The way we were

[Oracle]

Mt. Olympus


<< the damage and destruction is reversed on all levels. bodies that were broken and dismembered come back together and what was once dead gasps anew with the breath of life. Olympus itself benefits as well as the walls, columns and foundation are all restored, free of scorch marks, physical damage and other structural stress. the stars and the skies themselves turn back as well and the red moon shifts, returning to its natural state. the strange sounds associated with the temporal reversal can be heard all around until finally, Hecate's voice can be heard.>>

Hecate: it is done!

<< time has been reset, with several KEY differences to make SURE that history remains true to form. Circe's evil charm never reached Athena and while Persephone DID murder Hades as often recounted, he would be the LAST Olympian to be murdered....and therefore there would be no bloody battle on Olylmpus. Everyone is standing at the spots they were the moment the final interaction between the Six and Olympians was to take place and while they ALL were physically in tact..the MEMORIES of what had occured "before" still lingered in ALL of their minds. they had to realize they had a second chance...>>

<< and so we watch...the way things were MEANT to be.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< an exhausted and weary Morgan couldnt do much but tremble as she narrowly avoided being trampled to death by a seemingly ENDLESS ARMY of golden hued energy "horses" ridden by amazons. Hecate had finally recovered and stopped time. as the goddess of witchcraft helped the dazed Sorceress up, Morgan could do nothing but limp over to where her dead friends and rampage laid. Delilah was frozen and so Morgan could not move her.>>

<< she was not fully focused as sne collapsed in the pentagram, breathing heavily and holding on to her chest. the battle had been grueling and taken a toll on her body AND her psyche.>>

<< as Hecate seemed to take over, Morgan couldnt help herselef as she laid down from fatigue, resting her head on Rampage's chest as she exhaled one last time before her eyes fluttered and closed.>>

I want to sleep....forever....

<< even the sound of her thoughts was faint as she slipped into slumber...but sleep was fleeting as she , along with everything ELSE was enveloped in Hecate's temporal spell. time turned back and everything that was dead, now lived, everyething that was damaged was now repaired and all signs of battle had been removed.>>

<< suddenly, without knowing how...at least not at first impulse...but there she was, standing tall and full of vitality....as she and her team had just arrived to Mt Olympus to join Persephone and Hecate as they were already being confronted and CONDEMNED by Athena and Zeus.>>
<< Morgan scowled at Zeus as she stood there.>>

<< something else was noticeably different too...no red moon. not yet anyway.>>

[Athena]

:: Athena's golden eyes met with Persephone's as Bupol became a little agitated. Athena hushed her feathered companion as she continued to glare at the arrogant , murdering, renegade goddess. Even now, she was antagonistic and poked her finger in thier "eye" with seemingly NO CARE of the consequences about to come her way.::

insolent, murdering wench. your wanton violence and depraved acts have earned you a fate you MORE than richly deserve.

:: she paused , looking at Hecate.::

Stand aside, Hecate. This does not concern you. Your value, your contributions to Olympus are well known and your position and place here should not be jeopardized because of HER

:: pointing with contempt at Persephone::

her companions appealed to me in the Parthenon. Their Harbinger and their Warrior, Nicolas had appealed to me in a way that only a wise and truly just individual could...but in the end, she [persephone] herself prooved unworthy of THEIR loyalty as well as any possible favor or mercy from those of us on Mt. Olympus who have long grown tired of her treachery.

There is NO justification for her actions, no reason, NO worthy explanation. She is a CANCER that must be erradicated for the benefit of ALL whose paths have been blighted by her.

:: thunder rumbles in the air.::

you, persephone are an unmitigated FOOL and you will purged of the folly of your existence. the ONLY noble thing you have done to date is to spare your friends...most of whom now see you for the heartless, dishonorable creature that you are...the fate which YOU richly deserve by not bringing them.

:: looking to Hecate again.::

Please, Hecate, move away from her. You need not be bothered with her any longer.

::THIS TIME, Athena looks upon Hecate, the memories of what happened "before" begin to flash in her psyche with painfull clarity. She knows that somehow they are REPEATING this sequence and that there is a reason for it and knowing this, prompts her to do something she didnt before::



:: turning to Zeus. whom she "remembered" inciting a higher level of violence and retribution to INCLUDE Hecate::

Hecate is NOT to share Persephone's fate. we OWE her that whether you agree or NOT for had she NOT willingly come to OUR aid so many moons ago, WE would not be here today. Do not let your arrogance and your desire to hurt and humiliate BLIND you to the truth. the ONLY person who is to be dealt with today is Persephone.

[Zeus]

The thunderous bang of the chamber room doors opening caused Zeus to look away from Athena. Instantly narrowing his eyes at the sight of Persephone, the woman had a lot of nerve announcing herself as if she hadn't just killed his brother.

"You HARPY!"

Zeus' voice bellowed loudly. Gripping his hands into fists, Athena addressed Hecate, instructing her to step aside. At this point, he wasn't worried for Hecate's well being. She was just as much of a pain in the ass as Persephone, and if she die in this battle, then so be it.

Growing tired of Athena's pleas to Hecate, Zeus was ready to fillet Persephone whether Hecate was ready to step aside or not.

"Enough, Athena! Hecate knew very well the bridges she would be burning if she continued assoicating herself with that viper!"

Ready to unleash a massive attack against Persephone AND Hecate, Zeus looked to Athena who further insisted not to involve Hecate. Something in her voice...in her eyes, made Zeus realize that Athena was pleading to not save Hecate, but to save THEMSELVES. AN eerie feeling overcame him, like he had lived this before. Casting his eyes to Hecate, Zeus looked sternly at her, wanting so desperately to just kill her.

"FINE. Stand aside Hecate. I will collect Persephone's head as she did my brothers. My quarrell is no longer with you. But SHE [points to Persephone] WILL DIE!"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone's eyes shifted around the throne room of Mount Olympus, unaware of HOW she got there. The last she remembered she had....died?! No...there had to be a mistake. She was knocked out, maybe put under Aphrodite's spell? But where was the battle? Why was the room prestine and beautiful as it was before the battle took place. She was battling Morningstar and now she was unharmed being bitched at by Athena once again. Quickly looking to Hecate who stood aside of her, Athena and Zeus' voices drowned out as she looked for the answers she was seeking in Hecate's eyes. Whatever the story, she knew Hecate had done something to bring them back to this time. ::

:: Snapping back to reality, Persephone heard Zeus' last words and looked to him a bit hesitant. She had to continue her act of being the 'black sheep' of Olympus. The bitchy murderess. But Persephone felt odd and very out of place. ::

"You're--You're a fool, Zeus, if you think you can kill me. You hide behind woman like a spineless pig."

:: Not very convincing, but still, nonetheless stern and direct. Glancing to her right, she saw the six. They seemed just as confused as she was. Her blue eyes were softer than they usually were, more accepting almost. She even seemed to show a hint of regret and guilt for dragging the six into this mess. Finally looking away from the six and back at Zeus and Athena, Persephone knew she needed to continue with the way the timeline was REALLY supposed to play out. ::

"Speaking of tactless woman, where's your wife, Zeus? Off imitating a cow? Goat?...Dung beatle perhaps?"

[MorningStar]

[ Guardian and Spellbinder SHATTERED Persephone's vortex and teleported them back to Mount Olympus. Even after all these years MorningStar could still be surprised by their sheer power.

But wait, this was wrong - all wrong. This had happened before. In that moment she realized that somehow they had come back in time to the moment they had arrived to face the gods of Olympus. But how and why she did not know... Flashes came to her: Haleigh dead, Persephone dead, Nicolas and Alison unconcious, Morgan hurt, herself hurt...

She flexed her hand - the one that had been shattered just moments before. Zeus had been about to kill her too. And maybe Morgan. But how could they escape the same fate this time? What was supposed to happen?

The last time she had stood with Persephone and Nicolas, pledging her life to her team mates. What was a better solution than that? Offering Persephone to the wolves was surely not the answer. She wished she knew how Persephone had escaped the first time this had all happened...

Persephone spoke, just as menacing and self-destructive as before. Delilah did the only thing she could think of, the only thing she had left to offer. ]

"Zeus, king of the gods. Mighty Athena."

[ She cleared her throat, trying to speak as if she were unafraid. Strong. ]

"We have already seen the death of one god of Olympus today. Surely the death of another would only serve to make the gods appear weak to the humans below. You have seen the mettle of me and my companions. You have seen that we are honorable. Allow us to take Persephone with us now away from this place - away from you - forever. Make that her punishment. Show the mercy of the gods. Show honor in not slaughtering one of your own, no matter her crimes. Let us take care of our own."

[Jessica Hamby]

Persephone attempted to trap them, a move that frustrated Haleigh... WHY was the woman so anti-team? It occured to Haleigh that it was perhaps because the LAST 'battle of the titans' Persephone had engaged in with her ORIGINAL team left everyone dead. Maybe she was afraid to be victim to that again. It made no difference, in a matter of minutes, they sprung free and were transported to Olympus. Nicolas stood up to Zeus AND Athena.... and Haleigh moved in to support him by relieving him of an adversary. The man had heart, but really.... challenging them BOTH was dangerously too big a task for ANY one of them. Haleigh struck up a conversation with Athena... surprisingly calm for someone in the midst of an all out war.

"Well.... we meet at last. I must say, I have always held you with high esteem... I mean, it's not HARD to see why YOU would appeal to me. It is.... such a SHAME we find ourselves on opposing sides here, Athena. Now, I KNOW that you are not as afraid of me as you SHOULD BE...." she says, as she begins handling a small object, causing it to make several clicking sounds that will undoubtedly confuse those of THIS time, who are very unfamiliar with the sounds. "But that's okay... I won't take it personally... I realize that you do not possess the CAPACITY to understand WHY you should fear me at all. Indeed.... I suppose it would be pointless to try to explain it. Perhaps we should just get started?"

She says cooly, as Bupol takes flight from Athena's shoulder, as it seems to understand that WHATEVER Haleigh is holding is NOT good. Haleigh raises her hand, and the glint of sunlight on the barrel reveals her toy to be a small handgun... it is the one she keeps on her person JUST IN CASE she is unable to manifest one, for any reason.... because Haleigh is never one to be prepared.

But Haleigh hesitates... The sight of the bird quickly swooping towards her seems to completely confuse her... she feels like she's experiencing deja vu.... suddenly, like an instant download, Haleigh remembers everything that happened, right up until her own death at the hands of Athena. She looks down at her stomach, rubbing it with one hand where she was impaled. She looks up again, and pulls to the left, allowing Bupol to pass over her shoulder unharmed, and then looks at Athena with dark determination. Hecate may choose to step aside, but Haleigh, acting on protective instinct, stood in the gap. She was firm and confident, but decidedly more humble than last time around, as she backs up Delilah's lead.

"Athena.... I know that you and many of your companions here on Olympus feel that Persephone has much to answer for. She has killed two of her own kind with little regard and she has upset the very balance of this place. However.... you must understand that I..... nay, WE, all SIX of us, are willing to go to our DEATHS to stay together, and there is nothing you can say or do to convince us otherwise. As for HER.... I second Morningstar's[gesturing to Delilah] suggestion. Persephone has shown herself to be unworthy of this community.... so banish her. WE will make sure she NEVER returns.... and you will never suffer another headache over her. I KNOW the idea offers LITTLE in the way of instant satisfaction..... but weigh it against the knowledge that ALL of us will suffer DEVASTATING losses if we repeat ourselves."

[Hecate]

[ Hecate's eyes meet with Athena's. She appreciated Athena's attempts to consider her but Hecate couldnt...WOULDNT abandon Persephone. Not only out of principal, but for PERSONAL reasons. despite the rift that Persephone could have caused between them..both women still cared about each other and Hecate would much rather defend someone who truly considered her a friend rather than just a magickal wild card to get them out of trouble like the Olympians often did.]

[ Hecate wouldnt move. and soon Zeus was bellowing in typical fashion. the Six arrived via stepping disc and Rampage stepped beside them. Hecate couldnt help but smile a bit as the young man challenged him. her face now darkened and enshrouded in shadow, she smirked as Zeus insulted her.]

old man....

[ she said in a cold, deep tone.]

the day i EVER bow before you is the day i lose my grip on life. you were not strong enough to deal with your father and you will NOT be strong enough to defeat ME. Have a taste of your OWN abuse, you old FOOL!

[ Hecate speaks with contempt as she gestures ala' Prue Halliwell...but she stops herself. No one has attacked yet this is one of the KEY MOMENTS....and she neednt be the one to rock the boat needlessly, she instead postures, to demonstrate how UNIMPRESSED she is by Zeus. Persephone asks where Hera is, and Hecate smirks...as thunder rumbles again, slowly in the air. ]

yes, WHERE is she? I can't IMAGINE [ she said with exagerrated sarcasm] that she would miss THIS for the world.

[ Zeus might have forgotten about Hecate's precognition...and he wasnt present for Alison's warning to Athena...but the moment of final betrayal was now at hand. She looked as MorningStar and Black Widow moved forward.]

[HOWEVER, MorningStar made a sound, logical plea for Persephone to be banned from Olympus. it was the right thing to say...and Black Widow, INSTEAD of needlessly provoking Athena by hurting Bupol, JOINED MorningStar in the motion for Persephone's banishment. it was working! the spell had done what it was meant to...and NOW things would happen the RIGHT WAY! still, her own contempt for Zeus and the olympians was growing by the second for she knew they had something instore for HER too....a level of disrespect and betrayal that even SHE could not overlook.]

[Hera]

There was a glint in the darkness as the light reflected off Hera's golden eyes. She stepped from the shadows, her face not masking her rage. Her voice boomed and reverberated through the hall - the voice that had caused humans to flee in terror - as she focused her anger on Persephone.

"If it isn't the woman who put the "whore" in horrible. You mock Zeus even now, with what you've done."

She moved forward towards them.

"You have insulted us all with your latest act of treachery. You betray us, the gods of Olympus, who so mercifully allowed you to live when you killed Demeter, one of our own. And now you've taken Hades from us..."

Her gaze flicked briefly to Hecate.

"...and from one who you called your friend. Who even now stands by your side. You bring outsiders to our most sacred of places. Your insolence knows no bounds."

She directed her words now at Zeus and Athena.

"Hecate takes sides with the traitor, so she is no better. The crime is now hers as well."

She turned and took her place next to Zeus, turning back to face Hecate and the Six. Her voice was cold, yet filled with the smug satisfaction and the belief that she had won once again. She was about to say "Kill them" but something stopped her. Some memory, fleeting through her mind, giving her pause. Regaining her composure, she changed her words, knowing somewhere in the recesses of her mind that there was a reason to let them live.

"May the both of them be banished - forever."

[Jill Monroe]

<< holding her soul sword in her armoured covered hand. the armoured gauntlet which now manifested over her right hand, arm and shoulder grafted in perfectly with her "inferno" costume and the din of the flames from the sword provided a constant noise effect even as Athena, Zeus, Hecate, Persephone and now Nicolas exchanged words. Morgan didnt speak yet but her contempt for ZEUS could be seen in her icy violet eyes. She was no longer a "servant girl" now. she was a demon sorceress with PLENTY of power to back up her bitchy posture.>>

<< something was different this time. she looked down at her armoured covered hand, which was gripping the soul sword. she wasnt holding it seconds ago. she remembered laying her head down on Rampage's chest and passing out and now THIS...but as she looked down at the sword and heard Zeus attempting to intimidate Hecate and Persephone, she REMEMBERED>>


it wasnt a dream!! we WERE here before...



<< Morgan's mind churned with the memories of what seemed too terrifying to be real...a violent, bloody battle with fatalities on BOTH sides and it would have began NOW...but Black Widow didnt harm Bupol, and Athena stayed her hand as well.>>

<< what they were doing now, could change the course of EVERYTHING in their own time in ways that none of them save Alison might be able to fathom right now. Would they have anything WORTH going back to? if they survived, how would they deal with Persephone? she rebuffed them at every turn and for NO good reason. She didnt even KNOW how they had pleaded on her behalf to Athena...would she have even CARED?-- perhaps NOW, if she too had the memories of the bloody battle that had taken place "before", Persephone would realize that they were a TEAM for a reason>>



<< so many things to wonder about but all at the wrong time of course. Spellbinder remained poised and attentive as she picked a place to stand in that gave her plenty of open aim at Zeus. She really DIDNT want to fight Athena. Despite what had taken place, Athena remained one of Morgan's favorite goddesses to study and even though the woman was cruel and unforgiving, Morgan couldnt help but ADMIRE the coldness and the heartlessness about her. They were qualities that she aspired to HERSELF though probably not for the same reasons as Athena.>>

<< the idea of castrating Zeus with the Soul Sword appealed to the sorceress, not to mention cutting out Hera's tongue, whom apparently was set to appear according to Hecate's short range precognitive vision. But more importantly, as Nicolas said...whatever Persephone was/is, whatever her problems ...they were THE SIX'S to deal with, NOT the Olympians and it was team for the team to stand together. this was NOT their final battle but if they were to SURVIVE to reach that battle...they would have to stand together HERE like never before.>>

<< in an icy voice>>:

seems to me like Zeus wouldnt be much without Athena, Hecate or any OTHER WOMAN on Olympus. in MY timeline, your name only remains relevant in the minds of dusty, old , decrepit college professors and sci-fi geeks who still watch "clash of the titans" like it was just released. Athena, Hecate, Artemis...ALL of the women of Olympus enjoy more popularity and relevance then you EVER could.


<< and almost on cue, HERA appeared, the woman who was obviously a legend in her own little mind. she totally disregarded Athena's admonishing and directly attempted to pass judgement on Hera, it seemed that Hera had decided that POLITICS was more important than justice as she once again vexed and marginalized Hecate BANSHING HER from Olympus as well.>>

<< Morgan rolled her eyes, but kept silent, knowing this was a critical moment.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas was in a stupor, barely feeling Morgan lay her head on his chest...Suddenly, he was back before the beginning of the battle with the Olympians!!!

The memory was groggy, but nonetheless it became clearer as he watched everyone speak, a secret between them being played out as everyone turned from the path of war. The death and destruction of all was at stake, and everyone seemed to understand the gravity of the situation.There was another feeling, too. The minds, all of the minds he heard and filtered out...were no more. With effort, he could hear thoughts, but he could not "access" them, play with them as it were.

He wiped a bit of blood from his nose as he strained to figure out his new situation. As he stood there, he realized that he could feel his body like never before. It was STRONG, perhaps stronger than ever. And everything else, he could also feel it. In the ways he had felt with his TK before, but never this intimately. He had no idea what lay in store for him, but he was glad to have Hera pronounce banishment rather than death, but for BOTH Hecate and Persephone.

Looking at his teammates, Nicolas was hoping that they were getting the clue that it was maybe time to leave while they still could...

[Hecate]

[ Hecate clenched her fist with contempt, but she allowed herself to CALM DOWN as Morningstar and Black Widow made a sound plea on Athena's judgement. of all the Olympians, she would hold the most sway over Zeus outside of Hera.]

[ knowing that Persephone would be cast out of Olympus, banned from the mountain and that the Olympians would wash their hands of her, expunging her memory and that MORTAL history would regard her as a mere foot note compared to the other female goddesses would appease the unchecked egos of the Olympians and allow them time to heal from the damage she caused. it would also FORCE HER to learn, and to grow...gaining the skills that she now boasted and allowing her to cross paths with Darkchilde.]

[but of course, Hecate's time on Olympus was at an end as well. the petty politics and "popularity contests" , not to mention the damage to the trinity of the moon had erroded Hecate's place here and being that she was a TITAN rather than a blood Olympian, it was easier for some of the gods/goddesses to marginalize her. No one was more eager to do this than HERA who had long been jealous of Hecate for gaining the respect of Zeus and his brothers as well as catching the eye of the now deceased Hades. If she WERE to be bannished, it would NOT be before she had HER final say for she knew that her life was not at an end HERE...nor did she require the faith and devotion of the mortals as the olympians did.]

[ As Hera declared that Hecate must leave Olympus and no one rebutted her, Hecate looked up slowly, her face partially enshrouded in shadow as her eyes fixed on Hera.]

do you think my lively hood is predicated upon my living HERE? do you think i NEED ANY OF YOU?

[ thunder rumbles as Hecate steps forward]

I didnt need YOU when your FATHER swallowed your brothers and sisters. I didnt NEED YOU when i DEFEATED Cronus and condemned him to a fate worse than DEATH!

[ turning to Zeus]

YOUR gratitude was MORE than "prooved" when you TOOK from me the only man I loved...forcing him to marry PERSEPHONE in a power play....you sought to UNDO what Demeter had done in order to punish Persephone and in your foolish attempt to assert your dominance you hurt ME....but you didnt care.

[ pointing at both of them]

NO MORE!

[ a mournfull bell tolls as the moon begins to change.]

I am STILL the moon goddess AND the goddess of witch craft and without ME, the trinity will FALL.....and as the moon changes from white to red...it flows WITH MY HATRED OF ALL OF YOU and you and ALL those who follow you will FEEL the fury and chaos of the red moon from HERE ON! there will be dischord, unrest, treachery and betrayal!

[ her face now FULLY enshrouded in shadow as she continues, the red moon hangs LOW ...looking large and ominous.]

your actions now may satisfy your unchecked egos, but you will come to see just how marginalized you yourselves will be as new faiths and gods replace you in the minds of mortals on earth..and those who DO remain loyal to you will suffer as YOU DO!

I may leave...but YOU will scarcely be able to enjoy this moment!

[Athena]

:: Athena looked upon the members of the Six as they appeared and rallied around Persephone. their courage and their resolve was strong, even in the face of such condemnation but the fact that they refused to abandon her...it was a trait she'd only seen in only the most brave and bold of her personally chosen champions.::

:: As Black Widow manifested a most peculiar weapon, Bupol flew away from her, Athena watched as the owl perched itself high above on the shoulder of Athena's statue in the pantheon, far above danger....Black Widow didnt harm Bupol, she seemed more aware, more cautious and WISE with her words. and as she and MorningStar lobbied for Persephone to be sent away from Olympus for ever, Athena's stone faced expression remained unchanged at least outwardly.::

:: Zeus continued to bluster, as only he could...it even wore on Athena's nerves how over the top he could be and as Spellbinder quipped, her words also registered with Athena. she WAS right after all, the women of Olympus were responsible for the more historic events while the gods mostly concerned themselves with pleasures of the flesh and if they WERE to find themselves less relevant in the centuries to come....Athena felt it would be best if they delayed THAT as long as possible...starting with bannishing Persephone. BUT OF COURSE, HERA had to come and ride her husbands coat tails of pettiness.::

:: Athena shot a look of annoyance at Hera as the woman added her two cents and Zeus seemed all too glad to accept Hecate being cast out of Olympus as well.::

:: but before Hecate cursed them all, Athena spoke::

Take Persephone and LEAVE.

:: she waved her hand dismissively.::

YOU, Persephone are cast out. Your reputation, your mantle in this realm is NO MORE. You are LOWER than Prometheus and Achilles and more reviled than ANY creature that walks Doom's Doorway on Themyscria. By all rights, i SHOULD condemn you as i did the gorgon Medousa but to allow you to remain here where you might find some sort of strength, renewal or safety...is MORE than you deserve.

You are BANISHED, cursed to wander the world at large and to be considered nothing more than an ungreatfull, treacherous daughter who dishonored her mother and her fellow olympians at every turn. NEVER show your face here again, or you WILL be mine to do with as i will.

:: and with that, the golden light of Athena's justice shines down upon Persephone, STRIPPING Persephone of her power to ever access this realm again from any timeline. the only reason she got here in the FIRST PLACE was because of the medallion given her by Barbara Minerva and now, she was stripped of her Olympian privilage to ever return here.::

you are NOTHING to us. BEGONE!

:: but Athena's final condemnation could not be as impacting as she would like before she found HERSELF on the end of Hecate's indignation but unlike the other Olympians, Athena chose to say nothing, for through the memories of the battle "before", as well as her own personal feelings about Hecate...she knew that Hera and Zeus were WRONG for what they did to her time and again and even PERSEPHONE was wrong for the damage she caused the moon goddess through murdering Demeter. Hecate's curse was more prophetic than anyone save Alison might have guessed, for there WOULD come a time when this place would crumble with the cruelty of being FORGOTTEN and THAT was a fate worse than death. the red moon cast a horrid glare upon them....and Athena found herself completely at odds with Zeus and Hera on this...but there was nothing more to do. THIS had already occurred, and it was unfolding the way it was meant to.::

Hecate....

fare thee well....

:: Athena could say nothing more, as she called for Bupol and soon vanished in a column of golden light. the gods/goddesses of olympus would not see Hecate, Persephone or the Six again.::

[Hecate]

[ as Athena cast Persephone out, and stripped her of the power to return, she bid Hecate farewell...Athena was the ONLY one of the Olympians present that Hecate truly respected and Bupol had been a gift from the goddess of witchcraft to the goddess of war. but the fact that Athena didnt even voice her displeasure with Hera over her treatment of Hecate showed her where Athena's ultimately loyalty lay.]

[ Hecate didnt reply as Athena departed and instead turned her back on Zeus and Hera, barging through the Six as she stormed away, the thunder echoing her agitation. The memories of the battle from the "last time around" flashing in her mind. she remembered how she lashed out at Persephone, then Rampage and Black Widow before annihilating Hera. Not this time...]

i shall take MY leave of this place.

[ as the red moon shown, the violence and chaos began to spread rampant across the shores of greece, even now, warriors battled and spilled blood in and around the parthenon and dischord between men and women soard to new heights.]

[ Hecate vanished in a swirling, glowing malestrom of dark magick, returning to the enchanted forest that would eventually become the sight of Barbara Minerva's mansion centuries later. Persephone would have sense enough to tell Morgan where to teleport the team AND she would have her last chance to speak with Hecate in this timeline before she would experience the CENTURIES of no contact with her life long friend. it was the chance for her to speak on things that she had not the "last time around" and Persephone would undoubtedly have memory of the way Hecate lost control, just as Hecate did. Much had happened, but they werent to see each other for the last time on a BAD NOTE.]

[Harbinger]

::They were BACK where they started at the final confrontation.... Perched atop a pillar high above, Guardian had remained cloaked, but as the seer, she had PERFECT recall of the variant time stream they had just experienced and she knew how HORRIBLY arwy things had gone.::

:: the memories were all too clear. she would look at anyone of the Six or the Olympians and see their moments of defeat or death, the image of a battle ravaged area was super imposed on the one she saw before her physically...the next few moments , actions on either side would determine which way they would go...and she watched, with intense cobalt blue eyes.::

:: this time was DIFFERENT though, one by one, the players in this final game carefully chose different courses of action and slowly but surely, events played out as they were meant to. As Hera appeared, Guardian quitely appeared in full view, standing with the team now. as there would not BE a battle, she had no need to lay in wait to strike and now, as the final words, condemnations and curses for centuries to come were laid out, Guardian looked upon the final interactions with the gods/goddesses with a detached glare, in her own mind, she quitely recounted the moment when all of this had degenerated...the brutality and death that had come to both sides. no lives were lost, but ties were severed and Persephone was now cast out....this was the beginning of her journey that would eventually lead her to The Six.::

:: the moon changed, and the feeling in the air was thick with hatred and bitterness. Hecate's power and spirit were strong but since there was to be no battle the six had the buffer of remaining still and silent, the painfull memories of what "might have been" preventing them from fully being affected by this first red moon.::

:: Alison looked "ahead", everything was falling into place, small comfort for Hecate though, who had endured her final insult and ensured the future hardship of those who remained on Olympus. the goddess of witch craft barged past the six, and disappeared. so too did Athena, Zeus and Hera would be taking their leave as well.::

This is it....

:: she said softly::

the way it was meant to be.

:: she looked at Persephone for a moment, before looking at the group, silently thanking Hecate for her part in saving them all from the nightmare from "before."::

We will be able to return home anytime now.

[Zeus]

Zeus disregarded the insults Spellbinder shot at him. In fact, he barely paid any attention to the six period; ignoring the pleas to banish Persephone rather than kill her. Banishing did not come CLOSE to what Persephone deserved. With Hera arriving, Zeus folded his arms and stood tall, annoyed with everyone in the room. Athena was showing Hecate favoritism, Hera AGREED to banish not only Persephone, but Hecate as well, and Hecate cast the curse of the red moon.

Hecate and Athena said their peace before disappearing, leaving only himself and his wife with the six. Zeus narrowed his eyes at Persephone who stood seperate from her friends.

"Your banishment is a far cry from what you deserve, Persephone. Whether it be now, or in another thousand years, I WILL see you suffer for what you've done."

Zeus' voice rumbled thoughout the hallow walls of Mount Olympus, before he took his wife's hand and disappeared in a flash of blue and white lights.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Everything was happening as it should have. Athena and Hera agreed on banishment of both herself and Hecate. Hecate created the first red moon. And most importantly, everyone had lived. Persephone stood silent and motionless listening to Athena banish her AGAIN, as she did thousands of years ago. But now, it was different....it felt different than before. Was this all worth it? Her mothers death? Hades? Hurting Hecate? Everything she had done to gain power and status came at a price far greater than what she left with. She was banished and belittle in history books. She was an afterthought and overlooked. She only 'gained' friends and allies by intimidating people and threatening to kill them. Standing in the throne room of Mount Olympus, Persephone realized at that moment, that what she had done to HERSELF was far worse than any punishment the gods could have inflicted upon her. She had lived through this once before, and obviously she HADN'T learned from her mistakes. The moment she arrived in this timeline she returned to her old ways; her old outlook on life. She distanced herself from everyone, bullied them. Made them WANT to hate her, like she had done so many times before. She was in an endless loop of self sabotage. ::

:: Hecate was gone, Zeus and Hera had left...but not before Zeus vowed his revenge one way or another on Persephone. And there she stood, 'alone'. Six others stood by her, but Persephone felt empty and hallow. With her eyes cast to the floor, she stood silent for a moment, knowing that they needed to get moving so they could return to the present. Craning her neck from side to side, Persephone snapped herself out of the slightly dazed state she was in before slowly turning to the six. Her face showed no emotion, as usual, but her eyes were dull and defeated. Keeping up her stoic, 'i could care less' act, Persephone looked to Morgan. ::

"We need to return to the enchanted forest. Once there, we will be able to travel forward to our time line."

[Jill Monroe]

<< as the confrontation continued, the memories that Morgan had from the frightfull battle of "before" did not come to pass, she relaxed a bit. a chime heralds the soul sword disappearing from her grasp. as she continues to stand and watch the scene unfold.>>

<< Athena made SURE that Persephone's banishment did not end with Olympus, but that her status as a goddess was minimized to the point that it was in the Six's time. She was merely a foot note and the irony was that after all she had done to gain power and respect, it was STILL taken away from her...despite her time with Darkchilde and the MoE, Persephone was forced to start over again and again. Would she make it STICK this time with the Six?>>

<< Hecate, bitter and completely pissed, cursed the Olympians and all those who would continue to follow them. the Red moon hung low and cast its hatefull glare onto Olympus and Hecate barged through the Six, leaving Olympus for the last time. Morgan felt such EMPATHY...for she knew what it was like to have bitterness in her heart so strong that it might cause her to act out with impulse and violence. like hecate, she was very unforgiving and carried grudges for the longest time but as history would show, Hecate allowed her bitterness and desire to vex the Olympians lead her to make a grave error in judgemenet when she entered into an unholy pact with the witch priestess Circe. Morgan also knew how terrible a mistake or error in judgement could be made in the heat of hatred...the INFERNO.>>

<< as Hecate left Olympus, so too did Athena and Zeus with Hera. Zeus , blustering to the VERY end seemed almost relieved that things had gone THIS way rather than the way they all remembered from "before".>>

<< Persephone , who seemed lost in thought as she stood a few steps away from the group, finally spoke, telling them that they needed to go back to the enchanted forest.>>

<< without speaking, Morgan summoned a stepping disc, teleporting them away from Mt Olympus for the last time. they returned to the enchanted forest, the place where Barbara Minerva's mansion would one day stand. Despite the red moon which now seemed SO LARGE in the starry night skies of earth, this forest still possessed a soothing, comforting quality...similar to that of Ororo's garden. a soft melody played in the air...and little fearies and other mystical creatures could be seen flitting about at various times. >>

<< In the midst of this lush area, Hecate was a few feet away, in what looked like a circular area surrounded by especially tall trees. her back was to the team and she made no effort to turn and face them. Morgan wondered if now was the best time to even approach her. she'd just been disrespected and betrayed ...treated like an outcast by the olympians...ON TOP of Hades' death and Demeter's death...both of which had an adverse effect on her too.>>

<< Morgan looked at Persephone.>>

I think you need to talk to her. You owe her that much...before you leave here.

<< besides that, Hecate was in possession of the Medallion that barbara had given Persephone. they'd need THAT to return to their right time and space.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Within seconds, Spellbinder's stepping disc whisked the team away from Mount Olympus and back to the enchanted forest. The red moon hung low in the clear starry sky, however everything around the team was very calm and quiet. A soft breeze swept past Persephone, blowing her black gown along the grassy ground. Seeing Hecate in the distance, Spellbinder spoke up say she owed it to Hecate to speak with her. ::

:: Walking forward, Persephone absolutely HATED that the six had to see her be banished. It was just an open door for them to insult and belittle her like everyone else in her life had. Persephone felt sick to her stomach as she approached Hecate from behind. Even though she clearly knew what had happened the first time she interacted with Hecate after the red moon curse, this time could very well be different. Gently placing her hand on Hecate's bare shoulder, Persephone made her way around to the front of her while moving her hand down her arm. ::

"I know i'm the last person you want to see, Hecate. I contributed to the pain you're feeling now...the betrayal. I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted to hurt you.."

:: Persephone's normally cold eyes were saddened as she looked at her friend. Sighing out, Persephone retracted her hand and linked her fingers together in front of her body. Looking away from Hecate, Persephone's eyes settled on a small white owl pearched on a tree limb in the distance. Bupol...that damn bird again. But at this point, Persephone didn't even care. ::

"I am sorry. I truly am. Everything I have done....should have never happened. But I hope, that one day, you can forgive me for my selfish acts."

[Hecate]

[ the light from the disc appeared a ways behind her, but she didnt bother to turn around, the time had come for them to leave and while Persephone was her friend, she couldnt help but feel that Persephone was leaving chaos in her wake without a care.]


[ the magickal tranquility of the forest held fast even under the red moon and hecate's unhappy heart beat with bittnerness and a desire to depart this place. Persephone came to her and spoke softly, and she felt the touch of her friends hand on her shoulder. Hecate didnt flinch or pull away, she didnt respond...even after persephone finished, but as Persephone noticed Bupol sitting quitely on a branch in the leafy canopy around them, Hecate slowly turned. her facial expression was cold as she looked at Persephone.]

All is as it was meant to be. History has been reset and you will , along with the others will be able to return to your proper timeline to do what you need to do.

[ her voice was cold as she paused.]

[ Bupol swayed gently in the breeze. clearly he was watching them...but he seemed to look rather sleepy himself. Hecate looked up at him as her blonde hair blew in the breeze, she then looked at the Six, before looking at Persephone.]

I loved Hades....and he loved me....it wasnt right that Zeus took him from me. it was even WORSE that Hades didnt contest that descision.

[ she reached out her hand as a little fearie flew and hovered above her palm]

but at least while he was alive...he knew my hatred, he had no choice but to LIVE with the guilt of what he'd done to me...to US. YOU TOOK THAT AWAY! JUST AS YOU DAMAGED the trinity of the moon!

[ Hecate's tone was sharp as she said this.]

I didnt think I would care..or HURT...but i AM!

[ She looked away for a moment, keeping herself in check as best she could.]

the things you did....not only did they vex the olympians, they vexed ME..maybe MORESO than they...and yes, it FEELS like you are in league with them...that I am little more than an after thought to you....but

[ she paused again...]

I hear the sincerity in your voice...and I know you do not offer apologies lightly.

[ she looked directly into Persephone's eyes.]

all of us, including you were doing what we were meant to do.


I forgive you.


[ she tosses the medallion to Persephone as she turns away.]

I know you are not the enemy...and I know you are meant to go on....to a new time and place. I've seen the future...i know the past.

[ as she leaves persephone and the group, she turns and looks over her shoulder.]

Perhaps we will meet again....

fare thee well.

[ with a haunting chime, Hecate fades in a swirling, sparkling malestrom, leaving the Six to stand there, alone in the forest]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Catching the medallion, the cold metal seemed to mirror her heart at the moment. Living through a moment like this again wasn't fun. Even though Hecate and herself do eventually reconcile, Persephone felt worse than when she first lived through it. The guilt and the second guesses plagued her as she watched Hecate walk away. ::

:: Looking down at the medallion, she began to question whether she should even return to the six's timeline. They were more than capable of defending themselves against Circe. They had fought together long before Persephone even became a factor in their group. She could start over. Meet with Darkchilde once again. Live the one part of her life she truly loved over again, and PREVENT what had happened to her coven. Finally rid herself of these judgemental people... ::

:: Looking over to the six, Persephone knew that they could of left her to the dogs. They were annoyingly loyal to her for whatever reasons. It was probably to save their own ass so they could get home. There was no reason for them to actually WANT to stand by her and die for her. Squeezing the medallion tightly, Persephone rrealized she was doing it again. Finding ways to hate people and push them away. To give her an excuse to revert back to her old ways and to start the endless circle all over again. Rolling her eyes shut, Persephone strode forward and finally met with the six again. ::

"Lets get this over with."

:: Holding the medallion out in her palm, it began to glow a brilliant white before the light engulfed the entire group. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Arriving via stepping disc back at the Enchanted Forest, Delilah exhaled sharply. She felt as if she had been holding her breath throughout the entire standoff at Olympus. Tension was still high in the air though - between Morgan, Persephone and Hecate it seemed. At this point, though, Delilah just wanted to go home. But what home would it be that they returned to?

Persephone, who had been off speaking to Hecate, returned to them with the medallion. It began to glow with a light that swirled around them.

Here we go... ]

[Oracle]

<< a most exhaustive and painfull history lesson has been learned. The six gained a deeper insight in the past of persephone and perhaps, if they allowed themselves to, they could better understand why she did things the way she did...but SHE had the chance to change her ways...something that many of her fellow olympians would not have the benefit of>>

<< Hecate departed and it was apparently the last time that she would be seen by the six, persephone or anyone else until her merger with Circe later in that time.>>

<< at the moment, though, the six were to return to THEIR time....and to face the red moon again, this time under the power of Circe, the goddess level sorceress bent on the either enslaving the world or DESTROYING IT!>>


<< the medallion glows and rays of light began to beam from all around it as the space around them glows and blurs in a dream like wave...and soon as the six are bathed in a shower of golden lights and rushing winds, they return....to their timeline. Haleigh can immediately began to feel the other parts of her powers coming back "online" and the enchanted forest they once stood in was now replaced by the battled ravaged wasteland they remembered from their fatefull battle with Circe.>>

<< emergency crews had long gone and Barbara had been declared dead. her mansion now little more than a crater and there was hardly ANY resemblance between what they had seen in Persephone's time of origin with this forest compared to now. they knew they were "home".....the red moon was there...and the sounds of violence and chaos traveled on the winds around them.>>

<< it was time for one last battle...with Circe. They STILL had to make their way from where they were...to the Isle of Aerie and with Harbinger's and Spellbinder's abilities combined...they would do JUST THAT.>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: handling her plasma cannon like a fluent pro, Alycia Barnett gritted her teeth as she picked off a row of werewolf like bestiamorphs, blasting them through their chest cavities with plasma blasts powerfull enough to melt steel. the benefit of this state of the art weapon was the power that it packed while remaining light enough and sleek enough for a woman to carry with ease. Alycia's training had paid off remarkably as she bulled her way through a gauntlet covering Pandora while Karen lead the way fighting to the surface.::


KAREN, Pandora once we're up to the surface....take cover and no matter what...do NOT get up until i say so.


:: a snake like creature attempted to wrap itself around her high heeled boot, but unlike Morgan, Alycia was not afraid of reptiles. she despised them...but she did not fear them and with a sneer, she SLAMMED her high heel down on the head of the small snake...smashing it utterly. it was a far more violent, and hard edged Alycia that could be seen this evening and that would be most evident when they arrived to the surface for she arranged MORE than a "little reception" for the army of bestiamorphs that no doubt would be waiting for them.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen ducked and dodged the monsters who came in close. despite her age, the woman was in VERY good shape and could keep up with the best of them. and as they bravely fought their way UPward to the surface, the doctor maintained her finesse as she blasted large creatures in the head with well placed mystic force bolts.>>

<< looking back to make sure Pandora and Alycia were behind her, she couldnt help but smirk as Alycia handled herself VERY well. She'd always known the woman to be fierce in the court room, the corporate world and brave in the face of danger...but THIS was something else. Alycia was BATTLING along side her...facing creatures that would make even GROWN MEN cringe.>>

<< But in the back of her mind, she still feared for the wellbeing of her daughter, alison, delilah and the others. where were they? and what would karen and alycia do when ...if...WHEN they were confronted by Circe herself!?>>

<< Karen couldnt falter NOW...they were so close to open space above ground..and she heard Alycia's warning to take cover as soon as they got above ground!>>

<< as bestiamorphs attempted to close down the gates to the stairs leaving above ground, Karen gestured, weaving a golden pattern of power as five glowing orbs formed, spinning fast and transforming into DAGGERS of golden mystic energy.>>

Pandora, you're the smallest....at my signal...run as fast as you can forward. do not falter..just RUN!

<< Karen was determined to make sure that they got HER out of this place and as she directed her to run, she herself directed the daggers of mystic energy to fly out from behind her and SLICE OFF THE HEADS of the larger bestiamorphs that were attempting to bar their way. their cries of pain and gurgles of blood were sickening, but that was the price they had to pay. Pandora made it through first, with Karen and Alycia following at the same time.>>

WE MADE IT!

<< they were above ground, at the BACK of the rotunda and now out in open air facing the sea! the winds and crashing waves were a welcome change from the dank dungeons but even as they ran for open space, the darkness around them became filled with pairs of red glowing eyes, and a large ...very large shadow flying in the dark skies above them.>>

Alycia Barnett: Karen, Pandora, head for those rocks over there...and GET DOWN!

<< Karen directed Pandora...and followed quickly, ducking down behind the rocks....as Alycia followed and pressed a comlink on her costume in the shape of a stylish "brooch".>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: slinging her plasma cannon over her shoulder, Alycia continued to run for cover...the bestiamorphs, all sizes, varieties and types were coming like an endless WALL and although the area around the sprawling island was black..even the skies were black..the red moon provided enough illumination for her. she pressed a comlink on her costume.... and screamed..::

This is ALYCIA BARNETT! Dr. Victoria and I have rescued Pandora and are ABOVE GROUND! repeat, we are ABOVE GROUND to the south of the rotunda!! ALL UNITS-- UNLEASH "PHOENIX'S FIRE!"

:: Alycia scrambled down behind the rocks with Karen and Pandora her squad of "Force Works" soldiers complied. with PERFECT time and coordination, a large sound was heard...the sound of massive cannons unlocking and the din of flames could be heard....suddenly with a massive bang, the area was ILLUMINATED as bright as DAY as Force Works NAPALMED the first wave of Bestiamorphs! it was an onslaught that could NOT be avoided or resisted and the bestiamorphs fell right into it. their cries and screams were ALMOST saddening but Force Works had done its job QUITE well...as they decimated a SUBSTANTIAL portion of Circe's army.:::

:: Alycia, who had her back to the rock she was crouched down behind, couldnt help but pump her fist with delight.::

.....that's bought us some time. but probably not enough to completely escape the island. what is the NEXT move, doctor?

:: as she said this...hands...MASSIVE hands reached UP from the ground itself....and GRABBED Alycia....the hands were so large...that one of them covered her torso and some of her face....muffling her surprised, startled scream.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the flash of light was intense that Karen took to covering herself further with her cape, the doctor was amazed, and RELIEVED at the napalm attack unleashed against these creatures who were so fearsome and determined! even the demons from LIMBO werent THIS crazed.>>

<< but as she breathed, she couldnt help but cough a bit...the smell of seared flesh, charred soil and smoke...it was stiffling to say the least.>>


<< looking over at Pandora, who had been successfully rescued from captivity, and then to Alycia, Karen was about to reply but then Alycia was GRABBED by GIGANTIC hands>>

OH! ALYCIA!!

<< Karen stood up, moving Pandora away as she was about to try to help Alycia but as she ran forward...she stumbled , the GROUND was shaking as a GOLIATH began to raise up from the ground itself...composed of earth, rocks and even massive tree roots...the creature possessed a tight physique and was so TALL...possibly as tall as MASTER MOLD!>>

ALYCIA!!


<< Karen looked up in horror as the creature rose into the black sky!>>


I need a spell...SOMETHING to make him DROP HER before he KILLS HER!!

<< Karen was terrified, but now was not the time to give place to fear....especially with Force Works ALL turning to take aim at the massive creature.>>

The soldiers might kill her by accident!!!

<< thinking, she realized that the best thing to do right NOW was to knock him off balance. the skies were already churning, the seas already stormy and rough...she knew the very thing.>>

Pandora, keep back...and keep out of sight. I've only got ONE SHOT..while the creature is still adjusting to its new found space!

<< lifting her hands....>>

By Atheia and Percese
Open skies and do your worst!

<< billowing clouds that shimmered with the energy of lightning began to form around the head of the creature....and soon, rain, hail, wind and lightning began to RAGE from all sides, surrounding the creature, blasting it it's eyes and mouth! the hail stones were the size of basket balls.>>

<< the creature ROARED as the lightning struck its eyes...causing it to DROP Alycia, who screamed as she free falled... Karen could see that she was looking DOWN>>

ALYCIA! HANG ON!

<< Karen, who had traveled on brooms before [ as witches would do by enchanting the broom or any other object for travel], enchanted a large piece of tree nearby from where the monster had come...and directed it to FLY as fast as possible, meeting Alycia and allowing her CATCH HOLD OF IT. the tree trunk was large enough to hold Alycia and Karen directed her down...the tree trunk slowly circled down...and not a moment too soon as FORCE WORKS began launching missiles and shooting all the artillery they could at the massive creature who was now fighting THROUGH Karen's storm spell.>>

thank the GODDESS!! are you allright??

<< Karen went to Alycia and checked her over. aside from bruises...no serious injuries and Alycia was now catching her breath.>>

we have to GET OUT OF HERE!

[Pandora]

Running along side of Alycia and Karen, Pandora took aim, shooting two bestimorphs point blank in the head. Ducking for cover, she continued to help defend herself and her two rescuers. Finally reaching the outside, Pandora quickly ducked behind some rocks as Alycia commanded. Reloading her weapon, the massive attack that Alycia's men unleashed on the island caused Pandora to cover her head for protection.

"You certainly know how to pack a punch, Miss Barnett!"

Yelling over the commotion, suddenly, a giant hand grabbed Alycia around her body. Gasping in, Pandora stood instinctively before Karen told her to stay back. The beast seemed to be made of rock...and he was huge! Bigger than anything she had seen in a long time. Staying back as instructed, Pandora watched as Karen cast a spell, obliterating the beast where it stood.

"Incredible...I haven't seen powers like that since Hecate..."

Whomever this woman was, she was powerful. Pandora had traveled around the world and back again for centeries. She had come across her fair share of 'witches', but nothing like Karen. Atleast not since the day of the Gods. Well, and Circe...but Circe was a knock off "budget-o's' version of what REAL witches were.

Pushing herself from the ground as Alycia landed safetly in front of Karen, suddenly Pandora's body jerked stiff and her eyes went wide. Her hands trembled as she lifted them to her stomach. Looking down at a spear like weapon that was literally impaled through her body, Pandora collapsed forward as one of the bestimorphs PULLED the weapon from her body, causing her to loose balance.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh folded her arms as the events played out. Everyone came to an acceptable compromise, with Persephone [and subsequently, Hecate] being banished. It was an unfortunate turn, yes, and while Haleigh understood the sacrifice, she didn't feel sorry for Hecate. She had a distinct feeling that the woman was self-sufficient and strong enough to recover from this, and Hecate had KNOWINGLY made all the same decisions as history had recorded, which gave Haleigh the impression that she accepted the price and paid it willingly.

As they appeared in the Enchanted Forest, Haleigh folded her arms across her chest and watch diligently. Persephone was quiet and reflective, both good signs. Deep down, there was a part of her that empathized with Persephone, as her actions were not too far from what Haleigh herself had done not too long ago. While the rest of the Six may have their concerns and doubts regarding Persephone's seemingly inexplicable behavior, Haleigh had the most powerful insight of all: firsthand experience. She knew exactly WHY Persephone had done those things.... and intended to talk with her about it.... but that was for another time. Perhaps when this was over....


They reappeared in their own timeline. Haleigh's nerves tingled.... she could feel the parts of her that had been disabled coming back into full operation and it gave her a chill. She was instantly coated in her signature battle dress uniform, finally rid of that poor excuse for drapery that she'd been previously subject to wearing. She stretched her arms over her head, smiling wickedly.

"Sweet Mercy.... I think I just had a phantom orgasm..... I'm fully operational once more. Thank--" She stops suddenly, raising her left fingers to her ear and looking off into the distance. "Alycia and Karen are here, and making short work of the opposition. I'm intercepting a transmission... they are south of the rotunda on the Isle of Aerie. They have Pandora in tow.... Phoenix Fire..... that's napalm. It'll buy them PRECIOUS FEW seconds. We MUST get over there RIGHT away and escort them to safety. They're bravery is commendable but this is NOT the place for them. They're in grave danger. Morgan, how about you get us over there via stepping disc? Alison, perhaps you could forsee a suitable place for us to appear?"

[Alycia Barnett]

:: suddenly she was gripped, and dwarfed by a monster that rivaled MASTER MOLD in its size and massive stature. Alycia screamed with shock and pain and couldnt help but remember all too clearly Sharon Kelly and the night Master Mold attacked them! it seemed that no matter how far she'd come since then, no matter how hardened she'd become...she could not face a situation like THIS without revisiting the mental trauma associated with Master Mold.::

:: she knew she didnt have the strength or any powers to free herself but suddenly a wild and violent thunder/hailstorm enveloped the creature about its head. Karen must have cast a spell...and it worked! the Creature, now hurt by the lightning strikes to it's eyes dropped Alycia and she was free falling. but even as her life began to spin in a frenzied "play back" as she wondered if this was her end, a large tree trunk swooped underneath her and caught her at just the right moment to carry her down to safety. she was winded...a bit bruised from being gripped so hard, but Karen had saved her....and for THAT she was greatfull. images of sharon kelly and master mold STILL flashing in her mind...she looked a bit dazed before she finally acknowledged Karen.::

:: the ship for transport is on the other side....we have to find a way over there. My men can provide fire power to cover us....

:: she couldnt finished as Pandora lurched forward, IMPALED by a spear...::

Pandora!!

:: Alycia caught Pandora as she began to drop to the ground and looked over her shoulder. they had been FOUND...::

We've got to move out of here...the bestiamorphs are recovering and regrouping!!!

:: reaching down to her belt, she pulled out a small sphere like object. As she and Karen helped Pandora as best they could to begin to move, Alycia hurled the sphere back behind her... a cluster bomb...which exploded three times at once....provided tripple the concussive power of an artilery shell. Karen and Alycia struggle to get themselves and Pandora to safety. the move is terrifying, as beasts come at them from all sides. Alycia, now using one of her desert eagles to fend some off while Karen does the same with mystic force bolts on her side while Alycia's men work with efficiency to flank and cover them from all sides. ::

Karen, can you heal her??

:: Alycia frantically asks, as Pandora can scarcely keep up, even with their support.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen was relieved that Alycia was okay but the relief was short lived as Pandora herself was STABBED by a monster....they had been discovered by a new troupe of bestiamorphs coming from the shoreline.>>

Pandora!!

<< Karen went to her side, while Alycia took the other, the two women, using their shoulders and bodies as best they could, lifted Pandora and helped her as they ran for their lives. with Karen on the left and Alycia on the right, Karen fended off any attacks as best she could with mystic force bolts while Alycia used a high powered fire arm but the odds were increasingly against them. Force Works came in, forming a closer, tight formation to protect them from air strikes and watch their backs.>>

<< Alycia asked if Karen could heal Pandora.>>

I can..but we need a chance to STOP! she's dying and she can't hold on much longer! if she dies...the box is Circe's to take and we are LOST!

<< Pandora collapses and Karen falls with her...>>

Alycia!!

<< they were now in completely open ground, near the steps of the back side of the rotunda. no obvious place for cover...and in plain view of every enemy! Karen is now kneeling by Pandora's side. Alycia, now joined by her men, form a defensive blockade around Karen and Pandodra....this is..their last stand.>>

hold on, Pandora.

<< Karen raises her hands over Pandora, as sparkling, golden myst begins to swirl around them and a golden sphere hovers over Pandora. the wound is deep and had it been a little more off center, vital organs wouldve been punctured....there's still a chance for her to be saved and karen works her magick, all the while hearing the terrifying sounds of a pitched battle between Alycia, Force Works and the Bestiamorphs who seemed to ALL be larger, more durable and powerfull.>>

[Oracle]

<< and so, the beginning of what will most likely be the END of Alycia and Force Works begin. only HOURS EARLIER were Barbara Minerva and her soldiers in much the same position. Alycia , who never dreamed s he'd be on the front lines battling creatures that couldnt MERELY be described as demons, does her best not to betray the terror that lurks in her heart. In all her days, her wildest dreams...she never imagined herself doing THIS...but she always said, "a life without adventure is not a life worth living.".>>


<< she and her men fought by the numbers, using their high tech, high powered weaponry to give them the advantage of range and while many of the bestiamorphs were unprotected against the power of lasers, plasma blasts, napalm blasts and cluster bombs...for every group that fell, MORE charged in to replace them, some even wearing "bone" like body armour to give themselves more durability. they pressed further and further, closer and closer...doing their best to overwhelm the blockade. some of Alycia's men were pulled away and killed horribly and it made Alycia sick to her stomach....these were men who were leaving behind their wives, children and loved ones. brave...HONRORABLE men who only wanted to serve their country...they were among the best fighters money could buy...but what match was the "power" of MAN against the arcane power of Circe?>>

<< for the moment, Karen had the time she needed to save Pandora, as she concentrated, weaving a pattern of power and her magicks began to heal Pandora. but it wasnt as simple as waving a hand and it was over...Pandora's body had been injured THROUGH....the magick was making its progress, but things were about to go from BAD to WORSE as Circe herself emerged from the grand hall of the rotunda, intending to end this stand off herself!>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen concentrated as she attempted to heal and revive Pandora.>>

that's it...

<< Pandora took her first instinctive deep breath...>>

breathe in child, let the magicks flow into your body and do their work.....

<< Karen's voice was icy, but there was a maternal warmth to it. As a doctor, it was her nature to help and nurture...it was STRENGTHENED by her own maternal nature as well. but even as it seemed Pandora would be save, Karen ...and the men that were covering her back....were BLASTED by a moon bolt....>>

AGGHHH!!!

<< Karen's head thrust back as she was slammed by the the moon bolt. SHE was lucky...the MEN who were blocking for her...were INCINERATED and she herself was now only dimly aware...as she slumped over....the pain she felt was only superceeded by her losing her grip on consciousness...>>

.......

<< Karenfell over, laying on her side, unconscious. ...and the magick that she had been working had been shattered. Pandora was HEALED, physically in tact but she hadnt yet awakened. at this point it might be BETTER if she played dead...now that CIRCE had made the scene.

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia was JARRED as the moon bolt blasted her blockade from behind. the LIGHT from the blast was blinding, but as the smoke cleared...MORE of her men were dead and Karen was unconscious. Pandora was healed, but not yet awake....and Alycia saw CIRCE herself. the woman came forward slowly....and Alycia, not wanting any more of her men to die...did what she thought was best.::

Force Works....hit and RUN!

:: Alycia, would stay behind, with Karen and Pandora....but she wouldnt allow any more of her men to die needlessly against Circe. drawing her plasma cannon, took aim for Circe's chest.::

Keep BACK, witch!

:: Alycia yelled with force, as she seeked to protect Karen and Pandora.::

:: the bestiamorphs were now greeted by a NEW threat. RAMPAGE arrived, seemingly out of NO WHERE! did this mean THE SIX as a whole were back? Alycia could scarcely react...when SHE herself was GRABBED by a large, powerfull CENTAUR....he lifted her up off the ground, holding her in such a wawy that she could not move AT ALL...she was helpless. The centaur was now at Circe's side, holding Alycia hostage as she stood over the bodies of Karen and Pandora.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< giving Persephone the privacy she needed, Morgan quietly joined the others in waiting. she knew that Hecate and Persephone would come to terms. History beared that out, but to have seen all this...to know how it all REALLY happened, it was something that would stay with Morgan forever. HISTORY did not do ANY of this justice.>>

<< the medallion returned them to THEIR time and space, they were now back at ground zero where barbara's mansion once stood, the enchanted forest was NOTHING like it was in Perspehone's time...and there was still smoke and ash in the air here.>>

<< Haleigh picked up on Alycia and Karen, no doubt her powers were back to full strength, and without a word, Morgan teleports them to the isle of aerie...but the island is so MASSIVE and sprawling and without the scrying glass , Morgan didndt have a precise location for Karen and Alycia. They DID however see the CHAOS around...the sounds of violence, the cries of frienzied creatuers and sounds of energy blasts. as the six fanned out to find Karen and Alycia, Morgan felt the PAIN that Karen felt as she was hit by ...>>

A MOON BOLT!

<< pointing to where a large flash could be seen>>

Circe has found THEM!!

<< a disc takes them there...Rampage, was a step ahead, already battling creatures that looked large, stronger and more PREPARED than the ones at the mansion....but Morgan could only think about her mother!>>

MOM!!

<< Morgan lifted up into the air, racing for her mother but CIRCE blocked her path and a CENTAUR held Alycia hostage!>>

[Circe]

{ Circe put up her hand in "stop" gesture as Morgan flew toward them}

STOP where you are, Spellbinder!

{ looking at the time with a devilish, almost psychotic grin. Karen and Pandora both lay behind her on the ground, knocked out.}

NOT ANOTHER STEP!

or the good doctor and pandora are DEAD!

{ gesturing to Alycia who was STRUGGLING valiantly but still in vain against the strength of the centaur's hold.}

your HUMAN ally, Alycia Barnett is a most worthy warrior, with the tenacity of a DEMON but if ANY of you moves...I'll see to it that SHE becomes nothing more than a tasty snack for my beloved pets...while she still LIVES!


{ she looks at Persephone with contempt}

you don't realize how FORTUNATE you are, that the Six were with you when you esacped me. You've ALL managed to return, without damaging history and you are seemingly prepared to defeat me now that you know the truth...but I have the power, the annointing of Hecate..and there is NOTHING you can do to keep me from taking Pandora's Box!

{ she laughs smugly}

i hope you enjoyed your little trip...because this is your FINAL stop!

{ a corona of dark magick forms around her hand...as she, Karen, Pandora and Alycia disappear in a globe of violet light. her voice now in the stormy air around them.}

RISE bestiamorphs. you are at your STRONGEST here on this island, propelled and encouraged by MY will and desire for destruction! heed your mistress and DESTROY these tresspasses. drain the marrow from their very BONES while I claim what is MINE BY RIGHT!

{ a jagged bolt of lightning flashes across the sky as the six are bum rushed by the bestiamorphs rejuvinated....beating, clawing, kicking and more.}

[Rampage]

Nicolas looked on with not a small amount of compassion as Hecate and Persephone parted ways. He understood her a bit better now, but he was concerned that she would never let anyone get too close, for fear of losing them.

As the talisman did its work, Nicolas and the team found themselves in the midst of a pitched battle. As they got their bearings Haleigh reported that Karen and Alycia were here, and in trouble!!! He was still working through his changes and was unsure as to how exactly to help them. He did make contact with Alycia's mind, but could only read her thoughts. He "listened" as Pandora was hit and as they worked to try to save her, with larger Bestiamorphs closing in on them!!!

Almost instinctively, he reached out to them, and he found he was still able to teleport and find their bodies with his TK.

As the bestiamorphs closed in, Alycia and Karen would notice a familiar dark form materialize between them and the beasts. Pulling his axe, he strode in quickly , cutting down the beasts on one front and giving others a bit of pause at this new visitor. The ladies would find that they were now inside of a hardened dome that protected them from the onrush as Nicolas roared at the challenge. He spoke urgently to the two, his deep voice conveying his true concern and regard for them as he jumped quickly from side to side, severing limbs and pushing their enemies back.

Ladies, take a breather. I have a score to settle with these guys...

As monstrous reinforcements arrived, the ladies would notice Nicolas' skin HARDEN, becoming like stone, as he turned to deal out more pain and punishment.

Suddenly, a moon bolt rocked the isle, breaking his force dome and killing several soldiers. It was Circe and while Rampage tried to react, the Centaur had grabbed Alycia and made for his queen who was standing over Karen and Pandora.

As Rampage saw Morgan make for Circe, he turned and vaulted forward to engage the Centaur head-on...

Only to stop in his tracks as Circe threatened the trio's very lives. She seemed so smug as she teleported away with her hostages to leave the Six against an island of Bestiamorphs. Nicolas was at the end of his rope. he had been beaten, incinerated, brain-shredded, and for what? So this bitch could still win?!! His skin turned again to a dark black material as he spoke to Morgan with a stern voice.

Find them and help them!!! I will buy you some time!!!

RAMPAGE jumped forward, away from the group. As the monsters began to onrush him, he turned and made a circle with his hand. The ground around the rest of the six depressed, forming an impressive moat around them and pushing the bestiamorphs outside it.He was trying to buy them time to act. As the rest of them watched, they could see as he would battle the beats, get overwhelmed for a moment, then teleport elsewhere to fight on, moving to keep the moat clear so they could work...

[Harbinger]

:: Alison, in trade mark fashion, "watched" Hecate and Persephone quietly, as a pair of disembodied cobalt blue eyes floated hidden among the brush of the enchanted forest. she was not the only one watching...Bupol was in the trees above. but as Bupol watched, and Alison looked upon him...she had a FLASH...seeing herself and the others back in their time...and a vision...a vision of amazons riding their steeds...rushing into BATTLE..... but what did that mean? the amazons were under the care of Athena and Artemis....did they exist in their timeline as well? ::

:: she wasnt sure what to make of it, or why bupol triggered that image, but at the moment, as Hecate took her final leave of the Six and persephone, the time had come for them to return to their time. the enchanted forest changed to suit the times in which they lived...and it was a sad, tragic site. the ground zero after math of their fatefull first encounter with Circe. all at once, Alison was reminded too clearly of the danger they faced...that the WORLD faced as the red moon hung low and they were no longer intoxicated by its haunting red glow.::

:: Haleigh got a fix on Karen and Alycia. They had succeeded in rescuing Pandora and were fighting for their lives on the Isle of Aerie! At Haleigh's urging, Spellbinder teleports them and they arrive on the Isle. this land which was largely unknown to the mortal men of earth was sprawling and beautifull. the rotunda rivaled the Parthenon in its prime...but unlike the Parthenon, the rotunda maintained its strong beauty.::

:: there were sounds of violence and chaos and as Morgan saw the flash of a moonbolt, she teleported the team once more to find Circe standing over the bodies of Karen and Pandora. they werent dead! but there were in grave danger. Alycia was forcibly taken hostage and as she cursed and struggled against the centaur, Circe ordered Morgan and Rampage to step back and for none of them to move.::

:: Alison extended her hand and drew breath as she was about to TELEBLINK the three women but Circe cut her off...::

if ANY of your moves, they are DEAD!

:: Alison was fast, but she was no fool. Circe was imbued with Hecate's power and would be the only one capable of countering her teleblinking. she held her ground and remained silent...already looking 'ahead' on what to do next, when SUDDENLY the vision she'd had back in the enchanted forest began to make sense! she knew what was coming...something that even CIRCE couldnt have predicted! the past and the present were coming together to make for a surprising FUTURE!!::

:: circe teleported herself and her hostages and the six were left to face an endless ARMY (seemingly) of bestiamorphs...now more powerfull and renewed than before!::

:: Rampage immediately began to fight back and it was OBVIOUS that Spellbinder and Guardian would have to be among those to go after Circe... she absentmindedly held out her hand, TRUE FREEZING a demonic looking razor backed hedge hog that was charging madly for her, tearing up the terrain that he crossed over. as he was subjected to temporal stasis and true freezing, he was encased in a truly thick chunk of ice while his temporal field was suspended....she then gestured ala' Prue Halliwell and TK'ed the frozen mass across the length of her sight, slamming into several bestiamorphs like bowling pins with her own improvised "bowling ball"::

Spellbinder, let's hurry. We've little time.

:: Spellbinder and Guardian rush off to the rotunda seemingly forgetting to ask anyone ELSE for help. Spell flies, while Guardian runs at accelerated speeds. their departure wouldnt go unnoticed by Persephone and like it or not, she had just as much reason to help them fight againt Circe PERSONALLY. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder halted her advance, glaring with anguish AND anger as Circe took Karen, Alycia and Pandora hostage.>>

It's YOU who will be taking your final bow if you hurt them..you witch! We KNOW your secret...how you DECEIVED Hecate! you're on BORROWED TIME!

<< Morgan yelled but Circe, in typical terrorist fashion, took her hostages and teleported. most likely somewhere inside the rotunda, leaving THEM to face the defenses of the island!>>

<< Rampage advised some of the team to go for Karen, Alycia and Pandora while the others stayed and fought. at this point, Morgan KNEW she had to fight Circe for more than just saving her mother. she had to avenge Hecate and REPAIR the damage done by Circe. but she couldnt do it alone. Circe had the advantage of raw power on her side.>>

<< with the sound of rushing chimes, Spellbinder took off, flying for the rotunda, Guardian followed along side with accelerated speed. they both dodged and evaded creatures who attempted to bar their way. they didnt have TIME for this and while they knew it would be better to face Circe as a team....they had no choice but to go now. Pandora's life was at stake...not to mention those that Morgan held near and dear to her heart!>>

<< looking down to Alison.>>

she's in her apothecary! the magickal detection goes BOTH ways. i can sense HER like a blaring beacon in this dark expanse!

<< but in her heart..she feared she might not be STRONG enough to stop circe...even WITH the encouragemenet that Hecate gave her...>>

<< the witches arrived into the grand hall of the rotunda. this place was BEAUTIFULL...it was as beautifull as the Parthenon had been in Persephone's time...a testament to Circe's view of herself and her demand for luxury. Spellbinder hovered for a moment as she and Guardian looked around.>>

any idea...just what we're going to do when we GET there , Alison? we KNOW what Circe can do...we barely escaped the last time....and NOW...

<< Morgan's tone was agitated.>>

[MorningStar]

[ They had only been back in their time period for mere minutes when they were once again in the midst of a vicious battle. Delilah trusted Alison and Morgan to rescue Karen and Alycia - they were the best suited to fight Circe. She knew that she was no match for Circe this time, as she hadn't been the last time they had fought.

The bestiamorphs closed in, snarling and clawing at the remainder of the Six. Nicolas was fighting them off with tenacity. She began picking them off one by one with her laser blasts, hitting groups of them at once with her photons, but still they came. It was all they could do to keep the stalemate.

Hopefully, it would be enough to allow Guardian and Spellbinder to succeed in their part of the mission. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: In the blink of an eye, everyone was teleported from the past to the present. Haleigh was overwhelmed with the rest of her powers, immediately jumping into action explaining that Alycia, Karen, and Pandora were in trouble. Spellbinder once again used her stepping disc to take them to where the battle was taking place. Pandora and Karen were hurt, and Alycia was being held hostage by a centear. Looking past Circe as she began to spout out her threats and insults, Persephone's enhanced eye sight could see both Pandora and Karen breathing. However Karen's seemed more erratic. As Circe disappeared with the three woman, beastimorphs began to surround them from all sides. Nicolas spung into action quickly, taking out a hand full, if not more, of the beasts. He cleared a huge path, allowing Persephone to make a run for it, heading to Circe's rotunda. Spellbinder and Guardian were way ahead of her, but her enhanced hearing picked up on Spellbinder telling Guardian where Circe was. In mid run, Persephone's body disappeared in a tornado of winds, reappearing hidden in the grand hall. The pigments of her skin made her blend perfectly into the stone wall which she pressed her back again. ::

:: Spellbinder and Guardian arrived shortly after. Stepping forward, her healed boots made her presents be known...well atleast to Spellbinder. Her body color faded back to normal as she stepped further into the light. ::

"Circe is easily distracted and very cocky. If one person takes a stand against her, she'll turn her complete attention to them wanting to destory them to prove no one can defeat her. I'll distract Circe while you two go in cloaked and get Pandora, Alycia, and Karen. Circe would like nothing more than to mount my head above her fire place...she'll take the bait."

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian turned her head slightly as Persephone appeared. the woman seemed focus but slightly grim as she offered to divert Circe while the two witches freed the hostages.::

and what of you? Circe channels Hecate's power. you know what she can do. We're already in a place were fools rush in and angels fear to tread.

:: shaking her head.::

We're to get in and out. as long as we're in the rotunda, we're more likely to be overwhelmed. we have to fight her outside as a TEAM. Once we reach the circular apothecary, you'll distract her long enough for Morgan and I to get Karen, Alycia and Pandora...and then Morgan will teleport us ALL outside. Circe will have to come to US if she wants a fight.

:: Besides, Alison knew that there were forces coming together that not even circe could anticipate...but in order for it to work...they had to be outside in the open space of the island.::

NO HEROICS, Persephone. The woman could kill you as easily as she could any of us...and...

:: looking down for a moment as she ran her golved hand through her blue/black hair::


I don't want that for you or any of us.

[Jill Monroe]

<< still hovering, Spellbinder looked over as Persephone appeared in a subtle, covert manner.>>

You were hiding from us?

<< Morgan suspected that Persephone's more reflective manner had something to do with the experiences from ancient greece. reliving them while the six watched.>>

<< as she explained a hasty plan, which under the circumstances, was about the best thing but Alison emphasized the need for them to get out of the rotunda as fast as possible, she also admonished Persephone to refrain from any heroic stunts>>

we know that she'll be focused on Pandora. so Alycia and my mother are probably contained by the centaur or some other means. between my discs, and alison's teleblinking...we should be able to get in and out quickly.

<< looking down at Persephone....>>

i wont pretend that i'm not a bit apprehensive...i've felt this woman's power before....i remember what she did to and through me.

<< pausing>>

I'm glad you're here to help us.....

<< waiting for Alison's signal to make their way to the apothecary, Morgan took a moment to try to calm herself. she was torn between this mad rescue mission and the worry she had for her friends outside battling the horde of monsters around the island. the sounds of the battle were a bit more faint this far in...but there were plenty of view points to look outside and see flashes of light indicating a pitched battle. >>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone was well aware of Circe's powers, and not even she would be dumb enough to play the hero. Plus, she wouldn't of made a very good hero anyway. Nodding to both woman, their concern for her was questionable. They saw the type of woman she was and what she had done in her past, yet there they were, still concerned. Spellbinder reminded Persephone of Darkchilde more and more; the one person she DIDN'T betray or hurt. ::

"I'll be fine. But....thank you for your concern."

:: Her eyes shifted to Morgan, who looked as if she was standing on the edge of a cliff without the ability to fly. Nothing could be said to reassure her in this situation. The fact remained that they could all very well die...or even worse, survive and live in a world over run by the contense of Pandora's box. ::

"Don't go in there with any doubts, Morgan. Keep your eyes wide open and fight like hell. Alright?"

:: The six may have gotten a look into a part of Persephone's life....a part that Persephone wasn't exactly too proud of, but she was still the eldest member of the team. She had been through far more than just those three days displayed to the team. With doubts come mistakes, and they couldn't afford to make mistakes with an unpredictable Circe in their midsts. ::

[Oracle]

<< and so, with some uncertainty lurking in their hearts, the witches and the goddess go forward to find and rescue their friends and allies from the brutal clutches of Circe. Guardian leads the way, while Spellbinder flies above.>>

<< the journey through the rotunda, and its many areas and levels is one that , if under better circumstances, would be a historian's DREAM come true. this place rivaled the parthenon and in some ways surpassed it. a testimony to circe's view of herself and her demand for luxury and splendor.>>

<< with magickal detection, the trio made their way....there were no bestiamoprhs lurking about, as th ey were all devoted to the task of destroying the six out on the island.>>

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

outside

<< Rampage lead the charge, and it was answered in full measure by the bestiamorphs of Aerie. HE was meet with a WALL of resistance, as massive clubs and boulders were slammed down upon him from all sides while a massive snake like creature wrapped around him and pulled him down , its constricting power increasing EXPONENTIALLY with each passing second. a normal m an would've been dead in seconds...the PAIN and the loss of oxygen would have made any unprocted super being black out in nearly as much time. the Snakes massive head reached around....facing Nicolas' face and as it opened its massive jaws, it sprayed acid!>>

<< Black widow found herself met with the wrate of a DRAGON..a real live dragon. could this have been a man once before? given Circe's legendary penchant for transforming men into all sorts of beasts to do her bidding, that was most likely. this dragon blasted violet hued flames that not only possessed enough concussive impact to smash into the ground and leave massive scorch marks and holes, but it was ACIDIC as well....powerfull enough to burn through/melt carbonium steel. The dragon also possessed the ability to fire those blasts from its eyes. as it fired upon Black Widow, it sought to knock her out to sea with its massive tail, swinging the tail around wide and slamming it into Black Widow with.>>

<< MorningStar was met with something that would test her speed and reaction time to its utmost....from the blackness that surrounded them, a pair of red eyes opened....and with a blur, she was blindsided with a glancing blow to her side....several large claw marks remained. and moments later, a TAIL wrapped around her neck and yanked her AWAY from her team mates, hurling her far back to the jagged rocks facing the black stormy sea. but unlike the south side of the island, THESE rocks were the lower "bodies" of the SIRENS, who immediately began to unleash their hypnotic sonic attack. the sirens were legendary for their power to lure sea men to the shoreline of the island....bringing in prey for CIRCE to deal with. they intended to hold Delilah in their thrall while a female bestiamorph...a human/CHEETAH with a feminine and spectacular physique came under the moonlight in full view. the cheetah's long auburn hair flowed in the wind as she growled and hissed. she possesed super strength allowing her to lift/press 25 tons, her speed was also super human. her claws were powerfull enough to slice through thick stone and she possesed incredible endurance/stamina. while Delilah may have had the right powers to counter the Siren's initial attack...she'd have her work cut out with the cheetah in order to return to her group.>>

[Alycia Barnett]

let GO of me!!....you BASTARD!

:: Alycia, who was the only one conscious among her friends, struggled in vain against the mighty centaur as he drug her to a wall in the massive, circular apothecary. he then bound her with enchanted chains. leaving her there.::

:: she quickly looked to Karen and Pandora. Karey was laid on a chaise lounge. she was still unconscious but on the surface she didnt look to be wounded. Pandora was placed in a large sunken in area of the mosaic tiled floor, like a roman bath tub. she too was still unconscious...for now.::

:: Alycia looked around the room, it was so large and so HIGH REACHING, there were many books, as well as strange objects, potions and talismans. clearly this was a place of knowledge, history and magick. Of course Circe had a reason for bringing them here and from way the woman was carefull selecting various items from shelves and making preperations...it was some kind of ritual. but what?::

.....you're INSANE Circe. Even I know the story of Pandora's Box. If you open it...you'll destroy EVERYTHING! what do you think you'll be able to do with the world after you've DESTROYED IT or are you too beside yourself to have thought beyond your need for instant gratification?

:: it didnt matter that Alycia had no powers of her own or that this woman might easily destroy her. She was still going to question this woman, it was in her character as the ball busting DA that she once was. She backed down from NO one.::

:: the centaur loomed over her, as she was forced to sit down on the floor, the chains were low set and were designed more like medieval dungeons.::

what are YOU looking at..you half breed OAF!

:: Alycia spat with hostility.... she looked down at her leg, realizing that she still had her dagger in its holster. the centaur's chest, while flawlessly cut and defined, possesed no apparent armour. she wished she could plunge the dagger DEEP into his heart. but with her arms and hands so tightly bound...she hadnt the strength to break free to reach the dagger. for the moment, she was forced to be a spectator to whatever Circe was about to do...hoping that the Six were able to protect themselves and the few Force Works soldiers that had survived::

[Circe]

{ Circe looked surprisingly at peace as she went about the task of gathering the necessary ingredients for her plan. she heard Alycia in the background, struggling and trying to resist the Centaur and it amused her that this woman was so full of fire and courage even in the face of fatal odds. as Alycia was chained to the wall and forced to sit down, the woman called out to Circe, questioning her sanity and implying that her plan to conqure the world with Pandora's box was short sighted. the crone turned and glared across the room at the woman.}

you're very bold for someone who is POWERLESS to stop me, woman.

{ Circe's voice dripped with wickedness and an evil seduction.}

I wouldn't worry about "what happens next", when i possess the box because YOU, along with your little friends will all be DEAD!

{ laughing softly as she reached for an glass orb, containing a butterfly}

In Rampage's case, i will keep him.... to turn him into a bestiamorph. his strength and vitality will serve me well.

The others will pay the price for daring to interfere, not to mention that foolish renegade Persephone. Since your little excursion to the past, I'm sure she's had a very THOROUGH reminder of why she's regarded as little more than a glorified flower child. Destroying her, while the painfull memories are so FRESH in her demented mind will be the most fun i've had this evening.

{ turning to her loyal centaur}

bring me the human heart...the FRESH one.

{ one that had been extracted from a FORCE WORKS soldier.}

you'll be pleased to know that this heart belonged to one of YOUR soldiers Alycia. You've picked up where Barbara Minerva left off...providing me and my pets with so much fodder to enjoy.

{ she looked away again as she gathered the last items before moving to an alter that over looked the ancient greek bath set in the floor where Pandora lay.}

don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to apologize to him..when you lose your own grip on life, Ms. Barnett.

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian walked along carefully. using her "seer's eye" to anticipate any possible ambush, but circe's army was committed to battling and intent destroying the six. that made the task of these three women slightly less daunting but their lives still hung in an uncertain haze for Alison. she did her best to monitor the others outside but even IF something were to happen to one of them at this point...how would the women inside reach them without abandonining Karen, Alyci and Pandora?::

:: Guardian kept her uncertainty to herself as they moved through halls and various levels, the power of magick and the heat of evil were so THICK throughout this sprawling rotunda and Alison could once again feel the riptide the eminated from Circe.::

:: as Spellbinder flew above them and Persephone brought up the rear. Guardian looked around as the faint echoes from the battle outside flowed through the air of this massive place.::

it won't be much further.

:: she "looked" ahead::

Circe is gathering the ingredients for a potion and a spell. she wants to make Pandora's death poetic....a "full circle" thing...turning her BACK into the primal elements that were assembled to create her...leaving her a lifeless pile of earth.


:: they drew closer...but they were on an circular balcony that overlooked the apothecary, giving them an aerial view. they were not easily SEEN with the naked eye but no doubt Circe would detect Morgan and Alison.::


Persephone, I will send you down....giving you a point of arrival to allow you make a diversion. Morgan, teleport the women out as fast as you can....and send them AWAY...to Limbo. there's nothing more that Karen and Alycia could do here and their lives need not be endangered any further for the duration of this caper and Pandora will be completely out of Circe's reach this way.

I will hold off the Centaur long enough to allow us time to escape back out to the others where we will make our stand.

:: the sound of Circe and Alycia's discussion could be heard in the distance as they drew closer.::

Spell, cloak us please.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone kept an eye and ear out as herself, Morgan, and Alison all made their way deeper into the rotunda. Climbing a large stair case leading to a circular baloncy overlooking the Circe's apothecary, Persephone settled herself in the shadows, allowing her body to blend perfectly into the surroundings. She could hear Circe and Alycia's conversation perfectly, narrowing her eyes as Circe began to spat her garbage again. ::

"Overzealous little tart."

:: Her voice quiet and sharp, Persephone may have just relived one of the more embarressing parts of her life, but that part alone didn't define who she was. She accomplished quite a lot throughout the years following her banishment; accomplishments the six did not see. But regardless, it was still a sore subject to hear about, having just returned from reliving it. ::

:: Looking over to Alison who instructed she would be going down first, Persephone nodded while unraveling her whip. ::

"Ready when you are."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spell smiled a bit as she nodded in agreement to Persephone's advice to go in fighting like hell. she appreciated the encouragement. maybe they would get on a better road with interacting with each other after all now that they both had learned more about each other. there was a better understanding.>>

and, we'll have your back, Persephone.

<< Guardian lead the women and soon, they found themselves at what was the doorway to their confrontation with Circe. Spellbinder , the tallest of the group present, craned her neck a bit as they neared the doorway to the circular balcony that placed them high up in the apothecary. they were too high up to see any directly but Alycia and Circe's voices could be heard. that was an indication that Alycia was vital and aware of her surroundings...but what about her mother and Pandora?>>

<< Spell settled herself. if her mother were dead, she'd know it. if Pandora were dead...all hell would be breaking loose by now. Guardian had lead them purposefully to this area so that they could be in plain sight, yet not easily seen. it would give them the few moments they needed to use SURPRISE.>>

<< Guardian asked Spell to cloak them and so she raised her hands, a soft chiming melody played as Morgan cast a cloaking spell over all of them. for THEM, there was no change, but for anyone ELSE non magickal or any technological object...they would appeared to have vanished.>>

ready when you are, Alison.

[Harbinger]

:: after they were cloaked, and Persephone and Spell declared they were ready, Guardian left one last set of instructions::

Spellbinder, we both know that Circe will be able to lock in on us DESPITE being cloaked. I know you want to...but DONT go flying down there to attack Circe head on. That's what she is COUNTING on.

your stepping discs gave you the advantage of range and speed of thought activation. you wont have to go anywhere near her right now.

:: with that, Guardian motioned for them to follow her through the doorway....onto the circular balcony. this apothecary rivaled that of the castle on Limbo's SUMMIT. it was so large, so HIGH REACHING with more books, treasures, parchments and other artifacts than a person might imagine. it was clear that circe worked many deadly spells and unholy rituals here and as they looked down, they could see Pandora was now in the ancient greek bath of the mosaic tiled floor, immersed in a strange orange colored substance. Circe herself was standing at an altar , chanting in an ancient language as a couldron on the alter began to emmit sparks and green colored smoke. the massive centaur stood, looking on while Alycia continued to sit, held captive.::

She's completed her conjuring spell and created a potion that will turn Pandora back into clay and earth...leaving her completely inert! I'm sending you down Persephone.

:: and , taking in the lesson Hecate taught her, Guardian teleblinks Persephone WITHOUT calling her name out. Persephone is transubstantiated in seconds from the balcony down to the main floor....at Circe's 3'oclock position.::

[Circe]

{ all was laid out appropriately, and now was the time to eliminate the final obstacle to total access to the box. Circe smiled with wicked glee as completed the chant and ritual to charm the magickal elixir that would return Pandora to her original form ...that of clay and earth. no life at all.}


you've life a full life....you're as long lived as I am, but your existence prevenets me from achieving my goal and you must be eliminated. be thankfull that i have chose a more poetic way to dispatch you....for it is far more kind than what i will do to that renegade wench Persephone and her little friends.

{ as she pours the sparkling green elixir into a golden chalice, green smoke flows around it. she holds the chalice up in the air as she steps forward, now directly overlooking the ancient greek bath down at Pandora who cannot move or escape}

from your origins you now return.
gone your human form forever
your life force will now BURN and fade!


{ as the winds begin to flow, Circe's long black pony tail flows forward and her dress moves in the wind as well. she looks up as the moon shines down through the large viewing hole of the domed ceiling and she begins to turn her hands forward to pour the elixir down upon Pandora. once it connects with the orange subtance, it will interact with her body and begin to change her...slowly...so that she can see and FEEL it. she will revert to clay , no life, no soul, no thoughts....and the box will at long last by Circe's to possess!}

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Finally ready for their assult, Guardian teleblinked Persephone down to the ground level of the apothecary. With grace and speed, Persephone swung her whip in Circe's direction, not waisting a single second. The 30 foot leather whip coiled tightly around Circe's face and eyes, instantly transfiguring into a midevil style metal head mask used as a torchering devise hundreds of years ago. The interior of the mask was lined with long, sharp metal spikes, ALREADY stabbing DEEP within Circe's tender tissue AND eyes. Yanking back, Persephone literally pulled Circe off her feet, causing the majority of the spikes to penetrate even deeper into her flesh, and even tearing it. ::

"You're not the only one who wields Hecate's powers."

:: Persephone was of course, talking about her transfiguring whip which Hecate had given to her as a gift after their reconciliation. With Circe down, Spell and Guardian needed to act quickly and grab Karen, Alycia, and most importantly, Pandora. ::

"Get up puppet...before I pull your strings."

:: Yanking the whip again into a tighter hold, blood could be seen seaping from the mask and onto the floor. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas was cutting a swath through the beastiamorphs and as he did so, he noted their increase in power and ferocity. Hands that swiped ineffectively at him now did much more damage than before, animals that once were cut in two lived on to fight after he sliced them with his axe. as he fought, he realized that hew as holding the status quo but not much more right now.

As he thought of what to do (and wondered what he COULD do given his power change), he immediately was in the grasp of a huge snake, it coils attempting to suffoctae him. He stopped breathing and used his TK to create barely enough room to free his hands, which he threw in front of his face as the beast sprayed him with acid. He roared as the acid seared the flesh of his arms, chest, and back. He hastily threw up a shield to stop the spray while he tried to heal, to work out his own safety for the moment. It was then that his body did a new thing, something that he found amazing. His body became intangible, the molecules separating so that he could pass THROUGH the serpent, the rest of the acid falling to the skin of the beast as he passed over behind where the now puzzled serpent looked for him. He closed his fist as rock bound the snake at each coil, holding it still and he roared as he teleported on top of the head of his foe with his axe swinging to cut its right eye out and tear at its brain...

[Jill Monroe]

<< As Persephone was sent down, Spellbinder watched as she sprung into action, attacking Circe with her transfiguring whip, it must have been another object enchanted by Hecate. Persephone and Hecate DID have a close friendship, the fact that Persephone had so many personal weapons enchanted by Hecate's magick was proof of that and the woman used them fluently.>>

She's done it!

<< Circe was MORE than diverted by Persephone and Spellbinder stood up and extended her hand. one by one, Alycia, Karen and even Pandora were teleported away via stepping disc. when Alycia was teleported, it drew the alarm and ire of the centaur who roared with annoyance. looking up, he saw the two witches but he was too far down to reach them, so the most obvious thing to do would be to go for Persephone.>>

they're all out.

<< Persephone was quite powerfull but her strength and endurance wouldnt be a match for the Centaur. he was charging for her!>>

Persephone!! watch out!

<< she yelled as she pointed down. She looked over as Guardian blinked from her spot on the circular balcony down to the main floor to intercept the centaur, Morgan lifted off the ground and with a flury of wind and chimes, she took off, flying down as well.>>

<< blasting the golden chalice and destroying the potion with an eldritch bolt, Morgan then blasted the alter with both hands extended, smashing it and ALL on it with her eldritch blast. she knew Circe wouldnt be defeated by this...but to add to the confusion AND to further impeded the woman was morgan's intent....while Alison held the centaur at bay.>>

[Harbinger]

:: as the massively built centaur charges for Persephone, intent on crushing her, Guardian blinks into view, blocking his charge. she stands looking cold and stoic and even though he dwarfs her, she posseses the power to stop him cold.::

:: as he reaches her and stands up on his hind legs, roaring as he attempts to come down and trampler her, Guardian exhales with defiance as she gestures ala' Prue Halliwell. a loud rushing, chiming sound is heard as she violently TK's the centaur back, sending him UP into the air at an angle and slamming his massive body into a stone gargoyle statue high up in the cicular wall.::

:: she glares with contempt as the centaur looks so surprised that this seemingly frail woman would have the power to stop him as he slams into the wall, causing it to crumble and fall with him..ON TOP of him as he crashes down to the floor buried in a pile of marble rubble. the sound is so loud and harsh but the centaur was most likely to have survived even THAT!::

:: turning to see Persephone with her whip, Alison motions.::

that's not going to stop her for long. we have to go now!

:: Morgan zooms into view::

get us out of here!!

:: and not a moment too soon.....::

[Oracle]

<< and with that, the witches and the goddess are whisked away, before the suitably startled and diverted Circe can recover. Karen, Alycia and even Pandora have been saved, teleported to Limbo, a realm beyond Circe's reach and now, it was time for them to face her...TOGETHER.>>

<< in the twinkling of the sorceress' eye, the trio are returned to the outside of the Isle, on the massive expanse to join the pitched battle between The Six against the rejuvinated Bestiamorphs. the seas, the skies and even the island seemed BLACK with confusion, violence and dischord with only the red moon to provide an evil light and the stormy waves crashing against the jagged rocks around the isle to rebell against the sounds of chaos.>>

<< Spellbinder, Guardian and Persephone race to join the others as the Bestiamorphs proove to be far more durable and powerfull than they were at Minerva's mansion.>>


<< they would not get far before they found themselves opposed. Spellbinder , beseiged by a monstrous GRYPHON with talons powerfull enough to crush stone along with strength and durability. the gryphon dived, and barrelled into Spellbinder, to knock her AWAY from her team mates.>>

<<Persephone would have an even BIGGER problem, the goliath from earlier, now recovered from karen's storm attack and the ballistic fury of Force Works was rejuvinated and now storming across the island, causing massive tremors as he rampaged across the horizon for Persephone. elemental attacks only slowed him down temporarily as prooven by Karen's storm spell...and he had strength to easily supass Rampage..indeed he could much of the rotunda from its deep foundation...but he was focused on one thing...OBLITERATING Persephone, as he conjured and HURLED massive boulders to rain down upon her.>>

<< Guardian, who was already having to evade and dodge some of the less "clever" advances by the bestiamorphs, was surprisngly rammed by a minotaur, that ambushed her at a "T" intersection and sent her flying>>


<< the six had their work cut out for them...and this was only the beginning.>>

[Circe]

{ as she began to pour the elixir that would seal Pandora's fate, a swirl of dark orbs caught her attention from afar...PERSEPHONE was here! almost immediately Persephone attacked her with a whip, clearly annointed with magickal power and entrapped her BEAUTIFULL face in a medieval torture mask designed to bring pain and humiliation. The timing of the attack was such that Persephone was able yank her forcibly and pull her down to the ground.}

{ the pain of the mask stung like a swarm of deadly bees and the warmth of her own blood began to fill the mask but her blood was just as deadly as Persephone's and it began to melt the mask from within. a NORMAL person would have been disfigured permanently unless they were headled by magick or some deftly clever plastic surgeon. In Circe's case it was the former and Persephone HAD to know it would take more than THIS to bring her down.}

{ the centaur roared out that the captives were being teleported away!}

{ from the within the mask, a temporarily injured Circe CURSED as Spellbinder had no doubt whisked Karen, Alycia and Pandora awawy from there...and that was why Persephone was there...to creat a DIVERSION! a clever move, conceived by Guardian no doubt.}

{ and sure enough, Guardian's voice could be heard as she TK'ed the centaur away and asked Morgan to provide their escape. with their depearture, the entrapment around Circe soon vanished. She hissed with pain and agitation as her magicks began to restore her beauty and vigor...lowering her hands from her face as it recovered from the attack.}

by medousa's blood....those wretched mortals have interferred for the LAST TIME!

{ the look on her face was one of TOTAL hatred...and hostility as thunder crashed around the rotunda. and she rose from her feet.}

their bleached bare bones will be ALL that remains of them when I have dealt with them as THEY DESERVED!

{ she was TRULY angry...Spellbinder had snatched away Pandora and perhaps her only chance to possess the box...but she still had PLENTY of power to DESTROY THEM...starting with PERSEPHONE!}

{ she rose, wearing a beautifull green dress which flattered her figure and flowed with the high reaching split in the skirt and the regal golden accents to match the exquisite golden bracelets that adorned her wrists. her hair pulled back in a long, flowing pony tail and her eyes glowing so radiantly sparks seemed to flow from them, she commanded her centaur to arise anew and with a cry of indignation, she teleports in a swirling malestrom of dark magick....}

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone's whip uncoiled from around Circe's face before Spellbinder whisked them out of her apothecary. Returning to the battle, they weren't given much time to react before being attacked once again. The ground around Persephone began to shack rhythmatically. Turning around, a HUGE goliath was charging right for her. Taking a step back out of sheer awe of how huge the beast was, Persephone used the already tremoring ground as a source of inspiration. The ground around her began to crack in a circular fashion, creating an empty 'moat' between herself and the oncoming goliath. Steam began to rise and shoot from the huge cracks as lava rose from the center of the earth and filled in the empty moat. While this was happening, the goliath began to throw massive boulders in the air in her direction. Gesturing her hands out toward the falling boulders, streams of lava began to shoot out from the pool and slam into the rock, reducing it into nothing more than pebbles. Lifting both hands, palm facing upward, out to her side, the lava began to raise and create a thick circular wall around Persephone. Turning her palms to face where the beast was, she swung both arms forward, clapping her hands together. The circular wall of lava instantly accelerated forward into one HUGE mass; Persephone's body disappearing in a tornado of winds before the hot magma hit her. The mass of lava SLAMMED into the goliath with enough force and power to burn/blast a hole straight through Empire State Building. Reappearing seconds later in the same place she stood before, the heat around the surrounding area had went up several degrees causing Persephone's skin to shine with sweat. ::

[MorningStar]

[ MorningStar had her hands full, picking off bestiamorphs as they came. Or, at least, she thought she had her hands full. That was until she felt a searing pain in her side. She looked down to see claw marks – already bleeding – in her flesh. What the… Before she could even finish the thought, she felt something wrap around her, pull her backwards and throw her far from the rest of the team.

Delilah shook herself alert, temporarily stunned from her impact with the rocks, her body cut up and bruised – and bleeding from the claw wounds she had received moments earlier. Suddenly her pain lessened. Or rather not lessened, but because less important. She began to sway to an imperceptible sound. Though, of course, with her enhanced hearing, Delilah could in fact hear it. And she recognized what it was, having worked on (but not perfected) developing that part of her own powers. She knew what it was, but not from whence it came. Luckily females were not as susceptible to the sirens’ call, which gave her enough presence of mind to fight.

She drew on the light of the red moon, churning out her own sound waves, meant to scramble the sonic attack of the sirens. ]

[Jessica Hamby]

As they appeared on the Isle of Aerie, and the team split up to deal with the posing threat, Haleigh faded from view. She reappeared on the roof of the rotunda, and began to set up and load a 50 caliber rifle-- one that would put BASKETBALL SIZED holes in the competition. She took aim through the sight and commenced shooting, picking off beastiomorphs quickly and with no discrimination. She worked a pattern, taking out ones sneaking up on Delilah and Nicolas first, then decimating the more advantaged looking ones, then back to giving a helping hand to her friends. It worked wonderfully... but it only went on a few minutes before the sight became fogged.... and the focus blurred. Everything smelled of smoke... and when the sight refocused again, all Haleigh could see was a very reptillian snout. She lifted her head, to face a dragon with an impressive wingspan that was hovering in front of her menacingly, snorting smoke out of its nostrils. Haleigh tilted her head a bit, and then reached into her pocket to remove a small, flat metal case. Out of it, she pulled a black cigarrette, which she nonchalantly put between her lips before staring back up at the beast.

"Hey.... got a light?"

She asked, but immediately sprung into action as it opened its mouth and showered the entire area with flames. Haleigh dove to the right, and promptly LEAPT OFF the top of the rotunda when she realized that it was absolutely necessary. She planted a hand on the edge of the building as she went, and stuck a steel barb in the edge of the building, to which was attached a long cable that would lower her to the ground slowly in a spider-like fashion. Well, it WOULD.... that is, if the dragon didnt shoot fire from its eyes that MELTED the cable and caused Haleigh to drop violently that last few feet to the ground. The dragon didn't let up, firing more short blasts from its eyes, and Haleigh had to roll with the motion after her fall to get to her feet and take cover behind a large boulder. She instantly drew a handgun, and after a split second, she popped up from behind the boulder and with precision and machine speed, fired twice, hitting the dragon in BOTH eyes. Such a large creature, and so small were the bullets, that it didn't die... but was instead effectively blinded.

The beast tore into a rage, swinging its tail wildly, slamming it the boulder and smacking it clean out of the way, and Haleigh backpeddled quickly. It breathed fire again, spreading it around evenly, unintentionally setting fire to SCORES of beastiomorphs as Haleigh raced to stay a few steps ahead of the spray, until she finally took refuge BENEATH the monster.

"I think it's time to put YOUR fire OUT.... this rabid rampage just WONT do."

Titanium link chains materialized in mid air, and then came down quickly on the monster, flattening it to the ground as Haleigh moved out from beneath it. Several hundred lengths of chains in total, the dragon was almost covered completely, and anchored firmly to the ground from head to tail. An empty fire truck came roaring over, and the firehose sprung to life, on end attaching to the nearest fire hydrant and the other fixing itself firmly down the dragons THROAT. Haleigh brushed the dust and debri from arms as the hydrant turned on, DROWNING the dragon by filling it with a forceful flow of water.

"Now.... where was I? CHRIST.... it's good to be back!" :D

[Rampage]

As Nicolas vaulted to the snakes head and sliced, the beast hissed in pain, attempting to buck him off. Rampage thrust one hand into the snake's head, killing it and giving him leverage to use the beast as a weapon. As he landed, he pulled the snaked head up, exposed the fangs. With a squeeze using his TK RAMPAGE shot hot acid at the beastiamorphs that were coming for him, giving them a taste of their own medicine.

As one waves of beasts fell back, he began to wield his axe once again, slicing thhe enemy as he rolled with the woulds he was taking. The beasts were taking their toll, but Rampage was determined to give the goddess and the witches enough time to execute their plan. He was gratified as he saw the ladies reappear topside, but also saw Circe with her pet Centaur reappear.

He knew that this was it. Whatever happened, those two could not be allowed to leave this island. The Centaur was his. He had promised that he would end it, and now he would make it so. He sent a thought outward, smirking as it occurred to him.

Athena, if you are still out there, maybe you will get a kick out of seeing FINALLY, just what I can do. They say you are the protector of Warriors. Today I hope you are the protector of FRIENDS.

Nicolas knelt down, then leaped high into the air, landing to join his teammates, sending out waves of TK force around them to keep the smaller beasts at bay...

[Harbinger]

:: blindsided by the minotaur, Guardian was winded as she fell, but she immediately looked up from the ground to see the creature. it was clearly once a young man, probably a mutant. but at this moment, he was gripped with a ferocious zeal to beat her bloody.::

:: BLINKING away as it lunged for the spot where she lay, Guardian blinked IN again, but the minotaur turned as fast as she appeared. she relied on her powers as a precog to stay one step ahead of him as he repeatedly swung, attempted to head but and ram her. His thrusts, the form and speed were amazing, but the seer prooved equally , if not unbelievably able to avoid his close range lunges and attacks. even the fastest human athlete in the world woul'dve been pulped by now if faced with this. they played this horrific game of cat and mouse a few feet across the island.::

:: Guardian decided to show him that NO ONE was faster than HER on this island, as she TURNED the tables and rushed him....warping her temporal field to make her moves 10 to his 1. she beseiged him with a battery of punches augmented with her telekinetic power, causing her fists to become encircled in halos of dark blue energy as she struck him in the throat, the chest, the side of his head, the back of his head, his eye before finally slamming her fist into his the center of his face and unleashing her molecular accleration attack...BLOWING his head APPART with her last punch.::

:: as the body of the monster writhed and blood splattered around, Guardian waved her gloved hand dismissively. she was more than annoyed at this point.::

that'll teach him


:: she said coldly. before the ground began to tremble... she looked up in the air, and then around...they were NO FURTHER than they had been when they started. Delilah was facing the humanoid cheetah, Haleigh had bested the dragon and rampage had destroyed the snake and the large bestiamorphs. Persephone was dealing with the earthen goliath.Morningstar could take care of her self in this instance against the sirens and the cheetah and Spellbinder would triumph against the gryphonand while the six were strong, far from fatigued....this battle was like trying to drown an ocean! something had to give...ESPECIALLY with Circe on the horizon. ::


:: Guardian regrouped near Rampage::

don't get carried away Nicolas. it would do any good if you tear the island from its foundation.

save your strength for Circe...we're ALL going to need our best hits for HER.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder was flying in a tight pattern of evasive maneuvers through the black skies...but as tight a formation she kept, the gryphon kept right with her! its massive beack snapping at her as it desperately attempted to smash her or swallow her.>>

<< its roaring was worse than a train horn or tornado and worse, it seemed to manifest flaming arrows that it would send to hamper her flight path!>>

UGH!! I'VE HAD IT!

<< she cried out with agitation, as she looked back, and was nearly blasted in the FACE by an arrow that whizzed by.>>

<< she climbed high, doing a few loops to force the creature to commit to chasing her and matching her all the more vigoursly before diving down....extending her hands and flying with grim determination towards Alison and Nicolas. for someone who didnt know better...it seemed like she was leading the monster right for them....to CRASH INTO THEM!

<< as Alison and Nicolas, along with the ground, came closer and closer to Morgan. her icy violet eyes narrowed...and in her wicked heart she smiled. now, less than 12 feet away, THEY could feel the pressure from the violent downdraft and at the last insane moment, a stepping disc opens and she streaks into it...disappearing. the disc DOESNT CLOSE...instead, the gryphon, howling and roaring along the way, charges into it...thinking its still going to catch its "prey" but as its body rushes in..the disc CLOSES....and its horrific, blood curtling scream can be heard even BETWEEN earth and limbo as it is eviscerated by the disc. Morgan, meanwhile, emerges from ANOTHER disc nearby Alison and Nicolas, who had had just seen her above them not even SECONDS earlier.>>

hi there....

<< she said with an icy tone..>>

sorry i took so long. i had this giant ugly thing with wings and bad breath chasing me but i think he got lost. only HALF his body made it to limbo for dinner....my demons probably arent too happy with him right now.

<< she stood tall with her hands on her hips as the shredded cape of her demonic "inferno" costume flowed in the wind.>>

[Rampage]

As Alison appeared by him and admonished him to save his strength, they both saw Morgan diving for them with a GRYPHON in hot pursuit. Just as he erected a TK shield she teleported away all of herself but only HALF of the beast. He smirked, keeping the shield up a moment to catch the copious amounts of blood. What a show-off!!!

As Morgan walked up, sexy as ever, talking about being late, he gave her a once over. Still watching her, he spoke to Alison.

Team strategist, tell us how to lay this trick out once and for all. I have a date to finish REAL soon.

Nicolas gives Morgan a playful wink, then turns to face his adversaries, his jawline tightening as he readies for the Six's final battle with Circe.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: With the goliath burnt to a crisp and out of the way, Persephone scanned the battle area noting everyone was all right. Everything was calm for now, giving everyone a chance to breathe. But there were more hoards of beasitmorphs seen marching toward them in the distance. Circe was a relentless little shit, wasn't she? With the grace of a cat, Persephone leapt over the large crater that she had created earlier, landing skillfully on her feet. Walking to meet with Nicolas, Morgan, and Alison, the only thing left to do was face Circe...hopefully before the gang of beastimorphs met up with the group. She was ready to head home and take a long hot bath, washing away the stress and dirt from the past three days. ::

"Circe should---AHHHHHHHH!!"

:: Learching over in pain, Persephone screamed, grabbing her head in complete agony. With her eyes tightly shut, she fell to her knees, shaking her head erratically and gripping her brunette locks. ::

"STOP IT! STOP IT! MAKE IT STOP!"

:: Her head felt like it was literally lit on fire as shooting sharp pains pulsed violently in her brain. Loud voices of nearly thousands upon thousands of people bombarded her mind; their screams of terror and pain playing over and over, louder and louder. Doubling over, Persephone screams intensified as the pain the PEOPLE were feeling now began to completely overtake her body as well. ::

"STOP! MAKE THEM STOP!"

:: Only one person had the capability to do this...Circe. Whatever she was doing, it had completely incompasitated Persephone. Overwhelming her in a way she had never experienced before in her life. It was becoming even more traumatic as flashes of people being murdered in the most horendous ways began to appear in her mind. One after another after another, flashing relentlessly as the screaming became louder in her mind. At this point, Persephone was literally sobbing in pain though her screams. The FIRST the six had actually seen of the goddess' emotions. It was apparent Circe was out for BLOOD...and she was starting with Persephone. ::

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian looked up as she felt the downdraft from the rapid chase between Morgan and the gryphon. in brutally efficient fashion, Morgan eliminates the Gryphon, leaving half his body here and the other half in Limbo. the mess that resulted was VERY gross, but Rampage shield the on lookers from the bodily debris.::

:: Morgan appeared near them, speaking catty like a super model describing some dim witted assistant or potographer as she commented on the determined gryphon that just met it's demise.::

:: as Nicolas asked Alison [ while managing to keep his gaze on Morgan], what they were to do next, Alison's own look turned to one of surprise as she looked to the side and saw Persephone under attack. it was a powerfull mystical attack and she recognized it. the kind that made a person feel like a STAR was exploding in their mind and body OVER AND OVER, leaving them feeling as though they were being burned alive but never being consumed. a furious pyrotechnic swirl of orange, red and white lights flowed around her as the attack intensified.::

It's Circe! She's subjecting Persephone to a powerfull mystical assault internally.

:: Alison turned to lock on Circe's location, when she noticed the bestiamorphs coming for them AGAIN, a reorganized, very well formed movement ....the same tactic that ANTS used to overwhelm larger, more powerfull foes. no matter how much damage the team did...they were were met with MORE...and Circe was now striking out...her pattern was intended to be RANDOM, but Guardian would be able to pick out her plans..which is why Circe would be coming for HER next....::

[Circe]

not so fast, harbinger!

{ the precog was her first priority....and the rumbling that alison had felt moments before grew stronger as a large black hued energy sphere raced across the expanse and slammed into Alison, immediately enveloping her and carrying her away as fast as it came! Guardian had seemingly been removed, but whether she was dead or not wasnt clear.}

Persephone is learning a painfull lesson in what happens to those who dare to interfere in my plans and now that your precog is gone...that just leaves one witch and three pitifull, PATHETIC mutants.


{ her voice could be heard among the winds and crashing waves, dripping with smug contempt.}


the bestiamorphs will continue coming until even YOU are overwhelmed, Black Widow...meanwhile, Rampage, it is time for YOU to reap your punishment from our earlier battle.

I said you would PAY for what you did to my beloved servant..and i intend to collect.

{ Rampage didnt know it...but he was about to rush right into Circe's trap. Haleigh would find herself beseiged WORSE than ever by Circe's horde of evil creatures...all shapes, sizes and unbelievable amalgams.}

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder gasped as Persephone reacted so violently, now realizing she was under an extreme magickal attack, one that could not be so easily parried or stopped.>>

you can't hide from ME circe! i know you're here...hiding in the blackness and the chaos but you can't cloak from MY magickal detection!

<< Persephone writhed with agony and Guardian indicated what kind of attack it was. the only way to stop it would be to stop Circe! if she thought she could cloak herself...she was mistaken...for the same way she could detect the witches, they could detect her. Circe gloated and promised MORE damage....and Black Widow was immediately charged while Guardian was carried away in a shadow globe....it happened SO FAST!>>

ALISON!!

<< Alison couldnt be dead...it would have registered...but she was snatched away so FAST....as Spellbinder struggled to try to control the situation, she realized that Morningstar was still dealing with the female cheetah as well. She, Rampage and MorningStar would have a better chance if they could stay TOGETHER!>>

Rampage, I'm going to help MorningStar and bring her back here. we've a better chance if we stay TOGETHER!

<< rushing off via air, Spellbinder knew that Rampage would be able to at least fight off and kill the centaur if HE emerged..and SMART enough to take cover if Circe appeared. none of them of them could face her ALONE.>>

<< she raced across the battle field , avoiding spears and arrows to reach MorningStar who was fighting off the Siren's hypnotic sonic attack and trying to evade the female humanoid cheetah. this cheetah was in spectacular shape with a splendid body and long flowing auburn hair...but her savage instinct and deadly skill was clearly apparent as she was able to keep Delilah of all people on the ropes. Morgan's chance to snatch her unaware was NOW! >>

Pardon me! but i simply MUST cut in on this dance.

<<swooping down, she grabs the cheetah by her hair and climbs high up in the air, freeing Delilah to deal with the jagged rocks/sirens.>>

I'm afraid you'll have to take a powder , sweetheart. my friend and I are needed ELSEWHERE!

<< before the cheetah could regroup using her prehensile tail, Morgan grabbed her tightly and spun her round and round in the air....faster and faster, before finally HURLING her away to fall into the stormy black seas and be swallowed by its thunderous waves and fury. whether or not she survived, Morgan couldnt be sure..but if she DID>..she'd have a HELL of a time getting back to sure through THAT sea's power.>>

Delilah! Circe's here and she's already taken down Persephone and Guardian...Black Widow and Rampage need our help!>>

<< teleporting her away from the jagged rocks would allow Delilah to break free of any residual effects. so, via stepping disc, the two women arrive to Nicolas in time to help him stand against what is yet to come...the odds look impossible...and even the air itself seems to hold in readiness...but for the six, aid is about to come in a most unexpected form!>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: It felt like a bear trap was crushing her skull with every passing moment. The pain was so intense, so incompasitating, Persephone HOPED she would pass out just so she wouldn't have to feel it any more. But the goddess had a strong will and would not go down without a fight. Even if it took every last bit of energy she had. Out of breath, vains could be seen visibly along her sweat covered temples and forehead. Her eyes were so tightly shut, it was puzzling that tears could even manage to fall onto her cheeks. ::

:: With one hand planted on the ground for suppose, her other still remained on her head. Choking down the screams of anguish, Persephone's tembling hand left her head, shaking like a leaf in the air. Opening her bloodshot eyes as much as she could, she pointed her hand in the direction of the on coming heard of beastimorphs. Thunder crashed violently in the sky as bolts of lighting flickered, lighting up island. The thrashing oceans became calm; the water barely moving. From afar, a swell of water began to create a wave, growing in size as it traveled closer to the shores of the island. The wave finally reaching it's peak of nearly fifteen stories, it CRASHED onto the banks of the island, SLAMMING into the mass of beastimorphs that were heading to infultrate the six. The impact alone crushed the majority of the beastimorphs, but the ones that were lucky enough to survived were swept into an impossible rip current, PULLING them back into the ocean and away from the island. ::

:: Blood replaced tears; the red liquid dripping from her eyes and ears. Closing her eyes tightly once again, Persephone's torso finally collapsed to the ground. With her hands desperately clawing at her head, the pain intensified. Her once booming screams were now nothing more than horse, cracking, groans of pain as a result of loosing her voice. Persephone had accomplished one attack, but she would not survive another attempt. Not while under Circe's control. ::

[Oracle]

<< the island seemed to keep circe's army empowered....indeed they had home court advantage and the six, while being more carefull and more direct ...still found themselves being one up'ed by circe and her horde. Persephone was being taken down. Guardian was down and Black Widow was being beseiged.>>

<< the problem WAS the army of bestiamorphs. Circe's front line and a most powerfull obstacle to beat but there comes a time when everyone finds themselves on the receiving end of being "one up'ed" and for circe, the time was now.>>

<< those with keen eyes would see through the black clouds that churned above, a flowing sparkling GOLDEN trail....that soon turned into the form of beautifull snow white OWL! was it BUPOL? in this timeline?? Rampage had only moments ago gave thought to Athena and her legend of protecting warriors.>>

<< but as Bupol flew, seemingly unnoticed, he began to circle and cry out. even Circe had to take notice by now. it was a most peculiar thing.....being that they were not in ancient greece anymore.>>

<< Bupol flew and perched on the very top of the rotunda...and the sparkling golden dust continued to fall...forming a "curtain" of sourts across the horizon. the haze parted and the sound of horns and trumpets could he heard...as the cries of WOMEN ...WAR CRIES could be heard...low and behold AMAZONS, real live amazones wearing beautifull golden armour designs inspired by Athena for indeed she was their patron goddess. these women were armed with enchanted shields, swords, spears, bow & arrow, mace and more....the women also wore the legendary FEMINUM bracelets, bracelets composed of a special metal that could block/deflect bullets, energy projections and even some mystical attacks. the amazons were an immortal race of warriors...as fearsome as any man and MORE. they charged across the landscape, heading for the now TERRIRFIED bestiamorphs and the battle was now joined as the amazons and their steeds brought a new vigor of battle and resistance and the six had to realize that ATHENA herself must have sent these women to aid them!>>

<< perhaps the six were not the ONLY ones who learned lessons during the emotionally trying visit to ancient greece.>>

<< no doubt for BLACK WIDOW it was a real LIVE reproduction of the unusual attack that Athena had delivered against her on olympus...the stampeding army of horses galloping all around her and past her! for a moment...it seemed like they might try to run her OVER again...but they didnt...they ALL deftly avoided her and snatched away the creatures attacking her so THIS time...it was to haleigh's BENEFIT :D the amazons crashed into the bestiamorphs and began to lay SAVAGE waste. the women were tall, beautifull and statuesque..all possessing super strength, endurance and stamina as well as peak human speed and reflexes. a flickering golden out line image of Athena could be seen in the black skies as Bupol flew up into it....and vanished.>>


<< with the arrival of the Amazons, Circe's front line was now completely diverted and committed elsewhere...and she was now left with only her centaur. not that she lacked the power or the willingness and know how to use it....but she was once AGAIN one up'ed and by a force that even SHE couldnt anticipate. the Amazons were MORTAL enemies of Circe and had frequently aided in battles against her in centuries past and had been known to even RESCUE mortal men from her clutches. This was not a good thing for Circe. it meant that at least ONE of the goddesses from Olympus had taken notice of her in THIS timeline.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Back with the group, Spellbinder was doing her best to try to help Persephone, who was still being attacked by Circe. but nothing worked...Persephone showed surprising endurance for a woman under such an onslaught but the pain was taking its toll on her and her body...>>

a pentagram of protection can't help...the attack has already taken hold of her INSIDE!

<< the anguish in Spellbinder's voice was drowned out as Persephone valiantly lashed out with her power against the bestiamorphs but she wouldnt be able to do this again...she wouldnt have to.>>

I need a clear shot at Circe!!!

<< Morgan looked for the witch, using her magickal detection, when sudden she saw....>>

look!...

<< Pointing at the beautifull white owl in the air above..>>

is that...BUPOL??

<< she narrowed her violet eyes....as the owl circled a bit and then flew away, perching itself on top of the rotunda. from that distance it looked so small it as hardly visible but soon, she realized that BUPOL was not the thing to watch...but the golden haze that parted to reveal a charging army of real, live AMAZONS! fully armed and ready to battle!! Morgan crained her neck, looking for for BLACK WIDOW, who had been fighting the monsters head on. >>

AMAZONS!

<< Morgan couldnt help but smile with amazement as the beautifull, fierce women charged forward on their steeds and slammed into battle, beating back the bestiamorphs and striking them down in unison but what was even BETTER was that CIRCE had been so startled, so SHOCKED at the apparition of ATHENA in the sky that she was now plainly visible and OPEN to attack!>>

they're beating back the hordes!!!


it's such a shame when people crash your party, isnt it??

<< Morgan tapped Circe on the shoulder, having teleported behind her and as the witch turned ...looking annoyed and confused, Morgan BACK HANDS her with ALL her super strength and her hand encircled by a halo of magick>>

RELEASE Persephone, CRONE!

<< following that heavy handed slap, Morgan keeps in step to upper cut Circe in her stomach at close range, hoping to send the witch AIRBORN and give someone else a shot at her while she's still off balance. but at the very least, Persephone's pain has been ENDED.>>

[Circe]

{ Circe noticed an OWL of all things fluttering in the night sky....a white owl that looked all too familiar.}

WHAT?

{ as Spellbinder observed the owl and referred to it by name, Circe hissed with contempt!}

NO! they couldnt POSSIBLY pick NOW of all times to interfere! they wouldn't DARE! I've KILLED a god before.

{ but despite her protests, Bupol remained , far above and safe from the bestiamorphs and through the golden haze, rode the brave army of the..}

those ACCURSED AMAZONS!!

{ she screamed. oh how she HATED them...as well as Athena. the amazons were a major, and LONG standing thorn in her side...one of the few forces in this world capable of stopping her from enslaving every man. she's clashed with them before through the centuries. and now she watches as they charge into view, looking as beautifull as ever and armed with weapons and armor blessed by Athena and Artemis. the bestiamorphs were being FORCED to fall back, clearing the way for the six and providing them with MUCH needed breathing room.}

DAMN.....ACKK!!!

{ she fumed but could hardly dwell on the immediate problem as she was physically assaulted by Spellbinder, her head snapped to the side from the force of the blow and blood flowed from her mouth but she did not fall. she was not exactly WEAK physically herself. Spellbinder commanded her to release Persephone and went to attack her again. Morgan's courage was obviously fueled by the sight of the amazons....circe speculated. but whatever this burst of bravado was from, Circe wouldnt tolerate it. }


YOU, command ME!?

{ Circe shrieked as she BLOCKED Morgan's blow with a mystic shield}

NO ONE commands me, child. especially not the bastard avatar of Hecate!

{ with fluent grace, she dodges Morgan's next attack and retaliates as she BLASTS Spellbinder with a force bolt, sending the woman sprawling across the ground back toward her friends. no doubt her own magicks would blunt the blow and prevent any serious damage, but she would be left WINDED for the moment. If Circe had wanted to kill her out right...she could have, but Circe wanted the pleasure of destroying them ALL in one deadly pass.}

However, If you want to go 13 rounds before your death, i'll GLADLY oblige you.


{ she laughed softly, obviously resigning her bestiamorphs to their fate. for while they were an excellent asset, she could ALWAYS find more men (and some women) to ensorcell and swell their ranks to replace those lost to the amazons tonight. the battle between the amazons and bestiamorphs raged on and Circe faced the six...now Black Widow was able to join them as well..but she remained unfazed...for SHE still had Guardian in her grip...somewhere. all the while, waiting on rampage to move..for she had something SPECIAL in store for HIM :fdevil: }

[Rampage]

As the Amazons made their entrance, Nicolas remembered his thought to Athena and smiled. But his joy was short-lived, as Morgan attacked Circe and was rebuffed quickly, leaving him and Black Widow for the moment to face the sorceress.

Nicolas watched her like a hawk as he silently commanded surrounding pieces to move. Fallen weapons, pebbles, boulders that the beatiamorphs had thrown at him, all became a maelstorm of debris that attacked Circe from all sides. He realized that this would do little PERMANENT damage, but he hoped that it would buy the team time to regroup as he used the cover created by his shower of debris to sink into the ground. Where he would show back up and what he would do was anyone's guess...

[Circe]

{ sounds of battle, explosions and chaos competed with the stormy waves and churning skies for attention it seemed as the Amazons waged devastating war with the bestiamorphs but Circe was undaunted as SHES faced off against the Six. DARING THEM to come forward as she repelled Morgan for a start.}

{ as she glared at them with utter contempt, Rampage,used his apparently augmented telekinetic power to lash out with a malestrom of boulders, debris and abandonned weaponry to surround Circe. the range and technique of the young mutant was not what Circe had expected and for a brief moment, she could be seen struggling as she attempted to cover her face while within the malestrom. Rampage went below ground. a tactic she'd remembered from the first time they met when she nearly destroyed him and while he disappeared, moments later a violet orb could be seen from the midst of the malestrom...it shimmered before growing and expanding and with a thunderous rushing sound, the now large force globe exploded , destroying the malestrom and reducing its contents to fiery ash and dust but Circe was not in the center anymore.}


{ a swirling spiral of dark winds spun out from amongst the center of the SIX}


think FAST children!

{ Circe appeared in a flash and extended her hands, blasting them all away in every direction with a concussive blast of dark magick. she gestured, weaving a pattern of power as shadow tendrills came into view ready to be conducted by the sorceress. immediately she lashed out, striking and whipping the six with the shadow tendrils with such force that clothes would be torn and there would be abrasions on the skin.while they could hit the SIX...the six would find that their physical blows and many of their attacks
would pass harmlessly through them.}

Rampage, you abandon your friends to HIDE from me? cowering underground like an insect rather than facing the fate that you more than richly deserve? isnt it better to DIE with honor than to live knowing you cowered like a spineless jellyfish?

{ she taunted as she continued to attack the six, now causing the shadow tendrills to wrap around various body parts of MorningStar, Persephone and Haleigh before lifting them up in the air and swining/spinning them around like a wild, demented ride at an amusement park before slamming them down to the ground. She was playing with them like a cat plays with its toy....only this was ROUGH play.}

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder slowly rose...gritting her teeth. If she was going to be beaten, she'd make SURE to give as well as she got for as long as she could! rising to her feet as Circe attacked her friends, Spellbinder narrowed her icy violet eyes as she looked around. WHERE Rampage was ...she couldnt be sure. But Circe certainly was capitalizing on the team's still off balanced feeling. >>

she's not the ONLY one whose considered "sorceress supreme" around here.

<< Morgan muttered as a wicked smile finally washed over her face. the amazons fighting the bestiamorphs certainly provided enough of a cover for her as she had finally gotten up from being repelled. she began to gesture, igniting magick as a chime sounded off. >>

waters of the skies, waters of the ocean
here, there, everywhere!
let the wrath of neptune rise and submerge my foe!


<< sparkling aqua colored orbs swirl around Spellbinder's hands as the seas and skies begin to come together and obey the dark magick....another chime sounds as a massive WAVE begins to flow across the horizon and Morgan takes aim!>>

DEEP SUBMERGE!!

<< Spellbinder directs the attack...the orbs come together to form a massive sphere that charges madly across the expanse and slams into Circe from the back....hitting her with the power of a TSUMANI and unleashing a blast of water all around her....>>

[MorningStar]

[ Luckily Spellbinder appeared, deftly dispatching the cheetah and transporting the two of them back to the group. Persephone was in bad shape, but they had little time to check on her as the army of besitamorphs began to close in. And then the Amazons appeared...

Delilah didn't know why this should surprise her, after all that had happened to them recently. But she had to be a little in awe at the skills these women had. The tide of battle was turned, and they were now able to focus on Circe.

Before she could attack, Circe's shadow tendrils whipped around her, cutting into her skin. She was lifted into the air, then fell hard to the ground. She grunted. Her body felt like it wanted to split into a thousand pieces. She climbed to her feet. ]

"Alright. Now I'm pissed."

[ She began setting off bursts of bright light in the air around them. ]

"When you find yourself in the shadows, turn on the light!"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: With Spellbinder's attack against Circe, an immediate feeling of relief overcame Persephone. The voices began to fade from her head to a quiet whisper. Defintely more tolerable than before. Still with a pounding headache, it wasn't enough to incompasitate her, just cause her mild discomfort. Pushing her weight up from the ground, Persephone looked over to Circe who unleashed a huge shadow attack. ::

"Here we go again.."

:: And right on cue, the shadow tendrills wrapped around Persephone's body, lifting her high in the air. Gritting her teeth, if it wasn't one thing with Circe, it was another. Barely able to recover from her last attack, Persephone struggled to free herself from the tendrills with no avail. Morningstar however, jumped into action, lighting up the entire area around them, causing the tendrills to disappear. Falling to the ground with a thud, Persephone rolled onto her back coughing out. Her mind and body were utterly exhausted. ::

:: Hearing a huge expolosion, Persephone rolled her head in the direction of where the noise came from. Seeing Circe being hit with a huge attack via Spellbinder, Persephone couldn't help but smile. Pushing herself off the ground once more, she winced feeling her head throb in pain. ::

"How do telepaths deal with all these voices..."

:: Rubbing her fingers along her temples trying to block out the millions of voices still ringing in her head. They needed to destory Circe ASAP...one for the sheer fact she was a hanous bitch, and two, to get these damn voices to stop. ::

"Where's Rampage and Guardian? We need to hit her with everything we have while she's down."

[Rampage]

As if on cue, Rampage teleported in front of the reeling Circe and hit her under the chin with his Morgan-enchanted axe with all of his might, teleporting back quickly to the group after his strike. As she reeled further, Nicolas anchored her to the ground with rocky shackles that had sharp spikes to add a bit of spice to the binding.

No cowering here, crone. Just waiting my turn...

[Circe]

{ Circe laughed softly as her tendrills whipped and hurled the women about...but a rumbling tremor and a shift in the wind behind her suggested something ELSE. as she turned, just realizing that something was racing her way, she was SLAMMED by the force of a tidal wave and innundated with water all around her! she barely had time to gasp as she was carried away in the tidal attack by spellbinder.....but even as she flowed along, Rampage appeared and attacked her as well, slamming her in the chin with his enchanted axe and causing her head to jerk back violently. that HURT..but Rampage had reappeared and more importantly, had come into HER personal space...that was ALL she needed!}

{ the din of the wave soon faded and Circe was left to regain her balance. she moved slow at first..coughing and gasping but still somehow she found this amusing. slowly looking up as the deep wound on her chin and neck began to heal following the manifestation of sparkling orbs around her face, she liked her lips and seemed to enjoy the taste of her own blood.}

you missed the chance to draw first blood my dear. your renegade flower pot, Persephone beat you to it only moments ago, but now that you're here and you've come into contact with me...i've got something in store for YOU personally. something that will make your painfull strike against me WELL worth the endurment.

{ she looked down at the stone shackles.}

foolish boy.

{ showing now obvious attempt to move or escape}

this island is MINE to command...you manipulate the physical matter for a TIME...but I controll ALL that i see!

{ as she gestured, weaving a pattern of power...a dark read pyrotechnic display began to swirl around Rampage himself as the CENTAUR galloped into view.}

gone, gone the form of man
the fires of hades burn away all he was
rise, rise now my NEW centaur, your mistress COMMANDS


{ Rampage was trapped in a spell as the pyrotechnics around him increased in their intensity and his body ...was transformed into its primal essence and SHUNTED into the physical shell of the CENTAUR...essentially MERGING them}

you see....the centaur had been KILLED by Rampage earlier. I reanimated his shell, but he was without substance...no true identity of his own and since Rampage took his life away..it was only FITTING that HE replace it..with his OWN!

{ she extende her arms out sideways and the stone shackles were BLOWN away ala' piper halliwell and the winds howled as Circe rebounded}

he is now under MY POWER! HELPLESS but to do MY bidding...and what better way to START...than to have him KILL the woman he would LOVE! with HER dead, no one will EVER be able to question my RIGHT to channel the power and claim the mantle of Hecate!

{ pointing to Morgan!}

Centaur! DESTROY HER!! crush her windpipe and see the last glint of light FADE from her eyes as you strangle her!

I'll deal with this wretched pin head pompous

{ turning to face the trio}

Guardian is GONE. she cannot help you. NO ONE CAN!

{ extending her hands forward, palms out, Circe unleashes a MASSIVE red mystical fireball that charges madly for Persephone, Black Widow and MorningStar. She intends to KEEP them from helping Morgan fight off Nicolas.}

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Rampage suddenly appeared, striking Circe with his axe. Reappearing by the group once more, Circe was bound in stone shackles, but not for long. As she began to speak, Persephone knew exactly what she was planning on doing to Nicolas! It was her MO....and she had found Nicolas appealing since the moment she laid eyes on him. ::

"Morgan! Transport Nicolas away immediately!"

:: But before she could muster out the words, the centeur came charging at Nicolas and BONDING with his body to become another one of Circe's pets. Nicolas was commanded to attack Morgan, while Circe unleashed a mystic fireball at herself, Delilah, and Haleigh. Withdrawing a single mystic dagger she held it firmly in her hand as she extended her free hand outward toward the fireball. A large blue orb of water formed within Persephone's hand that mirrored the size of the fireball. Throwing it directly into the fireball's path, she then threw her mystic dagger with precision and accuracy. The ball of water and mystic dagger hit the mystic fireball dead on, combinding as one and extinguishing BOTH aspects of power; elemental and mystic. Her dagger returned back to her immediately, Persephone catching it in her hand and holstering it. That took care of one problem, for the time being. ::

"Haleigh...while I was studying the six's logs regarding past battles, I read that you bit Alexis Quartermaine when she had transformed into Blackout. Your TO virus invaded her body....Do you think that would work on Circe? She has healing capabilities, but once the virus penetrates her skin, it should still effect her. That could slow her down and give us an advantage."

:: Persephone spoke quickly, knowing that Circe wouldn't wait long before attacking again. If she and Delilah could distract Circe long enough for Haleigh to bite her...perhaps it would work in their favor. Either way it would be quite hilarious to see Circe be bit regardless if it incompasitated her or now. :: :p

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh found a moment's reprieve after taming the dragon, but it didn't last. Circe almost immediately sent more her way, and it was enough to overwhelm anybody. Haleigh fought back valiantly, even as her actions degraded to brutal violence and a complete lack of regard. Indeed, before long, she was LITERALLY ripping the competition limb from limb and CRUSHING bones with her bare fists. Animal body parts lay scattered around and near her, and the pool of blood she was standing in was quickly deepening. A small contingent of RACCOONS took to harrassing her, several jumping on her at once and clawing at her suit. Haleigh tore them from her body, beating them AGAINST each other and STOMPING their skulls to mush as so as she threw them beneath her feet. True to the threat, though, it looked as though she might soon be completely overtaken, because as soon as she frees herself of THIS annoyance, more menacing animals are closing in to replace them. How well will she far against a pack of wolves, EASILY bigger than her in size?

Luckily, Athena seems to offer a helping hand [though it does seem this way initially]. Haleigh finds herself skittishly dodging a STAMPEDE of horses, and she recognizes them instantly as Athena's. She gives a vexed expression, until she realizes that they are actually driving the beastiomorphs BACK, and she looks briefly to the sky in silent thanks, before rejoining her comrades to face Circe.

"13 rounds? Surely it won't take us THAT long to snuff you out."

She taunts, making her presence known. Circe instantly reacts, and with a most peculiar attack. Haleigh ducks a first blow, and then instinctively shields herself with her arm and tries to parry the next, but recieves a nasty shock when the shadowy weapon splits even HER suit and leaves a welt on contact.

"Son of a BITCH!"

She half mutters, half exclaims, and she quickly manifests a metallic shield, circular and large enough to protect the entirety of her body when she crouches beneath it. Circe's blows now fall on a much more resistant surface, and as the shadows reach for her ankle, Haleigh brings the shield to the ground in a chopping motion, preventing being grabbed and swung about. Morningstar soon remedies the problem, and Persephone provides a much needed counter to another of Circe's attack. Haleigh discards the shield as Perse appeals to her, nodding ever so slightly, a dark and sinister gleam in her eyes. She has wanted to explore the possibilities of infecting others with the TO virus ever since Blackout, she has had almost a TASTE for it.... but who to inflict it upon?

"Probably better than you might think. Healing is a REGENERATIVE ability, and as such is REACTIVE. The TO Virus by its very nature creates a state of perputal atrophy. Healing works great if you get stabbed and need to recuperate-- i.e, repairing injury to tissue, but how could it react to the DYING of tissue? Not only THAT... when I bit Alexis... I could FEEL the virus taking her over... and sucking the LIFE out of her... and simultaneously... I felt a boost... as if I was ABSORBING what it was taking away. I think I may be able to control it... and slowly render her... sluggish and lethargic, maybe even PARALYZED. Shall we test the theory?? All I need is a window.... Can you guys provide me a distraction?"

[MorningStar]

[ They needed to work quickly if they were going to be of any help to Morgan. Delilah put a finger to her lips, and thought for a brief second. It definitely could work. ]

"Let's do it."

[ She nodded as Haleigh asked for a distraction. Raising her hands, MorningStar used her powers over light to generate a series of holograms. Circe would see on the other side of her, what would appear to her to be her old adversaries, the gods of Olympus. Lifelike copies of Zeus, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite could now be seen, as if they had come for Circe themselves. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Spotting Delilah's holographic Gods, Persephone smile turned into an all out grin. How fitting. Circe would defintely take the bait. She was the type of God (like herself) who liked nothing more than to trump herself above all others; ESPECIALLY those she hated. ::

"Move quickly, Haleigh. Circe won't be fooled for long."

:: Encouraging Haleigh to go, Persephone glanced to Mornginstar with her normal even stare. ::

"Think you could whip me up Brad Pitt?"

:: A surprisingly light hearted comment from the normally stone cold goddess, Persephone cracked a smile at her teammate. Not exactly the best time for jokes, but with Delilah's impressive show of power, she couldn't help but comment on it. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Nodding as Persephone gave the go ahead, Haleigh wore a smirking, predatory glare. Morningstar's diversion would play against the weakness that ALL the Gods shared-- overinflated ego and the arrogance and determination to prove themselves superior. Haleigh moved quickly and without sound, sneaking up behind Circe.

She grabbed a fistful of hair and was quite rough in exposing Circe's neck, and though she might have enjoyed taunting her a little, avoided it, if only because she didn't want to give Circe even a SECOND to react. There is a flash of metallic nature as Haleigh bites down, indicating that she has enhanced the sharpness of her natural teeth to break the skin even faster. She makes sure she bites on the right side of Circe's neck and in so doing, hits the Internal Carotid Artery; this will send the virus FIRST to Circe's brain and then to her heart, where it will flood the rest of her body in a matter of minutes. Circe's healing may be able to cope with Haleigh causing such deep and violent trauma to the neck and its major artery, but the instant the Virus was in, the damage was done. Haleigh pulled back quickly, wiping the blood from her lips, willing the TO virus to invade and destroy Circe from the inside out.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder rushed for Circe as she cast her spell against Nicolas. One of Morgan's own powers....something that only the strongest of magick users like she or Alison could manifest was the power to WARP a spell cast by another magick user and turn it back...but she was too slow in this instance and Nicolas' soul, his very BEING was imprisoned in the shell of the centaur and he was now seemingly bound to her will.>>

<< Persephone was already on to Circe's plan and advised Morgan to teleport Nicolas away...>>

If i do THAT, he'll never be free....my SOUL SWORD can BREAK this spell and release Nicolas!

<< the soul sword, one of the most dangerous talismans on the planet and DEFINATELY a key weapon in a situation like this. neither magickal beings or enchantments could withstand it but with Rampage being INSTANTLY upon Morgan...and his strength being greater than her's....would she be able to use it in time?>>

<< Spellbinder knew that Persephone, Morningstar and Black Widow would unite against Circe and at least impede her assault, but Morgan would have to deal with Nicolas now...and then help them against Circe. they were no closer to destroying her now than they were at the beginning....and ALISON was now seemingly lost as well!>>

Nicolas! DON'T!

<< Spellbinder yelled as she prepared to defend herself from his deadly grasp, swooping down to avoid his first past, she holds up her hand and with a chime and flash, the SOUL SWORD leaps in her hand...manifesting the eldritch armoured gauntlet around that hand, arm and shoulder. One strike was all she needed...and though it would be PAINFULL for him...it would free him of this prison created by Circe and release him from her hold..putting him BACK in his proper form.>>

[Rampage]

As Circe cast her spell, Nicolas went to teleport, but it was too late as the mystical energies swirled around him, causing him to dispel, coalescing within the shell of the Centaur. TH shock of the process was excruciating to his mind as he attempted to fight off her influence.

You will pay for this..I will see arrgh!!!

Suddenly the Centaur-Rampage's eyes dulled a bit. He turned to face Morgan.

Yes, my mistress. Sorceress, your time has...come.

The new beast leaped forward, galloping madly at Morgan as Circe kept the others at bay. As Morgan evaded his first pass and conjured the Soul sword, he turned on a dime and grabbed her neck, lifting her high into the air. The pain was excruciating as Rampage began to cut off her airway but suddenly, the pressure lessened only slightly, his hand trembling. As he looked at her, his eyes softened for a second as he whispered to Morgan through clenched teeth.

Free me or kill me...before I am forced to kill you.

The Centaur's hand began to tighten again around Morgan's neck...

[Jill Monroe]

<< it was easy to imagine that Nicolas (or the Centaur even) might not be as fast or gracefull due to their sheer size but to Morgan's painfull surprise, the Centaur/Nicolas was as fast as ever and turned right along with Morgan as she evaded his first attack and snatched her up by her neck.>>

<< for a moment , she felt her eyes wanting to pop out of her head then came the awfull, panic inducing feeling of not being able to draw a decent breath. it felt like her throat was being CRUSHED!>>

<< her head was tilted back slighty as she felt herself lifted off the ground...>>

my armour would protect me if it was covering my whole body...but i've only manifested the gauntlet so far! grip is so TIGHT....it HURTS....musn't PANIC!!

<< Morgan shut her eyes tightly for a moment, trying to control what reserves of air she had left .>>

......

<< alot of people would have blacked out by now, but Morgan, while admittedly getting dizzy and light headed hung on. finally Nicolas exerted enough control over his new body and spoke through the centaur to Morgan, loosening his grip just enough to allow her the reprieve she needed to TELEPORT! a stepping disk whisks her from his grasp and puts her behind him.>>

I won't be killing you, Nicolas.

<< struggling as her neck throbbed and she coughed a bit.>>

but I WILL be setting your FREE of this wicked sorceress' spell!

<< and with strong form, Spellbinder takes aim and swings her soul sword. the din of the mystic flames around the sword can be heard as she strikes Nicolas/Centaur across his back and as the flames and the blade connect with his back....a crash of thunder and flash of white light can be seen heard as the horrible spell is BROKEN. Nicolas' total being is released/EJECTED from the centaur's body and will return to his true form while the centaur's body is now engulfed in white mystical flame before exploding violently.>>

<< the shock of yet ANOTHER transformation via dark magick would leave nicolas pained and disoriented for a moment and Morgan knelt down, taking him in her arms, holding him and helping him to readjust and recover from Circe's violation.>>

you'll be okay honey.

<< she said softly, finding it odd that she could comfort him in this of all times. especially when she herself was still rather shakey. she'd never been on the receiving end of Nicolas' strength like that before...and she still coughed a bit with each breath. Nicolas looked rather innocent...even "cute" and Morgan couldnt help but feel the need to nurture him a bit. He would be fine, and Morgan knew she had to go to the others. Circe wouldnt be held up by any one for very long and they had to continue to face her TOGETHER.>>

you rest for a bit. the amazons have the bestiamorphs at a disadvantage and the centaur is gone for good now. the soul sword has broken that spell.

<< letting go and standing up, she looked back down.>>

by the way, if i have a bruise on my tender skin from your little choke hold...WE may be going 13 rounds when this is over.

<< Morgan kept a serious look, before winking at Nicolas and flying off to join the others against Circe. racing across the terrain, she saw the pitched battle between Persephone, MorningStar, Black Widow and Circe. they were working quite well together but Circe prooved she was NEVER overwhelmed by anyone for long....and what was worse, part of the Six, ALISON was still missing.>>

<< Black Widow was upon Circe attempting to infect her with the T.O. virus, but Morgan knew enough to know this would most likely NOT work.>>

Haleigh! GET AWAY before it's too late! her magicks will most likely protect her...while YOU are now more than in danger!

[Circe]

{ Circe continued to smirk as she battled against the women of the six. but they showed susprising speed and adaptability. suddenly, Athena, Zeus, Hera and Artemis appeard in a flash of light, Circe turned and glared at them.}

First the amazons and now THIS!?

{ she bellowed with shock, reacting to the real as life holograms created by MorningStar}

well, I'll deal with THEM!

{ she unleashes a massive eldritch blast, but the blast charges for and passes THROUGH the holograms and instead of destroying them, the massive bolt of dark magick charges across the land before finally dissipating! Circe's eyes narrow with curiosity...}

what is THIS!?? a TRICK...an ILLUSION!!

{ but before she could pinpoint MorningStar as the creator, Black Widow as instantly upon her and attacking her. biting down on her neck in an attempt to infect her with the Techno Organic VIRUS!}

insolent cur!

{ Circe hissed as Black Widow attacked...the PAIN of the bite was fierce...and though Circe was, for intents and purposes, immortal; there were certain things that still hurt and THIS was one of them! not only was this woman daring to violate circe's space..but she was attacking her in a most primal and savage way...almost like she was trying to assert dominance. Circe wouldnt STAND for this.}

AWAY FROM ME BEAST!

{ with the force of her super strength, Circe elbows Haleigh in the face before busting loose and spinning around, slapping haleigh and unleashing a blast point blank range with a "moon bolt" to send her flying away and leaving a nasty burn/bruise on her stomach}

how DARE you lay a hand on me, you peasant!

{ she roared as the winds whipped into a frenzy, hammering MorningStar back as well. she felt the invasion of the virus...STRANGE...and while a normal or unprotected super human would have been rendered inert by now, Haleigh had made a mistake, she didn't even attempt to drain Circe's "life glow"...and Circe's magick, augmented by Hecate's own power MORE than repelled the attempt at infection and so while circe felt EXTREME dizzyness at this moment as well as a rise in her body temperature, she wouldn't succumb to the totality of the virus...but instead, she had something instore for THEM.}

{ gesturing, the glowing image of a dark moon formed around and behind her as halos of dark magick formed around her well manicured hands...}

bright light, shining light
heal my hurts with all thy might.
Oh unforgiving light, surround them now,
relive my spirit's darkest hour
and visit upon THEM the pain of this virus!

{ an explosive, crashing blast of black light radiates out and around...and Persephone, MorningStar are now vexed with the symptoms of the Techno Organic virus...their bodies under attack at at RAPID rate while their flesh begins to show patches of the "techno organic" effect. soon they will become completely transformed and rendered inert as their body is ravaged. Haleigh now experiences the FINAL STAGES of the virus without the benefit of the seeming immunity/resistance she gained following the experiments she was subjected to at Mystech's Horror Hall.}

what you attempted to do to ME...i now RETURN to you 10 fold!

{ her raven black hair flows as she laughs and continues her magickal attack...}

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Son of a bitch."

:: Persephone mummbled as her body was suddenly overcome with the symptoms of the TO virus. Patches of blue/grey skin began to appear, and her veins were black and visible to the naked eye. Her stomach turned with discomfort and her head pounded even worse than it did before. But even as the TO virus invaded her body, she felt a sudden eurge of strength; like a power surging throughout her body. ::

:: Unleashing her whip, the very end turned into a long metal spear as it SLAMMD THROUGH Circe's body. The spear like end snapped open like an anchor, preventing it from pulling out of her body as Persephone yanked back with her enhanced strenght, pulling Circe off her feet and hurling toward her. Lifting her hand, palm facing outward, a hurricane-like blast of wind slammed into Circe's airborn body, causing her body to jerk and change directions. Yanking the whip back right as her body jerked, Persephone pulled the anchor THROUGH Circe, the sharp metal ripping through her back and out her stomach in a blood show of power. ::

[Circe]

:fdevil:

{ the ravages of the TO virus were taking their toll on those who were vexed by the spell, but there would undoubtedly be surges of power/resistance by some of them sooner or later. Persephone, who was more like a snake or wild cat...striking when backed into a corner, lashed out first, but Circe was more than ready for her. that WHIP was trusty and handy, but it was an OBJECT and lest they forget, Circe channeled Hecate's powers...including teleblinking.}

{ fast as Persephone struck, the virus had taken its toll and she wasnt as on target as she liked to think. Circe extends her hand as the whip charges for her.}

now now, you little fool. you shouldnt play with dangerous weapons while you're sick. you could HURT yourself!

WHIP

{ the whip vanishes from Persephone's grasp in a swirl of dark orbs and flows to Circe, who , with a gesture of her hand, sends the whip FLYING FAR out into the stormy ocean. the whip is lost from sight as it is enveloped by the swelling, stormy waves. She had disarmed Persephone of the whip for the duration of this battle for while it may have been enchanted, that made it all the MORE vulnerable to Circe's own power.}

it's time for you to rely on YOUR OWN parlor tricks, instead of the ones given you by Hecate. but then again..that WAS always your best skill wasnt it? capitalizing off of others. I'd ask your mother...but she fell victim to THAT a long time ago.

{ Circe couldnt gloat for long as she was slammed and torpedoed by a hurricane blast, sending her aloft and knocking the "wind" out of her lungs as well.}

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder reaches her team mates...who are succumbing to the ravages of the techno organic virus. while they may enjoy the seeming benefit of a dramatic power surge...this is only an indication that their bodies...their very genetic structure is destabilizing and that their body is undergoing a transformation that will lead to their death.>>

<< Circe disarms Persephone and hurls her whip far out into the black stormy seas, but then SHE herself is catapulted into the air by Persephone's hurricane gust>>

it'll take more than that...there's a reason she's lived for centuries.

<< Morgan spoke softly as she landed among her friends and lifted her hands.>>

her magick is strong...but i can weave a pattern of power sufficient to BREAK the spell and reverse the damage!

<< a chime sounds off as the winds howl, the soft glow of green flames forms around the three women.>>


Magic mend and candle burn,
Sickness end; good health return.

<< the flickering "flame" auras around the women calm their bodies and soothe their minds...as the magick halts and reverses the damage of the TO virus caused by Circe's spell. but in Haleigh's case...it only returns her to her normal state...still with the virus but her body now able to hold it in check as before the spell from Circe.>>

<< the women's biological systems and powers would stabilize to normal levels.>>

a moment or two later.....

<< Morgan hesitated as she realized that they would be more dead than alive had she been a moment later. helping Persephone up.>>

we're no futher now than we were before. but at least Rampage is freed from that spell and the centaur CANT come back.

<< Morgan was about to speak, when a bright white light...followed by blast rays exploded from behind her. Morgan's scream could be heard as Persephone, Black Widow and Delilah were battered and hurled away from Morgan.>>

[Circe]

{ as Spellbinder was bombarded and her team mates forcibly seperated from her, a "crystal cage" effect formed an impenetrable barrier between Spellbinder and the rest of the team. the roaring din of the crystaline cage barrier could be heard and the six could not get past it by ANY means they would try.}

YOU. as long as YOURE here...you keep saving your team mates from destruction. YOUR power is the only one that stands in the way of my destroying THEM...and while you may have escaped the centaur and my other attempts from BEFORE....you will NOT escape NOW!

{ Circe emerged, her hair no longer impeccably styled, and she herself showing bruises, and battle wounds now but still no less determined.}

i think it's time that you embraced the only TRUE destiny you could have at this point....giving your power OVER to me...and allowing me to become the only living heiress to Hecate's power and legacy. What care I that she knows the TRUTH...she is not here and there is nothing ANY of you can do!

{ she lifts her hand, holding over Morgan's body, which is on the ground and paralyzed, as a large white halo forms around it.}

You're friends will watch this...and then in the final moments of your life...they will SHARE your death as the feed back destroys you ALL!


{ and with that, she begans the process she initiated through Morgan back at Barbara Minerva's mansion...that of ripping through her body and pulling from her very SOUL, the essence of her powers and magick...making her a living conductor to channel the raw energy...ravaging her body with pain and drawing her very LIFE FORCE now...there would be nothing left of Morgan but a withered husk when this was done...}

[Jill Monroe]

<< it felt as if the SUN were exploding behind her, she her body was BLASTED so hard...the physical pain made her lose her VISION as she screamed. as her vision returned, she was laying on the ground, trembling and looking upward to the stormy skies...>>

wha...?

<< she was so stunned and dazed...laying in an awkward way and making no obvious attempt to move....but once she tried to...>>

I....i can't MOVE!!

<< her icy violet eyes widened with shock and dismay as she was now paralyzed....>>

I CANT MOVE!

how right you are, child!

<< the wicked sorceress' evil smile gleamed as she stepped into view, having seperated Morgan from the others via crystal cage and spelling out the apparent end of Morgan and the team.>>

....ta..take me if you must.....but leave them! you've already taken alison....and now it's ME you want!!


<< morgan's icy voice was shakey...>>

leave them alone!! do you hear me!!

<< she couldnt move...she felt so helpless..she would rather die than be at circe's mercy.>>

hecate made the worst mistake in HISTORY when she chose YOU as her successor...and ...your forgetting one thing....if you destroy me.....you'll destroy the dark trinity as well.......YOUR power will be WEAKENED just as her's was....when persephone killed demeter!!

your..your short sighted machinations are nothing more than PIPE dreams.....

<< Morgan was delirious with pain...she coughed and laughed at the same time....still unable to move...but soon, her body seized up as she bgan to scream in agony while Circe attempted to complete what she'd done before they left for greece the first time.>>

<< she felt everything within her swelling and flowing up through and OUT..but now smoothly, more like it was being YANKED by a violent and unnatural rip tide. she felt the touch of Circe's dark , twisted desire FLOOD through her body as she was no longer in control...>>

<< a dark violet pentagram formed around Morgan and Circe and the ground began to quake violently, so much so that even the amazons and surviving bestiamorphs were taken aback by what was happening.>>

[MorningStar]

[ MorningStar was thrown backwards by Circe, then her body was slammed again from the inside as the TO virus started to take effect. The pain was intense as her skin was ravaged, her organs feeling as if they were on fire. She doubled over - her insides were literally melting.

And then, all of a sudden, she was released. The pain went away as quickly as it had come as Morgan succeeded in reversing Circe's spell. But it was to be a short-lived victory, for just as she got to her feet she was hurled away from Morgan and encased in a cage with Haleigh and Ava. ]

"Stand back, ladies, I'll take care of this."

[ Raising her hands she sent a blast of photon energy at the cage, intending to break it's hold and release them. Unfortuneately, her blast was redirected back at herself, knocking her down. She got back up, exasperated. ]

"Knocked on my ass by my own powers..."

[ She muttered. She didn't have much time to feel embarassed though as Circe began her violent attack on Morgan. ]

"Morgan!"

[ Delilah knew what Circe's attack had done to Morgan before, and she could not let it happen to her again. ]

"Fight her Morgan - don't give in to her! Don't let her win!"

[ Delilah repeatedly began throwing herself at the side of the cage - only to be shocked and thrown backwards each time by the crystalline enclosure. ]

"We've got to do something...we can't leave her out there alone!"

[ But Delilah could only watch in horror as Morgan screamed in pain. She banged her fists against the cage, tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. ]

"Morgan!"

[Rampage]

Nicolas would opnly remember a blinding pain as Morgan freed him from the witch's spell. he would live, but he was down for the moment. He could faintly hear as the others battled Circe, rolling over as he regained his strength. He heard a cry, then a scream. Circe was attacking Morgan again. His strength came back to him in a rush as Nicolas got to his feet.

As Circe began her attack on Morgan, sudden extreme force propelled against the cage they were in. Nicolas had now fully revived and was using his enchanted axe to try to break through the magic barrier. Leaping at full force then striking it again and again, hurling himself and his weapon against it over and over, ignoring personal pain and injury as he tried in vain to force Morgan's magical gift to him through the barrier.

Morgan!! You can beat her!! The power is your birthright, not hers! FIGHT!!!!

[Jessica Hamby]

Already pulling away by the time Circe reacted, Haleigh was able to deftly avoid the careening elbow sent her way. Haleigh smirked at Circe's outrage... indeed, it appeared being called a beast almost AMUSED her.... As Circe followed through with the missed elbow and attempted a slap, Haleigh CAUGHT Circe by the wrist and hit her with a powerful jab RIGHT in the nose that had all the concussive effect of a sledge hammer. While this would have EASILY caved in a mortal being's face, Circe would likely suffer only a shattered nose. Haleigh moved in, ready for a fist fight, but it seemed Circe didn't fancy being that close, as she BLASTED Haleigh away with a moon bolt that proper flattened the hybrid on her back and left a rather unsightly second degree burn mark.

Circe followed up by laying a spell on Haleigh that would force her to feel the effects of the FINAL stages of the T.O. virus... an excruciatingly painful experience, as her bodily systems lost stability and her temperature soared. It felt like she were on fire and every muscle in her body ached and felt incredibly heavy. She tried to fight through it, tried to get up, but could only roll over to her side and cough up blood violently. She wanted to retaliate but the pain was so overwhelming that she couldn't THINK of a way to do so. She tried to reassure her teammates, those who were also beset with the spell. Her voice was just barely audible and hoarse.

"It's only.... the symptoms.... you're not... actually.... infected... but I..."

Her entire body trembled as her breathing grew more and more labored, and her head dropped slack as she came close to losing consciousness. Spellbinder reacted quickly, and just in the nick of time; as Haleighs vision tunnelled and grew dark, she began to feel the pain fading away. She assumed this was the blessing of death, but was wrong... this was Spellbinder's magicks taking effect and helping Haleigh's own immune system beat the T.O. virus back into submission. Her full vision came back, and she let out a deep and heavy sigh, as she shakily got to her hands and knees-- but Circe was on a roll, and taking no breaks, as she battered them further and separated them from Spellinder. Her plan was simple: take out the magick users so that it would be easier to dispose of the others, who were really more trifle than actual trouble, if dealt with one by one. It seemed clear that Circe was going to try and win by 'divide and conquer', which was REALLY the only way to deal with the Six.... and with Guardian nowhere to be seen, Spellbinder posed the biggest singular threat to the wannabe sorceress Circe.

Haleigh watched warily as her strength returned, and Nicolas and Delilah took to acts of near desperation in the hopes of escaping. She fought the impulse to beat them both about the heads and shoulders, and instead tried to reason them back to rationality. Her voice was still quieted but the calm, calculated tone made it seem much louder.

"Nicolas, Delilah.... STOP. What we NEED to do is remain CALM. You are WASTING your energy. This cage is designed to CONTAIN us, do you REALLY think throwing yourselves against it is going to avail much? [slowly getting to her feet] Get a GRIP on yourselves, now is NOT the time to panic. What we should be doing is thinking OUTSIDE the box.... or rather... working outside the box. [moving right up to the barrier, she glared menacingly out at Circe, and gave the impression of a caged animal just WAITING for the cage door to open] Circe? I hate to be bother, I imagine you're enjoying this moment as much as I would have enjoyed the T.O. virus ravaging YOU at my volition. But if you don't terribly MIND, since you aren't experiencing the effects of my affliction, even as it invades every droplet of your blood, I would really rather my virus NOT go to waste.... don't worry, you don't have to do ANYTHING... I'll just take the liberty of taking it back OUT of you.... my apologies-- I'll have to TAKE YOUR BLOOD WITH IT."

The crystal cage may have the power to contain the six and even any powers that they may try to generate within its bounds... But the strand of T.O. virus that Haleigh implanted in Circe's body was UNIQUE to Haleigh alone, and as such, was a PART of her and the very SOURCE of some of her powers... and as a result, Haleigh would still have CONTROL over the virus, even from behind the confines of the cage. Haleigh kept her predatory gaze trained on Circe, as Circe began to feel the effects of Haleigh's manipulations. Her skin would crawl and all over her body, Circe would feel that prickly sensation one gets when their foot falls asleep.... not terribly painful-- but the onset of the tingling was deceptive in that manner. Circe's skin began to get the flushed, pinkish color of a light sunburn.... then... it began to darken to a deep red... and finally, Circe's very PORES began to bleed... the entirety of her body was PERSPIRING BLOOD, and at a very RAPID rate as Haleigh willfully withdrew the virus from Circe. This would serve as a both a distraction and a hinderance, as the loss of blood would bring with it severe dizziness and disorientation, accompanied by an overpowering fatigue.

The effect was FAR from mild, but Haleigh was aware that this alone would not KILL Circe, as it might a lesser being. No; while Haleigh desired this outcome, she was cognizant that it may only provide Spellbinder with a small reprieve-- hopefully enough to allow her some sort of chance.

[Jill Monroe]

<< her vision clouded by what could only be described as a black haze, Spellbinder screamed until her throat cracked. the riptide effect tore through her body and as the magick and her life force was ripped out, it left her feeling like she was being scoured internally by a white hot wave of fire! her body , racked with pain convulsed from within the pentagram and she felt like she could pass out....and yet her mind, even her SOUL would not grant her that MERCY! her eyes couldnt help but to shed tears, even though she wasnt actually crying.>>

<< she could not hear the screams of Delilah or the shouts of Nicolas who were trapped by the crystal cage. she couldn't register much of anything...except that faint, lingering presence of Circe's evil smile which seemed to be ALL AROUND HER both in the physical and astral plane.>>

<< thunder crashed in the air as the island continued to quake and tremble...>>

[Circe]

{ Circe laughed softly as the glow from her energies illuminated the dark, wicked and gleefull expression on her face. though she was physically beautifull, her spirit, her soul were ugly and rotten to the core making it impossible to admire anything about her. she was evil for the ENJOYMENT of it and she intended to eliminate ANY competition to the power that she felt was her's by right.}

{ it had been so long that she'd MORE than forgot why she had been chosen to receive this power...and it didnt MATTER that she'd betrayed Hecate time and again, defiling her memory and legacy up to this point.}

{ as she ravaged Spellbinder, she looked directly at the Six, some of whom were desperately trying to escape the crystal cage. her mocking smile to them was a sign of how depraved she was. She locked eyes with Haleigh, who spoke in a rather calm, if not cold and calculated tone. the woman spoke of the T.O. virus.....}

stupid biological mistake!

{ she spat at the hybrid}

ive prooven to be BEYOND your virus!

{ Circe was immortal, her body had taken on the property of a goddess...but her BODY still had biological functions and while her spell had neutralized the damage the TO virus would cause her...even if the smallest strain remained in her system...it gave her an unwitting link to Haleigh. the logic behind Haleigh's ploy prooved to be somewhat effective as suddenly, Circe began to feel an odd sensation on her skin...almost like something needed to be ejected. the itch grew into a stining irritation...sensations that she'd never felt before and it caused her to falter. she felt clammy but as her body twitched involuntarily...she noticed that she was perspiring....BLOOD! she felt DEHYDRATED to an extent}

what!? WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME??

{ she continued her attack on Morgan...but the pain and discomfort, not to mention the fact that she was looking more like Carrie at the prom now than a beautifull, immortal sorceress caused her to shriek with indignation and thus, break her concentration! after all, attempting to destroy the true avatar of Hecate required quite a bit of power!}

[Jill Monroe]

<< she wanted to let go. dying would be preferrable to being magickally rapped and robbed of your birthright, your very essence and the pain was such that she was nearly comatose anyway.>>

<< she heard a voice in her head...it was faint, more like the remnants of an echo.>>

hold on, child.....just a bit longer!

<< the echo brought a sliver of peace to her mind which wanted to fragment and cause her to shut down...and suddenly, the of white hot fire seemed to decrease in its intensity. she could MOVE again...>>

<<her violet eyes fluttered as she could now see the sky again...the muscles of her body ACHED and she felt like she'd been raked across the coals. her voice cracked and hoarse, she coughed and sputtered up a bit of blood herself BUT the attack...the painfull violating attack had decreased enough...that she could GET AWAY...or at least TRY to!>>


<< tears flowing from her eyes, she turned her head to see her friends...they were trying to get to her. her mind finally allowing itself to function almost like normal, her subconscious allowed her to manifest the means for her escape. a stepping disc!>>

<< moving from the spot where she lay to now appearing just outside of the crystal cage, Morgan's strength was minimal and she couldnt teleport as far as she normally would and her magicks were inaccessible.>>

<< she tried to get up...but she couldnt...she weakly reached her hand up and it was clear that she was NOT physically able to stand...and probably wouldnt be able to defend herself when Circe came for her.>>

help....me....

<< she said softly. a moment like this she NEVER would have dreamed of in her waking right mind, asking anyone for help, being so battered and broken that she couldnt defend herself, but her she was...in that VERY moment! the one item that WOULD be strong enough to protect her now...was the Soul Sword, the darkest, most POWERFULL aspect of her being. not even CIRCE would hope to contain or control this. no magickal being or enchantment could withstand the blade's touch and while weilding it, Spellbinder was protected from all spells and mystical attacks.>>

<< a chime sounds off as a streaming trail of silver sparkling orbs streaks across the expanse, swirling around her hand. with a chime and clanging sound, the soul sword completely forms and encases that hand which grips it, along with the arm and shoulder in an eldritch gauntlet. the sword's white flames spread out and immediately repelled the lingering effects of Circe's attack, but Spellbinder's BODY was badly damaged and she was too weak to do anything but lay there on her side. the flames of the sword licked outward and touched the crystal cage...causing it to fluxuate and shimmer...before finally making it SHATTER. the six were now FREE.>>


<< Morgan dropped her head down. breathing shallow, her body burned with fever and she possesed minimal vital signs at this moment.>>

[Circe]

{ Circe looked at herself with a startling glare and shock! her body was going through a sick , horrific situation and HALEIGH was the cause of it! worse yet...Spellbinder managed to escape! not far, but still, the idea that ANYONE would escape Circe's wrath was just unacceptable!}

{ looking at Haleigh as the crystal cage was shattered by the soul sword, Circe narrowed her eyes with contempt}

I'll return you to the most PRIMAL state of existence, you annoying INSECT! your witch is near death! she can't help you..NO ONE can! and now that i have you all in one place....I will make SURE that ANY suffering i have now pales in comparison to that which YOU and even your UNBORN offspring will feel!

DIE, you meddling RABBLE!



{ the winds and thunder combine in concert as the large halo "moon" effect glows around and behind her. just like last time at the mansion, she unleashes the ultimate, broad beamed BLAST of dark magick, beyond an eldritch bolt or anything else...it is a blast of pure destruction that tears across the ground, scouring it down to barren dirt and rock. the force wave that preceeds the blast is what they will feel first before the energy itself barrels into them like a nuclear holocaust. }

[Oracle]

<< Haleigh's observation was perfect and clear. Circe had intended to eliminate the magick users, the only buffer between the rest of the six and Circe, who was imbued with the powers of the GODDESS of witchcraft. Guardian had been effectively removed and her status was unclear and Spellbinder was on her way to death now as well, much to the dismay of her team mates trapped in the crystal cage.>>

<< but with clarity and creative thinking Haleigh bought Morgan the precious moments which allowed her instinct to SURVIVE to move her away from the immediate point of danger and death. Morgan, now battered and broken and near death, lay on her side just outside the crystal cage and with her last mental reserves, summoned the one item that she knew would keep her safe from any more magickal assaults..the SOUL SWORD. with a chime and the manifestation of some eldritch armor, the sword leaps to protect her and it's mystical properties destroy the cohesion of the crystal cage.>>

<< Morgan now lays unconscious, borderline comatose and Circe, who experiences the painfull process of the T.O. virus being pulled out of her body,reels from pain and disorientation but soon, finds the anger and focus she needs to unleash a final and most likely FATAL attack against the whole of the group>>

<< the thunderous roar of that massive blast sounds like a tsunami racing across the stormy ocean as it tears like hell toward the six.>>

<< this is the end....>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Spellbinder reversed the effects of the TO virus, and just in time. But in true Circe fashion, she attacked the six, blasting them away from Spellbinder and encasing them in a cage. Delilah and Nicolas immediately began to beat the cage, willing Spellbinder to fight Circe's attack, while Haleigh took a more proactive approach and attacked Circe via the TO virus. It worked! Circe was so distracted that Spellbinder was able to escape her attack. Not only that, but they were finally free from the cage Circe had trapped them in. ::

:: Their 'victory' was short lived as Circe unleashed the same attack she had done at Minerva's estate days earlier. A thunderous rumble was heard as a mass of black energy came tearing across the island toward the six. ::

"Delilah! Errect a forcefield around us NOW!"

:: Persephone threw her hands into the air; the ground shaking even more violently. Mountains of rock shot up from the ground all around the six, creating a thirty story barrier, two kilometers thick. Circe's flat island soon turned into a mini mountain range of thick rock. With Delilah's forcefield and the thick rock barrier...Persephone only hoped it would be enough cushion to protect them from Circe's deadly attack. ::

"Brace yourself!"

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah quick as lightning raised her hands and a transparent green forcefield surrounded the remaining members of the Six. Persephone then erected an impressive stone wall. She turned to Haleigh. ]

"I don't suppose you can reinforce that rock with some metal?"

[ They would know in moments whether it would be enough. Otherwise... ]

"So, Ava, want that Brad Pitt hologram right about now? Brighten up those final moments?"

[ Her words were joking but her tone said "We're screwed." ]

"We are so screwed."

[Rampage]

As Nicolas saw Morgan break the cage, he reached out and pulled her to him, hoping to comfort her before returning to battle. He saw Circe prepare her massive attack similar to before at Barbara's and he acted quickly to counterattack throwing his axe seemingly aside.

The axe barely cleared his teammates' defenses as it tranformed into a lance, flying low over the island guided by his TK. Just inside the forcefield Delilah erected, he put up a shield of his own and focused the rest of his will on that spear, guiding it quickly away at a faster and faster rate. Seconds later, he TELEPORTED the spear behind Circe to impale her.

[Oracle]

<< With Spellbinder near death, Rampage pulls her to him as MorningStar and Persephone do their best to form protection for the team. the magickal holocaust ravages the land and the sound that accompanies it can be compared to the sound of a raging, explosive tornado.>>

<< Rampage reinforces MorningStar's forcefield and sends his axe, a weapon now enchanted by Spellbinder's powers. the weapon can transform into several OTHER types of battle ready weapons. He hurls it with splendid form and aim and it zooms across the terrain but is met with the force wave proceeding the massive holocuast blast. NOTHING at this point can stop the blast as it begins to SLAM through the mountains, obliterating them with explosive impact and sending boulders flying every which way causing Amazons and Bestiamorphs to run for cover all across the isle.>>

<< If Circe HAS been somehow impaled by the diverted lance, Rampage won't not it...nothing can be seen at this point except a "wall" of destructive power coming for them. Rampage and MorningStar would be pushed to the point of fatigue, even DEATH in order to maintain their shields against this blast and nothing ELSE around them would survive.>>

<< they'd come so far, endured and learned so much...only to be right back where they were at the BEGINNING of this nightmare. Was Circe the first and LAST example of a foe they couldnt overcome?>>

[Athena]

your reign of terror is OVER! you'll not have these children's lives of anyone ELSE'S ...you who defiles Hecate's name and mantle!


:: trumpets sound off in a bold and defiant sound of power as a swirling golden light forms dead between the Six and the oncoming destruction. ATHENA appears. HERE in this timeline. Looking back at the six with a strange look on her face...one of enlightenment perhaps?::

:: turning to face forward, her golden blonde lock began to blow back as she squares off and holds her arms up, crossing them in an "X" pattern ( think Wonder Woman or the amazons as she clangs her golden feminum bracelets together. a large circular golden shield forms right infront of her::


:: her voice strong and somehow heard over the headache inducing din holocaust.::

:: the moment of impact is now at hand. the blast hits ATHENA's blockade and the SHOCK of the impact will stagger all of the six off their feet as it feels as though that area of the island will be rendered assunder. the FLASH of light was PAINFULL and the sound...was like that of a bomb being dropped on a city....it was as if they had still been HIT but after their initial instincts and reflexes settled, they would see that ATHENA was HOLDING BACK the blast....using ALL her power. the residual shock and traces of the blast were deflected by the combination of MornigStar and Delilah's forcefield::

:: her eyes shut tightly...her face betrayed GREAT strain as she gritted her teeth. her hair and gown blowing back fiercely as her continued to hold her crossed arms up. the onslaught was unbearable for ANYONE, super powered or not. ONLY a goddess (or god) could have withstood it THIS LONG and now, Athena cried out as she drew on ALL of her inner reserves and her power as the goddess of wisdom and war.::

NOW Harbinger!! UNLEASH THE POWER THAT i'VE GIVEN YOU!!


:: the light from this terrible struggle flashes like a massive strobe/lightning strike. Athena finally begins to show signs of weakening...not TERRIBLY...but still, in the face of this...her endurance and power have been clearly defined to the Six.::

[Circe]

{ Circe's face was enshrouded in shadow as she poured on her deadly assault intending to obliterate ALL of the six to less than nothing. her magickal holocaust assault scoured the island as it charged for them. Persephone's mountain blockade prooved less than effective as rock after rock was blasted apart, sending bloulders flying every which way and when Rampage hurled his axe, the massive field of the blast obscured it from view. the force wave that proceeded it seemingly diverted it from its path but at the moment Circe was caught up in a rapture of murderous power as she let Hecate's power flow through her. the Red Moon above in the skies seemed to glow brighter and brighter almost as if it were reeling from the extreme nature of this final moment.}


{ at the moment when the six seemed to be lost, a golden swirl appears and ATHENA comes into view.}

YOU!? NO!! this is IMPOSSIBLE! you're NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!

{ Circe cried out with SUPREME agitation, but she did not stop....she continued...she'd come TOO FAR to stop NOW! Athena, patron goddess of the amazons, goddess of WAR crossed her arms, manifesting the ultimate form of the feminum bracelets as SHE BLOCKED the progress of the magickal assault...HALTING IT at bay.}

YOU CANT STOP ME!! NO ONE CAN!!

{Circe didnt care anymore...she would do WHATEVER it took, and at that moment...mystical flames began to erupt from the ground all around her, the island itself was under SERVER tectonic stress and dangerously close to either fracturing or being leveled and swallowed by the sea itself but Athena continued to REPELL the onslaught!}

{ yellow lightning bolts madly flashed from the swelling, churning clouds in the sky as Circe's hair began to flow upward and around.}

I will DESTROY YOU ALL!

[Harbinger]

:: Rampage's axe/spear had been diverted, but not for long, for while neither Circe nor Rampage had visual contact with it for long, as it was hit by the initial force wave ,the Axe was enveloped by blue/black orbs. TELEBLINKED and put on ANOTHER course. Alison was not dead AFTER all, as now indicated by ATHENA who had made a surprise PHYSICAL appearence in this time stream.::

:: at her cue, the harbinger emerged from a golden shower of lights, looking rather worse for the wear, the boustier of her black, form fitting costume was ripped and unzipped a bit, and her costume had obviously been through some abuse. what had happened to her when she was taken away was not known...but it seemed that Athena had been responsible in part for saving her and returning her.::

NO, Circe. YOU will be destroyed by the one thing you thought no one would find out...the TRUTH!

:: Alison's cobalt blue eyes looked weary but she was not about to waver now, as she swung a golden flamed, magick lasso with perfect form and flung it toward Circe from behind, perfectly ensnaring her and tightening the grip of the lasso around her.::

The gods and goddesses arent dead, nor were would they remain ignorant of what you've done. your charm worked BOTH WAYS, sorceress. In showing Athena about US..you also showed YOURSELF to be the lying, manipulating, MURDERING TRAITOR that the modern day world knows you for.

You were intended to carry out Hecate's vengeance against the Olympians...which was fair enough but Barbara Minerva was chosen of the gods to protect Pandora in this time and every OTHER time she's existed in. YOU KILLED HER and you have ensured that the scrutiny of the gods/goddesses comes to you faster than it might have BEFORE!.

let the fire of Gaea's golden lasso BURN through your lies and deception, so that you SEE what you ARE...a woman on borrowed time, who has misued and abused Hecate's power and mantle for the LAST TIME!

:: the golden flames of the lasso intensified as they race up and down the lasso and around Circe, enveloping her in a pure, golden light.::

:: the lance hurled by rampge teleblinks back into view from the east, coming at Circe's 3 o'clock ...but it doesnt reach her..not YET as Circe and Guardian struggle violently while Athena continues to shield the six.::

[Circe]

{ Circe, now nearly beside herself with the unending symphony of power that flows through her begins to glow! She battles against Athena's blockade. NO ONE on earth could have lasted this long withstanding this holocaust..not even Spellbinder as she is now but Athena was something all together DIFFERENT.}

{ just as Athena began to show strain, so too did Circe, even with her shadow enshrouded face. but as she began to reach her climax, it was abruptly halted by...}

The HARBINGER!?

{ as Athena cried out for Alison to "unleash the power", Circe was ensnared and captured by a fiery golden lasso. the lasso tightens around her waist and forces her arms down to their sides as the harbinger YANKS her back confronting her with the ultimate truth!}

NO!

I am sorceress supreme! I had a DEAL with Hecate! the power was MINE BY RIGHT!!

{ she screamed as she defiantly struggled to bust loose from the lasso. but the golden flames surrounded her and burned through her madness and corruption...forcing her to see herself for what she was. she was helpless to escape, try as she may}

{ her scream is horrific as she buckles with shock and pain.}

I won't yield!!

{ but she began to convulse...as her body glowed...and suddenly, energy began to pour out from her eyes and mouth as if she were VIOLENTLY expelling something. a windy, glimmering energy flowed from her eyes and mouth like a funnel tornado. it seemed t hat all of her POWER, the power given by Hecate was now being forcibly taken from her. as she chocked and began to buckle at her knees from the strain.}

[Harbinger]

:: Alison continued to grip her end of the golden lasso, forged from the "girdle" of Gaea. the golden flames shined and traveled forth as fiercely as a solar flair but even with Circe tightly ensnared, the sorceress did not submit easily, violently struggling and causing Alison to have to dig her high heeled boots into the ground as Circe prooved how indomitable her own will was by DRAGGING Alison forward!::

:: the tired and battered seer looked worse for the wear and this was clearly no easy task. Circe was attempting to come toward Athena, who was all that stood between the Six and any final deadly pass but Alison would not give in. gritting her teeth, it must have been a sight for sore eyes to see her returned at THIS of all moments...but just what happened to her while she was gone was anyone's guess. she looked worn down, but somehow, her cobalt blue eyes maintained their intimidating glint.::

struggle as you wish, Circe. you cannot escape the golden lasso. it is UNBREAKABLE by ANY means!! forged fro Gaea's own being.

[MorningStar]

[ MorningStar gritted her teeth under the strain of keeping the forcefield up. She watched the wave of destruction level their surroundings. The sheer power of it was terrible to behold. ]

"I...I can't keep this up much longer..."

[ But then she saw something...Athena! Delilah saw the shockwave hit Athena's forcefield, and the impact sent her once again to the ground. The roar was deafening, the light blinding. Of course, that only fueled MorningStar...

She climbed to her feet again now that Athena was holding off the blast. And then...could it be? Alison was alive?! She was magnificent, despite her disheveled appearance. Where had she been? What had she gone through?

Delilah couldn't tell exactly what was happening to Circe, but it looked painful. Would it be enough? ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone watched as Circe's attack literally blasted right through her mountain of rocks. Even Persephone couldn't doubt the woman's power if she could manage to get through nearly 2 miles of thick rock. Delilah struggled to keep the forcefield stable as Nicolas reinforced it with his own powers. The group was working well together, but Circe's attack was just too powerful for them to handle. Suddenly, trumpets were heard above the choas of the battle. Athena?! Of course she decided to swoop in and 'save the day' to further prove what a treacherous bitch Persephone was for ever going against her and the other Olympians. Even in light of their immedate demise, Persephone huffed out, rolling her eyes with annoyance. But one thing Athena said caught Persephone's attention; Harbinger. Looking to Circe, she saw Alison appear in the blink of an eye, unleashing an attack of Gaea's golden lasso! Circe was growing weaker, but as was Alison. ::

"Nicolas, can you use your telekinesis to tighten the lasso around Circe even further? Perhaps even amplify the power? Alison looks like she's about to give out at any minute."

[Rampage]

Nicolas was focusing on reinforcing Delilah's shield, even pulling blasted rocks back around to shield them when ATHENA intervened. She was holding back the tide, but she was showing strain and he was trying to think of how to help her when he saw...ALISON!! She had encircled Circe with Gaia'a lasso, and was struggling to hold her fast. As he looked on almost transfixed, Persephone made a suggestion that was dead on.

His telekinesis was an projection of his OWN physical strength. As the battle raged on, he mentally reached out and grabbed the lasso alongside Alison, boosting her pull on it with his own strength. As he made this move, He willed rock to attack Circe's legs, scratching and tearing like the jaws of a beast as it tried to split her concentration further...

[Harbinger]

:: the struggle was PAINFULL for Alison, her muscles felt like they were on FIRE themselves and while it might have LOOKED somewhat easy from a far, Alison was not at all in top form. BUT the lasso was doing its work, FORCING the power and the facade out of Circe! The sorceress would not yield though and she was doing her best to try to reach Athena and the Six anyway.::

:: Her blue/black hair was a bit messy and covering her face partially as she gritted her teeth and as Alison began to feel her own GRIP loosening, and fatigue setting in, suddenly she felt the much needed strength and support of Rampage!::

thank the goddess!

::Alison was too tired, too EXHAUSTED to protest or resent his involvement.
the dragging pull was halted and the lasso was tightened even MORE by Rampage's much needed assistance.::


:: Circe's horrific screams of pain and protest were matched only by the sounds of the golden lasso's fire.::

[Circe]

{ the unrelenting FIRE of Gaea's golden lasso continued to bombard Circe as her body was enveloped by the golden flames of mother earth. the lies and deceit, the facade were all burned away from her and she was left with only TRUTH!}

NOOO!!!

{ she writhed with anguish and defiance as she tried to struggle forward but soon, with assistance from Rampage, the lasso was tighted to a CONSTRICTING degree, barring her from moving her arms or upper body at all, and forcing her to her knees as her eyes and mouth continued to expell a sparkling, windy energy...a crack of thunder flash of light emmitted from around her as all the power of Hecate that had been imbued in her was now being expelled from her body.}

{ she was losing her will to struggle and resist and she no longer seemed like such a menacing threat with each passing, frightening moment!}

[Oracle]

<< the moment of truth was at hand, as the expulsion of Hecate's power from Circe came to a head. Rampage anchored Alison from being snatched forward by the fierce riptide effect as the wind-like, sparkling energy continued to flow from within Circe.....the firece glow from Gaea's fire light up the area around them like miniature sun as it burned away at Circe's evil and terror.>>

<< fire streams from the lasso randomly charged outward and across the ground, attacking the bestiamorphs as well, buring them free of evil and releasing the HUMANS from the dark magick of Circe's spells, causing the humans to fall down, naked and unconscious before the Amazons they once fought. though for MANY...the release came too late as they had DIED in the service of the evil sorceress. for the SIX, it was an ugly reminder that many of the creatures they had faced had been human after all...and if there were any among the six who HADNT killed before..NONE of them could say that now.>>

<< the purity of the light offered a subtle comfort to the six...the nightmare was coming to an end. Circe couldnt come after them anymore...especially not with Athena standing watch....which was among the more SURPRISING developments of this caper, considering the six's last encounter with the goddess of wisdom and war.>>

<< at the height of the riptide around Circe, the wind like, sparkling energy coalesced and formed into a feminine form....the sparkling energy intensified into a violet hued glow and with a flash of light, a "spirit form" of HECATE now stood in presence before the depowered Circe. she looked at the Six, then Athena....then over to Alison and Rampage.>>

<< with the forced seperation complete, the final wave of the backlash flared out around them in the form of a VIOLENT gust of wind which seemed to silence the din of the fire and sweep away the remnants of the battle as it was....leaving only an army of Amazons in the distance who had now lined up in formation and stood silently.>>

<< Alison, collapsed from exhaustion and golden lasso of Gaea returned to Athena's outstreched hand.>>

<< the time for accounting was now at hand.>>

[Hecate]

[ even in spirit form, Hecate had a look of surpreme disdain and agitation about her. she looked as beautifull and sexy as she had in ancient greece but now, her face betrayed the indignation that flowed through her bitter heart. her hair flowed with a sparkling effect.]

at long last....I am FREE! WHOLE AGAIN.

[ she cried out with agitation as the raging winds finally began to subside. She looked at and pointed at Circe.]


YOU!

[ thunder crashed in the now calm but still uneasy black clouds above]

You were the ULTIMATE in betrayal of trust....even KNOWING how i felt about things like that, you prooved yourself to be no better..no DIFFERENT than those on Olympus who used and betrayed me!

[ Athena, who was present, would no doubt remember...as would Persephone.]

You pledged yourself to my service, my most prized and promising desciple and promised to carry out my vengeance...vengeance that i was ENTITLED to but you betrayed me and went on to do MORE than vex the gods and those who believed in them. You endangered flesh of my flesh...threatened to destroy the dark trinity which was MY living avatar in your attempts to "claim" my power ALL for yourself...no matter what the cost!

That kind of selfishness and greed is what i would expect of someone like Zeus...or PERSEPHONE.

[ a sharp and unexpected blow, but Persephone knew that the rift between them had grown MUCH over the passing centuries and there was TRUTH to the statement based on the recently revisited HISTORY.]

YOU are beneath contempt. You DARED to threaten the dark trinity and destroy MY life force shared by those born of my flesh and blood!?

Do you NOT remember the prophecy?

Upon the "death" of witch and the birth of witch, Hecate, by name and choice shall bond with her soul!

when Morgan Victoria was born, she was to be my living avatar for this timeline...just as Darkchilde and Magik are my avatar's in their respective timelines. YOU would have been blessed to live immortally with all the riches you had aquired...free from the worries and strife that plagued mortal men...a generous thanks for your loyalty to me but instead you violated our agreement and all of THIS

[ gesturing to the battle scarred island and the remains of humans once turned into bestiamorphs, not to mention a nearly dead spellbinder and battle worn six...to say nothing of the damage caused around the world under the red moon tonight]

is because of YOU! you have defiled my name, my mantle, my LEGACY and for THAT....you will lose EVERYTHING that you were meant to have. I have NO MORE use for you...and you are not fit to have ANY part of me or my power!


From whence they came,
Return them now.
Banish the words,
Banish her powers
Before the passing of this hour
take away ALL her powers.

[ from her out stretched hand, a swirling orb of sparkling energy flows with a rushing sound as it flies from her hand to circe and grows larger, surrounding the rogue sorceress. ALL of her mystical power, even her potential to weild magick is stripped from her, as WELL as her immortality and the power which sustained her all these centuries. Circe was stripped of ALL she ever had...even from the beginning.]

[ and with the removal of the magick that sustained her, the ravages of time and the unforgiveness of Hecate's judgement MORE than catch up to and over take Circe.]

[Circe]

{ Circe, now on her knees, was finally free of the golden lasso, but she would not get the chance to strike back. she found her insides feeling extreme drained and depleted as she coughed furiously. the image of Hecate came into view and Circe was now faced with the goddess' wrath.}

{ she could offer no excuse or explanation. for a woman who loved to gloat and revel in her "power", she found herself feeling VERY small and at a loss for words now as Hecate berated her and called her out for the traitor that she was....}

Hecate.....please...

{ her attempt at a plea fell on deaf ears as Hecate cast a spell, seperating Circe from her immortality, her power and even the most basic comprehension/utilization of magick. and as the spell took its course, Circe felt the life and vitality begin to drain and flow away from her.}

NO!! it can't END LIKE THIS!!!

{ Circe protested as her once beautifull and feminine body began to deteriorate and wither. she began looking more and more aged and skeletal by the moment...losing all beauty and vitality as your voice began to wilt as well.}

{ she cried out with protest again..as she began to decay before their very eyes.}

[Hecate]

[ Hecate extended her hand and gestured in a "beckoning" motion, and with the sound of rushing chimes, Rampage's axe FLEW to her hand obidiently. sine Morgan was Hecate's descendant and she had charmed the axe, it made sense that Hecate herself would hold sway over it.]

[ the axe gleamed brightly as it turned back into its original form and was now in Hecate's grasp.]

BE SILENT! NOW AND FOREVER!

[ with a mighty swing, Hecate savagely DECAPITATES Circe...and as she does so, thunder erupts and lightning flashes across the sky...the red moon begins to change...from red to WHITE and Circe's withered, decrepit body falls to the ground, now without a head. the body bursts into flames before being reduced to ASH. her scream lingers faintly in the agitated winds.]

[ Hecate continues to hold the axe as she looks at Rampage for a moment, and then teleblinks the axe into its sheath on his back.]

take Alison to your team. You carry Morgan. It is time for ALL of us to leave this place and see what awaits.

[ Athena joins Hecate by her side as they watch Rampage help Alison over to the rest of the Six. the isle of aerie is now very quiet. only the waves of the ocean providing sound as the clouds and skies above FINALLY begin to settle. the winds sweep away any smell of death and replace it with a CLEAN, refreshing breeze.]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Rampages power helped Alison greatly as she withered in pain, growing weaker by the moment. Watching Circe loose the last of her power, it was a gratifying moment for Persephone considering her and Circe had a long history of hating each other. With a smile on her face, the surrounding island became calm and quiet. Helping a drained Delilah to her feet, Persephone allowed her to rest her weight on her shoulder. Seeing Hecate appear, even though it had only been hours since she last saw Hecate, in actuality it had been centuries. Hearing her berate Circe was just icing on the cake...until she got to the part of saying she expected this behavior from someone like Zeus of herself. Ouch.. That was completely uncalled for. Zeus was FAR worse than herself...and Circe was a hag. Placing them all in the same catagory was just insulting. ::

:: Persephone watched as Hecate decapitated Circe, finally ending her reign of power. The moon turn a brilliant white, and all her pets turned back into men. It was finally over. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

"I already have."

Haleigh said, indicating to Morningstar that she had indeed reinforced Persephone's barrier. It proved to be nothing more than a speedbump, however, and things weren't looking good for the team, as Morningstar also struggled with a shield. Haleigh turned her attention to Morgan, who lay unconscious in Nicolas' arms. Haleigh checked for a pulse, and scanned other vital readings to determine Morgan's state of health.

"Her vitals are terribly low... she's got a weak pulse, but at least it's there."

She comments quietly, as she pulls out a field first aid kit and draws a syringe and tiny bottle of pale yellow liquid. She warns Nicolas not to be alarmed, more out of habit than anything, as she is sure he knows EXACTLY what it is she's about to do.

"It's just epinephrine. It won't wake her up but it should keep her from slipping further. I've always said there's no drug like adrenaline."

She gave Morgan a shot in the crook of her elbow, and is aware that Athena has appeared and it PROTECTING them from Circe's attack, while Alison had managed to wrangle Circe. Circe's attack fades, much to the obvious relief of EVERYONE on the receiving end, even Athena, who looks a tad on the exhausted side. Haleigh gives Athena a pat on the back as she watches the final moments of Circe, including Hecate's appearance and final judgement.

"Not bad.... for an Olympian. [cracks a smile] No, really. It's good to see we've fallen on the same side this time."

She said lightly, as Circe suffered her fate. Haleigh didn't find quite the satisfaction in Circe's demise that the others did... she was just relieved that Circe's rampant terrorizing hissy fit was finally over... and that the world as they knew it was not over.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah allowed herself to lean on Persephone. She breathed a sigh of relief as all her teammates were returned to her and it seemed would be okay. ]

"Is it really over?"

[ She turned to Athena and Hecate. ]

"Thank you."

[ It seemed the Six were not as strong as they had all believed - like the gods of Olympus, they were NOT invinceable. But they had stuck together in this, despite some bumps in the road, and that was promising for the future. ]

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled grimly as Hecate used his axe to finish Circe off, then looked at him before sending it back to its place. Rampage stepped forward and picked up Alison, taking her back to the rest of the group. He laid her beside Morgan and tuned to see what the goddesses would now do. He was confident that all would now be well but Morgan and Alison were still in a bad way, and he would not REALLY feel better until they did.

[Oracle]

<< in a surprising turn of events, the threat of Circe, who was worse than any form of man made terrorist threat on earth up to this time, was finally ended. the isle of aerie reached an uncertain calm and silence as remnants of the nightmare were swept away, the moon no longer red, but white. circe's evil influence began to dissipate across the mainland of Greece as well as order was finally being restored among the citizens. >>

<< the six, tired and weary had stood together as best they could against Circe. But there was a realization among them that they would NOT have triumphed had it not been for Athena's intervention. the first time that a foe had prooven to be nearly too powerfull , too violent and too out of control from them to contain...much less defeat. it was a sobering lesson...not to mention the fact that their delieverance from certain death had come from ATHENA of all people for while they had "seen" her only hours ago and she had come to despise them horribly...in reality, they'd been moved back ahead CENTURIES to their present time. This had given Athena much time to ponder things while history as "the six" and the rest of the world would know it unfolded. Athena was , after all, the goddess of wisdom.>>


<< Hecate appeared on the plane of earth's existence for the first time in centuries as well, bitter and unforgiving as ever but MORE than justified in her feeling of hatred as she rendered due justice upon Circe. It was clear that time had NOT helped to ease her bittnerness and her icy aura radiated all around the immediate area as she glared at Persephone.>>

<< With Circe depowered and destroyed, Morgan would at long last inherit her birthright and become more in synch with her counterparts in the dark trinity, the unique multiversal phenomena that insured Hecate's legacy would continue on. But for now, the final matters of this long and exhausting caper were to be addressed.>>

<< As the six began to breath quiet sighs of relief and Rampage lay a battered Alison next to the unconscious Morgan..the time had come for them to depart this place...but where they were going would come as a surprise to all of them.>>

[Athena]

:: Athena exhaled. not since she'd fought the titans themselves eons ago had she exerted herself so far physically...but ONLY someone of her constitution could have saved the Six from death at Circe's destructive power.::

:: centuries had passed and Athena had seen the fallout and consequences from the problems that resulted from Persephone, Zeus, Hecate and the connecting situations and if nothing else, Athena was NO ONE's FOLLOWER. While Zeus. Hera and herself agreed that Persephone was no longer fit to have access to her olympian heritage, Athena did NOT agree with them on Hecate's treatment...and that had not changed. She had a loyal ally in Artemis in this matter which is what prompted them to send the Amazons to aid the six on Aerie tonight.::

:: she didnt do this for THE SIX themselves..least of all Persephone. this was in large part BECAUSE of Persephone's actions in the first place and Athena's hatred of this woman for murdering her sister and all the other dischord she caused on olympus, not to mention her apparent lack of regard or wisdom did not wane with the passing of the centuries either. She did this...as a favor to HECATE. A chance to show that she truly DID NOT go with the status quo and that her wisdom showed her the BENEFIT to being involved in this. Hecate FINALLY had the chance to take some of the justice and vengeance that was her's.::

:: Athena looked down at Haleigh as the woman patted her on the back, less than receptive to her rather FAMILIAR approach.::

we are NOT on the same side. I do not harbor a traitor as YOU do. what i did was in the name of friendship and JUSTICE...for HECATE and for the protection of my Amazons. I came here to help repair the damage. the foundation of this nightmare which was laid in LARGE PART by the actions of Persephone!

:: Athena snapped sharply as she turned away from her. this woman, through a combination of magickal and cosmic forces was now connected to Persephone and as such, could not be trusted in Athena's eyes.::

:: Delilah thanked Athena for her assistance, and Athena looked at the young mutant. in THIS one, there was a purity and strength of character. She didnt play at being one personality extreme or another. She was just HERSELF and stood for what she believed was right and THAT appealed to Athena.::

you are welcome, child.

:: Athena's tone was softer as she nodded to Delilah. there were SOME among the six she didnt regard with as much contempt and whether they could understand or not, the fact that Athena was here NOW was proof that SOME of the olympians had become more enlightened over the passing centuries. ::

[Hecate]

[ Hecate fully integrated to this plane of existence of she now appeared to have a corporeal form. Both she and Athena seemed LESS than nurturing at this point but as the few moments of Circe's demise passed, the air began to clear of the malice and dischord a bit.]

[ Athena snapped at Haleigh and rightly so for while the Six may not have remembered or simply didnt see it this way...this WHOLE situation was made possible in large part due to Persephone's actions...and Hecate had been burned from ALL sides because of it. Circe's judgement and subsequent execution was but a small piece of justice/vengeance. Athena's acknowledgement and subsequent HELP in the matter was much deserved VALIDATION to Hecate as well.]

Morgan and Alison have suffered at the hands of Circe...more than MOST people could endure as she attempted to eliminate those whom she felt were a danger to her power. They endured this suffering did so not only for the benefit of their friends and team...which now includes Persephone...but to save the life of Pandora and the WORLD. This evening was the first glimpse into how GOOD things can go if the team stands TOGETHER.

[ looking at Persephone, who had consistently tried pulling away from the team.]

the pain and abuse endured by Morgan and Alison will not hold nor will your bravery in the face of impossible odds go unnoticed.

[ lifting her hands, the team, athena and herself are teleported. the space around them fluxuates and blurs as they are bathed in a shower of sparkling haze...which soon dissipates to reveal them to be on a new island]

[Oracle]

<< the space around them fluxuates as they group are bathed in a sparkling mist. a rushing wind blows the mist around to reveal a beautifull, sprawling land...another island. at dawn. Black Widow's power would allow her to determine their position to now be well within the center of the BERMUDA TRIANGLE! prooving that myths and legends of this mysterious area of the ocean was more than myth...this island was UNCHARTED by any man made map or device. it was only while here that Haleigh herself could register the place.>>

<< this land was in fact Themyscria aka Paradise Island, land of the AMAZONS...a place shielded for centuries from the outside world of man. NO ship, plane or other means of travel would survive the repulsion of the bermuda triangle, which is where the island lay and from THAT was born the supposed myth and legendary tales of ships/planes disappearing in the violent waters of the bermuda triangle.>>

<< the six found themselves in a secluded forest area of the island...like a "secret garden" in which a beautifull stream flowed into a very large sparkling pool. a mist hung low over the pool and all around them lush foliage and flora could be found, this place rivaled Ororo's garden in its natural splendor.>>

<< above the leafy canopy of the trees, across the horizon a tall, majestic city of marble could be seen. it was a beautifull metropolis and most likely where the amazons conducted much of their civil affairs.>>

<< there was a reason the team was brought here and as Amazons began to emerge from various points of the secluded forest, Athena directed them to take Morgan and Alison.>>

[Athena]

:: Athena was proud to be among her beloved Amazons in this most elegant and regal expanse...a realm untainted by the machinations of MEN. She looked at Rampage and her look implied that if he laid a HAND on any amazon...he'd face HER wrath.::

Morgan and Alison will be cared for by the healers of Paradise island. their wounds are psychological as well as physical and they need time to rest and rejuvinate. Paradise Island holds technology CENTURIES beyond that which is currently used by mortals on earth and so, the witches will be in good hands.

:: nodding to Hecate, who agreed it was time to reveal things to the six.::

Myself, Artemis and Hecate had a long overdue and much needed talk. We knew from the beginning that what Zeus and Hera wanted was not in line with what was RIGHT or FAIR...but those two were NEVER known for balanced judgement or wisdom.

:: logic and sense meant more to Athena than emotion and passion.::

Hecate was mistreated, by many from all sides and it was not right. My involvement in this part of your test and trials...as well as Artemis' indirect involvement ( the blessing of the weapons wielding by the amazons on aerie came from Artemis who was apart of the original trinity of the moon)...was an attempt to right some of the wrong done to Hecate and those that descended from her...not to mention to spare the world sudden destruction if Pandora's box were to be open.

Circe is a lesson to Olympus of what can happen when dischord and betrayal abound.

[ glaring disdainfully at Persephone.]

a lesson that apparently is not learned even with the passing of CENTURIES by some.

Pandora herself is ANOTHER testimony to the folly of some of the olympians...many of whom regarded her as a "pet" more than a sentient being and thus abandonnded her to the fate she now shoulders. Barbara Minerva, a woman of immeasurable courage and strength in her first life came to the attention of myself, Artemis and Hecate centuries ago and was choosen to not only guard Pandora's life, but to serve as the human watcher over the most ancient and rare artifacts on earth that fell from olympus. items too deadly to be wielded by the foolish hands and wicked minds of mortals as they began to change over time.

:: images of Barbara during her stint in MoE's timeline began to flash before the six. moments that Persephone would recognize instantly.::

That Barbara and Persephone would somehow encounter each other in not one..but TWO timelines was not something any of us expected...but Circe murdering her was even MORE unexpected and intolerable....yet another reason why I became involved.

:: it was clear that Athena had come to understand MUCH over the passing of centuries. her enlightenment was very much a benefit to the six. but her own unforgiveness of Persephone rivaled that of Hecate's for the Olympians. THAT was personal.::

the place where you stand, is older than all the nations of earth...before ANY of your ancestors were even thought off. It is the very birth place of the Amazons and remains so to this day.

:: gesturing to the beautifull, DEEP, pool which was fed by a bubbling , flowing waterfall to the north that cascaded over large rocks and was surrounded by large, lush trees.::

Amazons are women who once lived on earth as mortals. They triumphed over the adversity and abuse visited upon them by MEN and many of them died in battle, or laying down their lives in a most honorable way. These women were rewarded with something far more precious than anything they knew in their mortal lives.

:: directing the Six's attention to the beautifull pool, the waters began to shimmer a bit, as a small area began to bubble up.::

the women are REBORN as AMAZONS, immortal women possessed of perfect physical constitution and freed from the constraints of the world of mortal men. here in this land they are able to develop their physical and mental skills, allowing them to have become and continue to be among the longest lived and most deadly group of warriors on this planet. Upon their rebirth, these women may experience the most fleeting moments of memory of their past life...the awarness that they have arrived to a new time and place...and as they continue to acclimate, all memory of their past life fades...as they begin life anew.

behold...

:: Athena continues to direct their attention to the beautifull pool::

[Barbara Minerva]

[ the beautifull, deep , mysterious pool in this secluded forest begins to shimmer and bubble as the breath of life begins to form. the bubbling grows untill finally, a rushing sound is heard in the air as Barbara Minerva bursts forth, rising up from the water in a splendid arc form as if she were a water dancer. throwing her head back and opening her mouth wide as she takes in her first breath of new life, her flaming red hair flings back behind her as her renewed , nude body rises up from the water]

[ it is a most surprising, yetbeautifull thing to behold as Barbara opens her emerald green eyes and looks around her with curiosity and wonder, lifting her hands up as she lets some of the life giving water fall down her naked body. she looks down at herself, and then finally, she happens to notice the Six. Unmoved, and unafraid...she is looks at them rather blankly for a moment.]

[ her eyes move to Persephone and she seems to focus in on HER moreso than the others...she seems pensive...as she experiences the faint, flickering ghost images of memories in her head. she knew this woman...they were friends perhaps? the implication of a life BEFORE...with adventure...and uncertainty. but that life is no more..and has no meaning to Minerva, who will from now on be known by her surname only. she will never know the pain of death or abuse again. ]

[ her gaze of Persephone ends as several Amazons dressed in greek inspired white "mini dresses" golden sandals and wearing feminum bracelets emerge , running to the pool to welcome their newest sister!]

[ Minerva smiles as she holds out her arms and welcomes the smiles, laughter, welcome and embrace of her new sisters.]

[ She is now an amazon! immortal and no longer subject to the ravages and machinations of "man's world"...her world for SEVERAL lifetimes of bravery, courage and honor. Circe's murder of her no longer had any meaning.]

[Rampage]

Nicolas looked on as Hecate teleported them to an unknown island expanse, lush with vegetation that rivaled any he had see. He realized s they emerged that he was in the company of the AMAZONS themselves, at their home of Themyscira!! He knew his history and quickly realized that he was one of a VERY small number of men to ever arrive here.

He noticed Athena's warning look and proudly returned her gaze as he responded.

They are indeed beautiful, but I would much rather receive technological and martial training from them than anything... *ahem*...you might be envisioning. Not ALL men think with their small heads first, goddess.

Nicolas nodded respectfully to Athena and watched as she made her speech to them. As she gestured to the pool, he watched its waters intently, wondering what was to come...

And then Barbara Minerva emerges, beautiful and full and fit and alive. In his joy he allowed a bit of immaturity in noticing that the carpet did indeed match the drapes, something about certain famous redheads he always wondered. He quickly got back to the task at hand as he became the first male (as far as he knew) to witness the birth of an amazon and the answer to how they increased their number.

The return of Minerva was a joy to him, one of the last loose ends in this caper that he wished could have been tidied up.

I should have known. Where there is a will and several nigh-omnipotent goddesses, there is a way...

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone's eyes caught Hecates; they were cold and bitter. Persephone had to keep reminding herself that centuries has passed since their last encounter...which wasn't much comfort considering Hecate seemed to hate her even more so now than before. Glancing to Athena, she still had the same, I have a giant stick shoved sideways up my ass, look on her face. Not surprising to Persephone. ::

:: Moments passed before the entire group was swept away in a grand show of lights, reappearing on another island; more gorgeous than the previous one they had been on. Streams of crystal clear water weaved paths through the prestine green grass. Athena began to speak about the island, informing the six this was where the Amazons stayed. Persephone listened but continued to study the vast land, wondering why she had never been to this place before, or even KNEW about it. Finally looking to Athena, her subtle insults directed at Persephone fell on deaf ears. She had heard it all before: a trecherous, murdering, untrustworthy, selfish, bitch who betrayed everyone she came in contact with. If it wasn't from Athena it was from someone else. Honestly, it never bothered Persephone before...atleast not until Hecate felt that way. ::

:: Barbara's name caught Persephone's attention, directing her attention directly at Athena. Looking to the pool of water, a beautiful redhead emerged, naked and wet. ::

"Barbara.."

:: Persephone whispers were barely audiable as she watched in astonishment, seeing the rebirth of her good friend. Persephone's hard face softened, allowing a small smile to appear on her lips as her eyes met with Barbara's. Amazons soon began to dress her, truly 'turning' her into one of them. ::

"Thank you."

:: Persephone's eyes shifted to Athena, in a surprising moment of sincerity. She knew Athena did not do this for her, but she did give Barbara life again...and Persephone was truly greatful for that. ::

"Barbara didn't deserve to die by Circe's hand. She was an honorable woman...She, of all people, has earned this."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah found herself in the most beautiful place she had ever seen - it truly was paradise. She was standing on her own now. She touched Morgan's hand gently as she was taken away in the care of the Amazonians.

She gasped as Athena explained the mysteries of this place and Barbara Minerva herself emerged from the pool. She looked away at her nakedness. She noticed the look in Rampage's eye, and covered his eyes playfully with her hand. ]

"Show's over loverboy."

[ She was relieved that Barbara's sacrifice for them had not gone unrewarded - one less life the Six had lost. But... ]

"Forgive me, Athena, but why are the rest of us here? We are thankful for Barbara's safety, and Morgan and Alison need healing, but why bring us to this place?"

[Hecate]

[ Hecate stood with her arms folded and looked on as Athena gave a most comprehensive explanation of Themyscria, the amazons and the gift that awaited women from earth chosen to be reborn as Amazons. A soft smile came over her stern face as Minerva was reborn. Knowing that this did Persephone's heart such joy as well as soothing the rest of the six...it allowed Hecate herself to soften her stance a bit.]

Barbara has been justly rewarded. She has lived through more than most warriors could withstand and she died with honor keeping Pandora from Circe's grasp. We (athena, artemis and myself) wanted to make SURE than not of Circe's damage and destruction was permanent.

Minerva will now live her life in the safety and tranquility of Paradise Island. You may encounter her again in some bold adventure, but understand that she will not know any of you as she once did.

[ looking around slowly as the six reacted to the mystery that is the "birth of an amazon". smirking a bit as Delilah playfully reprimanded Nicolas, who couldnt help but to react as any normal man would to some aspects of this moment.]

[ Persephone had a moment of sincerity. it took courage to be able to show this infront of Athena, let alone the rest of the team...but her emotional connection to Barbara was clear...this REMINDED Hecate that Persephone wasnt as cold and selfish as history had come to paint her out to be. She SHOULD have remembered that...but time has a way of making a person romanticize the good and overemphasize the bad aspects of a memory...and when you multiply that time by CENTURIES....well...you get the idea.]

[ Hecate's golden eyes rested upon Delilah as she asked Athena why THEY were there..]

you are here because you're a TEAM and you must share in the rewards as you share in the struggles. Barbara was Persephone's friend...a link to her recent past before she came to this timeline, but she also prooved to be a worthy, honorable ally of your team as well. It was only fitting that you all know that her destiny was what you've just witnessed...to show you that no matter how powerfull or far reaching the evil...that it does not always hold strong. Also, Morgan and Alison face a new destiny as well and it would be wrong of us to deprive you...their team..their FAMILY of an audience to that.

[ looking to Persephone.]

but more specifically, there are some things...some issues that need to be addressed among us.

[ looking among herself, persephone and Athena.]

ALL of us.

[Athena]

:: as Minerva was reborn into her new life, Athena smiled as well...welcoming yet another daughter into the cradle of Paradise Island. The Six were touched and Persephone in particular showed relief and expressed gratitude to Athena...something that Athena HERSELF did not expect....but in true fashion, the goddess of wisdom replied.::

no thanks are necessary. in truth, YOU have yourself to thank...for your efforts on Barbara's behalf, even facing certain death in battling Circe to keep her from possessing Pandora's box helped Barbara to realize her ultimate destiny. you prooved yourself to be worthy of HER friendship and now, in part because of you, Minerva will now live forever as an Amazon.

:: Hecate added in that they might yet encounter Minerva on some other bold adventure and that was very true...but ALSO true was the Minerva would have no memory of Persephone or her life as Barbara from this or MoE's timeline.::

My Amazons will journey outside the safety of Themyscria from time to time when it is necessary. the most "famous" amazon being the princess, Diana. ( ;) )

:: Athena looked away from Persephone as. as Minerva was gently lead away by her newfound sisters, covered in a beautifull white robe, Athena smiled. pleased that things were happening as they should. Delilah asked a fair question which Hecate addressed and Athena nodded in agreement.::

It does not end here...for Morgan and Alison have yet to reach their conclusions in this caper and as Hecate said...you :: gesturing at the team:: her family, should be witness to it so that you may adjust together.

:: as Hecate mentioned that she, Persephone and Athena had issues to discuss, Athena's slightly warmer expression became serious again as she stood tall and silent.::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah should have been comforted by Hecate and Athena's words, by the knowledge that the people of Themyscria would take good care of her injured friends. But she wasn't. Something was going to happen, she could feel it. She wasn't sure if Morgan and Alison could handle any more changes right now. Hell, she wasn't sure she could "adjust" to any more changes right now. It seemed that no matter what they did, there was always more pain around the corner, more heartache. Would they never have peace?

She turned away from the others and looked out over the landscape. Peace. There seemed to be an abundance of it in this place. But just as quickly as Athena had brought them here, she knew it would be taken away again. She turned her eyes down towards the ground. One day of peace... Way too much to ask. ]

[Rampage]

Delilah asked a great question after ruining the rest of his look at Minerva. He smiled as she spoke, playfully poking her side.

The answers from Hecate and Athena piqued his interest. He wondered what could be SO different now? It was described as a reward, but some gifts were not as kind as others. He furrowed his brow hoping for the best as he pondered the next act of this, as Athena put it, "caper".

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh eyed Athena as she responded. Oooh.... tou-CHY. She thought.... Athena still seemed a little bitter.... but it wasn't like there was no truth to Athena's words. However, true to form, Haleigh had a few words of hard truth of her own to share.

"Yes... perhaps you're right. If you think so, then alright, I harbor a traitor. [narrowing her eyes] At LEAST I don't try to pretend I'm ABOVE culpability in the matter. Persephone MAY have done the wetwork, you should NEVER overlook that you played a role as well, Goddess. You KNEW... you HAD to have known.... that there was a GRAVE injustice done to Persephone. They did WORSE than taking her life, they took her FREEDOM... they FORCED her into a marriage to a man she DIDN'T love, as IF she was some sort of TROPHY to be traded about.... and YOU did not stop it from happening, nor did you do enough to right the wrong that that was done not ONLY to Persephone, but to HECATE as well.... for after all.... wasn't Hades her betrothed?? Now I'm NOT saying that it's YOUR fault, or even that Persephone was JUSTIFIED in her actions... It's certainly NOT my place to pass judgement on ANY OF YOU... I wasn't there and I'm SURE even NOW, that I don't know the WHOLE story.... but I DO know this..... you ALL played a part in what happened. [pausing as the rest of the Six regrouped and Hecate prepared to take them somewhere else] I'm sorry that you lost your sister, Athena. I know that can make objectivity difficult.... but Persephone has been PUNISHED ENOUGH. You chose to banish her from Olympia... she accepted that sentence, and will abide by it. She must live with her actions AND the pain that she caused. YOU must stop punishing her beyond the terms of her sentence.... and for YOUR OWN SAKE.... It's time to move on."

She offered gently. She knew it would be a hard pill to swallow, but she noticed a pattern: CENTURIES later, Hecate and Athena were still bitter and they made it clear to Persephone that they still held the grudge... and it seemed Perse felt bad enough about it that she didn't try to defend herself... and Haleigh felt that in any event, SOMEONE should speak up on Perse's behalf... or else she might get raked across more coals than she rightfully deserved.

Hecate took them away... to a place that Haleigh'd never been before but easily registered.... and island in the BERMUDA TRIANGLE. Well, this was truly interesting...the place was as beautiful and serene as it was mysterious, and Haleigh remained quiet as Athena gave them the long and short of the island. Morgan and Alison were carried off, and Haleigh's ears perked up at the mention of advanced technology.

"Technology, you say? WELL then.... maybe I'll just tag along with them and check it out..."

She said, as she began to wander away from the group, following the Amazons who were quickly making off with Morgan and Alison.... but Haleigh was soon stopped by a couple of OTHER Amazons who blocked off the path and ushered her BACK to the group.

"Or then again, maybe not." She shrugged, as Barbara rose from the pool and was immediately tended to by the Amazons.... Athena and Hecate gave explainations, as Haleigh folded her arms, light-hearted skepticism on her face.

"Oh... I don't know if I'm buying it.... I've BEEN to plenty of places called paradise.... there's always some VERY delectable cabana boys running about, bringing you frozen Margaritas... and they're almost ALWAYS shirtless.... you know... kind of like Nicolas here... well, except THEY would be tall, dark, and handsome."

She says, with a playful wink. There seemed to be so much seriousness going around... they needed badly to lighten the mood, after everything they'd just been through.

[Athena]

:: Athena looked down at Haleigh and her face couldnt help but to slightly contort with agitation as the young woman retorted her soundly. Haleigh wasn't one of Athena's subjects, and after all the centuries that had passed, the relevance of the gods/goddesses on earth had changed and only those on olympus who had chose to adapt with those changing times managed to retain their vitality and power and in this instance, since Haleigh was more than capable of holding her own with the goddess in observations of the big picture, Athena responded in a more human way than ever before.::

I am here NOW am i not? I came and i did what i could to help start EVERYONE on the path of healing and....forgiveness!

Losing Demeter hurt ME more the most but while I was grieving, Zeus and his brothers decided to find their own way to punish Persephone. I had no hand in that, but my own bitterness toward her allowed me to find a way to JUSTIFY it. THAT along with NOT doing more to help Hecate is why i came NOW. CENTURIES have passed since our "Meeting" and I had more than enough time to think and rethink things. Being the goddess of wisdom doesnt mean that i know the END from the BEGINNING or that I am infallible...and while some of us on Olympus have become all to aware of our more "human" foibles with the passing centuries...there are OTHERS who wish to do what you accuse ME of....remaining above "culpability"...some among YOU even now!

I have long since lay claim to my own accountability in this matter and done what i could in the time that was left before all of YOU were destroyed by Circe.

:: Athena seemed more human than before but she wasnt afraid to speak her peace on this matter and as Hecate advised them that there were many issues still left to be resolved, Athena nodded slowly. the bitterness and resentment had taken its toll on Athena and Hecate BUT Athena had been able to see past it...long enough to help right SOME of the wrong that had been done. The Six had gotten a preview of THAT in the enchanted forest and now they were witnessing it first hand. but despite her "knowing better", Athena couldnt let go of her anger toward Persephone...not yet. Not until Persephone had ADMITTED that she caused damage and that this was her fault! an apology..wouldnt mean much because Athena would be able to tell if Persephone was sincere, but the courage and the integrity to OWN UP to her actions...THAT would be enough for Athena, at least for now. ::


:: Athena watched as Rampage and Black Widow provided their own little moments of levity to lighten the mood as Minerva was reborn. In the ancient times, she would have BLINDED Nicolas and turned Haleigh into some kind of object for this kind of behavior...for it could have been construed that they didnt care for or RESPECT the enormity Minerva's rebirth or the treasure that was Paradise Island. but she'd seen through the passing of time that humans had their own way of coping with things.::

Paradise Island is unlike anything you have known, Haleigh. A place where WOMEN flurish and the vices of man's world do not apply. there is true peace and serenity here. Consider yourselves privilaged to view what many have DIED trying to discover.

:: Athena moved away from the group for a moment and watched as the amazons lead Minerva away. she looked up to the dawning skies as the winds blew and held out her hand. Bupol fluttered into view and happily flew down to his mistress' outstretched hand.::

Bupol, my beloved pet, how are Morgan and Alison?

:: as the owl cooed and chirped, he communicated with Athena on a telepathic level, Athena "saw" that Morgan and Alison both were now in the healing and restoration chambers and inside of rejuvination pods. they were being restored, repaired and realligned and all was proceeding in order.::

excellent.

:: she gently petted her familiar and bowed her head, nuzzling his head with her forehead in a display of maternal affection before offering him some freshly plucked grapes from a lush grape vine that was nearby. to watch her interact with her familiar would allow a person to see just how gentle she could be. a stark contrast to her reputation throughout history and with the six.::

:: She did not return to the group just yet....for her involvement in this was about to come to an end soon as Hecate would carry them on to the last leg of this journey. after a few moments to herself, to keep calm and to c heck on the status of Morgan and Alison, she returned, with Bupol to the group.::

[Hecate]

[ Hecate looked at Haleigh and Nicolas hard for a moment. of them all, these two were the ones who prooved to have more unexpected reactions. Haleigh knew what Athena was capable of of if she became enraged but she challenged her anyway...but with an observation that prooved to be all too clear and accurate. this prooved that some members of the six actually "GOT IT" and that all of this was not in vain after all.]

[ Athena and Hecate had had THEIR reconcilliation, along with Artemis which was what lead to them working together to help in the battle against Circe, but the problem of Persephone still remained. Haleigh was right, the time for forgiveness had come, but Hecate couldnt HELP but to feel the fear of what would happen if she extended her hand and her forgiveness only to be "punched in the stomach" again as she been time and time again in years past. she had departed this plane of existence because no longer wanted to experience the vices of humanity only to be FORCED to return, to save humanity thanks to Circe and in doing so, all the memories, the sensations of the drama from Olympus came flooding back....as well as the memory of what it was like in the GOOD TIMES with Persephone.]

[ Athena more than held her own with Haleigh and showed her willigness to OWN her own "human" traits and flaws that came with them. Hecate felt that now was indeed the time for them to allow themselves to forgive Persephone, but ONLY if SHE shouldered her blame and involvement in this matter with HONESTY AND HONOR for a change.]

It may be time for forgiveness , Haleigh, but it's ALSO time for ACCOUNTABILITY! HONESTY and CLARITY. Athena is here because of that and so am I. but what about YOU, Persephone?


[ rather than speaking ABOUT her in her presence, Hecate spoke directly to her, looking right at her even in the presence of her friends and team mates while Athena moved away for a moment to check on the status of Morgan and Alison.]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: The issues that needed to be discussed between herself, Hecate, and Athena were apparent. Despite the fact that they both came to aid the six, they still disliked Persephone. The Gods were known for being incredibly stubborn and holding life long grudges. The three of them were a perfect example. Persephone despised Athena for never accepting her for who she was and her constant dismissal; among other things. Athena hated Persephone for being a backstabbing murderer, which was perfectly justified. Hecate was betrayed numerous times and came to the end of her rope. Each woman contributed to the other's anger. All were at fault, some more than others. But as Persephone listened to Haleigh defend her--which was unnecessary, but still very kind of her to do--she placed her hand on Haleigh's forearm, intending to make her stop. ::

"It's alright, Haleigh."

:: Looking to Hecate who point blank asked her why she was here, Persephone pondered the question. Her presents there was obvious; to stop Circe from destroying the world. Persephone was silent for a moment, her face expressing more of a weary look than her usual distant one. If they were to get past their differences, she had to take the same step that both Athena and Hecate had done, and admit her faults. Certainly not the goddesses favorite pass time. ::

"I do regret SOME of my past actions. Hades was a self indulgent pig--and exact duplicate of his brother--and I don't, for one SECOND, regret killing him. He deserved exactly what he got, and then some. BUT, as I said before, I never took into account how his death would have effected you. I was selfish and I wanted him gone. Plain and simple, Hecate. And for that I AM sorry."

:: Her words sincere and direct. She was known to manipulate her way out of situations. To make herself look innocent and heartfelt, when really, she was just trying to dig herself out of the ever growing hole she was in. But this time...this time Persephone was speaking from her heart. She truly did regret hurting Hecate, and she would not hide behind her pride and NOT apologize for hurting her. But, Hades wasn't the only reason Hecate had turned her back on Persephone. He was simply the last straw. Demeter, the reason this ENTIRE situation started, was the reason both Hecate AND Athena were here. ::

:: Demeter was a subject that Persephone never spoke of. To everyone else, she was simply Persephone's mother and the goddess of the Earth. No one ever truly knew the reason why Persephone killed her mother, or what finally brought her to go through with the action. Lowering her eyes to the plush green grass, her long chocolate hair blew forward, shading her cheeks from the warm winds. It was apparent that Persephone was trying to figure out what to say, without reverting back to her old ways of slandering Demeter and defending what she had done. Parting her lips, Persephone rolled her eyes closed and let out a soft sigh. ::

"In killing my mother...I opened a whole new world for me. I was known for more than just being 'Demeter's daughter'; the girl forced into marriage because of her reckless ways. I BECAME Persephone. I did it for status and power."

:: Actually SAYING those words, after thousands of years, Persephone realized how truly ridiculous it sounded. But by not killing Demeter, she wouldn't be who she was today, with the powers she has today. So it was a very double edged sword situation. By admitting that she was a cold blooded killer, she was finally giving Athena and Hecate their peace about the situation, but also giving the six a clear view of who their teammate was and could very well still BE. ::

"I knew the backlash that it would create on Mount Olympus would be huge. I knew Zeus would feel the pain of losing his sister. I knew Athena *looking to Athena* would be devastated. And that didn't bother me. In fact, I RELISHED in it. I WANTED you to suffer. I wanted to look into your eyes and see the rage that I created. I didn't care about the Trinity of the Moon *looking back to Hecate*, I didn't care how it would effect you and Artemis. I wanted what I wanted, and that was enough reasoning for me."

:: Her words were sharp and painful to hear. Passionate and truthful to a fault. Showing to both Hecate and Athena that their assumptions about Persephone being treacherous in the past WERE TRUE. She had never cared what others thought of her as long as she got what she wanted. She would mow over ANYONE to get what she wanted. She was cruel and selfish, for hundreds upon hundreds of years, which worked to her advantage in her timeline. The Masters of Evil accepted who she was. LOVED her for it. RESPECTED her. Darkchilde and Alessandra were her sisters in every sense of the word. They were just as evil and sadistic as she; bringing out the 'best' in her. But they were dead. The coven was gone. Her old life, her friends, her family, dead. Everything she did was in vain because it was gone. It wasn't until this moment that Persephone allowed reality to sink in. ::

"I can't change the past, or what I did. I can only stand here and let you (Hecate) see me for who I REALLY am--knowing everything that you know now--and see if you can find it in your heart to forgive me. If you can't, then at least you know the truth."

[Hecate]

[ Hecate continued to look upon Persephone with a stone faced expression as the renegade goddess stepped up to the plate and RESPONDED with something MORE than the usual stone wall defense she often gave.]


"I knew the backlash that it would create on Mount Olympus would be huge. I knew Zeus would feel the pain of losing his sister. I knew Athena *looking to Athena* would be devastated. And that didn't bother me. In fact, I RELISHED in it. I WANTED you to suffer. I wanted to look into your eyes and see the rage that I created. I didn't care about the Trinity of the Moon *looking back to Hecate*, I didn't care how it would effect you and Artemis. I wanted what I wanted, and that was enough reasoning for me."


"In killing my mother...I opened a whole new world for me. I was known for more than just being 'Demeter's daughter'; the girl forced into marriage because of her reckless ways. I BECAME Persephone. I did it for status and power."

[ the bitterness and resentmet rose up in Hecate. it was justified and necessary in this moment. her tone was SHARP and her words seemed to be directed like a laser beam to slice through ANY defense Persephone would try to muster.]


you wanted what YOU wanted? you sound like CIRCE and you SEE what happened to HER!

Should i visit the same JUSTICE upon YOU that she received?

[ in this, Persephone would find Hecate sounding more like DARKCHILDE]

In killing Demeter, you not only hurt me and artemis, you set in motion events that would lead to devastation not only on olympus but on EARTH and the ultimately irony which seems to have been LOST on you is that you STILL didnt receive the STATUS you wanted. When Athena banished you, she CURSED you to remain forever a FOOT NOTE in the history of man...regarded as nothing more than a bratty, prodigal child of Demeter who was FOREVER ungreatfull...never possessed of any REAL power or purpose...just simply THERE. you are considered to be the "goddess of spring" by most of the mortals who even give THOUGHT to the Olympians in this time and place.

at the time that it happened, i was still REELING from the backlash of Demeter's death...not so much because of any personal friendship i had with her..but because of the damage caused to the trinity..and all that came with THAT. But even so, you were my FRIEND...and i didnt want YOU to die at the hands of Zeus and Athena so i sent you AWAY with my magick to protect you!


"I do regret SOME of my past actions. Hades was a self indulgent pig--and exact duplicate of his brother--and I don't, for one SECOND, regret killing him. He deserved exactly what he got, and then some. BUT, as I said before, I never took into account how his death would have effected you. I was selfish and I wanted him gone. Plain and simple, Hecate. And for that I AM sorry."

Hades was a pig...in that much we agree. but he was something WORSE to me...he was the man who did not stand up against his tyrant of a brother when Zeus saught to destroy OUR relationship. To him i was betrothed and vice versa and in the beginning, our love was something that the muses would have wrote songs and poetry about....but when you murdered Demeter, not only did you damage the trinity of the moon, you set in motion...things that would ultimately hurt ME from all sides. not just with the trinity but with Hades, who seemed inexplicably so willing to go along with Zeus' plan...he showed No ounce of back bone...and for that, i could never EVER forgive him but as long as he was ALIVE...i KNEW that he would forever hold his head and heart in SHAME for the wrong and COWARDICE he knew he had displayed. why do you think he could NEVER respond to me when i would berate him?

When you murdered him...YOU closed the book on a story that was NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!

[ She bowed her head and shut her eyes tightly, as the anger and resentment about all of this came to a head.]

While I made SURE to save you from what Zeus and Athena ORIGINALLY wanted to do which was to BREAK you and send you into Dooms Doorway on Themyscria, YOU were busy reaping the benefits of MY magick as i sent you away from Olympus to protect you..and as soon as you returned..you caused MORE chaos which left ME to take the fall. I had ENOUGH persephone.

friendship is something that is to be shared and reciprocated! you enjoyed a closeness with Darkchilde but WHO did Darkchilde come from? ME! You were drawn to Spellbinder and who did she come from? ME! do you think EITHER of them...ESPECIALLY Darkchilde would have been as charitable if you had done to them what you did to ME?

[ Hecate looked up again, her golden eyes sparkled with raw emotion...almost as if she had been trying to hold back tears.]

But with the passing of time...we've BOTH had time to remember and reflect and to LEARN.

Hades met the fate that HE created for himself when he agreed to go with Zeus' plan to force you into marraige with him. He abandonned the love he had with me...with no more thought than one would crush a piece of paper...and for that alone...i am GLAD he died as savagely as he did...still, I feel that it was my RIGHT to be there in his last moments...so that it was MY face that he saw last...knowing the life he could have had with ME and that now he would have NO options.

and in my bitterness, my loss of faith and trust in friendship, i made a most GRAVE error in allowing Circe to become the instrument of my vengeance under the red moon and so, while I have blamed you for much...i can't blame you for ALL and now that the situation has been corrected and Circe has been destroyed...i am now WHOLE again and i REMEMBER!

I REMEMBER what it was like to have feelings and to enjoy things like FRIENDSHIP.

I have missed you, persephone and i want to forgive you...but ...can i TRUST YOU never to do this AGAIN?

[ it was a FAIR question to ask, and in this moment, Hecate showed HER own humanity...much like Morgan (and Darkchilde) she had a "heart" that she kepet well hidden...after the events she had suffered...she wanted for NO ONE to know her feelings and emotions but now, after so much time and now that Circe was dead and the danger averted....it was time for HER to heal as well....and part of that included reconciling with the best friend she had on Olympus.]

[Athena]

:: with Bupol on her arm, Athena returned as Hecate called Persephone out. Athena surveyed the rest of the group before taking her place next to Hecate for she was not entirely thrilled with the Six as individuals and preferred to keep her distance.::

:: Athena's eyes and facial expression conveyed a stern, incredulous feeling as she looked upon Persephone who finally opened up and gave an EXPLANATION! the ONE thing that Athena had been looking for for CENTURIES.::

:: Athena's eyes widened with disbelief as Persephone explained her motivation for murdering Demeter....::

Demeter had to DIE for your own selfish preoccupation with POWER and STATUS?! this is almost WORSE than NOT knowing why you did what you did.

You should be ZEUS' child instead of Demeter's! Only HE would have such a casual DISREGUARD for the life of someone else!

:: Athena spat with indigation before Hecate spoke. Athena looked at Hecate and then at Persephone again. ONE thing was clear though. Persephone had FORCED Athena to take notice of her...MORE than just the annoying child that she had often dismissed her as..but a THREAT to the harmony of Olympus. She had killed not one, but TWO of their own and demonstrated a sociopathic tendency that hadnt been since Ares and most recently Circe.::

:: but on the OTHER hand, Athena had often been petitioned by WOMEN on earth who wanted to be regarded and thought of as MORE than servents and second class citizens....that was part of the reason why she helped to create the Amazons. women who could be MORE than what men defined them as. Persephone wanted respect, she wanted status...in THAT she was not unlike many women who had prayed to Athena in times past, but the WAY she went about it....that was just TOO MUCH!.::

there were OTHER ways, Persephone. BETTER ways. You did not have to murder MY SISTER, YOUR MOTHER. She would not have begrudged you your desire to grow in power....she risked her LIFE for you when hades attempted to kidnap and RAPE you when you were but a GIRL and you REPAID her motherly love and protection with MURDER! You caused MORE PAIN and DISCHORD in Olympus than Prometheus or any OTHER treacherous person that had contact with us and yet....in SPITE of your horrid deeds, while you gained the POWER you wanted, you were doomed NEVER to have the STATUS you wanted among the eyes of man or the world at large. it was only through Hecate's MAGICK that you enjoyed the benefit of time travel and living lives..having chances that not even OTHER GODS dreamed of.

:: shaking her head.::

I cannot FORGET what you've done. the HURT that you caused...and KNOWING that was what you WANTED. Demeter is DEAD because of YOU and so many OTHER things have happened as the result.

:: looking at Haleigh and remembering...."she's been punished enough."::

I should possess clarity of thinking...but right now I do not! Demeter's death still HURTS even after all this time and if there is ANYTHING i would have prefrered to do differently...it would have been to STOP YOU from killing her. Just as YOU do not regret murdering Hades...I would NOT have regretted saving HER from YOU!

:: Bupol fidgeted a bit on his mistress' arm. clearly he was feeling her agitation and anger...but from the flow of these emotions would come the clarity Athena was looking for.::


.......

:: Athena slowly exhaled as she calmed herself.::

It appears that with the passage of time and the benefit of Hecate's magick, you have lived several lifetimes and managed to learn what it means to have and RESPECT friends and family. [referring to her time in MoE] though many of them were destined to die with honor fighting against their enemies, your Darkchilde was contacted by members of the six, bold and brave enough to risk HER wrath in their hour of need. they FREED you from your state of slumber and made it possible to reunite with her.

Darkchilde , much like Demeter thought of you and your needs and ensured that you would LIVE as she sent you on to this current timeline. Do not squander the chance she has given you and disgrace her faith in you by continuing in the path that you are so known for on Olympus. Here you are...and here you will remain. Olympus is not ready to recieve you...but i CAN assure you that no one...not even ZEUS will come for you now or EVER. You are FREE of the curse and scrutiny that I placed upon you centuries ago.

I hope you realize how fortunate you are.

:: Athena bowed her head.::

others of us...would only wish to be as fortunate...to see Demeter again.

:: in doing this, Athena demonstrated her capacity to forgive and let go of the bitterness. she freely admitted to the hurt and pain that she felt for her sister's death even now but she was willing to allow Persephone to live her life on earth free of the threat of retribution from Olympus at any given time. She did NOT allow her to return to Olympus though.::

:: Persephone would have to make her life HERE now. No more chances to journey to another timeline to start anew. she would have to accept this place as home. Becoming "Ava" was the first step, THIS was the next.::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Becoming frustrated with both Hecate and Athena's words, Persephone turned her back to the woman while running her fingers through her hair. Shifting her weight once more so she faced them again, Persephone kept her mouth shut as they railed on her. It was apparent that even with her finally revealing the 'truth' behind her motives, it didn't make the situation any less tense. Hecate was pissed that Persephone blatantly dimissed her feelings and destoryed the Trinty of the Moon. Athena was just pissed period. But even Persephone couldn't just stand there and have both woman screaming at her without defending herself. Yes she was the reason EVERYTHING had happened, but she wasn't the only one at fault. ::

"I did us BOTH a favor by disposing of Hades. He WAS your love, but he was MY HUSBAND. He was a spineless lap dog who rolled over for Zeus at every opportunity! He forced himself upon me not ONCE but TWICE. He may have respected you Hecate--he may have LOVED you, and you him, but I spent nearly HALF my LIFE running from his advances until I was finally FORCED into wed lock. I DIDN'T want to HURT you, but I will NOT stand here and be berated for killing him when I had EVERY RIGHT TO!"

:: Turning to Athena who had railed into Persephone about Demeter's death and how she was a wonderful mother, she quickly waved her hand out of anger, wanting her to stop what she was saying. Mainly because it was all true and it was a hard pill to swallow...and it was all true. ::

"SHUT UP!"

:: Shaking with anger, Athena continued, stating the cold hard reality of the situation. Her curse was lifted, but she must remain in this timeline FOREVER, as Ava, and with the six. It felt like another sentence; like she was a claustrophobic in a closed dark room. Feeling like she was being backed into a corner, by instinct, Persephone lashed out like an angered snake at both Athena and Hecate who had every right to be angery with her. Turning her back to them once again, she lifted her hand to the bridge of her nose trying to calm herself down. It was one step forward and two steps back it seemed. ::

[Demeter]

- A soft breeze began to sweep through the island, rustling the tree branches and leaves. A faint sound of chimes could be heard carrying along the winds path until finally the winds began to circle beside the six and the goddesses. Golden orbs appeared within the circling winds before bursting into a ray of light and revealing a spirit-like version of Demeter. Her curled amber locks of hair blew back behind her shoulders as the winds came to an end. Her silk white halter styled long gown swaying along the grassy ground. It had been centuries since any of the Gods had seen Demeter since her brutal murder; the reasons unknown. Stepping forward, her 'translucent' image faded to solid; looking as alive and well as each of the people standing before her. Demeter's face was kind and gentle which made her beauty even more breathtaking. With her eyes focused on her daughter--who was still turned away at the moment--Demeter's expression show no ill feelings. -

- Finally turning her attention to Athena, Demeter smiled warmly at her sister, knowing she had struggled the most with her death. Extending her hand out to her sisters, she nodded a hello to her. -

"It is good to see you, Athena. *Nodding to Hecate as well* Hecate."

- Her voice would no doubt startle Persephone. Turning to see her daughter's bewildered and angered expression, Demeter's eyes saddened, wanting so desperately for Persephone to stop harboring ill feelings toward her. -

"Please, my darling. Let me explain.."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: At this point Persephone was at her wits end. Spending three days reliving a life that she would have much rather forgotten about than experienced again. Having her teammates--that she barely knew--take front row seats to her private past. Battling Circe and nearly dying. And now, trying to have a 'civilized' conversation with Athena and Hecate. The civilized part moreso on the fence at the moment. But regardless, Persephone came to the realization that unlike in Darkchilde's timeline, she may very well not reconcile with Hecate if the conversation continued down the path it was going. As for Athena, even though she lifted the curse bestowed upon Persephone, their 'relationship', for lack of a better word, was still the same. ::

:: Dropping her hand from her throbbing head, Persephone craned her tense neck back, rotating it from side to side. A cool breeze began to flow around her body, easing her muscles even more. But what followed the breeze was something that even Guardian couldn't predict. Hearing her mothers voice, Persephone's eyes widdened as she whipped around seeing Demeter standing before her, in the flesh. Along with her expression of surprise, was rage. Demeter spoke, trying to ease her rage, but Persephone quickly cut her off. ::

"WHAT IS THIS!"

:: She shouted in a low growl. Looking to both Hecate and Athena, her eyes narrowed into a terrible glare, believing THEY were the ones behind her mothers sudden ressurection. Seeing Demeter step forward, Persephone lifted her hand, indicating her to stop. ::

"I have NOTHING to say to you!"

[Athena]

:: Athena was ALSO growing increasingly agitated, the look on her face said it all and if there was long thing that should have been learned, is that it is NOT a good thing to piss off the goddess of wisdom and war. just as Medousa, or HALEIGH for that matter.::


:: Persephone insisted on being defensive and refusing to give place to what Athena and Hecate were saying...instead acting as if she was ENTITLED to tell THEM "enough was enough" and to "get over it."::

so NOTHING has changed..you are as SELFISH and SELF ABSORBED AS YOU EVER WERE?

:: Athena bellowed::

:: But even before she could inform Persephone that the curse was not gone JUST YET and that there was still time for her to ADD to it, a breeze began to blow, chimes, different from the effect of Hecate's played in the air and came closer as golden orbs flowed and parted to reveal the form of DEMETER!?::

:: even Bupol seemed surprised and a bit startled as Athena gave a start of surprpise.::

Demeter?

:: she said in a soft , whispered tone as she looked upon her sister with widened eyes.::


:: As Demeter greeted her sister, Athena reached out her own hand to grasp Demeter's::

you're....you're HERE??

:: she looked at Hecate, her eyes silently asking the question of "did YOU do this?" but Hecate seemed just as taken aback. even with her powers of precognition, she hadnt ONCE mentioned this moment before.::

:: Demeter acknowledged Hecate before turning to Persephone and Athena watched with anticipation this unexpected reunion. her look of bewilderment quickly turned to that of anger and disapproval as Persephone continued to shut her mother out...even NOW after all this time.::

UNGREATFULL CHILD! even after ALL you've done....all that YOU did...YOU have the GAUL to speak to Demeter this way? truly you belong in Doom's Doorway and I think perhaps it is BEST that I put you there NOW!

:: raising her hand, Athena prepared to exile Persephone to a place of ETERNAL DAMNATION...doom's doorway, a monstrous hell whose mouth opening was located (and sealed by technology only in the last several hundred years) on Themyscria::

You WON'T abuse Demeter while I'm standing here!

:: however Demeter came to be here didnt matter to Athena at this point. It seemed that she FINALLY had the chance to protect her sister from Persephone's evil, ungreatfull, thankless ways. and she would do just that and WOE unto Persephone and ANY of the Six who dared to stand in her way at this point.::

[Hecate]

[ Hecate huffed loudly as Persephone continued to be so defensive and cut her off]

LISTEN HERE you.....

[ Athena beat her to the punch as she blasted her with words but Hecate wouldnt go without getting HER's in]

you're not even LISTENING! you need to GET OVER YOURSELF for once in the three lifetimes in which you've lived courtesy of MY magick and realize that its NOT ALL ABOUT YOU! you're so SELFISH! Darkchilde would be SO PROUD of you now wouldnt she? as you stand here acting like a stubborn two year old that can't see outside of their own narrow mind and world.


[ Hecate's face was now enshrouded in shadow as she gritted her now gleaming white teeth that matched her glowing eyes. she was PISSED and it showed. She'd just expressed how she felt AND that she wanted reconciliation and all Persephone could do was continue to justify HER actions and why it was about HER. Hecate was close to HELPING Athena banish the woman to Doom's Doorway. ]

[ the hurt and pain were prooving too much and Persephone's unwillingness to listen was pushing Hecate to an almost VIOLENT level of frustration...DARKCHILDE was the same way, she could not tolerate selfishness. but even as Athena raised her hand, prepared to banish Persephone to Doom's Doorway, something totally unexpected happened.]

[ a breeze with soft chimes...different from hecate's own signature began to flow, sparkling golden orbs began to swirl and form...revealing DEMETER as she became corporeal to boot! Hecate's eyes widened with surprise and disbelief.]

shadows and shards....

[ the goddess of witchcraft certainly had necromancy spells in her repritoir but in this instance, Demeter's surprising return was NOT her doing and so as Persephone dared to accuse her, even looking like she was stepping UP on herself and Athena, Hecate snapped.]

oh BACK OFF! not everything that happens is done to cause YOU a problem ..unlike YOUR actions toward US. and if it WERE my doing...WHAT OF IT? it's not like YOU can hurt ME. I'm NOT Demeter or Hades...and you wouldnt last FIVE MINUTES against me!

[ Hecate's agressive attitude was the result of feeling like Persephone was not remotely sincere and things were rapidly deteriorating fast between the three women as Demeter attempted to reach out to Persephone. Something had to be done..and fast.]

[Rampage]

As Nicolas stood with his team waiting, the three goddesses went a small distance away and aired out their differences. Persephone gave an insight into her baser natures, one that had an effect on Nicolas.Even though it was true that all of them had killed innocents, she had done so to her own mother for POWER alone. He shook his head as he openly wished that time had managed to work its magic on the darkness in her soul that allowed such a thing.

It was clear that her candor was not as refreshing to the goddesses as Rampage had hoped. Their voices became agitated as Persephone seemed to refuse the olive branch that was begrudgingly offered. As Athena seemed to prepare to strike, Nicolas was considering his options (even if he SHOULD intervene) when, in a blaze of orbs, the once-dead DEMETER appears.

Nicolas is stunned as she makes overtures to her daughter, and even more stunned as Persephone refuses her advances. He sees the agitation anew on the faces pf the goddesses as their speech reaches a crescendo, then decides to act, speaking telepathically to the one which he believed would hear and at least stop to think.

Athena, please stay your hand! We BOTH know that the last thing your newly appeared sister wishes to see is her daughter killed, and surely you possess the ability to monitor the situation in other ways. I am not intervening on Persephone's behalf. I am attempting to spare you the hurt look and feelings you will receive from Demeter if you harm her only child. Please, do not allow the wisdom of a goddess to be overturned by base emotion.

[Jessica Hamby]

After engaging in a little playful banter with Nicolas, Haleigh fell silent, allowing Persephone and the other two goddesses time to talk things out. It started out well, and Haleigh listened while she admired a tropical flower bush nearby.... but things quickly deteriorated, and both Athena and Hecate became incensed over Persephone's lack of regard for their troubles. At first, she was reluctant to intervene, as there is a FINE LINE between helping by moderating, and HINDERING by moderating.... but soon it became quite clear that if NOTHING was done, they might be leaving this place WITHOUT Persephone.

As Haleigh opened her mouth to interject, DEMETER appeared, and the sight made Haleigh recoil slightly. She gauged the expressions of all those who could have brought Demeter here, but everyone seemed just as surprised as she was. Of course, as luck would have it, this only served to escalate the problem further, as Persephone shunned her mother and Athena and Hecate understandably reacted negatively. Haleigh quickly stepped in.

"Athena! Hecate..... please.... this is NOT easy for any of you.... I know youre both frustrated.... but violence, [shooting a dark look at Perse] unfortunately, is not going to help ANYONE."

"And AS FOR YOU...... [lightly slapping Perse on the back of the head-- although, LIGHTLY to Haleigh would turn out quite JARRING for Perse] what the HELL is WRONG with you?! You may have been WELL within your rights to do what you did, but you hurt a LOT of people in the meantime and this IS NOT ABOUT YOU anymore, it's about THEM! It's time to ATONE for the grief that YOU caused, so STOP thinking solely about yourself. AND ANOTHER THING! That is your MOTHER.... she gave BIRTH to you, she BROUGHT YOU INTO THIS WORLD, and between YOU and your BIG OLE EGO, she probably had a hellish time of it. Now I don't care WHAT happened between you two, but since you KILLED HER, I'm inclined to think that if EITHER of you has the right to STILL be upset, its HER, so how about you SUCK IT UP and FACE HER! No more EXCUSES, no more INSULTS.... just LISTEN."

She said, taking her sister by the arm and steering her towards Demeter, while giving both Athena and Hecate cautionary glances. Sometimes, you have to hear things from your FRIENDS for them to sink in.... in this case, it might not have been ENOUGH for Athena and Hecate to tell Persephone she was being selfish... but maybe hearing it from her own sister would make it stick.

[Athena]

:: Athena prepared to painfully banish Persephone to the realm known as Doom's Doorway, she heard a voice...Rampage's...inside her head. strange feeling this was, that a mortal man would have the power to communicate with her in this way but as she had discovered during their trip "back" to Olympus, these were no ordinary mortals.::

:: Nicolas appealed to her sense of reason as well as to think of Demeter and how she might feel of Athena shunted Persephone to Doom's Doorway. it was THIS more than anything else that allowed Athena to calm down for enough time to lower her hand...though she still looked rather swelled in her chest with anger as she glared at Persephone.::

:: she looked at Nicolas::

I appreciate your appeal, Nicolas, but kindly refrain from inviting yourself into the realm of my thoughts again.

:: her tone quieter but no less stern.::

Demeter's return...is...unbelievable to put it mildly. But i do not wish to vex HER by my own actions.

BUT understand THIS...if Persephone attempts to harm Demeter in ANYWAY...neither YOU nor anyone ELSE present will stop me from doing what i WISHED i could have done the FIRST time it happened.

:: the goddess of wisdom and war spoke firmly and since Haleigh knew how relentless she was in battle...it could be assumed that this was NOT an idle threat. Even ATHENA couldnt explain how Demeter came to be here, but she'd be DAMNED if she let anything happen to her AGAIN.::

:: for NOW though, Athena stayed her hand even as her eyes flashed with fury at Persephone. Persephone didnt know how LUCKY she was just now as HALEIGH spoke some sound sense to her sister.::

:: Athena looked at Bupol who seemed a bit nervous...and understandibly so. she gently stroked his head and shushed him with a soft noise as she seemed to show far more gentility towards him than she ever would show Persephone.::

[Demeter]

- Persephone exploded, which sent off a chain reaction. Athena reacted first, followed by Hecate. Both woman were angered, and both wanted her daughter to reak the consequences. Athena was prepared to sentence Persephone to death and Demeter quickly moved in front of her sister, grabbing both her hands gently. -

"Stop. You will do no such thing, Athena. You either, Hecate."

- Looking to Hecate as well, Demeter was one of the few Gods who actually worked beside Hecate and treated her with respect. They were apart of the Trinity of the Moon at one time after all. Demeter knew her daughter was pushing Athena and Hecate to react this way, but what they didn't know, was the reason Demeter was standing here was BECAUSE of Persephone. Turning around to face her daughter once more, the strong willed blonde girl spoke on Persephone's behalf, defending her livelihood to Hecate and Athena. A faint smile appeared on Demeter's lips. But Haleigh's sudden wack to Persephone's head made her smile turn into a grin. One in which, she of course tried to hide. -

- Haleigh's brash words to Persephone were sharp and probably very hard for her to swallow. Demeter watched as she pulled her reluctant daughter over, in which Demeter gave Haleigh a warm smile. It was very apparent how motherly and kind Demeter was. Never once loosing her temper or raising her voice. She believed that fighting would only prolong the situation, and the real breakthroughs happened with presistance and patience. But, in Persephone's case....she seemed to defy the odds. -

- Studying her daughter, Demeter didn't want to come off too strong. She could tell Persephone was feeling very caged up. -

"You're looking well...even more beautiful than I remember."

- Moving her hand to touch her daughter's cheek, she stopped seeing Persephone move her face away. It stung, of course, but Demeter really didn't expect differently. Moving her hand away, her soft face showed signs of emotional pain. Her eyes wanting so desperately to fight through Persephone's barriers so she could speak with HER daughter, not this closed up, hostile woman. -

"I know how you must feel. But I have not come back to hurt you, Persephone."

[Hecate]

[ Due to her psi screen, Hecate unaware of the telepathic exchange between Nicolas and Athena...at least until Athena bluntly asked Nicolas to refrain from entering her thoughts again. But while THAT was going on, HALEIGH stepped forward and prooved once again to be surprisingly insightfull and possessing common sense.]



[ As Demeter stepped infront of Persephone....in yet ANOTHER surprising act of PROTECTION, disallowing Athena or Hecate any further action against Persephone, Hecate stepped back...both literally AND emotionally as she allowed Haleigh and Nicolas to buffer the situation.]

I can't believe this has happend....




[ she said softly. Demeter's return was unexplainable even by HECATE..and that was saying alot for the goddess of witchcraft. in the olympian hierarchy, only the fates themselves had prooven to operate beyond the sway of the gods/goddesses...prooving to be a mystery and at times a frustration. could THEY have been responsible for Demeter's miraculous return?]

[ Demeter was the "mother" in the trinity of the moon and served a vital function that could never be replaced once she was killed. She and Hecate were always civil to one another. no problems, no issues...friendly on all terms. Artemis had a bond with both women...as a child would have with her mother and grandmother. When she died, it came as such a shock to Hecate ...a PAINFULL dismantling of one of the primal forces in the universe. it was even WORSE when she discovered Persephone standing over Demeter's mutilated body that night. It was one of the FIRST times Hecate had felt a total loss of control and the fact that it had been caused by a supposed friend...that had ALWAYS made it hard for her to grasp....so she coped as best as she could...all the while protecting Persephone from what would have been a FATAL fall out with the Olympians.]

[ much like Morgan, Hecate was now seeing that even SHE wasn't immune to the feelings that came from the HEART. try as she did to hide it or cover it...they were there just the same...and seeing Demeter brought it all BACK. She was GLAD that Athena was now so willing to protect Demeter from persephone if it came down to it...and...SHE would too!]

[ she kept her thoughts to herself, choosing to stand back with her arms folded and a scowl on her face as she let Haleigh wrangle with her sister...her eyes still forcing themselves to look upon Demeter...wondering if this was some insane illusion on some level.]

[ she looked at Rampage and MorningStar for a moment, before FINALLY turning her gaze towar the marble metropolis off in the distant horizon...Morgan and Alison were healing right on schedule and would soon be conscious and coherent. THAT would be the last part of this long, drawn out and emotional adventure..]

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Oh PLEASE! You're both RELISHING in this!"

:: Persephone snapped fiercly at both Hecate and Athena. At this point, letting bygones be bygones, was over. Athena lashed out at Persephone, followed by Hecate. Athena was prepared to TRY and exterminate her, in which Persephone stepped forward MORE than willing to prove her theory wrong. But her mother quickly intervened, stepping in front of Athena and stopping her. ::

:: Rolling her eyes, Persephone shook her head and looked away. But only with Haleigh's wack to the head did Persephone finally react. Stumbling a bit from her 'light tap', she glared at Haleigh prepared to light a fire under her ass as well, but Haleigh defiantly set her straight. She was actually a bit stunned by Haleigh's words. ::

:: Haleigh grabbed her arm and pulled her to Demeter, in which Persephone snatched her arm away from Haleigh's grasp. Looking at Demeter, Persephone kept her face even and her eyes cold. Looking away from Demeter, she folded her arms across her chest hearing her mother compliment her. Shaking her head while letting out a soft, short laugh, Persephone barely paid her any attention. It wasn't until she tried to touch her face that she whipped her head away, and glared intensly at her. "I know what you're going through?" Persephone moved her head forward, her voice low and vicious. ::

"You don't know anything about me. And quite frankly, I don't care why or how you came back. I have nothing to say to you."

[Demeter]

- Closing her eyes, Demeter shook her head at Persephone's words. THIS was why she was not allowed to return. Persephone's cold, heartless nature. Her constant lack of concern for others. The fact that she DIDN'T regret her actions. But, in that one moment of vulnerbility that she showed to both Hecate and Athena, the walls around her heart came down, ALLOWING Demeter to return. And she would not stand there and let this oppurtunity slip away when she knew Persephone truly felt remorseful for what she did. -

"Oh, Persephone, I know you better than anyone. I know that when you were three years old you accidently flooded a lake into a mortals corn field, completely destorying the crop. When you were seven, you wanted to fly as high as the eagles, and JUMPED off of a Weaping Willow, breaking your arm. When you were twelve, you were SO angry with me, because I wouldn't allow you to come to the annual ball at Mount Olympus, because you were too young. You hid my beautiful silk white gown in a basket full of fabrics that were later DYED pink, just to keep me from going. *Letting out a small laugh* You were so upset after I found the gown. You thought I was going to be furious with you....But I WORE that dyed gown to the ball because I was PROUD of how resourceful you were. That when you put your mind to something, you achieved it...Even if it was at my dresses expense."

- Demeter could see Persephone's face softening as she spoke of the stories that her daughter had sealed away in the darkest parts of her mind. Placing her hand finally on Persephone's cheek, she didn't pull away. Moving her face, she finally met with her glassy eyes. -

"And I remember when you were sixteen....your heart started to turn black...and I didn't know how to stop it. Athena and Hecate did not bring me back Persephone, YOU did. You've spent centuries closed up and distant, never once regretting your actions. Never once thinking how they effected other people--people that you cared about. But I KNOW that behind this ice cold heart is that little girl that I LOVED. That I was PROUD of. I know, because I am STANDING here in front of you. I was allowed to return today because you finally realized the harm you did; DON'T PUSH me away, Persephone! Don't push your friends away!"

- Demeter's speech was heartfelt and emotional, as her eyes teared up as well. Her words painted a picture of Persephone's past that the six knew nothing of. It brought back memories to Athena of how Persephone was when she was younger. Demeter pleaded with her daughter to stop her downward spiral before she ended up alone...or worse, dead. -

[Athena]

:: Athena looked like she was getting ill. but it wasnt that. The sight of Demeter the REALITY that she was truly there...and had lost none of the beauty in body, mind or spirit...it was overwhelming for the goddess. She trusted Demeter's judgement and remained quiet as Demeter approached Persephone yet again.::

:: Demeter's motherly wisdom shined as brightly as any of Athena's golden energy constructs and as she appealed to her daughter and demonstrated a long suffering spirit that was unlike any she'd seen before, Athena's eyes began to well up with tears.::

:: Demeter's strength of heart and calm were things that in anyone ELSE, Athena might dismiss but in this moment, Athena and Hecate looked at each other and realized just how much they BOTH had lost in her death and now seeing her again...it was prooving to be overwhelming for the goddesses as they did their best to remain composed.::

Hecate....I am not accustomed to this...this feeling.

:: she said softly as Demeter appealed to Persephone's heart.::

[Hecate]

[ Hecate flipped some of her blonde hair out of her face as a breeze flowed through the area. she remained silent and listened, all the while her mind raced. She turned to see Athena struggling. It was amazing to see the goddess of war moved by this interaction between Demeter and Persephone...but she knew how close Athena and Demeter had been and she understood what it was like to struggle with the loss of someone you love.]

[ Demeter's beauty transcended the physical level and she MORE than prooved now why she was a necessary part of the original trinity. Artemis' youth, sometimes impulsive ways were tempered buy Demeter and Hecate's stern, unforgiving ways were softened by Demeter as well. together they represented the ultimate balance of a woman secure in herself and her power....even though Hecate had taken steps to reconstitute the trinity in a new way for the multiverse, seeing Demeter now caused Hecate to remember times past.]

[ Athena expressed her own disorientation with the feelings she was having now and Hecate looked at her, placing her hand on Athena's back.]

it's okay Athena...she's your SISTER. you're ENTITLED to feel like this.

[ imagine that. Hecate telling someone it was okay to feel and revel in emotion while SHE was the poster child for denying her own heart's beating...but through these moments, Hecate's stern, cold expression had softened and she now looked far more serene and reflective as she looked on with Athena.]

[ maybe this would all work out. it had to. they were meant to reconcile but the road to reconciliation was not always easy..especially with the passing of CENTURIES.]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: With her eyes cast away from Demeter, Persephone listened as she tried to appeal to her. Telling her stories about when she was a little girl...stories she had long since forgot. As she spoke about the white gown being dyed pink, Persephone surprisingly let out a small laugh, remembering the terror she felt when Demeter had found the dress. She hadn't intentionally meant to dye the dress pink, she had just put it in the wrong basket and the chambermaids took it. The memories of Demeter wearing the dyed dress to the ball, so proud and without an ounce of anger, made Persephone close her eyes tightly, wanting her mother to stop talking. She couldn't take what she was saying. She couldn't take the guilt. The LOVE that Demeter still possessed for Persephone, even after she killed her brutally, was shocking. ::

:: Feeling her mothers hand on her cheek, she didn't fight the touch this time. Opening her eyes, they were filled with tears as she began to talk about when she became dark and distant. She remembered those moments vividly. Demeter pleaded with her to not push her away. That she was here because of Persephone and her remorse over what happened. To stop keeping her friends at a distance. Persephone shook her head firmly. She wasn't fearful of much, but after loosing so much in the past, she couldn't help but feel insecure about letting more people into her life. ::

"No. No...i've lost TOO much already! First it was my freedom when Zeus took away my ability to choose who I loved! My status on Mount Olympus. My best friend (Hecate)! And when my life finally-- FINALLY--turned around, and I found people who didn't judge me, or try and change me, they were RIPPED AWAY! Darkchilde, Alessandra, Titania, Brenthen, Elektra, Morpheus, Karen, Ororo! They were my FAMILY! My friends! My sisters...my everything."

:: Tears finally fell from Persephone's eyes as she spoke about her old team members. It had only been a few months since she was brought to this timeline and thrusted into being a member of the six. One catastrophe after another prevented Persephone from truly accepting that her friends were gone. Mourning over their deaths. Making peace with it. Persephone wasn't an overly emotional person, but it was clear that she truly LOVED these people. ::

"Why should I open myself--my HEART--when all my life i've been burned. YES, I brought a lot of this upon myself after I killed you and Hades. I know this, i've accepted it. But the majority of my life after your death was spent with those people. Protecting them, laughing with them, loving them. I can't AFFORD to open my heart to you or ANYONE else. I don't know how else to protect myself.."

[Demeter]

- Persephone spoke with such passion. She could see the pain in her daughters eyes as she spoke about her losses. The walls around her heart were thick and tall for so many years, but they began to crumble right before Demeter's eyes. Even as a child, Persephone hated to cry in front of anyone; but when she did, she knew her daughter was truly in pain. And now, to be back after thousands of years, standing before her daughter--who dispised her for the majority of her adult life--CRYING, Demeter knew that progress had been made. Persephone had always put on a strong front, but in a moment of vulnerbility, she finally became 'human'. ::

:: Cupping her hands around Persephone's face, she wiped the tears from her cheeks with the pads of her thumbs. Standing as tall as her daughter, Demeter looked straight into her beautiful blue eyes, FINALLY seeing who her daughter once was. ::

"What happened to your friends was horrible, sweetheart. They didn't deserve to die, and you don't deserve to go through the pain of losing them. But they ARE gone. Closing your heart from others isn't going to bring them back. It's only going to keep you alone. They *looking away from Persephone and to the six* care for you, Persephone. *looking back at her daughter* They WANT to be apart of your life. They want to be your friends. Hecate WANTS to forgive you; she wants to give you another chance. But if you keep pushing them away, they WILL eventually leave you. Darling, you can't go through life alone."

- Tucking a lock of brown hair behind Persephone's ear, Demeter did a VERY risky move. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Persephone, embracing her in a hug. With her hand stroking Persephone's long silk locks of hair, Demeter could feel the muscles tense in her daughter's body. But the fact that Persephone didn't thrash away immediately showed signs of a breakthrough. That perhaps, her daughter had FINALLY learned the lessons that she needed to learn. -

"I will NEVER leave you......I love you more than you know."

[Rampage]

Nicolas smirked as Athena thanked him and warned him all at once. SO staid was the goddess. He wondered of she had ever let her hair down. Indeed, if she had even pondered the warmth of a man even after all of these centuries. He knew that she valued her own physical beauty from the Judgment of Paris tale that was probably true. But how could one who was obviously able to feel love not have been moved by it save for anger all of these years? He stepped a bit closer to the goddess of wisdom as she struggled with her own emotion. his own heart was touched by the re-uniting of this mother and daughter, as he thought of his own father who he would never see again. with his eyes moist but his voice composed, he spoke quietly to Athena.

It seems that the time for reconciliation has come, and it is good for all of us to feel something other than anger. In case I never see you again after this, it has been an honor to meet you, even when my life was in the balance. If one day I have a daughter of my own, I will tell her of when I met the goddess of wisdom. I will tell her of the day that justice itself was touched by mercy and love. And when her time in her life has come to an end, I hope that she can be reborn into this sanctuary and when she is, that through my words she will already know you. I look forward to what lies ahead, but I already regret not seeing you again.

[Athena]

:: As Athena stood near Hecate and watched this startling, if not a bit unsettling scene unfold between Persephone and Demeter, she continued to show signs of emotional distress. Bringing Bupol close to her chest, the beautifull snow white owl seemed to sense his mistress' distress and did his best to comfort her. she lightly stroked his soft head again as Hecate placed her hand on Athena's back. Rampage stood on her otherside, he seemed very comfortable interacting with her...unlike many men through the centuries who often stumbled and faltered in her presence...but his courage and his perception did him credit. he wasnt as much of a pest as she had begun to think before. instead, he prooved to be insightfull and sensitive. his words helped to distract her from her growing anguish at the moment....but one phrase in particular stood out. "justice being touched by love and mercy"::

:: was that really HER? or was she just faltering from weakness. as Nicolas explained, it was a GOOD thing, but could she trust the words of a mortal that alligned himself with Persephone? this was all wrong. Persephone was supposed to give Athena a reason to DESTROY her. and NOW....how could she? if she DID destroy her, Demeter would be hurt and there would be little to justify the attack now. it appeared that Nicolas had some wisdom and understanding of his own to share with the goddess. she looked at him for a moment, her facial expression much softer than he'd ever seen before. perhaps she was coming to terms and acceptance.::

:: still, as Athena struggled with this, she watched with growing dismay as Demeter risked her safety yet AGAIN by EMBRACING her daughter. it didnt matter if Persephone was Demeter's daughter...ATHENA was Demeter's SISTER and had known and loved her FAR LONGER. Athena couldnt help but start in PROTEST, stepping forward as Demeter made the bold and risky move of hugging Persephone...REMEMBERING all too clearly the grizzly murder scene on Olympus.::

Demeter!....

[Hecate]

[ Hecate looked over to see Nicolas speaking to Athena. a bold move indeed for Athena did not think very much of the members of the Six...MOSTLY due to their choosing to stand with Persephone. If the two goddesses had NOTHING ELSE in common...they were both certainly very unforgiving and given over to grudges. history had detailed it well for both of them in different ways.]

[ but Nicolas' words were so genuine, Hecate couldnt help but nod in approval and agreement without saying anything. This young man was definately more feeling and sensitive than his looks would suggest. and when he expressed how he would share his experiences with his own daughter..hoping that she too would find her ultimate destiny here at the end of her mortal life, it confirmed to Hecate that he was the proper suitor for Morgan after all.]

[ with her hand on Athena's back, Hecate felt the goddess becoming less tense. was she feeling better about this situation?]

[ Hecate's attention turned back to Demeter as she spoke to Persephone. the moment was so powerfull...as only the bond between a mother and child could be. something that Hecate never had directly, save for her descendants. Demeter THEN defied expection as she reached out to embrace Persephone! Athena protested and stepped forward to stop this... and Hecate understood why. She wanted to keep Demeter SAFE and Hecate TOO remembered the bloody murder scene on Olympus. it was an understandable reaction...BUT]

no, athena....it's okay...

[ Hecate said softly as she gently moved her hand now to in front of Athena to "block" her advance]

let them be. Demeter knows what she's doing...and she'll be safe.

[ Hecate nodded with affirmation as Athena looked at her with uncertainty.]

it's allright....i promise.

[ as she felt Athena's physical resistance lower, Hecate took Athena's hand into her own to offer comfort and support. still watching with intrigue and a secret sliver of warmth in her heart as this all unfolded. If DEMETER could forgive Persephone inspite of all that had happened...and go so far as to EMBRACE her daughter, than surely Hecate could forgive her best friend. Once again Demeter was showing the way, prooving how necessary she'd been to the original trinity of the moon.]


[

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Closing her eyes, Persephone listened to Demeter, knowing in her heart what she said was true. As much as she hated to admit it. It seemed that Demeter was actually getting through to Persephone. And in a surprising move on her mothers behalf, she HUGGED her. Persephone wasn't too keen on physical contact, unless of course it was in bed. ;) Tensing, her eyes opened feeling her mothers embrace tighten. Unsure of what to do, the fact that she didn't have the desire to push her away and rip her head off, was huge progress. Slowly moving her hands up to the mid of Demeter's back, she placed them gently onto her, in an awkward hug, but a hug nonetheless. Pulling away finally, Persephone didn't know where to go from there. This was the last thing she had expected to happen, she wasn't exactly sure how to feel about everything. ::

"I don't--This is a lot to take in. You standing here, acting like nothing has happened between us. I don't know what to say. I don't think an apologize is fitting after murdering someone..."

:: Glancing over to Hecate and Athena, Persephone finally just allowed herself to give in. Apologizing were always a sign of weakness in her eyes--it meant she had done something wrong. And she never liked to admit she was wrong. But Persephone couldn't deny she needed to take a step forward in order to restart her life. ::

"But I am, sorry. For what I did to all of you."

[Hecate]

[ as Demeter finally embraced Persephone, it seemed that Persephone had a cathartic release. it seemed there was something more powerfull than even Hecate's magick at work here. the power of a mother's love. Demeter had returned to her daughter when she needed it most...DESPITE what had taken place long ago. Demeter was a true example of divine forgiveness.]

[ Hecate looked on with a reflective sparkle in her golden eyes and then Persephone turned to both herself and Athena. There was an initial flash of repulsion as she looked upon Persephone. Her own legendary unforgiving nature would allow her to carry on this grudge forever if necessary but if there was one lesson she had learned, it was that her own desire for vengeance had led HER to make a most grave error in judgement in choosing CIRCE of all people to be her instrument of revenge. NEVER again would this happen though, now that the dark trinity was firmly estbalished and Circe was now dead. it appeared they BOTH had a moment of learning and clarity and in that moment, Hecate saw Persephone's genuine remorse.]

[ it took a moment, but with a slow deep breath, Hecate stepped forward away from Athena.]

You've demonstrated more courage in this moment then you have in any of your battles. I see the sincerity...i feel it and I now know that the time for forgiveness is TRULY at hand. Forgiveness is something that never...EVER came easy to me but in true form, Demeter has shown me the way and allowed me to see that it is OKAY to forgive and that it is BETTER to forgive.

[ reaching out her hand slowly to Persephone's]

I forgive you, Persephone.

[ words that had NEVER been heard from her lips before were now spoken with sincerity as she looked upon her long time best friend.]

and i welcome you back into my realm of confidance and friendship...it has been far too long since i've known the benefits of friendship, trust and mutual happiness. But since returning to this plane of existence, i see now how much i've missed....including you.

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as a real breakthrough occured for Persephone. It is rare to get a second chance in a situation, and the chance that she received was TRULY unprecedented. To see her finally take advantage of it gave him hope that she would actually find a way to fit in with the Six. Speaking of the Six, Nicolas spoke to Hecate and Athena.

Ladies, as wonderful as this moment is and as pretty as the scenery before me <<takes a playfully mischievous look at the goddesses>> is, there are still two friends of mine about which I must inquire. How are Morgan and Alison and when may we see them?

[Athena]

:: Athena looked down at Persephone as she finally, TRULY apologized. The Goddess of Wisdom and War didnt reply at first, instead, she looked at Demeter for a moment.::

When you were taken from us on Olympus, I grieved. Perhaps harder than many other Olympians for i had lost my sister...and in the most brutal way. Even though i have the wisdom and understanding to know that everything happens for a reason...and that the fates weave a tapestry which we ALL are subject to, I blamed myself for not being able to discern that act of violence and treachery sooner and not being there to protect you and having already thought very little of Persephone due to her childish and selfish ways, it became EASY to villify her and make her life a burden.

I was JUSTIFIED in my actions for in the time that we lived, such treachery and betrayal, even by one of our own was to be rewarded with the most HARSH punishment but Hecate intervened, much to my shock and dismay.

BUT NOW, to see you here...I am reminded all to well just how much I have missed you, dear sister.

:: in a moment of extreme surprise, Athena steps forward.::

Even now, you have prooven the benefit of showing compassion and mercy...the power and freedom that comes with FORGIVENESS...a power that perhaps I have UNDERESTIMATED given all that i have been through during the passing centuries.

:: she looks at Persephone with a less hostile and more reflective glint in her eyes.::

you have caused MUCH pain and misery. not only on Olympus but it spread to EARTH as well. The fact that you stand here NOW at all suggests you've benefited from HELP and MERCY from various sources for you MORE than deserved damnation in a variety of forms.

:: breathing in, as she paused::

BUT now, after the threat of Circe was dealt with and the seeds of recovery have been sewn, Demeter's return has prooven to be a surprising and most WELCOMED balm to my embittered heart and soul.

I can now at long last see the value of forgiveness but i can NEVER forget.

:: she added the last part with a stern overtone to remind Persephone that the goddess of wisdom is never foolish enough to believe anyone is not capable of going down a dark path they once descended before.::

I forgive you Persephone, and I free you of ALL further scrutiny and possible reprisal from those who riside on Olympus.

....including...me.

:: she said this solemnly as she looked over at Demeter once more.::

:: after a pause again, RAMPAGE broke the silence with a statement that prompted a look of "OH PLEASE" from both Athena and Hecate, even THEY had become aware of his familiar and philandering ways. still as to his question about Morgan and Alison, Athena DID respond.::

Morgan and Alison are nearly recovered and should be reganing consciousness soon. Bupol has kept an "eye" on their progress while they were in the healing temple. but you will not see them here. You will be reunited with them as Hecate takes you back to the outside world beyond the barriers of what you call "the bermuda triangle".


:: turning back to Demeter.::

Demeter, sister, though i am the goddess of wisdom...i allow MYSELF a moment of personal emotion once more as I must ask...will you be returning to Olympus?

[Demeter]

- Rubbing Persephone's back, Demeter pulled away from the hug as well, giving her a small smile. Hell had just froze over, Demeter was sure of it. But she wasn't going to press the matter, she was just happy Persephone allowed herself a moment of vulnerbility. Listening to her apologize, Demeter nodded, accepting it. Turning to Athena, she could tell her sister had some reservations about trusting Persephone, but the fact that she was trying was all that matter. -

- Everything was working out as it should. And it was time for her to leave. Athena hesitantly asked if she would be returning to Mount Olympus, to which Demeter sighed softly. Taking a step forward, she took his sisters hands within her own, and squeezed them gently. -

"I'm afraid not, Athena. I am no longer a God anymore; my powers were stripped the moment I died. Persephone possess them now. I've simply been 'returned' to this world as a gift for my untimely demise. It was to only happen once Persephone had learned the lessons she needed to learn. But, as of right now, I am a mortal woman. An interesting sensation to say the least."

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh watched in silence as the reconciliation unfolded. It was touching and heartfelt, to be sure, but Haleigh was always good at keeping her more tender emotions bridled, and this is no exception.

Everyone got their feelings out and truces were formed, apologies accepted and forgiveness given. Haleigh knew that Persephone was finally allowed closure to something that happened LIFETIMES ago, and that it was a monumental moment... and so, there was little need to interfere. With the grudge resolving itself, Rampage took a chance to speak up and ask after Morgan and Alison, and Athena reassured them all that the duo would be fine and reunited with them soon. Haleigh nodded but said nothing, content to just relax into the mellow tranquility of paradise. Man, all she needed now was some alcohol. that was one vice she rather NOT be free of... well, and that one other one... the hotty-naughty one. Haleigh secretly hoped she'd be reincarnated someplace where she'd be free to behave HOWEVER she pleased... with NO repercussions and NO consequence. It didn't have to be Paradise Island, as nice and welcoming as this place was... as elite as the company might be... there were still SOME things she'd rather NOT go with out.... vices of men or not. However, she didn't see it necessary to tell these things to Athena... the Goddess of War was obviously proud of the place.

[Athena]

:: Taking Demeter's hands, Athena looked upon her sister again with intrigue. she looked so refreshed and at peace, it seemed to sweep away the painfull ghost images of the last time she had seen Demeter alive on Olympus, still, Athena would not allow herself to forget what Persephone had done. The goddess of wisdom NEVER forgot treachery.::

:: Athena listened with intent as Demeter finally answered her question, it was as she feared, Demeter wouldnt be able to come back. Athena's head bowed a little as she closed her eyes with disappointment.::

....there are many on Olympus would be overjoyed to see you again...Artemis, Aphrodite....even Zeus :: speaking his name with tinged irritation.::

but if you must remain in the mortal realm, then I INSIST that you stay here on Paradise Island, among the tranquility and safety there in. The Amazons will protect you and I will always be a thought away. You will live your life free of the uncertainty that abounds in "man's world" beyond the borders of the bermuda triangle.

:: Bupol seemed to coo with agreement as Athena spoke. he'd always been comfortable around Demeter.::

even my beloved Bupol is happy to see you.

:: Athena said with a bit of amusement in her voice as she looked over at her familiar. but it was now time for the six to move on from here...for they did not belong in this realm. not as they were NOW anyway.::


It is time for you all to leave. To ensure that the saftey and purity of Themyscria is preserved, none of you will be able to return unless I allow it.


:: Athena seemed rather abrupt but by now, they had to realize this was her way...and the security of Themyscria was now her top concern.::

Hecate will carry you on your way to the last part of your journey. I speak on behalf of Olympus when i say....thank you...all of you...for contributing in someway to make this moment :: looking at Demeter:: possible.

[Hecate]

[ Hecate looked on with a slight hint of satisfaction on her face as Athena finally forgave Persephone as well. All was happening as it was meant to but with the blurring of timelines, Hecate forgot how hard it was to get down this road to forgiveness and reconciliation...and for HER it was like squeezing through an uncomfortably small narrow passage to get to another place.]

[ Demeter announced that she could not return to Olympus due to the fact that she was now mortal. Hecate herself had no desire to return to Olympus. she was never a TRUE Olympian to begin with and she had no need to reside there...but for Demeter, this had to have been an unsettling change. Athena insisted that Demeter stay on Paradise Island and Hecate agreed.]

Athena is right, Demeter. You must stay here. It is only right. You were an intregal part of the trinity of the moon and your death was a most brutal and unexpected thing. Here you will be safe and free to live your life in peace and tranquility. Not many people, outside of those Athena chooses, get this opportunity.

[ Hecate smiled as even Bupol seemed to agree. Athena had become so attached to him..the bond was very maternal and Hecate was glad that she had presented this of all gifts to Athena.]


[ Athena informed the six that their time on Paradise Island had come to an end and that Hecate would carry them on their way and with that, Hecate directed the Six to stand together.]

Athena, thank you for all of YOUR help in this. I'm glad that we were able to reconcile between US as well. I'll see you again soon and you as well, Demeter.

[ Hecate nodded to both women as she lifted her hands and the six were surrounded a sparkling golden haze that swirled faster and faster...the expanse of Paradise Island began to blur...the last images of Athena and Demeter standing in this place gave way to white light as they were now back in Greece , the six's timeline. they were now standing in front of the COMPLETELY RESTORED mansion that belonged to Barbara Minerva! the area around the mansion was once again filled with lush foliage and the moon shined brightly in the sky. it was peacefull. it almost harkened back to the time when it was simply an "enchanted forest" in Ancient Greece's timeline. ]

[Oracle]

<< one place seems to spin and blur, giving way to another as Hecate teleports the six from Themyscria to Greece, now standing infront of a completely restored estate that once belonged to Barbara Minerva! the entire area was restored...seemingly untouched by anything from the recent past and there was no indication that there was ever a battle or bloodshed.>>

<< even more surprising, Dr. Victoria, Alycia Barnett and Pandora were in attendence as well, apparently having be returned from Limbo, all the women looked fine and healthy.>>

<< there air was sweet and a bit breezy, flowing through the lush leaves of the large trees around them that formed a sort of canopy effect with only the bright light of the white moon shining through from the skies above.>>

<< clearly Hecate had something to share with them before they all went home.>>

[Hecate]

[ Hecate's blonde hair blew in the breeze a bit as she looked around with satisfaction. the restoration of this place was HER doing and Barbara Minerva's former residence now stood, completely in tact from top to bottom while the surrounding area outside looked as natural and untouched as it did before the red moon and Circe's violence visited the place]

[ Alycia, Karen and Pandora were present and she beckoned them to come join the six.]

There, everything's fixed now.

[ looking at the group.]

I had forgotten what it was like to be on this plane of existence. there's many feelings associated with the mortal realm that i've not experienced in a long time.

[ gesturing, a golden portal opens.]

Morgan and Alison will be returning in any moment now.

[Oracle]

<< in short order, Hecate opened a portal for Morgan and Alison to emerge through. the portal emmited strong gusts of golden winds and after a few moments, two feminine forms could be seen. Alison stepped forward first, Morgan immediately after and the women were holding hands as they helped steady each other through what appeared to be a violent vortex. their hair blowing quite a bit as they both looked refreshed and renewed.>>

<< the portal closed with the faint echo of chimes in the air as Morgan and Alison both looked a bit dreamy in their eyes...the effects of being restored and realigned by the amazon's technology, it was as if they had been gently awakened after a deep slumber.>>

<< now that everyone was present, Hecate could complete her role and involvement with the team before releasing them on their way.>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen looked a little disoriented as she adjusted to her surroundings. the events on Aerie now felt more like a dream than painfull memories and here she was, in a beautifull secluded area standing before a spawling estate. she looked at Alycia and Pandora who both seemed fine. The Six returned with a beautifull woman who bore a faint resemblance to Morgan. She spoke with confidence and authority and the power that eminated from her was "off the charts". She wasnt there for the final conclusion, but this woman had to have something to the six being present and intact, as well as no sign of Circe or the red moon. She was relieved to see them all.>>

thank the goddess you're all okay!!

<< not realizing that "the goddess" was among them.>>


do not be afraid, Doctor. I am Hecate, the moon goddess...and the goddess of Witchcraft. Your daughter is to be my living avatar and YOU have the distinct honor of being her mother. You have done a splendid job raising Morgan as I knew you would. You are a true example of grace and elegance doctor.


<< Karen's opal blue eyes blinked with disbelief. she was being addressed by the Hecate herself...the apparent matriarch of their bloodline....the GODDESS of witchcraft!>>

<< as Hecate extended her hand to Karen, Karen took it into her own.>>

Hecate, I've often beheld you in my dreams....as has my daughter. I never imagined that I would ever share the same physical space with you.

<< as Hecate commended Karen on her job of raising, Morgan. Karen nodded and graciously accepted the complimented.>>

thank you.

<< she looked at Hecate as the goddess informed them all that Morgan and Alison would be returning at any moment more. turning to the portal, Karen watched with silent anxious feeling as she looked for her daughter and Alison to appear and as they came through, Karen smiled.>>

Morgan, Alison!

<< Karen went to and embraced both women, as she had long since come to regard Alison as her daughter.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< first there was the searing white hot PAIN...then...just as unpleasant....the aftermath as she struggled to escape and free her friends so that they might carry on when she couldnt. then there was unconsciousness.>>

<< from that moment, till now, Morgan was unaware that Athena had intervened and turned the tide of the doomed battle or that Hecate finally exacted justice on Circe..and destroyed her utterly.>>

<< on Paradise Island, all the pain, all the damage done to her body and her psyche was repaired as she was soothed and restored on every level and soon, the pain was gone and the blackness gave way to pleasant dreams. dreamy images of her friends, her mother, ororo and even Nicolas...without his shirt on. :D images of her strutting a runway in paris or dancing at XS with her model friends...it was all pleasant and if she WERE dead...this time, she was at peace.>>

<< but she was to be awakened, only catching the faintest glimpse of the amazons and the wonderous place they were in before being summoned by Hecate back to where the nightmare began! Barbara Minerva's mansion! Her mother , the six and their allies and Hecate all present! Alison was by herside as well..>

Mom!

<< she said softly as she hugged her mother.>>

<< looking to her team who were all physically intact and appeared well.>>

you're all okay!! then Circe is dead?

<< looking to Hecate.>>

[Hecate]

[ Hecate smiled as Morgan, Alison and Karen embraced. she could see that Karen was a caring mother and that Morgan and Alison had both benefited from her. Maternal instincts never came easy to Hecate, although when interacting with Morgan, she did feel them...slightly.]

[ Morgan may not have known how blessed she was..having several strong, nuturing women in her life. especially in the presence of several team members who had lost one or both their parents.]

Circe is gone. She won't be coming back.

[ Hecate said matter of factly.]

Don't concern yourself with her anymore, Morgan. You and your team have your lives ahead of you once again and the world is much safer thanks to your efforts...and a little assistance from Athena.

[ directing Karen to stand with the others. Hecate looks at Morgan and Alison.]

Persephone has come to terms with her past and the threat of circe has been dealt with. Now you ALL can move on...but EACH of you two has something special in store.

[ looking to Alison.]

From the time you were a child, you were driven by a compulsion to learn and discover. you knew from an early age that magick and all related to it were yours for the taking...it was THIS along with your total disatisfaction with your own family dynamic that gave you the courage and the ambition to LEAVE your family at the age of 13 and explore the world ALONE, relying on your own powers as a precog and a witch to protect and sustain you while you discovered the secrets of dark magick and the occult. Your experiences lead you to cross paths with Morgan and YOU were the person who brought together ORIGINAL members of the Six to answer the global threat of Mystech. NOW the time has come for you to embrace your TRUE destiny. you will REPLACE Barbara Minerva as Pandora's guardian....as well as becoming the watcher/protector of the world's most dangerous mystical artifacts..many of which are still considered to be MYTHS by most mortals. no longer are you merely a "guardian" of the Six...you are now the Harbinger of this world...the keeper of time.

your powers and your experience have lead you to this moment...and you must prepare to leave your team and move on to this new phase of your life.

[ looking at Morgan.]

Now that you're here, it's time for you to embrace your birthright fully and take your place firmly in the dark trinity. Just as Demeter cannot return to Olympus, I do not desire to remain on this plane of existence. the dark trinity ensures that my legacy lives on in the multiverse and you are to be my avatar in this timeline. Circe was the only obstacle that stood in the way and now that she is dead, the prophecy can be fullfilled.

upon the death of witch and birth of witch, Hecate by name and choice shall bond with her body and soul.

Morgan Victoria, daughter Karen Victoria....WE are now ONE!


[ holding out her hands to Morgan...]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder wasnt all too sure what had taken place, but everything seemed to be IN ORDER. Circe was dead, Barbara's mansion was restored...but SHE herself was absent....Hecate went on to reveal Alison's ultimate destiny...one that took her away from the Six and placed her HERE, in Barbara's former role but not only that...as this world's Harbinger. an amazing but yet disheartening thing all at once.>>

Alison......

<< Morgan was not happy about this.>>


But what of Barbara Minerva?? Why is she not here!

Barbara Minerva is no more. She has been reborn as Minerva, an AMAZON in Themyscria. She has fullfilled her destiny and now enjoys the reward of her honorable and courageous former life. would you deny her of that just to keep Alison by your side?

<< Morgan realized she was reacting selfishly as Hecate reprimanded her and fell silent for a moment.>>

no, Hecate. I would not.

<< she looked at Alison for a moment. it was if she had awakened from a pleasant dream to be SLAPPED IN THE FACE by REALITY! she wasnt dead...none of them were, but Alison was being taken from them!.>>

<< then, Hecate declared it was time for herself and Morgan to bond as Morgan FINALLY cemented herself in the Dark Trinity. It's true that from the moment she first discovered her witchly heritage, her connection to LIMBO and all that came with it...she felt like she was on a charging horse with no controll over its direction. Even during her time on Valiant, she didnt feel TRULY in control...which is why she hid behind her bitchy persona as protection.>>

<< then with the disaster that befell Valiant, Morgan spiraled into depression, even allowing her modeling career to wane. But her mother and ALISON helped her get her life back on track..and not a moment too soon as the shocking revelation of Blaze being ALIVE and the threat of Mystech loomed. ALISON brought those who would become the six together..INCLUDING HER and through all their adventures, their personal trials and tribulations..most notably the Inferno...Morgan continued to learn and grow...members like Haleigh, Cameron, Alexis and now Delilah, Ava and Nicolas all helping her to learn to think outside of herself and that it was OKAY to be accepting of some people...INCLUDING men!>>

<< Ororo and Karen had guided her as best they could so far, but the battle with Circe prooved to her that no matter how powerfull she thought she was, she could NEVER always do it alone. Following her restoration and "reallignment" on Paradise Island, Morgan had a feeling of integration she'd never had before and so as Hecate held her hands out to Morgan, the young sorceress knew it was time to step forward....>>

<< catching her mother's face out of the corner of her eye, Morgan stepped forward and took Hecate's hands.>>

upon the death of witch and birth of witch, Hecate by name and choice shall bond with her body and soul.

Morgan Victoria, daughter Karen Victoria....WE are now ONE!


<< a white globe forms between them, as rays of light blast forth and soon the women are surrounded by a rising malestrom of silver MYSTIC FLAMES! the sudden blast and roar of the flames made it seem like the women had been CONSUMED but there were no screams. after a few chaotic moments, the malestrom swelled to its climax and exploded with a crash of thunder...leaving a faint echo of Hecate's eldritch chimes in the air and Morgan standing there as the last remnants of the flames faded.>>

<< she looked surprisingly happy, almost smirking with her new look. a form fitting costume that showcased her tight body it was a sleeker, more refined version of her more dramatic and frightfully erotic "inferno" costume signifying a new balance and an obvious change. >>

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/alltoofair/Goblynqueen.jpg


<< the process was complete, Morgan and Hecate had bonded and Morgan was now the "goddess level" sorceress that Circe had once been. it was the final step to her integration that had begun on Paradise Island.>>

[Hecate]

[ Hecate's physical body was gone but her voice resounded crystal clear in the wind and from the trees around them as she spoke. her astral image remained present looking very serene.]

Now, dear Morgan, you ARE sorceress supreme here just as your counter parts are the same on their respective earths. You have had the benefit of "trial and error" in a way that others have not and so with the experience and understanding you have, you will be able to weild your power with the control that you so long sought. Your mother and Ororo...and i am forever in debt to them for all that they've done for YOU leading to this moment.

[turning to Alison]


[ to Alison.]

On some level, even without your powers as a precog, you KNEW that you were destined for something GREAT. It was that unconscious drive that has propelled you as far as you've come. do not look at this as an END...but a BEGINNING. You are being ACKNOWLEDGED by forces beyond this realm for your power and potential as well as all that you've done so far. Because of YOU, the Six are now together and though the roster has changed...they are no less committed to their collective destiny while YOU move on to yours.

You will now stand in the gap between Earth and any force that threatens it globally. Able to call on those who can assist you in preserving this planet. you also now guard the most ancient, secret and dangerous treasures and artifacts from centuries till now...keeping them from the grasp of evil, avarcious beings and mortals who should NOT know such power. Pandora will now be under your watch and who better to protect "Pandora's Box" than the woman who was chosen by Ororo to carry the SIEGE PERILOUS?


[ a chime sounds off as a staff falls from a sparkling trial that flows through the night sky. the time staff, which looks like a very large/long decorative key with a jewel orb at the top of it, spins dutifully toward Alison. *think of Sailor Pluto's staff*]

http://www.minimanga.com/~eminblack/sailormoonsnipits/images/pluto/pluto2.gif



THIS is now YOUR talisman, Alison. It belongs to the Harbinger of this world. take it as you go forward to your new destiny. This estate is now YOURS to live in. It is more than a mere sprawling estate as you have seen. it sits on one of the most hallowed magick points of earth and the regal exterior of this sprawling mansion masks a bold synergy of magick and technology all the better to keep you and your new ward, Pandora, safe and secure.

[ indeed, this was quite a surprising thing to inherit for the mansion itself was not only extremely large and sprawling but the UNDERGROUND complex was just as impressive, more fortified than anything in the united states. ]





[ turning her attention to Persephone and the rest of the six]

You came here for a reason Persephone...but your link to Darkchilde's timeline and to HER is not lost. She still lives and it was through HER power and her desire to see you LIVE that you had this chance to begin anew. Do not ever forget her NOR disgrace her faith in you.

You have the chance to bond with a NEW family, some of which are versions of those you knew from before. Take them as they are HERE and discover all they have to offer you and allow them to benefit from YOU. You have prooven to be resilient and resourcefull through all these many centuries and I know you'll do well. I NOW have the confidence in you that was once lost before.

I'll miss you, Persephone. I'd forgotten how much FUN we had together in our hey day. but part of me will always be with you as long as you are in the presence of one of the dark trinity.



You've ALL done well for yourselves and it's clear you have the power and potential to succeed even in these uncertain times in this mortal realm....but ONLY if you do it TOGETHER. It was not by chance the original team was called together OR that various members have come and gone since. Each of you has prooven unique and necessary to the whole.

In the time that i've come to know you... I have realized that my initial visions about humankind were more than accurate. you've prooven that the men and women of this world would NOT be dependant or forever subject to the whims and machinations of the gods/goddesses of olympus and while some of THEM have waned in power and vitality due to other faiths/gods replacing them in the minds of mortals as well as their inability to adapt with the passage of time...OTHERS like Athena and Artemis have taken heed and adapted accordingly. You will see them again in your adventures but I will not be returning. I do not wish to remain here.

[Harbinger]

:: as she awakened , she had the sense that she was somewhere that few mortals (mutant or otherwise) were meant to be but even before she could acclimate, she was summoned through a portal at Hecate's urging, Morgan too. they were back in the enchanted forest as it was in THEIR timeline but Hecate had restored EVERYTHING including Barbara's mansion.::

Karen! you and the others are safe!

:: Alison smiled as she hugged her surrogate mother and looked upon her team along with Alycia and Pandora.::

:: looking around this forest and the Mansion that once again stood so proudly, Alison quietly used her own power as a precog to "see" the fate of Barbara Minerva. So they hadnt truly LOST her after all and she had been rewarded for her brave sacrifice. it was comforting to know that Athena did seem to have mercy in her heart and gave credit where credit was due.::

:: Hecate then revealed Alison had begun to suspect as time what on. Her time with the Six was coming to an end as she was to move on to a new path while Spellbinder was finally to accept her mantle in the dark trinity. things were happening as they were meant to in the proper time, still it didnt help or make it any EASIER to know the time had come for Alison to say goodbye to The Six.::

:: she watched as Hecate bonded her essence and power with Morgan, cementing her annointing as Hecate's avatar for this timeline....and to symbolize the realization of the prophecy, Morgan was given a brand new costume. it was VERY sleek and becoming to Morgan's body..very sexy but not nearly as demonic as her last costume. a sign that she was more settled in herself.::

not too shabby, Morgan.

:: Alison smiled, trying to enjoy the positives. But still in her own heart, she began to wonder if it was all worth it. What hecate said about her from as early as age 13 was TRUE. She had left her home and family as a child, something most children couldnt even fathom and she stalked the highest reaches and deepest depths of earth...places that most men had no idea existed...all in the pursuit of knowledge of magick. and it was SHE that brought the six together. She had played a vital role all this time, and now her role was changing and it no longer included being apart of the six but instead becoming the keeper of time on this earth and the guardian of pandora and earth's most legendary and dangerous artifacts.::

I...I'm ready, Hecate.

:: she held out her hands as the time staff spun towards her and she cought it. holding it in the air as it gleamed with approval to its new mistress' grasp.::

:: her hair flowed as a rush of wind and energy traveled around her body while she lowered her hand that held the time staff. she looked at that mansion....it was now HER'S....she had just inherited it and a most unique position to match her own unique status even among witches and other magick users. No longer was she Guardian of the Six. she was now Harbinger, the keeper of time.::

:: Hecate spoke to Morgan then Persephone and finally addressed the six....commending them for how far they had come and admonishing to stay TOGETHER for what was to come and though she knew her time with them was at an end...Alison wanted to REMAIN WITH THEM.::

:: she held the staff in front of her, as the red orb shimmered and glowed..and she looked so sad as she ran her gloved hand down the staff.::

Harbinger....

:: she said softly.::

at what price have i finally realized my dream?

:: a tear began to form and fall down her cheek as she looked over at Morgan, Karen, Delilah and the rest of the team...before looking to her right to see Pandora, her new ward. she had BALKED at the idea of becoming a surrogate mother to what they had THOUGHT to be Cameron's "Children"....but now she was charged with watching over one of the most dubious figures of mythology.::

:: Hecate informed them that she did not wish to remain on plane of existence and that she would soon be leaving.::

and now I will be leaving a place of familiarity and comfort. i didnt think i would ever feel like this....but here i am just the same...wishing THIS was the dream.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah had been in a daze since Athena had told them that their lives were about to change...again. Persephone's reunion with Demeter was as if it was a dream, but it was something private between family anyway. She had been pretty much alone with her thoughts and apprehensions until she found herself back at Barbara Minerva's estate, and she snapped awake.

Morgan was moving on to a new era of her life and power, becoming one with Hecate. And Alison? Alison was leaving them. For Delilah, it was as if everything was falling apart instead of becoming anew. ]

Barbara Minerva is no more. She has been reborn as Minerva, an AMAZON in Themyscria. She has fullfilled her destiny and now enjoys the reward of her honorable and courageous former life. would you deny her of that just to keep Alison by your side?

[ Yes! Yes, her heart screamed in her head. Of course she would choose Alison over Barbara. Barbara was a fantastic woman and all, and had been a great aid to them, but Alison was her friend. And that meant more than anything. She looked at Morgan, half angry at her that she hadn't said it. She knew it wasn't rational, but she was so filled with emotion that she wasn't thinking rationally. With Alison gone, and Morgan now cemented in her role in the Dark Trinity...would there be a place for her? Would Delilah even fit in with this team anymore?

She watched as the events between Hecate and Alison played out, a lump growing in her chest, bigger and bigger until she could hardly contain it. Finally, she rushed to Alison and threw her arms around her friend as the tears rolled down her face. ]

"Don't go..."

[Rampage]

Nicolas left with his team from Themyscira, but he left Athena with a parting shot of sorts. He thought to her as he faded from view.

Don't be a stranger. WE humans can be rather entertaining AND enlightening, and I make a great host. Consider this your open invitation...

Nicolas chuckled to himself as the team reappeared to find Barbara Minerva's former home intact, like it had always been that way. It was amazing. He wondered who would take this home now, but was saddened to hear who it would be. ALISON. She was no longer theirs, she belonged to the world and her secrets, secrets that she would be bound to safeguard. He was saddened to lose her but he knew that she was going to a destiny that she had prepared for all her life, and he knew he would see her again. he stood still as he drank in the emotion of the moment, the happiness to find them both well, the grief at losing one of them, and the excitement at the thought of getting closer to the other.

As Hecate's astral form faded, he left his body and spoke to her alone in his own astral form before she faded away.

In another time, another place, WE would have been wonderful. <<Looks at Morgan>>> I will take good care of her.

Nicolas returned to his body and stepped forward to touch Delilah's shoulder as she grieved in Alison's arms. He looked around at everyone and gave a satisfied nod. Even though this moment was bittersweet, this team had stuck together and made it farther than even some of them could have imagined.

He hugged Alison with one arm and kissed her forehead. He then stepped over to look at Morgan. Her new costume was alluring, and he made no secret that he was appreciative.

NICE new look. Do you think we can re-schedule the last half of our date sometime??

[Harbinger]

:: Hecate encouraged them all with her final words, as she prepared to leave. Alison took this moment to try to DAM her emotions so that she wouldnt show just how hard this was for her....but she didnt do so well and Delilah didnt make it any better as she went to Alison immediately and asked her not to go.::


:: letting the time staff fall to the ground, it disappeared as soon as it touched the grass and would reappear at her mental thought call, similar to Morgan's soul sword.::

:: she embraced her dear friend, her eyes now more than a little misty as a look of sadness was clear on her face.::

:: her airy voice now tinged with sadness as well.::

I wish I could stay....if only for a little while longer Delilah...But Hecate is right. This is what i was meant for all along. It all makes sense now...

:: Delilah didnt care about this "destiny",not right now, and Alison, try as she may to remain focused...she couldnt hold to it as she closed her eyes and tears flowed a bit more.::

funny...as a precog, even I didnt realize THIS would be my last caper with the six.

:: she embraced Delilah tightly as Nicolas came to her. he wrapped an arm around her and she moved one of her arms around him as well::

Oh Nicolas...

:: she said softly as he kissed her gently on the forehead. what could she say? in the time they'd known each other...they'd gone from being distrusting associates, to reluctant team mates...to respected friends and trusted family. but even as he spoke encouragingly and hugged her goodbye, Alison realized that this really WAS it for her time wth the Six...goodbyes had never been so hard for her before.::

take care of Morgan...take care of all of them for me...I'll...i'll be keeping an "EYE" on you...

:: trying her best at a seer's joke as she sniffled a bit, looking up at Nicolas. She'd only worked with him a short time, but she knew that he had more than come into his own with the Six and had no doubts about him anymore. He was one of them...very much family.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder, although feeling more aligned and at peace with herself internally, AND now sporting a sexy new costume to boot, couldnt help but lose her smile after rememerging from the bonding with Hecate.>>

<< Delilah was the first to react , followed by Nicolas, to Alison's impending departure from the team. Her best friend..her sister...one HELL of a precog and a damn good team tactician....everything she was...she would no longer be FOR THE SIX and it hurt Morgan very much to have to say goodbye.>>

<< Nicolas complimented Morgan on her new outfit, but Morgan didnt look at him, she was too busy trying to wipe away tears.>>

Nicolas....

<< her voice weak with unhappiness.>>

she's really leaving us. isnt she?

<< Morgan knew it was to be this way but like Delilah, she didnt like it one bit. She went over to Alison.>>

Alison...

I know i'm not supposed tobe selfish and short sighted. But right now...I can't THINK about the bigger picture or destiny! all i can think about is that now....when we leave...you're not coming back to Illustra WITH US!

<< she said, trying to choke back her tears.>>

you were the sister i never had...youve been there through EVERYTHING with me and you brought this team together..KEPT it together even at the expense of yourself at times. youve done MORE than anyone could or should have asked of you...but ...i dont want to say goodbye Alison...

<< she closed her eyes and looked away.>>

[Rampage]

As Morgan spoke to him, he knew how she would sound. he had hoped to break the sadness, but when he heard her ask him, all he could do was shake his head, tears silently falling down him cheeks. He answered her back, his voice low and sad.

Yes, baby. Ali's a new person now. We have to let her go. It is her destiny to do...this.

He followed Morgan back to the group and placed his arms around them all. He was heartbroken that they had to part after finally finding their way together. he just held them as they stood there. He heard Alison's "warning" and he nodded as he replied.

You do that. You keep looking out for me, and I will do the same. You are never alone, do you hear me? We will always be with you. We will always have your back. Never forget that...or us.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Persephone stepped forward hearing her mother state that she was now a mortal. Athena insisted on having her stay on Paradise Island, and Hecate jumped in shortly after agreeing to the idea. Persephone nodded as well. ::

"This is the least you deserve."

:: She spoke softly. Demeter turned to her and took Persephone's hand giving her a smile and a reassuring squeeze. Stepping away, Persephone and the rest of the six soon engulfed in golden orbs, disappearing from Paradise Island and back to Barbara Minerva's newly restored estate. Persephone actually felt a bit distraught leaving her mother so quickly after meeting with her again. It was an odd sensation...Regardless, she knew Demeter would not simply stay there and not visit her. It just wasn't her nature to do that. ::

:: Alison and Morgan appeared, along with Karen, Alycia, and Pandora. Giving Pandora a smile, it had been ages since she had seen her. Hecate began to explain what was to happen with Morgan; she would now become sourceress supreme. As if she didn't have enough power as it was. :p Watching it unfold, her famous 'Inferno' outfit turned into a more covered up version, revealing the process had been done. Alison was next. She would take over to Minerva...very fitting Persephone though. But as Pandora gained a very powerful mentor, the six lost a truly wonderful teammate. Delilah ran to Alison, throwing her arms around her crying. Persephone's brows lowered sadly seeing her reaction. Nicolas soon came to Delilah's aid, reassuring her before saying his goodbye. Morgan followed with a heartfelt goodbye of her own. Persephone hadn't known Alison very long; and the time that she did know her, their 'relationship' was actually pretty good. But she was in no way as close as Delilah, Morgan, or Haleigh. ::

:: Stepping forward next to Morgan, Persephone took her hand, holding it tightly. She knew how difficult this was for her...and in taking Hecate's advice, she took the first step to creating a new bond with this group. ::

"I regret not taking the opportunity to get to know you better, Alison. But I know this will not be the last time we see each other."

:: With a faint smile. ::

"Stay strong."

[Jessica Hamby]

Athena bid farewell and the team was transported back to present time Greece, to a RESTORED Minerva Estate, where they were reunited with Alison and Morgan, as well as Pandora, Alycia, and Karen. Haleigh glanced at all of them, even Alycia, but didn't say anything. Hecate carried on the conversation.... and quickly things turned darker as Hecate announced Alison's fated departure. Haleigh was astounded, to say the least.... and though everyone else expressed sadness and then acceptance, Haleigh revolted, completely unafraid to say what she KNEW some of them were thinking.

Barbara Minerva is no more. She has been reborn as Minerva, an AMAZON in Themyscria. She has fullfilled her destiny and now enjoys the reward of her honorable and courageous former life. would you deny her of that just to keep Alison by your side?

"SHIIIIIT. I will!"

She said increduously. She seemed surprised that no one else put up much of a fight.... and she didn't care if it came off as selfish or inconsiderate, at this point...

"No, really, I don't give a RATS ASS, you can send that ole firecrotch BACK. I mean, she's a REAL nice lady, and I'm sure she deserves it, but the universe isn't so wonderfully just. People don't always GET what they deserve... Minerva's a tough woman, she'll get over it. I know that you can't appreciate how FAR we've come, as individuals AND as a group, but we've finally become a FAMILY! Six months ago, had the red moon occured, there would have been a BLOODBATH-- we'd have torn each other to SHREDS! But now.... we're nearly a single unit, and Alison is a PART of it, she's a member of our FAMILY. Would YOU deny us, and HER, that?? I mean, obviously you would-- you ARE... but how COULD you? how DARE you??"

She turned to Alison, bewildered almost to the point of being angry.

"Alison! Why are you just going along with this?? You can't let HER tell you what YOUR destiny is! Christ, WHAT did the Amazons DO to you?! Are-- Are you BRAINWASHED??"

[Pandora]

- Pandora returned to Earth, a bit dazed about what had happened. Last she remembered she was taken by Circe and thrown in a bath tub? Psychotic witch...But as Pandora regained her bearings, she noticed Barbara's estate was restored. Pandora immediately smiled believing her beloved mentor was alive....but just as she was about to ask, Hecate broke the news. Pandora's eyes saddened. It was selfish, but she wanted so badly for Barbara to be apart of her life, not be reborn into an Amazon. But she knew it was what Barbara deserved. -

- Staying quiet as the group reunited, she saw Persephone and smiled. Pandora held no powers, but she held Persephone's respect. As she once said long ago 'anyone who can control an object strong enough to destory the world, is okay in my book'. And from that moment on, they held a mutual respect for one another. -

- Hearing Hecate state that this Harbinger would be her new mentor, Pandora looked over to the woman with curiosity. She was so young...looking around what Pandora's age would be if she wasn't immortal. But she would not question Hecate's reasonings. Hecate was wise and believed the Harbinger was a good candidate to take over for Barbara; and that was good enough reason for her. -

- As the group began to say goodbye to Alison, Pandora felt horrible. She was taking away their friend and teammate...it didn't seem right. But destiny was a strange phenomenon. Turning to Alycia and Karen, Pandora smiled to them both, before embracing them in a warm hug. Alycia didn't seem like the hugging type, but Pandora wanted to truly thank them. -

"Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart. You risked your lives to save mine...and I will forever be in your debt."

- Pulling away, Pandora smiled to them both before turning and slowly making her way over to Alison and the six. Passing Hecate, she gave her a warm smile as well, greeting the woman she hadn't seen in ages. Finally approaching Alison, Pandora looked to the six with apologetic eyes. -

"Thank you--all of you--for helping me. I wish I could do something to keep your friend with you...It is my deepest regret that she has to leave. I wish you all well in your journey as a team. I hope this will not be the last time we meet."

- With a sincere smile, Pandora bowed her head, respectfully, at the six. The team who save her AND the world. Finally lifting her head, she looked to Alison, Pandora's face was filled with pure goodness. Alison would be able to tell that Pandora was a strong willed, yet very compassionate woman. Taking a step back to allow Alison to finish her goodbyes, Pandora stood next to Hecate, observing their final goodbyes. -

- A bit startled by the blonde woman's brash comments about Barbara, Pandora's eyes narrowed with anger. Huffing out, she kept her emotions in check knowing how upset she was about loosing her friend. She was just as upset about loosing Babrara, and would explode in the same fashion if she had the chance to. It was a difficult situation, for everyone. -

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia watched with shock as Hecate announced Alison's departure. Morgan was transformed and her new costume ,while obviously a fashion DO, was NOT the focus...as EVERYONE balked at the fact that Alison had to leave the team.::

:: looking at Karen::

This is not the "happy ending" that anyone had hoped for, I take it.

:: Karen nodded solemnly as Morgan and the others reacted. Pandora came over to them and thanked them for helping her with such sincerity and genuine gratitude that Alycia couldnt help but smile at the young woman.::

Well, the good doctor and I couldnt allow Circe to lay her hands on you...not after all the lengths that Barbara had gone to keep you safe. Pandora, if i had to do it all over again, I would. My whole life, I have always made it a point to protect and help those who need it. I'm just amazed that even a mere HUMAN like me can continue to earn her keep among all these... "super powers"....

:: gesturing among those present.::

:: surprisingly, Alycia gladly accepted Pandora's embrace.She didnt know quite why she did either...but it felt right.::

please...don't hesitate to call us if you OR Alison needs help. we're going to miss her...so much.


:: Alycia felt her own emotions and feelings about this situation creeping up but she did her very best to keep them to a minimum. Secretly though, Alycia agreed with HALEIGH! Why should Alison just LEAVE as she was seemingly TOLD to do by Hecate? None of the Six were given over to just taking orders..even from a goddess and while she realized Hecate had special meaning to Morgan and Alison....this seemed too much. Still, Alycia wouldnt speak ill of the dead...even if they had been reborn and true to form, Haleigh callously slighted Barbara's memory and while the emotion was understandable, the situation was understandable....for Haleigh to speak so poorly of Minerva in Pandora's presence...::

Haleigh please....Pandora was Minerva's ward. You're speaking of this woman as if she was NOTHING and its hurting Pandora's feelings!

:: she wasnt vicious with her tone. in fact she LOOKED rather distressed....she didnt want to say goodbye to Alison either, but she didnt want to ADD to the pain that was in the air.::

[Harbinger]

:: Alison could no longer hold her tears, as they began to flow. She left her biological family by CHOICE...if not also because of some unconscious compulsion...but now, to leave her second family by MANDATE of destiny...she suddenly felt MUCH SMALLER than she ever had before and she HATED IT.::

:: she reached out to Delilah, the Morgan...hugging her sisters tightly. Then Nicolas who offered a few more words::

Thank you..Nicolas.


:: next came Persephone , who took Alison's hand in her own and offered her a respectfull and sincere farewell. Persephone's composure allowed Alison to regain HER'S if not for a moment::

Persephone, i see nothing but progression and change for you in your new life with the Six. I know how hard it was for you to be revived only to learn of the fate of your family from the MoE timeline...but i TRULY HOPE you will find a new chapter of happiness and love here with your NEW family. You belong with The Six and.....I'm glad that we've SEEN YOU to this point.

I regret not having the chance to work more with you...but I...I must pick up where Barbara left off so that no one ELSE can try to pick up where CIRCE left off.


:: It was Karen and Alycia'sturn, and as Karen warmly embraced her "daugher" and Alylcia wrapped her arm around Alison, taking her hand in the other

Karen, i never had a mother until i met you. You mean so much to me...and i'm forever gratefull that you treated me as your daughter.

Alycia, you may be "only human" as you often say...but you're one HELL of a woman! you've MORE than earned your keep with this team..your FAMILY and your bravery and courage...risking your life to help Pandora prooves that you're a cut above most.

Don't turn your back on the Six and don't let your hatred and bitterness overtake you as it did Athena. There's still TIME for you to do what you KNOW needs to be done.

:: alluding to her situation with Haleigh, who was ALREADY speaking HER mind.::

:: Haleigh was next, but in true form, Haleigh instead, railed hard against Hecate and spoke harshly of Barbara...in front of Pandora, who took exception. Alison saw through to the heart of the rant though and took Haleigh's hand as Alycia spoke up on Pandora's behalf.::

Alycia's right, Haleigh. Dont speak ill of Barbara...she died helping US so that WE would get to this point. She's gone on to her just reward...and....in theory...this SHOULD be mine...it's what I've ALWAYS wanted. Hecate kept trying to give me hints back in ancient greece....but it wasnt until the VERY END that i realized what she meant.

:: looking at Haleigh eye to eye..if only a LITTLE taller than her, Alison smiled warmly...a rare thing indeed.::

still...it doesnt change how HARD this is!

:: taking Haleigh's other hand.::

look where WE are now! We hated each other in the beginning...I tried to kill you. BUT NOW..were friends...we trust each other with our backs. we helped each other keep it together when the team was at its WEAKEST point. The team needs that from YOU still. I MUST take this position...not because Hecate has spelled it out....she merely CONFIRMED it. I must make SURE that Pandora and the rest of the world's most deadly/ancient secrets and artifacts remain SAFE and PROTECTED so that YOUR LIVES will not be sacrificed in battle against the NEXT "would be" Circe.

But as you must know...I am only a spell or a call away...if any of you need me...I'll be there in the BLINK of an eye.

you remain unique among women...super powered or not, Haleigh...because while I might have been a precog...you STILL managed to keep my guessing in ways that most could not and now, I'm going to surprise YOU!

:: Alison said, as she pulled Haleigh into a hug.::

the last time this happened...was after Master Mold. We are all ALIVE this time...and there are no casualties. Even Barbara got better. This isn't the END....but transition...is never easy. not for you...and not for ME either.

:: she let's go and stands back....opening her hand as the Time Staff appears in a puff of sparkling dark smoke and is now in her grasp. her cheeks streaked from tears and her eyes looking weary, Alison looks upon her family for one last time before stepping forward to her new path of life. If they all had their way...they'd stay out here together FOREVER. funny how time always seemed so FLEETING and mundane to Alison...like running water, perhaps because she was a precog...but at this moment...these last precious moments...time seemed to go by so slowly and if she had HER way...these moments would last for YEARS.::

It's time for me to take Pandora inside now. and YOU all have to get back to ...Illustra.

I love you....ALL OF YOU!

:: words that were once SCARCELY associated with the seer's vocabulary...the fact that she would now share her love OPENLY with her team...her FAMILY showed just how far the woman with a "marble hard heart" had come.::

::with her other free hand, she places it gently on Pandora's shoulder, looking at her ward, she smiles a bit.::

shall we go inside?

:: nodding as they walk together...they finally reach the doors and as Alison see's Pandora inside, she turns to the six one last time....her cobalt blue eyes firmly fixed on all of them and their allies as one last tear falls, she winks before looking up at the threshold of the double doors and then pointing "up" with her finger, a rushing chiming sound is heard, as the double doors close gently.::

:: and with that, Harbinger begins her new life as the Keeper of Time.::


:: the Six are left outside of the mansion, with only Hecate remaining with them.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Alison stood next to Nicolas, with Delilah on her other side. She watched with tearfull eyes as Alison said her goodbyes to each person. Putting her hand over her mouth as Haleigh spoke out against Haleigh and demanded to know how Alison could just go along with this. Her words on Minerva were HARSH, but the EMOTION was understood. She wondered why SHE herself was so....CALM...in comparison to Haleigh at least.>>

<< But Haleigh didnt have the bond with Hecate that Morgan did, and so, even in Morgan's unhappy heart, there lay that quiet understanding that all was as it should be right now.>>

<< Alycia understandibly took up for a visibly hurt Pandora. the poor girl didnt ask for this anymore than they did, the goddesses of Olympus had basically saddled her with the burden of "keeping chaos in a box" and SOMEONE had to protect her...and as Minerva was now an Amazon, the most logical choice WAS Alison.>>

<< logic and reason couldnt take away the pain and feeling of loss though, as Alison spoke to each person and took a moment with Haleigh that really showed how far THOSE TWO had come in the year that the six had been together. clearly they had become closer since Morgan's "death"...and it was..it was NICE to see that they had progressed so far in their personal friendship with each other. >>

<< this was what family all about.>>

<< the worst moment came when Alison took Pandora and began to walk toward the mansion....once inside the threshold, Morgan called out to Alison once more.>>

I love you. ALL of you.!

<< one last wink, and Alison shut the doors in a style that was her trademark ;) >>

<< Morgan covered her face and weeped softly...>>

Hecate...

<< she sobbed...>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Watching Alison leave, Persephone face was saddened. It was a sad moment for everyone, including herself. The overall experience of seeing her mother again, reconnecting with her, and Alison leaving was overwhelming to say the least. But Persephone maintained her composure amoung the group, if not to keep THEM strong. ::

:: Nicolas was already comforting both Morgan and Delilah, so Persephone moved forward to Haleigh. She would resist, naturally, but even Haleigh needed to grieve. Placing her hand on Haleigh's back, Persephone watched Alison turn around once more, before disappearing into Barbara's estate. Rubbing Haleigh's back gently, it had been a while since she felt a 'sisterly' bond with anyone, even since being combind with Ava Cassadine. But Persephone wasn't going to push her feelings away and lock them up like before. The six was going to become her new Masters of Evil. These people were going to become her family...but old habits did died hard. It would be a working process, but she NEEDED this. And was willing to work on it. ::

:: Looking to Haleigh, Persephone retracted her hand knowing she shouldn't overstep. But she continued to stand there, for support...and just in case Haleigh needed her. ::

[Hecate]

[ Hecate watched silently. This was something that she need not be apart of. Still it did not bring her any joy to see this moment unfold and if she felt any ANGER at Haleigh's words against her or Barbara, it didnt show.]

[ she remained silent, not bothering to retort, but instead, letting ALISON appeal to Haleigh and reach out to her friend. it was better to come from a PEER than to come from someone who was not.]

[ Hecate looked upon the group and watched as Alison bravely forced herself to pull away from her family one last time, taking Pandora inside the mansion and shutting the doors. Morgan began to weep for her "sister" and Hecate understood the pain. for many moons ago...she and Persephone had been this close as well. Persephone and Hecate had reconcilled and watching the exchange between Alison and her friends REMINDED HER of the importance of friends..family and relationships.]

[ Morgan called out Hecate's name...and Hecate looked upon her avatar.]


I am truly sorry, Morgan. it brings me NO JOY to see you seperated from Alison like this.

[ continuing to stand, her astral image looks a bit more ghostly than it did moments ago.]

but as Athena hinted to once earlier, the fates weave a tapestry that ALL of us are subject to. Alison could no more stop herself from meeting her destiny than Barbara could her's...or any of you YOURS.

Some of you may not be fond of me now, and that's to be expected, but I am not now, nor will i ever be your enemy and Alison is not at all LOST to you...merely removed from the area of familiarity you all enjoyed. The pain will ease with the passage of time and if this entire experience has shown you nothing else....it should show you that no amount of time or space can keep ANYONE apart for very long....just look at Demeter and Persephone, or Persephone and MYSELF.

just as your paths will cross with Minerva's one day....so too will they cross with Alison's. you know where she is...and how to reach her.

[ holding up her hand.]

and now, it is time for me to leave.

it has truly been a pleasure and a memorable experience to meet and know all of you. you've prooven just how far mortals can go...and will continue to go. Be good to Persephone, help her to find love HERE with her new family...and know , Perspehone, that you STILL lead one of the most charmed lives of ANYONE on Olympus OR Earth.

be good to EACH OTHER! fare thee well, mighty members of the six.

[ with that, Hecate fades away in a swirlinlg malestrom of dark magick. leaving the six ALONE in the dark, silent enchanted forest. where she has gone and if she will ever return is anyone's guess but in those final moments and words, she seemed far more gentle than she ever had been before...prooving that even SHE had been touched by all of this.]

[Jessica Hamby]

Alycia cut in, and though she HAD a decent point, Haleigh was quick to lash out at her.

"Fuck OFF, Barnett! I wasn't SPEAKING to you.... when I SPEAK to you, you'll KNOW IT, because I'll LOOK AT YOU."

She fired back scathingly. Most of those present will remember the LAST time these two women were together, and Haleigh's biting tone made it clear that she was still a little bitter about it. A sad moment became momentarily TENSE, but the most interesting thing of all was that her reaction, however abrasive [and completely disregarding of Pandora's feelings] it was, it revealed that despite ALL that Haleigh was capable of, she still hadn't QUITE gotten the hang of letting go. Even though some of her words were in poor taste... the emotion that generated her rant was genuine and understandable, and luckily for Haleigh, Alison, Morgan, Persephone, and even ALYCIA seemed to recognized that. It was a sharp contrast to how they had been not too long ago, when many might've scolded Haleigh for the reaction, she was now, at the most necessary of times, cut a little slack. Alison spoke up, taking Haleigh by the hand, and proving to be insightful once again. Haleigh had a tight grip on her composure, but only just.

"I don't CARE if she's right, Alison... I...."

Alison gave a soft, rare smile, admitting how hard it was.... and Haleigh's protests trailed off, as her hardened soldier-of-war armor began to crack. As Alison talked of how far they'd both come, Haleigh fought to blink back tears.

"Well that's just IT, Alison! We've been through SO MUCH... together! Everyone else has come and gone.... and sometimes come back again-- but you've been the ONE constant through it all... the very BACKBONE of this team... and no matter how BAD it got.... I could always count on YOU..... we ALL could! [pausing] What are going to do without you?"

She finished solemnly... and Alison made a most uncharacteristic and SURPRISING move... pulling Haleigh into a hug! And yet.... for some reason.. it just felt natural.... and Haleigh embraced her in return, shutting her eyes softly. Alison tries to reassure her... but despite her good intentions, it just doesn't do much to ease the situtation. Haleigh lets her go, falling silent as Alison bids a final farewell and goes inside. Persephone offers support, but doesn't force it, as she knows Haleigh doesn't like to be coddled, and with her back still to the rest of the six, Haleigh wipes her eyes and sniffles in the silence following Hecate's departure. She turns back to the group, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand and conspiciously brushing it off.

"I'm fine... I'm not [i]crying... it's the pollen..."

She said, a flimsy excuse at best, and then, 'under her breath' but strangely audible enough for everyone to hear:

"STUPID ALLERGIES!"

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan feels like she's been robbed of something most precious...but Hecate's words provide a suitable beacon in a fog of pain and uncertainty.>>

goodbye, Hecate...thank you...for all youve done for me...

<< Morgan watches as the goddess of witchcraft leaves final parting words for Persephone and the team and then departs this plane of existence....leaving them to stand alone in the forest. Alison was now inside with Pandora...the team was down to five.>>

<< Morgan looked over at her mother, who had now joined the group and Alycia who was nearby as well.>>

well....i guess it's time for us to go home.

<< what had they been through? it was more than a mere caper or adventure. circe wasnt just some villain of the moment. they'd been through MORE than most people live in a whole life time and while Morgan may have gained Hecate's annointing and power, it didnt matter to her because she lost something far more precious to her...she lost her dearest friend...her sister....Alison Marble.>>

<< Morgan looks at the mansion one last time before turning away, closing her eyes. as she summons a stepping disc to teleport the team from Greece, back to America....New York City...Illustra.>>

[Oracle]

<< and with that, The Six, minus the person who brought them together, leaves Greece.>>

<< reallignment occurred in many ways throughout this whole adventure. Morgan was now fimrly entrenched in her role with the dark trinity, finally blessed by Hecate herself. Alison replaced Barbara Minerva as the guardian of the world's most ancient/dangerous artifacts as well as in the protection of Pandora and her legendary box. and perhaps the most necessary reallignment of all was that of Persephone's attitude and outlook on the six, this timeline and her position therein.>>

<< Persephone's actions caused damage and reprocussions that spanned centuries and timelines and while it prooved that she was MORE than what "history" painted her out to be...it also showed just how dysfunctional her relationships with those on Olympus and earth were. The Six, went through it all with her- seeing her past sins and the dynamics between her and the olympians...and through the emotionally draining process, lessons were learned, understanding was reached and FORGIVENESS was allowed..not only among the six..but the Olympians as well. This was more than an adventure or a struggle with a villain, this was a much needed lesson in history and the future and now Persephone knew it was FINALLY okay to give this timeline and her team the same chance she gave the MoE. She would FINALLY LIVE as Darkchilde hoped that she would when she sent her here.>>

<< in the end, there were no casualties, no life changing injuries or damages....but there was one change that felt just as painfull as any hit that could be taken in battle as Alison Marble, the precog and powerfull witch who had been the catalyst for the Six coming together in the first place, now moved on to realize her true and ultimate destiny. Change is never easy...but in her last moments with her team..her family, she showed just how far she had come and how much she had changed. Now as she moves on with her life and new calling, the six must grieve and move on without their Seer. >>

<< they'll be able to do it. they have to....because time and circumstance don't stop for ANYONE and even Alison knew that.>>

<< and so we watch...>>