You can't go home again

[MorningStar]

The Office Pool

She kicked the giant spider to make sure it was dead.

“Really dead.”

She listened for evidence that more of the creatures were coming for her, but instead she heard something else.

“Oh thank god.”

Sharon and Alycia’s voices! She peered back the way she had come, through the office pool. She could see the two and their other team members – but they were heavily engaged with zombies and crimson heads.

Delilah ran to intercept, but the group had successfully dispatched the creatures by the time she arrived.

“Am I glad to see you guys. I can’t find Jasmine anywhere – I have no idea how she could have gotten that far ahead of me, but I think I know where she’s going: the Bio-Systems Lab. It’s on a lower floor. I think if we go…”

Delilah turned to point when Sharon cried out.

MorningStar, WATCH OUT!!!

Silver Swan quickly sliced up a giant leech that was about to attach to her. Delilah sighed.

“Giant spiders, giant leeches – I don’t think I want to hang out with you kids anymore.”

And then, the things were everywhere.

MorningStar put her hand out in a “stop” motion, blasting one after another, but they kept coming. Seeing one land on Oracle’s chair, she flattened her hand, surgically firing a laser blast and knocking it to the ground.

 

[Oracle]

Horror Hall to The Office Pool

The zombies had all been put to rest, or so they thought, when a new kind of creature smashed through a cubicle wall and attacked Alycia!

“Charope!”

Silver Swan went to aid her, but Recall stopped her!

ALYCIA can take care of this, Sharon! She's NOT weak...she's NOT helpless! You've got to...

Oracle saw where Recall was going with this, and though this wasn’t the time SHE would have chosen to make Alycia face her fear, it did need to be done. Zizi moved herself forward, ready to strike at the crimson head if necessary, but giving Alycia the space to do what she needed to do. She tried to calm Sharon.

“Sharon…give her a minute…Alycia NEEDS this.”

Alycia took down the crimson head in spectacular fashion. Oracle nodded in satisfaction. A smile played on her lips.

“A Xerox machine?”

Behind Alycia, Zizi could see MORNINGSTAR approaching.

“Am I glad to see you guys. I can’t find Jasmine anywhere – I have no idea how she could have gotten that far ahead of me, but I think I know where she’s going: the Bio-Systems Lab. It’s on a lower floor. I think if we go…”

LEECHES began attacking them, coming from everywhere at once. One landed on her chair, only to be blasted off of it by Delilah’s laser blast. She exhaled in relief.

“Two points for MorningStar!”

Zizi pounded her staff down repeatedly on the leech, grimacing at the sick sounding noise it made. She then began pointing her staff at the leeches closest to her allies, firing stun bolts into them, trying to keep them at bay.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Office Pool

She had the chance to smash up some more zombie brains, while Viv was doing some kind of tough love bullshit with Alycia. The girl was frickin’ paralyzed by fear by the lumbering, mindless lumps of flesh. Typical Amazon, couldn’t deliver when the shit hit the fan. EVENTUALLY she killed the damn thing, but shit, if could barely deal with one what good was she?

“You know, Alycia, you can go wait in the car. You standing in the corner pissing yourself is no use to the rest of us.”

She turned away, and saw MorningStar coming through the office pool. She didn’t know where Frost was. Great. Apparently they were going to stand around talking all day long. And then a giant leech almost sucked MorningStar’s face off. Which might have been an improvement.

“Okay, this sucks.”

The damn things were everywhere. She was stabbing them, kicking them with her boot. The zombies had been cool, but these were just gross.

“Two points for MorningStar!”

[under her breath] "Why don't you just make out with her already?"

She stabbed a few more leeches, and it was getting old.

“Maybe we should just run for it? Killing these things could take forever.”

 

[Steel]

The Office Pool

He was getting into a rhythm, smashing zombie heads. Once you got the trick, it really wasn’t much of a chore. But he couldn’t help but notice that Alycia seemed to be having a problem with one of them. A look from Oracle stopped him from going to her aid. And then Alycia found the courage to kick the thing’s ass.

“You know, Alycia, you can go wait in the car. You standing in the corner pissing yourself is no use to the rest of us.”

“Oh leave her alone, Valkyrie.”

Unlike most people she came into contact with, John liked Ashley. She was odd, but who wasn’t? But sometimes, like this one, she could be downright mean. And that was something he had no tolerance for.

The grimace on his face turned to a smile as a familiar face rejoined them.

“Good to see you, kid.”

They had finally caught up with MorningStar, and she began to direct them to the Bio Systems Lab, where she believed Frost would be. Silver Swan suddenly called out and took care of a giant leech that was about to latch onto Delilah.

Delilah was blasting the leeches with her powers, Ashley was stabbing them, Zizi was stunning them – and he started stomping on them, squishing them with his feet.

“This is really not what I pictured we would be doing tonight.”

 

[Recall]

The Citadle - Office Pool

:: The timing may have been odd to some, but WHEN exactly was this lesson going to be learned? Alycia was surrounded by ANY number of people who would step in should she find herself unable to protect herself, but Vivica wasn't worried. For as polar opposite as they seemed to be, there was one similarity that they shared; their desire to prove their own worth. There was no way in hell that Alycia wasn't going to get out of this attack alive. Even as Vivica was blasted back by the Crimson Head, her resolve stood strong. Both Sharon and Alycia had relied on each other for such a long time that it was reflexive for them, but Vivica had seen the destructive quality of that in people like Alison and Morgan. She would not let Alycia and Sharon share that same fate. So even though Sharon was ready to pull Vivica apart at the seems, she remained strong, she stepped in, proving that sometimes the only person you can rely on, is yourself. There was a glimmer of pride that Vivica had in watching Alycia dispatch the Crimson Head, because she could register the amount of joy and resolution Alycia had in accomplishing the feat.

Alycia: "Thank You."

"I had nothing to do with it...that was all you, girl. ALL YOU."

:: The Birds of Prey began to move towards the Office Pool as they found themselves reconnected with Morningstar, who had just dispatched a giant spider! :

Morningstar: “Am I glad to see you guys. I can’t find Jasmine anywhere – I have no idea how she could have gotten that far ahead of me, but I think I know where she’s going: the Bio-Systems Lab. It’s on a lower floor. I think if we go…”

Silver Swan: "Morningstar, Watch Out!"

:: Leeches. And a LOT of them. Delilah made quick work of a lot of them, including one saddling Oracle's chair. ::

Morningstar: "Giant spiders, giant leeches – I don’t think I want to hang out with you kids anymore.”

"Girl, I spent my summers in the Brewster Projects...this is NOTHING."

:: The group began to attack the group. She could sense Ashley's desperation to move on and Steel's ambiguous resolve. ::

Steel: “This is really not what I pictured we would be doing tonight.”

"And what does a delicious piece of chocolate like you like to spend his nights doing?"

:: She couldn't help herself. John was such a sweet and nice man. He always said the right thing, always did the right thing. She had become proned to see if she could make him blush. ::

"But you're right...this is...beneath us..."

:: Vivica cast out her hands as a white electric crackle of energy circulated around her hands as she delivered one HELL of a synpatic blast into the area around her. In their deadliest capacity, these blasts could render humans mentally disabled or comatose, to something as base level as a LEECH? Well, it fried them completely....and that's what she did to ANY remaining leeches in their vicinity. She fried them totally as she watched them fall and shrivel up around here. ::

"Let's move. Delilah...Lead the way."

 

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

She'd splashed water on her face, she'd paced for the better part of an hour. She knew what she needed to do, but felt trapped between a rock and a hard place. She had delayed action long enough.

Alice: Diana is about to unleash a new wave of TERROR upon the city, upon the WORLD, but before she does, she's going to CLAIM what is HER'S, And she WILL destroy ALL that you hold dear to get to you...

This was going to be very difficult for Karen, but there was no other feasible option. Karen was the ONLY one that knew what was going on with Haleigh, and Haleigh had grown to appreciate Karen's opinion and insight.

Also, if she was going to do what she NEEDED to do, if she was going to CONFRONT Malice, then SOMEBODY needed to know where she'd gone, and telling anyone else would require a painfully lengthy explanation. In addition, Haleigh didn't want any 'volunteers' to accompany her. This was PERSONAL, and she needed to keep it that way.

She rematerialized in Karen's suite. Zach and Mike, were sitting at a table, playing cards. Karen, Blaze and Cass were sitting on the sofa, glasses in hand. All five of them jumped to defensive postures for a moment, then, realizing it was just Haleigh, relaxed again. Haleigh wore the expression of a person with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"Karen..... we need to talk. [she glanced around at the crowd] In private, please."

 

[Orion]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

Zach and Mike were playing a game of Texas hold 'em poker to pass the time while Blaze and Cass tried to take Karen's mind off her troubles and ply her with hemlock. Neither Zach nor Mike was particularly invested or absorbed in the game, they were just doing SOMETHING so it didn't seem like they were hovering.

Zach continued to monitor Karen's emotional aura. She seemed to have improved steadily as time went on, but she was still certainly a bit distressed. The good news was that she was talking coherently with Blaze and Cass, who were doing an excellent job distracting Karen from recent events and if the subject DID come up, Blaze smoothly reassured Karen and kept her from getting too anxious, and Cass tactfully redirected the flow of conversation.

It may have seemed to some thrill-seekers that staying behind was a menial task, or that those who were asked to stay were lacking the abilities or usefulness to warrant their presence in battle, but Zach recognized that PLENTY of fighters were going and based on HIS abilities, he was more strategically valuable HERE.

Someone began to materialize in the middle of the room and Zach wasn't the only one to raise a hand in defense, but it turned out to be Haleigh, so they relaxed. Zach looked at her, and sensed the churn of intense emotional upheaval. It was worrisome, to say the least.

Haleigh: Karen..... we need to talk. [she glanced around at the crowd] In private, please.

"Haleigh..... is everything alright? Did you find out something that will help us? You might as well tell everyone, secrets get out eventually."

Haleigh: No. This is..... personal. I must speak with her alone.

She replied, with a finality that implied she wasn't going to change her mind. He was deeply concerned. He USED to be the person she told everything to, he USED to be in the loop. Haleigh had told him all sorts of things that were 'personal', even regarding the others. Zach knew some shit that would curl hair. But right now, she wasn't even giving him the 'I'll tell you later' vibe. She was looking at Karen entreatingly.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike and Zach were playing cards. It was relaxing actually, or as relaxing as it was gonna get for tonight. Blaze was being a great daughter, relaxing Doc and managing things when she got upset all over again. Perhaps by morning, after this visit, a nice bath and footrub and some rest they could all get back to dealing with things. But for tonight, the rest of this time was for Doc. And he was glad to have some help in that regard.

Suddenly, Haleigh materialized in the room. In what looked to be the same time Mike already had Maddie pulled from under the table and leveled at her face and Zeus and Apollo were poised to spring. To everyone's relief, it was a friend and the he quickly put away the weapon as wolves took a comforting sniff of her as she spoke.

"Karen..... we need to talk. [she glanced around at the crowd] In private, please."

And in his gut, Mike knew something was fucked up. And he knew that this would not be good for Doc. And he would give Haleigh the shirt off his back, anything, that was one of his best and closest friends he'd had in the Six. But tonight? Mike stood, hand extended peacefully, but clearly forward to halt. His head slowly shook to the negative as his left eye closed a bit, his concern reflected in his visage.

Ummm....not tonight Hales. Let's table...whatever this is until tomorrow. Karen needs to rest.

He did not move further, but he was dead serious. Karen was getting pampered, comforted and rested tonight and he was not in the mood to really discuss it further.

 

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

The wolves greeted her with endearing, muted howls and she obligingly stroked their necks, taking some small comfort in their affection. If she told THEM she was Diana and Christopher's daughter, they wouldn't care at all.

Mike: Ummm....not tonight Hales. Let's table...whatever this is until tomorrow. Karen needs to rest.

Haleigh glanced at him with understanding. He was doing what he NEEDED to do; take care of Karen. And in her heart, Haleigh knew that what she was trying to do was incredibly selfish and terrible. She knew that it would NOT be good for Karen, and that chances were very high that it would make Karen's psychological problems WORSE.

"We ALL need to rest, but this CAN'T WAIT any longer."

It wasn't that Haleigh didn't CARE about what effect this would have on Karen, it was that she couldn't spare Karen at the expense of herself, ESPECIALLY because it affected nearly EVERYONE. It didn't MATTER how fucked up it was. If what Alice had told her was true, Haleigh could not afford to ignore it. Her expression grew from concerned to something much more pained. The dire wolves whined. Zach rose to his feet, as if to move towards her and comfort her, but she put a hand up to hold him off, and her tortured gaze locked on Karen.

Zach: Haleigh, what's WRONG, you're WORRYING me.

She didn't answer him. She just looked at Karen.

"Doctor, please, I can't do this without you."

Blaze: Mom, she NEEDS your help.

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- Karen's Suite

Several hours had passed. It was a group effort, a family affair, and they had managed to get Karen calm, stable and comfortable. She looked better, and sounded much more like herself. Still, Blaze and Michael weren't going to take any chances, they weren't letting her out of their sight. Orion was a big help, as was Ruby. Orion kept Karen level, helping to ease down the occassional spikes in anxiety whenever thoughts or images of earlier events popped in her head, while Blaze did a great job keeping her distracted.

Ruby, she'd been SUCH a good friend, and an amazing bridge builder during this whole thing. Not only did SHE help Frost to come around, but she assured Blaze that it was the right thing to stay behind with Karen, while MorningStar and the Birds of Prey accompanied Frost to the Citadle to find and confront Christopher! Blaze would rather have brought the fight to her father, but protecting her mother was an equally important task, Ruby helped her to realize that.

So there they were, the three women together, while Mike and Zach where playing cards.

Mike and Zach were playing cards. It was relaxing actually, or as relaxing as it was gonna get for tonight. Blaze was being a great daughter, relaxing Doc and managing things when she got upset all over again. Perhaps by morning, after this visit, a nice bath and footrub and some rest they could all get back to dealing with things. But for tonight, the rest of this time was for Doc. And he was glad to have some help in that regard.

"....okay mom, Cass....with Sally's blessing I'm able to show you a preview of her up spring collections for the women's ready to wear, formal, and intimate lines."

"There's nothing like a bit of RETAIL therapy....or even a preview of it, right?"

Smiling sweetly

" and a little drinky poo!"


She says as she quickly drinks down one of SEVERAL lemon drops on the table. She had mixed drinks for for herself and Cass, as well as poured a goblet of hemlock for Karen. Liquid therapy was helpful too!

"Cass, thank you...for all your help this evening. She leans over and wraps her arm around her best friend, squeezing her close. You've got heart...and it came through for us all tonight."

As they sat together, going over the beautiful sketches & designs from Sally, Blaze glance across the way to Mike and Zach, who were sitting at a table by floor-to-ceiling window, playing cards with the night skyline as their backdrop.

"THERE'S a great photo op over there!"

She says with a smile, before returning to the topic at hand.

" See anything you like, guys?"

Karen: Several pieces actually, like this one. Sally's got a dash of the retro 50's look in some of these dresses, but with a modern look! But....I'm not too sure about the "city shorts" on one of the ensembles. I was around for that the first time it cycled...

The look on Karen's face said it all, and Blaze smirked a bit.

"Well, we can be glad that she's not trying to revive SKORTS. That was a big fashion misstep for MY generation."

Fashion was always hit or miss. WHO really decided what was going to be hot or not? Some designers, like Sally, had passion and were always looking for new sources of inspiration and ideas, or looking to the past to inform a new twist. Others may have captured a trend here or there, but quickly became dated...and then there were "designers" like Kanye West. How EXACTLY did THAT happen!?

They looked through the ready to wear sketches and designs.

"I feel like this one would be good for Morgan. Suitable for the office, showing off those long flawless legs, but not as severe as her melrose place power suits. And this one would be good for Ava- very "modern goddess". Here's one for YOU, Cass!"

She rematerialized in Karen's suite. Zach and Mike, were sitting at a table, playing cards. Karen, Blaze and Cass were sitting on the sofa, glasses in hand. All five of them jumped to defensive postures for a moment, then, realizing it was just Haleigh, relaxed again. Haleigh wore the expression of a person with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

The ease of the moment was quickly put on pause as someone suddenly arrived, and EVERYONE, including Firebird and Ruby jumped up in defensive posture, with the two of them blocking Karen. But it was was not an intruder, it was HALEIGH, and she looked like she'd been through several circles of HELL before being spit back out in the Arklay Mansion! Firebird's apple green eyes surveyed the hybrid up and down.

"Karen..... we need to talk. [she glanced around at the crowd] In private, please."

"Haleigh!"

In what looked to be the same time Mike already had Maddie pulled from under the table and leveled at her face and Zeus and Apollo were poised to spring. To everyone's relief, it was a friend and the he quickly put away the weapon as wolves took a comforting sniff of her as she spoke.

Those big wolves calmed and responded positively to Haleigh. Blaze knew she'd always been fond of dogs, the way Morgan was of cats, and while it was a bit of controversy for Mike to have these big canines in a place like the Parthenon, they'd proven to be well behaved, & rather sweet with Karen, who had cautiously warmed up to them. Haleigh was comfortable with them, but she didn't seem comfortable with HERSELF at the moment, OR her confidant.

"Haleigh..... is everything alright? Did you find out something that will help us? You might as well tell everyone, secrets get out eventually."

Haleigh: No. This is..... personal. I must speak with her alone.

She replied, with a finality that implied she wasn't going to change her mind. He was deeply concerned. He USED to be the person she told everything to, he USED to be in the loop. Haleigh had told him all sorts of things that were 'personal', even regarding the others. Zach knew some shit that would curl hair. But right now, she wasn't even giving him the 'I'll tell you later' vibe. She was looking at Karen entreatingly.

Something's wrong...

But Michael was not willing to let this happen.

Ummm....not tonight Hales. Let's table...whatever this is until tomorrow. Karen needs to rest.

He did not move further, but he was dead serious. Karen was getting pampered, comforted and rested tonight and he was not in the mood to really discuss it further.

Firebird and Ruby stood together, blocking Karen's view of Haleigh. It was an awkward moment, but a line HAD to be drawn. Karen DID need her rest! Still, Blaze continued to study Haleigh. Her eyes...her face. Her noticeable "ICING OUT" of Zach was quite telling, and even he seemed taken aback by it. Blaze looked at Ruby for a moment, before looking back at Michael and Haleigh.

"We ALL need to rest, but this CAN'T WAIT any longer."

They'd had a moment like this, during the Purifiers caper. In the aftermath of the missile attack on Haleigh's group, and the "Bus Accident", when they were all in Charope's infirmary. Blaze had to disagree, and press the issue with Haleigh about taking a "moment" to stop, breathe, rest and get some help...HEALING even, from Karen.

Finally, as she narrowed her apple green eyes, still focusing on Haleigh, Blaze felt a small, but no less definite JOLT run through her mind, and up/down her spine. Her 7th sense was activated. There WAS something wrong. She didn't know WHAT...but it was REAL, and Haleigh DID need help.

The dire wolves whined. Zach rose to his feet, as if to move towards her and comfort her, but she put a hand up to hold him off, and her tortured gaze locked on Karen.

Zach: Haleigh, what's WRONG, you're WORRYING me.

She didn't answer him. She just looked at Karen.

Black Widow: "Doctor, please, I can't do this without you."

Oh no....


It finally occurred to Blaze, as she turned to look at Karen, that HALEIGH was Karen's "top priority patient."

"Mom...."

To karen Telepathically: "I KNOW Haleigh's your client. I'm not going to ask what or why...But ...Haleigh NEEDS your help. Do YOU want to do this with her??"

Mother and daughter communicate silently, and Karen, although looking grim, agrees to see Haleigh.

Blaze touched Ruby's shoulder, and then squeezed her hand, looking at her best friend, silently imploring her to TRUST her, and stand with her now as she had earlier.

"Mike...."

Blaze stepped away from ruby and toward Mike, placing her soft, well manicured hands on his arm and hand, and gently lowering his hand from Haleigh's approach.

"Something IS wrong. But not the way you think."

"You've got to stand down on this, Mikey. Please, TRUST ME. Haleigh and mom...they...they NEED to talk. We need to give them privacy."

It was a delicate line Blaze was walking. She KNEW something heavy was going on, but even she couldn't imagine just WHAT. All that she was quite certain of, was that Karen had been treating Haleigh all this time.

"I think that what's been happening with mom- the nightmares, all of that, it's connected to this. There's something going on, that they need to discuss. I think it's the only way that mom is going to get through what is bothering her, and if Haleigh is a key figure in it, then she NEEDS to be able to speak to Karen."

Karen: It's alright, Michael, everyone. I will see Haleigh.

She said to Mike, Zach and Ruby as she lowered Mike's arm down, and wrapped her arm around his, gently urging him to step aside with her. She's now near Zach, and places her other hand on his back, urging him and Mike both to walk with her, she nods for Ruby to follow.

"C'mon, guys We'll go out to the sitting room."

Mom, we'll be RIGHT outside if you need us.

And with one last worried look at Haleigh, Blaze leads the two men, and Cass out of room on the upper floor of the suite, down the spiral stair case and into the sitting room in the lower level of the suite. Mike insisted that the wolves stay behind. Neither Karen nor Haleigh had a problem with that. The wolves seemed to bring some comfort to Haleigh.

As they sit down, Blaze holds on to Mike and squeezes him.

"I'm worried too, Mikey. My sister, Delilah and the Birds of Prey are in the Citadle, possibly facing my father. My OTHER sister is still absent, and my mom...she's been suffering so much in the last 24 hours, and it may all be due to my father!"

but after everything we've been through....after everything MOM has been through...my 7th sense tells me this is what needs to happen right now. We're still in her suite. If anything pops off...we can get to them in mere STEPS."

 

[Frost]

Jasmine continued to walk down the hall, but it seemed to warp even more than before.

"I'm really glad I don't have motion sickness...geeze."

Carefully moving forward, soon she heard another disgusting sound followed by the familiar sound of more ooze creatures. A G virus leech caught her attention first.

"Oh gross, why am I getting attacked by all the nasty ones?!"

The leech charged at her, exposing it's circular mouth full of razor sharp fangs. Jasmine leapt into the air, twirling her ice sword around before slamming it into the ground. A shockwave of ice shards charged at the leech from the ground, slamming into it's body and impaling it throughout its body and instantly killing it.

Standing, Jasmine finally turned knowing that the ooze creatures were her next target. But what she saw wasn't what she was expecting. Her eyes widened seeing the creatures looking like deformed versions of her family! Morgan, Karen, Blaze....and even Victor and Christopher! It stunned Jasmine for a moment, but she knew this was all apart of MysTech's mind games. They all started talking to Jasmine, trying to twist the knife even more.

Foxfire: Welcome home, Jas!

Jasmine extended her hand out and honed in on the water molecules that made of Foxooze's body. She began to freeze them, instantly giving her control of the body and allowing her to send it flying into the shards of ice that the dead leeches body was stuck to, impaling and killing her.

"Thanks, but I think you're supposed to be DEAD!"

Morgan: Gang's all here now!

Jasmine spun around slamming the ice sword into Morgooze's stomach, freezing her upon impact. She pushed the sword and let go, letting Morgooze fall and break on the ground.

"You're gang is a little wet behind the ears for my liking! HA! Get it? Wet?"

Victor: It took you long enough!

Manifesting crystals of snow and ice, they shot out directly at Victooze, transforming into spinning stars made of ice. The stars streamed from Jasmine's hand endlessly, assaulting Victooze's body like an AK 47 would a piece of meat. The stars remained in his body, and ala Piper, Jasmine flexed her fingers out causing the ice to explode and in turn causing Vicooze to explode as well.

"Sorry pop! You know me, always need to make an entrance!"

Christopher: You always did have a hard time following directions!

And finally, there was Chrisooze...he was close enough to her now to swipe at her and try to grab her. Jasmine punched his hand away and grabbed his throat with her other hand. Her hand instantly began to crackle as ice formed from her palm into Chrisooze's neck. His neck, chest, arms, legs, and everything OTHER than his head began to freeze.

"And THAT's why you hated me so much."

And with that, Chriooze's head froze as well prompting Jasmine to choke slam the frozen creature to the ground, shattering him into a million pieces. Jasmine peered down at the broken ice with narrowed eyes. This was getting fucking annoying already.

"IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

Shouting at WHOEVER was listening, because she KNEW someone was.

"I'm DONE playing GAMES!"

 

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

Haleigh had never been so grateful for Blaze's input in all her life. The fire elemental relented and convinced the others to leave, though they didn't go far. Haleigh sat down next to Karen, her right elbow on her knee, leaning in close and dropping her voice for privacy. Apollo pushed his head onto the left side of her lap insistently, and Haleigh continued to pet him absentmindedly. Zeus laid down at their feet, keeping a watchful eye on them both.

"I found Alice..... it's worse than we suspected."

She started but paused to organize her thoughts.

<<FLASH>>

You are TRULY the most beautiful, the most...SPECTACULAR success the 2nd generation of Mystech science could have ever imagined. You are the BEST outcome of what OUR generation of scientific minds could have accomplished.

"She was my...."

Creator? Designer? Caretaker? Handler?

"My engineer. I was not born, but produced as part of an experiment. I am the result of DNA splicing, using samples from.... [she stopped to check and make sure the others weren't eavesdropping] Diana and Christopher."

Haleigh could see the comprehension dawning on Karen's face, and knew that the Doctor at least wasn't too drunk to think critically.

"Alice gave me a USB containing all the internal files on the Scion project. Audio and Written notes from both her and Christopher, meticulous medical records and test reports, EVERYTHING. I have every shred of evidence. I am Mystech's 'Scion', Christopher's Earth Elemental, and Diana's DAUGHTER. That's why she's been trying to recruit me. That's why she's been so HARD UP to destroy the Six, that's why she captured and TORTURED Cameron, and that's probably even why you're being attacked, because she wants to drive you crazy so you can't help me."

 

[Oracle]

The Office Pool

Recall took care of the last of the leeches, and they made to move on their way to the Bio Systems Lab.

"Let's move. Delilah...Lead the way."

“Hold on.”

Oracle wheeled forward into the Office Pool.

“Silver Swan, Charope, MorningStar – you go on ahead. Keep looking for Frost. We’ll catch up with you.”

She tapped the device around her wrist.

“Don’t worry, we can find you – we won’t be long.”

As they moved on, she continued speaking to those left behind.

“Mina, Steel, Valkyrie: set a perimeter. Recall, I want to scrub these systems for any additional data we can. You work on the local computers and I’ll try to access the mainframe. Once you have the data, wipe it. We don’t want anyone else getting their hands on this type of information.”

She typed a sequence on the control pad on her wrist, hooking in to the system. Pressing another button, a laser keyboard appeared in front of her. Her fingers flew, breaking the firewalls, now years outdated, on the system easily, data projecting on a “screen” in front of her.

She didn’t take her eyes away from her task, but she spoke to their core group around her, the “non-Six” group.

“We all need to be prepared. Something is going on with the others. Mina and Recall – you’ve seen it yourselves – they’re seeing things that we aren’t. We have to trust ourselves – and take things into our own hands if necessary. Seeking out the source of Frost’s appearance and the attacks against Karen Victoria must be our top priority. Do not let the others distract us from that.”

She glanced at Vivica, who had more ties to the Six than the rest of them.

“Mina confirmed with Harbinger that the Siege Perilous has NOT been activated in the past six months. She could have been hiding something from us, but it seems most likely that Jasmine did NOT in fact come through the Siege back into our reality. Keep alert: she may or may NOT be who she claims to be. If we are the only ones seeing things clearly, it will be up to us.”

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Karen’s Penthouse




:: Cass was enjoying a – relatively – calm time with Karen, Blaze, Mike, and Zach. They were all in Karen’s suite, keeping close watch over Karen. Cass was also keeping a close watch over Mike’s wolves; she didn’t like them very much at all. She also didn’t trust them. ::

:: Blaze showed both her and Karen sketches/drawings of Sally Spectra’s designs. ::

"....okay mom, Cass....with Sally's blessing I'm able to show you a preview of her up spring collections for the women's ready to wear, formal, and intimate lines."

"There's nothing like a bit of RETAIL therapy....or even a preview of it, right?"

Smiling sweetly

"and a little drinky poo!"

:: Now THIS was more up Cass’ alley. She LOVED shopping, and Sally’s designs were usually satisfactory. ::

“I can’t wait to see them! I’m sure they’re gorgeous!”

"Cass, thank you...for all your help this evening. You've got heart...and it came through for us all tonight."

:: Cass waved her hand in a dismissive manner, even as Blaze hugged her. A ‘lost soul’, even though Cass had finally managed to find her niche within the Six, recognized another ‘lost soul’. Screaming, yelling, and anger were NOT helpful at all back in the Situation Room and Cass seemed like the only person to have recognized that fact. What Jasmine needed was a FRIEND and some understanding. Cass was happy to give her that, and then some. ::

“It was nothing. I just wanted to show that there was ANOTHER way to get through to Jasmine aside from the anger, threats, screaming, and yelling that was going on. I was sick and tired of going down that route again.”

:: Cass shook her head, her eyes sparkling with good humour. ::

“Don’t you people know that there are NORMAL ways of handling people other than pain, anger, and threats?”

:: Karen, Blaze, and Cass quickly got down to business, discussing Sally’s various outfits. Karen liked a particular outfit that would look quite elegant on her, and Blaze ‘picked out’ outfits for Morgan and Ava. ::

“Yes, those would look great on Morgan and Ava.”

:: Cass wrinkled her nose at Blaze’s selection for HER. It was way too SHEER in the legs. ::

“I don’t know…I’m not a ‘sheer leg’ kind of girl. Bare legs or nothing! None of that peek-a-boo crap.”

:: The conversation, as well as the guys’ card game, was interrupted by someone. Cass immediately went into defensive mode alongside Blaze blocking Karen but it only turned out to be Haleigh.

Oh thank goodness!

”Karen, we need to talk. In private please.”

:: Zach asked what was wrong and cajoled Haleigh to tell them all, as secrets did tend to leak within the Six like a sieve, but Haleigh refused. Cass immediately sensed that SOMETHING was up. However, Mike was not budging. He told Hales that Karen needed her rest, and he wasn’t wrong about that. Still, Cass was torn. Haleigh CLEARLY needed help with…whatever it was that was bothering her. But Karen…the woman DID need her rest and Cass and Blaze were still blocking Haleigh from Karen’s view. Haleigh INSISTED that, even though they ALL needed rest, that whatever was going on could not wait. Blaze looked at Cass and Cass looked uneasily back at Blaze. ::

*uneasily*: “Maybe we SHOULD…”

:: After a moment of silence, when really Blaze and Karen were communicating with each other, Blaze touched Cass’ shoulder and squeezed her hand, her green eyes silently imploring Cass to trust HER this time around. Cass sat back down. She did trust Blaze, of course. Cass watched as Blaze made her way over to Mike and beseeched him to let Haleigh speak with Karen because for whatever reason Haleigh was connected to Karen’s strange behaviour. Cass squeezed Karen’s hand gently and then she got up and walked over to Haleigh and squeezed HER hand gently as well. It wasn’t often; actually it was extremely rare, that Black Widow needed help with something personal. ::

:: Cass followed Mike, Blaze, and Zach down the staircase and into Karen’s sitting room. Mike had insisted that his wolves stay behind, of which Cass was glad. They all settled down into the comfortable furniture, yet they all wore the same expressions of concern and worry. Cass tried to be upbeat. ::

“Whatever is bothering Haleigh, I’m sure that we’ll find out when SHE’S ready for us to know…and that’s good enough for me. As for Karen, we’re ALL right here in case she needs us…and those MANGY animals…”

:: Cass wrinkled her nose at the mention of the wolves. She REALLY didn’t like them. Also, she wanted to take Mike’s mind off of Karen by ‘insulting’ his babies. She winked at Mike. ::

“THOSE animals are with Karen too.”

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon- Karen's suite

Zach and Mike were playing a game of Texas hold 'em poker to pass the time while Blaze and Cass tried to take Karen's mind off her troubles and ply her with hemlock. Neither Zach nor Mike was particularly invested or absorbed in the game, they were just doing SOMETHING so it didn't seem like they were hovering.

Zach continued to monitor Karen's emotional aura. She seemed to have improved steadily as time went on, but she was still certainly a bit distressed. The good news was that she was talking coherently with Blaze and Cass, who were doing an excellent job distracting Karen from recent events and if the subject DID come up, Blaze smoothly reassured Karen and kept her from getting too anxious, and Cass tactfully redirected the flow of conversation.

It may have seemed to some thrill-seekers that staying behind was a menial task, or that those who were asked to stay were lacking the abilities or usefulness to warrant their presence in battle, but Zach recognized that PLENTY of fighters were going and based on HIS abilities, he was more strategically valuable HERE.

Mike and Zach were playing cards. It was relaxing actually, or as relaxing as it was gonna get for tonight. Blaze was being a great daughter, relaxing Doc and managing things when she got upset all over again. Perhaps by morning, after this visit, a nice bath and footrub and some rest they could all get back to dealing with things. But for tonight, the rest of this time was for Doc. And he was glad to have some help in that regard.

Several hours had passed. It was a group effort, a family affair, and they had managed to get Karen calm, stable and comfortable. She looked better, and sounded much more like herself. Still, Blaze and Michael weren't going to take any chances, they weren't letting her out of their sight. Orion was a big help, as was Ruby. Orion kept Karen level, helping to ease down the occassional spikes in anxiety whenever thoughts or images of earlier events popped in her head, while Blaze did a great job keeping her distracted.

"....okay mom, Cass....with Sally's blessing I'm able to show you a preview of her up spring collections for the women's ready to wear, formal, and intimate lines."

"There's nothing like a bit of RETAIL therapy....or even a preview of it, right?"

Smiling sweetly

" and a little drinky poo!"

"THERE'S a great photo op over there!"

She says with a smile,

<< Karen, who DID feel much better than she had hours ago, looked over at Michael and Zach. Two fine young men, who were more than mere companions to two women of the Six. Each was a fierce warrior with a strong heart, courage and conviction. Zach had long been the perfect balance and compliment to Haleigh, and the two of them were as enduring a couple as Michael and Karen had turned out to be. Zach's relationship with Haleigh, and Haleigh's recent behavior had allow Karen to see and learn the hybrid in a whole new light. >>

<< She smiled. >>

<< This moment, to the outsider might have seemed like "filler" or a waste of time. But for the trained therapist, for someone involved and informed, The group assembled were doing MORE than merely "babysitting" the doctor. They were providing her with support and stabillity, and helping her to LET GO of the events of earlier. She would HAVE to revisit them ...but not NOW. They were helping her in a way that mattered, and this was what FAMILY was for. Karen was NOT alone as the woman-in-shadow had implied.>>

<< and while they were here with her, Delilah, Sharon, Alycia and even Jasmine were at the Citadle, seeking out Christopher, if that was in fact who was behind all this! It meant the world to her that Delilah cared as she did, and was behaving more like the daughter she had always regarded her as. Sharon and Alycia were long time peers, FRIENDS, women who Karen had connected with on multiple levels, and even though they were now carving their own path with the Birds of Prey, they were here for her without hesitation. Even Recall, her involvement, and resolve to help Karen had not gone unnoticed. In another timeline, Recall was surely a full fledged member of the Six, but that never happened here in mainstream. The woman's orbit around the six had brought her such pain and distress, but look at her now? If Karen had doubts about her before, they were rapidly fading now. Finally there was Jasmine. THIS was a source of reoccuring anxiety for Karen during the evening.>

<< She alternated between worrying about/FOR her, and being upset with her. But Blaze and Cass assured her that Jas had turned a corner, and that was why she was so adamant she go to the citadle. Karen worried for her safety, but MorningStar had promised she do all she could to help her, as did Sharon and Alycia. Things HAD to work out, DIDN'T THEY!?>>

<< THIS was one of the reasons why Michael, Zach, Blaze and Cass were here with her now, to keep her from over thinking, and working herself into another anxiety attack, and it was making all the difference. The hemlock was helpful too! >>

<< The men played cards, while the women discussed fashion, and the dire wolves were present, with mixed reaction from others in attendance.>>

<< Soon, there was another guest.>>

She rematerialized in Karen's suite. Zach and Mike, were sitting at a table, playing cards. Karen, Blaze and Cass were sitting on the sofa, glasses in hand. All five of them jumped to defensive postures for a moment, then, realizing it was just Haleigh, relaxed again. Haleigh wore the expression of a person with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"Karen..... we need to talk. [she glanced around at the crowd] In private, please."

<< Karen was startled and everyone jumped into defense mode, with Firebird and Ruby shielding Karen while Michael and Zach were up and ready.>>

...It's only Haleigh....

<< But all was NOT well with the hybrid. Karen had SEEN this look on her before, but it was MUCH worse now.>>

"Haleigh..... is everything alright? Did you find out something that will help us? You might as well tell everyone, secrets get out eventually."

Haleigh: No. This is..... personal. I must speak with her alone.

<< She hadn't even told Zach that she was seeing Karen in a clinical setting, but Karen hadn't told Michael about it either.>>

And in his gut, Mike knew something was fucked up. And he knew that this would not be good for Doc. And he would give Haleigh the shirt off his back, anything, that was one of his best and closest friends he'd had in the Six. But tonight? Mike stood, hand extended peacefully, but clearly forward to halt. His head slowly shook to the negative as his left eye closed a bit, his concern reflected in his visage.

Ummm....not tonight Hales. Let's table...whatever this is until tomorrow. Karen needs to rest.

He did not move further, but he was dead serious. Karen was getting pampered, comforted and rested tonight and he was not in the mood to really discuss it further.

"We ALL need to rest, but this CAN'T WAIT any longer."

Zach: Haleigh, what's WRONG, you're WORRYING me.

She didn't answer him. She just looked at Karen.

<< Karen was Haleigh's therapist, and if Haleigh was in need, Karen was obligated to assist her. But she couldn't help but feel a flash of resistance, in spite of herself.>>

Not now! Not so soon.....please!

<< Firebird and Ruby blocked Haleigh's view of Karen, so the hybrid couldn't see the look of DISMAY that had washed over her face.>>

"Doctor, please, I can't do this without you."

It finally occurred to Blaze, as she turned to look at Karen, that HALEIGH was Karen's "top priority patient."

"Mom...."

To karen Telepathically: "I KNOW Haleigh's your client. I'm not going to ask what or why...But ...Haleigh NEEDS your help. Do YOU want to do this with her??"

Mother and daughter communicate silently, and Karen, although looking grim, agrees to see Haleigh.

"Mike...."

Blaze stepped away from ruby and toward Mike, placing her soft, well manicured hands on his arm and hand, and gently lowering his hand from Haleigh's approach.

"Something IS wrong. But not the way you think."

<< Karen GULPED DOWN the rest of her hemlock!>>

"You've got to stand down on this, Mikey. Please, TRUST ME. Haleigh and mom...they...they NEED to talk. We need to give them privacy."

It was a delicate line Blaze was walking. She KNEW something heavy was going on, but even she couldn't imagine just WHAT. All that she was quite certain of, was that Karen had been treating Haleigh all this time.

"I think that what's been happening with mom- the nightmares, all of that, it's connected to this. There's something going on, that they need to discuss. I think it's the only way that mom is going to get through what is bothering her, and if Haleigh is a key figure in it, then she NEEDS to be able to speak to Karen."

It's alright, Michael, everyone. I will see Haleigh.

<< Blaze gently prevailed upon Michael, as Karen stood up. Soon, the fire elemental convinced everyone to leave with her, but Michael INSISTED that the wolves remain. Karen had grown...LESS apprehensive around them, and somtimes would pet them...but Haleigh was clearly more comforted by their presence, and so Karen felt their remaining would be more therapeutic for the hybrid.>>

<< Karen walked everyone to the door, and as they left, she closed it. She turns to look at Haleigh. The hybrid could see that the doctor looked better than she did earlier, but there was now a grim expression on her face. She KNEW she was asking so much of Karen, but the need was genuine.>>

This....is an emergency session.

<< Karen holds her hand up and waves it, a chime sounds off as the energy crystals she uses to record Haleigh's vitals, and to capture the entire session for archive manifest at different points around the room.>>

<< And as Haleigh had heard the doctor begin many times before....>>

All communication is confidential.

<< With one key difference.>>

UNLESS I perceive you to be a threat or danger to yourself, or others.

<< That was a noticeable add on. But now with the formality out of the way, Karen seats herself across from Haleigh on the couch. Apollo comes to Haleigh, while Zeus lays on the floor at their feet.>>

"I found Alice..... it's worse than we suspected."

She started but paused to organize her thoughts.

"She was my...."

"My engineer. I was not born, but produced as part of an experiment. I am the result of DNA splicing, using samples from.... [she stopped to check and make sure the others weren't eavesdropping] Diana and Christopher."

<< Karen remained as stone faced as she could...but her emerald green eyes betrayed a strain...a distress that could not be hidden. Her stomach was TURNING.>>

By the dark moon....

<< She said softly>>

"Alice gave me a USB containing all the internal files on the Scion project. Audio and Written notes from both her and Christopher, meticulous medical records and test reports, EVERYTHING. I have every shred of evidence. I am Mystech's 'Scion', Christopher's Earth Elemental, and Diana's DAUGHTER. That's why she's been trying to recruit me. That's why she's been so HARD UP to destroy the Six, that's why she captured and TORTURED Cameron, and that's probably even why you're being attacked, because she wants to drive you crazy so you can't help me."

<< The episodes, the flashbacks Haleigh had been having....the increasingly personal connection to them that Karen shared, the doctor's own recollection of Christopher, his behavior and motivations...EVERYTHING that had been discussed or come up during their sessions, it had all pointed them to one terrifying direction, one that Karen had lead them to the EDGE OF THE CLIFF OF in their last session...but stopped just short of pushing Haleigh/Leaping off herself. >>

<< NOW, there was no turning back. NO HIDING. NO other possibility!>>

<< Silence. >>

<< More Silence.>>

<< Karen stands up and slowly makes her way to the bar, and pours herself another glass of hemlock...and DOWNS IT in one gulp. This was NOT typical for the doctor. But this was not a typical session, even for an EMERGENCY.>>

<< She returns to the couch.>>

I'd be lying to you if I told you I hadn't begun to strongly suspect this...the LAST time we met. And yet...not even I could imagine it would be like THIS for you.

<< She said in a noticeably lower tone of voice.>>


My own nightmares of late, my anxiety....my recollection of Christopher with his other daughters, and how each one was treated worse than the other before her...and my wondering...if there was a 4th, that represented the EARTH.

<< She studied Haleigh. She'd looked at the Hybrid, 100s of times over the years, but tonight, in this moment...everything was different. Suddenly, this woman now held an entirely new and deeper level of personal significance to Karen and her family.>>

You're my ex-husband's daughter.

Morgan, Blaze and Jasmine...they are your half sisters.

<< Karen as she looked at Haleigh. Suddenly it DID make sense, why Karen was being attacked the way she'd been in the past 24 hours, and while it APPEARED to be Christopher, there was a strong possibility it would be DIANA, but too many things about it seemed to conflict with HER "style" of vexing members of the Six.>>

And so it seems....after all these years...OUR interaction may not have been so unexpected after all.

<< waving her hand in an elegant motion, a shimmering, vertical scrying pool forms, showing "side by side" images of Karen in one of her "power suits", talking on the phone, and Haleigh, in her ORIGINAL body>>

After my grammie passed away, and Morgan came of age, It was YOU who I turned to for protection when my husband reached his lowest depth of depravity and threatened both my and my daughter's lives. Many claim to be the best that money can by. But somehow...you stood out from among them all.

<< The images shifted, to show a montage of confrontation between the two!>>

But this can also help explain the deep seeded hostility I held for you. It was almost...REFLEXIVE. Sometimes, even THEN, I couldn't understand why. But then...I couldn't see the pieces of the pattern. Not like NOW.

<< The scrying pool shimmered out, leaving the two to face each other once more. Karen was nearly overcome with grief and sympathy for the hybrid>>

<< As She broke the wall between therapist and patient. By NOW, there was no need for it. She took Haleigh's hand into her own! >>

Another child...another daughter... each one treated more poorly than the one before her. And THIS time...Christopher didn't even bother to work WITHIN the laws of nature. So consumed was he, by his own ego and avarice, that he risked crossing one of the most deadly and implaccable women on the planet, and now...we know that SHE is your MOTHER.

<< The suddenly crystalization of "family ties" and what that meant for the two of them, it was something they BOTH paused to think on for a moment. The doctor noticeably held on to Haleigh's hand.>>

One thing you MUST NOT DO, is take a wreckless path. Do NOT let the beginning of your existence define your WHOLE narrative.

<< There were others among them who could serve as object lessons in this, namely Nicolas and Sharon. To a lesser degree, Cameron.>>

You have a family...both BIOLOGICAL and CHOICE, and WE CARE ABOUT YOU. That is NOT going to change.

<< For the biological family, it now had a whole new meaning. Morgan, Blaze, Jasmine...an KAREN. NOT AVA! But that didn't mean Ava was NOT apart of Haleigh's CHOICE family.>>

You DESERVE this moment of confrontation with your....

<< it was so BIZARRE to accept...much less SAY.>>

...MOTHER.

But you ALSO deserve a life AFTER this moment, to RECOVER and to REGAIN control of your narrative.

For some people, this kind of revelation would be the end of them. It would cause a complete psychotic break from reality.


Haleigh...I have an idea of what you may be planning as your next move. It's what ANY one in your position would want to do now. But the deck is stacked in DIANA'S favor. If you go to her half cocked....you may take this revelation to your GRAVE, and you will leave your SISTERS with another grave to dig.

I want to know exactly what you plan to do.

If you don't tell me...I'll be forced to inform the others. Any action you may take will place you in mortal danger, and if we LOSE you, it will effectively END the truce between the Six and the Sisterhood, and that would leave the Six AND their allies open to danger.

<< She didn't like drawing a line with her patients, but in this case, she HAD to. She wanted Haleigh to REMEMBER there was more to this than just her, even just the TWO of them. Karen would...GLADLY face Christopher down, if it meant protecting her daughters, or any OTHER child he had sired- even in a way as unholy and perverse as how HALEIGH had come to be.>>

 

[Black Widow]

The Parthenon -- Karen's Suite

Karen was excruciatingly quiet for what seemed like an eternity to Haleigh. Then the doctor got up, walked over to the wet bar, and slammed a glass of Hemlock. Haleigh waited for Karen to go full Shadow Weaver on her, or just plain check out and start talking about something completely unrelated, or have a heart/panic/anxiety attack, or call for help and demand that Haleigh be seized and executed. But Karen didn't do ANY of that. She kept her composure. She addressed the revelation logically. It seemed she'd been suspecting this news already.

Karen: My own nightmares of late, my anxiety....my recollection of Christopher with his other daughters, and how each one was treated worse than the other before her...and my wondering...if there was a 4th, that represented the EARTH.

"Aren't you so glad you were right?"

But her lame attempt at humor wasn't even acknowledged. Karen continued to process the ramifications. Haleigh nodded softly as Karen pointed out that Morgan, Blaze, and Jasmine were her sisters, and that she had been destined to protect Karen from her father.

Karen: But this can also help explain the deep seeded hostility I held for you. It was almost...REFLEXIVE. Sometimes, even THEN, I couldn't understand why.

"On an instinctual level, you recognized Christopher in me..... and Diana as well."

She replied in a haunted tone. Karen sat down next to her and took Haleigh's hand. The woman obviously felt sorry for her and the pity stoked some anger on Haleigh's part. She wasn't angry at Karen, quite the opposite, she was extremely grateful for Karen. Haleigh was angry at her 'parents' for having created this mess, for having created HER and shaped her life the way they had.

Karen: Another child...another daughter... each one treated more poorly than the one before her. And THIS time...Christopher didn't even bother to work WITHIN the laws of nature. So consumed was he, by his own ego and avarice, that he risked crossing one of the most deadly and implacable women on the planet, and now...we know that SHE is your MOTHER.

"She saved me from him.... more than once. SHE is the reason I escaped from Mystech as a child, and as an adult after they.... repossessed me the first time. She saved me after the battle with Viper, and nobody could figure out WHY she'd bother.... but now we know why."

Karen: One thing you MUST NOT DO, is take a wreckless path. Do NOT let the beginning of your existence define your WHOLE narrative.

"How could it NOT? Everything I thought I knew about myself.... is a lie. All this time.... I've been fighting to prove I can be a hero... but Jasmine was RIGHT. All I've done is RUN from who I REALLY am."

She replied with a hint of horror, staring off distantly. Karen was still holding her hand, but there seemed to be a disconnect in the support Karen was trying to give, and Haleigh's ability to receive. Apollo started to whine again quietly, earnestly. Even this fell flat for Haleigh.

Karen: You have a family...both BIOLOGICAL and CHOICE, and WE CARE ABOUT YOU. That is NOT going to change.

"Yeah, and you know what ELSE isn't going to change? The DANGER you're all in because of me."

Haleigh pulled her hand from Karen's grasp gently, retreating. She needed to move, she needed to control SOMETHING. She stood up slowly and began to pace.

Karen: You DESERVE this moment of confrontation with your.... << it was so BIZARRE to accept...much less SAY.>> ...MOTHER. But you ALSO deserve a life AFTER this moment, to RECOVER and to REGAIN control of your narrative. For some people, this kind of revelation would be the end of them. It would cause a complete psychotic break from reality.

"I can't imagine WHY."

She deadpanned. She didn't even feel like a real person anymore. She was Mystech's premier design. She had been brought into this world as a weapon.

Karen: Haleigh...I have an idea of what you may be planning as your next move. It's what ANY one in your position would want to do now. But the deck is stacked in DIANA'S favor. If you go to her half cocked....you may take this revelation to your GRAVE, and you will leave your SISTERS with another grave to dig. I want to know exactly what you plan to do.

"Alice warned me that Diana isn't going to stop until she has me back.... and that she'd destroy anyone who stood in the way. I HAVE to DO something. I can't allow anyone to die because I can't face what I am. I have to convince her that it's over, that she's not going to win, and she can't control me."

She stopped her pacing and looked at Karen somberly.

"You CAN'T tell the others. Anyone who accompanies me will be placed in mortal peril and I won't allow it. I'll go alone. Diana won't kill me, she's worked too hard to keep me alive. She won't break the truce either, she wants one of US to break it."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon- Karen's suite

<< Karen DID feel sympathy...AND pity for Haleigh. But it was important for Karen to remain steady, and NOT allow herself to sink into an emotional whirlpool. HALEIGH might, and that would be OKAY for her, Karen would need to remain consistent....for BOTH their sakes, and in this moment, Karen momentarily forgot about her own link, and VULNERABILITY due to her connection to all of this.>>

"She saved me from him.... more than once. SHE is the reason I escaped from Mystech as a child, and as an adult after they.... repossessed me the first time. She saved me after the battle with Viper, and nobody could figure out WHY she'd bother.... but now we know why."

I have studied the flash backs I was able to record, along with your own recollections of the ones BEFORE we began these sessions. This, coupled with what I know of Diana, leads me to suspect that the circumstances of your "birth" touched Diana on a very deep level. This want beyond her formidable intellect, below her ego...and touched her on truly VISCERAL level. I strongly believe that she had to have realized that Christopher played HER in a way far worse than he ever played ME. He cheated on me...yes...not only with her, but with....with that two bit TRAMP,

<< Karen's face tightened with contempt and a flash of resentment could be seen in her emerald eyes>>

HELENA.

He even physically assaulted and terrorized me, and Morgan, along with his other daughters that he kept isolated.


BUT before all of that, I know there was a time that he did have a genuine attraction to me, and even love. I Knew him in college, his early years...long before Mystech was a "thing" for EITHER of us. I knew him when we began our careers on the low rungs of the ladder in Westin Hills Hospital.

On some level, he DID respect me enough to conceive Morgan with me in a....natural way. He USED Diana, he VIOLATED her being on a truly primal level, in order to create you. It's ironic. She thought she in control when she used her PSI powers to unlock his restraint, allowing him to plummet in the depths of his greed and avarice, only to have him turn around and cross her like that?

THAT was a betrayal, an INSULT, an act of WAR for her- She said herself, that there'd be retribution. And so this war is one that she has not stopped waging. It has taken on different forms, to suit her super ego, her ego, & her intellect through the years, but after she engineered Christopher's downfall at the hands of one of his own daughters, she fixated on YOU because you represented a part of her that was STOLEN by HIM!

More than that, Haleigh...I could sense, not only as a psychotherapist, but as a WOMAN and MOTHER myself, that Diana DID, at various times exhibit maternal instinct toward you. What is NATURAL for women around the world, came across as truly unnatural, even CRIPPLING for her, but it was evident in her making sure that you were taken away from Arklay Mansion before she finally destroyed it & killed everyone inside it. The fact that she tasked Alice with watching over you throughout your life, & having a hand in your gaining the advantages you needed is another example. These may the ONLY instances in our known & recorded history of Diana exhibiting signs of a humanity that she has always seemed to LACK.

Despite the perverse nature of all of this...there are themes that hold true even still.

"How could it NOT? Everything I thought I knew about myself.... is a lie. All this time.... I've been fighting to prove I can be a hero... but Jasmine was RIGHT. All I've done is RUN from who I REALLY am."

She replied with a hint of horror, staring off distantly. Karen was still holding her hand, but there seemed to be a disconnect in the support Karen was trying to give, and Haleigh's ability to receive. Apollo started to whine again quietly, earnestly. Even this fell flat for Haleigh.

That is not true, Haleigh.

<< Karen said firmly>>

We have something very personal in common now, something that links us forever.

Also, You KNOW that you have a heart, and where it LIES. You KNOW that in spite of the adversity you have faced, you have NEVER been willing to let it overwhelm or consume you. You've fought, clawed and pressed your way back time and again!

<< Karen moves forward in her seat>>

And you ARE a hero!

<< Karen manifests another shimmering, verticle scrying pool, showcasing a montage of Haleigh's moments of valor and bravery, rescuing various members of The Six from peril, standing with others against enemies, even leading the team when needed.>>

I KNOW that you are facing a moment of existential crisis, and I CAN'T tell you NOT to feel what it's only natural for a person in your position to be feeling, but I can...and I WILL serve as a reminder...an ANCHOR for what you've prooven, what I and the REST of this team, your FAMILY, knows is TRUE.

You have proven that you are LOYAL to your FAMILY and that you'll do anything to protect them. A mother lion or mama bear would recognize you as a kindred spirit...and Haleigh, I may not be your mother, but you are the sister of TWO of my daughters...and you have been there for them even in times when I could NOT.

You DESERVE this moment of confrontation with your.... << it was so BIZARRE to accept...much less SAY.>> ...MOTHER. But you ALSO deserve a life AFTER this moment, to RECOVER and to REGAIN control of your narrative. For some people, this kind of revelation would be the end of them. It would cause a complete psychotic break from reality.

"I can't imagine WHY."

She deadpanned. She didn't even feel like a real person anymore. She was Mystech's premier design. She had been brought into this world as a weapon.

Haleigh pulled her hand from Karen's grasp gently, retreating. She needed to move, she needed to control SOMETHING. She stood up slowly and began to pace.

<< Karen remain seated, she needed to remain a constant in the room, a focal point for Haleigh. She remained calm...the coldness was giving way to an earnest feeling, a maternal display almost.>>

You've been so willing to give OTHERS a chance (Nicolas, Michael, Firebird, etc) NOW more than ever, you need to allow YOURSELF the same consideration.

And just as you have been a staunch advocate of Delilah's during her period of crisis following the Blue Moon, as your therapist...as the mother of your sisters, as a woman who's life was also blighted by Christopher's machinations...and the same woman you saved from your father all those moons ago, it is my DUTY to be there for you now, as an advocate AND as a buffer between you and the others.

"Alice warned me that Diana isn't going to stop until she has me back.... and that she'd destroy anyone who stood in the way. I HAVE to DO something. I can't allow anyone to die because I can't face what I am. I have to convince her that it's over, that she's not going to win, and she can't control me."

She stopped her pacing and looked at Karen somberly.

"You CAN'T tell the others. Anyone who accompanies me will be placed in mortal peril and I won't allow it. I'll go alone. Diana won't kill me, she's worked too hard to keep me alive. She won't break the truce either, she wants one of US to break it."

You've been honest with me. I will be honest with you. I give you my word that I won't tell the others what's happened OR what you're planning to do. At this point, no one else SHOULD be involved.

BUT, if too much time passes, and I do not hear from you...I will come looking for you myself, and I will bring the appropriate persons (Haleigh would have an idea just who Karen was referring to) with me.

This is YOUR moment, and you deserve to face it how you chose, but if this DOESN'T go the way you hope it will, you ALSO need to know that you're NOT going to be left alone in what could be your darkest hour. You HAVE a family, Haleigh and part of that includes knowing that family WON'T leave you to die at the hands of a mortal enemy, OR be destroyed by the actions of two people who played with life the way Christopher and Diana did.

When an person is shattered by sometihng as dreadful as this...there is ALWAYS the possibility, the CHANCE, that he or she can REFORM. Many factors will determine if that happens, and how successfull that reformation is. My clinical analysis suggests that you are a highly functional person who possesses a strong adaptability and resilience. You HAVE the necessary traits. BUT we also know that when a person is shattered by something like this...even IF he or she is able to put themselves back together, they are never truly the same, on any level.

<< Karen stands up and approaches Haleigh, taking both her hands>>

What that will mean for you, even I can't say, BUT you DESERVE the chance to find out, and I intend to see that you have it.

<< And then, the doctor pulls Haleigh into a HUG. Haleigh NEEDED to know she WAS a person, who deserved to FEEL the support that she needed during this horrific time, and that if she'd trust Karen, the doctor would see her through this as best she could! >>

<< But as Karen released Haleigh, and was prepared to send her on her way- sight unseen by the others-....something...or SOMEONE decided to CRASH this pivotal moment.>>

 

[Talisman]

Round Three

"What a revelation, indeed."

:: Appearing before Karen out of seemingly thin air, Talisman began to weave an intricate magick around the room, traces of sparkling dust floating around in the air, hovering over Haleigh and the good doctor's faces before disappearing completely. ::

:: Talisman now sat across from Karen and Haleigh in a large armchair, her hair pulled up into a bun as her cobalt blue eyes glimmered behind black cat eye glasses. She was wearing a black striped power suit and held a clipboard in her hand with copious notes about Karen's mental state scrawled across the papers in black ink. She clicked her pen, eyeing Haleigh up and down, pleased and betrayed by what she had just heard. Things hadn't moved this far along in Kelly's native timeline, and though her Diana was often Talisman's rival and foe, she would have never allowed Christopher to do something like this, not even to Diana. The reasons behind that belonged to Diana and Kelly alone. ::

:: Haleigh would not be able to see Kelly or hear her and if she tried to move or use her powers in anyway, she would find herself unable to. This was not the real Talisman but a manifestation of dual awareness and projection ability afforded to her by the spell and her Omni sight. ::

:: in a calm and even tone. ::

"So...we have another fracture to take a deeper look at it seems. The manifestation of another daughter, this one connected to the woman who would eventually steal your husband from you, in large part due to your mental illness."

:: taking notes ::

"Karen...Haleigh is not real. I know you believe in your hear that she is, but she is just another representation of your own mind blocking you from healing yourself."

:: crossing her legs. ::

"You feel like a failure for the abuse you inflicted on both Morgan and Christopher, so you've created another daughter, one that represents these two people you've built up in your own mind as evil. You created a daughter in your mind that you could save yet again from demons that are simply not there,"

:: The scenery shifted around them. Haleigh faded from existence as did the room they were in as they now found themselves in a pristine white padded medical cell. Karen was bound to the table with restraints in a hospital gown, her head shaved and her body incredibly weak as Talisman warped more of the spell. Kelly stood over Karen, her face enshrouded in shadow. ::

"You and I have a colorful history, across time and space, and I've stuck my neck out in order to help you. Without me they would have shipped you off to the very hospital you once worked at and thrown away the key...."

:: Kelly's black heels clicked across the steel floor as she grabbed a machine, taking two pads and placing them in euthanized er side of Karen's head as she fired up the machine. It was now clear to Karen that this was a device used to deliver ELECTRO SHOCK THERAPY. ::

"Part of the reason I've stayed to help you, is because you promised that you would be honest with me. That you would admit your part in destroying your family, nearly murdering your little girl and husband. That these other "daughters" and monsters of MysTech were just you trying to repent and fix your behavior..."

<< SHOCK! >>

:: The electricity RATTLED through Karen's brain at a staggering speed causing her whole mind to reel in chaos as her teeth began to chatter together, her body vibrating. ::

"I'm afraid that you are perhaps too far gone for me to help you."

<< SHOCK! >>

:: Kelly removed the pads from her head and cast almost a sympathetic glance at Karen. ::

"The only thing I have left to give you is an act of COMPASSION...of MERCY..."

:: Shimmering into the room next to her was Christopher Victory who looked at her with guilt and remorse. ::

Christopher: "I'm sorry it had to come to this Karen...I'll take good care of Morgan for you.."

:: Christopher walked towards her as his face became more and more full of RAGE and ANGER. He JUMPED on top of her and began to batter her body, once again WRAPPING his hands around her neck, attempting to choke her out. ::

:: He was going to kill her. Haleigh would bare witnesses to her responses and find herself unable to intervene as lashes and blood began to spill from Karen's face! ::

:: 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."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon- Karen's Suite

<< The first indication that something was WRONG was the reaction from Apollo and Zeus. Both wolves whined a bit, lifting their heads up. Their ears perked as they begin to whimper and then BARK. Neither Haleigh nor Karen could see anything, but this was what happened on the BALCONY of the VIP Club House! The wolves both got up and circled around Karen and Haleigh. Haleigh's attempts to calm and shush them were met with more impassioned vocalizations from them.>>

The dire wolves!!!

<< They werent being aggressive, they were trying to WARN them that EVIL was present, and trying to protect them! But it was no use for once again, the poor creatures found themselves feeling SEDATED as their barking gave way to protesting whimpers and they both laid back down, lowering their heads and looking sad, before FALLING ASLEEP!>>

Haleigh...

<< Karen began to feel nauseated, and looked noticeably pale>>

... this is what happened just before....just before I was attacked by Christopher on the balcon at....

<< She looked up>>

HALEIGH!?

<< The doctor's emerald eyes darted around the room, as our view swings wide and circles around an increasingly disturbed Karen Victoria. Haleigh Davidoff has VANISHED. But Someone ELSE has seemingly taken her place!>>

:: Appearing before Karen out of seemingly thin air, Talisman began to weave an intricate magick around the room, traces of sparkling dust floating around in the air, hovering over Haleigh and the good doctor's faces before disappearing completely. ::

:: Talisman now sat across from Karen and Haleigh in a large armchair, her hair pulled up into a bun as her cobalt blue eyes glimmered behind black cat eye glasses. She was wearing a black striped power suit and held a clipboard in her hand with copious notes about Karen's mental state scrawled across the papers in black ink. She clicked her pen, eyeing Haleigh up and down, pleased and betrayed by what she had just heard. Things hadn't moved this far along in Kelly's native timeline, and though her Diana was often Talisman's rival and foe, she would have never allowed Christopher to do something like this, not even to Diana. The reasons behind that belonged to Diana and Kelly alone. ::

:: Haleigh would not be able to see Kelly or hear her and if she tried to move or use her powers in anyway, she would find herself unable to. This was not the real Talisman but a manifestation of dual awareness and projection ability afforded to her by the spell and her Omni sight. ::

:: Haleigh COULDN'T see Talisman, but she COULD see Karen's visible reactions to what was happening to her, and register her body's vitals. She would ALSO be able to see EVIDENCE of attacks against::

:: in a calm and even tone. ::

"So...we have another fracture to take a deeper look at it seems. The manifestation of another daughter, this one connected to the woman who would eventually steal your husband from you, in large part due to your mental illness."

:: taking notes ::

WHAT!? This is NONSENSE!

"Karen...Haleigh is not real. I know you believe in your hear that she is, but she is just another representation of your own mind blocking you from healing yourself."

:: crossing her legs. ::

"You feel like a failure for the abuse you inflicted on both Morgan and Christopher, so you've created another daughter, one that represents these two people you've built up in your own mind as evil. You created a daughter in your mind that you could save yet again from demons that are simply not there,"

NO! I won't accept ANY of this!

<< Karen was NOT going to be lead down the path madness by this mysterious woman. NOT AGAIN.>>

:: The scenery shifted around them, as they now found themselves in a pristine white padded medical cell. Karen was bound to the table with restraints in a hospital gown, her head shaved and her body incredibly weak as Talisman warped more of the spell. Kelly stood over Karen, her face enshrouded in shadow. ::

<< Haleigh could SEE the change of scenery as well, Karen was now STRAPPED down to an exam table in this white room, this padded medical cell! The doctor's body failed to respond to her conscious desire to act, and her magicks were failing her again!>>

"You and I have a colorful history, across time and space, and I've stuck my neck out in order to help you. Without me they would have shipped you off to the very hospital you once worked at and thrown away the key...."

:: Kelly's black heels clicked across the steel floor as she grabbed a machine, taking two pads and placing them in euthanized er side of Karen's head as she fired up the machine. It was now clear to Karen that this was a device used to deliver ELECTRO SHOCK THERAPY. ::

You LIAR! KEEP AWAY FROM ME!

<< Karen cried out. But WHO was she takling to? Haleigh COULDN'T SEE! Was it Christopher? DIANA?! or HALEIGH herself!?>>

"Part of the reason I've stayed to help you, is because you promised that you would be honest with me. That you would admit your part in destroying your family, nearly murdering your little girl and husband. That these other "daughters" and monsters of MysTech were just you trying to repent and fix your behavior..."

<< SHOCK! >>

:: The electricity RATTLED through Karen's brain at a staggering speed causing her whole mind to reel in chaos as her teeth began to chatter together, her body vibrating. ::

<< The PAIN that seized Karen's body was very real, as was her REACTION. Her cry of agony was heard not only by Haleigh, but also by Blaze!>>

"I'm afraid that you are perhaps too far gone for me to help you."

<< SHOCK! >>

:: Kelly removed the pads from her head and cast almost a sympathetic glance at Karen. ::

"The only thing I have left to give you is an act of COMPASSION...of MERCY..."

<< The next attack was worse than the first. Kelly ADDED a few agonizing seconds to the next round. When it was over, Karen's head fell to the table with a thud, & lay to the side. Tears were falling from her eyes.>>

Muh....mercy!? You....monster....you're hurting me!

<< her voice was noticeably shaken and she teetering on the edge of unconsciousness, despite knowing that she was in mortal danger. the shock "therapy" was taking a TOLL on her, and her magicks were FAILING her, thus not counteracting the damage!>>

<< But then something...someONE shows up. Both she, Haleigh, and by now the OTHERS, who've managed to beat down the doors to the room that Karen and Haleigh were in, but like the women on the balcony, they CAN'T get to them.>>

:: Shimmering into the room next to her was Christopher Victory who looked at her with guilt and remorse. ::

Christopher: "I'm sorry it had to come to this Karen...I'll take good care of Morgan for you.."

<< Her eyes snap open WIDE, and her vitals begin to SPIKE.>>

NO! I STOPPED YOU BEFORE! YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!

:: Christopher walked towards her as his face became more and more full of RAGE and ANGER. He JUMPED on top of her and began to batter her body, once again WRAPPING his hands around her neck, attempting to choke her out. ::

:: He was going to kill her. Haleigh would bare witnesses to her responses and find herself unable to intervene as lashes and blood began to spill from Karen's face! ::

<< 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!>>

<< Split screen view of Black Widow, Firebird, Arsenal, Orion and Ruby, ALL with looks of shock and horror on their faces as they DESPERATELY try to do something, ANYTHING to get to Karen and CHRISTOPHER, who they can all see now on top of Karen, assaulting her, KILLING HER!>>

<<Haleigh and and Zach register that Karen is now having a panic attack and her body is on the verge of having a MASSIVE heart attack, she'll go into cardiac arrest!>>

:: 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."

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- The downstairs lounge in Karen's suite

Waiting was the hardest thing. Time had been passing so quickly, at least it FELT that way, when they were all together in the upstairs room of Karen's suite. NOW, as they waited downstairs while Karen met with Haleigh, things moved much slower. The soft, rhythmic ticking of a clock on the wall didn't help.

Together they sat- Michael, Blaze and Ruby on one couch, and Zach on the couch directly across from them. Blaze rested her head on Michael's shoulder, while she held Ruby's hand. They all looked concerned, and there was not much said after Blaze tried to reassure Michael.

"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. "

Words from the heart, based on what she knew of Zach and Haleigh. If only she could be so certain about what was happening with Haleigh and Karen right now!

The first indication that something was wrong was the faint sound of Mike's wolves barking, whining and howling.

"Do you all hear that?"

But the animals' commotion soon stops.

"Maybe they were just being a little fussy. Animals can pick up on heavy things and negative emotions. The conversation between Karen and Haleigh is probably BOTH those things and..."

<< The PAIN that seized Karen's body was very real, as was her REACTION. Her cry of agony was heard not only by Haleigh, but also REGISTERED by Blaze!>>

"UGGGNNNN!"

Blaze's head snapped back as she fell back further into the couch. She seized with great pain. She was still holding Ruby's hand, and she reflexively SQUEEZED IT, applying MORE than a little of her "stronger than a baseline human" strength.

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

"Oh...goddesss!? that PAIN!!!"

And as she looked at Ruby...

Zach: Blaze...your nose...you're BLEEDING!

Blaze was shaken, as she realized that she WAS bleeding, but then it happens again!

"AGGHH!!!"

Michael takes hold her, noting that she's reacting as though she's being subjected to a PAINFUL shock or electrocution! But then, as she tried to stand up, she ended up nearly FALLING and crashing into the table! Quickly standing up, Michael and Cass BOTH steady her. Zach is on his feet as well.



"Muh....mom....being attacked!!!"

No more questions, time to MOVE! And so they do! But they find the double doors NOT opening! They hear Karen's SCREAMS and the sounds of her being STRANGLED!

Michael and Zach make magnificent attempts to BREAK them down, but nothing...not YET.

Ruby, helping a still shaken Blaze, stands two paces back.

"Let me....try...."

She regains stronger footing and and thrusts her hands out, creating a "Fireball" of concussive heat FORCE that charges forward and SLAMS into the doors. The red aura of her power signature spreads over the doors and VISIBLY weakens their physical seal. She hit the door with enough concussive heat force to match that of two sticks of TNT! That SHOULD have taken down the doors, and the WALL around it to say the least, but Kelly's attempt to block them held!

Ruby: One more time, Firebird!

"Hang on...mom...."

The visibly pained Blaze grits her teeth, and fires AGAIN. She may not have been super strong like Silver Swan, but she could STILL pack quite a punch with her own native power, and nothing less than full sorce was going to get them through!

And while the doors are once again hit HARD by her blast, and the red aura of her energy glows around the doors.

"G....GO for it guys!"

Michael and Zach are able to make short work of the doors, breaking them down and rushing in, immediately followed by Ruby and Blaze.

GASP!

::FLASH!::

:: Christopher walked towards her as his face became more and more full of RAGE and ANGER. He JUMPED on top of her and began to batter her body, once again WRAPPING his hands around her neck, attempting to choke her out. ::

:: He was going to kill her. Haleigh would bare witnesses to her responses and find herself unable to intervene as lashes and blood began to spill from Karen's face! ::

Michael's wolves are down, Black Widow is immobilized and the look of horror on her face says it all! Now it was BLAZE'S turn to experience that "Dolly effect" as she witnesses this horrid sight! A moment brought about when logic and reason FAIL, and all that's left is what she sees...and the emotions it evokes! Her father, CHRISTOPHER, HERE....attacking, KILLING her mother.

<< Split screen view of Black Widow, Firebird, Arsenal, Orion and Ruby, ALL with looks of shock and horror on their faces as they DESPERATELY try to do something, ANYTHING to get to Karen and CHRISTOPHER, who they can all see now on top of Karen, assaulting her, KILLING HER!>>

<<Haleigh and and Zach register that Karen is now having a panic attack and her body is on the verge of having a MASSIVE heart attack, she'll go into cardiac arrest!>>

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!!!"


Blaze bursts forth from Ruby's support as she and Michael are the FIRST to try to get to her, only to find they CAN'T. They can't use their powers or abilities, they can't even MOVE. Same with Ruby and Orion.

"He's KILLING HER!"

"CHRISTOPHER! YOU BASTARD!"

Blaze screams as tears fall from her face!

"Leave her ALONE!"