Ororo's ghost story II: Apocolypse

[Seer]

underground lab

<< Morgan and Delilah quietly agreed on an emergency escape plan but Morgan INSISTED that she'd get as many out as she could with her teleporting power...whatever they were doing...where ever they were...if they had to go, they'd GO regardless of who objected.>>

<< Karen prevailed upon Nicolas to behave with rational thinking rather than emotion as Alison verified that he HAD a mother and brother. it seemed that one or BOTH of them could be alive but the fact that Alison did not agree out right go FIND them was clear to those who knew her BEST that she SAW something about that which figured into their ESCAPE plan.>>


<< Alison did not respond to Nicolas' distress. She couldnt AFFORD to and so, as Karen and Haleigh settled the young man, they gathered together...with Haleigh moving to the front, followed by Karen with her daughters flanking her and Nicolas behind her. everyone took their positions and readied themselves.>>

<< the doors open and they move out...the aqua ring is quieter, but the water fall can still be heard in the distance. a few stray leeches slither about but are easily dispatched.>>

<< a quick descent to the ground floor...and on Alison's urging, they begin to move quickly, fending off zombies and some stray aquatic creatures that survived the recontainment. Delilah lights the way as they find themselves moving across the aqua ring. a double door is sealed before them but with karen's access, they soon open it and are IMMEDIATELY confronted by several zombies that are on FIRE but hardly stopped. Blaze uses her own power to deal with them definatively and now into a more industrial/warehouse area.>>

<< this area was more like Freddy's BOILER ROOM than anything else. there were small fires throughout, and obvious stress to the massive pipe structure. alot of heat and energy that was used to power the mansion was pumped through here.>>

<< they ran quickly, picking off zombies and devil dogs that came after them. Karen advised Haleigh that the MASTER control room that controlled all other systems of the mansion and lab was where she needed to go to get them ready to initiate the auto destruct sequence and prep that platform to lift them up to the roof where the helipad was and so they ran...reaching the master control room, a large enclosed room with camera views into nearly EVERY area above/below...inside/outside. an impressive control console and computer back up systems. there was blood spaters on the wall, and scorch marks on the floor.>>

<< but worse... as they all entered and gained their bearings...they were greeted by a SURPRISE.>>

 

[Malice]

surprise!

:: standing there in her "White Queen" garb, looking knowingly upon the harried new arrives, Diana licks her metallic glossed lips::

Karen: Diana! You're still HERE!? But i thought...

Malice: Now Dr. Victoria....KAREN, you know I couldnt leave while in the midst of gathering raw field data for OUR test subject.

:: the others didnt know who she was. Haleigh had heard RUMOURS about a "woman in white" appearing in people's homes or seen in the Arklay forest. the reports were dismissed as hallucinations, possibly drug induced. but now, seeing this glamorous woman in her ensemble, Haleigh began to wonder now. still the woman had an icy presence. she was obviously very confident and probably a "super".::

Malice: You've done an EXCELLENT job of keeping our test subject [Nicolas] in the field. The data we have on him is astounding.

:: she was standing infront of the wall of monitors that had views all over the mansion, she had seen EVERYTHING that was going on all this time and done NOTHING to help them.:

I also have the last vials of the T & G Virus. Together with our test subject we can secure ourselves a life of unimaginable wealth and power...this bio organic weapon will be worth INFINITELY more on the international black market than any bio tech company in America could afford to pay. After all...the HELLFIRE CLUB was the one BACKING Mystech this entire time!

Did you REALLY think that I LIKED that decrepit old fool Spencer? It was child's play to pick from his mind what he wanted and needed to succeed and then telepathically COMPELL the right people who would best serve his goal. Sharon Kelly's husband, Robert included!

However...the rest of these...."guests" are inconsequential and of a high security risk.

:: sighing casually as she looked among them and showed no signs of being impressed.::

We'll have to get rid of them. Oh...but not your daughters. Don't worry, I'm a woman of my word.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

boiler room

<< Karen was STUNNED to see Diana, who had orchestrated the murder of EVERYONE in the mansion above. She thought the woman and her accomplice, Helena had long escaped, but apparently NOT! The doctor's mind RACED. She KNEW this woman was deadly and anyone here without mental protection was in physical mortal danger. She also knew Diana would leave NO survivors. She was all that stood in their way...>>

Diana, you're INSANE.

We've had this conversation time and again. I have no interest in this...monstrous plan of yours. I've lost nearly ALL of my family because of Mystech.

<< stepping forward from the group.>>

Truth be told, despite the SHOCK of what has happened here tonight...I'M GLAD that if nothing else..i'll be FREE. You abandonned me...and that's FINE. whether I live or die...ill be FREE.

Your pathetic attempt to cause disruption is as transparent as glass, Diana. I did not bring Nicolas here for YOU NOR do we have any agreement. THat would be for the men foolish enough to fall for your charms and twisted machinations!

Take the virus and LEAVE if you must...but Nicolas ISN'T coming with you!

Diana: :: shaking her head with disapproval:: oh well, it's a pity. You really DID deserve much better and with your power, you would have made an EXCELLENT addition to the Sisterhood, but maternal instincts cloud your judgement time again. That is what seperates us. You had the potential to be a PREDATOR among these stupid men who thought THEY called the shots, but instead you are not destined to fall PREY as they have!

 

[Malice]

the boiler room

:: Diana casually walks over to the control console::

Oh i WILL take the virus, AND...

:: Pressing a button::

I've initiated the auto destruct sequence..this mansion, this entire area will be obliterated to remove ALL traces of anything that happened and you, my dear, and your band of children will be destroyed right along with it.

Haleigh: That's what YOU think...

:: Diana does not show any reaction as a silver armoured hand PUNCHES Haleigh across the jaw with such force that the woman is sent FLYING through the plat glass window and back out into the boiler room.::

Oh that reminds me...

:: a hooded, cloaked figure, feminine in form steps forward.::

I have someone here that you should meet. She's been quite thorough in dispatching these annoying creatures that marcus had created around here.

:: the hooded figure lowers her hood to reveal her face. Sharon Kelly! with silver eyes now and silver streaks in her blonde hair that is now pulled back into a ponytail. the woman looks to be in perfect form, wearing body conturing silver armour. But her blank stare clearly indicates she's not who she used to be.::

I BELIEVE THIS is who you were whining about Nicolas? Sharon Kelly! your dear sweet Mother....oh wait...SHE'S not your REAL mother IS she? You were just...another throw away, destined to be Marcus' pet project. It's such a shame the good doctor here...didnt ABANDON you like everyone ELSE has in your life...because once again, YOU will be the reason another "mother" you care about DIES.

oh and as for the rest of you?

:: a white halo forms around Ava, Delilah, Blaze, Arsenal and Cameron's heads::

I think it best that you sit this one out!

:: she attacks with a PSYCHO BLAST to stagger them painfully.::

Sharon! Kill them! ALL of them!

:: Malice gestures and then Sharon takes off, charging forward and barreling into the group.::

 

[Silver Swan]

attack

[ she hears their heart beats...their breathing to its core. she knows where they are...and every move they attempt to make as their bodies shift. they are her PREY.]

[ first she sends Haleigh smashing through a window with a punch that would KILL a normal person. Now she stands, facing her adoptive son but showing no reaction]

Sharon! Kill them! ALL of them!

[ first thing first, she BACKHANDS Karen before the doctor can react, sending the woman crashing to the floor. she then rushes forward and punches Ava in the face before grabbing herby her hair, SWINGING her around and hurling her into Cameron, Blaze and Morgan.]

[ she's fast...faster than ANYONE in the room and while Alison will have a MUCH needed advantage of precognition, this woman attacking them is by far the most dangerous "creature" they've encountered yet.]

[ nothing else matters. KILL THEM ALL!]

[ in a cruel , brutal move, Sharon grabs Mike by the neck, defying his concept of strength as she begins crushing his wind pipe before she slams him INTO Delilah. Her strength is ONLY 2nd to to Nicolas and while HE is young and inexperienced, SHE has been PROGRAMMED TO KILL.]

[ she next confronts Alison.]

 

[Harbinger]

the boiler room

:: Alison remains silent as the exchange occurs. Diana is a formidable presence, her confidence is matched by her power and cunning and her RUTHLESS abandon.::

:: As this woman attacked everyone with BRUTAL speed, strength and technique, she was upon Alison almost IMMEDIATELY!::

Sharon Kelly!

:: Alison gasps as she back pedals and DODGES a fist! Alison's precognition and her OWN power over time comes to aid her as she evades Sharon's EVERY attack (though by a narrow margin) with style and grace of her own. and as Sharon continues to close in on Alison, the precog uses her magick to DEFLECT some of the more direct attacks, manifesting black sparkling trails of magick that are actually TK shields.::

Dangerous to underestimate your target, woman!

:: Alison says in defiance as she DUCKS another potenetially fatal pass from the silver armoured woman!::

 

[Malice]

the boiler room

:: Diana smirks. She already KNEW what these people could do. Either from her psi powers or from watching them as they moved throughout the complex. MOST of them were untrained and inexperienced and so, Sharon taking them down HARD and fast was just as she expected. Alison was a wild card but she apparently had her limits.::

:: Diana places her index & middle finger to her forehead in a salute position as energy sounds off and flares and a psi javeline forms in her hand.::

:: with perfect form, Diana hurls the javeline at Alison. the thunderous roar is heard as the javeline SLAMS into Alison and her scream is heard all over.::

AND, it's even MORE dangerous to turn your BACK on your enemy!

:: Alison falls to the ground, motionless. and Diana stands, poised and pleased with herself.::


NOW then, Sharon!

:: pointing to Nicolas::

HE IS TOO DANGEROUS TO LIVE! DESTROY HIM!

:: the auto destruct sequence was activated and it was 30 minutes until total detonation!::

And may your "family reunion" be ALL you hoped for, stripling.

:: she says to Nicolas before blowing a kiss to the fallen group and taking her leave through another exit from the control room, leaving Sharon to face her son.::

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

They ran. It seemed as if the passages were endless, but somehow they were making their way to the surface…out. But first, the master control room. As they all took shelter inside, Delilah saw the blood, the scorch marks. How many had died here? Those thoughts were cut short, however: they weren’t alone.

A woman in white stood before the control panels and monitors. She turned as they entered, and now addressed Karen. They obviously knew each other, had worked together. But her tone of voice, her mannerisms, all sent alarm bells ringing in Delilah’s ears. It was clear from the start that she was not one of the good guys.

She had the viruses – the ones that had created this whole mess clearly – and she wanted Nicolas. Delilah glanced at the young man. She didn’t know him from Adam, but surely he was innocent in all of this. Regardless, and despite what Karen was saying, they could not let this woman take the virus out of this place, to wreak havoc on other innocent people in another innocent town.

By the time the woman in white – “Diana” – came right out and said she wanted them dead, Delilah had already gone through several exit strategies in her mind. Haleigh stepped up to the plate, only to be thrown across the room by a beautiful woman in silver armor. As Delilah began to rush Diana and the newcomer, a crushing and intense pain filled her head. She crumbled, her mind on fire.

She heard, as if from somewhere far away, Diana give the order for “Sharon” to kill them. This was Nicolas’ lost long mother…apparently she had fared much worse than he in their time in this horrible place. Delilah fought through the pain and recovered enough from Diana’s blast to stand…only to feel Mike’s considerable weight crashing into her. She fell backwards, her head bouncing off the cold hard floor.

Shaking away the cobwebs, she rolled Mike off of her just in time to hear Alison’s scream as the javelin hit its mark.

“Alison!”

She threw out her arm, sending a photon blast in the direction the javelin had come from, but the woman in white was gone. It punched a hole in the wall but found no mark. She had left them alone with Sharon Kelly, who was now barreling down on her own son…

 

[Persephone]

It seemed Ava wasn't the only one who was against Delilah's idea for Morgan to teleport everyone but herself, Haleigh, and Mike away. Both Cameron and Alison negated the idea and backed Ava's desire to stay and work as a team. However she could tell that Delilah was fuming, and even overheard her tell Morgan to take herself, Karen, and Blaze out of the mansion if things started to get bad. Rolling her eyes, so much for the honorable police officer.

Following the others through the Aqua Ring and to the ground floor, Ava continued to pick off zombies and zombified dogs as they quickly made their way through the mansion. It was definitely easier having three extra people with abilities helping fight off zombies. Continuing through the boiler room until finally reaching the main control room, Ava had hoped this would be a bit of a safe haven; to rest, regroup, and solidify where the best exit was located. However, as they entered the control room they were greeted by a woman in white who most definitely had a chip on her shoulder

Leaning over to Haleigh.

"Is she a zombie? I can't tell..."

Cracking a smile, it was obviously no time for joking, but Ava couldn't help but take a jab at the woman whom was soon revealed as their enemy. And an extremely powerful enemy at that. As Haleigh tried to stop Diana from enabling the auto destruct sequence, she sent her sister flying through a plate glass window into one of the sub-rooms off the control room.

"HALEIGH!"

Running toward the broken window, Ava prepared to jump through the frame to aid her sister, but suddenly she stopped. An intense pain filled her head causing her to stumbling to her knees and grab her head in agony.

"AAHHH!!"

With her eyes shut tightly and her ears ringing from the pain of Diana's attack, Ava didn't even see or hear Silver Swan appear. Feeling the impact of Sharon's fist against her face, Ava's head whipped to the side with enough force to send the rest of her body to the ground. Sharon then picked Ava up by her hair and swung her into Cameron, Blaze and Morgan. As her body hit them, she tumbled to the ground in a heap, motionless.

 

[Prophet]

Cameron followed the others through the Aqua Ring and to the ground floor and their battles seemed more unified, picking off zombies and hellhounds until they made their way through the boiler room and into the main control room. The telepath was relieved and believed that they would have a chance to rest and regain their strength, until he was the woman in white.

"Oh my god..."

He could literally feel the amount of psionic energy emanating from her. It was like nothing he had ever experienced and higher than the levels Cameron normally emitted himself, though merely just being in her presence made him feel incredibly more powerful. So she was a telepath, among other things, but most of all she appeared to be ICE COLD.
Cameron watched as Karen and this Diana exchanged rather biting words at each other. Then the hooded figured revealed herself to be none other than Sharon Kelly someone who's husband used to frequent Raccoon City ever now and again.

Haleigh stood up and she was down for the count almost nearly as quick as she stood. Diana turned her attention to Ava, Delilah and Cameron.

Diana: I think it's best that you sit this one out!

He could feel the energy swirl around his head and he knew what was coming. Bracing himself for an instant, he called up all of his mental defenses, attempting to absorb much of the psionic energy as he could, allowing him to gain his stance back a little better than his two other friends. He wiped his nose which was fresh with blood as he saw Sharon Kelly brutally and quickly attack his sister who appeared to be holding her own. Or so he thought, before he could discern what was going on he heard the cries of his sister as the psi javelin slams into her. She falls to the ground.

"ALISON!!!!"

Cameron was on his sister within an instant as Sharon made her attack on Ava. He fell hard to the ground as he crawled over to Alison. He knew she wasn't sustaining much physical damage but he also knew that with her psi screen he wouldn't be able to try and repair the damage Diana had just done. He felt completely helpless. He was such an idiot. He should have listened to Delilah. He should have tried to get his sister out of there. She wasn't in her best form. He had never seen her fail before. He had never seen his sister...defeated.

"I should have listened. I.. I don't know what to do..."

He wanted to completely break down but there was no time. He knew what he was capable of as a telepath and that Diana seemed much more refined and aggressive, he could only hope her shot wasn't meant to kill. That would mean that Alison was dead. That was something, Cameron would NOT accept.

 

[Black Widow]

Ava: "Me? You're the one who's been trapped down here for weeks! I'm just so happy you're alive and well."

[with a smug smile and a wink] "Alive and well is my middle name, Ava, you know that."

Karen went to pull the command lever, and seemed satisfied that it would be safe to go alone. Haleigh was going to say that someone should go with her, but no sooner had she opened her mouth than Karen's scream could be heard. Karen's daughters reacted quickly and instinctively and several of the group followed to make sure everything was under control. Morgan sends the zombie flying and Blaze vaporizes it with a fire blast, leaving an ominous scorch mark. A small smile tugged at the corners of Haleigh's lips.

Well, at least they aren't TOTALLY helpless.

They weren't trained… but their instincts and fire power would keep them alive. They would not be a hindrance, at the very least. Haleigh checked to make sure nothing was looming over Ava while Karen restored containment. Delilah pulled Morgan aside to have a presumably private conversation, but the quarters were small and everyone could hear. Delilah was always the noblest of them all. Haleigh didn't quite agree. First of all… she didn't want Ava to leave her sight. Now that she was here already…. Haleigh wanted to keep her as close as possible, where she could protect her. If Ava escaped with Morgan, Haleigh couldn't be sure she was SAFE, even if they got out of the mansion AND the city. She just wouldn't know, and that would be agony. Secondly… if Ava was going to stay, Haleigh wanted all the help available to escape the mansion alive. Karen could heal, Morgan was strong, Blaze had firepower, and Alison had foresight. Haleigh didn't want to watch them LEAVE, knowing the abilities they would take with them, because that would leave her and whoever stayed with less resources to draw on. She could argue that it wasn't strategic for EITHER group if they split up and that she'd promised to make SURE Karen and her daughters safe, but deep down, she knew she was possibly condemning the rest so that she, her sister and her team had a better chance of survival, and that her inclinations were unforgivably selfish, and so, she stayed reticent while Ava and Cameron argued with Delilah.

Alison came over and explained that Haleigh shouldn't me mad at Ava, that she had validated Ava's concerns and then caught her up on how the group ended up here. Haleigh gave her a smile, glad to have an excuse not to weigh in on Delilah's proposal, and nodded to Alison.

"Well, I really do appreciate you coming with her, Alison. You're a very good friend."

Ava returned to Haleigh's side, having won the debate but still looking irritated. Haleigh patted the back of her sister's shoulder gently, making sure her smile was one of understanding and not of triumph.

"Don't be frustrated with Delilah, she always means well."

Delilah is the standard I hold myself too, but can never meet. She thought, as Alison asked Nicolas about his mother and brother. Haleigh wondered why she brought this up, why the family tree discussion couldn't be had in a less volatile environment, like, say, someone's parlor. Nicolas reacts with the anticipation of his own family reunion and Alison, Karen both jump to stop him. Haleigh tries to persuade him mentally, coaxing him to realize that if the SEER was being ominous and didn't think it was the right time to go look for his family, then she was probably right.

It was time to go again. Haleigh took her place at the tip of the spear, ready and willing to get the hell out of here. Again, she monitored the mansion's surveillance camera where they were operable and chose the path of least resistance. Karen advised her that they need to get to the master control room and set the auto destruct sequence, and then go to the helipad and Haleigh nodded. They ran quickly, easily dispatching the little opposition that stood between them and their escape. The master control room was soon reached. Nothing in here was new to Haleigh, as she had been watching these very camera feeds all along. The monitors here only showed her what she'd already seen. But there was ONE surprise; A woman in white. Haleigh had heard of a woman in white before, she allegedly 'haunted' Arklay forest, but she was little more than a phantom tale, or so everyone thought.

Ava: "Is she a zombie? I can't tell…"

[smirking in response] "No, she's a different kind of myth…. Like Bigfoot, only uglier."

Karen and the woman faced off, and 'Diana' revealed herself to be a frigid bitch of the craziest kind. Abominably rude, as well, but that was the least problematic of her faults.

Diana: "oh I WILL take the virus, AND…. [presses a button] I've initiated the auto destruct sequence. This mansion, this entire area will be obliterated to remove ALL traces of anything that happened and you, my dear, and your band of children will be destroyed right along with it."

[stepping forward] "That's what YOU think--"

WHOMP!

Haleigh regains consciousness after a few seconds, finding herself flat on her back, staring up at the boiler room ceiling. Confusion sets in as she reaches up to massage her aching jaw. Something hit her, and hard. She knows her jaw is not broken, as her bones are plated with titanium and capable of withstanding MUCH more abuse than the average human. There is a broken window several feet away and Haleigh, laying amongst a pool of broken glass, realizes SHE must have crashed through the window, and THAT is how she wound up back in the boiler room. She puts it all together very quickly, but too much time has already been lost. There are screams and shouting coming from the control room. Haleigh rolls onto her hands and knees and then pulls herself to her feet, taking a deep breath before pulling open the door to the control room. There is a woman who is brutalizing the group with a speed that is unstoppable. It takes less than a second for Haleigh to account for Alison, Ava, Karen, Delilah and Mike on the ground, Sharon, who's back was to Haleigh, turned on Nicolas next. Cameron scrambled to his sister's side. In the next instant Haleigh turned her focus on Sharon and adamantium chains wrapped around the woman like a boa constrictor, binding her tightly with her arms at her sides and then pulling her quickly back and holding her firmly against the wall. Nicolas, Morgan, and Cameron were the only ones as yet unharmed. Delilah was pulling her self back together.

"Nicolas, confuse her mind, try to subdue her instinct to fight! Delilah, stun her; blind her! Morgan, can you heal like your mother? THEN START! Karen first, then she can help you with Ava, Mike and Delilah. WORK FAST--"

Cameron: "I should have listened. I.. I don't know what to do.."

[grabbing him by the collar and lifting him to his feet] "If you can't help HER, then help the others recover, undo the damage you CAN, then everyone ELSE will be able to help HER."

The group did not lack the ability to recover, they just lacked the discipline and frame of mind of a battle-hardened warrior. Haleigh HAD this, and directed everyone to tasks that would produce the fastest, most efficient results. Diana had escaped but she was low on the priority list; first, everyone HERE had to be revived. Haleigh would not pursue an enemy at the expense of her allies. Maybe Diana would fall into a shark tank on her way out, or maybe she'd escape…. There would be time to catch up with her later, after they escaped the mansion and the city and everyone was okay.

 

[Spellbinder]

the boiler room

<< as Morgan and Blaze flanked Karen, they ran with the group. This horrid place, there was no telling what would come from one moment to the next. thankfully all they encountered were more zombies and devil dogs. some of the zombies seemed to chase after them, Morgan used her magick to dispose of them.>>

<< and soon they all came charging into the ultimate control room of the underground facility, the heart that kept all the machines EXCEPT the aqua ring flowing. >>

who is THAT?

<< they all were surprised that another human was present...and ALIVE. she wore all white and looked very regal, stylish. She was probably close to Karen's age and like Karen, the woman did NOT look her age. The woman quickly revealed she was no friend. She was connected to this place, mystech and karen.>>

<< as Karen and Diana exchanged harsh words, Morgan and Blaze looked on with extreme concern. Diana revealed that she had the virus samples, the very thing that was in the REGENERATE cream and that she was going to take them. she wanted Nicolas but it was clear Karen wouldnt let him be taken. Morgan couldnt help but feel sorry for the young man. he seemed nice and willing to help and yet...the more she learned about him, the more she realized how tragic and painfull his past was.>>

<< As Haleigh stepped forward to check Diana ANOTHER figure appeared, punching Haleigh through a window!>>

WHOA!

<< Morgan exclaimed!>>

Blaze: what just happened!?

<< a tall woman appeared, statuesque and with a hood and cloak on. Diana revealed that this woman was in fact NICOLAS' mother as the woman removed her hood to reveal her beautifull face, but her silver eyes showed that her SOUL was empty. She was there ...and yet she was NOT. She didnt say a word either as she looked upon them all like a bird of prey.>>

<< Diana escaped as this woman ATTACKED, first hitting Karen!>>

HEY!

<< Morgan and Blaze came forward but Sharon then had attacked Ava and THREW her into them..>>

She's too FAST...<< OOF!>>>

<< Morgan, Blaze, along with Cameron were bashed by Ava and sent crashing down to the ground...it HURT! Morgan hit her head and was quite stunned for more than a few moments...>>

ohh....

<< she couldnt help but lay there as Ava lay ACROSS her and Blaze's head was on her shoulder.>>

my....


<< the woman then took down Mike & Delilah, but was having trouble with Alison before Diana struck HER down. On Diana's order, Sharon began going after Nicolas himself. She was brutal, methodic and still said NO words. Haleigh reappeared...rallying the "team" as she temporarily checked Sharon!>>

Morgan, can you heal like your mother?

....I...

<< finally able to THINK clearly as well as hear/comprehend.>>

yes! i'm a witch too.

-THEN START! Karen first, then she can help you with Ava, Mike and Delilah. WORK FAST--"

<< Blaze was already recovering, due to her own healing factor and helped Morgan and Ava up, moving Ava to a nearby wall. Morgan & Blazequickly scrambled over to their mother who was laying on her side while Haleigh did her best to keep Sharon in check. >

Mom....MOM!!!!

<< She turned her mother over. Karen's face was bloody, her cheek badly cut from not only being hit but apparently SLICED by this woman.>>

oh no! she's out cold!

Blaze: it's okay. you can heal her...

<< Blaze rested Karen's head in her lap while Morgan knelt over her, quickly gesturing and igniting a spell of healing and restoration and holding her mother's hand as the spell played out.>>

Karen: ugggnnnn....

<< Karen's eyes fluttered open and she frowned up with slight disorientation.>>

Morgan: Mom!!! its okay...I've healed you. we're being attacked...by a creature...well...a WOMAN who is unbelievably fast and strong...she even took down all of us...even the precog, Alison! If what Diana said is true, she's trying to KILL her own son!

Blaze: Morg, we've got to help Ava and the others first. Ava's badly hurt and Alison...she's not moving at all!

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the boiler room

<< Karen breathes deeply and Blaze's helps her sit up as Morgan checks her over. the spell worked, Karen is fine.>>

Many thanks, my daughters. But Blaze is right...we MUST see to the others! Haleigh will not be able to keep this woman contained for LONG! Sharon was ANOTHER ELITE bio organic weapons test subject. She was to be used for the PERSONAL missions of the inner circle of the hellfire club, such as political assassinations.

<< looking over to see that Haleigh had just saved Nicolas from being savagely attacked by his own mother, Karen KNEW that this would be shocking and traumatic for Nicolas to deal with.>>

we have to hurry...there's much work to do.

Morgan, you see to Delilah and Mike. I will help Ava and then we will BOTH see to Alison. Blaze, watch our backs...keep the area around us safe from any OTHER surprises we dont know about here.

<< and so, the mother and her daughters work quickly, with Karen using her skills as a doctor and instincts as a mother to keep her focused on the IMMEDIATE tasks of healing before addressing the looming problem of Sharon.>>

<< Ava was badly hurt but Karen had it within her power to heal her, laying the woman flat down, she lifted her hands and ignited a powerfull, intricate spell. golden, sparkling ribbons of magick flowed from halos around her hands and reached Ava, twisting around her before touching her body and causing her to glow as all internal damage as well as surface wounds and the concussion were healed. Karen then lifted Ava's head up and opened her airway, prepping her for consciousness again.>>

<< Morgan , using her own super strength, moved Mike off of Delilah and sat him upright.>>

Morgan: Dee...you hit your head!...lay still...

<< Morgan cast her own spell. her magick's signature was "darker" than Karen's but she was able to stabilize and heal, repairing all wounds and damage. to both Mike and Delilah.>>

Stay here...Blaze will keep you safe. Mom and I have to help ALISON!


<< Cameron, who was deeply distressed, kept by his sister, after Haleigh grabbed him for him to get ahold of himself. >>

Karen: Diana is an omega level telepath. The strongest that has been charted in this or most OTHER areas on this side of the country. She's also empathic, capable of possession and has a transiamorphic "diamond form". she is the "WHITE QUEEN" in Hellfire Club, the secret, elite society that financially BACKS Mystech! She has been manipulating things from the very beginning.

Cameron: Alison was defending herself against that other woman before She hit my sister with an energy javeline!!! can you HELP her!?

<< Karen was kneeling over Alison at her head, while Morgan was at Alison's feet.>>

Karen: Her PSI SCREEN is what saved her from death. her mind is intact but she STILL suffered the concussive impact of being hit by something like a TRUCK. Diana's "psi javelines" have psychic as well as PHYSICAL impact and can irradiate her target with psi lightning....causing cardiac arrest...among other things

<< Alison had been battered and her heart was BARELY beating. >>

I need something thourough that will reach her on a uniform level across the board...

Morgan...the spell of healing light , the one that I taught you in grammie's garden...

Morgan: yes mother...i'm ready

<< and so, with their hands out stretched at either side, Karen and Morgan ignite the spell, one saying one part, the other the final part. their magicks combine and sound off as a pentagram forms around Alison and heals her, restoring her body, its vital functions and stablilizing her. it seemed to take FOREVER for Cameron as he watched but in reality it was only a few moments before Alison was stable and healed.>>

Cameron, your sister is restored.

<< and Alison was already awakening as they spoke. Karen motioned for Cameron to come over to her and attend her.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

bird of prey

[ Sharon looked upon Nicolas. She exhibited NO recollection of the young man at ALL. She just looked at him, like a cold, heartless predator and soon, she rushed him, grabbing his shoulders and bringing his head down while her armoured KNEE came up, slamming into his face as she then BACKflipped, KICKING HIM in the head and sending him FLYING up. She then FLEW up to meet him, and unleashed a barrage of well placed, NON pulled punches!]

[ for Nicolas, it was BEYOND a nightmare...it was some IMPOSSIBLE THING that was happening. His MOTHER, ALIVE..and yet, unrecognizable to him in the ways that mattered. Not one word...not one SOUND was heard from her. she looked different, silver eyes, silver streaked blonde hair, the armour...and she had POWER, she was some how "a super" like HE was. ]

[ as Nicolas fell to the ground, Sharon was closing in, ready to attack AGAIN, when suddenly the woman was TRAPPED and tethered by adamantium chains and FORCED down to the ground. She was IMMEDIATELY on her feet, but for the moment the chains HELD and she was pulled BACK to the wall. Haleigh had her work cut out for her and she was DEFINATELY a seasoned soldier in the field, rallying her troops so that THEY could join the effort to stop this woman.]

[ Sharon STILL showed no facial reaction.. instead she immediately began to strain the adamantium chains to their limit. The woman was stronger than EVERYONE in the room able to lift/press 75 tons , 2nd to Nicolas only. Like Haleigh AND Nicolas, only to a greater extent than Haleigh, the woman was well nigh INVULNERABLE to most known forms of damage now, but she was faced with a group of PEERS now, rather than political figures or military figures and so while savage and powerfull, she would not find THESE as easy to destroy...at least not yet.]

[ Haleigh gave out orders, a good immediate strategy but as she passed by to reach Cameron, Sharon FINALLY BUST loose...tearing out MUCH of the wall behind her as she came CHARGING forward after NICOLAS, but now with the others free...and BETTER prepared...]

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the boiler room

<< Karen's face says it all as she sees Sharon attacking Nicolas. She's HORRIFIED!>>

SHARON! STOP! That's your SON!

<< Karen yelled with emotion, feeling her OWN maternal instinct toward Nicolas. Haleigh checked Sharon for enough precious needed time and Karen KNEW that TALKING to Sharon was useless.>>

...shards!

<< she looked frantic for a moment as she struggled to remember what she KNEW...she shouted to Haleigh as Delilah does her best to stagger the woman with a powerfull strobe effect. >>

the SILVER SWAN Project! That's what it was. But I had no idea that SHARON KELLY was the test subject! I was told that She and Kyle Kelly were LOST in the Ecliptic Express accident when Nicolas was first brought here. << yet another instance where Karen, a high ranking doctor in Mystech's Arklay research facility was often kept out of the loop deliberately>> That was Marcus' personal project at the behest of Lord Spencer and Diana. She's NOT infected with the virus. It's something all together different. There's NO time to explain it..

<< she spoke with urgency.>>

BUT i think...I have an idea on how to STOP HER ...and SAVE her!

<< look at her chest...the bodice! about her cleavage area!>>

<< she points to the large DIAMOND that adornes her bodice just at her cleavage area.>>

we have to get that OFF of her...and DESTROY it. It's the ONLY way!

<< but this was easier said than done. she would recover soon, and attack AGAIN.>>

I'll hold her as long as I can with my magick, a binding spell!

<< Knowing that Nicolas NEEDED to have a hand in SAVING his mother as well as his own sanity...>>

Nicolas itll be up to YOU then. You'll have to get right up to her and RIP the diamond away from her. Its embedded into her armour and her BODY but you must not worry...just tear it away! Haleigh, go with him please. This will not be easy for him and I don't want him to falter. Morgan, be ready to use your HEALING magick on my word!

 

[Delilah Trelaven]

Sharon was briefly restrained by Haleigh’s adamantium chains, but it wasn’t enough. The woman was focused on killing Nicolas – blinded to anything else. Upright again and with her head wound magically healed, Delilah would not be taken by surprise again. Her eyes narrowed as she saw the monster heading for her own son.

“Nap time, bitch!”

Delilah splayed her fingers and flashes started going off around Sharon’s head. The strobe pattern would render most people unconscious within seconds. Unfortunately, Sharon Kelly was not human, and it only slowed her.

Delilah was about to go for the kill, when Karen unveiled her plan to save Sharon. She wasn’t convinced that this was a person they should be trying to save, and was even more skeptical that they should be risking their own lives to do it. But there was no time to argue about it.

Delilah swept her arms up and outward, and a blast of light erupted in the room. Sharon was now confronted with what appeared to be a ring of larger-than-life sized predatory animals closing in on her.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas was barred by Alison from moving, and was not happy about it at ALL.

Do NOT bar me!!

Nicolas tore the door away when he heard a voice in his head as small hands touched his shoulder. Karen AND Haleigh had both stepped forward to soothe him, keep him from acting too rashly.

He paused and then relented, allowing the the women he trusted to vouch for Alison. But at this point, he was QUITE focused. As they moved through the complex, many beasts that went unseen by the group did so because he dealt with them. HARSHLY. All he wanted to do was to get to what was possibly left of the only family he'd known.

They went around the corner, and nioclas nearly buckled at the psychic power he detected there. There a very pretty older lady stood, but she was no friend to them. She spoke of Nicolas like everyone else did in this place except Karen: like an experiment to be prodded and poked, then discarded like the Neptunes earlier.

But he had no time to react even to that. a hooded figure stepped forward, and was revealed to be SHARON!!

Nicolas gasped, his mind finding no recognition of him in hers. Tears flowed as he was at once hurt...then a spark of something else emerged...HATRED.

Hatred that malice had done this to her, and set her against them all. Nicolas tried to tear away the exit to keep pace with Malice, but Sharon struck at them all, taking most of them down in seconds and demanding Nicolas' undivided attention. Nicolas couldn't fathom hurting her...but was it even her anymore? Would he have to kill her to save the others??

Sharon grabbed him, slamming her knee into his face then tossing him aside with bad intentions. It would have likely killed anyone else there except Haleigh and Nicolas himself. For him, it hurt so much that it set his resolve. he would rather mourn her than see her like this...as someone who longer knew him at all. It would be a release. He only hoped he had the courage to strike if the time came.

As he thought, Haleigh shook him, giving orders.

Strike at her mind? Got it!!

Nicolas managed a rudimentary force bolt to her mind, giving her a mental shock as Haleigh tried to keep her held with massive chains. Karen then revealed what she knew of the project and what could be done...

I'll hold her as long as I can with my magick, a binding spell!

<< Knowing that Nicolas NEEDED to have a hand in SAVING his mother as well as his own sanity...>>

Nicolas itll be up to YOU then. You'll have to get right up to her and RIP the diamond away from her. Its embedded into her armour and her BODY but you must not worry...just tear it away! Haleigh, go with him please. This will not be easy for him and I don't want him to falter. Morgan, be ready to use your HEALING magick on my word!

Nicolas nodded..stepping forward. he grasped her armor and pulled. It was very strong but no match for his strength, and it began to give way.

The she did IT. She screamed...a piercing wail that seemed to tear away at everything, even Nicolas' mind. But the young mutant would not be swayed as he shielded the others with his body and kept PULLING.

His face and chest began to peel...bleed as the onslaught continued, but he finished the armor and saw the shard in her chest...embedded. His mind roared, his feelings reaching out to Haleigh as he continued.

AARRGH! Save YOURSELVES!! Take the others and go. It is too late for us...never forget me.

Nicolas PUSHED her back and away from the pair as he renewed his efforts. He TORE at the shard as his ears began to bleed as well, and just as he fell backwards, his body nearly unrecognizable on the front, his hand closed around the shard, pulling it away from Sharon as he landed, very still, her scream finally subsiding as she too fell.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the boiler room

<< Delilah slowed Sharon down, hitting her with a strobe. Sharon was staggered but soon she rose again, and was ready to charge and then Delilah confronted the woman with giant solid light holograms and sounds! the woman paused...not quite sure what to make of what was before her, it seemed that Delilah's attack on Sharon's senses was working and soon, Karen lifted her hands and bound the woman in mystic chains!>>

Hurry Nicolas! Before it's TOO LATE!

<< Nicolas, inexperienced as he was...and now being forced to deal with THIS, bravely approached his mother and began to pull on her armour. She couldnt get to him physically so she called upon her most powerfull weapon, her sonic scream! Indeed, the scream was PAINFULL and caused glass and other pipes surrounding the area to shatter and explode.>>

<< Karen winced. She was BEHIND Sharon so the brunt of the attack was on Nicolas, but this was AWFULL. Karen felt her nose began to bleed. Haleigh was on the other side as well, behind Nicolas. >>

<< Nicolas was unsuccessfull on his first try, but the 2nd earnest try yieled the result as he tore the diamond away from her form. Sharon gasped as her scream finally fluxuated before subsiding...>>

<< Karen nearly faint with a headache...called for Morgan.>>

Quickly....before she...

<< Karen collapses into Blaze's waiting arms...dizzy and faint from the scream....>>

oh...my heavens....

<< she said as she struggled to regain her sense and balance.>>

Blaze: mom...take it easy...

<< Blaze said...her own voice a bit muted at the moment.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

silence

[ As vicious as her attacks had been on Nicolas, he was not down. It didnt matter. She'd keep coming until he was dead.]

[ first she was met with a wall of painfull strobe light. It STUNNED her and she fell to her knees. minutes later she arose again and was ready to attack but then she found herself confronted by large creatures and strange sounds. she paused, not quite sure what to make of them. There were no heart beats, so what did it mean? ]

[ she was suitably confused for the moment before finding herself bound again this time by mystic chains. She struggled valiantly and as Nicolas came forward she still showed no facial reaction to him. If she had been FREE she would have been instantly upon him ready to KILL but she could not move again. He began to pull at her armour and she unleashes her sonic scream, the ultimate expression of her given powers.]

[ a sonic attack with concussive effects, the floor, windows and pipes are jarred or in some cases shatter. Nicolas is caught in the rippling air as the sonic attack hits him dead on but he doesnt waver. ]

[ he's unsuccessfull in his attempt to tear away the mysterious diamond near her chest but a 2nd try sees him succeed and Sharon GASPS, the first indication of her OWN voice since she appeared in this place. her scream cracks and she collapses, but Morgan catches her.]

[Sharon gasps for air...and convulses as Morgan lays her down.]

Morgan: She's dying!

[ the mutate is in fact dying. Morgan quickly ignites a powerfull spell, a pentagram forms around herself and the fallen mutate as a jagged bolt of magick strikes down upon the gaping WOUND in her chest area from where the jewel had once been. the wound is bathed in powerfull magick as Morgan earnestly recites the healing light incantation. and after a few moments, the pentagram fades. Sharon lays quite still with Morgan kneeling beside her.]

Morgan: I...don't know if it was enough. I tried my very best!

[ Blaze helps Karen over while Haleigh sees to Nicolas for the moment. Karen checks Sharon's vitals.]

Karen: it's so difficult to tell. her physiology has been altered so...

[ everyone waits quietly...but nervously (for different reasons of course).]

[ Sharon show signs of movement...and groans a bit. she's alive, but not fully conscious. but itll have to do for now.]

Karen: Morgan has healed Sharon, the damage has been completely reversed and she's alive but the changes, the restructuring of her physiology and such...i'm afraid NO magick can fix. I have no way of telling what those changes will mean in the long term and there's no TIME to find out here.

[ Karen nods that its okay for Nicolas to come and see about his mother.]

we have to leave ...and quickly, the auto destruct sequence...15 minutes left! thankfully the platform we need is just a few steps outside this room.

[ Sharon continues to lay there, now with Nicolas by her side. She will become yet another "passenger" (along with the kitten) in their bid to escape. what her fate will be if they survive tonight is unknown ...even to her. Though she is alive, she is not fully conscious, not aware that her son is anxious to know that she recognizes him afterall. or even that she has become what she NOW is....a mutate!]

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas lay very still...no movement, no breathing. When Haleigh reaches his side and touches him...

GASP!!

That connection...jumpstarts his recovery as he awakens, sitting up stiffly as he groans a bit, his damage STILL unhealed as yet. But his own healing is well underway, and Haleigh can see his torn skin and muscles come back together as he makes his way to Sharon and smiles, falling back again.

He struggles up and gestures, using his power past his current pain to lift Sharon and the kitty up as they start to head for the escape pod.