Carrying on

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Limbo

:: several hours had past, the last in a rather LONG "incubation period" which had lasted for over a month, but Ororo was far from anxious or hurried about things such as these for the balance of flesh and spirit was held by the most delicate of bridges.::

:: time passes differently in Limbo and right now, what passed for night time was now in full effect.::

:: Ororo sat at a small table near one of the carved out stone windows of the large, circular apothecary. reading some sort of book by candle light. for her, the passage of time had long lost it's meaning and as such had given her ample time to familiarize herself with some of the most ancient forms of language and demonology. it was an enrichment that in her her youth, when she was a super powered mutant, -even with her cultural awareness- she might not have placed too much emphasis on but on this night, she finds it to be most fascinating. ::

:: after a while, the "egg" in the center of the sparkling green flamed pentagram begins to swell and fluxuate....as the image of a human form begins to show more and more from the shimmering green of the "egg".::

:: as the egg seems to swell with anticipation, finally it cracks and opens allowing the male human to fall gently to the floor. Ororo looks up and sets her book down, making her way over to watch this unfold.::

:: remaining silent as the young man gained consciousness and awareness of his surroundings. he got to his feet and found the covering she'd set out for him. finally as he turned, he saw her and proclaimed he had returned....as if she didnt know?::

:: hugging her, Ororo returned his embrace, but only lightly. she seemed rather stern at the moment, and for good reason.::

Ororo: you have returned to this plane of existence. Let us hope that your mind and body are at peace and reintegrated and that you will not travel the path that OTHERS in your family have as of late.

:: clearly Ororo was embittered. the normally objective and always wise woman seemed to look upon Cameron with uncertainty. Something had happened while Cameron was away and Cameron would recall the way she looked in his horrifying dream when he nearly met his end at the ends of Morgan and how Ororo had admonished him that he'd better LEARN and change...or DEATH would be the prize that awaited him.::

:: here she was now, looking close to how he remembered in her dream. for her part, she wondered if she had truly done the right thing. Alison, finally free of her family's burden had more than moved on. this was a gamble on both sides and not since her EARLIER times in Limbo had Ororo took such risks. But at the root of it all, there was the desire to help and see Cameron recover from his experience at the hands of Malice and that treacherous renegade, Erika. Ororo wouldnt pass judgement on him YET. Instead, she would allow him to present himself. His own actions would reveal just how "ready" he was.::

There is refreshment for you here on the table. :: gesturing to it:: and I have quarters prepared for you. It is not time for you to return to earth..not yet. there are things you need to understand before you go.
 
Limbo - Apothecary

:: Cameron listened to Ororo speak. The tone in her voice and look in her eyes spoke volumes. Something was not right back on Earth. Things were not the same, and while Cameron would have liked them to be, he knew that would be too good to be true. The last comment about his family struck a chord with him as he hoped deep down that both of his sisters, even Erika were still alive. This time away had given him perspective on a rather ugly and repenant life. He listened to the rest of her words as she motioned for food on the table, not inquiring outloud about his family but instead waiting for Ororo to give him the information but instead partaking in some of the beautiful looking refreshments. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was until he actually laid his eyes on the food. ::

"Thank you for the refreshments Ororo, I hadn't realized how hungry I was."

:: He put one of the grapes in his mouth and it tasted like NOTHING he had ever tasted before. It was more than filling and juicy and made him feel almost DECADENT. Even still, being back in Limbo his mind, once again had found a way back to the Six. Cameron really just wanted to see his sister again. He wanted to hug her, kiss her, anything. He knew she must have been worried sick, even though she would never admit it outloud. He wanted to play pool with Haleigh and kick back and listen to music with Alexis, there were so many things he wanted to experience again, so many things he wanted to show the others. Wasn't time for him to return? Cameron was almost weary of the things that Ororo wanted him to understand before he went back to Earth, but none the less, this was a woman who had given a chance at life when he would have been left for dead, and she would always have his undying respect and love. He was willing to wait. ::

"I figured I wouldn't be able to go back right away.. What do I need to understand? Is everything okay on Earth? The Six is still alive and kicking? Alison is okay? Your look, it's the same way from a dream I had, a dream in which you were NOT very happy with me, I just don't want to mess this chance up...."
 
meanwhile

<< and so, the morning begins with promise, as Delilah visits Ava, who by now has more than settled into her new home in Illustra on the floor formerly occupied by Alexis Quartermaine while Haleigh and Zach, the resident "couple" of the team, enjoy each other as well but even as Zach heads off to find breakfast in the kitchen and Haleigh tends to one of her beloved pets, she can't help but think on Alison.>>

<< true to form, Haleigh has kept quiet tabs on Alison even as she now resides in Greece and her feeling is shared by more the one member of the Six. Though Alison is alive and well, she's not with THEM and it feels like she's "lost" to them in some way.>>

<< but Haleigh might not realize that even as she tries to keep watch over Alison, there are others who are all too eager to do the same to HER...without her knowing about it!>>

zooming across town, to an abandonned storefront on a "not so nice" part of time

<< there's nothing special about this building. its old, boarded up, forgotten and the area around the building is not that impressive either. it seems that the area might have been impressive back in the late 60's or 70's...a place where people would shop and stroll on the weekend but now...its a passage way for drug couriers and not the place you'd want to be lost or stranded in.>>

<< but despite the abandonned building being empty on the surface, below ground, DEEP DOWN...there lies a sprawling and thriving technological cell, one of the few hold overs from MysTech and VERY insulated from scrutiny or detection. Malice's last attack on the Six and the city of New York left devastation on such a grand scale and MysTech as an organization had crumbled following the Master Mold disaster....but like any other large body that is shattered, there will always be some remnant, some piece that manages to survive and given enough time...it will grow strength and attempt to reassert itself to its former position.>>

<< this secret technological cell boasts some of MysTech's finest array of satellite control technology as well as information/surveilance systems and of course, a stockpile of powerfull state of the art anti personnel devices and weaponry.>>

<< within this dark place, there is a gathering of men, "suits" if you will. Men who once worked for Malice and the "Inner Circle" and whose lives and families were sustained by hefty investments made into the MysTech ventures...but as MysTech battled with and took heavy hits from the Six and fell under public and federal scrutiny...their influence, their vitality began to wane and fluxuate. Master Mold and Sharon Kelly's death was the straw that broke the camel's back and while Malice staged a largely successfull revenge campaign against the surviving members of The Six, she hadnt counted on Blackout formerly known as Shockwave of the Six becoming so OUT OF CONTROL that she would be beyond Malice's control and become a threat to the city if not the whole east coast. Malice ABANDONNED her men and Mystech...as Shockwave unleashed a holocaust upon the city of New York...and it was Alison Marble that laid her life down to save her friends and prevent MORE destruction than what was visited upon the city and the east coast that night.>>

<< many died and mystech was now the enemy of the state. those of mystech who survived went underground, using their resources to change or erase their identities all together. they remained in hiding as the public backlash against MysTech and all its subsidiaries reached fever pitch. many months have passed and while Malice, the White Queen and seemingly the head of MysTech has not been seen since her last battle with the Six, several survivors of MysTech has come together...biding their time, building their financial strength and making valuable alliances with black market traders, communications specialists and the ever present element of corrupt politicians. "regeneration' was never easy, but the remnants of MysTech had at least regained SOME of their "life" back and were content to remain in the shadows...only dealing in the most covert of operations both on american soil and over seas.>>


<< this cell was able to "see" and "monitor" almost anyone or anything across the continental united states and overseas..the most obvious exceptions being places cloaked by magick and places possessed of comparable cloaking technology to rival their own and while Illustra itself was protected by technology AND magick, HALEIGH, in her current state, had a PERMANENT bond to the spectre of MysTech. The genesis of her current status and powers came in the labs of the Citadle, not to mention her family's long and deep pocketed relationship with mystech that once revealed, drew moreo than mere "shock." indeed, much of who Haleigh is today is due IN LARGE PART to Mystech and a company ALWAYS has a way of keeping tabs on its "PROPERTY" and so, as Haleigh is content to "compulsively" look in on Alison in greece, someone ELSE is more than looking in on her.>>

in the underground cell

<< silhouetted male figures set around a curved counsel and watch a large liquid crystal screen that provides them a complete, live. uninterrupted feed of Haleigh. her vitals, her stats, powers, any possible aliases...it all broad casts in a vertical crawl down the side of the screen.>>

<< one of the male figures speaks.>>

suit 1: it's been long enough. don't you think it's time we brought it back in?

suit 2: it's not that simple. you should know that. look at all the trouble the doctors Adam Chandler and Christopher Victory had with containing it. it was only through Imagiomg's containment of her could they successfully complete the integration of the techno organic virus into her system.

suit 3: AND thanks to the intervention of it's friends..."The Six" as they are called, it has been allowed to run free. it was even DESTROYED by one of it's own supposed allies, a super powered witch named Spellbinder who is widely suspected of being the super model Morgan Victoria, daughter of doctors Christopher Victory and Karen Victoria. It was resurrected/reactivated through unknown means and demonstrated an increase in awareness, understanding and use of its capabilities.

suit 2: do we still have feeds into Dr. Victoria's soho loft and Rockefellar centre office?

suit 3: affirmative. we can use the information we have on Spellbinder to perhaps feed the public's fears and mistrust about the occult..spark an outcry against witches and offer the means to hunt, indentify and ELIMINATE them.



suit 1: << slams fist down on his part of the counsel>> STAY FOCUSED! the witch is too dangerous to even attempt to engage right now. she nearly destroyed the city herself during the Inferno event..the prologue of which included her destroying OUR property [Haleigh]. We need to get OUR property back and recoup our investment, use it to further strengthen our strong hold here and perhaps further build on it. Malice left us high and dry and this is our only chance to truly bounce back.

suit 2: << shakes head>> but it's too well insulated and protected by The Six.

suit 1: they are not infallible. several of them have fallen once or TWICE even and our current sources of information tell us that Alison Marble has recently disappeared. She was , by all accounts a powerfull PRECOG, one of the most DIFFICULT to capture and control during any past ecounter and also the mastermind behind the devistating loss of NERVOUS. Without HER power, neither it nor THEY will be able to anticipate our movements.

we need to begin the first phase of recovery. IT has already become to accostumed to autonomy and has been contaminated by the influence of those that protect it.


<< they spoke of Haleigh as if she were LITERALLY property to be recovered. even Alycia Barnett had not been so minimizing of Haleigh.>>

suit 2: within it's core programing are subroutines that not even IT can access, much less override. we can still access those programs that were encoded by the doctors and cause system wide disruptions, malfunctions or even failures. the delicate balance between it's remaining biological functions can be superceded by the technological implants, causing a variety of negative feedback.

suit 1: we will begin accessing those subroutines in 24 hours. meanwhile, we need to check on our other pet project in the observation lab.

<< the three "suits" get up and walk out, still cloaked in shadow even in this dark place, leaving the live feed of Haleigh in her apartment unwatched for the time being as they head down a corridor and access an observation lab that is filled with state of the art technology for biological experimentation, observation and engineering as well as other related functions. their attention is focused on a LARGE stasis chamber. within the chamber flows liquid nutrients that both sustain and keep the subect within sedated. checking over the vitals of their "subject", the suits are satisfied that all is proceeding according to plan.>>

<< and so, as Haleigh and Zach make plans...there are OTHERS who are making plans for THEM.>>
 
Rampage
Rampage
Extremely thorough post. It gave all of the information needed, and only that. Very well done!!
Illustra-107th floor

<< Spellbinder, still in her fabulous silver gem toned, silk mini robe, moves through her posh luxury penthouse. having slipped into her silver high heeled, "pussy cat" slides, she looks very much like a model on vacation and still managing to convey an "effortless, natural" sexy as she stands in front of her floor-to-ceiling window that stretches the length of one wall in her penthouse' main area. enjoying a fresh, cool bottle of green tea, Morgan wonders just where her babies have gotten off to, but is not worried just yet.>>

<< the skies are grey out, but the rain has slacked off and as the cool breezes blow through. Morgan hears what she thinks are birds...THIS high up? and in fact she sees a few STREAK past.>>

hmm... i didnt think birds got this high up?

<< she said softly as the doorbell played a melodic tone. checking her hair which was now pulled up in a loose yet still sort of stylish "up do", in one of several mirrors, Morgan walks along with ease (despite the high heeled "pussy cat" slides) to the double doors in tye foyer. opening them, she finds NICOLAS, who appears to have just awakened not to long ago himself judging by his rather MINIMAL amount of clothing, but even more surprising, he is carrying tinkerbell and her kitten!>>

<< in an icy voice>>

Nicolas!

<< she looks rather surprised as the kitten mews. its a surprising but very cute sight to behold, this strong young man, gently holding Morgan's beloved pets. it was a photo worthy moment indeed.>>

babies!!

<< reaching for Tinkerbell, who at the sight of her mommy, began to squirm abit for wanting to be taken by her.>>

did you two decide to pay Nicolas a visit?

<< she says as she craddles tinkerbell like a baby. Tinker begins to purr loudly as siamese do.>>

come in, Nicolas. thank you for bringing them back. I hope they didnt disturb you from your sleep..

<< she says as she invites him in, not minding him to hold the kitten, despite the faint images of him hurting Bupol lingering in her mind. she looks down at Tinkerbell and notices...BLOOD and what looks like...>>

Feathers??? Tinkerbell? just what have you been up to?

<< looking at Nicolas for an explanation>>
 
Morgan's Apartment

Morgan answered the door in a pretty mini robe that did little to hide the treasures beneath and high-heeled slides. She greeted him warmly and he could feel Tinkerbell wriggles her way to her waiting arms. He continued to hold the kitten, who seemed to like him very much, and came inside at the sorceress' invitation.

as she inspected her cat, she noticed a trace of blood and feather in its mouth. Still reminded of her reaction to his attack on Bupol, Nicolas explained quickly.

You must have noticed the birds around, right? Songbirds this high up! Unusual so we all <<nods to the cats and himself>> decided to investigate. One of the sparrows tried to attack your kitten here when Tinkerbell plucked it from the sky and established her superiority, so to speak. I was impressed at her skill and I accepted her gift of the kill<<whispers>> its in my trash. << back to regular voice>> I should have cleaned her up before returning her, but we were all anxious to see you so...here we are.
 
meanwhile, in Limbo

:: Ororo watches Cameron with a rather stone faced look. He certainly seems different, more verbal and less abrasive at the moment, but that could easily be given to his returning to this level of awareness and existence. the adjustment period was longer for some than others and OF COURSE he would be contrite with the woman who was apparently responsible for his being alive. a woman who could just as easily reduce him to a pile of DEAD LEAVES :D ::

:: as he enjoys the sustenance she provided, she moves slowly to an alter of sorts, thumbing through a book of spells, while absentmindedly directly a vile of a nutrient elixir to float over to Cameron. even as he asked questions, she did not immediately respond.::

Ororo: :: in a deeper toned, elegant voice.:: drink that. your body is not fully up to par with its immune and other systems. you must nurish and fortify it before you return to your home world...full of impurities in the air and all around.


:: the boy had questions that rightly deserved answers. and Ororo , though she had changed so much through the passing of YEARS in Limbo, was still essentially human and as such, was given over to HUMAN failings...like prejudice and bitterness...perhaps MORESO than others...since it was her bitterness at the murder and loss of her beloved X-men when she first came here..that prompted her to turn to dark magick. Cameron didnt know the scope of how MUCH had changed since his abduction..and while he was truly innocent of the crimes his sister Erika committed, Ororo did NOT take kindly to betrayal and deception...Erika found out when Ororo obliterated her with nature's power ...the lightning. Not since she had burned Belasco to a crisp had she been so VIOLENT with her retribution. Cameron didnt know how lucky he was to have missed that moment.::


Cameron said:
"I figured I wouldn't be able to go back right away.. What do I need to understand? Is everything okay on Earth? The Six is still alive and kicking? Alison is okay? Your look, it's the same way from a dream I had, a dream in which you were NOT very happy with me, I just don't want to mess this chance up...."
Click to expand...

The earth as it appears in this timeline, is not the same but for everything that changes...more remains the same...even DETERIORATES.

:: with that, Ororo stood.::

come.

:: she leads him from the higher levels of the citadle down to the main floor and out into the garden..that sprawling expanse that dreams were made off. immediately the bubbling, rushing cascade of the waterfall could be heard and magickal faeries could be seen flitting about amongst the tall, full trees. the flora provided a soothing , yet fresh, clean scent in the pure air and the grass was thick and plush. Ororo lead him along, not looking at him.::

:: leading him to a "rock garden" area, where stone benches and other stone/earthen fixtures could be seen, in the CENTER of this circular area...there was a statue...life sized with a peculiar expression on it's face. it was a woman. the statue, by now had several vines that wrapped around it at strategic points and as Ororo stood adjecent to it, she turned to Cameron, looking grim as ever.::

Look at it, child. Look closely. what do you see?

:: this statue was ALEXIS QUARTERMAINE. Ororo had turned her into stone following her near destruction of New York and the coast wide blackout of the eastern side of the United States... and the tragic climax came when Blackout and Guardian bka Harbinger squared off in a stand off that decimated most of NYC. when her body was recovered, Ororo detected the most faint flicker of life and spirit in Alexis. having been freed of the posession of her aunt, Ororo cast her in stone, to allow her to find the peace that she was often denied in her life on earth and so now, she stood, much like Persephone once did in MoE's timeline in THAT Ororo's garden, in stone silence. ALIVE in the most basic way..but forever stone. the expression on her face was rather peculiar...not happy, not sad...more like...uncertain. She'd let Cameron figure out what or WHO he was looking at...and answer his questions and help him understand...as SHE saw fit to do so.::
 
Illustra-107th floor

<< wetting a soft paper towel, Morgan wipes Tinkerbell's mouth. Tink squirms in protest a bit.>>

shhh!! be still!

<< she admonishes her familiar as she sits down on the large, plush leather sectional in the sunken in sitting room while Nicolas sits next to her, still holding the kitten who is now nestling into his lap.>>

<< Nicolas explains about Tink's encounter with a songbird...and thinks back to the bird's she just saw streaking by her panoramic window.>>

really?

<< she says curiously as she throws the towel into a small stepping disc, disposing of it as she lays back, crossing one smooth, flawless bare leg over the other at the knee, causing her high hemlined robe to pull up a bit. Tinker bell lays curled up in Morgan's lap and begins to groom herself dutifully after having her faced washed.>>

that's strange..isnt it? that sparrows would be THIS high up? just before you came, i saw a couple of them fly at VERY high speeds while i was standing at the window.

<< looking over at the kitten who was happily nestled in Nicolas' lap.>>

she likes you

<< Morgan says softly as she smiles at her kitten, gently stroking her under her chin.>>

she's usually skittish around men.

<< looking down at Tink>>

Tink has been very nurturing and protective of her. She was a gift from Haleigh...a peace offering when she had come back from the dead...after I...i killed her during the Inferno.

<< spoken with a tinge of shame in her voice.>>

you know...i still havent named my kitten.

<< as she said this, the breeze outside picked up strength, turning to a whistling wind.>>
 
Morgan's Apartment

Nicolas sat beside Morgan, still holding the kitten as he watched her speak. She was absolutely magnetic as it was, and when she allowed her hem to creep ever higher, he replied to her statement about the kitten's name.

I am not necessarily the one to name animals. My names are historic and that sometimes leaves people cold. I will, however, give it some thought. But I do have one question for you , Morgan.

He moved as quickly as the wind outside, but the cats did not flinch. They were becoming used to the speed and fluidity of his movements, and so they relaxed as he kissed their mommy on the mouth! He did so very gently, taking his off hand and caressing her check, allowing it to trail down her form until it came to rest at the top of the exposed flesh on her thigh. The move was forward, but not brutal or pushy as much as it was a very naughty invitation...He looked deeply into her eyes as he spoke very quietly and intensely to her. She could smell the faint scent of his cologne due to his extreme proximity...

Is there anything else you would like from me, other than a name for your kitty? Because I have been thinking of you often, and I will no longer hesitate in naming what I want.
 
Illustra-107th floor

<< as Morgan was looking at her kitten, the wind whistled rather loudly outside as Nicolas put the moves on her.>>

mmmphh...

<< barely able to make an audible sound as Nicolas kissed her full on the mouth and touched her leg. her body turned a bit and tinkerbell was jostled by the movement, she looked but her blue eyes were not seen amongst Nicolas' body so close to Morgan's. it was surprising...but NICE at the same time. for a moment there, she almost gave in.....ALMOST. but as Brandy once said, "ALMOST DOESNT COUNT!" >>

NICOLAS!

<< she pushes him back reflexively. as she breathes heavily and looks rather surprised as she makes a failed attempt at modesty by pulling the hem of her mini robe down a bit.>>

<< as the shock wore off a bit. Morgan settled.>>

you're...relentless!

<< she said in a flustered tone.>>

shame on you! doing that in front of my babies.

<< Morgan was trying..and failing to be coy. still, she WAS surprised at Nicolas' forwardness just now. still, he was a good kisser.>>

now, if you wouldn't mind BEHAVING, i think perhaps we can have breakfast....

<< Looking at his state of UNdress>>

AFTER you put something else on .

<< she said, trying to hide the smirk and tone in her voice.>>

thank you for bringing my babies back. They tend to wander at times. but not nearly as much as your HANDS do i see.

<< noticing his hand still on her thigh. >>
 
:: Finishing some vegetables, Persephone listened to Delilah talk about Alison with considerable sadness. It was understandable that she, and everyone else, would feel like there was a part of them missing now that Alison was gone. Hell, even Ava felt a little strange knowing her floating cobalt eyes wouldn't be popping in at any random moment. ::

"I completely understand, Delilah. Alison was a vital part of this team, and your life, for a long time. It's hard to part ways. But just remember you can see her anytime you like. She's just a wormhole away."

:: Giving her a faint, reassuring smile, Ava glanced down at Onyx who seemed to take a liking to Delilah's leg. The cat was licking Delilah's calf while laying under the table. ::

"Hiding some more chicken I should know about?"

:: Letting out a small laugh, Persephone sat back, stuffed. Tucking her one foot under her leg, she sipped her brandy nodding her head at Delilah's question. ::

"Ava's fine. I think I became so wrapped up in playing 'Persephone the goddess' while back in ancient Greece, that I backburned the other half of my life. It still becomes a bit confusing at times, having two seperate lives combind into one."

:: Chuckling, Ava finished off her brandy and placed the glass tumbler on the table. A loud bang inturrupted the calm atmosphere, causing the goddess to jump. It sounded like someone threw something at the large, floor to ceiling, diningroom window. Standing up, Persephone drew back the large black curtains, and looked outside. ::

"Well, I know we're too high up for kids playing pranks--"

:: Jumping just as another BIRD flew straight into the window, Persephone was a bit shocked. It wasn't unheard of for a bird to accidently crash into windows or buildings, but from what she could sense from the bird, it was distressed and anxious. ::

"Odd..."

:: Ava simply brushed the incident off as a case of a bird flying from a larger bird. Even though it technically didn't make sense, she really didn't want to worry about anything that wasn't in front of her at the moment. Drawing the curtains back into it's closed state, Persephone made her way back around the table and began to pack up the empty containers into the bags. ::

"Anyhow...have you heard from anyone else in the past few days? I'm sure Nicolas is still trying to get up Morgan's skirt. *rolling her eyes* That boy's obsession with Morgan is slightly stalker-esque."

:: Smirking at Delilah, that was one definate thing both woman had in common. The dislike of overzealous, hormonal men. Nicolas was a nice guy... when he wasn't thinking with his penis. But either way, Persephone hadn't exactly gotten over the red moon fiasco where he completely insulted her. So her slight bitterness toward him was justified. ::
 
Zach came back into the room, somehow balancing a glass of milk, a plate of pancakes, AND laptop. He moved towards the bed but Haleigh warded him off.

"Oh, NO you don't mister! You are NOT eating that in bed. It's all hot... and sticky... it'll get ALL OVER the sheets, I just know--- WHAT are you smiling about?"

She questioned, as despite being dangerously close to dropping everything he was carrying, Zach was displaying the most inappropriately suggestive smirk. He wiggled his eyebrows at her, prompting her to roll her eyes and slide out of bed, pushing past him and taking the laptop out from under his arm.

"Impossible! It's IMPOSSIBLE to have a meaningful conversation with you." She said, with a tone of admiration. "The rain's stopped... oh look, the sun is breaking the clouds.... maybe we should go out on the terrace... I'm sure the sunlight through the clouds will be a sight to--"

Stopping suddenly, Haleigh stared at the balcony of the terrace. She'd just mentally slid the curtains back to reveal the outdoor eating/lounging area... and now she could see that nearly TWENTY small birds were lined on the balcony... and they were all just STARING into the apartment. Echo began a gutteral growl, the hair on his back raising. Haleigh tried to sooth him, but was oddly creeped out herself. He continued to growl, periodically making a 'phantom' bark, that was a low and quiet warning.

Zach:"Hmm... now there's something you don't see every day. They must be taking shelter from the rain. Let's eat in the kitchen."

"Yeah...." Haleigh replied absently. She watched the birds a few seconds longer before leaving the room to follow him. Echo continued a quiet growl. Haleigh set the computer up next to Zach and rolled up the sleeves to her shirt, which was really Zach's shirt. Aside from the surreal aftertaste of the collection of birds on her terrace, Haleigh strangely didn't feel any uneasiness, and she and Zach began browsing through the chapels in the area with lighthearted excitement.

Unbeknownst to them both, Haleigh was being watched. Though the idea that she could be surveiled without her knowledge is counter-intuitive, it was happening nonetheless. She hadn't even the faintest clue.... but perhaps she'd been watched EVER SINCE that fateful night in the citadle, and had just never recognized the feeling... or, even more disturbing... perhaps there was SOME technology out there that Haleigh could NOT control.
 
and so

<< the stronger winds continued to gust and whistle a bit as nature herself seemed to do Haleigh and Zach a favor and shoo the birds away..but they didnt leave quietly. they took off in an almost frenzied manner, making more noise than you'd expect from such small birds and Haleigh wasnt yet aware of the other perculiar moments involving sparrows outside the windows or balconies on other floors of Illustra.>>

<< as the happily engaged couple enjoyed their breakfast and surfed through possible locations for their wedding, one church popped up that stood out among others....the same cathedral that Sharon Kelly's memorial was held at. It was by far the most majestic and regal of anything they'd seen and its visual appeal, not to mention the interior would be a lure for any young bride with a large wedding budget.>>

<< Ava and Delilah enjoy a nice breakfast together. Ava also noticing the peculiar behavior of the birds she saw from her panoramic window...but as it seemed to be a mere one time incident, she thought nothing more of it and continued to talk with Delilah. the absence of Alison was one of many topics but on another interesting level, Ava reflected on finally adjusting to being AVA and not being so entrenched in the role of "Persephone the goddess." she was more aware and more reflective...a good sign.>>

<< while on the top floor, Morgan, slightly flustered from Nicolas' boldness, only half heartedly rebuffed his advances. thanking him for bringing her familiar and kitten home and offering him breakfast.>>

<< so far , the day was unfolding nicely. but as the winds blew....their haunting whistle could have served as a warning for some...a warning that was ultimately lost on the one who needed it most.>>
 
The Pentagon

:: Alycia strides down a curving corridor. Today she's in a figure flattering black on black BCBG suit consisting of a tailored blazer which gives a coy peek of cleavage along with a pencil skirt that hugs in just the right places, making the sight of her walking a head turner for more than one man that passes by. even the stationed guards follow her with their eyes..but HER eyes betray a look of grim determination.::

:: with her security clearence, she gains access to floors and corridors where only a precious few have been before. this is where her office is now and while its "state of the art" and suggests just how important she is...she preferred the cutting edge, metropolitan...and most importantly SECLUDED setting of her satellite office back in Illustra back when she was the ADA for the state of New York but those days are long gone.::

:: now Alycia is the "Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States & Chair Woman of the Commission on Superhuman Activities.". a unique position to have, but there was no better woman for the job, considering all SHE had been through with the Six.::

:: as she gains access to her secure office, she strides into her execuitve suite and sits in her chair.::

open a secure channel.

:: at her voice command, the computer systems open a communications channel allowing her to receive a priority message coming in from one of her MANY contacts in NYC.::

covert contact: Miss Barnett. I apologize for the interruption of your drills with Force Works.

:: Alycia leans back in her large, leather, swiveling executive chair, crossing her legs at the knee and steepeling her index fingers under her chain. her office is darkened, with recessed blue lighting along the ceilings::

Alycia: I assume that since you're contacting me on my private channel that something of grave importance has come up the pipeline?

:: her tone mildly irritated as she had been pulled from a training session with some new soldiers, top draft pick, to join Force Works...to replace those lost on Aerie::

cover contact: indeed Miss Barnett. there have been reports of...disturbances all across New York City...most notably Manhattan.

Alycia: what KIND of disturbances?

contact: birds, Miss Barnett. Birds are being reported as seen in unusually large numbers, differenet species flocking together and taking over buildings, churches, school playgrounds...

:: Alycia looks with curiosity::

Alycia: birds...cross species? i was no biology/science major but i know enough to know that different species of birds dont congregate together like that. what else?

contact: there has been increased activity on the black market trade specifically with weapons and satellite tracking technology...hardware and electronic transfers being funneled into NYC but not in any KNOWN financial institution.

Alycia: has there been any activity from any of the DOCUMENTED "super's" we have on file?

contact: none so far.

Alycia: and these birds...have their been any ATTACKS? or any strange occurences besides cross species flocking together?

contact: aside from the startling visual effect, no attacks have been reported. some buildings have sustained minor damage due to birds crashing into windows...some even at HIGHER than normal altitudes but that can happen anytime.

Alycia: true enough. and the increased "underworld" activity...have you figured out where its GOING TO?

contact: tracking and sources indicate that the increased activity has been gradual over the past few months and is taveling through NYC to an abandonned area here.

:: satellite pictures show the area...it looks derilict.::

Alycia: now THAT is strange....the last time something like THIS was going on...was when....MYSTECH had cells all over the city..but that entity has been dismantled...following the attack and disaster caused by Malice and now dead meta human Black out!

:: Alycia knew that Blakout...ALEXIS wasnt truly dead....but was in fact a STATUE in Ororo's garden in another dimension...but HE didnt need to know it..and even if he heard it..he probably wouldnt believe it. it was a can of worms that any IDIOT could see needed to be kept short.::

Alycia: has there been any unusual activity near or AT 4616 Fashion Way Circle? Illustra Inc?

contact: no, ma'am. it's saturday and Illustra Inc is closed. no activity reported, save for some visuals of birds roosting in large numbers on and around Illustra's office park.

Alycia: well, aside from it all being peculiar...i dont see anything to be alarmed about YET.

:: gritting her teeth, trying to keep herself from snapping the man in two for calling her about a bunch of silly birds..::

Alycia: keep your eyes open and your sensors on maximum sweep. if anything of concrete threat comes..i want to know about it.

:: ending communication, Alycia huffs with annoyance as she turns in her chair.::

imbeclies. I ask them to keep an eye out for super human acitvity ant to monitor the documented supers we know are problem causers and they contact me about BIRDS. where did these men used to work? CLANDESTINE INC?!

:: she laughed softly, as she knowingly took a swipe at Haleigh's organization before standing up and preparing to leave her office.::

:: still, it WAS strange...the whole idea of multiple species of birds congregating. THAT didnt happen in nature....and yet it was clearly seen in the video surveilance...and Illustra's office park was COVERED with birds...crows, seagulls, pigeons, sparrows. she also noted how grey and overcast the skies were.::

The general public doesnt know who actually LIVES in Illustra. Only their enemies and a select few others do. I hope they're okay...Alison is gone...and without her powers as a precog... if this IS the prelude to some new enemy, and they dont know it's coming.... they could be sitting ducks!

:: Alycia wondered aloud as she left her office and headed back down the hall to return to where she was in the Pentagon earlier.::
 
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Limbo - Stone Garden

:: Cameron watched Ororo with open eyes as he took the elixir in his hands and quickly drank the fluid down. He wiped his mouth as he listened to Ororo speak of the outside world and he wondered how long she had actually stayed in Limbo, how many actual physical years had she spent away from the Earth? ::

:: As they made their way down from the top of the Citadle and all the way to the garden, which was probably Cameron's favorite place in Ororo's "realm" and into a part that he had never seen before, the Rock Garden which was just as beautiful. He took a moment to take in the different statues and stone benches that were sprawled about. ::

"It's beautfiul..."

:: Soon Ororo and Cameron were standing in front of a life size human stone statue that was abrush with different vines. The expression on her face was really puzzling and he wasn't sure what to make of it. Not long after Ororo asked him what he saw did he begin to slowly put the pieces together. ::

"No...way...Alexis."

:: As soon as he said her name visions flooded Cameron's mind of the final face off between Blackout and Harbringer. The power outage, Alison standing up like no other, just as she always would have. She saw the entire struggle, Alison's betrayal, Malice. It was painful to see, but as soon as the images began they slowly began to fade away. ::

"Alexis is DEAD? She betrayed the team, Alison sacrificed herself? I can still feel her though, she is alive. Alexis isn't, though. I can't believe Malice got to the team. Was Erika involved? Was she the only one that perished?"
 
Morgan's Apartment

Nicolas smiled as Morgan huffed and puffed, trying to keep him away from her as she attempted to compose herself. She berated him half-heartedly and mentioned his thin pj pants. He looked her over, using his power to give her a mini- "Marilyn Monroe" upskirt effect, but not enough to REVEAL anything.

You have no more on than I do young lady. But, if it makes you feel better...

Nicolas teleports a change of clothes and shoes onto the floor beside them, then turned, nuzzled the kitty and laid it onto the counter in front of them, then pulled off his pants. He dressed right in front of Morgan, taking time to make sure each article of clothing was perfectly placed, smiling at her as he went. He picked the kitten back up.

If that's better, I would love to join you for breakfast. What would you-

A bird smacked into the window. HARD. Nicolas turned and looked. The birds outside were not acting normally. There HAD to be something going on. His face hardened.

Make my omelette quick, sweetheart. I am going to have to check this out.

Setting the kitten down, Nicolas walked to the window and stepped outside for a closer look...
 
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[ Delilah looked down at the big cat at her feet, who was unceremoniously licking her calf. She cocked an eye at Ava. ]

"Should I be worried?"

[ Delilah jumped as the loud noise of something hitting the window disturbed their meal. Birds had always given Delilah the creeps. ]

"Rats with wings..."

[ She muttered under her breath with a shiver. ]

Persephone said:
"Anyhow...have you heard from anyone else in the past few days? I'm sure Nicolas is still trying to get up Morgan's skirt. *rolling her eyes* That boy's obsession with Morgan is slightly stalker-esque."
Click to expand...

[ Delilah laughed. ]

"Well it's no secret that Morgan and I don't exactly share the same taste in men...but I have every confidence that sooner or later..."

[ She took a drink of water. ]

"...Morgan will put Nicolas in his place. I've no doubt about that. As for the others...I've not really spoken to any of them. I've been spending most of my time alone since we've been back. You're the first I've seen, come to think of it."

[ She smiled. For some reason, since their caper in Greece, Ava didn't seem as cold to her as she had before. Perhaps it had all been for the best. She half-laughed. ]

"Ever feel like...I don't know...something is just around the corner. Something bad? Since I've been with this team it's like, even in the good times, I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop..."
 
:: Ava laughed softly at Delilah's concern over Onyx. When animals were in her presents, they fed off of what Persephone wanted and felt. Sort of like a familiar in a way. But if Delilah had been around the cat without Persephone's influence, it would probably attempt to eat her. Guard dogs were so overrated..;) ::

"No, she just likes you. Unless of course you tick me off...then say goodbye to your leg."

:: A playful smirk tugged on the goddesses lip as she stood from her seat and made her way over to the bar for a refill. Nodding her head, agreeing with what Delilah said about Morgan and Nicolas, Ava corked the glass canter and returned back to her seat. ::

"I suppose i'm just naturally turned off of men who are cocky know-it-alls. After dealing with Hades for so long, i'd rather play in nest of bullet ants than deal with men like that. But Morgan is very much like Darkchilde. She'll put him in his place when he has crossed the line."

:: Taking a sip of brandy, the cold alcohol burned her tongue and esophagus, causing her to clear her throat. ::

"Speaking of men, I believe Zach and Haleigh are about to marry soon. I'm glad she finally found someone worthy of her love. She used to get involved with the most self destructive and untrustworthy men. She's worse than me...and that's saying a lot."
 
Prophet
Prophet
Psh! Cameron resents that last part lol ;)
[ Delilah laughed conspiratatorally. ]

"I bet there are LOTS of good stories about that one."

[ Delilah could only imagine the kinds of men HALEIGH would have taken up with over the years. It seemed so odd that the toughest one of them would be the first to take the plunge down the aisle. ]

"So, who do we think will wear the pants in that family? Zack, or Haleigh?"
 
:: Laughing softly, Ava sat back, folding her arms across her chest. Good question...one that intrigued her even. ::

"Hard to say. Knowing Haleigh, she'd rather skip the pants part of the relationship."

:: With a smirk, Ava rather enjoyed socializing with Delilah. It made her think of the past few months and how much time she wasted cooped up in her penthouse avoiding everyone. Actually letting her guard down took away Ava's stress level considerbly. ::

"That's one major quality both myself and Haleigh have in common. Taste in men. Zach is very attractive I must admit. I wonder if he has a brother..."

:: Taking a sip of her brandy, she cocked a playful brow up half joking and half serious. Well, the last man she was with ended up dying beneath her...Not exactly the most stimulating experience. Well, it was fun, but that was besides the point. ::

"The six needs more men. Or allies. Anyone with testosterone."

:: Ava laughed, a little surprised at how candid she was being with Delilah. But what the hell, Persephone was known for being outspoken and witty, she just never really shared that part of her personality with the six before. ::
 
"Agreed. And the LAST thing we need are more of Morgan's model types. Maybe we should take out an ad? I can see it now. 'WANTED: Male superheroes. Testosterone a must. Unattractive men and metrosexuals need not apply.'"

[ She laughed. It was strange - when she came down here, she hadn't expected things to go so well between her and Persephone, er, Ava. It was...nice. She found herself genuinely having a good time for the first time in a long while. ]

"Thanks for this, Ava."

[ She waved her hand in the air indicating their little take-out and gossip session. ]

"I really needed it."
 
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