Once more, with feeling

[Rampage]

Minerva's mansion

Nicolas stood straighter as Morgan spoke to them, asking them about not telling her about Blaze.

We are as new to this as you, honey. A LOT has happened in just a few minutes, it seems.

Morgan would notice a sadness in his voice. As she placed a hand on his chest, he heard a new voice telepathically. It was Morgan's, through Blaze's unshielded mind. Even though Blaze's voice was clear, Morgan's shield was so strong that hearing her was like behind a door or a pane of glass. He could make it out, even amplify it with concentration, but the feeling alone was so surreal. As she leaned, he held her hand for a moment over his heart, feeling as if he would himself break. So MANY of his acquaintances, good people, had died. He would need her support as well. As they turned to walk, he thought it only fair to give the newcomer a quick primer, something the old Blaze had done for him. He tried to be upbeat, but even telepathically Blaze would notice a deep sadness.

Yes sweetheart, Karen is alive. Cool huh? Ava is Haleigh's secret sister bonded with a Greek goddess. Real good looking, real interesting character SHE is. No worries, we will get you up to speed in no time. Just ride out the initial reactions.

Nicolas walked behind the sisterly pair, a hand on Morgan's hip and another on Blaze's shoulder...

 

[Arsenal]

As Mike walked back towards the mansion he had once lived in, he froze suddenly, noticing a rustle in the bushes to his left. Suddenly, he realized that he had done a VERY foolish thing, frequenting a stream at night when many predators would be about.

Another rustle and a large panther was upon him, tearing a gash about 6 inches long along his ribs with its claws as he rolled, tossing it to one side and getting up quickly.

Stupidstupidstupid. No way to run NOW. That will just get me chased down. The only good news is that they typically hunt alone...

Just as he finished the thought, a second panther came racing towards him from his left. THIS time however, Mike was ready and he rolled again as he placed the stun baton on the big cat's chest.

With a pained growl the cat rolled away and then stood, shakily. Seeing his running partner handled so, the lead cat decided that this would not be their night to eat THIS prey. So, with a challenging roar, they gave way and went back into the darkness.

Mike continued quickly, holding a pressure point as he decided that speed was more of the essence. he arrived at the mansion and quickly showered, cursing himself for his foolishness as he cleaned the would and dressed it, although he could not STOP the bleeding. He wrapped it tightly and dressed, packing extra changes of clothes and bandages as he realized he would now be needing them. he wore a dark blue suit as he finally made it to the boat dock. Pulling off, he radioed the security at Minerva's to alert his coming, He would be along in about 25 minutes, plenty of time to anticipate what would happen once he got there.

I have a feeling that KAREN might be harder to handle than those two kitty cats...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Minerva's mansion- the suite

<< Karen was in the parlour room of the suite, taking a moment to brush her hair and make sure the flip was fresh and holding. she tied her silk robe around her nightgown and did some last minute primping. it was easy to see where Morgan got it from. even at night, with guests coming, the doctor wanted to ensure that she looked put together.>>

<< tests revealed that Ava's body was doing well, her immune system was stronger and that everything was slowly but surely resetting itself. despite the damage she endured, the woman's resiliency, her natural immunity to poisons these were all reasserting themselves and with this knowledge, Karen was confident that both she and Alison, who was comfortably sleeping, and dreaming would soon be right as rain.>>

<< the night time air was fresh, flowing and comforting, from the winds and the ocean outside. Karen allowed the windows to remain open as the silk sheers flowed and billowed from the breeze.>>

<< Karen also took time to feed the little kitten, who had began mewing. she comforted the kitten before giving it some food and a bit of milk>>

i wonder where tink is. she's been on the prowl through the mansion for some time now.

<< a stray thought, as Karen had a few moments to herself. She wasnt yet aware that Mike was galavanting through the forests and wild areas of Aerie like Indiana Jones and having encounters with panthers of all things. But once she saw him...she'd know soon enough and she'd be sure to scold him. Child or not, some things were just foolish. but for now, the doctor waited for the others to return to the suite. >>

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's Mansion- back to the suite

<< Spellbinder didnt immediately recognize that Nicolas would be able to somewhat "hear" communication with her alternate sister her via Blaze, who did not have a psi screen but at the moment it didnt matter. From the tone of his voice, Nicolas seemed a bit shaken himself. downright upset, only trying to remain composed his hand, even his heart beat was a bit elevated. He wasnt upset about Blaze, so what was it? >>

<< perhaps it would be better to discuss it during the meeting, away from those who were in recovery. she would find out soon enough the shocking and saddening news that was already weighing on Nicolas.>>

<< meanwhile, Morgan seemed to be fine, HAPPY even, that Blaze was here. Her and Nicolas had readily accepted the arrival of the mutant, as had Delilah. Only Haleigh remained distant for the time being but at least she was AWARE of why she felt that way. As they walked along, Morgan was trying not to lose ALL of her reputation in one evening...between her alternate sister and her man, she kept herself composed. Finding herself in what looked like a "waltons" moment with Nicolas holding her from one side, and Blaze from the other. she lead everyone up one flight of stairs, around a hall then up another flight of stairs and down another hall to the suite. the sound of the wind and waves could be heard in the distance.>>

<< still, she was glad to see her sister...and Nicolas too. the team, as it was was now together inside Minerva's Mansion and they were on their way to see Ava and Alison.>>

Mother...we're all here.

 

[Seer]

Inside the suite

<< everyone arrived, With Morgan being the first to fall into Karen's sight followed by Nicolas. no doubt the sight of Firebird would be a shock to the doctor as well. Haleigh and Delilah came in as well. The only one who'd yet to arrive was Mike.>>

<< at the moment though, the runaway alternate would have yet ANOTHER person to adjust to.>>

<< Ava was awake, but hardly cordial. Alison had shifted a few times, and seemed to be in R.E.M sleep and so, Karen gestured for quiet voices and soft movements. there were plenty of places to sit around the suite as well as some light refreshments in the wet bar, however the first moments were the most awkward.>>

back in NYC

<< the evenings smooth soiree was winding down. it had been nice, regal affair, befitting of an older, sophisticated but no less worldly crowd of celebs and socialites. Dominique was a hit @ the parthenon and her future there was uncertain. Would she stay long? would she leave? no one knew what her purpose was..no one knew HER really. but there were two women who intended to find out.>>

<< Malice and Enchantra were in a small alcove outside of the Moonlight Lounge, down a hall leading toward other areas such as the fitness and spa parlor, they were making their final analysis, having obtained the exact room number that Dominique was in. They would soon initiate contact.>>

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh was quiet, a little pushy.... a little dismissive.... she was on her way to her sister... and she wasn't going to let anything slow her down. A guard initially stood up to them, but luckily for HIM, Nicolas talked him down, while Haleigh just gave the guard that look.... a look that would kill if looks could. They passed into the foyer, where they could hear Morgan approaching. Morgan met them, expressing surprise and chiding them for not telling her about Blaze's arrival.... Haleigh was already looking past her, showing no signs of slowing down.

"Morgan, please.... I just woke up to an AVALANCHE of news.... I thought you KNEW already... I mean, she came by stepping disc.... why WOULDN'T you know? We weren't KEEPING it from you or anything."

She said, as Blaze described her tagging along to Morgan. Haleigh's expression slightly tensed as Blaze openly admitted leaving HER family behind at the drop of a hat... but Haleigh continued to look beyond them,

"Please, Morgan, my sister--"

She said, seemingly not caring if she was interupting, though, to be fair, she was the only one present unable to hear thoughts [other than Delilah] and thus, she didn't know they were still talking... to Haleigh it looked like everyone was standing around awkwardly just STARING at each other.... and finally, she stopped waiting for Morgan to LEAD them... she sighed, as if saying 'i'll find her myself'. Behind her, she could hear Morgan...

Well you're here...and you're welcomed to stay with us. I wouldnt have it any other way. I was just coming.....

Morgan's voice faded away... Haleigh wasn't listening anymore... she was focused on Ava's DNA signature, her vitals, the machines monitoring her... and she was moving quickly towards her... up some stairs... down a hall or two... it all ran together. Haleigh appeared in the doorway of the suite.... halted there, her eyes on her sister's body. Ava laid still, her back to the doorway, staring out the window. Haleigh glanced at Alison, then bypassed Karen as Morgan and the others showed up behind her. She crossed the room smoothly, calling Ava's name.... gently she sat on the edge of the bed.... and then, slowly, she laid down next to her sister, wrapping her arm around Ava, whispering quietly in her ear. It was a tender, affectionate side of Haleigh that no one would be used to seeing... no one, that is, except her sister.

"It's alright... you're safe now.... I'm here... you're safe."

She reassured, with near the same words she'd used when she first found Ava, and taken her out of that awful place.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as Haleigh pushed past to get to her sister. He was glad that Ava would have someone to be there for her. For himself, he retreated to the farthest corner from Ava, alone in his thoughts, seething and grieving all at once. He stayed very quiet, barely nodding to Karen before taking his place.

 

[Spellbinder]

Minvera's mansion- the suite

<< Morgan didnt attempt to catch up to Haleigh or call after her. It was completely understandable that she wanted to be at Ava's side right away.>>

<< by the time Morgan arrived into the suite, Haleigh was already at Ava's side, talking softly to her, being so concerned, nurturing. it was truly an unexpected moment to see. Morgan exchanged a look with her mother, who then went on to greet Delilah and Nicolas. He went to a far corner of the suite...but before Morgan could address that, or even look on Alison, Karen questioned her about BLAZE.>>

Mom....it's ...not OUR Blaze....

<< gesturing to the obvious cosmetic differences, this Blaze was a couple inches taller than mainstream, she dressed more feminine, more "sexy", like her sister. She was also more collective, but no less spunky and fiery.>>

This is Firebird, a Blaze from an alternate timeline, specifically the one where we found our Ava and Alison. She HELPED us to save them and escape the compound. When we were leaving, she apparently rushed into the disc behind us before it closed but due to Limbo's ways, it took her weeks to finally get HERE. From what it seems...she's going to stay with us for an indefinate period of time.

<< Morgan squeezed Blaze's hand with reassurance.>>

Blaze, this is my mother, Dr. Karen Victoria.

<< she looked at her mother.>>

Your alternate was...deceased.

<< But Karen remembered that from Alison's initial vision during the Arklay situation...they both knew that in the vast timelines, everyone didnt share the same fate.>>

<< she looked over at Nicolas.>>

Mom, Delilah would you please stay with Blaze? I'll be back shortly.

<< with that, Morgan went over to Nicolas. But he already had a visitior...the small white Kitten had come near and was rubbing against him, mewing to be picked up.>>

it looks like my tiny baby is happy to see you again.

<< Morgan sits down next to Nicolas, picking up the kitten and setting her on his lap.>>

see how soft and pretty she is?

<< She said in a "baby" voice as she nuzzled the kitten.>>

My mother tells me that Alison is allright. She's merely sleeping at this point. She's probably not terribly MOTIVATED to interact with us at this point and sleeping is a defense mechanism in times like this.

Haleigh is visiting with Ava. she needs a few moments. My mom is talking with Blaze and Delilah...i thought i'd see aboutyou. You and Haleigh both mentioned something about "lots of changes" all at once this evening...and you seem to be very upset. what is it honey? what's the matter?

<< she places her hand on his back and rubs it gently...the kitten has decided to nestle herself into his lap meanwhile.>>

 

[Firebird]

Throughout life everyone changed in their lives, whether mainstream or alternate. Blaze was getting a first hand experience with this. It was a lot to take in but the majority of the team seemed to reflect positively on her appearance here on their world.

Nicolas' hand slithered up her shoulder while Morgan walked beside her, just a few inches taller than Blaze. The two were completely different as far as physical attributes from hair color to eye color to even skin tone. They hardly looked like sisters but more so polar opposites.

Turning her attention to Haleigh who excused herself to expedite the process of seeing the others. A curious brow perked. Where was she going in such a hurry? Blaze was thrown for a loop as the hybrid showed visible compassion behind her eyes. It was like a light switch had been flicked on. Blaze barely had time to blink before Haleigh walked ahead of them. Nicolas' sad voice echoed in her mind to explain that Haleigh had a sister that was linked to a Goddess. Both eyes went wide to fixate them on Nicolas in disbelief. So much for having heard it all.

Following Haleigh the entourage was lead up the flight of stairs by Morgan. Every new space seemed to elongate as they progressed further inside. The distinct flow of the ocean and the wind circulated through the air. The tranquility was soothing, it was no surprise why Ava and Alison were moved here.

Entering into the room the beep of the monitors fell on Blaze's ears. Taking it all in until she saw Alison slumbering peacefully. Blaze's heart ached for the woman because of how powerful Alison was. To sedate her with a sleeping spell must have been a ramification from something horrifying. Blaze turned to see a beautiful woman who appeared to be Ava as Haleigh had nurtured her. Blaze couldn't hide the simple surprise at seeing the woman. Remembering how aloof and professional she was with her and here she was comforting and nurturing. Although, Blaze could relate in her own way.

Dr. Victoria's shocked gasps and lively questions caught the fire elemental's attention. Blaze froze momentarily unsure if she had been dreaming. On her world Karen was deceased. It was like reverting back in time. Clearing the knot in her throat, Blaze had a strong urge to embrace the older woman in a hug but she refrained not wanting to disturb Ava and Alison. Morgan's squeeze of encouragement snapped the woman back to earth as she introduced them. "Its good to see you, Karen." Blaze's words remained calm under her whirlwind of emotions that spun inside her soul.

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Nicolas seemed conflicted himself. He still hadn't informed her of the history behind his agony only that this Magnus was a personal friend, nothing more or less. The meek meow caught Blaze's attention. Looking over at the delicate feline who greeted Nicolas. All animals had an uncanny ability to detect a person's feelings, whether good or bad.

Looking back to Delilah and Karen, "This is a lot to take in, I need to sit down." A lopsided grin fell on her lips to sit down onto a nearby chair on the same side that Alison's bed was in. Staring at the Seer, unaware she had become Harbinger. Blaze reached across to gently take Alison's hand in her own to watch the slumbering woman. "Karen, what happened to her?" Her voice barely above a whisper. Blaze only knew vague details. If anyone would give her a straight-forward answer it would be Karen and Delilah.

 

[Rampage]

Ava/Alison's recovery room

Morgan walks over to Nicolas and picks up Kitty (Nicolas' pet name for the nameless kitten), who has already made her way over to investigate the mutant. As she places the feline in his lap, he picks it up telekinetically and, in a move they had practiced many times, flipped it on its back to invisibly caress it. She gently asked him what was wrong and he spoke, his voice hoarse and low as he once again felt a rush of grief.

Remember Magnuss?

Morgan would. He had met her on a couple of occasions, particularly when Nicolas' companies made some shipping deals with Illustra. She ate his lunch in the boardroom, getting a ridiculously sweetheart deal. He was for once too busy enjoying the pretty blonde's company to care that the deal made him almost no money. But he was far too impressed with the young mutant's love interest to get a FAIR market price.:hehe2:

He was MURDERED. His flesh flayed from his bone, his identification left to a Swiss dentist. There wasn't even enough left to reconstruct to have an open-casket funeral. The indications are the work of a metahuman, from what I can gather.

Nicolas halted a moment to gather himself, vengeance mixing with anxiety as he haltingly continued.

And he is not the only one. There have been others, friends and associates of my father's and mine for years, people who were entrusted in our deaths...to carry the philanthropic legacy. The initiative in Africa is a risk, the stock is in turmoil, and my business associates are disappearing.

Nicolas stopped suddenly, trying to hold it together, but Morgan would notice a deep pulsing that was emanating from him and spreading, a result of his TK once again being loosed by his emotions. Nicolas placed his head in his hands...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Minerva's Mansion- the suite

<< Karen noticed the abruptly arrival of Haleigh, she motioned for the attending nurses to take a short recess so as to make things a little more private. the doctor didnt mind Haleigh's (perhaps) unintend rudeness as she brushed passed her and went straight to Ava, that was her sister after all.>>

<< the others arrive, Karen quietly greeted them and asked them to remain quiet. the suite was plenty big and well furnished for them all to sit, rest, and wait. But then came...>>

BLAZE??

<< she remembered how dumbfounded she was when CAMERON had seemingly returned from the dead. this was no different. there were subtle but definate differences about this Blaze, which came more and more in focus as Morgan explains how this alternate came to be here. that she was from the apocolyptic timeline in which Karen's alternate was deceased. the same timeline where Alison and Ava had fallen to. it was quite an interesting development, this Blaze showing up here, a holdover from that timeline. She'd obviously made an impression on Morgan, Nicolas and Delilah, and from her more glamorous, refined , confident presentation it seemed that she might be able to make a proper go of it with the group this time around.>>

<< as the young mutant greeted her, Karen took her hand and gently grasped it.>>

It's good to see you too, young lady.


<< Delilah and Blaze sat near Alison's bedside and Karen stood on the otherside, checking an IV feed and then gently stroking some of Alison's newly restored blue/black hair (the color treatment from pandora was lost during the initial head shave) away from her sleeping face. Blaze gently took one of the seer's hands and asked what happened...>>

well, she and ava, they fell into a stepping disc, it was during a tulmoltuous time on the Isle of Aerie, where most of us now live. They wound up in your timeline...where they were apparently captured and brutalized by a government sanctioned version of Mystech. as i understand it, you, the altnerates Sharon and Alycia were vital to the success of the rescue and the destruction of Master Mold and the strong hold of Mystech.

Alison and Ava have been through pure hell, but once they were brought back, some of the best trained medical staff , along with Morgan's and my magicks helped to detox, repair damage and heal most of the injury inflicted upon them. but the more difficult part of recovery is the mind and soul which there is no quick fix for....Morgan and I are prepared to care for Ava and Alison in the long term with that in mind.

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's mansion- inside the suite

<< Morgan sat with Nicolas, close to him. Her hand still on his back, gently rubbing it. She did, however become a bit concerned as he telekinetically lifted the kitten.>>

be carefull with her...she's just a kitten...

<< she said almost like a mother watching her child playing outside.>>

<< Nicolas then explained what the matter was, his long time friend, a trusted business partner of his and his father's had been BRUTALLY murdered! left BEYOND normal recognition. Morgan's eyes widened as she heard the news. shocked that not only was it Magnuss, but the nature of his death!>>

dear goddess! I'm so sorry...

<< she leaned in to offer a hug.>>

i know how dear he was to you and your father. I remember him well... He was such a gentleman, very charming and chivalrous.

who could've done such a thing to him and why??

<< Nicolas said reports indicated it was a metahuman of some sort.>>

and yet, the whole world isnt in an uproar about the possibility of a metahuman murdering a human??

<< this was the first moment where the anti mutant/metahuman hystieria had been mentioned since their own near death experience with it. even the reports about Magnuss' death were not tainted with anti mutant/metahuman rhetoric.>>

<< Nicolas went on to say that many other friends and associates of his father's and his were now missing or dead and this his company, the initiative in Africa was suffering because of it. the stocks were fluxuating and the shares were being gobbled up. clearly there was more to this...and it was weighing heavily on NIcolas, as his own power began to cause tremors.>>


from the sound of it, there's more to this...and it should be investigated...not only for....

Nicolas...

<< she took hold of his hand and squeezed it gently..>>

Remember Ava and Alison...you dont want to risk them. We have to keep things quiet in here.

<< She continued to speak in a whispered tone as she leaned in close, doing her best to comfort him.>>

we're going to have to have this meeting sooner than later


<< she thought to herself.>>

In a few minutes, we'll repair to another part of this mansion, and we'll talk about it. there's one or two other things that need to be discussed as well.

<< she continued to do her best to comfort him, as she looked over and saw her mother talking with Blaze. this alternate Blaze was clearly easier to accept for a variety of reasons. it did Morgan's heart good to see her mother interacting with her sister...even if it wasn an alternate version. in times past, Karen had hardly regarded mainstream blaze with little more than contempt, due to who her father was and many other issues. Blaze and Delilah sat with Alison while Haleigh sat with Ava.>>

 

[Firebird]

As Karen enlightened the fire elemental with the current prognosis of Alison and Ava, Blaze frowned. It hadn't made sense to her why just those two fell through and why? Glancing from Alison to Ava, Blaze noted both women had been through hell and back. "That's awful. But, how did they end falling through the stepping disk? Why just those two, why not the rest of the team?"

It didn't add up for Blaze who didn't realize it was a result of Morgan's crippling migraine along with the overwhelming amount of stress she had been dealing with. Patiently, Blaze listened to every detail Karen offered.

With Karen shedding some light on a few subjects, Blaze noticed the tender exchange between Morgan and Nicolas. Even as Haleigh comforted Ava, it just went to prove that not only did Morgan change but Haleigh as well. Which only proved Haleigh's point about the difference between mainstreams and alternates.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike was nearly at the island, and the night air had done him some good. He was anticipating a good evening with Karen, a chance to see Morgan, maybe Nicolas and check on the ladies. As he stepped onto the landing, a pair of guards tied the boat off and he walked briskly up to the mansion. he let himself in, since the guards were already familiar with his and mad ehis way to where they indicated the team was.

He stepped in gingerly, nodding to everyone he saw and smiling and pointing to Blaze in particular as he stepped inside. The idea that she had made her way here did not even faze him at this point. He quickly made his way to Karen where he gave her a quick hug and kiss.

One problem though: as the Doctor touched his side in the light embrace, he grunted a bit and the doctor pulled her hand back from his side to see BLOOD on it. He smiled sheepishly as he pulled a quick handkerchief to wipe her hand.

Honey, I can explain...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Minerva's- the suite

<< for the sake of decorum, Karen did not want to delve into deep detail about the dinner at the rotunda gone horribly awry. Ava had already taken a shot at Morgan just moments earlier and there was no need to stir things up again, considering that Karen and Haleigh hadnt exactly ended their own shouting match on "pleasant" terms before Alison and Ava were accidently swallowed up by a randomly openend stepping disc.>>

It was an accident...it all happened rather quickly and without any warning. But the others immediately went after them, doing all they could to find them.

<< she looked at Blaze and gestured for silence hoping that the young mutant would understand that now was not the time.>>

<< soon, Mike arrived. Karen motioned for him to remain quiet as well as he came in and acknowledged the others, before greeting Karen personally. Karen noticed his body tense and his slight grunt as she touched his side. as she looked down at her hand...(and her expensive silk robe ) she and Delilah both reacted with surprise and dismay.>>

what is this??

<< she whispered with pained sharpness in her tone as she looked at her hand and then at up him, narrowing her eyes as those perfectly shaped eyebrows raised with disapproval.>>

<< Mike quickly drew forth a hankerchief and began to wipe clean her hand. She was not impressed.>>

there is no explanation. you havent been gone for but a few hours on this mad exile of yours and already youve been harmed by an animal << moving his arm out of the way as he tried to cover the area>> ...you're not going anywhere for the rest of the evening. our... << clearing her throat and pausing for a moment... as she knew Blaze and Delilah could hear her>> own circumstance not withstanding, I'm the doctor, and I order you to the infirmary immediately. you're in no shape to be in the suite with these two. I'll be there to address this in a moment.

<< and with that...she pointed, directing him to march on to the infirmary.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Ava and Alison's suite

As Karen narrowed her eyes and looked at his, she gave a terse reply to his offer of explanation.

there is no explanation. you havent been gone for but a few hours on this mad exile of yours and already youve been harmed by an animal << moving his arm out of the way as he tried to cover the area>> ...you're not going anywhere for the rest of the evening. our...

But it 's not so ba-

<< clearing her throat and pausing for a moment... as she knew Blaze and Delilah could hear her>> own circumstance not withstanding, I'm the doctor, and I order you to the infirmary immediately. you're in no shape to be in the suite with these two. I'll be there to address this in a moment.

Yes, dear.

Mike trudged to the infirmary, but not before taking a mischievous note at the state of Karen's dress, or lack thereof.

 

[Rampage]

Ava and Alison's suite

As Morgan squeezed Nicolas hand, it allowed him to clear away some of the hurt for a moment, and the booming subsided peacefully. Nicolas hugged Morgan back as he continued play with the kitten, aware that Morgan was watching their play closely.

He said nothing as she indicated a need to move elsewhere to talk very soon. He just sat there, rubbing Morgan's leg absently as he held her iwth his other hand and played with the kitten. As she sat there, he suddenly sat straighter, removing his hand from her leg and easily gathering up the kitten with it, kissing it beofr esetting it back down. His voice sounded SLIGHTLY better than before.

I understand that you will be here for a time. I do not want to burden any of you with this. Besides, I am not sure WHAT I will find in this situation, and I have put you all through plenty as it is. Look, Morgan, can you send us outside for a moment? I can't be here right this second. Just a moment, PLEASE.

Nicolas voice reflected the number and variation of emotions he was going through, from guilt to anger to grief to shame...

 

[Persephone]

:: Ava quietly laid still, her body turned onto it's side so her back faced Morgan and Karen. Looking out the window, everything from what had happened to what the future held, shuffled through her mind. Hearing Morgan leave the room, Ava shifted her eyes away from the window listening as she made her way down the hall. Her acute hearing was now fully fuctional thanks to the power suppression collar being removed. It actually felt a bit strange to have her powers back again after loosing them for what felt like forever. ::

:: Finally Ava could no longer hear Morgan walking....the mansion was so vast she couldn't possibly hear everything. Shifting her eyes back to the window Ava began to stare at the ocean waves, watching the current swell and the waves barely break at the waters edge. Lost in thought Ava soon blinked, hearing Haleigh call her name. Not bothering to turn, honestly she didn't want to see her sister....not in the condition she was in currently. For years, Ava tried so desperately to proove to Haleigh that she just wasn't her 'little rugrat sister' that couldn't take care of herself. It was part of the reason she had left with Stavros when she was younger; to build a name for herself and find her own identity away from Haleigh. Feeling the bed shift as Haleigh took a seat, Ava shut her eyes. She hated feeling weak and vulnerable. Hated it. As Haleigh laid down next to her, wrapping her arm around Ava, Ava remained still for a few moments until finally, she reached her hand up to Haleigh's and grasped it, pulling it closer to her. Opening her eyes, a single tear fell, running across the bridge of her nose [due to laying sideways] as she stared back out the window, listening to her sister's nurturing words. As much as she wanted to push Haleigh away, tell her that she was fine and there was nothing to worry about, Ava couldn't help but feel comforted by Haleigh holding her. ::

 

[Enchantrah]

Climbing into the car, Helena was known for being hard to work with [especially when the job doesn't benefit her directly], but she also could be very reasonable when given the opportunity. Malice was a much needed ally, especially in this timeline, therefore Helena decided the best course of action would be to keep her....as Malice very nicely put it, friends close and her psychotic friends even closer. Well, it wasn't EXACTLY the way she stated it, but nevertheless, accurate.

Arriving at the Parthenon Hotel, both Helena and Diana made their way into the building, causing more than a few head turns from gentlemen and ladies alike. As the Concierge lead the ladies into the Moonlight Lounge, Helena's eyes survayed the room as Dominque's name was annouced. Everyone errupted into applause....Helena simply sat down along side Diana and watched as Dominique began to perform.

she's good...using her talent as a singer to generate social buzz, while keeping herself out of reach when people want her most.

"I've heard better."

Helena deadpanned as she lifted her hand into the air, calling over a waiter who was carrying a tray of drinks. Taking a martini, Helena took a small sip just as the set ended and everyone stood, applauding.

"And who the hell styled her hair? Edward Scissorrhands?"

Cracking a smile, both Enchantra and Malice stood as the lights grew brighter in the lounge. Staying close to Diana, Helena softly spoke to her as she smiled to a passing gentlemen.

"Well I supposed the old saying, don't judge a book by it's old wrinkly cover, comes into play in these circumstances. Let's just hope she's more powerful than she looks."

 

[Firebird]

As Karen explained the situation more, Blaze nodded to acknowledge that she heard Dr. Victoria. It seemed there was a few explanations Karen left out. But as she signaled to be silent, Blaze took the hint with a second nod. Obviously, now was not the appropriate place to discuss this with Ava and Alison right across from them.

Turning her attention to Alison, she looked peaceful slumbering there in the bed. Yet, Blaze wondered what terrifying agony she went through and Ava too. Would the two ever be the same? Morgan and Karen had purged their bodies of the venom they were subjected to. Yet, Blaze imagined the two would behave differently, that was a given with circumstances like that.

Blaze had been focused on Alison that she hadn't noticed Mike's arrival until he addressed Karen. Glancing over her shoulder, her eyes ran along his hulkish physique. Curiously, she watched the couple as her emerald eyes sparkled. It seemed as though Morgan wasn't the only cougar around here! Chuckling to herself at the interaction of Mike and Karen, Blaze bit back a devilish grin. It amused her to see this brawny man who could literally break Karen in half. The imagery of that only entertained her more.

Sobering up her reaction, Blaze shook her head. It seemed the Victoria women had finally found love at last. Another large change for the both of them. Who would ever think that would happen? Not Blaze.

Peering at Haleigh and Ava, Morgan and Nicolas, and Karen and Mike, this team had faced tragedy like no other. Teammates had fallen, some were resurrected from death, while others changed inwardly. There was much to digest here and it would be no means easy with the differences between her timeline and there's.

"I need a drink." Excusing herself, Blaze got up to walk over to the wet bar where she reached for a Snapple Green tea. Twisting the cap off the bottle to take a sip. Mike's towering form moved to exit, poor guy was whipped! Waving to him with a wink.

Returning to her seat, she sat down her drink onto the nearby table next to her. Running a hand through her long-luxurious sepia locks. Her concern was still focused on Alison, "Come on, Al." Brushing her thumb along the back of the Seer's knuckle.