Ororo's ghost story II: Apocolypse

[Arsenal]

ex-CUSE YOU!!

Morgan shouted as Mike lurched forward into her.

Try again, model!! Can't you see we're FAAAAAAAAAAALL-IIIIING! UGH!

They all fell for a few seconds until Alison cushioned their descent to a platform. While they were trying to adjust she gave them the rest of the bad news.

If we go toward the darkness, we're going AWAY from Karen and Haleigh. we have to get in the water...

Oh REALLY?! Surely you have a plan.

Alison did, and a good one. Morgan diva'd out for a second, then got her shit together as Ava looked forward to that versus the dark passageway ahead. He couldn't blame her really and the idea was sound. As they jumped into the air, their leap of faith was rewarded and Delilah's bubble held. He remembered something form his military days and spoke to Ava in a near-whisper.

When I tell you, increase the air pressure in the bubble by the amount I say. That way the pressure will be the same inside and outside and Delilah will not have to work as hard, OK?

 

[Prophet]

Cameron was uneasy of the situation. He had always suffered a rather terrible fear of sharks and the ocean in general but he was going to have to suck it up and take one for the team unfortunately for him.

"You people are going to be the death of me. Not zombies, killer cops with chainsaws.. No.. it shall read, Cameron King beloved broker killed by a bunch of people swimming in a damn bubble..."

It was odd to see everyone reacting so.. humanly to all these situations that presented them. Here they were, these people with amazing abilities and yet there was Morgan worrying about her hair and Blaze right there with her cracking jokes. All of them, Cameron included needed to be in the psych ward.

"Since Alison will have to keep her concentration, I will cast out my mind and senses, sort of like a sonar system, if there is anything in these waters that think and think about killing us, I will be alerted..."

He turned to his sister.

"On your count Alison..."

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh was eager to get out of the open, and hurried to get Nicolas SOME kind of medical treatment, but Karen had quite a handy little trick up her sleeve. Haleigh had already known Karen had powers, but was not exactly familiar with the extent or specifics and so, this is a pleasant surprise. Haleigh refrains from joking that she should bring Karen along on her next adventure. The doctor looked weary and strained and Haleigh knew that even though Karen was intimately familiar with the operations of this hellhouse, only Haleigh HERSELF was properly prepared to deal with this situation of survival that they were trapped in. Karen was a doctor, an intellectual and Nicolas was young and BOTH of them were inexperienced.

Karen was shivering now, and Haleigh realized it was cold in here, and that Karen being drenched only made it worse. Haleigh was not as susceptible to the cold, her body kept its own internal temperature quite high and it felt comfortable to her. She removed the jacket she'd only needed to wear while her powers were suppressed and insisted Karen trade in the wet lab coat for something dry and warm. From her expression, she wouldn't take no for an answer and it didn't come to an argument, for Karen accepted gratefully. Haleigh helped her slide her arms into the jacket, which would feel hot to Karen, as if it had just come out of the clothes dryer.

They make it to the control room, and it wasn't hard to open the hatch. The heavy steel door was under Haleigh's control, and the turnstyle on the hatch spun smoothly under her gaze as if it were automatic. The door lifted and they descended down into the control deck. The hatch closed and sealed, sounding like the locking of a bank vault. They were alone now, aside from the body slumped in a chair. Haleigh wasn't taking any chances. She pulled a handgun out of thin air, equipped it with a silencer and shot the 'corpse' twice in the head. The small 'flit flit' sound of the silenced gun was bearable inside the submerged control room in a way that her rifle would not have been, but Haleigh knew it would still reverberate as the sound of unprovoked violence.

"I'm sorry if that was someone you knew or respected Karen, but I'm afraid we must err on the side of caution."

She spoke gently, hoping she did not sound needlessly callous. She had come upon seemingly 'dead' corpses before, in the train. She did not care to relive that experience.

 

[Persephone]

Mike: When I tell you, increase the air pressure in the bubble by the amount I say. That way the pressure will be the same inside and outside and Delilah will not have to work as hard, OK?

"Yeah, okay.."

From above the water seemed so clear and blue--like they were diving into a hidden spring in the rain forest untouched by man. But as soon as they were actually in the water, within Delilah's protective bubble, it felt so much darker. With Cameron keeping an 'eye' out for any creatures, hopefully the darkness wouldn't bring TOO many surprises.

"Why couldn't any of you be a water elemental and just suck this place dry!"

She quipped, huffing out an anxious sigh. On Mike's word, Ava did as he instructed and created the same amount of air pressure on the outside of the bubble as there was on the inside, making it slightly easier for Delilah and Alison.

"Done.......dun dun....dun dun....[grinning at her own Jaws joke] Sorry, couldn't help it."

 

[Harbinger]

arklay research facility- the water way

:: Alison stands in the center of the bubble and shuts her eyes. she holds her hands up and out at the 2 & 10 o'clock position with her palms out and as the bubble hits the water, a rushing chiming sound is heard...it lasts as and reverberates as the bubble impossibly sinks below the water...deeper and and deeper and once it is quite submerged, they find themselves in another world as they see LARGE "bacteria" spiraling and floating about and the water pushes them on before Alison's power PROPELLS them. this is an extreme under taking for her as she must direct them, propell them and keep them on course and even SHE doesnt know if she can sustain it but what other choice do they have?::

:: she doesnt speak or acknowledge them anymore as her eyes are tightly closed and she works. Cameron picks up her slack, using his PSI powers to act as "eyes" for them in their dark world and reaching out for any hostile thoughts or mentality that could be a threat.::


:: the bubble traveled, propelled by alison's mystic telekinesis and they passed oncoming creatures such as giant leeches, killer frogs and snakes. some of the creatures tried to get after the bubble but they could not.::

:: but soon, they encountered not one but TWO fully grown NEPTUNES, the sharks, mutated by the T virus would not give up easily and were making DEADLY passes at the bubble which was causing a problem for Delilah and Alison.::

:: on top of that, they were nearing the point of the waterfall!::

 

[Spellbinder]

Arklay- under water

<< Morgan kept Blaze close and instinctively held her breath even as the bubble formed around them and hit the water and was now being submerged. she opened one of her violet eyes and then the other.>>

Okay...alright!

Blaze: Janet Jackson...."Go deep"....

Not NOW Blaze!

<< Morgan said with a sharp, nervous tone.>>

"Why couldn't any of you be a water elemental and just suck this place dry!"

She quipped, huffing out an anxious sigh.

arent YOU the elemental?

<< Morgan said with an astonished laugh at Ava's question. She knew her friend was not TOTALLY serious but still >>

well...here we goooo....

<< as Alison sent them on their way.>>

Blaze: This is actually pretty cool, once you get past the fact that all that seperates us from a crushing, watery death is a thin layer of solid light and telekinesis.

<< the curiosity that was always apart of Blaze's inquizitive nature shone through>>

Blaze: look at the creatures here...

Done......dun dun....dun dun....[grinning at her own Jaws joke] Sorry, couldn't help it."

Oh please...

<< Morgan said , waving her hand dismissively, trying to downplay the well timed humour of Ava's little joke. They didnt realize how dead ON the woman was though...as all they'd seen so far were giant leeches, killer frogs, snakes and worms, along with bizarre organisms that looked like giant bacteria.>>

wait...what...

<< the shape was large, wide and coming FAST...like a torpedo!>>

It IS a SHARK!?

<< not just one...but TWO, closing in from opposite directions.>>

Oh Ava this is ALL your fault!

<< Morgan bellowed as Blaze looked rather upset herself.>>

they're COMING!

<< one of the Neptunes (bigger than any naturally occuring shark any of them had ever seen) CLIPS the bubble...causing it to ripple but it holds. the force of the impact is dispersed by the bubble but still felt by those inside.>>

They're not giving up! they're chasing us!

<< and WERE they. snapping with such force at the bubble.>>

Blaze: Morgan, Alison is straining! We have to help her! Use your magick!


I need a SPELL!

<< Blaze gestures for her to HURRY as Morgan thinks of something.>>

Alright!

<< lifting her hands and gesturing, she ignites magick as a chime sounds off and halos form around her hands.>>

Witch of Wood and Witch of Water
vortex come, heed your Daughter!
My foes now strike, swell and tear asunder
For their deaths, I do yearn!

<< Morgan directs the spell as a powerfull vortex of water forms behind them JUST about the Neptunes. a force BEYOND anything they can physically overcome (and they were designed to be physically unstoppable) as they suddenly become the victims as the violent vortex of water containing the power and pressure of the deepest fathoms pulls them in and denies them oxygen and crushes them internally. the spell plays out, as the vortex explodes sending airbubbles every which way and as they clear the sharks' large, lifeless bodies can be seen floating, slowly falling down as other creatures now close in to feed on THEM. the alpha predators are now the prey!>>

<< Morgan's spell is finished.>>

There...that was CLOSE!

 

[Harbinger]

Arklay research facility - under water

:: there were a few moments where Alison faltered as the bubble was menaced by outside creatures. the strain of "pushing" or "pulling"...propelling this bubble through this deep water was getting to her. she'd NEVER tried using her power like this, let alone for so long.::

:: Cameron and Ava help to physically steady her as Blaze calls for Morgan to deal with the menacing Neptunes. The other witch in the group ignites a powerfull spell that causes the deep water to become their ally as it forms a tight vortex filled with the pressure of many fathoms and SUCKS the giant sharks in....suffocating them and crushing them internally before it explodes, leaving them to become food for other bizarre creatures.>>

:: Alison's head was bowed just a bit as she pushed on but it was clear that this was becoming increasingly difficult.::

Blaze: How can we help her?

:: Morgan checks on Delilah, who is having an easier time.::

Morgan: is there anyway to tell how much FURTHER we have to go? something about a water...fall??

 

[Seer]

end of that journey

<< other creatures had attacked the bubble but Delilah held steady, her task was less straining than Alison's who was clearly nearing the END of her rope. She began to show signs of physical discomfort as Ava and Cameron steadied her as best she could. Blaze and Morgan wanted to help but HOW?>>

<< through the empathy with his sister, Cameron could sense that the strain was nearing impossible to tolerate for her any longer.>>

<< and as they moved along at an impressive speed, they soon saw something they werent sure was even POSSIBLE!? a GIGANTIC figure, looming from underNEATH them...a creature more monstrous than the giant neptunes...the dark, gigantic form was that of man/octopus! as impossible as it seemed, there it was...as big, and deadly as it could be! Morgan and Blaze began to scream as the creature reached out with its massive, slimey tentacles and take hold of the bubble BUT, Alison had ONE last bit of strength left in her as the bubble JETTED forward. there was no telling WHERE the creature began but it was clear that it was too monstrous to move faster and too hideous to be anywhere outside of the dark depths of the water. it was a terrifying example of how mystech played with human life.>>

<< Alison cries out...and collapses into Cameron's arms as the bubble BLASTS up from the water, jarring them all inside and causing them to fall down. the bubble flies over the edge of the water fall and the shock of the sudden shift causes Delilah to lose HER focus as the bubble disappears!>>

<< the screams of shock and disorientation of the group are only drowned out by the immense water fall that is all around them! Morgan manages to take flight, as does Blaze. Morgan grabs Delilah and Blaze manages to catch Cameron who is holding his barely conscious sister! It's up to AVA to safe herself and Mike as she creates a vortex of wind strong enough to carry herself and Mike aloft as she spots a walkway/bridge just beyond the water fall and quickly carries herself and her burden to the bridge. the others manage to make it there..barely landing smoothly as they all struggle to collect themselves after what they've seen and experienced. they SURVIVED and they are now much closer to reaching their loved ones...but they MUST stop for a moment. Alison is barely conscious and everyone else is winded, DRENCHED and reeling.>>

<< on the bridge they see the water fall just in front of them...with a few leeches traveling in the fall, and the mist is all around them.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

aqua ring - control room

They were alone now, aside from the body slumped in a chair. Haleigh wasn't taking any chances. She pulled a handgun out of thin air, equipped it with a silencer and shot the 'corpse' twice in the head. The small 'flit flit' sound of the silenced gun was bearable inside the submerged control room in a way that her rifle would not have been, but Haleigh knew it would still reverberate as the sound of unprovoked violence.

"I'm sorry if that was someone you knew or respected Karen, but I'm afraid we must err on the side of caution."

She spoke gently, hoping she did not sound needlessly callous. She had come upon seemingly 'dead' corpses before, in the train. She did not care to relive that experience.

<< Karen stood there....looking rather stone faced as she looked at the dead body and then Haleigh.>>

I dont have anymore words really, Haleigh. I just...want to make sure Morgan and Blaze survive and escape Mystech's clutches. My colleagues...are all dead. Anything I might have felt for them won't change that NOW.

<< she left Haleigh and Nicolas standing in the control room as she turned away and went into a smaller offshoot pod, the medical supply closet. she found, among other things, a large plush towel and immediately began to dry herself off...and as she opened her eyes she caught sight of the faint, refracted image of herself in the glass and the deep, dark water beyond it. the water surrounded them and was seemingly endless. much like this nightmare. Karen felt like there was really no hope left for her but worse..part of her felt like this was HER hell...that she was destined to suffer and die here because of being involved with Mystech for so long even though she was as much a victim as anyone else.>>

<< she thought about all of her dead colleagues....her daughters, her husband...her life ...the way it WAS. She wanted that again. she wanted her LIFE back!>>

<< there in that medical closet....she began to disrobe. she needed to get out of those wet clothes and to dry her body off. As she slowly undressed, everything just set in on her and she began to cry...as she leaned her head against the glass. Nicolas wanted to see about her, But Haleigh prevented him, telling him to leave her be right now and that if she were in danger, they'd know it. Haleigh knew Karen needed time to herself and as crazy as it seemed...they were at their safest moment right now, hiding in plainsight inside the aqua ring.>>

<< as Haleigh and Nicolas explored the control room, Karen soon recovered some physical comfort and mental stability as she hummed a lullaby she used to sing to Morgan when she was a baby. one that Karen's grammie used to sing to her. there in the darkness, the secret of the dark water, she found a sort of stability and tranquility as found a female's mystech guard uniform with its tight, contouring black body suit, black leather high heeled boots black leather boustier and black leather gloves along with a low slung double belt with gun holster that continued a phaser. some how, the outfit coordinated perfectly with the jacket Haleigh had given her and would offer protection against cold, heat and even sharp objects. it was a much better choice for her and since her own original outfit...the blue V neck cashmere sweater and black pencil skirt with high heels was both soaked, tattered and hardly practical, Karen saw no other choice but to put on this outfit.>>

<< breathing in and out slowly, trying to push away the lingering anxiety, Karen found a small mirror and stood before it, pulling her blonde hair back into a bun. she dons the sleek outfit....slowly. with each part that she puts on, she feels herself calming just a bit more. she may not know the outcome, but she can at least TRY her best. her daughter's lives as well as Haleigh's and Nicolas' depend on it. If she wants to TRULY find justice, she must stay allive long enough to see it.>>

<< after about 20 minutes, she emerges from the supply closet with her unlikely new look fidgeting with the boustier and the body suit. it was certainly more REVEALING of her feminine and well kept form in a way she wouldnt choose to wear clothing, being a woman of class and sophistication and yet it didnt do her any cosmetic injustice >>

...I've found something that i think will suit me better in the way of protection for my body as we make our escape.

<< she sounded a little more encouraged.>>

and a medical kit...with supplies including nutrional bars, herbs and energy drinks to help restore energy. there's even provisions for the kitten.>>

<< everyone took a moment to better their physical condition, Karen looked over some paper work near the control panel that faced out to the deep waters. and then looked over at a monitor.>>

the water has flooded many areas around the aqua ring and has also backed up into some parts of the mansion. all we have to do is get the control lever pulled....and the water will fall back and be rerouted, clearing the way for us and killing off more creatures that have been flourishing in this unchecked environment.

<< off in the distance of the water, a neptune came into view and was now coming to investigate...>>

 

[Prophet]

Into the Deep!

And before they knew it they were in the water with a front row seat to the bizarre and creepy creatures the lurked underneath these dark and murky waters. Cameron was not happy and he was not at ease, he was truly facing one of his biggest fears but he knew he had to stay strong and keep an eye on his sister for she was doing all of the heavy lifting on this voyage and she wasn't fairing too well. The use of her ability in this way was straining her energy and depleting her resources. He wasn't sure this was such a good idea anymore. They needed to be as strong as they could in order to rescue Haleigh and the others and he was worried that she wouldn't be able to hold on for much longer.

"Keep it steady Ally Cat..."

At that moment he sensed something with his psi powers. Not just one but two somethings and they were headed straight for the bubble, ready to attack and kill each and every one of them. Morgan then commented on the impending threat.

"Not just sharks, Morgan. Super sharks. I've never seen anything LIKE that before!"

He began to sweat as one of the Neptunes clipped the bubble, almost causing it to break, thankfully his sister was strong enough to steady herself again, but if these weren't taken care of, they would soon be fish food. Cameron grabbed steady hold of his sister while Morgan ignited a spell that made pretty quick work of both of the creatures and for a moment, all was calm.

"She can't do this for much longer, we have GOT to get out of here and fast..."

And that was when he was witness to a GIGANTIC abomination of a creature. A sort of man and octopus creation.

"What is this 20,000 leagues under the fucking sea?"

It grabbed a hold of the bubble with all it's might as Alison used the last of her strength to shoot the bubble out from the edge of the waterfall and in the air, which in turn caused Delilah to lose her concentration. Once more they were free falling, with Cameron on top of his sister.

"ALISON!"

He straightened his body allowing him to torpedo down at a rapid rate as he reached her and wrapped his arms around her. In that instant, he felt Blaze grabbed a hold of him as they were taken to some kind of bridge where they have a fleeting moment to rest. Cameron lay his sister down, her head in his lap, as he begins to stroke her hair. He is completely ignorant of others around him as he tends to his sister, a testament to the bond they shared.

"It's okay, Alison... just rest for a second. Don't try to get up. Just... just rest..."

The telepath looked around at his colleagues. Everyone at this point was deeply battle worn and tired. He wasn't sure if they were going to be able to pull it together enough to survive. He kept those thoughts to himself as he took a moment to ask of the others.

"Is everyone okay?"

 

[Persephone]

Morgan: arent YOU the elemental?

"...YES...but I can't control water like that so shut up!"

Narrowing her eyes playfully, she knew Morgan was joking...to a point. It was funny how even in dire situations like this they STILL managed to find a way to be catty to one another. But the joking soon came to a sudden hault.

Morgan: It IS a SHARK!?

With wide eyes, two massive looking sharks were swimming toward the bubble at high speeds.

Morgan: Oh Ava this is ALL your fault!

"MY fault?!? Stop blaming me and KILL IT!"

Morgan quickly took action and cast a powerful spell killing the sharks. However, other creatures began to attack the bubble, trying to get in.

"What....is....THAT?!"

All the 'little' creatures quickly began to retreat as they passed over a giant shadow. The shadow soon became a figure....an octopus man! Screaming, Alison jetted the bubble forward to try and escape, but the octopus was far too huge.

"Alison!"

Seeing Alison collapse, suddenly Ava was jarred, falling to the base of the bubble as it shot out of the water and into the air. Screaming, as they began to fall toward the water, the bubble disappeared and only the shadow remained.

Mike was the closest person to her so she quickly grabbed his hand and created an 'up draft' of air, sending them flying away from the water and into the air. Seeing a large bridge beyond the waterfall, Ava manages to land on it [with Mike] a few yards away from the others. Coughing out, she was drenched and cold....and starting to regret her eagerness to go into the water earlier.

"You okay?"

She asked Mike before looking over at the others....Mike may have been, but Alison wasn't.

"Oh my God...Alison."

Quickly getting up, Ava carefully made her way over to where Alison was laying. Cameron looked sick with worry...and Ava mirrored his fears.

Cameron: Is everyone okay?

Nodding, Ava kneeled down next to Alison, taking her hand.

"We seem pretty safe up here [looking up at the others] We need to rest..."

 

[Spellbinder]

underground research facility- water fall

SHIT!

<< the last word she had before she screamed as the bubble flew up into the air and exploded JUST on the edge of the water fall cascade! she felt like she'd VOMIT from the sinking feeling in her stomach.>>

<< tumbling through the air and free falling, Morgan took FLIGHT and managed to see Delilah and take hold of her!>>

Hang on Dee!

<< she shouted over the din of the rushing water fall as she carries her friend aloft and spots Blaze catching Cameron who has Alison. But they are both soaked, still disoriented and clearly winded so neither the witch or the fire elemental is fit to stay airborn for long. thankfully they find the large bridge a few yeards beyond the water fall and land...with Morgan coughing and sputtering a bit and Blaze struggling to regulate her breathing.>>

oh...<<cough>> gawd... that was...

Is everyone okay?

<< kneeling and placing a hand on the rail beside her as she shivered a bit...>>

well enough...<< coughing>> i suppose.

Is everyone here??

<< blinking , she sees everyone is accounted for.>>

Blaze are you alright!?

Blaze: << in much the same shape as Morgan.>> yeah...water logged and all...

<< running her hand throug her now WET hair, Morgan saw Alison, barely conscious, laying on the grated floor of the bridge with her head in Cameron's lap.>>

Oh no...Alison!

<< Morgan scooted over to her and took her hand and wrist.>>

She's got a pulse...but i can tell she's exhausted, she channeled much of her magick and under such strain. I can restore her vitality with my own magick but she needs a chance to rest.

Blaze: I can help too a little....

<< demonstrating finer control over her power as a fire elemental, Blaze manipulates heat molecules around everyone, carefully but quickly drying them off, removing moisture from their clothes and comfortably heating up their surroundings, which in turn calmed their bodies internal systems.>>

Blaze: this will help us ALL feel better.

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Alison moved the bubble into the water and propelled it through the deep. In another place and time, the journey might have been quite interesting and relaxing. But surrounded in the darkness by god knows what, everyone was a little on edge.

"We're good on oxygen....as long as the bubble stays in tact.”

“Oh it’ll stay intact.” Bitch.

Neptune Sharks noticed their presence, and decided to test their defenses. Thankfully, everything held and Morgan was able to destroy them. Keeping the bubble together wasn’t that difficult for her – although, eventually, she would run out of power. An unlikely circumstance – the water had to lead somewhere.

But suddenly out of the blackness came yet another monster, enormous and deadly. It really was like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea down here. Alison was able to push them out of the creature’s grasp, but they were certainly not out of danger.

“Whew, that was clo-“

She started to speak but the bubble was suddenly thrust upwards, shaking its passengers around like dice. Delilah fell hard, and then they were all suddenly falling as the bubble went over the waterfall. The shift in gravity threw her equilibrium out of whack, giving her a feeling of intense vertigo. And just like that, her concentration was snapped in two. And they were in the water, falling for real, with nothing to cushion their fall.

Thankfully, Morgan, Blaze and Ava were able to get them all safely to a bridge. She sat, drenched, breathing heavily. Delilah’s hair clung damply to her face.

"Is everyone okay?"

Delilah just nodded, breathlessly.

“I’m…sorry…”

 

[Persephone]

"Oh it'll stay in tact, huh?"

Ava narrowed her eyes up at Delilah before turning her attention back to Alison. With Blaze's sway over heat, she could feel her clothing and hair dry quickly, as well as Alison's.

Delilah: “I’m…sorry…”

"Whatever...we're all safe. That's what counts."

Looking around the surrounding area, Ava glanced up at Morgan. With Alison resting and unable to use her powers, the only hope was to see if Morgan could scry for Haleigh and Karen.

"Morgan, can you use your scrying powers to locate Karen and Haleigh? Or atleast pinpoint the direction we're supposed to head in? [glancing back down at Alison] Alison still looks pretty weak....I don't want her to strain herself."

 

[Black Widow]

Karen left Haleigh and Nicolas in the main room as she went to the anteroom and shut herself in. Haleigh knew what was coming, and so she busied herself with checking the various underwater cameras, as well as the ones on routes to the train platform, trying to decide the best path to take from here. Nicolas seemed surprised when Karen's muffled sobs reached them, and he moved towards the offshoot hallway, but Haleigh quickly blocked his path.

Nicolas: "But she's UPSET. She needs--"

"To be ALONE right now, Nicolas. She's safe, for now. Let her have this moment to herself."

Nicolas resigned to idle tasks, exploring their new environment. Haleigh returned to checking the surveillance cameras. A short time later, Karen returns, once again composed and now wearing something a bit more suitable for their escape attempt, though she was fidgeting with the fit of the body suit. Haleigh wore an amused smile as she nodded in approval.

Karen: I've found something that I think will suit me better in the way of protection as we make our escape.

"Yes, doctor, very good."

Karen: and a medical kit…with supplies including nutritional bars, herbs and energy drinks to help restore energy. There's even provisions for the kitten.

"Excellent, I'm famished."

She admits, and sits down with a few things to eat. Karen goes through some paperwork as she prepares to reestablish containment of the aqua ring, and explains to them that a lot of water will drain back to where it belongs. Haleigh wolfs down a second nutritional bar and then opens an energy drink.

"Well, that's good, because it was beginning to look like we'd have to swim our way out of here, and I wasn't really looking forward to it."

 

[Spellbinder]

Arklay research facility- aqua ring

<< Morgan continued to kneel, holding Alisons hand as Blaze helped them all to feel better, more comfortable via her fire power.>>

everyone's here....thanks little sis.

<< Morgan winked at Blaze, silently encouraging the younger fire elemental for her growing bravery in the face of this nightmare.>>

Delilah, are you alright?

<< Morgan looked over at her best friend.>>

Oh it'll stay in tact, huh?"

Ava narrowed her eyes up at Delilah before turning her attention back to Alison. With Blaze's sway over heat, she could feel her clothing and hair dry quickly, as well as Alison's.

<< ava was referring to the bubble that had burst from the jarring peril.>>

“I’m…sorry…”

You did your best, Dee. That's all anyone could ask.

"Whatever...we're all safe. That's what counts."

Give her a break, Ava.

<< Morgan could see WELL past the words and catch the tone and look she was giving Delilah.>>

Did you SEE that....THING that almost got us? Alison and Delilah made it possible to get quite far and still be ALIVE to tell about it! They did their best...THAT also counts.

<< Morgan didnt have a problem with Ava, but she WOULD defend HER best friend just as Ava would Alison if necessary. Only Morgan wasnt taking anything away from Alison at this moment. They were all doing their best...powers didnt guarantee success in anything where this nightmare was concerned. Morgan was just thankfull that she and Blaze didnt have to suffer this ALONE, though she WOULD if only to try to find and rescue her mother.>>

<< after a few moments, Morgan helped to calm Alison's body and stabilize her energy with her own magick.>>

Morgan, can you use your scrying powers to locate Karen and Haleigh? Or atleast pinpoint the direction we're supposed to head in? [glancing back down at Alison] Alison still looks pretty weak....I don't want her to strain herself.

Yes...if we can let her rest a big longer...I cant imagine how hard that must have been for her to propell us through such deep water.

<< she stands up...and looks toward the water fall just in front of them. the mist was all around them but Blaze kept it from making them wet again.>>

<< Morgan thought for a moment, about all that they'd been through. it had only been a few hours but it felt like DAYS! she hadnt forgotten that very real FLASH of panic she felt from her mother just moments earlier.>>

I ...have empathy with my mother. A bond as mother and child that superceeds even magick. Until now when we were in that awful tunnel, I couldnt sense anything either way but now...now i feel her more than ever. We're close...she's close. she's alive and unhurt but she's been terribly beside herself. she's crumbling from inside her very soul.

<< Morgan gripped the rail.>>

If ONLY she had let Blaze and I KNOW what was going on...who was...BLACKMAILING HER! we could have DONE something!

<< the rail was beginning to BEND under the strain of Morgan's tightening grip.>>

Blaze: Morg...

<< the fire elemental placed her hand on Morgan's back, offering a gentle, slightly comforting warm touch.>>

Don't damage the bridge...we need it to support us.

You know mom...she was always about protecting us and keeping up appearences. she said at the restaurant...everything she did....she did to keep US safe. Now we know...what she was trying to protect us from...we have to help HER. We'll show her that its OKAY to let us in.

<< bowing her head.>>

if we survive this..maybe we three...can be closer again.

<< which was all Blaze wanted, was her mother FULLY back and to her her mother and sister again.>>

Morgan: << turning around and taking Blaze's hand into her own>>

<< sigh>> I know...she kept us out...and it was numbing. but she can't keep us out now...whatever she was trying to protect us from, it FOUND us. This is not what i want for you...for her...ANY of us.

Blaze: then let's...go on


<< turning to the others.>>

My mother is nearby...

<< pointing out toward the large, circular area that looked more like like a GIANT reservoir. there was nothing but the large, seemingly never ending metalic walls and structures high above....and water all around.>>

but i dont know where to go...

<< it was still rather dark where they were. they couldnt see ALL of their surroundings in this large, circular area.>>

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Delilah sat with her head in her hands. She was playing it over and over again in her mind. Calculating, analyzing...how had it gone so wrong? She went over the waterfall again and again in her mind. Morgan was talking to her, but she couldn't look at her. She had let Alison - and everyone else - down. She folded her arms on her drawn in legs, and put her head down.

She's alive and unhurt but she's been terribly beside herself. She's crumbling from inside her very soul.

Delilah couldn't imagine Karen as anything but the strong, ball-busting woman she knew her to be. What had to be happening here if Karen couldn't withstand it? Blaze was right - they had to go on.

Delilah wiped her cheek across her arms and sniffed. She put her hands on her knees and stood up.

But i dont know where to go...

It was dark in the Aqua Ring. Her own luminosity had nearly extinguished itself in matching her mood. Even with her perfect vision, she could barely make out the rippling of the water, and little else. She stuck a hand in the air, and rays of light shot from it, exploding in the air like a sort of fireworks display. But instead of dissipating, they hung sparkling in the air, casting bright light over the entire area.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh slowly drained the energy drink, taking the opportunity to lounge back and prop her feet up on the control deck. Karen was working through the procedure to reestablish containment and there was really nothing pressing to do right now. They were sealed in this underwater observation/control bay and safe for the moment. She watched neptunes swim by. The sharks didn't bother being aggressive now. If they were aware that people were inside the pod, they must know that they COULDN'T get inside.

Out of the corner of her eye, a monitor unexpectedly brightened and she nonchalantly looked over. Her heart stopped in her chest. It was a sign she'd recognize anywhere. Delilah had often done it in place of a flare to identify their postion. Haleigh sat up abruptly, pulling her feet off the console and scooting her chair in. She mentally manipulated the controls, searching for a better view of the group standing on the bridge. She bet her life that Delilah was among them, but who were all the REST? Haleigh thought one of the two men looked big enough to be Mike, but the rest appeared to be women, and Haleigh was perplexed at the composition of the motley crew. If only she could find a camera with a better vantage point… ah, there it is. It WAS Delilah and Mike, with Karen's daughters, Cameron King and his sister Alison, and…. Ava. Horror shot through her veins like ice, holding her in place. Her sister should NOT be here, facing the terrors of this place, fighting for her life. Her sister should be halfway across the world, relaxing on the beach somewhere, without a care in the world.

Haleigh remembered to breathe, and raggedly inhaled. Her face paled and for the first time, true fear was displayed on her face for all to see. What if they did not escape this place tonight? What if she had to see her sister fall? Karen was watching Haleigh now, alarmed at her reaction to seemingly nothing. Nicolas was moving closer, probably to comfort her. Haleigh took in another breath, this one deep and controlled. She stood quickly, clearing her expression of fright at once. She was still pale but she seemed to be pulling herself back together.

[breathlessly] "We've got company…. The good kind."

The handle wheel on the hatch above their heads was already spinning to open, and Haleigh shoved it out of the way roughly. It swung open with a resounding thud, and she was already up on the platform.

"AVA, DELILAH, MIKE, WE'RE OVER HERE!"

She waved her arms to call their attention. It was bright enough now that she could be plainly seen. They were across the wide open Aqua Ring, on the bridge that lead to the control bay. They had a long gauntlet ahead of them, across the open water. Haleigh remembered all to well what lay in wait for them. She was not about to allow a Neptune to charge her sister. The bridge became an enclosed, cage like corridor of steel fencing. She beckoned them to come her way quickly.

 

[Arsenal]

Mike whispered to Ava as she kept the pressure up.

Up by a factor of 1.5, now of 2...good job hon.

As they seemed to move around just fine, two of the biggest sharks he'd ever seen came up to them at eat-your-ass speed. Luckily Alison dodged them, but after that was some of the ugliest, biggest...ah screw it.

A man-octopus on steroids grabbed for them, and Alison dodged again, but they all lost control. plummeting over a waterfall as Delilah's bubble burst.

Mike was falling and then he was being held by AVA...who used a burst of wind to propel them to another platform.

Good job Ava. I could kiss you. AGAIN.

Ava was giving Delilah a hard time and Morgan, free from healing Alison and worrying about her mom was working on a threesome when Mike spoke.

Let it GO ladies. Nerves are bad, and we STILL haven't found them all, and Ali needs to rest SOMEWHERE. Wait..what was that?! Listen...

Mike heard HALEIGH..After so long, he saw her waving in the light of Delilah's emission.

"AVA, DELILAH, MIKE, WE'RE OVER HERE!"

Picking up his pace, he proceeded through the tunnel Haleigh created towards them...

 

[Prophet]

The Aqua Ring

Cameron was too preoccupied with his sister to worry much about what the others were saying and in fact became a little territorial when Morgan grabbed Alison's hand checking her pulse and vitals. It was good to know that she was okay. He wiped the hair from her face once more.
"Or we could all just shut UP for a minute. My sister is barely conscious!

We need to rest and come up with a logical plan of action..."

Morgan mention the same empathy that he shared with his sister that she shared with her mother, it would have to become the key if they wanted to find everyone and get the hell out of here. He didn't want to see his sister suffer a fate worse than the one she was already facing.

Blaze: then lets... go on.

Blaze was right as she pointed to a rather ominous huge structure. It looked dangerous but after what they had already been through, it couldn't possibly be worse. He shot a thought to Delilah who's mind was analyzing and analyzing why she thought she had failed her team. Cameron normally wasn't one to pry into another's thoughts, but Delilah's were practically shouting at him.

"Delilah, it's not your fault!"

He paused for a moment...

"Sorry, you're just... a really loud thinker!"

Delilah was able to cast some light on the situation when he heard a woman calling out for Mike, Delilah and Ava, and that's when he sensed him again. Nicholas, someone he had psychically connected with earlier at Morgan's house, the night before Raccoon City was in ruins. The woman was Haleigh. She began to craft and mold the bridge to make it safer for them to cross as Mike began all but charging for them. He picked up his sister in his arms and looked at the others.

"Well, this was the easiest thing that's happened to us all night."