Loose ends

[Spellbinder]

<< a cold winter evening. the city is still unsettled by the events of the past two days but federal, state and local officials think they have a grip on the immediate situation. main streets leading to the federal district are blocked off. News channels rehash the bizarre events of the "trial" at the courthouse to nausea and the question is raised about the "mutant menace".....with implications of the identities of the "super powered beings" involved in the fracas. Yet no mention is made of MysTech who manages to make itself look like a hero as ambulances with technology powered by mystech along with surveilance cameras perched high on buildings(also provided mystech) are used in gathering together information during the federal investigation>>

<<reports of Morgan Victoria, Alexis Quatermaine and Cameron King having been present at the trial circulate through tabloids while an APB has been placed on Sharon Kelly and Alycia Barnett>>

<< corruption and mistrust as well as fear run high ..even as the city seems to be "functioning". the anti mutant sentiment is beginning to gain momentum and the lives of The Six...both mutant and non mutant are about to get that much more difficult>>

<< across town at the seemingly abandonned warehouse, Guardian, Prophet and Black Widow stand among the aftermath of the fierce battle/rescue effort of Sharon and Alycia. wreckage, scorch marks, fallen drones, black guards and two MASSIVE sentinels strewn about the place as well as the apparent remains of Commander Rick Riley. the building is eeriely silent and the smell of dust, smoke and death is in the air. the rest of the team, Spellbinder, Shockwave, MorningStar and the newest member Frost have returned to Illustra with their battered allies and are awaiting transport to a "safe house" provided by Clandestine Inc.>>
----------

@ Illustra inc.

<< those who were leaving the wear house were immediately transported back to Illustra...arriving on the private residential floors of the building. it was a beautifull site to behold , the portal and the safety of Illustra's private floors. the group was tired and weary...Sharon and Alycia seemed distant...Sharon with a blank stare on her face and Alycia looking down, and not having that fiery glint in her eyes. PHYSICALLY they were fine, thanks to the healing of Spellbinder and the warmth from Frost....but the psychological toll was apparent>>

allright ladies, we're home...we're safe. let's sit down here......
<< Morgan had a look of sadness on her face as she helped them both sit down on a couch and wrapped them up with a plush blanket. they were in the lounge area that connected to a private conference room>>

<< it was night time now, and the cold night sky was darker than usual with few stars and only a half moon. Morgan, the leader, felt responsible for all of this....and her face betrayed a look of uncertainty>>

<< in an icy voice>>: is everyone allright? or in need of healing? we have a few minutes until the operative arrives..i can whip up some hot chocolate or other refreshments..

<<she looked at each of the women carefully....narrowing her eyes a bit when looking at Frost. but even Morgan couldnt deny this woman did pull her weight back at the Cell...she had been intregal in the success of saving Sharon and Alycia and fighting off the sentinels.>>

when we get where ever we're going...i want you all to rest. Ill cast a spell around the ship to protect us from any intruders. i'm going to call my mother and arrange for counseling/"therapy" for Sharon and Alycia.....clearly they are suffering more than just physical trauma.

<< meanwhile, Prophet, Guardian and BlackWidow remained at the warehouse to tie up any possible loose ends.>>

 

[Foxfire]

Illustra

** Arriving through Morningstars' portal, the young mutant boldly stepped through it. Walking through it into a new landscape, Illustra. Stepping to the left of the portal with the other women entering. Her hunter green eyes searching this room. It was magnificent site to behold. This room was warm and inviting a stark contrast to the cold and inhumane warehouse they evacuated from. Jasmine easily depicted sadness on Sharon, Alycia, and her sister. For a split second her empathy emerged stronger than usual as she had to regain her bearings. Blinking those long black eyelashes, she turned at the waist to loom over the window. **

** Frost was successful assisting this superior team of super hero's. But why did she feel like a body in an empty shell? Folding her arms across her suit, she admired the moon's beauty and mystery. Frost related to the moon in more ways than one - for the most part it swayed her more so with her power over water and ice. Secondly because the moon was an enigma and at times Jasmine was. The sweet aroma of lavender and potpourri invigorated her senses as a tranquility flooded her soul. She knew this was only a reprieve and the worse was yet to arrive. Peeling off her silver gloves, Jasmine cracked them - a bit of a nervous habit. Her eyes met those violet hues that belonged to Morgan. Jasmine kept the gaze - not bothering to look away. In that small frame of time, there was no anger or coldness in her green eyes and Morgan felt it. Dropping eye contact, Frost absorbed the small ounce of dislike Morgan directed at her. However, the young mutant saw progress from the Sorceress Supreme. **

** Frost felt unwelcome on this floor of Illustra, mainly due to the ban Morgan instructed at XS. If this was her team, she would have to melt some of that ice more. After all these women did save her life. Pushing from the window sill, Jas sat down on one of the arm chairs. It easily dwarfed her - making her resembled a small child. Crossing one leg over the other with her bare hands folding in her lap. It was heaven to sit down, her whole body ached and her skull throbbed. Her voice finally reached out - calmly and smoothly. **

"I'm okay, thank you. Your building is lovely, Morgan."

** Her eyes sliding back onto Morgan. A compliment was rare from Frost but when given she spoke honesty. Massaging her temples she rested her head back on the head rest of the chair. Shutting those green hues until the operative arrived. Pulling the ear piece from her ear. She spoke up once more - more clearly so Morgan would hear. **

"Delilah requires healing, she took a nasty fall when battling the Sentinel. I'm sure she'll put on this strong facade, but the suit I gave her gives me a progress on the wearer."

** The mutant fell quiet again to rest a few minutes before they all moved to the yacht. **

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah finished helping Alycia to the sofa as the portal closed behind them. She was limping slightly, and quickly found a seat in a nearby chair. She shook her head as Morgan asked if she needed healing. She knew Haleigh had good reason for keeping their destination secret, but still it made her nervous not knowing where they were headed. Sitting there doing nothing - the waiting - made her antsy.

She rolled her eyes at Frost's comment about the building. What did she think this was, and episode of Martha Stewart Living?

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Spellbinder walked over to Delilah>>

I heard you had quite a fall while battling the sentinels. Let me help you, Delilah..

<< gesturing a bit as she weaves a pattern of power, a sparkling globe of magick forms around her hands as she gently thrusts them forward. the globe traveles as a soft chiming melody plays and envelopes Delilah...soothing her aches and repairing the damage to her body. the healing spell worked its course and Delilah was able to breathe and move perfectly as she did before>>

<< she knew Frost wouldnt be able to wonder too far away as the security systems would check her. she sit down next Delilah and exhaled ..burying her hands in her face>>

D, what kind of leader am I? i couldnt even protect Alycia and Sharon when it counted MOST. Sharon was nearly RAPED...they could have DIED in those tunnels. it just seems like this problem with MysTech...is getting further and further out of hand...and we are ALWAYS reacting instead of being PROACTIVE! and now we have Frost with us....do we DARE trust her?

<<the two women had the chance to talk between themselves while they waited for the Operative from Clandestine Inc to arrive. meanwhile the Illustra was dimly lit and peacefully silent. from the floors below ground to the 107th floor..the building was secure for the time being>>

 

[Prophet]

:: Cameron surveyed the area. Obviously Alison knew what they had left to do here and now that the others were gone they could talk about the situation more uncensored and frank with each other. ::

"Okay.. so is the Mastermold HERE? Or is there something else we are here to do?"

:: He didn't think that Alison would take just Haleigh and himself to defeat this so called Mastermold. He thought that they would need the entire team of the Six together for this. Prophet found himself somewhat confused at the whole situation. ::

"On a side note.. is everyone okay? That was a rough battle.."

:: Turning to Haleigh ::

"You are okay right? About Rick Riley?"

 

[Harbinger]

the warehouse

:: Guardian crouched down and examined the epicenter of the blast that seemingly claimed Rick Riley's life::

I sense something....this wasnt a mere explosion. there was a distoration in space here. phase shifting. Rick Riley is quite possibly...ALIVE!

::a cold wind whistled outside and around the building..which seemed to be on its last leg::


MasterMold has become SELF AWARE and is moving about in the city...but not as a massive robot. he is in fact in human guise...waiting for the "right moment" to transform. My long range "site" cannot pinpoint where he is now....which is why the ultimate outcome i saw for Sharon and Alycia is STILL very much imminent.

We need to expunge all evidence of our having been here. Black Widow..you must destroy everything BELOW GROUND...and see to it that all data collected by Rick Riley has been erased.

Like it or not, we are going to have to just "resume" our daily activities. as Morgan's mother helps to repair the trauma Alycia and Sharon sustained, THEY will have to return to their positions too in order to overt any MORE federal scrutiny than there already is. The press and the people in general are beginning to fear mutants and superhumans...its just what MysTech was counting on..and even though we destroyed NERVOUS...the master mold, sentinel and nimrod programs are still VERY MUCH active.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh shrugged, and in a somewhat cold response, nodded with a countenance of indifference.

"Well I'm not about to break down and bawl about killing him, feeling all guilty and sorry for myself, if that's what you're driving at. His brother David was the better man, I always like David more.... he was Marine Force Recon... we worked together on a couple of occaisions. Unlike Rick, who nearly had a hernea once when he had to salute me, David rather liked the idea of a female commanding officer... of course... I think I rather fostered the fantasy..." Haleigh looked from Cameron to Alison and then stood up a little straighter, moving swiftly away from further discussion of that topic. "BUT that's another story for another time."

Haleigh trained her eyes on Alison as the precog spoke, and was looking a little like she was about to have a hernea herself... "THATS IMPOSSIBLE! EVEN if he found a way to escape this PLACE... his body is TRASHED.... the damage is DONE. He would have to be capable of POSSESSING another body... a COMPLEX skill even I can't master. Rick was good... his was talented, resourceful even.... but he's not THAT damn resourceful."

Haleigh shook her head in assurance as she began to circumnavigate the computer mainframe several stories below, poking around for the 'self eradicate' feature she KNEW Mystech would have in case their stronghold was ever infiltrated. With the landlines and ethernet cables all jammed, there would be no way for the system to broadcast Riley's intel before it was destroyed, so Haleigh didn't bother with wastin her time deleting things... the system would do that for her.

"No sweat... there wont even be any evidence MYSTECH was ever here... but Alison.... I can't say I agree with just going home and WAITING to be victimized... maybe we, the Six, should shift our tactics..." She began, unknowingly echoing sentiments MORGAN was expressing to Delilah back at Illustra. "Maybe we should EMBRACE this... we are ALWAYS going to be fighting Mystech... perhaps its time we start hunting THEM instead of waiting for their next wacko assassin. I dont know about the rest of you... but I'm SICK of Mystech fucking with us.... I think its time WE started fucking back.

*************************************

Meanwhile, at Illustra:

Zach appeared amongst the weary group, wearing a bulletproof vest over his white buttondown. Stamped across the front and back of the black vest were the bold white letters FBI. He had smudges of dirt on his face and hands, white bits of plaster and marble dust from the courthouse walls and ceiling spotted his vest and black slacks. He looked for all the world as if he had been having a long day.... but was relieved to see everyone was here.

"The courthouse catastrophe is FINALLY under control... the press is having a field day... but luckily there werent as many casualties as the NYPD had first suggested... It will be a helluva road to recovery but I thought you might like to know things are beginning to stabilize. If you're all ready, Ms Victoria... I'll lead you to our destination.... Haleigh would like to see you as SECURE as possible."

 

[Harbinger]

the warehouse

:: Guardian folded her arms as she stood, with her weight slightly shifted over to one leg. she was already taller than Haleigh, but with her stilletto boots, her size and stature were exacerbated.::

::she remained cold and analytical::

I'm afraid it IS possible Haleigh. We havent dealt with the entire scope of Mystech's capabilities. You saw yourself how Pipeline managed to even stay a step ahead of ME, a precog. With my temporal powers I can easily discern that there was a phase shift. Rick Riley's body didn't explode...the flash of the explosion was the COVER from him to shunt himself out of here. But HE is not the issue at the moment. I do not see him returning for quite sometime, as you did severely injure him....but he will remain a bitter enemy of yours AND the group.

:: she listend as Haleigh did in fact unknowingly echo the sentinments of Morgan...who was all the way across town.::

I am not suggesting we ALLOW ourselves to be victimized, Haleigh. I am telling you that we MUST allow things to unfold as they will. I still have the seige perilous and have not used it yet. you know that when this gem is drawn...that the danger is severe. We MUST go through this in order to arrive at the threshold of a new, all encompassing mission. and believe me, we WILL have the chance to strike at MysTech like NEVER BEFORE.

I do not like it any more than you, and I have constantly been searching for other possible time threads...Sharon and Alycia are dear to me, valuable allies to us ALL. To lose either one of them pains me like few other things can....and we will NOT just sit idly by and let master mold take them..not without a fight. the fate of the city depends on that.

But for now, kindly execute the sterilization of this area...and let us be on our way. I cannot pin point mastermold, and you will not be able to either.

 

[MorningStar]

Illustra

[ Delilah reluctantly allowed Morgan to heal her. She didn't like to admit to needing help...but she did feel much better. She allowed a little smile. ]

"Thanks."

[ As Morgan sat down and spoke, she felt for her friend. ]

"Morgan, you aren't responsible for this - you can't protect everybody all the time. All you can do is try and help when you can."

[ She lowered her voice a bit. ]

"As for Frost...I don't trust her. She's trying too hard to get into your good graces...and I don't believe that she's sincere. We need to watch her..."

 

[Persephone]

:: Arriving at Illustra, Alexis watched as Sharon and Alycia sat distant from the group. Their blank expressions and lifeless eyes pained Alexis--she knew that feeling all too well. They were fighters, but at that moment, they looked as helpless as a child. Shaking her head gently, Alexis turned away from the group and slowly stepped forward toward the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked New York City. Inhaling deeply, she wrapped her arms around her torso allowing a low sigh to escape her parted lips. It was hardly a successful "win" tonight...they did in fact destory Pipline, but the emotional toll that Alycia and Sharon were going through made it seem like a loss than a victory. ::

:: Closing her sapphire eyes, Alexis could hear the soft murmurs of Delilah and Morgan; both obvious concerned for their friends. Morgan blamed herself...as she always did when she couldn't control a situation. Sometimes Morgan's worst enemy was her own doubts about herself. About her abilities and strength. She might of been the most powerful member of The Six...but Alexis knew she was more human than she'd ever like to admit. As they all were. ::

:: Letting out a low cough, the metahuman was struck pretty hard in the chest during the battle...though not fatal or a dangerous wound..mainly just a pain in the ass. Clearing her throat, Alexis stepped away from the window; the slight flicker of lightning illuminating the darkened abode. Glimpsing to the side, she caught Frosts eerie green eyes with her own, keeping contact for only a second. Glancing away, Alexis proceeded over to Morgan's large kitchen that overlooked the sitting area. Taking it upon herself to get a glass of water, Alexis didn't know what else to do...there WAS nothing else to do. They all simply had to wait. ::

 

[Foxfire]

** Zach's voice rang out clearly in the lounge area of Illustra but Jasmine kept her eyes closed. She was meditating and eavesdropping on Morgan and Delilah's conversation despite the woman's drop in volume. Sitting forward, her eyes fluttered open only to follow Alexis' into the kitchen. Cocking her head to the side, curious of Shockwave's isolation. In a way Jasmine related but she wasn't about to make friends with the Metamorph either. Standing up she stretched her muscles out with a low yawn. Reaching for her gloves she slipped them back on, turning to Zack with a nod. **

** Delilah's comment about the mutant didn't even strike a nerve, she brushed it off like air. What did that arrogant conservative cop know about her? Nothing, but she was fit to play the protective friend. Moving into the kitchen she leaned up against the large refrigerator peering through Alexis' soul without a word. Walking closer until she was three feet from Shock. **

"Your eyes betray such hurt - and I'm not necessarily meaning this mission. You've lost someone, it haunts you. I know the look well...I lost someone too and it was not my father."

** She kept her eyes locked onto the blonde, secretly gathering all the information about her. Getting a feel for who Alexis really was. **

"And please...there's no need to be rude to me. I'm just simply commenting on what I see. You're wary of me and I don't blame you. However you don't trust yourself these days do you Alexis? I know you won't answer that - you hope to linger in the shadows because your evolving yourself like a moth preparing to cocoon. Your the chameleon of the group - trying to fit in but I sense discomfort from you. Your a prime target for weakness - all I'm saying is...be careful. If I can read past your lines many more can."

** She stepped back to turn around quickly, allowing Alexis ponder her observacy. If anything Jasmine caught the facade, but she kept it private. That empathy handed down to her from Blaze. Running a hand through her dark locks she followed Zack outside, waiting for the others while deep in thought. **

 

[Persephone]

:: Lifting her eyes to Jasmine as she made her way into the kitchen, Alexis rolled them away as she placed her lips along the rim of her glass of water. Taking a small sip of the cool liquid, she shifted her glance back to Jasmine who began a mini monologue of "who Alexis really was". Parting her lips slightly, she couldn't believe the audacity of this woman; coming to her and spewing out her ridiculous notions...no matter how true they were. It was the principle of the matter, and Alexis was sure as hell not going to allow her to walk away without a few words of her own. ::

:: Grabbing Jasmine by the elbow, she pulled her to a halt. Taking a step forward, she met Jasmine's eyes once more; this time Alexis was expression nothing other than anger. ::

"You blow in here, what? Fifteen minutes ago? And now you're playing amateur psychologist with me? Acting like you care about me or this team? You have NO idea what I’ve been through these past few months; so don't you DARE stand there and analyze me and give me advise when you care only about yourself. The ONLY reason why you're here is because of Blaze....and don't YOU forget that.."

:: Pushing her arm away violently, Alexis brushed past Jasmine before turning around, eyeing her up once again. ::

"And if you want to test that little theory of yours...about me being weak. I'd be more than happy to oblige. Nothing would please me more than to wipe the floor with your smug face."

:: Narrowing her eyes into an intense glare, Alexis turned away from Jasmine and made her way back into the livingroom. Folding her arms along her chest, she approached the fireplace and huffed out an annoyed breath. Leaning her shoulder against the mantle, Alexis continued to wait. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra

<< Morgan looked at Delilah and nodded.....Delilah's experience as a cop, and common sense always shown through at times of uncertainty. Frost was definately the uncertainy of this group. She'd made a STRONG showing in her first mission with the group..but it would be ridiculous of Morgan to just go along with her repeated attempts to charm her.>>

<< Knowing Delilah would like a moment to herself, Morgan touched her on the shoulder and excuse herself. walking from one area of the large conference chambers to the kitchen area where Alexis was. On the way there she passed a small private room that Frost was meditating in.>>

<< reaching the kitchen, and hearing Alexis cough Morgan spoke>>

I think you could use some healing there Alexis.

<< Morgan raises her hands slightly, and began to work her restoration magicks. taking the pain away and healing the damage , Alexis could now breathe easily again as she was all healed>>

i know it might not be your style to accept healing from me of all people. but we are a team..a team who is being dogged by MysTech at every turn. we've got to stick together..if we hope to survive and protect those we care about.

<< after a few moments...Morgan nodded, trying to conceal her own doubts about her ability to lead..which Alexis had already discerned. shortly after, Jasmine would have a conversation with Alexis while Morgan was met by Zach who explained that the media frenzy was still in full swing BUT the actual area and aftermath had been calmed immensely. Morgan ran her hands through her blonde, double hightlighted hair as she sighed>>

allright...ill get the others. But i need my mother to come with us. Doctor Karen V. Victoria. Haleigh should have a file or something on her...as Clandestine Inc was protecting her from mystech for years. We need her to help with the recovery of Sharon and Alycia.

<< Morgan waited for Zach to reply before she rounded up the others>>

 

[Foxfire]

Illustra - Kitchen to fireplace

** Glancing up as warm fingertips grasped around her forearm pulling her back. Perking a curious brow, Frost had that 'Yes, what else' look plastered on her lips. She stood firmly toe to toe with Alexis who began to unleash that pent up aggression causing Jasmine to look smug again. Shaking her head, she remained silent for Shockwave to finish. Watching the other stroll off, Jasmine followed behind closely until she was beside Alexis. Leaning up against the fireplace she remained stoic this time. **

"You see, that fire is great in battle but make one false move.."

** Jasmine roughly wrapped an arm around Alexis' neck in a "sleeper" without harming her as her free hand pinned her right arm behind her. Pivoting her boot to lock tightly around Alexis' ankle enough for her to be pinned up against the mantle. Moving up to her ear whispering into it. A cold frost trailed along Shockwave's ear. **

"Your bark is far more fierce than your bite. You misinterpret my words blondey, which is why that anger blinds you. And trust me - I know all about your dear brother. But I'm not here to compare notes nor am I about to play Doctor fucking Phil. I know what the enemies target and your emotions are that of a freight train. Look at yourself Alexis..."

** She released Alexis slowly moving to stand beside her instead of behind her. Blowing a lose piece of strand that fell from her pony tail. "I'm not saying your weak persay but if you don't tackle your emotions you will be. You lash out in anger because what I speak is the truth. Discussing my sister is immaterial she's dead! As tragic and atrocious as that is - Alex your buttons are easy to push. I just proved my point. And I'm willing to guarantee you'll lash out orally or physically or even your powers. But you'd only prove my point - now tell me I'm wrong." Her green eyes sparkling with life, awaiting for Alexis. **

"If I were Blaze you'd listen but because I'm the cold hearted bitch of the family I'm mislooked. I really could care less my dear, I'm just trying to warn you. I also know you can't let someone have the last word. But what do I know right? I've only arrived here for a day or so."

 

[Persephone]

:: Inhaling a quick breath in as Jasmine blind sided her, pinning her up against the mantel, Alexis clenched her teeth together out of frustration. Feeling Jasmine's cold breath along her ear, Alexis fiercely whipped her body away feeling Jasmine release her from her tight hold. Turning to the woman, Alexis' eyes were narrowed into an obvious glare; it only intensifying the more she spoke. What the hell was with the Fielding woman analyzing everyone? Looking at people like they were a blank canvas and only painting what they believed was that person's "life story". It bugged Alexis was Blaze did it, and it only further ticked her off now that Jasmine was doing it as well. Team mate or not, she was being pushed over the damn edge by this girl, and Alexis was hardly about to sit back and let it slide. ::

"Proof? Proof that you're right and I’m wrong? That I’m a walking 'train wreck' as you so nicely put it? You want proof...."

:: Waving her arm violently, ala Prue, a blue wave of energy went flying from Alexis' body and slamming into Jasmine, sending her flying airborne through the livingroom and crashing onto the kitchen counter. A massive crash broke the silence of the darken room, bringing everyone's attention to Jasmine and Alexis' obvious tiff. ::

"There's your DAMN proof you insufferable bitch! Enjoy your ‘I told you so’s’ and go to hell!"

:: Alexis wasn't going to deny that Jasmine was wrong. Ever since Blaze's, AJ's, and her father's death, Alexis hadn't been herself. Very bitchy, on edge, snarky. Basically how she was when the six first met her a year ago. It was her defense mechanism; her way of coping. And the fact that Jasmine was going toe to toe with her, calling her out on it, was getting under her skin. But when push comes to shove; regardless of how Alexis was emotionally, she would buckle down and get the job done and be there for the six. The other members knew this...but obvious Jasmine underestimate her. ::

"Keep her the HELL away from me!"

:: Pointing her finger at Delilah, Alexis stormed out of the livingroom and to the front doors of Morgan's penthouse. Opening the door with one swift movement, Alexis walked out into the hall, slamming the door behind her. ::

"UGH! That over-confident, egotistical, cold hearted, HARPIE!"

:: Pacing in front of Morgan's penthouse door, Alexis run her fingers through her honey blonde locks, trying to calm herself down. ::

 

[Foxfire]

"Easy tiger, you might have a heart attack, we wouldn't want that."

** She said calmly almost emotionless when she kept her guard up. Her eyes looking up at the ceiling at Alexis' shadow. Noting the change in intensity, hmm the energy manipulator was planning an attack no doubt. Drawing her eyes back down to lock on the feisty blonde she folded her arms across her chest. **

"I'm not the enemy here Alexis - I'm trying to pinpoint something out here."

** As she stared at Alexis she was ready for the attack. However as Alexis violently waved her hand she tried to side step the blue glowing orb only to collide with it. Flying through the air Jasmine roughly crashed through the small round table as pieces of wood splattered everywhere. A small yelp escaped Jasmine who held her side in pain. **

"That girl needs serious anger management."

** Coughing away the small dust that surrounded her she climbed off the broken table only to find her own anger boiling. Narrowing those blue orbs she flamed out only to appear outside in front of Alexis. Yanking her by the throat to face her, that voice cruel and icy now. **

"You stupid BITCH! You just don't hit and run me!"

** She pushed Alexis back into the wall roughly clearly throwing her through it. She smiled to herself. **

"Clever girl - you pushed my buttons. But I'll show you who I really am!"

** Leaning in Jasmine moved like lightning in her speed and stamina only to pin Alex's body against the white wall, allowing the Metahuman's arms to move freely. Grabbing each of her wrists Jasmine placed Shockwave's hands on her cheek bones. Alexis was able to feel the mixture of heat and cold within her body but the longer Jasmine caused Alexis to hold on the longer the woman saw. Jasmine felt her energy being sucked away like a vacuum with her veins popping along her neck and her wrists. **

** What Alexis saw was a more softer Jasmine, one who mourned for her sister, detested her father, and loved her daughter. Flashes of Michael - Jasmine's fiance, her daughter, Violet - her second in command. The Metamorph could see the fire in Jasmine's eyes in the memories especially holding her daughter. **

**FLASHBACK **

"Mommy has to go away my angel." Frost had been crouched down by her daughter in the flashback. "Why mommy?" A bit of an accent in her daughter's tone. Frost looked down, "because I can't let anyone hurt you." "You mean how they took daddy?" Jasmine nodded as she held back her tears, "but your daddy is in heaven. He watches over us but I won't let anyone harm you. But for now you have to stay with your cousin Violet, she'll keep you save." Jasmine held her daughter tightly nodding to Violet, "I love you." Little Elizabeth smiled up "I love you mommy." Placing Liz down on the sofa, Jasmine waved to Violet as she walked out. "Keep them safe from the Mafia." She whispered.

** End Flashback**

** Jasmine pulled Alexis' hands away collapsing onto the ground for air. Her breathing much more labored than before. "Now maybe you'll understand why I MUST be so cold!" Jasmine glanced up at Alexis, her complexion returning. "Because of my emotions - my fiance was killed by Decimation - A group of humans who capture mutants, torture them, and kill them. Their anti - mutant and if they found my daughter I'd be broken to pieces! I don't presume to know you Alexis - I was just trying to help you...don't make the same mistake as I did." She stood up now eye level, "I apologize if I pushed your buttons or upset you."

** Frost looked away to return to the room knowing Spellbinder and Morningstar would give her an ear full she knew it. **

 

[Black Widow]

warehouse

Haleigh rubbed her eyes, sighing. The ground beneath their feet trembles so forcefully that some MORE debri shakes loose from the ceiling around them. Haleigh sucks in a deep breath as she looks up at Alison, an undescernable expression on her face.

"Very well... I'm done here..." She seemed to finally resign to the circumstances, as she stepped over a fallen body to take a look at 'ground zero', the spot Riley had been before he pulled a Houdini. It was hard to tell what she was thinking, as she stared down at the scorchmark, momentarily reticent. She lifted her chin to look up at alison, locking eyes with absolute confidence. "Sharon and Alycia are going to be fine... they are SAFE with us... theres NO WAY any of us would let something happen to them. Now lets get out of here... I have a feeling this building might not be standing much longer." She says, a smile in her voice but not on her face. She pulls out an orange-sized sphere and rolls it a few feet away from them, where it activates and begins a countdown to detonation.

"Shall we?"

*******************************

Meanwhile, at Illustra:

"Don't worry about Dr. Victoria.... Haleigh has sent for her already and she'll be brought to the dock to meet us by a pair of CI operatives."

Zach says, a soft italian inflection on his words. He jerks his head to look into the kitchen, where it sounds like all hell is breaking loose. Narrowing his eyes, he turns back to Morgan, raising his eyebrows as the full conversation is heard by them both. He decides to try to take the focus off Frost's revelation.

"Somebody should probably break them up... so we can get the Senator and the D.A. to safety...."

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra

<< Spellbinder heard the commotion and walked with a purpose to she source of the disturbance but Alexis and Jasmine had moved from the kitchen area of the large conference room to the front vestibule. Alexis had seperated herself from the situation and both women looked rather agitated. across the way, sat Delilah, giving a disapproving stare at Jasmine and on the couch sat Alycia and Sharon. Morgan wasnt sure WHAT ALL had taken place between the mutant and metahuman b>>

<<sigh>> Do you two think you can keep it yourselves under control? We shouldnt be fighting among ourselves...we did that before and you see what it cost us.

<< looking at Jasmine>>: i suggest YOU sit down and keep your mouth closed right now. you're "position" among this team is shakey at best and given the situation we are in, it wouldnt do you well to try to probe ANYONE here.

<< looking at Zach>>: I'm sure Alison and the others will be along in a moment...but at least we are all now in the same room.

<< walking over to alycia and sharon, Morgan looked at them..and brushed some of Sharon's hair out of her face>>

They havent said anything since we rescued them....They've been through so much...all because of trying to help us...and mutants, metahumans at large....I hope my mother can help them snap out of this state of shock..

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra

::right on cue, Guardian's voice was heard::

Here we all now.

:: everyone could see Alison, Haleigh and Cameron now in the room with them as Guardian walked forward, eyeing Zach with her intimidating cobalt blue eyes. She KNEW he was always leery of her given her nature and presentation.::

The Cell has been expunged of all evidence that we had ever been there, not to mention any possible recovery of information to MysTech. Pipeline is confirmed dead but Rick Riley, actually escaped via "phase shift" teleportation. His exact whereabouts are unknown but it is highly unlikely he will return anytime soon given the time he would need to recover from Haleigh's attack.

Haleigh has arranged for the warehouse to implode on itself...following a fire sweep through the entire length of the structure. we are ready to leave for the destination provided by Clandestine Inc.....but there is one other thing.

::she paused for a moment::

Master Mold became self aware an hour ago. He is synergized with the Nimrod Matrix and is moving in society with the appearence of a large, well toned white male. there will be a catalyst that triggers the final transformation...and that is when the final phase of this caper will begin. One among us will make a major sacrifice to save the group, the city....and there will be another loss to us as well.

<< holding the seige perilous in her gloved hand...it shimmered a bit as the gold around it sparkled. since it was still present, it was clear that the danger had NOT passed and that whatever was going to happen..it would take this cosmic gem in order to set things right again.

:: with last minute preparations, the group, along with the allie were ready to be transported. Dr. Victoria would join them on the yacht and they would begin the process of preparing for what was to come::

 

[Foxfire]

Illustra - drama, and more drama lol

** After all the hot air had dissolved - Frost returned to the group as Spellbinder addressed her. Great, who else right? She locked eyes with her half - sibling but this time they glared at Morgan coldly as she snapped back aggressively. **

"SHUT it already Morgan! You pretend like your some angelic fucking angel when your not! So please, spare me the idol threats or the lectures when your just as guilty as I. Whether you like it or not you'll hear from me frequently so I think its time you shut the HELL up for a change and cut me some slack because I just helped this sorry ass team! Yeah - that's right I helped THIS team or did you forget?! You know that giant snake you were so afraid of? I saw the look in your eyes and it was ME who destroyed the piece of shit. So if anyone should be grateful its you!"

** She huffed a quick breath before settling down with her arms folded across her suit. Her eyes locked heatedly on Spellbinder. **

"I pulled my worth here! And I will CONTINUE to do so - now get the FUCK off my back! Just because I give Alexis some advice and she decides to go pi - polar does not require you to threaten me! I was looking out on her behave. Why I bother with this dramatic sense of drama queens I don't know but I'm here. So for once in your life Morgan, move on! This isn't Melrose Place or Desperate Housewives."

** She spat coldly with her eyes looking from Morgan to Delilah like a rattlesnake, preparing to attack viciously. She knew Morgan would lash out but this time she wasn't going to take her comments anymore and it showed. **