The nightmare begins

[Jill Monroe]

Nighttime...the NYC skyline...a horizontal cascade of steel edged beauty accented by the randomly flashing lights of various buildings, high rises and sky scrapers..the skies churn and swirl...as a storm just begins to brew and thunder rumbles.....far below on ground level..the din of never ending traffic and citizens who never seem to sleep can be heard ....but even as all seems to be normal...something is brewing in the air...a dark and growing feeling of dread...that can only be felt by a select few people.....scattered throughout the metropolis of NYC....these select individuals dont know it yet......but tonight will usher in a new chapter in their lives...the likes of which they never imagined...and will most likely DREAD.

[Jill Monroe]

<< the black skies churn over NYC...as a summer night's storm brews....and as the winds blow, a large building, a majestic highrise in Central Park west stands tall and high above the other buildings nearby>>

<<on the 40th floor in a luxe, multi level, 10 bedroom apartment tastefully decorated furnished in stylish contemporary flare, the young sorceress Spellbinder slumbers>>

<<the sliding glass doors leading out to the large balcony are slightly opened...allowing the mildly warm winds to flow through and cause the silky sheers on the sliding glass doors to flow and billow. the only light in the apartment comes from the flickering flashes of lightning from the outside giving brief views around the spacious, palatial apartment.>>

<<inside the master bedroom....which itself is quite large..Morgan Victoria lays in her california king sized bed..lying very still, the satin sheets barely cover the top of her ample bosom as she has turned throughout her sleep during the night. the winds flow gently through her room and the chimes play a soft melody while Tinkerbell, Morgan's beloved siamese kitten sleeps near her on the bed>>

<<its a very peaceful, serene scene high above the hustle and bustle of the new york night life and in the midst of the weather...but Morgan is not at peace>>

<<flashes....painfull flashes of images....of Spellbinder fighting her father, then Black....fighting for her life.....being battered....images of her sister Foxfire...being struck down...murdered...and that last moment of vengeance.....as Spellbinder seizes Black's sword of anger....its merest touch jolting her arm through its nerves and the bones with cold unrelenting PAIN...as she grips it....she screams in her dream...the pain so strong it makes her body jolt in the bed...as she summons all her physical might and DESTROYS Black .....in that fury of explosions, Black's screams of agony and spellbinder's least release of adrenaline........she falls back to the ground...half dead...>>

<<it is a reoccurring dream she's head for the last year....as her heart pangs with grief and her soul cries out for revenge.....but its too bad that spellbinder has forgotten that dreams are but another facet of REALITY>>

<<with no kind of segue....in her dream she now see's herself....in a sprawling laboratory..a fortress of technology...she floats through this place....there's no one else around....as Spellbinder looks around with weary eyes.......she finds herself in what appears to be a large incubation room....with tall tubular stasis chambers filled with bubbling fluids and some even have human bodies in them...its a very eerie sight as the humming and beeping of machines and energy flow throughout the gleaming lab. Spellbinder doesnt know what to make of what she sees....until she comes across a stasis chamber with a display monitor that reads Fielding, Blaze. her eyes widen with disbelief as the sounds from her fatefull battle with Black fill the air......and as she looks up...she see's the battered, broken body of Foxfire! Spellbinder GASPS with horror and backs away....just as Foxfire's eyes pop open. Spellbinder backs away...and backs into the arms of Black....and as she screams......she see's behind Black.....her FATHER, Christopher

[i]Christopher: Welcome home Morgan!......you've been a very bad witch.....but dont worry....daddy's willing to forgive you just like he forgive your sister, Foxfire!

Spellbinder struggles against Black...as Foxfire's bloodied body writhes in the stasis chamber.....and without warning....Christopher and Black are INSTANTLY upon Spellbinder...over whelming her......the room fades to black just as she feels them violating her body and soul

<< She SCREAMS!! as she bolts upright in her bed just as thunder claps furiously in the night sky....breathing heavily....she quickly touches herself and looks around the room....only to see a startled Tinkerbell who is now awake as well. Morgan sighs with deep relief as she takes Tinkerbell in her arms and cradles her........the images of the dream still in her mind. her heart beats with bitterness and grief at the same time as she holds her kitten...and looks out upon the night sky.>>

<<thinking>> Black...Christopher.......those marauding bastards....and my sister.....all in a cutting edge laboratory?..........what kind of dream is this...and why am i haunted by it!? WHY!?

<<after a few moments....Morgan looks over to her night stand to see a picture of herself with Foxfire....during their time with Valiant.....the smiles on their faces..the vitality in Foxfire's eyes...it seems as though it was a life time ago.......and Black stole her vitality......her life. Although Morgan destroyed him.....she couldnt bring back her sister.....she felt she had failed to protect Foxfire....and for that....she has never been able to forgive herself...even now a tears begin to stream down her face....and she holds Tinkerbell close.....as the rain begins to fall outside and thunder cracks more>>

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But Morgan isnt the only young woman who is awake tonight...there are a few select others whose lives are just as complicated...and on this night...some of them cannot seem to sleep either....

[Jacob Black]

« Among the bustling taxis and sea of faceless people walking through the streets and shops of Upper Manhatten, a long black limousine raced through the crowds, seemingly in a hurry. Inside the limo sat Cameron King, looking at his platinum diamond designer watch before cocking his eyebrow and pressing the intercom button, allowing him to badger his driver. »

"Look, Carlos. I know you don't speaka the English very well, but you better understand that if you don't get me to the Hotel in five minutes, you will be el FIRED! Now DRIVE!"

« Cameron let go of the intercom button as he looked at his assistant, Vivica Lennox, who looked less than impressed. His assistant was an attractive african american beauty, who was always dressed to kill, and with an attitude to match. She was also a mutant with the ability to recall everything she sees, smells, hears or senses, which made her the perfect assistant for Cameron. She had been with King Enterprises and Cameron for over eight years and was the closest thing to a friend Cameron had. He rolled his eyes at her stare and laughed. »

"I am sorry, Vi, but you know that I have had a long day. The negotiations are getting ridiculous for my Campaign, and I just want to go home! It IS 3 AM!"

« Vivica opened her book which kept all of Cameron's dates, appointments and meetings, not that she needed to write them down, it just made Cameron feel better, as she began scribbling something furiously with her ball point pen. Cameron looked at her somewhat confused before sighing. »

"What hideously boring thing are you going to make me do now?"

« Before Cameron could say another word, Vivica retorted with playful banter. »

"I am scheduling you an anger management class. Long Overdue I might say..."

« Cameron gave Vivica a smirk before looking out the window to the city's night sky. He had always considered moving to New York. It would make his business deals run more smoothly if he didn't have to travel so much, and with his business venture at hand, he might end up having to move to the Big Apple. Recently, in a buy out of a corporation, Cameron received a Hotel Chain known as the Parthenon with locations in New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. Usually Cameron would have passed the chain on as he dealt in stocks and bonds, but this lucrative business endeavor would definitely increase his net worth and open him up to the Real Estate game. Cameron was in New York in the middle of planning a massive media campaign to promote the once drowning hotel chain, in which he had invested over 10 million dollars to fix up. It was a multi million dollar deal, but he was hoping the profits he gained for the success of the Parthenon chain would more than reimburse him. The Campaign would be on Television, Magazines and Billboards, and he was working with the famous Illustra Inc. to put a face to the campaign. This was a crucial meeting because the wrong face could ruin the chain. »

« As the car pulled up to the Waldorf Estoria, Cameron looked at his watch, flashing a devilish smile, before pressing the intercom button once more. »

"Dos Minutos to spare.. It's your lucky night, Carlos."

« Slowly, Cameron rose from the Limo and into the front doors followed by Vivica, who walked straight up to the receptionist, knowing that Cameron hated dealing with people he considered beneath him. He knew it would be hard to get a room this late at night, but he was Cameron King. People knew him. Cameron was beyond tired. New York always seemed to drain him. There were so many thoughts, so many people with so many different things going on. Being a Telepath, Cameron was always able to pick up on them, and usually manipulate them to get his way, but dealing with CEOs all day had left him a little drained, a little more than usual. Something was in the air tonight. He got lost in thought as he stared at the City streets. He fould feel something. He didn't know what it was, but he could feel it. In a moment's notice, Vivica was standing right in front of him, raising one eyebrow. »

"Come on, only a few more minutes.. Your on the top floor, Penthouse 2. And just so you know.. I am not booking another room. That penthouse is plenty big for the both of us. Someone is bringing our bags up the room. Come on, let's get you some sleep."

« With a yawn, Cameron accepted what Vivica said, even though normally he would have argued. He was too tired for that, but he had a feeling he wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight. »

[Foxfire]

**The black void opened up revealing a radiant large optical light which shinned down on a familiar dark haired beauty. A variety of top quality machines were hooked up to her almost nude form, which had been covered by a small white cloth trailing down just past her upper thigh. Tubes and needles were hooked up to her lifeless form as the beeps of her heart monitor beeped into the background. It echoed the only real sound coming from such a gigantic room. In her unconscious realm, Blaze dreamed of her battles with Valiant and her own downfall. But the images struck her like hot lightning, harming her own brain cells. Awakening her instantly at the pain she suffered however she was not able to touch her own skull. Instead she was strapped down to a medical tube of some sort. Blood shot eyes scanned around the area when she picked up color shades and hues. Shadows blended into the other making sight difficult for Foxfire. Even the rays above her harmed Blaze's sage green eyes. Desperately attempting to blink the shadows away, Blaze failed. Her body had been pumped with drugs and anything else this building supplied. **

Where am I?

**Her thoughts rang loudly in her own eardrum, causing more pain to accelerate supplying a throbbing migraine. It was an overload for Foxfire, whose senses were tricked and tortured. Along with her mutant ability to control fire, Fox's second mutation was connected with her animal sense. All six senses were above normal and within this room only made them a curse rather then a blessing. With what little energy she possessed she glanced down at her body. Scars and old battle wounds marked her body from battle and any small puncture marks revealed from tests given. In her memory blanks, visions of a strong Amazon woman with violet eyes haunted Blaze. Remembering was such effort for her and even processing thought was terrifying, it felt as though a doctor had been drilling in her brain. Her slim body ached with pain but Blaze could not struggle just yet. She needed to recuperate from this hell hole that she was planted into it. She begged to remember but her neurons zapped her like an electronic shock, jerking her more awake. Whimpering like a helpless puppy, Fox held back the tears that threatened to escape. She was in a mysterious place with no memory only incoherent images. **

**The sound of the double doors opened revealing a sharp hiss of a snake sound. But Blaze saw none, it was just the automatic door which opened. Tilting her head to the side, she couldn't recognize the shadow that washed over her. Numerous chills slashed over her body in seconds, even making the tiny fiber hairs on her neck begin to rise. Her throat closed up in a choke while her breathing increased. Working more diligently fresh free oxygen with her lungs, Blaze's pale complexion began to morph into a chilling blue tint. Fear clutched at her noble heart as her eyes caught sight of an old nemesis. Fright weakened Blaze more, causing her delicate form to tremble and shake. Her memory banks registered this thing as her captor, Black! While he stepped away, his huge mammoth form revealed her father Christopher. The same connection she and Spellbinder shared. Images flocked to Blaze's mind more, shattering a bit of the amnesia she once felt before. **

"Spellbinder!"

**She spat the words quickly, with ripples of blood leaking from her mouth. And then it hit Fox like a collision course, this was her father! She gasped with horror at the sight of her father standing mere inches from her. Without realizing it, Blaze unleashed an ear shattering scream which echoed off the walls, even breaking two of the glass like tubes. The two men covered their eyes from the intense pain**

"MORGANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!! !"

**She bellowed out for her dear half sister as she sobbed from pain and fright. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead. Even her palms were sweaty from such anxiety, if Blaze didn't calm down soon she'd suffer a panic attack. Her usual calm demeanor were terminated revealing a helpless child in a demon's world. Her only hope was her sister Morgan Victoria, but would she come? Blaze could only pray to the white light which she was captured under. Her heart slammed furiously into her chest while the two men watched her with eerie fascination of such a species. Self defense rocked her mind, initializing for Blaze to thrash against the restraints. She even attempted to call upon her fire power but it seemed of no avail. She was far too dehydrated and her own body needed its number one source in water. Dropping her head with defeat, Blaze gave in to depression. Knowing she was doomed to be enslaved here unless her sister somehow heard her cries of pain and agony. **

"Spellbinder..."

**Howls of laughter echoed off the walls at Blaze's futile attempt to call upon her powerful sister. Tears dashed down her pale cheeks, which were once tan. Blaze resembled nothing more then a ghost. Most people thought she was dead but in fact she was alive. Although to Blaze, she'd rather be put out of her own misery then lay here being tested and probed. Shutting her eyes once more, Blaze's small tear turned to steam from her own natural control over the element of fire. She wished to wake up from this awful nightmare, to be reunited with her older sister. The thought warmed her cold body just a little, to let some small sense of hope enter her heart. **

"I need you Morgan..."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing the bell of the elevator, Alexis' honey brown eyes raised from their previous downwards positioning to see the doors slowly open. Letting a soft sigh escape her perfect pouty lips, that was the only downfall of living on the 35 th floor---a horribly long elevator ride. But of course for the CEO of Tempo Magazine and daughter of two very wealthy and prominent men, Alexis wouldn't settle for anything less than extravagant in New York City. Unlocking the door of her penthouse, she walked in and threw her keys on a side table which sat near the enterence way. Closing it behind her with the heal of her shoe, she made her way into the kitchen. Looking at Alexis' penthouse, you would think it was something out of House and Garden. Very beautifully decorate with both style and elegance, the penthouse seemed more like a house than a New York City apartment. ::

:: Opening the large refrigerator in her kitchen, she grabbed a bottle of Evian and stood there for a few moments scanning the shelves for anything that looked remotely good at this hour. Shaking her head she looked at the digital clock on her stove seeing it blink 3:37 am. Grunting, she closed the door holding her stomach. ::

"You can't eat this late Alexis...."

:: Huffing, she made her way out of the kitchen and through the living room passing Athena her pure black Great Dane. Smiling down at her dog, she tapped her the palm of her hand on her bare thigh calling the dog to follow her to her bedroom. Alexis loved Athena, it was the first living thing that could actually stand Alexis for more than 5 minutes at a time. Walking into her bedroom, Athena immediately jumped on Alexis' king sized bed making her self comfortable. Taking a sip of her water, Alexis placed it on her dresser and walked to her full length mirror hanging on the door of her bathroom. Looking at herself, she placed her hands on her thighs and raised a single eyebrow. ::

"You're getting to old for this...."

:: Hanging her neck back, as her eyes closed, "this" of course referring to the fact that Alexis had been at a club that night. Lifting her head back up once more, she maneuvered her slender fingers to the back of her crimson red form fitting Ralph Lauren dress, and unzipped it. Allowing the dress to fall to her feet, Alexis' beautifully sculpted body was exposed. Everything from her ample 34 C breasts, to her perfect bottom, it was as if she walked off the cover of Vogue herself. Kicking the dress towards her closet, she made her way towards the bed picking up her black lace night gown which had been placed there by Rosa, her maid. Slipping it on, she climbed into bed scooting next to Athena. Placing her hand on Athena's chest, the dogs deep breaths slowly allowed Alexis to relax. Smiling down at her pup, she soon glanced towards her floor length windows. With the curtains always drawn back, she loved the lights of New York and never wanted them to be hidden. Closing her eyes, Alexis soon slowly drifted to sleep. ::

[Tempest]

*Eva sighed as she swiped the last bit of gunk off one of the tables, throwing the dirty dishes tub onto the counter. She wiped her forehead and looked at the clock as she picked up a few stray cups. 3:30am. It was just way too late. Eva had stayed to work overtime, a few employees had called the night off and she could always do with a few more bucks. She picked up the tub and headed into the backroom, going back first as she swung the door open and threw the tub into the sink. She was slightly ticked off, and the next pissy thing was bound to set her off. She said goodbye to her coworkers on duty and ran out the door, telling them to make sure the front door was look.

She walked outside into the stormy weather, looking in her bag as she fumbled around for her darned keys. Lightning crashed around her as she looked up into the night sky and smiled, a few electric arcs coursing through her eyes slightly. She wasn't too hidden about her powers, it never really bothered her if someone saw them or not...it might actually help get MysTech shut down as well. She grinned as she wrote an evil message in the sky with the clouds. One of her co-workers and friends had tried to convince her to go to this party with him and other people. She was hoping he'd get the messsage all right, haha. She pushed the button on her keyes to open up her new ford GT cruiser and hopped in, taking off through the night towards her home.*

"I've really gotta stop taking these late night hours...they're doing killer on my beauty sleep."

*Half an hour later Eva pulled into the driveway of her caretaker, Patty. She locked the doors, got her belongings and slowly strolled in through the front door. She went straight to her room on the first floor and through her bags down. It was the guest room but it was definently bigger than any of the other rooms up there, plus wasn't that near Patty, she could still play music and move about as she pleased. She opened her closet door and pulled off her shirt, tossing it into the hamper as she undid the clasp to her bra, tossing that in as well. She pulled her pants off and threw them in, then looked down on the floor somewhere and found a pair of black, red streaked form fitting sweat pants that she pulled on, and a matching black tank top. As soon as she sat on the bed, Patty's blonde cocker spaniel barged through the door and into her arms. She looked at it and shook her head, smiling a little as she played with it. She needed some sleep already. She put the dog down and climbed under her sheets, wrapping them up around her and cuddling in with them.

She couldn't sleep though. She tossed and turned, and even though it had felt like forever, she opened her eyes and stared directly at the clock in front of her. 4:45am. Goddamnit could it get any worse? She groaned pissed off as a new bolt of lightning struck down unplanned. She grinned, threw the covers back and stood up, looking around her room. She grabbed a scrunchie from the table and pulled her hair back into a messy bun and walked into the kitchen, scanning around for something to drink. She opened the fridge and grabbed a pepsi, opening the can and sticking a straw inside from her endless jug of straws. She looked at the pile of mail on the counter and took a few letters and her latest issue of Cosmopolitan. She headed back to her room and closed the door. The spaniel was no longer in site, check. She tossed her mail on the bed and took a good long sip of her nice cold pepsi before putting it on the counter. She brushed her drapes to the side and peeked out the window, looking at the chaos that spilled outside. She was excellent at manipulating the weather, but this seemed like something that not ever mother earth had control of yet, something planned...something planning it. Eva could only guess who had created this massive storm and for what reasons, it seems way too pishy to leave it with certain names. She plopped down on her bed and took another sip of pepsi, tossing the letters aside and she climbed in her sheets and pulled them up near her, as she leaned back into her multitude of pillows and picked up her magazine, immediately flipping to the Sex Tips section. She turned the magazine sidesways and grinned to herself, not being able to sleep and not going to let the weather get to her. She was trying hard not to abuse her powers already.*

"Now there's something you dont't see every day..."

[Jill Monroe]

one by one.....Morgan, Cameron, Alexis and Eva attempt to settle. even as these individuals move through the night VERY differently...they will soon find themselves pulled together. As Blaze cries out for help...hoping some how that her sister Morgan will detect her distress....nature itself is just BEGINNING to show her frustrations with MysTech's balatant disrespect of all things natural. The storm carries on.....as the clouds swell, thunder rumbles and lightning crashes......striking so powerfully that various areas of NYC flicker...on the verge of losing power....but it never actually happens.

Eventually each of these men and women retire..salvaging what little "nights sleep" they can. for the next day promises to bring interesting situations for each of them.