Eyes wide shut

[Firebird]

Apartment 4 - Morgan's room

"I'm here, Morg and I'm not going any where."

Blaze reassured Morgan who seemed more than a little out of it. But that was to be expected after hitting her head on the door.

Everything's so out of order. EVERYTIME I try to put one aspect of my life back on track, ANOTHER one derails.

"That's the beauty of life, Morg. But you WILL get your life back on track. Everyone can get derailed you just have to try AGAIN. You have the support and love of your family and your teammates."

Brushing a few loose strands out of Morgan's fluttering violet eyes, Blaze offered her a warm smile.

This isnt the way it's supposed to be. I wasted nearly a YEAR on a journey of what i thought was love with a man that i THOUGHT i could trust and NOW look what's happened.

"While that may not have worked out the way you wanted to give yourself some credit for TRYING. You allowed a man inside your icy heart...whose to say there won't be another? Its all a part of the painful learning process but you WILL find love again. Obviously not right away but I think in the near future you will with the right man."

This should be the happiest day of my life POST Aerie , I ...was offered a multimillion dollar contract with Affinity Models this afternoon by Claudia, the new neighbor in the bldg. and I accepted...but right now, I feel like passing out more than I do celebrating.

"Today wasn't a good day for anyone here. But that's GREAT news, Morgan. You're already on your way back and you should be happy about that. But there will be plenty of time to celebrate. You just need to rest and take it easy. Sleep is the best thing for you right now."

Thank you.

"No problem. You just rest up and I'll be right here when you wake up."

Reaching over to squeeze Morgan's hand before smiling her way.

I'm so tired...

I just don't want Nicolas anywhere near me.

"Close your eyes, Morg and hopefully your dreams will be pleasant. Nicolas won't come any where near you without coming through me, I promise. I already know Karen is making sure he isn't permitted to be around you or this apartment."

Unlike this morning's dramatic events, Blaze was proving that she could be there for not only Haleigh but Morgan as well. Especially when her sister needed her more than ever.

 

[Siren]

"Apprently he attacked her. I didn't see anything when I showed up....[pausing] Alright, just get me the information and get back to me."

Hanging up her cell phone, Claudia placed it on top of the kitchen counter before turning to the refrigerator and opening it. Taking out a pitcher of iced tea, she proceeded to get a glass and pour herself some. As she moved about, Claudia's mind still shuffled through what had just happened. She hadn't actually SEEN Nicolas attack Morgan, but Claudia wasn't fully aware of what the man's powers were yet. She knew he had to be a telepath...but perhaps he could teleport as well? It was all very strange. It was common knowledge that Nicolas and Morgan were recently broken up, but was Nicolas really capable of trying to kill his former love? Claudia didn't think so....he didn't have it in him.

Walking to her livingroom, Claudia sat down [still wearing her buisness attire] and slipped her red heals off, letting them fall to the floor. Taking a sip of her iced tea, she then placed it on the coffee table and picked up the remote control. Tucking her legs next to her, she turned the TV on, flipping through the channels until she found something somewhat entertaining to watch. Resting her head back against the plush couch and leaning her body into one of the large pillows decorating it, Claudia sighed out sleepily halfheartedly watching the television show.


...Claudia..

Opening her eyes, Claudia lifted her head from the couch, becoming more alert after hearing her name being called. Turning her head to look over her shoulder, she could have sworn it sounded like a man...

"Johnny?"

The only logical conclusion she could come up with...what other man would be in her apartment besides her sisters trusted bodyguard? Not hearing a response, Claudia's brows furrowed...maybe it was the tv.. Turning back around to face the television, Claws picked up the remote and shut it off. Quickly looking back over her shoulder toward the hallway, a soft bump and footsteps running across the hardwood floors immediately caught her attention. There was definitely someone else in this apartment.

"Clara? Is that you?"

Standing from the couch, Claudia headed out of the livingroom and to the hall. It seemed longer.....darker than before. And for whatever reasons she felt SCARED. Staring down the hall, what was there to be scared of? She was in her own home. She had the ability to kill someone almost instantly, with or without her powers. This was ridiculous....

"Clara, stop--"

A whimpering cut Claudia off. Her sister had to be hurt...why else wouldn't she be answering?! Why else would Claudia be hearing crying? Starting down the hall quickly, Claudia immediately went to her sister's bedroom door, putting her hand on the door handle preparing to open it....but she stopped. The crying wasn't coming from her sisters bedroom...it was coming from her own.

"Clara, it's okay, i'm coming!"

Quickly opening her bedroom door, Claudia looked around seeing nothing...no one. The room was empty....but the whimpering, she could still hear the whimpering....

"...Clara...."

Stepping further into the room, something caught her eye from the side. It was a little girl....with brunette hair, huddled in the corner with her knees pulled up to her chest and face burried into her knees. Confused, Claudia shook her head gently, not exactly sure what was going on.

"Hey...are you okay?"

Slowly moving toward the little girl, Claudia knelt down in front of her.

"What...are you doing here? Honey, can you tell me what you're doing in my bedroom?"

Looking with concerned eyes to the little girl for some answers, finally the girl began to lift her head. Claudia's heart stopped seeing her face. It was HER...when she was a little girl. It was HER at age eleven. Sucking in uneven, short breaths of air...Claudia's chocolate eyes were wide in shock and disbelief..

"How.."

[from behind] CLAUDIA!

Gasping, Claudia quickly turned around; her body loosing balance and falling to the ground out of sheer panic. Mouth agape in horror, standing before her was TREVOR, looking exactly the way he did 16 years ago. The same expression he had when he was angry with her....when she would run from him...Little Claudia began to scream as Trevor began to lean down toward them both.

"NOO!"



GASP! Jumping up from the couch, Claudia panted out labored breaths of fear.....her eyes quickly scanning around the apartment. The television was still on; the same program that she had been watching before she fell asleep was just about over. Claudia's breathing began to calm....it was just a dream...but what she couldn't understand was why she had it now? After all these years? Those dreams stopped a long time ago.....why now...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment four

<< Karen nodded her head as she turned the pages of the ancient book of spells, a book that was created by Hecate and sustained/updated with entries about creatures, spells, situations and objects dealing with the occult by witches and other select practicioners of magick through the centuries. Every era, every generation's "sorceress" (or sorcerer ) "supreme" and his/her family became the caretaker of the Darkhold and Karen had only RECENTLY activated her FULL link to the Darkhold, at the time she became "Shadow Weaver" but the darkhold had been in Morgan's family since before Morgan or even Karen were fully realized as witches. Karen's grandmother and Morgan's great grandmother, Verna, a powerfull witch, was the first noted member of their line in MODERN times to hold and protect the Darkhold.>>

<< over the phone with Haleigh, Karen's brow furrowed a bit as the hybrid spoke>>

"Karen, it's Haleigh. With all due respect…. You're wasting your time on Nicolas, he's NOT behind this. I just watched the feed… whatever Morgan THOUGHT she was fighting… it wasn't real… there wasn't anyone in the courtyard WITH her until after she fell. I've reviewed the footage of Alison's nightmare as well… she was ALSO alone. These… hallucinations? They're coming from the subconscious and being manifested THROUGH them… I'm guessing to scare and disorient them. Can you search the Darkhold… see if there's ANYTHING in there with reference nightmares and vivid nightmarish daydreams… or any of their symptoms. Maybe you'll find a way to ward them off until we can figure out who's behind it."

<< Karen looked at Mike. It appears he was right and she WANTED to believe him anyway, its just that...why would her daughter lie?>>

>>Okay...I have brought the Darkhold here, I'll begin checking. Meanwhile, if there's anything you can do on your end to provide protection from intruders...and...keep an eye on Nicolas. He may not be responsible for this, but he's not HERE either.

<< even in slightly more pleasant phases of their relationship, Haleigh and Karen worked well together under crisis. There was the incident on the yacht where Morgan, Alison, Delilah and Ava were infected by a virus from Mystech...and of course when Karen went to rescue Haleigh and Delilah from Malice and Blakcout. Despite all the bad that passed between them, at each of their core, both women knew the other would be there for her.>>

>>I'll call back as soon as I've found something. Thank you.

<< Karen always tried to remain "proper" and lady like as often as she could. as she ended the call and set the phone down, she paused , looking at Mike.>>

Haleigh confirms what you're saying. It's not Nicolas. Truth be told....I didnt want to THINK it was but with all that's happened....

<< turning the large, ancient looking pages of the darkhold.>>

Haleigh suggested I check for any references involving dreams, nightmares or hallucinations. Both Alison and Morgan WERE attacked but there's no way to know WHO by the use of technology so the only other options are telepathy and magick.

and since Nicolas isnt here, that leaves only magick.

<< she looks at Mike.>>

did you see the look on Alison and Morgan's faces? they were TERRIFIED! what kind of monster could this be in order to have THOSE two so afraid?

<< she would regret asking as she looked at a page....and gasped, covering her mouth. it's a two page spread with a beautifully drawn picture of the Demon of Fear>>

Barbas, the demon of fear. He has the power to see a person's greatest fear and turn it against them, using this power to manipulate his victims to the ultimate end to scare them to death His name is taken from Barbas, the Great President of Hell in Judeo-Christian demonology.

He appears on Earth once every thirteen hundred years on Friday the 13th for twenty-four hours. His appearance is attributed to the universal convergence of negative energies as derived from astrological charts. He derives his LIFE FORCE by feeding off the fears of witches. If he can kill 13 unmarried female witches before the stroke of midnight on Friday the 13th he will be able to break free from his eternal bonds and walk the earth for eternity and since there is always fear in the world, he will ALWAYS be.

One way to defeat Barbas is to overcome one's greatest fear. However, ways to vanquish Barbas are limited. Barbas has only been vanquished twice first by Hecate in his ORIGINAL life time....

and then by...Verna Eckert...when she faced down not only her face but the demon himself...

<< reading it aloud.>>

Mike, this entry, it was written by my grammie!

<< Verna was Karen's middle name, given in honor of grammie and Eckert was Karen's maiden name before she married Christopher. and at that moment, she began to REMEMBER something.>>

Grammie...

<< Karen had never talked MUCH about her grammie, and Mike had only seen one beautifull picture of the woman. She lived to see Karen born and grow and she lived to see Morgan's birth as well, dying of what was believed to be a heart attack in 1983. Her death was very painfull for Karen and little Morgan. >>

<< Karen returned to reading the entry.>>

his powers include: Bring one's greatest fears to life; Create fear-related hallucinations; See one's greatest fears ;Teleport Throw energy balls and fireballs, Communicate telepathically; Astral project into someones consciousness; Send subliminal messages; Influence others by speaking to their subconscious.

He is able to blur the lines between reality and the dreamscapes.
As long as his victims were dreaming, he could inhabit and control their dreams, twisting them to his own ends. He is also capable of entering a victim's mind via state of intoxication, whether the victim is drunk or high. Any physical harm done to a person in this dream world would carry over into the real world, allowing him to easily commit multiple murders.

<< she looks on the second page.>>

He's killed scores of people...through the CENTURIES.



<< she moves away from the podium.>>

I never knew grammie fought the demon of fear....

<< it bothered her that she either was too young to know or that grammie didnt tell her. why keep something like that a secret?>>

but it hasn't been 1300 years since...if this is HIM that we're facing, why is he back so SOON?

<< something about this bothered Karen and for Mike it was a surprising glimpse into her own past. Everyone saw HER as a mother figure and Mike saw her as the powerfull mother willing to protect her daughter at any caust, but it was clear that Grammie held a special place in her heart. Mike didnt know that it was GRAMMIE and not her own mother that raised Karen becuase KAREN's mother was abusive. it was a painfull secret, one that MIGHT come to the surface due to the circumstances.>>

 

[Fusion]

The Hollywood Park Casino

Clara gave a winning smirk….

"I guess there's no reason to play games."

But she was still going to let him say it first… if he thought he was so smart, it would serve her to test him before just blindly trusting him. She lifted her eyebrows at him… a silent 'well?'.

Montagna: "Word around town is the Zaccharas have come to the west coast to see if they can be as prosperous here as they are on the eastern seaboard. Next I know, I've got the heir to the throne in MY casino.. Chatting up my regulars, TOYING with them, taking their money…. Scoping out the place. And when you asked to see me personally… I knew. You're looking for places to do your business."

Clara's smiled stayed as it was. At least he wasn't a STUPID man. She already knew he'd done dirty business before… and she also knew there was a skirmish going on between some of the less powerful crime syndicates of L.A…. Which meant there was a void to exploit and with the Zacchara name… came stability and strength and money.

"Would that interest you, David?"

Montagna: "Your organization is legendary, Miss Zacchara… your family supposedly has the Midas touch. That's something that would DEFINITELY interest me."


"Well in THAT case, David… [warm smile] you can call me Clara."

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

>>Okay...I have brought the Darkhold here, I'll begin checking. Meanwhile, if there's anything you can do on your end to provide protection from intruders...and...keep an eye on Nicolas. He may not be responsible for this, but he's not HERE either.

[over the phone] "Unfortunately… until I know HOW we're being attacked… I'm going to have difficulty protecting against it. But I'll lock down the perimeter and do my best."

>>I'll call back as soon as I've found something. Thank You.

"No need, Karen… I'll be keeping an eye on EVERYONE."

And she did… she manifested several flatpanel monitors, with a different image feed on each… she even kept one on the Zacchara apartment… where Claudia was waking [with a start] from a nap. Haleigh scanned the monitors… Alison was surrounded by Ava, Sharon, and Delilah, Blaze was with Morgan… Nicolas was still alone in his penthouse. Karen began read from the Darkhold… and NONE of it sounded very good.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike held his breath, waiting for her response to Haleigh's call. he exhaled as it seemed obvious that Nicolas was not the target anymore.

Okay...I have brought the Darkhold here, I'll begin checking. Meanwhile, if there's anything you can do on your end to provide protection from intruders...and...keep an eye on Nicolas. He may not be responsible for this, but he's not HERE either.

An interesting turn of phrase. Mike wondered if Karen were attempting to maintain simple surveillance, or if she also was hoping the demigod was safe?

Karen turned to him...

Haleigh confirms what you're saying. It's not Nicolas. Truth be told....I didnt want to THINK it was but with all that's happened....

I understand. We are all under stress here and it wasn't a totally unreasonable assumption. Let's do some research.

Karen begins to look through the Darkhold, passing over some entries, looking at and discarding ithers, until she reaches an entry for the Demon of fear, a godawful badass that can attack ANYONE, psi-screens be DAMNED. MIke whistled at the description and as Karen continued to read, she mentioned her OWN grandmother as fighting him. Which made no sense, as it came around only every 1300 years.

Karen, did your grandmother ever ...time travel? I mean we have gone back and forth-

Mike then fell silent. There was a lot more to this than was being said. Karen, by her look, was OBVIOUSLY very close to her "grammie", closer than he would have imagined at first. He touched her shoulder reassuringly as he spoke to her softly. She was obviously upset, but if they were to deal with this, they would have to press on...

Maybe he has found a way back sooner. The main ways he strikes is through dreams and altered mental states? Though that doesn't explain Morgan's situation. She was wide awake...do you think your grammie had some special connection to this..demon somehow? Maybe that is why it is targeting Morgan?

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apartment 4

Karen, did your grandmother ever ...time travel? I mean we have gone back and forth-

<< Karen frowned a bit as she heard Mike's voice, which brought her back from a sudden daze of MEMORIES.>>

When I was a little girl, she shared stories with me about traveling to far away places that were more fantastic than dreams. I believe she has time traveled and astral projected.

Grammie was a fierce demon/warlock slayer in her youth. By the time I was a pre teen, she was a high priestess, one of the most powerfull witches in our family line. [ as indicated by the darkhold] she lead a local coven of witches...she taught me how to hone my craft and helped me with Morgan when she was a little girl.

She was very important in my life, Michael. She always encouraged me and told me that Morgan was special, not just a daughter is to her mother, but that her DESTINY...being the sorceress supreme of this time...

I always hoped...after she died...that she'd come back and visit...like Hecate does with Morgan. But she hasnt come back, not once.

<< Karen covered her face for a moment.>>

and now...to find out that she fought the demon of fear...she SURVIVED, but I always felt like her DEATH was not natural.

<< Mike spoke softly and placed his hands on her shoulders. He asked about Grammie's possible connection to the demon and if that was why he attacked Morgan while she was awake.>>

I'm not sure...Grammie never told me about it...

<< but yet, it felt like something was nagging her in the back of her mind.>>

Between the time Hecate encountered Barbas and Grammie encountered the demon of fear, certainly 1300 years passed, but between Grammie and now...I just don't know how this could be.

<< She thought about Morgan and what could have lead to that sudden attack, what could it have meant.>>

This is what i meant, Michael. I promised my daughter that it'd be okay...but now its getting worse and I have no way to stop it.

 

[Arsenal]

This is what i meant, Michael. I promised my daughter that it'd be okay...but now its getting worse and I have no way to stop it.

I understand, Karen. That's why we're here., to try to make it better. All we can do is our best, and that is what you have done time and again. One day you will have to accept that, give yourself a break here.

Mike hugged her gingerly, enough to reassure her.

Look, we will get through this. I will contact everyone, tell them to buddy up. Maybe that way one can watch the other as they rest so as to make attacks more difficult for our new friend here. Meanwhile, we can keep looking for a way to deal with it.

The groups are already pretty much set. Haleigh and Ava, Morgan and Blaze--only until she feels well enough to join you here, if you wish, but Blaze is already HERE with her. Delilah and Alison, Sharon and Nicolas would be ideal, but he is not here...I would suggest that we keep Sharon close as a check on things going wrong and have Haleigh monitor Nicolas. He is probably as well equipped as any of us, maybe more so, to protect himself as long as we make sure his vitals are strong. Sharon could be dispatched in case of any trouble. I would also suggest we make sure that everone is aware that Nicolas is NOT behind this. If he is needed with the team to help with this--a distinct possibility--we need to be able to have at least a base to work with, and we don't BEGIN to have it now as long as everyone thinks he is the bogeyman here.

 

[Rampage]

The young demigod sat in his living area, levitationg. He'd gone to where his Father, GUSTAV, had admonished him to go when he lost his way: meditation.

Gustav believed in Nicolas' ability to heal himself by focusing on what he knew to be good and right, on relying on the same resilence that had him survive in that desert in his mother's skeletal remains for weeks before he was found by the philanthropist. For Nicolas, this was the hardest thing he'd had to do in some time. Before, he always had Gustav's belief in him to feed off of; after his death, he had his memory. But NOW? He wasn't sure he had ANYTHING.

One truth missed by many in the Six, this very young man had lost the only parent he'd ever known just last year, took almost time to mourn before joining the Six, and now had to deal with his biological father, whom he had imagined was this great man, ending up being the worst kind of evil, a monster who had managed in their only association to ruin his life totally.

Gustav was his spiritual father no doubt, but his FLESH, the result of a mad tyrant imposing his will upon a defenseless girl; a god taking what he believed was his prerogative. What to do NOW? Was his will stronger than his flesh? Just as important, would the people he cared for most understand, much less accept who or what he was. If they didn't or couldn't, what was the use? Good simply for goodness sake? Would that be enough? Nicolas turned inside for answers, for strength, and to fight the demons within himself...

 

[Persephone]

Sitting next to Alison's bed, Ava was unaware of the fact that Karen had uncovered that it was the demon of fear, Barbas, that was behind these bizzare attacks. Although Persephone hadn't dealt with Barbas personally, she was there when Hecate first battled him thousands of years ago. She KNEW how difficult he was to defeat...

"How are you feeling, Alison?"

Ava studied Alison, knowing that the precog was shaken up about what had happened. Whether or not she would admit it was a different story.

"And don't give me that 'i'm fine' line...i'm the QUEEN of that line."

Ava smirked, poking fun of her own recovery after their return from the alternate timeline. If Karen had a nickle for every time she had said it, she would be one rich witch.

 

[Seer]

into the night

<< Karen slowly agrees with Mike's ideas at the moment and while he notifies the others, she goes to check on Blaze and Morgan. Morgan is sleeping and Blaze is sitting in a chair by the bed with Tinkerbell laying curled up next to Morgan. >>

<< a mother's bond with her daughter....its primal and powerfull, but it will take every bit of that for Karen to stay even a STEP ahead of the demon of fear and protect Morgan and who will protect Karen? the backstory of her grammie's battle with the demon is not immediately recalled by her granddaughter and knowing who is most likely behind these recent attacks does not give them MUCH of an advantage yet.>>

<< anyone in Melrose Place is at risk, as well as anyone OUTSIDE of it. Including Nicolas.>>

<< as the night closes in and takes firm hold...things begin to grow more grim.>>

<< across the city through the night, reports of several young women dying are creeping up in news outlets. the deaths are unique in that they are found in the midst of strange contained disasters: a burnt down house, a store that appears to have collapsed in a possible earthquake, another woman was apparently drowned, surrounded by a puddle of water on the carpet. all of the women had WHITE HAIR and their faces were contorted in FEAR.>>

<< Ava has returned to apartment 5, where she and Haleigh will talk for a few minutes before she returns to Aerie for the time being. Sharon remains with Alison and Delilah. Everyone has no choice but to move ahead...with uncertainty and heightened anxiety, which is just what the desired effect is.>>

 

[Harbinger]

apt. 1

Sitting next to Alison's bed, Ava was unaware of the fact that Karen had uncovered that it was the demon of fear, Barbas, that was behind these bizzare attacks. Although Persephone hadn't dealt with Barbas personally, she was there when Hecate first battled him thousands of years ago. She KNEW how difficult he was to defeat...

"How are you feeling, Alison?"

Ava studied Alison, knowing that the precog was shaken up about what had happened. Whether or not she would admit it was a different story.

"And don't give me that 'i'm fine' line...i'm the QUEEN of that line."

Ava smirked, poking fun of her own recovery after their return from the alternate timeline. If Karen had a nickle for every time she had said it, she would be one rich witch.

:: Alison, who had been starring at the mirror where the terrifying image of her brother could be seen only by HER, was momentarily distracted by Ava. it was a good thing though.::

:: Alison looks up at Ava.::

I feel...embarrassed more than anything. Should've "SEEN" that coming...

:: her attempt at being light hearted as she spoke in that low toned, airy voice.::

pain's gone, wound's healed, and I understand I have you to thank for your quick thinking.

:: reaching out and taking Ava's hand, she squeezes it.::

I'm not arguing with Karen...I know i need my rest. Sharon and Delilah said they'd stay with me. Sharon's going to keep watch, she doesnt need to sleep as often as the rest of us.

I just wish I could figure out what that...dream...or whatever it was, actually WAS.

:: she frowned a bit.::

my head hurts...whatever happened to me...it's happening to young witches alll around the city! tonight is the dawn of something horrid...but not just for witches.

 

[Persephone]

I feel...embarrassed more than anything. Should've "SEEN" that coming...

Ava softly smiled.

"You're not superwoman, Alison. Even you can't 'see' or predict everything that's going to happen."

Alison took her hand, thanking her for getting help. Placing her hand on top of the precog, Ava gently shook her head, dismissing her thanks.

"You would have done the same thing for me. We've been through a lot together, Alison. And i'm not ready to loose you yet, okay?"

I just wish I could figure out what that...dream...or whatever it was, actually WAS. my head hurts...whatever happened to me...it's happening to young witches alll around the city! tonight is the dawn of something horrid...but not just for witches.

"Don't over do it, just try and rest...I'm going to go talk to Haleigh; see if she's found out anything. [standing from her chair] I'll be back later."

Giving Alison a reassuring smile, Ava turned and exited Delilah's guest bedroom and soon her apartment. Crossing the courtyard, she soon found herself at her sisters apartment. Giving a curtosy knock before entering, Ava poked her head in.

"Hales, it's me."

Entering Haleigh's apartment, Ava headed into the livingroom seeing numerous monitors floating around with different security feeds throughout Melrose Place and Nicolas' work penthouse.

"Alison says these attacks are happening to other people around the city...specifically witches. But as of late, the focus has broadened. [sitting down on the couch next to Haleigh] Have you and Karen uncovered anything?"

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Ava: "Hales, it's me."

Haleigh looked up from the monitors and gave her sister a small smile, responding with a simple 'hey'. Ava was apparently coming in to check on her under the guise of wanting to know what was up. She let Haleigh know that certain [rather strange] deaths around the city were linked to Barbas… and she sat down next to Haleigh with a prompt on what was up.

"Well…. Karen discovered a lead on who might be behind it all… the Demon of Fear… his name is Barbas. The GOOD news is…. [thoughtful pause] Nah… there really isn't any good news. He turns your greatest fear against you and literally SCARES you to death. He's only SUPPOSED to come around every thirteen hundred years but apparently… someone around here has done something to warrant his special visit. You're right about his primary focus being witches… which makes Morgan, Alison, and Karen automatically in the most peril, although I'm not sure if Karen counts, because she's been married before, and let's face it… she's old."

 

[Persephone]

"Old? Well if she's old then i'm the damn crypt keeper..."

Rolling her eyes, she WAS--after all--two thousand years older than Karen. But of course didn't look a day over 30. Shifting her eyes from monitor to monitor, there were pictures of Morgan taking a nap with Blaze sitting faithfully by her bedside. Delilah leaving Alison's bedroom to head to the kitchen, possibly to get the frustrated precog some water. Karen and Mike talking. And Nicolas meditating. All was normal....then her eyes came upon the monitor that showed Claudia entering her kitchen to get another drink. Ava pointed to that particular screen.

"If we know that Barbas is behind the attacks, why are you still monitoring the Zacchara's?"

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

"It's different for YOU, little sis… you don't AGE. Barbas is OBVIOUSLY targeting women in their PRIME. All the women who have died so far are YOUNG… Nic's age… early to mid twenties. And why NOT? It makes sense. Younger women are more vibrant and less stoic. They have so much to still live for… they scare easier…. He'll get the MOST 'boost' from draining them young. And Karen may still be beautiful… and the ol' cougar may be rolling around with Mike like she's not afraid to throw out her back… but her best days are long behind her. She's DOUBLE Barbas' target age. [off her sister's look] I'm JUST SAYING."

Ava asked her about the Z cam… and Haleigh smirked.

"I like her dress."

She said simply. Could she TELL her sister about her deal with the Z sisters without getting a sermon? It wasn't that she thought her sister couldn't keep a secret… just that she didn't want to hear any kind of warning about them right now. She was smart enough not to completely TRUST them… but she WAS hopeful about a symbiotic relationship with them. She knew her sister wouldn't fall for the explanation she'd already given…

"I'm kidding. I mean, the dress is nice but we both know I don't give a damn about it. She seemed started when I first picked up the feed… since she's in the building, she might be in danger as well… He already spooked TWO residents here. I've got MONEY on the call that he goes after some of the rest of us… if not ALL. Claudia Zacchara and her sister may be targeted by association. If I keep an eye on them… we'll know IMMEDIATELY. [shrugging] And maybe I'd just like to see if I can get any more 'insight' into the mysterious Zaccharas. Knowledge is POWER."

 

[Arsenal]

Mike went to his own apartment, expecting Karen to come see him afer she checked again on her daughter. he'd told everyone about the plan to double up, and Sharon was always available. He now sent a message to the one not in their midst.

Nic? Meditating I'll bet. Anyway, there is new baddie on town, he preys upon witches primarily, utilizing the astral plane to attack. Apparently a few young ladies have already been lost. Be careful.

NICOLAS: I will do so. Thank you for...everything. I am getting the details from you now. Mike...take care.

You take care yourself, kid. Get better.

Mike settled in a bit, checking on his "kids". He hugged them both, then walked through a doorway...

...leading them back to Aerie where they could be cared for until the Six could figure this all out. Mike walked ...

back through his doorway and washed his hands and face. Karen should check him out soon...maybe a short nap wouldn't hurt. Besides, he wasn't a witch, young, OR female...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

apt. 2- michael's nightmare

the nightmare

<< the tone of an alarm awakens Mike and he finds himself somewhere else. a stylish office, in the fashionable Soho district.>>

<< the decorum and the subtle vanilla scent in the office indicate this must be the office of Dr. Karen Victoria, noted psycho therapist. this was where she practiced, and the office was both sophisticated and yet peacefull.>>

<< the weather outside was stormy. the office was dark. it was after hours. Mike would see large, stylishly framed photos of Alison, Morgan and Delilah on the wall before him with Morgan's photo in the middle. all three women looked like something straight out of America's next top Model. A photo of Karen herself [ see sig banner] was hanging above the leather couch where Mike lay. lightning flashed and strobed at unpredictable intervals.>>

<< if Mike thought he was safe...he was mistaken. He had only just met Karen when she still occupied this office. why was he here? was he asleep or awake. even if his mind told him one thing....his senses clearly felt another way.>>

<< the office suite was large, with several smaller rooms off shooting from it, and from the look of things, no one was about. not yet at least.>>

<< after a few moments of Mike adjusting to his new envrionment, Mike heard the sound of high heels coming. Karen unlocked the double doors and entered, as she turned around, she was wearing a tailored Calvin Klein black blazer and a pencil skirt with a slightly higher hemline along with black high heels. her hair was down, styled in the updated "flip" with a side part. but what was MOST striking were her eyes. the eye make up, even the eye lashes themselves were more dramatic, it made Karen look more servere, darker, more alluring than ever and topped off by those perfectly arched eyebrows...her look was almost menacing as she glared at Michael.>>

Just what do you think you're doing in here young man?

Office hours are OVER!

<< she dropped her keys and attache on the floor and strode toward him.>>

I've told you before...I am NOT here to indulge your forbiden and psychotic sexual fantasies.

<< she pushes him down even as he stands up. thunder crashes as rain pelts the floor to ceiling windows and Mike seems to hear the sound of children whispering in the wind...as if to say "you've been bad...mommy will punish you.">>

You're a bad...BAD, young man. I have tried to work with you, to help you...but you are simply INCORRIGABLE!

<< she snaps her fingers and her suit changes into a shocking leather, dominatrix outfit complete with a spiked chocker, a front lace up bodice, thigh high leather boots and an eye mask. Her hair is now pulled back in a bun as she cracks a whip.>>

all you understand is VIOLENCE and wanton debauchery!

<< she says with rising hostility and disapproval in her voice as she closes in.>>

<< but at the last moment, as she rases her long black leather kangaroo whip preparing to attack Mike with it, she paused and lowered the whip.>>

but no....beating you would be...to obvious.

perhaps a more...

<< climbing on top and stradling him.>>

unconventional approach is warranted, after all, you young men are all the same.

<< leaning in close and whispering in his ear.>>

<< now looking over him as she runs her perfectly manicured nails down his bare chest.>>

Now then...let's try this again.

<< leaning in.>>

one last therapy session....before i send you on your way....

<< and with that, she kisses him on the mouth, tenderly at first as she wraps her hands around the back of his head and continues to stradle him. soon the kissing becomes deeper, more pasionate, Mike can't HELP but to be swept away in the moment as he closes his eyes....and after a few tantilazing moments, Karen opens HER eyes, to reveal a DEMONIC glint...as they sparkle and she begins to pull back, with a predatory scowl on her face. Mike's face contorts in surprise and pain as Karen continues to pull back with a DEATH GRIP on his TONGUE! she's pulling it out of his mouth with her teeth. his tongue stretches so far, so painfully far as Karen looks more psyhotic!>>

<< finally as Karen pulls all the way back, she roars like a lioness...as she opens her mouth and a tongue like project shoots out, binding mike's hand to a nearby pole. she repeats the process until his hands and ankles are bound.>>

<< she steps back, laughing softly and smugly as Mike is now bound, his arms and legs painfully stretched.>>

hmm...this is it. this is the critical moment. the moment where you are stripped down...

<< Mike finds himself naked.>>

and POWERLESS before me!

<< Karen's laugh roars out as the thunder crashes and the office trembles from the force of a quake.>>

<< Mike can no longer talk. Karen has pulled his tongue out.>>

What's the matter, michael? feeling a little...TONGUE TIED!?

<< the couch he was once laying on drops down in a hole....and falls down a firery pit....before bursting into flames. the screams of children , women and other tortured souls can be heard.>>

I think we're at the point of BREAK THROUGH at last!

<< at that moment...a terrifying apparition flies up from the seemingly endless pit. it's NICOLAS manifesting the aspect of SET, as he charges up, growling and looking insanely evil, he catches hold of Mike and yanks him loose from his tongue bindings, dragging him down into the pit of fire, where Mike's body begins to burn, before Nicolas TEARS him apart.>>

Enjoy your new found freedom Michael.

<< and with that Mike's life is ENDED.>>

Reality

<< Melrose Place. Apartment 2.>>

<< Karen has just arrived, in her new costume, looking for Michael. UNAWARE that he has just had a violent nightmare, but she will soon see the aftermath.>>

 

[Persephone]

"It's different for YOU, little sis… you don't AGE."

"Yeah, yeah.."

Ava smirked playfully but soon became serious as Haleigh gave her hypothesis about how Barbas attacks. It made sense. Attacking younger woman would not only give him more strength but they were easy targets.

"And Karen may still be beautiful… and the ol' cougar may be rolling around with Mike like she's not afraid to throw out her back… but her best days are long behind her. She's DOUBLE Barbas' target age. [off her sister's look] I'm JUST SAYING."

Ava stiffled a laugh.

"Hey, i'm not disagreeing with you....I just wouldn't share this 'doubled Barbas' target age' theory to Karen."

Ava smiled, looking back at the floating monitors; her eyes once again focusing on the Zacchara household. Haleigh sarcastically avoided her question...

"I like her dress."

"I'm sure."

But after her moment of cattiness, she explained why the Zacchara's were under her 'watchful eye'. Glancing from the monitor to her sister, Ava wasn't stupid by any means...she knew when Haleigh was hiding something from her.

"I see your point.... but the Zacchara's are a threat. I would have figured you would take advantage of Barbas' little dreamwalks. Let HIM take care of THEM. [raising an eyebrow] Unless of course you're involved with the Zacchara's somehow. Or would like to be."

Ava smirked. She knew how her sisters mind worked, and Haleigh was quite aware of how well Ava KNEW that.

"I'm not here to judge. Do what you will with whomever you wish, Hales. As long as it doesn't hurt you in the end I could care less. [looking back at the Z monitor] And you're right, that is a really cute dress....looks vintage."

 

[Firebird]

Morgan's place

While Morgan slept soundly with Tinkerbell at her side, Blaze walked over to reach for the television remote before returning to the chair she was curled up in. Flipping the telephone on, Blaze channel surfed until she landed onto Showtime stopping on a Nightmare on Elm Street.

Glancing over towards the window before she turned back towards the television to watch the movie, being an avid fan of horror movies. Anything was better than worrying about Morgan and what Nicolas did to her. How could he attack her!

With her mind still in adrenaline mode, Blaze headed out into Morgan's kitchen browsing for something to eat. Opening her fridge she sighed.

"We really need to unsubscribe to those Cosmo magazines. Where are the carbs?!"

Opening the freezer she pulled out a Healthy Choice with a perked brow.

"The greatest Super model ever and she barely has anything to eat. No wonder she's so exhausted."

Smirking, Blaze grabbed an apple before she returned to Morgan's room. Being the second youngest member of the Six, Blaze hated to sit around. But she promised to stay with Morgan and she would.