In your wildest dreams

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Morgan laid bare her feelings concerning Delilah and the issues with Alexia and how it happened. And it made sense, in all honesty it was one big mess and she made a call. It could be criticized either way, but she chose life, and Nicolas respected that choice. Blaze spoke of Delilah's behavior, which had been beyond the pale even for the situation in his eyes.

Morgan: Again, that's to be expected from HER. I think a more rational person would have at least seen and understood our motives and where our HEARTS were and that, in turn, would have TEMPERED their anger, maybe not right away, but eventually. But ever since Maxim cast his shadow into her life and that extended to ours, things have never been the same.


I'd like to think that she knew me...knew what was in my heart, and that would have allowed her to at least understand that I was operating from a place of true concern for her, but maybe she didn't after all. If that's true then yeah...that WILL hurt , but the pain of that is still nothing compared to her pain over loosing her child under the circumstances that she did.

<< saying this to all of them>>

I'm not going to fight with Delilah over her feelings. She's entitled to them. But I'm not going to kiss her ass OR throw anyone under the bus to appease her either. SHE made her choice. SHE needs to accept her role in all of this and she's not going to use Alison OR I as emotional punching bags to replace her inability to take responsibility for her MESS OF A LIFE.

Nicolas stood, placing a hand on Morgan's shoulder and rubbing it for a second before he began to speak.

I understand everything you just said. The next question I have is, what now? Do the two of you think Delilah deserves to hear how you feel, deserves the admissions you made here? I am not asking either of you to lay prostrate before her...but you three have been together for so long that it feels wrong for there not to be another opportunity taken to at least clear the air. The night of Alexia's birth was too raw, for all of us...and none of us did the situation any favors in what we said. But I have hoped that at some point that you three would find a way to bridge the gap. She is probably always gonna hate me, or dislike me what have you. But you three, you have been like sisters, and I cannot help but think that she needs you again.

 

[Tachyon]

So, he met some of the 'team' again, plus a striking blonde with legs and tits that screamed MODEL. Xavier spoke to everyone, generally was the new kid in the room as pleasantries were exchanged and two groups formed.

Alison, supermodel, the guy who smashed the robot (Nicholas? Nicolas? Nikolas?) and the hot redhead all went off to talk alone. Fair enough. That left him and Hazel on their first date with another superhuge Black guy and apparently the supermodel's older sister.

As the ladies went to gather herbs, he chatted up MIKE, who was the boyfriend of who turned out to be Morgan Victoria's (THAT model) bloody MOM, Karen Victoria. So this magic thing seems to stop time or something, which he already knew but it had been especially kind to the ladies assembled it seemed. He and Mike were discussing American Basketball, in particular the Golden State Warriors, when the ladies returned with something unusual.

Here we are! A nice witches brew that Grammie and Hazel taught me to make. It'll give you a nice feeling and very nice dreams. AND....FRESH from one of the gardens, some potent nepeta cataria! More commonly referred to as the highest grade of catmint or catnip!

<< She sprinkled some out for Tinkerbell and the kitten to eat, roll in and enjoy!>>

<< Karen sits with Michael, Hazel and Xavier. Tinkerbell and the kitten enjoying their treat from"grandma", after having been greeted by Hazel and regarding Apollo with some suspicion. Switching topics...>>

So, Xavier? What's your story, young man?

<< The doctor eyed him an unwavering gaze>>

Xavier smiled in his way and took in a deep drink of the concoction before speaking.

Who me? Oh, I am just a British guy, primarily an archaeologist and historian, and I run pretty fast when necessary. I met Alison while trying to stop petty artifact smuggling and after a couple of sparring sessions, we cooperated in order to help her get her brother back. Speaking of relatives, I must raise a toast to your Grammie...this drink is EXcellent.

 

[Persephone]

Taking a seat next to Zach, Ava took a piece of apple and cheese and popped it into her mouth as Zach confessed that he was there to check on her. But he also admitted that he needed to talk about other things...things that were obviously bothering him. She could see it in his eyes that he was struggling with something.

Zach: I've been having nightmares..... about the kids. The pain.... the suffering.... I tried to help them, I tried to give them peace as their souls ascended, I know I did my best but that wasn't good enough.I can still hear them crying, screaming.

Ava's soften expression soon turned to a pained one, despite her best efforts to hide it. She knew Simon was having a hard time with the children's deaths because she had seen him almost every day since the incident happened. But Zach? Ava felt horrible that she hadn't checked up on him. She knew that he was emotionally linked to each of them before their passing....she knew that he was carrying that burden. She was so damn wrapped up in her own drama that she didn't think about seeing how he was holding up. OR Sharon for that matter. Sighing out, Ava shut her eyes for a moment, feeling guilty.

"I'm so sorry, Zach....I should of called or texted...or SOMETHING. I didn't even think about how much you are carrying on your shoulders because of your powers."

Zach: I tried to talk to Haleigh about it but it's weird..... she gets ANGRY when I wake up in a cold sweat and mention the kids. She tells me to just get over it, but she wasn't THERE. She didn't FEEL IT. When I try to explain she gets defensive, like I'm blaming her or something. I started sleeping at my place so we'd stop fighting about it every night.

"Haleigh's a different breed, you know that. She....handles things like a soldier. She knows what happened was horrible, she just can't dwell on it otherwise it'll eat her up. She has a tendency to keep things bottled up until they come exploding out....sound familiar?"

Ava dryly joked, referring to how similar she and Haleigh were.

"I know she can be a little dismissive, but don't let it screw with you, Zach. She loves you, she's just dealing with a lot right now."

Which was obviously his next point. He was also noticing the changes in Haleigh as of late.

Zach: Also..... she's been getting distant. Something's bothering her but she won't talk about it, she used to confide in me but now she just brushes me off. I tried to give her some space, you know, breathing room..... but now when I see her at Clandestine she gets this major guilt trip and I'm wondering if maybe she slept with that STRONZO Cameron.....

"Cameron? You think this is about Cam--No...I mean, yeah they have a weird, fuuck up, love/hate relationship that I don't even understand....But I think this goes much deeper than Cameron."

Zach: I don't know what to do, Ava. You're her SISTER, has she said anything to you? I mean, I understand if she told you something in confidence and you don't want to betray that, but I don't want to lose her...

Sighing, Ava picked up her glass of wine and took a long gulp of it. This whole situation was fuucked up, mainly because Ava's been avoiding talking to Haleigh about what happened to her, and Haleigh's been avoiding talking to Ava about what was going on with her.

"Honestly Zach...I have no idea. I guess avoidance kind of runs in our family, because we've both been dodging the most obvious questions about what's going on with each other. She knows something is up with me....I know something's up with her...but we just kind of, ignore it? Because we both don't want to open up about it? I don't know....She's most definitely going through SOMETHING, but she just doesn't want anyone to either know or worry about it. Sound familiar?"

Ava scoffed out.

"We're two fuucked up peas in a pod aren't we?"

Ava placed her hand on Zach's.

"I wish I could be more help. But i'm as much in the dark about her as you are."

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Aerie- Executive Study

:: Alison and Morgan had hugged each other tightly more than once and some tears fell from each of their eyes as they were so happy to see one another.::

:: Soon she, Blaze, Morgan and Nicolas were in her Executive Study and Morgan spoke. She touched on many things that were heavy on Alison's heart, but perhaps the most important theme was solidarity.::

:: Morgan was quite resolute about her calls regarding Delilah during the Blue Moon, and she reaffirmed to Alison that SHE had done the right thing as well. ::

:: She gave voice to the nagging questions that plagued Alison as well. They HAD made some mistakes. Even though they were convinced that Delilah would be unreasonable and make ANOTHER bad choice, they didn't give her the CHANCE and THAT was the most important thing.::

:: They could have overruled her if necessary and still gone the route that they did, but at least they would have shown her the trust and respect that she, their dear friend, had deserved.::

:: Alison didn't want to hurt Delilah then. She only wanted to give her and Alexia a chance to be together one day in the future. So ready was she to do whatever it took, that allowed herself to work with BISHOP and answer his request regarding Alexia.::

:: After her breakdown following the backlash from Delilah, Alison, in her recovery, had explained to Ava just why she was NOW so ANGRY with Delilah. Hazel had touched on it too.::

:: She was astounded that someone who was so near and dear to her could ACTUALLY BELIEVE that she would set out to HURT them like this! This hurt combined with the lack of understanding and even secret CONTEMPT she had for Delilah regarding her choices with Bishop and NOT letting Hecate break the curse to form the "perfect storm" of bitterness and resentment that was now JUST as strong and almost PALPABLE! So much so that even HAZEL, Alison's mentor and mother-figure had journeyed across the world to find her and help get her THROUGH this storm before it left her FOREVER altered!::

:: Hazel had said it earlier: She hated to admit it, but she had a heart and that heart was wounded because her actions, despite them being of true motive, caused such harm and damage and BACKLASH and although the precog THOUGHT she was prepared for it? She wasn't. It could have come from an enemy or someone she didn't care about and it wouldn't have mattered. But it came from someone whom she regarded as a sister.::

She's out of her mind.

:: Alison replied coldly as Blaze talked about Delilah's behavior::

And my brother is coddling her.

She actually thinks that she can protect him better than I can. She couldn't even make sound choices for HERSELF! What makes her think she can protect anyone else when EVERYONE ELSE has had to shift to endure the FALLOUT of HER STUPID MISTAKES!?

Blaze: "I worry about Cameron. I feel like he's spreading himself WAY too thin, trying to be all these things to her and she's just taking everything he has to give without ANY kind of gratitude or regard for the strain that its putting him under. She's acting like he doesn't have a sister OR that there are OTHER people on this team that he has relationships with. "

Cameron thinks he can handle himself and to his credit he has...SO FAR. But he's walking a tight rope right now. He's flirting with some BAD scenarios due to choices he's even THINKING about making.

:: an indication that she KNEW what was going on with Cameron and Haleigh even though most of the others did NOT::

And He's letting Delilah's BAD ADVICE...

:: ENCOURAGING HIM to BETRAY Alycia by having an affair with Haleigh [Among other things]::

...take ROOT in his mind.

She doesnt care about her own life so she has no problem seeing other people DESTROY theirs. BUT if I intervene and pull rank...I'll hear another remix of that same CRAP that Vivica tried to play when I pressed HER into the wall and by the dark moon, I will think NOTHING of SNAPPING Delilah's neck in 5 different ways if she causes my brother to self destruct with her INSANITY and RECKLESS BEHAVIOR.

Morgan: It won't come to that. I...WE won't allow it. She's HURTING, but she's NOT going to be allowed to drag everyone down to hell with her and if THAT is what Cameron and Haleigh are doing? Then they need to be confronted about it.

Blaze: "We don't want this to become an "US vs THEM". We need to find a way to CLOSE the gap and STOP things before they get started or grow!"

Nicolas listened as Morgan laid bare her feelings concerning Delilah and the issues with Alexia and how it happened. And it made sense, in all honesty it was one big mess and she made a call. It could be criticized either way, but she chose life, and Nicolas respected that choice. Blaze spoke of Delilah's behavior, which had been beyond the pale even for the situation in his eyes.



I understand everything you just said. The next question I have is, what now? Do the two of you think Delilah deserves to hear how you feel, deserves the admissions you made here? I am not asking either of you to lay prostrate before her...but you three have been together for so long that it feels wrong for there not to be another opportunity taken to at least clear the air. The night of Alexia's birth was too raw, for all of us...and none of us did the situation any favors in what we said. But I have hoped that at some point that you three would find a way to bridge the gap. She is probably always gonna hate me, or dislike me what have you. But you three, you have been like sisters, and I cannot help but think that she needs you again.

Nicolas, We're a FAMILY, for better or for worse. We're all going to have issues with someone in the group at some point and you DID do things in the past that gave her legitimate cause to be upset with you. You know the things you did, but you've definitely taken responsibility for your actions and you're not where you were then. BUT NOW? She's just being a HATEFUL BITCH to anyone to get her rocks off. She can't blame YOU for what happened during the Blue Moon. You helped Morgan survive the journey into the UnderWorld so that SHE could defeat Circe!

I admitted this much to Haleigh- We SHOULD have at least TOLD Delilah the moment we knew what was coming. And I agree with Morgan now on the things we could have done differently. It isn't EASY for me to even THINK that I might have some how MISSED another way to do things. I'm accustomed to getting it RIGHT the first time. But this isn't about my pride, this is about a woman who believes we "conspired" to "steal her baby" and hurt her in the worst possible way! She actually thinks Morgan and I took some PERVERSE PLEASURE in doing this!

I KNEW she'd be UPSET with me. But the DEPTHS she plummeted to in her rage and anger as she poured it out all over me, Morgan and the rest of you?! It was like she didn't know who ANY of us were before...EVER! It DOES make me wonder what she REALLY thought of us even BEFORE the Blue Moon.

How can we build a bridge to someone who now takes PLEASURE in burning all her bridges, and then turns around and WHINES about being abandonned? I will ALWAYS wonder if she TRULY would have preferred us to just let her DIE and STAY DEAD. Would THAT have been the way for us to show her that we cared and wanted to HELP!?

If that sounds a bit INSANE to you, perhaps you'll understand how Morgan and I felt when we made the descisions we made.

I'm not checking in for any more of her CRAP OR ABUSE. She AND Bishop can GO TO HADES!

 

[Prophet]

Central Park

:: They arrived in Central Park and the shade could not stop being thrown from the left to the right and back again. It was getting on Cameron's nerves. They all needed to close their mouths and open their eyes. They had a member of their family to find. For now, Cameron kept his eyes peeled on the park looking for any sign of Alexia or other children who were not where they should be at this hour. ::

:: Thankfully, none of them had to look very far. In the middle of the park was a giant magickal looking carousel that many children seemed to be enjoying themselves quite a bit. ::

"Jesus Christ."

Bishop: "That thing sure as hell ain't supposed to be here. We've got to keep these kids away from it. And kill that music!"

:: Cameron placed his hand over Bishop's chest. ::

"Easy, Tiger."

:: After that a large and almost cartoon looking ship made out of candy appeared in the sky and began to lower down to the ground. The kids are seeming to switch swifts almost. It was a very odd scene, but the second that he saw that carousel his senses were tingling. She was here. ::

:: He phone in on Alexia fairly quickly and noted that seemed to be talking to a...faerie?! ::

"Alexia! Delilah! She's over there! With that faerie? We need to get to her!"

:: Cameron looked back at the group. ::

"That faerie is trying to convince her to get on that ship..and probably all the other kids too!"

:: He began running at a dead sprint, using his telekinesis to augment his speed as he went. He knew there were others far faster than him that could reach her, but they couldn't afford giant acts of power or violence. There were so many children all around. He didn't know if the faerie was real or not but he WAS going to get it out of his way, no matter how cute it looked. He squinted his eyes attempted to blast the faerie backwards. ::

 

[MorningStar]

Central Park

Surely this was what Hell was like.

The fact that Maxim had seen Alexia too was the ONLY reason he was there, and even still, she wasn’t convinced he needed to be. But if her daughter was reaching out to them, she wasn’t going to risk not being there if she appeared to Bishop again. So she would have to put up with the asshat, and not give in to her deep desire to kill him, at least until she knew Alexia was safe.

Bishop was convinced that it wasn’t really her: that this was just a trick being played on them. And she was inclined to believe it: the other explanation just seemed too unlikely. Who could have taken her from Ororo, without them knowing? More and more she expected to find nothing at the end of this pursuit, and she was steeling herself against that outcome, not letting herself hope that her child would soon be in her arms again.

For if eight years had really passed in Limbo, couldn’t that mean that the child could consciously control her powers? With a teacher like Ororo? It had taken Delilah longer, but she had been on her own.

She closed the wormhole once they were all through, pretending not to notice that Bishop was hitting on Haleigh right in front of her. What a dick.

She couldn’t remember what she had seen in him. And she should have made sure he stayed dead the first time…there was probably an app for that. I mean, couldn’t he at least pretend to be a littlebit sorry for what he’d done? Maybe apolo-

Her train of thought was cut off as she looked ahead of them and saw the most fantastical thing she had ever seen. (And that was saying a lot.) She could hear the music now, more inviting than an ice cream truck’s to children. Bishop started to run ahead barking out orders. She hated to admit it, but he was right: they needed to keep the kids away from the ship. Clearly this wasn’t a community service provided by the city.

Delilah began using her own lights to draw the children away from the ship, but then something caught her eye on the top of the carousel that was next to it. Just as Cameron shouted to her, she saw them – HER – too.

She called out Alexia’s name, and began running towards her, stopping at the base of the carousel.

"That faerie is trying to convince her to get on that ship...and probably all the other kids too!"

Her eyes narrowed. NO ONE hurt her child and got away with it.

She raised her hands.

“Get away from her!”

She sent a barrage of laser blasts at the faerie. But then it was too close to Alexia and she was afraid that they faerie might hurt her.

"Alexia! Come here, come to me."

She tried to speak gently, despite the terror that gripped her.

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

Central Park

She was about to take her friend’s hand so they could visit the candy ship, when there was a lot of yelling. People were running towards them, and trying to hurt the beautiful faerie. They were yelling.

“No! You leave my friend alone!”

Alexia grabbed her friend’s hand and squeezed it tight. She was really scared, but she tried to be brave like the girls in Ororo’s stories.

She looked down at the people, all looking up at them. They were all adults. But she recognized two of them!

She whispered to her friend excitedly, “That’s my mommy and daddy!”

But things were still scary; everyone looked angry and she was worried that they were going to hurt her or the faerie. She was worried this might be a trick – she didn’t remember her mommy and daddy looking scary…and why would her parents want to hurt her? Or her friend? She felt very confused.

"Alexia! Come here, come to me."

But she knew she couldn’t leave the faerie in danger. And she didn’t want to leave her either. She finally had a friend after so long! She recoiled a little, and shook her head no.

 

[Bishop]

Central Park

He started moving forward when Cameron touched him.

"Easy, Tiger."

He looked down at the hand on his chest and then back up at Cameron’s face.

“Don’t touch me.”

Of course, then Cameron did exactly what he had told him to do. So typical. He must be banging Red; they behaved enough alike to have matching outfits.

"That faerie is trying to convince her to get on that ship...and probably all the other kids too!"

“Like hell it will.”

Bishop remembered the look on that thing's face when he had seen it with Alexia earlier that day - there was no question in his mind that it had bad intentions. He still had the gun at his back – evidence that if he had really WANTED to kill that piece of crap boyfriend of her’s, he COULD have – and drew it, keeping it low to the ground. There was no margin for error, with all these kids around. He didn’t know if bullets would kill faeries, but in his experience being shot at least slowed most things down.

He stopped next to Delilah, who was trying to coax Alexia down off the merry-go-round. He trained the gun on the faerie’s forehead.

“Tell me when, darlin’.”

But Alexia wouldn’t come down, and she was sticking close to the faerie, which was going to make it hard to take out.

“Keep talking to her.”

He put the gun away, and circled around the ride. He could hear Delilah pleading with the child to come to her.

He carefully hoisted himself up on the back side, silently moving into position until he was feet away. He reached for Alexia to pull her to him and to safety.

 

[Orion]

Ava's Suite


Ava: I'm so sorry, Zach....I should of called or texted...or SOMETHING. I didn't even think about how much you are carrying on your shoulders because of your powers.

"Don't beat yourself up about it. We've all been dealing with it our own way. I waited all week to check up on you. Sorry 'bout it."

He replied in a light tone before taking another drink and picking up a couple of cashews.

"Honestly I think I just need to talk about it with someone who can commiserate with me. I've experienced loss BEFORE.... one of my squads in Europe, back when I was a lieutenant for Clandestine. The nightmares lasted a couple of days..... and before THAT, my mother..... Her loss triggered months of nightmares and led to my ability to finally control my powers..... The dreams are awful but my subconscious needs resolution. I'm sure that after a while, the nightmares will stop. I'll still carry those kids with me for the rest of my life..... they'll fuel my passion for mutant rights even MORE.... and I know Ashley gave them peace in the end, which I'm grateful for.... it's just.... it still hurts, you know?"

Ava: Haleigh's a different breed, you know that. She....handles things like a soldier. She knows what happened was horrible, she just can't dwell on it otherwise it'll eat her up. She has a tendency to keep things bottled up until they come exploding out....sound familiar?

"Yeah..... that's not the healthiest way to deal, even if it IS the most popular. I guess I assumed Haleigh would be supportive while I worked through this stuff... and instead I've never felt more alone."

Ava: I know she can be a little dismissive, but don't let it screw with you, Zach. She loves you, she's just dealing with a lot right now.

"That's apparent.... I just wish she'd let me in again.... but it's like there's this void between us now, and it's being filled by Cameron's sense of entitlement."

Ava: Cameron? You think this is about Cam--No...I mean, yeah they have a weird, fuuck up, love/hate relationship that I don't even understand....But I think this goes much deeper than Cameron.

"Mmm, yeah, you say that, but all HER problems started as soon as she laid eyes on Cameron-- and that's been the case EVERY TIME he's snaked his way back into her life. That kiss they shared the night of her return REALLY got under her skin.... and she said it was a huge, impulsive mistake..... but in the cathedral.... she was focused on saving HIM. And she still hasn't said a WORD about the fact that Ash and I basically made out--I mean, it was a heat of the battle thing, and totally necessary, but still, *I* feel guilty, and Haleigh feels nothing."

Ava: Honestly Zach...I have no idea.

"Damn.... You were my only hope."

He interjected, trying to lighten the mood, but realizing the truth of his joke as Ava continued on to tell him that Haleigh hadn't confided in her either.

Ava: We're two fuucked up peas in a pod aren't we?

"I..... don't know how to agree with that statement without insulting both of you."

Ava: I wish I could be more help. But i'm as much in the dark about her as you are.

He sighed, draining the rest of his beer. Ava placed a hand on his and he smiled gently.

"Thanks anyway Ava. Wow, I really unloaded on you just now, DIDN'T I? I'm sorry, how have YOU been? Are you and Simon still...... haaaaangin' out?"

He asked, refilling her wine glass.

 

[Prophet]

Central Park

:: He wasn't focused on the faerie at the moment, he was dumbstruck watching Delilah try and talk her daughter off the boat. He felt paralyzed and though he would NEVER admit it to Delilah, he was prepared to mentally subdue the child should she give even the SLIGHTEST inclination that she was subconsciously or consciously about to use her powers. He looked over at Bishop. ::

"Bishop. You saw what Alexia can do to her. Watch carefully..if Alexia uses her powers in the slightest..we have to step in. I'll go for Delilah and you try and get Alexia out of Delilah's range. We don't know if this version of Alexia has control over her ability. I'm reading the situation psychically..but Bishop?"

:: He knew Bishop was preoccupied. ::

"I'm not kidding..if your daughter uses her power on Delilah..I AM going to step in..and I'd rather have her father's help. It will be your choice..but mine is already made."

:: Cameron watched the insanity of the scene unfold around him. These children seemed so happy but there was something about the faerie that he just didn't trust. They couldn't just ATTACK a ship of playing children. They didn't even know exactly WHAT was happening. In this moment he was GLAD he hadn't brought the rest of The Six into the situation. After what happened with the bus accident, the possibility of losing this many children again would be too much..and Cameron KNEW that Delilah would destroy anything in her path if it meant being with her child. ::

:: He turned to Sharon. ::

"Sharon..investigate that ship. See if anybody is at the helm. If we can get any indication on what it's even FOR..what it's about?"

:: Cameron wasn't going to leave Delilah, Bishop or Alexia's side at this moment. He couldn't live with himself if he did. ::

 

[Black Widow]

Central Park



Bishop: I’m actually really good with my mouth, or so I’ve been told. Often.

Haleigh's expression went flat, bored with his self pat-on-the-back. Delilah stalked by, determined to ignore Bishop, but Haleigh could tell she was irked by his audacity. Haleigh fell into step with Delilah and nudged her gently with her elbow.

"Pfft, FUCCK that flesh wound, right? I'll kill him later. For now, let's go get your kid baaa......"

She trailed off, seeing the crazy ass carnival and all the kids running around.

Bishop: What the fuck?

Cameron: Jesus Christ.

"Nah, HE was more of a drink my blood, eat my flesh, 'feel guilty cause you're awful and I'm way better than you'll ever be' type of guy. This is some Mary Poppins shit right here."

Bishop: That thing sure as hell ain't supposed to be here. We've got to keep these kids away from it. And kill that music!

Cameron: (placing his hand on Bishop's chest) Easy, Tiger.

Bishop: Don't touch me.

Haleigh was distracted from the fairytale wonderland in front of them by the fact that for a split second, it looked like Bishop and Cameron might fight.

NOW is the WORST possible time..... but talk about a lady boner! Cameron would make a vegetable out of that prick!

Cameron: That faerie is trying to convince her to get on that ship..and probably all the other kids too!

oh, RIGHT! We're saving children from..... whatever this mess is. Focus!

Delilah moved toward Alexia, Cameron stayed near Delilah, and Bishop started to circle around the Carousel and flank the threat. Haleigh manifested the power suppressor collar, and signalled to Cameron that she was going to flank with Bishop and try to get closer to Alexia so she could sneak the collar past the fairy looking thing that was trying to lure Alexia into the ship.

Bishop made a move towards his daughter and Haleigh opened the collar, ready to activate it as soon as possible.

 

[Silver Swan]

Central Park- the candy ship

[ Silver Swan stepped through the worm hole and moments later, they arrived in Central Park and the sight that greeted them was bizarre to say the least! Sharon surveyed the situation and as she looked at the children running about, she could see that inspite of their laughter and interaction, their EYES told a different story]

They're entranced, hypnotized!

[ Cameron, Delilah, Bishop and Haleigh all spotted Alexia and the beautiful faerie. The faerie looked small and delicate, like she was barely older than Alexia herself, but SHE was responsible for all of this. Clearly she was more than what she seemed.]

[ Sharon would rather have gone with Delilah to try to coax Alexia down, keeping Delilah steady, as she KNEW how emotions could spiral and FREE FALL when one sees her child in some unusual or perilous situation. She'd been through it herself.]

[But the others were acting. Delilah and Bishop were being driven more by emotion and instinct while Cameron and Haleigh were trying to mitigate the situation]

They're not going to succeed....not like this!

[ She just KNEW. Alexia's big blue eyes betrayed her emotion and though her parents meant well, they were SCARING her more than anything and that was driving her further into the Faerie's embrace]

:: He turned to Sharon. ::

"Sharon..investigate that ship. See if anybody is at the helm. If we can get any indication on what it's even FOR..what it's about?"

[ Silver Swan looked at Cameron for a moment and nodded before taking to the air and flying toward the large candy ship. She landed on deck and the children weren't at all disturbed by her. THANKFULLY most were still on the ground and had not boarded yet.]
[She walked around slowly, searching on multiple levels, Using her sonar, she searched for any signs of a body at the helm, but there was none.]

The ship is apparently propelled by the same power that is behind all of this.

A young boy's voice: MOMMY!!!!

[ Sharon stopped in her tracks]

No...

[ She slowly turns to see a young boy emerge from the shadows. Blonde, blue eyes, wearing a superman tee shirt. The same outfit...the LAST outfit he'd been wearing that night in Arklay Mansion all those years ago.]

[ Sharon's silver eye mask recedes from her eye area as she looks at the apparition of Kyle Kelly]

I....DO NOT BELIEVE....

Kyle Kelly: I knew you'd find me, mommy!

[ Sharon looked at the boy, she is transfixed by the sight and sound of him. It looked and now FELT like the REAL KYLE!]

I....my son....


[ She whispered]

My precious...baby boy....

[ She blinks once...twice...and NOW the pupils in her silver eyes are GONE. She too is under the spell of the faerie and the MUSIC has changed around the area]

Kyle: You won't take me away from here, will you?? You're not MEAN like those people trying to scare Alexia and hurt her friend are you!?

[ She kneels down and holds holds out her hands]

No, baby. I would never scare you, or make you sad. You're my special boy!!!

[ He runs to her, his little arms outstretched and as he reaches her, she gathers him up in her arms and stands up, holding him with such pride and JOY]

Ohhh! You've been SO GOOD for mommy!

[ Sharon speaks with a warm tone, as only a mother reuinted with her long lost child could]

Kyle: So I can stay? You'll stay with me?

Sharon: Yes, my darling! We'll stay together! You'll NEVER be sad again!

[ Kyle laughs as Sharon gently tosses him up and then catches him and spins him around, seemingly in slow motion]

Kyle Kelly: I love you, mommy!

Sharon: I love you too, baby!

[ Sharon hugs Kyle tightly and then tosses him up once more, catching him as he squeals with laughter]

[Sharon is now lost to the others, deeply entranced by the faerie's hypnotic illusion.]

 

[Seer]

<< And just as the dream faerie had warned her, there they were. As Alexia held her hand, they BOTH looked at the adults, the mean, horrible adults with tainted auras and black hearts.>>

<< Delilah came close, and began to behave aggressively before thinking better of it, instead calling out to her daughter. The faerie intently whispered to Alexia even as Delilah called out to her>>

Dream Faerie: Alexia...they're not here to help you. They're here to scare you...to make you sad...they're not like Ororo...OR ME...

<< but before the faerie could finish, she found herself being knocked away most abruptly by Prophet, while Bishop crept closer. Alexia cried out in protest for them not to hurt her friend. The faerie cried out with SHOCK but she wasn't really hurt. Still, Alexia couldn't tell the difference>>

Dream Faerie: You SEE!?? They are BAD! they're here to TAKE YOU AWAY! Ororo wouldn't want you to go with them like this! They're here to make you SAD, to show you nothing but DARKNESS and BAD DREAMS!

<< Black WIdow and Bishop were closing in on Alexia>>

Dream Faerie: Alexia!!! Remember what ORORO said? When there's DANGER!?

<<FLASH!>>

<< In the garden, under the MASSIVE and ANCIENT OAK that is the CENTER and focal point of the garden oasis, Ororo teaches Alexia the FIRST use of her power. How to PROTECT herself in the face of DANGER by creating a shield, a BUBBLE of her dark energy around herself!>>

Ororo: ...very good, Alexia! << the weather witch smiles at her young ward>>. Now REMEMBER, when you're in TROUBLE and I am not near, if you feel that you are in DANGER, you call upon your power to protect yourself! NOT to harm...to PROTECT!
If I ever say to you, "DANGER!" you immediately form a bubble around yourself.

Alexia: Yes, Auntie 'Roro.

<< Ororo's voice ECHOS behind the dream faerie's>>

Faerie/(Ororo): DANGER!

<< Alexia follows direction and calls upon her power to create a bubble around herself. The bubble IMMEDIATELY repulses Bishop and Black Widow and will BLOCK any telekinetic attack by Prophet as well. the music around them (outside the ship) STOPS and the children playing about all slowly and gently fall down to the grass, now in a deep sleep, but still enthralled by the faerie's charm. This leaves only the adults, Alexia and the Faerie herself, while Sharon is on the ship, deeply entranced in a hypnotic illusion, a very cruel one at that.>>>>


Dream Faerie: You MEAN, NASTY PEOPLE are here to HURT my friend! You're NOT the people Ororo would want her to be with!

<< The dream faerie, now back in view and hovering above Cameron, she points at Cameron and enveloped by orbs that begin to spin around him SO FAST they pick him off off the ground and enclose him in a FUNNEL of WIND! Destroying his sense of equilibrium as he tossed and turned violently inside the funnel like a helpless leafand rending his visual input useless AND slowly suffocating him>>

Dream Faerie: I am the protector of dreams! I will not let you hurt my friend!

<< She THROWS objects at Bishop, MorningStar and Black Widow. They hover around the three and appear to be... WRAPPED CANDY!?>>

<< But as the Faerie begins to play another song with her enchanted flute, the wrapped candies shimmer and glow, they begin to GROW and expand...and with the sound of bubble gum POPPING, each candy turns into a....!?>>

Dream Faerie: My Bon Bon Babies will stop you!

<< The bon bon babies flow around them and laugh like amused babies as the descend down. They are too malleable to be held by telekinesis and projectiles simply BOUNCE off of them.>>

<< Two fly down and GRAB HOLD of Bishop, carrying him off and VERY HIGH into the air before dropping him and even as he begins to fall, ANOTHER SLAMS into him like a wrecking ball, sending him CRASHING into a tree before hitting the ground>>

<< The next two fly after Black Widow. She dodges their first passes, but they change course with as quick reflex as SHE does and they take turns BATTERING HER with a force that defies what their appearance would suggest they are capable off. Each collision is WORSE than then next and Haleigh could be knocked out if she didn't get past them somehow.>>

<< Finally, the last two charge for MorningStar reaching herand grabbing her hands, painfully stretching her arms and priming her to be hit HEAD ON by another oncoming bon bon baby. She'd already seen the POWER they packed when they took down Bishop, AND the pounding they were delivering to Haleigh. She had to do something to free herself or she could find herself suffering from MANY broken bones upon impact.>>

Dream Faerie: Alexia, You see!? mean, bad behavior is all they understand, because it's all they do! they're not like Ororo...OR me. We were having SUCH FUN until they showed up! We should ESCAPE while we still can, before they come after us again!

 

[Prophet]

Central Park

:: He knew what was happening with Sharon but he refused to take his eyes off the situation. Alexia and this faerie bitch were at the helm of what was happening. If they could just stop what was happening in front of him, they would be able to help Sharon. Not to mention Silver Swan was made of stronger stuff than Delilah or Bishop...at least in their current state. She could survive. It was something that they shouldn't have ever relied on in the past..for Sharon to just be okay..but in an instance like this..it was oddly comforting. Plus..she wasn't being tortured. She was being given a respite with her departed son. There were far worse scenarios for her to be in. ::

:: Haleigh gave him the motion that she was going to flank Bishop in order to try and get the collar on her, but before Alexia manifested a bubble of her power that sent the others flying back. ::

"Goddammit!"

:: He squinted his eyes and took care to make sure that the others landed in comfortable positions that would not put them into harm's way. He was about to take control of the situation but he didn't have time. Before he knew it, he was up in the air and spinning violently in a funnel. ::

"Grrr..."

:: Cameron grinded his teeth as he tried desperately to orient himself against the spinning. His equilibrium was shot. Prophet had been battle worn over the years during his time in The Six and nine times out of ten, the way somebody tried to take down a telepath was to disorient them and cause them to not be able to focus..to maintain concentration. It was why Cameron had done yoga and meditation for years. In many scenarios this allowed him to fight through much of what was thrown at him. It was the things that allowed him to push his powers in the surprising ways he had over the years. It was the edge he had over other telepaths. When he needed to he could ALWAYS find the focus and the fire in order to move on. He closed his eyes but found his breath short. The funnel was sucking the oxygen out of the area. ::

"Focus, King. Fuccking FOCUS."

:: Calling on his power and his business savvy he manifested a construct of telekinetic energy that extended up and down over his body in a slim beam and shot up incredibly high in the air as it curved around his body. Essentially he was creating the effect of the very same thing that rested on top of the Parthenon; a supertail. A common practice in the building of sky scraper over 1,000 feet, which The Parthenon was. A supertail was placed in an effort to "confuse the wind" and allow the buildings to stand without sway. It prevents the wind from creating whirlpool like effects. Cameron considered the level at which the wind was hitting him was similar to the strength of the winds atop The Parthenon. Gritting with all of his might he HARDENED his construct as hard as possible, attempting to MIMIC the strength of the supertail. It began to work. ::

:: The winds began to slow down and allow oxygen back into the space as Cameron breathed in and out HEAVILY, not knowing how long he was going to be able to keep that up. As he was able to regain control of his senses he expanded the construct until he was able to confuse the wind in several directions, all of which were away from them. He pushed for as long as he could stand it until he FELL to the ground with a HARD thump. It knocked the wind out of him. ::

"Where's Alexia...?"

:: The group was being attacked with great speed by some obnoxious and insane looking gumball monsters. His vision came back to him slowly as he made out the form of the faerie and Alexia. ::

Dream Faerie: "Alexia, You see!? mean, bad behavior is all they understand, because it's all they do! They're not like Ororo...OR me. We were having SUCH FUN until they showed up. We should ESCAPE while we still can, before they come after us again."

"Not a chance, bitch."

:: He would ask for forgiveness later for what he was about to do but he felt that if there were ANYBODY who should be allowed into Alexia's mind..it was her UNCLE CAMERON. He squinted his eyes as they glowed a flickering electric red for a second. All at once...in front of Alexia AND the faerie...was ORORO in a crack of thunder and wind. ::

Ororo: "Alexia Morganna! My sweet child! What have you gotten yourself into! Haven't I told you only to trust those you know! This little faerie is quite the trickster! Your Mommy and Daddy and her friends would NEVER hurt you! Alexia..please..come to me at once!"

:: Ororo looked concerned and strong and righteous and elegant and beautiful as she stood with her hair billowing in the wind. She was everything everyone remembered from seeing her..and it was a complete ILLUSION. At this point he had no choice but to do this..but still he was keeping it light. He didn't dare go deeper into such a little girl's mind. He was simply crafting one hell of an illusion in order to try and talk her out of what she was doing..but unfortunately they were up against the mentality of a child...and children notoriously made poor decisions. Cameron knew this because he had lived most of his life as a child. ::

"Come on, Alexia..."

 

[Sybil]

The Island of Aerie

<< Hazel spent quite a bit of time walking up and down the halls of the mansion. It was a place she had been several times before. She had even spent the night in the very same room she was to stay in that evening. She had met Barbara Minerva many years ago when Barbara had come to her for help with an artifact she had been trying to locate. The two struck up a cordial friendship and corresponded through letters for many years. Once the letters stopped coming Hazel began to worry and when Barbara Minerva's face appeared in one of her paintings, she knew that Barbara had perished. At first she was sad but when she learned that Alison had taken on her mantle, fullfilling part of her destiny, she felt the slightest bit of pride. >>


<< Being in this space again..it was apparent that the energy and the spirit of Barbara Minerva was still alive and well and throughout her meandering in the mansion, she felt as if she were walking hand in hand with Barbara herself. It had been a healing and peaceful moment for Hazel. A nice distraction for the worry that she was feeling over Alison. >>


<< She made her way back to her suite as she lit several candles and some incense. Upon waiving her hand, several bags appeared in her suite which carried a few essentials such as clothes but also some of Hazel's altar tools as well as volumes of her legendary almanac. She was no conjurer, rather she had enchanted these types of items to manifest should she need them. >>


"A girl can never have too many THINGS..."


<< Smirking to herself for a minute she began to settle herself into the room and making herself more at home. Just as she had finished unpacking and settled down into one of the armchairs next to her bed with her Almanac, her ears began to tingle. A giant smile appeared on her face. Karen and Morgan Victoria had arrived. >>


<< Laughing out loud for a moment she slammed the almanac shut and rose from the chair. >>


...


<< Several moments later Hazel arrived in The Great Room to much fanfare from Karen Victoria. They embraced each other warmly and for what seemed like forever. Verna had been one of Hazel's best friends. She was a few years older than Hazel but when you had the power that they did..age didn't matter and nobody would have noticed anyway. Both of them came from well known and incredibly powerful bloodlines. Hazel's own bloodline had carried the title of "Sorcerer Surpeme" at one point as well. When Hazel had met Verna, she was the High Priestess of a local coven. Verna was so warm and so sassy and it drew Hazel in immediately. Before long, the two were thick as thieves. Hazel was a regular at Verna's house and eventually joined her coven becoming a Priestess in Training. Hazel's unique abilities were the catalyst for Verna's battle with Barbas and together as sister witches, Verna was able to banish him. Their history spanned all the way to Verna's death in 1983. A heart attack. It was something that Hazel still struggled with. A woman so powerful and so absolutely unflappable being taken out by something so..HUMAN. >>


<< As she looked at Karen she couldn't shake the image of her as a little girl running around the house and asking an inordinate amount of questions about everything. She was the child that never stopped asking "why" and it seemed to be serving her very well in this life. An accomplished woman in her field with a gorgeous man and a powerful daughter. Despite what she had been through and despite the abuse she had faced, she had still accomplished everything that Verna had ever wanted for her. So many people looked at people like Karen and Morgan and saw these ice queens. These inpenetrable orbs of strength..but if they knew them the way that Hazel did, they would understand how hard fought that battle was. Karen's mother was an abusive and insufferable woman. Though Hazel was closer in age to Karen's mother, she just couldn't muster a relationship with her. She wasted the gifts that she had and she blamed Verna for any and ALL grievances she had in life. It was something that Verna NEVER got any peace over. To watch Karen suffer through her OWN abusive relationship at the hands of Christopher Victory was hard. But Karen was her own woman at that moment. She had lost her "Grammie" and while Hazel DESPERATELY regretted not being there more for Karen..by that time Hazel had been clued in on the destiny of The Six as well as Morgan's true destiny as The Sorceress Supreme of Earth. For her to intervene would have intervened with fate. The world needed The Six..and those throughout the years who tried to get in the way of that found themselves dead or bitter. Hazel HAD to let things happen as they would. But don't misunderstand, Hazel had OFTEN expressed her dislike of Christopher and even tried to get Karen to leave him just after Morgan was born. >>


<< So much had happened over the years. There were things that could have happened differently. Things she wished she could have protected Karen from, but things happened as they needed to. Hazel understood that. For every thing she could have prevented from happening could have ended up creating something worse. It was a delicate balance and something that Alison was experiencing now. >>


<< The two of them retired to the kitchen after a trip to the garden to pick some herbs. Hazel was sufficiently impressed with the fact that Alison had not let such an important thing fall to the wayside. Her garden was exquisite. The women sauntered around the kitchen mixing and cooking and boiling..and as much as Hazel tried to not feel like she was an old woman..there was something SO satisfying about being around little Karen Victoria making potions. It made her HEART sing! >>


Karen: "It's so lovely to see you again, Hazel!"


<< Hazel smiled as they began to pour the drinks into the goblets on the serving tray. >>


Karen: "After all this time! I haven't seen you since...well since Grammie passed away and Morgan was just a little girl."


<< She stopped in her tracks and she squeezed Karen's hand very firmly, looking her into the eyes. >>


"It's been far too long, Karen...far too long. Rest assured THIS is a mistake I won't repeat. And I hope you won't either."


Karen: "So much has happened. Seeing you now, makes me wonder if it is wise to stay out of contact for such prolonged periods. If something should happen...if you need help, it would be better if you were closer at hand. And...I can't help but think so much of Grammie when I look at you. Some losses remain painful, even with such long passage of time."


<< She smiled sweetly at Karen. >>


"That's why The Lord and The Lady made us women. We wouldn't have been able to handle all of [waving her hand while tearing a piece of sage and placing it into a goblet] this. And as much as I appreciate your sweet sentiment, Karen...let's not forget that I trained the Harbinger of time and helped make sure this generation's Sorceress Supreme was able to even COME into this world. Not to toot my own horn but...I'm a legend!"


<< She laughed loudly and hugged Karen once more. >>


"I'm only kidding..kind of. But honestly dear, you know me. The work that I do..it brings me into a LOT of people's lives. My default is to keep my distance..otherwise I risk getting too involved in their paths. But I will say..my relationship with the Eckart women is more than one of tutelage..you know I haven't had a real family of my own...but when I look at you know...I just can't shake this sisterly bond I have with you...your daughter she feels like my niece..a part of me..and well Alison..I can say with every fiber of my being..while I may have not BIRTHED that girl from my own loins..she is and will always be..my DAUGHTER..my FLESH and blood. I think of her everyday...and when it comes to Miss Verna? There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss her."


<< Karen picked up on that. >>


Karen: "I know that you're here out of concern for Alison, and honestly, I'm glad. I think you can reach her on a level that no one else among her peers can. I've talked with her privately and I know she has a very hard time with "opening up"...even after all the years we've known each other and how close we are..."


<< Hazel exhaled heavily. >>


"The number that Kelly King did on her is the stuff of nightmares. I won't betray what's she confided in me over the years..but what that little girl [slightly tearing up] went through..what she endured before she left..Well, let's just stay that while even her closest friends have questions on why she left..I will never fault her for it..and honestly..if I'm the only person she REALLY shares that with..that will be ENOUGH for her."


Karen: "Morgan and Alison are best friends and I think her return is just what Alison needed."


"Well..it takes a village to raise a child, Karen. I think it's time those of us with the experience to do so start stepping in and put this family back together again. The world needs them.."


<< They finished the drinks and they returned to The Great Room and began to pass them around to those in attendance. It was really very exciting for Hazel. In her heyday she was a social butterfly, but the last few years had been spent in solitude. Having this many people around really charged her and really centered her. She was at her core a nurturer, and all of this youthful energy and optimism really made her happy! >>


Karen: "Here we are! A nice witches brew that Grammie and Hazel taught me to make. It'll give you a nice feeling and very nice dreams. AND....FRESH from one of the gardens, some potent nepeta cataria! More commonly referred to as the highest grade of catmint or catnip!"


"Yes little kittens! You get to join in on the fun as well!"


<< Karen sat down next to Xavier and Hazel joined them. >>


Karen: "So, Xavier? What's your story, young man?"


<< Hazel laughed. >>


"Well I don't know his story but I certainly know his headline.."


<< Shoots her hand up miming. >>


"Young man helps older woman blossom in The Secret Garden!"


<< This didn't shake Xavier. Hazel had to admit. The moxy that this young man had was somewhat infectious. And the fact that he was so forthright and didn't seem to be TRYING to impress anybody endeared Hazel to him. >>


Xavier: "Who me? Oh, I am just a British guy, primarily an archaeologist and historian, and I run pretty fast when necessary. I met Alison while trying to stop petty artifact smuggling and after a couple of sparring sessions, we cooperated in order to help her get her brother back. Speaking of relatives, I must raise a toast to your Grammie...this drink is EXcellent."


<< Hazel lifted her glass high in the air. >>


"Well! To the safe return of Cameron King! And to the memory of the NAUGHTIEST woman I ever knew! Miss VERNA! Cheers, dahling!


<< She toasted the others with her beautiful and soft Irish accent. >>

 

[Persephone]

The dynamic between Haleigh and Cameron was nuclear. They had a warped relationship that dated back to the beginning of the six when they were both considered 'black sheep' and they ended up bonding over it. The bond turned into an attraction, and when Cameron died a part of Haleigh died with him. She eventually reconnected with Zach and managed to pick up the pieces of her love life, then BAM, Cameron came back. At that point Ava wasn't a fan of him. In fact she despised him BECAUSE he held such sway over her sister. But as time went on, she realized why Haleigh loved Cameron so much...and in turn, she ended up loving him as well. But Cameron and Haleigh would always be a 'thing'. They would also have that bond...that attraction to one another despite their efforts to stay away from each other. And as Ava sat there and listened to Zach speak about how he sees it so clearly, it made Ava's heart hurt. There was nothing she could say to him that would appease his worries....because in all honesty, he SHOULD be worried. Haleigh loved him, there was no doubt about that. But the truth was, Haleigh loved Cameron more.

Zach: Thanks anyway Ava. Wow, I really unloaded on you just now, DIDN'T I?

Snapping out of her mini self reflection, Ava shook her head.

"No worries, it's good to reflect on things. It makes certain situations seem less...foggy.."

She stated, almost as if to say...hey...I see where you're coming from. And you're RIGHT. It was a tough situation. Ava would ALWAYS support Haleigh, no matter what insane or stupid decisions she made. But she also wanted Zach to be happy. They had been good friends for many years. Rock, meat hard place.

Zach: I'm sorry, how have YOU been? Are you and Simon still...... haaaaangin' out?

Ava rolled her eyes and grinned.

"Yeeessss. But it's strictly platonic. I don't need love in my life right now, so Simon Pratt being a a notorious playboy bachelor is perfect."

Zach topped off her wine.

"Thanks."

Taking a sip, Ava then ate a few raspberries.

"Relationships are messy. Sex is simple. I like simple."

 

[Arsenal]

It was always good to come to Aerie. In many ways it felt more like home than anywhere else. Sometimes he would come back here just to run and hunt and be FREE, especially when he needed to drive away the drama playing out in his head. And so he relaxed with the new kid as the ladies made drinks for them. The chatted about nothing in particular, but had made a connection on the merits of the Splash Brothers when the witches returned. Karen went straight in on the guy as Mike rolled his eyes.

<< Karen sat down next to Xavier and Hazel joined them. >>


Karen: "So, Xavier? What's your story, young man?"


<< Hazel laughed. >>


"Well I don't know his story but I certainly know his headline.."


<< Shoots her hand up miming. >>


"Young man helps older woman blossom in The Secret Garden!"


<< This didn't shake Xavier. Hazel had to admit. The moxy that this young man had was somewhat infectious. And the fact that he was so forthright and didn't seem to be TRYING to impress anybody endeared Hazel to him. >>


Xavier: "Who me? Oh, I am just a British guy, primarily an archaeologist and historian, and I run pretty fast when necessary. I met Alison while trying to stop petty artifact smuggling and after a couple of sparring sessions, we cooperated in order to help her get her brother back. Speaking of relatives, I must raise a toast to your Grammie...this drink is EXcellent."


<< Hazel lifted her glass high in the air. >>


"Well! To the safe return of Cameron King! And to the memory of the NAUGHTIEST woman I ever knew! Miss VERNA! Cheers, dahling!


<< She toasted the others with her beautiful and soft Irish accent. >>

Mike raised his glass as a realization came to him.

Xavier, is it? You are the SECOND Xavier around here...the first and his brother should be coming up right....about...NOW.

Mike stood as the pair of dire wolves, Xavier and Xerxes, came bounding around the corner, happy to see Daddy AND Mommy. Karen had softened on them overall, and so she allowed some small affections, though she clearly was a fan of....smaller mammals. They were larger than ever and made ofr an impressive duo as the nuzzled Karen's leg affectionately before taking their places by Mike's side.

Xerxes and Xavier, meet Xavier. And meet Hazel.

The pair moved to investigate each of them, taking in their scent...each lingering far longer at Hazel's side. There was something about her...Mike clicked his tongue and they came back to their previous place by him. He treated each of them and then whispered.

Go play. Be GOOD.

The pair bounded off, managing to take a lap around Hazel first, nuzzling her legs and sniffing her again before bounding off to the gardens, likely to find Ava's Black panther to torment or some other thing.

Xavier: It seems the fellas found something interesting about Hazel...wonder what it was?

Mike laughed heartily at the joke...this kid, he liked.

 

[Alexia Sheremetyev]

Central Park

Alexia looked at the faerie, shocked at what was happening.

“They…they hurt you.”

You SEE!?? They are BAD! They're here to TAKE YOU AWAY! Ororo wouldn't want you to go with them like this! They're here to make you SAD, to show you nothing but DARKNESS and BAD DREAMS!

Alexia looked away from the faerie quickly. She had a secret. The secret she never told ANYONE, not even Auntie, was that she LIKED the dark. But that made her feel ashamed, and she didn’t want anyone to know. ESPECIALLY not her new friend. What if she didn’t want to play with her anymore?

“Darkness is bad!”

Alexia!!! Remember what ORORO said? When there's DANGER!?

[reciting] “When there’s danger…to PROTECT not to HARM…”

DANGER!

Alexia shut her eyes tight and scrunched up her shoulders, clenching her little fists with effort. A bubble of dark energy appeared around herself. She knew no one could get in. Her friend was right, she felt much safer now.

She opened her eyes in time to see all the kids playing outside fall to the ground and lie still. Alexia gasped.

“They…they hurt all those kids!”

The faerie was trying to protect her, yelling at the adults.

You MEAN, NASTY PEOPLE are here to HURT my friend! You're NOT the people Ororo would want her to be with!

Auntie Ororo had said she wasn’t able to be with her parents yet, that it was too dangerous. Maybe this is what she meant?

Alexia, You see!? mean, bad behavior is all they understand, because it's all they do! they're not like Ororo...OR me. We were having SUCH FUN until they showed up! We should ESCAPE while we still can, before they come after us again!

“You’re…you’re right! We need to get away – it isn’t safe here!”

She dropped the bubble so she could once again take the faerie’s hand, and was allowing herself to be pulled towards the ship. But then…Ororo was here! She was so happy to see her Aunt! Ororo would protect her and all the children, and her new friend too!

"Alexia Morgana! My sweet child! What have you gotten yourself into! Haven't I told you only to trust those you know! This little faerie is quite the trickster! Your Mommy and Daddy and her friends would NEVER hurt you! Alexia...please…come to me at once!"

She looked from the faerie to Ororo.

“But…but…this is my friend. And I DON’T know them! They hurt all the kids, all my friends! They want to hurt me!”

Alexia turned her back on Ororo, and now started to run for the ship.

 

[MorningStar]

Central Park

Alexia looked so scared.

But Delilah told herself she couldn’t fall apart. Not when her daughter needed her.

She felt Bishop next to her, saw out of the corner of her eye that he had a gun on the faerie.

“Tell me when, darlin’.”

She held out a hand to the side, motioning for him to put it down.

“You can’t risk hitting her. The faerie could use her as a shield.”

“Keep talking to her.”

She nodded, and Bishop moved stealthily around to the other side.

“Alexia, please come down here. I don’t want you to fall and get hurt. And it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other.”

She kept pleading, praying for Alexia to listen, her hands clasped together in front of her.

Come on, come on…

Bishop almost had her. But then, Alexia manifested a shield, pushing him and Haleigh away!

In the moment, Delilah couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. Eight years old and she could create a shield! She smiled in spite of herself.

[whispering] “That’s my girl.”

And that’s when the faerie decided to attack.

My Bon Bon Babies will stop you!

“Bitch, I am going to shove those bon bons down your candy-coated throat. And you don’t want to know what I’m going to do with that damn FLUTE.”

The things that looked like Willy Wonka rejects were attacking Bishop and Haleigh, seeming INVULNERABLE to attacks. Two came at her, and had her hands before she could react.

“Let go!”

A third creature was coming for her. Why not take a page out of her daughter’s book?

“You know what they say.”

She created a laser shield around herself that would vaporize anything that came into contact with it.

“Like mother like daughter.”

 

[Bishop]

Central Park

”I'm reading the situation psychically..but Bishop? I'm not kidding..if your daughter uses her power on Delilah...I AM going to step in...and I'd rather have her father's help. It will be your choice...but mine is already made."

“I understand – better than anyone. But remember, she’s a child, Cameron. If you hurt her, I’ll hurt you.”

He climbed up onto the merry-go-round and was almost to Alexia, when he looked back to see Haleigh behind him. Holding one of the collars they had put on Delilah in the infirmary on Aerie…

He shook his head “no” at her. She was going to scare Alexia, and besides.

You’re not putting that thing on my child.

But before he could do anything else, he was thrown BACKWARDS and off the merry-go-round and onto the ground. Looking up, he realized that Alexia seemed to be inside a bubble made of shadow. After another moment, he realized that it was coming from her, not the faerie. She was shielding herself from him. That thought was like a knife through his chest, and he knew from experience what that felt like.

He stood just as the faerie threw something at them. It was candy. He scoffed.

“What is this, a parade?”

The candies began to shimmer and transform.

My Bon Bon Babies will stop you!

“What the hell are bon bon babies?!”

What looked like extremely fat baby dolls were now circling him. He sighed.

“Really?”

But then they were grabbing him, carrying him into the air. He tried to shake them off, but then they DROPPED him. Before he could try to right himself another of the candy baby things slammed into him, throwing him hard into a tree trunk. He bounced and slid to the ground with a thunk.

He shook himself, trying to clear the cobwebs from his head. He could see Alexia running away after the faerie.

"Alexia, don't be scared!"

But she didn't look back, didn't hesitate.

He stood up and winced. He had two, maybe three broken ribs, and a dislocated shoulder. But that didn't matter - he ran after them.