The sisterhood strikes back

[Oracle]

<< they wanted to come here, the wanted to stand boldly in the face of Malice and Enchantra in THEIR home turf, the newly revived and THRIVING Hellfire Club. Well they did that, and then some and now they were about to see just what it would get them.>>

<< Black Widow, Rampage, Silver Swan and Firebird stood together in what was a dark hallway on the second floor of the mansion, but now, it seemed that all sense of space and the original structure were no longer applicable.>>

<< Enchantra, who was actually ANOTHER "alternate" implant in mainstream along with Persephone and Firebird, was much more powerfull than her original mainstream counterpart. The fact that she was often underestimated due to her seemingly petty, self absorbed, superficial ways, made her all the more dangerous. She was behind this, playing havoc with Haleigh's sensor array and keeping Nicolas from being able to "look" much further with his telekinetic ability.>>

<< the wanted to confront the queens, the new BLACK Queen especially. and the Sisterhood were not about to make it easy for them.>>

<< at the same time, a rune flashed into view on the lower part of where the wall once was...before fading to black. a sparkling trail of energy flows to the floor near Nicolas as the form of large, golden scorpion takes form...moving in to strike him in his leg. this scorpion was far larger than any natural species existing today and appeared to be "armoured" as well. the scorpion ATTACKS Nicolas with a bio electric blast from its sting that would take down an elephant.>>

<< and inspite of this, it was either a warning or a an attempt to further antagonize. the queens KNEW the six were looking for them.>>

a world away- Minerva's Mansion

<< Alison was given an excellent bill of health. she was sitting up, talking with Ava. As soon as she finished with that, she wanted to take a shower...a nice, long shower. >>

<< While Delilah and Pandora tended to Tinkerbell and Morgan's small white Kitten, Mike and Karen were on Aerie. Karen had reluctantly agreed to a BRIEF trip to the Island, away from Alison and Ava, since now both of them were up and about.>>

<< it seemed that things were getting into full swing for both halves of the team, only one half was finding it increasingly difficult to keep things together as their plan to charge headlong into the Hellfire Club seemed to look less and less like a good idea now.>>

[Silver Swan]

[ Silver Swan looked on as the interviews took place. from room they prowled, using the boldness and sense of entitlement that prevailed in the the hellfire mansion as they used varying degrees of "persuasion" to gain the information they needed.]

[Years ago, Sharon and her husband Robert might have reveled in a night like this, before Kyle was born but now, it all seemed so pointless. Her detachment from "humanity" was the biggest struggle she faced, but her time on themyscria helped her gain ground on that. Still, it was hard for her to focus in on what Nicolas and Haleigh were doing, as her perfect hearing allowed her to hear so many OTHER things nearby. whispers of erotic nature, plotting from corporate bed partners, rumours, gossip, beating hearts, heavy breathing...it was all...intriguing at best.]

[ FINALLY Haleigh and Nicolas determined from their interviews that their "person of interest" was in fact a woman and many clues were seeming to point toward the Black Queen. Sharon had never seen Dominique before and the woman definately seemed both to "fit in" AND to "stand out" among her fellow queens. there was something truly different about her. The fact that she seemed to already have a HATRED of Nicolas was also curious. How and WHY could that be?]

[ Sharon remained close by the door of the last room they were in and as they all moved out into the hall, everything seemed to just truly blackout. no sense of space, no sense of direction...it was as if they were in...]

...oblivion.

[ she said softly.]

[ but soon, the soft hum of energy was heard by her before the others. she looked down and saw a LARGE golden scorpion moving through the darkness and ready to strike Nicolas! she points.]

a SCORPION!

[ but before she can act herself, everything around them warps and churns...and they find themselves...inside ARKLAY MANSION the large, gothic, creepy place that was supposed to be DESTROYED. Sharon didnt immediately react, she kept calm as she looked around, and then she heard her name....once, then twice. from the right came a man, tall, handsome and distinguished.]

Robert?

[ and he was carrying little Kyle!]

My baby?

[ she began to leave the group and walk toward them. as Robert and Kyle called out to their beloved wife and mother.]

[Oracle]

<< for all intents and purposes, they appear to be well within Arklay Mansion, it looks like it did from the footage that the team had first seen when Alycia shared her files with them. Everyone, with the exception of Firebird, knew what a terrible place this was....and now, Sharon was being lead away by what APPEARED to be her husband and young son.>>

<< the music around them was very "phantom of the opera" esque...and as Sharon moved away from the group, the golden scorpion struck at Rampage. Firebird and Black Widow would find themselves being accosted by the evolved zombies of the mansion. Haleigh would remember her original encounter with these zombies for being faster, stronger, with larger heads, bleeding mouths and their more coordinated movements. some of them even brandished weapons like axes, butcher knives etc.>>

<< but HOW could they be HERE? this place was supposed to have been DESTROYED and yet everything looked and would FEEL real...damage could be sustained.>>

<< it may not have been IMMEDIATELY obvious at first, but this WAS the work of Enchantra and example of how much more thorough and far reaching her powers were now. Yet, there was no indication that she or anyone ELSE from the sisterhood was nearby.>>

<< They lost sight of Sharon, as she seemed to be lead away by her "husband" and "son". NOT a good thing.>>

[Rampage]

As the group entered the the hallway, the perspective began to canhe. ven the doorway was no longer there to his senses as he reached out, even his telekinesis stymied at least for the moment. He worked to regain his focus as he took in the scene...ARKLAY MANSION!!! As he turned about a bit, his mind worked to devise a way to cut across what was obviously a powerful hallucination/reality warp. As he began to enter a trance to foucs past this, he felt a sting on his leg that quickly traveled up to his back, causing him to lock up. He used his TK to turn himself around while his body worked to overcome the temporaray harsh effect of the attack.

He saw a large scorpion. It was not a biological specimen however, appearing to have an origin that was technological with its gleaming armored hide. He grimaced as he worked through the cramping following such an attack and used his TK to pin the creature, holding it steady with thousands of pounds of pressure at every joint, then proceeded to make it his own pawn, manipulating it like a marionette on a string.

As he worked to unlock his body's muscles, he used the scorpion and his axe to protect the group, attacking the zombies that presented themselves. He noticed someone missing, and his eyes widened as he relaized who the real victim of this attack was. He called her through clenched teeth.

SSSHRNN!!!!! SSSSHHHHARNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!

[Firebird]

As the minutes ticked by the eerie black fog would continue to swallow the team up whole. It was almost like they were walking into the hell mouth of the underworld. Walking right into a trap, even Blaze seemed cautious and careful in her prowl. She didn’t trust this place, especially with the lack of information they had on Dominique. The woman wasn’t just another pretty face, she was welcomed with open arms for a reason.

The darkness that enshrouded the team would only worsen the deeper they traveled together. Peering over to the side, Firebird could feel the sensory overload on her senses as well. Blinking her eyes to try and focus as the walls around them would lengthen and animate. “This isn’t real.” She told herself knowing this was a form of an illusion as she reached out her hand to touch the wall.

Turning towards Sharon, Blaze reached out through her in an effort to make sure she was still there. Blaze was all too familiar with the ‘divide and conquer’ method. Reaching through the darkness, Blaze’s hand would touch Sharon’s. The simple gesture would trigger a new power of Blaze’s as she was overwhelmed with an image. The black void around her would shift into color as she was having a premonition, something she never had before as her senses were jarred. Both of her eyes were closed as she could see Sharon in some sort of decrepit mansion walking off in the distance, being separated from the team. Nicolas’ screams for her would also be revealed in the dream. The premonition was short and Blaze seemed shaken up by it as she stumbled back, her nerves would tingle as her heart raced. “Ooh.” She’d groan as she touched her forehead unsure what just happened.

While Firebird was distracted by her premature premonition, the real life events would play out in waves. “Something’s not right you guys, hold up.” Blaze’s voice rose over the warped illusions just as the atmosphere would morph into the Arklay Mansion. The same place she had just witnessed in her premonition. “Wait a min-“ The fire elemental was cut off as a scorpion would appear next to Nicolas. Blaze’s senses would tingle as the darkness would continue to cascade around them. Immediately Blaze’s hands would hurl forward as a stream of her firepower would engulf the area to supply light around the team. Nicolas’ roar of pain startled her as she would turn to see him being stung by the creature. “Nicolas!!” She called out just as a horde of zombies appeared before them.

Everything was happening so fast that it was slipping through the sands of time. With the zombies surrounding herself and Haleigh. Blaze’s eyes would widen as blood dripped down their mouths, a horrifying sight indeed for she had never encountered them or the Arklay Mansion. The pulse-pounding sound of a large axe was dragged across the floor making Blaze’s hair fall erect. A pins and needle sensation as they were surrounding her and Haleigh.

“Get AWAY!!” Throwing her hands up into the air, a bright fiery aura would surround Blaze while her eyes would illuminate. The ground between Haleigh and Blaze would tremble like an earthquake was shaking. Chunks of the ‘ground’ would explode as a large volcanic eruption would ascend from the floor to propel the entourage of zombies into the air. A blast of hot molten lava would slam into each of the zombies as Nicolas would assist them. The extreme temperature was hot enough to melt the weapons the zombies had and even themselves.

Firebird’s large winged Phoenix aura would swoop down as its cry would pierce the ears of its enemies. “Find Sharon!” She commanded as the bird would swoop down. Being close to her old Sharon, Blaze knew that Sharon had an uncanny connection to birds. Hopefully her firebird form would be able to try and snap her out of the illusion projected.

Shoving her way past the melted slag of a few zombies, Blaze would turn to see Nicolas had things under control. But there was still the threat of poison inside his body. “Don’t let Sharon get away, she’s under some sort of hallucination of her husband and her son.”

The flaming aura of Blaze’s firebird would call out to Silver Swan, its sonic shrill cry would attempt to snap Sharon out of it as it would hover above her. Hopefully Sharon would pull through as the team would attempt to locate her as the battle would continue.

[Arsenal]

As the emerged on Aerie, Mike grasped Karen's hand gently, taking her for a leisurely walk around an area he had marked to make it safe. As they walked, the warm breeze blew across them, blowing through Karen's hair and mingling the sweet scent of flowers and naturally growing fruit with her own scent.

Mike walked just a relatively short way, saying nothing but conveying his feelings for her as he walked; a caress here, playing with and grasping her hand, his hand alternately rubbing her side or her hip as he never let her go.

Aftr a few moments, they emerged on a small outcropping that overlooked the river than ran throughpart of Aerie. It seemed to be made fot them as it had two stones close together upon which they could sit relatively comfortably. The rocks were clean and, unbeknownst to Karen, Mike had worked them to make sure they would be of the right height for them. He eased Karen onto her smooth large stone and he sat facing her, his hand still holding hers in her lap.

Mike looked into Karen's eyes, his face filled with warmth for her but something else. He looked at her and smiled, trying to be upbeat.

So, Doctor, I know you have lots to say about what has gone on between us lately. I want to take time to listen to you and talk about everything, because right now I miss that about us. We connected because we spoke to one another frankly, with emotion and respect for one another. I believe that we still have those feelings, but with everything that is going on I miss our talks. Please, take your time and let's talk a while.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh felt her sensors losing orientation.... and she slowed. Blaze called for everyone to hold up, saying that something wasn't right.... but things happened to quickly. Nicolas was attacked by a scorpion of gigantic size, Sharon started just WANDERING off and Blaze and Haleigh were surrounded by the living dead. They were back in Arklay.... but Haleigh knew they weren't. She told herself they weren't. That was IMPOSSIBLE.... they had destroyed that place.... so that meant Malice was messing with their heads. The good news was, with a mental attack, one could overcome it.... it being only IN their heads, they needed only to convince THEMSELVES that it wasn't actually happening.... and a logical, rationalized mind such as Haleigh's could do something like this fairly easily.

[closing her eyes] "This isn't real.... this isn't happening... this is NOT REAL. This isn't-- SON OF A BITCH!"

She exclaimed, as a zombie GRABBED her and attempted to bite her.... evidently... this WASNT a mental illusion. Haleigh opened her eyes, quickly manifesting a semi-automatic handgun and letting the zombie chomp on that. A quick couple of rounds later and the back of the zombie's head was gone, along with all signs of life.

Blaze unleashed a fast and furious attack of her own, taking care of most of the horde in one fell swoop. Haleigh's handgun morphed into and assault rifle, and she unloaded several rounds [all direct and accurate headshots] into the remaining Zombies.

"Sharon?! DAMN IT, I told her we had to STAY TOGETHER! OOOH that woman is hard headed!"

She swore, blasting a few more zombies as she drew nearer to Nicolas and waved Blaze over as well.

"Well.... [looking around]shit. [looking around some more] She went that way. We've got to go AFTER her.... we've got to do it together. Nic? Are you alright to move? Take the time you need.... Sharon can protect herself until we find her again.... we've just got to make sure the Sisterhood doesn't find her FIRST."

[Rampage]

MMM....MMM...I'm GOOD!!

Nicolas bellowed as he painfully recovered, bringing his hand up as his axe returned to it. He immediately started at a walking pace after Sharon, "speaking" with Haleigh as he went and continuing his tutelage in binary code.

Hales, it was Enchantrah. The new one is more..capable apparently. Once we get back together though, we will figure this out. Hey! How about we simply have Blaze turn up the heat? We are notably more invulnerable than them and we should still be comfortable at about 200 Celsius while they certainly would not be...

[Firebird]

The ominous racket of Haleigh's assault rifle caused the whole area to tremble as flickers of the light would illuminate the hallway. A smirk fell across her lips as she watched Haleigh blow a few zombies away. Chunks of brain matter, blood, and gore splattered the wall.

As Haleigh waved her over Blaze winked her way, "That's hot, I could kiss you, bitch." Her expression sobered as she glanced over to Nicolas. "Don't move, babe." Moving to crouch down to see where the scorpion had left its mark. "We need to remove that poison, Nic. Your a strong guy but the poison will only seep through your body until your paralyzed or even dead."

Blaze knew the severity of this matter and without Morgan hear to heal Rampage, things were starting to look bleak. "Before we can even look for Sharon, we need to focus on Rampage. You won't get far with that wound. I've got my Phoenix keeping an eye on her."

"We also need to inform the others that Malice has returned to this world. One of you will need to make that happen. The rest of the team needs to be informed of this and the new Black Queen." Glancing from Black Widow to Rampage.

[Rampage]

No worries, Blaze. The sting was bioelectric and I have already metabolized it. Let's not lose Sharon, their best hope of beating us is separately.

Nicolas began to make his way towards Sharon, his telekinetic and telepathic scanning in overdrive...

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh kept a lookout for other threats as Blaze attested that she could kiss the hybrid. Haleigh chuckled.

"Yeah, well I don't think now's the best time. [as Blaze crouched down to check Nic's wound] Blaze.... it's alright. Nicolas has a remarkably high resilience to poisons, virus, and neurotoxins. If he says he's good, I'd take his word for it."

Checking around the corner that Sharon disappeared, she gestured for the others to follow. Haleigh had a fix on Sharon's DNA signature.... but she was starting to lose it in the 'fog'.... she didn't want Sharon to get TOO far ahead of them. Blaze suggested they inform Morgan and the rest.... Haleigh wasn't too sure about that.

"So they can worry about us when they should be caring for Ava and Alison? The mansion's been SEALED.... we aren't getting out and no one's getting IN until the Blackout is over. and if they CAN bust into the mansion, they'd most certainly have to do so in a very public way that would blow our cover to hell. If we get in over our heads, I'll send a distress call.... until then, we need to keep our priorities in order. Find Sharon. Confront the Sisterhood. Protect our anonymity. Talking to the others is low on the list. We've got to worry about what WE can do first."

[Silver Swan]

[ Away from the impossible chaos of the Mansion, through a hall or two, in a ballroom, Sharon was now dancing gracefully with Robert Kelly, her husband. While her young son, Kyle, played on the floor with some toys nearby.]

[ Sharon was light on her feet, gracefull as ever in the arms of her husband. It felt so nice, being with her husband again, having her son again. But the place they were in...this was the place where her family fell apart! why were they here? Part of her was delighted, but the other part was a bit...uncertain.]

[ with every move they made, her new team mates, the rest of the six were battling hoards of the undead nearby in another part of the mansion, but she couldnt hear any of that.]

[ heart beats, breathing, the music, eyes locked onto one another, it was like a dream, a perverse escape in the midst of what was ultimately a nightmare.]

[ but as the Silver Swan danced with her husband, she began to wonder why he hadnt commented on her changed appearence.]

Robert.....

[ But before she could speak, a rush of flame , a flash of fire and a the sound of a bird pierced the large marble ball room. a flickering, flame apparition of a bird courtesy of Firebird. an indication of something MORE than what was "real" at the moment.]

[ the flame apparition gets the mutates attention as it disppaears and Sharon pauses and looks around for a moment.]

this isnt right...none of it.

[ she knew in her heart.]

Kyle...

[ an image overlays the little boy...the image of a monstrous form...gigantic, hulking , disfigured creature...tentacles out his...IT'S back...and all the other awfull things that she was confronted with the LAST time she was in Arklay. THIS was what she remembered...this was THE TRUTH.]

You're both dead. Your memories are being defiled...

[ she steps back...now in the large ball room, she looks between her husband and her son.]

I can't allow it. I won't allow you to be pawns.

[ and right on cue, the stained glass windows shatter as zombies come bursting through, surrounding Sharon on all sides. reaching for her, groaning, growling, drooling, the Crimson Heads were clawing, and lunging for her.]

I'm NOT afraid of you ANYMORE!

[ she shrieks as she spreads her arms and spins, "wonder woman" style, faster and fater until she turns into a funnel of wind and high speed, adamantium SPINNING STARS begin to hurl out in all directions, slicing off arms, heads and tearing the zombies apart. She knows in her m ind that her husband and son would be caught in the cross fire, but better for them to be destroyed quickly and this cruel illusion brought to an END than to have them be pawns a moment longer.]

[ the zombies are sliced up brutally and quickly and soon...there is nothing left. the shredded bodies fall to th e floor...and then fade out of view. leaing the mutate standing there, now back in her Silver Swan costume. her blonde, silver streaked is hair down and her armoured fists are clenched as she shuts her eyes for a moment.]

Robert...Kyle...you must remain among the innocent dead. Not be reborn as pawns...like i was.

You wont be made to serve the twisted, perverted designs of MYSTECH...like i was...and you won't have to....

[ covering her face with her armoured hand, as she sheds tears.]

kill your own child...to save him...to free him...to FIX what you COULDNT stop.

[ The Silver Swan, her life pre and post master mold was a story filled with tragedy and bitter sweet victories. at this moment, though she had easily protected herself and liberated herself from the lull of the illusion, the fact that it cost her even the LUXURY of enjoying her husband and son again...knowing that she had to "Kill" them again...it HURT her just as much as it did the FIRST time she lost Robert and Kyle in Arklay.]

[ the members of the Six would soon find her in the ball room with the last remains of the zombies that she had destroyed fading from view and that the mutate herself was clearly struggling with emotion right now. she was obviously more effective in battle, in more control of her powers and abilities, but this illusion, this "reality warp" was DEFINATELY a hit below the belt for the mutate where it was meant to trip up the others.]

[Oracle]

<< with Black Widow's DNA tracking of the Silver Swan, the rest of the team finds their way to her. Her emotional state is understandibly erratic but it appears that she did what she HAD to do to liberate herself from the trap. Rampage can see the fleeting images of what happened, but due to her mind's unique nature, he can't get a solid fix on her thoughts.>>

<< Rampage himself is still "tingling" from the attack of the golden scorpion, but his body has managed to metabolize most of the attack. the scorpion was DEFINATELY not the work of Malice, who could pull astral forms from a person's mind and manifest them as "real as life" illusions. and while this alternate Enchantra's power was greatly enhanced, it seemed unlikely that she would choose a giant, golden scorpion of all things to attack Nicolas. That left only Dominique, who was definately not showing too much of herself too soon. WHY was she already attacking Nicolas with such a grudge?>>

<< She was impossible to scan by him. Even Malice could not read her MIND, but unlike Nicolas who was Telepathic/Telekinetic, Malice was telepathic/empathic, which allowed her a a small "back door" entrance to psi screened individuals in order to understand/possibly manipulate them. Malice could sense the HATRED Dominique had for Nicolas. it was so forcefull if it could be harnessed into a WEAPON...it could h ave smashed a house down. >>

<< the team was reunited and yet, the illusion/warped reality of Arklay still remained active. There were no creatures, no music either. And though she was not apart of the original Arklay caper, Firebird was prooving to be a much needed asset.>>

<< The team needed to find a way to get to the queens, or draw them out if they were hidden among the illusion. it was time to draw the line and make a stand rather than reacting all the time.>>


on Aerie

<< while Morgan remained at Minerva's mansion, talking with Delilah and Pandora and Ava and Alison continued to speak privately, Karen had agreed to take a walk with Mike on the shores of Aerie.>>

[Harley Quinn]

:: What seemed like months of uncertainty and fear for Persephone, became a source of strength for the goddess after speaking with Alison. Perhaps it was because Alison could truly relate to what Ava had been through in the alternate timeline rather than hearing words of comfort and remorse from her other teammates. Perhaps Ava was finally allowing herself to FEEL the emotional strain of what she had been through. Whatever it was, she felt a weight lift off her. The sufficating self torture of trying to be 'strong' and avoid what had happened rather than confront it and defeat it. In some ways, Ava realized her TRUE weakness was not letting people in enough to help her. ::

:: After excusing herself to allow Alison to shower and change, Ava made her way through the rotunda to where she thought Morgan would be. Arriving at the closed bedroom door, Ava paused for a moment to try and think what to say. She was never good at apologise....hell, she couldn't remember the last time she actually admitted she was WRONG. ;) Call it the curse of being a stubborn, bullheaded goddess, but it really did need to be done in these circumstances. ::

:: Gently tapping her knuckles against the wood door, Ava pressed her lips together hearing Morgan and Delilah conversing inside. ::

"Morgan...it's Ava, may I come in?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< it was a lovely walk. the wind, the ocean air, the din of the waves...the natural wonder around them. after so many months living "in exile" on Aerie and recently spending more timat Minerva's Mansion, the Doctor had really found herself mellowing out at least in terms of her own outlook on her life. Memories of the past, mystech, christopher, and so many other things were now put in their proper place. Even the arrival of Firebird was warmly regarded by the doctor. She vowed that she would be kind and charitable to this alternate Blaze, making sure that the young woman had a mother figure if she needed it and she was also glad to see the effect Firebird's arrival to this timeline had on Morgan and the rest of the team.>>

<< Ava and Alison were awake, and very much down the road of recovery, things, on THIS end at least, seemed to be going well for The family of the Six. But then again, they werent aware of what the other four were facing at the Hellfire Club in NYC right now.>>

<< now, with Mike, the doctor was sitting on a large stone that seemed to be perfectly made for sitting on. She felt a little like Audrey Hepburn, posing on the french riviera. She was older than Mike but the young man demonstrated a maturity and understanding and charm that made him appealing to her. inspite of all the younger women in their midst, he showed affection to her. He tripped up a few times, as most men will do, but unlike some men, he was willing to admit his mistakes, and demonstrated a gentility that seemed to be lost on many men of "today's generation.">>

So, Doctor, I know you have lots to say about what has gone on between us lately. I want to take time to listen to you and talk about everything, because right now I miss that about us. We connected because we spoke to one another frankly, with emotion and respect for one another. I believe that we still have those feelings, but with everything that is going on I miss our talks. Please, take your time and let's talk a while.

Well, I havent been thrilled about you descision to go gallavanting off into the wildness of Aerie. With all that's happened...I just didnt think it was a good idea. You've been injured a few times...and now you have these...these WOLVES in our midst. The seem unpredictable a best. Not at all like Ava's panther or Haleigh's dogs. What if they attack Morgan's cats? what if they harm someone on Alison's staff here at the mansion?

I dont know what to make of your "journey of self discovery" and i guess that's ironic, considering I am a psycho therapist and i have encouraged people to do that very thing.

<< Karen speaks with clarity, with a hint of concern in her voice.>>

[Firebird]

Turning to Nicolas, Blaze nodded slightly not knowing the full extent of his powers. "Very well then." Her words calm as she stood up.

For a moment, Blaze was quiet weighing Haleigh's words carefully. A frown would seep along her forehead. "If Dominique is behind these attacks, which there is a good chance it is who knows the abundance of information she has on the rest of us." Blaze didn't fully agree with Haleigh's methods at times, she felt that the team needed to be kept abreast on all fronts. Shaking her head in disagreement, Blaze let it go for the time being. Morgan did trust Haleigh's better judgement so would the fire elemental.

Turning their attention to the pitch darkness, Blaze's hand would raise to illuminate with a high-powered flame around the epidermis as they trudged along to find Sharon. What they found would be remains of zombie corpses.

Blaze moved closer to Sharon, her hand reached out to touch her shoulder. "Its alright, Sharon." Offering the woman a squeeze of support to her shoulder. "We all come face to face with our demons. We all do things for the greater good of man, remember that." The brunette could see Silver Swan seemed on edge even still. "Look at you, you kick some zombie ass and STILL manage to look good." Flashing her a playful smile to raise her spirits, Blaze stood beside Sharon for support even though the woman was tough as nails.

[Enchantra]

"Well it seems like our Silver Swan has turned into a Blue Bird..."

Helena hissed as she watched Sharon cry over her son and husband yet again. For someone with such power to be reduced to a pile of running mascara and snot all because of images of man and child who have been dead for quite some time, was amusing to the red queen. Pouting playfully as she looked over at Malice, Helena waved her finger as a box of tissues dropped next to Sharon with a note reading:

"Cry me a river, build me a bridge....and jump little birdy. <3"

Smirking, Helena found so much joy in exploiting others emotions and traumas. It was a past time for her....like golf or knitting. Unlike Malice and Isis--who enjoy the kill above anything else--Enchantra loved to toy with her prey before ripping them of their dignity, then their lives.

"What a waste. She could of been a wonderful addition to the Hellfire Club...Not to mention a tremendous asset to us. [taking a sip of champagne, Helena shook her head, changing her mind] But then again, if she's going to cry over spilt milk, she's better off blubbering along side the six."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan had some time to herself. the first moment like this in a while but now that Alison and Ava were both awake and doing very well, the sorceress' job was not as demanding.>>

<< she sat in front of her crystal vanity, slowly brushing her blonde hair and looking at herself, THROUGH herself really. chimes played softly in the air as Tinkerbell and the kitten both lay on the large, plush king bed and Morgan hummed softly.>>

<< It had been a while since Morgan had to "prep" for a photo shoot, a fashion show, or some other media event. She'd been well out of the spotlight for months now and was deposed as the "world famous super model". It was a tremendous blow to her on many levels and only a precious few seemed to understand how bad it was for her. She was a supermodel BEFORE she was forced into the role of "superheroine" one role she releshed, the other one she stumbled her way through.>>

<< both Nicolas and most recently Ava had regarded her struggle with the loss of her career with varying degrees of dismissal or even worse, mockery. They didnt know how LUCKY they were that they werent dealing with the Morgan from the "Valiant" days...as one of them would have gotten their jaw broken and the other one wouldve been vaporized by an eldritch bolt. Morgan had come far, and yet, whenever she seemed to show signs of weakness, distress...someone ALWAYS managed to criticize her for it, somehow making her believe she was WRONG for being as Alycia would say "only human"...and they wondered why she had a heart of ice?>>

<< she'd been caring for Ava and Alison, and through it all, Ava went out of her way to make it difficult and thankless for borth Morgan AND Karen. Morgan was understanding of Ava's needless difficulty but as she sat in the room, had time to think , had time to REMEMBER that her thoughts were her own...she realized that she was NOT okay with Ava's attitude. NOT ANYMORE. Between her and Nicolas...SOMEONE was going to get told off...or worse. Did Ava think she was the ONLY ONE who had experienced a loss of control? >>

<< everytime she tried to show the part of herself that she kept hidden, it was either trampled on or taken lightly.>>

<< and so, as the woman sat and looked at h erself in the mirror, slowly brushing her hair....the chimes slowly faded away...to a soft rumble of limbo's thunder. her facial expression went from one of reflection to one of bitterness.>>

<< how fitting that at THAT moment, a knock at the door was heard.>>

"Morgan...it's Ava, may I come in?"

<< Morgan paused...hesitant to speak.>>

i'd rather you go away...go back to your own timeline.

<< Morgan kept her mouth closed as her mind screamed from hurt and resentment.>>

.....

yes. come in.

<< she said in an icy voice>>

[Harley Quinn]

:: Ava could tell from Morgan's tone that she wasn't welcome, but the witch offered to let her in anyhow. Opening the door slowly, Ava stepped inside, seeing Morgan's face through the mirror's reflection. Inhaling a deep breath through her nose, it was an awkward moment as she stood silently for a few seconds trying to shuffle through what exactly she was going to say. ::

"I'm sorry."

:: Not exactly the works of William Shakespear, but it got straight to the point. Closing her eyes, Ava cleared her throat preparing to dive further into her apology. ::

"Morgan....I know that i've been horrible to both you and Karen the past couple of days, and I....I truly am sorry for that. I just---I've always been the leader....I paved my own way through life...I controlled my destiny--my EVERYTHING....but when I was there...when I was in that timeline...[pausing, Ava cast her eyes to the floor, feeling them fill with tears] It was bad."

:: As her voice cracked, Ava nodded to herself to try and distract the fact that she was tearing up. Finally, she lifted her eyes to look at Morgan, composing herself once again. ::

"So when I woke up....my first reaction was to...get back that power they stole from me...because I felt weak and like a victim--which I hate mind you. So I blamed you. I wanted to yell and make you feel as worthless and defeated as I felt. But even then...I knew this wasn't your fault, Morgan. None of this was....and for me to say that...was wrong. I of all people know how your power works...I worked along side of Darkchilde for so many years; she was my closest friend. Just like my emotions are linked with my powers, your emotions are linked with yours. And I know you would never send me, and especially Alison, to a place like that.....but I just, I was being cruel because I felt horrible, so I wanted to make everyone else feel horrible too. I...I can't excuse the way I reacted because that was the only way I knew how to react at the time....but I can offer you my appologises...whether you take them or not, is up to you....But uhm..."

:: Pausing again, Ava was definitely not used to this whole 'emotional rollercoaster' she was currently on, so she gracefully wiped a couple of the tears that managed to fall onto her cheeks away before continuing. ::

"...I want you to know that I....I wouldn't of been able to survive the past couple of days if I didn't know that you and Karen were here to help me. I know I didn't show it...and I certainly didn't admit it, but it helped...SO much to know that I wasn't alone...I just wanted to let you know that..."

:: There was so much more she wanted to say, or even try to clarify, considering she wasn't exactly sure WHAT she had just said made any sense...but Ava decided to leave it at that and hope that Morgan understood why she had acted the way that she did and forgive her for it. ::

[Arsenal]

Well, I havent been thrilled about you descision to go gallavanting off into the wildness of Aerie. With all that's happened...I just didnt think it was a good idea. You've been injured a few times...and now you have these...these WOLVES in our midst. The seem unpredictable a best. Not at all like Ava's panther or Haleigh's dogs. What if they attack Morgan's cats? what if they harm someone on Alison's staff here at the mansion?

I dont know what to make of your "journey of self discovery" and i guess that's ironic, considering I am a psycho therapist and i have encouraged people to do that very thing.


Mike smiled in spite of himself as the sorceress spoke. He knew her pretty well and he was still surprised a bit by the depth of her feelings for him. He cleared his throat and responded.

I can understand how you feel about this. Believe me, it would be much easier to spend all day chasing you around.

He touches her face under the chin in an playfully affectionate gesture, exposing her neck. He loved to kiss her there, almost as much as she loved to be kissed there herself.:love10:

And it is definitely hard to go against your wishes, especially having to face you when you are upset or angry about what I am doing. That, in fact, is the hardest thing because the easy way is simply to make you happy, do exactly as you wish. But I no longer have the luxury of simply being Nic's driver and maybe your boyfriend one day, as I was not so long ago. My role with the team and my inability to walk away from any of you and this situation has left me in a position where I HAVE to be able to stand as my own person in this team, because this is all that I have.

I am HAPPY to be known as your man, or as Nic's friend, but I also need to know MYSELF as more than that, to have something, build something MORE while I am here. I promise I will be as careful as I can. I actually am safer than I have been in a while considering where I have been, especially with YOU watching over me. <<touches her face again, chuckling>>

I couldn't BE more safe. As for the wolves, I have experience both with wild animals and with dogs, so I feel good about them. Besides, they are smart as hell, I'll bet they get in line in NO time, especially since they seem to have imprinted on me a bit.

Look, Karen, just promise you will keep caring for me and about me and I PROMISE I will give you less to worry about, OK? I am getting stronger and faster out here, and I am developing skills I never knew I had. But it won't be worth it if you won't be by my side.

Mike hugs Karen tightly, looking into her eyes. She will notice that his body was much harder, stronger than before but he was just as gentle as ever...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan held her brush in her hand. As Ava entered the room, Morgan had an "ally mcbeal" moment...a wild fantasy sequence flashing through her mind in which she hurled the brush at Ava and smacked her in the mouth with it.>>

and NOW you know how it felt dealing with you these past weeks, you ungreatfull WENCH!

<< Morgan's mind and icy heart churned as Ava entered the room. the wild fantasy sequence ended as abruptly as it began and the Sorceress listened as the Goddess spoke.>>

<< Persephone SURPRISED Spellbinder. She assumed the woman was here to complain about something, or to demand to be released from Minerva's mansion or some other unreasonable request and Morgan was prepared to get up and get in her face like never before. But instead, Persephone finally OPENED up, about her feelings over this whole ordeal AND she apologized, she FINALLY seemed to give Morgan SOME credit, being the cross time alternate of Darkchilde too. >>

<< Morgan listened, and when Ava was finished, Morgan didnt speak or move. She continued to look at Ava in the mirror. Ava was about to leave and Morgan finally spoke.>>

Wait.

<< Morgan slowly turned herself around on the seat she sat upon. and laid the brush down in her lap.>>

Thank you....

I've been where you are. After Blaze's death at the hands of Black, the Inferno, after the Super Soldier in NERVOUS and again..after returning from the Seige Perilous.

I KNOW what its like to be LOST in a storm or a NIGHTMARE where you are overwhelmed and then...even when you are rescued from it, you dont know what to do, HOW TO BE again. We ALL went through that after the Arklay incident, when BISHOP destroyed our lives and we were forced to Aerie.

I wasnt doing very well with the loss of my career.

<< she stood up, and walked over to the bed...lightly brushing over Tinkerbell and the kitten with two fingers from her hand.>>

I was a supermodel FIRST, Ava. I didnt WANT to be a superheroine. I only did it the FIRST time because there was a DISTRESS call...and my mother encouraged me to ANSWER IT. That ended with Blaze's death at the hands of Black, or so i thought, while i was rendered POWERLESS to stop him. I returned to America, battered and broken...my mother and Alison helped me to slowly come back from it. THEN came the night the original SIX were called together, to save Blaze and stop one of Mystech's strongholds from DESTROYING the city.

I didnt WANT to be Spellbinder. But...i had no choice it seems and TIME AND AGAIN, my life has been taken from me and ripped apart. EVERYONE ELSE is allowed to lash out, but I'm supposed to be able to HANDLE IT time and again. Haleigh and Cameron thought they could push and prod me...and then when the INFERNO took place, suddenly they realized that all the warnings that Alison, my mother and even ORORO were giving them were TRUE. I tried to MAKE UP for the Inferno by sacrificing myself to save the city from MASTERMOLD but even then i came up short. SHARON lost her life. You know the rest, you've been here for it. And once we arrived on Aerie, the person who i WANTED to be...i no longer had the option of being, ALL i had left WAS "Spellbinder", who at BEST was in a relationship with a MAN...a MUCH YOUNGER man who doesnt seem to GET IT!

During our caper in ancient greece, your original timeline, we learned so much about you. I KNOW that was hard for you to have your history, your past on full display. at times you came across as a selfish, ungratefull child and you clashed with many of your own team mates...not to mention the olympians, but I could, on MANY levels understand you. Just as ALISON could.

The whole time you've been here...I feel like we havent had the chance to really know each other. I KNOW you don't see me as you did Darkchilde..but i AM part of her, just as she is part of ME. it's because of HER that you're with us...and just like she watched out for you...would...WILL do the same.

Ultimately, Ava. I appreciate you FINALLY leveling with me, because through all of this..I can't believe that you either FORGOT, or DIDNT REALIZE that i CAN understand what that "LOSS OF CONTROL" feels like. I've BEEN THERE and i KNOW how hard it is to come back from it.

I know its hard...and believe me, Ava...just like my mom and i tried to tell you... i had friends such as Delilah that reminded me TIME AND AGAIN that there's NO SHAME in feeling the hurt, ACKNOWLEDGING the pain and the helplessness. Sometimes, thats the ONLY way you can get the best help from those around you that you need. I had to learn that its not a sign of weakness and incompetence and I guess I didnt know how far i'd come in understanding that until I watched you go through what you went through here.

So now, I'm glad you understand too and yes, I accept your apology.

[Malice]

:: at the Hellfire Club, the BLACKOUT was in full effect. The mansion was filled with wild, uncaring abandon and debauchery , the kind that only the rich, famous, glamorous and truly bold were willing to indulge in a time where the "sexual revolution" was largely considered to be OVER. The Hellfire Club was more than just about power and covert manipulation to world domination...at its core, it was about PLEASURE and EXCESS.::

:: and so it was rather a stark contrast that the four members of the Six were now risking their lives in a building confrontation with the newly constituted sisterhood while the mansion was brimming with pillow talk, sex, the sharing of secrets and so much more.::

:: Enchantra took care to provide a special "venue" for the Six as they attempted to seek out their foes.::

Excellent work, Enchantra. Your power is more refined and far reaching than your mainstream counterpart from this timeline and with the powers represented among the Six's current roster, we must make sure we are ready to match and EXCEED them. If we can render Silver Swan unable or UNWILLING to fight, that will leave them even MORE vulnerable than they are now.

:: Malice sat, with her arms folded. she maintained a serious , grim expression as they watched the Six grapple with the "Arklay" scenario that Enchantra manifested. Enchantra liked to taunt and toy with her victims like a cat with her toy. Malice preferred to violently strike down her foe , making it IMPOSSIBLE for them to recover.::

Isis, your golden scorpion was a painfull overture to Rampage. I assume that you have something in mind for a follow up? It wont be long before they draw their line and make a stand. It is nearly time for us to take them at their measure...face to face.

:: Malice already had it in her mind to telepathically seize Firebird and use her to attack Nicolas or Haleigh. Nicolas could TRY to shield Firebird, but with Dominique preparing to bust his chops, that would be a task easier said than and she remembered the bitterness and resentment Haleigh felt when she telepathically coerced Persephone, MorningStar and FOXFIRE into attacking her in the TERROR DOME all those months ago. if there was one thing Haleigh hated, it was betrayal, or the sense that someone would easily roll over on her....and if there was one thing Malice enjoyed, it was pouring salt on the wounds and weaknesses of her foe.::

Enchantra, let the Arklay envrionment remain in tact. we will fight them in the one place where they barely escaped with their lives. I suspect that Sharon will be not as "quick on the draw" either while she thinks she's still in this place.

Let us prepare to meet and confront them.

[Isis]

[ Dominique too was watching the Six as they dealt with the initial strikes against them. the rune that Dominique manifested against Nicolas was not as effective as SHE had hoped. During this sequence of events, Dominique had opted to make some changes to her new costume, deciding it was TOO similar to Malice's cosume and simply all black instead of white. She replaced the "hot pants" with a black mini skirt to go with the cosett instead, defining its individual look to her preference just as Enchantra had done her's.]

it's as it was from the moment his abominable birth!

flash

a young woman, frail in body...laying on the floor, her life leaving her body with each faint breath...meanwhile, a newborn baby ...its cries of new life fill the hut. another woman , a midwife kneels over the dying mother...speaking with anguish and grief as the woman who had just given birth passes away.

the mid wife raises a dagger, and cries out, cursing the baby, as she attempts to KILL the newborn with the dagger, the blade was held over fire as she attempted to concecrate it and make it able to kill this "thing of evil". but as she STRIKES the baby with the dagger...it has NO EFFECT. the mark of his FATHER..his TRUE father, flashes on his tiny body as the hot dagger does not succeed in stabbing or even harming him. the young midwife cries out in shock as she attempts it again, but by now other villagers have gathered, entering the hut and seeing the distraught woman. they take hold of her...chanting and calling her to calm down as they drag her away, leaving the dead mother and her newborn infant in the hut. the midwife cries out, condeming the child, calling it the spawn of evil.

that midwife was Dominique....the woman who died in child birth...her sister...and the newborn...was NICOLAS.

flash

[ Dominique blinks a few times, realizing that she was not going to be able to kill him, not this easily. She'd HAVE to engage him face to face. Malice had been talking but Dominique's recollection of Nicolas' high level of invulnerability to convential weapons and attacks...knowing that it was that way from BIRTH was what was now on her mind.]

The rune scorpion was a test, more than anything else. His body metabolized the bio electric blasts of the scorpion sting. Dealing with him will require a more direct, a more violating attack, but I am prepared to escalate.

[ she stands up.]

I am ready to engage them whenever you all are.

[ she was very much about her business, and ready to take it to Nicolas. Firebird and Black Widow seemed to be putting two and two together about the mystery of the new black queen, at least as far her being behind the takeover of Nicolas' company and her possible origin, b ut that still didnt address what if ANY connection she had to Nicolas. How she seemed to know him without saying she did. She did not care. the others were incidental and if they got in her way, she'd give THEM the same heavy handed response as well.]

[Rampage]

Nicolas emerged into the room as the zombies and what appeared to be Sharon's husband and son were shredded and then faded. He immediately rushed to Sharon's side, throwing an arm around her as he spoke softly into her ear.

I am so sorry about that, Sharon. It must be Enchantrah, trying to use your family's memory to mentally batter you. But we both know that you are much stronger than that now, and we will make them all pay...TOGETHER.

Nicolas turned and spoke in a booming voice.

Malice, Enchantrah, and the new blood. The time for hiding behind others has ended!! Face us now ir I will tear this dream and your new reality apart around your HEADS!!!

Nicolas pulled his axe and began to slam it into the floor, toss i against the walls with devastating effect, and increasing his attack with each strike using his TK and more of his strength. Not Arklay, not even the Hellfire Club mansion would be able to take much more if something weren't done. Meanwhile, he waited for their response, knowing he would not wait for long and looking for Malice's old tricks. He had tricks of his own up his sleeve...

[Silver Swan]

[ Sharon felt so BAD. her mind was once more her own, and the amazons had helped her to come to terms with her tragic losses, including the painfull but NECESSARY task of having to kill her horribly mutated child. But being back in "man's world", and having to return to the life she was ultimately meant to lead meant the risk of being confronted with those memories and in the hands of someone like Enchantra, they could be amplified to a painfull, if not mind numbing level.]

[ she prooved that she had the power, but would she remember what she learned on Themyscria?]

[ as Enchantra caused a box of tissues and a taunting note to fall on the floor near the Silver Swan, the mutate CRUSHED the box and the note under her silver high heeled boot.]

CURSE YOU! SPOTTED DOG!

[ She cried out as her sonic powered voice echoed around the massive marble ballroom that was once in "Arklay"]


[ Firebird was the first to reach the distressed Sharon after she liberated herself from the cruel illusion. The young mutant comforted the mutate as best she could...and it were those words, along with her touch...she wasnt afraid of Sharon or repulsed by her. not like Delilah had been. and then Nicolas, who had helped her when she FIRST broke free of Rick Riley's programming. He was there too. Haleigh soon arrived and it was time to call out their would be tormentors. Nicolas was right...it was time to SHOW them.]

I'm ready, Nicolas! I'll bend her over backwards until she SNAPS IN TWO!

[ she was already in her costume, her stylized body armour. she was ready for battle and as she wiped away her tears and stood with the group. She would not be so easily distracted this time. Enchantra may have ASSUMED that Sharon was still the mentally fractured mutate that followed immediately after the initial crazed rampaging Silver Swan, but she was NOT. The amazons reminded her that she was STILL human...only now GIFTED!]

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen smiled a bit as she looked down. Bemused as Mike touched her face and then moved his fingers down to her neck. He had had brought her to a new place in terms of displays of affection and she came to enjoy them, to realize it was not foolish or unsafe to trust him or to receive his touch. She and her daughter BOTH were in therapy of their own just by being with Mike and Nicolas.>>

it is definitely hard to go against your wishes, especially having to face you when you are upset or angry about what I am doing. That, in fact, is the hardest thing because the easy way is simply to make you happy, do exactly as you wish. But I no longer have the luxury of simply being Nic's driver and maybe your boyfriend one day, as I was not so long ago. My role with the team and my inability to walk away from any of you and this situation has left me in a position where I HAVE to be able to stand as my own person in this team, because this is all that I have.

<< he made a very valid point. his life had changed forever, he went from being merely associated with the team to being firmly entrenched in it. he joined the ranks of Alycia Barnett in being one of the few baseline HUMANS to serve ALONGSIDE the team in times of battle and recon missions. If only SHE were here, that would probablly him him as it would HER...but Alycia needed her time on Themyscria and Karen didnt begrudge her of that.>>

I understand. Its not entirely unlike how Alycia felt. Sadly, at the end of our lives as they were...when we arrived on Aerie, Alycia was ill prepared to grasp this new reality...and she seemed INCONSOLABLE. I felt so bad because like you, she risked her life time and again for ALL of us. So if you need to push yourself and test yourself in order to be better prepared...i won't stand in the way of that.

<< Mike reminded her that he wasnt TOTALLY alone as he spent time in the more mysterious, rough area of Aerie, that she was watching over him, checking on him every so often. He pointed out that he had secured his area, and now he'd come to adopt these young wolves who would soon be domesticated enough to travel las his companions.>>

<< she nodded slowly as she listened. his voice standing out even above the sound of the ocean waves.>>

hmm yes...those wolves.

well...

<< she said in a que sera sera kind of tone.>>

since everyone ELSE on the Six has enough animals among them to comprise a small ZOO...i suppose two wolves won't be much worse.

<< she laughed a bit, thinking about the wide range of animals in their midst, some of them even enchanted.>>

and if they can help keep an eye on you, I'll like them even better.

<< Karen held Mike's hand in her own as they rested on her lap. he reassured her he'd be carefull and giver her less to worry about if she continued to care for him.>>

I'm old enough to be your mother...a young looking, glamorous mother << she HAD to allow herself a little levity at this moment>> ...what some would call a "Jaguar". But in watching you, dealing with you...i am reminded of the tremendous potential for GOOD that lies within some men. You help me as Nicolas has helped my daughter... i suppose SHE would be a "Puma".

<< Karen smiled a bit as she thought about Morgan pouncing on Nicolas.>>

You've more than earned my care and concern...so you needn't worry about it going away. Just don't give me a reason to REGRET this...is all i ask.

<< as Mike commented on his skills and new found physical discipline, he pulled her into a hug...he did seem more physically defined. Karen's much smaller frame was swallowed up by his stature and she hoped he wouldnt wrinkle her blouse :D >>

[Arsenal]

Mike was heartened by Karen's response, and as she seemed to become more at ease with what was happening, he listened to her voice. The refined lilt to it, the timbre, the sensuality inherent in it that made him crazy as he lay at night in the wild thinking of her.

As he held her, he had a wicked thought as his body pressed against hers. Lifting her up, he kissed her mouth, then her neck. With a sensual gleam in his eye, he made a proposal to her.

Doc, we have a little time on our hands left. How about YOU go skinny-dipping with ME in the shallows. I want to see you, out here in the wild, in your "natural' form.

He continued to kiss her neck as he spoke, his time-proven way of getting to her as he was himself swept away by love and passion for the witch. Mike started to walk with Karen in his arms to the water's edge...

[Firebird]

As the recent events played out, Blaze kept a watchful eye on Sharon for the time being. Even while Haleigh and Nicolas flanked her to check on the other woman. Offering her a sympathetic smile, Blaze would continue to walk with the others.

While the others formed a few strategies, the brunette seemed deep in thought. Pondering the connection between this Dominique and her apathy for Nicolas. Was she an old-flame? It wouldn’t be the first time Nicolas was with an older woman. But the pieces just didn’t seem to add up there, scratching that right out. A long-lost relative had more impact and seemed to fit.

Nicolas and Sharon would take a stand right then and there, calling out the newly formed Sisterhood. Blaze peered around the area, curious to see if the three powerful ladies took the bait. Although she doubted it, “Nicolas, you do realize we’re on their turf. They will seek us out when they are good and ready, when we least expect it. Judging from what briefs I’ve read it wouldn’t be their style to attack just yet.” Pausing she motioned with Sharon, “They’re very aware that this illusion is distressing Sharon, events I’m not privy to. But it’s a prime example they will separate us with our greater fears.” In many ways Nicolas resembled that of Foxfire with how stubborn and foolish he could be at times. Firebird though was more cautious for everything she dealt with on her realm, the tragic events, and the loss of her teammates.

“There is still the case of Dominique, the fact that we know next to nothing about her makes her even more dangerous. You all might think storming the brigade is the best idea but I sincerely disagree. I hope for your sake...” She turned to eye Haleigh and Nicolas especially, “that this works.” Blaze knew they were walking right into a trap. The further they traveled the more her stomach clenched. Blaze’s team was torn up into two for a reason and now she felt a string of deja-vu envelope her. Part of the team was divided here and the other entourage was in Aerie, who weren’t kept abreast of anything. Yet, the fire elemental was stubborn too and she relied on her senses, her ‘gut feeling”, and her logic.

Blaze’s mind would revert onto her sister, Morgan, Alison, Persephone, and Mike. Powerful members they could surely use or at least inform them of this new enemy. She couldn’t risk another massacre of this team with the lack of communication. Blaze would disregard Haleigh’s instructions. If they were to confront the Sisterhood the others needed to know this.

Shutting her eyes for a second, Blaze’s mind would focus on Morgan. Calling out to her sibling across the universe. Unsure whether or not it would work since they weren’t blood per se. “Morgan. If you can hear me, Malice and Enchantra are alive and they have reconstructed the Hellfire Club. Worse...they have elected a new Black Queen by the name of Dominique Deveraux. There is a connection between Dominique and Nicolas, although he doesn’t recognize her.” Her thoughts lingered as her stubbornness and willful nature would allow Morgan to be kept abreast. She was the real team leader as Haleigh was only a surrogate

[Enchantra]

The time for hiding behind others has ended!! Face us now or I will tear this dream and your new reality apart around your HEADS!!!

"Well you don't have to be quite so theatrical."

Helena's voice echoed around the six, simulating the effects of someone speaking in a vast mansion or museum. The echoing of heals clicking followed the metamorph's voice as the lights around the six began to dim to darkness.

"Always in a such a rush, the six of you....or shall I say, the FOUR of you. Where are Miss Victoria, Marble, and Cassadine this evening, hmm? Ooh....that's right, they're 'recovering'."

:: A bright round spotlight hit a smirking Helena. The blonde's one hand rested on her hip while the other was lifted up to her temple; her index finger gently tapping it as she looked at Nicolas. Malice fed her information from the one person he WASN'T protecting, AVA. ::

"Cover all your bases boy, otherwise i'll rip the rug right out from under you."

:: And with that, the dimmed lights instantly flashed back on revealing nearly TWO HUNDRED WILDpack soliders surrounding the six. ::

"Once we're finished with you....i'll turn your friends [Ava and Alison] nightmare into a reality. [to the WILDpack] ATTACK!"

:: On command, the WILDpack all began to attack the group. 'Helena'--rather the ILLUSION of Helena--faded from the madness as she opened her eyes looking to Malice and Isis. ::

"Now that we have them distracted, we can get in there and rip them apart. Lets go." :D

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen exclaimed a bit as Mike lifted her up. he ALWAYS had a habit of sweeping her up when she least expected it. but as he attempted to soften her a bit more with his hands and kisses....Karen did her best to remain composed.>>

Now Mike, you know how i feel about such things!

<< she said, lightly reprimanding him.>>

There's a private lagoon, further within the island near Haleigh's compound. If i simply MUST satisfy your desire to play "Adam and Eve in the garden of eden" i would prefer SOME sense of privacy. what if my daughter should return to Aerie to go to the rotunda!

<< and with that, Karen reminds him that she is not without her own surprises as she DISAPPEARS from his hold with a chiming sound. her voice lingers in the air.>>

the lagoon, Mike. You know where to find it.

<< and with that, Karen would await Mike and they would enjoy themselves in the private, lush natural splendor of the Island. it was a rare moment of spontinaety for the doctor, but with Mike she found it was easier...even OKAY to allow herself moments like these every so often.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Morgan spoke with Ava, she heard chimes in the air and then a voice, it was Firebird, speaking to Morgan via the sisterly bond, similar to the bond she had with her mother which allowed them to communicate mentally DESPITE Morgan's psi screen. Though Firebird was not THIS Morgan's blood, the potential was still there across timelines.>>

....

<< she paused, not used to hearing Blaze, even an alternate inside her head, though they had spoken this way once a few days back after Blaze's arrival in this timeline.>>

Morgan. If you can hear me, Malice and Enchantra are alive and they have reconstructed the Hellfire Club. Worse...they have elected a new Black Queen by the name of Dominique Deveraux. There is a connection between Dominique and Nicolas, although he doesn’t recognize her.

Blaze!

<< Morgan kept herself composed. Ava didnt need to know about this. Neither she nor Alison should be rushing into battle just yet. but this would explain why Haleigh hadnt been in touch with them yet. They were encountering MORE than they bargained for! MALICE and ENCHANTRA...ALIVE!? >>

<< Morgan's heart and mind CHURNED with disbelief...but Blaze wouldnt be telling her t his if it wasnt true. and there was a NEW Black Queen. The name didnt ring a bell with Morgan but if Malice and Enchantra had added her to their ranks, she HAD to be powerfull...and the members of the Six were WELL within the Hellfire Club mansion!? They hadnt even TOLD Morgan that was where they were going!>>

<< but what was worse...was that Morgan KNEW that MALICE could perhaps pick up on Blaze's thoughts while not being able to hear Morgan's.>>

Blaze! shut down communication at once! MALICE is an omega level telepath! she can hear your thoughts even though she can't hear mine! Stay with the others and follow Haleigh's lead. She has experience with field command AND Malice. She'll keep you all safe...I'll get a fix on you with my scrying glass and get there as soon as i can! But i dont want Ava and Alison to be made aware of it.....both of them are awake and active now. They are well on the way to a full physical recovery.

<< and with that, Morgan stops communication through their sisterly bond. Her mind races, but she knows that if she rushes Ava away, it will seem odd. She will give ava the time to respond, and then close the discussion. once she reaches the scrying glass, finding the team in NYC will be a SNAP.>>

Dominique Deveraux....with a name like that...she definately is not the "average" woman. A connection to Nicolas and yet he doesnt recognize her? That ALREADY means she has the advantage and if she's with Malice and Enchantra, she most likely is just bloodthirsty enough to use it.

<< They all had PERSONAL enemies. Clearly Dominique could be one of Nicolas' but no one knew anything about her and suddenly here she was?>>

<< Morgan STILL couldnt believe what she heard about MALICE! HOW could that BE!? she DECAPITATED her with the soul sword! SHe REMEMBERED it...and Alison SHATTERED her diamond form in Limbo. HOW did this woman COME BACK! well...it didnt matter. For all the harm she'd done...killing her AGAIN would be MORE than justified. And what about Enchantra? she was supposed to be dead TOO! but if the HELLFIRE CLUB was reconsituted, then there was clearly MORE to this than Morgan had been informed of. Haleigh may have been a good field commander, but she apparently FORGOT to share her plans with the ORIGINAL leader of the team.>>



<< When this was all over, she'd REMIND Haleigh that communication is NOT an "OPTION"...but a REQUIREMENT. Morgan may have been caring for Alison and Ava b ut that didnt mean she wasnt going to be concerned about her alternate sister, her boyfriend [infuriating as he may be at times :D ] or Haleigh...AND she still didnt know SHARON was back either!>>

[Harley Quinn]

:: As Ava turned to leave she heard Morgan tell her to stop. Inhaling deeply, Ava's eyes closed for a moment before she turned back around to look at Morgan. As dreadful as she had been the past couple of days, Morgan accepted her apology. That alone showed the true growth in Morgan Victoria as a person AND a witch. Ava gave her a faint smile of thanks. ::

"I'm usually extremely level headed, so the past couple of days...it sort of felt like an outter body experience. Logically I knew you were the BEST person to go to for advice and guidence because you've gone through similiar events....but I thought I could handle it on my own--I WANTED to handle it on my own. I guess to proove that i'm not as weak as I thought I had become. [sighing out] Honestly, I don't know. What I do know is I appriciate everything you and your mother have done. And I will....try to be more open to Karen's therepy sessions. [scoffing lightheartedly] There's a joke in there somewhere..."

:: It seemed once Alison finally woke, Ava finally 'woke' as well. Perhaps the fact that Alison was still not conscious made it more difficult for the goddess because the problem hadn't truly been resolved. Regardless, it seemed her realationship with the precog had grown by leaps and bounds....and hopefully hers and Morgan's would too as well. ::

"Well, i'm sure you would like to go catch up with Alison...I'll see you later."

:: And with that, Ava bid Morgan farewell before exiting the sourceress' bedroom. ::

[Malice]

:: Malice nodded as Isis stood up and Enchantra lead off the attack.::

Nicolas is so eager to have his head busted, so let's oblige him shall we?

:: Malice decided that it was more fun to keep the Arklay envrionment running, and so as the WILDpack (most of them actually apart of the elaborate illusion) attacked, Malice walked in slowly, surveying the area.::

Isis wants Nicolas for herself. Fine with me. It'll keep him from interfering while i rip Firebird's mind apart...leaving this one as dead as her mainstream counterpart. Enchantra, Haleigh is yours.

You wanted to be here? you wanted to confront us in OUR domain? You're either incredibly brave or unnaturally stupid. I'll go for the latter. Silly fools...didnt your mothers ever teach you that you NEVER tempt a spider at the center of HER web?

:: looking at Haleigh, Baze and Nicolas::

Oh that's right...all your mother's are DEAD.

:: touching her hand to her forehead, energy sounds off as a white halo forms around her head and that hand. she takes aim as the halo of energy sparkles and expands to form a large PSI javeline! with perfect aim and form, Malice hurls it.::

Welcome to OUR timeline, Firebird. Sorry you can't stay LONGER.

::one of the moves unique to Malice, an omega level telepath, the psi javeline charges madly for the mutant...with a din of roaring thunder. once it hits, it will blast her to the core of her nervous system , frying her brain and shutting her down, leaving her nothing more than a vegetable.::

[Isis]

[ the time had come. Dominique didnt imagine that by entertaining the offer of Malice and Enchantra would they lead her that much faster to her goal, of confronting and DESTROYING Nicolas King!]

[ secretly, she was elated. She saw herself, all those years ago. before the power, before the glamor, before the well traveled, worldly experience....she saw herself as the young girl in a modest village, caring for her younger sister...just beginning to dabble in dark arts, but not strong enough to save her sister from being physically violated by a rampaging monster, who appeared in the form of a "man". Unable to preserve her sister's life, DESPITE being a trained midwife, when her sister gave birth to the unholy bastard child...that child was now a young man, living the life of a privilaged, capitalist PIG. he had no idea at what cost his success came...but she aimed to make him PAY UP.]

[ Enchantra aquitted herself well. First shaking up this...Sharon, the Silver Swan, and then drawing the anger of her team mates before confronting them. Malice attacked Firebird and now, the moment she waited for.]

[ Nicolas, a powerfull psychic, was an omega level telekinetic with some telepathic abilities. he was the ONLY line of defense for the members of their team who had no natural mental defense. Take HIM down, and Firebird would have nothing to fall back on. Enchantra was going after Haleigh, so now it was time for her to do her part.]

[ Nicolas was attempting to protect Firebird, when Isis emerged in her new costume which was now altered to have a mini skirt instead of the "hot pants".]

Not so fast, changeling.


[ she blasts Rampage in the back with a sparkling, golden hued mystic force bolt.]

You needed worry about Firebird, when your OWN life is at stake.

[ Dominique spoke with clarity, icy hostility as she stared Nicolas down.]

You are as evil as they come...though you confirm in the flesh, you are not FIT to walk among us. You are as much of a danger to your own "team" as anyone else and before you die, I will expose you for the FRAUD that you ARE!

I am Isis, the power of life and DEATH are in my hands.

[Jessica Hamby]

Blaze didn't agree with Haleigh's decision, but it seemed the fire elemental didn't want to outright say so.... at any rate, Haleigh could see the disagreement in Blaze's expression. She didn't understand.... Haleigh's biggest concern right now was finding Sharon. Being separated was the WORST possible scenario and they needed to get back together before they worried about anything else. With Sharon having JUST disappeared, they didn't have a MOMENT to spare.... the longer they were separated, the harder she'd be to find.... and stopping to send a burst transmission [all the while shielding her communication to keep Malice out of the loop and overriding the Blackout] would waste valuable time. The Nicolas and Blaze had telepathic links and other abilities that would allow them to communicate, but Malice was quite powerful and could easily figure out what they were doing. Haleigh wanted to keep Malice as much in the dark as they could and with her thoughts disguised in binary code, she was capable of at LEAST keeping Malice out of THIS loop. But like she'd told Blaze.... that had to come LATER. Right now they had to find Sharon.

And find her they did... recovering from an illusion of her own. The others went to see if she was okay, Haleigh checked their surrounding and shut the doors behind them to prevent anyone [or anything] from coming in behind them.

"Sharon! Good grief..... you subject me to cardiac arrest. We've got to stay TOGETHER! I know it can be difficult... but try to take your HEART out of the equation. Malice and Enchantrah LOVE to play games."

She said, before breathing a sigh of relief. She considered stopping NOW to take a vote on whether to tell Morgan and the rest, unaware that Blaze had DELIBERATELY gone behind her back and contacted Morgan already, risking the exposure of her thoughts to Malice and who KNOWS what else. But before she could bring it up, Blaze said something offhand about hoping 'this' would work. Haleigh took offense, turning to face Blaze, lowering her assault rifle and placing one hand on her hip.

"You know Blaze, you want me to TRUST you but you don't seem capable of putting your faith in ME."

Haleigh remarked, just before Enchantrah appeared. Enchantrah could always be counted on to be her usual tacky, tawdry self and this appearance was no different. :p What's more, Enchantrah was lazy.... she wanted the WildPack to do her work FOR her, even when she had to KNOW the WP would do little against even ONE of the Six, let alone FOUR of them. Haleigh really didn't know why Malice kept Enchantrah around, except maybe to boost her[Malice's] self-esteem. All that DEFEAT had to be wearing on her.... so she spent time with Enchantrah to help herself feel better. It was as if she was around just to [unknowingly] stroke Malice's ego every now and then. Kind of a cruel joke, really.

Haleigh had NO qualms with bloodbaths.... and she tore into the ranks of the Wildpack like it was some kind of videogame. Small, localized anti-personel mines rocked the ballroom. Wildpack members went lifelessly flying ten at a time, and some scattered.... but Haleigh kept at it, randomizing her pattern to strike at the MOST members with a single blast, herding them back and forth like mindless sheep. Malice appeared and halfheartedly baited them about their mothers. Haleigh only smirked, the gleam in her eye and smartass in her tone indicating she was quite dissociated, clearly by choice. [A sign of psychosis? Karen would have a field day with this!]

"Actually, that's my father who's dead. Aww, has wittle old wady Malice been getting senile watewy? What's the matter, your Alzheimers kicking in?"

[Firebird]

Blaze's eyes would remain closed while she was in communication with Morgan. Morgan deserved to know this information and she wasn't about to conceal it. Morgan was an adult and she wasn't the type to worry, not visibly around others. Which is why Blaze took the initiative to warn the blonde. Her eye lids would dash back and forth as she focused her energy, making sure they weren't interrupted. From the common eye it would look as though Blaze was having a premonition.

Blaze! shut down communication at once! MALICE is an omega level telepath! she can hear your thoughts even though she can't hear mine! Stay with the others and follow Haleigh's lead. She has experience with field command AND Malice. She'll keep you all safe...I'll get a fix on you with my scrying glass and get there as soon as i can! But i dont want Ava and Alison to be made aware of it.....both of them are awake and active now. They are well on the way to a full physical recovery.

Haleigh's voice would ring through her head but she didn't comment or even acknowledge it for she was focusing on Morgan's orders. Opening her eyes, Blaze immediately terminated the connection just in time to overhear a feminine voice. Canting her head to the side to see Enchantra standing there with a spotlight shinning down upon her. Was that an illusion or the real Enchantra? Her voice would drip with disdain as she addressed the team, but Blaze wasn't baited as she followed the older woman with her gaze.

Upon the disappearance of Enchantra, a whole army of WILDpack soldiers appeared. A flicker of emerald would seep through Firebird's eye but she wasn't easily fooled. Remaining frozen where she stood, expecting another attack from one of the other leading ladies. Her assumptions and her heighten senses proved near flawless as Malice would make herself known. Attempting to agitate the Six, but once again, Blaze seem unfazed.

It was only after the roar of the psi javelin that Blaze's form would engulf with red-hot flames. Her mind was quick to raise her hands as her entire body was propelled into the air. Raising both of her arms to manipulate the air temperature around the team to raise it to excruciatingly hot. Waving her lithe fingers around as she would manipulate convection currents and thermal updrafts to cause a flaming cycle as it would form a black hole in a way. Sucking up members of the WILDpack like a vacuum as the extreme heat would melt them to slag. In doing so, Firebird was able to lift a good portion of the army Enchantra had summoned. Being melted by the handful in the process.

Firebird's eyes would narrow as Malice would hurl a psi javelin her way as she would immediately bolt like a rocket from her spot to avoid it, missing it for it hadn't been for Nicolas and her own fire power.

Whirling around to hurl a thermal blast towards Malice.

"Malice, if I were you, I would spend a little more time about yourself than worrying about me. Wouldn't wanna burn that pretty face of yours right off. Ashy is the new in!"

[Rampage]

Blaze's transmission was easily picked up by Nicolas as she spoke to her sister. This connection was dangerous, and Nicolas made a quick note to speak with them both about it.

"Cover all your bases boy, otherwise i'll rip the rug right out from under you."


Nicolas shook his head quickly as he realized that Enchantrah was speaking of Ava and Alison. Nicolas used a quick moment to write a message on Morgan mirror in front of her.

Morgan Nicolas. Cast wards protect Ava, Alison OTHERS. Malice...Enchantrah have targeted them as well.

As the Wildpack emerged, Nicolas took no notice of them. They were nothing but fodder, and he had no confidence in their ability to do anything but piss him off. Haleigh dealt with them as Malice made her move, a predictable one. But as Nicolas went to send his axe on a collision course with her psi javelin and "pull" a few WILDpack stragglers in the way, he was hit in the back HARD by an impressive bolt of what he knew had to be magical energy. As he turned around, his back sizzling, quite stung by the blow itself, he saw the Black Queen before him as she spoke. Damn, she was wordier than the other two queens!! But at least she was more easy on the eyes. Nicolas stood tall and chuckled.

What are you going to do, TALK me to death?! Take a break.

Nicolas wrapped the Black queens face and arms with tons of stone, at once cutting off her breath and pinning her arms to the side...

[Isis]

Be thankfull that I have had the courtesy to introduce myself to you. it is MORE than you deserve, you ungreatfull BASTARD CHILD.

[ the boy has no idea who he's dealing with. his bravado still remains even after his baptism by fire during his time with this "Team".]

[it does not matter. as Dominique finds herself wrapped in stone. it covers her face and her arms and hands..she does not move.]

[ a RUNE forms on Nicolas' CHEST...burning into him, touching him on a level that taps to his primal self as Isis begins the first stages of revealing the marks that she saw on him as a baby. it burns...WHITE HOT. at that moment, he is confronted in his MIND by rapid fire montage of MEMORIES? more like...a retrospective...screaming woman, burning village, horrid monster, cries of protest, violence against a woman. HE couldnt know this first hand, could he? and yet, something about it would seem familiar.]


[ Isis herself transforms an explosive cloud of sand-like silicon particles, instantly freeing herself from the binds. her voice is the last thing he hears.]

I have taken you at your measure...and found you WANTING!

[ now in this explosive sand storm, she is IMPOSSIBLE to register on any psychic level, even for Malice and as the rune burns into his body, Isis herself ATTACKS him all around his physical form, going into his mouth and nostriles and flaying his flesh from within!]


[ the attack is passive and invasive at the same time, MORE than keeping him from b eing able to help Firebird defend against another psychic attack from Malice.]

[Enchantra]

"Didn't your parents ever teach you..."

Haleigh's entire mouth filled with black bullet ants as Helena glamoured her TONGUE into the swarm known for its powerful and potent sting, which is said to be as painful as being shot with a bullet.

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at ALL."

From behind, Helena grabbed one of the WILDpack soldiers, pushing him directly at Haleigh and waving her hand. The soldier's body instantly transformed into sulfuric acid, drenching Haleigh to the bone and burning her skin raw.

[Malice]

:: Malice raised an eyebrow as Rampage attempted to interfere YET AGAIN. Isis stepped in and drew his attention, but if he tried to use his precious AXE again? She had a surprise instore for him. Meanwhile, Firebird demonstrated far greater control and use of her powers than Foxfire ever had. Malice smirked. The fire elemental evaded the javeline. ::

Oho...the firefly is more competent in battle it seems.

"Malice, if I were you, I would spend a little more time about yourself than worrying about me. Wouldn't wanna burn that pretty face of yours right off. Ashy is the new in!"

Better than YOU have tried...and FAILED, little mutant. So pretty, so in control. Confident you can hold your own? maybe even defeat me?

:: she holds her hand out and beckons::

You posess an energy , a "fire" in the heart that had more than dimmed long ago for many members of your rat tag team of losers...but you yourself are not of this world, are you?

:: Firebird would notice herself having a hard time remaining focused::


You come from a war torn timeline...you left on an impulse...leaving behind your friends and family. didnt you CARE how they would feel?

:: Malice begins to tattack Firebird via EMPATHY, bringing down "GUILT" and "SHAME" upon the mutants heart.::

You ABANDONNED THEM. How long before you ABANDON THESE people to go on somewhere ELSE?

:: Malice's eyes glow::

not a very SMART or THOUGHTFULL MOVE is it? oh...and by the way...I HEARD your conversation with MORGAN!

:: NOW "replaying" Blaze's words back in her mind.::

you dont TRUST Haleigh. You dont trust her judgement!

:: a white Halo forms around Firebird's head::

she's endangered them BEFORE you know. She's caused some of them to be hurt...to DIE even.


:: she broadcasts exaggerated images of Morgan's death through the Seige Perilous as well as Sharon's death at the hands of Master Mold.::

Why...i dont know HOW You can even STAND to be in the room with her!

:: flooding her with mistrust and resentment.::

Don't let your own selfish actions be in vain! Why dont you do what feels so RIGHT...and STRIKE HER DOWN, the source of your frustration...your confusion...your ANGER!

PROTECT your sister HERE the way you COULDNT in your own timeline! Show us how CAPABLE YOU ARE!

:: Malice COULD have POSSESSED Firebird and FORCED her to attack Black Widow, but this was more fun, more insidious. She played on the GUILT AND SHAME of Blaze, as well as the MISTRUST and RESENTMENT of HAleigh, and collided them in one ANGER FUELED moment. It FELT like these had always been apart of Blaze, which is what made it WORSE...and the only way for her to ALLEVIATE it was to ATTACK!::

:: Malice'sattack was subtle but it built and built...and somtimes, the EMOTIONS were just as deadly as the MIND. In Blaze's case, even this alternate who was more collected and put together than the original, her heart, her emotional core was a force unto itself...just BEGGING to be CONTROLLED and MANIPULATED to any number of effects ::

[Silver Swan]

[ Silver Swan launched herself at the WILDpack, those that werent taken down by Black Widow or Firebird met with powerfull attack from the mutate as she used her amazon training for hand to hand combat to take down the solders...while breaking necks, smashing heads and otherwise destroying these "men" with her physical strength. she capped it off by SPINNING through the army and unleashing her spinning stars against which the WILDpack were HELPLESS. she intended to spin RIGHT for Enchantra and cut her to pieces...but something else was happening that caught the mutates attention. with her perfect hearing, she HEARD Malice taunting Firebird, MANIPULATING her into attacking Black Widow.]

[ at that moment, an ear piercing SCREAM feels the air, if only for a moment! ]

Firebird! STOP! Don't LISTEN TO HER!

[ Sharon rushes forward, zooming past Black Widow and Enchantra faster than they can react. flying at high speeds as her silver, adamantium armour gleams. Sharon was TRYING to snap Blaze out of it, but this wasnt a PSYCHIC attack...it was EMPATHIC. Blaze may have HEARD the painfull scream, but her HEART would not be dissuaded. and so...]

MALICE! You murdering COW! You want to use Blaze, the way you used my son....I've got a SCORE to settle with YOU! You thought you could hurt me with images of my husband...my son...you took them from me all those years ago....

[ and with that, Silver Swan CHARGES into Malice, tackling her in midflight and carrying her away from Blaze and Haleigh, abruptly changing course and charging into the air.]

your telepathic attacks wont work on ME! mystech has given me a gift...one that I can now use to destroy YOU!

[ she holds Malice by her neck, and pulls back her other hand, intending to PUNCH her with such force that it not only seperates her head from her body..but it would PULP her skull and brain completely. Silver Swan was physically the second strongest among the four members of the six present and she was TIED with Malice in terms of physical strength with Malice was in her diamond form. Silver Swan also had speed, durability/invulnerability, stamina and phenomenal fighting ability.]

[Rampage]

OOOOOKAY.

Nicolas was now giving this queen his full attention as she extricated herself from the stony trap. He was hammered with a blur of memories, as she had done before. How did she know him? It seemed so familiar, but the point-of-view was all wrong, the timing of it. THIS time, he captured them to be replayed and scanned, analyzed, and examined in exhaustive detail. LATER. Right now, he felt a searing burn on his chest as a RUNE displayed itself, burning into the flesh. He clawe at it as the Black Queen advanced, a searing whilwind of silicon. Luckily for him, she would find doing REAL damage more difficult than she apparently believed, but her determined attack quickly began to finally bear fruit as she entered his nose and ears, surprising him AGAIN and drawing blood. Nicolas roared in pain as she tore at him, slowly but surely doing damage to him.

Nicolas teleported away, but she clung to him even as he moved, so he did what he had almost never done in front of the Six. He went INTANGIBLE, the silicon attack slipping past him like a fluffy cloud as he teleported again to recover more fully.

He then squeezed his hand as a sealed force surrounded the swirling mass of silicon, squeezing it under tens of tons of pressure and massive heat from friction. He was wondering if he could make glass with her...as he held up his hand, his axe returning to its owner.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh coughed violently, attempting to spit out the ants as she was DOUSED with sulfuric acid. The bad news was it burned so badly that it ate through her SKIN... the good news was that it got in her mouth, killing the ants quickly. She stopped coughing, seemingly stopped feeling pain [as she was completely capable of silencing her pain-sensing nerves] and was animatedly swishing the acid around in her mouth like mouthwash, which she spit off to the side.

"Ah, minty clean."

She deadpanned, smiling big. It was clear she'd given herself a new silver tongue and the inside of her mouth [and her teeth] were coated in protective metal.... a sign of things to come. Haleigh set off the fire sprinklers..... sulfuric acid was soluble in water, though the water caused it to BOIL and steam, which obscured Haleigh from view momentarily.

When the mist faded, Haleigh was gone. Destroyed? Hardly. She reappeared RIGHT in front of Enchantrah, grabbing her quickly by her jaw, CRUSHING it in her grip as she LIFTED the woman off her feet. She now had metallic skin, looking like a female Silver Surfer [with metallic-stranded hair to boot]. She stared up at Enchantrah with narrowed, sentinel-red eyes as she continued to crumble the lower half of Enchantrah's SKULL just by squeezing in her machine-like grip.

"You know what you remind me of, Helena? Back in high school, those super popular pretty girls who all run around together like some kind of pack... there's always one at the TOP of the food chain. That'd be Malice. YOU are more like one of those other ones. less powerful, less beautiful, always following the Queen around like a good bitch. Always telling the QUEEN 'no, you're not fat, you're SO awesome, the sun shines out of your ass!' I always laughed at girls like that..... so pityful."

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Morgan bid Ava farewell for the time being, the sorceress quietly exhaled.>>

well...one problem solved, another one getting worse.

<< she turned to set her brush down before preparing to go to her scrying glass. but as she looked at the vanity for only a moment, she saw a message coming across ON the mirror...>>

what is this?

<< she looked intently.>>


Morgan Nicolas. Cast wards protect Ava, Alison OTHERS. Malice...Enchantrah have targeted them as well.

<< it was NICOLAS, communicating with her as best he could since her psi screen blocked direct telepathic contact from anyone except her mother and sister. and it wasnt a good message either.>>

oh no!

<< she quickly teleport via stepping disc to the CONTROL ROOM of Minerva's Mansion to speak to the captain of the guard. in order to protect everyone, she would be more efficient having them all in one place.>>

We have what could be an emergency, please get the mansion on yellow alert and begin the process of raising all defenses. have the animal care takers round up all of the pets and place them in their holding areas. I'll gather the others and after that, Anyone who tries to access the mansion must submit to a DNA scan, per MY order as I am acting in Alison's place for the time being. Don't discuss this with ANYONE either. If someone asks, refer them to me.

<< Morgan then manifests in front of Ava, Alison, Karen and Mike. Taking care NOT to say the wrong thing in front of Ava and Alison...>>

My apologies, but I need you to return to Minerva's Mansion at once. I'll see you when you get here.

<< she left it at that...the tone of her voice suggested there was no room for argument. once everyone was here and the mansion was secure, she'd meet with Mike and her mother privately about the situation.>>

[Arsenal]

Mike had quickly made his way to the private lagoon that Karen had disappeared to. Entering the opening, he saw the beautiful witch in the water up to her neck, obviously no longer clothed. He entered the water after quickly stripping, making his way to his lover and enveloping her in his arms as he did so, kissing her deeply. He spoke to her in a deep, lustful voice.

Good Doctor, it has been a while since I've had my...<kisses Karen again on her neck and now her chest, dipping slightly into the clear water to do so>> ..mmhhm, medicine.

Mike was about to take MUCH more than his daily dose of Karen right there in the water, lifting her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist, when Morgan appeared before them calling them back to Minerva's mansion and promptly giving him a HEART ATTACK.:blush:

Luckily they were covered by the water so MAYBE she saw nothing but most likely, Morgan saw a nude Mike getting ready to make love to her nude mother in a private lagoon. Mike reluctantly and slowly let go of the sorceress.

DAMN. That looked serious. THIS...is not over Karen. In fact, I have done some of my homework, and I have other ideas...LATER I guess.

Mike reluctantly began to lead Karen out of the water, hoping that he could calm himself before his obvious state of arousal made for a very INTERESTING meeting with the others.

[Oracle]

<< thankfully for Mike, Morgan's manifestation was "standard issue" and as such, SHE personally wasnt talking to him. She did not see what he was doing...or about to do with her mother. The communication he saw was the same one that Ava, Alison and Pandora would see.>>

<< and as everyone made their way back inside the mansion, after being scanned in case one of them was Enchantra, the perimeter of the mansion was sealed off, all doors and windows were shut and the underground, hightech catacombs were were on lockdown.>>

<< Once Ava and Alison were settled, Morgan greeted them for a moment and then went to a large, empty conference room, where she had summoned her scrying glass. Once she was inside and the doors were closed, she extended her hands and spun around, a swirling trail of magick flowed around her as she changed into her current costume, the one given her by Hecate.>>

<< Mike and Karen would be informed by the guard that Morgan was waiting for them in the conference room and once they saw her in costume,theyd' know she meant business.>>

[Arsenal]

Mike dressed along with Karen quickly, wistfully looking at what he was about to enjoy be covered up. He shook his head and kissed Karen quickly before having her teleport them to his camp, where he picked up a medium-sized briefcase, then went back to Minerva's island.

The guards were nearly oppressive in their scans, apparently under the highest alert. After being satisfied with their identities, they were directed to the conference room where they saw Morgan in her battle attire. That confirmed for Mike that he was right to bring his gear, which he changed into in seconds in an adjoining room before taking his seat. He silently waited for Morgan to begin...

[Isis]

[ the brute was as durable as ever. even as a baby he had been impervious to the harm of her blessed dagger. to HER it was further proof that he was nothing more than the spawn of true evil.]

[ but she HAD hurt him, that alone was worth abding his wretched presence. it would not be the last pain she dealt him either. as he attempted to exert force and fricition upon her in her explosive dust cloud form, the RUNE on his chest begin to glow again, this time WHITE as Nicolas felt his body growing weak and cold, his heart and lungs FAILING and his energy...his very LIFE was leaving his body. Isis was the goddess of rebirth but like her brothers, she had the power to take away life as well...and Dominique, who now channeled various aspects and powers of Isis could do the same thing.]

[ as the mutant would find his body falling apart before his eyes. Dominique herself shunts down into the floor, UNDER the surface, spreading herself out and away from Nicolas' force before coming back together BEHIND him as she grabs his neck.]

Just as I have taken down your company, I will take down your LIFE as well! I will FORCE you to feel the way others felt the day YOU were born! your life...at the expense of THEIR'S!

[ she AMPLIFIES the life force drain , taking his vitality. Some of it she uses to replenish herself, the rest simply is taken from him, leaving him weaker, more frail by the moment.]

[Firebird]

Everything seemed to happen like lightning, moving in the blink of an eye even as Isis would attack Rampage, Enchantra attacked Black Widow, and Malice would invade Firebird’s mind. Causing the fire elemental to lose focus on her goal along with her focus to channel her fire power. Her flames would extinguish as she moved to stand on the floor of the mansion. Blinking her eyes she could feel her senses being tampered with as she grit her teeth, trying to focus. “No!” She exclaimed getting annoyed by Malice’s alternate attack. As the truth was unveiled to her other teammates, Blaze fought the urge to give in. She may have lost her focus but the fire elemental was not to be underestimated for she was stubborn, pig headed, and willful. Something Malice could never take away no matter what she did.

“I care but my teammates are more than capable of handling themselves without any trouble. It is that fact that I felt COMFORTABLE leaving them behind. They may be few but they FIGHT of the strength of an Army.!” Blaze’s words were firm as she addressed the White Queen, countering her callous remarks. Attempting to make Firebird feel remorse or even guilt. Yet, it was a decision Blaze felt comfortable with. As such, this dread she felt would lesson. “You’re WRONG, Malice!”

Shaking her head with a growl, Firebird’s eyes would glow a dark crimson. “I TRUST Haleigh, you old crown! I don’t have to explain my actions to the likes of YOU whose only primarily joy is invading a person’s thoughts and exposing them for what they are! I may not know this Haleigh well and I may not always agree with her but I trust her!” Both fists would clench tightly as that familiar cloud of guilt returned but Firebird fought bravely to counter it with her own stubborness.



As the images of Spellbinder mirrored through her eyes, Firebird had difficulty fighting the urge. Her powers and her own nature were led by her raw emotional core and what life brought to her. Grinding down on her teeth, Firebird’s body would engulf with scorching hot flames but would flicker off, like an on and off switch. “Haleigh....is....not to...be...tru...NO!!” Shaking her head, Firebird stepped back to grab her head and a chunk of her brunette locks. “Get OUT of my head!” Yet, Blaze would continue to drown in the empathy that Malice projected as her eyes would fill with tears but she’d blink them back. It was a devastating struggle for Blaze who wouldn’t allow herself to be seduced by such emotions. “HALEIGH was there for Morgan....she attempted to SAVE her...nearly pulling her with her!” She affirmed hotly as her eyes would turn to Malice with a glare.

Having to witness the images of Morgan’s death only fueled Firebird’s more but it would twist and only cause her emotions to turn on Malice. Blaze fought desperately the emotions of mistrust, anger, and hatred for Haleigh. A woman she respected and admired even if she disagreed with her methods of ‘shoot and ask questions later’.

The shrill cry of a Silver Swan would jerk Firebird’s senses to try and control the manipulation but it would only cause a temporary interruption. As the seconds ticked by, Blaze questioned herself and her decisions she had made over the past couple of months. Weighing them in her head only losing her focus. Snarling under her breath, she turned her glare towards Black Widow who was battling Enchantra.

Without thinking, Firebird lunged into the air with the speed of a rocket now under the control of Malice. She moved with the speed of a rocket as she would viciously slam into Haleigh’s metallic form to knock her off Enchantra. The two would tumble to the floor as Blaze would jump to her feet. Having Haleigh in her metallic form would be dangerous as Blaze raised her hands to manipulate a fire grid (think Resident Evil) as it would criss-cross across her teammate in thin layers, burning into her metallic skin at extreme temperatures. Especially when she could melt anything especially metals to slag. “You NEVER care! You only PUSH people away because your not CAPABLE of loving anyone. You PUSHED me away every chance you got. You’re nothing but a MACHINE!” Firebird spat, clearly she was talking about the Haleigh from her world. But there was obviously resentment there that Blaze had concealed.

Losing her focus, Firebird’s power would extinguish once again as she shut her eyes. Silver Swan’s timely interruption was a success as Blaze was still reeling from the negative emotions she felt. Biting down on her bottom lip as she looked around bewildered at what she had done. “Haleigh...” She called out having a blank memory of the past five minutes. Peering around to see the others engaged in battle. The tremendous weight of her emotions felt like she had been hit by a tractor trailer.

[Malice]

:: Malice was truly caught off guard by Silver Swan's tackle. it HURT! the white queen was then carried off and rocketed into the air by the mutate. Usually Malice's telepathy allowed her to anticipate the moves of her foe even if it was just a split second before, but in this instance, there had been no time.::

....well..YOU'VE come a long way....:: coughing: havent you?

:: Silver Swan declared that she would use her newfound power to DESTROY Malice.::

I think NOT!

:: as the fist came SMASHING into her, Malice transformed into her DIAMOND form and manifested her DEFLECTION FIELD.::

As i told Alison once before when SHE tried to unleash her wrath upon me! I will see you do your worst...and RETURN IT TO YOU!

:: her Diamond form would prvent her head from being pulped and the deflection field took ALL of the force of Silver Swan's blow and sent it BACK to the mutate. But Malice didnt plan this out too carefully, she was too busy trying to save her own life, though she didnt let the SURVIVAL instinct show. the backlash TORE Sharon away from Diana and both women went FLYING...with Sharon slamming into ...THROUGH a marble pillar and Malice flying back down, crashing into the floor!::

:: With Firebird still suffering from Malice's last attack, this left Black Widow to deal with TWO opponents. Malice was now laying near Isis and Rampage. Isis clearly had the drop on the young mutant::

well THAT wasnt what i wanted.

:: referring to that shocking backlash that sent her down to the ground.::

but if we're going to keep the pressure on, we've got to be able to move from one to another with no trouble...with Firebird unwittingly HELPING Enchantra against Black Widow and before Sharon comes back, I've got a clear shot at Rampage!

:: still a bit slow to move after crashing to the ground, Malice ATTACKS Rampage with a PSYCHO BLAST. it would utterly DESTROY an unprotected mind, but in his case, it would most likely provide him with a splitting headache, adding to the pain and PANIC he might be feeling as Isis was robbing him of his lifeforce! In HIS case, the more that was done to KEEP him from thinking, from focusing...the LESS likely he could defend!::

[Jessica Hamby]

Firebird BLINDSIDED Black Widow, sending both her AND Enchantrah [on whom Hlaeigh still had a tight grip] toppling to the floor. Firebird sprang up quickly..... Haleigh, still a bit bowled over, hadn't seen just WHO had attacked her, but assuming it was the enemy, she QUICKLY snatched Enchantrah by the hair, wrapping her free arm around her into a chokehold and using the woman as a BODY shield as she got back to her feet.

"SonofaBITCH!"

It was THEN that Haleigh saw it had been Firebird... the elemental was screaming at her, accusing her of being a cold, unfeeling machine without the capacity for love. Haleigh was both stunned AND offended, and it only served to affirm that she'd been right to keep Blaze at arm's length.

"Blaze, now REALLY isn't the time to discuss this! [tightening her grip on Enchantrah, growling in her ear] Enchantrah, you know how to make this go away, don't you? [backing away, dragging Enchantrah with her] Get RID of it."

The grid disappeared. Haleigh kept a hold on Enchantrah as Blaze seemed to snap out of a daze. Haleigh narrowed her eyes.... was it something Malice did, or was Blaze just trying to FAKE it so she could get away with attacking her?

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder waited until Arsenal and Karen were inside and the doors were closed.>>

<< standing in her costume, with its "web" like designed mini cape, the sorceress folded her arms as she stood by her scrying glass.>>

I just received contact from Firebird, the alternate of my sister, Blaze.

<< she looks at Mike.>>

She tells me that Black Widow, Rampage, herself and SILVER SWAN are in NYC, at a newly reconstituted Hellfire Club...that MALICE and ENCHANTRA are ALIVE! There's a new Black Queen as well...and at this very moment...they are TRAPPED in the mansion.

There's apparently ALOT that has happened in these last few days that no one has felt it necessary to tell me about.

<< she came close to Mike. She knew how close he and Nicolas were>>

Did you know anything about this? Did you know that Malice and Enchantra were some how...ALIVE?

<< she didnt MEAN to seem accusatory but she was more upset than she realized...MALICE...the last time MORGAN saw her, was when Malice met the Soul Sword up close and personal in LIMBO. Enchantra, ALEXIS had taken care of her evil aunt over a YEAR ago!>>

Does this have something to do with the murder of Magnuss?

And was ANYONE going to tell me that SHARON was back?

<< she walked away from them. RESISTING the urge to chide her mother for letting Mike distract her from other , perhaps MORE important things. It wasnt Morgan's place, and she couldnt blame them for this.>>

Blaze sounded upset...and she should be. Malice is one of our deadliest foes, Enchantra is no slouch either and until now, I...WE had no idea that the Hellfire Club was even BACK...and apparently INDEPENDANT of Mystech.

<< pacing a bit.>>

Nicolas sent me a message too, telling me that Enchantra was targeting Ava ...even while she was HERE. That means that Malice either plucked the information from Blaze's mind OR Ava's...and now we're no longer completely safe.

There's no telling what is happening now. They've been gone for hours and if its morning here, its MIDNIGHT there.

I told Blaze I would find them with my scrying glass, and if need be, I'd go there myself to help or rescue them. I lost my sister once...I wont have it happen again. Haleigh and Nicolas...powerfull as they are, are STILL in danger when Malice is near...we ALL are.

But i don't want Ava and Alison to be informed. Alison will soon find out ANYWAY being that she's a precog, but I dont want her feeling like she has to get involved. She and Ava are still in recovery.

[Arsenal]

As the meeting began, Morgan went on a mini-tirade, sending out new information right and left.

Malice was alive and HERE with the new Enchantrah!!

Sharon has returned to the team!!

They were trapped in a mansion in New York?!!

Morgan was upset, the emotion simmering below the surface as she even appraoched close to Mike to ask him if he knew of this, in a manner that if it were anyone else, he would have seen as a threat. But Mike knew Morgan was upset, worried about her sister and the rest off the team. He wondered if she weren't getting TOO upset. The last time, it took months to put things back. And the line that she were somehow being kept in the dark was unfair, given that the team was trying to let Morgan and Karen care for Ava and Alison and not worry them.

As she finished what she had to say, Mike stood slowly. He was determined to stay calm through this. But Morgan needed to get some things STRAIGHT.

Morgan. No one is keeping anything from you, least of all Nicolas. If anything, maybe he is TOO honest and real with you. Some of these things seem related to our time in the timestream, which you have still not received a full debriefing about due to the pressing nature of Ava and Alison's injuries.
Mike began to pace a bit as he spoke, not looking at Morgan, not sure how she would respond.

We found this time's Malice in the last timeline we were in, of course. Apparently she managed to make her way here, just as Blaze did. This has to be a VERY recent development, although Nicolas has long posited that dimensional travel was possible for those able to move their consciousness in the astral plane. With the bloodthirsty nature of what has happened with the company, Malice had to be considered as a remote possibility. But he dismissed the attack as too heavy-handed, even for Malice.

But Sharon's arrival MUST have coincided with this trip, as well as Malice's emergence at the party itself. It makes sense if she is back here to make an appearance. But NO ONE is keeping things from you. I was aware of what had been going on as of yesterday and I KNOW that none of these developments had yet occurred. If you wish to go to help them, I am there with you. But to go with this type of needless distrust and worry will only give Malice an opening to you and with your power, you may as well give her a NUKE.

[Jill Monroe]

<< moving back to the scrying glass, Morgan wrapped her arms around her waist as Mike slowly stood up. She looked at her mother who was eyeing her very sternly.>>

Mother! WHERE were you anyway? ON AERIE?

Karen: << to her daughter via their bond as mother and child>>

Yes, I was on Aerie, WITH MIKE..and never you mind, young lady. You may be the leader of this team, but i am STILL your mother. and i am grown woman. I need not give an accounting of my actions to you or anyone else!

<< Morgan turned away. Firmly reprimanded by her mother without Mike even knowing. Morgan had never objected to Mike being with her mother BEFORE. But for some reason...she just felt like...like her mother had ABANDONNED her to go Aerie with Mike.>>

I'm sorry, mother. It's just...after all we've been through with Alison and Ava...I dont think I would have made it without you. And now...with all that i'm JUST learning...the way Firebird sounded...the fact that MALICE is back and alligned with two deadly foes...i feel like we're going BACK instead of forward.


Karen: Honey...i KNOW that you still have secret reservations about Mike and I. You've been VERY gracious about it. I sometimes wonder about Nicolas and you as well. You want to belive that its going to work out..and it HAS. Mike is making me VERY happy. I have no reason to suspect or believe that he would harm me anyway...and think about it...COULD HE really? Unless he surprised me, I am MORE than capable of protecting myself. I've told you before, I've been protecting myself and fighting off threats and creatures since before YOU were even born. Before we are someone else's girlfriend...we are women, we are mother and daughter and we will ALWAYS back each other.

and as for what's going on now. Progress HAS been made...Alison and Ava are in FAR better shape because of BOTH of us. You did just as much as i did...i Know you're upset. But please, remember that this is your FAMILY.

<< Morgan's mother spoke to her via their bond as mother and child while Mike spoke aloud. Mike was a man with experience...he probably didnt take kindly to her getting in his face as though she were interrogating him. He corrected her to the point but without being antagonistic. He was right, no one was hiding anything from her on purpose. Everyone realized that she needed time to care for Ava and Alison and they didnt want to burden her. He also reminded her of the damage she could cause if she became TOO "beside herself"...it was a humbling observation to hear coming from him, even in his short time this close to the team, HE recognized the need for her to keep control of herself. >>

I'm sorry Mike. I didnt mean to get in your face that way. It's just that when I heard Blaze...i knew she was genuinely worried. This alternate...she's different than our timeline's Blaze, but in that moment, they seemed EXACTLY the same...and knowing that the others are there, in that place...with MALICE, ENCHANTRA and this NEW Black Queen...come to think of it...there was NO Black Queen before...not that i remember.

<< Mike went on to explain about certain events of the timestream adventure. Malice's consciousness transferred into one of HER alternate's bodies, and she essentially resurrected herself and came BACK here, just as Firebird had managed to come to this timeline.>>

Enchantra must be an alternate as well. Alexis killed the original Helena over a year ago.

<< As Mike shared wth her the fact that Malice had been initially suspected of the murder of Magnuss, she understood now at least in part why they had found their way to NYC and the Hellfire Club. Morgan slowly exhaled. Shaking her head to the negative as Mike offered to join her. >>

You can't come, Mike. It's too dangerous. Malice could seize your mind and do any number of things to you. Plus, this new Black Queen...I dont know who she is or what her powers are. It's too risky. I need you and my mother to stay here...you're going to have to defend this place if something DOES happen. the soldiers are ready, but we know that something could quickly overwhelm them.

I'm going to locate them, and then I'm going to teleport there myself. and if necessary, pull them out with a stepping disc. Haleigh will be upset for me FORCING her to withdraw but TOUGH. She didnt bother to brief me, and i'm not going to bother consult HER on saving her or the rest of their lives.

<< Mike reminded her that Malice could get to her as well, she was an EMPATH as well.>>

and that is why...I need to get them OUT of there so we can regroup together. Going back to the states, after all this time was a risk itself. Haleigh HAD to have found information that suggested it was safe for them to even risk being seen by anyone in NYC. I'm not arrogant enough to think that I am totally insulated from Malice...but if i can get them out, then I must..before something happens to anyone of them.

[Enchantra]

In true Haleigh fashion, the hyrbid reminded everyone that she had about as much class as an inbred hilbilly. It was disgusting really, probably enough to turn any normal person's stomach....but in the case of Enchantra, it only prooved how vile and worthless this mechanical piece of slab was. Helena stayed put as Haleigh ducked out of sight using the sulfuric acid and sprinkler system to aid her. Seconds later the metamorph was grabbed by the jaw, her bones crushing in a gross display of Haleigh's strength. Her body lifted into the air as Haleigh extended her arm, but Helena did not flinch. However as Malice unleashed her empathic attack against Firebird, the mutant turned on Haleigh, slamming full force into her teammate causing Helena to get knocked to the ground as well. Grunting as she rolled, even THEN, Black Widow kept a vice like grip on her jaw as if her life depended on it. The pain was enough to cause the metamorph's eyes go bloodshot and water up...it was then her body EXPLODED into a fury of buzzing flies, flying in a unified patter away from the fueding teammates.

As Firebird took on Haleigh's metallic form, the swarm of flies came together as one, revealing Helena once again. Opening her mouth and cracking the bone, the joints were sore, but the jaw was now back in tact.

"Disgusting creature....what's truly pathetic is your attempts to bait me with your ridiculous notions and logic. How hypotricial you have become. The only lap dog in this room is YOU, sweetheat. Remind me to tell Spellbinder to keep you on a shorter leash next time!"

As Firebird continued her attack on Haleigh, Helena gestured out with her hand and began to warp the illusion around both Firebird and Black Widow, masking their location from Nicolas and Sharon to prevent them from helping their teammates. Haleigh and Blaze would find themselves in Arklay still, but they would find themselves ALONE in the large combat dome that Kyle Kelly was finally killed at. With Malice's manipulations of Firebird, the two teammates could destory each other without the interference of others.

[Rampage]

My life?!! For WHO?!!Who the hell ARE you?!!

Nicolas groaned as the pain in his chest intensified. He cut his pain receptors but he realized that part of what was happening NOW was that his cells were SCREAMING as their life was being drained form them, like a short can drain a a battery. He was already staggered when Malice added to it by blastin him mentally. TWO ON ONE. Even he knew that he could not keep this u sfor long if he didn't do SOMETHING. Then he realized. Isis was within REACH, even touching his neck. He was weakened but, the witch would find, not weak ENOUGH.

With a snap Nicolas broke Isis' arm and wrist in one desperate move, then accelerated the air around her and Malice in order to produce a white noise effect--in actuality a bombardment of shock waves of all frequecies, shaken and directed literally by his own TK. He then pushed them both away as he staggered to clear his head, crazed with painas he teleported near Enchantrah who was busy with Haleigh and Blaze, who hopefully had a chance to snap out of it thanks to his attack. He punched Helena in the back of the head savagely, then slammed her to the ground, allowing the stone to open and them entomb her, its weight crushing her from all sides as he called to his teammates verbally and telepathically, his voice booming on both levels.

SNAP OUT OF IT!!!!! They are using you all!!!

[Isis]

[ the SAVAGE! ]

[ Isis grits her teeth and HISSES with shock and pain as Rampage suddenly grabs her arm and BREAKS it.]

BARBARIC CREATURE!

[ the pain is incredible! but so too are Isis' powers.]

Malice: Don't worry, Isis! my psi powers will block the pain....

[ the white noise effect startles both Isis and Malice, making it harder for Malice to focus...and then both women are sent flying across the room into a wall, sliding down to the floor.]



[b]Isis: he is moving with desperation. we nearly HAD him. his energy reserves are such that even with my draining his very life force and your psychic attack, he was able to fight back. we must go after him NOW while he is still weak!

[ hurt as she was, Dominique could heal herself when this was over. She'd suffered enough pain through her life, most of it caused by NICOLAS. A broken arm was not going to deter her from seeing HIM dead. She spoke with cold determination.]

[a rune forms on the wall...searing into the wall before fading from white, to gold then to invisible....and at that moment...a swarm of hungry, FLESH EATING locusts flows into view and begins to attack Nicolas. swirling around him...DEVOURING his flesh, his skin...]

DESTROY HIM!

[ Isis commands as this bloodthirsty manifestation one of the biblical plagues takes form. the locusts could not be destroyed physically. they were powered by magick, originating from the rune.]

[Malice]

:: Malice could FEEL the desperation in Nicolas' HEART. He KNEW he was on the ropes. Isis was DEFINATELY taking him to task and with the psycho blast, that only ADDED to the pain. At least until he used his own telepathic powers to block it.::

:: Rampage attacked Isis first, breaking her arm.::

NOT SO FAST, RAMPAGE!

:: by now, Malice was on her feet and ready to attack AGAIN. but then, the white noise effect, it struck her like being SHOCKED by a painfull jolt after sticking one's fingers into a socket. She was about to assist Dominique with stopping the pain from the fracture when both women went flying across the room into the wall, then sliding the floor. Malice was in her diamond form and Dominique didnt seem any worse for the wear.::

Isis: he is moving with desperation. we nearly HAD him. his energy reserves are such that even with my draining his very life force and your psychic attack, he was able to fight back. we must go after him NOW while he is still weak!

:: she watches as Isis conjures a "plague" of FLESH EATING locusts to attack Rampage.::



Isis...we have to help Enchantra as well. We must cover EACH OTHER. Use your power...OPEN UP the ground that Enchantra is in with one of your runes. I'LL deal with Nicolas.

:: the "white noise" was an achilles heel for almost any telepath. Malice herself was stronger than most but it still came across like nails on a black board to her...and the sensation made it difficult to focus.::

fool! the white noise can't protect you from THIS!

:: extending her hand, a white halo forms around it as she thrusts forward and hurls a sparkling psi javeline. it rushes toward him with a thunderous roar and when it hits...it will cause him to have a MASSIVE STROKE!::

[Silver Swan]

NO!

[ the sound of metal slicing through the air is heard as Silver Swan streaks into view. She's recovered from slamming through a solid marble pillar...her invulnerability ensured that she sustained no permanent physical damage.]

[ as the mutate flies through the air at high speeds, she swoops down...and lands, placing herself in the path of the oncoming psi javeline.]

I won't LET YOU!

[she braces herself and crosses her arms in front of her in an "X" pattern , the result of training from the AMAZONS as she uses the adamantium armour on her arms to block the PHYSICAL impact of the javeline and counts on her own mental immunity to negate its intended effect. she's counting on her invulnerability once more...]

[Oracle]

<< Rampage made a valiant effort, but the Sisterhood was definately giving him and his team mates a hell of a battle. Both sides were taking hits, but Malice's strategy for team work and coverage was giving the Sisterhood a steady advantage.>>



<< Sharon played a dangerous game. The psi javeline SLAMS into her...and the "lightning" like feedback is spectacular as it collides with the Silver Swan. Rampage , if he survives the flesh eating locusts, can thank her later for saving him from certain death....but once again Sharon is BATTERED by the force behind one of Malice's most powerfull trademark attacks and inspite of her own immense power, and mental protection, the Silver Swan is now out cold.>>

<< meanwhile, Isis, who is showing signs of stress from the pain of her broken arm, uses her power to open up the ground where Enchantra was entombed....all bindings are broken by her enchantments and Enchantra is free. Malice uses her power to prod Enchantra back to consciousness and directs her to regroup with them.>>

<< FIREBIRD, still reeling from the effects of Malice's last attack against her, forces Black Widow to take definative action. The only way she will be free of this, is either Malice or Firebird are rendered unconscious and it is far easier at this moment for Black Widow to subdue Firebird, for BOTH their sakes.>>

<< it was getting down to the wire. It was nearly 3 am, and soon...the "Blackout" would begin to fade. The members of the Six had gotten enough information to now identify the new Black Queen, to solve the issue of the takeover of King Enterprises and explore the mysterious connection between Nicolas and Dominique. but if they didnt get out soon...the information, nor much else would matter.>>

<< and unknown to them all, SPELLBINDER, now had a clear fix on them via her scrying glass, which allowed her to see PAST Enchantra's illusion warps. Everyone was physically in the same space, though to some of them at the battle it seemed they were now. Spellbinder concluded that a forced evacuation was the best course of action...and she would execute it in moments.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas turned from Enchantrah in time just to see that the queens were already regrouping. He pulled his axe to try to block the psi javelin when Sharon moved to intercept. He was about to move to help her when.

SHRIP!! A piece of clothing was torn from him, along with a bit of his own skin! Nicolas swatted, but the locust, which was only momentarily stunned, was none the worse for wear. And he was still physically weakened. This HAD to be Isis doing, and Nicolas (even though his pain receptors were still shut off from before) realized that he had one hell of a problem as the SWARM enveloped him, tearing at his flesh and causing extreme damage. Nicolas covered his face and head as the swarm came to him, redoubling their efforts.

Then, the locusts began to FREEZE, in midair, first a few, then others, as the metahuman had realized that they could not be killed easily, but they could be MOVED in much easier fashion. Nicolas stood shakily, his arms and chest a bloodied and shredded mask, he directed the angry swarm to MALICE and ISIS, deducing that they would have similar difficulty with them in their enchanted forms. He then stepped forward, pulling Sharon behind him as he took what looked to be his last stand. But he was not going out without giving it his all...

[Jill Monroe]

<< gesturing in front of the scrying glass, a soft hum of energy and chimes is heard as the witch concentrates ...and soon...>>

I've got them!

<< the large mystic lens shimmers and then glows, revealing a crystal clear image of the mansion, through the inside, and to the battle itself. the areas that are warped by Enchantrah only show a grey like shading around them, but the REALITY still remains in tact for the scrying glass sees all.>>

there's MASSIVE spatial warps ....someone there must be altering reality in some way....

<< she spots the white queen, the red queen and the black queen.>>

....they're beautifull...its as though none of them was ever killed...and who is this black queen!?

<< the battle was intense and on the brink...either side could gain the power to strike the final blow. with Firebird attacking Black Widow thanks to Malice's manipulation, Silver Swan down for the count ...apparently after taking a major hit, and Rampage badly hurt but not going down without a fight. The Queens look like they've taken hits too.>>

they need help...they need to get OUT of there!

<< she looks back at Mike and her mother.>>

I'm getting them now. Just STAY HERE until i get back!

<< and with that, Spellbinder lifts her hands hurridly and thunder crashes as she summons a stepping disc and teleports. the scrying glass remains locked on the battle, giving Mike and Karen a terrifying view of just how violent this battle has been.

[Enchantra]

Unfortunately for Black Widow and Firebird, the unexpected blow to her head given by Nicolas, knocked her out cold and disipated ALL illusions in the area, including the vast Arklay one. However her mind and body were extremely resiliant, even when unconscious. As Nicolas enclosed her in a tomb of concrete, her body literally 'pancaked', forming to the exact shape of the jagged rock tomb and preventing any damage until Isis released her. Malice quickly prodded her mind and woke Helena up in record time.

"Ugh, is that any way to treat a lady!?"

Pushing herself up off the ground, Nicolas began to send the swarm of locust BACK at Malice and Isis....stupid boy. Didn't he know who he was dealing with? Lifting her hand, the locust transformed into multiple photographs of Nicolas, Magnuss, Sharon, Karen, MOrgan, Ava, Haleigh, Blaze, Alycia....everyone he cared about and loved. They floated to the ground, covering the floor in a mass of imagery that painted the picture of Nicolas' life.

"Everything you have and everyone you love will perish....so gather away, Nicolas. Because THESE will be the only reminders of what you have before we DESTORY IT."

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled evilly as he saw the locusts turn to photographs of his loved ones.

And these memories will be your undoing.

Nicolas teleports the photographs around Enchantrah and uses them in a whirlwind to slice her at hundreds of miles an hour, fast enough for paper to cut TIMBER.

[Isis]

[ the swarm of deadly locust took their toll. but the fact that her prey could not feel the PAIN, the SUFFERING like what her sister felt all those years ago...THAT didnt sit well with her. She would find a way to negate his powers. It was WITHIN her set to do so, but not now.]

[ as the locusts were now being sent toward her and Malice, Enchantra rejoined them. Malice manifested a deflection field to protect them...]

Don't worry. The Locusts are my creation. A simple enchantment really and what is done, can be UNDONE!

[ as Isis prepared to deactivate the rune, the locusts began to fall. Enchantra used the remaining locusts turning them into pictures of those that Nicolas cared about, employing a psychological tactic. It was an excellent idea. But Nicolas sends the photographs back...and Isis DESTROYS THEM with a blast of golden hued magick. leaving nothing but the finest dust.]

"Everything you have and everyone you love will perish....so gather away, Nicolas. Because THESE will be the only reminders of what you have before we DESTORY IT."

but NOT before we destroy YOU from WITHIN. You will be exposed for the FRAUD that you are, bastard spawn!

[Malice]

:: Malice's deflection field would have held off the locusts until Isis removed them, But Enchantra did them one better! as Isis reaffirmed the Sisterhood's mission, Rampage struck back with savage instinct but Malice was ready.::

FOOLISH BOY! So intent on one upping US, that you fail to realize your OWN position is about to BOTTOM OUT!

:: Isis destroys the pictures, but not before Malice broadcasts a tremendous feeling of loss, inadequecy and the sense that he was being too impulsive, too SLOPPY...::

remember how you felt when we first met? all that power...and yet you were STILL IMPOTENT AND OUT OF CONTROL!

:: her eyes glow::

those pictures that you used as weapons...symbolize the way you USE the members of the Six!

you use Morgan...you have NO standing with Ava or Alison...and soon, Delilah and Karen will follow...they will ALL see you for the reckless endangermant that you ARE!

:: playing upon Isis and Enchantra's theme, as WELL as eeriely reminding him of Alison's prophecy.::

You're so busy worried about US...when you should be WORRIED :: pushing THAT into his heart:: about YOURSELF and your INEVITABLE DOWNFALL!

:: and with that...the deflection field goes up around all three women as Isis, weaves a pattern of power to teleport them away from this area, leaving them EXPOSED. she releases her hold on Firebird, but not without leaving the mutant with a HORRIBLE headache.::

telepathically to firebird: watch your step, firebug....MALICE is watching you...when you're asleep OR awake! your mind is MY playground and i'll be seeing you SOON!

[Firebird]

With Malice manipulating Firebird’s emotions, the fire elemental had difficulty trying to distill what was reality and what was an illusion. Caressing the side of her left temple, a throbbing headache would pound through her cerebral cortex. Reeling from Malice’s attack, Blaze attempted to regain her bearings as she straightened up her posture. She had been under Malice’s control but the environment around them would shift due to Enchantra’s illusion. Firebird’s eyes would illuminate once more as Black Widow’s words would only add more fuel to the fire.

“Its NEVER a good time for you, is it Haleigh?! Its only on YOUR time you selfish-arrogant piece of shit! You’re always so FULL of yourself that you never think about what your actions do to others. How you HURT others and you always will. Who can love a MACHINE?!” Like venom, Firebird spat accusingly at the hybrid. Her own emotions like a cyclone pulling her into the deeper end. Firebird was only being pushed further as her body temperature rose tremendously.

Rampage’s temporary interruption was exactly that as Firebird would be lulled for only a few seconds. Enchantra’s illusion was proving to be too much for the fire elemental as she glared viciously at Black Widow. Like a rabid dog she would have foamed at the mouth as she tore into Haleigh. Her words cutting and truthful as she would only tear further into Black Widow. This night would have ramifications for both parties for what was said and done.

Without a second thought, Firebird appeared beside Black Widow in an erratic current of flames as she grabbed onto Haleigh’s metallic skin as Enchantra would disappear from sight. Firebird’s palm would glow red as she unleashed her a molten blast of lava onto the hybrid’s skin, heating up the metal. Increasing the temperature to slow Black Widow’s powers since most machines ran duller in humid temperatures. Blaze seemed unrelenting in her attack on Black Widow. There was obviously something that remained dormant within the brunette that Malice picked up. Something that was connected to Blaze that occurred in the alternate world between Black Widow and Firebird. Dark-menacing eyes would glow back at Black Widow, void of humanity or compassion. There was no fire behind them just raw emotion. Reaching around to propel them both into the air, Firebird’s eyes stared coldly into Black Widow’s. “You always liked testing your limits, Davidoff. Let’s see how it feels to have your world dropped from underneath you.” Blasting Black Widow in the eyes to momentarily blind her, Firebird released her several hundred feet above ground.

With precious moments to spare and Black Widow operating on her own, the illusions and mind control over Firebird would cease. Looking around wide eyed, Firebird could see Black Widow falling and quickly. “Black Widow!” Lunging forward Firebird dove for the blonde as she grabbed onto her. “I’ve got you.” Black Widow would see the visible pupil and iris around Blaze’s eyes. A sign she had been freed of the control. While in mid-flight Firebird would suffer a horrendous headache as she nearly lost her grasp on Black Widow. “My head!” She cried, but she managed to hang on to her teammate until they were on solid ground level.

Firebird’s eyes were shut tightly as the headache would continue to pound through her skull. The pain was excruciating along with being physically exhausted. Her vision would blur as she could see Rampage and Silver Swan in the distance. The physical drain of her emotions, the headache, and the heavy power usage would weaken her. Without ushering another word, Firebird would collapse onto the ground unconscious. Malice’s parting words would reverberate through her thoughts and her dreams.

[Rampage]

As Nicolas made his attack, Malice took the time to blindside him as well, bombarding him empathically. Of all the attacks, in his battered state, this one took the greatest toll, bringing the metahuman to his knees as the queens made their exit...

[Jessica Hamby]

The only lap dog in this room is YOU, sweetheat. Remind me to tell Spellbinder to keep you on a shorter leash next time!

"Is that supposed to be your attempt at witty? Look, you've always been callow and rather low on the IQ curve, so I'll forgive you for being blithely ignorant to the fact, but Morgan's a cat person."

She shot back, giving her a big :xyxthumbs:.

"Its NEVER a good time for you, is it Haleigh?! Its only on YOUR time you selfish-arrogant piece of shit! You’re always so FULL of yourself that you never think about what your actions do to others. How you HURT others and you always will."

Turning to see Blaze as Enchantrah withdrew, Haleigh tilted her head slightly. Was Blaze REALLY going to continue to pursue this right NOW?

"NO, I just don't think THIS is proper venue, NOR is it an appropriate TIME, you know, on account of the fact that we have MALICE, ENCHANTRAH, and some CRAZY CLEOPATRA CLOWN to deal with! And I KNOW you aren't SERIOUS, trying to tell ME about selfishness. Not YOU, who abandonned your whole OTHER family and jumped into a stepping disc on a WHIM just so YOU could have your ALTERNATE'S sister. Have you even stopped to THINK about how you hurt THEM??"

"Who can love a MACHINE?!”

"Evidently NOT you."

If it stung, Haleigh was too proud to let it show. The rest of the fight seemed to fade away.... they were in Arklay again, the cold creepiness of the place smothered them.... but Blaze had a way to beat the chill, and she unleashed it DIRECTLY unto Haleigh, grabbing her and BLASTING her, heating her metal 'skin' up QUICKLY. Haleigh could fight the effect, FORCE a supercooling of herself and the metal skin that served as a substitute for her badly damaged, chemically burned real skin, but Blaze had a head start and Haleigh hadn't used that particular ability in a while.... as she fought the effects, latching onto Blaze's wrists, she began to tremble from strain... Blaze lifted her off the ground, and Haleigh tightened her grip, as Blaze said something about testing Haleigh's limits. There was a coldness in her eyes that Haleigh'd never seen before, and it was very alarming.... as much as Haleigh had been PASSIVE against Blaze, she was preparing herself to be FORCED into defense. A final warning would be all the courtesy she'd give Blaze.

"Don't MAKE me hurt you, Firebird. You're not leaving me much of a choice."

Blaze BLASTED her in the eyes! Haleigh gasped, releasing her grip on the fire elemental, instinctively covering her eyes. She couldn't see.... but her self-orientation systems were coming back online [as the sisterhood had just retreated] and Haleigh knew her distance from the ground as she began a freefall back to Earth. Even though she could slow herself by manipulating her metallic skin spatially, she was still stunned from her eye injury and she let herself fall, maybe a little TOO long.... her dense metallic skin brought her to terminal velocity within seconds.

But Blaze wouldn't leave well enough alone... she was apparently REALLY into kicking someone while they were down, and Haleigh still couldn't SEE.... so she reacted instinctively, closing her hands around Blaze's face, her thumbs on Blaze's temples, and at the same time that Malice gave Blaze a headache, Haleigh sent shots of incapacitating pain through Blaze's temples with a quick squeeze and a little of the TO pain strain she'd learn to manipulate in the future reality. They were already on the ground, and Haleigh let Blaze collapse. Haleigh's vision slowly began to return.... like a mortal's eyes adjusting to the dark. Haleigh looked around... the Queens were gone.... Nicolas was on his knees, obviously winded. Sharon lay as motionless as Blaze did. Haleigh was the only one left standing, and she was still trembling and swaying... she looked like she might pass out, but she took a step back to steady herself as Morgan appeared via stepping disc. Haleigh snapped her weakend sight over the the sorceress. the blackout was still in effect, and with no one's powers lighting up the atmosphere, Haleigh's very dim red eyes blinked a few times at Morgan. There was something else glowing too much brighter than Haleigh's eyes, it almost illuminate her immediate surrounding.... it was two orange/white handprints on Haleigh's shoulders.... where Blaze had grabbed her.

"Morgan! I had to.... She was going to kill me..... She would've killed me......"

Haleigh said apologetically. She gave no indication of WHO she was talking about [that was how stunned out of it she still was], but Blaze lay at her feet, and she backed away, stumbling and half crashing, half backing into a wall, which she remained propped up against for support. The handprints on her 'skin' throbbed in brightness, as she attempted to cool them down herself.... but it was largely ineffective, proof that she was as drained as her teammates.

"I had to......"

[Rampage]

Leaning back quickly, Nicolas roared again a deep roar of pain. The rest of the team would be able to see in dim light provided by Nicolas seizing spare fire from Blaze's descent and placing it in force orbs so he could see his chest. He breathed deeply, his hands trembling as the rune still tormented him in his troubled state courtesy of Malice. He then grabbed his axe and CUT OPEN HIS SKIN ON HIS CHEST ON BOTH SIDES, TEARING THE FLESH THAT CONTAINED THE RUNE AWAY FROM HIS BODY!!! Hi entire upper body save for his hands and face now essentially lacked skin and he had a gaping, bleeding hole in his chest.

As he looked on, the rune reappeared on the flesh (and bone) that was now exposed. Nicolas looked on in horror as it re-imprinted and then just looked down, saying nothing.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder emerged quickly, in a battle stance, fists clenched with halos of dark magick round them...but as fast she got there, the Sisterhood had vanished! Nether Malice nor Enchantra were teleporters, so to be the new one, the one Blaze called "Dominique".>>

They're GONE!

<< Her own halos of dark magick provided a bit more illumination. the first thing she saw were Haleigh's "sentinel" esque looking eyes. Then she saw ore and more as she looked around, using her halos to provide more clarity as best they could. Morgan was dismayed to see Sharon down, Nicolas tearing at himself VIOLENTLY with his axe. It causes her to cover her mouth in shock as she surveys the battle damaged area , Haleigh was in a bad way...and...>>

BLAZE!

<< she looked badly hurt. Morgan rushed to her and knelt down... even as Haleigh spoke. Seeing Haleigh swaying and looking more than a little worn, Morgan helped to steady the hybrid, sitting her down slowly to the floor. >>

WHAT HAPPENED!?

<< Morgan picked up Blaze, craddling heras she noticed the shocking burn marks on Haleigh's shoulders, left by Firebird.>>

It must have been Malice. She must have used her telepathic or empathic powers to ensnare Blaze! there's no time...i dont know what the goal of this mission was, but its OVER now.

<< and with that, Morgan teleports the group BACK to Minerva's mansion...calling for a medical emergency with Blaze and Nicolas. Sharon was determined to be physically fine, just stunned. Morgan ordered Haleigh into a bed as well, until she completely stablilized.>>

You have to tell me...what exactly happened and what did you do to Blaze so that I can HEAL her....and then, i want a full briefing on what happend!

<< Nicolas is still tearing at himself, Morgan knew that it must have been something TERRIBLE for him to want to use his AXE!>>


Mike, please assist the staff in anyway they need. Mom...please help Nicolas. Restrain him before he can do anything MORE! I can't be in two places at once...

<< Morgan directs the staff accordingly. She knows Ava and Alison will get wind of what's going on, but since there's no immediate battle looming, she can't keep them away from their team mates, one being Ava's sister.>>

<< and so, Morgan, Karen and the medical staff once again begin "Triage" and other emergency procedures and Morgan anxiously awaits Halegh's explanation on what the extent of Blaze's injuries so that she knows what to do.>>

[Firebird]

Between the combination of Malice, Enchantra, and now Black Widow's assault, Firebird laid in a crumbled heap. Her arms were sprawled out around her chocolate locks, a last attempt to brace her form before she had passed out. The only visible sign she was alive was her rising and falling chest as she breathed more labored. Black Widow had no choice but to defend her, something Blaze would understand upon waking up.

Morgan would teleport just as the battle had climaxed. Each of the team was hurt, especially Nicolas as he frantically tore into his chest. Luckily, Blaze and Sharon weren't privy to that atrocious sight. As Morgan rushed over to Haleigh and Blaze, she would be haunted by the familiar visual of when mainstream Blaze had been killed during the Inferno crisis, laying face down onto the ground.

As her sister scooped her up, Blaze's head would rest against the back of Morgan's wrist. Her own skin was still quickly cooling down, unlike Haleigh's skin which burned her. Unfortunately, Blaze wouldn't recall ever attacking her teammate or even verbally lashing out at her. This alternate was more reserved, more chic, and more mature. As such, she wouldn't recall Haleigh's hurtful words while in mid-flight. A luxury for Blaze, but for Haleigh she would remember this night to come. But, would she continue to keep the fire elemental at a distance, being aloof, and emotionally withdrawn? Only time will tell as we watch. :D ;)

[Jessica Hamby]

"Malice...."

Haleigh repeated, after Morgan suggested that had been the cause of Blaze's destructive behavior. Morgan teleported them back to Minerva's, demanding to know what happened and how to help Blaze, and practically FORCING Haleigh to a bed. The hybrid sat down slowly.... she seemed more alert, she gazed at Blaze for a short while and then snapped back to herself, looking at Morgan.

"She'll be okay... what I did wasn't permanent... I gave her localized pain to render her unconscious.... it's an ability I learned I was capable of when we visited the future reality. It's a temporary, weak strain of TO that dissipates without a trace. It's gone already.... when she wakes up she'll have no side effects.... well, not from ME anyway. I don't know what damage Malice might've done. [pausing] She just ATTACKED me, Morgan.... she was RELELNTLESS. You have to understand... it was a measure of LAST resort. I would have never done it if I didn't believe it ABSOLUTELY necessary."

She explained.... she seemed to be trying to talk Morgan down, whether or not she needed to.... she didn't want Morgan to react like she had LAST time Haleigh had hurt Blaze. Two medical staff members came over to treat Haleigh, but they both paused, exchanging looks..... they didn't know quite what to do with her.... she was still coated in metal, the handprints on her shoulders weren't AS bright, but they still looked like something cooling in a blacksmith's shop. The metal hid the real problem though, and Haleigh finally shed her metallic skin so she could be properly helped.

Female doctor:"[gasping] She's BADLY burned, Spellbinder-- she needs attention NOW."

Haleigh:"It's not THAT bad.... Second degree in most places..."

She replied, trying to downplay it.... but it WAS bad.... most of her skin was blistered and scalded from the acid, so dark it was purple in some places, and in others, her skin was completely GONE, revealing damaged veins and seared musculature. The handprints on her shoulders weren't glowing anymore... they were charred, black, definitely third degree and most likely there was also unseen damage to the underlying muscles. It all looked extremely painful but aside from a periodic shudder or two, Haleigh didn't appear to be in much pain. Her dress had protected her torso and thighs, but only slightly, and it was completely destroyed. The doctor began to cut and peel it slowly away from her skin, in some spots it was apparently fused, but for the most part, the skin beneath the dress had escaped the brunt of the attack, and was only pinkish and fevered. Haleigh wasn't bothered or bashful as beign undressed... but then, she never had been.

Doctor: "It's amazing you're still alive after chemical burns of this severity... what was it??"

Haleigh: "Sulfuric acid. I have a high tolerance.... courtesy of the TO virus."

Haleigh was staring absently at Blaze again. Whether or not she'd accepted Morgan's suggestion that it had been Malice's doing was unclear. Haleigh knew enough about the way Malice worked to know that the feelings had come from SOMEWHERE within Blaze. They weren't random.... those things she'd said... some part of the fire elemental BELIEVED it.

[Rampage]

As Morgan teleported the team back, Nicolas was still on his knees in a tranced state. As he arrived back, he looked again at his chest, which was already healing. As it healed, the rune REAPPEARED as before. As Nicolas heartbeat accelerated, the room (and the mansion) began to THROB, even the island itself as Nicolas LOST it.

Roaring loudly in a primal fashion Nicolas turned his axe into large curved sword (http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/images/scimitar.jpg).To the abject horror of the staff that tried to attend him, he CARVED the meat at the center of his chest OUT, roaring as he did so. The front of his pants, even the floor in front of him was covered in a spreading pool of blood, and yet the metahuman continued to carve at himself, tossing those who attempted to stop him aside, even resisting loads of tranquilizer courtesy of Mike, who had come in behind Morgan.

As long as he was unrestrained he was a danger to himself, even to the island itself and its inhabitants...

[Arsenal]

Mike rushed in as Morgan brought the team back to the Med Bay. The first thing he saw was the condition...of EVERYONE. They looked as if they had gone through the meat grinder and were much the WORSE for wear.

He rushed over to Nicolas as Morgan attended to the others. Nicolas was going absolutely nuts, tearing at his chest and roaring incoherently, almost acting as though possessed. AS he went to carve his chest. Mike pulled tranqs out and began to inject him with the specially tipped cartridges. They weren't doing ANYTHING, and Nicolas threw him aside as he continued. As Mike recovered and returned, he almost fell again as the first SHOCKS rocked the island.

Morgan!! Karen!! I have pumped him with enough tranq to put the East Coast to sleep, and NO DICE!!! If we don't get him down fast, he is going to kill somebody, if not himself. Please hurry!!!

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen was already there with her daughter and the staff, ready to help. In her time with the Six she had been forced to draw upon more of her medical training rather than her skills as a psychotherapist. But those things, combined with her maternal instincts and her magick, made her the best possible candidate to handle Nicolas, who was clearly beside himself.>>

<< the staff worked well under pressure too, steadying themselves inpite of the quaking mansion, knowing that this was the result of feedback from Nicolas' TK. still, objects were falling and the tension was high. Mike was clearly worried for his fried and Morgan was struggling as well.>>

Nicolas, this is Karen...you CAN hear me, though you are in another mode. For your safetly your PHYSICAL well being, as well as those around you and this mansion, i am now SCRAMBLING your powers.

<< Karen stands at the foot of his bed, and raises her hands, weavng a pattern of power as flowing beams of magick reach around to Nicolas from both sides..>>

<<ZAP!>>

<< the effect is very quick and Nicolas is not unable to use his abilities. it SEEMED simple enough....but...>>

his energy is strong...it was not easy, but i was able to weave a pattern of power sufficient to scramble his powers. For extra measure, until we can address his wounds, he is bound in mystic chains.

<< she looks at his chest....her eyes flicker with secret dismay..and shock over what she sees.>>

<< a nurse practicioner steps forward and speaks to the doctor about treatment options.>>

I want him sedated...but I'm afraid nothing that we have here will do the trick. a minor sleep spell should put him out and I can then attempt to heal his wounds with my magick.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder stood with arms folded...but she calmed as Haleigh explained what she did. The Sisterhood did a hell of a number on them.>>

It was Malice...just like in the Terror Dome! She posessed Ava, Delilah and ...the mainstream Blaze and forced them to attack you. She did it because she knew it would go BEYOND the obovious "threat", that it would be a slap in the face to you.

I should've been there this time!

thank the goddess you didnt infect THIS Blaze wth a permanent T.O. virus. we dont know what , if ANY contact FIREBIRD has had with it n her own timeline versus Foxfire....whose healing factor was tested by it.

I understand..you were placed in a terrible position. You did what anyone would have in the same position.

<< the battle hardened hybrid then revealed the extent of her own intjuries. Morgan recoiled as Haleigh shed her metallic shell. Despite being the ruler of Limbo and having seen many things...the sight of her team mates..her FRIENDS so badly hurt in so many ways....>>

HECATE!

<< Morgan looked distress as the medical staff looked to her for action.. she looks at them..almost ANNOYED that they felt the need to yell at her like she'd just STAND there and look at Haleigh a moment longer without trying to help her.>>

Of course! I'll call upon the circle of healing and protection! See to Sharon and run a full EEG on Blaze, we have to see if there's any brain damage and without Nicolas...we have no psychic advantage right now.

<< As Morgan orders them to their tasks...she looks at Haleigh...>>

Just lay down...and lay still. I'll fix this...i promise.

<< and as she did with Alycia in Arklay, Morgan calls upon a powerfull spell from the darkhold...a powerfull HEALING spell. a silver pentagram forms around Haleigh and her bed and for a moment...it seems that no one is in the room but those two..in darkness only shattered by the pentagram. Morgan calls for Haleighs wounds t be healed...and soon, the spell works, taking away the pain , the toxicity, the damage, and healing, restoring and nurturing.>>

<< Karen subdued Nicolas and was tending to him...and even though Morgan was getting the situaton under control, she was once agan going into "i blame myself" mode. it could lead HER to make rash decisions n the near future about this situation.>>

they did this....malice, enchantra and that other woman...Blaze said her name was "Dominique". they hurt you all like this...its not like before. Malice has made this beyond personal...this is about BLOOD.

<< she narrowed her eyes with contempt as her mind already churned with..."OPTIONS".>>

[Rampage]

As Nicolas proceeded to cut himself further, his TK progressing to the level of seismic activity that could be detected by conventional sensors, Karen walked to him and faced him, speaking. He could HEAR her, but it was if she were in another place speaking to him, about scrambling his powers.

He nodded, yet as she did so, his cells screamed in unison as they scrambled to regain their previous activity, function, and powers. It was as if his body were trying to solve a ten trillion square Rubik's cube while on FIRE. everyone would see his cells become a bit jelly-like for just a second, then reforming as he was pulled into powerlessness by the spell.

He looked at Karen, his face a pitiful mask as he began to weep and reach feebly for her, even as the mystic chains were enabled. What Karen could not know is that he was beginning to suspect that his true origin was much deeper than he realized, and that he had indeed caused much pain by simply existing. At least that is what Malice's effect combined with what he had seen in the alternate timelines and the Black Queen's hatred of him had led him to believe at this point.

Gone was the proud young man the rest of the Six knew (for better or worse). Gone was his ususal mental resilience. The course of the last few months (which he had not sufficiently recovered from), the stress of trying to reach Morgan and deal with the rest of the team, the current issues, and the unspeakable low blow form Malice had robbed him of his will to exist at all. Tears mixed freely with his own blood as he looked into Karen's eyes and spoke.

Mama...Please make it stop. Just k...k-kill me, and it will be better for you all...I am not worth all of this.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the doctor looked upon Nicolas, her own face betraying the strain of grief and sorrow. she took his hand nto her own hands as he weakly reached for her....>>

shhhh!

<< she said softly. she then took one of her hands placng it on his fore head as she began to pet on the head him like a mother would her child.>>

hush now, Nicolas.

<< she said softly.>>

your mama will help you...make it all better, but not quite the way YOU want.

<< and with that, a sleep spell is chanted quietly, and she continues to comfort Nicolas into unconsciousness....taking his hand which she holds and bringing up to her face....shutting her eyes, she shows signs of grief as she looks at her daughter, who is obviously very upset herself.>>

It's allright Morgan, you COULDNT be n two places at once. You've tended to Blaze and Haleigh and I've...at least...calmed the situation with Nicolas. He can't feel any pain...he wont have any more outbursts...but until we can determine what this mark on his chest is...I'm afraid I can't possibly "remove" it.

<< she looked around the room.>>

everyone is ...at least...in stable condition. Blaze and Sharon are the strongest after their initial treatment.

[Arsenal]

Mike was desperate as he watched Karen scramble Nicolas' powers. Luckily he had already healed enough by the time he was powerless, but it stung the older man to his core to see Nicolas laid so LOW. mercifully, Karen put Nic to sleep and Mike steeled himself, quickly turning to the staff to verify everyone's condition before turning to Karen and Morgan.

Stay here. I will do a quick check of our defenses, because we could need them REALLY soon. Wasn't the last group that attacked looking for a scepter of Isis, the Egyptian goddess?

Looking around, Mike pointed at Nicolas' chest.

I am no expert, but I spent years with Nicolas and Gustav in Africa. That writing on his chest, I would bet anything, is ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. That means that this new queen is probably the same person behind the attempted theft. That means she probably knows where we are. I am going to issue lethal directives for the guard staff. Everyone is here. No one else should be "visiting."

Mike turned to walk out, headed to the armory...

[Firebird]

While Morgan, Mike, and Karen took care of the others, Blaze remained slumbered but it was anyone's guess whether her dreams would be pleasant or not. Either way Malice's words would be buried into her subconscious mind, where her memories were stored. Unlike Black Widow's words, Malice saw to it that the brunette would remember them. Blaze wouldn't see the last of the White Queen, not by a long shot.

A few doctors would surround her checking her vitals, heart monitor, blood pressure, and temperature. Blaze's body temperature would return to normal as she was covered over. The elegant dress she wore was now a flimsy garment that had been torn, burned, and ripped in her battle.

One of the nurses would run a cold cloth across her forehead, catching trickles of perspiration. "Her vitals seem normal." Blaze's eyelids would move back and forth as she dreamed. Her head softly falling into the pillow as doctor's would move away from her.

But Blaze's dream wouldn't be a far cry of serenity. They would be filled with dreams of her old teammates, especially Black Widow. It seemed that after the loss of Zach, Haleigh turned inward including pushing Blaze away, someone she thought of as a friend. Their friendship had been flushed down the toilet. Yet, even now as she was on the mainstream world Blaze couldn't help but remember the hurt and pain of being pushed away. Being left out in the cold with only Sharon as her friend. It was a blessing in a disguise as Blaze had bonded with Sharon after her fallout with Haleigh.

Her dreams would haunt her as her heart monitor would beep loudly. Even her breathing seemed labored as her nightmare would hound her. Being subjected to her earlier confrontation with Haleigh provoked old feelings that had been thought dormant. Feelings of dread, pain, vindictive, anger all washed through her. Emotions and memories that Malice had picked up on and utilized that against the alternate fire elemental. It was the worst feeling in the world to feel betrayed by someone she trusted and loved like a second-sister.

Blaze's temperature rose as her skin grew hot the further the dream continued. Her head twisted into the pillow with a pained expression. A few incoherent words would slip off her lips as it was happening all over again. The door being slammed in her face but somehow in the subtext of her mind Black Widow's words would be input into her mind.

Firebird: "Who can love a MACHINE?"
Black Widow: "Evidently NOT you."

It was the icing on the cake as Blaze would bolt upright in her hospital bed as her chest heaved. Doctor's rushed over towards her as she shoved them away. "Get AWAY from me!" She roared, yellow-beady eyes outlined her green eyes. Tossing the bed sheets off her svelte form to stand up on bare feet. Gazing down at her shredded dress. Her eyes would slither on Karen and Mike sedating Nicolas while Morgan healed Haleigh. Narrowing her eyes on the hybrid, Blaze looked away with an unusual frigidness that was uncharacteristic of her. Shaking her head in disapproval as she touched her forehead.

Blaze was oddly aloof and withdrawn from the others, only acknowledging Karen and Morgan with a nod. Disappearing into the nearby bathroom she closed the bathroom door behind her to lean against it with a heavy sigh. Still shaken up by recent events, Blaze's form trembled as she moved over to the counter. Turning on the faucet, staring at her reflection as she would wait for the water to cool. Gripping the side of the vanity counter. Like Persephone, Blaze held a grudge against Haleigh for failing to inform Morgan and endangering the whole team. It was no wonder her team was tortured and then killed.

Cupping cold water to splash her face to cool her humid body down. Blaze's eyes seemed void of compassion, warmth, or love. Instead they seemed bleak, stoic, and cold. Straightening up, she wiped her face on the nearby towel. Blaze straightened up as she turned to exit the bathroom to return to the medical lab.

Walking right over to Haleigh's bed quickly, Blaze's palm struck her hard across the face with a slap. Tears filled in her eyes. "This is your fault, Haleigh Davidoff! I hope that you know that." Blaze's eyes locked with the blondes as her voice was strong and firm.

[Harley Quinn]

Everything happened so fast. Just as Ava was about to take a walk around Minerva's mansion, an astral form of Morgan appeared in front of her indicating that everyone needed to meet immediately. Something was wrong....and Ava knew it had to do with whatever 'mission' Haleigh and the others had went on. Dispite her efforts to convince Morgan that she was well enough to help go get the team, Morgan left on her own, leaving Ava to worry at Minvera's mansion along side of Alison.

It didn't take long for Morgan to return with the others. As Ava paced in her's and Alison's room, she kept her arms folded across her chest, periodically looking at the precog for any indications of what was going on. But Alsion didn't need to say anything this time....catching sight of medical staff members running through the hall, Ava stopped with wide, worried eyes.

"Oh God.."

Rushing out of the bedroom and down the hall, the brunette pushed passed medical staff until finally she burst through the room where she heard Blaze yelling at her sister.

"Get away from her!"

Ava yelled defensively as she strode across the room quickly, pushing Blaze away from Haleigh's bedside. Whatever had happened it was obvious it had upset Foxfire....and in true six fashion, it was all blamed on her sister. ;) Ava's eyes were filled with worry as she sat down next to Haleigh on the bed. It was funny how the roles were reversed so soon after Haleigh was just holding and comforting Ava.

"What happened? Are you okay...?"

Placing her hand on Haleigh's cheek in an attempt to make sure everything was in one piece, Ava then embraced her sister tightly, sighing out the anxiety and fear she had been feeling the past twenty minutes.

"You couldn't of waited a few days before going out and trying to get yourself killed?"

A lighthearted jab at Haleigh's constant need to jump into a dangerous situation, Ava ran her hand down the back of her sisters head and through her mass of blonde hair.

"Or are you just trying to steal the spotlight from me?"

Finally pulling away, Ava gave her as coy a smile, but Haleigh would be able to tell behind all the jokes, she truly worried.

[Firebird]

Blaze expected Haleigh to lash out physically or even verbally. But the mutant couldn't hold back the fire and frustration she felt. Having Malice get into her head and use things against her only stung that much more. Yet, the fire elemental didn't back down from the hybrid as she hovered above her bed side, staring into her eyes.

She had disagreed with the plan of attack to begin with, it had been foolish. Blaze might have just outcasted herself but she didn't care. Haleigh needed to know how she felt about this! Her methods weren't conventional.

Yet, before Haleigh could reply, Persephone came bounding through the door. Blaze had ignored her calls as she had been confronting the blonde. But as soon as Persephone pushed Blaze from the scene, she pulled her arm away as a fireball hovered above her palm. Closing her hand still have been on edge from Malice.

Maybe it was best, Blaze was feeling on edge even if Perspiration had crappy time. ;) Moving away from the two siblings, Blaze moved over by Nicolas and Sharon's bed to sit down to watch them.

[Jessica Hamby]

Morgan lamented that she should have BEEN there, as she coaxed Haleigh to lay back in order to heal her. Haleigh laid back slowly, gingerly, but shook her head. Karen mentioned that Morgan couldn't be in two places at once, as Nicolas was subdued and the quakes stopped.

"Your mother's right, Morgan. We needed you HERE."

Morgan indicated that she wasn't upset with Haleigh for defending herself, which seemed to relieve some of the hybrid's tension. Haleigh knew enough about Morgan to know she'd be blaming herself... but Haleigh put that to rest.

"Look, it's not your fault, alright? Right before the Blackout, we discovered that Malice, Enchantrah, and a newly crowned Black Queen were helming the party... we should've stopped there and notified you.... but we hadn't gotten any of our answers.... I felt confident that we could still do some probing.... but once the Blackout was in effect, everything happened so QUICKLY. During the initial attack Sharon was separated from us, we were scrambling to find her and then the whole TRIO was upon us before we could turn around.--"

Karen and Mike are taking a closer look at the rune on Nic's chest. Haleigh sits up again, and a doctor wraps a silk kimono around her shoulders, which she slids her arms into as she explains what they'd found out. Mike mentioned that the symbol looked egyptian and that the last attack at Minerva's was a raid designed to capture the Sceptor of Isis.

"ISIS! Yes! We got a strong lead from the shareholders about scorpions and egyptians... through some interpolation, we were considering that Isis could be involved, and now that I've had a chance to review my own recording of our fight, by separating the audio layers.... I was tuning it out at the time but I can distinctly hear Malice calling the Black Queen, Dominique, ISIS. Isis is the egyptian goddess of rebirth and eternal life. She could be a reincarnation or a holdover from ancient times, or, like Ava and Persephone, she could be an integration of Deveraux and Isis. Whoever she is.... she had a SERIOUS bone to pick with Nicolas.... and now that she's aligned with Malice and Enchantrah, its safe to say she knows or WILL know a great deal about ALL of us. I really think we need to find out the details of her interaction with Nicolas... but until he is restored--"

Haleigh stopped speaking.... Blaze was coming back in the room, and Haleigh could hear her getting quite close.... Haleigh turned to look at Blaze, and SMACK! Got caught with an open palmed slap to the face. Haleigh was fast though, and as Blaze's hand followed through with the slap, Haleigh grabbed her by the wrist, TIGHTLY, reeling her in until they were eye level, inches from one another.

"You're being WILDLY emotional and COMPLETELY irrational. The fight is OVER Blaze, and I don't care if your sister IS right here.... I'm not going to let you continue to ABUSE me. My fault? MY fault?? I know you don't TRUST me, Blaze, I know you don't CARE for whatever reason, but this is HARDLY ALL my fault. What, have you been talking to Karen back in your old timeline? You may not think I'm much of a leader, but to be honest, I don't regard your opinion very highly..... I mean REALLY. Like YOU could do better.... you don't even seem capable of fighting for the right TEAM."

They stare each other down.... it's a tense moment. Ava comes rushing in, and Haleigh lets go of Blaze's wrist, releasing the fire elemental as Ava shoves her out of the way, worried senseless. Haleigh is secretly grateful that her sister HADN'T been around to see the extent of her injuries... or else a murder [or several] might have occured. Ava asked if she was okay....

"Yeah.... yeah I'm fine. Look at me... Morgan's got me in bed because she's an excessive worrier, that's all. They'd be feeding me jello by now if I hadn't threatened to shove plastic sporks up their asses. [as she was pulled into a hug and ribbed for running of into the face of danger] Oh, well, you know me.... can't sit around and do nothing when there's death and excruciating pain to be had by all. Besides... we took such a long vacation on Aerie, I feel like I have to make up for lost time. [as Ava pulled back and joked a little more about stealing the spotlight, Haleigh softened, placing her hands on Ava's shoulders, giving her a gentle smile.] I'm alright.... really. As good as new. But look at you! You're doing so much better.... I knew you'd come back around.... you're a right hardy little bitch. You sure need to eat a cheeseburger though.... good grief, you're skin and bones!"

[Harley Quinn]

:: A small laugh managed to escape Ava's lips at Haleigh's comment about her eating a cheeseburger. Shaking her head, this was record timing....only about 15 seconds for her sister to say something about her weight. ::

"A cheeseburger? I need to gain a little more weight, not another ass. :D [cracking a smile, she became more serious] The doctors say that i'm doing fine....just a little under weight. But i'm working on it, I promise."

:: Ava kept Haleigh's hand within while they talked. It may have been everything the goddess had been through lately, but it felt safer knowing that her sister was here....especially since to Ava, she hadn't seen Haleigh in MONTHS. ::

"So what did you find out on your mission? Hopefully it was useful information considering what everyone has apparently been through..."

:: Looking over her shoulder at Blaze, who was still reeling with emotions since her return, then over at Nicolas who looked like his chest had been ripped apart by a lawn mower, Ava looked back at Haleigh. Honestly, she was glad she didn't see what had happened to her sister considering the state of her other teammates. ::

"Are you sure you're alright? [cutting her off before she answers] I know you hate me hovering, but that's my job okay?....because who else is going to tolerate a woman with a hard head saying she's fine all the time?"

:: A little jab about herself considering that's all Ava was doing while Haleigh and the others were gone; saying she was fine. But apparently the two siblings were more alike than they care to admit or realize. Which could be a bad thing if they ever decided to team up against the others. :D ::

[Firebird]

Blaze remained quiet sitting between Sharon and Nicolas while re-playing Haleigh's words. A faint red circle had formed around her wrist where the hybrid had grabbed her. Although Blaze didn't seem to care as her green eyes looked from Nicolas to Sharon. Each of her hands were enveloped on each teammates hand.

Malice's words still lingered inside her head as she took the moment to shut her eyes. Flashbacks of the battle would feel like Chinese torture techniques to her soul. Nibbling on her bottom lip, her eyes would open to offer Nicolas and Sharon a squeeze of support. Leaning forward to Nicolas at first as her hand would move up to caress his chiseled jaw line as he slumbered. "You need to get better, stud. We'll make sure we get through this together." Her hand ascended up onto his cheek gingerly, worried for him. "We will make sure they pay for what they've done to you." Her words just a faint whisper for him to overhear.

Leaning back in the chair, Blaze turned towards Sharon to take her hand into both of her hands. "And you, I should kick your ass for your bravery." Reaching up to brush a few golden locks away from Sharon's eyes. "Even in this world you prove to be there for me when Haleigh shuts the door on me." Quietly talking to her, Blaze's eyes filled with remorse as she looked at Sharon. "I may not know you in this world but I can guarantee you will in this world."

Blaze's eyes would turn towards Morgan, "How is Alison?" Compassion would return to the young fire elemental's eyes as she inquired about the Seer.

[Arsenal]

While the soap opera of the week played itself out in the Med Bay, Mike met with the security head. The meeting was tense, not because the two men did not get along, but because it only adds to the intensity and stress when two human men try to figure out how to repel a force that could be spearheaded by an omega telepath/empath, a reality warper, and a sorceress that REALLY would like to get her hands on what you are sworn to protect TO THE DEATH.:erm:

Mike made his way back to the Med Bay as the island went to its highest alert, walking first over to where Haleigh and Ava were. Placing a hand on Haleigh's shoulder, he gave them both a warm smile.

I knew that you two would be back at 'em in no time. Ava, it is REALLY good to see you. And apparently you two are cut of the same cloth, because Haleigh, YOU look ready to go 12 rounds.

He then noticed the tension in the moment, and sighed heavily.

What could have POSSIBLY happened in the 15 minutes I was gone?

[Harley Quinn]

:: Hearing the sound of footsteps approach from behind, Ava glanced over her shoulder to see Mike approaching. He greeted both herself and Haleigh warmly, mentioning it was good to see her. Giving him a small smile, Ava nodded to him. ::

"You too."

:: Unlike Haleigh and Karen who both had a reasonably good relationship with both Mike and Nicolas [well..maybe not so much Karen ;)], Ava was more tolerant of the men. Mike had ruffled her feathers less than Nicolas, so she was respectful of him, but not overly anxious to show her 'affection' for him. Nicolas was a different story. Her dislike for him was cut and dry before she had disappeared into the alternate timeline....now it was more complicated. ::

:: Mike then asked what had happened. Anyone could see the room was filled with tension from the small altercation between Blaze and Haleigh. Sighing out, Ava simply spoke one word that would sum up everything for Mike. ::

"Malice."

[Arsenal]

Mike nodded at Ava's one-word answer. It was all that he needed to see what was going on.

Shit...

He rubbed Haleigh's hair a bit as he thought for a few seconds, looking at Ava.

If it's not one thing its another, huh Ava? I know you must be tired of answering the question, so I won't ask how you are doing. I will say this.

Mike's voice grew more solemn and he spoke more quietly, so as to speak with her more privately.

I regret every day that we could not get to you sooner. Fearing and fighting for your life made me realize how much I liked having you around. How many other guys can brag that they have a resident goddess available to barely tolerate their existence? Anyway, I am so sorry.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh wholeheartedly laughed as Ava comments that she didn't need another ass.... it was probably the first sincere laugh from Haleigh in quite some time, it sounded strange even to her. She continued to smile as her sister more seriously responded that she was working on getting her weight back up. Haleigh tried not to be a downer but she was PLENTY aware of the situation and she didn't want Ava to disregard the severity of her condition.

"A LITTLE underweight? Honey, your BMI is 10 percentage points under the lowest HEALTHY BMI. [raising her eyebrow, smirking] If I have to go back to sneaking fat-free labels on the regular recipe salad dressing again, I'll do it."

Ava asked what they'd found out... they'd actually done well, and come away with a lot of knowledge they'd not had previously... that Malice and Enchantrah were back in town, what happened to Nicolas' business, who was behind it, not to mention Nic now had firsthand battle experience with the new Black Queen.... but before Haleigh could relay that to Ava, Mike came back... and Ava asked ONE MORE TIME if Haleigh was alright... Haleigh made eye contact with her sister.... but she wasn't frustrated, just reassuring.

"I can say with 99.99% certainly, I am in EXCELLENT health, thanks to Morgan here."

Mike seemed to affirm that, telling Haleigh that she looked ready for another fight already. Haleigh smiled again....

"Yes.... as it so happens, hardy bitch DOES run in the family. We get it from our mother."

Mike sighed, wondering aloud about the room's thick tension. Haleigh felt she'd done a good enough job silencing Blaze, and so she decided NOT to elaborate when Ava responded simply that it had been Malice. Logically there was no reason to bring up the fight with Blaze or the details of their arguement. Beyond needlessly demeaning Blaze's involvement in their expedition and starting another fight, it lacked purpose, and though Haleigh physically looked [and WAS] ready for another fight, she found herself not in the mood for a pointless arguement.... not to mention the fact that Morgan would likely HAVE to get involved in THAT one, and by extension Karen, and with Haleigh's luck, Alison would wake up and get in on it too and before the dust settled, the team would be split down the middle again. :p

Mike ran his hand through Haleigh's hair, and Haleigh gave him a reassuring smile as well, taking his hand with her free one, the other being held tightly by Ava. As he apologized to Ava, Haleigh smiled at him again, mouthing a thank you as she leaned her head on Ava's shoulder, giving BOTH their hands simultaneous squeezes. For a moment it was nice... just to have come back to a loving family... people who loved you, who worried about you and wanted to make sure you were okay. It could get annoying having to repeat that you were fine all the time, but it came from the right place and Haleigh could appreciate that above all..... because it was one of the FEW things that separated her from Malice. Haleigh thought out loud:

"How sad her life must be. [noticing the weird looks she was getting] Malice, I mean. Essentially she has NO ONE, and therefore, nothing. All she ever does is HATE us.... even her relationships within the inner circle are superficial. She loves no one, no one truly loves her... it's probably been that way her entire life... and will continue to be until her inevitable demise. Love is the most rewarding, fulfilling emotion one can experience..... and she'll never know how it feels. All she knows is anger.... hatred.... frustration... pain.... MAYBE instant gratification and self satisfaction IF she's lucky.... but she'll never go home to a family..... [pause] ...... I pity her."

[Arsenal]

Mike raised one eyebrow as Haleigh expressed pity for Malice. He responded quickly, but without anger.

I for one, do NOT. Malice has all of the advantages one could ever want: looks, powers, wealth. But she spends not ONE moment of her life giving love to anyone or anything. If she did, love would come to her. Take a look around. This room is full of people who, myself included, could spend a bit more time looking at the positive in the people around them.

Glances quickly at Ava, then back to Haleigh.

But we all give some effort, and it has borne fruit in the relationships we do have. In many ways, we are connected not directly to one another, but in the love we show for someone else who then becomes our bridge to others. Malice doesn't love anyone. Love to her is a weakness to be exploited.

Mike used his hand that he had in Haleigh's hair and touched Ava's chin.

Persephone...you look good. But please eat. I hate to hear your sister whine.

Mike chuckled softly, taking a jab at his friend and sparring-partner. He nodded once again to them both and turned to see about Nicolas...

[Harley Quinn]

:: Ava held back the urge to roll her eyes knowing Mike was going to ask how she was doing. It was almost like saying good morning to Ava; just another daily occurence for the team. ::

I know you must be tired of answering the question, so I won't ask how you are doing.

:: Surprisingly he finally understood that no matter how many times everyone would ask, she would just reassure them she was fine....sort of like Haleigh was doing. They were two peas in a pod weren't they? As Mike continued on, his words were actually very sweet and did touch Ava. ::

How many other guys can brag that they have a resident goddess available to barely tolerate their existence? Anyway, I am so sorry.

:: Ava let out a small, genuine laugh at Mike's last statement before giving him a sincere smile after he said he was sorry for everything she had been through. ::

"Thank you, Mike."

:: However, the sweet moment was then bitterly halted by her sister, once again, reminding her how thin she was. Sighing out, Ava craned her neck back. ::

"A LITTLE underweight? Honey, your BMI is 10 percentage points under the lowest HEALTHY BMI.

"I know, I know, I kno--

If I have to go back to sneaking fat-free labels on the regular recipe salad dressing again, I'll do it."

"Wait, what? [shoving Haleigh] I knew they tasted funny. [sighing out once again] I'm trying, I am. It's just hard having an appitite these days.."

:: Deciding not to go any further with her explaination, everyone already knew why, so there was no need to say it out loud. Glancing over to Mike before looking back at her sister, oddly, Haleigh began to talk about how sorry she felt for Malice. Everything she said was true....and Ava could relate. In her previous life she was so wrapped up in power, titles, wealth, and fame that no one else matter but herself. It wasn't necessary to let anyone else in, much less love. It only complicated getting to the said goal at that time. But Ava decided to keep her opinions on Malice to herself considering they may not have been well recieved, and listened to Mike. And in an awkward moment following, Ava felt her chin being lifted by Mike, as he TOO told her to eat more. ::

"Me eating won't make her whine any less, Mike. [narrowing her eyes at Haleigh in a playful manner] Trust me."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan was obviously building in her anger...her hair seemed to be flowing (ever so slightly) to the side and whenever she looked away, anyone who caught her face away from the others would see it was enshrouded in shadow. Firebird and Nicolas were badly hurt...In Morgan's mind, that meant a score had to be settled.>>

<< as Haleigh recounted the events in NYC, Morgan gritted her teeth.>>

She escaped the touch of the soul sword once. She WONT be so lucky this time. I'll see to it.

<< Blaze reacted badly to Haleigh and Morgan stepped in between them just as Persephone yelled at Blaze. Two sets of sisters in a tense moment...a recipe for HIGH drama indeed.>>

STOP IT! ALL OF YOU!

<< she bellowed.>>

This ISNT mainstream Blaze...FIREBIRD just got here...and ALREADY she's been attacked and used by MALICE. Of you all, she has the LEAST protection against TELEPATHS. didnt ANYONE think of that before drafting her into this mission? Didnt ANYONE think to CONSULT me or my mother for a TALISMAN to protect her?

<< She looks at Blaze. But the anger bubbling in her soul was EVIDENT to anyone in the room. She was upset that she hadnt been there and that her friends, her family had been so savagely attacked.>>

Blaze...Firebird...you're NOT under Malice's hold anymore, and whatever YOUR timeline's Haleigh did...even if THIS Haleigh has done it before...she's NOT an unfeeling machine.

<< Morgan could hear the haunted thoughts in her alternate sister's mind.>>

THIS Haleigh is so much more...and believe me...without her, the six wouldnt be here now.

Malice used her powers on you...but you're free of that now. No need to play the role for her.

<< things calmed down as Mike returned after getting the mansion on red alert. as Haleigh, Ava and Mike spoke, Morgan looked at Blaze, and gently brushed her hair out of her face...>>

don't worry, I'll fix it so you have better protection against Malice.

<< the feeling among the group was that of unity as they spoke of Malice...but for Morgan, the only thought she had was...>>

retaliation

<< Morgan excused herself. She couldnt bear to look at Nicolas any longer and Sharon was physically fine. She'd wake up soon enough.>>

I have business to attend to.

<< she left the room, walking with one of her fists clenched and as she walked, her face once again was enshrouded in shadow.>>

[Arsenal]

Mike looked at the young metahuman, his own anger rising. But at the same time, he was a bit AWED. They did an impressive job on Nicolas, laying im as low as he had seen. Mike overheard as Morgan's voice seemed to subtly change as she excused herself. Mike, on an impulse, followed her out of the room and caught up with her.

Morgan. Surely you cannot be thinking of striking back at them alone.

Mike had finally intercepted the sorceress and was a bit startled by her enshrouded face. But he would not shy away from her.

If you do that, you are risking taking yourself away from the people in that room, all of which need you. You are their leader, sister, daughter, friend, lover...do not risk yourself this way. I understand and share your anger, but we have to be able to think rationally right now...

Mike by now was in front of her, still a bit taller than her in her heels. He hand his palms facing out, knowing that he couldn't stop her (nor would he try) but he would not forgive himself if he did not attempt to talk sense into her...

[Harbinger]

:: Alison appeared in a door way. in all the commotion, Morgan forgot to tell Haleigh that Alison was awake and about now.::

:: she saw Karen looking over Nicolas::

You can't help him. His fate is sealed.

:: she said coldly as she came forward.::

We need to prepare. They're coming and it doesnt matter that Morgan will protest my being here, involving myself. This mansion and all the relics and secrets housed within it are MY responsibility. Pandora is my ward now. I can't sit back and let this impending battle take place on my property and NOT be apart of it.


Karen...for your own safetly, get away from Nicolas. That mark on his chest...is a rune, a powerfull concentrated spell, one that leaves him subject to the manipulation of the sorceress who cast it upon him.

:: she then looks at Ava.::

You must be getting rusty in your "old age"...;) don't you recognize the work of ISIS?

:: Alison could "See" that Persephone, pre merging with ava, had not only known Isis, the goddess, but had been friendly with her?::

That woman you battled at the Helfire Mansion...she's an avatar for Isis, much like Circe was for Hecate. She wants the Sceptre of Isis to complete her link to the power and now that she's alligned herself with Malice and Echantra, they have more than enough reason to come here for that...

:: looking over at Nicolas::

and SO MUCH MORE.

[Jill Monroe]

Morgan. Surely you cannot be thinking of striking back at them alone.

get out of my way, Mike!



Mike had finally intercepted the sorceress and was a bit startled by her enshrouded face. But he would not shy away from her.

If you do that, you are risking taking yourself away from the people in that room, all of which need you. You are their leader, sister, daughter, friend, lover...do not risk yourself this way. I understand and share your anger, but we have to be able to think rationally right now...


Then...I'll attack them from HERE! I can use my scrying glass and attack the ENTIRE MANSION with a spell that will BRING IT DOWN on their HEADS!

Don't you understand what's happening here?

MALICE is back! She has caused pain and chaos in nearly EVERYONE'S LIFE that is within this mansion since we were CHILDREN! parents were murdered, bodies were changed...and it ALL leads back to HER! She DEFIED the touch of my soul sword, found a NEW body...and now she's HERE.

I don't have to be a precog to know that she, Enchantra and this new person...this ISIS are coming for us now.

I have to do something to protect this team NOW before its too late.

[Arsenal]

Mike looked at Morgan solemnly.

It is already too late, most likely. The best thing you can do is heal them, get them all ready. Because if you attack separate of the others, you will be playing into their hands.

Look at the evidence, Morgan. Blaze was obviously mentally completely taken over by Malice for a while. That could only happen if Nicolas were separated from her, not able to use his mind to defend her or the axe to break the hold of the spell. That means that the queens are successfully outstrategizing us, trumping our superiority in numbers and power variety by carefully coordinating what to do and how to do it. Let's say you strike at them. What keeps them from occupying you with a ruse while they attack the rest of us? It seems to me that you going out on your own now will only give them what they want.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Adjusting herself on Haleigh's bed, Ava watched as Morgan grew more angry by the minute. She excused herself from the room and Mike quickly followed after her. Not a smart idea...but Mike was a big boy and could handle himself. As Mike left, Alison made her presence known. It was then she mentioned the rune on Nicolas' chest. ::

You must be getting rusty in your "old age"...;) don't you recognize the work of ISIS?

"Oh I noticed. But THAT is not the work of Isis. When Isis wanted someone dead, they would be unrecognizable after she were finished with them. THAT is the work of someone sloppy who doesn't know how to use the powers given to her BY Isis."

:: Standing, Ava pretty much dismissed this new Black Queen; whom obviously thought her shit didn't stink because she had the powers of the Gods. Persephone was quite close with the REAL Isis and knew how her powers worked, and when used correctly, how deadly they could be. It was clear by the rune used on Nicolas this woman was out for revenge, otherwise she could of killed Nicolas easily rather than curse him with a mark that was meant to torture a person. ::

"Regardless, anyone who wields the powers of Isis is a huge threat. And if she, along with Malice and Enchantra are coming here now, we ALL need to prepare for battle."

[Firebird]

Blaze allowed Morgan's words to sink in. A part of her didn't want anything to do with Black Widow after this evening. Yet, Morgan continued to trust her. Running her lithe fingers along her forehead she sighed, "You're right...this isn't the person I encountered on my world." Blaze hated the fact her thoughts were so easily accessible. But with Morgan able to read them it meant she could understand and know how her sister felt. "I'll give her a shot when things cool off."

But something in Morgan's tone worried the brunette. Glancing up at her older sister as she swept a few long strands out of her eyes. She nodded to acknowledge she understood that Morgan would assist somehow.

With Morgan exiting Blaze called out, "Mor-" She stopped as Morgan moved out of the room. Noticing Alison was awake, Blaze didn't have time to chat. Locking onto her unique heat signature Blaze would flame out from her sitting position to appear right next to her and Mike. Her hand grasped a hold of Morgan's wrist, "Listen to me Morgan because we're all feeling emotional. Let's think about this before we make any rash decisions...obviously I made a huge one by assaulting Haleigh. Which I'll apologize for but in the mean time you need to calm down."

Worry shined brightly through her green eyes. "We'll get through this TOGETHER."

[Jill Monroe]

<< She looked at Mike and the alternate Blaze with a flash of agitation in her icy violet eyes but Mike was right, ultimately and Blaze was worried about Morgan. She couldnt attack the Sisterhood alone. >>

I'm not leaving the mansion. I'm going to the scrying glass.

Everyone is physically fine...now we just have to prepare. Return to the others...and I'll be back soon.


<< she said without any harshness in her tone but it was clear she wouldnt be held up any longer. >>

<< and with that, Morgan promptly leaves Mike and Blaze standing where they are. walking in her latest costume given her by Hecate. The sorceress' high heels click and echo on the marble floor as she reaches a stair case and soon disappears from immediate view.>>

[Oracle]

<< and so, with everyone looking ahead to the inevitable rematch with the Sisterhood, the only OTHER problem that was as pressing was Nicolas, who was at this moment, sedated and suitably restrained by Dr. Victoria. But how long would it last? What could any of them do for him.>>

<< with the Rune painfully etched into his chest, Persephone recognized it as a manifestation of Isis, confirming Haleigh's earlier observations at the hellfire mansion, but Persephone's experience and friendship with the REAL Isis told her that this rune was not expertly applied...something could spell trouble for both Nicolas AND the others sooner than they thought.>>

<< Spellbinder was now in her guest suite, consulting her large scrying glass while the rest of the team were in the medical lab near Nicolas. Alison revealed herself to be up and about as she joined the group and immediately resumed her role as mistress of Minerva's Mansion. Her disdain for Nicolas did not soften even in his current state. Instead, all she could see was him fullfilling her prophecy of bringing pain and heartache to those around him now more than ever before.>>

<< and as if the sky outside seemed to feel the tension and uncertainty, a summer storm begins to brew and sweep across the ocean around the Mansion, which sits high on its plateau.>>

<< The Sisterhood and The Six would soon clash...but neither side would expect or even LIKE the outcome.>>

[MorningStar]

Delilah paused outside the door, poised to knock, fist in midair. She didn't like to disturb Morgan when she knew the sorceress wanted to be alone. But things weren't all peaches and cream on the island, or for the Six at large, and when Morgan withdrew into herself at such times it was never a good thing. So she gave the siamese she was holding one last stroke, and knocked.

Not waiting for the okay, she opened the door a crack.

"Morgan?"

She put Tinkerbell down and let her enter the room.

"I thought you could use a friend."

Not indicating whether she meant Tink or herself, she waited for Morgan to acknowledge her. They had a lot to discuss, but Delilah didn't see a reason not to be polite about it. Things had not gotten that bad - not yet.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan , standing in front of her scrying glass was gesturing intently as the ghostly image of a cosmic looking vortex slowly spun in the mystic lens. a soft hum of mystic energy was in the air.>>

the hellfire mansion....

<< that was her goal. to get a view...to get a view of the new SISTERHOOD and this ISIS. She wanted to SEE for herself who had done this to Nicolas, to Blaze...ALL of them.>>

<< soon though, the door opened, followed by Tinkerbell scampering into the room and then Delilah. Morgan looked over her shoulder.>>

Come in...shut the door.

<< she said matter of factly. Delilah was one of the few that often escaped Morgan's wrath for a variety of reasons. She was the light...in more ways than one to Morgan's darkness. >>

I dont want Mike or anyone else trying to interfere with me AGAIN.


<< she turned back to the lens.>>

She's back, Delilah...Malice. Enchantra too...although an alternate version of Helena and a new woman, the Black Queen who calls herself Isis. She's all but MAIMED Nicolas and Firebird was telepathically manipulated by Malice into attacking Haleigh.


I havent consulted Alison...but I dont have to be a precog to know they are coming here. Most likely for Nicolas. But WHY? What has he done that was any DIFFERENT than any of us?

<< Morgan was trying to conceal her own PERSONAL distress over the sight of Nicolas...the way he was acting...like a wounded ANIMAL! She'd never seen that before from him. She blamed herself for not being their to protect him and Blaze.>>

And why is it that THEY can move about in NYC...and WE can't?

<< clearly still bitter over the loss of her life as a super model.>>

[Firebird]

While Blaze and Mike attempted to calm Morgan down it seemed futile. Morgan would confirm she was not leaving the Mansion but would leave for the scrying glass. Throwing up her hands helplessly into the air with an exasperated sigh, frustrated by her sister’s stubbornness. “I swear that woman is more stubborn than a bull.”

Turning to look at Mike, “I’m gonna head back to the lab to check on Nicolas and the others.”

Returning to the medical lab, Blaze noticed Alison standing there discussing a few things with Karen and Ava. Quietly, Blaze moved to a nearby chair to sink down onto. Brushing a few strands of hair out of her green eyes. As much as she loved Morgan she was just as stubborn as her. A quality that both women shared despite a few key differences between them.

[Arsenal]

Mike nodded as Morgan angrily accepted the idea of staying here, although he was sure she was going to do SOMETHING.

Well, at least whatever she does will be in the context of this group. That is our best chance.

Mike turned away from Blaze and went to another part of the mansion, where anotehr quicker way to get to Aerie was now available. He entered the utility closet and the teleporter, based on Mystech/government specs,sent him to Aerie in the mansion he shared with Nicolas. He went to Nicolas lab and the wepons room. putting together some things he had been working on for some time, mostly potent neurotoxins and a few other easily tossed mini-weapons based on the mini-servos in his suit. He had spent time the the wild honing himslef, but he also realized that he needed to have whatever he could get in order to be ready for this battle, therefore the covert tech operation he had run (with Nicolas' help).

Mike emerged from the "utility closet" on Aerie in full battle uniform, and proceeded quickly to the Med Bay...

[Harbinger]

:: wearing her blue corsett and black mini skirt, which seemed to be her "costume" of choice these days, Harbinger barked orders to the soldiers that worked for her to protect the mansion before finally turning her attention to Pandora::

Pandora, danger is coming. You must go underground to the catacombs and SEAL the entrance behind you. The place was built by by Barbara Minerva herself, using alien technology from her time in the MoE timeline. That is the only place that is fortified against extreme technological, superhuman and mystical attacks. You must go there with the rest of the "secrets of the earth" and remain hidden. If anything happens to me...this mansion Do NOT open it for ANYONE under ANY circumstances. Remember the spell i taught you...Call for Ororo and when she takes you out of here...TAKE THE BOX with you.

Go now.

:: she looks at Pandora with one last look of reassurance that the "young" woman would be safe in the catacombs no matter what. Gently touching her soulder as she sends her on her way. The seer then looks at the others. Noticing that they see her taking over the operations of the mansion. ::

You have your responsibilities...i have mine. Morgan may lead the Six, but this mansion and all its contents...these soldiers...they are MY responsibility. and since you have placed the safety of the WORLD at risk by giving our enemies a target to focus on, a place where the "secrets of man" are hidden. i now must ensure that Pandora is safeguarded against the Sisterhood...and the danger that HE


:: gesturing to Nicolas:: is about to bring.

You should have LEFT him at the Hellfire mansion.

:: it was the coldest they had seen her in a long time. probably a by product of her trauma in the time stream...bolstered by her hatred of Nicolas for what h e did on Aerie and what she had foreseen. For Haleigh and Mike...they would REMEMBER the timeline in which alternates Alison and Ava were all that Victoria (nicolas and morgan's orphaned daughter) had left. They would remember how those alternates wanted to KILL their Nicolas for what the ALTERNATE Nicolas had done...it was a horrible reality to see...and the memories were still haunting.::


and now you've brought him back....to DOOM US ALL!

:: she turns and looks in a mirror, pulling her longer hair back into a bun...a style she wore back in the day...when she was less caring and more heartless.::

that RUNE on his chest....its an ancient spell, one designed to REVEAL THE TRUTH about someone. What we think we know about him....is about to change...for the WORST.

[Jessica Hamby]

Morgan got flustered and left, with Mike and Blaze hurrying after her to make sure she didn't try anything ALONE. Haleigh let them handle it, as Alison showed up in the doorway.

"Alison! You're AWAKE!?"

She was surprised.... caught up in everything, no one had told her and since Alison's vitals had stabilized at normal levels before, Haleigh never registered a change in the Seer and so assumed she was still emersed in self-induced slumber. Alison told Karen that there was nothing that could be done to help Nicolas, that his fate was sealed, and tried to marshall them all to prepare for the upcoming rematch. Haleigh slowly rose from her bed, wrapping her silk robe more tightly around her and tying it, as she went to Nicolas' bedside. She looked down at him, placing her right hand onhis forehead, concern creeping into her expression. Alison told Karen to get away form him, that the rune made him dangerous. Haleigh was both cavalier and confident, and remained where she was, taking his hand in her left one, stooping over him a little, resting her left elbow on the bed as she pulled his hand up and held it against her heart. Whichever way she could reach him, through her heart or her mind, she tried.

Nicolas.... I know you're there.... somewhere.... you can hear me... feel me.

She paused, hoping for a reply, realizing she wouldn't likely get one. She couldn't help but remember the timeline jump they'd gone to.... the future... the one where Nicolas had snapped and caused so much pain amongst that incarnation of the Six. She remember that her alternate self has trusted that Nicolas, that she'd been so stunned, and tried so hard to understand that she was ostracised from the rest of the team for not condemning him. She could see that now..... feel the looming threat, as Alison warned he was dangerous. If he cracked and attacked them, Haleigh didn't know if she could bring herself to condemn him here. And Haleigh wouldn't resign to the belief that it was too late.... that his fate was sealed. She wasn't ready to write him off, even if that put her at odds with Alison.

Be strong for us Nicolas.... let us be strong for you. We aren't going to let them take you away from us. We'll keep you safe.... but we need you to fight this rune... whatever she's doing to you... don't give in.

Alison told them about the Black queen, how she was an avatar for Isis. Haleigh stood up, letting Nicolas go gently, rolling her eyes at the idea of this new Isis.

"Why is it we're a magnet for nutjob greek power heirs with delusions of grandeur? Is it just me, or are all these new generation 'avatar' goddesses a bunch of generic knock-off wackos?"

Alison was giving orders to prepare her own for the attack.... but she did stop to insinuate that this was Nicolas' fault. Haleigh clenched her jaw, shaking her head slowly as Alison said they should have LEFT Nicolas at Hellfire.

"Don't be RIDICULOUS, Alison... we would have NEVER left YOU behind. We have ALL done things in the past that have brought this family PAIN. But for better or WORSE... he is ONE OF US. He has MORE than earned his place, on this team and in our hearts. Until he has forsaken us.... he deserves our loyalty and our protection. It's all for ONE and one for ALL.... or have you FORGOTTEN that out here in this lonely mansion?"

[MorningStar]

She's back, Delilah...Malice. Enchantra too...although an alternate version of Helena and a new woman, the Black Queen who calls herself Isis. She's all but MAIMED Nicolas and Firebird was telepathically manipulated by Malice into attacking Haleigh.

Delilah closed the door softly behind her, taking the opportunity for a few moments of silence to think over what was just revealed to her. She walked over to a settee near the windown of the guest room and sat down, bringing her legs up next to her, thinking. She watched Morgan, looking intently on her scrying glass, searching for any clue that might help them defeat this new - yet old - enemy.

"Why won't those hags just die already..."

She looked down at her nails, then something came to her and she jerked her head up.

"You know, Morg, I hate to even suggest this, but...you said some of the Hellfire Club has returned as alternates. Could they have followed our alternate - the alternate Blaze - here? Could she be a part of this? We know how powerful Malice is - could she be an unwitting pawn even?"

I havent consulted Alison...but I dont have to be a precog to know they are coming here. Most likely for Nicolas. But WHY? What has he done that was any DIFFERENT than any of us?

"They key is obviously Isis - she is what's different than before. If we can find out her connection to the others and to Nicolas, we'll find what she's after."

And why is it that THEY can move about in NYC...and WE can't?

Delilah sighed, feeling for her friend's struggle with her new life. It had been relatively easy for Delilah to adjust - in some ways, this is what she'd always wanted. But not Morgan. Being out of the spotlight was killing her, and there was nothing Delilah could do to help that.

She stood and moved to where Morgan sat, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Because we are not prepared to live in the shadows and act behind the scenes as they do. You could change your face, your name, and have it all again. But you wouldn't be happy like that, Morgan, and you know it. We can't hide who we truly are. They are the dark, Morgan, and we, we are the light."

With that, Delilah raised her natural luminosity, causing a warm glow to cast itself over Morgan as well as herself.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan rested a hand on the scrying glass as she gained visuals on the hellfire mansion...and various areas of New York. The first time she'd seen the city SINCE the sentinels were unleashed upon the team so many months ago.>>

<< through the mansion, a "virtual tour" of sorts played out on the scrying glass as Delilah commented on the arrival of several alternates.>>

the result of so much travel through the time stream via limbo...Malice HERSELF is in an ALTERNATE BODY, though the consciousness...the ESSENCE is that of mainstream Malice. Its a testament to her power as a telepath...she's a force of nature on the astral plane.

<< to the idea of Blaze, Morgan felt a jolt of surprise at Delilah...but Delilah was a police officer. it was her training, her nature to entertain all possibilities and suspects...no matter how remote.>>

From what Haleigh told me....you encountered Malice and Firebird in two different timelines. Malice escaped her timeline and I was t he first to make contact with Firebird in the final timeline. I share a rapport with my sister...even this alternate , just as i do with my mother that transcends my psi screen...i would know first and foremost if she were being controlled by Malice at this point. She is not.

<< she waves her hand without looking and a topaz jewel falls into Delilah's hand from a flurry of dark orbs.>>

i will fashion a talisman with that, to help protect Blaze. Malice has ALWAYS had a habit of attacking HER more than any of the unprotected minds. She did it with Foxfire...now she's doing it with Firebird. Haleigh should have consulted me first...before allowing Blaze to face Malice again.


<< an image of Isis appeared on the lens.>>

That must be the black queen!

She's very beautifull

<< Morgan thought.>>

From Haleigh's recap....she's a sorceress...she taps into a variety of manifestations of her magick...and Persephone indicated that ISIS , the goddess of rebirth is the source of her power.

<< that made not one..but FOUR examples of humans who had become avatars for goddesses....Morgan, Ava, Circe and now Dominique.>>

Well...however powerfull she may be...I look forward to BARBEQUING her in our upcoming rematch. She picked the WRONG woman to piss off.

<< as Delilah commented on how the hags seemed to NEVER die...Morgan couldnt help but smirk.>>

Well...as horrid as it may be...whatever keeps them going is probably what has brought Alison, Haleigh and myself back. most of us have cheated death...and everything happens for a reason...we learned that during her caper in ancient greece....

<< turning around as Delilah spoke with understanding and clarity, the mutant sensed her friend's pain and resentment about losing her life as a super model.>>


"Because we are not prepared to live in the shadows and act behind the scenes as they do. You could change your face, your name, and have it all again. But you wouldn't be happy like that, Morgan, and you know it. We can't hide who we truly are. They are the dark, Morgan, and we, we are the light."

<< Morgan couldnt help but smile a bit as the calm and warmth of Delilah's light cast over her too.>>

You're a good friend, Dee. I dont know that i deserve you. I was so...unkind to you when we first arrived to Aerie...even before. You saved Sharon...and helped insure she would save US from her son...

And inspite of all my attempts at being "Light" like YOU...and FAILING, You still offer a kind word, encouragement and friendship. YOU are the light, Delilah...you just help LESSEN the darkness that I am.

<< she came away from the scrying glass and sat next to her friend.>>

I just want to do SOMETHING NOW...i dont want to WAIT for them to get here. A storm is brewing outside and the storms over the ocean are always worse than the ones on land...but that wont stop the sisterhood. Isis is probably a teleporter in addition to being a sorceress.

<< she looks at Delilah.>>

I cant go back to the medical lab. I cant look at Nicolas ....he's so...broken! And knowing that I didnt do ANYTHING to help him OR Blaze...OR the others...

<< Morgan, still expecting more of herself than anyone else did, felt that she should have been AWARE SOONER. Even though she was caring for ava and alison and that was important, she just hated that she had been uninformed.>>

[Arsenal]

Mke simply listened at first, taking in all trhe information he could. He saw Alison take command of Minerva's mansion--actually it was her's now. No problem. But as she began to rail against Nicolas...Mike thought back to the hatred from the alternate timelines, even to the events overall in the timelines. It pissed him to avail that she would speak this way, and he spoke up after Haleigh.

Indeed. If we had taken the same attitude with you a few weeks ago when you were lost, where would YOU be?

Mike leaned againt the wall calmly.

Everyone in this room should be able to depend on the others in this room. So far, when it was you in trouble, that was the case. Now, can YOU be depended upon?

[Harbinger]

:: Alison jutted her jaw as Haleigh immediately opposed her. Implying that her time alone in this mansion had somehow...diminished her humanity.::

It's HIS FAULT that Ava and I FELL INTO THE TIME STREAM! Or had you FORGOTTEN the way he was treating Morgan like a TROPHY and less like a human being! Had you FORGOTTEN the way he presented himself as a grade A , first class, all around ASSHOLE at the dinner?

Yes, I may have been drunk off of HEMLOCK, but HE was speaking with a CLEAR mind and knew EXACTLY what he was saying and what he MEANT to cause with his words.

You're right...YOU wouldnt have left ME behind...and I wouldnt leave YOU behind...But I WOULD leave HIM behind. I am no longer able to err on the side of PERSONAL FEELINGS, Haleigh. I am HARBINGER, the KEEPER OF TIME and the "secrets of man". If the Sisterhood's attack coincides with this..."DISASTER" that i cant quite focus on...then the artifacts in this mansion could fall into the wrong h ands and could be used to bring untold destruction the world over. the kind WE couldnt stop. if Pandora's box is opened...the END of the human race is at hand.


and if i MUST given in to personal feelings? then I go on record as saying that I care more about the well being of MORGAN who is in PHYSICAL DANGER from Nicolas. Then i do about a man who spends more time trying to GRAND STAND than anything else.



:: Haleigh couldnt HELP but remember that alternate reality, where Nicolas had killed Morgan brutally. could THIS be the beginning of THAT? even without the child Victoria being present...this was all too eerie::

Am i being ridiculous? MAYBE...but then again being TORTURED and BROKEN for what seems like an eternity tends to SCOUR AWAY whatever layers of "humanity" i managed to build up during my time with this team.


:: Alison was not angry with HALEIGH personally...she was just raw. Ava of all of them would understand.::

I realize that you are accustomed to altering the outcomes of my visions, Haleigh...but in order to possibly alter this one, you're going to have to accept the possibility that Nicolas will have to be destroyed.

:: She looks at Mike.::

Do you REALLY want me to start on you? Because You wont like what I have to say.

I have traveled the earth, fighting monsters that your mother read you bedtime stories about when you were a child. And i faced them when i was BARELY grown up. The trauma I experienced in that alternate timeline...its not something YOU or ANYONE ELSE in this room could have handled ANY BETTER than Ava and I did...and yes...without the arrival of the six, Ava and I would not have survived...but those discs opened in the first place BECAUSE Morgan was under undo stress and who put her under that stress??

HE DID!

:: pointing at Nicolas.::



Your friend, Nicolas is an ASSHOLE.



and he's going to be MORE than a danger to Morgan and everyone ELSE in this room in the near future.

You can stand here and defend him now...and then when he's done RAVAGING YOU and you need healing from Morgan , if she's even still alive to do so...I wonder THEN what your tone will be. But understand this...if Pandora or anything ELSE in the catacombs becomes the object of Nicolas' intentions...I will do WHATEVER i have to do to make SURE he doesnt reach his goal...and i will protect MORGAN with that same determination.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Ava was abnormally quiet as Alison and Haleigh conversed about Nicolas' condition...until Mike came back in spouting off at the mouth which instantly boiled Ava's blood. ::

"Excuse me?"

:: Her eyes were narrowed as she looked at the man with such a look of disgust and shock. ::

"How dare you come in here and speak to her [Alison] like that. You have NO IDEA what we went through, and for you to THROW that in HER FACE?! You're a disgusting vial EXCUSE for human being."

:: Ava had been civil to Mike earlier while she was with her sister....his sincerety and remorse about what she had been through was sweet and touching. But apparently that was all lies. For him to have the nerve to say that she and Alison would still be in the alternate timeline if it weren't for them was revolting. Ava was aware of that little detail, as was Alison. They might even be DEAD at this point if the six hadn't shown up. But for HIM to play that card NOW, was beyond outragous in the goddesses eyes. It was like jabbing a hot poker in an already raw wound. ESPECIALLY considering how edgy both she and Alison still were. ::

"Nicolas is LUCKY that's all this Isis knockoff did to him. Because I would of made it COUNT."

:: Pushing past Mike, Ava exited the medical lab to go get changed for the inevitable battle against the new sisterhood. And to cool off a bit too. ;) ::

[Jessica Hamby]

"NO, I haven't forgotten, nor have I forgotten that it was MY fault there was such tension at dinner in the FIRST place. Nor have I forgotten that we pretty much ALL took turns being AWFUL to each other, when we SHOULD have been celebrating the fact that we were still all ALIVE and TOGETHER! Every timeline I went to, they were PLAGUED by loss and heartache. We are UNGRATEFUL!"

She exclaimed, before staring at Alison, seemingly realizing both that she had gotten off topic and that she'd let her emotions drag her there. She took a deep breath and resumed.

"No, I haven't forgotten. What he said was disrespectful and distasteful.... but come on, Alison.... he's a man. [unapologetically, without regard that Mike might take offense] and we BOTH know that men can be counted on to say really foolish things at the worst possible time. [as Alison claimed being drunk] Don't do that... don't you even dare. You spoke your mind, Alison, you said how you FELT... the hemlock didn't give you those ideas. You said what you THOUGHT and so did HE and you BOTH ought to own up to that and FACE it. Don't use the hemlock as a cop out. You were both TRYING to wound, and you BOTH suceeded."

You're right...YOU wouldnt have left ME behind...and I wouldnt leave YOU behind...But I WOULD leave HIM behind.

"Well I CAN'T. I WON'T, and I need you to respect that, if nothing else."

I am HARBINGER, the KEEPER OF TIME and the "secrets of man". If the Sisterhood's attack coincides with this..."DISASTER" that i cant quite focus on...then the artifacts in this mansion could fall into the wrong h ands and could be used to bring untold destruction the world over. the kind WE couldnt stop. if Pandora's box is opened...the END of the human race is at hand.

"By all means necessary, I encourage you to fulfill your duties as Harbinger. I know that MUST come before anything else for you, and I understand why. Know that while you do what YOU must to honor your comittment to your destiny, I will likewise do what I must to honor MY destiny, my FAMILY and my FRIEND."

Am i being ridiculous? MAYBE...but then again being TORTURED and BROKEN for what seems like an eternity tends to SCOUR AWAY whatever layers of "humanity" i managed to build up during my time with this team.

"I understand what you been through Alison, I know it intimately, as you are WELL aware.... I have been down the road you're one Alison, and I can tell you that it leads ONLY to darkness. YOU remember what I was like when we first met. Is THAT what you want to become? YOU helped give me BACK my humanity, Alison. Hold on to that. DON'T shut down, Alison.... or you will be BROKEN and TORTURED for a long time.... and then you will be lost. Believe me.... I know."

Haleigh knew Mike was angry, he had a right to be upset.... but Haleigh had a better understanding then most and so, she was not upset by Alison's cold despondence. She tried to reach out to the Seer... but there was only so much she could do.

I realize that you are accustomed to altering the outcomes of my visions, Haleigh...but in order to possibly alter this one, you're going to have to accept the possibility that Nicolas will have to be destroyed.

Haleigh looked down at Nicolas, her hand slipping into his once more.... she hoped beyond reason that it wouldn't come to that.... she didn't have to be a precog to know just how much pain that would cause her AND Karen and Morgan, who were really the only people so deeply invested in Nicolas. She looked back up at Alison, letting Nic's hand go as she pulled off her robe, revealing her battle dress uniform beneath. Her expression was one of resigned disappointment.

"Yes.... I know. I want you to have EVERY confidence that IF that moment comes... I will stand with you JUST LIKE I did when we faced Alexis. And if I HAVE to.... I will help you -- [looking pained, misty-eyed] I will do what it takes to ensure the safety of the rest of this team, just like I did then..... no matter the personal feelings... no matter the cost. If that's what I MUST do.... I will do it. .... But that is a LAST resort, Alison... and until THAT moment comes... I will NOT abandon him."

Alison lashed back at Mike, clearly still angry at Nic for what had been said and hostile with Mike by association. Tempers were flaring, and Haleigh tried her BEST to defuse.

"Now Alison..... That's a completely UNFAIR assessment. He is not without FLAWS.... but NONE of us are. You can't PERSECUTE Nicolas for the things he said... not after what WE have done to each other. You are no less guilty of being the occaisional asshole than he is, or I, or any of us. What's more.... I have been a DANGER.... MORGAN has been.... Delilah... ALL of us. We can't write him off because something he's done in the past may cause us pain.... We can't cut him out just because we decide we don't want to shoulder the burden. After all he's done to help US in our times of need, he deserves our help NOW."

Ava took immediate offense to Mike's words, which left Haleigh feeling almost like she was letting Ava down by not feeling Mike had said the wrong thing... but secretly Haleigh knew what Mike had meant... and while he could have said it with more tact, she knew her sister AND Alison would both be very sensitive right now.

"Ava--"

She started.... but Ava stormed out... Haleigh turned to Mike.

"She's hurt, Mike... let that one go."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen was surprised at how quickly and abruptly Alison ordered her away from Nicolas. the doctor wasnt one for giving into feelings of anxiety easily, but THIS seemed serious. the severity of Nicolas' wounds...his own behavior before being sedated...and now this.>>

<< Karen , the DOCTOR, realized that even she had no immediate solution for Nicolas' injury or ailing. and now...the precog suggested that he was DOOMED. She'd predicted disaster before, but something about this...it DID seem to be beyond the point of altering and with the Sisterhood on their way...how much WORSE could it get.>>

If Nicolas is out of action indefinately, then we need to move him away from here. somewhere where he cant do any harm to anyone...Morgan could send him to Limbo for his own protection and ours. perhaps THAT is a way around Alison's prediction....it would at least buy us time to fight off the Sisterhood.

<< But as Haleigh opposed Alison and then Mike joined in...Karen put her hand over her face and exhaled loudly.>>

goddess give me strength.

<< Haleigh and Alison were one thing...Mike and Alison were another all together. Mike was a good man, he was seasoned, older than Nicolas, he had wisdom and experience, but his KNEE/JERK reaction to Alison's tirade against Nicolas was both expected AND as Karen feared, ILL RECEIVED by Alison AND Ava and before anything more could happen the witch and the goddess tore into Mike. Ava stormed out of the medical lab and Alison turned her back.>>

<< Karen slowly stood up.>>

Okay...allright. Mike, that probably wasnt the best thing to say.

<< talking to Alison next.>>

Alison...I would expect this coldness from Ava as of late...given what she's been through...and I know how far you've come FROM your "marble hard ways...but even as a defense mechanism, to cast out one of our own...at their darkest hour...it's BEYOND unkind...it's UNFEELING. You and Ava know better than that.

Remember....remember when Haleigh and Cameron were ready to write off MORGAN as she inched closer and closer to the Inferno?

Those who dont remember the past..are DOOMED to repeat it.

Nicolas doesnt always say or do the right things...but do ANY of us?

He was willing to risk his life in the time stream because it was his DUTY...and he would have done it INSPITE of that. If this were several months ago...before so much had happened, I could see you being able to cast him out. but not now...not after all of this. HIS fate is bound to ours...we ALL need each other now.

the PROBLEMS...the UNRESOLVED ISSUES between you and he are no less important...but at the moment...i think you would agree we have a few more PRESSING issues at hand...that could make everything else IRRELEVANT if we arent prepared to deal with them.

<< she spoke with stern clarity.>>

[Arsenal]

Mike hesitated on his scathing reply as Karen said her piece. She was clear, stern, and actually stood up for Nicolas aginst Alison, to a point. He was heartened, as he feared she would never do that. He said one mor ething, and left it at that, hoping it would do SOMETHING, but not optimistic.

No one was more angry at you that night than Nicolas. And he was the FIRST to enter the timestream after you. He OFFERED Darkchilde his SOUL to have her send the the rest of us to you. His SOUL. Any animosity he had evaporated when he thought you were in danger. It will be a REAL shame if you cannot muster SOME emotional effort now that he is in need. In spite of your attitude I thought you better than that. I hope I was right.

[Harbinger]

"No, I haven't forgotten. What he said was disrespectful and distasteful.... but come on, Alison.... he's a man. [unapologetically, without regard that Mike might take offense] and we BOTH know that men can be counted on to say really foolish things at the worst possible time. [as Alison claimed being drunk] Don't do that... don't you even dare. You spoke your mind, Alison, you said how you FELT... the hemlock didn't give you those ideas. You said what you THOUGHT and so did HE and you BOTH ought to own up to that and FACE it. Don't use the hemlock as a cop out. You were both TRYING to wound, and you BOTH suceeded."


:: Haleigh called Alison out on one thing that she couldnt deny. It WASNT the Hemlock...if anything the Hemlock simply made it EASIER to say what she and others felt. But for the first time SINCE the incident...someone ELSE besides Morgan and Karen VALIDATED the distastefull nature of Nicolas' remark. Haleigh didnt know how FAR her words had gone just now. The seer looked at the hybrid as she spoke.::

:: as Haleigh remained steadfast in her resolve to do what she could for Nicolas, she found that Alison was not critical of HER wanting to do that.::

I respect it...i would expect nothing else from you.

:: her fist clenched a bit. Once again Haleigh was right about the path She was on and Karen warned her that those who DONT remember the past are doomed to repeat it::

But...I wasnt ready to deal with him...and now I'm being FORCED to protect him.

:: she looks at Haleigh and Karen.::

That timeline..was the FIRST TIME where i truly had NO OPTIONS. NONE of my powers as a witch or a precog...NONE of my skills as a tactician could help me or Ava...we had no choice but to endure the nightmare...using what SHRED of consciousness we had left to HOPE for Morgan or an y one of you to come and rescue us.


:: she closed her eyes and looked away...trying to hold back tears.::

and for YOU..

:: she screamed at Mike::

to try to tell me that I owe some kind of...DEBT to NICOLAS because he "valiantly" jumped into a stepping disc or was prepared to give his soul to Darkchilde, as if I CHOSE to be in the position of NEEDING TO BE RESCUED? ...WHO ARE YOU to tell ME how i should feel!?

YOU WERENT THERE! You dont know ANYTHING about what happened to me OR to Ava...you dont even know the history of this TEAM save what you've seen RECENTLY and you DARE to try to pass some kind of MORAL judgement on me?

You SHOULDVE been telling Nicolas that MORGAN isnt a TROPHY girlfriend and that she needs MORE than a MAN to be fullfilled in her life. any IDIOT could see that.

But once again...because of what Nicolas, did, that's supposed to take away the pain and the HURT he caused? and indirectly caused me and AVA?

:: Karen intervenes...and Alison pulls back...just as she felt the urge to lash out at Mike with her POWERS. If it had been in the first days of the Six...Mike wouldve been flying across the room by now but she would be BEYOND "wrong" if she attacked a non powered human like that out of anger and she could NOT just act so callously now. She'd come too far and Haleigh was right, she didnt want to regress.::


I'm just having a HARD TIME, Karen. I CAN'T TELL YOU that I FEEL the same way about Nicolas the way Mike claims he felt about me when Ava and I fell through the stepping disc. You and Haleigh know me...you KNOW i dont forgive easily, just LOOK at the situation with Erika or my mother...and when everyone thought i was heartless for not forgiving them, it turned out that i was right on BOTH counts. The fog of uncertainty around Nicolas clears to reveal one thing...DANGER for Morgan..for ALL of us. Even if i WANTED to forgive him...to TRY to help him...it is all but TOO LATE!


:: the anger and resentment was starting to level off. that was a good sign and Alison was being honest. She couldnt just forgive Nicolas because he was in a bad way. and Even Karen admitted that their unresolved issues needed to be addressed, but NOW was simply not the time.::

...at the same time, I realize that if Nicolas is lost...that it would be devastating to more than one person in the Six...that it could change the entire destiny of the team. we ARE all connected far more than we were before we arrived at Aerie. but that doesnt mean that Ava and myself HAVE to just look the other way and act like Nicolas is our "ray of light".


I'll do what i can...and I will help make sure all other possible options are exhausted before it comes to us having to destroy Nicolas to save ourselves or the world.

But for now...I can't be here. I cant even look at him.

:: and with that, Alison BLINKS out of view.::

[Firebird]

Blaze had just gotten comfortable when all hell broke lose. One person's public opinion was another's problem. It was like a domino effect as Blaze sighed heavily grumbling under her breath. "Who needs Desperate Housewives when its right here on Aerie 24/7."

She wasn't stepping in since it wasn't her battle, it was between them. Although luckily Karen attempted to sedate everyone's fragile nerves. But even Blaze felt a sense of deja-vu as she sat there listening to her teammates bicker about the past, present, and future as well as Nicolas' livelihood.

The brunette had noticed Alison's physical changes along with her icy demeanor, although she couldn't blame her or Ava for the horror they went through. She'd be resentful too if she had been subjected to that. Not only did Ava leave but Alison departed as well.

Kicking up her feet onto the nearby coffee table, "That went well." Sarcasm dripped off her lips as she folded her hands into her lap. Mainly taking things into perspective from what Alison, Mike, Ava, and Haleigh felt. Everyone was splitting up in their own directions, which with her experience was never a good sign.

Standing up, Blaze tossed the magazine she had been flipping through. Walking over to Karen who seemed like the most level-headed person in that room. "I really don't envy you right now." Mainly commenting on how Karen had to play the motherly role to soothe everyone's emotions and try to do damage control.

Blaze was the most neutral party among the others to try and get through to Alison. "I'll be back." Exiting the Medical Lab to turn the corner to walk along the hallway, unsure where Alison had blinked off too. Blaze might have attempted to lock onto her heat signature and flame next to her. But she refrained from doing so because she didn't know the full extent of the Seer's powers and she was already on edge as it was.

"Alison...I know your around here."

Looking around the hallway for the brunette, Blaze turned to peer outside to see the ocean waves crashing violently against the shore. "We don't have to talk about it...but I needed to talk to you about something power wise." Calling out as her voice echoed off the halls that would linger throughout the mansion.

As stubborn as she was Blaze wasn't frightened or intimidated by Alison. Her mainstream counterpart could often see past the 'marble heart' facade the Seer wore. This alternate was no different except she could understand Alison's thinking. Blaze too would do anything for Morgan's safety even if that meant leaving a teammate behind or killing one. In her time line she had faced many difficulties including losing a few teammates. Death hadn't lingered from behind the fire elemental.

She would wait to see if Alison would appear while she wondered along the mansion looking for.

[Arsenal]

to try to tell me that I owe some kind of...DEBT to NICOLAS because he "valiantly" jumped into a stepping disc or was prepared to give his soul to Darkchilde, as if I CHOSE to be in the position of NEEDING TO BE RESCUED? ...WHO ARE YOU to tell ME how i should feel!?

YOU WERENT THERE! You dont know ANYTHING about what happened to me OR to Ava...you dont even know the history of this TEAM save what you've seen RECENTLY and you DARE to try to pass some kind of MORAL judgement on me?

You SHOULDVE been telling Nicolas that MORGAN isnt a TROPHY girlfriend and that she needs MORE than a MAN to be fullfilled in her life. any IDIOT could see that.

But once again...because of what Nicolas, did, that's supposed to take away the pain and the HURT he caused? and indirectly caused me and AVA?

Mike listened to Alison and her pain was understood by him. But Alison did not understand. He answered her, his voice softer...

You don't owe Nicolas. Or any of us. He would not keep score. But is it too much to ask for you to do what he would do for you? You may know the future, but what Morgan and Nicolas have...you know nothing about. And you were and are wrong to meddle in their affair.

Alison turned a moment as if to attack and Mike stood steadfast as she....relented, revealing that she was not ready to deal with Nicolas yet before departing.

Mike shook his head sadly, his faith in this team shaken as never before...

[MorningStar]

Delilah closed her hand over the topaz jewel that had fallen into her palm, grasping it tight in her fist. She allowed herself a sigh of relief with the knowledge that Blaze wasn't out to murder them in their beds - and that she would now be safe from Malice's mechanations thanks to Morgan's talisman. She hated that after all they had been through, the Six had to be so skeptical, so cynical, in their dealings with others and even with each other. It always seemed someone close to home became their worst nightmare.

You're a good friend, Dee. I dont know that i deserve you. I was so...unkind to you when we first arrived to Aerie...even before. You saved Sharon...and helped insure she would save US from her son...

And inspite of all my attempts at being "Light" like YOU...and FAILING, You still offer a kind word, encouragement and friendship. YOU are the light, Delilah...you just help LESSEN the darkness that I am.

"You're wrong Morgan - YOU gave ME another chance, when I didn't deserve it. I did the right thing, yes, but too late. I should've..."

She stopped, struggling with the right words.

"Any light that I have comes from the friends I have, here, now, with the Six. YOU saw...in that other timeline...what I had become..."

She looked down, ashamed and not able to finish the thought.

I just want to do SOMETHING NOW...i dont want to WAIT for them to get here...

"And whatever you choose to do, Morgan, you know I'll be right there next to you. But we can't afford to act rashly. We need a plan - and once we have one, I say, hell yeah, let's go after those bitches."

She grinned widely at her old friend.

I cant go back to the medical lab. I cant look at Nicolas ....he's so...broken! And knowing that I didnt do ANYTHING to help him OR Blaze...OR the others...

That you didn't kick him to the curb months ago seems like doing plenty for him if you ask me...

Delilah put on her most chastising look, like a mother scolding a child for spilling the milk.

"Now, Morgan, you know there was nothing more you could have done. You did what you could - that's all anyone can ask of any one person. And that's all you are: one person. As much as you try to be twenty, you only have two hands. Just because you can bench press a car with them, it doesn't change that."

She smiled warmly.

"We'll deal with this new thing with Nicolas just like we've dealt with everything else - we do our best, we take care of our own, and we move on. You have to stop letting all that's wrong in the world eat you up inside - you are not responsible for all the horrible things that have happened to us. But you are damn responsible for turning those things around and saving us. For god's sake, for saving the world."

Delilah crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow.

"Not bad for a supermodel."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen wondered just WHAT Alison's prophecy against Nicolas had been. No one had saw the final confrontation between Alison and Nicolas accept Morgan when he rebroadcast it to her and Ava when Alison replayed it for her.>>

<< Haleigh did a remarkable job keeping the peace as best she could...but Ava and Alison were not prepared to deal with Nicolas. That was the bottom line. HOWEVER, it appeared that they understood thte necessity of standing together to protect themselves and their team from the Sisterhood AND to face whatever danger was coming, even if it was from Nicolas.>>

<< she looked at Mike with disapproval as replied to Alison one last time.>>

That will be quite enough, Mike. She's a woman in pain.

<< As Blaze departed, Karen noted the aloof nature of the alternate. She too had been injured by Malice, and Morgan was unhappy that Haleigh had allowed Blaze to face Malice, KNOWING Malice's habit of savaging unprotected minds. The doctor walked slowly to the center of the room.>>

And she's Morgan's best friend...which gives her EVERY right to be concerned of Morgan's treatment at Nicolas' or any other man's hand.

As Morgan's mother, i too was APPALLED at what he said to Alison, as well as his presumption that HE was all Morgan should need to be fullfilled on Aerie now that her life as a supermodel was no more. I didnt raise her to depend on a man like that.

Morgan has a family dynamic Mike. Blaze is her sister....Alison and Delilah are her surrogate sisters and I am her mother. We will ALWAYS be interested in her well being, no matter WHO she is with. We know that she will live her life the way she feels...love the man she chooses...but as her mother...i can NEVER just "keep out of her business" totally.



<< she looked down, placing her hand on her forehead.>>

But Haleigh is right...Nicolas IS a man...a young man at that. He doesnt always say the right thing... but then again none of us always do. We have to find a way to get past the pain...put it aside for NOW and deal with the task at hand which INCLUDES caring for Nicolas.

He may be inappropriate at times , but he has a heart of gold. he's courageous and tries his best...things that his father instilled in him. Thats all any of us can expect of him or each other...to try our best AND to be able to recognize our errors and account for them. He obviously can't do that right now.

Ava and Alison will stand with the team because it is their duty, not because they feel anything specific for NICOLAS. If THAT is all we can get from them right now, then we must leave it at that. one step at a time.

<< she looks at Haleigh.>>

You did well. This incident prooves that Ava and Alison are still a ways from total recovery...it's not their fault. It will just take TIME...time that we may not have much more of if Alison's vision comes to pass.

<< she moves by Nicolas, against Alison's recommendations and gently rubs his head.>>

I'm afraid that there ISNT anything I can do for him at this point except ease the pain. I'll contact Morgan and ask her to move Nicolas to Limbo. It may be the best thing for him AND us until we can deal with the sisterhood.

<< she was well aware of the turmoil her daughter was feeling. some of it was pure anguish over Nicolas' wounds and condition.>>

[Harley Quinn]

:: After leaving the medical lab, Ava made her way through the vast mansion to one of the numerous sun rooms that overlooked the ocean. The waves were choppy and erratic, indicating that there was a strong storm approaching. Huffing out, the weather seemed to mirror the goddess' emotions as she stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows with her arms folded tightly across her chest. ::

"Son of a bitch. I'd like to throw him [Mike] under a train."

Or something that couldn't be pinned to me..

:: Ava's mind raced with different ways to kill Mike. Hurting him was not an option....it wouldn't cause enough pain, and certainly wouldn't satisfy her at this point. It was sadistic, sure, but Ava's mind wasn't as it was before. After everything she had been through, it had hardened her. The only person she seemed to actually feel semi 'normal' with was her sister and Alison. ::

:: Craning her neck back and moving it from side to side, her muscles were tense and sore. Dreading the fight with the sisterhood, quite frankly, she could care less about them and what they were planning. Her last encounter with Malice was less than stellar seeing as how she threw herself in the line of fire to save her fighting teammates. Scoffing softly, Ava shook her head realizing that nothing had really changed since then. ::

:: Undoing the tie that held her robe in place, Ava opened it revealing her newly designed uniform consisting of black form fitted leather pants with a large black snake belt [her transfiguring whip disguised] that hung low on her hips. A black corset inspired bodice with built in holsters located on her back to hold her mystic daggers in a criss cross fashion, and black knee high stiletto healed boots which overlapped her pants. Tossing the black robe onto a nearby chair, the goddess stood wearing an outfit that eerily looked like the same one worn by the alternate Ava during the Victoria King caper the six had went through. Ava hadn't been briefed about what had happened then, so there was no way for her to know how her alternate had dressed....so it was quite odd that NOW, she would decide to change her battle attire. Perhaps Alison's visions were in fact coming true.. ::

[Isis]

[ after healing her broken arm, and helping Malice and Enchantra, the Sisterhoood had time to take stock of their succesfull stand against the Six. SHE had succeeded in binding a RUNE onto her prey and NOW he was her's for the taking, but Dominique had been so directed, so driven and consumed by her dreams of vengeance for so long that she forgot the age old adage...that one should always be carefull for what he or she wishes for.]


[ in her private chambers, Dominique looks at a hovering doll construct bearing the likeness of Nicolas. With it, she could detect his vitals, his every movement. She knew he was sedated and under the watchfull eye of another powerfull witch...]

Karen Victoria, mother of Morgan Victoria, this world's sorceress supreme.

[ Dominique wouldnt MIND squaring off against Karen OR Morgan, but her goal was the destruction of Nicolas. She was doing an excellent job of concealing just how BADLY she wanted that, but she couldnt hide from herself her true feelings.]

It does not matter. The rune is in place. His body is MINE and I will BREAK him just as he broke my beloved sister.

[ her voice was dripping with cold bitterness...as she allowed herself to go back in her mind's eye...those memories again.]

flash

<< a dark night....fire in the sky. more like lightning, angry storm clouds...and trembling grounds.>>

<< a young woman, petite in body, trevails in the agony of labor. Dominique, her older sister and attending mid wife speaks in her native tongue, directing the maids in attendance to do this, that and the other, while SHE, then a minor sorceress, uses her knowledge of herbs, potions and simple incantations to try to ease the pain. but this birth is TOO difficult, too VIOLENT. the young woman bleeds from her eyes...Dominique begins to grow emotional as all her attempts and techniques fall short.>>

<< the maids are horrified as the birth comes to pass, a baby, cloaked in shadow and marked with unholy glowing markings on its tiny body, is born...his leaving his mother's body prooves to be too much for the young mother and she dies...Dominique cries out as the storm intensifies and grounds shake under unknown forces.>>

<< the baby is born...it has the form of a human, but it is something much worse...those markings on his body...they GLOW...the mark of that creature, that HORRID CREATURE that assaulted Dominique's sister and tossed Dominique out of the hut when she tried to stop him.>>

<< Dominique cracks from grief, anguish and pain and raises her dagger, which she has consecrated with a spell and held it over a flame. she curses the baby and declares that it cannot live...and strikes with the dagger but it has NO EFFECT! Wide eyed with disbelief, Dominique begins to rant as she tries again, but now, the head of the village and the maids return and STOP her...pulling her away from the baby and the dead mother and dragging her from the hut into the rain. the thunder and lightning flash as they try to seek refuge and calm a distrought Dominique...but nothing will console her as she screams about her sister being murdered, being forced to be a vessell for EVIL and that horrid baby that must DIE!>>

Flash

thing of evil...he...IT must DIE!

[ the words echo in her native tongue and in english in her mind as she sits...lost in thought and memory.]

[ the baby was Nicolas, the woman was his mother...and Dominique is...his AUNT. his only living blood relative on this earth. It doesnt matter to her that he is her blood. If anything that makes her MORE resolved to destroy him. Vengeance for her sister...salvation for this world.]


[ the black queen had not counted on her emotions making her LESS effective in battle. Her anger had blinded her, prevented her from accessing her powers but Malice and Enchantra didnt know that. She STILL aquitted herself well in the battle and helped the Sisterhood beat back the Six. But NEXT TIME would not be about drama...it would be about RESULTS, no matter WHAT the cost. Dominique was ISIS and it was time to show what that meant.]

[ She knew there was to be a meeting with Malice and Enchantra in a few moments and so after a time of rest and reflection, she doned her black fur trimed, black cape to top off her Black Queen costume and prepared to go to the underground tunnel network,the control room to meet with the other two as they prepared to strike the Six in ernest.]

[Arsenal]

Mike stopped as he listened to Karen. She was pragmatic about the situation and Mike knew that in the short run, she was dead on. But she still did not get what Nicolas was trying to do, that he only wanted to be there for Morgan. Nic was painfully aware that he was not enough for her, as he had confided to Mike. But it was not weakness on Morgan's part to lean on him at a time like this.

Mike settled in on the other side of Nicolas, away from Karen and for that matter, everyone else. The disappointment and anger on his face was unmistakable...

[Malice]

:: Malice and Enchantra were already underground when Isis arrived.::

Clearly the Six have gotten RUSTY in their..."extended vactation". We can't unconver their actual base of operations now that they live outside of America, but we HAVE unconvered Alison's residence...a large, sprawling mansion with mysterious properties and enhancements called "Minerva's Mansion". It apparently belonged to a woman, a famed archeologist and explorer named Dr. Barbara Minerva. HER whereabouts are unknown but that doesnt matter to us.

We have the coordinates and Isis can teleport us there. Once we arrive, the main goal is to destroy Nicolas. No real REASON for it, since our dear Isis has not seen fit to share a backstory, but ANYTHING to cause the six further heartache and set back is allright with me. Aside from that? there is no specific plan...this time, it's PERSONAL! Take them down and do it HARD.

:: she says with wicked, evil glee as she leans back in her chair and crosses her legs at the knee.::

destroy as much of the mansion as you can as well.

[Enchantra]

"Enchantments, hmm?"

Helena sat forward taking a look at the informantion on the built in monitor located on the conference desk in front of her. This mansion was a giant storage closet filled with mystical and historical artifacts that were just waiting to be snatched up.

"It may be wise to TAKE those artifacts and enchantments before we destory the mansion. Could you even imagine the damage we could cause with something such as....Merlin's wand for example? Or even Pandora's Box."

The possibilities were endless...kill Nicolas, destory the six's save haven, and TAKE everything that were meant to stay away from the hands of evil. With a devilish glint in her eye and a smirk spread across her lips, this was going to be like taking a candy from a mentally retarded baby.

[Harbinger]

:: a pair of floating cobalt blue eyes open in the air with a "pop" sound as they fix on Blaze.::

you're not supposed to be here. you're not the Blaze of this timeline. there are subtle yet substantial differences between FIREBIRD and FOXFIRE.

:: she said coldly.::

you're one of several interlopers in our timeline.

you're not the first and you wont be the last. but there is something ELSE that doesnt belong here that's coming...that endangers us ALL.

:: the eyes continued to look at Blaze.::

Morgan has accepted you easily. I see no immediate betrayal from you in the future either. But right now is not a good time...not for me, for Ava...or many of us. You came here to find your family or some version of it whole and yet we are struggling to keep from breaking apart ourselves and all of this...because of one man....NICOLAS KING.

:: it may not have ALL rested on his shoulders but it was clear that like Haleigh and Morgan in the past, Nicolas was polarizing issue for the group right now.::

[Firebird]

A pair of cobalt eyes would pop in front of Blaze who knew Alison had heard her calls. It had always unnerved her but she’d shrug it off. Quietly observing the frigid tone and the aloof behavior the Seer had depicted. But Blaze didn’t object instead she listened to Alison’s forewarning. Choosing her words carefully for the woman was already on edge seeing Nicolas again.

“You’re right I’m not supposed to be here but there are a few things you need to realize Alison. As the keeper of this mansion and time you of all people should know how PRECIOUS time can be. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that luxury because I lost the people I cared and loved for deeply. I was left with just three other people to depend on. Granted, I haven’t witnessed or experienced the horror’s you and Ava have. So it wouldn’t be fair of me try and understand but I DO know what it feels like to have your team ripped apart. Nobody is saying your wrong....nobody is saying your not entitled to see the way you do. What I am saying is that there are people on this team who care and love you. I’m just an alternate trying to find a place in this team that’s sorely dysfunctional at times. But I’m hoping maybe...just MAYBE you all can pull your shit together before the Hellfire Club destroy what was once a strong foundation. A foundation that is now crumbling as the seconds tick by.”

She’d pause to listen to Alison as she offered some new insight of her own. “Okay, yes Nicolas may have been a catalyst in a previous lifetime but he has shown me nothing but courage, warmth, and strength. He was the first person to welcome me here with open arms.” Walking closer to the floating blue eyes to study them closely. “Alison, no time will ever be good unless you make it. You gotta do what you gotta do but I will not allow this team to be pulled apart like mine.”

Glancing out the nearby window to admire the ocean waves, “I’m not here to replace Blaze or even be her. I’m my own person, my own individual with emotions and thoughts just as you. I’ve come here on my own free will to be a part of a family that I lacked in my world. I wanted to belong to a team that I thought was solid. Boy, was I ever wrong and what a disappoint. But, maybe I have more faith in this team than anything else. Morgan is off scrying, Ava is somewhere, and now your going AWOL. I know your having a hard time adjusting and I honestly don’t blame you for it. I’d probably be resentful, bitter, and cold too. But...there will be a time Alison when you need to *see* that there are people here for you...even if you push them away by your marble heart of stone.”

Backing up, Blaze sighed audibly, “Remember...Nicolas King may not be one hundred percent innocent but he is your best friend’s boyfriend. A man that Morgan has allowed her own icy heart to love and care for. Which for Morgan that’s a huge triumph right there. All I’m saying is that if Morgan trusts and loves him then just maybe down the road you could too. I’m not saying now but I am saying in the future. People are capable of changing you’re a prime example of that.” Blaze knew this most likely wouldn’t get through to Alison. Once she had her mind up that was it.

“This team needs you Alison just as Morgan does. Look at me, I jumped through a stepping disk on a whim, I attacked Haleigh, and now I’m here trying to get through to you. I’ve done a slew of rash decisions but I’ve always followed my heart...minus the whole attacking thing because that was Malice. I won’t keep you for I know you have duties to attend to but I do hope that one day you’ll see what I see.”

[Rampage]

As anyone on the team in the Med bay watched, Nicolas would shudder, his body wracked as if in a nightmare. He would twist to one side, then the next, straining the mystic bonds even while in slumber, mumbling incoherently. It was apparent his power was returning, but along with it...

Nicolas already dark skin got a bit darker, and upon his body there started to appear raised MARKINGS...first on his shoulders, then on his chest as if to flank the rune itself, then on his legs and finally...as his hair itself pulled INTO his head, leaving it bald, there was a marking on his head itself, from his forehead to the top of the crown. Anyone with a passing knowledge of language would notice that they weren't remotely similar to the rune Isis left.

As the team witnessed these changes, Nicolas was indeed in slumber, but unfortunately for him, his adoptive mother couldn't protect him now...

MY SON...What have they done to you? These fleshling breeders have an edge after all. No matter. Once I arrive to claim you, we will make them all pay. And we will make this world into my image, our image!!

As the dream faded, Nicolas could almost make out a face...

As the changes took hold of him, his thrashing slowly stopped, and his face took on a SMILE as the markings began to faintly glow to the rhythm of his heartbeat...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked down at Delilah's hand which held the topaz jewel. she placed her own hand over Delilah's.>>

Well, as it always has been, we help each other in ways both spoken and not.

<< Delilah echoed what Morgan's mother, Haleigh and Mike had all said, but somehow, outside of Karen, Delilah was one of those who Morgan could EASILY believe. she'd been so used to people lying to her, stabbing her in the back...it was the legacy of her ancestral mother, Hecate. But there were those who always prooved to be the exception. Even Nicolas...who had helped her come a long way from her mistrust of men.>>

Its how I've been. expecting more of myself than anyone else. But even that can become a problem.

<< Morgan took Delilah's light but on target scolding...and smiled sheepishly.>>

<< Delilah offered Morgan her support. It was just like the night Morgan called Delilah for assistance during the Kelly King caper over a year ago. then, as now, Morgan knew she could trust Delilah with her back. She belonged with this team and Morgan was glad to have her as one of her best friends.>>

Well....we'd better get prepared. draw the battle line here. The sisterhood are coming and they wont hesitate to try to PLUNDER the catacombs underground.

We'd better join the others.

<< noticing the storm over the ocean outside of the mansion. She takes the topaz jewel from Delilah.>>

I'll fashion a talisman and charm it. That will be Blaze's defense against telepathic domination. I only wish i had an easy answer for Nicolas.

<< standing tall.>>

But, if i am to lead t his team, I must deal with ALL situations...even those that might strain me on a personal and emotional level. I'm sorceress supreme. If there's a chance i can REVERSE what Isis has done...I have to try.

<< Morgan was not yet aware of Alison's prophecy.>>


<< over the intercom, she calls for Sharon and anyone else not accounted for to return to the medical lab as she and Delilah return there as well.>>

[Oracle]

<< and so as Silver Swan, Persephone, Firebird and Harbinger returned to the medical lab, Pandora was in tow as well. Harbinger had the mansion on full red alert and soon, Pandora would go underground into the BEYOND "state of the art" fortified catacombs. Black Widow, Karen and Aresnal were already in the lab.>>

<< Firebird had made a bold but heartfelt appeal to Harbinger's sense of compassion and forgiveness, but whether her words sunk in or not...remained to be seen. The fact that even Firebird felt DISAPPOINTED and like she'd made a MISTAKE coming here...was something for Alison to not ignore.>>

<< Black Widow had been right...this group was EXTREMELY ungratefull by comparison to their various alternates who all experienced nightmarish, tragic experiences that tore their family apart and in each case...once the family was destroyed everything ELSE came apart too. The mainstreams, those who had been apart of that wild cross time caper, HAD to hold on to what they'd seen...what they'd learned. >>

<< with the Sisterhood on their way...things only got MORE urgent as NICOLAS began to show signs of strain. his vitals fluxed and his skin began to grow dark...as though a shadow were washing over him. strange markings, inconsistent with Isis' rune began to manifest in strategic patterns..and his head was now bald with markings there as well. It was just as Dominique remembered...but no one HERE knew her past, or Nicolas' true birth story so they had no way of knowing how BAD this was.>>

<< Spellbinder and Morningstar arrived. Spellbinder hurridly ordered Firebird to place the newly fashioned topaz gem pendant. the topaz was a gem whose color represented mental clarity and with the gem, coupled with the spell Morgan charged it with, Blaze NOW had protection against mental domination, as long as the pendant was not removed from her. It could not protect her from empathy but it woud shield her from forcible posession and other psychic attacks. Unlike Haleigh or Sharon who had natural or aquired ways to defend against some mental attacks even without psi screens...or the several people in the room with bonafied psi screens...of all the non protected minds, Blaze, for whatever reason seemed to be the most susceptiable to mental attacks and Morgan couldnt allow her to remain unprotected. >>

<< with the team gathered...the storm seemed to be peaking outside. but the power to the mansion did not waver.>>

<< the tension in the room was noticeable. Harbinger and Persephone kept theire distance from Rampage...with Harbinger eyeing him suspiciously as he began to show signs of change. She wrestled with whether or not to tell Morgan of her vision. Would Haleigh and Mike try to interrupt her or make it seem less dangerous then it was?>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Spellbinder was briefed by Haleigh, she quickly went over to Nicolas. she took had no reservations about holding one of his hands...as she held it up to her cheek and squeezed it, FINALLY allowing herself to look upon him.>>

oh Nicolas...

...

<< she looks at the rune.>>

Its a powerfull spell, one that is meant to have long term, progressive effects...a truth revealing rune.

<< confirming what Alison already had indicated.>>

but...thanks to my mother's sleeping spell and the mystic chains, if Isis HAS tried to use this rune to control Nicolas thus far...she has encountered a BLOCK. It wont last long though and the cost to Nicolas if Isis intensifies her attempts could be devastating.

<< she thinks for a moment.>>

The Darkhold contains a variety of spells...but Isis and all that she represents...is a very ancient, primal magick. she hails from a time shortly after the decline of the Olympians... she was a NEW breed of "gods". The FASTEST way for me to try to free Nicolas is with the SOUL SWORD.

<< knowing that some might object.>>

The soul sword is the ultimate manifestation of my power. neigher magickal beings OR enchantments can withstand it I can break mystic holds over people with it and i should be able to...

<< she noticed the stark change in Nicolas. his skin growing dark, shadow like, the OTHER markings...>>

what is THIS?

<< Morgan couldnt detect any MAGICKAL force behind this latest development.>>

some force...some OUTSIDE force is causing this and its not magickal in nature.


Harbinger: Morgan, move away from him. QUICKLY.

Alison...

Harbinger: JUST DO IT! PLEASE!

<< Morgan realizes that Alison is speaking in her full capacity as a Seer.>>

[Harley Quinn]

:: Arriving at the medical lab, Ava was now dressed in her new battle attire with her hair pulled back into a pony tail. Eyeing Nicolas, he seemed to be having some sort of physical reaction since she left, but it was nothing Persephone had ever seen Isis inflict on a foe. It must be an outside source of some sort. Regardless, Ava stood a few feet back next to Alison and watched as the others stood around him. ::

"You need to tell her [Morgan]."

:: Ava kept her voice low enough for only Alison to hear. Glancing to her side, she caught Alison's eye but kept her face even. ::

"Otherwise he'll end up hurting her. If not killing her."

:: Her voice still low and even, Ava kept her eyes locked onto Alison's for a few seconds to reiterate her point before looking away and back at the group surrounding Nicolas. It was clear by Persephone's facial and body language that the incident with Mike had shifted her from a calm and lighter demeanor to basically 'stone cold'. She got straight to buisness, and all good buisness woman knew to always get rid of the weakest link. This link being Nicolas. ::

[Harbinger]

:: Alison didnt wait as she PULLED Morgan away from Nicolas::

just TRUST me. get AWAY from him before its too late! Teleport him to Limbo...and HURRY!

:: She looks at Pandora::

And you, get out of here, now. Do as I told you, like we've practiced in drills. The potions are down in the catacombs for you to use, as well as Alycia's custom made, golden desert eagles. several of Minerva's soldiers will go with you and seal the doors behind you. No matter what happens, DO NOT OPEN THEM.

:: she motions for her guards to get pandora out of there. She looks at Morgan. Persephone subtly encourages her to speak on her vision now before its too late and Alison nods, not caring if Mike or Haleigh take offense. ::

Morgan, Nicolas is a doorway to grave danger for us...for this world. something...some massive thing or entity looms in all probably time threads that i see...and it means to destroy EVERYTHING. We HAVE to be prepared to kill Nicolas in order to save ourselves...the WORLD.

I see nothing but Captivity...PAIN, SUBJUGATION of the worst kind....DEATH for you Morgan. The longer he remains...the more danger you are in.

The Sisterhood...they will be arriving ...ANY MINUTE.

[Arsenal]

As Mike watched Nicolas, he nnoticed the darkening of Nicolas' skin. He at first feared a medical condition, but as his vitals fluctuated, he noticed soemthing that made his blood COLD.

Nicolas body was becoming marked, the markings not at all like the Egyptian heiroglyphs, and they started to glow as a smile crossed Nicolas face. Mike looked on in horror as the others entered, his gut screaming that his young charge was being lost right before their eyes. Even as Alison RIGHTLY warned of Nicolas changes and what they might bring, Mike stepped forward, not away from the young metahuman.

His eyes already streaming with tears, Mike spoke up about Nicolas, looking alternately at Karen, Morgan, and Alison as he spoke. His voice was strong, but pained.

Can you do nothing? Seer, your vision was dead on as usual. But surely your gift can do more than condemn. Is there also salvation in it? You three constitute the strongest vessels of magic on the planet, as Nicolas was fond of saying. Is there noth--

Mike's voice failed a moment as he looked to each face in the room. he started again.

I met him when he was just 10 years old. A BABY, but already 5 feet tall. He was full of WHYS. Mike, why do I have to use titanium to eat? It was because he would get excited and break the china by accident.<<chuckles a bit>> He was just a KID. He's...just a kid!! None of us is perfect, all of us have been given a second chance, WHY not him!!! All he ever tried to do was give love, have the family he never did. Did he grand stand at times, go overboard to try to impress? HELL YES!!! He was just a kid who wanted the more mature ladies he spent every day with him to like him. Impossible as it seemed, as much as I told him that it was not possible he tried EVERY day save ONE. His deeds were as big as his heart, and he would have given anything to see anyone here happy and safe. <<<looks at Alison>>> Even you. Even you.

Morgan, it is obvious that Alison's vision is coming to fruition. He will likely be a danger here. If no one else will, I will stand with him, even if I die in the attempt. Send us away, and save yourselves, as Alison wishes. But I will never leave him. He is my boy, just a kid.

Mike picked up his head, cradling it in his hands as he rocked. This was the first time anyone knew how long they had been together, or that Mike was so instrumental in his growth. Mike began to talk softly to Nicolas in his ear, as if the young mutant could hear.

Hey kid, remember when we used to skip stones? Even with your powers, you couldn't learn to do it for DAYS. You could pick up a semi, but skip stones? NOT Nicolas. Nosiree...

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen felt a WAVE of fear wash over her. her maternal bond with her daughter was causing her to fear for her daughter's safety like never before. but as Mike stepped forward, Karen grabbed his hand.>>


NO! I forbid it!

<< she said sternly as she glared at him.>>

You're not going to throw your life away.

<< she was in her flying suit now.>>

Harbinger is doing what she does best. She's trying to warn us...before something happens...the last time we either ignored or didnt respond fast enough to her warnings. the INFERNO came...but just as Ororo, Alison and Myself placed ourselves in the path of MORGAN'S wrath to save the rest of the Six...and the city of New York....

<< she looks at ALISON, her surrogate daughter.>>

I am SURE that Alison knows in her heart that DUTY if nothing else, DEMANDS that she be prepared to stand with me, blaze, sharon, haleigh...everyone in this room.

<< she looks at her daughter.>>

Morgan, I am your mother...i 'm asking you to...to be prepared to ESCAPE if Nicolas becomes a danger to you. you're destiny as Hecate's avatar demands that you LIVE.

The REST of you...please, put aside your differences with Nicolas if you have any and be prepared to protect each other, contain him and deal with the sisterhood. there's ENOUGH of us here that we can see this through TOGETHER.

Nicolas risked his life...on nothing more than the summons of Ororo to rescue ME from the ruins of the Citadle. He faced Malice alone and gave himself into the hands of Ororo...plunging headlong into a destiny that has lead him to this point. NOW is not the time to abandon him. If we do...we may as well GIVE him to the Sisterhood and LEAVE the world to its fate.



and Mike....you...get underground with Pandora. You're a human. You have no powers...you shouldnt be here. If one of us can't protect you at any moment...you could DIE. I wont let that happen.

<< Karen FORGOT that Mike was just as capable as Alycia had been in Arklay. She was now...showing her own fear for her COMPANION'S life.>>

[Arsenal]

Mike felt Karen sieze her hand. She spoke, the fear showing in her voice as she asked him to go underground with Pandora. Mike kissed her hand, but shook his head.

You're right. I could die. And if I did, it would be where I belonged, with this team. If you do not make it, I will have nothing else in any case. Pandora has a role to play in going underground. I do not. My role is here, even if I do not survive. In either case, I will always be with you.

Mike kissed her hand again, but did not move.

[MorningStar]

Delilah followed Morgan to the MedLab, her heeled boots echoing through the empty corridor. She still worried about Spellbinder - but Morgan was Morgan, and she would be okay now that there was the glint of a new caper in her eye. In a way, she needed this fight.

As they entered the lab, things were noticeably somber. Ava and Alison - clearly pulled together by their shared trauma - stayed away from the others. There was no time to try and heal those wounds, however - Nicolas looked in a bad way, and The Sisterhood were coming for them. She put a hand lightly on Alison's shoulder as she walked by.

She slowly followed behind Morgan as she went to Nicolas' bedside. As Morgan held his hand, she looked down impassively at his body. His body pulsed, the markings almost alive.

"Good god..." she whispered.

She looked up and her eyes locked with Alison's. This was bad, those cobalt blue eyes said.

She doesn't think we can save him.

How would Morgan react to losing Nicolas, one of the few men she'd truly allowed into her life? Delilah stepped away from the glowing form on the table in front of her, and raised a hand to her forehead - that motion betraying the emotions that she felt. The hopelessness, the fear.

Alison violently pulled Morgan too away from Nicolas. As the Seer spoke of such pain, Delilah's thoughts could not help but turn once again to the alternate realities they had so recently been privy to. Was that it? Was this Nicolas becoming his counterpart, the one who so brutally had murdered Morgan in that timeline? Is THAT what Harbinger saw? Surely that could not be possible. But something was going on, something major, and something that scared Alison enough that she felt she had to protect MORGAN from it.

As "fire and brimstone" as Alison was, Mike was equally as heartbreaking as he watched over his young friend. As always, he refused to leave them. But Delilah feared that in trying to protect him Karen herself would be put into jeopardy. If she had her way, BOTH of them would go with Pandora. But she knew it was useless to even suggest it.

Delilah looked at the room.

"So, what - we just wait for them to come get us? Morgan, a second ago you were ready to kick some ass - let's go on the offensive. If there's going to be a fight, I want to start it."

[Jessica Hamby]

"Oh, SURE..... I like hearing HER [Firebird] calling US on not taking things well. Wasn't she just running around willy nilly SLAPPING me and yelling at me and blaming me for no apparent reason?"

Haleigh remarked bitterly as Blaze left, following Alison, presumably. It was a comment laced with a bit of a personal slight, but it was no less valid an observation. Blaze had little place to be sarcastically commenting about their disagreements, and Haleigh had little qualms saying so out loud. She didn't bother with it much further.... instead, considered going after her sister.... but as well as she knew her sister would be okay, would find her own way, and needed to cool off, her heart still wanted her to be there.... her thoughts were disrupted as she absently heard Karen speak up, agreeing with her, telling someone that she had been right. Haleigh did a double take, staring at Karen, who turned and started talking DIRECTLY to the hybrid. Haleigh had the distinct look of a doe in the headlights..... Karen was commending her.... and suddenly Haleigh couldn't comprehend.... what she was experiencing didn't match up with her expectations, and it was upsetting the natural balance in her calculations.

"I.... you..... thanks?"

She responded haltingly. Were Malice and the rest already here? Was this some kind of cruel illusion laid upon her by Enchantrah? Haleigh looked around warily... but no one else was acting strangely... so she let it go, though she could swear she felt a hiccup in the earth's orbit.

Something more pressing presented itself.... Nicolas began to undergo a change.... a very disconcerting one. Haleigh was still at his side.... she gently traced her fingers over the markings that appeared.

"These aren't Egyptian......."

She said.... though as soon as she said it she knew everyone else could already tell. The team started coming back together.... Alison SNATCHED Morgan away.... everyone understandably reacted out of fear. If Alison was so worked up, she had a reason.... Haleigh knew that..... but she didn't immediately leave his side. As Alison prophesized such destruction at his hands, it only served to further break her heart. She desperately wished it were not true. Mike was similarly having a difficult time receiving Alison, and he denied Karen's request to go underground.

Haleigh blinked back tears as she pulled herself together, steeling against heartache..... her expression in anguish.... but she told herself that the time for allowing her emotions to cloud her was over. NOW she needed to be strong. For Nicolas, she needed to be strong. Haleigh leaned across the bed towards Mike, placing a hand around Nic's neck, getting a get grip on his shoulder, and the other on Mike.... she FORCED the two apart, making eye contact with Mike. He needed to be strong too.... she reminded him that.

"Alright, Mikey..... that's enough....[gentler] that's enough. We can't HELP him like this.... WE can help him by killing HER. We have to break her hold of him. Morgan is going to send him to Limbo now. You're going to help me show that stupid fool masquerading as Isis that she messed with the WRONG family."

It was more a command than anything... but Haleigh felt that it would REACH Mike and get him to focus.... and now was the time to focus.... with the enemy closing in.

[Firebird]

Whether Alison liked it or not she got a piece of the fire elemental's mind. Even if she mulled it over in her head, it was something. Yet before the topic could go any further Morgan's voice sweeps across the intercom requesting everyone meet her in the Medical Lab.

Looking down in disappointment, Blaze couldn't help but feel a chunk of disappointment flood through her. It was utterly frustrating to get through these mainstreams. A part of her wanted to be cold and aloof like Alison was for she was tired of trying to get through these people only to be interrupted or pushed a side. She was having doubts already as she would return to the medical lab in obvious no hurry as she seemed deep in thought when she entered the lab.

Everyone was already there as Morgan moved to hurriedly place the topaz gem pendent around her neck. "Thank you." Brief and to the point, Blaze knew Morgan had a lot weighing on her mind with the confrontation from NYC, Nicolas, and the threat of the Sisterhood.

Quietly she stood in the back near the door watching the scene unfold as everything happened so far. Nicolas looked worse and barely recognizable as Morgan attempted to comfort the slumbering man just as Alison advised to get back. Blaze didn't react as she was in the back of the group and further away from the others. Alison would yank Morgan out of the way begging her to send Nicolas to Limbo.

Blaze's senses tingled as she shivered from a draft in the air, goosebumps plagued her own skin. Rubbing her arms as the tiny hairs on the back of her neck fell erect. Something was definitely wrong and her six sense was detecting it.

Mike's heartfelt strength was noted while Karen would continue to mother the big man while Delilah surprisingly offered the idea of taking the offensive. Even Blaze was shocked but a smile threatened to crack, "Alright, D." She faintly whispered under her breathe.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan gasped as Alison pulled her away. She realized they were on the edge of a cliff, and about to either fall over or be PUSHED over. thats what it felt like.>>


<< Alison revealed her prophecy, and Morgan looked at her best friend, her eyes widen and her face tightens with disbelief...with FEAR. Like the SEIGE PERILOUS was about to come back and RECLAIM her. ...gulping slowly. >>

<< suddenly, it seemed like this was WORSE than Arklay. THAT at least they had a chance to directly affect. THIS was something that, like the INFERNO, was a runaway train!>>

<< She hadnt HEARD about the timeline in which her alternate self had been brutally raped and murdered by the alternate Nicolas...but for Ava, Haleigh, Mike and Delilah, this definately didnt sit well. Her own mother was warning her to get away if necessary.>>

<< She was at a loss for words. the LAST time Alison had been t his adamant...it was right before the INFERNO. Was Nicolas on the verge of something so terrible as that!? if he was, she couldnt leave. not now. not like this. She wouldnt abandon her sisters, her mother, haleigh, persephone. all these people who'd risked their lives for her time and again she looked among the team, her family. they all showed varying signs of distress at Alison's words...and Nicolas' own physical changes made it worse. >>

<< did she want to DIE? did she want to be BRUTALIZED by a man...especially one she loved? of course not. the thought TERRIFIED HER, and it was that thought that was not only troubling her mother, but Blaze as well. the only two who COULD feel her thoughts and emotions inspite of the psi screen.>>



<< the BEST option was to send NICOLAS to Limbo but as Mike said he would go with Nicolas, Karen forbade him and rightly so. Morgan looked at her sister, Blaze for a moment. She was glad, now more than EVER, that Firebird was here. not just because of her power, but because she wouldnt have to face this moment without her sister. >>

<< Haleigh took hold of Mike in order to snap him out of his emotional state and Delilah REMINDED Morgan of her stance earlier.>>

allright...that's it. I can't deny, that I'm...AFRAID for myself...and everyone here. Alison has never been WRONG before, its just that we were able to affect the time threads ENOUGH to avert the outcomes she saw most clearly. THIS TIME...it doesnt seem like that option is there.

I dont want to lose Nicolas, and I dont want to die...none of us does. But We CAN'T be held hostage...not even by Alison's precognition. If we CANT stop what's coming...then we'll just have to do things the old fashion way....ONE MOMENT TO THE NEXT..by the seat of our pants. And we'll do it TOGETHER, just as my mother said.

<< she lifts a hand, extending it toward Nicolas.>>

I'm sending Nicolas to Limbo, where he can do no harm, no matter WHAT he does, to himself or others.

and then, we'll GET the Sisterhood and THIS time, it's for KEEPS. Isis wants to play with magick? I'll TEACH her a lesson she wont soon forget!

[Oracle]

<< the storm, with its severe summer strength, was now well around the mansion and surrounding area. the sky had grown darker and the waves from the ocean, coupled with the winds and thunder made themselves more than a little heard.>>

<< on this day, as the Six and allies stood together facing a dark and destructive future, though fear and sadness ran through their hearts, they pulled on that inner strength that only a FAMILY could have and the remained together.>>

<< even ALISON was secretly touched by Mike's appeal. She'd heard Blaze's words just a while earlier. This Firebird, who was definately more mature, more direct and able to articulate in a way that Alison could appreciate. She was secretly CONFLICTED. She was under no ILLUSIONS about Nicolas, but she could no longer just see him as a plague or a virus to exterminate.>>

<< the group came TOGETHER as a dark hour closed in upon them. Spellbinder, although deeply troubled by what she heard, realizing that her own death was a possibility, would REMAIN with her team and if she were to die...she would meet death with her eyes wide open.>>

<< and so, Spellbinder prepared to send Nicolas to Limbo, extending her hand and about to summon a stepping disc, when suddenly the double doors burst open and the red alert siren begins to sound off.>>

[Arsenal]

Haleigh leaned across the bed towards Mike, placing a hand around Nic's neck, getting a get grip on his shoulder, and the other on Mike.... she FORCED the two apart, making eye contact with Mike. He needed to be strong too.... she reminded him that.

"Alright, Mikey..... that's enough....[gentler] that's enough. We can't HELP him like this.... WE can help him by killing HER. We have to break her hold of him. Morgan is going to send him to Limbo now. You're going to help me show that stupid fool masquerading as Isis that she messed with the WRONG family."


Mike at first resisted strongly, even using leverage to resist, but as he looked into Haleigh's eyes, he saw that she was right and even more importantly, she cared. He knew then that the only way forward now was to FIGHT.

He stood quickly, pulling his mask on and activating his systems as he put on his new shoulder and waist belt of goodies, finally inspecting then holstering his weapons as the initialization whine of his baton and his left gauntlet indicated they were energized. Finally, he disappeared...

only to reappear beside Haleigh, apparently walking there cloaked without making ANY noise, courtesy of his new training.

Let's take it to them then.

Suddenly the doors burst open as a siren wailed...

[Silver Swan]

[ another nightmare in the making. another "son" seemingly on the verge of being lost. Sharon looked stone faced, and stood silent. she was closest to t he double doors across the room. In her silver adamantium armour bodice, boots and "gloves", the Silver Swan as ready for battle as she donned her silver eyemask. her blonde, silver streaked hair was once again styled...she looked refreshed, but her silver eyes and the frown on her face said it all...she was NOT happy.]

not again...

[she said softly as Alison revealed what was Nicolas' fate..and the outcome for Morgan and the others. only this time it wasnt Mystech...it wasnt even Malice and unknown to them, it went BEYOND even Isis!]

[ If Nicolas WERE to become a major threat to them, Sharon was among the physically strongest. She, Morgan and Haleigh were the top three women for physical strength, followed by Alison, who could augment her physical attacks with super speed AND telekinetic power and Persephone who had strength above peak human level. and Firebird, whose power set varied from Foxfire's and allowed her to increase her strength as well. But would even all of THAT be enough to deal with Nicolas? Of them all, Sharon was the one who was truly INVULNERABLE to most forms of injury due to her mutate status. Nicolas knew it. Would he try to TEST it if he should attack them? She would most likely have to call on her body's physical constitution to protect or rescue more than one member of the team.]

[ she was ready to fight the sisterhood. she had a score to settle with MALICE, but she would go to the ends of LIMBO to save Nicolas if she had to. She owed that to him AND his father, Gustav. She was not "Afraid" like the others...but she did feel a growing sense of loss, the feeling that her past was doomed to repeat itself with those she cared about and while Kyle was already gone, Nicolas could soon join hiim...hell, SHE might have to decapitate HIM as she did her own SON!]

[ as the team struggled to come to terms with Alison's vision Sharon kept watch....using her hearing and her sonar to anticipate any intrusion. but so far, nothing. She watched the group...each of them reacting. She stood near Firebird, who she had come to form a friendship with during their time at the Hellfire club.]

Don't worry, Blaze. I'll do EVERYTHING I can to protect Morgan. I'm super strong AND i'm invulnerable. I'm alot harder to beat than i might look.

[ she said with a smirk on her face. the idea of cutting loose on Malice, or any of the sisterhood GREATLY appealed to her.]



[ as Spellbinder lifted her hand...]

someone's coming!

[she heard the foot falls of a soldier even before they could be heard by anyone else, save Delilah who also had perfect hearing.]


[the alarms sounded off... and Sharon turned to face the doors. If it was a FOE, they'd meet with her adamantium armoured FIST in their FACE.]

[Firebird]

Despite Morgan’s psi screen, Blaze could strongly feel her sister’s emotions like a tsunami wave. Which had overwhelmed her senses as it would intertwine with her own. Morgan needed the team now more than ever. Moving around a few teammates to get closer to Morgan, as her hand reached out to touch the side of her shoulder to offer just an ounce of comfort while Alison watched over her sibling.

Between Nicolas, Alison’s eerie predictions, and Morgan’s troubled heart, Blaze’s eyes bled worry as she held herself together. She felt so helpless as she watched her sister ADMIT she was afraid. Something Morgan never did, at least the alternate hadn’t witnessed it. Blaze wanted to help, in fact the whole team did but would it be enough?

Sharon’s voice rang through the air as she turned to look at the other woman. Offering her a weak smile Blaze appreciated her kind words of support. “Thank you, I know you and Alison will do whatever it takes to ensure her safety.”

Morgan would commence in sending Nicolas to Limbo just as Sharon alerted someone was coming. Turning towards the door with Sharon, Blaze raised her hands as she’d ignite a large ringlet around the team that would morph into a large flaming domain that surrounded them for their protection. Firebird wasn’t about to chance anything as her fists closed, prepared for the worst. Echoes of footsteps could be heard as Firebird turned to gaze at Silver Swan. “You’re right.”

The blare of alarms reverberated through the mansion while Firebird remained side-by-side Silver Swan. Whatever or whoever was coming neither would allow that entity in not without one hell of a fight!

[Enchantra]

<< and so, Spellbinder prepared to send Nicolas to Limbo, extending her hand and about to summon a stepping disc, when suddenly the double doors burst open and the red alert siren begins to sound off.>>


An illusion of a well known guard--whom Alison had personally picked herself to stay at Minerva's mansion--burst through the medical lab doors.

"They've breached the mansion!"

Numerous machine guns could be heard firing in the distance, as well as explosions and screams...however, THOSE weren't illusions. The mansion was in fact under attack by the WILDpack. The young officer, dressed in standard swat attire, held a machine gun in his right hand, closest to where Karen stood.

"I've sent back up..."

As Karen turned her head just enough to loose the officer in her line of sight, he lifted the machine gun and SLAMMED the butt of it straight into the back of her head.

"Because you certainly need it, kiddies."

The man's voice was now the voice of HELENA, which might come off as comical to some, but with Karen collapsed on the ground with blood pouring out of her head, it was hardly a joke. The illusion slowly faded from sight...but the sounds of chaos continued to echo throughout the vast mansion.

[Silver Swan]

[ as the female guard burst in, Silver Swan didnt have any way of knowing that it was a trick, an illusion. The guard came foward toward Harbinger as the mutate watched intently.]

[ but moments lately ANOTHER guard suddenly attacked Karen, slamming the butt of his machine into her head and knocked her out, leaving a serious injury to her head]

Karen!!!

[ the Mutate thrusts her hand in the direction of the guard in a split second, hurling adamantium shards , but they fly through the ILLUSION and slam into the wall instead!]



it was a TRICK!

[ Sharon heard Helena's voice.]

Come out HERE and show yourself!...you two bit, tawdry WHORE!

[ the sounds of violence through the mansion rang clearely in Sharon's ears.]

the WILDpack are in the mansion. HUNDREDS of them, they're using weapons and poison talismans created by Isis to kill the soldiers and their goal is to reach the underground catacombs. I can hear it from HERE.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder's attention was drawn to the doors like th e others as the soldier burst in, informing Harbinger of the breach. And then, another soldier strikes Karen in the head...with his machine gun. her mother cries out before falling the floor.>>

MOTHER!

<< Sharon tries to take down the guard, but it was an illusion. Morgan rushes from Nicolas' bedside over to her mother, kneeling down and cradling her in her arms....the wound to her head was bad...and she was unconscious. Her pulse was there...but it was weaker.>>

She's still alive...thank the goddess!

Hold on mom....I'll HEAL YOU!

<< She hears Helena's voice come from the "guard" as it disappears...but she can hardly be bothered to respond just now as she ignites magick, to heal her mother's wound.>>

<< Sharon informs them that she can hear the WILDpack inside the castle, their goal is the undergound catacombs.>>

[Isis]

[ at that moment, as Spellbinder rushes to her mother's aid...the double doors blast open and are blown off their hinges as an unearthly, howling wind rushes into the medical room, the wind is filled with slicing sand particles. the howling intensifies as a large, bizarre APPARITION flies into the room...a hooded creature with glowing eyes from the shadow enshrouded face, covered in a tattered robe with its skeletal hands flailing in the air. it was surrounded by swirling wind and sand. it FAINLY resembled a smaller version of IMAGIOMG, the demon mage that brutalized HALEIGH over a year ago in the Citadle and had posessed Alison.]

[but it was a demonic guardian that usually patrolled the halls of pharoah's tombs. it had the power to bring DEATH and DECAY to anything or anyone it touched. bullets would be usless against it. it was intangible to most physical attempts to hit or contain it, but IT could strike at its targets. it flew about, darting this way and that with such speed...menacing them from the air. ]

[ this was the work of ISIS, Persephone would recognize the apparition and as it flew into the room, it immediately set its sight on NICOLAS intending to make him rot, wither and decay in a horrid death.]

[ golden scorpions were in the mansion now as well, attacking the soldiers. a scorpion was creeping up on MIKE, as he was no doubt concerned for Karen and distracted. the scorpion moved in rather quickly and raised its tail, about to STING Mike in his back and spine!]

[ Isis herself had cast a cloaking spell over the Sisterhood and used her own spells to gain entance into the mansion as both Morgan and Alison had NEGLECTED to cast a warding spell around the perimeter of the property. it was too late now.]

[ the Black Queen, the Red Queen and the White Queen were now in full effect. following Malice's plan to strike from a DISTANCE first before moving in for the kill.]

[Harley Quinn]

:: Watching as Alison grabbed Morgan and warned her about her visions, Morgan's eyes portrayed the hurt and fear that Ava knew she would feel. Mike began to plead his case once again and put his heart on his sleeve which seemed to touch everyone in the room. Watching him holding Nicolas and Haleigh try to pull him away, Ava's expression didn't change, however she did feel a pang of simpathy for the young man. ::

:: Just as Morgan was prepared to send Nicolas to limbo, the medical bay doors burst open as a young man came running into the room saying the mansion was under attack. The sisterhood was here, and they were making their presents known. ::

"Get him [Nicolas] out of here, we've--"

:: Before Ava could finish her sentence the same guard suddenly, and unexpectedly, slammed the butt of his gun into Karen's head, sending her flying to the floor like a rag doll. Ava gasped in shock as she immediately kneeled by Karen's side along with Morgan. Looking up at the guard as Morgan began to heal the doctor, Sharon unleashed an attack which revealed it was one of Helena's illusions....but what followed was certainly not of Helena's doing. ::

:: Ducking her head as the door exploded inward off it's hinges, Ava shielded her head with her arm as splinters of wood showered onto the floor. An all too familiar howling sound filled the room causing Ava to look up just in time to see a hooded creature fly through the doorway. ::

"Don't let it near you!"

:: The creature was a manifestation of Isis' powers that Ava was very familiar with. They were literally death, and with one touch, they could turn a person into a pile of bones and rotting flesh. ::

[MorningStar]

Delilah encouraged her team to do something – anything but wait for the inevitable to come. But they had no time to prepare, no time to strategize – the enemy was upon them lightning fast as the doors rushed open. In what seemed like a split second, Karen was down and the doors to the room were blown of their hinges.

MorningStar put a hand up in front of her face – too little protection against the blowing sand stinging her exposed skin. The dark form entered the MedBay – she could see skeletal hands but its face was shrouded in shadow.

“What the hell is that?!”

Persephone yelled for them not to let it touch them, but didn’t offer up why. But Delilah wasn’t about to sign up for a trip to Maui with it anyway so Ava’s word was good enough for her. It raced around the room, eluding their attacks.

“You move fast, buddy boy, but so can I!”

MorningStar thrust her hands out, leading the intruder, and let loose with a photon laser blast. She smiled as her blast was dead on target.

“What else they go-“

The flying figure didn’t even pause as the blast sailed through it and blew a hole in the MedBay wall.

Oops.

The blowing sand made the room considerably darker, even with the hospital lighting. And they still had yet to see their attacker’s face.

I bet it’s Malice’s bony grandma face under that hood.

“Why don’t you come out and play?”

MorningStar sent rays of pure light out from her body, illuminating the room and the dark figure.

“Now let’s see what’s behind door number two…”

[Arsenal]

How did it all happen so FAST?1

Before he could do more than pull a weapon, the illusion had dealt a horrid blow to Karen, dissipating as Sharon and himself laid down a killing barrage. He went to Karen, as Morgan healed her, checking her for signs of life feverishly and then
thinking to himself, his military training taking over.

This is a perfect setup for an ambush...

Mike wheeled around just in time to get his baton up as the creature struck, barely blocking it. He lifted his left hand and blasted it with a repulsor, sending it skittering backwards, but not before a forepincer sliced at his right rm, cutting it at the forearm. he exclaimed as he saw the apparition move about the room, Morningstar trying to hit it.

Shit!! Get out in the open, they have the advantage with us boxed in.

As Delilah hit the apparition it paused but was unharmed, apparently intent on Nicolas. As it approached the table, Mike lifted the metahuman in a fireman's carry, and they both disappeared as the creature reached for him. Instead of Nicolas, he reached over to find a concussion grenade left by Mike, who detonated it into the monster, hoping to at least push it back from the others.

Mike was now trying to escape the room with Nicolas, hoping to hide him until the rest of team regrouped...

[Harbinger]

:: it was happening just as Harbinger had feared, but there remained a FAINT possibility in the most probable time threads that the Six could at least avoid CASUALTIES and regroup for the NEXT encounter. for now, they had to go forward as best they could. it was already clouded with the presence of not one, but TWO alternates from other timelines as well as the fog that loomed over Nicolas.::

:: the apparition in the room was what concerned her at the moment...the unearthly creature that flew about, as a wind and sand induced haze darkened the room. the howling was unsettling but Harbinger thrust her hand out ala' Prue Halliwell and a rushing chiming sound was heard....but no effect. she couldnt move the form.::

:: Morningstar fires a laser blast but it too fails to connect until finally she unleashes a broad beam of pure , intense, LIGHT!::

That will do it!

:: she moves forward to lead the group out , being a precog she'll be able to detect things faster than the others if they are coming.::

We can't go outside, there's a storm, our only choice is to move out into the open areas of the Mansion....

:: where Sharon had indicated golden scorpions and WILDpack were attacking the soldiers.::


:: as she moves, she thrusts her hands out ala' Piper Halliwell and begins to BLOW UP several scorpions, but after half a dozen...the next batch are simply bowled over and knocked back...and their golden forms seem to be ADAPTING.::

the scorpions are ADAPTING to my attack. they will do the same for each of you TOO!

[Oracle]

<< the flying apparition seemed to delight in the way the humans scrambled to avoid even the smallest of touch from it. But Morningstar was on to it, her powers activating at light speed made it impossible for most targets to evade her blasts but while she had great aim, the laser bolt went right through it!>>

<< as it closed in on Nicolas, and Mike tried to remove Nicolas from the bed, Morningstar bombarded the creature in a ray of light, and as it screamed with fury, it shriveled up and fizzeld out, leaving nothing but its echoed scream and a trail of sand to fall to the floor.>>

<< Arsenal narrowly avoids being stung by a golden scorpion as Harbinger moves to lead them out of the medical lab while Spellbinder and Persephone help Karen to her feet. Firebird brings up the rear, manifesting a fire wall that moves behind them, blocking most anything else from posssibly reaching them.>>

<< the have no choice but to get out into the larger areas of the mansion where anything or anyONE could be laying in wait.>>

<< but the battle has just begun and will not go the way ANYONE expects.>>

[Silver Swan]

[ Silver Swan couldnt effect the flying creature, that much she knew, but she COULD do something about that golden scorpion. as Arsenal defends himself from the agressive creature. It comes around again for its target and Silver Swan takes one step and...]

STOMP!

[ a pained squeal, followed by crunching exo skeleton as the Silver Swan SLAMS DOWN on the creature with her silver high heeled boot.]

There. That takes care of THAT.

[ she said flatly as her killer instinct remained in tact.]

[ she felt the instinct to try to keep the flying creature away from Nicolas but MorningStar dealt with it and now it was time to move out of there and into a wider area to battle. as Harbinger blew up a few golden scorpions, Silver Swan continued to use her super strength to crush some or even grab some from the wall and rip them apart. her invulnerability made it less dangerous for her to risk touching them inspite of thier speed , agression and durability.]

[ Harbinger warned them that the scorpions would adapt to each individual attacker though.]

[Harley Quinn]

:: As the cloaked demon flew over her head, Persephone quickly ducked to avoid it's touch. Looking down at Morgan and Karen, the doctor was slowly coming too as the rest of the team took care of Nicolas and the demon. Kneeling down among the chaos, Ava assisted Morgan in helping her mother up onto her feet so they could leave the medical bay and head for a more open battle area. With Firefox behind them and the rest of the team ahead, they took the majority of the hits as WILDpack soliders and giant scorpions attacked. However a few straglers managed to break through and try to attack Ava, Morgan, and Karen. ::

"Hold on!"

:: The majority of Karen's body weight was resting on Ava and Morgan, so with her free hand, Ava gestured out sending a blast of sub zero wind directly at the two WILDpack soliders, literally freezing them in place before they fell to the ground shattering. ::

"We need to get out of this corridoor!"

:: Stepping through the ice shards of broken WILDpack, Ava continued to help Morgan with Karen down the hall, finally seeing the grand foyer ahead of them. ::

[MorningStar]

MorningStar followed Harbinger out of the MedLab and into the hallway. Clusterfuck didn’t begin to describe the scene, with soldiers and scorpions creating chaos everywhere they turned. Ava was right – they had to get out of this hallway or they would be slaughtered.

Not wanting to waste a shot (as Alison had warned them the scorpions would adapt to their powers) MorningStar stepped to the front, staring down a large mass of scorpions clamoring towards them. She pointed her hands flat out in front of her, palms facing the ground. She unleashed a wide spectrum photon beam, intending to blast the scorpions out of their way (and take a few soldiers with them) enough for them to escape to better ground.

“At least the WildPack don’t adapt to our powers…so we can kick their asses all day long.”

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder hurried along, steadying her mother on one side while Persephone did the same on the other side of Karen.>>

<< Harbinger, Silver Swan and Morningstar all helped to clear the path of scorpions and WILDpack and as Persephone froze more of the Red Queen's soldiers, Spellbinder looked at her mother. Even among the sounds of chaos, the storm raged outside.>>

Why would they come inside like this? surely they know without the WILDpack and these...scorpions...they are out numbered!

Persephone, please help my mother, she's still recovering from that nasty blow...even with the wound healed. I'm going to use a spell to FORCE the Sisterhood to decloak.

<< as the group hurried down a flight of stairs and out into the grand foyer, Spellbinder took to the air with the sound of rushing wind and chimes. She flew up to the center of the domed ceiling and began to flood the area with glowing enchantments.>>

the forces of evil at work...course unseen across the sky
appear before me as i summon you. appear before me and settle HERE


<< and with that, she ignites the spell that will warp and overpower Isis' cloak. >>


Where ever they are...they wont be able to hide NOW!

[Jessica Hamby]

Mike stood with her, resolved to fight. Haleigh gave him a brisk pat on the back before lifting an assault rifle and keeping an eye around. Everyone else faced the door, Haleigh watched the REST of the room, wary of surprise behind attacks. A guard came in and unexpectedly knocked Karen out, the disappeared... and the onslaught was on. Mike fought off a scorpion, Haleigh stayed near Nicolas so that she could cover him. As the floating apparition stormed the room, Haleigh was eeriely reminded of Imagiomg.....

"Hmm.... I remember you being bigger."

She said, shrugging off the creeps. Ava warned them not to let it touch them.... but Haleigh hadn't planned on letting it get that close. Alison and Delilah both tried stopping it with their powers.... neither seemed to work... and as it started to come after Nicolas, Haleigh put herself between the creature and Nic instinctively. Mike picked Nic up and Haleigh ushered him off.

"Good, get him OUT of here, I'll stall!"

She had no idea what to do though... it seemed to be incorporeal.... she knew bullets would have no effect. It was getting close. Haleigh threw up her arms to steel herself against it, settling for just slowing the thing down and giving Mike time to create some distance, but Morningstar stepped in, blasting it with light and destroying it. Haleigh lowered the muzzle of her gun as she watched the sandy remains fall, sprinkling on her somewhat. She shook the sand out of her hair, brushing it off her shoulders, looking up at Delilah.

"I guess that means it doesn't want to play with you after all."

Haleigh said, smirking..... but she stopped.... turned quickly... her sensors were detecting an active--

"GRENADE!"

Sharon was nearby, and Haleigh wasn't sure how well protected she might be so she took every precaution, grabbing Sharon by the elbow and yanking her aside, as she threw up her hand in a 'stop' motion, SHAPING the blast of the grenade away from her and Sharon. The bed Nic had been on previously was blasted to small bits, and they were all showered with tufts of bed linens. Haleigh was careful to shield her teammates from the metal bits of bed frame that were falling as they all made for the hallway.

Morgan and Ava lead Karen, Alison, Sharon, and Morningstar tore into the ranks of scorpions, Blaze kept up the rear. Haleigh dropped the wildpack members with short volleys of precise gunfire. Morningstar noted that the Wildpack didn't adapt and were easily dealt with.

"Yeah.... [short blast of sharpshooting] It's almost..... [another volley] BORING already."

She responded. They moved forward fluidly. A couple of Wildpack men managed to weasel their way through, but Ava dealt with them quickly.

"Whoops... sorry, must've overlooked those two."

Haleigh said sheepishly, as her boots ground their frozen bits into the marble floors, she beckoned the rest forward.

We need to get out of this corridoor!

"The grand foyer is just ahead! [stopping to kill a trio of advancing Wildpack men] Keep Moving!"

[Oracle]

<< the group covered each other and dealt with the initial wave of WILDpack and golden scorpions. MORE were heading underground to the catacombs, but Harbinger's soldiers would have to hold their ground as best they could. they were all that stood between the sealed entrance of the underground fortress and Pandora as well as the rest of the "secrets of the world">>

<< now out in the grand foyer, the group could look up and see several circular levels that reached from the ground to the top of the mansion. Spellbinder flew above flooding the area with enchantments as she cast a spell to force the Sisterhood to appear.>>

<< In this BRIEF moment, Arsenal had a chance to lay Nicolas on a double chaise lounge. Silver Swan stood nearby...not only to watch for Nicolas but for Mike as well.>>


<< after the spell was cast...energies began to clash as Isis' cloaking spell was overpowered by Spellbinder's magick it was a move that Isis would not take kindly to but with Malice speaking to Enchantra telepathically, she directed the metahuman to manifest MULTIPLE copies of the sisterhood ALL AROUND. some on floors over looking the foyer. it would be MORE than a little difficult to discern the real ones from the fake.>>

[Malice]

:: the spell forces Malice and the others to appear, but per her plan, Malice is ready for this moment.::

::Yawn::

So you've found us. We ALL know you're the "sorceress supreme"...too bad your constantly second guessing yourself. You havent been the same since you became the "Signature Super HAS BEEN"...oh wait, it started BEFORE didnt it? The Inferno, Master Mold so many blunders, so many moments of no self control, and even now, You wonder where your place is. You can't EVER be as effective as you should be when you're NEVER where you're SUPPOSED to be.

:: points at Nicolas::

Just LOOK! He's the way he is BECAUSE OF YOU! You don't trust men, but the truth is that men shouldnt trust YOU OR your mother! People who stay around you too long DIE...either because of you...

:: at her cue, Helena broadcasts the image of Spellbinder as she appeared during the Inferno. this manifestation GRABS Arsenal by the neck and begins to strangle him..::

Spellbinder manifestation: Surprised to see me? Enjoy your last moments of life, frail mortal. your soul will light the path for your descendants when i drag THEM to hell to join you!

Bring back any memories, dear sweet DARKCHILDE?

:: zoom arond to the corridor entrance, as yet another Malice appears. at the same time ANOTHER Malice appears at Black Widow's 9 o'clock::

but that's so old...ancient actually, like Dr. Victoria.

There's no need to worry about an inferno redux. But your own bitter heart betrays something ELSE...a LOSS of confidence and purpose! You may not fear becoming a wicked witch again...

:: ANOTHER Malice is sitting in the hand of a LARGE marble statue which is over looking the Six in the grand foyer::

but you DO fear never TRULY being fullfilled again. Not having the life you worked so hard for. Never being TRULY effective. After all, you can't even protect your friends and your FAMILY can you?

:: and ONE MORE Malice, overlooking the circular balcony from a higher level. ALL of the Malice's eyes begin to glow.::

Why dont you LEAVE? There is only ONE place where you can TRULY be "special" again...LIMBO! That IS your TRUE home isnt it? You channel magick so dark...so DEADLY that you dont BELONG here. GO BACK TO HELL, Morgan...take your place THERE and FORGET this place. You'll be better off and so will your FRIENDS, who secretly REVILE you for being a DEMON SORCERESS!

:: Malice plays upon Morgan's fears and guilt all at once...using her empathy to draw on Morgan's hidden instinct to flee to Limbo whenever she feels overwhelmed. something that Morgan conditioned herself to do if she ever thought she was about to lose control on the level of the Inferno again.::

No more failures, no more short comings, no more having to live on this earth knowing how utterly IRRELEVANT you are! LEAVE, Spellbinder. Go to LIMBO where you belong!


:: for the unprotected minds Malice attacks with a PSI SHOCK, causing extreme pain and spasms in Morningstar, Firebird, Persephone and Arsenal. It's the mental equivalent of them having stuck their fingers into an electrical socket. Not enough to maim or kill, but MORE than enough to stumble and stagger. she saves the final part of her move for the last. BASHING Black Widow in the back of her head with her diamond fist Malice shoves the hybrid into a pillar with such force.::

Enchantra, Isis...move in!

:: touching her index and middle fingers to her forehead in a "salute" gusture...the sound of energy is heard as a white energy signature flares and then a PSI javeline forms into her gripped hand. taking aim, she HURLS the javeline for Rampage. if it hits...it will obliterate the structure of his mind, leaving him a mindless, vegetable with no chance of recovery. ::

[Harbinger]

Spellbinder! She's attacking you with EMPATHY! DONT LISTEN!


Dammit....its too late! she's having an EFFECT!

:: Harbinger looks at each one of the Malices that appears...but because of Enchantra's power, its more difficult to determine which one presents the most immediate threat.::

:: the manifestation of Spellbinder attacks Arsenal. Silver Swan was the closest to Mike and Nicolas...and she had the strength to free Arsenal from the attack of that manifestation::

Silver Swan! destroy that image! She doesnt have the totality of Morgan's power, DESPITE what it seems.

:: another Malice attacks the unprotected minds, with a PSI SHOCK, but Harbinger knows Malice herself knows that she cant attack HER with such a move.::

She's demonstrating a better synergy of her telepathy and her empathy. She's assimilated the skill of her alternate as well as the body after she forced her own consciousness into that body.

:: another Malice attacks Haleigh and then launches a javeline at Nicolas::

Sharon...move Nicolas...HURRY!

:: she extends her hand.::

JAVELINE!

:: the javeline's thunderous path is interrupted as it is enveloped in dark orbs and is whisked away, via Harbinger's TELEBLINKING. it rushes to her hand as she turns and redirects at::

I think this belongs to YOU, Malice!

:: hurling it back at the powerfull telepath.::

[Arsenal]

Mike laid Nicolas down on the chaise and turned to see the queens in full effect.

As Malice spoke, working against Morgan, Mike tried to interrupt...

only to be lifted into the air by an "Inferno" Morgan, beautiful and deadly all at once. If not for his suit, he would already be mortally wounded, and he gasped as he looked for a way to gain some...ANY leverage. Sharon came to the rescue and Mike fell to the floor, looking around for Malice as his head looked to explode from a psi shock. His body trembled and he had to hold back vomit as he gathered his wits to try to look for Malice. He found his quarry when she took a shot at Haleigh, then threw a psi javelin at NICOLAS!!!

Mike knew what they meant and could do, and he could not let the boy die without even taking a shot at things. He placed himself in front of the javelin, barely erecting a shield as the javelin disappeared into black orbs. He wasted no time with this chance, tossing a bolo to encircle Malice. As it sped to its target, it began to emit WHITE NOISE from small machines on the weighted ends, designed to disrupt Malice's powers and disorient her. He spoke quickly to Alison two words, hoping she would receive them.

Thanks, Seer.

[Silver Swan]

[ Silver Swan was finally getting the chance to CONTRIBUTE without interruption. they had a common goal, to save Nicolas. It was more than a little personal for Sharon, after all he'd done to help her since her resurrection.]

[ as they bulled their way through the corridor covering each other, they reached the Grand Foyer and as Spellbinder forced the Sisterhood to decloak, Silver Swan pointed to one of the Malices]


LOOK!

[ but there was more than one, and each one seemed as REAL as the next. even Sharon could hear their breathing and heart beats...NORMAL illusions didnt have such things.]

[suddenly a demonic Morgan appeaers between Sharon and Mike. the startled mutate looks at the demonic Spellbinder and then up at the one in the air who is clearly struggling as she is under empathic attack. Sharon realized that this one here was not the real Morgan.]

Silver Swan! That demonic manifestation isnt real! DESTROY IT!

[she nodded...]

right!

[ and moved forward to intervene.]

You...LET GO OF HIM!

[ she reaches out, her adamantium armour covered hands taking hold of the demonic Morgan's arms. there's a struggle, since this manifestation appears to have SOME of Morgan's super strength, but after a few precious, harrowing moments, Sharon BREAKS her hold over Arsenal and forces her away from him. Silver Swan intends to attack again but the illusion fades. it drew her attention long enough to leave Nicolas open for the attack from MALICE.]

Oh no!!


[ Sharon runs forward and leaps, grabbing hold of NIcolas and immediately ZOOMING up into the air. her super strength making it easy for her to carry him aloft as Harbinger TELEBLINKS the javeline away.]

don't you worry, Nicolas. I will keep you safe. I have the power to do it now.

[ she flies into the air, and lands into large niche that holds another marble statue, hiding Nicolas behind the statue, she stays out on the edge, crouched down and waiting.]

[Malice]

:: Malice snaps her glare at Harbinger.::

Have you forgotten? Dear sweet, Alison, that neither you NOR Morgan are safe from me INSPITE of your Psi Screens? my EMPATHIC ability makes the two of you ESPECIALLY fun targets. When we last faced off I pushed you into leveling half of Central Park before. Your black heart is so PRIMED for violence, for MURDER....

:: The Sisterhood underestimated Arsenal. Being that he as human. Malice suddenly finds HERSELF reeling from growing pain ...::

AHHH!!! DAMMIT!

:: it was a rare thing for someone or something to overpower HER telepathy, but WHITE NOISE was an anethma for ANY telepath...and with the cutting edge technology that Mike had access to, it was a sound move on his part, as the omega telepath found herself being hampered by the orbs generating white noise. her own training and conditioning made her revert to DIAMOND form to protect her body...but without being able to get a fix on the orbs...or even open her eyes as she clutched her head from pain and distress, she couldnt see the orbs to smash them.::

:: she was about to attack Harbinger, but now, she was on the receiving end of an attack herself. Now was the time for Enchantra and Isis to back her play and continue to show their new found strategic prowess.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder smirked as she forced the Sisterhood to appear...each one at a different vantage point, probably by design, but then MORE than one MALICE appeared. Malice wasnt magically powered and so Morgan couldnt detect which one was the REAL Malice. Enchantra's power, coupled with Malice's own psionic ability to cast astral illusions made this move a particularly confusing one for them all, even Alison!>>


maybe...that wasnt such a good idea AFTER all...

<< and JUST LIKE THAT, Malice SEIZED on Morgan's doubt and uncertainty. Morgan, Alison or any other psi screened individual might become too used to relying on that as their primary defense against psychics, but Malice, and those like her, of high level and skill sometimes had extra measures available to them, including EMPATHY.>>

<< as the telepath bombarded Morgan, amplifying what was already in her heart, bringing secret feelings to the surface, Morgan began to look disoriented and distressed, hovering in the air all she could feel was the growing need to ESCAPE!>>

spell...went wrong, made things WORSE! failed...always failing. Sharon, Nicolas, New York city...doomed to never be happy again...

<< Suddenly, Limbo seemed like a wonderfull place for her to be. It was HER'S after all. There she was special, all powerfull...she could be whomever she wanted to be and she'd never have to worry about failing, being failed or having her life changed against her will again.>>

Limbo....home....safe....

<< Morgan felt nauseated at first, but now she felt like...>>

like...all I have to do...is just...go home....


<< suddenly nothing else around her registered, nothing else mattered. in order for her to be safe, and in order for those she cared about to be safe, she had to GO!>>

<< and just like that, to the horror of Harbinger who screamed for her not to listen, Spellbinder TELEPORTS AWAY! retreating to Limbo.>>

[Isis]

[ Isis steps forward and blasts Arsenal in the back with a sparkling, "sun light" hued blast of energy]

AWAY from here, foolish Mortal. Your gadgets and trinkets will avail you NOTHING against the power of ISIS!


[ she fires upon him again. blasting the floor where he landed and opens a hole in it...where a group of golden scorpions await him. stingers primed for attack and pincers chomping at the chance to tear at his armour.]

vermin has only ONE PLACE...in a PIT of death!

[ she then turns her attention to Black Widow and Firebird who are advancing on Malice.]

I think NOT!

[ an explosive sound is heard as she BLASTS both women with another bolt of sunlight hued energy...the blast is wide and broad beamed and hits one of the orbs encircling Malice, breaking the link between the machines and giving her a chance to free herself. ]

[ and to KEEP them from coming after Malice, Isis transforms into a cloud of explosive, high speed wind and sand like particles...attacking those nearest Malice as she slices at their skin, cuts down the air they have to breathe.]


[ she knows that Silver Swan has moved Nicolas, and is protecting him. She will get after THAT woman soon enough, but for now...beating back the Six is the primary goal.]

[Enchantra]

Enchantra stood safely among hundreds of duplicates, watching as the battle unfolded. As Malice got struck by an attack from Mike, Isis leapt into action, attacking Haleigh and Blaze. With those two twits distracted, Helena took the initiative to seak out and capture Nicolas. Walking through the mass of clones, the red queen approached where Nicolas was laying. Sharon was near by.....with a smirk, Helena's body began to shape itself into Sharon's deformed and mutated son, Kyle. Along with Kyle's pyshical appearence, she also obtained his strength, which nearly matched Sharon's.

Back handing Silver Swan in the side of her head, Helena sent mommy dearest flying through the air and smashing into a marble statue near by; far enough away to leave Nicolas vulnerable.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Spellbinder instructed Persephone to watch over Karen as she flew off, trying to draw out the sisterhood with a spell. Wrapping her arm around the back of Karen while Karen slinked hers along Ava's shoulders, the goddess held the doctors weight as they moved out of the corridoor and into the main foyer. Mike placed Nicolas over on a chase and Ava quickly moved to an antique chair that sat nearest the stairs. Helping Karen to sit down, Persephone turned to look over her shoulder seeing not one, but hundreds of sisterhood clones filling the foyer and upper levels of the mansion. Malice began an emotional attack on Spellbinder, using her past as ammo. As Malice attacked Mike, she sent a psi attack to all unprotected minds, which included Ava's. ::

"AHH!"

:: Grabbing her head in pain, Persephone stumbled, grabbing onto the arm of the chair that Karen was sitting in. With her eyes tightly shut and her teeth clenched, Ava swayed feeling like her head was about to exploded any second. But just as she felt like she was about to pass out, the pain stopped, allowing the goddess to catch her breath and fall to one knee with relief. Looking over at Malice with teary, bloodshot eyes, Mike had attacked her with white noise, which made the bitch retreat into her diamond form. However with Malice out for the time being, Isis stepped up and began an attack on Haleigh and Blaze. ::

:: Pushing herself up off her knee, Persephone watched as Isis turned herself into a violent sand storm, attacking those closest to Malice, which luckily wasn't her. ::

:: Extending her hand out, Ava sent a wave of hurricane-lilke winds at Isis' sand form, sending her blasting into the direction of Kyle, whom Persephone guessed was the REAL Helena. Isis' sand form ravaged Helena's body as it was meant to do to Haleigh and Blaze. ::

"Now really, Dominique....if all you're going to do is exfoliate my teammate's skin tonight, let me know and i'll cancel my spa appointment."

[Silver Swan]

Morgan! DON'T!

[ Sharon held her armour covered hand in protest as her friend teleported away in despair because of Malice. From her vantage point, Sharon COULD have flown into the air and caught Spellbinder, tried to shake some sense into her, but she couldnt leave Nicolas.]

We need to stay together...

[ she said, feeling more than a little upset that the sisterhood seemed to once again be getting the drop on them. Isis attacked Arsenal , then Black Widow and Firebird. Sharon remained perched above, watching intently when suddenly HER OWN SON accosted her!]

[GASP!!]

[ she GASPED at the sight of his monstrous form, before being struck and sent flying. her own invulnerability would protect her from any real damage, but the sudden ambush left her no time to react or defend as she went flying and smashing into the pillar near Black Widow, causing it collapse, sending chunks of marble and debris down toward Black Widow, Firebird and Morningstar.]

[ worse, there was no one watching over Nicolas now.]


...uhhh...

[ Sharon knew that wasnt HER son. he couldnt have been a little boy hours ago and the monster he was turned into so quickly. it had to be ENCHANTRA again...but while she was undamaged, she was suitably stunned for the moment and unable to get up and charge at her foe just yet.

[Enchantra]

Helena, still glamoured as the mutated version of Kyle, reached down and picked up Nicolas by the arm like a rag doll. But suddenly a sudden stinging sensation hit Helena as Isis' sandstorm form came barrelling at her thanks to Persephone. The sand completely enveloped her, obscuring her vision and causing her to cry out in pain which incidently sounded EXACTLY the way Kyle did right as Sharon killed him.

Dropping Nicolas, Helena glamoured back into her own form before grabbing at her cape and circling it around her. Transforming the cape into a plexiglass shield to protect her from the onslaught, the metamorph grunted out feeling the effects from the sand tearing at her skin.

"Don't attack me you IDIOT!"

Screaming out over the chaos and noise for Isis to stop playing sandwoman and go after the six, Helena was already planning her next assult....

"Diane! I need information, now!"

[Isis]

[ Isis encountered resistance from another goddess, Persephone. In times long past, Persephone was good friends with the original Isis. this gave the goddess an advantage, a familiarity with the powers of Isis. Dominique, however, was NO friend of Persephone's though she was aware of Ava prior to their merger in the Seige Perilous.]

[ the wind attack prooved all too effective against Isis in her explosive cloud of sand form. as she was forcibly blown off course and into Enchantra. The omnimorph bellowed at Isis, who was already returning to her original form.]

It isn't as though i CHOSE to do so, you viper.

[ Isis spat back at Helena before sweeping her own cape around herself and disappearing in a swirl of black light, reappearing infront of Persephone.]

I suppose you think you're clever, with your little one liners. I prefer to let my actions speak for themselves.

[ grabbing hold of Persephone's wrist, Isis begins to DRAIN the woman of her life force....in keeping with Isis' power to restore and reinvigerate life OR take it away. ]

You might want to spend less time trying to be clever and more time bonding with your friends. Here, let me help you.

[ and with that, she swings the suitably drained Persephone around, before throwing her into Harbinger, who was trying to make a move to protect Nicolas. aided by a gust of sandy winds, the goddess slams into Harbinger with MORE than the force of a football player tackling his opponent.]

[Malice]

:: having fallen to her knees, the telepath FINALLY felt freedom from the white noise trap thanks to Isis.::

Meddling insect!

:: she hissed...as she held her hand to her forehead. her psi powers were coming back to full strength as Isis struck at the others and Enchantra succeeded in getting Silver Swan away from Nicolas.::

:: her FIRST flash of instinct was to ANNIHILATE Arsenal with a PSYCHO BLAST and leave him for dead... but he was given PLENTY to keep him busy thanks to Isis.::


:: looking over, she saw Isis attacking Persephone and Enchantra near Rampage.::

telepathically to Helena: Harbinger is making a move to try to MOVE Rampage again. use your powers to recreat the reality that Harbinger and Persephone were rescued from. I will back your play with my psi powers and my empathy. I will keep Black Widow, Firebird and Morningstar busy while Isis has a clear shot at Nicolas...make it COUNT. We dont want th em to regroup and move Nicolas again!


:: with that, Malice provides Enchantra with memories from Persephone as well as information she gleaned from Firebird back at the Hellfire mention.::

:: she backs Enchantra's play by casting astral illusions of psychic hounds, most notably NICOLAS. as well as the leech/zombie symbiote of Dr. James Marcus.::

:: then facing Morningstar, Black Widow and Firebird.::

well well...this is almost TOO easy!

:: extending her hand...a white halo forms around Morningstar and Firebird.::

We played this game BEFORE, remember, Black Widow? I turned your friends AGAINST YOU. I used them as a cat uses her toy, as i made them my catspaws...posessing them and making THEM do my work FOR ME.

So...are you going to do what you did then? Blame THEM for what they can't control? or are you going to do what you do BEST? KILL THEM like you bring DEATH to everyone ELSE you stay around too long?

:: she smirks and laughs softly.::

Morningstar, Firebird! ATTACK BLACK WIDOW!

:: what Malice HADNT accounted for was the topaz gem amulet that Morgan had charmed and placed around Blaze's neck only an hour before. this would make ALL the difference as Malice was now sending Haleigh's team mates against her ONCE MORE.::

[Arsenal]

As Mike moved to target Malice for another attack, he was blasted in the back by Isis, stunning him as he slipped forward. Isis then takes a moment to insult him as he recovers, his back stinging from the blast but intact. As Isis blasts the floor below him, he drops...

but manages to extend his baton over the opening, holding himself above the scorpions that he felt snapping below him, at his feet.

As he swung back up, shaking away the spare scorpions that tried to gain a hold, he noticed that Isis had also turned away from him having already launched a successful counterattack, swinging Persephone into Harbinger.

As she was occupied Mike decided turnabout was fair play, hitting her from behind with a high-powered taser line.

As Mike cloaked himself and moved away, the avatar of Isis was zapped with 500,000 volts of electricity. He was moving to target Helena when he felt a sharp sting. One of the scorpions had hitched a ride up the hole and had managed to detect and sting him!!! Mike grunted and rolled away even as he fumbled for something in his portable medkit to help him.

Good doctor, I owe you once again. I promise to repay you if I manage to survive...

Mike injected himself with a general blended antivenin even as he began to feel the sting's effects...and collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

[Enchantra]

Helena's plexiglass cape returned to it's normal state, falling around her body as she stood, watching Isis throw Persephone into Harbinger.

"Perfect timing."

Malice began to feed her every ounce of information she drained from those who's minds weren't protected by psi shields. Soaking it all up like a sponge, Helena turned her attention onto Ava and Alison...

As the two woman regained the barrings after being slammed into each other, they wouldn't see Minerva's mansion anymore....they wouldn't even see the rest of the six. Everything was silent and black. That endless black that was all too familiar to each of them. Malice's empathic attack serged into the woman like an electrical current, filling them with anxiety, mind numbing fear, panic, and helplessness. The silence broke as the echoing of marching footsteps grew louder and louder; the sound that they would hear right before they were taken to a lab.

James Marcus: "Grab them!"

Multiple guards began to grab Ava and Alison each, some laughing with sadistic joy as they rubbed their hands down Alison's cheek and waist, copping a feel as they did so many times before. Some pulling Ava's hair so her head would force back and they could their hands across her neck while whisper what they could do to her. NICOLAS the hound stood in front of them, watching and foaming at the mouth while alternate DELILAH held onto him with a laser leash, grinning with pleasure.

Delilah: "Disect them! I want to know every inch of their body and mind!"

Malice's empathic attack corisponded with Helena's as both Ava and Alison's mind and body were ravaged with fear and panic. Everything was so real; the smell, the sounds, the cold and clammy enviorment. The nightmare they had thought they left behind was now BACK.

[Isis]

[ Glaring at the women with contempt, Isis saw Malice was dealing with Morningstar, Firebird and Black Widow at the moment.]

Now to....ACCKKK....

[ her body SEIZED with such pain as she was JOLTED. It was as if she were touching a power line. but even as every cell in her body screamed in that instant, instead of passing out or even burning up. her body "explodes" into the sand particles. her sand form being an apparent secondary form like Malice's diamond form.]

[ the particles are low to the ground...flowing, but not as fast...until they move further and further from where she was hit. soon...they are moving up the wall...and reaching Nicolas...where she reforms. holding her hand over her heart.]

that meddling fool!

[ a scorpion finally manages to STING Arsenal and he falls near Karen. But Isis can no longer care about. breathing heavily still, she looks upon Nicolas.]

even NOW he reverts to his true form! I will DESTROY HIM!

In the name of my sister! whose life you BROKE and TOOK AWAY the day you're unholy form was loosed into this world...

[ sunlight and fire, the signature of ISIS , goddess of rebirth flashed into view like a star as Dominique lifted her hands, and several ancient egyptian symbols flew and circled around Dominique like the numbers of a clock's face.]

[ she brings her hands together, clasping them together as the dagger she had consecrated years ago appeared, only NOW it was a larger blade, bathed in the golden sunlight.]

DIE! YOU THING OF EVIL!

[Isis cries out with vengeance as she prepares to plunge the dagger into Nicolas' h eart, unleashing enough mystical power to detonate her entire village, fueld by her rage and the PAIN of her sister at the moment of her death.]

[Harley Quinn]

:: Isis appeared in front of Persephone, grabbing her wrist. Feeling sick to her stomach, the effects of Isis draining her life force was instantaneous. Locking eyes with the wannabe goddess, Ava reached back with all her strength and sent a moster of a closed fist punch into Isis' jaw, whipping the woman's face to the side. ::

"Bond that, bitch."

:: Weakened, Ava wasn't able to counter act Isis' mighty swing as she lifted into the air, flying directly into Alison like a ton of bricks. Grunting, Ava rolled to the floor in a heap, before slowing to a stop on her stomach. Laying there a few seconds, she slowly began to move her head while groaning out. Slowly rolling her body from her stomach onto her back, Persephone opened her eyes seeing....nothing. Gasping in, her gasp seemed to echo through the vast black void that surrounded herself and Alison. ::

"No..."

:: Persephone's breathing became labored and fast as she pushed her torso up off the ground, hearing the familiar sound of rhythmic footsteps approaching. Panic coated her face and fear emitted from her sapphire eyes. ::

"This isn't real....this isn't...NOOO!!"

:: Screaming, numerous guards came upon her like flys to sugar, holding her still in a sitting position while still on the floor. They began to run their fingers through her hair making Ava shut her tear filled eyes until one guard grabbed a fist full and pulled her head back. ::

"GET OFF OF ME!"

:: Crying out in desperation, the hands...they were all over her body. Sufficating her and filling her with panic and fear. The smells, the sounds, the everything...everything was so real...everything felt so real and paralyzing. Seeing the Nicolas hound and alternate Delilah, Ava began to struggle, thrashing her body around causing the guards to tighten their grip and hold their ground. Closing her eyes, Persephone screamed in anguish: ::

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< conscious again, the doctor felt very groggy. her physical wound was healed courtesy of her daughter but it as hard for her to focus, or to CARE. She'd been hit VERY hard.>>

<< Persephone and Spellbinder helped Karen escape with the rest of the group and as they made their into the grand foyer. Persephone helped Karen to a seat a safe distance from the eye of the storm as the battle begin. Her daughter disappeared in a panic.>>

<< Karen struggled through dizzyness and disorientation as the battle began in ernest. What was happening was HARDLY in the Six's favor...but the doctor managed to escape the immediate notice of the Sisterhood which turned out to be a good thing.>>

<< Arsenal, who was doing his best to help his friend was felled by a golden scorpion and fell near where Karen was sitting...he called out to her once again. >>

Mike....MIKE!

<< Karen rushed forward, blasting the scorpion away with a mystic force bolt...as she rushed to Mike's side and knelt down turning Mike over and removing his helmet.>>

<< the doctor uses her magick to neutralize and counteract the sting of the scorpion, as well as heal the other wounds he sustained.>>

Mike, you're okay....you're okay.

<< she looks up as Isis appears to be climaxing with her vengeance...>>

and you're done in this battle...you're getting undercover.

<< Karen tried to sound assertive but she was MORE concerned about what is coming...for them ALL. the battle was pitched, chaos everywhere and Karen wanted so desperately to STRIKE BACK at Enchantra for that nasty move she made against her...but NOW was not the time. Arsenal had survied attacks by Malice and Isis, but then again they had a bigger fish to fry. Karen would make SURE to keep Mike safe now. Alison and Ava were in distress...Karen wanted to help them as well. Perhaps she COULD strike at Enchantra after all! >>

<< she looks dead at Enchantra, narrowing her eyes. at the doctor's mental command mystic orb spins into view turning into a "dagger" form of magick and aiming at Enchantra, the dagger zooms toward Enchantra and DETONATES with magick concussive force blasting her with the impact of high powered TNT!>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Malice was doing DOUBLE time, backing Enchantra's massive attack on Harbinger and Persephone, threatening to undo ALL the progress they had made as well as having posessing Morningstar. Malice FALTERS though as she realizes that her posession trick didnt WORK on Blaze!>>

A little something i gave my sister, psi witch. a topaz gem. yellow being the colour of mental clarity and strength...it is charmed by my magick and protects her from even YOUR psychic assults.

<< they didnt expect SPELLBINDER to return, not so soon, but they didnt realize once she as in LIMBO anything being done agianst her would be BROKEN. The sorceress saw all too clearly.>>

My friends...my FAMILY!

<< thunder crashed and a chime sounds off as a stepping disc opens and Spellbinder streaks out, directly accosting Malice.>>

LEAVE THEM ALONE!

<< BLINDSIDING Malice, the sorceress streaks past and punches Malice in the back of the head. Morgan may not be able to BREAK her diamond form, but she COULD break Malice's concentration, and there by break her hold over MorningStar.>>

MORNINGSTAR, DONT attack HALEIGH! It was MALICE posessing you! but you're FREE!

<< she comes around , still flying, as she fires eldritch bolts as Malice to keep her from advancing toward her sister and her friends as she lands near Black Widow and Morningstar to keep them seperated until Delilah is totally herself. she takes hold of Delilah, shaking her a bit just to be sure. Then she checks on Haleigh.>>

Are you two going to be OKAY??

Karen: MORGAN! ISIS has NICOLAS! She's using her magick!

Isis is about to murder Nicolas! I've got to STOP HER!


<< Spellbinder takes off into the air, flying at high speeds. she can sense the magick in the air, the chaotic symphony that Isis is conducting.>>

the power she commands...its pushed to a frenzy by her HATRED of Nicolas. I've got to get to her...WARP her spell...ANYTHING to stop her from succeeding!

<< flying , closing in on them.>>

Goddess...PLEASE let me reach them IN TIME!

[Malice]

:: Malice's smirk soon faded as she noticed Firebird as NOT complying with her command..::

what is THIS!? you dont have a psi screen. how is this possible?

:: she glared with anger.::

:: Spellbinder's voice rang out in the air, and shortly there after, Malice was blindsided by the sorceress. the force of her blow was INTENSE, but not even SHE could truly HURT Malice in her diamond form.::

:: Malice staggered forward and fell to her knees. Her hold on Morningstar was broken as are her astral illusions against Persephone and Harbinger. ::

SO, the washed up super model has decided to come to the rescue of her friends.

:: getting to her feet.::

Well, you're just in time, for Nicolas' DEATH!

:: she points at Isis high above and Spellbinder speeds off to reach her.::

So determined to REACH her beloved Nicolas. :: Malice scoffs.::

In her zeal to try to save everyone, she leaves HERSELF wide open for the taking!

:: Malice manifests a psi javeline, and hurls it with perfect form and aim.::

oh...i forgot to yell "PULL" before this little clay pigeon took off into the air.

:: she laughs softly as the javeline charges madly for Spellbinder. if it connects, it will shut down her nervous system as well as knocking her out of the air. ::

[MorningStar]

They finally made it to the foyer of the mansion and Morgan succeeded in uncloaking the Sisterhood – but it proved to be too little too late. Malice was waiting for them, using her psi power and Empathy and Enchantra ‘s illusions against them. Morgan was fighting a losing battle against hopelessness. As she teleported away to Limbo, Delilah swore.

“Damnit, Morgan!”

They had just discussed this very thing, and now they had lost her just as they so desperately needed her.

MorningStar kept blasting the copies that kept popping up – but as soon as she hit one more took their place. Just when things started to get REALLY frustrating…she found herself doubled over in pain as Malice’s psi-shock hit her. Struggling to stand as the pain finally dissipated, she saw Isis moving for Nicolas and Sharon being bombarded by what looked like her own son!

She was of little use to them, however, as Malice appeared before she and Firebird. She was determined not to fall prey to Malice’s powers…but just as she raised her arms in attack, she seemed to drift as into a deep sleep. It was as if she was outside her body, watching it move around, but she was definitely not in the driver’s seat. She was trapped, trapped inside her own mind!

Malice directed her to attack Haleigh, and she couldn’t resist. She was filled with such hatred, such rage. All she wanted was to SEE BLACK WIDOW DEAD. MorningStar rushed towards her, her hands out in front of her, her fingers spread. Laser light spewed from her fingertips, hot enough to BURN Haleigh’s clothes and skin.

“Let’s see you preach to us with those smug, holier-than-thou orders when you’re a pile of charcoal, bitch!”

The beams inched closer and closer to Haleigh as MorningStar moved forward. But suddenly SPELLBINDER was between them. She wasn't supposed to attack Morgan...so she stopped. Morgan shook her. She blinked. Then her eyes came into focus and she seemed to snap out of the daze she was in. She put a hand to her forehead absentmindedly.

"Yeah...yeah I'm fine...but Haleigh!"

Her head snapped to look around Morgan and see what state Haleigh was in. Luckily, the beams hadn't reached her. Just as quickly as she'd arrived, Spellbinder was off again, determined to save Nicolas from Isis' bloodlust.

SO, the washed up super model has decided to come to the rescue of her friends.

"That's the MOST FAMOUS washed up SUPERMODEL to you, you skank whore!"

But Malice wasn't finished with them yet. MorningStar saw Malice throw the psi javelin...and she did the only thing she could think of without having the time to think. Moving at virtually the speed of light, she raced towards Morgan and TACKLED her, hoping to move her far enough out of the javelin's path.

[Harbinger]

This isnt going well...they are dividing us!

Isis will reach Rampage!! I've got to...

:: Suddenly Persephone comes barreling into her.::

UGH!!

:: she struggles to sit up as Persephone and she detangle themselves. she can't move...she's immobilized by what she sees. she's BACK in the compound, back on the table...being groped by soldiers...taunted by these men as a horrid, mutated Dr. James Marcus commands their captivity.::

NO! this can't BE! this ISNT where I'm supposed to BE!

:: she shouts with defiance, as her voice is all she has to fight with now as the deep seated FEAR within her immobilizes her.::

:: every touch, ever sound, every sensation..its as if its ALL REAL, ALL OVER AGAIN!::

:: Harbinger shuts her eyes, grits her teeth, trying NOT to let go as Persephone screams.::

:: but at that moment...even as she fears that her time in Minerva's mansion was but a cruel dream, and that they were STILL trapped in that reality, Morgan and Karen BOTH act to FREE them from the illusion. She falls to the floor, quickly reaching for Ava, and cradling her in her arms....::

An illusion....a horrid...cruel illusion!

:: she could see the distress Ava was in.::

We're okay.....we're okay now....

:: her "seer's eye" quickly adjusting.::

Morgan and Karen...they saved us...but who will save NICOLAS!?

:: she see's Morgan flying for him, then the psi javeline...::

NO! MORGAN! STAY AWAY FROM NICOLAS!!

:: Morningstar tackles Morgan in a light speed move and knocks her out of the way of the Javeline. Alison rolls her eyes with relief and fatigue from the mental assault of Helena and Diana...::

She can't go near him...it's too late!! we're TOO LATE!

[Firebird]

Everything happened so fast it was like watching it on the big screen. Blaze watched in horror as the soldier came through her protected fire dome. Something about his eyes she didn't trust as she narrowed hers. "Karen..." She warned out but it was too late as she was assaulted with the back of the gun. Blaze would attempt to lock onto his unique signature hoping to turn up the heat but just like that the illusion was gone.

"Son of a bitch!"

Next came the enshrouded apparition as Persephone warned not to allow it to touch them. Firebird stepped back away from the hovering menace. Raising both of her arms to send a blast of fire towards it but just like the others her attack crashed into the wall. Igniting one of the curtains on fire, "Bastard!" Closing her fist the fire was extinguished.

Movement from Mike's shoulder would provide an inkling to a horde of scorpions moving in. Quickly her bare hand would pluck one of the scorpions from his shoulder just as another was climbing up on Firebird. Hurling the deadly creature away she hurled a fireball at it just as she felt a numbing stinging sensation as the scorpion on her stiletto boot had crawled up her thigh to sting her. "Arggh! You little piece of shit." Yanking that scorpion up she would hurl it back as she unleashed a powerful fire lion that moved with equal agility to sprint around the room catching a horde of scorpions and WILDpack members on fire. Rubbing the side of her leg she was immune to the affects of poison as recovered.

Taking up the rear, Firebird's hands elevate as she manifests a powerful fire wall to keep out impending intruders including the cloaked figure that Morningstar destroyed. Silver Swan, Persephone, Arsenal, Spellbinder, Harbinger, Black Widow, and Karen would call continue to fight back while Morgan would cast a de cloaking spell. A few figures would appear as Blaze's fists closed. "Clever."

She knew that the real Sisterhood would show up with infrared for their heat signatures. She was just about to attack when Black Widow yelled of a grenade. Glancing over to see her teammate yank Sharon by the arm so quickly. Raising her own hands to protect her from debris as the shards would clash with the extreme heat of her fire wall melting it immediately.

One of the Malice clones would appear next to Black Widow. "Haleigh!" She called out as she blasted that Malice with a raging maelstrom of fire to keep her away from Haleigh. Firebird was just about to move in when she felt an excruciating pain like electrical energy through her mind. "Arrrgghhh!" Grabbing the side of her head in agony as she shut her eyes to try and block out the pain but it was to no avail.

Arsenal's timely delay would snap Firebird out of the pain she felt just enough to see Black Widow flying through the air. Zooming off into the air utilizing her fire power with the speed of a rocket, Blaze immediately came towards Black Widow with enough time to catch her before crashing into the wall. Landing them both onto the ground. It was Blaze's way of trying to look out for her even if the two were at odds. It also showed that under that gloomy cloud of anger Blaze was still human as far as her compassionate emotions.

Turning in Morgan's direction Blaze could see Malice had imbedded her empathy on her sister. "MORGAN, don't listen to her!" But it was useless as the sorceress teleported to Limbo. It couldn't have come at a worse time.

"Haleigh, check her out." Nodding towards Malice's direction who was protected by her diamond form. A devilish grin ran along her lips, "I think we BOTH have an old score to settle." As the two would move towards her Isis would intervene sending them both back with a blast of sunlight hued energy. Grinding her jaws Blaze would circulate her own hands to try and lesson the sunlight by removing the kinetic energy sun-based attacks had, heat. The attack would be less severe but enough to knock Firebird back a bit.

Isis would then transform into her sand-like particle as she swiveled around the two of them. Grunting out in pain, Blaze raised her arms to try and protect her face as quick slits of cuts would slash across her body. Shutting her eyes Firebird's form would illuminate in a dark orange tint as her large aura would hover about the winding sand as she would use her own fire power to combat as a powerful fire wind would sweep the sand away just as Persephone would assist removing it completely.

Stains of blood and torn fabric would cover Firebird as she looked up just in time to see Silver Swan crash into the nearby wall. Chunks of wall would slam down towards Firebird and Black Widow. Extending her hand as the ground would tremble with enough force as a blast of lava burst through to knock the particles of the wall and other debris backwards.

"Silver Swan!!"

She cried out rushing towards her fallen teammate as the battle continued to rage. Crouching down to Sharon to sweep some strands of hair away from her face just as Malice seemed to have recovered. Standing up to protectively cover Silver Swan, Firebird watches as Malice attempts to coerce Morningstar and herself into attacking Black Widow.

"I don't think so!"

The pendent would glow as its powerful magic would illuminate as Firebird turned towards Morningstar, "Delilah, NO!" With seconds to bare, Firebird would do the unthinkable as Morningstar came bounding towards Black Widow. "Consider this my apology, Hales." Turning towards the blonde, Blaze would shove her out of the way instead taking the attack Morningstar brought on as her laser beam would fry into her clothes and skin as she pushed out her own hands to try and lesson the attack. But even a fire elemental wouldn't be fast enough for the speed of light. Collapsing onto her knees, Firebird was seeing stars as her breathing was labored. "Remind me....to never....fuck....with....Morningstar!"

A chard of steam was floating off of Firebird's body as Spellbinder's voice echoed through the air and Morningstar's voice. Still trying to recover from the pain and agony she was in, Blaze's body trembled as she bowed her head. Too stubborn to stay down as she tried to force herself to get to her feet.

[Jessica Hamby]

Morgan's spell revealed hundreds of the sisterhood.... they were everywhere... but Haleigh didn't bother attacking any of them.... the real sisterhood would reveal themselves soon enough... and so they did, as Firebird called for haleigh to look out, Haleigh spun around only to be CLOBBERED in the face by Malice punching her in diamond form, STUNNING the hybrid before tossing her towards a pillar... Blaze was fast and CAUGHT the hybrid before she slammed into the marble. Haleigh was more protected than most... her TO reinforced body could withstand a good deal of abuse... she was ALIVE... but disoriented. Malice got away, though Firebrid pursued her as Haleigh tries to shake the stars out of her eyes. She began to regain her bearings..... staggering forward, just as Sharon came CAREENING into the same pillar, causing it to break, showering them all with debris. Haleigh spent the next few seconds dodging falling marble, and her way to see if Sharon was okay. She reached Sharon to find that the mutate was trapped underneath a chunk of marble pillar as big as her TORSO! Haleigh lifted it off, tossing it aside as though it were merely made of foam, as she knelt by Sharon, checking her vitals.

"Sharon! She's alright...."

Haleigh said as Blaze came to check on her as well. Her armor had taken most of the abuse.... Haleigh helped her sit up and was going to help her stand when Malice turned her sights back onto the hybrid. Haleigh stood up to face the telepath, a dark look in her eyes.

We played this game BEFORE, remember, Black Widow? I turned your friends AGAINST YOU. I used them as a cat uses her toy, as i made them my catspaws...posessing them and making THEM do my work FOR ME.

"Mm, yes.... I remember. Don't you ever get bored with doing the same old tired tricks everytime? You see, you may not be used to intelligence in other people, Malice, because you let that nitwit, Enchantrah, hang around you all the time..... but I'm a bit brighter than that. You only FOOLED me with that lame trick once.... and now that I know it's YOU behind the attacks... I'm not nearly as offended by them. what YOU need to do.... is adapt. I would think that you did that well... you are, after all, still ALIVE.... though not for long."

or are you going to do what you do BEST? KILL THEM like you bring DEATH to everyone ELSE you stay around too long?

"Well.... at least I HAVE friends-- nay, family to kill. You, on ther other hand.... you have no one."

She said with a smirk... she lifted her firearm..... about to give Malice a little surprise..... but Delilah was coming after her! Haleigh backed up, narrowing avoiding a few 'blades'.... her suit would offer some protection but it wasn't QUITE up to the laser technology standard and so.... Haleigh felt she might still get burned.... she didn't want to test it NOW... she still felt residual psychological burn from FIREBIRD's attack the last time around. This time, though, Firebird wasn't attacking her.... she was PROTECTING her! As Haleigh was backed against a wall with nowhere to go, Blaze showed her out of the way, sending her sprawling into some of the ruined marble debris but effectively protecting her from the laser beams.

Morgan was back.... and she was between them, stopping Delilah and shaking her out of it, then pouncing on Malice. Delilah calls her name, Haleigh gives a relieved wave as she gets her feet back under her.

"Look, thanks for the light show, but if it's all the same to you, next time I'd rather you showed me pictures!"

She said, as she helped Blaze to her feet.

"Thanks, Blaze. Are you alright? That's a pretty nasty burn you've got."

Morgan sprang for Nicolas, Alison warned her not to... Malice tried to Psi Javelin Morgan but Delilah tackled her out of the way.... that saved her... but no one was with Nicolas except ISIS!

[quietly to herself]"Shit, Nic!"

Haleigh leapt into action, disappearing and then reappearing directly behind ISIS as she lifted her dagger.... Haleigh was as fast as a MACHINE, wrapping a metal wire as thin as a guitar string around Isis' neck, YANKING her back away from Nicolas and attempting to garrote her as she encased Nicolas in a thick lead tomb to protect him.

"You stay AWAY from him!"

[Firebird]

Cringing from the blow she had taken, Blaze stood up with the assistance of Haleigh. "I've seen better days." Nodding back to her while Black Widow would appear in back of Isis.

Firebird would help her as she would flame out and appear next to Rampage as she would protect him while Black Widow took on Isis. Encasing him with a lead tomb just as Blaze's eyes would morph into a flickering yellow.

The outline of her body would twist, turn, and transform itself as she would step back over the tomb protecting Nicolas. Firebird's body would collapse as the molecules in her mass shifted until she was transformed into her element, fire as she was able to stretch herself out into a large flaming force that also surrounded the tomb having an additional protective layer to nearby intruders.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Feeling like she was right back at square one, Persephone struggled against the illusions, knowing realistically she wasn't back in the alternate timeline. That it was all Enchantra. But her irrational fear, plus Malice escalating her emotions, made it nearly impossible for Ava to fight this attack. But luckily for her, Karen and Morgan each attacked Helena and Diane, stopping the illusions and empathic attack immediately. ::

:: The guards holding her down disappeared causing Ava to collapse to the floor. Out of breath, the goddess' head was pounding from stress and as an after effect from Malice's attack. Feeling Alison lift her up into her arms, Ava looked up to where Nicolas was hearing Alison exclaim that it was too late. Seeing Isis hoovering over the mutant, Haleigh quickly attacked the avatar while Blaze protected his body. ::

"That won't stop her..."

:: Muttering out weakly to Alison, knowing that with Isis' powers, Dominique would be able to overpower both Haleigh and Blaze. Lifting her body up, Ava pulled away from Alison, nodding to her reassuringly that she was okay. Still a little weak, she pushed herself up from the floor, holding onto Alison for some support. ::

"Can you teleblink him away?"

:: Even though she didn't care for Nicolas, she didn't want him to fall victim to these horrible bitches. Especially after what Malice and Enchantra just put her through. And judging from Alison exclaiming that everyone was too late, she too had similiar feelings. ::

[Enchantra]

The illusions cast around Harbinger and Persephone were so realistic and terrifying, Helena was beyond pleased with herself. Working together with Malice, Enchantra brought the two woman close to their breaking point.

"Just a little further....and you two will be catatonic and drooling in front of a television for the next ten years."

Intensifying the illusion, Helena's eyes began to glow a deep red. But as she continued forward with her attack, suddenly the metamorph was thrown backwards from an EXPLOSION curtosy of Karen! Flying into a nearby wall, Helena's concentration was broke, which caused all illusions to disappear. Sliding into a heap on the floor, the red queen coughed out; her face and chest burnt from the doctor's attack.

"BITCH!"

Pushing herself up from the floor, Helena's chard costume and face morphed back to it's original state as she glared at her long time rival from across the room. Waving her hand, Karen AND Mike began to sink into the floor; their body parts closest to the ground being sucked in like quick sand and instantly hardening around them, trapping them in floor. Snapping her fingers, ten WILDpack soliders appeared in the blink of an eye around the doctor and the human, immediately attacking them with tazors, knives, and the butts of their gun like rabid animals.

"You may have been the first to draw blood, old friend, but I will be the LAST."

[Arsenal]

Mike gasped as he was revived by the doctor, holding on to her as she declared that she would take him out of the theater. He resisted as she turned to attack Enchantrah, getting his bearings as the omnimorph gave her reply.

SINK!!! They were both trapped. Mike was glad that he had at least held up their hands so that they were not trapped as well. Suddenly, the WILDpack surrounded them , pounding away.

Mike erected his gauntlet shield to protect Karen as he took a few glancing blows before he whispered to Karen.

Get that bitch for me...

[Silver Swan]

rats...taken out of the action so FAST...and by that two bit, tawdry whore no less.

[ Sharon mumbled as Haleigh helped her from the rubble. The hybrid checked her vitals but Sharon was fine. her invulnerablity had prooven to be a major asset, as well as her adamantium armoured bodice and other pieces of her costume. as the battled continued to rage, Sharon struggled a bit. Malice was upon Black Widow, Firebird and Morningstar and as Spellbinder returned to help turn the tide, Enchantra was attacking Harbinger and Persephone. In all the confusion, NICOLAS had been lost track of.]

[ Karen dealt with Enchantra and as Isis was about to destroy Nicolas, Black Widow and Firebird rushed to his defense while Enchantra attacked Karen and Mike.]

Allright....I've had just about ENOUGH of this woman and her parlour tricks!

[ Sharon and Helena were only ten years apart in age. During her time as a senator, Sharon had not directly encountered this world's original Helena, but this alternate version prooved to be just as unlikeable as the original must have been.]

[ as Enchantra's attacks on Karen and Mike intensified, the sound of a tornado was heard as a column of sparkling white wind spun across the room, spinning stars flew out at all angles as Silver Swan DESTROYED all of the WILDpack that were attacking Karen and Mike.]

[ Karen had already disappeared, most likely to confront Enchantra and Sharon once again was left to help Mike.]

This is getting to be a habit You sure you want to keep on? We don't want you to be hurt.

[ the mutate said as she pulled the man up from the floor, trying not to be too rough with him.]

[ She pulled him along, try as he may to resist. Behind a large statue of ATHENA of all things.]

you stay here...until you're back to full strength. Black Widow and Firebird wont stand too long against Isis. I've got to help them.

[ and with that, Silver Swan rushes to return to the battle. checking on Morningstar and Spellbinder, who have moved over to where Persephone and Harbinger are.]

why are you all standing here? we should be HELPING them before Isis hurts or kills them!

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen glared at Mike as he resisted her.>>

Mike! Just what do you think you're doing? You're in NO condition to fight the Sisterhood...not now!

<< at that moment, she found herself falling into the floor or at least appearing to.>>

oh my stars!

<< she gasped as WILDpack were instantly upon her and Mike. Mike valiantly moves to protect her with his gauntlet shield...and he calls upon her to deal with Helena, the source of the attack. that trademark, icy glare in her eyes can be seen as her face shows a look of contempt. she vanishes with a variant sound of chimes>>

<< she appears behind Enchantra, weilding a MACE that she conjured.>>

I usually save this for Malice, but I think an exception can be made...

<< her voice dripping with contempt.>>

when it comes to BASHING YOUR SKULL IN!

<< and just like she did with Malice at the Hellfire Club so many months before, she swings the mace and slams it down upon Helena. the mace is a mystical construct and its spiked head releases a concentrated, concussive force of mystic energy. she's essentially playing BASEBALL with Enchantra's head.>>

<< its the first time Mike has seen her be THIS violent, but he had heard a little something of the long standing rivalry between Helena and Karen...both in mainstream AND the alternate timeline. If there was anyone who COULD bring out the savage instinct in the doctor, it was Karen.>>

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger was helping Persephone, just as Morningstar saved a recently returned Spellbinder from a psi javeline.::

This is out of control! I couldn't focus because the fog of the time threads emminating from Nicolas grows! it EXPANDS!

:: Spellbinder and Morningstar are now with Harbinger and Persephone::

Silver Swan: Why are you all just standing here!?

Spellbinder: Alison, what do we need to DO!?

:: Alison looks at her friend::

YOU need to stay put. and the rest of us, need to look BEYOND the Sisterhood! Even THEY do not know what they are about to unleash! It goes beyond Nicolas...or what threat HE may represent! its something ELSE! Something that DOMINIQUE remembers!

:: she calls for the others...::

REGROUP! COME BACK..BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

:: Persephone warns that Firebird and Black Widow will not be able to hold Isis for long.::

Black Widow will be stubborn to the end...We have no choice BUT to seperate them from Isis.


:: Karen and Enchantra were near by, having a grudge match of their own.::

We need EVERYONE together. It will be our only hope as things progress. We can't alter it now. Battling the sisterhood only wastes time and distracts us. THEY will soon see that as well!

[Arsenal]

Mike smiled as Karen disappeared.

I can get used to a girlfriend who kicks ass.

Mike then used his baton to spread the soldiers out, giving him a moment to use a very small laser utility cutter to clear his legs. He looked up to see Sharon, who had already dispatched the soldiers in record time. She PULLED him up, cautioning him about his involvement. He struggled to no avail as he tucked him behind a statue of Athena, wincing a bit as she saw Karen deliver one hell of a blow to Helena. As she cautioned him to stay there, the turned her shoulder to face him, although with great effort. He whispered earnestly to her..

I am OFFICIALLY out of your hair. I am trusting you to do what you do, watch our boy,and I will watch Pandora.

Mike entered the hole previously created by Isis...


UNDERGROUND

A contingent of soldiers had established an ever-shrinking perimeter to protect Pandora and her vault. The scorpions had mostly thankfully been picked off by the Six, mostly. But the WILDpack kept coming, with an occasional scorpion that always seemed TOUGHER than the last. Their commanding officer had them take ammo from their fallen as it was becoming lower than he liked, especially considering the never-ending nature of the siege. He steeled himself for another attack when he heard a simple command from his communicator.

Back up ten paces and wait for a gift from me.

The WILDpack kept coming, in ordered waves, not even stopping to collect their dead. As they began their next assault, the lights went out in the tunnel before them. They continued, but stopped a second as they heard a voice, seemingly coming from everywhere at once

After what those bitches put me through upstairs, you picked the wrong tunnel to enter. You don't know it yet, but you fuckers are so dead.

As they prepared to continue, they looked around, realizing quickly that the back HALF of their number had already fallen, immobilized by small poisonous air darts. They were stripped of weapons and they gasped as they lay, completely paralyzed.

Lets see you fuckers get up from THIS shit...

The commanding officer had barely finished the retreat when a large cache of weapons dropped from the ceiling. He looked up quickly to see...nothing.

[Enchantra]

"Damn that woman!"

Helena exclaimed seeing Silver Swan take out of her WILDpack soliders that were attacking Karen and Mike. As the men dropped to the floor, Helena saw that oh so familiar look in Karen's eyes. She was out for blood. With a devilish smile, Helena waited, seeing Karen disappear and knowing that she would be coming to attack her.

Hearing Karen appear behind her, as usual she gave a predictable quip before swinging a large mystic mace at her. Helena's body exploded into a fury of wasps as the mace went through the swarm. However, because of it's mystic nature, the swarm exploded back across the room because of it's concussive formce, causing Helena to glamour back into her true form and slid to a stop. Coughing out, Enchantra looked at Karen from across the room with a coy smile.

"Now now, Karen. You should know it takes more than THAT to get rid of me. But valiant effort." ;)

[Oracle]

<< as the storm outside seemed to be firmly fixed over and around the mansion and the surrounding ocean, the power actually fluxuated.>>

<< The Six and the Sisterhood fought each other to a stand still, with the tactics of Malice edging the Sisterhood closer to their goal of destroying Nicolas.>>

<< as Black Widow and Firebird confronted Isis directly, the avatar exploded into a explosive VORTEX of sand particles and swept Black Widow and Firebird UP INTO THE AIR, pushing them up to the dome ceiling and intending to DROP them to their deaths. But at Harbinger's behest, Spellbinder locks on Black Widow, Firebird, Karen and Mike and teleports them ALL back...and everyone from the Six is now together as Malice joins Enchantra and helps the woman up...keeping their distance.>>

<< Isis, now beside herself with fixation, returns to Nicolas...using her magick to pull Nicolas out of the protective measures created by Black Widow and Firebird. She vows to finish what was started so long ago and raises the now powered up dagger as the ancient egyptian runes form around her again and flow like the numbers on the faces of a clock.>>


<< Silver Swan and Black Widow protest Harbinger's seemingly abandonning of Nicolas, but the seer screams at them to be silent and tells Morgan to prepare to EVACUATE them....for what is coming is not what the Sisterhood expected, and not what the Six WANT to be confronted with now. It goes beyond Nicolas or even Isis.>>

<< and so we watch.>>