The Silver Swan [Archive]

Jill Monroe

06-11-2007, 01:10 PM

<< Morgan enjoyed breakfast with her mother. the kitten was nearby, enjoying a small bowl of specia milk formulated for kittens. Tinkerbell was absent by Morgan had a sense of where she was.>>

<< she didnt mind Tink visiting Nicolas, as both her cats had taken a liking to him. if only it were that easy for HER. the cats seemed to be able to do what she could not always do but for now, she didnt dwell on it. she came to an understanding and found a measure of peace last night while talking to her mother and Delilah.>>

thank you for joining me for breakfast mother.

<< standing up.>>

I'd better get ready for today. the photo shoot is in less than a few hours and with Haleigh unable to oversee the shoot, Im having to rely on her most senior assistant. despite my reservations....the shoot will go on as scheduled....at the rockefeller center plaza fountain. goddess help me if anything should go wrong....

<< she sighed as she excused herself to her chamber of dreams and master bath to shower and prepar for the day. after showering and refershing herself, as she was going to participating in the shoot, she dressed down, wearing a pair of figure flattering Bebe jeans with a clingy black top and some high heeled boots. her blonde hair pulled back into a twisted bun.>>

<< she grabbed her matching leather BeBe bag with her personal items and accessories that any model would travel with. passing down the hall and down the stairs back to the main floor, she came through the sitting room where her mother was.>>

there's passes for you and the rest of the gang to come watch the photo shoot if you want to. i'll be in touch later after the shoot... and mom...thanks for all your help and support

<< after hugging her mother and kissing her on the cheek, Morgan picks up the kitten and nuzzles her before kissing her lightly on her forehead.>>

bye bye little baby!! you enjoy your "grandma" today and mommy will see you soon.

<< setting the kitten down next to her mother, Morgan quickly leaves...heading out of the penthouse and down the hall to the elevator.>>

<< calling Ava on her cellphone.>>

>>Morgan: Ava? good morning, it's Morgan. If you're ready...i'll meet you down in the crystaline lobby. Mike will be driving us to the photo shoot this morning....and ive checked with the senior assistant photog at Liquid Crystal, everything is in place and Madonna is en route.

<< Morgan rode down the elevator to the crystaline lobby, wondering what Delilah, Cameorn and Nicolas were doing. How Cameron was adjusting to being in Alison's apartment with her not there...and how NICOLAS might be feeling. She couldnt get him out of her mind right now and with Tinkerbell in his apartment right now, she wondered what her familiar was exactly doing there.>>

<< and then of course, there was Haleigh. Had what Delilah did last night been enough to halt the passive attack on Haleigh's systems? would she wake up with a new calm and center and be able to function? WHERE WAS SHARON, ALYCIA or even RICK?>>

<< so many things....all at once...but Morgan was DETERMINED to keep it together and go forward. she wouldnt have folded any OTHER time...and now was NOT the time to do it.>>

Shadow Weaver

06-11-2007, 01:20 PM

<< Karen smiled as she hugged her daughter good bye for the day.>>

you're my daughter, Morgan. Of course I will be there to support you and help you when you need it. no matter how old you are...or how far you go in your powers, I'm ALWAYS your mother.

<< Karen smiled as Morgan nuzzled the little kitten and handed her over to her. Karen gently gathered the kitten in her arms and stroked her tiny head with two fingers.>>

You have a wonderfull day sweethearet. the kitten and I will enjoy some leisurely time before I have some paper work to do regarding some new clients referred to me from a firm that i donate some of my time to.

<< as Morgan hurridly left, Karen turned, looking out at the panoramic window..the sky was bright, the sun peaking through rolling clouds...but there were a few SEAGULLS in the air...they seemed to swooping about, and calling out to each other. Karen wondered if this was a bad sign..considering all the other recent bird activity and attacks.>>

<< she looked down at the kitten who seemed to be a bit nervous.>>

you see the birds too, huh baby?

<< she held the kitten close, making sure to keep her feeling secure and comforted.>>

don't worry...we should be safe in here. I just hope your mommy and ava will be safe where they're going.

<< she looked a bit longer, before walking away, carrying the kitten with her as she went to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea and a new chapter in her latest novel of choice.>>

<< her thoughts divided between the book and Morgan and the six ...so much as happening and this was the hardest caper yet because so far.they'd only been able to REACT and now with Alycia captured...they were FURTHER behind in their attempts to control the situaiton. Karen would do whatever she could to help. too many lives were at stake, both in the six and those connected to the six...not to mention scores of innocent people if these BIRDS were about to regroup and attack.>>

<< she hadnt seen or heard from Nicolas since she left the war room. she could tell he was affected by the blow out with Morgan...but even in the midst of that, he still had time to look upon Ava's form with those roving eyes of his. So young...so full of hormones. Karen felt that she neednt worry too much, the young man would come to her if he needed her.>>

Pam De Beaufort

06-11-2007, 02:11 PM

:: After a surprisingly uneventful night, Ava had finished preperations for the runway show/gala. If everything went down without a hitch, it would be one of the most lavish events in New York City this year. ::

:: Roaming around her kitchen, Ava had finished a small bowl of Special K with strawberries and placed the empty bowl in the sink. Picking up her mug of black coffee, she took a small sip as she walked past Onyx who was eating a T-bone stake happily in the diningroom. Walking back to her bedroom, the Donna Karen dresses that arrived for both herself and Morgan last night, were sent straight to the photoshoot ahead of time. So Ava didn't have to put much thought into what she wore. Throwing on some dark wash skinny jeans and a simple fitted black button down shirt, she left it untucked and rolled up the long sleeves to her elbows. With the first few buttons undone, she gave a playfil peek at her clevage, 'spicing' up the usually bland outfit. Slipping on some black pumps, even dressed down, Ava was able to make the outfit smoking. ::

:: Running a brush through her waved hair, she reached over to her ringing cell phone, answering it. ::

"Oh, Good morning Morgan. Alright, I should be down there in 5 minutes. I already had the custom made Donna Karen dresses picked up by wardrobe this morning. They arrived about a half hour ago, so everything seems to be on schedual thus far."

:: Hanging up, Ava grabed her Chanel hobo purse and made her way out of the apartment and to the elevator. Minutes later, she arrived in the crystaline lobby seeing Morgan by the front desk. Taking out a pair of large black sunglasses, she slipped them on as she walked over to Morgan. ::

"Ready when you are....Actually.."

:: Placing her hand on Morgan's forearm, preventing her from walking, Ava knew they only had a few minutes before Mike arrived, and she wanted to take this opportunity to atleast clear the air with Morgan. ::

"I wanted to apologize for last night. I didn't make the situation any easier for you by....sitting on my high horse and disregarding how both you and Delilah felt about Sharon Kelly. I have a tendency to get that way when i'm nervous about the outcoming of something involving people I care about. But I do empathize about what you're going through...and even though i'm a 'Cassadine', I will do everything in my power to help save your friend."

:: Even though her eyes were covered by her large sunglasses, Morgan would be able to tell by her voice that she was sincere. Morgan was having a difficult time with this, as was Ava. Sharon Kelly wasn't one of her biggest fans (not that there were many anyway), and Haleigh was a huge target in this. Not to mention other little tidbits Ava would much rather forget about than speak of. Clearing her throat in an attempt to stop the awkward silence, Morgan was in work mode and this probably wasn't the best way to start of the day. But Ava needed to say it. ::

"Alright then...[looking over to the front doors of the lobby] Mike's here. We should get going."

Jill Monroe

06-11-2007, 05:51 PM

<< as Ava met with Morgan and they waited for Mike to come round the circular drive, Morgan greeted the woman and listened as she spoke. She really appreciated AVa's sincerity and understanding about this terrible situation that Morgan found herself in.>>

<< Morgan didnt look nearly as angry or upset as she did last night. her face was refreshed and her eyes had a natural sparkle to them as she looked upon her new business partner.>>

Thank you, Ava. I really appreciate that, but i owe you an apology as well.

<< she said in an icy voice.>>

I realize that you're not just "Persephone", you're also Haleigh's SISTER. I sometimes forget about the lasting effects of the seige perilous despite my own experience with it. There are many people among us in the six who have less than pleasant memories of the Cassadine legacy and yet you've taken the company and alligned it with Illustra DESPITE the backlash against yourself.

you're here with us NOW inspite of our battle in Greece when Alycia came to apprehend your father and now, you're doing your best to stand by your sister. I blamed her for alot of things last night....and when i did that, i reverted back to an earlier mindset where Haleigh was ALWAYS the problem. I don't hate her, and I know its no HER fault that Sharon is in the current state she's in....I went to the cell because i wanted to find some CONCRETE answers to better help Haleigh and what i found, I just couldnt handle very well.

<< sighing as she took a moment to find her own pair of black rimmed, over ssized, Escada sunglasses.>>

I talked with my mother last night and I was able to get ahold of myself. This is probably the WORSE caper ive been in since I've returned from the Seige because its passive....its not something i can go to and deal with diretly and now with Alycia out there in the hands of Rick RIley and us not being able to do anything about THAT right now while ALSO waiting for Sharon to possibly strike at any moment, its ALL closing in on me.

<< walking forward with ava to the row of double doors.>>

I wont be able to do this alone. I realize that now and my mother and Delilah helped me to understand its OKAY to look to the team for help and support. we all have some kind of personal stake in this...and we need to help each other as we try to help and save those we care about.

and also getting through our daily obligations as well.

<< she spoke as she looked out the doors. no birds there in the office park, but high above...very high above...there were a few seagulls flying around in the air, seeming to circle around the clouds under the sunlight. their noisy calls to each other were rather faint and echoy this far down.>>

well...at least the birds seem to be doing something other than staring at us for a change. maybe that's a good sign.

Pam De Beaufort

06-11-2007, 09:00 PM

:: Ava appricated Morgan's candidness about everything. It was major progress for the two, that was for sure. Walking with Morgan to the lobby doors, Ava gave her a faint smile. ::

"Thank you, Morgan. I'm glad that we could clear the air and find a mutual understanding about each others situations. The last thing I wanted to do was alienate myself once again from the group....I certainly learned my lesson from the last caper."

:: Being just as open with Morgan as she was being with her, Ava opened the lobby door, allowing Morgan to walk out first. Following behind, Ava looked into the air as Morgan mentioned the lack of birds. A few seagulls caught her eye, but they seemed much more timid than the last batch of birds they experienced. ::

"Perhaps. Lets just hope the lack of birds lasts through the duration of the photoshoot."

:: Wrinkling her nose as her glossy full lips turned into a semi frown, Ava's superficial side began to surface. ::

"I'm going to look terribly washed out in white. And old...Doesn't white usually make woman look old?"

:: Laughing softly as Mike pulled up, Ava waited for him to open the door for the two woman. ::

"It certainly made Athena look old."

:: Smirking while she snickered softly, Ava was well aware that Morgan admired Athena, but she couldn't help but make little blows about her adversary every now and then. They may have 'come to terms' for the most part, but there were decades of hatred between the two woman that wouldn't just go away over night. Regardless, it was a funny joke to Ava atleast. ::

MorningStar

06-11-2007, 10:00 PM

[ Delilah awoke from under her white down comforter and yawned. She stretched her arms up over her head, but didn't yet move to get out of bed. She felt confident that she and Karen had done some good for Morgan, and the new day promised that things would look up for them. She threw off her covers as the daylight was coming through the white shear curtains on her bedroom windows. She walked to the bathroom and turned the water on hot.

She was just soaping up her hair and starting to get fully awake when a voice startled her so that she almost slipped on the wet tub.

She surpressed a growl. ]

NICOLAS!

[ She rinsed her hair, wrapped a towel around herself, and stormed out of the bathroom. She waved at the intercom for Nicolas' floor. ]

"Nicolas King - if you ever use that telepathic mumbo jumbo on me when it's not an emergency I WILL have your bollocks for breakfast. This intercom system was installed for a REASON. I'll be on the security floor in fifteen minutes."

[ Promptly fifteen minutes later Delilah stepped off the elevator to the security floor. Her hair was still damp and she'd dressed quickly - but not too quickly - in yoga pants and a tank. Maybe she'd go for a run later. It was feeling like that kind of day. ]

Rampage

06-11-2007, 11:55 PM

As Delilah snapped back her reply in the intercom, Nicolas covered his mouth to suppress a chuckle. It was an important matter and so he had not thought to use the intercom, but the added effect of getting under Delilah's skin was a bonus for him. No matter how many times he pulled her chain, she never failed to bark and even though he respected her, he still could not pass up a moment to bother her.

But at this moment, he had something to show her that he was unsure what to do with. he believed that it was actually a bit more than a dream. he felt a foreshadowing about what could happen if they simply approached Sharon Kelly to talk.

Nicolas was already in the War Room when Haleigh arrived. He nodded to her as she entered, standing. She looked as if she might give him another piece of her mind but he held up his hand for her to hear him.

Delilah, I am sorry. It is a hard habit to break in a stressful situation. I wanted to show you this vision that I had from last night. I am concerned that this was actually and indication of her mindset and likely reaction to facing us, gleaned in part from the moment of contact I had with her mind. The power levels and attack styles are consistent with the specs from Mystech.

Nicolas erected a projection that showed the entirety of his dream from last night, up to the point of his own flaying by Sharon. As it replayed, he did not move, simply standing stoically as the vision played out. Once it was finished, he turned to Delilah.

Delilah, I am concerned about today. I wanted to show you what I saw last night. I believe that it is much more than a dream. What do you think we should do?

**************************************

While Nicolas asked Delilah for her opinion, Mike had arrived downstairs to pick up the pair of executives for their shoot. He had already been organizing security for this event per Nicolas and these two were his personal responsibility. As they walked to the car, he nodded politely to Morgan...

Ms. Victoria, good morning.

and VERY politely to Ava.

Ms...Cassadine, It's my pleasure.

As he helped them both into the car he was quite the professional, but Ava would surely see that he took notice of her. Still, as quickly as the moment came, it had passed and Mike was back to all-business mode, closing the door and getting in the driver's seat.

This car was slightly different than the usual, thought it looked the same. The car was armored more heavily than normal and had some basic armaments available to the driver in front and the rear. A little something he cooked up for the occasion. Mike placed the car in gear and they were off...

Jill Monroe

06-12-2007, 02:47 AM

<< Morgan smiled at Ava as the two women shared their honesty with each other. they werent each other's enemies and pointing fingers was not the way to go. they BOTH had high personal stakes...and if they could help each other..then perhaps both their loved ones, Sharon and Haleigh would come out on top.>>

<< Morgan felt encouraged and as they stepped to the doors, Ava opened them for her and they walked out together. Ava too noticed the lack of birds...save the few seagulls far up in the air she sounded a bit wary as she commented to Morgan about them and who could blame her. the birds had been all the rage in NYC these last few days...and NOT for a good reason.>>

<< Ava went on to express her misgivings about wearing white.>>

that's why we did a custom fitting for you. these dresses are FAR from making you look old and I have the best hair and make up team on the east coast they could make Muccia Prada look like something HUMAN rather than the wrinkled up piece of leather she looks like now. You've nothing to worry about, with your facial structure, you're a natural for this.

<< Ava went on to comment about Athena. Morgan couldnt help but smirk a bit at the catty comment.>>

MeOW!!

<< she said with a chuckle as Ava seemed to enjoy her own joke as well.>>

<< as Mike arrived, Morgan smiled and greeted him as he opened the doors for her and ava. He'd get them there fast and safe and with time to spare, so Morgan relaxed as she sat in the back cab with Ava the limo pulled out of the circular drive and off they went to their destination.>>

I've asked Cameron to stay in Illustra for the time being. He's our strongest telepath now and I need him to look for Alycia. If she's anywhere in the city...and still conscious...he should be able to pick up on her thoughts and perhaps h e can guide us to her. Cameron wanted to stay anyway....because of Haleigh. He cares about her a great deal and that's something SHE needs now...whether she knows it or not...people who are going to stand with her through this whole ordeal.

<< looking down at her well manicured hand for a moment. thinking about Alycia>>

Alycia may be trained to fight now, she may have federal power behind her and have access to powerfull weapons, but Rick Riley was a highly decorated and ELITE level Marine commander, a trained killer AND working for MysTech allowed him to plummet to new depths of depravity. if Rick Riley is out to settle a score with Alycia and Haleigh...he's going to have prepared for her even as she is now. If Sharon is in league with Rick...he may use HER to hurt Alycia or WORSE. that's the sort of sick, twisted thing he would love. this is the same man who tried to RAPE Sharon the last time he was in contact with her. We've GOT to find Alycia and Sharon before it's too late!

I hope that what Delilah did last night has brought substantial relief to Haleigh as well. How was she when you left this morning?

and something else...i wanted to talk to you about Zach. My mother and I...we arent so SURE that he's HELPING Haleigh. My mother suspects that he's been an ENABLER more than anything else and that was one of the reasons why she barred him from their last session. You've been in contact with him more than we have lately...what is opinion of him?

Jacob Black

06-12-2007, 03:17 AM

:: Cameron awoke as the sun creeped in through the blinds of his sister's luxury penthouse. He had stayed in the guest room, knowing enough to know that if Alison came back and found him sleeping in her bed all high and mighty, she would kick his ass from here to eternity. His mind was tired from looking for Alycia for the good part of last night, but even still he kept his mind's eye OPEN, hoping to pick up the faintest trace of the woman. He went to the kitchen. It was funny, most of her food was still fresh. She hadn't been gone long. Cameron took a moment to wonder what it would have been like if he had come back a few days prior to his sister's departure. Sighing, he took out a carton of orange juice and poured a glass, gulping it down. ::

"That hit the spot..."

:: It was at this moment Cameron stopped to check something, lifting up his shirt, he noticed a light scar on his lower abdomen, something that definitely hadn't been there before. It was at this moment that Cameron began to REMEMBER things. He remembered getting called up to Nicholas' balcony where Sharon Kelly stood tall, hovering in the air like a fallen angel. Everyone was there; Delilah, Ava, Morgan and Karen. They were all blasted back by a sonic scream and BUTCHERED by the stars that Morgan and Nicholas had found in the cells. This meant that Sharon Kelly in fact had killed the men down there, and it was a hint to her powers. Was it a dream? Did it really happen? Whatever it was, Cameron rubbed the scar. His telepathic powers had seemed really super charged lately, and he also noticed he could no longer use his telekinesis, he figured it was an effect from coming back from the grave, and he didn't really have time to worry about that. The scar on his stomach, the scratch on his face from his vision of Sharon Kelly. He felt stronger than ever, and yet he couldn't find Alycia or Sharon or Rick Riley. Looking at a picture of his sister on the wall, he sighed heavily. ::

"This would be alot easier if you were here, sis..."

:: He walked over to the picture frame and touched it softly before heading into the shower and changing into new and fresh clothes. Since he was technically dead he couldn't really go anywhere, but he knew he would have to talk to Nicholas about what he had seen. Sharon Kelly had saved him for last, which meant he was a key component. Quickly he headed up to Nicholas' apartment and knocked on the door, sending him a mental note. ::

"Hey King, it's me.. I wanted to talk to you about something I saw last night.."

Alycia Barnett

06-12-2007, 03:24 AM

:: the darkness begins to fade....and soon , it is BLASTED away as the sound of gunfire jolts Alycia awake with a start of fear.::

:: she finds herself bound at her wrists and ankles, tied to a chair and her body is still aching from the trauma of the night before.::

oh....that was not fun at ALL!

:: she groans as she looks around...realizing that this place she is in is familiar. it's Sharon's luxury cottage in the secluded forest.::

but this...this means im not in NYC anymore. I wont be able to contact...

:: she silenced herself, realizing that it was too quiet and that Rick Riley could be ANYWHERE. the LAST time she was here, was with Sharon...when they were being hounded by the Super Soldier! they had taken refuge in the underground bunker that was only a few paces away from the cottage. in this wooded area, and with no one around...how would she summon HELP?::

:: her mind RACED , as she realized she was not terribly injured...more her pride at being taken so quickly than anything else. she also realized that this was part of some game..a sick game. he brought her back here for a reason..and psychological warfare was one of Rick's forte's. she wouldnt let him get away with this. he might have been a horrid, depraved man, but she was prepared to fight him on more than one level now and though she was alone...she would NOT give in without one hell of a fight.::

i can get out of this...i just have to remember the techniques i was taught. this kind of thing...

:: she said while sruggling::

is BASIC!

:: still, the bindings were more than simple rope. she'd be at this for a while if she had any hope of freeing herself and once she DID get loose, how would she send word about her location?::

Cameron...if your listening.......i'm.....

:: Rick Riley appeared...slapping her across the face.::

Rick Riley: Ms. Barnett, you didnt REALLY think you were alone did you?

:: he said, standing over her.::

Rick Riley: even if you DO manage to escape, my pretty black bird. You will not get far and you will NOT survive. You are here for the FINAL act in a play that I intend to finish....but NOT before Haleigh is brought here to join you.

:: Alycia's head was still turned to the side from being slapped, her raven black locks covering her face now as she slowly turned to face RIck with a glare of contempt.::

Alycia: Haleigh? you want to bring her here? then that must mean you want The Six to come and crash your party AGAIN. You're PATHETIC, Riley. You ONLY do this when you're SURE a woman cant fight back. Maybe THAT'S why Haleigh left your command...because you were LOUSY and she was BETTER.

Let me tell you something, you twisted bastard, I'm GOING to get out of this and when I do..i'm going to KILL YOU! YOU want revenge??? well TOO DAMN BAD because there's more than a FEW people lined up waiting for YOUR head on a silver plater but I will BEAT them to the punch once i've cut your DICK off!

Rick Riley: :: pulling Alycia's hair back forcefully, causing her head to snap back and her neck to be exposed::

You've got ALOT of mouth..just like you always did BEFORE. I could just KNOCK all your teeth out with my new bionic arm and we'd see THEN just how much you had to say...but I'll keep you're pretty little face in tact for now. you're loud mouth isnt going to derail me from my goals, Ms. Barnett, and soon, you'll have the pleasure of watching as I MORE than repay Haleigh for what she did to me...both in the military AND in the Cell..

:: Alycia grits her teeth as he lets go of her hair. she looks at him with defiance ...keeping silent for the moment and wondering what to do next. she has to wait for the JUST the right moment!::

Pam De Beaufort

06-12-2007, 03:49 AM

:: Cracking up at Morgan's comment about her makeup artists making Muccia Prada look like a million bucks, she lifted her hands up in a playfully defensive way, shaking her head. ::

"Hey now, I may be 2,028 years old, but I don't think I need THAT much help in the makeup department."

:: Realizing she just gave away her actual age, Ava paused for a moment before pointing at Morgan and grinning. ::

"Okay, not a word to anyone."

:: Laughing once more, Ava shook her head as Mike finally opened the car door for both herself and Morgan. Allowing Morgan in first, Ava noticed Mike's greeting toward her was far more friendly than to Morgan. Smirking as he offered his hand to assist her, she took it while climbing into the car. ::

"Thank you, Mike."

:: Hmm, not bad...for a human. Lifting a single eyebrow, Ava looked over to Morgan who settled herself and began to talk about Cameron. What a way to ruin a nice conversation. Opening her purse, Ava listened as she dug through it, taking out a small sleek black compact. Opening it, she rolled her eyes hearing Morgan state that Cameron cared deeply for Haleigh. ::

"He's a clingy little bugger, isn't he?"

:: Running her ring finger along her bottom lip, Ava pressed them together. Examining the rest of her face, she wore no makeup but still looked like she had walked out of a top notch photoshoot. Closing the compact, Ava placed it back into her purse and looked to Morgan who began to talk more about Alycia and Rick Riley. Inhaling a deep breath, Ava couldn't say much about that situation. She didn't actually KNOW Rick Riley, just what she read from reports. ::

"I wish I could give you some words of encouragement; or atleast comfort....but.... I'm as in the dark about this as you are. I can only hope that Rick Riley is sadistic enough to want to bait us with Alycia, THEN attempt to hurt her, while in our presents. Sort of killing two birds with one stone? I don't know...I just hope we aren't too late."

:: Sitting back, Ava sighed out. It was hard to focus on a photoshoot when so many peoples lives were on the line right now. Both herself and Morgan were juggling their professional career, personal lives, AND six problems all at the same time. It was quite stressful. Glancing out the window, Ava continued to listen to Morgan, who now began to speak about Zach and Haleigh. Ava turned to look at Morgan. ::

"I honestly think Zach is good for Haleigh. He understands the reasons why she does certain things. He doesn't judge her or expect her to change. He's privvy to her buisness and the fact that she's not human. He cares for her deeply and tries to protect her even when he's unable to. And quite frankly, I haven't seen Haleigh this happy since...."

:: Ava paused. Blinking her gaze to the floor (although Morgan couldn't tell because of Ava's sunglasses), Ava felt intense guilt building in her stomach...::

"Since Patrick.."

:: Finally looking to Morgan, Ava gave her a 'reassuring' smile. ::

"I don't think you have anything to worry about regarding Zach."

:: Nodding her head, Ava looked away, now staring out the window. They were only a couple blocks away from Rockefeller Center; the actual set of the photoshoot and trailers could be seen from where they were. Paperazzi were already flocking around, but police and park security kept them at bay with barricades. ::

"Wow. Looks like we have an audience today."

Jill Monroe

06-12-2007, 12:54 PM

<< Morgan laughed softly a bit as she commented on Cameron.>>

Yes, I suppose he could be and with Alison not here to keep him in line...i can tell he's getting under your skin. but if its any consolation, my mother has definately endorsed his apparent change in behavior. she believes he is genuine in his efforts to plot a new path and that would INCLUDE his interactions with US. i trust her..and she doesnt give her approval LIGHTLY.

<< as Ava commented on the subject of Rick Riley, Morgan looked a bit uncertain, her own sunglasses hiding her eyes at this moment.>>

Indeed...I feel more than a little inadequate right now...it would be so much easier if i had the benefit of precognition like Alison, but then again, i dont know if i could HANDLE it the way she does.

<< as Ava commented on Zach and how good he was for Haleigh and how Haleigh hadnt been this happy since PATRICK, It sparked Morgan's curiosity. Morgan had never known Patrick as anything OTHER than the Super Soldier and Ava had known him for a long time before he was kidnapped by Malice. She had a unique perspective.>>

Patrick??

<< Morgan spoke as her mind couldnt help but recall images of the terrifying shape of the Super Soldier.>>

It's...it's hard to imagine him as anything other than the Super Soldier. Haleigh's memories were the first chance I had to see him as ANYTHING other than the hulking creature that terrified and menaced the Six. My mother was maimed battling him and even though she managed to destroy him, Haleigh never once spoke on him...the effect his tragic transformation had on her or anything else.

Alycia was the one who exposed his connection to her and at that time...she was still on shakey ground with myself and Alison. Delilah wasnt apart of the team, neither was Nicolas...we had a whole different roster.

<< soon, the limo came around to Rockefellar center, and the plaza, a throng of people could be seen, held at bay by police, barricades and other security officials while Liquid Crystal and Cloud 9 photogs and set workers were prepping the area to be used for the photo shoot.>>

Yes, it appears that we will have a lively audience today. the other models should be arriving soon and Madonna, with her team. She's only staying for a few choice shots and then she's off to finish rehearsing for the concert.

<< looking out of the window...Morgan saw that this was it. this was really happening. she hoped that it didnt turn out to be a total disaster.>>

Pam De Beaufort

06-12-2007, 02:14 PM

:: It was difficult to listen to Morgan speak about Patrick in such a negative way. But, if she was brutally attacked by someone who nearly killed her and actually DID kill her friend, Ava didn't expect anything but negative feelings. Keeping her eyes focused outside, Ava shook her head. ::

"Patrick wasn't a monster. He was turned into one..."

:: Trailing off, the limo finally came to a hault, prompting Ava to sit up and grab her purse. Paparazzi already began to snap pictures of the limo, anticipating who might be exiting it. Looking to Morgan, Ava's demenor changed as she gave a smile to Morgan. ::

"Ready?"

Jill Monroe

06-12-2007, 03:26 PM

<< as Ava offered her final comment on Patrick, Morgan nodded slowly.>>

Yes...you're right. the memories proove that. It's just that neither I nor the rest of our team had the benefit of knowing the MAN who would become the Super Soldier.

<< they pulled to the area where the Illustra Inc. trailors were, Morgan nodded.>>

I have no CHOICE but to be ready << she laughs>> If this fails, or if anything goes wrong, I'll be the first super model in history to have an appointment with the unemployment office.

<< an exaggeration, as Morgan's personal net worth and other contacts through the social and fashion industry would allow her to live on comfortably even IF she were dethroned as one of the world's most celebrated super models. and she STILL controlled Illustra, even if she were to some how no longer be its "signature super model".>>

<< as they were helped out by Mike, Morgan couldnt help but notice his fawning over Ava. she rolled her eyes a bit.>>

just ask for her number already. we ALL know you want her!

<< screams of fans and watchers could be heard as camera flasbulbs went off like crazy and videographer's did their best to capture whatever glimpse of the supermodel that they could. waving to Ava, Morgan disappeared into her trailor while Ava was taken to her's . with the other models arrived and sent to their trailer, the prosess of hair, make up and wardrobe could now begin.>>

Oracle

06-12-2007, 03:45 PM

<< Morgan and Ava enjoyed easier conversation during the ride to the photo shoot. The two women had no quarrel with each other but they were both under extreme pull from opposite ends due to the surrounding situation, NOT TO MENTION trying to juggle their careers. >>

<< but the sorceress and the goddess had alot going for them that they might not have realized and their budding friendship would withstand the tests and trials of things around them. they WOULD help each other and in that...they would be helping those around them. it was the best outcome.>>

<< now on sight for the photo shoot, the two women were being prepared to do what was considered a highly anticipated photo spread with Madonna, all of this to promote awareness and vigilance against breast cancer, a cause that Madonna held very near to her heart. Morgan also held it close to her's for her own mother had a breast cancer scare several years back.>>

<< as Illustra inc, Liquid Crystal , Cloud 9 and "madonna's people" worked to get things rolling, the skies drifted along, revealing pleasant views of a bright sun. there were some seagulls soaring high in the air...still calling to one another, but so far, they seemed not to be an issue. and with the crowds making so much noise, the seagulls were not noticed by many. things were headed on schedule .>>

meanwhile

<< at Illustra, the security floor, Nicolas arrived and was waiting for Delilah, but Cameron was looking for NICOLAS, so it would appear there would be more than two at this impromptu meeting.>>

and across town

<< St. Patrick's cathedral. many birds were now roosting on various levels of the massive cathedral. the doors were shut and it appeared that the church was simply closed today, there was no indication of the grizzly horror that awaited inside, NOR of the unholy resident that had focibly taken the place over as her temporary "base of operations".>>

Silver Swan

06-12-2007, 04:07 PM

[ by now most of the area in the administrative building within the Cathedral had been destroyed, ransacked. the secretary that had once met with Haleigh and Zach, DEAD. Several nuns aand other attendants, DEAD..their bodies lay horribly butchered in various areas and the walls, floors and windows were sprayed and splattered with blood. Several crows and other large birds were now inside the cathedral , flying about seeming to revel in their soaring in the highest reaches of the barrel vaulted ceiling of the massive cathedral, while OTHER birds of various species congregated around and ON the cathedral even to the highest point of the building outside.]

[ there were more sounds of violence, as Sharon Kelly was TEARING APART the secretary's office, looking for something in particular it seemed. FINALLY finally she snatched a folder up, holding it in her hands and running her perfectly manicured, metallic silver finger nails over the file, it was clear what her silver eyes were gazing at.]

"application for marriage ceremony: Haleigh Davidoff and Zachary Armani"

target! monster...ENEMY!

[Sharon scanned the file and discovered where Haleigh was, at LONG LAST!]

Illustra...

[ her ghostly, airy voice echoed in the silent halls as she looked up and around...hearing the fluttering of the birds as well as the soft cooing that some of them were making. the birds...they knew where Haleigh was too..they'd seen her more than once..and through THEM, Sharon now had an idea of where Illustra was. But she REMEMBERED being there before....flashes of images went through her mind]

Morgan, Alison, Alycia, Delilah....flashbulbs, parties...Parthenon...

[so many things...pleasnt things? maybe...but as she looked down at the paper again, she FLUNG the files into the air as she narrowed her eyes with contempt.]

...found her.....KILL HER!!

[ Sharon smashes a desk with her clenched fist, an indication that she was far stronger than she ever was before. She walks out of that particular office, her tall shadow passing over the long dead victims that she came upon earlier. She is closer to her prey now more than before and her perfect hearing, not to mention the seagulls have shown her ANOTHER person whom she dearly hates...Ava Cassadine out in the open...DARING to show herself despite being the murdering heiress that she is!?]

DESTROY HER!!

[Sharon cries out and the birds shriek in unison as they are eager to comply. the birds outside also respond as well, taking to the air en mass as they prepare to fly across town and pay a visit to another one of the Silver Swan's new enemies. The birds will close in on the photo shoot, taking everyone by painfull surprise and with devastating results.....not just yet..but soon. ]

MorningStar

06-12-2007, 11:16 PM

[ Delilah knitted her eyebrows, the cogs in her brain turning as she mulled over the situation Nicolas had presented to her. She looked up. ]

"Have you ever had prophetic dreams before? Could this just be...a nightmare? Your mind showing you that you fear the very worst?"

[ THAT version of Sharon Kelly would certainly be a problem, and what had transpired in Nicolas' dream was not outside the realm of possibility. What Delilah hadn't said was how she was subconsiously trying NOT to believe that Nicolas' dream was a forewarning - for HER worst fear would be Morgan having to face a Sharon that had turned against them... ]

Pam De Beaufort

06-13-2007, 10:46 PM

:: The paparazzi went wild as Morgan exited the limo first; the flashing of the blubs was bright enough to blind a person. Screams of fans roared in the air causing Ava to laugh softly. Well if they were expecting Madonna next, they were going to be very disappointed. With Mike's assistance, Ava extended her leg out of the limo and climbed out as well. Paparazzi began to take pictures, astonished that Ava Cassadine was in the same limo as Morgan Victoria. Luckily for Ava, she wore dark sunglasses, preventing her from being completely blinded from the bright camera lights. People were less welcoming to the goddess, and Ava expected as much. She was the heiress of a multi billion dollar company that provided weapons of mass distruction throughout the world, and then some. She'd be quite concerned if they were screaming FOR her. But, there were a few rouge fans that were shouting 'we love you!'. Mostly men, which amused Ava. ::

:: After entering her trailer, the best wardrobe, hair, and makeup teams began to prep her for the photoshoot. Her dark ebony hair was left down in very loose curles, giving her a glamous 'just got out of bed' look. The makeup artists played up her striking features by giving her a more 'natural' look. Applying nude gloss to her full lips and outlining her eyes with various colors of bronze shadows, Ava looked better than the majority of models present. ::

:: Slipping into a simple, yet elegant, white satin dress that fell above the knees, Ava was a bit uncomfortable in the customized outfit, but she still worked it to perfection. With a pair of white pumps that elevated her six more inches, Ava finished off her look with a simple pair of gold chandelier earrings and a small pink ribbon which was pinned above her left breast. (complete look here (http://www.ajolie.org/gallery/albums/albums/magazines/cosmopolitan-aug-2003/cosmopolitan-aug-2003-001.jpg))

:: Exiting the trailer, one of the photographers assistances took Ava over to where they would be shooting. While waiting for Morgan and Madonna, the photographer himself began to explain to her what would be happening, poses, lighting, expressions, ect. ::

Rampage

06-14-2007, 01:56 AM

As Delilah mulled over what he had shown her, Nicolas got a mental note from Cameron.

Come to the War Room. I have something to show you as well.

As Cameron made his way to the security floor, Nicolas sent him the entire vision. Their synergy as telepaths allowed him to bypass the playback that he performed for Delilah and simply make him aware of the mental information.

As Cameron made his way into the War Room, Delilah answered Nicolas, asking a fair question about whether he had ever received precognitive visions, or whether this was simply a reflection of his own trepidation. He shook his head.

I am not sure how I know, but this was more than simply a dream. The vision was so vivid, so real. I hope that I am mistaken, but I am afraid that I am not. That is why I came to you.

***************************************

As Mike let the ladies out of the car, the crowds cheered them on. But as the ladies enjoyed their admiration, this is when a person like himself became most tense. He'd had a bad feeling all morning about today and while seeing Ava made him feel better, it did nothing for his gut instincts, which screamed that this entire gala was a bad idea at this time.

But he pushed those thoughts away and focused on the task at hand. He took a mental inventory and was satisfied with what he had brought with him based on Nicolas' information. Furthermore, the "crew" had already set up and was providing cover for the event, so that gave him additional comfort.

As the ladies made their way to their trailers, he parked the car conspicuously in between the two enclosures, ignoring artistic protocols and making sure that the vehicle would be accessible no matter the situation. he had already mapped out the area and he was ready for the reaction when a member of the photography staff approached him. Mike heard him far before the guy ever got close. Had he been an assailant, he would already have been dead.

Hey, you can't park that HERE!!!

Mike turned and, eyebrow raised, a gave the guy a once over, sizing him up as if before a fight. The small reaction was all that was needed to intimidate the staff member, and Mike decided to NOW defuse the situation, having already gained the mental upper hand. He smiled widely and patted the man on the back HARD, before gently but FORCIBLY redirecting him back towards his area.

I am sorry, buddy, but my security protocols dictate that I need this space. It is not in the way of your work so you should be fine, OK? Now run ALONG.

The last word punctuated just gruffly enough to drive his point home, and the staff member returned to his area quickly. Mike finished his checklist and waited for his charges. As Ava exited her trailer, Mike's head turned as he watched her work the meanest natural model walk he had ever seen over to the photographer. She was beautiful, sexy as hell, and he decided right there that if he survived this shit Nicolas had gotten him into, he was definitely going to take his chances. It was obvious that she had noticed him LOOKING; it would soon be time to find out if she had noticed HIM.

Jessica Hamby

06-14-2007, 01:15 PM

Haleigh sat at her island bartop, spinning a Southern Comfort bottle cap. An empty glass sat on the table in front of her... she drank straight from the bottle. She was blissfully unaware of the trouble brewing around her.... she didn't care enough to find out what was going on with the birds, despite the effect they'd had on her yesterday... and she hadn't been present during ANY of the Sharon Kelly discussions. For now, it was probably for the better... because she had more than enough to cope with on her own. while her teammates tried to figure out just HOW to help someone who didnt seem to want it, expressing frustration both against and in defense of her, Haleigh had slept it all off... but unfortunately, that proved to do little for her state of mind. She worried that she was losing control over herself.... her memories, her powers, her emotions seemed to do just whatever the hell they wanted to, and Haleigh was only along for the ride. For a person who thrived on control, this was the absolute worst thing that could happen, and it was COMPOUNDED by the fact that she ALSO had to face these memories-- KNOWING that everyone had seen them also. She could ACT like she was okay... because everyone knew that she wasn't.... and so, everyone felt sorry for her and wanted to help her.... but Haleigh didn't want all the coddling... it made her feel completely inept and even WORSE than if she was just dealing with it on her own. she didn't seem to realize that she COULD allow them to help her... that she COULD lean on them without them judging or thinking less of her.

Ironically, this was not the very WORST of her fears.... losing control was unnerving... but she had the distant feeling that she could eventually overcome this, if it didn't kill her. What she feared the most was that in a future loss of control, she might inadvertantly HURT someone she cared about... the attack were getting worse.... and with her powers in todays world, there was just so MUCH that could go wrong.... and everything that had the slightest trace of metal was a deadly weapon in Haleigh's hands. What if one of the Six or their allies became collateral damage? Haleigh was looking down the barrell of the very tragedy Morgan grappled with.... what she'd done during the Inferno incident haunted the sorceress, and Haleigh as well.... for Haleigh'd had a heavy hand in causing the event.... but ultimately, Morgan blamed herself the most for the destruction.... and Haleigh was suddenly faced with th possibility of the same thing.... Haleigh knew she would never be able to cope with the loss of a teammate at her own hand.... not again.... too many people-- and too many loved ones-- had died because of Haleigh... and now things looked dangerously close to disaster, BECAUSE of Haleigh. In a drunken haze, she contemplated leaving... just disappearing.... and taking the maelstrom of chaos that surrounded her AWAY from the rest of the Six. She could go somewhere remote.... someplace where there was no civilization... and more importantly, no technology, for hundreds of miles... someplace where she could selfdestruct without worrying about dragging her team down with her...

Zach:"Haleigh?"

Haleigh drained some more alcohol from the bottle, before turning around to look at her fiance. He asked her what she was doing, and she unabashedly showed him the bottle. He frowned and gently pulled it from her hand.

Z:"Baby.... we have to meet the chaplain today.... remember? The interview for our marriage application?"

Haleigh stood, though she slightly wobbled. She straightened herself back up.... putting both her hands on her head to push her hair back, looking shocked.

"OH.... oh no.... what's today? Shiiiiit..... the photoshoot.... Morggggaaaan's kill me. [giggles] I go."

Zach took a firm hold of her elbow. "WHOA. Not like this, honey.... you're drunk.... you can hardly talk, how are you going to direct a photoshoot?"

Haleigh laughs as if he cracked some kind of joke.... "Don't be silly.... my crew.... completely capable.... I just go for professional appearrrance. I go.... I approve... We leave for appointmmmment." Her face, previously light and humorous, turned sharply harsh. "Now let GO." she said, yanking her arm away. She walked away from him, woozily but still managing, as she headed out the door to go downstairs. Meanwhile, Morgan and Ava were already arriving on the scene.... and preparing for the shoot. Zach followed Haleigh, if only to help keep her out of trouble.... little did either of them know what was in store for them when they got to the cathedral.

Jill Monroe

06-14-2007, 01:40 PM

<< If the fanfare for Morgan was exceptional, it was INSANE when Madonna arrived. the cheers, cries, claps and cameras...it all sounded like a wave of rolling thunder. Morgan loved Madonna, even as a young girl and the woman served as inspiration to Morgan through the years. even Morgan's mother noted the power and impact of the pop icon. To WORK with this woman now, it was a surreal dream come true for the super model! She'd always known Madonna was short but Morgan DWARFED the pop diva in size. Madonna's body was truly a work of art though, putting many women even younger than MORGAN to shame. >>

<< the cheers for Madonna were a WELCOMED distraction from the JEERS that were coming for Ava. It was such a controversial thing to include AVA in this photo shoot and now the whole WORLD at large would know that a Cassadine was involved in Illustra Inc. It was almost as weird as LeftEye of TLC singing a record deal with Suge Knight and DEATH ROW RECORDS several years back.>>

<< Morgan knew that if Ava were to succeed with Illustra, she'd have to learn how to confront and COURT controversy, and so the opportunity to work not only with Morgan but MADONNA, the QUEEN of controversy, prooved to be the right time to bring Ava in. This would bring Illustra (once again) to the top of the news and buzz both in the media and the fashion circuit, but the only uncertain question was...would the stocks surge or dip with the initial reaction to Ava's presence. Morgan wasnt sure, but as she sat in her customized trailor while her hair and make up team worked on her, she smiled with satisfaction. the campaign for awarness and the fight against breast cancer was just the sort of BREAK from "type" that Ava needed and Madonna was pleased with her involvement so there was nothing to worry about.>>

Assistant: Miss Victoria? Madonna's publicist, Liz Rozenburg, is here to see you.

<< in the midst of eye shadow application, Morgan nods for her to show Liz in.>>

<< in an icy voice.>>

Hello Liz, i trust Illustra's accomodations for Madonna are satisfactory?

<< the CEO and supermodel spoke as she sat in her makeup chair.>>

Liz Rosenburg: Hello Morgan and the accomodations are fabulous. Illustra deserves its reputation for being a front runner in style, elegance and GLAMOR. Madonna is in her trailer now, and it seems everything is on schedule. I just wanted to come in and thank you for your hospitality.

Morgan: the pleasure has been mine, Liz. Madonna is my idol and i have no problem in admitting that. To work with her is an honor and a dream come true and to work with her on a cause such as this? well what better reason for music and fashion to come together? I'm HAPPY to have hosted Madonna and to work with her.

<< Madonna lost her mother to breast cancer, Morgan's mother had a breast cancer scare.>>

Liz: I also wanted to let you know that Madonna is prepared to issue a statement standing by your bringing Ava Cassadine into this photo campaign. It's no secret that there's a SHARP reaction to her being attached to this project. the move was bold on your part but Madonna agreed with it and respects you for going ahead with it. You know, Madonna has watched you over the years too, and has often purchased gowns and ensembles you've when doing shows for Gucci, Prada and BCBG in Milan or during Fashion Week.

<< it did Morgan's heart good to know that her idol actually took a genuine interest in HER career. there was mutual respect between the women.>>

Morgan: thank you BOTH for the support on my desscision to include Ava.

Liz: are you kidding? with all the things Madonna has done through the years? she knows a good move when she sees it....and if Cassadine wants to get a new rep and sport a new shtick, she's going to HAVE to take the storms that go along with "coming out" like this. this is a good for HER career as it is for this photo campaign. the press will be well worth it.

<< Morgan smiled and the two women finished up their chat as Liz left to go to Madonna's trailer.>>

<< Morgan's team finished with her and she stood.>>

<< with her hair down, parted down the middle , and styled with flowing "waterfall" curls along with "steel" toned shaded eye shadow, and pink gloss, along with several silver "face jewels" strategically placed along the right outer edge of her eye, Morgan had a look of a dreamy ice princess. wearing a Donna Karan one shouldered, aysmetrical white satin dress with a high but flowing hemline, giving her the look of a delicate "designer" flower opening up at dawn. on over her right right brest area, where the one shoulder slope occured, was a beautifull pink ribbon twisted in the traditional shape for breast cancer awareness. her long, smooth, flawless, bare legs were supported by silver gem toned, strappy open toed 6 inch stillettohigh heels designed by Stella McCartney (as a personal favor). >>

<< Morgan gave herself a once over in the mirror before being helped to step down the steps from the trailer. the wind outside caused the skirt of her dress to flow a bit but Morgan was not worried, she commanded the outfit, not the otherway around and she looked like an icy , glamorous valkyrie that came out of a dream. as she ran her hand through her perfectly styled hair and tossed it back, she noticed Mike nearby and she winked at him quickly , glad that he was here, but HOPING his life would not be at risk.>>

Assistant: Miss Victoria? Miss Cassadine is ready, the other models are in place. You'll walk out with Madonna to tease the crowd and then the photo shoot will begin.

Morgan: great. << she said, looking around cautiously....still wondering if things would REALLY go as smoothly as they had been all the way through.>>

<< Morgan was lead over to Madonna's trailor where the two women exchanged greetings and then, after last minute prep and a word with Liz Rosenburg, they walked together, body guards shadowing them from strategic points out to the area for the shoot, where the crowd had GROWN from behind the barricades. the screams, cheers, whistles and thundering flashbulbs of cameras was ubelievable and as Morgan and Madonna posed to attempt to satisfy fans and papparazzi, both women looked over at Ava, who was sitting in her model's chair. it was time for Ava to step forward and join them as the women once again courted controversy.>>

<< meanwhile, Morgan and Ava would soon find themselves courting disaster.>>

Jacob Black

06-14-2007, 01:42 PM

:: As Cameron made his way back down to the War Room where he had been last night he saw the vision that Nicholas had dreamed of, and it matched exactly the memories that Cameron had experienced when he woke up in the morning which meant this wasn't simply a dream. Perhaps a warning, a calling card from Sharon Kelly that she was gunning for them ALL, and she didn't care who she killed on her way to get to Haleigh. It was at this time that Cameron began to hear a quiet voice that he could barely make out talking in his head. It was like when you tune to a radio station and it just isn't coming in that bright. Focusing more and more he was able to bring out the voice and discern that this voice was in fact none other than Alycia Barnett! ::

:: Casting out his mind's eye and instantly locking onto the woman, Cameron was able to make out details of her location. Obviously it was a place that Cameron had never been to otherwise he would have gotten much more detail on Alycia's whereabouts. She was no longer in New York City, she was in a rather large forest, in a secluded house or cottage. Exactly where this cottage and forest was, Cameron couldn't tell. He had scanned her vitals, she was physically healthy and not in too much mental anguish which was a good sign but left a bad taste in Cameron's mouth. This meant that Alycia was bait, and that she was being held hostage in order to get something else. He didn't have time to think about anything else. He sent Alycia a message. ::

"Alycia, it's Cameron. I have found you.. I know where you are but I need more information...do you think you can give me something to work with.. Can you hang in there?"

:: He entered the War Room doors as he looked at both Delilah and Nicholas ::

"That dream is the least of our worries, I found Alycia. She is alive, but I don't know exactly where she is... I need more information.. She isn't in New York City anymore, she is in the forest somewhere and she is WITH Rick Riley. We have to contact Morgan. She needs to know about this.. I don't want to sit on this, every moment we spare is every moment she could be closer to DEATH..."

Pam De Beaufort

06-14-2007, 02:40 PM

:: Fans began to roar in excitment, alerting Ava to look up and see both Morgan and Madonna exiting their trailers and meeting up with one another. They both looked beautiful. Slipping off her designated chair as the two woman began to pose together, Ava decided to spice things up and join them. Walking to them, Ava gave them both a smile as they noticed her approaching. Taking Madonna's hand--who had extended it out to her--Ava moved close to both woman, standing side by side with them as photographers went frantic. The crowd was mixed with cheers and boos, but Ava didn't waver. With her eyes locked to the numerous cameras, she 'worked it', giving the people exactly what they wanted. Controversy. ::

:: The photographers couldn't seem to get enough of the trio, trying desperately to get more shots before the three woman had to work on the actual photoshoot. Continuing to pose, a single voice rose above the others, screaming out 'murderer!', obviously directed to Ava. Shifting her eyes over toward where the scream came from, an unexpected CRACK of thunder caused all patrons and photographers to stop what they were doing. Some people screamed from sheer startlement while others looked questionably into the clear blue sky. Looking up as well, the day was perfect and sunny. Certainly no indication of a thunderstorm. ::

"Hmm..that was strange."

:: Smirking to herself as she glanced over at Morgan, that seemed to be the cue to each of the woman's publicists to get a move on and start the actual photoshoot. One of the publicists could be heard saying 'we need to hurry up in case it rains', while others helped security get a handle on the paparazzi. Walking toward the stage where the photoshoot would take place, Ava's hair and makeup stylist began to quickly touch her up, as did Morgan and Madonna's. ::

"Well, i'm ready whenever you ladies are."

Jill Monroe

06-14-2007, 03:13 PM

<< with Madonna in the center, Morgan flanked her right and Ava soon joined her at the left. the women looked upon the crowds with knowing pleasure, seemingly MOCKING and IGNORING the jeers that came toward Ava.>>

<< Morgan had seen this before, and knew just how unforgiving an audience or general public could be but she knew how to handle it and Ava was doing well with it.>>

<< as the time for entertaining the paparrazi came to an end , Ava found her own unique way of silencing her critics. one of the more angry onlookers shouted "MURDERER", Madonna and Morgan looked briefly to that direction but did their part to not dignify it and before the crowd could be further infected with the frenzy of admiration and contempt mixed, a crack of thunder BLASTED out in the skies.>>

<< although Morgan did not flinch, Madonna looked up and Morgan's eyes widened just a tad. she knew it wasnt HER doing and catching a clance from Persephone, she realized that it was HER.>>

a clever move, Ava!

<< at that moment, pubicists, assistants and other staff moved the women along to join the other models who were staged at various points around the large, sprawling fountain. a special area had been constructed for Madonna, Morgan and Ava to pose at various points and wind machines and lightning had been brought in to add to the scene as well.>>

<< as the sounds of wind and water filled the air, Morgan was quickly touched up and she gave last minute instructions that if her mother, or any others she'd left passes for showed up, to let them through and have Mike escort them to the private spectator's area.>>

you did good work there Ava.

<< Morgan commented, knowing that the water would keep most from hearing her.>>

It's not easy to face public scorn like this, but you're doing a hell of a job. I'm glad you've joined on with me in this project.

<< Madonna was nearby, but on another level of the specially designed platform.>>

let's just hope the rest of the shoot goes smoothly.

director: okay ladies and gentleman, let's begin the first round. Madonna in the center and elevated. Morgan on the right and a side profile, Ava on the left side profile.

<< the other models were instructed and knew what to do as well and as the water in the fountain now flowed according to specification with the enhanced lighting, the photo set came to life as Morgan, Madonna, Ava and the other models began to strike poses for the cameras. the wind machine added to the fantasy that was represented by the beauty and glamor these women were exuding and as Morgan looked on at the camera, she felt ALIVE and in the driver's seat. THIS is what she was born to do.>>

Rampage

06-15-2007, 05:08 PM

Cameron walked in as Nicolas finished speaking with news about Alycia. Nicolas whirled and looked at him as he relayed his opinion about what to do.

You are right. Morgan needs to know, but we have a lot to juggle. I will teleport to the shoot and contact Morgan. That will be the lest disruptive in the end. If you could work on PINPOINTING Alycia, we can coordinate our actions once I speak with her. Delilah, if you wish, I figured that you would be good to monitor Illustra, especially since you have security control. The dream indicates that Illustra is a target and I expect for Sharon to eventually make her way over here to find Haleigh.

Nicolas turned and stood. His axe, now a cane, was in his hand as he teleported to...

The centrally located car that Mike had parked between the models' trailers. As he did so, he notified Mike who was already opening the door as he got out.

I need to gain access to them immediately. This shoot will have to be as brief as Morgan can make it.

Mike walked Nicolas past the security protocols and off to one side as the models took their poses. The three ladies were radiant, and Nicolas hated to cut this moment short, but he simply looked into Morgan's face. He knew that she would notice him very soon, and despite his sharp attire his face spoke volumes about the urgency of his news...

Oracle

06-15-2007, 05:19 PM

<< Alycia was alive and seemingly well and with Cameron aware of her now, there was hope. BUT Rick Riley was far from easily dealt with. As Nicolas, Delilah and Cameron spoke, the photo shoot at Rockefellar center progressed. Madonna's involvement in the shoot would be brief to allow her time to leave for rehersals and preparations for the gala/concert/fashion show at the Parthenon's grand ball room.>>

<< the scene was the stuff dreams were made of. fantastic sets, beautifull models, a frenzy of photographers, a driven director and crowds of onlookers being held at bay by police and barricades.>>

<< Mike was watching from a far. Having to look after Morgan and Ava was both a pleasurable task and a risky one...and rubbing elbows with Madonna was not something ANYONE could speak on casually. If he was star struck, he did a good job of not showing it.>>

<< as the photo shoot progressed, HALEIGH , who was now awake and functioning, was now preparing to leave with Zach to go to the cathedral to meet with the chaplain and Nicolas teleported to the photo shoot to contact Morgan on urgent business.>>

<< little did he know that he wasnt the ONLY one who would be responsible for cutting this photo shoot short.>>

<< Madonna, Liz Rosenburg and company had departed, after thanking Morgan once again and planning to see them later this evening. Morgan and Ava, along with the rest of the models were taking one last round of shots...the skies were clear...but nothing this good can last very long, can it?>>

Jill Monroe

06-15-2007, 05:23 PM

<< with Madonna having fullfilled her part in the photo shoot, she left early in typical diva celebrity fashion. Morgan was RELIEVED if only because NOW if something happened...Madonna would not be there and it would not be AS BAD since a celebrity of HER magnitude would not be directly involved.>>

<< after a brief recess and retouch, the models, along with morgan and ava resumed but as they were getting started, Morgan happened to turn her head and saw Nicolas. He was dapper as ever...but he looked VERY intent. For him to be here...looking directly at her from afar like THAT..it must be something serious. though her initial feeling was to ignore him outright, she knew that wasnt the RIGHT thing to do.>>

<< she looked at Ava and then the director.>>

Excuse me, I need to speak with Mr. King.

<< everyone there knew Nicolas to be Illustra's up and coming signature male super model. was he joining in on the shoot? no one knew, but as they took another recess, Morgan stepped down off the platform and made her way toward Nicolas.>>

Nicolas?

<< her movement toward him was halted by something totally unexpected...and PAINFULL.>>

OWW!!

Oracle

06-15-2007, 05:27 PM

<< A seagull DIVE BOMBS Morgan...making an almost predatory noise as it STRIKES her across the top of her head with deadly aim. Morgan stumbles as she cries out. having been WOUNDED by the seagull.>>

<< before she can truly recover though....more seagulls appear, diving down and ATTACKING the crowd and police. a camera man is blind sided across the face by a bird and falls to the ground, his camera crushing his face and killing him. another electrical man is is beseiged by seagulls who are attacking his ears and eyes...he falls screaming from his post and smashes into the fountain behind ava.>>

<< MORE seagulls arrive, attacking Ava...her hands, her neck, her face, her hair....they seem to focus on HER more than anything else...where others circle and swoop, striking at the panicking crowd. the wires from t he now dead electrical man fall free as well...touching the ground and hitting water, electrocuting several police and other security officials and some of the crowd, who have now scattered out into the streets are being HIT by cars who have no time to stop!>>

<< as the chaos spreads, more birds attack Ava. biting her face and beating her with their wings. Morgan, who has fallen to the ground and hit her head is now unconscious.>>

across town

<< Zach and a rather tipsy Haleigh, have made their way to St. Patrick's cathedral. as they arrive to park, there seems to be no one about. the church looks "closed" but because the knew their appointmenet was set for today, the felt confident about going in. when they arrive at the front entrance double doors....and enter in...they are greeted by a terrible odor in the air...as well as the sound of birds fluttering , the sound echoes and as they pass into the dim sanctuary, the see signs of violence. birds high above in the barrel vaulted ceiling and worst of all....the residing preist of the church....CRUCIFIED on the cross behind the alter at the front of the sanctuary. the Priest is badly slashed and cut...with stars in his hands and feet...he has a look of pain and terror in his eyes..but he too is dead. who could have done this? Haleigh and Zach have stumbled upon a GRIZZLY murder scene, while CHAOS breaks loose in the streets of manhattan.>>

Rampage

06-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Nicolas was relieved that he had now reached a stage with Morgan where he apparently could not be ignored. As she walked over to him, he began to lean forward to speak when a bird stuck Morgan in the head. HARD.

Morgan!!! Mike, I have something for you...

Nicolas moved as the carnage unfolded around them. He tore the electrical cables apart with his TK, cutting the juice to the equipment. He hoped that he had managed to save SOMEONE, almost everyone seemed to be badly hurt. He took advantage of the carnage to cause a large trunk to appear behind Mike. Mike turned and immediate snatched the case open, pulling a large can, two small fume masks and a mean looking rotating barrel shotgun. He slung the gun over his shoulder ad hustled over to Ava, putting on a mask and spraying the birds as he placed the mask loosely over her. The spray cut a swath through the avians as he sprayed, and he did so until the canister was empty, then tossed it aside.

Relax, Ava. I've got you covered. We will get you out of this.

Mike's face hardened as he pulled over his weapon. It was large and quite illegal, but necessary for this mission in his mind, and so got it from a friend of a friend of a friend after the first time he saw the damn birds. as he fired, the modified shotgun sprayed small energized pellets that shock anything it came in contact with, namely these birds. Anything that persevered after that got a bird of their own, namely the Desert Eagle he kept on his hip. He dropped two gulls with that as he continued to provide cover for Ava, risking his life as he did so...

Nic, I need you in the game. Fellas, provide cover!!!

Suddenly, a group of birds fell down, ensnared in a net from what seemed like nowhere. It was clear that Mike and his crew were on top of their game, but the birds were determined and as he fought, one finally dived for Ava too close for Mike to deter. he covered her up as the bird attacked. It tore savagely at his forearm that he held up for protection. He groaned but stayed focused as he used his other hand to beat it away.

While Mike went to Ava, Nicolas focused on helping the crowd as he caught Morgan. He engaged all brakes that he could reach quickly, hoping to stop the carnage in the street as he moved over towards Mike and Ava, cradling Morgan and erecting a shield as he went so that she would not be hit again...

Pam De Beaufort

06-16-2007, 01:24 AM

:: The photoshoot was going off without a hitch. Madonna was as gracious as ever, and ever so supportive of Ava's involvement in this charity event. All three woman seemed to hit it off. But just as Madonna left, the seemingly flawless day turned into a nightmare. Luckily the popstar wasn't there to expeirence it. ::

:: Posing along side of Morgan, Ava didn't notice Nicolas arrive. Striking a few poses, she felt Morgan pull away, causing Ava to look to her. She excused herself alerting Ava that she needed to speak to Nicolas.....Looking over seeing Nicolas' less than chipper expression, something had happened...or was about to happen. The photographer continued to shoot just Ava, but her focus was on Morgan and Nicolas, trying to hear over the commotion of fans, what Nicolas was about to say to Morgan. But just as Morgan met with him, a seagull came out of no where, plowing into Morgan! Ava's eyes widened as a flock of seagulls began to dive bomb the photoshoot, attacking everything in sight. Ava could feel the distress and viciousness of the birds overwhelm her head, causing her to flutter her eyes in discomfort. Knowing she couldn't use her powers in public, Ava b-lined it toward the stairs. But just before she could get off the stage, a dozen seagulls began to swarm and squack around her, pecking at her skin, fingers, chest, hair, face. Blood began to trickle down her white satin dress as she waved her arms trying to protect her face from the attacks. ::

:: Stumbling back, MORE birds began to flock around Ava, completely engulfing her. Falling to the stage, Ava screamed. Even with her pull over animals, she couldn't seem to control these birds. They were almost rabid; possessed even. The sharp beaks pecked and pulled at her skin, literally ripping pieces off, causing bloody and gastly gashes along her exposes skin and face. With her eyes shut tightly, Ava felt someone come to her aid. It was Mike. He quickly began to aid her, shooting sprays and guns to try and keep the birds at bay. But the more he fought them, the more they attacked. They seemed to be FOCUSING on Ava. As Mike covered her body with his own, Ava was out of breath; her entire body feeling like it was on fire. The birds began to peck Mike as they tried desperately to get to Ava. ::

"GO! Find cover! Quickly before more come!"

:: Ava instructed, pushing Mike up from the ground, directing him toward the stairs. With Mike off of her, only a few birds attacked him while the rest of the flock focused on Ava. Dragging herself along the stage while trying to fight them off, Ava gritted her teeth in pain as they continued to TEAR more flesh off of her body. Like she was some sort of carcus and they were hungry vultures. Seeing Mike make it down the stairs, Ava reached for his hand, her arm completely covered in blood and wounds. ::

:: Just then, a few birds --who were screetching and fluttering above a spot light used for the photoshoot-- managed to work together to KNOCK the light over right in the path of Ava! These birds knew EXACTLY what they were doing; this wasn't just a random attack. They were trying to KILL Ava. Collapsing backward as the light smashed between Ava and Mike, Ava's movements became less frantic. She was loosing strength from loss of blood. With her arms covering her head, she laid on the stage in a semi-fetal position. People screaming, birds screetching, cars crashing, and fluttering of wings were all Ava could hear as she slowly began to fade into unconciousness. ::

Jill Monroe

06-16-2007, 02:27 PM

<< that sharp, searing PAIN, before being knocked to the ground left Morgan K.O.'ed>>

<< the super model sorceress didnt see what happened next as seagulls angrily attacked the crowd, the staff and Ava. she didnt see the chaos and carnage being caused or how bravely Nicolas and Mike, along with their "Crew" sprang into action.>>

<< after the shock and the pain began to level, Morgan was now craddled by Nicolas, and she soon stirred back to consciousness thanks to the increased air flow and the extreme sounds of chaos. as she opened her eyes...she groaned with pain and realized she was in the strong arms of Nicolas..>>

oh...my...what...what hit me?

<< she spoke softly as she began to see and process the chaos>>

.....the birds........NO!!! I'M RUINED!!!

<<she cried out as she looked with dismay and dizzyness and realized that the shoot had been wrecked and ruined...that people had been killed...and that pandemonium was all around. screams, cars honking, birds screeching...but if she was with Nicolas, WHERE was Ava??

<< putting her hand to her forehead as she felt the blood, she knew she was wounded, but it was worse when she saw Ava being beseiged by the seagulls. she was down, currled up into a fetal position!>>

AVA!! Nicolas.... i have to help her!!

<< she didnt care right now if they saw her using her powers...as she struggled to get away from Nicolas' hold....she rushed forward, frantically slapping away birds, using some of her super strength to knock them away forcefully. her hands and arms were getting slashed and pecked at in the process. all the fluttering, the feathers, the screeching....what was once a normally LARGE area, now seemed so small and cramped. Morgan kept her head bowed and she ducked and covered as much as she could before reaching reaching ava. Morgan crouches down near Ava....covering her face with one hand and holding up her other>>

AWAY FROM HER!

<< using her power, a chime sounds off as a VIOLENT gust of wind sweeps through the area....forcing the birds back...blowing some away utterly. it HELPED but it was not nearly enough. Morgan, who was normally quite strong, was still shakey...and she...she NEEDED Nicolas.>>

Nicolas....help me!!

<< she HATED calling on a man for help, but she needed it. standing, struggling to help Persephone, Morgan continued to hit away some other more determined birds.>>

<< thanks to Nicolas' quick thinking, not many more people were being hit by traffic. traffic was now ground to a halt and the crowd was now getting a chance to disperse. Nicolas and Mike had done a valiant job....but the overall damage was done. Morgan was injured, Ava was badly hurt, and the photo shoot was now going to be the scene of a terrifying and freaky accident of nature that would probably spread like wildfire through the media.>>

<< as Morgan struggled to help Ava, she began to cry with dismay and with utter defeat. the first chance she got to work with her idol for a truly wonderfull cause...and now it would all be overshadowed by this. she was RUINED. at least she felt she was. several of her staff were now DEAD too!>>

Oracle

06-16-2007, 02:45 PM

<< Ava was RIGHT in her feeling about these birds. they WERE rabid with HATRED , driven by the HATRED of the woman who was now their mistress. Sharon Kelly, aka The Silver Swan.>>

<< as the seagulls delivered a shocking and devastating attack upon Ava, the staff of Illustra, the crowd and Morgan...Nicolas and Mike did their very best to help and while it made a HUGE difference in controlling the casualties, the damage was done.>>

<< as Morgan began to cry over what she knew was certain professional ruin and scandal, the birds, made a few last strikes in the area..before those of them that COULD, began to take their leave. many birds were now sedated or tranquilized, many others were dead, alongside their human victims. it was a horrid, bloody, damaged scene to behold.>>

<< while Nicolas and Mike helped Morgan and Ava and made a QUICK exit to Illustra where Karen , Delilah, Cameron and the medical facilities were at, Haleigh and Zach were just BEGINNING their own descent into a horrible encounter with the woman behind the bird attacks.>>

<< as they went further into the church, into the executive offices, they would find the offices ransacked, destroyed and more bodies. nuns, workers, the CHAPLAIN...all DEAD, with spinning stars lodged into their bodies at various areas...into the walls and other places. blood spattered and sprayed and file strewn about. the Chaplain had met an especially horrid death. in addition to having spinning stars lodged into his bady mutilated body...his EYES had been plucked out....by the birds perhaps? >>

<< Haleigh and Zach would find their own marraige application now pinned to the wall with a silver, metalloid dagger jammed through it. there birds of various species in here too....fluttering about as they watched the two humans.>>

<< WHO could have done this? Haleigh was about to find out...much to her and Zach's peril as they continued to search the area....reacting to what they saw and trying to gather ANY information or clues as to WHAT had taken place...what they were now being faced with.>>

<< reports of the bird attack at the photo shoot were now coming across media outlets at this moment and Haleigh would pick up on those two as she was investigating this grizzly murder scene.>>

Rampage

06-16-2007, 03:17 PM

As Nicolas carried Morgan, she wrestled away to get to Ava, slapping birds away as she went, then finally chiming a gust of wind. As she screamed back to him, asking for help (???!!!!!). He went to her, ignoring the attacks of the avians. Luckily the carnage covered for their use of powers, and he helped out by pushing the rest of the birds back as he rushed over.

Menwhile, Mike had grabbed two new shotguns and was emptying them with a vengeance into the birds that remained. He was tough, but a scene like this can definitely take its toll. Nicolas called to him, and after a moment he snapped out of his rage and grabbed Ava up, carrying her quickly back to the vehicle, Nicolas and Morgan close behind. For speeds sake, Nicolas picked Morgan back up and the men laid them both into the back of the car, opening the window to the back inside. As Mike drove, Nicolas manipulated the relays in the stoplights so as to guarantee a straight shot back to Illustra. Mike began yelling into his communicator.

Good motherfuckin' job, fellas!! I got two down over some goddamned birds. What the fuck were you-

That's enough Mike!! Everyone did their BEST!!! Guys, regroup at Illustra in a half hour.

Nicolas voiced boomed as he stopped Mike, grabbing his shoulder with a hand. As Mike looked over, his face was anguished. Morgan would notice the bond that these two shared as Nicolas helped out a friend.

She'll be fine. They BOTH will. Just get us home, OK?

Mike nodded as he lsitened to Nicolas and spoke one last time on the communicator.

Lost my head for a moment, people. Regroup for a debrief at Illustra in 20 minutes. Out.

Mike skidded into the driveway and the men stepped out almost before the car stopped. Each one grabbed a lady from the back and hurried to the elevator. Nicolas "helped" the elevator to the medical area more quickly and they stepped out, taking the ladies to adjacent stretchers.

Pam De Beaufort

06-16-2007, 06:44 PM

:: Ava could faintly hear Morgan screaming her name. Between the birds eating her like a filleted fish, the chaos of people screaming, and her own struggle to stay conscious, Ava could barely answer, yet alone yell for help. ::

"....Morgan.."

:: Morgan fought her way over to Ava's side, slapping the birds away frantically. Ava's body was covered in blood; deep gashes adorned her skin from the birds literally ripping her flesh away. The last thing Ava remembered was Morgan calling Nicolas for help and her starting to cry. Moving her hand on top of Morgan's, Ava squeezed it as tightly as she could to try and comfort her. It was a devastating blow to the photo shoot, but none of this could be blamed on Morgan. The media couldn't possibly twist this into tabloid story involving Illustra, Morgan, herself, or Madonna. To the rest of the world, it looked like a freak accidents. Birds going crazy and attacking. But to the six, they knew it was Sharon Kelly's doing. ::

:: The moment Nicolas and Mike arrived by their sides, Ava lost consciousness. Limp in Mike's arms, her blood stained his skin and clothing as he carried her to the limo. Laying her inside, Ava looked frail and ghostly from loss of blood. It was quite shocking for a woman who could control animals to be savagely attacked by them. It showed how truly powerful Sharon Kelly was with her sway over birds. ::

:: Finally pulling up to Illustra, both Mike and Nicolas carried a shaken Morgan and a badly injured Ava to the elevators and to the medical floor. Ava's once beautiful white dress was stained with different shades of red blood and tattered from the acidic nature of her blood. Mike would have burns along his exposed skin from touching her as well. Unconscious, Ava needed medical attention immediately. ::

Rampage

06-16-2007, 08:09 PM

Mike laid Persephone on the gurney and, as he turned to go to the cabinet, he noticed it. BURNING, on his flesh. It didn't take long to realize that one special thing about this sweetheart was that her blood had a pH of less than 1.

He immediately tore off his shirt and ran water over his arms, which took the brunt of the actual skin-to-skin contact. He washed his arms with antibacterial soap to kill the germs and neutralize the acid. It still hurt like hell, but he would live.

Mike felt like warmed -over shit, but turning back he realized it was much better than how Ava must have felt. She was unconcscious and her vitals weren't strong. He cut her dress away (leaving as much modesty as he could) and washed her wounds, placing some iodine in them. he opened a smelling salt and waved it under Ava's nose. She was damned pale, but he still bet that she recovered much more quickly than your typical person. ANYONE whose tissues could survive that type of blood had to be impressive.

C'mon girl. You were just warming to me a bit. No time to die today. Nic, time for that education to come in handy...

**********************************

As for Nicolas, he took a smelling salt and waved it under Morgan's nose. She was woozy, but she had taken much less damage than Ava. Hell, she had taken maybe less than Mike, who was running on fumes in spite of his frantic energy. Nicolas knew that Mike would be next on a gurney, but that it would be a battle to get him there unless he could verify that Ava was OK. He turned as Mike called for him.

The key is Morgan. I am working with her. Once she is more herself, we should be able to get her to heal herself AND Ava.

<<<turns back to Morgan>>>

Morgan, honey? Look at me!! It's Nicolas. This is not your fault. We WILL get through this, but I need you to snap back into it. Ava needs your help...

Pam De Beaufort

06-16-2007, 09:00 PM

:: Ava's acidic blood was less potent when she was unconscious, which made Mike a very lucky man. When she's conscious, her blood could literally burn through flesh within seconds, seering the bone. It was even powerful enough to burn metal. So for Mike to be standing there alive, let alone attempting to treat Ava, was a miracle really. ::

:: Mike waved some smelling salt under Ava's nose, causing her to inhaled quickly, and jarr her awake. Rolling her sapphire eyes open, the bright lights above burned her sensetive eyes, causing her to close them sleepily. Rolling her head to the side, she hissed in pain, disturbing the raw wounds along her neck. Closing her eyes tightly, her body felt numb at the places the birds focuses on the most. Such as her arms and legs. However the wounds along her torso, neck, and face were excruciating. ::

"Oh my God."

:: Managing to muster out a few words, her voice was laced with pain as it cracked horsely. Opening her eyes once more, her blurred vision was gone and she could see perfectly. Noticing Mike standing next to her, and Nicolas next to an upset Morgan, Ava barely managed to shake her head, indicating Mike to stay away from her. ::

"Don't touch me."

:: She said sharply, noticing the minor burns along his bare torso and arms. ::

"My blood...it--it'll burn through your skin. It's more po--[wincing in pain] potent now that i'm awake."

:: A few of her wounds continued to bleed, while the others seem to have clotted from Mike's assistance. Painfully rolling her head to look at Morgan, Ava shut her eyes for a moment, finding it taxing to speak. ::

"Is she alright?"

Rampage

06-16-2007, 09:18 PM

As Ava motioned for Mike to step back, she indicated that her blood was even MORE potent when she was awake. He moved quickly away, noting to himself that he would need to purchase protective gear in Nitrile for this eventuality in the future. He did NOT like to be surprised, and he would not be the next time with this. As she asked about Morgan, he spoke to her.

Morgan is fine, she simply needs to take a moment. But for yourself, relax a minute. I just got you awak-

Mike fell backwards towards the floor. His own woulds had not yet clotted and, combined with the damage he took carrying Ava, he finally gave in after convincing himslef of ava's recovery. Nicolas was actually waiting for this to happen and moved him over to the next gurney. Nicolas spoke to Ava.

They both will be fine. Morgan should be up and at 'em quite soon and Mike just needs rest for now.

<<Nicolas spoke into a communicator much like Mike's.>>

Team, set up a perimeter and wait for further instructions.

Pam De Beaufort

06-16-2007, 10:28 PM

:: Mike wisely moved back, taking Ava's warning seriously. Smart man, indeed. Looking to Nicolas, as he began to speak, Mike unexpectedly collapsed to the floor, causing Ava to instinctively lift herself onto her elbows to see if he was okay. But, unfortunately, Ava's wounds were far too raw for her to do anything but lay still. Crying out, she stopped moving and shut her eyes tightly. Damn birds and their damn vendetta against her. Why HER anyway? If this was a MysTech related attack, why did they focus souly on her (for the most part) instead of attacking Morgan and Nicolas in the same fashion. It didn't make sen-- ::

"Sharon..."

:: Ava murmured, cutting her own thoughts off. If somehow Sharon had sway over these birds, it made perfect sense as to why the birds were trying to kill Ava more than anyone else. Sharon Kelly and the Cassadines had a long standing feud, so Sharon wanting Ava dead was like peanut butter and jelly. It just fit together. ::

:: Sucking in a shallow breath, Ava began to push herself up off the gureny, clenching her teeth in pain. The thin white cloth covering the gurney had dried to her wounds, causing it to pull painfully off. Finally sitting up onto her elbows, she looked to Nicolas. ::

"We need to alert everyone to return to Illustra immediately. I have a feeling that Sharon is behind the bird attacks. Everyone's....vulnerable out in the open."

Shadow Weaver

06-17-2007, 01:57 AM

<< the doors to the med lab parted open and Karen rushed in, wearing her regal black "flying suit" and with a look of urgency on her face.>>

Morgan!!

<< she called out as she saw her daughter who was clearly beside herself. Karen rushed over to the table where her daughter lay, taking one of Morgan's hands into her own as she looked up at Nicolas.>>

I know what happened, i felt my daughter's distress. If you had not come sooner, i was going to come THERE and pull you all out with a mass transit spell.

<< she looked over at Ava, her eyes widened with dismay at the sight of the young woman, and then to Mike and even Nicolas.>>

oh my stars....

<< she said with pained tone.>>

Morgan: MOM!!!

<< Morgan wailed....clearly she was beside herself...>>

Morgan: the birds...my models...my staff...AVA...everyone....

Karen: shhhhh !! SHHH!!

<< Looking up at the ceiling for a moment, Karen looked so upset herself...no mother liked to see their child in such a state of panic and with Ava badly hurt along with Mike and Nicolas looking worse for the wear, Karen had to do something and fast. there was so much blood, so much distress!>>

<< trying to comfort her daughter, Karen stroked looked down.>>

It's allright, honey, mommy's here and I'll make it better.

<< her tone was comforting but there was a hint of coldness to it, probably her own attempt to mask the distress she was feeling.>>

She's not going to be able to do anything right now. She's in shock!

<< Karen moved to the center of the room.>>

I'll use one of my spells.......

<< holding her hands up to her chest area, a rushing, harp sound is heard as she gestures and weaves a pattern of power, soon, a sparkling golden sphere shimmers into view right in front of her chest. she opens her eyes and holds her hands up toward the ceiling as if she were lifting up an offering and the globe follows her direction, rising up and now floating above the room in the center, growing still.>>

<< as she continues to gesture, turning her up lifted hands in a circular motion, the globe, now far larger and emitting a calming, slowly pulsing glow, begins to release a sparkling, golden haze all around the room. there's the faint sound of chiming energy that flows through the air as the golden sparkling mist touches the bodies and hearts of those in this room wounded by the birds today.>>

with the power of love and healing
as only a mother could give
with each passing moment
let your wounds...be healed.

<< the globe grows brighting and the mist sparkles even more so as Morgan, Nicolas, Mike and Ava first experience a calming, cooling sensation that causes their bodies to instinctively breathe easily more deeply. wounds are slowly but thoroughly reversed and bodies are restored, a sense of calm washes over them as well as their bodies are completely repaired. even Ava, who would find herself restored to full vigor...and Morgan, whose wound was healed, was now able to rest in Nicolas' arms.>>

<< Karen finished the spell, and lowered her hands and as she did so, another rushing sound was heard as the globe vanished and the mist slowly faded.>>

everyone of you is now healed...

<< she said with a rather grim look on her face as she went over to Ava, checking her pulse and then her neck, and eyes.>>

Ava....you endured the worst of the attack, i just want to make sure that your body processed the effects of the spell completely.

<< Karen's thoughts were divided between checking them over, and wanting to rush over and hold her daughter in her arms. She knew Morgan was devastated about the shoot being ruined by THIS..not to mention the loss of several young models and staff. This was Ava's first venture into the fashion world...and what a trauma to have to endure too.>>

Thank the goddess you and mike were there Nicolas....if not for you...my little girl and ava could have been killed!! I can't thank you ENOUGH for being there...and risking your lives.

<< as Ava spoke about Sharon quite possibly being the power behind the birds, Karen wondered....could it have really reached that deep into Sharon's physiology? the genetic manipulation that she must have endured? Haleigh gained mechanical empathy following HER brutal experimentation by Christopher Victory and Adam Chandler, so it was quite possible.>>

What other explanation could there be??

<< for the others...Karen spoke on that as well.>>

Delilah and Cameronn are still inside Illustra, but as for Haleigh and Zach, last time i checked, Haleigh was ....getting drunk in her apartment.

<< Haleigh and Zach didnt inform Karen that they had left for St. Patricks cathedral.>>

Jill Monroe

06-17-2007, 02:17 AM

<< after doing her best to help her friend, Morgan wanted to pass out from shock and panic. Nicolas carried her away once more to the limo and once inside, she began to grow listless, the wound in her head , coupled with hitting her head on the ground had left her feeling more than a little disoriented and her burst of adrenaline to help ava was all she had left.>>

the birds....i'm ruined....i'll never .....ava....models...

<< back at Illustra, Morgan was still beside herself, inconsolable as Nicolas tried to help her get ahold of herself.>>

<< Karen appeared and Morgan her mother, calling out for her as Karen rushed to her daughter's side and took hold of her. >>

Karen: shhh! SHHHH!!! it's allright honey, mommy's here. I'll make it better!

<< Morgan was filled with grief, shock and anguish, the sight of Ava being so savagely attacked...it had horrified Morgan, and her need to save Ava gave her that last final burst of energy, but after that...it was all down hill. had it not been for Nicolas and Mike....there's no telling WHAT would have happened.>>

<< Morgan tried to keep her mother close but Karen pulled away, Moving to the center of the room and soon, as her mother activated a healing spell, Morgan felt herself...her body calming, allowing her to breathe deeply and settle. her wound began to heal, the effects of her concussion were negated as well. Morgan's eyes were now longer dialated or looking wild with fear.>>

mom.....

<< she craned her neck to get a look at ava, to see that she too was healed. she sighed with relief as she felt herself in Nicolas' arms...>

Nicolas...

<< she reached her hand to his.>>

tha...thank you for helping me....i dont know why you were there, but i'm so glad that you were.

<< Morgan was not accustomed to saying such things to a man, but she felt this, she MEANT IT with her heart and she felt safe with him near her.>>

<< Karen came over and embraced her daughter....>>

Oh mom....it was awful.... ava....so many of my models.....my team.....so many OTHERS.

they just came out of NOWHERE!

<< Morgan was calm now, a little weary but that was to be expected. Ava suggested the possibility of Sharon and Karen, based on her memories of her ex husband and adam chandler, seemed to offer validation to the suspicion that sharon kelly was the power behind those birds.>>

......if she can command the birds....then there's no telling HOW MUCH power she may have now...if her power matches the HATRED that Cameron said he felt when he saw her image....

<< It hurt Morgan to her core...she couldnt continue with the thought. Karen accounted for everyone...>>

But Alycia is still out there....what if the birds have gotten HER too?

<< she was about to sit up... she didnt know that Cameron had made contact with Alycia and THAT was why Nicolas had appeared at the photo shoot in the first place.>>

we need to find her...and bring her back here! i dont care if she agrees or NOT. we have to keep everyone safe until we can find Sharon and at least CONTAIN HER..even if we have to render her UNCONSCIOUS to do it!

Rampage

06-17-2007, 03:07 AM

As Nicolas stood torn between these three, unsure of what to do, Karen Victoria came in like a refreshing whirlwind, managing to reach Morgan a bit, then heal the lot of them.

Nicolas was in pretty good a shape as it was, but he felt so relaxed and refreshed after the healing spell. His mind was much clearer, and he held onto Morgan as she thanked him for being there.

I was where I was supposed to be, sweetheart.

************************

Mike felt his body energize with the spell. he felt better than he did getting out of bed this morning. He sprung quickly to his feet and walked over to Ava to cover her with a robe, for modesty's sake. as he looked away from her while covering her up, he spoke to his team.

Team, I'm back in it. Protect Illustra at all costs from avian attack, formation Sigma. Go full Kevlar and goggles. I know it's hot, but it will protect you from those damn birds. Out.

<<<looks to Karen>>>

Thank you, Dr. Victoria. I apologize for not having done more...

*******************************

As the team put together the connection between Sharon and the birds, Ava suggested that they all come together for protection, with Morgan suggetsing that they find and retrieve Alycia at any costs as well. Nicolas immediately made the call.

To everyone who can hear me, meet at the War Room ASAP. We need to stick together in order to survive what is to come.

Suddenly Nicolas stopped. He turned to Dr. Victoria.

Do you know if Haleigh and Zach had a meeting anywhere? I cannot reach them. That means that they are not close on site at ALL. As for Alycia...

<<<turns to Morgan>>>

Rick Riley has her. That is what I was coming to tell you. Cameron found her mind, we simply needed to locate the body so we could send a team to get her. She is being held by Rick Riley as bait, and as of when I came to get you, she was fine.

Shadow Weaver

06-17-2007, 03:26 AM

<< standing on the other side of the table where Morgan lay, being held by Nicolas, Karen held one of of her daughter's hands. As Mike thanked her and apologized for not being able to do MORE, Karen shook her head.>>

If you were facing the power and wrath of whom we all suspect is behind this attack, you did MORE than most men could have in that situation. Even Ava, whose own abilities afford her a rapport and dominion over animals, could not control these birds. Sharon's will superceeded that and THAT means...that her power is considerable....and DRIVEN by her hatred.

<< she looked over at Ava, still a bit concerned that this attack could have left mental trauma in the young woman's mind, but she was almost certain Ava would shut her out as Haleigh always did.>>

<< Nicolas asked about Haleigh and Zach.>>

I don't know..honestly. I stopped dealing with Haleigh after the session the other day. I HAD to. I checked on her briefly this morning, but discreetly so. Whatever you and Delilah did last night...it has allowed her to return to seemingly normal functioning levels.

<< she paused for a moment.>>

Computer....are Haleigh Davidoff and Zachary Armani in Illustra?

Computer: ::in a voice that sounded suspiciously like an electronica ALISON:: negative. Haleigh Davidoff and Zachary Armani are not in Illustra they departed an hour ago.

<< Karen shakes her head.>>

That answers THAT question. BUT at the very least...they are TOGETHER and their chances of being able to send a distress call if the worse case occurs is greater that way.

If Morgan feels up to it, she can use her scrying glass to locate them visually.

<< on the subject of Alycia>>

Bait? Rick Riley certainly has gotten UNORIGINAL since his last outing. He spent time studying Alycia ...as he does his other targets. He knows about her, and he knows she's got TELEPATHS among her contacts. If she managed to try to contact Cameron, he's probably made sure that she doesnt get the chance to do that again. Based on what i know of him...his profile, the effects he had on Sharon and Alycia from the LAST TIME....i believe that he won't attempt to dispose of Alycia until he ALSO has Haleigh in his grasp.

<< looking among them>>

Sharon Kelly is NOT the enemy...so to speak... she may be another , more refined version of the Super Soldier gone awry. She's out there...and we know she's after Haleigh but RICK is most likely somewhere...still watching...still somehow manipulating...he'll use Sharon and he'll find a way to get to Haleigh as well...no matter WHAT we do.

Jill Monroe

06-17-2007, 03:37 AM

<< despite her spat with Nicolas last night, Morgan felt glad to be in his arms, and near him again. her heart beat with secret happiness but there was still a sliver of shame lurking in her heart...knowing that she'd needed the help of a MAN to save herself and her friend. NEVERMIND that this was a truly extraordinary circumstance, she always felt SHE had the power to protect herself and those she loves without the help of a man. she learned different today and though she was truly greatfull and relieved..she was also a bit embarrassed.>>

<< with Nicolas holding her and her mother holding one of her hands, Morgan sat up a bit. still resting on Nicolas and clutching her mother's hand as well.>>

Ava....

<< Morgan looked over to her friend.>>

I can't tell you how relieved I am that you're allright now. When i saw the birds attacking you...it made me sick to my stomach...i just couldnt BELIEVE IT. I wasnt strong enough to blow them all away like i wanted but i had to come back for you and do what i could, at least to allow Nicolas and Mike the chance to get us out of there.

<< a look of regret washed over her face.>>

You endured alot of jeers today at that photoshoot, and then you went through THIS. I didnt want this to happen to you...you were injured...and i LOST at least 3 young models today to this terrible occurence.

I hope you can forgive me.

<< Morgan felt it necessary to apologize. to have anyone under her leadership be hurt or killed...it was something she couldnt just process as a "necessary evil".>>

<< on the subject of Haleigh and Zach.>>

Yes, i can try to find them with the scrying glass. Haleigh doesnt have magick powers, so she wont be able to hide from my spells.

<< as Karen spoke about Rick Riley, Morgan looked at her mother. Nicolas revealed that Alycia was alive, and reasonably well but still captured by Rick.>>

Maybe he wants to recreate the scene from the Cell ...from the LAST time. if he's after Haleigh, then he needs Alycia AND Sharon in the same room as well. But would have have presided over Sharon's transformation if he knew he would lose control of her, like mystech lost control of the super soldier?

We have to find Alycia..and SHARON...we HAVE to capture her before she hurts or kills other people. even if i have to carry her to LIMBO where she couldnt harm anyone ...at least it would give me TIME to figure out what to DO to FIX her....and once we've done THAT...we can deal with Rick Riley ONCE and for ALL!

<< Morgan had no idea just how many people Sharon had ALREADY killed. it wasnt QUITE clear that she was responsible for the deaths of the men in the cell..but Nicolas might have suspected what Cameron now knew.>>

I think Ava is in just as much danger as Haleigh is, with Sharon out on the loose. If Sharon is commanding the birds...and she hates Haleigh...then AVA, the daughter of Stavros, ANOTHER long standing foe of Sharon's when she was a senator would make a logical target as well.

<< Morgan contemplated putting Ava under "house arrest' for her own protection. she didnt want to see this happen to Ava again.>>

Rampage

06-17-2007, 02:36 PM

Nicolas listened as Morgan spoke of what she was thinking about the situation with Sharon. He gave instructions to Mike.

I have your gear ready. Suit up. Ava is your SOLE responsibility. The crew knows their role, and we need to keep her safe. She is definitely a target of Sharon's, and given what we saw at the cell plus what I saw last night, you will definitely need that Kevlar to survive.

<<He turns to Morgan>>

The question now is what is next. I believe that if Haleigh is not here, she is a sitting duck. We need to get her next. Alycia is bait. Therefore, she is safe for the moment as Riley contemplates his next move. At full strength, especially now that Haleigh has a momentary reprieve from Mystech's interference, we can then decide whether to find Sharon or to go after Riley. Or even HOW to do that.

Nicolas waited to hear Morgan's opinion. He had forgotten that he had not spoken to her about his vision or the fact that Cameron seemed to know about it, which indicated a shared vision of some sort.

Pam De Beaufort

06-17-2007, 02:50 PM

:: Karen rushed into the medical bay, moving to her daughter immediately. Slowly closing her eyes, even that seemed to be painful to do. It really upset Ava that she wasn't able to control those birds. She had always been so strong in communicating with them and helping them understand not to be afraid or harm someone. It was a bit unnerving for the goddess to become a victim to an animal attack... ::

:: Karen moved to the center of the room and cast a healing spell. Ava's eyes were still closed as the warmth and calmness of the spell weaved around her body, healing her wounds. Now, instead of a bloodied heap, her skin was flawless and beautiful. Opening her eyes with relief, she still felt drained of energy. She wasn't sure if it was emotional or physical. ::

"Thank you Doctor."

:: Speaking softly, Ava's voice was still a bit horse from the attack. Noticing Mike come over and place a robe on Ava, she gave him a smile. It was a sweet gesture, even though Ava had no problem being naked in front of anyone. She grew up in Ancient Greece; nudity wasn't as taboo as it is these days. ::

:: Pushing herself up into a sitting position, Ava tied the robe around her securly as Karen continued to check her vitals. ::

"I'm fine. Really."

:: She felt fine physically, but she was still a bit shaken up over the attack. Looking to Morgan, who was nearly on the brink of a nervous breakdown, looked much better. She was still very emotional over what happened, which was completely understandable. Hanging her head, Ava shut her eyes as everyone began to talk about Rick Riley holding Alycia captive, and Haleigh and Zach not being at Illustra. It made Ava sick to her stomach in worry. Not just for Haleigh, but for Morgan having to face the possibility of 'taking out' Sharon. Not to mention her own involvement in this mess. ::

:: Ava was very quiet as everyone spoke, almost 'zoned out' of the conversation. Hearing Morgan say her name, Ava opened her eyes and looked up. She began to apologize for what had happened, in which Ava immediately shook her head dismissing it. ::

"It's not your fault, Morgan; you did everything you could. Don't blame yourself for a situation that you had no control over. Those birds....they were rabid with hatred. I could....[lifting her hand to her chest] FEEL them, their desire to kill. And I couldn't stop it--stop them. I don't--"

:: Stopping mid sentence, she craned her neck back and looked up at the ceiling, starting to feel the emotional after effects of the attack. Not to mention the backlash of the people from the photo shoot. Ava was used to being hated, and quite frankly, she could care less about what people thought about her. But for her to be supporting a wonderful cause, and to have people screaming horrible comments about her, it just didn't sit well with the goddess. She felt horrible and slightly guilty for causing such controversy. It seemed to overshadow WHY the three woman were there. ::

"I don't know. I--I need to call Haleigh. Tell her to come back here before she gets attacked."

:: Looking to Nicolas, Ava firmly shook her head at his suggestion. ::

"No. I don't want to see someone innocent get hurt because of my involvment in this. I'll be fine, Nicolas....I know what to expect now."

Jill Monroe

06-17-2007, 03:18 PM

<< Morgan agreed, getting Haleigh back FIRST was the most important thing. she slowly sat fully upright, still holding her mother's hand and slowly removing her other hand from Nicolas' hand.>>

Ava, I'll use my scrying glass to locate Haleigh. I can get to her fast with a disc and pull her out wherever she is. But i don't want YOU to go anywhere right now.

<< she felt that having Persephone remain HERE was the best thing.>>

We're going to have to be ready for media scrutiny...and I need you to call Liz Rosenburg and Madonna too. They werent THERE for the attack but Madonna's name will still be linked to this. we need to have OUR media teams ready to do damage control....but most importantly, i dont want you going out there..not while the birds are out there...you could be hurt again, and if Sharon appears this time and we're not here, she wont hesitate to murder Mike or anyone ELSE trying to protect you. Delilah, Cameron and my mother are here...THAT will give Ava AND Mike a strong defense if Sharon attacks Illustra herself.

I've....come up with a plan to capture Sharon. I know what can be done to make sure she is contained without hurting or killing her...and then, I WILL send her to Limbo to hold her there until we can figure out to reverse what has been done to her. no matter how powerfull she's become...she couldnt take out an endless army of demons.

We're functioning off the logical assumption that Rick will hold Alycia in good condition until he can try to capture Haleigh as well....so we have some time. but we still dont know what OTHER tricks he may have up his sleeve. PIPELINE was never confirmed dead...

<< Pipeline, another thug from the Cell during its hey day, the teleporting mutant who could move through cyberspace, data streams, ethernet chords..any computer/technological related source of energy was a "high way" for this mutant and he could convert his passengers into binary codes or data streams in order to teleport them with him as well. it was how Rick rounded up his victims that LAST TIME round. Alison and Delilah had seemingly destroyed him the last time...but there was no way to CONFIRM that.>>

I'll go to my area of consecration now and begin to search for Haleigh. Ava, you try calling her, WARN her and tell her I'm coming to retrieve her.

<< slipping off the table, Morgan walked over ot Ava...and in a surprising move, she hugs her new found business colleague, team mate and friend.>>

I'm so glad you're okay.....

<< she looked at Ava.>>

I want to do everything i can to keep ALL of us safe...and to save Sharon...she didnt ask for this...to be turned into what she is now and though you may have a "past"....so do I with the Inferno....nearly all of us have SOMETHING we could/should be ashamed of but we've also all had the benefit of second chances. I'm going to stand by you through this media storm...even if people turn against me. it's the right thing to do...and its what i do for my friends.

<< in this moment, Spellbinder may have seemed more and more like Darkchilde to Persephone. Persephone had witnessed the Inferno in MoE's timeline...it came about through different circumstances but DC didnt KILL anyone of her own during it, so the guilt and shame Morgan carried....it HAD to be a tremendous burden....much like DC's guilt and anguish over the decimation of MoE by the original Dire Wraiths. >>

<< taking mike's hand..>>

Thank you for being so brave, Mike. for risking your LIFE for Ava. You and Nicolas both. we're...not used to men of such courage and valor.

<< Turning to her mother...>>

Mom, when you're finished checking them over....send Nicolas to my penthouse please.

<< and with that, Morgan left, finding her way to the elevators on the security floor and taking one up to the 107th floor....after a fast , refreshing shower and teleporting the now tatted donna karan dress away, Morgan was now in her new costume>>

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/alltoofair/Goblynqueen.jpg

<< she looked calm and focused as she now stood within her area of consecration, the place where her magickal talismans, the darkhold book of spells and the scrying glass were housed. standing in front of the large, mystical lens, Spellbinder slowly moves her hands in a ritualistic pattern as she weaves darkling energies and focuses them to her will. the scrying glass begins to slowly glow and pulsate of a blue hue, a soft humming sound can be heard in the air as well. she reaches out across time and space...forward and backward through time to search for Haleigh Davidoff and Zachary Armani.>>

Oracle

06-17-2007, 03:32 PM

<< even the best laid plans can come too little, too late. as Morgan, Ava, Nicolas and Mike recovered from the shocking and devastating bird attack at Rockefellar Center Plaza, with help from Dr. Karen Victoria, there was still the matter of the fall out. Several models were dead, as were several police and other staff involved in the event. people in the crowd had been killed as well. it was as if Nature herself had become a terrorist. but someone would find a way to blame, Morgan or Madonna...and ESPECIALLY Ava for it. some religious radical or some paranoid person with a media outlet. Illustra Inc. and Cassadine Enterprises were ALREADY beginning to look shakey on the stock market as wild exaggerated accounts of the situation flowed through various circles.>>

<< Ava would contact Liz Rosenburg to help coordinate a damage control effort. Since Liz and Madonna had no idea of Ava or Morgan's identities in the Six, the women were not at risk of being attacked by Sharon Kelly....at least in theory.>>

<< Morgan was now in her newly designed costume, working her magicks in front of her Scrying Glass attempting to locate Haleigh and get her BACK before SHE became a victim. If AVA experienced such a brutal assault, think how much WORSE it would be for the true object of the Silver Swan's insane hatred?>>

<< What Morgan and the others didnt know, was that Haleigh was now FIRMLY entrenched in the trap laid by Sharon at St. Patrick's cathedral and that getting her back would NOT be easy...not one bit.>>

Rampage

06-17-2007, 04:02 PM

Mike was embarrased at the level of thanks he recieved for doing what he was there for. As Ava tried to refuse his future assistance in terms of protection, he shook his head vigorously. He had changed bottoms quickly after washing off in the sink and was putting on his new outer tunic, lining the belt with weapons and clips. The trunk was behind him and he pulled out a wrist cover that he put on his left wrist and a large pistol that he put in a hoster on his right thigh.

You can either allow me to accompany you and help Ms. Cassadine, or you can go your own way and know that I will still be shadowing you. The choice is yours.

Mike was very no-nonsense in his declaration, honed through years of command. Who Ava walked with was her decision. Who watched her back was HIS.

******************************

Nicolas listened as Morgan resumed command. He was impressed with her ability to bounce back and, once Karen finished checking him over rubbing his head and basically mothering him to death, he teleported to his bathroom, where a quick shower and change ensued. He wore his traditional battlepants and large strap to hold his axe.

Nicolas next went up to Morgan's penthouse and walked inside. She was apparently expecting him, and he walked up as she was doing her work. Bowing deeply, he spoke to Morgan.

Madame sorceress, to what do I owe this particular honor?

Knowing that everyone was Ok for the moment had somewhat restored Nicolas' good humor, so he tried to cheer Morgan up a bit. He waited to hear what she had to say to him.

Jill Monroe

06-17-2007, 04:34 PM

<< Morgan didnt turn around. she could use the scrying glass as an excuse NOT to have to look at Nicolas at this point, but she felt his presence behind her.>>

Thank you for taking are of Tinkerbell last night. I know she stayed with you. She would often visit Delilah or Alison when i was not here. My kitties seem to have taken a liking to you...Siamese dont typically show such affections like that to more than one or two people.

<< she continued on with her scrying magick, still facing the mystic lens.>>

I want you to know, that this hasnt been easy for me...but YOU don't make it any easier. I was convinced you were out to hurt or kill Sharon...but now, I'm not so sure and NOW it's not so easy for me to be upset with you.

<< she still kept her back turned.>>

Ive never met a man who could stay in my mind the way you do. even a PSI SCREEN doesnt protect against this.

<< it was her own icy way of saying she had been thinking of NIcolas, even after their tift.>>

I believe we can work together to keep Haleigh safe and rehabiltate Sharon. BUT no matter how i may feel about you..i WONT have you hurting her. All we have to do is get Haleigh AWAY from her and then contain her.

I just want to be CLEAR about that. The Six FAILED to save her from Master Mold...and now she's back...without her choosing. If she has a chance to LIVE again even post this transformation, i want to ensure she gets to take advantage of that chance.

<< she continued to focus on her mystic lens, as she searched for Haleigh.>>

I don't want to lose Haleigh either, but for some reason, i feel like SHARON would be more receptive to my help than Haleigh would be. I know that's harsh..but i have nothing but HISTORY to go on.

Rampage

06-17-2007, 05:07 PM

Nicolas listened as Morgan spoke to him about the current situation. He smiled as she spoke of Tinkerbell and the kitty. But his smile faded a bit as she insisted on saving Sharon as the prime option. He understood, even appreciated, her stance on the situation. But he could still see her flayed flesh from his vision, and he responded to her warmly.

I realize that my...methods of analysis are cold at times. It is a curse of the scientist in me, as well as a by-product of the way I have...coped with father's death. When he died, a more empathic part of me died in a way also. But...

Nicolas stepped forward and stood beside Morgan, taking her hand.

...when I am with you, even though it drives me mad at times, I feel that part of me living again. That is why I was stung when you misread my intentions. Sharon is your friend and a friend of my father's, as well as an innocent victim here. I would risk my life to try to save her, if for no one else's sake then for YOURS, Morgan.

Nicolas nodded and stepped back a bit, releasing her hand. His last words he kept to himself, and his eyes were sad.

But I will not sacrifice YOU for her. I would rather have you hate me and live, than feel the way you do today and die. If it comes to that, then I will bear that burden.

Pam De Beaufort

06-17-2007, 05:53 PM

:: Morgan insisted Ava stayed at Illustra while she went to retrieve Zach and Haleigh. She absolutely hated being the 'vulnerable victim', or have people treat her that way. She wanted to get out there and help. To make sure her sister was safe. To find Alycia and hopefully help Sharon. ::

"Morgan--"

:: Sighing out, Ava nodded her head, agreeing to stay at Illustra. Slipping off the gurney, Ava looked like she was swimming in the robe that Mike had given her. It was rather large...and frumpy looking. Not exactly something that would be sold at Vicotira's Secret. ::

"I'll call Haleigh, but if she's drunk...the odds of her answering her phone, or even having it with her, are slim to--"

:: Completely taken aback at Morgan's impromptu hug, Ava stopped in mid sentence, looking like she wasn't quite sure what to do. She was extremely close to Darkchilde. They were sisters and best friends. She trusted her with her life. And it was always slightly strange being around Morgan, who looked exactly like Darkchilde, and not having that same 'connection'. It was partly her fault, of course, by keeping everyone at an arms length for so long, but in this moment, Ava actually saw Morgan as MORGAN, and not as the counter part of Darkchilde. She saw a friend, and it was nice. Embracing her back, Ava smiled softly as they pulled away. ::

"I'm glad you're okay, Ava"

"I'm glad you're okay, too."

:: She knew everyone on this team weren't saints. They had all done things in their past that were horrible at one time or another (Delilah may be an exception to that however ;)), but Ava seemed to have the darkests of paths. As both Persephone and Ava. If it wasn't Persephone's past biting her in the ass, it was Ava's involvement with the six's mortal enemy. She knew if certain secrets were revealed, her new found 'acceptence' into the six could be short lived. It was a troubling thought, but she kept it to herself. ::

I want to do everything i can to keep ALL of us safe...and to save Sharon...she didnt ask for this...to be turned into what she is now and though you may have a "past"....so do I with the Inferno....nearly all of us have SOMETHING we could/should be ashamed of but we've also all had the benefit of second chances. I'm going to stand by you through this media storm...even if people turn against me. it's the right thing to do...and its what i do for my friends.

"I know, and i'm glad that my second chance can be with the six. I really appriciate you sticking by me....having someone dependable has been few and far between for me over the years. Be careful."

:: Morgan addressed her mother before she left to scry for Haleigh and Zach. Glancing to Mike, who addressed her in an ultimatum-type fashion, Ava raised a single eye brows before approaching him. ::

"Brave man, you are. The last man who gave me an ultimatum ended up with both his heads pinned to the wall."

:: Smirking, Ava patted Mike on the chest as she passed him. It was a friendly warning, making sure Mike knew Ava was quite the opposite of a 'damsel in distress'. She appriciated his help with the birds, but she didn't need a bodygaurd. Regardless, she would much prefer him tagging along with her than 'stalking' her in the shadows and possibly being caught in a crossfire. ::

"Well, lets go then. I have some phone calls to make."

Rampage

06-17-2007, 07:42 PM

Mike raised his eyebrow in response as Ava came over to him, patting his chest. Her warning was a subtle as a load of bricks, but she still made Mike feel like a million bucks as she did so. He chuckled a bit as he responded.

Of that , Ms. Cassadine, I am most certain. "Cowboy mode" has been officially suspended. Pardon ME. Ahem.

<<straightens his expression>>>

May I PLEASE accompany you on your quest?

As Ava motioned to him, he opened the door for them as they departed.

Jessica Hamby

06-17-2007, 08:03 PM

Haleigh giggled as Zach drove to meet the chaplain.... she had let Zach talk her into forgoing stopping by the photoshoot.... which was necessary because she wasn't in any condition to be seen by papparazzi and professionals alike, but BAD because she would not be there to help fend off the attack plaguing the event. Zach pulled the Aston Martin up to an eerily vacant cathedral, and Haleigh's happy countenance dropped immediately....

"Something seems.... wrong." She said, as Zach helped her out of the car.... He tried to ask her a question but she cut him off. "Shh!"

Z:"What, you smell blood on the wind?"

"Yeah, because people ask you to be quiet when they're trying to SMELL something." Haleigh shot back sarcastically.... it was TOO quiet.... and she DID smell something.... DEATH. She gently pushed open the chapel door..... it creaked softly... and the sight that greeted them was graphically sobering. Neither of the two spoke for a few moments..... and Zach took Haleigh's hand in his, as they both drew a handgun with their free hand. Haleigh pulled her hand from Zach's and went from body to body checking for signs of life. Zach warily suggested they retreat to the car and call the rest of the Six.

"They're rather busy.... just cover me.... what if there are survivors?? We have to help! Come on..... close that door behind you and barricade it... [checking a body mutilated by silver stars] no one else needs to see this....."

They venture further into the cathedral, through blood spattered corridors, the usually beautiful cathedral is a different kind of breathtaking. They pass quickly to the offices.... and into the Chaplain's office. Haleigh doesn't need to check his body for life... nearly all of his blood has pooled on the marble floor and his eyes have been PECKED out.... the sight is sickening, even to one as accustomed to brutality as Black Widow..... but the most chilling sight of all was pinned to the wall... even the noise of the birds around them couldn't distract her eyes away.... and Haleigh could hardly comprehend what it meant..... WHO could have done this? Who WOULD? Most of Haleigh's past enemies were much more covert than this in attacks.... a murder scene like this.... was the work of a CRAZED lunatic.... someone with NOTHING to lose....

Haleigh turned pale.... she was getting readings of bird attacks.... news reports of the photo shoot! Her head began to ache.... a throbbing pain as she tried to concentrate and collect any kind of evidence.... trying to figure out who might be behind this. She did NOT have the benefit of knowing Sharon was BACK.... as no one of her teammates had seen it neccessary to TELL her... despite the fact that SHE was a target....perhaps the biggest target of all. She would soon suffer the consequences of being IGNORANT.... something she rarely experienced.

"The photoshoot was attacked by birds.... We.... we need to get OUT of here now.... its not safe."

She said, pulling out the daggar, unpinning her marraige application from the wall. Zach nodded, and Haleigh moved towards him.... she didn't TELL him that she felt dizzy..... and she prayed that the feeling would pass.... the very LAST thing she needed right now was another one of her little episodes.... she HAD to keep it together.... they needed to get back to the safety of Illustra.

Silver Swan

06-17-2007, 08:38 PM

[ as Haleigh and Zach attempt to hurry out of the Cathedral, the bells of the church toll as a figure emerges from the shadows of the alter.]

you're not going ANYWHERE you murdering SLUT!

[ the bell tolls once more, as SHARON KELLY steps forward.]

http://members.aol.com/whoclix/sswan.gif
(ignore the hair in this pic, just note the outfit)

surprised to see me, Haleigh? I know I am. But the people who made this possible..they thought THEY had control? well they were wrong TOO!

[referring to the men she butchered in The Cell.]

[ standing tall, and looking beautifull, the vengefull Sharon glares at Haleigh with her now SILVER eyes, these eyes convey such HATRED and CHAOS. her gleaming, silver armour is the last thing Haleigh could have ever imagined Sharon to wear and her now longer blonde hair has silver streaks in it.]

you have a date...with the angel of DEATH! and her name is the SILVER SWAN!

[birds everywhere high above began to futter and screech and the Aston Martin outside was now COVERED with birds....there was no visible means of escape]

do you like what i've done with the place? i heard you were getting married here....and i figured since this is where YOU made me end up after Master Mold, that i would RETURN the favor! I thought i would add my own decorative touch...and illustrate what happens to people when they deal with YOU!

[ then looking at Zach.]

and Zaacchhh

[ she said with a mocking tone as she smiled with a demonic glint in her silver eyes]

I see being engaged suits you SO WELL, quite a long way from the slutty PAGE that you were on capitol hill. remember those days? remember when our MANY "LATE NIGHTS"?

did you tell HER about that after i died? or did you think your little secret would DIE with me?

well guess what? I GOT BETTER and NOW, she gets to know that you are just as much of a liar that SHE is....and then you can BOTH argue about it in HELL where you belong!

[ she stepped forward..her silver metallic, perfectly shaped nails draging along a pew as she came closer toward them..DARING them to try something.]

and NOW..i'm going to GET my REVENGE!

MorningStar

06-18-2007, 12:02 AM

[ Delilah didn’t know what to think about Nicolas’ dream. Everyone has dreams that seem real – but that doesn’t make it so. It was logical that with everything that had happened Nicolas would dream of Sharon on a rampage. But he seemed so sure…

But then Cameron came in announcing that Alycia was alive, and everything changed. ]

“Thank god you’ve found her Cameron!”

[ She nodded to Nicolas as he teleported for Morgan. She needed to know about this immediately. She looked to Cameron. ]

“If you’ll excuse me.”

[ Delilah left the war room and moved to the security center of Illustra. Speaking into the security channel on the coms, she put the building on high alert. ]

“Delilah Trelavan to all security personnel. Please be on the lookout for one Kelly, Sharon. Approximately five foot 10, blonde hair, blue eyes. Do not engage. Alert me immediately if she enters the perimeter.”

[ Delilah began to scan through the security footage being shot all around the building. Satisfied that the building was secure for the moment at least, she was about to check on the status of Morgan and Nicolas’ arrival when the monitors of the control room began broadcasting reports of the bird attacks at the Madonna photoshoot. ]

“My god!”

[ Delilah pressed another button on the com control panel once again. ]

“Get me a 20 on Victoria and Cassadine immediately, over.”

[ Getting word that Morgan and Ava - along with Nicolas – had just arrived at Illustra and had been taken to the medical facilities – and would pull through – she breathed a sigh of relief. Karen was with them and she knew they would be in good hands. Asking to be alerted to any change, she began securing Illustra itself against any similar “bird” attacks. She was sure the security personnel thought she was crazy, but Delilah was certain that what occurred at the photoshoot was no accident.

She ordered security sweeps on all floors, instructing her people to make sure all doors and windows were uncompromised. She would sweep the private suites personally. Flanked by two guards who towered over even her six-foot frame, she made her way to the elevator. She had word that both Morgan and Ava were on their way to their own apartments, so she made her way down to Cameron’s. Her new position as security head allowed her to enter the empty suite. Satisfied that all was well, she moved on to her own, Nicolas', Haleigh's, and Alison's vacated apartment, all clear. Arriving at Ava's she knocked before entering. ]

Jessica Hamby

06-18-2007, 12:44 AM

Haleigh whipped around to face the voice that was reverberating through the cathedral nave.... she stared, bewildered.... the very THOUGHT of recognizing the voice was unsettling..... she HAD to see it for herself.... and the SIGHT.... it was downright surreal. She took a step back.... her eyes wide with disbelief. She was hit with a dizzy spell, and reached out to a pew for support.... flashes Sharon's death, her funeral, and Alycia accusing Haleigh of being the cause began to take over.... but there were no screens around to display it... Sharon went on... about redecorating.... Haleigh seemed dazed.... and near drunk, redgardless of the clarity she'd just displayed moments ago.... but it wasn't alcohol hitting her now.... it was her own BODY. Her heartrate spike.... and Sharon turned on Zach. Haleigh's gaze snapped back and forth from him to her... and Zach looked at Haleigh with guilt painted on his face.... he looked like he might try to explain.... but Haleigh's expression turned from pained surprise to pure anger.... and for a few seconds, the shock of SHARON subsided... and the betrayal of ZACH took the front burner.

"WHAT is she talking about??? What is she saying?!"

Z:"Haleigh--"

"You'd better.... not ANOTHER word... I'll deal with you..... later."

She growled... and Sharon vowed her revenge. Haleigh faced her.... she wasn't AFRAID.... but the hesitation could be seen.... she could still see Sharon laying dead in Alycia's arms.... and that image overpowered the massacre around them... Sharon had been a GOOD woman.... a human standing up for MUTANTS.... and Haleigh had let her down... Haleigh hadn't been there soon enough to protect her from Master Mold... and WORSE.... she had not keep a close enough eye on Stavros and Mystech to stop Master Mold from being ACTIVATED..... and she still carried the guilt on her shoulders.... and whatever anger she had with Zach was melted by regret for Sharon.

"Sharon.... I.... you... I... I'm so sorry.... you deserved.... I made a mistake. I.... I let you down."

She said, stumbling through her words.... as Sharon moved closer. Haleigh did not think to protect herself... she did not previously KNOW about Sharon's return, and so, she unfortunately had to REACT to the news with the Silver Swan breathing right down her neck.... whether or not she registered the THREAT of SS could not be determined.

Pam De Beaufort

06-18-2007, 01:02 AM

"Come on, Haleigh. Pick up."

:: Frustrated, it was her fifth time calling and still no response. Horrible thoughts ran through her head as she paced her apartment feeling utterly helpless. What if she was captured or hurt? What if Sharon had attacked her? What if she was DEAD! If Ava barely escaped Sharon's wrath, what would come of Haleigh. ::

"DAMNIT!"

:: Yelling out in frustration, Ava threw her landline cordless phone against the wall, shattering it. With both hands roughly raking through her hair, turned around to Mike, who stood near by. ::

"I can't just stay here like a caged animal! My sister could be hurt! I don't care if Sharon has a vendetta against me, I'm not going to stay here and do NOTHING!"

:: She hoped Morgan was already with Haleigh. That she had easily tracked her down and was warning her about Sharon and Rick Riley. It was difficult for Ava to just stand around and 'wonder' or 'hope for the best'. She wanted to get outthere and find out herself. Frustrated and worried, a knock at the door made her look up quickly. ::

"Haleigh..."

:: Quickly walking towards the front door, Ava's face was filled with anticipation and hope. But as Delilah opened it, the hopeful look turned to disappointment. Probably making Delilah feel wonderful. ::

"Delilah...I'm....I'm sorry, I thought you were Haleigh. Come in."

:: Delilah entered and Ava folded her arms looking worse for the wear. ::

"Has there been any word for Haleigh? I can't reach her on her cell...and I haven't heard if Morgan has made contact. If Sharon has gotten to her...."

:: Trailing off, she didn't want to finish her own sentence. It scared her to death that on top of Haleigh's decreasing health problems because of her link to the cell, Sharon could have attacked or even KILLED Haleigh. ::

Silver Swan

06-18-2007, 01:18 AM

[ Silver Swan glared at Zach as he looked shocked and helpless. Sharon shouts above Haleigh.]

SILENCE!!

what's the matter, Zachary. No silver tongued greeting for your newly returned Silver Swan? none of that CHARM that got you OVER so well when you were nothing more than a gofer? Did Haleigh KNOW about your meager beginnings? oh that's right....I covered for you didnt i? i used my own clout to make a life for you that you couldnt have POSSIBLY made for yourself.

[ rushing up to Zach, Silver Swan back hands him with such force. now possessing super strength allowing her to lift/press 50 tons, she was EASILY stronger than both Haleigh and Zach.]

I think YOU better sit THIS ONE out, while I have words with this retread Linda Hamilton.

[ grabbing Haleigh, Sharon HURLS her down the length of the center aisle to send her smashing into the alter and lay directly under the crucified body of the church priest.]

do you recognize that man above you Haleigh? That is the man who married me to my husband Robert..the man who christened my son, Kyle. KYLE was a mutant...killed by MysTech, BUTCHERED in the SAME PLACE where MASTER MOLD came online.....but you should know this shouldnt you? it was YOUR STEP FATHER who made it possible! I decided that since HE was going to preside over YOUR happines...that i should destroy him..just like YOUR family destroyed MINE.

[ walking toward Haleigh.]

ALL THAT TIME, i fought for you...and your wretched friends...ALL THAT TIME I risked my life....and YOU were just leading me to my own DEATH! you were WEAK and you were a LIAR! "the best protection money can buy?" HAH!!

Only strong to those that you KNEW you could beat...but guess what? YOU CANT BEAT ME!

I'll KILL YOU! the way YOUR FAMILY KILLED ME!

[ and with that, Sharon lifts up her balled up fists...and breathes in....before exhaling and unleashing her SONIC SCREAM! the blast makes the air itself ripple as the sounds of a high powered woman's scream, a tornado siren and any other ear piercing sound you might think of...all combine into one terrifying, DEADLY sonic attack. pews are SMASHED and knocked foward as if hit by a tidal wave of force and Haleigh is RIGHT in the center of the attack.]

Jill Monroe

06-18-2007, 01:26 AM

<< Morgan felt Nicolas' hand taking her own. she looked up at him, her facial expression much softer. She made herself seem approachable in this instance and she held nicolas hand close to her cheek.>>

i dont think anyone has ever told ME that i have made them feel alive before...how sweet of you. You give me a special feeling too....dear heart.

<< the fact that Nicolas pledged to help her save Sharon really helped her feel better. she KNEW Delilah was on the same page as she was...and she and Ava had an understanding as well. but at least NOW, she didnt feel like the team was going to simply try to kill Sharon, who as Nicolas finally agreed, was an innocent victim too.>>

<< as Nicolas step back, Morgan looked, the scrying glass began to glow again, but this time a shimmering WHITE hue as it hummed and an image began to form in the lens....>>

It's....it's St. Patricks Cathedral. The place where Haleigh and Zach were making their marraige ceremony plans. THIS is where they are!

<< Morgan walked over to the wall nearby and pressed a small button.>>

<< unaware that Ava was now joined by Delilah and Cameron in her apartment.>>

Morgan: Ava? I've found Haleigh. She's at St. Patrick's Cathedral. I'm going to get her now. You stay where you are...and i'll be back very shortly.

<< she closed the channel.>>

Nicolas, we'd better hurry....i feel like something terrible is about to happen. I'm no precog...but i just FEEL IT in my heart!!

<< Morgan opens a disc, and with that..she teleports herself and Nicolas to St. Patricks Cathedral. but even a stepping disc can take an "eternity" when your being beseiged by vengeance and wrath.>>

Oracle

06-18-2007, 01:30 AM

<< Morgan's alert was not only heard by Ava, but by Mike, Delilah and Cameron as well. She was headed to the cathedral.>>

<< at that moment, Delilah HERSELF received a priority alert from one of her contacts out in the field.>>

Alert: Ms. Trelevan, we're receiving reports of MAJOR disturbance coming from St. Patricks Cathedral, but we can't get near it...the BIRDS....of SEVERAL species are working TOGETHER to hold us back! several men and innocent bystanders are DOWN and we're....we're at a LOSS with what to do!

<< Cameron would receive a flash of shock, panic and an almost STUPOR like impression for Haleigh. She had just made contact with the Silver Swan HERSELF. he saw the QUICKEST image of her...she was THERE!>>

<< the moment they all feared was upon them.>>

<< Morgan may have left orders for Ava to remain behind...but the same could NOT be said for Delilah and Cameron.>>

MorningStar

06-18-2007, 01:52 AM

[ She indicated for the guards to remain outside. Ava appeared at the door, not looking too happy to see her. She waved her hand. ]

"No need to apologize - I understand what you must be going through. I've had word that Morgan is still scrying for Haleigh, but I'm sure she'll be found soon. I've been monitoring police frequencies and press wires and have heard nothing of any further attacks. I'm sure Haleigh is perfectly safe - Zach is with her, after all. I know he wouldn't let anything happen to her."

[ She tried to smile reassuringly. She knew there was a lot of room in her story for something to have happened, but she hoped Ava wouldn't pick up on that. ]

"I'm sorry to do this now, but I need to check the premises - just a precaution to doublecheck that nothing has been compromised. It will only take a few minutes."

[ Just then, Morgan's voice came over Ava's intercom, and seconds later, Delilah's radio earpiece came alive with a report from the midtown cathedral. She touched a hand to her ear. ]

"Keep everyone back - do whatever you need to do. Do not try to engage the birds or enter the cathedral until I get there. Trelaven out."

[ She turned to Ava. ]

"I'm taking Mike and Cameron with me - there are two guards right outside."

[ She started to go, then turned back. ]

"I won't let anything happen to her, I promise."

[ She stepped into the hallway, motioning for the guards to stay put. She led the way to the stairwell, where she opened her hand and green light began to weave a tunnel. ]

"After you, gentlemen."

[ On the other side, the three would find themselves at Rockefeller Center, across the street from the Cathedral and the same place where Morgan and Ava had been attacked earlier. ]

Jessica Hamby

06-18-2007, 03:12 AM

Sharon rudely interrupts, and proves she's in NO mood for apologies as she throws Haleigh into the altar. The Chaplain's body slumps over her, dripping what little blood is left in his veins onto her shirt, the buttons of which have torn open to reveal Haleigh's battle dress uniform underneath. The sudden blitzkreig serves as a wake up call and Sharon wastes no time rubbing salt in the wounds..... Haleigh's brow crinkles with anger... this is the SECOND time today that someone has insulted her services.... but Haleigh has little time to retaliate as Sharon unleashes a sonic SCREAM that blasts the pews forward and GRINDS into Haleigh, blowing her hair back and assaulting her eardrums... She shuts her eyes tightly, her ears begining to BLEED.... but that's hardly the worst of it.... as she begins to tremble... and the overwhelming and conflicting emotions brought on by this confrontation trigger another attack..... every metal object within a CITY BLOCK rattles and takes flight, soaring towards Haleigh as if by magnetic force.... and EVERY SCREEN in the entire CITY flickers on..... sharp meta objects begin to slam through the stained glass windows of the cathedral.... and swirl around haleigh like a glistening vortex.... but Haleigh is oblivious... as she is forced to relieve another childhood memory... as is the REST of New York.... everyone in sight range of a TV can watch along.

I open my eyes, to see Patrick leaning over me in the tent. How did he sneak in without waking me up? We can hear my mother and Jeff outside, moving around the camp, making breakfast. It's already warm outside, as it was all night, and I take a moment to pull on some cutoff shorts underneath my severely oversized Chicago Bears football jersey. We listen quietly to our parents for a moment.

Jeff: “So, uh... Stavros left eh? Too bad... I mean... I'm sorry, ya know?"

Ma gave a slight laugh. "Don’t be, I'm not. It's been over for a while... his taking the company to the next level just signified the end of a long, drawn out ordeal. We should've never... but oh well. I was more surprised about you and Wanda finally calling it quits."

There was a short pause, and Patch and me look at each other, wondering if the adults knew we were eavesdropping. Patrick's parents had split up a couple of years ago, to everyone's shock but their own. Patch was wary about the whole thing but I secretly hope Ma and Jeff will end up together... Jeff was a good man, and had been like a father since before I could remember. He took me on the camping trips he took Patrick on, and made sure I had a positive father figure in my life, something that Stavros had given up on trying... and Jeff had always taken special care of my mother since the accident.

Jeff: “Well... ya know... she was never the same... after Hunt died. None of us were... but I guess cause he was her little brother... she felt she should have been able to protect him. She never let herself move on... she never let me help, either. We stayed together for Patch's sake... but he became a man sooner than we realized... and wanted us both to be happy... so I guess its just you and me now."

Lara [after a pause]:"Yeah...I guess you're right."

I step out of my tent, dragging Patrick out with me. Ma and Jeff are staring into each other's eyes meaningfully. I speak up, as I am known to do in these kinds of moments.

"Ma... I didn't know you liked your eggs scorched."

My mother snaps out of it, quickly stirring the eggs and cursing under her breath. She shrugs, though she was blushing softly at being caught, and dumped the contents of the skillet onto my plate. "Good thing you do, darlin'." She says, as I settle down at the picnic table at their campsite as Jeff passes me a fork and the pitcher of sweet tea. Jeff quickly tried to cover by changing the subject before either of the kids could comment.

Jeff: “Wearing your dad's old jersey, eh?"

I nodded. "Yeah... it's great to sleep in... 'specially on hot summer nights... breezy and breathable, ya know? Listen, uh... Patch and I are gonna go down to the spring and swim a while... you two... find something to do without us... we'd like some quality US time."

Lara: “Be safe."

"We will."

Jeff: “No, she means be SAFE."

Lara: “Jeff!"

Jeff [innocently]:"What??"

I giggle quietly and take Patch's hand, pulling him away. He asks why were in such a rush... but I don't tell him that I want the adults to be alone as much as I want US to be alone. We've been camping out here before, and it takes little time to get down the dirt cliff to the freshwater spring. The sight is picturesque, and every time I come I get a new snapshot. This year I've got a new camera to try out, and the picture clarity has been amazing so far. It'll be a nice addition to my obsession. By the time I turn around, Patch is already shirtless, and it seems to be only a fraction of a second before I am too. The warmth of his arms around me seems even more intense than the heat. Soon, everything is as it should be, and there is nothing between us. It makes no difference that we snuck away from camp just last night to make love in the moonlight. His appetite for me is as insatiable as mine is for him, and neither of us really cares about getting caught. I pull away and jump into the water, which is about five feet deep and crystal clear, straight down to the bottom. He follows shortly and makes a point to splash.

"Haleigh, I have something for you." he says, as he surfaces.

"I have something for you too." I say, giving him my most suggestive smile, wrapping my legs around him, and I can tell he is forcing himself to stay on topic. He lifts a fist out of the water, clutching a little black box that I can guess the contents of on the first try. "Oh, Patch...." I say softly, as my heartbeat soars. He opens the box... and my elation turns to dread at the sight of the large and beautiful diamond engagement ring. I stare at it for a second before looking up and locking eyes with him. "That's not your mother's ring." I say warily. I thought we'd TALKED about this.

"I thought you deserved your own." He delivers, which is a romantic notion, and nice... but won't change my mind.

"Where'd you get the money to PAY for that, Patrick? Hmm?? You used the sign money from the government program, didn't you?? CHRIST, Patrick. I thought you said you WERENT going to take that job. I thought we agreed." I say, half angrily, half pleadingly.

He wraps his arms around me to console me, pulling me close, giving me that look... the one he always tries to get out of jail free with... the one that melts my anger. His voice is soothing but can't steamroll my unease with the idea of this... program, or whatever he's involved with. HE doesn't even know what it involves. "Come ON, Baby. The money's a GODSEND... I'll only be involved with the project for a few years."

"DAMN IT, Patch, it's not ABOUT the money, I don't CARE about that." I say, vexed. I touch my forehead to his. When we were younger, we thought we could read each other's minds like this. "You know I'd stay in this sleepy old town and be dirt poor with you."

"Yeah, but you deserve more than that, Haleigh. I want to be able to give you everything you'll ever want." He whispers. I can't be angry with him anymore, but the feeling of impending doom is ever present.

"But all I want is you." I whisper back, pulling him into a hug, resting my chin on his shoulder. "Just promise me that you'll find out MORE about this program before you do anything else. I got a really bad feeling about it, Patch... and I can't accept that ring until I know."

"Okay, alright." He says, as he pulls back slightly. "Here... just keep it safe for me." He reaches up and unclasps my necklace, sliding the ring onto it and puts it back on my neck. The ring clinks when it slides down and runs into the cross I regularly wear, and it feels like he just hung an anvil around my neck, but I cave, giving him a tender kiss. At least he had the right idea. It's the thought that counts, right?

It was one of the last times Haleigh would ever spend with Patrick.... the memory was THE moment when Haleigh first felt her first love taken from her.... it was the memory that started the snowball of his disappearance... the begining of the end... and it was fitting that she see it NOW.... when the begining of the end of her and ZACH seemed imminent. But Something DIFFERENT happened now.... in her loss of control over her memories and her emotions... rage took hold of her.... but the ONE thing that kept her from completely melting down was the deeply ingrained survival instinct that had gotten her this far.... and she fought the dizziness.... and let the anger in. She POUNDED the podium back, sending the dead body of the Chaplain flying... and slowly stood up. The metal swirling around her was melting together, and as she glared at Sharon, it suddenly SPLASHED forth, scalding hot [as liquid metal usually is] splattered over her like paint and solidified instantly, creating a metal cast over the Silver Swan as Haleigh pulled her clothes off to reveal her Black Widow BDU, her fight face on....

"WELL..... from the sound of it.... I OUGHT to be thanking you..... you may have ruined my wedding.... but at least you saved me the trouble of filing for DIVORCE. I must, however, deny you your 'revenge', unfortunately.... but I've an idea.... seeing how Barnett is always pouring your blood on my hands.... now looks like a SPLENDID opportunity to just go ahead and DO what it is she is always accusing me of...."

her gravelly tone was challenging and fierce.... and this was the most lucid she had ever been following an attack... but this time.... it was because she was not FIGHTING the flood of emotions.... the flood of anger... THIS TIME.... she was LETTING it run its course.... little did SHE know that it would not be beneficial for very long... at her heartrate soared and her blood pressure rose.... soon she would find her vitals could not keep up with the demand and she would only hurt herself, and collaterally, innocent bystanders as well.... she needed help badly.... though she could not see it.... she felt more powerful NOW that she ever had... the swell of adrenaline had her at her peak... but the question was.... how LONG could it last.... and would Morgan and her friends reach her in time??

Silver Swan

06-18-2007, 09:52 AM

[ Sharon looked with a provocative glare as Haleigh seemed to be gripped in the throws of an "episode". Metal flying everywhere and through the large stained glass windows. The birds in side the church began to take flight but instead of fleeing to safety, the begin to ATTACK Zach.]

Aye, that's it...FIGHT BACK. It makes HUMILIATING YOU all the more ENJOYABLE!

[Haleigh mentioned Alycia.....that brought a brief but definate FEELING to Sharon as she paused for a second to remember her dear friend.]

Alycia....

[ In that moment of pause, Silver Swan found herself momentarily TRAPPED by hot liquid metal that formed a case around her. she stood there, and whatever she may have thought or felt was not known, but as Black Widow stood up, now in her costume and seemingly ready to fight, the encasing began to shake...as JAGGED metallic spikes BUST out of it , slicing through before Silver Swan BUSTED loose. She looked no worse for the wear as her body armour gleamed.]

I'm STRONGER than you now, Haleigh dearest. I don't NEED your protection. YOU need the protection NOW! I'm BETTER than you. The people who made THIS possible...they made SURE that I'd be more than capable of kicking your ASS! Too bad i had to KILL THEM too.

[ she stood where she was, her silver eyes locked with Haleigh's. Haleigh was showing defiance, but unlike Sharon, Haleigh was running on borrowed time. her body was forced to levels it couldnt sustain and Sharon was ready to go the distance. ]

I DID ruin your wedding didnt I? does that make you MAD? Does it piss you off to know that ANOTHER person sees you for the FLUNKIE that you truly are? Oh...sorry for the inconvience... but that's just the FIRST STEP in tipping the scales since you RUINED MY LIFE you marauding bitch of a woman! You're going to LEARN what PAIN really is today before you DIE!

[ spinning "wonder woman" style, Silver Swan blurs with high speeds and turns into a funnel of wind that whistles and howls and at that moment, she unleashes high velocity SPINNING STARS that whiz and zing through the air, making high pitched sounds as they travel. the stars assault EVERYTHING in their path, slicing through concrete, wood, glass, cloth and FLESH. Haleigh is BOMBARDED by the spinning stars as they slice through her costume, her body her hair. Zach wasnt exempt either. as the stars shot out in ALL directions he was hit be a few as well. ]

[meanwhile, the birds OUTSIDE began to beseige the police, fire and other officials AGAIN, attacking their vehicles, the people on the street and causing light bulbs in street lights to shatter from high above.]

Oracle

06-18-2007, 10:04 AM

<< as luck would have it, Spellbinder and Rampage arrived via disc at the same meeting area that MorningStar's worm hole brought herself, Prophet and Mike.>>

<<With Spellbinder's disc opening seconds before MorningStar's wormhole, the two women would see each other in a few eye blinks and realize they had the same idea in mind but Spellbinder was not yet aware of just how BADLY things had gone inside the Cathedral.>>

<< the team, and mike, were greeted with the sight of chaos and violence as Birds- seagulls, crows, sparrows, ravens, - could be seen striking and swarming against Police , fire and even news reporters. the stained glass windows of the church were shattering and metal objects were flying EVERYWHERE. MorningStar's perfect hearing would cause her some discomfort as she heard the remnants of Silver Swan's sonic scream. even from where they were.>>

<< and THEN, on any form of monitor or media screen in the area, another MEMORY of Haleigh's flashed in plain view for ALL to see! the most extreme and far reaching effect one of her episodes had yet. >>

<< things were WORSE than anyone of them could have guessed...with no sign of stopping and this was just OUTSIDE the Cathedral.>>

Jill Monroe

06-18-2007, 10:49 AM

<< arriving at the scene of pandemonium, Spellbinder couldnt help but feel a bit nauseated again. the sight and sound..the FEEL in the air as the birds were attacking the police and others around the catehdral, it didnt get any more "normal" as she watched it.>>

Oh goddess!

<< she exclaimed as she saw MorningStar and the other's arrive.>>

We're out in plain sight!! we've got to remain hidden!

<< she raises her hands, gesturing quickly as she cloaks herself, nicolas, delilah, cameron and mike with a cloaking spell. this would allow them to move without being seen or identified. a risk that none of them needed to take. but even as she did this, the windows of the immense cathedral began to vibrate [ from the stress of the sonic scream] before exploding and shattering [ from the flying metal shards and the scream].>>

LOOK!

<< she pointed as monitors, cameras, police computers...everything that was around began to broadcast a MEMORY! Haleigh was having another episode! and at the WORST TIME yet!>>

<< this memory showed her, again at a younger age with Patrick, but something was different. Stavros and her mother were no longer together, Her mother was showing feelings for a new man and she and Patrick's romance was blooming like a young rose. There came a point where Patrick presented her with a beautifull ring . Turns out he had signed up with a "government program".>>

<< Morgan looked at Delilah.>>

Remember when you first came to illustra after the inferno? this is what you were talking about..that "government program" that became something of an urban legend in law enforcement circles.

<< in that moment, morgan felt badly...Patrick was a decent man from all accounts in Haleigh's memories, and not bad looking either. he loved Haleigh, he was probably her one TRUE love and THIS was the eve of his disappearence. the next time ANYONE would see him he'd be a hulking monster. probably the most TRAGIC casualty of MysTech...until NOW with Sharon Kelly, who was inside the Cathedral.>>

First Patrick...and now Sharon....MysTech STILL haunts us no matter how far we think we've come.

<< Morgan's moment of sad reflection was shattered as metal fragments, shards and objects EVERYWHERE began flying about like mad. guns and weapons were discharging...this, coupled with the birds attacking people en masse and the signs of chaos coming from the cathedral made for a BAD scene!!>>

We've got to CONTROL the situation!!!

Rampage, deactivate the weapons of the police ...as many as you can! Mike, you're Nicolas' friend..so you can stay with him and help him. Just BE CAREFULL. you have no powers. Do what you can to help these people against the birds...and follow as quickly as you can.

MorningStar, Prophet and I will go inside the Cathedral to get Haleigh.

<< she knew Nicolas might protest her going in there to face Sharon without him, but she was STILL slightly afraid he might react too quickly, provoking Sharon and escalating whatever was happening inside. PLUS, he and mike worked well together. She didnt need to command Mike when Mike and Nicolas worked well off each other.

may the goddess grant us the strength to face what is inside the Cathedral. I don't want Sharon HURT! Just...distract her, push her BACK from Haleigh if you have to ....long enough for us to get Haleigh OUT of there.

Rampage

06-18-2007, 01:46 PM

As they arrived they found a scene of carnage. People were being viciously attacked by birds and the cathedral was showing signs of damage from something going on inside. Nicolas immediately figured what was going on as he saw (and felt) the results of Sharon's sonic scream and saw some of the stars flutter past open windows. He was about to enter and deal with things when Morgan gave out the assignments...and he was asked to work OUTSIDE. He was stunned and about to say so.

Morgan, you KNOW that I have knowledge about Sharon's enhancements, why on Eart-

NIC, who is on charge? YOU?!! Or HER?!!

Mike intervened, getting in Nicolas' face as an older brother might. Nicolas looked in his eyes, a fury flashed, then his face became grim.

SHE is.

Then follow her orders!!! Let's move, these people out here need us! You can discuss it later.

Mike nodded to Morgan and ran towards a fire truck as it was being besieged by birds. His Kevlar suit was giving him some protection and his shotgun was handling the rest. Nicolas looked at Morgan. She would see what others may not: That he knew she did not trust him in this. He turned away quickly and refocused on the task at hand as the group went inside.

Nicolas was unsure as to how to proceed. he could not afford to give himself away with obvious displays of power. But he could maybe give the birds a sideways push of Tk. As he did so, you could see birds being shoved away from the people. In addition, he pulled a firearm and began to shoot, using his TK to direct the bullet in flight to targets that were getting through. It was working but unfortunately, there were so many, and his powers did not affect them all at once, and more seemed to be coming.

Then Nicolas saw it. A wide stream of water than pushed back a large group of birds and knocked them for a loop. It was Mike. Even though he lacked the power of the others, he had come up with a way to more effectively keep the birds at bay on his own. Nicolas ran to the truck and grabbed another hose, and they used them in tandem (along with TK bursts and gunfire), to keep the birds more fully at bay.

As they provided cover, the firefighters began to treat the injured...

Pam De Beaufort

06-18-2007, 02:23 PM

:: Ava knew Delilah was grasping at straws about Haleigh being safe, but she just nodded her head, accepting Delilah's explaination. She wanted to believe her, even though if Sharon DID attack Haleigh, she, nor Zach, would have the strength to defeat her alone. Sighing out, Delilah asked to check her apartment for safety messures. Ava agreed. ::

"Of course."

:: But just as Delilah was prepared to search her home, Morgan's voice played through the intercom. She had found Haleigh at St. Patrick's Cathedral. But Delilah soon had recieved a message as well. With her brows lowered, she responded mentioning birds around the cathedral! Ava silently gasped, her mouth parted with fear and shock. Delilah insisted she would find Haleigh and keep her safe then left with Mike. Ava just stood, motionless in her apartment. What the hell was she supposed to do? Obey Morgan and stay put? No...she couldn't. She wouldn't! ::

:: Rushing over to her television, she quickly turned it on. She didn't even have to bother trying to find a news channel, for every channel was playing coverage of what was happening at the cathedral. The reporter screamed over the choas, talking about birds preventing law inforcement from entering the cathedral. And how a strange broadcast flooded tv monitors within a few block radius. ::

"Shit...Haleigh's memories.."

:: The news began to show the actual 'mysterious feed'...memories of Patrick proposing to Haleigh. ::

"Jesus Christ.."

:: Ava mustered out, feeling sick to her stomach. This was enough to drive her to the damn looney bin. The news feed began to play live footage of what was happening. The windows of the cathedral blew out. Everyone ducked for cover; screams could be heard. That was it....Ava shut off the tv and ran back to her bedroom. ::

---

:: Moments later, Ava appeared INSIDE the catherdral in a tornado of winds wearing her battle suit. Ava was only feet away from where Haleigh was attacked by the throwing stars. Running to her side, she looked up at Sharon for a split second, then down at Haleigh. She looked like she was on the verge of having a heart attack; among her other wounds. Standing, Ava needed to draw attention AWAY from Haleigh, otherwise she wouldn't make it out alive. ::

:: Standing, Ava's hair blew in the air as wind began to fill the cathedral. ::

"Back from the dead, Sharon, with a few tricks up your sleeve? Funny how you're seeking revenge with POWERS my FATHER abled you to get!"

:: Her voice filled with content, as she played up the 'evil bitch card' for Sharon. She knew to push her buttons to keep her mind focused on Ava instead of Haleigh. And bringing up Stavros was definately one of the bigger buttons. Gesturing out to Silver Swan with both hands, a blast of gail force winds SLAMMED into her, shaking the entire cathedral. What remaining pews flew across the venue and shatter against the wall. ::

:: Quickly kneeling down next to Haleigh, Ava put Haleigh's arm around her shoulder and stood, holding her weight. ::

"Come on...don't make me do all the work here."

:: Poking fun to try and get a rise out of Haleigh, she began to move toward the back exit of the church. ::

Silver Swan

06-18-2007, 03:55 PM

[ the spinning malestrom continued to HOWL as the spinning stars beseiged Haleigh in a painfull, humiliating onslaught. though she was stronger and more durable than a normal human being or even an average mutant, even HER body had its limits, and Sharon was pushing her to the EDGE of those limits with her vicious assault. Sharon was LOST in the RAPTURE of brutalizing Haleigh when suddenly....]

:: Standing, Ava's hair blew in the air as wind began to fill the cathedral. ::

"Back from the dead, Sharon, with a few tricks up your sleeve? Funny how you're seeking revenge with POWERS my FATHER abled you to get!"

[ The Silver Swan STOPPED spinning, she faced Persephone, her silver eyes fixed on the woman. the face..the body...they had CHANGED...but this was AVA CASSADINE!]

YOU! HOW DARE YOU INTERFERE!!

[ Silver Swan was about to attack Sharon with her sonic scream but she was blasted with gale force winds! her own blonde, silver streaked hair blowing back as she dug her boots into the floor of the church. birds that were attacking Zach were also blown away.]

you..WONT STOP ME!!

[ Silver Swan lifts up off the ground, it SEEMS that she's being carried away by the winds, but instead she takes to the air with CONTROL, climbing high above as the church sustains MORE damage from the gale force winds. Silver Swan is physically stronger than Persephone and can move at "escape velocity" which means Persephone will be HARD PRESSED to evade her, ESPECIALLY with Haleigh as a burden.]

the daughter of that murdering PIG....DEFENDING THIS TRASH!?

[ Silver Swan bared down and slammed into Persephone, SNATCHING her away from haleigh. as she tackled her down to the floor and dragged her across it, making SURE to connect her body with some of the debris]

I'll RIP OUT YOUR THROAT!! ILL KILL YOU FOR WHAT YOUR FAMILY DID TO ME!

[ Was she speaking about Master Mold? or her CURRENT status? or BOTH? it wasnt clear but at this moment, Persephone had a close look at Silver Swan's silver eyes. she was INSANE with rage...and murderous violence! Silver's Swan's perfectly shapped metalic silver nails dug into Ava's neck as she began to CHOKE Ava while banging her head down on the floor]

DIE!!

[ The Silver Swan's metallic finger nails begin to GROW and PIERCE Persephone's flesh but Persephone's toxic blood wont effect her nails ...or hands as they are covered with armour, a metalloid substance that was beyond even Haleigh's ability to control.]

JOIN YOUR FATHER IN HELL!

[she begins to strangle Persephone tearing at her neck and screaming with the cry like that of a bird of prey. this was BEYOND a grudge...Silver Swan was TRULY INSANE. Ava would have to realize that she'd bitten off MORE than she could chew but at least HALEIGH was..."safe" for the moment.]

Jill Monroe

06-18-2007, 04:02 PM

<< a stepping disc opens INSIDE the cathedral...it is a scene WORSE then hell.>>

GODDESS!!

<< the sanctuary was all but RUINED...though the massive structure of the building stood in tact. birds were all about...some dead, others disoriented from Persephone's winds..and some near by Zach, who was in a BAD WAY after having been struck by Silver Swan, attacked by birds AND hit with some spinning stars.>>

<< but the WORSE THING...was that cry...the cry of a bird of prey and the SIGHT of SHARON KELLY on top of Persephone, CHOKING her and slamming her head down on the ground. Haleigh was near by....and clearly had been MORE than attacked by Sharon. Morgan felt SICK and dizzy with disbelief all at once. She wanted this to be a wild nightmare, but it was all too real! NO TIME to "process" Haleigh and Ava were in TROUBLE like never before!>>

NO!!

<< turning to Delilah....>>

MorningStar...GET HALEIGH OUT OF HERE. I'll get Ava.....

<< she turned, and a chime sounded off loudly as she called out.>>

SHARON STOP!!

<< Morgan rushed forward and held out her hand to get Sharon's attention as she stepped forward. as SOON as she had distracted Sharon, she would TELEPORT Ava OUT of the Cathedral and back to the others before sending THEM to Illustra. She intended to face Sharon for THIS round...ALONE and with Nicolas not there to object, she was confident she would succeed.>>

Pam De Beaufort

06-18-2007, 04:07 PM

:: Ava held up Haleigh, trying to get to the exit of the church. But soon, she was blind sided by Sharon and picked up by her, being ripped away from Haleigh. Silver Swans strength was impressive as they both went hurling to the ground, Silver Swan making sure to slam her body into debris. Crying out, the wind was knocked out of her. SS began to assult her, focusing on her neck. Her nails piercing her skin. Coughing out, Ava reached up with her hands, grabbing Shaon's face and slicing her own nails DEEP across her face, causing five gashes. Pushing her face roughly, Ava managed to roll over, pinning Sharon down to the ground. This move wouldn't last long; Sharon's strength was far more surpiror than her own. ::

:: The ground began to rumble as thick vines burst through the concrete floor, grabbing Sharon's arms and legs. Coiling like a snake, the vines pulled Sharon down to the ground, pinning her there. Pushing herself off Sharon, Ava heard Morgan call for Sharon. Turning, Ava coughed, her neck stained with blood. She knew Morgan wanted to handle Silver Swan...to try and save her, so Ava ran over to Haleigh's side to help her. ::

Silver Swan

06-18-2007, 04:27 PM

[ as Silver Swan cried out with vengefull fury, she suddenly felt a surge of resistance from Persephone, the woman grabbed her face and drug her own nails down it.]

AGGHH!!!

[ she cried with shock as the pain went through her. the gashes were deep, the wounds were ALL TOO VISIBLE and it made Sharon look even MORE terrifying than she did moments ago. but the HEALING factor that she now had, allowed the damage to almost immediately begin reversing itself. PHYSICAL wounds like this, were now easily accounted for thanks to Silver Swan's physiological changes. ]

[ as the vines burst up and pulled SS back and to the ground, she immediately began to struggle, straining the vines to their utmost with her physical strength before finally, various portions of her armoured bodice and armour covered arms manifested sharp metallic spikes that jutted out and CUT her from the vines.]

YOU WONT GET AWAY WITH THIS!! i'll TEAR YOU TO PIECES!

[ she launches from the now slashed vines and rushes for Persephone AGAIN when suddenly, a CHIME sounds out and a woman's voice is heard.]

Morgan: Sharon STOP!

[Silver Swan turns sharply to see....and it IS...it's MORGAN!]

....Morgan!?

[ Silver Swan is momentarily paused as she fixes her eyes on her former friend.....]

Jill Monroe

06-18-2007, 04:31 PM

YES, Sharon! It's ME, Morgan.....

<< the faint echoes of the struggle from moments ago were now fading.>>

If you want to blame someone ...BLAME ME!! I wasnt strong enough...FAST enough. I was CLUMSY and I couldnt save you from Master Mold's attack. It's MY fault.

<< she came forward still, with her hand out.>>

I'm HERE...to face you. You're STILL my friend...no matter WHAT MysTech has done to you...and I'm here to HELP you. But you're HURTING other people...INNOCENT people who never knew you...and never meant you harm.

<< Morgan's tone was even, she tried to portray calmness and empathy, but she was TERRIFIED inside.>>

<< Morgan paused, and turned to look at Ava.>>

you have to leave now. all of you. the longer you remain..the longer she can SEE either of you, the more likely she will ATTACK again!

<< with that, Morgan teleports Ava, Haleigh and Delilah OUT, to the arrival point where Morgan had first arrived, leaving Nicolas and Mike to care for them and leaving her to face Sharon alone.>>

Please, Sharon....let me HELP you. i CAN help you now. I AM strong enough to help you....and no matter WHAT has happened, I'm STILL your friend. No one's going to harm you. I PROMISE!

Jessica Hamby

06-18-2007, 06:22 PM

"Mm..... and does it piss YOU off to know that the only reason YOU are what you are today is because of MYSTECH.... the very entity that RUINED YOUR LIFE?? And lets FACE IT, Sharon.... without MY involvement.... you wouldn't be able to exact the revenge you so RIGHTLY deserve.... some GRATITUDE you're showing." She fires back bravely, unafraid of the former senator. She lifts the cathedral's organ up in the AIR, and massive playing instrument with hundreds of pipes that TOWERS in the vaulting ceiling of the nave and dominates the stage in the front of the sanctuary....and she intends to BURY Sharon with it.... as she retorts with a maniacal laugh. "You arrogant old FOOL! I know MORE about pain than you could EVER be taught!"

But Haleigh will not have the chance to bring the organ down on sharon.... as Sharon is already attacking again-- with silver throwing stars. haleigh smirks.... would the woman be so STUPID as to attack HALEIGH with METAL?? Haleigh threw up a hand in a stop motion.... ALL of the metal flying around the room halts-- all, that is, EXCEPT the stars... they continue their path, and Haleigh, through confusion, throws her arms up to sheild her face as she crouches down in protection. Several stars are imbedded in her arms and she gasps in pain. Zach has taken to shooting at the birds that are attacking him with a handgun, even as he retreats back. He is ALSO stuck with a star or two but as Haleigh was the main target, he escapes the brunt of the attack. Haleigh pulls back, as Persephone shows up and immediately distracts SS, she begins a retreat of her own. She hasn't even TRIED pulling the stars out yet, but her body is unstable and her legs feel like jello as she stumbles back. She WANTS to help defend her sister from SS's strangulation.... but can't.... and she is MORE than grateful when Morgan shows up and teleports Haleigh, Ava, and Delilah outside. Zach shoots a few more birds down before making for the double doors, and burst out into the open square where Haleigh and the rest are making the best of their situations. Haleigh is in BAD shape as she tries to asses her own wounds.... she yanks on a star to pull it out, wincing and swearing at the pain.... they are mostly flesh wounds but are tightly imbedded and hurt like HELL. Zach rushes over to help her, but is met with hostility.

"YOU.... You SON OF A BITCH! YOU stay away from me! STAY BACK!" The rest of the group will be unaware of what's going on between them, but the tension is more than evident.... and Zach stutters and mumbles as he tries to apologize and says something about being able to explain... but one look from Haleigh silences his attempts.

Pam De Beaufort

06-19-2007, 12:32 AM

:: Reappearing outside with Haleigh and Delilah, Ava helped sit Haleigh down on the grass. Silver Swans throwing stars were embedded in various parts of her body. ::

"Christ, Haleigh..."

:: Ava said softly as Haleigh pulled out one of the staws. Wincing with her, Ava held her hand against the raw wound, applying pressure against it. Seeing Zach rush to Haleigh's side, Ava was taken aback as she lashed out at him, telling him to stay back. Lowering her eye brows, confused, Ava looked over at Zach who began to try and apologize but was cut off by a stealy look from her sister. ::

"What's going on?"

:: Ava looked to Haleigh who was obviously in no mood to talk about whatever had happened between herself and Zach. She had a suspicious feeling that Sharon Kelly had something to do with it, but she didn't push any further. Instead, she focused on Haleigh's health. The wounds created from the throwing stars were far worse than Ava thought. They bled profusely; the single gash that Ava was applying pressure to, coated her hands with warm blood. ::

"Are you alright?"

:: A ridiculous question considering the state she was in, but Ava needed to ask. ::

Silver Swan

06-19-2007, 12:59 AM

[ stunned that MORGAN was here, Silver Swan was taken aback long enough to prevent the escape of the others. Haleigh was badly hurt and Ava had taken damage valiantly defending her sister. Zach was also injured. Morgan had most likely saved three lives and placed herself in the path of danger and death. this was SHARON'S friend...wasnt it?]

Morgan!?

[ Sharon looked dazed and confused as she glared at the sorceress with her silver eyes.]

....wha...WHY are you here? WHY ...are you protecting THEM!?....they HURT me!! don't you CARE? aren't you my...my FRIEND!?|

[ she seems to struggle with this...she's genuinely disoriented, and seems to be in PAIN as she struggles to process what is going on.]

my friend....protecting...my ENEMY....

[ she covers her face for a moment as she begins to relive the horror of master mold.]

master mold...hurt....blast...burn...PAIN....Alycia....

[ she looks up at Morgan with tears streaming down her face.]

THEY HURT ME Morgan!! WHY ARE YOU PROTECTING THEM!

[ her eyes begin to change from a look of confusion and hurt to that of bitterness and resentment.]

If you wont let me kill them....then i'll....ill do whatEVER IT TAKES to PAY THEM BACK for what they've done!!

SOMEONE HAS TO MAKE THEM PAY!

[ she began to lift off the ground, as her large, metallic wings sprouted from out of her back and she cast a large shadow over Morgan, the shadow of a death angel.]

[ most of the birds in the cathedral were now dead....but that didnt mean MORE couldnt take their place. after all, BIRDS did out number humans in surface population.]

Jill Monroe

06-19-2007, 01:13 AM

<< Morgan TOO was struggling, she watched as Sharon reverted to a more HUMAN state...grappling with emotions and MEMORIES that were TRUE rather than what had been programmed into her.>>

she's HURTING...she needs HELP.....

<< she came forward slowly.>>

Sharon....I'm so sorry......for ALL of this!! even in DEATH...you were not allowed to rest in peace....but now that you're BACK....I can...

<< Sharon hissed with contempt as she looked up abruptly at Morgan with tear filled eyes....demanding to know how she could be protecting Haleigh and Ava from HER after what THEY had done to her....and Morgan...Morgan couldnt ANSWER her!! because in the back of her mind...she secretly FELT for Sharon!>>

oh goddess....give me...the STRENGTH!

<< Morgan looked so distressed, as she struggled to maintain her composure.>>

Sharon.....I can't BEGIN to tell you how awfull this feels...I...I'm NOT HERE to justify Haleigh OR Ava...I NEVER agreed with Haleigh's methods in the past...and i didnt KNOW about her connection to Stavros until ALYCIA told us....ALYCIA...she's your friend too! when you died, she went on a RAMPAGE to avenge you and she DID IT!! she BUSTED UP the Cassadine clan and brought them down....in YOUR NAME!

But the night Master Mold came...Haleigh worked WITH ME...with US. We destroyed Master Mold...i sacrificed MYSELF to save THE CITY from him. I've been HAUNTED by your death..and SO HAS HALEIGH.

We...we did EVERYTHING we could to make sure your death was NOT in vain....

<< she held her hand out....>>

Please....don't let THEM upset you. They are not HERE anymore. I've sent them away...and now...PLEASE...LET ME HELP YOU!

<< Sharon rejects her hand as she grows more indignant with rage and bitterness, rising up into the air. Morgan continues to keep eye contact, holding her ground, hiding her fear and her personal dismay at this...seeing thuis woman so twisted and warped, DESPITE her outward beauty...this was NOT the Sharon that was known, loved and respected by so many. MYSTECH had perverted her...but NONE of this would have been possible...had it not been for STAVROS and HALEIGH...she HADNT b een as thorough with her tabs on him as she should have been.>>

<< it was all starting to get to Morgan..she felt herself getting faint with grief ...torn between two situations.>>

Sharon....they're not your problem ...it's MYSTECH who did this. remnants of that evil organization who plundered you even in death, to USE you. When you died...Alycia made SURE that all the visual evidence and whatever else she could find went to adding to the public backlash against that entity...it was taken down! your work, made it possible for mutants and metahumans to live in a world with a little less fear. REMEMBER that Sharon....remember what was REAL...not what you believe to be real NOW....Haleigh can't hurt you...neither can Ava. I want to HELP YOU now....so that you can LIVE AGAIN!

<< Morgan PRAYED to the goddess that she was making some kind of inroad to Sharon's humanity....but was it enough? Morgan herself was ready to FAINT with mental fatigue as she fought back her own growing anxiety and anguish..and the secret resentment toward Haleigh for placing her in this situation. would the woman even CARE? would she REALIZE the gravity of this or would she find a way to make it all about HER and somehow NOT her fault. by the goddess...if she DID do that...Morgan would BANISH her to her own fate!!>>

<< still she hoped that the others had been smart enough to GET AWAY..in case this want horrible awry.>>

Silver Swan

06-19-2007, 01:36 AM

[ Sharon looked upon Morgan. there was a moment, where she felt like she could let go and fall into Morgan's arms...and perhaps she COULD be helped. She would even have been GLAD to return to the comfort of "eternal sleep" at this point. her mind RAGING with the need the DRIVE to destroy Haleigh. part of it was programmed, part of it was HERSELF and now it was all mixed and magnified.]

[ she hovered inthe air....and her mind began to remember ALYCIA and the happy moments....and again, her husband Robert, her son Kyle. Morgan, Alison, Gustav...people who she cared for...and who cared for her. ]

friends...help.....pain...

[ she seemed to revert to her earlier state upon releasing herself from the cell. Morgan was making SOME headway after all....but as Sharon began to falter with HUMANITY, she turned a bit....through the eyes of birds outside...she saw Ava...and Haleigh...the woman was still ALIVE.]

Mm..... and does it piss YOU off to know that the only reason YOU are what you are today is because of MYSTECH.... the very entity that RUINED YOUR LIFE?? And lets FACE IT, Sharon.... without MY involvement.... you wouldn't be able to exact the revenge you so RIGHTLY deserve.... some GRATITUDE you're showing."

[she sounded JUST LIKE Rick Riley, JUST LIKE STAVROS!! she didnt care...she took CREDIT for this...for Sharon being turned into THIS...and yet she didnt seem to CARE that it was her FAULT rather to her credit.]

[ shaking her head..as she shut her eyes. HALEIGH...getting away with it AGAIN!! NOT THIS TIME!! ]

that lying...murdering...unfeeling BITCH!!

[b]NO!! there IS no SHARON KELLY anymore...only THE SILVER SWAN remains!

YOU CANT PROTECT HER FROM ME!! NOT THIS TIME!!!...HALEIGH WILL PAY!! SHE WILL PAY!!!

[ the sonic scream is unleashed and this time....its MORE powerfull than the last time...the air ripples, the remaining stained glass windows SHATTER the double doors BLOW OFF their hinges and police cars outside are knocked back like dominos. windows shatter everywhere...as the shockwave slams out from the church into the street and batters people off their feet. BUT there's no sight of MORGAN in the midst of this sonic tsunami of a blast.]

[ Silver Swan comes flying out of the nearly destroyed cathedral like a silver bolt of lightning, charging STRAIGHT for the group before turning into a spinning funnel of wind once more, no trace of her body in sight...this time unleashing LARGE spiked DISCS that are the size of dinner plates. the discs spin at high velocity and begin to decapitate MANY people as well as slicing off limbs. slicing through cars, trees, slaming into buildings.]

[her voice is in the air around them, filled with wild, chaotic abandon and an almost dellirious GLEE...it was in the WIND.]

a MURDERER walks among you...AVA CASSADINE DAUGHTER OF STAVROS CASSADINE AND HALEIGH DAVIDOFF!! A MUTANT!! A MURDERING COW WHO DESTROYS LIVES EVERYWHERE SHE GOES! I AM THE ANGEL OF DEATH I WILL DO WHAT MUST BE DONE!

[ as some of the discs SLAMMED Into cars nearby...the cars EXPLODED, one sliced a fire hydrant in half while OTHERS sliced street lamps and caused them to come crashing down. her insane rampage continues. She's OUTED Ava and Haleigh to ANYONE who is still alive...INCLUDING law enforcement. as the malestrom closes in the force of the winds tearing at the skin of the members of the six before the spinning discs come slicing at them..so many at once! the discs are IMMUNE to Haleigh's control and IMPOSSIBLE to destroy physically. THREE discs came flying for Haleigh, ONE for Ava's throat and the rest were flying for Rampage Mike and MorningStar, whom Sharon had not registered seperately. her power and ferocity are AMPLIFIED by her rage and though Nicolas may have been familiar with SOME aspects of her power, he had not seen how VICIOUS a fighter she was in close quaters.]

Jill Monroe

06-19-2007, 01:53 AM

<< Morgan's icy violet eyes, now more than a little misty, showed a look of slight relief as Sharon seemed to contemplate what she was saying.>>

<< nodding with approval.>>

yes, thats right...friends. FRIENDS, Sharon. Me, Alycia, Alison...DELILAH too!! and Gustav had a son...NICOLAS....he remembers you too. he wants to HELP too!

<< Morgan considered lifting off the ground herself to meet Sharon in the air, but she didnt want to make any sudden moves. Sharon was clearly disoriented. the reaction of her humanity rebelling against her psychic programming was prooving to be more than a little distracting. but it seemed to be WORKING!>>

<< at the right moment, Morgan would CAPTURE her in mystic chains...and cast a sleeping spell on her, before teleporting her to limbo where Ororo would keep her in stasis while they went to find Alycia and DEAL with Rick..FORCING him to reveal what he'd done to Sharon before leaving him to Alycia to dispose of.>>

<< but even the best laid plans can fall through faster than the time it took to make. Sharon began to waver...showing signs of unrest and distress...>>

oh no!

Sharon?

NO! there IS NO SHARON KELLY!, ONLY THE SILVER SWAN REMAINS!

<< Sharon cried with renewed RAGE against HALEIGH. ALWAYS HALEIGH...always HER at the center of someon's PAIN and ANGUISH! firs Morgan, then Alycia and now SHARON! Morgan wanted to....wanted to turn her into a statue..just like Ororo had done with Alexis......HOW could she feel like this about her FRIEND? the woman who tried so DESPERATELY to SAVE HER from the seige perilous.>>

<< Morgan bowed her head... and spoke softly...>>

i've failed..AGAIN!

<< she knew what was coming..RETRIBUTION!>>

<< as the sonic scream was unleashed, Morgan flinched herself and screamed with panic, >>

NO!! DONT!!

<< she throws her arms up to cover her face and braces for what could be a FATAL impact, but in that split second before she was ANNIHILATED, she TELEPORTS via stepping disc. in that TWINKLING of her eye, Spellbinder is GONE and when the front of the church is BLASTED open by the POWERFULL attack, the smoke, glass, stone and rubble clouded any sign of Morgan. it APPEARED she may have been LOST in the blast. but in fact, she had teleported to LIMBO...but the interesting thing was that she hadnt come BACK to meet the others.>>

<< this encounter...it had done MORE than take a toll on Morgan....and though it was horrible, she was ready to ABANDON Haleigh to her fate! maybe she NEEDED to answer for her crimes, maybe she NEEDED to see what it was like to face someone she couldnt beat or over power!? Morgan was beside herself...and she couldnt come back...not YET....but no one ELSE knew that.>>

<< her mental distress would ring so LOUD in Karen's mind that Karen would fall to the floor with pain in Illustra....while Morgan herself was unaware that Silver Swan was now attacking the six in BROAD DAYLIGHT, OUTING Haleigh and Ava's true identities and launging an all out assault on them.>>

Jacob Black

06-19-2007, 02:18 AM

:: Cameron was too late to even tell anyone what he had seen before they were all appearing before the Cathedral. The scene upon them was utterly grissly and just plane scary, and after all the Six had seen and experienced together, for Cameron to shake like he did when he came upon Sharon Kelly, meant something. He wasn't sure what. While the melee ensued between Haleigh, Ava, Zach and Morgan versus Silver Swan. As Morgan teleported the others outside, Cameron stayed for a moment, watching Morgan try and talk to Sharon and help her. But the Silver Swan wasn't having it. She had a bloodlust that wasn't going to stop until Sharon satisfied it with Haleigh's death. As he anger raged, Cameron took cover as he left from the Cathedral, having some kind of sense something awful was going to happen. ::

"This is not going to be good..."

:: The moment he left the Cathedral, Silver Swan blasted from the Cathedral as it exploded. Prophet was blasted back several yards. Far away enough from the carnage, but his ribs he could tell were cracked. The scene was like something out of a movie. It didn't seem real. This was their worst fear realized. The Six being outted by mutants, Sharon destroying not just the SIX but innocent BYSTANDERS. Cameron needed to do damage control. For the others, they would have to fend for themselves at the moment. Cameron touched the ground as it began to glow a blue electric hue for a moment. Cameron had placed a telepathic block on the surrounding seven blocks. Anyone who drove around the area would see and hear absolutely nothing, and see that the streets were blocked off from all sides. Police would not see the destruction of the Cathedral, and the bystanders and victims of the attack remained. He thought of them. What would they think? He couldn't contact Karen because of her PSI Screen but she needed to get these people help. He went another way. Sending images of what happened to a greatly helpful and willing CAT, soon Tinkerbell would see what happened to everyone in the Cathedral, the entire carnage, and the fact that Morgan was missing. She would have to be the one to tell Karen. It was the only way. He turned back to the scene. The victims he realized wouldn't be as big of a problem as he thought because.. they were DEAD. ::

"Jesus fucking Christ.."

:: As he made his way closer to the scene, the winds began to blast at his skin. He had only one thing going for him and it was that Sharon Kelly did not know him. He was hoping that she wouldn't overtly just attack him or be aggressive. He sent a message to Delilah. ::

"Sorry to enter your mind without permission, I don't want Sharon to hear! You need to lift a shield, it should be able to vaporize the projectiles, it's something right?"

:: And so Cameron made his way to the others, the wind raging at his skin. He didn't know what to do. He felt helpless. Silver Swan's psyche was so fragmented and fragile he didn't want to risk entering her mind. ::

Tinkerbell

06-19-2007, 02:26 AM

<< after a day of leisure. Tinkerbell had taken the time to move around Nicolas' apartment, exploring more of the "large one's" realm and seeing what he was all about. there were scents in the air, and she'd taken the liberty of rubbing against various chairs, shoes, and other things to "mark" her spot. Nicolas' apartment belonged to her, just as everything ELSE in Illustra as far as she was concerned.>>

<< walking around a bit, she'd look around. so many tall things, so many BIG things...but soon, it was time to go home to mommy!>>

<< slipping through a shadow in a dark corner of Nicolas' wardrobe, she reeturned to Morgan's luxury penthouse. it was quiet there too, with only the soft sounds of Bach in the air. grand mommy was reading in the sitting room.>>

<< but soon..a sound....a faint impression....images of BIRDS again..scarey, evil and a silver lady, even MORE scarey and MOMMY!! mommy crying out with panic!!>>

<< Tinker became destressed, this wasnt the "large one" talking to her...it was someone else! someone who knew mommy too!>>

<< but even as that came, she felt her mommy's cry for help and stability....as only an enchanted familiar could feel through the rapport.>>

<< she ran quickly, finding Karen and jumping up onto the couch, mewing with urgency.>>

Shadow Weaver

06-19-2007, 02:37 AM

<< having returned to Morgan's penthouse, Karen settled herself with tea, a good book and some soft music. only an hour had passed, before Tinkerbel appeared. Karen looked up, and noticed out of the panoramic window...some smoke off in the distance as well as birds...at high altitudes...even from this view that seemed ODD.>>

<<Tinkerbell was upset and even the KITTEN had become nervous once more, nestling near Karen and shivering.>>

babies??

<< Karen looked into Tinkerbell's eyes, which began to glow...but even as the image bubble appeared...Karen's had snapped back as a flash of PANIC from her daughter overtook her.>>

<< GASP!!>>>

MORGAN!!

<< Karen was over taken by the wave of panic and grief...not PHYSICAL pain...MENTAL unrest! Morgan was overwhelmed... but as Karen leaned forward, breahing heavily, she looked at tink..>>

what ...what is it tink? help me help mommy...

<< she reached for tink..still trembling herself...as she gently stroked the siamese. the siamese mewed with worry as the image bubble formed to show the silver swan in full view, Morgan, the six....the victims all around them in the OPEN.>>

HECATE!!! it's even WORSE than i could have imagined!

<< she got up, rushing down the way and up a flight of stairs to the kitchen to turn on the TV...there were the reports...all HELL had broken loose!! birds, violence, explosions, weired "feeds" showing Haleigh and Patrick...the SUPER SOLDIER when he was still human, the Silver Swan...and now the OUTING of Haleigh as a mutant!>>

NO!!

<< she turned and looked at the clock.>>

Morgan isnt dead....i wouldve FELT IT!!

<< she flung her arms down, snapping her fingers as she once again was clothed in her regal black flying suit.>>

they're going to need help....and i've got to be ready. I CANT go there...I KNOW that Delilah will get them out....and Morgan....she TELEPORTED. She's a TELEPORTER, she could have EASILY escaped!!

<< Karen was speaking..out of rationality as well as trying to keep her self convinced that there wasnt anything WORSE...could it GET any worse?>>

Tinker...grandmama has to go and help mommy's friends. you stay here and keep yourself and kitten safe okay?

<< she picked tink up..and held her close..kissing the siamese on her forehead before setting her down.>>

go on now....you hide yourself and kitty. mommy's magick will protect this place and i'll be back soon!

<< with that, Karen left....making her way from the 107th floor to the security floor's medical lab. she knew it was logical to stay here and be ready to help the wounded instead of rushing INTO the battle where SHE TOO could get hurt. she hoped...she PRAYED that Delilah would get them out of there before it was too late!>>

Oracle

06-19-2007, 02:50 AM

<< a nightmare, that was all too real. Silver Swan's riptide of rage and vengeance was pulling EVERYONE in with fatal effects, but even as she assaulted EVERYONE in sight after she blasted out of the Cathedral, Prophet, now the strongest telepath on the team, used his powers in a way that would have perhaps evoked a SLIGHT bit of acknolwedgement from MALICE :D>>

<< as he closed down the capacity for memory and awareness from anyone that was still alive following Silver Swan's deadly onslaught on the streets of manhattan. he eased the passing of those who were near death, and spared OTHERS the mental trauma of this terrible attack. some were compelled into sleep, and would awaken with no recollection of this event...or any detail related to it. the screams of those scrambling away were thankfully silenced and NO NEW comers would be able to come into ground zero.>>

<< it was a MAJOR help, and a sound move on his part, since he could do precious little against the Silver Swan in her current state, but there was STILL the matter of the broadcast that was reaching millions of homes across the country. many had no doubt seen the "memory footage", just as Ava had before she arrived. and Silver Swan was doing her BEST to out Haleigh, not only as a mutant but as a fugitive. she was ODDLY on the side of Alycia's secret mandate b ut even Alycia was FORTUNATE not to be here for THIS.>>

<< more people were dead now..than when this began. so much MORE damage than when the six arrived. SOMEONE somewhere was going to connect the dots and as POWERFULL as Cameron was with his telepathy, even HE couldnt account for the undeniable damage of a LIVE TV BROADCAST or security cameras that might still be functioning in the area.>>

<< in many ways, this was the horrifying sequel to Master Mold, only THIS time, Sharon Kelly was the monster..the unwitting monster....on an insane, blood thirsty rampage and ALL OF THIS..because of HALEIGH.>>

<< if THAT woman didnt realize how LUCKY she as to have a sister and people willing to risk their lives...then she DESERVED death at the hands of the Silver Swan..but it was unlikely that she'd be sensible enough to remember this...for once again, she lost "control" and it was compounded by BETRAYAL as the revelation of Sharon Kelly and Zachary Armain stared her down in her mind's eye.>>

<< meanwhile, the team had no idea where Morgan was....and THEY were in a bad way. Silver Swan represented something they hadnt really encountered before...the vengefull wrath of someone that was once a trusted ally.>>

MorningStar

06-19-2007, 03:01 AM

[ When Delilah stepped out of the wormhole, she saw Morgan and Nicolas across the concrete square. She closed the wormhole behind them. Her hand flew to her ear as a piercing sound reached her then dissipated. She shook it off. Chaos was all around her. Birds were everywhere, glass was flying from shattered windows.

Poor Haleigh…her life was being broadcast for all to see. And this boy that Haleigh apparently loved…he had joined the super soldier program, the poor bastard.

Delilah thought it was odd that Nicolas was made to stay behind in the street, but she didn’t have time to question it. Was Morgan trying to protect him? If so, that could be a huge liability for the team…but Delilah doubted that was it. Morgan was more level headed than that.

While they headed inside, Delilah saw that something had to be done outside or even MORE death and destruction would follow. She got on the com once more… ]

“Find the police sergeant in charge on the scene and tell him to order his officers to drop the clips out of their weapons – now! Tell him it came from me.”

[ Once inside the cathedral, at Morgan’s command, Delilah ran to Haleigh’s side. Half way there, she nearly doubled over in pain as Sharon unleashed her sonic cry again. Finally making it to her teammate, she began helping her towards the door and was joined by Ava. In an instant, she found herself back across the street in the square.

Delilah “pickpocketed” a first aid kit which was sitting next to an emergency vehicle and went with Ava and Haleigh to a patch of grass, where she began to try and patch up Haleigh’s wounds as best she could. She looked around. ]

“Where’s Morgan?”

[ Delilah looked around, expecting Morgan to have teleported herself outside as well. And then she was thrown backwards and to the ground from the force of the shockwave that came out of St. Patrick’s. And then, beautiful and terrible, came Sharon, the Silver Swan, from the wreckage of the church. ]

“THAT is not Sharon…”

[ She said it to herself really. The figure before them was so different as to be almost imperceptibly the same being that once was their friend. Morgan had once again tried to save her…but in that moment, Delilah wasn’t as sure as she had been that Sharon could be saved…maybe Nicolas was right…

But no, they had to try… She turned her head quickly, needing to do something to help these poor people. ]

“Mike! Get these people back, get them out of here!”

[ She had kept one eye trained on Sharon and now gave her her full attention once again. Where was Morgan? The seconds ticked by like an eternity. Morgan MUST have teleported back to Illustra, expecting them to regroup there. That was the only explanation for her absence. At least, the only explanation Delilah’s mind was willing to entertain at that moment. ]

“SHARON!”

[ She stepped forward, drawing Silver Swan’s attention to her and away from the bystanders. In a big motion, she flung her hands back behind her head and then forward, her fingers splayed, creating a dazzling light display of flashes and strobing, coupled with the sound of explosions, centered around Sharon. At the same time, she threw up a laser shield intending to buy them some time with the spinning discs coming for them all. Now turning her back on Sharon and facing the rest of the team, green light came from her fingertips and made a wormhole back to Illustra. ]

“Let’s MOVE. Nicolas, Cameron, help Ava and Haleigh. Mike, come on! No one attacks Sharon – she's not responding to us, we need to regroup.”

Jacob Black

06-19-2007, 03:17 AM

:: Cameron had seen Delilah go to work. Her mind was moving like so many cogs on a clock. It was amazing really. He had never really seen her in action and it was breathtaking. He could tell why she was a part of the Six. She was amazing with her powers. Making his way over to Ava, he picked the woman up in his arms. She was weak and not in the state to get up, and though she might have tried to fight him, he mentally sedated her which would ease the pain in her body but keep her awake, sort of like a pain killer, grabbing her and taking her. His first instinct was to help Haleigh, but he wasn't sure how she would react with what she had been through and what was going on with Zach, he decided to help Ava. He knew her blood was poisonous and he tried his best not to get any on him. He talked to her. ::

"Don't worry, i'll let you tell me you didn't need my help and that I am a fool later, but now, just let me do this..Let's get out of here, shall we?"

:: He despised her personality, but the old Cameron would have jumped into the wormhole without looking back at anyone. Even though they had an unhealthy competition for the best insult of the year, she was his teammate. Perhaps this act of kindness would allow her to think of him a little differently, Making sure everyone was okay, he looked back at Delilah. ::

"We'll meet in the Medical Lab on the Security Floor. I sent word of what happened to Karen, she isn't here which means it was too dangerous. Let's hope she got my message and meets us there.. Be safe.."

:: And with that he went through the worm hole and arrive in Illustra as he made his way to the Medical Lab and saw Karen stand there. She had gotten his message. ::

"Ava got cut pretty bad by the discs. She will be fine I think, it's just a lot of blood to lose, she needs stitches at the LEAST.. and I don't know where Morgan is. The cathedral, it blew up, she wasn't there afterwards, she could have teleported.. Is she here?"

Rampage

06-19-2007, 10:25 AM

As Nicolas was clearing away the rest of the birds with Mike, he heard the sounds of carnage inside, followed by her signature scream that tore open the facade of the cathedral itself. Sharon emerged, but there was no Morgan. She was not there. He wanted to believe that she had teleported away, especially since it was her prime power. But the fact that Sharon had rejected and attacked her confirmed his vision. he only hoped that the rest of it was not true, and Morgan had survived her attempt.

At Delilah's urging, Nicolas went to Haleigh and quickly removed the stars that were embedded in her skin telekinetically, holding her wounds together as well as Ava's, lest Cameron burn off something he sorely needed. He spoke to the bystanders in the vicinity, urging them gently to leave quickly. For most of them the suggestion itself was enough for them to depart to scene.

Mike, I've got this. Go back with the rest of them while I help Delilah.

Mike had moved away most of the stragglers and returned quickly, carrying Haleigh through the wormhole back to Illustra. As he emerged on the other side, he placed her on a gurney, then sat heavily in a chair near Ava. Without Nicolas holding them together, both women's wounds began to bleed again.

***********************************************

Nicolas was at the end of his rope. Morgan, and now Delilah, was willing to sacrifice innocent bystanders like so many bugs for a friend that was dead and that EVERY indication had already told them was not the THING that stood before them now. She was a menace, and they had yet to even work to subdue her properly for fear that she may be harmed.

He stood near the wormhole and waited for Delilah, quietly seething.

Silver Swan

06-19-2007, 10:47 AM

[ Silver Swan laid waste! the woman was powerfull and INSANE. Her grief and her rage against Haleigh drove her , maybe even HARDER than she realized but she would NOT stop until Haleigh was dead and it was CLEAR now that ANYONE near Haleigh was in danger. There HAD to be an accounting.]

[ but even as Silver Swan unleashed terror and carnage , MorningStar picked up where Morgan left off, getting the public BACK and getting the Six out of danger. her silver eyes fixed on MorningStar as the woman called out her name. She had little time to process anything...as she was FLOODED, BOMBARDED by LIGHT and explosions all around!]

[ the light was so bright, so HARSH, it caused an overload in her eyes and she was blinded and left with a severe headache. crying out as she weaved in the air...DAZZLED by MorningStar's blast. it was at THIS moment, that Silver Swan decided to take her leave, as dozens of black birds, sparrows and any seagulls that were still alive flocked around her. Silver Swan, with her face covered, streaks away into the sky with such speed, leaving a bloody, terrifying mess in her wake.]

[ the six had seen the face of vengeance.]

Oracle

06-19-2007, 10:58 AM

<< the members of the Six and their allies arrived at the infimary within Illustra's security floor. Doctor Victoria was already there and ready to assist with her magick and other abilities.>>

<< one by one, Cameron with Ava, Mike with Haleigh, Zach and finally Delilah and Nicolas arrived, but there was STILL no sign of Morgan.>>

<< the battle with Silver Swan was traumatic in more than just the physical way. there were ALOT of implications behind this encounter with the apparently INSANE Sharon Kelly...not to mention the revelation of Zach's past with her. Something the REST of the Six had yet to hear.>>

<< Haleigh had taken the worst damage, Ava was injured again while bravely defending her sister and Zach had also been hurt, attacked by birds and hit by spinning stars.>>

<< the situation seemed grim but thanks to Cameron, the FALL OUT would not be nearly as bad. Through the telepath's actions, The Six's identity remained safe and while there would be more than a little confusion over what had JUST occurred, the public would not realize who Silver Swan actually was or that the Six were involved. But even covering UP doesnt always work.>>

<< the team now realized that they were ALL in mortal danger if they stood by Haleigh. this wasnt just another villain, this was a physical embodiment of Haleigh's karma coming back full circle. SOME on the team were struggling with justifying risking their lives for her when she probably WOULDNT CARE. They also werent aware how she GOADED Sharon in the cathedral either. >>

<< Morgan was not there..but when she arrived...there would be HELL to pay.>>

Shadow Weaver

06-19-2007, 11:30 AM

I know, Cameron.....Thanks to Tinkerbell and the news reports...I have come to the medical lab and am ready to treat the injured.

<< having directed everyone who appeared injured to sit on an individual gurney, Karen began to activate vital stats monitors on each person. she had a rather stern, intense look on her face, trying NOT to convey what she was obviously feeling....she was concerned about her daughter.>>

It's a good thing MorningStar ordered a withdrawl. You're not going to be able to fight Sharon head on like this.

...this is MORE than just about fighting her.

<< even Karen could see the magnitude of this MESS that revolved around Haleigh.>>

and YOU

<< looking at Ava as she waved her hand over Ava's neck and began to repair the wounds and damage caused by Sharon's choke hold and nails.>>

You were told to stay here! You could have been killed just as easily as Haleigh and Morgan TOLD you she was going to rescue Haleigh.

<< she didnt care what Ava had to say, the doctor was reprimanding her whether she liked it or not. Ava's neck was healing now thanks to Karen's magick, but Karen INSISTED that she lay down and remain still as her wind pipe had been nearly crushed. the woman needed time to rest. as Karen waved her hand over each specific cut on Ava's arms, a golden, sparkling trail followed after the motion and a cooling sensation was felt as each of Ava's cuts was beginning to close.>>

You're to stay HERE in this room until i release you. Doctor's orders.

<< Karen went to Zach. the man had several cuts himself and other gashes from the birds that attacked him. she didnt know what had happened between him and haleigh in the cathedral. her only concern now was treating his wounds before blood loss and infection overtook him. the same for ALL in the room. she was there to treat them, no matter how she might have felt about any particular person.>>

lay back...and hold still.

<< Karen once again weaved a spell that cleaned out his wounds and began to close them. Zach was bathed in a calming, golden mist that soothed his lungs with each breath.>>

you're wounds are healing. you will be fine. just lay here and let the spell run its course.

<< Moving over to Halegh, Karen looked upon the woman...her beautifull face contorted for the slightest with disapproval.>>

this is all your fault ANYWAY. people nearly DYING again because of YOU.

and I suppose you had a REASON for not telling anyone where YOU were going? you know, for all the risks that my daughter, nicolas and the others have taken for you to try to HELP you lately, you're certainly not showing much regard or consideration...but then again, what made me think you would break form even in a time like this?

<< the doctor had little sympathy for Haleigh. the woman shouldnt have left without telling someone and if no one ELSE was going to say it...SHE would. she spoke with cold, biting tones. >>

people have died...and MOST of this could have been delayed until the six was better prepared if YOU had stayed in the safety of Illustra! you were barely in any shape to go anywhere anyway.

<< Karen continued as she held her hands over Haleigh's stretched out body, weaving a pattern for a spell that placed Haleigh in a golden hued field...>>

you lay still. this spell wll not be instantenous. your body took TREMENDOUS damage from Sharon's attacks and you're vitals are about to BURN OUT. just LAY here..and keep quiet.

<< Karen moved away from her with grace and poise as the cape of her flying suit swept behind her. she came over to Mike and Cameron, who were both laid out on gurney's as well. as the cutting edge machines monitored their vital stats, Karen checked them over.>>

you two appear to be the least injured. your stress and anxiety levels are high, but thats to be expected. once again, Mike, you've prooven your bravery. You really should meet Alycia. she'd be tickled to know she's no longer the only "human ally" of this team on the front lines.

<< Karen smiled at Mike...a rare thing for her to do in moments like this. She looked between Mike and Cameron.>>

<<Delilah and Nicolas appeared.>>

are there any other pains or discomfort you're feeling physically?

Thank the goddess....that's all of you....except Morgan.

<< Karen spoke with hesitation.>>

I felt my daughter's distress...her PANIC. It was unlike anything...since the INFERNO. If she's not with you and she's not here....then she MUST be in Limbo.

<< Karen didnt want to think about what Morgan might be doing...or what she MIGHT do. her own intution told her that Haleigh would be Morgan's target of wrath and blame behind this. true enough...if Haleigh HADNT left Illustra, none of this would have happened and while the confrontation with Silver Swan was inevitable, the team could have been better prepared..ESPECIALLY if they had the benefit of facing her on the grounds of Illustra where they could at least CONTAIN the fall out of the battle.>>

<< she directed Delilah and Nicolas to sit down on exam tables and they could tell she was in NO MOOD for argument. she began to check them over.>>

tell me....what did you see...what did you FEEL when you encountered Sharon? MORE than the obvious "visual"...i mean the OVER ALL EFFECT?

<< the first step in keeping them from folding was to get them to talk about what they'd seen and right now, Nicolas and Delilah were keeping the team together. THEY needed to be as burden free as possible. Karen doted on Nicolas for a bit, as she had a habit of mothering him.>>

you seem fine physically...but i want you to drink this.

<< she opened her hand and an elixir appeared.>>

this will continue to keep you refreshed and calm.

<< checking Delilah.>>

you've aquitted yourself well as field leader in Morgan's absence. you helped with damage control as best youl could and you kept Sharon at bay long enough to get the team to safety and regroup.>>

<< she handed Delilah an elixir.>>

you sit here and drink this.

<< Karen went over to a wall panel and begin to press some buttons, entering data and information on the medical files of each person, while creating a file for Mike.>>

did any of you SEE Morgan interacting with Sharon??

Jessica Hamby

06-19-2007, 01:02 PM

Ava helped Haleigh to safety and the Six regrouped outside. Morningstar hurried over with a first aid kit and Ava, out of uncertainty, asked Haleigh if she was alright. Haleigh's gazed whipped up to meet her sister's, as she held her arms up to display her bodily damage.... her face was pained and incredulous. Was she alright?

"COMPARED TO WHAT??"

She asked.... and she realized that even Ava knew the question was ridiculous. A tall, muscular man that people were calling Mike came over and scooped Haleigh up... and Haleigh was too exhausted to question him, as he carried her through a wormhole and placed her on a gurney. Nicolas stopped holding Haleigh's wounds together, and they began to bleed freely for a second of two before the blood clotted and congealed into a jello like substance... as Karen attended to the others, the TO virus helped Haleigh to keep from too much blood loss. Zach quietly thanked the Doctor for her medical attention, and Karen came over to Haleigh... and just the LOOK on her face said enough.... but of course.... the Doctor HAD to say something.... HAD to reprimand someone.... and there was no better recipient than Haleigh.... but now was NOT the best time to lay blame.

"Give me a BREAK, lady!"

Haleigh pleaded, and stared off past Karen as the doctor spoke.... the surprise of Sharon's return seemed to be sinking in.... and even Karen's further beseeching seemed to pass over her..... it would be EXPECTED of Haleigh to defend herself from KAren's verbal attack.... but THIS time... she didnt. She didnt point out that everyone ELSE seemed to know good and well that Sharon was alive when THEY showed up at the church, and yet, no one had thought to TELL her.... she didn't mention her appointment with the chaplain.... She just stared off, completely drained of even the ability to ARGUE.... which was a feat in and of itself.... and would likely be noted by most present that Karen had asked Haleigh to lay back and be quiet.... and Haleigh actually DID!

Pam De Beaufort

06-19-2007, 01:45 PM

:: Haleigh snapped, and Ava wasn't surprised. Coughing, Ava found it hard to breathe; like there was something blocking her throat. Silver Swan really did a number on her neck in the cathedral....but her rage toward Haleigh showed no limits. If they hadn't arrived, Haleigh would have been dead. Dismembered. Sharon was out of her mind, and if Morgan believed that she would be able to save her, she was in for a rude awakening. Ava respected Morgan's views....she understand how desperately she wanted to save Sharon. But Morgan allying herself with Ava and Haleigh didn't help her plead to Sharon. ::

:: A crash caused Ava to look to the cathedral, seeing Silver Swan burst out and into the open. Sharon began to scream in a fury, outing Haleigh as a mutant and claiming Ava was a murderer. With wide eyes, she looked at Haleigh, KNOWING news reporters had been filming this. Sharon may have very well succeeded in destorying Haleigh simply by outing her to the public! ::

"We need to go! NOW!"

:: Barely able to shout because of her throat, Ava was about to help Haleigh up when Silver Swan unleashed more silver discs. One was aimed right at Ava's throat, in which Ava quickly flattened herself to the ground, hearing it wizz pass before slamming into a tree. That seemed to be everyone's clue to get the hell out of there. Feeling herself being picked up by Cameron of all people, Ava was about to protest, but she felt a weird sensation of calmness come over her. So she simply rested her head against Cameron's chest, closing her eyes. ::

:: Arriving at the medical bay, via Morningstar's wormhole, Cameron laid Ava down on the same gurney was was on earlier. ::

"Back again..."

:: She whispered to herself. Seeing Karen approach her, she began to scold her for leaving Illustra and going after Haleigh. Ava tried to speak, but Karen's magic began to weave around her neck and heal her wounds. It made it slightly difficult to talk. Ava apologized with her eyes, but she hoped Karen realized that she wasn't going to leave her sister there when she knew Morgan was having mixed feelings about Haleigh. Morgan and herself came to an understanding--a friendship--but Morgan's torn feelings about Sharon and Haleigh made it difficult for Ava to trust that Morgan had Haleigh's best interest at heart. One of her eldest friends had been turned into a science experiement, mainly because of Haleigh and Ava's father. If Morgan was unable to save Sharon, Ava feared what that might do to Morgan and Haleigh's relationship, or even the six. ::

:: Karen began to scold Haleigh as well. She was on a roll today, wasn't she? Looking over to Haleigh, she stayed abnormally quiet. Ava then looked over to Zach who sat away from Haleigh, looking like he was sick with guilt. Ava knew that look all too well....sighing out, Ava closed her eyes listening to Karen ask questions about what happened. How everyone felt about seeing Sharon. Stiffling a laugh, oh she felt fantastic seeing Sharon. Getting her ass beat by her was super fun as well. Deciding to let Cameron and Delilah handle the details, Ava just kept her eyes closed and rested. ::

MorningStar

06-19-2007, 10:46 PM

[ Delilah ushered the stragglers through the wormhole and closed it behind them. She let out a breath she hadn’t realizes she was holding as they arrived back in Illustra. She saw Karen already beginning to treat the wounded. ]

“Karen, thank god you’re here…”

[ Her first impulse was to hug the good doctor, then thought better of it. She leaned her head back against the wall. Things had gone so wrong so quickly – at least three of them had almost died. Could easily have died.

Karen suggested that Morgan had to be in Limbo. Of course – she should have thought of that herself. Relief at knowing Morgan’s whereabouts mixed with worry – if Morgan retreated to Limbo, that meant she was in more distress than they had even thought. What would be going on in her head, all alone? She thought back to Morgan's state right before the Inferno - surely the current state of affairs couldn't push her over the edge yet again?

She sat down on a gurney without argument. The elixir Karen gave her was cool and calming. She wondered sleepily if Karen would ever agree to mass producing the stuff – they could have the next “it” drink on their hands…they could call it Bewitched. Delilah laughed to herself in spite of all that was going on around her.

She became serious again as Karen asked about Morgan’s interaction with Sharon. ]

“Morgan – she tried to distract Sharon so the rest of us could escape. She tried to reason with her…tried to let her know she was still Sharon’s friend. She wouldn’t fight her.”

Shadow Weaver

06-19-2007, 11:01 PM

<< Karen turned to look at Delilah before walking over to her. She knew Delilah, treated her like a daughter for years and she knew that Delilah was worried for Morgan as well.>>

<< as Delilah recounted the interaction between Morgan and Sharon, Karen bowed her head...>>

I feel it...even now. Morgan is beside herself. she's trying DESPERATELY to find a way to make sense of this...of SHARON being the way she is now. She's ...she's trying to find a reason NOT to blame Haleigh for this.

<< She looked at Delilah.>>

I need to go to Limbo. I need to help my daughter. the pain and the GRIEF that i feel, it's making ME feel faint.

<< she looked at Delilah and then Nicolas.>>

You two, you'll have to keep it together here. Morgan may NOT be able to continue in this...I may not ALLOW her to continue. The LAST time she was this close to the edge...the INFERNO began.

Jill Monroe

06-19-2007, 11:17 PM

<< a chime and a flash of light indicates a disc opening up in the hall outside the lab....and Morgan lurches forward...leaning to the side, against the door way with her hand wrapped around her exposed , toned midriff.>>

Mother.....Delilah....

<< her head was bowed, her blonde hair fallen forward and covering her face. her tone was icy but it was filled with sadness.>>

<< she LOOKED unhurt, so she obviously escaped the onslaught launched by the silver swan before the front of the church exploded.>>

My head....hurts....

<< Morgan's head was THROBBING..>>

The others.....I got them away...but Sharon...she's so ....MAD....so INSANE!! she doesnt know HERSELF why she's here.....she's a PAWN!! she's a PAWN and I'm supposed to be able to HELP HER...and i CANT! I CANT UNDERSTAND!! and i dont think SHE UNDERSTANDS EITHER!!

<< she began to shake as tears fell.>>

I TRIED SO HARD!! I WAS SO SINCERE!! I PROMISED HER i would take her to limbo and do WHATEVER I COULD TO HELP HER!!

But she rejected me....she HATES ME because I helped HALEIGH. She'll try to kill ALL of us...because of HALEIGH!

<< Looking up..her face was now enshrouded in shadow....save her eyes..which were glowing...her tears flowing with a sparkling effect.>>

WHY IS THAT Haleigh!? WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU....why SHOULD I HAVE TO KILL SHARON BECAUSE OF YOU!?

YOUR DAMN FAMILY..YOUR AFFILIANTS..THEY KILLED HER!! and now...I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!!

THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!

EVERYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING IS BECAUSE OF YOU! YOUR SO STUPID...SO PRIDEFULL YOU DONT EVEN KNOW THAT YOUVE LOST THIS BATTLE!

<< a chime sounds off as thunder rumbles in the air..>>

SHARON WAS MY DEAR FRIEND SHE WAS THERE FOR ME WHEN YOU WERE OUT TO DESTROY ME!! SHE WAS THERE FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHILE YOU WERE CONSORTING WITH HER KILLERS! I WAS WEAK when MASTER MOLD CAME and FAILED HER and she DIED! .and NOW I HAVE TO KILL HER AGAIN TO SAVE HER...to SAVE YOU!?

YOU shouldve just let the seige perilous take me! NONE OF YOU shouldve brought me back...FOR THIS!

<< she stood upright..and came fully into the room...the thunder rumbled and rolled as she breathed heavily.>>

WE CANT REACH HER...SHE'S NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL YOU are DEAD..and YOU DONT CARE. YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT. THAT NO ONE SUFFERS AS YOU DO! YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SUFFERING IS.!

<< Persephone had seen this before...in Darkchilde when the Dire Wraiths came. Delilah and Cameron saw it just before the Inferno began...but Nicolas and Mike...THEY'D never seen the sorceress this angry...this PISSED and on the VERGE.>>

<< in her new costume, she looked poised to strike at Haleigh like a vengefull cobra...and the anguish in her now thundering voice was as strong as the anger.>>

SHARON ISNT GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU!..NOT AGAIN!

<< lifting her hands, an eldritch chime sounds off>>

NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR UTTER LACK OF REGARD FOR LIFE!

Rampage

06-19-2007, 11:46 PM

Nicolas listened at what Delilah said and he became much less angry, and much more worried. When Morgan let him into her mind, he saw the potential for darkness there and he worked with her to achieve more balance. He realized that all of that work and MORE was probably out of the window and he was grim as Karen warned them that Morgan may have to sit this one out, leaving them to handle this. he turned to Delilah as Karen departed.

What do you suggest we do next. Sharon is a walking body count as we speak, and Alycia is still out there. As much as I hate it, we may have to spli-

A chime sounded as Morgan returned from Limbo. Nicolas was glad to hear her return, but he could FEEL her anguish, her anger. She was psi-screened, but her mental turmoil rolled out in waves, and when she began to speak, he realized what she was getting at. He whispered as her voice rose higher and higher.

Oh, shit. Athena, give me strength.

Nicolas stood and positioned himself between Morgan and Haleigh as Morgan grew more and more angry.

This must be a glimpse of what the Inferno was like...heaven help us if we cannot get her under control.

Nicolas held his hands up to her, speaking in an even voice.

Morgan...remember, the enemy is Mystech. THEY did this to Sharon. We will find her and help her, OK?

As the chime sounded, he stepped forward to try to restrain her before she killed Haleigh, or all of them for that matter.

MorningStar

06-19-2007, 11:50 PM

[ Delilah bowed her head. Karen had given voice to Delilah's own fears about Morgan. But she couldn't worry about Morgan now - the best thing she could do for her friend was to protect the team she had built and hope that Karen could help her daughter. But then- ]

“Morgan!”

[ Morgan looked horrible – not like herself at all. Her normally graceful frame staggered into the lab. ]

YOU should’ve just let the siege perilous take me! NONE OF YOU should’ve brought me back...FOR THIS!

[ At this statement Delilah gasped and stood up. ]

SHARON ISN’T GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU!...NOT AGAIN! NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR UTTER LACK OF REGARD FOR LIFE!

[ Delilah had by this point walked slowly to where Morgan fumed. She touched her lightly on the shoulder. ]

“You’re right, Morgan.”

[ Morgan’s anger and hopelessness radiated off of her like waves. How could she be convinced that this wasn’t Haleigh’s fault? They seemed to always come back to this point with Haleigh, and in some ways, Morgan was right. But still, Delilah really did believe that this wasn’t Haleigh’s doing. She was by no means innocent, but she wasn’t a monster either. And neither was Morgan. ]

“Sharon isn’t going to die. What attacked us out there – it wasn’t Sharon. Sharon would have listened to you, Sharon would have tried. But we will find a way to bring her back. The real Sharon. You can’t really believe you would be better off dead… Who would be there for us, for Sharon, then?”

[ She stepped in front of Morgan, between her and Haleigh. ]

“Haleigh has made some mistakes. But so have we all. We have to go on. It is not your job to punish her. We’ve taken down Mystech, we took care of Stavros. THEY are the ones behind this, not Haleigh. They’ve fucked Sharon up and THEY have set her against Haleigh. You know Sharon – Sharon would not blame Haleigh for her death. And now we have another chance to save her. We ALL failed the first time. It will take us ALL to save her this time. And if you kill Haleigh…all chance of that will be lost.”

[ She licked her dry lips. ]

“And you really will be a monster.”

Pam De Beaufort

06-20-2007, 01:07 AM

:: Ava tried her best to rest, but everyone was tense and on high alert. Karen confirmed Morgan had returned to Limbo, which was never a good sign. Karen feared another Inferno, in which Ava wasn't present for in this time line...but had seen Darkchilde go through. Opening her eyes, Ava heard Morgan's voice in the hallway. She started off speaking softly, obviously in emotional distress. But her anger overshadowed her distress and she began to shout, bursting through the lab. Sitting up on her elbows, Morgan directed her anger at Haleigh, blaming her and her family for Sharon's demise. Ava's eyes shifted away from Morgan at that moment, before looking over to Haleigh. Her sister was extremely stubborn. Always lashing out just as fiercely as the person who was verbally attacking her. Morgan had already gone over the edge once before, KILLING Haleigh....Ava feared Haleigh could end up pushing her to that point once again. ::

"Morgan..."

:: Ava's voice was overpowered by the onslaught of Morgan's attack. Sighing out, Nicolas and Delilah tried what they could to keep her calm and talk Morgan down from blaming this on Haleigh, as Ava sat fully up, dangling her legs off the gurney. ::

"Delilah's right, Morgan. MysTech did this to Sharon. They poisoned her into hating Haleigh; to seek revenge against her. She would never intentionally do this unless she was programed to."

:: Slipping off the gurney, Ava dare not say Haleigh is just as much a victim in this as Sharon. If she muttered that phrase anymore to them, they'd probably end up going crazy on her as well. But it was true, regardless if they wanted to admit it or not. True, Haleigh had done some things in the past that weren't honorable or respectable, but Morgan herself had assured Ava only an hour earlier that people made mistakes and learned from them. That they all were given a second chance. Haleigh was no exception to this. She had made mistakes and proven herself to be a vital member of this team. Sharon was unfairly brought back to life and turned into Silver Swan; a fate that was bestowed upon her unwillingly. But Haleigh had nothing to do with that. In fact, if anyone was truly to blame for the Master Mold attacks, Sharon Kelly dying as a result, and her being 'reborn' into Silver Swan, it was the Cassadines. Ava avoided the Master Mold subject like the plague....and for good reason. But perhaps that should change now....Sucking in a sharp breath, Ava's stomach began to turn as she looked from Haleigh to Karen. ::

"May I please have a few minutes with Haleigh....alone. It will give Morgan time to calm down.."

Shadow Weaver

06-20-2007, 01:35 AM

<< Karen turned sharply as Morgan appeared, she looked OFF and her body language showed it. CLEARLY she as mentally fatigued.>>

Morgan...honey.....

<< Morgan began to speak, she sounded so weary...but when Haleigh was mentioned, the weariness gave way to BLAME and ANGER. Morgan rose up in ANGER and came forward, looking terribly similar to the night Inferno began.>>

<< Morgan began to focus on Haleigh and in SOME WAYS it was a logical PATTERN that she was taking. LOGICAL yes...but even Karen knew it wasnt entirely FAIR and now, the situation was getting dangerous for Haleigh.>>

<< Karen's eyes narrowed as she stepped forward.>>

Nicolas...

<< Nicolas took her cue and stepped forward. of them all, he was the physically strongest person to keep Morgan from attacking Haleigh IF she didnt teleport around him.>>

<< Delilah stepped forward and reached out to Morgan as well.>>

<< Karen quietly moved around in a circumference, keeping to the background as Nicolas and Delilah interceeded with Morgan. Karen was preparing to SEDATE her daughter either via medical means OR a spell if it became necessary.>>

<< On the subject of Sharon, Delilah spoke with clarity and sound appeal , while Nicolas backed her play. SHARON didnt have to die and these two were doing a beautifull job of providing a light to Morgan before she was swallowed in darkness.>>

<< at the last moment, as Delilah finished her statement, AVA spoke up as well, showing AGAIN her remarkable ability to remain objective even in the face of such pressure.>>

Ava's grasp on the stituation is remarkable...just the balance that Haleigh will NEED if she is to LEARN...before its TOO LATE!

<<Karen spoke up.>>

They're right Morgan....we're NOT going to leave you to this alone. WE won't lose Sharon again and WE wont let YOU lose YOURSELF in the darkness of despair.

<< as Ava spoke on Haleigh's behalf, the woman was right.>>

You're my daughter, and I love you but I CAN'T allow you to hurt Haleigh, no matter HOW you may feel or what the situation is.

<< Ava requested a moment alone with Haleigh and that was JUST in time with what Karen had in mind.>>

<< with a sweeping gesture, and a wild rushing harp sound, Karen spirits Morgan, herself, Delilah and Nicolas away as well as Mike and Cameron. leaving Ava and Haleigh alone to ponder the image of a dark and violent Morgan.>>

<< Cameron was sent to Alison's apartment, Mike was sent to Nicolas' guest quaters within his apartment and Delilah, Nicolas, Karen and Morgan were taken to Morgan's apartment...to the sitting room....>>

We need to address this HERE in a place of familiarity and comfort for Morgan.

<< she expected Morgan to react violently to Nicolas' physically barring her path even though it was necessary. Karen directed Delilah to stand back in case there was some confrontation.>>

Jessica Hamby

06-20-2007, 01:41 AM

Haleigh sat up on the gurney, rolling a silver star between her fingers, staring at it distantly. Karen's rebuke echoed in her mind.... and through her pain and her exhaustion, Haleigh couldn't shake the feeling that whether or NOT she liked it, Sharon was after HER and the massacre at the Cathedral was all in the quest to get HER... all those slaughtered people... collateral damage to reach Haleigh. The nightmare of being overtaken by the blood of her victims flashed in her mind's eye.... and her guilt settled on her. Sharon.... ALIVE! She thought... the revelation never lost its sting... and Haleigh flashed from seeing the bloodlustful face of the Silver Swan to the bloodstained and dead face of Sharon Kelly. Before she had time to further process, Morgan was back.... and she was ANGRY. Delilah and Nicolas both blocked her path, trying to protect Haleigh from Morgan. Haleigh stood from the bed, her expression blank but her demeanor defiant. Morgan SEETHED but Haleigh could match her EASILY.

WHY IS THAT Haleigh!? WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU....why SHOULD I HAVE TO KILL SHARON BECAUSE OF YOU!?

"YOU DON'T! Who the fuck ASKED YOU to?? I never ASKED for your help and GOD DAMN IT, You SHOULDNT HAVE SHOWED UP! NONE OF YOU should have! I deserved EVERY BIT of what Sharon wanted to give me and I WAS READY TO GET IT, so FUCK YOU AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON!"

WE CANT REACH HER...SHE'S NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL YOU are DEAD..and YOU DONT CARE. YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT. THAT NO ONE SUFFERS AS YOU DO! YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SUFFERING IS!

"SO LET HER HAVE ME! You think YOU'VE got ME PEGGED? If You REALLY THINK THAT, then you don't know SHIT about me, and if you REALLY FEEL THAT WAY, then GO TO HELL! I'll fight her by MY DAMNED SELF and if I DIE, then OH FUCKING WELL, but I DONT want YOUR help, not if it's SUCH a fucking inconvienience to stand by me, after EVERYTHING we've been through!"

The arguement became more and more heated and Haleigh seethed and railed against Morgan JUST as heavily as the sorceress did her.... but under ALL the stress, of losing control of her memories and her powers to having people she gave her ALL to save coming back from the DEAD with her death on their agendas, not to MENTION being publically OUTED as a mutant and finding out that her FIANCE had previously had some sort of sordid affair with the late senator, the very WORST part, the most painful stroke of ALL was this.... the sound and vengeance of Morgan BLAMING her and apparently casting her OUT.... and as Haleigh shouted back, tears began to stream down her face. Delilah gave a valiant attempt at defending her and de-escalating the situation, but that did LITTLE to soothe Haleigh. Karen stepped in and separated everyone, which was probably the best possible decision that could be made at this point, but Haleigh wasn't QUITE done yelling yet, so she turned her wrath on those who were left behind with her... at the moment, her sister Ava.

"And just why the HELL didn't someone TELL ME about Sharon? YOU all came to the Cathedral KNOWING what you were facing, with a GAME PLAN, and you weren't at ALL shocked.... you'd had TIME to adjust to the idea.... why wasn't I TOLD? I was a SITTING DUCK with a fucking BULLSEYE of my forehead! [rounding on Zach] OH, speaking of KEEPING information from me.... DONT YOU WORRY honey, I'll DEAL WITH YOU LATER, YOU GODDAMNED TRAMP!"

Jill Monroe

06-20-2007, 11:22 AM

<< Haleigh railed BACK against Morgan...her glowing eyes showed how taken ABACK she was by this....as her hair began to flow.>>

you...SELF PITTYING COW! NO ONE CARES HOW YOU FEEL. YOU WONT GET OVER THIS TIME WITH THAT MARTYR CRAP!

<< Morgan lunges for Haleigh, with halos of magick around her hands but Nicolas grabs hold of her...restraining her.>>

LET GO OF ME!!

Morgan...remember, the enemy is Mystech. THEY did this to Sharon. We will find her and help her, OK?

AND WHAT ABOUT HER!? SHE GETS TO WALK AWAY FROM ANOTHER MESS SHE CAUSED!

<< although Morgan was super strong, Nicolas may have been the ONLY one in the room physically capable of restraining her. she struggled against him FORCING him to commit MORE than a little effort to holding her back from Haleigh.>>

“Sharon isn’t going to die. What attacked us out there – it wasn’t Sharon. Sharon would have listened to you, Sharon would have tried. But we will find a way to bring her back. The real Sharon. You can’t really believe you would be better off dead… Who would be there for us, for Sharon, then?”

<< Morgan looked at Delilah in disbelief....WHY did she always have to know the right thing to say? she even reasonably defended Haleigh. Morgan still struggled a bit against Nicolas, but as Delilah touched her shoulder, Morgan began to settle...JUST a bit. >>

SHE KNEW WHAT STAVROS WAS CAPABLE OF!! DIDYOU SEE HOW SHE REACTED WHEN ALYCIA OUTED HER! THAT IS NOT A PERSON WHO REGRETS THEIR MISTAKES...THAT IS A PERSON WHO IS JUST MAD THEY GOT CAUGHT! SHE SAT THE INFORMATION THAT COULD HAVE HELPED US SAVE SHARON THE FIRST TIME!

<< Ava backed Delilah and Nicolas' attempts to diffuse a volitile situation as Morgan and Haleigh were now being pulled about by a similar rift that Haleigh and Alycia were now in the midst of....with SHARON in the middle of it all....what she represented, the way she died, what she been FORCED to become. it was a terrible thing and Ava realized just how EASY it could have been for Morgan or anyone ELSE to blame HER. after all SHE was Stavros' daughter, a direct link to the family that was behind Sharon's death.>>

IT'S NOT FAIR!! SHE ALWAYS ESCAPES ACCOUNTABILITY! SHE ALWAYS HIDES BEHIND SELF LOATHING AS IF THAT REALLY CHANGES THE DAMAGE SHE CAUSED OR WAS APART OF!

<< Karen was now behind Morgan, with her hand on Morgan's back, speaking calmly to her daughter. her mother whisked them all away, leaving only Ava, Haleigh and Zach in the medical lab and morgan found herself in her penthouse once more...still in Nicolas' grasp.>>

<< she yanked away.>>

UNHAND ME!

<< she angrily snapped..breathing heavily as she pulled away from him...from them ALL....turning her back, she walked hurridly to the floor to ceiling window and looked out on the dusk sky.>>

<< her head bowed and her blonde hair fell forward, she heaved with sadness as her back tensed up. she was lost and bewildered...THEY were right but why couldnt SHE GET IT herself? why was this so HARD and so DAMNED PAINFULL for her? she was not in control either, and while her issue was different from Haleigh's both women were suffering now.>>

I don't want her here..i want her OUT of here. RIGHT NOW!! LET Sharon have her. LET someone FINALLY get JUSTICE!

<< she said, not looking at them. as she began to shake with tears.>>

Rampage

06-20-2007, 12:06 PM

Haleigh managed to inflame this situation, and Nicolas entertained a momentary urge to allow Morgan to give her a taste of what she could do. But he knew that he couldn't do that, not here, not now. Nicolas saw just in time as she encased her hands in energy to swing at Haleigh, and grabbed both her wrists ffirmly in order to control her upper body.

Nicolas was easily the strongest of the Six and he was confident in his ability to physically control even Morgan, but the sorceress was consumed with emotion, and he doubted very seriously that their strength levels were currently much different at all.

Geez...she is strong..as an OX! C'mon Nic, get a hold of this girl before she throws you into the East River and kills half the room.

As Delilah and Karen worked to soothe Morgan, she began to struggle a bit less but Nicolas still held onto her. He shot a thought to Haleigh.

Haleigh, shut the FUCK up NOW or I will kill you myself. You left before we could tell you anything, and we spent all night trying to help your ass.

Thankfully, Karen took charge pf the situation and used her teleportation power to separate everyone. As they arrived at Morgan's apartment, Nicolas relaxed a bit but still held her, realizing that she was probably not finished.

As she pulled away from him, he listened to her vent her frustrations over the entire situation. He walked over to her and placed a hand on her back. He gave himself no better than 60/40 odds of keeping the hand, but when you care, sometimes risks are involved. As she began to cry , he reached around and held her, speaking to her softly.

Morgan, I understand how you must feel. I would be deeply hurt if my own father were used this way. But Haleigh is no more culpable for the sins of Mystech now than she was last week or the week before. THEY are doing this to Sharon and to Haleigh. Look Morgan, I know that I have seemed cold about this, but look at me.

<<lifts Morgan's chin>>

Morgan, I care about you. And I won't allow you to suffer this way alone. We can do this. Together. I believe that you, me, Cameron and Delilah can subdue her until we can undo what has been done. I believe from my vision that the work of Mystech was not complete. They programmed in a deep hatred of Haleigh but no other negative parameters. Maybe we can capitalize on that. But we have to get her off the street before its too late, before the government or Rick Riley can get to her.

Shadow Weaver

06-20-2007, 12:36 PM

<< Karen expected Morgan to have one last bit of outburst as she angrily pulled away from Nicolas. she felt her daughter's pain so strong...placing her hand over her own heart and looking rather sad.>>

<< Nicolas had a quiet word with Morgan, he reaffirmed everything that Delilah , Karen, even Cameron and Ava had felt.>>

Morgan, honey....Nicolas is right.

<< she came forward.>>

This really ISNT Haleigh's fault. its that monster, RICK RILEY. He's using Sharon...just as he attempted to ABUSE her before and while she's rampaging through the city gunning for Haleigh, HE'S somewhere hiding in the shadows REVELING in it. MYSTECH took Sharon's family from her and that galvanized her to become the champion of mutant/metahumans rights and now...after her death at the hands of Master Mold, MYSTECH has attempted to PERVERT her memory as they use her AGAINST her will. GET ANGRY!! but DIRECT the anger at the person who DESERVES IT!! Rick Riley has Alycia and he want's Haleigh and he's using SHARON to try to achieve that. It may not seem like it right now, sweetheart, but YOU and your friends DO have the power to stop him AND save Sharon, Alycia AND HALEIGH.

<< she took her daughter's hand.>>

you...WE are having a hard time with this..just as i SAID we would...and there's not going to be an easy or "standard" way to get through. somtimes the path to the goal is narrow and painfull and FILLED with screaming, crying and even the desire to give up and lay down...but that's why we're a FAMILY, Morgan, when one is too weak to carry on alone..the OTHERS step in to help him or her and even YOU can benefit from that. I am your mother and i love you...i will not see you suffer this alone and these people here...Nicolas and Delilah...they care for you TOO!

Here, now, its OKAY to work through your anguish. we ALL have problems with this caper...and in order for any of us to be effective we're going to have to FACE those problems and talk about them. not bottle them up.

<< Nicolas offered a step towards capturing Sharon.>>

Nicolas is right again....the FIRST step is to CAPTURE Sharon. We have to stop her from killing anymore people...for the more she rampages, the closer she brings mutants and metahumans to the white hot scrutiny of the government and the REAL SHARON would NOT want this...

<< reaffirming Delilah's earlier statements>>

This can be done without any unnecessary harm to her OR us. the powers represented among the six are varied enough to allow for many plans of action. Nicolas' scientific knowledge, combined with Morgan's magick and my abilities as a doctor give us a good chance of reversing the process on Sharon. Right now...based on what i saw from Ava, she and Haleigh have issues to work through...issues that relate to Sharon and Zach.

<< a woman "KNOWS">>

We should leave them be and keep Morgan and Haleigh apart to allow cool down.

We're inside Illustra, we're safe...and everyone is healed. Why don't i make us all some tea, while you three children take this time to set down and de-stress! I'll contact Cameron to ask him to resume reestablishing contact with Alycia.

<< Karen smiled at Morgan, Nicolas and Delilah as she walked past them, touching Nicolas' back to silently congratulate him on a job well done as well as touching Delilah's shoulder for the same reason. the doctor left the young people in Morgan's sunken in sitting room while she went to make tea.>>

Jill Monroe

06-20-2007, 01:22 PM

<< Morgan tensed up a bit as Nicolas touched her, but she didnt react violently like Nicolas may have remotely thought she would. she'd gained quite a reputation along the way in order for him to even entertain such an idea, so he couldnt be blamed.>>

<< she began to cry as she sank from anger to utter despair.>>

It SHOULDNT BE THIS WAY!!

<< she cried.>>

Haleigh , Delilah and I...WE tried so hard to save her and alycia from master mold and we LOST HER!! and then I DIED! Haleigh and I....we worked things out...I...TRUSTED her...and now..here i am ..ready to KILL HER AGAIN! WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME! I don't want to her....and I dont want to hurt Sharon.....I think about what Alycia had been saying all along after SHE found about Stavros...and it ..it MADE SENSE to me but i didnt say anything. I kept telling myself that I'd find a way to see around it and that Haleigh was NOT the enemy. Ava's right...the woman has prooven herself time and again. She was there for the Six even when I wasnt after the Seige Perilous.

<< she laid her head on Nicolas' chest, allowing the saftey of his arms to envelope her. not even realizing that Karen and Delilah were standing there...SEEING Morgan allow herself to find comfort and security in the arms of a man, a rare thing indeed.>>

I'm at a LOSS. one minute i think I have it all understood and then something happens, there's a feeling of bitterness and RESENTMENT. If anyone should believe in second chances...it's ME. I think about What Haleigh has done....the things she IS responsible for....and some of what Alycia has said has resonated within me deeply. I dont know HOW i can say i trust her...when i feel that she could REVERT at anytime!! I mean...even NOW she uses her "self loathing" to keep us at bay and as an excuse for her bad behavior....isnt that where it STARTS? making excuses!? she wont let us help her. she WANTED US to let Sharon destroy her and she doesnt even CARE about the fact that we risked our lives last night to try to get some help for her.

<< she looks up at Nicolas as he puts his finger under her chin, her icy violet eyes misty from tears welling up.>>

Thank you....Nicolas....I didnt think you'd understand......but i'm so glad you're here with me...with us.

<< if she were ALONE with him, she might allow herself a moment of emotion...and kiss him, but not while her mother and Delilah were here.>>

<< her mother spoke, and Morgan took her mother's hand in her's moving from Nicolas as she hugged her as well...SO GLAD that she was here for her in this terrible situation and reminding her that it was OKAY to struggle through issues...sometimes that is the ONLY way to get them resolved. Karen backed Nicolas' feelings about capturing Sharon before going to make tea and refreshments for the group. >>

.....yes....we must find her...and capture her. I think we need to take her to LIMBO where no innocents will be harmed if she attempts to escape while we try to treat her.

<< Morgan put her hand on her forehead as she placed one of her hands on Delilah's arm.>>

and you, my dear friend...thank you for picking up where i so carelessly left off. you're natural born leader and strong asset to this team. i'll never be able to tell you enough how GLAD i am you're here.

<< she looked between Delilah and Nicolas.>>

I'm sorry for downstairs. I didnt mean to place you all in danger.

Pam De Beaufort

06-20-2007, 02:01 PM

:: Lifting her hand to her forehead, Ava shut her eyes as the shouting match between Morgan and Haleigh escalated. Things were progressively getting worse and both woman needed to be seperated immediately. Nicolas stepped in, pushing Morgan away from Haleigh. Ava looked up right as Karen finally stepped in and agreed that this situation wasn't getting any better. Whisking everyone away, Haleigh, Ava, and Zach were left in the medical bay, alone. Sighing out heavily, Haleigh's anger was now directed to Ava, causing her to turn away and walk to her own gurney. ::

"I didn't know about Sharon until AFTER I was nearly mauled to death by birds at today's photoshoot. Upon arriving here for medical treatment, Nicolas informed me, but you had already left for St. Patrick's Cathedral. I called you five times to warn you, Haleigh. Check your cell."

:: Turning around, Ava pulled herself back onto the gurney, listening to Haleigh scream at Zach. With cold eyes, she shifted her gaze to Zach, gesturing with her head to the medical bay door. ::

"I think you should leave, Zach. I need to speak with Haleigh, alone."

Jacob Black

06-20-2007, 03:28 PM

:: Cameron was getting so sick of this. They had just nearly all died and now they were fighting like cats and dogs, and he didn't expect that Morgan would be the one who was so traumatized. It made sense, but Cameron couldn't help but shake the feeling that Sharon Kelly was not going to be saved. And what if she was? What the hell was she going to do with her life? He didn't think anyone was considering that. Coming back from the dead himself, it wasn't all nice and easy. She was a SENATOR for gods sake and she couldn't just come back from the dead. They were so willing to help Sharon and try and fix her, but he wasn't sure that was the endgame idea. The fact was somebody was gunning for the SIX, and he wasn't gunning for Morgan or Sharon. He was gunning for HALEIGH. As everyone got sent away, he took his leave with a great sense of relief. He didn't want to be a part of that conversation. And he made his way back to Alison's apartment. ::

:: Sitting back down he began to search for Alycia again. He just felt like Sharon Kelly was the biggest distraction and the biggest weapon that Rick Riley had. It was genius, what better way then to get rid of Haleigh and distract the big wigs? Sharon Kelly. He just felt like they were losing focus as a team, and while Sharon Kelly was important, that they had lost all focus on what was going to happen. Rick Riley a fugitive was still at large and he had Alycia and he STILL wanted Haleigh, but everyone was concerned with fixing Sharon and hadn't really debated the possibility that Sharon couldn't be saved and that she was a mere distraction and weapon from the design from Rick Riley, and so his mind's eye opened up and he continued searching for Alycia over the scene he had seen before, figuring if nobody else was going to find Alycia, he was going to have to do it himself. ::

Alycia Barnett

06-20-2007, 04:05 PM

:: it was already dusk and on the east coast, where Sharon's secluded luxury cottage was located, the darkness began to settle across the dense, secluded forest.::

:: Alycia herself was blissfully unaware of the carnage taking place in NYC or that HER best friend was responsible. Though she was held captive, she was still in a better position than some of her allies right now for SHE had the precious illusion of peace as she slumbered.::

:: Rick, by now, had tied her to a bed...the bed was comfortable and yet, with her wrists being restrained, she knew she could not escape right now and after a grueling battle of wits as well as fighting against his psychological warfare, before being drugged into sedation, Alycia was now weary. Rick was no wear to be found and only the sounds of nature and the slightly flowing lake outside that cottage could be heard.::

:: as she slumbered, she dreamed many things. of her father, of happier times with Morgan and The Six....not sure if these were REAL or just imagined...but CAMERON was in the dreams as well. She wasnt quite as unhappy with Cameron, in fact the seemed to enjoy a truce of sorts.::

dream scape

:: Illustra, Alycia's satellite office, 99th floor.

:: sitting at her rounded desk, Alycia glares at documents before Cameron walks in and interrupts her.::

Alycia: I thought i told you not to come in here when I'm busy, King.

Cameron: Pardon me, your highness, I didnt realize you were unable to multi task.

Alycia: Shut your hole!

:: she snapped. as she waved her hand dismissively::

Alycia: I have to go and meet Sharon at her cottage out on the east coast, a private lake front property in Conneticutt. I'll have your documents for the living will notarized before i leave tonight and a sealed copy will be sent to my safe and your property in L.A. for safe keeping.

Cameron: Many thanks Alycia...

Alycia: yeah right. I'll be sending you the BILL as well.

:: barging past Cameron and making sure to push him aside with the back of her hand hitting his chest, the high powered attorney storms out of the office with a mean walk in those heels and that tailored donna karan suit.::

Alycia to Cameron in the dream: the cabin in the forest.....i'm so tired........rick....drugged me....keeping me sedated.....

:: as Alycia slept, her subconscious form wandered across the astral plane, and through THIS Cameron was able to catch a glimpse of her form as he seemed to SHARE in her dream scape...sensing that she was now drugged and sedated but still relatively unharmed. there were OTHER flashes too....flashes of light as images of the first night she and sharon encounted the SUPER SOLDIER began to creep up in her dream scape...changing everything from serene and calm...to warped and scarey....the rooms were elongated and every moment she stood, she felt her heart beating...heard her own fearfull breathing.::

<< she stepped from the office into the cabin with one move...realtiy changed from day to night and the eyes...those RED EYES...that HULKING FORM, that heavy breathing and those foot falls!!>>

Alycia: THIS ISNT RIGHT!

<< Alycia was in Sharon's cottage and HE was coming for her...it was like a scene out of Friday the 13th and as she ran for her life.....Cameron saw a look of FEAR in her eyes....before her lost contact with her. THAT was her TRUE feeling beneath the sedation....FEAR of being KILLED!>>

Alycia: MORGAN?? ALISON!! CAMERON?

<< he was coming...slowly directly for HER. she began to run, from room to room, opening doors only to find DEAD ENDS.>>

Alycia: NO WAY OUT!!

<< she wouldnt die without a fight. HE was coming...closing in..CORNERNING HER!! she sees a GOLF CLUB!>>

Alycia: GET AWAY FROM ME YOU BASTARD!

<< with a mighty swing she SLAMS the golf club down on HIS head....and while he grunts with pain...the grunt changes to a LAUGH as his shadow enshrouded face lunges forward and screams>>

RICK RILEY: WHAT'S THE MATTER ALYCIA? NOT HAPPY TO SEE ME!?? WE'VE UNFINISHE BUSINESS, YOU AND I!!

<< as he grabs her and forces himself upon her....Alycia cries out and screams....the dream scape SHATTERS and CAMERON loses his sight and contact of her on the astral plane, but THIS time...he's gotten a solid idea of WHERE she is located now. what state...and what general area...AND that she's been drugged.>>

Rampage

06-20-2007, 11:29 PM

As they shared a moment looking into each other's eyes, Nicolas wiped away Morgan's tears. It was a moment that would have been better savored alone, but that was not a luxury they enjoyed at the moment.

He nodded and smiled a bit as Karen offered to make tea after giving him a "good job" pat on the back.

He turned back to face Morgan as she spoke to both he and Delilah, apologizing for earlier. He shook his head.

What's a death threat or two between family? I am just glad you are not still struggling with me in that hallway. You been lifting lately?

Nicolas chuckled softly as he enjoyed the company of the pair, hoping to ease the tension before they had to get back to work...

*********************************

Mike too a shower and made himself welcome to a spare suit of Nicolas' to wear over his armor and gear. He was nearly as tall and a little bigger so it worked fine. He reminded himself to have some clothing sent here just for him. After all, Nicolas wasn't the only one who liked to look smooth.

After resting a few minutes, he turned on the TV to see what if anything the major news organizations were saying or if there was news. He contacted the crew and told them to rest in gear. He had a feeling that they would be needed soon enough... he stood and paced a bit with one question:

Where was Ava?

Jacob Black

06-21-2007, 02:35 AM

:: While Cameron was upset with how everyone was acting right now, feeling like they weren't focusing on the right thing, he was dead set and determined. He was closing in on the signature he had picked up from Alycia earlier. It was a little easier to find her this time because she was asleep and dreaming, and her body was traveling through the astral plane, dreaming, and Cameron could see what she was experiencing, as if he was a part of her dream scape as well. ::

I have to go meet Sharon at her cottage out on the east coast, a private lake front property in Connecticut.

:: Why was she thinking of this? None of it made sense, that seemed so out of the ordinary to be dreaming about something that was mundane like, and that is when Alycia actually SPOKE to Cameron in her dream. ::

The cabin in the forest....i'm so tired.......rick....drugged me....keeping me sedated.....

:: That woman was sharp as a pistol. She was using her dreams, something Rick couldn't control, it made Cameron extremely happy. He almost wanted to revisit that fleeting kiss of theirs from the past, but now the important thing was to watch, to see what else he could see. ::

"Alycia, I could kiss you, you bitch..."

:: He watched the serenity and calmness of the dream scape warp into the time she encountered the Super Soldier. She was so SCARED, and even though she was sedated she was scared, so much so that Cameron could SMELL it. Rick came into the scene as he grabbed Alycia, FORCING himself upon her, and everything went black. She was gone. He didn't have time to wait. He knew now. He was happy. He ran down to where Morgan was located, somehow barging in and revealing his information. ::

"Sorry to bust this up. But Alycia! I found Alycia! That woman is as sharp as a tack! She contacted me through the astral plane. She sent me images of her dreams. I am pretty sure she is at Sharon's private cottage in Connecticut. Rick Riley has her there, he is keeping her sedated and she is relatively unharmed. But she is tied to a bed, and considering his history, that is NOT good news. But I found her! I found her!"

Jessica Hamby

06-21-2007, 04:29 AM

Haleigh rubbed her temples, trying to soothe her aching head as her sister defended herself. She nodded apologetically, as she thought about what Morgan had said.... most of it was true, unfortunately, and Haleigh had little to console herself with. Ava suggested Zach leave.... and he looked like he might put up an arguement, but the sour look on Haleigh's face was enough to push him out the door. As the mechanical door slid shut, Haleigh THREW the silver star she'd kept at it, pegging the door deeply.

"I hope whatever you are about to tell me is going to improve my mood."

Pam De Beaufort

06-21-2007, 02:06 PM

:: Zach left, and Ava craned her stiff neck back. Looking at Haleigh through half open lids, Ava sighed out heavily, before rubbing her own forehead for a minute. How the HELL was she supposed to start THIS conversation? Hesitating, Ava finally dropped her hand from her forehead and gripped the gurney she was sitting on. ::

"I just...I...want to be your verbal punching bag. Vent away, Hales....I think you need to expell some anger before you explode."

:: With her knuckles turning white from gripping the gurney so hard, Ava chickened out at the last minute. Yes, she was being a little pussy...not one of her more admirable moments in her duel lives. But how was she supposed to drop this bomb on Haleigh after everything that had just happened? It was like rubbing salt on an open wound. Not to mention she was petrifide Haleigh would never speak with her again. Ava skeletons seemed to be falling out of the closet all day today, but this skeleton, she was cramming back in for both their sakes. ::

Jessica Hamby

06-21-2007, 03:03 PM

Remarkably, Haleigh's mood DID seem to improve... or maybe it was just her wildly fluctuating emotions, that responded to the slightest stimulation. She was angry, then sad, then angry again, and now happy.... and she had no control over it... nor did she seem to notice. she got up and went over to her sister's gurney, crashing hapazardly on it and putting her arm around her sister, chuckling softly, laying back and dragging Ava back to a laying position with her. She playfully tickled Ava for a few seconds with a devlish smile.

"I knew there was a reason I loved you, rugrat." She said, taking a deep breath and exhaling forcefully. "No.... I'm not angry with you... I'm sorry I took it out on you.... I shouldn't have.... you're just about the only person left on my side.... Karen doesn't want to help me.... she wants to discipline me.... Morgan only stands beside me when there's no BETTER side to be on... like Alycia or Sharon... or her MOTHER.... Delilah only defends me when it's convienient... Nicolas just wants to fuck me ninety percent of the time.... Cameron... I just don't know... he hasn't said a word for me or to me.... and Zach.... [clenching her fist] Zach's the WORST of them all... he's a traitor AND a coward.... he betrayed my trust and he couldn't even TELL me... he had to let someone ELSE tell me in the midst of a fight... and Sharon got the pleasure of seeing my reaction... I used to think we were a FAMILY... but a family sticks together in uncertain times... and we don't.... [sighs] and the most painful thing about it.... is they're RIGHT... it's all my fault.... I brought this all down on us.... and I wish there was something I could DO.... [laughing uneasily] but at least I've got you, right??"

Jill Monroe

06-21-2007, 03:13 PM

<< as Nicolas wiped away her tears, Morgan put her hand over Nicolas' hand. being so close to him, she felt safe but she also felt a little embarrased since Delilah and her mother were here. The irony was while Morgan may have been a mountain lion in the business world, the world of fashion or in battlefield, she was more like a nervous kitten when it came to matters of the heart. so used to hiding herself from that...from LOVE that Nicolas managed to have a profound impact on her. She looked at him for a moment....and her heart warmed.>>

dear nicolas....i think i love you.

<< her psi screen protected her thoughts, so she knew she was safe from him hearing that. still...that she would even ENTERTAIN such a thought was a major development for her and she blushed a bit as she looked away while her mother announced she would make tea and for them to be seated in the sitting room.>>

<< she looked down at her lap as nicolas joked about her strength.>>

coming from YOU? that is a compliment indeed....Mr. "i can bench press jet planes with one arm."

<< she looked up with a bit of a smile on her face>>

I wonder where my kittens are...

<< she said as Nicolas and Delilah settled down as well.>>

I'm sure once they here us, they'll come for attention.

<< she felt a bit demure at the moment with Nicolas. NOT being accustomed to that, she was glad Delilah was here..but hoping her friend wouldnt rib her about this later.>>

<< Cameron arrived, and asked for entry, upon coming in, he revealed that he'd finally pin pointed Alycia's whereabouts. he seemed MORE than a little relieved. Could he still have SOME kind of feeling for Alycia too inspite of everything? how curious would it be if THOSE two DID do more than kiss.>>

....good work, Cameron!

<< Morgan sounded a bit tired. she was weary from everything that had happened.>>

I remember that place, that was where Alison, Alexis, Delilah, Adrian and Myself went to rescue Sharon and Alycia when the Super Soldier was sent to KILL Alycia after she somehow obtained the blue prints and other inside information on the NERVOUS fortress!. That place is STILL THERE??

<< she looked at the others, and then called out to her mother.>>

MOM?? it appears that tea will have to wait...Cameron has found ALYCIA!! we have to go and save her before Rick does something terrible to her!

Shadow Weaver

06-21-2007, 03:41 PM

<< a level above, in the kitchen, Karen was humming softly as she prepared tea and refreshsments, but soon, Morgan called out. They had found Alycia!>>

thank the goddess!

<< Karen took the kettle off the stove and left the kitchen, making her way down the small flight of steps and toward the sitting room.>>

Well if you've found her, then go to her and quickly. Rick Riley is a RAPIST and among other things, he will try to sexually assault Alycia just like he did with Sharon.

<< she looked with contempt.>>

How fitting would it be to lock him in a room with Sharon as she is NOW. I think things would be QUITE different.

<< she said this with clear, concise contempt as her perfectly shaped eyebrows lifted a bit.>>

I'll stay behind and keep an eye on things...and people. And you can leave Ava too, there's no need to seperate her from Haleigh at this moment.

Pam De Beaufort

06-21-2007, 05:23 PM

:: Haleigh slid off her gurney and made her way over toward Ava, stumbling as she went. Reaching out to help her, she managed to climb onto the bed in a better mood. Ava figured it was a side effect from what was happening to her. As Haleigh laid down, she drug Ava down with her, tickling her as she went. Elbowing her, Ava jerked her body a bit. ::

"Okay, not funny. You know I hate being tickled."

:: Slapping her hands away playfully, Ava smiled, resting her head against Haleigh's. She began to express how she felt Ava was the only person on her side. Taking her sisters hand, Ava ran her thumb along Haleigh's engagement ring, listening quietly. "Zach's the WORST of them all... he's a traitor AND a coward.... he betrayed my trust and he couldn't even TELL me... he had to let someone ELSE tell me in the midst of a fight." Rolling her head away from where she was resting it, Ava looked away, her eyes becoming glassy. "I used to think we were a FAMILY... but a family sticks together in uncertain times... and we don't...." Subconsciously, Ava began to squeeze Haleigh's hand as horrible memories began to fill her mind. Memories of that night... ::

Ava was only sixteen years old when she started working along side Stavros. Sixteen. She had graduated at fifteen, in the top two percent of her class. She was smart and had the world at her finger tips. But Stavros had other ideas. He wanted to teach Ava the buisness. To expose her to everything now, so she knew exactly how to handle it in the future; when he was gone and she was left there to run the buisness by herself. Ava was deep into the world of MysTech at such a young age. Knowing exactly what Cassadine Enterprises supplied them with. Why they were using it. How many people would die as a result. Her father called it an occupational hazard...but for who? Certainly not them. But Ava never had the ability to stand up to her father; to speak her mind when she believed something was wrong. She charished Stavros...he was her knight and shining armor, and she was the princess. She wanted to please him and make him proud. So she never questioned the buisness or it's transactions. She became detatched from the inevitability of people dying; their loved ones suffering. Her once carefree soul and warm heart became cold and detatched at a young age.

It wasn't until one evening, Ava had forgotten to get a few documentations signed by her father, that everything change. Walking down the corridor leading to one of the labratories, Ava carried a folder filled with papers. She looked distinguished, even at age sixteen. Like she 'belonged' there. Coming up to a sealed glass door, Ava punched in the clearence code and swiped her entry card, the door opening immediately after. The smell of alcohol burned her nose....she never could get used to that smell. Walking into a small room, she placed the folder she was carrying down and slipped on a white lab coat and medical mask. A procaution for anyone who was about to enter the lab. Picking up her folder, Ava finally entered and began to walk toward the main medical bay.

With the folder held tightly against her chest, the medical facilities always scared her. She never knew exactly what she would be walking in on....Faint voices of men could be heard talking. One of them was her father. Ava couldn't quite make out what they were saying...something about a government program. The hallway came to an end; Ava finally reaching the medical bay. It was huge and white. Equipment she had never seen before adorned the walls. Heart monitors and respirators beeped softly. Ava saw three men and a blonde haired woman standing with their back to her. All of them in matching white lab coasts, and all of them standing over a medical gurney. Ava was afraid to speak, so she listened.

Man # 1: "We need more funding, Stavros.

Man # 2: ""His body is more resistant than we anticipated. We need to increase our efforts."

Stavros: "He was always trouble...even now. Consider it done."

Ava lowered her eye brows, confused. She continued to watch, her grip around the folder tightening. The silvered haired man--later found out to be ADAM CHANDLER--walked away from the gurney and over to a cabinet filled with vials. The blonde woman, known better as MALICE, followed. The tall and lanky brunette--aka CHRISTOPHER VICTORY--moved away from the gurney as well, grabbing a medical chart sitting on a steal cart near by. As the two men walked away, a man was revealed, laying in the gurney, motionless. Ava quietly gasped. Her father continued to stand by the bed side, blocking Ava's view from seeing who this person was...

Adam Chandler: "Stavros..."

Stavros looked up as the man gestured for him to come over. Ava's heart began to pound as her dad moved away from the gurney.

"Oh my God....."

Ava dropped the folder of papers, her face drained of blood at the sight of PATRICK laying on the gurney. She felt faint, like she was going to pass out. All three men turned to see Ava standing there in shock. Stavros immediately moving toward his daughter.

"Patrick! What...what are you doing! What are you doing to him!"

Running forward, Ava reached the gurney, tears streaming down her face. Patrick looked like death....his once lively and friendly face was pale. Dark black circles were under his eyes...he looked like he hadn't slept in a year. He looked frail and weak.

Stavros: "Ava! Ava stop."

"Patrick....Patrick....it's okay. I'm--i'm going to get---you...you need to....you...you need to sit up so I can help you."

Stavros: "Ava!"

Stavros grabbed Ava by the shoulder in which Ava pulled away. Turning around, Ava's face was wet with tears, her eyes blood shot with anger. Pounding her fists into Stavros' chest, she managed to push him away from the gurney.

"How could you do this! Why are you doing this to him! LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO!"

Stavros: "Ava! Listen to me! This needs to be done! AVA!"

Turning back to Patrick, Ava began to rip the tubes from his arms and pull the small suction cup-like patches from his chest. At this point Stavros motioned for Adam to get a sedative. Ava felt his hands grab her again, this time more forcefully. He pulled her away from Patrick, but she fought. She fought like hell. Screaming, Stavros managed to turn Ava around and hold her upright.

Stavros: "Nothing can be changed! Patrick cannot be helped!"

"You really expect me to BELIEVE THAT?!"

Stavros: "I expect you to act like a Cassadine! To look outside of the box and see what Patrick is being turned INTO! Not what he's leaving BEHIND!"

"He's my sisters fiance! HE'S FAMILY! And you RIPPING him AWAY! I WON'T LET YOU! YOU CAN'T! DADDY STOP THIS!"

Stavros: "YOU ARE MY FAMILY! NOT HIM!"

Ava pushed Stavros away, seeing the moster so many people have seen before. A man that petrified Ava.

"I can't believe you....I can't believe you would do this to Haleigh---to me! I've done everything you've ever told me to do! Why can't you do this one thing for me! Let him go, daddy!

Stavros' eyes turned black...or atleast it looked that way to Ava. Backing into the gurney, Stavros grabbed Ava, pulling her forward so his face was only mere inches from her.

Stavros: "You listen to me, carefully, Ava. This project will CHANGE Cassadine Enterprises AND MysTech forever! We will get BILLIONS if we succeed! And so help me God, if you do ANYTHING to destory this....[changing the tone of his voice] Listen to me gumdrop.....think of your sister. Think how she would feel if she KNEW that you were involved in this. That you helped take away the man that she loved."

"But....I didn't....do...anything."

Ava said, sobbing between words.

"You helped with the funding, Ava. You filed the paper work to approve this experiement. You did everything but inject him with the virus. You are in just as deep as I am....Honey, I never wanted to do this to Patrick, and I never wanted you to find out that he was involved in the Master Mold project. I tried to protect you from this...just like you need to protect your sister, now. Promise me, Ava. Promise me that what you have seen here, tonight, doesn't leave this room. Especially to your sister."

Stavros' manipulating words struck Ava to the core. She HAD filed the paper work for the Master Mold project. She had went to the banks to confirm the funding. She had set up meetings with MysTech on numerous occations pertaining to the Master Mold project. She was in just as deep as he was....or atleast, that's what Stavros managed to seer into her brain just now. If Haleigh ever found out...she would never speak to Ava again. Closing her eyes, Ava's body trembled as she turned back around to look at Patrick through blurred vision. His eyes slowly began to open...he was so drugged up....it took everything for Ava not to break down right there. Patrick seemed to recognize Ava....he gave her a strained, but small smile.

Patrick: "......Rug...rat..."

Shutting her eyes tightly, Ava wanted this nightmare to be over. Sniffing, she opened her eyes a few moments later, tears falling to her cheeks. THe sight of Patrick...the way he looked in that very moment...would haunt Ava for the rest of her life.

"I'm....so sorry..."

:: Ava barely heard a word of what Haleigh was saying. "...but at least I've got you, right??" Snapping out of her daze, a single tear fell from each of her eyes, causing Ava to sit up from the gurney. Sniffing, she tried to hide the fact she was crying, by keeping herself turned away from her sister. ::

"I need to tell you something, Haleigh...."

:: Inhaling a shakey breath, unlike what happened with Zach, Ava wanted Haleigh to find this out from her mouth...not from someone else. ::

"I knew Patrick was being turned into the Super Soilder.....I knew it from the beginning..."

Jessica Hamby

06-22-2007, 04:05 AM

Ava turned away and sat up, but Haleigh'd already seen the tears, and she sat up abruptly as well, worried, as she put her hands on Ava's shoulders to console her.

"Hey.... what's wrong? What is it? [As Ava warns she has something to say, Haleigh gets an uneasy feeling, but encourages her sister tenatively.] Okay..."

Haleigh can hardly believe her ears.... in fact, she is almost CERTAIN she mishears, and she laughs, shaking her head.

"I'm sorry... I must be losing my mind... I thought you just said you knew about Patrick being turned into---"

She stopped, as the look on Ava's face was confirmation enough. Haleigh's eyes filled up with rage..... and she suddenly SHOVED Ava right off the gurney.

"You WHAT??! You KNEW?? How... COULD YOU? You.... [she lifts her hand to her head, feeling suddenly dizzy. The lights flicker.] WHY... why didn't you TELL ME?! WHY DIDNT YOU DO SOMETHING?!"

Haleigh stood up, though she wobbled. The gurney that they'd been sitting on skidded backwards violently.

"Do you.... have ANY idea... what that DID to us?? It TORE us apart, Ava! GodDAMNIT.... do you realize how different my life would be if he hadn't been taken? I... I would be a GOOD PERSON! I.... would be HAPPY.... I LOVED him! I-- you little bitch!"

She clutched her heart, shutting her eyes tightly, as the metal in the room began to rattle.... she clenched her teeth, as she lost her balance and tried to recover, falling to her knee, as she tried to fight what she could feel coming... and the health monitors in the room switched to her memories... as did every screen in illustra.... and throughout the CITY.

There was no stopping my temper now. How could he DO THIS? Not only to me, but to ANY of us? It's been three weeks and still no word since he left to visit his mother at her lakeside cabin. I can only surmise that he ran off to do that STUPID program, its the only thing he's been interested in lately. Hell, not just interested, fuckin' obsessed. I wish he had talked to me. Ever since that camping trip he played dumb to my questions. At first he tried to say he wasn't going through with it, then he wouldn't talk about it at all. I know he's found something out... I hate that he won't tell me... it only makes my dread intensify. He won't tell because he knows I won't approve. But why would he just LEAVE?? He abandoned me... and now we know he abandoned his MOTHER too... a local in the Connecticut town where she lived FOUND her body in the lake near her cabin... the M.E. estimated she'd been dead nearly as long as Patrick had been missing. Much to all our dismay, he was the prime suspect. We couldn't fathom that they believed a 17-year-old boy to be responsible for his own mother's RAPE and brutal death. There wasn't a single person here that believed he'd done it... but my heart hardened to the fact that he hadn't been there for her. The police said there was no sign of him ever visiting there the weekend he was supposed to go... they attributed it to him cleaning up after himself. I know better.... he probably never even said goodbye to her. He hadn't said it to me.

I'm still wearing his engagement ring on my necklace... something I intend to change as I pull up by Hamstead's pond. It seems fitting that I free myself of it here.... this was where it all started. Thick afternoon thunderstorms threaten, with rolling thunder and fierce winds that whip through the branches of the Willow tree beside the pond. I step out of my jeep with hot tears of anger and a resolve that pushes me on, as the thunderhead open and rain begins to pour out of skies so dark you'd never believe that the sun shined earlier, when we BURIED Patrick's mother, as I buried my hopes that he was coming back to me. The sight of the willow tree now as violent as my mood is heartrending, its hard to imagine it was ever as tranquil and peaceful as it was the day we laid beneath it, about to make love for the first time. The rain shows no signs of letting up, but I can’t be bothered. I pulled my necklace off, taking the ring in my hand... this beautiful ring that signified his love for me... and simultaneously signified that which took him away from me.

"YOU SAID YOU'D NEVER LEAVE ME! YOU SWORE.... GODDAMN IT PATCH, YOU PROMISED ME!"

I yelled over howling winds and torrents of rain... it was relieving to get it all out. It was even MORE relieving to pitch that accursed ring into the tumultuous waters of our 'little lake', as we affectionately called it. The weather matches my stormy heart pulse for pulse. My anger rushes over me, but there’s nothing for me to vent on. I kick a few small rocks away but by now its wet and the mud swallows everything.

"WHY?? why? Oh god.... what.... what have I done??"

I cry out, as my rage gives way to a cumbersome guilt, and grief, a terrible, smothering emotion that I've been bottling since the first instant I’d felt he was gone. The softening, muddy bank is warm on my skin as I sink to my knees, burying my face in my hands. It’s too late to stop it now, and I let myself weep as intensely as the storm coming down upon my shoulders. I don't understand.... I love him so much.... how could I have pushed him away? There is nothing I can come up with to soothe my broken heart and its wounded beat, and even the solace of rage cant fill the role. Is there no way to protect my heart from such heavy pain? I don't know... but it feels as though I may never stop hurting.

Someone wraps their arms around me, and I can tell almost immediately that its Jeff. I have no idea if he's been here long, but his clothes are soaked through, and I can only imagine he followed me out here after Ma and I had a certified blowout over who would wash the dishes from the wake. That woman can be SO frustrating sometimes I want to tear my hair out. There's something about Jeff's embrace that reminds me of my father; I feel safe, and my shuddering sobs begin to subside as he holds me gently, kneeling in the mud with me. Neither of us spoke... we didn’t need to.... there was a silent understanding between us.

Haleigh buried her face in her hands, sobbing.... the anger replaced with a devastated grief..... as yet another piece of her past was brought to the surface... a piece she could hardly bear to deal with... so much so that she'd hidden it from her SELF.

Rampage

06-22-2007, 07:58 AM

As Morgan smiled at Nicolas, he could not read her thoughts; but he could read faces, and her facial expression was heartwarming in its sincerity. He smiled back at her s he sat down beside her, watching her battle with small talk while he knew she was REALLY trying to figure out how to live this down with Delilah, who was RIGHT THERE. As for Nicolas, he had decided that he would not be cutesy and suave around the others.

Rather, he would be REAL, show his true feelings, even in front of Karen. Her approval washed over him like a salve every time she looked at him, so he had no "mother-in-law from hell" fears. However, he would spare Delilah right now from the sight of his making Morgan shudder as a response to his advances, which the "bad" part of his mind screamed he SHOULD do. Instead, he nodded and smirked as she asked about her cats.

Tink is probably charging kitty for the exclusive usage rights to my apartment suite. I am certain that she is waiting for me to return so she can get spoiled rotten or help herself to the Mahi-mahi I put out for her each day.

He joked, laughing. As they talked, he absent-mindedly placed his hand on Morgan's leg. Not a come-on, just a man comfortable with touching a woman to whom he had become quite close.

At that moment, Cameron burst in , blurting out that he had found Alycia. The look of relief on his face said to Nicolas that either he was REALLY glad to help or that he had been searching frantically for more than an acquaintance. You would never had known that they went through therapy for their issues just a VERY short time ago.

Nicolas stood as Morgan and Karen echoed what he was thinking: that they needed to rescue Alycia before Rick did something that would scar her even MORE. He teleported away his suit to reveal his battle attire. He contacted Mike mentally.

Rise and shine! We are going after Alycia, your job will be to watch Ava and Haleigh as they stay here. Be careful. They can be quite volatile, so stealth may be best, use your judgment. I have given you my security clearance for the building, that should help you get access to what you need.

As Nicolas gave these instructions the TVs began to flicker with yet ANOTHER scene as Haleigh's powers went out of control AGAIN. He sighed and looked at Cameron.

If I help you, do you think you can convince the city that this is an untraceable stunt of some kind, hackers perhaps? I suggest we work quickly...

***************

Meanwhile, Mike rose and armed himself to the TEETH with weapons that Nicolas kept in his place. As he finished, he noticed the flickering monitors and cursed under his breath. He went back down towards the Med Bay...

Shadow Weaver

06-22-2007, 09:49 AM

<< Karen looked at her daughter, who seemed THANKFULL for more than one reason that Cameron had burst in to announce he found Alycia.>>

my little girl has finally found her prince charming...

<< she thought as she watched her daughter.>>

<< soon though her own thoughts were interrupted as tv monitors, and any other media screen from the top to the bottom of Illustra began to show ANOTHER flickering feedback....a MEMORY episode.>>

there's something different about this one.

<< Karen says as she watches and listens. there's something DRIVING this memory. a soft alarm goes off from the medical lab, alerting the doctor.>>

It's Haleigh....her vitals are about to CRASH!

<< Karen swept her cape behind her.>>

I have to get down there. She's going to accept my help whether she wants it or NOT!

<< Karen's voice was sharp as she said this.>>

Good luck all of you....bring Alycia back safely. Morgan, Delilah? do me a favor...and make sure you hit AND kick Rick where it HURTS!

<< she looked at her daughter and surrogate daughter knowingly. the fact that she didnt address Nicoals with that underscored the FEMINIST moment Karen was feeling.>>

<< with that, Karen lifts her hand quickly, and disappears with a rushing harp sound....to reappear in the medical lab, which is now trembling...and the machines are going hay wire. Ava is on the floor, a gurney is flipped over by the wall and Haleigh is down on her knees, in the throws of pain.>>

Ava?

<< Karen went to help her up quickly. there was not time for Karen to get an explanation from Ava just NOW...there was a more immediate matter at hand.>>

stay back. I'm going to control the situation before its too late.

<< Karen lifts her hands and gestures forward toward haleigh as a golden field surrounds the woman.>>

ZAP!!

<< Karen uses her magickal powers in one of HER specialized moves to SCRAMBLE Haleigh's mutant powers and render them useless....she restrains Haleigh within the field with mystic chains. it SEEMS harsh...but with Haleigh's unpredictability AND the fact that she was physically stronger than Karen...the doctor couldnt take any chances.>>

You'll understand, that for the safety of Haleigh and everyone in this building....I'm sedating her now.

<< with that, the doctor quickly moves over to haleigh and places a device on her neck, it touches her and bonds with her skin, releasing a powerfull sedative compound designed by Karen herself...in essence, a magick potion refined enough to use in medical situations and Haleigh's body begins to settle and equalize in its functions, as she is granted a reprieve...through SLEEP.>>

<< Karen breathes out slowly, as the building commotion in the room caused by Haleigh's feed back slowly subsides.>>

There...the danger has been averted for now. Haleigh will be out for a least a few hours and her powers will remain scrambled....for her protection as well as ours.

Now what happened? THAT memory episode was too pronounced...too PAINFULL to be random. SOMETHING provoked her in this room..and i want an explanation.

<< the doctor's tone was direct and she looked right at Ava with those beautifull, stern eyes.>>

Pam De Beaufort

06-22-2007, 01:45 PM

:: Haleigh pushed Ava off the gurney forefully, causing her to stumble to the floor. ::

"I couldn't! I couldn't do anything!"

:: Tears fell from Ava's eyes effortlessly as she looked to her sister with pleading eyes. She had done some fucked up stuff in her deul lifes; some things the six knew about (even expeirenced with her thanks to their last caper), while others were still barried deep within her. But THIS, this was one thing she couldn't keep barried away. Atleast, not anymore. ::

"I know, Haleigh! I KNOW! I have had to live with this guilt every day of my life! What could have been! How you would be as a person today! The love you were robbed of! The family! I never wanted to hurt you....you have to believe that! I didn't tell you to protect you!"

:: Haleigh collapsed to the ground and Ava followed, grabbing her sister as she went into another attacked. She didn't give a damn if Haleigh banished Ava from her life for good, she wasn't going to abandon her sister in the state that she was in. ::

"Haleigh!"

:: Dipping her head down, the monitors began to flicker and play memories of a younger Haleigh angery at a missing Patrick. Shutting her eyes tightly, she didn't want to see it. Any of it. Putting her hands on Haleigh's hands (which were holding her head), Ava then suddenly heard Karen appear. Looking up desperately, Ava's eyes were filled with tears, anguish, and worry. ::

"HELP HER!"

:: Screaming over the chaos, Ava moved away as Karen bound her with mystical chains. Finally sedating Haleigh, Ava put her hand on her forehead looking at her unconscious sister. Shaking her head to herself, she looked to Karen who demanded an explaination. ::

"I told her the truth....I never wanted to hurt her. I never wanted to hurt her..."

:: Ava managed to speak, in a somewhat dazed state. ::

Jacob Black

06-22-2007, 07:45 PM

:: Cameron was relieved to help Alycia. It startled how much he wanted to find her? He felt somehow responsible, his feelings of not being there the first time this happened, and the fact that Sharon Kelly died because of kind of ate at him. He wanted to HELP this time and he felt for the first time in a while he was. His findings were soon derailed as Haleigh had another primetime special blasted upon the screens nearby. ::

:: This memory hit him HARD, and really affected him. What she was feeling about Patrick, what she had done with his ring, what she had been through. He was putting her through the same thing now. Cameron was her new Patrick. Every man she ever loved had left her, had left her in the cold. His feelings just hit him like a ton of bricks, and a few tears welled up in his eyes. The events of the past few days had been getting to him. All he wanted to do was just touch her, be around her, he just wanted to break down and tell her everything that was going through his head. He just wanted her so bad. Why did everything just have to get in the way? Life, Death, Heartbreak... ZACH!? As he wiped the tears from his face hoping that nobody would notice this small show of his true feelings. The only people that knew what he had told Haleigh in their therapy session were Delilah, Nicholas and Karen, and for now he wanted to keep it that way. Nicholas looked at him and talked of trying to get rid of this. ::

"The only problem is that we dont know if this will be the last time this will happen. The strain that could take on my powers could be catastrophic to our situation. Plus Sharon Kelly is out there, and we dont know what she is capable of. We have to be careful.... it just seems risky..."

:: As Karen left, he looked to the remaining group. He was so torn. On the one hand, he wanted to rescue Alycia. He wanted to get rid of Rick Riley. He wanted to help Sharon, but on the other hand, he wanted to help Haleigh. He decided to take a risk. ::

"Morgan, can I talk you to privately really fast before we leave?"

Rampage

06-23-2007, 10:43 PM

Nicolas heard Cameron's response, and he was correct. If he exerted himself in this way, with the risks being relatively small, he would be of no use later on, even with Nicolas' help.

You're right. We will target the correct persons at a later time, if need be.

As Cameron asked for an audience with Morgan, Nicolas found it odd that he would need to speak with her PRIVATELY. He wasn't jealous, he just thought that it seemed ODD. he shook the thought away and prepared himself, taking out his axe. This opponent had been particularly injurious to them all, especially Morgan, and so his mood was reflected in the axe itself as it turned into a jagged, ultra-sharp mauling weapon on one side with a large hammer on the other. Before Karen departed to help Haleigh, Nicolas remarked to her.

If you need us, call us. Help can arrive in a snap. Take care, Ma.

He turned back to Morgan.

I am ready when you are...

*******************************

Meanwhile, Mike arrives at the Med Bay where he sees the two sisters off their gurneys and Haleigh being forcibly sedated by Dr. Victoria. Meanwhile, Zach is still in the hall, doing NOTHING.

What the fuck are you doing out here chillin'??! Never mind...

He refocuses on the room ahead as Karen puts Haleigh to sleep.

Damn, this must play havoc with her training. That she does so well from the seat of her pants is admirable...

Here, Dr. Victoria, let me help you with that. Did you want me to start an I-V?

Mike steps forward and places Haleigh back on the gurney. Meanwhile, Ava is confronted by the doctor about the nature of impetus that drove Haleigh's attack. He wonders what in the world could be happening now...

MorningStar

06-24-2007, 05:05 PM

[ Doctor Victoria, always the clear-thinker, sent Morgan away from Haleigh before things got too out of hand. She stood there, in Morgan’s apartment, watching her friend struggle with her emotions. Morgan, who never could quite handle the fact that she wasn’t perfect. That she couldn’t see things before they happened like Alison. Still, she would not forgive herself in hindsight. Haleigh was the same as Morgan in some ways – not wanting to accept help. But Haleigh still threw pity parties for herself on a daily basis and Morgan was not the only one that act was wearing thin with. You can only push people away for so long before they stop coming back. ]

And you, my dear friend...thank you for picking up where I so carelessly left off. you're natural born leader and strong asset to this team. I’ll never be able to tell you enough how GLAD I am you're here.

<< She looked between Delilah and Nicolas. >>

I'm sorry for downstairs. I didn’t mean to place you all in danger.

[ Delilah gave Morgan’s hand a squeeze and smiled. ]

“Morgan, you know we will always be here for you.”

[ Cameron rushed in and told them he had found Alycia. Delilah didn’t think she’d ever seen him so happy. She clapped him on the shoulder. ]

“Nice one, King.”

[ Delilah shuddered a bit remembering their battle with the Super Soldier at Sharon’s cottage – a nightmare made real. Internally, she really did NOT want to have to return there. But she knew they had to save Alycia. They could not lose another of their number – Morgan could not handle that right now. She stood by as Cameron asked Morgan for a word. ]

Shadow Weaver

06-25-2007, 09:38 AM

<< Doctor Victoria half looked at Mike. The young man was eager to assist, reminding her of Nicolas when he first arrived to the Six, but he was a bit less over bearing. as he put Haleigh back on the gurney, Karen was not worried as the mystic chains would hold unless Karen disengaged them...or she herself was rendered unconscious.>>

Run the monitors on her as well, Mike. I'll place a call to the others shortly.

<< she turned to Ava, who looked and acted like she'd just gotten off a wild ride at an amusement park.>>

WHAT "Truth", Ava. I need to know. All the work that the others went through to try to STOP these memory episodes and now THIS? You need to get a hold of yourself and TELL ME!

<< Standing there in her regal, black "flying suit", the Doctor's voice was sharp as she looked directly at Ava with close, unwavering eye contact. Haleigh was far from Karen's favorite. In fact, she flat out didnt like the woman. She was wreckless, thoughtless, inconsiderate, deceitfull, avaricious at times, and hid behind the "Self pity" card and expected everyone else to back off when she played it. Haleigh had all the classic signs of a hopeless drug addict or alcoholic on in this case..it wasnt a SUBSTANCE...it was her own self destructive behavior that she couldnt let go of and she was WELL on her way to alienating more than one person on the team now. The fact that Sharon had destroyed more than a dozen INNOCENT lives to get to Haleigh , not to mention a historic church, didnt seem to have any NOTICEABLE impact on Haleigh who STILL expected to be protected by the six, whether she wanted to ADMIT IT or not...and who STILL wanted to find a way to shift accountability.>>

<< still, her random episodes, and her being OUTED as a mutant were adding to the growing to the Six. Prophet had used his psi powers to address the public outing...but NONE of them could have been prepared for the latest two random memory episodes and random equipment malfunctions. THIS one was the worst of all and it seemed FAR MORE personal than the others. and Haleigh's vitals were now being directly affected by the episodes as well.>>

<< Ava needed to come clean and now and Karen was only half considering that Mike was still there as she confronted the woman but noticeably, when all this happened, Zach was NO WHERE to be found.>>

and what is this sudden RIFT between Haleigh and Zach? why NOW? do you know about that as well?

<< no one had yet heard about the bombshell revelation between Zach and Sharon Kelly.>>

Jill Monroe

06-25-2007, 10:04 AM

<< as her mother left to answer the apparent medical emergency in the lab, Morgan looked a bit concerned.>>

Ava and Zach are down there....what could have happened THIS quickly?

<< she wasnt very fond of Haleigh at all, but these memory episodes were becoming a SERIOUS liability.>>

it looks like whatever you and Delilah did wasnt as permanent as we hoped it would be. She's an OPEN WINDOW for Mystech to crawl through ANYTIME!

<< standing there in her newest costume courtesy of Hecate, the sorceress looked more than a bit bitter now as she looked up and ran her gloved hands through her blonde hair.>>

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/alltoofair/Goblynqueen.jpg

<< still, they all knew who the root of the problem was. it wasnt Haleigh or even Sharon..it was Rick Riley.>>

I doubt it will be THAT easy to extract Alycia from Sharon's cottage in Conneticutt. the last time Alison, Alexis, Delilah, myself and Adrian went there...The Super Soldier took EVERYTHING we threw at him and KEPT coming!

<< that he could resist the power of Spellbinder, Harbinger, Shockwave, MorningStar and Bane was only the SLIGHTEST indication how terrifying and how powerfull was....and at that moment, Morgan began to remember her caper at NERVOUS where she and alison were maimed by the Super Soldier....and later learning about her mother's own battle with the fierce creature.>>

I think there's a trap waiting for us. Rick Riley is a HUNTER and an ex marine, he's affiliated with the one organization that could counter ANY of our powers and find a way to bring us down. Obviously we must go to Alycia's aid. no matter how strong she's become, Rick has been at this for decades and his vendetta with Alycia, Haleigh and Sharon probably has made him plummet to new depths of depravity.

<< she looked at Delilah and Nicolas.>>

I want him DEAD. for ALL that he's done to us...Alycia and SHARON!

<< Cameron asked for a word with her. he seemed adamant and so she excused herself with him to another area of the main floor. it had been a long time since these two had been in the same space together, much less discussing any details about a caper but the more she dealt with him, the more it seemed RIGHT again.>>

Yes, Cameron? what is it?

<< as Morgan left, Nicolas and Delilah were treated to an unexpected visit. Morgan's small white kitten, poked her little head up from the seat of the large white chaise lounge and a tiny mew indicated her presence. it was a small relief from the more brooding thoughts the two may have had. but who could resist the sight or sound of a little kitten? Tinkerbell was nearby as well, further down the chaise lounge. they had apparently come in when everyone was just getting word about Alycia and while things were changing from moment to moment, the cats couldnt help but be themselves..looking for attention from everyone in THEIR place. :D>>

Oracle

06-25-2007, 10:13 AM

<< reunions and revisitings were happening all across the board in this deadly caper. and now, back at Sharon's cottage in that secluded forest off the large lake, Alycia, who had been kept sedated and tied to a bed would soon begin to stir, finding that day had turned to night.>>

<< waiting was the hardest thing, especially when you didnt have the benefit of being a precog or even a way to determine where your captor was.>>

<< when most people were releasing their cares to sleep, Alycia would be finding herself faced with more than a few and this place, that had once been a retreat for her best friend was now her prison...could be the place were WORSE things happened.>>

<< the six were on their way, but even Morgan knew that it would not be as easy as it looked.>>

Alycia Barnett

06-25-2007, 11:05 AM

:: She'd encountered Cameron on the Astral plane, something Rick Riley apparently didnt think she'd be able to do. His mistake. sedating her would only work SO FAR. stirring in her sleep, Alycia's brow begins to frown up as images of the Super Soldier here in the cottage invade her sedated slumber. ::

<< Sharon and Alycia have taken refuge in the cottage, knowing that if they ARE being followed as Alycia fears...that the distress call she placed to The Six will not have been for nothing.>>

Alycia: Sharon...I think we need to get underground. That SHAPE I saw a while back in the forest when we first entered...I think it was FOLLOWING US!

Sharon: You've been right about everything ELSE so far...maybe we SHOULD get underground and wait for Morgan and the others to come. they ARE coming arent they?

<< the two women began to make preparations under the cover of night.>>

Sharon: that bastard Stavros! i can't believe he tried to BRIBE me during my trip to greece this summer. did he REALLY think that MONEY would make me look away from all the PAIN and MISERY he was profiting off of? He's responsible for my son's DEATH! He's in bed with MysTech...Mystech is gaining DANGEROUS inroads to our government....

Alycia: Stavros is at the TOP of my take down list...he even superceeds HALEIGH, that stupid bitch. He's a slippery eel and his backing of Mystech has afforded him an ever present "get out of jail free" card. but its nearly over. the case ive been building, the information i've RISKED MY LIFE to get ahold of....with the help of the Six...we'll FINALLY bring that bastard and his marauding family down and once you win your senate seat again...you'll be able to push through the agenda to EXPOSE MysTech's influence on much of the Bush Administration.

Sharon: But Alycia, Stavros said that both you and I would soon have OTHER problems to worry about....I'm used to his threats...he regularly had his cronies flood my lines with pointness calls...but something about the look in his eyes when i flatly turned down his bribe and reaffirmed my commitment to oppose and expose him....

<< at that moment, a body comes flying through the window...the driver of the car that brought them out here. it's bloody and beaten badly and then, through the wall around that now shattered window comes the Super Soldier, SMASHING through. the immense, hulking figure with those glowing red eyes and shadow enshrouded face. Alycia and Sharon scream with shock and terror and as the Super Soldier makes a deadly pass for Sharon first, Alycia frantically pulls her friend out of the way, but NOT before Sharon is badly wounded on her side by his machete.>>

Alycia: oh my god, SHARON!!!

<< looking at the creature.>>

Alycia: ITS HIM!! THE SHAPE!! one of the bio hazards that escape from the Citadle!! I WASNT CRAZY AFTER ALL!

<< with slow, but steady steps, the Super Soldier closes in on Alycia who is struggling to hold her wounded friend Sharon. Sharon is shaking, bleeding badly.>>

<< With her one free hand, Alycia picks up a large ceramic lamp and hurls it with all her might at the Super Soldier. though it smashes right in his head...he is only slightly deterred as his head flinches a bit and he misses a step. Alycia pulls Sharon...half dragging her. out of another door, and across the grounds of the cottage, to get to the hidden access door to the under ground bunker....as she STRUGGLES to remember, trying not to let go into a panic...the Super Soldier is THERE...STEPS away!! with a scream of distress, Alycia finally gains access and scrambles to get herself and Sharon INSIDE!...quickly pulling the thick carbonium steel door down and sealing it...she hears the breathing of the creature and his BEATING on the door.>>

<< this is the last image she sees in her minds eye..before she finally WAKES UP with a start!>>

::GASP!!::

:: her hazel eyes wide at first..but then settling as she realizes she's awake..and still bound within the cottage.::

:: breathing out.::

no super soldier....no body...just me....

:: though she is not in the best position...she's thankfull that was all just a dream.::

just me....alone....the cabin...sharon?...cameron....RICK RILEY!

:: the disorientation began to wear off as sense and a grip on reality set in. she was trapped and she had to get free. no one..least of all THIS man was going to get the drop on her.::

:: she began to use the techniques taught her by an escape artist that trained her during her training with Force Works. with slow, carefull and slight moves...Alycia was able to manipulate wrists and eventually slip free of the binds. she laid there for a moment, not moving too quickly in case someone was in the room or outside the window monitoring her.::

Rick obviously thinks he's got the upper hand. the toad doesnt realize that i'm NOT the same woman he dealt with 6 months ago. not by a LONG SHOT!

:: she seemed more focused now than ever as she quietly sat up and untied her ankles...taking a few deep breaths before slipping off the bed. she was still in her body armour, but most of her equipment had been taken away. but he didnt account for the technology in her belt (ala' Mystique) that acted as a "pocket dimension" of sourts to allow her to draw forth a weapon that was "in storage". pulling forth a hand held repulsor blaster, Alycia now slowly made her way to the door of the room, first looking through the key hole, then down to the floor under the slit to see if there were any sets of feet. then slowly getting up to listen at the door for a moment.::

well...it's now or never. Cameron..i hope you got that message...because I have a feeling I'm going to need some HELP!

:: with that, Alycia slowly and quietly opens the door and slips out into the hall, creeping along the wall, and keeping her trigger finger on the repulsor blaster ready. it was so dark...she prayed her high heeled boots wouldnt make too much noise as she moved with the carefull stealth she'd been trained in. being back here was so surreal...but she could not afford to dwell on that now. she had to escape...to the underground bunker that she KNEW had been untouched since the last time they were there. Alison had scrambled the lock and given Alycia and Sharon a new code for it while Morgan had covered it with an illusion spell that only those who had been there BEFORE would know about. that was her best hope of regrouping so she could take down Rick Riley before he got HER.::

:: the game of cat and mouse was about to begin for sure now.::

Oracle

06-25-2007, 01:07 PM

<< and so , Alycia bravely stalks the dark, eeriely silent halls of this cottage in the woods, She is more than a little on edge. her own heart beat and breathing seem to be the loudest thing in the air, but she cant shake the feeling of uncertainty, shadows around every corner and on the walls seem to lengthen at random and the sounds of nature outside are hardly comforting.>>

<< the special agent and now high powered government official is more than capable of physically defending herself and getting out of tight situations, but there's MORE to this than simple escape. She can't bring herself to LEAVE without capturing and KILLING Rick. this is as much of a grudge for HER as it is HIM and its becoming a deadly game of cat and mouse. whoever falters in anyway will become the prey.>>

<< in this cabin, there are ghosts, memories and reminders, not only of Sharon but of times past when Alycia was on the front lines due to her own actions and sweeping ambitions in her attempts to flush out MysTech. bringing her BACK here was as much a psychological tactic as it was a scare tactic.>>

<< but even as she moves down the hall...she, and those would be her rescuers will find themselves instore for MORE than just a reunion with Rick Riley.>>

Pam De Beaufort

06-25-2007, 01:57 PM

:: Mike came in and offered Karen assistance, giving Ava a moment to breathe. Running both hands through her hair, Ava was 'calmer' than when Haleigh went into her episode. Her warey face was dried, but her eyes did show signs of crying. Karen harshly snapped, demanding the truth. Ava looked up at her for a moment then turned away, almost as if she was ignoring her. Sighing out heavily, she finally turned back to Karen, crossing her arms tightly across her chest. ::

"About the Super Soilder project."

:: She knew Karen was deeply involved, just as the rest of the six were, so the look on her face was expected. ::

"I knew from the beginning Haleigh's fiance was being turned into the Super Soilder. I was sixteen and working for my father. I accidently walked into my father having a meeting with you ex husband, Adam Chandler, and Malice. They were discussing the project...after a few moments I realized that Patrick was the man laying in the hospital bed that they were discussing. I...screamed. I pleaded with my dad to stop what he was doing. I even pulled the tubes and monitor patches from his body. But my father...he told me I was as much to blame for Patrick being there as he was. That if Haleigh found out she would never speak to me again. I believed him...so I never told her. I never told anyone."

:: Looking over to Haleigh, Ava knew their relationship was never going to be the same. It stung....but she needed to know the truth. Ava needed to TELL the truth, for once. ::

"I'm not exactly sure what happened between Haleigh and Zach. Just that Sharon exposed something to Haleigh that involved Zach. She felt betrayed and angry...she said that Zach didn't have the nerve to tell her to her face, that Sharon had to. And...at that moment, I had to tell Haleigh that I knew what happened to Patrick. I didn't want her to find out by anyone else."

Shadow Weaver

06-25-2007, 02:49 PM

<< Karen , who had been leaning in toward Ava, stood back to let the woman collect herself. She knew that Ava had been shaken by what occurred, but she had to get her to tell her what was going on because it was connected to the bigger picture.>>

<< Ava showed remarkable composure even under pressure and this was probably bolstered by her merging with Persephone's consciousness but even NOW, the pressure seemed to take its toll as Ava dropped a bombshell on Karen.>>

<< Karen blinked twice...as the look on her face was a mixture of disbelief and sadness all at once.>>

Christopher.....Adam Chandler and MALICE

my stars!! that poor boy....

<< she said softly as the shock of this revelation set in. Karen had DESTROYED the Super Soldier in a pitched battle that nearly cost her her OWN life. to face him...head on...it was TRULY one of the most terrifying things she had endured in her life and even to this DAY, she could still FEEL the penetrating GLARE of those inhuman red eyes...that blank yet demonic stare. Super Soldier had once been PATRICK PHILLIPS, and from all accounts he was a good man who LOVED Haleigh. the memories showed it....and Karen's heart began to sting with pain as she realized the scope of this tragedy and how SO MANY PEOPLE had been enveloped or destroyed by it. Haleigh, Patrick, Sharon, Zach, Ava, Alycia, Morgan....hell, ALL of the six, even ALISON who was mercifully ABSENT for this. If the Six were a family...Mystech was the ULTIMATE force to destroy that family or at least try their very best.>>

all roads...they seem to lead back to mystech....and you...YOU were there for one of the most tragic, transforming moments in Haleigh's and Patrick's life...and Patrick.....

<< the doctor's tone softened a bit as she couldnt bring herself to say that SHE was the one who killed him, even though HE was a monster by the time he faced HER. her stance became slightly less harsh.>>

You've carried with this with you for a long time and you chose NOW to reveal it because of what's happening with Haleigh and Sharon. this WHOLE situation is about the past coming back to haunt and hurt...and so it's not a big stretch....

<< she looked over at Haleigh. Mike had done an excellent job of setting up the vital stats monitors and the IV, he must have had medical training as well.>>

<< she looked back at Ava, who was clearly full of regret and remorse and while Ava might have thought the doctor would berate her further, Karen instead empathized with her, for she had kept secrets too, most recently the background of Delilah and her early child hood trauma....and of course there was the whole affair Christopher had with Malice. Something she'd never told Morgan until AFTER Malice came calling the second time.>>

what you were subjected to, no LOVING father would have brought upon his daughter. the fact that you carried this for so long....and did not crack SOONER only underscores your tremendous inner strength and resolve to protect Haleigh the best way you thought you knew how. Complicity is one thing, but i sense the sincerity in your voice when you say that you tried what you could to stop it. I can't BLAME you for this...YOU did not cause it. Patrick ...was deceived, probably manipulated by Malice, into accepted the offer of the program...not knowing the tragedy that would befall him but ultimately HE took that doomed journey and your father was an ACTIVE enabler in the destruction of Patrick as he was turned into the creature that menaced the Six. The ghosts of your father's and haleigh's past....they are now all too PAINFULLY personified by a vengefull Sharon and while she may be MAD with hatred...there was ALWAYS a level of contempt towards Stavros and Haleigh within her even BEFORE she died.

Ultimately, you did the right thing. Haleigh will not see it now, but if she doesnt get a hold of herself when she awakens, she may not see much of ANYTHING for very long.

As for Zach and Haleigh....I think i know what it is that Sharon revealed. A WOMAN knows these things...especially one who has been through what I have.

<< referring to the pain, humiliation and betrayal that came with the revelation of Christopher's affair with Malice so many years ago. The doctor subtlely implied that perhaps what Haleigh had learned had something to do with "affairs of the heart.>>

<< looking at Haleigh.>>

Sharon is out to destroy everything Haleigh hold's dear before destroying her. She wants to REPAY Haleigh for what she feels is HER FAULT and part of that would certainly include destroying any chance at happiness she may have.

<< looking at Ava once more>>

Go upstairs to your apartment and rest. You've suffered enough for one evening and there's nothing more you can do here. I will stay here and look after Haleigh. I may keep her sedated until the team can deal with Rick Riley...i dont know yet. But right now, I'm the only person who CAN attempt to help/treat her.

Just go and rest....take sometime to recover. you'll be no good to Haleigh or anyone else if you dont take time for yourself after this difficult experience.

<< Karen gently placed a hand on Ava's back.>>

You've been brave and youve been loyal for a very long time...but even I know that we all make mistakes. You're no more to blame for Patrick...then Haleigh is to blame for THIS situation with Sharon...though Rick Riley is playing his hand well...he doesnt realize that he represents the face of the entity who IS responsible.

Whatever problems we may be facing internally, it will only DELAY his fate...a fate that he more than richly deserves.

<< with that, Karen sends Ava on her way, leaving only the doctor and Mike in the room. the doctor looks him over for a moment, wondering if she should send him away as well, but he probably wouldnt readily listen, because of his orders from Nicolas.>>

<< instead, she takes a moment to find out about the most recent ally of the six.>>

<< sigh.>>

over the intercom to the rest of the Six: Doctor Victoria to the Six. You'd better come down here before you leave for the cottage. There's something i need to tell you.

<< closing the channel, the doctor huffs as she turnes and looks around the room and all the remnants of the commotion from moments before.>>

<< twitching her nose ala' Samantha Stevens [Bewitched] that twinkling sound is heard as she quickly gestures with both hands. a rushing chiming sound is heard, followed by a flash of golden light and the lab is restored, with no broken bottles, damaged equipment or anything else out of place. all is clean, quiet and in order.

I'm getting TOO OLD for this! but you, you seem awfully young to be so well versed in so many things. do you have medical training?

<< still in her regal black, flying suit.>>she walks over to a chart, Haleigh's, picking it up to document her current vital signs and the latest incident. waiting for Mike's answer.>>

Jessica Hamby

06-25-2007, 03:18 PM

Karen comes in and quickly sedates Haleigh before she can do any more damage, and Mike picks the hybrid up and places her back on the gurney as the room is repaired and the dust is allowed to settle. Ava reveals a clearer version of her involvement with the Super Soldier project, and how much she really knew, to Karen..... and relays what little she knows about Haleigh and Zach, as Zach himself paces outside the medical lab. He has SEEN the latest memory on a hall monitor.... he knows that she is in great pain... but he is conflicted. As much as he wants to rush to her side... he worries that it would only serve to further unhinge her. And yet.... the pull of his worry for HER overpowers the threat of bodily harm.... and he appears in the door of the medical lab. Karen is reassuring Ava about something and telling her to get some rest.

Zach: "Looks like the truth about the past is finally coming out-- not just for Haleigh.... but for ALL of us."

He says, as he moves to her bedside, taking her hand gently in both of his. Karen makes a call to the rest of the six. Zach falls quiet, lost in thought...

Shadow Weaver

06-25-2007, 03:33 PM

<< as Zach quietly entered the room, he made his way over to Haleigh's bedside. Karen watched him with her sapphire blue eyes, looking a bit stern at the young man.>>

Secrets, indeed, Zachary.

<< she said as she sat at the control counsel in the center of the large medical lab. the counsel had a wrap around design with a large, high backed, swiveling, executive seat in the eye of the half circle. cutting edge technology allowed the person to administer medical treatments, monitor vitals, errect forcefields, quarantine fields, flood this or any other floor with various types of gasses and sound the alarm for medical emergencies among other things and the doctor looked right at home at this control counsel.>>

and some secrets are more hurtfull than others... as Ava has learned.

<< though she was referring in part to the situation with Ava and Haleigh, Karen was ALSO speaking as a woman who had been humiliated by an affair herself she eyed Zach knowingly.>>

would you like to tell ME what happened between you, haleigh and sharon before the others get here? or shall i offer them my EDUCATED GUESS?

<< she spoke with a sharp edge in her tongue as she offered an "either or" option.>>

I might be older...but all that means is that i've experience MORE and nothing that you can say will be any thing NEW.

<< she hoped he would man up this time, since obviously he couldnt when Sharon had confronted them. She looked at Mike, indicating him to step back to the door and just keep watch. making it easier for Zach to speak as he sat next to the slumbering and restrained Haleigh.>>

Part of being a FAMILY is knowing when to accept accountability...something SOME OF YOU have had a hard time doing. But if you've learned ANYTHING today behind your encounter with Sharon, its that secrets...what's done in the dark...will ALWAYS come to the light. NO ONE is exempt from that.

Jacob Black

06-26-2007, 01:44 AM

:: Cameron took a moment before talking with Morgan. This was actually he felt a big moment for the both of them. The fact that they were okay being alone in a room together was a big step from when they first met. He let out a troubled sigh. ::

"I just wanted to know what you thought. I really want to go and help Alycia and help Sharon, but I feel like I can't leave Haleigh. I just feel like I am the only one who is going to be able to really help her. I spoke with your mother earlier alone and she told me the same thing, she told me how proud Alison would be if I was the one to stop her grim vision of the future from happening. I just feel torn, one a sense of duty, the other by love. I love Haleigh. She can't keep doing this Morgan. She is going to have the Silver Swan expose us all..."

:: He turned away for a second. He had never been THIS vulernable in front of Morgan. The only people who knew he LOVED Haleigh were Delilah, Nicholas and Karen. Ava, Zach and Morgan had no clue. But he felt like he had to say something. He was torn as to where the best place for him should be. ::

"I am coming to you because.. you are the leader of the team. I want to know what you think. Where do you think I am needed right now? With you and the others? Or with Haleigh and your mother? I am coming to you out of respect and trust. I am just feeling lost at the moment Morgan, and I am really torn. I don't want to not go with to save Alycia and have something happen, but if I leave and Haleigh DOESN'T survive what she is going through, I will feel just as bad, if not worse..."

:: Cameron waited for the Sorceress to respond. He was really just looking for someone to put him in line.. tell HIM where HE needed to be at the moment because he couldn't decide on his own right now. ::

:: He heard Karen call to the Six, he sighed. ::

"That can't be good..."

Rampage

06-26-2007, 12:27 PM

For Mike, watching the Six work was always magical. Indeed, when Dr. Victoria cleaned up the entire Med bay with a wiggle of her nose, he was still a bit awe-struck.

Damn, I could use her at the house. Sure beats maid service...

He smiled sheepishly as she asked him about himself. Most people just were glad that he could do what he could do. No one (save Nicolas and his father) gave a damn HOW he could do it. As he finished attaching the monitors and making a few mental notes about Haleigh's physiological baselines, he answered the doctor.

I was a standout in life sciences in college before I went into the military. In becoming a Navy SEAL, I trained for many different contingencies including medical assistance. I am actually an RN now. How about you? What drew you into what YOU do? I have to give you credit for loving your work as you do...

<<<looks at Haleigh>>>

...even when it's obviously difficult for you.

*************************************

As Karen signaled the team above, Nicolas shook his head. he was beginning to worry about what to do with Haleigh long-term, especially since Morgan seemed to be right and her powers were not contained by the trick Delilah used. As the episode was over, he guessed that the doctor had neutralized her powers. Then he thought of something. An idea. Something he would have to ask about if not now, then definitely later...

Jill Monroe

06-26-2007, 03:21 PM

<< Morgan looked at Cameron, she was rather weary but she would press on to the point of BURN OUT before she abandonned Alycia and with Nicolas and Delilah by her side, she knew they were capable of facing ANYTHING, but Cameron? he'd only just returned, he was still finding his way and there was no telling how stable his abilities were yet. PLUS, they needed to keep people here to defend Illustra and Haleigh in case Sharon attacked. Her mother would provide ample magickal protection while Mike seemed to have the amoury and weapons situation covered. Persephone was a powerfull goddess and there were the security precautions set forth by Delilah but the more Morgan thought about it, the more she realized that perhaps HE would be better served HERE as well.>>

<< she looked upon him unwaveringly as he professed his love for Haleigh and his genuinine concern for Sharon and Alycia. this was UNLIKE anything she'd seen from him before.>>

Wow...

<< he was truly reveling in emotions that he never really indulged before. it gave him more depth and made him look more RESPECTABLE to Morgan.>>

Cameron....

<< she spoke in an icy voice as she looked at him.>>

This caper is more than a little tricky...for ALL of us because so many people each of us care about is at risk...and those of us trying to HELP are often a step BEHIND Rick Riley and the Silver Swan...and SHE HERSELF is a victim...though she may not know it.

If you feel you should stay here with Haleigh, then please stay. I'd rather have you where your heart lies than have you elsewhere being torn between more than one thing. Rick Riley is cunning and dangerous....I KNOW he's got something planned for anyone who shows up to try to rescue Alycia. We have something of an advantage with two telepaths. it allows us to keep an active link between are divided team and helps to compensate in a way for Alison's absence.

I may not see things the way Alison does...but I know that there's unfinished business between you and Haleigh and right now, Haleigh NEEDS people who DO care for and love her....I hate to say it...but she DOESNT have many people who are that fond of her right now..and its HER OWN FAULT that its that way. It's like she WANTS to fullfill Alison's prophecy and if she does...then what will happen to US!?

<< Morgan paused for a moment.>>

I believe you're a different person now, Cameron, I believe i can talk to you like THIS and you can understand MY position.

<< looking away for a moment, she breathed out slowly.>>

we'll go down to the medical lab. you can share with Nicolas the information you gained on Alycia from the astral plane and while Delilah, Nicolas and I go to get her...you stay here with my mother, Mike and Ava. if anything happens, you and Nicolas can communicate between you.

<< she looked at him again.>>

It's a good thing you're here....some things would be alot worse right now had you not been on hand when we faced Sharon at the church and even though Haleigh doesnt know it...its a good thing you're here for HER.

<< with that, Morgan returns to the others, seeing Delilah and Nicolas playing with tinkerbell and the kitten. a little smile came over her face. >>

we're ready to go down stairs. once we're there. Cameron will share with Nicolas what information he has on Alycia's where abouts....and they will maintain a telepathic link to keep the divided team in constant contact.

<< Morgan teleports them down to the medical lab, where she finds the lab looking immaculate, its quite, dimly lit with the soft hum of energy and machines running their course. her mother is sitting in the center of the room, having apparently been talking with Zach and Mike. Haleigh was seemingly asleep and BOUND with mystic chains!? and Ava was no longer in the room.>>

Mom?.....what happened? is ...everyone allright? I dont see Ava.

Rampage

06-26-2007, 04:01 PM

As Morgan walked around the corner with Cameron, Nicolas turned, noticing the pair if cats.

Hey babies!! Before I go, let's relax a bit, shall we?

Nicolas lifted Tink and carefully lay her on his lap as he sat in the air, levitating. He rubbed the cat as he waited for the pair to emerge from their talk. As he stroked the cat, he decided to try something. He "spoke" to her wordlessly.

Tink, watch your territory for me while we are gone. If you see ANYTHING unusual, tell Mommy's mommy, OK? I will take good care of Mommy and we will be back soon.

As Morgan returned, he stood slowly, lifting the cat into his arms. He looked it in the eye as he stroked Tink one last time before setting her down. Morgan let them know what the game plan was and he nodded his approval. This plan kept the team even in magic, teleportation, and mental powers. It was VERY smart. Besides, Haleigh DID need Cameron.

Good deal. I have strengthened our link a bit. That will help us to not have to focus on it at all and even if one of us is rendered unconscious, the other should be able to "feel" him out.

Morgan them teleported them to the lab, which looked like a million maids had been at work on it. He saw no Ava, but Mike was at the door trying not to pry, and Dr. Victoria was facing Zach as he sat on a chair beside a gurney in which Haleigh in mystic chains. Obviously drugged and powerless. Nicolas looked around, puzzled as Morgan asked her mother what was going on.

What indeed? And how does Zach fit in?

*********************

Mike stood detached as the group appeared. He knew what Karen was getting at, but it was not his place to pry. He'd seen that "I got caught" look before. Hell, he'd had that look before. Still, he had no good feeling about this guy. Zach REEKED of fuckup and he knew that Nic was not high on him. He rested his hand on his piece...

Shadow Weaver

06-26-2007, 05:31 PM

<< Karen smiled at the young man, he seemed very vital, like Nicolas but there was a wealth of experience and training that lay beneath that young exterior.>>

ahh, so many young , handsome men in one space. in another time and place...i might entertain the idea of a may/december romance. but these children are my daughter's age or even YOUNGER.

<< Karen was impressed as Mike revealed more of his resume' he was MORE than a simple driver after all...she had begun to suspect that the night he was covering her at the restaurant. but now it was confirmed and what better partner for Nicolas to have watching his back. she only hoped that HE wouldnt share the fate that befell Sharon or Alycia....>>

well, my grandmother, "grammie" started me on the path of the role of "counselor". its a gift that seems to be within many women of my family, but i wanted to ENHANCE IT so i went to school. I wanted to become a medical doctor and to help people in their minds and their bodies..and with my magick...i gained more than a strong following and reputation. after a while though, especially with my...ex husband...morgan's father. I began to be pulled into the criminal profiler realm.

<< the doctor had two books that were statewide best sellers and had appeared on several talk shows. she'd also been responsible for helping to capture two deadly serial killers in the late 90's one of whom escaped and sought revenge against her but was later recaptured.>>

helping people...protecting them...it all extends from my most important role...that of MOTHER. Grammie gave that to me...I give it to my daughter...and now...many members of the Six have become my surrogate children...including Nicolas.

<< she spoke warmly as she said that last part about being a mother and her children in the six.>>

<< at that moment, Morgan and the others arrived. Zach, who seemed AWFULLY slow to answer her question, had very little time to either take the reigns of that situation or let Karen handle it.>>

<< sitting at the wrap around control counsel, Karen looked at Nicolas and Morgan with an analytical look in her beautifull , stern eyes.>>

Haleigh's most recent episode was brought on by a severe emotional reaction. She learned something...something that came as a shock, betrayal and traumatic. For her safety and ours, I sedated her, scrambled her powers and have bound her with mystic chains. she will remain this way until i deem her fit to be released.

<< continuing to sit, she steepled her fingers under her chin.>>

Mike has been an excellent source of help as I have now stabilized Haleigh. her vitals are being monitored. as for Zach, well, I believe he has something he would like to tell you but if he cannot, i CERTAINLY will.

Rampage

06-26-2007, 05:52 PM

Mike watched Karen as she listened to his answer. Her eyes were very pretty. Indeed, more than simply her eyes were pretty, and as he relaxed around the group a bit he saw her in a more...discerning light, the way that many men probably saw her.

I must say, I know where Morgan gets it from. She is lovely. If it wouldn't freak everybody out including probably her, I would speak with her further. But chances are she spends so much time caring for this group, she never lets someone take care of her very much. Food for thought...

And you do well at it. But I wonder who takes care of you??

As Mike said it, he smiled a bit, raising an eyebrow to the Dr. It wasn't really a pass, but it did let the good doctor know she was noticed, in a respectful but direct way...

As everyone questions what has occurred, he steps away a bit to give them room to interact.

Jessica Hamby

06-26-2007, 06:19 PM

Zach stroked Haleigh's hair as he tried to think how to answer Karen's questions... with the truth, of course, but how to say it? He clears his throat.

"I was... unfaithful to her.... with Sharon. It seems.... a lifetime ago now.... I would have broken it off... I would have told her... but after Master Mold... after Sharon died, and Morgan.... and Cameron's disappearance... I couldn't tell her... she needed someone she could lean on.... someone she could trust.... the Six is a constant source of instability for her. She needed to be able to count on me.... And now I may have lost her for good."

He confided, running his hand over his hair as the others began to arrive. He stood up, letting go of her hand gently.

"There is little I can do for her now... she will come to me when she is ready... she'll know where to find me. Until then... she will need support.... from all of you. She needs your help... and she KNOWS that.... but when she is faced with the darker side of herself... she will always push you away.... to protect you from that part of her. Help her anyway... she'll appreciate it.... in her own way."

Shadow Weaver

06-27-2007, 11:02 AM

And you do well at it. But I wonder who takes care of you??

As Mike said it, he smiled a bit, raising an eyebrow to the Dr. It wasn't really a pass, but it did let the good doctor know she was noticed, in a respectful but direct way...

<< Karen's sapphire blue eyes widened a bit as her perfectly shapped eyebrows raised with a bit of surprise at the boldness and directness of this young man.>>

I do believe Nicolas asked me the same thing...but probably NOT for the same reasons as you, young man.

<< she said with a calm, yet slightly reprimanding/playfull tone. still, she was not totally disapproving of the statement and she couldnt help but look at him a bit longer with a knowing glance in her eyes.>>

<< but before she could continue on with THAT discussion, the others arrived and things unfolded, Zach did the right thing and informed everyone of his OWN secret link to Sharon Kelly from the past. She had suspected it, but there was nothing like hearing it from the horses mouth. As he spoke, she could see he was convicted. She THOUGHT he might minimize Sharon and accuse her of being a slut, at which point, both SHE and Morgan would tear into him but he didnt. He may have had feelings for Sharon at the same time he had Haleigh. He did not ELABORATE on his history with Sharon and there was no need to.>>

Ava told me that something happened at the Cathedral...that Sharon had unleashed a terrible secret upon Haleigh and that she was totally upset with Zach after they escaped the Cathedral. THIS must be the secret.

<< she looked at Zach. she COULD have berated him, as a woman who'd been the victim of an extra marital affair herself, she KNEW how damaging that betrayal would have been to Haleigh and while Karen didnt like HALEIGH for a number of reasons, THIS was something that ANY woman could identify with.>>

And what of you?

<< as Zach suggested his impending departure.>>

You are not anymore safe than the rest of us and Sharon Kelly will not hesitate to try to kill YOU either. You are just as much of an enemy as Haleigh is. Don't you think you OWE Haleigh an explanation if nothing ELSE? I mentioned ACCOUNTABILITY more than once before...THIS would be a perfect time for SOMEONE to take that to heart.

Jill Monroe

06-27-2007, 11:30 AM

<< Morgan noticed a lingering eye contact between Karen and Mike...she narrowed her own eyes as she wondered what THAT was about.>>

hmmm. is Mike making eyes at my mother!?

<< Not that she objected to her mother having a life, Morgan knew her mother was beautifull and even BEFORE she was her mother, she was a WOMAN. but still, it would be more than a little...unusal to see her mother with Mike, the partner and employee of HER OWN suitor, Nicolas. and of course there was Ava, whom Mike was MORE than making a little overture towards. Maybe Morgan was reading too much into it, perhaps Mike was just appreciating the elegance and beauty of the doctor? and why shouldnt he? her mother had turned the heads of more than a few young men in recent months and as long as they werent like CHRISTOPHER VICTORY..it was all good.>>

<< as Karen briefed them on the situation , Morgan looked over at the sedated, bound Haleigh. she looked so pitifull, and the chains...it seemed so extreme but secretly, Morgan was GLAD she was bound and sedated..NOW there would be no needless , self destructive negativity or argument and Haleigh wouldnt be a danger to anyone or herself at this time. Zach was sitting by her bed side, stroking her hair as the vital stats monitors continued to blip and beep and the IV drip flowed. he was intently watching her. it was obvious he cared about her, but there was something that had CHANGED about him lately...and it had made him seem LESS appealing to Morgan than in times past.>>

<< as Karen cued Zach to tell them something, Morgan looked with focused curiosity. he dropped a HELL of a bomb on them.>>

"I was... unfaithful to her.... with Sharon. It seems.... a lifetime ago now.... I would have broken it off... I would have told her... but after Master Mold... after Sharon died, and Morgan.... and Cameron's disappearance... I couldn't tell her... she needed someone she could lean on.... someone she could trust.... the Six is a constant source of instability for her. She needed to be able to count on me.... And now I may have lost her for good."

<< she opened her mouth a bit with a slight audible sound of disbelief.>>

you....had an affair with SHARON?

<< Sharon was closer to Karen's age, but she certainly didnt look it. She was already a widow and had lost a child to mystech and she'd dedicated her life to fighting against Mystech and fighting for women's rights. she was a dear friend of Morgan's....how could she have NOT KNOWN about Zach before? Sharon never seemed to acknowledge him as anything more than Haleigh's "little boyfriend". Morgan wondered if ALISON had known about it, since Sharon and Alison were also close. So many questions, and SCENARIOS popped in Morgan's eye as Zach spoke of Sharon, the affair , master mold...and how he didnt want to pull the rug out from Haleigh at that time.>>

there was PLENTY of time between the time Sharon died and THIS MOMENT for you to have told her. With her mental state the way it is...ANY negative stimuli seems to trigger her episodes and as we all just saw with this most recent one...they are getting WORSE.

<< she left it at that. there was no need for further explanation on his part. it was ultimately a personal matter between himself, haleigh and sharon and SILVER SWAN was obviously in NO MOOD to discuss things civilly with ANYONE. This , however, did NOT do well for Morgan with her trust issues with men. one of the more outrageous thoughts that flashed in her mind was the idea that NICOLAS would try to CHEAT on her with HER MOTHER! of course her MOTHER wouldnt have any part of it..but NICOLAS....>>

no..that's just silly of me. i need to get a GRIP!

My mother's right, Zach. You can't just leave this unresolved with Haleigh. You yourself know that you've been about the ONLY ONE that can talk to her and reach ANY kind of conclusion in discussions with. You OWE her that much...since no other man has ever saw anything THROUGH with her.

<< she couldnt believe she might have been ADVOCATING for Haleigh in some way...but it was just proof that nearly all the women on the team had long standing issues with men even Karen had them.>>

Mom, was THAT the reason behind her most recent episode?

<< shocking, she didnt imagine that finding out that Zach had an affair with Sharon would cause THAT severe a reaction...but then again, her mother would tell her "everyone has their own ways of manifesting adjustment reactions", so she couldnt be sure.>>

Shadow Weaver

06-27-2007, 11:53 AM

<< Karen nodded to the negative.>>

No, it was not, Morgan.

<< standing up, Karen made her way around the counsel and out toward the group, walking past them toward Haleigh's medical bed. the cape of her elegant, black flying suit flowed just right behind her.>>

There's something ELSE that has been revealed as well...something that was probably WORSE than the revelation of Zach's affair.

<< she spoke solemnly.>>

Ava, who i have sent away to rest, revealed something to Haleigh. She revealed that SHE KNEW and was PRESENT for the decunstruction of Patrick Phillips as he was stripped of his mind and humanity by my ex husband, Christopher, Dr. Adam Chandler and Malice...and transformed into the creature known as the Super Soldier. Stavros profited IMMENSELY from providing the technology and hardware for the machines involved in Patrick's transformation and he was even taken to a medical facility in GREECE during the final stages.

It was a secret that she'd kept from Haleigh for so long...and in light of what SHE TOO suspected about Zach and the sudden rift between he and Haleigh, Ava revealed that to her sister. the shock, the devasation and betrayal she felt...it prooved to be too much.

<< she examined Haleigh's chart and made sure all the feeds and data out put were in order.>>

I confronted Ava, and i could tell that this HAD to happen..for HER as much as for Haleigh...even though the TIMING seems wrong, I believe ultimately it was for the BEST because it exposed Haleigh's deep seated issue of abandonment and the feeling that NO ONE she loves will remain. PATRICK was the most TRAUMATIC seperation she'd experienced since her father...and in BOTH cases, Malice played a role. Patrick was Haleigh's true love...we've all seen it in the memories. he's been apart of EVERY memory flash back she's had. He left her, thinking he was going to become apart of a LEGITAMATE government program...only to have his life snatched from in the most agonizing and brutal way. Haleigh never knew what happened...how he came to be the Super Soldier...and she NEVER got to address the issue when when the Six was repeatedly menaced by the creature.

Based on what i saw at the tale end of the episode and my conversation with Ava, i believe that revelation about the tragedy that befell Patrick...and that Ava had BEEN PRESENT for his torturous, brutal experimentation and transformation into the Super Soldier..it prooved too much for Haleigh to process and handle at this time.

Pam De Beaufort

06-27-2007, 07:40 PM

:: Ava was prepared for a verbal thrashing from Karen. She didn't blame her, or anyone else, who was effected by the Super Soilder. But to Ava's surprised, Karen seemed to empathize with her. A bit taken aback, it seemed ever since Ava was brought into this team, her 'skeletons' have hurt the six more than help them. Whether it be Circe or the Super Soilder. She had a past just like everyone else, but hers was far darker it seemed. Karen suggested Ava to lay down and rest while she watches over Haleigh. Reluctant at first, Ava nodded before heading toward the med bays door. Stopping, Ava turned to look at Karen. ::

"I apologize for any pain I caused you...indirectly or not.."

:: Looking over at Haleigh once more, Ava left and proceeded to make her way up to her penthouse. The space was dark and quiet. Onyx was no where to be found; she was probably hogging Ava's king sized bed. Closing her penthouse door, Ava sighed out heavily, craning her stiff neck from side to side. Unzipping her halter styled battle suit a bit, she made her way into the kitchen. ::

"Onyx...[does two kissing sounds to call her cat] Come here sweetie. Dinner time."

:: Opening the fridge, Ava withdrew a large platter dish with a huge slab of raw stake on it. Putting it on the floor, Ava grabed herself a Diet Coke and closed the fridge. Cracking the can open, she poured it into a glass, and took a sip. Her mind began to race about everything that had just happened. No doubt Karen was telling the rest of the six about it. Leaning against the counter, Ava wondered how they would take it. Cameron would probably gloat about how big and bad Ava was compared to his halo wearing self. Delilah and Nicolas may be a bit shocked. But Morgan...Ava wondered if Morgan could overlook this just as she had before. She appriciated Morgan's friendship....it really made Ava miss the friendship she shared with Darkchilde. They got along so well at the photoshoot...Ava hoped that Morgan would understand the situation just as Karen had.. ::

Rampage

06-28-2007, 01:14 AM

Nicolas appeared to see the end of an exchange between Mike and Karen that seemed...interesting. He smirked as he caught Mike's eye. There was no need for anything to be said and honestly, he didn't blame him. Karen was warm, nurturing, and admittedly gorgeous. He never REALLY saw her in THAT way per se but he did not begrudge Mike for doing so. Besides, he though it would do her good to have some companionship, especially someone he would not have to worry about killing anytime soon.

Nicolas listened as the events were relayed. His eyes narrowed as Zach fessed up about his involvement with Sharon. He was not a fan of deception and his camaraderie with Haleigh made him furious at Zach's betrayal. Furthermore, this piece of the puzzle relayed to him why Sharon never fully committed herself to his father's charms. The thought that this idiot gigolo ruined what could have been a good thing for them both drove Nicolas to the point of fury. He ground his teeth loudly as he clenched his fists, the joints cracking.

You son-of-a-bitch...

Nic! Not the time OR place...

Mike interjected, turning to face the young man as he took a step towards Zach.They locked eyes a moment, and Mike shook his head. He was also a confidant of Nicolas' father, who he dubbed "the big guy", and he knew only too well how much he spoke of Sharon and how fondly. He was pissed as well, but killing this guy on the spot would do more harm than good.

Realizing that violence was no salve for this mess, Nicolas slowly relaxed and listened further as Karen relayed that Ava was privy to the creation of the Super-Soldier from the beginning. This news was jaw-dropping for him, with him feeling even worse for Haleigh and actually very bad for Ava, a young girl who was put in an impossible position by her father.

Geez, she must feel awful. That is one hell of a burden to carry alone all these years...

Jacob Black

06-28-2007, 01:53 AM

:: As they made their way to Haleigh's penthouse, Zach dropped the bomb on just what he had been hiding from Haleigh. Even altar boy had a dirty little secret, and with Sharon Kelly? Personally he thought the woman had better taste, but he guessed everyone was proned to moments of weakness and lapses in judgement. Plus the fact that Ava had known what Patrick was going to become all along and remained completely silent. ::

"Damn Cassadine, you're not one for timing are you?"

:: He watched as Nicholas seemed to be overcome with RAGE? Seriously, was Cameron NEVER going to get a moment to proved he loved Haleigh more than anyone? Nicholas and Haleigh for the most part seemed to fight like cats and dogs and now he was ready to defend her honor, after just before saying that she would never change, that she was the biggest problem the Six had? Not Sharon Kelly or Rick Riley. A moment ago, everyone was ready to leave Haleigh to the dogs. He looked over at Zach with a gaze of complete and udder disgust, yet with a hint of that slimeball smirk at the back of his mind, completely satisfied with the situation. ::

"Jesus Zach, at least Haleigh and I were HONEST about our indiscretions..."

:: He turned a glance to Morgan and Karen and then looked away. He wanted more than anything to tear that piece of shit into SHREDS and feed him to Ava's cat. Cameron HATED Zach so much right now. HATED him. All this time Zach always played that role that he could be whatever Cameron WASN'T to Haleigh and now he finds out that he actually CHEATED on Haleigh? Cameron may not have been faithful to Haleigh, but neither was Haleigh and that was something they at least understood about each other. ::

"I don't know how many more REVELATIONS I can take for one more night.. Karen, I am staying here with you and Ava while the rest go for Rick Riley. I want to be here for Haleigh and you know why. I won't leave her side until we truly can help her. I know you feel at your rope's end with her, but if you give me the tools, I won't stop until it is done. I won't stop until she is better.. I am just.. i'm just really worried about her..."

:: He swallowed hard in his mouth as he felt his eyes begin to water. For whatever reason, Cameron just couldn't talk about Haleigh without feeling so emotional, and that meant something to the telepath. He just wanted some action. Something needed to happen and now. ::

"But let's stop wasting our time feeling sorry for Ava carrying a burden she didn't have to, and chastising Zach for being what I knew him to be all along, a RAT. We need action. The longer we are here, the less time there is to save Alycia, destroy Rick Riley, heal Sharon Kelly and fix Haleigh. We've got alot of work to do..."

Jessica Hamby

06-28-2007, 04:11 AM

Zach looked at Karen curiously as she suggested he stay and try to explain to haleigh.

"Doctor... you know how she gets... she won't let me open my mouth before she tears me in two. the ONLY reason I could talk to her before was because she TRUSTED me... She places the utmost importance in trust and once you've betrayed that... you haven't a chance getting through to her. She needs time to calm down.... time to think things over.... and then... MAYBE... she'll let me apologize."

Morgan seemed, above all, surprised not at the secret, but that it involved Sharon.

"Is that so hard to believe? Sharon may have been older than us but she still had needs... We had quite a time of keeping it quiet... I imagine the only reason Haleigh did NOT know was because she simply did not WANT to see it there. look, I know how it SEEMS... I'm a DOG and all that... but it started... rather spontaneously... back before Haleigh and I became truly serious... back when Cameron was still around. It just... happened. It shouldn't have continued... and I SHOULD have told her... but when times were BAD.... there was no way to do it and when times were GOOD... those rare moments of levity in between chaos... how could I ruin that for her? I never meant to hurt her.... but unfortunately... it's too late now. If you think ANY of that will matter to her... then you really DONT understand what Haleigh values most. She can overlook MANY things... MANY flaws... MANY wrongs done to her.... but betrayal.... that is the WORST thing of all."

Cameron chimed in.... with that smug smirk on his face, and Zach felt INCENSED. Not only was he LOSING the woman he loved... but the OTHER MAN was going to get her and Zach had spent so MANY nights comforting Haleigh after Cameron'd shorted her that it hardly seemed fair. It was bad enough to see Haleigh in this condition and know that he had a hand in bringing her this close to the brink... he clenched his jaw and fought the urged to punch Cameron, as he blathered on about being worried about Haleigh, and being prepared to do whatever it took to help her.

"YEAH, WE KNOW... You [with a hint of pain and bitterness] LOVE her. From the MOMENT you returned, I KNEW that she'd find her way back to you.... I just didnt think I'd shove her right into your arms. I would take GREAT pleasure in beating you to a pulp... but you may be the ONLY one who can help her now."

He said solemnly, as Karen revealed Ava's contribution to Haleigh's current state, and commented that it proved to be too much.

"Well, of course it was too much.... She found out about Sharon and I... then the REST of her team BLAMED her and have next to near FORSAKEN her... and then her own SISTER drops a bomb like THAT.... and suddenly she's got NO ONE in her corner... on top of THAT... all of the pain of her past is rushing over her, the woman she feels she FAILED is gunning for her, and she can't control her own body OR her powers. [grimly] It's a WONDER she didnt turn into an atomic bomb and level the building. [after Morgan agreed with her mother that Zach ought to stay and offer whatever apology he could to Haleigh. "And what would you have me say? You have NEARLY as many trust issues as she does.... you tell me, what could I say to POSSIBLY improve this in her eyes? I wish there was something I could do... but she wouldn't even LOOK at me before.... she's already closed herself off to me."

MorningStar

06-28-2007, 11:19 AM

[ Delilah was startled as Doctor Victoria’s voice came over the intercom. What could be more important than them getting to Alycia as quickly as possible? She knew Karen wouldn’t call for them for nothing, so she made her way down to the medical facilities.

Once there, she was party to not one but TWO startling revelations about Haleigh’s fiancées. No wonder Haleigh wasn’t doing too well – the hits just kept on coming it seemed. She didn’t know what to feel – the Zach thing, while shocking of course, was sort of not really her business. She didn’t really feel the need to hate Zach in order to defend Haleigh’s honor – she could do that fine on her own. And Ava…well, Persephone hadn’t really been Ava then, so could they really blame her now? How much of Haleigh’s sister was in their new team mate?

As much as she hated to admit it, she agreed with Cameron. They would have to sort all of this out later. She couldn’t deal with it right then – Alycia had to be their immediate priority. ]

“Let’s get Alycia back and then figure out what to do about this whole mess.”

Jill Monroe

06-28-2007, 12:42 PM

<< Morgan watched as Cameron reacted and then Nicolas. She noted HIS reaction..because it hinted to what Alycia had told her a while back...that Gustav and Sharon were perhaps MORE than merely colleagues or intertnational contacts. If it had been HER descision, Morgan would most certainly have paired Sharon with Gustav over Zach ANY day. a man who raised Nicolas to be the man that he is now would CERTAINLY have treated Sharon like a QUEEN and protected her from Stavros and that evil family...and as she wildly wondered what "might have been" she could EMPATHIZE with Nicolas' overt disdain for Zach.>>

<< Mike kept Nicolas from doing anything MORE and Morgan stood near her mother, exchanging a glance with her..NOTICING her mother's own subtle glances at Mike.>>

mmmhmm.... i see you looking at mike, MOTHER.

<< standing with her hands on her hips, Morgan's facial expression grew grim as Zach seemed to be "brick walling" her and her mother.>>

Zach, look, Sharon was MY friend. BEFORE you...BEFORE ANY OF THIS. If ANYONE has the right to comment..it's ME but i'm NOT saying what i WANT to say...and you're right, i DO have trust issues with men...most of the women in the six do...and YOU are an object lesson as to WHY THAT IS. But you're certainly not the FIRST and probably wont be the LAST.

You did wrong and its now come to the light. we've ALL had to brave the glare of shame before. If you want to leave...then you can leave, BUT understand that Silver Swan is out THERE and she's COMING for ALL OF US and she WONT hesitate to murder YOU either. At least let me TELEPORT you to a safe place of your choosing so that Sharon can't hurt you. However you choose to handle your loose ends with Haleigh is YOUR business but her wellbeing in regards to illustra and the six? that's OUR business now.

<< on the subject of Ava.>>

Ava and Haleigh...are sisters...It's been so long since BLAZE was ...with us..that I really havent reflected on that dynamic, though i do have Alison and Delilah. Still, i cant imagine either of them hiding something of this magnitude from me...if we were in this position.

<< looking at her mother.>>

Ava HAD to have been under duress to be made to keep this secret and the trauma of it ...well it must have been SO HARD to face even now.

<< Stavros was a HORRID man...and whether or not Ava loved her father now...MORGAN HATED HIM. She was GLAD Alycia killed him.>>

But she did the best she could...she told Haleigh when SHE had the strength to do so....

<< Morgan couldnt help but think of how AWFULL it must have been for Ava and while it was a terrible secret to sit on, Morgan couldnt find ultimate fault with Ava. she was a young girl, still under her father's control and probably powerless to stop him, lest she risked abuse or alienation from him. Christopher had TRIED to control Morgan, but she and her mother railed against him as a team..it was something he ALWAYS hated and it was one of the many reasons why Morgan disliked MEN.>>

<< her mother indicated that the episode was quite traumatic and that she'd sent ava to her apartment to rest.>>

okay...we'll leave her be. if she needs anything, she can contact my mother or even Cameron who will maintain a link to us.

<< this whole situation, it was like going hearing the dirty laundry after someone had died, but through the whole situation it had been about THE PAST coming back to haunt Haleigh and obliterate her ability to hide it, ignore it or "control it"..the past was firmly shaping her future even as they spoke.>>

As difficult as this all is, We'd better go...there's nothing more WE (Nicolas, Delilah and myself) can do here and Alycia needs us.