Assault on Illustra!

[Seer]

:: night gives way to day....a new day with a step closer to ATTEMPTING to get back to routines. Each surviving member of The Six is safely hidden within Illustra and able to carry out their individual endeavors from private offices on the higher level floors of the building..above the "normal" floors and below the "residence" floors.::





:: the memories of those recently lost to the team may be a source of pain OR solace..depending on who you ask.....but with those "memories" in mind, even now, the Six cannot begin to ancitipate the horrible move that Malice and Blackout are about to make against them, one with a PERSONAL touch to strike at their minds..AND their hearts::

 

[Foxfire]

Blaze's suite

Everything...changes.....everything falls apart. How stupid could I be. Sarah McLachlan's lyrics rang loudly inside Blaze's mind. The eerie silence from Alison was to be expected, the woman was choosing her words wisely. It seemed the fiery mutant was a ticking time bomb, but who could blame her? Behind those blazing irises was a woman still attempting to register the emotional aftermath of Morgan. Her sister's death was nearly destroying her to the most sensitive core of her soul, her heart!

Down below the stories underneath Illustra, the city was repairing the damage that was stricken to. The whole event of the tragedy of Morgan, Senator Kelly, and the innocent bystanders who fell victim to MysTech, were enough to throw Blaze off her wagon. But she knew in her hearts, Morgan would not accept that. She burned with vengeance, especially for the human race. It showed in her stand off position with Alison, she didn't seem to want to listen, that is until Haleigh appeared.

Her yellow eyes moved along the second team leader, but this time they ignited with more fury. Why was Blaze angry with Haleigh? Her jaw tightening with the blue veins bulging through her olive skin. She did manage to keep quiet while Haleigh spoke. Shaking her head in disagreement at Haleigh's argument.

"I would NEVER join MysTech! Have you forgotten how they probed me Haleigh or did it slip your mind?! Maybe you were too BUSY with your finance to recall...but I would have thought you of all people would relate! That's like me insinuating you would join the man who murdered your team!"

Blaze felt the air currents shift allowing her body movability once more. Her fiery fists clenched tightly into a ball. "I have a major problem with you, Haleigh, but do me a favor....don't talk to me! I see where your loyalties are and I'm not one of them! Save the pretty speech for someone who wants to hear you speak. Right now...I don't care!"

Her eyes glaring at Haleigh with a boiling hatred not many on the team had seen before. She turned at the waist to follow Alison back inside. A sliver of cold wind followed behind Blaze, who purposely gave Haleigh the cold shoulder.

Allowing Alison to blink them back inside the building, Blaze stormed off. She didn't wait for Alison to accompany her to the room. Blaze felt trapped inside this building, like some sort of prison. She needed a reprieve from the team....to think where she wanted her life to go. But she had a long process of healing from the loss of Morgan.

Jogging around the corner to the personal suites she opened her door, slamming it shut. She felt oddly destructive but the ability to control that emotion was gone. Crumbling in a heap, Blaze grabbed her head in agony. It felt as though her skull was becoming crushed. Her room pitch black, not a single light on. Running a hand against her aching temple, she sighed.

Maybe Alexis was right, Blaze was living in a shadow of Morgan. Without her she felt naked, vulnerable, and overly emotional. How would she harness this new gift without the guidance, love, and support from Morgan. Granted, her teammates proved to be valuable friends especially Delilah and Haleigh. But Blaze couldn't shake the gapping hole she felt through her heart. If only her healing ability could absorb emotional damage as well.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire club- Control Room

:: the buzzing of conversation was around the executive board room. with Blackout seated on the immediate right of the head chair and the immediate left chair empty. WILDpark soldiers and various super powered operatives of MysTech were present....as a holographic generator at the center of the large conference table projected the emblem of the Hellfire Club.::


::a banging gavel sound was heard as Malice, the White Queen, strode into the room and all conversation stopped as the White Queen took her seat at the head of the table. She was dressed sharp in a crisp white Versace business suit composed of a tailored blazer and short skirt. bare legged , and white four inch high heels. Her blonde hair bone straight and parted down the middle in a sleek bob::

Good day ladies and gentlemen.

::glaring at one of the men who insisted on chattering still...::


I have called this meeting to bring you all up to speed on our next task....this is about more than mere damage control. Sharon Kelly's death at the hands of Master Mold was CARELESS move on the part of MysTech and it has caused the public tide to shift NEGATIVELY against the MysTech entity not just in america but around the world. The "mutant/meta human crisis" has gained new momentum as well for Senator Sharon Kelly was a major ally of mutants and meta humans...and the cheif opponent to registration acts and other mutant controlling initiaives. Mystech WAS capitalizing on this in years past...but now, WE are in just as much danger as the mutants/meta humans.

if MysTech is to go down, then we must drag our enemies down with us. Namely THE SIX. This team of mutants, meta humans and even WITCHES has been a thorn in our side on all fronts for far too long. But with the loss of Spellbinder and Shockwave, their numbers have dwindled and while the surviving members are powerfull to be sure....they are just as dogged by the current anti mutant sentiment as anyone else, which is why they remain hidden in Illustra.

We will tear them apart from WITHIN, striking them at their core before flushing them out into the open for a battle they will be ILL PREPARED to fight.

:: at her signal...a horrible, tromping foot fall was heard, as The Super Soldier stepped into view...breathing in that same horrible way he had once before. standing silently along side Malice. Blackout would immediately recognize him and to her surprise...discover that he apparently had SURVIVED the nuclear detonation at NERVOUS all those months ago::

My theme for this campaign against the Six.... "the past coming back to haunt them."

this :: gesturing at the Super Soldier:: was one of MysTechs first greatest achievements in their attempts genetic engineering. Not only has he been one of our most deadly weapons in convert activities for years, but he was powerfull enough to withstannd the combined assaults of Guardian, Spellbinder, MorningStar and Shockwave; later he would maim Spellbinder and Guardian and his consciousness was super imposed onto the Master Mold's matrix. HE is the former lover of Haleigh Davidoff- Black Widow of The Six.

For Guardian, MorningStar, Foxfire and Dr. Karen Victoria...i have something far more shocking instore. ::Malice smirks as soft gasps can b e heard around the room...as people nervously view the menacing super soldier::

Once we have erroded their spirit and mental defenses...the time will come to flush them out.

:: looking over to Blackout, Malice nodded for the young metahuman to add to the discussion::

 

[Arclight]

:: As Malice mentioned having something "more shocking" in store for Guardian, MorningStar, Foxfire and Dr. Karen Victoria, Alexis's body immediately engulfed in white lights. The lights dulled as quickly as they formed and Alexis now stood in front of the room as none other than MORGAN VICTORIA. Although her appearance had changed, "Morgan" was dressed in Alexis' tailored black boot cut slacks, black peep-toe stiletto heals, and black blazer jacket that was held together by a single button revealing "Morgan's" cleavage and toned stomach. ::

:: Allowing her now violet eyes to glance over to Malice, Alexis/Morgan smiled with pleasure hearing the stunned gasps and cackles that came from the others in the room. ::

"Morgan Victoria was the heart and soul of The Six...with her demise, they have taken a hit greater than anything MysTech could ever do to them."

:: Allowing her eyes to sweep across the room, "Morgan's" familiar voice echoed confidently. ::

"We will hit them where it hurts the most. We will torment, tease, taunt. We will drive them crazy until they BEG for us to kill them."

:: Glancing over to The Super Solider, then to Malice, Alexis turned back to the ground. ::

"Their beloved Morgan.......will become their worst nightmare."

:: Cheers suddenly erupted throughout the small white conference room. The Six were expecting a massive attack from both Malice and Blackout. But they would hit them with psychological warfare; weeding them out one by one until they begged for mercy. Once they were down, The Super Solider would finish them off...a man whom the six would be VERY surprised to see (along with herself for that matter). ::

"I think they approve."

:: Smiling with satisfaction as she whispered to Malice, Alexis's body engulfed in lights once more before she appeared back into her true form. ::

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Club- control room

:: Malice sat back with her arms folded as Blackout addressed the group in the very real guise of "Morgan Victoria". she nodded slowly with satisfaction as Blackout rallied the troops morale and sparked their zeal to cause more chaos on a variety of levels.::

::as the room cheered, Malice leaned over to Alexis.::

yes, indeed. and it looks like I may have just found our next Black Queen.

::winking at Alexis with a sinister glint in her opal blue eyes, Malice stood up at the head of the conference table.::

now, then. all WILDpack soldiers will dispatched in equally numbered groups at various places around NYC...INCLUDING "Venom", the club that has been owned by both Blaze and Morgan. But do NOTHING until i give the signal.

Alexis, you will accompany me to a location that I'm sure youll be most familiar with.

:: as Malice ended the meeting and give final details to those under her command....she awaited everyone to leave , with only Alexis remaining::

undoutedly there are those among the Six who would not be so easily fooled by even YOUR glamoring power which is why I will be "enhancing" your illusion with my own telepathic/empathic powers. With each member that we target..i will round out what you are doing to make the illusion complete to the mind AND emotions of the target. I will maintain telepathic contact with YOU as well. follow my cues.

are you ready?

 

[Arclight]

:: Smirking with pleasure at Malice's statement about her becoming the next Black Queen, Alexis lifted her sapphire eyes as the woman stood, now ending the meeting. Watching as everyone began to file out, Alexis stood, crossing her arms along her chest. ::

"Exactly. They know of my glamouring abilities and wouldn't easily be fooled by it; ESPECIALLY Alison. But with your extra boost in clouding their minds..."

:: With a low laugh. ::

"They won't be able to help BUT believe that Morgan has risen from the dead."

:: Unfolding her arms, Alexis smiled at Malice who nodded in agreement and asked if she were ready. A soft white light slowly wrapped around her body like a serpent, once again glamouring into the deceased Morgan Victoria. As the light faded, not only was Alexis' appearance changed, but her clothing as well. A white floor length silk gown (goddess like) fit perfectly along "Morgan's" toned body; clinging to her bust, but slightly flaring out at the hips. A velvet, deep purple robe--with train and wide, long sleeves--draped on top of the white gown; a single button at the bust holding the robe on, but not concealing the beautiful white dress. "Morgan's" shoulder length, blonde, double highlighted locks, were slightly waved and parted to the side. Her makeup crisp, yet subtle, enhancing her "goddess-like" look. ::

:: Looking to Malice, "Morgan's" violet eyes brilliantly stood out as they played off the colors of the robe. ::

"You better believe it."

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh eyed Blaze as she retaliated, nodding softly. Blaze words were sharp and laced with anger, and Haleigh felt a pang of emotion during the onslaught... but she kept it to herself. The whole POINT was NOT to fight. Haleigh watched Blaze warily... she knew they were nearing a deep chasm... and how far Blaze might go was unpredictable. Haleigh kept quiet as they blinked back to Illustra, and stood with Alison as Blaze fled, taking refuge in her quarters. Haleigh exchanged looks with Alison, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.

"SO stubborn. She isolates HERSELF.... how can we help her through this if she wont let us?? OF course... that's something MORGAN had trouble with as well... AND YOU, Alison.... You don't have to look very far to find the only people you can trust... your... family. In our times of need... if we can't turn to each OTHER... then WHO??"

Haleigh asked, shaking her head. She could SEE the team separating... but didn't know where to begin to bring them together. Haleigh was good at rallying the troops... giving the needed pep talks... but ironically... Alison could tell Haleigh was creating distance for herself... not necessarily from the team.... but from SOMETHING... she seemed to be steeling herself for something.

"You should get some rest.... I have this looming feeling that soon.... we will ALL need to be in our peak condition."

Haleigh begins to slowly disentigrate into billions of particles.... and then eventually evaporates altogether.... where she went.... was anyone's guess............

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra's rooftop

:: Alison didnt bother to try to stop Blaze as she escaped back to her quarters. She instead sighed slowly....lloing over at Haleigh as she brushed some of her blue/black hair from her wintery face::

::in a cold voice::

it was never my nature to "look to family"....I abandonned mine remember? My mother...she thought she could rule me, and she couldnt, so she abused my sister who wanted nothing to do with dark magick and my brother, who turned out to be a mutant and not connected magick at all. it was a most dysfuctional dynamic...just as bad as Morgan's whose father tried to kidnap her and force her into the service of MysTech...and later would preside over the torture and brutal genetic experimentation on his own daughter Blaze after VALIANT broke up. Is it any wonder that Morgan and I never truly appreciated the concept of "Family"?

:: she nodded at Haleigh as the woman advised they all be rested and as Haleigh left, Alison looked out and "ahead" as her eyes began to glow solid white::

rested indeed, for something terrible is coming...Malice, in all of her depraved machinations will visit upon us a nightmare far greater than any attack that MysTech could throw at us. my Hecate protect us all...in the days..and nights to come.


:: with that Guardian blinks out of site...returning to her own domain on the 106th floor of Illustra::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra 107th floor

<< after making sure Delilah was healed, Karen herself retired to bed. resting in her daughter's Chamber of Dreams, the doctor and accomplished sorceress slept very soundly. In her heart and soul she felt satisfied with the demonstration she made against Malice and knowing that helped keep Delilah Safe. Delilah and Alison were like daughters to Karen and so now that Morgan was gone, for the remainder of her time in Illustra, Karen would make sure to watch out for her "daughters" as well as the young, impulsive Blaze.>>

<< the kitten that Haleigh had given Morgan was nestled in bed near her "grandmother". while Tinker had decided to sleep with Delilah. the two familiars were a little more nervous than before, no doubt because they sensed their "mother" was no longer on this world and there werent sure what to make of it, but between Karen and Delilah...they would be well cared for.>>

 

[Malice]

across town...the abandonned medical office

::with quick time, Malice and Alexis cross town via a secret underground express tunnel that connects the Hellfire club to many of MysTech's strong holds...with so many having been raided and now under federal scrutiny....the now borded up and seemingly abandonned Medical Office, the SAME one that The Six first visited the night of the meltdown::


::the upper level...the part the public would only have access to, interior of the Medical Office was intact but now covered in dust and cobwebs. all signs of the battle months ago were now faint. the morgue , which had once been a horrid scene of horrific carnage, was now quiet and dark...only the faintest sound of water dripping could be heard in the still, stale air...and within one of the doors of the now inactive refrigiration unit, lay the passage to the underground tunnel that lead to the citadle.::


here we are

:: arriving at the dock of the industrial area where The Six had once fought massive "Bio Hazards" ::


you recognize this area I am sure.


we are here because this is the LAST place that anyone would think to look for "the source" of the nightmare we are about to visit upon them.

::the stillness, the silence...it had been nearly a year since Alexis had last been here and back then...things were so chaotic..no one thought they would ever get out of this place alive.::

you will use your power to transport yourself to the surface and to an area near Illustra. I will direct members of the WILDpack to create enough of a disturbance to draw their attention...and once they come to investigate, you will make your appearence...as "Morgan"....brief...and shocking, it will be the first disorienting strike.

 

[Arclight]

Outside Illustra

:: Appearing in the abandoned Medical center, Alexis indeed recognized this place. This was where they first battled as a team. Where she saw Adam for the first time since she "murdered him"(on a television screen, but nevertheless saw him). It was a bit eerie in all actuality, but Alexis shrugged the feeling aside and looked to Malice who instructed her on the plan. Nodding with understanding, Alexis' body turned into it's energy form and disappeared within the walls. ::

:: Reappearing on the surface, Alexis glanced around sensing the WILDPack's energy signatures near by. Taking cover down an alley way a half a block down from Illustra, Alexis waited, keeping her sights on Illustra’s entry way where the attack would take place. ::

 

[Seer]

the stage is set

:: and so as Malice takes up temporary base at the last place anyone would think to look for her, and Blackout gets into position, the stage is set for what will become, a truly mind bending moment for the members of the Six......even as Illustra stands tall and proud among the NYC skyline, its walls and technological splendor cannot protect them from what is yet to come::

::meanwhile, Haleigh has come upon some intriguing , but yet still vague information about Malice. it gives her a bit more insight on this "woman in white" and just what kind of trouble she brings to the Six::

 

[Foxfire]

Doubts - Blaze's apartment

All was quiet in Blaze's apartment except a few sobs. Dark crimson and vanilla candles had been lite and wildly flickered around like their own. Having been able to privately grieve, Blaze nursed her sorrow and ache with alcohol. A large bottle of White Zinfandel nestled in the mutant's lap, forget about a whine goblet. "This used to be my playground" by Madonna was heard playing in the background, adding to the melancholy mood the mutant felt.

Hot tears welled up her hunter green eyes. Shutting her oval eyes tightly, she tried to forget the atrocious ache of loss. She stared off in a daze at the dark canvas hung on her wall, next to the fireplace. Adoring the fireplace mantle were pictures of celebrities, family, and friends. Sniffling through the silence, Blaze bent forward to place the half empty bottle on her coffee table.

A delicate Tiffany's sterling silver frame was tightly clutched in her lithe fingertips. A portrait of Morgan in her former modeling days on the cover of Vogue. Morgan looked so happy in the shot, it was easy to identify her as one of the most popular models in her generation. Caressing down the glass frame, Blaze's mascara ran down her eyes, making her resemble that of a raccoon.

"What would you do, Morg? I need you!"

She choked up with more tears at the memories that came flooding back to her. Her right hand moved to the pistil underneath the pillow beside her. Pulling out the pistil, her blurry eyes falling over the deadly weapon.

"I can't do this anymore."

Her voice meek and solemn, cracking with emotion. Scooping up the clip from her lap she slide it inside the pistil. A click was heard with the clip tightly secured in the pistil. Removing the safety, Blaze's thumb traced against the butt of the gun. Where had she gotten a gun? Most likely from her past, probably tied in with Haleigh as an agent for Section One.

Scents of cinnamon and vanilla wavering through her spacious apartment. The flickering candles animated with life. Having a firm grasp on the gun, Blaze's bloodshot eyes slide back to the portrait of Morgan. Shaking her head, Blaze turned the gun on herself. Her index finger curling around on the trigger. She had several rounds contained in the gun, all she had to do was pull the trigger, and it was all over with. Was Blaze being selfish? Probably, but she couldn't handle Morgan's death. She never expected the loss of her sibling. Morgan was so young but also a hero for her bravery.

She remembered the Citadel and how her sister stormed the fortress insistent she rescue Blaze. A few more tears leaking from the corner of her eyes. Her left hand shook with fear but she quickly wrapped her right hand underneath to brace against it. She was staring down at the barrel of the gun. Placing the gun to her forehead, clenching her teeth. Could she pull the trigger? Shaking her head she removed the gun, only to place it inside her mouth. The gun's barrel lodged inside her mouth. The bullet would surely kill her in an instant, quick and clean like the military.

Closing her eyes, Madonna's voice bellowing out over her speakers with the flames arising to life the heavier they burned against the wick. Her index finger lightly began to pull the trigger, she was scared but she knew death would be a welcoming surprise, especially with Morgan lost to her.

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra- 104th foor Blaze's suite

::with solid white glowing eyes, Alison gasps at what she "sees". Without a moments notice, she BLINKS from the 106th to the 104th floor::





:: a rushing chiming sound is heard as the doors to Blaze's suite burst open, Alison Marble, wearing her newly deigned, figure flatering body suit strides in with a purpose. moving quickly through the levels and rooms, she throws her gloved hand forward and blasts the bedroom door open::


Not today, young lady.

:: gesturing ala Prue Halliwell as she waves her hand , another rushing chiming sound is heard as the gun is IMMEDIATELY swept away from Blaze's grasp.. with the same hand..she thrusts it forward...and this time BLOWS UP the bottle of whine.....intending to shock Blaze back to her senses.::

this is the SECOND TIME in less than 24 hours. should i put you in LONG TERM cryogenic stasis?

:: Alison glared at the despondent Blaze with her cobalt blue eyes::

You are of no use to yourself OR anyone you claim to care about right now. WHY are you doing this?


::her voice was loud and sharp....the tone cold and unforgiving. Alison was growing TIRED of having to chase after Blaze as well as "guard" the team...and with Haleigh and Delilah elsewhere...there was no one else left to deal with this.::

 

[Foxfire]

Closer to the edge than usual, Blaze was started with her apartment door blown off its hinges. A massive display of power by the Seer who timely intervened without a moment's notice. She opened her eyes wide at the sight of Alison's fuming essence. She felt fear clutching her heart, like that of a child being caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Except in this case, this was life or death and the mutant knew it.

In less than a blink of an eye, Blaze's gun dissipated into thin air. It was so furiously quick, she had little time to react. As was the same with her half empty bottle of whine being blown up. Blaze's athletic form nearly jumping from the couch with the shatter of glass and the deadly wave of red liquid splashing into her dark leather couch, staining it.

She gasped in horror with some of the whine staining her own skin. The stickiness of the liquid clinging to her arms. Bracing her head with both arms on instinct, she FELT the surge of pure adrenaline and anger Alison felt.

Tumbling off the couch in a heap, she looked up as strands of hair fell in her line of vision. Blowing a few from her eyes, which obscured her green eyes. Climbing to her feet, she was warily of Alison who confessed her agony of this matter.

What could Blaze say? She hardly knew herself with her lips moving but just a hollow sound was released.

"I DON'T know Alison! All I know is pain....loss of my sister! I'm expected to get it together but I CAN'T! I said it....Blaze Fielding cannot function without her sister!"

Her anger boiling to the surface as she grabbed a hold of her coffee table and knocking it off. The heavy collision of wood smacking down against her floor. She locked eyes with Alison, I...don't know how to function. I'm...a ticking time bomb!"

She bit down on the threat of her quivering lip. Blaze couldn't register the loss of Morgan. "I come back to find Morgan GONE! I can't accept it.....I can't accept the betrayal of Alexis...Malice's confession....everything!"

Blaze struggled with her internal struggle but it leaked to her external surface, where Alison could see it. "I loved Morgan....she took me in and showed me the world. But that same WORLD stole my sister! But I'm to forgive and move on?! Everything is out of order....nothing is in harmony at the second."

Her eyes locating the picture frame of Morgan, the same frame she had been cuddling earlier. With her destructive nature, Blaze managed to shatter the glass and nearly rip the photograph. "Morgan!" She cried out, grabbing the broken photograph.

"I'm not you Alison....with your marble heart....I'm not Haleigh where I can rely on my lover....I'm not Delilah who privately grieves without making a scene....I'm not..." But she stopped realizing that was their entire team. "I'm....not....anything without her....she kept me focused, in tact....passionate about life." She placed the photograph to her chest, where her heart would be. Bowing her head in sadness, "She was my real family...she risked everything for me back at the Citadel!"

Blaze's knees were starting to buckle from her emotional strain to stand. Her voice cracking with emotion as the tears flooded down her cheeks. "I'm....alone...and I don't know which direction to turn. I'm afraid of losing members of this team so I PUSH them away.....Haleigh is a close friend of mine, I love her like another sister. All three of you are like my sisters....I just can't bare the thought of losing another "sister" my heart couldn't take it."

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra- Blaze's suite

:: The scene was heart wrenching...anyone OTHER than Alison might have choked with grief. Alison watched, silently, unmoving as Blaze began to melt down. Her cobalt blue eyes did not waver in their gaze for a moment. Blaze couldnt have been more wrong, but it was often EASY to forget that Alison knew all too well about pain and loss...not just of one sister, but a WHOLE FAMILY.::


:: as the young mutant began to fall apart and down to her knees, Alison quitely made her way to Blaze's side and slowly, gently touched her shoulder.::


::her voice was softer, but no less cold::


Blaze......do you truly believe you are ALONE. Do you believe that you are the ONLY one who lost a sister? Morgan was the sister I never had. Her mother is the mother I WISH i had had as a child.

:: Alison moved away from Blaze and walked slowly around::

What happened to Morgan, it is a trauma that NONE of us can recover from quickly, but what you are doing, is the SAME THING that SHE did when she thought you had died in London, during your days with Valiant. She was sick with grief. Heartbroken and convinced she was a failure. I had to help her pull back from that. Ororo had to her during the aftermath of the Inferno. She NEVER forgave herself for your death and the night we faced Master Mold...she was determined to make UP for that...to make it up to you, us, the CITY. She died PROTECTING US.

Do you think it is easy for ME, the SEER of the group, not being able to STOP DEATH? Or not being able to PROTECT those i care about despite my POWER? THREE members of the Six have died/left us under my watch. All the while, my family....Cameron my brother has disappeared probably captured by Malice and my sister Erika is in Limbo....BOTH of whom i ABANDONNED years ago...leaving them in the clutches of my marauding mother, Kelly King.


You lost your sister, but SO HAVE I, so have WE ALL. None of us is ALONE Blaze and CURSE YOU for making me revisit this!

:: she clenched her fist and turned away...shutting her eyes tightly as the images and memories of the final moments with Morgan facing Master Mold replayed in her mind::

You are not helping yourself or ANYONE ELSE with what you are doing and you KNOW Morgan would not approve. Just as I was there for her, I shall be there for YOU. But you MUST pull yourself together.

Malice is coming for you, for ALL OF US. We must be ready to fight against her....Morgan and Sharon's deaths DEMAND vengeance and JUSTICE...and we will see it...TOGETHER...ALL OF US!

 

[Foxfire]

Once again, Alison was right but as well chosen as her words were, Blaze looked up. Her emerald eyes crying another river for her sister, something that Alison too struggled to come to terms with. Her right hand moved to cover the Seer's hand gently. Alison's body language was mixed with sorrow, regret, anger, and heartache. It was the same as what Blaze felt but this time she wouldn't stir clear from it, she would tackle it head on with Alison's help.

Her eyes narrowing in contempt at Alison's angry words. Climbing to her feet, Blaze was shaky as was her amble chest. But she managed to steady her petite form, walking over to Alison. Her bare feet quiet against her hard wood flooring but she roughly gasped her friend's arm. Her eyes blurry with tears but she was able to see her teammates pained facial expression.

"If we are to conquer that wretched cockroach then that means BOTH of us coming to terms with our internal struggles. Neither one of us want to...but if what you say is true...then damn it Alison, your coming with me!"

She loosening her grip on the brunette's arm. "I never had to experience the agony you went through with your family. I can't say I can relate....I can't...my mother died...I never got the chance to meet her. I'm sorry you never had the luxury of having a loving family like most. Dr. Victoria is like your mother and Morgan like your sister. We must come to terms...with you its your family and now the burden of your power. I couldn't relate there but what I can relate to is PAIN. That emotion bonds us together with Haleigh, Delilah, and Dr. Victoria. You KNOW Malice is going to bring Morgan's image to paralyze especially me! I'm probably the most unstable of this team...making me the weakest link."

Her fingertips curling around Alison's shirt as time passed. "I don't want to face this but I know if...if what you say is true...then I must go ON. I always wanted Morgan to go on without me....and I never wanted her to blame herself for my death. But if I am to pull myself TOGETHER I need YOU, Alison! I don't need or want your marble heart, I need YOU....the REAL Alison! No facades...no icy exteriorly want to see the person whose hiding behind that marble. I know she's there....your seeing ME for what I am. I put up this bad ass front but its because I'm scared of being HURT....but this is me. Let GO, Alison."

She pulled Alison's shirt more as the tears soaked her high cheek bones, pleading in her eyes. Her eyes locking strongly with the Seer's cobalt blue pools. Could Alison unravel her "marble heart" or would she be stone cold? Morgan's advice would most likely linger in the Seer's memory banks. Now was the time to be reborn again like that of a Phoenix. Blaze was willing but only if Alison agreed. For these two different women, it was a struggle but sometimes in order to succeed in life you had to rely on someone else. Sometimes you just had to...fall apart to pull yourself back together.

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra- Blaze's suite

:: Alison looked down at the young mutant, again, unwavering in her cold glare...but her facial countenance softened just a bit.::


:: Alison held Blaze in an embrace, silently comforting her as though she were an older sister. Allowing her to work through this grief. Blaze appealed to Alison's TRUE core, needing someone to be there for her, and while Alison was quietly sympathetic to Blaze...she could only be HERSELF...and that was all.::

:: she pulled back from Blaze Slowly...and took her the mutants hand away from her collar...holding it firmly but not hard or painfully, looking at Blaze calmly.::


:: speaking softly::

Blaze, you must calm down. You are not prepared for what is yet to come, and because of that, you must now.....

::her eyes glowed::

SLEEP


:: and with that final command, goes a minor spell. one that will calm Blaze's spirit and psyche...allowing her to truly rest her mind and body and come to terms with the reality of things and what must be done in the days to come.::


:: Guardian carries Blaze to her bed and lays her down... waving her hand, Blaze's clothes change and she is now in night attire and covered by blankets::

you will rest now, and when you awaken, you will be refreshed and renewed, better able to cope, capable of doing what must be done. I would expect no less from anyone else among us.


::in a rare moment of tenderess, Guardian carefull strokes away some of Blaze's chocolate brunette hair from her face....before quietly leaving the room..and exiting the suite. the doors shut behind her softly...and Guardian leaves the 104th floor....on her way to Haleigh's floor one above.::

 

[MorningStar]

[ As Delilah slumbered in Morgan's guest room, her face registered an unsettled look. She moved fitfully, tossing and turning: these were not peaceful dreams.


She walked down a long, dark tunnel. It seemed to go on for miles, silent, without anything to light her way. She walked on and on until suddenly she was thrown into the midst of a raging battle. She was back in that day - the day of the battle with Master Mold.

She watched as Guardian was electrocuted and fell unconcious. But instead of Master Mold, it was Blackout that was attacking the seer. Malice stood nearby, cackling with glee at the sight of her prodigy's rain of power.

The vision morphed - now showing Morgan once again being pulled down into the vortex with Master Mold...but the face that looked out of the vortex was not that of Master Mold. Instead it was Delilah's own face. It was herself pulling Morgan to her death. Once more the vision before her changed, and instead of Morgan screaming this time it is Blaze...


Delilah shot up into a sitting position, forcefully waking herself from the dream. Her breathing rapid, her body covered in sweat. She looked down at Tinkerbell, still curled up beside her but with one eye open and looking up at her curiously.

Delilah threw the covers off of herself and jumped out of bed. Her bare feet echoed off the hard wood floors as she made her way, still dressed in pajama bottoms and tank, down the hallway and out the front door of the apartment.

Getting into the elevator, she pressed the button that would take her to Blaze's floor, her pulse still reverberating loudly in her ears... ]

 

[Foxfire]

Blaze's apartment - Sweet dreams

The scene itself was heartfelt and even as icy as Alison was, she could sympathize with the mutant. Blaze made a valid argument, but what Guardian did with her words was anyone's guess. Her eyes carefully inspecting her friends for answers or even inklings. Alison was probably the most complex woman she ever met, she usually kept her emotions burrowed.

Her eye dashed down to Alison's hand, watching her tenderness slowly evolve. It was a huge step for Alison, one that made a small smile cross her lips. "I knew you could do.."

Just as she was about to finish her sentence, Alison chanted a magical spell that would lull any fears, heartache, or trauma she felt. Her eyelids fluttering closed, "but Alison...." Her second statement trailed off as she leaned into Alison's strong arms like that of a younger sister. Blaze went limb in the brunette's arms, her body in a deep slumber. A luxury she hadn't had in months, maybe even years.

She was light enough for Alison to carry or her telekinesis. But either way she was transported back into her room. At times, Blaze resembled that of Phoebe from Charmed while Alison was Prue and Haleigh like that of Piper. They all looked out for one another, and yes, Delilah was like that of Paige. Her body curling up inside her large Queen size bed.

Any flickering candles had been extinguished to reveal small slivers of moonlight peaking through her window. Any battle attire had disappeared into a satin black spaghetti strap and a pair of black boycut shorts. The young mutant was hushed and quiet in her bedroom. Any troubled thoughts put to rest. Sprawled out on her back (lol no jokes) she was oblivious to Alison's touch but for some reason she mumbled in her sleep.

"Night Ali."

She cuddled her plush pillow underneath her head. Finally all was calm....for now.