Frozen

[MorningStar]

The VIP Clubhouse

Karen doesn't know we're here, only Michael does. We need to give them a measure of privacy, as they converse.

“I know that, but we could just be…two friends, having a drink on the patio – we DO live here…”

That dream...seemed to be more about planting seeds, rather than causing distress, and judging from your renewed relationship with Karen, I'd say that it was working.

Delilah self-consciously touched her necklace, as Sharon eyed it, then cleared her throat waved her hand in the air.

“Well, I just figured Karen…it was time. I know she wanted to help. She just couldn’t. And holding a grudge against her won’t accomplish anything. We talked, before I brought her back to the Infirmary. And regardless, no matter what happens, she’s still like a mother to me. I’m not going to abandon her in her time of need.”

You remember what I said to you on the ship? How do you feel now, knowing what happened with you and Morgan, Alison...and the rest of the Six?

“That’s more…”

Delilah sighed.

“Complicated. I can’t just forget everything that happened. I can’t. I’m sorry, Sharon – I know you, and Cameron and Haleigh all think I should. For YEARS that’s what I’ve done: just shrugged off everything and done it with a smile. Alison and Morgan – they made a HUGE mistake. And Blaze – Blaze made her feelings VERY clear on Aerie. I’m not going to pretend that’s okay, let them get away without having to admit that they were wrong.”

She took another sip of her beer.

“I don’t want to be angry at them. I don’t. I hope things can get better. But they are going to have to come to the table too, for once. An din the meantime, I am going to keep living my life.”

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Cass’ Penthouse




:: On the way to the Starlight Lounge, Cass stopped at her locker to change into a casual chic outfit. Because that, apparently, is what Cass does. Seeing as she liked to be prepared for anything, Cass kept multiple outfits in her locker. Also, she knew that when she went to the Danger Room, it always meant wearing her costume, even IF she wasn’t the one participating in the simulations. She was taught well. When she came from the locker room, she was surprised to still see Blaze AND Jasmine. Cass kind of had a paranoid thought that Blaze would be wounded and Frost would be gone. ::

*playfully*: “Shall we?”

:: The trio made their way to the elevators and went up to the Starlight Lounge. Because of the very myserious circumstances in which the entire Lounge was covered in ICE - - they had the whole place to themselves. Still, Cass had them seat the three in a semi-private corner of the establishment. Cass sighed as she settled in. She was happy to help in any way she could. ::

:: At first, the three women did not TALK. To the Nosey Nellies watching and listening in, it would appear that Cass had FAILED. That was a calculated move on Cass’ part. If she had to take a wild guess, she would guess that Jasmine hadn’t had time to process everything that had happened and so she wanted to give Jasmine at least enough time to process SOME things. ::

:: Soon, though, Cass managed to coax Jasmine out of her shell with some light small talk. She didn’t want to overwhelm her with all kinds of questions. Cass told Jasmine about what happened to her and her family, well, not the WHOLE truth anyway. Cass told Jasmine that she had been kidnapped when she was six and how she spent a long decade being tortured, experimented upon, and assaulted in EVERY way. She even lifted her shirt and turned around so Jasmine could see the horrible lobster claw-shaped scar on her lower back that no amount of magick could ever get rid of it. She had tried in every way to get rid of it. Cass told Jas how, when she finally escaped, the world that she knew was no longer the familiar world that she had known. Cass told her how the same group of men that had kidnapped her also murdered her entire family. She told her this because she didn’t want Jas to feel so alone, that somebody understood being lost and displaced in a world that no longer felt familiar. ::

:: Cass also told Jasmine how much of a bitch she was when she first joined the team. She told the ice elemental about how PATIENT and KIND Karen and Sharon both were with her, though Cass also told Jas and Blaze that there were more than a few times when she had the sense that Sharon wanted to just SMACK her! ::

“It took a LONG time, but I managed to gain respect – and trust – with these people…though there are still some who don’t like me.” *laughs*: “But who cares about THEM?”

:: Blaze jumped in with some encouraging words and Cass was pleased to see Jasmine respond in a friendly manner! Soon Jasmine was asking questions, and both elemental and succubus did their best to answer. With drinks finished, Cass suggested they go up to her apartment. Still talking, the three women made their way to the Six elevators and went up to Cass’ apartment. ::

:: Sighing happily, Cass unlocked her door and stood aside as Blaze and Jasmine made their way in – Blaze to the wet bar of course. Jasmine tentatively sat down on one of the couches in the living area. ::

“Make yourself at home, Jas. Welcome to my apartment!"

:: She sat down on the couch beside her and soon Blaze came over and they talked some more, Jasmine asking more questions and visibly relaxing in Cass’ apartment. Blaze popped up and excused herself for a few moments and left the apartment. Cass grasped Jasmine’s hand and smiled. ::

“It’s so nice to see you all relaxed here and opening up! I’m so glad you decided to talk with us.”

:: Blaze came back and she carried some pictures to show Jasmine. Cass smiled as Blaze sat down between them and showed Jasmine pictures of Karen, pictures of MORGAN, and a beautiful picture of the FOUR of them: Morgan, Karen, Blaze, and FROST! If Jasmine wasn’t able to accept Blaze as a sister yet, at least she was willing to hear both of them out and LISTEN. ::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Parthenon- V.I.P. club house balcony

<< What a difference a sonic/light induced slumber makes? Karen DID feel better, but something was still lingering in her mind...her subconscious.>>

<< At the moment, the doctor thought about how "blended" her family had become. Herself, her daughter Morgan, her OTHER daughter by way another timeline Blaze, her companion and confidant Michael, even the fur babies in the family- from Morgan's enchanted siamese familiar Tinker and the small white kitten, to Michael's dire wolves! THOSE two. Karen had always been fond of and comfortable with most animals, but it was a bit much, having such large creatures as "PETS"...there was something about them...perhaps it was because Michael couldn't hold sway over them the way Ava could her pet mountain lion Onyx? >>

<< Still, the wolves had always been gentle and sincere around Karen, and eventually, she'd grown comfortable to pet them. They appreciated her displays of affection toward them, and were as protective of her as they were of Michael. Still, Karen wondered what Tinker and her adopted kitten would think of them.>>

<< Now they were all out on the balcony of the VIP cludhouse. Karen MUST be in rare form, since she didn't contest OR protest Michael bringing the wolves along. It was a "light" evening for the clubhouse, and so thankfully not too many patrons were about.>>

<< After they settled into their area on the balcony, Karen was not aware that Sharon and Delilah were nearby. Michael didn't think the doctor would want to SEE them right now, as she'd likely be mortified by the fact that they'd seen her in one of her WORST moments in recent memory. No one could be quite as hard on Karen as HERSELF sometimes.>>

<< Still, Michael wanted to be as proactive as possible, and MorningStar wasn't going to let Karen go TOO far without keeping an eye on her, Sharon was in agreement and support. Recall had soon arrived to the clubhouse as well, and was discreetly surveying the situation as well.>>

<< Karen and Michael conversed, their conversation was productive and seemed to disprove some of the things that awful woman had said to Karen earlier about Michael's limitations and shortcomings.>>

He put away his communicator and returned his gaze to Karen, kissing her hand he had captured.

We will whip this Doc. I don't know what THIS is yet, but I know that you are not helping yourself if you push yourself to the breaking point. That was my mistake. I should have cut this off earlier and gotten you to rest. And next time I will. And no arguing young lady! You can still get a spanking! In fact...maybe that is what you need!

Mike laughed out loud, his attempt at humor to try to break the tension she felt and make his point. It was a mark of their longstanding relationship that he could make such a joke; indeed, the Good Doctor had come to appreciate his physical strength VERY much! So she blushed a bit and smiled in spite of her troubles as they held hands and watched the night sky...

Oh Michael, REALLY!

<< Karen said as she looked at him with some disapproval, which melted into a smirk and a soft laugh.>>

You're very cheeky this evening, aren't you?

 

[Seer]

The Parthenon- V.I.P Club House

<< So far, things were unfolding rather NICELY! Jasmine, Blaze and Cass were in Cass' apartment, monitored by Haleigh, Alycia, Cameron, and Zach- although perhaps someone should be monitoring the four of THEM? >>

<< In the clubhouse, Karen, Michael and the dire wolves out on the balcony area; Delilah and Sharon together at a table JUST inside the clubhouse; Vivica seated not too far from them, but at an angle to give her, AND Oracle a wide view of the area.>>

<< For the moment, things seemed to be....peaceful and if they could come up with a plan to safely house Jasmine, allowing her to try once more with Karen and Blaze, then that would be one small success for the evening.>>

<< But when did things ever work out that smoothly for The Six, OR the Birds of Prey?>>

<< As Michael laughed and Karen playfully slapped his hand away...the dire wolves...who had been resting near the fire pit...began to perk up! They both whimpered a bit, as their ears shifted and they sniffed the air. something was wrong.>>

<< The first GLARING indication of that was when MICHAEL's eyes rolled up in the back of his head, and he FELL OFF his lounge chair, hitting the ground with a THUD.>>

<< Karen's emerald green eyes widen with shock>> MICHAEL!?

Karen: ....MICHAEL!

<< She scrambles from her seat over to where Michael has fallen.>>

<< The dire wolves are now sitting upright, they were growling...and now BARKING with urgency.>>

<<Inside the Clubhouse>>

Sharon: Something's WRONG! Michael has lost consciousness!

<< She and Delilah stand up in unison. But that wasn't ALL. The doors entrance doors to the club house SLAM shut, SEALED, and one by one...those mortal and unprotected staff and patrons in the clubhouse begin to DROP where they stood/sat. >>

<< Vivica was seeing the same thing that MorningStar and Silver Swan were.>>

<< A FAINTLY shimmering stream of mystic energy flows around the clubhouse, leaving no stone unturned, no area unreached.>>

<<Sharon and Delilah look at each other briefly , before looking at Vivica.>>

Sharon: Karen! We're coming!

<< The two women, with Vivica hot on their heels, QUICKLY make their way toward the doors leading to the balcony. They have Karen firmly in their sights and will be by her side in mere MOMENTS.>>

<< when all the doors to all the entry ways to the balcony SLAM SHUT one after the other, BLOCKING MorningStar, Silver Swan and Recall.>>

<< Before any of the three can react, they are REPULSED by a force of magick, sending them all careening away from the doors and crashing into tables.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Oh Michael, REALLY!

<< Karen said as she looked at him with some disapproval, which melted into a smirk and a soft laugh.>>

You're very cheeky this evening, aren't you?

Not as CHEEKY as you are my dear!

The subject of Karen's above-average bottom was an inside joke of sorts between them. Mike making comments about it and Karen generally hoping that no one hears him. He let go her hand and playfully sneaked a squeeze of one of her privately famous cheeks and she popped his hand away, him laughing and her giving a look that said, "No one had better have seen that!"

Mike was still laughing as he registered Zeus and Apollo come to attention, whimpering. He did not even have the time to register their concern before he was down, tumbling to the balcony floor, his chair falling over with them.

Zeus and Apollo came to formation to each side of Mommy and Daddy, barking their alarm as Mommy went to help Daddy. The doors slammed shut, sealing them out together and they sensed....SOMETHING....what did they detect?

It must have been awful because they both leaned back and joined in unison in a mournful, haunting WAIL which echoed through the night. Their plea for help which ONE person alone would recognize sight unseen....Haleigh Davidoff. Her time spent with Mike and the wolves was behind only Nicolas and Karen. If she heard this, she would know things were bad.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The V.I.P Clubhouse

<< Karen's heart was racing again as she kneeled beside Michael>>

<< She had to take action. She tore his shirt open, checking his pulse at his wrist, his neck and then placing her head to his chest.>>

He's....not breathing! MICHAEL!

<< Karen centers herself, and begins CPR, round 1. Nothing. Round 2. Nothing.>>

<< The dire wolves howled in unison as Karen looked up with distress written all over her face.>>

<< But surprisingly, MorningStar, Silver Swan and Recall were at the clubhouse, and coming to help!>>

Oh thank heavens!

Sharon: Karen! We're coming!

<< The two women, with Vivica hot on their heels, QUICKLY make their way toward the doors leading to the balcony. They have Karen firmly in their sights and will be by her side in mere MOMENTS.>>

<< when all the doors to all the entry ways to the balcony SLAM SHUT one after the other, BLOCKING MorningStar, Silver Swan and Recall.>>

Oh my STARS!!!

It's another ATTACK! It HAS to be!

<< And at the WORST possible time! The doctor's PRIMARY concern is with Michael! She CAN'T be diverted from trying to revive him! She doesnt even know what could've caused this! >>

<< Karen had no choice but to try using her magicks to HEAL him, but without knowing what was wrong, there was no guarantee they would work!>>

<< Bring her hands up in front of her face, one over the other, she moves them down in a circular pattern. A rushing magick sound is heard as she completes the cirular gesture and thrusts her hands out toward Michael's body, and the spell's activation is indicated by a chime.>>

<< Nothing.>>

It...it's not having any effect!

<< Karen's anxiety begins to spike...her heart beat and bloodpressure begin to shoot up and she is now SHAKING again.>>

Have to....have to try AGAIN!

<< REPEATS her gesture and activates the spell once more. NOTHING.>>

NO!!!

NO!!!! this....

<< Anxiety gives way to PANIC>>

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!

SHARON, DELILAH.... I...

<< Her breathing is not what it should be>>

....I NEED HELP....

<< Clutching her her chest....she repeats her call again...only in a much quieter, pained tone>>

Please...I need help....

<< She held Michael in her arms. It seemed that he was DEAD...and she couldn't REVIVE HIM! But WHY.....HOW!?>>

Someone....Grammie....

<< She looked pale and completely distraught>>

 

[Talisman]

Investigation Continues...

<< If Talisman possessed a sense of humor, she would find this situation rather comical. Jasmine Klein showing up at Illustra had allowed her to see just how fragile the relationships between members of the six and their allies were. With her omni sight she watched the scene unfold in the The Situation Room. >>

<< Her icy blue eyes underneath her auburn bangs began to smolder with a hint of delight as she watched them each destruct in a number of different ways, taking a particular interest in watching the actions of Cameron King aka Prophet, her would be son. She may have been mystically bonded with this man now that she had entered the timeline, but she felt nothing, outside of comparing his physical features to herself and his father, Jonathon. Just as SHE was very different here...apparently, Jonathon was as well. >>

"I'm pleased to see that my genetics remain strong across all time and space."

<< She drew no further conclusions. Cameron King was rather insignificant to her in the grand scheme of things, as was Alison Marble. They would only draw her interest if they attempted to stop her, which she knew they would. She would have no problem ending either of their lives if it meant furthering her work. For now, she had bigger fish to fry so to speak. >>

<< Their pain over their decisions ran deep and would serve as a rather large well from which to draw from, that much was true. As she watched them all separate towards different areas of the hotel, she realized that she needed to push things further. She had seen Karen's aggressive and powerful attacks, but she had yet to see one truly land. She needed to know how Karen would end a life. She needed to know to what extreme she would go to protect herself, and what would happen if the cost came in the form of somebody she loved? Talisman was a student of science first and foremost, and while she appeared almost sociopathic in her actions, and to a large degree, she was, her efforts now were largely based in educating herself on the pitfalls MysTech faced in this timeline. One of those failures was the loss of Morgan Victoria, something that caused her own reality to be destroyed. She needed to analyze the differences, find the variables, see where she could succeed where others had failed. It appeared to be time for another test. She pulled out a tape recorder with her black manicured hands, and pressed record. >>

"Subject is experiencing extreme levels of stress and trauma. Preliminary findings indicate a strong control over magick, as strong as Karen Victory. It is clear that she has completed her transformation into Shadow Weaver here, but there has been no expression of her transfiguration ability. Fight or flight response was as predicted, and in her heightened emotional state, it is clear that she draws a large part of her power from her pain. We begin the next round of experimentation, introducing a number of more complex and difficult obstacles in an effort to conclude which parts of her past mirror those of Victory, and which are new variables that need further analysis..."

<< Clicking the button down on the recorder, she set it on the cold steel table of her research lab, now nearing completion as she walked, her black heeled boots clacking on the floor, over towards a large computer like piece of equipment, with a large mechanical claw like apparatus attached, powered by the same swirling orange, hypnotic energy that many of her creatures were powered by, an energy source she had to reveal to Diana, though one she would benefit greatly from. This was wear she engineered much of her work with laser like precision and genius technical skill. >>

"I think it's time for a test run..."

<< She looked at a small glass cube in front of her that housed a curious looking creature that resembled something of a robotic and magical looking bee or wasp. It clicked and buzzed around quickly, though never rocked back and forthe between the four walls. It flew with precision and purpose, constantly zooming around in all different directions. She tapped on the glass with her nails and smiled for only a moment as in an INSTANT she, along with this creature shimmered out of her underground research facility and to the 92nd floor of the Parthenon, just down the hall from the VIP Clubhouse, her hand seeming to holding something. Clicking her heels towards the club house, she rounded the corner, giving her just enough of a view of the inside, allowing her to see who was were. Sharon Kelly and Delilah Trelaven were sitting at the bar, Vivica Lennox was in the corner watching them, looking for clues, and Karen and her young lover were outside on the patio. Kelly immediately felt the watchful eyes of the two dire wolves become alerted to her presence. >>

"Down boys...at least give me a moment to enjoy the calm before the storm..."

<< Extending her hand out, she slowly opened it, palm up as the mechanical bee now hovered just centimeters above her hand. This was a blackjacket - a small and incredibly mobile creature, created to deliver any number of toxic airborne attacks. It's incredibly small size allowed it to move through any arena nearly undetected, but it's power was both mechanical and magickal...and as it zoomed easily passed both members of The Six and Birds of Prey...it began to work it's magick. Releasing an incredible amount of volitale anaesthetics such halothane vapor andmethyl propyl ether, both that acted as rather effective sleeping gases and BOUND together by the swirling orange energy, powered my magick. The gas had been specifically crafted to effect ONLY humans in the area, but with few modifications, she could turn a swarm of these "blackjackets" into a deadly and devestating cloud, easily taking out crowds of thousands. >>

<< The first GLARING indication of that was when MICHAEL's eyes rolled up in the back of his head, and he FELL OFF his lounge chair, hitting the ground with a THUD.>>

<< Karen's emerald green eyes widen with shock>> MICHAEL!?

Karen: ....MICHAEL!

<< She scrambles from her seat over to where Michael has fallen.>>

<< The dire wolves are now sitting upright, they were growling...and now BARKING with urgency.>>

Not as CHEEKY as you are my dear!

The subject of Karen's above-average bottom was an inside joke of sorts between them. Mike making comments about it and Karen generally hoping that no one hears him. He let go her hand and playfully sneaked a squeeze of one of her privately famous cheeks and she popped his hand away, him laughing and her giving a look that said, "No one had better have seen that!"

Mike was still laughing as he registered Zeus and Apollo come to attention, whimpering. He did not even have the time to register their concern before he was down, tumbling to the balcony floor, his chair falling over with them.

Zeus and Apollo came to formation to each side of Mommy and Daddy, barking their alarm as Mommy went to help Daddy. The doors slammed shut, sealing them out together and they sensed....SOMETHING....what did they detect?

It must have been awful because they both leaned back and joined in unison in a mournful, haunting WAIL which echoed through the night. Their plea for help which ONE person alone would recognize sight unseen....Haleigh Davidoff. Her time spent with Mike and the wolves was behind only Nicolas and Karen. If she heard this, she would know things were bad.

<< She smiled as the blackjacket worked to take out all humans within the area, leaving only Vivica, Sharon, Delilah and Karen conscious and fearful. >>

<< She squinted her eyes as Sharon stood up, a swirl of black and blue orbs appearing around her as she ignited an offensive spell. >>

Sharon: Something's WRONG! Michael has lost consciousness!

<< She and Delilah stand up in unison. But that wasn't ALL. The doors entrance doors to the club house SLAM shut, SEALED, and one by one...those mortal and unprotected staff and patrons in the clubhouse begin to DROP where they stood/sat. >>

<< Vivica was seeing the same thing that MorningStar and Silver Swan were.>>

<< A FAINTLY shimmering stream of mystic energy flows around the clubhouse, leaving no stone unturned, no area unreached.>>

<<Sharon and Delilah look at each other briefly , before looking at Vivica.>>

Sharon: Karen! We're coming!

<< The two women, with Vivica hot on their heels, QUICKLY make their way toward the doors leading to the balcony. They have Karen firmly in their sights and will be by her side in mere MOMENTS.>>

<< when all the doors to all the entry ways to the balcony SLAM SHUT one after the other, BLOCKING MorningStar, Silver Swan and Recall.>>

<< Before any of the three can react, they are REPULSED by a force of magick, sending them all careening away from the doors and crashing into tables.>>

<< Kelly smirked as her blackjacket returned to her hand and used her Omni Sight to focus her vision on a panicked Karen who was attempting CPR on the now fallen Arsenal. She hadn't anticipated the relationship between Karen and this man. She had only ever known Karen to be with Christopher. >>

"An interesting development indeed...though I can't blame her for her choices. He IS a rather attractive physical specimen..."

<< laughing to herself, rolling her eyes. >>

"Oh give it up, Doctor...you WON'T wake him..not until I want him to be awake.."

<< And at the WORST possible time! The doctor's PRIMARY concern is with Michael! She CAN'T be diverted from trying to revive him! She doesnt even know what could've caused this! >>

<< Karen had no choice but to try using her magicks to HEAL him, but without knowing what was wrong, there was no guarantee they would work!>>

<< Bring her hands up in front of her face, one over the other, she moves them down in a circular pattern. A rushing magick sound is heard as she completes the cirular gesture and thrusts her hands out toward Michael's body, and the spell's activation is indicated by a chime.>>

<< Nothing.>>

It...it's not having any effect!

<< Karen's anxiety begins to spike...her heart beat and bloodpressure begin to shoot up and she is now SHAKING again.>>

Have to....have to try AGAIN!

<< REPEATS her gesture and activates the spell once more. NOTHING.>>

NO!!!

NO!!!! this....

<< Anxiety gives way to PANIC>>

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!

SHARON, DELILAH.... I...

<< Her breathing is not what it should be>>

....I NEED HELP....

<< Clutching her her chest....she repeats her call again...only in a much quieter, pained tone>>

Please...I need help....

<< She held Michael in her arms. It seemed that he was DEAD...and she couldn't REVIVE HIM! But WHY.....HOW!?>>

Someone....Grammie....

<< She looked pale and completely distraught>>

"All this emotional energy...WASTED on some insignificant flatscan...Did she learn nothing from my counterpart?"

<< It was time to deliver what the Doctor had requested...HELP...or so she would think. >>

<< Magick swirled around Kelly as she continued to weave a powerful warping spell around the outside patio area, one that completely SILENCED the dogs, inducing them into a somewhat "blank" and hypnotic stare. Karen would notice it immediately. And there she would hear a voice, one that she had never forgotten. >>

"My sweet little angel..please, do not be afraid."

<< A figure revealed itself from the shadows. >>

 

[Verna]

Ghost From The Past

"My sweet little angel, please, do not be afraid."

<< From the shadows and into the light, VERNA ECKERT, Karen's grandmother appeared before the panicked sorceress, walking over to her immediately and enveloping Karen in her arms. Her scent, her touch and her demeanor immediately registered with Karen as she felt a release of pain and grief, comforted by the UNBELIEVABLE appearance of grandmother, right before her very EYES! >>

<< Verna cradled her granddaughter warmly, calming her down. >>

"Karen..Karen, it's okay. I'm here now. Please..calm down for your grammie, please?"

<< She wiped the tears from Karen's face as she picked her up off of the ground and bringing her to a patio booth right in front of Michael's unconscious body. She grabbed Karen by the shoulders, trying to jolt her back into the present, avert her attention from Mike. >>

"Michael is fine, Karen. He's fine...I'm so sorry to scare you like that, but I had no other way. I sacrificed much too much to be here with you now...and I can't let anybody else see me. Michael is just in a deep sleep..and his pets...they are silenced because they know what they are experiencing...a TRUE miracle."

<< grabbing a cloth napkin from one of the tables, she gave it to Karen, their hands linking fingers. >>

"I came to you because I sensed your distress. I know you are in pain, I know...you are experiencing things that don't make any sense...and I know what the arrival of Jasmine has done to you. I'm here to help, you.."

<< Karen seemed to relax for a moment, slowly allowing herself to entertain the idea that fate had just given her a well timed gift. Her eyes were now transfixed on Verna, who remained warm and kind, just like Karen had always remembered you. She wrapped her arm around Karen's shoulder, bringing them in close. She had always had an intimate relationship with her granddaughter. >>

"Just like I tried to help you, when you were a little girl, remember?"

<< She could sense Karen's confusion. >>

"It's okay, sweetie. You can be honest with Grammie..I know how much you struggled...how SICK you were..."

"Tormented by voices...hurting yourself for attention...CONVINCED that the world was out to get you..."

"Your mother and I spent many a sleepness nights...trying to figure out what to do with her INSANE daughter.."

<< She placed her free hand over their interlocked hands. >>

<< Karen began to panic...and with good reason. >>

"But we stayed the course...and everybody thought you were better, that you weren't as crazy as we once believed..."

"But we both know what happened then, don't we? You started unwraveling again...started becoming abusive to your husband, the only man that ever took care of you...LOVED you in the only way you deserved. You started to lie...you started to say he beat you, that he wanted to hurt you and your unborn child...you even tried to destroy Morgan...before she was ever born...and maybe, looking back...I should have let you."

<< Verna's demeanor began to shift into something quite cold...and intimidating... >>

"Because your right back at that place, Karen. Beginning to believe your maniacal mind chatter...the fake monster of Christopher, trying to destroy both you and Morgan...when we both know that the only danger your daughter and yourself have to face...is YOU, and what you might do when you finally LOSE it..."

"I think I might be in over my head at this point...maybe you need to hear this from the man who's LIFE you tried to destroy, maybe you need to hear this from the only man who could EVER keep you in line..."

<< Shadows warped around Verna's face as she became INCREASINGLY demonic looking. >>

<< A split screen of this demonic looking Verna against Karen's face in ABSOLUTE horror. >>

Christopher: "The one you BELONG to!"

<< KICK! >>

<< Seemingly out of NOWHERE...Verna had gone and left CHRISTOPHER VICTORY in her place as he BRUTALLY kicked Karen to the ground, straddling over her. As with Verna..everything down to his SCENT felt like Christopher, and THIS time it seems...he was going to FINISH what she had started with him so many years ago. >>

"You little BITCH! Did you think you could HIDE from me forever?!"

<< SLAP! >>

"Think I would let you and that BITCH of a daughter get the best of me! You will NEVER BE RID OF ME KAREN!!!! NEVER!!!"

<< Christopher cracked his knuckles as he peered down viciously over Karen. >>

"Not even in HELL..."

<< He wrapped his hands around Karen's neck, attempting to CHOKE her to DEATH! She needed help...and SOON! >>

 

[Sybil]

A Timely Intervention - From Limbo to The Parthenon

<< She had made an uncomfortable peace with Ororo. They both had paths to walk, and should they reach a point where their duty caused them to be on opposite sides of this coming darkness, each would do what was required of them, though this brought no real comfort to either woman. Arriving at The Parthenon by way of Ororo, Sybil appeared on the 92nd floor, several feet behind Talisman who was concentrating on the scene unfolding on the patio by way of her omni sight. >>

<< A roar of THUNDER could be heard as winds drifted through the hallway, white swirling orbs surround her, blowing through Sybil's hair as she stepped forward, now dressed in a beautiful white and gold cape dress. She was not normally one to don a costume and fight the good fight, but she needed to impress a certain amount of importance upon Kelly if she was going to be effective. >>

<< Standing with her hands on her hips, her statuesque frame and broad shoulders standing STRONG, her voice BOOMED through the hall in a way that not many had ever heard from likes of Hazel, a normally stoic and peaceful woman. >>

"Kelly Shaw!"

<< Calling the woman by name in an effort to pique her interest. >>

"The Keeper of Earthbound Witches COMMANDS your attention!"

<< The winds began to howl throughout the hall as the breezed past Kelly in a ROUGH way, causing her to fall off balance. Her spell would be in effect, but her sight now shifted from the horrific scene unfolding outside, to the woman who was trying to get her attention. Her cobalt blue eyes looked Hazel up and down with a perverse curiosity. >>

"You have entered a reality that is not yours...and you are walking down a path of destruction of which you will NOT be able to return..."

<< Silence for a moment >>

"It is by sheer LUCK and nature of your arrival that you have survived this long..but if you continue to torment these people, they WILL destroy you...they WILL stop you from attaining your ultimate destiny...though that destiny may not be what you believe so strongly it IS..."

<< Sybil walked closer to Kelly. >>

"I will only tell you this once...but you must STOP your assault on Shadow Weaver...IMMEDIATELY.."

 

[Talisman]

The Parthenon Hotel - Hallway

<< For only a moment, Kelly was unsure of whether she had raised the stakes a little too high as she watched Karen unravel in front of her. Her malleable mental state was easier to manipulate than she anticipated. She wasn't concerned that she was pushing Karen too far out of concern for Karen, she was concerned that Karen would die and that her research on Shadow Weaver would remain incomplete. Still, she watched in a sinister voyeuristic manner as Karen soon discovered that it was not her grandmother before, but yet another psychotic episode, something it was very clear was a deep fear of Karen's, to lose her mind when she had spent her life putting other people's minds back together again. It was almost poetic. >>

<< Talisman sensed a mystical presence manifesting behind her, but she was unconcerned with that. What mattered now was the scenario she had created and the results of it, so when she found herself BLASTED forward by a large gust of winds, forcing her vision back into her body, she was not pleased. >>

"Ugh!"

<< Stumbling forward, she spun on her heeled boots and was face to face with a woman she had encountered before, though not like this. It took her a moment to put the pieces together. >>

"Kelly Shaw!"

<< Calling the woman by name in an effort to pique her interest. >>

"The Keeper of Earthbound Witches COMMANDS your attention!"

<< The winds began to howl throughout the hall as the breezed past Kelly in a ROUGH way, causing her to fall off balance. Her spell would be in effect, but her sight now shifted from the horrific scene unfolding outside, to the woman who was trying to get her attention. Her cobalt blue eyes looked Hazel up and down with a perverse curiosity. >>

"You have entered a reality that is not yours...and you are walking down a path of destruction of which you will NOT be able to return..."

<< Silence for a moment >>

<< Kelly's face remain stoned cold, completely at ease. >>

"Nobody COMMANDS my attention..."

<< Taking a few steps forward. Immediately manifesting her OMNI PISTOL and pointed at Sybil with INCREDIBLE speed. >>

"And there is no part of me that WANTS to return from the path that I'm on..."

<< Cocking her head to the side, arching her eyebrow. >>

"I know you..."

<< Thinking for a moment. >>

"Hazel Hawthorne..."

<< A few steps forward. >>

"You're Karen's surrogate aunt..but The Keeper of Earthbound Witches? That's an interesting development. I can tell you know, I don't know what you've experienced with my counterpart, but I don't enjoy small talk, and I've got one hell of a quick trigger finger."

<< Silence for a moment >>

"It is by sheer LUCK and nature of your arrival that you have survived this long..but if you continue to torment these people, they WILL destroy you...they WILL stop you from attaining your ultimate destiny...though that destiny may not be what you believe so strongly it IS..."

<< Sybil walked closer to Kelly. >>

"I will only tell you this once...but you must STOP your assault on Shadow Weaver...IMMEDIATELY.."

<< Kelly COCKED Her pistol. >>

"I also should have mentioned that I don't do well with people underestimating my INTELLIGENCE. There has been no LUCK in my survival, woman. There has been HARD work and meticulous planning to remain intact...and I plan to remain that way."

"Furthermore...I am not bound by your will, nor am I interested in your GHOST stories. I know what my destiny is.."

<< Her tone became more serious and deep. >>

"I am not interested in humanity..I'm interested in what happens AFTER...and this time? Nobody...not The Six, not even The Keeper of Witches is going to stop me from seeing that.."

<< BOOM! >>

<< Talisman fires her Omni Pistol as a discharge of swirling energy shout OUT of the barrell, charging towards Sybil at UNEARTHLY speeds, aimed right for her heart! >>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The V.I.P Clubhouse

<< As Karen cradled Michael, despair began to set in. She couldn't heal him, she couldn't revive him, but WHY? What haappened to him!?>>

<< Silver Swan, MorningStar and Recall had been barred from getting to her, and now even the dire wolves were silent, but the looks in their faces said that it was NOT through natural means.>>

<< This WAS an attack and Karen had been isolated for it! But by WHOM? And what was coming next? That was a question that would be better off left UNANSWERED....because now....>>

My sweet little angel..please, do not be afraid."

<< A figure revealed itself from the shadows. >>

....

<< Karen's frightened face looked toward the source of that FAMILIAR voice>>

Grammie!??

<< From the shadows and into the light, VERNA ECKERT, Karen's grandmother appeared before the panicked sorceress, walking over to her immediately and enveloping Karen in her arms. Her scent, her touch and her demeanor immediately registered with Karen as she felt a release of pain and grief, comforted by the UNBELIEVABLE appearance of grandmother, right before her very EYES! >>

<< The one person in this world and beyond who Karen felt safest with, now she was here when Karen needed her the most. The doctor instinctively and reflexively felt safe to let go of all the anxiety, the grief, the terror she was experiencing.>>

<< Verna cradled her granddaughter warmly, calming her down. >>

"Karen..Karen, it's okay. I'm here now. Please..calm down for your grammie, please?"

<< Karen calms and composes herself a bit more>>

Grammie...thank the goddess you're here! Something's wrong with Michael, and I can't restore or revive him with my magick!

"Michael is fine, Karen. He's fine...I'm so sorry to scare you like that, but I had no other way. I sacrificed much too much to be here with you now...and I can't let anybody else see me. Michael is just in a deep sleep..and his pets...they are silenced because they know what they are experiencing...a TRUE miracle."

<< grabbing a cloth napkin from one of the tables, she gave it to Karen, their hands linking fingers. >>

"I came to you because I sensed your distress. I know you are in pain, I know...you are experiencing things that don't make any sense...and I know what the arrival of Jasmine has done to you. I'm here to help, you.."

<< Karen's breathing began to regulate and she calmed a bit more.>>

<< Karen seemed to relax for a moment, slowly allowing herself to entertain the idea that fate had just given her a well timed gift. Her eyes were now transfixed on Verna, who remained warm and kind, just like Karen had always remembered you. She wrapped her arm around Karen's shoulder, bringing them in close. She had always had an intimate relationship with her granddaughter. >>

"Just like I tried to help you, when you were a little girl, remember?"

....

<< Karen looked at Grammie with uncertainty and confusion>>

"It's okay, sweetie. You can be honest with Grammie..I know how much you struggled...how SICK you were..."

"Tormented by voices...hurting yourself for attention...CONVINCED that the world was out to get you..."

"Your mother and I spent many a sleepness nights...trying to figure out what to do with her INSANE daughter.."

<< Karen's look of confusion becomes of pained disbelief>>

What!?

<< She placed her free hand over their interlocked hands. >>

<< Karen began to panic...and with good reason. >>

"But we stayed the course...and everybody thought you were better, that you weren't as crazy as we once believed..."

What are you saying!?

"But we both know what happened then, don't we? You started unwraveling again...started becoming abusive to your husband, the only man that ever took care of you...LOVED you in the only way you deserved. You started to lie...you started to say he beat you, that he wanted to hurt you and your unborn child...you even tried to destroy Morgan...before she was ever born...and maybe, looking back...I should have let you."

<< Verna's demeanor began to shift into something quite cold...and intimidating... >>

This isn't true! This isn't true at ALL!

You're NOT my grammie!

You're NOT....

<< Karen tries to pull away but Verna holds her hand quite TIGHTLY, and Karen is still too shaken to offer STRONG resistance just yet.>>

<< Verna's demeanor began to shift into something quite cold...and intimidating... >>

"Because your right back at that place, Karen. Beginning to believe your maniacal mind chatter...the fake monster of Christopher, trying to destroy both you and Morgan...when we both know that the only danger your daughter and yourself have to face...is YOU, and what you might do when you finally LOSE it..."

"I think I might be in over my head at this point...maybe you need to hear this from the man who's LIFE you tried to destroy, maybe you need to hear this from the only man who could EVER keep you in line..."

<< Shadows warped around Verna's face as she became INCREASINGLY demonic looking. >>

<< A split screen of this demonic looking Verna against Karen's face in ABSOLUTE horror. >>

....

<< Karen was transfixed...almost FROZEN in fear, until...>>

<< Shadows warped around Verna's face as she became INCREASINGLY demonic looking. >>

<< A split screen of this demonic looking Verna against Karen's face in ABSOLUTE horror. >>

Christopher: "The one you BELONG to!"

<< GASP!>>

<< a "DOLLY EFFECT" occurrs around Karen Victoria, as she is verbally assaulted and utterly BETRAYED by her beloved Grammie, and THEN confronted by Christopher Victory in the cold, BRUTAL FLESH! The REALIZATION of all of this is made PAINFULLY clear to her when...>>

<< KICK! >>

UGNN!!

<< Karen is knocked back, hitting the floor>>

This can't be HAPPENING!

<< Karen's PAIN and DISTRESS BROADCAST and it's REGISTERED by....>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< Blaze Victory, in Cass' apartment with Jasmine. One minute she's talking with them, the next she gasps with SHOCK as she drops her drink and winces with pain, standing up and exclaiming Karen's name.

<< Seemingly out of NOWHERE...Verna had gone and left CHRISTOPHER VICTORY in her place as he BRUTALLY kicked Karen to the ground, straddling over her. As with Verna..everything down to his SCENT felt like Christopher, and THIS time it seems...he was going to FINISH what she had started with him so many years ago. >>

"You little BITCH! Did you think you could HIDE from me forever?!"

<< Karen had struggled to her feet. Though she was over 50, she was a woman in physical condition and shape better than some women 20 years younger than her. She was immortal, and aged far slower than a baseline human or most metahumans, and she engaged in moderate regular exercise. On top of that she had personal spells on her that allowed for greater resilency, but EVERYTIME she attempted to recover from the setbacks she'd been experiencing over the past 24 hours, something or SOMEONE would come along and erase that progress. As a result, Karen was still far too shakey, far too panicked to be EFFECTIVE at the moment. And so, as she rose....>>

<< SLAP! >>

UGHH!!

<< The pain explodes across her face, and her EYE as she is hit with such FORCE and sent stumbling, CAREENING into a table, barely able to break what would have turned into another violent fall to the ground.>>

<< Now, barely standing, and slumped over the table, Blood drips from her nose and her mouth, and her face is now bruised. She never thought she'd look OR feel like this AGAIN.>>

"Think I would let you and that BITCH of a daughter get the best of me! You will NEVER BE RID OF ME KAREN!!!! NEVER!!!"

<< Christopher cracked his knuckles as he peered down viciously over Karen. >>

<< Karen rises up once more, turning to face this man, this MONSTER...her HUSBAND. He was HERE, HURTING HER as he had before, only this time, it was MUCH worse on a variety of levels, but Karen, even in her weakened state could NOT just cower before him.>>

I...won't....

<< She was going to defy him...but then it happened...>>

"Not even in HELL..."

<< He wrapped his hands around Karen's neck, attempting to CHOKE her to DEATH! She needed help...and SOON! >>

<< FLASH!>>

<< 20 years ago. Their marital, family home on Windmill Pointe. The night she was preparing to LEAVE Christopher and go into HIDING, under the protection of Clanedstine Inc. She's on the phone with Haleigh Davidoff discussing final arrangements when the phone drops from her grasp. Christopher is behind her, and now STRANGLING HER.>>

<< Tears stream down Karen's battered and bruised face as she tries desperately to fight Christopher off! But the pain is too much. She's losing air....strength...consciousness.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

V.I.P Clubhouse

all the doors to all the entry ways to the balcony SLAM SHUT one after the other, BLOCKING MorningStar, Silver Swan and Recall.>>

<< Before any of the three can react, they are REPULSED by a force of magick, sending them all careening away from the doors and crashing into tables.>>

WHOA!!!

[ The sudden display of repulsive force was enough to catch even SHARON by surprise, as she, along with MorningStar and Recall are sent FLYING back crashing into tables. Silver Swan stayed loose, and rolled with the impact. ]

[ Sharon was unhurt, but suitably startled and RATTLED by that unexpected FORCEFUL resistance.]

[She instantly sat up and then stood up, commanding her silver eyemask to appear across her eyes. She went over to Recall and MorningStar, helping them both up. ]

Are you two OKAY!?

MorningStar: I'm fine...but Karen!? LISTEN!!!


[ They moved toward the doors, and Sharon could HEAR what Delilah was hearing in full, AWFUL clarity. Karen's cries of distress, as well as the first sounds of Christopher physical assault on her.]

Sharon: Karen is being physically ATTACKED! We've got to get to her!

[ They all rush to the doors. They have an unexpected but MUCH needed source of help. An unseen intercessor to confront and CHECK the unseen assailant! THAT confrontation is unfolding while Christopher is attacking Karen in physical reality!]

We're getting through these doors.

[ Motioning for Recall and MorningStar to stand on either side of her and one pace back.]

NOW.

[ She holds her armored hands up, palms facing out in a "stop" motion. She pulls them BACK....and then steps forward strong and direct, extending her arms and bringing her hands FORWARD in an equally direct, unhesitating motion.]

[BOOM!]

[Silver Swan SMASHES THROUGH the doors between the internior of the VIP clubhouse and the balcony area, BLASTING them off their hinges and frames and sending them flying across the floor of the balcony. What she, Delilah, and Vivica find is a HORRIFYING scene! Michael is on the ground, not moving, and from what Sharon and Delilah had heard...NOT BREATHING. The dire wolves were in some kind of trance...a hypnotic state, completely unaware or unresponsive to what was happening]

I can't "HEAR" any internal activity from Michael...it is likely a CODE BLUE!

KAREN!!!

[FLASH!]

<< A horizontal split view of Silver Swan, MorningStar and Recall ALL looking in a momenet of SHOCK; Christopher Victory, ALIVE and in the painful, brutal flesh, attacking, STRANGLING a beaten and injured Karen Victoria>>

STOP IT, CHRISTOPER! GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER, NOW!

[ Silver Swan COMMANDS as she , MorningStar, and Recall rush forward, only for each of them to find themselves STOPPED...IMMOBILIZED!>>

GREAT HERA.....I ....CAN'T MOVE....

[ She couldn't even LOOK to see if Delilah or Vivica were having any better luck!]

[ About the ONLY thing that COULD STOP Sharon in her current form WOULD be....]

Recall: MAGICK...some kind of TRAP...or BINDING, SIMILAR to Shadow Weaver's binding spell, but what pattern I can discern...it's NOT her's! Something...someone ELSE is HERE causing it...

Silver Swan: We've ....GOT TO GET TO THEM....before he KILLS HER!

[But it was no use, not even Silver Swan's irresistible strength and force of will could BUST HER LOOSE from this...TRAP...this BIND that they were all caught in. They were ALL visibly distraught and growing DESPERATE to try to free themselves and get to Karen before it was too late. ]

 

[Sybil]

The Parthenon - Hallway

<< A BRILLIANT crack of lightning MET the bullet in midair, destroying it COMPLETELY and barrelling into Kelly as Sybil adjusted her stance to one that was far more defensive. She surveyed the woman up and down, equal parts amazed and horrified. This woman, the way she spoke, the way she carried herself was so far removed from Kelly King that it seemed as if they were different people altogether! >>

"Goddess, help me reach this GIRL!"

<< She watched with her uniquely beautiful eyes as Kelly recovered from the blast, quicker than she had anticipated. It was clear that she was dealing with a woman who was surprisingly resilient. >>

Talisman: "Such a shame...I've yet to be able to test the effects of my Black Lotus bullet. And it is rare for somebody to avoid the receiving end of my pistol..."

<< Kelly dusted herself off. >>

Talisman: "You have garnered a few more seconds of my attention. But do not forget that I hold the life of somebody very close to you in my hands...somebody who is VERY close to death...So speak carefully."

<< Sybil could sense the remnants of a powerful spell as she studied Kelly, something that was blocking her emotions, her empathy at all costs. She had sealed it all shut, turned it off completely. This meant that Kelly had gone through something horrible. So horrible that she stopped herself from feeling anything from that point on. This meant that there was a chance for her. For them all. >>

"Young girl...you may be powerful..far more than your predecessor, but you have MUCH to learn in terms of RESPECT and how things WORK here. I have BURIED witches for less than what you've just attempted to do."

<< Thunder claps throughout the area. >>

"I am here as a FAVOR on your behalf...one that was given to be by the very thing that PROTECTS the people you are trying to destroy and I will not have you mock that! It doesn't need to be this way. You do not need to walk in their [MysTech] footsteps. You've...shut off your humanity, you've guarded your HEART...because you think it makes you more effective...but it's left you fractured. Don't you see this? You are a shell, Kelly Shaw. A machine. One day...the spell that binds you will be broken...and you will be FORCED to look at the destruction you've caused, the lives you claimed..and what will become of you then?"

<< She looked down at the ground, somber. >>

"You will end up just like Kelly King. The Six WILL stop you...just as they've evaded Master Mold, The Super Soldier, Christopher, Adam, Diana, Helena, Stavros, Circe...the list doesn't end. THEY will survive...and their triumph over you will only serve THEIR legacy. You want to be remembered for your work...for the beautiful union of magick and science..but if you continue to lay in bed with Diana..you will never leave the legacy you truly want. I KNOW that."

<< Talisman PEERED at Hazel...looking as if she might explode on the woman, before her facial expression slowly melted away, returning the face that was devoid of emotion, the face that didn't betray her thoughts. >>

Talisman: "You are tugging at strings that aren't there and you've proven just now that you have no idea who I am and what I desire. The winds of change are happening all around us, the march to darkness is almost complete..at some point..they ARE going to lose...and BADLY..it is the law of equivalent exchange. It's becoming clear to me that there is something preventing you from making an attempt on my life...if I'm so deadly to them...if I'm so dangerous to somebody like Karen...a WITCH, somebody you are bound by destiny to protect...why not just kill me? Remove the threat?"

"My hand remains slow because I am TRYING to give you a chance to save yourself."

Talisman: "I don't need saving...they do."

<< She wasn't reaching her and she was beginning to think that Ororo might be right, that any version of Kelly would not be able to rehabilitate, to get the help that they needed. Still..Kelly Shaw seemed so dedicated, so sure of herself and her work. Surely, there was a way to reach her. She thought of Alison and Cameron immediately, and felt like she was betraying them. Her duty had placed her in the middle of an incredibly painful crossroads. Harbinger would HATE her if she knew that Hazel had faced Kelly and left her alive...but..Hazel also knew what it might do to Cameron...to know that his mother, even if she would never claim him...even if he would never love her, had been here and he hadn't the chance to face her. It would be much like what The Six was experiencing now with Jasmine and Blaze. Some of them wanted her dead, to protect Blaze from the pain that might come from letting her sister back into her life, and some of them knew that even if their relationship remained strained and painful, it was THEIR decision to make. >>

<< Not to mention the fact that being in the presence of Kelly Shaw, and sensing the anti-empathy spell she had cast on herself gave Hazel hope. The spell was strong...as if Kelly had bound a piece of her soul to it. It would not be easily broken, not by a long shot, not even by somebody as powerful as Hazel, Karen, Alison or Morgan...but the hope was there. Kelly King had created scars that ran deep..and if she could only get to Kelly Shaw...perhaps there was a way she could cause great HEALING. Outside of all of that..Hazel saw Kelly's higher destiny...one that saw her curing disease, eradicating illness, using her gifts in ways that could protect society, and prolong it's longevity, change the world. Every soul...even one as dark and tainted as Kelly's...deserved a chance. A RUMBLE and a crash could be heard from inside of the Clubhouse. Sharon and the others were getting to Karen. She saw in her mind's eye what Karen was enduring and it caused a GREAT wave of anger to RUSH through her body. She may not be able to kill Talisman, but she could DEFINITELY let her know that she was overplaying her hand. >>

"I've had enough of your insolence. This isn't over between us...but NOW? I need to show YOU what you're dealing with!"

<< Much like Ororo, Hazel channeled the unbridled power of nature, channeled from the core of the Earth itself. Though she usually reserved the use for her magick for higher purposes, to balance nature around her...when pushed she could channel that energy in INCREDIBLY destructive ways. >>

<< A thunderous CLAP could be heard as swirling mystical energies flowed all around Hazel, her hair floating in the wind as if she were underwater. Casting her hands out in front of her with great force, firing one HELL of a Mystic Bolt charged with the power of PURE lightning as it shot from her hands with brillaint lide, zig zagging and darting out all over the place, cracking holes in the magick that Kelly was weaving over Karen in this moment, allowing Karen to get a better hold of herself as it barreled into Talisman knocking her to the ground. >>

Talisman: "You're right...This ISN'T over...[breathing heavily] but if you DARE go to that woman and reveal my presence...I PROMISE you..Alison and Cameron will NEVER recover from what I will do to them. NEVER!"

<< Kelly shimmered out of sight. Her spell was weakened...but not broken. Still..it had given Karen time to gain a HOLD of herself. Every part of Hazel wanted to go to Karen, to be with her in this moment, to tell her EVERYTHING. THIS was the hardest part of walking the path that she did...and it was a large part of the reason that Hazel preferred to live in solitude, and keep her relationships with nascent witches strictly professional, because what she was feeling now...was HORRIBLE. If Kelly pressed further..if she really tried to KILL Karen...Hazel would come to her aid, but for now, she was frazzled. She was shaken to her core by Talisman's depravity, by her coldness...and to add the return of Kelly along with the return of Jasmine Klein would be too much for all of them. She had to let them figure this out on there own. Hazel dissappeared from The Parthenon in a flurry of sparkling white orbs, as the lights in the hall flickered for a moment, and the wind stopped as one last thunderous clap of lightning could be heard in the distance. >>

 

[Frost]

After an extremely unpleasant and rocky start, Cass escorted Jasmine and Blaze out of the situation room and to the Starlight Lounge. Once they entered, Jasmine paused for a moment in a little bit of shock. It was completely covered in ice....she didn't realize the magnitude of her powers or how they had grown since leaving the Siege....it was a little crazy. Taking a seat, Jasmine was quiet, taking a moment to just breathe. But soon, the silence was filled with conversation. Cass was very inviting and sweet. She explained her past and everything that she had went through. Jasmine couldn't believe that this girl, who was so incredibly down to earth and positive, had gone through SO much. It was also comforting to know that Jasmine wasn't alone and that SOMEONE understood her pain.

Some time had passed and eventually everyone made their way up to Cass' apartment. Tentatively sitting down on the couch, Jasmine remained quiet. Everything that had just happened in the past couple of hours was a completely whirlwind.

Cass: “It’s so nice to see you all relaxed here and opening up! I’m so glad you decided to talk with us.”

Jasmine gave a small smile and nodded.

"Thank you....for being patient."

Jasmine gave a soft and small laugh. Patience was an understatement, that was for sure.

"Everything happened so fast, I felt like I had no time to breathe let alone understand what was going on. One second I was leaving this timeline, and the next I was being ripped from the siege perilous and brought back. Everything was so heightened...my emotions...my anger...my fear...."

Looking a Blaze now, Jasmine's icy eyes were soft and filled with regret.

"I'm so sorry Blaze...I didn't mean the things I said before. I had NO time to process ANYTHING. I woke up with a group of strangers around me, Karen telling me I was back, then bringing me to meet you and the six....Cameron and Haleigh immediately throwing their shade....I just snapped."

Sighing out, Jasmine sat back against the couch and slouched down.

"Now that I had time to clear the mystical gemmy fog from my brain, I feel normal again. [looking back over at Blaze again] I'm just sorry everything escalated to what it did. You're my sister, no matter what timeline. I understand that whole-heartedly....it's just that fucking siege has a bitch of an after effect, let me tell ya."

 

[MorningStar]

VIP Clubhouse

Delilah’s nervousness – and the sense of sheer wrongness in the air – only increased, despite Sharon and her change of topic. And things were about to get worse.

She heard from the patio, Karen shrieking Mike’s name and at the same time alarm passed over Sharon’s face.

Something's WRONG! Michael has lost consciousness!

“I know – Karen’s in distress!”

She stood up quickly, and was about to rush towards the patio doors when with a BANG the doors to the clubhouse slammed shut. The people around them began to drop like flies.

“What the hell is going on?!”

She could see something shimmering, moving through the room.

“Okay, that is NOT normal.”

Both she and Sharon rushed to the patio doors. Delilah could see Karen, cradling Mike – what had happened to him?! Luckily Karen herself seemed uninjured and could heal him of whatever was wrong…

Just as she reached the doors they were SLAMMED in her face by an unseen hand. And she was thrust backwards off her feet and thrown across the room, landing on a table which broke under her weight and crashed to the ground with her.

She moaned. Sharon was there, helping her up and asking if she and Vivica was okay.

“I'm fine...but Karen!? LISTEN!!!”

They could hear Karen’s cries, but were completely blocked off from her. The three moved back towards the doors, slightly more cautiously this time.

We're getting through these doors.

“Do it.”

She and Vivica moved aside while Sharon broke down the door to the patio.

“That’s not possible…”

CHRISTOPHER VICTORY was on top of Karen, strangling her!

GREAT HERA.....I ....CAN'T MOVE....

Something was wrong with Sharon, but Delilah didn’t need help to deal with a scumbag like Christopher Victory. Narrowing her eyes, she took a deep breath, preparing to blast him into oblivion. She threw her arms out in front of her…

But she couldn’t. Couldn’t move. She fought with all her strength, but it was as if her body would not respond. She couldn’t move any closer to Karen. But Delilah knew what to do.

[thought call]

CAMERON! VIP CLUBHOUSE PATIO! HELP! KAREN ATTACKED! MIKE NOT BREATHING! WE CAN’T MOVE! NEED EVERYONE NOW! NOW!!!

 

[Persephone]

Alison: Oh calm down scarlett o'cassadine! This is happening JUST as it's supposed to!

Rolling her eyes.

"You're foresight is so damn annoying sometimes. [mocking Alison] It's happing how it's supppppposed to. Well we were supposed to get drunk off Hemlock and oogly the hot pool boys."

Ava smirked seeing Alison laugh.

Alison: We'll have our time to discuss...AND drink. We just have to see Xavier off to Oracle's clocktower first.

"Fine, Miss Cleo."

Alison: Just work with me here, Ava. Need I remind you that you owe me...FOREVER...for my academy award worthy performance as ENDORA on Olympus?

Bumping shoulders with Alison and playfully shoving her with a laugh, they both made their way back to Hazel and Xavier. After saying their goodbyes, soon Alison used her Time Staff to open up a portal to New York. Mere seconds later they were back in New York City, standing outside the clocktower. Alison astral projected to let Oracle know they needed to speak to her, in the meantime Ava turned to Xavier.

"So there's this woman named Ashley up there. Just be nice.....trust me."

Ava patted him on the shoulder. He had no idea what he was in for.

 

[Tachyon]

So Alison meant it when she said he had to get the hell out. In minutes the three of them were in formation and she was waving her Time Staff around. To say the least the trip was...trippy. Xavier had a fleeting notion that he could have run to New York in the same time or less with less aftereffects, but he was along for the ride and so...he rode.

They arrived at a clocktower. Impressive, by New World standards. As Alison prepared for them to enter, Ava turned to him.

"So there's this woman named Ashley up there. Just be nice.....trust me."

Ava patted him on the shoulder. He had no idea what he was in for.

He smiled slowly, quizzically.

Aren't I always? By the way...you never told me who you were or what it is you do? Care to share in case this is it?

His curiosity had overcome him and his study of her had not yet borne fruit. All he could sense is that her very nature, her essence, seemed to be magical in nature. Whatver or whoever she was, it was bloody special. And he was hoping to find out what that was.

 

[Persephone]

Xavier: Aren't I always?

Giving him a knowing look, Ava smirked. Unlike the others, Ava respected Ashley and actually liked her. They were cut from the same cloth. Both from different times, different walks of life, and viewed the world very differently. Xavier would learn this soon enough.

Xavier: you never told me who you were or what it is you do? Care to share in case this is it?

Curious thing wasn't he. The dark skies flashed with lightening as a thunderous crack of thunder erupted around the city.

"I'm Persephone. And I do that [lifting her eyes to the sky], among other things."

Giving him a sly smile, Ava would leave it at that. He was a smart kid, he would be able to figure out the rest.

 

[Tachyon]

The dark skies flashed with lightening as a thunderous crack of thunder erupted around the city.

"I'm Persephone. And I do that [lifting her eyes to the sky], among other things."

Giving him a sly smile, Ava would leave it at that. He was a smart kid, he would be able to figure out the rest.

Xavier's mouth fell agape and yet no words escaped. But his mind was moving in hyperdrive...

Persephone?THEPersephone?Proserpina?Shehastobe30thousandyearsoldatleasthowcanhertitsbethatfuckingniceshelookslikeshegoestogradschoolandshewashereforthefirstfuckingPEOPLEontheplanetshemightbeahundredthousandyearsoldmaybeolderWOWsheisprettyashellforanyageohmygoodnessshehasseenawoolymammothIwanttoseeawoolymammoth.

He took a breath and slowed himself as a question formed in his mind for which he was unsure he wanted the answer.

Where is Hades? He is traditionally the possessive...sort.

He pushed the question away and peeked at super speed at her fabulous goddess rack again before they all entered.

 

[Firebird]

Parthenon- Cass' apartment

Cass: “It’s so nice to see you all relaxed here and opening up! I’m so glad you decided to talk with us.”

Jasmine gave a small smile and nodded.

"Thank you....for being patient."

Jasmine gave a soft and small laugh. Patience was an understatement, that was for sure.

"Everything happened so fast, I felt like I had no time to breathe let alone understand what was going on. One second I was leaving this timeline, and the next I was being ripped from the siege perilous and brought back. Everything was so heightened...my emotions...my anger...my fear...."

Looking a Blaze now, Jasmine's icy eyes were soft and filled with regret.

"I'm so sorry Blaze...I didn't mean the things I said before. I had NO time to process ANYTHING. I woke up with a group of strangers around me, Karen telling me I was back, then bringing me to meet you and the six....Cameron and Haleigh immediately throwing their shade....I just snapped."

Sighing out, Jasmine sat back against the couch and slouched down.

"Now that I had time to clear the mystical gemmy fog from my brain, I feel normal again. [looking back over at Blaze again] I'm just sorry everything escalated to what it did. You're my sister, no matter what timeline. I understand that whole-heartedly....it's just that fucking siege has a bitch of an after effect, let me tell ya."

Blaze smiled and and reached over, taking Jas' hand into her own.

"Can you believe I almost went through it MYSELF just a few months ago?? "

"Cameron and Nicolas, they stopped me from making a truly life altering descision. They helped me to see what I had here when I couldn't. Mom and I, and Cass...we can do the same for you now."

"When you went through siege, the team here was in one of its weakest times, in one of its darkest moments. The master mold event didn't happen in my native timeline...but when I lost my Morgan and Jasmine in the first round of federally sanctioned sentinel strikes, along with my Karen...my team was in one of it's weakest moments. It was because we DIDN'T stick together and work through a deeply personal crisis that we were barely able to survive the threat of a government sanctioned mystech. "

"I was seperated from the team, and holed up in Karen's office in soho when mainstream Morgan suddenly appeared. Then the other mainstreams appeared. For me...it was like one of my most secret...and impossible dreams had come true, in the wildest way. "

"When I got HERE, I asked for you. I was heart broken to learn that you had passed through the siege perilous. "

Blaze squeezes her hand

"I'm SO glad you're BACK!"

"And I meant what I said earlier in the Situation Room. Mom and I...we'll be here for you! You won't be alone ever again. It's a new day for you, for US. "

Blaze reached her other hand over to Cass.

"ALL of us."

She raises her refreshed drink with the other two ladies, and they clink their glasses together

"Cass is good people, Jasmine. She's one of us, and I trust her with my back 100%. And Morgan, she's alive....as you can see, and she's coming back soon. I can feel it."

Speaking of feelings, as Jasmine and Cass returned Blaze's gesture of affection, the fire elemental seemed to trail off, like she was distracted. She stared off into the distance, as her facial expression went from warm and sincere to blank...and then CONCERNED.

Cass: Blaze?? What's wrong??

UGNN!!

<< Karen is knocked back, hitting the floor>>

This can't be HAPPENING!

<< Karen's PAIN and DISTRESS BROADCAST and it's REGISTERED by....>>

<<FLASH!>>

"This...can't be happening!?"

Jasmine: What is it, BLAZE??

The fire elemental registered the shock, PAIN and distress of Karen as she was being physically assaulted by...

"...our father...."

She stood up abruptly, her glass falling to the floor and shattering

"Karen....MOM...she's being physically attacked by our father!? Christopher Victory is...HERE!"

Jasmine: WHAT!?

Cass: BUT HOW?

"I....I don't know...but he's KILLING HER and she needs our help! We have to go!"

Blaze immediately takes off, running for the doors and out into the hall to the elevator, with Cass and Jasmine immediately behind her. Moments later, they arrive on the 92nd floor, and rush toward the now SHUT doors of the VIP club house.