The Silver Swan

[Prophet]

The War Path

:: Cameron was too late to even tell anyone what he had seen before they were all appearing before the Cathedral. The scene upon them was utterly grissly and just plane scary, and after all the Six had seen and experienced together, for Cameron to shake like he did when he came upon Sharon Kelly, meant something. He wasn't sure what. While the melee ensued between Haleigh, Ava, Zach and Morgan versus Silver Swan. As Morgan teleported the others outside, Cameron stayed for a moment, watching Morgan try and talk to Sharon and help her. But the Silver Swan wasn't having it. She had a bloodlust that wasn't going to stop until Sharon satisfied it with Haleigh's death. As he anger raged, Cameron took cover as he left from the Cathedral, having some kind of sense something awful was going to happen. ::

"This is not going to be good..."

:: The moment he left the Cathedral, Silver Swan blasted from the Cathedral as it exploded. Prophet was blasted back several yards. Far away enough from the carnage, but his ribs he could tell were cracked. The scene was like something out of a movie. It didn't seem real. This was their worst fear realized. The Six being outted by mutants, Sharon destroying not just the SIX but innocent BYSTANDERS. Cameron needed to do damage control. For the others, they would have to fend for themselves at the moment. Cameron touched the ground as it began to glow a blue electric hue for a moment. Cameron had placed a telepathic block on the surrounding seven blocks. Anyone who drove around the area would see and hear absolutely nothing, and see that the streets were blocked off from all sides. Police would not see the destruction of the Cathedral, and the bystanders and victims of the attack remained. He thought of them. What would they think? He couldn't contact Karen because of her PSI Screen but she needed to get these people help. He went another way. Sending images of what happened to a greatly helpful and willing CAT, soon Tinkerbell would see what happened to everyone in the Cathedral, the entire carnage, and the fact that Morgan was missing. She would have to be the one to tell Karen. It was the only way. He turned back to the scene. The victims he realized wouldn't be as big of a problem as he thought because.. they were DEAD. ::

"Jesus fucking Christ.."

:: As he made his way closer to the scene, the winds began to blast at his skin. He had only one thing going for him and it was that Sharon Kelly did not know him. He was hoping that she wouldn't overtly just attack him or be aggressive. He sent a message to Delilah. ::

"Sorry to enter your mind without permission, I don't want Sharon to hear! You need to lift a shield, it should be able to vaporize the projectiles, it's something right?"

:: And so Cameron made his way to the others, the wind raging at his skin. He didn't know what to do. He felt helpless. Silver Swan's psyche was so fragmented and fragile he didn't want to risk entering her mind. ::

 

[Tinker]

something scarey

<< after a day of leisure. Tinkerbell had taken the time to move around Nicolas' apartment, exploring more of the "large one's" realm and seeing what he was all about. there were scents in the air, and she'd taken the liberty of rubbing against various chairs, shoes, and other things to "mark" her spot. Nicolas' apartment belonged to her, just as everything ELSE in Illustra as far as she was concerned.>>

<< walking around a bit, she'd look around. so many tall things, so many BIG things...but soon, it was time to go home to mommy!>>

<< slipping through a shadow in a dark corner of Nicolas' wardrobe, she reeturned to Morgan's luxury penthouse. it was quiet there too, with only the soft sounds of Bach in the air. grand mommy was reading in the sitting room.>>

<< but soon..a sound....a faint impression....images of BIRDS again..scarey, evil and a silver lady, even MORE scarey and MOMMY!! mommy crying out with panic!!>>

<< Tinker became destressed, this wasnt the "large one" talking to her...it was someone else! someone who knew mommy too!>>

<< but even as that came, she felt her mommy's cry for help and stability....as only an enchanted familiar could feel through the rapport.>>

<< she ran quickly, finding Karen and jumping up onto the couch, mewing with urgency.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra

<< having returned to Morgan's penthouse, Karen settled herself with tea, a good book and some soft music. only an hour had passed, before Tinkerbel appeared. Karen looked up, and noticed out of the panoramic window...some smoke off in the distance as well as birds...at high altitudes...even from this view that seemed ODD.>>

<<Tinkerbell was upset and even the KITTEN had become nervous once more, nestling near Karen and shivering.>>

babies??

<< Karen looked into Tinkerbell's eyes, which began to glow...but even as the image bubble appeared...Karen's had snapped back as a flash of PANIC from her daughter overtook her.>>

<< GASP!!>>>

MORGAN!!

<< Karen was over taken by the wave of panic and grief...not PHYSICAL pain...MENTAL unrest! Morgan was overwhelmed... but as Karen leaned forward, breahing heavily, she looked at tink..>>

what ...what is it tink? help me help mommy...

<< she reached for tink..still trembling herself...as she gently stroked the siamese. the siamese mewed with worry as the image bubble formed to show the silver swan in full view, Morgan, the six....the victims all around them in the OPEN.>>

HECATE!!! it's even WORSE than i could have imagined!

<< she got up, rushing down the way and up a flight of stairs to the kitchen to turn on the TV...there were the reports...all HELL had broken loose!! birds, violence, explosions, weired "feeds" showing Haleigh and Patrick...the SUPER SOLDIER when he was still human, the Silver Swan...and now the OUTING of Haleigh as a mutant!>>

NO!!

<< she turned and looked at the clock.>>

Morgan isnt dead....i wouldve FELT IT!!

<< she flung her arms down, snapping her fingers as she once again was clothed in her regal black flying suit.>>

they're going to need help....and i've got to be ready. I CANT go there...I KNOW that Delilah will get them out....and Morgan....she TELEPORTED. She's a TELEPORTER, she could have EASILY escaped!!

<< Karen was speaking..out of rationality as well as trying to keep her self convinced that there wasnt anything WORSE...could it GET any worse?>>

Tinker...grandmama has to go and help mommy's friends. you stay here and keep yourself and kitten safe okay?

<< she picked tink up..and held her close..kissing the siamese on her forehead before setting her down.>>

go on now....you hide yourself and kitty. mommy's magick will protect this place and i'll be back soon!

<< with that, Karen left....making her way from the 107th floor to the security floor's medical lab. she knew it was logical to stay here and be ready to help the wounded instead of rushing INTO the battle where SHE TOO could get hurt. she hoped...she PRAYED that Delilah would get them out of there before it was too late!>>

 

[Seer]

blades and winds of fury

<< a nightmare, that was all too real. Silver Swan's riptide of rage and vengeance was pulling EVERYONE in with fatal effects, but even as she assaulted EVERYONE in sight after she blasted out of the Cathedral, Prophet, now the strongest telepath on the team, used his powers in a way that would have perhaps evoked a SLIGHT bit of acknolwedgement from MALICE >>

<< as he closed down the capacity for memory and awareness from anyone that was still alive following Silver Swan's deadly onslaught on the streets of manhattan. he eased the passing of those who were near death, and spared OTHERS the mental trauma of this terrible attack. some were compelled into sleep, and would awaken with no recollection of this event...or any detail related to it. the screams of those scrambling away were thankfully silenced and NO NEW comers would be able to come into ground zero.>>

<< it was a MAJOR help, and a sound move on his part, since he could do precious little against the Silver Swan in her current state, but there was STILL the matter of the broadcast that was reaching millions of homes across the country. many had no doubt seen the "memory footage", just as Ava had before she arrived. and Silver Swan was doing her BEST to out Haleigh, not only as a mutant but as a fugitive. she was ODDLY on the side of Alycia's secret mandate b ut even Alycia was FORTUNATE not to be here for THIS.>>

<< more people were dead now..than when this began. so much MORE damage than when the six arrived. SOMEONE somewhere was going to connect the dots and as POWERFULL as Cameron was with his telepathy, even HE couldnt account for the undeniable damage of a LIVE TV BROADCAST or security cameras that might still be functioning in the area.>>

<< in many ways, this was the horrifying sequel to Master Mold, only THIS time, Sharon Kelly was the monster..the unwitting monster....on an insane, blood thirsty rampage and ALL OF THIS..because of HALEIGH.>>

<< if THAT woman didnt realize how LUCKY she as to have a sister and people willing to risk their lives...then she DESERVED death at the hands of the Silver Swan..but it was unlikely that she'd be sensible enough to remember this...for once again, she lost "control" and it was compounded by BETRAYAL as the revelation of Sharon Kelly and Zachary Armain stared her down in her mind's eye.>>

<< meanwhile, the team had no idea where Morgan was....and THEY were in a bad way. Silver Swan represented something they hadnt really encountered before...the vengefull wrath of someone that was once a trusted ally.>>

 

[MorningStar]

[ When Delilah stepped out of the wormhole, she saw Morgan and Nicolas across the concrete square. She closed the wormhole behind them. Her hand flew to her ear as a piercing sound reached her then dissipated. She shook it off. Chaos was all around her. Birds were everywhere, glass was flying from shattered windows.

Poor Haleigh…her life was being broadcast for all to see. And this boy that Haleigh apparently loved…he had joined the super soldier program, the poor bastard.

Delilah thought it was odd that Nicolas was made to stay behind in the street, but she didn’t have time to question it. Was Morgan trying to protect him? If so, that could be a huge liability for the team…but Delilah doubted that was it. Morgan was more level headed than that.

While they headed inside, Delilah saw that something had to be done outside or even MORE death and destruction would follow. She got on the com once more… ]

“Find the police sergeant in charge on the scene and tell him to order his officers to drop the clips out of their weapons – now! Tell him it came from me.”

[ Once inside the cathedral, at Morgan’s command, Delilah ran to Haleigh’s side. Half way there, she nearly doubled over in pain as Sharon unleashed her sonic cry again. Finally making it to her teammate, she began helping her towards the door and was joined by Ava. In an instant, she found herself back across the street in the square.

Delilah “pickpocketed” a first aid kit which was sitting next to an emergency vehicle and went with Ava and Haleigh to a patch of grass, where she began to try and patch up Haleigh’s wounds as best she could. She looked around. ]

“Where’s Morgan?”

[ Delilah looked around, expecting Morgan to have teleported herself outside as well. And then she was thrown backwards and to the ground from the force of the shockwave that came out of St. Patrick’s. And then, beautiful and terrible, came Sharon, the Silver Swan, from the wreckage of the church. ]

“THAT is not Sharon…”

[ She said it to herself really. The figure before them was so different as to be almost imperceptibly the same being that once was their friend. Morgan had once again tried to save her…but in that moment, Delilah wasn’t as sure as she had been that Sharon could be saved…maybe Nicolas was right…

But no, they had to try… She turned her head quickly, needing to do something to help these poor people. ]

“Mike! Get these people back, get them out of here!”

[ She had kept one eye trained on Sharon and now gave her her full attention once again. Where was Morgan? The seconds ticked by like an eternity. Morgan MUST have teleported back to Illustra, expecting them to regroup there. That was the only explanation for her absence. At least, the only explanation Delilah’s mind was willing to entertain at that moment. ]

“SHARON!”

[ She stepped forward, drawing Silver Swan’s attention to her and away from the bystanders. In a big motion, she flung her hands back behind her head and then forward, her fingers splayed, creating a dazzling light display of flashes and strobing, coupled with the sound of explosions, centered around Sharon. At the same time, she threw up a laser shield intending to buy them some time with the spinning discs coming for them all. Now turning her back on Sharon and facing the rest of the team, green light came from her fingertips and made a wormhole back to Illustra. ]

“Let’s MOVE. Nicolas, Cameron, help Ava and Haleigh. Mike, come on! No one attacks Sharon – she's not responding to us, we need to regroup.”

 

[Prophet]

To Illustra!

:: Cameron had seen Delilah go to work. Her mind was moving like so many cogs on a clock. It was amazing really. He had never really seen her in action and it was breathtaking. He could tell why she was a part of the Six. She was amazing with her powers. Making his way over to Ava, he picked the woman up in his arms. She was weak and not in the state to get up, and though she might have tried to fight him, he mentally sedated her which would ease the pain in her body but keep her awake, sort of like a pain killer, grabbing her and taking her. His first instinct was to help Haleigh, but he wasn't sure how she would react with what she had been through and what was going on with Zach, he decided to help Ava. He knew her blood was poisonous and he tried his best not to get any on him. He talked to her. ::

"Don't worry, i'll let you tell me you didn't need my help and that I am a fool later, but now, just let me do this..Let's get out of here, shall we?"

:: He despised her personality, but the old Cameron would have jumped into the wormhole without looking back at anyone. Even though they had an unhealthy competition for the best insult of the year, she was his teammate. Perhaps this act of kindness would allow her to think of him a little differently, Making sure everyone was okay, he looked back at Delilah. ::

"We'll meet in the Medical Lab on the Security Floor. I sent word of what happened to Karen, she isn't here which means it was too dangerous. Let's hope she got my message and meets us there.. Be safe.."

:: And with that he went through the worm hole and arrive in Illustra as he made his way to the Medical Lab and saw Karen stand there. She had gotten his message. ::

"Ava got cut pretty bad by the discs. She will be fine I think, it's just a lot of blood to lose, she needs stitches at the LEAST.. and I don't know where Morgan is. The cathedral, it blew up, she wasn't there afterwards, she could have teleported.. Is she here?"

 

[Rampage]

Cathedral

As Nicolas was clearing away the rest of the birds with Mike, he heard the sounds of carnage inside, followed by her signature scream that tore open the facade of the cathedral itself. Sharon emerged, but there was no Morgan. She was not there. He wanted to believe that she had teleported away, especially since it was her prime power. But the fact that Sharon had rejected and attacked her confirmed his vision. he only hoped that the rest of it was not true, and Morgan had survived her attempt.

At Delilah's urging, Nicolas went to Haleigh and quickly removed the stars that were embedded in her skin telekinetically, holding her wounds together as well as Ava's, lest Cameron burn off something he sorely needed. He spoke to the bystanders in the vicinity, urging them gently to leave quickly. For most of them the suggestion itself was enough for them to depart to scene.

Mike, I've got this. Go back with the rest of them while I help Delilah.

Mike had moved away most of the stragglers and returned quickly, carrying Haleigh through the wormhole back to Illustra. As he emerged on the other side, he placed her on a gurney, then sat heavily in a chair near Ava. Without Nicolas holding them together, both women's wounds began to bleed again.

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

Nicolas was at the end of his rope. Morgan, and now Delilah, was willing to sacrifice innocent bystanders like so many bugs for a friend that was dead and that EVERY indication had already told them was not the THING that stood before them now. She was a menace, and they had yet to even work to subdue her properly for fear that she may be harmed.

He stood near the wormhole and waited for Delilah, quietly seething.

 

[Silver Swan]

St. Patrick's Cathedral

[ Silver Swan laid waste! the woman was powerfull and INSANE. Her grief and her rage against Haleigh drove her , maybe even HARDER than she realized but she would NOT stop until Haleigh was dead and it was CLEAR now that ANYONE near Haleigh was in danger. There HAD to be an accounting.]

[ but even as Silver Swan unleashed terror and carnage , MorningStar picked up where Morgan left off, getting the public BACK and getting the Six out of danger. her silver eyes fixed on MorningStar as the woman called out her name. She had little time to process anything...as she was FLOODED, BOMBARDED by LIGHT and explosions all around!]

[ the light was so bright, so HARSH, it caused an overload in her eyes and she was blinded and left with a severe headache. crying out as she weaved in the air...DAZZLED by MorningStar's blast. it was at THIS moment, that Silver Swan decided to take her leave, as dozens of black birds, sparrows and any seagulls that were still alive flocked around her. Silver Swan, with her face covered, streaks away into the sky with such speed, leaving a bloody, terrifying mess in her wake.]

[ the six had seen the face of vengeance.]

 

[Seer]

back at Illustra

<< the members of the Six and their allies arrived at the infimary within Illustra's security floor. Doctor Victoria was already there and ready to assist with her magick and other abilities.>>

<< one by one, Cameron with Ava, Mike with Haleigh, Zach and finally Delilah and Nicolas arrived, but there was STILL no sign of Morgan.>>

<< the battle with Silver Swan was traumatic in more than just the physical way. there were ALOT of implications behind this encounter with the apparently INSANE Sharon Kelly...not to mention the revelation of Zach's past with her. Something the REST of the Six had yet to hear.>>

<< Haleigh had taken the worst damage, Ava was injured again while bravely defending her sister and Zach had also been hurt, attacked by birds and hit by spinning stars.>>

<< the situation seemed grim but thanks to Cameron, the FALL OUT would not be nearly as bad. Through the telepath's actions, The Six's identity remained safe and while there would be more than a little confusion over what had JUST occurred, the public would not realize who Silver Swan actually was or that the Six were involved. But even covering UP doesnt always work.>>

<< the team now realized that they were ALL in mortal danger if they stood by Haleigh. this wasnt just another villain, this was a physical embodiment of Haleigh's karma coming back full circle. SOME on the team were struggling with justifying risking their lives for her when she probably WOULDNT CARE. They also werent aware how she GOADED Sharon in the cathedral either. >>

<< Morgan was not there..but when she arrived...there would be HELL to pay.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra's infirmary

I know, Cameron.....Thanks to Tinkerbell and the news reports...I have come to the medical lab and am ready to treat the injured.

<< having directed everyone who appeared injured to sit on an individual gurney, Karen began to activate vital stats monitors on each person. she had a rather stern, intense look on her face, trying NOT to convey what she was obviously feeling....she was concerned about her daughter.>>

It's a good thing MorningStar ordered a withdrawl. You're not going to be able to fight Sharon head on like this.

...this is MORE than just about fighting her.

<< even Karen could see the magnitude of this MESS that revolved around Haleigh.>>

and YOU

<< looking at Ava as she waved her hand over Ava's neck and began to repair the wounds and damage caused by Sharon's choke hold and nails.>>

You were told to stay here! You could have been killed just as easily as Haleigh and Morgan TOLD you she was going to rescue Haleigh.

<< she didnt care what Ava had to say, the doctor was reprimanding her whether she liked it or not. Ava's neck was healing now thanks to Karen's magick, but Karen INSISTED that she lay down and remain still as her wind pipe had been nearly crushed. the woman needed time to rest. as Karen waved her hand over each specific cut on Ava's arms, a golden, sparkling trail followed after the motion and a cooling sensation was felt as each of Ava's cuts was beginning to close.>>

You're to stay HERE in this room until i release you. Doctor's orders.

<< Karen went to Zach. the man had several cuts himself and other gashes from the birds that attacked him. she didnt know what had happened between him and haleigh in the cathedral. her only concern now was treating his wounds before blood loss and infection overtook him. the same for ALL in the room. she was there to treat them, no matter how she might have felt about any particular person.>>

lay back...and hold still.

<< Karen once again weaved a spell that cleaned out his wounds and began to close them. Zach was bathed in a calming, golden mist that soothed his lungs with each breath.>>

you're wounds are healing. you will be fine. just lay here and let the spell run its course.


<< Moving over to Halegh, Karen looked upon the woman...her beautifull face contorted for the slightest with disapproval.>>

this is all your fault ANYWAY. people nearly DYING again because of YOU.

and I suppose you had a REASON for not telling anyone where YOU were going? you know, for all the risks that my daughter, nicolas and the others have taken for you to try to HELP you lately, you're certainly not showing much regard or consideration...but then again, what made me think you would break form even in a time like this?

<< the doctor had little sympathy for Haleigh. the woman shouldnt have left without telling someone and if no one ELSE was going to say it...SHE would. she spoke with cold, biting tones. >>

people have died...and MOST of this could have been delayed until the six was better prepared if YOU had stayed in the safety of Illustra! you were barely in any shape to go anywhere anyway.

<< Karen continued as she held her hands over Haleigh's stretched out body, weaving a pattern for a spell that placed Haleigh in a golden hued field...>>

you lay still. this spell wll not be instantenous. your body took TREMENDOUS damage from Sharon's attacks and you're vitals are about to BURN OUT. just LAY here..and keep quiet.

<< Karen moved away from her with grace and poise as the cape of her flying suit swept behind her. she came over to Mike and Cameron, who were both laid out on gurney's as well. as the cutting edge machines monitored their vital stats, Karen checked them over.>>

you two appear to be the least injured. your stress and anxiety levels are high, but thats to be expected. once again, Mike, you've prooven your bravery. You really should meet Alycia. she'd be tickled to know she's no longer the only "human ally" of this team on the front lines.

<< Karen smiled at Mike...a rare thing for her to do in moments like this. She looked between Mike and Cameron.>>

<<Delilah and Nicolas appeared.>>

are there any other pains or discomfort you're feeling physically?

Thank the goddess....that's all of you....except Morgan.

<< Karen spoke with hesitation.>>

I felt my daughter's distress...her PANIC. It was unlike anything...since the INFERNO. If she's not with you and she's not here....then she MUST be in Limbo.

<< Karen didnt want to think about what Morgan might be doing...or what she MIGHT do. her own intution told her that Haleigh would be Morgan's target of wrath and blame behind this. true enough...if Haleigh HADNT left Illustra, none of this would have happened and while the confrontation with Silver Swan was inevitable, the team could have been better prepared..ESPECIALLY if they had the benefit of facing her on the grounds of Illustra where they could at least CONTAIN the fall out of the battle.>>

<< she directed Delilah and Nicolas to sit down on exam tables and they could tell she was in NO MOOD for argument. she began to check them over.>>

tell me....what did you see...what did you FEEL when you encountered Sharon? MORE than the obvious "visual"...i mean the OVER ALL EFFECT?

<< the first step in keeping them from folding was to get them to talk about what they'd seen and right now, Nicolas and Delilah were keeping the team together. THEY needed to be as burden free as possible. Karen doted on Nicolas for a bit, as she had a habit of mothering him.>>

you seem fine physically...but i want you to drink this.

<< she opened her hand and an elixir appeared.>>

this will continue to keep you refreshed and calm.

<< checking Delilah.>>

you've aquitted yourself well as field leader in Morgan's absence. you helped with damage control as best youl could and you kept Sharon at bay long enough to get the team to safety and regroup.>>

<< she handed Delilah an elixir.>>

you sit here and drink this.


<< Karen went over to a wall panel and begin to press some buttons, entering data and information on the medical files of each person, while creating a file for Mike.>>

did any of you SEE Morgan interacting with Sharon??

 

[Black Widow]

Ava helped Haleigh to safety and the Six regrouped outside. Morningstar hurried over with a first aid kit and Ava, out of uncertainty, asked Haleigh if she was alright. Haleigh's gazed whipped up to meet her sister's, as she held her arms up to display her bodily damage.... her face was pained and incredulous. Was she alright?

"COMPARED TO WHAT??"

She asked.... and she realized that even Ava knew the question was ridiculous. A tall, muscular man that people were calling Mike came over and scooped Haleigh up... and Haleigh was too exhausted to question him, as he carried her through a wormhole and placed her on a gurney. Nicolas stopped holding Haleigh's wounds together, and they began to bleed freely for a second of two before the blood clotted and congealed into a jello like substance... as Karen attended to the others, the TO virus helped Haleigh to keep from too much blood loss. Zach quietly thanked the Doctor for her medical attention, and Karen came over to Haleigh... and just the LOOK on her face said enough.... but of course.... the Doctor HAD to say something.... HAD to reprimand someone.... and there was no better recipient than Haleigh.... but now was NOT the best time to lay blame.

"Give me a BREAK, lady!"

Haleigh pleaded, and stared off past Karen as the doctor spoke.... the surprise of Sharon's return seemed to be sinking in.... and even Karen's further beseeching seemed to pass over her..... it would be EXPECTED of Haleigh to defend herself from KAren's verbal attack.... but THIS time... she didnt. She didnt point out that everyone ELSE seemed to know good and well that Sharon was alive when THEY showed up at the church, and yet, no one had thought to TELL her.... she didn't mention her appointment with the chaplain.... She just stared off, completely drained of even the ability to ARGUE.... which was a feat in and of itself.... and would likely be noted by most present that Karen had asked Haleigh to lay back and be quiet.... and Haleigh actually DID!

 

[Persephone]

:: Haleigh snapped, and Ava wasn't surprised. Coughing, Ava found it hard to breathe; like there was something blocking her throat. Silver Swan really did a number on her neck in the cathedral....but her rage toward Haleigh showed no limits. If they hadn't arrived, Haleigh would have been dead. Dismembered. Sharon was out of her mind, and if Morgan believed that she would be able to save her, she was in for a rude awakening. Ava respected Morgan's views....she understand how desperately she wanted to save Sharon. But Morgan allying herself with Ava and Haleigh didn't help her plead to Sharon. ::

:: A crash caused Ava to look to the cathedral, seeing Silver Swan burst out and into the open. Sharon began to scream in a fury, outing Haleigh as a mutant and claiming Ava was a murderer. With wide eyes, she looked at Haleigh, KNOWING news reporters had been filming this. Sharon may have very well succeeded in destorying Haleigh simply by outing her to the public! ::

"We need to go! NOW!"

:: Barely able to shout because of her throat, Ava was about to help Haleigh up when Silver Swan unleashed more silver discs. One was aimed right at Ava's throat, in which Ava quickly flattened herself to the ground, hearing it wizz pass before slamming into a tree. That seemed to be everyone's clue to get the hell out of there. Feeling herself being picked up by Cameron of all people, Ava was about to protest, but she felt a weird sensation of calmness come over her. So she simply rested her head against Cameron's chest, closing her eyes. ::

:: Arriving at the medical bay, via Morningstar's wormhole, Cameron laid Ava down on the same gurney was was on earlier. ::

"Back again..."

:: She whispered to herself. Seeing Karen approach her, she began to scold her for leaving Illustra and going after Haleigh. Ava tried to speak, but Karen's magic began to weave around her neck and heal her wounds. It made it slightly difficult to talk. Ava apologized with her eyes, but she hoped Karen realized that she wasn't going to leave her sister there when she knew Morgan was having mixed feelings about Haleigh. Morgan and herself came to an understanding--a friendship--but Morgan's torn feelings about Sharon and Haleigh made it difficult for Ava to trust that Morgan had Haleigh's best interest at heart. One of her eldest friends had been turned into a science experiement, mainly because of Haleigh and Ava's father. If Morgan was unable to save Sharon, Ava feared what that might do to Morgan and Haleigh's relationship, or even the six. ::

:: Karen began to scold Haleigh as well. She was on a roll today, wasn't she? Looking over to Haleigh, she stayed abnormally quiet. Ava then looked over to Zach who sat away from Haleigh, looking like he was sick with guilt. Ava knew that look all too well....sighing out, Ava closed her eyes listening to Karen ask questions about what happened. How everyone felt about seeing Sharon. Stiffling a laugh, oh she felt fantastic seeing Sharon. Getting her ass beat by her was super fun as well. Deciding to let Cameron and Delilah handle the details, Ava just kept her eyes closed and rested. ::

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah ushered the stragglers through the wormhole and closed it behind them. She let out a breath she hadn’t realizes she was holding as they arrived back in Illustra. She saw Karen already beginning to treat the wounded. ]

“Karen, thank god you’re here…”

[ Her first impulse was to hug the good doctor, then thought better of it. She leaned her head back against the wall. Things had gone so wrong so quickly – at least three of them had almost died. Could easily have died.

Karen suggested that Morgan had to be in Limbo. Of course – she should have thought of that herself. Relief at knowing Morgan’s whereabouts mixed with worry – if Morgan retreated to Limbo, that meant she was in more distress than they had even thought. What would be going on in her head, all alone? She thought back to Morgan's state right before the Inferno - surely the current state of affairs couldn't push her over the edge yet again?

She sat down on a gurney without argument. The elixir Karen gave her was cool and calming. She wondered sleepily if Karen would ever agree to mass producing the stuff – they could have the next “it” drink on their hands…they could call it Bewitched. Delilah laughed to herself in spite of all that was going on around her.

She became serious again as Karen asked about Morgan’s interaction with Sharon. ]

“Morgan – she tried to distract Sharon so the rest of us could escape. She tried to reason with her…tried to let her know she was still Sharon’s friend. She wouldn’t fight her.”

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- med lab

<< Karen turned to look at Delilah before walking over to her. She knew Delilah, treated her like a daughter for years and she knew that Delilah was worried for Morgan as well.>>

<< as Delilah recounted the interaction between Morgan and Sharon, Karen bowed her head...>>


I feel it...even now. Morgan is beside herself. she's trying DESPERATELY to find a way to make sense of this...of SHARON being the way she is now. She's ...she's trying to find a reason NOT to blame Haleigh for this.

<< She looked at Delilah.>>

I need to go to Limbo. I need to help my daughter. the pain and the GRIEF that i feel, it's making ME feel faint.

<< she looked at Delilah and then Nicolas.>>

You two, you'll have to keep it together here. Morgan may NOT be able to continue in this...I may not ALLOW her to continue. The LAST time she was this close to the edge...the INFERNO began.

 

[Spellbinder]

cracking under pressure

<< a chime and a flash of light indicates a disc opening up in the hall outside the lab....and Morgan lurches forward...leaning to the side, against the door way with her hand wrapped around her exposed , toned midriff.>>

Mother.....Delilah....

<< her head was bowed, her blonde hair fallen forward and covering her face. her tone was icy but it was filled with sadness.>>

<< she LOOKED unhurt, so she obviously escaped the onslaught launched by the silver swan before the front of the church exploded.>>

My head....hurts....

<< Morgan's head was THROBBING..>>

The others.....I got them away...but Sharon...she's so ....MAD....so INSANE!! she doesnt know HERSELF why she's here.....she's a PAWN!! she's a PAWN and I'm supposed to be able to HELP HER...and i CANT! I CANT UNDERSTAND!! and i dont think SHE UNDERSTANDS EITHER!!

<< she began to shake as tears fell.>>

I TRIED SO HARD!! I WAS SO SINCERE!! I PROMISED HER i would take her to limbo and do WHATEVER I COULD TO HELP HER!!


But she rejected me....she HATES ME because I helped HALEIGH. She'll try to kill ALL of us...because of HALEIGH!

<< Looking up..her face was now enshrouded in shadow....save her eyes..which were glowing...her tears flowing with a sparkling effect.>>

WHY IS THAT Haleigh!? WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU....why SHOULD I HAVE TO KILL SHARON BECAUSE OF YOU!?


YOUR DAMN FAMILY..YOUR AFFILIANTS..THEY KILLED HER!! and now...I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!!

THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!

EVERYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING IS BECAUSE OF YOU! YOUR SO STUPID...SO PRIDEFULL YOU DONT EVEN KNOW THAT YOUVE LOST THIS BATTLE!

<< a chime sounds off as thunder rumbles in the air..>>

SHARON WAS MY DEAR FRIEND SHE WAS THERE FOR ME WHEN YOU WERE OUT TO DESTROY ME!! SHE WAS THERE FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHILE YOU WERE CONSORTING WITH HER KILLERS! I WAS WEAK when MASTER MOLD CAME and FAILED HER and she DIED! .and NOW I HAVE TO KILL HER AGAIN TO SAVE HER...to SAVE YOU!?

YOU shouldve just let the seige perilous take me! NONE OF YOU shouldve brought me back...FOR THIS!

<< she stood upright..and came fully into the room...the thunder rumbled and rolled as she breathed heavily.>>

WE CANT REACH HER...SHE'S NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL YOU are DEAD..and YOU DONT CARE. YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT. THAT NO ONE SUFFERS AS YOU DO! YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SUFFERING IS.!

<< Persephone had seen this before...in Darkchilde when the Dire Wraiths came. Delilah and Cameron saw it just before the Inferno began...but Nicolas and Mike...THEY'D never seen the sorceress this angry...this PISSED and on the VERGE.>>

<< in her new costume, she looked poised to strike at Haleigh like a vengefull cobra...and the anguish in her now thundering voice was as strong as the anger.>>


SHARON ISNT GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU!..NOT AGAIN!


<< lifting her hands, an eldritch chime sounds off>>

NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR UTTER LACK OF REGARD FOR LIFE!

 

[Rampage]

Med Bay

Nicolas listened at what Delilah said and he became much less angry, and much more worried. When Morgan let him into her mind, he saw the potential for darkness there and he worked with her to achieve more balance. He realized that all of that work and MORE was probably out of the window and he was grim as Karen warned them that Morgan may have to sit this one out, leaving them to handle this. he turned to Delilah as Karen departed.

What do you suggest we do next. Sharon is a walking body count as we speak, and Alycia is still out there. As much as I hate it, we may have to spli-

A chime sounded as Morgan returned from Limbo. Nicolas was glad to hear her return, but he could FEEL her anguish, her anger. She was psi-screened, but her mental turmoil rolled out in waves, and when she began to speak, he realized what she was getting at. He whispered as her voice rose higher and higher.

Oh, shit. Athena, give me strength.

Nicolas stood and positioned himself between Morgan and Haleigh as Morgan grew more and more angry.

This must be a glimpse of what the Inferno was like...heaven help us if we cannot get her under control.

Nicolas held his hands up to her, speaking in an even voice.

Morgan...remember, the enemy is Mystech. THEY did this to Sharon. We will find her and help her, OK?

As the chime sounded, he stepped forward to try to restrain her before she killed Haleigh, or all of them for that matter.

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah bowed her head. Karen had given voice to Delilah's own fears about Morgan. But she couldn't worry about Morgan now - the best thing she could do for her friend was to protect the team she had built and hope that Karen could help her daughter. But then- ]

“Morgan!”

[ Morgan looked horrible – not like herself at all. Her normally graceful frame staggered into the lab. ]

YOU should’ve just let the siege perilous take me! NONE OF YOU should’ve brought me back...FOR THIS!

[ At this statement Delilah gasped and stood up. ]

SHARON ISN’T GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU!...NOT AGAIN! NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR UTTER LACK OF REGARD FOR LIFE!

[ Delilah had by this point walked slowly to where Morgan fumed. She touched her lightly on the shoulder. ]

“You’re right, Morgan.”

[ Morgan’s anger and hopelessness radiated off of her like waves. How could she be convinced that this wasn’t Haleigh’s fault? They seemed to always come back to this point with Haleigh, and in some ways, Morgan was right. But still, Delilah really did believe that this wasn’t Haleigh’s doing. She was by no means innocent, but she wasn’t a monster either. And neither was Morgan. ]

“Sharon isn’t going to die. What attacked us out there – it wasn’t Sharon. Sharon would have listened to you, Sharon would have tried. But we will find a way to bring her back. The real Sharon. You can’t really believe you would be better off dead… Who would be there for us, for Sharon, then?”

[ She stepped in front of Morgan, between her and Haleigh. ]

“Haleigh has made some mistakes. But so have we all. We have to go on. It is not your job to punish her. We’ve taken down Mystech, we took care of Stavros. THEY are the ones behind this, not Haleigh. They’ve fucked Sharon up and THEY have set her against Haleigh. You know Sharon – Sharon would not blame Haleigh for her death. And now we have another chance to save her. We ALL failed the first time. It will take us ALL to save her this time. And if you kill Haleigh…all chance of that will be lost.”

[ She licked her dry lips. ]

“And you really will be a monster.”

 

[Persephone]

:: Ava tried her best to rest, but everyone was tense and on high alert. Karen confirmed Morgan had returned to Limbo, which was never a good sign. Karen feared another Inferno, in which Ava wasn't present for in this time line...but had seen Darkchilde go through. Opening her eyes, Ava heard Morgan's voice in the hallway. She started off speaking softly, obviously in emotional distress. But her anger overshadowed her distress and she began to shout, bursting through the lab. Sitting up on her elbows, Morgan directed her anger at Haleigh, blaming her and her family for Sharon's demise. Ava's eyes shifted away from Morgan at that moment, before looking over to Haleigh. Her sister was extremely stubborn. Always lashing out just as fiercely as the person who was verbally attacking her. Morgan had already gone over the edge once before, KILLING Haleigh....Ava feared Haleigh could end up pushing her to that point once again. ::

"Morgan..."

:: Ava's voice was overpowered by the onslaught of Morgan's attack. Sighing out, Nicolas and Delilah tried what they could to keep her calm and talk Morgan down from blaming this on Haleigh, as Ava sat fully up, dangling her legs off the gurney. ::

"Delilah's right, Morgan. MysTech did this to Sharon. They poisoned her into hating Haleigh; to seek revenge against her. She would never intentionally do this unless she was programed to."

:: Slipping off the gurney, Ava dare not say Haleigh is just as much a victim in this as Sharon. If she muttered that phrase anymore to them, they'd probably end up going crazy on her as well. But it was true, regardless if they wanted to admit it or not. True, Haleigh had done some things in the past that weren't honorable or respectable, but Morgan herself had assured Ava only an hour earlier that people made mistakes and learned from them. That they all were given a second chance. Haleigh was no exception to this. She had made mistakes and proven herself to be a vital member of this team. Sharon was unfairly brought back to life and turned into Silver Swan; a fate that was bestowed upon her unwillingly. But Haleigh had nothing to do with that. In fact, if anyone was truly to blame for the Master Mold attacks, Sharon Kelly dying as a result, and her being 'reborn' into Silver Swan, it was the Cassadines. Ava avoided the Master Mold subject like the plague....and for good reason. But perhaps that should change now....Sucking in a sharp breath, Ava's stomach began to turn as she looked from Haleigh to Karen. ::

"May I please have a few minutes with Haleigh....alone. It will give Morgan time to calm down.."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra - Medical Lab

<< Karen turned sharply as Morgan appeared, she looked OFF and her body language showed it. CLEARLY she as mentally fatigued.>>

Morgan...honey.....

<< Morgan began to speak, she sounded so weary...but when Haleigh was mentioned, the weariness gave way to BLAME and ANGER. Morgan rose up in ANGER and came forward, looking terribly similar to the night Inferno began.>>

<< Morgan began to focus on Haleigh and in SOME WAYS it was a logical PATTERN that she was taking. LOGICAL yes...but even Karen knew it wasnt entirely FAIR and now, the situation was getting dangerous for Haleigh.>>

<< Karen's eyes narrowed as she stepped forward.>>

Nicolas...

<< Nicolas took her cue and stepped forward. of them all, he was the physically strongest person to keep Morgan from attacking Haleigh IF she didnt teleport around him.>>

<< Delilah stepped forward and reached out to Morgan as well.>>

<< Karen quietly moved around in a circumference, keeping to the background as Nicolas and Delilah interceeded with Morgan. Karen was preparing to SEDATE her daughter either via medical means OR a spell if it became necessary.>>

<< On the subject of Sharon, Delilah spoke with clarity and sound appeal , while Nicolas backed her play. SHARON didnt have to die and these two were doing a beautifull job of providing a light to Morgan before she was swallowed in darkness.>>

<< at the last moment, as Delilah finished her statement, AVA spoke up as well, showing AGAIN her remarkable ability to remain objective even in the face of such pressure.>>

Ava's grasp on the stituation is remarkable...just the balance that Haleigh will NEED if she is to LEARN...before its TOO LATE!


<<Karen spoke up.>>

They're right Morgan....we're NOT going to leave you to this alone. WE won't lose Sharon again and WE wont let YOU lose YOURSELF in the darkness of despair.

<< as Ava spoke on Haleigh's behalf, the woman was right.>>


You're my daughter, and I love you but I CAN'T allow you to hurt Haleigh, no matter HOW you may feel or what the situation is.

<< Ava requested a moment alone with Haleigh and that was JUST in time with what Karen had in mind.>>

<< with a sweeping gesture, and a wild rushing harp sound, Karen spirits Morgan, herself, Delilah and Nicolas away as well as Mike and Cameron. leaving Ava and Haleigh alone to ponder the image of a dark and violent Morgan.>>

<< Cameron was sent to Alison's apartment, Mike was sent to Nicolas' guest quaters within his apartment and Delilah, Nicolas, Karen and Morgan were taken to Morgan's apartment...to the sitting room....>>

We need to address this HERE in a place of familiarity and comfort for Morgan.

<< she expected Morgan to react violently to Nicolas' physically barring her path even though it was necessary. Karen directed Delilah to stand back in case there was some confrontation.>>

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh sat up on the gurney, rolling a silver star between her fingers, staring at it distantly. Karen's rebuke echoed in her mind.... and through her pain and her exhaustion, Haleigh couldn't shake the feeling that whether or NOT she liked it, Sharon was after HER and the massacre at the Cathedral was all in the quest to get HER... all those slaughtered people... collateral damage to reach Haleigh. The nightmare of being overtaken by the blood of her victims flashed in her mind's eye.... and her guilt settled on her. Sharon.... ALIVE! She thought... the revelation never lost its sting... and Haleigh flashed from seeing the bloodlustful face of the Silver Swan to the bloodstained and dead face of Sharon Kelly. Before she had time to further process, Morgan was back.... and she was ANGRY. Delilah and Nicolas both blocked her path, trying to protect Haleigh from Morgan. Haleigh stood from the bed, her expression blank but her demeanor defiant. Morgan SEETHED but Haleigh could match her EASILY.

WHY IS THAT Haleigh!? WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU....why SHOULD I HAVE TO KILL SHARON BECAUSE OF YOU!?

"YOU DON'T! Who the fuck ASKED YOU to?? I never ASKED for your help and GOD DAMN IT, You SHOULDNT HAVE SHOWED UP! NONE OF YOU should have! I deserved EVERY BIT of what Sharon wanted to give me and I WAS READY TO GET IT, so FUCK YOU AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON!"

WE CANT REACH HER...SHE'S NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL YOU are DEAD..and YOU DONT CARE. YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT. THAT NO ONE SUFFERS AS YOU DO! YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SUFFERING IS!

"SO LET HER HAVE ME! You think YOU'VE got ME PEGGED? If You REALLY THINK THAT, then you don't know SHIT about me, and if you REALLY FEEL THAT WAY, then GO TO HELL! I'll fight her by MY DAMNED SELF and if I DIE, then OH FUCKING WELL, but I DONT want YOUR help, not if it's SUCH a fucking inconvienience to stand by me, after EVERYTHING we've been through!"

The arguement became more and more heated and Haleigh seethed and railed against Morgan JUST as heavily as the sorceress did her.... but under ALL the stress, of losing control of her memories and her powers to having people she gave her ALL to save coming back from the DEAD with her death on their agendas, not to MENTION being publically OUTED as a mutant and finding out that her FIANCE had previously had some sort of sordid affair with the late senator, the very WORST part, the most painful stroke of ALL was this.... the sound and vengeance of Morgan BLAMING her and apparently casting her OUT.... and as Haleigh shouted back, tears began to stream down her face. Delilah gave a valiant attempt at defending her and de-escalating the situation, but that did LITTLE to soothe Haleigh. Karen stepped in and separated everyone, which was probably the best possible decision that could be made at this point, but Haleigh wasn't QUITE done yelling yet, so she turned her wrath on those who were left behind with her... at the moment, her sister Ava.

"And just why the HELL didn't someone TELL ME about Sharon? YOU all came to the Cathedral KNOWING what you were facing, with a GAME PLAN, and you weren't at ALL shocked.... you'd had TIME to adjust to the idea.... why wasn't I TOLD? I was a SITTING DUCK with a fucking BULLSEYE of my forehead! [rounding on Zach] OH, speaking of KEEPING information from me.... DONT YOU WORRY honey, I'll DEAL WITH YOU LATER, YOU GODDAMNED TRAMP!"