Casualties of the nightmare

[Arsenal]

"But how do we overcome our fears..."

She trailed off. They weren't ordinary people - their fears were much bigger than most, it took much more to scare them. They couldn't just snap their fingers and make the fear go away. She looked up again.

"We have to use it. We have to use our fears against him, somehow. Find our strength out of what we are afraid of..."

You're right D. How do we?

Mike shakes his head as he still holds Karen. He was thinking along the same lines as Delilah, and he found himself searching for a way as well. Mike decided to try a first step, try to get them all to talk for once. His words betrayed the feeling he had for them all, and he hoped that it would help.


Maybe we need to be honest about how we feel, get it off our chest. I don't know, but the thing that we haven't yet done is talk about what we are feeling. I know that I have allowed Barbas to have me strike out verbally at this team over and over...and I am TIRED of it, tired of hearing his voice more than you guys. Maybe us talking about how we feel and what he says to us will help us deal with it.

Mike decided to try a first step, try to get them all to talk for once. His words betrayed the feeling he had for them all, and he hoped that he could help them somehow.

 

[Black Widow]

In the nick of time, they were all back in the courtyard, spirited there by none other than Verna Eckert, who left them with a few resounding suggestions. Haleigh glances around to make sure everyone's okay, Nicolas darts for cover, much to the confusion of Haleigh. He said he had to go.

"Go?? Go WHERE?!?"

But he was gone, just like that. Morgan asks if anyone needs healing and Haleigh indicates that she's fine. Nicolas returns, but remains withdrawn from the group. Morgan, Karen, Blaze, and Alison all discuss the tragedy of having lost an innocent. Haleigh was still just glad it hadn't been one of them who'd died, but she knew it wouldn't be received well if she said as much out loud. Luckily for her, Blaze stepped up and said something more proper and heartfelt and so Haleigh wasn't tasked with having to raise their spirits about the whole thing.

They discuss beating Barbas… overcoming their fears, using their fears against him…. Anything they could think of. They were running out of ideas. It was suggested that they contact Verna. It was a great idea, but how? Nicolas proposed the astral zone. Haleigh had cause for concern.

"Didn't he almost kill you and Alison the LAST time you were in the astral zone? Maybe we should get her to come to us."

Mike offered that they should all have a good old fashioned heart to heart, and TALK about their fears, their feelings, and what in particular Barbas was doing to each of them.

"You volunteering to go first?"

She asked, not dismissing the idea, but not exactly jumping at the opportunity to discuss her own fears and self-perceived weakness.

 

[Fusion]

Hollywood Roosevelt

Claudia joked about omens and staying in the Marilyn suite and Clara tossed her a look that seemed to say 'smartass.', but said nothing aloud, and Claudia apologized and agreed with the plan. Clara went back to staring out the window, anxious and not up to facing either of them after what happened [or hadn't happened, or almost happened, or whatever the hell the situation was]. She was so drained, so exhausted that she couldn't keep track anymore and lacked the motivation to even try.

She was preoccupied with other thoughts anyway. She tried not to think of what Johnny's death would have done to her… and instead she found herself contemplating her current predicament with her sister. Fourteen years she'd waited for Claudia to return… it wasn't supposed to be like this. The danger didn't bother her… for the most part, she liked a good thrill every now and then, so long as no one really got hurt. But the thing troubling her…. Was the fact that there seemed to be fragmented layers of trust between her and her sister. She knew why Claudia might have trust issues but for Christ's sake… they were SISTERS. Clara couldn't understand what had come between them like this.

Claudia: "So….I flooded Haleigh's apartment."

Johnny: "You… what?"

Clara just looked over at her sister blankly… the admission had broken up her thoughts and Clara had heard her sister without really hearing her.

Claudia: "Well, if she's going to stick spiders in our apartment, she's going to end up with a swimming pool in hers."

"Nice."

Clara responded, nodding with an appreciative smirk. Her reaction is positive, but lacks excessive enthusiasm. She stifles a yawn as John pulls up next to the curb at the Roosevelt.

"We're here."

She says simply, as a valet heads rounds the car to John's position and a carhop opens the door and offers a hand.

 

[Rampage]

"Didn't he almost kill you and Alison the LAST time you were in the astral zone? Maybe we should get her to come to us."

Fair idea, but Barbas has nearly killed me every night since this began and he almost had my own team do it for him tonight. At least there, he has to do it HIMSELF, and I had a chance. But as long as we are here, and he can simply pretend to be me...LOOK like me somewhat and I am a walking target. The time for that shit is over. If Ms. Eckert wished to come to us, there are few on the planet better able to receive her than we are. I think we need to make a move for once instead of hoping that we can make it through the night.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike listened as Haleigh replied to his commenst after Nicolas spoke strongly in favor of some action. He decided that whe would make the first move.

OK Hales, here goes.

Mike sighed, separating from Karen and standing in their midst. This was clearly difficult for him and took a lot of nerve. He finallyu spoke.

Barbas has been tormenting me by saying essentially that all of this is a colossal JOKE. That the people on this team will never accept Nicolas and myself, that we will have to pay for what somebody else did before, or double for our own mistakes, and that our lives will be lost because of it. That Karen HERSELF will murder me as you look on gleefully and that Nicolas will suffer the same fate. That the kid that I protected half his life will be taken away from me by the very people I trust as family, that I hoped would help bear that responsibility even as the risk has increased beyond...my own capabilities.

Mike paused after that. To admit that he was often powerless, even in THIS group, was no small feat for him. He continued, his voice volume low as he hesitantly admitted to everyone what he only before admitted to Karen...

That I will die AGAIN by the hands of a teammate but first I will smell her perfume, recognize her for who she is and RELAX, thinking I am safe with FAMILY when nothing could be FURTHER from the truth. That I will die as the punchline to a cosmic JOKE.

Mike grew silent and simply stood. It was a tough experience to lay yourself bare in such a way, but it was testament to what he was willing to do to try to help this team, who he still considered family.

 

[Harbinger]

the courtyard

:: Alison seemed a bit off balance, even flinching a bit as Delilah touched her shoulder and asked if she was okay. Before she could respond, Morgan noticed the white streak in her hair...they all did. THAT was a sign that Barbas had nearly come close to consuming her!::

I'm trying to be, Dee...

:: she said in a lower tone as she looked at the ground.::

But Barbas touched me on a level...he confirmed what I suspected.

:: looking at the others.::

Cameron IS ALIVE! I know that now...but he's hurt...he's been tortured! Trapped on the astral plane, THAT is why every vision or nightmare i've seen of him has shown him to be badly hurt or trapped inside that awfull house. Barbas is using him to get to me!

:: a piece of information that was not expected by the group. Verna Eckert, Karen's grandmother and Morgan's great great grandmother was the last witch in recent times to face and defeat Barbas. It was clear she was trying to help them now and perhaps it was time to reach out to her. Nicolas offered his services but Haleigh objected, saying that the last time he went to the astral plane both Alison AND Nicolas had nearly been killed.::

There is a spell that can summon a lost witch...her spirit. Nicolas can provide the beacon for her to join us...Morgan and Karen, her relatives can call her for her with the spell. It's the safest route.


:: Morgan admitted how scared she was...and Blaze suggested that the soul sword would be key in destroying him, or at least destroying his new "body" of this time. She was right...but something ELSE she said...::

"We have to use it. We have to use our fears against him, somehow. Find our strength out of what we are afraid of..."

Not quite OUR fears...but his OWN...Barbas was, at one time, HUMAN, before Hecate destroyed him. NOW he's a demon...a powerfull one, but he was HUMILIATED by a witch, which is why he has an eternal blood lust for revenge against witches, specifically those who descend from Hecate.

everything we're doing so far is motivated by or because of FEAR.

:: just as Delilah said. and Mike suggested that if they get their fears OUT in the open among them...that would help as well. a very surprising but spot on observation.::



:: using his power against him...there was ONE person in the building who could help them do that, but she wasnt a team member, she wasnt even a FRIEND. Claudia Zacchara. Alison realized that she had a bigger role in this and that the lives of her and her sister depended on the six as much as they would depend on her assistance.::

:: but Alison would share that information soon enough. For now...they began to talk about their deep seeded fears, by everyone KNOWING each other's problem...this would ultimately make them all more mindfdull of their actions and THAT would help them in the longrun. Verna said "don't be afraid to love one another"...this was a start.::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apt 3

<< By now, Sharon had interrupted just to suggest they go INSIDE an apartment and they were on the main level so she offered her's apt 3. Everyone walked in slowly and the door was closed. They then begin to talk further as some slowly sunk down ont Sharon's plush leather furniture while she quickly went to check on her birds and JEWEL, who was now an "orphan". Sharon brought the trembling, solid white feline to Karen for comfort.>>

<< Karen sat down across from Mike as he spoke and she craddled the cat.>>

<< it was a dark night, and it was time for honesty and truth. Grammie and Delilah was right...they HAD to face things. and Mike chose to reveal his true feelings now.>>

<< it was more than just bitterness on his part [which was understandable], it was truly deep seeded fear that he was doomed to be powerless, and ultimately expendable. MURDERED by someone he cared for, and surrounded by apathetic team mates.>>

<< it didnt speak well for their trust dynamic. but to be fair, he HAD invited at least SOME of the wrath he experienced from some of his "family"...but to be afraid of being murdered by one of them...especially HER? clearly there was a wound that had not been healed.>>

We havent talked about it...mainly because everything happened so rapid fire, but I don't think anyone here would see you dead, Michael...

<< Karen looked around, hoping the others would address this definatively for ALL their sakes.>>

Even Ava grasped the gravity of her actions...that's why she's not AMONG US now! she needed time to recover from HERSELF and the trauma of her nightmare in the timestream and then SET. Don't forget...the aftermath of Set still affects us all even NOW.

<< looking at Morgan who noticeably refused to look at Nicolas.>>

I understand that in more than a few timelines, I was very murderous. I suppose in those timelines...Karen gave in to the part of herself that I constantly hold in check...but i risked my SOUL to bring you back from death Michael...why would i want to UNDO what i risked so much to fix?

 

[Arsenal]

We havent talked about it...mainly because everything happened so rapid fire, but I don't think anyone here would see you dead, Michael...

<< Karen looked around, hoping the others would address this definatively for ALL their sakes.>>

Even Ava grasped the gravity of her actions...that's why she's not AMONG US now! she needed time to recover from HERSELF and the trauma of her nightmare in the timestream and then SET. Don't forget...the aftermath of Set still affects us all even NOW.

<< looking at Morgan who noticeably refused to look at Nicolas.>>

I understand that in more than a few timelines, I was very murderous. I suppose in those timelines...Karen gave in to the part of herself that I constantly hold in check...but i risked my SOUL to bring you back from death Michael...why would i want to UNDO what i risked so much to fix?

You would not Karen, and I realize that under NORMAL circumstances that no one, not even Ava, would see me dead. I HAVE to believe that in order to even BE here. But under duress? This team deals in violence as a necessity to protect itself, and the world. But that violence far too often spills over, happening between teammates. And even when there is no violence, there is often that threat...not latent, but openly expressed. THAT in my mind is the first thing we need to deal with right now. Without the fear of physical violence that permeates this group, Barbas would lose much of his power. But in order to do that, we have to find a way get beyond our past, recent and otherwise, in a way that engenders some trust.

 

[Spellbinder]

apt 3

<< Blaze encouraged Morgan as she tried to focus on defeating Barbas. The SOUL SWORD would play a key role indeed.>>

<< as Nicolas spoke, Morgan folded her arms and looked away. She still did not care to be around him. Her heart had been broken and she was not known for her forgiveness. even though it was not HIM terrorizing her through the city [despite the figure's appereance]. She knew what he was capable and Haleigh said he KILLED HER in another timline! How was she supposed to just..."handle" that!?>>

<< the fear made it so easy to HATE...but the fear was also making her more and more IRRATIONAL. She was suffering more than some of the others. Even Haleigh saw the bigger picture, the long term damage that could come of it.>>

<< her body language said it all as she fell silent. on the one hand, agreeing with most of what was being said. on the other, her fear and resentment of Nicoals was EVER present.>>

<< inside of Sharon's apartment. Morgan sat with Blaze, Alison and Delilah...on the END of that couch and refused to look at Nicolas. But in her HEART, she knew that Mike was right. only by FACING her fear...by being BRAVE enough to tell them how she felt...would she possibly receive the help she needed...and able to be who she needed to be to help them all surive.>>

<< Mike spoke about his death. Morgan hadnt been there. She was in Limbo at the time, about to fragment in her psyche and kill haleigh as Hecate intervened.>>

<< He was truly fearfull that for all that he was, all that he'd done for this team and all the risk he accepted, that he'd die AGAIN and that no one would care! Morgan quietly felt badly for him...and her mother spoke.>>

...Sometimes you annoy me...even ANGER me, Mike. But I don't want to see you dead. None of us does << although she knew AVA would be the exception to THAT rule >> I don't know about anyone ELSE...but SET changed things for me. my TRUST has been shaken to its core. but i understand how you feel...

even now...I can't bring myself to look at...at Nicolas.

He hurt me...he broke my heart and NOW, every day...every MOMENT of the past two weeks...I've been terrorized both asleep and awake by a man who appeared to be Nicolas. It looked, sounded...even FELT like him.

<< and then she did what she had to do...she slowly shifted in her seat, turned her head and looked directly at Nicolas.>>

Ever since we found out who you REALLY WERE...I have...been afraid. How could I NOT be. You captured me against my will and then...you took Haleigh...and...

<< not wanting to recount THAT part again.>>

What would have happened had it been ME? Would what Haleigh said about the other timeline...would THAT have come true!?

My friends...they know how i feel about men. You lead me out ...you made me think I would be okay if i trusted you...loved you...and you LIED!

Now...after all of that...I am FEARFULL for my physical safety...from YOU! You think i'm paranoid? I've SEEN who...WHAT you really are! I KNOW what you can do...and Haleigh said you KILLED ME in another timline! How am I supposed to....how can I TRUST YOU behind that?



<< there...she said it>>

 

[Siren]

The small talk was definitely not working. Clara was distant; in her own little world. Claudia could see her leg muscles tensed and arms crossed defensively across her chest. The absent look in her eyes. Barbas had really gotten to her this time...But Claudia couldn't help but think that it wasn't just Barbas that Clara was concerned about, but herself as well. They talked about trust and how difficult it was for the BOTH of them [especially Claudia in her case], but all the lies and games she had been playing the past couple of weeks had taken a toll. It shook up Clara's belief that maybe Claudia WAS who her father said she was.

As Clara looked back out the window, after giving a bleek response to Claudia's revelation about flooding Haleigh's apartment, Claudia turned and looked out hers as well. Eyes drifting absently to the moving street, Claudia realized that she had not only been lying to her sister, but to herself as well. She KNEW why type of person she was. She knew that she could walk into a room and pathologically lie to whomever was there. Make it so believeable, so undeniably good, that people would be a fool to doubt her. She knew that she could see someone lying on the street with their brains blown out and not even bat an eyelash. She knew that she could have even killed that person and not have a care in the world. She was unstable. Manipulative. A boarderline sociopath. She could snap just like her father and turn into the same monster he was. Claudia knew these things, but her only shining light was that CLARA was there to anchor her. Keep her sane and in check. Pull her back from the brink of insanity. But the doubts that undoubtably ran through her sister's head not only concerned Claudia, but scared her as well. What if Clara finally realized that she was more harm than good.

The car eased to a stop; Clara announcng that they had arrived. Pushing open the car door, Claudia exited the vehical and looked toward the main enterence of The Roosevelt. As the valet pulled away with the car, there was a gap between herself, Clara and Johnny. Looking over at the two standing together, it definitely felt like she was once again, an outsider looking in. Like they had some 'bond' that she wasn't allowed to be apart of. Inhaling a sharp breath, Claudia started forward before her irrational jealousy kicked in. Passing Clara and Johnny, the doorman quickly opened the main door for her as she entered the hotel, heading straight for the concierge desk.

"Checking in."

Concierge: Name?

"Zacchara."

Concierge Of course. Your suite is all ready for you, Miss Zacchara.

As the man held up the keys Claudia snatched them away from his hand, startling him a bit.

[deadpan] "Thanks."

Turning around to see Clara and Johnny approaching the front desk, Claudia tossed Johnny the keys to their room.

"Here. I'm going to the bar. [semi sarcastically] Maybe a hot man will ply me with alcohol and take advantage of me."

Heading off in the direction of the bar [since it WAS very familiar to her ] Claudia turned in mid step, back walking.

"Or the other way around."

With a grin, she spun back around and disappeared into the bar. Nothing put Claudia's nerves at ease like some booze and sex.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Mike’s suggestion that they all have an Oprah moment right here and now. For two people who proclaimed to be such tough guys, he and Nicolas sure did create a lot of chick moments. Mike told them all what Barbas had been taunting him with…and Delilah admittedly felt bad when she heard that he was afraid of being killed by Karen – that he was a liability to the team and no one would care. She felt bad because she DID think he was a liability to the team – as hard as he worked, as much as he tried not to be. It wasn’t his fault, and she knew that. But he was a human – how could he hope to NOT be a liability. And now she had to say something. Aw, hell.

“Despite what you might think – all the people you see around here are generally good people. It takes a lot for them to actually wish someone dead. No matter what beefs we each might personally have with you – or Nicolas for that matter – no one wants to see you dead, Mike.”

She paused, and looked sideways at the others. Shit, now she was going to have to take her turn.

“Unlike the rest of you, Barbas hasn’t been taunting me with visions of my own. He’s been making me witness to the attacks on my friends, knowing that my greatest fear is not being able to protect them.”

Her eyes slid back to Mike.

“It is my job – in practice now like it was in name so long ago – to protect Morgan. It isn’t a question of like or dislike.”

Now she looked to Nicolas, retreated as he was.

“Yes, I think you wronged her. Yes, I think you’re dangerous to us all. And before you wax poetic about being misunderstood and doing everything for us when we give you nothing in return, think about this: how easy it has been for YOU Nicolas to forget the times that the people in this room stood in the gap for YOU. You shrug off all the battles we’ve stood by your side during, even the time of Set where it would have been perhaps the most prudent decision to KILL you – but we didn’t. You time and time again have decried us – that YOU alone would stand up for each of us while we would leave you to rot. Yet NEVER have we done that. Despite great personal risk to ourselves and those we care about.”

She stepped forward, closer to Nicolas in his self-imposed exile. She spoke solemnly, without malice, simply stating her facts.

“You would rather hold our past actions over our heads, and pretend to be better than all of us – someone as selfless as you claim to be, a true friend, would never do that. And after all, we have never used our powers on YOU.”

She turned away from him and looked back at the others.

“So, yes, I have a problem with Nicolas. And I think Mike is a liability and personally he can go to hell most of the time. But I have risked my life for them time and again and I am DONE apologizing to them because I am protecting the only people I have left in the world, my family.”

She turned her head back to glance at Nicolas.

“I won’t lose them because of your stupid pride.”

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened, REALLY listened to Morgan as she spoke and finally looked at him. Then Delilah chirped in. God, could she just SHUT UP ONCE?! Nicolas fixed his gaze back at her, betraying no emotion at all.

Think what you like about me, Delilah. I deserve it all and you are certainly entitled. But what is your deal with Mike? This is not the first time you were so insulting, so condescending, and yet the facts don't really back you up. Mike saved YOUR ass when we went to get Alison and Ava RIGHT after you said the same crap to his face...in battle, Mike has saved much of the team one time or another. I give that credit for a man that inherited our enemies by stepping up to protect Ma when she was attacked, sacrificed friends and co-workers when Illustra was attacked and is here because he would not walk away from friendship and love. That you do not give him credit is BENEATH you.

Nicolas turned to Morgan, taking a step towards her.

I know...I KNEW that you did not trust men. And I never wanted to hurt you...only wanted to love you. Even when I saw your mind, saw what you were capable of, I did not waver at a glance at the darkness inside...It would never have been you that day instead of Haleigh, not here in this timeline. When Set revealed all of your thoughts...I can look back and understand your fear NOW, but THEN? I was reeling from the revelation myself, half-dead from the rune, and all I wanted was YOU by my side. But you regretted loving me, regretted sharing my bed or my life. It was the most painful thing I had ever felt, before or since. But one person

<glances at Haleigh momentarily>

didn't see me that way, she still cared, she still wondered if I would be OK and...I was not strong enough to resist, in the end I didn't WANT to. And for that and everything else...the blowing up the other day, the mean words to you, I am sorry, Morgan.

I can tell you to trust me again, I can hope that you do...but in the end, what can I say? Or DO?! That is the fear that Barbas has plagued me with, that just the fact of my existence and who I am, what I can do, what I will be able to do as my powers mature even further will keep me from you, from all of you. But I am hopeful. Someone...unexpected spoke to me about FAMILY and responsibility, and all I can do right NOW is the best that I can and hope. So that is what I will do. Many of us in this room had alternates that did terrible things. All I can say is that HE is not ME any more than YOU are Darkchilde. I resisted Set, helped defeat him and I will do whatever it takes to put this monster back as well. And hope.

 

[Harbinger]

in sharon's apartment

:: Alison stood up for a moment...walking to the window, listening to the others but still in her own world. she caught sight of her refracted image in the window as the rain hit the window pane...she could see the white streak that she now had...and she FELT the change in herself.::

:: from beyond her own image...she could see in the courtyard a tall, lanky figure...but he was cloaked in shadow. even the flashes of lightning did little to reveal his form. But Alison didnt say anything to anyone. it was probably meant only for HER to see anyway.::

:: Mike spoke, as Alison wrapped her arms around her waist and sighed. Morgan addressed her fear of being harmed by a man...by NICOLAS and then Delilah spoke, followed by Nicolas. their fears were distinct but yet they were all connected! just like Verna implied....don't be AFRAID to love one another. In order to get there...they had to go through THIS. ::

Mike, its easy to be annoyed by you. even DESPISE YOU. You have a tendency to be NEEDLESSLY critical and short sighted in your assesments of US. Don't forget....Morgan, Haleigh and myself are the ONLY original members of this team LEFT. The TRUST is there...even if we bicker more often than not.


Delilah didn't join us until after the Inferno but she and Morgan have been best friends since childhood and they both served on Valiant. I met Delilah shortly after after Blaze's "death" while they served on Valiant. If this team had NOT been formed by destiny...Morgan, Delilah and myself would still be in each other's lives...as SISTERS.

Delilah is a woman of honor...and she has ALWAYS tried to remain fair and balanced, but her loyalty lies with Morgan. You can't fault her for that.

We KNOW each other. We TRUST each other...and even when we might be AT ODDS with each other...we know each will STILL cover the other's BACK. Haleigh, for all her faults...has been a BACKBONE for this team even when I could NOT be .

You and Nicolas don't understand what WE have been through and TOO OFTEN you judge you make sweeping accusations! It's not fair!

:: she turns around and looks at everyone.::

The FAMILY has changed...but I know better than MOST than EVERYTHING happens for a reason. Are we perfect? of course not...could MOST of us do better...YES but we're HUMAN...even the Olympians were flawed. Nicolas...you're on a differnt course now thanks to Dominique. You LISTENED to her and you're trying your best...but you still find it necessary to try to CHECK Delilah at every turn. Mike...you're as valuable to us as Alycia...you're not a tool, you're part of the family...but you make it hard to even LIKE you sometimes.

Being a precog makes some people think I should have all the answers and ALWAYS make the right choice...But for all my power as a precog...it doesnt protect me from my own ....fear.

The fear of falling off the tightrope that i walk as i TRY to balance my role as the Harbinger as well as being there to protect my sisters and my family. I've FAILED Cameron TIME and AGAIN...despite being a precog and to this day...it UPSETS ME! HOW Could ERIKA and MALICE BOTH have gotten to him without me KNOWING! Even NOW i am haunted by him in my nightmares...and now i know....its because he's ALIVE and he's TRAPPED on the astral plane by BARBAS! once again...i have been POWERLESS to save him... my fear...is that despite all that i have sacrificed to become...it is still NOT ENOUGH for me to protect those that i love most!

and so...when Nicols was about to manifest who he ACTUALLY was...i allowed my own hatred of him, combined with my FEAR of what was coming...allow me select KILLING HIM as the best course of action. Truth be told, it probably WAS the fastest and safest course to take...and in the original days of the Six...i would have thought nothing of it!

:: Morgan, Haleigh and Delilah would know that for sure. Nicolas and Mike had NO IDEA how THANKFULL the should be for knowing the Alison POST Inferno rather than PRE.::

But there comes the root of it all...have i gone soft? have i allowed..."humanity" to cloud my ability to be an effective precog? can i DO both? everytime I TRY...someone is lost...and Cameron has suffered the MOST. HOW can i protect him?

 

[Arsenal]

Mike listened as Alison spoke about her fears, about the team dynamic and its genesis. he tried to make her see the problem.

I get that, Alison, but you simply do not see that the dynamic you have set is in itself unfair to anyone new. Nicolas and me risk our lives right along with you, and no matter how long we are here, we will not have that seniority that you four will. At some point you gotta accept and trust us if we are to be this FAMILY we speak of. It is simply not enough to ask for full participation and then justify limited acceptance. My assessments may be at times hypercritical and shortsighted, but I never take the time to DESPISE you. I realize that we all do not have to agree to be agreeable. Too often a disagreement with one of you means a quarrel with all of you, and for that reason I have felt sorry for Nic at times when he was with Morgan. He was dating ONE woman, and had to make nice with everyone in order to keep peace with her. That was both unrealistic and unfair, and while I understand that you stick together, it is a times a closed fist, letting nothing out OR in. That is why Barbas has such a foothold. You guys have gladly accepted our help, but I fear you have yet to accept US. Warts and all. The way you do each other. We are far from perfect. But you have taken just as little time to understand us as we have you, and that responsibility must be shared.

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose -- Apt 3

Nicolas: "Fair idea, but Barbas has nearly killed me every night since this began and he almost had my own team do it for him tonight. At least there, he has to do it HIMSELF, and I had a chance. But as long as we are here, and he can simply pretend to be me...LOOK like me somewhat and I am a walking target. The time for that shit is over. If Ms. Eckert wished to come to us, there are few on the planet better able to receive her than we are. I think we need to make a move for once instead of hoping that we can make it through the night."

Haleigh smiled, as if amused, and gave a small nod.

"Yeah, alright. Point taken."

Mike shared his fears and Haleigh could tell it wasn't easy for him… but Haleigh didn't really feel sorry for him… it could happen to ANY of them, really… it was unfortunate that it was possible… but Haleigh was a REALIST and she accepted the danger that she KNEW was there. No one understood better than her what it was like to be killed or betrayed by your own teammate or allies, after all, she'd been killed by Morgan and a LONG list of others had attempted, including two people who were still right here [Alison and Sharon].

Alison admitted to the tactic Barbas took with her, including the revelation that Cameron was still alive… and Haleigh's eyes were drawn to the floor. There was a long, loaded history between her and Cameron and it was known by ALL who witnessed it to be a veritable rollercoaster of a relationship. She tried not to think about it too much… she was relieved that the conversation moved on, that she didn't have to face the fact that he'd been alive all this time and she'd failed to find him… or entertain the idea that he was in trouble now and she wasn't keeping up her end of their bargain: that she COULDN'T.

And then Karen had her say… and Morgan shared, and Delilah shared, and it was all understandable…. And they all discussed it and it was lovely. Alison mentioned the ease with which she'd decided to Kill Nic during the Set situation, and remarked that if it had been the OLD days… she would have without a second thought. Haleigh chuckled… and wore a thoroughly amused, nostalgic smile as she glanced at Alison.

"Remember when you tried to kill Cameron and me in the Citadel? [softening smile, her gaze distant] Seems like a lifetime ago. Sometimes I forget how far we've really come."

Blaze had shared before so the only person left was Haleigh. She could sense the weight of their expectation closing in on her, and she looked round at them, as if contemplating how to say it.

"I know…. This may not be what anyone wants to hear… but we could stand around… and reassure each other… until we were blue in the face. But the truth is… not a single one of us has a fear… that is unfounded… or UNPRECEDENTED, for that matter. I mean Delilah… says we're all good people… and maybe that's true… but we are ALL capable of… well, ANYTHING really. Look, no one's disillusioned about ME, we all know I'm an opportunist… MOST of the time… I do what works out best for me…. But really, given the right circumstances, ANY of us would do WHATEVER it took, if we thought it ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY… AT THE TIME. The craziest thing about THAT… is that it's all RELATIVE. Situational, and dependant on alliances and personal judgment. Whatever we THINK is 'right', and it's NEVER simple. And even sanctioning THAT, for the greater good…. There is the completely PLAUSIBLE possibility that any one of us could just SNAP and go completely insane, at which point logic would cease to apply, and the WORST part of that is that it's ENTIRELY understandable. We are ALL under EXTREME stress, physically, mentally, psychologically, emotionally. It's a WONDER that we all actually DO keep our heads, most of the time."

She paused…. Letting that sink in, taking a deep breath and continuing on:

"So yeah, I'd love tell each of you in turn that you don't have anything to worry about…. But why bullshit? It may be more BENEFICIAL to all of us if we FACE our fears. Once we ACKNOWLEDGE… that it's JUST as likely to HAPPEN as it isn't, then maybe we can ACCEPT what we can't change and vow to deal with it if it DOES happen, and try not to dwell on it otherwise. At THIS point… we either trust each other… or we don't. No amount of talking is going to change that. [directed at everyone] Maybe you should stop… and ask yourself if you really TRUST all of the others, in the HEAT of battle, against Barbas? Do you BELIEVE that RIGHT NOW… we'd have each other's backs? It's time to put the PERSONAL shit aside… we're usually pretty good at that. All the grudges and the infighting and the bickering is meaningless, our very LIVES are on the line and HELL…. If we found a way to work with the SISTERHOOD against Set…. I'm certain we can find a way to work with EACH OTHER against BarbASS."

 

[Fusion]

Roosevelt Hotel

Claudia was a woman on a mission, striding into the hotel and getting their keys. Clara and Johnny slowly followed.

Johnny: "It's going to be alright, Clare."

It was the only thing he could think to say. Clara was still withdrawn, still immersed in her grim thoughts.

"Yes, of course."

She agreed absently, as Claudia came back over and tossed the keys to Johnny.

Claudia: "Here. I'm going to the bar. Maybe a hot man will ply me with alcohol and take advantage of me."

Clara came back to her senses for a moment, paying her sister some attention again.

"Take advantage of YOU?"

Claudia: "Or the other way around."

Clara smile softly, the humor a small comfort to her, before sinking back into the abyss of contemplation. Johnny lead her to the elevator and they rode it in silence to their floor. Letting themselves into the suite Johnny turned on the lights and glanced at Clara, about to prompt her to say something, ANYTHING when she finally spoke.

"I think I'll…. Take a bath. Try to relax."

Johnny: "Just don't relax TOO much."

"Hmm?"

Johnny: "Well, you wouldn't want to fall asleep."

"Oh, right."

She locked herself in the bathroom, sitting on the edge of the tub and running the water. She catches sight of herself in the mirror and stares, looking herself in the eye, commanding herself to pull together and be stronger than this… but the façade was breaking, there was no one here to fool, and no reason left to maintain her composure. She gave in to the tears, the fear and the pain and the heartache she almost had to suffer, not just this time but before, when her sister almost bled to death and before that, when they almost ALL fell victim to that vortex.

 

[Harbinger]

apt. 3

Mike listened as Alison spoke about her fears, about the team dynamic and its genesis. he tried to make her see the problem.

I get that, Alison, but you simply do not see that the dynamic you have set is in itself unfair to anyone new. Nicolas and me risk our lives right along with you, and no matter how long we are here, we will not have that seniority that you four will. At some point you gotta accept and trust us if we are to be this FAMILY we speak of. It is simply not enough to ask for full participation and then justify limited acceptance. My assessments may be at times hypercritical and shortsighted, but I never take the time to DESPISE you. I realize that we all do not have to agree to be agreeable. Too often a disagreement with one of you means a quarrel with all of you, and for that reason I have felt sorry for Nic at times when he was with Morgan. He was dating ONE woman, and had to make nice with everyone in order to keep peace with her. That was both unrealistic and unfair, and while I understand that you stick together, it is a times a closed fist, letting nothing out OR in. That is why Barbas has such a foothold. You guys have gladly accepted our help, but I fear you have yet to accept US. Warts and all. The way you do each other. We are far from perfect. But you have taken just as little time to understand us as we have you, and that responsibility must be shared.

:: turning on her high heel, she leaned against the wall as Mike spoke. Some of it she'd heard before...but tonight of all nights, having been worn down so by barbas, maybe she was more willing to LISTEN to some more of it?::

Is it unfair for Morgan's sisters to want what's best for her? We were here FIRST, Michael and we are STILL HERE in the AFTERMATH of SET, when HE is NOT!

:: looking at Haleigh for a moment.::

I can't tell you that we will STOP shadowing Morgan because we WONT. But if you just understand that THAT is how it is...you and Nicolas will find that we extend the same family spirit towards you. We already HAVE. We did not abandon you when the Sentinels came for us.

Like ANY new arrival...it takes TIME to settle in. Haleigh did not have an easy time learning us...nor we her. it was a YEAR...at least and it wasnt until our NERVOUS caper and MASTER MOLD that it all seemed to "CLICK" through and through for her and us!

Do i like the things you say? most of the time NO. But I TRUST you Michael. I respect your courage and I do EVERYTHING I could to protect you just as I would Morgan or anyone else in this room. I may not have the same EMOTIONAL bond with you that I have with Morgan, Delilah, Sharon or Haleigh...but you can't blame me or ANY of us for that. Sharon and Haleigh arent what anyone would consider "FRIENDS"...but they have each other's backs. and Blaze...FIREBIRD...she came perhaps when we needed the heart and FIRE the most. She's a survivor too. She may not be OUR Blaze...but Morgan welcomed her as her sister...and that's good enough for ME.

ALLOW US to be who we are...just as will try to allow YOU and Nicolas...and in due time...it will all work out.

I only wish i could be as sure to MYSELF about Cameron

:: Haleigh spoke::

"Remember when you tried to kill Cameron and me in the Citadel? [softening smile, her gaze distant] Seems like a lifetime ago. Sometimes I forget how far we've really come."

:: Alison looked a bit bemused. remembering in full detail as Haleigh continued on.::

She's right...we may not be the BEST family on the surface, but we're together for a reason. and in times past, no matter what the roster...we were always able to put aside our personal drama to deal with the task at hand...even if it meant one risking his/her life to save another.

I trust Haleigh...i trust everyone in this room. even Nicolas! especially Nicolas, because I know...i SEE that he's on the right path perhaps now for the FIRST TIME and that he will give his all.

and from that trust...comes much needed RELIEF from the FEAR that has gripped me for DAYS now.

 

[Spellbinder]

Melrose Place -#3

<< Morgan glared at Nicolas as he took a cautious step forward.>>

that's close enough!

<< she thought as she eyed him closely. He swore he never meant to hurt her...LIAR! Her heart churned with BITTERNESS as she listened to him. But then...>>

When Set revealed all of your thoughts...I can look back and understand your fear NOW, but THEN? I was reeling from the revelation myself, half-dead from the rune, and all I wanted was YOU by my side. But you regretted loving me, regretted sharing my bed or my life. It was the most painful thing I had ever felt, before or since. But one person

<glances at Haleigh momentarily>

didn't see me that way, she still cared, she still wondered if I would be OK and...I was not strong enough to resist, in the end I didn't WANT to. And for that and everything else...the blowing up the other day, the mean words to you, I am sorry, Morgan.

...

<< It was very revealing...very TENDER and it...it TUGGED at Morgan's icy heart. Mike and Alison spoke, then Haleigh. Allowing Morgan a moment to think on what she'd heard. all of it. He seemed to understand that things had been changed...DAMAGED, possibly beyond repair. But he would do what he could for the team just the same. As for the matter of the heart? Morgan couldnt answer RIGHT NOW, but as for his duty to the TEAM, She believed that he would be better now...more like he was BEFORE Set and the aftermath. She may not like him now...but she KNEW he'd do whatever he could to protect her mother...ANY of them. and after a few moments, she felt that she would do the same for HIM. He was the one, after all, that risked his life to save Karen from Malice in the Citadle without even knowing her! Morgan would never forget that. NOR would she forget that one time she allowed him inside her mind...and how kind, how gentle and understanding he was. >>

<< she couldnt answer him on the PERSONAL things, but for the team, as Haleigh and Alison spoke, Morgan slowly nodded.>>

I believe you...Nicolas...and i trust you...all of you. We're in this together!

<< she took Delilah's hand into her own and squeezed it.>>

and thank YOU, Delilah...for being here with me...with US inspite of all that's happened [a subtle reference to Bishop and the fall out of that]

 

[MorningStar]

She crouched down on her haunches, putting a head to her forehead in exasperation. Once again Nicolas decided to pick at her, to refuse to listen to the words she was saying in favor of plucking one thing and twisting it to his own uses.

She looked up at Nicolas.

Why would I ever accept you when you take every opportunity to rip me apart?

She closed her eyes. Fine, she had played the game, but now it was time to focus on what and who mattered.

She stood up, as Morgan moved to her and squeezed her hand. She looked down at the ground, nodding slightly, her thoughts still half on other things. She needed focus, and the easiest and most identifiable way to get that was…

“What do we do to find Cameron?”

 

[Rampage]

Why would I ever accept you when you take every opportunity to rip me apart?

Nicolas closed his eyes momentarily as he just waited for a moment to get to the next part. Then he answered her.

Because YOU were supposed to be better than me, better than all of us. I looked up to you. But after seeing your alternate hold mine in a fate WORSE than death, and seeing your lack of disgust at her, I cannot look at you the same way now.

As the question of how to find Cameron surfaced, Nicolas spoke up.

If Cameron is out there alive, I believe I can find him. In our brief time our powers were at rapport with one another, but I believed him gone by choice or deceased, so I made no real attempts to trace him. For that I apologize. But with Alison's help, I will go get him, wherever on the astral plane he is. I simply need you to be my anchor so I can pull him back.

He produced a syringe, similar to the other night. He gave it to Sharon.

Sharon? You are strong enough to inject me if needed. Sulfuric/Nitric mixture, just like before. When you are ready Alison, I will go get him back, no matter what.