The Death of Malice

[Prophet]

Aerie

After their brief respite, reality slowly began to creep back in as Haleigh propped herself and began to gather their clothes, throwing his to him as they dressed, him taking every opportunity to watch each curve of her body as she dressed herself. Part of him felt bad for doing something like this in such a moment of pain for the team, but he smiled to himself when he realized that if there was anybody who would have approved of a little bump and grind to relieve stress and settle feelings, it would have been Nic. They began to walk back towards the mansion when Haleigh spoke up.

Haleigh: "I know you just got back and there's a lot to process right now, so don't feel like you have to answer me right away."

Cameron smirked almost ironically. There was always a lot to process. Always a lot to mourn, it was something he had come to accept.

"There's always a lot to process. What's up?"

Haleigh: "After we burned Hellfire to the ground, Helena and your mother made themselves scarce. In the resulting power vacuum, Ava and I seized control to preempt any return to power the old regime might consider. It's been several months now, ostensibly we've been accepted as the new Queens. Still, I could really benefit from a King to watch my back and help me lead the organization in a more desirable direction."


He felt his heart drop into his stomach for a moment. His first instinct was that it was just uneccessary. Both Haleigh and Ava had the power to completely destroy Hellfire from the inside out, and perhaps that was what they were planning. Cameron at his core was a businessman, so he understood the temptation of keeping it around. The resources Hellfire had were decades old. He thought of all the trauma they had gone through in their lives because of Hellfire and Mystech, most of which had gone unnoticed by the world at large. They had destroyed The Inner Circle before. And yet it time and time again, it persisted. And Hellfire wasn't just a local or national organization. There were branches all over the world.

After everything he had gone through, the last thing he wanted to do was to get in bed with Hellfire. But he trusted Haleigh, and he had stated more than once that wherever she went, he would follow. She wasn't just asking him to be her King out of some kind of romantic gesture, though it was one of the more romantic things she had said to him over the years. She needed him. Hellfire was always going to exist as an idea, Malice had made sure of that. It was strange. The intense euphoria he had felt at ending Malice, of reuniting with his one true love...it was fading under the realization that there was no escape from this life. From Hellfire. Or any other organization that propped up with it's same ideals. In that moment, Prophet decided it was better to deal with the devil that you knew than the one you didn't, and seizing control would allow them to better be able to identify the devils that they didn't.

Cameron held her in place for a minute, looking her in the eyes, almost attempting to see if this were some kind of test, or joke. It wasn't. After a few more seconds, he kissed her deeply, before locking their hands together, continuing to walk.

"I was born a King, Haleigh. I've just been waiting for my Queen...."

He squeezed her hand.

"And now that i've found her...wherever she needs me, i'll go."

The two continued the walk back towards the mansion, reaching their destination, and heading inside, never letting go of each other's hands. It was cheesy, but he didn't care. He was finally with the woman that he loved, and he had no plans to pretend that wasn't the case anymore. The tone of the mansion was understandably somber as those still there were scattered across the different parts of the estate. He looked to Haleigh.

"Should we split up? I can sense Morgan and Delilah are still out there, but it seems to be helpful..."

He immediately picked up on Ava and Zach, and he hesitated for a moment as to whether or not he should tell Haleigh. But then he realized who he was with and what she just gone through. If Haleigh thought she needed help, she would go to her, and to be honest, Cameron was not looking forward to reuniting with her. He was many yards away from her and even from there he could feel Ava's anger at him. But he would deal with it when the time came.

"I'd like to go check on Karen and Dominique..."

 

[Spellbinder]

Aerie - The Garden

Delilah: "Do you think I don't think about all those things? That's ALL I think about. Do you think i'm not terrified? Do you think if I wasn't afraid of what someone like Malice would do to her that I wouldn't have clawed my way into Limbo if I had to get her back.."

"I'm not saying that...I'm just saying that there will ALWAYS BE...another Malice. Another master mold, another Purifier...."

<< Morgan mentioned Limbo, and immediately regretted it. >>

Delilah: "I don't want her there. I never did. It wasn't my choice - ALISON took that choice from me. We destroyed Hellfire so she didn't have to be there anymore, so that wasn't the only place that was safe."

<< Spellbinder wanted to speak up on Alison's behalf, but at this point. It was beating a dead HORSE. Decisions were made, and those decisions had consequences...for ALL involved. Morgan decided to tell Delilah where she stood with Limbo. >>

"Without access to my magick I've been, somewhat...reluctant to return to Limbo. I was Sorceress Supreme there, and I am not sure that my...current condition won't translate to Limbo. I am worried that if it does...some kind of demon out there somewhere might come SNIFFING for trouble...or cause an uprising...one that I won't have the power to fight. Teleporting is too quick for me to test it...I didn't realize all of this until after I promised to take you to see your daughter..."

Delilah: "You should have said something."

"It was stupid not to, but honestly Delilah....I couldn't take ANOTHER situation where I was the bad guy. Where I made a MISTAKE. I couldn't face you, I just COULDN'T."

<< She grabbed Delilah, and told her how much she loved her, how much she hoped that despite everything that happened, they could move on from this. Not be the same, but be DIFFERENT...better with each other. >>

Delilah: "Oh, Morgan...You are my oldest friend. And I love you too. But you hurt me. And that hurt doesn't go away overnight. I wish it could."

"I know it doesn't, Delilah. Because you've hurt ME too. Right now...I just need a little HOPE that we have some kind of road back to each other."

Delilah: "I will do everything in my power to make this world a place that Alexia can live in. So she can be safe, and happy. So she won't have to grow up without a mother like I did. I'm not stupid, if that's what you think. I know the risks well."

"Do you?"

<< Morgan thought to herself. On the one hand, Delilah wanted a normal life. On the other, she had decided to have a baby with a man who couldn't start his morning without committing some kind of crime, in a world where every single day the wave of anti mutant hysteria coursed through the world. She may have pulled one hell of a coupe on Malice and Hellfire, but there would be new threats. There would be new horrors that threatened both her AND her daughter. On that end, Morgan, despite the child she saw one time in a future with Nicolas, could not get on board. It seemed so irresponsible to bring a child into The Six, considering that the six was BORN out of the traumas they had all endured as children. And when it wasn't Hellfire trying to destroy them, it was the government. It was simply clear that Morgan and Delilah would never see eye to eye on this point, and if Morgan wanted to truly move forward with Delilah, she was going to have to let go of that anger and move on. Alexia was a real, living breathing little girl. However she felt about Delilah's motivations for wanting a child with Bishop, she HAD one. >>

Delilah: "As for Nicolas..."

"Nicolas..."

<< God she missed him so much, and the sobering tone of this conversation was allowing her to feel emotions she once easily pushed down. His death was at her and Haleigh's call. They had no other choice, but they still did just that - made a choice. >>

Delilah: "Ask yourself this: did you want to unburden yourself to him for his sake, or your own?"

"Okay, OUCH."

Delilah: "Do you really think he wanted to die knowing you'd cheated on him? Do you really think that's the last thing he wanted you to say to him?"

<< Spellbinder put down the bottle. >>

"Of COURSE it was partly selfish...I have learned about myself...that I can be JUST as selfish as I can be SELFLESS. Of course I wouldn't have wanted that to be the last thing I told him...so I DIDN'T. I sat there, and I held him, and I promised I love him, because I did...but he deserved my honesty, despite how much it would hurt him. He deserved BETTER than what I did to him, and I know it's stupid to fix it...and I know now, wherever he is on the other side, he KNOWS....I just--"

Delilah: "You loved him. He knew that. He would be the last person who would want you to torture yourself over this. In some ways, he was a better person than any of us."

"Which is why it hurts so FUCKING bad, Dee."

<< Delilah's hand squeezed her and it sent a rush through their body. They were talking about heavy stuff, but they weren't fighting. They weren't yelling. They were just....talking. Like friends. >>

Delilah: "He would have forgiven you in an instant."

"And ironically...I think that's why I did it. Because he was the one person I could throw anything at and he would still love me. I could have destroyed him, and he would still love me..."

[shaking her head]

"That's not to say I don't have people that love me unconditionally, it's just the last few years have made it really hard to see that...I know I idealize my friendships with people...because I don't MAKE friends easily. But no matter how deep they go, there's always a part of me that knows...knows that I have such a darkness in me, such a TAINT on my soul, that once they experience it...they'll leave."

<< Morgan began to awkwardly...laugh?! >>

"My goddess, is this what normal people do? Cry and talk about their feelings? I have to say...I much prefer CRACKING SKULLS..."

<< She squeezed Delilah's hand once more. >>

"Thank you for talking to me. It feels...good to not FIGHT with you...but I'm afraid, we probably have work to get back to...we have to figure out a way to come back together as a FAMILY....and I? I am going to get my magick back..."

<< Morgan rose to her feet, pulling up Delilah with her, embracing her into a deep hug. >>

"But FIRST...why don't we meet with Alison and see how quickly we can get Alexia back to you..."

 

[Recall]

Aerie - The Mansion

Oracle: "you are allowed to feel sad, Viv - Nicolas was your ally, your friend. You have just as much right as anyone here."

Vivica furrowed her brow.

"Old habits die hard. And if my powers are out of whack, I think it's best I don't become a sobbing damn mess. And I just saw a lot of shit go down. I need space in my head to think..."

Oracle: "Oh there's plenty to do...but FIRST we have to check you out and make sure you're okay. IF you did experience a second mutation, it's likely due to stress. That's not good, Viv. I'm not going to put you in an ANOTHER stressful situation without fulling knowing what's happening."

To be perfectly honest, Vivica DID want to figure out what was going on with her. The beautiful feeling of that aura coursing all around her and in her was like no high she had ever chased before. But Vivica was stubborn and she felt like she could handle things, and that she was more than qualified to be able to problem solve her own body...but Oracle was probably right.

"Grrrrrr....."

A reluctant agreement. Vivica attempted her steamroll into some kind of work that wasn't focused on herself.

"We should probably start by checking in on Rose. The kind of psychic battle those two just went through? No way she hasn't been affected..."

Oracle: "I do trust Karen Victoria and Rae to take good care of her, but we should absolutely see her, especially now that Karen has her hands full."

Score. Work.

"Mike needs her more right now. The least we can do is attempt to unburden who we can unburden so they can mourn in peace."

Sometimes sermons stayed with you, despite your best attempts to unlearn their nonsense. Despite everything she had seen, she was still a woman of faith. And she knew what the others were going to need in the days to come - acts of service. And acts of service was kind of Vivica's thing.

She apologized to Oracle formally. Perhaps it had been unnecessary, but Vivica felt moved to vocalize it to her friend. She should not have fled to Miami. She should have been there for her friend. Especially after everything that friend had given her, brain chip not included.

Oracle: "I'm okay, Viv. Really. I just need time."

Vivica knew that Zizi wouldn't respond with a monologue, and she knew that Oracle wasn't a porcelain doll. It still made Vivica worry. Cypher and Oracle reminded her of some kind of Shakespeare-eqsue tragedy. That couldn't be easy to get over. But if she wanted time, Vivica would give her time.

"Okay...but ya know, if you change your mind...well..."

She tapped at her temple with her index fingers a few times and winked.

"Just replay the tape."

She giggled and felt horrified that she had just giggled at what was essentially now a wake. She quickly composed herself.

"Alright, how long are you planning on sticking around? Anyone you want to talk to? I'm personally wiped...."

 

[Black Widow]

Minerva’s Aerie

Haleigh reflected on the last time she’d gotten any true alone time with Cameron. It had been right before she left for Hellfire. Cameron had proposed an entirely different course of action, suggesting they run away together, Bonnie & Clyde style. Haleigh had turned him down then, and even now, she just couldn’t entertain the idea for long. As much as she liked the idea of long vacation, leaving felt like retreating. They’d fought for New York for so long, spent so much blood, sweat and tears in the process. Haleigh wanted to have something to show for it. For all that, for everyone they had lost along the way, for the complete restructuring of their lives. She would rather infiltrate and overtake Hellfire, because it was never going to go away, but if she could control it, at least she could mitigate the damage.

She didn’t say all that to him. She didn’t have to. He was the one person she’d never had to explain herself to. She told him that she and Ava had taken advantage of the power vacuum after the Queens bugged out, and that she could benefit from a King. He stopped to look at her, and she could almost see the gears turning in his head. She looked back at him, patiently. She’d told him he didn’t need to answer right away. She avoided the temptation to try to sway him further, no matter how badly she wanted him to say yes. He kissed her and started them walking again, taking her hand as he told her that he’d been born a King, just waiting for his Queen. She smirked at that. It was such a Cameron thing to say, it reminded her just how much she’d missed him all this time. They got to the mansion and he suggested they split up, mentioning Morgan and Delilah.

“Yeah, I’m not getting in the middle of THAT. Whether it’s good or bad, inserting myself into it is a great way to make at least ONE of them mad at me. Probably both.”

He suggested going to check on Karen and Dominique, and she nodded. She cast her attention around, picking up pings from everyone’s cell phones to determine their location.

“They’re in the infirmary on the second floor. Good luck. I’ll be in the Parlor if you need me. Time to shake hands and thank the Birds for sticking their necks out.”

She replied. She picked up on Zach and Ava out in the distance, but that was another thing she didn’t want to interrupt. She headed towards the group, arriving just in time to hear Vivica ask Zizi how long she planned on sticking around. Haleigh went straight to the minibar, pouring herself a glass of bourbon and stacking a little plate with pickings from the charcuterie spread.

“Yeah, I’m sure tonight’s activity was more adventure than you and your… team usually get up to.”

She commented casually, taking a seat on the sofa and setting her plate on the coffee table in front of her.

“Well we DO appreciate the support, but don’t feel obligated to ‘stick around’ any longer if you’ve got better things to do.”

She added, layering cheese and some kind of salami onto a cracker.

“Hey Ashley, have you and Zach set up a registry for the wedding yet?”

 

[Persephone]

Zach: “Ava, I didn’t come out here to have a fight with you. I’d like to repair our relationship, will you meet me halfway, or am I wasting my effort?”

Ava had lashed out at Zach, spitting as much venom at him as she could muster up. She just wanted to be left alone to grieve Alek; to grieve the person who was dead according to Helena. Her entire body trembled with frustration and anger - though it could of very well been the five inch gaping wound to her side, but Ava barely felt the pain of that anymore. She let Helena go when she could of finally ended that miserable bitches life. She HAD her, milliseconds away from dragging Helena to Tartarus for her demons to feast on the former Red Queen's soul for eternity. But Helena slipped up in her fear of losing her life, giving Ava the smallest crumb of hope that Alek was still alive. Despite saying he had been killed, how she had done it, and where, Ava knew Helena enough that she wouldn't be so willing to give out such important information despite her life hanging in the balance. Helena was lying and she had him somewhere. But seeing that he HAD been at the castle in Germany, tortured in the dungeons below only hours before Ava got there....she began to question her instincts that he was in fact alive. She began to question if Helena really WAS telling the truth. Ava's mind raced, barely hearing Zach call out and ask if she was injured. Her eyes were focused on the crashing waves far below the cliffs edge, swaying as she felt herself go slack. It was then she felt hands on her shoulders, grabbing her and pulling her away from the edge.

Ava gasped both in surprise and pain, finally feeling the muscles pull from her side as Zach lead her to the fallen tree he had been seeking refuge by earlier.

Zach: “Come away from the Gods-damned cliff already.”

"Helping the boogyman? Brave man."

Ava deadpanned sarcastically through a painful hiss as she sat down.

Zach: “Did Karen not heal you after the battle? She’s probably just overwhelmed with— wait…”

Her hand was tightly pressed against her side, knowing Zach had finally realizes she wasn't at the battle. She avoided looking at him, breathing slowly through the pain. She didn't want to explain that she was about to kill Helena then let her go. Despite Zach being Zach, his history with both Helena and Persephone would likely lead to him believing she did it in loyalty.

Zach: “You didn’t arrive until the funeral…. How’d you get hurt?”

She hesitated.

"I'm fine. It's just a...scratch."

Even she wasn't convinced by what she said. Finally Ava sighed with concession.

[through gritted teeth] "Helena."

Removing her trembling hand, it was covered in blood.

"An informant...tipped me off about where she was hiding...I went there to kill her."

Her words laced with pain; she lifted her black tank top revealing the wound, blood oozing from it as droplets fell onto the tree, sizzling as they hit the bark.

"I had her...she was begging for her life...then she stabbed me with some debris from the battle..and...she was gone."

Ava left it at that, not saying any more or any less about how Helena escaped and that she had in fact let her. A wave of pain overcame her as flashes of the dungeon riddled her memory, followed by anger and guilt.

"I HAD her!"

She didn't look at Zach, her glassy eyes focused toward the cliffside she had been standing at.

"I fucking had her..."

 

[MorningStar]

Aerie - The Garden

Just when she thought they were getting somewhere...Morgan made a thinly veiled comment that apparently Delilah didn't think about all the dangers in the world to Alexia. Delilah snapped back at her that it was ALL she thought about.

Morgan: "I'm not saying that...I'm just saying that there will ALWAYS BE...another Malice. Another master mold, another Purifier...."

Delilah shook her head.

"So we're never allowed any happiness, any family? You blame me because I didn't take Hecate's offer to break the curse. You've never forgiven me for that."

Morgan said that Limbo was no place for a child, as if it was Delilah's CHOICE for her to be there. It hadn't been her choice, it had been ALISON'S. It was a choice she herself never would have made. She had fought to destroy Hellfire not for the people of New York, or to save the world, not even for the Six, but so Alexia could come HOME. And she told Morgan so.

Morgan admitted she was worried she wouldn't be able to retain control of Limbo, and that's why she had backed out on her promise from months ago. Delilah told her she should have said something, and she should have, rather than let Delilah think she had abandoned her.

Morgan: "It was stupid not to, but honestly Delilah....I couldn't take ANOTHER situation where I was the bad guy. Where I made a MISTAKE. I couldn't face you, I just COULDN'T."

"It's not the MISTAKES that make you the bad guy, Morgan. It's the decisions you make without asking anyone else. It's when you hide the TRUTH from us."

Morgan told her animatedly that she wanted them to be able to move on, and Delilah told her she wanted that too - but that it wasn't that simple.

Morgan: "I know it doesn't, Delilah. Because you've hurt ME too. Right now...I just need a little HOPE that we have some kind of road back to each other."

I've hurt HER?! Because I didn't behave the way she wanted me to, because I didn't know my PLACE?!

Delilah took a deep breath to calm herself. She was willing to work on rebuilding things with Morgan, even though it wasn't going to be easy. Getting angry again wasn't going to help anything.

"There's always hope."

She turned and gave Morgan a small smile. It was a start.

The conversation turned to Nicolas, and Delilah told Morgan what she needed to hear, not what she wanted to hear. Morgan felt GUILTY, and she was focusing too much on how she had never told Nicolas about her unfaithfulness. This was something Nicolas did not need to hear hours before his death, and Morgan needed to let it go. She squeezed Morgan's hand tightly as she talked about her pain. Delilah tried to reassure her that Nicolas would have forgiven her, and she truly believed that. He would have forgiven her anything.

Morgan: "And ironically...I think that's why I did it. Because he was the one person I could throw anything at and he would still love me. I could have destroyed him, and he would still love me...That's not to say I don't have people that love me unconditionally, it's just the last few years have made it really hard to see that...I know I idealize my friendships with people...because I don't MAKE friends easily. But no matter how deep they go, there's always a part of me that knows...knows that I have such a darkness in me, such a TAINT on my soul, that once they experience it...they'll leave."

"Oh, Morgan..."

She looked up into Morgan's violet eyes.

"Your friends? They've seen you at your very darkest moments. And they're still here. I'm still here, Alison's still here. Maybe it's not other people that are repulsed by your dark side..."

Delilah was intrigued by this new attitude of Morgan's. She had always embraced her demonic side but now...it was as if there was some deep-seated feeling about it working its way out.

"You may have darkness in you, but you also have light. Nicolas wasn't attracted to you because are a saint, or because you're a demon - he loved all of you, altogether."

There was some silence, before Morgan let out a laugh.

Morgan: "My goddess, is this what normal people do? Cry and talk about their feelings? I have to say...I much prefer CRACKING SKULLS..."

Delilah rolled her eyes, but good-naturedly.

"We've never been normal."

Morgan: "Thank you for talking to me. It feels...good to not FIGHT with you...but I'm afraid, we probably have work to get back to...we have to figure out a way to come back together as a FAMILY....and I? I am going to get my magick back..."

Morgan stood and pulled Delilah up beside her before hugging her. And somewhat surprisingly to Delilah, she let her do it. And she hugged her back.

"Of course you're going to get your magick back. That's what we do, isn't it? The impossible."

Morgan: "But FIRST...why don't we meet with Alison and see how quickly we can get Alexia back to you..."

Delilah wasn't sure that Alison was the best person to assist with this, but she found herself saying,

"Let's get started."

 

[Oracle]

Aerie - The Mansion

Zizi and Vivica discussed Viv's feelings about Nicolas, and the need to figure out what was happening to her before she went out in the field again. Viv brought up Rose, and suggested they check in on her, to which Zizi agreed, though she did trust Rae and Karen to give Rose the care she needed.

Vivica: "Mike needs her more right now. The least we can do is attempt to unburden who we can unburden so they can mourn in peace."

Zizi nodded.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Viv."

With so much sadness here on Aerie, and with Rae's recent time back in New York, Rose could be garnering less attention than normal, and they were just the people to fill that gap.

Vivica went on to be incredibly kind to her about Gabe, but Zizi insisted she was fine. She had even made her peace with Isis. But she wasn't ready to talk about it, not yet. Though she knew her team would be there for her when she was, including and maybe especially Vivica.

Vivica: "Alright, how long are you planning on sticking around? Anyone you want to talk to? I'm personally wiped...."

It was at this point in their conversation that Black Widow arrived at the wake. And inserted herself into the conversation while she got something to eat.

Black Widow: “Yeah, I’m sure tonight’s activity was more adventure than you and your…team usually get up to.”

The pause before the word "team" made Zizi feel just a tad bit ungracious. But she smiled brightly.

"You might think that, but our days are surprisingly full actually. The adventure just hasn't stopped."

Black Widow: “Well we DO appreciate the support, but don’t feel obligated to ‘stick around’ any longer if you’ve got better things to do.”

Support?

"Allowing our team members who knew and cared for Nicolas to mourn, and assisting the others here who are going through such a terrible loss - we don't have anything more important to do than that."

She turned towards Vivica.

"But it has been a long day and I think I will take that room Harbinger so kindly offered and get some sleep. I'll check in on Dominique and Karen tomorrow - and maybe we can visit Rose together Viv? Then I'll be heading home - the rest of the team will want the details."

She turned back to Black Widow.

"If I don't see you again before I leave, do feel free to call on us again the next time you need help."

She smiled at Viv and nodded to Black Widow before wheeling herself towards the door.

 

[Valkyrie]

Aerie - The Mansion

Ashley was busy teaching some of the staff an old drinking song she still remembered from the halls of her father. They were surprisingly good on the harmonies. She raised her glass of beer (sloshing some onto the floor) and belted out her favorite verse, slapping a nearby waiter on the back good-naturedly.

"Nú es ógurligt
umb at lítask,
es deyrugt ský
dregr með himni;
mun lopt litat
lýða blóði
es sóknvarðir
syngva kunnu."

(It is horrible now
to look around
as a blood-red cloud
darkens the sky.
The heavens are stained
with the blood of men,
as the Valkyries
sing their song.)

The staff were alright folks, Ashley decided. Not surprisingly, the Six did NOT apparently know how to send one's fallen comrade to the next world properly. Even now, Haleigh was sitting on a sofa eating tiny pieces of meat and cracker. I mean, WTF?! Ashley increased her volume as she had her glass replaced with a full one by one of her new friends, never stopping swaying to the music she was making.

Haleigh: “Hey Ashley, have you and Zach set up a registry for the wedding yet?”

Ashley paused in her dance, her eyes narrowing slightly at Haleigh while she tried to work out in what way the toaster was trying to trick her with this question. She walked nonchalantly to the table of food.

"That present thing?"

Ashley waved her hand in the air.

"I don't understand what's wrong with what we already have, but Zizi made me pick out like plates and stuff, yeah."

She popped a handful of the tiny meat pieces into her mouth.

Actually, Zizi had tried to make her go shopping to pick out things for people to buy her and Zach for their wedding, but the special extended version of Gladiator had been on tv, so Ashley had told her she had a headache. And then Zizi brought her snacks and an ice pack. That had a been a good afternoon...

I mean, really, couldn't people come up with their own ideas for presents without having to be told what to buy? And what was wrong with a nice goat or sheep? At least you could eat those.

But in any case, she wasn't about to tell Haleigh that she hadn't done something that was apparently important enough to the wedding preparations for someone to ask if she'd done it yet.

And what was with all these prerequisites to having a wedding anyway? Couldn't they just go get married without all this rigamarole? Why was it so much WORK?! Zach was probably going to call it off any day now, anyway. And then all of it would be for nothing. What if it was too late to make the...damnit what had Haleigh called it?...registry? What if Zach didn't like what she picked? What if no one bought them any of the things, would Zach be disappointed? Would he be disappointed in her that she hadn't managed to plan their wedding to any conceivable standard?! Would he refuse to marry her as she stood in a dress in front of all his friends who hated her because she had done such a terrible job?!

Ashley's increasingly panicked brain was not helped by the copious amounts of beer and scotch she'd already consumed. Her mind was heading into Defcon 1 at exactly the moment she realized she should probably say something else to Haleigh. But in her current state of course she couldn't think of anything to say at all, let alone something clever.

"So...you permanently back with the Six or this a temporary thing?"

 

[Recall]

Aerie - The Parlour

Black Widow: “Yeah, I’m sure tonight’s activity was more adventure than you and your…team usually get up to.”

Haleigh certainly had a problem with timing. Vivica was tired and just didn’t have it in her to come up with some bitchy retort about the status of their adventurer careers. Thankfully, Oracle bridged the gap.

Oracle: "You might think that, but our days are surprisingly full actually. The adventure just hasn't stopped."

Black Widow: “Well we DO appreciate the support, but don’t feel obligated to ‘stick around’ any longer if you’ve got better things to do.”

Vivica rolled her eyes, and so did Oracle, metaphorically speaking of course.

Oracle: "Allowing our team members who knew and cared for Nicolas to mourn, and assisting the others here who are going through such a terrible loss - we don't have anything more important to do than that…. But it has been a long day and I think I will take that room Harbinger so kindly offered and get some sleep. I'll check in on Dominique and Karen tomorrow - and maybe we can visit Rose together Viv? Then I'll be heading home - the rest of the team will want the details."

Vivica have an audible laugh. She wished she could deliver shade to someone in such a low key and almost “sweet” way. Unfortunately for Vivica, she did not and would never have that quality.

“I was getting ahead of myself, I guess. Let’s give them some privacy. We can check on Rose tomorrow. I think we all could use a bit of personal space for now.”

Haleigh moved on towards Ashley which seemed both genuine and a bit of an attempt to throw her dick around a little bit, so Vivica mostly just enjoyed the rest of her drink as they talked of registries and weddings.

Valkyrie: “So...you permanently back with the Six or this a temporary thing?"

“And that’s my cue. Haleigh, as always it’s been a pleasure. Ash, I’m gonna link back up with Zizi, try to gather the troops back home. But I do have to say…the Vikings sure know how to throw a damn funeral.”

She gave the women a wink before she wondered down the hall, finding herself an empty room, half attempting to clear her mind of chaotic thoughts and half running every conceivable scenario she could for what might happen in the days to come. She might have needed rest but more than anything else…she wanted JUSTICE. However, it was hard for her to not listen to Zizi when it came to maintenance. So for now, she laid down…and just existed for a few moments

 

[Orion]

Minerva’s Aerie

She was hurt, he realized that now. It was bad enough that he thought she might fall off the cliff, which he did not want to see happen, so he hurried towards her and pulled her back from the edge. He reasoned that Karen was a bit distracted, but then remembered that Ava had shown up after the battle, and asked her how she’d been hurt.

Ava: “I’m fine, just a scratch.”

She told him, and he nodded as he lead her over to a toppled tree trunk she could sit down on.

“Yeah, you seem completely fine.”

He replied, but the look he gave her afterward clearly indicated that he didn’t believe she was fine at all. She pulled her hand away to reveal her side was bleeding. As she explained that it had been the result of a run in with Helena, Zach dug a handkerchief out of the pocket of his pants. He winced when she showed him the wound. His idea of ‘just a scratch’ vastly diverged from hers. He thought she’d need stitches if she wasn’t going to let a healer take care of it. He handed her the hanky to staunch the bleeding and sat down next to her. She was frustrated, angry and remorseful that Helena had gotten away.

“She’s as slippery as an eel. Don’t be too hard on yourself Ava, she got away from me once too. I almost had her during the battle at Hellfire, but I couldn’t finish her off fast enough and she slithered away.”

He said, one hand rubbing small, comforting circles on her upper back. He stabilized her mood, despite his reluctance.

“She can’t escape us forever. We’ll keep trying until we stop her, I promise you that.”

As wary as he was of Persephone, his empathy for Ava overpowered any sense of caution.

“I’m sorry you’re grieving, Ava. Is there anything I can do to help?”

 

[Black Widow]

Minerva’s Aerie

Haleigh picked her way through the charcuterie as she considered what to actually call the nascent heroines in the room. Group? Clan? Tribe? She couldn’t kept thinking of them as the sidekick squad forever. They were kind of acting like a team, so that was what she decided to go with. She surmised that they’d had a lot more adventure than they were probably prepared for, which was her way of indicating that it was understandable if they were worn out and wanted to bail. York interjected that their days were surprisingly full. Haleigh continued on to essentially let them off the hook. York countered that they didn’t have anything more important to do, which prompted Haleigh to simply shrug her shoulders.

Zizi: "If I don't see you again before I leave, do feel free to call on us again the next time you need help."

“If you want what’s best for your people, you’ll withdraw that offer before I have a chance to take you up on it.”

Haleigh replied nonchalantly as she sat down on the sofa. She casually asked Ashley if she’d set up a wedding registry yet. Ashley gave the impression that she thought the concept was pointless.

“Eh, I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with what you already have. But nowadays it’s customary to set up a wish list. That way people who want to show their support for you and Zach’s marriage can get you a gift you’ll actually USE. Nobody wants to be the one who got you a blender that collects dust in the back of the cabinet for several years.”

She took a gulp of whiskey to wash the crackers down.

“It’s weird though, because I haven’t been able to find you two on any online registry sites, nor any big box databases. Not that I really care, I’d rather get you two some guns anyway. But you might want to follow up with your wedding planner to figure out why your list isn’t digital yet.”

She suggested, before popping some grapes in her mouth, followed by cheese. Ashley asked her if she was back with the Six permanently. Viv excused herself, and with that Haleigh lifted two fingers to her brow, a relaxed salute. Haleigh glanced back at Ashley, one eyebrow perking up.

“After I killed the golden boy? Hard to say. With this group it could go either way. Nobody has even figured out how they feel about it all yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the calm before the storm.”

She said, draining her whiskey. She glanced at the bottle, back where she’d left it at the minibar. A small metal wire wrapped itself around the neck of the bottle, and then the bourbon began to hover towards her, pour itself into her glass, and come to a rest on the coffee table in front of her.

“What about you? Committed to sticking with your new friends? Or maybe you’re open to lending your considerable skill to a less moralistic outfit.”

 

[Valkyrie]

Minerva’s Aerie

Zizi left the waning gathering, offering the Birds' help the next time the Six needed them. Haleigh was quick with a retort.

Haleigh: “If you want what’s best for your people, you’ll withdraw that offer before I have a chance to take you up on it.”

Zizi was too polite to roll her eyes, but internally she really wanted to make an exception.

Haleigh then asked Ashley if she had registered yet for the wedding. Ashley didn't really see the point of it, and though Zizi had tried to make her, she had bunked off. But she wasn't about to tell Haleigh that.

Haleigh: “Eh, I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with what you already have. But nowadays it’s customary to set up a wish list. That way people who want to show their support for you and Zach’s marriage can get you a gift you’ll actually USE. Nobody wants to be the one who got you a blender that collects dust in the back of the cabinet for several years.”

Do we need a blender? Do we HAVE a blender?!

Haleigh: “It’s weird though, because I haven’t been able to find you two on any online registry sites, nor any big box databases. Not that I really care, I’d rather get you two some guns anyway. But you might want to follow up with your wedding planner to figure out why your list isn’t digital yet.”

Ashley was getting sober, and she didn't like it. She waved a hand in the air dismissively.

"Yeah, I'll do that. But what's it to you, anyway?"

Was she trying to weasel herself back into Zach's good graces, pretending to be all friendly, so she could swoop in and try to take him for herself? She quickly changed the subject to Haleigh's apparent rapprochement with the Six, and whether they were actually going to let her stay after all the shit she'd pulled. Though no one on the Six was exactly team-player-of-the-year material, to be fair.

Haleigh: “After I killed the golden boy? Hard to say. With this group it could go either way. Nobody has even figured out how they feel about it all yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the calm before the storm.”

How very like Haleigh to care so little whether her team wanted her or not. No wonder Zach got rid of her. How could anyone live with a woman who cared so little about them? So little about anything.

Haleigh poured herself another drink, flexing her powers. As if that was going to impress anyone.

Haleigh: “What about you? Committed to sticking with your new friends? Or maybe you’re open to lending your considerable skill to a less moralistic outfit.”

The Six? Please. Those fuckers could moralize all day long. Ashley wasn't about to spend any more time with them than she had to. She'd barely survived Sharon and Alycia's brief but failed attempt to throw their considerable weight around the Birds. Ashley nodded.

"Though I do have considerable skill - in a wide variety of things - I go where where Zach goes. And Zach, has no desire, to be anywhere near you on a regular basis, ever again."

She gave Haleigh a wink and a wave.

"Nighty night then."

Then she turned and was intent on finding something more to drink that was anywhere else but where Haleigh was.

 

[Black Widow]

Minerva’s Aerie

Haleigh was discussing wedding registries with Ashley, more as a means of making small talk than anything. For one thing, they were likely to cross paths again, so Haleigh decided she might as well build some rapport. If she ever did need to call on Oracle’s team, it would be good to ensure they could gel. Additionally, it was a safe subject to discuss. Everybody loved weddings.

Ashley seemed suspicious though, and challenged Haleigh on why she even cared. Haleigh glanced over her shoulder, mimicking what a normal person would do if they wanted to make sure there were no eavesdroppers. In reality the move was just for show, while she cast a scan out for cell phones in the area. Zach was still a ways off, and there wasn’t anyone coming down the hall behind her at the moment. She turned back to look at Ashley and leaned in a bit, lowering her voice.

“Look, I’m going to be honest with you, I really have no desire to attend your wedding. No offense — you seem good for him, but me being there would be super awkward, you know? That being said, Zach is the kinda guy who would receive a declined RSVP and think it meant something. It would weigh on him, and I would prefer to just avoid the conversation he would think he needed to have with me.”

She took a pull of whiskey before continuing. If it were up to her, the memory of her ten plus year romance with Zach would fade like the culture of a lesser known civilization conquered by the Romans. She might have just said so, but it sounded a bit callous and she wasn’t sure if it would piss Ashley off.

“Gifts are a nice way to smooth such misgivings over. Like I said before, it’s a show of support for your marriage. That way I can make up some other important commitment to have on whatever day your wedding is, and nobody has to read too much into me not wanting to be there, because look at the nice gifts!”

She explained, and then Ashley changed the subject, asking if she was back with the Six now. That was a tenuous situation, since she’d just skewered Nic. Haleigh recognized that nobody have even figured out how they felt about it, not yet. Maybe they would understand, maybe they would decide they hated her. She couldn’t control the outcome and dreading it would do her no good at all. She detached from the whole fiasco emotionally, just to keep going. She wasn’t about to share her feelings on the matter with Ashley, she barely knew the woman.

She shifted the focus of the discussion away from herself, asking if Ashley was all set with the Girl Scout squad she’d apparently joined up with. Haleigh’s white court still had an open billet, and of course there were other courts to choose from. In any capacity, a Valkyrie would be a tremendous asset, and Haleigh made sure to acknowledge Ashley’s skill, because she could give credit where credit was due, especially when she was recruiting. Ashley shot that idea down without so much as a second thought. In spite of the loss, Haleigh smiled a bit.

“Well, that’s probably for the best. That man has almost died enough times already.”

At this point Haleigh was nearing Black Hole status, like a singularity of death. Anyone in her orbit was at risk. Mortals like Zach didn’t stand a chance. Even immortals were in danger. Haleigh hoped the situation would stabilize, but it hadn’t yet and the outlook was not good. Ashley said good night and Haleigh nodded in response. In the silence that fell after the woman left, the memory of the fight with Nic came flooding back into Haleigh’s mind.

 

[Persephone]

Zach lead her over to a fallen tree, her arm covering her wounded side. She grimaced while sitting, as she told him it as just a scratch and that she was fine.

Zach: “Yeah, you seem completely fine.”

He handed her a handkerchief as she lifted her shirt to reveal the wound. She took it despite knowing it wouldn't do much, and placed it on her wound as she shut her eyes tightly. She was pissed off. Furious with herself and the fact that she had let Helena go. Her mind was clouded with grief, making decisions based on that grief instead of logic. She had been completely lost since the collapse of Hellfire...it had only been 3 weeks yet it felt like a lifetime ago. A lifetime of unknowns and fear that Alek as gone. Of searching for him and Helena. And when she finally find Helena? She let her fear take over instead of killing the manipulative bitch when she had the chance.

Zach: “She’s as slippery as an eel. Don’t be too hard on yourself Ava, she got away from me once too. I almost had her during the battle at Hellfire, but I couldn’t finish her off fast enough and she slithered away.”

Zach's intentions were nice, but they meant little comfort to Ava. She had gone down a rabbit hole of absolute isolation and grief. Of unbridled pain. She was turning into someone she didn't even recognize and now she was bleeding on a damn tree next to a person she tried to kill, being comforted by him. She could tell by the small circles he was drawing on her back that he was stabilizing her emotions. The way he did it felt so different than Selene. Selene's powers were darker, almost poisonous in a way. It felt like a drug every time she used them on Ava, but Zach's? It was light -- like a breath of fresh air.

Zach: “She can’t escape us forever. We’ll keep trying until we stop her, I promise you that.”

Ava pulled a bit away from Zach, indicating she wanted him to stop touching her. It felt wrong, being comforted by him.

"You don't need to promise me anything. You owe me nothing."

And he didn't. Ava loved Zach and cherished their friendship, but that had all been altered the night she tried to kill him. They would never be the same, despite Zach being Zach and saying otherwise, he would always be wary of her...wondering and waiting for her to attack again.

Zach: “I’m sorry you’re grieving, Ava. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Ava tossed the blood soaked handkerchief to the ground and lowered her shirt. There as nothing he could do, there as nothing anyone could do to help. She shook her head, wiping the rogue tears that dropped onto her cheek as she looked out to the ocean.

"No."

And there really wasn't anything he could do. There wasn't anything anyone could do for Ava in that moment. She finally turned to look at him.

"Go back to your fiancé, Zach...and just...don't take it any of it for granted."

And with that, Ava disappeared in a tornado of winds, going to the one person on the island she knew would actually heal her wounds despite everything that had transpired: Alison. Reappearing in the mansion, she slumped on an antique velvet chair in Alison's study. The study was "empty", but that didn't mean a damn thing.

"Please, Alison...I don't have anyone else right now.."

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Aerie

:: Who watches the Harbinger in her hour of darkness?::

:: Alison Marble, precog, telekinetic witch, Keeper of time, Mistress of Minerva's Aerie, Founding member of the Six.::

:: She was so many things, she had accomplished so many things, but none of it mattered to her, not now. Not in the aftermath of such terrible, painful LOSS.::

:: Nicolas King, Rampage. Member of the Six., Champion and SOULMATE of Spellbinder, FAVORED WARRIOR of Athena....Son....of SET.::

:: Once...Alison believed Nicolas being Set's son would be the death of him, but the Six, together with is aunt, Isis, pulled him back, and BANISHED Set. Nicolas became an intregal member of the Six, through ups and downs, and a TRUSTED FRIEND to Alison, someone who'd been there for her in the immediate aftermath of her and Ava's RESCUE from Firebird's native timeline, where they'd been tortured by a government backed Mystech; He stood by her in the aftermath of the Blue Moon, as had Ava!::

:: During their first encounter with Set, when they were forced to team up with Malice's Sisterhood, Alison thought she had cast Set OUT of this dimension with her Time Staff, and LOCKED THE DOOR to prevent him from coming back through Nicolas, but later, post-TRUCE, Malice found the key....and now...Nicolas was gone. NICOLAS was gone, and Alison couldn't help but feel like she had FAILED him::

:: When the the danger was over, Alison cast EVERYONE out of Minerva's Aerie, save Shadow Weaver, and Arsenal, who lived there with her. She ALSO extended grace to Persephone. The bond that the goddess and the precog had was something NEITHER of them had anticipated when they FIRST met, but it was there between them now, and it ran quite deep.::

:: And so, even now, as Alison tried SO HARD not to buckled under her GRIEF over Nicolas King....::

And with that, Ava disappeared in a tornado of winds, going to the one person on the island she knew would actually heal her wounds despite everything that had transpired: Alison. Reappearing in the mansion, she slumped on an antique velvet chair in Alison's study. The study was "empty", but that didn't mean a damn thing.

"Please, Alison...I don't have anyone else right now.."

:: In the Executive Study of Minerva's Aerie, at first, the only other sound in there to keep Persephone company was the steady, rhythmic ticking of the mysterious, COSMIC faced ASTROLOGICAL clock, this large timepiece , which was embedded one of the large walls of the executive study, not only measured the passage of time AND space across the timelines but ALSO served as a physical DOORWAY to the time stream itself ::

:: Seconds may as well have been HOURS for the goddess, but true to form, the telekinetic precog did NOT forsake her friend. ::

::BLINK!::

:: She appeared before the goddess, and the two women looked at each other. they were alone, with no prying eyes OR minds, they they could see each other in all of their pain::

You'll always have me, Persephone.

:: Harbinger says, even as Persephone can see the precog's face was streaked with black tears::

:: A rushing chime is heard as another matching chair slides over for Alison to sit on, and she sits down, facing the goddess::

You don't have to leave...you can stay as long as you need to.

:: she bowed her head for a moment::

I'll take care of you. ::referring to her need for healing::

But...I just...

:: Alison was shaking::

I shouldn't have let you go ::to the Hellfire Club::, Persephone.

:: FLASH!::

:: This SAME study, the night that Black Widow revealed to the Six and their allies that Malice was actually her genetic mother::

:: She left the six to go to Malice and the Hellfire Club, DESPITE Harbinger berating her for that choice and TELLING her that if she did it, they would ALL regret it. ::

::Later THAT SAME NIGHT, when Alison detected that Ava would FOLLOW her sister, Alison pulled Ava from the Parthenon, across the world, to Minerva's Aerie, to confront her about that decision, and she DEMANDED that Ava not go::

:: They talk, they ARGUE, but in the end, Alison agrees to respect Ava's choice, and let her go, advising her that if things got out of control, SHE would pull her out::

I could have stopped you. BOTH of you, and i SHOULD have! I should have turned you BOTH into statues, for YOUR sakes, to spare you the pain!

If i HAD, YOU wouldn't have been traumatized by Malice, None of OUR friends would have been hurt, and NICOLAS would still be ALIVE!

We could have found another way around MALICE.

:: Many people would say there's "no point in thinking about could have/would have", but for someone like Alison, who could not only sense/perceive time, various threads of time leading to/from a persons or events, and had the power to ALTER them, thinking about would could/would have been was MORE than wishful thinking.::

:: AND She noticeably referred to them as "OUR friends", while addressing Ava, a sign that Alison had not turned her back on Persephone::

:: And Alison didn't blame Persephone, she blamed HERSELF for not doing MORE to STOP both of them and completely alter the course of events that would unfold::

But I let myself grow SOFT...because of that STUPID WOMAN (Delilah) and everyone WHINING that I took her choice away from her, even though she's STILL ALIVE BECAUSE of what we did to save her.

:: She abruptly stands up...turning away from Persephone, as she slowly paces around the executive study, trying to ride the wave of emotion, the guilt, the grief, the ANGER she felt::

This ISN'T how it's supposed to be!

And I!? I'm supposed to be the one MOST qualified to ensure that things turn out well...for ALL of us! AND NOW LOOK....Look how I've FAILED.

:: She continued to pace::

Nicolas is DEAD. You, Morgan, Dominique, and others sustained INJURY, The Six is DEEPLY fractured. Relationships that mean MORE than mere convenience and comfort, for all of us, are damaged!

 

[Persephone]

Time was always at question while on Aerie, especially within the sanctum of Alison's home. Ava let her head rest back as she grimaced in pain, the blood starting to soak the cushions she sat on. Minutes could have been hours, but Alison's familiar voice rang out.

Alison: You'll always have me, Persephone.

Ava looked over at her friend, Alison's face streaked with tears.

Alison: You don't have to leave...you can stay as long as you need to. I'll take care of you.

"Thank you..."

For all the bridges she had burned during her time in Hellfire, Alison was the one person she knew didn't give a damn what Ava had done and would help her. The Six only knew what happened to them during their fall through the stepping disc from reports and files. They didn't know the extent of the damage that had been done while the two of them were stuck in that timeline. It was something they survived together -- that bonded them. Sure, Ava knew Alison was furious with her for leaving The Six and defecting to Hellfire, but Alison also knew that there was no way Ava was going to let Haleigh go alone. It was the reason Alison had warned her that night in the barn on Aerie about that dangerous path she headed headed down that would lead to nothing but pain and grief.

Alison: But...I just...I shouldn't have let you go ::to the Hellfire Club::, Persephone.

Persephone shook her head no, taking Alison's hand.

"You wouldn't have been able to stop me. You know that."

Alison was angry, standing and turning away.

Alison: I could have stopped you. BOTH of you, and i SHOULD have! I should have turned you BOTH into statues, for YOUR sakes, to spare you the pain! If i HAD, YOU wouldn't have been traumatized by Malice, None of OUR friends would have been hurt, and NICOLAS would still be ALIVE! We could have found another way around MALICE.

"You're the Harbinger. You see all threads of time....if there was any other way, you would have told me that night in the barn. I know you live by this ridiculous standard of upholding time and space, but I know you wouldn't have let me going through what I went through if--"

Alison: I let myself grow SOFT...because of that STUPID WOMAN (Delilah) and everyone WHINING that I took her choice away from her, even though she's STILL ALIVE BECAUSE of what we did to save her. This ISN'T how it's supposed to be!

Ava shut her eyes, softly sighing. She had been so wrapped up in her own grief that she didn't allow herself to witness anyone else's. She couldn't. Her chest was already heavy with grief and guilt, the thought of taking on anyone else's seemed unbearable. But it was then a realization hitting her. Alison was the Harbinger of time and space...any other thread of time would have ended far worse for them had they taken that specific path. They could have all died, Hellfire could still be standing, Malice could still be alive. As shitty and horrific and absolutely terrible the aftermath of everything was...it could had been astronomically worse. That gave Ava the slightest bit of hope that maybe....in this thread...in this timeline, she could get him back. Because any other thread would have been far worse, right? Right....?

Alison: And I!? I'm supposed to be the one MOST qualified to ensure that things turn out well...for ALL of us! AND NOW LOOK....Look how I've FAILED. Nicolas is DEAD. You, Morgan, Dominique, and others sustained INJURY, The Six is DEEPLY fractured. Relationships that mean MORE than mere convenience and comfort, for all of us, are damaged!

Ava lowered her face into her hands, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. She hated seeing her friend in this state, but it as impossible to convince someone they weren't to blame when they carried so much guilt. Ava finally looked up from her hands to her friend.

"Alison...This thread, this reality that we're living in now is the BEST possible outcome. You know anything else would have been more catastrophic. You've SEEN it.

She finally stood, crossing the room to where Alison stood. She took both of her hands.

"Look at me."

Tears were in Ava's eyes.

"What I went through, what I endured...I would do it a thousand times over knowing that my sister made it out alive. That is my choice, Alison. My burden to live with. My trauma, not yours. Just like I know Nicolas would have chosen to sacrifice himself to protect Morgan and everyone else in The Six. He knew there was no beating Set....I didn't have to be there to know he would have begged to be killed if it meant Set wouldn't be roaming the world. I hate that we lost him....but it's not your fault."

Squeezing her hands.

"You can't take on everyone's grief, and you can't take on the guilt of not being able to protect us. You aren't soft, Alison. You are so fucking strong to have to see these things and know you can't do a damn thing about it. We've all been through so much pain and anguish....trust me, [Ava's voice cracking in pain] I feel like I have lost everyone and everything I loved. But it was for a reason....it was to bring down someone who has hurt us all for years. That was the endgame. That was the thread of time you knew we were meant to go through."

Tears fell to Ava's cheeks as she spoke the very words she needed to hear herself. Everything she went through, the assault, the torture, the manipulation, and games....everything was to ensure the safety of those she loved...and it worked. They had lost comrades...and she had lost friends and the love of her life, but in the end, they won... A bittersweet victory.

 

[Harbinger]

Minerva's Aerie- Executive Study

"You're the Harbinger. You see all threads of time....if there was any other way, you would have told me that night in the barn. I know you live by this ridiculous standard of upholding time and space, but I know you wouldn't have let me going through what I went through if--"

I let myself grow SOFT...because of that STUPID WOMAN (Delilah) and everyone WHINING that I took her choice away from her, even though she's STILL ALIVE BECAUSE of what we did to save her. This ISN'T how it's supposed to be!

Ava lowered her face into her hands, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. She hated seeing her friend in this state, but it as impossible to convince someone they weren't to blame when they carried so much guilt. Ava finally looked up from her hands to her friend.

"Alison...This thread, this reality that we're living in now is the BEST possible outcome. You know anything else would have been more catastrophic. You've SEEN it.

She finally stood, crossing the room to where Alison stood. She took both of her hands.

"Look at me."

Tears were in Ava's eyes.

:: Alison's cobalt blue eyes were also shedding tears once more, black tears, as the goddess took her hands into her own. they looked one another in the eye::

"What I went through, what I endured...I would do it a thousand times over knowing that my sister made it out alive. That is my choice, Alison. My burden to live with. My trauma, not yours. Just like I know Nicolas would have chosen to sacrifice himself to protect Morgan and everyone else in The Six. He knew there was no beating Set....I didn't have to be there to know he would have begged to be killed if it meant Set wouldn't be roaming the world. I hate that we lost him....but it's not your fault."

Squeezing her hands.

::Ava was right. They'd barely beat Set the LAST time they fought him, even WITH the Sisterhood's help. And as both a precog, and a tactician, Alison HATED to admit it- but it WAS a testimony to Malice's POWER and willingness to break ALL the rules, that she found a way to bring him back, even AFTER Isis and Harbinger had seemingly "locked the door" on him.::

::As the god of destruction, Set would not have stopped until he destroyed the world. ::


:: Nicolas LOVED Morgan, everyone on the Six knew that. AND he was her champion, as anointed by Athena and Hecate! The demi-god WOULD have made the decision to pull HIMSELF onto Spellbinder's soul sword, rather than let Set hurt Morgan, Dominique, Karen, or any other person on this team he loved, and once again, Ava not only allowed Alison to voice her true feelings and her grief with NO judgement, she seemed to know just what to say to reach her marble hard heart::

"You can't take on everyone's grief, and you can't take on the guilt of not being able to protect us. You aren't soft, Alison. You are so fucking strong to have to see these things and know you can't do a damn thing about it. We've all been through so much pain and anguish....trust me, [Ava's voice cracking in pain] I feel like I have lost everyone and everything I loved. But it was for a reason....it was to bring down someone who has hurt us all for years. That was the endgame. That was the thread of time you knew we were meant to go through."

:: Ava spoke to Alison in a way that reminded the precog that she recognized Alison had a heart, and feelings too. Not since meeting Xavier, aka Tachyon, OR when she had her confrontation with Haleigh, after the hybrid learned about the events of the Blue Moon, had anyone REALLY voiced the value of Alison's gifts, the strength that she had to have, INNATELY, in order to use and CONTROL those gifts. Ava was right again. One of many examples confirming she was right being the night Alison warned Black Widow of the coming of Master Mold, and the deaths of Sharon Kelly and Spellbinder....and that they HAD to let it happen in order to strike a fatal blow to MysTech.::

:: Alison squeezed Ava's hands as well. She looked up at the ceiling, as she shuddered with grief, trying to stop herself from letting it completely outpour. Ava once again spoke the truth. Nicolas King....he would PREFER knowing that his fiance', his adoptive AND surrogate mothers (Sharon Kelly and Karen Victoria) and his last living relative, his AUNT, Dominique Deveraux, along with his teammates, and the WORLD in general were TRULY safe not only from SET but from MALICE as well.::

:: Malice HAD haunted and terrorized all of them- teammates past and present, as well as allies, violating minds and bodies, breaking up marriages and families, costing them the lives of loved ones, presiding over unholy experiments, causing them injury, and host of other traumas, and by Harbinger staying her hand and NOT preventing Black Widow and Persephone from going to Malice's Inner Circle, events were set in motion, and as AWFUL as the sacrifice had been, and as much as it cost them all... Malice was gone::

For now....at least....

:: She thought to herself with regard to Malice, but THAT was a topic for another day. for NOW....::

::A rushing/chiming sound is heard, as Harbinger administers "first aid" to Persephone's wound by telekinetically CLOSING the immediate wound and stopping the bleeding::

We have a bond, one that the others will never understand, but Morgan and Nicolas, THEY both had an idea of how deep it would go, after the team rescued us from Firebird's timeline.

And You stayed with me, took care of me in the aftermath of the Blue Moon. Now...let me help you.

:: She holds her friend's hands, and casts a spell::

carmen corporis integrum facti!

:: From Harbinger's touch to Ava's, a cool, soothing sensation flows over the body of the goddess , and glowing midnight blue orbs swirl around Persephone, as the telekinetic witch activates a spell that completely HEALS Ava's wound, and RESTORES her body to homeostasis and optimal levels for her Olympian physiology::

Your wounds, the physical ones at least, are HEALED, my friend.

And THANK YOU, once again...for seeing me...and HEARING me...just being able to TALK through this, with someone who isn't dismissive or judgemental...it means the world to me.

:: Without hesitation, Harbinger pulls her friend into a hug, allowing them to EMBRACE and hold on to each other in this most painful and uncertain time for both of them::

:: as they let go of each other...::

You don't have to leave, there's PLENTY of room here for you to stay with Shadow Weaver, Arsenal, and Myself. I have closed the borders around the island, and activated level 3 security. I'm not letting ANYONE ELSE I care about be hurt, kidnapped, or anything ELSE. I'll KILL ANYONE who tries.

:: And Ava KNEW she meant it::

But...I know you won't stay. Already....I see you returning to NYC, where Blaze and Morgan have been holed up in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

:: Another source of pain and distress for Alison::

I wish Blaze knew....remembered...TRUSTED me, but I know she's hurting too, and after everything that's happened to Morgan, she's in ULTRA protective mode. After all...this is FIREBIRD, and in HER native timeline (the same one where Ava and Alison were held captive and tortured by MysTech) , she LOST HER Spellbinder. All of this that's happened, has no doubt been incredibly traumatic for her, and she just wants to protect her sister however she can.

:: Alison slowly moves away from Ava, and goes over to the cosmic faced, astrological clock in her executive study::

But she will find that even SHE can't protect her sister from the pain of loss, and a broken heart. She will have to accept help from others, when the need is most strong. Morgan will need outside intervention, the kind that ONLY Hecate can bring.

:: Ava could tell Alison was "looking ahead" as she said this::

And you....YOU will see Hecate soon, a much needed reunion for you both.

:: She turns back to Ava.::

You're free now, Ava. We all are.... :: now wiping the tears from her face:: and I KNOW Nicolas would want that...for all of us.

Be careful, stay in touch, and don't HESITATE to call me, OR come back here if you need help!