On to the next one

[Spellbinder]

return

<< energy sounds off as a STEPPING disc opens! its the first time in MONTHS that any of them have seen this power signature. Spellbinder emerges, wearing her still current choice of costume. From the tone of Alison's communication, Spell was certain something was SERIOUSLY wrong but Alison wouldnt reveal ANY details.>>

<< Spellbinder stands in the study, looking among the three women, its OBVIOUS she just arrived in the middle of something deadly serious. immediate pleasantries would have to be short and sweet.>>

ALISON....Haleigh, Ava!

I came as soon as Alison called.

<< she says in an anxious tone.>>

you're all together, here in Minerva's Mansion?

Where's everyone else? Sharon, Nicolas, Cameron...DELILAH?

<< she looks at each of them.>>

what's wrong? what's happened?

<< the demon sorceress had been on Aerie for quite some time now, along with her sister, Firebird (cross time alternate of Foxfire), and her mother and Mike, who were living semi "retired" lives on the island together.>>

<< Morgan had needed time to rest and recover herself after the Barbas caper which was a deeply personal nightmare for her but she told Haleigh to make SURE she called her if they needed ANY help. That call never came, so Morgan assumed things were okay or at least under control. That ALISON would call her at this of all times, and that she'd find them in Minerva's mansion look quite upset...it was NOT a good feeling that now washed over the violet eyed, blonde haired sorceress.>>

TELL ME?!

 

[Black Widow]

Alison: I can't believe what i'm HEARING.

You arrive on my doorstep courtesy of the Sisterhood, after saving the world from Viper and thereby preventing another reassurgance of Mystech....you get a NEW LEASE on life that FEW OTHERS with the T Virus could EVER HOPE FOR THIS is how you repay the sister fates? by turning tail?

didnt you hear ANYTHING Ororo said!?

"I..."

Her eyes wide and her expression stunned, she gaped at Alison, who harshly admonished them, and for once, Haleigh didn't argue or offer a defense.

Alison: Ororo said she will do what she can for Delilah. She's helped us before...she's snatched more than a few of us from the oblivion of TRUE death...

It was true, and Haleigh realized this as she sighed and lowered herself into an armchair. she buried her face in her hands, rubbing her eyes gently, trying to pull herself together.

Alison: Whatever's coming, she needs her FRIENDS...her FAMILY! Are you going to stand there and act SO selfish and SHORT SIGHTED as to abandon her and ultimately your destiny NOW?

"No... I won't. Forgive me, I.... lost myself there for a moment."

Being unable to prevent Delilah's 'death' had deeply shaken Haleigh, but Alison had the right response; to challenge Haleigh rather than attempt to console her.

"Look at that... I surprised the precog."

She joked weakly, and then Alison explained that Cameron was wandering the halls or something. Oh yes, that's an excellent use of his time while one of his other friends is DYING. Haleigh suppressed the urge to roll her red-rimmed eyes. A familiar old song heralds the arrival of Morgan, who immediately senses something is terribly wrong.

Morgan: Where's everyone else? Sharon, Nicolas, Cameron... DELILAH? what's wrong? what's happened? TELL ME!?

"Morgan... they're... [sigh] gone. Sharon needed some alone time, away from the six, and I supported her decision to leave. Nicolas... [looking a bit cross] Nicolas fell for his aunt's bullshit. For some reason he believes she will love him more, that things will be better for him with her, so he left us and went to live at Hellfire. I imagine he's enjoying himself as the Black Court's honorary prince. Cameron is... [glancing at Alison with a raised eyebrow, then her gaze locks again with Morgan's] Cameron's being Cameron right now."

And all that THAT entails. It was clear Haleigh was a bit irritated with Cameron, but aside from their sordid history, no one truly knew the concrete reason why except Haleigh herself. But now came the hard part: explaining why Delilah wasn't present. Even with the newfound hope that she'd recover, the gravity of what she'd done, and Haleigh's failure to prevent it from happening, still left Haleigh crushed and though she'd pulled herself together and was back to thinking clearly, she felt very strongly upset about it.

"Delilah.... [her eyes welling up again] Delilah is with Ororo now. [pausing to steel herself for the revelation] Morgan, she attempted suicide."

Such a short, simple sentence. But it was the first time any of them had said it aloud, and the recognition of Delilah trying to take her own life was so profound. Haleigh felt slightly winded, as if she'd shouted it at the top of her lungs. She shook her head gently, not quite able to fathom why Delilah had ever gotten to the point where she felt THIS was the answer.

 

[Persephone]

Ava's eyes were cast down, completely blank and void of any expression. Delilah attempted suicide. Delilah tried to kill her. Delilah DID kill herself. She's gone......

No.

She's with Ororo. If anyone could help her it was Ororo. She brought people back from the brink of death numerous times. She was powerful beyond imagination. She could help....she HAD to. But then Ava's stomach turned; the acid churning deep within her in an effort to escape. The sickening thought of her OWN family being slaughtered flashed into her mind. Titania, Brenthon, Alessandra, Elektra, Karen [crosstime alter]...Ororo could do nothing for them. Nothing. What if Ororo could do nothing for Delilah? What if they were so BLIND to Delilah's withering state that it was too late. What if....what if....the what if's were KILLING her.

SLAM!

Jumping as Alison's hand hit the hard desktop, Ava finally shut her eyes; a single tear finally falling down her cheek. The precog began to chastise them....chastise HER for her ridiculous feelings about Alycia. They seemed so trivial now after what had happened. Ava didn't say anything...what was there to say? Sorry? What would that word do to help now?

Ava's line of sight didn't waver; it remained focused on the wood floors that filled Alison's study. A small little notch in the wood a few feet from her was particularly interesting....Ava kept her eyes on that....atleast until the familiar sounds of Spellbinder's stepping discs finally forced her to look up.

Morgan: ALISON....Haleigh, Ava! I came as soon as Alison called. Where's everyone else? Sharon, Nicolas, Cameron...DELILAH?

Hearing Morgan ask for Delilah was like feeling thick sharp blades cut deep into her chest. How the hell were they supposed to explain this? How could anyone explain this when it was so unbelievable to begin with. Haleigh tried, doing a thorough enough job explaining Nicolas, Sharon, and Cameron. But when it came time for Delilah, she could tell her sister was cracking.

Haleigh: "Delilah.... [her eyes welling up again] Delilah is with Ororo now. [pausing to steel herself for the revelation] Morgan, she attempted suicide."

To hear the words out loud actually caused Ava's eyes to fill with tears. It seemed to incredible to be true...but it was. The words proved it. Haleigh stopped....Ava knew this was extremely hard for her. It was eating her alive...the guilt...the what ifs...the second guessing. So before Morgan completely unhinged, Ava tried to further explain why Delilah did what she did.

Looking at Morgan, Ava quickly wiped the tears away from her eyes before they had a chance to fall to her cheeks.

"This situation was Viper was....very difficult for her. It brought back major issues involving Bishop...it made her question her loyalties to Sharon...it made her turn her back on who we ALL thought was Alycia. She just...cracked. We thought she was okay....we thought she was handling it--that she needed space and time alone to herself. We didn't know how deep it ran....we just...we didn't see it."

SHE didn't see it, was the more accurate phrase. She obviously knew Delilah was having a difficult time because of Sharon and Alycia, but she never in a million years thought it would ever escalate into something like this. Delilah was always the shining light on the team. The person who could handle anything with grace and never hesitated to ask for help. Ava just assumed if she was hurting as badly as she was....she would have gone to someone. She was so wrapped up in her own woes that she didn't see it. And it cost Delilah her life.

Shaking her head gently, Ava's eyes lowered back down to the small notch in the wood floor. With a faint whisper...

"I'm...sorry..."

 

[Spellbinder]

reaction

<< Morgan reflexively looked to ALISON to fill her in, as that would often be the case in years past, but Alison had a different role in relation to the TEAM now, which she was NOT directly apart of anymore. The precog held back as Morgan bellowed for someone to tell her.>>

<< Haleigh stepped forward first, Then Ava. She expected them to say something happened to CAMERON....AGAIN He made being wreckless and a "damsel in distress" an ARTFORM!>>

<< but then the TRUTH was told and the revelations hit Morgan like a wrecking ball.>>

<< Sharon. GONE. Nicolas. GONE. Delilah....SUICIDE ATTEMPT!?>>

....goddess....how could this....i mean....no....no-no..

<< Morgan's mouth opened with shock as she placed her hand on her chest. Sharon and Nicolas!? they LEFT the team!? what could have brought them to THIS? On one level, Morgan had often suspected that one day Nicolas might want to spend time with Dominique, being that she was his ONLY LIVING blood relative on earth. They had a bond, a TRAGIC bond but a bond no less. But Dominique was a member of the Hellfire Club...and most importantly, a member of The Sisterhood. The truce was still in tact apparently but to lose Nicolas to Hellfire was definately a blow on many levels and SHARON, another trusted friend, why did SHE leave. when last Morgan saw her, she was settling into her role on the front lines of the Six! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!? and then....>>

DELILAH!

<< she exclaimed as she staggered a bit.>>

<< Alison comes up to Morgan and places a hand on Morgan's shoulder.>>

<< Morgan IMMEDIATELY went into overdrive as she began to respirate faster...her BEST FRIEND, the woman who had been there for her SO MANY times...times when NO OTHER would have stood by her...and she nearly KILLED HERSELF ...while Morgan was sunning herself on AERIE, what kind of "BEST FRIEND" was she?? Morgan began to get UPSET.>>

OhMYGODDESS!?

<< a chime sounds off she began to look among them.>>

how could this happen!?


I have to go to LIMBO! I have to do something! I can't just let her....why didnt you CALL ME!?why didnt somebody TELL ME!? I'm her best friend...i'm supposed to PROTECT HER!


:: Alison, who was standing behind Morgan, gently takes both of Morgan's arms.::

Alison: Morgan, don't. Ororo has her. YOU and I know better than MOST what she can do in times like this....

Morgan: ALISON! what the hell happened!? why didnt somebody CALL ME! HALEIGH!?

<< she bellows as she looks at Haleigh.>>

I TOLD YOU....

<< she says as she nearly chokes with despair.>>

If you NEEDED ME TO CALL ME! I WOULDNT HAVE LET THIS HAPPEN! I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YOU ALL!

<< tears streaming down her face.>>

and now they're gone....and DELILAH...she's....

<< it was JUST as Delilah had predicted only hours earlier when she made her descision. Morgan took all the blame on herself. and she took it hard.>>

"This situation was Viper was....very difficult for her. It brought back major issues involving Bishop...it made her question her loyalties to Sharon...it made her turn her back on who we ALL thought was Alycia. She just...cracked. We thought she was okay....we thought she was handling it--that she needed space and time alone to herself. We didn't know how deep it ran....we just...we didn't see it."

FUCKING BISHOP!

<< chimes sound off and thunder rumbles.>>

He RUINED OUR LIVES! He TOUCHED DELILAH! I should RESURRECT HIM.... << her countenance darkens>> SO I CAN KILL HIM AGAIN! only it wont be as clean and efficient as when Delilah did it....I'll MAKE HIM SUFFER just as he made US suffer!

<< Morgan attempts to pull away from Alison.>>

Alison: Morgan...STOP! You can't do that...you KNOW what HARM a necromancy spell can cause...look what happened to KAREN when she....

<< Morgan turns around and looks at Alison.>>

Then WHAT would you have me DO, Alison!? Just STAND here and WAIT?

Was it JUST Bishop!? you mentioned the Sisterhood! what did they have to do with this?? "you ALL thought was Alycia?" so who was it!?? what happened with Sharon? EXPLAIN THIS TO ME! I NEED TO UNDERSTAND!

 

[Seer]

grief in the study

<< Morgan and Delilah had been friends since CHILDHOOD, their lives had overlapped through so many milestones from then to Valiant up till now. Morgan and Blaze loved her as a sister, Karen regarded her as a daughter. She was the heart of the team, the moral conscience even when it wasnt "popular". She WAS the light in every since...and to know that that light had nearly been extinguished, that in her moment of utter despair she was ALONE, that Morgan was NOT there to help her, it BROKE the sorceress' heart!>>

<< Morgan's reaction was one of increasing grief and dismay and finally ANGER. But she noticeably didnt BLAME anyone directly for this...except for the fact that nobody came to her before it was "too late." In her mind , if there was anyone to blame it was BISHOP. >>

<< They didnt tell her of the cruelty that Delilah endured for the sake of shielding the team, HALEIGH in particular from Sharon and even worse MALICE during the uneasy alliance between the Six and the Sisterhood against Viper. Morgan would NEVER have allowed Delilah to stand in the gap like that against Malice, nor would she have sat idly by and let the rift between Sharon and the team grow to the point that lead Sharon to leave the Six.>>

<< she was freefalling emotionally as she tried to understand HOW this could have happened! >>

<< she struggled with Alison , who prevented her from going off half cocked to either cast a FORBIDDEN necromancy spell or to rush to Limbo and attempt to interfere with what Ororo was doing. She was acting on emotion, not thinking clearly. Alison knew that.>>

 

[Black Widow]

It was difficult to relay, and even more difficult to accept. Morgan was not taking it well.

>>WARNING!
>>Subject: Morgan Victoria
>>Pulse 148/min Respirations 30/min
>>Blood Pressure 132/90

"I know this is upsetting, but you've got to take Deep Breaths, Morgan. You're going to work yourself up into a panic attack."

Morgan: OhMYGODDESS! how could this happen!? I have to go to LIMBO! I have to do something! I can't just let her....why didnt you CALL ME!?why didnt somebody TELL ME!? I'm her best friend...i'm supposed to PROTECT HER!

It was impossible to even attempt to regain her composure, seeing Morgan come undone. Haleigh couldn't stop herself from silently sobbing as Alison tried to talk Morgan down from not only storming Limbo, but resurrecting Bishop!

Alison: Morgan, don't. Ororo has her. YOU and I know better than MOST what she can do in times like this....

Morgan: ALISON! what the hell happened!? why didnt somebody CALL ME! HALEIGH!? I TOLD YOU....If you NEEDED ME TO CALL ME! I WOULDNT HAVE LET THIS HAPPEN! I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YOU ALL!

"I'm so sorry Morgan.... I thought I could handle it... I had no idea she was this far gone! I tried to get her to understand that killing Bishop wasn't anything to be ashamed of, but I couldn't get her to LISTEN to me... I thought she just needed some time! If I had known... If I had suspected ANYTHING like this--"

Morgan: Was it JUST Bishop!? you mentioned the Sisterhood! what did they have to do with this?? "you ALL thought was Alycia?" so who was it!?? what happened with Sharon? EXPLAIN THIS TO ME! I NEED TO UNDERSTAND!

"No, it wasn't just Bishop. Sharon grew resentful at Melrose, she began being spiteful and bitter and provoking me, challenging me at every opportunity. Delilah objected, she took a stand against Sharon for the way she was behaving and Sharon responded being treating Delilah with as much contempt as possible. The animosity built to the breaking point. Sharon tried to kill me, she gravely injured Nicolas! It was a nightmare, but there was no time to try and disengage, the bioterrorism at LAX took precedence. We rescued a clone of Alycia, among others, including Senator Davis and Claudia Zacchara. Delilah and I went to talk to the woman we THOUGHT was Alycia, but Alycia would have none of it! She blamed us, she blamed the Six for everything that was wrong with her life and I think Delilah might have taken it to heart. Alycia wanted nothing to do with us. THEN... there was the attack on Hellfire. On Nic's request, we went to offer assistance to Dominique. We began working with the sisterhood to figure out who was behind all these T virus outbreaks, but all the while Malice was her usual charming self. She poked every emotional and psychological wound she could. Cameron, myself, and Delilah were favorite targets of hers. Alycia's clone murdered Ron Davis! We went to a former warehouse of Bishop's to meet with Alycia about the murder, and an argument ensued about Delilah's choice of venue. Alycia still refused our help, and she left for Sheena Island without us. We reconvened with the sisterhood, put up with even MORE verbal abuse from Malice, and then went after Alycia and Sharon, to fight the woman behind the madness, Viper. We caught up withe the clone of Alycia, but she betrayed us, which provoked a lot of anger in Delilah, and in us ALL. Her betrayal-- and Viper's actions-- brought Delilah to her darkest mood. She was seriously considering murder. It probably brought up a lot of leftover emotion from Bishop. It was revealed that Viper had brainwashed 'Alycia', and she slit her throat right in front of us! Viper turned me into a zombie. I know that I tried to finish Alycia off, but the details are fuzzy. Sharon subdued me, they defeated Viper, but the clone still died and it must have been very traumatic for them all. but then... it was revealed that it hadn't even BEEN the REAL Alycia, that it was a 'Life Model Decoy' and that Alycia was okay on Themyscria. We all came back here, to Minerva's. Malice revived me, and after that we all kind of... retreated into ourselves to try and make sense of the whole ordeal. this morning Delilah got up, went for a run, and then a swim, everything seemed, if not 'fine', then at least on its way to being 'fine'. Ava and I answered Alison's call and came here to the study to talk with the REAL Alycia, [haltingly] but Delilah.... didn't respond. She'd gone for another... swim. [starting to weep again] she went.. for a swim... and drowned herself in the ocean! By the time we realized... by the time I pulled her out... we were too late. I was too late. I tried to revive her... but I couldn't save her. She was... already gone. Ororo came and took her away.... and here we are."

 

[Spellbinder]

grief

<< Morgan didnt try to get overly physical with Alison. Her dear friend was only trying to keep her from making any hasty descisions or actions....ESPECIALLY that necromancy spell.>>

<< As Haleigh offered a more in depth timeline of events that lead to Delilah's "demise", Morgan stopped struggling physically and verbally with Alison...as her heart sank...and cracked with grief and guilt. what Haleigh described was outrageous! the team had endured one HELL of a caper this time round and even though they were "victorious" in the end and the truce with the Sisterhood remained in effect for the time being, there were STILL painfull losses>>

By the goddess....Haleigh....

She'd gone for another... swim. [starting to weep again] she went.. for a swim... and drowned herself in the ocean! By the time we realized... by the time I pulled her out... we were too late. I was too late. I tried to revive her... but I couldn't save her. She was... already gone. Ororo came and took her away.... and here we are."

Hecate....I've failed AGAIN. First Blaze (the inferno), now the team....and now.... << she shuddered as she allowed herself to be embraced by a truly saddened Alison, who looks over at Haleigh and Ava, tears streaming down her own face as well.>> Delilah! << she replies in a weeping tone.>>

I was so SELFISH! I took all this time on Aerie...and all the while the TEAM was falling apart! I couldve DONE something to HELP! i couldve found out what Sharon's problem was...i could have stopped her from hurting people-- appealed to her sense of REASON! I helped her once before after she returned as the Silver Swan...I could have PROTECTED Delilah from that telepathic whore MALICE! It's MY fault!

<< she cries.>>

you needed an extra pair of hands, eyes...and another source of FIRE POWER to deal with that VIPER woman....I let you all down....and Delilah paid the ultimate price...

<< it didnt matter that Ororo could (and most likely would) SAVE Delilah. What had her best friends FINAL moments of consciousness been like? How heart broken...how broken in her SPIRIT must she have been to just cast herself into the cold oblivion of the OCEAN. She went there....ALONE. and Morgan, who , at her core, HAD to be able to control the situations she was in, was NOT there to help her...STOP her... SAVE HER!>>

<< felt that this was the ULTIMATE failure on her part. Blaze, Alison and Delilah were her SISTERS...some blood some not...but she loved them all as such. The Six, for better or for worse were her FAMILY and several years after they FIRST came together, She couldnt imagine a life WITHOUT them on a permanent basis...their lives were bound by threads of fate DECADES in the making.>>

<< Alison held her as she weeped for her fallen friend. >>

 

[Persephone]

Morgan began to unravel, asking why no one had called to her for help. Asking how it could have gotten this far. Ava didn't respond because she didn't have an answer. As they had said before, everyone THOUGHT Delilah was handling the situation personally. Everyone THOUGHT she would have come to them if she was upset. It was a grave miscalculation and there was nothing to say to Morgan that would make the situation any less horrible.

Haleigh went into a very detailed description of what had happened. Everything from the LAX bio terror attack, to the Hellfire Club attack, to Alycia's clone. Hearing it all over again really put into perspective how truly fucked up the past couple of weeks had been. It also elevated her hatred for Viper THAT much more [despite the fact she was dead].

Morgan: Hecate....I've failed AGAIN. First Blaze (the inferno), now the team....and now.... << she shuddered as she allowed herself to be embraced by a truly saddened Alison, who looks over at Haleigh and Ava, tears streaming down her own face as well.>> Delilah! << she replies in a weeping tone.>>

Ava looked up at Morgan who began to completely break down into Alison's arms, who was ALSO crying now as well. She didn't even have to look at Haleigh to know how red her eyes were from the tears. The three strongest woman she knew were falling apart before her eyes.

Morgan: I was so SELFISH! I took all this time on Aerie...and all the while the TEAM was falling apart! I couldve DONE something to HELP!

"Morgan, there was nothing you could have done. Sharon was growing out of this team; she needed space from us. She needed to create her own direction in life. She just....CLASHED with us along the way. And Delilah? Delilah's issues were well hidden....NONE of us knew what was brewing within her. You can't blame yourself for needing time to recooperate--time to heal yourself. If you hadn't taken it, you could have been in a similar situation as Delilah. Delilah just--we always just assumed she would be okay because she was the shining light of this team. But even the strongest beacon fades eventually if not properly taken care of."

Ava was oddly put together in that moment. Maybe it was because everyone else was falling apart and she needed to stay strong for them all. Maybe it was because she had already gone through a situation like this before. But despite wanting to cry right along with them, Ava kept her tears at bay.

"We have to believe that Ororo is taking care of Delilah, physically and emotionally. We can't dwell on what we didn't see before. How is that helping her now? Once she comes back from all this...she'll need our support, not our overwhelming guilt. It's hard....this whole situation SUCKS....but we weren't strong enough for her before, but we CAN BE now. Okay?"

 

[Black Widow]

Morgan: By the goddess...Haleigh....

"I know, Morgan..... I know. It all happened so fast. We were getting along fine for a few weeks and then everything just spun wildly out of control."

Morgan blamed herself, which surprised Haleigh. The LAST person at fault here was Morgan. Ava cut in and made Haleigh's point for her; if Morgan HAD been there, she might've helped with Sharon, but Delilah was bottling her emotions. If she hadn't been comfortable talking to HALEIGH about Bishop, she NEVER would have brought it up to Morgan. Haleigh had been over the ordeal with Bishop the second Delilah had killed him, and she'd stuck up for Delilah when everyone else was taking her to task for having fallen in love with him. It made Haleigh wonder WHY Delilah hadn't mentioned it until Haleigh confronted her at Minerva's. Morgan lamented that she could have helped with Viper and it was all true... her being there WOULD have helped, but not at the expense of her psychological health and Ava brought that point up as well. She also reminded them that they needed to be STRONG for Delilah now.

"My sister's right.... but whether or not Ororo [pausing to take a deep breath] can or will bring her back.... the most troubling thing of all is that Delilah felt this was the only way to deal with what was troubling her. I assumed that she knew she could talk to me about ANYTHING; maybe she thought I'd think less of her because she felt guilty about killing him. [shaking her head] I should have told her I loved her BECAUSE she felt guilty about it. I had my chance but I tried to reason with her instead, I tried to rationalize the need for his death and assuage her guilt. [choking up again] She's such a good person... I could never feel guilty for doing what she did. I should have just told her that she was a far better human being than I'll ever be and left it at that. [voicing her thoughts from earlier] No.... I should have killed Bishop myself. I should have never left it to Delilah to take his life. [burying her face in her hands] I let her do it; I wanted her to have a chance to redeem herself for leaving us, I was so happy she'd taken that shot.... I never realized how much she wounded herself with it. And now.... she's taken her own life to balance the scales. I'd murder Bishop a thousand times to have her back, to save her that pain, that guilt."

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion

:: Alison held Morgan and stroked her blonde hair as Ava and Haleigh spoke. Nodding slowly in agreement with the things they were saying.::

Morgan, don't do this to yourself. You did this when You left Valiant, after Black had maimed you and left Blaze for dead...Haleigh and Ava are both right and We HAVE to trust in Ororo just as we have reflexively done so before.

The issue isnt who's to blame. Far from it. The Six SAVED THE WORLD from Viper and in the process dealt with some lingering but very REAL "ghosts" from our past involving Mystech.

The issue here is Delilah and Bishop's own haunting of her. There's MORE to this.

But all i can SEE right now is Delilah and that she will be restored by Ororo. Whatever failing there may have been collectively, we will have a chance to make it right. To HELP her and make sure she doesnt have to shoulder the burden alone anymore.

Delilah also took on MORE pain when she chose to stand in the gap for the team against Malice's cruelty. That's a job that Morgan, myself or even Haleigh are better suited for...our personalities...our backgrounds and our attitudes make us better suited to deal with her accordingly.

:: Morgan stands up right slowly as Alison looks into her eyes.::

I KNOW you would use a necromancy spell to bring Bishop back just to kill him again...but you know that's not the responsible thing to do. I ALSO know how you are Morgan...as soon as you're left alone, you'll get ANGRY and act accordingly. You CAN'T cast that spell! You saw what it did to your mother when she....::glances at Ava:: resurrected Michael. It took Hecate herself to heal her!

:: she looks among them all.::

Obviously nobody needs to go anywhere right now. Not until we know something more on Delilah's condition. The mansion is open for all of you. Morgan I'll have one of the staff show you to a suite. Ororo will contact us when the time is right. We'll just have to trust in her as we have before but we can wait for her together, here at the mansion.

 

[Seer]

and so

<< and so after a few more moments, the 4 slowly exit the study with Morgan being shown to her guest suite on one of the many floors of the mansion while Ava and Haleigh return to theirs.>>

<< it was a somber day and the survivors of the last caper who were still with the team had all "retreated" in various ways in the safety and luxurious grounds of Minerva's Mansion.>>

<< the next few hours...DAYS were the same way now with each woman pondernig things, slowly finding clarity from the pain they were all in.>>

<< they manage to find a slow but steady rhythm to their activities, and met with each other for breakfast, lunch and dinner before finally sitting together in one of the lounges waiting for any word or sign from Ororo.>>

<< but still, nothing. as they say...a watched pot never boils.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's Mansion- several days later

<< Emerging from her suite at pre dawn, the sorceress wraps her silk mini robe around her tall, feminine form. wearing "pussy cat" high heeled slides, she closes the double doors to her suite and begans to walk. down the hall of the floor she's on.>>

<< she has no particular destination in mind, its just that she couldnt sleep. she was haunted by images of Delilah ...memories of past and the recent present and the all crashed into an AWFUL image of a broken hearted delilah DROWNING IN THE OCEAN.>>

<< Morgan shudders a bit as she composes herself.>>

<< she walks slowly taking in the sights, sounds and splendor of this mysterious, sprawling mansion. from one floor to another she walks...with only her high heels echoing against the marble floors of some areas she walks through. its an absent minded "tour" of sorts. anything to allow her a chance to keep herself calm and keep herself from thinking about what she REALLY wanted to do. So many things that were going on THEN were issues NOW. Sharon, Alycia, BISHOP....>>

FLASH
ILLUSTRA- WAR ROOM

<< Morgan stared into Delilah's eyes too...silently conveying from her own violet eyes a plea for Delilah to please understand and to see CLEARLY...but it appeared that would not happen, as she turned away and attempted to rebutt everything being said. She was acting....like HALEIGH in one of HER impossibly stubborn moments and it shocked Morgan.>>

Delilah! listen to yourself!

You're lashing out at us...we're NOT your enemy..we're your FRIENDS...your FAMILY , just like Ava said...and I would think you'd know me AND Alison better than that of all the people in this room.

You're IGNORING the content of Alison's words..her VISIONS and you're accusing her of playing "God"...that is what HE does. WE not only defend this world...but we have the RIGHT to defend ourselves and Haleigh is right...that MORE than INCLUDES Sharon. She's not just my friend anymore..she's a METAHUMAN. She's at risk more than EVER not only because the world thinks her DEAD but because someone out there BESIDES us knows that She and the Silver Swan are ONE IN THE SAME and has tried to MURDER her.

You know ME, Delilah. Sharon was my friend BEFORE her death and return and if any harmed HER...or YOU..or Alison or ANYONE ELSE in this room, they would have to deal with ME and you wouldnt be so AGAINST it then. WHY NOW, are you so AGAINST Sharon having the RIGHT to defend herself? If Connor was THAT worried about his own safety, he wouldnt have attacked a woman who can juggle cars, telepathically command hoards of birds and shoot spinning stars from her person.

<< rolling her eyes with contempt at the thought of Connor.>>

FLASH

<< Morgan stopped by a large statue of ATHENA as she leaned against it, shutting her eyes tightly as more memories came back.>>

FLASH
ILLUSTRA-WAR ROOM: UGLY confrontation between Delilah and the team...

the people that WE killed...were people that NO ONE ELSE could CAPTURE...the concept of "bringing THEM to justice" sounds about as logical as going to a gun battle with a KNIFE and further more....we had no choice. our lives, our families , our friends and the WORLD were at stake time and again. Sharon was INSANE...driven by the programming of MysTech...she was supposed to be DEAD...even Ororo had advised against the use of magick to bring her back and THEY brought her back. She could no more help herself for what she'd been TURNED INTO than YOU can for who YOU are...and do you think the bigots...the RABID mutant haters of the world would think twice before coming after you or US if given the chance?

<< the INFERNO.>>

...and if you MUST bring that up...trust me, NO ONE knows better than ME how horrible the Inferno was...it was MY fault...Haleigh isnt even in the same BODY because of me and i have to LIVE with that guilt and SHAME , so just once, will you REMEMBER that you're my friend and not use the TRUTH as a WEAPON against ME or anyone else in this room? it REALLY doesnt become you.

<< Morgan's hurt and bitterness shown through that last part of the statement. but she wouldnt take a shot at Delilah...because despite how bad this was going, this was still her best friend...or was she? grabbing Delilah's arm..but NOT using her super strength, Morgan wanted to make SURE Delilah KNEW >>

So this is what it comes down to? you turning your back on us...on ME and ALISON...This TEAM...your family...for a MAN!? how DARE you choose HIM over US!

<< she bellowed with betrayal in her voice....Delilah pulled away from her and left and Morgan stood there, stunned...>>

What just happened here!?

FLASH


<< sigh>>

<< her sigh even seems to carry and echo around her.>>

FLASH

I think...maybe I should go and confront Delilah AND Connor TOGETHER...but Ill do it by myself. I can STILL get to the mansion in plenty of time with my stepping disc. But i want Delilah to know exactly what kind of RISK she's taking -- if he finds out that she's a mutant, he might try to kill HER! And I want HIM to know that I'm not afraid of him! I've got the power to make him dissappear to a place where NO ONE will find him!

<< she balls her fist up as a halo of magick forms around it.>>

and if he provokes me... goddess forgive me for what i might do to HIM...this is all HIS FAULT!

<< Morgan HATED arrogant, controlling men. she hated how they ruined lives...especially those of women. Her father...Blaze's former lover/employer...Rick Riley...Stavros...so many different men had she seen like this before...and now once again...one of them was casting a long shadow over the life of someone she cared for.>>

FLASH



This is ALL HIS FAULT!

FLASH
BISHOP'S APARTMENT

you can't just turn your back on your FRIENDS, your family, your BEST FRIEND for a MAN...least of all HIM.

[ Delilah slapped a hand to her forehead. After a second's pause she took a deep breath and looked up. ]

"My god Morgan, this isn't about a MAN. You STILL don't get it, do you? You are so clouded by your irrational hatred of all men - except that gay man trapped in a straight man's body Nicolas - that THAT is all you can think of. You didn't listen to a word I said, did you?"

<< Morgan's eyes widened with disbelief.>>

You've obviously brushed up on "How to be an asshole 101" since dealing with this prick.

Is this what its come to? you insulting us and using the truth as a WEAPON against us because WE are united against this moron and the DANGER he poses that you insist on dealing with? this man who is out to destroy US and that includes YOU. you ARE one of US you know.

She pointed emphatically at Connor. ]

"But don't you see? That's it - he's a HUMAN. He's not a threat to us, not really. But once we start sacrificing some humans, then what's next? ALL humans? If Alison's vision is true then we would all be better off WITHOUT them. IS that what's next? Because the way you all talk it's not too far of a jump. And I will NOT have that on my conscience."

<< Morgan stood poised with her arms folded as she glared at Delilah.>>

On the CONTRARY. Humans like HIM are very MUCH a threat. What do you think would happen if ALYCIA suddenly decided to "switch sides" ...do you have any idea what kind of DAMAGE she could do? ...

FLASH

<<without even REALIZING the odd irony here considernig what happened with Alycia's CLONE on Sheena Island and how that clone had a tremendous emotional impact on the team, especially DELILAH.>>

FLASH

HE is out to destroy us.

he's been STALKING US Delilah and he's probably using USE YOU to get NEXT to us.

FLASH

<< she had been RIGHT...they all saw it...SURVIVED it.>>



FLASH
The END of the confrontation between Spellbinder, MorningStar and Bishop

Delilah, Give me a call when you get OVER your messiah complex....if you're still ALIVE when this is all said and done.

<< she turns her back on Delilah and faces Connor..her face now totally enshrouded in shadow as she steps forward.>>

[to Bishiop]and YOU...

<< thunder rumbles in the air.>>

YOU may have HER fooled, but WE see right through you, you bigoted piece of TRASH. YOU STAY AWAY from my friends...from sharon...from ME....or by the soul of hecate..I'll KILL YOU in ways that are BEYOND all known philosophies and NO ONE will be able to stop ME!

<< a crash of thunder and flash of lightning heralds the opening of a stepping disc as Morgan teleports away, leaving the sound of lingering eldritch chimes in the air where she once stood.>>

FLASH

<< Morgan blinks hard a few times as she disengages from full focus on those memories.>>

But he did it anyway! he RUINED our lives...he hurt all of us ...he hurt DELILAH even from beyond the GRAVE her hurts her! How can i STOP him...without bringing him back to KILL HIM!? And would that even matter? Delilah killed him to save Sharon ...and he still got the drop on her. no matter what I'd do to him NOW it wouldnt change ANYTHING.

But then....

<< she looks up to the barrel vaulted ceiling high above and looks concerned.>>

WHAT am I supposed to do!?

<< she asks in anguish in the dark halls of the mansion.>>

How can I help Delilah??

 

[Seer]

in the halls of M inerva's mansion

<< the mysterious sky of pre down outside of the windows in the hall showed an almost sprectal light through as Morgan expressed her concern and frustration outloud.>>

<< the tall sorceress walked further down the hall, passing statues of other gods and goddesses including Hecate , Artemis and Demeter! they were all her silent audience as she walked and "thought" aloud.>>

<< waiting is the hardest thing, especially when you have the power to teleport through time and space but Morgan had no choice BUT to wait. Delilah was in the balance. They all had to wait and trust Ororo.>>

<< What's worse...an idle mind or a vengeful mind? Morgan was always one to hold a grudge, like her diety ancestor, Hecate and she has carried out revenge many times before...but how would it help now? WOULD it help now? Or would it only add to the confusion and heartache they'd been experiencing. How could you really get revenge on someone who was already dead? even with necromancy....what price would that be worth?>>


<< the only thing that outweighed her vengefull feelings were her questions now.>>

 

[Demeter]

Morgan: WHAT am I supposed to do!? How can I help Delilah??

"You must make the the difficult decision of doing nothing."

An elegant voice stated from behind Morgan. Watching as Hecate's decedent quickly turned around to face Demeter, the goddess smiled softly, noting her confused and somewhat startled expression.

"Hecate and Athena thought I was better suited for this situation."

Answering the question as to why she was there before Morgan could ask it. Placing her hand gently behind Morgan's back, she gestured down the hall with her other one.

"Come. Walk with me."

Demeter slowly began to walk with Morgan, her long pearl white silk gown pooling on the hardwood floors behind her. It was certainly rare for Demeter to make appearances to the six; that was usually left to her sister Athena and good friend Hecate. However this particular case was very special. The six have been fractured emotionally due to Delilah's unfortunate "accident", and that fracture had to be fixed before it began to splinter into even more issues.

"I understand how you feel, Morgan. You are racked with guilt but you're filled with fury and revenge. You want to release what is building within you--but if you truly want to help Delilah now? You must reign in your anger and focus on the future, not the past. Delilah is being healed emotionally and physically right now, however when she returns to you she will need the support of her friends. Focusing all of your efforts and energy on Bishop will not aid in Delilah's recovery. She needs you....her ROCK...when she returns. She mustn't feel even more guilt or remorse due to an action you put into motion."

Demeter's tone was noticeably different than Athena and Hecate. They always seemed to have an edge to their voice--an effort to show their power and strength. Demeter was very smooth and calming, yet always with confidence. She felt there was no need for intimidation tactics or showcasing. She simply cared for these people and wanted to help them as best she could.

"Love is a complicated thing. It can give someone great strength and fulfillment.....or it can completely destroy them. A piece of Delilah's heart was taken by Bishop....a choice that is not always ours to choose. However if given time, anyone can survive a heartbreak. You did with Nicolas; Haleigh did with Cameron. However Delilah wasn't given that luxury to fully heal. It WILL take time.....but you are a strong, compassionate, and loving woman who I know will be there to aid her every step of the way. You must remember THAT....not the bitter guilt. Not the resentment. And certainly not the revenge. The biggest dishonor you can inflict on Bishop's memory now would be to get BEYOND this crisis...now dwell on it."

 

[Spellbinder]

godly counsel

"You must make the the difficult decision of doing nothing."

<< Morgan's violet eyes widened and she spun around, slightly startled by the sudden and unlikely appearence of one of the goddesses here in modern times. It was Demeter!>>

Demeter!

Hecate and Athena thought I was better suited for this situation."

Answering the question as to why she was there before Morgan could ask it. Placing her hand gently behind Morgan's back, she gestured down the hall with her other one.

"Come. Walk with me."

<< Morgan settled. At least it was a friendly face, one that was RARELY SEEN but still. She knew that if DEMETER appeared here of all the goddesses then it must be something she was best qualified to counsel Morgan on and the sorceress WELCOMED any insight and advice that might give her clarity now.>>

<< walking with the goddess down the dark hallway, passing other statues, she exhaled slowly as she allowed herself to listen and trust that Demeter would offer something she hadnt thought of herself.>>

"I understand how you feel, Morgan. You are racked with guilt but you're filled with fury and revenge. You want to release what is building within you--but if you truly want to help Delilah now? You must reign in your anger and focus on the future, not the past. Delilah is being healed emotionally and physically right now, however when she returns to you she will need the support of her friends. Focusing all of your efforts and energy on Bishop will not aid in Delilah's recovery. She needs you....her ROCK...when she returns. She mustn't feel even more guilt or remorse due to an action you put into motion."

<< Morgan thought for a moment about her diety ancestor, HECATE, who was LEGENDARY for holding grudges. Morgan was too. Demeter was offering her a light to another path to take and in light of what happened to Delilah , the LAST thing Morgan wanted to do was reopen old wounds to her heart and soul.>>

Demeter's tone was noticeably different than Athena and Hecate. They always seemed to have an edge to their voice--an effort to show their power and strength. Demeter was very smooth and calming, yet always with confidence. She felt there was no need for intimidation tactics or showcasing. She simply cared for these people and wanted to help them as best she could.

"Love is a complicated thing. It can give someone great strength and fulfillment.....or it can completely destroy them. A piece of Delilah's heart was taken by Bishop....a choice that is not always ours to choose. However if given time, anyone can survive a heartbreak. You did with Nicolas; Haleigh did with Cameron. However Delilah wasn't given that luxury to fully heal. It WILL take time.....but you are a strong, compassionate, and loving woman who I know will be there to aid her every step of the way. You must remember THAT....not the bitter guilt. Not the resentment. And certainly not the revenge. The biggest dishonor you can inflict on Bishop's memory now would be to get BEYOND this crisis...now dwell on it."

You said something just a minute ago about focusing on the future and not the past...and you reminded me that I don't HAVE to give in to holding a grudge...like Hecate is known for. But I can't EVER forget what Bishop did to us. He RUINED OUR LIVES. I can't ever forget it. But the key is to not let that motivate my actions in the PRESENT. We survived, we were given a chance to recover, in large part thanks to you goddesses returning the "favor" from our last time together in ancient greece. none of us realized the depth of Delilah's trauma. But now that we know and Ororo is helping to make sure we have the chance to HELP her through it....we...I wont squander that with attempts at revenge.

<< it was a further testimony to how FAR Morgan had come since her days with Valiant or even in the beginnings of the Six up till now that she could see this so quickly and allowed herself to listen to the words of wisdom from another who was so unlike her own anecestor Hecate.>>


<< she looks at Demeter with a visible look of relief on her face.>>

Demeter....I can't thank you ENOUGH. It's hard for me...not to factor violence into my solutions to most problems, but I have learned that violence or revenge is not always the answer. I understand that now more than ever before.

I now know that it's okay to WAIT. and when Delilah returns, I will be prepared to truly help her...the RIGHT way.

 

[Persephone]

Sitting on the balcony off of her bedroom, Ava scanned her eyes along the Mediterranean coast. The view wasn't as spectacular as it had been a few days ago. The water seemed darker, more sinister. The pristine sand carried a red hue to it. The sun had long since gone leaving only clouds and gray gloom. The day Delilah had "died" the property around Minerva's Mansion died along with her. Though logically everyone knew that Delilah was being helped in Limbo--brought back to life emotionally and physically--it was still a very hard blow for the entire team. They tried to continue on with life; meeting daily for each meal as a group and trying to continue on with life. But every breakfast, and every lunch, and every dinner was a charade. They all put on their brave faces, their individual tough facades to show they were "accepting and dealing" with what had happened....but that wasn't the case. Ava could see Morgan was racked with guilt and thirsting for Bishops blood. Haleigh was consumed with guilt as well but she hid it better than Morgan. Haleigh always remained stoic and even when she was reeling on the inside. And Alison was probably the most calm out of everyone...probably do to her precognition. She had an inside view of how Delilah was doing and when she would come back. But even Alison seemed more closed up than usual. Everyone was present at Minerva's Mansion....but they were not whole. Not after what had happened.

Growing restless, Ava moved away from the railings of her balcony and headed back inside to her room. It was nearly 2am in the morning and she wasn't the least bit tired. Deciding to take a walk...grab something to eat....ANYTHING to take her mind off of her every growing insomnia, Ava grabbed her black sweater jacket and pulled it around her body while heading out her bedroom door.

She began to walk aimlessly around the large estate, picking and choosing different directions to go in in an effort to get lost. She needed to focus her mind on a task, and finding her bedroom in the massive mansion seemed like a pretty accessible one at the moment. It was maybe 10 minutes into her quest to get lost when she heard faint voices echoing throughout the massive hallways a head. She clearly heard Morgan responding to someone...and she could of sworn the other woman's voice was her mothers. Walking in the direction of the conversation, Ava turned down the hall and was in fact met with Morgan and Demeter conversing.

A bit confused and taken aback.

"Morgan...Mother?....What are you doing here?"

 

[Demeter]

Morgan: You said something just a minute ago about focusing on the future and not the past...and you reminded me that I don't HAVE to give in to holding a grudge...like Hecate is known for.

With a small chuckle.

"Yes...she's quite notorious for her grudges."

Morgan: But I can't EVER forget what Bishop did to us. He RUINED OUR LIVES.

"Nor should you forget."

Morgan: But now that we know and Ororo is helping to make sure we have the chance to HELP her through it....we...I wont squander that with attempts at revenge.

Demeter smiled, pleased that Morgan was looking beyond the immediate gratification of revenge and toward the bigger picture: Delilah's health and well being. There was no doubt that Morgan Victoria was Hecate's protege, however the growth and maturity of Morgan's decision to cast a blind eye to her own emotional needs and focus on Delilah's was a tribute to how much she had grown as a woman, a witch, and a team member.

"Good, Morgan. I'm so happy to hear you say that."

Morgan: Demeter....I can't thank you ENOUGH. It's hard for me...not to factor violence into my solutions to most problems, but I have learned that violence or revenge is not always the answer. I understand that now more than ever before. I now know that it's okay to WAIT. and when Delilah returns, I will be prepared to truly help her...the RIGHT way.

"It's in your nature to be a fierce and dominant woman who thrives on protecting your own....you ARE a product of Hecate afterall. However to see you reign in your carnal instincts and focus on Delilah is a true sentiment of how much you have grown for the BETTER. This new outlook will only enhance your strength as a leader and protector."

Taking Morgan's hand, Demeter gave her a reassuring squeeze along with a smile.

"And there's no need to thank me. I look at all of you as an extension of us [Athena and Hecate]. You're apart of our family [pausing]....and speaking of family."

Before Persephone even turned the corner, Demeter's eyes were focused down the hall to where her daughter would appear. And without fail, there she was.

Persephone: "Morgan...Mother?....What are you doing here?"

"Hello my darling. We all heard about Delilah....I'm so sorry for what you and your friends are going through. [looking to Morgan] I came to offer guidance and support, [looking back at Persephone] and to speak with you."

 

[Black Widow]

The water was dark, with a penetrating coldness that enveloped Haleigh as she swam, ever deeper, frantic in her search. Over there!

>>WARNING!
>>Vitals: Pulse 0/min Respirations 0/min
>>Core Body Temp: 25.5 C [78 F]
>>Status: Deceased

Not yet Delilah!

She swam faster, harder, ignoring the cold against her skin, and the burn in her muscles. She wasn't fast enough! Delilah looked so peaceful... almost as if she was sleeping. The water flowed through her hair gently, and her body was suspended there, unmoving. Haleigh finally drew nearer, but Delilah still remained just out of reach. Haleigh experienced a pang of stark terror. There was a sinister shape in the water behind her... a shark? No, it was Bishop! He wrapped his arms around her torso, staring at Haleigh with an arrogant, malevolent smirk as he dragged Delilah backwards, into the black abyss he'd come from.

"DELILAHHHHHH!"

Her own screams woke her. Haleigh was covered in a cold sweat, her heart pounding, her whole body trembling, her breathing labored. It was early, but still dark outside. Haleigh resigned to another crying jag. She balled up tightly, pulling the covers over her head. There was no one here to pretend to be strong for, there were still hours left until she had to put the mask back on and go to breakfast. she had to get this out of her system... she had to find a way to be okay again, REALLY okay, instead of just acting like it... but she was having such a hard time wrapping her mind around it. Quantum physics, she could understand. Malice's state of mind, she'd even begun to fathom...

But how could Delilah ever think this world would be better without her in it??

She called Zach. It would still be late afternoon on the west coast.

Zach: You had the nightmare again.

"How did you know?"

Zach: I could feel it from here. I wish you'd let me come there, I could make it easier for you to bear.

His tone was sick with despair. Haleigh shuddered, realizing how strong their bond had gotten.... he could sense her emotion on the other side of the planet. She wished he was here too.

"But then you'd be subject to the grief of FOUR women, instead of just mine from a distance. I couldn't be so selfish as to make you suffer that. I'll settle for you convincing me that everything will be okay."

Zach: If Ororo has stepped in, that's a good sign. She was able to bring back Cameron, much to my dismay.

[whispering mournfully] "What if Delilah doesn't WANT to come back? She took her own life...."

Zach: You have to stay positive, Haleigh. It's going to be okay....

 

[Spellbinder]

in the halls of minerva's mansion

<< Morgan couldnt help but feel a sense of calm and clarity now. Was it Demeter's touch? not entirely, for even before, Morgan began to feel it was okay to give into that SMALL but no less persistant "voice" deep within her mind and heart. Demeter validated that voice, gave Morgan the courage to try THIS way instead of the way she was accustomed to.>>

<< Karen and Ororo would be very proud of her at this moment and as Demeter took her hand, Morgan gently squeezed the goddess' hand and smiled.>>

I'm so glad...that you were able to return. Not just here in these times, but in general, after what happened in ancient Greece. I bet that even Hecate and Athena find inspiration from your grace and comforting ways. I know I do. The Six...we're lucky to have such fantastic help and support from the most unlikely of sources and beings the world would never suspect even existed..you help us...so that we can help those who CAN'T help themselves.

<< that was once a creed of Valiants, and it was also one of the Six's most basic functions. It was easy to lose sight of that along the way, but this whole situation with Delilah, the time Morgan and others spent tring to cope and understand it and now with Demeter's encouragement...it was all a reminder that sometimes the person most in need might not be someone running from a zombie, but one of their OWN. fortunately for THEM they'd get a second chance with Delilah.>>

<< Demeter spoke of them being extended family and they WERE. Morgan being Hecate's ultimate descendate and Demeter and Hecate being apart of the "trinity of the moon, Demeter being Persephone's mother AND Hecate [Darkchilde] and Persephone being so close in times past and alternate.>>

<< and speaking of family....>>

: "Morgan...Mother?....What are you doing here?"

<< Morgan looked over to see Persephone.>>

Persephone!

I couldn't sleep...i was too upset...too worried and trying to figure out just WHAT i was supposed to do. Your mother appeared before me unexpectedly but she offered me such sound advice, validating what i guess i was afraid to acknowledge coming from my own mind and heart.

<< she looked at Demeter and then back to Persephone.>>

But now that we've finished talking, I'll leave you too alone.

Blessed be, Demeter.

<< Morgan says as she takes her leave, passing Persephone and touching her arm gently to silently say goodbye for now.>>

<< Morgan had walked far on her own, after Demeter appeared, they walked even further and now on her way back to the floor of her suite she would pass the floor Haleigh's suite was on. She thought about stopping by but it was pre dawn...Haleigh would likely be asleep and besides, there was no point in bothering anyone else at the moment. they'd see each other soon enough. for now, the sorceress decided to return to her own suite and just rest for a bit before the sunrise, confident in knowing that she be more effective in helping her best friend.>>

 

[Persephone]

Both her mother and Morgan explained her sudden appearance in Minerva's Mansion, and it made sense. Out of all the gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus, Demeter had always been the one to advice those who were in need and take them under her wing when needed. It was the mothering aspect of her shining through. Morgan seemed to be in a much better state of mind after her discussion with Demeter....she bid both of them a goodnight before departing and leaving them to talk alone.

"Thank you....for talking with her. She's been struggling with what to do."

Demeter: "Of course. Sometimes an unbiased opinion is the most helpful."

Persephone gently nodded, looking away from her mother unsure of what to say. They really hadn't had moments like this since she was a little girl. A mother comforting her daughter....a real heart to heart. It was a little unsettling and uncomfortable, which Demeter obviously picked up on. Looking up as her mother moved toward her, Demeter placed her hand on Persephone's head, gently stroking down her long wavy hair.

Demeter: "Lets go somewhere more private to talk, hmm? I think there's a sitting room up a head."

For whatever reason it was actually a comfort feeling her mother's touch. Maybe she didn't realize how much she truly missed having a parental figure that could become the support system as opposed to her always having to keep up a strong front.

Both she and her mother made their way down the hall and into a beautifully decorated sitting room filled with books, artifacts, and old world artwork. It was like stepping back in time--much like all of Minerva's Mansion. That was probably one of the reasons Ava liked staying there. It felt like home.

Taking a seat, Demeter followed suit. Hunched over with her elbows resting on her knees, Ava sighed softly; her eyes searching the bookshelf afar for answers she knew it did not have.

"I can't....I don't know if I can do this anymore."