You can't go home again

[Verna]

Assistance

<< All was about to be LOST!>>

For a moment....she can't speak, she almost forgets to BREATHE, but shen she sees Karen's bloody face...their eyes meet. They can see each other!

"MOM!!!"

"He's KILLING HER!"

"CHRISTOPHER! YOU BASTARD!"

Blaze screams as tears fall from her face!

"Leave her ALONE!"

<< On the table near the couch where Karen and Haleigh had been sitting, the two RUNES that Alix had gifted Karen with- one for FAMILY and one for PROTECTION - began to hum...and GLOW.>>

:: As Kelly watched the spell in its glory she began to wonder if this was it for the witch. If She had finally pushed the doctor towards her breaking point. ::

"Rest in peace...Shadow Weaver."

<< Black Widow, Firebird, Arsenal, Ruby and Orion may have been all but helpless in the face of what was about to be the MURDER of Karen Victoria, but they would NOT be forced to bare witness to that. >>

Oh....I don't THINK SO.

<< winds and an eldritch chime, different in tone from Morgan's or Karen's, but still similar, sound off, as the REAL Verna Eckert emerges , wearing her regal high priestess gown >>

So, Sybill's warning wasn't enough?

You're really getting out of hand, little girl, and you're earning attention from people that you REALLY DON'T WANT.

Case in point?

<< the super-witch looked elegant and POWERFUL, and she looked upon Kelly with a smirk, which then melted into a look of utter CONTEMPT. As with Sybil and Kelly's confrontation on the balcony of the club house, THIS confrontation was sight-unseeen for everyone else, but the outcome of it would have noticeable impact and consequence on what they COULD see.>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< A split screen view of Talisman and Verna starring each other down, before we shift to a full of Talisman, who acts with decisive speed, drawing her omni pistol and firing upon Verna.>>

<< Verna doesn't move. Her green eyes sparkle and FLASH, as the projection is DEFLECTED by her mystic TK shield and it ricochets every which way!>>

You REALLY think you're dealing with a novice?

And here you are...relying on technology to bolster your magick!? And you call yourself a witch? << Verna laughs >> Honey, you're no better than a man using viagra!

But I shouldn't be surprised...your mainstream counterpart was an eternal failure. The witch on the smurfs was more competent and fearsome than SHE ever was, and she'll probably be remembered long after YOU'RE removed from here as well.

<< Her laughter fades as she once again "mean mugs" Kelly. And now it was HER turn>>

<< Verna gestures/points, and there's a rushing/chiming sound in the air, as sheATTACKS Kelly with a VIOLENT and angrily focused display of TK, sending her flying back and SLAMMING into a wall so hard she leaves a body imprint before falling to the floor>>

Since you were OBVIOUSLY stalking my granddaughter, SURELY you heard her when she told Haleigh how I used to PROTECT HER from Christopher's mystech goons? I was TOO POWERFUL for them. I am the reason they began scrambling to find some sort of magickal resource for their clandestine operations!

You tried to PERVERT Karen's memory of me earlier, make her think that I would HURT her, or allow Christopher or anyone else to hurt her!?

You DESERVE every last bit of PAIN I'm going to give you.

And if you think OUR battle is going to go the way of that earlier confrontation you had? If you think that I'll give you a CHANCE, THINK AGAIN!

I'm NOT Sybill, sweetheart. She always DID want to give wayward girls like you a chance.

She possessed a level of compassion that does NOT run in the Eckert blood line...a bloodline that leads to HECATE.

I'll kick you pretty little butt all OVER this room, and beyond, and I'll see you DEAD before I let you hurt my granddaughter.

<< Talisman was once again confronted by an unexpected variable, and a POWERFUL one at that. With her concentration suitably broken, the entire spell/attack on Karen was now beginning to LOSE it's strength and it's hold.>>

<< Verna extends her hand, HOLDING Kelly where she fell, Subjecting Kelly to a similar immobilization that she had subjected the others to. Verna looks back at Karen>>

<< The runes for protection and family continue to hum, and now glow more brightly.>>

Karen! You must HEAR me! You HAVE to take back control!

Trust in the power within you! Trust your TRUE heart of hearts...and know that this nightmare that KELLY SHAW has subjected you to, is NOT. REAL.

You are the daughter of HECATE! Show this CHEAP SPRITE what that means!

<< Kelly, upon the realization that Verna would be on her at EVERY TURN if she continued this confrontation, and it would be a battle that would force her to commit more energy and resources than she was prepared to, would chose to make a strategic withdrawl, and as she left, the spell lost most of its power, but the damage that had been done to Karen was real enough, and so, Verna, tapping into the power of the RUNES gifted to her granddaughter by Alix, works in concert with them to COUNTERACT and help Karen to BREAK FREE of the hold Kelly had on her this entire time.>>

<< Regarding Kelly>>

Hmph. Silly Girl.

<< On to more important matters>>

Karen!

<< Verna's form and image begin to PUSH THROUGH the terrifying phantom of Christopher>>

Don't be afraid ANYMORE. GRAMMIE is here!

<< She reaches out her hand, All Karen has to do is TAKE IT, and she, along with those runes, will give Karen that last needed PUSH!>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon- her suite

<< The struggle between Karen and Christopher was one sided. Karen was all but completely helpless this time, and in mortal physical danger. Her body was rapidly approaching cardiac arrest.>>

<< Haleigh was immbolized, forced to watch, powerless to intervene. NOW the hybrid knew that Karen wasn't going insane, and she saw the same thing that Sharon, Delilah and Vivica had seen on the balcony.>>

<< There was a BRIEF of hope when Firebird, Arsenal, Ruby and Orion burst into the room, but then they too were ensnared by Talisman's magick, and rendered powerless.>>

For a moment....she can't speak, she almost forgets to BREATHE, but shen she sees Karen's bloody face...their eyes meet. They can see each other!

"MOM!!! "He's KILLING HER!"

<< All seemed LOST.>>

<< On the table near the couch where Karen and Haleigh had been sitting, the two RUNES that Alix had gifted Karen with- one for FAMILY and one for PROTECTION - began to hum...and GLOW.>>

<< the confrontation between Talisman and Verna unfolds sight unseen, but has a VERY real impact on what IS seen by the eyes, and FELT on an emotional and physical level.>>

<< As Verna checks Talisman, much like Sybil did earlier, and drives her away, the witch turned high priestess does not leave just yet.>>

the spell lost most of its power, but the damage that had been done to Karen was real enough, and so, Verna, tapping into the power of the RUNES gifted to her granddaughter by Alix, works in concert with them to COUNTERACT and help Karen to BREAK FREE of the hold Kelly had on her this entire time.>>

Karen!

<< Verna's form and image begin to PUSH THROUGH the terrifying phantom of Christopher>>

Don't be afraid ANYMORE. GRAMMIE is here!

<< She reaches out her hand, All Karen has to do is TAKE IT, and she, along with those runes, will give Karen that last needed PUSH!>>

....grammie...

Grammie: Don't be afraid baby!

<< Grammie holds out her hand. The table, the straps, Christopher, NONE of it is real...and as the rune protection hums louder and glows more brightly, Karen is bathed in its spectral light, and senses that this is her REAL grammie reaching out to her and that all she has to do to FREE herself completely, is reach out and TAKE HER HAND. >>

<< The battered doctor summons the courage to move, to ACT and despite what her eyes and senses TELL HER, she sees herself reaching for her grammie, and, bathed in the energy from the rune of protection, she BREAKS FREE of Kelly's spell, and once hand in hand with Grammie, the woman is PULLED OUT of it completely, set FREE on all levels, and now RESTORED. Talisman's spell over Karen is BROKEN (but it still lingers over the others it touched)>>

<< Karen cries out , as she reaches for Grammie's protective embrace, and the high priestess does not reject her at all. The ILLUSION of the exam room is SHATTERED with a loud crash, as "shards" of it flow away like a broken mirror to reveal the true environment once more. >>

<< for a BRIEF second, Black Widow, Firebird, Arsenal, Ruby and Orion can ALL see the form of Verna, as she holds Karen in a warm, loving embrace, and the light of the protection AND family talismans surround them all.>>

I'm free....

<< Karen says softly.>>

Thank you, Grammie!

Grammie: Till next time, my darling. I love you!

<< And with that, Grammie gives a knowing look to the others in attendance, before vanishing, leaving Karen and the others.>>

<< Blaze RUSHES to her mother and hugs her tightly, they embrace other, as Zach checks Haleigh, and they BOTH check the doctor.>>

<< Karen slowly releases Blaze>>

I'm sorry, but I have to leave. RIGHT NOW.

<< Michael tries to object.>>

You can't stop me, Michael. This is TOO important.

<< She looks at them all, before resting her eyes on Haleigh once more.>>

I KNOW who was attacking me. It's not Diana, and it's not Christopher. It's KELLY.

<< Karen holds up her hands, and SNAPS her fingers. A chime sounds off, as she instantly changes into her latest costume , a black ensemble, complete with a choker and opera gloves, that is modern and more functional update of her classic "flying suit" (though the bodice is modified to not expose her midriff) as Shadow Weaver.>>

<< She didn't say the woman's last name, but for Black Widow, Firebird and Orion, there was only ONE woman with THAT name who held any significance to this team.>>

Delilah, Frost, and the others....they've been lead into a TRAP, and I'm going to the Citadle STOP it....stop HER << Kelly!>>

I KNOW what I'm saying. I'm not suffering from any illusion OR delusion. The attacks were all part of an effort on her part to cause me to completely unravel and even DIE from cardiac arrest. But Grammie helped FREE me from all of the effects, and now my own personal magicks have restored my mind and body.

<< Karen spoke with coldness and certainty, and she was now completely back "in the driver's seat". >>

No, you CAN'T go, Michael. NONE of you can. That woman attacked me, she vexed ME on a deep, PERSONAL level, and she then pulled OTHERS into it, they are now on a direct collision course with her and her trap. Just as Grammie set ME free, I'm going to do the same for THEM, and I'm going to pay Kelly back...IN KIND!

<< Karen gestures, and with a rushing mystic sound, she disappears, her next stop? The Citadle....to CONFRONT Kelly Shaw!>>

 

[Arsenal]

This is what being gently railroaded felt like. Haleigh gave him 'that look'. Blaze reconsiders. Zach is cut out of it all. Cass wavers. And finally, Doc goes for it. Her job and shit he is sure. Blaze does that 'hug Mike so he doesn't go off' thing and they lead him out like a 90-year old that just swore in church at the wrong time. The door closes and Mike hates himself for knowing that all of them were right.

Why could he not be more selfish? Because he, in the end, could not tell Haleigh to fuck off. So now he was outside, Blaze telling him he had done the right thing when his gut screamed that he had just written Doc's death certificate.

He hears a whimper, then a yelp. They all rise as one, but not before Blaze has a seizure he had seen before, when Nic reacted psychically to someone's extreme distress!

FUCK!

He kicks the door. He knows what it is made of, he also knows that he can kick it off the hinges and across the room. Second try. NADA. Zach takes a turn (lol). Now Blaze is firing on the damned thing enough heat energy to tan an M1 Abrams tank and they are still on the wrong side of this damnable thing. Finally, Blaze breaks through and Mike and Zach each pick a side and kick like their lives depend on it.

<< He wasted NO TIME picking up where he left on on the balcony!>>

DON'T TOUCH....AAGGGHHKKKK!!!!

<< She shuts her eyes tightly, but she's bound and HELPLESS before the murderous wrath of her husband>>

<< FLASH!>>

That is your ass motherf-

And he cannot move. Cannot draw his weapon. Can only watch as the woman he loves takes a beating that would make Ike Turner proud, tears welling in his eyes and his muscles screaming as he pushes against an unseen force holding him at bay.

It is a living death, watching and silently hoping an then...alrighty then. Grammie, who 'died' (why even use this ridiculous word anymore) is there, and holding Karen!

<< for a BRIEF second, Black Widow, Firebird, Arsenal, Ruby and Orion can ALL see the form of Verna, as she holds Karen in a warm, loving embrace, and the light of the protection AND family talismans surround them all.>>

I'm free....

<< Karen says softly.>>

Thank you, Grammie!

Grammie: Till next time, my darling. I love you!

Mike is last released and makes it to Karen after Blaze has already crossed the room. She seems to be...fine. Better than fine...GREAT. And ready to move apparently.

<< Karen slowly releases Blaze>>

I'm sorry, but I have to leave. RIGHT NOW.

The hell you say! You just almost had a gotda-

You can't stop me, Michael. This is TOO important.

<< She looks at them all, before resting her eyes on Haleigh once more.>>

I KNOW who was attacking me. It's not Diana, and it's not Christopher. It's KELLY.

<< Karen holds up her hands, and SNAPS her fingers. A chime sounds off, as she instantly changes into her latest costume , a black ensemble, complete with a choker and opera gloves, that is modern and more functional update of her classic "flying suit" (though the bodice is modified to not expose her midriff) as Shadow Weaver.>>

Kelly King?! Another death reject. Whoever is running hell now is officially fired. Mike pulls over his cowl and places his goggles in combat mode, the combat supercomputer booted and ready to go. He is already harder to see thanks to his stealth mode and he sheds his outer clothing to reveal his combat nano-battlesuit. He is ready to roll.

Fine then, Doc. Let's roll and fuck this bitch SMOOOOOOTH up. No problem by me, I have pulled my gun way too many times without shooting in the last day.

I KNOW what I'm saying. I'm not suffering from any illusion OR delusion. The attacks were all part of an effort on her part to cause me to completely unravel and even DIE from cardiac arrest. But Grammie helped FREE me from all of the effects, and now my own personal magicks have restored my mind and body.

<< Karen spoke with coldness and certainty, and she was now completely back "in the driver's seat". >>

I am ready when you are, baby. Let's rol-

No, you CAN'T go, Michael. NONE of you can. That woman attacked me, she vexed ME on a deep, PERSONAL level, and she then pulled OTHERS into it, they are now on a direct collision course with her and her trap. Just as Grammie set ME free, I'm going to do the same for THEM, and I'm going to pay Kelly back...IN KIND!

You cannot be serious Doc. You are gonna just roll in there without me? Without any of u-

<< Karen gestures, and with a rushing mystic sound, she disappears, her next stop? The Citadle....to CONFRONT Kelly Shaw!>>

You just did that. Yep.

Mike grabs the nightstand by the bed and tosses it through the glass doors, past the balcony and over the side with a single heave.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

He turns and walks out of the door. The wolves, who by now have recovered, look at Haleigh again and then follow Daddy out of the suite...

 

[Talisman]

Verna: "Oh...I don't THINK SO."

< Eldritch energy sounded off like nails on a chalkboard to Talisman's ears. >

"For the love of science...ANOTHER guardian?!"

Verna: "So, Sybill's warning wasn't enough? You're really getting out of hand, little girl, and you're earning attention from people that you REALLY DON'T WANT."

< She turned to face the true Verna Eckert, her face remaining fixed and subtle, with a quiet intensity as her eyes glimmered back at the witch menacingly. She spoke in her signature low, sultry and cerebral tone. >

"You're right...I don't want your attention. What I want is to be left alone. Surely the Keeper of Earthbound Witches and --- WHATEVER it is that YOU are, have better things to do [mockingly] intimidate and scold littled old me."

Case in point?

<< the super-witch looked elegant and POWERFUL, and she looked upon Kelly with a smirk, which then melted into a look of utter CONTEMPT. As with Sybil and Kelly's confrontation on the balcony of the club house, THIS confrontation was sight-unseeen for everyone else, but the outcome of it would have noticeable impact and consequence on what they COULD see.>>

"Case dismissed. With prejudice."

< In an INSTANT her Omni Pistol shimmered into her hand as it mystical looking barrell FASTER than human thought, ready to ignite a DEADLY alcemichal attack. She need ed to get the run on this old ghost or her spell risked being broken. She didn't have time to spar with this woman for long. >

<< Verna doesn't move. Her green eyes sparkle and FLASH, as the projection is DEFLECTED by her mystic TK shield and it ricochets every which way!>>

You REALLY think you're dealing with a novice?

"No...and neither are you. Stand down, Verna Eckert."

< The deflection was impressive. >

And here you are...relying on technology to bolster your magick!? And you call yourself a witch? << Verna laughs >> Honey, you're no better than a man using viagra!

But I shouldn't be surprised...your mainstream counterpart was an eternal failure. The witch on the smurfs was more competent and fearsome than SHE ever was, and she'll probably be remembered long after YOU'RE removed from here as well.

<< Her laughter fades as she once again "mean mugs" Kelly. And now it was HER turn>>

"Technology that I created. By the magick I channel..both things that WILL eventually destroy ALL of the people who've gotten in the way over the years. Your granddaughter included. Your attempt to save her now only delays the inevitable..[smirking] though your insults do amuse me."

[her eyes smuldering]

"It bares repeating. Stand down, Verna Eckert."

<< Her laughter fades as she once again "mean mugs" Kelly. And now it was HER turn>>

<< Verna gestures/points, and there's a rushing/chiming sound in the air, as sheATTACKS Kelly with a VIOLENT and angrily focused display of TK, sending her flying back and SLAMMING into a wall so hard she leaves a body imprint before falling to the floor>>

"UGH!"

< She was off her feet before she could even ATTEMPT to retaliate and she was sent FLYING into a nearby wall, with a giant and loud THUD, cracking the wall behind her as she fell to the floor, reflexively flipping herself older landing on her feet with her knees crouched, her left hand steadying herself as she peered at Verna. It hurt like hell, but then again, Kelly didn't feel anything. So it wasn't often that she found herself easily injured, or feeling as if she had to retreat. Her deep chestnut brown hair billowing to the side of her face. >

Since you were OBVIOUSLY stalking my granddaughter, SURELY you heard her when she told Haleigh how I used to PROTECT HER from Christopher's mystech goons? I was TOO POWERFUL for them. I am the reason they began scrambling to find some sort of magickal resource for their clandestine operations!

"You tried to PERVERT Karen's memory of me earlier, make her think that I would HURT her, or allow Christopher or anyone else to hurt her!?"

"You DESERVE every last bit of PAIN I'm going to give you."

"And if you think OUR battle is going to go the way of that earlier confrontation you had? If you think that I'll give you a CHANCE, THINK AGAIN!"

"I'm NOT Sybill, sweetheart. She always DID want to give wayward girls like you a chance."

"She possessed a level of compassion that does NOT run in the Eckert blood line...a bloodline that leads to HECATE."

"I'll kick you pretty little butt all OVER this room, and beyond, and I'll see you DEAD before I let you hurt my granddaughter."

<< Talisman was once again confronted by an unexpected variable, and a POWERFUL one at that. With her concentration suitably broken, the entire spell/attack on Karen was now beginning to LOSE it's strength and it's hold.>>

"You speak like a sailor. And i'm unimpressed by your words as well as your bloodline."

[she spoke with a knowing tone]

"Inducing stress into an environment is simply due dilligence for a scientist. You have to know how things might happen in a heightened state...a state that isn't accessed by warm and fuzzy feelings and desires. I had to know what would happen if she were scared."

[smirking]

"And you would be a FOOL to count out the Shaw Family Bloodline. My ties may not be known now, but soon the world will NEVER forget. And on the subject of your ties, the fact that you are here because of the absence of the Sorceress Supreme simply confirms my thoughts about the state of magick on Earth. It's up for grabs..Spellbinder has convinced the others around her that SHE DESERVES that power...I'm not as convinced."

<< Talisman was once again confronted by an unexpected variable, and a POWERFUL one at that. With her concentration suitably broken, the entire spell/attack on Karen was now beginning to LOSE it's strength and it's hold.>>

<< Verna extends her hand, HOLDING Kelly where she fell, Subjecting Kelly to a similar immobilization that she had subjected the others to. Verna looks back at Karen>>

<< The runes for protection and family continue to hum, and now glow more brightly.>>

Karen! You must HEAR me! You HAVE to take back control!

Trust in the power within you! Trust your TRUE heart of hearts...and know that this nightmare that KELLY SHAW has subjected you to, is NOT. REAL.

You are the daughter of HECATE! Show this CHEAP SPRITE what that means!

<< Kelly, upon the realization that Verna would be on her at EVERY TURN if she continued this confrontation, and it would be a battle that would force her to commit more energy and resources than she was prepared to, would chose to make a strategic withdrawl, and as she left, the spell lost most of its power, but the damage that had been done to Karen was real enough, and so, Verna, tapping into the power of the RUNES gifted to her granddaughter by Alix, works in concert with them to COUNTERACT and help Karen to BREAK FREE of the hold Kelly had on her this entire time.>>

<< Regarding Kelly>>

Hmph. Silly Girl.

< The old woman had immobilized her much like she had done to the others as a hint, a small flash of anger appeared on her face, only for a second. She was getting tired of being interrupted by these distractions, each one with a bigger sense of entitlement than the next. This world DIDN'T belong to them. It was up for grabs at ALL times. In every way. This altercation had reached it's end. Verna had ALREADY thrown the course of her spell off track and now she had broken it on Karen Victoria, which meant that she would need to return to the Citadle to ensure that things would continue as planned. She had no time for this woman. Though she was without her power, she was not without her resources. She reached into her black leather coat and pulled out what looked to be a mystic grenade with a swirling red orange energy in the middle of the glass chamber. This was a mystic grenade that contained a rather potent "escape route" spell, one that warped the fields around her, allowing her to create just enough of a hole in the magick to escape from. >

"This isn't over..."

< She SLAMMED the grenade on the ground as it exploded around her in bright orange red embers, teariing a hole through the magickal energy that Verna was projecting as she closed her eyes, lifted her hands up in the air and "shimmered" out of the scene. Hazel and Verna had caused enough of a ruckus. If Karen wanted a confrontation, Kelly was prepared to give her one. >

 

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

Karen did her best to tell Haleigh everything she needed to hear, and the hybrid did her best to listen. But sometimes, that jut wasn't enough. All the encouragement and support Karen could give, surprising as it was given their past history, was overshadowed by the daunting situation Haleigh found herself in. And for a person who'd spend their LIFE working in intelligence, for a person who'd always believed KNOWLEDGE IS POWER..... she finally began to grasp the concept that 'Ignorance is Bliss'.

Karen pulled Haleigh into a hug and after a moment of surprised awkwardness, Haleigh relaxed and returned the hug. Haleigh thanked Karen again, quietly. Karen released her and they were about to say goodbye when the direwolves started fussing. Haleigh let go of Karen and knelt to reassure the animals, but noticed right away that they were acting weird. She started to shush them, but then looked up at Karen with a furrowed brow.

"They're trying to tell us something's wrong.... Karen? Are you okay? You don't look so good...."

Karen: Haleigh... ... this is what happened just before....just before I was attacked by Christopher on the balcony at....

Haleigh tried to spring up from her kneeling position but found she couldn't move. It felt just like earlier, when Karen had immobilized her in the Situation Room. And then it was obvious that it was NOT Karen doing it, because the whole room changed, and Karen was strapped down on a gurney, shouting at some person Haleigh could not see.

"Karen, WHO are you talking to?! WHO is doing this?! I'LL KILL THEM KAREN, TELL ME WHO TO KILL!"

But all Karen could do was scream in pain, and all Haleigh could do was struggle against some unknown force that kept her locked in place.

"KAREN, THIS ISN'T REAL, YOU AREN'T IN AN INSANE ASYLUM, YOU'RE AT THE PARTHENON! KAR-- SHADOW WEAVER, YOU'D BETTER FIGHT THIS! DON'T YOU FUCKING DIE RIGHT NOW!"

She was yelling herself hoarse, but it was the only thing she had. The others from downstairs busted down the door but they, too, got caught in the spell just as Haleigh's father showed his face. Seeing him face to face now stoked such fury in Haleigh that she stood up, wisps of mystical energy shedding off her body as she pulled whatever magick was holding her down WITH HER. From the effort she seemed to be expending, one might have thought she was bearing the weight of a TANK. As Christopher attacked Karen, Haleigh DRAGGED that magick with her, but she was moving in slow motion and the sounds of her ripping the spell's 'binds' was earsplitting.

Blaze: He's KILLING HER! CHRISTOPHER! YOU BASTARD!

Haleigh wasn't going to reach her in time, but she kept trying, powered by rage. Whether or not the Christopher in front of them was real didn't matter. Haleigh was going to rip him apart either way, and this Victory redux was going to meet his defeat at the hands of his daughter AGAIN.

And then something happened, and the spell broke, and Karen was freed, and it turned out that Verna, Karen's Grammie had stepped in and helped her. Haleigh stumbled forward, suddenly released as well, but she got her balance back quickly. Zach checks on her, but their interaction has a trace of formality to it. Karen announces she must leave and disregards any objections.

Karen: I KNOW who was attacking me. It's not Diana, and it's not Christopher. It's KELLY.

"Well you can BET that she's at least aligned with Diana."

Should we go together, or split up?

They couldn't speak telepathically, but with direct eye contact, Karen seemed to read Haleigh's expression well enough. The doctor answered the 'question' when she addressed Mike.

Karen: No, you CAN'T go, Michael. NONE of you can. That woman attacked me, she vexed ME on a deep, PERSONAL level, and she then pulled OTHERS into it, they are now on a direct collision course with her and her trap. Just as Grammie set ME free, I'm going to do the same for THEM, and I'm going to pay Kelly back...IN KIND!

Haleigh nodded as Karen disappeared. She started to unzip her dress and kick off her heels and her armor began to materialize on her body.

Mike: You cannot be serious Doc. You are gonna just roll in there without me? Without any of u- You just did that. Yep.

Mike lost his temper and fully flung a piece of furniture out the window. The direwolves followed him out. Haleigh drew her left sidearm, pulled the slide back to load the chamber, inspecting it for normal cycling at the same time. Then she reholstered, and did the same for its twin, her right side pistol. And then, without so much as a goodbye, she disappeared as well.

 

[Orion]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

Haleigh was more standoffish than usual, and Zach was clearly taken aback by this, but Haleigh was too fixated on Karen to notice. He didn't bother saying anything more after it became clear she wasn't going to answer him. What had he done WRONG? He damn sure didn't know. Blaze led them all out of the room.

They went downstairs and sat, and Blaze filled the silence with an attempt to reassure Mike. They listened to the clock tick and Zach contemplated the state of his relationship with Haleigh, and what could be so wrong with her that she wouldn't tell him. She used to tell him EVERYTHING.

Blaze: Zach, I saw the look on your face when Haleigh kept you at bay. I'm sure that when you two have alone time after all this, she'll tell you. You two are almost as enduring a couple as my mom and Mikey, but sometimes, even in the strongest relationships, there are periods of uncertainty....peaks and valleys...but you just try to hold steady as you put one foot in front of the other, and you find your way back to one another.

"I don't know Blaze..... Lately--"

Blaze: Do you all hear that?

And then all hell broke loose, so, things went back to normal basically.

Blaze: UGGGNNNN!

Ruby: BLAZE!? what is it? What's HAPPENING ??

Blaze: Oh...goddesss!? that PAIN!!!

"Blaze...your nose...you're BLEEDING!"

He remarked, as he felt the hint of emotional distress coming from upstairs. He was on his feet quickly.

Blaze: Muh....mom....being attacked!!!

Mike assaulted the door, and being such a beefy guy, it should have given, no problem. Zach offers to try, and tries not to take it personally when he catches Mike's sardonic amusement. Zach turned his side to the door and threw his entire weight against it, leading with his shoulder, which was enveloped by a crescent of red glowing empathic energy. There was something unnatural holding the doors in place.

Blaze: Let me....try....

He cleared the way for her fireball.

Ruby: One more time, Firebird!

Blaze: Hang on...mom....G....GO for it guys!

Mike on the left, Zach on the right, and they counted down until they simultaneously stomp kicked through the weakened doors like a couple of firemen coming to the rescue. And that was about as far as they got, because what they'd forced their way into was already well under way. They struggled to even advance further into the room, and their powers were inexplicably unusable. Haleigh seemed to be fighting it, through strength or willpower, Zach didn't know. But the WRATH coming from her right now was so strong, it was unlike anything he'd ever felt!

They were all abruptly released. Zach had learned it was easier to accept if you didn't try to make sense of it and didn't ask questions until the mission debrief. Zach goes to Haleigh, despite knowing physical contact with her is going to pump him full of anger, because she's still overflowing with it. She tells him she's fine as he approaches, and waves him off, and he knows if he takes that anger from her, he'll lose his temper trying to ask her what the hell was wrong with her. He stops before he reaches her and as Karen is telling everybody she's going to run off by herself and face this Kelly person who has been kicking her ass this whole time, he watches Haleigh going through her normal pre-battle routine of suiting up and checking her equipment.

Mike goes OFF as Karen leaves him in her dust, and Zach watches Haleigh disappear. He seems much more calm and accepting of what just happened. He had an internal instinct to protect and defend Haleigh, but he'd been 'reassigned' to the b-team [aka the back-at-home team] so many times, it didn't even frustrate him any more.

"Anyone want to place bets on where Haleigh's going?"

He asked Ruby and Blaze, trying to break the ice.

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Karen’s Penthouse




Mike: “Hey now; THOSE ‘animals’ are my BABIES. They are innocent and they make Karen feel safe.”

:: Cass smirked at Mike but she could tell that his heart wasn’t in the glib teasing [though she really didn’t like those wolves]. She sat on a couch with Blaze and Mike. Zach sat opposite them on another couch. Blaze took her hand and sighed, resting her head on Mike’s shoulder. ::

"Zach, I saw the look on your face when Haleigh kept you at bay. I'm sure that when you two have alone time after all this, she'll tell you. You two are almost as enduring a couple as my mom and Mikey, but sometimes, even in the strongest relationships, there are periods of uncertainty....peaks and valleys...but you just try to hold steady as you put one foot in front of the other, and you find your way back to one another.”

:: Cass nodded in agreement, though she was clearly torn on the relationship front. She had been burned before – and BADLY – but that strange dream-within-a-dream where she was in a relationship and ENGAGED had stirred something inside her. She WANTED to fall in love and she WANTED to meet somebody…but she didn’t know if she could go through all of that again only to wind up disappointed. AGAIN. ::

Blaze: “Do you all hear that?”

:: Cass cocked her head as if listening to something. Yep, Mike’s wolves were howling and whining about SOMETHING. As quickly as it started, the wolves’ howling died down and all was calm again. Blaze was trying to explain the wolves’ unexpected howling when she moaned in pain. Her friend was squeezing her hand now so tightly that Cass let out a small whimper. ::

“Ow! BLAZE!? What is it? What’s HAPPENING?!”

:: Blaze cried out in pain and looked at Cass. Cass was horrified to see Blaze’s nose BLEEDING. ::

“Blaze?!”

Zach: “Blaze…your nose…you’re BLEEDING!”

:: Blaze cried out again and tried standing up only to fall over! Cass and Mike both helped the fire elemental to steady herself before she crushed her face into the table. Blaze moaned that Karen was in pain and so the four of them quickly hauled ass to her bedroom where they discovered that they COULDN’T open the door! The two men tried everything in their power to break down the door to no avail. Cass, who was supporting Blaze behind them, felt her friend shift. ::

Blaze: *weakly*: “Let me try.”

:: Blaze got her footing – and strength – and made a spectacular FIREBALL aimed directly at the doors. It wasn’t enough…but ALMOST. ::

“One more time, Firebird!!”

:: Blaze mustered up another fireball. ::

Blaze: “G-go for it guys!”

:: The guys quickly destroyed the doors and they are barrelled in only to find…CHRISTOPHER VICTORY on top of Karen!! The foursome were so shocked they couldn’t even speak. ::

Why is he HERE? Isn’t he supposed to be in the CITADEL? Also…I THOUGH HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!?

:: Karen’s eyes met Blaze’s eyes. ::

Blaze: “MOM!”

:: Blaze broke free from Cass’ support as she and Mike headed for Karen. But then an awful thing happened: NOBODY could help as they couldn’t use their powers/abilities nor could they even MOVE! Cass even tried to help with her psionic power but she found that she couldn’t!!:

”DAMMIT!!!”

:: Soon it all happened: Cass could see Verna – at least, Cass thought it was Verna as Karen called her ‘Grammie’ – and then Karen could MOVE as they all could now. Blaze rushed into her mother’s arms and then Karen told them all that she had to leave. NOW. Mike did not think that was wise. ::

“Mike’s right; the HELL you are!!”

:: Karen looked into Mike’s eyes and told him that he couldn’t stop her; that she knew who was attacking her…and it wasn’t Diana OR Christopher. Instead, it was KELLY. Cass looked puzzled by this. ::

Who is KELLY?

:: Karen then explained that Delilah, Frost, and the others were now walking into a trap and SHE was the only person who could go and stop this Kelly woman. ::

“NO! We are coming with!”

:: But Karen was GONE. Mike was so frustrated that he picked up a nightstand and tossed it OVER the balcony. Haleigh disappeared as well. Zach tried to break the ice. ::

Zach: “Anyone want to place bets on where Haleigh’s going?”

:: Cass didn’t answer him. She followed Mike out. ::

*frustrated:* “What the HELL was that?! You threw a piece of FURNITURE over a BALCONY! Really, Mike? REALLY? What if some people were DOWN BELOW? You could KILL them! I know that you’re frustrated but you – no, WE – have to trust that Karen’s doing the right thing! It’s not just KAREN that’s putting herself at risk. It’s our FAMILY [meaning Delilah, Frost, Sharon, Alycia, and Vivica] as well as others. We have to be strong for them and be here when they come back. That’s what they would want.”

:: With a huff, she entered the bedroom to join Blaze and Zach. ::

“To answer your question, Zach, I don’t know. I just hope she won’t be doing something stupid.”

 

[Arsenal]

She followed Mike out. ::

*frustrated:* “What the HELL was that?! You threw a piece of FURNITURE over a BALCONY! Really, Mike? REALLY? What if some people were DOWN BELOW? You could KILL them! I know that you’re frustrated but you – no, WE – have to trust that Karen’s doing the right thing! It’s not just KAREN that’s putting herself at risk. It’s our FAMILY [meaning Delilah, Frost, Sharon, Alycia, and Vivica] as well as others. We have to be strong for them and be here when they come back. That’s what they would want.”

Mike continued to walk to the elevators, tossing out an explanation in an even tone.

This side where that balcony is is secured. Nothing is below or allowed to be below so as to give us privacy. At most security is pissed.

Mike pressed the button to the express elevator as the Dire Wolves turned, growling low at the woman who did not like them and yelled at Daddy before backing in the elevator as the doors opened. They all entered and dropped to the private garage where one of his vehicles awaited him. Zeus and Apollo hopped in the back while he fired up, then pealed off in a huff, talking to himself.

You think you gonna just roll on some shit without ME, I can't come...gonna tell ME what I can't do...and this girl talking about some furniture - I KNOW WHERE I THREW IT! Gonna scold ME- I'm a grown assed man. I'll see you in, what 20? Make it 10. I BET NOT GET stopped like I got time for some---man...I need a drink. Why can't this crazy woman understand I am trying to look out for her too?!

The Wolves rested their heads on the El Camino's sides, tongues wagging as they enjoyed the breeze. The barked when it seemed appropriate to support Daddy, who by now was ranting.

I mean REALLY...you TRY to work with her and she is on some destiny mission shit...for real though? She gonna get this spanking for this one here...hard headed ass. And there BETTER NOT BE any stupid assed zombies!!!!....starting out with head shots. AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!!!! I got something for yo ass if you want though...

Mike turns on the radio, music begins to pump...Mike starts to rap along...

I'm the verbal-spit Smith & Wesson
I unload with sick spit
The quick wit could split a split-second
Bomb with a lit wick expression
You here a tick tick then you testin'
My saliva and spit can split thread into fiber and bits
So trust me, I'm as live as it gets

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- Karen's Suite

I'm sorry, but I have to leave. RIGHT NOW.

The hell you say! You just almost had a gotda-

“Mike’s right; the HELL you are!!”

If Mike or Cass thought they could barr Karen from having her way when she looked or sounded like this, they were both mistaken. Where did they think Morgan got her strong will from?

You can't stop me, Michael. This is TOO important.

<< She looks at them all, before resting her eyes on Haleigh once more.>>

I KNOW who was attacking me. It's not Diana, and it's not Christopher. It's KELLY.

"Well...this is just GREAT! If THAT stupid, insane, thunder cunt is back, then HELL MUST be suffering from an overcrowding problem. "

Blaze was being sarcastic yet very serious at the same time. It was horrible enough to think and have evidence that Christopher was alive, but to now know that it was all apart of some elaborate attack, made by someone that was seriously as WACKY as Kelly King!?

"Morg dragged her ass all over the battle field during Valiant, and her own children ended up killing her! If she IS back, you'd think she'd KNOW not to mess with our family if she wanted to enjoy her...."new lease" on life."

<< Karen holds up her hands, and SNAPS her fingers. A chime sounds off, as she instantly changes into her latest costume , a black ensemble, complete with a choker and opera gloves, that is modern and more functional update of her classic "flying suit" (though the bodice is modified to not expose her midriff) as Shadow Weaver.>>

But beyond that, Delilah and Frost, along with Sharon, Alycia and their team, were apparently walking into a TRAP!

Karen was now fully restored, Blaze could sense it via their apport, and Verna had a lot to do with it. But now that Karen had clarity of vision and mind? She was GOING to rectify this problem by going to SOURCE of it.

Fine then, Doc. Let's roll and fuck this bitch SMOOOOOOTH up. No problem by me, I have pulled my gun way too many times without shooting in the last day.

<< Karen spoke with coldness and certainty, and she was now completely back "in the driver's seat". >>

No, you CAN'T go, Michael. NONE of you can. That woman attacked me, she vexed ME on a deep, PERSONAL level, and she then pulled OTHERS into it, they are now on a direct collision course with her and her trap. Just as Grammie set ME free, I'm going to do the same for THEM, and I'm going to pay Kelly back...IN KIND!

“NO! We are coming with!”

You cannot be serious Doc. You are gonna just roll in there without me? Without any of u-

Shadow Weaver disappeared, she was going for Kelly.

Blaze looked at Haleigh, the rage and the distress were practically RADIATING and crackling off of her like a roman candle! She saw the look in Haleigh's eyes toward Christopher...or what appeared to be Christopher...there was MORE to it than anger of his attacking Karen. Just WHAT had she and the doctor been discussing before the attack!? Blaze knew there was SOMETHING going on, but as close as she was to the truth, she was still SO FAR from it. What she DID know could perhaps help Michael, who was now thoroughly pissed off!

Haleigh vanished without a word to any of them, not even Zach, and Michael then HURLED a large piece of furniture through one of the large glass windows, sending it falling down the length of the building!

If Blaze seemed SLOW to react to the others, She WAS! She was still physically shaken by what she'd experienced in the way of "feedback" from the attack on Karen, and Verna's healing of Karen apparently didn't extend to Blaze because Blaze was not a BLOOD RELATIVE of Verna's. Cass chastised Michael for his explosion of anger, but the man, and his wolves were not moved by it, and he LEFT.

Mike goes OFF as Karen leaves him in her dust, and Zach watches Haleigh disappear. He seems much more calm and accepting of what just happened. He had an internal instinct to protect and defend Haleigh, but he'd been 'reassigned' to the b-team [aka the back-at-home team] so many times, it didn't even frustrate him any more.

"Anyone want to place bets on where Haleigh's going?"

He asked Ruby and Blaze, trying to break the ice.

:: With a huff, she entered the bedroom to join Blaze and Zach. ::

“To answer your question, Zach, I don’t know. I just hope she won’t be doing something stupid.”

"Stupid" like what, Cass? Taking the fight to someone who has been vexing you for 24 hours, trying to make you crack up, or DIE? That Kelly bitch has been acting like a coward, and now Karen is going to meet her where she is. "

Blaze bowed her head and ran her hands through her auburn hair as she slowly exhaled. She then looked up at the ceiling, stretching her neck and whipping her hair back as she exhaledloudly with agitation. She looks over at Ruby and then to Orion.

"There's something going on with my mom and Haleigh- Karen has been helping her, in her capacity as a doctor and psychotherapist. I was able to CONFIRM it. That's the only reason I "switched sides" earlier, and why she agreed to speak with Haleigh. Whatever the issue is...it's not the first time they've communiated."

She said this grimly, refusing to go into any further detail. She moved away from them, over toward the large HOLE left from where the furniture Mike had thrown THROUGH it and down onto the street below. There's broken glass all on the floor , and the balcony just on the other side.

She looks back at Ruby.

"Cameron will have a meltdown when he finds out about the structural damage. Honestly, he's a big a diva as my sister Morgan sometimes. "

"Ruby, you can manipulate inorganic matter via your psychokinesis, right?"

The psionic succubuss nodded affirmative.

"Alright! On my mark, use your power to lift these shards of glass back up to the window, while I use my fire power to repair and recast the glass!"

Ruby uses her power to manipulate and move the glass shards up, And as Ruby and Firebird work together to perform an "emergency repair" Blaze continues talking, slightly louder over the din of her fire power.

"Mikey is angry...frustrated. I can't help but feel very bad right now, because I COULD have told him what I perceived from Karen via our rapport, but NOT at THAT moment. I told the two of YOU more just now...and that's probably too much. "

"Where Haleigh is going...is a toss up. BUT we DO know where Shadow Weaver is going, and Mikey is certainly following her there. "

"My sister, Delilah, Alycia, Sharon....they're already there and there's no telling WHAT could happen to them. In addition to that wacked out Kelly bitch, There's STILL a possibility that Christopher or some creature wearing his form is there...and its the CITADLE!"

She trails off a bit as she puts the finishing touches on the emergency repair.

"Well...this'll MORE than hold for the time being. At least now the suite isn't exposed to elements from the outside."

Blaze looked at Zach, HE knew what she meant by the last part of her statement. Blaze had finally finished her temporary repair and recasting of the glass.

"With Shadow Weaver GONE, of her own choice and power, we no longer need to stay here. So while I'm not willing to bet place a bet on where Haleigh's going, I AM willing to suggest WE get our asses in gear. "


Looking at Ruby and Orion

"We've got to get after Mikey and, if worse comes to worse, be ready to help the others!"

"I'm not waiting for anyone's approval or permission. Too much is at stake, and people we love and care about are converging on the seat of our shared nightmare, we CAN'T sit this out! "

"Come on!"

And with that, Firebird, Ruby and Orion quickly exit the suite, and prepare to make THEIR way after Michael.

 

[Seer]

The Citadle- The Biosystems Lab

<< Frost, despite being turned off course several times by the perception warping effect of Talisman's spell, was able to find her way deeper into the Citadle by INSTINCT alone, highlighting just how much time she had spent her. Of the FOUR Victory sisters, she'd spent almost ALL of her formative years in this underground research facility, completely isolated from any thing resembling a normal life or family dynamic. The effects of this ongoing trauma were evident, but there were some...advantages, that not even Talisman could have accounted for.>>

<< Frost made progress in her journey, but not without obstacles, the "Victory" family CONTINUED to present themselves and pursue her, popping up in the most unexpected and SURPRISING places, and on several occassions nearly CATCHING HOLD of her. They taunted her, and vexed her, and it was starting to get to her as she got deeper into the BIO SYSTEMS lab, finally making her way into the Control Room, a LARGE "Danger room" like testing environment. The "Victory" ooze where right there with her, but as they closed in on her one final time, attempting to tear her apart and drain her dry, she lashes out VANQUISHES them all.>>

<< She is now ALONE, or so she THINKS. High above in the observation/control booth, stands the "woman-in-shadow! One danger has been replaced by a far more serious danger.>>

-------------------------------------------------

<< MorningStar, Silver Swan and Charope make their way further into the citadle. The look of determination and concern in each of the woman's faces says it all. Aided by Delilah's recollection and Sharon's sonar, they are closing the gap between themselves and Frost, but there's still a fair distance, and a LOT can happen even in a few minutes. >>

<< As they move further in, they find themselves moving through the culture tank room. There was a room like this in the Arklay Mansion. It is the place where Haleigh Davidoff was....CREATED, but none of the three women present would know that. >>

<< This version is a much larger scale, and they can see evidence of various experiments, nature and life being violated and played with, objects, creatures...THINGS...all in various stages of development or DECAY.>>

<< But as the women move, they are forced to stop...as they hear a sound...it sounds like metal dragging along the ground, similar to the axe weilding zombie from earlier, but....>>

Charope: Do you all hear that?

<< Soon, as a shadow casts, they not only hear but SEE a creature, the AXEMAN! The gigantic creature BLOCKS their way forward!>>


---------------------------------------------------------

<< Recall, Oracle, Valkyrie, Steel and Mina are being pursued through the dark, twisted halls of the Citadle, and MENACED by not one but THREE LICKERS, one of Mystech's earlier creatures, caused by injecting the T-Virus directly into living human tissue. A truly fast, vicious, super predator/hunter, it tracks MUTANT DNA. It's strength allows it to smash through THICK walls of concrete and various grades of metal as well. It can climb virtually any surface, moving along walls, ceilings. It will mutate when it devoures its prey, becoming more powerful, more aggressive, and more relentless in its pursuit.>>

<< So far, Oracle and Recall have NARROWLY escaped SEVERAL deadly passes by these creatures. One bite, one SCRATCH, or contact with its LONG prehensile tongues will result in INFECTION! Their tongues are capable of tearing human flesh, or even DECAPITATING>>

<< The lickers are capable of running at high speeds, changing direction instantaneously, and leaping incredibly distances/heights. Attempts by Valkyrie and Steel to pin them down have so far FAILED, and they have been pursued by these three lickers for far longer than they expected to be.>>

<< They can't risk leading them to the others who have gone ahead, so they're going to HAVE To make a stand where they are...which happens to be the Tyrant Lab! >>

 

[Silver Swan]

Citadle- Culture Tank Room

Charope: Do you all hear that?

<< Soon, as a shadow casts, they not only hear but SEE a creature, the AXEMAN! The gigantic creature BLOCKS their way forward!>>

This is no creature of mystech's that I've ever seen before!

[ Silver Swan stands in the center of the trio, as they face the creature down. It's clear from grotesque evidence on it's body that it has killed before, and with that gigtanic weapon, still dripping with blood, it is capable of savage, deadly violence and destruction. But SO IS THE SILVER SWAN!]

You two, GET BACK!

[ Sharon commands as she extends her arms out to either side, and moves MorningStar and Charope back, while rushing forward to MEET the now charging creature.]

[ She leaps into the air, spinning with speed and form, and SLAMS her high heeled boot across the creature's head and face before landing down. This move was to get its attention focused on HER, and it works!]

[ The creature turns and advances, SLAMMING its weapon down. Silver Swan dodges to the right as it DESTROYS one of the stasis tubes, sending water and other liquids, along with glass and computer accessories crashing/flying.]

[ Backing up, Silver Swan keeps her eyes on the creature as it attacks AGAIN, slamming it's weapon THROUGH a partial wall. Sharon DUCKS and moves, causing the creature to turn once more and pursue. She turns around, preparing to unleash her SONIC SCREAM at near "SWAN SONG" level, but as she is about to start the deadly sonic attack, the creature moves with SURPRISING speed and flow, as it BASHES Silver Swan with the broad end of it's massive weapon. The sound of the impact is SICKENING as Silver Swan suddenly looks like a mannequin being BLOWN AWAY in the wind! The mutate is sent FLYING, CRASHING through another stasis tube before hitting the WALL and then crashing to the ground.]

Charope: Oh my god!

MorningStar: SILVER SWAN!

[ But Sharon does not respond. She's still ALIVE, which is AMAZING, but she is unconscious, surrounded by newly released and flow water and other nutrient rich liquid. The kind that SHE had once been suspsended in when the "Silver Swan project" was under way! debris from the wall falls down over Silver Swan as well, partially obscuring her from their view, but the axeman is not finished with her yet! It closes in, preparing to SMASH HER as hard as it can!]

[ But then]

<<The creature is hit in it's shoulder by a PHOTON blast!>>

<< Zoom away from him, and we see MorningStar, standing fast and aiming, with her hands/fingers in a "Gun pose", looking grim as she fires RAPID photon blasts that could destroy a CAR, but merely cause nuisance to the creature. Her eyes begin to glow and then FLASH as She then pops a "FLASH BULB" effect, a strobe of light SO intense and powerful that even closing/covering one's eyes won't help from being PAINFULLY and COMPLETELY BLINDED>>

<< The creature ROARS with pain as it staggers from the shock of this LIGHT attack, but it does not become immobilized! When it does refocuse, it sees CHAROPE instead, and with a growl and a ROAR, it gives CHASE!>>

 

[Talisman]

The night wears on...

< Talisman was aggravated. Twice tonight she had been plagued by two women who sought to protect Karen and the world in different ways. She had heard their words but they truly were of no consequence to Kelly. She had narrowly escaped death in her own timeline thanks to the witches of the Eckert bloodline and she wasn't about to let that happen again. Despite being thrown off balance for an evening, Kelly remained true to her path, the one she had decided upon at entering this timeline. These voices, these background fights just proved to Kelly what she already knew. The state of magick in this world was so in flux that it was causing a bizarre amount of phenomenom. This meant there cracks, that there were ways in. All of these things, she would have never known if she hadn't targeted Shadow Weaver directly, which had been part of her plan all along. >

"Let them underestimate me. It will only surge my true purpose."

< The fact of the matter was they were attempting to address and deal with Kelly as if she were Witchfire herself. This offered a great deal of protection to Kelly. They didn't know what she was capable of, what she had already accomplished in this world and what she really wanted. They would be fools to treat her as if she were Kelly King, but if they wanted to dig their own graves, she would let them. >

< She watched with a pleased eye as Jasmine made her way to the bio systems lab, exactly where Kelly wanted her to be. She clicked a button , allowing her to speak to Jasmine as she dispatched the last bit of OOZE around her. >

"Nicely done, Jasmine. A deadly attack indeed.."

< In an instant she shimmered in front of Frost. >

"It's a shame that tonight you are destined to die...you do know that right?"

< her hands crackled with mystic energy as she began to project the hell that the rest of the group was going through via her omni sight. >

"You were a test..a sample if you will. I had to know I was capable of lifting the veil, of bending fate to my will..your existence here is a means to an end. Showing ME what I am capable of...and showing THEM that I'm NOT to be trifled with..."

< Face to face with Jasmine. >

"Your whole existence is because of me..and I don't want to you to forget that...because things are a little complicated right now..."

< From the shadows of the lab a womanly figure began to make her way forward. >

"You're going to die tonight, Jasmine...but it won't be in vain. It will serve a purpose. It will show them that Kelly King is ooh dead...but Kelly Shaw...she LIVES...and she's not going ANYWHERE."

< from the shadow of the labs Fathom appears, ready for battle. >

 

[Artemis]

Citadle- Culture Tank Room

<< The creature ROARS with pain as it staggers from the shock of this LIGHT attack, but it does not become immobilized! When it does refocuse, it sees CHAROPE instead, and with a growl and a ROAR, it gives CHASE!>>

May Artemis aid me at every moment in this deadly chase!

:: The amazon thought as she turned and began to RUN, inciting the creature to CHASE her, moving with a speed that belied its size and appearence! Still, fast as it was, Charope could out run a CHEETAH, and so, this deadly game of "cat and mouse" was in full swing.::

:: The Axeman SWINGS his massive weapon in a WIDE arc, but Alycia hears the movement and feels the shift in the air from the wide reach, and with her amazonian reflexes, she DUCKS, avoiding the deadly pass!::

<< The weapon INSTEAD COLLIDES with another stasis tube, causing another loud and violent explosion, and eruption of water and other liquids that spray out at high pressure, SOAKING Alycia!>>

:: The Axeman swings for her again, AND AGAIN, but the amazon DODGES each pass, as she continues to run, and he continues to pursue. Each deadly swing results in another tube being destroyed, and the area getting flooded by water! Soon, there is a WALL ahead of her, but she does not stop.::

:: Reaching the wall, she runs UP the wall a few steps, before repelling off of it, and launching herself in the air with form and grace, vaulting OVER the head of the creature and landing down behind him in a "3 point" position, sliding back a few steps on the now slippery, wet floor::

:: The creature slowly turns and stares her down as she slowly stands up to her full height, and moves back a few more paces.::

:: The "standoff" between amazon and bio hazard continues for a few seconds more, before it CHARGES for her, and SHE charges at IT!::

:: But after a few strides, Alycia DROPS DOWN and does a "base slide" maneuver as the creature continues it's forward charge. Using the water beneath her, she slides RIGHT under the creature, and now, holding DOME in the form of the energy lantern she had it earlier, as she passes underneath it, she unleashes a bolt of DIVINE LIGHTNING that BLASTS RIGHT UP through the creature's center all the way up to its HEAD!::

:: Alycia slides a bit further before finally back up in a 3 point position, while the creature staggers ahead before falling to its knees. It's now glowing with sparks crackling from it's body as FLAMES start to form. it ROARS before falling face down with a MASSIVE thud!::

:: Alycia stands up...breathing heavily for a moment, but slowly calming as she stares at the massive creature.::

 

[Frost]

Jasmine continued to make her way through the Citadel, not quite knowing where she was going....but at the same time instinctively knowing she was going the right way. She kept getting attacked by the damn ooze creatures, but destroyed them rather quickly.

"So. Over. This."

Finally walking down another passage, she found herself walking into a massive circular room with a control room high above. She recognized this place....she used to be forced to fight in here against MysTech creatures when she was a child. Slowly walking further into the danger room, her heeled boots clicked softly, echoing throughout the massive space. At this point she didn't realize she was being watched by the person who had put all of this into motion.

Talisman: "Nicely done, Jasmine. A deadly attack indeed..It's a shame that tonight you are destined to die...you do know that right?"

She heard a voice coming from the shadows, but couldn't see who it was. Finally, the woman shimmered in front of Jasmine.

"And just who the fuck are you?"

The crackling of ice could be heard as Jasmine clenched her hands into fist.

"And bitch, you OBVIOUSLY don't know who the fuck I AM."

The woman created some sort of looking glass showing Jasmine the others and how they were being attacked. She would be scared for them....but they were kicking every creatures ass. Jasmine scoffed out a laugh.

"Ooohhh scary. Please show me again how my friends are destroying your little experiments."

But the woman went on to explain that SHE was the reason that Jasmine was here. She had brought Jasmine back somehow, bending the laws of the life and death and somehow breaking that veil to bring her back. She wasn't ripped from the siege perilous....she was being used, YET AGAIN, in another experiment to further this bitches agenda.

Talisman: "Your whole existence is because of me..and I don't want to you to forget that...because things are a little complicated right now..."

Jasmine's eyes narrowed as she glared at Talisman. Just like her Victor and Christopher, this woman wanted to take credit for her existence. Whether that was true or another mind game, Jasmine was DONE listening to this bitch.

"Complicated huh? Let me un-complicate it for you. I'm going to kill you, and i'm going to make it hurt. REAL bad."

The woman wasn't alone. Another person began to make their presents known...a woman...one dressed in all WHITE.

Talisman: "You're going to die tonight, Jasmine...but it won't be in vain. It will serve a purpose. It will show them that Kelly King is ooh dead...but Kelly Shaw...she LIVES...and she's not going ANYWHERE."

Jasmine's eyes widened hearing the name Kelly King. Alison and Cameron's MOTHER. For fuck sakes, this whole situation was just getting better and better.

"Lady....i've heard all this before. You use me as a pawn and expect me to die? [looking at Fathom now] BRING IT BITCH. [looking back at Talisman] Because you severely underestimated who the FUCK you BROUGHT BACK."

And with that, Jasmine unleashed a powerful blast of snow and ice at BOTH Fathom and Talisman; the stream slamming into the both of them like a freight train. As she unleashed her attack, the entire danger room began to drastically drop in temperature to below sub zero levels.

 

[Seer]

Citadle- Culture Tank Room- One Last Scare!

:: Alycia stands up...breathing heavily for a moment, but slowly calming as she stares at the massive creature.::

<< It's NOT OVER!>>

<< The creature STIRS!>>

:: Charope's hazel eyes widen with shock!::

<< The creature pushes up and is now back on it's knees! Though it's STILL flickering with the signature of the lightning, and flames are burning on parts of it's body, it still LIVES! And it turns, with a roar of ANGER, to face Alycia and FLINGS it's MASSIVE WEAPON sending it flying RIGHT FOR HER! >>

ATHENA!

 

[Silver Swan]

Citadle- Culture Tank Room

:: The Amazon reels with momentary SHOCK, as the massive weapon comes FLYING at her. She can FEEL the air it is pushing ahead as impact is nearly at hand! She backpedals, bringing her arms up and crossing them in an X pattern with her feminum bracelets touching, but would THIS, or the use of DOME to shield her be ENOUGH? ::

[We won't be finding out!]

[ A conscious Silver Swan steps in to view, pushing Charope further BACK out of harm's way, and now standing in her place.]

[ The WEAPON reaches her and with a mighty war cry, she DEFLECTS IT, with her adamantium armoured hands clasped together in fist form, swinging mightly and SLAMMING her fists into the head of the weapon, KNOCKING IT off course!]

[The sound of the METAL IMPACT is heard and ECHOES as it all seems to happen for Alycia in SLOW MOTION!]

[ Silver Swan sends the weapon flying UP now, and SLAMMING into the ceiling, where it deeply embdes itself!]

[ She then looks ahead, to see the creature itself trying to RUN toward them, but even as she stares it down, MORNINGSTAR slides into view, IN FRONT of Silver Swan!]

[ MorningStar is two paces ahead of Sharon ]

NAIL him, MorningStar!

[ Silver Swan calls out to the light bringer!]

 

[MorningStar]

Culture Tank Room

This was a trip down memory lane Delilah had never wanted to take. But here they were, moving closer and closer to the Bio Systems Lab. They had left Oracle’s team behind to collect data, so it was just the three of them descending deeper into the Citadel.

Delilah didn’t remember being so horrified by the remnants of experiments the last time: she guessed she had had less time to think about it. But the sheer amount of lives that had been destroyed by this place…

They had made good time, until their way was barred by a giant “man” with an “ax”.

You two, GET BACK!

Why did Sharon always have to think she needed to protect them?!

She launches an impressive show of force, though, but just when they thought she was going to dispatch the creature herself, it connected with its weapon and sent her flying.

“SILVER SWAN!”

Delilah could hear Sharon’s heartbeat and breathing, so she wasn’t dead, but she wasn’t moving either, and the thing was about to try and finish the job.

“No!”

Delilah hit it with a series of photon blasts, and then a flash bulb attack. But instead of turning its attention to her, it went for Charope! Alycia expertly dodged his attacks, before unleashing a lightning strike, bringing the creature down for the count.

Or maybe not. The creature stirred and THREW its weapon at Charope. But Silver Swan was there to deflect it. The creature roared in anger and charged them. She didn’t want Sharon to try and take the brunt of the attack again, so she stepped in front of her.

NAIL him, MorningStar!

Delilah raised her hands, holding them wide out to her side. White light flew from her hands creating two giant hard light boxes on either side of the axman. Delilah brought her hands together and clasped them in front of her and as she did so the boxes SLAMMED into each other, CRUSHING the creature between them.

 

[Steel]

Tyrant Lab

After unsuccessful attempts to neutralize the creatures that pursued them, they had ran. But it soon became clear that they were not going to be able to lose them. They needed to stand and fight. They came to an open space, some sort of lab, but they could see, and they wouldn’t be penned down like in the hallway. He stopped, then turned to look around the room.

“Here, this is where we do it.”

He motioned to Valkyrie to put the others between them.

“Stay behind me. I can't be infected.”

His metal skin gave him the advantage – the things couldn’t infect him as long as he was able to keep in his mutant form.

And then they came. All attacking at once, they charged for them, but Steel deflected one with his arm while picking another out of the air and throwing it to the side.

“This is too defensive.”

 

[Mina Harker]

Tyrant Lab

These low creatures. Abominations. They were hardly worth their time, and yet they could not seem to put them off their trail. They came into a large open room with bio tubes along one wall. It looked as if it had been built with an eye to being able to hose the walls and floors down as necessary. But this place was now abandoned, and there would be no one to do that after they left.

“Here, this is where we do it.”

Steel wanted to shield them from the creatures, which made sense. She moved to the back - they had seen that these things could come from all angles and surfaces. Oracle was the most vulnerable and needed to be protected. When they came it was fast, Steel able to deflect two of them away, delaying their initial attacks. One of these regained its footing and leaped towards her. She put her hands out, able to grab hold of it and use its forward momentum to throw it away from them.

"This is too defensive.”

"Then what would you suggest?"

Another of the Lickers Steel had deflected was leaping towards them.

 

[Oracle]

Tyrant Lab

They had fled, after several unsuccessful attempts at stopping the things that were after them. But it was no use - she had already had a few very close calls.

"We need to find somewhere to make a stand."

Coming into a large open lab, ahead of her Steel stopped moving.

“Here, this is where we do it.”

They formed up behind him - he was so thoughtful to put the others' safety before his own. Mina came and stood with her. They waited what was probably seconds but felt like hours. And then the creatures attacked. Steel managed to fling two of them away from the group, but they were soon attacking again, and this time at the back where Mina and Oracle were. Mina flung one away again but another was leaping at them.

Oracle reached into the belt of her costume and pulled out three bird-shaped throwing stars and flung them at the Licker. They embedded in the thing's chest and EXPLODED.