Deadly reunions!

[Oracle]

<< many moons ago, the young woman who would be come "Dominique Deveraux" witnessed what she called "a most unholy birth"...the birth of a child that claimed her sister's life. She tried to DESTROY the child, knowing who its father was...but she could not. Many years and changes later, even imbued with the Power of ISIS , the backing of the Sisterhood and all other accomplishments, even as "Isis" stands poised to FINALLY destroy this source of evil, she will find again that it is not so easy.>>

<< the battle between the Six and the Sisterhood has suddenly become...pointless. Each side taking hits as well as giving. Pandora and the secrets of the earth remained protected, deep underground in the alien technology bolsted "catacombs" of Minerva's mansion.>>

<< even as the Six was called to regroup by Harbinger, and Morgan gathered them together...Isis seemed poised to to strike Nicolas, but then, as Harbinger had predicted, a force beyond Isis was coming to manifest...something that would eclipse anything that the Six or the Sisterhood thought was pressing at the moment.>>

<< everything was about to change...as secrets were revealed and lives were endangered.>>

<< and so we watch.>>

[Rampage]

Isis had WON. In spite of the efforts of the Six and the resilience of her quarry, she stood now with the same dagger that failed so many years before, ready to finish what she had plotted since that very night. But this time she was stronger, Isis HERSELF had blessed her with the power to vanquish her enemy. And as he lay prone, she smiled bitterly as the blade came down...

Nicolas eyes snapped open and he quickly grabbed her wrists, breaking them as he stopped her from slicing him with the blade. He lifted both her hands with his right as he stood, then jumped quickly forward, smashing her into the wall behind.

Nicolas then did something that NO ONE, not even the Seer could have imagined. He kissed Isis roughly on the mouth as he jammed his free hand up her skirt, making her squirm. As he spoke, his booming voice was impossibly deep and reeked of malice. No one would recognize it, except Isis herself.

Greetings, fleshling. I have returned for you, and my SON.

Nicolas' voice returns in a horrifying roar and he changes back to his normal color as he tosses Isis away....


NOOOO!!! NO--GETOUTOFMYHEAD!!!!LEAVETHEMBE!!!!

He looks at Morgan and the others and whispers one last word on his own...

RUN!

Nicolas changes back to the darker coloration and the markings return. He lifts his hand as his axe comes back to him. With a grunt, He swings it at the floor, smashing a hole that was both in the floor yet BEYOND. As he continues to swing madly, a huge hand emerges from the hole, grasping his arms and pulling as a new form emerges...

He was over seven feet tall, about as wide as Haleigh was tall, and was as black as night, his skin really without color, more like a reflective void. On his skin were large markings that matched Nicolas', and his features were filled with malevolence even as they wee also impossibly...HANDSOME without exception. He wore Royal blue metallic-looking armored pants and boots and was shirtless. He had a large matching metallic-looking glove on his left hand and forearm. Across his shoulder was a grotesque belt upon which hung skulls of various humanoid and non-humanoid beings, none of which appeared completely HUMAN. He smiled a wide grin as looked forward at Nicolas, who had sunk to his knees.

Nicolas... I have come for you...

Nicolas rose, looking at this new being, then reached out his hand. Isis and Morgan were immediately pulled into Nicolas' grasp...

[Malice]

:: Malice helps Enchantra to her feet and immediately forms a deflection field between the two and the Six who are now gathered together across the grand foyer.::

Helena...something is wrong...

:: she looks Helena in the eyes:

DEADLY WRONG!

:: for MALICE to show such trepidation, her psychic sense must have registered something along the lines of what Harbinger was seeing as a precog. indeed, the feedback on the astral plane was TREMENDOUS.::

We have to get Isis and get the hell out of here! The mission...it's NOT worth our LIVES!

:: at that moment, Malice turns to see Isis scream as she is attacked by Nicolas.::

that sound!

:: the voice was worse than a crash of thunder, and the mannerism of Nicolas he assaulted Isis, it SURPRISED even Malice.::

That's NOT the boy. He's POSESSED, by something ...someone...with such FORCE!

:: as Nicolas tosses her to the side, Malice directs Enchantra::

Quickly, bring her to us...and we're out of here. To HELL with whatever is happening with Nicolas, let THEM handle their telekinetic pup.

:: but even then, ANOTHER being appeard, a monstrous being in the form of a man, well put together in appearence, but reeking of "evil"...on a level that surpassed even MALICE. He was not of this world. Isis was caught in some sort of riptide as she was being pulled away. Whatever her beef with the Six, Malice had learned that part of the secret to THEIR success was "team work" and watching each other's backs. Since their return to this reality, Malice was applying techniques she'd gained from her alternate in the last timeline, and so far the Sisterhood had become a much greater threat to the Six. It was moments like THIS though, that threatened to SHATTER the image of Malice as a TOTALLY uncaring woman.::

Isis isnt going ANYWHERE with you, you overgrown OAF! We're taking our leave of here...and YOU aren't going to stop us! RELEASE HER!

:: Malice "salutes" and manifests a psi javeline. the presence of this being registers with her on such a level that she KNOWS she has to use LETHAL force.::

:: she takes aim and HURLS the psi javeline, which is nothing less than pure, raw PSI LIGHTNING which would obliterate a normal mind, reducing the brain to true "mush" and leaving the body a lifeless heap.::

[Isis]

[ the moment of revenge, the moment of justice was AT HAND!]

It is DONE....IT....

[ Isis' eyes widen with SHOCK when Nicolas' grabs her wrists wich such precision and force...he stops her, breaking her wrists and then throwing her into the wall. she cries out with pain, and grief...not at this, b ut at the thought of failing again after all this preparation....]

CREATURE OF EVIL! You are NOT FIT TO BE HERE! The blood of MY SISTER IS WHAT LIGHT YOUR PATH... [grimacing] INTO THIS WORLD!

[ Then...in a repugnant act that was an echo of the attack that her sister had sustained the night she conceived Nicolas, he MOLESTS Dominique...and she SPITS in his face.]

I am NOT the young girl i was all those years ago!

[ her own magicks going into over drive as the pain in her wrists is steadily decreased. She has no time to retaliate further as she is tossed away. Her mind can't HELP but flash back to how she tried to stop the monster as he assaulted her sister...and HE tossed her out of the hut!]

It will NOT BE LIKE IT WAS THE LAST TIME! I have POWER! I will use it to DESTROY YOU!

[ her voice defiant. but she is winded, she can't quite get up ...her MIND can't solidify on a spell to cast...it's as if she HAS regressed...its as if history is DOOMED to repeat itself. but she hear's Malice ordering Enchantra to get her out of there...and Malice HERSELF defying the creature. ]

[ Isis has no choice but to hope, to RELY on the help of the Sisterhood if she is to triumph over this NIGHTMARE...but before she can act, she is pulled away by a force.]

NO! I will NOT go with you! You belong in HELL with your FATHER!

[ Malice launches a massive psi javeline at the being. and Isis herself transforms into her explosive sand storm form....holding NOTHING back as she attemps to scour Nicolas' body to the bone. ]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder and the others look...it is unimaginable that they would just STAND there while Isis prepares to strike down one of their own, but Harbinger demands that they do nothing...and NOW she sees why!>>

NICOLAS!

<< the tone is all wrong, the LOOK...and what he does to ISIS...it causes Morgan to cover her mouth, she INSTANTLY feels sympathy for the woman, who is now being victimized by the man.>>

<< frantically she turns to Alison.>>

WHAT IS IT!? What's HAPPENED to him? it's NOT a posession, i can't sense any MAGICK involved.

<< the monstrous humanoid male being appeared...he was as large as any one of the mammoth statues that could be found through out the mansion, but his presence was anything but beauty...it was despair.>>

WHO is THAT!?

Harbinger: THAT is the presence that i couldnt clearly discern. His CONNECTION to Nicolas is what allows him to be here!

<< Nicolas, in a fleeting moment of reasserting himself, tells them to RUN...but none of them can QUITE bring themselves to just ABANDON him, just as Malice and Enchantra cant seem to abandon Isis.>>

We have to subdue him! carry him to Limbo and FIX this before....

<< she felt a force overpowering her body and pulling her away from ALison and the others....it caught her by surprise, like being pulled into the riptide of a whirlpool! she was coming toward the being. it was like...being pulled into the seige Perilous again!!>>

NO!! NOT AGAIN!

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger glared at Nicolas unwaveringly as he awoke and attacked Isis.::

That ISN'T Nicolas...not anymore!

:: she started getting flashes...black and white images of a traumatic summer night in an african village, images of Dominique as she was B EFORE being transformed by ISIS herself....and a BABY...::

:: but these images were disjointed, and HARDLY what Alison needed at this MOMENT.::

There's NO TIME to help him NOW Morgan! We have to get you OUT of here before...

:: and just like that, Morgan was being pulled away.::

NO! You're NOT taking her!

:: she thrusts her hand out::

Spellbinder!

:: Spellbinder is enveloped by dark orbs and TELEBLINKED back down to them, BEHIND Sharon.::

Silver Swan...GET HER UNDER GROUND!

::After Morgan, Sharon was physically the strongest of the women. Her invulnerability and her adamantium armour made her the PERFECT body guard.::



:: Harbinger saw Malice attacking the being.::

Malice has it right! Morningstar, use your laser blast...everyone who can, FIRE on him! FULL POWER! and then....we're OUT of here!

:: a cue to Morningstar to WORMHOLE them underground where Alison would then cast a spell to get them to Limbo IF Morgan was unable to teleport.::

[MorningStar]

MorningStar got to her feet after pummeling Morgan out of the way of Malice's psi javelin, then stood as if frozen next to Harbinger and Persephone. She couldn't look away at the sight that befell them, she couldn't run, she couldn't do ANYTHING to help Nicolas. She felt powerless, like the events that were unfolding were set in stone and all they could do was watch them happen.

But standing there was not an option, not really, SOMETHING had to be done. And as the hulking figure came forth and seemed to CONTROL Nicolas - or what USED to be Nicolas - and he pulled Morgan to him, it was as if all of them snapped out of a dream. Harbinger brought Morgan to safety and told them what to do like the true leader she was.

MorningStar immediately unleashed the largest laser blast she could muster out of one hand - outstreched, fingers together, pointed as the new being in their midst. The other hand pointed behind her, where green threads of light left her fingertips and formed her signature wormhole tunnel that would allow them to escape underground.

"Everyone - hurry!"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen glared with contempt at Helena. The woman was as slippery as an eel. clever and resourcefull....Karen's rivalry with Helena had a long, bitter history.>>

I'll be GLAD to ESCALATE my efforts to EXTERMINATE you...you destructive little BEAST!

<< but at that moment, Karen was brought back to the group and as things went from bad to worse, Karen watched with utter dismay as Nicolas rose and attacked Isis. The doctor couldnt BELIEVE what she was seeing from this man. But Alison reminded th em that this WASNT Nicolas...at least not now.>>

We should go...

<< sounding oddly calm...but in her heart, she was terrified, for Morgan, for all of them. If Alison couldnt IMMEDIATELY "see" what was coming next..how could they DEFEND? it wasnt like before, them getting along WITHOUT the precog's ability, it was something all together different. Nicolas, under the power of some other force, some BEING who now presented "himself".>>

<< as Morgan was pulled away by force, she cried out. Harbinger was the first to act and Karen's instinct as a mother kicked in.>>

LEAVE MY DAUGHTER ALONE!

<< lifting her hands as she ignited magick>>

hellspawn demon creature of death!
HELLFIRE shall take your very BREATH!


<< and with that, the doctor, looking more like her alternate SHADOW WEAVER in that instance, unleashes a powerfull attack of mystic "flames" that were intended to consume the being's lungs, his organs...his very SOUL....assuming he HAD one.>>


<< Sharon was now whisking Morgan out of the grand foyer and Alison directed Karen to follow them while THEY backed Karen's and Malice's strike against the being.>>


Mike, you're with me! You'll be safer!

<< she takes Mike;'s hand and runs into the worm hole.>>

[Silver Swan]

[standing tall, the mutate looked on. like the dawn of the dead, the nightmare truly begins. Nicolas comes to "life" in a most unholy, inhuman way...much like Kyle. He attacks Isis, before another being comes into view. MASSIVE creature, in humanoid form. Sharon had been down this road before, but even so, this was different.]

[ as the Six stood, transfixed by the horror, MALICE was the first to defy the being, and as he tried to abduct Morgan and Isis, Harbinger teleblinked her away from the pull and charged SHARON to get her out of there.]

Come on Morgan...we're OUT of here!

[ she didnt want to abandon Nicolas...but what could they do? according to ALISON it was too late! it was as though they were leaving him the way she had no choice but to lose Kyle. Would they have to KILL him in order to save him?]

[ Silver Swan was ready for action. her invulnerability, her adamantium bodice, "gloves" and high heeled boots, coupled with her amazon training as a fighter and her other powers (flight, super strength, wind funnel/spinning stars and sonic scream among them) made her suited to be a "body guard" and she would protect Spellbinder or ANY of them with all her power.]

I don't know what's happening, but NO one is going to get to you unless they pass ME first!

[ indeed, that would be a difficult task for MOST, but that being looked like he could rise to the challenge. Still, Sharon wouldnt back down.]

[ through the worm hole they went, with Karen close behind, appearing underground.]

[Jill Monroe]

<< the role of "Damsel in distress" did NOT suit Morgan. Whatever FEAR she felt, it was being replaced with each passing moment, by resentment...and ANGER. Nicolas, the supposed MAVERICK telekinetic/telepath couldnt even WARN them? he couldnt reach out to Alison or HER? and after seeing her attack Isis, foe or not, Morgan was truly appalled at his treatment of her.>>

<< as Alison teleblinked her out of the grip of that otherworldly being, Spellbinder looked back...her icy violet eyes glaring with contempt at the being that now called to Nicolas.>>

enjoy this moment, ceature. You'll be calling for y our own diety to comfort you when i split you in TWO for what you've done to Nicolas!


<< she leaves with Sharon, who promises to protect her.>>

Thank you Sharon....this IS quite a role reversal...but I thank you for your help.

<< a chime sounds off as Spellbinder's SOUL SWORD leaps from Limbo into her hand! and with that, eldritch mystic armour forms over that hand, arm and shoulder, as well as the chest area >>

My SWORD! It came to me without calling...the danger must be SEVERE in order for that to happen!

<< the reach the underground tunnels and run for the sealed catacombs.>>

We havent been able to pinpoint just WHAT or WHO that is with Nicolas...but I'll be DAMNED if it takes ME without a fight!

<< the sorceress said as she stood with Silver Swan standing in front of her.>>

<< Karen arrived seconds later...>>

[Firebird]

Firebird would stand by Black Widow and Rampage while Isis unleashed a deadly attack on both women. Firebird's while in her natural element would flicker as the air currents would tug her upward towards the ceiling. She had no choice but to morph back into her human form. Both she and Black Widow were up high from the ground just as Morgan called for them back, summoning them back to the team.

The disk opening as Firebird and Black Widow appeared landing on her feet. "Why did you summon us she's going to kill him!" Roared Blaze who pointed towards Isis while Alison would scream for silence. Glaring at the seer just as Isis would launce the dagger down, "No!!" She cried out only to see Nicolas' hands launce forward. A sigh of relief washed over her but there was something weird about him that Blaze's senses detected.

The next few events would shock the fire elemental as Nicolas molested Isis only to discard like an old newspaper. "Nicolas?" Had that been Malice's doing? But another figure would appear that dripped evil as Blaze turned to see Morgan cry out for her lover's name. It was a gut wrenching moment to see her sister cry out for Nicolas. "Morgan, Alison is right we can't help him..."

The seconds would pass as Morgan and Isis would be pulled away from their respected teammates. "No!!" Lunging forward into the air to wrap her arm around Morgan's but the powerful vortex was too much for the fire elemental for she didn't possess the strength that Silver Swan or Black Widow had. "Morgan!" Harbinger had flawless timing as she would teleblink Spellbinder out of harm's way while Malice and Karen would hurl their own attacks at this creature.

Firebird knew if anyone wouldn't leave Nicolas it would be Black Widow. She was as stubborn as an ox. Running up to her to coil her arms around her protectively like a sister would. "Hales, we NEED to go." Placing a fire barrier around the hybrid to try and keep her contained knowing Haleigh would try to break free as she'd pull them back towards Morningstar's worm hole. Clenching her teeth, Blaze's eyes landed onto Persephone, "Ava, help me out!" She grunted knowing that Ava would help the situation since she was Haleigh's sister and nothing was stronger than the bond of sisters. Blaze kept her hold onto the hybrid though as they would approach Morningstar's worm hole.

"Let's go, D!"

Blaze needed to make sure Morningstar was on her way as well while she attacked the horrible creature.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh was swept away as Isis turned to sand once more.... she found herself falling, as if into oblivion.... it was like when Firebird had dropped her... she couldn't see THIS time either, sand was EVERYWHERE! She didn't HAVE to react though.... Morgan teleported her to safety quickly, bringing the group together.... as Alison admonished them to STOP.... Haleigh looked at the Seer as if she'd lost her MIND.

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! I'M NOT JUST GOING TO WATCH HER MURDER NICOLAS, WE HAVE TO HELP HIM!"

Alison was right.... Haleigh was stubborn to a fault... but she still believed Nicolas could be saved and it would take a LOT to change her mind. Blaze tried to stop her as well, grabbing her arm.... Haleigh WRENCHED her arm away, snarling at Blaze like a woman POSSESSED:

"LET GO OF ME!"

Shemanifested a fire extinguisher and put out the ring of fire meant to slow her down and pushed past Alison, headed for Isis again, this time with a long sword in hand, ready to slice Isis in half BEFORE she turned to dust.... but she slowed to a halt halfway there.... Nicolas had woken up... he was KISSING Isis.... he was MAULING her! Haleigh was beyond stunned.... she was bewildered.

"Nicolas WHAT are you doing...."

She asked, rhetorically.... but it didn't sound like Nicolas.... it sounded like something else completely.

But then it was Nicolas again... he was fighting whatever had a hold on him.... he was telling them all to RUN. Haleigh's expression was vexed, and she shook her head curtly.

"I'm NOT leaving without you! [grabbing his arm, prepared to haul him back to the group] I've have enough of this heroics shit for one day, you're not sacrificing yourself TONIGHT!"

But he pulled easily from her grasp... he changed back... and then he began hacking into the floor.... opening some kind of bizarre portal.... something was emerging from it.... something that made Haleigh RECOIL... an instinctual reaction that was rare for the hybrid.... she was beginning to entertain the thought that Malice's 'deadly wrong' assessment might be correct.... and that Alison had been RIGHT about them needing the LEAVE. Haleigh stared up at the giant, and began to quickly BACKTRACK. Morningstar had opened a wormhole... and everyone was disappearing into it. Haleigh was further away than the others, who began ATTACKING the new being with all their might. Haleigh found herself do her best just to get OUT of the way of their attacks, some dodging of which actually took her further AWAY from the group. Everyone was cutting their losses and making a run for it, and Haleigh knew it'd be FOOLHARDY to stay at this point.... even if she could get Nicolas to snap back to himself.... the attacks on the new being weren't even AFFECTING it!

She begins to SPRINT for the wormhole... but the distance seems to double, TRIPLE... like some kind of bad nightmare, or her mind playing tricks on her....

[Harbinger]

There's no time to TALK, Firebird...just GET into the wormhole!

:: Harbinger ushered Morningstar through after her tremendous laser blast and Karen's hellfire strike. Black Widow was running, and Harbinger, extended her hand "beckoning" as she warped Haleigh's temporal field and SPED HER UP to reach the worm hole that much faster.::

:: Harbinger and Persephone were the last two left.::


Persephone, a HURRICANE is what we need!

:: Harbinger glares at Nicolas and his companion as Persephone lashes out with a powerfull hurricane with winds that would tople battle tanks and lightning strikes that would shatter mountains. Harbinger herself thrusts her hands out ala' Piper Halliwell and BLASTS the being with her molecular acceleration. not once...but TWICE, intending to BLOW UP his chest cavity utterly.::

:: she did not bother to wait, instead, she pushed Persephone th rough the wormhole and as she entered herself, she yelled for Delilah to close it.::

:: those who could, had unleashed powerfull attacks against the being, but the precog knew it was a SLIM chance that any of them had any TRUE lasting effect.::

:: now, underground, outside of the sealed catacombs.::

....

:: she looks distressed.::

he's still coming. He'll be here ANY SECOND!

:: seeing Morgan now with the soul sword...::

get ready to strike for your lives! Morgan...you have to LEAVE. He wants YOU. You can't worry about us...if he gets his hands on you...

[Malice]

:: the psychic feedback was tremendous.::

:: as she and Enchantra both did what they could to get Isis AWAY from Nicolas and the monstrous new comer, both the telepath and the omnimorph had to get out of the way of a FLURRY of onslaughts from the Six as they too attempted to protect their own.::


:: it became evident to Malice that in order for them to survive, they were going to have to fall back as well.::

telepathically to Enchantra: our powers combined can COMPLETELY mask us from detection. If we're going to save Isis and get out of here ALIVE we need to let the creature stay focused on THEM for now. just follow my lead.

:: and with that, Malice and Enchantra suitably cloak themselves on a mental and physical level. but they won't leave without Isis. They simply plan to use circumstance in their favor...providing that they all dont get blown away in one fell swoop.::

[Rampage]

As the females hurtled toward Nicolas, one was teleblinked away from his grasp. The other turned into sand in an attempt to scour away his body. The young metahuman, or what he was now, began to roar in anticipated pain but, the cry soon turned into maniacal laughter as he stood against the onslaught, his skin recovering as fast as it was scoured away.

Meanwhile, Malice's psi javelin hurtled toward the new figure and he SMILED. Raising his hand, he CAUGHT the javelin and reduced it to a ball of lightning, pure psychic energy, in his hand.

So you wish to try your hand with me, Diana? You will find the result not to your liking.

Isis sand form coalesced quickly into human as the figure glanced over to Nicolas. The sand form of Isis is pulled to the new being, who SLAPS her with a portion of the psychic power he had harnessed, causing her to revert to humanoid form and to fall from the air. He caught her by the throat and pulled her to him, face to face.

Foolish woman, did you think that ISIS could protect YOU??!! There is a reason she did not try to attack me herself.

And as for you...

The figure now faced the others as Karen and Delilah unleashed their attack and Delilah intended to usher them away via wormhole.

He simply withstood the laser attack, the shards of the beam shattering columns in the mansion behind him.The molecular acceleration was slowed by his own power, and dissipated. The sound of skin burning could be heard for a second as Karen's mystic flames reached the figure, but even this attack only elicited a grunt from him as he began to deflect them with what Malice and Alison would recognize as telekinetic force. He then utilized the winds of the hurricane from Persephone to blow the fire out of the mansion itself, damaging it further as all of the windows blew out. Morgan, who was beside Sharon in full armor, was dragged at the speed of a thought beside Nicolas as the pair teleported underground with Isis. Nicolas tossed her behind him with more force than she had ever seen him bring to bear. He then stepped forward, slamming his hands together.

His strength combined with his telekinesis augmented by the new figure served to push outward with devastating effect, akin to a bomb blast inside the catacombs itself. Everyone before him, except Mike (strangely) was blown backwards with the force of tons of TNT.

you will find that you are quite outmatched.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Sharon and Morgan both gasped as Nicolas and his companion appeared before them.>>

Nicolas...you FOOL! You're letting him CONTROL YOU!

<< she spat with agitation...it was becoming harder for her to remember that this wasnt HIM [necessarily] behind these actions. >>

<< her high heeled boots were suddenly dragging along the ground.>>

what??

<< and suddenly she met with Nicolas' grasp.>>

LET GO OF ME!

<< he tosses her behind him...with such force...she hits her head on a rock...and is painfully stunned. her soul sword and armour remain though...>>

ohhh....

<< she groans...dizzy and stunned .>>

[Silver Swan]

[ Silver Swan squared her shoulders as the two appeared.]

KEEP AWAY!

[ she commanded. It felt like she was once again protecting her SON from the goons at Arklay Mansion...only it was MORGAN instead of her son and this was Minerva's mansion and one of the "goons" was NICOLAS. what a horrid irony.]

[ but this time, Sharon had POWER.]

NO! MORGAN!

[ Nicolas pulled Morgan towards her and Sharon reachedout to her attempting to GRAB her but she missed. With fluent speed of her OWN, Silver Swan charged forward like a torpedo, AHEAD of the blast sent against the Six. Her own speed and invulnerability made her perfect for this moment.]

GIVE HER BACK you BASTARD!

[ she HURLS Nicolas into the wall, HOPING to knock him out...and as she BOLDLY fronts off this new man, she unleashes her SONIC SCREAM at FULL POWER against him. it was documented before that prolonged exposure to her scream would cause a person to violently seize or hemorage to death..or even a violent cranial explosion! the sonic scream also had concussive impact, as witnessed when she blasted Haleigh's mini sentinel out of Illustra.]

[ but would it be ENOUGH?]

[ Sharon was prepared to do WHATEVER she could to stop them from taking Morgan.]

[Firebird]

Firebird would turn to also run towards the worn hole Delilah had projected. As she would disappear through the field with the others of the Six. Quickly jogging down the flight of stairs while glancing over her shoulder at Alison's creepy prediction that he was coming.

Through all of the chaos Blaze hadn't noticed the appearance of the soul sword until now. It must have been a devastatingly dangerous situation for that weapon to be here. Harbinger would warn that Morgan needed to know and Blaze would nod in agreement as she'd turn towards Silver Swan, "Do not let anything happen to her."

But it was at that exact moment that Spellbinder was snatched away, "No!" She cried out as Morgan was gone along with Silver Swan who moved with the force of a torpedo. Firebird had little time to react as a bomb blast had been ignited to propel her through the air as she was thrown violently through one of the nearby walls as dust and debris littered the area. The ground underneath them would tremble from the attack. Buried under all that rubble, Firebird would awoken as a jolt of pain slithered up her spine. "Arrgghh!" Blood seeped through her mouth as she looked forward to see she was buried just as Silver Swan had earlier.

Her hands had been buried with her, which was where her power had been channeled. The stale air around her made it harder to breath as she struggled to free her hands. Lifting them to augment a form of thermal energy to blow the debris right off her with a current of humid air. Sitting up as she held her side in pain. Pushing herself she'd get up as she'd walk out from where she had been thrown.

"He is really pissing me off now!"

[Rampage]

The rest of the team was blown back by the thunderclap except one especially tough bird of prey. Sharon grabbed Nicolas as threw him into the wall with enough force to shake the mountain. Even in this new form , Nicolas was dazed, and fel to his knees for a moment as she turned on the new figure.
Her sonic attack came from nowhere, even for him, and the blast of its force propelled him through the catacomb wall and out of the mountain itself, far into the distance as he splashed into the ocean!!!

As the new figure landed outside, Nicolas form shuddered and reverted to normal. He stood quickly and screamed to the team.

RUN!!! Run from here!!! Isis rune and her hatred of me has doomed us all. He will not be gone for much---ARRRRRRGHHHHHH!! The power...his power...

Nicolas voice changed back as his markings returned.

I am afraid it is too late for us all.

The figure teleported before Sharon and punched her in the stomach, sending her into a far wall. He roared before stopping to...applaud.

Impressive. You remind me of an Egyptian scarab. A worthy concubine for me, if I could stomach the hellish racket. Have at it.

Sharon met him in the middle as they traded blows. Her punches actually do some damage and she evades his blows well thanks to her Amazonian training. Finally, he seizes her, tossing her back to the rest of the team telekinetically with the force of a freight train.

Begone, I have no time to spar today. I am here for what is mine, and what is my son's.

Reaching out, Haleigh is pulled to his grasp and he speaks with her.

YOU. You love Nicolas as well, but you deny yourself. No longer. You shall have the honor of being his concubine.

With that, the figure encases Haleigh in a cage of pure telekinetic force and places her behind him as he faces his enemies anew. Pointing to Mike, he speaks again.

YOU were his servant. If you wish, I will allow you to accompany us, along with your woman and the other you desire.

As he points to Karen and then...AVA!

Mike answers quickly, much to his regret.


I will not join you. Never. Release the boy and let him make his own choic-

Mike sinks to his knees as the team looks on in horror. His face no longer has a mouth or nose. If they do not act quickly to open his airway, he will die in minutes. He slumps to one side as he looks on at Nicolas, a tear falling from his eye.

Silence! A mongrel that does not know his place is not fit to live.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< they all regrouped, and Karen took Blaze's hand.>>

We can't expect Sharon to sacrifice herself. I am Morgan's mother....I must...

<< suddenly they are ROCKED by a telekinetic force...the impact of an EXPLOSION causes Karen to gasp as she floored...for a moment she can't hear anything and she is so dizzy...she could just pass out. she lay on her side for what seemed like ages. not moving much at first before coughing from the dust in the air. >>

<< but then, the sound of Sharon's sonic scream and the violent battle between Silver Swan and the monster controlling Nicolas stirs her. she hear's Blaze...>>

...ugh...Blaze.....

<< she raises her hand and waves it...blasting away the rubble that burried Blaze.>>


give...me your...hand...

<< the doctor uses her magick to heal the fire elemental and herself. soon both women are breathing. Alison offers potions to anyone else who needs them as she sees to them.>>

come...let us go to Morgan's aid....

<< the monster sends SHARON flying back at them with such force.>>

LOOK OUT!

<< she disappears with Blaze in tow and REAPPEARS by Mike as the creature snatches Haleigh and then points at him. Delilah goes to Sharon, who already shows signs of being alive. >>

you LEAVE HIM ALONE!

<< as Mike refuses the demon's offer, he is struck down...and Karen's face says it all...the hurt and the pain. first her daughter, then Sharon...now Haleigh and Mike. >>

circle of protection! I call upon your power now,
heed your daughter's call a vortex of wind to clear the air!

<< the spell BLOCKS any further damage to Mike's lungs and reverses the effect, as the man can now breath. Karen looks at the monster...her face enshrouded in shadow...its the FIRST time that SHE has manifested this look. So much is at stake. Her daughter's freedom and well being, her companion, her friends...and She is offended to her CORE>>


You attack my daughter, my friends...and my companion....my DAUGHTER!

You've HURT HER!

Stupid, FOOLISH CREATURE!

<< her cape begins to blow as her hair flows as well.>>

the BOND between a mother and her CHILD is MORE POWERFULL than ANYTHING you could fathom. I will do WHATEVER I have to do to STOP you from taking her!

SHADOW WEAVER shall SHOW YOU what that MEANS!

<< for those who had been present in the appropriate timeline, they would REMEMBER SHadow Weaver, the alternate version of Karen. that MAINSTREAM would come to adopt this name NOW of all times...was it a foreshadow of her following the same path as her counterpart? at this moment, it meant that she was SUPREMELY PISSED.>>

GIVE ME MY CHILD!

<< lifting her hands, as a variant chime sounds.>>

Birina katath, dronmor eilith
corsat eilith, Draktar azir, draktar tolem
Shadows swell and darkness reigns
Thy soul is rent asunder!

<< the glowing halos of dark magick swell around the doctor's hands. She then gestures toward the demon as she calls upon an ANCIENT and POWERFULL spell from the Darkhold, the spell activates, summoning the vengefull spirits of mystic beings too abominable to remain on this plain of existence...the spell takes on the form of swirling , violent shadows as they reach out from all sides around the creature and attempt to render him asunder on ALL levels..spiritual, mental, physical...draining him of his life force.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Harbinger helped Haleigh along by speeding up the temporal field, and she, Ava, and Alison were the last through before the wormhole closed. Haleigh still looked alarmed, before Alison spoke about it STILL being behind them. Alison beseeched Morgan to get away, to leave for her own safety.... there wasn't even time to argue... Nicolas and that man-- that MONSTROUS man were right there with them AGAIN... and this time.... a telekinetic BLAST was unleashed against them. Haleigh was JUST turning to face them when the blast hit her.... harder than anything had hit her before.... it sent her hurtling backwards, cartwheeling haphazardly through the tunnel, with such force that her body RICOCHETED off the catacomb walls twice before landing in a sprawling, motionless heap.

The blast itself had knocked her unconscious, like an ipod after a bad drop.... and it took her a few seconds to get back 'online'... she was still dazed when she felt something PULL her back.... the Being was speaking to her.... it was saying something about Nicolas... Haleigh was still too woozy to make sense of it, but as she blinked the blur out of her eyes and lifted her head, slowly getting to her feet.... she realized she was separated from the group. She stood up... shrugged off her dizzyness and tried to get back to where her friends were... but she walks right smack into some kind of invisible barrier-- and it causes her to STAGGER back again. She realizes she's encased in a telekinetic cage.... she narrows her eyes.... BANGS on the 'walls' with her fists but it does nothing... she disappears a moment, trying to use molecular displacement to escape but it doesn't work and this time it HURTS.... perpetuating the lingering headache she'd been suffering from due to the first blast... Haleigh's hand goes up to her forehead.... she's wobbly on her feet... she tries to take a step back to steady herself but stumbles and falls back, turning to catch herself with one hand and a knee/thigh...


She just sits there.... trying to escape via MD really compounded her headache... she hadn't truly recovered from the first KO and she was much more susceptible to falling unconscious again.... she tried to just stay awake.... all she wanted to do was close her eyes... and SLEEP.... but she knew she mustn't... she might become comatose!

In the background... she could hear shouting... different voices... sometimes they were hard to distinguish... but she did hear ONE thing clearly... Shadow Weaver!

"Shadow Weaver..... here...... why......"

Shadow Weaver was Karen's alternate... her evil Alternate, one third of the sisterhood from THAT timeline.... but what was she doing in this timeline?? Haleigh was disoriented to the point of not being able to connect the dots... she assumed that the alternate was here... when in reality their very own Karen was taking a rather DARK turn in order to protect her daughter....

[Harbinger]

They're coming!

:: and just like that...there they were. The otherworldly being attacks first...with a force that Harbinger registers as...::

TELEKINESIS...

:: its beyond anything she's encountered. only her "Telekinetic bomb blast" could come close to it, and even that, she can tell that this was only the beginning. everyone was floored. she did her best to protect those she could with her own power but she LOST Haleigh who was the closest to the creature's reach.::

HALEIGH!

:: after moments of everything going crazy, Alison coughed and sputtered ...as Karen freed Blaze and Silver Swan attacked the creature head on. Nicolas tried to reassert himself. Secretly, Alison WANTED him to revert, so that he wouldnt DISTRACT them or cause them to FALTER as they tried to stop the demon from taking Morgan!::

:: Alison struggles to her feet as Silver Swan is SHOT back at hem. THIS time she can do something, as she TELEBLINKS Silver Swan and stops her from from slamming into a wall, and instead sends her into a pile of rocks. it sounds harsh, but its BETTER. Delilah goes to Sharon to check her, and will find the mutate is alive and well...if not FUMING from being so easily sent away.::

We're not dealing with anything remotely human. his FORM is only an appearence. He DOESNT belong here.

:: Haleigh is trapped.::

He's not getting ANYMORE OF US.

:: she's about to try to TELEBLINK Haleigh but she "Sees" herself failing and only causing Haleigh more pain. She doesnt want to do that. so instead, she sends a "potion" which falls into Haleigh's hands from a small flurry of dark orbs.::

:: Karen is the next to attack, with a powerfull spell. Alison can almost FEEL the anger and determination from Karen, and she HOPES against hope that the doctor's dark attack on the being will HURT HIM if not worse!::

:: Harbinger moves forward, to get Mike and pull him back to safety near Delilah and Sharon. as unfortunate as it seems...Harbinger senses this round is lost to them...but the next round is where the tables can turn!::

:: still, Alison isnt ABOUT to pass up the opportunity to do whatever she can...and so...::

:: holding out her hand::

HEART!

:: she calls for the demon's heart organ...if he has one, she'll TELEBLINK IT form his body!::

[Enchantra]

Preparing for Karen to attack her once again, in an odd move by the Harbinger, Karen disappeared and reappeared next to the group. Seconds later, Malice began to help Enchantra up explaining that something was horrible wrong. And one thing Helena knew, if Diane ever wanted to retreat, it meant they were in WAY over their heads.

Everything happened so fast. Rampage regained consciousness, grabbing Isis by the wrists and breaking them like twigs. As he lifted her into the air, it was apparent that THIS was not Nicolas King...Gasping as she watched Nicolas slam Dominique into a near by wall and MOLEST her, all dislike for Dominique went out the window. NO ONE deserved to be treated like that, especially someone who was apart of her team.

Malice instructed her to get Isis while she attacks the large beast that Nicolas had realeased from the ground. Sprinting to the fallen avatar, Helena reached Isis' side.

"'No one will be dying tonight! Common!"

Helena began to lift Isis to her feet when suddenly the woman is swept away from her grasp, causing Helena to stumble and fall to the ground.

"NO!"

Watching as Isis is being pulled toward the creature, Enchantra pushed herself from the ground prepared to run to grab Isis before she reached him. However Isis transformed herself into her sandstorm form, leaving Helena only one option; regroup with Malice and try to figure a way to get the three of them out of harms way.

Running to Diane, Helena shook her head.

"He grabbed her, I couldn't get to her in time!"

Malice suggested that they let the six distract Nicolas and the breast allowing them to cloak themselves and wait for the perfect moment to help Isis. Waving her hand, the area around herself and Malice began to warp, creating an illusion that even the creature wouldn't detect. Along with Malice cloaking their minds, the white and red queen watched as the battle continued.

[Firebird]

Karen’s own compassion towards her had surprised Firebird, taking Karen’s hand as they would move forward just as the blast hurled them in separate directions. Blaze was winded but she was also a fighter deep down not to mention overly stubborn. She’d breath a little easier with the assistance of Karen, “Thanks.” Her voice hoarse like she had been screaming still shaken up by it. Karen’s magic enough to heal the both of them, allowing the fire elemental to breath again.

Her green eyes would illuminate, “Let’s get Morgan back then!” Firebird was all in agreement for that. She was obviously upset but she showed it a little differently. Blaze was more in check with her raging emotions just as Karen would turn into Shadow weaver. Moving in synch with the good doctor, Firebird would shut her eyes to seep the burning flames that threatened to burn down the mansion. Various slithers of flames would shoot through the air to envelope her building up her mass in the process while Shadow Weaver attacked him. Blaze’s eyes would open as they were an eerie yellow hue with no visible pupil. It seemed that any and all attacks on this being were futile but Blaze had to at least try as she incorporate her own emotions into her attack as a deadly force of kinetic energy.

“Harbinger, you might wanna put some force fields up!”

Releasing all of her body's stored energy in one intense, omni-directional "nova-burst," which can reach about 1,000,000 F, and which is similar to the heat-pulse of a nuclear warhead detonation, with an are of total devastation of about 900 feet in diameter. This violent discharge uses her entire reserve of energy (except for the necessary to keep her alive) at once, entirely exhausting her flame power. Blaze generally requires at least 12 hours to recover entirely from such a feat.

She knew this wouldn’t destroy the creature, not by a long shot but PERHAPS it could severely wound him, anything to get her sister back. Normally Firebird wouldn’t use such a drastic measure but he had Morgan and like Harbinger and Shadow Weaver she would do ANYTHING to get her back.

The burst of her power would rock the whole atmosphere around them as chunks of ground, dirt, and parts of the catacombs were blown right off as smoke would filter along the way. Firebird would look to see if she had at least wounded the creature as Shadow Weaver and Harbinger moved in simultaneously.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Harbinger teleblinked the entire six to their location, including a very angry and distraught Haleigh. She faught tooth and nail to get back to Nicolas...but it was too late. Persephone watched as Nicolas--or what was left of him--snatching Isis by her wrists and breaking them with one twist. This Nicolas was covered from head to toe in markings, with a voice that didn't remotely sound like his. But as he held Isis in the air, the REAL Nicolas came back, telling the team to run. Almost instantly the demonic form of Nicolas returned, slamming Isis' body against a nearby wall before kissing and molesting her. Ava's eyes went wide with shock. ::

"We need to get OUT of here!"

:: Watching as Nicolas began to slice a hole in the floor using his axe, Ava watched as a monsterous creature emerged, standing as tall as the statues in Minerva's mansion. Judging from Isis' reaction, she knew who this creature was...and logically it was linked to hers and Nicolas' past. The creature gestured for both Isis and Morgan; the two woman flying toward it helplessly. ::

"ALISON!"

:: Alison quickly teleblinked Morgan away from the creatures pull and next to Sharon. Everything was happening so fast. Not only were the six fighting for their lives, but Ava caught sight of Malice and Enchantra doing the same! This creature was beyond anything they could control....and they needed to retreat immediately. ::

:: Harbinger instructed the team to attack the creature, no hold bar. Extending her hands out, Ava creatured a massive hurricane around the creature as the others in her team attack it as well. Morningstar quickly opened up a worm hole as each member reatreated into the catacombs of the mansion. Persephone and Harbinger were the last remaining....the last to see the creature literally withstand ever attack made by the six. Alison quickly pushed Ava through the wormhole before jumping through herself. Landing in a squatting position, Persephone stood hearing Alison state that it would be here any second. Morgan was already fitted with her eldrict armor and soul sword, which meant this situation was going from bad to worse. ::

:: Within seconds, Nicolas and the creature arrived with Isis in the catacombs. Nicolas unleashed a devestating blast, sending EVERYONE flying back like ragdolls. Slamming into a rock wall, Persephone slumped to the ground on her stomach. It was worse than being hit by a ton of bricks...it was like standing under a building as it collapsed on top of her. Groaning, Ava rolled dizzily onto her back; a large bloody gash now present across her cheek. Ava laid their for a few seconds as Silver Swan attacked Nicolas, sending him flying through the catacombs and out into the ocean. Pushing herself up onto her elbows, she heard as Nicolas screamed for them to run again. Sitting up, as quickly as Nicolas had 'broken through', he was now back to his possessed state. Charging back, he slammed his fist into Sharon's stomach, sending her flying back into a wall. Then, he came after her sister. ::

"HALEIGH!"

:: Pushing herself onto her feet, Nicolas created a telekenetic cage around her sister, encasing her like an animal. Persephone held her side in discomfort as she ran forward toward Haleigh. Nicolas began to speak again, telling Mike that he could have the woman he loved AND desired. Seeing Nicolas point at Karen then Ava, it was a bit of a shock considering her treatment of Mike thus far, but the goddess had no time to worry about such trivial subjects now. ::

:: Nicolas was the only thing that stood between herself and her sister ::

"Hold on, Haleigh!"

:: The cage covered Haleigh from all side EXCEPT the ground she was standing on. It was a risky move, but the goddess had an idea. As Firebird unleashed a massive attack onto Nicolas, it was the perfect time for Persephone to attempt to get Black Widow out of the cage while he was distracted. Extending her hands out, the ground beneath Nicolas and Haleigh began to shake violently. ::

:: The ground EXPLODED upward [around Nicolas directly], literally blowing Nicolas into the air as well as destorying the foundation of the telekenetic cage Haleigh was trapped in. The explosion alone had enough power to rival the Hiroshima bomb, however with the explosion directly around Nicolas, Haleigh remained unharmed. ::

:: Rocks and debris began to rain down among the six as Persephone quickly ran to the cage, hopping from rock to rock trying to avoid the large crater. The cage was still in tact, HOWEVER, the foundation had been literally cracked and broken, leaving a large enough space for Haleigh to crawl out of. ::

"Haleigh! Haleigh...come on, stay with me! I need you to listen to me....I need you to crawl through this space right here, okay? I know you're tired, and I know you're weak, but you need to muster every ounce of strength you have and crawl out! Remember your combat training? Just like that...just crawl on your belly and i'll get you to Karen so she can heal you!"

[Harbinger]

:: and just as sh e had forseen it, Harbinger, Persephone, Firebird and a newly christened SHADOW WEAVER were all making their final stand [ for this round] to try to save their friends and loved ones.::

:: Morningstar manifests a laser field that sheilds herself, Sharon and Mike. She was instructed by Alison to worm hole out of there if it turned fatal and to call for Ororo.::

:: Harbinger continued to pull on the "heart" of the creature, intending to cause his body to go into cardiac arrest, while Firebird unleashed a POWERFULL attack, one that Foxfire could never have manifested. Her attack was more than enough to irradicate most unprotected people or OBJECTS, it looked worse than the fire of HELL.::

:: Persephone attempted to rescue Haleigh, who had never looked so disoriented before. Harbinger used her own power to HURL any loose boulders, rocks or debris left by the volcanic attack of Persephone at both Rampage AND the new being to back Persephone's play as she tried to rescue them. That attack ROCKED the underground structure and did not help the alread damaged mansion above, but they couldnt care about that now!::

:: In a last ditch effort, the tactician then WARPED the temporal field arond Nicolas and his companion, if they DID try to reach Persephone, they would not make fast progress. but would all of th s be ENOUGH.::

:: Isis and Spellbinder were still far away. Alison was fast enough to reach them but so far the creature recovered from almost everything they threw, from magick, to lasers to fire. She couldnt risk it...for even if they failed THIS round, the next time would surely be different. ::

GIVE THEM BACK TO US!

:: she screamed with anger and frustration! referring to Morgan, Haleigh and even Nicolas and Isis too! ::

We WON'T give up!

[MorningStar]

MorningStar closed the wormhole behind them, but they had little time to enjoy their escape from harm's way. Suddenly Nicolas and - that THING were there with them. Harbinger sucessfully softened a blow to Sharon, and Delilah ran to her to check on her. She was worse for wear, but she would be okay.

The dark figure had Spellbinder and Isis in its grasp, and it appeared had plans for the others, in turn.

Reaching out, Haleigh is pulled to his grasp and he speaks with her.

YOU. You love Nicolas as well, but you deny yourself. No longer. You shall have the honor of being his concubine.

[Under her breath]

"I fucking KNEW it!"

The creature then cruely attacks Mike as he stands defiant, but luckily Karen uses her power to reverse it. MorningStar erects a laser shield to protect her injured comrades...but now all she can do is stand guardian and watch events unfold.

KAREN, whose motherly instinct goes into overdrive as Morgan is threatened, takes on a sinister appearance and calls forth dark magick, truly unleashing hell on her adversaries. It was something Delilah had never seen from HER Karen, but it was power she had always unquestionably possessed. There was no time to ponder what this would mean for the future - Harbinger called for the creature's heart.

But nothing they did seemed to do more than slow the beast down.

"We can't, we can't let them TAKE THEM! Alison, there must be SOMETHING we can do! Please!"

[Rampage]

The figure clutched his chest as his heart was torn from the inside, then laughed again, his heart nearly instantly repairing itself.

If you wish it, you may have my heart, little one, if I may have yours.

Alison hand is filled with a humanoid-looking heart and her chest is filled with an intense pain as her own heart is slowly starting to be taken away. Despite the pain, the figure and Nicolas notice that their movements slow due to Alison's power, becoming far too labored for what is to come.

As the figure laughs slowly at this game of cat-and-mouse, his eyes widen as Karen ignites her spell, looking with recognition at the figures that come to tear at him. He actually takes a knee as the figures begin to do damage to him when Blaze's NOVA-burst intervenes. With a twinkle of his eye, the figure stands, telekinetically using the luminescence of the flame itself to drive away the demons unleashed by Shadow Weaver. He makes a terse command with quick results.

NICOLAS!!!! Attend me!!

Nicolas stomps his foot, and the cavern itself splits in two, the volcanic activity beneath the island becoming more apparent in a hot spray of lava that splahes up on either side. The shockwave of his directional blast knocks the team back again, and the figure recovers Haleigh with a thought, vaporizing her and reassembling her on her knees behind him. As he begins to speak, a mounting psychic pressure comes to bear on everyone. Powers fail, spells go unchanted as it becomes impossible to concentrate.

ENOUGH!!! For the sake of my son's...relations with you, I will spare your lives, but only this once. The next time we meet, I will scatter your tiniest portions across the cosmos. You two (pointing to Alison and Karen with a hint of...reservation?) utilize energies not meant for mortals to bear. Old woman, your change today will cost you more than you will ever gain battling me. And you two...

Malice and Enchantra are plucked from their hiding place and deposited with several tons force to the ground before the team. They are also suffering the effects of his mental onslaught.

You thought you could fool ME?!! I will teach you a lesson in trickery. Stand, chameleon.

Enchantrah is pulled to her feet.

This is your true form in this dimension...

Helena screams as he mentally forces her to morph into a corpse, devoid of beauty or energy. She falls, comatose, her body cracking as it threatens to fall apart. If Karen or Alison do not aid her, she will surely die in minutes.

I will take my leave. Cherish the time you have left. Before long, I will make this dimension...suitable to our needs.

With that, the figure departs with Nicolas, Haleigh, Morgan and Isis in tow, their whereabouts hidden. After a few moments, the pounding in each person's brain slowly ceases. The cavern is totally quiet except the rattled breathing of Enchantrah as she stays in this form, a parting shot for the rest of them to ponder.

[Malice]

:: Malice gasps as she looks at Enchantra::

IMPOSSIBLE!

:: it was too late, the creature managed to discover them. He wasnt of this world...that was the ONLY way he could have circumvented Malice and Enchantra's superb combo cloak.::

:: Malice looked focused and intense. her own mental powers working in overdrive to protect herself and Helena from this mental pressure. She was strong, one of the strongest telepaths on the planet. she had experience, she was USED to prolonged battles and out lasting her foes. But this was different. Malice felt a sense of urgency that she never felt before.::

he's trying to.....

:: in ANOTHER first....the omega level telepath places her hand on Enchantra's arm for support as she struggles to sheild them. She instinctiively transforms into her DIAMOND form which is when her powers become their STRONGEST. her mind is psi screened, allowing her to BETTER shield Helena...but it STILL feels like a dam that's about to CAVE from tremendous water pressure!::

:: he then pulls Enchantra forward.::

Helena!

:: after ALL she'd been through, after having her life taken once, and having to work to rebuild it in her alternate's body in an alternate timeline, to FINALLY return to her true earth home, to FINALLY have a team that could take the Six to task...and now THIS!? She survived Mystech's rise and fall. She survived the fiasco involving Alexis, she even survived the SOUL SWORD. She was as powerfull as she was resilient and now, this creature...this "man" was taking away the Sisterhood! She'd had ENOUGH.::

LET GO OF HER you arrogant WRETCH!

There is NO MAN...NO ONE on this world who can STOP ME! I am the predator...and NO ONE will threaten MY interests, OR my colleagues!

:: the Six had never seen Malice act to PROTECT anyone, but it was clear, that even SHE cared about her team mates, that even SHE had SOME kind of "HUMAN" instinct.::


:: a PSYCHO BLAST, another one of Malice's most powerfull attacks. Malice intends to render him INERT...expelling ALL trace of consciousness or any other brain activity from his physical form if she can. She ALSO attempts to RETURN the pain he is dishing out, she does so with all the bitterness, the contempt, the MALICE that she is KNOWN for!::


:: Helena is forced to become what her MAINSTREAM counterpart is now...a rotted corpse! Malice tries to STOP the mental command, she's pushing herself to limits SHE didnt know she had, but even in her diamond form, she's beginning to show signs of PHYSICAL distress.::

:: its a moment where..."good and evil" dont matter. Malice needs HELP if she's to save Helena...and the SIX will need all the help THEY can get in a NECESSARY rematch to save th eir friends.::

:: her attacks, her efforts are valiant, but she cries out as she doesnt succeed...and she falls to the floor...EXHAUSTED...its the first time that the Six have seen her pushed to her limit...to the point where she CAN"T continue. and now, Helena is left there...dying. and the entity is gone.::

...curse him....and whatever foolish being that sired him....

:: she lays on the floor...resting her hand on her forehead...a splitting headache from so much effort, so much use of power....::

Helena....someone...please...HELP HER!

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger was about to address Morningstar when, to even HER surprise, she seemed to have succeeded in teleblinking the creature's HEART from him. but it was a hollow victory, as he tried to DUPLICATE the process on HER!::

:: she gasped, as she immedidately defended herself with her magick tk. what MORE could they DO!? every spell, every attack was only doing the smallest amount of damage and with NICOLAS there...SHaron TRIED to take him out but it was not enough.::

:: her temporal manipulation gave her the time she needed to BUST loose but as the being attacked them with a psychic onslaught, those with PSI SCREENS felt like they were suffering from the pain of 'nails on a black board"...she could only imagine how much worse it was for the unprotected minds.::

:: HOW was this possible? he wasnt an empath like Malice, it was different. everything was different. He THEN turned his attention to Malice and Enchantra who were still there! Malice attacked him with the boldness and ferocity she was known for, but even SHE couldnt stop him from taking Helena.::

:: Haleigh was torn away from Ava, and Alison whisked AVA from harm's way, pllacing HER behind the laser shield as well. Delilah's shield was protecting them from the flying debris and spray...and Shadow Weaver, Firebird and Alison herself were the only ones OUTSIDE of the shield.::

I've got a spell....i'll


:: Harbinger was about to ignite a spell to turn BOTH Nicolas and his companion into STONE but the creature continued to mount h is mental attack. This SHOULDNT be happening..at least to those with PSI SCREENS. Alison knew that those without PSI SCREENS could be in serious trouble...and so...::

:: as Malice asked for Help, so too did Alison.::

MALICE, your PSI POWERS, use them to BLOCK for the others as BEST YOU CAN!


:: the omega level telepath was taxing herself to a dangerous limit.::


Shadow Weaver, retrieve Helena and revive her...

:: and at that moment, the TIME STAFF leaps into Harbinger's hand. the GARNETT jewel at the top of the ancient , mysteriously designed staff shimmered and glowed as she pointed it at the creature even as HE pointed at Alison and Karen::

....you can't STOP US ALL!

:: Alison was refusing to bow...even as her blue/black hair was now blowing back in the onslaught.::

:: but before she could attack with the power of the Time Staff in concert with her own powers...he was gone...and everyone he had captured was gone with him. Alison's own adrenaline rush was finally beginning to ebb off...and she began to tremble...using the staff to her support herself.::

...he's gone...and he's taken them all with him...

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen smiled with satisfaction as her blonde hair whipped in the wind. Her SPELL was having an effect! But he REBOUNDED.>>

NO!

<< She was about to attempt to SCRAMBLE his power when she too felt the same immense PRESSURE, its as if something was trying to BREACH her psi screen. the symptoms were akin to a severe migraine. she bowed her head and placed her hand on her forehead...as her face contorted with pain.>>

<< Alison, Sharon and Diana were also suffering. it was WORSE for the non protected minds. FIREBIRD thankfully had the topaz gem that Morgan had charmed which would spare her the majority of the pain, she would feel the same pressure that the psi screened individuals felt.>>

<< Diana showed a side to herself that had never been seen before as she valiantly tried to save her colleague Helena. Diana and mainstream Helena had been friends, but it was unclear what the relationship between Diana and this alternate, Enchantra was...but it was no longer about "us vs. them." it was about "all of them vs. HIM".>>

<< it all happened so fast....they were in danger of being BURIED ALIVE. Morningstar's laser shield vaporized any oncoming debris but the mental attacks, the brutality...and they STILL had not succeeded in getting Morgan and the others back!>>

<< Harbinger directed Shadow Weaver to RESCUE Helena! Karen didnt CARE about their past rivalry...she HATED to see ANY woman brutalized by a man. First Isis and then Helena...Alison HAD to have known they would not win this round, but the NEXT one, they'd need all the help they can get.>>

I'll see you in HELL...i will make sure the path is illuminated by your own boiled BLOOD!

<< she hisses with contempt as Nicolas' "FATHER" points at her. she struggles...and as soon as she can...she reaches Helena. and restores her.>>

<< everyone is left feeling battered and defeated as the creature finally leaves...taking Spellbinder, Isis and Black Widow with him. Karen , finally feels the PHYSICAL toll...as she slumps down onto a large rock.>>

I failed my daughter...

[Harley Quinn]

:: Squeezing her body down the small dip between the telekentic cage and rubble of rocks, Ava reached her hand into the cage and grabbed Haleigh. ::

"Common Hales, i've got you."

:: Helping her sister along, Harbinger covered her back by redirecting all debris into the creature, buying her time to help her sister. But the creature rebound like no other foe she had ever witnessed. He teleported Haleigh out of the cage and Ava's grasp to him. ::

"NOOOO!"

:: Alison quickly teleblinked Ava into the laser shield dispite wanting to go forward and rescue her sister. ::

"LET ME OUT! HE STILL HAS HER!"

:: Screaming over the chaos, everything went from bad to worse. The creature had found Enchantra and Malice, transforming Enchantra into a corpse! As Diane, Karen, and Alison continued their attacks on him, Ava's head suddenly felt like it had been run over by a truck. With her mind being one of few that were unprotected by a psi screen, Ava screamed, grabbing her head in agony as she fell to her knees. It felt like fire...hot white pokers stabbing her in the head over and over and over again. All she could do was kneel there, her body hunched over with her hands tightly gripping her hair, and take he god awful pain. ::

:: On the verge of passing out, finally, the onslaught began to fade. Her body was weakened, like she had just run a 200 mile marathon non stop. Placing her hand on the dirt ground for support, Ava looked up through bloodshot watery eyes to see Haleigh, Morgan, and Isis had all disappeared with the creature. ::

"No..."

:: She softly spoke in a defeated tone. Persephone had fought many foes. She had seen so many powerful creatures....but THIS...this was something beyond anything she had seen before. And it had her sister and teammate. Looking over to Karen who had just got done healing Enchantra, it was an odd sight. The six sitting along side of the sisterhood...literally beaten and unsure of what to do next. ::

[Enchantra]

Enchantra watched the battle unfold in the protection of her illusions and Malice's psi powers. The creature seemed unstoppable. He took every attack the six through at him and brushed it off like an after thought. He had Spellbinder, Isis, and Black Widow while the others hid in their protective laser shield. But when Helena thought he would leave with his 'prizes' he turned his sights onto the sisterhood!

Enchantra found herself falling in mid air, hitting the ground hard and with a groan. Malice was a few feet away from her and the creature was now standing over them.

"Impossible..."

No one could get past Helena's illusions, and certainly not Malice's psi powers. This creature was beyond any power weilding humanoid [or closest thing to humanoid] she had ever seen. But before Helena could back peddle to get away from it, he called upon her own power, transforming her into a corpse! Helena screamed in pain until her body was fully transformed. There was nothing she could do....she had to wait on the assistance of KAREN.

As Karen began to heal her, after a few moments Helena gasped, her eyes shooting open with horror. Coughing out, she noticed it was Karen who had brought her back to life. Panting out labored breaths, Helena looked at her old foe KNOWING she could have left her there to die. Helena didn't say thank you, she just looked at Karen for a few seconds with a softer expression, knowing the doctor would get the hint. Reaching out for Malice, she grasped her hand in an effort to be helped up into a sitting position.

"Where's Dominique?"

Diane didn't have to say anything, her expression spoke louder than words. Looking away, she noticed Morgan and Haleigh were gone as well....the six looking as defeated as the sisterhood. With a worried expression, Helena looked back at Diane and for the first time since the six had encountered Helena, there were no quipps, catty comments or rude remarks...it was just her; the more 'human' side of Helena.

"What are we going to do...."

[Malice]

:: Malice struggled to the point of fatigue, defending herself and Helena's minds. In her DIAMOND form she was able to do more, but before she could attempt to BLOCK for the Six, the threat was gone. Karen...who christened herself SHADOW WEAVER, restored Helena. It was a temporal irony that Malice and the ALTERNATE Enchantra would notice.::

:: Enchantra was alive, she was okay...and as she asked about Dominique, Malice looked at her wearily.::

I dont know...

What are we going to do now?

I wish i had an answer...

:: she speaks in a muted, bitter tone.::

for the first time, I encountered a psychic presence that I could not overpower, a force that managed to GET to me...inspite of my own psi shields.

He took Dominique...

:: looking down at her diamond hands::

and nothing WE could do, could stop him. I tried to stop him when he attacked you, but I could not!

:: she didnt know what was worse...feeling the way she did right now, or having been defeated by a foe...a man. in many ways, Malice had ALOT in common with Morgan and Karen...and seeing Isis being treated the way she was, the idea that it could POSSIBLY happen to HER? that didnt sit well with Diana.::

:: she looks over at the six. They too were in a similar state.::

:: she and Helena sat together...quietly recovering. they had yet to establish a TRUCE with the Six, but neither side was in much shape to fight with the other just now.::

[Jessica Hamby]

It was so LOUD.... so BRIGHT! Attacks were shaking the earth itself... no one was holding back and though the telekinetic cage actually shielded Haleigh from falling debris, her senses were so sensitive right now, everything sent her REELING... even the SLIGHTEST thing would have been sensory overload right now, and NOTHING was a small feat... people were shouting, Blaze's nova blast LIT the room as if she had just taken them to the surface of the SUN... the ground was QUAKING and Haleigh had her eyes shut tightly, her hands clamped over her ears just trying to dampen the severity.

Haleigh could hear someone calling her name... it sounded familiar... but so distorted.... it wasn't until it was much closer that she realized it was her own sister.

"Ava.... my head...."

She groaned.... squinting at her sister, who was trying to talk to her, trying to coax her out of an opening... Haleigh got to her knees, ready to do her best to crawl forward, trying to ignore the pain, trying to turn it OFF but her headache was permeating and it was affecting her powers. As she got up though, she noticed something fall out of her lap.... a small vial of some kind.... it rolled towards a crack in the ground, and Haleigh instinctually dove forward to catch it before it disappeared.... it was a potion... Haleigh recognized it from some of Morgan and Alison's apothecaries... and she quickly uncorked it and tossed it back like a shot of liquer....

It had a warming sensation, not unlike Morgan or Karen's 'healing' process... and Haleigh's headache began to dull.... her alertness was returning, as her sister reached underneath the cage, beckoning her forward, Haleigh flattened onto her stomach and began to crawl using her elbows, squeezing beneath the cage, not unlike a cat under a fence. She could feel her sister grabbing her behind her shoulders, pulling her, trying to help her through faster.... and then she felt NOTHING.... she looked up-- her sister was gone, back behind Alison, and Haleigh herself was actually behind the Demon, still trying to crawl out from beneath a now non-existant cage. Malice sent a psycho-blast their way, and Haleigh quickly scrambles to tthe side... not only did she NOT want to be so close to that.... THING... but she didn't want to be anywhere NEAR the fallout from that blast. With her luck it'd bounce off his chest and obliterate Haleigh... but it didn't... the man shrugged it off, turned Enchantrah into a corpse and stunned all of her teammates mentally. Karen started to HELP Helena.... the sisterhood and the Six were working in CONCERT to try to stop this being but it was all they could do to keep from being killed themselves by EXHAUSTION alone. Haleigh is nearby Morgan, who is still out from being tossed earlier.... if she can just GET to Morgan... then she can use her MD to get them BOTH back to their group! The otherworldly being is too busy gloating about being evil mastermind, he might not even NOTICE If Haleigh can be fast and quiet!

Haleigh reaches Morgan, grabs her by the ankle... all she needs is to make contact, but as she looks BACK to her group, ready to escape.... Nicolas and the being take their leave.... and drags both Morgan AND Haleigh with them!

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger exhaled slowly....::

DAMMIT!

:: she was PISSED!::

We hit that abomination with EVERYTHING we had and still NOTHING!

I warned her! I TOLD her...

:: she was upset..at herself...at the situation...and at NICOLAS...she was UPSET!::

I TOLD Haleigh that he was beyond help. all that shit he talked, all that posturing he did....and THIS is what we get.

and now...we've got to find a way to get Morgan, Haleigh...:: looking at Malice and Enchantra:: and Dominique back as well.

:: she makes her way over to Malice and Enchantra.::

Listen...i think we ALL realize that this situation is bigger than either of our teams or our interests. It goes BEYOND good and evil. BOTH of us have friends, team mates that we want...NEED to save. We can't do it divided...

:: she looks at the two women with her cobalt blue eyes.::

We will have a better chance if we work TOGETHER.

Truce?

:: she extends her hand to Malice.::

[Firebird]

Just when both alignments had a glimpse of a possible victory, Nicolas and his father yanked the carpet from under each of them. Not only did he prove to be a formidable foe but almost God-like in his powers. Anything they threw at him it hardly did anything to him at all. Gritting her teeth, Blaze grew frustrated but she was used to being the underdog. She had been in this predicament before. She had the heart of a warrior and even if the odds were against then she wouldn't give up trying.

The next few minutes happened in a flash as Persephone would attempt to rescue Black Widow, an endearing moment but it too was futile. Haleigh was so close to her sister's hand that Blaze FELT for the Goddess as she'd scream for the blonde. It tore Blaze's heart in two for she felt the same WAY about Morgan!

Malice and Enchantra would be revealed by the mysterious force as he would torment Helena. Turning her eyes away from the onslaught he brought her just as Malice bravely attempted to fight for her friend. Even Blaze witnessed a rebirth of the White Queen. "So there is a heart under that diamond form after all.." Her words trailed as a throbbing pain would pound her cerebrum. Most of her physical pain the pendent had taken but she still was susceptible to pain.

With the Sisterhood and the Six battered and exhausted Nicolas, Spellbinder, Isis, and Black Widow would disappear from sight. Shadow Weaver's remark sparked a fury within Blaze who turned her glare to the woman as she stepped across the rubble. Her spiked stiletto boot crushing a few fallen debris as she reached down to grab Karen up by the shoulders to shake her.

"I don't EVER want to hear you speak that way, AGAIN! You've been a wonderful mother to Morgan and to this whole team. You have shown compassion, strength, and power like no other woman. Morgan knows you tried hard. BUT, we WON'T give up, do you hear me Karen Victoria?!"

Blaze's words firm and passionate as she stared into Shadow Weaver's eyes as she turned to the others to see them recuperating. "I won't allow that bastard to win. This round may be his but this fight...this battle is FAR from over!"

Stepping back from Karen, Blaze would see that Enchantrah had been healed by one of the members of the Six. "We're all sworn enemies to the other. But this isn't about good and evil, yin and yang, its about a common enemy we BOTH have. A man...a being...who has our family, friends, and teammates. People that we hold very dear to our hearts. I know that each of them...even Isis wouldn't stop looking for us if the situation was reversed. Like it or not we need to come together as one force...ONE team. We need what the other offers."

For Firebird she was used to having her team ripped apart so in a way this situation made her stronger as an individual and a person. She wouldn't allow the same fate to strike these people including Isis. Harbinger would form a truce with the Sisterhood, a positive step towards their goal.

"Does anyone have any ideas how to locate them? I've exhausted my fire power so I cannot lock onto their heat signatures. But perhaps we could scry for them unless somebody has a better idea."

Placing both hands onto her hips, Firebird would set her gaze on the Sisterhood and the Six, waiting for an answer.

[Arsenal]

I TOLD Haleigh that he was beyond help. all that shit he talked, all that posturing he did....and THIS is what we get.

and now...we've got to find a way to get Morgan, Haleigh...:: looking at Malice and Enchantra:: and Dominique back as well.

He moved to the other side of Karen, helping to hold her up, deciding that there was little to say to help right now about how she felt or her new persona. He waited for Alison to offer a truce and then he spoke.

AND Nicolas as well.

Looking around at the rest of them as different expressions manifested.

What? I know what you may think Seer, and I know that it is in part colored by your own OPINION of Nicolas. The real question is not if you can work with them

Looking at Malice and Helena.

but whether you can realize that part of making this work is trying to free him from this. The fact that he resisted as much as he did WITH that stupid rune from Isis on his chest tells me that if we can free her and have her free HIM, Malice and he TOGETHER will have a chance to defend whatever that...last shit was he did in order to give you guys a shot at beating him. Otherwise, we have one telepathic defender and...be honest Malice...can you possibly protect us all against him? If you cannot, we can't even be in the room with him, no matter what truce we call, no matter what we think we can do together. It will take all of us, including all of those he has taken. Besides, if the rune was not helping him control Nic somehow, why did he not REMOVE it immediately? It is obviously not helping Nic.

He looks around at all of them.

Tell me Alison, do you honestly see us defeating this guy AND Nicolas?

[Harbinger]

:: Alison turns and looks at Mike, jutting her jaw in annoyance.::

You don't get it. Do you?

MY concern has ALWAYS been about my FAMILY on this team and from the moment NICOLAS arrived he has been NOTHING but a grand standing, play boy prancing, bravado bearing DOUBLE JERK! Unless your name is MORGAN...and even SHE bristled at some of his behavior.

:: she buried her face in her one free hand.::

And what's worse...is that...i cast a prophecy over Nicolas that night on AERIE. I Told him that in the near future, the TRUTH about himself would be revealed and would not only endanger us, but would forever DAMAGE his standing with the team and NOW look.

Some otherworldy creature claiming to be his "FATHER" has come forth, kidnapped Spellbinder, Black Widow and Isis...and he used Nicolas as his catspaw, but the creature came from WITHIN Nicolas!

:: she turns away from Mike::

You saw what he did to Isis. There's no telling WHAT he'll do to Morgan or to HALEIGH.

Yes...don't THINK that more than ONE of us didnt catch on to what the creature said about HER! Looks like Morgan was destined to be betrayed EITHER WAY, but we cant worry about that now.

:: she struggled to compose herself. there was too much to discuss and she couldnt say it all at once. first thing was first. ::

We need to get out of here...to a medical facility. Aerie doesnt have one...and mansion is badly damaged right now...

But before we can do anything we must recover ourselves, and THEN we must gather information, try to see the bigger picture, use what we've experienced and learned from this battle to form observations and conclusions...only THEN can we go forward.

[Arsenal]

Mike was not going to let it drop. Alison had played the victim for the final time with him. She played a part as well, and he decided to tell ehr about it.


YOU are the one who doesn't get it. The fact that you care for no one save a small few is the truest thing you have said in ages. Your prophecies, while correct, are also perpetuated by you. It has never occurred to you that your own actions helped precipitate what was to come, that you YOURSELF not only did not avert disaster, but you helped it along, smug in your perception of its inevitability. Nicolas was cruel and wrong to you that night...but his words were as prophetic in their own way as yours were. You saw a hellish future and coolly walked into it, more interested in being proved correct than in making the future brighter than you saw it. You were right, AGAIN. Happy? Now you blame everyone else who who could not see what you saw for trying to stop it when you MIGHT have been the catalyst to avert this...if you had taken the time to try also, rather than simply condemn.

[Malice]

Under the circumstances...

:: Malice met Harbinger face to face as the seer spoke. the telepath shakes hands with the woman, agreeing to the truce on behalf of the sisterhood.::

Yes...we agree to the truce. It is the only way to ensure BOTH sides manages to live on, FREE of this...this..BRUTE.

:: Malice looked on as Harbinger and Mike locked horns on Nicolas.::

telepathically to Helena: Mike almost blindly defends Nicolas. I had no idea he caused such polarized positions within The Six. I knew Alison was bloodthirsty...but even now, I sense a bitterness in her heart, that quite possibly would only be satisfied with Nicolas' DEATH.

:: an observation.::

:: and then, Mike brazenly addresses MALICE. the telepath was too weary to demonstrate disdain..so she just went with the flow.::

I need time to rest, I've pushed myself to the point where I could have done irrepairable damage to myself. When the time comes, I would only need to protect those who have no means of protection, which at this moment would be Helena, yourself, Persephone and Morningstar. Firebird is wearing a talisman that was charmed by Spellbinder and Harbinger, Silver Swan and...Shadow Weaver all have psi screens.



That brute ONLY got the drop on me...on US because we didnt know what we were up against, but your precog is right. If we put together what we've seen and learned from this. We can strike back...rescue each of our team mates and we can DESTROY him.

My knowledge of the human mind extends beyond the fact that I'm a telepath. I'm also an empath. There's no known force on earth that can BREACH a bonafied psi screen and so, if he is going to try to attack so many defenses at once, he will be lacking ELSEWHERE I'm sure.

I can try to scan for any trace of Nicolas' thoughts, see if he's even REMOTELY capable of asserting control of himself.




:: Harbinger spoke of them needing medical attention and recovery.::

The facilities of the Hellfire Club are available. But without Isis, we can't teleport back there. We'll need Morningstar's wormhole.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< there was that brief moment. the look exchanged between Karen and Helena was all that was needed. Helena was gratefull that her arch rival had saved her. It wasnt what she would have expected but this situation was bigger than both of them. Karen looked at Helena and for the first time, perhaps EVER, the doctor's own look was one of "understanding" as she and Helena returned to their respective team mates.>>


<< As Karen checked Delilah and Sharon, then Ava, offering to help them if they needed it...she begin to show signs of agitation as she spoke of failing her daughter. Firebird grabbed Karen and protested the doctor's assertion that she'd failed her daughter...instead reaffirming all the GOOD that the doctor had done, how HARD she tried to save Morgan. This alternate Blaze DEFINATELY was different than mainstream Foxfire.>>

<< in that moment, she kept the doctor from sinking into despair but the DEFINATE change and shift in the doctor's countenance and personality was EVIDENT by her new code name and the recent magick she had begun to ignite.>>

All i could think about was Morgan's desire to be free. I could FEEL IT. I'm her MOTHER...I did EVERYTHING I could to free her and STILL it was not enough! << she shut her eyes, trying to hold back tears of pain and anger.>> But ultimately... You're right Blaze. But the only way we can rescue Morgan and the others, is by KILLING HIM!

<< her tone was cold and bitter and It wasnt clear if she meant Nicolas AND/OR his "father", but she was steadfast in her resolve. They overheard Harbinger and Mike arguing.>>

STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!

<< she snaps with such hostility in her tone.>>

Nicolas may be a foolish boy at times, Alison. You may not approve of him. and Alison may strike you as cliquish and disdainfull, Mike...but NONE OF THAT MATTERS NOW. This is a NIGHTMARE and It wasnt her prophecy that caused this, it was obviously MEANT to happen. It probably has something to do with why ISIS was after Nicolas to begin with! NOW we have to FIX IT before its too late for them...for ALL of us!

We have people that we care about in the clutches of an INHUMAN MONSTER! Did you SEE what he did to ISIS!? he...VIOLATED HER with such WANTON PLEASURE...what will he do to Haleigh? to MY DAUGHTER!? I will GO TO MY DEATH before I let him posess her like this forever...and I'll use the most abominable spells in the darkhold to destroy him if i have to!

We have to ESPECIALLY save Nicolas. He may NOT be in control of himself, but I cannot lie... If he, while under the thrall of that monster, HURTS my little girl...I may NOT be able to forgive him. If he does something to Morgan, Haleigh or even ISIS...NONE of us may be able to see him the same way again...the EMOTIONAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL trauma alone would be YEARS in recovery.

We must move quickly...and do what we can for ALL of them, INCLUDING Nicolas before he crosses the point of no return.




<< Blaze offered a reassuring hand to Karen as they all stand up and agree to a truce. Malice offers the Hellfire Mansion as a sanctuary to them all.>>

Their medical facilities, combined with mine and Alison's magick and Malice's psi powers should be enough for us to repair any damage sustained by anyone in battle.

[Oracle]

<< they were ALL reeling from what happened. emotions were frayed, minds were ablaze...it was a nightmare come true.>>

<< Even ALISON couldnt have imagined that her prophecy would come to pass like THIS. She and Mike were not seeing eye to eye. She felt the best way to deal with the problem was to KILL Nicolas and Mike was not only calling her out, but he was even attempting to blame HER for not doing enough to stop the prophecy from coming to pass. But before THAT argument could eclipse the more pressing issue, Shadow Weaver erupted in anger demanding silence.>>

<< soon, with a wormhole courtesy of Morningstar, the Six AND the siserhood were at the hellfire mansion. back in NYC.>>

<< they were underground in the state of the art medical facility that was furnished by mystech technology and together, the group began to help each other in their recovery and healing. spells of healing, malice's psi powers repairing any psychic or emotional damage...everyone did what they could. THAT was the first step. they couldnt POSSIBLY talk rationally and work toward anything concrete until they recovered themselves.>>

<< Alison and Mike MIGHT even find that they could come to some sort of agreement as well. but as unforgiving as the seer could be...deep in her heart, she knew that Nicolas shouldnt just be thrown away. she wouldnt just stand by if it were MORGAN melting down into the Inferno and had she been present for the Silver Swan's initial rampage, she PROBABLY would have been just as adamant about saving Sharon as Morgan was. But part of her problem was that she had YET to FORGIVE Nicolas for what he'd said to her, and for his treatment of Morgan on Aerie.>>

<< so many things, contributing to and leading up to this nightmare. asessing blame was pointless, finding a solution was the only thing that mattered. and so, the Six and the Sisterhood gathered themselves together...with Malice providing them all with rooms to clean up and refresh themselves in. For her to be a legendary sociopathic evil woman, she presented the utmost in hospitality at this luxurious mansion, but it was all very rehearsed. she was accustomd to entertaining and knew what to do, PLUS there was the truce. Neither she nor Helena would EVERseek any of these people out for TEA AND CAKES after this was all over. >>

<< soon the time would come for them to meet, discuss the situation, and search for ANSWERS. only THEN could they go forward with a new plan to save their loved ones and destroy this creature that had taken hold of Nicolas.>>





elsewhere

<< where ever Haleigh, Morgan and Dominique were taken...Haleigh had managed to reach Morgan JUST before they were moved. and now, the hybrid was close to the two sorceresses.>>

<< Morgan began to stir, her sword still within her grasp and her armour manifested over the hand which held the sword along with with that arm, shoulder and chest area. Isis was coming around as well.>>

[Jill Monroe]

hmmm...

<< her face frowned up...as she began to stir. the flame of her sword provided the soft light she needed to guide her to full consciousness.>>

<< had it been a dream? no. the Soul Sword was there...and so was Haleigh and Isis.>>

...where?

<< she see's Haleigh and whispers>>

Haleigh...Haleigh!!! you're here...the others?

<< no one is around...except Isis.>>

we...we've been captured...by Nicolas and that...creature.

<< she sat up slowly.>>

Are you hurt? do you need healing? Did he kill the others? I'm going to KILL HIM!

<< If Nicolas or anyone ELSE thought she would "obey" or become a queen to some unspeakable horror, they were mistaken. What the monster may not have counted on...was Morgan's almost ELEMENTAL hatred of men subjugating women...and what was WORSE, if she were traumatized beyond the point of no return, they COULD very well have an INFERNO II on their hands. Right now though Morgan was determined to save herself, Haleigh and even Isis.>>

We can't leave Isis behind either...did you see what he DID to her!?

I dont know WHAT has come over Nicolas, but i don't want him touching me...not now...not EVER!

<< she was unaware that the monster had called out Haleigh's OWN hidden feelings about Nicolas.>>

We have to liberate him from this monster, before he does something he will have to live with forever regretting!

<< Morgan WANTED to believe in Nicolas...but how could she? after what he did to Isis. Seeing how he so WILLINGLY complied with this creature. Her bloodthirsty resolve was merely a mask to hide just how scared she was. her thoughts were hidden her mind couldnt be controlled or dominated telepathically, but she didnt know what was going to happen. She COULD escape to Limbo, taking Haleigh and Isis with her, but what about Nicolas? She honestly DIDNT know what to do...and knowing that she was captured from her team mates...she worried what state THEY were left in.>>

<< her "mother/child" bond with her mother and her sisterly bond with Blaze would proove most vital to her during th is time in captivity.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh was the only one conscious during the move.... and she slowly let go of Morgan's ankle as she looked around. All was silent... Nicolas and his 'father' were not immediately detectable... and the sudden quiet lull was a welcome change from the trainwreck of action that had preceded it. Alison's potion had taken full effect now.... Haleigh was free of her crippling migraine and her other systems were righting themselves. Morgan began to stir, and Haleigh moved a little closer to her. Morgan called for Haleigh in a whisper, and Haleigh responded at an equal volume.

Haleigh...Haleigh!!! you're here...the others?

"No.... it's just us.... and her [nodding in Isis' direction as Morgan says they'd been captured]. Yes... they've taken us somewhere else... I was trying to transport you back to the team.... I guess I got pulled along WITH YOU when they abducted you. Well.... at least we're TOGETHER."

She responds.... not being intentionally misleading or deceitful: she too had been 'out of it' when the being had voiced his motivations for capturing her.... so she wasn't acutely aware of WHY she'd been targeted either... nor did she know that she'd been called out in front of the others on her feelings for Nicolas, whatever they might be.

Are you hurt? do you need healing? Did he kill the others? I'm going to KILL HIM!

"No, I'm alright-- healing potion. You?? You were out a while... bad head wound. You're not feeling dizzy, tired, nauseous? Maybe you need some water... [she offered a metallic canteen, indirectly proving her powers were still working, which was a good sign] When we left they were in bad shape but he didn't kill them... he hardly even tried, I'm afraid. They were throwing everything they HAD at him... it didn't even FAZE him... I've never seen anything like it. Even MALICE was strained. We're going to have to work TOGETHER.... [eyeing Isis] ALL of us. I don't think even the soul sword will do it at this point."

did you see what he DID to her!?

"[grimly]Yes.... I saw it.... [locking eyes with Morgan, looking concerned]We're going to have to be REALLY careful, Morgan... ESPECIALLY you... something's come over Nicolas... I've never seen him act like that before... I'm worried about you.... in his delusion... he may think he's.... entitled... to you. [pausing warily] He's stronger than BOTH of us.... his powers have CLEARLY been augmented by this... monster... it called him his 'son'.... we may not be able to hold him off.... it's like when I had to fight Firebird while Malice was playing puppetmaster.... you may have to HURT him to save him... without killing him. It's a hard line to walk.... in the heat of the moment.... it's easy to misjudge your own strength and go overboard."

It was half a warning AGAINST Nicolas and half a warning FOR him... Haleigh was relieved that Morgan still felt they needed to HELP Nicolas... she had worried that Alison might have 'gotten' to her but Morgan too believed Nicolas had to be FREED from this being, rather than written off and destroyed.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan gratefully took the canteen from Haleigh and drank the water.>>

Thank you...

<< she touched her head...the wound. and began to use her magick to heal it.>>

I feel stiff more than anything. my sword leaped into my hand from Limbo, without me calling it, that's how i KNOW we're in terrible danger. Alison was right...not that I doubted her, but everything just happened so FAST!

<< as Haleigh told Morgan that the Six did everything they could and that even MALICE and the Sisterhood were fighting the creature, the sorceress was definately moved by that.>>

This is a nightmare! The creature threatens ALL of us...the six, the sisterhood and MORE. I'll check on Isis now and make sure she's allright. I think she'll be willing to work with us for the common goals of survival and escape.

<<THe hybrid had seen what Nicolas did to Isis as well. THEY ALL had. as Haleigh offered her warning, Morgan looked at her. Nicolas was physically stronger than BOTH of them. Morgan had a high level of strength and Haleigh had a high level of durability and was not without her own level of superstrength but the danger was clear and present. >>

I know...and believe me...I can't get THAT out of my head now. I dont want him TOUCHING me Haleigh, not while he's under the thrall of that monster. I dont want him coming anywhere NEAR ANY of us...but it's almost like that cliched plot point in a movie...the monster captures the woman and tries to force his attentions on her!

<< she closes her eyes and shakes her head.>>

I CAN'T let that happen!

<< as Haleigh highlighted the delicate and dangerous line that both she AND Morgan would have to walk if they were forced to fight Nicolas off, she looks at Isis.>>

The only way we're going to begin to understand what has happened and try to find a way to free Nicolas is to talk with Isis. She seemed to be AFTER Nicolas from the beginning. She said he was a creature of evil in the Mansion. She must know something form his past that we dont. She's an avatar for the goddess, Isis...i know it seems like a reoccurring theme for us in the Six (without knowing of Haleigh's joke about every other woman on the team being a host for a goddess or a goddess' power back in the medical lab) but really it does NOT happen often on earth among humans. Isis , the goddess had to have a REASON for making Dominique her avatar. The monster even said something about THAT back in the mansion.

[MorningStar]

Delilah had not been to Malice’s residence since that night she had followed Karen there – seemingly so long ago. But this time she had been INVITED – or close enough to it. Strange didn’t begin to describe the feeling. Malice offered them quarters to clean up in, and Delilah silently entered the room which she was shown. She hadn’t spoken since THAT moment. The one where she had begged Alison to tell them what to do to save Morgan – but there had been nothing TO do. Morgan and Haleigh were gone. Nicolas was possessed or WORSE. And now their most hated of enemies were sitting next to them at the dinner table. She began to wonder if she hadn’t been teleported to another alternate reality…

She stripped off her torn and tattered clothing, stepping into the large walk in glass shower. She turned the water on hot as she could stand and let it pour over her. She played the battle over and over in her mind. She had been so useless – she had done NOTHING to save Morgan. She had cowered in the corner, safe from harm, and watched that THING take her friends. And she had called out to Alison as if it were on HER ALONE to save them all. Then didn’t even have the decency to DEFEND her from Mike’s irrational attacks on her character. Useless.

Delilah covered her face with her hands in despair. The bathroom was so so dark, matching how low she was feeling. She sank to the floor of the shower, its water still pouring down over her, curled into a ball and cried for her teammates.

[Rampage]

Girl Talk? Silence for you...

Morgan and Isis would be jolted by the same mental PRESSURE, unending pressure from before as they were pulled against a wall, where they still did not know. Both Isis and Morgan would not be totally helpless, but their individual efforts would be feeble at best, to further tease them both. Haleigh, however, was left free at least in body.

In her MIND, the figure was at work, preying on her emotions, her thoughts, her fellings in a sytematic way that he had designed for her in the short time he took to analyze her thought processes.

First, he assuaged Haleigh's fears. Morgan was imprisoned, but in no real DANGER, her capture becoming more of a nuisance to be remedied later than the life-and-death issue it really was. The rest of the team? All OK and safe, even though half the team plotted against her, saying she was a backstabbing slut. The evidence of Delilah and Alison's suspicians were magnified and revealed to her, to give her a sense of feeling as if she were already guilty anyway of what may come.

Finally, the being played upon her sense of LOSS, of loneliness. She was not disloyal to Morgan; she was a woman with needs. She had lost her man and she understood a good-looking man when she saw one, no harm in that.Especially one that his own woman did not seem to appreciate. Well, if he were hers, SHE could appreciate him. This is how the harmless longing was magnified, mixed with her loyalty to Nicolas to make Haleigh the perfect slave; one who would willingly do as Nicolas asked and MORE, and would willingly accept the fate before her out of loyalty magnified, out of feelings that had been brokered and misguided.

Come, child.

The figure beckoned Haleigh as she walked forward, so confused, hurt for her teams betrayal, and longing to see Nicolas, comfort him. She followed him around corridors until they opened into a large mansion. The figure apparently had great taste, althought it was definitely of another time and dimension. unusual tapestries hung on the walls as all of the furniture was how one would imagine Pharoahs lived with a modern twist. The figure continued to lead Haleigh to a master chamber, where Nicolas sat in a steamy pool, eyes closed as he relaxed. His mind, thanks to excruciating focused mental attack by the figure and the weakness he suffered due to the rune's power, was totally enthralled; he only wanted away from the Six to gain what he deserved: domination of the world with his newfound Father. Part of what he was due was love and affection, appreciation from the people in his presence.

Father, is that you?

Nicolas voice was not so deep, not so different as before now. It would not frighten Haleigh so much as she approached him, his markings more faded as the figure allowed him normalcy, all the more to reward the woman who was so loyal to him.

It is I, Nicolas. I bring a friend to see you. She...misses you very much and I think you have much to speak of.
Looking at Haleigh, he spoke to her softly, his voice hypnotic and all-commanding. As she listened, she would note even more the handsome strength of his face.

Go to him, serve your hearts desire...there is no need to deny yourself.


The figure left the room, closing the door to leave them...alone.

[Harley Quinn]

:: It was a sick twist of fate. The sisterhood and the six working as one to save their captured friends. If it hadn't happened before her very eyes, Ava wouldn't of believed it. Sitting in the Hellfire medical lab, her mind was pretty badly attacked by the creature and needed healing by Malice no less. The large gash on her cheek was now gone, and all that remained was for her to get cleaned up. Sitting with her legs hanging over the side of the medical bed, Ava sat in her torn and dirtied uniform. Strands of hair fell from her once sleek pony tail and covered the sides of her cheeks. Sighing out, Persephone gripped the edge of the bed tightly. Thoughts of what Nicolas or his father were doing to her sister ran through her head. What they would ultimately do to Morgan and Isis as well. Lifting her hand to her forehead, she roughly rubbed her brow line and closed her eyes. ::

"If they do anything to her....to any of them..."

:: Ava softly spoke with a cold yet defeated tone. She was SO close to grabbing Haleigh. She had her by the shoulders....it was just a few more feet and Ava would have had her. Everything replayed in her head and the woulda, coulda, shoulda's began to plague her. ::

"I HAD her!"

:: Hitting the gurney with her hand, Ava climbed off of it, getting angrier and angrier by the second. Her healed boots knocked against the white marble flooring as she walked from the bed across the room to release the tension in her body. ::

"When I get my hands on him [Nicolas] I will RIP him from the INSIDE OUT."

[Enchantra]

The six and the sisterhood had made a truce. To come together and become one team. It was a reality Helena never thought she would experience, but it was for everyone's best interest. The six had lost two of their own, and the sisterhood one. The red queen may not have been Dominique's biggest fan, but even SHE couldn't leave her in the clutches of that creature. ESPECIALLY after he literally raped her of her powers and forced her to use them on herself.

Laying on one of the medical beds in the sickbay, Helena looked over seeing that Persephone was having a difficult time coming to terms with loosing her sister. Pushing herself up from the bed, Helena groaned slightly still feeling the effects from the creatures attack on her. Letting her legs hang over the bed, she listened as Ava proclaimed that she would rip apart Nicolas. Raising a brow, Helena gave a cold smile.

"I don't think your friends will appriciate that very much."

Persephone: "I don't care, he deserves it."

"My my, you certainly have a black heart. Are you sure you're fighting on the right team [good and evil]..."

Persephone: [cooly] "We have no difinitive sides anymore, remember?"

Helena slid off her bed slowly, babying her side with her one hand.

"Ah yes...but once we rescue our damels in distress, perhaps you should rethink your position in the six.."

The six and the sisterhood may have formed a truce, but Helena was far from becoming Betty Crocker anytime soon. Placing a small seed of doubt into Persephone's head, Helena slowly walked passed the goddess toward the exit.

[slyly] "Just a thought."

And with that, Helena exited the room, heading for her respective suite to wash up and get changed.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the changes in Karen were more than just her name. She was inconsolable as coldly rebuffed Mike, and forced him to find his own room. She was tired of him and Nicolas blaming Alison for something she obviously couldnt control. Had he NOT see what Nicolas did to Isis? how he THREW Morgan away behind himas if she were a piece of paper?...and her bloodthirsty resolve to destroy the creature responsible for Morgan's capture, even if it meant using her magick against Nicolas was all too clear.>>

<< the situation was VERY emotional for them all. Malice used her psi powers to fix whatever damage had been done to the unprotected minds on a psychic or emotional level. But the true feelings that people were feeling, Malice knew not to suppress. healing damage was one thing, trying to cover up someone's feelings was another...and for Malice to be such a deadly foe. She was honoring their truce quite well. Perhaps the telepath was more unnerved by what happened to Dominique than anyone could have thought.>>

<< Karen herself was disjointed, hurling a vase against the wall and cursing.>>

I'll KILL HIM! I'll CURSE HIS SEED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!

<< the doctor's flying suit had been tossed into a fire. the new one would reveal even more changes as her state of mind. for now, she was wearing [ see the picture in the banner] and barged out of her room into the hall way. She HAD to find a way to get ahold of herself. Checking on Firebird and others would be a start.>>

<< she went down the hall...and noticed that Delilah's door was ajar and without bothering to knock, the doctor enters.>>

Delilah?

<< it was so dark...but in the distance she could hear the running shower chamber.>>

Honey, are you allright?

<< she came near to the bathroom and heard the young mutant crying.>>

Delilah!

<< she reachd for a large towel...>>

they certainly spare no expense here. these towels are spun from the finest egyptian cotton.

<< even in moments of bitterness OR concern, the doctor could appreciate good taste :D and this mansion was luxurious as it had always been>>

come out of there, Delilah...

<< she holds the towel into the chamber for delilah to cover herself in..>>

Let me help you.

<< her tone was steeled, but there was a flicker of warmth beneath it. Karen wanted to do what she did best, step outside of herself and help one of her "children", maybe by doing THAT, she could find a way to help herself and ultimately her daughter.>>

[Arsenal]

Mike needed little prodding from Karen as she yelled for him to secure his own quarters. At this point, he knew she would be angry with him and he no longer cared. Alison was apparently faultless, as usual.

As the hot water washed away his soreness he leaned back, sighing deeply. It was not Alison's fault, not REALLY. Nicolas had said some tough shit, and it was not cool. But he winced, his mind spinning as he simply wished that they could find a way to forgive, to forget. It was impossible to come together when only some of them could find redemption, when it was too easy to hold a grudge.

Mike got dressed and started out to find Karen, but he stopped. Karen needed time, and even that would not work. he took a moment to steel himself for anything as he entered the control at which Alison sat. He hesitated at the door as he entered, speaking an announcement lest she was too far gone.

Alison, it's Mike. Look, can we just TALK a minute?

He peeks in. Good, the Seer is well, but her cold eyes are indecent in their anger. It was time to put all the cards on the table, because what else did he have to lose? He walked to the window in her room, his back to her and those eyes, to keep his mind on what he felt.

I learned a lot about you when we traveled timelines looking for you two. Seeing the future and the past, the horror and the finality of it all, I could not IMAGINE, none of us could...how it must be. How immense the weight of fighting what is to be, despite knowing it will come to pass. I still cannot completely know but..that glimpse alone, I do not envy you Seer. I can also understand how you keep yourself so hardened. One cannot be soft-hearted when they see things like that.

I am SO sorry, Alison, about everything. You have EVERY right to be angry at Nicolas AND at me, to not trust him given what you knew. The only thing I hoped you would realize and, deep down I believe you do, is that it is no more folly for Morgan or me or Karen to love Nicolas despite the risks you enumerated than it is for you to love Morgan when you knew the Inferno was coming, and to love her again afterward. Or for you to care for Delilah even as she chose Bishop, or to forgive HER afterward.

Mike turns to face her.

I know that you care about your family here, and I understand that. But in spite of what you think of those of us outside that sphere, we have grown to
respect and care for you all the more. Maybe it shouldn't matter but you are a leader on this team, in this family and your opinion counts. That is why Nicolas has made such a fool of himself trying to please you and an even bigger fool lashing out when he feared that you would never change your opinion of him. It was not a sophisticated move, but it was what one would expect from a 22 year old kid who wanted something more than anything in the world, a FAMILY. Including a big sister with a power set similar to his own.

[Harbinger]

:: Everyone was accounted for. Medical attention and healing had been given as best it could. some were now cleaning and changing, some were getting some rest that they needed. Alison, had already cleaned and changed...but was once again in a new, clean, refreshed copy of her latest costume (http://www.pixiekitty.net/ragazza/images/Jill_Valentine4.jpg) consisting of the blue corsett, black mini skirt, white ribbon and high heeled boots.::



:: with her once again blue/black hair in a stylish, side parted bob.::

:: she returned to and sat in the control room. Unlike the others, she couldnt bring herself to go to her guest quarters. She didnt blame THEM the rest they needed, she blamed herself. She couldnt rest. so many questions, so many issues to ponder and address, so much to SEE. she laid her head down on the table...and began to fall apart. She was SO UPSET!::

:: it all flashed through her mind like a machine gun montage, she honestly didnt know WHERE to begin and how could she LEAD if she didnt know THAT!? how could she remain calm when at this very moment, they [ Nicolas and that demon] could be doing ANYTHING to Morgan, Haleigh...and even Isis.::

:: this woman, who had stalkd the deepest, darkest tunnels and the highest unseen mountains around the world, following her destiny at age 14 before she even KNEW what her destiny was...this woman who had taken down men twice her size, BY HERSELF. She was a precog, a telekinetic witch and the HARBINGER...but instead of ALL of that, she couldnt stop Morgan, Haleigh's and Isis abduction.::

:: she blamed herself, but she also blamed Nicolas. Had he NOT taken heed to her prophecy? It wasnt HER responsibility to address HIS character flaws. Even IF she had wanted to, she COULDNT. He indirectly caused her and Ava to fall through a stepping disc, opened by a very stressed...DESTRESSED Morgan. ::

:: Now Mike was attacking her character. Did he REALLY listen to himself? Did he REALLY overestimate his value to her THAT much? She swung back and forth between wanting to BLOW HIM UP and wondering if there was ANYTHING to what he said. Wondering if he REMEMBERED her prophecy to HIM about being RAVAGED by that creature and how it HAPPENED, how KAREN had to save him. That was HIS friend who was AIDING the creature. The creature called him a SERVANT. How could Mike tolerate that?::

:: he was causing her undue stress, and she was going to confront him before she met with the others. She HAD to. But she'd need someone there to keep things from turning nasty...mainly for MIKE'S sake. The only person NOW who could be counted on for THAT was...::

Firebird....

:: she said softly as she continued to sit at the conference table with her head down on the table, trying to pull herself together. ::

where is she?

:: using her "eyes" as a Seer, she quickly found the alternate Blaze...::

a pair of floating cobalt blue eyes openes before Blaze with a "pop" sound.

Blaze? I need to talk to you...I need your help.

I'm tired of Mike. I want to ....i WANT to blow him up, quite honestly, and be done with it...but i know i cant...for SO MANY REASONS. I've killed before, but in each case, they deserved it. Mike is a human...i HAVE killed humans before, namely Frost's father...:: realizing that this Blaze would not know who that is...she quickly added:: he was a mob boss who was trying to kill Alycia.

He's Nicolas' friend. He's risked his life helping this team and he seems to love Karen...

He just...OFFENDS ME to my core! I'm SO TIRED of his self righteous attacks on ME for caring about MY FAMILY! He has NO IDEA what its like to be a precog! the PAIN of knowing that sometimes, even when i see something, I CAN'T alter it. it's not MEANT to. My prophecy over Nicolas isnt what caused THIS. NICOLAS didnt TELL ANYONE...it was I who had to tell, and by then it was TOO LATE!


and NICOLAS, he just....GAVE IN. All that bravado, all the times he wanted to try to one up MALICE, and when the time came for him to SHOW IT...he FAILED...

:: her own emotion flared, even through the seemingly emotionless floating cobalt blue eyes. but she quieted herself, remembering the rune. that damn rune. that was a key piece of information.::

:: the eyes continued to float there. but at that moment, MIKE had arrived to the control room. ::


we dont have much time. and we have much ground to cover, but I can't go on to address the others until I've addressed Mike privately. Come to the control room as soon as you can.

:: for her to admit she NEEDED anything, much less to a crosstime alternate, it was a sign that Alison was indeed STRUGGLING this evening. with that, the eyes snapped shut and shimmered out of view.::

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


:: Mike was there. She didnt left her head. she wouldnt let HIM see her like this. Only those who were close to her, who EARNED her trust like Morgan, Karen, Ava, Delilah, Haleigh..even FIREIRD at this point, whom the Seer was quickly accepting. Why should she let HIM see her like this!?::

:: her voice was weaker than usual, but no less bitter.::

come to start with me again have you?

:: she knew he wasnt, but she had to at resist, buy herself some time as her tried to compose herself before lifting her head.::

I've had to go against the grain since i was a CHILD. Do you have any idea what its like...having to FIGHT YOUR OWN MOTHER to protect your sister and baby brother from her ABUSE? I was not even a TEENAGER, and my powers manifested due to the extreme emotional distress of my family dynamic and even then, having been forced to make hard choices that NO CHILD should have to face, what did i get in return? A traitorous sister who tried to KILL our brother , then me.

I never HAD a real mother until i met Karen...i never had a real SISTER until i met Morgan, then Delilah...and even now...AVA. They mean the WORLD to me, Mike.

Haleigh and I...we've come SO FAR since our early days. I love HER too...and i never thought I would say that. Funny, being a precog I should have known, but sometimes even WE miss the "small things".

:: as Mike continued, he used tact and sensitivity. Alison's hidden eyes widened at various moments. He understood more than she gave him credit for. He mentioned the Inferno, something that even SHE had referenced to herself when assessing the threat that Nicolas would come to pose. She , along with Delilah HAD been the only ones who remained steadfast in the position that Morgan needed HELP. It was rather odd to her, that many of the things he addressed were the same things she had just spoken to BLAZE about. For a human, he seemd very perceptive at th is time. ::

and what you did not know... :: she said coldly, with her head still down:: is that as it would be so many times after, NO ONE heeded my warnings until it was TOO LATE! Just like Delilah and Bishop, just like THIS. I think the ONLY time people listened to me, was when Master Mold was coming or when Circe was about to strike.

I wouldnt interfere with Karen OR Morgan's choice to love Nicolas...AS LONG as he did not pose a danger. NOW he does. I can't PRETEND to be objective. I don't have it in me. I've been FORCED to make hard choices since i was a child, Mike...and this is one of those choices. If i am forced to choose saving the lives of Morgan, Haleigh...even ISIS and of course the WORLD by KILLING HIM, then that is what i must do!

:: she slowly curled her hand on the table into a fist...clenching it::

I didnt lay in wait, for a reason to entertain Nicolas' DEATH. I take NO JOY in entertaining such a thing. My prophecy to him...was not a curse it was meant to be a WAKE UP CALL. Just as I had prophecied to my BROTHER after the INFERNO, about where HE would end up if he didnt back off of Morgan and women in general!

:: Mike reminded Alison that NIcolas was a very young man. That all he wanted to do was win her good graces. She shut her eyes...was she going SOFT? why was what he saying NOW causing pangs of sympathy in her marble hard heart? He was looking for a "big sister" type with a similar power set. She WAS used to the role of "big sister" by blood...she even TRIED to play that role for her baby brother after the Inferno and so many other things...but in the end, Cameron was not meant to be with her or the Six. Nicolas may not have meant any harm after all.::

Nicolas did offend me to my core and I have NOT been able to forgive him for it. Just as he But...I...WE...will do what we can to set HIM free. I just hope...I pray to the goddess...that HE does NOT do anything he will live to regret. MORGAN HERSELF took over a YEAR to recover from her actions during the Inferno. She SACRIFICED HERSELF in the battle of Master Mold to tip the scales for the horror she rained down upon NYC...and even now, she is still plagued by the doubt that follows her because she fears that loss of control she's worked so hard to gain.

:: pausing::

and though you are not a precog, your observation is very clear...and fair.



it has taken many members of the six a while to truly find their place. Cameron, Haleigh, Blaze, even Ava. In the beginning, NONE of us could stand each other...except Morgan, Delilah and Myself and JUST RECENTLY that sister dynamic was nearly DESTROYED...and yet we worked through it.

Despite the divisions...the strains. Nicolas and yourself ARE apart of the core now. No family dynamic is all peaches and creme but we would all be wrong for not trying to save Nicolas as we try to save Morgan, Haleigh and Isis.



:: she paused again...hoping BLAZE would arrive soon.::

[Jessica Hamby]

Morgan swore not to let anything happen to them.... Haleigh gave her a serious nod in agreement... but she wasn't as worried about herself as Morgan seemed to be. Firstly, she was confident [probably to the point of arrogance] that she could defend herself if it came to that... but Nicolas had NEVER tried to hurt her... they'd never even argued, save for at the beginning, before they got to know each other. Now they understood each other so well... sure, they joked around and pushed the limits of appropriate interaction... but she never thought Nicolas might try to HURT her. It was so farfetched....

Morgan checked on Isis, talking about how she was an avatar for Isis and that she MUST know what's going on with Nicolas. Haleigh nodded again...

"Yes.... we're going to have to work TOGETHER on this one.... it goes beyond good and evil.... or our rivarly with the sisterhood and amongst OURSELVES. If we don't join forces we may not have a snowball's chance in HELL against this thing."


Girl Talk? Silence for you...

the voice was booming and Haleigh snapped to looked in the direction it was coming from. Something was happening to Morgan and Isis.

"STOP IT... You're HURTING THEM! [not very firmly] I'm warning you...."

She said, reaching for Morgan's soul sword... but she didn't sound very convicted... and she didn't quite seize Morgan's sword... she stopped, hand stretched out for it, but she only stared at the being... internally.... she was weighing her options. she didn't KNOW it... but she was being coaxed down at the mental level and the being was so SMOOTH that Haleigh thought she was still making decisions on her own.... wait.... don't do anything rash... I should think it through first... he hasn't killed any of us yet... he could have though.... maybe he wants to talk... maybe I can formulate a plan first... be more effective. Morgan's not in grave danger... I'm not even effected... the others survived... they're fine now.....

She flinched, shutting her eyes... she got some kind of flashback... of the demon capturing her, telling her not to deny her own feelings about Nicolas any longer.

I fucking KNEW it! I KNEW they weren't just pretending in the MOE timeline.... I KNEW that bitch was going to try to seduce Nicolas away from Morgan!


Something else was coming... Alison this time, arguing with Mike.

Yes...don't THINK that more than ONE of us didnt catch on to what the creature said about HER! I KNEW she was too protective of Nicolas! I shouldn't have ignored the signs... I can see it now... Looks like Morgan was destined to be betrayed EITHER WAY, but we cant worry about that now.

But I haven't done anything wrong.... I've controlled my impulses... we agreed not to cross the line... why are they hanging me out to dry? She thought.... the implication that she would betray Morgan was hurtful.... Haleigh of all people felt that betrayal was the worst of all offenses... she would never purposely do that to Morgan. Nothing happened... is this going to go to judge, jury and executioner without me even BEING there to defend myself?? How could they write me off so easily... kind of like they did to Nicolas....

Her resolve was getting stronger... she balled one fist, gritting her teeth as she rose to her feet. They abandonned us... Nicolas and me... they're only going to try to save Morgan.... IF they even decide to BOTHER with that.... well to HELL with them... if that's all it takes to be forsaken... ALL I'm guilty of is thinking about him... looking at him... there's no harm in LOOKING.... Morgan doesn't even know what a great thing she's GOT anyway.... all he wanted to do on Aerie was comfort her... but she pushed him away... withdrew into herself to pout.... she took him for GRANTED.... I'd never do that... she's too biased against men because of her father to REALLY appreciate him... she always attacks him for just being MALE... she doesn't know how to treat him.... she probably doesn't even love him... not the way he loves her... not the way she SHOULD love him... not the way I love him....

It was one of the reasons Haleigh didn't scold him for what he said to Alison at dinner... she understood why he felt the way he did... she felt like Morgan and Alison never really gave him a fair shake.

Come, child.

Are we going to Nicolas? Don't worry Nic... I haven't written you off... I'll still save you from that monster... I know that wasn't YOU who attacked Isis.... Hang in there.... I'm almost there.... She wasn't even concerned about the being anymore... he didn't seem so menacing now that she got a good look at him... he was almost... handsome. Maybe that was where Nicolas got it from?

"Morgan.... stay here... I'm going to go get Nicolas... don't worry.... I'll be alright...."

She said absently, as she followed after the being. She didn't sound quite there.... her tone had an entranced lilt to it.... they passed through halls decorated beautifully Haleigh was almost like a dazed child, amazed at her surroundings... she ran her fingers along a tapestry, a slight smile on her lips.

"This is beautiful.... this place.... majestic. You live here?"

Whatever the being was doing to her... he was thorough. He surpassed her 'firewalls'... he kept up with her binary code.... probably due to Nicolas' familiarity with her mental patterns.... she'd never been as affronted by Nicolas' telepathy as the others... Delilah had always been angry by his unintentionally 'probing'... but Haleigh knew what it was like to be a conduit for so much hidden information... it was a constant stream that couldn't be stopped or turned off... You gleamed from it what you needed and the rest you let go... but it all passed through them like a sieve. It was that way with Haleigh's 'networking' power... she could find ANY information on record... she could browse the net in her mind... but it was a constant flood. She just learned how to swim to what she wanted to know. It was something her and Nicolas had in common... and yet another reason why she identified with him and defended him from time to time. It was all part of the bond being played on by Nicolas' 'father'... feelings that were being amplified and manipulated.

They were in Nicolas' room now... Nicolas himself was lounging in a pool, surrounded by steam. a hot tub.... I bet that's relaxing. After all the fighting we did... so very therapeutic....

It is I, Nicolas. I bring a friend to see you. She...misses you very much and I think you have much to speak of.

"Nicolas! Are you alright? I came to save you... take you home.... the others... they don't think you can be helped... but I know better. Morgan came too! She hasn't given up either.... not yet, anyway. She's..... busy right now. I'm sure she'll be along soon."

His father had left, but Haliegh was oblivious.... she was beginning to forget where they WERE.... she could only see Nicolas.... she felt drawn to him.... drawn to help him! She knelt by the edge of the pool, touching the surface of the water with her fingers for a moment, then seeming to remember WHY she was here. She reached out her hand for him.

"Come on Nic.... we have to get you out of here. Isis is here too... she might try to kill you again."

[Rampage]

Nicolas turned slowly as Haleigh spoke to him. His eyes were wet, and more than a bit reddened. Haleigh would assume crying, but the forced subjugation of Nicolas was difficult, and now the young man, weakened by the rune, was similarly brainwashed.

Haleigh...its too late. They will not accept me. I am far too ugly like this. After all of their posturing about humans, they cannot bear me. I am not even of this world, and Morgan will surely not tolerate me in this state. She barely tolerates me now, and that will end once Delilah and Alison get to her. I wish she could just accept me....

He looked at Haleigh.

No one understands me like you do. And to think we used to fight tooth and nail. Haleigh...

I love you very much.

It was true indeed...but the metahumans TRUE words and feelings were twisted, to the figure's purposes.

Hales, stay with me...just a little while.

Nicolas reached up and touched the young woman's face, his eyes pleading.

[Arsenal]

Mike listened as the Seer spoke with him and about Nicolas. Even when she was angry, he was heartened by it. She was normally too calm to be moved by anything, and her emotion betrayed her feelings, however well they were hidden. She spoke of his and Nicolas' acceptance into their core, and he felt hope that all was not lost. He spoke again, more softly even than before.

Alison, inspite of our differences, I trust you to do what is best. In a way, I guess I always have. Maybe that is why I have expected so much from you in this. Nicolas hurt you, insulted you and he shouldn't have. I only hope he has time left to show you how he truly feels...that he has time left AT ALL. I just want him to have a chance, you know?

Mike sighed heavily, the weight of the past few weeks heavy on his shoulders.

Alison, I am worried about Karen. We could save Morgan and lose her, lose her to the darkness, like in those timelines. I can't lose her. We can't lose her, Alison. No matter how this ends up, please promise me you will help me help her? Please...I can't lose them both.

The weight of everything was weighing on Mike again. He was not a weak man, but the loss of Nicolas and Karen was too much to contemplate...

[Jessica Hamby]

Nicolas was solemn... he looked like he'd been crying and that alone saddened Haleigh. her expression was pained... dejected as Nicolas said it was too late... that the others wouldn't accept them.

"They cast me out too....because I didn't immediately forsake you to your... 'father'. it's like in that future timeline... when my alternate was ostracised because she took too long to make sense of what happened to her Nicolas...."

Nicolas lamented that Morgan barely tolerated him... and Haleigh recalled something Morgan had said just a few minutes ago.... how she didn't want Nicolas to touch her... not now... not EVER! Her exact words... Haleigh didn't want to tell Nicolas about it... she didn't want to send him into further dispair.

"It's not their faults, Nicolas... they're reacting out of FEAR... fear of what's happened to you... fear of what you might do.... after what you did to Isis... but I know that can't have been YOU... it must've been that being... the one who calls himself your father. We have to get you FREE of him... he's done something to you. Something like what Malice loves to do to Blaze all the time."

No one understands me like you do. And to think we used to fight tooth and nail. Haleigh...

I love you very much.

Haleigh's expression changed from one of concern to one of serenity... she gave a tranquil smile... she said what she felt so COMPELLED to say... she couldn't stop herself, the words just FELL out of her mouth.

"I love you too."

It was a lot easier to say than she might have thought.... and she didn't want to take it back once it was out... it was suddenly the most natural thing to say... and she couldn't remember why she hadn't said it many times before. Nicolas asked her to stay with him... and Haleigh suddenly couldn't figure out why she had been so RUSHED..... there was no danger... this place was so beautiful... it wouldn't hurt to stay....

"Well.... alright.... just a little while."

She repeated, her hand reaching up to take his on its own accord. They stayed like that for a few moments... locked into eye contact for seconds that stretched into eternity. Haleigh's mind wandered into territory better left alone... she wondered what would happen if they kissed, and suddenly, it was all she could think about, despite her efforts, she couldn't even remember WHY they were here. She didn't know her thoughts were being pruned... steered in the direction of another's choosing.... any errant thoughts were shut down quickly.... only the most oft-denied desires filled her head... thoughts Haleigh had never even considered acting on suddenly encompassed her.

[Rampage]

The most insidious thing about this type of situation. Nicolas could still hear thoughts, and Haleigh's were LOUD AND CLEAR. He reached out to her slowly with his other hand and pulled her close, kissing her on the mouth with a need and a tenderness that was emblematic of the pain in his heart and of the feelings that were being manipulated. He lifted her easily to him, vaporizing her clothing as he did so and placing her across his lap as he continued to kiss her. As Haleigh lay there, she would realize now that Nicolas had no clothing on, had been nude the entire time as he sat there!

Nicolas lay her upon the water, using his power to increase its bouyancy so that she was nestled on its surface. As he caressed her slowly, he followed the warmth of the water with his own tongue, tracing his way across her as he went...slowly crawling atop her...

[Harley Quinn]

:: After an interesting chat with Helena, Ava returned to her quarters to wash up. Stipping from her uniform, the brunette made her way to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Using her powers over temperature, the warm water instantly turned hot, creating a steam in the bathroom. Climbing into the shower, the water coated her dirt covered body, rinising away the grit and grime. But Ava couldn't seem to rinse away her guilt for allowing Haleigh to slip away....but even more, her anger for not taking care of Nicolas before this situation had come to frutation. Tipping her head back, her chocolate locks instantly darkened as the water hit. Running her fingers through the soaking strands, Ava began to wash herself, hoping that the shower would make her feel somewhat better. ::

---

:: Opening the bathroom door, steam flooded out into the main bedroom of Ava's suite. With a white towel wrapped around her body, the goddess had already french braided her wet hair [think Lara Croft] to keep it out of her face during battle. Walking over to the king size bed placed in the center of the room, her battle uniform laid fully clean across the bed spread. Sighing, Ava began to get dressed, wanting so desperately for this whole situation to be over with already. For Haleigh and Morgan to be back unharmed. Wrapping her snake belt [transfiguring whip] around her waist, she clipped it closed before sitting down on the edge of her bed. Sitting there Ava burried her face in her hands, wondering what was happening to them right at that moment...::

[Harbinger]

:: she unclenched her fist, as her fingers extened and her nails moved across the smooth, cold conference table. she still didnt lift her head.::

where the hell is Firebird!? i wanted her to be here to keep me from smacking Mike around, and NOW i'm sitting here...feeling COMPASSION!? this is OUTRAGEOUS

:: trying convince herself that it was emotional fatigue rather than the rational , sympathetic heart that lay beneath the marble hard exterior. moments like this made hre either want to pass out or vomit...one or the two.::

:: Mike admitting to trusting Alison to do what was best. That was something that most of the team had come to say at some point or another, but in every case it was very hard won. Alison didnt take it lightly. being a precog was not a walk in the park...and some people knew that. Perhaps Mike was one of them after all. He also admitted that Nicolas had hurt and insulted Alison.::

i guess it will take disasters in order for people to see as clearly as i do...

:: she couldnt help but snipe about Nicolas' callous remarks and Mike finally validating her position on THAT if nothing else.::

I'm a precog...but not a GOD. Even i can't condemn someone, rob them of their chance. If it is meant for Nicolas to return from this...alive...then if he truly wishes to address his wrong doing to me, I'll....grant him that chance.

I've been waiting...to use my power to "see" the timethreads. I've needed time to rest. everyone has. Until we gather, I want to refrain from making any longterm predicitons.

:: then Mike spoke of Karen. Everyone noticed how far, how DEEP she went to try to protect her daughter. But of them all, Alison was probably the LEAST surprised by it.::

Karen is both angry and terrified at the abduction of her daughter and what Nicolas or that THING could be doing to her at this very moment. I'm not a mother...but even Ororo and Hecate have testified to the power of the bond between a mother and her child. it trumps EVERYTHING and gives a mother the strength to go how ever FAR she has to go to protect her child.

the name "Shadow Weaver"...was most likely a choice that Karen had been mulling before this moment. She wanted to do whatever she could to defy that creature and she's spent quite a bit of time studying the DARKHOLD, the most ancient and powerfull book of spells we know of. That magick that she channels...it IS dark and it IS tremendous.

I do not immediately see Karen being "lost" to the darkness in a way that you might think I see the changes in her...making her more battle hardened. She has always been a supporting player of the team, a women of elegance and serenity... a mother figure to us all...but she IS Morgan's mother. that role encompassees much more than "june cleaver" or "samantha stevens" ;) she gave BIRTH to Hecate's avatar...which means she has power and the strength to use it. this CHANGE in her...is a sign that she is PREPARED to fight tooth and nail to save her daughter...and like any mother...i suspect that Karen is willing to sacrifice her own life if it means saving her child.

If you don't want to lose Karen, then you'll have to help US ensure that it doesnt come to that.

Right now, she's...not in a good mood and can you blame her? Just leave her be for now...if she wants to see you, she will.

[MorningStar]

She sobbed, the flood of tears seemingly with no end, her body wracked with convulsions of grief. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice. She picked her head up from where it had rested on her drawn up knees.

Karen…

She wiped her nose on the back of her arm and reached up to turn off the water.

Come out of there, Delilah...

Delilah found herself enveloped in a huge white towel, its softness actually comforting in a way. She sniffed loudly, wiping her eyes with the towel. She leaned against Karen, putting her head on the Doctor’s shoulder.

“He has them, Karen. God knows what he’s doing to them. And I stood there and watched him take them and I did nothing. NOTHING! They would have been better off I’d just left and never gone to Aerie in the first place.”

Her tears began to flow again, despite her best efforts at controlling them. MorningStar at this point was well and truly without hope, her light all but extinguished. She couldn’t survive losing Morgan a second time – and what were superpowers worth, if you couldn’t even save the ones you loved when they needed you?

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's stern look softened as Delilah came out of the shower. the steam in the chamber couldnt hide the grief , the irritated eyes, the crying that the young woman had engaged in.>>

<< Karen wrapped a robe around Delilah's shoulders as Delilah wrapped the large towel around herself...and clung to the doctor.>>

<< Karen lead her out into the cooler sitting room of the suite...and sat down with her on the couch, holding Delilah and slowly rocking her.>>

shhhhh...

<< Karen said softly as she ran hand over Delilah's forehead....she continued to hold her surrogate daughter, slowly rocking her back and forth.>>


there was nothing you could do. we were...apparently ALL out of options at that moment. Alison did what she did to keep MORE of us from being taken.

<< she said softly.>>

The seer knew what was best. We may not have been able to win this round, but as Blaze said...the NEXT ONE will be a different story.

<< she sat there with Delilah, holding her and letting the woman work through her emotions, which in turn allowed the DOCTOR to acknowledge her OWN, outside of the ANGER she felt.>>

my baby...is in the clutches of a monster. I'm her mother...i did EVERYTHING i could to stop him from taking her and i did not succeed. It SCARES ME to think what could happen to her...but you know what? so far, my bond with her as mother and child has not revealed anything bad happening yet. That's something the creature cant touch. try as he may...and her psi screen keeps her from falling completely to his mental onslaught.

You're the sister Morgan never had...and now that this alternate Blaze is here...Morgan has begun to perk up a bit. I know if you could, you would have done EVERYTHING to save her...but none of us could win then. I...accept that now.

But the NEXT ROUND will be a different story. That creature will PAY. He will HURT like he's never hurt BEFORE.

<< she said sharply but still in a soft tone.>>

So don't cry, my child. Don't cry anymore. You rest...and gain your strength. We're going to get Morgan , Haleigh, Isis...and [hopefully] Nicolas BACK and we'll make the abomination who took them PAY for this.

DEATH will be too easy an option for himl. I will see to THAT myself!

<< and with that, Karen stands up with Delilah, once again comforting her, and helping her over to the bed. tucking her in.>>


You rest now. You've done all you could...and you're a good friend to Morgan. Everyone knows that.

I'll be back to check on you soon...

<< she hugs Delilah reassuringly and runs her hand down the side of Delilah's face...smiling a bit as she stands up and leaves the mutant to rest.>>

woe unto you, oh creature, if you think you have the victory. you will find out just how WRONG you are.


<< Karen was now in the hall...as she was making her way to Persephone's room, she stumbled...causing a vase on a nearby table to fall...

Morgan......

<< she felt the distress Morgan was in, as the creature confronted them, pushing Morgan and Isis against a wall and holding them there before leading Haleigh away. She felt Morgan's emtional anguish, her pain and uncertainty>>

DAMN him....

<< placing her head to her forehead...>>

Morgan...honey, Mommy's here...don't you worry. I'm coming for you. We ALL are and I promise you...he WONT get away with this!

<< she reached Persephone's door...and once again, she chose to open it instead.>>

Ava?

[Harley Quinn]

:: Still sitting on the edge of her bed, Ava had her legs crossed at the kne and her elbow resting on top. Absently, she ran her fingers along her bottom lip shuffling through everything that had happened. Trying to remember if she had spotted a weakness in the creature...but there was nothing. She was so focused on rescuing Haleigh everything else was a blur to her. Sighing out, the goddess' thoughts were put on hold after hearing something crash in the hallway outside her door. Straightening her posture, Ava looked to the door with her brows lowered until finally Karen walked into the room. ::

"Karen..."

:: Realizing it must have been her who knocked the vase over, Ava was instantly concerned that perhaps the creature was trying to attack her or communicate with her in some way. Sliding off the bed, she began to advance toward the doctor, a look of concern now on her face. ::

"Are you alright? Is it him [Nicolas]..."

:: Her tone changed when mentioning Nicolas...for the worse. Everyone else, INCLUDING Alison, may have come to the realization that Nicolas needed to be rescued too, but Ava had not. She wanted him DEAD. Period. ::

[Silver Swan]

[ Sharon was the one who required the least amount of time to recouperate. due to her training with the Amazons, she was able to use her power to reconfigure her costume into silver head band, allowing her to shower and refresh her body. she cleaned, using VERY hot water...scrubbing herself.]

[ the mutate cleaned, refreshed and moisturized, before allowing the molecules of her costume to flow ounce again and reform into a silver tank top, hot pants and high heeled boots. she also wore what resembled amazon "Feminum" bracelets on her wrists. her blonde, silver streaked hair was pulled back into a upward pony tail.]

[ she didnt know what to do. she was so stunned...so ANGRY at what had happened. She would have TORN that damn mansion DOWN and brought it down on that creature's head if she could. She gave him a hell of a fight...and he STILL managed to take Morgan from her.]

I'll get him. I'll RIP HIS THROAT OUT!

[ her silver gryfalcons as the other pets of the six were safely hidden underground in the alien tech fortified vault with Pandora but she wished there were here now to keep her company. she felt so isolated. being back here in this mansion reminded her of a life that she no longer had, a family she had lost. and if the six were her new family, then losing Morgan and Haleigh was just like losing Kyle and Robert.]

[ she wasnt QUITE sure what to think of Nicolas now. She saw what he did to Isis. THAT was not the young boy or the young man that GUSTAV , his adoptive father, had raised. this NEW manifestation was unholy, intolerable..even for HER. She was VERY conflicted in her heart, which was still at its core...HUMAN. HOW could she be committed to saving Nicolas when it seemed that he WILLINGLY conceeded to this MONSTER who called itself his FATHER!?]

[ she paced back and forth, finally deciding that she couldnt be contained in this room anylonger and so she burst out into the hallway, slamming her door behind her.]

I need to DO SOMETHING!

[ there was no one around...and this long hall was similar to one of th ose in Arklay mansion. She almost WISHED a zombie would jump out...at least THEN she'd have someone to take out her frustration on.]

[ her perfect hearing allowed her to hear the heart beats of the others of the six, as well as conversations near by. She decided to go to Karen and Ava. ]

[ following Karen's breathing and heartbeat. Sharon quickened her pace when she heard a vase fall to the floor and Karen exclaim. she rounded the corner, but there was no one there but Karen.]

Karen...are you all right? I heard the vase...and you...

Karen: yes, Sharon...it's just that I felt...MORGAN. The creature is...is being brutal with her and i can feel what she feels through our bond as mother and child. I just wish i could...

[Sharon understood what it was to be a mother and to feel helpless or inadequate in that role...but just like Sharon's story, Karen too had to remember...]

I know. I know how you feel. I've been there...remember? and ultimately, I FINALLY got to do what i needed to do to set my son free. It wont come to that for Morgan. NONE of us will let that happen. Not to her...not to Haleigh...or even ISIS. but...ive got to be honest...

[ she looked to Karen and whispered.]

I dont know HOW i feel about Nicolas at this moment...I knew him as a young boy. a bright, charming young boy with such promise and as a young man much of that promise had been fullfilled. WHAT would his FATHER, GUSTAV say...about THIS!? it would BREAK HIS HEART! What if that creature IS h is REAL father...then what does that MAKE HIM?

Karen: I ...dont know, Sharon. We're going to have to wait until we meet with Alison and ...Diana later on. There's alot we havent quite figured out yet. I was just checking on Ava. Care to join me?

Sharon: Yes.

[and so, they prepared to enter Ava's room. Ava came out to check on Karen just then.]

[Shadow Weaver]

<< once inside, as Ava expressed concern, Karen placed a hand over Ava's hand and shook her head to the negative.>>

No...it isnt Nicolas or that creature. It was Morgan. I felt her. The creature has hemmed her and Isis against a wall and lead Haleigh away from them. He's trying to harm Morgan mentally, but her psi screen protects her...its that same pressure..that headache inducing pressure that comes when a force tries to BREAK the wall.

<< Karen speaks with bitterness in her tone.>>

Curse him...and everything about him.

<< Sharon came in as well.>>

I just came in to check on you, after seeing Delilah. She's very upset. Everyone is. Sharon joined me in the hallway just now. Alison informed me that a meeting will begin soon, but she felt it NECESSARY for all of us to have time to refresh ourselves....if only for a while and as a doctor, I agree with her descision. We'd be no use to Morgan, Haleigh, Isis or Nicolas....if we were not recovered ourselves.

at the very least...Morgan and Haleigh are together. With Haleigh's survival skills and Morgan's indomitable will...they have a chance. I'm SURE that Isis will join them just as we have joined forces with the rest of the Sisterhood.

<< she was reasurring herself as well as Ava.>>

I'm here because...I know how you feel right now and I am prepared to do WHATEVER is necessary to get Morgan, Haleigh and Isis back.

<< strange that she felt more comfortable including ISIS rather than Nicolas but anyone who knew Karen knew that she too had a deep seated distrust of men thanks to Christopher and Nicolas [whether by force or not] had come to personify all those fears. Like Sharon, SHE was conflicted on that. But with each passing moment, she felt LESS afraid to admit to herself that she WOULD kill Nicolas if she had to do so to save Morgan , Haleigh...any of them from the brutality that He or the creature might try to bring upon them.>>

Sharon: She's right. We'll get them...They shouldve made SURE we were dead because NOW, its OUR turn to kill THEM!

[Jessica Hamby]

It happened, simultaneously, remarkably fast and exhaustively slow. He kissed her, reeling her in... and she responded in kind, a floodgate of passion unleashing between the two of them. She leaned out over the edge of the pool, gravitating towards him. It was seamless when he pulled her into the water, and as she wrapped her arm around his neck, she realized there was nothing between them: she was stripped bare, both literally and emotionally; she could hide nothing from him and no longer wanted to.

"Nicolas..... you're naked. [she said coyly. then:]And so am I...."

She whispered, an eyebrow raised, her lips twisted into a mischeivous smirk. It was a scenario she'd fleetingly considered before, though THEN she instantly spurned the thought, scolding herself for having such desires for him... Morgan was her FRIEND. Her family. Something Haleigh wouldn't normally just throw away... especially not over a man. But then... Nicolas wasn't just any MAN either. Just give IN.... continuing to resist and suppress desire will only make it WORSE.... how long are you going to let yourself suffer at the expense of others? You think Morgan would do the same for YOU? She didn't so much as bat an eyelash when Sharon and Zach's affair came out. Hell... she sided with SHARON, with no regard for how that might have hurt you. She was willing to give up on you then... because of your 'malfunctions'.... she BLAMED YOU for it.

Part of her was a willing participant... a strong part of her. Her body responded as eagerly as his did. She kissed HIM this time... deeper even than before. Her heartbeat soared, her hormones raged.... She could feel his hands on her, caressing her softly... he was surprisingly gentle for someone so strong, and it sent chills down her spine DESPITE the steam surrounding them. Still.... something made Haleigh pull slightly away.... out of the kiss, but not out of his embrace. The passion was still there.... the love, all the emotions and desires she'd been denying herself but something ELSE was there too... familiar reservations. Inhibition that came not from her mind.... but from her heart. Her eyes closed, there was a soft crease in her brow... desperate ambivalence.... her breathing labored.

"Nic..... wait....." Why? haven't you waited long enough? what's stopping you NOW?

"Morgan...." So? She said HERSELF that she didn't want him anymore. Seems like he's ripe for the taking. Don't let him slip away. What if she changes her mind and they get back together? Then you'll have lost your chance. You know a little something about lost chances, don't you?

"I don't know...." Sure you do.... you know what you WANT.... and all you have to do is TAKE it.... it just takes one little word.... you don't even have to SAY it... just think it.... he'll hear. Well? Tell him what you want. .... what do you WANT?!

"I..... [looking into Nicolas' eyes..... searching. Now, more desperately:]Nicolas...."

She seemed to be mentally arguing with herself.... an AMPLIFIED internal struggle... torn between what she WANTED and what she knew was right. It was a particularly treacherous cruelty she was subjected to.... not painful, not overtly brutal... but exploitation was just as malign, maybe even moreso. If Haleigh were to see things as they were... if she were as objective as she was NORMALLY capable of being... she would have been deeply disturbed.... but the manipulation of her was so thorough, so complete... she was oblivious to it, and suspected nothing.... an unwitting marionette submitting not only to the merciless machination of the puppetmaster.... but victim to her own yen as WELL.

Every sigh, every kiss, every second was a seduction that overwhelmed her. She was slipping into oblivion, teetering on the edge of not caring at all about the consequences... and forgetting about the ones who would be hurt by this.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan felt herself being pulled away...and pinned against the wall. but her sword would not leave her. it was something that remained CONSTANT and no outside influence could take it from her. but inspite of her strength and her power, she was unable to move, she felt sick with unchecked emotion...everything she thought when it came to trust...trust of Nicolas was being burned away. He may not have known that, and his "father" was underestimating the deadly consequences of the trauma that was being inflicted upon Morgan at this point.>>

<< she struggled for a moment as Haleigh protested, before being led away.>>

Don't LEAVE with him Haleigh!! He's the ENEMY! DON'T TRUST HIM!


<< but it was too late! She was gone.>>

ENJOY THIS WHILE YOU CAN! YOU'LL DIE SOON...I'LL SEE TO IT! AND SO WILL YOUR SON IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES!

<< Morgan's mind and heart CHURNED. Her desire to be FREE was only MATCHED by her growing RAGE. She could escape to Limbo, but what about those she left behind? The more she thought about it...the more upset she became. No doubt her MOTHER would feel the turmoil.>>

<< he's try to get into my mind, but he CAN'T. He'll pour on as MUCH PRESSURE as he can...it's like...being....touched against my WILL...by a MAN!>>

<< she shut her eyes, trying to get ahold of herself...and she looked over at Isis.>>

Isis....

<< Morgan bows her head and closes her eyes, focusing on the flame of her soul sword...whispering softly.>>



As my silver flame lights the shadow
And truth ends fear
Open locked thoughts
to my mind’s willing ear
May the light from my sword into
everywhere creep
Bringing Isis' voice/thoughts
to my mind in speech and mine to her's

<< swirling silver orbs flow between Morgan and Dominique, as the two women are now able to communicate with each other via the spell...still protected from outside "eavesdroppers". Now they can talk secretly..and better conserve energy.>>

telepathically to Isis: Isis, it's Spellbinder. i'm reaching out to you with a secret thoughts spell...please answer me. our lives depend on it.

[Isis]

[ This was intolerable. after all she'd done to reach this moment! And just like before...some unfair TWIST of fate and circumstance SAVED the miserable wretch!]

[ But it wouldnt be like the last time. it WOULDNT. She feigned unconsciousness, as she centered herself, her own magicks restored her body. She had the power of Isis and she was prepared to unleash the FULL FORCE of it to end this threat once and for all, but the time had come for her to look past her own desire for VENGENCE/JUSTICE. This threat encompassed the Sisterhood and the Six. If she were going to be TRUE to her desire to end the evil, she'd HAVE to accept help from them. It was BEYOND good and evil now.]

I swear that this abomination will be destroyed....even if i must PERISH MYSELF!

[ her bitter voice could be heard as Morgan reached out to her.]

Isis, it's Spellbinder. i'm reaching out to you with a secret thoughts spell...please answer me. our lives depend on it.

to Spellbinder: What do YOU want? had it not been for your team...and that meddling wench, Black Widow, I would have been able to STRIKE NICOLAS DOWN before it was TOO LATE!

[ Isis was aware of the spell though she was quite bitter and resentfull right now.]

I HAD HIM...and SHE interferred, she took away the precious moments that would have made ALL THE DIFFERENCE! Now he's FREE...he's FREE TO DO WHAT HE WANTS! My sister remains unavenged, the WORLD is at risk because of you and your foolish, STUPID friends!

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder continued to remain still, with her eyes closed.>>

to Dominique: That's not FAIR, Dominique! We couldnt...we WERENT going to just LET you kill Nicolas...but honestly, right now NONE of that matters. This is BEYOND good and evil...and we need to TALK about this.


I need you to tell me...WHY were you after Nicolas? What is it about him that drove you to want to KILL him like that? It was MORE than merely you being evil and he being good. I could see that. TELL ME what it is Dominique! Only by working TOGETHER can we help protect each other, and FREE ourselves from the captivity of this MONSTER!

<< the two women, from outward appearence seemed to be very quiet and still. the soul sword provides the only light in the dark place they are in.>>

[Isis]

[ the NERVE of this upstart! it didnt MATTER if she were the "daughter of Hecate"...she had AIDED in hindering Isis in the destruction of NICOLAS!]

to Morgan: why should you care now? you foolish, interferring upstarts didnt even head your own Harbinger's warning and now I'm supposed to feel some sort of..."SISTERHOOD" with you simply because of this circumstance?

you have DOOMED US ALL! You and that...recycled trash can, Black Widow!

[ the avatar was CLEARLY bitter...HATEFULL. She hated HERSELF for failing at what she felt was HER DESTINY. She would trade all the power, the glamor and the success she had since becoming "Isis" if she could JUST destroy this bastard demon seed and avenge her sister. That was all she REALLY wanted.]


*sigh*....I dont know what I can do now....

[ Isis did have a spell, one that was worthy of addition to the darkhold. but if she activated it, not only would she destroy Nicolas, but her OWN body would be lost in the process as well. But she would rather DIE than be here now. She WOULDNT be anyone's pawn.]

I promised my sister that her death would be AVENGED, and I was chosen by Isis, the goddess of rebirth , to be her avatar. It will NOT end here..not like THIS!

[Firebird]

Firebird watched closely as Mike, nothing but a mere human would argue with a powerful witch and Seer?! Blaze shook her head in disapproval but she did not comment, allowing the two to bicker and express themselves freely. Even the fire elemental had to give the big titan credit for having the courage to stand up to Alison, speaking honestly and passionately. He obviously cared deeply for Nicolas. Blaze’s mind lingered to her sister, Haleigh, and Isis. She was worried about them but a part of her knew they were all resourceful women who had been in a tight bind before.

Turning her attention to Shadow Weaver, who seemed to be registering her words. Blaze could see and feel the woman was shaken up. Reaching her hand out to squeeze’s Karen just as she shut her eyes tightly. Stepping closer Blaze wrapped her arms around her to offer her a bit of her own natural warmth and affection in the form of a hug. “We will figure things out when we cross that bridge TOGETHER. But in the mean time just try to calm down, breath, and clear your mind. It won’t do us any good if we’re all at each others throat.” She was mainly referring to Alison and Mike. But the two would argue and Karen would play mediator between them while Morningstar provided the worm hole to the Hellfire Club.

Malice’s hospitality and warmth had shocked even Blaze who had mostly stayed in her room upon their arrival. She had showered and changed into her battle uniform but her mind and her heart had been troubled. Troubled enough that even she needed a reprieve from the drama, the danger, and the worry that bled through her green eyes. Departing from her room Blaze would descend down a hallway to locate a large in ground pool. Even though fire was her natural element water tended to soothe her worried mind. Sighing deeply she stripped out of her battle armor as it slipped off her svelte form as she stood nude. Stepping onto the white diving board she walked towards the edge as she’d raise her arms into the air. Twisting her body into the air as she’d tuck her arms underneath her. Her body making a faint splash when she hit the cool water. She’d surface with a gasp, brushing her long chocolate locks to slick them back. Turning she’d swim along the pool just as Mike was on his way to confront Alison. Alison’s eyes would pop over by the pool side but Blaze had swam under water just as her words echoed through the empty pool room. She’d surface as she moved swiftly along quickly. On her world, Blaze had been training for the Olympics as a swimmer when everything went to hell. Swimming along the pool lulled her worried heart just enough to keep her sanity and replenishing her own fire power. Blaze knew they would find and locate Morgan and the others soon enough. The splash of the water would drown out Alison’s words, which would serve to delay the two women from speaking.

Moving to the side of the pool she brushed back her wet hair just as Alison’s words fell on her ears. “Alison?!” Noticing the cobalt blue eyes she climbed out of the pool to grab a towel. “I’m on my way.” She moved along towards the locker room where the showers were situated, quickly rinsing the chlorine off as she changed into her battle gear. Pulling her wet hair up into a slick pony tail she hurriedly moved out and down the hallway towards the control room.

Blaze walked right in as she noticed Alison seemed to be struggling with emotional pain, guilt that Mike had originally made worse. She turned towards Mike, “Mike, would you excuse us, please? I need to have a word with Alison, in private.” She’s wait until he was gone as she turned to gaze at Alison.

“Sorry about the delay I needed to clear my head so I went for a swim. What’s up, tell Dr. Phil everything.”

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger continued to sit very still, not lifting her head until Mike was gone. After Blaze had FINALLY arrived :rolleyes: ::

talk about johnny come LATELY

well. It certainly took YOU long enough to get here.

:: without lifting her head just yet, she waved her hand that was resting on the table, a rushing chiming sound was heard as a chair slide over and bumped Blaze into sitting down. Alison's way of chiding her for being so late.::

Mike was here...attempting to make ammends. This is the second time.

:: her voice seemed a little hoarse and weak.::

I grow tired of it all.

:: she looks up, finally, her eyes a little strained from tears.::

You're "new" here, but if you were apart of the Six in your time, then I can tell you're NOT new to the concept of so many people IGNORING the seer's warnings before its too late.

:: she sits back in her chair, exhaling.::

Everyone is upset, hurt, dismayed. Until just a few moments ago, I was freefalling in despair.

The ironic thing is...even though I'm a precog, I either truly CAN'T or DON'T WANT to see a solution that INCLUDES saving Nicolas! part of me HATES him now...for what he is...for what he is doing to Morgan, Haleigh...even ISIS. I blame MYSELF for not seeing it sooner, but that creature claiming to be his father...it is not of this world, not remotely. Not even of this TIME.

I'm torn, because it falls to ME to lead, to make the right descisions, but my personal feeling is that...he should be destroyed. We SHOULDNT have gotten in Dominique's way and yet, how cruel it must seem...that i would condemn Nicolas, someone who risked his life to save Karen, and even myself and Ava before.

:: she looks at Firebird.::

If Haleigh were here, she'd be screaming at me, most likely accusing me of reverting to my "OLD WAYS"...but in this instance...I don't know that i CARE!

If i give him the benefit of the doubt, I may be compromising the safety of others and if I don't I'll be considered a murderer by some of the people we save! How can i ...HOW can i do this RIGHT, without giving in to my instinct to KILL HIM for what he's done to Morgan and the others? If i do that...I could hurt Morgan even further, IF she hasnt already turned on him by now and what about Mike?

:: Alison thought she had it all figured out, but she was now admitting that she DIDNT!::

The meeting will be in another hour, Blaze...and i'm honestly at a LOSS right now.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Karen try to reassure her that they would get Haleigh and Morgan back. But Ava didn't need reassurance; she would stop at nothing to get them back. They WOULD succeed or she would die trying. Remaining quiet as Karen and Sharon spoke on the topic of Nicolas and what was to be done about him, Ava chose to keep her opinions to herself. Walking past them as they conversed, the goddess grabbed her black knee high black stiletto healed boots and sat down in a near by chair to put them on. Slipping her foot into one of the boots, Persephone already made up her mind that Nicolas would die tonight regardless of what the team wanted. Zipping her boot closed, she slipped the other one on before closing that one as well. ::

"We should meet with the others."

:: Ava stood from her chair, wanting to get down to buisness rather than chit chat about how angry or upset everyone was. The longer Nicolas and his father had Morgan and Haleigh, the stronger the chance of them getting hurt. Walking past Karen and Sharon, Ava opened the door and exited her suite. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen noticed Ava's abrupt departure. It was obvious where HER mind was. >>

<< She and Sharon stood for a moment.>>

But, Ava, the meeting is not for another hour. we need to give Alison time to properly prepare as well.


<< Karen walked out into the hall after Ava, and Sharon followed.>>

I just checed on Delilah...she's not doing well, but I believe she will be ready to join us when the time comes. I imagine Malice and Enchantra are doing whatever it is they do here...

<< still thinking in the back of her mind how surreal it was...to be a GUEST in the mansion of two of her most deadly enemies.>>

But you can't disturb her right now.

<< Karen could more than identify with Ava right now. Her daughter..and Ava's sister were in the clutches of a monster, but now was NOT the time for Ava to CLOSE OFF.>>

<< Karen spoke sternly.>>

and you CAN'T close us out. Do you think that will make it any EASIER? it won't. Do you think that will bring you any closer to saving Haleigh? that none of US want to save her as badly as YOU do? THINK AGAIN!

<< the doctor's recent change in personality and countenance made it easier for her to call people out, forgoing the more elgant and subtle approach she was known for.>>

Whatever our disagreements, whatever our fundamental differences, Haleigh, at her CORE, has always been a woman who believed in honor, loyalty and friendship. She may have infuriated me more than once...but how many times has she BEEN there when it counted? did i EVER REALLY have to fear for my saftey or Morgan's in her presence. NO. NOW , BOTH of them are in danger, by someone who, at best, was a young man trying to find a way to fit in and fall in line but never quite seemed to get it right with you or with Alison.

She and Morgan are ALL each other has right now. I pray to the goddess that it is enough for them to survive until we can GET to them. but in the meanwhile, YOU need to STOP pushing US away. It has NOTHING to do with Nicolas, who MOST of us are TERRIBLY conflicted about...and EVERYTHING to do with us needing to be on ONE ACCORD. The power of the WHOLE is ALWAYS stronger than the sum of its parts Ava. You knew that before...its time to REMEMBER It now.

ALL of them are held captive by this creature...this evil THING that prides itself on causing pain and terror. IT thinks it has us BEATEN! Well...IT will soon LEARN. We will ALL show IT...TOGETHER!.

<< Karen made SURE to not acknowledge the creature as anything MORE than "IT" , to do so would give IT more place than she felt IT deserved. It was below the scum of the earth...a VIRUS that needed to be IRRADICATED! and there was no doubt that beneath the desire to save their loved ones, was a desire to rain violence and destruction down upon IT!>>

[Firebird]

“Oh zip it, Miss Thang. I’m here that’s all that matters.”

Playfully she would swat the air around the Seer just as a chair slide over. Immediately sinking down to cross her legs together while her hands rested on the table. Carefully she took in Alison’s words, allowing her to vent all of her frustration out to her. Silently noting the teary eyed woman, who seemed stressed from recent events.

“First of all Alison, its OKAY to feel that way. Nobody expects you to be super woman or like a machine. I know that under that marble facade is a woman who has a heart and who can feel. With that said if you dislike Mike then that is just fine with me. This team has a lot of strong-dominant personalities, yourself included. Now, let’s look at Mike for a second...which I really haven’t gotten to know him like that. But what I have seen he is a decent guy who seems to care about everyone. BUT, I think he may be blinded by his friendship with Nicolas because of their friendship and their history together that he is AFRAID to accept the truth. So...in a way he looks to you for answers or at least place his aggression some where. Unfortunately he’s placing that aggression with you. Which isn’t the greatest idea but let’s not forget he is new to this team just like me so he WILL make mistakes. He doesn’t truly know you like the others because in many ways you project yourself with this cold-bitchy disdain around you. To some people that can be threatening or even intimidating.”

Blaze paused trying to see all sides of the argument for the sake of hearing Alison out but also keeping Mike’s feelings in perspective as well. “Alison, I’m not from your world but I understand the dynamics of relationships. Yes, my teammates and I were foolish to ignore the warnings of the Alison on our world and for that we paid the consequences. I’ve grown and matured through time and I’ve come to RESPECT the warnings of a Seer, yourself included. Not everyone wants to accept what you see. That’s NOT your fault though it is there own destiny for choosing how to react to such visions.”

Even from her close proximity, Blaze could see Alison struggling to keep herself together. Quietly crumbling in the privacy of the control room and the company of the fire elemental. “Everyone is upset even I don’t have to be a precog to understand that. They’re all entitled to be upset because the people they love and care for are missing even Malice, who I never thought I’d see the day. But even she is human too just like the rest of us.”

Swiveling in her chair to turn to face Alison more, resting the palm of her hand on her cheek to rest. “There will come a time when you won’t want to save everyone for your own personal reasons such as distrust or your own gut feeling. Again, that’s fine BUT besides the obvious events that have taken place why do you feel that way? Could it be because in some bizarre way Nicolas reminds you of your brother, Cameron? Cameron was hot headed, cocky, and Haleigh also felt extremely bonded to him. I know you dislike Nicolas for obvious reasons like I said. I’m not gonna sit here and candy coat the truth either, Alison, because you’re a grown woman. But...what I can say is that your NOT alone in how you feel. I’m torn as well because I want to save him but a part of me also wants to heed your warning. I have to be realistic as well to the possibility we might not be able to save him.”

Shaking her head, Blaze reached across the table to take Alison’s hand in her own. “Listen to me, Al, and listen good because I’m only saying this once. It is NOT your fault and don’t you dare believe what anyone says about it, you get me?! I have recently developed the ability to have premonitions, which honestly it scares the HELL out of me. I don’t know how you can handle being a Seer for the visions you see, especially when they are grim. But what other people on this team may not comprehend is that you cannot control your visions. They come and go like night and day. There was nothing you could have done sooner. Maybe this was meant to happen even if the stakes are not in our favor. The important thing to consider is that we pull together as a team.” Squeezing Alison’s hand to accentuate her point.

“Haleigh is not here and I’m not her, I’m me and Haleigh is the last person who should be screaming to you about reverting to her old ways. On our old world she reverted to her old ways when she lost Zach and Nicolas. She pushed me away who was like a sister to me which hurt me for I had opened up to her, I was there for her. Haleigh had reverted back to being nothing but a cold-hearted, living-breathing machine. There are times when even I want to have nothing to do with anyone because its easier to face the world and keep myself protected. But I learned that it doesn’t solve the problem...it only delays the process. You could revert back but the problem would still be lingering around.”

Blaze scooted closer to the Seer until she was right beside her. “I don’t have those answers, Alison, YOU do. You must look inside yourself and find them. I can only guide you in the right direction and offer moral support. I think for right now we should TRY to save him because of the good he has done and what he means to Morgan. IF we cannot find another alternative to saving him then we must do what is right...even if it means killing him. Morgan knows how difficult that can be but she understands and deep down so does Haleigh. Our main objective is to get Morgan, Haleigh, and I can’t believe I’m saying this but Isis too. Nicolas will be harder to get through because of the rune on his chest. Isis is the key to this whole situation because of her connection to Nicolas and his father.”

Blaze released Alison’s hand, “As for Mike I think that underneath it all he’s a decent guy. He did fight hard today along side of us. Even YOU have to give the guy some credit he did well for a human. Karen also sees something special in him too and you see the power and passion she wields. Both Morgan and Karen follow their hearts even under there icy disdain for men. In a way you’re just like them, Alison. Except Morgan and Karen have allowed love in...you block it because of your troubled childhood.”

Blaze smiled, “I really need to stop watching Dr. Phil, that guy is such a freak.”

Jesting to lighten the seriousness of the mood. “But all in all Alison its okay to feel the way you do and I’ve never blamed you for anything. Although I did blame Haleigh earlier...but that blame was misplaced because I was frustrated and I couldn’t handle it. I was just looking for someone to blame and I used Haleigh as a scapegoat. Mike is no different from me and I think you know that. He just wants answers...he wants his friend back. Just as you want Morgan and Haleigh back safely. We ALL want the same thing even the Sisterhood. It is that common ground that makes us united. I think that with this truce we can make considerable progress in succeeding on this mission.”

This alternate was definitely stronger emotionally and physically and it showed as she comforted Alison. A woman who for years has been the ‘guardian’ for others. But it was time that someone else looked out for her benefit and had her back. That person was Blaze, a woman who had the uncanny ability of seeing all sides of the coin.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Walking down the hall, Ava heard Karen and Sharon come out of her room and explain that the meeting wasn't for another hour. Rolling her eyes shut, an hour? Do they know what could happen in an hours time? Turning around as Karen began to yell at her for closing herself off once again, Ava stood there with an even expression, listening to the doctor speak to her with such direct and blunt words. It seemed since her encounter with the creature, Karen had changed a bit as well. ::

and you CAN'T close us out. Do you think that will make it any EASIER? it won't. Do you think that will bring you any closer to saving Haleigh? that none of US want to save her as badly as YOU do? THINK AGAIN!

"I'm not closing anyone out. I'm staying focused on the goal. I'm TRYING to keep my mind busy so I don't start thinking about what that THING or Nicolas are doing to them. If my reaction isn't to your standards Karen, then I apologize. But I REFUSE to become an emotional wreck right before we go into one of the biggest battles of our lives. I need to stay clear headed and focused. I'm not pushing anyone away; I know our best shot at defeating this thing is if we all work together. What I am doing is coping with the situation the best way I know how, okay?"

:: It took everything for Ava not to snap at Karen, even though she knew the doctor was only trying to help. But with everything that had happened to her, then THIS, Ava was teetering on the edge of reverting back to her old self....and not that cold bitchy person the six first met in Limbo, but the version of Persephone that had gotten her banished from Mount Olympus thousands of years earlier. Ava knew if she didn't keep herself in check she would be walking down a very dangerous path soon enough. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< as on the edge as Ava felt, Karen could easily MATCH her. the doctor folded her arms as her perfectly shaped eyebrows lifted, revealing one of her trademark glares.>>

Don't get flip with me, Ava. We are a team that is being shelted by our DEADLIEST enemies. Truce or NOT, I would be FOOLISH not to keep an eye on the rest of you while Alison does what she can.

The goal you're focused on is a SHARED one. And considering your less than HEALTHY response to attempts of therapy both conventional AND mystical following your LAST trauma, It would be irresponsible of me as this team's DOCTOR to NOT make sure you arent retreating.

You don't have to like it. You just have to DEAL with it.

<< the changes in her since becoming "shadow weaver" were apparent. as the doctor's sapphire blue eyes sparkled with a colder, more domineering edge. But Ava wasnt the enemy and Karen wasnt looking for a fight. Just as Ava had her mechanisms, so did Karen and in Karen's case it was to tighten down and CONTROL. >>

....

I'm not here to pick a fight. Like you I just...I just have to find a way to keep from losing myself. You'll never know the pain a mother feels when her child is taken from her and no matter how OLD Morgan gets...she'll still be my little girl.

<< she softened her expression.>>

Just keep yourself alert around here. Malice, so far has appeared to be a woman of her word...but don't go too far. Alison will summon us when it's time.

<< and with that, Karen moves past Ava, touching her arm and making her way down the hall.>>

[Rampage]

Unfortunately for them both, Nicolas no longer could control himself. He was weakened by the rune and dominated by the figure, who had used them both to make this moment. But still Haleigh hesitated...

In many ways, she was his best friend, a confidant that had kept him sane and in the fold with this team. Out of everyone, only Haleigh seemed able to stand with him, no matter what. The figure made sure that the errant thoughts of everyone were known to Nicolas as it suited his purpose, and the young metahuman believed that if they got to him, he would surely die. it was in this spirit that he spoke to Haleigh as she hesitated.

If you wish to leave me as well, I...understand. It appears that a family was not my lot in life after all, but I hope that when I die, you will never forget me. I did my best, but it was never good enough. I am sorry to taken up your time.

Nicolas kisses Haleigh again deeply, then prepares to leave her embrace...

[Jessica Hamby]

That's it... you've lost him.... rejected him... he's leaving. You'll loose him forever.

He began to pull back, and Haleigh was overrun by emotions still lingering from the LAST man who left her behind. She couldn't let THIS one slip away as well... she feared she'd never be happy again. A silver necklace appeared around his neck, and Haleigh took hold of it and pulled him back again, kissing his lips, his cheek, his jaw, whispering in his ear as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her legs around his waist.

"No.... don't stop.... don't leave."

After everything they'd been through... and in the face of everything to come... Haleigh seemed to sense that Nicolas thought he was at the end and she didn't want anything left unspoken... all of their circumstances, their obligations... melted away... there was nothing left but the two of them and that was fragile enough already.... they needed to make it stronger. She wanted it to be stronger. She spoke to Nicolas mentally.... they didn't need words.

I don't want you to go.... I want you to stay. Stay with me... be with me. You're good enough for me.... you'll always be good enough for me.

[Jill Monroe]

[ the NERVE of this upstart! it didnt MATTER if she were the "daughter of Hecate"...she had AIDED in hindering Isis in the destruction of NICOLAS!]

to Morgan: why should you care now? you foolish, interferring upstarts didnt even head your own Harbinger's warning and now I'm supposed to feel some sort of..."SISTERHOOD" with you simply because of this circumstance?

you have DOOMED US ALL! You and that...recycled trash can, Black Widow!

[ the avatar was CLEARLY bitter...HATEFULL. She hated HERSELF for failing at what she felt was HER DESTINY. She would trade all the power, the glamor and the success she had since becoming "Isis" if she could JUST destroy this bastard demon seed and avenge her sister. That was all she REALLY wanted.]


*sigh*....I dont know what I can do now....


I promised my sister that her death would be AVENGED, and I was chosen by Isis, the goddess of rebirth , to be her avatar. It will NOT end here..not like THIS!


<< Morgan continued to remain still...with her head bowed and eyes closed.>>

to Dominique: LISTEN to me DAMMIT! I KNOW you're angry...BITTER. I KNOW what that is like! I've BEEN there.

I'm the daughter of Hecate and you're the avatar of Isis! with all the magick in this room, we should be able to do SOMETHING, but...you've got to tell me what your grudge against Nicolas was.

<< unaware that Haleigh was violating her trust UTTERLY [though she was being coerced], Morgan continued.>>

our lives depend on you COOPERATING with me...at least for NOW. So tell me what is going on and we can come up with a plan to destroy this creature and set ALL of us free!

[Rampage]

Nicolas was pulling away from Haleigh to leave when he felt a chain on his neck, and her urgently pulling his back to her. She wrapped her arms and legs about her, and he was very aware of her as their bodies touched. He hesitated further, looking into her eyes as then listening to her voice as she kissed him, whispering for him to stay. He held back a moment further, then closed his eyes, kissing her back.

He rolled over onto his back, placing her atop him and grasping her waist as he finally...entered her. As he did so, he thought back to her.

Make love to me Haleigh. Enjoy my body, and know that I will always be there for you.

[Isis]

[ there was little to be gained from being stand offish now. inspite of how she felt, the bitter BLOOD GRUDGE that chruned in her soul against Nicolas, she HAD to accept Morgan's offer of a truce and compromise. it was the only logical way.]

Telepathically to Morgan: Fine. I will assist you, if only to be RID of the sight of you when this is all OVER.

[ the woman "replied" with contempt.]

long ago...in a dry, arid village within Africa, i lived, with my younger Sister, Kakra (female egyptian name meaning "TWIN"). We were all...all we had in our family. Our parents had been lost to famine and pestilence long ago, but I was a minor sorceress, and devoted to a coven that worshiped the goddess Isis. She made herself known to us, bringing rebirth to our village in keeping with her mantle, but it didnt last long.

on the evening of what shouldve been a summer storm...something happened, the skies, they tore apart with anger and EVIL! as lightning, unlike ANYTHING we'd ever seen, struck down into our village...and...a rift opened. from that rift...a monstrous being, that CREATURE that you see now, came through, he arrived, like a RAMPAGING BULL, and laid waste to our village. NO ONE could have known...could have been PREPARED for what he did!

he set fires to our homes, killed men, women AND children, erroded our crops...he was a MARAUDER!

and then....

[ Dominique's voice, even in thought, sounded as though she were on the verge of tears]

he found US...my SISTER. His voice was like thunder...every word was like a crashing explosion, his presence, it drained all light, all HOPE from where ever he stood! and now, he was standing over my SISTER. He declared that she would be his broodmare...that she would carry his SEED! He intended to RAPE my sister!

I...TRIED to stop him...i threw a chair, i cursed him...i even threw myself physically at him, but he tossed me away...out of the hut, vowing that I would be next. My arm was broken ...but i could HEAR my sister's cries and SCREAMS! I gnashed my teeth, CRYING OUT for someone...ANYONE to help us...but no one could...nearly everyone was DEAD! and so...i did the only thing i could do, i attempted to BURN THE EVIL, i SET FIRE to my hut...to BURN the monster. Even if my sister died, at least she would be FREE. Isis would welcome her into her arms and care for her as I FAILED to! But even as the fires raged and the creature was ablaze...it didnt stop him. he violated my sister..and left her for DEAD.He vowed he would be back, but by then, i couldn't care. All i could care about is what i saw...my sister's broken, violated, bloody body that had been TOUCHED BY THIS EVIL!

a few of the villagers who had hidden or escaped the carnage, came and got us out...and our village was damaged severely.

My sister survived, I and what passes for the village medical expert, cared for her, and nursed her back to health. the village was blessed again, by our beloved Isis...she tapped into the life below ground, waiting to spring forth, and gave us hope...a chance. My sister begged me not to interfere with her pregnancy....she foolishly believed that she could...love the child and counteract it's evil roots and so, with extreme reservationi instead became her midwife. I was prepared to assist her in all aspects of birthing and labor.

that is when the final straw was broken for me. 9 months later, when the time came, she went into labor...the labor was difficult...PAINFULL, it was as though her body could not wait to expell the evil seed that was inside...and yet, she was too weak, too FRAIL to handle the tremendous stress! it seemed that her pain was even felt by the skies above as clouds churned and swelled, thunder rolled and crashed, and winds raged. animals all over the village reacted violently, as they do when EVIL is coming.

I and several nurses attended her...i did everything i could but the birth ...the birth of that horrid child was too much for her! she DIED just as it was born....she died...gasping for breath, crying for relief from the PAIN and there i was...USELESS...AGAIN! I did EVERYTHING I COULD...and I FAILED!

[ tears began to fall from Dominique's eyes in physical reality as she struggled while "speaking" to Morgan.]

but ...at that moment, I knew the only thing that i could do now, was to ensure my sister's soul would be able to REST...and to save us and the world over from this BASTARD DEMON SEED that had destroyed my sister's life to realize it's own! kneeling over her body...splattered with her blood...half mad with my own despair, i lifted my ceremonial dagger, which i had consecrated with a spell and fire. the baby laid there....writhing with new life,it's skin BLACK hued as the clouds in the sky, the markings on it were just as those of its unholy father...it LIVED at the expense of my sister who NEVER ASKED TO BE A BROODMARE BUT WAS FORCED!

the thunder crashed, as i CURSED the baby, condemning it to NEVER know happiness, to NEVER truly be accepted as it attempted to pass for "HUMAN" and with all the rage in my heart...i PLUNGED the dagger down on to it...but...the dagger had NO EFFECT! it was as though i had truly gone MAD! this demon seed was IMMUNE to my attempts to destroy it! as i screamed again, the nurses returned with a high priest...seeing me raise the dagger again...they grabbed me, chanting prayers and rituals of blessing and comfort as they dragged me out of the hot hut...into the stormy weather outside. my own cries and screams matched those of the winds and thunder! they could not understand how WRONG they were for STOPPING ME!

and soon...feeling betrayed by my village, feeling like a failure as a sister...now with NO family...i felt drawn to leave...and so i did...leaving what little i had behind, except the dagger. i kept that with me.

my heart burned, my soul dried out...my eyes...they looked but they did not see. my life as it was...was OVER. I wandered further and further out into the unforgiving desert...no longer caring WHERE i was going or even if i LIVED to tell!

and when it seemed i might finally leave this cruel world and be reunited with my sister...i prayed to Isis, to forgive me for my failures...and to receive me as her wayward daughter. in that moment...as i kneeled in the sand, and fall over to the side, a beam of golden light shined down, and a beautifull form of a woman emerged, dressed in white and gold, hair gathered up and adorned in a golden headdress...it was ISIS!

i reached out to her...yearining to be taken from this life, but as she took my hand, and helped me into her arms, she took me away...to a place, a strange place...an oasis that was in plain sight, yet never seen. she told me the truth...of who that creature was...SET and that SHE was his SISTER! She told me of his evil plan and that I was meant to be the CHANGING FACTOR in it, as the only earthbound blood relative of his earth born seed.

you see....my sister is Nicolas' MOTHER. I am his AUNT. His father...IS in fact...that monster, SET...and I am imbued with the power of Isis, who is not only the goddess of rebirth but the EGYPTIAN GODDESS OF MAGICK! I knew who you were before YOU knew who you were...my namesake was friends with Persephone, the original form BEFORE her passage through the Seige Perilous and with Isis annointing me as her avatar, my own natural gifts were inhanced, as was my awareness of the world and its secrets. I am gifted with the powers of the egyptian mystic arts arcane...and through ME, the destruction of Nicolas AND his father must come but when YOU INTEREFERED...it gave the creature time to recover from the rune i placed on Nicolas, that RUNE which was mean to prime him for destruction has NOW become the gateway through which his FATHER has returned!

[ the defeat and grief in her astral voice was evident...the pain of revealing the tragic truth...of now being "naked" in front of her enemy was very humiliating for Isis.]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan perservered with Dominique and pressed the issue. Finally, Dominique relented, and told the horrid, dark, tragic story!>>

<< as she listened, she was STUNNED by what she heard...so much so that at times she seemed to FORGET to BREATHE!>>

by the goddess....

<< the violence, the brutality of this horrid monster, the manner in which Nicolas was conceived...was he even HUMAN!?>>

<< Morgan was losing herself, as grief for Dominique, SHAME for EVER having BEEN with Nicolas washed over her...and now...as before...ANGER and a RENEWED distrust of MEN.>>


Dominique...I'm so sorry....

<< it didnt matter that they had met as ENEMIES. Morgan could understand all too well the violence and brutality that a "father figure" could bring, the violence and cruelty of MAN. if she could hug the avatar, she would....>>

what happened to you and your sister...it's....unTHINKABLE...I wish there was a way I could help ease the pain that you feel...i now see WHY you were so...bent on destroying Nicolas.

<< her own stomach TURNED at the thought of having been with him, now knowing what he truly was...but something ELSE was happening too...>>

But...maybe...Isis didnt mean for you to DESTROY Nicolas, but rather ensure that he would NOT fall into the hands of his father? much like Hecate ordained the birth of myself, Darkchilde and Magik to ensure her own mystical legacy would be preserved in the multiverse, Isis chose you, because you were the best one, the STRONGEST ONE to CLOSE that door between Nicolas and his father.

I KNOW you hate him...but he wasnt RAISED by that monster. He was raised by a...a GOOD AND DECENT man, named GUSTAV. The man found him...probably shortly after you LEFT that village. Nicolas has told us that he remembers as far back as a toddler so it had to have been not TOO long after you left that Gustav found him, and ADOPTED HIM! RAISED HIM as his own! Nicolas first came to US when Ororo, the guardian of the dark trinity, an another woman who originally hailed from Egypt, asked him for help in rescuing MY MOTHER from Malice! He came to join us, The Six. He's young...he's foolish at times...but

<< Morgan felt the conflict in her soul more than EVER before now.>>


he's never meant any harm...no...he hasnt. he's...tried to fit in where he could. not unlike others from the six in the past...and maybe...he just hasnt quite gotten there yet...but what about ME? how do i REALLY feel about him now...knowing what i do!?

<< she STOPPED herself, realizing she was veering off the main topic and delving into her personal turmoil over him and this revelation. what would it mean for HER relationship after this was over? and she STILL had yet to find out what HALEIGH was doing with him NOW!>>

...it's not too late. We CAN still save him. the key is that RUNE...among other things. But first, we have to help EACH OTHER. Harbinger, a precog, has probably figured out the story you told me. she has the power to see through all time threads, past and present no matter how remote, among other things. so they will no doubt be formulating a plan. the FIRST thing we have to do, is GET OUT OF HERE. I can take us to LIMBO and from THERE, we can EXTRACT Haleigh and Nicolas. I will subdue Haleigh and you subdue Nicolas. We'll summon the others and...

<< as she continued to plan, so too were her and Isis' friends doing the same thing.>>

[Oracle]

<< information, knowledge, is power. if Isis had thought she made a mistake by revealing this tragic backstory, she was wrong. Though they were enemies by "calling", Isis found an understanding, sympathetic listener in fellow sorceress, Spellbinder. Now KNOWING the mystery behind Nicolas and SET, the egyptian god of storms and destruction and his relation to Isis, goddess of rebirth and magick, it was CLEAR NOW why Isis chose Dominique to be her avatar. it was both necessary and a gift and Morgan hoped Dominique could see PAST her drive to DESTROY Nicolas, to what Isis more likely meant for her to do.>>

<< still, just as Morgan had learned the truth, it was time for the others to learn as well. An hour had passed as Sharon and Karen walked through the halls together, slowly...talking amongst themselves, while Ava had chose to make her way down to the control room to join Alison and Blaze. Delilah got much needed quiet time and rest as did Mike and now, with Diana and Helena present, Alison was about to call the meeting to order so they could get down to business.>>

<< the truth was always stronger than a lie. Set was using, abusing and manipulating, but ultimately, Dominique's spell for the truth to reveal itself was coming to pass in a way that HE did not expect.>>

<< and so we watch.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Don't be afraid of them Nicolas.... they don't love you like I love you.... I won't let them hurt you.... I won't let anyone hurt you.

She thought, as she kept him there. As he rolled them over, she tossed her hair back out of the way, her hand on his chest, laying him back. A slow, small smile grew on her lips, as he swore to be there for her always. That was a promise she'd been made before... a promise that always ended up broken one way or another.... but where Haleigh would have normally been skeptical.... she now was not. She had a faith in him unshakable by logic.

It would be my pleasure, Nic.

She responded.... and so the two moved as one, finally surrendering to each other, lost in the passion of the moment and the desire of their hearts. As their friends feared for their safety, and plotted their rescue.... Nicolas and Haleigh found comfort in each other.

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger was secretly RELIEVED that there was someone she could at least SORT OF 'unravel' in front of, if only for a moment. Blaze, whose mainstream counter part was known for befriending the underdog, was also conflicted about Nicolas. MORGAN was in danger, as was Haleigh. Isis was was already brutalized once...could it happen again? the fact that Malice and Enchantra had joined with the Six prooved they were more human than they liked people to think.::

:: at anyrate, Alison knew that even SHE could be scared or confused. No one, not even a precog, has ALL the answers ALL the time. But inside herself she knew that she could find most likely course of action that would lead to the time thread where Nicolas was saved and this creature...his "father" kicked back to the hell he came from.::

:: she thanked Blaze for her audience and her counsel, and soon, summoned the Six to the control room underground the hellfire mansion. Malice and Enchantra were already in attendance as well. everyone was refreshed, at least in appearence, and in fresh copies of their costumes.::

okay...Malice granted me access to Dominique's chambers. I have obtained some objects that will allow me to clearly focus on her as i search time threads to get a better understanding of what has happened and why. the sooner we learn the mystery of this monster and Nicolas link to it...the more easy it willbe for me to craft a plan that seperates its hold on Nicolas and seals IT'S destruction.

:: she looks around the room.::

i need it to be silent, until i have finished. I will use my powers as a seer to broadcast to you what I am seeing...we will watch and learn...together.::

:: at her station at the conference table, Harbinger held her hands over a rather old looking diary, as well as an exquisite, pure, blue, faceted emerald pendant. these items called out to Alison, and Malice was able to use her own psionic power to pick up strong psychic resonance from each of these pieces. the diary was sealed by magick, but Alison had the right spell to unlock it.::

:: and so as she held her hands over it, the book opens, the pages begin to turn rapidly, fluttering and flowing as glowing dark orbs swirl around those objects and her hands and her eyes begin to glow solid white.::

Dominique's voice narrates as the air and space at the center of the conference table becomes the truly ultimate vision of a tragic story. everything plays back in full visual and audio input

long ago...in a dry, arid village within Africa, i lived, with my younger Sister, Kakra (female egyptian name meaning "TWIN"). We were all...all we had in our family. Our parents had been lost to famine and pestilence long ago, but I was a minor sorceress, and devoted to a coven that worshiped the goddess Isis. She made herself known to us, bringing rebirth to our village in keeping with her mantle, but it didnt last long.

on the evening of what shouldve been a summer storm...something happened, the skies, they tore apart with anger and EVIL! as lightning, unlike ANYTHING we'd ever seen, struck down into our village...and...a rift opened. from that rift...a monstrous being, that CREATURE that you see now, came through, he arrived, like a RAMPAGING BULL, and laid waste to our village. NO ONE could have known...could have been PREPARED for what he did!

he set fires to our homes, killed men, women AND children, erroded our crops...he was a MARAUDER!

and then....

[ Dominique's voice, even in thought, sounded as though she were on the verge of tears]

he found US...my SISTER. His voice was like thunder...every word was like a crashing explosion, his presence, it drained all light, all HOPE from where ever he stood! and now, he was standing over my SISTER. He declared that she would be his broodmare...that she would carry his SEED! He intended to RAPE my sister!

I...TRIED to stop him...i threw a chair, i cursed him...i even threw myself physically at him, but he tossed me away...out of the hut, vowing that I would be next. My arm was broken ...but i could HEAR my sister's cries and SCREAMS! I gnashed my teeth, CRYING OUT for someone...ANYONE to help us...but no one could...nearly everyone was DEAD! and so...i did the only thing i could do, i attempted to BURN THE EVIL, i SET FIRE to my hut...to BURN the monster. Even if my sister died, at least she would be FREE. Isis would welcome her into her arms and care for her as I FAILED to! But even as the fires raged and the creature was ablaze...it didnt stop him. he violated my sister..and left her for DEAD.He vowed he would be back, but by then, i couldn't care. All i could care about is what i saw...my sister's broken, violated, bloody body that had been TOUCHED BY THIS EVIL!

a few of the villagers who had hidden or escaped the carnage, came and got us out...and our village was damaged severely.

My sister survived, I and what passes for the village medical expert, cared for her, and nursed her back to health. the village was blessed again, by our beloved Isis...she tapped into the life below ground, waiting to spring forth, and gave us hope...a chance. My sister begged me not to interfere with her pregnancy....she foolishly believed that she could...love the child and counteract it's evil roots and so, with extreme reservationi instead became her midwife. I was prepared to assist her in all aspects of birthing and labor.

that is when the final straw was broken for me. 9 months later, when the time came, she went into labor...the labor was difficult...PAINFULL, it was as though her body could not wait to expell the evil seed that was inside...and yet, she was too weak, too FRAIL to handle the tremendous stress! it seemed that her pain was even felt by the skies above as clouds churned and swelled, thunder rolled and crashed, and winds raged. animals all over the village reacted violently, as they do when EVIL is coming.

I and several nurses attended her...i did everything i could but the birth ...the birth of that horrid child was too much for her! she DIED just as it was born....she died...gasping for breath, crying for relief from the PAIN and there i was...USELESS...AGAIN! I did EVERYTHING I COULD...and I FAILED!

[ it was clear that Dominique was in tears.]

but ...at that moment, I knew the only thing that i could do now, was to ensure my sister's soul would be able to REST...and to save us and the world over from this BASTARD DEMON SEED that had destroyed my sister's life to realize it's own! kneeling over her body...splattered with her blood...half mad with my own despair, i lifted my ceremonial dagger, which i had consecrated with a spell and fire. the baby laid there....writhing with new life,it's skin BLACK hued as the clouds in the sky, the markings on it were just as those of its unholy father...it LIVED at the expense of my sister who NEVER ASKED TO BE A BROODMARE BUT WAS FORCED!

the thunder crashed, as i CURSED the baby, condemning it to NEVER know happiness, to NEVER truly be accepted as it attempted to pass for "HUMAN" and with all the rage in my heart...i PLUNGED the dagger down on to it...but...the dagger had NO EFFECT! it was as though i had truly gone MAD! this demon seed was IMMUNE to my attempts to destroy it! as i screamed again, the nurses returned with a high priest...seeing me raise the dagger again...they grabbed me, chanting prayers and rituals of blessing and comfort as they dragged me out of the hot hut...into the stormy weather outside. my own cries and screams matched those of the winds and thunder! they could not understand how WRONG they were for STOPPING ME!

and soon...feeling betrayed by my village, feeling like a failure as a sister...now with NO family...i felt drawn to leave...and so i did...leaving what little i had behind, except the dagger. i kept that with me.

my heart burned, my soul dried out...my eyes...they looked but they did not see. my life as it was...was OVER. I wandered further and further out into the unforgiving desert...no longer caring WHERE i was going or even if i LIVED to tell!

and when it seemed i might finally leave this cruel world and be reunited with my sister...i prayed to Isis, to forgive me for my failures...and to receive me as her wayward daughter. in that moment...as i kneeled in the sand, and fall over to the side, a beam of golden light shined down, and a beautifull form of a woman emerged, dressed in white and gold, hair gathered up and adorned in a golden headdress...it was ISIS!

i reached out to her...yearining to be taken from this life, but as she took my hand, and helped me into her arms, she took me away...to a place, a strange place...an oasis that was in plain sight, yet never seen. she told me the truth...of who that creature was...SET and that SHE was his SISTER! She told me of his evil plan and that I was meant to be the CHANGING FACTOR in it, as the only earthbound blood relative of his earth born seed.

you see....my sister is Nicolas' MOTHER. I am his AUNT. His father...IS in fact...that monster, SET...and I am imbued with the power of Isis, who is not only the goddess of rebirth but the EGYPTIAN GODDESS OF MAGICK! ...my namesake was friends with Persephone, the original form BEFORE her passage through the Seige Perilous and with Isis annointing me as her avatar, my own natural gifts were inhanced, as was my awareness of the world and its secrets. I am gifted with the powers of the egyptian mystic arts arcane...and through ME, the destruction of Nicolas AND his father must come but when YOU INTEREFERED...it gave the creature time to recover from the rune i placed on Nicolas, that RUNE which was mean to prime him for destruction has NOW become the gateway through which his FATHER has returned!


:: the Seer disengages, lowering her hands, as the horrid, tragic view of the past events unfold, with Dominique telling the story. they now knew Nicolas' TRUE origin, as well as his link to the monster, known as SET.::

Set...the egyptian god of destruction and storms....Isis, the egyptian goddess of rebirth and magick...

:: it was the ULTIMATE tale of family tragedy and dysfunction. something that Morgan, Alison, Haleigh, Ava AND Blaze could ALL identify with. Nicolas...as INTOLERABLE as he may have been to Alison, was not...not REALLY the cause of this. He was...REALLY...a VICTIM TOO! he didnt ASK to be born...and it would SURELY trouble him to know that he unwittingly caused his own birth mother's death...that his AUNT had loathed and despised him, NEVER contacting him until it was time to KILL him.::

:: Alison rests her forehead in her palms::

We would be WRONG if we didnt attempt to FREE Nicolas from this monster. If we do not, then WE will be the ones to blame the NEXT time it happens, and it WILL. as long as that RUNE remains on Nicolas, as long as there's a gateway, the creature will resurface time and again. Isis chose Dominique because she was an earthbound relative to Set's seed. SHE was the best one, the STRONGEST ONE to be able to FREE Nicolas, it was Dominique's grief, her ANGUISH over the loss of her sister, ON TOP of the TRAUMA that her sister sustained before that, that pushed her over the edge into this darkness and despair.

It is not for us to judge her, only for us to HELP her....and HELP Nicolas.

The key...the ultimate key is the rune. Among us, we have the power to face the creature, while Spellbinder, Isis and myself drive the creature back into the rune. Isis and Spellbinder will be fine for the time being, i see that in the most likely time thread...but we still have to hurry.

[Firebird]

Blaze nodded to Alison as they finished up their discussion, “Anytime, Al.” Swiveling her chair back to the previous position while Alison requested the others to join them in the control room. It wasn’t long before Alison advised they all be silent as she broadcasted Dominique’s life and how the pieces of the puzzles fit. It now all made sense as Isis’ history and Nic’s were revealed. The whole scene was very Charmedesque with the flipping pages of the books and blue swirls around. But even Blaze seemed in awe as the truth was revealed.

As Alison disengaged, Blaze turned her attention to the brunette as she formed an exit strategy. “That makes sense.” Nodding her head in agreement, Blaze was still in shock mainly about Nicolas’ origins and Dominique. It was no wonder the woman was so cruel and vicious to him, especially after losing a sister.

A part of Blaze’s heart dropped thinking of Morgan, hoping she was okay. But she couldn’t allow herself to wallow when everything was on the line including her teammates lives. Silently she noted that even Alison admitted they needed to SAVE Nicolas. Perhaps their conversation and Dominique’s possessions helped provide a pivotal role in seeing the truth.

Touching the pendent Morgan had given her she ran her fingers along it. We’re coming, Morg. Just hold on. Little did anyone know the betrayal that would come in the form of two beloved teammates. Both of which Morgan loved and cared for. Things were just starting to heat up for Haleigh and Nicolas but once the rest of the team found out about their decadent affair all hell would break loose. It was just a matter of time until the truth would be revealed.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the history lesson was heart breaking. Karen covered her mouth as she watched first the violence visited upon the village, then the savage attack on Dominique's sister, and then, just as it seemed things would turn around, tragedy again at Nicolas' birth.>>

That is is his true form...

<< she notes his appearence at birth.>>

He is not...

<< she stops herself as the story and imagery continues and finally the picture is clear. Isis, Set, Nicolas...and Dominique...the picture was clear, but no less hard to watch.>>

<< she slowly exhaled as it concluded, looking over at Blaze, Karen instinctively touches the young woman's shoulder.>>

Morgan is allright...a little strained, but she's fine all things considered...I have felt nothing from her since that initial moment earlier.

<< she looks at Alison who speaks inspite of herself, admitting that Nicolas needs to be SAVED rather than condemned. Karen, in her heart of hearts, knows that Alison is right...but with everything that's happened, she is understandibly wary.>>

Is there anyway to know that Nicolas will not pose a danger to us in the FUTURE, Alison?

Harbinger: I can't see anything of that nature with certainty. Not just yet. because of the tremendous ripple in the time threads caused by Set's presence, my precognition when it comes to those two is not as sharp as it could be. I wont be able to say for certain until I am face to face with Nicolas. But i will tell you this...It is ALWAYS going to be something that looms, even if Set is destroyed, part of his essence is within Nicolas. Nicolas IS his seed. Just as Morgan is tied to Limbo...and she always runs the risk of reverting to HER dark persona....we've trusted HER to control herself and she's strived...done an excellent job....prthaps

:: looking at Firebird, whom the seer knew would back her descision, even if some among them didnt approve, Karen finished the thought, not because she too was a precog, but because she was a mother and had a child with her own dark heritage.::

Karen:Well...with that in mind, i would say we must allow Nicolas that same chance to exercise control once his is properly liberated. However we may feel about him, knowing what we know now... we must deal with that amongst ourselves, after we have our people back and the Sisterhood has Isis back. The FIRST and most PRESSING things now are to get to Morgan, Haleigh and Isis, SEVERE the connection between Nicolas and Set and DESTROY SET.

Father or not, Nicolas is not going to have any chance to "spend quality time" with that MONSTER any longer. The WORLD will be better off WITHOUT him.

<< Karen nodded as she glared coldly at the fading image of Set.>>

What is your plan, Alison?

[Firebird]

Quietly zoning off into her own world for a few seconds, Blaze looked up at the gentle hand touching her shoulder. Gazing towards Karen she offered the woman a warm-thankful smile. Enveloping her hand on top of Karen's who was beginning to become a surrogate mother to her as well. On her world Karen was deceased but on this world she was alive. Even with the tragic events as of recently this world offered her a life, love, and friendship.

"That's a relief, I can't help but worry for her more than the others because of the guilt she had been feeling lately."

Blaze was quickly growing attached to the mainstream Morgan almost forgetting that this was another Morgan and not the one who went MIA on her world. Each of the people on this team was easy to form a rapport to except for Ava, who she hadn't really spoken to. Just a sentence or two but nothing concrete to form a foundation from.

"I appreciate your kindness and strength, Karen, Morgan is blessed to have such a wonderful mother."

Pulling her hand away, Blaze nodded to back Alison up, "I think that's a sound decision. I think we're all a little wary of Nicolas. But Alison offers a good argument. Morgan has struggled with her dark heritage on more than one occasion from what I've been told. So, I would think Nicolas would be no different." Oh the irony of Blaze's words would haunt her for months once things would be unveiled. Which, she obviously would feel very different than. Until then though she tried to see the good in everyone, fight for the underdog, and try to keep this team together. Where months of drama and chaos had placed cracks in the foundation.

Leaning back in her swivel chair, curious to hear Alison's plan of attack.

[Arsenal]

Mike spent his hour meditating, thinking about his time with the Seer, about what was to come. He hated himself for reaching this decision, but he knew: If Nicolas could not be freed, he would WANT death. That is the only way he could see it.

And so, once the meeting was called, Mike armed himself (including a few things that he "borrowed" from the Hellfire Club armory) and went to the room. His face was blank, there was no need for speaking until the time came. he nodded to everyone while remaining quiet. His nod to Alison was a bit longer, and an understanding seemed to be conveyed. He walked towards Karen, close enough to be there if she chose, but far enough not to be hovering. As the meeting commenced, he focused on the seer's images.

It was all he could do not to gasp at what was seen there. The horror of Nicolas beginning was truly terrible. But he saw something else in the vision, and that was what he focused on and the only comment he made as the heritage of Nicolas was discussed.

Remember he is also his mother's child, a woman who loved him enough to defy everyone in her village and have him, even to the sacrifice of her life. That sacrifice is for nothing if we do not give him a chance as an adult. Plus, Gustav raised him to do the right thing.

Mike then waited to hear Alison's plan of attack, his mind thinking of how could help in that or any other regard...

[Rampage]

Nicolas and Haleigh spent a few moents afterward in silence, laying on the water's surface as they both contemplated what had just occurred. It was not an easy or cut-and-dried experience, as even with them bith being enthralled, there was an awareness that things had changed.

Nicolas finally sat up slowly, raisin his hand as a towel flew over, he covered Haleigh and then dried himself off. they wopuld notice clean garments for them both at the doorway. As they dressed, they would hear a voice.

Come, children...It is time to understand some things.

They were led by a gentle mental and phsyical nudging to a large throne room. On a throne Set was perched, with a smaller throne to his left and another large throne to his right with a smaller throne beside it. Set motioned for them to come closer as he spoke. His face actually had a trace of...love?.. pride?...in it.

Nicolas...my son. I...apologize for being away so long. You have grown to be tall and strong, and you will be much stronger as you continue to mature. Come forward and speak to me. I am sure that you..and your comely hybrid friend have questions for me. As you say now...shoot. I am all ears.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Persephone stood in silence watching the images broadcast by Harbinger. The goddess heard the gasps of the others, but she remained quiet, watching Isis' sister be ravaged by Set. Blinking her gaze away, she seemed to get lost in her own thoughts; half paying attention to the rest of the 'show'. She understood Isis now. Why she had done the things that she did. Her vengeance. Her anger. If ANYONE ever touched her sister in such a way, she would tear the world apart until they were dead. ::

:: Lifting her eyes as Alison began to speak, she suggested that they try to save Nicolas as well; that he was a victim in all this too. Tightening her jaw, Persephone remained quiet as both Karen and Blaze agreed. Shaking her head to herself, Ava folded her arms across her chest. She would go along with their plan because it was best to work together rather than apart....however, there were no promises made by the goddess. ::

[Enchantra]

Enchantra stood in the Hellfire conference room for the first time with 'the enemy'. It was a surreal moment for sure, but it needed to be done. For Isis' sake. With her dark crimson cape draped behind her, Helena stood next to Malice watching as Harbinger showed what drew Isis to 'the dark side'. Both Malice and Enchantra were unaware of the fact as well, so as the scenes unfolded, the carnage and graphicness of it all was a bit shocking for the metamorph.

[to Malice] "And I thought I had a rough early adulthood...."

As the images stopped, everyone came to a mutual agreement that they would first and foremost save Isis, Spellbinder, and Black Widow. But that Rampage would be saved as well. An small laugh of disbelief managed to escape Helena's lips.

"Excuse me, but we signed up to save Dominique, Morgan, and Haleigh. We're not going to risk OUR [gesturing to herself and Malice] lives to make sure your possessed teeny bopper playboy gets to flirt another day. We'll keep up our end of the bargin concerning them [Morgan, Haleigh, and Dominique] and the destruction of Set, but as for Nicolas King, he's you're problem."

[to Malice] "But if he happens to get in the way, we'll destory HIM as well." :D

[Malice]

[ Prior to this meeting, Malice and Harbinger had avery frank, PRIVATE conversation that was unknown by anyone in the mansion or elsewhere. the fact of the matter was, BOTH women had already laid plans to SLAY Nicolas if it was truly necessary. the fate of their lives, BEYOND that of "good vs. evil", not to mention the WORLD was at stake. and so far, t his HADNT come to the attention of the general populace and with the anti mutant hysteria JUST subsiding recently , thanks in no small part to the subtle, strategic manipulations of Malice and Enchantra as they reconstituted the Hellfire Club, a disaster at the hands of Nicolas could set them all back in more than one way.]

[ Malice was reminded and once again impressed by the COLDNESS of the Seer, the woman was lethal and willing to sacrifice ANYONE in order to save those she cared about or to avert the disaster of her visions. Mystech should have recuited HER instead of her MOTHER, Kelly King...Mystech MIGHT even be still standing TODAY had they had ALISON in their service...but that was neither here nor there.]

[ the meeting began and the White Queen stood with the Red Queen as their unlikely guests watched along with them the nightmare secret that unfolded.]

[ Malice's sapphire blue eyes were unwavering. she showed no visible expression, but secretly, she was REPULSED by SET and everything about him. She felt more than a pang of sympathy for Dominique.]

[as Helena spoke to her via thoughts, Malice agreed.]

telepathically to Helena: this is the ultimate example of trauma. even Mystech could not have orchestrated something so primal, so scaring...all the more reason SET needs to be destroyed...that someone like HIM could even attempt to do that to US!?

[she "spoke" with such disdain and venom in her tone.]

[ as Enchantra spoke up on the matter of Nicolas, Malice looked dead at Harbinger...and then spoke as well.]

I validate Enchantra on this. Our truce was to help save your sorceress, our sorceress and the hybrid. Nicolas is nothing more than a male version of Alexis Quartermaine...BLACKOUT.

You're most dangerous enemy ISNT the one you see before you...it is the one ALREADY in your midst. and WE do not fancy risking OUR lives in the name of a mutant that could threaten the security of mutants and metahumans the WORLD OVER.

[ Malice had a point. the Sisterhood may have been the Six's most deadly foe to date, BUT they each knew where the other stood. Nicolas was going to be among The Six at all times, and could at any time, based on Alison's own vague validation, revert...and it could set them ALL back.]

telepathically to Helena: we may not have to. Ava and Alison are primed to do that FOR us. and if we wait, there may be an opportunity to use CIRCUMSTANCE against him to FURTHER the argument of his destruction or at least, his BANISHMENT.

just stay close. I had a PRIVATE talk with Harbinger...we have contingency plans in place. my PRIMARY concern will be to keep your mind PROTECTED this time. Nicolas was never equal to me in his telepathy, it is only the presence of his FATHER that gives him the boost. I was taken unaware by the raw power , but that WONT be the case THIS time.

[MorningStar]

Delilah awoke at Alison’s call - somewhat refreshed but still melancholy. She dressed quickly and made it down to the control just as Alison was about to begin. She watched the horrors that were put before them, gasping in shock and empathy for Isis and her sister, her VILLAGE, ravaged by the dark force that they now knew was Set himself.

She listened as Alison apparently was doing a 180 on the subject of saving Nicolas – fine, but

“Nicolas’ upbringing may be of little use to him with that THING inside of him. But Nicolas will be treated as any other member of the Six – we do whatever we can to save him, but if he cannot be saved, we must be prepared. Like we were with Haleigh, like we were with Sharon. Like we had to be with Alexis. All of us – each one sitting here and Nicolas included – know that the world is bigger than any one of us. And we will do what we must.”

She looked around at each of the faces in the room. They all had risked their lives - some for good, some for evil – she knew not one of them would hesitate to give up their own life. Well, maybe not Helena, but six out of seven ain’t bad.

“But what I’d REALLY like to know is – we were hitting Set with everything we had back there and it was like we were shooting spitballs at him. How are we going to defeat him this time? Even just long enough for you to banish the creature from Nicolas?”

[Arsenal]

Mike listened as Enchantrah and Malice spoke about not "signing" on to save Nicolas. He was amused and after they spoke, he actually chuckled.

WOW. It is really funny to hear you two posture after you lick your wounds. The truce had no such specific conditions. And if you do as you did last battle, pick and choose when to help, we cannot succeed. The best bet we all have is for us all to work to help them all. If he is not to be saved...so be it. But I have little time to spend listening to you try to hide strategy in the guise of altruism. You don't give a shit about the world. Face it, if he is salvaged and gains the legacy of his father's power and his mother's heart, YOU have a BIG problem. What better time to nip it in the bud than NOW, while he is down?

Mike cared no longer about keeping his tongue in check. He was not angry, but he was not going to sit by and let bullshit go across the board. And the fact that the queens did little last battle was not lost on him. He was different as well after his experiences.

[Enchantra]

"Licking our wounds? If memory serves correctly, we weren't the only ones with wounds to nurse after that battle. So before you so rudely jump into the conversation, I suggest you state ALL the facts instead of picking a choosing."

Staring coldly at Mike, he was sitting on a very high horse for someone who had no powers to back up his cockiness.

"Face it little boy. No one in this room wants to save Nicolas except you. The only reason they're agreeing to do so is because if they don't....they suddenly cross that very thin line from 'superheros' to heartless villians. [with a roll of her eyes] That, and i'm sure they're growing very tired of your inscesive whining as much as I am."

Waving her hand dismissively.

"We [Malice and herself] will fight as a team with the lot of you, as promised in our truce. We may not all fight on the same side, but everyone here knows when our limits have been crossed. Set cannot be destoryed if we're divided, so SHUT your [Mike] mouth and stop starting trouble so we can get down to buisness on how to get rid of this creature."

[Malice]

WOW. It is really funny to hear you two posture after you lick your wounds. The truce had no such specific conditions. And if you do as you did last battle, pick and choose when to help, we cannot succeed. The best bet we all have is for us all to work to help them all. If he is not to be saved...so be it. But I have little time to spend listening to you try to hide strategy in the guise of altruism. You don't give a shit about the world. Face it, if he is salvaged and gains the legacy of his father's power and his mother's heart, YOU have a BIG problem. What better time to nip it in the bud than NOW, while he is down?


:: Malice laughed softly as she eyed Mike like a mountain lion circling its prey. She remained posed as she stood by Enchantra::

As i recall, HUMAN, You were one of the ones in MOST DIRE need of medical attention, both of the mystical AND telepathic kind after you were RAVAGED by the man who you so valiantly defend now. Blood is thicker than water, you young, naive fool, and so long as Nicolas is connected to his father and ALIVE, YOU will ALWAYS be EXPENDABLE and believe me, YOU will perish long before EITHER ONE OF US does if Nicolas becomes a threat again.

I fear NOTHING from Nicolas, NOR do i FEAR his "father"...but like your group, WE have lives we want to preserve...OUR OWN..and ALL of us could lose the freedom to move through society without scrutiny that we've only JUST regained ...freedom that was LOST because of a BLUNDER from YOUR SIDE.

You are a guest in MY domain, little one, and you having NOTHING BUT TIME to listen to what I have to say as long as you expect ME OR ENCHANTRA to assist. Our truce was not made with YOU, it was made with someone we actually RESPECT.

:: looking at Harbinger::

Someone who is capable of making the HARD descisions, and not content to be regarded as a mere "SERVANT" as i recall Nicolas' "Father" addressing you?

Now why dont you stand behind your witch and let her keep you alive, like she did through the last battle. It's about the ONLY thing you're good at.

:: She and Enchantra laugh smugly to themselves.::

[Arsenal]

Before you laugh so smugly, let's REALLY be honest here. For all your bluster, you couldn't protect ONE mind from Set while in diamond form. Not ONE. And you (looks at Enchantrah) were a CORPSE. Your truce is self-serving and any illusion that you respect anyone here other than yourselves is bullshit. YOU accomplished nothing and without the Seer and HER team you have NOTHING. So if you wish to stay behind, DO so. There is no evidence that you will be of any assistance in any case.

Mike laughed again a bit. The funny part was that they thought he cared about living or dying right now...

[Shadow Weaver]

JUST SHUT UP!

<< Karen bellowed as her eyebrows lifted and her eyes sparkled with anger.>>

Just SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!

<< she snapped her glare at mike as her flipped hair flowed with the turning head.>>

Will you EVER get enough of antagonizing people who can KILL YOU just as easily as lOOK at you? SHUT YOUR MOUTH and don't give those two ANY MORE reason to derail the conversation any further than it already has gone.

<< turning back to Enchantra and Malice.>>

You're splitting hairs, and you know it. EVERYONE in this room has their feelings on Nicolas, but there IS a larger, more PRESSING PICTURE to consider...but I'm not going to waste time try to appeal to reason and intelligence...something that you have, but historically have used to the HARM of others.

I will TELL you to use the basic comprehension that anyone in this room has, and FOCUS ON THE GOAL which INCLUDES YOU GETTING ISIS BACK and KINDLY SHUT THE HELL UP! I've HEARD ENOUGH for one evening.

<< and she looks at Mike again.>>

You REALLY need to think about this FATALIST mentality you have.

<< more than chiding him, as she folded her arms.>>

The NEXT person who decides to get smart, is going to get TURNED INTO A TOILET BRUSH.

TRY ME.

<< she spoke sharply.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh laid with her head on his chest... they were both quiet as he held her.... they looked very much like a couple absorbed in post coital bliss... but perhaps bliss wasn't the best word. Haleigh stared off into the distance... intuition that this would be a catalyst for something terrible creeping in on her. She was not naive... she knew their union changed everything.... but something kept her from fully recognizing the severity.

what have i DONE?

She momentarily thought, her internal sense of right and wrong trying to reconcile with the developments... a brief faltering that was quickly corrected for her. What you WANTED.... stop being so weak. You were once a woman who did what she wanted, got what she wanted with her head held high. Now you have allowed yourself to become soft... and for WHAT? For a group of people that conceded both Nicolas AND you were lost causes as SOON as you were gone? Your lingering loyalty to them is both misplaced and illogical. They have forsaken you BOTH. Your time with them is OVER. Your place now belongs with someone much more deserving of your fidelity. You've always been capable of adapting to changing circumstances. Embrace your new fate and do it with conviction.

Haleigh watched Nicolas dry off and begin to get dressed.... she gave him a satiated smile.... bathed in a resurgence of devotion... intoxicated by it. She ran her hand across his back as she moved next to him, finding something had been set out for her to wear as well.... it was a beautiful blood red silk gown, the cut empire silhouette, with the high waist decorated by a textured damask of golden markings that closely resembled the markings on Nic's skin. It hung on her shoulders by thin straps of alternating red and gold silk that were tightly braided, it showcased a tease of cleavage with a wide, plunging neckline, and the lower portion of the gown was Fortuny pleated but loose and fluid. It was intricately designed and clearly crafted of the finest materials for royalty or otherwise exalted beings.

There was something else set out for Haleigh as well... slender gold upper-arm bands and thick gold 'cuff' style braclets that were engraved with the same markings and adorned with rubies. Haleigh had an errant impression that they looked like SHACKLES... Now you're just being melodramatic. They're beautiful.... wear them. And so she slipped them on.... there was a three faced mirror nearby... and she went to it, revolving slowly in front of it to admire the dress. She turned to face Nicolas, holding out her hands, a sly smile on her lips.

"I feel like Cleopatra...[pointing at him, her smile growing] You look like a Pharaoh."

Come, children...It is time to understand some things.

They were led into a throne room.... it was as grand and enchanting as Haleigh had come to expect of the place... the otherworldy being whose machinations they were ALL subject to sat nobly on a throne like the deity Haleigh suspected him of being. He prompted them to ask questions.... and the devil-may-care nonchalance [oft mistaken for insolence] that Haleigh was known for asserted itself.

"I know who you are." It sounded a little accusatory... but as she continued she sounded less righteous and more like she was simply identifying him. "Given Isis' involvement, I of course considered Osiris.... he is Yin to her Yang... where she is life and rebirth, he is Death, Lord of the Underworld... but I've eliminated him as a possibility. First of all... Isis cherised Osiris. She wouldn't want to destroy him.... and second... Osiris had GREEN skin.... and you don't. No.... you are the one whom Isis had a reason to despise.... the one who killed her husband... Set. The Egyptian God of storms, chaos, and destruction. Set was also associated with the color Red.... as in, this red gown I'm wearing... the red tapestries hanging in this room...."

[Firebird]

Blaze quietly observed Malice and Enchantra’s reservations about Nicolas. She had expected as much from them. Why would they want to save him? In a way she understood there logic but in her own heart Nicolas was still on this team just as Morgan was during the Inferno crisis she had heard about. Even Mike would continue to argue for his friend, which could be a noble quality, but one that seemed inappropriate when time was short. Back and forth both alignments argued until Karen snapped.

A part of Blaze couldn’t help but smirk as she agreed with the doctor. She had hit the nail right on the head. But while the three of them were silence, Blaze motioned to Delilah, “Delilah brings up a valid point. One that needs to be addressed for both sides. Each of us hit him with everything we had but it barely had any effect.” Turning the attention away from the brewing argument at hand. “What can we do to bring Set down?”

Curious sage-green eyes lingered on each person in the room until she stopped on Alison. “Before we were interrupted we were working on an exit strategy.” Blaze didn’t have time to bicker about Nicolas. They would be saving him, end of story. He did have the rune on his body, which would be key to pushing Set back into it. As far as Blaze was concerned they needed Nicolas but she felt it was useless to argue.

[MorningStar]

Delilah kept her mouth shut, still waiting on a response to her earlier question about HOW they were actually going to achieve this without one hell of a power boost. But Karen was right, and she resisted the urge to apologize to her like a scolded child. MIKE needed to get a handle on himself - despite what she had said she wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't try and STOP them if they had to sacrifice Nicolas. But as karen said they would have to deal with that if and when the time came. Bickering about it and giving "what ifs" did no good. She reinforced Blaze's question.

"So - again I say, what do we have NOW that we didn't have a few hours ago that is going to kill this thing?"

[Harbinger]

:: Alison leans back in her chair...rubbing her face as Mike speaks...AGAIN trying to underscore SOME redeeming value of Nicolas.::

goddess...give me strength...

:: she already knew what was coming and from whom. She exchanged looks with Malice and as insane as it seemed, sometimes she wondered...WHY she was dealing with the people she was dealing with. Did anyone ever question MALICE as much as they felt compelled to question or undercut Harbinger? Maybe if she sent Mike FLYING across the room, he'd shut up.::

:: Malice and Enchantra, as she expected pushed the bounds of the truce, but they WERE speaking a necessary truth to a degree. Karen snapped, and spoke with such force and hostility but Alison was not as taken aback by it as others...only because it seemed Karen was saying exactly what Alison felt.::

:: Blaze attempted to keep it on course and Delilah spoke, clearly worried about another defeat.::

We're not going to fail this time, Delilah. We had no real plan last time because some PEOPLE were too concerned about one person versus the bigger picture. That ISNT going to happen this time.

:: looking at Mike.::

Malice, Enchantra, your hospitality under the circumstances is well received and greatly appreciated...and your assistance will help us help you to rescue Isis.

:: sometimes it was better to be diplomatic...probably the ONLY thing she and her hypocritical sister Erika could EVER agree on. ESPECIALLY if it helped further a cause.::

Set is god, but he's far from ALL POWERFULL. We know that because we have fought the Olympians who were also gods. We were taken unaware in many ways the first time around...but it will not be that way this time. We have a goddess in our midst, and among our group we have a diverse and defined range of abilities. We will not fail because failure isnt an option and now that NICOLAS is no longer a subject of debate, we can move on to strategy and more pressing matters.

The first thing to do is to fashion circlets to protect the minds of those without psi screens. these will only last during the battle and will be usless afterward. try as he may, Set could not breach the psi screens, all he could do was exert pressure...pressure that was painfull but it was resistable if you had the WILL and Blaze benefited from the topaz pendant Morgan charmed for her. We make his work harder for him ...that's the first step.

:: and as Harbinger resumed leading the discussion, she fashioned out plans for the group as a whole.::

Malice, you can protect Helena since you wont have to use any additional power to protect yourself in diamond form. we will fashion a circlet for Mike, Persephone and Delilah.

[Firebird]

"Alison."

Firm but gentle words were aimed at the Seer, seeing she was struggling with Mike's words. Nodding to the brunette as if to say 'calm down'. There was obviously no love loss between Alison and Mike. The big guy could be annoying at times but then again who wasn't? But, there was a time and place for a heated debate. It wasn't the appropriate time at the moment with the lack of time they had to rescue their teammates.

Delilah and Blaze both tried to keep the topic of their teammates on direct course. Peering over to Delilah with a smile mouthing a 'thank you' to the blonde. Both women wanted the same thing, they wanted their teammates back home where they belonged.

"Wait, did you say you guys fought the Olympians? Man, I've heard it all now."

Shaking her head in disbelief but that topic of conversation was for another time. Blaze would shift her attention back onto Harbinger's words. "What's the second step once everyone's mind is protected?" She was anxious to get their friends and family back. Hell, everyone in that room was including the Sisterhood.

[Harley Quinn]

:: Persephone lifted her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes with a sigh. Everyone was getting so off topic, and for what? Mike wanting to one up the sisterhood? The sisterhood declaring they didn't want to rescue the man who was causing all this? It was frustrating to listen everyone go back and forth knowing that it was only stopping them from progressing to a solid plan of action. Finally Delilah and Blaze stired the conversation back on track. ::

"What's the second step once everyone's mind is protected?"

:: Lowering her hand, Persephone looked at Blaze, then to Alison. ::

"The scepter of Isis."

:: Since Alison shifted from the Guardian to the Harbinger, she took over Barbara Minvera's position as protector of the ancient and mystical objects that have exsisted throughout the world for thousands of years. She would know what Persephone was talking about. ::

"It's a risky move considering Isis had attempted to steal it before. When in the wrong hands it's extremely dangerous....but it seems to be our only solid option."

:: There was a long history between Isis and Set, but what no one was aware of was that Persephone had a small part in it as well. Adjusting herself in her chair, Ava prepared to give the cliffnotes version of what happened a few thousand years earlier. ::

"Isis and I were friends for quite some time. She was the Egyptian equivilant of myself and my mother Demeter, therefore we had much in common with one another. She would speak of her relationship with Set to me often...it wasn't good to say the least. Pretty much what you see of him now is what he was back then. Isis asked of mine and my mother's help to humiliate and ultimately exile Set from Egypt and the temples....I of course wanted to help, but I soon lost contact with Isis...my own heated affairs with the Greek Olympians taking priority. By the time I left Mount Olympus Isis had went into hiding. No one, not even Set could find her...which i'm sure was her goal. [looking to Alison, whom Ava was sure was having reservations about bringing forth the scepter of Isis] Isis made Dominique her avatar....if we give her the Scepter it will hopefully completely her link to Isis and insure she have the power to keep Set at bay once he is banished this time."

:: Looking among the group. ::

"Set is powerful, this is true. But he isn't invinsible. All beings with 'God'-like power and status--myself included--have weaknesses. Just as the six found out when we traveled to Mount Olympus. We just need to eliminate the attacks we did to him before, and focus our attentions on something new....something he wouldn't expect from us. He has that typical 'God complex'. He already goes into the battle thinking he has the upper hand; THAT is how we will take him down."

[Rampage]

Set laughed as Haleigh deduced with clarity his identity. He was actually impresses with her organized mind.

Very good, technopath. You ability to process seemingly small and incoherent bits of information is...imppressive. perhaps you will be a good captain of our PERSONAL guard. But I was speaking more to the question of who NICOLAS REALLY IS.

Set rose quickly, his form fluid in its movement as he paced a bit, clearing his throat to speak.

Isis, my sister, was the patron deity for your mother's village. It enjoyed quality crops and even boasted a minor sorceress as its interlocutor to the deity herself. That person was your aunt, the one now known as Dominique Devereaux.

However, in time Isis was...neglectful. The village crops suffered and famine ensued. The famine began to claim OTHERS in the village even as your OWN family survived in part due to the elevated status provided by their ties to Isis. Dominique, as she is now called, was barely concerned about the village's plight and did NOTHING to help. Your mother did care however, and remembered that I am the bringer of the storm, whose waters can save a village even as the wind and lightning can claim lives. In defiance of the village elders, she made a direct private plea to me, begging for my assistance. She willingly offered me anything I might require in order to help her people. I accepted her offering, and rain drenched the land, causing the crops to be saved. But with the thunder I arrived, and came to your mother to accept her offering.

She was frightened, and her family caused quite a stir at my arrival, but she willingly accepted my overtures, in spite of the contrary APPEARANCE of our coupling. In a few months you were born, and I could not have been more proud, but your aunt...Dominique the Black Queen, sought to kill you because you were different, because your mother could not survive your birth. I was nearly forced to intercede but you were already so STRONG, and she could not kill you then. One of my servants led your Earth father to you, a man of the greatest wealth in all of the lands in which you were born. I made sure he found you son, because I wanted the best for you until I was able to retrieve you later. I wanted to wait further until you were fully inherited of my might to speak with you, but your aunt's foolish attempt to end your life forced my hand.

Set raised his hand and a portal opened to another land, which was lush with vegetation, beautiful...but stricken with a mighty storm.

This is but a glimpse of what is yours. This is your land, and all that is in it is your. This planet is to be but a colony of our kingdom, as you are entitled to it from your mother's heritage. You are clearly as able to rule as the fools that run it now. You can show that we are...merciful and just. The way forward will be difficult, but we can accomplish anything together...as father and son.

Set stood before the pair, his form terrifying and yet handsome and proud.

Nicolas stepped forward slowly, as he listened to his father's words, as he looked upon the land that was to be his, once he and his father took care of things here...he reached out to take his father's hand...

[Arsenal]

Mike stopped as soon as Karen bellowed. He did not care about what she had to say in particular as he knew what it would be, almost to the syllable. His goal was to derail the queen's attempt to dictate strategy and he had succeeded in that, with the rest of the team moving to the matter at hand. He looked back at Karen as she admonished his fatalistic tendency. But Mike saw no advantage in quiet, not now. He spoke as they talked of a plan to handle Set, picking up as Persephone spoke of a new tactic.

One thing that may help is pairing the powers here to our advantage. I noticed last battle that at times Set used some powers here against other powers. With Malice as a hub for communication, perhaps we could pair powers up to our advantage. For example, Delilah and Blaze's power sets complement and could be much more potent than either alone. However, neither of them well complement the dark magic that Shadow Weaver wields; that fact allowed Set to free himself of her magic last battle. With that in mind, I would recommend that the pair of queens stay together, that Delilah and Blaze go together,that Shadow Weaver and the Seer pair up, and that Ava accompany Sharon so that we at least can stay out of each other's way as we go.

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger crossed her legs at the knee. the black mini skirt she wore definately exposed a nice view of her own legs. at 5'11 she could have stalkd the runways as a model along side of Morgan, and while she had appeared in a few spreads, she never felt that was her ultimately calling, preferring to let Morgan have that spotlight.::

:: the look on her face right now as not necessarily one that someone would want captured on photo, as she looked very agitated. Blaze spoke to her, adominishing her to keep calm and as the discussion resumed course, Blaze commented then Ava.::

:: Ava's information was insightfull...and though she was apprehensive about reliquishing, the relic of Isis back into Dominique's hands, knowing that the woman had tried to take it by force while the rest of the team was in the time stream looking for Alison and AVa...she realized that perhaps it was truly the logical thing to do.::


That information is helpfull Ava...and it has allowed me to come to a descision.

I will give the scepter of Isis to Dominique. I believe she is qualified and capable to handle it and if her having it will ensure that she has the full power to keep Set at bay, then its a justified risk.

:: Mike spoke. he was really bold wasnt he? Nicolas would certainly b e proud of his friend's devotion and bravery, but Alison couldnt help but think about what Malice said...."how could someone be so devoted when they were regarded is a mere servant?" Was he willing to risk alienating everyone by being so fanatical? Alison at different moments could appreciate Mike very much OR want to send him flying but for now, he was here and as such, would have to be included in th eir plans. It would be no different if Alycia were here.::


The idea of pairing sounds reasonable...there are powers that do work in concert better than others. That is why i mentioned before that when we FIRST encountered him, there was such a sense of urgency that everyone wanted to strike out in ernest to save those that were captured. there was no time to plan. that is why this time will be different.

and yes, YOU will need to stay with the Silver Swan. She can protect you and keep you safe.

:: Mike was probably tired of hearing that, but Alison knew that NIcolas would never forgive himself OR them if something happened to Mike. ::

When can continue to plan, but now Now, while things are still calm...we musth return to the catacombs of Minerva's Mansion. I will enter the code to gain access to the underground fortified vault where Pandora and the artifacts are hidden and retrieve the sceptre.

Delilah, a worm hole please.

:: and with that, as the team and the sisterhood stood together, Morningstar opens a wormhole portal that will allow them to journey from the hellfire club, across the world to greece at the speed of light. they return underground to the fortified vault where Alison checks on Pandora and retrieves the Sceptre of Isis.::

[Jessica Hamby]

A captian? That was it? That was all Set thought her considerable power merited? Haleigh wasn't really offended.... sometimes one gets underestimated.... it was a forgivable trespass. Set had only known her about five seconds... and had not seen her fight. She smiled, somewhat smugly.

"Set..... my lord. Shortly you will discover that my resourcefulness is as EPIC as my beauty is deceptive. When THAT moment comes, I'm confident you will make me commander in CHIEF of the entirety of your armed forces. Until then... I suppose I can be content with momentarily being a mere captain, under the assumption your condition is that you simply wish me to prove my worth. But mark my words.... my value far eclipses being a mistress or a knight... I am QUEEN material, and when you realize THAT.... you will truly understand how profound your decision to 'capture' me really was. I'm sure, with your undeniable intelligence, I won't have to wait for very long."

Humility was not a virtue of Haleigh's, but then, it didn't serve her now. Her response was completely hers, a byproduct of Set's meddling but not directly instigated by him... No, now Haleigh was playing the hand she'd been dealt, looking out for Number One. In her mind, her so-called family had abandonned her... and now Nic was poised to embrace Set's summons. It was clearly up to Haleigh to make sure she wasn't overlooked or underappreciated.... to be certain she would come out on top would require a bit of lobbying. It wouldn't be TOO difficult... Haleigh was easily a veritable weapon of mass destruction... her true capabilities and limits had never been completely tested.

Set gave them a brief history of Nic's creation... and so, Haleigh and Nicolas accepted a much less violent, a much less malign version of things than their teammates did. Haleigh gazed into the portal that Set opened... He talked of making earth a small PORTION of their domain... Haleigh shrugged and asked the only question that came to mind.

"But why bother with Earth at all? It's a dreadful place really... beautiful to the eyes in some places, yes... but it's a DYING planet. Not only is civilization declining... man continues to poison itself AND its environment. It's a TRIFLE... and likely not even worth it. Let the humans have it.... let the Six and the Sisterhood quibble amongst themselves for it... I TIRE of this planet and its ungrateful mortals. If we can make the UNIVERSE ours... why afflict ourselves with this annoyance? Just because Nicolas has a birthright to this place doesn't mean he's OBLIGATED to try and salvage it. If we stay... if we try to keep it, we'd have to face the Six and the Sisterhood, both groups that struggle for ultimate control of this place. Whether or not we can defeat them is NOT the point.... the POINT is... it seems like a lot of trouble to go through for what we'd get in return."

[Rampage]

Set's eyes widened as Haleigh spoke, and it appeared for a second that his legendary fury had been ignited. But he stopped and...LAUGHED. LAUGHED as hard as he had laughed in quite some time. This young upstart was impressive indeed.

QUEEN material?!! You wish to be the queen to my HEIR, to accompany him as he takes my place as God of Destruction and Master of the Storm?! You honestly would have been selected FIRST had you fought for his affections BEFORE now. But you allowed your loyalty to one who had little loyalty for you to stunt your normal drive. Your impetuousness alone is worthy of leadership to legions of my minions, but my son will need a strong and LOYAL queen. Are you that woman?! Will you stand with him against the tide?!

As Set roared his challenge to Haleigh, his face searching her for her answer, Nicolas was thinking a bit...hesitating as images burned into his psyche began to play back. When he first saw Dominique, she had assaulted him with visions. The visions were similar to what he had been told by Set, but were much more violent and cruel. But what was the truth? His father wouldn't...Lie to him? And if so, what WAS the truth? Nicolas was wavering, even as he stood before the deity.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Set may or may not have registered the fact that Spellbinder and Isis had escaped. Very FEW things could stop Spellbinder from accessing Limbo, the place irrevocably bound to her by birth and nature of her powers. She and Isis were now in Limbo, in the castle of the SUMMIT! The massive mountain that challenged the never ending skies and expanse of Limbo. Inside of the massive, haunting structure, Spellbinder gestures over a scrying pool as she observes Haleigh and Nicolas talking with Set..>>

NO! FOOLS! They are BELIEVING his warped version of the story!


<< Morgan's concern and desire to rescue Haleigh and Nicolas was blurred by her own growing resentment and hosility...which was AMPLIFLIED in Limbo. She and Isis BOTH had to steady each other as they tried not to give in to their own more base instincts.>>

I've heard enough of that pathetic trickster, Set. It's time to yank the rug out from under him!

<< and so, in Limbo where Spellbinder was absolute mistress, she gestures, and locks in on Nicolas and Haleigh, at her mental command, a chime sounds off, followed by a crash of thunder as a stepping disc openes beneath Haleigh and Nicolas and teleports them away to Limbo.>>

Isis, I've got them. When they arrive, You deal with Nicolas, and I'll handle Haleigh...just like we planned. and remember. We're to RESTRAIN them, NOT KILL THEM!


<< but in her mind, her heart. she HOPED that Set would be foolish enough to try to come to Limbo, a feat that few dared. She WANTED to humiliate him in front of his son and remind Nicolas how HAZARDOUS it is for a man to try to hold HER against her will.>>

here we go....

[MorningStar]

Now they had a plan, but Delilah was still skeptical. Giving Dominique the Sceptre of Isis was a big gamble, and she still was not convinced that their powers were up to winning this battle. But what could they do? Morgan and Haleigh needed them, and they couldn't just leave them to rot at the hands of Set and Nicolas.

So she opened the wormhole at Alison's bidding, and returned them to Minerva's Mansion. The catacombs were dark and mysterious - and she would have been grateful for the opportunity to see them had they been there under better circumstances. She waited anxiously for Alison to open the vault. Despite her misgivings she wanted to go NOW - the waiting was nerve wracking. She tried to focus her thoughts on Pandora, on hoping she and everything inside was okay. But even for that she'd have to wait.

[Firebird]

Blaze felt skeptical as well as the plans were laid out for them. She knew as soon as they destroyed Set this little truce was over. Persephone offered some insightful information as well as Alison even Mike as she nodded, "Alright." Anything was better than sitting and chit-chatting about it much more.

Being transported to the catacombs from the worm hole, Blaze ignited one of the flares she had confiscated from the Hellfire Mansion. Her fire power was slowly replenishing from her powerful attack earlier. She stood next to Delilah, sensing she anxiousness. "Ready to kick some booty, Morning Glory?" A faint smile offered to the blonde as they waited for Alison to unlock the vault, waiting to see if Pandora was okay. Waiting was always the worst part but it was the first step towards their goal.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh eyed Set as he laughed, amused by her. It was not her intention.... but she could roll with it. It was a positive enough reception. She gave him a graceful smile, a raised eyebrow and a gentle nod.

QUEEN material?!! You wish to be the queen to my HEIR, to accompany him as he takes my place as God of Destruction and Master of the Storm?!

"Only if you would graciously approve, my lord."

You honestly would have been selected FIRST had you fought for his affections BEFORE now. But you allowed your loyalty to one who had little loyalty for you to stunt your normal drive.

Haleigh shrugged... she didn't seem to agree with his assessment.

"On the contrary, your majesty... not to seem contentious.... but I didn't know where HIS affections laid... he CHOSE her... and I wanted him to be happy.... so I simply delayed my pursuit of him until he tired of her. Sure.... I thought I owed HER a chance as well... but obviously I was mistaken.... Now that I know the TRUTH... it's time to reassess my options and make more informed decisions.... there's no reason for us ALL to not get what we want at this point."

Your impetuousness alone is worthy of leadership to legions of my minions, but my son will need a strong and LOYAL queen. Are you that woman?! Will you stand with him against the tide?!

Haleigh smiled, she thought back to all the times she'd defended Nicolas... even just considering the RECENT events, it was a lengthy list of examples.... she knew that if Nicolas could hear her thoughts... Set probably could as well..... for emphasis, she glanced down at herself, wearing what he'd wanted her to wear... she certainly already LOOKED the part.... she looked back up at Set, opening her arms slightly at her waist, turning up her palms.

"Haven't I thus far?"

She asked simply..... but it appeared she was not to get an answer.... MORGAN interfered, dragging them away to Limbo by stepping disc. Haleigh looked around, identifying her change of environment, a USP tactical handgun already in her hand, held down by the hip like an outlaw. Her gaze settled on Morgan.... she narrowed her eyes, tilting her head ever so slightly, calculating. If she felt anything for Morgan, or any guilt for what she'd done.... it didn't show. She had her gun trained on the sorceress... but she didn't shoot. She wasn't sure if Morgan was going to try and kill them or not.... and she wasn't going to let her guard down.

"Spellbinder..... I gather Alison has not yet convinced you to MAROON us... or maybe you just haven't spoken with her yet. No matter.... I'll gladly save her the trouble. You're better OFF without the both of us, I assure you. Send us back where we belong... I don't feel like fighting with you right now. If you're smart you'll bring the rest of the Six to Limbo.... I think we're going to be having our way with Earth for a little while."

[Harbinger]

:: back at Minerva's Mansion, underground, the Six and the Sisterhood moved through the catacombs, past the battle scarred area where they had ferociously fought Set and and toward the massive, glistening golden doors to the Vault. The last time the rest of the team had been here, it was when they took refuge from Circe before being sent to Ancient Greece. It was also the place were Barbara Minerva lost her life, doing what she'd always done, facing danger head on. Now the torch had passed. Barbara had been reborn as an Amazon and Alison was now the Harbinger, the new mistress of the mansion and this Vault.::

:: The Vault was a massive, intricate underground structure whose technology was alien in origin. it was fortified against humans AND metahuman intrusion and contained the most legendary, mysterious artifacts the world over. Pandora and her box were among those "artifacts." And Alison now joined Barbara Minerva in an ultra rare and exclusive roster of humans annointed with the task of protecting Pandora, her box and the many other artifiacts from falling into the wrong hands...but now, due to necessity and destiny, with Persephone's urging, Alison had agreed to release one of those artifacts BACK into the world. The Sceptre of Isis, a powerfull talisman created by the goddess herself in ancient times, was about to be given to Dominique Deveraux, her living avatar.::

:: Harbinger placed her hands on the massive golden doors, and a combination of her own telekinetic power and a spell uttered in an ancient languge was the only way to get those doors to open. no other person, despite their efforts could open these doors, only the person who was mistress of the mansion could do so.::

:: and so, after a few moments, ALison opened the doors only wide enough for the members of the six and the sisterhood to pass through narrowly.::

:: For Malice and Enchantra this place now confirmed rumours about various artifcats they had heard of...most of them were REAL! the sprawling complex of the vault was breathtaking.::

:: for the rest of the six, it was their second time back. there was no trace of their last time here.::

:: Alison called for Pandora, and after a few moments, the young woman appeared. Alison hugged her ward and assured her that everything was alright and that she would have to remain here a while longer.::

:: in single file, Alison lead the group toward a platform with a glowing casing around it. the sceptre floated inside the casing, it was made for the purest, most exquisite gold and had egyptian heirogplyphics etched into it. Along with a sparkling, pure opal orb on the top that was encircled by golden rings. ::

This sceptre is the only missing piece of Isis' power/essence for Dominique. Once she has it, she will have the full power of Isis, as well as access to her temple.

I know there may be some of you who object to this, given that Dominique is alligned with the Sisterhood, but the logic, the necessity is there...it appears to be her destiny and as the keeper of time, i cannot stop her destiny from being fullfilled. These events...this situation stretches all the way back to Isis' time on earth when she and Persephone were friends. That lets us know this situation is BEYOND good and evil.

I will give this to Dominique. It will be what allows her to BANISH Set and we will help her. It will take this, my time staff and morgan's soul sword to turn the tide in OUR favor.


:: she takes the sceptre down. it shimmers and the opal jewel orb emits a flash of light as if it is awakening for the first time. when in fact it is trying to summon its rightfull owner.::

:: she turns back.::

Pandora, you stay inside. there is enough provision for you and the soldiers here with you. I will return soon.

:: as Pandora wishes Alison and the rest of them luck...the Seer leads them out once more::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder and Isis were ready. Spellbinder purposefully SEPERATES Black Widow and Rampage upon their arrival to Limbo, in the castle of the Summit. With Isis and Spellbinder standing back to back, each facing their target. SPellbinder was in her latest costume, given her by Hecate and her Soul Sword was in hand, with that corresponding hand, arm , shoulder and chest area covered asymetrically in eldritch armour.>>

<< her icy violet eyes fixed on the hybrid. She didnt see what Haleigh and Nicolas had done in the hot tub, during THAT moment of extreme sluttyness on Haleigh's part :D, the two sorceresses were busy establishing thier own truce and dominique revealed the TRUTH of the matter. Morgan DID however see the exchange between Set, Nicolas and Haleigh afterward, she heard everything and Morgan was truly offended to her core. Even IF Haleigh was being somehow coerced, Haleigh seemed ALL TOO GLAD To given in.>>

You're pathetic, Haleigh. And to think, I TRUSTED you.

<< Morgan had no idea that she'd repeat this AGAIN with much more hurt and pain later.>>

This isnt the woman that i've heard SO MUCH about, her decorated military career....this is a woman who is desperate to get in where she fits in.

<< the glowing silver mystic flames of the soul sword provided illumination between the two.>>

Set, your lord? You sound WORSE than one of my demons. At least THEY have an excuse. They have no choice, they are bound to serve the mistress of this realm. While YOU? You who has withstood the machinations of such foes as IMAGIOMG now bows before t his MONSTER? a creature who raped, killed and DESTROYED a village for no other reason than to fullfill his own base instincts. he DOOMED a helpless mortal in order to spread his seed. The Haleigh I know would not have just ACCEPTED such a thing.

<< she looks at the gun...and a chime sounds off as it MELTS.>>

your pitifull TOYS cant hurt me. I am the ABSOLUTE MISTRESS of this realm, Haleigh and while i WANT you to give me an excuse to BARBEQUE you.

i have to remember that you are most likely being toyed with and manipulated. A pity ...you are about to give yourself over to a life that is the ANTITHESIS of everything you claim to stand for and you do it so willingly.

<< Morgan had not YET realized the reason why she was to be Nicolas' QUEEN was because had SLEPT with him.>>

But I'm afraid your demented dream is about to come to an end!

<< a chime sounds off as Morgan moves via disc, from her spot RIGHT UP to Haleigh and with a mighty swing of her soul sword, [ which it looked as though might be a KILLING strike], Morgan SLICES across Haleigh's chest, but it doesnt SLICE her open, rather it totally LIBERATES her mind and body. Shattering the hold Set has over her in a flash of white light. the impact would leave Haleigh on her hands and knees, but she would be free...HERSELF.>>

Isis!

[Isis]

[ Limbo, a place more terrifying than HELL according to the few who had ever seen or glimpsed it in some way. It was a truly chaotic "otherplace" and it was apart of Spellbinder! Yet this woman was on the side of GOOD? remarkable!]

[ She sneered with contempt at a few demons that were eyeing her. holding her hand forward as a corona of golden energy sparked and shimmered, a warning to them if they tried to get too close.]

Spellbinder: Don't worry, their bark is USUALLY worse than their bite, but don't let them touch you. They carry the deadly Techno Organic Virus.

[ Dominique and Morgan worked well together so far. moving with urgency. the freedom that Morgan brought them with her stepping disc, brought much comfort and calm to Dominique.]

[ when the time came, Dominique, now once again in her restored costume as the Black Queen, complete with her cape, nodded to Spellbinder that she was ready.]

[ Spellbinder summons them...Nicolas and Haleigh, and as the two are teleported and sepearted, Isis stands back to back with Spellbinder. Rampage appears, and a flash of disgust flickers in Dominique's opal blue eyes as she grits her teeth.]

creature of evil!

[ even as Nicolas might show agitation or the attempt to move against Dominique now that he had been fed those LIES by his father, Isis did not waver as she set down the last of the crystals. Spellbinder had moved Nicolas to just the right spot so that he was now inside a circle of crystals and Isis now activated the CRYSTAL CAGE! a shimmering entraptment, one of the strongest on earth via magick that nothing could break from. the din of th e crystal cage could be heard as Isis stared at Nicolas. She REALLY looked at him. And all she could see...all she could hear were her sister's cries...the storm outside the hut, and the cries cries of the newborn Nicolas.]


Monster....THING OF EVIL.

Spellbinder: REMEMBER THE PLAN, ISIS! REMEMBER WHO IS THE REAL MONSTER!


[ Dominique could only hear the FAINTEST impression of Morgan's voice as her mind, her HEART SCREAMED for revenge...for VENGEANCE!]

My sister...my poor...defenseless...SISTER...DOOMED to a destiny that was NOT her choosing...VIOLATED...RAPED by the MONSTER that is YOUR FATHER!

[ Points at Nicolas]

BASTARD DEMON SPAWN! SEED OF EVIL! I HATE YOU!


[ she stands...screaming at him as the crystal cage keeps him trapped.]

Spellbinder: FOCUS, DOMINIQUE! REMEMBER what we talked about! REMEMBER DAMMIT!

<< the sorceress grabs Isis and SHAKES her to get ahold of herself.>>

I.....

[ Dominique falters...]

I.....yes....you're right. we must stick with the plan.

[ and with that, she stands with Spellbinder as they both look at Nicolas in his current state. ]

The rune!

[she extends her hand. ]

What has been placed by magick, let it now be REMOVED by the same ancient power.

[ and so begins the PAINFULL process of the Rune's removal, but it cannot be easily completed now, and that is where Spellbinder comes in! ]

[Rampage]

A hand slams to the ground between the sorceress and Nicolas, and SET emerges from a dimensional door he tore open, following them both to this realm. However, he does not completely enter the realm and his voice has lost a bit of its booming luster.

Isis indeed? What are you to do? I will crush you for your impetuousness!


The storm god blasted Isis back with a force blast and took a step to retrieve his son who, now that he was out of the direct control of Set and in the crystal cage, had dropped to his knees as he again tried to reassert himself, the conflicting stories and images fighting for primacy even a the rune's power was weakened upon him...

[Jill Monroe]

KISS THIS, BITCH!

<< Spellbinder pulls her fist back, which is now surrouned by a halo of dark magick, and she SLAMS it into Set's mouth, unleashing a BLAST of dark magick as she punches him with ALL her might (75 ton level)>>

You won't hurt HER, ME or ANYONE ELSE AGAIN!

<< she stands as she watches him fly away, her face enshrouded in shadow.>>

You made a BIG mistake coming HERE where I AM ABSOLUTE MISTRESS!

vines cling! hold him well! prepare him now for his LAST STOP IN HELL!

<< glowing, gothing looking vines, spring up around around Set, and wrap around his legs, ankles, wrists, arms neck and HEAD...with THORNS digging into his head as they hold him fast and are unbreakable.>>

I"LL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CRUSHED!

<< she thrusts her hands forward as a chime sounds off and...>>

<<ZARK!!>>

<< a FULL POWERED Eldritch BOLT! not since the INFERNO had Spellbinder unleashed one like this...and when she did, it was against HALEIGH. It was the reason that the hybrid now had a DIFFERENT face than the one she was BORN with. Spellbinder assaults SET, with all the FURY and HATRED that she feels in her heart.>>

THIS is what i think of YOU and this is for ALL that you did to my FRIENDS...even these too FOOLS who were so EASILY duped BY YOU!

<< now it was SPELLBINDER'S turn to be reminded of THE PLAN.>>

[Isis]

[ NO!]

[i]NO!

[ The honor of striking Set was HER'S. Morgan was to complete the removal of the rune on Nicolas!]

[ she reached Spellbinder and placed a hand on her arm]

SPellbinder, STOP! You yourself said we must not get side tracked! Besides, the honor...the RIGHT of repaying Set for the pain he has caused is MINE.

[ and with that, Isis looks at Set with nothing but contempt, takes aim and BLASTS Set with golden hued energy that is the next best thing to PLASMA! she intends to BURN him to his core with this mystic energy.]

[ Spellbinder ceases her assault, but ensures that the vines remain intact, holding Set in place. the only way for him to escape with his l ife from Limbo is to evacuate.]

I will NEVER surrender to you, THING OF EVIL! You may fooled those foolish mortals with your lies, but I know the TRUTH. You TRICKED my sister, you CAUSD Isis the goddess to FORSAKE HER, that is the ONLY reason you gained access to our village. Well this is NOT the village and I am NOT weak. Your terror is only as stong as the person who gives into that fear and I do NOT!

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder laughed smugly as she attacked Set.>>

Pathetic piece of TRASH! You're NOTHING. Just like i kicked Zeus' ASS...I will BURN yours to A CRISP!

<< Dominique reaches out...and demands the Sorceress follow through with their plan. She also claims the RIGHT to strike at Set herself, which Morgan can't argue. But DAMN, to be robbed of such a symphonic climax of GLEE as she attacks this creature with a VENGEANCE!>>

<< she looks at Isis.>>

Make it count, Dominique. THe vines will prevent him from doing anything...his only choice is to evacuate otherwise, he can kiss any chance goodbye!

<< she and Isis move quickly...with Spellbinder now looking upon Nicolas, who was on his knee.>>

I dont even know who you are anymore. You HURT me.

<< again, she had no idea that she'd be repeating this AGAIN for a far different reason in the near future.>>

You treated me like i was FAYE RAE in King Kong...and what would you have done if i'd given in? Impregnated ME like your marauding father did Isis' sister? Seen ME dead for the purpose of spreading your own seed?

I dont know what you THINK you were going to do, but that stops NOW.

<< she raises her sword as she removes one of the crystals and deactiveates the crystal cage.>>

You're coming back to your senses now before you do something you will forever regret.

<< not realizing that he may aleady HAVE.>>

<< she swings the sword, bring it down and across his his chest as the blade and its eneragy SHATTERS the rune, and its flickering energy flows off his chest and fades into the air. she quickly REACTIVATES the crystal cage as she pulls back, standing there with her sword poised for striking/defense.>>

[Rampage]

Set was stunned momentarily as Morgan gave him a quick uppercut. He is held fast by the vines as he roars, straining them, but THEY HOLD!!! The dark sorceress is impeded by Dominique, who blasts him herself. She speaks of how Set had actually fooled Nicolas' mother, screaming it for the young demigod to hear. Set roars as his form becomes amorphous, slipping the vines as he blasts the sorceress back.

Curse your pet realms, w-witch. My sister is the queen of those magics, and they will not be the end of me today!!!I will flay you alive once you return to Earth. You will join your WEAK sister in death!!

And with that Set escaped back to Earth, biding his time until he was ready to make his move.

As Set departed, Morgan addressed Nicolas, as he struggled beneath the rune and his father's influence, alternately roaring and sobbing for release as he suffered by dual agonies. Once Morgan struck him with the soul sword, he lurched froward, falling on his face and lying very still as his form changed slowly but surely, back to the man Morgan knew before. After a time, he slowly pushed himself up, staggering, then more steady as he stood before her. His face a mask of pain as he both realized what had been done to him and why Dominique hated him so. he could see her face clearly now, as he had the visions from two sources to enlighten him. He projected her face and reached out to it, tears staining the ground in front of him. Morgan would remember that he had searched for a mother his whole life, only to find that HE had killed her just by being BORN.

OhmamamamaI am so sorry. Iwishthadbeenme...beenmeinstead.

[Jessica Hamby]

You're pathetic, Haleigh. And to think, I TRUSTED you.

Haleigh's expression hardened. Morgan's first response seemed to strike the hybrid pretty deeply... but Haleigh was far too invested by now to allow even the most [unintentionally] meaningful words to sway her back.

This isnt the woman that i've heard SO MUCH about, her decorated military career....this is a woman who is desperate to get in where she fits in.

"No.... you're WRONG. THIS is a woman who has been utterly abandonned by those who CLAIM to have cared about her. THIS is a woman who has ALWAYS been capable of doing what she MUST.... only the STRONG survive, Spellbinder.... and they do it by WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY..... by doing WHATEVER it takes.... enter THIS woman. I WILL survive, Spellbinder. I ALWAYS do."

She responded, calmly. Despite the verbal guilt trip Morgan tried to lay on her, Haleigh was as resolute as ever.... completely convinced that this was the ONLY way. Morgan tried to dissuade her from aligning with Set, going so far as to insult her decision. With a flick of her gold laden wrist, Haleigh dismissed Morgan's words.

"Don't patronize me, Spellbinder. You don't know what you're talking about.... but then.... you rarely do."

She retorts, as Morgan melts the gun from her hand... Haleigh drops the slag, not harmed by the heat of the metal... she shrugs, pointing at Morgan's soul sword and deadpanning:

"Nice sword. What are you going to do, poke me with it? COME ON, Spellbinder... even after what I've done.... I don't think you have it IN YOU to hurt me.... doing so would require you giving in to your DARKER side... your Inferno side.... you would view that as a loss of control.... and you just don't have what it takes to reconcile with that part of you."

But Spellbinder seemed INTENT to prove Haleigh wrong, appearing in front of her and making to SLICE her in half diagonally! Haleigh tried to LEAP backwards but the tip of the sword caught her, raking its way across her torso..... haleigh's hands instinctively went to the wound, as she fell to her knees, expecting blood to pour out... but she wasn't cut.... but she WAS liberated.... and everything that had happened... everything that she'd DONE and everything done TO HER.... came crashing down upon her like an avanlanche. Morgan and Isis made a formidable team, and they worked together to EXPEL Set and free Nicolas from his rune.... Haleigh just watched, resting back on her haunches.... her mind blazing a million thoughts per second.... what have I done?? This time.... she was allowed to think it THROUGH.... and the implication CRUSHED HER. The dust settled.... and Haleigh looked up at Morgan... her expression poignant.

"Morgan..... I'm so sorry.... I...."

She said softly.... but Morgan would not yet know the entire scope of what Haleigh meant.... that would come later. For now... Morgan and Isis dealt with Nicolas..... and Haleigh retreated into herself, burying her face in her hands. Anger, resentment, disappointment, self-loathing, remorse.... It was too much emotion for one person to experience all at once.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder glared at Set as he disappeared, KNOWING that he realized he was in over his head.>>

You BETTER run!

<< she called out.>>

<< but then, the AFTERMATH of this plan of theirs...as Nicolas and Haleigh BOTH were hit with the REALITY of what they'd done. The TRUTH about Nicolas' birth seem to set into Nicolas as he grieved for his mother.>>

<< Isis and Morgan stood side by side, looking at them both...and the two women's faces...softened, as each seemed to realize that they too had just freed themselves of the burden of having to KILL these two.>>

Nicolas....Haleigh...

<< Nicolas staggered toward both of them and Isis took a defensive stance.>>

It's allright, Isis...he won't hurt you.

<< she could TELL that Nicolas was himself again, at least for now.

<< Morgan wanted to reach out but she stopped herself. Haleigh seemed VERY guilt ridden and apologetic, like there was something else...something MORE she'd done but WHAT? Now was not the time. they had to get to the others.>>

Listen...I know that you're both hurting. But we have to rejoin the others. The Six and the Sisterhood. They've formed a truce, working together to prepare to rescue US. We have to get to them now , and only then can we ALL deal with Set.

It's not over yet!

<< Morgan helped Haleigh to stand, but Isis wouldnt go anywhere NEAR Nicolas. She may not have looked AS hatefull, but her eyes said it all>>

[Isis]

[ Isis' eyes fixed on Set's eyes. she would not back down in her unwavering stare.]

I AM Isis' living avatar. All that she knows...all that she experienced...I KNOW...and SHE hates you as much as I do. She was laying plans for your destruction once before. You only DELAYED the inevitable!

[ Set disappeared, Dominique's hair blows back from the feedback of his furied escape...and as Morgan shouts out after him, the two women looked at each other. They had SUCCEEDED in freeing Haleigh and destroying the Rune on Nicolas. That, SEVERED his unwitting connection, being the "living gateway" for the TRUTH about himself...his TRUE father.]

[ as the two mutants struggled and reeled from the pain and grief over what they'd learned/done...Dominique stood with Morgan. She looked upon Nicolas with contempt, but his cried out for his mama, her own facial expression began to soften..just a little. He came near her and she prepared to attack but Morgan kept her from doing so. It was REFLEX more than anything.]

[ this young man...he seemed genuinely grief stricken over the loss of his mother, but how could she reach out to him, how could she comfort him KNOWING what he was, KNOWING that he was about to GIVE IN to his father! It may have been a combination of the rune and Set's own manipulation, but Dominique was about as unforgiving as HECATE in this instance. But just as much b lood had been spilled and tragedy had rained down because of the rift between Persephone and Demeter, all of THIS was the result of a bitter "Family" dysfuction that ONLY Isis could now fix. It was just as Morgan had said, the goddess intended for Dominique to not only reach out to N icolas as his only surviving blood relative, but as the woman Isis granted the power to keep Set from ever reaching Nicolas again.]

[ could she REALLY let go of her hatred, her anger...and embrace her TRUE destiny? she didnt know if she had the strength...the COURAGE to see Nicolas as anything MORE than a demon seed.]

[ as Spellbinder admonished them to prepare to keep moving toward the final conflict. Isis would not move to help Nicolas. she kept her distance and instead silently processed the new information that Malice and Enchantra had been working with the Six to help get HER back as wel!]

they stood by me , even as my own nightmare became a reality!

[ she quietly waited for Morgan to take them back to the others. her eyes shifting to keep tabs on Nicolas every few moments.]

[Oracle]

<< and so, from two opposite directions, over half of the Six and one third of the Sisterhood prepare to meet up with the other half. Each side having made important, critical strides toward the common goal of VICTORY and without the needless loss of Nicolas or anyone else!>>

<< still it was a bittersweet moment in Limbo, for even as the pair of sorceresses managed to free Nicolas and Haleigh, Dominique would still NOT even attempt to reach out to the young mutant, as he struggled to face the reality of his origin. She was his last living relative. Would that count for something or would there be a wide rift between them in the same tradition as Persephone and Demeter?>>

<< there was no time to address that now, as Spellbinder , herself unaware of the ultimate betrayal that had been commited against HER by Haleigh and Nicolas, marshalled them and teleported them from Limbo to Aerie!>>


<< the final act of this nightmare was coming up, but the aftershocks of this experience were far from being finished.>>

<< and so we watch.>>