History Lesson

[Spellbinder]

<< Morgan's icy violet eyes were firmly fixed on Nicolas and she felt her body pushing even FURTHER back into the seat as Nicolas squated down to meet her at eye level. She didnt WANT to react this way, but he was...a MAN! He was physically STRONGER than even HER. She wanted to give in to the irrational fears of him attacking her, hurting her and HER somehow not being able to stop him! but she FOUGHT to keep herself in check and NOT give into that irrational thinking process.>>

<< the man was VERY genuine and he meant well. but sometimes it was almost TOO MUCH. The other women of the Six had said that before but in Morgan's case...there was a relief that someone that looked like HIM..and had the resources HE did would be thoughtfull enough to know the value of gentility.>>


<< she looked down for a moment, closing her eyes in a slow blink. his honestly was refreshing and despite his close proximity to her, she no longer felt fear or repulsion.>>

<< he wanted her to OPEN UP to him!? her Psi Screen was one of her most basic and yet more VITAL defenses. it kept telepaths and other psychics OUT and made it next to IMPOSSIBLE for her to be possessed or faced into servitude against her will. To let HIM in?? Morgan's eyes widened at his mentioning of this. >>

Nicolas...my psi screen...its my ultimate protection. It has kept me safe from people like Malice and all those who would have seen my mind destroyed in their service.

<< she looked away for a moment and dwelled on it. Ororo had trusted HER when she took her under her wing in Limbo and what about she and Haleigh? THEY had formed a bond of trust between themselves and t hat was one of the most unlikely things to come out of the Six to date.>>

<< she looked back at nicolas and slowly exhaled.>>

My mother and Ororo have always taught me the value of trust....If i could dare to trust Haleigh, then I suppose i can do the same with you. After everything that's happened....

<< she shook her head. her mind was weary and she didnt want to go over it again.>>

I'll allow you past my psi screen but do NOT betray this act of trust Nicolas...

<< she breathed out again, as she straightened up in her seat and gave her hands to Nicolas. in a few moments, he would be able to reach into her guarded psyche.>>

 

[Seer]

inside of Morgan's psyche

<< Rampage would find the world around her spinning and sparkling as one reality gave way to another. the barriers of Morgan's psi screen opened at her command and he was now able to enter her mind. it was a dreamy , "crystaline" expanse....cold and serenly silent with echoes of memories that floated all around like sparkling eldritch orbs containing the general image of the memories.>>

<< chimes could be heard in the air as Morgan's own voice was all around Nicolas.>>

Spellbinder: i no longer have to use words.

<< her voice flowed in the sparkling winds around him as he would move forward, until finally, to HIS surprise he would be caught up in a malestrom of wind...orbs circling his astral form and carrying him off into HER memories, her feelings, and the sensations that came with those memories.>>


<< he would see: Christopher Victory, her FATHER and the hatred that she felt for him. a montage of him terrorizing her and and Karen before they joined forces to banish him from their lives.

men cannot be trusted


<< Morgan and Blaze when they were younger, both members of the london based team Valiant. Morgan was beautifull and BRUTAL. she was far more vicious than s he is now. The men on her team often called her a bitch but she knew more than a few of them WANTED her. Nicolas would see flashes of the fatal battle with the other dimensional creature BLACK...he would feel her anguish, her screams as she lay badly hurt while he seemingly KILLED Blaze!>>

men cannot be trusted



<<Morgan's first meeting with Alexis Quatermaine, Haleigh Davidoff, Cameron King and the night she found out Blaze was alive. He would experience her memories of the NIGHTMARES as she joined Alison and the others in a desperate attempt to rescue blaze from the abuse of Christopher Victory and Mystech and save the city from certain destruction. the formation of The Six>>

CHRISTOPHER VICTORY!! MEN CANNOT BE TRUSTED!


<< the bitter hatred for cameron and haleigh...it was so powerfull it would make Nicolas sick! her LOSS OF CONTROL as she succumbed to the darkness in her soul as she MURDERED Haleigh and catalyzed the INFERNO! it was like an INSANE roller coaster ride of fury and chaos...Nicolas would have to STRUGGLE to maintain himself as he saw through her eyes the HORRORS that she rained down on NYC. Her battle with the members of the Six, Karen and Ororo as they attempted to STOP her from murdering Cameron! the moment when SHE struck down BLAZE with the soul sword, seemingly killing her AGAIN!>>

CAMERON KING!! MEN CANNOT BE TRUSTED

<< Delilah Trelevan returning to Illustra and joining the team, the HAPPINESS that Morgan felt. images of Helena Quartermain, Alexis' evil aunt, the Red Queen of Mystech. Sharon Kelly, Alycia Barnett, Erika King.>>

<< the caper at NERVOUS, when the Six FINALLY functioned as a team. The SUPER SOLDIER...Morgan and Alison FIGHTING HIM with all their power and Alison being IMPALED as Morgan was hit so hard, her jaw was shattered and she lay half dead on the floor.>>

<< the constant feeling of violation at the hands of men>>

<< A new found friendship with HALEIGH, the sense of relief and accompishment. MASTER MOLD! Alycia and Sharon! Morgan rushes to save them and is struck down by Master Mold..HELPLESS as Sharon Kelly DIES. the feeling of determination rises up as she SACRIFICES HERSELF to save her team, alycia and the city by pushing Master Mold through the seige perilous and perishing WITH Master Mold...DESPITE Haleigh's valiant efforts to save her!>>

<< there is nothing but BLACKNESS all around, EMPTYNESS as she floats in a place OUTSIDE of time, OUTSIDE of LIMBO even. she is barely aware of herself until a twist of time and space (with help from Darkchilde and Persephone) allows her to COME BACK to her friends her FAMILY with some new faces...including Nicolas. it was during this time that she was child like and disoriented.>>

<< many of the images and memories and thoughts he would see after this point were familiar to Nicolas as he was apart of most of them. but he would ALSO see the well hidden "tenderness" that Morgan had for him. her WANT to trust him, and to maybe even LOVE HIM. but even as he caught a glimpse of that...a gust of wind would sweep him away from that.>>

<< there were images, memories and feelings for Karen and Ororo. Nicolas could feel warmth, comfort and joy when he experienced moments from Morgan's childhood with her mother and with Ororo.>>

<< images and ideas from her thoughts and dreams, both those of a lighter OR darker nature could be seen. Morgan had a vengefull mind and heart and she could NOT tolerate abuse or betrayal from a man. one t hing was clear to Nicolas now....thanks to men like Christopher Victory, Adam Chandler (Alexis' father), Cameron King, BLACK, the super soldier and more...her hatred and distrust of men was almost PRIMAL but there was HOPE....a glimmer of feeling that she had for HIM whenever he saw images of HIMSELF in her mind.>>


<< but there was ALSO a sense of weariness and pain images of CIRCE came swirling into view and EVERYTHING changed. it became a dark, churning, stormy place with screams of protest and PAIN. the images of Circe seemed so warped and demonic and jagged bolts of lightning struck out at them...a sign of morgan's desier to see her dead. Nicolas could feel Morgan reflexively wanting to push him OUT now...Circe had HURT her...the next best thing to RAPING her and what was ironic was that SHE WAS A WOMAN.>>

<< Nicolas could see that this pain was poised to over take Morgan and cause her to CHANGE again...as Haleigh had said earlier....they might very well have another "Inferno" on their hands.>>

 

[Rampage]

Morgan's Psyche

Nicolas saw that she was a bit intimidated by his proximity, but he vowed that he needed to make this stand. He was gratified as she relented, agreeing to allow him to enter her mind! Morgan's warning duly noted,Nicolas closed his eyes as he held her outstretched hands, willing himself inside the psi-screen she had so carefully tended yet laid open for him at this point. It was mentally like opening a vault and walking inside an unknown expanse.

He could see that her mind was compartmentalized to a degree, much more ordered than he expected. In small orbs memories were contained, many of them pleasant enough. There had to be more to this yet Morgan's mind seemed serene enough at first glance. Morgan spoke to him one last time, her voice omnidirectional in this realm. He moved with her voice as winds began to pick up, suddenly carrying him along, much more chaotic than he had anticipated given the quiet beginning.

No wonder Morgan is so unpredictable at times. It is almost like she has an angry mind wandering inside this serene one. If I am not careful, this could be a real problem.

Nicolas relaxed as the maelstorm carried him along, paying close attention to the lessons learned from the images. He recoiled at the terrible relationship she had with her father. The anger, pain, and hatred were enough to infect a weaker psyche, but he stayed centered, determined to bear witness to what had happened so that he could assist. He felt bile in his throat as he watched the later scenes. The depravity of the men around her, and the growing hatred that ate at her, the distrust of men that echoed as the bassline to this chaotic opera.

"Men Cannot Be Trusted....Men Cannot Be Trusted... Men Cannot Be Trusted"

At the center of the storm was the Darkchilde, not simply a power set or a persona to be utilized by Morgan, but a defense. A way to become stronger than ANY man, to stop the pain of violation that she felt at the hands of men. To stop the ogling eyes, the nasty words, the pain of deceit and betrayal and assault. The danger was Darkchilde as a part of her threatened to BE her, to consume the rest of Morgan and upset the balance in her mind, in her soul. In that situation, she threatened to be both nearly unstoppable...and utterly unredeemable.

Next was the imagery he had seen from the Master Mold Caper, from the death of Senator Kelly. She had sacrificed herself for everyone, determined that no one else would die at his hand.

After that, he saw as she came back to the team, a team that included him. Strangely, for no real reason, she felt ...differently about him than other men she had known.

In fact, he could not find a valued male. Not ONE. Not a boyfriend, lover, acquaintance, save for one. HIMSELF. Morgan's life was an example of a woman experiencing the WORST that the opposite sex had to offer.

In fact, even at the latest affront from Circe, she experienced it in a way that her past experience helped exacerbate. The pain of it was not unlike a rape, not unlike what she was sure many men around her wanted to do to her on a daily basis. Her lack of balance at the center of her psyche was causing this latest attack to cascade, snowballing into what could be an all-out surrender to the Darkchilde, despite her calm demeanor at the moment Nicolas had to act, and fast!!!

Morgan, at this point, was trying to eject him, resisting his presence in her realm. As the winds pushed him towards the door, the telepath reached out with both hands. A chain flew from each hand out into the maelstorm of distrust. With each chain, he had a memory attached that he had plucked from his own psyche. On his right hand, he sent an orb to match the others. This orb contained the meeting with Ororo and the battle with Malice for Karen Victoria. She would know the pain and suffering he endured for someone who he did not know, the desperation he felt as he battled to save her. With this orb he sent out a chant of his own, to go with the one already playing.

"Some men CAN be trusted. By their deeds you will know them...Some men CAN be trusted. By their deeds you will know them."


With his left hand, he sent out a different orb. This one contained fleeting memories that her subconscious had ignored. It had a picture of Big Mike, who was as tough as they come except with her, and who did his job well, but clearly was as good as gold. It also had various security officers in the building, men who treated her with respect at all times, and courtesy and courage that was beyond their job description in many cases. Had she forgotten that many male security personnel died trying to defend them when Illustra was attacked by Dire Wraiths? Or that men fought alongside them valiantly against the horrors of Circe, even when comrades around them perished? She had not. They simply had no basis to grow in her mind the idea that men COULD be good. Nicolas was not here to subjugate what she had been taught; his purpose at this time was to anchor her psyche and plant a seed in her mind that would help to keep the distrust she felt from becoming full psychic decay, to bring her more balance. To this end, he connected all the positive memories she had of men together, in order to anchor her center from the maelstorm, and he gave her one last orb that bobbed lazily through the winds that buffeted him and sat at the the middle of this expanse next to the hope she had been nurturing in her heart.

In this orb was a paradise scene. Morgan was walking on a beach on a private island, unclothed and uncaring. Next to her was Nicolas, tall and strong, maybe even a bit bigger than he was now. He was equally unclad and walked beside her holding her hand as they watched the sun set on the horizon. There was no Christopher Victory, no Cameron King, no Master Mold, no Super Soldier, No Valiant. Just them, laughing and enjoying one another. It was so pure, so beautiful, so perfect.

Next to the glimmer of hope Nicolas found in Morgan's psyche, Nicolas had laid hopes of his own. He blew a kiss that fluttered like a butterfly in this landscape, turned and exited.

Nicolas breathed in heavily as he left Morgan's mind. He stood still, waiting to see how much help he had been, looking into her eyes for acknowledgement of what had occurred.

 

[Persephone]

:: Hecate's voice rang strong and authoritatively as she asked the six to leave her chambers. Not a moment too soon in Persephone's eyes, her serotonin levels were sky rocketing at the moment, and she was at her wits end with everything and everyone. Rubbing her fingers along the bridge of her nose, Hecate commanding Nicolas to stop caught the goddess attention. Looking up, Hecate began to survey and rub her hands all over Nicolas. Rolling her eyes casually, leave it to Hecate to cop a feel in the middle of a crisis. Normally Persephone would find it humorous, but right now, she really had no feelings about anything. ::

:: Moving past Hecate's four post king sized bed, Nicolas finally exited the room just as she made her way to the large windows overlooking a beautiful waterfall of lava. Persephone used to come here all the time back in her time line. It was her home for centuries. A place she still, to this day, 'reigns' over. But since becoming apart of the six, she had yet to visit. Perhaps if they survived this mission, she'd make a more conscious effort to do so. ::

:: Hearing Hecate bellow her name and approach her, Persephone turned to her old friend. Immediately her hands were taken in a comforting act. Hecate knew something was wrong. Looking at her with weary eyes, Persephone sighed out softly and sat down on the hand crafted chase that was placed near the window. Hecate's questioned what was wrong and what was going on. With her hands still holding onto her friends, she looked to Hecate ready to give her the FULL version of what was happening. ::

"Circe is to blame for all of this. You would be proud of her; she became everything you expected her to become and more. Her powers are great, but she became greedy. She kidnaped Pandora from a very dear friend of mine who was looking after her. Pandora is being held on Circe's island in my time line as we speak. Circe wants to take Pandora's box and open it, allowing the world to basically implode so she can reign over what’s left."

:: Pausing for a moment, Persephone inhaled a deep breath preparing to start from the very beginning. She needed to give Hecate every ounce of information. ::

"I was called to Greece for business. While there, I was attacked by a bestamorph. My dear friend that I was telling you about, Barbara Minvera, helped me out and took me back to her estate to explain what was happening. That's when she told me about Pandora and Circe, and how she was holding the box for safe keeping. At that time, the six had traveled from our home base in New York City, to Athens because they knew something was going on. But, what I didn't realize was all of Athens was being effected by the Red Moon, via Circe. Once leaving Barbara's estate, the six were already drunk off the moon's effects by the time I met up with them. And Circe's bestamorphs were already in the process of attacking Barbara to get to the box. By the time we arrived to help Barbara, her men were already being slaughtered, and she was severely hurt. The six retreated back into Barbara's estate while I continued to fight Circe, giving them time to get to the lower level panic room. Finally, I retreated to the estate as well...."

:: Pausing, Persephone looked away from Hecate and retracted her hands from her friend. ::

"Circe began to destroy Barbara's estate....through Morgan. She was using her body as a conductor for Circe's powers. That's why she's so shaken right now......During my meeting with Barbara, she had given me a medallion that would 'help me when the time was right'. Well, the medallion transported the six from the estate before it was incinerated, and we arrived here, in this time line."

:: Stopping completely, Persephone's eyes were blankly staring at the floor. It was clear that she was upset about something, even though her face didn't express it. ::

"Barbara wasn't with us. I can only assume she died in the explosion.....She was a good woman. A good friend. You would of liked her. She was strong and independent. Always prepared and never one to underestimate. She was my last link to my old life...."

:: Her last statement would confuse Hecate considering she didn't know about Persephone crossing time lines, but it was mainly said out of disbelief on the goddesses part. To her self, but out loud. Finally 'snapping' out of it, Persephone looked to Hecate. ::

"That's when I needed to give the six roles, to stop from tarnishing this time line and our future. Nicolas a warrior, Alison a seer, and Morgan, Delilah, and Haleigh, servants. Needless to say, Morgan blew up at me, blaming me for being here and what had happened. That's when I sent her to your chambers to rest. But not before Haleigh took a turn playing the blame game with me as well. And to top it off, we had to go to Mount Olympus to continue with the time lines events."

:: Shaking her head, Persephone hated, HATED, that the six had to witness what happened on Mount Olympus. It was embarrassing and private. Like they were given front row seats to her past that she never wanted to relive. ::

"I'm a private person, you know that. I despise opening up to people, I can't stand feeling vulnerable or less than adequate in front of anyone. And for them to see Athena and Zeus treat me the way that they did......."

:: Keeping her eyes focused away from Hecate, they glazed over with tears of frustration and humiliation. ::

"I MADE a name for myself, Hecate. I did everything that I said I would do. I GAINED the respect that I deserved. I was FEARED and ADMIRED. I help build an EMPIRE (MOE) that taught people like us to harness and use their powers against people like THEM (Zeus and Athena)!"

:: Finally looking to Hecate with rage in her cobalt eyes, Persephone shook her head, letting out a laugh of disbelief. ::

"And now they (the six), of all people, saw me in my worst time. So it's a little overwhelming for me right now. I just need a moment to breathe freely."

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh sank back into a plush chair in the great Hall. It was all so much.... the different time.... the Gods.... her own sudden crisis of self. Alison tried her luck at rallying them. Haleigh massaged her temples and then her eyes, as she let out a deep sigh. Alison almost demanded that they pull themselves together.

"I know... I know." She said softly.... "I'm sorry... I know I've been difficult... I feel.... I don't know... what-- I mean, what if it comes down to it.... and our lives are on the line... and it turns out that without my technology.... I'm.... useless?? I've never felt so obsolete."

She admitted, burying her face in her hands. She wasn't one for sharing her -- shudder-- feelings.... but it just went to show how very distressed she was.

 

[Hecate]

Hecate's chambers

[ Hecate sat with Persephone and listened. Still holding her hands, she used her own magicks to channel the power of precognition, using it differently than Alison, she traveled on Persephone's words and let them paint the picture. in her mind's eye, she saw EVERYTHING that the six had endured prior to arriving and like Morgan and Alison, she FELT the violent riptide effect caused by the way Circe brutally used her magick!]

[ Hecate gasped as she saw what Circe had become....she had always known the woman craved power and prestige. she would have sold her soul for it...and evidently she DID because Circe was channeling HECATE'S ESSENCE from what she "saw". AGAIN she had been some how DUPED and BETRAYED. Circe took what was meant to be a mutually beneficial bond and perverted it to the point of destruction even for her own descendants. Hecate's face betrayed a look of ANGER as she leet go of Persephone's hands.]

She...used me...my power she BETRAYED ME and went on to endanger not only MY children, but the whole of the earth! my most prized desciple has prooven NO BETTER than those fools on Mt. Olympus!

[ Hecate's bitter tone was so SIMILAR to Morgan's]

And she has HURT Morgan! She has MUCH to answer for but We cannot act in haste, for those events have not occurred in this time ...indeed no one but US in this castle has knowledge of them.

[ she looked around for a moment as Persephone continued, Hecate listened as she told of Barbara Minerva and the RED MOON! Barbara was clearly an honorable woman, she would have done Athena and Artemis both proud from the sound of it and Hecate wondered if Barbara had in fact descended from the Amazons of Themyscria. But Barbara had not made it back with them through time and it was believed she was dead. Hecate immediately reached out again with her "seeing eye" to search for Barbara.]

I cannot determine that Barbara is DEAD..in fact, i can't see ANYTHING of her one way or the other.....

[ She looked at Persephone who was clearly upset.]

when this is over, we will see what can be done for your friend. If she were dead, surely her shade would have been noticed by Hades in this or ANY timeline.

[ it wasnt a guarantee that Barbara was ALIVE, but it was definately a beacon of HOPE.]

Persephone, you have endured MORE than even I could have imagined since you left here. You've lived many lives and no doubt have seen what Athena has long feared, that gods/goddesses will not MATTER in the future as the world continues to change. Though you are reviled and despised far and wide by your peers on Olympus, i see you for what you truly are. a woman with strength and courage and RESILIENCY...the capacity to grow and CHANGE.

[ Persephone agonized over returning here and that the Six got to see her at her worst moments in the presence of Athena and others.]

We all have our moments of prestige and moments of despair. you are no different.

You HASTENED this unpleasantness though. No amount of time travel cannot undo the damage you caused when you murdered Demeter. Not only did you spill the blood of a goddess, your MOTHER in the halls of Olympus, you destroyed the trinity of the moon, Persephone...which impacted Artemis and ME. That has left a serious and potentially damaging vaccumm.

[Hecate was Persephone's friend, a SISTER but THIS was serious and it was something they had to address.]

It is time we addressed this. Change is coming to Olympus...and I sense that both you and I are in for a world of unpleasantness.

[ Persephone could not escape the subject any longer. the subject of Demeter's murder and all that had come because of it. this wasnt just merely about spiting Athena or Zeus or prooving that she was as deadly as anyone else, she had caused problem for Hecate as well!]

 

[Harbinger]

back in the Great Room

Haleigh sank back into a plush chair in the great Hall. It was all so much.... the different time.... the Gods.... her own sudden crisis of self. Alison tried her luck at rallying them. Haleigh massaged her temples and then her eyes, as she let out a deep sigh. Alison almost demanded that they pull themselves together.

"I know... I know." She said softly.... "I'm sorry... I know I've been difficult... I feel.... I don't know... what-- I mean, what if it comes down to it.... and our lives are on the line... and it turns out that without my technology.... I'm.... useless?? I've never felt so obsolete."

She admitted, burying her face in her hands. She wasn't one for sharing her -- shudder-- feelings.... but it just went to show how very distressed she was.

Haleigh, :: Alison replied in an exasperated tone::

you're smarter and FAR more logical and creative than THIS.

you had powers LONG before you became a hybrid due to Chandler's experiments on you and exposure to the T.O. virus. You still have your super strength, your tactical savvy, your weapons that you have ON your person as well as a high level of endurance and speed. you are FAR from helpless.

You've been behaving TERRIBLY since you've arrived here and its been hard for ANYONE to empathize with you because you've made it an ART FORM to alienate everyone at a time when we need to pull together!

[ Alison weaved a small scrying pool showing fleeting, flashing images of chaos and strife with the six and the gods of olympus, there are looks of extreme anger and HORROR from both sides.]

Persephone's LIFE depends on this and as it stands...I do NOT see many of US surviving. Hecate will join OUR side but even SHE will be overwhelmed at a point. I for one do NOT want to die at the hands of such self absorbed beings and i dont think YOU would accept such an idea from ANY foe no matter what the odds.

 

[Persephone]

:: Although trying to be comforting, Hecates efforts fell short. But her friend was trying to help, which was what counted. Nodding her head, Persephone took her hand once again, squeezing it gently. ::

"Thank you, Hecate."

:: As her friend countinued to speak, Persephone knew no one was perfect, or could even reach perfection. But she still hated feeling anything less than what she knew she could be. The bar she set for herself was so high and she knew this. But regardless, Hecates words were true, as much as Persephone hated to admit it. Nodding her head, Hecate soon began to speak about Demeter, which immediately agitated Persephone. Pulling her hand away from Hecates, Persephone stood while shaking her head. ::

"She got exactly what she deserved."

:: The topic of Demeter was an extremely sore subject, and Hecate knew this. Hecate was the first person to find out that Persephone had done the unthinkable, and actually killed a goddess, let alone her own MOTHER. Turning to face Hecate, Persephone rolled her eyes shut knowing that by killing her, she destoryed something very important to Hecate and Artemis. ::

"I never wanted to destory the trinity of the moon; you know that. But Demeter needed to die in order for me to become who I am today. To gain the powers and strength that I have. I will not apologize for that. Not now, not ever."

:: It was a mystery as to why Persephone hated Demeter so much. Demeter was actually a very loving person and cherished Persephone dearly. But something made Persephone snap and become dark and lethal. This in turn lead Zeus to take drastic messures, in which he condemed Persephone to marry Hades and live in the Underworld. Not even Hecate knew her motives. ::

:: Huffing out, Persephone turned away from Hecate and crossed the room needing to expel some energy. ::

"Well i'm sure Olympus is going to be in an uproar. I'm supposed to kill Hades tomorrow."

:: Turning back around, Persephone gestured her hands out to her sides. ::

"That doesn't exactly sit well with the others, as you can imagine."

:: Persephone was unaware that what Hecate was talking about wasn't the uproar Hades' murder causes Olympus. But something more...Regardless, this would be news to Hecate. Most likely good news in her eyes. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

elsewhere in the castle

<< Morgan's body stiffened as Nicolas projected himself into her now opened mind. Her face contorted with uncertainty and discomfort. It wasnt that it was PAINFULL..not physically at least. But she felt like she was wading into a pool that was growing deeper and deeper before she could adjust.>>

<< she closed her eyes, and fought to keep herself from reactivating the psi screen and shutting him out. she groaned at moments...feeling shamed as he saw some of her most humiliating , terrifying moments at the hands of Christopher, Black, the RESENTMENT she felt as Cameron and Haleigh finally succeeded in pushingh er over the edge to ignite the INFERNO; the PAIN AND ANGUISH as she watched Alison being struck down before she herself was incapacitated by the Super Soldier.>>

<< her anguish as she tried and FAILED to save Sharon!! it was like being naked and overweight! she HATED him being inside her mind but the roller coaster had already taken off and she couldnt stop!>>

<< then, there was nothing...the comfort of oblivion after the seige perilous...and the feeling of seemingly being REBORN. MALICE had done her a favor when she shattered her astral form, as she jolted Morgan back to HERSELF and the rest...was RECENT history.>>

<< the pain and rage from Circe's abuse and Barbara's death raged in Morgan's core and it was cleaer that she could be LOST to the darkness again.>>

<< the cold and bitterness of her mind and soul combined as winds to try to force Nicolas away, but he did not bow before them. Instead he shared with morgan HIS memories of saving Karen's life from MALICE! he risked his life for a woman that he didnt even KNOW! He answered Ororo's call with unwavering courage and showed tremendous strength and honor! she FELT this and....she SMILED. The men who worked for her in Illustra, Barbara Minerva's soldiers...brave men, HONORABLE men!!>>

<< when it was all over, Morgan slowly opened her eyes...with a fleeting image of her WITH Nicoals. Just as Hecate had predicted. She felt a sense of comfort and TRUST toward him. He had not violated or reprogrammed her, he SHARED with her and SHOWED her that there WERE men in this world who could be trusted, that were HONORABLE. that would stand side by side with her...even if they had no powers. but above all else...there was a man in this world who cared for her and wasnt afraid to show it. >>


<< Morgan's icy violet eyes were slightly moist, as she slowly blinked and took Nicolas hand and placed it on her bosom, over her heart.>>


nicolas.....the feeling that i have, the things that i saw...they were from you. I had no idea that you had risked so much to save my mother. you answered Ororo's call...and fought to defend my mother from Malice...youve given of yourself freely even when it seemed you got NOTHING in return.

<< She smiled warmly.>>

thank you...

<< laying her head back.>>

I feel.....so much better now.

<< her voice was soft.>>

 

[Rampage]

Persephone's Palace, hallway

Nicolas smiled as he realized that he had managed to effect a repair of sorts to Morgan's psyche. he knew that he was walking a tightrope and he managed to reach the other side. As she spoke, pressing his hand to her chest, he abandoned his more prurient thoughts and simply enjoyed the relief that emanated from her.

She would never again be the same to him. Although magically protected, her mind was now known to him, he saw what and how she thought down to her core. As she lay back in relief, he slowly removed his hand from its resting place and caressed her cheek, leaning over as he did so. He whispered into her ear.

"All is not finished in your psyche, I think that we have much we can accomplish together to help you be who you truly are. I am available as you wish in that regard. For now, rest and allow your mind to reorient itself further. I will leave you with your thoughts."

With a kiss to the forehead and a strong hand patting her knee, the telepath stood tall and strong, turning to go back to the great room. He felt that he had finally taken a needed step forward on this team and personally.

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Morgan didnt mind Nicolas' close proximity as he leaned in and whispered in her ear. she enjoyed his scent actually as she breathed easily. as he kissed her on the forehead and moved away, she stopped him with her hand under his chin and leaned forward.>>

you've done enough, dear heart. the rest is my own to deal with...but in taking this risk, trusting you, and allowing you where no one else can go...you more than prooved yourself.

<< with that, she kissed him on the mouth.>>

I'll see you later. For now I need to be alone.

<< Nicolas would soon leave to return to the great room, and Morgan left alone, closing her eyes as she centered her thoughts and began to take in the current situation the team was facing. she would join the others soon enough...but NOT before she interacted with Hecate again.>>

 

[Hecate]

Hecate's Chambers

[ Hecate stood up abruptly, as a lower toned chime sounded off followed by a roll of thunder. SHE was now agitated.]

Is it ALL about YOU, Persephone?

[ her tone was sharp.]

I have NOTHING to offer in the way of an opinion on your relationship with Demeter but in your quest to gain POWER...you UPSET the balance of power elsewhere. did it ever occur to you that the CURRENT situation you face in the timeline that you now call home could be the result of YOUR murdering demeter and destroying the trinity of the moon?

[ she followed right after Persephone, not allowing her friend to make this an open and shut discussion.]

I have BACKED you, much to the IRE of the others [ gesturing "up" to indicate the gods on olympus]. It's not like any of THEM are above reproach EITHER but what you did not only weakened the solidarity of a group o f people whose lively hood depends (so they think) on the devotion and faith of mortals on earth...but it ALSO UPSET and VEXED the circle of MAGICK. You KILLED the "mother" which is the NECESSARY bridge between the "maiden" (artemis) and the "crone" ( hecate).

I can ALWAYS fight with those fools above. They mean little to me, but YOU...I expected more from. YOU need to fix this!

[ Persephone coldly announces that she's destined to kill yet ANOTHER god tomorrow. as if THAT is all that looms on the horizon]

were you not listening to your own harbinger...the one called ALISON? She already told us that in the presence of ATHENA but she ALSO mentioned a RED MOON, the DAWN of the red moon no less which means something will happen to me on Olympus that i will find unforgivable. Obviously these events have already occurred, they will occurr AGAIN..it is the way that time streams GO.
When i speak of "unpleasantness" I'm talking about something far more devastating than your murdering that barbaric PIG Hades.
[ Hecate seemed to not care at ALL that the man she once loved and SHOULD have been married to was soon to be murdered. She continued on focusing on the bigger picture. Athena would be proud.]

What care I for how the OTHERS feel about his death? I am concerned with the future and destiny of magick and witches....not to mention the fact that I am to be BETRAYED yet again...and this time by a WOMAN...a woman who claims to be my most faithfull and devoted desciple!

[ pausing for a moment. Hecate didnt want to go AT Persephone like this, but it was clear that Persephone was wallowing in self pity and self involvement. if she were to be perceived as "strong" and "powerfull" as she wanted to be seen by others after murdering Demeter...she would have to OWN IT.]

Listen to me. We have the chance to do something TOGETHER...something that is BIGGER than anything those idiots up above would imagine, save perhaps Athena, who is no doubt plotting your death as we speak. Your friends are here with you and their lives are in danger as well and Morgan..who is clearly my living avatar is in need of my help...if she is to be as effective as she is meant to be both HERE and in HER timeline.

I am your friend..and I want to help you but YOU have to help ME as well. You've DAMAGED a primal force and you need to at LEAST offer some sort of solution to that problem.

 

[Persephone]

"In these circumstances, YES."

:: Persephone shouted back, keeping her back turned to Hecate, but still pacing out of annoyence. Sure it was a selfish statement, but Persephone was never known for being benevolent. But Hecate's following statements really caught the goddess off gaurd, forcing her to turn in utter astonishment. Was she serious? Was Hecate really suggesting that her actions in this time line could ultimately cause the distruction in hers? Well this was a whole new type of low blow. ::

"You've GOT to be kidding me? So you're saying that by me killing my mother, i'm ultimately dooming my time line because I broke up YOUR trinity? [scoffing] I find it unbelieveable how you can twist every situation into being all about you and your 'legecy'. This is about CIRCE. The psychotic crone that YOU gave powers to. But bravo, Hecate. Turning this around on me is quite impressive."

:: Firing back sharply at Hecate, Persephone shook her head in utter disbelief. She would of expected this from Morgan. But Hecate? Never. Regardless, the heated fight continued with Hecate stating she needed to 'fix' things. ::

"What do you purpose me to do? Travel further back in time and not kill Demeter? Resirrect her from the dead? I'm open to suggestions."

:: Sarcastic and obviously irritated, Persephone rolled her eyes shut while crossing her arms along her chest. The fabric rubbing against her skin from her black silk gown, even seemed to irritate her in some way. Finally, taking a breath in, this fight was getting them no where. Sighing out loudly, Persephone opened her eyes and looked to Hecate. ::

"I'm sorry that your trust is once again being taken advantage of. I am. And I never wanted to break up your trinity. I wanted my mother dead...I never thought of the repercussions that would come from it that would directly effect you. But I don't know how to fix this. I can only offer myself to take the place of my mother, but considering you weren't thrilled with that idea the first time I suggested it, I doubt you will be now. As for this event that's supposed to happen on Mount Olympus....the only thing that comes to mind is Hera angering you to the point of wanting revenge against all the Gods. But that isn't supposed to happen for another few months if I recall correctly..."

:: Persephone's irritation and anger toward Hecate was now gone. Their quarrel were much like that of sisters. Angery one minute, water under the bridge the next. Now Persephone was more concerned about why this event that will be taking place within the next few days when it SHOULD be happening a few months from now. ::

"This time line is supposed to stay untainted to preserve the future. So for this event to be happening sooner than it should be concerns me....I just--I don't know why it would be happening so soon. There has to be something more going on here."

 

[Seer]

what indeed?

"This time line is supposed to stay untainted to preserve the future. So for this event to be happening sooner than it should be concerns me....I just--I don't know why it would be happening so soon. There has to be something more going on here."

<<There is indeed.>>

<< for even as Persephone finally comes around to Hecate and begins to realize there is something ELSE at work, she fails to realize that by bringing the six here that she had ALREADY tainted the timeline and that Hecate, Morgan and Alison were not the ONLY magick users involved in this situation. there was someone else...someone back in The Six's timeline and she was MORE than perturbed at the moment. >>

<< Alison had predicted in front of Athena that an unexpected turn of events would bring disaster to Mt Olympus. No one seemed to have understood what she meant. Persephone assumed it was her murdering Hades; It was also assumed that it could be the growing rift between Hera and Hecate. But it was NEITHER of those things directly. It was something ELSE still!>>


<< and so, let us, for a moment, return to The Six's timeline to see just what "ELSE" is going on!>>


Earth- The Six's timeline

<< reports of chaos, madness and MURDER are coming in from ALL OVER THE GLOBE now! the Red Moon has transfixed the WHOLE of the earth!>>

<< "Ground Zero" where Barbara Minerva's palatial estate once stood is now a smoldering CRATER that stretches for miles with scorch marks and damage. Emergency workers and authorities have declared Barbara DEAD after recovering her DNA from the underground fortress after managing to extinguish the raging fire. they believe she was incinerated in the initial blast. Evidence of "super human involvement" has been found as well along with the dead bodies of Barbara's soldiers and those of bestiamorphs as well. The Six have been rumoured to be SEEN in the streets of Greece helping the citizens to survive the Red Moon but no visual evidence can confirm that..a good thing for the Six as they have now disappeared.>>

<< their disappearence has NOT gone unnoticed by those over in the states...namely Alycia Barnett, special assistant to the president & chairwoman on the committee of super human affairs; her "Force Works" agents , Dr. Karen Victoria, Clandestine Inc....ALL of whom have now joined forces to DEFEND themselves and their city from what they couldnt have ever imagined..an attack of these monstrous bestiamorphs, as WELL as helping authorities with "Crowd control" as rioting, chaos, and unrest sweep across NYC.>>

<< it is an ever INCREASING task and they are not alone as others like them across the nation attempt to defend themselves and help those who cannot help themselves but despite their "valiant" effort...they began to feel overwhelmed themsleves.>>

<< and all the while, CIRCE watches! Pleased that her influence under the red moon is now spreading across the globe.Satisfied that she has destroyed Barbara Minerva and causing Persephone anguish, as well as "raping" Morgan of her MAGICKS and prooving that she WASNT the "sorceress supreme" that she thought. But there was something that didnt sit too well with her! The Six ESCAPED somehow!>>

 

[Circe]

Isle of Aerie

{ the Isle of Aerie, long FEARED by men of the sea and shrouded in legend and mystery, it is one of the most mysterious places on the globe. uncharted by most, and of the few who have arrived even LESS have lived to tell of their experience!}

{ the massive island sits in the middle of the stormy Black Sea off the coast of Greece, the beautifull, sprawling rotunda that is Circe's palace is a modern synergy of greek antiquity and technology. the jagged rocks on the outskirts of the island hide the deadly trap of SIRENS that seek to lure foolish seaman to the island where t hey would meet t heir death at the hands of bestiamorphs or Circe herself. a CONSTANT storm rages around the island. swirling, churning black clouds and jagged bolts of lighting blast forth as the thunder of the skies competes with the thunder of the rolling WAVES in the sea and only the RED MOON manages to shine through the black clouds as they roll.}

{ Circe herself reclines in an elegant double chaise lounge as she watches her large floating orb, which broadcasts the events happening around the globe. small enchanted creatures flit about in the air high above near they domed ceilings as Circe's laugh flows with the wind}

Circe: its MARVELOUS! isnt it? not only have i DESTROYED the one obstacle that kept me from capturing Pandora in this timeline but i NOW have unrestricted access to Pandora's BOX as well!

{ images of Alycia Barnett fighting against some bestiamorphs with a plasma cannon side by with Karen Victoria who was using her magicks to dispatch even more ofo them come across the orb and Circe scoffs.}

foolish women! they struggle to protect the weak men who could NEVER hope to prevail against my power! they will suffer the same fate that their wretched companions the six and barbara minerva suffered.

{ she paused for a moment.}

But still, it troubles me that The Six may have actually ESCAPED my final holocaust! I was SURE that by adding that witch Spellbinder's own magicks to my own and then channeling it BACK through her body against her will, that i would destroy HER and ANYONE in close proximity to her! that entire area of land has been decimated! Those fool authorities think they can explain MY power and the destruction it caused? they will find NOTHING that i do not WISH them to find!

{ she runs her hand through her beautifull raven black looks as she lifts up one of her legs, admiring her own tight, feminine physique for a moment. but even as she contemplates aloud, one of her own mystical familiars flies into the room, a RAVEN no less. its red eyes glowing as if it has a message to deliever. It returned from watching the goings on at "Ground Zero"}

yes...what is it, my fine feathered friend?

{ the raven flies up and perches on the ORB, somehow merging with it as it transforms. the raven is now a large "stone like" pedastale and the orb itself has grown LARGER, glowing and pulsating a red hue as the scenes shift and swirl. Circe swings her legs around and sits up, knowing that something of importance is about to be shown.}

 

[Seer]

a clue

<< the Raven was similar to Tinkerbell in its capabilities as an enchanted familiar. it had the powers of VISION and limited PRECOGNITION and its "vision" knew no bounds as far as time/space.>>

<< as the Raven merged with the Orb, it replayed the last moments of The Six and Barbara Minerva's lives before Circe's final devastating attack...as the holocaust destroyed everything in its path and Alison and Delilah screamed a MEDALLION in Persephone's hand began to glow! Circe spat a curse as she realized she had MISSED this at the time. They SLIPPED through the boundaries of time and survived the blast...they RETURNED to Ancient Greece, Persephone's timeline! Circe had been here as well but back THEN she was not a goddess level sorceress, she was merely the desciple of Hecate herself. The two women shared many ideas and feelings and interestes. Circe , at one point TRULY respected and loved her patron diety but her own greed for power and prestige corrupted her..as events would be revealed. but at the moment, now Circe knew where the Six were and no doubt Persephone would INFORM Hecate of the future betrayal at Circe's hands!>>

 

[Circe]

Isle of Aerie

CURSE that pathetic broodling!

{ Circe shouted as she stood up and gestured violently at the fading image of Persephone}

one of BARBARA's accursed trinkets enable her and her companions ESCAPE! how TERRIBLE for them { dripping with sarcasm} that it did not save Barbara herself!

{ she laughed softly to herself as she took a moment to admire her "claw" like, perfectly manicured nails which were painted a shade of red. as she stretched, the exquiste gold bracelets that adorned both her wrists slide back a bit and she exhaled as she composed herself}

They have returned to ancient greece, where no doubt Persephone will attempt to contact Hecate!

{ this posed a SMALL problem for Circe as she displayed one of the RARE moments of guilt/remorse and realized that what she was doing NOW was NOTHING in line with what Hecate had wanted}

Hecate will come for me...if she finds out. She will appear in THIS timeline and TAKE BACK the power that she gave me!!

{ She shook her head }

But the power is MINE...we made an AGREEMENT!!! I would carry out her REVENGE and ensure that the red moon would forever remain in exchange for POWER and IMMORTALITY!! the POWER IS MINE!

{ thunder crashed as her voice echoed she pondered what to do. Images of ATHENA and HERA discussing Persephone and her "companions" came across the orb! Circe licked her lips as the idea came to her!}

Athena: Persephone brings with her the seed of great trouble...she travels with a bonafied HARBINGER who has predicted the downfall of US...here in mt. olympus! the blood of yet ANOTHER god will flow and there will be a dawning of a "red moon!" this is all because of PERSEPHONE!

{ Circe could see that Athena was ALREADY on to Persephone and her friends...and all she needed was solid confirmation!}

Persephone thinks she can ESCAPE ME? her witches, Spellbinder and Guardian cant protect her from me and I know ALL TOO WELL how much Athena and the other gods HATE HER! She has already tainted that timeline and could alter events just by what she's done so far....I will send a MESSAGE to ATHENA, wisest of all gods. I will CONFIRM to Athena what her wisdom has shown her and she will no doubt rally the others against Persephone and DESTROY her, leaving the Six stranded in that time FOREVER!

{ as she gestures, a rushing sound is heard as a barbie doll sized image of Persephone forms in a field of dark magick.}

go now, appear before Athena as a VISION and SHOW her that her suspicions are TRUE and Persephone is a threat to the security and the LIVES of the gods as they know it! EXPOSE her companions for what they truly ARE!

{ as Circe "programs" the image, she gestures and hurls it into the orb itself. and it travels. across the infinite expanse of time and space to reach ATHENA, goddess of wisdom and war!}

{Circe realizes that Hecate will be included in this....but is she too MAD with her quest for power to realize that if anything happens to Hecate that she herself will never GET to this point? Does she realize that she's betrayed Hecate's trust and that was one thing that Hecate found UNFORGIVABLE? apparently she had forgotten her own history lessons. But for now, things were set in motion.}

 

[Harbinger]

back in Ancient Greece- Persephone's palace

:: Guardian continued to stand by the window awaiting the response and input from Delilah and Haleigh. Nicolas was coming and Morgan was resting while Hecate and Persephone worked through some personal issues and also began to look at the BIGGER picture. it was all coming together but Alison feared it may be too little too late and all at once....::

::GASP!!::

:: she lurches over as she places her hand over her forehead and is pulled into a vision, a deeper, more intense vision than normal::

there's been a shift, a change...a KNOWING breach of the integrity of this timeline from OUR timeline!! more than just our mere presence here, someone has now ALTERED the course of everything and the time thread now has become BLURRED!

:: she lookes up, her eyes solid white now as she looks out and sees what she is meant to see::

Circe is the unknown factor that I couldnt identify before on Mt.Olympus! It's HER doing. So desperate is she to prevent us from getting help from Hecate or getting BACK to our timeline that she has now sent a mystical charm to Athena that will appear as a "message/vision" before the goddess of wisdom. She seeks to CONFIRM what the goddess already SUSPECTS.

She either doesnt grasp the gravity of or she doesnt CARE that she's also betraying her own patron deity, HECATE.

Athena will rally the others against Persephone...and she will be KILLED. As will most of us! There is NOTHING more certain than DEATH and beyond that...i...i can't be sure. OUR timeline , as we know it has become blured, fogged....nothing that we knew will remain as it was...

 

[Rampage]

Persephone's great room

Nicolas was walking back to the group when he saw Alison gasp and stagger.

"Alison?! What's wrong, lady?"

He ran over to her as he saw her stagger. He grasped her hand and supported her back so that she did not fall. She was having a vision, it was obvious, and by the powerful way it manifested with her, it was SOME premonition. She spoke of most of the team dying, and of how Circe would be responsible by alerting the Olympians to their true nature. He contacted Persephone by telepathy.

Seph, Alison is having a powerful vision and its NOT good. I think she may have information you and Hecate need. You are both needed at once.

 

[Persephone]

:: Hearing Nicolas' voice echo in her head, Persephone's eyes shot to Hecate. Knowing Hecate, she was already aware of Alison's visions and what she had seen.::

"We need to get to the team."

:: Walking with urgancy along side of Hecate, they left her chambers and headed back to the great room where the team was assembled. ::