Melrose unplugged

[Harbinger]

MP apt. 1

:: Alison glared at Blaze for a moment with those colbalt blue eyes.::

:: this Blaze was rather flip with the tongue, but she was strong in her mind as well as her will. She wasnt OVERLY emotional like the mainstream one was. She had the courage of her convictions and she wouldnt back down, even in the face of Alison.::

:: the precog gave Blaze credit. in the face of such scrutiny the seer WAS testing her but the young woman was GENUINE in her desire to be there for Morgan AND Haleigh....but even so, the precog still had reservations.::

How can I be sure, Blaze? Morgan never really talked about mainstream Blaze after her last disappearence. YOUR arrival brought Morgan joy. Even in YOUR timeline, she and several others referred to you as HER sister. How can i be SURE that she won't regret trusting you as she has? even KAREN in this timeline has easily accepted you where as she and MAINSTREAM Blaze did not always get long well, due to the fact that she (and you) were the product of Christopher's AFFAIR during his marraige to Karen.

As you have seen, there's ALOT happening here and to be honest, it's almost TOO LATE.

:: something was looming in the back of the seer's mind. but she didnt know how she would articulate it yet and so she caught herself.::

...TOO LATE to fix things without considering the possibility of having to EXPELL Haleigh and maybe even Nicolas from the Six, PERMANENTLY.

I understand that you want to try to be there for Haleigh, but we've ALL been burned by her TIME AND AGAIN. It won't be long before YOU are too. NOTHING that any of US could or would do will change the rotten core that is HER heart and soul.

 

[Rampage]

As Nicolas stood there, Sharon came forward, HUGGING(?) him. At that point, he mleted, him body becoming more of itself and he shook, sobbing as she held him. In the end, he was just as torn as any of them, maybe more with the darkness inside.

Sharon admonished him about what happened, promising to stop him if it happens again. She asked him what happened, and he gave her all of it.

I was just trying to talk to Morgan, I had apologized to her and told her I still love...I still do. Oh God I still do!! [sighs heavily] Then Haleigh came out of Blaze's apartment. I have an affinity with her mind, and I SAW...she is sick, really sick. She thought she could be...PREGNANT. I begged her entally to leave it be at the same time I asked you to help. Because the knowledge had done something to me...I was not feeling as centered as before already.

Haleigh decided to do her thing, and I turned from both of them in order to fight IT...I was trying, but then I could sense MOrgan beating her losing control...what if she is pregnant Sharon? What if Morgan, in her rage, had killed a growing child in the womb? After that, I turned, and I scarcely remember what happened next. I know that I made sure to tell Morgan never to hit me again and gave Haleigh a chance to move away, and I was so angry at Delilah for not at least remember ing when she was the outcast, and I was there for her. The next FULLY lucid moment was when I heard you and MIke...and I couldn't stand myself. So I left for the desert until I heard your call now. They think I'm chickenshit for leaving, but the reality is...I couldn't stay. I was so close...so close...

Nicolas looked Sharon in the eye, and he came to a realization as he stood there with her.

I need REAL help, and I don't know if there is any out there for me. I can't do it alone. What am I going to do Sharon?

Nicolas was looking away from Sharon. He was ashamed, but he also was AFRAID. His attempts at control were not as far along as he would like.

 

[Arsenal]

Don't worry Morgan. It's going to be alright. We'll get through this.

We certainly will, Morg. Somehow...oh yeah, in the things going on outside, you lost a friend for a minute.

Mike put the kitten down and it scampered over to Morgan. Mike watched it move for a moment to its Mommy, then looked at Karen.

Much better. Karen, is it OK for us to talk for a moment? Morgan should be fine here while we discuss things, if thats OK.

 

[Silver Swan]

in the sky

[ Sharon listened. There was ALOT going on. Nicolas poured out and Sharon hugged him again as he turned away.]

No. Don't turn away. Stay and face it...no matter HOW MUCH it hurts.

[ and after a few moments, she pulls away again.]

[exhaling.]

Haleigh IS sick...in the mind. WHAT kind of mind would allow someone to do the things SHE does? She called me a mass murdering psycho path...NO ONE has to remind ME of what i did. YOU saw me as i FACED it and endured the guilt and shame. PART OF THAT included being susceptible to the scrutiny and doubt of others like Delilah, Ava, even YOU. EACH of you had the chance to interact with me AFTER my recovery and soon came to trust me and that was ONLY because i did my best to PROOVE. Haleigh doesnt CARE like that, but YOU do!

The issue between you and Morgan...NONE of us can fix that. Its something that has to happen between you and Morgan. ACCEPT that even IF you two reconcile, you may NOT be together. But NEVER EVER force your will on her AGAIN, understand? She will KILL YOU or see HERSELF DEAD before she is MADE to do your bidding.

If Haleigh is pregnant...I don't know what to say about that, except that anyone with ANY kind of sense knows SHE is not cut out to be a mother. She can't even foster and nurture a HEALTHY relationship with a man or even a FRIEND. She betrays everyone sooner or later and ALL of her supposed FRIENDS are burned in the end.

REMEMBER Nicolas, that her "love" for you came at the EXPENSE of Morgan's heart. If you truly CARE for Morgan, you MUST NOT indulge Haleigh that way EVER again. Do the RIGHT THING even if it HURTS. DON'T let HER make you think its okay to TRAMPLE on people's hearts the way SHE does!

I STOPPED Morgan from doing MORE damage to Haleigh and I took her away from the ground zero. You shouldnt have brought us back. YOU removed any possibility of a semi peacefull outcome when you did that. Accept your responsibility.

[ she holds Nicolas' hands.]

these are the times that you must CONSCIOUSLY choose who you want to be like. Gustav? or Set? ONE is a good man, who gave you the tools to live a good life. the other is a MONSTER and if you follow HIS path, then we will HAVE to oppose you...to the DEATH if necessary.

I dont want it to come to that...and honestly? I DONT have all the answers right now for you...or for Morgan. but I can tell you this. I no longer care for Haleigh and I do NOT want you dealing with her. IF and WHEN it becomes clear that she's pregnant...we'll go from there. but for NOW? stay away from her and Karen is at Melrose Place now with Morgan, so stay away from HER as well.

Your leaving was the best IMMEDIATE thing to do. It may be seen as cowardice by the others, but you WERE WAY out of line and so NOTHING you could do for them would be seen as a "good thing".

I don't know what else I can say...or DO for that matter. I'm not a telepath, a witch or a precog....but i AM a mother, something Haleigh would know LESS than nothing about being and I am here...to help anchor you.

You make mistakes, you're still young...and today was NOT a good day. The things that Delilah said were TRUE. NOTHING hurts WORSE than a mirror of TRUTH. You talk about HER being an outcast once...Mike reminded ME that not so long ago i was "the monster"....we've ALL been there before, but yet THIS problem doesnt get resolved , only REINVENTED! WHY is that? HOW MUCH MORE can happen before more than one person suffers beyond repair?

But it's not too late. We'll figure out a way...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

back into the courtyard

Michael...

<< Karen looked behind her as Mike had arrived, with Tinkerbell in his arms!>>

Oh Tinker!! Thank the goddess she's alright! in all of the mess outside....i didnt even think...

<< Karen looked as the siamese scampered over to her mommy and Morgan quickly scooped her up, cuddling her and holding her close. Karen gave the siamese a gentle rub or two as well.>>

Thank you for bringing her home.

<< Mike asked Karen for a private audience. Karen looked at Morgan for a moment but Mike reassured the doctor that her daughter should be fine inside her own apartment.>>

...alright. Morgan, stay here until I get back.

<< squeezing her daughter's hand, Karen stands up and walks with Mike outside of apartment four. the wind immediately begins to blow through Karen's blonde hair, and causes the cape of her new costume to billow and flow.>>

it seems so dreary...almost...ominous out here.

<< Karen noticed the dried, dead leaves blowing around the courtyard and the darker skies.>>

it wasnt like this...when we arrived.

<< she wondered if it was Ava's doing? >>

<< It was obvious that Karen was tightly wound...her voice was modulated, but cold. the look in her eyes said it all. she was PISSED but part of that anger came at being a TOTAL LOSS. HOW MANY MORE TIMES would they have to go through this? SOMETHING had to give!>>

Where is Nicolas? I want a word with him.

 

[Firebird]

Apt 1.

How can I be sure, Blaze? Morgan never really talked about mainstream Blaze after her last disappearence. YOUR arrival brought Morgan joy. Even in YOUR timeline, she and several others referred to you as HER sister. How can I be SURE that she won't regret trusting you as she has? even KAREN in this timeline has easily accepted you where as she and MAINSTREAM Blaze did not always get long well, due to the fact that she (and you) were the product of Christopher's AFFAIR during his marraige to Karen.

"You can't but it’s a risk you'll have to take none the less. Well, do you talk about your brother? Its probably too painful for her to discuss because it makes the situation that much more real. I have no doubt my arrival brought her joy, especially after the real Blaze was killed. Again, there isn't any real way to be sure. Some things can't always be reassured. But even if I am an alternate you can be sure that I would never do anything to hurt Morgan or to betray her trust. I can't speak for Karen but judging from what you're telling me it would appear that Blaze and Karen had a love/hate relationship. And I think that because of that conflict Karen has grown as a person and learned to allow your Blaze into her heart. And I think that's why she has accepted me."

As you have seen, there's A LOT happening here and to be honest, it's almost TOO LATE.

"I refuse to accept that, Alison. Its NEVER too late and I refuse to give up until I'm forced to."

...TOO LATE to fix things without considering the possibility of having to EXPELL Haleigh and maybe even Nicolas from the Six, PERMANENTLY.

"That may be the case and we can cross that bridge when we get to it. But I'm not giving up on Haleigh. Nicolas is a different story, I have no sympathy for him especially after his actions today."

I understand that you want to try to be there for Haleigh, but we've ALL been burned by her TIME AND AGAIN. It won't be long before YOU are too. NOTHING that any of US could or would do will change the rotten core that is HER heart and soul.

"That may be the case but I've gotta try, Alison. You all have known Haleigh for a long time. I'm a neutral party here whose at least willing to listen without making assumptions of her. I may not agree with her actions but I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt to explain herself. I won't shut the door on her just because she's done so to you. I do appreciate the warning though but I'm just not ready to give up on Haleigh even if she's not my sister. And I would hope that if something like this happened to me someone would give me the same courtesy."

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Sharon spoke to him, nodding a bit. As she spoke of Morgan not wanting be held against her will, he stiffened a bit.

She needs to keep her hands to herself. Even today, had I really wished to attack her, I could have done so. But even today, I did not. And I am tired of her hitting people... ANYONE on this team. I am tired of ALL of them hitting ME. And I am just supposed to TAKE it. That street must be two-way and someone by now should have told her that.

As for the others, I don't really want to see them. Haleigh and Morgan are no-brainers. Karen...I can only imagine what she must think. Mike...he doesn't deserve the collateral damage to his life that comes from me. Delilah...you may see her as a fair critic, but I KNOW her mind. She never really gave me a chance..I was never good enough for Morgan even BEFORE I wasn't good enough. Alison...I can't imagine...Ava..now she is a straight MURDERER, and the fact that no one cared after the day it happened speaks volumes about access to forgiveness in this group. No matter what I do, it seems as if it won't matter.

Nicolas looked off into the ocean as the winds blew somewhat ominously...

 

[Harbinger]

MP apt. 1

:: Alison was becoming increasingly distracted, even as she HEARD Blaze talking...she started "seeing" something ELSE.::

:: Blaze's talking became faint, even as Alison looked at her, but there was something behind her, SOMEONE?...a PRESENCE. It was as if everything she might "see" when looking out into the future had become a "presence" at that point, and all Alison felt was....FEAR.::

:: she dropped her time staff as she seemed transfixed. For a moment it looked like...::

:: she snapped back to reality as she blinked a few times, and heard Blaze finishing her thought. Alison appreciate this Blaze's FIRE, the courage in her heart and the optimism in her mind, but the precog knew better.::

Blaze, you will...

:: still seeming someone distracted.::

you will come to understand that in somethings...I really DO know best. Refusing to listen to my warnings because you THINK your courage and your HOPE will conqure all is the foolish naivety that will lead you to a painfull FALL. Others in this group have tried that, and have come to RUE the day they thought they knew more than me. You remember THAT.

and you remember who your BLOOD is...in this or any OTHER timeline. Morgan may come to be ALL that you have. Are you willing to risk THAT over some PIPE DREAM of somehow getting through to that pole axed OX of a hybrid.

as for NICOLAS? yes, something needs to be done about HIM TOO but I see more SINCERITY in him than i do in HER at this point. Right now Sharon is dealing with him, in the skies above.

Delilah.... can I talk to you? privately?

 

[Silver Swan]

over the sea

LISTEN to yourself!

[ they needed some air, the FEEL of the air against them. and so, Sharon takes him by the hand and leads him along on a trip through the sky.]

She needs to keep her hands to herself. Even today, had I really wished to attack her, I could have done so. But even today, I did not. And I am tired of her hitting people... ANYONE on this team. I am tired of ALL of them hitting ME. And I am just supposed to TAKE it. That street must be two-way and someone by now should have told her that.

Nicolas, you got what was coming to you. BOTH of you did. You're FORGETTING something. SHE PROVOKED Morgan, she timed EVERYTHING she did to provoke a reaction that under NORMAL circumstances, Morgan wouldnt have resorted to, and when Morgan TRIED to walk AWAY first? Haleigh plucked that LAST nerve. YOU shouldve stayed in the apartment. EVERYONE understood why you retreated. BUT YOU CAME OUT and you TURNED SOMETHING THAT WAS NEARLY OVER INTO SOMETHING MUCH WORSE!

YOU DID IT! not ANYONE ELSE! Haleigh provided the lighter fluid and YOU lit the match...and BOOM!

You can't turn this around anymore. For every WRONG that you think was done, that doesnt entitle you to MATCH or EXCEED those wrongs when you were ALREADY on thin ice to begin with.

As for the others, I don't really want to see them. Haleigh and Morgan are no-brainers. Karen...I can only imagine what she must think. Mike...he doesn't deserve the collateral damage to his life that comes from me. Delilah...you may see her as a fair critic, but I KNOW her mind. She never really gave me a chance..I was never good enough for Morgan even BEFORE I wasn't good enough. Alison...I can't imagine...Ava..now she is a straight MURDERER, and the fact that no one cared after the day it happened speaks volumes about access to forgiveness in this group. No matter what I do, it seems as if it won't matter.

[ leading them down closer to the ocean where the cool, crisp air would wash over them both]

Karen is Morgan's mother. What do you expect? Mike is a man of courage and stern stuff. He does his best, all things considered. He is still here even while ALYCIA is not. You cant expect to win EVERYONE over. You and Delilah may not EVER be friends, and were maybe not meant to be friends ...just team mates, associates, necessary aquaintences. You can't hold that against her. some people will NEVER like each other beyond what is required for them to coexist peacefully. But Delilah is a good friend to Morgan and she TOLD THE TRUTH.

No one can anticipate Alison BUT Alison herself. You can't WORRY about her until you face her directly.

[ the waves swell high...and some birds clear the way as Sharon leads Nicolas along.]

If Ava is a murderer, then what am I? What is Morgan? or Haleigh or Alison for that matter? OR YOU? we have ALL killed.

Karen RESTORED Mike, THAT is what matters as far as THAT goes. It's not because nobody "cared" its because everyone was already reeling and NUMB from EVERYTHING ELSE that had happened BEFORE THAT and WHO caused that? SET! I don't blame YOU for the nightmare he caused. Not anymore. But YOU can't blame anyone ELSE either for the fallout.

Nicolas, just STOP before you go BACK where you just WERE. this MESS...its becoming TOO MUCH for ALL of us to bear. We've got to START somewhere and that start has to come from YOU and HER. It doesnt mean you kiss ass. But you have a walk of shame to take. Just as I did, just as Delilah, Morgan and others before.



We're supposed to find a way OUT! Not one side trying to tip the scale against ANOTHER, Nicolas.

 

[Firebird]

Apt. 1 - MP

Frowning, Blaze watched as Alison seemed distracted, deep in thought, or having a vision. The fire elemental remained quiet for a few seconds.

"Alison?"

She called out only to see the Seer blink a few times and grow pale like she had seen a ghost. Was that fear in her cobalt eyes? Blaze quietly kept that obervation under wraps. The time staff would fall to the floor with a clank, causing Blaze to jump at the noise. Still slightly jumpy since her car accident. Reaching down she picked it up to hand it back to Alison.

"Are you alright?"

The topic of Haleigh, Morgan, and Nicolas had been momentarily forgotten. Blaze was now concerned for the Seer even if she had served Blaze with the cold, hard truth that Haleigh may not allow anyone to help her.

you will come to understand that in somethings...I really DO know best. Refusing to listen to my warnings because you THINK your courage and your HOPE will conqure all is the foolish naivety that will lead you to a painfull FALL. Others in this group have tried that, and have come to RUE the day they thought they knew more than me. You remember THAT.

"I will take your advice into consideration, Alison."

and you remember who your BLOOD is...in this or any OTHER timeline. Morgan may come to be ALL that you have. Are you willing to risk THAT over some PIPE DREAM of somehow getting through to that pole axed OX of a hybrid.

"I know who my blood is. Morgan and this team are all I have."

Blaze didn't elaborate whether she would risk it or not. She was tired of defending herself and her actions. But she also took what Alison had to say. She turned to walk over to Morgan while Alison spoke to Delilah and Karen spoke to Mike.

Moving next to Morgan, Blaze pulled her into a hug, gently running her hands down Morgan's spine.

"You know I never got to thank you for everything you did for me. You risked outing yourself for me. And it means a lot to me. I definitely owe you one, Morg."

 

[Persephone]

Spotting Haleigh on the couch, head in hands, Ava mouth parted as a soft sigh escaped her lips. She had sincerely hoped that after a few weeks the worst of all this mess would have passed. That there would be SOME form of healing. But it felt like there had been no progress whatsoever.

"You were right, Ava… you were right about him…. And so was Zach…

Walking up to the couch, Ava sat down and took one of Haleigh's hands away from her face, grasping it tightly within hers.

"In these circumstances...I truly wish I hadn't been right. It kills me to see you in this much pain because of HIM. He doesn't deserve to hold this kind of power over you OR Morgan."

Lifting her free hand to Haleigh's cheek, she guided it so her sister was facing her. Looking into her eyes.

"Don't shut yourself down; not now. Not after everything you have been through.....Listen to me, I don't know what the future holds for you and Morgan. And I don't know if this team can ever go back to being what it used to be. But you need to understand that this situation isn't going to be resolved by blurting out truths to Morgan in a courtyeard after breakfast. [holding up her hand to stop Haleigh from chiming in] I KNOW. You don't sugar coat the truth or enjoy keeping secrets; and she had every right to know about that timeline and what happened. But not now, Hales. It's only been a few weeks since the shit hit the fan. Everyone's still dealing with the fall out....In these circumstances, sometimes WAITING is the best thing to do."

Ava became more serious, turning her body to face Haleigh.

"And you listen to me. Don't you DARE close your heart off because of what's happening now. Don't become cold and distant like that woman [Haleigh's alternate] in those timelines. That just lives day by day in a shell of her former self. If you let that boy [Nicolas] do that to you....take you away from me like that. I swear i'll never forgive you."

Ava's last words, her last statement, wasn't a threat. It wasn't a promise. It was a plee. It hurt Ava to see Haleigh once again on the outs with the team. But it KILLED her to know that NICOLAS had a part in it. That he was threatening to screw up all the years of progess she had made, allowing herself to act like a human. To feel and love and hurt like one. She didn't want Haleigh to shut down. To be a machine. To not be the sister she knows and loves.

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Ava came in and sat down, taking one of Haleigh's hands… and Haleigh believed her when she said she wished she hadn't been right about this… and for once… Haleigh didn't argue when Ava told her that Nicolas didn't deserve either her OR Morgan. She scoffed… but THIS time.. It wasn't at Ava's opinion of Nicolas.

"How could I have been so STUPID? [soft laugh] I used to think my only weakness was magnetics… but now I think I must have another… Maybe you've heard about it… it's called MEN."

She gave a sorry smile… trying to offset the seriousness of the situation with a little humor. Her sister made her look up… and held eye contact… trying to TALK to her. She echoed Zach. Did neither of them understand how much better EVERYONE would do if Haleigh didn't have to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions she was subject to? The chain of events that lead to TODAY could have been avoided completely-- but then… she caught herself… they could have ended up like their future counterparts. Haleigh remembered what it felt like to be in her future body. How DULL the world had been… and there was no room for sadness but no beauty either. Nothing stirred her future alternate… nothing could be appreciated or disliked. Nothing had value… she had truly become a robot. So maybe Ava and Zach were right… maybe she should NOT shut down…. Maybe there was too much she'd miss in the process.

But as Ava admonished her on her timing, Haleigh sat up a little straighter, getting a look in her eye that her sister recognized and overrode… Hlaeigh let her finish her sentence but then cut in.

"Waiting for WHAT, exactly? Waiting for her to grind me into the MUD like she did on Aerie? You KNOW I despise being held down or pushed around-- and that's EXACTLY what she was doing. ALL I WANTED was to go down to my apartment and mind my OWN business but she BLOCKED my path-- she BULLIED me and DARED me to do something about it. [shrugging] So I DID. I told her about the future alternates and I tried to EXPLAIN to her that in retrospect, I would RATHER have lost her trust than have suffered through the events of THAT timeline. [looking off in the distance, her brow furrowed] Maybe I didn't say it the right way, but I don't see any reason to soften it… it HAPPENED, it could have EASILY happened to us. [grimacing] THEY should have told her. They should have NEVER left it up to me but it was CLEAR, Ava… they were going to let her go on, feeding off her anger, letting the situation get WORSE because Morgan couldn't understand why I could move on and ACCEPT what I did, and she COULDNT. But she COULDN’T because she didn't know what she really GAINED by my betrayal. HOW can I wish to go back and CHANGE things when I know it could cost Morgan her LIFE?? I won't… and I'm not afraid to TELL her that. And I'm not afraid to tell her WHY. And if that makes EVERYONE hate me… then I can DEAL with that…. Because that means that YOU won't become that… [her eyes becoming misty] TORTURED soul I saw in the future… and Alison won't be a breath away from a nervous breakdown… Karen won't be on death row.. And Delilah won't have to choose between her FAMILY and her CONVICTIONS. And Morgan won't be DEAD. And NOBODY will have to explain to a little GIRL why her daddy killed her mommy. [pausing to regain her composure] So I'm sorry if this is a big shitty MESS…. But I CAN'T throw myself and my apologies at Morgan or ANY of them, knowing in my HEART that if I were given the chance to do it again.. I wouldn't change a DAMN THING-- and it's got NOTHING to do with the way I EVER felt about Nicolas."

Ava warned her again not to shut off her heart… not to condemn herself to being an empty shell, and Haleigh took a deep breath, nodding and giving a weak smile as her sister swore never to forgive her if she did.

"Well… I can't live with that, can I? So I guess I've no choice… except to try my VERY best to remain an unstable emotional wreck. [winking, then becoming serious] You believe me, though, don't you? When I say it will kill me? It will…. One day… my emotions will kill me. I don't die in battle, Ava… I've been beheaded, blown to smithereens, electrocuted… but I don't stay dead. [placing her hand over her heart] I die in here. Alison is right… this is the weakest part of me…. My achilles heal. And I don't know what to do about it."

The phone rang… and Haleigh had another passing look of panic before she answered it.

"Davidoff. … Yes, Dr. Hillcroft, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. … Yes, I HAVE been feeling occasionally ill…. [deep breath] any cause you can determine from my blood work? … [furrowed brow] Not since I moved to L.A…. I haven't had the facilities or equipment set up… and I've been taking it easy. … [nodding] Alright… I'll make sure to do that. So I'm not…. [glancing at her sister briefly] suffering from morning sickness? [a tear running down her cheek before she wiped it away] Thank you doctor."

 

[MorningStar]

She retreated with Alison and Blaze into her apartment, where the other two laid their cards on the table. Like Blaze, Delilah wanted to be there for both Morgan and Haleigh, but she just couldn’t. But she didn’t believe that what had broken between Haleigh and the rest of the team couldn’t be fixed, she wouldn’t believe that, not yet. She knew as Alison spoke it that it was a possibility, of course, but not yet. Nicolas on the other hand…he was dangerous and a wild card. She didn’t doubt that one day soon, if he hadn’t already, he would become a liability. But she kept her mouth shut until Alison asked to speak to her alone. She nodded.

“Of course.”

Blaze left her apartment to go check on Morgan, leaving Delilah and Alison alone.

With Blaze gone Delilah’s face became stern.

“What’s wrong? I can tell it’s more than this thing with Nicolas and Haleigh.”

Delilah sat back down on the sofa and motioned for Alison to take a seat next to her.

 

[Persephone]

"I'm not saying let her bully you, Haleigh. For God sakes, we all know how Morgan can get when she's pissed off. But seriously, Haleigh? Look at me. In that moment. In that moment you were in the hot spring with Nicolas. In that VERY moment you can not honestly look me in the eyes and say you had sex with Nicolas to save Morgan. SET heightened the love you already had for him. You were his puppet and he was pulling your strings, Hales. I KNOW that in your right mind you would have NEVER touched Nicolas. You would have NEVER thrown out your relationship with Morgan that you had just rebuilt to sleep with that man. I understand why Morgan's upset, I do. Why she's angry and hurt. Her heart was broken and she feels betrayed....she has every RIGHT to feel those things. But what I DISAGREE with is her condemning YOU for loving Nicolas. You can't HELP who you fall in love with. You can't just TURN OFF your emotions with a flip of a switch. If anything SHE should understand that. You didn't act on these feelings until SET put everything into motion. THAT is what Morgan should REALLY look at, and see that you would NEVER intentionally hurt her even though the opportunities were there."

It was a difficult task juggling being a faithful sister and friend to two woman who were both as stubborn as mules...and with one who would have no problem killing the other if given the chance. Ava understood why Morgan hated Haleigh. As a woman, she understood. But as an outside party...someone who could look at the bigger picture, she knew there were other pieces to this puzzle. Pieces that NO ONE on EITHER side seemed to want to put together. Everyone became seperated. Team Morgan vs. Team Haleigh and to hell with anyone who tried to mediate the situation. Looking at her sister, Ava's eyes softened seeing the desperation of her words. How she would literally die because of her heart...her emotions. That struck a cord with Ava because for SO LONG the goddess had shut down and became a cold, distant, psychopath in order to avoid her emotions. The guilt she felt for hurting Hecate, killing her mother, and loosing everything just to gain more power.

"Haleigh...don't say that. [her own eyes becoming misty] Having a heart isn't a death sentence..."

Right at that moment, the phone rang. Inhaling deeply, Ava let go of Haleigh's hand allowing her to get up. Closing her eyes for a moment, the goddess look away absently toward the fireplace mantel that held various photos of Haleigh with the six.

Yes, I HAVE been feeling occasionally ill..

Ava turned to look at Haleigh, concern coating her eyes. Ill? That was impossible...

So I'm not…. [glancing at her sister briefly] suffering from morning sickness?

Ava's mouth suddenly fell agape; the concern in her eyes being replaced with shock. Pregnant?! Now THAT situation Ava would have just told Haleigh to RUN. As her sister hung up the phone, Ava blinked slowly.

"Pregnant...? You thought you were pregnant? [standing up, she embraced Haleigh] Look...I know you like living on the edge, but this was cutting it close. [a short soft laugh came from Ava as she pulled away from Haleigh] I really don't feel like being Auntie Ava just yet, okay? So....keep the pants or on use protection next time. Even if a psycho God is manipulating you."

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Ava: "But seriously, Haleigh? Look at me. In that moment. In that moment you were in the hot spring with Nicolas. In that VERY moment you can not honestly look me in the eyes and say you had sex with Nicolas to save Morgan."

"No, OF COURSE NOT… You're not listening to me-- and NEITHER are they. They think I'm trying to absolve myself or something-- AS IF I COULD. In the MOMENT that I slept with Nicolas… it was completely selfish…. And terrible and I never tried to say it WASN’T. Nicolas slept with me because he was trying to take the sting off the rejection he got from the REST of the team when his father appeared. I slept with Nicolas because I loved him and I wanted to comfort him… and let him know he wasn't alone. It had nothing to DO with Morgan, IN THE MOMENT. What I'm SAYING…. Is that I would not CHANGE it, knowing that I could be risking Morgan's life by doing so. What I'm SAYING is… even though it was WRONG…. Even though I HURT her… I think I may have saved her…. And if that's the case then… it was a necessary sacrifice. DESPITE the fact that it made me a traitor… despite the self-loathing it provokes."

She began to pour herself a drink… and offered her sister one.

Ava: "I understand why Morgan's upset, I do. Why she's angry and hurt. Her heart was broken and she feels betrayed....she has every RIGHT to feel those things."

"And I AGREE, honestly, I understand. But--"

Ava: "But what I DISAGREE with is her condemning YOU for loving Nicolas. You can't HELP who you fall in love with. You can't just TURN OFF your emotions with a flip of a switch. If anything SHE should understand that. You didn't act on these feelings until SET put everything into motion. THAT is what Morgan should REALLY look at, and see that you would NEVER intentionally hurt her even though the opportunities were there."

"Well that's what I tried to tell her… it doesn't MATTER how I felt about Nicolas… I kept it under control. WITHOUT Set's interference… NONE of this would have happened. But it DID happen. And I thought… by telling her the way things COULD have been… she'd would finally understand that what HAPPENED was probably the best possible outcome. But I realize… in my anger… my delivery of the news wasn't the best. I guess that's one of the trade offs for dealing with emotions… There's plenty of not so attractive ones that serve as pitfalls."

Ava: "Haleigh… don't say that. [her own eyes becoming misty] Having a heart isn't a death sentence…"

Haleigh looked at her sister gently… she knew it was a hard truth to accept, but she believed it more than anything.

"For someone with a heart as sick as mine… it is."

But at least there was GOOD news to be had. Haleigh's paranoia was laid to rest, even as Nicolas and Sharon still discussed the possibility of her having a child [a what a bad idea THAT would be. At least Sharon and Haleigh could agree on ONE thing. She returned the congratulatory hug from her sister. No one was under ANY pretense that Haleigh should be even REMOTELY disappointed, least of all Haleigh herself.

"YOU don't want to be an Aunt? Good GRIEF, Ava… what about ME?? With a BABY! I mean… I'm not the 'mother' type. I can just get a DOG for that! [speaking of] How are the dogs? I'm so LONELY without them here… but they just WOULDN'T have the space they need in this apartment complex. I can't rob them of what they have on Aerie."

Haleigh sat down, drinking a screwdriver... the breakfast of champions.

"Yeah... well I didn't initially think I was pregnant... I was just feeling inexplicably ill and when I mentioned it to Blaze, she asked me if I could be pregnant.... and I don't know... paranoia took over. I sent in blood work to Hillcroft for answers. She was asking me about the magnetics immunity training I had been working on... but like I told HER... I haven't been able to do ANY of that for months. I've had so much ELSE to deal with. She said that my blood has the same indicators it usually has after magnetic flare exposure... and that I should make note of my surroundings during the next incident."

 

[Persephone]

Ava… what about ME?? With a BABY! I mean… I'm not the 'mother' type.

"Good point...."

A short laugh followed Ava's words as she made her way back to the couch to sit with Haleigh. Declining a drink, Ava shook her head, still shocked at the prospect of Haleigh becoming pregnant....much less with NICOLAS. A slight shudder shook her body as she pushed those horrible thoughts deep into her subconscious and smiled as her sister asked about her dogs.

"The dogs are doing fine. Onyx has really taken a liking to them. I can barely get them all inside at night for bed they're having so much fun. [frowning] But I have to say they miss you terribly. You really should come back to Arie with me.....maybe for a few weeks? Especially if you haven't been feeling well.."

It was Ava's lame attempt to try and coax her sister to leave Melrose Place, but more importantly Morgan and Nicolas. Not permenently, but just for the time being. Until everything died down a bit. And as Haleigh explained that there could be something causing her sudden bout of illness around Melrose Place, it further convinced Ava that Haleigh needed to come back to Arie.

"See...even your body is telling you you need a break. I think being away from everyone would benefit you. You can clear your mind and....[selfishly smiling] keep me company. [Ava became more seirous] I feel horrible for not being here for you....especially when you need me more than ever. But...I honestly believe that if I lived here with...them [Nicolas and Mike] I wouldn't be able to control my anger and hate. Atleast for right now. I just need time to unwind, you know? After falling through Morgan's stepping discs, then so soon after being rescued, Set suddenly appearing and destorying everything that was good...it's just been one thing after another. And seeing you like this....[Ava shook her head, her words trailing off] Come back with me, Hales. We can have our own little vacation...like we used to talk about when we were younger. We can relax...have free reign of the island. Just LIVE without worrying for once....it would be good for you."

 

[Harbinger]

MP apt. 1

:: Alison shook her head, Blaze's concern was appreciated, but that didnt change Alison's suspicion of the still 'newly arrived' alternate. Blaze remained adamant that she wanted and COULD be there for BOTH Morgan and Haleigh, she remained steadfast in her feelings and Alison respected her for her courage but did not find it to be well placed. Blaze would have to learn the hard way apparently.::

:: Watching Blaze as she exited, and went across across the way to the stairs leading to apartment 4, Alison saw that Karen and Mike were outside too. Karen looked very tense and upset but it was DIFFERENT than other times when Haleigh had vexed Morgan. ALISON TOO felt a bit...uneasy and Delilah noticed it.>>

<< she sat down with Delilah, once again holding her time staff.>>

I dont know Dee...its just...something that i felt when talking to Blaze...I saw something...behind her, almost like a PRESENCE but it was not human...it was abstract. I don't know what it was...or why i noticed it THEN , but i felt a WAVE of ...anxiety...of ...

<< she looked at Delilah.>>

FEAR!

<< Alison didnt scare easily. The things she had faced, as early as 14 were more nightmarish than anything most of the other members of the Six could have fathomed in their teens, not to mention having to FIGHT OFF her own mother to protect her sister and baby brother from that woman's abuse. NO CHILD should have to be saddled with that.>>

I don't know...maybe its just the shock of everything that just happened. Karen was pretty upset when she felt her daughter's call for help she rushed out into one of the halls of the mansion and called for me even as I was aware of it myself. and now...knowing what Nicolas has done, I find myself wondering WHY either myself OR Karen hasnt summoned him here to deal with him.

<< she lowers the time staff, leaning it on the arm of the couch.>>

somethings happening, but it goes beyond this problem here. it's all around us, even in the sky above. but i can't quite "SEE" it yet.

But this here? this can't go on any longer. WE...[ everyone] HAVE to have a meeting about Nicolas and Haleigh...the time has come to decide if they should leave. ONLY when we do that, will i perhaps have a better grasp on what it is that i'm sensing...or trying to see.

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

Haleigh was pleased to hear that her pets were doing well… and she wistfully took another sip, missing them…. As Ava dropped the hint that Haleigh should come back to Aerie for a few weeks. Haleigh frowned slightly, as Ava elaborated. It wasn't that she didn't WANT to… but…

"I just can't RUN AWAY from my problems, rugrat. I MADE my bed, Ava… and I'll sleep in it every night. I mean… it's ONE thing if they ask me to leave. [unaware how possible that really was at this point] PLUS… if I'm getting sick here I need to stay and figure out WHAT is causing it so I can get better."

And yet, after giving all the reasons she should STAY… Haleigh seemed to be considering the option of leaving all the same.

"OF course… a vacation DOES sound refreshing… I could get away from all this technological white noise… see my dogs again… see YOU again… and escape the poison trap that Melrose is quickly becoming."

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as they flew through the sky. Sharon railed at him about taking responsibility....

I KNOW WHAT I DID!! And I understand that I have to atone. But what KILLS me...more than anything, is how everyone THINKS that I just up and slept with Haleigh because I was lonely and that I just DID it. I would have NEVER done it...NEVER, EVER, in spite of an attraction that I admit...but is that a crime? To find someone attractive and file it away, knowing that you will never act upon it? Then what happens when someone mentally controls you? I hope you never know what that's like, the feeling of violation when you get your mind back. The realization that EVERYTHING you worked for just went to shit over something you did NOT CONSCIOUSLY WANT TO DO but contained the subconscious materials available to be caused to do it. For me this is uncharted territory Sharon. Is THAT my fault? Am I to be condemned for what I may have thought of once or twice then filed away, as men do ALL THE TIME? Trust me, I KNOW.

I am seriously asking you, because while I do feel guilt and shame at it all, I admit it is not simply because of the act. It is more because...I was not strong enough. Set TOOK me Sharon. He TOOK me and dominated me and...

Nicolas begins to choke up a bit.

utilized me to hurt everyone alive that I cared about, and what is so shameful is that he amplified all of the platonic care I had for Haleigh, made the sensations of her touch so sharp in my mind...that a part of me LOVED every minute of it...what happened.

I feel so useless...so helpless in this situation. Every step I try to make is thwarted somehow, and my own inner struggles interfere with my ability to try to cope with this. Somewhere Set is laughing, because I believe that he realized that he might lose but no matter if we banished him or not, that he would still have the victory. Because he destroyed the relationships...the life I wanted, that I HAD that allowed me to ultimately resist him. And he did it in a way that cannot seem to be undone. Morgan did not simply gain trust in me Sharon but in people, in MEN...and its gone. It's probably WORSE than before...and it is my own stupid fault, even though I would have NEVER consciously executed any of what happened. It doesn't even matter. I am as tainted, marked by it as if had picked Haleigh up and went to a hotel one night and just FUCKED her without a care in the world.

And now? I know that I have a path of shame as you call it, to take, but the truth is...I don't think it will ever be over. You tell me...if I had done what you are saying to me...would it have been over by now? HONESTLY?! And while I get that to apologize is to understand that you cannot demand absolution, the situation so far has given me no hope that it will even be better...EVER.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike tried to smile as Karen came over but it was no use..even the weather outside was going to shit. His face went deadly serious as Karen got right to business.

Where is Nicolas? I want a word with him.

I don't know where he is. Since Sharon is also missing, I imagine that she went to find him. I expect that she will bring him back if he is coming. But I will be honest with you: It's BAD. Nicolas nor Morgan is in very good shape, Haleigh is in the shit and she managed to make what appeared to be a start of progress made with Nic and Morg into a REAL shitstorm. Morgan knocked the hell out of Nicolas and I could see...FEEL, that he was losing control. I understand that Morgan is VERY upset, but the lack of progress for any of them bears more direct intervention. And it has to be beyond simply "having a word" with Nicolas. Morgan tore my head off the two times WE interacted here and threatened the wolves. It will take more than simply time for her to heal, because so far, time has not worked for her. Right now, almost any male in her presence is in danger and Nicolas in particular, because she has taken what Haleigh has told her to mean that trying to kill Nicolas is a case of perpetual self-defense.

And Nicolas...he is also unable to cope with all of this...he needs professional assistance. I know you are there for your daughter first but I don't know what to do, where to turn. I have never seen him like this, so in pain and torn, so lost. I believe that he is no danger to the others when left alone but combined with Morgan and Haleigh here...we need to talk with Alison and Sharon about what is best. Maybe a different arrangement.

Mike waited for her answer, hoping that she would also keep it together. She definitely had a harsh tone in her voice and her eyes had grown COLD.