Once more, with feeling

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NYC- the parthenon

:: up the private elevator they went. Malice had telepathically compelled the clerk to give her an access card and then mind wiped that action from her memory.::

:: the white queen couldnt help but laugh softly as Helena took every opportunity she could to be dismissive and deadpan about Dominique. But the ultimate conclusion wouldnt come until they attempted to meet her and somehow, Malice didnt think this woman would just invite them in for tea.::

:: a soft ding indicates their arrival to the floor of the diamond presidential suite.::

here we are. cast a cloak over us so that we cant be seen by any hotel employees. there's no need to risk any unwanted attention.

:: she said as they stepped off the elevator and made their way toward the large double doors of the suite.::

:: the white queen and the red queen stood for a moment.::

I can't get a reading on her at all...there's a staggering amount of interference.

:: this bothered Diana, considering that there werent many telepaths, much less anyone else without a bonafied psi screen that could block her probes.::
 
and so

<< the white and red queens make their way down the long hall. with Malice's telepathic scans now being negated, it gives the women more cause for caution.>>

<< the reach the door and with one quick gesture from Helena, the women now appear to be fresh faced female room attendants bringing the best in champagne and caviar and a beautifull bouqet of gold glittered kissed roses, a congratulatory offering for her fine performance in the moonlight lounge.>>

<< as the chime sounds off, they await for Dominique's arrival.>>

meanwhile

<< at Minerva's mansion, which sits on a mighty cliff overlooking the endless ocean, the members of the six and their newly arrived Blaze from an alternate timeline sit quietly in the suite where Ava and Alison lay in recovery talking among themselves. Blaze is learning more about these mirror versions of her own teammates, the family she impulsively left behind to follow after these. they are the same in many ways yet so different on key levels. But this Blaze seems like she will be able to absorb what she's learning and adapt rather quickly. Her concern for Alison is noted. She had a strong bond with her own Morgan and Alison in their timeline.>>

<< Nicolas is struggling, not being able to fully process and express over the news of the murder of Magnuss. Morgan does her best to comfort him as he asks to go outside while Karen scolds Mike and sends h im to the infirmary after learning of his injuries while roaming around the even more remote areas of Aerie. The doctor asks everyone to remember to be quiet while in the suite and she excuses herself to go see about Mike. Blaze and Delilah sit with Alison while Haleigh continues to lay with sister Ava. After setting the small kitten down with Delilah, Morgan takes Nicolas outside, onto the cliff overlooking the swirling night time ocean.>>
 
The Parthenon- The diamond presidential suite

[ those who are following you might be surprised to know that you are WAITING for them.]

you may enter.

[ the doors open, but when the women enter, continuing the ruse conjured by Enchantra, they find no one present, at least physically. the presidential suite is breathtaking, the luxe, multi level splendor is immediately known but in all the area that the two women can see, there's no sign of anyone. the place is dimly lit as well.]

[ the doors slam shut and an egyptian symbol flashes into view across the two doors as the glow, indicating they are now sealed. a voice dripping with icy contempt can be heard.]

I am not prey to be stalked. I am not one to be trifled with and if you think your parlour tricks will work on ME, you're sadly mistaken. Observe.

[ a vortex of high winds and sand like substance erupts between the two women, expending its circumference and height as it forces them apart, and strains Helena's concentration as the sand like particles whip, slash and tear at her skin.]

[ Dominique appears, wearing a regal goddess like egyptian garb with golden accents with her hair now longer and flowing behind her and golden halos around her clenched fists.]

I saw you...in the Moonlight Lounge, watching me, and if you think I'm not aware of who you are, think again. I am as well versed in my knowledge of super powered beings around the globe as i am my travels....Malice.

[ looking at Helena with disdain, regarding her as a mere afterthought as she spoke in a haughty tone.]

but this one, she's supposed to be DEAD...and judging by the look of her, maybe she still is.

[ this indicates that Dominique was aware of Helena, at least the mainstream version and her demise...it also implied that she knew more than the average "outsider". she takes aim with one of her fists.]

as the annointed daughter of Isis, goddess of rebirth, I will not tolerate being followed and tracked like prey in the forest. I am here for personal business and I have no time to entertain either of you. This is your final opportunity to leave now, or be carried out by the coroner.
 
The Parthenon-

:: as the doors opened, Diana and Helena, now appearing to be young chamber maids bearing a beautifull bouquet of flowers and champagne and caviar, entered the room.::

telepathically to Helena: I'm still not able to sense anything. it's as though she's not even...alive. like a ghost or a fleeting presence at best.

:: the two women came inside, each less than innocent with the smirks on their faces. the doors slam shut and an egyptian rune flashes into view on the doors sealing them in.::

an ambush!

:: Dominique's real voice, clear, enunciated and regal, fills the air. she speaks with disdain as she indicates that she knows who Malice is and that their illusion is lost on her. a vortex of sand erupts between them. mere seconds of the sand storm's painfull slashing at her skin is enough to convince Malice to transform into her diamond form.::

Cease your hostilities, madame. That is no way for a lady of your obvious caliber to behave. We mean you no harm...yet.

:: the white queen maintained her composure, as Dominique appeared into view::

she has power, but i can't determine if shes's mutant or a metahuman, or something all together different. her presence as ...blurred.


Dominique. Dominique Deveraux. as you no doubt already know, I am possessed of abilities that make me, more than human. Obviously you are too.

:: Dominique indicated that she knew who Malice was. she even recognized Helena, but pointed out that Helena was supposed to be dead.::

Surely in your many travels and dealings you've known of people who have died and come back to life or "returned" through some other means. Helena and I represent a secret, organization of the wealthy elite and in many cases, the rules that apply to normal, ORDINARY humans do not apply to us. Let's just say , to borrow from the luck of a cat, that Helena is using one of her..."9 lives" and has "gotten better" since her demise.

:: she noticed Dominique sneering at Helena. Malice herself remained in her diamond form as a precaution, as she could not yet tell the full range of Dominique's powers but from the look of things, she appeared to have an egyptian motif to her manifestation.::

telepathically to Helena: you really need to read the book "how to wind friends and influence people". she hasnt been looking at you for more than moments and I dont even have to be a telepath to know she wants to tear you apart.

We're here to talk. I believe that we have an offer for you that you will find most appealing. BUT if you want to fight, you'll find that Helena and myself are FAR from helpless. Powerfull as you appear to be, we will NOT go down easily and you will find your efforts and time better served in other ways than fighting us.
 
Firebird
Firebird
LOL! @you really need to read the book "how to wind friends and influence people".
outside of Minvera's Mansion

<< Morgan stood up, carrying the small kitten over to Delilah and the alternate Blaze.>>

Here, watch the baby for me. I'll return soon and we will be having a meeting in another part of the mansion.

<< her mother had already excused herself to go give Mike some medical attention and this would give Blaze a chance to sit with Delilah while they watched over Alison and played with the small white kitten.>>

I havent seen Tink in a while either come to think of it. I'll have to look for her soon.

<< a stray but no less important thought as she took Nicolas out of the suite and then teleported them via disc outside to the cliff over looking the night time ocean. the winds and the waves were soothing and refreshing and Morgan's blonde, double highlighted hair began to flow and blow back in the wind.>>

allright, we're out here now. what is it?

<< she was concerned that he was crumbling even as she spoke...and though Ava and Alison needed her, she could not abandon him either. It seemed that more often now there were tests for her ability to lead and to be someone's girlfriend. It was much easier for her before, when all she had to do do was be a leader and a ball buster. NOW she had to be a nurturer and that wasnt something readily associated with her personality type. still, she cared for Nicolas, she wasnt ready to abandon him and she wouldnt.>>
 
Alison & Ava's room

Blaze had been speaking with Delilah about her life and what she had been up to just as Morgan walked over handing Delilah the adorable kitten. "She's beautiful." Nodding to acknowledge Morgan's request. A smile grazed her own lips, remembering she had a kitten on her home world although it was taken by feline leukemia. Like Morgan, Blaze had an adoration for cats more so than dogs. Reaching across to Delilah to scratch the feline under the chin. "What's her name, D?" Inquired the inquisitive mutant. Brushing her whiskers away, Blaze smiled at the kitty. "We should give her a frosting and call her, Diva, like her Mommy." Her laugh chuckled at her own jest.

Turning to glance over to Morgan as she and Nicolas disappeared from the room. Concern bled across her features for Nicolas. She felt for the guy but if anyone could get through to him it was either Morgan, Dr. Victoria, or Haleigh.
 
Nicolas leaned forward and kissed Morgan tenderly. He held her tightly as he did so, holding her for what seemed like forever but was only a few seconds. Finally he pulled away and looked into her eyes as he held her.

While I was out there, this was all I wanted, all I DREAMED of. To come home, everybody safe, to kiss you, make love to you while overlooking the ocean.

He sighed as he stopped for a second.

I want you to know that you were never my "trophy", I only wanted to share you with everyone else. I sometimes wished I were more important to you, but I would NEVER make you choose. It just...hurt to think that after all we had shared, been through, that I was just A MAN to you. Especially with all of the negativity that it brings, given what happened to you and Ma.

A tear left his eye as he continued.

Honey, I guess what I want, eventually, is for you not to believe in MEN or A MAN. I want you to believe in ME. Especially now because, right now, I don't really believe so much in MYSELF.

Nicolas turned to the surf and held himself as the tears fell...
 
They lay there quietly together, as the others talked amongst themselves, breaking into smaller groups... but all Haleigh listened to was the sound of her sister breathing. Knowing that Ava was awake and that she was going to be okay relieved Haleigh... and there wasn't much that needed to be said between them. Haleigh was acutely aware of the thing Ava'd had to endure... for she too had been a captive of Mystech's.... not once, but twice before. Haleigh kept her voice low... she didn't care if the others overheard, but she didn't need to yell in Ava's ear either.

"It's all over now.... you're gonna be okay. [long pause] It's alright if you need to rest... to recuperate. I'm so proud of you.... for toughing it out.... for hanging in there until I could find you and bring you home..... I know it was hard. I.... I was so scared of losing you... I don't know what I would've done if I'd gotten there and it was too late."

And as Ava pulled her closer, Haleigh held her tighter, thanking every deity that she could think of that her sister was safe.
 
outside of Minerva's mansion

<< Nicolas was more for displays of affection than Morgan. She had come far in allowing herself to show warmth and emotion especially when it came to spending with with him. She knew he was in pain right now, and so she wanted to be there for him as best she could.>>

So much has changed. My mother and I have gone from being a mother and daughter duo used to defending ourselves and each other from horrible, evil men...to both having men in our lives as close as close can be. sometimes, it still seems unreal for me. i was always at my best on the runway, or fighting against a man...or a monster who i knew deserved my wrath. It's not so easy...to be "nurturing" when im used to being a ball buster but I've done it for you because inside, secretly i felt the smallest voice urging me...the voice from my heart.

<< standing beside him. she wrapped her arms around one of hishis as he stood facing the ocean. she paused for a moment as the waves played their natural symphony.>>

I believe you were worth the risk...a risk that for ME was like trying to swallow my own soul sword. To TAKE that risk should tell you how important you have become to me.

But Alison and Delilah are my sisters...they were there for me even BEFORE i found Blaze during my time on Valiant. You ....you were so unkind to Alison....I didnt know who you were at that moment. I didnt know WHAT to do. You were already accusing me of loving my lost career more than you...and then THAT. You didnt seem to understand that I am NOT like other women. The women on this time are not like most other women.

And because I couldnt figure out what to do, because i was drowning in doubt, grief and uncertainty, I accidently OPENED UP A DISC that caused Alison and Ava to fall into a nightmare....one they nearly DIED from. Ava...she said something to me after she woke up. I know she meant no harm, that's she's still scared...but there was truth to it...and it HURT. She said I was emotionally unstable and that it was my fault that She and Alison went through what they did.

It is ONE MORE THING that I will have to carry as a burden for the rest of my life. First the Inferno...then Master Mold...and now THIS. It's just like what happened in Valiant with Blaze and Black...and all those months that Christopher had her and I didnt even know it until I met Haleigh.

<< she closed her eyes for a moment as the winds blew through her hair.>>

I'm going to leave the Six for a little while, to help take care of Ava and Alison. It's my responsibility...we're going to have a meeting about it in a few minutes.

<< she holds on to him a little closer and rests her head on his shoulder.>>

You are important...I love you. You've been inside of my mind...something that no one besides my mom, my sister and alison have been privilaged to. that should tell you the kind of trust i have ...even when i didnt KNOW the depths to which it reached.

Despite the resistance youve been shown, You've done so much for me...for my mother, and for the team. You're apart of this family now. You're future is linked to our group's future.

But I can't always "be" the way you think i should be. I've already stretched and tested myself by daring to love you and "let you in"...and so far, I've not regretted it...but you can't make me feel like i have to "be" something I'm not. I must be MYSELF...I'm at a different place in life than you are...and while you've shown me that change is always possible...I cannot...MUST not be made to "change" to SUIT you or anyone else.

<< squeezing his arm abit.>>

you're younger than most of us. that's not a bad thing, but you still have time to learn, to grow and to change. just as I...WE have learned, so will you. we'll learn together...the two of us AND the group.

<< she looks up and kisses him gently on the cheek as she wipes a tear away from his eye.>>

and we'll be there for you in your time of loss. we'll help you however we can.
 
Firebird
Firebird
I really enjoyed reading this post. Morgan is showing new depth like never before. I was deeply touched. Awesome job!
Nicolas listened as Morgan responded to what he had said. He nodded as the couple seemed to come to some tacit understanding of things. While it was clear that maybe they weren't where he would like them to be, he could take solace in the fact that he could be proud of how far they had come. As she wiped his tears, a small smile crossed his face. He turned and faced her, the gleam in his eye returning despite all that had taken place.

Very well, Sorceress. One thing though you don't get. I don't want you to change for me. Everything I am asking for, you already have inside. I KNOW it, I've SEEN it. ONE day you will be able to let it go, give that to me, but ...we have time. Just remember that I am here for you all as well.

Nicolas kisses Morgan again, satisfied that the air has at least been cleared a bit between them, then steps back.

Go on back to Ava and Alison. I just thought of something I need to do really quick. I will be along in moments, I promise.

He then leaped out into the ocean...

hopping his way back to Aerie, this time to Ava's place. he had come to retrieve a special friend for Ava that would b sure to eventually cheer her up. Around the bend Onyx came bounding, apparently none the worse for wear but VERY happy to see a friendly face. She covered Nicolas with kisses as he approached laughing. Carefully, he blindfolded her as he picked her gently up, rubbing her belly.

Trust me, kitty?

Nicolas then hopped back, using his TK to stabilize Onyx in his arms so as not to trigger her "falling" response available to all cats.

Nicolas quickly entered the suite as he teleported some essentials to one farther off area for the new arrival.

He still did not want to speak to Ava, knowing what it could trigger. Instead, he wordlessly let the big cat loose to see her master as he quietly saw himself outside the entrance to the suite...
 
and onward

<< moments like this prooved that despite their being witches, mutants and even a goddess...they were all as Alycia would say, "only human". No power could chart the course of "love" and emotion. Morgan didnt know it, but by letting Nicolas in, she was letting herself GROW as a woman, touching parts of herself she didnt know she had. and just like a child learning to walk, Morgan was learning it was okay to be tender, to be loving, to be..."vulnerable" as she would call it. and WHO better to experience this with for the first REAL time than with someone who loved her so much. someone who regarded her mother as highly as he did, someone who would risk his life for anyone of the women on the team. She didnt need a precog to tell her that she and nicolas would find their way.>>

<< Haleigh held her sister close, reassuring her that all would be okay, and showing apart of HERSELF that , like Morgan, she often kept hidden or repressed. She and Morgan had more in common than they sometimes remembered, which is why they would often clash. Ava was safe now and just as Haleigh expressed her feelings to Ava...that was more than enough confirmation for Ava to know that she was once again in good hands. they would be there for her and Alison. She COULD come back from even this and be herself once more.>>

<< Delilah and Blaze sat on either side of Alison's bed. Chatting with Delilah gave the alternate Blaze a chance to better understand the dynamics of THIS Six. Blaze learned that this team NARROWLY avoided the reality that she and HER team had faced...that the events involving Bishop and the Arklay Mansion were only just slightly altered, with Delilah not being cast out of the team here like she had been in Blaze's timeline...and with Delilah killing Bishop to protect Sharon and the Six in this timeline versus Sharon killing Bishop in Blaze's timeline. That the Six and their allies were rescued by the goddesses Athena, Hecate and Demeter as repayment for their aid in the caper against Circe several months ago where the team had traveled back into time, and then returned, risking their lives against the one woman who could replace Morgan as sorceress supreme on the planet. The Six were given Aerie, the island created by Circe's own raw power, as their new home...an island that was hidden from the eyes and technology of mortal men. the alternate Blaze also learned that this timeline's Alison was called Harbinger, the new she took after accepting the destiny laid out for her by Hecate. She was the successor to Barbara Minerva as keeper of the earths legendary and bizarre artifacts as well as the guardian to Pandora who was infact real. there were so many similarities and yet so many subtle differences that made this timeline so vastly different.>>

<< and yet, even as Delilah and Blaze quietly talked, as Haleigh held Ava, as Morgan shared a private moment with Nicolas and as Karen attended to Mike, they were all unaware of developments that had not only changed the landscape of the "Anti mutant/metahuman" sentiment around the globe, but that the events involving the murder of Magnuss were not unrelated. They were not aware that MALICE had returned to mainstream as well along with the alternate Helena or that this new woman, Dominique, would come to mean a great deal of PAIN to someone among the Six in particular.>>

<< after nearly an hour passed, the time had come for Haleigh, Delilah, Nicolas, the alternate Blaze, Karen, Mike and Morgan to gather in the conservatory for a "family" meeting. Ava had fallen to sleep and the medical staff would keep a close eye on them as she and Alison rested in the suite.>>

<< Nicolas , in a surprise and thoughtfull move, brought Ava's pet, Onyx, the "big cat" among the Six's diverse gathering of animals ranging from small cats, enchanted familiars, dogs , and even rare birds. Onyx would be well accomidated, there were animal care givers on the premesis to care for the rare and mysterious animals that were given sanctuary here as well and now, he could be near Ava which would no doubt help her.>>

<< Delilah carried Morgan's small white kitten with her to the conservatory where the others were now gathering for the family meeting.>>
 
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"It's all over now.... you're gonna be okay. [long pause] It's alright if you need to rest... to recuperate. I'm so proud of you.... for toughing it out.... for hanging in there until I could find you and bring you home..... I know it was hard. I.... I was so scared of losing you...."
Click to expand...

:: Ava didn't respond as Haleigh spoke to her with such vulnerability and care. It was a side of Haleigh that was rarely shown and that the six had rarely seen. But Ava had seen it before....when she was a child and too afriad to fall asleep because of monsters. Or when her father and Haleigh's mother would fight so loudly only Haleigh's long stories about how they would travel to Africa and the Amazon when they were older would sooth her. Or the night before Ava was supposed to leave with Stavros for Greece....Haleigh reassured her everything would be okay and that they would be sisters forever, regardless the distance between them. It was those things the six never got to see from the hybrid. Those tender, heartfilled moments that they took for granted, only thinking Haleigh was a mindless robot that stired up trouble. Ava knew better, she knew she could rely on her sister....but her trust in the six? It had been severely damaged. ::

"I don't know what I would've done if I'd gotten there and it was too late.."
Click to expand...

:: Ava opened her eyes after Haleigh spoke those words....too late. Looseing her grip on Haleigh's hand, Ava lifted her dull blue eyes up to look back out the window. ::

"It was too late..."

:: She softly whispered. It wasn't to hurt her sister, but it was true in Ava's eyes. She had given up...and she never gave up on anything in her life. She was defeated in that timeline and just wanted it to all be over with. She had failed in her own mind. ::

:: As Ava stared out the window, her eyes soon became heavy before she slowly drifted back off to sleep. Unbeknownst to her, Nicolas had brought Onyx from her villa on Arie. The large black panther immediately picking up on her owners stress and emotions. Onyx jumped onto the bed and laid down at the foot of it, making sure to guard Ava from any unwanted guests as she rested. ::
 
Enchantra and Malice both made their way up to the presidential suite of the Parthenon, hoping to catch a meeting with the infamous Dominique Deveraux....well perhaps infamous in her own mind. Helena could care less who Dominique was, just as long as she had the powers to help both herself and Diana. Creating a cloak around both herself and Malice, the woman made their way into Dominique's suite when suddenly the doors slammed shut behind them. Malice immediately shouted it was an ambush just as Dominique made her presence known. Stumbling to the side, away from Malice as the vortex of sand appeared between them, Helena could feel the sand stinging her skin causing almost a brush burn-like look on her cheek. The vortex soon died down. Helena's skin immediately glamoured back into it's original state as Dominique physicially showed up, wearing a knock off Cher costume from Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves....emphesis on the tramp.

"If she's going to be wearing THAT....I say we're better off without her."

Helena quipped mentally to Malice.

you really need to read the book "how to wind friends and influence people". she hasnt been looking at you for more than moments and I dont even have to be a telepath to know she wants to tear you apart.
Click to expand...

"I tend to have that effect on people. ;) It's apart of my charm, didn't you know?"

Turning her attention to Dominique.

"Dominic is it? [waving her hand dismissively] Well whatever you call yourself, we didn't come here to be scratched to death by sand or listen to your third grade insults. We have a proposition for you that is very beneficial on multiple levels. BUT, if you'd rather fight myself and Malice in a futile attempt to proove your worth, than so be it. But I suggest we sit down and discuss our offer before next blood is drawn."
 
Ava said:
It was too late...
Click to expand...

A simple sentence... short, but heavier and more resounding in its significance... and it caused Haleigh's heart to sink, faltering a beat as Ava's grip loosened. Ava was pulling away without actually moving... emotionally withdrawling and now it was Haleigh's turn to silently weep. She continued to hug her sister as the tears fell, mourning her little sister's broken spirit.... it was nearly as painful as mourning death... for it was irrepairable by medication or any kind of treatment.... there were no kind words, no quota of tender care that could fill the void.... nothing Haleigh could do for her sister now... this was something Ava had to do on her own.... and the implications for Haleigh were more harmful than Ava likely intended...because Haleigh too felt as though she had failed on some level.

"I'm sorry I let you down..."

Haleigh whispered... but Ava had fallen asleep already. The bed shifted, Haleigh looked down to the foot of the bed to see Oynx had joined them. Haleigh got up, gently so as not to disturb her sister, who she covered with a blanket.

[to Oynx]"Are you going to watch over her now?"

She asked, her voice quiet and a little hoarse, as she scratched underneath the big cat's chin. She folded her arms, standing there motionless for a few more minutes, watching her sister sleep, as tears continued to fall. The medical staff moved around quietly, checking and rechecking on both Ava and Alison.

"Give her something to prevent the nightmares."

She said, leaving the suite.

Haleigh followed the sound of voices to the conservatory... she was the last one to arrive to the gathering... and many of her teammates gave her concerned expressions.... Blaze, especially, seemed worried.... and Haleigh realized her face was still wet, her eyes still red from crying. She looked down and away, drawing in a deep, stabilizing breath as she wiped her tears away and cleared her throat.

"She'll be fine."

The hybrid asserted.... though it sounded more like she was trying to convince HERSELF by saying it aloud. Nevertheless, she tossed her hair, crossing her arms over her heart once more and indicating that she was ready to get down to business.

"Morgan, you mentioned something about wanting to discuss the 'state' of the Six?"

She prompted. The bloodshot receeds from the whites of her eyes at an inhuman rate, she stands tall once more. Haleigh had let the emotion out but now she was shutting it down again... she was willing to give it no more leeway or allow it to inconvenience her or her team anymore.... she compartmentalized and moved on.... it was something she was considerably skilled at doing and Blaze would probably recognize the gesture, for it was something she'd seen in Haleigh's alternate all too often in HER timeline.
 
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Conservatory

As Delilah brought Blaze up to speed with recent events, past and present, the fire elemental took it all in like a sponge. This Delilah had chosen the right path but at the same time almost alienated some of her teammates in the process. Blaze felt for the blonde, who showed signs of remorse and the ramifications that followed. Reaching across to Delilah's hand to offer it a gentle squeeze, "The important thing is that you've grown as a person beyond the badge you've worn. We all make mistakes, some larger than others. But, the important thing is to learn from them. Your different than the Delilah on my world, but that's a GOOD thing. Everyone in your world is different. But, you still got me, girlie." Winking to her, Blaze scratched the kitten under its chin gingerly.

Being engrossed in her conversation, Blaze hadn't noticed Onyx until the sleek panther strolled into the room. Tracking the large feline as it gracefully jumped onto Ava's bed. A thin brow perked in curiosity. Blaze's eyes slithered onto Haleigh and Ava's interaction. Ava's body language screamed agony even as the brunette watched them from across the room. If anything she was intrigued by the way Haleigh was showing vulnerability. Dropping her gaze not wanting to stare at the two siblings, Blaze couldn't help but smile. The Haleigh on her world was nothing more than a machine, she never showed physical or emotional vulnerability. This Haleigh was actually crying in full display of other people! At first Blaze thought she had been dreaming. Reverting once more onto Haleigh to read her lips. An asset from her days at Section One as an Operative.

Blaze was torn to comfort Black Widow yet remaining her distance since she did not know the woman. Delilah's hand onto her shoulder snapped her out of the reverie, "Huh?" Delilah informed her that Morgan had requested they have a meeting in the conservatory. She stood up to follow Delilah out, unaware of the layout of the place.

Upon entering the conservatory, Blaze's face revealed her own emotions. She always had a lousy poker face. Everyone had arrived except Haleigh. Just then the blonde entered the room, her cheeks still stained with translucent tears. For a second, Blaze's eyes bore into her soul only to look away. Giving the woman time to freshen up. Haleigh must have noticed as her hoarse words only caused Blaze to worry more. Her stomach felt like it had been in knots. All of these people had been through hell and back. As did her own team back home.

Haleigh's simple reply struck Blaze in the heart. Nostalgia interwove inside her memory banks, recalling the way her Haleigh would shut everyone out. It was almost as if she were staring at the alternate Haleigh. Blinking her eyes, Blaze nodded to agree, "Of course she will, she's strong." She wouldn't comfort Hales though for she knew the chances she would be rejected for it or even told that she was 'fine.' Giving the hybrid her space was the best opportunity for her, at the moment. Blaze would seek her out eventually, making good on her word not to give up on Haleigh.

Placing a hand on her own hip, Blaze glanced from Haleigh to Morgan, curious to see what insight her sister would offer the team. "Yeah, Morg, what's up?"
 
Minerva's mansion-the conservatory

<< Delilah handed Morgan her small white kitten and it began to squirm with anticipation as it passed from one pair of gentle, caring hands to another. The kitten, which STILL had not been named yet :D, was far too small to be left in the room with its much bigger "cousin" Onyx and Morgan took a moment to nuzzle her baby as it purred and settled.>>

<< everyone who was present was talking softly among themselves are taking in th e beautifull surrondings of the sprawling mansion as they moved to the conservatory. along the way, Morgan asked any of the guards if they'd seen Tinkerbell since she had first been here. One said he thought he saw her laying on a piece of furniture a while back and Morgan knew of Tink's fondness for soft, plush furniture. She'd look for her enchanted familiar later...but for now, as Haleigh finally joined them, Morgan sat at one of the circular pewter tables in the conservatory.>>

I've asked you all here because its obvious that the team is going to be down a few members for a little while. I'm staying here with my mother to help Ava and Alison for the time being and with Ava in recovery, that leaves only three fulltime members. Even if we're on Aerie, we know anything could happen...and we need to be prepared.

<< she pauses for a moment.>>

We also have a new arrival in the form of Firebird, the crosstime alternate of Blaze. She's here with us now with no apparent desire to go back to her own time and without taking her to limbo first, I couldnt be sure where i was sending her if i opened a disc right now.

She's going to have to stay with us on Aerie, given how the rest of the world views us right now and we've seen her in action in the last timeline, so I would like to propose the idea of the alternate Blaze filling in as a member of the Six in the absence of two members. Her more refined, and stronger powers than our own Blaze will make her a valued asset and with a little training and help , she can adapt to life on Aerie with us.

<< Morgan waited to see the reactions of the others.>>
 
Nicolas waited patiently as the rest of the team arrived and took their places. His face was mostly blank, and he simply waited for what was to come. As Morgan spoke, he knew that it would come to that; Karen and Morgan were needed here for their teammates. As for Firebird, that seemed to him a given, she had nowhere else to go.

Take all the time you need, Morgan. We can hold down the fort here. Blaze, there is room for you at the Rotunda or at the mansion that Mike and I share. He...will not be with us for some time as he takes care of things and I am certain he would not mind you using his things until we properly address the matter of your own quarters.

Nicolas was warm but still a bit detached, his mind not quite there...
 
Haleigh nodded... if she objected to the way Morgan was handling the Blaze situation, it didn't show.

"That sounds acceptable.... we'll need all the help we can get for a while... Blaze, [looking at her] you're welcome anywhere on Aerie... you won't find any locked doors... there's no reason why any of us would treat you with any less courtesy than we would if you belonged with us."

A subtle way of saying she didn't... but it was said without any hint of malice... it was just matter of fact. Haleigh, too, would conceed that having Blaze around would be beneficial to them all.

"Nicolas is right, it is important for you to take as long as you need.... don't rush anything... what they were subjected to... [pause] that healing process is not easy. Of course.... it goes without saying that I'd like you to keep me updated on my sister's condition."

She said, then, fluidly shifting topics:

"I've been probing the internet and other mainframes... it looks like the anti-mutant sentiment is fading.... it may be safe for us to venture out once more... I know that Nicolas has some things he'd like to attend to. Naturally, I would still advise that we keep under the radar... it is widely believed that we're dead... we may want to KEEP that notion alive for awhile."
 
Nicolas listened as Haleigh responded. THe pain was obvious to him, he could feel it emanate from her. Ava was worse than he had realized.

I know it might be problematic at first, but I am available for any help needed in terms of Ava and Alison. I know Ma can do many things between her experience and magic, but if you need it, don't hesistate to call.

He turned to Haleigh.

I will be careful, but I have to quickly make a counterattack if I expect to figure this out and save the Third World initiatives that my father started. Anyone THIS ruthless, I expect it to be...messy. I plan to "persuade" several ministers of finance to reverse the transfer of stock in cases that involve suspicious actions. I expect our quarry will be unpleasantly surprised in the morning when they realize that they have virtually no stock in hand.
 
Minerva's mansion- the conservatory

<< Morgan continued to stand, listening as Nicolas spoke, then Haleigh. Both welcomed Blaze, as did Delilah. But Haleigh was dead set on making it known that this was was an ALTERNATE version of Blaze, and now THEIR original. It was a fair observation, but Morgan hoped that Haleigh wouldnt use that against Blaze in the near future. After all, PERSPEHONE began as an "alternate" as well, and her story only became more intriguing with the passage of both herself AND Ava Cassadine through the mysterious Seige Perilous.>>

Of course Blaze can make her own descision about where she stays...but I would prefer her to stay at the Rotunda, or at least spend some of her time there in case Tinker decides to return. With Tink being able to teleport through the shadows...there's no telling WHERE she might decide to end up.


Haleigh, it would be wonderfull if you could further brief Blaze on the differences of this timeline versus her own. I know Delilah has already filled her in on some things. She'll also need some training...just to become used to our way of battling together.

<< as Haleigh indicated that she understood Morgan's leaving the Six for a time, and asked that she keep her informed of Ava's progress, Morgan nodded.>>

of course, Haleigh. We'll be here at Minerva's. they'll be therapy sessions, both conventional and mystical among other things...we'll do everything we can for Ava and Alison.

<< Nicolas offered a helping hand if she or her mother needed it. Morgan remembered how instrumental Nicolas was in saving Sharon's life after Rick Riley and the Cell...his knowledge of science and biology was rivaled only by Haleigh and it was the perfect balance to the magickal side of things on the time.>>

Thank you. We'll be sure to call if we need any other help...and it was very thoughtfull of you to bring Onyx to the mansion for Ava. I only wish that Alison had a pet of her own...but Tink was always fond of her, maybe she will come and lay with Alison for a while too.

<< looking around the room, she listened as Haleigh and Nicolas spoke of t hings that seem to be related to Nicolas' depressed state. he spoke of stocks, finances too.>>

Well, Athena, Hecate and Demeter DID say we were free to return to the "outside" world when we wanted/needed to as long as we remained undercover. To that end, i think that Haleigh should resume leadership of the Six in my absence. No one knows more about espionage and covert activity than she does...and she didnt need cloaking spells to help her BEFORE she met the six. If the antimutant sentiment is dying down...and its been so many months since things went CRAZY...now is the perfect time for us as a team and as individuals to check on the remains of our former lives. There are a select few people out there that know we are alive...however, Nicolas informed me that one of them , Magnuss, was brutally murdered...

Is that what you're going to investigate now?
 
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