A new day has come

[Jill Monroe]

<< the boundaries between man's reality and a woman's realm of hell have been restored....peace, silence, and the promise of life beginning anew fill the sweet pre dawn air around the city of NYC and inside the fully restored Illustra...the surviving members of The Six and their allies are now returned. Only those on the top floor....inside Morgan Victoria's apartment know what took place....their memories are in tact and their hearts and souls have much to heal from. The reality and pain of loss in the form of two fallen members has just begun to set in....Shockwave and Prophet, two of the four surviving members of the core team are seated in the sitting area of Morgan's sprawling , luxury penthouse. Guardian is standing by the "floor -to -ceiling window...looking outward past her reflection and on the city that doesnt know how THANKFULL it should be for the sacrifices and pain that were sustained high atop the now normal sized Empire state building. she hasnt said a word to Cameron or Erika since she reappeared at the last critical moment...risking total obliteration to save the "child Cameron" from Morgan's rage and vengeance. Morgan, is in a deep slumber, in her chamber of dreams, as her mother, Dr. Victoria sits by her bed side...watching her daughter and gently stroking back her blonde double highlighted hair. Ororo is nearby...watching them...with a tired, yet relieved look on her aged, yet still elegant, beautiful face. The looming spectre of the deaths of two team mates: Foxfire and Black Widow hangs in the air between Cameron and Alexis. They have now seen first hand what devastation Morgan's wrath could bring and they know that each of them was in part responsible for it. They pulled together with Guardian, joined by Erika, Ororo and Karen but they could not escape the harshest lesson of all...Ororo had warned them this would come to pass. Indeed, though they were now safe and had the chance to see a new day...there was much to be addressed amongst them all before fond farewells were exchanged...Karen and Ororo would soon be leaving. Erika would be leaving with Ororo...and then there would only be..FOUR where SIX once were. A new day has come....but it is meet with heavy hearts...and with a new day comes new challenges, new questions and new situations....and so it begins>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Staring off into the distance, Alexis sat on one of Morgan's plush sofas located in the sorceress' sitting rooms. The meta human was in a dazed state...no real sign of emotion emitted from her. She just seemed to exsist. But what the others didn't know was Alexis was secretly pining for a drink---the taste of strong alcohol burning her throat and leaving her satisfied the way no other person could ever leave her. Everything had seemed to go to hell, even further then she ever anticipated. The obvious battles with Kelly and Morgan had taken a toll on the blonde beauty, but even worse, the loss of two of her teammates. Woman she actually would consider her friends. But Alexis' anxiety seemed to go further then Morgan, Haleigh, and Blaze. She seemed to be carrying a burden with her ever since she had returned from Wyndemere...Deep within Alexis, not only was she trying to control her rage against Morgan, her sadness for the loss of both Haleigh and Blaze. But her ongoing concern for her brother AJ....To date, Shockwave had yet to hit a snag this bad.. ::

:: Death and gloom just seemed to follow "The Six" wherever they went. Ha...they weren't even The Six anymore. The Six died when Morgan's rage killed both Haleigh and Blaze. She simply just shook her head as her eyes pealed away from the mini bar cart that was placed by Morgan's floor to ceiling windows overlooking the newly restored, New York City. Shifting her eyes to Ororo, Alexis paused. The room was quiet--everyone seemed to be in a deep trance.....everyone's emotions were so hightened at this point, it was a shock that no one had completely gone psycho... Taking a breath in before speaking, Alexis broke the silence with her voice. ::

"It's not logical."

:: Keeping her eyes fixated on Ororo---she was the one who told them their destination was to become The Six. And The Six were dead. Why? ::

"You told us it was our destination to become The Six....Why bring us together to only rip us apart in the end? What is this some sort of cosmic joke?"

:: Alexis tone when from soft and unassured to her normal sarcastic, hostile tone. She demanded answer, as most likely Cameron did as well. It just didn't make sense--and seeing as how Ororo is the "know it all" of the group, she demanded her answer from her. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron sat in the Sitting Room of the Top Penthouse of Illustra which belonged to Morgan. It was strange that a place he once thought cold and distant now brought such comfort and solace. The City of New York had been obliterated. Lives had been lost and it was almost all Cameron's fault. He had enraged Spellbinder to the breaking point and in her strife, two of the members of the Six had been lost. One being his best friend and one being the mysterious fire elemental and half sister to Morgan, Blaze Fielding. Their deaths had been gruesome and telling. Blaze had been decapitated by the Soul Sword and Haleigh had met her fate with a huge hole in the heart. With his new gift of being able to see and perceive things "Otherworldly" he had tried to gain contact with Haleigh but realized that she might not have completely crossed over which was usually the case in traumatic deaths. He listened to Alexis' words and he understood that she was upset, but it was their own fault that the Six had crumbled. Nobody could put blame on anybody except Prophet and Shockwave on themselves. He looked over to her and spoke his first words since the end of the Inferno ::

"Lex..we can't be asking that at the moment. The fates can't count on one of the members going completely awol, and it's not like we helped the situation. I don't think the Powers that Be were planning for us all to be so arrogant and heartless. Maybe we never really WERE the Six... I mean I Never felt united, I never felt that everyone had my back.. maybe this was just a prologue, or warning of what can happen if we dont work together... It's all just confusing now.."

:: It was pretty much the first time that anybody had ever heard Prophet speak in a way that was self depricating and remorseful save for the conversation he had with Ororo right after figuring out it would be him that would die in all of this. That was the biggest eye opener in Cameron's life. He had always acted pretty recklessly, he just never knew how powerful words and actions could be. He made a vow on the platteau to change his ways, to change how he acted and how he went about things. It would be a hard process but it was something that Cameron would have to do if the group standed any chance to stick together.. but then again? Why would they? There was no more Six.. It was down to Alexis, Morgan, Cameron and for now Alison. Four did not make Six. What were they going to do? ::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Closing her eyes, Alexis exhaled as she listened to Cameron's words. He was completely right...everything he said was right. Everyone was always trying to one-up each other...everyone was so catty and bitchy towards one another. Why on earth would they be considered a team and be able to SURVIVE as a team? Pressing her lips together, Alexis looked once again towards Ororo whom she was basically blaming earlier...it wasn't her fault. Honestly, if anyone was to blame, there would be no one person. It would be everyone. ::

"I'm sorry, Ororo. I'm just...I don't know."

:: She couldn't find the words. Everything was just so crazy right now, Alexis was just feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Sitting further back into the sofa, she allowed her blue eyes to trail down to the floor before allowing herself to go into a deep thought again. ::

[Ororo]

::Ororo had her arms folded, wrapped around her waist..all the plants and foliage in the penthouse seemed to immediately respond to her life giving presence...as a soft cool breeze subtlely flowed through the air. she stood tall....wearing her white goddess dress and blue robe.::

::she listened to Alexis' questions..knowing where the anguish was coming froml She had experienced this kind of loss herself...in LIMBO when the x-men fell to the horrific nightmares of that hell::

::this was different however. the destruction had come from within the group...from the one person they KNEW could do it, but still...despite Ororo's warnings and attempts at guidance fell on the deaf ears of the young and arrogant::

Ororo: despite the pain of the loss....the whole of the city was saved, as was Cameron's soul in this and every time line. It is by ALISON's valiant efforts that HE did not perish as well. Morgan as well...pulled back from the brink of damnation to her soul....we experiencec crucial victory and painfull loss....and this, is but a beginning for you both...as your paths dictate that you will encounter more tests and trials in your future...it is part of your calling.

::she looked to the side...surveying the sprawling expanse of the penthouse::

Morgan is resting in her room, Karen is with her. All of your physical wounds have been restored...but the pain and recovery that your minds and hearts must go through...is something that neither I nor Karen can numb or negate. This is....one of life's most bitter lessons.


::Ororo looked upon the young mutant and meta human. she truly felt sadness for them both...and wished there something she could do, but there was no recovery from the touch of the soul sword. ERIKA barely survived...ONLY because the blade committed itself to destroy her magick protection BEFORE actually touching her body...causing her a terrible flesh wound and completely destroying Erika's magickal energy signature for the duration of that battle.::

A new has come....it is up to you and your team mates to move ahead...and this time do it the RIGHT WAY. I will always be within a wind's reach....but as for now...the time has come for me to leave this realm and return to Limbo. NYC is restored, its citizens revived and recovered with no knowledge of what took place...save "images from what they pass off as nightmares". I have done all that i can.

[Erika King]

< Erika King was TIRED. She had fought long and hard in this battle. Her clothes were tattered but she still managed to have a look of a natural beauty. She looked down at the 8 inch Scar that was now across her stomach and was almost baffled. Erika had never had a scar, blemish or bruise in her entire life due to her extreme healing abilities, even when she took a bullet in the chest while on the case of Frank Markenburg, the New Port Beach Serial Shooter, but this was extremely different. She actually FELT her power trying to counteract the Scar but it just couldn't fuse it together. It was tingling with sensation and it was a little tender, but Erika was glad that she had survived a slice from the Soul Sword, something that apparantely not many people had lived to talk about and for that, Erika would be forever greatful. She listened as Ororo spoke and nodded with everything she had spoken. The woman was extremely bright and at times took the words right out of her mouth. She chimed in. >

"I mean the same thing as well.. you need to do this the RIGHT way! If you can't work together than the death of two teammates will be on all of your hands and they will have been in vain. You all can't afford to do this again..."

< She looked to Ororo as she announced her departure and for whatever reason, Erika found extreme sorrow and disposition in hearing these words. She had only met Ororo and in that short time she had taught her so much. Ororo couldn't leave just now, but Erika didn't want to seem so damn needy. >

"Are you sure you should leave Ororo? Doesn't Morgan need you, need ALL of us right now?

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Sighing after she listened to Ororo's words...Alexis looked up at the Goddess. What else could go wrong? God knows they already saved NYC twice, fought Adam and Christopher, lost Morgan to the darkside, and had two members of The Six die....what exactly else was there that they needed to stick together in order to survive. Frankly Alexis didn't even want to think about it. Shifting her gaze towards Erika...it was a miracle in itself that she was even alive after Morgan's brutal attack...she heard Erika's concern and turned to Ororo awaiting her answer. She too was curious...Ororo could be helpful to the group, especially now. Why did she have to leave. ::

"Couldn't you stay a bit longer? I mean...who knows what the future holds for us?"

[Harbinger]

::Alison's voice....which hadnt been heard since her screams when she caught the baby cameron and shielded him with her own body from Morgan's eldritch bolts once again filled the room. cold, analytical and logical...almost without any feeling. Her actions during the Inferno were in total contrast to the woman Cameron and Haleigh believed her to be....it was most unfortunate that Haleigh did not live to see just how wrong she was about Alison....that she had refused to HEED Alison's warnings that her life would come to an end by Morgan's hand if she DIDNT abort her path of provocation.::

Ororo can't stay ...not because we don't want her...but because this isnt her world. There is already one Storm in this reality...and Ororo is now tied to Limbo...has been since most of us were infants....she needs time...to recover too.


:: still looking out of the glass...past her own reflection. Guardian now had her hair down...no longer up in her trademark severe, glossed bun. still wearing her black "X-men" style cat suit with stilletto boots....she too had her arms folded as she turned her foot on the heel slightly::

Karen will need help delivering the news of Foxfire's death to Morgan...after I will be placing a call to Haleigh's next of kin.......

::Guardian turned...and began to move away from the window...walking along that area of the floor towards the foyer and double doors of the penthouse.::

::she once again had returned to her stone cold presentation. no sign of emotion or reaction to the events....but deep down in her marble hard heart...there was a painfull sensation of FAILURE....she failed Morgan's request to watch out for Foxfire in the event that she DID become enamored with her dark soul....she did everything she could...but all her power as a seer, time mage and chaos witch couldnt save Foxfire ...or even HALEIGH. The group had never been willing to hear Alison's warnings....they seemed to feel that she held her foresight over their heads and they resented her for it....but now, even if THEY didnt know it, she wished more than ANYTHING that they HAD heard her...and .....maybe...they wouldnt be faced with burying their dead....and the aftermath.::

[Ororo]

::Ororo watched the exchange between the surviving members of the group and their ally, Erika. This was an unfortunate, but necessary part of the grieving process...and they HAD to get through it the best way they could...but THIS TIME, they hopefully had seen the grave error of their ways...and would do it TOGETHER::


Ororo: Do not worry Guardian...I can stay for a bit longer. now that the danger has past....i will hopefully not be required to exert as much as before. True so much time away from my garden has left me feeling rather tired, but as the leader of the X-men i had to do more with LESS energy more often than not. Morgan does not know what has become of her sister....and I think I should be there to help Karen get Morgan through the initial shock and grief. The fact is...that the STATE of Morgan's powers..her magick is in question...she commited the totality of her magicks...and the brightest, most poweful piece of her soul to push Limbo BACK into its own space dimension as well as purge the city of the dark magick which over ran it. There is no telling just HOW she will be or what state her powers will be in once she awakens.

::as Guardian spoke...Ororo nodded..and smiled...taking hold of Guardian's hand as she tromped past on those stilletto heels::

Alison...do not turn your back again on your family. You did that once before...and it only DELAYED a necessary revelation in your life. Even you, a seer and a very good one at that, cannot prevent death ALL of the time. You are strong like Marble..it is an apt name for you...but no one is an island. Do not harden your heart to your own feelings or shut out your family once more....

::Ororo did not want to see Alison lose her family the way SHE lost her X-men...and so, she gently prevailed upon her not to leave the pent house just yet::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Watching the two woman interact, it was hard to tell that Alison was even greiving at this point. Her hard exterior was holding strong...she still had that same facial expression that she had the first day she met Alison, for what seemed like centeries ago. Pressing her lips together, Alexis inhaled through her nose before pushing herself up off the sofa into a standing position. Slowly making her way past both woman, the meta human headed past the foyer and into the kitchen which was located around the corner from the sitting room. Now that she was hidden from view, Lex closed her eyes continuing the on going battle of temptation. After a few brief moments, Alexis soon turned to the cabinet in which the glasses were located. Opening it, she took out a small glass and immeditatly turned to the fawcet. Lifting the handle upward, the fawcet began to spritz out cool water...placing the glass under the running water, she allowed it to fill halfway before shutting the water off and taking a sip. ::

"273 days.."

:: Alexis whispered to herself. It was more of a confidence booster then a reminder...These were the types of situations alcoholics avoided. The stressful, grieving, I-want-to-go-cry-in-a-corner-because-i'm-so-overwhelmed, situations that could easily be solved by popping open that bottle of wine in the corner and drinking it. But Alexis refused to allow her temptations become reality...she worked too hard, and she couldn't fall off the wagon now. Especially now. Taking another small sip of her water, she rested the glass on the counter top aside of her before leaning forward and allowing her head to hang forward. Linking her fingers together, she rested her forehead against her hands as she closed her eyes. The meta human just rested.. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron listened as Alison spoke about notifying Haleigh's family. This was an issue extremely close to Prophet's heart. Her next of kin didn't know Haleigh. Know what she was or what she could have been. They wouldn't be able to accept it to her. He looked at Alison. ::

"Let me tell Haleigh's family.. I know them.. it will be easier coming from me..."

:: He watched how Alexis had so much restraint about not taking a sip of Alcohol. She had definitely shown a much stronger character than when he had first met her. She used to be pretty reckless and out of control which was one of the reasons Cameron had been so attracted to her. This Alexis was being different. She was admirable. Everyone was acting so dignified and eloquent that it almost scared him for a second. ::

"Alison, please don't leave right now.. I need you.. :: grabs Erika's hand :: I need you both.. I don't know why but this situation has really made me want my family.."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan lay in the center of her large, circular bed..the silver satin sheets covering her statuesque body as she slumbers. her appearence had changed since the conclusion of the inferno...returning to the wintery elegance that she was once known for...she seemed very serene and peacefull now. her mother sat on the bed...Karen was still wearing her flying suit...and was gently stroking her daughter's hair as she quietly watched over her>>


<< so much had happened to them all that would effect them for months , years to come. thankfully Morgan, the city and Prophet had been saved, but not before Morgan's wrath could wreck havok and destroy two members of the Six.>>

<< when she awakened...how she would react to the news of Foxfire's death and toward her teammates in the aftermath of her murderous, vengefull rampage was ANYONE's guess>>

<< it was cooler in her chamber of dreams..chimes played softly in the air and tinkerbell was also on the bed nearby Morgan...carefully inspecting her recently returned "mother" with caution>>

[Harbinger]

::Guardian listened Ororo ....her back was to the others and they were a few feet AWAY from the sitting area of the large living room in the pent house, so Prophet and Shockwave could not see the look of weary, emotional distress in Alison's cobalt blue eyes...she only felt safe to even HINT at that to Ororo::

Ororo...your continued presence would be....very helpfull. There's still alot of things to be taken care of in the aftermath....and Erika is right, Morgan will need BOTH of her mothers....i know Karen would appreciate your remaining too.

::for a brief moment, while facing Ororo....Alison seemed like she would buckle from the grief she felt over Blaze...but she ran her gloved hand over her face....and turned around, to fix her now cold looking colbalt eyes on Cameron. she looked a bit softer in her appearence with her hair down, whether she knew it or not it was a very nice change::

if you want to handle notiying Haleigh's family, Ill provide you the information. MorningStar and I did a check on HER while Delilah was here...and so we have the information. But do it soon, they have the legal right to know that Haleigh has passed on so that they may take care of her estate and affairs.

::she heard his request asking her not to leave....she wanted to, more than anything so that she could grieve privately...but she decided to stay as well for now::

Ill stay here, just in case Morgan reacts violently to the news of her sister's death....I was there for her the LAST time we thought Foxfire was dead....Ill be here now. We still dont know how she will react once she sees YOU either.

[Ororo]

::Ororo could sense Alison's pain....but it was better for her to say with the group...there were only four of them now and if they were ever going to fullfill their calling, now was the time to pull together. SHE herself was having a hard time as well. As the leader of a group of X-men she knew that in "wars" and "battles" there would be casualties. She saw all of her x-men fall in Limbo one by one and as the guardian of the Dark Trinity she saw members in Darkchilde and Magik's cirle/families die as well. The "leader" in her knew the risks of these kinds of things...but the woman, the mother...still felt the pain no less.::

You're quite right....

::for the first time in what seemed like EVER...she slowly moved across the large sprawling, sunken living room, and seated herself near Morgan's area of consecration. she held her hand out and with a soft sound and sparkle of green magick, a cup of tea appeared in her hand::

Would anyone care for tea or some other sustinance? I imagine it will not be long before Morgan awakens.....but for now, as we are all here, we should probably take time to refresh our bodies as well.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After being away from the group for about five minutes, Alexis made her appearence, once again, in the sitting room. Seeing that Ororo had made herself at home on the couch, the meta human took a seat in the chair nearest to her. Crossing her legs, the blonde simply shook her head at Ororo's offering of a refeshment....::

"I would love a Vodka, straight up."

:: Alexis wasn't kidding around, but her tone was very sarcastic...In a way I guess you could say she was trying to liven up the room with her dry, almost morbid sense of humor. But obviously deep down, she knew everyone was too tense and stressed to even crack a smile. With that, Alexis sat back and waited. Waited for Morgan to rise from her slumber....God only knows what her reaction was going to be like. Alexis couldn't even IMAGINE loosing AJ...or Emily. Her heart would be torn to pieces....In a very selfish way, she felt greatful that she knew her brother and sister were safe, at Wyndemere. Taking a deep breath in, Alexis allowed her mind to come back to the present as she scanned the room, looking at everyone. Can anyone say, tense? ::

[Jacob Black]

:: Prophet looked at his sister and somewhat smiled that she hadn't left yet. This whole meeting was a testament to how much these people had grown since first meeting. The Six a few months ago wouldn't have wasted their time and Cameron would have been back in Los Angeles at this point. As Guardian wanted to provide him with the right information he declined ::

"I know who to call... we can't call her family. They've believed her dead for years.. now if you'll excuse me.."

:: Cameron made his way off of the couch and into the dining room where he got out his Motorola Razor and began to dial the number of Cassandra Alluisi, who was her business partner in Crystal Liquid Images and probably the closest person, next to Cameron that she considered a friend. The number was dialed and the phone was ringing as he was greeted only by her last name. Prophet cleared his throat and continued ::

Cameron: Hi Cassandra, it's Cameron, Cameron King..

Cassandra: Oh, hello, Cameron.. is everything alright?

:: He knew he wouldn't be able to bluff her. The three of them had spent many nights at the poker table and she was the best at calling bluffs ::

Cameron: Um.. no Cassandra, I'm afraid not.. I have some bad news about Haleigh. You might want to sit down..

Cassandra: Cameron, knock it off.. what do you mean?

:: And so he told her the entire story of what had happened. For a few moments the telephone was in complete silence. Neither had said a word. The sound of tears was a welcome contribution to the silence as Cameron tried his best to console the woman. The others looked on from the Living Room ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen emerged from the hall leading to the chamber of dreams. exhaling slowly, she looked weary , but somehow calm. wearling her elegant black flying suit, the cape flowed slightly in the wind as she lifted the skirt ever so slightly, walking out to the main areas of the penthouse>>


Morgan is awake, she seems placid for now...a headache and no direct recollection of the events of the past 72 hours. Ororo , Alison....please stand with me... as i deliver the news about Blaze.

<< she ran her hand through her blonde hair as she stretched her arms. she knew what was coming would be very difficult for Morgan. But Karen too felt sadness. Blaze may not have been Karen's own daughter....but she was sorry that they hadnt had a chance to bridge a path between them for the sake of Morgan. Sorry that she didnt watch out for her knowing that her mother wasnt living and her father had turned out to be a monster and from everything that Karen knew, Blaze's life had been full of hard knocks and as a mother and a doctor, Karen found herself being convicted by her own spirit for not being kinder toward Blaze. the next moments would be most difficult indeed>>

[Harbinger]

::thunder softly rolled through the air in the skies of the city...but it was not nearly as angry and tinged with evil as it had been. this was a natural atmospheric disturbance..nothing to be concerned with. Guardian slowly got up...and made her way to Karen's side...standing slightly behind her.::


I do not see any immediate danger of Morgan lashing out....if anything she will crumble under the strain and guilt.

::Guardian's voice was slightly shakey....the spectre of Foxfire's death was weighing more heavily on her than they may have dared suspect. It was weighing on both her and Karen...the guilt they shared between them about it....it was almost more than EITHER could bare::



::Even Cameron and Erika could see that their marble hard , tough as nails older sister was fighting back the grief...but how long could she do this?::

[Ororo]

::Ororo stood up and went and stood on the other side of Karen.::

Ororo: i did warn her....i tried to steer her clear of this path when i warned her that her passing the test of self control would determine moments like this...

::standing tall and poised beside Karen....Ororo looked ahead::

all we can do now, as be an anchor to her as the wave of grief washes over her. We must help her through as best we can.


::the three women waited. years of experience and power were shared between them collectively...but no amount of power could make this moment any easier...confronting Morgan with the reality and aftermath of her murderous rampage against the city and her own team::

[Jill Monroe]

<< soon, a groggy Morgan could be seen making her way down the darkened hallway. she seemed to acclimating to her surroundings as if she had never been here before as she stepped forward in a satin, soft violet mini rob...her hair hanging down just above her shoulders...and her icy violet eyes sparkling with a startling human clarity that they had not had in quite some time>>


<< there was a stillness about her presence..a tranquility. like what comes after a raging hurricane. again her appearence had change. she now possesed the wintery, prestine elegance that was seen in her mother and no longer did she seem so predatory>>

<< what and how much she remembered of the past 72 hours was anyone's guess...as her mind was closed to any telepath in the room>>

<< she spoke in that icy voice>>: mother......ororo? alison??

everything..........that happened.....it was me wasnt it? i remember...EVERYTHING.

<< wrapping her arms around her waste as she stepped forward a bit more...surveying the expense of her penthouse's main areas...she saw Shockwave and Erika in the sitting area of the living room and Cameron on the phone in the kitchen....they all looked worn and tired.....flashes of the moments in the Empire State building and Limbo played in her mind's eye as she looked at each one of them>>

they're here in my penthouse.....even cameron. so i'm guessing they all survived......and the city ...i pushed the demons of Limbo back..but that effort...that massive use of power has left my magick "blocked" from me at the moment....almost as if I'm ....stand by.


<< the more she talked, the more "alive" and aware she seemed to be. almost as if she were jogging her own memory just by looking at Karen , Ororo and Alison>>

all the damage...all the destruction I caused it was because i wanted to destroy Cameron and Haleigh........Ororo was right, i failed.....I


<< she paused>>

Wait......where is Blaze...and Haleigh for that matter? are they asleep??

<< the moment they all dreaded was now at hand...as Morgan stood, looking rather pensively at her mother, Ororo and Alison...briefly glancing past them and out over to where Alexis and Erika were>>

Mom?? Ororo???........ALISON? where is Blaze!?

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Lifting her eyes, Alexis saw Morgan make her way from the hallway and into the livingroom...This was it. The moment of truth. Staying quiet....a pin could of dropped in that room and everyone within a thousand mile radias of Morgan's penthouse would of heard it. As Morgan looked upon Alexis, her eyes quickly shifted to the ground as she swallowed the giant lump in her throat. Looking away from Morgan as the woman continued to speak...she seemed to remember everything BUT killing Blaze and Haleigh. Looking up once more, Alexis' dule blue orbs met with both Ororo's and Alison's eyes....then she shifted them to Morgan. A pain stricken look washed over Alexis' features...she knew Morgan was on the verge of breaking down---it was only a matter of moments. She couldn't help but allow the tears to well up in her eyes...but refused to let them spill...she remained strong even though she felt like hell. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< thunder rumbeled again...as light sprinkles of rain began to lightly hit the window...a fresh summer storm was brewing...natures own healing process begins as she attempts to cleanse the last remnants of the city's trauma. even Ororo doesnt seem to pay attention to the change in the weather...knowing th its fully natural>>


<< Karen stepped forward...taking one of Morgan's hands>>


Morgan...honey...please come and sit down.

<< leading Morgan over to the sitting room, Karen motions for Alexis to change seats and move further down the sectional...closer to the area of consecration. Karen seats Morgan down and sits right beside her...holding her hand still>>

Sweetheart........we know that what has happened...was not entirely your fault. it was....a breakdown across the board......and that is why Ororo, myself, alison and your team mates are here. we ....did what we could to stop you from destroying the city.....and hundreds of thousands innocents. But we also had to make sure YOU were not lost to us either.

Your sister.....she....stood bravely in the face of danger, and gave her all because she wanted to save you and save the city....but...I'm afraid she is no longer with us now.

<< Karen's voice betrayed chocked up grief...as she looked into her daughters eyes....she wanted Morgan she was RIGHT THERE for her>>

Blaze is dead.....so is Haleigh.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan seemed to jump slightly at the news..her body just lurched...as she softly gasped...and continued to look at her mother.....not another sound...or another move....>>

"Blaze is dead....."

<< the phrase echoed in her mind and everything seemed to stop for a moment...but the rain outside increased in its intensity and the and the roll of thunder brought her back to reality>>

<<her own voice...shaken...and cracked>>:.....Blaze......dead......Mom.....

<< she gulped>>

did....did I kill her??

[Ororo]

::seeing that Karen was having a hard time delivering the news, Ororo took her cue to help::

Ororo: Morgan....Blaze fell victim to the Soul Sword. You....lost yourself in darkness....the darkness that is apart of all the Dark Trinity...and though I tried to guide you and steer you away from this loss of self control..I am afraid that it was not enough.


:: sitting on the other side of Morgan....Ororo took her other hand...it was trembling::

we are very sorry to have to tell you this....it was our sincerest hope....that we could see everyone through....but even we are not infallible. Blaze's death...hangs over all of us...and please know...that we....are here for you.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan began to become distressed..as she crumbled under the shock and painfull grief ...the realization of what SHE had done and that her sister was dead>>


Blaze.........i killed her!?

<< her voice was cracking as her eyes welled up with tears>>

oh god....no........NO!!


<< she pulled away from Ororo and her mother>>

I murdered my own sister!!!

<< she began to pace frantically back and forth and around...as she grew more and more frantic>>

All of this.....its MY FAULT!! but it WOULDNT have HAPPENED..........if it wasnt for HIM!!

<< turnning and pointing at Cameron>>

WHY is he in my house!!

I WANT HIM OUT OF HERE!! RIGHT NOW!!

I WANT HIM OUT OF HERE NOW!!!

<< thunder crashed ....but again...it wasnt unnatural...as the rain began to fall more steadily now>>

GET OUT!!

<< she screamed at Cameron with such force and rage.......but she was beside herself....she free falling and DESPERATELY trying to latch onto SOMETHING to focus on as her mind RACED with disbelief and dizzying SHOCK at the reality as it continued to set it. tears streaming down her face>>

I FOUGHT SO HARD TO GET HER BACK FROM MY FATHER!! I SWORE SHE WOULD NEVER GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN...and YOU...AT EVERY TURN YOU INSULTED ME, DEFAMED ME, PROVOKED AND ANTAGONIZED ME...TREATED ME LIKE I WAS NOT A HUMAN BEING!

ORORO WAS RIGHT ABOUT YOU....YOU PIECE OF SCUM and NOW THANKS TO YOU...I HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE AND YOULL PROBABLY USE THIS AS A CHEAP SOURCE OF PERVERTED AMUSEMENT!!

WHY COULDNT YOU HAVE DIED INSTEAD OF HER!? AT LEAST SHE HAD A HEART!!

<< Morgan began to make her way across the living room and toward the Kitchen...she was going to beat Cameron bloody if he didnt get out of her penthouse>>

[Harbinger]

::Alison had said she didnt "readily" see a violent reaction..but then again there was a haze that hung around all probable time threads surrounding Morgan. She quickly jumped up from the coffee table on which she was sitting...and ran to Morgan, standing in front of her with her hand out::

Morgan....<< Alison's voice was rather weak and shakey too...and her cobalt blue eyes were misty>>....dont hurt him. BELIEVE ME....We ....are VERY sorry to have to tell you this, but you can't bring her back by hurting Cameron. As you said.....this was all because of him...your desire to destroy him, to pay him back and humble him....it combined with your dark nature and took on a whole new force of its own. HE should be thankfull he is alive......but please Morgan...

:: Pausing as she choked back tears....::

dont let this new day be a revisiting of the violence we just survived. You...dont know how AWFUL i feel inside right now....I couldnt protect Blaze from your Soul Sword...i did everything i could to keep herself....i nearly DIED keeping Cameron's younger self from being destroyed by you while you were in the "dark child" aspect......but all that i did....i did so that Karen and Ororo could save YOU ...

I KNOW IT HURTS.......believe me! But DONT try to dull the pain with violence now....Ororo has said more than once that is not the answer...and we ...need each other more than ever...EVEN Cameron.....

OH Morgan..........im....so sorry......

::Alison couldnt hold it in anymore....as she began to cry......she lost the hard exterior she was so known for as she wept for Blaze...for the pain and agony that she couldnt protect her from in her final moments. She wept because she felt like a FAILURE....She had WARNED them ALL repeatedly in the weeks before the Inferno...but no one believed her...maybe she didnt try hard enough.......she didnt know what else she could have done.....but here they were now. down by two and their future though out there was uncertain at best.....but for now.....all they could do...was grieve::

[Jill Monroe]

<< a look of shock and betrayal came over Morgan as Alison stepped in her path>>

HOW DARE YOU INTERFERE!! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!! YOU SAVED THE WRETCH! IF YOU HAD LET ME KILL HIM...NONE OF THIS WOULDVE HAPPEND! I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY FRIEND ALISON!!

<< she pulled away from alison's hand>>

I THOUGHT YOU CARED ABOUT ME AND BLAZE...WE were your family LONG before HE showed up....and you just.....

<< Alison interrupted her..and spoke her peace....and she was right...Morgan couldnt bring her sister back by hurting Cameron...nor could she change or make anything better by being violent right now....it was the last thing they needed. Morgan was hurt, angry, in disbelief.....it was her nature to lash out against anything that caused her emotional distress.....but it was ultimately THAT nature that laid the foundation for Blaze and Haleigh's death>>

<< she knew Alison loved her..she had been there for her BEFORE in the aftermath of Valiant...and worked/fought by her side through thick and thin. she may not have been blood but she WAS Morgan's family too........and now....Blaze was truly gone....it may not have been anybody else's fault...but none of that mattered anymore....>>

my sister is dead......and its all my fault!!! oh....god..........what have i done.........

<< she couldnt speak anymore...as she began to weep... she crumbled into Alison's arms ...the tears flowed...>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen watched with sadness and grief as her daught began to react to the news...she put her hand to her mouth...as she couldnt find the words to say....she too was in pain and grieving..not just for her daughter but for her own deriliction of duty as a doctor and a mother....Blaze didnt deserve the treatment she had given her....and now her daughter was without a father and a sister. Though the father deserved death and worse....Blaze did not. Karen felt like she had failed her daughter...ALTHOUGH she was largely responsible for saving her from ultimate damnation of the soul>>

<< she watched with pensive anguish as Alison stopped Morgan from attacking Cameron out of a grievious rage...and this was it...the floor gave way and Morgan crumbled from the cold reality that her sister was dead by her hands...her wailing hurt Karen to the core of her heart....as she got up and went to her daughter....who was awkwardly in ALison's arms.>>


Morgan...........

<< Karen touched her daughter's shoulders and gently took her into a warm, motherly embrace....allowing Morgan to grieve...as Karen slowly rocked her. Tears streaked down her own face as a look of profound sadness could be seen. >>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Standing from the couch, Alexis slowly and quietly moved away from Morgan and Ororo, as Ororo had requested. Not bothering to sit back down, Alexis stood nearby listening to Ororo tell Morgan the devistating news....The pain that was washed over Alexis' face was obvious as she watched Morgan completely break down from the reality of loosing Blaze. Her eyes widdened as Morgan began to lash out at Cameron...and all she could do was stand there and let Morgan be. No one could control how someone would grieve...and to loose a sibling...it's something that the person had to work through on their own. Alexis' eyes were coated over with tears...Desperately trying to fall down her pale face, the meta human refused to let them fall....But as soon as she saw Alison's marble exterior crumble right before the group, as soon as she saw the woman start to cry, Alexis cupped her hand around her mouth in shock letting her emotions take over. Only a few tears dropped....she felt as if she had to stay strong for not only Morgan, but for Alison and Karen as well. Slowly lowering her hand, her eyes lifted to Cameron, knowing that he must feel like he was run over by an 18 wheeler....but it wasn't his fault. It was everyone's fault....if they had only worked as a team. ::

:: The soft sound of thunder rumbling was the only thing that could be heard, aside of the sobbing from both Alison and Morgan. Taking a shaky breath in...Alexis didn't know what to do...Perhaps it was best if Cameron and herself left? To give Morgan the time and space she needed to heal...to come to terms with Blaze's demise. Slowly stepping forward, the anxiety level within Alexis was growing with every moment. As she quietly made her way past Morgan, Alison, and Karen....she looked down upon them, the look of pain and remorse obvious within her eyes. Walking to Cameron, she gently took his arm within her hand, then looked deep within his eyes. ::

"I think we should leave..."

:: Alexis spoke quietly....Even though she wasn't the telepath of the group, she could see Cameron was in a great deal of pain himself....and the fact that Morgan had blamed him those short minutes ago, must be taking a toll on him. Gently caressing his arm, she spoke once again...her tone again, quiet. ::

"Common....they need time alone.."

[Ororo]

::Ororo came to comfort Alison....Ororo herself was now shedding tears as well....as she took Alison in her arms. Alison was grieving for the first time in years ....it was a big step FORWARD just as much as it was a painfull thing....and knowing that Alison had no mother and that she would not want Cameron near her, Ororo once again filled that maternal role...as she held Alison...and made it seem safe for her to grieve::


:: the older sorceress looked so sad, one might suspect this was how it was when she watched each of her own beloved X-men fall to Belasco and the demons of Limbo so many years ago::


::in a soft voice::

Ororo: no alison....not you...WE. we ALL failed...it is inevitable that loss will come to those such as us. we do what we can to avoid it and avert disaster....but sometimes...despite power, wisdom or strength in numbers...we fail...

::closing her eyes tightly...Ororo looked up to the high reaching ceiling...before casting her tear filled eyes upon Alexis, Cameron and Erika. she knew they might feel awkward and even though Cameron and Erika were Alison's biological family....and Alison had made strides with Erika as well as nearly laying down her life to save Cameron...it was clear that Alison may not have wanted THEM of all people to see her like this::


:: with a soft glint in her eye...Ororo gently transports Alexis to her floor of Illustra and Erika and Cameron to his floor...removing them from the ground zero of Morgan and her family's agony over Blaze's death...allowing them to grieve in their own way. She knew when the time was right...Erika and Cameron would find Alison in her quaters later that night::

[Jacob Black]

:: As Cameron got off of the phone he was completely sideswiped by Morgan who of course was blaming every single thing on him. This he couldn't take right now. He put his phone in his pocket and simply walked out the door to the penthouse, got into the elevator and took it down to his floor. As he entered his living room, he noticed that Erika had been following him the entire time. He offered her a drink as he took off his jacket and slammed it to the ground. ::

"I JUST DON'T GET IT ERIKA! THIS IS ALL MY FAULT? EVERYONE HERE IS ALL SO QUICK TO PLACE BLAME AND I CAN'T TAKE IT!"

:: He sat down on the couch. Prophet was extremely upset at the entire situation that he couldn't even see straight ::

"You know I have people that I absolutely cannot stand. People that if I could I would murder on the spot, but I don't actually do it! But Morgan does! From the moment I met her she was MORE than cold to me simply because I am a man, and they talk about me using my powers on them. The only reason I did that was because I suspected something was very different about them! And I was right! We ALL didn't get along at first! Nobody! And in fact, Alexis was MUCH more cruel to Morgan than I ever was. But yet I get the wrap because I am a man and because Morgan has issues that she can't deal with. It's my fault that everyone else treated her with cat gloves and pretended the ways she lashed out were because of her deep pain, I am sorry Erika. EVERYONE has deep seated pain. Everyone has problems, but you don't have to kill people or be violent to get their point across. It just doesn't make sense to me. Everyone talks about my actions and what I did to make this so bad but Erika.. I didn't MAKE her go evil, I didn't bring out anything that she didn't already have inside her and I am getting sick of the Sacrificial Lamb Role here that I am playing.. sooner or later Morgan is going to have to take the BLAME for her own actions! Nobody forced her into doing this. I know we all didn't help but none of us put a gun to her head and said Destroy the World!"

:: He was obviously upset but his words were truthful and revealing. Ever since he had gotten here it seemed like no matter what anyone else did, his punishment was always worse because he was a man and he was getting sick of it. ::

[Erika King]

< After being transported to their quarters by Ororo, Cameron listened to her brother unleash all of his feelings. She knew this was coming. Not saying how he felt was a quality that wasn't normal for him and she was just glad that he was only doing it in the privacy of his home and in front of his sister. She walked up and placed a hand on his shoulder and looked at him concerned. >

"Cameron.. I know how you feel and I understand it. I know you were expecting a different reaction from Morgan but you have to understand that the wounds that had been opened before this are still there. Not everyone is going to forgive you for a few moments of fleeting concern for others..."

< Erika sighed and looked down on the ground. >

"In some ways I blame myself.. I should have never left you. I should have taken you with me. The streets turned you cold Cameron. They changed you more than you could ever realize. You completely shut off yourself from others.. you can't be so ignorant as to believe that you aren't a large part of what happened. I know you Cameron..."

< Sitting back down on the couch she began to rub her scar from the Soul Sword as she continued. Trying to reach her brother. >

"Even when you saw how bad Morgan was getting you didn't let up, in fact, I know you WANTED her to fall off of the deep end. I may be a woman, but I am not stupid Cam, you wanted Alison to feel loss. You prayed for this to happen. Like it or not, you were a large catalyst to Morgan's demise.. you didn't make her go crazy, but if I personally knew somebody was mentally unstable and liable to fall of the deep end.. I wouldn't continue to provoke them. Ororo even told you to change your ways, and you didn't. Cameron I love you MORE than life itself and would easily lay down my life for you, but somewhere along the line, you never let go of the life you led in the past, the Cameron who carried a GUN on him, the Cameron who killed a homeless man to find a false sense of family in gangs. You never grew up.. and as much as I feel blame for that, you need now more than ever to let go of that pain.. Touch Me, Cameron.. I am here.. I am not going away. I am your sister, I am your family. I love you..."

< Erika got up from the couch once more as she hugged her brother who was now lost in tears, reliving the memories of his past. His powers only made it worse as he was able to almost LITERALLY relive the memories, the hardships. She felt so bad, so humbled. Had she done the right thing? She looked at what had become of her brother and she wanted more than ever to cuddle him, to hold him in her arms and promise that everything was going to be alright, but she knew she couldn't. These lessons, he had to learn on his own. >

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron took his sister in his arms and began to cry himself. He didn't know what was coming over him. He had never let anybody in his entire life see him cry, not even Haleigh or Vivica, and yet here he was first in front of Ororo, and next in front of his own sister Erika. Prophet always had this need to be independent and self sufficient. Nobody took care of him early on in life except himself. Cameron was the only person he had learned to trust. He knew that he had been a large catalyst in the events leading up to the Inferno, but that was simply Cameron. He didn't take anybody's shit, he didn't trust anyone and he was DAMNED if somebody was going to try and show dominance over him. It was what he had learned growing up. If someone disrespected you, you killed them. It was that simple. Prophet had thought he had grown and gotten away from his past but he realized at that very moment he was living it. It was almost a moment of clarity. He understood Morgan's actions a lot more now. If Cameron had the power that she did, he would probably act worse. Morgan and Cameron were actually very similar as he had noted in the past only never wanting to admit it. They both had at least one absent parent and in this case one that wanted to kill them, they both ended up raising themselves, both were successive business people with considerable amounts of power that left an empty void in their lives, and both even had a sister that they didn't even know about. Cameron wiped the tears from his eyes and looked at his sister ::

"Erika, I am just worried about everyone, two of us have died. I feel bad for Morgan. She killed her own sister, she is feeling the same remorse that I did when I help start this whole "Inferno". I want to talk to her, but I think I am way past the point of conversation with her..."

:: He turned away from the hug and sat down on his black leather couch as he stared out of the wall to wall glass window behind him, looking at the city. It looked so naive and unknowing, like nothing had even happened there. But Cameron would always remember, it was something he would never be able to forget ::

"I don't understand how we move on from this point? How can we move forward.. as.. as the Six?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Before she could escort Cameron out, Alexis was transported from Morgan's penthouse to the hallway of where her penthouse was located. Looking down the vacent hall...she saw Blaze's old apartment. Stopping for a moment, her eyes filled with tears as she remembered the horrible dance music that used to blast from her apartment and basically shake everything in Alexis'. A small smile appeared on her face as she heard herself yelling at Blaze about her horrid music, and Blaze simply smirking and saying a cute remark in return....but her smile soon dissapeared. Blaze and Haleigh were really gone. Exhaling a heavy breath, Alexis opened the door to her penthouse and stepped in. Looking around the restored living area, she closed the door quietly behind her...normally Athena, her Great Dane would greet her with love...but she too was dead. At the hand of Kelly King. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but think who was next. ::

:: Stepping froward, Alexis immediatley went to her livingroom, sitting down on her plush chocolate colored sofa. Picking up the phone that was palced on an end table beside the couch, Alexis began to dial a phone number before she placed the phone to her ear. Closing her eyes...she waited. Everything was quiet...still. Until finally, her heart skipped a beat as she heard his voice. Exhaling with relief...she just had to make sure he was okay. ::

"AJ..."

:: With a smile..it was the first time Alexis had smiled with happiness since she had left to go up to Wyndemere those many weeks ago. It was a smile of relief, happiness, serenity. The fact that she heard her brother's voice, that he was okay...only made her feel at ease. ::

AJ: "Hey Alexis...You sound like hell."

:: Rolling her eyes, AJ did always know exactly what to say in these types of situations. ::

"Thanks...."

:: Pausing. ::

"I just wanted to make sure you and Emily were okay."

AJ: :: With a small chuckle :: "We're fine. Since when do you call and check up on us, huh?"

:: Sitting back against the sofa, Alexis smiled softly at AJ's obvious attempt to poke fun at her calling to see if they were okay. But her smile one again faded..::

"Haleigh and Blaze just died...and uh..I just wanted to make sure the family was okay. You know?"

AJ: "Alexis...i'm so sorry. But we're fine...you know us, we're like cockroaches. We don't die that easily."

:: With a small chuckle. ::

"I know. Especially with Helena the Horrible around. Where is the wicked witch of the East Coast at anyhow."

AJ: :: With a small laugh :: "Oh you know...sacraficing little children and drinking frogs blood. The usual."

:: Alexis couldn't help but laugh.....but her laugh soon turned into tears. Gasping, she stopped herself from crying. She couldn't breakdown, otherwise she would never stop...Feeling a tear fall down her cheek, Alexis placed her hand up to it and wiped it away softly....closing her eyes, she stayed silent. AJ could tell the obvious emotional strain Alexis was going through...even over the phone. ::

AJ: "Lexi, we're fine...I'm fine. I'm so sorry you lost your friends...but you don't have to worry. You're stuck with me and the rest of the 'Crazy Bunch' for a long time. Okay?"

:: Taking in a deep breath, Alexis nodded...it was nice to feel reassured. Especially from AJ. Even though she loved the rest of her family---with an exeption of Helena---AJ just really understood her and understood feeling like the black sheep of the Quartermaines. ::

"Okay. Thanks AJ.....I have to get going. I'll talk with you soon."

AJ: "Okay. Take care, Alexis."

:: With a smile. ::

"I will..."

:: Removing the phone from her ear, she clicked the off button before tossing the portable phone onto the couch aside of her. Breathing much easier now, Alexis rested her head back and closed her eyes. The emotional and physical strain from the events left the meta human exhausted... ::

[Erika King]

< As her brother sat down on one of his couches she moved over to one of the recliners as she sat, looking reminiscent of royalty even in a bruised and battered state. Erika always looked regal and elegant in whatever she did. She tried to search for the answers Cameron wanted but she wasn't sure exactly what she should say at this point. I think everyone was wondering what would become of the Six and not even Alison the Seer knew what was going to happen. >

"Cameron, trust me.. If Ororo and Alison as well as myself have seen the recent changes in you, so will Morgan. We all know that the two of you are probably the most overbaring and stubborn of the group, so Morgan will probably keep that to herself for the time being, but one day she will admit that to you Cameron. Things will get better."

< She found herself rubbing her scar once more. This thing hurt more than she had intended as she got up and poured herself a glass of whiskey, hoping that a little alcohol would dull the pain. Erika continued on, having an idea. >

"If you want, Cameron, we can both go over to Alison's Apartment later on tonight. To talk, to sort things out. You both have changed so much and probably have a lot to talk about. We all do.. Does that sound like a plan?"

< She didn't give him time to answer as she got up and punched him in the arm in a sweet big sister kind of way. >

"But until then, I am going to use that rather huge shower you have.. I will try not to think about the countless "encounters" you have had in there otherwise I might not be able to fully scrub off the dirt..."

< Erika somewhat smiled and walked down one of the halls before entering the bathroom and closing the door. The shower water could now be heard, leaving Cameron to his thoughts. >

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron watched his sister as she punched him in the arm and headed to the shower, he laughed back at her and commented ::

"Hey! Those of us who DON'T have super healing abilities like to refrain from having BRUISES!"

:: She didn't say anything as Cameron was now left to his own thoughts. He stood up and headed down the main hall to the Master Bedroom where he quickly disrobed and stepped into his own private shower, trying to wash away the remnants of the Inferno. He let the water drip over his head as he went over everything that had happened. His mind went back to happier times. Like the time Haleigh and Cameron got extremely drunk at Blaze's Club and tried to pants Alexis. They were "Shock"ed to find that the girl didn't wear any underwear. He laughed silently to himself as he began to wash away the dirt from his body. He grimaced as the soap went over the cuts and bruises he had sustained. Cameron was just lucky to be alive. As he finished taking a shower, he toweled off and dressed in a casual blue and white polo shirt and a pair of diesel jeans matching with white sneakers. He laid down on his bed as he meant to simply reflect before he accidentally fell asleep, completely lost in dreamland. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< hours had past....long, agonizing hours ....trying to help Morgan ...comfort her...do something for her. But for all her effort...for all her WILL to be there for her daughter...she couldnt stop the pain of grief and loss. She craddled her emotionally distraught daughter...and tried to keep her steady as Morgan vomitted with extreme despair....and after a while...the sadness the agony gave way to exhaustion.....and soon, Karen laid her distraught daughter to rest back in her chamber of dreams>>


<< Karen soon emerged from the chamber passing the hall which split into two wings with several other rooms...and went out into the main walk way before making her way to large sunken in living room. the penthouse was dimly lit by soft candles, obviously ororo's doing...as the night time sky blanketed the oblivious, peacefull city. the sounds of crying had long faded..but the spirit of sadness hung low in the penthouse. Karen came...and plopped down on the couch...truly weary...as she leaned her head back and exhaled>>


Ororo......what am i going to do? my daughter is on the verge of having her psyche fragment from the pain of Blaze's death...she cannot come to terms with this.....and I cant HELP HER...IM HER MOTHER!!|

<< there was such rampant despair in her voice>>

Some mother i am.....i turned my back on Blaze...KNOWING she didnt have any family beside Morgan...I couldve treated her with kindness and been like a mother to her..but i let my disdain for my ex-husband cloud my judgement.....she had no one in the world...she'd been used and abused....and Morgan ..... <<she shook her head...she couldnt bare to say that her own daughter had killed her sister>>

im a failure as a mother.....and a witch.....i didnt do all that i could... i .......

<< she placed her face in her hands as she bent over and began to sob...she was racked with guilt and anguish. her role as mother and doctor....and as accomplished witch...she felt all of this had been compromised and the ultimate result was Blaze's death. ironic...that a psycho therapist would be in the throws of such irrational thinking...but she was a woman..a human and no one was logical ALL of the time....and when one grieves..there is no way to know just how it will manifest>>

<< her blonde hair fell foward...covering the sides of her face as she sobbed...for her daughter, for blaze...and the horrible horrible state that their family was now in ...>>

[Ororo]

:: Ororo gently placed her hand on Karen's back....and the other on Karen's hands...::


Ororo: no Karen....do not do this to your self! look at me.

::directing her long time friend to look over at her::

what has happened here..is not the direct result of anything you or I did...we cant find solace in blaming ourselves or guilt..though it is the OBVIOUS and most reflexive course to talk for those such as we.

::there was a sadness in Ororo's face as well...her blue eyes misty..but she managed a soft, sort of reassuring smile::

each of us has had to learn a hard lesson from this. Even I..and do not think for a moment that i havent attempted to place the lions share of the blame on myself either...for I am Morgan's guardian...i share the role of watching over her with you....handling the magickal heritage that she inherited from Limbo.

:: waving her hand infront of the anguished face of Karen...a small cloud burst gently cleanses away the tears and refreshes her face..before a cool breeze blows over it...to help calm her down. Ororo holds Karen's hand::

we've done all we can...you're NOT a bad mother. you never were. We helped save Morgan and the city TOGETHER...as well as Cameron, whom i HOPE has learned something from all of this. He remains the one element of this nightmare that I am not entirely sure about. Although I am willing to believe in the positive...i saw him...refusing to accept his role in this nightmare. he was the only one who seemed to think that somehow he had suffered enough. I think it is best...that we BOTH stay..and keep HIM away from Morgan....her healing process will be long and painfull...and we do not need HIM reopening any wounds with his careless remarks. It was only when faced with the threat of DEATH and the reality that there were somethings he could not control, did he have a flash of humanity...and a true epiphany...and that was before Black attacked us here 24 hours ago. I believe that ULTIMATELY...he will come to the realization that he must change his ways. He owes a debt of thanks and graitude to his sister Alison more than anything else....but that family dynamic....is fragile at best. I can see why Alison avoided it for so many years....but I believe that the seed sewed between Alison and Erika when Erika assisted me in reviving Alison in Limbo will come to fruition now...when they need it most. Alison is in her penthouse...she wished to be alone...true to her solitary nature. I told her if she needed me..i was but a wind's whisper away.

::looking around at the dark and silent apartment...the uncertainty of the future all around them::

Come, let us both retire. I will bridge a link between my room and my garden in Limbo while you rest here in the pent house with Morgan. we are all tired, and weary with sadness::

::standing up with Karen..the two allies, friends and mothers walked slowly through the penthouse side by side...the candles slowly going out as they passed by....they went down the hall before going their seperate ways...Karen to the right and Ororo to the left......each of them to attempt to seek some comfort...in the arms of oblivion as they process the painfull aftermath of Morgan's inferno::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hours had passed since Alexis had arrived in her penthouse. The blonde was sound asleep on her sofa, lost in her dreams....more like memories. Her mind raced with thoughts of how she called Morgan out at the Empire State building, after Blaze pleaded not to. How she hid within the fog awaiting Morgan to find them--like a creepy Jason horror flick. Soon...the memory of Morgan slashing Blaze's head off with the soul sword---and with that, Alexis gasped as she quickly sat up, fully awake. Out a breath...Alexis closed her eyes, allowing her fingers to massage her temples. Nightmares were always the worst part after witnessing a shocking event...Alexis would know. ::

:: Sighing, the meta human pushed herself up from the sofa and slowly made her way from the livingroom and into the hallway, heading to her bedroom. She hadn't even taken a shower since the battle took place...her clothing was ripped, dirty, and bloodstained. Her body was covered in dry blood even though the wounds were healed by Karen and Ororo. Alexis was pretty much a mess. Pulling what was left of her clothing off, Alexis escaped into her bathroom and jumped into the shower. After about an hour of being in the shower, Alexis emerged from a steam filled bathroom wrapped in a towel. Not even bothering to get dressed, she crawled into her bed and layed down---hair wet and towel still on. Closing her eyes, a soft sigh could be heard...she didn't even feel motivated to get dressed, so instead she just laid there, awake. Allowing her mind to race with thoughts of the past. ::

[Harbinger]

::Guardian's sprawling penthouse was more rustic in design..with natural decor, dark wood furniture and a soft subtle scent of vanilla all through the air.::

:: the multi level pent house was completely dark with only light from the city below providing the faintest illumination...and the din of traffic and bustling activity played against the looming silence::

::deep within the penthouse..in the master bedroom....Alison Marble lay across her bed a large oak sleigh bed....with her arm over her face.....and her black/brunette hair seemingly perfectly spread around her head....she was still wearing her black, leather X-men style cat suit with stilletto heeled boots....and on her flat stomach lay a picture of here, Blaze and Morgan...at a party event hosted by Blaze's club...the women looked so happy together...almost like their own version of the Charmed ones::

:: it was slightly chilly in her room...and she weeped softly..her chest and stomach contracting a bit when the crying jag intensified.::

::she was broke...she felt totally destroyed and like a failure. Blaze was dead, Morgan was a basket case..and Alison.....well...Alison had been swept away by grief and guilt::

:: the entire penthouse seemed to be "frozen" in time...nothing seemed to move or change....everything was just HAULTED...much like Alison wished that her heart...now all too alive with pain..would hault.::


:: tears streamed down her face...as memories and painfull "i wish i had done this or that" scenarios played out in my mind....but above all else...she felt that no one would ever heed her..no matter how much she tried to alert them to danger. Haleigh certainly didnt....and she was dead. Cameron did not..and he wound up being one of the prime catalysts for Morgan's break down....he WANTED this to happen. Blaze did not heed her warning back on the west coast either..to stay OUT of her sister's way...so that she wouldnt lose her life...NO ONE LISTEND...despite the fact that she WAS a powerfull seer and witch...apparently it was not enough. and although she may not have "saw" it immediately herself....this grief..would gave way....to a RAGE..against the one person who had MOST to gain from this. the person whom she had inexplicably SAVED from a fate he probably DESERVED. her brother, Cameron King. she was all over the place...re evaluating EVERYTHING she had done....wondering if she had not been so busy saving HIM...could she have saved BLAZE? maybe morgan was RIGHT after all!

::grief and pain...mix well...to form RAGE::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron tossed and turned in his sleep. Visions of the Inferno flashed through his mind. This time he dreamt that Morgan had killed Erika in her rage and was now going after himself. He found his powers unable to work as she quickly cut his head of with the Soul Sword. His body floated over the scene as he watched the bloody battle as she single handedly killed the rest of the people in the room, including her mother and Ororo, seeming to take special pleasure in those kills. Prophet could literally feel the pain as he woke up sweating bullets. He touched his neck and there was actual blood there. He called for his sister as she entered the room quickly ::

"Erika! Erika Help Me!"

:: How was this possible? It was probably Cameron's mind just overloading during the dream state, somehow he had given himself a psychic impression of the dream that was now on his body. As Erika healed his wounds, he looked up at her. He was ready to do this ::

"Let's go talk to Alison..."

:: Cameron got out of his bedroom and began to walk towards the door. He was determined to try and finally make peace with her ::

[Erika King]

< Erika saw the sight of her brother bleeding from the neck as she quickly and instinctively healed him. His powers were definitely growing. As he defiantly wanted to go to Alison's apartment and was headed for the door, Erika was on top of things as she quickly orbed out of the bedroom and in front of her brother within an instant. She stood in front of the door. >

"Cameron. I will go with you but if either of you in anyway disrespect each other. I WILL end it. You need to heal old wounds and not open new ones. Before we go I ask that you please wait here for awhile and think about what you will say. I will be back in a few minutes..."

< And in a combustion of bright white orbs, Erika found herself within the Penthouse of Morgan Victoria once more, now looking much more cleaned up and healthy looking. She looked around to see nobody around. She quietly wondered down the hall as she called for Ororo. >

"Ororo?? Are you there?"

< Turning down the hall to the left she opened a door and found that it was not a bedroom but Ororo's Garden seemed to be there completely out of nowhere. She was in Limbo. She walked among the garden as she took a brief moment to enjoy it's brightness and beauty. Everything in the garden always seemed to be Technicolor. It just reminded her of everything that was good. The air was thick with the smell of flowers. She called once more. >

"Ororo?! Are you there?"

[Ororo]

::a strong breeze gusts in the air around Erika...as a malestrom of pink blossom petals forms and Ororo's face appears...her voice all around in the air::

Ororo:Erika King. even though i am resting, I am aware of every living thing in my Garden.

What are you doing here? and more importantly, why are you in Morgan's penthouse?


:: her tone seemed stern...and detatched...but still, she was within her right to question the young woman for her reason being there. Ororo was not physically there. she was resting within her Citadle.::

[Erika King]

< Erika saw the form of Ororo appear in front of her as she spoke in a stern tone. Erika wasn't trying to sneak around or do anything. She wanted to talk to Ororo. >

"Ororo.. I am sorry to disturb you, it's just that Cameron is about to go to Alison's Penthouse to talk with her. I don't want things to go out of control. I am not sure I can handle the both of them on my own if things get out of sorts.. Do you think this is a bad idea?"

< The White Witch awaited the Goddess' response in silence. >

[Ororo]

::Ororo heard Erika's question...a sensible one indeed given the delicate nature of what was about to take place::


Ororo: It is definately wise of you to seek counsel on this matter. It is my sincere estimation, that unless Cameron is prepared to own his involvement and his catalyst role in these traumatic events as of late..then his visiting Alison will proove disastrous. SHE is in extreme distress...but true to her solitary nature she chooses to fight it alone. she is trying to cope best way she knows how...but like ALL of us...she is suffering from severe doubt. she is wonder if she did the right thing in saving her brother...knowing that he WANTED something like this to happen. If she had focused on BLAZE instead..then the young fire elemental would be alive, Morgan wouldnt be near a catatonic state.

Your brother has much to be thankfull for. let us hope he realizes this before Alison decides to change her position on this and so many OTHER things.

[Jill Monroe]

<< the comfort and solace of unconsciousness wrapped its arms around the distraught demon sorceress hours ago. she slept peacefully and soundly....it was the balm her soul needed. all through her penthouse....it was silent...save for the faintest breeze and the soft melody of wind chimes on the balcony outside her chamber of dreams.>>

<< sleeping in the center of her large circular bed....Spellbinder dreamed...of days gone by...moments with her sister, alison...the day she first met cameron....it was as if she were reliving everything....but from someone ELSE's perspective.>>

<<in a dreamy fog, the events of inferno manifested in her dream like a constant, fast streaming montage....only the moment where she obliterated Haleigh, battered Prophet, locked horns with Shockwave and decapitated her sister seemed to play in AGONIZING slow motion...reliving EVERY sense and sensation.....her face frowned..her body twitched as she turned from one side to the other in her bed.....>>


<< soon she found herself dreaming of her first lesson with Ororo...the manifestation of the brightest part of one's soul...for the sake of life itself. to proove that one was not bound by dark magick such as the kind they weilded. she FINALLY mastered it....and with glee, she hugs her beloved mentor....she remembers....>>

we are not determined by our magick, but by our will to control ourselves...our soul...the brightest and most powerfull piece of it will always out power any outward manifestation of magick

<< she sees Ororo and her mother....reaching out to her...to pull her from the hazy fog of grief and anguish....and without hesitation, she takes their hands...and in a BLAST of thunder...and strobing flash of light...>>

<<...Morgan opens her icy violet eyes...back in her room, back to reality....trying DESPERATELY to cling to the warmth and hopefull feeling she experienced at the end of her dream...only to find herself feeling weak, achey and like she'd been hit by a pile driver. her body, her mind and her heart STILL ached from the events of earlier. she lay still and let the cool breeze flow over her nude body....closing her eyes>>

<<in an soft icy voice>>: Blaze.....

<< putting her hands over her face..a few tears fall from her eyes...but she doesnt get up or make a sound...she just lays.....and remembers. She KNOWS Erika is in her penthouse...her magickal detection immediately picks up on Erika's own form of magicks....but Morgan is too detached from her typical self to make any moves to confront her. it just doesnt matter at this moment>>

[Erika King]

< Erika looked at Ororo with wide eyes and could only sigh heavily. What was she going to do? Everyone had noticed the changes in Cameron but it was almost as if they refused to believe them. She didn't know where to turn. It seemed that almost every odd was stacked against him. She wished Haleigh were able to go to the conference with her, at least Cameron would have some sort of support. >

"I understand Ororo, but you and I both know that people are all inherintely good. You know when Cameron said he wanted something like that to happen, it was merely someone just acting out in rage..."

< She turned her head to the ground and looked at the technicolor grass. >

"I am just torn because JUST as you would defend Morgan, I would defend my brother, but I would also defend my sister, how am I supposed to be a level judge in this meeting? I see both sides of their pain. I feel like this is largely my fault. Had I not cast that spell years ago, had they only known about each other sooner.. they wouldn't be so cold and distant and icy."

[Ororo]

::Ororo took a dim view of Erika's last statement. it REEKED of naivety::

Ororo: No, Erika, that is where you are mistaken. I know that "everyone" has the potential for both good AND evil. what determines the path you take...is the strength of your soul, your will. when i began to lose my X-men to this place....to save myself , Kitty and Darkchilde/Magik i turned to dark magick. I learned under the tutilage of the most view, demonic, vicious mage this realm had seen....and in time, when i was strong enough in the knowledge of the magick i attacked Belasco...using my magick AND my elemental powers. I beat him back with ease...and at his weakest moment...when he BEGGED FOR MERCY..i struck him down...killing him. or so i thought.

::images of that fatefull battle played out in front of Erika for her to see a young, savage yet beauitfull Ororo attacking Belasco with a bloodthirsty glare in her eye that she saw in MORGAN's eyes not too long ago::

ultimately it was his cruel way of teaching my last lesson...the LOSS of innocence and the destruction of all the "morals" i thought i had. I killed someone in combat when they were down and begging for mercy. and with that blow...i actually killed my own innocence and damned my soul in this realm.

Eventually though, my own will far too strong for the likes of Belasco to control, allowed me to do what no other pupil of his had done..i won my soul BACK and returned to myself that which was most important...my control over myself and my soul. My soul is as black as the concrete in the streets of new york now. by your definition that makes me EVIL does it not?

but yet somehow i have managed to rise beyond the mandate of "dark magick"....i have shown Morgan/Darkchilde/Magik the path they must take...some of them have fared better than others...but the ulimate lesson is that its not the magick...nor is it JUST the person...it is their strength of will...and character.

....everyone is NOT inherintly good Erika....and the sooner you learn that...the easier it will be for you to see why ALISON is once again rethinking her position on her brother Cameron....who by his own admission WANTED all of this to occurr.

[Erika King]

"Ororo.. I said that people were ULTIMATELY born good. Their choices and their decisions can change what they are, but there is always good in a person and it something that I will choose to believe until I die..."

< Erika had to stand strong on this. It was something that she firmly believed. People who called her naive were simply those who had been hurt in life and had given up. >

"And for you to say that Cameron is EVIL offends me just as much as Cameron telling Morgan she EVIL would offend her! My brother has a good soul, he has had a rough life, and though that may not justify it Ororo, he has made choices in his life that nobody will understand. Your love for Morgan is just as big as my love for Cameron. Just as many hours you have spent watching over Morgan, I have watched over Cameron. I have never ONCE said anything bad or reprehensible about Morgan ever. I have always given her the benefit of the doubt, and the only thing that bothers me is that nobody ever seems to give Cameron the same respect."

< This was all part of the problem. Yes there was an Inferno, but everybody had considerable blame in being a part of this as Cameron and everyone wanted to place the blame his way. >

"I understand where Alison is coming from Ororo, but no matter how strong relationship bonds may be, blood always triumph. Blaze and Morgan may not have always gotten along, but there is a reason that Alison has always managed to save Cameron. It is because she loves him. Because he is her FAMILY, and though I try I find MYSELF waivering because no matter how hard I try and what I give, even risking my own LIFE to save Alison in what seemed to be the darkest hour, she goes to Morgan, she goes to you and she never goes to me.. Everyone says they see why she left, but you have met me Ororo, you have seen my life, you know who I am and what I am all about.. I have never hidden that from everyone.. and it seems like everyone has been cautious of me since my arrival when I have given them NOTHING to be careful about. Maybe you cannot understand my predicament, but it seems to me I am reaching out to a family who might have too many scars for me to heal..."

[Ororo]

::Ororo allowed Erika to retort. She DID respect the young woman and could the strong, brave spirit that radiated from her valiant heart. but it was not necessarily that impressive. Ororo was once like this, when she believe herself the caretaker of all living things given the nature of her elemental powers...but even BEFORE arriving in Limbo, she had learned hard lessons about how sometimes in order to be JUST ..you had to KILL and make other hard descisions::


Ororo: Erika, i do not discredit you. I ASKED you to help me with Alison so that you would see there was MORE to things than what you believed. You walk such a narrow path and choose to see things in one way...that will not serve you well in the long run...ESPECIALLY if you do not understand that ALISON is just as essential to your well being as you are to HER's.

Cameron has chosen the path he is currently on, just as Alison, Morgan and everyone else had. We ALL can see where we failed during the Inferno...and we all have regrets...that is not the issue. the ISSUE here is that YOUR BROTHER WANTED THIS TO HAPPEN.

When HE can see how WRONG he was for THAT and how he was selfish and rooted in avarice and depravity for the way he treated Morgan--which was one of the prime catalysts for this nightmare, then he will have OWNED his part in all of this. Karen and I spent HOURS agonizing after you all departed the pent house. Alison is still in agony and yet you only worry about what WE "think" of your Brother?

Let him stand on his own two feet Erika and attempt to repair the damage HE has done. IF it were not for Alison..he would be DEAD and you would be going through the same thing that WE are going through now.

Alison has no mother...do not deny her the solace she finds in turning to me or Karen for that which is lacking in her life. Instead, allow her to take what she needs from US so that she may have the strength to return BACK to you and the family she left behind.

[Erika King]

"Ororo! That is just IT! Of course I am going to think of my BROTHER before anybody else! He is my blood, the manifest of my sweat, blood and tears! Of course I am grieving Ororo, but it WASN'T you who Morgan tried to kill with the Soul Sword, and it wasn't Alison and it wasn't Karen, it was the rest of the Six and Myself! Morgan has THREE people to look over her and watch her, Ororo, while Alexis and Cameron have but NOBODY! That is part of the problem! I mean no disrespect to YOU Ororo, but Morgan had people of considerable power backing her decisions up even when the rest of the group didn't think it was a good idea. You both let her run the team and when anybody tried to question that, they were being horrendous.. The simple fact of the matter was that Cameron was no more cruel to Morgan than she was back to him."

< Erika was actually getting upset. She couldn't take this constant insult on her Brother. It was getting almost redundant. >

"It is NOT Cameron's fault that Morgan was dealing with all of the issues she was. You say that some people ARE born evil.. Well Cameron didn't try and destroy the world, Ororo. He didn't kill thousands of people as well as his sister and teammate. That was Morgan! You can let her do all of that and STILL find the good in her, but you cannot look at my brother and give him the same respect. And on the subject of losing a Family Member? I lost my ENTIRE family thanks to my mother, I sent them ALL away to protect them and to do what's right! I lived my ENTIRE life alone spending every moment hoping and praying that Alison and Cameron were okay. And when I come back, both almost want nothing to do with me! So don't tell me I don't know about loss, I lost my family a long time ago!"

< She was becoming flustered and this Ororo could tell. Her emotions were strong right now and Ororo could tell that she would not back down from this issue. She felt very passionately. >

"The only difference in me is that I have been able to be diplomatic and look at this situation for what it is! Both Morgan and Cameron are GOOD people, but somehow, Cameron is made out to be worse than Morgan when he has not committed half of the things that she has. I AM worried about my brother! I AM worried about Morgan! But if it's one thing I have noticed in this group it is that everyone spends all their time worrying about Morgan and nobody else which is why everything is so fractured. If the people were treated as if their needs and wants were EQUAL to that of Morgan's problems, wants and desires, we wouldn't have the same problem. I could feel it when I entered this place! It has been the Morgan show from the beginning. Even when my OWN family had to band together to stop my Mother, it was all about Morgan. When is THAT going to change Ororo? When are you going to let go of this child you hold so dear and let HER repair the damage she has done? Because nobody is going to take Morgan going back to how she used to be. The Six will be finished as we know it. So as you say to me, let Cameron deal with his own problems, let Morgan deal with HER own..."

< Erika had said what she needed to say as she left the room and headed back down to the elevator where she pressed the button for Cameron's floor. She was feeling very on fire at the moment. She was too angry. She needed to calm down or things were just going to get progressively worse? Was Cameron REALLY that bad to have caused a World of Destruction? >

[Ororo]

:: the door to the room that has been bound to Limbo for the time being slowly closes.....as do the double doors to Morgan's penthouse as erika leaves..::

Ororo: ::her manifestation fades from the garden...as her voice is now heard in the air around Erika ...softly yet still distinct::

though you may leave this room...my presence can be felt through the building. my responsibility is not to cameron, nor will it ever be. i am the guardian of the dark trinity...that is my task and it has been since LONG BEFORE YOU WERE BORN. Morgan has access to power that, if left unchecked COULD DESTROY THE WORLD. Your brother provided the match and light that ignited this inferno. Choose to believe it or not...that is YOUR choice. Morgan WILL have to deal with the aftermath of her actions...that is painfully apparent to her mother and myself. She KNOWS what she has done...and we cannot provide her with the strength to make it through this guilt and inner anguish...only SHE can get through...and if she cannot...then she will have FAILED one of the first lessons that i taught her.


Though you are a gifted and valiant young woman, full of life....you still have much to learn about your brother...and your sister. But even if you cannot handle it, take comfort in knowing there IS someone there for Alison too. But even Karen and I know when to step back and let things take their course.

Good luck Erika....We shall not speak again.

:: with that...Ororo's voice fades from the air....she is no longer in Erika's presence in anyway, leaving Erika to do what she feels she must. feelings were raw for some more than others....but the lives of those inside Illustra were all attempting to heal from the nightmare just past. in times such as these, the healing process is never easy...whether your a young mutant, or an wise goddess.::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron saw Erika enter the room and was immediately alerted to the fact that she looked rather distraught and out of sorts. He stood up from the couch and walked over to her and looked her in the eyes ::

"Are you okay? What happened?"

:: Prophet looked at his watch. It was getting late. Alison and him had a lot to discuss and he didn't want to bother her in the middle of the night while she was sleeping. He began to ponder things. Maybe this was something the he should do on his own? He was a Man, and sooner or later it would be only himself who would have to answer for what he had done and not his sister, whom apparantely from the looks of her had been doing that herself recently, although he wondered with who. He placed his hand on his sister's shoulder and smiled ::

"Look, whatever it is.. you look beat, and you can't tell me after that battle with Black that you aren't the least bit tired. I will go by myself Erika. This is something that I need to do. Get some rest.. We will talk tomorrow.."

:: He wasn't giving her any time to respond as he knew that she would simply try and talk him out of it. These past few days had changed Cameron. Though he still wasn't willing to take the brunt of the blame for the Inferno, he was willing to admit that he needed change in his life, he needed some form of consistency since obviously what he had been doing since he became a part of the Six hadn't been working. He had already lost his best friend. He didn't want to lose his sisters. Cameron walked out of his Penthouse, closing the door behind him with his mind as he entered the Elevator and pressed a button that simply read "AM" which stood for Alison Marble. As the elevator raced up, so did his mind. What would he say to her? How could he thank her? Could they end this bitter feud? Only time would tell. The elevator dinged which indicated he was on Alison's Floor. He tentatively stepped out of the elevator and took a deep breath ::

"Come on King, suck it up.. Be a Man..."

:: He walked down the hall as he came up to the Door of Alison's Penthouse. For some reason there was no warding spell tonight as he rang her doorbell and waited in silence. ::

[Harbinger]

::the massive oak double doors with pewter rings open slowly for Cameron....and inside it was extremely dark. no internal lighting...only the moonlight from the outside prevlaing on the shadows where it could inside this plus, rustic designed penthouse. it was Prophet's first time inside Alison's abode...ever. he could immediately discern the clean, simplistic yet "natural" feel of the penthouse..the soft scent of vanilla and honey flowed through the air subtlely. it was so quiet and peacefull, with only the soft din of the traffic and bustle far below on ground level in the city outside.::

:: Prophet's eyes had to adjust to the darkness and he was unfamiliar with the lay out of the sprawling penthouse.....but in the distance, he could hear a soft crying...a choked grieving of a woman...there was a small stair case, past the large living room, dining room and main areas of the penthouse leading to another floor...also enshrouded in darkness.....on this floor was a large, spacious area that appeared to be multifunctional...the decor was again simplistic, yet rustic and serene. down a hall on that floor was the master and guest bedrooms and a parlour room as well as a guest bath::

::though he couldnt sense her MIND..he could sense the heart ache and sadness...and there was a feeling of "slowness" as time itself seemed to be lagging around the penthouse, clearly a byproduct of Alison's sorrow. Cameron would have to attempt to find his way to her...in this dark, sprawling penthouse::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Turning to her digital clock which rested on her night stand, it read 3:49am. Sighing...this night was going as slow as a disabled old lady trying to cross the street. Sitting up, Alexis slid off of her elevated king sized bed and headed to her chester draws. Allowing the navy blue cotton towel to drop to the floor, she soon dressed in a simple pair of black draw string pants that said "Bell Grey" in metallic violet letters across the butt, and a violet cami....honestly, it felt like a chore to even get dressed. Closing the draws, Alexis soon peered upwards at herself in the mirror....She needed to get her mind off of all this chaos, otherwise she would have a meltdown. Grabbing a small clip off of her dresser, she quickly twisted her wavy blonde locks into a messy french twist, and clipped it up. Walking out of her bedroom, she continued down the dark hallway---feet pattering against the hardwood flooring---until she reached another room adjacent to her bedroom. Opening the door, the room was in fact Alexis' office; a very messy office at that. Walking to her desk, she rolled her chair out from behind her desk and sat down. Sitting back, the chair reclined somewhat, allowing the meta human to relax for a few moments before she swivled herself around to face the massive quantity of paperwork in front of her. ::

"Jesus...."

:: Shaking her head, with a heavy sigh, the CEO of Tempo magazine began to shuffle and sort through the different papers trying to create some organization. After about 15 minutes, she soon came upon some left over invitations that were distributed about three weeks ago. Invitations to a Magazine Gala celebrating Morgan's return to modeling and her teaming up with Cameron's hotel company. Alexis, and Tempo Magazine were hosting it at one of Cameron's hotels. Lifting the invitation up, she opened it, reading the scripture inside....How on earth were they to go to a Gala in three days after everything that had happened. Especially together, as a group. Gently tossing the invitation in the trash can aside of her, she then grabbed the remaining invites and tossed them in as well. Either way, whether Cameron or Morgan showed up, Alexis would have to be there...it was her magazine after all. Sometimes responsibility sucked; especially in this situation. ::

:: Continuing on with her work, what normally stressed out Alexis seemed to calm her. As the hours passed, she continued to work, until finally, she fell asleep at her desk. Her head resting on her crossed arms which were on top of her desk, Alexis was out for the count. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: As the doors opened in an almost frightening way and Cameron was enshrouded in darkness he could instantly feel Alison's pain. The darkness was consuming as he made his way through the layout of the Penthouse, tripping over the coffee table and almost falling down on the floor before regaining his stance and continuing through until he almost again tripped over the small staircase in front of him. He figured that this would lead to Alison's Room and he could hear the sorrow of Alison much clearer now. As he went up the staircase he was once again lost in darkness. He could hear the crying much louder now as he called out to his sister. ::

"Alison? Are you okay? What's wrong?"

:: He now found himself holding the walls and walking down a hallway. He moved his way until he found himself at a door which seemed to be the end of the hall. It was either the bathroom or her bedroom but the sound of tears was now extremely close ::

[Harbinger]

:: the crying slowly fades away...leaving only silence. the door slams behind Prophet....and is sealed....the room is still painfully pitch black...as a pair of cobalt blue eyes open up in front of the mutant. they glare at him...::

why are you here? come to gloat?

:: the voice seemed to be cold, yet weak....and all around him. similar to the moment when she confronted him with the Ant Lions at the citadle....one might wonder what she was concealing in the darkness this time...and this time he was trapped in the room with NO ONE there to help him::


:: he would have to face his sister and give an account. he could see nothing but those unforgiving eyes::

[Jacob Black]

:: He looked at the painful eyes of his sister as the door slammed behind him. He immediately thought back to the night where Alison set the Ant Lions lose on Haleigh and Cameron. Now, that seemed more like the confrontation he wanted to have with Alison. Both not saying what they really felt, sidestepping issues with quips about each other. But now everything was raw and in the open. He stood fixated on the pair of eyes. They were filled with such sorrow. This was going to be so hard ::

"I have nothing to gloat about Alison. I came to see if you were alright.. if you are okay, and hopefully put an end to our differences once and for all..."

[Harbinger]

:: the eyes continued to glare at him....there was no way to tell just what alison was thinking...or what she might do.::

DONT YOU DARE COME UP HERE AND TRY TO BE DELICATE WITH ME NOW CAMERON KING!

:: her angry voice flowed through the air::

you want to clear the air? let us clear the air!

:: glowing, blue black ribbins of energy form...lashing out toward Cameron and wrapping around him. mystic bindings impossible to break by any physical means...constricting him tightly and holding him where he stands. the blue eyes continue to stare::

you WANTED this happen to Morgan and I. YOU WANTED US TO SUFFER! YOU PROVOKED HER! You KNEW that she was upset by your presence and you used that to your short sighted advantage. you IGNORED my warnings...EVERYTHING i said...YOU, Haleigh and Blaze...ALL OF YOU ignored it..and now, Blaze is DEAD! Morgan is a basket case...and we do not know if she will recover.....

ARE YOU HAPPY!?

:: the cobalt blue eyes glowed...as tears sparkled and fell from them::

ARE YOU!?

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron could only but roll his eyes at Alison. Here we go again. He wanted to just scream at her. Scream his point to her, Scream his pain. But he knew that wouldn't get him anywhere. She was angry. She was hurt and she was in pain. He had never seen Alison yell at anyone like this in her entire life. It was a rage specifically reserved for her brother ::

"Alison! Maybe a part of me DID want that to happen! I was SO mad at you that I wanted YOU to experience the pain and loss of losing the most important thing to you! Did you REALLY think I wanted Morgan to destroy the world? No! But it HAPPENED! You forget that HALEIGH is dead too, Alison! Which figures since the only person you have seemingly EVER cared about is yourself and MORGAN! Jesus, I am one arrogant son of a bitch but at least I own up to it!"

:: He turned away from her eyes. It was always like this between them. When they got together they just couldn't refrain. Alison was calling him out on his wants and desires. In truth, Cameron DID want something like this to happen, but in his perfect world, it would be Morgan that lie dead as stone and the rest able to MOVE on. He didn't want anyone else to die. That wasn't in the cards. He didn't care if anyone else thought it was such a horrible thing to think. If he spent any time caring about what other people thought about him, he would would NEVER have any time for anything else. ::

"I acted out of ANGER! I DID at the time WANT those things! I am not going to try and pretend I didn't! I am being honest.. I WANTED an Inferno, but you can BET I didn't want my BEST FRIEND or Blaze to die! I wanted MORGAN to be the one to die! MORGAN to be the one who would never walk this Earth again. Sorry if my WANT got screwed up! But at least it WAS Blaze and NOT Morgan, think about how much worse the pain would be at the lost of your "only" family, since none of us mean a damn to you anyway? To Erika and I you died years ago when you left us with that Insufferable Bitch of a Mother..we have been mourning for years.. so you can understand why your tears seem wasted on me. Our sister's cried enough for the both of us..."

[Harbinger]

:: the bindings constricted even TIGHTER....as a bell tolled in the air and Alison screamed with rage::

YOU CRUEL, VICIOUS, SON OF A BITCH!

:: lunging forward....her feminine form appeared in full view, still in her black "x-men" style cat suit with stilletto heeled boots. grabbing hold of Cameron..she BLINKS out of her pent house and up onto the TOP of Illustra...standing on the edge of the roof...looking over the city from dizzying heights::

:: she stands with her hand out, holding him out over the edge in the air with her telekinetic power::

AND WHAT THEN should be my reason for sparing you NOW? After ALL the times i SAVED you from DEATH and its so painfully apparent that instead of protecting YOU..i shouldve been protecting BLAZE.

You hate Morgan so much, and you despise me. Why dont you join Haleigh and Blaze in death?....oh but wait thats what you EXPECT of me right now isnt it?

let me tell you something, Cameron King. If you ever wanted me to "open up" and "reach out" to you and Erika...YOU shouldve thought ahead and OUTSIDE of your selfish ego driven machinations. when i left you and Erika..i did so because THAT was what i had to do. I was willing to risk my life in the pursuit of magickal power and dark arts around the world and that is what i did. I couldnt subject either of you to that. YOU were just a mutant...and SHE was annoying sachrine with her "white magicks".

you think YOU KNOW what kind of woman Kelly King was? i was dealing with her LONG before you were born and i spent my child hood PROTECTING Erika and you from her...doing things NO little girl should have to do. I lost my childhood and innocence before i was out of highschool BUT i didnt let that stop me.

When you came before us all those months ago, Morgan was in the throws of grief because she thought Blaze was DEAD following a fatefull caper in London with Valiant. You came at a time when she was suffering to begin with..you knew NOTHING of what was going on and yet you mocked and made fun of her. Did you THINK i wasnt going to take exception to that?

Morgan and her Mother have been there for me the way YOU and Erika never could have been. They ALLOWED ME to "breathe" and be just a woman..rather than b eing someone's protector, or someone's "Guardian" 24 hours a day.


I found a new life..that allowed me to FORGET the nightmare of a childhood i had. The Citadle opened up the first of MANY wounds for me...but you didnt THINK about the toll that had on ME did you?

YOU just wanted to one up Morgan and I. And what IF Morgan had died...would you care how BLAZE felt? THAT is Morgan's sister..and what about Karen Victoria or Ororo? two women who helped keep you SAFE! Ororo RESTORED YOU when Morgan tore your skeleton from your body!

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron finds himself hovering out over the Top of Illustra now as Alison verbally attacks. He prepares himself for what he knew was about to come. It was the same thing that everyone of Morgan's friends had been saying. It never changed. They all protected her so much. He didn't let it bother him ::

"Yeah, you left Erika to the same situation you were in? And what was WORSE is that SHE was the one who watched her father die and had to banish her mother and protect her brother and keep everything under wraps, dodging questions from police.. That was all HER. You weren't the only one who lost their innocence... And you wouldn't KNOW what we could have provided for you since you didn't take the time to find out! You could have looked for me! Somebody could have taken me in! Somebody could have CARED about me!"

:: Ooh. He shouldn't have said that. His time on the streets had always been his sorest subject and now he was showing vulnerability to Alison which is something he did not plan on doing. He needed to stay strong. Go toe to toe with Alison. This needed to be hashed out ::

"And Alison, my ENTIRE opinions on people have changed since meeting them. After finding out you were my sister I wanted nothing more to bury the hatchet but it was something that you didn't want to deal with and I left it at that... I have THANKED YOU for saving my life and during the INFERNO, I was the only person who just about did NOTHING to provoke anyone. I actually helped! As much as I wanted to see Morgan dead, I didn't want her to end like that! NOBODY deserves that! I don't DOUBT that it was a nightmare Alison, I don't doubt you LOST all of your childhood to Kelly, but we ALL did. What I don't understand is that if you were so hurt by this how could you let it happen to your brother and sister who were so young, I mean I was a BABY! You left a BABY with Kelly! That is what I don't understand. I think I have a right to be angry! I thought I had no parents! And then I find out I do have a family but none of them wish to have a relationship with me, save for Erika. And don't say that I didn't want a relationship with you because you weren't there for all the conversations I had with Haleigh, Erika, Alexis and even BLAZE for that matter about wanting to reconnect with you. Wanting to be involved in your life in a positive way! Don't you see that all these ways I lash out and all these angry things I do? All these times I mess up it is because I want to fix things with you? I may be totally fucked up in how I carry them out, but can't you see at least that? The only time I ever really WISHED you harm was when I WANTED the Inferno to happen, and that was only because I tried so DAMN hard to get in your good graces and nothing worse. I was done with it! I know I was WRONG!"

:: He cleared his throat, he was now getting misty eyed. Prophet tried his best to choke them down and appear calm in Guardian's prescence, and he couldn't believe he just admitted to Alison that he was wrong. What was he doing? ::

"If you can't see, I have been willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING and EVERYONE around me so that I can fix things with you and everytime I try it just seems to get worse! So I am really pretty much stuck here Alison because it's not like you make it any easier to talk to. I respect you like your privacy and you want to leave your past behind you, but as a Seer, you KNOW that your past was bound to catch up with you sooner or later, well Alison, your past is now your PRESENT, so at least ACCEPT it!"

[Harbinger]

:: Alison glared at Cameron...through him almost. there were some telling things in his response...she brought her hand back and that caused him to float back over the roof and be lowered to the ground. the bindings disappeared::

:: standing tall ...folding her arms and wrapping them around her stomach...Guardian looked up at the sky...as the breeze flowed through her black/brunette hair::


......you are correct...ONE of us...could have found you. Though your sister made the mistake of trying to cast a spell on me..and SHE will answer for that later. I never claimed to be perfect. My actions years ago were born from a deep seeded need to escape.

I knew that one day...the past would demand attention again. all times flow and connect. But despite being able to "see" things...that doesnt mean im always ready for them.

:: her tone was softer now..she seemed reflective::

so much has happened...and for the first time, EVER, i was not able to control the situation...i was washed away in a tidal wave and barely able to maintain. Even a seer makes her mistakes.

:: looking down at Cameron::

Morgan, Karen and Ororo were the family i always wanted. so strong, beautiful, seemingly flawless...and all of them blessed with magick. But each of them has their own pasts blighted with pain just as i do. I managed to forget MINE by trying to help with theirs...but here i am now, confronted with MINE as WELL AS theirs. a lesser person would have cracked by now.

Blaze is Dead....for me..its one of the worst moments of my life. i feel that i have failed. But really....the worst moment in my life was when i left you and Erika alone for the last time that night so long ago. I knew that i was leaving you in the path of peril...but I ...i just had to go.

I'm .....SORRY that i wasnt there for you all those years.......that you were on the street...I never wouldve let that happen....

My name is Alison Marble....i have a sister named Erika...and a brother Cameron.

:: she seemed to be saying that as a way of finally acknowledging him for who he was to her. she held her gloved hand out to him::

[Jacob Black]

:: Prophet felt himself floating back over the roof as he was placed on the ground and the bindings dissappeared. The two stood there in almost complete silence for a moment before Alison continued to speak. He was dumbfounded. Alison was being real with him in this very moment. He could tell. She was being direct and honest and "human" for the first time since he had reconnected with her. Tears streamed down his eyes but he made no facial expression or sounds as she spoke of leaving him and the family and what she had been through in the past years. It was a rather odd moment for the both of them. They had never really lowered their walls to anybody, not even to those closet to them, but here they were doing it for each other. As Brother and Sister. As Alison extended her gloved hand, Cameron grabbed it and pulled her into a hug. Though she was standing at eye level with him, his strong arms wrapped around her and seemed to completely encompass her body. A handshake may have been what Alison had in order, but the words that she had just spoke meant more to Cameron than he would ever be able to fully express. For a moment the two embraced before Prophet finally let go and looked at her right in the eye, his engaging chocolate eyes to her contrasting cobalt blue. ::

"Alison...I.. I mean.. just... thank you.. You will NEVER know how much that means to me. Never. I have wanted to apologize for so long, wanted to try and make things better, but I know I have a lot to work on. I just need someone to understand where I am coming from once in awhile. I need someone to be there for ME.. Erika is great, but she isn't merely a floor away.. you are here with me.. I want YOU to be that person.. I want us to be able to rely on each other, even though we may not agree.. I just.. I want my sister..."

:: And so the two stood face to face for the first time ever with no bitterness. No hatred. Nothing. Just looking at each other as Human Beings with the same feelings, emotions, and problems. ::

[Harbinger]

:: Alison is pulled into the embrace...and doesnt pull back. She welcomes her brother...and closes her eyes as a few tears fall down her face::


you'll be safe now. we'll work through things.


::the oldest sister of the group...there was the faintest sliver of maternal feeling as she held her baby brother. she felt a tremendous weight lifting from her marble heard heart...and a small jolt through her body...as she felt a bit of "HUMANITY" for the first time in more than a decade.::

::blinking from the roof, down to Cameron's penthouse. Alison stands beside Cameron....and looks at Erika::

looks like Ororo was right after all. wouldnt you say Erika?

[Erika King]

< Erika had just sat down with a cup of delicious Rift Valley Blend Coffee from Starbucks which her brother was apparantely a fan of since he had three pounds of it in the kitchen as she sat down in her pajamas she almost had an aneurism when she saw Cameron and Alison blink into the Penthouse standing next to each other, without their hands wrapped around one another's throat. Then Alison commented on Ororo being right. What was going on? She was thrilled but cautious at the same time. >

"Please tell me that Mother isn't back from the dead and that this ISN'T an Illusion?"

< She smiled cheek to cheek as she stands up and almost jumps in the air doing a slightly retarded dance. She stops once she realizes that Cameron and Alison are still in the room and stops completely embarassed. >

"Thank the GODDESS! I don't think the world could STAND another Inferno!"

[Jill Monroe]

<< having drifted back to sleep after another crying Jag.....Morgan rests peacefully...the night finally takes its course...as EVERYONE seems to heal just a little. but every step forward is a step away from the PAIN of the Inferno's aftermath>>


<< Morgan slumbers while her Mother sleeps in a room nearby...her penthouse is silent. Alison has a major breakthrough in her road of recovery from this nightmare and Alexis attempts to dull the pain she feels by doing what she does best..running her Magazine. Each member of the Six and their allies/family slowly begins to heal...a process that is long...and not without its stumbling blocks...but TOGETHER...they will make it through>>


<< a new day has come.....the chance to begin life anew...with the promise of today.>>