The sisterhood strikes back

[Seer]

uncertainty

<< and so, with everyone looking ahead to the inevitable rematch with the Sisterhood, the only OTHER problem that was as pressing was Nicolas, who was at this moment, sedated and suitably restrained by Dr. Victoria. But how long would it last? What could any of them do for him.>>

<< with the Rune painfully etched into his chest, Persephone recognized it as a manifestation of Isis, confirming Haleigh's earlier observations at the hellfire mansion, but Persephone's experience and friendship with the REAL Isis told her that this rune was not expertly applied...something could spell trouble for both Nicolas AND the others sooner than they thought.>>

<< Spellbinder was now in her guest suite, consulting her large scrying glass while the rest of the team were in the medical lab near Nicolas. Alison revealed herself to be up and about as she joined the group and immediately resumed her role as mistress of Minerva's Mansion. Her disdain for Nicolas did not soften even in his current state. Instead, all she could see was him fullfilling her prophecy of bringing pain and heartache to those around him now more than ever before.>>

<< and as if the sky outside seemed to feel the tension and uncertainty, a summer storm begins to brew and sweep across the ocean around the Mansion, which sits high on its plateau.>>

<< The Sisterhood and The Six would soon clash...but neither side would expect or even LIKE the outcome.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah paused outside the door, poised to knock, fist in midair. She didn't like to disturb Morgan when she knew the sorceress wanted to be alone. But things weren't all peaches and cream on the island, or for the Six at large, and when Morgan withdrew into herself at such times it was never a good thing. So she gave the siamese she was holding one last stroke, and knocked.

Not waiting for the okay, she opened the door a crack.

"Morgan?"

She put Tinkerbell down and let her enter the room.

"I thought you could use a friend."

Not indicating whether she meant Tink or herself, she waited for Morgan to acknowledge her. They had a lot to discuss, but Delilah didn't see a reason not to be polite about it. Things had not gotten that bad - not yet.

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's Mansion

<< Morgan , standing in front of her scrying glass was gesturing intently as the ghostly image of a cosmic looking vortex slowly spun in the mystic lens. a soft hum of mystic energy was in the air.>>

the hellfire mansion....

<< that was her goal. to get a view...to get a view of the new SISTERHOOD and this ISIS. She wanted to SEE for herself who had done this to Nicolas, to Blaze...ALL of them.>>

<< soon though, the door opened, followed by Tinkerbell scampering into the room and then Delilah. Morgan looked over her shoulder.>>

Come in...shut the door.

<< she said matter of factly. Delilah was one of the few that often escaped Morgan's wrath for a variety of reasons. She was the light...in more ways than one to Morgan's darkness. >>

I dont want Mike or anyone else trying to interfere with me AGAIN.


<< she turned back to the lens.>>

She's back, Delilah...Malice. Enchantra too...although an alternate version of Helena and a new woman, the Black Queen who calls herself Isis. She's all but MAIMED Nicolas and Firebird was telepathically manipulated by Malice into attacking Haleigh.


I havent consulted Alison...but I dont have to be a precog to know they are coming here. Most likely for Nicolas. But WHY? What has he done that was any DIFFERENT than any of us?

<< Morgan was trying to conceal her own PERSONAL distress over the sight of Nicolas...the way he was acting...like a wounded ANIMAL! She'd never seen that before from him. She blamed herself for not being their to protect him and Blaze.>>

And why is it that THEY can move about in NYC...and WE can't?

<< clearly still bitter over the loss of her life as a super model.>>

 

[Firebird]

Hallway to Medical Lab

While Blaze and Mike attempted to calm Morgan down it seemed futile. Morgan would confirm she was not leaving the Mansion but would leave for the scrying glass. Throwing up her hands helplessly into the air with an exasperated sigh, frustrated by her sister’s stubbornness. “I swear that woman is more stubborn than a bull.”

Turning to look at Mike, “I’m gonna head back to the lab to check on Nicolas and the others.”

Returning to the medical lab, Blaze noticed Alison standing there discussing a few things with Karen and Ava. Quietly, Blaze moved to a nearby chair to sink down onto. Brushing a few strands of hair out of her green eyes. As much as she loved Morgan she was just as stubborn as her. A quality that both women shared despite a few key differences between them.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike nodded as Morgan angrily accepted the idea of staying here, although he was sure she was going to do SOMETHING.

Well, at least whatever she does will be in the context of this group. That is our best chance.

Mike turned away from Blaze and went to another part of the mansion, where anotehr quicker way to get to Aerie was now available. He entered the utility closet and the teleporter, based on Mystech/government specs,sent him to Aerie in the mansion he shared with Nicolas. He went to Nicolas lab and the wepons room. putting together some things he had been working on for some time, mostly potent neurotoxins and a few other easily tossed mini-weapons based on the mini-servos in his suit. He had spent time the the wild honing himslef, but he also realized that he needed to have whatever he could get in order to be ready for this battle, therefore the covert tech operation he had run (with Nicolas' help).

Mike emerged from the "utility closet" on Aerie in full battle uniform, and proceeded quickly to the Med Bay...

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion- the medical lab

:: wearing her blue corsett and black mini skirt, which seemed to be her "costume" of choice these days, Harbinger barked orders to the soldiers that worked for her to protect the mansion before finally turning her attention to Pandora::

Pandora, danger is coming. You must go underground to the catacombs and SEAL the entrance behind you. The place was built by by Barbara Minerva herself, using alien technology from her time in the MoE timeline. That is the only place that is fortified against extreme technological, superhuman and mystical attacks. You must go there with the rest of the "secrets of the earth" and remain hidden. If anything happens to me...this mansion Do NOT open it for ANYONE under ANY circumstances. Remember the spell i taught you...Call for Ororo and when she takes you out of here...TAKE THE BOX with you.

Go now.

:: she looks at Pandora with one last look of reassurance that the "young" woman would be safe in the catacombs no matter what. Gently touching her soulder as she sends her on her way. The seer then looks at the others. Noticing that they see her taking over the operations of the mansion. ::

You have your responsibilities...i have mine. Morgan may lead the Six, but this mansion and all its contents...these soldiers...they are MY responsibility. and since you have placed the safety of the WORLD at risk by giving our enemies a target to focus on, a place where the "secrets of man" are hidden. i now must ensure that Pandora is safeguarded against the Sisterhood...and the danger that HE


:: gesturing to Nicolas:: is about to bring.

You should have LEFT him at the Hellfire mansion.

:: it was the coldest they had seen her in a long time. probably a by product of her trauma in the time stream...bolstered by her hatred of Nicolas for what h e did on Aerie and what she had foreseen. For Haleigh and Mike...they would REMEMBER the timeline in which alternates Alison and Ava were all that Victoria (nicolas and morgan's orphaned daughter) had left. They would remember how those alternates wanted to KILL their Nicolas for what the ALTERNATE Nicolas had done...it was a horrible reality to see...and the memories were still haunting.::


and now you've brought him back....to DOOM US ALL!

:: she turns and looks in a mirror, pulling her longer hair back into a bun...a style she wore back in the day...when she was less caring and more heartless.::

that RUNE on his chest....its an ancient spell, one designed to REVEAL THE TRUTH about someone. What we think we know about him....is about to change...for the WORST.

 

[Black Widow]

Morgan got flustered and left, with Mike and Blaze hurrying after her to make sure she didn't try anything ALONE. Haleigh let them handle it, as Alison showed up in the doorway.

"Alison! You're AWAKE!?"

She was surprised.... caught up in everything, no one had told her and since Alison's vitals had stabilized at normal levels before, Haleigh never registered a change in the Seer and so assumed she was still emersed in self-induced slumber. Alison told Karen that there was nothing that could be done to help Nicolas, that his fate was sealed, and tried to marshall them all to prepare for the upcoming rematch. Haleigh slowly rose from her bed, wrapping her silk robe more tightly around her and tying it, as she went to Nicolas' bedside. She looked down at him, placing her right hand onhis forehead, concern creeping into her expression. Alison told Karen to get away form him, that the rune made him dangerous. Haleigh was both cavalier and confident, and remained where she was, taking his hand in her left one, stooping over him a little, resting her left elbow on the bed as she pulled his hand up and held it against her heart. Whichever way she could reach him, through her heart or her mind, she tried.

Nicolas.... I know you're there.... somewhere.... you can hear me... feel me.

She paused, hoping for a reply, realizing she wouldn't likely get one. She couldn't help but remember the timeline jump they'd gone to.... the future... the one where Nicolas had snapped and caused so much pain amongst that incarnation of the Six. She remember that her alternate self has trusted that Nicolas, that she'd been so stunned, and tried so hard to understand that she was ostracised from the rest of the team for not condemning him. She could see that now..... feel the looming threat, as Alison warned he was dangerous. If he cracked and attacked them, Haleigh didn't know if she could bring herself to condemn him here. And Haleigh wouldn't resign to the belief that it was too late.... that his fate was sealed. She wasn't ready to write him off, even if that put her at odds with Alison.

Be strong for us Nicolas.... let us be strong for you. We aren't going to let them take you away from us. We'll keep you safe.... but we need you to fight this rune... whatever she's doing to you... don't give in.

Alison told them about the Black queen, how she was an avatar for Isis. Haleigh stood up, letting Nicolas go gently, rolling her eyes at the idea of this new Isis.

"Why is it we're a magnet for nutjob greek power heirs with delusions of grandeur? Is it just me, or are all these new generation 'avatar' goddesses a bunch of generic knock-off wackos?"

Alison was giving orders to prepare her own for the attack.... but she did stop to insinuate that this was Nicolas' fault. Haleigh clenched her jaw, shaking her head slowly as Alison said they should have LEFT Nicolas at Hellfire.

"Don't be RIDICULOUS, Alison... we would have NEVER left YOU behind. We have ALL done things in the past that have brought this family PAIN. But for better or WORSE... he is ONE OF US. He has MORE than earned his place, on this team and in our hearts. Until he has forsaken us.... he deserves our loyalty and our protection. It's all for ONE and one for ALL.... or have you FORGOTTEN that out here in this lonely mansion?"

 

[MorningStar]

She's back, Delilah...Malice. Enchantra too...although an alternate version of Helena and a new woman, the Black Queen who calls herself Isis. She's all but MAIMED Nicolas and Firebird was telepathically manipulated by Malice into attacking Haleigh.

Delilah closed the door softly behind her, taking the opportunity for a few moments of silence to think over what was just revealed to her. She walked over to a settee near the windown of the guest room and sat down, bringing her legs up next to her, thinking. She watched Morgan, looking intently on her scrying glass, searching for any clue that might help them defeat this new - yet old - enemy.

"Why won't those hags just die already..."

She looked down at her nails, then something came to her and she jerked her head up.

"You know, Morg, I hate to even suggest this, but...you said some of the Hellfire Club has returned as alternates. Could they have followed our alternate - the alternate Blaze - here? Could she be a part of this? We know how powerful Malice is - could she be an unwitting pawn even?"

I havent consulted Alison...but I dont have to be a precog to know they are coming here. Most likely for Nicolas. But WHY? What has he done that was any DIFFERENT than any of us?

"They key is obviously Isis - she is what's different than before. If we can find out her connection to the others and to Nicolas, we'll find what she's after."

And why is it that THEY can move about in NYC...and WE can't?

Delilah sighed, feeling for her friend's struggle with her new life. It had been relatively easy for Delilah to adjust - in some ways, this is what she'd always wanted. But not Morgan. Being out of the spotlight was killing her, and there was nothing Delilah could do to help that.

She stood and moved to where Morgan sat, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Because we are not prepared to live in the shadows and act behind the scenes as they do. You could change your face, your name, and have it all again. But you wouldn't be happy like that, Morgan, and you know it. We can't hide who we truly are. They are the dark, Morgan, and we, we are the light."

With that, Delilah raised her natural luminosity, causing a warm glow to cast itself over Morgan as well as herself.

 

[Spellbinder]

Minerva's mansion

<< Morgan rested a hand on the scrying glass as she gained visuals on the hellfire mansion...and various areas of New York. The first time she'd seen the city SINCE the sentinels were unleashed upon the team so many months ago.>>

<< through the mansion, a "virtual tour" of sorts played out on the scrying glass as Delilah commented on the arrival of several alternates.>>

the result of so much travel through the time stream via limbo...Malice HERSELF is in an ALTERNATE BODY, though the consciousness...the ESSENCE is that of mainstream Malice. Its a testament to her power as a telepath...she's a force of nature on the astral plane.

<< to the idea of Blaze, Morgan felt a jolt of surprise at Delilah...but Delilah was a police officer. it was her training, her nature to entertain all possibilities and suspects...no matter how remote.>>

From what Haleigh told me....you encountered Malice and Firebird in two different timelines. Malice escaped her timeline and I was t he first to make contact with Firebird in the final timeline. I share a rapport with my sister...even this alternate , just as i do with my mother that transcends my psi screen...i would know first and foremost if she were being controlled by Malice at this point. She is not.

<< she waves her hand without looking and a topaz jewel falls into Delilah's hand from a flurry of dark orbs.>>

i will fashion a talisman with that, to help protect Blaze. Malice has ALWAYS had a habit of attacking HER more than any of the unprotected minds. She did it with Foxfire...now she's doing it with Firebird. Haleigh should have consulted me first...before allowing Blaze to face Malice again.


<< an image of Isis appeared on the lens.>>

That must be the black queen!

She's very beautifull

<< Morgan thought.>>

From Haleigh's recap....she's a sorceress...she taps into a variety of manifestations of her magick...and Persephone indicated that ISIS , the goddess of rebirth is the source of her power.

<< that made not one..but FOUR examples of humans who had become avatars for goddesses....Morgan, Ava, Circe and now Dominique.>>

Well...however powerfull she may be...I look forward to BARBEQUING her in our upcoming rematch. She picked the WRONG woman to piss off.

<< as Delilah commented on how the hags seemed to NEVER die...Morgan couldnt help but smirk.>>

Well...as horrid as it may be...whatever keeps them going is probably what has brought Alison, Haleigh and myself back. most of us have cheated death...and everything happens for a reason...we learned that during her caper in ancient greece....

<< turning around as Delilah spoke with understanding and clarity, the mutant sensed her friend's pain and resentment about losing her life as a super model.>>

"Because we are not prepared to live in the shadows and act behind the scenes as they do. You could change your face, your name, and have it all again. But you wouldn't be happy like that, Morgan, and you know it. We can't hide who we truly are. They are the dark, Morgan, and we, we are the light."

<< Morgan couldnt help but smile a bit as the calm and warmth of Delilah's light cast over her too.>>

You're a good friend, Dee. I dont know that i deserve you. I was so...unkind to you when we first arrived to Aerie...even before. You saved Sharon...and helped insure she would save US from her son...

And inspite of all my attempts at being "Light" like YOU...and FAILING, You still offer a kind word, encouragement and friendship. YOU are the light, Delilah...you just help LESSEN the darkness that I am.

<< she came away from the scrying glass and sat next to her friend.>>

I just want to do SOMETHING NOW...i dont want to WAIT for them to get here. A storm is brewing outside and the storms over the ocean are always worse than the ones on land...but that wont stop the sisterhood. Isis is probably a teleporter in addition to being a sorceress.

<< she looks at Delilah.>>

I cant go back to the medical lab. I cant look at Nicolas ....he's so...broken! And knowing that I didnt do ANYTHING to help him OR Blaze...OR the others...

<< Morgan, still expecting more of herself than anyone else did, felt that she should have been AWARE SOONER. Even though she was caring for ava and alison and that was important, she just hated that she had been uninformed.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mke simply listened at first, taking in all trhe information he could. He saw Alison take command of Minerva's mansion--actually it was her's now. No problem. But as she began to rail against Nicolas...Mike thought back to the hatred from the alternate timelines, even to the events overall in the timelines. It pissed him to avail that she would speak this way, and he spoke up after Haleigh.

Indeed. If we had taken the same attitude with you a few weeks ago when you were lost, where would YOU be?

Mike leaned againt the wall calmly.

Everyone in this room should be able to depend on the others in this room. So far, when it was you in trouble, that was the case. Now, can YOU be depended upon?

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Mansion- the medical lab

:: Alison jutted her jaw as Haleigh immediately opposed her. Implying that her time alone in this mansion had somehow...diminished her humanity.::

It's HIS FAULT that Ava and I FELL INTO THE TIME STREAM! Or had you FORGOTTEN the way he was treating Morgan like a TROPHY and less like a human being! Had you FORGOTTEN the way he presented himself as a grade A , first class, all around ASSHOLE at the dinner?

Yes, I may have been drunk off of HEMLOCK, but HE was speaking with a CLEAR mind and knew EXACTLY what he was saying and what he MEANT to cause with his words.

You're right...YOU wouldnt have left ME behind...and I wouldnt leave YOU behind...But I WOULD leave HIM behind. I am no longer able to err on the side of PERSONAL FEELINGS, Haleigh. I am HARBINGER, the KEEPER OF TIME and the "secrets of man". If the Sisterhood's attack coincides with this..."DISASTER" that i cant quite focus on...then the artifacts in this mansion could fall into the wrong h ands and could be used to bring untold destruction the world over. the kind WE couldnt stop. if Pandora's box is opened...the END of the human race is at hand.


and if i MUST given in to personal feelings? then I go on record as saying that I care more about the well being of MORGAN who is in PHYSICAL DANGER from Nicolas. Then i do about a man who spends more time trying to GRAND STAND than anything else.



:: Haleigh couldnt HELP but remember that alternate reality, where Nicolas had killed Morgan brutally. could THIS be the beginning of THAT? even without the child Victoria being present...this was all too eerie::

Am i being ridiculous? MAYBE...but then again being TORTURED and BROKEN for what seems like an eternity tends to SCOUR AWAY whatever layers of "humanity" i managed to build up during my time with this team.


:: Alison was not angry with HALEIGH personally...she was just raw. Ava of all of them would understand.::

I realize that you are accustomed to altering the outcomes of my visions, Haleigh...but in order to possibly alter this one, you're going to have to accept the possibility that Nicolas will have to be destroyed.

:: She looks at Mike.::

Do you REALLY want me to start on you? Because You wont like what I have to say.

I have traveled the earth, fighting monsters that your mother read you bedtime stories about when you were a child. And i faced them when i was BARELY grown up. The trauma I experienced in that alternate timeline...its not something YOU or ANYONE ELSE in this room could have handled ANY BETTER than Ava and I did...and yes...without the arrival of the six, Ava and I would not have survived...but those discs opened in the first place BECAUSE Morgan was under undo stress and who put her under that stress??

HE DID!

:: pointing at Nicolas.::



Your friend, Nicolas is an ASSHOLE.



and he's going to be MORE than a danger to Morgan and everyone ELSE in this room in the near future.

You can stand here and defend him now...and then when he's done RAVAGING YOU and you need healing from Morgan , if she's even still alive to do so...I wonder THEN what your tone will be. But understand this...if Pandora or anything ELSE in the catacombs becomes the object of Nicolas' intentions...I will do WHATEVER i have to do to make SURE he doesnt reach his goal...and i will protect MORGAN with that same determination.

 

[Persephone]

:: Ava was abnormally quiet as Alison and Haleigh conversed about Nicolas' condition...until Mike came back in spouting off at the mouth which instantly boiled Ava's blood. ::

"Excuse me?"

:: Her eyes were narrowed as she looked at the man with such a look of disgust and shock. ::

"How dare you come in here and speak to her [Alison] like that. You have NO IDEA what we went through, and for you to THROW that in HER FACE?! You're a disgusting vial EXCUSE for human being."

:: Ava had been civil to Mike earlier while she was with her sister....his sincerety and remorse about what she had been through was sweet and touching. But apparently that was all lies. For him to have the nerve to say that she and Alison would still be in the alternate timeline if it weren't for them was revolting. Ava was aware of that little detail, as was Alison. They might even be DEAD at this point if the six hadn't shown up. But for HIM to play that card NOW, was beyond outragous in the goddesses eyes. It was like jabbing a hot poker in an already raw wound. ESPECIALLY considering how edgy both she and Alison still were. ::

"Nicolas is LUCKY that's all this Isis knockoff did to him. Because I would of made it COUNT."

:: Pushing past Mike, Ava exited the medical lab to go get changed for the inevitable battle against the new sisterhood. And to cool off a bit too. ::

 

[Black Widow]

"NO, I haven't forgotten, nor have I forgotten that it was MY fault there was such tension at dinner in the FIRST place. Nor have I forgotten that we pretty much ALL took turns being AWFUL to each other, when we SHOULD have been celebrating the fact that we were still all ALIVE and TOGETHER! Every timeline I went to, they were PLAGUED by loss and heartache. We are UNGRATEFUL!"

She exclaimed, before staring at Alison, seemingly realizing both that she had gotten off topic and that she'd let her emotions drag her there. She took a deep breath and resumed.

"No, I haven't forgotten. What he said was disrespectful and distasteful.... but come on, Alison.... he's a man. [unapologetically, without regard that Mike might take offense] and we BOTH know that men can be counted on to say really foolish things at the worst possible time. [as Alison claimed being drunk] Don't do that... don't you even dare. You spoke your mind, Alison, you said how you FELT... the hemlock didn't give you those ideas. You said what you THOUGHT and so did HE and you BOTH ought to own up to that and FACE it. Don't use the hemlock as a cop out. You were both TRYING to wound, and you BOTH suceeded."

You're right...YOU wouldnt have left ME behind...and I wouldnt leave YOU behind...But I WOULD leave HIM behind.

"Well I CAN'T. I WON'T, and I need you to respect that, if nothing else."

I am HARBINGER, the KEEPER OF TIME and the "secrets of man". If the Sisterhood's attack coincides with this..."DISASTER" that i cant quite focus on...then the artifacts in this mansion could fall into the wrong h ands and could be used to bring untold destruction the world over. the kind WE couldnt stop. if Pandora's box is opened...the END of the human race is at hand.

"By all means necessary, I encourage you to fulfill your duties as Harbinger. I know that MUST come before anything else for you, and I understand why. Know that while you do what YOU must to honor your comittment to your destiny, I will likewise do what I must to honor MY destiny, my FAMILY and my FRIEND."

Am i being ridiculous? MAYBE...but then again being TORTURED and BROKEN for what seems like an eternity tends to SCOUR AWAY whatever layers of "humanity" i managed to build up during my time with this team.

"I understand what you been through Alison, I know it intimately, as you are WELL aware.... I have been down the road you're one Alison, and I can tell you that it leads ONLY to darkness. YOU remember what I was like when we first met. Is THAT what you want to become? YOU helped give me BACK my humanity, Alison. Hold on to that. DON'T shut down, Alison.... or you will be BROKEN and TORTURED for a long time.... and then you will be lost. Believe me.... I know."

Haleigh knew Mike was angry, he had a right to be upset.... but Haleigh had a better understanding then most and so, she was not upset by Alison's cold despondence. She tried to reach out to the Seer... but there was only so much she could do.

I realize that you are accustomed to altering the outcomes of my visions, Haleigh...but in order to possibly alter this one, you're going to have to accept the possibility that Nicolas will have to be destroyed.

Haleigh looked down at Nicolas, her hand slipping into his once more.... she hoped beyond reason that it wouldn't come to that.... she didn't have to be a precog to know just how much pain that would cause her AND Karen and Morgan, who were really the only people so deeply invested in Nicolas. She looked back up at Alison, letting Nic's hand go as she pulled off her robe, revealing her battle dress uniform beneath. Her expression was one of resigned disappointment.

"Yes.... I know. I want you to have EVERY confidence that IF that moment comes... I will stand with you JUST LIKE I did when we faced Alexis. And if I HAVE to.... I will help you -- [looking pained, misty-eyed] I will do what it takes to ensure the safety of the rest of this team, just like I did then..... no matter the personal feelings... no matter the cost. If that's what I MUST do.... I will do it. .... But that is a LAST resort, Alison... and until THAT moment comes... I will NOT abandon him."

Alison lashed back at Mike, clearly still angry at Nic for what had been said and hostile with Mike by association. Tempers were flaring, and Haleigh tried her BEST to defuse.

"Now Alison..... That's a completely UNFAIR assessment. He is not without FLAWS.... but NONE of us are. You can't PERSECUTE Nicolas for the things he said... not after what WE have done to each other. You are no less guilty of being the occaisional asshole than he is, or I, or any of us. What's more.... I have been a DANGER.... MORGAN has been.... Delilah... ALL of us. We can't write him off because something he's done in the past may cause us pain.... We can't cut him out just because we decide we don't want to shoulder the burden. After all he's done to help US in our times of need, he deserves our help NOW."

Ava took immediate offense to Mike's words, which left Haleigh feeling almost like she was letting Ava down by not feeling Mike had said the wrong thing... but secretly Haleigh knew what Mike had meant... and while he could have said it with more tact, she knew her sister AND Alison would both be very sensitive right now.

"Ava--"

She started.... but Ava stormed out... Haleigh turned to Mike.

"She's hurt, Mike... let that one go."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the medical lab

<< Karen was surprised at how quickly and abruptly Alison ordered her away from Nicolas. the doctor wasnt one for giving into feelings of anxiety easily, but THIS seemed serious. the severity of Nicolas' wounds...his own behavior before being sedated...and now this.>>

<< Karen , the DOCTOR, realized that even she had no immediate solution for Nicolas' injury or ailing. and now...the precog suggested that he was DOOMED. She'd predicted disaster before, but something about this...it DID seem to be beyond the point of altering and with the Sisterhood on their way...how much WORSE could it get.>>

If Nicolas is out of action indefinately, then we need to move him away from here. somewhere where he cant do any harm to anyone...Morgan could send him to Limbo for his own protection and ours. perhaps THAT is a way around Alison's prediction....it would at least buy us time to fight off the Sisterhood.

<< But as Haleigh opposed Alison and then Mike joined in...Karen put her hand over her face and exhaled loudly.>>

goddess give me strength.

<< Haleigh and Alison were one thing...Mike and Alison were another all together. Mike was a good man, he was seasoned, older than Nicolas, he had wisdom and experience, but his KNEE/JERK reaction to Alison's tirade against Nicolas was both expected AND as Karen feared, ILL RECEIVED by Alison AND Ava and before anything more could happen the witch and the goddess tore into Mike. Ava stormed out of the medical lab and Alison turned her back.>>

<< Karen slowly stood up.>>

Okay...allright. Mike, that probably wasnt the best thing to say.

<< talking to Alison next.>>

Alison...I would expect this coldness from Ava as of late...given what she's been through...and I know how far you've come FROM your "marble hard ways...but even as a defense mechanism, to cast out one of our own...at their darkest hour...it's BEYOND unkind...it's UNFEELING. You and Ava know better than that.

Remember....remember when Haleigh and Cameron were ready to write off MORGAN as she inched closer and closer to the Inferno?

Those who dont remember the past..are DOOMED to repeat it.

Nicolas doesnt always say or do the right things...but do ANY of us?

He was willing to risk his life in the time stream because it was his DUTY...and he would have done it INSPITE of that. If this were several months ago...before so much had happened, I could see you being able to cast him out. but not now...not after all of this. HIS fate is bound to ours...we ALL need each other now.

the PROBLEMS...the UNRESOLVED ISSUES between you and he are no less important...but at the moment...i think you would agree we have a few more PRESSING issues at hand...that could make everything else IRRELEVANT if we arent prepared to deal with them.

<< she spoke with stern clarity.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mike hesitated on his scathing reply as Karen said her piece. She was clear, stern, and actually stood up for Nicolas aginst Alison, to a point. He was heartened, as he feared she would never do that. He said one mor ething, and left it at that, hoping it would do SOMETHING, but not optimistic.

No one was more angry at you that night than Nicolas. And he was the FIRST to enter the timestream after you. He OFFERED Darkchilde his SOUL to have her send the the rest of us to you. His SOUL. Any animosity he had evaporated when he thought you were in danger. It will be a REAL shame if you cannot muster SOME emotional effort now that he is in need. In spite of your attitude I thought you better than that. I hope I was right.

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's mansion- the medical lab

"

No, I haven't forgotten. What he said was disrespectful and distasteful.... but come on, Alison.... he's a man. [unapologetically, without regard that Mike might take offense] and we BOTH know that men can be counted on to say really foolish things at the worst possible time. [as Alison claimed being drunk] Don't do that... don't you even dare. You spoke your mind, Alison, you said how you FELT... the hemlock didn't give you those ideas. You said what you THOUGHT and so did HE and you BOTH ought to own up to that and FACE it. Don't use the hemlock as a cop out. You were both TRYING to wound, and you BOTH suceeded."

:: Haleigh called Alison out on one thing that she couldnt deny. It WASNT the Hemlock...if anything the Hemlock simply made it EASIER to say what she and others felt. But for the first time SINCE the incident...someone ELSE besides Morgan and Karen VALIDATED the distastefull nature of Nicolas' remark. Haleigh didnt know how FAR her words had gone just now. The seer looked at the hybrid as she spoke.::

:: as Haleigh remained steadfast in her resolve to do what she could for Nicolas, she found that Alison was not critical of HER wanting to do that.::

I respect it...i would expect nothing else from you.

:: her fist clenched a bit. Once again Haleigh was right about the path She was on and Karen warned her that those who DONT remember the past are doomed to repeat it::

But...I wasnt ready to deal with him...and now I'm being FORCED to protect him.

:: she looks at Haleigh and Karen.::

That timeline..was the FIRST TIME where i truly had NO OPTIONS. NONE of my powers as a witch or a precog...NONE of my skills as a tactician could help me or Ava...we had no choice but to endure the nightmare...using what SHRED of consciousness we had left to HOPE for Morgan or an y one of you to come and rescue us.


:: she closed her eyes and looked away...trying to hold back tears.::

and for YOU..

:: she screamed at Mike::

to try to tell me that I owe some kind of...DEBT to NICOLAS because he "valiantly" jumped into a stepping disc or was prepared to give his soul to Darkchilde, as if I CHOSE to be in the position of NEEDING TO BE RESCUED? ...WHO ARE YOU to tell ME how i should feel!?

YOU WERENT THERE! You dont know ANYTHING about what happened to me OR to Ava...you dont even know the history of this TEAM save what you've seen RECENTLY and you DARE to try to pass some kind of MORAL judgement on me?

You SHOULDVE been telling Nicolas that MORGAN isnt a TROPHY girlfriend and that she needs MORE than a MAN to be fullfilled in her life. any IDIOT could see that.

But once again...because of what Nicolas, did, that's supposed to take away the pain and the HURT he caused? and indirectly caused me and AVA?

:: Karen intervenes...and Alison pulls back...just as she felt the urge to lash out at Mike with her POWERS. If it had been in the first days of the Six...Mike wouldve been flying across the room by now but she would be BEYOND "wrong" if she attacked a non powered human like that out of anger and she could NOT just act so callously now. She'd come too far and Haleigh was right, she didnt want to regress.::


I'm just having a HARD TIME, Karen. I CAN'T TELL YOU that I FEEL the same way about Nicolas the way Mike claims he felt about me when Ava and I fell through the stepping disc. You and Haleigh know me...you KNOW i dont forgive easily, just LOOK at the situation with Erika or my mother...and when everyone thought i was heartless for not forgiving them, it turned out that i was right on BOTH counts. The fog of uncertainty around Nicolas clears to reveal one thing...DANGER for Morgan..for ALL of us. Even if i WANTED to forgive him...to TRY to help him...it is all but TOO LATE!


:: the anger and resentment was starting to level off. that was a good sign and Alison was being honest. She couldnt just forgive Nicolas because he was in a bad way. and Even Karen admitted that their unresolved issues needed to be addressed, but NOW was simply not the time.::

...at the same time, I realize that if Nicolas is lost...that it would be devastating to more than one person in the Six...that it could change the entire destiny of the team. we ARE all connected far more than we were before we arrived at Aerie. but that doesnt mean that Ava and myself HAVE to just look the other way and act like Nicolas is our "ray of light".


I'll do what i can...and I will help make sure all other possible options are exhausted before it comes to us having to destroy Nicolas to save ourselves or the world.

But for now...I can't be here. I cant even look at him.

:: and with that, Alison BLINKS out of view.::

 

[Firebird]

Medical Lab to hallway (again lol)

Blaze had just gotten comfortable when all hell broke lose. One person's public opinion was another's problem. It was like a domino effect as Blaze sighed heavily grumbling under her breath. "Who needs Desperate Housewives when its right here on Aerie 24/7."

She wasn't stepping in since it wasn't her battle, it was between them. Although luckily Karen attempted to sedate everyone's fragile nerves. But even Blaze felt a sense of deja-vu as she sat there listening to her teammates bicker about the past, present, and future as well as Nicolas' livelihood.

The brunette had noticed Alison's physical changes along with her icy demeanor, although she couldn't blame her or Ava for the horror they went through. She'd be resentful too if she had been subjected to that. Not only did Ava leave but Alison departed as well.

Kicking up her feet onto the nearby coffee table, "That went well." Sarcasm dripped off her lips as she folded her hands into her lap. Mainly taking things into perspective from what Alison, Mike, Ava, and Haleigh felt. Everyone was splitting up in their own directions, which with her experience was never a good sign.

Standing up, Blaze tossed the magazine she had been flipping through. Walking over to Karen who seemed like the most level-headed person in that room. "I really don't envy you right now." Mainly commenting on how Karen had to play the motherly role to soothe everyone's emotions and try to do damage control.

Blaze was the most neutral party among the others to try and get through to Alison. "I'll be back." Exiting the Medical Lab to turn the corner to walk along the hallway, unsure where Alison had blinked off too. Blaze might have attempted to lock onto her heat signature and flame next to her. But she refrained from doing so because she didn't know the full extent of the Seer's powers and she was already on edge as it was.

"Alison...I know your around here."

Looking around the hallway for the brunette, Blaze turned to peer outside to see the ocean waves crashing violently against the shore. "We don't have to talk about it...but I needed to talk to you about something power wise." Calling out as her voice echoed off the halls that would linger throughout the mansion.

As stubborn as she was Blaze wasn't frightened or intimidated by Alison. Her mainstream counterpart could often see past the 'marble heart' facade the Seer wore. This alternate was no different except she could understand Alison's thinking. Blaze too would do anything for Morgan's safety even if that meant leaving a teammate behind or killing one. In her time line she had faced many difficulties including losing a few teammates. Death hadn't lingered from behind the fire elemental.

She would wait to see if Alison would appear while she wondered along the mansion looking for.

 

[Arsenal]

to try to tell me that I owe some kind of...DEBT to NICOLAS because he "valiantly" jumped into a stepping disc or was prepared to give his soul to Darkchilde, as if I CHOSE to be in the position of NEEDING TO BE RESCUED? ...WHO ARE YOU to tell ME how i should feel!?

YOU WERENT THERE! You dont know ANYTHING about what happened to me OR to Ava...you dont even know the history of this TEAM save what you've seen RECENTLY and you DARE to try to pass some kind of MORAL judgement on me?

You SHOULDVE been telling Nicolas that MORGAN isnt a TROPHY girlfriend and that she needs MORE than a MAN to be fullfilled in her life. any IDIOT could see that.

But once again...because of what Nicolas, did, that's supposed to take away the pain and the HURT he caused? and indirectly caused me and AVA?

Mike listened to Alison and her pain was understood by him. But Alison did not understand. He answered her, his voice softer...

You don't owe Nicolas. Or any of us. He would not keep score. But is it too much to ask for you to do what he would do for you? You may know the future, but what Morgan and Nicolas have...you know nothing about. And you were and are wrong to meddle in their affair.

Alison turned a moment as if to attack and Mike stood steadfast as she....relented, revealing that she was not ready to deal with Nicolas yet before departing.

Mike shook his head sadly, his faith in this team shaken as never before...

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah closed her hand over the topaz jewel that had fallen into her palm, grasping it tight in her fist. She allowed herself a sigh of relief with the knowledge that Blaze wasn't out to murder them in their beds - and that she would now be safe from Malice's mechanations thanks to Morgan's talisman. She hated that after all they had been through, the Six had to be so skeptical, so cynical, in their dealings with others and even with each other. It always seemed someone close to home became their worst nightmare.

You're a good friend, Dee. I dont know that i deserve you. I was so...unkind to you when we first arrived to Aerie...even before. You saved Sharon...and helped insure she would save US from her son...

And inspite of all my attempts at being "Light" like YOU...and FAILING, You still offer a kind word, encouragement and friendship. YOU are the light, Delilah...you just help LESSEN the darkness that I am.

"You're wrong Morgan - YOU gave ME another chance, when I didn't deserve it. I did the right thing, yes, but too late. I should've..."

She stopped, struggling with the right words.

"Any light that I have comes from the friends I have, here, now, with the Six. YOU saw...in that other timeline...what I had become..."

She looked down, ashamed and not able to finish the thought.

I just want to do SOMETHING NOW...i dont want to WAIT for them to get here...

"And whatever you choose to do, Morgan, you know I'll be right there next to you. But we can't afford to act rashly. We need a plan - and once we have one, I say, hell yeah, let's go after those bitches."

She grinned widely at her old friend.

I cant go back to the medical lab. I cant look at Nicolas ....he's so...broken! And knowing that I didnt do ANYTHING to help him OR Blaze...OR the others...

That you didn't kick him to the curb months ago seems like doing plenty for him if you ask me...

Delilah put on her most chastising look, like a mother scolding a child for spilling the milk.

"Now, Morgan, you know there was nothing more you could have done. You did what you could - that's all anyone can ask of any one person. And that's all you are: one person. As much as you try to be twenty, you only have two hands. Just because you can bench press a car with them, it doesn't change that."

She smiled warmly.

"We'll deal with this new thing with Nicolas just like we've dealt with everything else - we do our best, we take care of our own, and we move on. You have to stop letting all that's wrong in the world eat you up inside - you are not responsible for all the horrible things that have happened to us. But you are damn responsible for turning those things around and saving us. For god's sake, for saving the world."

Delilah crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow.

"Not bad for a supermodel."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the medical lab

<< Karen wondered just WHAT Alison's prophecy against Nicolas had been. No one had saw the final confrontation between Alison and Nicolas accept Morgan when he rebroadcast it to her and Ava when Alison replayed it for her.>>

<< Haleigh did a remarkable job keeping the peace as best she could...but Ava and Alison were not prepared to deal with Nicolas. That was the bottom line. HOWEVER, it appeared that they understood thte necessity of standing together to protect themselves and their team from the Sisterhood AND to face whatever danger was coming, even if it was from Nicolas.>>

<< she looked at Mike with disapproval as replied to Alison one last time.>>

That will be quite enough, Mike. She's a woman in pain.

<< As Blaze departed, Karen noted the aloof nature of the alternate. She too had been injured by Malice, and Morgan was unhappy that Haleigh had allowed Blaze to face Malice, KNOWING Malice's habit of savaging unprotected minds. The doctor walked slowly to the center of the room.>>

And she's Morgan's best friend...which gives her EVERY right to be concerned of Morgan's treatment at Nicolas' or any other man's hand.

As Morgan's mother, i too was APPALLED at what he said to Alison, as well as his presumption that HE was all Morgan should need to be fullfilled on Aerie now that her life as a supermodel was no more. I didnt raise her to depend on a man like that.

Morgan has a family dynamic Mike. Blaze is her sister....Alison and Delilah are her surrogate sisters and I am her mother. We will ALWAYS be interested in her well being, no matter WHO she is with. We know that she will live her life the way she feels...love the man she chooses...but as her mother...i can NEVER just "keep out of her business" totally.



<< she looked down, placing her hand on her forehead.>>

But Haleigh is right...Nicolas IS a man...a young man at that. He doesnt always say the right thing... but then again none of us always do. We have to find a way to get past the pain...put it aside for NOW and deal with the task at hand which INCLUDES caring for Nicolas.

He may be inappropriate at times , but he has a heart of gold. he's courageous and tries his best...things that his father instilled in him. Thats all any of us can expect of him or each other...to try our best AND to be able to recognize our errors and account for them. He obviously can't do that right now.

Ava and Alison will stand with the team because it is their duty, not because they feel anything specific for NICOLAS. If THAT is all we can get from them right now, then we must leave it at that. one step at a time.

<< she looks at Haleigh.>>

You did well. This incident prooves that Ava and Alison are still a ways from total recovery...it's not their fault. It will just take TIME...time that we may not have much more of if Alison's vision comes to pass.

<< she moves by Nicolas, against Alison's recommendations and gently rubs his head.>>

I'm afraid that there ISNT anything I can do for him at this point except ease the pain. I'll contact Morgan and ask her to move Nicolas to Limbo. It may be the best thing for him AND us until we can deal with the sisterhood.

<< she was well aware of the turmoil her daughter was feeling. some of it was pure anguish over Nicolas' wounds and condition.>>