The Silver Swan

[Spellbinder]

Illustra- 107th floor

<< Haleigh railed BACK against Morgan...her glowing eyes showed how taken ABACK she was by this....as her hair began to flow.>>

you...SELF PITTYING COW! NO ONE CARES HOW YOU FEEL. YOU WONT GET OVER THIS TIME WITH THAT MARTYR CRAP!

<< Morgan lunges for Haleigh, with halos of magick around her hands but Nicolas grabs hold of her...restraining her.>>

LET GO OF ME!!

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

AND WHAT ABOUT HER!? SHE GETS TO WALK AWAY FROM ANOTHER MESS SHE CAUSED!


<< although Morgan was super strong, Nicolas may have been the ONLY one in the room physically capable of restraining her. she struggled against him FORCING him to commit MORE than a little effort to holding her back from Haleigh.>>

“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?”

<< Morgan looked at Delilah in disbelief....WHY did she always have to know the right thing to say? she even reasonably defended Haleigh. Morgan still struggled a bit against Nicolas, but as Delilah touched her shoulder, Morgan began to settle...JUST a bit. >>

SHE KNEW WHAT STAVROS WAS CAPABLE OF!! DIDYOU SEE HOW SHE REACTED WHEN ALYCIA OUTED HER! THAT IS NOT A PERSON WHO REGRETS THEIR MISTAKES...THAT IS A PERSON WHO IS JUST MAD THEY GOT CAUGHT! SHE SAT THE INFORMATION THAT COULD HAVE HELPED US SAVE SHARON THE FIRST TIME!

<< Ava backed Delilah and Nicolas' attempts to diffuse a volitile situation as Morgan and Haleigh were now being pulled about by a similar rift that Haleigh and Alycia were now in the midst of....with SHARON in the middle of it all....what she represented, the way she died, what she been FORCED to become. it was a terrible thing and Ava realized just how EASY it could have been for Morgan or anyone ELSE to blame HER. after all SHE was Stavros' daughter, a direct link to the family that was behind Sharon's death.>>

IT'S NOT FAIR!! SHE ALWAYS ESCAPES ACCOUNTABILITY! SHE ALWAYS HIDES BEHIND SELF LOATHING AS IF THAT REALLY CHANGES THE DAMAGE SHE CAUSED OR WAS APART OF!

<< Karen was now behind Morgan, with her hand on Morgan's back, speaking calmly to her daughter. her mother whisked them all away, leaving only Ava, Haleigh and Zach in the medical lab and morgan found herself in her penthouse once more...still in Nicolas' grasp.>>

<< she yanked away.>>

UNHAND ME!

<< she angrily snapped..breathing heavily as she pulled away from him...from them ALL....turning her back, she walked hurridly to the floor to ceiling window and looked out on the dusk sky.>>

<< her head bowed and her blonde hair fell forward, she heaved with sadness as her back tensed up. she was lost and bewildered...THEY were right but why couldnt SHE GET IT herself? why was this so HARD and so DAMNED PAINFULL for her? she was not in control either, and while her issue was different from Haleigh's both women were suffering now.>>

I don't want her here..i want her OUT of here. RIGHT NOW!! LET Sharon have her. LET someone FINALLY get JUSTICE!


<< she said, not looking at them. as she began to shake with tears.>>

 

[Rampage]

Morgan's Apartment

Haleigh managed to inflame this situation, and Nicolas entertained a momentary urge to allow Morgan to give her a taste of what she could do. But he knew that he couldn't do that, not here, not now. Nicolas saw just in time as she encased her hands in energy to swing at Haleigh, and grabbed both her wrists ffirmly in order to control her upper body.

Nicolas was easily the strongest of the Six and he was confident in his ability to physically control even Morgan, but the sorceress was consumed with emotion, and he doubted very seriously that their strength levels were currently much different at all.

Geez...she is strong..as an OX! C'mon Nic, get a hold of this girl before she throws you into the East River and kills half the room.

As Delilah and Karen worked to soothe Morgan, she began to struggle a bit less but Nicolas still held onto her. He shot a thought to Haleigh.

Haleigh, shut the FUCK up NOW or I will kill you myself. You left before we could tell you anything, and we spent all night trying to help your ass.

Thankfully, Karen took charge pf the situation and used her teleportation power to separate everyone. As they arrived at Morgan's apartment, Nicolas relaxed a bit but still held her, realizing that she was probably not finished.

As she pulled away from him, he listened to her vent her frustrations over the entire situation. He walked over to her and placed a hand on her back. He gave himself no better than 60/40 odds of keeping the hand, but when you care, sometimes risks are involved. As she began to cry , he reached around and held her, speaking to her softly.

Morgan, I understand how you must feel. I would be deeply hurt if my own father were used this way. But Haleigh is no more culpable for the sins of Mystech now than she was last week or the week before. THEY are doing this to Sharon and to Haleigh. Look Morgan, I know that I have seemed cold about this, but look at me.

<<lifts Morgan's chin>>

Morgan, I care about you. And I won't allow you to suffer this way alone. We can do this. Together. I believe that you, me, Cameron and Delilah can subdue her until we can undo what has been done. I believe from my vision that the work of Mystech was not complete. They programmed in a deep hatred of Haleigh but no other negative parameters. Maybe we can capitalize on that. But we have to get her off the street before its too late, before the government or Rick Riley can get to her.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- Morgan's penthouse

<< Karen expected Morgan to have one last bit of outburst as she angrily pulled away from Nicolas. she felt her daughter's pain so strong...placing her hand over her own heart and looking rather sad.>>

<< Nicolas had a quiet word with Morgan, he reaffirmed everything that Delilah , Karen, even Cameron and Ava had felt.>>

Morgan, honey....Nicolas is right.

<< she came forward.>>

This really ISNT Haleigh's fault. its that monster, RICK RILEY. He's using Sharon...just as he attempted to ABUSE her before and while she's rampaging through the city gunning for Haleigh, HE'S somewhere hiding in the shadows REVELING in it. MYSTECH took Sharon's family from her and that galvanized her to become the champion of mutant/metahumans rights and now...after her death at the hands of Master Mold, MYSTECH has attempted to PERVERT her memory as they use her AGAINST her will. GET ANGRY!! but DIRECT the anger at the person who DESERVES IT!! Rick Riley has Alycia and he want's Haleigh and he's using SHARON to try to achieve that. It may not seem like it right now, sweetheart, but YOU and your friends DO have the power to stop him AND save Sharon, Alycia AND HALEIGH.

<< she took her daughter's hand.>>

you...WE are having a hard time with this..just as i SAID we would...and there's not going to be an easy or "standard" way to get through. somtimes the path to the goal is narrow and painfull and FILLED with screaming, crying and even the desire to give up and lay down...but that's why we're a FAMILY, Morgan, when one is too weak to carry on alone..the OTHERS step in to help him or her and even YOU can benefit from that. I am your mother and i love you...i will not see you suffer this alone and these people here...Nicolas and Delilah...they care for you TOO!

Here, now, its OKAY to work through your anguish. we ALL have problems with this caper...and in order for any of us to be effective we're going to have to FACE those problems and talk about them. not bottle them up.

<< Nicolas offered a step towards capturing Sharon.>>

Nicolas is right again....the FIRST step is to CAPTURE Sharon. We have to stop her from killing anymore people...for the more she rampages, the closer she brings mutants and metahumans to the white hot scrutiny of the government and the REAL SHARON would NOT want this...

<< reaffirming Delilah's earlier statements>>

This can be done without any unnecessary harm to her OR us. the powers represented among the six are varied enough to allow for many plans of action. Nicolas' scientific knowledge, combined with Morgan's magick and my abilities as a doctor give us a good chance of reversing the process on Sharon. Right now...based on what i saw from Ava, she and Haleigh have issues to work through...issues that relate to Sharon and Zach.

<< a woman "KNOWS">>

We should leave them be and keep Morgan and Haleigh apart to allow cool down.

We're inside Illustra, we're safe...and everyone is healed. Why don't i make us all some tea, while you three children take this time to set down and de-stress! I'll contact Cameron to ask him to resume reestablishing contact with Alycia.

<< Karen smiled at Morgan, Nicolas and Delilah as she walked past them, touching Nicolas' back to silently congratulate him on a job well done as well as touching Delilah's shoulder for the same reason. the doctor left the young people in Morgan's sunken in sitting room while she went to make tea.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra

<< Morgan tensed up a bit as Nicolas touched her, but she didnt react violently like Nicolas may have remotely thought she would. she'd gained quite a reputation along the way in order for him to even entertain such an idea, so he couldnt be blamed.>>

<< she began to cry as she sank from anger to utter despair.>>

It SHOULDNT BE THIS WAY!!

<< she cried.>>

Haleigh , Delilah and I...WE tried so hard to save her and alycia from master mold and we LOST HER!! and then I DIED! Haleigh and I....we worked things out...I...TRUSTED her...and now..here i am ..ready to KILL HER AGAIN! WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME! I don't want to her....and I dont want to hurt Sharon.....I think about what Alycia had been saying all along after SHE found about Stavros...and it ..it MADE SENSE to me but i didnt say anything. I kept telling myself that I'd find a way to see around it and that Haleigh was NOT the enemy. Ava's right...the woman has prooven herself time and again. She was there for the Six even when I wasnt after the Seige Perilous.

<< she laid her head on Nicolas' chest, allowing the saftey of his arms to envelope her. not even realizing that Karen and Delilah were standing there...SEEING Morgan allow herself to find comfort and security in the arms of a man, a rare thing indeed.>>

I'm at a LOSS. one minute i think I have it all understood and then something happens, there's a feeling of bitterness and RESENTMENT. If anyone should believe in second chances...it's ME. I think about What Haleigh has done....the things she IS responsible for....and some of what Alycia has said has resonated within me deeply. I dont know HOW i can say i trust her...when i feel that she could REVERT at anytime!! I mean...even NOW she uses her "self loathing" to keep us at bay and as an excuse for her bad behavior....isnt that where it STARTS? making excuses!? she wont let us help her. she WANTED US to let Sharon destroy her and she doesnt even CARE about the fact that we risked our lives last night to try to get some help for her.


<< she looks up at Nicolas as he puts his finger under her chin, her icy violet eyes misty from tears welling up.>>

Thank you....Nicolas....I didnt think you'd understand......but i'm so glad you're here with me...with us.

<< if she were ALONE with him, she might allow herself a moment of emotion...and kiss him, but not while her mother and Delilah were here.>>

<< her mother spoke, and Morgan took her mother's hand in her's moving from Nicolas as she hugged her as well...SO GLAD that she was here for her in this terrible situation and reminding her that it was OKAY to struggle through issues...sometimes that is the ONLY way to get them resolved. Karen backed Nicolas' feelings about capturing Sharon before going to make tea and refreshments for the group. >>

.....yes....we must find her...and capture her. I think we need to take her to LIMBO where no innocents will be harmed if she attempts to escape while we try to treat her.

<< Morgan put her hand on her forehead as she placed one of her hands on Delilah's arm.>>

and you, my dear friend...thank you for picking up where i so carelessly left off. you're natural born leader and strong asset to this team. i'll never be able to tell you enough how GLAD i am you're here.

<< she looked between Delilah and Nicolas.>>

I'm sorry for downstairs. I didnt mean to place you all in danger.

 

[Persephone]

:: Lifting her hand to her forehead, Ava shut her eyes as the shouting match between Morgan and Haleigh escalated. Things were progressively getting worse and both woman needed to be seperated immediately. Nicolas stepped in, pushing Morgan away from Haleigh. Ava looked up right as Karen finally stepped in and agreed that this situation wasn't getting any better. Whisking everyone away, Haleigh, Ava, and Zach were left in the medical bay, alone. Sighing out heavily, Haleigh's anger was now directed to Ava, causing her to turn away and walk to her own gurney. ::

"I didn't know about Sharon until AFTER I was nearly mauled to death by birds at today's photoshoot. Upon arriving here for medical treatment, Nicolas informed me, but you had already left for St. Patrick's Cathedral. I called you five times to warn you, Haleigh. Check your cell."

:: Turning around, Ava pulled herself back onto the gurney, listening to Haleigh scream at Zach. With cold eyes, she shifted her gaze to Zach, gesturing with her head to the medical bay door. ::

"I think you should leave, Zach. I need to speak with Haleigh, alone."

 

[Prophet]

Alison's Apartment

:: Cameron was getting so sick of this. They had just nearly all died and now they were fighting like cats and dogs, and he didn't expect that Morgan would be the one who was so traumatized. It made sense, but Cameron couldn't help but shake the feeling that Sharon Kelly was not going to be saved. And what if she was? What the hell was she going to do with her life? He didn't think anyone was considering that. Coming back from the dead himself, it wasn't all nice and easy. She was a SENATOR for gods sake and she couldn't just come back from the dead. They were so willing to help Sharon and try and fix her, but he wasn't sure that was the endgame idea. The fact was somebody was gunning for the SIX, and he wasn't gunning for Morgan or Sharon. He was gunning for HALEIGH. As everyone got sent away, he took his leave with a great sense of relief. He didn't want to be a part of that conversation. And he made his way back to Alison's apartment. ::

:: Sitting back down he began to search for Alycia again. He just felt like Sharon Kelly was the biggest distraction and the biggest weapon that Rick Riley had. It was genius, what better way then to get rid of Haleigh and distract the big wigs? Sharon Kelly. He just felt like they were losing focus as a team, and while Sharon Kelly was important, that they had lost all focus on what was going to happen. Rick Riley a fugitive was still at large and he had Alycia and he STILL wanted Haleigh, but everyone was concerned with fixing Sharon and hadn't really debated the possibility that Sharon couldn't be saved and that she was a mere distraction and weapon from the design from Rick Riley, and so his mind's eye opened up and he continued searching for Alycia over the scene he had seen before, figuring if nobody else was going to find Alycia, he was going to have to do it himself. ::

 

[Artemis]

Conneticutt- secluded forest

:: it was already dusk and on the east coast, where Sharon's secluded luxury cottage was located, the darkness began to settle across the dense, secluded forest.::


:: Alycia herself was blissfully unaware of the carnage taking place in NYC or that HER best friend was responsible. Though she was held captive, she was still in a better position than some of her allies right now for SHE had the precious illusion of peace as she slumbered.::

:: Rick, by now, had tied her to a bed...the bed was comfortable and yet, with her wrists being restrained, she knew she could not escape right now and after a grueling battle of wits as well as fighting against his psychological warfare, before being drugged into sedation, Alycia was now weary. Rick was no wear to be found and only the sounds of nature and the slightly flowing lake outside that cottage could be heard.::

:: as she slumbered, she dreamed many things. of her father, of happier times with Morgan and The Six....not sure if these were REAL or just imagined...but CAMERON was in the dreams as well. She wasnt quite as unhappy with Cameron, in fact the seemed to enjoy a truce of sorts.::

dream scape

:: Illustra, Alycia's satellite office, 99th floor.

:: sitting at her rounded desk, Alycia glares at documents before Cameron walks in and interrupts her.::

Alycia: I thought i told you not to come in here when I'm busy, King.

Cameron: Pardon me, your highness, I didnt realize you were unable to multi task.

Alycia: Shut your hole!

:: she snapped. as she waved her hand dismissively::

Alycia: I have to go and meet Sharon at her cottage out on the east coast, a private lake front property in Conneticutt. I'll have your documents for the living will notarized before i leave tonight and a sealed copy will be sent to my safe and your property in L.A. for safe keeping.

Cameron: Many thanks Alycia...

Alycia: yeah right. I'll be sending you the BILL as well.

:: barging past Cameron and making sure to push him aside with the back of her hand hitting his chest, the high powered attorney storms out of the office with a mean walk in those heels and that tailored donna karan suit.::

Alycia to Cameron in the dream: the cabin in the forest.....i'm so tired........rick....drugged me....keeping me sedated.....

:: as Alycia slept, her subconscious form wandered across the astral plane, and through THIS Cameron was able to catch a glimpse of her form as he seemed to SHARE in her dream scape...sensing that she was now drugged and sedated but still relatively unharmed. there were OTHER flashes too....flashes of light as images of the first night she and sharon encounted the SUPER SOLDIER began to creep up in her dream scape...changing everything from serene and calm...to warped and scarey....the rooms were elongated and every moment she stood, she felt her heart beating...heard her own fearfull breathing.::

<< she stepped from the office into the cabin with one move...realtiy changed from day to night and the eyes...those RED EYES...that HULKING FORM, that heavy breathing and those foot falls!!>>

Alycia: THIS ISNT RIGHT!


<< Alycia was in Sharon's cottage and HE was coming for her...it was like a scene out of Friday the 13th and as she ran for her life.....Cameron saw a look of FEAR in her eyes....before her lost contact with her. THAT was her TRUE feeling beneath the sedation....FEAR of being KILLED!>>

Alycia: MORGAN?? ALISON!! CAMERON?

<< he was coming...slowly directly for HER. she began to run, from room to room, opening doors only to find DEAD ENDS.>>

Alycia: NO WAY OUT!!

<< she wouldnt die without a fight. HE was coming...closing in..CORNERNING HER!! she sees a GOLF CLUB!>>

Alycia: GET AWAY FROM ME YOU BASTARD!

<< with a mighty swing she SLAMS the golf club down on HIS head....and while he grunts with pain...the grunt changes to a LAUGH as his shadow enshrouded face lunges forward and screams>>

RICK RILEY: WHAT'S THE MATTER ALYCIA? NOT HAPPY TO SEE ME!?? WE'VE UNFINISHE BUSINESS, YOU AND I!!

<< as he grabs her and forces himself upon her....Alycia cries out and screams....the dream scape SHATTERS and CAMERON loses his sight and contact of her on the astral plane, but THIS time...he's gotten a solid idea of WHERE she is located now. what state...and what general area...AND that she's been drugged.>>

 

[Rampage]

Illustra

As they shared a moment looking into each other's eyes, Nicolas wiped away Morgan's tears. It was a moment that would have been better savored alone, but that was not a luxury they enjoyed at the moment.

He nodded and smiled a bit as Karen offered to make tea after giving him a "good job" pat on the back.

He turned back to face Morgan as she spoke to both he and Delilah, apologizing for earlier. He shook his head.

What's a death threat or two between family? I am just glad you are not still struggling with me in that hallway. You been lifting lately?

Nicolas chuckled softly as he enjoyed the company of the pair, hoping to ease the tension before they had to get back to work...

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

Mike too a shower and made himself welcome to a spare suit of Nicolas' to wear over his armor and gear. He was nearly as tall and a little bigger so it worked fine. He reminded himself to have some clothing sent here just for him. After all, Nicolas wasn't the only one who liked to look smooth.

After resting a few minutes, he turned on the TV to see what if anything the major news organizations were saying or if there was news. He contacted the crew and told them to rest in gear. He had a feeling that they would be needed soon enough... he stood and paced a bit with one question:

Where was Ava?

 

[Prophet]

Illustra

:: While Cameron was upset with how everyone was acting right now, feeling like they weren't focusing on the right thing, he was dead set and determined. He was closing in on the signature he had picked up from Alycia earlier. It was a little easier to find her this time because she was asleep and dreaming, and her body was traveling through the astral plane, dreaming, and Cameron could see what she was experiencing, as if he was a part of her dream scape as well. ::

I have to go meet Sharon at her cottage out on the east coast, a private lake front property in Connecticut.

:: Why was she thinking of this? None of it made sense, that seemed so out of the ordinary to be dreaming about something that was mundane like, and that is when Alycia actually SPOKE to Cameron in her dream. ::

The cabin in the forest....i'm so tired.......rick....drugged me....keeping me sedated.....

:: That woman was sharp as a pistol. She was using her dreams, something Rick couldn't control, it made Cameron extremely happy. He almost wanted to revisit that fleeting kiss of theirs from the past, but now the important thing was to watch, to see what else he could see. ::

"Alycia, I could kiss you, you bitch..."

:: He watched the serenity and calmness of the dream scape warp into the time she encountered the Super Soldier. She was so SCARED, and even though she was sedated she was scared, so much so that Cameron could SMELL it. Rick came into the scene as he grabbed Alycia, FORCING himself upon her, and everything went black. She was gone. He didn't have time to wait. He knew now. He was happy. He ran down to where Morgan was located, somehow barging in and revealing his information. ::

"Sorry to bust this up. But Alycia! I found Alycia! That woman is as sharp as a tack! She contacted me through the astral plane. She sent me images of her dreams. I am pretty sure she is at Sharon's private cottage in Connecticut. Rick Riley has her there, he is keeping her sedated and she is relatively unharmed. But she is tied to a bed, and considering his history, that is NOT good news. But I found her! I found her!"

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh rubbed her temples, trying to soothe her aching head as her sister defended herself. She nodded apologetically, as she thought about what Morgan had said.... most of it was true, unfortunately, and Haleigh had little to console herself with. Ava suggested Zach leave.... and he looked like he might put up an arguement, but the sour look on Haleigh's face was enough to push him out the door. As the mechanical door slid shut, Haleigh THREW the silver star she'd kept at it, pegging the door deeply.

"I hope whatever you are about to tell me is going to improve my mood."

 

[Persephone]

:: Zach left, and Ava craned her stiff neck back. Looking at Haleigh through half open lids, Ava sighed out heavily, before rubbing her own forehead for a minute. How the HELL was she supposed to start THIS conversation? Hesitating, Ava finally dropped her hand from her forehead and gripped the gurney she was sitting on. ::

"I just...I...want to be your verbal punching bag. Vent away, Hales....I think you need to expell some anger before you explode."

:: With her knuckles turning white from gripping the gurney so hard, Ava chickened out at the last minute. Yes, she was being a little pussy...not one of her more admirable moments in her duel lives. But how was she supposed to drop this bomb on Haleigh after everything that had just happened? It was like rubbing salt on an open wound. Not to mention she was petrifide Haleigh would never speak with her again. Ava skeletons seemed to be falling out of the closet all day today, but this skeleton, she was cramming back in for both their sakes. ::

 

[Black Widow]

Remarkably, Haleigh's mood DID seem to improve... or maybe it was just her wildly fluctuating emotions, that responded to the slightest stimulation. She was angry, then sad, then angry again, and now happy.... and she had no control over it... nor did she seem to notice. she got up and went over to her sister's gurney, crashing hapazardly on it and putting her arm around her sister, chuckling softly, laying back and dragging Ava back to a laying position with her. She playfully tickled Ava for a few seconds with a devlish smile.

"I knew there was a reason I loved you, rugrat." She said, taking a deep breath and exhaling forcefully. "No.... I'm not angry with you... I'm sorry I took it out on you.... I shouldn't have.... you're just about the only person left on my side.... Karen doesn't want to help me.... she wants to discipline me.... Morgan only stands beside me when there's no BETTER side to be on... like Alycia or Sharon... or her MOTHER.... Delilah only defends me when it's convienient... Nicolas just wants to fuck me ninety percent of the time.... Cameron... I just don't know... he hasn't said a word for me or to me.... and Zach.... [clenching her fist] Zach's the WORST of them all... he's a traitor AND a coward.... he betrayed my trust and he couldn't even TELL me... he had to let someone ELSE tell me in the midst of a fight... and Sharon got the pleasure of seeing my reaction... I used to think we were a FAMILY... but a family sticks together in uncertain times... and we don't.... [sighs] and the most painful thing about it.... is they're RIGHT... it's all my fault.... I brought this all down on us.... and I wish there was something I could DO.... [laughing uneasily] but at least I've got you, right??"

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra- 107th floor

<< as Nicolas wiped away her tears, Morgan put her hand over Nicolas' hand. being so close to him, she felt safe but she also felt a little embarrased since Delilah and her mother were here. The irony was while Morgan may have been a mountain lion in the business world, the world of fashion or in battlefield, she was more like a nervous kitten when it came to matters of the heart. so used to hiding herself from that...from LOVE that Nicolas managed to have a profound impact on her. She looked at him for a moment....and her heart warmed.>>

dear nicolas....i think i love you.

<< her psi screen protected her thoughts, so she knew she was safe from him hearing that. still...that she would even ENTERTAIN such a thought was a major development for her and she blushed a bit as she looked away while her mother announced she would make tea and for them to be seated in the sitting room.>>

<< she looked down at her lap as nicolas joked about her strength.>>

coming from YOU? that is a compliment indeed....Mr. "i can bench press jet planes with one arm."

<< she looked up with a bit of a smile on her face>>

I wonder where my kittens are...

<< she said as Nicolas and Delilah settled down as well.>>

I'm sure once they here us, they'll come for attention.

<< she felt a bit demure at the moment with Nicolas. NOT being accustomed to that, she was glad Delilah was here..but hoping her friend wouldnt rib her about this later.>>

<< Cameron arrived, and asked for entry, upon coming in, he revealed that he'd finally pin pointed Alycia's whereabouts. he seemed MORE than a little relieved. Could he still have SOME kind of feeling for Alycia too inspite of everything? how curious would it be if THOSE two DID do more than kiss.>>

....good work, Cameron!

<< Morgan sounded a bit tired. she was weary from everything that had happened.>>

I remember that place, that was where Alison, Alexis, Delilah, Adrian and Myself went to rescue Sharon and Alycia when the Super Soldier was sent to KILL Alycia after she somehow obtained the blue prints and other inside information on the NERVOUS fortress!. That place is STILL THERE??

<< she looked at the others, and then called out to her mother.>>

MOM?? it appears that tea will have to wait...Cameron has found ALYCIA!! we have to go and save her before Rick does something terrible to her!

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- morgan's apartment

<< a level above, in the kitchen, Karen was humming softly as she prepared tea and refreshsments, but soon, Morgan called out. They had found Alycia!>>

thank the goddess!

<< Karen took the kettle off the stove and left the kitchen, making her way down the small flight of steps and toward the sitting room.>>

Well if you've found her, then go to her and quickly. Rick Riley is a RAPIST and among other things, he will try to sexually assault Alycia just like he did with Sharon.

<< she looked with contempt.>>

How fitting would it be to lock him in a room with Sharon as she is NOW. I think things would be QUITE different.

<< she said this with clear, concise contempt as her perfectly shaped eyebrows lifted a bit.>>

I'll stay behind and keep an eye on things...and people. And you can leave Ava too, there's no need to seperate her from Haleigh at this moment.

 

[Persephone]

:: Haleigh slid off her gurney and made her way over toward Ava, stumbling as she went. Reaching out to help her, she managed to climb onto the bed in a better mood. Ava figured it was a side effect from what was happening to her. As Haleigh laid down, she drug Ava down with her, tickling her as she went. Elbowing her, Ava jerked her body a bit. ::

"Okay, not funny. You know I hate being tickled."

:: Slapping her hands away playfully, Ava smiled, resting her head against Haleigh's. She began to express how she felt Ava was the only person on her side. Taking her sisters hand, Ava ran her thumb along Haleigh's engagement ring, listening quietly. "Zach's the WORST of them all... he's a traitor AND a coward.... he betrayed my trust and he couldn't even TELL me... he had to let someone ELSE tell me in the midst of a fight." Rolling her head away from where she was resting it, Ava looked away, her eyes becoming glassy. "I used to think we were a FAMILY... but a family sticks together in uncertain times... and we don't...." Subconsciously, Ava began to squeeze Haleigh's hand as horrible memories began to fill her mind. Memories of that night... ::



Ava was only sixteen years old when she started working along side Stavros. Sixteen. She had graduated at fifteen, in the top two percent of her class. She was smart and had the world at her finger tips. But Stavros had other ideas. He wanted to teach Ava the buisness. To expose her to everything now, so she knew exactly how to handle it in the future; when he was gone and she was left there to run the buisness by herself. Ava was deep into the world of MysTech at such a young age. Knowing exactly what Cassadine Enterprises supplied them with. Why they were using it. How many people would die as a result. Her father called it an occupational hazard...but for who? Certainly not them. But Ava never had the ability to stand up to her father; to speak her mind when she believed something was wrong. She charished Stavros...he was her knight and shining armor, and she was the princess. She wanted to please him and make him proud. So she never questioned the buisness or it's transactions. She became detatched from the inevitability of people dying; their loved ones suffering. Her once carefree soul and warm heart became cold and detatched at a young age.

It wasn't until one evening, Ava had forgotten to get a few documentations signed by her father, that everything change. Walking down the corridor leading to one of the labratories, Ava carried a folder filled with papers. She looked distinguished, even at age sixteen. Like she 'belonged' there. Coming up to a sealed glass door, Ava punched in the clearence code and swiped her entry card, the door opening immediately after. The smell of alcohol burned her nose....she never could get used to that smell. Walking into a small room, she placed the folder she was carrying down and slipped on a white lab coat and medical mask. A procaution for anyone who was about to enter the lab. Picking up her folder, Ava finally entered and began to walk toward the main medical bay.

With the folder held tightly against her chest, the medical facilities always scared her. She never knew exactly what she would be walking in on....Faint voices of men could be heard talking. One of them was her father. Ava couldn't quite make out what they were saying...something about a government program. The hallway came to an end; Ava finally reaching the medical bay. It was huge and white. Equipment she had never seen before adorned the walls. Heart monitors and respirators beeped softly. Ava saw three men and a blonde haired woman standing with their back to her. All of them in matching white lab coasts, and all of them standing over a medical gurney. Ava was afraid to speak, so she listened.

Man # 1: "We need more funding, Stavros.

Man # 2: ""His body is more resistant than we anticipated. We need to increase our efforts."

Stavros: "He was always trouble...even now. Consider it done."

Ava lowered her eye brows, confused. She continued to watch, her grip around the folder tightening. The silvered haired man--later found out to be ADAM CHANDLER--walked away from the gurney and over to a cabinet filled with vials. The blonde woman, known better as MALICE, followed. The tall and lanky brunette--aka CHRISTOPHER VICTORY--moved away from the gurney as well, grabbing a medical chart sitting on a steal cart near by. As the two men walked away, a man was revealed, laying in the gurney, motionless. Ava quietly gasped. Her father continued to stand by the bed side, blocking Ava's view from seeing who this person was...

Adam Chandler: "Stavros..."

Stavros looked up as the man gestured for him to come over. Ava's heart began to pound as her dad moved away from the gurney.

"Oh my God....."

Ava dropped the folder of papers, her face drained of blood at the sight of PATRICK laying on the gurney. She felt faint, like she was going to pass out. All three men turned to see Ava standing there in shock. Stavros immediately moving toward his daughter.

"Patrick! What...what are you doing! What are you doing to him!"

Running forward, Ava reached the gurney, tears streaming down her face. Patrick looked like death....his once lively and friendly face was pale. Dark black circles were under his eyes...he looked like he hadn't slept in a year. He looked frail and weak.

Stavros: "Ava! Ava stop."

"Patrick....Patrick....it's okay. I'm--i'm going to get---you...you need to....you...you need to sit up so I can help you."

Stavros: "Ava!"

Stavros grabbed Ava by the shoulder in which Ava pulled away. Turning around, Ava's face was wet with tears, her eyes blood shot with anger. Pounding her fists into Stavros' chest, she managed to push him away from the gurney.

"How could you do this! Why are you doing this to him! LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO!"

Stavros: "Ava! Listen to me! This needs to be done! AVA!"

Turning back to Patrick, Ava began to rip the tubes from his arms and pull the small suction cup-like patches from his chest. At this point Stavros motioned for Adam to get a sedative. Ava felt his hands grab her again, this time more forcefully. He pulled her away from Patrick, but she fought. She fought like hell. Screaming, Stavros managed to turn Ava around and hold her upright.

Stavros: "Nothing can be changed! Patrick cannot be helped!"

"You really expect me to BELIEVE THAT?!"

Stavros: "I expect you to act like a Cassadine! To look outside of the box and see what Patrick is being turned INTO! Not what he's leaving BEHIND!"

"He's my sisters fiance! HE'S FAMILY! And you RIPPING him AWAY! I WON'T LET YOU! YOU CAN'T! DADDY STOP THIS!"

Stavros: "YOU ARE MY FAMILY! NOT HIM!"

Ava pushed Stavros away, seeing the moster so many people have seen before. A man that petrified Ava.

"I can't believe you....I can't believe you would do this to Haleigh---to me! I've done everything you've ever told me to do! Why can't you do this one thing for me! Let him go, daddy!

Stavros' eyes turned black...or atleast it looked that way to Ava. Backing into the gurney, Stavros grabbed Ava, pulling her forward so his face was only mere inches from her.

Stavros: "You listen to me, carefully, Ava. This project will CHANGE Cassadine Enterprises AND MysTech forever! We will get BILLIONS if we succeed! And so help me God, if you do ANYTHING to destory this....[changing the tone of his voice] Listen to me gumdrop.....think of your sister. Think how she would feel if she KNEW that you were involved in this. That you helped take away the man that she loved."

"But....I didn't....do...anything."

Ava said, sobbing between words.

"You helped with the funding, Ava. You filed the paper work to approve this experiement. You did everything but inject him with the virus. You are in just as deep as I am....Honey, I never wanted to do this to Patrick, and I never wanted you to find out that he was involved in the Master Mold project. I tried to protect you from this...just like you need to protect your sister, now. Promise me, Ava. Promise me that what you have seen here, tonight, doesn't leave this room. Especially to your sister."

Stavros' manipulating words struck Ava to the core. She HAD filed the paper work for the Master Mold project. She had went to the banks to confirm the funding. She had set up meetings with MysTech on numerous occations pertaining to the Master Mold project. She was in just as deep as he was....or atleast, that's what Stavros managed to seer into her brain just now. If Haleigh ever found out...she would never speak to Ava again. Closing her eyes, Ava's body trembled as she turned back around to look at Patrick through blurred vision. His eyes slowly began to open...he was so drugged up....it took everything for Ava not to break down right there. Patrick seemed to recognize Ava....he gave her a strained, but small smile.

Patrick: "......Rug...rat..."

Shutting her eyes tightly, Ava wanted this nightmare to be over. Sniffing, she opened her eyes a few moments later, tears falling to her cheeks. THe sight of Patrick...the way he looked in that very moment...would haunt Ava for the rest of her life.

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



:: Ava barely heard a word of what Haleigh was saying. "...but at least I've got you, right??" Snapping out of her daze, a single tear fell from each of her eyes, causing Ava to sit up from the gurney. Sniffing, she tried to hide the fact she was crying, by keeping herself turned away from her sister. ::

"I need to tell you something, Haleigh...."

:: Inhaling a shakey breath, unlike what happened with Zach, Ava wanted Haleigh to find this out from her mouth...not from someone else. ::

"I knew Patrick was being turned into the Super Soilder.....I knew it from the beginning..."

 

[Black Widow]

Ava turned away and sat up, but Haleigh'd already seen the tears, and she sat up abruptly as well, worried, as she put her hands on Ava's shoulders to console her.

"Hey.... what's wrong? What is it? [As Ava warns she has something to say, Haleigh gets an uneasy feeling, but encourages her sister tenatively.] Okay..."

Haleigh can hardly believe her ears.... in fact, she is almost CERTAIN she mishears, and she laughs, shaking her head.

"I'm sorry... I must be losing my mind... I thought you just said you knew about Patrick being turned into---"

She stopped, as the look on Ava's face was confirmation enough. Haleigh's eyes filled up with rage..... and she suddenly SHOVED Ava right off the gurney.

"You WHAT??! You KNEW?? How... COULD YOU? You.... [she lifts her hand to her head, feeling suddenly dizzy. The lights flicker.] WHY... why didn't you TELL ME?! WHY DIDNT YOU DO SOMETHING?!"

Haleigh stood up, though she wobbled. The gurney that they'd been sitting on skidded backwards violently.

"Do you.... have ANY idea... what that DID to us?? It TORE us apart, Ava! GodDAMNIT.... do you realize how different my life would be if he hadn't been taken? I... I would be a GOOD PERSON! I.... would be HAPPY.... I LOVED him! I-- you little bitch!"

She clutched her heart, shutting her eyes tightly, as the metal in the room began to rattle.... she clenched her teeth, as she lost her balance and tried to recover, falling to her knee, as she tried to fight what she could feel coming... and the health monitors in the room switched to her memories... as did every screen in illustra.... and throughout the CITY.

There was no stopping my temper now. How could he DO THIS? Not only to me, but to ANY of us? It's been three weeks and still no word since he left to visit his mother at her lakeside cabin. I can only surmise that he ran off to do that STUPID program, its the only thing he's been interested in lately. Hell, not just interested, fuckin' obsessed. I wish he had talked to me. Ever since that camping trip he played dumb to my questions. At first he tried to say he wasn't going through with it, then he wouldn't talk about it at all. I know he's found something out... I hate that he won't tell me... it only makes my dread intensify. He won't tell because he knows I won't approve. But why would he just LEAVE?? He abandoned me... and now we know he abandoned his MOTHER too... a local in the Connecticut town where she lived FOUND her body in the lake near her cabin... the M.E. estimated she'd been dead nearly as long as Patrick had been missing. Much to all our dismay, he was the prime suspect. We couldn't fathom that they believed a 17-year-old boy to be responsible for his own mother's RAPE and brutal death. There wasn't a single person here that believed he'd done it... but my heart hardened to the fact that he hadn't been there for her. The police said there was no sign of him ever visiting there the weekend he was supposed to go... they attributed it to him cleaning up after himself. I know better.... he probably never even said goodbye to her. He hadn't said it to me.

I'm still wearing his engagement ring on my necklace... something I intend to change as I pull up by Hamstead's pond. It seems fitting that I free myself of it here.... this was where it all started. Thick afternoon thunderstorms threaten, with rolling thunder and fierce winds that whip through the branches of the Willow tree beside the pond. I step out of my jeep with hot tears of anger and a resolve that pushes me on, as the thunderhead open and rain begins to pour out of skies so dark you'd never believe that the sun shined earlier, when we BURIED Patrick's mother, as I buried my hopes that he was coming back to me. The sight of the willow tree now as violent as my mood is heartrending, its hard to imagine it was ever as tranquil and peaceful as it was the day we laid beneath it, about to make love for the first time. The rain shows no signs of letting up, but I can’t be bothered. I pulled my necklace off, taking the ring in my hand... this beautiful ring that signified his love for me... and simultaneously signified that which took him away from me.

"YOU SAID YOU'D NEVER LEAVE ME! YOU SWORE.... GODDAMN IT PATCH, YOU PROMISED ME!"

I yelled over howling winds and torrents of rain... it was relieving to get it all out. It was even MORE relieving to pitch that accursed ring into the tumultuous waters of our 'little lake', as we affectionately called it. The weather matches my stormy heart pulse for pulse. My anger rushes over me, but there’s nothing for me to vent on. I kick a few small rocks away but by now its wet and the mud swallows everything.

"WHY?? why? Oh god.... what.... what have I done??"

I cry out, as my rage gives way to a cumbersome guilt, and grief, a terrible, smothering emotion that I've been bottling since the first instant I’d felt he was gone. The softening, muddy bank is warm on my skin as I sink to my knees, burying my face in my hands. It’s too late to stop it now, and I let myself weep as intensely as the storm coming down upon my shoulders. I don't understand.... I love him so much.... how could I have pushed him away? There is nothing I can come up with to soothe my broken heart and its wounded beat, and even the solace of rage cant fill the role. Is there no way to protect my heart from such heavy pain? I don't know... but it feels as though I may never stop hurting.

Someone wraps their arms around me, and I can tell almost immediately that its Jeff. I have no idea if he's been here long, but his clothes are soaked through, and I can only imagine he followed me out here after Ma and I had a certified blowout over who would wash the dishes from the wake. That woman can be SO frustrating sometimes I want to tear my hair out. There's something about Jeff's embrace that reminds me of my father; I feel safe, and my shuddering sobs begin to subside as he holds me gently, kneeling in the mud with me. Neither of us spoke... we didn’t need to.... there was a silent understanding between us.

Haleigh buried her face in her hands, sobbing.... the anger replaced with a devastated grief..... as yet another piece of her past was brought to the surface... a piece she could hardly bear to deal with... so much so that she'd hidden it from her SELF.

 

[Rampage]

Illustra

As Morgan smiled at Nicolas, he could not read her thoughts; but he could read faces, and her facial expression was heartwarming in its sincerity. He smiled back at her s he sat down beside her, watching her battle with small talk while he knew she was REALLY trying to figure out how to live this down with Delilah, who was RIGHT THERE. As for Nicolas, he had decided that he would not be cutesy and suave around the others.

Rather, he would be REAL, show his true feelings, even in front of Karen. Her approval washed over him like a salve every time she looked at him, so he had no "mother-in-law from hell" fears. However, he would spare Delilah right now from the sight of his making Morgan shudder as a response to his advances, which the "bad" part of his mind screamed he SHOULD do. Instead, he nodded and smirked as she asked about her cats.

Tink is probably charging kitty for the exclusive usage rights to my apartment suite. I am certain that she is waiting for me to return so she can get spoiled rotten or help herself to the Mahi-mahi I put out for her each day.

He joked, laughing. As they talked, he absent-mindedly placed his hand on Morgan's leg. Not a come-on, just a man comfortable with touching a woman to whom he had become quite close.

At that moment, Cameron burst in , blurting out that he had found Alycia. The look of relief on his face said to Nicolas that either he was REALLY glad to help or that he had been searching frantically for more than an acquaintance. You would never had known that they went through therapy for their issues just a VERY short time ago.

Nicolas stood as Morgan and Karen echoed what he was thinking: that they needed to rescue Alycia before Rick did something that would scar her even MORE. He teleported away his suit to reveal his battle attire. He contacted Mike mentally.

Rise and shine! We are going after Alycia, your job will be to watch Ava and Haleigh as they stay here. Be careful. They can be quite volatile, so stealth may be best, use your judgment. I have given you my security clearance for the building, that should help you get access to what you need.

As Nicolas gave these instructions the TVs began to flicker with yet ANOTHER scene as Haleigh's powers went out of control AGAIN. He sighed and looked at Cameron.

If I help you, do you think you can convince the city that this is an untraceable stunt of some kind, hackers perhaps? I suggest we work quickly...

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

Meanwhile, Mike rose and armed himself to the TEETH with weapons that Nicolas kept in his place. As he finished, he noticed the flickering monitors and cursed under his breath. He went back down towards the Med Bay...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- Morgan's apartment

<< Karen looked at her daughter, who seemed THANKFULL for more than one reason that Cameron had burst in to announce he found Alycia.>>

my little girl has finally found her prince charming...

<< she thought as she watched her daughter.>>

<< soon though her own thoughts were interrupted as tv monitors, and any other media screen from the top to the bottom of Illustra began to show ANOTHER flickering feedback....a MEMORY episode.>>

there's something different about this one.

<< Karen says as she watches and listens. there's something DRIVING this memory. a soft alarm goes off from the medical lab, alerting the doctor.>>

It's Haleigh....her vitals are about to CRASH!

<< Karen swept her cape behind her.>>

I have to get down there. She's going to accept my help whether she wants it or NOT!

<< Karen's voice was sharp as she said this.>>

Good luck all of you....bring Alycia back safely. Morgan, Delilah? do me a favor...and make sure you hit AND kick Rick where it HURTS!

<< she looked at her daughter and surrogate daughter knowingly. the fact that she didnt address Nicoals with that underscored the FEMINIST moment Karen was feeling.>>

<< with that, Karen lifts her hand quickly, and disappears with a rushing harp sound....to reappear in the medical lab, which is now trembling...and the machines are going hay wire. Ava is on the floor, a gurney is flipped over by the wall and Haleigh is down on her knees, in the throws of pain.>>

Ava?

<< Karen went to help her up quickly. there was not time for Karen to get an explanation from Ava just NOW...there was a more immediate matter at hand.>>

stay back. I'm going to control the situation before its too late.

<< Karen lifts her hands and gestures forward toward haleigh as a golden field surrounds the woman.>>

ZAP!!

<< Karen uses her magickal powers in one of HER specialized moves to SCRAMBLE Haleigh's mutant powers and render them useless....she restrains Haleigh within the field with mystic chains. it SEEMS harsh...but with Haleigh's unpredictability AND the fact that she was physically stronger than Karen...the doctor couldnt take any chances.>>

You'll understand, that for the safety of Haleigh and everyone in this building....I'm sedating her now.

<< with that, the doctor quickly moves over to haleigh and places a device on her neck, it touches her and bonds with her skin, releasing a powerfull sedative compound designed by Karen herself...in essence, a magick potion refined enough to use in medical situations and Haleigh's body begins to settle and equalize in its functions, as she is granted a reprieve...through SLEEP.>>

<< Karen breathes out slowly, as the building commotion in the room caused by Haleigh's feed back slowly subsides.>>

There...the danger has been averted for now. Haleigh will be out for a least a few hours and her powers will remain scrambled....for her protection as well as ours.

Now what happened? THAT memory episode was too pronounced...too PAINFULL to be random. SOMETHING provoked her in this room..and i want an explanation.

<< the doctor's tone was direct and she looked right at Ava with those beautifull, stern eyes.>>

 

[Persephone]

:: Haleigh pushed Ava off the gurney forefully, causing her to stumble to the floor. ::

"I couldn't! I couldn't do anything!"

:: Tears fell from Ava's eyes effortlessly as she looked to her sister with pleading eyes. She had done some fucked up stuff in her deul lifes; some things the six knew about (even expeirenced with her thanks to their last caper), while others were still barried deep within her. But THIS, this was one thing she couldn't keep barried away. Atleast, not anymore. ::

"I know, Haleigh! I KNOW! I have had to live with this guilt every day of my life! What could have been! How you would be as a person today! The love you were robbed of! The family! I never wanted to hurt you....you have to believe that! I didn't tell you to protect you!"

:: Haleigh collapsed to the ground and Ava followed, grabbing her sister as she went into another attacked. She didn't give a damn if Haleigh banished Ava from her life for good, she wasn't going to abandon her sister in the state that she was in. ::

"Haleigh!"

:: Dipping her head down, the monitors began to flicker and play memories of a younger Haleigh angery at a missing Patrick. Shutting her eyes tightly, she didn't want to see it. Any of it. Putting her hands on Haleigh's hands (which were holding her head), Ava then suddenly heard Karen appear. Looking up desperately, Ava's eyes were filled with tears, anguish, and worry. ::

"HELP HER!"

:: Screaming over the chaos, Ava moved away as Karen bound her with mystical chains. Finally sedating Haleigh, Ava put her hand on her forehead looking at her unconscious sister. Shaking her head to herself, she looked to Karen who demanded an explaination. ::

"I told her the truth....I never wanted to hurt her. I never wanted to hurt her..."

:: Ava managed to speak, in a somewhat dazed state. ::

 

[Prophet]

Illustra

:: Cameron was relieved to help Alycia. It startled how much he wanted to find her? He felt somehow responsible, his feelings of not being there the first time this happened, and the fact that Sharon Kelly died because of kind of ate at him. He wanted to HELP this time and he felt for the first time in a while he was. His findings were soon derailed as Haleigh had another primetime special blasted upon the screens nearby. ::

:: This memory hit him HARD, and really affected him. What she was feeling about Patrick, what she had done with his ring, what she had been through. He was putting her through the same thing now. Cameron was her new Patrick. Every man she ever loved had left her, had left her in the cold. His feelings just hit him like a ton of bricks, and a few tears welled up in his eyes. The events of the past few days had been getting to him. All he wanted to do was just touch her, be around her, he just wanted to break down and tell her everything that was going through his head. He just wanted her so bad. Why did everything just have to get in the way? Life, Death, Heartbreak... ZACH!? As he wiped the tears from his face hoping that nobody would notice this small show of his true feelings. The only people that knew what he had told Haleigh in their therapy session were Delilah, Nicholas and Karen, and for now he wanted to keep it that way. Nicholas looked at him and talked of trying to get rid of this. ::

"The only problem is that we dont know if this will be the last time this will happen. The strain that could take on my powers could be catastrophic to our situation. Plus Sharon Kelly is out there, and we dont know what she is capable of. We have to be careful.... it just seems risky..."

:: As Karen left, he looked to the remaining group. He was so torn. On the one hand, he wanted to rescue Alycia. He wanted to get rid of Rick Riley. He wanted to help Sharon, but on the other hand, he wanted to help Haleigh. He decided to take a risk. ::

"Morgan, can I talk you to privately really fast before we leave?"