from his team.


"Morgan!!!! Alison!!!! ORORO!!!!! Help her!!!PLEASE!!!! OhGodOgGodOhGoddessOhJesusdontletitibetoolate!!!!"


Nicolas cries as he holds Karen's body, hoping that his amazing journey with her will somehow continue...

[Harbinger]

:: Spellbinder tries to rush forward again and Guardian grabs hold of her. she struggles with Morgan for a moment...knowing that the witch has greater physical strengt::

NO! Morgan!! You CANT go in there......

:: the seer's own cobalt blue eyes shedding tears as she tries to grasp the situation in front of her. Nicolas rushes into the fire and Alison watches INTENTLY as he reappears with the body of Karen in his arms....::

hecate! no!!!


::Guardian says softly as Morgan rushes over to her mother's side. Guardian KNOWS its most likely too late...but she looks up and calls out just the same.::

Ororo!! ORORO!! PLEASE HELP US!!

:: Guardian feels SICK...FAINT! how could this have happened..she FAILED AGAIN! her precognition ..not what it should've been....this was HER FAULT somehow. the woman's mind began to ACHE from the pain she was feeling.::

ORORO!!!

:: she knelt down by Karen's head. she could BARELY stand to look. and she said the words softly...::

i think...we're too late.

:: closing her eyes as tears fell.::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone had suffered the loss of Karen in HER timeline with Darkchilde as well. Karen was like a mother to her, never judging her despite her own past and to have found out she died in that battle with the Dire Wraiths, along with her friends and family...it hurt her more than most other things could.::

::Now, in this timeline, she found herself feeling a deep dread as Morgan cried out about her mother. MorningStar came on the scene and DESTROYED the mob with a powerfull laser blast.::

"nice work, Delilah..."

:: the Goddess spoke in a lower tone as she joined the others and they rushed to Delilah's home. as Rampage tore the doors open, the flames burst forth but this was no problem for Persephone to handle.::

:: gesturing, she unleashes torrents of cold winter winds that beat back and snuff out the flames and as they journey into the basement she puts out the flames anywhere she sees them until they finally arrive to find Karen BURINING on the floor. engulfed in flames.::

:: as Morgan charged for the flames, Persephone reached out for her but Rampage pulled her back. Guardian struggled with Morgan as Rampage bravely dove into the flames for Karen::

"hold on Nicolas!"

:: Persephone once again uses her elemental powers to completely extinguish ALL flames in the area and generates a cooling, soothing mist to help him as his body heals but as she looks at Karen, she is of the same opinion that Alison has. they were too late.::

:: she looks around as Alison calls for Ororo. knowing what is most likely comiong::

"i'm sure that bastard Pontiff will be here to gloat...he'll REGRET THIS!"

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan's icy violet eyes are wide with shock as s he looks upon her horribly burned mother. she can barely SPEAK, she's so beside herself.>>

<< she lays her head on her mother's chest...she's not breathing. Alison calls for Ororo and Morgan buries her face in her hands.>>

<< there was no more thought. no more room for blame. her mind was in another mode now.>>

Ororo was not coming. WHY wasn't she there!?

<<Persephone had extinguished the flames. they were all together....Delilah was BACK. WHERE WAS THE PONTIFF!>>

WHERE IS HE!?[

[Oracle]

<< the doorways to the various rooms of the basement/cellar began to SEAL UP with bick. the scene began to swirl and change. it was no longer the basement...it was HELL itself!>>

<< the souls of the lost..the souls of the CHILDREN that had died by way of this "Church of Humanity"'s ,murderous rampage....they were all around and TRAPPED. the darkness only retreated to eruptions of RED flames. the sound of earthquakes and chaos all around.>>

<< the mob that delilah had destroyed could be heard chanting a chorous of PRAISE! did they not realize where they WERE? or maybe they were so insane and fanatical..it just didnt REGISTER!>>

<< there were skeletons and broken bodies all around and it REEKED of brimestone and opressive smoke and ash.>>

Supreme Pontiff: Behold, i have shown them that the power of the "Lord" is beyond anything their sinfull flesh can manifest! by MY hand...the witch Karen Victoria has fallen...DEAD. her soul is reserved for the bowels of hell....an eternity of suffering awaits!

<< the pontiff stands on the same plateau where the Six are gathered around Karen.>>

Supreme Pontiff: and NOW that i have you here, you are MINE to do with as i WILL!

<< he raises his hands as thunder crashes and the mad cheers of the mob from the levels below can be heard in the air..even overwhelming the cries of the children who long to be free.>>

[Rampage]

"Haleigh!!! Manifest me a taser rated at 300,000 volts, immediately!!!"

Nicolas was not giving up. he had gone back to his medical and physical science training and he believed that a shock of that voltage just might jump-start her. He knew the time frame since the last heartbeat was not long, and he was determined to make this work. He knew it might work if he could only keep trying...

Then the Pontiff manifested and they were transorted to HELL itslef. he was bragging about murdering Karen and, even as he delivered the shock to her chest with the taser Haleigh 'got' for him, Nicolas roared at the mad demon as he charged with his axe, using his TK to have the ground engulf his legs, holding him in place.

"You bastard!!! I will tear your flesh from your bones!!!"

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder turns to see the Supreme Pontiff at last. His words dont register..only his face, his PRESENCE. She is reminded of EVERY MAN who ever betrayed her, hurt her or tried to subjugate her....but even CHRISTOPHER never....NEVER tried to kill her mother outright!>>

MONSTER!

<< she cries out. tears streaming down her face as she stands up.>>

no one CARES about you...or what you believe in. you sick, twisted, misguided FOOL! YOU KILLED MY MOTHER! and NOW YOU'LL PAY!!

<< a stepping disc! she moves with the speed of thought from one spot to the other, emerging from the disc she GRABS the pontiff by his throat. her own skin now RED hued...her eyes white...she still cries...but now horns sprout out of her head. her teeth now fanged and her blonde hair now flowing...GLOWING almost. she was manifested the darkest aspect of hersoul...the "dark child" >>

YOUR soul is MINE!!

<< with her free arm, she raises the SOUL SWORD. She hoists the man's body up into the air...and brings the sword up...attempting to IMPALE him through the center of his chest.>>

[Oracle]

<< it is a transformation they have seen before. usuall brought on by extreme grief or RAGE. but never before had it been so JUSTIFIED as it is NOW!>>

<< Spellbinder lashes out, attempting to pay the Supreme Pontiff BACK in the ultimate "eye for an eye" action...but to HER (and everyone's) SHOCK and dismay....she FAILS!!>>

<< Spellbinder STABS the pontiff with the sword, attempting to unleash the FULL FURY of her arcane power into his body...destroying IT and his soul as well. but NOTHING HAPPENS!! the Pontiff BACKHANDS her away...and HE takes HOLD of the sword and pulls it OUT of his body!!!

Supreme Pontiff: No WEAPON formed against me shall prosper. EVERY person that rises against me shall FALL!

<< he strides forward...standing over a STUNNED and disoriented Spellbinder>>

Supreme Pontiff: you speak of MONSTERS...look at YOURSELF! you're not human...you're an ABOMINATION to all that lives. your existence is a testimony to EVIL! your mother DESERVED to die...and so do YOU! ALL of you will pay for denying me my daughter!

but FIRST!

<< he points at Morgan with her own sword.>>

Supreme Pontiff: I will do you a MERCY that is not often granted!!

:: he STABS HER in HER chest with the sword....as he begins to chant aloud::

Oh holy father, RAISE your sword of righteousness and SMITE this abomination! heal this creature of the EVIL that coarses through her veins. DRIVE IT OUT OF HER!!

<< the FEEDBACK from the soul sword slamming into Morgan's body reaches out like violent, jagged silver flames.....>>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder falls to the ground!>>

WHAT!?! how....HOW did you DO THAT!! that's not POSSIBLE! NO ONE can survive the touch of the Soul Sword..it is the most powerfull piece...of my...my SOUL!

<< stunned and bewildered, the demon sorceress glares at the man...unwavering in her stare.>>

Supreme Pontiff: No WEAPON formed against me shall prosper. EVERY person that rises against me shall FALL!

<< he strides forward...standing over a STUNNED and disoriented Spellbinder>>

Supreme Pontiff: you speak of MONSTERS...look at YOURSELF! you're not human...you're an ABOMINATION to all that lives. your existence is a testimony to EVIL! your mother DESERVED to die...and so do YOU! ALL of you will pay for denying me my daughter!

but FIRST!

<< he points at Morgan with her own sword.>>

Supreme Pontiff: I will do you a MERCY that is not often granted!!

:: he STABS HER in HER chest with the sword....as he begins to chant aloud::

Oh holy father, RAISE your sword of righteousness and SMITE this abomination! heal this creature of the EVIL that coarses through her veins. DRIVE IT OUT OF HER!!

<< the FEEDBACK from the soul sword slamming into Morgan's body reaches out like violent, jagged silver flames.....>>>

<< she screams...her body FLASHES and her SKELETON can be seen as her costume turns to ribbons and flows AWAY from her body...all of her power, her energy, her LIFE flows out of her body from her eyes, mouth, ears.>>

<< her cry of PAIN and VIOLATION echoes so LOUDLY as a CHIME sounds off...and Spellbinder.....EXPLODES!>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas sees Morgan confront the Pontiff as she attempts to kill him, turning into the Darkchilde as she does so. The manifestation is so powerful that stops momentarily, putting away his axe. But her attack does not work, and the Pontiff TAKES the sword from her as he knocks her down. He stands over her, and pierces her chest...she explodes after a piercing scream.

"NOOOO!!!!!"


Nicolas grabs the hands of the Pontiff and tries to wrest the weapon from him. As he grabs his hands and exerts, he recites a pertinent Bible verse in an attempt to break the Pontiff's control over the crowd.

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. But Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Thus you will know them by their fruits."

[MorningStar]

[ MorningStar turned her head when Alison said her name. ]

"She's gone."

[ Her voice betrayed no emotion, as cold and hard as the attack she had just unleashed on the evil mob. She followed Guardian and Spellbinder back to the house, though she already knew what they would find there. Her eyes still alight with that unnatural green hue, she watched and waited, biding her time until she once again would meet the Pontiff. And this time, she would not fail.

They entered her old house through the back door to the basement. The smoke was suffocating, the heat intense. Down into the ground and through the maze, she returned to that place where she had left Karen in her dream. The furnace still ablaze, and Karen's now lifeless body a charred ruin. Delilah clenched her teeth at the sight, hardening herself. She did nothing but watch as Morgan rushed to her mother's side, allowing her childhood friend her grief. But she would be the strong one this time.

She didn't flinch as their surroundings changed. They were quite literally in hell, but that suited Delilah just fine. She was planning on sending the Pontiff there anyway, and now it would be a shorter trip. Smoke and ash filled her nose, but she barely noticed. The screams of the lost souls around her, the rumble of earthquakes, the crash of thunder, the roar of the fires - even the cries of praise - would only fuel her power. Bones crunched under her feet but she did not stumble. As the Pontiff appeared she looked on him with those cold green eyes while he admitted to murdering Karen. ]

"NEVER speak her name again, you sick son of a bitch."

[ Before she could act, Spellbinder - nay, Darkchilde - was upon him. She showed the vicious precision of her demon self. MorningStar was held in thrall at the almost beauty of her attack, plunging the Soul Sword into the Pontiff. Could it all be over just like that?

No, Spellbinder is thrown across the room by the Pontiff. She had no time to ponder how he could have escaped the power of the sword, for in the blink of an eye, the Pontiff plunged her own sword deep into Spellbinder. MorningStar screamed. She watched horrified as that which she had known as Spellbinder was stripped away, and finally exploded into nothingness. Her best friend, her sister, was...no more. Not again! They could not lose Morgan again. SHE could not lose Morgan again. How was this possible?

She looked from Morgan to the Pontiff and back again, rage somewhere low in her body rising, building, as if she herself had a demon inside of her. She would not cry, she would not break down. Not here, not now. Nicolas was reciting a passage from the Bible. She turned her head slowly to look at him, a look of pure hatred on her face. ]

"There is no god here."

[ She turned her entire body now to face the Pontiff, and she began to slowly walk forward. Behind her an army of "beings" began to manifest out of pure light, the din around her fueling her power. Angelic creatures in flowing white robes, flew past her towards the Pontiff. But as she walked closer they began to change. Some grew demonic faces, skeletal, gruesome. They poured from behind her in a hurricane of force, all grabbing for the Pontiff, crying out for his blood.

Then MorningStar's voice echoed forth from her mouth, booming, the whites of her eyes now completely turned green. ]

"PASTOR TRELAVEN! So-called SUPREME PONTIFF. Your demented perversion of religion and your twisted acts of depravity END HERE!"

[ As her voice stopped speaking out of her mouth came an ultrasonic beam which pelted the madman with enough high-frequency sound to liquify living tissue. ]

[Harbinger]

::the scene changed all around them. they were in what looked like HELL...but the MOB where in the trenches below singing PRAISES! where they insane? it was the ultimate view of a cult in its blind race to oblivion::


:: she felt so SICK inside...Karen was DEAD! they had no time to mourn, no time to do ANYTHING before the Pontiff pulled t hem into his realm and GLOATED! ::

you won't SURVIVE tonight! I'll SEE TO IT!

:: Rampage and Spellbinder were the first forward. Spellbinder manifested the "darkchilde" aspect of herself as she attacked the Pontiff. Guardian HOPED he would suffer at her hands but as with everything else they'd been through on this caper...the Supreme Pontiff seemed to be able to over power even Darkchilde! He took the soul sword FROM HER!::

He isnt supposed to have this kind of POWER!! HE'S JUST NOT!

Time staff, seige perilous, the darkhold, Ororo....

:: her mind RACED with ideas...something she could do to counteract what was becoming an increasingly hopeless situation. Karen was dead. Spellbinder was on her way out, Guardian was convinced that the Pontiff had it in for WITCHES and only ONE Mutant...Delilah. But he'd savor the agony of the team by destroying those Delilah cared for the MOST before coming for her!::

It's NOT SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS!

:: her cobalt blue eyes were WIDE with disbelief and shock! the Pontiff TOOK Morgan's SOUL SWORD from her! it wasnt POSSIBLE! but there it was just the same! at the last moment, as he prepared to STAB her with her own sword, Guardian thrusts her hand forward. she intends to TELEBLINK Morgan away from his attack but as she opens her mouth...she looks down at herself...:

NnnOOOO......**

:: from her high heeled boots and on up, she notices herself CHANGING against her will. she barely has time to see it before she is RENDERED INERT! The moisture leaves her body..the feeling of awareness leaves her as Guardian has been turned into a PILLAR OF SALT ala' Lot's wife. she stands with a look of DISMAY etched in her eyes....a lifeless statue....::


:: she can no longer help them. she can no longer help HERSELF.::

:: she misses the words, the actions of Rampage and MorningSta-- the charge of the LIGHT BRIGAIDE. she misses EVERYTHING now. Only Rampage, MorningStar, Black Widow and Maverick were left.::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing Pontiff's voice, Persephone looked to the bastard. He had the nerve to try and justify the murder of Karen. Gritting her teeth in pure rage, the Surpeme Asshole was going to die. Tonight. ::

:: Looking to a grief stricken Morgan, she called forth the soul sword. A weapon more powerful than anything she had witnessed in her lifetime. Watching with glee as she plunged the sword into the Pontiff's chest, Persephone's eyes went wide with confusion seeing him simply extract the sword from his chest. ::

"Impossible..."

:: in utter horror, he suddenly slammed the sword into Morgan's chect. ::

"NO!!"

:: Lunging forward, it was too late. Morgan exploded instantly! Winds began to whip around, manifesting from Persephone's emotions. As her hair whipped around forward, Persephone's eyes caught Alison..her entire body was turning to what looked like stone? This was all happening way too fast. Like everything was put on fast foward. Karen was dead, Morgan was dead, Alison was the closest thing to dead. It was like Persephone was reliving that horrid night where her friends had been murdered. ::

:: Looking to the pontiff, Persephone's eyes morphed into a dark emerald green. As Delilah unleashed her army of light beings, Persephone thrusted her hands forward, creating a a lightning 'cage' around the pontiff, in attempts to keep him from leaving so Delilah could continue her attack. As much as Persephone wanted to rip his throat out for what he had just done to her friends and teammates, Delilah needed this. She would be the one to rid of pontiff. ::

[Rampage]

As Nicolas struggles with the Pontiff, he notices Alison's predicament, then sees Perephone and Delilah gear up for a massive assault. Nicolas telepors away from the Pontif as the once again uses his TK to anchor him to the ground so he hcannot escape. He remterializes beside Alison and, thinking of Morgan's enchantment, lifts his axe to the sky. It emits a blinding light as he focuses his power through it in an attempt to break the Pontiff's hold on the crowd.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh continues her steady onslaught against the mob around her, as the others react to Morgan sensing great pain from her mother... Delilah emerges from the house and VAPORIZES the entire crowd, leaving Haleigh to drop her arms and turn her attention to Morgan. Alison took them all to delilah's childhood home, where they found Karen... in a furnace. Morgan made immediately to rush to Karen, but Rampage beat her to it, and Guardian struggled to keep Morgan from blind suicide. Haleigh took Morgan by the arm to help Guardian anchor her.

"Morgan.... Morgan."

Nicolas brings Karen back out, and the doctor is badly burned... and, as Haleigh doesn't need her powers to determine, Karen is dead. The group surrounds the doctor, and there isnt a dry eye among them, as they have all loved Karen as their own mother. Haleigh puts a hand on Morgan's shoulder, as Alison says the words they all know to be true. They were too late. Nicolas is too determined and distraught to give up, and demands a taser to deliver an electric shock... and in the place of a defibrillator, restart the doctor's heart. It was a romantic notion, but Haleigh, still fighting back her own tears, tries to discourage him.

"Nic... we're too late Nic.... she's gone... her wounds... you can't... you've got to let her go... we--"

Haleigh looked around at the group... and then back at Nicolas, who was still pleading... she gave in and handed him what he asked for, but looked away from his futile attempts. This had happened once before... Haleigh had seen.... in Persephone's time.

And in the 'when it rains it pours' category, the nightmare continued, with the Pontiff returning and vowing to exponge them all. Spellbinder was the first to action, drawing her soul sword and attacking. To Everyone's surprise... this attempt FAILED.... and the Pontiff turned the sword BACK on Morgan. Haleigh leapt towards their struggle, as the pontiff stabbed Morgan with her own sword.

"NO! Not again... NOT AGAIN!"

Haleigh shouted, as she reached a fallen Spellbinder, just as the sorceress EXPLODED. Haleigh, stumbling to her knees to the spot where Spell had been moments before, was frozen, as Delilah attacked. Alison beame a statue. Spellbinder's Soul Sword clattered to the floor. Haleigh slowly took the sword by the handle and pulled it close... she put her fingers to the blade... and nothing happened.

"It.... its power is gone... Morgan..."

She looked around... Delilah had an army at work... Nicolas attacked the pontiff's attachment to his mob and Ava made sure the Pontiff wasn't going anywhere. Haleigh did the only thing left to do... she took the sword, got Karen's body back away from the action, mentally creating a lead coffin for Karen and went back for Alison. She encased Alison in a seamless steel suit, protecting the salt from wear, and manifested a platform beneath her so that she could push Alison back out of harm's way as well. Her tears are gone, and she wears now a look of determination.... she has shut her emotional core down and is running on pure, calculating judgement.

[Oracle]

<< the legions of the cult REJOICED as Morgan's screams of death joined the winds around them. the sorceress exploded in a blinding flurry of silver orbs and thunder claps. Daughter had joined Mother in death and now ALISON was not too far behind as she had been turned into a pillar of salt. it was a worse case scenario. Rampage, nearly BESIDE himself with the lose of Karen and now Morgan began to violently quote a passage of scripture from the bible...the REAL bible...not warped by the words of the mad Pontiff. the words sliced like icy cold winds through the warped and perverted souls of the cult members all around...and their rejoicing began to CEASE. But it was too little , too LATE in Delilah's mind. there was no "GOD" here. Truer words were never spoken, as the light began to build up in Delilah's mind..her soul. the light BURNED away the confusion of darkness and fear. the LIGHT began to burst through the "space" around them. Retribution was coming.>>

<< Black Widow moved Karen and the now depowered Soul Sword away from the battle and encased Alison's form in a steel, body contouring casing. She was a soldier but this was wearing on her....losing those who she cared for...like this! not being able to save them OR stop HIM!? She'd went through this BEFORE with Master Mold and later Malice. Her own eyes sparkled with longing for DESTRUCTION...she wanted to rain ARCLIGHT down upon this "man.">>

<< the din of JUSTICE could be heard in the air as the LIGHT began to blast away the NIGHTMARE around them...the ANGELS came forward as Delilah bombarded her "father" with a sonic blast that sounded more like a trumpet heralding the arrival of a GLORY DAY.>>

<< Persephone, the goddess who was older than ALL of them and had lived more than one life time before joining this team...she found herself reliving what must have been the last moments of her MoE family. One by one...those she cared for being struck down. It wouldn't happen again. not if SHE could help it. She'd do WHATEVER she could! She reached out with her powers fashioning a LIGHTNING cage around the pontiff..but in this realm..her powers manifested slightly DIFFERENT...it was more like a sparkling CRYSTALINE cage, a MYSTICAL effect she'd only seen DARKCHILDE produce once when fighting off the dire wraiths. her own power, her hearts desire to see the Pontiff DESTROYED gave her the strength she needed to triumph where Morgan and Alison had failed. The Pontiff could NOT escape now.>>

Supreme Pontiff: <<raging from inside the cage>> foolish infidels! your witches have been destroyed! and now....now YOU will know what it means to bow at your knee and confess with your tongue!

<< he glared at Delilah as she rose up in defiance, aided by Persephone and Rampage. He was unbalanced as the rays of light blasted away at various areas of "hell" the ANGELS charged forward and the Pontiff attempted to defend himself>>

Supreme Pontiff: the REBELLION of a child is like the sin of witchcraft! I command you to STOP!!


<< MorningStar did not stop. she did not YIELD.>>

<< a voice rang out in the air...>>

Ororo:NOTHING makes the darkness fall...like the LIGHT! the LIGHT of TRUTH AND VICTORY!

<< the spirit form of ORORO appeared all around the charging army of angels. she didnt look at the GROUP of the Six...but she was All around them....centering around Delilah.>>


Ororo: you FAILED to remember that PERFECT LOVE casts out ALL FEAR! you did not remember the RESILIENCY that lies within the soul of Delilah! your hold over her is BROKEN! your power is DESTROYED and as you prepare to face YOUR god...pray that SHE is MERCIFULL.

<< Delilah lifts up off the ground, her hands up in the air as she glows bright and brighter! becoming the next best thing to a STAR. her sonic attack and her pure white light BOMBARED the pontiff and strip him of ALL his power..his flesh is VAPORIZED..and his own screams are lost as the angels rush forward and continue to slice at him with their "swords of truth">>

Ororo: come forward lost souls. find your way from this hell and darkness into the comfort and safety of the LIGHT!


<< Ororo's spirit form calls forth the souls of the fallen cult members. THEY rise from the depths below and swirl around...eagerly flowing up and around the Six...and the SIX are able to see that these men, women and CHILDREN are finally FREE of the poison that was purveyed by the Pontiff, they are released from THEIR hell of "blind devotion to the mad man".>>

Supreme Pontiff: NO!!!! NO! I WAS SO CLOSE!! ...SO CLOSE!!!! I have LOST!!!!

<< his last cry is absorbed by the symphony of power that originates from Delilah , conducted by the spirit form of Ororo. >>

<< with last BLAST...."Hell" is OBLITERATED and as the scene around them is destroyed, they are ALL bathed in such BRIGHT LIGHT that it OVERLOADS their senses and knocks them all out! there is a fleeting moment of uncertainty....are they all DEAD? are THEY flying away too? there's no way to no as there is now nothing but SILENCE and BLACKNESS!>>


<< the silence and darkness seems to last an ETERNITY...until...a most unlikely voice can be heard..at first incoherent but for those with enhanced senses, they will be the FIRST to register HER voice..>>

[Alycia Barnett]

CHECK ON THEM! :: pointing to Rampage, Persephone and Maverick:: CHECK THEIR VITALS!!

:: Alycia barked as Freedom Force (soldiers and medical) , from the newly cemented "federally funded and endorsed super human strike force" fan out.::

:: she herself was wearing a figure flattering black body suit [think Black Widow] with silver wrist accetts and a silver low slung double belt and high heeled boots...with a gun holster.::

Morgan! Alison! Delilah...Haleigh!?!

:: the woman's voice rang out clear and strong::

can you hear me!?

:: lights shinned all around them, courtesy of FF agents illuminating the once dark ball room of the Parthenon where ALL of the six, along with KAREN were laying....previously UNCONSCIOUS and on the ball room floor::

:: soldiers and medical personnel swarmed the Parthenon. the perimeter had been sealed off...and nearby...were several men and women dressed like the members of the "cult"...shot dead. the PONTIFF himself...was also dead...shot in the head at apparently point blank range. he lay on the floor across from the group, looking VERY old and twisted now that the power that kept him going had been destroyed.::


:: medical personnell tended to Karen Victoria, having placed her on a floating stretcher and as the immediate status report of all the Six and Ethan was handed to Alycia, she read it over.::

everyone is PHYSICALLY unharmed. we got here JUST IN TIME!

[Rampage]

"COUGH!!!! What the he.."

Nicolas sat straight up a la the Undertaker (WWE) and looked around at the scene. He saw Karen, unconcscious but...could it be????!!! He checked her vitals and she was going to be fine. A tear dropped from his eye as he continued to look around and realized that Morgan, she was there too, and she was also alive!!! He was about to rejoice when he realized that a couple of the members of the team were trained on him with their weapons. With a glance he instilled them with a certainty that they would not fire on him, then he stood and looked at Alycia. Not only was she a sight for sore eyes, she was absolutely stunning in a battle suit that showed her off nicely, coupled with a firearm that completed the ensemble. Nicolas raised his hands in surrender and acted as if he didn't know Alycia, then spoke to her telepathically.

It is VERY good to see you, Alycia. I would advise your team to be very careful, we have been through hell and back, literally. Agents 2, 6, and 14 have REALLY itchy trigger fingers. By the way, you look absolutely delicious. I am convinced that you wore this just for me, and I am thankful. Now, could you call off the hounds? The good guys are the only ones here living...

As he spoke to Alycia telepathically, he kept his surrender position and spoke with a clear baritone.

"I would like to speak to whomever is in charge, please."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: surveying and supervising...taking special notice of Karen as she gently stroked some of the blonde woman's hair aside so the medical team could tend to the wound on her head, Alycia turned slightly as she heard a voice in her head. NICOLAS. she'd been accustomed to this form of communication from him from before so she wasnt started...rather RELIEVED that he was coherent so soon.::

hmmm. i see that being GASED by a NERVE AGENT did nothing to repress your flirtatious ways....and i see you're still looking like a greek god too!

:: she returned the flirtation. even her THOUGHTS sounded sharp on the draw.::

just take it easy. you've all been through ALOT this evening. chemical warfare and the extreme mental/reality warping powers of a mad doctor. ill explain as i address you all.

:: she turned to face Nicolas as two soldiers of Freedom Force shinned their lights on him and trailed their fire arms on him. a reflexive move of caution.::

it's allright...they're ALL under OUR protection. their on OUR side!

:: she nodded as the soldiers lowered their arms.::

Nicolas King, I am Alycia Barnett, Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States and ChairWoman of the Commission on Superhuman Activities. I am also YOUR liason to the federal government now.

:: she looked around the room::

and we got here just in time.

:: stepping aside, she allowd Nicolas to see the body of the Pontiff. He'd been shot inthe head...by HER. he could see the memories which were FRESH in her mind's eye. she seemed HARDER ...if that was even POSSIBLE...than before.::

You were all here, apparently celebrating a well publicized merger between Illustra Inc and Cassadine Corp. You were unveiled as Illustra's first signature MALE super model. the party was CRASHED however..by a rabid religous sect..the fundamentalist Church of Humanity, lead by a man who called himself the Supreme Pontiff.

:: gesturing to the now DEAD cult members nearby.::

Another troupe of Freedom Force soldiers has been dispatched to seek out and DESTROY the remainder of the cult...their leader is now DEAD.

::taking a report from a female soldier.::

we were coming to WARN you all about them when we discovered their link to Delilah! This man had tried to KIDNAP Delilah from her parents YEARS ago in a bid to use her as a "Sacrifice" to atone for the sins of Mutants. He was thwarted by Delilah's father, a well respected FBI agent and Delilah was treated by Dr. Karen Victoria for mental and emotional trauma. That was over 20 years ago. When we tried to reach Morgan and Alison and found that we could not...in ANYWAY, I decided to come check on all of you.

:: showing nicolas a picture of the Pontiff....it was him after all::

The Pontiff was a mutant himself with psychic and reality warping powers...he specialized in SCARE TACTICS. He had returned to exact revenge on Karen and take Delilah for the sacrifice HE felt she was meant to be. But...he wont be sacrificing ANYONE anytime soon.

You were all locked in a combination of a nightmare dream scape and chemical warefare..it was the only way some of you could have been subdued and he knew that. He's been stalking Delilah for quite sometime.

He was one of those that Sharon Kelly wanted dead a long time ago....he killed HER son! and now...there's justice for him...for Delilah..for ALL of you.


:: everything Alycia was saying, was almost the OPPOSITE of what they'd experience in the...the DREAM! The Pontiff WASNT Delilah's father after all! she had normal parents..::

[Rampage]

Nicolas eyes widened at the revelations he received from Alycia, and he smiled inwardly as she flirted back with him. She was incredible focused, sharp. Even though he could access her mind, it was now the trained mind of a fighter, someone who's incredible will had been further honed. She was as impressive to see inside her mind as she was in that battle suit.

Nicolas walked forward and shook Alycia's hand.

"It appears we owe you a debt of gratitude. The situation seemed so REAL. He really had us going a bit there...Thank you. it appears that we still have much to discuss here, once everyone wakes up. If you don't mind."

Nicolas walks over to Morgan and lifts her head,places it in his lap as he sits down, looking at her as he reads her vitals. He triggers a bit of Epinephrine to get her going and says to her, in his coolest voice...

"Wake up, sleeping beauty."

[Jill Monroe]

<< she was dead...AGAIN and this time there was NO window of opportunity! she had a second chance and she'd BLOWN IT and now all her friends were probably being killed too.......>>

<<.........>>

<< the light. its so..SOFT! i hear a... a voice. its...NICOLAS!>>

ohhhhh

<< her eyes began to flutter...and she opened them. her sleepy, icy violet eyes looking up at Nicolas. she felt her head in his lap. she was a bit disorientated....>>

Nicolas?

<< she said softly as she continued to look at him.>>

how dreamy you look.... << her voice was a bit lighter than usual. she was finally being freed from the effects of the nerve gas but her last comment...was it because she was "high" or was she deliberately saying that. a few moments past, as she realized they were in the Parthenon! they were in NEW YORK! but where was her MOTHER! she BOLTED upright..>

MOM!?

<< still disoriented...she frantically looked around for her mother. was she DEAD after all?>>


Alycia: EASY, Morgan!! it's alright!

<< Morgan felt Alycia's touch as the woman gently eased her back down into Nicolas' arms.>>

Alycia!? I ...I don't understand...

Alycia: don't worry Morgan. As many times as YOU have came to MY rescue...it's more than past time that I could do the same for you. You're all going to be fine and your MOTHER is here. She's resting on a floating stretcher now...aside from a moderate concussion, she's VERY MUCH ALIVE!

<< Alycia's voice was so clear, so sweet and reassuring to Morgan. it was the most beautifull sound. SHe looked at Nicolas, with tears in her eyes..>>

Alycia..thank the GODDESS you're HERE!

She's ALIVE Nicolas. My mother is ALIVE...and ...SO AM I!

<< she couldnt help but to release the emotional build up from the NIGHTMARE they'd just experience.>>

We're all alive and Delilah......

<< she said softly as she cried...>>

Delilah saved us!

<< Morgan had not been awake to get Alycia's report of what actually happened in PHYSICAL reality. all she could remember was the NIGHTMARE HELL they'd just been through. Alycia moved on to see to the others, leaving Morgan to be held by Nicolas.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas was still a bit confused as to who was REALLY responsible for their being alive. He was sure that Alycia killed him, but was it after Delilah had severed his power base and Nicolas himself has destroyed his followers' faith? It was hard to say, but he held Morgan and nodded as she spoke. It was of no consequence in the end. He responded to her.

"Everyone will be OK. I will awaken them momentarily, except for Ma, she needs her rest with that Grade 2 concussion. But she should come to within the hour. Alycia really came through for us as well on the physical plane, and she apparently will be our liason with the government. But for right now, I am just happy to have you back. Maybe we can finish that date one day soon, OK?"

Nicolas smiled as he held Morgan, looking at her and keeping her steady. meanwhile, he released epinephrine to all of the rest of the team, but allowed Karen to sleep, giving her only enough to be less groggy once she came to. he stroked Morgan's hair and kissed her tenderly as he waited for her to regain her footing.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Dark chocolate hair covered most of Persephone's face as she laid motionless on the floor. A muffled cough could be heard from the goddess as she rolled her throbbing head a bit to the side. Silky tresses fell from her face exposing her shut eyes to the bright lights. Closing them even tigher, Ava parted her dry lips allowing a soft moan to escape. The bitterness of the nerve gas still coated her tongue and throat, making nearly impossible for her to swallow. ::

:: Persephone's icy eyes fluttered open to the brightest lights she had ever experienced in her life. Damn...where's a pair of sunglasses when a girl needs them? Blurred vision prevented Ava from seeing who exactly was in the distance, but as she began to roll to her side to push herself up, her vision began to clear. And so did her memory of what just happened. ::

"Karen...Morgan.."

:: Persephone's voice horse and low, she closed her eyes tightly before opening them once again to see Nicolas holding a very alive Morgan. Alison near by unharmed as well. They weren't back at Westin Hills either, but the Parthenon, and Alycia was here as well. Persephone had absolutely no idea what the hell was going on, but it didn't matter at that moment. Everyone was alive and accounted for. ::

:: Closing her eyes out of relief, Ava sighed out feeling her anxiety instantly leave her body. ::

"Thank God..."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah felt the power surge through her. She fed off the Pontiff's screams until the world erupted in white light, then plunged into darkness.

Delilah awoke gaspong for air. She sat up quickly, struggling against the medical personnel who were checking her over. Still fighting. She cried out for Morgan.

After a few moments she came to her senses and realized that she was in the ballroom of the Parthenon. She looked around to see the others around her. Nicolas, Alycia, Ava stood nearby and...Morgan? She was alive! Delilah groggily found her voice. ]

"Morgan? What happened? How-?"

[ She then saw Karen lying on a stretcher. ]

"Karen? Is she-? What is going on here?"

[Harbinger]

:: laying on her side, Alison felt herself slowly "rising" to consciousness. she had FEELING again! she wasnt doomed to spend the rest of her existence as a modern revisiting of a woman from the bible!::

:: the seer breathed DEEPLY as her body began to stir and she slowly opened her cobalt blue eyes, there was a buzz of activity around her but one thing was clear, they werent in HELL anymore. she soon realized she was in the Parthenon but she didnt make any sudden moves lest it be another cruel illusion of some sort...but then as she slowly rolled over on her back, allowing Alycia's Freedom Force medical personnel to rehydrate her body with an IV, she realized this WAS reality! Alycia had come to help them!::

:: she looked over, and several feet away, the dead body of the pontiff was roped off. the others...they were here too! MORGAN and KAREN were ALIVE! she saw Morgan being held by Nicolas and Karen was recovering on a floating stretcher. the others were laying near by.::

:: Alison sighed with relief as Alycia spoke.::

It was a dream.....MORE than a dream!

:: she moved her gloved fingers as she continued to breathe. her vitals had dropped when she turned into a pillar of salt and so now she had to lay there and let her body be restabilized.::



:: something ELSE was coming back to her as well..her PRECOGNITION! her minds eye ALIVE with all the things that "were" or "could be"...she could see far and wide once again. she felt WHOLE again!::

that's better... :: she said softly::

:: she rested her hand on her forehead. Morgan and Karen were ALIVE! Delilah was okay as was everyone else...the Pontiff was DEAD! this was a most satisfactory outcome. She was confused about just how the pontiff came to meet his end but was sure that Alycia would debrief them all soon enough. Alycia HERSELF looked different...a nice look to be sure,but definately more sleek than before.::

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia looked over Delilah and Alison and smiled warmly.::

You've all enjoyed a very ...VIVID "nap" courtesy of an old nemesis from YOUR past. but he wont be bothering you or anyone else anymore.

:: she gestured to the dead body of the Pontiff. he looked so old and whithered in reality and there was the obvious gunshot wound to his head. Delilah got a good look at Alycia who was looking more like a sleek femme fatale than a high powered district attourney.::

Alycia Barnett, Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States and ChairWoman of the Commission on Superhuman Activities. I am also YOUR liason to the federal government now.

:: soldiers offered a helping hand to Delilah and Alison as the Freedom Force agents cleaned up the area, removing the dead bodies and any necessary evidence.::

The Supreme Pontiff was the leader of a radical religious sect...the "Church of Humanity" who were out to purge mutants totally. He had made a try to kidnap Delilah years ago but her father along with federal enforcement officials thwarted him. Dr. Victoria treated you for trauma and the incident was kept concealed.

He had recently been sprung free by his devote cult followers but THEY wont be doing anything anytime soon. my squad has pinpointed their compound and is dealing with them as we speak.



We had tried to call ahead to warn you all that the Pontiff might try to make a swipe at YOU but when we couldnt reach ANY of you...i decided this was as good a time as any to check up on you.

:: Alycia reaffirmed what Delilah had always thought to be true. She had parents...normal, loving parents. and that the Pontiff was just a mad man...::

You were all gassed by a nerve agent and primed for the attacks of the Pontiff. When we arrived he was so wrapped up in what he was doing that it was no problem to kill off his flunkies before dealing with him and severing his hold on you.

The Pontiff HIMSELF was a mutant with an array of psychic and illusion powers ...driven mad by the fact that he was the very thing that he reviled. He was quite a piece of work. But he wont be bothering you or anyone else anymore. I PERSONALLY disposed of him.


All you allright?

:: Alycia's tone was "matter of fact" but as she asked Delilah if she were okay..there was a hint of the woman Delilah had come to know several years ago.::

Dr. Victoria is going to be fine. she just needs her rest. She had quite a nasty bump from being hit over the head by one of the cult members. Everyone else is accounted for and will be fine as well.

[Jill Monroe]

<< allowing herself to be comforted by Nicolas strong yet gentle embrace, Morgan breathed deeply and allowed herself to settle.>>

We're all okay. no casualties, no permanent injuries...no structural damage...and ALYCIA saved us on the physical plane.

<< she looked over to her mother who was laying on the floating stretcher in a quiet corner and she was wearing her flying suit.>>

<< Morgan walked over to her mother and knelt down beside her.>>

Mom...thank the goddess you're alive. I thought I had lost you...

<< she bent down and gently kissed her mother on her forehead and held her hand. Karen slept peacefully and looked very serene.>>

That nerve gas must have hit us hard..i can't even remember COMING here...let alone my mother being here.

<< she looked around and wondered a bit. it all felt so REAL...for it to have been some kind of dream or elaborate illusion suggested the Pontiff knew how to play on the deepest fears of Delilah and make them ALL share them. it was quite a powerfull and sustained attack! She listened as Alycia explained what happened to Alison and Delilah.>>

Delilah...must have gained the courage and the strength she needed to face her fears to save us all...just as Alycia and her team arrived to see about us. It couldnt worked out any better.

<< still, Morgan couldnt help but look down at her chest and touch the area where she "remembered" even FELT the Soul Sword pierce her chest. it was the ultimate violation and betrayal..to have been destroyed by her OWN power! it was a feeling she hoped she'd NEVER have to experience for real. She quietly dwelled on that a bit longer as she continued to kneel by her mother's side and hold her hand.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas held Morgan until he knew she was reafy to stand, then atched as she went to her mother. He turned and walked over to Ava, gently helping her to her feet. He nodded and smiled at her.

"It's the least I could do for our resident goddess."

Nicolas winked, then turned and walked back over to Alycia. He smirked as he approached her again.

"So Director, I suppose we will have a debriefing session and then be released or will you schedule our debriefing for a later time?"

As he spoke to her in front of the group, he telepathically addressed her as to his REAL questions.

Will you have a chance to spend time with us or is this primarily a business visit? How much freedom will your new position afford in terms of being seen with us? And lastly, is there anything I can do to help you? I just got to know you when you left and I would relish the idea of working with you, spending time with you more.

[Jessica Hamby]

Bright Light..... the light of Morningstar's attack, perhaps. no... this light is focused at me.

Someone was shining a flashlight into Haleigh's eyes and checking her vitals. She began to come to... in the background, she could hear a woman's voice. Strangely familiar, this voice. It was addressing the group and telling them the particulars of what happened. Haleigh slowly sat up, pushing a medic away.

"No... no wait. Alycia's here? SHE saved us? No... I think i'm still stuck in my nightmare. Somebody pinch me."

Her tone was decidedly sarcastic... she had already looked around and seen that Karen, Alison, and Morgan were all okay. She busied herself with getting to her feet and looking around at the mess. If she was at all happy at how things had turned out.... she made a point not to show it. she patted Delilah on the back.

"Well Detective... it's good to hear he wasn't your real father... I was beginning to think I was the only one whose biological parents weren't homicidal."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: as soldiers and other personnel continued "clean up", Alycia was supervising from the center of the ball room, standing tall in her new , sexy battle suit with her arms folded. as Haleigh made a sarcastic remark, Alycia looked over at her with a casual glance::

....you're WELCOME, Davidoff.

:: Alycia's tone was sharp as she cut the woman off. Alycia, despite her deep seated dislike for Haleigh, wouldnt allow her new position to prevent her from helping those who had helped HER so many times before...even if one among them was at the TOP of her "shit list.::

:: turning to Nicolas as he asked about a debriefing.::

this IS your debriefing. the Pontiff came back for Delilah and WE came for HIM. he's DEAD..and his cult is being gutted as we speak. its one of those things that really requires no further thought.

:: she took a moment to wink at nicolas, hoping he'd understand. she looked over to see Morgan sitting with her Mother and watching over her.::

to nicolas: i'm afraid i dont have much time to spare. i have a meeting in washington soon and i'll have to be moving alone. I...I just wanted to make sure you guys were okay.

:: allowing her THOUGHTS to convey what she couldnt show outwardly as she was now commanding a strike force and obviously had changed in more than one way since her being appointed to this most prominent and powerfull position in the federal government.::

ill send Freedom Force ahead, keeping two guards with me while i take a moment to speak everyone here.

:: the clean up wrapped, and the Freedom Force team exited the Parthenon quickly , making a stealthy exit through the back and into one of their sleek, high tech air craft vehicals. NOW it was just Alycia and two large, well armed and extremely well trained guards. the guards themselves were a fair distance away and Alycia was now alone with the Six and their allies.::


I do have some information that will come as a relief to Ethan.

:: she said with a flat tone as she slammed down a manilla folder on a cocktail table near Haleigh, making SURE that move punctuated the HOSTILITY Alycia felt in her heart toward Haleigh. Alycia could have Haleigh taken into federal costudy right NOW if she wanted...but that was not on the agenda...not TONIGHT.::

The Commission of Super hero activities decided that Ethan Cruise was worthy of a petition to the President himself for a provisional pardon. His assistance and information allowed the government to coordinate efforts with England's federal officials to ROOT OUT many mystech strong holds.

Your ASSASNATION attempt of ME, not to mention your criminal ties to Stavros Cassadine will not be held against you...THIS TIME your record will be SEALED. You've been granted permanent citizenship in America and all warrants for extradition have been dismissed. But understand THIS...if you make ANY agressive moves toward ME, or any other federal official...your hoity toity ass is GRASS and i suggest you not take a page from Ms. Davidoff. She clearly never learned the fine art of making FRIENDS and preferrs ENEMIES.

::Alycia DESPISED Haleigh....it radiated from her like the darkness radiated from Morgan.::

a word of advice Ethan? stay with the Six. they are the ONLY thing that's keeping you from being "OFF'ED" right now.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Feeling Nicolas help her up, Persephone nodded a thank you. Brushing off her black slacks, Ava turned to Haleigh seeing that she was alright as well. ::

"You're like a cockroach."

:: Poking fun in a way a sister only could, Persephone's voice was even and sarcastic. Giving her a small smirk, Ava then turned her attention to Alycia who began to explain bits and pieces of what had happened. Running her fingers through her tassled tresses, as annoyed as she was that she was knocked out with something as primative as sleeping gas, she was just glad that Alycia had gotten here in time. ::

[Harbinger]

It is a lesson to show that sometimes dealing with one's own past...enemies or whatever may be included...it can be alot harder than we may think. we went through this TOGETHER for a reason. We're more than merely team mates...we're a FAMILY.


:: she found that strange to come from HER. Her entire family, Kelly King, Erika King and Cameron King were all DEAD. She had loathed and despised most of her family from an early age..deeming them weak, ineffective and petty...but in Karen, Morgan, Delilah and even the rest of the Six, along with Alycia and Ororo she found the comfort and stability...the STRENGTH that comes from knowing you have a "family" to count on...as well as them needing YOU. She felt herself settled once more with nothing hampering her magick or her powers in anyway. she was at least HERSELF.::

:: Alycia spoke on what happened.::

The Pontiff is dead, and his cult destroyed...So Delilah is free of a long standing nemesis. I believe YOUR intervention coincided with HER finally saving us fromthe Pontiff in the dream zone...which is why we were bathed in white light before waking up to the sound of your voice.



it was all a dream. no wonder the "impossible" became painfull reality. he played on Delilah's worst fears and forced us ALL to experience them. it was more of a deep rooted empathic attack than telepathic which is why Morgan's, Karen's and my psi screen didnt protect us. The Nerve gas put us all down HARD and left us totally susceptible.

Your help is much appreciated Alycia. I see you've taken to your new position...

:: noticing the woman's new look and attitude:: quite well.

she would see Haleigh shot DEAD right now...and has access to the technology to render her inert. but her sense of loyalty to those of us she cares for...the gratitude she has for all the Six has done for her in the past...it prevents her from giving in to her hearts desire...at least for NOW.

::Alycia's new position of power in the government was not something to be dismissed for Alison could already see several "future" scenarios where things could go VERY WRONG with the tense,newly formed "communication" status between "government and mutants/witches/meta humans. but for now, just being MINDFULL of things was enough for Alison, who HATED having been the next best thing to "BLIND" in the nightmare dream scape she'd just awakend from::

[Jessica Hamby]

ooo.... attitude. Haleigh thinks with a smirk. She blows Alycia a kiss.

"Well, I love you too Barnett."

She quips, as she eyes the withered old body of the pontiff being carried past her in a body bag. she focuses on the head area, trying to determine if she only DREAMED that she could have an 'xray' effect on things. She could see his body... and his gunshot wound.... and she couldn't resist commenting.

"I see you got your NSA seat, Barnett... and your aim is decent. But what's the matter, were there no highrise windows nearby for you to heave him out of?"

She chided playfully. Alycia gave them a final debrief, smiling facetiously at the woman as Alycia, instead of politely handing Haleigh the folder, made a distinctly serrated point to slam the folder down on a table. Hmm... she does that a lot. A gesture of anger, perhaps? Haleigh chuckles and claps her hands together.

"Oh come on now... surely you can't still be sore about last time?"

Alycia obviously was... and she wasn't making any attempts to hide it either. Haleigh, on the other hand, seemed to let bygones be bygones, including the original transgression that had set them apart, but as Alycia commented that Ethan's ties to Stavros Cassadine wouldn't be held against him, even after he'd tried to KILL Alycia... Haleigh gave an amused scoff and interjected.

"No-- Ethan... the only one Barnett's deemed suitable to suffer from ever having the misfortune of being linked to Stav is ME."

Alycia went on to warn Ethan against allowing Haleigh to rub off on him. Haleigh leans towards her sister and makes a comment quietly.

"Guess I should take it that she IS still mad?" She says, as Persephone 'welcomes' Haleigh back to th realm of the conscious with a rather repulsive remark. Haleigh scrunches her nose but sees the association. She did have a remarkable survival rate.

"Joke's on you... I really COULD survive a nuclear bomb."

[Harbinger]

::Guardian watched with DISAPPROVING glares of "how can you be so antagonistic right NOW?" at Haleigh as the woman attempted to provoke Alycia. The high rise window crack was TOO MUCH...and the seer held her hand up in a "stop gesture" to get Haleigh's attention::

Haleigh!


::she snapped back into her own "trademark" mode at the mention of Ethan being pardoned AND basically cast off to the Six.::

JUST A MINUTE!

:: she spoke abruptly...::

Alycia, you CAN'T be serious! this...this JERK gets DUMPED into our laps? Do we have a sign for every rogue mutant reject on the run from MysTech!?

:: Alison DESPISED Ethan and it was showing clear now.::

He makes his way into our path by trying to murder YOU and attempting to lord his "knowledge" of US over our heads..he attempted to force us to do HIS bidding lest he OUT us to everyone EVERYWHERE [or so he thought] and we're just supposed to look the other way?

He ...at the very LEAST owes EVERYONE in this room an APOLOGY!

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder sat beside her mother, watching the tense exchange between Alycia and Haleigh. Alycia OBVIOUSLY loathed Haleigh and that could be a PROBLEM for the team later on. the fact of the matter is that NOW Alycia was someone the team might have to answer to in the wake of some major disaster if they were linked to it.>>

<< she continued to hold her mother's hand and while sitting away from the epicenter of the group, she continued to remain calm, listening, though she nodded her head with disapproval as Haleigh antagonized Alycia over and over.>>

Haleigh,

<< Morgan spoke calmly.>>

Leave Alycia be please. I dont think ANYONE in this room can boast on NOT having killed someone at this point. Despite how you feel, she came here to HELP us and that's just what she did! who KNOWS what wouldve happened to our physical bodies and ultimately our astral bodies had she not arrived when she did? We're ALIVE...all of us and no one is seriously hurt...i for one am GLAD that at least ONE of our capers has turned out so WELL all things considered.



<< Morgan too looked rather betrayed when Alycia spoke about Ethan.>>

ALYCIA?

<< she called out just as Alison spoke.>>

I dont want HIM in Illustra!

<< Morgan was about to go on a tyraid herself, but she remembered what HALEIGH had said to her in the dream...about giving him half a chance. he DID come to HELP them find Karen..and what was something he didnt have to do....>>

.....we'll have to talk about this....ALL of us and see...what we can work out.

<< she said with an almost grudge toned voice>>

But at least for now we wont have to worry about the GOVERNMENT breathing down our necks for having him here.

[Rampage]

"I think I have and idea until we are more comfortable with Ethan. I have a place not too far from Illustra where he can stay and be close by until we can figure everything out. As far as he goes, he has proven SOMETHING in this caper but he has some bridges to mend, AMONG OTHERS."

Nicolas looks at Haleigh and Alycia.

"This way he can be close but not TOO close until some of us are more...comfortable. It is completely outfitted and I can alter it further to your specs in 36 hours. Is this acceptable to everyone?"

As he speaks, Nicolas "thinks" back to Alycia.

Thanks for being here. We will catch up another time, I am sure. Oh, and thanks for not ordering Haleigh's death. You and I both know that you are even smarter than you are pretty, and we both know that sometimes you have to just let it go. She is trying to push you. Don't let her, OK?

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia understood Morgan and Alison's objections. She felt BADLY for basically "dumping" ethan on them. standing with her shoulders squared and arms folded, Alycia Barnett glared at Haleigh and shot "arrows" through her with her unwavering stare.::

you never know when to stop..DO YOU? you rabid kitchen appliance! I'll have you disassembled piece by piece and spread across every junkyard over the east coast.

Haleigh, I've been meaning to ask, did the power up you gained from the T.O. virus infection include the inability to SHUT YOUR HOLE? I came here because i have FRIENDS that i CARE ABOUT and as many times as they have been there for me...I intend to be there for THEM whenver they need me.

I don't CARE what you think of me and the fact of the matter is, YOU need to tred LIGHTLY now more then EVER...but wisdom and a sense of TACT have NEVER been one of your strong suits now have they?


:: the venom in Alycia's voice was sharp. she was about to launch into another vicious tyraid against Haleigh when NICOLAS quickly offered a temporary solution to Morgan and Alison's objection of Ethan coming to Illustra.::

:: Alycia rolled her eyes as she took a moment to study each member of the group. some she was very close to, others she had a mainly professional relationship with but she felt her life had been forever enriched by the times and adventures..no matter how deadly...she'd had with this team. she allowed herself to calm down as Nicolas did his best to keep things calm and then spoke to her telepathically::

to nicolas: you don't have to try to calm me by flirting, Nicolas. we both know that Haleigh and I are not fond of each other and it will probably remain that way for a long time. Bottom line....If she stays out of my face, i'll keep the government from dismantling her like the mechanical misfit that she is.

:: Nicolas could feel the contempt in her mind...her SOUL. Haleigh had no idea how much of an ENEMY she had in this room now. But after a few moments....Alycia replied again to Nicolas::

It's hard for me to say what i WANT right now. I never realized how much i'd miss being able to drop by and see Morgan and Alison....having an office here...remember the old times...and Sharon...i miss ALL of this.

that sounds like a sensible solution Nicolas, but that's up to YOUR TEAM. My input is not needed at this point. Ethan is free to move in the US without federal scrutiny now and that's the only thing i had to say.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh slammed the folder down this time, and rounded the table. Alison's, Morgan's, and Nicolas' warnings fell on deaf ears. Haleigh'd only been heckling the former DA... but something in her body language had shown that Alycia'd now gone too far. She closes in on Alycia, and there is now nothing but a few feet between them.

"Oh, is THAT right? THEY have been there for you? Right, because I never dropped everything I was doing to come FIND and save YOU. Because I never put my life on the line and KILLED an old friend and mentor of mine for YOU. Because I never stood in the gap between YOU and Blackout. Yeah.... well you know WHAT, Alycia? I did all that because i CARED about YOU. But you FUCKED all that up, when you TURNED on me about the Cassadines. I was hurt. and then I was mad... and I CARED enough to want you to feel the same STING of betrayal that I did. Because there's NOTHING worse than betrayal. But you know what's funny? I would have never gone through with it... the blackmail... because no matter how MAD I was, no matter how HURT... I had already FORGIVEN you. In my HEART, I knew.... that I COULDN'T do it... and as soon as I left that room I regretted what I'd done. Despite ALL that... I still CARED about YOU. And you wanna know something ELSE? In the face of all of this MESS between us.... THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS..... I'll STILL be there for YOU whenever YOU need ME."

Haleigh glared at Alycia for a few seconds longer, then looked at the floor... and then she looked at the group... and excused herself to go home, walking past Alycia and out of the ballroom.

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Haleigh--"

:: Stepping forward as Haleigh made her way to Alycia, Ava cut herself off with a short sigh. Despite being one of the newer additions to the team, Ava knew Haleigh extremely well, and knew she needed to say these words to Alycia. Morgan, Alycia, and Alison might not be too thrilled with it, but sometimes they were blind to what others felt. Hearing the emotion in Haleigh's voice, Ava's eyes shifted to Alycia to see her reaction. Obviously she was not thrilled. Hearing Haleigh excuse herself, Ava moved forward seeing Alycia on the verge of blowing up. Stopping, Ava put her hand up to halt her from speaking. ::

"Alycia. Just, let this one go."

:: Never too thrilled to be in the same presents as Alycia Barnett, Ava had this overwhelming urge to just slam her fist into the woman's face. I suppose killing ones father would do that to a girl. Moving past the group, Ava followed Haleigh out of the ballroom. ::

"She's a spiteful woman, Haleigh. Never one to let go of a grudge. Never one to allow someone into her heart, even after they proven themselves worthy. Actually, she reminds me of someone I used to know..."

:: That godforsaken bitch, Athena. Oh how Persephone loathed her aunt. One mess up, one moment of imperfection, and Athena would gloat with glee. Even before she killed her mother, Athena was a goddess day version of Mommy Dearest....Persephone never really did see why everyone loved the wretched hag. Nevertheless... ::

"I know you hate when I ask this. But, are you alright?"

:: Ava and Haleigh were very similar. Both never wanting to be coddled. Both hating to feel anything less than perfect. And worse off, letting others see them not at their best. ::

[Harbinger]

:: moving from HER previous spot, Guardian replied to Nicolas' suggestion::

That appears to be the best course of action for the time being. Ethan will be well accomodated I'm sure and we can discuss what to do from here on after we return to Illustra. We ALL need some rest...

::Even as she was acknowledging Nicolas' timely suggestion, Guardian was ALREADY near Haleigh and Alycia , purposefully positioning herself to put a barrier of magick between Haleigh and Alycia if need be. She "saw" this bitterness between the two women boiling up and over AGAIN but she didnt immediately act, she let Haleigh say her peace...and surprisingly it was a very heartfelt, GENUINE feeling that Alison couldnt find any fault with [except maybe the bit about the Cassadines]::

:: Alison stood silently as she watched the two women. Haleigh spoke her peace and made her exit and Persephone followed.::

with the merging of the two women, [ Ava and Persephone] Ava's own personality and feelings about this matter are holding sway. but its GOOD that Haleigh has her sister to help her through this. The two of you are more alike than you might want to admit...This matter will ONLY be resolved by Haleigh and yourself...

:: looking at Alycia::

it's not something that ANY of us can fix, nor should we try.

:: she looked at her friend::

I know that you two will be able to work this out, eventually. But for now...

:: looking down and taking Alycia's hand in her own..::

thank you for helping to save us.....i know its hard for you to be here right now, to want to say things you can't say. we miss you too. we understand that your path has taken you elsewhere...but you're still apart of our family.

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia fixed her hazel eyes firmly on Haleigh as the woman closed in on her.::

don't come ANY closer!

:: Alycia ordered as she stood fast and placed her hand on her holster, preparing to draw a high powered "hand gun" styled energy blaster that could discharg high concussive blasts of various energy blasts, including magnetic discharges.::

:: Guardian was ALREADY moving in to keep the women seperated if necessary and Haleigh stopped just a few feet from Alycia. The two women continued to glare at each other as Haleigh spoke her mind, her peace with NO reservation. what she said took Alycia by surprise.::

:: Alycia herself had gone on the offensive with Haleigh ever since she'd discovered her link to Stavros. It had been such a shock and a painfull "betrayal" to Alycia during her quest to avenge Sharon Kelly's death that she didnt really THINK about the fact she could be HURTING someone else in her quest to destroy the people tied into Master Mold. She'd been on the war path at varying degrees of severity ever since her FATHER had died years ago courtesy of his insurance company denying him the medical care he needed.....and she hadn't looked back ever since she vowed to destroy ANYONE who got in her way.::

:: But even as Haleigh told her how much what she had done HURT her....Haleigh had FORGIVEN HER!? She CARED? Alycia never knew..never dared to think that HALEIGH felt like THAT and Alycia HERSELF had never allowed herself to be perceived as a "caring" person with the exception of Sharon's death....::

she felt like THAT!

:: Alycia's stance softened as she lowered her hand from her blaster. Though she didnt show it in her face, she FELT something....could it be...REMORSE for hurting someone who really hadnt deserved it? Haleigh had a past, but didnt they all? Alycia had killed someone just RECENTLY and gotten away with it. She couldnt look down on Haleigh for murdering anyone anymore and despite her past, Haleigh had MORE than prooven herself to this team, Alycia AND Sharon when she was alive.::

:: Alycia ...felt BAD, and that was HARD because she NEVER felt "bad" about ANYTHING!::

:: she didnt say anything, she didnt retort, she didnt return the agressiveness of Haleigh's advance. she simply stood there as Haleigh walked away. Persephone spoke, asking Alycia to let it be. The tone of Persephone's voice..it was different. Alycia was there to see the mystical merging of Persephone with Ava's personality and essence and she could see in the woman's eyes a deep seated contempt. after all, Alycia had KILLED Ava's father and though it was justified...it wasnt exactly the easiest thing to be looking at the woman who had killed her father.::

::Alycia looked at Persephone and simply turned away. As Persephone walked after Haleigh, Alison spoke and took Alycia's hand. Alycia turned to look over at Alison with a much softer look in her hazel eyes.::

I guess i made a couple of mistakes along the way....

:: she said in a muted tone. Alison said that she was confident that Haleigh and Alycia would repair their relationship. she said it with a warm , reassuring tone. maybe Alison "saw" it in her precognition? that was ...a small comfort for Alycia::

yes....maybe so. ::she replied softly::

You know what's the worst thing about this "job"? the fact..that I feel so..EMPTY now. What price did it take to get here? and the fact that I'm even WORRIED about that?

:: she shook her head::

There ARE things i want to say...but now, more than ever..i just CANT.

:: slowly pulling her hand from Alison's::

It's time for me to go now. I'm ...I'm GLAD that ALL of you are okay. If you need help...you know how to reach me. We'll be in touch.

:: with that, Alycia walked away, still walking tall in her figure flattering "battle suit" the woman's high heeled boots echoed across the marble floors as she met with her two large guards and they exited the building, leaving The Six behind.::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh could hear Ava coming up behind her, and she slowed a bit. When she realized Ava was trying to comfort her, though, she kept herself from stopping. Her sister caught up with her, asking if she was okay.... Haleigh shrugged it off, but they knew it was more than she let on.

"Yeah.... whatever... I'm over it."

She said, as they passed through the lobby, by a large bronze statue, a Roman by the looks of it. She shook her head and PUNCHED the head clean off the statue, sending it clattering across the floor and causing the woman at the desk to shriek in surprise.

"NO!" She shouted, her voice resounding in the spacious lobby. The receptionist quickly made herself scarce, disappearing behind an office door. "I JUST MADE A FOOL OF MYSELF IN FRONT OF EVERYONE! AND FOR WHAT?! If she had HER way, I'D BE ON AN EXAMINING TABLE IN SOME FUCKING LAB SOMEWHERE, like those godforsaken KIDS at Westin Hills! Jesus Christ..." She continued, yelling at first but ending with an exasperated sigh. They were out the front doors now, and a valet pulled a black Aston Martin DB9 up to the curb for Haleigh. Another valet came over to open the passenger side door for Ava, and Haleigh gestured, offering Ava a ride home.

"I SHOULD hate her... has she not earned it?"

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah stood slowly, with the help of a very cute man in uniform, and rubbed the back of her neck. She was going to have a monstrous headache very shortly - she could already feel the tension welling. She looked over to where Alycia indicated the body of the Pontiff. How small and weak he looked now, robbed of his power over her, over them all. She felt nothing for this thing on the ground, neither hatred, anger nor pity. Rather, she saw him like a pile of garbage that only needed to be taken to the curb.

Alycia asked her if she was alright, and she had to stand and think about it for a minute. As Alycia had been explaining the events to them all - and about who her true parents were - she knew that she should be shocked. But she wasn't. She remembered all of this, now that it had been revelaed to her. She remembered what had happened to her so long ago, but it was allright. She wasn't afraid anymore. ]

"You know, Alycia, I know I should be freaking out right now, but aside from a bit of a headache, I feel pretty good."

[ She laughed gently and smiled at this high-powered woman who had helped them all so many times before. ]

"Thank YOU for your help - who knows what would have happened if you had not come when you did. Please don't get over that paranoia anytime soon."

[ Haleigh patted Delilah on the shoulder and made a joke. A joke. She laughed good naturedly. ]

"Yeah - I guess we're back to being the odd ones out. I was almost glad to not be left out of the club anymore."

[ Delilah thought of something as Alycia answered Nicolas' question about debriefing. ]

"Do you need us to help round up the remaining cult members? Nicolas is hell with an axe...and Alison can salt the popcorn while the rest of us watch him do it."

[ She grinned big and went over to Alison and put an arm around her shoulders to signify that was only kidding. On the subject of Ethan Cruise, well. He had just aided them in their last mission - be it a dream one. But, really, could they trust him as part of the Six? ]

"I agree with Morgan - this matter is something to be decided amongst our team. I'm sorry, Alycia - your input will be much valued and taken into consideration. But it must be our decision in the end whether he stays or goes."

[ Alycia bit into Haleigh, and Haleigh returned fire, then leaving the room. As she passed Delilah, she put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder, hopefully letting her know that she wasn't alone on the team. And then Alycia opened up, showing more emotion than Delilah had ever seen from her. Alycia didn't take shit from nobody, and here she was, nearly admitting that she had been wrong. She turned to the remaining members of the team and Ethan after watching Alycia go. ]

"Well, I guess I'm not the only one who had a life changing experience. Are we sure Alycia didn't get any of those drugs the cult slipped us?"

[ It seemed strange to her that she could joke and laugh after what they had all been through, but she just didn't have that feeling of impending doom hanging over her anymore. She felt calm, at peace, free. Her mind was clear. She was ready for whatever they threw at her next. Finally, she was truly comfortable in her own skin. She was truly herself. ]

[Oracle]

<< and so, with the close of a most unusual but no less terrifying caper, the members of the Six , Dr. Victoria , Ethan and Alycia have managed to triumph once more. No casualties, no massive structual damage...quite the opposite really. MorningStar at long last felt comfortable with herself through and through and it was showing EVEN NOW!>>

<< Alycia, who had changed MUCH since accepted her position with the government just months ago, displayed one of her most RARE moments of emotion and reflection before the Six...but the person who could have most benefited from it had already left the Parthenon so the ghost of Sharon and Master Mold would hang between Haleigh and Alycia for a bit longer...until such time as they "worked it out" like Alison seemed to know they would.>>

<< Ethan Cruise now had a new lease on life as well. Having received a pardon from the President himself , he was now granted full citizenshp here in America and FINALLY free of all ties and liability for his service to Mystech in London. But with that freedom there was still the question of what he would do next. The option of joining the Six was there...at least for some members of the team but THAT was something that would have to be worked out among them as well...time would tell.>>

<< all in all, there was a feeling of relief and the comfort of knowing that the team was TOGETHER and ready to move ahead to the next adventure..the next phase of their lives as individuals AND as family.>>

<< and so we watch...>>