Ten to Midnight

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(I'll just write a completely different post for Jasmine. )


** "Jasmine" could only tilt her head to the side with curiousity at Haleigh's outburst toward the mutant. Shifting in her position she hardly blinked from Hal's aggressive behavior directed at her. "Are you finished?" She asked casually, with a perked brow. **

"And you just ruined a perfectly good piece of furniture."

** Her eyes dropped down to Haleigh's hands who snatched the gun away to turn it on herself. A stoic expression written across her wintery face. The parasite was growing impatient with Haleigh, especially now with this new delay. **

"Its either that time of the month for you or your insanely suicidal."

** Her remark cold and emotionless as she leaned closed to Haleigh. Moving to her ear with the gun pressing into Haleigh's collar bone. "This gun - it wasn't for you but for Jasmine!" Before the blonde could react, a pair of powerful legs wrapped around Black Widow's waist as she squeezed tightly with an amused look on her lips. "You know - I bet Blaze would be jealous right now." She winked only to slam her forehead into Haleigh's skull with a sickening smack. **

Rolling her shoulder off Haleigh as she moved like lightning past her. Her reflexes beyond any normal human's or even Jasmine's. Scooping up the suitcase, "Jasmine" shook her head. "Humans are so easy to manipulate, especially now that all of you were meant to believe Jasmine was a traitor."

** Reaching into her back pocket, she pulled out a small hand held device about the size of a remote - the detanator. "Jasmine and I are going out with a bang and if you interfere guess what....we go BANG!" She yelled as she yanked her shirt open to reveal a bomb strapped to Jasmine's pale body around her bra. "You always had a habit of killing your teammates - let's wager you'll lose this one too!"

** Scooping up the gun that fell, she pointed it at Haleigh with caution. "And if you manage to disarm these bombs then Jasmine will be dead with a gunshot to the head!" Her smile gleamed, "this battle you cannot win!"
 
[ Delilah stopped and turned her head back towards Alexis as she spoke. She sounded sincere...but then again Alexis was good at that. It was in Delilah's nature to forgive, but she couldn't help feeling that this was just one of Shockwave's manipulations. ]

"I'm not sure words are enough this time."

[ She turned her head back towards the door, and lowered it. But she moved neither to or away from the door. ]
 
:: Lowering her brows, Alexis instantly became defensive at Delilah's responds. ::

"Look, you weren't exactly acting like Marry Poppins eith--"

:: Cutting herself off, Alexis rolled her eyes closed and exhaled a low breath. Opening her eyes, she kept them cast to the yacht's deck, pausing for a moment before speaking. ::

"Sorry....look, Delilah--"

:: Biting the corner of her lip, Alexis stopped again, realizing that perhaps people hadn't thought she changed as much as she did. A year ago Alexis would of easily jumped at the chance to have a showdown with Delilah for the pure fact she enjoyed screwing with people. But now, she was past that. ::

"I would never intentinally attack you...physically or verbally unless I wasn't myself."

:: Lifting her eyes, Alexis glanced out onto the horizon as she gently shook her head. ::

"But obviously.....everyone thinks otherwise."

:: Turning, Alexis proceeded to walk through the mess hall toward the other exit leading to her cabin. For some reason it turned Alexis' stomach that people thought so little of her, even now. Usually she'd brush it off and not let it get to her, but now, she couldn't not let it get to her. ::
 
lower decks - Blaze

** After following Karen and Morgan to the personal corridors, she stopped in the hallway to notice Delilah and Alexis having a conversation - if you wanted to call it that. Intrigued by this, Blaze paused to study both women carefully especially Del. The Mutant wondered how the cop felt, was she okay? Probably not, Blaze knew Del somewhat well maybe not as best as Morgan or Alison, but enough to understand the blonde kept her emotions locked inside. Her eyes expressing concern for her friend, even if the altercation with Alexis had ended. **

"Hey Morg - I'll meet up with you soon."

** She replied to her sister, only to slip past both Morgan and her mother. Walking along the corridor Blaze's shadow danced along the hallway of the ship as she passed Alexis. Shutting her eyes, Blaze bit her bottom lip at the blonde's intoxicating perfume. She stopped for a second, glancing over her shoulder but not out right looking Alexis in the eyes. **

"Although I can't speak for Del, that was an honorable thing Alexis - apologizing I mean. You've come along way."

** Passing the blonde, Blaze didn't bother to stay and chat for obvious reasons. Even Alexis would feel a chill directed at her from the fiery mutant - which was uncharacteristic of her, but who could blame her? **

"Del, wait up."

** She called gently to the police officer/bodyguard. Finally catching up with her friend, she gave a small smile. **

"How's it going Rocky? I was wondering if you wanted to catch up over a drink? I think we both could use one unless you want some privacy?"

** She asked, this would be the first time Blaze would interact with Delilah since their time in Valiant. But she would also accept the fact that perhaps Morningstar wanted rest or some alone time. Fox patiently waited a reply from her friend. **
 
in Frost's cabin

You really need a time out missy.

:: just as Frost stood her ground and fronted Haleigh off with a truly deadly scenario, she found herself being frozen in time AND space..as her temporal field was completely halted and she herself was encased in a thick block of ice. She would have no clue what happened as she was now rendered completely inert....the air around her was now very cold and she looked eerie in her current state. Haleigh would be able to discern that Guardian was behind this attack..."true freeze".::


:: a pair of cobalt blue eyes opened in the air::

This is really getting out of hand Haleigh. She threatens EVERYTHING this team has struggled to achieve so far. But i have something to tell you....and you must NOT attempt to alter the course of events that I will reveal to you.


:: Guardian BLINKS into full view. noticably still wearing the eye popping outfit she wore in the saloon during the storm. maybe some of the changes she went through with her seige perilou scare were more than skin deep?::


I now know who is going to die, and which member of the team we will lose when we return to the New York.....but with every loss there is some gain...no matter how small or improbable.

:: waving her hand...a sparkling myst forms....a bell tolls a cosmic , crystaline chess board manifests. and as a sparkling trail travels across the board crystaline figures manifest...all the members of the Six, Frost, Ororo, Karen, Sharon and Alycia are now on the board. Each figure is styled in a trademark pose associated with that person. it is a beautiful display and much like the like the time staff that Alison manifested during Inferno, it was reminder to Haleigh just how much she DIDNT know about the Precog's powers.::

just watch the board haleigh.

:: Haleigh heard the sound of a ticking clock in the air...as the pieces stood for a moment.::

:: the clock strikes MIDNIGHT after a few moments...a haunting bell tolling and startling Haleigh as two figures SHATTER..... for Haleigh...finally knowing who they were going to lose....it had to be very hard for her to take. Alison had never been wrong before about her foresight::


But there's something else......

::a flicking RED swirl of light forms on a spot on the chess board close by Ororo's figure. It is that of BLAZE.::

All i can "see" is an "exchange". We will lose one, and another one will return to us.

:: Alison folded her arms as she looked at Haleigh and waited for the woman to respond. keeping this startling information from the rest of the group might seem hurtfull to some but of them all, Haleigh could be just as analytical as Alison and would be best able to handle this information BEFORE hand.::

You see, Frost is not the issue...not anymore.

:: would Alison release Frost from stasis?::
 
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[ Delilah smiled at her old friend - it was good to have Blaze here, even if the how of it all was a bit unsettling. She let out a big breath, calming herself and releasing the tension she was feeling after the altercation with Alexis. ]

"That would be great."

[ She smiled again as she let Blaze take the lead. ]
 
** Turning at the waist, those crimson eyes went wide at the uncanny voice of Alison King. Before Frost could react she was automatically frozen in place. Her petite body still and calm with a shocked facial expression on her face. The parasite inside her body stirred only to slow and freeze in her middle back. Her eyes dulling in contrast as the room was quiet except for Guardian's voice calling out to Haleigh. **

________________________________________________________________


"Great, let's head back to your cabin. Its quiet there."

** She turned the corner leading Delilah to her own personal cabin. Walking inside, Blaze found a small mini bar in Delilah's cabin. It was filled with beer, whine, and liquor. Back in her day, Blaze was a bartender so this was simple for her. **

"I wanted to thank you for...standing up for me with Alexis. I know you had enough of her antics but it meant a lot to me."

** Her hands manuevered behind the mini bar making her own cosmo but she wasn't entirely sure what Delilah yearned for. "I know how you are D, your very laid back but she had it coming despite the chemical warfare. What would you like to drink?"

** She peeked up from behind the small bar. Fox was oblivious to the events with Frost, Haleigh, and Alison. Which was rare but why? Was there something the Elders had not instructed the mutant? Only fate would decide. **
 
"You don't need to thank me. We've been through a lot together - that's what friends do."

[ Delilah smiled at Foxfire. She sank down into a chair. Her body felt heavy, exhausted. She rubbed her eyes then looked over at Blaze when she asked what she'd like to drink. ]

"Whiskey. Rocks. Please."

[ She put her head in her hands. ]

"I don't know why I can't let this go. My head tells me just to forget it, but she was just so...so vicious. I feel so out of control...even now, with the chemicals out of my system."
 
** Blaze had to smile at the powerful emotions running through her friend. Usually Delilah kept them bottled tightly inside, but maybe this release was needed for the blonde. Her hands were agile to make the drink, adding the ice at the last second. **

"It happens to the best of us Del, even you. Your a woman by the book, this sort of conflict usually doesn't come your way. You arrest the criminal, go to court, that sort of thing. I think because Alexis is on this team it complicates matters. You yearn to tear her head off but she's your teammate."

** Walking out from behind the bar, she sat down in a small chair next to Delilah, handing her the drink. **

"Alexis makes many enemies, trust me. She butted heads with everyone on this team before you returned. She has changed though - believe it or not. Not that I'm taking sides or anything, I just believe in trying to give a person a shot. But with her sometimes she's worn out that execuse. Morgan expects me to speak with her before I leave....but I can't Delilah. She made a fool out of me in front of this team and Jasmine - something I won't forget or even forgive."


** Sipping her drink, her mind buzzed with thoughts. Her eyes sliding onto the blonde slowly. **

"So, what have you been up to? Last time I saw you, we were in Valiant battling Black...what happened there in Europe for you? You moved back to New York?"

** It was clear, Blaze didn't want to discuss Alexis, but she didn't mind dicussing how Delilah felt, it was one exception in connection with Shockwave. **

"I remember when I first met you - the whole team was taken back including the team leader. But I knew if Morgan sent you - you were a woman with power and respect."
 
[ Delilah took the glass from Blaze, thanking her as she did so. She nodded as Blaze spoke - she knew her old friend was right. She took a sip of her drink, enjoying the slight burning sensation as it moved down her throat. She let out a little laugh as she remembered their time together in Valiant. ]

"Well it wasn't just me - you were quite the little "fireball" if I remember correctly."

[ She took a moment to think about how to answer Blaze's question. ]

"After a while I just...I just needed to come home I think. Things there got so...like I stopped mattering. Here I can make a difference. Once Morgan helped me clear my name, of course. And obviously...after..."

[ Her voice trailed off. She didn't know exactly how to refer to Blaze's death in her own presence. ]

"Well, Morgan needed me. So here I am."
 
Delilah's cabin

"After my death, its okay Del, you can say it. It took me awhile to register death especially my own. But at least I'm here in spirit to assist the team. I will eventually have to return once this chapter comes to a close. At least that's what I was instructed. I hardly want to leave but - I'm sure I have no choice."

** She paused for a second, flashbacks of Valiant striking her like lightning. Blaze remembered it well, like it was just yesterday. Her facial expression drifted to a deep frown, obviously a memory of Black. **

"Black nearly killed me, the others were meant to believe I died but it seemed I cheated death. I remember the time when he..." She stopped shutting her eyes, "he cornered Morgan in her room and I couldn't get inside. When I got to her she seemed so out of it like a terrified animal who had been abused. I'll never forget that night or the ruthless battle with Black and Morgan. You know...I really detested that team we were hardly unified. I mean, yes, the Six have their days but these people I felt as though they would leave me for dead. Morgan and I were our own team, we stuck by the other especially with the battle of the Sentinels."

** Sitting her drink back on the small glass table, her green eyes quietly inspected Delilah. **

"I sense a strain on you D, like you need to break away from the team. Your so rock solid that at times its difficult to tell had it not been for my empathy. Something is troubling you - I know Alexis provoked some of it, but there's something deeper. I also know you only confide with a few select people - I'm one of them. Unless you feel the topic of discussion is off limits than I will respect it. I am concerned for you D."

** Compassion, warmth, and concern radiated through Blaze's eyes. She could be at times a "fireball" as Delilah labeled her but other times she was the warmest woman you could ever meet. It was understandable to see why Blaze was loved by many especially her dear friends. **
 
Haleigh recoiled sharply as their heads met. It was a strike she had anticipated, but the force of it surprised her.... what was more... Jasmine should've knocked herself clean out, hitting Haleigh that hard, but the girl kept moving, seemingly driven by such determination that physical limitations knew no bounds. Frost's last words disturbed Haleigh... why did she refer to herself in the third person? Haleigh closed her fingers around Frost's neck and squeezed tightly.

"No... Blaze would be humiliated at how her sister is behaving. WHO are you?" Haleigh slammed Frost's head against the floor. "You WILL tell me... or i'll KILL you!"

Haleigh released Frost without much of a fight... her sensors detected another presence... Alison. Haleigh got to her feet as Frost threatened to shoot herself if Haleigh tried disarming the bombs. Haleigh smiled.

"You say 'if' like itll be some challenge to deactivate the detonators on those things. Oh... i just did. And I THINK you're overestimating my affections for Miss Klein... but nevertheless... that gun doesn't work." Haleigh opened her hand... the firing pin from the firearm rested in her palm. Frost froze over... it was kind of clever, actually. Haleigh shifted her attention to Alison as she came into view.

"Nice to have you back to normal."

Said she, as she centered her weight, running her fingers through her hair. her eyes seemed skeptical as Alison spoke... she folded her arms across her chest, a subconsious attempt to protect her heart... something she absentmindedly did often. "Alright... go on, you have my attention." Haleigh's face fell as Alison said she knew someone amongst them was going to die. Haleigh mentally began to pick who of the group they could afford to lose... it was a shameful thing to do... but the thought of losing someone else sent her into a defensive mindset.

She watched the board with measured reticence... Alison could always surprise Haleigh with something knew... it was one of the reasons Haleigh admired Alison [even if she wasnt about to admit it]. Haleigh scanned the figures... the gravity that she was about to see a glimpse of the future-- who was going to DIE when the got back to the city... settled on Haleigh like a bolder. Was this the same dread Alison always felt?

And then, like the executioner swinging his axe for a practise swing, not one, but two figures shattered, and Haleigh inhaled sharply, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes watering. She stared at the board for a moment, and then looked at Alison.

"But... we stopped your visions before... there must be something we can do..." she pleaded.... but the look on Alison's face shattered those hopes. Haleigh founds herself sitting down on the bed slowly. WHY were they a team so plagued with losses? Haleigh's view went out of focus, as shedelved into thought about what Alison had just layed on her... she knew why Alison had just told her... and no matter how painful it was... she knew what had to be done. Haleigh rubbed her eyes and stood up, taking a deep breath and meeting the grave reality with a renewed resilence and compartmentalized grief.

"I see. Well.. if we cant stop it... we must determine how best to recover. You're right... do you know HOW Blaze can be... readmitted... to this plane of existence? And.... what do we do with this one? We'll reach port in a few hours... and frankly... I've been wishing to wash my hands of her this evening. I thought she could redeem herself... but this alternate personality of hers is uncouth." said Haleigh, a stern look taking over her face as she eyed the frozen Frost. Haleigh wanted to leave the cabin immediately, and rush to those they would lose to death... she wanted to do whatever she could to stop it... but something about ALison's finality tld Haleigh that wouldn't be possible....and she knew Alison brought this to HER attention because she needed a level head to help the whole team through the pain and loss. It would be a difficult loss for everyone... especially Haleigh.... and the second person to die...

"This will be devastating... for everyone. Fate is merciless... we lose too much when we lose each other. Alison... will we be able to recover from so profound a loss??"

Frost's words rang through her head. Haleigh DID lose her teammates quite frequently... Haleigh didnt know if she'd be able to recover from this... how could she protect the people she loved? Everyone around her suffered... was it her involvement that doomed the group?
 
Frost's cabin

:: Alison stood tall and although it seemed as though she would be as heartless and robotic as she was all those months ago....a look of sadness could be seen in those cobalt blue eyes of hers::

I'm afraid there's nothing we can do this time Haleigh. I've tried to search all probable and even the most IMPROBABLE threads of time but in the end...it must happen this way. this one's death

:: pointing to one of the figures that is now a pile of crystaline dust::

will galvanize great change across the board in our realm....something that MysTech will come to regret.

and this one...
:: point at the other figure that has shattered::

I.....I can barely handle the thought of it....but they will leave us in the midst of a most honorable act to save the lives of THOUSANDS in this city from Master Mold.

and as for Blaze....all I can discern is that the Seige Perilous is going to bring her back and take Frost from us. That is not to say that this gem is the answer for just ANYONE who dies by the Soul Sword...but this time....inspite of the tremendous pain we are instore for....at least we get something BACK. ::gesturing at Frost:: One of the most special things about the Seige Perilous is that through the powerfull vortex of this gem lies the ultimate cosmic judgement a person is judged on the totality of thier deeds and spirit and then...depending on what the cosmic forces decide...they are rearranged to reflect a totally different angle/aspect of their being in this and every reality. They are placed in a completely new life with no memory of the former. Frost will be dealt with JUSTLY...perhaps given the chance she never would have had if she'd stayed with us.

The team....will pull through. We must for our next task will take us away from the United States...indeed away from this plane of reality. We will need all of our strength and wits about us.

:: the cosmic chess board of fate disappears::

from the very beginning, because of each our own individual lives...the coming together of this group would draw the wrath of many...both superhuman and non superhuman. Our lives will forever be blighted by some form of loss, strife or villian but unlike months ago...when we were our OWN greatest enemy, at least NOW we have found that unity, that control that Ororo spoke of.
 
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Spellbinder's cabin

<< Morgan was laying in her large circular bed...but sitting up. a small silvery orb floated nearby and provided a soft night light effect as Morgan seemed to be pondering what was to come. Tinkerbell and Storm, the new kitten that had been given to Morgan by Haleigh were both on the bed, sleeping soundly and curled up together. all was calm...but Morgan couldnt seem to finally fall asleep.>>


<<her mind drifted. images of her mother, alison, blaze ororo and various parts of the yacht she'd seen earlier all came through her head. then she began to think about sharon and alycia. they'd slept through all the commotion of earlier and she knew her mother had made great progress with their healing and therapy so they were probably in a deep slumber. she hoped that the group would be able to do a better job of protecting them from Master Mold than they did from Pipe Line and Rick Riley.>>

<<after a while though, those sleepy violet eyes finally did close and the silver orb faded away leaving nothing but darkness as Morgan and her cats slept....unaware of what was happening in Frost's cabin or that Delilah and Blaze had a conversation...or even what Alexis and Cameron were doing.>>
 
:: Slamming her cabin door shut, Alexis' body felt like it was on fire. Her mind was racing with thoughts of what had happened; what she had done. How this would effect the team. Everything from anger to stupidity raced through Alexis' veins as she made her way deeper into her quarters. ::

:: Fluttering her lashes, Alexis shook her head trying to sort through everything. For some reason she couldn't shake this awful feeling of remorse for her actions. Remorse was something she hadn't felt in a long time...it seemed almost foreign. But what Alexis feared the most had been brewing within her for years, and tonight seemed to bring it alive. She feared that she was turning into Helena; the one person she NEVER wanted to be like. The viciousness, the vindictivness, the complete and utter heartlessness of her actions were an exact match to how Helena lived her life day in and day out. Was she meant to follow in her aunts footsteps? Was the six just her way of getting to her true destiny? Panting in and out, Alexis' eyes filled with tears as she felt herself loosing control. Picking up a glass vase full of lilac's that was settled on the nightstand next to her, Alexis screamed out in frustration as she sent the vase hurling at the wall. The glass shattered instantly; water coating the wall. ::

:: Bringing her clenched fists to her temples, Alexis dropped to the floor trying desperetly not to break down into tears. Inhaling shakey breaths, a few warm tears managed to escape the corners of her eyes as she looked up to the ceiling. Although Alexis feared spiders, her greatest fear of all was loosing control...and loosing herself the way her aunt had. ::

"AJ....I need you..."

:: As her voice cracked with pain, Alexis rested her side against the wall and tucked her legs up against her torso. Huddling in an upright fetal position, she silently cried to herself, wanting so desperetly for her brother to be with her. ::
 
[ Delilah looked over at Blaze, weighing whether or not to tell her what she was really feeling. She pursed her lips, then took a deep breath and nodded. ]

"Of course I trust you, Blaze. I don't know-"

[ She shook her head, then put a hand to her forehead. ]

"I've just felt so out of sorts lately - even before this whole thing with Alexis. I'm not sure I fit into this team. It's not like it used to be with you, me and Morg. Sometimes I'm not sure why I'm even here..."
 
"D, your a huge contributor to this dysfunctional team - and you were there for Morgan when she needed you the most, at my death. I never did thank you for looking out for her. Between you and Alison and the rest of the team, you helped her overcome the hardest obstacle of her life, her sister's death."

** Blaze had forgotten how calming just something simple like a discussion was. Dropping her green eyes she stared aimlessly at Morningstar's drink of choice. "I remember feeling that way too - I think everyone once in their life felt as though they were an outcast." Her fingertips wrapped tightly around the martini glass lifting it to her lips for a taste. **

"Do you really yearn to leave this team? I mean...would that make you happy? And if you do intend to leave, what and where would you go?"

** Placing the glass back on the table, Blaze's own facial expression was utter shock. She wasn't entirely sure how to deal with this possible outcome of Delilah leaving. Leaning on the palm of her hand, her eyes locked onto the police officer. **

"You know I'll support whatever you decide, your like my other sister besides Morgan." Blaze didn't bother mentioning Jasmine at all. "I can't imagine this team without you but even someone as selfless as you must follow her heart. If you do decide to go, I'm not saying you will, I'm just saying you will be missed. If you decide to stay that's awesome but we both know the super hero business isn't exactly easy."

** Her eyes sparkled with the memories of Delilah at Valiant. Her lips curving into a full cheeky smile. **

"And I remember how much of a ray of light you were - You didn't take any bullshit, a quality I admired. You came in there strutting your shit like no tomorrow, it was like looking at a copy of Morgan. Except you weren't as extravagant as Morg - by the way I saw you took one of my outfits you tramp!" She teased with a grin indicating the night at XS. "But its all good you sizzled with sex appeal, you made that outfit look flawless."
 
Haleigh nodded, listening to Alison in pained silence. She sat down again, her face in her hands, her elbows propped on her knees. When she looks back up at Alison, there is a look of such deep despair on her face that she fails miserably at attempting to hide. Her voice is low and quiet but there is a measure of strength that she is known for still prevalent in her tone and her demeanor.

"Well then... I assume you wont be telling them, or the rest of the group, that they're about to die.... its probably for the best... if there really is nothing we can do, if its their TIME to go... i would have to say it would be paralyzing to know you are about to die, really depressing. I think...if there's nothing else you need to tell me... I would like to be alone... to absorb this... come to terms with it... so that I will be prepared to act soundly when it... happens. I'll need as cool a head as I can manage."
 
::Standing there and looking down at Haleigh as she sat, Alison could discern the hopelessness in Haleigh. it was a silent surprise for the precog who never expected to see the hybrid mutant/techno organic being react like this. BUT it was a sign of just how much they had all changed. Alison had a moment of extreme self doubt shortly before pipeline/the cell..and it was Haleigh and Alexis who encouraged her.::


::she slowly folded her arms::

Very well...........

::she closed her cobalt blue eyes...and with that , her body BLINKS out of site from Haleigh's cabin. Frost was released from temporal stasis and the column of ice that froze her solid shattered...leaving HER alone in her own cabin....not knowing what happened or how Haleigh had disappeared.::


:: just as this conversation ended....and whatever else was going on around the ship....the ships chronometer chimed MIDNIGHT. they would be reaching port in less than 4 hours to give them a chance to return to the city under the cover of night and make sure Sharon and ALycia were returned to their own residence quietly and safely.::
 
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