The start of something...unusual

[Oracle]

<< following the nightmare caper in which MorningStar liberated herself from the psychological clutches of the Supreme Pontiff right as Alycia Barnett shot him dead, the team was left with a sense of closure and Delilah was given a renewed spirit as she was now far more at ease and comfortable with herself than before.>>

<< Ethan Cruise was now staying as a guest in one of Nicolas King's properties, he was now an "Ally" of the team but his status of possibly becoming a full fledged member of the Six was still a matter for the team to discuss.>>

<< Haleigh had finally said her peace with Alycia and although she wasnt there to see it, Alycia surprised EVERYONE with her acknowledging Haleigh's feelings and even VALIDATING them. Alycia , in her new capacity with the federal government left before anyone could really enjoy her...and once again their friend was back in washington and THE SIX returned to Illustra.>>

<< several days past. On the business front, Illustra Inc, Cassadine Corp. King enterprises, Liquid Crystal Images/Clandestine Inc were all THRIVING. The members of the team returned to their personal lives as Morgan stayed with her mother in Soho. Mother and daughter took this time to just bond again..not as witches..but as TRUE mother and daughter. Alison Marble busied herself (as usual) with running operations at Illustra and training herself hard in their state of the art "holo-simulator arena" so bothered was she by her precognition being "shorted out" that she was determined to insure the REST of her powers and her BODY were in tip top shape. Delilah Trelevan had a new lease on life. She was far more confident, more FREE than before and it showed. Haleigh and Ava also enjoyed time getting to know one another, allowing Haleigh to appreciate the mysterious powers of the Seige Perilous and allowing Persephone to have a distinct identity in this timeline that she never had in her past timelines. Nicolas too was left with an unexpected "gift" from the nightmare caper....the AXE that morgan had enchanted to play off his own soul and motivations ..it REMAINED and was now in his position in waking reality as well giving him a means to defend himself a little better against the forces of magick as well as help his team mates in times most dire.>>


<< all in all, the team was doing very well as they moved forward with their lives again, but in this world, they know as long as they live and remain together, there will always be SOMETHING on the horizon....maybe not always a THREAT or DISASTER...but still SOMETHING...>>

<< and so we watch>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< after taking a few days to spend with her mother, Dr. Karen Victoria, Morgan returned to Illustra. she seemed calm and peacefull and EVERYONE around her had commented on how revived she looked. Since her return from the Seige Perilous, she had "de aged" enough to make it noticeable and while she had remained at the top of her game in the modeling industry...her new refreshed look had boosted her Q rating even more.>>

<< having returned to Illustra, she was now in her luxury penthouse on the 107th floor, in her chamber of dreams snuggling with her enchanted siamese cat, Tinkerbell and her little kitten that had been a gift from Haleigh.>>

my little babies. Mommy has missed you both! << she held them both as they purred with contentment.>>

<< looking out to the balcony of her chamber of dreams, she noted the mild evening and the night sky. rather dark...few stars but no obvious threats looming on the horizon. EVERYONE around her in Illustra and her mother were all safe and that was all she needed to know at the moment.>>

<< as she laid back on the bed and raised her long, flawless legs up..she exhaled as she released Tinkerbell and the kitten. the two cats slowly made their way to another area of the bed and lay down once again.>>

<<sigh>>

what can i do? i dont have anyone to use magick against, no balls to bust in the boardroom...

<< Morgan spoke softly before looking over at her mirrored wall across the room....and it came to her.>>

AHA!

<< several minutes later>>

<< Morgan appears via stepping disc on the 75th floor and walks down the hall...entering a large "arena" like area that is dark and featurless. at her vocal command, the power in the room illuminates and Morgan herself looks like a perfect homage to FARRAH FAWCETT, wearing her hair in that flawless trademark "feathered" do, along with a sexy golden "roller skating" outfit that considered of cleavage flaunting sparkling golden bikini top and some matching golden "hot pants" that flattered her figure "down there" as well. she completed the look with sun glasses and chewing bubble gum.>>

computer, run the DISCO BALL program!

<< Morgan LOVED to roller skate almost as much as she loved to DANCE! and it had been TOO LONG since she had taken advantage of the amazing technology housed in her own building , Illustra. It was time for her to have some FUN...but despite the relationship she had with the rest of the team...she still didnt always want them to see her in moments like THIS and so she didnt tell anyone she was here.>>

<< a funky, retro, yet sleek "roller skating/disco" formed all around her , complete with a large, sparkling disco ball that hung in the center.>>

GIMME A BEAT!

<< Morgan looked around as a "real as life" simulation of the band Rapture appeared in a revolving stage above the disco dance/rollerskating floor. they began to play their catchy, unexpected cross over hit Get myself into it, a song that was TAILOR MADE for rollerskating/dancing- rhythm skating. at the same time, many "beautifull people" , white, black, asian , wearing trendy outfits and roller skates all appeared in the rink and began to rollerskate/dance to the beats and sounds of the "Rapture".>>

<< the disco ball spun slowly and sparkled, casting laser lights all around as the floor itself glowed and shimmered in random patterns. Morgan smiled as she joined the fun, letting the wind run through her feathered hair as she skated, posed and danced to the beat. it was a RARE moment indeed for the super model /sorceress. moments like this were too rare and HAD to be enjoyed.>>

[Harbinger]

:: Alison had been pushing herself HARD lately in her training sessions, using her powers as a seer to allow her to hone her "reaction time" to perceived threats at close range, working on her levitation, and channeling her telekinetic power through her hands and eyes. Her fluent movements with her body allowed her to run the gauntlets with speed AND grace.::

:: she had scarcely seen her team mates over the last few days. that was her way...to remain to herself. it allowed her to focus and delve into her tasks...among other things.::

:: after several days of hard training, Alison knew it was time to rest. Illustra was running smoothly and SHE was at peace now that her precognition was firmly back in place. after some reading and meditation in her cozy luxury apartment, she began to "reach out" into time streams. Her private joy to "look" out across the way and see things that might be...to "focus in" on other possibilities..it was like having the ability to totally recall a dream and know that in some corner of this infinite multiverse..it was REALITY.::

:: her "day dream" was interrupted as she realized Morgan was having a bit of fun .....WITHOUT her!? Alison smiled though...the fact that Morgan was allowing herself to be "fun" at ALL was something worth "looking in" on. so Alison BLINKED from the 106th floor down to the 75th floor. first appearing as a pair of floating, disembodied glowing cobalt blue eyes so as not to draw attention to herself. she heard the beat, saw the cool spectacle of the "discoteque" that Morgan was reveling in.::

The Rapture...get myself into it? an appropriate song for Morgan if there ever was.


:: Alison waited and watched for a moment. they shouldve done a "Theme" party like this at the Parthenon. Though they still could at a later date. the technology being used in this arena right now was mysterious as it was powerfull. no one employed for Illustra Inc. KNEW of this or what went on on the private floors of Illustra.::

oh what the hell...

:: she thought as she BLINKED into full form and view. With her hair pulled back into an upward ponytail and wearing a "one shoulder" strapped, asymetrical top that also gave a playfull peek of cleavage, along with some distressed denim "mini" shorts , Alison skated forward and decided to trip the light fantastic as well. knowing Morgan would spot her in the crowd of all the "beautifull" people soon. Alison smiled as she realized what she was doing.::

the SEER of the Six, sneaking into a discoteque to roller skate....

:: she couldnt dwell on it long before she was greeted by one of the "beautifull people" and offered a skating partner's hand to move to the music. she eventually caught up with Morgan.::

Morgan Victoria, you mean little witch! not inviting me to your little "party" down here! what's the matter dear? afraid that ill UPSTAGE YOU with my roller skating prowess?

::she stuck her tongue out playfully at her best friend as her hair blew back::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: A few days had passed since the six's 'nightmare' caper involving Delilah. Thinking she would get a few days of relaxation, Ava was sorely mistaken. With the announcement of Cassadine Enterprises and Illustra Inc. merging, companies affiliated with the Cassadines before the merger began to pull out. Ava was swamped with mounds of paper work trying to convince the more prominent companies to reconsider. Although successful, she did manage to loose a few big dealers that had been with her father's company for years. The press was having a field day with the ordeal, with headlines such as "Cassadines now Bankrupt" "Ava Cassadine turns against family to merge with Illustra" "Stavros Cassadine's will overturned by daughter! Ava deceives deceased father and merges with enemy company". It was a bit of a nuisance...but more of a headache than anything at all. Paparazzi constantly following her, reporters wanting the 'scoop' as to why she chose to merge with Illustra. But in time another 'big story' would shift the spotlight away from Ava, Cassadine Enterprises, and Illustra. And it couldn't come soon enough in her opinion. ::

:: Sitting in her penthouse office, Ava finished signing off on one more document before clicking her pen shut. Tossing it onto the pills of papers that laid on her desk, she sat back into her plush office chair, closing her tired eyes. All she wanted now was a strong drink, a long bubble bath, and about 72 hours worth of sleep. ::

"Dammit."

:: Opening her eyes, Ava reached forward to her ringing cell phone. This was getting ridiculous already. Flipping the sleek black razor phone open, she placed it to her ear before sitting back once again. ::

"Yes?"

:: Rolling her eyes shut, it was obvious that she was annoyed with whomever was on the other line. ::

"And this has been confirmed?"

:: Already knowing the answer to her own question, Ava shook her head hearing the response. Letting out a low sigh, she rested the phone between her ear and her shoulder blade and lifted the sleeve of her black turtle neck sweater. Looking at her diamond crested Rolex for the time, Ava paused a moment before speaking once again. ::

"Get my villa prepared. I'll be departing for Greece this evening."

:: Shutting her phone, Ava tossed it onto her desk before standing. Walking over to the small console located next to her office door, she pressed a few buttons. ::

"Locate Morgan Victoria."

"Morgan Victoria is located in the arena on the 75th floor."

:: Winds enveloped Persephone's body, disappearing from her office and into the arena. Not prepared for what she was about to witness, she was caught off guard by a half naked man zooming past her on roller skates. Taking a quick step back to avoid being hit, Ava looked around seeing a 70's styled roller disco set with numerous people laughing and skating. Among them Morgan and Alison. Sticking out like a sore thumb in her tailored black slacks that rested perfectly on her black spike healed leather boots, and black form fitting turtle neck sweater, Ava simply stood motionless with her weight resting on one leg. ::

"Mor--"

:: Stopping herself, yelling for the woman would be useless considering the music was loud enough to shake the entire building. So Ava waited knowing that one of them would spot her soon enough. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah closed one eye and took a deep breath. ]

"Eight ball. Corner pocket."

[ Slowly letting the air out of her lungs, she pulled the poolstick back in one fluid motion and sunk the black ball into the corner pocket. Standing upright with a smile she set down her cue and took a long drink of beer out of her pint glass with one hand while simultaneously taking the pile of bills off the table with the other. A musclebound preppy-looking thing with rocks for brains shook his head in dumbfounded annoyance. He grabbed her wrist as she was raising it from the table, but she gave him that look she usually reserved for perps, allowed just her green eyes to glow luminescent for a second, and he let go. She finished off her beer and walked slowly to the bar, with a switch in her hips that showed off a new tattoo of an angel that peeked out on her lower back from the low-rise black leather pants she wore. With it she wore a close fitting black sleeveless top and short black leather jacket, her blonde hair done up in a high but loose ponytail.

She ordered another pint and a whiskey from the barman and turned to look out across the bar. It was just the sort of place she liked sometimes - a dive, true - but there was pool and darts and also a dancefloor. She swayed slightly to the music as she waited. In the past she might have been uneasy about going out alone, but tonight she was completely comfortable doing her own thing.

The barman returned and she downed the whiskey, left the glass on the bar, and took the pint with her to the dancefloor. ]

[Jacob Black]

:: Ethan was in a state of deep concentration as he sat in the living quarters of the property that Nicholas was letting him stay at and although Ethan had recently just purchased a flat in Chelsea he figured that this place was most likely rigged with some kind of surveillance and that his moves were being watched, so he played the game of cat and mouse. As he stood in only the bottom part of a white gi he focused his energy on three objects before him. They were vases he had picked up at a street market that were lined up in a row in front of him according to size, each one bigger than the next. He was working on advancing his power or for lack of a better word trying to "understand" it on a new level. ::

"Come on, Ethan, focus.. focus.. you have it..."

:: He went to the first vase and enclosed it in a forcefield. His goal was to create the same effect he had displayed in blowing up both the London Night Club so long ago and the London base for Mystech operations in a more strict and controlled manner. Ethan thought that since he could enclose the object with in a field that if he expanded the field and made it incredibly small he could shatter it completely and as he focused on this ability, the vase began to shake. He flexed his mind as he could sense the field getting smaller and smaller, it was working. It was a lot of work and both times that Ethan had done this, he had passed out and he didn't know for how long. Closer. Closer. Almost there. And with his fool's luck just as he really felt he was about to do it, his cell phone vibrated on the table causing him to lose his focus and lose the field. He cursed to himself as he answered the phone. ::

"Yes.. A meeting. Now? How many are there? I will be right there..."

:: In the days that had passed since his return from his caper with the Six he had went to his mother who was the head of the Cruise Foundation, an extremely wealthy organization that gave aid in countless ways to third worlds countries, newly forming democracies and countless other causes around the world. She knew about his mutant power and when he came to her with his own "cause" about helping the world in his own way and knowing how important some of these contacts could be to him, she gave him a seat on the board as well as the position of CEO of the sister sponsor of the Cruise Foundation, also owned and funded by his mother known as Monarch Industries, a Science Firm that dabbled in buying, selling and inventing Medical and Scientific Technology such as funding cures for disease to artificial hearts, and cloning patents. It was a global corporation that had been originally run by his sister, a brillaint doctor who gladly stepped down from the position for a cushier spokesperson and public relations representative for the company as she was extremely busy with various projects in the company as well as working with Doctors Without Borders. It was a position that gave him quite the global power position and the opportunity for the company to sever all ties in buying MysTech technology and gaining access to it's patents. Ethan quickly changed into one of his favorite D&G suits and headed to Monarch's base of headquarters at the Upper East Side. Things were going quite well for Ethan Cruise and he wasn't sure how much longer they were going to last, so for now, he enjoyed it. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< rhythm skating in time with the beat and snapping her fingers, Morgan smiled with glee even as Alison joined her. the two women moved together like they were doing a routine with some good looking men behind them and some beautifull women on other side of them.>>

oh, Ali!! i didnt think anyone would come down here!!

<< she said with a little bit of embarrasment to the fact someone had found her indulging in this. as the women rounded the rink together, skating and laughing Morgan spotted Persephone, standing tall and looking rather serious.>>

<< waving to Ava.>>

Ava! Ill be right there!

<< around once more, Morgan halted the program and everything froze...which was itself an eerie sight as Morgan and Alison skated over to Ava.>>

<< tossing her "farrah hair" back, Morgan smiled>>

Hey Ava. You want to join our little skating party?

<< she asked as she looked over at Alison who was still giggling at the "retro" vibe that Morgan had going on here. Morgan had not gotten wind of the backlash that Ava had been receiving since the announcement of the business merger between Illustra Inc. and Cassadine Corp.>>

[Harbinger]

:: rhythm skating was easy for Alison. she enjoyed the feeling of the air at her face as she skated rather fast around the floor with Morgan and the other "beautifull people".::

:: as time passed, Ava appeared and Morgan halted the program as she and Alison went over to Ava who was looking rather serious. Morgan greeted her and Alison waved as well. When Morgan invited her to join the fun, Alison noticed that Ava didnt seem to "happy" at the moment.::

What's wrong, Ava? you're here for something serious. I can tell.

:: the Seer didnt want to blurt it out, she decided to let Ava talk to THEM first.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas was enjoying his last few days. His profile had been raised considerably by being photographed with Morgan and by being signed by Illustra, and he was enjoying the positive impact it had on his companies. His foundation and transit/shipping comglomerates had been gaining by the day even as he spent millions preparing his major ports of call to be better able to serve the special needs that Illustra would demand.

Personally he was also doing quite well. Not only was all of his new family OK, but he had taken some time in the last few days to check on his adoptive mother and her beautiful daughter in Soho, coming by to cook breakfast or to just talk. In his absence, Big Mike had paid a visit, giving them his card should they require absolutely anything.

On this morning, he was checking his business contacts when he was apprised that Cassadine Enterprises was being shunned by some past contacts due to their severing of ties with MysTech. He ordered his assistants to prepare a major technological partnership program that would help them. He received the proposal on his supercomputer and saved it to to present to Ava later today, maybe at lunch if she were so inclined.

But for now, he wanted to find Morgan. He knew that she would be back today and he wanted to speak with her. So much had happened since their date but they had not spent any more real time together. He wished to change that. So he used to his TK to scan for her familiar body signature, locating her on the 75th floor.

So Nicolas stood up, clean cut in a pair of designer black jeans and a black short sleeve silk shirt. He put on his boots and teleported himself outside of the arena, where he found Alison and Morgan in full roller skating jam outfits (VERY FLATTERING!) talking to a cleanly dressed Ava, who was giving off an agitated vibe. He walked in, winking at Morgan and Alison as he gave them a once-over and addressing them all as he entered.

"Good morning, ladies. I hope I am not intruding. Can I be of help?"

[Jill Monroe]

<< As Morgan took a moment to admire her refracted image in a wall near by....[always willing to do a "hair check :D ] Alison asked Ava if something were the matter, and as she mentioned it, Morgan DID notice Ava's rather irritated glare.>>

<< having been gone for three days, and with no one trying to reach her, Morgan had ASSUMED everything was okay. all reports she had received were positive. Just then, Nicolas appeared. Morgan smiled for a moment. He certainly was not easy to hide from EITHER it seemed. Morgan looked at herself and Alison quickly, KNOWING he would be looking at them as well. He had hit the JACKPOT when it came to "eye candy" working among so many beautifull, powerfull women. HE of course was beautifull as well. It was easy to lose oneself in fantasy ...or LUST...while looking upon him and every time Morgan saw him, she wondered why he bothered to wear clothes?>>

<< ever the gentleman [despite the naughty ways that lurked beneath the exterior] he greeted the women, winking at Morgan and Alison. Morgan smiled in a haughty way as she once again tossed her "farrah hair" and stood with her hands on her hips in a pose as if to say , "i KNOW i'm fabulous. thank you for realizing it yourself" :D >>

Hmmm yes, how TIMELY of you to arrive, Nicolas.

<< she said in an icy voice. Though she was fond of Nicolas, she realized that she'd been perhaps...a little TOO "soft" as she allowed her guard down with him near. It was time for her to make him WORK for her affections. :fdevil: and REMIND him of why she had the reputation of "ice princess" that she did.>>

I appear to have just dropped my compact on the floor.....would you be a dear and reach that for me?

<< she stood there, as Alison tried her BEST to stifle her snicker. Morgan was OBVIOUSLY up to something. All the while waiting for Ava to fill them in. >>

[Harbinger]

:: Waiting on Ava to respond, Alison watched as Nicolas arrived. She surveyed his look and ultimately agreed with Morgan.::

Why does he wear clothes?

:: the Seer laughed inside of herself as she imagined Morgan ravaging the poor man in her bedroom like the mountain lion that she was. He was strong, vital and BEAUTIFULL, but could HE truly handle Morgan? if anyone was going to "WATCH" and see..it would be ALISON :D::

:: as Morgan haughtily addressed Nicolas and made it a point to flip her hair, Alison smirked as she informed him that he was just in time..to pick up her compact off the floor.::

::Snicker!!!::

:: Alison covered her mouth a bit as she watched.::

Morgan's turning the tables on him now. THIS is what i expected before!

:: Alison couldnt help but join in on the fun ...as she subtley waved her index and middle finger forward...a soft rushing/chiming sound was heard as the compact slid just out of Nicolas' first reach for it.::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Seeing the program stop in mid motion, the holographic people were all posed in skating fashion. Some laughing while others danced. Morgan weaved through the motionless people, sliding to a stop in front of Ava. Alison soon followed. ::

"I'll be departing for Greece this evening."

:: Just then, Nicolas decided to make an appearence as well. Did this boy enjoy sniffing Morgan's ass every chance he had? Rolling her sapphire eyes away, obviously annoyed, Ava crossed her arms while craning her tense neck to the side. Peering down at the compact that laid on the rink floor, Ava was obviously not amused. ::

"I have very important buisness that I must attend to in person. I wanted to inform you both before I left just incase anything....unusual happens while i'm gone."

:: It seemed the six could never catch more than a weeks break before diving into yet another crisis. Uncrossing her arms, Ava glanced around once more before clearing her throat softly. ::

"Well, I don't want to hold up your fun."

:: Gesturing casually as the compact that Alison had just moved 'blew' across the room via Persephone's wind. Smirking softly, the goddess cocked a brow looking down at Nicolas.::

"Or his...I'll be in contact."

:: Winds enveloped the goddess before she disappeared from the disco, leaving only a soft breeze behind. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled as Morgan gave him the full view wth her pose. She was pretty and she KNEW it. That was fine by him. Her compact lay on the floor much nearer to Morgan than to Nicolas, but she asked HIM to pick it up. He realized that she was "testing" him, but he was unlike many other men in his situation. He had no need to be overly prideful or full of machismo. What good is bravado when you really CAN press a battleship? So, if she wanted something as small as her compact fetched, he would oblige. He would make HER work for him when the time came.

"Sure thing, Morgan."

Nicolas smoothly walked over and reached for the compact, only to have it "slide" away from his grasp.

Smirking, Nicolas stood, winked at the ladies who were obviously ejoying this, and walked over to where it had landed. As he moved, Ava explained her movements to them and left, after blowing the compact ACROSS the room.

That would be enough. Nicolas quickly turned and faced Morgan, stepped towards her, and produced the compact that he had Tk'ed into his grasp from where it had been blown.

"I think this belongs to you."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh lay on her back on the sofa, curled up under a blanket, immersed in Tolstoy's 'War & Peace'. Zach came in the front door with the dogs on leashes. He took one look at Haleigh as he unleashed the dogs and laughed. The dogs all came over and greeted her as she demanded to know just what was so funny. Zach shook his head and replied.

Zach:"Baby, I thought you said you were going to do some LIGHT reading."

Haleigh put the book mark in to hold her place and set the book down on the coffee table before petting the dogs.


"Whatever do you mean, Zachary?" She asked playfully.

"Well.... I do think that a book that is so thick it can double as a weapon suitable for blunt force trauma would HARDLY qualify for 'LIGHT' reading in ANY sense of the term."

Haleigh giggled and said something about him coming over to her so she could give him some 'light' loving... and the two shared a tender kiss. Haleigh was happy that she'd taken the day off... days without harried work or world-threatening crisis were few and far between..... but both Clandestine Intelligence and Liquid Crystal Images were running like well oiled machines, and since theyd taken are of the Pontiff, there hadn't been any trouble in that department. Haleigh took the time to revitalize herself and had the chance to get to know her sister better as well. They weren't quite as they had been as kids... but they weren't strangers anymore either... and it was nice that the tension that had plagued their relationship as adults was gone now.

Zach stood up, asking her what she wanted to do for dinner, and they discussed it briefly before settling to go out. There was a nice italian place not too far from the Illustra office park area, and Haleigh quickly determined [through the surveillance cameras, of course] that everyone here was safe and sound and happily engaged in their own activities.... if she needed to be reached, there were several ways, so she wasn't worried about leaving Illustra.

[Jill Monroe]

<< having wrapped her arms around her trim waist, Morgan giggled as Alison and Ava had made him "work for it" with the compact. She smiled coyly as she took the compact, letting her hand squeeze his fingers a bit as she moved her hand away.>>

<< in an icy voice>>: well...thank you very much!

<< she looked over at Alison who had her hands on her hips, smirking.>>

Let's hope you are as "determined" when it comes to OTHER things as well.


<< she looked at him with a knowing glare...but there was something ELSE that apparently only NICOLAS could see...a flash of almost DEMONIC zeal as he saw a faint outline of the "darkchilde" aspect around her face! Was this INTENTIONAL on her part? or something ELSE all together?>>

<< Persephone had left in a hurry..before Morgan could ask a question or even OBJECT. Morgan looked at the spot where the woman had once stood and then back at Nicolas and Alison....and then she realized that there had been a TREMENDOUS influx of news and info about the merger between Illustra and Cassadine Corp.>>

Alison...the press....what has it been like since we announced our new partnerships?

<< she began to skate toward the doors to the arena>>

we'd better find out what's going on ...EXACTLY. If Ava is going on a business trip, then the people at Cassadine Corp MIGHT not receive her well..given her ties to Illustra and the history of Mystech...Cassadine Corp's MAJOR partner for over 20 years.

<< she didnt seem to acknowledge the "imagery" that she had conveyed to Nicolas...in fact she seemed OBLIVIOUS to it. Alison must not have noticed it either. the two women left...expecting Nicolas to join them...and leaving him to puzzel out what had just occured.

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as Morgan took the compact, noting the moment she allowed her hand to linger on his as she took it. Her comment was suggestive, and he would not let it pass.

"I am accustomed to getting what I want, and I am willing to work as hard as I need to."

He said as he held her hand and the compact a moment longer, then released it to hr. As she retrieved her mirror, Nicolas noticed something odd. He played it again in his mind and there was no mistaking. For a moment, Morgan had a faint outline of horns, and the glowing eyes that he had seen before only when she was allowing her demonic side to manifest. He had never seen it before in a playful moment, and apparently he was alone in noticing it (as no one else had commented).

As Morgan and Alison left , Nicolas joined them, thinking about what this may mean. Did Morgan manifest that side of herself at other times as well? Did AROUSAL cause that manifestation? This was a situation he would monitor closely...he might even need to speak with Alison about it. He cursed Guardian's psi-screen as he thought of a way to speak to her without Morgan knowing.

[Harbinger]

:: Alison's cobalt blue eyes moved between Morgan, Nicolas and fixed on Ava as the woman conveyed a grim irritation. there WAS something wrong and her shortness with the women and nicolas did nothing but BETRAY that. she left as Nicolas FINALLY retrieved the compact. He returned it to Morgan and as Nicolas [seemingly unknown to alison] saw the unexplainable flickering manifestation of the "darkchilde" aspect around Morgan as she flirted coyly with him...Nicolas would ALSO see Alison appearing in one of her more "edgy" leather ensembles..looking like an erotic dark valkyrie ready to take his virginity away all over again... "she" winked and licked her lips as Morgan/"Darkchilde" beckoned him with a demonic smile.::


:: WHAT was going on here? t he two women seemed UNAWARE of the imagery they were projecting toward him...so maybe it was something IN HIM? this was the start of something that would proove to be more complex than it seemed.::

:: The images that Nicolas were seeing were SHATTERED as Morgan asked Alison about the press reaction..and other details of the Illustra/Cassadine partnership.::

stocks have gone up...on our end at least. we're ALL enjoying a higher q rating right now...but Ava IS catching flack on her end...many people in Cassadine Corp are feeling betrayed. Even though they dont know the whole scope of MysTech..they are upset because of the changes...not to mention the violent circumstances of Stavros' death.

We HAVE to follow her. She faces certain danger both on a professional AND personal level....i see a WOMAN who means Persephone GREAT HARM...a woman...who channels the power of HECATE!

:: HECATE!? the goddess of WITCH CRAFT? the matriarch of Morgan's blood line. Alison's precognition was at full strength....and so there was no reason to doubt her. Morgan and Alison promptly left with Nicolas to go to the security floor of Illustra. Alison didnt seem to acknowledge that fleeting moment of temptation that she had projected to Nicolas moments before.::

[Oracle]

<< Morgan and Alison arrived with Nicolas on the security floor of Illustra. this floor was the line of demarcation between the regular business floors of illustra and the 99th floor (formerly home to Alycia's satellite office) up to the 107th floor. it was dark and this floor was set up like a military war room..hardly looking like the rest of the setting in Illustra, it was FORTIFIED after Morgan's "death" at the hands of Master Mold to compensate for the lack of magickal protection around the building. It was also a symbol of the cooperation of "magick and technology" ...the partnership between Morgan and Haleigh. >>

<< by now Alison and Morgan had changed out of their "roller disco" outfits and were now in casual clothes. arriving into the central "war room", Morgan and Alison took their respective seats around the large, circular conference table as they began to look over the information feeds on their personal flat screen computers. each member of the team had a spot at this table with a powerfull personal computer that was tailored to their specifications. two EMPTY spots..where Shockwave and Prophet once sat were now filled by Rampage and Persephone and a new spot had been added for MorningStar when she joined the Six full time.>>

<< Alison put out a call to Delilah, Haleigh and Ethan [much to Morgan's personal dismay] ETHAN was to wait for entrance into the building as he would be escorted by one of the team once he arrive, but Delilah and Haleigh of course had private access to get there as q uickly as possible.>>

<< Morgan FUMED as she read the backlash against Ava and saw how people were defaming her name....Alison looked over the reactions at the stock market and asked Nicolas to do his best to keep a monitor on Persephone as she traveled to Greece in case of any "accidents" on the jet liner.>>

[Jill Monroe]

unbelievable!

<< Morgan exclaims as she reads the article entitled Super Model desperate for attention joins forces with a MYSTECH subsidiary>>

LOOK AT THIS!

these stories..half of them are completely untrue! where do these people GET THEIR INFORMATION!?


<< eyeing a paragraph in which there's a statement that Morgan>>

"felt threatened by the new crop of upcoming female super models and that Nicolas was an attempt for her to focus attention on herself"

MORONS!

<< she deletes that screen and moves on to the next.>>

No WONDER Ava is going oversees...with this kind of press...INSPITE of the gains in the stock market..i may never be able to show my face at a public gathering again without being accused of being "in bed with mystech".

<< she rolled her icy violet eyes with contempt>>


we have to work TOGETHER with Ava on this. We can't just let her face it alone...

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After disappearing from the holoroom where she met with Alison, Morgan, and Nicolas, Ava immediately left for Greece. Opting not to take her family's jet, she'd rather use the time it would take to travel to Greece as some down time. Perhaps get some paper work updated and signed. ::

:: Appearing in her family's Villa, it was a gorgeous 17th centery Ionian inspired house off the Greek shorelines. The entire house sat on top of a large cliff overlooking the beautiful water that crashed onto the white sandy shorelines below. Walking out onto the large balcony that seemingly hung over the cliffs edge, Persephone inhaled a deep breath as the warm winds kissed her face. It was summer, and even at the latest hours, the weather was still warm. Looking out to the calm sea, the full moon reflected perfectly on the still water. Everything about Greece was perfect in her eyes. ::

:: Craning her neck back, Ava let out a low sigh as she pushed herself away from the railing and retreated back into the livingroom. Taking a seat on the plush white sofa, the decor in the Villa was extremely different from Persephone's taste. Everything light and airy. Whites, greens, and browns. But honestly, it didn't seem to bother the goddess as it usually would. Perhaps it was the "Ava" in her that made her more tolerant of it all. Regardless, Persephone reached for the remote control and flipped the television on. A brunette anchor woman appeared on the screen spouting out information in Greek. She appeared to be in downtown Athens....near the Cassadine office. ::

"Oh come on."

:: Rolling her eyes out of frustration, she couldn't seem to get away with having a moments peace without a reminder of how her names being slandered left and right in the media. Preparing to shut the TV off and call it a night, a homeless man suddenly jumped in front of the news woman, yelling incoherently in Greek. The anchor became flustered, and that alone made Persephone smile. ::

"Το τέλος του κόσμου είναι πλησίον!"
(The end of the world is near!)

:: Stopping a moment, it wasn't uncommon for senile men and woman to claim the world was ending. Or that pigs were soon going to take flight for that matter. But in some cases, these senile people were in fact similar to oracles. Not so much possessing powers, but having the ability to 'sense' when something was about to happen. ::

"Ένα Apocolypse είναι πλησίον! Κάτω από το κόκκινο φεγγάρϊ Κάτω από το κόκκινο φεγγάρϊ"
(The Apocolypse is coming! The red moon! Under the red moon! Death and disease...everyone will die!)

:: Persephone's eyes widdened hearing the man state "red moon". Lowering her brows as she continued to listen to the man preach that something horrible was going to happen under the red moon, soon the news' live feed cut off and it returned to the news station. Shutting the television off, Persephone lowered the remote to the sofa; her expression looking as if she was shuffling through the information she had just heard. Shaking her head, it was impossible...No, there was no way. Suddenly, a huge crash could be heard coming from the kitchen, startling Persephone out of her thoughts. Turning toward the direction of the crash, she could hear her maids shouting erratically at one another. Their voices become loud and violent. ::

:: Standing from the sofa, Persephone quickly proceeded out onto the balcony once more. The winds had picked up and the weather was not normal. The sea was becoming rough, and the moon light that reflected upon it seemed less vibrant. ::

"Shit."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was on her way back to the bar for a refill when she received Alison's call. Throwing back the last of the beer in her pint, she set the glass on the bar as she passed and moved directly to the door. Hailing a taxi and asking the driver to take her to Illustra, she wondered what could be so important at this time of night. But she wasn't really worried about it - she was ready for a fight.

She exited the taxi in front of Illustra, handing the driver a few bills, and entered the building. She took the elevator up to the Security Floor, and walked casually into the war room, where Morgan, Alison and Nicolas waited. ]

"What's up guys? Why the late night bat signal?"

[Rampage]

As Nicolas followed The Ladies out of the room, he noticed a change in Alison also. She was in a near-dominatrix outfit beckoning to him.

Was he seeing things? he knew there was an attraction of sorts, but he did not expect this type of acting out. Or did they even know? There was none of the smirking afterwards that he would expect from them. One thing he knew: Talking to Alison was out of the question, as she seemed to be involved in whatever was going on. He would watch and wait , maybe it was an aberration.....

In the War Room, Nicolas sat at his console as Morgan read about the problems that Ava was having. As she spoke of what to do, Nicolas unpacked his personal supercomputer and projected his proposal to the rest of the team.

"Morgan, Alison. I was aware of some of the bad issues with Cassadine Enterprises. I had prepared a joint project that would inject capital into the company and distract her disgruntled workers by giving them something to do other than bitch. As for the press, I have some sympathetic media friends that may be able to help a bit. But there does seem to be a concerted effort here. It is much worse than I had imagined."

Nicolas nodded as he received his instructions to retain passive contact with Ava. He "found" her and used the people's minds around her to keep up with her as she went along. The trip went quite well and she got home safely. He saw (thanks to the maid) the episode of the madman proclaiming the end of the world and detected Ava's rising trepidation. He "saw" with her the agitated waters and her exclamation. Nicolas nodded as Delilah came into the room and spoke to them all.

"Ladies, we may have a problem here. I think that Ava may need us. Could you get us to the coordinates I give you, Morgan?"

Nicolas stood and quickly pulled out his walking cane as it extended into a lance, his clothing changing to a chest-baring battlesuit.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh giggled, as Zach reminisced about the first time they met. They sat side by side in a booth, and held hands as they ate and talked.... it was a nice moment, soon to be interrupted. Haleigh sat up straight, her brow furrowing and her eyes going out of focus. Zach sighed and asked the waiter for the check.

Back in the War Room, those already there would notice that Haleigh's terminal immediately came to life, and began scanning through some of the same things they were looking at on their own computers. After kissing Zach godbye and finding a suitable place to make her getaway, Haleigh appeared in the War Room alongside her comrades, looking like a night out on the town in a little black dress. She looked round the group, taking note that they were preparing to go, and began to pull off her dress. Upon seeing Nicolas' topless look, she smirked and couldn't help but comment.

"Hmm... I half expected to see a 'S'."

She said, suiting up in her own Battle Dress Uniform, completely unabashed at changing in front of them. "Ah... I see Ava got a heaping helping of the vultures of American culture... those we affectionately call 'paparazzi.' Oh... bad ACTUAL press attention as well. I suppose she should have expected as much.... her father built that empire with the financial help of Mystech... and it's been well documented that you were against Mystech and everything it represented, Morgan. that'll have rubbed some business partners the wrong way. Of course... but I've always let Ava take care of her own business, ESPECIALLY if she didn't ASK for my help.... anybody want to brief me on why exactly we're tagging along looking capable of raising Hell?"

She had a neutral curiousity about her, as she took out her earrings and pulled on gloves, then sat down to lace up leather steel-toed combat boots.

[Jill Monroe]

<< resting her chin on her folded hands, Morgan watched Nicolas, who had taken to removing his shirt.>>

you like to dangle meat in front of a ravenous shark...don't you Nicolas.

<< she said softly to herself amid the hum of "power" from the computers and other equipment in the room.>>

be carefull my dear...I may devour you ....AND your soul.

<< she wasn't even AWARE that she once again had this faint, flickering "darkchilde" countenance about her as she said this...but she SNAPPED back to herself as Nicolas spoke.>>

But wouldnt they be reluctant to receive any offers from you..because your connected to Illustra as WELL? I think you're right..i think there's a deeper reason for this sudden shift in attitudes towards Ava and her company....

<< Morgan wondered as she listened to his idea.>>

I didnt want this to HURT or HARM Ava or her company. She came to me with the proposal...saying she wanted to take the company in a NEW direction and it's connection with Mystech would die along with "her" father, Stavros.

<< at this moment, the spot at the conference table that belonged to Haleigh began to "come to life" as Delilah and Haleigh walked in. Haleigh, no doubt was using her power over technology to "warm up" her station. watching as Alison acknowledged them first, Morgan nodded as well.>>

Ava has been having trouble. But it appears that there's MORE to it than bad press and corporate unrest. Alison has forseen a grave threat to Ava...one that comes in the form of a woman who channels the power...of HECATE.


<< Morgan said this with a grim tone. it clearly BOTHERED her that someone ELSE on this planet could even claim to tap into the legacy of Hecate and yet neither she NOR Alison had felt her until now? Nicolas expressed Persephone's agitation at the sight of the oddly coloured moon and weather patterns and asked if SHE could get them there via disc>>

that wont be a problem....not anymore.

<< she said, with a hint of bitterness in her voice as she remembered the Supreme Pontiff and that whole hellish experience. standing up, winds whistled as thunder cracked...a chime sounds off as Morgan is now in her own unholy, demonic yet erotic "inferno" costume.>>

[Harbinger]

:: Alison moved around the nucleus of the War Room. checking feeds here, touching screen's there. she seemed very comfortable operating this cutting edge equipment. She made no mention of her "appearence" to Nicolas in the arena at all. and as Morgan again displayed an almost "PRIMAL" reaction toward Nicolas, Alison again seemed not to notice.::


:: as Nicolas responded to Morgan's fuming with an idea that in theory WOULD have been just the cure for the unrest in Cassadine Corp, Alison shook her head to the negative even as Morgan spoke.::

If ANOTHER "outside" force tried to step in to help Ava with Cassadine Corp, it would make it appear that she's lost control of her own company and that she really IS incapable of carrying the legacy that her father built. Not to say that it ISNT a good idea, Nicolas but i think you're on to something BETTER when you question WHY this is all happening like this.

<< Delilah arrived and Haleigh's terminal at the conference table activated, signaling that she must be nearing the entry as well.>>

hello. i'm sorry to interrupt your evening...but we have something that's developing. we figured we'd get into the loop NOW so that we can be ready for things before they come to us.

:: it was clear that the Seer was BACK in full effect now, post "nightmare" caper.::

When we finalized the deals [Illustra Inc., Cassadine Corp, King Industries etc] and first announced them, remember the POSITIVE reaction, the EXCITMENT it caused both on wall street and in the fashion world? what's changed in the span of a week? outside of the "nightmare" we experienced at the parthenon, Alycia has made sure that the Six has no longer been under such scrutiny or the subject of public gossip.

:: as Haleigh spoke, Alison nodded.::

SOME negative press was to be expected against Morgan AND Ava...but with the stock boost, that would have been easy enough to ignore but what we see happening is something FAR more "frenzied" almost. look at some of the reports

:: pointing to the ones Morgan had read::

this stuff almost seems TOO personal for it to be merely "journalism" or even TABLOID journalism.

:: turning to a large screen over the main counsel of the control room floor, Alison gestured.::

there IS something...SOMEONE behind this and its NO accident or "surprise necessity" that has lured Persephone to Greece of all places. The Weather reports indicate a sudden and ALARMING change in the weather patterns around the coast of Greece where Persephone is staying.

::the screen revealed the agitated waters around the seas and the churning night sky. there's an island, a LARGE island off the coast of greece with a large ,beautiful, elegant greek temple that seems enshrouded in Shadow::

behold the "Isle of Aerie" it lies in plain sight, yet it is never seen. the woman that i see....SHE lives here....and she channels the power of Hecate. She exerts control over the greek shipping merchants and other business owners nearby who are tributaries of Cassadine Corp and it is through HER influence that the tide changes AGAINST Ava.

Hecate...the power of the red moon...

:: she remembered Morgan casually mentioning it during the LAST time in Greece..and suddenly it became GLARINGLY apparent to her that THIS is what was coming.::

Persephone IS in TERRIBLE danger.

:: snapping her fingers, in a swirling flurry of glowing blue/black orbs she was now in her body contouring leather outfit complete with high heeled boots and gloves. she was not wearing her blue/black hair in her "trademark" bun that she was once known for...instead she let it rest down at her shoulders.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled as Haleigh entered, stunning as usual in a black dress. He shook his head at her comment then took a moment to appreciate the sight of his teammate changing , keeping a poker face as he did so. But he did take the time to comment telepathically...

No "S" here. But I DO see an "A, S, S". Seriously Hales, it's been a while for me and I swear, if I see you one more time sans clothing, I may have to send you back home slightly used, as it were. No harm done, just a little somethin' somethin' between teammates.

Nicolas continued to prepare as if he had said nothing.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah scanned the articles that Alison had given to her. The others were right - something was off. ]

"These almost seem like plants - like someone is paying off somebody to creative negative press for those connected to Ava."

[ She listened to Alison further, her lips pursed in concentration. ]

"Could the change in weather be due to Persephone's arrival itself?"

[ Alison revealed that Ava was in danger, and Delilah was suddenly afraid for her. She noted how strange that felt, since she had still viewed Persephone as an outsider to the team, not really a part of things. But now, she found she actually cared about her safety. ]

"Should we get a message to her somehow? Warn her that she's in trouble? Otherwise, we need to get there now. She shouldn't have to face whatever is going on"

[ She made a motion with her hand ]

"alone."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Lifting her eyes from the rough ocean to the dark sky, the brilliant stars that once shined brightly were now gone. The stark white moon only sat in the sky with what looked like trickles of red slowly flooding the white mass from the top. It was true...the red moon was coming. ::

:: Pushing away from the balcony railing, Persephone turned to head back into the villa. Taken by surprise, one of the maids violently lunged forward with a stake knife held high in the air. Back peddling, Persephone grabbed the woman's wrist to prevent the knife from inching closer to her. With her back pressed against the railing of the balcony, the maid growled in contempt pushing more of her weight into Persephone. With the knife dangerously close to the goddess throat, she finally twisted her maids wrist, breaking it cleanly. Pushing her back, Persephone forcefully back handed her, sending her flying into the stone wall before she landed in an unconscious heap on the floor. Looking down at her maid, Ava had known her for years. Since she was a little girl. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her, but it was for her own good. She was not in her right mind set....and Persephone had a pretty damn good feeling as to why. ::

:: The winds had picked up even more at this point. Blowing not from one direction, but from numerous directions. The waters below crashed onto the shoreline and thunder cracked in the air. Pushing through the doors into her livingroom, she was startled at the sight of a pool of blood around her other maid. Many stab wounds in her chest and head. It was already starting...::

[Harbinger]

:: Alison looked at Delilah as the others continued to prepare themselves.::

even as we speak, Persephone has begun to experience the beginning of the violence and chaos that is associated with the legendary and terrifying "red moon". it will only get worse and it will spread from the coastlines of Greece through the country side.

But there's something else....Persephone will seek the counsel of another woman who is as much of a temporal anomoly to this timeline as PERSEPHONE is. The woman is hard to get a fix on even with my precognition but for the immediate moment, Presephone is going to be okay. We must not take long getting there though. We will not only be there to assist HER but to help do damage control as violence and mayhem erupt all over the area in Greece.

There is a great spirit of VENGEANCE that drives this force....but until we arrive, I cannot say more on that.

Morgan can teleport us but be prepared, there will be a SURGE in violence all around us where we arrive. Be ready to assist victims and CONTAIN those who are bewitched by the dawning red moon.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh, though she didn't show it, could feel Nicolas watching her... she wasn't bothered. She zipped up the front part of her suit and sat down at her station, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs at the knee as she turned her eyes in him and gave him a sly, almost pleased smirk.

Hmm... you know, its too bad, King.... too bad. I think I would have had a lot of fun with a young man like you. So passionate.... vibrant... and solicitous. So many things to teach you.... ah well... I reckon that's Morgan's pleasure to be had now. Guess I'll have to settle for teaching an old dog like Zach new tricks.

She thought, with a wink. Alison gave them further information and suggested they depart immediately. Haleigh eyed the screen as it portrayed the change in weather over in Greece... and the moon, as it began to change to red.

"Blood on the moon...." She said, almost inaudibly, and to herself. Then, tossing her hair and speaking up: "some people believe its an omen of great danger to befall them... makes 'em kinda squirrelly. Guardian's right... it's about time we went to her aide.... and we should be prepared for ANYTHING."

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Spellbinder looked herself over in her "inferno" costume, she noticed that Nicolas had been staring at her and Alison in a rather odd way. he was always one to enjoy LOOKING at the women of the six but something about these looks were unusual. She noticed him watching Haleigh, not that it bothered her. after all, everyone in the room was beautifull to behold and so who WOULDNT look at one or more of them?>>

Nicolas, if YOU dont put some clothes on...i may have to punish you for being the naughty boy that you are.

<< and again...the flickering "darkchilde" aspect forms around her as she grins demonically at him and only HE can see and hear this next part.>>

and i must warn you...i play ROUGH.

<< she herself had random "day dream" flashes even while they were in the war room....as she saw herself leaping upon Nicolas and devouring him as only a black widow could :fdevil: so young, so strong, so full of passion...and yet he knew how to respect and treat women. could it get any BETTER? but Morgan would not allow herself to be given over to him easily...not without EFFORT and even a "trial by fire" perhaps.>>

<< Little did she know that the red moon had surprises for them ALL that would reach them to their core and SHE might find herself (and her demonic flirtations as of late) addressing her growing attracting for Nicolas in a most shocking way.>>

the stories of the red moon...they revolved around a "witch on the island". the one that Alison just showed on the screen. the red moon was supposed to be the time when Hecate's deep seated desire for REVENGE both against the gods of olympus and the mortals who worshipped them came out in full force. She HATED Hera....and it was Hera who tried her best to drive a wedge between Hecate and the other gods on Mt. Olympus so she found herself hanging out in the underworld with Hades and Persephone...if only to keep herself from killing Hera outright.

<< Morgan knew that this was considered to be just MYTHOLOGY To most...even super powered beings, but she also knew that there were many things of this world that were all too real despite being considered myth. just as Alison said..."in plain sight, yet never seen.">>

it happens in cycles..hundreds of years apart. and everytime...its supposed to be a reminder of the bitterness and vengeance that filled Hecate's heart.

<< pointing to the changing moon on the screen>>

and yet...its effects..and the chaos it causes are rarely felt in this hemisphere.

<< maybe not by humans or most mutants...but it was CERTAINLY felt by WITCHES...especially those who descended from Hecate's bloodline directly! Morgan seemed not too "concerned" about the overall scope of things...just about getting to Persephone and she was CERTAINLY not bothering to restrain herself or her demonic flirtations to Nicolas. Almost DARING him to taste the "poison apple".>>

<< it was time to go, the team was all ready and Morgan looked Nicolas up and down before haughtily brushing past him, purposefully slapping his chest with the back of her hand as she waved dismissively.>>

everyone ready?

[Harbinger]

::Guardian felt a bit warm...she was fanning herself as Spellbinder spoke. the red moon....even as it was beginning to change seemed to slightly transfix her cobalt blue eyes as she saw images of the past...flashes of violence, chaos...and the feeling of EUPHORIA from it. Hecate's SOUL rejoiced as the men and their descendants who once paid homage to these arrogant, self righteous gods now SUFFERED. and though it was not clear whether or not ALISON was a direct descendant of Hecate, she could EMPATHIZE with how the woman must have felt. that was how SHE felt toward Haleigh and Cameron a year ago and she had NO problems repeatedly trying to maim or kill them as the result.::

:: despite how far she'd come since then, this night...despite the obvious danger to Persephone and to Greece and not yet knowing just WHAT terrible scenario the red moon would usher in, Alison found herself almost...LOOKING FORWARD to it!?::

:: as Morgan asked if they were ready, she quickly turned to Nicolas. her cobalt blue eyes glowing and her hair seemed longer , and flowing like shadow tendrills. it happened again....the demonic overture that only HE could see.::

yes, i'm ready...have my way with YOU!

:: she pointed at Nicolas with a whip. but as suddenly as that happened. its OVER. Alison, seemingly unaware of what she's done is now standing near Morgan, who has just haughtily slapped Nicolas on the chest.::

Ready when you are, Spellbinder

:: she fidgeted in her body contouring armour.::

is anyone else feeling...warm?

:: she said with a low tone. it was OBVIOUS that she too was being touched by the red moon's legendary effects. but trying to conceal it. she cast a look over to Morgan, who was ALREADY looking at her. they BOTH wanted to rush off and wild out together in the streets of greece, tearing at the hearts of men...tearing OUT there hearts. they wanted to carry Nicolas off and devour him on a physical and spiritual level.::


:: they KNEW what was happening, but they didnt CARE!::

[Oracle]

<< the situation becomes even more interesting...perhaps dangerous now as Spellbinder and Guardian feel themselves losing their inhibitions...Nicolas would do well to take care. One super powered witch is one thing..but TWO is quite another, not to mention all the OTHER women in his company. But the RED MOON doesnt just effect witches...as they will soon find out in Greece. Already its effects have begun to show themselves in the form of "demonic overtures" from Morgan and Alison...but they wouldnt be there if NICOLAS didnt WANT them to be there. oh yes, the red moon reveals MANY things.>>

<< Delilah will perhaps be the much needed beacon of light but with her recent personality changes, she may find herself all too willing to revel in her new found freedom as well. Even HALEIGH, though she may want to hid behind her hybrid nature, will find that the red moon touches HER as well.>>

<< the team gathered around Morgan, seemed to be preoccupied with her own increasingly wicked thoughts while Alison shifted and tried to HIDE her own brimming desire to "act out". Delilah and Haleigh may not have been able to see the demonic overtures from Morgan and Alison toward Nicolas, but they COULD see the two woman's subtle changes. this wasnt like the coming of the Inferno...it was more similar to what happened on Haleigh's yacht. >>

<< in the twinkling of the sorceress' eye, they teleport from New York city, to the country side of Greece. it's night time there, the weather is RAGING...and there are sounds of chaos and panic everywhere as sirens wail, people scream and fires BURN. the red moon is OUT.>>

<< it's only just beginning>>

<< the team finds themselves SURROUNDED by people gone wild. robbing, sexual assault, vandalism...its ALL happening to a most savage degree. they cannot ignore what's happening...they MUST help where they can before they reach Persephone. >>

MEANWHILE

<< Persephone knows all too well what's coming. She knows that the "legend" that Morgan and Alison spoke of is REAL. Hecate's revenge comes in cycles and it NEVER lessens in its fury with the passage of time and the red moon brings MORE with it than violence and dischord. it brings terrifying creatures, carnage and worse. there's someone in particular who DRIVES the fear that follows the red moon and Persephone can almost FEEL her closing in.>>

<< leaving her luxury estate, Persephone hopes to find the one woman who might be able to help her in this time of uncertainty. But is she HERE..in THIS timeline? its been SO LONG...Persephone might not even recognize her if she were here. It's a longshot, but the goddess has no choice. She did not readily ask the Six for HELP and at the MOMENT she believes she is on her own.>>

<< as she leaves her domain however, she finds herself being followed...HUNTED. eyes in the shadows all around, every corner that she turns. she feels she's being HERDED almost until finally she finds herself in a dead end alley and is confronted by a MASSIVE GIANT centaur with a torso that features a spectacular physique and a small army of half human/animal creatures. their eyes glowing as red as the moon as they leer at her with a bloodthirsty glint.>>

centaur: YOU are a FOOL to venture out under this moon! you are ALONE and without your full power...you will FALL before our Mistress' might. NONE will stand in her way!


<< at his roaring command, the BESTIAMORPHS, yet another myth that is all too real, attack Persephone with raw, animal, DEMONIC zeal. Beating, clawing, attacking without remorse!>>

[MorningStar]

[ MorningStar was ready, almost itching for action. She flexed her arms in anticipation. She did a quick double-take on Morgan and Alison - something seemed a little off with them - but maybe they'd both just had a couple cocktails before duty called. Couldn't blame them for that - she wasn't the morality police, certainly.

In answer to Morgan, she put words to what she had already been thinking. ]

"Ready."

[ She found herself teleported to the Greek countryside. ]

"We spend so much time here, I should look into a summer house."

[ But there was little time for joking as MorningStar noticed the savagery happening all around her. She didn't wait to be told what to do, or for the others to come with her. She just jumped into the fray.

She marched up to where a young, dark-haired man was grabbing at a terrified looking woman. He had a hold of her shirt and was trying to pull her towards him. He turned his head as Delilah approached. Without a word she backhanded him across the face, and he fell unconcious. The woman paused, speechless, for a split-second and then ran. Delilah called after her. ]

"You're welcome!"

[ She turned to where a group had thrown a trash can through a shop window, and were beginning to pull items out of the window. MorningStar's body began to glow slightly, then she threw out her arms projecting a laser blast onto the crowd designed to stun. She then covered the gaping hole where the shop window would have been with a forcefield. Satisfied that that would keep the looters out for at least a while, she turned back to the others. ]

"What is going on? Is it fieldtrip day at the local asylum?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: It was unwise to venture out under the red moon, but Persephone needed to find this woman. If only to find out why the red moon was happening now. Persephone and Hecate were very good friends for hundreds of years. Hecate even lived with Persephone in the Underworld for years to prevent an all out war against Hera and the 'lighter' Gods. The goddess needed answer as to why this was all happening, and why Hecate was doing it. ::

:: Making her way down a tight alley way that lead to one of the more busy streets of Athens, Persephone stopped. The alley was cloaked in a shadow which seemed to dissapear once she stopped. It was a dead end. ::

"Impossible.."

:: Knowing Greece like the back of her hand, it was impossible for her to get lost....unless she was being tracked. Herded by something. Turning, the violent winds blew her hair back behind her shoulder giving her a clear view of the centaur. Damnit, how could she be so sloppy. Looking to the centaur hearing his threat, Persephone couldn't help but let out a small laugh. But something he did day struck her curiosity. His Mistress?... ::

"Your threats are hallow and meaningless."

:: Seeing the beastimorphs appear, striking forward with their raw, animalistic rage, Persephone now knew who was behind this all! But how?! ::

:: Spinning out of the way as one beastimorph lunged toward her, a massive lightning bolt came crashing from the sky, slamming into it. The beast disintegrate instantly. Persephone began to unleash blasts of wind, pushing the beasts back to give her some distant from them. Reaching for her Mystic Daggers, a gift from Hecate herself, she immediately threw them to the ground between herself and her attackers; the blades sinking into the concrete like butter. Instantly a green shockwave of Mystic energy erupted from the daggers, traveling to the beastimorphs and crashing into them, sending them flying a few feet back and killing others instantly. But as she seemed to gain ground on these beastimorphs, more began to appear. They savagely continued to attack her, slashing at her open flesh with their claws, trying to get a bite in or two when they could. Although getting roughed up, Persephone didn't waver and continued to kill and push back the beasts. ::

[Jacob Black]

Ethan arrived at Illustra Inc after taking a meeting with Monarch Industries as well as setting up his personal office at Columbia where the semester was soon to begin. He sighed deeply knowing he would have to wait to be brought up by one of the members of the Six before he could do anything else. What else did he have to do to prove himself to these people. He went up to the lobby as he reached for his Blackjack phone and died for Haleigh, the only real person he trusted to bring him up without any funny business. There was no answer.

"Come on Davidoff.. I know i'm late but I better not be blacklisted from the Six for that..."

[Rampage]

Nicolas noticed the overture from both Alison and Morgan as they arrived on a chaotic scene: people fighting, making love, being raped and raping, looting, and several attempted murders by his count at first glance. Morgan warned him about his dress and he could see the erotic demonic look from both of the leaders of the Six. Strangely, as he began to ALSO be affected somewhat, he could feel his own lust for them bubbling even more to the surface. As Morgan walked past, brushing against his chest he caressed Morgan's bottom, then pinched her. It was very forward, even for him, but he was feeling more and more like an animal. He heard Alison's question and came a bit to his senses.

"I am feeling a bit hot, especially considering the circumstances."

Nicolas used his telepathic powers on the crowd, compelling them all to sleep...

[Barbara Minerva]

[ Barbara Minvera makes the scene. standing tall in the shadows behind the fierce battle. she does not show any fear as her emerald green eyes watch Persephone battle fiercely against the bestiamorphs, lead by the massive centaur.]


the read moon hangs low, like a giant, menacing orb of the legendary harbinger. Hecates hunger for vengeance courses through the hearts and minds of ALL under its unwavering glow. Her catspaw, that woman on the Isle of Aerie has perverted even the dark legacy of the goddess of witchcraft, using that JUSTIFIED bitterness to her own end. but this time...she wants to go a step further. I must do what i can to see that she is STOPPED!


[ the bestiamorphs that remain regroup and attack Persephone AGAIN but their roars turn into cries of pain as the air is pierced by the soft sound of arrows that fly with deadly speed and aim slamming into the backs, necks and even HEADS of some of the creatures. the tips of the arrows are strong enough to slice through stone and are laced with COBRA VENOM. the bestia morphs fall down...DEAD and Persephone can see the outline of a woman at the other end of the alley.]

do not despair, child. these creatures are nothing more than pawns. hardly the REAL players of this demented game tonight.

[the centaur turns to Barbara and roars with anger]

Centaur: meddling old woman, i willl BREAK your accursed spine and feed your remains to the snake pit.

[ he charges for the woman with alarming speed.]

not TODAY ..not EVER!

[ the woman brandishes a sword...and with splendid form she swings and SLICES the centaur across his chest DEEPLY...his wounded cry is a mix of man and animal. Barbara advances without hesitation preparing to DECAPITATE him.]

your shade will be the newest addition to the underworld, you filthy wretch!

[her tone drips with bitterness but as she's about to strike, HE is whisked away in a swirl of violet hued energy shards....]

he has been recalled by HER. the witch on the island.

[she looks over at Persephone who is definately a little shaken.]

Persephone? how is it that you came to be so far away from YOUR time...AGAIN.

[Persephone couldnt be coy. she knew that Barbara knew who she was. and as the two women stood in the now quiet alley with the faint wail of sirens in the air, Persephone had a chance to see her in a better light. this was in fact Barbara Minerva a woman who had aided the MoE in that timeline VARIOUS times. Barbara stood tall....5'11 and although she was an older woman, around Karen's age, she looked BEAUTIFULL and regal. her physical body was in tip top shape and she was feminine from head to two. armed with an array of weapons which she handled with deadly precision, she held out her hand to the disoriented goddess.]

come with me. it's not safe for you here.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Swinging her whip around her head, she connected with a beastimorph, the whip wrapping around it's neck and turning into a razor blade. Pulling back, Persephone swiftly cut the beasts head off with swift tug. Spinning, she slashed the razor blade whip across numerous beastimorphs, blood spewing from their bodies and flying onto her own. As she continued to fight fiercely, suddenly the beastimorphs were attacked by an unknown source. One by one they fell to the ground dead; their 'master' opting not to send more to fight. Gripping her whip handle tightly, she watched as the woman cloaked in shadows destroyed the centaur. ::

"Who are you."

:: Seeing her step forward, the light shined on her face, revealed Barbara Minerva. Loosening her grip on her whip, she had remembered this woman from the Masters of Evil. She was an ally to the team. Circling the whip around her torso (think Catwoman) Persephone stepped forward. ::

"It's a long story. Cliff notes version, Darkchilde's alter, Spellbinder lives in this timeline. Her teammates were in need of Darkchilde's help and they came across me in Ororo's garden. I have been working along side of them ever since."

:: Lifting her eyes, Persephone looked to the sky to see the moon now completely red. It hung low, illuminating the sky with a dark red hue. It practically matched the goddesses skin. The exposed areas of her body covered with dry blood and claw marks, the more recent wounds still bleeding. ::

"The beastimorphs were sent by Circe, weren't they? She's the cause of all this?"

[Jill Monroe]

<< arriving in the center of the mayhem, Morgan looked at Nicolas.>>

you'll pay for that, my dear. I didnt give you PERMISSION to touch me!

<< she held her hand up toward him, and smiled...bearing a fanged, gleaming, demonic smile as her eyes glowed. again, it was something only he could see.>>

but for now, i have lives to save.

<< the chaos around them was almost EXCITING to Spellbinder. sirens wailing, people r unning, screaming, fires burning..and of course, the red moon.>>

<< a man from a window in a large, several storied building near by was shouting in greek, holding a BABY in his arms! he TOSSES the baby!>>

goddess NO!

<< rushing winds and chimes are heard as Spellbinder takes off into the air and flies in an arc over the group, flying up toward the screaming, crying, falling baby!>>

hang on baby....i've got you!

<< Morgan reaches for the baby, and catches it slowing her speed and lowering with the baby as she wraps it in a blanket she's just conjured.>>

<< in an icy voice>> its okay honey.

<< she clutches her tightly looking down to the others.>>

Guys!! the man is on his way out....don't let him escape!!

<< she pointed to the raging man who was now charging out toward the group with a machete>>

[Harbinger]

:: walking forward with the group, they stayed together. Morgan and Alison held hands. Alison held Delilah's hand as well. it was an absent minded thing...like what you'd do with your sisters and Alison didnt even realize she was doing it. MorningStar left to save a woman being accosted by a man, while Rampage placed a mob into sleep and Spellbinder::

:: Guardian thought for a moment, and spoke.::

ETHAN! he's JUST NOW arrived at Illustra! can't HE EVER get anywhere on time?!

:: her voice tinged with agitation as she looked over to see a man rampaging from his fruit vendor stand, shouting at her in greek. he looked CRAZED! as he hefted a LARGE WATERMELON and HURLED it at her!::

WHAT!? you need a time out, buster!

:: she thrusts her hands out ala' Piper Halliwell and BLOWS UP the water melon as it hurls through the air at her. the man screams and begins hurling more fruits and other objects at Guardian. she gestures ala' Prue Halliwell and a rushing chiming sound is hard as she TK's the objects away...finally sending canteloupe BACK at him as it slams him in the head and K.O.'s him.::

:: Spellbinder alerts them to the man who threw the baby out of the window. and out he comes.::

Black Widow! he's all yours!

[Barbara Minerva]

[ Barbara could see a change in Persephone. she was colder, more focused, HARDENED. something had happened to her in the MoE timeline...she could FEEL IT.]

I suspect that there've been some CHANGES in the timeline of Darkchilde if YOU are HERE and not by HER side. you two were close....you did great things together. But before we discuss that or anything ELSE, we must leave her.

[she leads Persephone through a passage way that Persephone had somehow missed before]

yes, the witch on the island, CIRCE is driving the violence and chaos under the red moon. she has long exerted control over the coast lines of greece and any man who dares to venture toward Aerie is never seen again. Circe has been using her considerable influence to wreck HAVOK on the trade business that was handled by Cassadine Corp. ever since Stavros Cassadine was humiliated and arrested by the american woman, Alycia Barnett and ...the SIX.

[Barbara lead Persephone an area that looked like an old , classic greek styled courtyard. there were vines twisting around pillars, and covering the old stoned floors. it was oddly peacefull here inspite of them still being out in the open.]

stand with me here.

[they stood together on a mosaic circular designed symbol on the floor. Persephone had seen these in Ororo's citadle in the MoE timeline! and she felt a cool. soothing feeling as her wounds were heald and she was simultaneously teleported from that spot to a large, regal mansion, on a hilly area far outside the capitol city and the chaos. the place was like something out of a classic greek novel. huge, sprawling, and circular. there was a regal silence about the place.]

we are now in my own fortress. no one dares to come here.

[ they were now in a large circular study, Barbar removed her 3/4 cropped jacket, reaving her body contouring black cat suit with golden accents. seating herself by the large fire place, she offered Persephone a seat. the woman seemed very composed and calm.]

[Persephone would begin to notice PICTURES in this study..pictures of Darkchilde, the inner circle of MoE, pictures from that timeline..as if they were there JUST FOR HER. in fact, she saw some ARTIFICATS from Darkchilde's apothecary there as well!]

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled even as Morgan showed her demonic side, threatening him. He looked her up and down in her erotic costume. He knew that he was provoking her, but a side of him wanted to do just that. Morgan was frightening, to be sure, but he was not afraid, he was excited. Her teases and acting out spoke to his reptilian brain, the part that would just as soon MOUNT the Six as ally with them. He answered in his smoothest reply tone...

"I look forward to your penalties. Remember though, touch me and I touch you back."


Nicolas sung the last few words a la the old Digital Underground song. Suddenly Morgan was off saving a baby who had been thrown out of a window. The man who tossed it out was charging the group, surely the stupidest thing he had ever done. Nicolas rendered his weapon into fine powder in his hands as he waited to see how Haleigh would handle him. It gave him a chance to watch her move, if nothing else.

[Oracle]

<< and so, as the Six move TOGETHER through the chaos, helping those who need it and STOPPING the others who need controlling...the law enforcement officials find themselves GRATEFULL to the presence of the super powered americans...as opposed to their last visit where they rooted out Stavros Cassadine.>>

<< the team made their way, most of them displaying a surpsing sense of CALM and some secretly reveling in the lawlessness of the land.>>

<< meanwhile, Barbara Minerva was checking out Persephone with curiosity. She knew more than persephone might suspect and the woman could definately tell the goddess had been through some changes even since coming to this timeline. it was time for them to talk. the fate of Greece, this WORLD depended on the information exchanged between them tonight.>>

Meanwhile

<< ETHAN CRUISE was at Illustra, inexplicably LATE to Guardian's call...he was now half a world away from the team he wanted to be apart. his only hope was to reach Haleigh who would facilitate his arrival since neither Morgan OR Alison would show him any accomodation since he couldnt even get there on time.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Rolling her eyes hearing Minerva confirm it was in fact Circe, Persephone scoffed coldly. Circe was a freak show bitch who believed she was more powerful than she actually was. She tried numerous times to attack the Gods and prove herself worthy of being better then them. She of course, always failed. It didn't surprise her that Circe would be behind this mass chaos. Attacking innocent people to further boost her ever growing ego. ::

:: Following Minerva through the small alley way, the further they walked, the move out of this 'age' it seemed to get. It almost seemed as if she were literally walking through time. Coming to a small courtyard, Persephone stopped and looked around. But before she could speak, she was transported to another place. Her wounds being healed in the process. Arriving in Minerva's fortress, Persephone ran her fingers down her healed arms. ::

"Thank you."

:: Slowly walking forward once being offered a seat, Persephone opted to continue to stand. The pictures and artifacts caught her attention. Moving to one of the shelves, she picked up a picture that had not only herself in it, but Darkchilde, Alessandra, and Titania in it as well. All dressed to the nines and at Club XS. A faint smile appeared on Persephone's lips as memories of that night came flooding into her mind. Placing the picture down, the room was silent for a few minutes as the goddess looked over Minerva's various items. One jumping out at Persephone particularly. Picking up dark emerald green vial, the 'neck' of the small bottle was shaped as two serpents intertwining. Their heads facing away from each other and both mouths open. This was a gift from Persephone to Darkchilde....more of a joke really. Exactly like Spellbinder, Darkchilde was petrified of snakes. One year for DC's birthday, as a 'gag' gift, Persephone gave her this vial for her apothecary. Naturally Darkchilde playfully bitched at her, but regardless of the fact that she despised the actual bottle itself, she kept it in her apothecary. She used it. For the sheer fact because Persephone gave it to her. Closing her fingers around the vial, the goddess closed her eyes before turning to Minerva. ::

"Would you mind....if I kept this?"

:: It was a bit rude to ask to keep one of her personal effects, but Persephone was slightly taken aback by the fact that Minerva had them in the first place. ::

[Barbara Minerva]

[as Barbara poured herself a drink in an antique goblet, she didnt bother to look over to Persephone as the woman asked for that artifact. In this timeline as well as the one of the Master's of Evil, Barbara was known GLOBALLY by historian's archeologists and related experts as one of the most ACCOMPLISHED and skilled hunters of ancient, rare and powerfull artifacts. She was a seemingly fearless woman who had faced many situations and had put many of her MALE counterparts to shame. Persephone did not remember to have any super powers in MoE's timeline but there were certain things...the fact that she hadn't aged, her vital appearence, her extremely skilled, vicious fighting ability and mastery of weapons and resources, as well as her knowledge of mystical arts greek/roman mythology and other things...it made a person wonder just what she really was? she even had demonstrated quite remarkable strength for a woman in her 50's. the item that Persephone clutched...Barbara realized it meant something special to her. it almost seemed like she had anticipated this moment. she had no problem parting with that, as she had many MORE things contained within her lair.]

of course.

[she looked into the fire for a moment, before speaking again.]

I imagine there are quite a few things here that didnt expect to find in this time. Indeed, you're not the only temporal anamoly here. there are others. some have fallen through the cracks of their own reality. others like ME have forged their path by design and some...like YOU were given a chance that few could ever hope to have.

[she motioned for Persephone to come sit down across from her in another large chair at the fire place. the woman exuded calm, confident elegance...but there was a darkness and evil about her. she was similar to Karen and Ororo...and yet if you didnt know who she was...she could most likely NOT be someone you wanted to have dealings with.]

But I must ask, WHY are you here? Why this timeline with Darkchilde's cross time counter part?

[ Barbara knew there was a story there but she wanted to hear it from Persephone. in that timeline, Barbara had met , fought and come to AID members of the MoE LONG before the Dire Wraiths returned for their revenge and by THEN, Barbara had left that timeline all together.]

[here and now, Persephone had no choice but to level with Barbara. the woman was no fool and CLEARLY she was no one that could be intimidated. this tall, massive fortress stood tall and seemingly removed from the mayhem that spread across greece. it was the perfect time for them to converse before finally addressing the most obvious questions of the evening. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

: Running her thumb along the smooth emerald vial, Persephone nodded a thank you to the woman before moving toward to sit down. Holding the small bottle within her hands, the goddess sat back and crossed her legs. Looking to Minerva, she was a very wise woman indeed. Full of grace and power. But what Minerva would see in Persephone would be greatly different than she once saw in her. Cold and distant. Ruthlessly hard and very dark. Persephone was always considered 'evil' and bloodthirsty, which in some ways hadn't changed, but now Minerva could see that where she once had a bit of carefree joy in her eyes, it was now replaced with a guarded mistrust. Obviously a result of what had happened in her own time line. ::

:: In reality it had only been mere months since Persephone was actually introduced to this time line. She had literally been thrusted from one life to another in what, to her, felt like only seconds, but in actuality was 25 years. Placed in a completely different time in space with little time to cope before being jet set forward into capers. Being integrated with a woman she did not know. Being a protector instead of a killer. That alone showed how truly STRONG Persephone was. Lifting her eyes to Minerva as she asked about why she was here and what brought her here, the goddess paused. With her voice low, her gorgeous English accent played off her tongue like music. With the firelight dancing along her carmel skin, and making her hair look like melted chocolate, Minerva would remember how truly beautiful Persephone was. But she would also see, in that moment, that the goddess' beauty could not mask her pain. ::

"The original Dire Wraiths set forth to kill Darkchilde. They wanted revenge and would stop at nothing, and go through anyone, to get it. Naturally, myself and Alessandra stood by her, along with more of the high ranking and powerful members of the Masters of Evil. The battle was brutal; very grueling. At that point DC transported everyone to Limbo to regroup and basically have a 'home court' advantage against the Dire Wriaths, so to speak. But once arriving there, I became very ill. As you know, my body's physiology is tied to the Earth, and being in a place between time and space, I was literally slowly dying while there."

:: Looking to the crackling fire, as she spoke, the memories of that day played out in her head like a movie. ::

"The Dire Wraiths had finally found there way to Limbo, and while everyone was ready go and fight, Ororo insisted that I fall back. That I would only be killing myself if I continued the battle while in Limbo. I fought her, wanting so much to help my teammates...my sisters....that she cast me to stone in her garden to protect me."

:: Stopping, Persephone's glassy eyes stayed focused on the fire. She was not one to be overly emotional, or to burst into tears at any given moment. But it was obvious that this event struck her very hard. ::

"That was the first time in my entire existence.....that I’ve felt like a failure."

:: Her soft voice trailing off. It was more of a personal statement, something she didn't mean to say out loud. A few more moments passed before Persephone's gaze finally left the fire and was cast down to the small vial that she still held in her hand. ::

"Spellbinder was killed in a battle, and her teammates traveled to Limbo to find the Darkchilde for help. Upon arriving there, they found me, still in Ororo's garden. Alison Marble read an incantation which released me from Ororo's spell. It was then that I found out that...Alessandra. Titania....Morpheus, Brenthen, Elektra, Karen, and Ororo...were all dead--killed. Darkchilde was the only one to survive. They needed my help to get to her and communicate with her I was able to, and in turn, Darkchilde agreed to send Spellbinder's team back to the moment before she was killed so they could prevent it. Thinking I would stay with her, she explained to me there was nothing left for me there. The Masters of Evil was gone, our friends and team mates were gone. The world was a different place. It was my 'destiny' to go with the six into their time line."

:: Persephone considered the six her team mates now, but it was still a rough subject to talk about. Looking to Minerva, the goddess' face was a bit less tense, but still even and emotionless. Her eyes however expressed what her face did not. Deciding to find out why Minerva was here, Persephone changed the subject to see if she was in fact in this time line because of what was happening with the red moon. ::

"How did you come to be in this time line? Did you come here specifically because of what Circe is doing?"

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh went from light and playful to dark and serious, as if by some sort of internal toggle switch. The group was transported to Greece, which was in an absolute state of chaos. The team dispersed, dealing with what they could, but Haleigh stood in place, looking around at the mayhem... or, as it would seem, looking THROUGH the mayhem... scanning DNA signatures for Persephone.... but she wasn't here. Haleigh took slow, deep breaths as she stopped looking for Ava and started assessing the immediate situation. Though people were screaming and breaking things and the roar of a fire was nearby, Haleigh's hearing locked on the nearest sound: that of a single drop of liquid landing on her shoulder. She looked at it, and then slowly looked up. somehow, a mangled body had managed to get draped over a lamppost, and the last of the blood was draining from the body in single, spaced out droplets.... and Haleigh was standing in the rest. She didn't seem troubled... rather, she looked beyond the body.... the red moon could be seen through the clouds.

"Blood on the moon...."

She said softly, almost hypnotized by the actual sight of it. The sound of her callsign brought her back to reality, as Alison called out for her to take care of a madman, and Haleigh turned right into the man, who reached up to put his hands around her neck. She reacted with the speed of thought, it seemed, as she grabbed him by the wrists and held him off, even though he towered over her, spewing greek obsenities at her. Rather than vexed or even challenged, she seemed AMUSED. A cellphone rang.... RIGHT between them, and the sound surprised the man even to halt him in his raving, and for a moment, they both looked at each other silently.

"You gonna get that? Oh-- no, wait... i can feel the vibration... thats mine. Could you.... just hold on... for one second?"

The man obviously didn't like that idea... as he started up his yelling again, even more violently now, and he shook as he tried to fight Haleigh's strength. For Haleigh, it was like listening to a lawnmower start up... so she decided to drop the courtesies... right beside them, a fire hydrant began to leak, and one of the side bolts busted and hit the man, blowing his knee out and causing him to immediately shriek and hit the ground. Water sprayed out beside them, as Haleigh answered her phone, acting completely calm... as if the man lying at her feet was not screaming with pain.

"Hello? Hello? Damn it... I can bounce the signal off all the satellites I want.... why the HELL can't i get good reception?! Ah-- there.... can you he-- oh, hey Ethan. Good of you to call. We all thought wed go for a midnight stroll... you know... in Greece. How about you join us? Ask the receptionist for the time... when she directs you to look at the huge ass clock on the wall... apologize for not having your watch with you. She'll hand you one.... put it on and press the button on the side.... itll bring you here."

[Barbara Minerva]

[ Barbara Minerva slowly drank as Persephone told the tragic story of what had apparently been the decimateion of the Masters of Evil. It all too clearly confirmed her OWN suspicions of why she felt compelled to leave that timeline BEFORE it happened. The DREAMS she had...the TERRIFYING encounter she herself had with the Dire Wraiths when she had left XS one night after visiting with Darkchilde, Morpheus and Karen in the VIP suite!]

[ her heart went out to Persephone and while Persephone was much OLDER than Barbara chronologically, she was still manifested in the form of a young woman who could pass as Barbara's daughter. Persephone, despite her power and all she'd come t hrough in times/timelines past...was a woman who carried great pain and loss on her well guarded heart. Barbara remembered what it was like when she first went through pain like this...one of her first adventures YEARS ago (in another timeline) where she lost her entire archeological TEAM to a savage tribe during a dangerous exploration and fought like a DEMON to save the life of the one person who survived with her. the experience TRAUMATIZED her deeply and how she recovered from it, along with so many other things about her..remains a mystery to this day.]

[ she studied Persephone's face, her EYES as the woman recounted the story. and could easily see and empathize with her pain. the shocking decimation of MoE came as very sad news to Barbara as she bowed her head in solemn remberence of Ororo, Karen, Morpheus, Titania, Alessandra, Brenthon and Elektra]

the dire wraiths!? [she said softly, with a hint of painfull surprise]

[Persephone asked how Barbara came to be HERE as well, and now it was HER turn to level with Persephone.]

To be honest, Persephone, I was compelled to leave MoE's timeline shortly after my last visit with Darkchilde, her mother and her Morpheus. I had just helped Darkchilde and group of her team to destroy a demon that was stalking a witch in Los Angeles..this demon was ages old and could only be contained by the bands of cyttorak, a powerfull and deadly mystic talisman. I possessed the talisman and joined them on that caper.

Afterward, I visited with Darkchilde, Karen and Morpheus per their invitation at that club...XS. Shortly after i left...I was ATTACKED by these massive creatures. HIDEOUS things that REEKED of foul corruption. they were red...much like the moon and they commanded POWERFULL magick. these creatures resembled the ones i had been having NIGHTMARES about for weeks. I thought perhaps it was just mental fatigue and that my own imagination was running wild with images of adventures i had survived before, but there they were.

[ the fire itself seemed to expand as flickering images of the monstrous wraiths attacking Barbara in a dark alley could be seen. it was so similar to what happened HERE when they attacked ALISON behind this timeline's version of XS. Barbara looked determined, but was obviously faced with terrifying odds]

Though i was out numbered and unable to contact Darkchilde for her help , I fought them as best i could. I barely escaped with my life, learning that they had a weakness to cold metal, i wounded one with my fire arm severely enough to destract the others. It was the first time since.....[remember the time she lost her archeological team...the time when she was all too innocent] since the FIRST trauma that I had survived where my entire archeological team was slaughtered save myself and one other. i felt FEAR like i hadnt felt in so long. I used one of the talismans I obtained from Themyscria [island of the amazons] to create a path of escape for myself...across time and space and i came here to recover and this is where i have remained ever since. I have also found my calling here as well....that of an "adoptive mother" if you will

[what that meant, was anyone's guess but Persephone would be shocked to find out]

[ she looks down at her glass, and touches her chest with her hand]

those creatures were coming for Darkchilde. Had i KNOWN....I would have done everything i could to WARN her.



Persephone, my deepest sympathies to you. Your companions were honorable, powerfull people. They represented the BEST that a family could be and my dealings with them REMINDED me of the value of "team" interaction.

[Barbara reached over and touched Persephone's hand, a sign of care and understanding. she then sat back in her own chair]

Darkchilde sent you here, to give you a new chance at life. Prooving that she looked out for her team to the very end. As long as you and she are alive, the spirit of MoE, the things that made you all the strong family that you were...they will endure in ANY timeline that you go.

[ there's some silence after this remark. Allowing Persephone to think and compose her own thoughts. the steady ticking of a massive, eeriely designed grandfather clock could be heard in the air.]

time passes, the violence and chaos of the red moon begins to crest. But this is only the beginning. Circe IS behind this...and what she wants...is something that [b]I have. How fitting that YOU have come here when you did. It's just like "old times" again...[ the alligning of forces between MoE and Barbara] in a way.

[ standing up, she turns to the woman]

come, allow me to lead you to my most secure inner sanctum. i have something that i think YOU of all people will appreciate the significance of.

[she leads Persephone, through various rooms and halls. the decor of the place was simply marvelous. classic greek antiquity at its best with a seamless blend of modern technology within to enhance the home to the fullest. there were ancient weapons, sculptures, books and parchments encased in various places. several guards were posted on varioius floors of the estate as well. they didnt move not once but they WERE human. very large, well armed, well trained men. supposedly the best money could buy.]

[ B. leads Persephone down a descending spiral stair case that goes deep below ground past laser security grid and through a massive steel vault door. inside.....was something that would catch persephone by total surprise... PANDORA'S BOX ]

if you're ready, i have some things to tell you that might surprise you.

[ the woman looked knowingly at Persephone with her emerald green eyes as the legendary, TERRIFYING box slowly revolved in its crystaline field container. it shimmered as the ancient inscriptions sparkled randomly]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder hands the baby over to authorities who cant decide whether to thank her for helping her or being brave enough to ask if she is in fact "THE morgan victoria, signature super model of illustra" , some of them want to have their way with her....and that is NOT lost on Nicolas who will undoubtedly be jealous.>>

<< She smiles haughtily at the police as she leaves them with the baby. on her way back to the group she shoves a man who attempts to steal a car down to the ground and waves her finger disapprovingly at him.>>

you shouldnt take other people's things. that's not NICE! But....

<< she said without really paying attention to the man>>

I will be "taking" Nicolas for a demonic hell ride that he shall NEVER forget.

<< she leaned in and SNEERED at the man with full on "darkchilde" aspect manifesting through her face and hair, laughing as her scare tactic sends the man SCREAMING and scrambling down the street.>>

<< it had been nearly an HOUR since they arrived and made their way through the streets of greece, and still no sign of Persephone. Haleigh was tracing her DNA signature but as soon as Persephone left with Barbara Minerva, it became that much difficult to find her again.>>

<< Morgan found Haleigh effortlessly holding the struggling man. she folded her arms, amused at the way the man attempted to assert dominance over Haleigh of all people. Though they were different in many ways, Morgan and Haleigh were alike in that they'd NEVER take shit from any man. Haleigh subdued him just as ETHAN phoned in...in the middle of a crisis no less.>>

that ETHAN!

<< she fumed>>

what the hell is the matter with him? who does he think he is? some kind of DIVA? how can you be LATE to a caper when you're trying to be APART of a team! << morgan rolled her eyes as she looked over at Nicolas.>>

<< turning back to Delilah and Haleigh, Morgan spoke...pausing for a moment like she was almost BUZZING from a nice smooth cocktail or two.>>

we've got things undercontrol, this area is like our "bubble of calm" , Haleigh, while we wait on Ethan to arrive, see if you can pinpoint persephone again. at least...determine her vitals are stable. Alison and I have something discuss with Nicolas very quickly. We'll be along in a moment.



<< Alison was nearby Nicolas and she had just disposed of a fruit and vegetable hurling man. the two women exchanged glances at one another and then looked at Nicolas. Morgan smirked at him. as the casually coralled him away from Delilah and Haleigh, around the corner of a building.>>

funny how things can be one way one minute...and then suddenly change when you least expect it. dont you think, Nicolas?

<< she watched as Alison snuck up behind him...and slapped HIM on the ass before pulling him back with a whip over his neck. SHE was in her dominatrix outfit as Morgan stepped forward and grabbed his private parts. MORGAN was manifesting the "darkchilde" aspect and her demonic costume's chest area was now replaced with armour in the same cut and design. even in the midst of the violence around them, Morgan leaned in and whispered in his ear, her lips gently and slightlytouching his ear.>>

i told you that you'd pay for that stunt my dear. and THIS is only the beginning. you may be accustomed to getting what you want but you might find out...that what you want, is something you just CANT HANDLE!

<< she bites him on the ear and shoves him away.>>

We'll have you before this night is over.

<< the two women laughed as only wicked witches could. they didnt want to HURT him, but they couldnt half way help themselves as they became more and more intoxicated with the red moon.>>

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian held Nicolas with her mini whip as Morgan whispered in his right ear. SHE whispered in his left ear.::

I see all times and spaces. I know what you want to do. I can SEE you even when you hide in your apartment...touching yourself, and daring to dream of how you'd have your way with Morgan..or ME..or even Delilah, Haleigh and Persephone!. I WATCH you Nicolas just as i have watched Haleigh and Zach and you LIKE being watched. why else would you take your clothes off so much? we KNOW who you REALLY are. But even YOU cannot be prepared for the TIDAL WAVE that is US!

:: Alison laughed softly with Morgan as they held Nicolas in their thrall before Morgan pushed him away.::

No matter what you say, or do, I KNOW, Nicolas. the power of the red moon reveals ALL the vices ..the BASIC INSTINCTS! they ARE the most powerfull after all...are they not?

:: Alison and Morgan stood tall, wicked, BEAUTIFULL. Indeed, Nicolas was in the company of some of the most beautifull women ANYWHERE now that he was with the Six. and now that they were all under the red moon's glowing haze, they could scarcely keep themselves in order as they felt themselves feeling more and more drunk with reckless abandon.::


We better get back. that ETHAN will be here. The little fool doesnt know what he's missing...all of us beautifull women on this team.

:: she and Morgan high five one another as they make their way back to Delilah and Haleigh::

[Oracle]

<< the six were making progress...in more than one way. their help to quell the violence was almost "routine" for them. it was an automatic move for them the REAL progress showed as each of them breathed more and more deeply the hidden vapours in the air. the RED MOON itself, the symbol of the powerfull CRONE, HECATE. her own unabashed nature earned her the respect of the gods on olypmus and the ire of Hera. here in this time and space, the red moon symbolized, a dark freedom, lust, passion, violence...all the things that shouldnt be entertained.>>

<< the members of the six were becoming "dark" versions of themselves in the way morgan did during the Inferno. They werent even tearing at each other as they did on Haleigh's yacht, but among them, there had always been this sense of "duty"...to put OTHERS first and now...they, as a team decided THEY need to be first. they all reveled in their own darker feelings and emotions, as the casually dealt with/disposed of "law breakers". it got to the point where they really didnt CARE, but they just didnt want to see all the "poor, weak, helpless creatures" getting hurt or killed.>>

<< they almost seemed to lose their focus on just WHERE they were going, especially now that they were waiting on Ethan.>>

<< they would need to find housing soon. the idea was to join Persephone at her mansion, but with her having "moved" to an as yet undetected coordinates, they would once again have to take up residence at one of Haleigh's safe houses.>>

<< and then..things would REALLY get interesting for them all!>>

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

Meanwhile

<< finding common ground with Barbara Minerva couldnt have happened at a better time for the time displaced goddess, Persephone. The woman was truly resilent and strong..but even SHE needed a chance to let feelings out. she found that chance with Barbara. the two women shared a solemn moment of silence honoring the memory of the fallen members of the MoE and their allies, and then as they talked and shared their stories with one another, it became clear that Persepehone could trust Barbara just as she had done so long ago. She wasnt so "alone" or "out of place" after all in this timeline and Darkchilde had NOT left her abandonned and alone.>>

<< Persephone was now in for the shock of her life when she discovered that BARBARA MINERVA was in possession of Pandora's box! but how was this possible? where as PANDORA herself? so many questions...but was there enough time? there would have to be...for all their sakes.>>

<< the red moon glows...and the first wave of violence might be waning a bit...but the worse is yet to come...>>

<< and so we watch.>>